Disclaimer: Kidou Senshi (Mobile Suit) Gundam SEED and its characters are copyright 2000-2004 Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, and MBS. English language adaptation produced under license by Bandai Entertainment.
In other words, I don't own the original intellectual property.
A/N
Someone asked for clarification, and I feel compelled to answer.
No love for Lenodir Kisaka – well, everyone was kind of busy to be grieving at the moment. Well, Cagalli was at any rate. Everyone else (Athrun, Kira, Lacus) would probably be busy trying to take her mind off it so she didn't have a nervous breakdown. And you'll notice how she collapses a couple of times under the pressure of running a country while being opposed at every turn.
Now on to the "rubdown." Okay, so Luna has some minor burns over most of her body. The medical staff needed to do something about it, like put on some burn cream, so she wouldn't feel like her skin was on fire for the next several days. Luna is out cold so she can't do it herself. That means another person has to rub the cream all over her body (even her private places). Rey tells Luna that he did it, though obviously he did not. The medical guys (or gals) threw him out so that they could treat her away from his prying eyes. Luna thinks Rey did do it and blabs to Meyrin who then proceeds to blab it in front of their circle of friends. All the while Rey is like "If only you knew" because everyone thinks he did it, but he didn't really. And for future reference, if you ever give a girl (or maybe a guy) a full-body rubdown without their consent it's considered sexual assault. So basically everyone thinks Rey is a pervert who had his hands all over Luna while she was unconscious in the infirmary.
Well, maybe "everyone thinks" is too strong. More like, Luna told everyone that Rey did it and it's up to them to decide whether or not they believe it. Shinn is more than a little skeptical and Meyrin is probably a little too eager to believe it. Stellar . . . well, she's probably confused. I doubt her limited experiences include knowing the ins and outs of sexual assault, nor would she know Rey well enough to form an opinion on whether he would actually do such a thing.
As always, thanks for reading and reviewing.
A/N End
Chapter 49
"This is ZAFT forces vessel Minerva. Please identify yourselves," Meyrin requested.
Upon reaching orbit, the Minerva did not find the Earth Forces vessels it was expecting. Instead of seeing ships descending into the atmosphere, they were met by a ship coming up at them.
"This is the Kusanagi sailing from Kaguya, Orb Union. Do you require assistance, Minerva?" Of course, they were not really offering their assistance. This was just a professional courtesy ships exchanged with each other to indicate that they didn't want to open fire.
"Not at this time," Meyrin reported. Closing the com channel, Meyrin looked over to Captain Gladys for further instructions.
"Tell them to be on their way," the captain ordered.
Meyrin did so.
"Have a safe journey," the Kusanagi ended the transmission.
The Minerva waited a respectful distance away as the Kusanagi reconfigured itself for space travel. It didn't take long as the Murasame pilots were quick about their work. The entire complement of the Minerva's pilots were on standby just in case those mobile suits decided to try something.
Gladys thought this was highly irregular. Orb had lost its one and only space colony, so what was the purpose of this? Unless of course they were getting ready to rebuild . . .
It didn't matter. "Test the gel," the captain ordered.
Everything was in working order. Now Gladys had one minute forty-five seconds to make a decision. She could keep the Minerva in space hoping to find the stolen prototypes, or she could take this reentry window and head down to Carpenteria to see if any Archangel class ships had passed through recently. It would be a lot easier to search the Earth than space, but then it's a lot harder to get back out into space. She didn't know if there were any boosters lying around to get the Minerva back into orbit.
"Take us down."
Two
For the first time in a while the four of them had some time to sit around and do nothing of importance. "That was a nice speech, Cagalli." Lacus was chipper, as always.
"Thanks." She was still pooped, but Athrun was taking good care of her. "I just hope it helped."
All indications were that her message was well received. It begged the people to listen to reason, to call their representatives and encourage continued neutrality. Towards the end, Cagalli made sure there was a hopeful message about returning to space. There was a bit of overcrowding in some areas from the ten million or so Heliopolis refugees that were forced to take up new residence in the Orb islands. It was important to get them back to their old standard of living, both for keeping them happy and for keeping the economic recovery on track.
"Now that you've started this, you'll have to keep at it. Public opinion can be fickle," Kira reminded his sister.
"Let's not talk about it," Athrun suggested.
The four of them were out enjoying a nice sunny day in the gardens. It was warm, but a salty breeze kept them from sweltering.
"Think the Kusanagi will be alright?" Kira could still make out the faint trail it had left in the sky upon takeoff.
"Hope so. I haven't heard of any trouble brewing between the Earth Forces and ZAFT." Cagalli took a sip of some cool and fruity drink. She had no clue what it was, but Murrue had suggested that Cagalli try it some time ago. This was the first time she had actually gotten around to it, though.
Kira knew full well that Cagalli hadn't been sleeping well. Or at all until last night. He was making a concerted effort to steer clear of topics that remotely resembled business but it was hard. That's all he could think about. Perhaps I should just stop talking, he thought to himself.
Lacus agreed with her boyfriend's unspoken thought. "Will you two be able to get away for a little while?"
"No," Cagalli sighed. "Probably not for some time."
"That's a shame," Lacus admitted. The newlyweds would have to skip their honeymoon until further notice. With Kisaka gone, there was no one to enforce the Athha agenda in the political melee that surrounded Orb. Kisaka was the only person that had the two necessary qualities Cagalli needed to lead this country in her absence: Cagalli's trust and their own clout. He had been a national hero, and a close friend.
The Atlantic Federation was still pressing for an alliance, offering significant financial aid. Of course, Orb was already entitled to that aid as a part of the Treaty of Junius. The PLANTs were not as forthcoming with their offers of aid in the reconstruction of Heliopolis, but then it was very difficult to secure aid from a government too far away to contact directly. N-Jammers prevented open dialog with the Supreme Council. All communication was through a delayed relay system. At times, a message could take a full week to be delivered.
"Wonder what Yzak's been up to," Cagalli pondered aloud. She couldn't quite get her mind off politics either. Damn, I need a vacation. She was starting to cuss more fluently these days as well.
Athrun knew it, as he was often the target of the profanity. Or at the very least, he was in the same room whenever it happened. "I'm sure Yzak is kicking butt wherever he may be."
"I just hope Asuka tames him a little." Cagalli laid back on the picnic blanket, putting her bare feet on her husband's lap.
Athrun knew the drill. She didn't bug him about these things as often as she had in the past. He knew the pressure she was under and that all she wanted was his affection. Since it was no longer her way of torturing him, he decided to give her all the pampering she desired. Cagalli didn't mean any harm by it. On the contrary, this was her silent cry for help.
"Tell me," Lacus began, "is it customary for the wife to receive such excellent pampering all the time?"
"Yes it is. Here in Orb, we wives demand it," Cagalli laughed.
"Then I wish to be a citizen of Orb." Lacus held her chin high, making sure Kira saw a good profile of her cute little button nose.
"Where shall I begin?" asked Kira. "Feet, back, neck?"
"Hmm," Lacus thought about it a minute. "Let's start with the back and go from there, shall we?"
Kira complied.
Now there were two utterly content young ladies lying in the garden.
Kira turned to Athrun. "Old friend, I think you've started something we're both going to regret."
Athrun laughed. "Ha! Blame your sister. She's the one who demanded it from the beginning."
Lacus could pick too. "I find all this boy-chatter disturbing to my relaxation. How do you feel about it, Cagalli?"
"Yeah, guys. Take the hint. This is girl time." In a few minutes Cagalli was out like a light.
"Look," Kira whispered. "A ship is coming down."
"So it is," Athrun saw it too. "Looks like it's making for Carpenteria. Maybe we'll get news of what's going on in the PLANTs."
"That would be quite nice," Lacus admitted. "But right now you have something much more important to attend to, Mr. Yamato."
"Of course," Kira apologized with a quick peck on the cheek.
Three
Once on the ground, there were five soldiers with no idea how to occupy their time. They had twenty-four hours before having to report in for orders. They were technically on indefinite shore leave, but once the Minerva had been resupplied they could move out at any time.
"Going to call Sai?" asked Luna. Now it was her turn to bug her sister.
"Yes I am," Meyrin stated proudly. Though far from an official couple, she was confident that her relationship was much more advanced than Luna's. But then no one really knew if Luna and Rey were together or not.
Especially not Luna. "Good for you," Luna patted her younger sister on the head like she was a small child.
"Well, I don't know about you girls, but my first stop is going to be that shopping district right over there." Always having her eyes open for something fun, the flashy department stores were the first thing to catch Stellar's eye.
"Guess that means I'm stuck holding bags. Better make a run for it, Rey." Shinn's comment earned him a quick pop from Stellar.
Once satisfied with laughter, Rey informed Shinn that he had other things to do. "You guys go on ahead. There's something I need to take care of."
"Alright. We'll catch up with you later," Luna waved at the departing pilot.
Meyrin went off in another direction to see if she couldn't make that call.
So now it was just Shinn, Stellar and Lunamaria. "Now, does that mean you have to carry my bags since Rey isn't here?" laughed Luna.
"I doubt Rey would have carried your bags anyway," Shinn reminded her. "That reminds me. Stellar, I want a moment alone with Luna please."
"Um, okay." Stellar thought this might be coming. Luna needed a talking to and Stellar hadn't really gotten that close to her yet. Meyrin was too much of a pest. Rey was the problem. That only left Shinn.
"Shinn?" Luna was drug away a several meters to sit with Shinn at a sidewalk cafe.
"How is everything these days?" asked Shinn. He glanced over to make sure Stellar was occupying herself with window shopping not too far away.
"Good. Why?" Luna glanced too, hoping her roommate wasn't going to kill her for separating Shinn from her for even a few minutes. Stellar was one clingy girl.
"I'm worried about you. You're my best friend and I know there's a lot going on. Just let me know if there's anything I can do, okay?"
"I don't need to hear this, Shinn." Luna wasn't mad, just tired of this subject. "Rey and I are happy to be friends. You don't need to worry about me. Besides, I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I need some time to recover from past couple of fiascoes."
"Good. Glad to hear it."
"Thanks," Luna smiled. "I appreciate someone trying to help without bugging the hell out of me."
"Not a problem. So do you know what Rey had to take care of?" Shinn stood up to join Stellar before she took a jealous fit.
"No," Luna shook her head. "Probably just wanting to get away from Meyrin. I can certainly sympathize."
"I'll bet you can. Come. We'd better get over to Stellar or she's going to start shopping without you."
"Doubtful," Luna laughed. "Not without you there to hold things up while she decided which item to buy."
Stellar heard them coming. "That's not very funny, however true it may be."
Four
"Cagalli?"
"Mmm." A gentle hand was bringing her out of the most contented sleep she'd had recently. "What is it? It better be good."
"There's a Senator Mesa here to see you," Athrun informed his wife.
"How did I get in here?" She just now noticed that she was in her bed, rather than lying out in the garden.
"You floated in on a cloud. Shall I send this guy away or do you want to hear what he has to say?" Athrun had to help her sit up.
"I guess I better talk to him," she yawned. "Is he in my office?"
"Yep." Now Athrun had to help her to her feet. "If I had known you were this tired, I would have just told the guy to come back later."
"No," she shook her head. "I'm fine now. Thanks." Cagalli found the will to move under her own power. She had Athrun wait just outside the door to her office while she discussed whatever was on Senator Mesa's mind. He was a kindly old man, and one that knew how to play the game of politics well. She had known him since she was old enough to walk. He had been a good ally to her father over the years.
Athrun showed the gentleman out after the brief meeting. Cagalli waited in her private study for Athrun's return. "He came to give me fair warning. The Senate is beginning to bow to Atlantic Federation pressure. They're scared of another invasion."
"And if Orb is invaded again, there will be no chance of rebuilding," Athrun finished for her.
Orb was a very wealthy and powerful nation, but the destruction and reconstruction had taken a heavy toll. To put Orb through it again meant that there wouldn't be anything left. At least they got most critical people in Morgenroete out on the Kusanagi. The Atlantic Federation wouldn't have those assets to plunder.
"What will you do?" asked Athrun.
"Not a lot I can do. A fleet of ships is massing out in California. The Senate and I believe it's a subtle threat toward us."
"Then will you press for an alliance with the PLANTs?" Athrun saw where this was going. It was the same as last time. Pick one side only to be invaded by the other. Pick neither side and get invaded anyway.
"Unfortunately, I do not make or break treaties with foreign governments. I only set policy. I can't enforce it without the Senate's backing. My influence over the Senate in this matter isn't enough to stop it. Who knows," Cagalli shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe by allying with those jerks Orb can keep some measure of autonomy. But probably not," she admitted.
"By threatening us, aren't they in material breach of the ceasefire treaty?"
"Yes, along with every international law. But they'll just say they're on maneuvers or some other nonsense. And who's going to enforce the treaty?"
Athrun came over to rub her shoulders. "Think it's time we made our escape plan?"
"Kira had it planned out all along. He knew their first order of business would be to take me out. Since their Seiran lapdogs couldn't do it, I guess now they're coming to do the job themselves." Cagalli was beginning to see why her little brother had been so worried. War was brewing and she wouldn't have seen it until this very moment. Now the Archangel was loaded and ready. If Kira hadn't been the one to take the lead, they would be scrambling right now for contingency plans.
"Maybe we should think about that honeymoon now. Kick back and relax until things go to heck."
That was the last straw. Cagalli broke down and sobbed. She cried like Athrun hadn't seen her cry in a long time. Not since her father died.
"Come on. Let's get you back to bed." Athrun had to carry her, she was so tired.
"I'll go with you. Wherever you want to go, I'll go with you." Cagalli hugged his neck as they crossed into Cagalli's bedroom, now officially Athrun's bedroom too.
Athrun knew she wouldn't go far. Her country was too precious for her to leave, even though she was about to lose it anyway. "How about that cottage of yours up the coast? We could have the Archangel submerged off shore and waiting for us," he suggested.
Cagalli only nodded.
"Sleep now. I'll be right here when you wake up." Athrun watched her carefully as she cried herself to sleep. He had to get Kira to make the arrangements. It would probably be best if Kira and Lacus went ahead and boarded the Archangel. Then all that would remain would be himself and Cagalli. Hopefully Orb would be intact when they returned from the latest round of fighting they all knew was coming.
But then, it may not matter. A leader in exile is no leader at all. By running, she may be abdicating.
Chapter 50
"Okay guys. We've got maybe one night here. What are we going to do?" Meyrin had a nice, long, depressing talk with Sai. He was fine, she was fine, everything was fine except for the fact that they were both miserably alone. She wanted to have a blast to take her mind off of it.
Stellar just wanted a night alone with Shinn. Privacy is a little rare on a battle ship. Intimate moments were excruciatingly rare.
Rey was game for whatever. He had taken care of his little errand, but he refused to let anyone in on what it actually was. He just blew it off saying something like he was visiting an old friend. Shinn seriously doubted that Rey had any friends here in Carpenteria. He didn't have many friends anywhere, really. At least, none that anyone was aware of.
Luna had a one track mind. "I vote we pile into a hotel room and enjoy this night of freedom." She was trying hard not to think about alcohol. Or Rey. Or alcohol with Rey.
"We could play some games or something," Stellar suggested.
Meyrin wasn't too keen on the idea, but then again it might be fun. "We can get a deck of cards and get lit on the complimentary mini bar."
"Sure," Luna sighed. "Why not?" Fate was against her, it seemed.
In the end, Luna had fun too. It was like their academy days all over again. Laughing, joking around, and just plain goofing off. They played gin, poker, a few drinking games.
After having a little too much, Rey even convinced the girls to play strip poker. Stellar bowed out early to avoid being embarrassed. She lost some socks to Luna, who promised to return them later. Stellar won the shirt and jeans of Shinn, who had to follow her to her room if he ever wanted to see them again.
That left it Rey and the Hawke sisters. Meyrin fell asleep on the carpet after having lost her shirt to Rey.
"Stop ogling my sister," Luna laughed.
"I'd rather be ogling you, as you so eloquently put it." Rey poured himself, and Luna, yet another drink. "Hurry up and start losing."
"No way."
"You're turning into quite the drinker," Rey observed. "You've got problems, girl. Want to talk about it?"
"Nice of you to notice." Luna now owned all but Rey's undershirt and boxers.
"Talk," Rey ordered.
She did. "I'm incredibly upset over Athrun, and that random chick. Now Meyrin won't stop bugging me about you. Okay?"
"No, it's not. Your eyes say that you're dying inside a little every day." Rey brushed back some of the bangs that fell in front of his ice blue eyes. "I want to take you somewhere tomorrow."
"Really? I thought we were just friends."
"I didn't mean a date. Well, not a romantic one at any rate."
"That's what I thought." Luna fell back onto her bed in utter disappointment.
Rey joined her. "Look. You need time to sort things out. That leaves you four choices. You can hang out with your sister, who's been nothing but a pest, or you can hang out with the lovebirds, who only make you even more miserable by insisting on being so happy. Then there's the go-it-alone option, in which you sit in your room drinking yourself to death. Finally, you have the option of hanging out with me, the emotionless jerk."
"When you put it like that, I guess I'm stuck with you."
"Great. Now make with the happy face and cheer up." Rey wore a smile. Well, more like a smirk of frigid amusement, if that makes any sense.
Luna laughed as Rey joined her on the bed. "Something just occurred to me, Rey."
"What's that?" He sat against the headboard, maneuvering Luna to lean back against him.
"You lost on purpose, didn't you?" She hugged his coat, which now technically was hers, taking in the scent she remembered so fondly from their academy days.
"So? It seemed to please Stellar when Shinn intentionally lost, so I thought this might cheer you up a little."
"Stay," she requested. "Just like this." She took his arm and put it around her.
"Fine. But Meyrin's going to be pissed in the morning."
"Doesn't matter." Luna giggled when Meyrin started snoring. "Think we ought to put her in her bed?"
"No. Consider it her punishment for harassing you the past several days."
Luna fell asleep with Rey's fingers in her hair.
"Maybe one day," Rey whispered. "There's something I must do first."
Two
"Is she alright now?"
Athrun nodded. "She's still asleep. Poor girl." He was placing calls and making a few arrangements for tomorrow. Then he'd have to pack.
"I have an idea," Kira announced. "To make it look alright, we can take Cagalli up into space to personally oversee matters in the Heliopolis reconstruction and also to negotiate for aid from the PLANTs. They should be finishing up the elections in a day or two. Then they'll have a week of sessions before taking a month-long recess."
Athrun nodded. "That could leave the door open for Cagalli's return. If it doesn't look like she's running scared, she just might have a home to come back to one day."
"Thanks."
"What for?" Athrun didn't look up to see Kira smile.
"For taking care of my sister. You've kept your promise."
This time Athrun did look up, and his smile matched that of his friend. "I didn't do it for you. Or for her. I'm doing this for me, Kira."
"And that's why I'm thanking you."
"We should think about how we're going to get the Archangel into orbit. And when. It'll be bad if we try it after the fireworks have already started." Athrun knew getting Cagalli out on a civilian flight was too risky. If the Atlantic Federation could, they'd probably just shoot it out of the sky. They had to get her out on the Archangel.
"We could try Panama," Kira suggested. It was still ZAFT territory. "Or one of the Eurasian ports. They've been friendly lately."
"I wonder how it would look for Orb to have a stolen Archangel class warship take off from Kaguya," Athrun pondered.
"It will probably look very bad. The Atlantic Federation is already watching Orb anyway."
"We could take the Archangel to Carpenteria under the sea and launch there."
"We're getting too far ahead of ourselves. We would need permission before approaching any territory, which might be a bit hard to arrange under present circumstances."
"If only we could get word to Yzak," Athrun sighed.
"I have a feeling we'll be fighting our way out."
Three
"Almost time, isn't it?" asked Andy. He was trying out his latest concoction on Sai and Murrue aboard the Archangel.
"This is going to be your last chance to back out, Sai." Murrue added a bit of non-regulation stimulant to her cup. The 100 proof kind.
Sai shook his head. "I stayed around long enough to have a talk with Meyrin. I'm ready to go any time."
"How is your little girlfriend?" Andy wholeheartedly approved of their relationship. There's just something about ZAFT girls. He always wanted to see Murrue in a ZAFT uniform, though he wasn't foolish enough to actually ask. Andy didn't want to have to pick his teeth up out of the floor.
"She's in Carpenteria now on shore leave. Something's up. I could tell from her subtle insistence on neither confirming nor denying blah blah." Sai took a sip. "This is pretty good."
"Thanks," Andy grinned.
"No hints on the situation?" asked Murrue.
"Not a one," Sai's smile vanished. "Stellar is now a pilot and they're all getting along nicely. That's the extent of news I've been able to gather. I asked about Miriallia, but we ran out of time. I'm worried about her too, though I'm positive Dearka would stare down a whole fleet just to impress her."
Murrue chuckled. She vividly remembered how Dearka used to follow Mir around like a little lost puppy. "Mir would be treated like a princess if she'd only let him."
"She always was a stubborn one. It's a good thing Dearka is persistent."
"Sometimes persistence isn't enough," Murrue winked at Andy.
Sai turned his head to the side, getting a good view of Andy almost blushing. "So you two are an item?"
"No," Andy stated. "Murrue just likes to be a flirt."
"How very true," Murrue admitted.
"I think I'll leave you two alone." Sai left his half-drunken coffee on the table in the ship's briefing room. Actually, it was more like Murrue's office. There was a nice desk, some book shelves, a table and a few chairs. "Goodnight."
Once the door slid shut, Andy placed his metallic hand on her shoulder. "See that, Murrue? You scared him off."
"Andy, you know I'm scared to death of that thing." Murrue didn't move, however.
"Yes, I know." He left it there for a few more seconds, as if to say that he did not appreciate her attempt to embarrass him in front of Sai.
"Kira will come tomorrow. You think he can really sense all these weird things?" Murrue wondered. Mu could always sense Rau le Creuset. Murrue placed her head on the table, feeling the energy drain from her just by thinking about it. Oh Mu.
"He doesn't see the future," Andy informed her. He began stroking her hair with his good hand. "Lacus and I had a long talk about it once. He senses what people feel when they feel strongly about something. Most of the time there's nothing there, but every once in a while . . ." he trailed off.
"I don't get it."
"He seems to feel a growing sense of aggression around him. The Senate, the other Houses, and maybe even that fleet amassing in North America. It's like a fighter's instincts that grow with a lot of combat experience. I feel it now,too. Like someone's pointing a gun at me, but I don't know from where. I'm sure Kira's feelings are a bit more tangible than that, though." Andy took a nice long sip of his coffee. "This is pretty good, if I do say so myself."
"I wonder if we old soldiers are all becoming paranoid in this time of peace." Murrue knew that wasn't true. This wasn't peace. It was the eye of the hurricane.
"Yeah. That's a nice thought."
Murrue sat up and ran a finger down his facial scar. Andy refused to have it removed. "You still think of her often, don't you?"
"Yes," he admitted.
"It's alright. I still think of him often as well." Murrue loved Andy's kind smile. It seemed odd at times. The scar over his missing eye and the beard made him look like a pirate, but nothing could disguise the kindly gentleman underneath the rugged exterior.
"You don't have to say it, Murrue. I feel the same way."
But Murrue had to. This may be their last chance to have a moment together like this. "Maybe I need to say it."
"Two captains in hiding. Two brokenhearted soldiers who give each other a little solace. Two friends that care very deeply for each other." Andy poured himself another cup of coffee. "The threads that bind us together also make words unnecessary."
"And there is something more between us." Murrue reached for his metal hand.
"Yeah. Something more."
Chapter 51
"Morning."
"Shut up. I don't want to hear it."
Mission accomplished. Meyrin was truly pissed.
"Sleep well?" Luna enjoyed this. Like turning a knife in the wound. Payback could be so . . . enjoyable at times.
Meyrin retorted, "Where's your boyfriend?"
"In the shower," Luna pointed behind her at the bathroom.
"I can't believe you let him stay." Bleary eyed, Meyrin began searching around for a shirt. Any shirt would do. Rey had apparently hidden the one he won off her last night. One last practical joke for the evening.
"And I can't believe you passed out on the floor," Luna laughed.
Meyrin began to lighten up. "I'm glad you're doing better, Luna. I was really worried. Sorry to be such a nag."
"It's alright." Luna accepted the hug offered by her little sister. "On second thought, it isn't alright. Don't nag me anymore, okay?"
"Sure, sis." Meyrin was rewarded with her shirt. Luna had been the one hiding it.
"Hey Luna," Rey called from the bathroom. "Mind if I borrow the clothes you won last night?"
It wouldn't do for a squadron leader to report in wearing only his T and boxers. When they did report in, they were just in time to hear the news. Mack Austin informed them in the hangar.
"A fleet headed toward Orb?" Stellar took the news a lot harder than Shinn. Their home, that precious place where she had made all those wonderful memories with him. It was in danger.
"Yeah," reported Austin. "They're making it look like a training exercise, but it's a pretty blatant threat. One of Commander Joule's Survivors is trying to offer assistance to Representative Athha, but so far nothing has come of it."
In the time since the Ireland operation, they had begun calling those leader's that remained in Carpenteria the 'Commander Joule's Survivors'. Fitting, as they got the name by merely surviving Yzak's early days here.
"This is not good. Think we'll have to get involved?" asked Luna. Secretly, she was worried about Athrun. He would have probably married Cagalli by now, which meant he was now a walking bullseye along with his wife. But then he could never stay out of trouble anyway.
"No," Austin shook his head. "Looks to me like they're just going to give in to the Atlantic Federation. They're already calling it the United Earth Alliance."
"Sounds like the Atlantic Federation is trying to turn Orb into a suburb," Rey's voice was slightly more cold than normal. "I assume we're shipping out soon?"
"The order just came down, but I don't think we're going to be headed toward Orb. We've got two hours. If there's any unfinished business, you'd better handle it by then." Austin waved goodbye before going to do some final checks on his Slash ZAKU Warrior.
"Shinn? I'm worried about our home." Stellar took his arm to hug it with all her might.
"We can get another." Shinn placed his hand over his heart, indicating that he still kept those pictures in his coat pocket.
Stellar kept hers in her person at all times as well. "I guess home is wherever we are when we're together."
"Oh my God, can you two be any more obnoxious?" Luna gave Shinn a playful pop on his free arm before following Rey to perform some final checks on the mobile suits.
"You know, I think you've managed to offend your roommate," Rey snickered.
"She knows I'm just playing. But those two can be a bit much at times. It's like I can only take it in small doses," Luna chuckled. She reached out to place a hand on Rey's elbow. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"Being here for me. Thanks. You've been a bigger help than you know." Luna inched forward to kiss his cheek, but thought better of it at the last second. No. Friends for now, she had to remind herself.
Rey placed a hand on her cheek. "Don't worry about it. The five of us are the best of friends. We all try to help each other in our own way when we can."
"Right," Luna nodded.
"We'll have to postpone that date."
"You can make it up to me by getting me a drink when we're off duty."
Two
"My God, this is beautiful." Athrun was in awe of this place.
The view was magnificent. No one was around for miles. No guards, no assistants, no politicians, none of their assistants. Peace and quiet. And the gentle roar of an ocean fifteen meters away.
"I love this place. Ever since I was a child. I never came here often enough," Cagalli admitted.
They were standing on the back patio. A wooden deck, really. Nothing but sand separated the young lovers from the ocean.
"Too bad we couldn't come here earlier," Athrun sighed.
"I don't want to hear it," Cagalli popped him in the arm.
"Yes ma'am."
"That's better." Cagalli took her favorite deck chair to lie in the sun a while. Of course, Athrun had the enviable task of applying tanning lotion.
Off in the distance Athrun saw a dark shadow under the waves. "Think that might be Kira?"
"Probably just looking out for trouble. How long was I out anyway?" Cagalli wasn't sure. She just happened to wake up here this morning, in his arms on the master bed. After breakfast, she wanted to lie in the sun a while.
"Two days," Athrun grinned. "Want me to fill you in?"
"No, but you will anyway so you'd might as well get started."
"The last thing you remember is probably meeting with Senator Mesa. After that Kira and I made all the arrangements and Lacus helped me pack your things. Everyone's on the Archangel but us. After brining you here, you slept peacefully for a day and a half." Athrun bent down to kiss her cheek. "I guess you needed it."
"I don't know what to think of all this. I go to sleep one place and wake up another. It's just not right." Cagalli made a mean face, but one that was totally fake.
Athrun had just finished his appointed task and taken a deck chair for his own. He didn't need tanning lotion or sunscreen. Sunburns would heal in only a couple of hours. His genetically engineered melanin would never let his skin get splotchy or worse, cancerous.
"Mmm." Cagalli sank into the cushy chair sipping some beverage Athrun had brought earlier. "I assume you made all the typical apologies and things to everyone."
"Yeah. The Orb government knows you're officially on vacation until further notice. Kira had the idea that we'd also go and officially oversee the survey of Heliopolis. Also until further notice." Athrun watched as Cagalli smiled. She was truly happy for once. He saw this so rarely these days. It's what he fell in love with.
"What are you looking at?"
He had been caught staring. "My stunning wife."
"Flattery will get you everywhere."
"Good to know." Athrun settled back taking one of those fancy drinks for himself. We're going to have to make a run for it soon. Just hope we can get some quality time together until then. Athrun hadn't heard the latest reports, but he knew full well that the enemy fleet was on the move. And that the Senate had already offered a military alliance. Word hadn't come yet on whether that had stopped the fleet's advance. He probably wouldn't find out here. Athrun left instructions that they were not to be disturbed. He made it easier on everyone by not telling them where the honeymoon would be. That seemed safest.
Kira had promised to signal from the sea when it was time to go. Until then, Athrun and Cagalli could enjoy this much needed rest.
"How long, do you think?" she asked.
Athrun knew exactly what she was talking about. "A day or two, maybe."
Three
"They've been sighted. We're all on standby," Rey informed them. He was typically the one in-the-know. And usually Austin, his subordinate. Oddly enough, they didn't seem to share information like their sources were independent.
"Where?" asked Luna.
"California desert. We're taking a roundabout route so we'll get there in a day or two," Rey took the seat Luna offered. "We'll make a stop in Panama, most likely."
Shinn and Stellar were on the opposite side of the table. "Then there's a chance we might get involved in the Orb conflict," whispered Stellar. It was on the way there. The thought of fighting over Orb was worse than just seeing it go to the Federation. If there was a fight, things would get messy. That's how Shinn had lost his family.
"No," Rey stated coolly. "The fleet has dispersed. Orb bowed to the pressure already."
"The fleet really broke up?" Shinn thought it highly suspicious. A sizable fleet coming together just for a show of force? Not likely.
"Yes, though into five separate divisions. My guess is they're going to reassemble someplace else." Rey brushed a few lose strands from his eyes.
"Think they'll attack?" Shinn's suspicions were only fueled by Rey's calm insinuation.
"Yes. It's a waste of resources to just show off the big guns. Intelligence says they were prepared for an invasion."
"Only question is where," Luna spoke what everyone else was thinking.
"Not Orb. Maybe Panama? Or Carpenteria?" Shinn was sure it had to be in the Pacific.
"Maybe we'll get to see our favorite hijackers over in Panama," Rey stated.
Chapter 52
"Hi." Miriallia wore a broad smile as she answered the door.
Dearka tried to match it, but was decidedly unsuccessful. "Well, Yzak and I had a fun first day as full members of the Council."
"Great. So one week until our vacation?" Mir knew there was something entirely different on his mind. Not politics, not romantic vacations. Something much more serious. Instead of asking about it, she was trying to take his mind off of it.
That's what she always though Athrun should have been doing for Cagalli. Shiho managed to do it for Yzak. Despite her numerous reservations about Yzak, Miriallia was glad to be a part of Yzak's private life. And his married life was quite nice, though Mir thought he and Shiho talked shop way too often.
"Yes," Dearka smiled. "The vacation is all set to go. And it looks like we'll get three full weeks before . . ." he trailed off.
"Before you have to do what?" Forget this taking his mind off it crap. There's something he really needs to tell me before I kill him.
"The Retribution will be returning in three weeks. Yzak wants me to ship out with him. Orb has been forced to join the Atlantic Federation in what they're calling the United Earth Alliance. The Eurasian Federation is still on relatively good terms with the PLANTs considering what the Atlantic guys did to them at Alaska, but they're far too weak to protest. Atlantic forces are moving. They're sending lots of transport shuttles up from Lake Victoria and our people in Panama and Carpenteria say the Pacific fleet is on the move. Most of that was to scare Orb into submission, but it's far too big to be just that." Dearka took a seat on Mir's couch hoping she wasn't going to kill him.
Inside she was shaking with fury. Not at Dearka, but at everything. All their hard work, all their suffering was for nothing in the end. Less than six months of peace. "I do not want you to go."
"I don't want to go," Dearka admitted. He had enough of fighting ever since the day Mir tried to kill him.
"Can I at least come with you? I can run the CIC better than anyone on the Archangel," she boasted. She was fighting back tears of fury and despair. "Don't you dare leave me alone out here," she whispered.
"Alright." Dearka didn't want her to come, but he could never stand to see her upset. He almost always caved in at the first sign of her eyes watering up. "I'll do anything you ask of me."
Mir composed herself, having soundly won this round. "Tell me everything you know about what's happening back home. In Orb."
"Details are sketchy. The wedding went rather well from what we can gather, but Kisaka was murdered soon afterward. As soon as the Atlantic fleet began to move, the Senate gave up. Cagalli's gone into hiding. That was several days ago."
"Would you like a drink?" Mir offered.
"Sure."
"How about something stiff?"
"I didn't know you had anything like that here," Dearka cocked an eye at her. She wasn't a drinker. As far as he knew, Mir hadn't even sampled the spiked punch at Cagalli's party.
"I don't, but I'm willing to go out and help you find some. Let me get my coat and we'll go club hopping." She hadn't made it more than a couple of steps before Dearka embraced her from behind.
"You going to be alright?"
"No," she admitted. "I don't think I will." Mir's knees began to buckle.
"Anything I can do?" Now he was supporting most of her weight. There was no sound, but he knew she was crying a river. And she was trying not to let him know it.
"You can let me stay by your side through this. I . . ." She stopped when her voice became shaky.
"Don't want to be alone," he finished for her. "I know."
"You promised to take care of me," she reminded him. Finding her inner reserves, she straightened up but did not try to escape his gentle hug.
"And I'll keep that promise."
"Good. You can start by carrying me home later. I doubt I'll be able to walk under my own power. And then in the morning you can nurse me back to health from the wicked hangover I plan on having." She took his hand and laced her fingers with his. "On the bright side, that means you'll get to stay the night."
"Alright," he kissed the back of her head. "But I can't help but think that this isn't like you."
"Everything we had to go through didn't help matters any. It only delayed the inevitable. The war will start all over again and we'll probably lose friends. Maybe even each other." Mir took a deep breath before walking out of his arms. "Sometimes I wonder why we bothered."
"For the sliver of hope that one day we will have made a difference. That our sacrifices will have been worth it." Dearka's comment made Mir turn to show him a smile.
"I guess so." Mir went off to grab a coat and purse.
Two
"This has been great, hasn't it?"
"Who would have thought we'd have four uninterrupted days of blissful solitude." Athrun held her from behind enjoying the sunrise over the ocean. It was even more magnificent than the sunsets, if that was possible. The beach front cottage was positioned on a peninsula where both the sunrise and sunset could be seen from the deck.
"I hope we can keep it up another day or two. Then we should be heading on our way." Cagalli tried to sink into him like a cushy chair, but with limited success. She didn't mind, as she didn't exactly want him to get fat or anything. She hadn't been this content in a long while. "Any news?"
"No. You want to call Kira and have him give us the scoop?"
"I suppose we should, though I'm sure it'll be utterly depressing."
"Here," Athrun handed her the communicator. "I'll go make us some breakfast." Athrun was a terrible cook, but he was quickly learning that Cagalli was even worse. They were both very thankful for the fact that it's pretty hard to screw up breakfast. Short of burning it, that is.
"Hey, Kira!" Cagalli shouted into the small device.
"Ow," responded Sai.
"Sorry about that Sai. I thought Kira would answer."
"It's alright. He's talking with Andy. I'll get him on in a jiffy."
Cagalli had to wait a few seconds.
"Hey Cagalli. What's up?" It was Kira this time.
"Nothing much, little brother. Just adult stuff. You're too young and inexperienced to handle it," she laughed. "Anyway, what's the word? And try to make it sound like good news so you don't ruin my morning."
"The AF fleet isn't coming this way. Instead, their moving toward Panama. I don't think they'll attack it just yet. Seems like they're waiting for something."
"That was pretty good. Pat yourself on the back for that one, Kira."
"Thanks. But um, there is some other news. The Minerva is on Earth and it looks like they're here on business."
"Any idea what they want?" Cagalli frowned thinking of her former rival. She hadn't thought of Luna in a while, something for which she knew Athrun was very thankful.
"No. They left Carpenteria, but I've got no clue which way they went. Apparently some genius decided to give her underwater capabilities too."
"Hey, don't blame that on me. That was some pencil-pusher over at Morgenroete. But you'd better be thankful because if it didn't work on the Minerva then we wouldn't have it for the Archangel."
"I suppose that's true. Anyway, that's the situation as it stands. The government is carrying on just fine without you."
"They're probably glad to have me out of their hair," she laughed bitterly.
"Probably so. I took the liberty of dropping word that you'd make an official survey of the Heliopolis ruins. It sounded like a good excuse for you to be gone indefinitely."
"Yeah, Athrun told me about that and I agree. We'll stay here a couple more days and then head out."
"I'll contact you if there's any sign of trouble. Until then, you know where to find me." Kira cut the communication.
Just in time. Athrun returned with their breakfast. "Everything alright?"
"No, but it's not as bad as I expected." Cagalli sat down next to him at the outdoor table. "Luna is back on Earth."
"Yes, I know." Athrun frowned. Just what I needed to ruin a perfectly good morning.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She wasn't mad. Not yet.
"Sai talked to Meyrin when she was in Carpenteria. That's how I know. I didn't bring it up because I didn't want to ruin your day." He added under his breath, "Or mine."
"It's behind us, right?" Cagalli put on a smile. It wasn't quite fake, but almost.
"Yes," Athrun smiled. "I am ecstatic to have such a beautiful, loving, gracious, kind . . ."
"Okay, I get it. You love me. But I swear to God, if you . . ."
"Ever do that again you'll have me castrated," he finished for her. "Yes, I'm well aware of that."
Cagalli dropped the smile. "I'm not joking."
"I'm aware of that too. Can we please go back to having a nice honeymoon?"
"Yes. Let's do." Her smile returned, as well as a look.
Athrun knew that look all too well. Yes!
Three
"Dearka?"
"Yeah. I'm here." He helped her sit up.
"You stayed."
"Of course." He didn't have to wait long for her to get completely out of it. He literally had to carry her to the car and then to the apartment.
"Did I manage to get into my pajamas on my own?" Mir honestly couldn't remember. But then, she went out hoping to forget a lot of things.
"Yes," Dearka smiled. "And you had a lot of fun on your little outing."
"We didn't do anything, did we?"
"No, Mir. I did not take advantage of you."
"Thanks," she smiled. Smiling made her head throb worse, but she did it anyway.
"I slept on the couch," he informed her. He was still in his clothes.
"Come," she beckoned. "Sit with me."
"And I made you a special concoction for hangovers. Learned it in the academy." He handed her a glass of something that looked and smelled much like vomit.
If she didn't know better, she'd think it was something she spewed last night. She drank it anyway and felt better almost immediately. She positioned herself to lie with her head on his lap so he could massage her forehead. "I want you to know that I'm glad I came with you. I don't think I've told you that before."
"Good. I was beginning to worry. All our friends are leaving and everything's going to hell fast." Dearka's hands were stopped with Mir's.
"I mean it. I can't think of any place I'd rather be."
"Same here, but I'm sure you knew that already. I've been told that I'm pretty obvious," Dearka laughed.
"Ow," she winced. As much as she wanted him to laugh, it kind of jostled her head the wrong way.
"Sorry." He began his gentle massage again.
"Remind me never to drink again," she requested. "Mmm. That feels so good." Mir's entire body relaxed like a wet noodle.
"This must be some forehead massage."
She didn't answer.
"Mir?" he whispered.
She was asleep again.
Oh well. It's only 8 am and I have absolutely nowhere to be, he thought to himself.
His phone rang. Luckily, he had the foresight to put it on pulse so there was no ringing or vibrations to awaken the sleeping beauty.
"Hello," he whispered. "Oh, hi Shiho. I'm whispering because Mir's asleep."
"Yzak and I will be late to the Council meeting this afternoon. And it looks like we'll be shipping out before the end of the week. We're counting on you to keep an eye on things for the last couple of sessions."
"I'll do it. You guys be careful."
"You too. Something is very wrong with all of this. Our first stop will be Earth orbit. Maybe we can get an idea of where all those transport shuttles are going to. That's probably where they're building their new orbital HQ."
"Mir's decided to come with us when you guys get back. I can personally vouch for her CIC skills."
"I don't think that's such a good idea."
"I'm not going to argue with that, but you know I can't say no to her."
"No, I guess not. Well, Yzak has some business he must attend to. Have fun. Bye."
Business. Yzak always had business, and his loyal wife-assistant-bodyguard was always tagging along. Is that what Mir was looking for? No, Mir's always been too strong-willed to tag along on someone else's adventures. Mir was independent. She wouldn't ask to come if she didn't believe in the cause, in wanting to make a difference.
"Are you done?"
"Sorry. I tried not to wake you," Dearka took her hand and kissed it. "Feel any better?" Dearka wouldn't say it, but she looked absolutely terrible.
"Yeah," she rolled over and slid up onto his chest. "I'm a lot better. When do you have to leave?"
"Not until after lunch." This time he kissed the top of her head.
"Good. Can I go with you?"
"I don't see why not. I'll have to pass you off as my assistant, but that shouldn't be a problem. Unless there's something classified going on a few members of our staff are allowed to listen in. I'm sure Ezaria and my father won't give you away."
"Who exactly is on your staff?"
"I don't have one yet. My father let me borrow one of his interns for this week. He's pretty good at answering phones and making coffee. That's about it," Dearka laughed.
"Sounds like you're in sore need of a secretary."
"Thinking of filling in?" That earned him a pop on the cheek.
"No thank you," she lied. She felt bad for smacking him, so she decided to make it up by sliding up a little further and hugging his neck.
"I didn't think you would," Dearka admitted.
"But I'll give it a shot anyway. You just better not boss me around."
"No ma'am. You're the boss." And you always were.
"In stead of you taking care of me, why don't we try taking care of each other?"
"Anything you want, Mir."
"You really love me, don't you?"
"Yes. I probably don't tell you that enough," Dearka admitted.
"It's alright. I don't tell you enough either." Mir took a deep breath, summoning all her courage for this one moment. She had something important to say.
"Mir?" He knew something was up when she placed her hands on his cheeks.
"I . . . am ready to go to the next level." Mir shed a tear. She hadn't done this since Tolle. Hadn't felt this way or even thought about saying these things. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Dearka."
"I thought it was the guy who was supposed to propose." Dearka's protest was interrupted by Mir's lips.
"I'm not you fiancée just yet, silly boy. That really is your job. I'm just . . ." Another tear.
Dearka caught this one.
Mir took his hand, the one that caught the tear. "Here." She couldn't find the words. She placed his hand over her heart.
He held her to his chest, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. "It's okay, Mir. I feel the same about you."
End Part Thirteen
A/N
Thanks again.
A/N End