Back in Orb, the Minerva was docked at Onoguro for repairs. The ship had been significantly damaged in her previous battles. Captain Gladys was a little worried, but the Chief Representative assured her that the ship would be as good as new after the Orb technicians were done. Kira, remembering the expertise of the crew of the Archangel, decided to pay them a little visit...
Shinn, on the other hand, showed his fellow red coats around his homeland. To his surprise, the place hadn't changed much. He knew then that it was the efforts of Athrun and his friends who had made that possible. Athrun kindly reminded the boy not to thank him again.
Lunamaria marveled at the scenery. This truly was paradise, thought the girl. Rey just wanted to return to the Minerva. Although he appreciated the beauty of the place, he disliked being in civilian clothes. (Due to what had just happened, Talia ordered the crew not to wear their uniforms should they wish to visit the country.) But, Shinn was a good friend of his; a little discomfort wouldn't matter, he thought.
Murrue Ramius raised an eyebrow after she had taken a look at the Minerva. Her damage would take a long time to undo, thought the captain. In her capacity as a technician, she had called herself "Maria Vernes"; she hoped that Murdoch would remember that as well. Talia Gladys and Arthur Trine walked up to her. They wanted an opinion on how long the repairs would take.
"It would not be a quick job, Captain. She had taken a few hard knocks," was Murrue's assessment.
"Well, after chasing an enemy battleship with stolen MSes on board, this is what you get," sighed Gladys. Arthur kept his mouth shut. The captain had reminded him a few times that he tend to shoot his mouth off at the wrong instances.
"Don't worry. We'll fix her."
"We are counting on you, Miss Verne," said Arthur. Talia nodded her agreement.
"Captain Ramius, there's something which you need to see to right away," called out Murdoch. Murrue cringed; the senior mechanic had forgotten his instructions after all. Still oblivious to his mistake, he stood beside Murrue.
"Captain Ramius," asked an incredulous Arthur.
"Captain Murrue Ramius of the Archangel." Murrue knew that it was near-impossible to hide her identity now.
"Archangel? She was quite legendary in the last war," remembered Talia. She extended a hand towards "Maria".
"It's an honour meeting you in person." Murrue shook the hand warmly.
"I hope we would work together someday," mused Murrue.
"That day could be sooner than we think." The captain of the Minerva was not optimistic about the future. Murrue had the feeling that Gladys was right; in Orb, the rumours had begun to spread.
Cagalli had her work cut out for her. Besides sending aid to the affected areas, the other lords were asking for Orb's position should another war start. She was determined to keep the country neutral, but she knew that Orb may be forced to choose a side if she was threatened...
With Lord Djibril's divulgence of photographic evidence showing the rogue ZAFT units executing the drop, public opinion was starting to be manipulated into blaming Coordinators for the disaster. After viewing the programme on television, Shinn had wanted to pound Djibril. The rest of the crew were getting worked up as well. Athrun had a bad feeling about all this...
Kira was thinking hard. He knew that given half a choice, Orb would remain neutral, but to him, war was inevitable. The venom of Djibril's speech had convinced him that the EA would pursue the matter. Also, had Athrun not sided with him in the last war? He wanted to repay that favour. He decided to tell Cagalli of his decision. Although his sister didn't want him to leave, "It's your call." was her reply. Kira then asked Athrun out.
Over tea, Kira told his friend that he would join ZAFT. The ZAFT pilot choked on his drink.
"Are you all right," asked Kira. After clearing his throat, Athrun looked at his friend.
"Are you sure you want to fight again?"
"Who goes to war with a smile on their face? But I want to fight under circumstances of my own choosing," reasoned Kira.
"I'll take you to Captain Gladys. She would know what to do."
Talia looked at the potential enlistee. She wouldn't mind having Kira in ZAFT, after knowing of his act of valour in the battle of Orb, but she couldn't make the decision. That would have to come from the Chairman himself. Athrun decided to take his friend to Aprilius One. Kira insisted on piloting the Freedom to the PLANT. Giving the idea a thought, Athrun agreed.
As the Freedom and the Justice prepared for launch, the captain informed Durandal about the trip. Gilbert was pleased that Kira was going to enlist; he had respect for the teen. If he was to join ZAFT, the combat abilities of the Minerva would increase exponentially. He made the preparations to receive his guests...
As the duo approached the Chairamn, they noticed a familiar figure beside him.
"I thought I should ask her to be here. After all, you didn't manage to say goodbye when you left, if my memory serves me correctly," explained Durandal. Athrun hugged his wife. Although they had not been apart for long, he missed Lacus.
She was happy to inform Athrun that both former chairmen were well.
Looking at Kira, Gilbert sighed, "Looks like your enlistment was just in time." Seeing the bewildered look on the teen's face, the Chairman explained himself.
"The president of the Atlantic Federation have sent an ultimatum to PLANT's Supreme Council. We are accused of harbouring the terrorists that had committed the drop, even though all of them had been killed. The demands required us to dismantle ZAFT, dismiss the current Supreme Council, and to submit to Earth Alliance inspectors."
Kira, Athrun and Lacus knew that such demands were totally outrageous. Durandal expressed his wish to find a diplomatic solution, but according to him, the Earth military had already begun deploying forces and "PLANT would be forced to man its defense line."
"Fear can drive people to do such things," commented Lacus. She suspected that the Naturals' hostility on Earth had prompted the ultimatum. Gilbert nodded his agreement. He then took out three little boxes and handled them to the trio. When they opened it, they saw a badge resembling a white wing emerging from a golden elliptical orb.
"This represents your appointment into FAITH: Fast Acting Intergrate Tactical Headquarters. Members are solely answerable to me, and their authority is above those of Squadron Commanders."
Kira couldn't believe that he would be elevated to such a status on his first day in ZAFT. He tried to return the badge.
"To refuse the appointment would mean that you insult my judgement of you, Kira, and I pride myself on my judgements of character. Your deeds so far could not be acknowledged by merely letting you into the ranks of the red coats." To Lacus, he bowed.
"I would be honoured if you put that badge on your husband, and the son of our former Chairman." Lacus proceeded to pin the badge on Athrun. Gilbert then beckoned then to follow him. They entered a hangar where a MS was parked. From its look, the two pilots could tell that it was a brand new one.
"The ZGMF-X23S Saviour, one of our latest units. I wish for you to pilot it, Kira."
"Thank you, Chairman, but I'll be happy if you would allow me to continue with the Freedom." It was a gift from Athrun, and he would not give it up for the world. Durandal then turned towards Athrun. It would be rude to reject a gift from the Chairman, he thought. He saluted the Chairman.
"If you do not mind, Chairman, I'll accept it on his behalf."
"Very well. Athrun, the badge which you hold is meant for Captain Talia Gladys. Be sure to inform her the moment you return to Orb. Also, Kira Yamato would become part of the Minerva's crew." Kira saluted the Chairman.
"You two had best be on your way." After bidding farewell to the Chairman and Lacus, the two boarded their MSes and prepared for their return...
On board the Minerva, Kira changed into the ZAFT red coat for the first time. As Athrun waited for him outside the changing room, he wondered about the Chairman's motives. He didn't go very far as Kira came out in his new uniform.
"You look good in this," commented Athrun. The duo then made their way to the captain's office. After receiving her appointment, the captain welcomed her latest crew member. She asked Athrun to introduce him to the rest of the red coats first.
In the mess hall, Shinn was discussing about the current crisis with Rey and the Hawke sisters when the duo came along. As he greeted the two, he noticed the uniform Kira was wearing. He stared at Athrun.
"From today onwards, Kira Yamato will be a part of the Minerva." As Shinn was trying to take in the news, Athrun introduced Lunamaria and Meyrin Hawke. Lunamaria shook his hand warmly, while Meyrin briefly explained her role as the Minerva's Combat Information Control officer.
"Kira, this is Rey Za Burrel." As he extended a hand forward, Kira couldn't help but feel that he had seen the teen before. Also, before entering the room, he had another sensation. It was the same as the one he had at the armoury.
"Nice to meet you," said Rey in a plain tone. Unknown to Kira, he had also felt the same sensation. As Rey shook Kira's hand, Shinn whispered to Athrun.
"Do you think the two dislike each other? They sure are lukewarm."
"Kira's a little shy around strangers. I'm sure they will become good friends." He then reminded Kira to let Cagalli know that he was no longer with the Orb military. Kira wondered what his sister would say. As for himself, he realised that he would be fighting this war (when, not if, it happens) with his fellow Coordinators. Upon remembering his secret, he knew then that he would never truly blend in with either side. He would have to shoulder this burden alone...
Afterthoughts
-Please RnR!