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.
A/N End
Chapter 61
The pieces were all set into motion at once. Luna had performed her tasks admirably. Yzak had Shiho to procure new weapons and an old friend. Panama had now fallen and Carpenteria was under threat. The Orb Union was in a state of total chaos with the revelation that all but the House of Athha was under the direct control of Dijibril.
Even things in the PLANTs were moving quickly. Ever the careful planner, Rey had made sure that information of another kind would be released on schedule. Many of the upper echelons were exposed as Zala backers. Not only that, it was revealed that their funding had come from . . . well, that is another matter for another time.
As Shiho reached Jachine Diue in Yzak's private shuttle, a long forgotten group also managed to make it to their destination. The Earth and Mars were as close as they would be in a generation. The Kusanagi had arrived at the Aires outpost.
But all of these matters were dwarfed by a new threat that was rising.
"Sir, Sarah has returned."
"Send her in." Yzak had to rely on a yeoman as his assistant in Shiho's absence. He was sure that Shiho would not approve of another doing her duties, but there were just too many tasks for him to perform on his own. Yzak did not look up as Ms. Rosami entered the little-used briefing room aboard the Retribution. Since Yzak didn't see fit to confer with anyone other than Shiho, Sarah, and occasionally his first and second officers, there was no need for this to be anything more than his office. The vast majority of the time it was Yzak and Shiho anyway.
"Sir," Sarah saluted.
"Sit and report." Yzak leaned back into his chair, preparing himself to listen intently.
"The transports are making use of mirage colloid, sir. They make it appear as if the ships are coming and going from Tyco, but those that return to Earth are really coming from this point and merely decloaking at Tyco." Sarah handed Yzak a data pad showing a marker at Lagrange point six. "There is nothing there but a few old cylinder colonies, sir."
Yzak studdied it carefully. "So it is your opinion that all the supplies and materials are headed to this point?"
"It is, sir."
"Very good. Dismissed."
"Sir," Sarah gave a crisp salute, as always.
Once he was alone, Yzak only had one thought on his mind. Damn it, Shiho. Hurry the hell up.
Two
"I can't believe that this is our last day."
"Yeah. We'll come back, though."
"No way, Dearka. It's too expensive. We shouldn't have come this time."
"But aren't you glad we did?" Dearka sure as heck was.
"Of course." Mir hadn't been this happy in a long time, but she preferred not the think about that right now. She was with Dearka. And last night she had made sure that his pajamas had gone to keep that wet towel company three floors below.
"What now?" Dearka really didn't know. He was sure that things couldn't quite go back to the way they were before. Not now that they were physically intimate.
"Now you'll keep treating me like a queen."
"That's not exactly what I meant. Of course I'll give you everything I can give and then some." Dearka held her close, but not too tightly. He still didn't want to be the first mover.
Mir knew she was the one in the driver's seat. She always had been. "I know, Dearka. Look, things will be a little awkward for a few days. Then we'll settle back into a slightly different routine. Just don't get too overeager, okay?"
"Yes ma'am. I wouldn't dream of it." One thing Dearka did know was never ever pressure a girl. That would kill any relationship. She had given up the goods on this trip, but to expect her to do it whenever he wanted was asking way too much.
"Good. I love you, Dearka." She began kissing his bare chest.
Dearka gulped, knowing what was about to happen next.
Unfortunately he was wrong. The phone rang, potentially ruining the moment.
"Don't answer that," Mir demanded.
"But it's my mobile. It might be important." As much as he hated to, Dearka had to pull himself away. It could be trouble. He wouldn't risk friends on momentary bliss.
"Fine." Mir rolled away in utter disappointment, taking some sheets with her. Though she did giggle when she managed to completely uncover, and therefore embarrass Dearka.
"Hello . . . Uh huh . . . Right. Three hours. Got it."
The seriousness on his face immediately made Miriallia feel a little guilty about what she had just done. "Who was it?"
"Shiho. She's coming for us. We need to be at the spaceport in three hours." Dearka laid back on the bed wondering what could be so important as to come here.
"It must be serious." Mir knew it as well. The plan was to meet Yzak and Shiho on their scheduled return home.
"Yeah. Sorry."
"It's okay. I'm already packed," Mir sighed.
Dearka reached out to hug her, which she accepted. "I love you so much, Mir."
"Same here." Mir took a deep breath, enjoying this moment. "Three hours, huh? You can do a lot in three hours."
Another gulp.
Three
She had performed admirably. He had even told her so. Now they had their first chance to be alone since then. They were in her bed, she was leaning over him.
The ship was sneaking into Turkey airspace, though there were provided a little assistance by a few sympathetic government officials who neglected to watch the radar for a few hours.
By this point in their journey, Rey had unofficially moved in with Luna. Of course, that was mostly due to the fact that Stellar had unofficially moved in with Shinn. Rey didn't want to be around while they . . . well, you get the idea.
"Mmm," Luna snuggled onto him. "Do you have any plans for when this is all over?"
"Yes," he answered truthfully.
"Am I a part of them?" She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
Rey laughed. Not his usual laugh. An almost warm chuckle. Or perhaps it was just less cold, less frightening. "Yes, Luna. How can the white king survive without his queen?" Rey liked the analogy Luna had used to describe herself.
"There are other pieces on the chess board."
"But only a fool would willingly give up his queen. Rooks and knights are also invaluable, and bishops perhaps a little less so, but no piece is as important as the queen."
Kira's words were now etched into Luna's mind. She may have to save him from himself. She had to become as important to him as he was to her. "Rey, I'd like to be with you. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing."
Rey picked upon her internal conflict. "There is no need for you to fear. I am not as cold-blooded as I may seem. I am mortal, too."
"Do you know how I feel right now? Please be honest." Luna gazed into those mesmerizing ice blue eyes.
"I do. You love me with all your fragile heart. You're afraid to lose me. You're afraid that one day I will no longer have any use for you and that I'll send you away. That I will sacrifice my prized queen." Rey's eyes pierced her soul. A soul, which he knew, now belonged to him.
"And you have nothing to say?" A single tear fell from her cheek to land on his.
"I have plenty to say." Rey waited a moment for another tear to fall. "I will not send you away."
"Is that all?" Another tear.
"I know what it is you want from me. It's what you always wanted. I do love you, Luna."
"In what way? How much? I must know." Yet another tear.
As usual, Rey was still in full uniform. Luna had removed her coat before lying down with him, also as usual. "I will give you all you want and more," he told her.
Could it be working? Am I getting through to him?
"Yes, Luna. I am as much yours as you are mine. I'm glad to see you finally worked up the courage to use your feminine wiles," Rey chuckled. Again, it wasn't as cold as she remembered it being.
"Then do this one thing for me. Swear to me that we will survive this . . ."
"And that when it is all over we shall be together," Rey finished for her. "I swear it."
"How can I be sure?" Luna wasn't so naive as to believe that merely wanting it to happen would make it so. There is only so much control that we can exert on our destinies. But still, she needed a sign from him that he would make a concerted effort to live up to his promise.
"You must trust me."
"Love me, Rey. Please." Luna wrapped herself in his arms.
Rey complied. "I do, Luna."
Four
"I think it's time you got up and about."
"But I'm a prisoner."
"I was hoping you would decide to join us." Murrue still hadn't given Andy any indication of which way she was leaning. Well, her silence was indication enough.
"Where is your little friend? That Kira guy." Neo had to be helped to his feet. A few leg wounds ensured that he would be walking with crutches for a while. There was a good chance that he'd always need to walk with a cane. He would certainly have a limp for the rest of his life.
"I'll take you to see him."
Neo regretted his harsh treatment of the kid in his first few visits. "He seems like a good kid."
"Yes. Mu was very fond of him. Like a little brother," Murrue smiled. She felt like a caregiver trying to help out an amnesia patient.
"I see. Like a brother."
"And he's all but adopted me as an older sister. Kira's a good kid. He's always been the one to cut through the crap and show us what we really needed to see. About ourselves. About the war. Everything. I wonder how much of that was Lacus's influence."
"Who's Lacus?" Neo rounded a corner in front of Murrue. He bumped into Andy.
"Excuse me, Neo. Murrue." Andy proceeded to the bridge. He was still covering for Murrue, but not as much. He was still a little pissed about it as well.
"Who was that?"
"Andy. He's my best friend," Murrue sighed.
"Seems like he's more than that."
"Yes. It does seem that way," Murrue admitted.
"Maybe you should go talk to him. He seems a little . . . angry? Yes, angry."
"Probably so." Murrue led Neo to Kira's room.
Naturally Lacus was there also. "Good evening, Neo. Please come in." Luckily, she was expecting company and therefore still presentable.
"I'm well." Neo took the offered chair. "You might want to see to your friend, Murrue."
"Alright. Please wait here for me." Murrue left him there.
Neo couldn't help but wonder whether or not he had been left among friends. "You two look like you'd make a good couple."
Kira couldn't help but fall out laughing. Lacus merely smiled and clapped her hands together in glee.
"Did I say something funny?"
"When Lacus and I met, she was . . . well, it's a long story so I'll skip to the good part. I had to return her to ZAFT so she wouldn't be used as a hostage. It wasn't right to keep her, as she was just a civilian that I had rescued. I was given a very informal court martial by Murrue. An Ensign Badgeirule was the prosecutor, Mu was the defender. He said that, if anything, I could use Lacus as a girlfriend."
Neo smiled. "Sounds like this Mu was a great guy. It's a shame that I can't be that guy."
Kira dropped his smile. "Don't worry about it, Neo. You may inhabit the same body, but you're a different person. You'll never be Mu so don't try. Just be yourself."
"That's probably the best advice that I've ever heard in a long time."
"Really? I told him to say it," Lacus smiled at her fiancée. It drew a small chuckle from Neo.
"Now, Lacus. Let's spend this time making Neo comfortable, not distracting him with our comedy routine."
Now Neo was laughing hard. Maybe a little too hard.
"Please, Mr. Neo. Lie down." Lacus offered him the spare bed. It clearly hadn't been used in a very long time.
Lacus requested, "Tell us about yourself if you'd like. No need to reveal your secrets. This is just to make conversation."
Neo let out a sigh. His breath still rattled in his chest like he was sick. Actually, he was very sick. "What would be the point? All I can think of are military matters."
"You were a part of the enhanced Natural project," Kira stated. "Yes, I know about that. A friend of ours was rescued from one of those facilities. It wouldn't be a great idea to bring it up in front of her, either. She's one to hold a grudge."
"Rescued, you say?"
"Were you under the impression that they were volunteers?"
"Yes, Kira. It was my impression that they were volunteers."
"Well, they may have been in the beginning. But if you ask her about it now, she might rip your heart out with her bare hands." Kira waited in vain for a reaction before saying, "I'm not kidding. I really think she would."
Five
"Andy, wait." Murrue had to get in front of him before he would stop walking. "Please. Don't walk away from me."
Andy took a deep breath. "Murrue, what is it that you want from me?"
"I want you to listen to what I have to say." They were in the corridor, but she didn't care who overheard this. "I don't want it to be like this."
"Then how do you want it to be?"
"I know that he's not the person I knew and I'm sorry for doing this to you." Murrue could easily force herself to love Neo, just for the sake of Mu's memory. But it wouldn't be the same. It could never be the same.
"I don't want your apology, Murrue."
"Then what do you want, Andy. You want me to love you? I'm not sure if I can now. Alright? Is that enough? What do you want from me?" Murrue was in tears. She had lost Mu at Jachine Diue. She lost him again when she realized that Neo could never be just like her Mu. And now she may have lost Andy. A good friend who had always been there to support her.
"All I ever wanted was to be your friend, Murrue. Now if you're done, somebody needs to be on the bridge." His voice wasn't harsh, but it wasn't kind either. She needed to hear it straight.
Murrue took a minute to compose herself. "You're right," she let out a weak chuckle. "You always were right, Andy. Thanks." She kissed him on the cheek before following him to the bridge.
Andy knew that the best way to help her was to let her alone until she was ready, and then kick her back into her responsibilities.
Chapter 62
"Hi roomie."
"I wonder how long we can keep this going." Shinn just knew that they were going to get busted for this. Captain Gladys would kill them. And Luna. And Rey. And anyone who covered for the four of them.
"Hopefully forever, Shinn." Stellar slid out of his way. He would be on duty soon and had to get dressed. "Do you know what's going on?"
"Not a clue."
"Luna and Rey have been weird. We haven't seen Meyrin. There hasn't even been any fighting. I feel like someone's going to jump out from a corner and say boo or something."
"Get some sleep, angel. I'll be back in a few hours." Shinn kissed her forehead and tucked her in. "I'll try to check on everyone, okay?"
"Yeah." She settled in for a nice long nap.
Shinn wandered the halls, not sure of who to really talk to first. There was Austin from whom he could get some news of the outside world. Well, if there was any news to be had. Rey and Luna might be a little miffed if they were interrupted, though he still wasn't sure that there was anything going on. Meyrin . . . she was probably trying to sneak messages to and from Sai. It's like they were school kids passing notes in class. Only problem was they weren't notes but extremely brief routine communications between two warships that were infiltrating potentially hostile territory.
"Oh, hey Shinn."
He was so lost in thought that he almost ran Luna down. "Whoa, sorry. Hey, I was just looking for you."
"Shinn," Luna whined. "Please let this not be a lecture. I know you and Stellar are going at it like animals, but that doesn't mean Rey and I are." Luna decided to accompany Shinn to the lounge for a little chat.
"Um, that's not it." Shinn blushed like he had never blushed before. "And how would you know what we do?"
"Oh, please. You think I don't know?"
"Never mind. I just wanted to ask how you were doing. We haven't really been hanging out. Rey too. Or Meyrin. Stellar and I kind of feel out of the loop, you know?"
"Yeah. Meyrin's been busy. I haven't seen much of her either. And Rey and I have been trying to stay out of your way. You know, you're going to be in huge trouble if you get her pregnant. We are on a warship. And in a combat zone. And she's a freaking pilot!" The more Luna thought about it, the more reasons she could think of why this was a really bad idea.
"Hey, we haven't . . ." Shinn was getting dizzy from the embarrassment.
"I'm not judging you, but for God's sake take it easy." Luna just laughed at her friend. "I'm kidding. I know you're not like that." Actually she honestly thought that he was like that, but she was done embarrassing him for the moment.
"Oh, thank goodness." Shinn breathed a huge sigh of relief. "So, you've been alright?"
"Yeah, I'm good. Rey's been taking good care of me."
"I'll bet," Shinn laughed. "You know, we all kind of wonder whether or not you two are together."
"We are, just for the record." Luna got a kick out of Shinn's reaction.
"No offense, but it is a little hard to believe."
Luna knew he didn't mean it like that, but she thought it best to make Shinn squirm anyway. "That I'd get a guy or that I'd get Rey?"
Shinn wasn't about to fall into that trap. "That Rey would do an about face and fall for someone."
"I could say the same for you. Stellar must have had some effect on you."
"Oh, she did. It was like a thunderbolt hit me seconds before I even saw her. And when she spoke . . . it was like talking to an angel."
"How poetic," Luna giggled. "She's changed you. For the better, of course."
"Of course."
"Do you and Stellar have plans for after the war?" Luna had been thinking a lot about it herself and wanted to know Shinn's hopes and dreams.
"We're going to settle down someplace quiet. Stellar wants a daughter. We'll name her Angel."
Luna chuckled, "There'll be a lot of confusion. I can see it now. You'll say 'hey Angel' and both Stellar and your daughter will turn their heads."
"Probably so. What about you? What do you want to do?" Shinn put his arm around her neck.
"I'll be with Rey. That's all that matters." She wore a wide grin. Rey had scored a victory over her, but now she had won him. At least, that's what she had to believe.
"Well, you two come and visit us anytime."
Two
"How is he?" whispered Murrue.
"He's out cold. We didn't have the heart to move him," Kira whispered back.
Murrue smiled. "Think he'll be alright?"
"No, he won't." Kira's honesty wiped the smile from off the captain's face.
"I see."
"He wants to go back to his ship. He wants to fight. And I think that he wants to die," Kira informed her.
"He won't be able to pilot again." Murrue had gone over the medical check twice. The G forces would likely cripple him permanently. Assuming of course that it didn't outright kill him.
Lacus decided it was time to intervene. "There is something we can do for him, Murrue."
"What? I'll do anything I can."
Kira informed her, "We must help him find something more important than fighting. Shinn did it for Stellar. Someone has to guide Neo through this."
"I see," Murrue frowned. And just when she was about to get back into Andy's good graces.
"Not necessarily like that, Murrue. But he does need to find a reason to live. It would be a lot easier if he found a reason to stay with us." Kira knew the extra burden this would place on them all. Especially on Murrue.
"Hey, I'm right here you know." Neo sat up on the bed.
"Our apologies Mr. Neo. We tried not to wake you," Lacus gave a weak apologetic laugh.
"It's alright, little lady." Neo managed to get to his feet under his own determination. "I won't lie to you and say that I'm happy to be your prisoner, but you have given me some things to think about."
"Of course, you're welcome to go where you like once this is all over," Kira reminded him. "Until then, I'm afraid you'll have to be our guest indefinitely."
"Sure. Well, now that my jailer has returned perhaps I should make my way back to the infirmary." Neo hobbled along on his crutches with Murrue not far behind. "Don't look so sad, Murrue."
"How do you know what I look like? You haven't turned around once."
"I can feel it. One fact I'm sure of is all those tests they put me through before giving me command of that ship. I can pick up on a lot of things that others can't."
"Like whenever Rey is near?"
"How did you know that?"
"Mu had the same connection to Rau le Creuset. Kira seems to be sensitive to those things too, but more so than Mu ever was."
"Yeah, that kid's strong. Very strong." As he settled into his bed, Murrue took the chair next to it. She had often sat there to watch him. "Murrue?"
"Yes?"
"You loved him very much, didn't you?"
"Yes. Very much."
Three
"Captain!"
"Yes Ms. Hawke. I see it." Talia frowned. "Go to level one battle stations."
Berlin was burning. The entire city was engulfed in flames. The blue warship that had been chasing them was lying in wait for them, as were several land-based ships.
Luna had performed her function well. So well that the Atlantic Federation was already here to beat the Eurasian Federation into submission.
The Freedom, Savior, Impulse and Gaia were the first mobile suits out. They were followed by Rey's squad of ZAKUs. The battle was rather pointless. Many civilians had already perished. Those that had any chance of survival had already gone. There was nothing left to be saved, but they fought anyway. Perhaps it was solely out of a sense of vengeance.
Once on the ground, Kira and Athrun realized how hopeless their situation really was. Not for their mission to help the Eurasians split from the Atlantic Federation. That had already been achieved by Luna. No, this attack on the Eurasian capital was a direct result of the protests and rising separatist movement.
What was hopeless was the chance of them winning the battle. It was a trap anyway. They were so outnumbered that not even the power of the SEEDs could secure a victory. Kira, Athrun, Cagalli and even Shinn began to wear down under the seemingly endless stream of enemies. Even the lovable bundle of energy Stellar couldn't handle much more. Captains Gladys and Ramius had to order a retreat before anyone was lost.
And the damage sustained by the ships and mobile suits all but ensured that subsequent engagements would end in certain defeat. The Archangel and Minerva had to withdraw and lick their wounds.
Four
"Oh, my." Lacus had to help him to bed.
Kira was incredibly exhausted.
"I think you over did it out there." Lacus even had to help him out of his uniform and into his pajamas.
"It still wasn't enough, though. We couldn't do anything to help them." Kira laid back as he watched Lacus get ready for bed as well.
She smiled, knowing she had his full attention. "Why would the Atlantic Federation attack the Eurasians?"
Kira just shook his head. "We haven't been able to gather any news since we crossed Turkey."
"Do you know what I think, Mr. Yamato?"
"What's that Ms. Clyne?" He opened his arms as Lacus jumped into them.
"I think we really are going to miss our own wedding. It's a shame."
"We'll handle that as soon as we can." Kira kissed the top of her head in silent apology.
"Here," Lacus rearranged herself to let Kira lie on her for a change. "This should make you more comfortable." She held his head to her chest and watched him fall asleep. "I wish things could be better for us, but I am so glad that I am here with you. A lifetime of peace wouldn't be worth it if I had to endure it without you."
Five
"Now what?" It was time for a conference among captains.
"Think we can get repairs in Orb?" asked Talia
"Unlikely. What about Gibraltar or Carpenteria?" asked Murrue.
"Equally unlikely." Captain Gladys sipped at the cup of coffee Andy handed to her. "Any suggestions Commander Waltfeld?"
"No, I'm afraid not. I can't think of any place where we'd be welcomed." Andy took a seat near Murrue, but not too close.
"Excuse me," Murrue got up to leave. "There's someone I should speak to."
"What was that about?" asked Talia.
"I'm not sure. She might want to have a talk to our favorite princess. Excuse me, our favorite queen," Andy corrected himself.
"You mean Lady Cagalli and her prince consort," laughed Talia. She was more than a little pleased to see the mighty Athrun humbled by his wife when she forced him to proclaim that his name was Athrun Athha.
"To be honest, I don't know what she can do. The Atlantic Federation had basically run her out of her own country, so whatever clout she had is gone."
"If we could only set down and take stock of the situation somewhere."
Andy thought about that a moment. "There is one place."
"Where?"
"Libya."
Chapter 63
Setting down two large warships outside of a small village can tend to cause quite a commotion. One can imagine Talia's surprise to find out that not many people seemed to concerned with the Archangel landing outside of Tassel.
"We thought you'd come." They were greeted by an old friend.
As the goddess of victory, it was Cagalli's duty to speak on behalf of the Double Ships Alliance. Rey's snide nickname had managed to catch on. "It's good to see you again, chief."
"I see that you have run into trouble. It seems that it is always at your feet. At least we can take comfort in the fact that you leave victory in your wake wherever you go." The chief greeted the young lady with a kind hug. "Tell me of your troubles, my child."
"Oh, there are so many. But let's start with some good news first. Chief, I'd like you to meet my husband. Again." Cagalli elbowed Athrun in the ribs to signal it was his turn to say hello.
"Ah, yes. The bodyguard," the chief shook the young man's hand.
"That about does it for the good news," Cagalli admitted. "Have you heard anything from Orb? Or anywhere really? We've been on the run and unable to gather any news."
"Eurasia and Orb have split with the Atlantic Federation. Eurasia was brutally sacked. Orb is next. If you wish to save your homeland, you must make haste. I fear that there will be nothing left of it if you do not go now."
Murrue stepped in, "But we need ammo. And supplies."
"That is not a problem," the chief responded.
Cagalli stepped forward to hug the chief again. "Thank you so much."
"This is such a small thing that we give you, Cagalli. You can be the light of this world. Kisaka always believed so. It is a shame that he did not live long enough to see you achieve the final victory."
Two
"So what's the story?" Dearka was commanding the Temptation, a Nazca class warship. Miriallia and Shiho were happy to be passengers.
"Yzak was looking into where those transports were really headed. He sent me away before we found out anything. There's a high probability that the Earth Forces are using mirage colloid," Shiho frowned. The absence of her polite smile was worrisome.
"Why did he send you away?" asked Mir.
"To procure new tools, but unfortunately we have no one to pilot them yet."
"I see."
Dearka turned to whisper, "Look ladies, it's not that I don't enjoy your company, but if you're going to make chitchat about sensitive matters please do it someplace other than the bridge."
Mir giggled. Dearka was really nervous about being a captain. Truthfully, he was sweating bullets. "Fine, Dearka. We'll see you later." The girls decided to continue their discussion in their quarters.
"Wow. You weren't mad?" Shiho couldn't believe it. Dearka actually sent Mir away. And Mir was fine with it!
"No. He's just really on edge," Mir dropped the smile. "We um . . ."
"Yeah, that happens on those romantic getaways."
"So it does," Mir sighed. She remembered her first time making love to Tolle. It was so awkward that they didn't speak for a week. At least she wasn't having to go through that with Dearka.
"Did you two have fun?"
"Of course we did. What kind of question is that?" Mir decided to skip that and get on to the more important matters. "Level with me, Shiho. This is serious, isn't it?"
Shiho knew exactly what Mir was referring to. "Yes. It's very serious. We think they're preparing for a massive assault. You don't move that many resources unless you're going to use them."
"And we'll be right in the middle."
"Yes," Shiho sighed. She was really worried to. They should be making contact with Yzak shortly.
"Fill me in on everything you can."
"Someone spilled the beans on some high-ranking ZAFT officials and even a couple of Council members. They've all been carted off to prison for conspiring to form, fund and operate the radical Zala movement. On Earth, things are in a state of chaos. Panama fell, Carpenteria would have been soon to follow but riots started breaking out in Earth Forces territories. Eurasia was attacked by the Atlantic Federation. Orb may be next."
"And we've got no clue what the Atlantic Federation is doing up here in space?"
"None whatsoever."
Three
"Feeling any better?"
"No," she whispered. She was sick. Very sick. She had pushed too hard and now she had a bug. High fever. Vomiting. A virus.
"Lie still. I'll take care of you."
"Shinn, you're so lucky. You'll never get sick." Stellar let a single tear slide down her cheek.
"Lucky? Are you kidding? I'd love to lie in bed and be pampered," he laughed.
"I guess that's true, but I don't remember ever being sick before. I feel so miserable." Of course, she had very few memories before Shinn. And she was never sure if any of them were real or if they had been manufactured.
"You'll be better in no time. That medicine the doc gave you should fix you right up."
"How is everyone?"
"Luna sends her best wishes. I'm not sure what Rey has been up to, but I'm sure Luna's keeping him company. Meyrin is probably going nuts being this close to Sai and not actually being able to speak with him."
"Meyrin's a little pushy at times, isn't she?"
"Yeah. If she doesn't lighten up, she's going to scare him off."
"Poor Meyrin."
"Poor Sai," laughed Shinn.
"Kiss me."
He did, despite the fact that she had recently barfed up her lunch.
"Are we on our way?"
"Yeah. We should be in Orb in a day or two."
"It feels like everything is swirling around and around." Stellar gagged. If she hadn't already emptied the contents of her stomach, she would have spewed all over Shinn. "Sorry."
"It's okay. Just rest." Shinn was more than a little worried. They were about to go into some heavy fighting and one of their best pilots was out of commission. But more importantly, there was nothing he could do for her.
"Hold me. I'm cold."
He did.
Four
"Shinn still fussing over Stellar?"
"Rey, don't be like that. I'd hope you would do the same for me."
"I already did, in case you've forgotten." Well, not exactly like Shinn was doing at the moment. But Rey did stay with Luna the entire time she was in the infirmary.
Due to an unfortunate twist of fate, the couples had to switch rooms. Mostly because if the doctor came to check on Stellar she would need to be in her own quarters and not those belonging to Shinn and Rey.
"I wonder how long she'll be out of action," Rey pondered aloud. "Shinn takes a lot of risks."
"Yeah. And it'll kill her to know that she can't be out there with him." Luna could sympathize.
"There's something else on your mind."
"Yes," Luna admitted. "There is."
"You feel responsible for Berlin. You are, in a way. Does it make you feel any better to know that the alternative would have been worse?"
Luna shook her head.
"Good. That means you still have a conscience," Rey beckoned her into his arms. It was a rarity when he initiated physical contact, so Luna immediately flew into his embrace. "That is how I want you to remain. You are of no use to me if you become as jaded as I."
"I'm still a thing for you to use," Luna stated. At the moment, it didn't matter. He was holding her. His warmth penetrated her soul.
"Yes, you are. Does that bother you?"
Luna shook her head. Such warmth.
"You are also much more than that to me."
The warmth in her mind increased. He was in her mind. "Rey . . ."
"Shhh," he whispered. Rey learned long ago that his willpower was a useful tool. The same ability that allowed him to sense Neo and Kira also aided him in battle. As an added bonus, it also allowed him to control a few others to some limited extent. He had practiced it for years and Luna was such a willing subject. "There is one last thing."
"Anything." Her body went limp in his arms.
"Enjoy this moment, Luna. And remember it." Rey gave a piece of his mind to her, and took a piece of hers for himself in exchange.
Luna had never felt such ecstasy. Physical intimacy has often been a tool for people to forget their loneliness. It is a universal truth that we are all alone in this mortal coil we call a body. By making love we give ourselves the illusion of being one with another, and that is true in a sense. But that is only fleeting and temporary. This was more permanent.
Now neither would ever truly be alone again. Their bond was much the same that Kira had with Fllay, and which Kira was beginning to form with Lacus. Shinn and Stellar had experienced it to some extent. But Rey knew how to bend his mind to his will, and in doing so he could accelerate matters to his own liking.
She was now truly his, but the converse is also true.
"Thank you, Rey." Luna kissed him, pushing him down onto his bed. His lips, his cheek, his neck.
"Rest now, Luna. You're going to need it." Seemingly at his command, she fell asleep on his chest.
And she had such contented dreams.
Five
"Him," Neo whispered.
"Hmm?" Murrue was by his side. She had gotten others to stay with him much of the time, but she often spent her hours off duty in the infirmary with him. Neo seemed more comfortable with her anyway.
"That kid. Rey. He's giving me a headache."
"I'm afraid there's little I can do about that."
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it." Neo took a deep breath before laying back down.
"Easy for you to say, freeloader." Murrue finally succeeded in drawing a laugh from her patient.
"Guess I should start pulling my weight around here, huh?"
"Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do."
"When are you going to let me in on what's going on?"
"Here. I won't have time to go over it all with you, but you can ask me questions about it later." Murrue handed Neo a data pad with the intelligence she had been able to gather from their Desert Dawn friends in Tassel. For a militia group, they were extraordinarily well connected. Much of that was due to Kisaka and Cagalli, but they had other resources as well.
"They razed Berlin?"
"Yes. Your ship was there. What's her name?"
"Girty Lue," Neo answered.
"Still want to go back to them?"
"Yes," he admitted. "I have no reason to believe anything you tell me."
Murrue sighed. "I guess you don't."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Don't you feel any remorse? Threating a neutral nation into submission? Brainwashing little girls to turn them into killing machines? Murdering civilians for merely protesting?"
"Like I said, I've got no reason to believe you."
"And I have no reason to lie to you. You can't provide me with any useful intelligence. At least, not any that I couldn't get elsewhere and with less trouble. You can't help us in any way. If anything, you are an added burden to this ship. To me." There. She had said it.
"Then why keep me here? For the memory of your dead lover?"
"He's not dead. He just can't remember."
"And I'm not going to remember! None of it! I'm not him! When are you going to get that through your head?" Neo immediately regretted shouting at her. He made her cry. He always thought himself a gentleman, someone who didn't intentionally hurt ladies. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry means nothing. Sorry won't fix it." Murrue hid her face and continued crying. Staying with him was breaking her heart. And Andy's. She didn't care. She had to try and save Neo.
"Hey, stop the waterworks." Neo reached out to touch her face, but she shied away. "Please, Murrue."
Seeing him there, just as he was after being wounded fighting in Mendel, Murrue couldn't resist. She bent down to kiss him. She felt a charge from him, much like the one she felt from touching Rey's shoulder. "Just concentrate on getting better." That's what she had told Mu back then, though this recovery seemed impossible.
"I can make the impossible possible."
Murrue couldn't help but smile. "Yes, Neo. I believe you can."
Chapter 64
"It's time. You know what to do?"
Luna nodded.
"Good. Suit up," Rey ordered.
Instead of providing cover for Rey's team, she would have to lay down covering fire for the Impulse as well. Shinn was reckless, and now that Stellar was ill there was no one to cover his six.
They were coming up on Orb. The Atlantic Federation was about to strike. A number of prototype mobile suits had been spotted in Berlin. There would likely be additional nasty surprises here.
Having made minor repairs en route, the Minerva and Archangel were more or less ready for this fight. Of course, there was the slim possibility that both sides would attack them. Then they would be dead meat.
Cagalli was trying to get through to the Orb fleet, but Rey had no idea how that was coming along. He felt a little uneasy having to depend on her.
By the time he got the order to launch, Rey got a sense of how things were going. And he got some sense of satisfaction knowing that Neo was biting his nails. The fool. He's afraid.
Of course, Rey was also uneasy. And he could sympathize with Neo as well. Neo was not afraid for himself, but for his new friend Murrue. It would be a lie to say that they were just friends. They were well on their way to becoming lovers again.
And now Rey had a lover of his own, but Luna could handle herself.
As the battle began, Orb was more than happy to accept assistance from it's wayward queen. The populace had greatly missed her in this time of disarray. The opposing Houses were all but sacked in riots. The Senate had been humbled, first by the Atlantic Federation and then by the outraged voting public. The Orb government was about to become a clean slate. One way or another, all that would be left after this fight would be the House of Athha.
Rey and Shinn hacked their way through the mess of mobile suits that tried to make landfall in Onogoro. It was like the scene less than a year ago at the first Battle of Onogoro. Only now Shinn was defending the homeland he had learned to hate, and later learned to tolerate.
Kira, Athrun and Cagalli all did their thing. Athrun and Cagalli began taking on capital ships while Kira made sure none of the cruise missiles landed in populated areas.
A new trio of mobile suits appeared from the ranks of the Atlantic Federation ships. They immediately took Athrun out of the fight and nearly killed Cagalli. It took Kira's intervention to save his sister and brother-in-law. The Savior was crippled and Cagalli had to carry it's charred hulk back to the Archangel. Kira was having a tough time.
A heat hawk severed the Freedom's wings. A hammer-mace slammed Kira into the sea. Shinn came to help out, but he was soundly pummeled as well. It took all their efforts as bearers of the SEED to take out one of the new suits. The other two retreated early carrying the third back to the command ship.
Rey's small group of ZAKUs were being pressed hard by the flood of Windams that kept coming. Fortunately, Andy's heroics in his Murasame inspired the Orb infantry to form a line around the ZAKUs. They were making their stand in the industrial district, in much the same way as Mu and the Astray pilots had done in the first Battle of Onogoro.
A flood of new Murasame suits joined the fight, rallying around the Tiger. Once the last wave of Windams been driven back Andy gave chase. The other Murasame's followed.
They had managed to drive the Atlantic Federation fleet back into the sea. They retreated in disgrace.
The second Battle of Onogoro was a victory.
Two
"We did it!" Cagalli pounced on her little brother once they were on the ground.
"Yes, Cagalli. We did it. How's Athrun?"
"I'm fine, Kira."
Kira was so busy being on the ground that he didn't notice his best friend's approach. "I was worried there for a minute."
Athrun helped him up. "You had every right to be. The Savior is little more than scrap now."
"Believe it or not, so is the Freedom. If it took much more, we might have had a nuclear explosion."
Athrun turned to Cagalli. "What's the plan?"
She answered, "Make repairs, then I'm not sure what."
"We must get to space," Kira insisted. "That's where we'll be needed the most."
"Lady Cagalli! Prince Athrun." shouted some Orb officer. "General Misato asked that I come find you two."
"Thank you, lieutenant." Cagalli followed, escorted by Athrun. It was time for Athrun to learn how to be a responsible leader.
Kira stayed behind to congratulate Shinn who was walking up toward him. "Good job, as always."
"I didn't come to be congratulated." Shinn accepted Kira's handshake anyway.
"Then what can I do for you?"
"Do you know what's going on? Events are moving so quickly it's hard to keep it all straight. I'd like to tell Stellar some news, but I can't get a handle on it myself."
Kira knew that there was more on his mind than the latest gossip. "Eurasia and Orb have split with the Atlantic Federation. Forces are amassing in space for the next round of conflict. That's where we'll be headed next."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Aren't you sure?" Kira knew Shinn was one of them. He was a SEED. And he also had a faint hint of that gift. Neo and Rey as well, though they were not SEEDs. "Tell Stellar I said to get well soon."
"I'll do that."
Three
"This is the first free moment we've had." Sai was trying to impress Meyrin by his talent of stating the painfully obvious.
"So it is. Did you miss me?" Meyrin passed him a cola.
"Of course. But not too much," he lied.
Lacus came to sit with them for a moment. "I won't interrupt you two for very long. I just thought you'd like to know that we'll be heading up to space tomorrow. Enjoy this time together." And with that, Lacus was gone.
"Tomorrow. More fighting." Sai leaned back so far in his seat that he almost lost his balance.
"Sai, I'm glad you're on our side now. If I had known you were on the Archangel in Panama I think I would have had a heart attack."
"Yeah, well I did know that you were on the Minerva. Luckily I wasn't on the bridge during that fight. Lacus was in charge of the CIC. So tell me how your sister is doing?"
"I'm not sure. We haven't had a lot of time to hang out."
"Guess not," Sai reached out for her hand. He was rewarded with a kiss to the cheek.
Four
"How did we do?"
"We?"
"Yeah, we. How did we do?"
"Does that mean that you've decided to join us, Neo?" Murrue held her breath while waiting for his answer.
"I'm not making any promises, but I'm here for the moment."
"Good. We won, but just barely. Our ships have taken a lot of damage, but the Atlantic Federation retreated. It seems that their ranks are unusually disorderly. I can't figure it out."
"Hmm. That does sound odd. But a lot can happen in just a couple of weeks."
"Very true. But it's hard to tell which way the tide is turning. The Atlantic Federation is too busy attacking its allies to take on ZAFT."
"Most of our forces were headed up to space anyway."
Murrue was, needless to say, a little shocked that Neo volunteered that information. "Yes, I know. From Lake Victoria. They seem to be headed for Tyco."
Neo shook his head. "L6. That's where they're going."
Murrue had to pick up her jaw from the floor. "Now that I didn't know."
"There's a couple of colonies there from before the PLANT days."
"Yes, the original PLANT settlers abandoned L6 and a few other clusters." Murrue remembered hearing about it in school as a child. They were all but forgotten by now. "Sounds like an excellent staging ground for space operations."
"It is. Unfortunately, I can't tell you more than that." Truthfully, he didn't know any more than that.
"That's alright, Neo." Murrue leaned over to sneak a kiss. She immediately felt bad for it. "Sorry."
"Look, Murrue. I know what the score is. You're trying hard to turn me into Mu and yet also trying not to. You're pushing your feelings for him onto me and I can't say that I'm comfortable with that."
"I know," she lowered her head.
"Just take it easy, alright? This isn't the time or place to be sorting out how we feel about each other."
"You're right." It didn't help Murrue's disposition to hear nearly the same advice from Neo as she had recently heard from Andy.
Five
"Feeling better?"
"Much better, thanks." Stellar still looked like she'd been run over with a truck.
"We're going back to space." Shinn thought that would brighten her day. She always loved that weightless feeling.
"You were in trouble out there. I can tell." A single tear wet her cheek.
Shinn had the honor of catching it. "I'm fine. And you'll be better in no time."
"You needed me. I felt so strange. Alone." Now she was balling.
Shinn sat her up and let her lie back against him. "It's okay now, angel. I'm here."
"I was so scared. I don't want to be alone again."
"You'll never be alone again," Shinn kissed the top of her head. "We'll get married and have that daughter. And Luna's promised to visit us. She'll bring Rey. And of course Meyrin loves to throw small parties. We'll grow old together and it'll be great. You'll see."
"Promise me, Shinn."
"I promise, angel. Now get some rest."
Six
"You did well. I'm glad you made it back." Yzak greeted his wife warmly. Well, warmly for Yzak.
"Thank you," Shiho kissed his cheek. Luckily, they were in private. "Dearka and Mir stayed aboard the Temptation with the prototype suits. I don't really think we have anyone who can fly them, though. At least, not without a lot of intensive training."
"Our friends will be joining us soon. They can try their hand at it. Zala and Yamato seem adept at using such things."
"Who all will be coming to the party?"
"Satellite photos indicate that the Minerva and Archangel are preparing to launch from Kaguya."
Their reunion was interrupted by a call from the bridge. "Sir, there's something you should see."
"Coming," Yzak made haste toward the bridge. Shiho followed close behind.
The first officer reported, "Sir, it's Bo Az. It's under attack."
During the Bloody Valentine War, the Earth Forces Lunar Fleet attacked the ZAFT space fortress of Bo Az with nukes. It was turned into a resource satellite after the war was over, though it still held some minor military significance. It was a waypoint for the ZAFT warships that patrolled that area of space.
"From where?" Yzak took the captain's chair.
"We don't know. It was a couple of laser shots. That's all we've managed to learn, sir. Bo Az was wiped out."
Yzak turned to Shiho. "You know what this means?"
She knew. "A test of a long-range laser cannon. Their next target will either be Jachine Diue or the PLANTs."
Seven
"Kira?" Lacus didn't have to search for him. She knew exactly where he was, like she could feel him drawing her in.
"Yeah?" Kira didn't turn. He was on his knees in the grass. He had walked around to talk to a few people, much like Lacus had been doing. Now it was time for introspection. For meditation. For . . . something. He was drawing it all in, trying to get a feel for what was about to happen to them next.
Lacus knelt in front of him and undid the collar of his flight suit. She knew he was roasting in that thing, whether he recognized it or not. "I felt it too. Like lights flickering for a moment, then going out."
"Yes, only they were lives. While we were distracted down here, the real threat was up there all along. I fear we made a terrible mistake by not launching right after the Kusanagi." Kira lived with a number of regrets in his life. He didn't want this to be yet another one.
"Kira, you cannot place the blame on yourself for this. You're not much of a mind reader and I sincerely doubt your powers of predicting the future are any better." Lacus wore a smile, though her heart was very troubled also.
"This will be it for us, Lacus. I can be sure of at least that much." Kira lifted his eyes skyward. The last transport was departing from Lake Victoria. It's trail was now just above Orb as it reached orbit. "This is our last chance to make a difference. If we win, then the Atlantic Federation will crumble. If we lose, there won't be anything to come home to. No Earth, no PLANTs, nothing."
"Yes, Kira. I know." She took his face into her hands and drew him close. "If we are to die so young, then it should be like this."
"Don't say that, Lacus."
Behind the tears she continued to smile. "I know that we did not ask for this burden, but that it was thrust upon us. We must go, we must try. If one of us doesn't make it, then the other will be soon to follow. I will not live the rest of my life without you, Kira. Remember that."
"Lacus, I . . ." He knew it was pointless to argue.
She kissed him. Not a quick peck, but passionately. Thoroughly. Smearing her pink lip gloss over his mouth. It was exceedingly rare for her to do this out in the open, with people watching. "Kira Yamato, I have always been following you. I will do so even in this. Remember that if you die I will follow, so take care of yourself."
That's when Kira noticed that they were not alone. Their friends were there too, all weeping inwardly for this moment. Athrun and Cagalli were hugging off to the side. Andy was there but a good distance from Murrue. Neo leaned on her for support. Shinn was there, and Stellar too in spirit. Sai and Meyrin were holding hands. Even Rey and Luna.
Everyone could feel the charge from Kira and Lacus. Their minds and hearts were resonating off of each other, building to incredible intensity. Rey, Neo and Shinn were likely the most sensitive to it, as they had that deeper understanding.
Lacus's dedication of life, love and death to Kira was more important than its outward appearance suggested. It was a sign of the hard fight to come.
"How much did you guys hear?" asked Kira.
Athrun had the honors of answering. "Enough, old friend. Enough."
Kira asked, "When do we launch?"
"Two more hours," answered Cagalli. The sun was setting. It would be a night launch. "And they finally managed to get this thing done," she handed him a small white jewelry box.
Kira immediately knew what it was. "Do you know what day it is?" he asked Lacus.
"Midsummer's Day," she whispered. She held her breath as he slid the ring onto her finger. A ring Cagalli had made to match Kira's.
Kira also held his breath as she slid his ring onto his finger. Amidst the devastation, with the setting sun between them, these two exchanged vows and kissed one last time before getting ready for war.
For death.
End Part Sixteen
A/N
Hope everyone's still enjoying this.
A/N End