DISCLAIMER: 'Resonance' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed which is a property of Sotsu Agency, SUNRISE and MBS. This work is non profited and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Unless specified, all materials in the web is work done by HERMIT JUNCTION. Please do not use without permission any text or artwork.

WARNING: Text and all related materials are rated R/M and may mild strong language, violence, cruelty, explicit adult content, rape, death and nudity unless otherwise stated. Please do not read if you are underage or maybe offended by such material. Spoilers for Gundam Seed.

NOTE: This fanfiction disregards the plotline of the original series' sequel Gundam Seed Destiny. Please go to gseedaftermath.hermitjunction. net for site hosting of this fic. For Dearka and Miriallia's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy I: Rebound'; for Rusty and Lain's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy II: Repercussion'.

Gseed Aftermath Trilogy III:
RESONANCE
a hermit junction project

Chapter 1

C.E. 71 / Late July

'We got big news people!' Nix Loweia announced, the automatic door to one of the resting lounge of Versailius sliding open.

'What biggies have you ever given us Lieutenant?' Aviar Deco asked dryly, crossing his legs.

'This time, it's a biggie! A real biggie!' Nix insisted, floating into the lounge. 'The three teams Charela, Saasi and Hahnenfuss are going to merge under a new team leader, and this – '

'And this team leaders is the biggie you've been referring to.' Vena Poisa, one of Versalius' junior technicians finished for him, eyeing the excited ZAFT soldier.

'Exactly!' Nix said. 'I'm telling you, he's a very big deal.'

'How big a deal?' Aviar asked, raising his eyebrows.

'He's an elite – ' Nix started, but was interrupted by Vena.

'Big deal! Your team leaders are all elites!' Vena exclaimed.

'I'm telling you, this elite is one of the five who were in the Heliopolis raid!' Nix argued. 'Now how big is that?'

Aviar and Vena looked at each other.

'That's pretty big then.' Decole Lanviana, another technician said, floating in the air. 'To what I've heard, three of them died.'

'Which three?' Aviar asked curiously. 'I know one died during the raid because he couldn't capture Strike.'

'Yeah, that's Rusty MacKenzie.' Nix replied, sitting down on the sofa. 'Another was confirmed KIA during one of the battles against Archangel and Strike on Earth, that one's Nicol Armafi.'

'Armafi?' Vena raised her eyebrows. 'Isn't that the name of one of those senior councils?'

'Why do all elites have relatives in the council?' Aviar muttered.

'Not all.' Decole countered, 'Charela and Saasi aren't councilors for a start.'

'Anyway!' Nix cleared his throat. 'The third one is MIA, Dearka Elthman. There are only two left and one of them is Athrun Zala, the son of our beloved chairman.'

'See!' Aviar raised his eyebrows at Decole who shrugged in response.

'He's also Lacus Clyne's fiancé by the way.' Nix reminded.

'Oh Lacus, she has the sweetest voice.' Aviar sighed.

'I still cannot believe she betrayed PLANT.' Vena muttered.

'There's got to be a story behind it!' Aviar said firmly. 'I don't believe Lacus will do something for no apparent reason.'

'Like betraying PLANT?' Vena said dryly. 'Come on, she led a spy into the secret factory and handed over Freedom with both hands. Everyone knows that Freedom and Justice are ZAFT's trump card!'

'Zala had already announced that Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala are no longer engaged.' Nix said, shaking his head. 'Rumor says that Freedom was suppose to be handed over to our new captain by the name – '

'Yzak Jule… right?'

'Major Hahnenfuss!' Aviar stood up and gave his team leader a sharp salute. Seeing that Darca Charela was also there, Nix saluted.

'Yzak Jule, the elite who led the Heliopolis raid, survived the Josh-A attack, participated in the Panama assault and son of high councilor Ezaria Jule as been drafted into Versalius once again and assigned three D-class teams.' Shiho Hahnenfuss smiled, stepping into the lounge. 'Is my information correct Lieutenant Loweia?'

'Absolutely correct!' Nix reassured, giving her a smirk. 'You do do your homework Major Hahnenfuss.'

Shiho returned the smirk. 'Luck favors the prepared.'

'Sounds like a biggie to me.' Charela muttered, crossing his arms. 'He's been promoted and is one of Klueze's most trusted men. If Freedom wasn't raided, he'd never be stuck with us.'

'Duel's not bad either.' Shiho said, reaching for a bottle of water while loosening the collar of her spacesuit. 'I mean, it's getting an upgrade.'

'Really?' Decole jerked up. 'Who's doing it?'

Shiho shrugged. 'Not here, Duel's at Jakin Due right now for a complete evaluation, or so I've heard.'

'If you ask me, all mobile suits should install the Nuclear Jammer Cancellor.' Charela scowled. 'It will save us a lot of trouble.'

Shiho smiled and shot a glance at Vena, who was giggling.

'When's Captain Jule coming?' Nix asked excitedly.

Charela shrugged. 'Today.'

'Why so excited, you have a crush on the guy?' Aviar joked.

Nix threw his water bottle at him. 'Shut it.'

'Careful gents, we won't want someone to lose an eye.' Shiho teased.

'So, do you know him Major?' Vena asked, leaning over the sofa, watching as Shiho walked towards the glass pane and stared out at the hanger.

Shiho paused for a few moments before turning around, a warm smile on her face. 'I don't know him directly, but I knew him through someone else.'

'Who?' Aviar asked curiously.

Shiho just smiled and sucked on the straw.

Shaking his head, Charela clapped his hands together. 'It's time for your shifts people! Come on, move it Loweia, Lanviana, Deco.'

'No it's not, we still got two minutes!' Nix protested.

'Get goings you yahoos!' Charela commanded, shooing them out of the lounge. 'Don't forget the meeting with Captain Jule Hahnenfuss, apparently Addess wants to make this big welcoming for him.'

Shiho nodded. 'I got the memo. Yzak Jule used to be his crew.'

'Really Charela, we still got a minute! You know rest is important for us fighting at the frontline!' Nix argued.

'Out!'

Watching the two ZAFT soldiers murmur protests, Shiho laughed, watching as Charela pushed them out of the lounge.

'How's it going?' Vena asked, floating towards Shiho. 'Is DEEP Arms still giving you trouble.'

Shiho sighed. 'You know, the same old shit. I've got to do something about it, six sense tells me I won't survive unless the problem's fixed. You know how it is.'

Vena rolled her eyes. 'You know what your problem is? Your problem is sticking to DEEP Arms when there are perfectly tuned upgraded Ginns waiting for you. What are you thinking? You're capable of piloting the G-series, let alone an upgraded Ginn? We're talking about war here! One false step and you'll go down.' Vena eyed her friend. 'The crew kind of likes your presence.'

Shiho smiled and let her bottle of water float in the air. 'Sentimental reasons.'

Vena exhaled loudly. 'You know, your Mobile Suits is called DEEP Arms for a reason. Sentiment goes down the drain when you're life is at stake.'

'I know.' Shiho muttered. 'Look, I'm not the only one using DEEP Arms right now and apparently, the DTE cannons still have an upper hand compared to the upgraded GINNS. DTE cannons have a chance of damaging the Phase Shift Armor! You know I'm not that good at close combat.'

'True story.' Vena muttered, sitting down.

Shiho finished the rest of her water and threw the bottle into the recycling bin. 'There's still some problem with the condenser and the tuning is still not perfect. I need to put some time in it and see if things work at the next exercise. Your shift's over right?'

Vena shrugged. 'You could say that. I'm just here to chill until I get a call from my head. There's supposed to be this briefing but I forgot what it was about.' She turned and gave Shiho and sly smile, leaning onto the sofa. 'So, what do you think about your new Commander, this Yzak Jule?'

Shiho shook her head, a small smile on her lips. 'What? You think I actually know him?'

'It certainly seems to be.' Vena rested her cheek on her palm. 'Or have you just been doing your homework.'

Shiho gave her friend a playful slap on the shoulder. 'Get some rest.'

'Hey!' Vena called.

Shiho exhaled loudly and turned at the door. 'I don't know him, seriously.'

Vena looked at her with skeptical eyes. 'Really.'

'Really.' Shiho reassured, holding out one hand. 'Now chill, see you later.'

'Remember to tell me about that meeting of yours!' Vena reminded.

Rolling her eyes at the ceiling, Shiho stepped out of lounge and let the door slide behind her. Sighing, she looked at her watch. She still had four hours before her briefing with her new commander. Exhausted from the exercise, she decided to head to her room and take a shower. She needed some sleep, DEEP Arms technical problem could still wait a little.

'Young master, I've brought you some tea.'

Opening his eyes, Yzak Jule frowned at the soft knock on his door. Sitting up, he watched as his long time valor Vuit opened the door softly and stepped into his room with a silver tray in his hand.

'Young master, apple tea.' Vuit said ceremoniously, setting the tray down onto the coffee table. Setting the teapot and cup soundlessly, he stood straight and bowed with the silver tray now under his arm. 'Is there anything else you'd like me to do young master?'

'Nothing.' Yzak waved his hand in the air absently, sitting up straight. 'My Mother won't be back tonight right?'

'I'm sorry young master, but the Lady is still attending the councillor's meeting.' Vuit replied, his head bowed.

'Right.' Yzak muttered, turning his head slightly. 'She knows I'm back home for the day so if she calls, tell me. I'm leaving tomorrow morning.'

'Yes young master.' Vuit retreated, closing the mahogany door behind him quietly.

Yzak stared at the door, his mind blank for a spit second. Shaking his head violently, he racked his fingers through his silky straight hair and stood up, walking towards the coffee table situated at the center of his huge room. Plopping down on one of the royal blue cushions, he poured the apple tea into his teacup, inhaling the soothing scent.

How long has it been since he had actually sat down and enjoyed the simplest things like a cup of tea?

Taking a sip from the rich brew, Yzak looked up slightly and caught his reflection in the wall mirror. His reflection stared back at him, the steam from the teacup blurring his eyes. He was wearing black slacks and a yellow shirt with the top three buttons undone. He had been padding across his carpeted room for the past hour or two barefoot, surveying his long abandoned room, wondering if he'd ever have a chance to come back again.

It had been almost a year. He had come back home briefly after he graduated from the academy but after his relocation to Team Klueze he had never had a chance to come home. It all started from the Heliopolis raid, his life was turned upside down because of it. To him, the Heliopolis raid had failed and his nightmare started from there.

Setting the cup down on its saucer with controlled strength, Yzak glared at his reflection in the mirror, seething at the scar that cut right across his face. Not only did it hurt him physically, it damaged his pride and he swore vengeance.

'Strike…' Clenching his teeth, Yzak grabbed the teacup and threw it at his reflection. The shattering glass echoed in his head as he looked at his distorted reflection. The scar on his face was a disgrace and he would not remove it until he put down Strike once and for all.

Standing up, he threw the door to his room open and stomped out. Jumping down the stairs three at a time, he almost bumped into one of the old maids and Vuit's wife Niolava.

'Young master!' Niolava exclaimed, dropping the basket onto the floor. 'You're back!'

'Niolava!' Yzak smiled as the old lady threw her arms around him, standing on her toes because of his height.

'My, you've grown young master! How long has it been? A year almost?' Niolava ruffled his silky hair. 'We were so worried about you!'

'I'm okay, my Captain gave me a day off. I have to report to Jakin Due tomorrow morning.' Yzak said.

Niolava nodded. 'It's a pity that the lady can't come back, you know how the council has been ever since… you know.'

Yzak looked away. 'I know.'

'Well, I've got work to do, I'll see you in a bit.' Niolava said, picking up the basket of clothes again. 'If you need anything, just call, okay? Anything!'

Yzak nodded and watched as the old lady disappear around the corner into the laundry room. Shaking his head, he walked out the back door into the garden of the Jule Manor. The plants in the garden were beautiful all year round because of the artificial weather in PLANT, especially Aprilius One. It was lovely, but somehow, it didn't look natural compared to the natural landscape on Earth.

He had been on Earth for four months, and now, everything seemed different here at PLANT, or was it because of what happened during his days on Earth?

Frowning, Yzak sat down on the wooden swings, the rusty joints squeaking at his weight. It really has been a long time since he had a chance to just sit down and do nothing. Somehow, it made him uncomfortable.

'I'm not turning into a workaholic am I?' Yzak murmured, leaning back slightly, his arms hooked around the rusty chains.

Standing up again, he walked forward and leaned against the railing, looking out at the scenery before him. The Jule Manor was located on the highlands away from the city. It was very quiet and isolated with only private cars as transportation. The Jule Manor was the old property of the Jule family, ever since the death of his father, Astrof Jule, this property had come under his name. Despite being his home, Yzak had barely had the chance to come back ever since his enlistment.

This place didn't feel like home to him anymore, he didn't feel like he belonged here, it seemed too peaceful, a false peace.

'Young Master, the lady's on the line.' Vuit came up from behind Yzak with the phone on the tray.

Turning, Yzak stared at Vuit's hard face before picking up the telephone. Narrowing his cobalt blue eyes slightly, he waved his hand and turned, listening as Vuit turned on his heel and left.

He knew Vuit didn't like him.

'Mother?' Yzak answered, leaning over the railing.

'Yzak! Is everything okay? I heard from Chairman Zala that you've come back from Carpentaria.' Ezaria Jule's voice rang from the telephone. Yzak could hear a knock on her door over the line.

'Everything's okay, don't worry about me, you've got a lot going on over there too right Mother?' Yzak asked.

'Yes, the Clyne Faction is giving the council a lot of trouble, we're still looking for Lacus Clyne.' Ezaria said solemnly.

'I know, I heard at Carpentaria.' Yzak murmured, turning around so that he could lean his back against the railing. 'I still can't believe Lacus Clyne would do something like that.'

'I know.' Ezaria sighed. 'Now that Freedom has been extorted, you'll have to return to Klueze's team.'

'Duel's getting an upgrade now, don't worry Mother.' Yzak said.

'Council Jule, we have to go, the next meeting is in five minutes.' Yzak heard his mother's secretary's voice over the line.

'I have to go Yzak, I'm sorry but I can't come home tonight.' Ezaria said apolegtically.

'Don't say that, I know you're busy.' Yzak said softly. 'I know how to take care of myself.'

'Is Vuit giving you a hard time?' Ezaria asked.

'No, I'm fine.' Yzak said. 'Go, your secretary's calling you again.'

'Take care of yourself son, be careful.' Ezaria reminded.

'I will, talk to you later Mother.' With that, Yzak cut the connection. Racking his hand through his hair, Yzak tossed the phone in the air and caught it again, staring down at it. 'Freedom…'

He still remembered the new Mobile Suits that he had briefly encountered at Josh-A, the signal stated that the Mobile Suits was ZAFT's. He later did an analysis and it turned out that that Mobile Suits was the newly developed series, the technology based on the data from the G-series. Justice had been assigned to Athrun and he knew that he would be assigned to the special tactical force as well.

Sighing, he shook his head and strolled back the Manor with the phone in his hand. Setting it down on the charger again, he saw Vuit step out of the kitchen.

'Is the lady fine?' Vuit asked.

'She's fine.' Yzak said with clenched teeth, glaring at him briefly before he jumped up the stairs two at a time, slamming the door to his room behind him.

Vuit never liked him, especially after his Father's death four years ago. Vuit never understood why he was the one who inherited everything while his Mother was left with nothing. Vuit practically raised his Mother and Yzak understood why he hated his Father so much, thus hating him as well. The funny thing was, however, that Niolava treated him like her son, probably because the couple was childless.

Sitting on the bed, Yzak picked up the heavy picture frame that was seated on his nightstand. It was a picture of the three of them, taken a few days before his Father's plane accident. He was thirteen then and vaguely remembered his Mother sobbing in her room for days before the funeral. He was small back then, but he knew what was going on. He cried the first day, but never dropped another tear after that, not even during the funeral, until now.

Setting the frame down again, Yzak stood up and went to his wardrobe, wanting to take out his robe so he could take a shower when his cell phone suddenly rang.

'Yzak Jule.' It was a reminder that he was to report to Jakin Due at ten hours tomorrow. His team was also assigned and their information sent to him.

'Thank you.' Yzak said shortly before cutting the connection. Tossing the robe onto his bed, Yzak sat at his desk and flipped his computer on. Breaking a few security codes, he entered the database and searched for the information he needed.

'Three D-class teams?' Yzak raised his eyebrows, leaning back with his arms crossed. Reaching for the mouse, he clicked into the file. Darca Charela, Siegale Sassi and Shiho…

'Hahnenfuss?' Yzak leaned forward and blinked. 'Where have I heard that name before…' Standing up, he walked around the room, tapping his chin with his index finger. Frowning, he walked out the door and almost crashed into Vuit who was passing by with a tray in his hands.

'Careful young master.' Vuit scowled, steadying the silver tray in his hands.

'Sorry.' Yzak muttered. He watched Vuit walk down the hall. Frowning, he called him before he disappeared into the room at the end.

'Yes?' Vuit turned slowly.

'Have you heard of the name Hahnenfuss?' Yzak asked. His eyebrows twisted as Vuit stared at him. 'What?'

'Young master, have you forgotten?' Vuit said in a low voice. 'Councilor Hahnenfuss.'

Yzak blinked, then looked down sheepishly. 'I, uh, I must have been too busy…'

Vuit shook his head. 'I'm sure you are.'

Slapping his forehead, Yzak walked back into his room and stared at his computer. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and turned it off.

How could he forget, his fiancée was the daughter of Agripe Hahnenfuss.

'So this is the new experimental Guaiz?' Yzak called, looking up at the newly developed Mobile Suits before him.

Looking down, the technician smiled. 'Yeah, the newest experimental firearms type mobile suits for the front line. It will be completed soon, just a few more routine tests and some minor adjustments. Once it goes into action, naturals will be wiped out and this bloody war will be over.'

Narrowing his eyes, Yzak turned and walked away, clenching his teeth at the unexpectedly disturbing words. Deep in thought, he almost bumped into someone who was coming down from a Mobile Suits.

'Sorry, almost stepped on you.' A girl's voice apologized.

'It's okay.' Yzak muttered, not even bothering to look up and see who it was. Shaking his head, he left the hanger through the main gates.

'Oi, Shiho.' Vena wrapped one arm around her friend's neck. 'Who's that?'

'Huh?' Shiho blinked and turned, looking at Vena blankly.

'You've been staring at that gate for almost two minutes pal, you know him? I certainly haven't seen him before.' Vena looked at the gateway curiously. 'He certainly wasn't a polite fellow.'

'That, my friend, will be our new captain, Yzak Jule, the biggie I was talking about.' Nix said, walking up to them with a clipboard in his hands.

'Yzak Jule?' Vena cocked her head and let go of Shiho. 'Now that you've mentioned it, he certainly does look like his mother Ezaria Jule.'

'Looks like somebody has a crush on someone.' Nix said, poking Shiho in the arm.

'What?' Shiho blinked at him. 'What were you guys saying?'

Nix rolled his eyes. 'You've been staring at that gate for what? Two or three minutes, what were we talking about just now?'

'Uh… the new Guaiz?' Shiho tried.

Vena smirked. 'You know him?' It sounded more like a statement.

Shiho shook her head violently. 'No, I don't, and don't you two make things up for yourselve's entertainment!'

Nix just shrugged.

'Hey Loweia, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be tuning your Ginn!' Siegale Sassi called, walking up to them.

'I was, but my techni went to the bathroom and I need to ask him something.' Nix said, giving Vena a wink.

'Right, nice try there champ.' Sassi muttered, cocking his head hard. 'You better get it done by nineteen hours today because this crew is leaving at twenty-two hours. You ready to go Shiho?'

'Huh?' Shiho looked up at her comrade blankly. 'Ready to go where?'

'The briefing.' Sassi frowned. 'You okay, you're not sick are you?'

'No, it's just, there's a problem with DEEP Arms that I still can't quite figure out yet.' Shiho said quickly.

'Yeah right.' Nix whispered into Vena's ears, who couldn't help but let out a laugh.

'I'll deal with it later, I may find some clue to the problem during the exercise.' Shiho said, shooting a glare at Nix. 'Get your Ginn tuned to the best Loweia, when we get out there, no one will be able to help you.'

'Yes Major!' Nix gave Shiho and Siegale a salute.

'Let's go.' Sassi muttered, pulling Shiho by the arms, 'we're going to run late.'

'We still have ten minutes Sassi.' Shiho murmured as they walked down the hallway.

'I know, but we're meeting our new captain and apparently, Yzak Jule is not your average ZAFT soldier.' Sassi said.

'Says who?' Shiho asked, looking up at him curiously.

Sassi shrugged as he pulled on the collar of his red uniform. 'Says everyone. Number one warning, he has a really bad temper.'

'Ouch.' Shiho made a face. 'That's not good.'

'Hey, you guys going to the conference room?' Charela asked, meeting them in the hallway.

'Yeah.' Sassi gave Charlea a slap in the back. 'Nervous?'

'Me? Never.' Charlea smirked. 'But I see someone is.' They both turned to Shiho who was looking ahead of her in a daze. 'You okay there big guy?'

'Huh?' Shiho turned her head abruptly.

Sassi rolled his eyes. 'What's going on? Still worried about DEEP Arms?'

'Partly.' Shiho murmured as they entered the lift.

'Then don't use it.' Charlea scoffed. 'There's a huge selection of Mobile Suits that beats your DEEP Arms. Don't forget your MS is still an experimental type.'

'I know.' Shiho sighed. 'I know…'

'So, what do you think our new Captain's like?' Sassi smirked as they stepped out of the transporter.

'For me, I think Captain Klueze will be more of an issue.' Charlea murmured. 'I heard that he has this female soldier that follows him around like a maid. Rumor says that she's not even enlisted but wears our uniform.'

Shiho frowned. 'That's weird, he brought her from Carpentaria?'

Charlea nodded. 'I heard that the name's Fllay something.'

'There aren't a lot of girls around here and Shiho's the only female elite we've got.' Sassi said as they approached the door.

'Don't even think about it.' Charlea cocked Sassi in the head.

'What?' Sassi protested, rubbing the side of his head. 'I was just saying.'

Shiho muffled a giggle. 'I don't mind people treating me like a guy, so, continue, please.'

'Now, this is what I call a reliable pal that won't get all insane and jealous like the other little ladies.' Charlea threw one arm around Shiho's shoulders. 'You know we all love you Hahnenfuss.'

'Yeah, right.' Shiho laughed, pushing Charlea away. 'Let's go.'

Standing straight, Sassi opened the automatic door and stepped into the conference room, saluting sharply. 'Major Siegale Sassi, reporting with Major Darca Charela and Major Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

'Come in, please.' Captain Addess greeted, his hands behind his back.

Saluting sharply, Shiho and Charela stepped inside behind Sassi, the door sliding shut behind them.

'This is the D-class teams that I've been assigned with Addess?' Rau Le Klueze asked, standing up from the sofa.

'Yes.' Addess replied. 'They have led the best teams so far and graduated a phase later than you Yzak.'

'Right.' Yzak murmured, looking at the three sideways.

'Shiho Hahnenfuss…' Klueze looked up with a small smile. 'You're the only female to graduate as an elite among your phase, am I correct.'

'Uh, you could say that.' Shiho replied.

'I need the best team under me.' Klueze said, standing up. 'I hope your teams are as good as it looks like on paper.'

'We won't disappoint you sir.' Sassi said sharply.

'I hope.' Klueze turned to Yzak. 'Do you have any problems Yzak? I've decided to assign the best three teams under your direct command.'

'No problem.' Yzak said, standing up as well. 'I'll make full use of them.'

'I trust you will.' Klueze said, turning to Addess. 'Let's go, we still have business to attend at the bridge.'

'Yes sir.' Addess said.

Watching the door close behind Kluesze and Addess, Yzak sat down again and looked up at the three Majors that wore the same uniform as he did. 'Who graduated from the academy in first place?'

Sassi and Charlea turned and looked at Shiho, who stepped forward. Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'You guys let a girl beat you?'

'We wouldn't call her a girl when it comes to battle sir.' Sassi said shortly.

'Really?' Yzak narrowed his eyes and stood up, looking at Shiho in the eyes. Standing straight, Shiho just looked back at him with a hard expression. Shaking his head, Yzak crossed his arms. 'I won't bite, you three don't have to be this tense.'

'It's better to pay some respect to our team leader.' Charlea said flatly.

'Of course.' Yzak murmured. Leaning down, he picked up a board that was lying on the coffee table. 'I'll meet the teams tomorrow at seven hours. I want to watch the exercise so I can get a good grasp of the team I've been ordered to put together. Any questions?'

'No sir.' Siegale said, saluting.

'Good, now get some rest, we've got a long day tomorrow.' Yzak said. Returning the salute, he walked pass Shiho and left the room.

'I don't think he'll be an easy guy to please.' Sassi said, sighing.

'Right.' Charlea smirked. 'He's just another elite, big deal. What do you think Shiho?'

'I think…' Shiho let her voice trail.

'What?' Sassi's eyebrows furrowed, unable to catch the next part of her sentence.

'I need a shower.' Shiho said suddenly, ruffling her straight fringes. 'I stink.'

'What?' Charlea squeaked.

'I'm off shift for the next eight hours. Have fun kids.' Shiho looked over her shoulder and smiled.

'What's with her?' Sassi muttered, watching Shiho leave the white room.

'Beats me.' Charlea shrugged. 'Come on, we've got tonnes to do before we leave Jakin Due.'

Sassi stretched. 'Tell me about it, I hope this shit ends soon.'

'Who doesn't?'

End of Chapter 1
Next Update: 04th November, 2005

A/N: I said I'd update on Friday, but I posted the prologue a day earlier to see how the reaction would go, I hope I've shocked some people with such a prologue, as I said, everything is blown up in GSA III, well, at least that's what I thought when I was writing it. How did you guys think of the start? Dark? Shocked? Or... 'why are you making Shiho go through this?' I have a this knack for angst and I love the idea of agony. Anyway, now that the first chapter is posted, I hope I'll get more reviews than GSA II. As usual, the updates are weekly Fridays. And one more reminder, this story is rated M/R, I think that's self explanatory, I don't want to explain myself over and over again when someone complains about the explicit adult parts. Please, be responsible readers, flames of this sort will not be tolerated. Have fun!