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
As always, thanks for reading and reviewing.
Special thanks to DragonBlond, without whom this project would have derailed at part ten.
A/N End
Chapter 53
"It's time." He held out a hand to help her from the bed. "We should go."
"Right," Cagalli accepted his hand. "Kira called?"
"Yes. There was an assassination attempt. Washington, D.C., was destroyed but most of the Atlantic Federation leaders made it out in time. It was set up to look like a ZAFT special ops mission, but guess who's left to lead the AF?"
"Our Blue Cosmos buddies," Cagalli spat. "Dijibril?"
"Yes. He's now the President." Athrun knew little about the man, but one thing he did know was of his ties to Muruta Azriel. Most of those connections were through defense contractors, but also strong political affiliations existed between them. Dijibril was the clear Blue Cosmos successor when Director Azriel died. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, he was next in line. After ZAFT's convenient assassination of the President and Vice President, that is.
"Now the Atlantic Federation can pretend outrage, attack the PLANTs openly, and drag Orb and the European Union into the fray." Cagalli did not like being awoken with such news.
"I know and I'm sorry. We've got to go. That fleet might be heading toward Panama as we speak," Athrun passed her a cup of coffee to help her come to her senses.
It wasn't necessary, but appreciated nonetheless. "Is there anything we can do to stop the fighting?"
"Not unless you want to attack both sides. We've tried that before and with some success."
"Alright," Cagalli grabbed her suitcase and began stuffing in various personal items. "You know, this is going to be a lot better than trying to play politics."
Athrun laughed. "I guess so."
"Will we room together aboard the Archangel?"
"I don't know, really." Athrun thought about it a moment. "If you can tear Lacus away from Kira for eight hours at a time, you might could room with her."
"No, Athrun. I want to room with you."
"Good. I was wondering," he gave her a quick smooch. "I thought I might be in the doghouse for something."
"Keep it up and you will be, mister."
Two
"Looks like we're going to get that date." Rey wore a smirk more and more often these days.
"Keep it down, Rey. These walls are pretty thin. I don't want someone to sneak up on us and start the crap-fest all over again. I don't think I could take another round of Meyrin's incessant . . . incessantness." Luna let out a tired sigh. She was too sleep deprived to think of anything witty to insult her absent sister.
"Did you even sleep?"
"How am I supposed to sleep with us always on alert?" She slumped to the side, knowing Rey would catch her. "Thanks." All pilots were on constant standby. Sleep came in six hour intervals, if it came at all.
"Don't mention it," he position her head on his shoulder. "Maybe you'll get some rest in Panama. I'm sure we won't get shore leave, but we might get to disembark."
"How will that help?"
"I don't think it will, but we might get a few hours off of standby." Rey ran his fingers through her hair. "Sleep now," he ordered.
It wasn't necessary. She probably lost consciousness after her last sentence.
They were sitting in her room on her bed. It had become their private hangout. Rey wouldn't dare let her stay like this for any length of time out in the lounge or rec room. And Stellar was often with Shinn in his room, so it all worked out. Neither side would tattle on the other. This was all highly irregular and seemingly inappropriate. Well, Rey was sure whatever Shinn and Stellar were up to was highly inappropriate. Rey and Luna's friendship was only seemingly so at this point.
After a couple of hours of this, Rey was getting extremely bored. Good thing Luna woke up.
"Hey," she said.
"Can I get up now?"
"Yeah. You can get up." Luna removed her head from his shoulder.
"We should be entering port soon. The Minerva should have already surfaced. You want to check it out?" Rey offered her a hand.
"Sure," she yawned. "Sounds good."
On deck they met Shinn and Stellar. "Wow," Luna commented. "I thought for sure you guys were getting busy or something."
"I could say the same thing," Stellar laughed.
"Not funny," Rey smirked.
"Everybody's looking busy." Luna leaned against the railing watching ships leave the harbor at Panama. The beaches, which she had heard were always full, were now deserted. "This is not encouraging."
"No, I don't suppose it is." Shinn held Stellar from behind as she leaned forward over the railing to watch the ocean spray coming from the Minerva's foils. The scene was how Shinn had pictured himself holding her in Ireland, but she never came back. Those bastards were torturing her. After seeing her reaction in the PLANTs, Shinn was almost certain that whatever they did to her at GenoTech was far worse.
"Looks like they're setting up a defensive line to block ships from the north. I guess now we know which way that Atlantic Federation fleet is headed." Luna unconsciously slid her hand into Rey's.
"Doesn't matter. We'll still kick their asses." Stellar was ready for them.
"That's the spirit," Rey laughed. His laughter was always so cold and hollow that many found it creepy at first. Luna took to it almost immediately, with Shinn soon to follow. They were the exceptions. Several of those at the academy had little to do with Rey because of his mannerisms, but perhaps some of that was due to his quiet nature.
As the ship entered dock the Minerva's alert status was lifted. "Let's see what the news is," suggested Shinn. "I want to know how long we've got before the fighting starts." He left with Stellar in tow.
Now it was just Rey and Luna. "You know, I'm afraid I may have to break that date again. Things are moving too quickly." It wasn't the fact that the fleet had been sent out. It was something else. He's here. I know it.
"It's fine, Rey." Luna let go of his hand, which she just now noticed she had been clutching. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it. You'll want to stay on the ship. I'll be back soon," and Rey was gone.
Luna looked out over the man-made bay that was turned into a military complex. Signs of war, of death to come. She had felt like a looming shroud of despair was lifted from her when the war had ended before she had to go on active duty. Now it was back. How many friends would she have to lose before it was over?
Three
Through the crowded streets it was hard to spot his target. But then, he didn't have to see him. No, he could almost smell him.
I wonder if he can feel me coming? Rey smirked, Probably so.
He was granted permission by Captain Gladys to run a quick errand. He said something about checking on ammo loading, but he would have left the ship anyway. He had to find this person. And kill him.
Rey had a little secret. Well, more than one. The relevant one to this discussion concerned a man he had met some time ago. He gave off this weird vibe, much like what he was feeling now. Rey only knew him as Al, but that was likely an alias anyway. His face was scarred around the eyes, like he had tried to claw off the skin long ago.
Rey would likely have killed the man on their first meeting, but there was something that held him back from it. A warning. There are others much like us out there. You will feel when they are near and fate has placed us all as mortal enemies.
Along with this cryptic message, Al left him a disk with some very interesting information on it. On it was everything he had ever wanted; a route to absolute power. The secrets to tapping into a network of spies that ran deep within the PLANTs as well as the Atlantic Federation. That's how he always knew what the score was. Who was where, and what they were doing.
No one knew that he could pull the strings whenever he wanted now that Al was gone. It was like he had bequeathed this to him. Fitting, as Al called him his precious accident. That's when Rey realized who had been pulling the strings for him all these years. Al had played the part of a father en absentia, making sure his child would develop in the manner he saw fit.
Mack Austin was also privy to some details in this spy ring, but he didn't know of Rey's connection to it. Rey often found him to be a useful tool to deliver information through, thus limiting suspicion of himself as the only one in-the-know. The errand Rey had to run in Carpenteria was to make sure that Austin would be the one to receive and blab the intelligence upon his return.
Such an easy thing to do, snickered Rey. Austin was a good kid, but too naive. Too easy to manipulate. Luna as well, but then he had special plans for her.
Rey wasn't the cold-blooded person he often thought himself of being. On the contrary, his power plays were often benign in nature. It was a game to him, and one he loved playing. He derived immense pleasure from seeing first hand how the Zala Morons and Blue Cosmos were all baiting each other. Such arrogant fools, all of them. They had no clue that they were the ones being manipulated by a third party.
Oh, not Rey. No, not him. He could care less what they did to each other. They could kill each other off and he wouldn't bat an eye. Destroy the world, the PLANTs, everything. It didn't matter to him. But there was another that pulled the strings. That's who Rey was searching for. It used to be Rau le Creuset, though Rey didn't recall ever meeting the man. Now it was someone new, but equally talented at covering his tracks.
Could it be this guy? Rey doubted it, but then he didn't want this newcomer to interfere. He was too close, both to finding the real puppet master and to finding this mortal enemy.
An alley. Rounding a corner cautiously, Rey spotted his quarry. This man also had facial scars, though most of his face was hidden under the hood of a light jacket. It was raining. Rey hadn't noticed it until now. He had been too preoccupied. The man was similar in build to his Al, but there was also something else very familiar about him. It's like Al and this man were close relatives.
"Nosy kid," the man greeted Rey. Both had guns drawn.
"If we had another person it would be a Mexican standoff," Rey spat.
"Who are you?"
"I don't know the answer to that myself," Rey responded.
Movement. Shots fired. Bullets ricocheted. Smoke obscured the aftermath. Rey surfaced only to find his quarry gone. He would have given chase had the air raid sirens not began.
"We'll finish this another time," Rey whispered. He wore a genuine smile. A rarity.
Four
"Has it started?" Kira had just come to the bridge. He was in his flight suit already.
"Yes," Murrue informed him.
Lacus gave a weak smile to her fiancée from the CIC chair. She would be handling it for a while.
"Athrun, Cagalli, Andy and I will all be ready for launch by the time we get there," Kira departed.
"Hey,Kira!" Cagalli pounced on her little brother in the hangar.
"What?"
"The Jegan doesn't fly," Athrun scowled.
Kira responded, "That's why we brought you a sled. You remember how to use one, right?"
"Yeah. Though they're a pain in the butt." Athrun never liked using those things. It never seemed to go well. But then, the only time he had ever used them was when the Zala Team was trying to take down the Archangel. Perhaps they could be useful against normal opponents.
"Come on, they're not that bad." Kira thought about it a minute. "Are they?"
"I guess not. Let's get ready for launch," Athrun extended a hand to help his best friend up.
"Now you two take care of each other," Kira placed a hand on each shoulder. Both Cagalli and Athrun nodded in agreement.
"Kira, you'll be up first," Chief Murdoch shouted.
"Roger," Kira answered. "Let's do it."
The Minerva was in the rear line and moving forward to join ranks. Mobile suits from both sides flooded the skies. Windams from the Earth Forces, ZAKUs and DINNs from ZAFT. They collided like hawks in mating; flying toward each other at breakneck speed, latching on and then plummeting toward the ocean. Only there was usually one who didn't make it out of this entanglement.
"Stop it!" Kira's infamous battle cry. He couldn't think of anything better to do than to order the fighting to stop. It never worked, but then he didn't really expect it to.
Kira hacked his way through the melee, taking off mobile suit arms and legs along the way. His sister and brother-in-law remained close behind. Then new models began to come into the mix.
Two prototypes from the Earth Forces side began to tear away at the DINNs and some of the ZAKUs. A purple Windam was leading them. Against the purple suit was a white ZAKU pressing hard to take any advantage away from this new Earth Forces group. Backing him up were three ZAFT prototypes.
"What's this pressure?" Kira felt like a heavy weight was pressing on his lungs. "Someone . . . no," Kira shook his head. "Can't be. They're dead."
"What's that, Kira?" Lacus could sense his distress.
Kira didn't answer. He was a little busy being chased by the Impulse and Gaia.
The Savior went immediately toward the Jegan and Strike Rouge.
"Die!" The Savior blocked the Jegan from advancing toward the white ZAKU. "I won't let you take out my friends."
Athrun was in trouble. The ferocious attack caught him off guard. Then the Savior gave a hard kick to the Strike Rouge's cockpit, sending it reeling into the ocean below. "Cagalli!"
"Athrun?"
A familiar voice. "Luna?"
The Strike Rouge resurface and began blasting away at the Savior. The Savior returned fire.
"NO!" Athrun got between the two suits and tried to block the shots. The rifle blast from Cagalli removed the Jegan's head, the one from Luna sheered off the Jegan's legs below the hips. Both blasts were point blank. Lifeless, the Jegan fell into the sea.
"ATHRUN!" The girls screamed it in unison.
At this moment, the Minerva began to open fire on the Archangel. Murrue was forced to pull back, leaving Cagalli and Kira without adequate support to recover the fallen Jegan.
Chapter 54
"Not a good day," he muttered. "Now what?"
"Food for the prisoner."
He fondly remembered that smile, though her voice was tinged with a sadness he hadn't really heard before.
"Please eat it," Luna requested.
"As fond as I am of ZAFT rations and brigs, I'm sure I could easily think of better places to be."
"Athrun, don't take your frustrations out on me." Luna still held that smile, but seeing the wedding ring on his finger . . . No! I am stronger than this. I am over this.
"It's good to see you," Athrun admitted. "Any hope of me getting out of here?"
"No," Luna shook her head. "I spoke with Captain Gladys and she's going to hold you a while longer."
"Any hope of getting in touch with the Archangel?"
Luna dropped the smile. "No, I have not been able to contact your wife." Her voice was more than a little bitter.
"Sorry." He wasn't, really. He was pissed that he had been shot down. By his wife and former mistress, no less.
"Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?" She wasn't really offering. Luna just wanted to look at him a little longer.
"No, I don't suppose you can." Athrun laid back on the cot. He hadn't touched his food and didn't really want to in front of her. "Can I at least speak with your captain?"
"She's coming to visit you soon. Right now we're headed out, so she's a little busy."
"How did the battle go?"
"We won, if you can call it that." Luna shook her head. "Because of your interference . . . No, it would have probably been the same regardless. Anyway, most of Panama's defenses were taken out. They're thinking of abandoning it if reinforcements don't arrive soon. Drop ships may or may not be on their way."
"And you're leaving?"
Luna nodded. "Our mission is not to defend Panama."
"I see," Athrun scratched his head in thought. His suspicions were confirmed. So there is something important that they sent the Minerva to do.
"I'll come to check on you later." Luna bolted. She had seen all she could stand of him for the afternoon.
Two
"Cagalli, stop crying. Please." Kira was desperately trying to comfort his sister. Lacus was there also, but her attempts were equally unsuccessful.
"He's dead, I just know it." Cagalli was balling her heart out.
"He is perfectly fine. I promise." Kira's words didn't help. If Athrun wasn't there in person, nothing would be able to stop Cagalli from crying.
"We're chasing the Minerva now. We should catch up to them soon," Lacus informed the distraught girl. "Perhaps then we can make contact and secure his release." Lacus didn't really know if he was alive or dead, but she had to trust Kira on this. She hoped he wasn't making it all up.
"Get out," Cagalli ordered. "Just, get out of my room."
Three
"How is he?" Shinn knew by the look on her face where she had been.
"A little upset that he got shot down by a girl, I suppose." Luna put on her best smile. She would not show weakness. And Rey was here.
"The Archangel is chasing us. Think they know he's still alive?" asked Stellar. She always liked Athrun and didn't really want to see him caged like an animal. But then, that would be better than having him out there trying to shoot down her other friends. Perhaps this was for the best.
"I'm sure they saw me salvage the mobile suit wreckage, but it looked pretty bad. I honestly didn't think he was alive until I saw it with my own eyes," Luna admitted.
"We'll be in Carpenteria soon," Rey informed them. "Perhaps we can learn more about what's going on when we get there."
Four
"Athrun Zala." She looked him over. The mighty war hero, imprisoned.
"Captain Gladys." It seemed like a sound guess, as she was in a captain's uniform and in a nice little office. Athrun didn't bother to correct her on his last name. It was . . . too embarrassing.
"Now that we know who each other are, let's have a little chat." She motioned him to sit down.
He accepted. Cuffed and shackled, he was flanked on either side by two guards.
"What were you doing out there? We know that Orb is now allied with the Atlantic Federation, but it seemed like you were attacking both sides indiscriminately."
"It seemed that way because that's exactly how it was. If you are too foolish to understand what's going on, then I see no reason to have this discussion," Athrun stated bluntly.
"So you're trying to form another Triple Ships Alliance? Attack all sides to keep them from fighting each other? Sounds a little silly to me."
"You're just pawns in a much larger game," Athrun informed her.
"Yes, I know. The attack on Washington was just a ruse for the Naturals to start the war again."
Athrun shook his head. "It goes beyond that. The results would be the same, but it is just as likely that it really was a ZAFT splinter group that did it."
"Yes, I know that as well." Gladys dismissed the guards. "I have been given permission by Chairman Dullindal to prevent full-scale war in any manner that I deem appropriate. I would like to ask your help in this."
"I fail to see how I can be of service under the present conditions."
"I suppose so." Captain Gladys stood up and came around to sit on the desk right in front of Athrun. "If the Archangel could assist us, that would make our efforts a lot easier."
"You're asking the wrong person."
"Maybe. But you can be a valuable bargaining chip in those negotiations. The Archangel is close behind us. Once I'm satisfied that they were not involved in the attack on the PLANTs, we can discuss your release. In exchange for their cooperation, of course."
"Of course."
Five
"Captain, they're hailing us." Lacus was still manning the CIC. Kira was by her side.
Murrue nodded and the screen came on. "This is Captain Murrue Ramius of the independent warship Archangel. How can I help you today?"
"It's a pleasure to finally meet the captain of the Big Angel. I am Captain Talia Gladys of the ZAFT vessel Minerva. Please cut your engines. I have a proposition for you."
"Can I expect that you'll do the same?" Murrue cocked an eye.
"Yes. Naturally, we are both suspicious of each other. How would you like to proceed?"
"Have our ships approach to point blank range with all weapons disarmed and hangars locked down."
"Agreed. I want you and another representative on the Archangel deck in twenty minutes." Captain Gladys cut the transmission.
"Any clue what they've got up their sleeve?" asked Andy.
Murrue shook her head. "Not a one. Care to join me?"
"Why not?"
Chapter 55
"It's good to see that you're well, Commander Waltfeld."
"Captain," Andy gave Gladys a nod. Not that he had ever met her before, but just out of common curtesy.
Gladys, with Luna by her side, were on the Archangel's deck. "Let's get right to the point. I have two things you want, you have two things I want."
"What do we have that would interest you?" Murrue cocked an eye.
"There were two prototype mobile suits stolen from Armory One. I'd like to think you didn't have anything to do with it. Particularly since your ship is slightly the wrong color and because you don't seem to be with the Earth Forces."
"I don't think I could be any more confused than I am right now," Murrue whispered to Andy.
"Before today, the last time there was a confirmed sighting of those suits was in California," Gladys informed them.
"Never been to California," Murrue admitted. "What's the other thing you want?"
"Your assistance. Chairman Dullindal has authorized me to take whatever measures I find necessary to prevent this from turning into an all out war. You have assets that might prove useful."
"We're on the run. From the Earth Forces, from ZAFT, and especially from Orb. Our assets are less than you think."
"You have the will to make a difference. You have capable pilots. And you have Lacus Clyne." Captain Gladys waited for a reaction. She didn't get any.
"What do you have to offer us?" asked Andy.
"Mobile suit wreckage and a pilot."
"He's alright?" asked Murrue.
"Yes. He is just fine," Gladys smiled.
"Let me see him," Murrue ordered.
Luna sent a signal for someone to open the hatch on the Minerva. They brought out Athrun, still cuffed and in his flight suit. "Hi," he said sheepishly.
"Cagalli is going to kill you," Murrue reminded him.
"And Kira will be very upset about his toy," Athrun stated.
Murrue accepted the prisoner's return. "I'm afraid there's not much we can offer you, Captain Gladys. Without proper intelligence we have no clue where to go or what to do. Blue Cosmos is likely pulling the strings, be we don't know how or why at this point."
"But there is something that we can do," Captain Gladys stated. "We can split the alliance."
Two
"You stupid jackass," Cagalli took a flying leap at her husband. "I thought you were dead."
"It's okay, Cagalli. Let it all out." Athrun, who was lying flat on his back in the hallway, held her as she cried. And hit his arms.
After the scene, Talia Gladys was invited into Murrue's office for further negotiations.
"How have you been?" asked Luna.
"Fine," Athrun whispered.
Cagalli gave her a look that said Get the hell away from us.
"See you around," Luna held her head high. She could finally be over him now, seeing how deep Cagalli had sunk her claws into him. He had always said that he belonged to her body and soul. Now Cagalli had devoured him. Athrun would live and die by Cagalli's side. Whether or not Cagalli knew that was another matter entirely.
Luna went back on deck to find Rey waving from the deck of the Minerva.
"How did it go?" he yelled. Though he was yelling at the top of his lungs, it was a miracle Luna heard him. He was seventy or more meters away and the gentle roar of the seas drowned out nearly all noise from that distance.
"About as well as you could expect!" Luna began the long, treacherous walk back to her ship. A ramp was extended, but the wind kept it from being terribly safe. Rey met her in the middle to make sure she got across without mishap.
"They're transferring that load of scrap now."
"Really?" It didn't take too long for Luna to see for herself. "It's pretty much a loss, isn't it?"
"Yes. You think he risked his life to keep you two from killing each other?"
Luna leaned against him. "Yeah. Sounds like something he'd do."
"Well, the good news is we won't have that crap blocking the catapult now." Rey stiffened. "Luna, go to the bridge."
"What is it?"
"Make sure someone's keeping an eye out for trouble." Rey's tone indicated his seriousness.
"Alright," Luna whispered. She left him in the launch bay wondering what was up. She didn't have to wait long to find out.
Three
"What the hell was that?" Murrue tried to get up out of her chair, but another lurch sent her flying into Andy.
Andy had enough sense to remain seated. "We're under attack," he informed Murrue.
"You think?" Murrue turned to Gladys, "Looks like you're going to be a passenger for the moment." Murrue raced off to the bridge while Andy toward the starboard hangar.
His Murasame was waiting on the catapult. "Everyone else out?"
"It's just the kid out there," Chief Murdoch informed the one-eyed pilot. "He'll hold 'em off long enough for you to get out there."
"Is it the Minerva?"
Murdoch shrugged his shoulders. "They never tell me these things."
Once outside, Andy saw it all. A ship that looked similar in design to the Archangel, but up close it was definitely a new one. "I like the blue paint job," Andy muttered.
The Abyss and Chaos led a group of Windams against the Minerva. The Archangel was just a bonus target.
Rey's team engaged the Windams off to one side while the Impulse, Savior and Gaia took on the two stolen prototypes. The Minerva's complement of mobile suits were out and ready for action in time to make the difference.
Kira went straight for the Chaos, as it was the closest of the offending mobile suits.
The Archangel and Minerva broke ranks as quickly as possible before a Lohengrin blast took them both out. Andy strafed the heavy guns on the attacking warship in the hopes that it would delay the firing long enough for the Archangel to get out of the way.
The combined efforts of Kira and Shinn wore down the Chaos while the Luna arrived to deliver a crippling blow. The Chaos was forced to retreat without its missing appendages.
With the element of surprise never really attained and the turning of the tide, the attackers were forced to retreat. The ship got out of range and then vanished.
"So that's how they did it," Andy whispered to himself. "Mirrage colloid on a warship. That is definitely a bad sign."
Four
"Anything yet?"
"No, Shiho. Nothing yet." Yzak sat in the captain's chair, Shiho by his side. Sarah was out in a long-range reconnaissance GINN trying to track their enemy's movements.
"I wonder why we always lose track of the transports at Tyco City. One would think that city would be too small to hold all that cargo."
"It is far too small," Yzak's eyes narrowed. "They're using mirage colloid. That's the only explanation." It was time for bed.
"That's very dirty of them," Shiho commented as they floated down the corridor together.
"True, but who's going to stop them?" Yzak let her enter their bedchamber first. He had been, shall we say, more polite to her since their marriage.
"We will," Shiho smiled. "Notice anything different?"
"You're growing your hair out. I like it." Yzak reached out to massage the back of her neck.
"Oh, I've missed that." Shiho embraced him gently. "You didn't do this much at home."
"No. Sorry."
"It's alright. We both had a lot going on." Shiho looked up into his eyes. "Notice anything else?"
"You got rid of the contacts. And you've stopped dying your hair. I approve."
"Very good! You deserve a reward for being so observant." She would give him his favorite reward tonight, but then she never withheld from him.
"You know, it wasn't hard to figure out that you weren't a natural blond." Certain intimate acts ensured he knew that fact. Her hair was a dark brown. It would be several weeks before the hair on her head caught up to its natural state. "But I had no idea that your eyes were purple."
"Well, the blond was a failed attempt to turn my hair silver to match yours. The eyes, to make your task of guessing my name that much harder," Shiho admitted.
Yzak laughed a cold, unforgiving chuckle. "Like it would have made a difference. I wouldn't have noticed the change if you hadn't asked me about it."
"Think Miriallia will be surprised?"
"Most likely. I wouldn't expect too much from Dearka, though. He'd likely be just as oblivious as I on that."
"Yzak?"
The way she sounded let him know something was up. "Yeah?" He separated from her by about a foot.
"About my parents . . ."
"I don't know," he shook his head. She had asked him to look into it shortly after leaving the hospital but there were more pressing matters to attend to. "I haven't heard anything yet."
"Not that," Shiho reached out for him in the darkened room. "I'm glad. So glad that they agreed with your mother." An arranged marriage that really worked out was a blessing. And Shiho felt truly blessed.
He held her tightly as the silent tears began to wet his undershirt. She had always suffered from the fear that someone was out to get her. As tough as she was, she couldn't accept that her entire family had died in an accident. It was too neat, too convenient. She knew that these things happened from time to time, but still . . .
Shiho's momentary weakness left her. "I'm fine now. Come," she led him to their bed.
He slept with his head on her chest, a not uncommon activity. She played with his hair when he was like this, often forgoing much needed rest to do so. But this night she had to sleep. She could be called on at any time to go out and fly with the Joule Team. Or perform some task for her husband. Or just be there to give him something nice to look at. Her life was in service to him.
Perhaps that is how she managed to tame the fearsome Yzak. By showing him what it means to give of yourself without pressing your own wants in return, she had shown him how to love; how to live.
Five
"So, we're making friendly? That's nice." Shinn didn't really care, though he was a little relieved to have one fewer in the list of enemies that encompassed them.
"Shinn . . ." Stellar didn't like his attitude. "And after all Cagalli has done for us. For me."
"Sorry," Shinn patted her head. "It's just that I don't know about all this."
"You worry too much," Luna pointed out. "And sulk to much. And are far too irritable. Anything else I've forgotten?"
"Hey," Stellar was indignant. "I have made a lot of progress on him. Or so I've been told."
"Stop," Shinn requested.
"You two are no fun," Luna pouted. "How about you, Rey? What do you think of this recent turn of events?"
"It doesn't matter. The end result will be the same." He had been clamming up recently. Rey rarely spoke unless spoken to first or if he had something important to say. But then, he had been quite talkative when Luna began to have problems. Now he was returning to his more silent self.
Luna didn't like it. "Anyway, I'm glad to have them tagging along on our little adventure."
"Except we don't know what our adventure is or what it'll entail," Shinn pointed out. "We're just running around with no tangible goal."
"Retake or destroy those mobile suits," Stellar chimed in. "That was the original mission."
Rey's voice was in its natural calm and measured state. Almost melodic. "It doesn't matter now that they've had all the time they need to analyze their design."
Luna thought he could sing someone to sleep with that voice. Preferably her. "Anyway, now we're supposed to keep the war from escalating."
Shinn shook his head. "Which means kill all the bad guys. If we try to kill everybody that opposes us, the war will spiral out of control just like last time."
"In the end, there are no easy answers to our dilemma. Not yet," Rey sighed. He had a vague idea of where this was all leading, but he wouldn't tell. Not yet.
"Well, I'm depressed enough for one afternoon. We'll see you two later," Shinn took Stellar by the hand and left the lounge.
Now it was just Luna and Rey. "You know something," she whispered.
"Not really." He allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder.
"You always know more than you let on."
"You noticed. You always did have a sharp eye for detail."
"Let me in. Please. We're best friends, right?" She was begging. Luna needed to feel important to something. Or someone. Either way.
"No," his voice was cold, but less so than usual. "I couldn't explain it if I wanted to."
"Try."
"No," he was firm. Perhaps it is time . . . No, almost. Not yet.
Chapter 56
"What a beautiful morning."
"If you say that again, I think I'm going to kick you in the shins."
"Well, it is. The view inside is just as nice as the out."
"Dearka . . ." Mir was too tired for this. It was a long shuttle ride, then baggage check at the space dock, then Dearka had to make some calls, then they had to pick up their reservation tickets, and that was all before they made it to the colony elevator.
"I told you to go to bed early last night."
"I was too excited about our vacation," Mir admitted.
"Okay, sack out. You're going to anyway." Dearka had to all but push her onto the bed before going to settle into his own room. Truthfully, Dearka didn't sleep well either. He was on vacation. Alone. With the girl of his dreams . . . Better stop now before I get a nose bleed.
Dearka unpacked then had a nice cold shower to wash away those inappropriate thoughts he found himself thinking. By lunchtime he had a nap of his own. As a matter of fact, it was Miriallia who had to wake him.
"Come on, sleepyhead. I'm hungry."
"Yeah," was his response. "You want to go out or order in?"
"We get room service?" Mir knew nothing about this place. She hadn't seen brochures and had no way to talk to people who had ever been here before. All she knew was that Shiho was somewhat envious.
Dearka couldn't help but laugh, knowing exactly what was going through her head. "I booked us three weeks in the most expensive, most lavish luxury resort in the solar system and you want to know if we have room service?"
"Dearka, this must have bankrupted you." Mir sat by him on the bed.
It was a rather nice bed, and one from which he had yet to get up from. "We have our own private hot tub." He pointed at the spacious outdoor facilities attached to their room. They were on the third floor.
"How much did this cost?" Mir all but demanded to know.
"Far too much, but truthfully I didn't pay for all of it."
"How much?" Now she was demanding.
"Forty-two thousand. And change." Dearka watched as her jaw dropped.
"But . . ."
Dearka placed a hand over her mouth. "I did it because you deserved it. Dad helped out. He said something like, consider it an early engagement present or whatever."
"But we're not engaged."
"He originally said early wedding present and I told him I haven't worked up the courage to propose. Then he backtracked to early engagement," Dearka chuckled.
"I can't believe this," Mir stood up and turned away from him.
"Did I offend you?" Dearka got up as well, but was too fearful of going near her. He didn't know what to say or do or even think. Filled with doubt, he asked the question again.
"No," she shook her head. "You've been so thoughtful of my feelings and now this . . ."
"I don't understand," he admitted.
"It's too much. Far too much. I don't deserve any of this." Mir turned to show him tears.
"You deserve far more than I could ever give you, Mir. Please," he offered a hand.
She accepted. "Dearka, just tell me what you want from me?" She felt so bad. She wouldn't even let him kiss her for extended periods of time, let alone other things. She made him fight hard for her approval. And now this . . .
Dearka wrapped her in an embrace she couldn't escape from. "All I ever wanted was to make you happy. If you're happy, then so am I. I've never asked for anything in return."
Miriallia began to cry as she realized the truth of his words. He had always given her everything, no matter how trivial or embarrassing it must have been. In front of Yzak, who she knew taunted him later. In front of Kira, who had the perfect girlfriend. In front of Athrun, who at least had a relationship of mutual give and take. But Mir had done all the taking with none of the giving. Sure Dearka had asked her to come to the PLANTs, but he had followed it by saying that if she didn't come then he wouldn't go. So it was basically her decision anyway. It was never his.
"Please don't cry, Mir. I'll do anything." He was understandably confused when his attempts to comfort her only resulted in more sobbing.
"I . . ." feel like such a horrible person. It took Stellar, of all people, to get me to cut you the least little bit of slack.
"You're perfect, Mir, and I'll always love you. Just tell me what I can do."
"Dearka?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up a minute." Mir stood in his tender hug for several more minutes. She could have stayed like that forever, but the moment was ruined by her stomach rumbling. "I want to give you something," she finally said. Looking up into his eyes, she gave him the most passionate kiss she could muster.
Needless to say, he was a little taken aback by that. So much so that he actually fell backwards onto the bed. Of course, he kept Mir from getting hurt by making sure he cushioned her fall. She didn't even bump her head on his.
Giggling, Mir continued lip wrestling for some time. "I love you, Dearka. I really love you."
"Good," he smiled. "For a minute I thought you were going to eat me."
"Oh I will," she giggled. "But in an entirely inappropriate manner."
"Um . . ." Dearka froze. He didn't know what to do. Alone with a girl on his bed, who admits she is having entirely inappropriate thoughts.
"Better order that room service," Mir suggested.
"Okay," Dearka reached for the phone. "Is everything alright?" He finally got around to drying the tear streaks off of her face. This was really the first free chance he had.
"It's better than that. In fact, it's perfect. And I'm going to make sure that your vacation is perfect too."
Two
"Hi."
"Morning."
"Anything?"
"I thought I told you to quit bugging me about that."
Luna took a deep breath before joining him at his table. "Look, Rey. I will get on my hands and knees and beg if it'll make a difference."
"It won't, so don't embarrass yourself trying it." Rey's amusement with this situation had entirely vanished. She wanted in. He wanted her to quit bugging him. He wasn't ready for her. Not yet.
It was their second day in Carpenteria. They had gone on not one, but two dates. Totally non-romantic friendship dates, but Luna was more than happy to live with that. Besides, she was a recent graduate from the Lonely Heart's Academy for Those Who Embarrass Themselves in Romance. She wasn't in desperate need for a man, as she had come to realize. She was in desperate need of finding herself, which she had done with Rey's help.
"How about another date?" offered Rey. Hopefully that would get her off his case.
"Sure," Luna smiled. "But I still want to be a part of whatever it is you're up to."
"Come with me." Rey got up and left his half-eaten breakfast on the table. Luna hadn't started hers, and thus left her tray untouched.
They left the galley, walked down several corridors, and finally ended up in a very remote section of propulsion.
"I'm not who you think I am," he told her.
"I figured that," Luna admitted.
"And I wouldn't hesitate to kill you, as unpleasant as that would be."
Luna saw the sincerity in his ice blue eyes. "Then kill me if that's what you brought me here to do. I know this place. It's the one place on the ship where there are no monitoring devices. No cameras, nothing. You could likely get away with it."
Rey's laughter chilled her to the bone. "I won't kill you. Not today. I have something special in mind for you. But I am not ready to bring you in just yet. Be patient."
"Rey?" If Luna was an ordinary girl, she would likely crack under these circumstances. But then, she did say she wanted Rey to reveal his secrets to her.
"There is someone out there pulling the strings. We are all pawns in his game. That includes you and me. I can tug on a few strings of my own, but the events that are coming into play now are far beyond my control."
Luna's eyes were now wide with a mixture of satisfaction and terror. This quiet pilot whom she thought she knew was undergoing a metamorphosis. He wasn't quiet, he was scheming. He wasn't kind, he was shrewd with selfish purposes. He was arrogant, vindictive, and even a little cruel at times. But she was drawn to him nonetheless. "If it'll help, I will do whatever you tell me."
"There is a man out there. Not the puppet master, but another. I must find him as well. But I presume you're more occupied with fighting the good fight," Rey laughed. "Not to worry. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. That is what I have been up to; finding these two men."
Luna was beginning to realize that her participation in this matter was mandatory. Every interaction she had ever had with this man had brought her to this point. It was as if he had gently poked and prodded her along a path that only he could see. She could either volunteer or be his pawn. Either way, there was little hope of her escaping this destiny. She felt incredible loyalty to him, but she didn't know how much of it was real and how much of it he had willed her to have. She decided to volunteer. "Anything, Rey."
Rey only laughed at the offer. He knew she would have no choice. She was too sincere and pure hearted. Manipulating her was child's play. "Come," he beckoned her into his arms. "How do you feel?"
"Afraid," she said truthfully. "What is it you want from me?"
"Nothing you wouldn't have done anyway."
"I don't like being used."
"I won't use you," he laughed. "No, Luna. Your participation is of your own choosing. You asked and I told you no, remember?"
"I remember." Luna placed her chin on his shoulder. "But I can't help but feel like you've been toying with me this whole time."
"And what of you?" Rey tightened his grip so that she couldn't get away. "Your bleeding heart moments, whether intentional or not, only served the purpose of bringing me closer to you."
"I guess that's true," she admitted. "So we used each other. Now what?"
"Now you will . . ." Rey senses tingled. "Hold that thought," he let her go.
Luna retreated a couple of steps, also having the feeling that they were no longer alone.
"Hello." A young man with chestnut brown hair joined them. "I've been looking for you."
"How did you get on this ship?" Rey and the newcomer circled each other, looking each other over carefully. It was like they were sizing up for a fight. Not a physical one, but mental.
"I'm from the Archangel. My name's Kira. I'm a brother to Cagalli and a long-time friend of Athrun. I escorted Captain Ramius here an hour ago."
"Now that I know your name, I suppose you'd like mine." Rey brushed a few golden strands out from in front of his eyes, which promptly fell back into place.
"I don't need to know your name. I know more about you than you do yourself." Kira stopped to stand by Luna. "It's good to see you again, Lunamaria. Is this a friend of yours?"
Luna answered, "He's my best friend, Kira. Please do not start a quarrel."
"I won't. I just had to see it with my own eyes." Kira walked up close to Rey who didn't even flinch. "Second generation? Probably." Kira studied the area around the eyes.
"What do you know?" demanded Rey.
"Your origins. I brought you something. They're only copies, so I must apologize. I couldn't bring the originals as they belong to a close friend who wouldn't want to part with them." Kira handed Rey some pictures and documents. "I'll be keeping an eye on you and your friend in the purple Windam. If I'm correct, this is what he should look like," Kira pointed to one of the pictures. "I won't let you kill him. Not before I get the chance to speak with him."
"How did you come across these?" Rey's voice was no longer harsh. He was calm and collected again.
"Mendel Colony in L4. Rau le Creuset gave me these and much more. Be thankful that you are not exactly like le Creuset or I'd kill you where you stand." Visions of Fllay flashed through his mind; her death and Rau's cold, unforgiving laughter.
"Kira?" Luna was understandably confused.
"Be careful around this person, Lunamaria. He can be dangerous. But then, who isn't these days?" Kira departed as he had come; soundlessly.
"Le Creuset . . ." Rey looked over the pictures and documents carefully. His Al was in a couple of photos, but they were all dated 16 years ago at the latest. Some were older. Either Al aged very well, or Al wasn't the guy. Flipping over one, there was a family photo with two familiar names. Al da Flagga and Mu la Flagga. Father and son. The father died in a house fire nearly fifteen years ago, the son in the Battle of Jachine Diue. No, this person wasn't his benefactor. And there was one picture of Mu as a man. His mystery nemesis. "I think I understand now."
"Rey?" Luna flew to his side. He smiled, genuinely smiled. She saw it so rarely that she often wondered if it was really a smile at all.
"Now where were we?" Rey wrapped his arms around her again, laughing that cold, hollow laugh that made him sound like a madman.
It didn't bother Luna a bit, either. "You were about to tell me how I can help," she reminded him. In truth, she knew what was coming next.
"You will . . ."
Three
"Take care of that business you mentioned?"
"Yes, Murrue. You should expect an unwelcome visitor shortly," Kira informed her.
"Who?"
"You never met him in person, but you'll feel it when you meet him. We should wait in your office," Kira suggested.
"We?" Murrue implicitly trusted Kira for a number of reasons, but to lighten the mood a little she tried to put him on the defensive.
Kira ignored it. "You won't want to be alone."
In the end, they didn't have a very long wait. Perhaps twenty or thirty minutes at the most. Kira stiffened just before it happened.
Rey, flanked by Luna, entered her little study as if on cue. "Captain Murrue Ramius, I presume?"
"Yes. And you?"
"Rey za Burrel." The young man offered a hand.
Murrue motioned their guests to sit. "Now I see what you were talking about, Kira."
"Mu la Flagga. The Hawk of Endymion. Tell me of him," Rey requested.
"He was a kindhearted man. Gentle at times. Very compassionate. He was blond with blue eyes, but then all of you are it seems."
Now it all began to click. Rey could see by the way she spoke of him how important Mu had been to her. "Rau le Creuset," said Rey. With some small amount of pleasure, he watched Murrue wince at the very mention of his name.
"Yes. They were mortal enemies. Rau was a defective clone of Al da Flagga, Mu's father."
"I see," Rey got up. That's all he needed to know.
"Don't follow in their footsteps, Rey." Murrue put a hand on his shoulder. She immediately felt an electric charge.
"I do not like to be touched," Rey informed her. "And your lover. I'll kill him again if we keep meeting on the battlefield."
"I . . ." Murrue couldn't find the words. Kira told her of their presence shortly after the most recent Battle of Panama. Not only Mu, but Rau too. He didn't know about the Mu-like person, but it's pretty obvious that Rey was playing the role of Rau le Creuset.
Kira sent out one final warning to Rey. "If you interfere with his capture, I'll kill you. Just like le Creuset."
"Perhaps it is destiny's calling that we all kill each other in an endless cycle."
Murrue found her voice again. "Until one of you finds the courage to break the cycle."
"I see," said Rey. "If we cannot find a peace between us, then what hope is there for Coordinators and Naturals to find peace? Likely none."
"It's worth the try," Kira insisted.
Rey left without hearing another word. Luna begged, "Rey, please don't do anything rash."
"You should know me better than that, Luna. I never do anything that isn't well thought out."
Luna's hand found his as they wound their way through the corridors to the Archangel's exit. "They do have a point."
"Do not forget, Luna. That man is the little fish. I wouldn't be interested if he wasn't as intent as I on one of us dying. Who would you rather it be?" Rey turned on her, locking her into his steel gaze.
"Him. I won't let you die, Rey."
"Remember that." His face softened. He had scored one sound victory this day. Luna was now completely under his spell. She was now ready to play the part he had prepared for her.
"Now I think you owe me a date," she reminded him.
"Yes, but first I'd like you to accompany me on business." Rey smirked.
"Of course," she smiled. She was now in his confidence. He had let her in, but not without paying a heavy price. She willingly paid it and immediately realized that there was no going back. Not that Luna wanted to.
With his feelers doing their appointed tasks, Rey took Luna on that date. One she immensely enjoyed. A nice restaurant and pleasant conversation to follow. They spent at least two hours talking about various things, none of it business.
"Rey," Luna began, "do you know how I feel right now?" At times, she felt like he was reading her like book.
And most of the time Rey was. "No," he lied. "Why don't you tell me?"
"I feel . . . like I have a purpose. Like I belong to something."
"Like you are needed?" Rey gave her another genuine smile.
"Yes," she nodded.
"That's all you ever wanted, isn't it? Shinn never gave you that, nor did Athrun."
"No." Luna didn't like the reminder.
"It isn't nearly that bad, Luna. You have lived your life to the best of your abilities. There is nothing to be ashamed of in that."
Luna drained her wine glass and poured herself another. "I haven't forgotten our conversation back in my room a week or so ago."
Rey smirked, "Neither have I. Are you ready to chance the next step?"
"Yes. And I don't care about the consequences." No more lip pressing. No more friendly hugs. No more resting her head on his shoulder. She was going for it.
"You may not like what you find."
Luna shook her head. "I don't care. There's no going back for me. I'm a part of this now and you can't get rid of me."
"No, I suppose not." Rey paid the check and left with Luna not far behind.
End Part Fourteen
A/N
Oh, the drama! Luna and Rey going to the dark side? What will become of our band of intrepid heroes? Stay tuned for scenes from the next exciting episode of . . . Okay, I'm really tired. Time for a nap.
See you after another nice long break. Maybe next week?
A/N End