To Rebuild From Ashes

Chapter V

Disclaimer: I don't own anything...

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, and to all those that write fics also, keep it up. Also I just noticed that Kira never went to see a psychiatrist for treatment, so let's just say he did in the last chapter when he couldn't think of anything to do.

Athrun returned to the Eternal in a hurry, having his day with Cagalli cut short. He was in the middle of his date, when his cell interrupted him. It told him to return at once to the mess hall and that really downed his mood, having his already rare free time being interrupted by his duties. It was a fun day none-the-less, but alas all good things must come to an end, and it was no exception for Athrun. Cagalli ended up going back to the Kusanagi, and he had to report back for duties.

He entered the mess hall with a curious expression. Supposedly he was to go there for a new briefing. Athrun truly didn't know what the point of this meeting was, in his mindset, he was a soldier and the war was over, period. Unless the peace treaty that was formed had already broken, which was very unlikely, he couldn't see his need in the military anymore. Also how important could this meeting be if it were to be held in the mess hall? As he looked around, he saw Kira already there with Lacus, sitting in her usual seat. It wasn't a big surprise to see them here before him, considering that he and Cagalli went to the outskirts of the town looking for things to do. However the biggest surprise to him was the number of people in the mess hall. It seemed... no it was all of the current members of the active Klein Faction. Even the repair-men were there.

"Okay now that everyone is accounted for, first let me start off by saying that I'm sorry to cut your leave short." Andrew said.

Athrun snorted, he couldn't even consider such a short break a leave. Andrew glared at him and he made sure not to act up again.

"Well as I was saying, I know you planned to have fun on the Plant, but there has been a change of plans. We, as the Klein Faction/Orb Union, have been requested a new assignment under the agreement of both the ZAFT and the EA. We are asked to perform peacekeeping missions throughout the current legal areas of the ZAFT and the EA government. This basically means that we have to prevent uprisings and if need arises do it by force. Now, strictly speaking, I don't think we are legally military. It seems like we are more of a volunteer work force that has government approval. That means that none of you in this room have a requirement to stay. However I am reminding you that these small uprising can spark the start of another war. What we are doing is crucial to having peace. After all what is the point of fighting for peace if you won't maintain it? Now I'll give you a day to think about this, and anyone that decides to walk won't be questioned. We'll fund your transport home and you can be on your way. Just think about this deeply. Return here at 1100, you are all excused" Andrew concluded.

Athrun exited the crowded mess hall in a hurry, and he saw that many were in deep thought. He couldn't blame them; he too was in thinking deeply. Did he want to risk his life more, forgoing the chance to live a normal life? But then again, what did he have to go back to, sure there was Cagalli, but if she stayed for the peacekeeping mission then he'll be stuck. He thought that was stupid, after all she was now the leader of the Orb Union, or what was left of it. This meant that she had to take leadership roles. She wouldn't have time to actually take part in the peace keeping mission. She might have to organize and fund it or whatnot, but she wouldn't have to actually fight... Who was he kidding, knowing Cagalli she will probably fight no matter the reason.

What about Kira and Lacus, he wasn't a hundred percent sure about Kira. He didn't have to fight anymore, but would he? Would he feel somehow bound to the obligation of protecting others? Could Kira actually get on with his life, when there was a choice of protecting others? Lacus would no doubt be needed in some way with the Klein Faction, and he knew that she wouldn't back down; she too had nothing to return to. But he also knew that she most likely would not be fighting, she might be used as a political asset to bring support for this new peace keeping operation, but not to fight. He hoped that he could come up with a solution later, but for now he was too confused get a clear conclusion.

Kira sat on the bed in his room wondering what he should do. He knew with all his heart that he wanted to return to a normal life. 'If life could ever be viewed as normal after this' he bitterly said. He wished that life would have been simpler. He wished that life wasn't so full of hard choices that had to be made.

He wondered what his friends would choose. What if he was to leave but they all stayed, what would be the point of leaving? And would they look at him with shame if he were to back down from fighting again? What could be gained from staying though?

'However I am reminding you that these small uprising can spark the start of another war' Kira remembered Andrew's words. Is what he said true? Or is it just a scare tactic to make us stay?' Then a vague past quote came to his mind, a quote that he even uttered from his own mouth. 'If I have the power to make a difference, I should put it to good use.' He remembers distinctly where he first heard that from.

It came from the mouth of a man who put his life before others; a man who put his word into action and saved countless lives. He was a man who cherished those words to heart and gave his life while following it.

'How can I even think about having the slimmest chance of the war, that so many people died to end, to break out again? How can I, when I have the power to make a difference? How could I ignore it? How would I live with myself if the war did break out yet knowing that I might have made a difference? How can I live with myself if another girl, like the one on the Arch Angel dies because of the start of another war?'

Lacus knew without a doubt that she couldn't back down now. After all she founded the Klein Faction, she had to follow through with the faction's obligation. She founded the faction to bring peace to the world, and this was one way to do it. So how could she not put her full support behind it?

She just wondered what her friends would decide. Kira seemed so fragile before, but now, it seemed as if he changed. It seemed as if he carried himself differently. She didn't know what happened or why exactly but she did know he changed.

Athrun was a mystery too, she would like to fool herself into believing that she knew him well before, but she never truly did. She knew the war scarred him, she knew ever since she got rescued by Kira and sent to the ZAFT warship. She saw his face, she saw his expression, she could tell in his eyes. It had a hardness to it that she never saw before.

Cagalli was another matter, did Lacus consider her a friend. Sure they didn't hold any resentment towards each other, but neither were exactly anything more then civil to each other either.

Cagalli was depressed. She tried to escape her responsibilities but in the end it always seemed to haunt her. She tried to run away from her duties for the Orb Union, but it couldn't be ignored. How could she lead a nation, when she couldn't even make a wise decision for herself.

She would never fool herself into believing that she was wise. She remember many mistakes that cost other's lives and nearly her own. How could she rule over a nation, without screwing up? She tried to hide it but she was scared. She was scared of failing others, and having the failure hang on her shoulders.

It also irked her how she was forbidden to participate directly in the upcoming peace keeping mission. The whole idea sounded rashly thought up, they didn't even have a name for the operation. All of a sudden the pressures of responsibility started closing in on her.

How could she rule a totally desolated nation, maintain a peace between the ZAFT and the EA, while also having to face everyday problems also? There was also the fact that she would have to represent the Orb Union at every up coming political meetings and that did not help her in the slightest. She groaned out of frustration.

(1100)

Athrun walked into the mess hall looking worse for the wear. He was tired having gotten little to no sleep. He spent most of the time awake trying to make a decision and even now he couldn't truly decide. He knew no matter how much he thought about it the majority of the decision would lay on his friends' decision. If they stayed he would too, if they left he would also leave, in hopes of making do with his life with his friends.

He was the earliest to arrive out of his group of three friends, including him, that was on the Eternal. He was surprised to say the least considering that Lacus was always prompt and on time. Kira he could understand, but what was keeping Lacus?

Lacus entered the mess hall with Kira in tow; she was slightly annoyed at not being on time to the meeting. She sighed figuring that Kira must be an incredibly heavy sleeper to stay asleep so long even when she was trying to wake him up. She looked towards Kira and noticed that his hair was even untidier then normal. She giggled at how he looked and started searching for Athrun in the crowded hall. Finally after some time, she saw him looking directly at her and Kira. He seemed to have a calculating look on his face and she figured that he must have been waiting for them to show, wondering why they took so long. She walked towards Athrun and stood beside.

She kept silent as she waited for the meeting to start figuring that Athrun most likely needed his space. She presumed that if he wanted to talk, he would take the initiative. In a few minutes, after the last late scavengers entered, the meeting was ready to start once more. She tried to look at Athrun and see what he was feeling, however he had a blank mask on. She was surprised, seeing as how Athrun was never very good at hiding his emotions, especially from her.

She looked to Kira and tried to see how he was feeling. Again she was shocked at what she saw; Kira's face held utmost determination and yet his eyes seemed blank, almost as if he felt no regret or emotion. It was unlike Kira to be so sure of something, and at the same time so indifferent about it. Both of her friends seemed so unlike their usual self that it surprised her, and in some way it scared her. She, at that moment, truly felt how much the war has torn through people's lives. Even before, when she got glimpses of such changes here and now, but never felt the full effects of the war on others. However here, now, seeing her two friends, both who were such nice and caring people, have such a cold appearance tore through her heart.

Athrun noticed it the moment they stepped into the room. He knew that Kira wouldn't leave, and Lacus wasn't going to either. He wished that they would have left so that he could leave with them, but he knew that if they didn't he wouldn't either.

"This meeting shall commence. I hope everyone here has made their mind up, for this is the time of decisions. This is the time where you will make one of the many crucial decisions within your life. Those who choose to leave step out of the mess hall, and proceed to the Plant. There the crew will organize your flight to your homes." Bartfield's speech was short. He did not need to dawdle considering that his point was already made yesterday.

A few did leave, but not many did. It just so happened that many within the room were labeled traitors of ZAFT back when the war still raged. Those that had families were shunned by them, and even now when the soldiers were cleared of all charges, the stings of their family's betrayal upon them still lingered strong. Many had also been legally disowned for supporting the Klein Faction, so they had no legal home to go to. It was funny to consider that the currently nameless peace keepers of space and the Earth were outcasts. To have the peace keepers have so much spite was hilariously ironic.

Kira himself did not stay for having no other place to go. He stayed partly because he believed in the cause of the faction. He believed with his heart that the faction's mission was just, and that peace would not survive without action. However those were not his main reason for staying.

'I will stay; I will stay and die if I have to protect it, that which so many have previously died to achieve. I will not let this fragile peace be broken, I can't let another little girl die because another war starts. A war born from human prejudice, a meaning-less war based on differences that make no set foundations to fight. I will fight to make sure no one else has to fight, I will with the others in this room, make sure that no one else has to go through what we've through.' Kira thought.

"Are all those that stayed final with their decisions. No one will look down upon you, if you want to leave. It is nothing shameful to want to return to your lives, to return to your families and friends." Bartfield said, and yet, still no one left. "Very well, now that you have made your decision, you will be recognized as members of the "Pacifico's" Peacekeepers, any questions?" Bartfield asked.

"What is Pacifico?" A nameless guy asked.

"It is a joint union of the ZAFT and the EA organization. The Pacifico will be a organization that seeks to improve both the ZAFT and the EA's relation, with the two organization's having Co-leadership over the organization. It's Latin for peace and reconcile supposedly. Anything else, from you all?" Bartfield asked.

"Yes, how is three ships with a force of about 50-70 strong in each ships, supposed to "police" all of ZAFT's and the EA's territories?"

"We are going to have re-enforcements. More ships, more men, more M.S.'s" Bartfield answered.

"Won't there be a chance that the people sent over would not agree with Peacekeeper? How are we to enforce our peace anyways, go in and slaughter all opposition? I don't mean to be negative, but I hardly see the need of creating a whole new organization to maintain peace. Especially when there are already military power for ZAFT and the EA. Why is there a need for three ships with a few M.S." Kira asked.

"The truth of the matter is we are to be called into service, in case of a massive military threat breaking out. I don't want to sway anything one way or another, but there is ever growing threat of another chance of war, and we are here to prevent that. If there is an uprising that could threaten war, we will eliminate it."

"Are you implying the Blue Cosmos? That you fear that they might make some sort of rebellion that could cause another war?" Athrun asked.

"There is always the possibility; however they are not the only threat. There are many currently with influences that want to eliminate opposing forces. However I'm just we have to keep our eyes open for anything. Nothing is safe and sure."

"What role will we ourselves play in it though; will we just scout around space or something?" Some soldier asked. "Everyone knows that the Blue Cosmos is a guerilla warfare type of organization. How are armed forces supposed to oppose them when we can't even locate them?

"I'm not a hundred percent sure about that right now." Bartfield answered. "However as vague as the assignment is currently, the priorities in the long run are clear. We are to do anything to maintain peace; another war can not break out. Human kind can not survive another war."

Everyone knew what he was talking about. With the technology on either sides, total annihilation was but a few corners away if war broke out. Kira himself was worried about how fragile humanity as a whole was to survive. Individuals dying was, as hard as it was to admit it, not as damaging as the entire race being threatened.

"Right... well we will leave at 1300 for meeting with Junius Eight to collect ZAFT pilots, so that gives you about an hour or so of free time left. Do what you like but make sure you are on this ship by 1300 sharp, or you will be left behind. This meeting is adjourned." Bartfield concluded.

Everyone went there own way, including Kira and Athrun. Lacus however did not follow them; she instead went towards the captain of the ship, Andrew Bartfield.

"Captain, what is going on?" Lacus asked, with a seriousness that rarely showed on her face.

"I have already told you and everyone in the mess hall of what was going on Ms. Klein." Bartfield answered with a straight face.

"I mean the truth; don't forget who is under whom, Captain Bartfield." Lacus said with a touch of coldness in her voice.

"Of course mam, maybe it would be better if we departed for a place more private... maybe my quarter since it is near." Andrew said with a sigh.

"Of course, then lead the way." Lacus said.

They both walked stiffly to Andrew's quarters, knowing that the following conversation won't be pleasant. It didn't take them long to reach Andrew's living quarters and they entered swiftly.

"Now Captain, what is it that you are hiding from the rest of the crew?" Lacus asked.

Bartfield sighed, "It is not public knowledge, and only a few of high ranking people knows about the following information. You too would have known sooner, had you not been out of service..." Andrew trailed off knowing that he deliberately did not want her to be present when the news came. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt as if every kid in his ship was somewhat his responsibility, even when some exceeded his own ranks. He felt that every one of them should experience some happiness while under his command, and he thought if Lacus was ignorant about the news it would be easier. "The truth is, the threat of Blue Cosmos is even direr then anyone could hope it to be. Even before, we did not know how much support they had from the EA even thought it was clear they had some influence. It was a sever shock when the last leader of the EA was also found to be the Blue Cosmos' leader, and by then increased effort for intelligence on the Blue Cosmos went under way. Supposedly, ZAFT had intelligence within the Blue Cosmos, and have received word a week ago of an estimated percentage the Blue Cosmos had influence over the EA. They gathered this while the war still raged and just recently informed us also of the recent information. It seems that about 50 to 60 percent of the EA council is associated in some way with the Blue Cosmos. About 20 to 30 percent don't give a damn either way, and somewhere around 10 to 20 percent are pro-peace with the Coordinators. However they are just the people who pulls the strings behind the military-government, it isn't exactly clear how much support the Blue Cosmos has with the actual fighting force. Resentment for the Coordinator's are strong, but I'm hoping many are too tired and weary to fight again. However that may just be a fool's hope."

"Everyone must hope; hope for the best, but always prepare for the worst."

"Aye, and needless to say, ZAFT's informants aren't very influential within the military, but gossip is thick in the military. The top ones being war, and revenge. That is why this peace force is being set up so quickly. I believe it's just a front for a military force to be present in all the 'hot spots' if you get what I'm saying." Bartfield sighed. "Chances are open war won't be waged anytime soon, but I'm willing to bet assassination and bombings will be high for the next few months, maybe even years."

"Assassination, how would peace keepers help with that, wouldn't body guards be best for those situations?"

"Yes, however those are with normal cases, the peace keepers are to escort and protect at all times, the delegates for peace. Namely anyone that is pro-peace will be threatened by the Blue Cosmos, so we will have to protect them. It's not just regular assassination that is the risk; it's also small but effective guerrilla strikes."

"So, even when the climax has passed, another is already building." Lacus said strained.

"Yes, don't sound so surprised, you and I already knew the peace would be hard to achieve even after the war was over. War itself is the legal battle between people, however there will always be conflict between any two human's on the planet."

"I may have already foreseen this to happen, but when it actually does it seems much harder to accept." Lacus answered truthfully.

"Life is always full of hardships; I truly think that no matter where you go when you die, that is the ultimate peace compared to this God-forsaken world." Bartfield answered bitterly.

Lacus sighed at how utterly torn everyone she met was nowadays. "Captain, I need to schedule a departure for Plant Junius Five in 5 days... hopefully to actually get there in six days from now."

"Of course Ms Klein, the Eternal will have docked at Junius Five six days from now."

"Thank you, have a nice day." Lacus exited the Captains room and wandered around, lost at what to do for the rest of the free time left before departing Junius Eight.

Kira had long ago separated from Athrun and was wandering the Eternal for no reason at all. Athrun had walked out of the ship long ago saying that he wanted to enjoy the open space of the Plant before having to be confined to the ship again for god-knows-how-long. It was by chance that he went into the hangers, or maybe because he already explored the rest of the ship before hand, leaving the hangers the only place left.

He was more then shocked to see the duplicate of his past mobile suit stocked there looking exactly as it did from when he first stole it from ZAFT. He was flabbergasted at seeing it once again. He knew without a doubt that t couldn't be his past suit, considering that it most likely joined the debris belt of Junius Seven along with all the other MS's that were trashed beyond repair.

Also next to Freedom was the MS Justice. He heart gave a wretch knowing that he would probably have to fly the Freedom again soon. He knew that it wouldn't be in this hanger just for decoration; he knew that if the crisis arises he would have to fight, maybe even kill. He whimpered but shut himself up, he chose to fight. He couldn't be weak, it wasn't as if he had to do it, it wasn't as if he was dragged into this as he was in the past war. No, he chose this assignment, he made his bed and he now had to sleep in it.

'Might as well prepare then.'

"Hey." He yelled to one of the repairmen.

"What kid?" He yelled back, not out of annoyance but for the fact that he was far away.

"Is the Freedom ready?"

"Oh, are you its pilot? Yeah sure its ready I guess. By the way its name is Freedom II. Really original I know." He yelled.

"Ok, thanks."

With that Kira jumped towards the cockpit and opened it. He entered and sat back in a all too familiar seat. They might have changed the name, but the cockpit arrangement was still the same. He looked around quickly spotting a keyboard from the side of the cockpit and turned on the monitors of the Freedom. He started reviewing all the information of the Freedom II, adjusting the performance where it be needed. The suit wasn't that much different.

It still had an N-Jammer Canceller, compatibility with the Meteor system, and the standard PS armor. The armament was the same; excluding the handheld beam rifle "Lupus" was changed. They seemed to have upgraded it a little, but not really significantly. The main differences were the armor thickness in various parts of the MS. He guessed that the creators studied a bit of his report data of the MS, and changed the armor plate thickness in the areas that had the most history of damages.

Not much could have been done, he guessed under such short notice. He continued updating information to suit his MS's personal needs. The thing that bothered him the most was the output of the thrusters. It wouldn't give him the reaction speed he needed in a fight; even now he could remember how many times he got damaged by the MS inability to get away from attacks faster. The problem was he couldn't do anything to meet his needs without replacing the thrusters and rerouting the power of the Freedom itself. That was not something he had the time or resources to do.

He tweaked his MS way past 1300 when by that time the ship had already left the Plant's dock. He didn't even notice the departure, nor did he notice a pair of sad blue eyes.

Lacus had wandered into the hangers several minutes ago, not knowing why she walked there. She saw many technicians working on some of the fighters and the spare MS's. She looked around and noticed the Freedom and Justice, both Kira's and Athrun's previous MS docked in the hanger. She herself was surprised the find two totally destroyed MS's in stock in the hanger.

She looked closer and notice Kira was in the Freedom working with intense concentration making last minute customizations to the suit. She was sad to notice how much he was throwing himself into his work. He was starting to open up and be the carefree and kind individual she had heard from Athrun, and now she feared that he would start to shut everyone around him out. Including her... she didn't want it to happen, but if he did not much would make him change. She was sad at how conflicts were starting to arise again, after hoping that she, Kira, and Athrun would be able to get on with their lives.

Live the life of normal teenagers and face normal teenage problems, like school and crushes. Now they found themselves in the middle of what seemed to be another escalating conflict thanks to the Blue Cosmos. She just hoped that everything that was rumored to take place was just that, a rumor.

She shook her head wondering what would happen now...

Author Note: Sorry I took forever writing this. I seem to have had a major writers block, and also the fact that I had a huge headache didn't help matters. I think this is the worst chapter yet, not in terms of grammar, but the fact that my plot was so unsteady. After all if even the writer can't like the plot, who can?

Jennifer: Thanks for the review, don't worry I'll try my best to finish this story.

RVD: Thanks for your reviews, hope you don't mind me not progressing with the plot much.

Deathzealot: Sorry my grammar sucks, I hate it more then you can ever hate it. Really sucks for school.

Kira And Lacus Forever: Love your story, glad that you like mine. (