Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY

The New Coordinate

Story:
AU of GSD. Xander Darklighter, a pilot with attitude problem was just assigned to Minerva when three new mobile suits were stolen from Armory One. What will happen when he decided to take that path in front of him?

Notes:
ChibiRulz, thanx for the nice comment. I don't know the level of your expectation on this story (hope it's not too high) but please keep on reading.

I don't own GSD, their characters or anything else aside from Xander Darklighter.

Chapter 8: The Final Stretch

The crew of Minerva were at the lounge watching the news of the negotiation between PLANT and Earth Federation. In order to forgive of what the terrorists from PLANT did, Earth Federation demanded the dismantling of ZAFT, the dissolution of the current administration and the dispatch of inspectors to PLANT from the Alliance. Xander finally had enough and headed back to his room.

(Tch. What kinda demand is that? The Feds clearly wants a war with PLANT.)

On the outside of the upper deck, Xander was practicing his skills with the sword he got back from Father Malchio the other day. The sword belongs to his family and had been passed on for generations. During his visit a year ago, he left it in the care of Malchio as he was still unsure of what he must do. Now that he decided to leave ZAFT, he felt that this ancient weapon will be of use for his future journey.

Slash, thrust and parry. Then he did a few backflips. He slipped a few inches further the moment he landed. He muttered a curse.

(Geez. I'm getting rusty...)

He sheathed the sword back into its scabbard and went back inside.

Xander returned to the lounge and saw some highlights from the battle between Earth Federation and PLANT. The former executed a nuclear attack in order to finish it quickly but PLANT swiftly countered the threat with their newly developed Stampeder that projects a powerful electromagnetic energy and neutralized the threat for now. Xander then remembered the events at Jachin Due two years ago.

(I have a feeling that this will be GENESIS all over again...)

Xander was on his way to his quarters when Lunamaria called him from behind. "Hey Xander."

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to have lunch with us?"

"Us?"

"With Shinn and Meyrin."

Xander considered it for a while. Then he shrugged. "Ah, why not?"

The two went inside the cafeteria and saw both Shinn and Meyrin were already there. Xander and Lunamaria took a seat in front of them and Xander leaned his sword against the wall nearby. A waiter came in to pick up their order

"Do you want anything?" Lunamaria asked.

"Eh...ah, coffee will do, thanks."

After jotting down their orders, the waiter left. "So, how are you two doing?" Xander asked to both Shinn and Meyrin.

"Bored." Shinn muttered.

Xander nods. "Indeed."

Meyrin chuckled. "Umm...Xander, is that a real sword?" Lunamaria points at it.

Xander glanced to his weapon. "Yeah. I left it with a friend and got it back the other day. But surely you don't wanna see me flashing it around the ship, right?"

The female pilot smiled. "Yeah."

"That sword is a family heirloom. My grandfather said that it was used by a Knight of The Round Table. You know, the legend of King Arthur. But uh, not this ship's Arthur though."

Shinn managed a smile upon Xander's light joke. Then, Lunamaria returned with a tray containing a plate of food with two cups of drink.

"Here you go." Lunamaria put the coffee in front of Xander. "Thanks."

Xander took a sip from his coffee. Then, he heard Arthur's voice from outside as he and Talia entered the area.

"I don't think we can say things like that anymore..."

"I understand why you feel the need to hurry, but what will rushing do?"

Xander and the others stood up and salute them. Talia returned the gesture sat down.

"This is also a time when the balance of things is delicate, Arthur. The Earth forces are still shocked by us dodging that huge nuclear strike, aren't they? It seems their attack forces at Carpentaria are just surrounding the base, unable to make a move." Talia explained further.

(Carpentaria? Aww, shoot!)

"That is precisely why..!" Arthur tried to reply but was cut off by the Captain.

"Making a hasty move right now might give the wrong impetus. Do you want to be the firestarter?"

"Uh...no!"

"It is all the more important to keep this ship at top condition now that the situation is getting out of control."

"Fortunately, Orb isn't part of the Earth Alliance yet.

(But it will soon...)

"It wouldn't be too late to depart if we wait a little longer to see how the situation will be. Even the headquarters haven't said anything to us yet."

Arthur sighed. "I wonder if it's not the time yet..."

"Probably. Although I'm not sure how long will it be."

Xander was so absorbed into thinking about the current situation that Lunamaria gave him a nasty nudge with her elbow.

"Xander!"

"Ouch. Hey, what's that for?" Xander asked, mocking a painful voice.

"You didn't hear me, that's why..."

"Oh, sorry, sorry. So, what did you just say?"

Xander was about to doze off in his quarters when Meyrin's voice echoed throughout the ship.

"We will launch according to schedule. All hands, please hurry with your final checks. Armament Team B, please head to the Third Weapons Bank. Condition Yellow has been issued. All pilots, please assemble in the briefing room."

He sat up, wiping his eyes. "Condition Yellow? Things will get pretty interesting during this final stretch of the mission."

Shinn, Lunamaria and Rey were on their way to the briefing room when Xander managed to catch them.

"When ZAFT's drop operation will begin?" Shinn asked Lunamaria "I don't know that either." She replied. "But to think that Orb is also an enemy now. I kind of like this country."

Shinn turned away from her.

Lunamaria quickly apologized. "Oh, sorry. It must be tough for you."

"Not really."

Then, they bumped into Cagalli who was escorted by a soldier. Shinn took a step forward. "What did you come here for?"

Cagalli turned away.

"You're forming an alliance with Earth Forces who attacked you back then? How irresponsible and selfish are you people?"

"No! This is..."

"If you're the enemy, I'll destroy Orb this time!"

With that parting shot, Shinn left with Lunamaria following him. Rey salutes her and left. Cagalli turned to Xander, who was standing in front of her. "Do you have anything to say?"

Xander shook. "None whatsoever. I know you're a strong leader, Chief. But when the whole lot of other leaders pressuring you to give in, you can't do a thing about it."

"Xander..."

"Don't worry, I understand the whole affair. Well, if you excuse me."

Xander bowed to her and left.

Xander sat on the couch on the briefing room with his pilot suit on. He looked at the suit he was wearing.

(This is the last time I'm wearing it...)

Suddenly, the bad news came in.

"Condition Red issued! Pilots should be standing by in their respective units!"

Xander grinned. "Well, that's our cue. Let's go." He then took the sword he brought with him.

As the four went inside the lift, Shinn asked. "Condition Red? Why is that?"

"I don't know!" Lunamaria replied.

"The Earth Feds are waiting for us. It's obvious, isn't it?" Xander said sarcastically.

"Eh?"

"Let's put it this way. Orb had presented this ship as a gift to the Alliance after signing the damn treaty."

"Damn it!" Shinn cursed.

The four made their way to the hangar.

"This is Captain Talia Gladys calling the crew of Minerva. Ahead of us is the Earth Alliance fleet that includes four carriers. And behind us, and Orb fleet has been deployed, probably to prevent us from returning to their territory."

"Four Carriers?"

"The Orb fleet is behind us?"

"No use in saying that now. Go into your units and get 'em going!" Xander shouted.

"I believe the Earth Forces knew about our launch and set this trap. And Orb has closed the door behind us. We have no choice but to break through the Earth Forces ahead of us. Although I believe this upcoming battle will be harder than anything we have ever experienced, we must get through it at all cost. I expect all hands to never give up until the end, as the proud crew of Minerva."

Xander smiled as he turned on the system of his unit. "Well said, Captain. But we won't give up and we won't fall either." He gently touched the controls. "My friend, this is probably my last battle with you. It's been a short time and I don't know what will happen to us but please hang in there."

After the preparation is done, Shinn was the first to launch.

"Shinn Asuka, Core Splendor. Launching!"

The catapult decks were opened as Rey and Lunamaria prepared to come out. Because both units were not capable of flying in the air for a long time, they will have to defend the ship from either side of the deck.

"Don't fall into the ocean, Lunamaria! Even if you do, I won't go and pick you up!" Rey warned.

"You're so mean." Lunamaria said as she took her position. Suddenly, Xander messaged to them.

"Oh? I never thought Rey can be sarcastic. Nice one, I'd say."

"Oh, shut up!" Lunamaria yelled as Rey grinned.

The catapult is ready as Xander prepared to launch.

"GOUF, system all green. You are clear for takeoff."

Xander felt more focused after the short prayer.

"Xan, stay focused!"

(I will, Claire.)

He smiled as he slowly accelerates forward into the sky.

"Xander Darklighter. GOUF, keep on rockin'!"

To Be Continued...