New Romance

by Jolly Bean

Shiho knew all along her feelings for a particular silver-hair Commander will not be returned. What if she is wrong? Yzak probably needs more time to put it all together. Plus, a couple of shoves from their friends and a series of incidents to make him realise. R&R please :)

8. Chapter 6

Here it is! Merry Christmas everyone! Did you manage to receive my replies to your reviews? :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED DESTINY

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New Romance: Chapter 6

[Lagash Base, Pacific Ocean, Earth]

An armed officer came in with three more entered the make-shift intensive care unit. Dearka was behind them, purple eyes immediately shifted to where the heavily drugged brunette lay.

The platinum blonde seated by the bed gestured to the door with a slight tilt of his head. "In a minute."

Once the armed officers left the room, Dearka walked over to join Yzak. His friend was taking one last look at the unconscious brunette on the bed.

He knew that feeling all too well. He had been through that shit with Miriallia. The first was right after the first PLANTS-ALLIANCE war ended. He knew he was never going to see her again because he will be trialled and executed for what he did. Next was when he was pardoned and decided to pay Miriallia a surprise visit. He didn't wanted the day to end. He didn't want the days to pass by so quickly. He didn't want the week to be done. He didn't want to send her home. He didn't want to leave ORB. All because neither of them knows when the next time they will see each other again.

"The doctor has arrived." Dearka spoke, placing a hand to his friend's tense shoulder. "Shiho will be fine. Dahlia will take care of her." He gave Yzak a reassuring squeeze. "You and I know Shiho is one of the toughest around."

The platinum blonde shifted his attention to him. The disturbing mix of murderous rage and worry in those blue eyes almost send him a step back.

"She better have a damn good reason for this." Yzak spoke in a dangerously low voice. His words were dripping with unspoken anger. It was almost feral. Dearka has never seen his friend so pissed before. The word was not enough to describe the look on his friend's face and the tension rolling off him.

It must be the recent incident involving a team of Covert Ops officers sent to extract Shiho out of the safe house, which the three of them were at earlier.

"Not here." Dearka said in hushed tone, meant for his ears only. He tilted his head to the nearest surveillance camera in the room.

Yzak's hands clenched into a tight fist as he recalled what had happened. Dearka managed to grab him and severely wounded Shiho out of the scene. He rushed them to the safe house left for him, by his late father. Thanks to Lacus' order and her team of Covert Ops officers, it was left in ruins. One of the few things which connects him to his late father was destroyed.

Neither could he forget how he and Dearka were handled when those Covert Ops officers barged in and made their way to Shiho, whom he had already stitched up and her condition stabilised. Both himself and Dearka were man-handled as though they were terrorists.

Why Lacus called for Covert Ops and warranted such an operation was beyond him.

Her friend, who happened to be one of the top soldiers of ZAFT, was shot. He get that. Her friend, who happened to be hanging out with him and the team last night, has become a figure of national interest. He get that too.

However, Shiho was taken from the scene safely by Dearka. Shouldn't Lacus know her friend will be safe? And the brunette wasn't the target. It was meant for him. The bullets were meant for him. So why the FXCKing treatment and operation by Covert Ops?

Yzak was confused, pissed and offended. Why the sudden change in gears? The Lacus he knew and came to work for was not like this. He didn't remember she was someone who would pull such moves. She trusted him enough to put him in charge of key projects like the one involving Deep Arms and classified ones like stemming out remaining LOGOs member.

The last time they spoke were hours ago, watching Shiho catching up with her friend who happened to be the Princess of ORB. Everything was fine until...

Wait. No, it wasn't fine. She voted against his mother's attendance. She didn't want Ezalia Joule to appear during her first Independence Day and Memorial Service as the new Chairperson of PLANTS.

Then it struck him. Memories of citizens and military personnel speaking well of Ezalia Joule and many sending their regards to Mrs Joule as he made his way down to the centre of the Parade Square. The people remember his mother.

No wonder Lacus did not want her to be there. Ezalia Joule's house arrest was coming to an end. The tiger will be released soon and who knows what the tiger will do. To move on and scout for a new territory or return to take back what was hers.

"Run along boys. I will keep an eye on her." A familiar chirpy voice sounded from behind.

Peeling his eyes away from the unconscious brunette, a fair and woman version of Dearka greeted his sight.

"Don't worry, she is going to be alright." Dahlia, Dearka's younger sister offered a reassuring smile, placing each of her hand on her brother and her childhood friend.

Dearka nodded to his younger sister and best friend, repeating after her. "She will be fine." It sounded more of him trying to convince himself. No doubt he was worried about the brunette too. The frown has been on his face the whole time, since the time he grabbed him, helped getting Shiho out of there, and getting them to the safe house.

Yzak's hands around Shiho's cold ones tightened.

Two shots. Blood everywhere. Her blood. It was soaking through the layer she wore underneath her elaborate kimono.

Her laboured breaths and glazed eyes. Her blood on his hands. Her cold hands on his face.

All of that came to him when he closed his eyes, whenever he is alone. The scene and memory wouldn't leave him alone. As if he wasn't frightened enough. Not because there was an assassination attempt on him.

Because he almost lose Shiho.

When her eyes fell shut, his heart stopped. He felt biting chill of fear coursing through his veins. The thought of her no longer around hit him like a tidal wave. So did the truth.

What was going to be of him?

No one (not even Dearka) to put him into place and talk sense when he starts his infamous tantrums.

No one will be able to get what he was getting at, as quickly and accurate as she did.

No perfectly made coffee

No 'colourful' exchange of words

No more quiet exchange of knowing glances during briefings

No one sitting in his office, with a stack of paperwork in hand, quietly listening to his grumbles and bitchings after a session with the Supreme Council.

What was he going to do without her around?

She had wriggled her way into his daily existence without him realising it. Until now.

If it wasn't for the safe house, Shiho will be dead even before ZAFT confirms the nearby hospital is safe to receive her.

If it wasn't for the safe house set up by his late father. In case of assassination attempt. Who would have thought the day came?

Even now, sitting by her side in ZAFT's secret underwater facility made him have second thoughts about security. He has his reservations after what had happen but he didn't had a choice. It was an order from the Headquarter. The best they could 'offer'. He wasn't stupid. It was a perfect excuse to separate the both of them. No matter what statement he and she gives later on.

He let go of her hands before he hurt her in a moment of anger. Lacus was personally involved in this 'offer' to relocate Shiho here, in Lagash Base. He was sure about it. It would make sense, after sending a team of Covert Ops into the safe house.

The little voice in him kept going on about Lacus holding Shiho, her friend, hostage on Earth. He can't help but to see the situation Shiho and him are in now is too perfect of an opportunity for Lacus to have him influence the rest of the National Defense Committee on the situation between PLANTS and Earth Alliance.

Due to the Mass Driver project, which he proposed and gotten approval from most of the National Defense Committee member, he was now the person whom the National Defense Committee supports.

While Yzak did not agree with her and camp's futile attempts for diplomatic resolution, he have been keeping quiet. He did not act against her and her cause. He wanted to make good of his words to Kira Yamato. He meant what he say. If she doesn't come for him by any means, he won't come after her on any grounds.

However, it has been increasingly challenging for him to remind status quo. First was against his mother's attendance. The Supreme Council allowed the members under House Arrest to attend the Independence Day-Memorial Service celebration, except Ezalia Joule. Now, Shiho was on Earth. Common sense told him there is a high chance she will be removed from his team, one of many teams in the Space Forces, and placed into a team from Ground Corps.

The platinum blonde stood up and was about to lower himself to kiss her forehead only to remember the room, as with all medical rooms, are under surveillance. His fists clenched into tight ball of white knuckles.

"Get up soon, Housenka." He said quietly, hands gently running through her bangs.

Wait for me please.

He exited the room and nodded to the small team of armed officers. On the way to the hangar, his thoughts wandered to a particular brunette. He didn't know when he will see her again.

.

.

.

Someone was stroking her head and touching her bangs.

A ray of light cut through the darkness and a familiar sight greeted her. Someone whom she has missed dearly.

"Mother?"

Taking in her mother's gentle smile, her sight flickered to the huge tree and its canopy of branches filled with bloomed cherry blossoms.

Where is she? Under a sakura tree? The Sakura Burst. Wait. Why is she seated under a sakura tree with her late mother?

"Am I dead?"

A small chuckle slipped from her beautiful youthful face as she shook her head. Her jet black hair swayed with the motion. The word, Graceful, came to her mind. She remembered watching her mother perform the tradition dance using a handheld fan and the paper umbrella.

How time appeared to have frozen at the sight of her slender hands holding and presenting the painted paper fan with perfectly timed postures mimicking the mesmerising descent of sakura petals from the flower and down to the ground.

"Have some faith in him, Chisa no Hana," The gentle expression then disappeared into a worried one, "be careful… don't let them trap you."

She was about to ask what her mother meant by the last line, everything disappeared as though someone pulled the plug.

Nothing in sight and silence filled the dark cold space. Yes, it was cold and she felt as though she was falling down a bottomless pit. With each passing moment, she began to feel nothing. She was losing grip of her surrounding, whatever it may be.

.

.

.

[Supreme Council, PLANTS]

"We have to push for diplomatic resolution. We can't go into another war." Lacus spoke firmly, blue orbs meeting everyone's at the round table.

"Earth Alliance deployed another team to the 'new' boundary last night, Chairwoman." Tad Elthman spoke with his usual quiet confidence, drawing everyone's attention away from the pink hair leader. "Perhaps, we should review the diplomatic proposals."

"Put a deadline and tell them what will happen if they don't respect the date. We can't let this drag on." One of Ezalia Joule's supporters in secret, who was from the Moderate Faction, urged with a frustrated frown.

"The people are not happy at how this is going. Soldiers in Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base are anxious. Something needs to be done. We can't have people doubting our capability and we can't afford to have our soldiers questioning us."

Instead of shifting his attention to the supporter, Yzak kept his eyes glued to Dearka's father. If he isn't aware of his character, as a person of his own welfare, he would be convinced that he is a true member of the Moderate faction. Yzak wondered how much longer is he going to play it safe. Tad Elthman tide over Patrick Zala's reign. He tide over Dullindal's. Will he falter in Lacus Clyne's reign? A part of Yzak was curious. Another part of him hoped nothing bad will happen to him. After all, he is his best friend's father. Dearka, regardless of the strained ties with his family, will be affected.

Another of his mother's supporter cut in. "This has dragged on long enough. The deadline is good to show that we are not quick to jump into military intervention. However, we should prepare for a possible -"

Lacus was quick to cut him off, "no. No deployments. This will trigger Earth Alliance to increase its presence."

An exasperated breath nearly slipped from Yzak as he took in her words. He, just like some by the Round Table was tired of this supposed Diplomatic Resolution. It was going nowhere. It resulted in the people, even the soldiers, being anxious. It wasn't helping with the current situation, which points to a very likely Third Plants-Alliance War.

Anxiety leads to doubts and that leads to unrest. After the recent war, after Dullindal, the last thing the Supreme Council need is the people of PLANTS having doubts and challenging the efficiency of their government. At this junction, the people including the soldiers, need to know that their leaders are on top of things, rather than sitting on it.

The Supreme Council needs to convince the people that they have plans and the means to manage things they can't control, and mitigate the spillovers.

The Supreme Council needs the trust, faith and support of the people, including the soldiers, more than ever.

The Supreme Council needs to show that PLANTS is not a pushover. And to the world, neither is PLANTS a bully.

The Supreme Council needs to put its feet down and get the message across to everyone. To the people. To the soldiers. To Earth Alliance.

"The last time I checked, Earth Alliance deployed their forces to the new boundary when we waited for them to return Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base to us." Yzak said, with his voice firm and his index finger pointed on the cold marble table. His piercing blue eyes met everyone's surprised gaze.

From his mother's supporters, he earned brief but acknowledging glances. In contrast, those in current Chairwoman's camp frowned. Without a doubt, they saw him as his mother's son, whom just like those who voiced against Lacus' insistence for continuation of diplomatic attempts. As someone who would push for military intervention.

He was treading on thin ice here.

Everyone on Lacus' camp was keeping a close eye on him, the son of Ezalia Joule, who was conveniently appointed to take over his mother's position as a 'punishment'. A slip or a word which was screaming 'grey', and this meeting will end up in chaos. People will be quick to point the finger at him.

On the other hand, supporters of the late Patrick Zala - Ezalia Joule who are hiding in plain side as members of Moderate Faction was expecting him to push for military intervention. Discreet or explicit, they don't care. It was what they expect of Ezalia Joule's son, who took over his mother's positions and projects with blessing of late Chairman Dullindal.

For a brief second, he felt he was the loneliest person in the room. Each side has their camp. He has none. Just Dearka and Shiho. The latter was on Earth now.

"You checked wrong, Councilman Joule." Lacus clipped, her blue ones locked with his pales ones in a heated stare. Her response grew a quiet gasp from everyone at the round table. "This started when you refused to return Earth Alliance's lunar bases. Daedalus Base and Artemis Fortress."

All eyes were anxiously going back and forth between Yzak and Lacus. Everyone held their breath in nervous guess of the platinum blonde's response. After all, the Chairwoman was pointing her fingers at the infamous Terror of ZAFT.

While the son of Ezalia Joule helms the Space Forces of ZAFT, whose name alone was enough to send even senior officers standing at attention, the interim Representative is just a cub in the Supreme Council. However, this cub is earning his stripes, his claws and fangs growing. Recently, this cub started to set his paws into the jungle. He was slowly but steadily making his way into jungle and across the vast wilderness towards the intruder at his den. His territory. That was once helmed by his mother.

The platinum blonde inhaled quietly and softened his unwavering gaze that met Lacus' pissed one squarely.

Except Artemis Fortress, Earth Alliance didn't put up much of a fight when ZAFT knocked on the doors of lunar bases. They made no attempts to reclaim the lunar bases ever since. He ain't returning the lunar bases to Earth Alliance when the initial owner isn't keen on having them back. Artemis Fortress was special to him, because Nicol was the one who shut down the infamous lightwave barrier. That move made the green-haired Coordinator a legend overnight and made known to everyone the son of Yuri Amalfi was an exceptional soldier, besides being a great pianist.

Since Earth Alliance didn't reclaim it, he continued where his mother has stopped - transforming them to ZAFT's lunar bases. As replacement for their lost in past wars, Boaz Asteroid and Jachin Due.

The project was a mean to gain support from the National Defense Committee and influential people in ZAFT. The people there only care about assets to the military force of PLANTS. They will take over whatever that is available as long as it serves the purpose of national defense and security. It was stemmed from a long and successful campaign by Ezalia Joule and the late Patrick Zala. The message driven deep into people's mind was PLANTS may be technologically advanced but lacks of natural resources and the numbers as compared to Earth. PLANTS must take whatever available, make the best out of it and find a way to make it better for next generation. If the people don't unite and align, PLANTS will be easily taken over by anyone at anytime.

Under Yzak's supervision, the transformation of lunar bases to ZAFT's own has progressed significantly. It was nearing completion. Accompanied with the approval of PLANTS' very own and first Mass Driver, Yzak managed to portray that he is more of military, national security kind of a guy, rather than a politician. Now, he need to cement that portrayal. Since Lacus was so adamant to pin the blame on him, he had to come back at her. He was going to do that via the diplomatic solution, which its ineffectiveness has been the talk of town.

Based on results gathered from focus groups, citizens don't give a shit about the lunar bases because they were located quite a distance from the colonies. For those who showed interest or concern of ZAFT taking over Earth Alliance's lunar bases, they were easily convinced or pacified when informed that ZAFT won it fair and square during the war and objective is to strengthen defense in the space frontier. Whenever defense or security was the key point in any message,the people usually accept it without any significant resistance.

Throw in the ineffective diplomatic solution which has been on everyone's mind and lips. It was easier for them to register ineffective diplomatic solution was the reason behind the deteriorating situation, rather than saying it was because of abandoned lunar bases that ZAFT took over. Citizens were quicker to react and blame the government for political moves. Citizens were more forgiving and tolerant when told that decision was stemmed from national security in mind.

Again, the deep-rooted literature and image painted by Patrick Zala and Ezalia Joule. PLANTS can be easily taken over by Earth Alliance and ORB without ZAFT and if the people don't support ZAFT.

He need to speak to his new PR manager and team about reminding the people of the message and subtly highlight how the diplomatic solution was not bringing them closer to closure.

To highlight the failed attempts for Lacus' diplomatic resolution. To highlight how ineffective was Lacus' plans. To highlight that it was time for change.

Although he has yet to decide on running for election to become a full-time Supreme Council member, this is his chance to set the foundation that he is different, even though he is his mother's son. He need to make it obvious to the people that he too, was one of them who wish to delay the third war for as long as possible but not at the cost of the PLANTS' sovereignty.

Yes, he need to do that after this stupid meeting. He need to make a move before Lacus, in case she decides use the media and attempt to put the blame on him.

With a small smile, he adjusted himself on the leather seat. "It make no sense for PLANTS to return the lunar bases when we have no assurance from Earth Alliance that they are going to return the 'stolen' portions of Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base."

There were subtle but consenting nods from majority.

"Unless I'm mistaken, the attempts for diplomatic resolution so far…" He paused before raising his hand and putting his thumb up, "no show during the recent Independence Day."

There were several exchange of glances. His index finger came up for the second point. "No return of land boundary, airspace and maritime space of Carpentaria and Gibraltar base from Earth Alliance."

Lacus' camp of supporters looked away, appearing very pissed that he was listing out the things that should have happened if the attempts for diplomatic resolution was successful. His mother's supporters looked at him with growing interest and a hint of approval shining in their eyes.

"Best of all," Yzak let the sarcasm dripped from those words, "an increasing presence of OMNI Enforcers in what was supposed to be Our waters, Our land, and Our airspace."

Those who were against Lacus' diplomatic resolution nodded openly at Yzak's point. Murmurs and sounds of agreement echoed back and forth the round table.

"What do you suggest, Councilman Joule?" Parnel Jersek, Representative of November City, who happened to be the father of his ex-fiancee spoke, sending sharp silence across the round table. He was one of the handful who did not cast their vote during the push for Lacus being the new Chairperson.

That man was known to be the quieter version of the highly-respected Yuri Amalfi. Well-liked and regarded by the people of November City, Parnel Jersek was a man of few words, but extremely efficient in dealing with matters concerning November City. He is one of those politicians who was never challenged in elections. He is also one who rarely speaks but when he does, his words shut everyone up.

Yzak is also not certain of his support, and the side he was on. Afterall, he cancelled the engagement between himself and Parnel Jersek's daughter through the media. It was a stupid move on his part. All because he couldn't keep a lease on his temper. All because Brenda cheated on him with Frigore. James Frigore.

"PLANTS is not a bully." Yzak started, looking at everyone seated around him, including at very upset Lacus. "Neither are we a pushover."

Meeting her firm gaze, Yzak leaned forward. "I don't wish for a third war. I have been there and I don't want that to repeat for anyone..."

Looking at his mother's supporters who spoke first, Yzak nodded to her, "I agree to give them a deadline. We can halt the works at the lunar bases and return them if Earth Alliance do the same - return what they took from us at Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base. No more. No less. And definitely, no war."

She nodded slowly and some from the Patrick Zala-Ezalia Joule's camp, including the Moderate Faction followed after. There was a small amused smirk on her lips. She was sure Earth Alliance is not going to buy it. She was a smart one. All that he was spouting was just for show and she got it.

"We need to encourage them to respect the deadline." She added with certain calm, which Yzak found disturbing.

"Likely, Earth Alliance is to take it the same way as how they did to the proposed Diplomatic Resolution." She subtly reminded everyone how ineffective the proposal was and the disregard Earth Alliance have towards PLANTS.

Yzak stole a glance at her direction. Something tells him that she could be his mother's second-in-command, in secret. Although she was placed in the Moderate Faction, she was pushing for military intervention under the facade of deadline.

"If they don't meet our terms at our deadline, we deploy Ground Forces to the borders." The one who pointed out that deadline was a good cover-up, spoke.

"No deployments." Lacus cut in, voice laced with depleting patience. Frustration became evident at the Round Table.

"We need to be prepared,Chairwoman!"

"Have we not learnt our lesson from the recent war? The enemy fired at us even before the deadline was up. Many lives were lost because of that."

"I agree. We don't need to fire now but the people, especially our soldiers, need to know that we have the guns loaded and ready. Our people need to be assured that all of us ready."

Much to Lacus displeasure, each National Defense Committee started their military discussion at the Round Table.

"We should ready the Ground Corps. Put them on standby before we proceed to send the revised proposal which includes the deadline. History might just repeat itself."

"We should expect double the offensive. Ground Corps on standby is not good enough. And we have our Mass Driver on plain sight. That structure is enough to warrant triple the effort from them."

"The Mass Driver is under construction, not operational yet. Carpenteria and Gibraltar Base are still supported by Lagash Base."

Parcel Jerzak spoke again. "If I am Earth Alliance, I will make sure any possibility of refuel, resupply and backup is eliminated. Even if the Mass Driver is still under construction, I don't care."

As expected, the Representative of November City silenced everyone. "ZAFT has two major bases on Earth. ORB is a acquaintance, not a friend and certainly not an ally. ZAFT is on their own. I will take whatever opportunity available to make ZAFT feel trapped on Earth. Trapped in my territory, on the land that was supposed to be mine."

A stinging silence enveloped the entire room. It was harsh but it made sense. This is what they will do too. If ZAFT was the aggressor.

"Send a team of Red Coats to Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base each. Double the supplies accompanying them."

"No, two team of Red Coats for each base. If the revised proposal doesn't work, we are fighting within Earth's atmosphere. It's unpredictable down there. I rather have more than less."

"Send a team of Red Elites as insurance then."

"We should send those who have fought against Earth Alliance's elite team."

The atmosphere turned tensed. It was no ordinary elite team. Earth Alliance's elite soldiers were artificially enhanced humans developed by the political entity of the Naturals population. They were biological CPUs created to fight with same efficiency as Coordinators. The Extendeds. Those living instruments of war were responsible for the current number serving the frontline as pilots and gunners. Not many survived to speak of their encounter with Earth Alliance's elite team. Almost none except...

"Shinn Asuka."

"Right. The boy who fought with three of them and brought back one." Some of them fidgeted at the memory of Stella Loussier.

"Who else? I know there aren't many but there should be a handful."

"DEEP ARMS."

The platinum blonde quickly countered before his mind registered it, "Housenka is unfit for combat."

He sounded agitated and earned looks of curiosity from 12 pairs of eyes. Correction, 10 pairs of eyes. His mother's second-in-command has glint of amusement in her eyes, while Lacus was looking straight at him and seemingly deep in thoughts. Yzak didn't know which of the two women spell a bigger trouble. It doesn't need much intelligence to decipher the person known as 'Housenka' meant something to Terror of ZAFT.

"Who?" Someone asked.

The platinum blonde cleared his throat, "Major Hahnenfuss, she is the pilot of DEEP ARMS."

Some Supreme Council members directed their attention to Jordan Hahnenfuss.

"Your daughter joined ZAFT?"

"Or are we talking about a distant relative here?"

Yzak too, wanted to know how he was going to answer the question. The younger man knew the day will come sooner or later and it just did.

A couple of seconds pass by in awkward silence before a small laughter slipped from the interim Supreme Council member. "Shiho was adopted by my mother… I am not sure how or what label we should put on that," Jordan Hahnenfuss revealed calmly, and even had a small smile on his face the whole time, "but just as what Councilman Joule has shared, she is unwell. Unfit for combat."

He nodded to Yzak, leaving the platinum blonde speechless for a brief moment. How quick of him to push the attention back to him. Why did he not acknowledge that Shiho was a adopted daughter instead. Why answer the way he did? He conveniently pushed it to Madam Hahnenfuss.

"We need to send DEEP ARMS to Earth. She event took down the Sakura Burst."

"I agree. She is the most qualified of the lot. Two wars. Sakura Burst. I remember someone telling me she was fighting with her machine running empty."

"And yet she managed to get rid of three Earth Alliance's special units. We can have her to train or impart some tips or observations to Red Coats and Red Elites available for us round up and send down to Earth."

"She took two bullets meant for me, surely you have seen or heard the news." Yzak clipped through clenched teeth, staring daggers at the person who insisted on Shiho's deployment. The temperature dropped several degrees at his retort. Terror of ZAFT has just spoken.

Her deployment was out of question, professionally and personally. No one sends an 'Unfit for Combat' solder to field. Although she is currently at Lagash Base for recovery and safety reasons, he hoped his worst nightmare - the Headquarter using this arrangement as a means to keep them separated doesn't come true. One in space, one on Earth.

"We still have time from now till the submission of revised proposal. She should be better by then."

"DEEP ARMS can be the feature that enhanced the insurance plan. A rider or add-on in case of a situation we foresee unlikely happens."

"Let's retrofit the arsenals and flight pack for operation in Earth's atmosphere. It was stupid to use the gliders. The enemies were gunning for that the whole time. Our soldiers were sitting ducks when the gliders were shot down."

"Let's do that. Since the pilot is down, we can arrange for someone else to pilot DEEP ARMS. The machine can either front the fight or have it on standby as Carpenteria's back-up plan."

His hands clenched into fists with knuckles turning white. It was a dilemma. He didn't want Shiho to be deployed to field but at the same time, seeing her removed from her machine… Yzak didn't know which was worse.

Taking in the people in front of him, it struck Yzak. This could be what his mother had warned him about. With his current position, as an interim member in the National Defense Committee, and the Supreme Council, he has little or no might to flex against them. While he has crucial projects like the Mass Driver and the lunar bases as tools to garner the military's support, in situations like this - having the people be cared about used as chess pieces of a bigger game and he can't do anything to get them out, he was outnumbered and powerless against the other players.

What his mother said to him began replaying in his mind. "I hoped the day you feeling helpless and regretting not being in control won't come. Think about it, son."

Is this what you meant, Mom?

It's too soon… it's Shiho. She has no part in this.

Any of this.

She is just a soldier, a mobile suit pilot.

While the platinum blonde was stuck in his thoughts, the remaining members of the Nation Defense Committee nodded in agreement to what they have discussed. It will be built upon during the National Defense Committee meeting after this.

However, Lacus disagreed. "We will return the lunar bases to Earth Alliance, with no condition. This will be added to the Diplomatic Resolution, together with the deadline. No deployment of Ground Corps and others."

It divided everyone seated by the Round Table into 3 groups instantly.

The camp who ordered for ZAFT to engage Earth Alliance's Omni Enforcers in the past two wars with a snap of fingers. They rejected the Chairwoman's call to return the lunar bases.

The group behind Lacus Clyne, made up of loyal followers of the late Siegel Clyne. They strongly agreed with their leader's proposition.

And the group who remained silent in the midst of this heated Supreme Council meeting. Tad Elsman. Parnel Jersek. Jordan Hahnenfuss.

Amidst the chaos stemming from the heated discussion between the opposite camps, Jordan Hahnenfuss, who has been mostly quiet during the discussion by National Defense Committee, spoke up. "I agree with Councilman Joule's proposal. I highly doubt Earth Alliance will return the stolen territories at our offer to return their lunar bases."

"Those two lunar bases will make good replacement for our lost. Boaz Asteroid and Jachin Due." Parnel Jersek, the man who almost become Yzak's father-in-law spoke up, throwing a thick blanket of silence onto the Round Table.

Meeting everyone's gaze, he continued. "We lost those two lunar bases in past war. And Lorentz Crater is forgotten. It is about time we work on strengthening our presence in space."

Lacus was about to stop him at where he was when he raised hand with palms facing the Chairwoman in a silent but polite request to let him finish. "We can't pin our hopes on current diplomatic ties with them. ORB is a timebomb, with their rebuilt Heliopolis and the Island."

Silence dragged on at the Round Table. Parnel Jersek actually described ORB as unreliable. Best of all, he has voiced his confidence, lack of, in current diplomatic ties with the Neutral colony. That was, as good as saying all the diplomatic initiatives by Lacus was useless.

Parnel Jersek's next line drove his point home. "Athrun Zala is part of ORB's military now. Who knows Asimov Designs has handed over our blueprint to Mongonrete Inc."

Yzak shifted his attention to a supporter of his mother, who smiled at what Parnel Jersek said. If it wasn't for his reserved yet brutally honest reputation, anyone would think the Senior Supreme Council member was stirring shit. Serious shit.

Once Yzak has established his position among the Patrick Zala / Ezalia Joule camp, the next priority is to weed out supporters of the late Patrick Zala. He only need people who supports and loyal his mother and himself. The rest, especially those who are with the late Patrick Zala, have to stay out or be gone. He didn't need another Lacus Clyne, in the form of Athrun Zala.

Yzak didn't need Athrun Zala in the Supreme Council or chairing it. If it happens, it is going to be more problematic than his situation with the current Chairwoman. As he implied to Kira Yamato in a recent confrontation at the carpark, Lacus is not a threat or a slightest challenge to him. Her political influence was temporary and she has no direct military influence or might in her gasp to flex.

With Athrun Zala, it is different ballgame. He is the sole heir of Asimov Design, a third of the three manufacturing firms making up ZAFT's Integrated Design Bureau. Under the excuse of diversification, he can easily vetoed or snag the development projects based on Yzak's or any of the National Defense Committee ideas. He needs to keep Asimov Designs out of the picture. He need Athrun Zala to remain in ORB and stay there.

As of now, Yzak has key military projects in his hands. PLANTS' first and very own Mass Driver is a project helmed by Maius Militaries Industry. Throw in the transformation, aka weaponisation, of two Earth Alliance lunar bases and upgrade of ZAFT's Lorentz Crater, all three projects are likely placed under Martius Arsenals. With all of the mentioned, a significant portion of ZAFT's Space Forces fighting capability and a crucial structure of ZAFT's Ground Corps are in his hands, through both munition manufacturing firms that were his.

Asimov Designs can continue with rolling out mass-class ZAFT arsenals, and remain at the background. Come to think of it, it wasn't a bad deal - agreeing to help Athrun obtain an audience with the Princess.

Looking at Yzak, the Representative of November City continued, "Councilman Joule is right. We need to put our feet down this time. We need to correct Earth Alliance's regards towards PLANTS as a nation. If need be, we will teach them a lesson. Force them back into their place."

The platinum blonde nodded in agreement.

Tad Elthman stood up, with open palms. "Let's vote. Please raise your hands if you wish to continue with attempts for diplomatic resolution."

Lacus and the supporters of late Siegel Clyne raised their hand. That alone didn't account for half of the Supreme Council. Especially with Parnel Jersek, Tad Elthman, and Jordan Hahnenfuss not raising their hands.

Taking on the count, Tad Elthman cleared his throat. "Please raise your hands if you wish to have a deadline to diplomatic proposal, which will see the return of Daelus Base and Artemis Fortress upon return of stolen territories of Gibraltar and Carpenteria Base. Should the terms are not met upon deadline, weaponisation of the two lunar bases continues and deployment of Ground Corps, Red Coats and selected Red Elites at various borders."

For the second that follow after, it was clear to Yzak. Lacus was losing her footing, not just on the current situation but in the Supreme Council. This… could be an opening.

An opportunity to work towards a favourable situation for himself, to be less outnumbered, to be less powerless.

.

.

.

[Lagash Base, Pacific Ocean, Earth]

It started as a slow burn to her eyes as glow got brighter, becoming a clear view white ceiling with bright lights overhead.

"Finally! Welcome back to the living, Major Hahnenfuss." The chirpy tone, it sounded familiar but the voice sounded feminine.

Her hand came up to shield her eyes from the painful glare.

"Hmm, response is a little lagging. Could be the drugs..." the voice came again but the owner was nowhere to be seen.

In a sudden spike of adrenaline, she sat up right away and felt two intense pain pierced through her. The area between her left shoulder and her breast. Her voice, strangled with pain, drifted to her ears. Her throat was parched too.

Warm hands settled on her upper arms. "Hey there. Relax. You are safe." A feminine face appear before her, and as a reflex, each of her hands latched on the woman's wrist.

In a flash, the woman's hands were roughly removed from the brunette's upper arm. As soon as her brain registered what had happened, she was in an awkward position. Half of her were on the bed, held against Major Hahnenfuss in a death grip.

All she felt was numbing pain and herself going breathless. That's right, Major Hahnenfuss was holding her in a way that she was choking herself to death with her own crossed hands. All that happened without her batting an eye twice.

Nurses came running in and soon, officers too. Sheer horror written all over their faces.

"Where am I? Where's Yzak?"

Commander Frigore ran in and was visibly taken aback by the sight that greeted him. Shiho had the doctor in a death grip, by her own hands. Then again, the brunette has always been quick. With a quick inhale, he opened his palm and adopted a calm posture, walking slowly towards the bed. "Shiho. It's me, James. Remember? You were from my team."

"Commander Frigore." The brunette acknowledge but her death grip on Dearka Elthman's younger sister was not going anywhere he prefer. And the Supreme Council member's daughter's face was turning blue.

"Yes, it's me. You are safe. Let go of Dr Elthman now. She is your doctor and you are going to kill her."

The brunette gave her a once over before letting go of her with a rough shove, in an attempt to have the stranger as far away from her possible. She never like doctors.

She was gasping desperately for air while coughing violently as the nurses rushed to her side. No other officers move a slightest inch. Except Commander Frigore.

Shho eyes shifted to the approaching man sharply. "Elthman? She has the same family name-"

"Yes! I'm the little sister." The nurses helped her up and with a couple of coughs more, she was dusting herself. "I don't know if I should be glad that my brother doesn't talk much about me."

Guilt flashed across the doll-like face as the brunette took a good look at her. The blonde, Dr Elthman. Dearka's younger sister. She has the same hair colour as her second commanding officer and friend. Same wavy texture too.

Unlike Dearka, her eyes were bigger and rounder. It sparkles. Not to mention that she didn't even have the tanned complexion. She was fair, just like Shiho herself. Freckles dusted on her top of her cheeks. Her lips were in an easygoing smile.

Yeap, that smile and glint in her purple eyes. For someone who nearly got strangled to death someone, she manage the nerve to smile at her. Definitely Dearka's sister. Damn, her neck was still red from earlier.

"Are you breathing okay?" Shiho spoke quietly, eyes fixed on her friend's younger sibling.

She smiled and nodded, "but I will have to the look at those." Gesturing with a tilt of her head, Shiho followed the direction to see her white infirmary gown over her left shoulder was stained with blood.

Flashes of what happened began in replaying in her head. That's right, she was shot. Twice. It was meant for Yzak.

"I made it." Her thoughts slipped past her dry lips. When in Yzak's car, she was certain that she was going to die. She was bleeding out and Yzak was doing his best to apply pressure, while containing his fear. She saw it in his piercing blue eyes with unshed tears.

Her heart did a small flip at the memory. The Terror of ZAFT was almost reduced to tears. Because of her.

'Wait for me, Shiho.'

His words to her rang in her mind. He was with her.

"Where's Yzak" Again, it slipped. A frown appeared on Commander Frigore's otherwise calm face. "Is he alright? Was he hurt?" She couldn't be bothered with his expression. She wants answers. Shifting her attention to the doctor, who was opening a secured briefcase, she reached out and held into her wrist.

"You are not going to make me choke myself again, are you?"

Although she meant it as as a joke, Shiho was not in the mood for it. "I want answers."

Opening a sealed packet of bandages and bringing out a bottle of wound disinfectant, the doctor turned to look at Commander Frigore. "I need to look at her wounds. Do you mind leaving the room please? Locked it after you."

Shiho had an eyebrow raised, surprised by the doctor's rudeness to Commander Frigore.

The tall man nodded to Shiho, "you know where the emergency button is." A sarcastic snorting noise sounded from the doctor.

Okay, what was going on?

The blonde (doctor) began to draw the curtains surrounding her bed after Commander Frigore left and locked the door.

"You are under surveillance the moment they relocated you here. So these curtains are for your privacy." She sat in front of Shiho on the bed.

Opening her palms, the doctor smiled at the brunette. "I am going to loosen the knots along your back so you don't have to remove this thing you are wearing from bottom up. It will slipped down enough for me to close the wounds, alright?"

Shiho looked down the dark red patch that had gotten bigger. "Where is he? Is he hurt? I need to know he is safe. Those two shots were meant for him. Not me."

The doctor chuckled to herself. She sees why Mrs Joule likes the brunette, to the extent of assigning one of her doctors to look after her. Shiho Hahnenfuss' temperament poses a good challenge to Yzak. One that the younger Joule has no way of winning.

Come to think of it, it's hilarious. The mighty Terror of ZAFT is pacified by two women. One is his mother. Two is his third in Command. Ex-third in Command, plus, rumoured girlfriend. The Elthman sighed mentally. She pitied the two of them though. Their current situation was shit.

"Eyes on me or the curtain behind." She snapped her finger near her face, and got her attention instantly.

"Good." She beamed leaned forward, and looked past her shoulders.

"Safe." She spoke into Shiho's ear as she reaches over her shoulder to loosen the knots.

"Why are you here?" Shiho spoke softly, amidst the ruffles of bedsheets.

"The tiger has been caged but it doesn't mean it can't call for help. Especially when its cub is in danger. Any sane creature will never forget who the master of jungle is, much less to turn its back against it." A smile laced her words as she whispered.

Shiho felt her body easing up at the mention of Ezalia Joule. She was the tiger, the master of jungle. She maybe under House Arrest but not forgotten. Shiho remembered seeing officers and citizens sending their regards for Mrs Joule via Yzak, as he shook their hands and made his way down to the centre of Parade Square. To weave flowers onto the giant memorial wall, just before she got shot. Yzak was the tiger's cub.

The white infirmary gown slipped down to reveal the stick-on bandage below her left shoulder, on top of her left breast. It was soaked with her blood.

"Eyes on me, or the curtains behind." The doctor snapped her fingers again. Shiho knew the woman in front didn't want her to see the wounds and the possible scars.

"It's ok."

The doctor met her steady gaze and held one of Shiho's cold hands. "I heard my brother was behind the wheels. Yzak was doing his best to keep you alive…"

She gave her slightly warmed hands a gentle squeeze. "The bullets were removed. The wounds were sealed but the medical equipments were adequate for basic life-saving…" She didn't know if Shiho will freak out seeing the scarred tissue. It was a safe house, not a aesthetic clinic or hospital.

The brunette offered her a small smile. "He used a knife and heat it enough to burn the wound shut." In a flash, Shiho removed her stick-on bandage and looked at the reopened wound and the scarred tissue surrounding it.

The doctor gaped at her nonchalance and quick movement.

"That's what I will do too." Shiho added softly, almost like a whisper.

The younger Elthman sibling quickly recovered from the surprise and eyed the brunette intently, waiting for her to burst into tears or hysterics at the sight of the scarred tissue on her, otherwise, smooth and rosy skin. It was normal for wounded officers, especially the females. However, the brunette in front of her was surprisingly calm.

Realising the brunette in front of her was not going to react like many others would, she offered a comforting smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand again. "You can remove the scars once they have fully healed."

Goodness, her hands are cold. There was just just a tiny hint of warmth in them.

"Yzak got the scar across his face removed too."

The brunette nodded, before looking straight into her eyes. "You know him way back?"

It took the doctor a few seconds to regain from the surprise change on topic. Afterall, she was referring to her boss' son by first name. Casual much.

"Yes. I grew up playing with those two." She revealed with a toothy grin, as she lets go of her hand reach out for the disinfectant.

"If you are up for it, I can share a story or two about their 'heydays'." She winked, trying to distract the smiling brunette from the impending sting of the disinfectant. "I can assure you, he didn't pick up my brother's playboy ways."

The brunette's doe eyes lit up with interest. "Really? I can imagine Dearka at those, you know, wild high school parties." Shiho raised her eyebrows to emphasise what she meant, causing the doctor to burst into laughter. The impression she has of her brother. "No, not those. My brother likes women too much but not crazy enough to be at those parties."

Shiho laughed a little with her.

"Yzak is more grounded when it comes to such stuff... I don't know about the period of time after he broke off his engagement, but it doesn't matter now. It was before you came along. I can tell he actually liked Brenda but she did that to him. Seriously, what a bitch."

Sharp silence enveloped the room immediately and there was an underlying wave of tension rolling off the brunette in front of her. The disinfectant-soaked medical swab touched the wounds and there was silence. Not even a hiss from her. Just pursed lips and slight frown.

Wait, did she say something wrong? Oh no. Could it be that she doesn't know Yzak was engaged before?

Aren't the both of them dating? Oh shit! Perhaps, they haven't reached the stage where Yzak come clean with her on his past. Double shit.

"He… he's engaged?" Shiho asked.

Fxck.. The doctor looked at her wide-eyed with her lips pursed into a thin line. She look liked a deer caught by the car's headlight.

"Brenda? As in Brenda Jersek, the daughter of November City Representative, Stephen Jersek?" Shiho probed, eyes watching the doctor's reaction intently.

Her heart stopped for a moment before it sank. She was in love with an engaged man. She didn't which was worse. Looking at him from a distance with a quiet voice pinning he would someday noticed. Or knowing there was someone waiting on him, that he was taken. And that someone was a show-stopping beauty.

Brenda Jersek had Irish roots, as shown by her flaming orange-red hair, fair rosy complexion and beautiful sultry green eyes with hint of blue and purple. She came from a family of old money, helmed from a longstanding global chain of prestigious hotels and resorts.

"No and yes." The doctor started, fidgeting a bit. "No because he WAS engaged. Past tense here. Yes, it WAS the Brenda. Brenda Jersek."

The doctor discarded medical swab and reached for another, soaking it with disinfectant again and returned to cleaning the wounds, "does it matter to you? Are you bothered that he was once engaged?"

The questions took Shiho by surprise and she arched an eyebrow at the blonde in front of her.

The doctor shrugged, "I'm just being curious here. I mean, he has you now but looking at your reaction earlier, you are unaware of his past. Do you mind that he was engaged?"

The brunette had her gaze lingering on the woman in front of her for a couple of seconds. Making friends has never been her forte. Cordial, was the best she could managed when she's with comrades and colleagues. She always keep a distance. A professional boundary. The woman in front of her will be taking care of her. It will be awkward if she doesn't at least remain conversational with her.

"I'm in no position to mind about his past." She offered a small smile. The doctor looked at her in bewilderment, "what a way to put it."

She reached out for a patch and began to remove a flimsy frosted sheet. "I can't seal the wound like how Yzak did again. You will have to go slow, take a break and give your skin some time to patch itself back together. And this is going to help your skin do that."

With absolute focus and caution, she positioned, then applied the thin sheet over the wound and surrounding skin, ensuring the thin sheet adhere firmly on the skin.

"In the meantime, get as much rest as you can."

The brunette nodded as the doctor leaned over her shoulder again to tighten the knots and have the gown covering her chest as before. "How do I address you?"

The blonde settled back on the bed in front of Shiho with a bright smile. "I'm Dahlia, named after a flower." She extended a hand to the brunette for a handshake, causing a chuckle to slip.

"Do you have to be that formal?"

The younger Elthman nodded with toothy grin, "we didn't start right. You were choking me, remember?"

Shiho shook her head as she took her hand, "you are never going to let that rest, are you?"

A familiar mischievous glint twinkled in Dahlia's eyes. "Hmm. Let's see."

Both women laughed but they were disrupted by a loud knock on the door.

Shiho's face fell into a poker face, while Dahlia immediately stood up and took a last look to make sure her patient's gown is secure, before pulling back the blue curtains and head towards the door.

Her lavender eyes widened in puzzlement at the sight of armed ZAFT officers waiting outside.

"What is going on here?" She clipped, voice completely devoid of the light hearted, cheery tone.

The group of armed officers entered the room just as Shiho got down the bed and walked to Dahlia. "Major Hahnenfuss has been deployed to Carpenteria Base. We are here to escort her there." The armed officer leading the group clipped.

Dahlia had a dark look on her face, implying how ridiculous it sounds. It was true. She was nursing two bullet wounds, also known as Unfit For Combat. Why the hell was she deployed now? To Carpenteria Base, no less. The ZAFT base where PLANTS' very first Mass Driver is currently being constructed. The place where PLANTS and Earth Alliance are having territorial disputes. One that has everyone at the edge of their seat and holding their breath. A wrong move from either side and there will be a Third PLANTS-ALLIANCE war. If the Headquarters are deploying her there now and in such a condition, it only means one thing.

"Did the territorial dispute with Earth Alliance escalated?" Shiho asked the officer. She knew the gist of it, and that's about it.

If she is being deployed to Carpenteria now, with the upgraded DEEP ARMS, it only meant one thing. Shit is about to happen. Again.

"I need you to comply, Major Hahnenfuss. It is a direct order from Chairwoman Clyne." The officer did not respond to her question. Instead, his reply triggered a line of curse words from Dahlia.

Pulling out a sleek mobile phone, the doctor shot officers death stare. "Don't touch her."

Gesturing with the mobile phone in her hand, she grabbed Shiho by her wrist and walked over to another end of the room. She dialled a familiar number. She was calling Yzak.

As soon as the dial tone started, Shiho stood very close to the blonde. Their body was almost touching. She wanted to hear his voice. She need to see it or hear it for herself that he is safe and sound. Thankfully, Dahlia didn't mind the intrusion of her personal space.

"Dahlia." He picked up at the second ring. "Is she awake? How is she?" Shiho felt her heart skipped a beat at his voice. His anxious questions brought a wave of relief and soothing warmth over her. He sounded fine.

"Yes, she's awake but-"

"Make sure you keep her warm. Grab a bomber from the uniform department, if you have to. Did you prepare a stash of sugary food that I told you about yesterday?"

A smile crept up her face. She didn't know those little words was capable of making her feel better. Almost giddy.

"Yes, this is not why I am calling. Let me finish." Dahlia clipped in in a hushed tone, stealing glances at the armed officers who were still standing there.

"What is it? Is she alright? Can I talk to her? I want to speak with her."

"There is a direct order from the Chairwoman. Major Hahnenfuss is being deployed to Carpenteria Base." Dahlia cut him off only to be interrupted again. "FXCK."

"I am staring at a group of armed ZAFT escorts. They are going to move Major now. They are not leaving without her."

"That b-."

"Dude." Dahlia said calmly, even though the frown on her face was screaming impatience. "What on Earth is going on? Why the fxck would an injured be deployed? To Carpenteria Base nonetheless."

Her words earned a surprised look from Shiho. She just called him 'dude' and used swear word. For a moment, Shiho thought Dearka was with her.

"Can I speak with her?"

"Make it quick. All eyes on us." Dahlia clipped and handed the mobile phone to the eavesdropping brunette.

"Hello?" She spoke, unsure whether to address him by his name, his rank or him being a Supreme Council member.

"Shiho?" Genuine surprise in his voice, as he exhaled a breath of relief.

"Look," it was his turn to sound uncertain. Something in her, after knowing Yzak for all while, told her the situation was either very complicated or screwed up beyond recognition. The platinum blonde broke bad news as if it was his daily conversations.

"I'm sorry, Housenka…" His voice was so small, almost like a whisper. Her heart stopped as the thought struck her. Maybe Yzak changed his mind after all. It was not surprising. The media was on her. She became an overnight headliner when she was spotted with Yzak during the team outing. Her taking the bullet, two in fact, would not make the media glare any dimmer. Perhaps, all the media attention was affecting his chances to complete the term successfully.

"You don't have to say anything. I saw it coming." Her voice hardened into a frosty clipped tone she was infamous for, with every word.

"What?" A very confused Yzak sounded across the phone. When it finally clicked, he sounded pissed. "No, Shiho. That's not what I meant. I-"

"It's okay, don't worry about it."

"No, woman." He cut her off, exasperation and anger was thick in his words. "No. No. NO!"

"Look, Joule."

"Woman! Please. Let. Me. Finish." With that tone, the brunette unknowingly pursed her lips into a tight line.

"I'm sorry for all these. You getting shot. The horrible handiwork. The media." He started, the anger dissipated but was quickly replaced with an exhausted sounding Yzak. "I'm sorry that you are stuck on Earth now. LAGASH Base, to be exact."

Shiho felt her entire body went rigid. It felt as though someone poured a bucket of ice and she went numbed from the sudden wave of skin-biting cold.

She was on Earth. No. The Headquarter did it. The Headquarter fxcking separated them.

It shouldn't be a surprise to her, but for unknown reason, she was shocked. It wasn't just a usual practice of transfer one of the two soldiers into a different team but still within the same battalion, either the Space Forces or the Ground Corps.

In case of Yzak and her, it felt as though they were separated for good. She is on Earth now, while Yzak…

"You are in space." Utter shock were the words to describe how she sounded.

"I will visit whenever I can."

When there was only silence, Yzak sighed. She has always been unpredictable and keeps all the cards to herself. "Promise me that you will listen to Dahlia. She is one of my mom's personal doctors. She is going to make sure you recover and remain safe."

"Why?" Shiho asked immediately, "I can take care of myself."

"Dahlia is going to make sure you are not going into the battlefield. Not by anyone's command."

"Who will be my commanding officer now?"

An exasperated breath slipped. "Frigore."

"No wonder he was here earlier."

Yzak chose not to comment further on that scum. Frigore better not touch Shiho or he swears he is going to make sure he send the entire Frigore clan to hell.

Shiho glanced over to the blonde who had her arms folded and staring daggers on the group of armed officers. They were starting to get fidgety. It made sense. Dahlia appeared to be a doctor. If a doctor ruled an officer unfit for combat, no one can do anything about it. However, she was one of Ezalia's people.

Should Shiho feel relief that a staff of Ezalia Joule is here to take care of her? At the moment, the brunette couldn't wrap her head around the situation. Why was she involved?

More importantly, how did Ezalia managed to get Dahlia in here? Wasn't Ezalia forced into retirement? Wasn't this Lacus' reign now?

The million-dollar question was why Lacus ordered for her deployment to Carpenteria Base?

A frustrated breath sounded, making her realised that she has spoken her thoughts out loud.

"Shiho, will you promise me another thing?"

"What is it?"

"Wait for me."

Was she hearing right? Did Yzak just…?

"I will go over whenever I can but I need you to be in on this too. If I didn't make it clear enough the last time, I am putting it all out here. We are going make this work. I want to. Will you let me?"

She stared at the white spotless floor in front of her. She had been crushing on him for the longest time. She tried forgetting about him. She tried to push him away. In the end, it wasn't just a crush. It became something else, something bigger and Yzak felt the same, even though he took a long time to meet tried everything except this. She had never expected this to happen.

Both of them were already separated, and he didn't use it as a convenient excuse. All was left with him finding out about her background. Until then…

"Okay."

A very audible exhale of relief drifted to her ears.

Unknowingly, a small laugh slipped past her lips, earning a bewildered yet amused look from Dahlia. She can't help it, she was tickled to know the Terror of ZAFT was tensed over such a thing. He was holding his breath because of her and the truth felt… good, refreshing and she liked it.

"This is her phone…" Shiho started, wondering in her mind how she was going to keep in contact with Yzak while being on Earth, in a new team.

"She will pass you another micro-card, put that into your phone right away. And you can call me anytime. I will call you too."

The brunette nodded silently.

"If anything, I mean any damn thing, go to Dahlia or call me straight away, okay? If Dahlia is not in or I am not picking up, call my mom. She was the one who send Dahlia over. She is the best person to get you out." It didn't help her feel better. In fact, it made her feel more uneasy about her situation and being deployed to Carpenteria Base.

What has Ezalia got to with all these?

Why would Lacus ordered for her deployment?

Why the fuck would an injured be deployed? She was unfit for combat at the moment. Unless…

Shiho shook her head before the thought flashed in her mind. Lacus was either desperate or she intended for her to be a Plan B. Then again, it's ridiculous to use her as a Plan B against who? Yzak? Ezalia? It doesn't make any sense.

"Do you know why Lacus called for my deployment?" She asked.

A brief silence on the other end before Yzak spoke. It felt as though he was hesitating. "Don't pay attention to the people at Carpenteria Base. Not Frigore even." Funny, his tone took a heated turn whenever he speaks of Commander Frigore's.

"Dahlia will make sure you don't step into the battlefield. Can you promise me that you will listen to her?"

The brunette shifted her line of sight to Dearka's little sister. Why Dahlia? Why Yzak was so adamant about keeping her away from the frontline? Why did he not answer to her question about Lacus?

"I need you to be safe, Housenka. I need to know that you are safe." Yzak urged, worry and exhaustion in his voice. Hearing him like this made her wanted to hug him. She missed having him beside her already.

"Okay, I promise." She will grill him for answers another day.

"I will see you soon, promise. Stay safe, Housenka."

"See you soon…" She said softly, reluctance laid heavily on her heart. She didn't want to hang up. Hearing his voice over the phone reminded her of the huge distance between them. Although it was crystal clear but it still sounded a tinge different. She can't wait to see him again.

.

.

.

[Aprilius One, PLANTS]

"The chances of her being deployed is high. Why did you do that?" Kira spoke as soon as the door slid shut behind him.

The pink haired woman did not spare him a glance as she made her way across the office to her work desk.

"She is nursing two bullet wounds…" Kira continued, anger and worry flowing fast through his veins. He doesn't know Shiho personally except for the fact that she was a childhood friend of Lacus.

Given that, he was in shock that the woman who had her back to him, would do that to her friend. She ordered for an immediate deployment of a wounded soldier, unfit for combat, to the very place where the third war is likely to happen.

"I thought the both of you were friends." The male added.

She turned around and sat on the leather chair. Meeting his gaze, she clasped her fingers together and inhaled. "I know she was is hurt but the chances of her being deployed is close to none."

A frown, stemmed from anger and confusion, crumpled Kira's boyish face. "What are you talking about?"

"She won't be deployed." Lacus spoke quietly, "because Ezalia's doctor will ensure that never happens."

The frown on Kira's morphed into something darker at the mention of a familiar names. One who does not sits well with him. She was too powerful, and too dangerous. "She is under House Arrest and how did she-"

A small sarcastic smile appeared, "that is what she wants everyone to think… She sent one of her personal doctor to attend to her, even before ZAFT could confirm the location of three of them. And the doctor is with her in Lagash Base now."

A beep sounded from the phone on her desk before a voice message was announced. "Chairwoman, Councilman Joule is here. Would you like me to schedule for another day? It is not in today's list."

The look on Kira's face changed into one of panic. "What are you going to do about it? He is coming for you." The soldier recalled a recent conversation with the platinum blonde. Yzak wasn't just passing a threat. He meant what he said. He wouldn't take it personally if her intention isn't.

Kira may not be a politician but if this leaks, it doesn't take much intelligence for anyone to conclude that Lacua was holding Shiho hostage. She was warning Yzak not to act against her. The brunette's deployment to Carpenteria Base in her current condition spoke volume. Frankly, Kira has yet to come to terms with what happened. He couldn't stomach that Lacus did it.

The door slid open and the voice of Lacus' anxious sounding secretary drifted in. "Councilman Joule, there isn't a scheduled meeting-" And there came the voice of someone he was dreading to see or be in the presence of. He feared for his significant other.

"That's why I said it is urgent, Ms Fairweather. Urgent never runs on schedule."

A dark, brooding aura filled the room as sound of footsteps grew louder. "It is the same as surprises. Both of them never runs on schedule, and you never see them coming."

At the corner of his sight, Yzak stopped an arm's length from him. He was in his white ZAFT uniform, instead of this Supreme Council attire. Right, the National Defense Committee called for an urgent meeting. "Am I right, Chairwoman Clyne?"

Lacus offered him one of her signature smile before directing it to her panicking secretary. "It's alright, Ms Fairweather. You may leave, thank you."

The petite woman nodded and scurried out of the office in no time. At the next second, Yzak directed his attention to Kira. The latter was resisting the urge to take a step back as their eyes met. Unspoken depth of murderous rage was swimming in the platinum blonde's piercing blue eyes. And the smile he had would put the one of a psychopath to shame.

"Do you mind if I speak with my boss in private?"

It wasn't question. The look in his eyes and how clipped his tone was, Yzak was telling him to leave. It felt like he was staring into the eyes of a very pissed wild animal. The rage in his piercing blue eyes was almost feral.

"You interrupted my meeting with Chairwoman." Kira scowled, disregarding his racing heart. He wasn't leaving Lacus alone with him.

Yzak nodded and placed his hands into the pockets of his pants. His posture became laid back but Kira knows better.

"I learnt that Phase 2 of DEEP ARMS has been assigned to Commander Frigore, so is the pilot." The platinum blonde started, ignoring Kira completely.

"Yes." Lacus started with a smile, holding his intense gaze. "Good job with Phase 1, Commander Joule. We did not foresee the project will proceed to Phase 2 this soon."

"Are you going to say that you did not foresee DEEP ARMS' demise when the tension with Earth Alliance escalate into the Third War?" Yzak asked as he took one step closer towards Lacus. Kira mirrored, eyes going back and forth between the platinum blonde's hand in pockets and the scary smile on his face.

He was afraid the man will pull a gun out. After all, he heard that Yzak Joule pointed the gun at Dearka during the First War. Don't mess with Yzak Joule. Son of Ezalia Joule. That was came to mind when Kira heard about it. It takes great anger to point a gun at your friend. He knew how it felt and what drove to him to make that move. He didn't want that to happen between him and Athrun ever again.

"Talking about foresight, you need to improve on yours, Commander Joule." Lacus spoke, in complete disregard of what he had asked.

"If she doesn't make it back from her deployment, it is all on you. Chairwoman Clyne. Childhood friend of Shiho Hahnenfuss."

The smile on her face only grew wider, "unfortunately, that will be Dr Elthman's fault. It is her job to make sure Major Hahnenfuss, a soldier who was injured, does not participate in her current condition. I was only doing what the Supreme Council voted, sending soldiers who have fought with Earth Alliance's elite team to Earth. And that happened to include Major Hahnenfuss."

Yzak wasn't be surprised that Lacus knew about it. After all, she chairs the National Defense Committee, which also oversees ZAFT through the Headquarter and the National Defense Committee. However, her calmness got to him. She should be pissed, least to say. Frankly speaking, she should be offended.

"Let me remind you the meeting ended up in this direction because of what you have implied, Councilman Joule."

His mother has absolutely no regards for Lacus as the leader. There were still many questions running in his head as to how she got Dahlia in with zero resistance. At first, he presumed Dahlia was on the way to the safe house. After the encounter with Covert Ops, Yzak did not expect Dahlia to turn up at Lagash Base. He thought Dearka was spouting nonsense and it was impossible. Apparently, he was mistaken.

His mother never ceases to amaze him but this time, she might have just blow her cover of being someone who was under House Arrest and forced into retirement. Supposed stripped of power. All because no one will be able to do what she did in the same circumstance.

His mother was never one who made such mistake. She must have calculated the risk and repercussions. If so, why did she went ahead with it? He was aware that Lacus severely lacks in military might to flex as compared to him. However, is she that insignificant in his mother's eyes?

"That is also why Mrs Joule sent her, isn't it?" There it was. Undercurrent of anger in her voice.

"To babysit her potential daughter-in-law, so her son can focus on preparing for the upcoming election and become an elected, full-time Supreme Council member."

"There is no chance of it happening if you did not call for the Covert Ops. It was unnecessary on all counts." Yzak retorted through gritted teeth. She just have to remind him of the incident and how he was treated. As if he was a terrorist or the colony's most wanted man. It was uncalled for and insulting.

"Funny how you couldn't ensure the security at the venue and became so concerned about Major Hahnenfuss' safety when she was me and Dearka. Her commanding officers, nonetheless." He added with sarcasm dripping off every word.

"None of this would have happened if you had not continue the upgrade of Artemis Fortress and Daedalus Base." She replied in a matter of fact tone, the irritating smile still on her face.

"They were handed over to me after I took over Mrs Joule's position. The upgrading project has already been signed off by the time Chairman Dullindal took over from Chairman Zala."

"You could have call it off. The lunar bases were not ours to begin with!" A frown appeared, while the smile which irks Yzak so much crumbled.

"You were somewhere else when the Le Creuset team arrived at their doorstep. Earth Alliance did not put up a fight, it was almost as though the lunar bases has written been off."

Before Lacus could retort, Yzak continued, throwing questions which the new leader of PLANTS could not answer.

"Have you seen the state of ZAFT after the First War? Have you seen what has become of ZAFT after the recent war?"

"You may have fought in both wars but you were never fighting as a member of ZAFT. You have absolutely no idea about what is going on at the ground. The situations faced by Commanding Officers of both Ground Corps and Space Forces, regardless of their base."

"If I have to put it across frankly, the supply schedule and process down on Earth is shit. You have no clue on how tedious the whole supply process is in order to keep Lagash Base a secret, while maintaining the presence of PLANTS and ZAFT on earth, via Carpenteria and Gibraltar Base." Yzak spoke hotly, disregarding the ranks. He needed to get it out of his chest. Lacus doesn't deserve to be a leader if she is so hung up about what she thinks is right instead of taking a good look at what was happening on ground and solving them. The soldiers can't put up a good fight when they are not taken care off. Operationally, besides welfare.

"People like you only know how to talk and preach. When shit happens, all the dirty work has to be done by hands-on people like me. I am perfectly fine with being that, because I had opportunity to experience the shit that others went through. I am going to set things right whether you liked it or not."

Yzak made his way to Lacus, only the desk separates them now. "I gave my word to Kira Yamato that I will remain in my space as long as you do the same. Let me make this clear to you now. In case he didn't relay it to you."

Kira quickly moved to the pink-haired woman's side. He was very tempted to hit backup emergency button nearby.

"I ask for you to reconsider about deploying Major Hahnenfuss to Carpenteria Base."

With that, he turned around and walked towards the door. He hoped Lacus will revoke that order. Even if Shiho remains in Lagash Base, and means he needs to shuttle between space and earth to see her, he was fine with it. As long as she doesn't set foot on Carpenteria and Gibraltar Base, the locations where ZAFT will meet Earth Alliance face on once the deadline is up or when Earth Alliance decided to take ZAFT's bases.

Sending Dahlia to look after Shiho was just a stop-gap measure, the most his mother could do for him. The Headquarter will definitely deploy her to the frontline, it was just a matter of time and she can't remain injured forever.

However, something tells him it was more practical to work out a visitation schedule and run for the elections. Rather than trying to get Lacus to change her mind. Although he have a private shuttle of his own but without the Mass Driver, it is still a hassle. A long bumpy haul in between.

He can't wait for the Mass Driver to be completed.

He can't wait to see Shiho.

He missed her already.

.

.

.

[Carpenteria Base, EARTH]

She can't sleep. Her wounds stung with every movement. Her upper half is stiff and aching.

This is not her room. This is not the one she have been sleeping in throughout the previous war. It doesn't smell like hers. It smelled of disinfectant and fresh laundry. Her new uniforms.

'FRIGORE TEAM' greeted her line of sight.

The new label on the sleeve of the Red uniform reminded her of a fact she has yet to register. She was assigned back to her original team, led by Commander James Frigore.

No questioning. No meeting with Disciplinary Committee of ZAFT. No notice. Here she was, on Earth, in Carpenteria Base.

Something tells her the injury was a convenient excuse for the Headquarter to separate her and Yzak.

However, the rationale part of her refused to buy it. The Headquarter couldn't have believe what the media was portraying about her and Yzak. If this happens after the usual protocol, it wouldn't be bugging her this much.

Then it came back to her. The encounter with armed ZAFT escorts and her phone call with Yzak.

Why did Lacus ordered for her deployment to Carpenteria Base? Wasn't she aware that she was shot and unable to participate until further notice?

The brunette sat up in frustration, winching at the sharp burn from her wounds.

After the brief phone call, she hasn't spoke to Yzak and Dahlia was nowhere to be seen. They were separated the moment they exited the hangar. She was escorted away with a group of armed ZAFT officers. Despite the reassuring yet defiant smile on Dahlia's face, Shiho was worried about her 'babysitter'. Glancing at the digital clock, it was almost 11pm.

It has been 4 hours. Was Dahlia alright?

Although both of them just met, Dahlia was exactly like Dearka. A live wire. She was talking and joking so much that Shiho forgot about the situation she was in and bumpy transfer to Carpenteria Base.

According to Yzak, Dahlia was supposed to ensure her recovery and yet, keep her out of the battlefield. Shiho is to listen to her. Dahlia was supposed to be with her at all times.

The worry in her spiked. Something was seriously off. It doesn't make any sense.

Why would an injured officer be ordered into a battlefield? Is PLANTS and Earth Alliance already at war with each other?

Everything seems quiet when she arrived, even though there is a tangible tension and anxiety in the air.

Why the need for a doctor to prevent her participation in the battlefield? There is a protocol to abide to when it comes to sending injured soldiers to the battlefield. It has to be on an absolute voluntary basis, from the injured soldier.

And of all people, why a doctor of Ezalia Joule? Did something happen to Yzak? Otherwise, Shiho couldn't think of a better reason for Ezalia to make a move. One of such… Shiho couldn't find the right word.

It is Lacus Clyne's reign now. Ezalia Joule, who was wildly speculated to take over Patrick Zala, was supposed to be retired, under House Arrest. She was stripped of all responsibilities and authority over matters under her jurisdiction and positions she once held.

It was as if Ezalia Joule strolled back into a land that was once hers, through the front doors with zero regards for the current owner, Lacus.

Wouldn't there be repercussions? How will Lacus respond?

Most importantly, what triggered such an unexpected and seemingly impossible move? From someone who was supposed to be a prisoner.

Shiho was about to reach for her phone only to realise she has yet to receive the micro-card from Dahlia. All because she was missing.

A couple of hisses of pain slipped from her lips as she changed out of her pyjamas. She didn't know what was happening or going to happen but if Ezalia sent one of her own to look after her and Yzak made her promise to listen to this doctor, it means one thing only.

Either she was in trouble or Yzak is.

Searching through the kit given to her together with her uniform, she realised the ever-handy Swiss Army Knife was missing. Strange, everyone was provided one. That didn't help ease the adrenaline and worry pumping through her veins.

Going back to the kit, she took out a toothbrush. Holding it between her hands, she tried to break it into two in one ago. A strangled cry of pain echoed through the room, followed by the sound of toothbrush hitting the floor. but dropped it immediately at the sharp pain that stabbed her.

Taking in deep breath through gritted teeth, the brunette bent over to pick up the toothbrush. If shit really happens, the bullet wounds are going to be her Achilles' Heel. She will have to make do with the rounded tip of the toothbrush then. Otherwise, the broken ends should be sharp enough to kill someone. If she was quick and forceful enough, at the right place, and at the right time.

If they aren't going to give her the tools, she will make her own. No, she will find some tools for herself. The image of a ordinary cutlery knife flashed across her mind. That's right, she will need to make a stop at the pantry.

A distant memory began playing, bringing the corners of her lips upwards in a slanted smile. That's right. She sustained a minor cut and didn't want to go into infirmary, which was full of soldiers who needed medical attention more than her. She was able to manage on her own but Yzak noticed and had helped bandaged her.

Unlike now, Yzak is in space while she is here on Earth. Wounded. Alone.

Her heart fell and the smile disappeared instantly. Her chest tightened uncontrollably as a suffocating ache held her heart in a death grip.

Refusing to acknowledge the depressing emotion, its heavy weight on her chest, the sudden sting in her eyes, she made her way where her uniforms and garments were hung and packed.

A freshly-pressed Red uniform came to view. It was a familiar and new sight all together. She recognised the colour and top. However, everything else from the sleeve and below are foreign to her. Her insignia of the Balsam flower was nowhere to be seen. The position where 'JOULE TEAM' patch was ironed onto, was now covered with 'FRIGORE TEAM'. Not too long ago, she had red pants as part of her uniform. Now, she is looking at skirt of a matching shade of red to the top which she has yet to register as her uniform.

Running her fingers over the sleeve and down the skirt, the emotion constricting her chest and causing her vision to blur returned.

She was no longer in space. She was no long part of the Space Forces. She was no longer part of the JOULE TEAM.

The beep from her digital wrist watch broke her depressing train of thoughts. It was 11pm.

Shiho quickly secured the zipper of the black one-piece she wore, which fashioned after a technician or engineer's green uniform, but was meant for Red Coats in Ground Corps during their off duty hours. The red uniform was meant for duty hours only. With Earth's unpredictable weather and climate temperature, it also was easier to throw on a ZAFT bomber jacket over the black one-piece than overlaying the red uniform.

The thicker material of the red uniform kept her slightly warm and prevent her skin from becoming too dry, since the atmosphere was different in space. Regardless of the extent of environment conditioning in the battleship and base. It was much colder and very dry in Space Forces' battleships and base.

Checking the toothbrush was well concealed yet easily accessed by her hand, she exited her room and made her way to cafeteria.

If her transfer to Frigore Team was under a different circumstance, she would take in these familiar looking hallways leisurely in a stroll. Unfortunately, she was in a hurry to secure her personal 'Swiss-army Knife' and locate her doctor.

She really hoped Dearka's younger sister was fine. Otherwise, she don't know how to face her friend. If shit happens, Dahlia was hurt because she was looking after Shiho. The brunette doesn't need this on her conscience.

"Major Hahnenfuss?" An unfamiliar voice drifted to her ear, bringing her to an abrupt halt. A male black-haired Red Coat greeted her line of sight as she turned around. A quick glance to his family name and indication of his rank on upper left of his uniform.

"Asuka." Her voice was cold and firm. No doubt her infamous poker face was on. Nothing personal against the Red Coat in front of her, but she hoped her stoic expression send him running with his tail between his legs. She need to get her cutlery knife and find Dahlia!

"You are here too." He spoke, a hint of disbelief lacing his words. However, it doesn't match with the look on his face. He looked as though he was looking at an old friend. Concealed happiness and lost for words.

Does she know him? They have never acquainted in the past. She only heard about him, about his skills as a pilot and being the person who brought proof regarding Earth Alliance's project involving the development of biological CPUs.

"I don't recall we were acquainted from before." Her cold, almost monotonous voice rang in her ear. Now is really not the time.

"That's a surprise. I thought Red Elites knew one another, given the small number of you around." A familiar voice sounded from behind her, accompanied by footsteps.

Doing a half turn, a familiar figure stopped an arm's length away from her. Dahlia was following behind with 2 big duffle bags.

"Sir." Both Asuka and her saluted to Commander Frigore. Funny how he was her commanding officer after graduation, after the First PLANTS-Alliance War and now, after Second PLANTS-Alliance War.

What Yzak spoke over the phone earlier rang clearly in her head. "Dahlia is going to make sure you are not going into the battlefield. Not by anyone's command."

James Frigore nodded with small smile, putting both soldiers at ease. He shifted his attention to black-haired Red Coat. "Good to finally meet with you, Asuka."

"Thank you, sir."

"This may be a temporary team and assignment for you, but please do give us your best."

"I will, sir."

"Good. Major Hahnenfuss may need to refresh her memory about operating on Earth but feel free to seek her advice. She is one of our best, regardless of having a glider or not." James Frigore directed the small smile to the brunette. "before the Spaces Forces borrowed her and decided not to return her to Ground Corps."

The woman in black kept quiet. She didn't know how she should take that comment. Meanwhile, Dahlia was not hiding back her dislike for the Commander. She was burning holes through the back of his head with her eyes.

As soon as he realised there was not going to be a reply from her, he spoke again. "It's good to have u back, Major Hahnenfuss."

Dahlia rolled her eyes while Shiho nodded. "Thank you." She was supposed to say something along the line 'Yes, it is good to be back' but she couldn't find it in herself to say it or come up with something similar.

The transfer was too sudden and she had many questions unanswered to feel comfortable. Her only link to all she has gotten used to and grew comfortable was standing behind James Frigore.

Dahlia Elthman. Younger sister of Dearka Elthman. Daughter of Tad Elthman. Personal Doctor of Ezalia Joule. Wait. How did an Elthman come under employment of the Joules? Ezalia Joule. It doesn't make sense.

"You must be tired from the transfer." James Frigore started, throwing a glance to Dahlia who immediately meet his gaze squarely. Or rather, defiantly.

"I will let Dr Elthman join you on the way back to your room. Both of you will share the room, as requested."

The brunette almost arched an eyebrow at the dip in tone and the dirty look he gave to Dahlia at the last sentence. She don't remembered the man in front of her to be like this... almost like a weasel... almost... petty.

James Frigore feels like a different person now. It was as thought she knew him based on physical appearance but everything else felt different. What had happened?

She need to speak to Dahlia alone. Out of everyone's earshot and it includes all the security camera and surveillance equipment implanted everywhere in the common areas.

"No." The word left her lips before her mind registered it. Three pairs of widened eyes looking at her now.

"I would like to take a look at DEEP ARMS before I retire for the day." She quickly added, holding Dahlia's gaze which holds a hint of bewilderment. James Frigore may have caught a whiff of her intention as he took a second to look at her before smiling again. "Sure, let me walk you."

The brunette quickly side-stepped pass him and grabbed one of the big duffle bags which Dahlia was struggling to keep within the gasp of her hands. A sharp pain tore through her entire being. She clenched her teeth and jaw to prevent hissing at the sudden stab of excruciating pain.

Shit, she was using her master hand, the side where she has two bullet wounds. Fuxk.

Dahlia seemed to register what happen and her eyes widened in shock. Those purple orbs were almost the size of saucers. If it was just the two of them and she wasn't in pain, she would laugh at her expression.

Before she could speak a word or move, Shiho placed her free hand on her shoulder and offered a tight-lipped smile.

Turning around, she gave James Frigore a quick salute, and hook Dahlia's arm with her free one. "I would like to show Dahlia where she can find me in the morning. Just in case. I will see you at tomorrow's briefing, Sir."

Not bothering to wait for his dismissal, she turned around again with back to both men and began speed walking while dragging Dahlia.

At the sight of small green spinning beacons of lights from afar, one on each side of a heavy automated door to the underground hangar, Dahlia turned to the brunette who wasn't slowing down one bit. The bangs giving her the signature stoic expression was damp and clung to her forehead. Major Hahnenfuss was in pain, without a doubt. Her arm of the injured side wrapped firmly around one very heavy duffle bag and the other was dragging her along.

Dahlia know female ZAFT officers underwent the same training regimen as their male counterparts, making them tougher and stronger than most women such as herself. Now, she experience a portion of this strength first-hand. Furthermore, the one who was bringing her to the underground hangar, under the excuse of showing her a war machine, was nursing two bullet wounds.

If she hadn't seen the extent of damage of the bullets on Shiho, she wouldn't be as impressed with the brunette as she is now. Her older brother was right. Shiho is one of the toughest around.

As they came to a halt, Dahlia snapped out of her mental ramblings and took in where she was. In front of her stood a war machine close to 30 metres in height. Taking in the mirage of navy and midnight blue coating the entire machine, random strips of pale blue and orange, and a pair of large cannons, easily over 10 metres - one on each shoulder, the doctor felt her jaw went slack.

The giant was the legendary DEEP ARMS. The machine which took down the Sakura Burst. She may be a doctor and not part of ZAFT but just like every citizens of PLANTS, she knew about that battle and what a pest the trio from Earth Alliance was. She was one of many who watched the battle on television. It was a battle was short but intense.

She felt her legs moved on their own accord, bringing her to face the brunette who was taking in the huge machine. Dalia still can't believe this woman was piloting that huge assembled piece of metal and arsenals, and faced off with three black-pink similar-sized war machines.

She couldn't help but to wonder if Shiho's heart racing whenever she is the cockpit, like how hers was now? Just at the sight of this gigantic structure and the thought of being in it.

"I should have saw it coming." Shiho said quietly. There was something in her voice which tells Dahlia that the brunette was less than happy with the war machine in front of them.

Redirecting her attention back to DEEP ARMS, the Elthman began to study it. First, it was the colour. She remembered the machine she was on television during the showdown with Sakura Burst was decked in a brighter blue. It was pleasant mix of royal and cornflower blue. However, the DEEP ARMS in front of her was gloomy. Area where it was previously royal blue was now replaced with a consuming shade of dark blue which represents the mysterious and still sky in dead of the night. Joints and edges, which were outlined in cornflower blue, was now in navy. Although the colour was brighter and less depressing than the shade covering most of DEEP ARMS, it didn't help make one feel that it was the same as the unit that beat Sakura Burst.

Another look at the giant made Dahlia realised that it was a new unit. She didn't know what technical people labelled it but to her, it looks like a new build, a Ver. 2. And the old unit, Build Ver. 1, a more bulky and heavy-looking structure could have been stored away.

While it retains its well-known feature, the pair of long cannons, this DEEP ARMS looks different. Aside from the head, which spots the initial design with the fin-like structure at the back and a horn-like projection at the front, the unit was less bulky than before. It was almost as if ZAFT sent it to the gym with a new training programme, making it less bulky - shedding some muscle mass and firming it up making it leaned-looking. That's right, even though the cannon appeared as deadly as before with the same length and huge oscillation unit each encasing the individual cannons, the extended barrel of each arsenal seems to promise enhanced accuracy, which Dahlia thinks it was not necessary given how accurate the shots were as shown during the broadcasted battle. The pair of cannons too, don't seemed to be spared from the 'tone-up' session, and also appeared to have lost some bulk.

"You prefer it be bulky, like how it was before?" Dahlia asked, eyes darting all over the brunette's stoic one to pick up telltale signs of what she was feeling or the thoughts that were running through her head. "Wouldn't that consume more of the fuels and battery?"

An almost unnoticeable sigh slipped. It sounded like a dejected exhale. "Housenka."

"What?"

"They removed the Balsam insignia on the left shoulder."

The Elthman's attention quickly darted on the plain left shoulder of the new DEEP ARMS. There was nothing on it.

Balsam insignia. Oh yes! The red flower on (previous) DEEP ARM's left shoulder. No wonder there was so many red flower icons as comments, flooding Yzak's social media page. It made sense. Shiho was on one of the ZAFT's posters in celebration of the annual Independence Day. Furthermore, she took two bullets that was meant for Yzak Joule during annual event which was on live telecast.

Everyone now know she is the pilot of the 'Blue Machine with Red Flower, plus, the girl who saved Yzak Joule. Dahlia was certain the facts further fueled the current speculation that she is also the girl whom Yzak Joule was seeing. As there were photos of them at the bar, even though they were with colleagues, and them leaving in his car.

"Oh, insignia… " She started awkwardly, sensing the brunette's mood going through a downward spiral. The stoic expression was on the verge of giving way to something entirely different but nowhere lighter. Her unwavering purple orbs were no longer piercing with cold and firm gaze. There was hurt and a hint of defeat swirling.

The removal of her insignia must have reminded the brunette of her new team, how she was no longer part of the Joule Team. No longer part of the Spaces Forces. How far away she was from Yzak.

She cannot have her in such a state. Positive patients recovers the best, and at times, the fastest. While it's best for the brunette not to recover to fast, given what might happen, Dahlia would want make Shiho's road to recovery a pleasant and less painful one.

one thing came to her mind. Rest. Shiho needs plenty of rest. She need it now.

She dropped the huge duffle bag on the floor. The loud thud from the heavy bag surprised nearby technicians and engineers. Ignoring them, she stepped out of the brunette's grasp and stood in front of her. Gently placing her hands on her upper arm, the brunette looked at her. "Now I know where I can find you. Let's go back and call it a day."

The brunette shook her head, her pale lips pursed into a thin line. Dahlia guessed that she wanted to speak to her but can't do so out in open. The doctor may not have been in service of ZAFT but she was aware of the numerous surveillance devices around. Mrs Joule gave her a very thorough briefing about all the bases on Earth. Heat signal, camera surveillance, audio and many others. Personally, she felt as though the surveillance was on the verge infringement of human and privacy rights.

"I need to take a look at those." Dahlia threw a brief glance to her chest, where the wounds are. She was sure the brunette tore them open again when she helped her with one of the two duffle bags and dragged her away from James Frigore. The Elthman returned to look at the taller woman, letting her see the worry in her eyes. "It can wait till tomorrow."

The brunette remained silence for a couple of seconds before she finally relented and nodded.

.

.

.

[Aprilius One, PLANTS]

Yzak let his tired body hit the semi-soft mattress. It has been a very long day or maybe two, without much of a shut-eye. Once he was released, he fought tooth and nail to go down to Earth. Specifically, to Lagash Base to see for himself that Shiho was alright after being taken away by the Covert Ops.

The guilt of Shiho being shot when it was supposed to be him continues to eat him. The memory of her bleeding out and turning cold in his arms kept him awake. Everytime his lids felt heavy and fell shut, the scene starts replaying. He will wake abruptly, calling out for Shiho, only to have Dearka pressing a reassuring hand on his shoulder and repeatedly telling him that she was alive and recovering.

He was then shuttled back into space when Dahlia arrived and took over. When his private shuttle landed in Aprilius One, he was brought to the emergency meeting with the Supreme Council. Followed by the confrontation with Lacus and then, the meeting with National Defense Committee, and finally with his new PR manager.

PLANTS was ready for Earth Alliance. The plan discussed during the Supreme Council meeting had solidified into one that was more comprehensive and tactical.

Four teams of Red Coats, together with their mobile units and additional flight packs meant for operation within Earth's atmosphere, were on their way down to Earth. Descending with them was two teams of Red Elites, with their retrofitted units. Two teams of Red Coats and one team of Red Elites for each base - Gibraltar and Carpenteria.

The team of Red Elites assigned to Carpenteria Base was short of one officer, because she was already on Earth. She has been transferred from Lagash Base to Carpenteria Base.

"Shiho" Her name slipped past his lips.

His hands touched the empty space of the cold mattress to his side. Nothing makes the room feel emptier than wanting someone in it. He wanted Shiho beside him now. No, he needed her.

The time when she went back to Frigore team briefly, after the First War ended, had affected him but it was nowhere like what he was going through now.

Alone in both of their beds, separated by the galaxy. Both exhausted. Both lonely.

Real distance between them… he couldn't find a word or words to describe it. It was the kind that makes you ache, and wanting to stop wondering. Longing, so bad that it begins to feel difficult to breath.

Two years. He has known her for two years and had her by his side for over a year - considering the day she arrived at Versailles, joining the Le Creuset team. He has unknowingly gotten use to having her around, to talk to, to laugh with. He forgot about who he was supposed to be. Commander Joule, the Terror of ZAFT. Yzak Joule, the son of Ezalia Joule.

As the room's silence and the lack of warmth settled around him, his thoughts dwelt on her. Always on her.

He had read the messages from Dahlia. Shiho had reopened her wounds again and Dearka's sister had patched them up. The brunette was knocked out by the painkiller and the antibiotic. He was hoping to speak with her for a while before he calls it a day but she was out, and had not activated the secure channel made available by the micro-card his mother had instructed Dahlia. He wondered when she would be awake and when they would be able to speak again.

All he could do was count the moment, and go through the motions. And wait. Where she was Housenka, the Shiho he came to care about, and he was just himself.

The waiting, he thought, was the hardest part.

End of Chapter 6

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I promise our favourite couple will get to speak with each other (FaceTime) in the next chapter. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter though, I was rushing this (like crazy) for the past week. In time for it to be Christmas present for all of you :)

Let me know what you think about the situation between Yzak & Shiho and Yzak vs the world (Lacus, The Supreme Council and The National Defense Council). I know this chapter lacks of fluff or romantic scenes between our favourite couple but I don't think it will fit the overall tone of this chapter. Given the political scene and how serious it turned out, whatever scene I have in end for our couple didn't seemed to blend well so it didn't make the cut.

Bare with me! Your patience will be rewarded in the coming chapters. I think? While I can't promise it will be hot or fan-pleasing like how it was in Chapter 4 but there will be (in bits and pieces). And you are going to see what a sweetheart Yzak is (maybe not in the next chapter, but the following chapter). Yeap, I have the skeleton of coming chapters in my head already. I have written a scene where Aisha and Andrew will meet again and how the couple fits into the story of Shiho and how it will bring the story closer to climax. Hopefully I will be more settled down in my new job and will have some time to work on the chapters.

Oh yes. I wanted to show you that how a newbie Yzak was as a politician. He is struggling to find his direction and footing in the dangerous game - as shown with the constant switch of sides and images he wants to portray to his colleagues (more like 'frenemies' - friends + enemies). However, he is not as green and naive as a child. He is aware of what he needs to do to garner support from the different groups, had did some work, and planning to do some more especially in terms of managing the public's opinion of him as someone of military and (interim) political power.

I hope it was also obvious to you how much Shiho meant to him. I didn't want to pen it down explicitly but rather, describe it through his thoughts and behaviours, especially when others mentioned about her or plan to use her.

Poor baby. He is really having a bad day!

If you are pissed with how I portray Kira, sorry. He has always come across to me as a very skilled pilot and goodie two-shoes. Aside from being on battlefields and anything related to mobile suits, I don't see how helpful or of use he is. That is why I had Yzak shoving this into his face with the scene, where he warned him about what he will do if Lacus comes for him unnecessarily and had guessed that Kira was pinning on Cagalli to come to Lacus' aid. Let's see how it plays out in the nest few chapters.

Write to me, leave a comment or share your thoughts alright? Thank you very much for the review & messages, keep them coming in. it makes my day, every single of them.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hugs and Kisses!