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 13

'I'm telling you, one of these days, I'm going to quit, I'm serious!'

'Quit? What do you mean quit?' Nia raised her eyebrows at Yzak's secretary. They were at the café, two steaming cups of coffee before them.

'He threw three tantrums this morning, plus he almost threw me out of his office for something I so did not do wrong!' Yzak's secretary wailed. 'What did I do to deserve such a boss?'

'What did your boss do this time?' Dearka asked curiously, sitting down.

'Major, we have a briefing in like fifteen minutes.' Shiho reminded dryly.

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'Come on, it's going to be like a two hour meeting with the psycho, I want some detail from his secretary, wouldn't want to piss him off now would I?'

It was Shiho's turn to roll her eyes. 'You always piss him off Elthman.'

Dearka just shrugged. 'What happened?'

'Jule's tantrums, what else?' Nia said. 'What is wrong with that guy?'

'And you said you wanted to hook up with him Siers.' Dearka sneered.

'Hook up.' Nia emphasized. 'Just a fling and nothing else.'

'I have no idea what happened.' Yzak's secretary muttered. 'But I can tell you, having worked for Commander Jule for three years, I have not seen him this screwed up, believe me. I'm putting my guesses on something with the council.'

'Really?' Dearka rubbed his chin. 'Then maybe I should ask Reiss, maybe he can tell me something.'

'Who's Reiss?' Nia asked.

'His council secretary.' Shiho replied for Dearka. 'I'm telling you, Reiss isn't going to give you anything so forget it, you know everything in the council is confidential, even your Dad won't tell you anything.'

'He won't tell me anything.' Dearka muttered. 'Not that I want to get any information from him.'

Yzak's secretary sighed and looked down at her watch. 'I'm off now, thank God.'

'You want to take a ride with me?' Nia offered, standing up.

'Yeah, whatever, I'm tired and I still have three reports and two agendas to follow up at home or Commander Jule will definhitely have my head.'

'Poor you.' Dearka teased.

'Wipe that smirk smarty pants, you have a two hour meeting with him in ten minutes.' Yzak's secretary sneered before walking out of the café with Nia.

'She threatened me!' Dearka said incredulously, pointing at the door.

Shiho shrugged. 'Serves you right, kicking her when she's down.'

'Hey, she's been at this job for like three years and she has the biggest paycheck among her class, someone's got to work for that.' Dearka said.

Rolling her eyes, Shiho stood up. 'We better get going.'

'I need to file something in before the meeting, you get up there first.' Dearka said.

Shiho looked at him with narrowed eyes. 'You're just trying to use me to cushion some of the blow.'

Dearka flashed her a bright smile. 'Please Major.'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'Don't blame me if it doesn't work.'

'You're a doll Major, you really are.' Dearka smirked.

'I'm not and I don't want to be one, believe me.' Was all Shiho said as she turned on her heel and marched out of the café. Reaching her room, she took the files she had prepared for the meeting with Yzak and was about to head out when she stopped, kicking herself mentally for forgetting. Pulling the drawer open again, she took out a pill case and took one out. Wanting to get some water from the pantry, she decided to also get a cup of coffee for Yzak. She couldn't help but frown when she found Monroe, Lyn and Iwen hovered over something at the counter of the pantry.

'What are you guys doing here?' Shiho asked, putting her hands on her hips. Hearing her voice, the three jumped up and turned.

'Hi Major.' Iwen stammered, nudging Lyn in the ribs.

'Wha'ts going on?' Shiho asked, eyeing them suspiciously. 'Monroe?'

'Nothing.' Monroe shook his head. 'Really, it's – Major!' he watched helplessly as Shiho reached behind Lyn and grabbed the magazine form him.

Shiho frowned at the cover. 'What's this? Porn?'

'Sort of.' Iwen smiled sheepishly, snatching the magazine back. 'Red Light district guide near ZAFT bases, you're not going to want to know about it Major, believe me.'

Shiho glared at them for a while before shaking her head. 'Watch out for yourselves, if you're caught by anyone, even me, you're dead and going to court. You know it's against our regulations.'

'Just curious, we got it if from someone else.' Iwen said weakly.

'I hope.' Shiho muttered as the three scrambled out of the pantry. Left alone, Shiho stared the door for a while, her mind suddenly blank.

'Major? What's going on?'

Blinking back to reality, Shiho shook her head and smiled at the green uniformed ZAFT soldier. 'Nothing, just dazed out a little.'

'Don't daze out with your meeting with Jule, I heard he's in a very bad mood today.' He joked, giving her a sudden pat on the shoulder.

'Yeah…' Shiho watched as the red pill slid under the counter.

Sighing to herself, Shiho walked to the coffee machine and made a quick cup of expresso. The pill could wait, the coffee couldn't. Walking past the empty secretary's desk, Shiho almost knocked on the door when she heard a loud thud. Shaking her head, she decided to enter directly and wasn't surprised to find Yzak scribbling away, a stack of files beside his desk.

'Look, just because my secretary's off, doesn't mean you can waltz in here like it's your own backyard! Get out!' Yzak shouted without even looking up. Shaking her head, Shiho walked up to him and almost set the paper cup down but jerked her hand away when Yzak looked abruptly. 'Don't you know – Major?'

'You really are in a bad mood.' Shiho frowned, setting down the cup of coffee. 'What's eating you?'

Yzak stared at her for a while before sitting back with a thud, racking his hand through his silver hair. 'Sorry, I didn't know it was you.'

'That's okay.' Shiho said softly. Walking up to his chair, she sat down on the armrest and started rubbing the side of his head. 'You've been like this for a few days, you're scaring people Yzak.'

Yzak snorted. 'I scare people all the time, it's not like it's – ' he stopped and turned around. 'That's the first time you called me by my first name around here.'

'So?' Shiho shrugged and pulled at his hair gently, making him wince. 'There's a problem?'

Yzak shook his head. 'Not a problem at all, unless someone sees you sitting on the side of my chair. Not that I mind at all.'

'You'll mind when the paparazzi come after you.' Shiho muttered, giving his shoulders a lightl squeeze. 'Is it council work again?'

'Yeah.' Yzak grabbed her hand and rubbed her bare left fourth finger. Seeing this, Shiho rolled her eyes and undid her uniform collar, revealing the engagement that was dangling from a chain beside her dogtag. Smilng in satisfaction, Yzak pulled her head down and gave her a peck on the lips. 'I wish we could do this all the time.'

'That's what makes it so special.' Shiho murmured back, smiling.

Letting her go, Yzak buttoned her collar back up, brushing his fingers up her jawbone. 'I would kiss you now and probably have a little sex, but it's too risky, don't you think?'

'Yeah.' Shiho smirked and pushed him away. 'So take your coffee and get your stuff done before Dearka comes and sees us all hot and heavy.'

Shrugging, Yzak sat back down and grabbed his steaming hot espresso on the table. Sitting herself on the chair across from him, Shiho rested her chin on her palm and watched him take quick sips from the brew. When he looked up, he raised his eyebrows. 'What?'

'Looks like you're in a better mood.' Shiho commented, crossing her legs.

Yzak smirked. 'A little.'

'Hello children.' Dearka rushed into the room quickly.

'You're late Dearka.' Yzak said flatly, pointing at his watch.

Dearka shrugged. 'What matters, I see you're in a better mood now.'

'Yeah right.' Yzak muttered, glaring at him sideways. 'You got the file?'

Dearka nodded and put one copy onto Yzak's desk while handing the other one to Shiho. Plopping onto the chair beside Shiho, he raised his eyebrows. 'Espresso, again? Did you sleep at all last night?'

'Three hours, does that count?' Yzak asked, eyeing him.

'Yeah, better than the usual I guess, you should give yourself a break man.' Dearka shook his head. 'You're going to die of work.'

'I had a two day leave last week, I can't afford anymore.' Yzak muttered, shooting Shiho a glance before sitting straight. 'Let's get this going or we'll be here all night.'

They would have stayed in Yzak's office all night if Dearka hadn't gotten a call from his Mother, reminding him of his dinner plan with the family. That was when the clock on Yzak's desk read seven.

'I think I'm going to pass Dearka.' Yzak said, yawning.

'What?' Dearka whirled around, screeching. 'You promised man! You're not going to let me do this alone are you?'

'Hahnenfuss will be there, you don't need me.' Yzak said, nodding his head at Shiho. 'Come on, will me being around make that much of a difference?'

'Of course!' Dearka jumped up. 'You know my Mom always nags you about girlfriends and your news! It will get some of the heat off me and give my Dad a huge distraction.'

'Is he really that pissed?' Shiho asked, crossing her arms. 'Come on, he's your Dad, surely he'd want you to be happy.'

Dearka snorted. 'I'm telling you, that's the last thing on his agenda. When I blew Eneta off, he flipped out so bad he almost burnt down the house, no way is he going to like Miriallia.'

'What about your Mom?' Shiho frowned. 'She's not that bad.'

'My Mom's fine with the whole idea of me going out with Miriallia, but you know how my Dad is, he doesn't hate naturals, but he's not found of them either and the way I messed up his whole plan in the council? He might kill her!' Dearka racked his hand threw his hair.

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'It's been like what? Almost two years. So don't take her to your parents, unless…'

Shiho looked at Yzak. 'What?'

Yzak narrowed his eyes smugly. 'Do you want to propose to her?'

Dearka sneered back. 'Not that I haven't had that in mind, but you've got to lay the ground work. If everything works out, I'll give you a few pointers.'

Yzak sat back and crossed his arms. 'Nope, that won't be necessary.'

Dearka raised his eyebrows. 'Poor you, still don't have a date.'

'Who says I don't?' Yzak sneered.

'Then who is it?' Dearka challenged back.

'Gentleman?' Shiho cleared her throat, looking back and fourth. 'We may want to continue this conversation in the car or someplace where people won't think we're a bunch of three year old kids, besides, we need to change.'

'You're not going to bail out on me, if necessary, I'm going to tie you to the car.' Dearka threatened, standing up.

'You didn't even drive.' Yzak snarled. 'How the hell are you supposed to tie me to my car?'

Sighing, Shiho raised her hand up. 'Gentleman?'

Breaking up in his room, the three headed to the lockers and met up at the parking lot. Shiho was refreshed from the brief shower she took and had her hair down when she got into the back of Yzak's car. 'What?' She asked curtly when Dearka looked at her weirdly in the rear mirror.

'You've gotten girly recently.' Dearka said, frowning.

'Huh?' Shiho looked down at the tunic sleevless sweater, washed jeans and heals she was wearing. 'What are you talking about?'

'Something's weird with you girl.' Dearka muttered, nudging Yzak in the arm. 'What's wrong with her Captain?'

Yzak shrugged and started the engine. 'You're asking me?' He eyed Shiho in the mirror and smirked. 'Beats me.'

'Really you guys, enough is enough.' Shiho crossed her arms and glared at them.

'Definitely something wrong.' Dearka muttered while Yzak laughed.

Grinding her teeth, Shiho sat forward and pinched both of them in the back of their neck. 'Get going or I'm the one who's going to bail out of this whole thing!'

'Let go, I'm driving!' Yzak cried as he steered out of the parking lot.

'You know, people'll think you have a hickie.' Dearka sneered.

'I've got plenty of them beneath this shirt Dearka.' Yzak shot back, shooting a glare at him.

Dearka shook his head. 'Don't believe you man.'

Yzak rolled his eyes. 'Why is it so hard for people to believe that I'd get dates and flings too?'

Dearka shrugged and put his hands behind his head. 'Just don't see it in you. Believe me, you've got what it takes to get all the free one-night-stands out there but knowing you? You won't do it. Don't you think Shiho?'

Shiho shrugged. 'Maybe not flings, but something more?'

Dearka scoffed. 'Something more? Maybe if he doesn't lock himself up in the room and – hey !' His head almost hit the dashboard at an abrupt stop.

'Sorry.' Yzak flashed him a smile. 'Red light.'

Shiho laughed and shook her head. 'Shut it Dearka or you'll find a big bruise on your forehead by the time you get to your parents' house.'

Cursing under his breath, Dearka rubbed his forehead. 'Fine, I'll shut up if you let me arrive in one piece.'

'That's more like it.' Yzak said, turning at the junction.

The dinner wasn't exactly that pleasant, but the good part was, Eneta was there too. Ted Elthman was not glad that his son was seeing a natural, for two years to say the least. He was a firm believer of political marriages and he wasn't happy that his son, the rebellious one had walked off the tracks he had intended him to follow.

However unhappy Dearka's Father was, the dinner went by in relative peace and when they almost decided to call it a day and leave, Ted called Yzak out into the terrace for a chat.

'What's going on?' Eneta asked, turning to Dearka, who shrugged.

'Maybe something about the council?' Miriallia suggested. 'My editor told me about the split and it's not going too well.'

'I don't know, I've never really been in politics despite my Father insisting that I have the potential.' Dearka yawned and turned his head towards Shiho, his arm wrapped around Miriallia. 'What do you think Major?' He frowned at Miriallia when Shiho didn't respond. 'Major?'

'Shiho?' Eneta tapped Shiho on the shoulder, who jumped and stared at a frowning Eneta. 'Are you okay?'

'Huh?' Shiho looked at the three of them. 'Sorry, what were you saying?'

'You're not sick are you?' Eneta asked worriedly, feeling her forehead.

'I'm fine.' Shiho said, swatting her hand away gently. She looked up when the terrace doors opened with Ted Elthman walking out, followed by Yzak.

'We're leaving now.' Dearka said, standing up, pulling Miriallia with him.

'Take care son.' Mrs. Elthman gave Dearka a kiss. 'It was nice to have you around Miriallia, call me when you leave okay?'

Miriallia smiled. 'I will.'

'You take care too Eneta, Shiho.' Mrs. Elthman gave the two girls a hug.

Mr. Elthman turned to Yzak. 'Think about it.'

Shooting him a look, Yzak nodded reluctantly. 'Bye Mrs. Elthman, see you soon.'

'Bye, don't torture my son at work okay?' Mrs. Elthman joked.

'What took you two so long?' Dearka asked as they rode the elevator down.

'Nothing.' Yzak said curtly, looking out at the descending scenary before him.

'Moody.' Dearka commented, shrugging. 'Miriallia gave you a ride right Eneta?'

Eneta nodded.

'You take her back then, we go two different directions anyway.' Yzak said.

A few minutes later, Shiho and Yzak waved goodbye to Dearka who drove past them.

'You drive.' Yzak took his car keys out from his jacket pocket and handed them to Shiho.

'Huh?' Shiho looked at him weirdly, unlocking the car.

Yzak gave her a weak smile. 'I'm tired, please?'

Shiho shrugged and watched Yzak climb into his black sedan. 'If you say so.'

The ride was silent with only the radio on. Only ten, the streets were packed with people and Shiho had to make an abrupt stop when a pack of drunk teenagers stumbled past the crossing without even looking at the lights. When they got back to their sleeping quarters, Yzak had his eyes closed.

'Yzak?' Shiho shook him by the shoulder gently. Stiring, Yzak opened his eyes and looked around with a dazed look.

'We're here?'

'What's the matter?' Shiho asked worriedly, touching his cheek. 'You look really tired, is something worng?'

Grabbing her hand, he turned his face and planted a kiss on her palm. 'I'm fine, just tired, that's all.'

'Are you sure?' Shiho looked at him with uncertainty in her eyes.

'I'm fine.' Yzak sat up. 'You want to go to my place?'

Shiho stared at him as if he had grown two heads. 'What?'

'Go to my place, it's been like, what? Eight something months and we still haven't had the chance to do some serious stuff at my place, expect for the first time.' Yzak joked.

'Do you know how unbelievably inappropriate it would be?' Shiho asked incredulously. 'I mean, hello… you're a ZAFT commander and a senior council member!'

Yzak shrugged. 'No big dea.' He smiled and pulled her close to him. 'Look at it this way. You're going to marry me sooner or later so I want you around my place. It really is no fair, you get to see bits and pieces of me at your apartment but I see nothing at my own apartment, not even a toothbrush! Come on Shiho…'

Shiho eyed him. 'What if somebody sees?'

'Well then screw em.' Yzak gave her shoulder a squeeze. 'Or maybe you want to get cozy here.'

'Your place is fine.' Shiho said quickly.' With that, she jumped out of the car, glaring at Yzak's satisfied smirk. He always got his way, always…

'I forgot how your apartment looked like.' Shiho said as she followed Yzak through the door of his apartment.

'That just explains how pathetic this little place is.' Yzak said absently, taking off his leather boots. Shrugging off his windbreaker, he tossed it on the couch and headed towards the open kitchen. 'Help yourself.'

'I believe I should, since you help yourself a lot downstairs.' Shiho muttered while taking off her heels. Stretching, she looked around while walking to the living room where a white leather sofa was situated in the center, facing the huge down floor glass that had a magnificent night view of Aprilius One.

'What do you want?' Yzak asked. 'Coffee?'

'No coffee!' Shiho screeched, turning around in her seat.

'Isn't this my roof?' Yzak asked, raising his eyebrows.

Shiho pursed her lips. 'Drink one drop and I'll march right out of this place.'

'Bossy.' Was Yzak's mutter as he poured two glasses of water.

'That's more like it.' Grinning in satisfaction, she turned back to the windows and crossed her legs. 'It's no fair, why do you get a big apartment with such a good view?'

'That's because my ranking's higher and I have a tougher life than you out there.' Yzak said dryly, handing her the glass of water while sitting down.

'Still…' Shiho's voice trailed while leaning her head on his shoulder. Yzak wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him while staring out at the night view he had barely noticed for the past three years. Being with her did make him realize there was more to life than just ZAFT, PLANT and the council. He wanted to be selfish when she was with him, wanted to do what he really wanted to do and not devote all his energy and time to work.

He never had a chance to live a full life. Sure, he had a jam packed scheduled, had barely enough time to make things work yet he had a flourishing career, or so the public thought. He was the most eligible bachelor at PLANT, had a very good pay and now, he even had the woman he wanted to spend his life with in his arms. Shouldn't he be grateful, shouldn't he realize that he already had everything?

Maybe, but he never had the chance to enjoy life, never had the chance to appreciate life. He had been fighting since he was sixteen, fighting for the first position at the academy, fighting for survival during the war and now he was fighting, yet he didn't know exactly what he was fighting for, himself? People that supported him? People who put their hopes on him?

The pressure was starting to suffocate him and he didn't know if he could survive it anymore. He just didn't know.

'Yzak?' Shiho looked up at him.

'Hmm?' His eyes closed, Yzak leaned the side of his head on top of hers.

'Something's eating you, are you sure you're okay?' Shiho asked softly, her hand laced through his.

Opening his eyes slowly, Yzak looked down at her. She wasn't the most beautiful woman on Earth, couldn't even be compared to publically recognized models like Gazelle Wyleed or even Eneta. Sometimes he wondered why he fell so head over heels in love with her, and in the end, everything in her was better than any other girl out there. To him, she was the best. Her beautiful amythest eyes, the long flowing hair, the average body build, the long scar on her back, the encouraging smile of hers… everything was the best and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with no one but her.

She knew him, really knew. She made him happy, made him feel loved, fulfilled and most of all…

'Yzak?' Shiho reached out one hand and carrassed his cheek. 'Are you okay?'

Shiho's gasp and the spilling of water followed by the dull thud of the glass on the carpeted floor could be heard as Yzak suddenly grabbed Shiho by the arm and pulled her into a rough, seeking kiss. Shiho felt a sudden fear wash through her as he literally ripped her tank top off, followed by her bra and skirt, the shredded piece tossed over the couch.

'Yzak!' Shiho gasped as he dug his hand into her panties. 'We're – we're in the living room!'

Without another word, Yzak scopped her up and strolled his way down the hall in one quick fluid movement. A little dizzy from the sudden make out, Shiho could only hold on to him, trying to catch her breath when he tossed onto the king-size bed with her panties pushed half-way down her butt.

Yzak was silent the whole time, staring straight at her in the eye as he ripped off his clothes one by one until he was butt naked before her. Climbing onto the bed slowly like a prey, he hovered over her, staring down at her briefly before crushing his lips over hers, gripping her arms.

Something was wrong, Shiho could feel it. Yzak was trying to tell her something, something he couldn't put through words.

Shiho tried to refrain the tears from sliding down her cheeks as he grinded into her hard, thrusting himself into her mindlessly, his face buried into her neck. She was panting, they were both panting, their sweating bodies rubbing against each other. Over her own pants, she could hear his own against her ear, his breath in her ear. One of his hands were gripping her shoulder while the other was wrapped around her waist, pushing her closer to him. Arching her body into his further, she screamed out loud, screaming his name when they both came, trembling against each other.

Shiho couldn't help but wince, her eyes closed with tears streaming down the side of her face as Yzak pulled out of her slowly. She could feel him slide down her body, resting his head against her stomach as they fought to catch their breath. Opening her eyes, she stared at the ceiling of Yzak's room with dazed eyes, her searching hands digging into Yzak's silver hair.

The first time was rough, but not this rough.

Jerking slightly as Yzak looked up, Shiho could feel him trail kisses up her body. Closing her eyes again, she felt his warm lips at her collar bone, trailing up to her ear. His warm breath breathed into her, sending shivers up her spine as she held onto him.

'Shiho.' Yzak whispered into her ear, kissing it. She opened her eyes, feeling Yzak kiss away the moist across her cheeks before planting kisses along her jawline until he reached her mouth.

'Yzak…' Shiho couldn't help but whimper into his mouth, holding onto his shoulders. 'Is something wrong? Tell me.'

Yzak stared into her eyes and saw the worry in her amythest depth. They looked so innocent and filled with sorrow and he didn't want to ruin them.

Lowering his eyes, he leaned his forehead against hers. 'Promise Shiho, whatever I do, don't leave me.'

Shiho frowned. 'What do you mean?'

'Just promise me, don't leave me Shiho.' Plead could be easily seen in his eyes. 'You're the only person who can make me go through the shit I'm going through. You don't have to know what's going on, just be there for me, that's all I ask.' Closing his eyes, he leaned onto her gently and dug his arms beneath her, holding her tightly in a strong embrace, his face buried at the crook of her neck. 'I can't do this without you.'

Loweirng her eyes, Shiho ran one hand up and down his arm while the other rested at the back of his neck, messaging it gently. She felt him relax against her body, his arms still tightly wrapped around her. He was in a vulnerable place, she could feel it and he was just trying to hide it with his out-of-character roughness a while ago.

He was in pain, she could feel it.

Exhaling loudly, Shiho pulled his head closer into her neck and breathed his name, running her fingers through his silky hair. Carassing his face, she pulled him away from her slightly and looked into his eyes with a small smile, the smile he loved so much.

Just then, the phone rang.

A frown flashed through Yzak's face as he pulled Shiho into a strong embrace again.

'Yzak, it's your call.' Shiho said softly into his ear, rubbing his bare shoulders.

After almost the fifteenth ring, Yzak pulled away from her and gave her an intense stare before climbing off the bed. Shiho watched with a pounding heart as he left the room clad in nothing but the darkness. She sat there in the middle of tangled sheets, staring at the opened door, her hair loose, flowing down her body like chocolate sauce, a phrase Yzak loved to use.

Holding the sheets up with one hand, she covered them over her mouth, her eyes trembling. Looking down at her bare chest, she saw the diamond ring dangling from her neck. Biting her lip, she took it off and slipped it over her finger. Climbing off the bed slowly, she pulled the sheets with her, barely wrapping them around her naked body as she trudged along the dark hallway. She stopped and stared at Yzak's back for a while before walking across the living room slowly.

'Let it be Reiss.' Yzak was saying softy as she approached him soundlessly. 'There'll always be a chance, I'm not worried.'

'You're kidding Yzak!'

'Let it be.' Yzak said quietly. 'We've got time.'

'But – '

Touching his shoulers softly, Shiho traced her fingers down Yzak's flawlessly toned back. Pausing in the middle of the conversation with his council secretary, Yzak turned his head slightly, the moonlight reflecting darkly in his cobalt blue eyes.

'Yzak? Are you there?' Reiss asked impatiently on the other line.

As Shiho wrapped her arms around Yzak's back slowly, the sheets slid down, tangling around their ankles. Pressing her chest into his back, Shiho rested her cheek on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

'Yzak!'

Frowning, Yzak disconnected the phone and let it drop to the floor.

'I'll always be here for you Yzak.' Shiho whispered softly, holding onto him tightly. 'Whatever you do, just look back and I'll be there, I promise.'

Lacing her right hand through his, she smiled as he brushed his finger over the diamond engagement ring that was shining under the moonlight. Closing his eyes, Yzak leaned his head back, letting it rest against hers gently.

'Always?' Yzak asked quietly.

'Always.'

'You have got to be kidding Major.' Lyn said firmly, staring at Dearka.

Dearka shook his head solemly, his arms crossed. 'Sorry but I'm not.'

'But – ' Lyn turned his head at Nia who appeared to be equally shocked, as long as the three other teams that rounded up to about fifty people in the huge conference room.

'Sorry, people, but this is no exercise. The whole team under Commander Jule has been ordered to be relocated to Gilberata.'

'That, I can understand,' Monroe paused and glared at the file on his table. 'But the Drug and Slavery Control Division? Seriously?'

'What do they mean by slavery anyway?' Nia asked, her eyebrows twisted in knots.

'Well…' Dearka's voice trailed, trying to figure out a good explanation when another voice cut in.

'It basically means sex trade.'

'Major!'

Surveying the room quickly, Shiho stepped in. 'If you look through the visuals, you'll have a better idea.'

'Glad you finally made it Hahnenfuss.' Dearka said dryly, throwing a glare over his shoulders.

Shooting him a glance, Shiho closed the door behind her. 'I had an urgent meeting.'

'Major!' Ceit raised his file up in the air. 'What's going on with this whole relocating thing? Huh?'

'Yeah!' Ohin pulled at his hair. 'I mean, we've been following the disarmament program all along. I don't mind being transferred to Earth again, but seriously, the DSC? Really! Why does ZAFT have this division in the first place anyway?'

Lyn shrugged bitterly. 'Beats me.'

'And look at the date man!' Monoroe poked his finger at the file. 'Relocation in three days?'

Dearka looked at Shiho helplessly as the whole briefing room burst into commotion. Shaking his head, he was about to clear his throat and calm the group before him down when Shiho suddenly slammed her huge file onto the desk before them, making him jump, a wave of death silence washing through the room.

'We're in military.' Shiho said in a dangerously low voice, narrowing her eyes at the three teams before her. 'If you can't take an order, then you shouldn't be here. Any questions?'

She started the briefing immediately while all the others were deathly silent. When the meeting ended, they all filed out, not daring to look at Shiho in the eye.

'You okay there champ?' Dearka asked when the room was emptied except for the two of them. 'You look like you're stressed out to by all this.'

'I'm okay.' Shiho murmured, pulling at her fringes. 'I'm fine, yeah, just a little stressed out at the sudden relocation.'

Dearka snorted. 'Talk about sudden, I've never had such a quick relocation in my entire military career. People are saying it's because of Yzak's stance in the council.'

Shiho looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows. 'What do you mean?'

Dearka shrugged. 'The media hasn't caught this story yet, but rumors say Yzak's insisting on the massive continuation of the disarmament program and is refusing to support Wyleed to run for the next chairman election of the senior council, that's why Wyleed used his position to force Yzak's relocation to Gilberta. The council's not happy you know, neither is our boss, but that's what's scary about politics, Wyleed wants to remove Yzak from PLANT politics, for now at least.'

Shiho just shook her head. 'And he's been removed from the disarmament program too.'

'Yeah, that too.'

Shiho eyed Dearka. 'No hard feelings for you huh?'

'Me?' Dearka sneered. 'Nope, I really don't care.'

Shiho smiled curtly.' And it has nothing to do with the fact that Miriallia's doing a coverage there too huh?'

'Well, yeah, that too.' Dearka admitted.

'You are one hopeless dude.' Shiho murmured.

'Yeah.' Dearka shrugged nonchalantly. 'Now would you excuse me, I have a few appointments.'

'Be my guest.' Shiho smiled as Dearka strolled out of the room, whistling to himself softly. Sighing, she turned to huge empty room and stared across it for a few moments before leaning against the table. Turning her head slowly, she reached out with one slightly trembling hand and lifted the corner of the file slightly. Gulping down a lump in her throat, she turned the cover over slightly and felt her breath caught in her throat, even after so many views of the pictures.

It was horrifying.

Tearing her eyes from the appalling pictures, Shiho's knees weakened and she found herself slide down to the floor. Burying her face into her knees, Shiho bit her lips, trying to block out the memories, the horrible memories…

Outside, Yzak could only watch Shiho hold herself together weakly. Hesitating, he lowered his eyes and turned, leaving her alone, knowing it still wasn't the time.

'I don't know what to say Yzak, I really don't.' Ezaria Jule looked at her son with what only could be described as helplessness. 'What did you do to yourself Yzak?'

'I know what I'm doing Mother, trust me.' Yzak replied, sipping tea from his cup.

'You do know how serious this is don't you Yzak?' Ezaria asked, narrowing her eyes. 'Elthman made this appointment and clearly, he thinks there's still a chance to twist things around, that's why he wanted me to talk things out with you.'

'Even if you do, I'm not going to change my mind, or my stance Mother.' Yzak said firmly, setting his teacup down. 'I have my principles and I'm prepared to stick to them.'

'Do you know how serious it is? You're being relocated, kicked out of PLANT's senior council, out of the core political power! This could be the end of your career Yzak!' Ezaria cried.

'It's not.' Yzak narrowed his eyes at his Mother.

Ezaria's eyebrows furrowed. 'You can really ruin your career Yzak, trust me.'

Shooting his Mother a glance, Yzak leaned forward on his knees and looked down at his teacup, the conversation he had with Ted Elthman a few nights ago still ringing in his head.

'This talk is expected Yzak, don't give me that face.'

'I know, that's why I've been dreading this dinner party of yours.'

'You do know what you're doing right Yzak? This is your last chance, don't make a decision you'll regret for life Yzak, please, I don't want to see you ruin your own political career. If you keep on with this stubbornness, you might eventually ruin your military career as well.'

'I'm in politics Elthman, I know exactly how the game works and the rules.'

'If you know, then follow them.'

'Rules are meant to be broken in some ways Elthman.'

'I don't get it, what do you have against Wyleed anyway? Wasn't he your mentor?'

'Politics Elthman, you can't trust anyone and you can't give anyone your trust. In this council, everyone's enemies of everyone in some way, some time and some place. Lamar Wyleed may have helped me in the past, during my early months in the council, but I'm not going to a puppet of his disposal.'

'I'm not telling you to be manipulated by him or anything, but – '

'I've made my stance clear enough Elthman, I'm not going to support Lamar Wyleed in his run for Chairman, I'm not, and nor will I change my views on the disarmament issue. I have my principles and I'm going to keep up with them.'

'Yzak, you have to be flexible in politics, if you insist, you're going to pay the consequences.'

'And I'm ready to take them.'

'Trust me Mother, I know what I'm doing.' Yzak said reassuringly, sitting back. 'ITts not the end of the world, I'm going to make my way back into PLANT.'

Ezaria stared into his eyes. 'Once you're kicked out, it will be hard for you to get back in Yzak, that's the universal rule of politics.'

Yzak just looked at her in the eye. 'Then I'll be the first one to bend that rule Mother.'

After a few moments, Ezaria sighed heavily and sat back, racking one hand through her hair. 'You're just like you're Father Yzak.'

Yzak could only stare at his Mother silently. Uncrossing his legs, he stood up. 'I better be going, it's getting late.'

'You're leaving tomorrow, right?' Ezaria stood up as well.

Yzak nodded. 'Tomorrow afternoon to Gilbrater directly.'

Walking around the coffee table, Ezaria grabbed hold of Yzak's arm. 'I know you'll survive this Yzak, you're a survivor, like you're Father, a stubborn survivor.'

Sighing, Yzak gave his Mother a light pat on the shoulder. 'Have faith in me, everything's going to work out soon.' Leaning down his face slightly, he let his Mother give him a peck on the cheek before turning, leaving the living room silently. As he walked towards the huge double doors,

'Young master.' Vuit stood at the doors with his long coat hung over his arm ceremoniously.

'Thanks Vuit.' Yzak took the coat from him and shrugged it on, his eyes trained on his black uniform boots the whole time. Pulling at his collar, Yzak looked up and stared at the family's long-time valet. 'What do you think of me Vuit.'

Staring at him in the eye, Vuit opened his mouth. 'You're a spoiled brat who doesn't listen to other people and has a bad temper.'

Surprisingly, Yzak only smirk at him. 'That's my personal ad there.'

'You're making people worried.' Vuit said in a low voice.'

'But you have to take risks.' Yzak said quietly, staring at him. 'And that's what I'm doing right now.'

'Good night young master.' Taking a step back, Vuit bowed his head deeply.

'You take care, look after Niolava for me.' Yzak said. Smiling, he held out his hand, much to Vuit's surprise.

Holding out one hand hesitantly, Vuit shook it. 'Take care young master.'

Giving him one final nod, Yzak stepped out of the house and walked down the road towards his car. Climbing into it, he steered out of the small parking lot and cruised down the road, the black gates to the Jule Manor opening automatically.

Flipping on the radio, Yzak opened all four windows of his black sedan and rested his arm over the window, the summer breeze wipping through his hair. He needed fresh air, real fresh air, if you can find any at all on an artificial colony.

'Are you confident in your chance in the chairman election Mr. Wyleed?'

'Yes, and I'm looking forward to leading the council in the near future.'

'Reports say that your pupil Yzak Jule has been relocated to earth, do you have anything to say about this arrangement?'

'Well, Yzak's a military man and it's not uncommon for ZAFT to shift their men around, although his relocation will be a serious loss to the council, I assure.'

Narrowing his eyes, Yzak flipped the radio off as he steered into his sleeping quarter's parking lot. Parking his car, he climbed out and unlocked it. Whirling around, he walked to his building, just in time to catch the elevator. When he stepped out again, he stared down the quiet hallway for a few moments before walking to his door. Pausing, he turned his head slightly, watching as a familiar figure walked out of the shadows.

'You are so screwed Jule.' Rusty MacKenzie leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, the moonlight made his features barely visible.

'What makes you think I'm screwed?' Yzak asked, looking at him straight in the eye.

'You're being kicked out big time Yzak.' Rusty's smile faded. 'I'm really interested in how exactly you're going to pull Wyleed down.'

'You know a whole lot of it already Rusty, believe me.' Yzak snorted.

Rusty raised his eyebrows. 'You're playing a very risky game here, one wrong step and you'll fall hard.'

'That's how politics work, the higher the stakes, the better.' Yzak said darkly. 'And I'm counting on you to help me.'

'Aren't I already helping you?' Rusty asked with a sly smile. 'And apparently, you need all the help you can get.'

'And you two owe me it.' Snorting, Yzak ignored Rusty and entered his apartment, slamming the door shut behind him.

'Ouch.' Rusty sneered. Turning, he looked out the window, the sneer fading as he narrowed his eyes. 'You're really going to need all the help you can get Yzak.'

End of Chapter 13
8th January, 2006

A/N: Happy New Year everyone! I was supposed to update tomorrow but I had the time before I head for the airport, leaving Toronto in three hours. Anyway, thanks for the reviews and constructive criticism, the story will most likely come to a climax soon.