None of this is mine.

Nadesico, hangar

It was the waiting that was worst, Toya found. Just sitting in his cockpit, knowing the enemy was going to attack soon but not knowing when, and knowing that there was nothing he could do about it, was maddening. He understood the necessity, certainly, and that they couldn't do much before clearing the colony, but that didn't reduce his frustration any.

I never thought the day would come when I'd actually want to shoot someone, preferably Rau Le Creuset, he thought with a touch of grim humor. "Everything ready, Melua?" he asked, then shook his head before she could reply. "Sorry, I shouldn't be pestering you."

"It's all right," the blonde reassured him. "You're tense, I know; so am I, really."

"Can't blame ya." Ryoko's face appeared on Toya's screen. "Just sitting here waiting for that Le Creuset jerk to try again, it's driving me nuts. I just want to go out and kill something."

Toya suppressed a chuckle; for all the gung-ho attitude of the likes of Koji and Hyoma, Ryoko Subaru often seemed to be the most instinctively violent of the Nadesico's crew. Not that she was reckless or anything, she just didn't like to mess around.

"You always want to go out and kill something, Ryoko," Akito said. "You can't help yourself."

"What was that!?" Ryoko demanded. "Tenkawa, you-"

Toya hurriedly muted his transmission, then burst out laughing. You're just proving his point, Ryoko. He liked the green-haired Aestivalis pilot, certainly, but he'd never met anyone with a shorter fuse, though Kaname Chidori came close at times. He felt a brief pang at the thought, and made a mental note to get in touch with her when he could.

First I have to get through this, he reminded himself, keying for a bridge link. "Any sign of ZAFT yet?"

"No movement so far," Ruri said. If she noticed Toya's impatience, she gave no sign. "Perhaps they're unsure of what to do next."

"More likely they're just regrouping," Calvina said. "Le Creuset probably didn't expect to fight a pitched battle here; presumably that's why he started with a commando raid. Regardless, don't let your guard down."

Toya covered his surprise; that was the most he'd heard the taciturn tactical advisor speak at once. She was the one person on the ship who never socialized; when not on duty or taking meals, Calvina was almost always shut in her quarters. Toya had exchanged maybe half a dozen words with her since coming aboard, all duty related.

He shook his head. Woolgathering, probably to avoid thinking about the impending battle. Ash'ari-Kreutzer notwithstanding, Calvina Coulange's past was really none of his concern. Focus, Toya, he told himself. Focus, or even one of those GINNs could get you.

"Movement confirmed from the ZAFT force," Ruri said. "Multiple signatures incoming."

Toya instantly snapped back to the present, and began powering up his systems in anticipation of launch. It was starting.

Archangel, bridge

"Understood," Murrue said, and set the handset down. "It's confirmed," she told the assembled officers, such as they were. "That last attack has raised the hazard level to nine. All shelters are locked down."

"Which means those poor kids are stuck with us for now," Mu said. "Damn, this is crazy."

Murrue couldn't disagree. Given a choice, she'd have released them as soon as the danger had passed. Unfortunately, it appeared the danger had no intention of passing anytime soon. Which left her in a very uncomfortable position.

"They'll be safer with us in any case," Zechs said. "You know Le Creuset, Lieutenant La Flaga. He'll stop at nothing, and as we have already seen," he nodded at the wreckage outside, "neutrality means little to him."

"Lieutenant Merquise is correct, unfortunately," Murrue said, hiding a frown. Something about the way the masked Specials officer had said "neutrality" nagged at her, but she let it pass. "At this point, we have no choice but to take them with us, and see to their repatriation once we reach safe harbor."

"We have an additional obligation," Natarle said. "According to our records, one of the civilians is Foreign Minister Darlian's daughter, Relena."

Murrue and Mu looked at the dark-haired ensign in surprise; Zechs twitched slightly, but didn't react otherwise. "You're sure?" Murrue said.

Natarle nodded. She clearly didn't like it, but that was hardly unusual. Natarle Badgiruel preferred to do things by the book, and having a gaggle of civilian teenagers onboard wasn't exactly normal. "I spoke to her about it, and her ID checks out. Clearly we have a duty to see to her safety."

"Clearly," Murrue agreed, not sure she liked the situation. Minister Darlian didn't exactly get along with the military.

"How is the question," Mu said. "We've got my Zero and Lieutenant Merquise's Leo, but that's not much against what Le Creuset can throw at us. No offense," he added.

Zechs smiled faintly. "None taken. I know you don't like me, but I am a soldier, and I am well aware of the odds we face." Curiously, he didn't seem perturbed by it.

"There's still the Nadesico, though," Mu pointed out after a moment. "Their Captain is Admiral Misumaru's daughter, and she scored at the top of her class at the Academy; she'd have shot up through the ranks if Nergal hadn't snapped her up. On top of that, they've got those Aestivalis units, two of the Far East's most powerful mobile weapons, three alien units, two Gundams, and some kind of freaky private mech. We're talking some serious firepower."

Natarle appeared skeptical. "That's true, but can we trust them? They have a half-alien in their group, and those two Gundams were sent by the colonies to fight the UEFA."

"And aside from 05, attacks have long since effectively ceased," Zechs countered. "I've encountered 01 before," he said, "and while the pilot is no friend to the Federation, I doubt he would turn on us now."

"Still, most of their crew are young, and Captain Misumaru is unpredictable," Natarle persisted. "That could pose a danger all by itself."

"They did make it all the way to Mars and back," Mu pointed out. "That's impressive any way you slice it."

Murrue took a deep breath. "Our interests run parallel for now," she said, "but Natarle does have a valid point. I think we'll have to rely on the power of the Strike."

Mu frowned slightly. "You think the kid's going to be okay with that?"

"Wait a minute," Natarle interjected. "Are you considering having Kira Yamato pilot it again? He's a civilian, and a Coordinator at that!"

"What choice do we have?" Murrue said. "It's only a matter of time before ZAFT attacks again, and the Strike is the only thing we have that can fight them on even terms."

Natarle, predictably, was unconvinced. "Still, to put it in the hands of a civilian seems irresponsible. Why not have Lieutenant La Flaga or Lieutenant Merquise pilot it?"

Mu snorted at that. "Have you seen what that kid did to the OS? There's no way in hell I could handle it."

"Nor could I," Zechs said, shaking his head. "For good or ill, Kira Yamato is our best hope for escape."

"I'll talk to him myself," Murrue said, standing. "Hopefully he'll understand our position."

She looked out the viewport at the other white ship. For all that Natarle had a point about Nergal's trustworthiness, or lack of it, Murrue knew their fate was tied with the Nadesico, at least for now. She wasn't sure what she thought of it.

Archangel, residential block

Life had been so much simpler a few hours ago, she reflected. Space colony or not, the routine had been the same as on Earth. She marveled at the irony; her father had sent her to Heliopolis in the hopes of keeping her safe from the war. Now she was onboard a UEFA warship, with no idea what was going to happen next.

Well. At least Captain Ramius was a more pleasant individual than General Colbert. Ensign Badgiruel came across as rather cold, but Lieutenant La Flaga seemed friendly. Then there was that Specials officer, Zechs Merquise. Something about him nagged at her, something about the way he looked at her.

Add to all that Heero Yuy turning out to be a Colony Gundam pilot. . . .

"He must be exhausted," Mir said, breaking Relena out of her reverie.

"I'd be more surprised if he wasn't," Sai said, looking at Kira Yamato's sleeping form. The young Coordinator had climbed into an upper bunk and dropped off almost at once. "He's been through a lot of trouble."

Kuzzey made an indecipherable sound. "He sure is a lot of trouble, anyway," he murmured.

Relena frowned at him. She didn't know this group very well, as none of them (save Sai, and he only because of his rumored engagement to Flay Allster) ran in her social circle, but she'd heard enough to know they were fairly close-knit, with Kira more or less the heart. For Kuzzey to be saying such a thing about a friend didn't sound right.

She wasn't the only one who thought so. "Hey, what's your problem, Kuzzey?" Tolle demanded, visibly irritated.

"You heard about how he rewrote the OS on that mobile suit?" Kuzzey sounded defensive, but he didn't back down. "He was in combat the entire time, and he did it before picking us up. How could he pull that off?"

Sai's eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at?"

Kuzzey shrugged. "I've suspected for a while now that Kira was a Coordinator," he admitted. "He always seemed just a little too good, a little too quick."

"So what are you saying?" Tolle snapped. "That because it's suddenly confirmed, he's our enemy? He just saved all of us!"

"I'm not saying that at all!" Kuzzey protested, holding up his hands. "It's just, ZAFT is almost all Coordinators. They can do all sorts of things that we can't. Can we really win a fight against people like that?"

Mir sighed. "I understand what you're saying, Kuzzey," she said. "Still, just because Kira's a Coordinator doesn't mean he's like the people who attacked us." She looked up at the sleeping Coordinator. "He's one of us, a cherished friend, That's what's important."

"Miriallia is right," Relena said, startling the others; apparently they'd forgotten she was there.

Sai tilted his head curiously. "Miss Darlian?"

"Just call me Relena," she said, giving the bespectacled student a brief smile. "Miriallia is right," she repeated. "I don't know any of you very well, but Kira has always seemed like a kind, gentle young man. It doesn't matter what his genes happen to look like."

The others just stared at her. "Guess that says it all," Tolle said after a moment. "Man, I'm an idiot; I thought you were just one of those high-class rich girl types. Guess I was wrong."

"Don't worry about it," Relena said, waving a hand. "I can't exactly blame you; I've known more than a few just like that." Like Flay Allster, she carefully didn't add, knowing her connection to Sai.

The hatch slid open, cutting off further conversation, and Murrue Ramius stepped through; the sound was enough to wake Kira, who slid quietly to the deck.

"I apologize for bothering you so soon," she said, "but we're still in a very tight situation." Her brown eyes met Kira's amethyst. "ZAFT is on the move again."

Kira clearly saw where the UEFA officer was going, and just as clearly didn't like it a bit. "So let me guess: you're asking me to pilot that mobile suit again," he said, voice tight with suppressed anger.

Murrue sighed. "I don't want to, but I have no choice. Even with the Nadesico's help we're in a difficult position, and for better or worse you're the only one who can pilot the Strike."

"Why should I!?" Kira demanded, his control visibly fraying. "You've still got that mobile armor and a Leo, so why should I have to get involved again!?" He clenched his fists. "We don't want anything to do with your war, that's why we were in Heliopolis in the first place!"

"I understand your feelings, Kira, but still-" the buzzing of an intercom cut her off. "Yes?" Murrue said, touching the panel.

"We've got incoming," Mu said, his voice tight. "A bunch of GINNs with heavy weapons, missiles and at least one beam cannon. Captain, we need to get out of here now!"

"Understood; I'll be right there." Murrue looked back at the students. "You've heard it for yourselves: we're about to go into battle again. My hope is we can escape without further damage to the colony, but there's no guarantee."

Kira closed his eyes, visibly struggling with himself, his hatred of the war battling with his sense of responsibility, and the knowledge of what was facing them. Relena couldn't help feeling sorry for him, knowing the outcome was inevitable.

His eyes opened, meeting Murrue's once more. "All right," he said. "But not for you or your war. I'm doing this to protect my friends."

Murrue relaxed, more relieved than she was ready to admit. "I understand, Kira, and thank you."

Archangel, hangar/outside Heliopolis

It was small comfort that he knew what he was getting into this time as he strapped into the Strike's cockpit. He still wanted nothing to do with it, but he knew the captain was right, and Kira Yamato was psychologically incapable of not doing his part when he had to. Which didn't make it any easier, nor did it ease the very personal fear he had. Not of what might happen to him, but of who he was all too certain he would have to face.

Athrun, why? Why are you with ZAFT? Why did you attack Heliopolis?

"Gotta admit, that flightsuit looks good on you, kid."

Kira looked up, glad for the distraction. "Mister Murdoch? Thanks, I think." The blue and white UEFA pilot suit was comfortable, at least.

The stocky, dark-haired mechanic waved a hand. "Hey, I don't blame you for being nervous there. Everybody is, even Lieutenant La Flaga. Hell, I'll bet even the Lightning Count is at least a little bit scared, though you can't really tell with that mask of his."

Kira felt himself relax ever so slightly at that. He was still scared, but knowing he wasn't alone in that eased the burden, just a little. "I won't let it stop me," he said, glancing at the Strike's displays. "Aile Striker?"

"It's a high-mobility pack," Murdoch explained. "High-output verniers for more speed and agility, enough to give you full flight in atmosphere, plus a couple of beam sabers for close-range work. Figured that'd be best for fighting other mobile suits."

Kira had to agree. Even the Sword module had felt awkward against GINNs; the Launcher would undoubtedly be even worse. He made a mental note to study the Strike's specs in depth; if he was going to be flying it regularly, as seemed depressingly likely, he needed to know what it could do. "Thanks."

"Good luck out there, kid," Murdoch said, and the hatch closed.

Kira took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was committed now, no point in denying it. He just hoped he'd be able to see it through.

"You'll be okay, kid," Mu said, his face appearing on the Strike's comm screen. He wore a purple and black flightsuit of the same cut as Kira's, with a helmet that obscured all but his blue eyes. "Just stay calm and don't lose focus. Remember, you're not going to be alone out there."

"I know." Kira sighed. "It's just. . . ."

"Just that you don't want to fight at all," Mu finished for him. "Kid, you won't find many people who really want to go out and fight. I sure don't, and I'll bet nobody on the Nadesico does, either. We only fight so we can protect ourselves, and those who can't."

Zechs's masked visage flickered on next to Mu. "My only advice is to fight for what you truly believe in," he said. "Find your own path and hold to it, no matter what."

Kira blinked. Fight for what he believed in? "Lieutenant Merquise?"

"Zechs will do." The Specials officer smiled wryly. "I'm as much an outsider here as you in some ways."

That much was certainly true. Kira didn't know much about the Federation military, but he did know about the friction between the regular UEFA and the Specials. And for all the menacing air his mask gave him, there was something -pure? Kira wasn't sure- deep beneath the surface. "I understand, Lieutenant, er, Zechs."

"I'm sure you do," Zechs said. "Be careful." The screen went black.

Fight for what I believe in. Kira wasn't sure what to make of that. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure what he believed in. He mulled it over for a moment, then pushed it aside. This isn't the time. For now, I'll fight to protect my friends.

Without warning, the whole ship seemed to heave, throwing Kira against his restraints. "Urgh!"

"Enemy attack confirmed," Ruri Hoshino said, much to Kira's surprise; he hadn't realized there was a link with the Nadesico. "Numerous GINNs equipped for heavy bombardment."

That much Kira already knew from earlier. Still, it didn't make the attack any less outrageous. Are they insane!? They'll destroy Heliopolis at this rate!

His comm link crackled, voices that he vaguely recognized from the previous battle coming through. "My, they're certainly determined." Nagare Akatsuki, that was, one of the Aestivalis pilots. "And ruthless," he added as the entire area seemed to buck again.

Others were less restrained. "Damn!" Hyoma Aoi yelped. "This is crazy! Just who are these guys, and why do they suck so much!?"

"Does it really matter?" an annoyed voice replied. Kira thought it was the pilot of the spindly blue and white mech he'd seen earlier; he hadn't caught the name. "We've gotta get out of here before they blow us all to hell!"

There was a sudden surge of movement; Captain Ramius evidently agreed. The shaking grew progressively worse as they pushed through the relentless ZAFT assault, and then without warning they were clear. Kira felt a jolt as his machine was moved to the starboard catapult; it was time.

"Both ships are clear of the colony," Ruri reported. "Damage is minimal."

"For the moment," Murrue said. "We have the Nadesico to thank for that."

Natarle made an annoyed sound. "Perhaps so, but I don't believe for an instant Captain Misumaru is capable of sound tactical thought," she muttered, apparently not caring if she was overheard.

A light flashed on Kira's panel; the launch signal. He gripped his controls, taking a deep, steadying breath. "Kira Yamato, Strike, heading out!" There was a surge against his back; he grunted, gritting his teeth against the g-forces, and then he was away, Mu's Zero and Zechs's Leo following close behind.

The situation outside wasn't encouraging. A small horde of GINNs greeted the impromptu UEFA force, and Kira was pretty sure he saw at least one Nazca-class in the distance. Not to mention that since ZAFT now knew of the Phase-Shift Armor system, most if not all of those GINNs were likely equipped with beam weapons.

Don't think about that. Think about Tolle and the others, and what'll happen if you fail, and don't let it happen! He brought the Strike's beam rifle up, targeting the lead GINN, and squeezed the trigger. The beam of green light struck the ZAFT machine dead center, vaporizing the pilot and striking the battery, detonating it instantly.

"Great shot, kid!" Mu called as the Zero flashed past, weaving a spiral pattern around a sudden hail of beam and machine gun fire. His gunbarrels swept out, catching another GINN from multiple angles and blowing it apart. Two down.

Kira had thought the battle inside the colony insane. Now, the two forces coming together, he changed his mind; his first battle had been downright slow compared to the free-for-all he now found himself in. Maintaining his focus was the hardest thing he'd ever done, but he did it.

"Rocket punch!" Mazinger Z's right fist shot out, taking a GINN in the upper chest, crumpling it like a tin can. The Legendary Steel Fortress half-turned. "You're Kira Yamato, right?"

"Uh, yeah." Kira was nonplussed; casual conversation in the middle of combat wasn't what he'd expected.

"I'm Koji Kabuto," the other teen introduced himself. "So I hear you're a Coordinator fighting on our side, eh? That's really something!"

Something Kira didn't really care to think about, even leaving aside who was with the ZAFT force. "Thanks, I guess," he said, forcing back his misgivings. It wasn't Koji's fault, after all. "I'm just doing what I can."

Koji smiled. "Hey, that's all anyone's asking. Whoops, incoming!" Mazinger spun to face the GINN that had somehow managed to sneak up on it, and its chest began to glow. "Take this! Breast Burn!"

Kira didn't have time to see the result; another GINN was closing with him, sword out. This one was different from the others; it was painted a bright orange, and moving noticeably faster. Almost certainly a custom unit.

Which made it all the more dangerous; only the best generally had the pull to modify their machines. Gritting his teeth, Kira drew a beam saber, just in time to parry a sword slash. Batting aside a second slash with his shield, he drove forward, only for his saber to be caught on the other weapon's guard.

This guy's good. Those moves, he's the same one I faced inside the colony!

"You're good," Miguel said, impressed. "Question is, are you good enough?" He applied more power to his verniers, pushing the Strike back.

Two could play at that game. "Not yet!" Kira fed more power in turn, the Aile pack's massive verniers flaring bright. This time it was Miguel who was pushed back, unable to match the Aile Striker's raw power.

"Damn it!" Miguel disengaged, putting just enough distance between them to switch to his ion cannon. Snarling, he snapped off a quick shot, which splattered harmlessly on the Strike's shield. "What!?"

Kira Yamato was generally an unassuming sort, preferring not to draw attention to himself. He was, however, exceptional even by Coordinator standards, with reflexes to match. More importantly, his greatest strength was his ability to learn faster than even most Coordinators, allowing him to adapt to changing situations. Now he applied that ability to the battlefield, and ZAFT paid the price.

His beam saber lashed out, slashing through the ion cannon's barrel and rendering the weapon useless. Another slash took the GINN's right arm off at the elbow as Miguel tried to draw his sword again. A swift kick to the torso sent the now-helpless GINN on its way.

"Damn!" Furious at having been defeated so easily, Miguel made for the Vesalius. "Just who is that guy, anyway!?"

Ignored for the moment, Kira took the opportunity to catch his breath. He knew it was the Strike's performance that had allowed him to survive and win thus far; for all that Mu and Zechs seemed to see potential in him, he was still a neophyte. If he'd been in a lesser machine, he would likely have died.

At least they seemed to be pulling through so far. The Archangel and Nadesico had not yet come under direct attack, and their mobile weapons were gradually mopping up the GINNs. Nergal's Aestivalis, though smaller than most mobile suits, were proving more than a match for ZAFT's machines, and that strange spindly mech was wreaking havoc all on its own. Kira found himself wondering about the pilot.

"More enemies incoming," Ruri said. "Two warships, several more GINNs, and. . . ." She paused. "Four signatures identified as X102 Duel, X103 Buster, X207 Blitz, and X303 Aegis."

Kira's blood ran cold. He'd known he would have to face those machines sooner or later, and that they were basically equal to his own. That wasn't what concerned him; if nothing else, he had two Gundams backing him up, along with that strange private mech. No, what worried him was the way those stolen Gundams struck at the heart of his very private fear.

Without warning, and to the evident consternation of the other pilots, the red form of the Aegis boosted forward, until it was within just a few meters of the Strike. The yellow beam saber mounted in its left arm was active, but it made no move to attack.

"Kira! Kira Yamato! Is that you!?"

The voice was unmistakable. Kira looked up at his comm screen, recognizing the face just as easily. Emerald eyes, framed by dark blue hair, there was no mistake, no hope that he'd somehow been wrong. "Athrun."

"I knew it, it is you!" Athrun Zala's expression was a study in mixed emotions, anger, sadness, and confusion swirling over him. "What are you doing in that thing!? Why are you siding with the UEFA!?"

"I'm not siding with anyone, I'm just protecting my friends!" Kira shot back, feeling his own expression harden. "Why are you with ZAFT!? Why'd you get involved in the war!?" He had the brief satisfaction of seeing Athrun's eyes widen. "You always said it was stupid, so why did you attack Heliopolis!?"

Athrun's face tightened. "Because that's where the Naturals built these things; they turned it into a target!"

"And you forced me into this machine!" Kira snapped. "If I hadn't done it, my friends would have died in your attack!"

His old friend's eyes dropped slightly at that. "I lost my mom in the Bloody Valentine," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "That's why. . . ." He met Kira's gaze again, eyes brimming with tears. "That's why the UEFA has to be stopped! Why can't you understand!?"

"Athrun. . . ."

"What the hell are you doing, Athrun!?" one of his teammates demanded. "Are you trying to get yourself killed!?"

"Athrun, please, fall back!" another voice said. "It's too dangerous alone!"

With a frustrated grunt, Athrun spun the Aegis and hit his thrusters, returning to the ZAFT formation. Kira watched him go, a lump forming in his throat and a sinking feeling in his stomach. A dear friend was now a very dangerous enemy, and his job had just gotten a lot harder.

"Here they come, Toya," Melua said.

Toya nodded absently. "We're not shooting to kill on the Aegis if we can help it," he said.

"Of course," his copilot agreed. Kira's brief conversation with the Aegis's pilot had been over an open channel, reminding them of their friend Eiji's heart-wrenching clashes with Ahmos Gale. Both hoped for a happier outcome this time.

Then the second wave was on them. Grunting in sudden exertion, Toya flipped the Bellzelute around, Shot Launchers opening up and catching a GINN in the top of the head as it passed. Ignoring the now-wrecked ZAFT unit, he shifted to Bellzelute's O Rifle and selected A mode. The green crystalline arrow speared two GINNs at once, reducing them to debris an instant later.

"Toya, one of the new machines!"

"Damn!" He spun again, this time in an evasive pattern, as the black form of GAT-X207 Blitz appeared seemingly out of nowhere, beam saber stabbing through the space Bellzelute had occupied an instant before.

This one can turn invisible, like the Deathscythe, Toya recalled belatedly. Cursing in succession ZAFT, Morgenroete's engineers, and his own machine's lack of melee capability, he jetted backwards, attempting to put some distance between himself and the stolen Gundam.

So far it seemed to be working; apparently the Blitz wasn't set up for this kind of fight. Either that or the ZAFT pilot was inexperienced.

He was persistent, though. Recognizing that he was at a disadvantage in such a fight, the ZAFT pilot fired off two quick shots, then activated the Blitz's Mirage Colloid and vanished again.

"Dammit!" Toya snarled. "Of all the stupid- huh?" Something had sparked in his mind, apparently the Cytron system again. "Melua, give me a quick position check! I need to know where the Blitz could have gotten."

"Okay." Melua's fingers flew over her own board. "I have it, but, if we can't see the Blitz. . . ."

Toya grinned. "It can't use PSA and Mirage Colloid at the same time," he said, "so a random missile salvo should force him out of hiding." He paused. "Firing!"

For a moment it seemed like nothing happened, save for an unlucky GINN wandering into the barrage and exploding. Then space off to Toya's left seemed to ripple, and the Blitz reappeared, looking somewhat scorched but otherwise unharmed.

"Perfect!" Toya said, raising his main weapon. "I've gotcha now! O Rifle, B mode, fire!"

It wasn't quite a death stroke, as the ZAFT pilot was able to dodge at the last moment, but it was enough. The argent blue beam struck the Blitz on the left arm, just behind the Gleipnir piercer lock. Clearly seeing he was beaten, the ZAFT pilot made a hasty retreat.

One down, three to go.

Soon to be reduced to two, by the look of it. Mu La Flaga was engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Buster, and while his Zero's weapons couldn't actually hurt a Gundam, he seemed intent on guiding the battle somewhere. If Toya wasn't mistaken, toward a piece of debris, behind which lurked Zechs's Leo.

Then the Buster's pilot miscalculated. He got just too close to the drifting metal, and Zechs pounced. His beam saber swung in a horizontal arc, taking the Buster's head off in an instant. A follow-up strike nearly impaled its cockpit, only to be stopped less than halfway.

"Get back, Dearka!" the Duel's pilot snapped. "I'll handle this guy!"

"Roger that," the other said, sounding more than a little disgusted.

Toya was beginning to wonder just when Le Creuset was going to call it quits. Most of his GINNs were damaged or destroyed, all of his ships damaged to a greater or lesser extent, and two Gundams had taken enough damage to be forced to retreat. By contrast, of the ragtag UEFA force only the Aphrodite and Hikaru's Aestivalis had sustained any notable hits.

Whatever Le Creuset might have thought, apparently the pilot of the Duel was a stubborn sort. "So you're the Lightning Count, eh?" he said, a faint sneer in his voice. "Sure, you knocked the Buster out of the fight, but that was an ambush on a machine that wasn't meant to fight up close." He pressed forward. "A Leo ain't gonna cut it against my Duel!"

"You're confident," Zechs acknowledged. "Truly worthy of the red uniform. Still, don't underestimate your opponent!" With a sudden burst from his verniers, he forced the Duel back, opening up just enough space to use the bazooka-like weapon on the Leo's right shoulder. As a shell weapon, it didn't actually damage the Duel, but it was enough to disorient the pilot, however briefly.

It was just enough. Before the Duel's pilot could recover, Wing Gundam appeared between him and the Leo, green beam saber clashing with the Duel's red.

"Damn you!" the ZAFT pilot snarled. "You're from the colonies, but now you're helping the UEFA!? You damned traitor!"

"I only execute my missions," Heero said coldly, not budging a millimeter. "I never swore allegiance to ZAFT." Breaking the deadlock, he slammed his shield into the Duel's head, then followed up with a saber slash, severing the stolen machine's right hand at the wrist.

The ZAFT pilot let out an incoherent bellow of rage. "You bastard!" he screamed. "You'll pay for that!"

Toya whistled, watching the third stolen Gundam fall back. "You know, Melua, right now I'm really glad that guy's on our side," he said. "He's good."

His blonde friend nodded agreement. Then, "Toya, over there!"

Kira was engaged in what appeared at first glance to be a furious duel with the Aegis. It soon became clear, however, that neither machine was actually attacking; the two machines merely jockeyed for position while the pilots argued.

"Kira, please, it doesn't have to be this way!" Toya jumped slightly at the voice; the two G-pilots were still on an open channel. "You're a Coordinator, just like us! We should be allies!"

"Do you think I want to fight you!?" Kira shot back. "I didn't want anything to do with this, but if I don't fight, my friends will die!"

"The UEFA is just using you!" Athrun said, sounding increasingly frustrated. "Why can't you see that!?"

That was apparently the last straw. Kira suddenly boosted forward, slamming the Strike's right shoulder into the Aegis, then drew a beam saber and sliced into the red machine's forearms, just enough to disable the built-in beam sabers.

"I'm sorry, Athrun," Kira said more quietly, "but I have no choice."

"Kira. . . ." For a moment the Aegis made no move; apparently Athrun was too stunned to react. Then, evidently responding to a recall order, he turned around, thrusters flaring as he retreated.

Toya looked at the Strike, wondering what his new comrade was thinking. The Coordinator had to be in a lot of pain, suddenly having to fight an old friend like that, in a war he'd done his best to stay out of. It couldn't have been an easy decision to make, even in the desperate situation they were in.

"Well," Mu said into the silence, "I guess that's that. Let's head back to the ship, kid." No response. "Kira?"

Kira shook his head rapidly, as though awakening from a trance. "Right. On my way."

As if timed by some diabolical force, there was a sudden rumbling; Toya, having strayed a bit too close to the colony wall, was thrown hard against his restraints. "What the hell!?"

Melua gasped in horror. "Toya, look!"

He did, and his blood ran cold. Fissures were appearing in Heliopolis's outer wall. Barely visible at first, they soon grew all too obvious, and began to widen. Ever larger pieces broke off as the wall fractured, some bouncing off the Nadesico's Distortion Field. It was as though the colony was coming apart at the seams.

It was. "Collateral damage from the battle has reduced the colony's structural integrity," Ruri said. Though her tone seemed emotionless, Toya thought he could detect the barest tinge of horror in the ops officer's voice. "Damage has reached the critical point." A pause, then, in a tone of subdued but unmistakable sadness, "Heliopolis is collapsing."

Toya and his friends could only stare in abject horror as what mere hours ago had been a thriving colony tore itself apart. He retained enough presence of mind to dodge flying debris, but he couldn't look away. Over the open channel he could hear varied sounds of disbelief, horror, and (in Ryoko's case at least) elemental fury. Even the self-possessed Lightning Count was visibly shocked at the turn of events.

A few hours after ZAFT's initial attack, Heliopolis was no more.

Archangel, bridge

Not even by-the-book Natarle was immune to the sight. A once-thriving space colony, gone just like that. A stark reminder of the horrors of war, and to her at least an example of why ZAFT had to be defeated.

"It was so fragile," Mu whispered, coming onto the bridge with Zechs.

"We can only hope the civilians were able to make it to the shelters in time," Murrue said. "What's your status, Lieutenant?"

Mu shrugged briefly. "Zechs and I came through all right, but I dunno about the kid. After what happened with the Aegis. . . ." He trailed off.

"Yes, we heard it," Murrue said more quietly. "He pulled through regardless, but it must have been very painful for him." She sighed. "What about the Nadesico?"

Natarle was already in contact with them. "Captain Misumaru reports only minor damage to their ship and two mobile weapons," she said, a note of grudging respect in her voice. "They remain fully operational."

"Glad to hear it," Murrue said. "Le Creuset is in no position to pursue us just now, so we should at least have a little breathing space. So," she said, looking at the assembled officers, "where do we go from here?"

A pointed question. With the destruction of Heliopolis they were effectively in a no-man's-land, cut off from support and undersupplied on top of that.

"Our only real option is to attempt rendezvous with the lunar fleet," Zechs said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "We don't have sufficient supplies to reach the Moon itself, and atmospheric entry would be difficult under the circumstances."

"Because of those creatures," Murrue said. "The 'Demons of the Stratosphere' as they're called. An excellent point, Lieutenant."

They were interrupted by an abrupt sound of disbelief. "What!?" Natarle said. "Kira Yamato, repeat that!"

"I found a Heliopolis lifeboat adrift," Kira said. "I'm bringing it in now."

"You can't be serious!" Natarle ground out. "This is a top-secret military vessel; we can't just be taking civilians onboard like that!"

Kira's voice rose at that line. "The pods engines are damaged; what was I supposed to do, just leave them out there to die!?"

"Kira Yamato-"

"Then we'll take care of 'em!" Yurika interrupted. "Mister Yamato, please bring that lifeboat over to the Nadesico."

There was a definite note of relief in Kira's voice. "Roger that."

Natarle's head whipped around, fixing on the main comm screen. "Captain Misumaru, are you serious!? Your ship is ever bit as secret as the Archangel."

"Doesn't mean we can just leave a bunch of helpless civilians to die," Yurika countered, visibly annoyed by Natarle's attitude. "Right, Mister Prospector?"

"We've no choice," the Nergal man said. "From a humanitarian point of view, we can't even consider abandoning them."

Murrue hid a frown at her XO's irritation. Natarle had always been a stickler for regulations, true, but this kind of attitude went rather beyond that. Kira, Murrue knew, was right about the importance of rescuing civilians, and the Nergal people were certainly within their rights to take that pod aboard. She'd have thought Natarle would be relieved at that.

"Anyway, we've decided we might as well tag along with you," Yurika said. "Fellow travelers and all that. Okay with you?"

"Yes, thank you," Murrue replied, relieved. "We'll be getting underway as soon as the Strike returns."

"Roger that," Yurika said, her usual cheerfulness returning. "There's a few odd and ends left, but that should be wrapped up by the time Kira gets back."

It was easy, Murrue reflected, to forget that Yurika Misumaru was a highly skilled ship captain, given her demeanor; Natarle certainly had a point there. Nevertheless, looking into the younger woman's eyes, Murrue could see there was more to her than her ebullient exterior would suggest. Ditz though she was, Yurika was neither stupid nor naïve.

Murrue considered herself very fortunate that the Nadesico was on their side.

Nadesico, hangar

There was already quite a crowd gathered around the Heliopolis lifeboat by the time Toya had exited his own machine. Carefully edging forward, he got through just as the lifeboat's hatch opened and the first of the civilians emerged, looking both nervous and bewildered. Aki was there to smooth things over.

"This is the Nergal warship Nadesico," she said. "It's going to be all right; you're safe now."

Toya wasn't sure just how safe they would be after what they'd already been through, but he supposed there was no sense bothering refugees with something like that. Shrugging mentally, he looked over at the Strike. Uribatake was practically salivating over the new UEFA machine, no surprise.

"Gotta hand it to those Morgenroete folks, they sure know how to build a cool mech," he was saying. "State of the art, even more than Akatsuki's Aestivalis." He gazed up at it, puzzled. "But wasn't it more colorful before?"

"Allow me to explain," Inez Fressange said, making Toya jump. "The Strike is equipped with a system called Phase-Shift Armor, which changes the machine's color when it-"

David rolled his eyes. "No one's listening," he said, echoing Toya's thoughts.

The Strike's hatch opened, and a brown-haired teenager pushed himself out, looking as exhausted as Toya felt. He was still alert, however, and his amethyst eyes lit on the last refugee, a blue-eyed, redheaded girl who looked even more frightened than the others.

"Flay? Is that you, Flay Allster?" he said, coming to a halt near Aki.

The redhead looked at him, a flash of recognition crossing her face. "You're one of Sai's friends, right? Kira, wasn't it?"

"That's right," Kira said. "I don't know what's going on, but you're safe for now."

Aki raised her eyebrows. "You know her?"

"Yeah, kinda," Kira said. "Not all that well, but she spends a lot of time with my friends Sai and Miriallia."

And you've got a crush on her, Toya thought, knowing the signs. He'd never had such himself, but he's seen how a lot of the guys at school behaved around Kaname.

"In that case, you should take her with you when you return to the Archangel," Aki said. She looked at Flay. "You'd be more comfortable with your friends, right?"

Flay gave a shaky nod. "Yes, thank you."

"Are you Kira Yamato?" Inez had pushed her way to the pod. "Please, it's imperative you meet with the Captain as soon as possible!"

Toya wondered about that. He knew Kira was a Coordinator, sure, but that didn't account for the Professor's urgency. Not that it mattered just then; Kira was starting to look overwhelmed.

"Hey, give him some breathing space, okay?" he said. "He's been through a lot today already, what with suddenly getting tossed into combat. I've been where he is, remember? Sudden attack, falling into the cockpit, all that crazy stuff."

Kira looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude for the interruption. "You've been through something like this?"

"Oh, yeah. Did you hear about a Jovian attack in Japan about a year ago?" Kira nodded, and Toya grimaced at the memory. "My school was ground zero for it, dunno why. Anyway, my machine crashed into the school, knocking one of the teachers out cold. That's when I met these three." He nodded at the girls. "They dragged me into it, not that I blame them, so here we are." He held out his hand. "I'm Toya Shiun, pilot of the Bellzelute."

Kira clasped it firmly. "Kira Yamato," he said. "I'm a student at Heliopolis, or at least," he winced, "I was."

"That's how it happens," Toya agreed. "Just remember you're not alone, okay? Like I said, I've been there; if it wasn't for the girls I'd have lost my mind." He waved them forward. "This is Katia Gringnard, Festenia Muse, and Melua Melna Meia."

Katia nodded to him. "A pleasure to meet you, Kira."

"Nice to meetcha," Tenia said, grinning. "Just call me Tenia."

Melua, shy as always, offered a brief smile. "Nice to meet you, Kira."

Kira smiled back, relaxing a little. "Likewise, all of you. Sorry, but I'd better get back to the Archangel before Ensign Badgiruel has a fit."

"I'll go with you," Heero said, joining them. "I have some things to take care of over there, and while it's unlikely, ZAFT may attack again while you're in transit." His deep blue eyes flickered to Flay. "You'd probably have a harder time fighting with a passenger along."

The Coordinator nodded ruefully, evidently recalling his first impromptu sortie. "Yeah, you've got a point. Thanks." Giving Toya a brief wave, he gently ushered Flay along.

Maybe now we can rest a little, Toya thought, feeling suddenly drained. It had been all too similar to their first run-in with Ahmos Gale back on mars, though at least this time the civilians had gotten out alive. ZAFT, he conceded, wasn't like the Gradosians.

"Hey, why are we sitting here moping around?" Tenia said. "C'mon, let's get something to eat!"

Toya laughed. "It's always about food with you, isn't it. Then again," he amended, his stomach rumbling slightly, "you've got a point. I haven't eaten since hours before the attack."

"See?" the redhead chirped. "Skipping meals isn't good for you!"

"There's no stopping her," Katia said, shaking her head fondly. "This time she's right, though. I think we could all use a good meal right now."

Tenia's smile was triumphant. "It's settled then! Come on, Toya!" She tugged on his arm.

Still laughing, Toya let his friend drag him along, Katia and Melua close behind.. It was moments like this, he thought, that made all the chaos worth it.

Archangel, residential block

It was a profound relief when Tolle and the others welcomed him back, even if Kuzzey was a bit reserved. Just knowing his friends were behind him even after learning he was a Coordinator raised Kira's spirits immensely.

Sai's eyes widened when he saw who'd come with him. "Flay, is that you?"

"Sai!" Flay gave the bespectacled student a tight hug. "I. . . I was so scared."

He hugged her back. "I know," he whispered. "You're safe now."

Kira felt a brief pang at the sight, but it disappeared when he saw Relena's expression. She was giving Flay an odd look, a mixture of dislike and sympathy. Kira wondered about it for a moment, then shrugged mentally. Whatever it was, it was none of his business. And probably didn't matter anyway, as Relena then spotted Heero Yuy at Kira's elbow.

"Heero?" she said quietly.

"Relena," Heero replied, voice and expression giving nothing away.

Kira was even less sure what to make of that, and wasn't at all certain he wanted to be caught up in it. Fortunately, he soon had another distraction; Mu La Flaga approached, still in his flightsuit. Kira tensed slightly; truth be told, he actually liked the Hawk of Endymion, but he so far his dealings with the UEFA had been anything but pleasant.

"Mister Murdoch's pretty upset right now," Mu said without preamble. His next words confirmed Kira's suspicions. "Since we're short on people, you'll have to help maintain your machine."

Kira sighed. He'd actually been expecting something like that, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. "My machine? Since when? Yeah, I flew it twice, but that doesn't make me a soldier or anything."

Mu appeared sympathetic, but he didn't waver. "Kira, we need all the help we can get, and you're the only one who can pilot that thing."

"What about the Nadesico?" Kira countered. "They've got a bunch of mobile weapons, including two Gundams." He nodded at Heero, who was quietly talking with Relena. "Why do you need me?"

"They may be traveling with us, but they still have their own priorities," Mu said. "Their ship is more important to them than ours, and I can't say I blame them. So it's up to you and me, and Lieutenant Merquise, to protect the Archangel."

When he put it that way, he certainly had a point, and Kira's protests had been more reflexive denial than genuine unwillingness. And the same reasons he's consented to pilot the Strike in the first place still applied. Damn. "All right," Kira said, his shoulders slumping. "I'll do it."

Mu laid a hand on Kira's shoulder. "For what it's worth, kid, I don't like this any more than you do. You shouldn't be here at all, but Le Creuset had other ideas."

"I understand," Kira said quietly. He glanced back at his friends, then turned and headed for the elevator, suddenly needing to be alone.

He caught snatches of the conversation behind him. "That Kira guy, how can he pilot a mobile suit, anyway?" Flay wondered.

"Because he happens to be a Coordinator," Kuzzey responded.

Kira winced slightly at that, but Tolle and Mir's subsequent scolding buoyed him, just a little. Just enough to keep him from losing it. Then the elevator rose, blocking the rest. He was just as grateful; more than anything, he needed to think without any distractions.

"Fight for what you believe in." Zechs's words rang in his mind. Kira supposed he'd better start thinking about that, and thinking hard. Much as he hated it, he wasn't getting out any time soon.

What do I believe in? He found himself in the hangar, gazing up at the Strike. Not in the UEFA's goals, certainly; leaving aside his friendship with Athrun Zala, he and his family had done their best to stay out of the war entirely.

His thoughts drifted to the Bellzelute pilot, Toya Shiun. They were much alike, he realized, both caught up in the war more or less by accident, both forced to fly combat because the alternative was unthinkable, both fiercely protective of those close to them.

Maybe I should talk to him about it. If anyone would understand, it's him. Feeling slightly better, Kira turned and left the hangar, unaware of just how great a destiny lay on his shoulders.

Nadesico, residential block

Toya had been slightly uneasy about his newest teammate at first, but Duo had vouched for him, and Heero Yuy had proved relatively congenial. Reserved, certainly, but not hostile, and not the cold fish Calvina was; the stoic Gundam pilot was at least willing to socialize to a degree.

"If we have to work with the UEFA, at least the Archangel people seem nice enough," Hikaru said, sipping from a soda can. "Except for that ensign, anyway."

"She's from an old military family," Akatsuki said, leaning against a bulkhead. "The Badgiruels have a long tradition of military service, so it's only natural she'd be a bit on the stiff and formal side. More's the pity."

Toya rolled his eyes at that. Akatsuki, he'd learned, was an incorrigible womanizer. Him making a pass at the Archangel's XO -and probably the captain, too- was as inevitable as the sunrise. The results were amusing, at least.

"Kira must be hurting, though," Eiji said quietly. "The pilot of that machine, the Aegis. . . ."

No mystery there, Toya realized. The half-breed was undoubtedly thinking of his clashes with Ahmos Gale back on Mars.

"Hey, one thing at a time," Duo said from the vending machines. "We've shaken off the Le Creuset team for now, so let's relax while we can." He looked over at Aki. "How's that guy we picked up doing?"

She gave a half-shrug. "Still unconscious, but in good condition. He should make a full recovery; Anna's watching over him."

"Maybe when he wakes up we'll get some answers about those new aliens," Koji grumbled. "The way he was tearing into them, he must know something."

"Assuming he's willing to spill it," Noal said. "There's something about that guy that doesn't seem right."

Ryoko snorted. "You mean aside from transforming into some kind of death robot?" she said pointedly. "Pretty weird right there."

"Since when have things not been weird since we left Earth?" Toya said. "Even I'm getting used to it by now. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if we ran into something straight out of that Gekiganger show." He'd only glanced at the series, but his life was almost starting to feel like it. Gai, he thought, would have been envious.

The conversation turned to other matters, both current and mundane, and Toya let the voices drift over him. They were practically a family now, he thought distantly, after all they'd been through together. A crazy, seriously mixed-up family, but a family nonetheless.

It was almost enough to make him grateful for that Jovian attack.

Author's note: I'd hoped to get this one up a little faster, but real life got in the way again. Still better than I'd done before, but not as fast as I would like. I do hope it was worth the wait.