Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED cuz then I'd be loaded

PHASE-2

The Dominion and the Archangel were evenly matched and yet Azrael was relentless in his attacks. Even Natarle began to doubt his actual ability as a commander but she did not openly object merely clenching her fists as he sent more and more of their soldiers to die. All three prototype mobile suits were losing power fast and so she ordered the retreat unsure of their ability to continue fighting against the Justice and the fairly large squadron of M1-Astrays in the Orb military.

The Vesalius and Helldarling had been firing at the Eternal with all that they had and yet every time they were about to score a hit, the beam was simply absorbed. Frustrated, Aides ordered another squadron of GINNs to be launched. Unfortunately, just as soon as they left the hangar, one was destroyed by a mysterious mobile suit that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Even the enemy seemed to be surprised at its sudden appearance but Aides didn't have much time to ponder as the unknown enemy destroyed the rest of the GINNs. Everyone on the Vesalius gasped as the mobile suit headed straight for the bridge. However, with extraordinary maneuverability, the mobile suit dove under the Vesalius and stuck its beam sabre in the hull dragging it until the gash was well over 30 ft long. Athrun and Dearka gave the ZAFT salute as the Vesalius exploded in a brilliant ball of flame.

"All units retreat!" ordered the captain of the Helldarling suddenly ware of the dangerous situation they were in.

"Shit" Yzak swore as he returned with Rau's crippled CGUE.

Meanwhile, the Archangel, Kusanagi, and Eternal had regrouped and headed off to find another hiding place to watch for the next attack from either PLANT or the EAF.

"Athrun, are you all right?" Kira asked feeling partially sick that he couldn't protect Flay.

"I'm more interested in that mobile suit that saved Lacus and the crew of the Eternal" Athrun murmured his attention focused on the pilot emerging from the cockpit. However, instead of using the lowering cable, the pilot merely jumped down onto the foot of his mobile suit without much effort. He headed to the elevator and was joined by Athrun and Kira who escorted him to the bridge of the pink warship. Silence ensued during the entire trip to the bridge and it followed them all the way in. No one made a move, too intent on checking out the new pilot. Everyone from the Kusanagi and Archangel were there and yet not one made a noise as their eyes ran up and down his body. The pilot was rather tall being 6"1 with long black hair that fell to his hips. His strong physique was distinguishable yet plain unlike the men who beefed up their abs in the gyms. There was a certain aura about him that almost allured the women in the room making Murrue, Miriallia, and Cagalli a bit woozy. Lacus was unfazed however and seemed to be used to the feeling. Finally, the pilot broke the ice and all ears were on him.

"General Rhekka Andrews of the Clyne faction" he stated simply followed with a military salute. Kisaka, Murrue, and Bartfeldt followed suit although the ZAFT captain was a bit uneasy in his salute.

"Rhekka has been with me since my childhood and he has always supported me every step of the way" Lacus put in making Rhekka scratch his head in embarrassment.

"If you don't mind my asking, would you happen to be the same Rhekka that test piloted every ZAFT prototype up until the war started?" Bartfeldt asked, a hint of humility in his voice in place of his usual attitude.

"Yeah that was me" answered Rhekka surprised that anyone cared who test piloted the prototypes.

"You're considered the best pilot to have ever joined ZAFT and the supreme council was pretty pissed when you left"

"I had my reasons for leaving" Rhekka said as he looked at Lacus then turned away slowly.

"I've never seen such a fast mobile suit and your manoeuvrability is incredible" Kira piped up eager to learn more about Rhekka's mobile suit.

"I made it myself from my own designs and my own materials"

"Why don't you discuss this later" Murrue said as she yawned "Personally I'm just too tired after that battle.

"I think Murrue has a point and it would be good to catch a little shuteye" Andrew said.

Everyone began to pile into the elevators and went back to their respective ships for a few hours of well deserved sleep. Kira and Athrun went to find Dearka for some male bonding time while Cagalli and Miriallia traded advice on making men bow down before their feet.

"Lacus can I talk to you for a second?" Rhekka asked.

"Actually there was something I wanted to ask you as well" the young girl replied.

"Well ladies first"

"Why did you leave?"

"I felt that you needed some privacy with Athrun"

"I don't think that was the case Rhekka"

"Well then explain to me why I left" Rhekka said a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Were you jealous Rhekka?" Lacus asked.

The black haired pilot just looked at her innocent face and modest but attractive figure and realized he couldn't lie to her even if he wanted to.

"When you rescued me from that hellhouse, I thought you were an angel sent from heaven and when you never stopped trying to be friends with me I began too feel like a person. You showed me what life could be like but when I heard that you were engaged to Athrun, I was afraid I would do something I would regret so I left."

Smiling, Lacus leaned over and kissed Rhekka on the cheek before she leaned up to his ear and whispered "Thank you for saving us Rhekka" then just as quickly, she turned and left him wondering what she had truly done to him.