First of all, video footage of the battle over Berlin was beamed to the masses. As people expressed their horrors over the devastation, Durandal began.
"Citizens of the world, the Earth Alliance's excuse for this battle was to liberate Western Eurasia from ZAFT, but, does liberation meant destruction?"
For those who had fought in the battle, the video footage was largely accurate, although scenes depicting the stopping of the Destroy was limited to the giant MS halting its actions by itself, with the Impulse hovering near it. "Lacus Clyne" appeared before the camera.
"Although this war was set up by radical extremists within ZAFT..."
"ZAFT wishes to support those who wanted to break free of the Alliance for humanitarian reasons," continued Durandal. He then revealed the highlight of the conference: the photos and names of all members of the organisation LOGOS.
"These people that all of you are seeing now are the Alliance's military or industrial benefactors. They have been manipulating world events from the shadows, and were the cause of major wars, including the one we are having now. Even the Alliance's Blue Cosmos rulers are just a tool of theirs. Who are they? LOGOS. That's what they are."
In Orb, Cagalli's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Her spies on the Seirans had sent her photographs of some of the people that she was now seeing on the screen. She got Kisaka to put the military on standby. The Representative couldn't tell how much the Seirans had been doing behind her back. Also, the Archangel was to return to Orb immediatly. On the other hand, the Seirans and those lords who were in league with LOGOS members were shivering in their seats.
Upon receiving the order, the crew of the Archangel reluctantly left the refugees, but not before leaving behind a large portion of their supplies. As for the Minerva, she was relieved by a ZAFT division. Durandal had thought about the crisis in Berlin the day before. As she headed back to Gibraltar, her crew was discussing the implications of the Chairman's words. Kira and Athrun knew that something big was about to come their way.
"LOGOs wanted people to fight for their profit. As such, ZAFT will destroy this group in order to bring peace between Earth and the PLANTs..."
Lord Djibril exploded. After unsuccessfully ordering the broadcast to be cut off, he could only sit and watch as Durandal exposed his side, the organisation behind Blue Cosmos. Already, he could imagine the anti-LOGOS cries of the masses. Regardless, he was sure that the LOGOS stronghold would be able to withstand any attack.
After the conference had ended, Gilbert thought about his previous "conversations" with his old friend. He had made his first move. How will his opponent respond? The match had just begun, and he was determined to prove that his way was the correct one.
As expected, the speech greatly strengthen Earth's support for ZAFT, and weakened civilian support for the Alliance. Already, the EA was nearing total collapse. The Atlantic Federation would more or less be fighting ZAFT on their own. A few days after the conference, several EA naval fleets defected and station themselves at Gibraltar. The ZAFT campaign to destroy LOGOS and Blue Cosmos had begun. Durandal now turned his attention towards his own men. He had noted the "disappearance" of the Eternal. Also, both Kira and Athrun had outdone themselves; their independence could be used against himself should they choose to do so. He decided to give them a little test.
Athrun was accompanying Meer around Gibraltar. Although he knew that it was not really Lacus that was by his side, he missed her so much that he gradually warmed to Meer's presence. On her part, Meer was a little surprised that Athrun had accepted her. She tried hard to remind herself that it was a dream; she wouldn't want to wake up if that was the case. Suddenly, Athrun's handphone rang. It was Kira.
"Athrun, the Chairman wishes to see us."
"I'll be there." After telling Meer the reason, the pilot excused himself.
"Ah, there you are, Athrun. Come, I have some things to show the two of you," said the Chairman as Athrun joined him and Kira. The chairman led the pilots into the mobile suit factory. The factory was at work producing new suits. There was nothing unusual about that, thought the boys. As Kira looked more closely at the MSes being assembled, he realised what Durandal had wanted to show them.
"Chairman! These are..."
"That's right. Thanks to Shinn's efforts, we've managed to piece together the plans of the Destroy."
"Why would ZAFT need such firepower," questioned Athrun.
"For defence, of course. Unlike the EA, I would never authorise the use of these units as offensive weapons." The boys were somewhat unconvinced by that, but they held their tongues. The Chairman led them to a nearby hangar. Shinn was there, waiting for someone.
"I hope you haven't waited for too long."
"Not at all, Chairman," greeted the pilot. Kira and Athrun had no idea why the younger teen was joining them.
Inside the hangar, the trio could make out the shapes of two MSes. The older boys were reminded of the times where they saw the Justice and the Freedom for the first time. However, they were sure that more surprises were to come. Upon Durandal's cue, the lights were switched on.
As Shinn stared in awe at the majestic units, Durandal began his introduction.
"The ZGMF-X42S Destiny and the ZGMF-X666S Legend, the latest work by our talented engineers. Shinn, you'll be the Destiny's pilot."
"Me?" Shinn was speechless. Durandal smiled. He then turned towards the FAITH pilots.
"Which one of you would like to become the Legend's pilot," asked the Chairman. Kira and Athrun looked at the man. His gaze seemed to be challenging them...
"I'll accept that honour, Chairman."
"Ah... Very well. Since the matter had been settled, all of you are dismissed." As the trio took their leave, Durandal took out his phone. Once he was sure that they were gone, he made a call.
"Captain Gladys, you may inform the MPs on standby that they are no longer needed. However, tell them to be on the lookout tonight."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Isn't this amazing? The Destiny and the..."
"Shinn, if you don't mind, Kira and I would like to be alone." As Shinn tried to figure out what was troubling his friends, the duo quickened their pace.
"The Chairman was testing us back there," mused Kira.
"With your agreement of being the Legend's pilot, we may have ducked under the radar this time. But, with the Destroy in mass production..." Athrun halted his steps. Kira looked at his comrade.
"I think it's time we leave this place." Athrun's voice had dropped to a whisper.
"We can't simply walk out like that. We'll be killed."
"I know. That's why I intend to ask for another person's help," said Athrun grimly. He hated to drag a third party into their escape plans. But, without her help, it would be difficult for them to get out of the Minerva.
"You want to get others involved in this?" Kira had his doubts over this problem.
"Without her help, I dare say that we can forget about escaping without alerting the whole base."
"Her? Who exactly do you have in mind?"
"Follow me." As the pair walked to Athrun's car, dark clouds had begun to gather in the sky.
"A storm's coming," mumbled Athrun to himself.
"Kira? Athrun? Is there something I can be of help," asked Meyrin Hawke. She didn't expect the FAITH pilots to pay her a visit.
"May we come in," asked Athrun. Meyrin nodded.
"The place's a little small, but make yourselves comfortable."
As the pilots sat down, Kira wondered what Athrun was up to. As the CIC of the Minerva, Meyrin would indeed be of great help to them. But, would she be willing to join them? Also, he couldn't imagine how Lunamaria might react.
"Meyrin, we need your help." Athrun went straight to the point.
"My help? With what?"
"Help us... escape from the Minerva." The girl gasped.
"Why," asked Meyrin after she had gotten over the initial shock. To her, the two boys stood for the qualities that she believed ZAFT's elite should have. Now, they intend to betray the Chairman's trust in them?
"Meyrin, the Chairman has put the Destroy into mass production! Surely, you realise what that means?" Athrun could no longer hide the disgust in his voice. The thought of ZAFT using these monsters was enough to make him sick.
"Also, the Lacus Clyne that you now see on TV is an imposter," added Kira. The girl stared at Kira, then at Athrun.
"We've told you our plans, Meyrin. If you don't help us, I'm afraid..."
"Athrun!" Kira couldn't believe that his friend was willing to go to such extreme measures. Meyrin, however, shook her head.
"There'll be no need for that, Athrun. I trust you. I'm in." By now, it had begun to rain, and with the sun setting, it was ominously dark. Meyrin thought for a while.
"When do you guys intend to leave?"
"Now, if possible. If this drags on, we might find it impossible to escape later," stated Athrun.
"I'll hack into the Minerva's security system, and time an alarm to be set off. With the distraction, you guys should be able to get to the hangar."
"We will not leave you behind, Meyrin. The Freedom has more than enough space for another passenger."
"It's settled, then. Set the timer for 20 minutes. We'll be inside the ship by then." The lady went to work right away. After tapping away at the keyboard for a few moments, she was done...
The guards didn't suspect anything as the car pulled up at the checkpoint. Once inside the base, the trio headed straight for the Minerva. Once they had boarded the ship, Meyrin checked her watch. It should go off any time now...
A siren sounded on the bridge of the ship. Talia demanded a report.
"Captain! Something has triggered the alarm in sector 21," replied Arthur.
"Get the MPs to investigate! Raise the alert level to yellow!"
As the trio looked at the guards rushing past them, they discreetly made their way to the hangar. The ruse worked; no one else was in the area. They quickly boarded their MSes. Once the Freedom and the Saviour had come online, Kira blasted the way clear.
"Captain! The Freedom and the Saviour are active! Also, the hangar has been breached!"
"What!" The captain immediatly reported this to Durandal. The Chairman was calm when he received the news. He had just discussed the issue of the FAITH pilots with Rey. Although Kira had agreed to pilot the Legend, Rey agreed with Gilbert that the pair still needed to be watched.
"Get Shinn and Rey to launch in the Destiny and the Legend. If Kira and Athrun resist arrest, destroy the Freedom and the Saviour!"
Shinn's cellphone rang. Who could it be, thought the teen.
"Rey, what is it?"
"Get ready to launch in the Destiny! We're going after the Freedom and the Saviour!" Despite his shock, Shinn ran all the way to the hangar...
"What the hell's going on," asked Shinn as he started the Destiny's G.U.N.D.A.M. OS.
"It appears that Kira and Athrun are intending to flee ZAFT. With the secrets they know and their skills, there's no telling how much damage they can cause!" Rey was impatient to launch in the Legend.
His best friends, traitors of ZAFT? There must be an explanation for this...
As the Freedom and the Saviour made their way through the storm, Kira and Athrun discussed their next move once they reached Orb. Meyrin held her breath. They must have planned this a long time ago, she thought. Suddenly, their instruments picked up two MSes hot on their trail, and closing in. Both pilots knew that their pursuers must be the Destiny and the Legend. Shinn's voice sounded over the intercoms.
"Kira! Athrun! What are the two of you doing?"
"It's useless talking to them!" The Legend fired at the Freedom. As he dodged the shots, Kira was reminded of his fight at Jachin Due. Could it be that he was wrong, that Rey Za Burrel was indeed related to Rau Le Creuset? For now, such questions would have to wait.
"Shinn, Meyrin is also inside the Freedom," shouted Athrun. Shinn was finding it difficult to breathe. Lunamaria's sister was escaping as well? He activated the Destiny's Wings. The unit overtook the Freedom and halted in front of it.
"Kira, come back with me! If there's any problem, Chairman Durandal will be able to solve it!"
"Shinn, Durandal IS the problem," replied Kira. While the Destiny hovered in the air, the Freedom surged past it. The Destiny followed behind the unit.
"Remember our orders," reminded Rey as the Legend turned its attention towards the Saviour. Athrun was bristling. As he avoided the Legend's attacks, he had one question in mind.
"Rey! Why are you poisoning Shinn's mind against us?"
"If the two of you escape, the chairman's campaign against LOGOS would be drastically affected. I will not allow that to happen!"
As he struggled with himself, Shinn Asuka finally decided what to do. The Destiny halted its pursuit.
"Rey, stop it."
"Shinn!"
"I said, 'Stop it!'" To emphasize his point, the Destiny flew right in front of the Legend. Rey sighed. Judging from his tone, the blond knew that Shinn had the intention of letting his friends go.
"Kira, Athrun, the next time we meet, we will be enemies," noted Shinn grimly. In response to that, the FAITH pilots took down their pins. This was it, thought Shinn. Their friendship was over.
As the Freedom and the Saviour flew off in silence, the Legend and the Destiny made their way back to base.
"It's best that you have an explanation ready for the Chairman," said Rey with a resigned tone. Shinn knew that he didn't have any, and that would be his reply to Durandal...
Afterthoughts
-Please RnR!