SEEDs of Life (The second act)

Thanks to all those who read and reviewed Hope. May you enjoy this also. One day, I'm going to go back and revise Hope a little. Below are the list of style changes between acts.

I got rid of those time stamps. Instead of line breaks, I used XXXXXXXXXXX. Other than that, everything should be the same.


Chapter 1Mission: Capture

"Raaah!" This was exhilarating. He hadn't had this much fun in a long time, but it was difficult. He wasn't used to the one-third gravity anymore. It had been too long since he was on a ship.

"Is that the best you've got?" she goaded him. "You're not going soft are you? Or are you just trying to take it easy on me?" Her palm strike missed its mark, but not by much.

It was always like this. Always competitive, always struggling against each other; and they loved every minute of it. Everything they did was a contest. At the moment it was sparring. Yzak was using the kickboxing style he learned in the academy, which emphasized strength and speed. Ailesa was using an ancient form once known for its grace and balance; taiji-something she had called it.

It had been taught to her by her grandfather and was a difficult skill to master, but it was the only style she could use effectively with her prosthetics slowing her down. It was her favorite anyway. The movements often confused him, appearing more like a seductive dance than a fighting style. She seemed deceptively slow, often striking from nowhere. She attacked him with minimal effort and deflected his attacks with even less. If he didn't tag her early she would likely wear him down. He was trying too hard, wasting too much energy.

She shifted to an open stance, begging him to come at her. She positioned her arms like a backwards S: her right hand was above her head, her left below her abdomen. The metal toes of her left foot barely touched the floor in front of her center. She looked like a crane; graceful, floating, patiently waiting for him.

Yzak never studied zoology, considering it a waste of time. Even if he had, it's unlikely it would have helped him here. There were very few still alive who knew that the most ancient of martial arts grew from moving meditation; from the study and imitation of how animals fight amongst each other. Ailesa was ready for him, much the same way a crane would await the attack of a coiled snake.

He took the bait, lunging for her.

It seemed like she had barely moved, but he still wound up on the floor with a numb arm. "I think you've had enough for today," she said.

"You just wait 'till I get used to this gravity."

"I can't wait," she said while helping him up. Ailesa thought she would have hated this assignment not long ago, but after the Onogoro incident there wasn't any place she'd rather be. Yzak still called her his "babysitter," but she was more of a personal assistant. Once on the council, Yzak quickly secured the Chair of the Intelligence Committee. Ailesa's advice and connections were invaluable, increasing his political influence. In turn, Yzak's influence was critical for Ailesa to cut through the bureaucracy and get things done in intelligence. With her help, Yzak became the Councilman nobody wanted to cross. He still didn't care for the give and take of politics, but he was determined to manage it. Now that Yzak had secured his position in the Council, he was able to finally resume command of the Joule Team and get back out into space.

Dearka's voice came over the com, "Sir, we're in position." Dearka had passed up the chance to sit on the Council. It would be inappropriate for a councilman to sneak back and forth from Orb; an activity he had every intention of doing. Yzak was good enough to ensure his old friend made it onto the Joule team, so he could cover up such activities if necessary. It had been six months and Dearka hadn't been able to make it back to Earth yet. This was the Joule Team's first mission since the return of its commander.

"Very well. I'm on my way." Taking off the sparing pads, he left Ailesa to her own devices. Her win should have given her enough entertainment for the moment.

On the bridge everyone was waiting. Dearka was commanding the Joule Team's flagship, the Nemesis. It was a new ship commissioned during the war but never launched. The name was oddly appropriate. During the Bloody Valentine War, as it was now being called, Yzak had been a vengeful warrior. His mother even commissioned the mobile suit ZGMF-X12B Vengeance with him in mind. With the realization that he had killed innocents in the Battle of Orbit, he now sought atonement. He thought it would be fitting to name this ship after the Greek goddess of divine retribution and vengeance. It served as a calming influence on him; a sobering reminder of the consequences of taking things too far. In another symbolic gesture of having grown up he had the scar on his face removed.

"Have the ZAKUs been prepped?" Yzak took his place at the head of the map table.

"Yes. And this is where they appear to be hiding." Dearka pointed to a flashing red point on the map, making the 3D hologram zoom in on the spot.

"Excellent. Send them in. I'll go as well." With that, Yzak left the bridge to get ready. This will be fun, he thought. They had been able to track one of le Creuzet's old contacts to the Debris Belt. The place was treacherous, full of space junk that had collected in orbit around the Earth. It was a perfect place to hide, much like the abandoned colony cluster at L4. Both were potential hives of criminal activity. But this time, they would not get away.

"Oh yes, this will be fun indeed."

"Do I get to go as well?" Always the perceptive one, Ailesa was already waiting for him in the locker room, suited up and ready to go. She had been a great mobile suit pilot in her day, but her artificial joints slowed her reaction time down a fraction of a second. In battle, that fraction of a second is what divides those who live from those who die.

"Not unless you want to be a copilot." He didn't say it; couldn't say it. She knew he cared and that was enough. He didn't have to tell her.

"You know, one of these days you're going to have to let me do this on my own."

"After you get some upgrades."

Sighing "Alright" she followed him to the two-seater ZAKU-C command unit. Those upgrades would be painful, but one day she was going to have to get around to it. The two hopped into the ZAKU as its engine hummed to life. As it came onto the launch catapult, she said "Don't worry. I'll get you back for this."

"ZAKU-C, you are a go for launch. Good luck and happy hunting," a feminine voice came over the com.

Once out, he let her pilot. He'd never hear the end of it if she was only his passenger. Yzak only insisted he take control at the first sign of trouble.

"All right, everybody fan out. Formation gamma. I don't want any chance of them escaping," Yzak ordered.

The ZAKU team began to make a wide sphere around the target area. Once in position, they would slowly close in the sphere. It was the perfect trap. There would be no escape.

Maneuvering around the debris, they saw their quarry. Two small ships, docked. It seemed they would catch two links in le Creuzet's chain at once.

"Surrender or be destroyed," Yzak stated on all open channels. He wouldn't kill them. They were needed alive.

Out of nowhere concussion missiles zipped at the commando units, forcing them to scatter. They were hell-dart missiles; inbound from two launchers hidden in the debris. By the time they had dodged the first salvo and destroyed the launchers, their targets were on the move. Yzak gave chase, but as he closed the gap the two ships exploded.

"Damn it!" he screamed. "All that work for nothing. Now we'll have to start over from scratch."

Ailesa remained silent. This was how it had been. Every time they got close to a big break in the case something would always take them back to square one. She wondered if they would ever be able to rout out the spies.

"It's over. Recall the ZAKUs," he ordered. There wouldn't be any evidence. They never left any.

"What's next?" Ailesa asked.

"Go back to the PLANTs and submit our report."

"You know, if it keeps going on like this they'll eventually run out of people," she tried to sound encouraging.

"That would make our job a lot easier."

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"Perhaps we've been going about this the wrong way." Ailesa was trying to cheer up Yzak, while simultaneously trying to find a solution to their dilemma. She held him from behind, the two of them staring at the stars out the cabin window. Her green hair blended with his silver.

"How so?" By sharing the captain's quarters with her, he was breaking a number of regulations. He could cite them all by heart. Many of his team, trying to be helpful, had pointed out to him that this could be trouble. Some suggested that he should just make her resign and marry him, or something similar. He didn't have the heart to do that. Ailesa's commission was too important to her; he wouldn't ask her to give it up. And she wouldn't like being just a housewife, content to tag along on her husband's adventures.

"We're not making any progress from this end. We work hard to find a lead, only to have it vanish before we can make anything of it. Maybe we should talk to our friends in Orb. See what they can do Earth-side."

"Hmm." Yzak thought about that for a moment. The spies went straight to Blue Cosmos and from there the info made its way to the Earth Alliance. It would be tricky to get Orb unofficially involved. Lady Cagalli was trying very hard to keep her nation from being seen as too friendly to one side or the other. This would spell big trouble if they were found out. Perhaps they could send just one agent, alone and undercover. That might work. "We could send Dearka. He's going to love this plan."

"Yes. It would be a nice little vacation for him."

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Chapter 2Mystery Solved?

"Kira Yamato!" She was angry. Quite angry.

"Okay Lacus. What did I forget this time?" He honestly couldn't remember what it was he was supposed to do. Normally he wasn't so forgetful; just the past few days. At the moment he had been staring out their bedroom window at the ocean, thinking about the past. Such events happened less and less, but his wounds ran very deep. There were times he thought he'd never be able to really get over all the things he had seen and done.

"You promised you would teach the children their lessons today!" Sure enough, the orphans surrounded her looking just as angry as she was. Coming closer she whispered so the children couldn't hear "If you keep this up Mr. Yamato, you will be sleeping alone tonight."

Neither of them wanted that. "Yes Lacus. I'm sorry." He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then turned to the kids "So, where did we leave off? Was it going to be math today?"

"Yes Mr. Yamato," they chimed.

The expression on Lacus's face softened. She understood all too well what he went through. There were plenty of times when she caught herself thinking of those that had died in her name, especially her father. But she thought that if she didn't keep after him then nothing would change. He wouldn't get any better.

"Let's get to it then." With that, the group made their way to the makeshift classroom, leaving Lacus to attend to other matters. Kira had taken over many of the teaching duties since they arrived on the island. It was the least he could do to repay Rev. Malchio for all his kindness. Lacus helped out now and then, but she was usually occupied with housekeeping chores. Kira and Lacus also tended the grounds frequently. The fertile ground was perfect for vegetable and flower gardens. The simplicity and serenity of this place only served to foster their love for each other and the children. And perhaps someday, they would have children of their own in this peaceful place.

He had already drilled them on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division this week. Now he would teach them the order of operations. Eventually, they would get to basic algebra. Kira enjoyed spending time with the kids. He and Lacus often played with them out in the gardens or on the beach, taking Birdy and the Haros along. Picnics were a regular event here on the island. They had all found happiness here.

True to her word, Cagalli visited the couple often. Many times she would bring Athrun, who was now acting as her bodyguard. Today she came alone.

"Am I interrupting?" she asked, sheepishly waiting outside the door.

"Sure, but come in anyway," Kira told her.

"Sorry kids, but I need to talk to Kira for a few moments."

"Does everyone know how to do their exercises?" Kira asked. The children nodded "yes," but were obviously disappointed to see him go. He promised them he wouldn't be long.

Sitting down together, Lacus brought them tea. Kira asked her to spill it.

"Well, it's not the reconstruction or politics. Everything is fine with that, at least for now. And it's not Athrun, though we still are having trouble getting along." She sighed at the thought. "No, today I just came to give you some information. Chief Simmons has finally cracked that encryption."

"Really?" Kira remembered asking her to take care of that some time ago.

"Why hello Lady Cagalli," Rev. Malchio said as he came in from his prayer garden. "I thought I heard a visitor." The blind clergyman joined them at the table.

"It's good to see you again reverend. I was just about to tell Kira what I found out about the SEED Project."

"Well, now. Isn't that interesting. I know something of it as well." Rev. Malchio could sense her shock. Only Kira had asked him of his knowledge of the SEEDs, and that was in private conversation. After a sip of tea he continued, "Why don't you tell us what you have learned. Then we shall see if I can add to that."

"Well," she began, "it seems that Dr. Hibiki was researching something other than cloning and ultimate Coordinators. He discovered a genetic anomaly in certain individuals, primarily us, which he couldn't explain. It was his theory that every so often a species comes to an evolutionary crossroads. Certain members of the species would contain a genetic factor, which he called the Superior Evolutionary Element Destined-factor. It was his belief that we SEEDs would guide the fate of the human race, but he never found out how or why. Dr. Simmons said she had once read articles about this in scientific journals, but the whole thing was quickly dismissed and hushed-up about fifteen years ago."

"Yes, that's very accurate. Dr. Hibiki entrusted two of the SEEDs to my care; you and your brother. It was I that brought you to Lord Uzumi Narra Athha. He took the daughter, and arranged for the son to be taken into the protective custody of others. We knew that if you were not hidden, then you would eventually die at the hands of Blue Cosmos. The entire Hibiki family was a high-priority target. As I recall, Blue Cosmos tampered with the ventilation systems of the Mendel colony for just that purpose, but the official reports say something about a biohazard."

"So, what are we exactly Rev. Malchio?" asked Lacus.

"You are human, but you are also something more. In periods of great personal turmoil, strange things will manifest from within. You are a new type of being with the ability to change the destiny of mankind. In a way, you have already done so. The path that our species has traveled was always one of creative destruction, but in the Bloody Valentine War there was no purpose in the destruction. There would have been no creation to follow the devastation. None would have survived had it not been for your efforts. It was you SEEDs who stopped war, and in doing so you have ensured our survival. At least, for the time being."

"You mean we may have to do that again?" Kira did not want to endure another war, but it seemed inevitable. Tensions were still high between Earth and the PLANTs, and the Earth Alliance was still pressuring Orb to choose a side. The hard-won peace was tenuous at best. "Haven't we done enough?" He reached out to find Lacus's hand.

"Indeed you have done much, Kira. But if the time comes, you will know where you are to go and what you are to do, much as it was during Operation Spitbreak." The Rev. took a long sip to finish his tea. "It is a terrible burden on you all, but you need not bear it alone. There are may be other SEEDs who will heed the call of destiny when the dark times come again. And you have made many loyal friends who will aid you when the time comes."

As Lacus collected the tea set she stated, "That reminds me of an ancient curse: May you live in interesting times."

"Yes, our times have been far too interesting. I will leave you three alone now, as I am sure you have personal matters to discuss also. It was good to hear your voice again Lady Cagalli." Rev. Malchio returned to his prayer garden, leaving the three of them to have a more private discussion.

"So, what's Athrun done this time?" Kira asked.

"What makes you think there's anything wrong between me and Athrun?" Cagalli asked indignantly.

"Because he's not here. And that look on your face says there's something wrong." It was quite evident that Athrun and Cagalli had a very passionate, but very unstable relationship. The two of them were not making much progress.

"You're right," she sighed. "We can never seem to just settle into something steady. I envy you two."

"You shouldn't," Lacus said. "You must find your own path to happiness. We are different people, so your path may not be anything like ours."

"Yeah, but you guys don't fight all the time or anything like that."

Kira and Lacus laughed at her naiveté. "Of course we do," Kira said.

"Kira and I are very happy, but it is not all roses. There are times when we are sad and miserable, and we say things that hurt each other. And there are times when we make each other cry. The children sometimes bring us flower to get us to make up because they think we are not happy together. But even in those bad times, we are still very much in love. And that makes the good times just that much better."

"Oh, you guys sound so sweet. Like a greeting card or something," Cagalli laughed. "But seriously, I don't know what to do."

"Have you tried talking to Athrun about it?" Kira asked. It seemed the most obvious course of action, but then Cagalli was often too stubborn to take the easy path.

"Perhaps you two should go into hiding again, just the two of you. Like a vacation get-away," Lacus suggested.

"Well, things in Orb are beginning to settle down a little . . ." Cagalli wanted to, but then she was scared. He had hurt her deeply once. "But alone?"

"That might be best, but you don't have to go alone if you don't want to."

"Hey, we could go back to our island; the one where Athrun and I first met." That would bring back memories. "We could camp out there. It was a very beautiful tropical island, as I recall. Would you two come with us?"

"We'll have to think about it," Kira and Lacus said in unison.

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"What do you think?" Kira asked.

"About taking a trip with her?" Lacus and Kira went to the beach to see Cagalli off, watching her ship disappear over the ocean.

"Yes."

"If she insists, then I suppose we should help her."

"I think so too."

"I would feel bad if Cagalli remained unhappy."

"It could be a nice romantic spot, but as I recall it was also rather small. It might be hard to get some privacy."

She knew exactly what was on his mind. "Mr. Yamato, you had better not think such thoughts. You still have work to do," she reminded him.

"Right. Sorry. I'll get back to the kids." Kissing her on the cheek he left her on the beach.

"Yes, it does sound quite romantic," she said to herself. She shared her husband's thoughts, but she wasn't about to tell him that. She was too busy trying to make him think he was still in the dog-house. But deep down they both knew she didn't mean it. They shared a special bond since becoming intimate, often knowing the thoughts of the other. Perhaps it is because we are SEEDs, she thought.

But then again, perhaps it is something more.

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Chapter 3Dearka's Gambit

"Welcome to the Orb. Have a pleasant stay," said the greeter.

"Thank you," Dearka told her. This was the first time he entered Orb as a tourist. Well, that was his cover anyway. It had taken him a week to make the necessary preparations to enter the country. His first priority was to check in with Athrun, but that would be the easy part. Then he had to convince Cagalli to allow him access to covert operations. But at the moment, he was distracted with a more private mission: Tracking down Miriallia.

He still remembered his way around Onogoro Island. It seemed like ages ago, but it was less than a year since the Zala team snuck into Orb to find the Archangel. Much had happened since. Many of the businesses were reopened, but there were obvious signs that this country had recently been invaded. A little rubble here, a crater there; the signs of battle still scared this land of peace.

Walking down the sidewalk, the view of the ocean was fantastic. He was on the same road where they met Kira, but at the time only Athrun knew who he was. No. Focus on the mission, he thought. No time to reminisce.

"Hey Dearka!" It was a woman calling him from a car. He must have been really out of it not to notice its approach.

"Oh, hi Cagalli. Would you mind giving a worn out old soldier a lift?"

"Not a bit. I wonder who you came to see." She gave him a wink and an elbow to the ribs.

"Well, if you're thinking who I think you're thinking, then you're only partially right."

"So this is unofficially official business then?"

"Spoken like a true politician. Let's go see Athrun."

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"Talk about walking into a mine field." Athrun was none too thrilled to find out about Dearka's mission.

"True, but it isn't an unreasonable request," Cagalli said. "We just have to do this delicately, the way my father used to." After spending the end of her youth disagreeing with him, now she strived hard to be just like him. Only after it was too late did she see the wisdom of Lord Uzumi's ways.

Dearka wanted back in on this discussion. After all, it was his mission. "And I'm authorized to give you guys access to ZAFT intelligence information regarding this matter, and possibly other areas. I think it's in everyone's best interest to seriously consider working together."

"Just keep this in mind, Cagalli. If the Atlantic Federation finds out then Orb will really be in for trouble," Athrun gave her a final warning before walking out. He was trying very hard not to be an adviser. It was difficult, as he could be just as opinionated and hardheaded as Cagalli.

Watching him go, Cagalli just sighed.

"So I take it things are going as well as ever between you two?" Dearka asked.

"Yeah. We . . . haven't had much time to ourselves since we were all together last."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Athrun really cares for you and wants to help. He's probably just worried about messing things up again. Maybe you two should just go off by yourselves for a while. Let Kisaka run things for a week or so."

"I've been hearing that a lot lately. Maybe we will, but right now let's hammer out the details of this little arrangement. Then we can see about finding Miriallia for you." She knew full well that was in the back of his mind.

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"So how have you been?" Cagalli had been kind enough to help him track her down. It wasn't hard, as Cagalli had access to everything in Orb. At the moment, Dearka and Mir were engaging in the nearly-lost art of small talk in an Onogoro café.

"I've been well," she lied. She spent most of her nights crying herself to sleep holding a picture of Tolle. "After you left I managed to get a job as a freelance photographer for the local news agencies. There's hope that my work will go national soon." Taking a sip of her coffee she asked, "So how about you?"

"Good. I've been helping Yzak in the Council and on his team. I didn't accept the seat they offered me. I thought it might be awkward if a councilman tried to stay in contact with someone in a neutral nation."

"How's life back in the military?" She was eager to get the subject away from Dearka coming to see her.

"Mostly uneventful. We've really only had one mission, but I can't discuss the details."

"That's understandable."

"So what all do you take pictures of?"

"Mostly the devastation, but I take some of the reconstruction too. There isn't much else here anymore."

"Hey Mir, I'm sorry. This is upsetting you." He scratched his chin in thought. "Did I see an amusement park down the road? Let's go see if we can't have some fun."

A few stuffed animals later, Dearka and Mir went their separate ways for the evening. They promised each other to do this again some time.

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"Have the preparations been made?" Dearka asked. He was called to the palace before dawn and snuck in through the back. The agents were very careful to make sure their entrance wasn't seen by prying eyes.

"Yes. Everything is in order," she told him. "So, how was the date with Mir yesterday?"

"It went as well as could be expected."

"No progress, huh?" Cagalli wanted to help, but she knew better. After all her difficulties with Athrun, she hardly qualified as a relationship counselor.

"How much progress can you make in one day?"

"Well, it'll all work out. You'll see."

"I hope so. Oh, hi Athrun. Glad you could join us," Dearka greeted his friend as he entered. Kisaka came in following Athrun.

"Good morning. So, is everything ready?" Athrun asked.

"Sure is. We can get started whenever you're ready," Cagalli said.

"Great. Well, we'll leave it all in your capable hands Dearka," Athrun took Cagalli's outstretched hand and turned to leave.

"Hey where are you two going?" Dearka was confused. He thought they were going to help him in his mission.

Cagalli turned back to answer. "To take a vacation just like you suggested. We thought it would be best to keep our meetings to a minimum and just let you and Kisaka handle the mission."

"I see. You're probably right. A ZAFT regular and the sovereign of Orb shouldn't be discussing national secrets too often." Dearka waved, "Have fun you two."

"Thanks. We will," said Athrun.

"I guess we should get to work then," Kisaka said.

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"How do you think he's doing?" The Nemesis was docked at one of the PLANTs. It needed some final tuning, so the gravity block wasn't rotating

"Well, I hope." Ailesa fondled her lover's hair. They were floating weightless in his quarters. "He couldn't be making any less progress than we are."

"True. Those spies are really starting to bug me. I just wish we could figure out what they were up to."

"It has to be something big, since they've begun to step up their activities."

"Yes, there is something very wrong with all this. I've felt that way since Carpenteria."

"You think there's a connection?" The fierce attack they faced was still a vivid memory. She mostly remembered because she was only a passenger and not a participating combatant. But another thing that stuck out was that they were attacked by their own forces. The GINNs didn't stand a chance, but they did make her and Yzak late for the Onogoro operation.

"I don't know, but now's the time to find out." Yzak looked up at Ailesa, floating above him.

"Are you planning on going to Earth?"

"I've already given the order. Up for a little trip?"

"Always."

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Chapter 4The Love of Another

He was having trouble sleeping. The dreams that had haunted him began to fade some time ago, but one kept coming back. She still had a hold on him. Fllay Alster would never leave his mind for long.

"Kira? Is something the matter?" Lacus noticed her husband's absence immediately, but not just because his warmth was missing from her side. It seemed they could share thoughts at times. Images and feelings from one mind would wind up in the other. They often laughed about it, turning it into a mind-reading game. But this time it wasn't a game.

"No, I'll be fine." Kira sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the stars out the window.

"Look, it's a shooting star." She hugged him from behind, pointing with her slender arm just over his shoulder.

"What will you wish for?" he asked. At her gentle touch, all his tension faded. It was always like this. She removed all the turmoil within him, bringing him a sense of peace. An inner peace the likes of which he had never known.

"Hmm," she thought for a moment. "I wish . . . I wish for your sad dreams to disappear."

"Lacus, you don't need to worry about me. I'm just fine when we're together." Lying back down with his wife he returned her gentle hug, cuddling.

"Kira, do you still think of her?" Lacus had to know. She had to know if he was thinking of someone else while they were in bed.

"Yes." To tell the truth, he still loved her. And Lacus knew it.

"I see. So where does that leave me, Kira," she began to cry, slowly at first.

"I love you Lacus, and I always will. But does that mean that I must forget her?" He tried to hold her, to stop the tears. She wouldn't let him.

"No, but . . ." she began. "I do not want to be second to a dead person! How can I compete with that?"

"Lacus, you are second to no one in my heart. Can't you see that?"

"I'm sorry to be so selfish, Kira." Now she was bawling, as guilt blended in with her jealousy. She did not want to put him through this, reminding him of the horrible tragedy he suffered. But she didn't want to share him either.

"Lacus, let me hold you. Open your mind to me; see what I see."

It took all their concentration and force of will but it worked. Kira focused hard on the event; remembering the stress, the anger, the pain of loss. She saw everything that had happened to Kira, everything he felt. Fllay's final goodbye: the brief moment when their minds touched in space-out-of-time. A part of her remained in his mind; she was watching over him, protecting him, telling him to be happy. But there was more for Lacus to see. The happiness Kira had found with Lacus was all that kept him going; she was his whole reason for living. His love for her was different from what it had been with Fllay. One was not greater than the other, and his heart was not divided. There was room for both Lacus and the memory of Fllay.

"Kira . . . I."

"Shhh. We don't need words." One of mind and soul; eternally bound by their pure love for each other.

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"Good morning, Mr. Yamato." True to their morning ritual, Lacus woke him with a kiss on the cheek. "Have you forgotten what day it is?"

He didn't forget. "Right, we have to pack. No telling when those two will show up."

"She did say to expect her this morning, so it is best if you get to work."

"Yes Lacus." And to finish their morning ritual, Kira gave her a kiss before starting on his mission of the day.

"Oh, and Kira," she began, "thank you for last night." She gave her husband a hug as arose from the bed. "For sharing that with me."

"Let's not talk about it, okay?" Kira avoided her gaze, beginning to get ready.

"Kira?" She thought she saw a tear in his eye as he turned away to look out the window. "What's wrong? Was it something I said?"

"Sorry. I just don't want to think about it anymore than I already have to."

"Okay. I'll be waiting outside." As she closed the door, she added softly "I love you Kira Yamato."

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"Everything's all set." Kira joined his wife on the beach.

"All better now?"

"Yes. Sorry about that." He took her by the hand.

"It's okay, Kira. We all have times like that. So what all did you pack?"

"Not much," he said untruthfully. "The difficulty was in finding pants and shorts in your wardrobe. As great as you look in your dresses, I doubt they would work well for camping out. Cagalli said they would bring sleeping bags and tents. She'll probably bring a bunch of rations, so I thought we should bring some sandwiches and other things," Kira pointed at the cooler stuffed with food. "No need for our taste buds to suffer on this trip too."

"Now Kira, you know it won't be that bad."

"Probably not, but I don't want to get dragged into one of their arguments."

"Shush. Here they come." Lacus waved at the approaching boat.

Sure enough, up came their spacious boat. Cagalli was at the bow waving, "Hi guys!"

"Hop aboard." Athrun let down a ramp for them. He also helped Kira carry the luggage of the Yamatos.

"Why did you pack so much, Lacus?" he asked.

"Actually, that was me. Sorry. I didn't know what all you two would be bringing," admitted Kira.

"It's alright. At least we can put the food to good use. We also brought some weird gear with us. Something Cagalli was hoping to teach us."

"It's called fishing. You space-jocks don't know anything do you?" Cagalli kidded them.

"Well, they don't exactly let you do a lot of that in the colonies," Kira reminded her.

"Then it's a good thing we're on Earth with a great big ocean to ourselves."

"Oh, look Kira. The children have come to see us off," Lacus pointed.

"Goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Yamato! Come back soon," they yelled. Rev. Malchio came with the children to bid them farewell also.

"We will. Behave yourselves while we're gone!" Kira yelled back.

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"For the preservation of our blue and pure world!"

Mir turned to see what was going on. She had been walking down the street, looking for things to photograph, when she stumbled into a riot. It was a Blue Cosmos demonstration that was turning violent.

Pushing her way through the crowd, she came across quite a scene. Taking a picture, she noticed through the shutter that they were harassing someone. He was trying hard to fight them off but there were too many.

"Help! Police!" Mir yelled.

"So you're one of them too?" The mob turned on her now.

Fortunately, the authorities showed up in time to save her. They broke up the crowd and hauled all they could catch to jail. Such demonstrations of hatred were explicitly banned in Orb.

She weaved her way to the injured man in the confusion. "Are you okay?" she asked the victim.

"Yeah. How about you Mir?"

"What? Dearka!" She helped him up. "Come with me. We've got to get you out of here."

"I don't want to get you involved," he protested.

"Well, I'm involving myself. Let's go. I know a place where we can hide out."

Making it back to her apartment wasn't easy. Laying him on her couch she finally saw what bad shape he was in. "I think we might need to get you to a doctor."

"No. Don't do it."

"Now you listen to me Dearka Elsman . . ." she began.

"You don't understand; it was all a trap. You can't trust . . ." With that he lost consciousness. It seems they tried to drug him, but were only partially successful.

He seemed so helpless to her now. For all his enhanced abilities, he was just a mortal man. Could she care for him like she had for Tolle? She didn't know that yet.

"Don't worry," she ran her fingers through his blonde hair. "I'll watch out for you." All she knew was that Dearka was one of her best friends, and he was in serious trouble.

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"Is it this one?" Lacus asked. She was not used to boats and was eager to disembark.

"No, but we're close. Only a few more minutes," Athrun responded.

"Kira, I do not feel well," Lacus told her husband.

"It shows." He helped her lie down and stay still. This reminded him of a similar event with Fllay during the war. She had told him the floor kept moving around under her feet. "You'll get used to it. Just try to stay still and relax."

"Thank you for staying with me," she took his hand.

"No problem," he kissed her cheek and patted her on the head.

"Alright, you two. It looks like we're here," Cagalli shouted back at them.

"Good. I can't wait to get off," Lacus tried to rise.

Kira held her down. "You had better lie still. The boat will rock even more when we slow to a stop."

"That does not sound encouraging," she grasped his hand tighter, holding on for dear life.

"You'll get used to it soon. Don't worry about it," Cagalli said, joining them. "To think I'd live to see a Coordinator seasick."

"I'm not so sure that's what it is," Kira said, stroking Lacus's pink hair.

"What do you mean little brother?"

Lacus answered for him, "He means that I'm scared to death of small boats in the middle of huge oceans!"

"Okay, we can get off the boat now." Athrun had dropped the anchor and was getting things together.

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He coughed himself awake. Not knowing here he was he tried to get up. A gentle hand restrained him.

"You had best stay still."

Through his blurred vision he could make out shoulder length brown hair, but that was about it. "Anybody get the license number of that car that hit me?"

"It's not funny," she said.

"That you Mir? What happened?"

"You got the crap beat out of you. Now lie still and don't talk. Sorry, but this is going to hurt." She was treating his cuts and bruises with rubbing alcohol.

It stung, but this soldier wouldn't say "ouch." But he did say, "Thanks Mir."

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"So, he hasn't checked in yet?" Yzak asked his second officer.

"No sir. We've missed his last two transmissions." It was Lieutenant Junior Grade Reiki Setsuka. With Dearka gone, Reiki was the next ranking officer in the Joule Team. He had been a member of the team since Jachine Diue. Yzak had saved his life there, and now he was one of Yzak's most trusted crewmembers.

"It may not mean anything," Ailesa tried to allay his fears.

"True," said Juni Hahn, the communications officer. She had been a bright-eyed young ensign on the le Creuzet Team who had come with Yzak when he was given command of his own team. It seemed she once had a crush on Yzak, but these days her attentions were focused on Reiki. "He may not have been able to send a secure communiqué yet."

The four of them were having a round-table conference en-route to Earth, trying to assess their situation and strategy.

"No. This doesn't pass the smell-test." Yzak cupped his chin in thought.

"Smell-test, sir?" Reiki asked.

"He means it doesn't smell right," Ailesa answered for him.

"Dearka's in trouble, I just know it." Yzak had no doubts about this.

"If he's in trouble then it means one of two things," Ailesa said. "Either he blew his cover or we have a mole."

"Dearka's not one to take unnecessary risks," Reiki commented. "How could his cover have been exposed?"

"They could be using G-scanners again," Yzak said. Ailesa and Yzak had discovered all about them shortly after the Onogoro incident. His position allowed them to access classified material on a number of subjects, so their search didn't take too long. They were originally designed to find Naturals who had infiltrated the PLANT settlements; yet another tool for Patrick Zala to root out every last Natural. Someone had delivered that technology to Blue Cosmos, just like le Creuzet had done with the N-Jammer Cancellers.

"But we cannot rule out the possibility of a spy in our midst," Ailesa insisted. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I've been at this longer than you Yzak. I know it's hard to accept that one of our own would do this, but we have to consider the possibility."

Sighing, "Fine. We'll start with the usual stuff. Sweep the ship for transmitters and monitor for any unauthorized outbound signals. I want a full report in my hands in three hours. Reiki, Juni; I don't have to tell you to keep this quiet." With that Yzak adjourned the meeting.

The two subordinates left, leaving Yzak and Ailesa behind.

"You really think it's one of our own?" he asked.

"I don't know. I hope not."

"If it is one of ours then it would explain a lot."

"Like how we always show up too late to catch them."

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"You don't know how to swim?" Cagalli stared at her in disbelief.

"Well, there wasn't the opportunity to learn." Lacus was embarrassed. She was holding up the group. The boat couldn't get any closer to the island or the yacht would run aground when the tide went out. They had a large life raft that could easily accommodate all four, but they needed that to get their gear and luggage to the island. Athrun would row the raft to shore but Kira, Lacus, and Cagalli would have to swim. Lacus looked up at Kira as if to silently scream "help."

"Don't worry, just take a deep breath and relax. If you panic, you'll only make it worse." Kira climbed down the ladder into the water and motioned for Lacus to follow.

"You had better take good care of me, Kira Yamato!"

Athrun and Cagalli watched the scene with some amusement. Lacus held on to the bottom rung of the ladder while Kira tried to teach her the basics of treading water, then real swimming. She was a quick study, but it was clear she wasn't comfortable swimming the thirty meters to shore. The two lovers made it to the beach without incident.

"Now it's your turn," Athrun pushed Cagalli over the side of the boat. Everyone got a good laugh out of it. Everyone except Cagalli, that is.

"Athrun! You just wait 'till I get a hold of you!"

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"Hey, you're finally awake."

"Mir? I guess I passed out again. Sorry."

"It's not a problem. I'm just glad you're going to be alright. Nothing seems broken, but you're going to be sore for a while so don't try to get up."

"Were you by my side the whole time?"

"Yes," she looked down to avoid his gaze.

Reaching out to touch her arm, he said "Thanks. That means a lot."

"Yeah, well . . . what are friends for, right?" She looked up to see the disappointment in his eyes.

"Friends." They both knew he wanted more. And they both knew she wasn't ready for that.

"Dearka, I'm sorry. Can we talk about this later?"

"Nothing to talk about." He understood how hard this was for her. At least, he tried to be understanding for her sake.

Mir stroked his blonde hair as he closed his eyes once again. "Get some rest. I'll have dinner ready for you when you awaken."

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"What now, Lacus?" She and Kira had just moved the gear in to a cave and got everything organized. Athrun and Cagalli had wandered off into the small jungle, presumably to discuss the past. And hopefully discuss their future as well.

"All we can do is wait for them to return. I would not feel comfortable intruding into their private time."

"That's not what I meant. I meant what do you want to do now? This is our vacation too, you know."

"Let's go down to the beach and watch the sunset." She took him by the hand, pulling him toward the beach. It was at least an hour until sunset, but neither of them minded spending the time together, doing nothing.

"Lacus?" She sat on his lap, him hugging her from behind. Cheek to cheek, they watched the ocean. This had been a regular event on Rev. Malchio's island.

"Yes Kira?"

"How long has it been since I told you that I loved you?"

She thought for a moment. It was probably a few days ago, but she wasn't sure. "I honestly don't remember. But I know that you think it often, and that's enough for me."

"It's not for me." He kissed her cheek. I love you Lacus."

"And I you, Kira." She turned to give her husband a passionate kiss.

By the time they disentangled, they had missed the sunset. There would be other sunsets.

"Okay, break it up, you two." Cagalli had come back with Athrun in tow. "I'm getting hungry. Let's eat."

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Chapter 5Betrayal

"Sir, we have something for you."

"Yes Juni?" Yzak asked.

"It's about that sensor sweep. Well, we found something. I . . . I'm sorry sir." She handed him the report.

"Are you sure this is right?"

"Yes sir. Here is the tracking device we found. It transmits on an ultra-low frequency, one we don't usually check for. It was in her flight suit, sir."

"Bring her. Now!" he demanded.

"I thought you might want that, sir. She's waiting outside." Juni opened the door to reveal Ailesa flanked by two guards.

"Yzak, what's this about?" Ailesa asked. She seemed scared, confused.

It could have been an act. "Leave us alone for a moment," Yzak ordered. Juni and the guards remained just outside the door.

"Just look at the report." He passed the document and device to Ailesa and sat on the opposite side of the conference table.

"I don't know what to say." She looked up at him. Though there were tears in her eyes, she remained defiant. "You think it's me?"

"As commander of this mission, I must consider that possibility." He honestly didn't think she would do this. But perhaps she did. And perhaps it was someone else going through a lot of trouble to make him think it was her. Either way, he would play along; go through the motions until someone let their guard down. Then he would have them.

"And as Yzak Joule?"

"My personal feelings are irrelevant. The safety of my subordinates and the integrity of the intelligence service are my primary concern here."

She lowered her head. "I understand."

"I realize that this could just be a plant, but you understand that I must take every precaution." He was wavering, letting his feelings come to the surface for a moment.

"If you think I did this, then just kill me now." She took out the concealed dagger in her left forearm and stuck it into the table, right in front of Yzak.

"If I find out it was you, I'll throw you out the airlock." He studied her closely, gauging her reaction. She didn't look up.

Tears were streaming down her face. "Yzak . . . I lo . . ."

He cut her off. "You will be confined to the brig until I can complete the investigation myself." He looked away and pushed a button signaling the guards to enter. He would not show weakness. She had never said those words. She was either very scared or a very good actress.

"Yzak, don't do this to me!" she begged as they drug her to the brig.

"An unpleasant duty sir," Juni said. "But for what it's worth, I don't think she would do this."

"That'll be all for today Ensign Hahn," he dismissed her.

"Yes sir. Sorry sir." She left as quickly as she could without showing her fear of his wrath. He had better control over his anger these days, but she had served with him a good while now. She knew just enough to be terrified of his rage.

He appeared calm, but he was boiling on the inside. As his subordinate left, Yzak lovingly held Ailesa's dagger. It held a special meaning for them.

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"How much longer until we reach a low orbit?" Yzak asked.

"One more day, sir," Reiki responded. "Then we can send a shuttle to Carpenteria."

"Make it two," he ordered. "I need some time to think. And prepare."

"Yes sir."

Yzak left the bridge, making his way to the records room. He had taken it upon himself to study every second of footage recorded by the security cameras within the ship. He couldn't delegate this task. He had to find out for himself.

Obsessed, foregoing sleep and food, he watched every last minute of the locker room data footage. Once, twice, and nothing out of the ordinary. But on the third . . .

Yes, someone had doctored it. There was a thin black mat line where someone had superimposed a false date and time. He had missed it on the first two passes because he was fast-forwarding. It was small, only three minutes long, but someone had edited out compromising footage.

"This is it." Yzak had found it. It wasn't Ailesa as she had been with him at that time, but who was it? It must have been someone with mid-level access, someone who wouldn't have been questioned; an officer. But there were too many possibilities to narrow it down. He had to pretend nothing had changed until he could find the true culprit.

"Sir, we have a problem." It was Reiki, over the com system.

After quickly removing all traces of what he had examined, he answered "What is it?"

"Sir, we've got an unauthorized launch. I think it's Cmdr. Hawke."

"Damn!" He raced to the hangar. He didn't remove her lock picks before sending her to the brig. Without taking time to change into a flight suit, he climbed into his ZAKU-C and ordered them to let her out. He didn't want the ship damaged by her blasting through the flight deck's door.

It wasn't hard to catch up to her. She had taken her beaten-up old GINN; the one she had lost her arm and leg piloting.

Closing the gap, he shot out a secure com line. He didn't want others listening in. "Ailesa, answer me!"

"Yzak, I won't go back." She was frantic, unstable.

"Don't do this Ailesa! I know it wasn't you, but if we don't keep up the appearance we may never catch them."

She wasn't listening; wasn't being rational. "I'm sorry. Goodbye Yzak." She plunged her GINN straight down toward the Earth, knowing her suit wouldn't survive reentry.

"Ailesa, I'm begging you! Don't do this!" His ZAKU had a hold of her GINN, but her thrusters and Earth's gravity were winning the tug-of-war. At this rate, they would both burn in the atmosphere.

"Say it!" she demanded. "That's the only way I'll know . . ."

"Ailesa, I . . . love you," he said quietly. "Don't leave me!"

She cut her thrusters, allowing Yzak to pull her out of the descent.

"You're a lot of trouble, woman." The only response she gave him was sobs.

Back in the hangar they were met by security guards, ready to escort her back to the brig. To avoid a repeat of this incident, they didn't just take her lock picks. They carefully removed her artificial appendages at their docking bases.

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"Mir?"

His words startled her. She had fallen asleep waiting for him to wake up. "Yeah, I'm here."

"You mind if I get up now? I really have to . . . you know. Take a bathroom break."

"Sure. Sorry I must have fallen asleep," she yawned. Looking at the clock she noticed several hours had passed.

As she helped him off the couch he said, "I know. I've been waiting for you to get up." Now on his feet he added, "Maybe you should go to bed."

"Not until we've had dinner," she insisted.

It was cold by now, but he didn't complain.

"So, how long were you watching me?" she asked.

"I don't know. A while. Sorry."

"Don't be. I enjoy attention just as much as the next girl," she smiled. She was tired, but hadn't lost her sense of humor.

"Sometimes . . ." he began.

"Sometimes what?"

"Never mind. It's not important." Dearka finished his meal. He didn't want to push his feelings on her. That wouldn't be right, he thought.

"Dearka, maybe it's time we had a talk."

"If that's what you want." They cleared the table and made their way back to the couch. Dearka was able to move around better, but still quite sore.

"Listen," she began "I've seen the way you look at me and . . ." This was going to be harder than she thought.

Raising her chin so their eyes would meet, he told her "It's okay Mir, you don't have to do this."

"Yes I do. If I don't say it now, then I might never." She looked away. "I loved Tolle very much. More than I ever thought possible. We had fun, we fought, we cried. He was everything to me." The tears began to stream down her face, but she didn't sob. "Now that he's gone, I don't know what to make of my life. And you've been such a dear friend. I'm scared that if something began between us that it would only break my heart again. I might feel guilty for betraying his memory. And I might lose one of my best friends."

"I think Tolle would want the same thing as I do; for you to be happy." He reached out to dry her tears. "Whatever you feel you must do, then that's what you should do. I will fully support your decision."

She looked up to see him shedding tears also.

"You're right Mir; I do have feelings for you. But even if it meant I lost any chance with you, I would want you to be happy."

"I'm sorry Dearka. I'm just so confused. I thought that time here alone to think about things was what I needed." She reached out to hug him. "But I haven't gotten anywhere."

"Listen Mir," he held her tight. "I'm not going to ask for more than you can give. Let's just leave it at that."

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What's wrong with me? I don't act this way, she thought. Someone was coming. A visitor.

"Rise and shine."

Lying on the bed, her head was close to the cell bars. She looked up to make eye contact with her visitor. It was Yzak. "What now?" she asked.

"Ailesa, don't be like that." He reached through the bars to stroke her green hair.

"Yzak . . ." she began. She was obviously hurt by all this. They were two vulnerable people and it took a lot for them to finally let their guards down six months ago. Now this had come between them. She was lost and frightened. She just wanted to curl up and die if he hated her.

Yzak put on a good act, but he felt much the same as Ailesa. He tried to communicate that to her with his eyes. Words would have been overheard by others. "Just sit tight and try to relax. I'll settle this shortly."

As he turned to go, Ailesa grabbed his hand. "Did you mean what you said earlier?"

"In orbit, about how I feel about you?"

"That and in the conference room."

"I meant them both."

"You would . . . really do that to me?"

"Let me tell you a story. While on the le Creuzet Team it seemed that Athrun had betrayed the PLANTs. Cmdr. le Creuzet asked me if I could shoot him down. The natural answer was yes. I would shoot down any traitor, regardless of whether they had once been my friend."

"But you didn't."

"No, I didn't. And it wasn't because he was my friend. It was because le Creuzet was the one who had really betrayed the PLANTs. But by the time I found out the truth of that, I almost had to fight and kill my best friend."

"Dearka?"

"Yes. So you see, if you had betrayed me then I would kill you. I will not make any hasty actions, though; I've learned that lesson the hard way. I will be cautious because of how I feel about you, and because it may just as easily have been someone else."

"I see." She was not encouraged by his words. "That's not a very good story."

He stroked her hair one last time before turning to go. "Forgive me," he whispered as he left.

I don't know if I can, she thought in answer. But I still love you.

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Chapter 6Respective Solitudes

"To think I agreed to spend a week roughing it." Lacus was ready for a nice hot bath. Sand had gotten everywhere it wasn't supposed to be. Her long pink hair was a mess. And there was nowhere to bathe but in the ocean.

"You're having fun and you know it," Cagalli wasn't fooled. They all enjoyed the past three days of solitude.

"So how are you and Athrun doing?" Lacus asked. The boys were off gathering firewood, leaving the girls to finish what modest primping they could manage without dressing rooms or running water.

"Same as always. I talk, he listens." Cagalli sighed at the thought. "He's not one to open up. It's hard to tell what he wants from me. Sometimes I wonder if he really even cares. I just don't know where I stand with him."

Lacus looked up to see Cagalli's eyes filling with tears. "Are things really that bad?"

"I don't know. He doesn't want to talk about it."

"Are you asking the right questions?"

"I was never any good at that."

"Just ask him how he feels. Ask him if he loves you." She tried to comfort her companion. "If you don't ask him directly, he may never tell you. He can be quite shy; something that does not mix will with his stubbornness."

Cagalli let out a small laugh at that. Lacus was right. Lacus and Kira probably knew Athrun better than she did. That's why she insisted they tag along. Making up her mind, "I'll go find him right now," she said.

"Good. I will be hoping for the best."

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"Good morning."

Dearka opened his eyes to a lovely sight. "Same to you." He spent the night on the couch. Mir was sitting next to him when he awoke. "What a sight to wake up to."

"Huh?" She didn't quite catch that.

"Never mind. I need to go." He remembered, "I've got an assignment to get back to."

"Right. I don't suppose there's anyway I can help."

"I wouldn't want you to get involved." He thought about it a moment, "Unless you just want to hang out. Keep this tourist out of trouble."

"What kind of assignment is that?" she had one eye cocked. Surely she wasn't his assignment.

"My assignment is to look like I'm on vacation and report in every so often." Looking at his watch, "which reminds me; I've missed my last several check-ins. I bet they're worried about me."

"Then we'd better go. I can pretend to show you around Onogoro." Without waiting for a response, she took his arm and headed out the door.

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"Kira, can I have a few minutes alone with Athrun please?"

"Sure Cagalli." He felt this would happen. Athrun had been quite pensive this morning. Something was up, but he knew better than to pry. "Is Lacus still near the cave?"

"Yeah. She's waiting for you there."

"I'll take the tinder back to the cave then." Kira took Athrun's share of the load and marched the last several meters back to their camp.

"So what do you need Cagalli?" Athrun was suspicious. She had been skirting around some issue for the past several days, wanting something from him.

"I have to know . . . how you . . ."

"How I feel about you?" he finished for her. He suspected that's what was on her mind. It had been on his mind for quite some time as well.

"Yeah."

He answered honestly. "I don't know. I care for you a lot, but things have been . . . difficult. You've got a country to run and I'd just get in the way."

"All I want is you, Athrun," she began crying. "I just want to be with you."

"I know. I feel the same way. But you have responsibilities. It would be wrong of us to put that aside for our personal interests."

"Can't we have both?" She reached out to embrace him.

"We can try."

He didn't sound too confident, but at least Cagalli scored this small victory. At least he admitted the possibility. That was better than an outright rejection. This isn't over, she thought.

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"How are you holding up?"

"How well do you think? I'm missing an arm and a leg, sitting in a cold cell." She took the offered tray. "Thanks for bringing me dinner, Juni. I appreciate it."

"No problem." She cared for Ailesa. They had only known each other a short while, but they had become fast friends. "Has he come to visit you?"

She took a break from eating to say "Just once."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"Tell me how he's been."

"About as well as you, I expect. He's desperate to find out what's going on before we reach Carpenteria. He's even delayed our descent until he can get you cleared."

Then it clicked. "Juni, you're a genius. Tell Yzak I need to see him."

"Do you think he'll come?"

"Tell him to bring the dagger. He'll understand."

"If you say so, sir."

"Hurry Juni. We don't have much time."

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"Let's go for a swim," Kira was determined to enjoy every minute of Lacus in a bikini. It didn't happen often at their home, and he was surprised to find her in a bathing suit when he joined her at the cave.

"Sure. I've gotten a lot better thanks to you." Kira had been a good teacher. Perhaps that's why the kids enjoyed him so much.

"How is Cagalli making out?" he asked as they splashed in the ocean.

"Not well, but perhaps my little pep talk will spur her in the right direction."

"So that's what she wanted. I was thinking it was too early in the day for him to be in trouble."

"Kira Yamato! Picking on your sister when she isn't even here!"

In response, he dove under her. Grabbing her feet, he pulled her under too.

This island of solitude had been good for them. It gave them a place to have their fun, away from the prying eyes of curious children. It was a place where they could play without worrying about the future or their destiny; a place to make memories that would last a lifetime.

If only Athrun and Cagalli could get it together, this vacation would be perfect, they thought in unison.

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"It's time to start our descent," Yzak ordered.

"Yes sir. The reentry shuttle is ready. Shall I have some ZAKUs ready for drop also?" Reiki asked.

"Yes, half a squadron. We may need them." He and Ailesa had figured it out close to the same time. In trying to catch the little fish, they were about to let the big one get away. The planted device was just convincing enough to force Yzak to go through the motions, if only for the sake of protocol. He had been tricked into delaying the mission to save Ailesa.

"Sir, leave everything to us."

"Carry on." Yzak left to board the shuttle. Their delay probably gave those in Carpenteria time to go into hiding, but perhaps he could still catch the little fish after all.

The shuttle made its descent, followed by ZAKUs in reentry capsules. The scene was much like ZAFT's invasion of Earth over a year ago, but on a microscopic scale. At 15,000 feet the capsules released their cargo, the six ZAKUs fanning out. Yzak was begging someone to start trouble.

He didn't have to wait long.

The attack didn't come from Carpenteria, but then he didn't expect it to. They wouldn't try that trick again.

"Joule 6, get back in formation!" came over the airwaves. He was going for the shuttle, for Yzak.

"Yzak!" Joule 4 barely made it in time, but managed to block the shot. Joule 4 took some serious damage, but was able to give Joule 6 a crippling blow.

Before they could take the pilot into custody, the ZAKU self-detonated. Again, their enemies were ruthlessly efficient.

On the ground, Yzak came out to thank his savior. The pilot was exiting the cockpit. "Well done Ailesa."

"Told you I could still do it," she was elated. Both for piloting again, and for being able to save Yzak.

"So you did," he responded with a smile.

One of his subordinates ran from the shuttle to alert Yzak. "Sir, we have a priority message from the Nemesis."

"Perhaps we caught him," he conjectured. Taking Ailesa by the hand, he raced back eager to see if they had done it.

It was Juni. "It's not good sir," she was crying. "I posted guards around the surveillance room just like you ordered, but . . ." she trailed off.

"Just show me what happened."

Juni patched the video feed through. A figure snuck into the cell block and walked up to Ailesa's cell. Yzak had snuck her out, leaving behind a stuffed bed to look as if Ailesa was sleeping. The figure pulled out a gun. It shot the bed twice, and then the figure shot itself in the head.

"The first rule of assassination is to kill the assassin," Ailesa said.

"Juni, who was it?" Yzak asked.

"Sir, it was Reiki."

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Chapter 7 Saying Goodbye

"Do you have to leave so soon?" Miriallia didn't want to see him go. Not again.

"Yeah. Yzak needs people he can trust." He didn't tell her what was going on, but she had a pretty good idea already. After their adventure in Purgatory colony she wondered how deep the conspiracies went.

"I may not hear from you for a long time," she thought out loud.

"Sorry Mir. I wish you could come with me." He knew she would feel out of place on a ZAFT ship or in the PLANTs.

"And I wish you could stay." She knew he had his duty.

They hugged goodbye, and Dearka turned to board the flight to Carpenteria.

"Dearka wait!" she grabbed his wrist.

"What is it . . .?"

"A goodbye kiss." It was full on the lips. He wasn't expecting that, but then neither was she; their first kiss. "Come back to me soon, okay?"

"As soon as I can; that's a promise."

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"Our vacation is over already?" Lacus had a note of disappointment in her voice. It was a beautiful morning. Today they were scheduled to leave their island. It had become a special place for all of them.

"We'll we don't have to set out just yet, but I do need to be back before tomorrow morning. Kisaka will have a fit if I miss the senate meeting." Cagalli was busy packing things onto the raft, with Athrun's help of course.

"So a couple more hours then?" Kira asked.

"Yeah, but no more." Cagalli gave Lacus a knowing wink.

"Come, Mr. Yamato. We still have one more thing to do," Lacus took her husband by the hand. One more memory to make, she thought.

"I envy them. Those two seem so happy together," Athrun stated. He didn't envy Kira for taking his former fiancé; he envied him for the happiness he had managed to find.

"Yes they do. I hope one day we can have something like that."

"You're not usually so forward, Cagalli."

"And you're still an insensitive jackass." She smiled up at him, eyes watering. "When are you just going to accept what I'm offering you?"

"What are you saying?"

"One of us has to break this stalemate. We can't wait on each other forever." Looking away she asked, "Or maybe you don't want me, is that it?"

"No, that's not it at all. I just . . ." he trailed off.

"Just what?" Not waiting for an answer she ran out of the cave bawling. She jumped in the water, making for the boat.

"Cagalli wait!" It took all his might to catch up to her. He finally caught her arm as she began climbing the ladder up the side of the boat.

"What do you want?"

"Cagalli. There's nothing I'd like better than to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." At the moment, he was quite sure. He didn't want to loser her because of indecisiveness; that's how he lost Lacus. He would not make that same mistake with Cagalli.

She clutched onto him, still crying. "I love you Athrun Zala; even if you are a jackass."

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"So how did it go?" Yzak asked.

"It was a total failure. Kisaka didn't get anywhere. He couldn't penetrate their network." Dearka was tired and still a little sore.

"And what of your other mission?" Ailesa knew she was prying, but she had an interest in seeing her friend being happy.

"Some progress," he answered. "If only we had more time."

"It can't be helped. Besides, your presence would only endanger her at this point," Yzak reminded him.

"Right. So who was it?" Dearka asked.

"Reiki."

"I never would have figured that," Dearka shook his head in disbelief.

"Juni's really upset about it," Ailesa added.

"I wonder how deep this all goes," Yzak pondered.

"That reminds me," Dearka said. "Kisaka did find one useful bit of information. It seems the guys we're after are calling themselves the 'Zala Faction.' They're playing nice with Blue Cosmos; each side feeding the other information. They're both hoping the other side lets something important slip so they'll have the upper hand when the fighting starts again. Guys, I think this is a lot bigger than the three of us can handle."

Yzak commented, "That may be so, but right now I wouldn't trust anyone else to do this job for us."

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"You two look awfully happy. Did we miss something?"

Kira and Lacus were watching Athrun and Cagalli very closely. Their behavior had changed. It was like they were back on the Eternal, with no cares in the world. But this was over six months and several fights later. Athrun was piloting the boat, Cagalli hugged his arm.

"Nothing much," Athrun said.

"We just decided to set aside some time every day. Just for us," Cagalli sighed.

"I see." Lacus beamed. It seems this vacation-mission was a success after all.

"It's too bad we don't do this more often." Kira joined into the conversation.

Turning to face her brother, Cagalli said "Yes, we'll have to do this again someday."

Lacus looked up at her husband. "Kira? I have a little surprise for you."

"What's that?"

In answer, she took his hand. She thought hard about it, trying to communicate her thoughts to Kira. It was too soon to let others know about it; a presence, growing.

She placed the hand on her stomach. "You mean . . ." he whispered.

She nodded "yes." There may be a little Yamato in our future.

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Using Carpenteria's mass driver, the reentry shuttle made its way back to the Nemesis. Dearka settled into his quarters before checking on Juni. Yzak, with Ailesa in tow, went off to issue orders for their return to the PLANTs. He would need to reevaluate the crew in hopes of avoiding a repeat of this latest incident.

With the orders issued, Yzak and Ailesa returned to the captain's quarters. "We need to talk," he said.

"Yes, I know." She took a seat across the room from him, avoiding eye contact.

"How are we going to proceed?" he asked. "This has been a great strain on you; on us both. I don't expect things can go back to the way they were with us."

"No, I don't suppose they can."

"Then here we are again. Two lonely soldiers; too tough to let our guards down." He turned to look at the stars out the cabin window. It had become a habit of his. Looking out the window, lost in thought. But usually Ailesa was holding him, watching the stars over his shoulder. Would those treasured things pass away? Would their relationship?

"Perhaps so." She hugged him from behind. "I resign my commission," she said quietly.

He could tell she was crying; her tears seeping through his white uniform, right between his shoulder blades. "I thought that meant everything to you," he said.

"It did. After this, there's no way I can continue as a soldier. And now I've found something more important." She ruffled the front of his uniform jacket with her clenched fists. "Just don't you dare put me through this again, Yzak Joule."

"I love you Ailesa." He said it so naturally, like he had been saying it all along, though this was only the second time. Perhaps he had been thinking it to himself the whole time but never saying it aloud. Turning around he gave her a hug, letting her bury her face in his chest. "I don't want to go through this again either."

"So that leaves us with one unanswered question: where do we go from here?" She was still crying.

"I want you here, by my side."

"That's where I want to be."

"Then that's where you'll stay." He lifted her chin for a kiss, but she had something to say first.

"But let's get one thing straight." Her expression hardened. "Don't you ever treat me like a housewife. I can still kick your ass."

With that, they locked together. Holding onto each other, afraid to let go, they wanted to be inseparable.

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Epilogue Tears of Joy, Tears of Sorrow

It had been nine months. The couple had decided against genetic enhancement, leaving it to chance whether any of their parent's special abilities made it to the next generation. Being a third generation Coordinator, it was a small miracle that Lacus was able to have children at all. She didn't want to jeopardize their chances of a successful birth by dabbling with genetic engineering.

"Good morning."

"Come see your children," Lacus said. They were two healthy twins, born in the wee hours of the morning a couple of days earlier. The doctor had ordered Kira out after the birth so Lacus could get some well-earned rest. This was his first chance to see them all together since then.

"They're beautiful. Just like their mother," Kira said, kissing her on the cheek.

"I think they take more after their father." They wiped away each other's tears of joy. They had lived their lives for this moment. All the hardship and sorrow they had known could not compare to the blessings of having these children.

Several of their friends had made it there too. Dearka, Yzak, and Ailesa snuck in for a few days, with Miriallia letting Dearka stay at her apartment. Athrun and Cagalli had kept Kira company in the waiting room, trying to prevent him from pacing holes into the floor. At the moment, they were all crowded into the room to see the newborns.

"Are you two going to let us in on the secret now?" Cagalli asked. She was slightly disappointed to have lost this race with her little brother, but overjoyed at the thought of being an aunt. She wanted kids of her own, but her relationship with Athrun was far from reaching that stage.

Athrun was curious also. "Yeah, what are you going to name them?"

"We decided to name them after two very special people: Uzumi for the boy and Lenore for the girl," Kira told them. He watched Athrun and Cagalli closely for their reaction.

Cagalli was speechless. Athrun was shocked, but not displeased. "I'm honored that you would name her after my mother," he said.

"Your mother was a good and kind person. We wanted her memory to live on in our daughter," Lacus said.

"And the same for Lord Uzumi," Kira added.

"Thank you," was all Athrun managed to say for them both. They were deeply touched that Kira and Lacus felt that way.

As the rest of the group oh-ed and ah-ed at the twins, Miriallia took Dearka by the hand and led him outside. They had something very important to discuss.

Dearka felt like he was floating on a cloud. He and Mir had spent a long night of passionate bliss together before coming to the hospital that morning. They were overjoyed at being reunited after these long months apart. And it was a big step from their first kiss to sleeping together. Despite being overjoyed with last night's success, he could sense that something was very wrong. Mir was growing more distant by the minute.

She took him to a bench in a flower garden, just outside the main entrance to the hospital. "Dearka, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that last night," she apologized. She wouldn't look at him.

"Why? I'm not complaining." He blushed at the memory. She had been the aggressive one. He wouldn't have dared to make the first move. She said she loved him, and he became putty in her hands. He gave her free reign to do as she pleased with him.

"I've been wrestling with my feelings while you've been gone. I decided not long after you last left that I couldn't do this, but last night I gave in. I just wanted one night together before saying goodbye. Forgive me for being so selfish, for putting you through this."

"Saying goodbye? I don't understand." He tried to take her hand, make her look at him. But she pulled away with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Is this about Tolle?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I can't . . . no, I won't be a soldier's girlfriend again. What would I do if you never . . . came back?" She looked up into his eyes, "You belong to ZAFT, not to me. It's best we end it now and part as friends."

His eyes were screaming at her, Don't do this to me! "If you're asking me to give up ZAFT, then I'll gladly . . ."

She put a finger on his lips to stop him. "No. You are needed there. I know that what you do is important to us all or you would never have gone back. It's where you should be. I'm sorry, but I can't be a part of your life Dearka Elsman."

He asked, "Are you sure about this?"

She nodded in resolve. "I've had nine months alone to think about it, wondering if you would ever come back."

"Then I'm sorry you feel that way." He stood up to go back inside. With his back to her, he said "Well, at least now you won't be leading me on anymore."

His words hurt her deeply, but then he meant them to. He was like a wounded animal lashing out at the source of the pain. "I'm so sorry, Dearka. Goodbye."

He turned his head just enough to see her running away. He wondered, Should I go after her? No. She was right. It would be wrong of him to leave the service, and it would be just as wrong to keep Mir in a long distance relationship. I'll just send a letter of apology through Cagalli, he thought. Perhaps they could remain friends for now, but probably that wouldn't even work out. They had gone too far to go back to being "just friends."

"I'm such a fool," he said to himself. Going back up to rejoin the Yamato family, everyone welcomed him back. They were all so engrossed in the children that they were oblivious to his pain. Or were they? No one even asked why Mir hadn't come back with him. Did they suspect what was going on? He didn't know; didn't care.

Despite being in a crowd of his best friends, Dearka had never felt more alone in his entire life. Dying on the inside, he watched his friends laughing and enjoying this moment of happiness. Lacus passed him the baby wrapped in a pink blanket. Lenore Yamato. Flailing her arms she bonked him on the nose, drawing further laughter from the group. Dearka laughed too. The tiny little girl had knocked some sense into him. There was no reason to stay depressed forever. He wouldn't have done a single thing differently. Our lives will go on, just separately for now. And perhaps one day our destinies will bring us together again. You'll always be special to me, Miriallia Haw.

If he only knew that Mir felt the same way . . .

Atto secondo

-fin-