-Regress, Flagship of Earth Alliance Rear Admiral Niles McCarthy, August 3, C.E. 71, 0300.
Black space dominated the view from the Rear Admiral's office. White specks of stars winked at him in the distance, casting faint glows upon the dimly lit office, its desk and computer glowing faint blue along with everything else inside of it. The Admiral stood facing the open viewport, a lit cigarette grasped between his index and middle fingers. He puffed on the cigarette for a few seconds and blew smoke out of his nose, silently vowing to himself that he'd quit soon.
Something chimed from behind him and Niles turned to see that he had an incoming message on his computer. Extinguishing the cigarette, he sat down in his leather backed chair and pressed keys, activating the message.
The face of his superior, Admiral Sutherland, came into view through the dissolving static on the screen. "Niles, are you reading me?"
"I read you Admiral," Niles responded. "What's the situation?"
"Orb has officially submitted their reply to the ultimatum we sent yesterday. I'll forward it to you now." Sutherland's face disappeared and another took its place, that of the Orb Union's former chief representative, Uzumi Nara Athha. Uzumi's eyes were in a state of dead seriousness as he began to speak.
"To the leaders of the Atlantic Federation and other Earth Alliance members. I am inclined to officially reject to the terms that you forwarded my nation a few hours ago. The demand to fully disarm the Orb military is impossible in our eyes, and given our nation's neutrality, we feel that it is not in your power to make such demands of us. View us as a ZAFT supporter if you wish, but we will not join your cause against the Coordinator race. That is all I have to say at this time."
Niles smiled to himself as the message ended. Sutherland's face reappeared and he said, "Uzumi's reply guarantees that our operations will indeed commence at the designated time, today. The Pacific Fleet is in position and awaiting the order. Azrael is asking for an update on your forces and their current status."
"All twenty-one ships in the 6th Orbital Fleet are in position and currently en route to the designated location you assigned us," Niles replied.
"Excellent," Sutherland smiled. "We'll show Orb what happens to people who don't listen to what we have to say." With that, the transmission ended.
You fool, Uzumi, Niles thought. That statement will most likely cost you your life, and those of many of your citizens.
A knock at his office door snapped Niles out of his train of thought. "Yes, enter."
The door opened and a junior enlisted man peaked inside. "Admiral, sir. We've entered the third La Grange Point. The Captain wishes for you to join him on the bridge."
"Yes, I'm coming." Niles placed his officers cap on his head and walked behind the enlisted man towards the bridge. This operation cannot fail. Even if the Pacific Fleet doesn't conquer the homeland, our objective will catch Orb so off guard, they'll suffer the consequences of their actions.
-Archangel, August 3, C.E. 71, 0600.
"That's it?" Neumann asked.
"Mm-hmm. That's Gyndana," John responded, referring to the satellite which was laid out in front of the Archangel. Rotating on its axis, the Orb Union colony seemed relatively peaceful, an exception to the violence that was spread throughout Earth and space. "Makes you feel refreshed when you see something like it, don't it?"
"Yeah," Neumann responded quietly.
"Have we been granted access to their port yet, Ensign Neumann?" Murrue asked.
"Not yet, ma'am. We've transmitted a request to enter port twice already and we've received no response. We're just sending our third plea now, Captain."
"Really can't say that I'm surprised," John mumbled.
"Why?" Neumann asked.
"Although they are technically under the jurisdiction of the Orb Union, the colony is run by its own central body of government," Murrue answered. "They have their own provisional governor who makes all the decisions regarding the colony's status and relays them to Representative Athha."
"So he can refuse to give us access if he chooses to and we'll have no choice but to abide by it?" Neumann grumbled.
"They're a neutral state, Ensign," Natarle answered. "Our ship currently isn't under the jurisdiction of any leadership, so it's highly unlikely in my view that they'd even bother to let us in."
"We'll never know until we try though," John answered.
"Captain, I have an incoming message!" Pal reported from behind Murrue.
"What's its source?" Murrue ordered.
"From Gyndana control. 'Request to enter port acknowledged. You may enter berth three on the far side of the satellite and dock, but you will be required to remain aboard ship until further orders are given.' Orders stem from the office of the Orb Ruling Council."
"Ruling Council?" John said dumbfounded.
"It's what it says, Colonel," Pal answered.
Murrue breathed a sigh of relief. "Do we have the coordinates for the dock, Ensign Neumann?"
"Coming in now, Captain."
"Alter course and steer towards the berth. Inform all hands that they are to remain at their current posts until further notice."
The good news reached Mwu on his way to the hangar to work on the Strike. In the ten days since he'd been given the mobile suit, he'd spent countless hours either working on its operating system, getting it to work to suit his liking, or helping other crews make the bombers ready for space flight. He'd still managed to spend a little of his spare time alone with Murrue, but most of that time was spent in the mess hall, sharing a drink or just talking with one another. Being with her made Mwu feel peaceful at this time of conflict. It also seemed to ease her tensions as well.
Mwu rose off of the deck and floated over to where the mobile suit sat against the starboard wall of the hangar. Murdoch was already leaning into the cockpit, wiping the side panels off with a rag. He noticed Mwu approaching and said, "Morning, Commander. Uh, just doing a little extra work on the thing's body. Gotta be looking good if you ever have to launch the guy."
"Yeah, thanks. Did you run the checks on the Agni like John wanted?" Mwu asked, climbing into the cockpit and sitting down.
"The off-set values are stabilized for space combat. You'll be able to use any of the three striker packs anytime you want," Murdoch answered. Yawning a bit, he continued, "I also checked the Vulcan's on the top there. They aren't responding as well as they shood be, so I thought we'd run a few checks on 'em while we got the time."
"I hear we'll have to stay down here for a while now. The ship's gotten the go ahead to dock with the colony so at the moment we're out of harm's way," Mwu responded, pulling the keyboard across his lap and typing in a few commands.
"Great," Murdoch answered, throwing the rag over his shoulder. "It's about time we got out of this nightmare."
As Mwu brought up diagnostic readings on the Strike's Vulcan guns, he heard commotion below him in the hangar. Peering his head out of the cockpit, he saw Frank, Kira, Athrun, and a few others surrounding the Zero, which had been moved towards the middle of the hangar. "What's going on with the Zero?"
"Oh. Commander Barkhesh took a look at it earlier and found that the gun-barrels weren't firing accurately so they're working on the targeting system right now." Murdoch wiped his brow again. "Phew. It's been nothing but work down here for us these past few days."
"Kira and Athrun haven't been up all night working on it have they?" Mwu asked.
"No, they just came down about two hours ago. Before that I sent them off to get some sleep and they were out for almost six hours if my sources are correct." Murdoch leaned in and helped Mwu bring the targeting computer down in front of Mwu's face. "This'll help with the readings."
"Thanks," Mwu responded. Both men were startled when the gun barrels on the Zero opened fire at one end of the hangar, the guns firing repeatedly. Mwu could hear Frank curse on the deck because something hadn't gone right, he assumed. "Looks like they'll have something to do for a while."
"Won't Colonel Namora need you guys to accompany him if he meets with the governing body?" Murdoch asked.
"Frank maybe. I'm never good with this kind of thing, so I doubt he'll even consider asking me. Ready to check the Vulcans."
"Hit it," Murdoch answered.
-Archangel, 0630.
Archangel maneuvered slowly into the docking berth on the far side of Gyndana. The other two berths were occupied by other vessels, none of them too glamorous or large. The crew noticed that there were no warships in any of the docks or the surrounding airspace. The only types of weaponry that were visible were two-person Mistrals, which wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight in any serious battle.
"Dock the ship as instructed," came the message from the controller inside the colony. "Please remain aboard the ship until further notice. A representative of the local guard is being sent to meet you."
"Tell them we understand," Murrue ordered. "Please tell them that we appreciate their support given the circumstances."
"Probably gonna have to meet with the provisional governor here pretty soon," John commented. Dryly, he added, "And I thought I'd never have to do this sort of thing again."
The ship shuddered as it slid into the berth. Joseph cut the engines and the ship became silent for the first time in days. Approximately five minutes after the ship powered down, the bridge doors opened and admitted the representatives of the local guard. Two men of average height, one with a trimmed beard of average length, the other with facial features that resembled that of a statue. The one with the beard saluted, returning the one John gave with Murrue and Natarle standing behind him. "We appreciate all your assistance given the ship's circumstances," John said, managing a smile.
"Think nothing of it," the one with the beard answered. "That's how we like to do business here. Collin Affione, Gyndana Provisional Guard. This is my associate, Jeremy Bennett. Please excuse his silence, he's suffering from a throat ailment as we speak. I come with a request from the honorable Governor Richard Riklia of Gyndana. He would like to meet with you as soon as possible, regarding the ship's status. I'm sure he'll be pleased to meet you Colonel Namora."
"You know who I am?" John asked suspiciously.
"How can I not," Collin responded. "Your face has been featured in almost every flight magazine I've seen. You're the best people have ever seen. Hopefully we'll get to see you do your stuff someday."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," John responded. "Tell the Governor we'll be there momentarily. In the meantime, please do whatever you need to in order to make sure the ship's safe."
"We already have several other guardsmen patrolling the ship looking for suspicious activities, though I highly doubt they'll find any. Governor Riklia will be waiting." Collin saluted and walked off to the side to speak with Bennett.
As they spoke, John turned to the women standing behind him and said, "Lieutenant Badgiruel, I'd like you to accompany me to the governor's place. Captain Ramius, I believe it'd be best if you remained here."
"Yes, sir," both women responded.
"Before you go Lieutenant, go find Commander Barkhesh for me. I'd feel better if he came with us also."
"Yes, Colonel." Natarle saluted and floated out of the bridge. She entered the elevator and pressed the button that would take her down to the hangar, where she knew the Commander was. Along the way, she made sure the collar of her jacket was straight and the rest of her uniform was in good condition. If any of her previous experiences with head officials were any indicator, they often judged individuals on the state of their initial appearence. She wanted the Governor to think well of her abilities when she and the others met with him.
The elevator doors opened and Natarle floated out into the corridors, using the wall as a buffer to keep from going out of control. I hope the Commander doesn't do anything stupid this time.
Inside the hangar, Frank hung on the underside of the starboard gun barrel on the Zero, using a wrench to tighten some screws on the red machine. Sweat trickled down his forehead and onto his t-shirt. He'd been working at the mobile armor's weapons all morning and the thing still didn't work. He tightened the last screw as tight as it would go and wiped the prespiration off of his forehead. Dropping down onto the deck, he shouted, "Alright Athrun, that's it. Try it."
"Everybody out of the kill zone," Kira shouted, jumping on top of the port gun barrel. The targets were arrayed in a way so the gun barrels could get straight hits on them when they activated. Athrun sat in the cockpit of the Zero, operating the controls of the device. Frank skipped over to the side of the square that had been drawn to signify the danger zone, which meant that if you stepped inside the kill zone when the gun barrels activated, you better pray that they weren't accurate.
"Commander Barkhesh!" The voice came from Frank's left. He turned his head to see Lieutenant Badgiruel floating across the deck towards him, wandering into the kill zone. At the same time, Frank heard the mobile armor's systems come on line.
"Shit!" Frank swore quietly, racing across the deck towards where Natarle was coming towards him.
"Commander, wha-," Natarle's words had barely left her mouth when Frank pushed her down towards the deck.
"Get down! Get down!" was what Frank shouted, coming down on top of Natarle, pressing her against the metal deck, attempting to protect her with his own body. The gun barrels opened and fired yellow beams of deadly energy at the awaiting targets and Frank could count almost one hundred shots altogether come out of all four of the barrels. Finally, the shooting subsided and everything got quiet again. Frank slowly raised his head and looked behind him at the mobile armor.
He heard Kira shout, "Dammit, we got pigeon-cocked and two side-armed. , you O.K.?"
"Fine, we just gotta make adjustments to the calibration and the off-set values."
"Right. Coop tap in number seven on barrel C. Jake tap in number three on barrel A. Better tap out number five on the same one, alright Jake? Good." Kira climbed down from the top of the barrel and moved to speak with Athrun, who had clambered out of the cockpit, while Coop and Jake opened up the sides of their respective gun barrels, pulling out cords and sticking their metal wrenches into the opened slots. Frank felt a sense of pride seeing the boys demonstrate such skill with mechanics, even though they were still young.
"Uh Commander, would you mind getting off of me?" Frank's head snapped back below him to realize that Natarle was still pinned underneath his own body.
"Huh? Oh, sorry," Frank stuttered, getting off of her and helping her to an upright position. "You O.K.?"
"Yes, thank you," Natarle responded sternly, dusting herself off. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Testing the accuracy of the Zero's gun barrels. What's wrong with that?"
"You could have at least told us that you were doing something like that," Natarle shot back, folding her arms. "Somebody could get killed down here."
"Like you almost did?" Frank responded, but immediately regretted it when he saw the scowl on Natarle's face.
"Don't get cute with me, Commander! You've already broken many regulations on this ship and I'm surprised Colonel Namora hasn't already taken action."
"I'm, sorry," Frank answered discreetly, wondering what she was so pissed off about. "You wanted me for something?"
"Yes. Colonel Namora wishes for you to accompany him to the meeting with Gyndana's governor. We head out in fifteen minutes."
"We?" Frank asked.
"I'm accompanying him also, Commander," Natarle responded, emphasizing Frank's superior rank. "I suggest you clean yourself up first, though. I'm sure the Governor won't take it too kindly if you come into his office looking like that."
"Alright, alright, geez," Frank said angrily. "I get the point, already. Tell John I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Just don't get mad if I'm a little late," he added, pointing his finger at Natarle.
"Oh, I will," she responded coldly. Frank scowled and lowered his finger, storming off towards the exit corridor on the hangar. Natarle walked the other way, still dusting the grease stains off of her uniform from when he had pushed her into the floor. Of all the nerve of him, she thought angrily. He throws me onto the ground and acts like it was my fault. He was the one who conducted the exercises without telling anyone.
Frank floated down the corridors towards his quarters. What was her problem? he thought as he entered his quarters. She was the one who wandered out into the kill zone. And she acts as if I didn't save her life.
He showered and dressed in his old Earth Alliance uniform, though it no longer included his Atlantic Federation insignia on the shoulder. He combed his hair and mustache, making sure they looked presentable, in part because he wanted to look good, and also because he didn't want Lieutenant Badgiruel screaming at him all the way there. He grabbed his officers cap and raced out of his quarters, checking his watch as he left the room. Damn, I've only got a minute left! He picked up his pace as he raced down the corridor, bumping into several other crewmen on the way there.
As he reached the hangar's entrance, he heard John shout, "Come on Frank, hurry it up already, he's waiting!"
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Frank shouted back, floating into the hangar and jumping into the back seat of the car which John, Lieutenant Badgiruel, and the driver already were sitting.
"You're on time," Natarle commented next to him. "That's something new."
"What the hell is your-?"
"Knock it off you two!" John commanded from the front seat. "Go ahead driver," he instructed and the car moved out of the hangar and into the docking area of Gyndana.
Just minutes after they left, the ship was quiet for the first time in days. People were relaxing all over the ship, now that they had reached some sort of oasis in the vast portions of space. The bridge crew were chatting amongst themselves when something happened. All of sudden, the ship shook slightly, which made everyone stop what they were doing.
The phone in Murrue's chair rang and she answered it. "Hey! What just happened?" Mwu's voice rang through the receiver.
"You felt that too?" Murrue asked.
"Yeah, though it was pretty bad down here."
"We're not really sure..." Murrue replied cautiously. No one knew what had happened.
"Shit!" The word was uttered quietly and Murrue discovered that it had come from Joseph's mouth.
"What is it, Mr. Crew?" she asked.
Joseph placed his hand on his forehead and said quietly, "I think they just locked us down."
"What?" Neumann shouted.
"Oh, not again!" Tonomura added.
"How can you be sure?" Murrue asked, moving up to where he sat.
"See that?" Joseph said, pointing out towards the starboard leg of the Archangel. From where she stood, Murrue could see a black clamp holding the ship in its place. The same was true with the port leg. "Steel emplacements. Number three grade. We aren't bustin' outta those things anytime soon."
Murrue groaned painfully. This was the same thing that had happened at Artemis all those months ago. Now it had happened to her again. The steel doors that marked the entrance to the bridge and Murrue heard someone walk in. "What are you asking me for? I had no clue he was gonna do this?" By the tone of the voice, Murrue could identify the speaker as the guardsman she had met earlier, Collin.
She stood up out of her chair and rose to face him as he approached. "Mr. Affione. I request an explanation!"
"I don't know," he responded. "I have no clue why the hell he's done this."
"Who?" Murrue asked.
"Governor Riklia. He's the only one who can order this."
Meanwhile, the car containing John, Frank, and Natarle drove through the factory districts of Gyndana, on their way to the governor's office. Smoke poured out of the stacks of factories casting gray plumes of despair into the sky which appeared blue and yellow with the early morning sunrise. They could see workers driving by them in other cars, rushing off to their jobs, while others were already on the sites, getting ready to go home after the late night shift. Since Orb was an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the central government of the country had constructed Gyndana, along with its sister colony of Heliopolis, as areas for industry and research to expand beyond the confined spaces of the island. While Heliopolis had been a research colony, with many science labs and schools, Gyndana was a resource satellite with factories and other locations providing raw materials like steel and food for the homeland. Gyndana also served as a place where citizens of Orb and many other counties could find sanctuary from the war that was tearing the planet they loved apart.
All of this rushed by the car as it continued on down the road to the governor's office. John sat in the front seat, chatting with the driver on different issues while Frank and Natarle were silent in the back seat, not even wanting to speak with one another. Natarle cast her glance at the man seated next to her and scowled to herself. Although he was her superior and seemed to take his job seriously, the Commander went about his missions too easily and was too eager to get himself into situations that often times would require disciplinary actions. He's lucky his baby sister is the Captain. Anybody else would've thrown him in the brig already. Right now, he was leaning on the side door with his right arm propped under his chin to support his head, his eyes closed. He's been up all night working on the blasted mobile armor, she thought. He means well, but his methods aren't in line with the duties he's been assigned. I'm surprised he even got promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Looking into his face, Natarle saw that his eyes were closed and his expression was one of peace. She thought about waking him up and telling him not to slack off, but she went against it because she didn't want Colonel Namora getting upset with them again. How can he be so at peace now? His face doesn't even show any signs of worry... Natarle broke her gaze and stared out her own window when she discovered she'd been staring at him. She hoped no one had seen it.
The car continued its course until it reached a large bulding about five stories tall and painted pure white. The driver stopped the car and opened the doors so the occupants could file out. When John stepped out onto the sidewalk, his comm beeped. Taking it out of his pocket, he said, "Namora here."
"Bad news, Colonel," the voice belonged to Mwu. "The ship's been locked down in the dock. We can't move her and the locks are too strong to blast through. Looks like we're stuck here until the Governor says we can leave."
John grimaced. "Roger, that. I'll talk to him. Meantime, just continue doing what you were before it happened, alright. Namora, out."
"What was that about?" Frank asked.
"Governor decided the Archangel was a threat and locked her down."
"What?" Natarle gasped, coming around the car to join the other two.
"Great," Frank complained. "I tell you one thing, this proves looks can be deceiving."
"Yeah, we may have just walked into a whole new world of problems," John added. "Just let me handle the Governor, O.K. you two?" Frank and Natarle both nodded. "Good. And don't start arguing again, please. You two sounded like an old married couple back there."
"Huh?" both Frank and Natarle said at the same time. They glanced at each other, but Natarle quickly looked away and followed John in, Frank bringing up the rear.
Two guards led the trio down a long series of corridors inside the government complex. The carpets were scarlet red and numerous paintings and sculptures dotted the corridor's walls and exteriors. Frank was awed by the artistic designs along the way to the main attraction. The doors to the governor's office were bright white, with brass doorknobs that shone like gold. "He's been waiting for you," one guard said, opening the door.
"Thank you," John replied. Then, whispering to Frank and Natarle, he added, "Keep your eyes open, you two."
"Right," Frank replied.
"Yes, sir," Natarle added.
Frank took the lead as the trio entered the room, with John in the middle and Natarle trailing. The office was small, but spacious, with the only furniture being a desk, several chairs, and several bookcases filled to the brim. The chair was turned to face the room's sole window, rocking back and forth with its occupant sitting down. The guard shut the door behind the three officers and they stood at attention in front of the desk, waiting for the occupant to address them.
"Welcome to Gyndana, please have a seat." The voice was deep, but cheerful.
"Thank you Governor Riklia, but I'd rather stand," John answered. Frank and Natarle silently agreed.
The chair slowly turned 180 degrees to display its occupant. The man was of middle age, balding, and was dressed impecably in a grey suit, with black neck-tie. He was smiling, but John could tell that that was likely just a ploy. "Well, well, well. I never thought I'd see the Thunderbird in a place like this. Who could have ever guessed that you'd be aboard the renegade vessel of the Atlantic Federation, considering they've been reporting you dead.
"We had our differences. Didn't agree with some of their policies." John's voice was neutral as he spoke, showing no emotion whatsoever.
"I see." Riklia leaned forward and placed his hands on his desk. "Who are the other two?"
"Lieutenant Commander Barkhesh, Lieutenant Badgiruel," John answered for them.
"Hmm," Riklia murmured. "Lieutenant Commander Frank Barkhesh was also reported dead, if I'm not mistaken. And the Atlantic Federation has offered quite the reward for the capture of Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel, dead or alive, I might add." Natarle's eyes widened with that remark, but she didn't say anything. "Part of my mind would be very pleased to accept the offer right now."
"Governor," John interrupted. "We were in dire straits before we arrived at your colony, one as well-maintained as this I might add. Our ship was on the run from the Earth Alliance and ZAFT for almost three weeks and we couldn't afford to take our chances by going to any of their areas-."
"And so you thought that you'd find safety inside our confines, heh heh," Riklia turned his chair away from them to face the window. "I'll admit, your ship's arrival has created quite the dilema for me. Since the Orb's head ruling council has no authority over decisions such as this, it seems that it's my decision as to what we do with you and your ship."
"That's why you locked us down?" Frank commented, getting a hard stare from John in return.
"This is procedure on how we deal with threats to the colony?" Riklia answered.
"A threat?" Natarle asked quietly, just above a whisper. Even John was confused.
"Yes. With your ship eagerly desire by both sides in the war, we could have numerous enemy forces jump upon us should they discover your entrance to the port. I have no intention of putting my civilians in danger. What I have to decide now is which side is more deserving of having your ship in their care."
The trio gasped. "Your gonna sell us back to the Earth Alliance?" John accused.
"But that would be putting your own citizens in even greater danger!" Natarle added.
"Oh? And how would that make it worse?" Riklia accused harshly.
"Lieutenant, you're not helping," John reprimanded.
"She's right John." Both John and Natarle looked inquisitively at Frank who had uttered the words. "Either way, whoever you sell us out to, you're still in a bad position with the possibilty of being double-crossed."
"Heh heh heh," Riklia chuckled, turning his chair to face the trio again. "Did I hear you correctly? Double-crossed? Neither side is in a position to make such demands of us. I merely meant that I'd hand the ship over to whichever side wants it most." Riklia grinned. "I never said anything about handing the crew over to them."
A door on the opposite side of the room opened and two more guards walked in. "I think you'll find the hospitality here to be very considerate," Riklia commented.
"How can you do this?" John asked. "Your a neutral state. We have the right to remain here if we choose to do so for three days. You gave us access to the port."
"Really?" Riklia answered, standing up. "And just who was it that gave you authorization to enter the port?"
John was about to answer the ruling council, but bit it back when he realized that no one from the ruling council had really sent the message. He was about to concede defeat when a savior appeared.
"I did!" The outcry caused every head in the office to turn towards the doorway. There, standing tall and triumphant, was Cagalli Yula Athha, the daughter of Uzumi Nara Athha, the Orb Chief Representative. Her blonde hair flowed behind her and her white uniform stood out amongst the guards that stood on either side of the door, their faces in shock. As she entered the room, another figure followed. This one was much taller and larger, with long, black hair trailing behind its head and a neutral expression on his face. His purple jacket represented his status in the Orb military and Natarle recognized him as Colonel Ledonir Kisaka, Cagalli's bodyguard. "I gave them authorization to enter port!" Cagalli said again.
"Ms. Cagalli," Riklia answered. "In no way shape or fashion were you in a position to make such a statement."
"They were desperate!" Cagalli replied. "They've been on the run from both sides and they just want to stay away from them. I had to let them in. I thought they were all dead...as did everyone else in Orb. But when they showed up again at Argentina and fought their way here...I just had to let them in."
"And just what are you doing here, Ms. Cagalli?"
"On a fact-finding mission for her father," Kisaka answered in his deep, but powerful voice. "She has a way of getting herself into these things, you know."
"Hmm. Whatever the case may be, it's not in your power to give orders such as these. As Governor of the Gyndana colony, it's my decision as to what happens in situations such as these." He averted his glance back towards John, Frank, and Natarle. "The crew of the Archangel will remain here under close watch until I decide what to do with them. In the meantime, the ship will remain locked down as it is. Guards. Please escort the officers to their makeshift quarters."
Two of the guards moved towards the trio. Cagalli started to protest, but Kisaka held her back. One guard grabbed Natarle by the arm, but before he did anything else, John said, "Don't touch her." Natarle looked over and saw Frank nod, and she knew exactly what she was to do. The guard didn't listen and grabbed Natarle's other arm, but as he did, Natarle swung her right arm away from his grasp and drove it backwards into the man's chest. He bent over in pain, but went down to the floor as Natarle connected with a swift round-a-bout kick straight to his head. "I said, don't touch her," John commented.
The other guard started to move after Natarle, but was retrained by Frank who grabbed hold of his shoulder. With a scowl on his face, Frank struck with a stiff right hand shot in the man's stomach, doubling him over in pain on the ground. "For the love of God, don't piss a guy with a steel hand off," John commented, shaking his head. Frank shook his steel jointed hand and discovered that it didn't hurt one bit. He looked towards Natarle who was still staring at the guard she'd knocked unconscious and he grinned a little in applause. All she did was nod back.
Riklia didn't say anything for a moment and John continued. "With your permission, Ms. Cagalli, I think myself and my supporting officers would like to return to the ship." Riklia just scowled.
-Archangel, 0800.
On the Archangel, the situation hadn't gotten much better, though it hadn't gotten much worse either. "As I said before, the only person who could order this sort of thing is Governor Riklia," Collin said again. "And unless you find someone who has an access code as high as he does, you're not busting out of here anytime soon. I'm sorry."
Murrue conceded. "Alright. Thank you anyway."
Down in the CIC, Sai and Miriallia were chatting away while Chandra monitored his station. The surrounding airspace of the colony was eerily quiet. No ships were entering or leaving the colony and nothing was in the surrounding space. Taking a sip from his drink, Chandra took off his thick glasses and rubbed them clean with the bottom of his jacket. When he put them back on, his screen had changed. Multiple blips were now entering the Gyndana airspace. They were huge. At least twenty of them.
"Captain!" Chandra shouted. "I have incoming vessles. Sixteen, no, twenty vessels! Their I.D.'s determine them to be Earth Alliance vessels!"
Murrue gasped. Oh no. They've found us.
Inside the governor's office, no one spoke for a few moments. Then suddenly, the governor's comm board rang. Picking up the phone, he said, "Yes, what is it?"
"Sir, there's something I think you want to hear. I'll patch it through." A screen came down in the rear of the governor's officer and everyone turned to look.
The image of Murata Azrael came into view as the static dissolved. Natarle could hear Frank and John grimace at the sight of their former classmate and student. "Citizens of the Orb Union. I speak not only for myself but for the entire Atlantic Federation when we say together, you have made a terrible mistake. Your leader, Uzumi Nara Athha, has declined to assist us in the fight against the forces of ZAFT. In response to this, the Atlantic Federation has viewed Orb to be a ZAFT supporter and has declared war on your country." Natarle heard Cagalli gasp loudly at the news. "That is all I have to say for now." With that, the transmission ended.
"Governor Riklia!" the voice was the same that had told him about the message from Azrael. "We have incoming ships! They're forces of the Earth Alliance! They're headed here, and they don't look friendly!"
"You have to evacuate the colony!" Cagalli shouted. "If they attack this place, everyone here will be killed, including you! Gyndana doesn't have any defensive ships. The only one that's here is the Archangel. You have to let it out and fight!"
"I'll make the decisions around here missy," Riklia shot back. "As far as I'm concerned, there is no threat to this place. Lord Uzumi hasn't sent word-."
"Oh, forget it!" Cagalli shouted.
"I think it'd be best if we returned to the ship," John commented dryly. "Thank you for your time, Governor. Frank, Natarle, let's go. You're more than welcome to come with us Ms. Athha." Cagalli nodded and followed.
As they started for the door, one of the two remaining guards stepped in front of them, brandishing his weapon, aiming it at John's forehead. Suddenly, the man was hurled into the air and flung into the other guard, knocking them both down. John nodded to Kisaka, who had been the one to knock out the two guards, and they sprinted out of the office.
"Gotta find us a car," John commented.
"I'll go grab the one I drove the princess here in," Kisaka replied. "I'll be back in five minutes!" With that, he sprinted off in the opposite direction.
John pulled out his comm and activated it, trying to reach the Archangel. "Archangel, do you read me? Archangel, respond!"
"This is Captain Ramius. Colonel, you need to get back here now!" Murrue's voice was frantic.
"I know, I know! We got ships right on top of us. Listen, can you still launch stuff out of the hangar?"
"I think we may be able to," Murrue responded.
"Tell Mwu and the others to launch the mobile suits," John ordered. "Tell Stevy and Niada to warm the bombers up. We'll be there shortly."
"We're in over are head here, John," Frank commented, standing on the curb as Kisaka pulled the car up.
"We've been over our head ever since we went AWOL, Commander," Natarle pointed out. "We can survive this."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Frank said as he opened the door to the car. But then he stopped. Looking over his right shoulder, Frank thought he heard a familiar voice. He looked and saw two men talking to one another a few feet away. One was a grisly looking man with a shaggy beard and mustache, while the other had a plain face and short black hair. Frank knew the short one by sight, and so did the short man, for he pulled out a hand gun when he saw the five people around the car and started shooting. Frank ducked behind the open door of the car and managed to drag Natarle down beside him so she didn't get hit by any bullets.
"Now what?!" Natarle shouted, covering her head beside Frank's crouched form.
"Hold still!" Frank ordered. When Natarle looked up, Frank was holding his Walther P99 in his right hand. Before she could respond, Frank sprung up and began firing the weapon at the two figures, who were now running away from the location with their tails between their legs. Frank kept firing the pistol even after it was empty. He held the gun up in the firing position even after they were gone and just stood still for a while, waiting for them to return, but they never did.
"What the hell was that?" Natarle gasped, coming up to her knees.
"The bastard Richards," Frank hissed.
"Did you get him?" The words stunned Frank and he turned to face Natarle with a suspicious look on his face. "Did you get him, or not?" Natarle repeated.
"I think I grazed him," Frank answered.
"Good," Natarle said, getting into the car, as were Cagalli, Kisaka, and John who had taken cover on the other side of the car. "Come on, climb in!" Natarle ordered, extending her hand to Frank, who took it and hauled himself into the car as it started moving down the road. Kisaka sat in the driver's seat with John beside him. Cagalli sat by the door with Natarle squeezed between her and Frank. "We have to get back to the ship and mobilize our forces," Natarle said. "Even if the ship can't move, we can still fight back with what we have."
"How much mobile weaponry do you have aboard the ship?" Kisaka asked, not taking his eyes off of the road.
"Four mobile suits, one mobile armor, and three bombers," Frank recited expertly. "But we're short on personnel for most of the ship I think. Right?" he asked Natarle.
"We're about twenty crewmen short right now," Natarle confirmed.
"You have to mobilize everything," Cagalli pointed out. "Gyndana's got no orbital defenses and your ship is the only thing we have here that can fight back."
"But the ship's locked down in the dock. Nobody but Riklia can break the lock's codes," John reminded them.
"Let me try it. I think I may be able to," Cagalli said. Then, in a darker voice, she said, "What do you think are chances of stopping them are?"
"How many ships did they say they had in the fleet John?" Frank asked.
"Twenty."
Frank sighed. "About the same as they've always been."
"Which doesn't bode well for us," Natarle added. The car picked up speed as it sped back towards the ship.
On board the Archangel, Murrue ordered battlestations. The crew rushed to their stations and the bridge became an urban of activity once again. "Open the hatch! Get the mobile suits into combat!" she ordered. "What's the status of the bombers?"
"Lieutenant Barrington reports that they're ready to go, ma'am," Miriallia reported. "They just have to wait for Colonel Namora to return before they can get all three into the fight."
"Come on Sai!" Jay commanded, jumping up from his seat behind Murrue.
"Me? Why me?" Sai stuttered.
Jay used his arms for emphasis as he said, "Because you're one of the few people here who know how to operate the nose guns on the bombers. Now come on!"
Sai threw off his head-set and jumped up from his seat, racing after Jay. Before Sai left, Murrue called yo him, "Any luck with the locks, Crewman Argyle?"
"None as yet," Sai reported. "I've gone over every technique I know, too. The only way we can break it is if we get an access code with the same superiority as the Governor's." With that, he left the bridge and headed towards the hangar. As he left, Murrue thought she heard someone grunt up in front of her. She turned to see Joseph and Neumann just going about their regular activities, so she ignored it.
Down in the hangar, Mwu sat in the cockpit of the Strike in his flight suit and helmet, waiting to launch. Kira and Athrun would go before him in the repaired Freedom and Justice. "Murdoch, get the Launcher ready for me," Mwu ordered, pulling down his visor. "I need more firepower to stop all those ships."
"Roger, that," Murdoch sent back. Mwu was still getting used to the Strike's cockpit controls and it still felt funny to be inside the spacious cockpit. He powered up the mobile suit's systems and saw that everything was running smoothly.
"Commander la Flaga." Mwu knew the voice to be Miriallia Haw and her face appeared on the screen in front of him. "The enemies your up against are twenty ships of several types, and numerous other mobile units."
Mwu secured his restraints and took a deep breath. Out the cockpit shield, he could see the Freedom and the Justice walking towards the catapult. "Commander." Mwu's heart skipped a beat when he heard the soft voice. He looked up and saw Murrue's face in the other screen above him. "Be careful, Commander," she said quietly.
"Don't worry, I will," Mwu reassured her. "Remember, I'm the guy who's famous for making the impossible, possible." Murrue smiled a little at this remark and Mwu felt better about the whole situation already.
"Kira Yamato, launching!" Mwu saw the Freedom launch off of the catapult and through the open hatch into the docking berth and head towards open space.
The Justice maneuvered towards the catapult and was connected to it with a hiss. "Athrun Zala, taking off!" The red mobile suit surged forward and into space. Now, it was Mwu's turn.
"APU activated." Mwu felt the Strike being hauled towards the catapult by steel girders and suspension parts. The mobile suit's feet connected to the catapult controls and set down with a jolt. "Connected to catapult. Launcher Striker, stand by." The hatches beside and above him opened and the green components of the Launcher Striker whizzed out towards the mobile suit, attaching to the Strike's arms and shoulders. Mwu saw the giant Agni cannon on his left and the small machine cannon on his right. He'd need them both in this fight. "System all green. You may proceed Commander."
Mwu pressed a button and the phase shift armor activated, changing the Strike's color from gray to blue and white. He stared out at the open space, just barely visible at the end of the hatch and the docking berth. He breathed in deeply and then shouted, "Mwu la Flaga, taking off!" He was thrown back in his restraints as the mobile suit lurched forward on the catapult and into the docking berth's confined chamber. He saw the Freedom and the Justice waiting for him at the exit and he raced to join them.
"Can you see them?" Mwu asked.
"My scope is showing enemy blips at point three-two-one," Kira reported from the Freedom's cockpit. "Twenty large ones and numerous smaller ones."
"Mobile armors?" Mwu questioned, the Strike settling into position beside the Justice with the Freedom in the lead.
"Looks like it," Kira answered.
"I've got mobile suits on my monitor also," Athrun added. "The same kind we fought in Argentina ten days ago!"
"We'll just have to tear them apart here, too!" Kira said enthusiastically. Mwu silently agreed as the three mobile suits sped towards the enemy.
-Regress, 0830.
The Regress sat in the center of the formation of ships, finishing the launch of its Strike Daggers. The other ships in the formation had also completed their launches, adding mobile armors to the mix of Strike Daggers. Admiral McCarthy sat in his command chair on the bridge, listening to the radio chatter between ships.
"Halberton has completed launch," one man reported.
"Lanchenson is reporting no problems," a woman added.
"Antimidorus and Polaris are standing by and awaiting orders," another man reported.
"We are in position, Admiral," the ship's captain told the Admiral.
"Spread formation," Niles ordered. "Order them to spread out so nothing gets past us. Be on the lookout for possible targets."
"Sir, Niliokino is reporting three enemy mobile suits launching from the colony."
"Can you identify?" Niles asked.
"Matching signals," the crewman mumbled. "Confirmed! X-10A Freedom! X-09A Justice! X-105 Strike! Sir, they're the mobile suits from the Archangel!"
Niles was stunned. He'd expected this to be just another battle in which the Earth Alliance would crush its opponent. This changed everything. He smiled. This may actually be pretty fun. I've been waiting for a challenge for a long time. "Message all ships!" Niles ordered. "Tell them they are to be on the lookout for more forces along with the legged ship! Begin engagement with enemy mobile suits at once!" He snickered to himself. It's about time I faced a worthy opponent. Let's see how Namora and the others handle this one. The Regress picked up speed and sped towards the battle that awaited it up ahead.