"Th-the Angels of Death? Here?" Arnold Neumann said with clear fear in his voice. "B-but I thought… I th-thought they were all wiped out in Endymion."
"Almost, they sacrificed themselves to let ZAFT escape Endymion before the Cyclops went off. Took out my entire Corps and over half of the 3rd Fleet." Mu said, as he turned to Millicas. "I'm assuming that the DRAKEs are piloted by the other three survivors of your Corps."
"Yes, they are." Millicas said, before he turned to Captain. "Captain, we've got to launch and face them head on."
"Captain, priority message from Montgomery." Natarle spoke up before Murrue could react. "They are ordering us to withdraw from the area at full speed. They will fight a delaying action…"
"A delaying action?! Coopman must be crazy, there is no way he and his force can stand up to a Bactria-class and a Nazca, not to mention prototypes and DRAKEs." Mu said with incredulous tone. "Commander is right. Our only chance is to stand and fight them head on, Captain." Murrue was clearly conflicted about it all, before she turned to Millicas and spoke up.
"Do we stand a chance if we fight them now, Commander?" Murrue asked of him, and Millicas answered immediately.
"We do, if we act now. Sogdiana and the 1st will most likely focus on us, and even if we run, they'll catch up with us, or worse, set another ambush." Millicas told them. "Right now, either we stand and fight, or flee to be caught again. I'm for fighting."
"Then we'll stand and fight. All hands to battle stations, pilots to their machines, prepare all weapons…" Murrue immediately began to give out the orders, with Mu and Millicas already out of the bridge and on their way to dress up for battle.
"Assume Epsilon-1 formation, support units into the back of the formation. DRAKE EXEA, make ready to deploy your pods." Faye gave out orders to her forces, as they flown towards their enemies. "Drake Re ACT, assume position of the right and be ready for interceptions."
"Roger that. MWPs are armed and ready for deployment, Commander." Shiho reported, as her specially modified DRAKE moved close to Buster Gundam.
"On it." Grayson called out, as his own DRAKE maneuvered to the side with swiftness and mobility that almost seemed human like.
"Do not accelerate above your current speed, or else they'll pick you off one by one. Le Creuset team, remain in the back and be ready for my signal." Faye commanded, as she adjusted course slightly. "Sogdiana, what's the status of the enemy and of the Gamow?"
"The advance fleet is deploying its MA compliment and is maneuvering to face us. The Legged Ship also appears to be doing the same. We are detecting its catapults being opened, preparing to launch their Mobile Suits." Comms officer reported, with Faye having figured that this will be their play. "The Gamow reports they will be entering combat zone in 8 to 10 minutes, all MS are ready are on standby."
"So, the rats are finally prepared to fight." Yzak called out. "Good, I was almost afraid that they would tuck tail and run again!" At those words, Duel began to accelerate, but Grayson's DRAKE immediately put itself near it and forced it back into the formation.
"Cool your engines, kid, or did you not hear Commander's orders?" Grayson called to him. "We approach in formation and await her command."
"I've had enough of your commander her ordering me around! She's not my commander, and I'll not be ordered around by a traitor's bedwarmer!" At that point, Duel and Buster broke formation, as did Le Creuset's CGUE and his GINN HMs, rushing off towards the enemy.
"Fucking idiots… Orders, Faye?" Alex asked of her, with Faye gritting her teeth, before answering.
"Full combat speed, we've no other choice now." The group accelerated its flight towards the enemy, before Faye received a call from Sogdiana.
"Commander, enemy has launched its MS compliment. Detecting two prototypes, one Moebius Zero and a modified DRAKE." Faye's eyes narrowed, as she looked at the radar.
"So it begins…" She quietly said to herself, before starting to give out orders.
"Cagalli, Kira, tie up the prototypes, while I mop up their advance force. Mu, you deploy to the right flank of the advance fleet and stand by there." Millicas ordered, as his DRAKE flown towards the incoming enemy, armed with a missile launcher, beam rifle attached to his hip, shield and beam sabers, as well as spare magazines.
"What, why?" Mu asked immediately, as he launched from the Archangel.
"If those prototypes are here with Le Creuset's Nazca, then the Laurasia is not far as well, and if I known Faye, she'll have it attack from the flank with a second force of MSs." Millicas then looked at the map, seeing the CGUE and 3 GINNs HM break off and making an attack run on the EA's fleet. "I'll keep the DRAKEs and Sogdiana busy. Archangel, target the Sogdiana. Lancer and Strike, no matter what, do not stray too far from the cover of the ship. They will try and pick you off one by one, so don't give that chance." And with those words stated, Millicas pushed his DRAKE forwards Le Creuset, positioning himself above them.
Just as it seemed like the four MSs were ready to begin their attack run on the enemy ships, the most left one suddenly had been struck by a missile into its engine, exploding half a second afterwards, just as the red DRAKE blitzed from above, and sliced with a beam saber in midflight the orange GINN HM in half.
Taking out its legs and then engines, Millicas left adrift in the space, wasting no more time on it and before even recovering from his dive, he maneuvered his DRAKE and then fired at the third GINN HM. First shot was a miss, as the pilot maneuvered away to the right, but then he was hit by a precise shot from Lancer's sniper rifle, destroying it in the process, but before Millicas could even smile, his machine was fired upon by CGUE's machinegun and Gatling, with several shots hitting their mark just as Millicas decelerated.
One of the shots reached the magazine of the loaded missile launcher, and then the triggered armament went off, creating a powerful explosion, with Le Creuset smirking from his seat, as he observed the fireball go off.
"Same old Lucifuge, same old tricks." Le Creuset said with a bit of malice, as he had anticipated Millicas to act like that, and so baited him into attacking. "You really should've learned by now." Rau could not help but gloat a little.
"Oh, but I did." Le Creuset's eyes widened when he heard Millicas' voice over open channel, and before he could react, DRAKE appeared right before his CGUE and then chopped off it's right arm, grabbing the freed machinegun. "I'll borrow this for a bit." And then it fired at CGUE's Gatling, destroying it and damaging CGUE's left arm significantly, before proceeding to aim directly at Le Creuset's cockpit.
"You are mine, traitor!" Before Millicas was able to line up his shot, he heard a familiar voice, and then shots started come from Duel, rushing him, forcing DRAKE to maneuver and fly away.
"Was that… Yzak Joule?" Millicas asked himself, as he dodged another shot from Duel, who was busy lining up for another one, when suddenly it was shot in the arm by Strike, who charged at Duel. "Nice one, Kira."
"You go on ahead, Commander. Kira and I've got it covered here." Cagalli called out to him, as her Lancer closed distance with Buster, raking at it from the distance and forcing it to maneuver, before she in turn was forced to evade fire from Blitz and Aegis, who were rushing to Buster. "Commander, looks the whole Power Rangers squad is here, meaning that DRAKEs are near too." She called out, as she spun around and moved to outflank Blitz, as Duel and Strike hurried to join.
"Got it. Focus on them, I'll keep the DRAKEs busy." Millicas called out, and then activated the full throttle on his DRAKE, rushing at full speed towards his former comrades.
"Dammit, would you give it up already?!" Buster's pilot called out, as he took a shot at his knee from Lancer, losing it completely in the explosion. "Fuck, not again!"
"Should've learned your lesson, hot shot." Cagalli said, as she lined her cannons and fired, with Buster barely managing to evade a killing shot, instead being hit in the hip, taking out its Railgun and damaging it even further, as its hydraulics seemed to give out and it stopped moving. "This one's finished and… Dammit!" Cagalli cursed, as Blitz suddenly appeared out of nowhere above her and swung it's saber at her, with Cagalli only saved thanks to last moment's Lancer's full throttle to the side, as she flew to rejoin Kira, who was struggling to shake off Duel.
"Kira, move down when I fire and take Blitz on. I'll handle Duel." Cagalli ordered him, as she suddenly stopped, lining up her rifle and cannons, and then fired at Strike.
"Got it!" The moment Cagalli fired, was when Strike dived down and the three shots hit Duel, with one finding it's mark at his shield, while the other two took out his main camera and at its right side and arm, damaging the cockpit in the process.
"ARGH! It hurts! I-it hurts…" Was all that was heard from Duel on the open channel, as the machine came to a halt, with Lancer turning around and moving to Strike's side, before launching a pincer attack on the Blitz, but only to be interrupted by fire from Aegis' main caliber cannon.
"Damn it… Commander, Duel and Buster are heavily damaged and can't move." Athrun called Faye, as Aegis transformed and began exchanging shots with Lancer, while Blitz was dueling Strike.
"Gamow's team is two minutes away. I'll dispatch someone from them to pick them up. Keep the pressure on the prototypes and do not let up." Faye ordered over the radio, as Lancer's cannons fired at Aegis, with Athrun evading by climbing up and firing back, hitting Lancer's shield, with it not wasting a chance to fire back and nearly take out Aegis' thruster again
"They've gotten a lot better." Athrun noted, as he maneuvered away, pretending to disengage and launch an attack on the Legged Ship, only for him to again maneuver away, as its twin cannons fired at him. "Damn it, if only those two had listened to orders…"
"Athrun, a little help here!" Nicol called out, as Blitz sent out it's grapple at Strike, who evaded it and fired at the exposed MS, nearly hitting Nicol's left arm.
"Hold on, I'm coming, Nicol!" Aegis rushed towards the Strike, but not before Lancer intercepted it and again engaged it, this time with beam saber in hand.
Just as Cagalli engaged the Buster Gundam, the Seraph was heading at full speed straight towards his former comrades, and soon enough to were within sensor range, and once Millicas was able to see them, he realized that he wasn't facing simple DRAKEs. He has already heard through backchannels that ZAFT had allowed a new limited series of upgraded DRAKEs, called DRAKE Re, to be produced, intending to supplement their forces with them, with their main features being modular design and high potential for customization. And it looked like all three of his former Angels made use of that feature, as all of their machines were different in appearance, load-out and apparently role.
Faye's DRAKE was the most visually different, sporting a new backpack that reminded Millicas of a flight support system, while the DRAKE's body was bulkier, with more armor strapped on it, possibly being an upgraded version of the Assault Shroud. Like the other two, Faye's unit was armed with beam rifle, but she also appeared to have two beam cannons mounted onto flight system, and quadruple missiles on each wing, all the while she sported her signature violet colors, infamous color of the "Witch of Jachin Due."
Alex's black and blue DRAKE at a first glance seemed not so different from others, but once Millicas took a closer look, he saw two shields mounted on his arms, which reminded him of Blitz's "Trikeros" Shield Offensive System, though unlike Blitz', Grayson's were much smaller, more narrow and moved to the bottom. They didn't have space for missiles, but their configuration was far better suited for housing beam weaponry and close range fighting, which was Alex's main tactic, which had earned him his moniker of "Black Templar."
And finally, Shiho's green DRAKE sported beam cannons and what appeared to be a battery backpack for additional energy capacity, as she took a position at the rear, with Millicas knowing this was not out of fear. Shiho had been the leader of his fire support team and excelled at long range engagements, as she had demonstrated time and time again, and he also knew that she had been working on beam technology for ZAFT back when he still was in the academy. From the looks of things, ZAFT had already reverse-engineered the G-Weapon's tech and began applying it to their own forces, with 1st Corps being the first ones receive it all.
As he rushed towards them, with Faye and Alex on the intercept course, Millicas knew that he was being led into the trap, but he also knew that if these three engaged directly in the fighting, then Archangel and others were done for. And yet he also felt like there was more than was appeared on the surface, and then, seemingly on the hunch, he took another look at Shiho's machine, specifically it's backpack.
"It's too big for a simple battery… No, it's a weapon's rack!" Millicas realized what it was, and then a few seconds later all of a sudden, four beam shots from above and below him followed, with a massive explosion coming in the next second.
"D-did I j-just…" Shiho's shocked voice was heard in Faye's radio, as she and her team observed the explosion, after EXEA's Weapon Pods fired at Millicas' DRAKE. "C-commander… N-no…"
"Shiho, below you!" Alex's voice snapped both Shiho and Faye out of their combined stupor, just in time for the red DRAKE to appear from below Shiho's machine, and slice off one of its weapons, before maneuvering away and then taking position before all, revealing himself in full to his former comrades, machinegun and rifle drawn out.
"Wireless Weapon Module Pods… You almost had me there for a second, Shiho. Nice shooting, as always." Millicas spoke up on the open channel, showing to all that it was indeed him, revealing himself on the monitors of his former teammates. "Although they could use a bit of an adjustment in the targeting, but overall, I'd say that's an improvement on the original Gunbarrels design."
"C-commander Lucifuge…" Shiho said with a quiet tone, as she collected herself. "It really is you."
"Well, guess we are really in it now." Alex spoke up, as he positioned his DRAKE for the attack. "Commander, I wish I could say it's good to see you… But I think you already know why we are here."
"Yeah, I was afraid that the Council might send you after us." Millicas admitted to them, before he turned his head to the all too familiar violet machine. "Best to stalk your pray near its lair, instead of chasing it all over the forest. You learned that lesson well, Angel-2." Millicas praised Faye, a faint smile on his lips.
"Commander… Millicas, no matter what had happened between you and ZAFT, we can work it out." Faye decided to plead to him, for she the least wished to engage him in a battle. "Please, surrender yourself to us, and we will with…" At that very moment, Vesalius suddenly opened fire at Millicas' position, forcing him to evade, and one of the green bolts was coming too close to Faye's machine.
Without event thinking, Millicas' DRAKE flew in between Faye and the beam, using his shield to block the shot and save Faye's life, shocking all three of his former teammates, as well as Captain Gladys of Sogdiana, who observed the entire exchange. Thankfully, Millicas' shield was able to withstand the pressure and got away with only being singed and slightly damaged, but this meant that there was no more point to negotiations.
"Captain Ades, what the bloody hell are you doing?!" Alex Grayson shouted on the open channel. "You nearly killed Commander Delys! Did you suddenly had taken a leave of your senses, or are you in the mood for some court martialing?!"
"I can assure you, he is perfectly sane, though I think the same cannot be said of all four of you." Rau Le Creuset's voice was heard over the channel, as his CGUE appeared to have entered into the Vesalius' hangar, making it clear on who gave the order to fire. "Commander Delys, I believe Chairman Zala's orders in regards to this man were perfectly clear, or are you refusing to obey them? This man is a traitor, and in case you haven't noticed, he has killed two of your pilots already, or are you going to simply allow him to do as he pleases? If that is the case, then Chairman Zala has also provided me with according orders."
"Le Creuset, I'll have your damn hide for this…" Faye hissed out in anger, but then registered that Vesalius launched all of its missiles, directly at them. "He's mad... Millicas…" But Millicas didn't hear her, as his DRAKE shot from the spot and directly towards intercept course of the missiles.
Once he had registered that all of them were locked on to him, Millicas then maneuvered his DRAKE, going full throttle and the infamous red wings appeared, as missiles trailed behind the Red Angel, as it laid its course straight towards Vesalius. The Nazca-class didn't waste time and opened fire with all it had, but the red MS proved true to its infamy, as it evaded and maneuvered away from the shots, until it suddenly flew above the ship and then dived straight it, seemingly on the collision course, with the missiles not far behind. The ship attempted to maneuver away, but the MS and the chasing it missiles were too fast, and Millicas flew just two centimeters away from Nazca's midsection, as the missiles all hit its stern and engines, causing massive damage and explosions, before igniting its missile magazines.
The ship was torn apart, with only a CGUE managing to escape from there, and just as Millicas prepared to go after it, a beam barrage from Grayson's twin beam weapons prevented him, before he quickly closed the distance and activated two powerful beam sabers, intending to cut Millicas.
Reacting to the fast approaching and powerful foe, the red DRAKE moved it's shield to block the attacks, yet Grayson had deactivated one saber and moved his shield to fire at Millicas' vulnerable lower side. Sensing the incoming danger without seeing it, Millicas suddenly spun his red DRAKE in a barrel roll, disorienting Grayson, before kicking Alex's MS in the head, sending it away.
"Ow, hey! I just had it freshly painted, Commander!" Grayson called out, as he regained the attitude of his machine and opened fire, but Millicas evaded him but flying straight into the still blazed Vesalius.
Losing his opponent in for a moment, another mental warning went off in Millicas' head, and he moved his machine to the right, just two powerful beams fired at him, with one grazing DRAKE's shield. Once he was out of the cloud of smock, fire and debris, Millicas was face to face with Faye's machine, which fired at him, intending to disable him, with her mounted beam weaponry, with Millicas avoiding and firing back, missing as she evaded, and then the chase was on, as both Faye and Grayson flew at full speeds to chase Millicas down.
Though their machines were upgraded from normal DRAKEs, so was his, and his MS was the fastest one, as he used his advantage to evade and maneuver away from the shots behind, before he found his target in Shiho, moving straight at her. Firing shots back and forth at each other, both seemed to attempt disable one another, but then Shiho's Weapon Pods finally maneuvered and fired at the red DRAKE, with Millicas managing to evade one of them, but due to the overlapping fields of fire, thanks to Faye and Alex, he did suffer a hit on his left leg, taking out an auxiliary thruster and reducing his speed.
"Ugh, they've forced me into the field of fire… Clever." Millicas said, as he observed Alex' unit gain far more speed, rivaling that of Millicas' original, accelerating at him. "He's also attached Aegis' thrusters to his machine. Alright, enough playing around." And at that point, he disengaged the performance limiters on his machine for the first time since Endymion, and finally bringing out its full potential, as he bolted akin to a winged lighting, with Alex missing his shot by a mere second.
"What the?! Was he playing with us all this time?" Alex asked aloud of all, as he then saw Millicas bolt towards one of the weapon pods, taking out with a machine gun, until firing a beam to the second, destroying it just a second after the first. "How did he manage to find both MWPs at the same time?"
"He must've figured out that there is a lag in between command input and execution." Shiho said, bringing up the problem that they've still failed to fix, while Millicas suddenly rushed towards Alex. "He's gunning after Alex. I'll cover you." Shiho called out, as she opened fire at Millicas, but he was able to evade her shots, while Alex's DRAKE Re ACT charged at Millicas with full speed, both sabers drawn out, seemingly ready to take him out.
"Now, Faye!" And then the Black Templar made a backflip with his boosters, opening the line of fire for Faye's machine, firing it's rifle and cannons at Millicas, with him diving down to evade, and then lining himself for a shot and taking it, hitting one of Faye's missile racks, taking out her flight support, forcing her to eject it.
"He hasn't lost a step."Commented Faye, as Millicas flew away from her and Alex, changing course closer towards Sogdiana. "What's the status of Gamow?" And that that time, two of the Drake-class ships and one Nelson were hit and were sinking.
"Looks like they are here at last, but it looks like they are having trouble on their end." Alex said, as he and others pursued Millicas, while observing Mobile Armors swarming the incoming GINNs, with one Moebius Zero seemingly leading them. "Commander must've anticipated this, hence why he held that Moebius Zero back. But it looks like we've managed to retrieve our disabled units. Should we disengage and help them out?"
"Shiho, support Heine's group with long range fire. We'll handle Commander." Faye commanded. "Captain, what's the status on the Legged Ship?" Faye asked of Talia.
"We are engaging it as we speak, Commander, but she is proving to be a very stubborn ship, not to mention seriously well-armed." Talia responded, as her Sogdiana traded fire with the Legged Ship, with one beam turret grazing and taking out one of linear guns, before Sogdiana in turn was hit back. "Damage report?"
"Main turret B has taken a hit, decompression and fires are in progress on the decks 3 to 5. Anti-breach system is activated." One of her officers called out.
"How long until "Garm" is able to fire again?" Talia asked the gunner.
"Eight seconds until targeting solution is reached." She received her answer, before she turned to Faye.
"We are preparing to fire on their bridge and…" At that moment, just as the main cannon of Sogdiana was about to fire, an explosion racked the ship. "Damage…"
"Garm's" primary and secondary energy capacitors were destroyed! We've lost control and can't fire it, ma'am!" The officer called out, just as Talia saw the red DRAKE fly out from the bottom of her ship, with all realizing what had happened.
"Sorry for about the "Garm," Captain." Talia's eyes widened when she heard Millicas' voice over the open channel, just as his MS began to circle around Alex's DRAKE, before firing back at Faye. "Now if you'll excuse me…" And then he and the other two Angles engaged in what could only described a flight of death, as Millicas parried, evaded, countered and fight off his former comrades with all he had.
"Hey, kids! I could use some help in here, they are slaughtering us out here!" Mu La Flaga called out, as his Moebius was damaged and was forced to retreat back to the Archangel, while another two Drakes went down.
"Kira, can you hold these two off?" Cagalli asked, as she blocked a shot from Aegis and fired back, forcing it back, while the Montgomery was starting to come under fire from Gamow.
"Yeah, I'll manage, Cagalli." Kira assured her, as he dueled Blitz, with Cagalli flying off to engage the GINNs, her weapons ready and drawn.
In the meantime, Millicas was in a duel with Alex, as the two aces engaged one another in the high speed duel, with their sabers drawn out and clashing with one another, while Faye was attempting to line a good shot. Knowing that being drawn into a protracted fight was against his best wishes, and so he decided to change tactic, and instead of engaging Alex head on, he feinted a charge at him, before diving right down below and then sniping one of his thrusters with his sword, destroying it and sending his former comrade flying off course without control.
Knowing that he was rid of Alex for at least a few moments, Millicas decided to focus his attention on Faye, yet another mental warning forced him to move, but that moment the Red Angel came under heavy fire from below, as the armor piercing shells hit his primary thrusters. The rounds had incendiary element in them, and were close to igniting DRAKE's fuel supply, so Millicas was forced to eject, with the explosion rocketing him away, forcing him to rely on the secondary and maneuver thrusters.
Managing to get a close look at who it was, he saw that it was Rau's CGUE, already aiming at him to taking out, but Millicas still showed that his machine still had some more fire left in it, as DRAKE turned and then fired its beam rifle at CGUE, having long lost the machinegun.
Two shots fired at CGUE, and both missing its targets, thrusters and left arm, with the right one prepared to fire, but then one more warning went off in Lucifuge's head, and he saw on the main screen, as one of Sogdiana's turrets turned and targeted him. Moving his machine as fast as he could, he put his damaged shield in front of himself, unable to move anywhere, and then the turret fired its charge at him.
The power of Sogdiana's cannons was far more formidable than that of Nazca- class, and after more than enough of the damage taken, the anti-beam coating was thinned and burned off. And yet, the Mobile Suit and it's shield proved to be more resilient than anticipated by anyone, as the beams hit its shield, burning and breaking it away and then hitting its main body. Sogdiana, Angels and all who were close stood still and watched as one of the main beam calibers of ZAFT tore the red DRAKE in two, burning it's arm and part of torso to metaphorical bone, as well as separating it's legs.
By the time it was done, the red paint was replaced with the scorched black, and the Mobile suit had seized all of its movements and went completely limp, before several small explosions rippled through it's body, with one near the cockpit. Faye watched in shock and fear as it was happening, as did Alex, Shiho and Talia, with her looking then with a powerful glare for whoever fired at Millicas.
"N-no… M-Millicas…" Cagalli's tears couldn't help but flow out of her eyes, as she saw his red suit being near obliterated by the beam cannon.
The Princess of Orb had attended a military academy, was trained and psyched to accept the fact that lives will be taken in the battle, and that she would have to be prepared to deal with it. She knew it all, and had believed herself ready to go through it, but not with Millicas… Not him, not ever did she imagine she would have to see him go down like that. To PLANTs and ZAFT once, Millicas was their greatest hero and symbol, while for EA he was their worst nightmare, while her father believed Millicas to be a threat like none others for Orb.
But for Cagalli, Millicas was a man who had inspired and lifted her up to be better when she thought she was caged to a single role, he was her first true friend, someone who believed in her and supporter her desire to become a pilot, even when her father protested. It was thanks to him that Cagalli was able to learn how to pilot both a plane and a MS, but also explored Atlas City and saw what Orb was outside of its islands. He saw in her potential that even her father refused to see it, and didn't try to stop her, but instead helped her develop it, all because he believed in her. To Cagalli, Millicas was more than a friend… And now she lost it.
And as the sense of grief clouded her mind for a moment, it stepped away for the determined anger and fury that rose inside of her, only instead of being expressed in the cries or ravings, it instead sharpened her focus. Cagalli's eyes changed, as iris grew and pupils decreased, and then all became as clear as possible, all hindrances rescinded, and she moved Lancer like it was her own body. She pushed her machine straight at 4 GINNS that were more or less finished with the EA's MA compliment, and now were ready to look for other targets, aiming at Lancer.
Yet before any of them could even squeeze the trigger, Lancer's twin cannons opened fire and claimed its first target, destroying its cockpit, while Cagalli danced her Gundam away from the incoming fire, grabbing the beam saber and flew straight towards the next GINN, slicing it in two and destroying. The other two seemed to have finally gotten the idea and proceeded to retreat, with Aegis disengaging and moving to cover their escape, firing its main cannon at Cagalli, but she didn't even blink at his intrusion, instead grabbing her rifle and firing at the red MS. Three shots, all reaching its target and damaging Aegis enough to transform back, with clear damage on its interior, before Lancer appeared right before it with two beam sabers and then slashed its arms off, before kicking it back towards Archangel.
Once it was done, Cagalli used the full throttle of her Lancer and flew towards the Laurasia-class, soon reaching and evading its beam attacks, before she lined herself for a shot, and took it with her cannons. Twin cannons hit its bridge, taking out for good, and then she fired three more times, completely demolishing and destroying the enemy ship, with the two GINNs slipping away, with Cagalli, seeing her machine start to run low, beginning to retreat, with Blitz, unable to retrieve Aegis, doing the same, while Duel and Buster had been towed away beforehand, with the retrieval teams of Sogdiana finishing picking them up.
A moment of quiet finally settled in, as all the forces had been withdrawing to their own respective bases, and trying to figure out what to do. The advance fleet was gone, with the Montgomery, after a severe barrage, finally went down, but not before launching it's life pods, while Archangel was severely damaged, having lost one of its positron cannons and both railguns. Yet while ZAFT had sustained just as severe damage and losses, their main ship was still largely operation and ready to continue, and as it became clear that both of prototypes ran out of energy, the advantage was firmly now behind diminished and bloodied 1st Corps.
"Attention ZAFT forces! This is the Archangel of the Earth Forces. Before another shot is fired, know that we have in our care daughter of PLANTs' Supreme Chairman, Lacus Clyne." Faye, as well as all of ZAFT forces, watched in shock as they saw Lacus appear on the screen.
"Lacus… What are you doing in there?" Faye asked aloud, as her eyes were wide with fear, before she turned to Millicas' machine. "Millicas, why didn't you…"
"We picked her life pod near the Debris Belt, because it was the right thing to do and offered her all of the accommodations that could be afforded." The broadcast continued. "However, should you resume your assault on our forces, we will be forced to relinquish any responsibility for what happens next with her." Everyone understood what that meant.
"Bloody bastards… Commander." Alex spat out, yet awaited the orders from Faye.
"They are clearly desperate and are resorting to last ditch efforts. Ignore them, and resume firing." Rau ordered, with the Sogdiana's turrets begging to target the Archangel.
"Belay that order, dammit!" Talia's voice was heard. "Commander Le Creuset, for your information, this is not your ship, and I'll not have you order my men around."
"Captain, this sounds suspiciously like insubordination." Rau noted with clear malice.
"How about I show you bloody maniac what real insubordination looks like." Alex said with a hiss, as he targeted with his carbines Rau, who was preparing to advance.
"Enough, all of you!" Faye called out, as she looked at the screen, and then spoke up on open channel. "Archangel, this is Commander Delys of ZAFT's 1st Mobile Suit Corps. I demand to speak with Lacus Clyne, to confirm that it is her, and not a fake." At that moment, Lacus moved to the screen and spoke up.
"Faye, it is me, big sis." Lacus said, with Faye's breath stopping for a second. "I… I am sorry for being such a troublemaker, but… I needed to stop you, and yet… I-I'm sorry I couldn't…" These words were enough for Faye to understand that this was Lacus' doing.
"Lacus, no… No, you… You did what you could… Are you alright?" Faye asked of her, dropping the mask of the commander.
"I… I am, but Millicas…" It was clear that Lacus was struggling to hold back tears, but at that moment the sole CGUE rushed forward with all it had towards Archangel
"Le Creuset, stand down!" Delys ordered, but he ignored, and was ready to order all to fire at him…
…When one single precise shot reached the CGUE, destroying its thrusters and disabling the machine for good, and all looked with shock, as what appeared to be the destroyed DRAKE of Millicas, held it's rifle, before a voice was heard from it for all to hear.
"A-Angel-1 t-to all forces… With…draw." Millicas' voice was full of pain and agony, but clear as day, and in that very moment, his Corps obeyed.
"All forces disengage and withdraw immediately! Medical teams on standby in the hangar, recovery craft out at once!" Faye commanded, finalizing end of the battle, before turning to Lacus. "Lacus… Hold on, little Angel, we'll get you back, I promise!" Lacus wiped her tears and spoke up.
"I-I will be fine, sis, but Millicas… Protect him, Faye. Patrick Zala and Rau, they want him dead, really badly." Lacus told Faye. "Promise me you won't give him to ZAFT, no matter what."
"I promise I'll protect him, Lacus. Take care…" Faye said, as she moved her Mobile Suit to Millicas' DRAKE to retrieve it.
"Thank you." Lacus said, as she handed the communication device back to Ensign Badgiruel, while the whole bridge stood in shock before her actions. "I believe you should best tend to the survivors, Captain. If anyone could accompany me, I would like to return to my quarters for the time being."
"I… Of course, Miss Clyne." Captain said, turning to Natarle. "Ensign, could you arrange for escort for Miss Clyne?"
"I will accompany her myself, Captain, if I may." Ensign said, and Murrue agreed, and so the two left the bridge, and once they were out, Natarle spoke up. "Miss Clyne, if I may… Why did you do it? You've… You've deliberately put yourself in danger like that, and…"
"Miss Badgiruel, is it?" Lacus asked of her, with Natarle nodding to her. "I understand that my demand was all means outrageous and even insane to a certain extent. However, in order to stop Millicas from having to hurt those he cares for and loves, I would do all I can."
"I do not understand." Natarle told her. "I know that Commander once commanded the 1st Corps, but he showed no mercy to earlier pilots, then why…"
"Miss Badgiruel, those pilots may have been of the 1st Corps, but they were not Millicas' 1st Corps. I meant the pilots of the 3 DRAKEs, each survivors of Endymion and all that Millicas has left from his Corps." Lacus revealed to Natarle, who realized what she meant. "Knowing Millicas, he would've tried his hardest to not kill anyone of them, but with the situation as it is… There was no certainty that he would be able to hold back for much longer."
"You mean… he held back?" Natarle asked of her. "But his flying, his maneuvers…"
"Miss Badgiruel, I may not be a military specialist, but I can assure you, that if Millicas wished, he would've done far worse than what he did to them today." Lacus assured Natarle. "Fact that he protected that violet DRAKE, as you've mentioned before, meant that he still cared for them. After all that he had lost, I would not wish for Millicas to be responsible for more deaths of his closed ones, and if to save him, I would have to put myself in harm's way, I shall do so, same as he had done today for my sister."
"Your sister?" Natarle was surprised to hear it, as they've reached Lacus' room.
"Yes, the pilot of violet DRAKE and Commander of the 1st, Faye Delys, is my older sister and Millicas' closest friend." Lacus confirmed it, as she entered her room. "Thank you, Miss Badgiruel." She closed the door, leaving Natarle pondering of many things, as she went back to the bridge.
Sogdiana. Sometime later.
By the time Faye finally landed on her ship, the recovery crews, medics and technicians were working in the fullest, and when she had finally settled the wreaked DRAKE of Millicas in the rack, nearly all MSs that could be recovered. When she had gotten out of her cockpit and saw Alex and Shiho looking at her with clear sympathy and support, she appreciated it, while the tactician and commander in her knew, that today's battle was anything but a success. She had taken severe losses, with her 1st Corps being reduced further, having lost 4 of her own pilots, nearly half of the remaining Corps, which even before wasn't at full strength.
Aside from her, Shiho and Alex, others were mostly academy fresh recruits which barely had been tested, and Faye knew that even though they were well-trained and prepared, simply throwing them out into combat against someone like Millicas and his pilots was not going to end well for them. This part of the reason why she sent her normal GINNs to Gamow, why she tried to maintain discipline and not rushed at the enemy right away. She was all too well aware of Millicas' abilities, his tactical thinking and combat attitude, with Faye knowing full well that he alone was worth more than 10 MS veterans alone. She wished to draw him and his partners out, outside of the coverage of the ships and away from MA support, to surround and pick them off one by one, hence why she emphasized before the fight maintaining order.
And the moment that plan went to hell, thanks to Le Creuset and his recklessness, they've reaped the rewards, in form of losing Vesalius and Gamow, as well as precious suits and pilots, not to mention Aegis and Athrun Zala having been now captured by EA. She could already imagine the hell she would have to go through once Rau informs the Council and his main patron, Patrick Zala. Unlike her father, who had tried to maintain good relations with the man, Faye was not like that and had a bad habit of making her opinion known, and Zala was no exception, who was well aware of her negative views on her. She was also well aware that after Millicas' disappearance, Zala was looking for any excuse to see the original 1st Corps veterans either dismissed from the military, or reassigned into separate units, and now he will probably have all the reason to do so.
Yet this was not what had bothered her at this very moment, but words of Lacus that rang in her mind still, as well as the fact that Rau had acted on his own accord, but clearly with the permission of Zala. As Millicas once said, one of the crippling weaknesses of ZAFT was its lack of the structured system of ranks and authority, something that the Council didn't wish to implement, seeing little reason for it. This left the authorities, duties and hierarchy of ZAFT vague, and so Faye, who was supposed to be the superior officer to Rau, was not able fully reprimand the man, as he was officially of equal rank and power. That's not to mention his patron of Patrick Zala… Yet it would deter her from preventing those two from harming Millicas any further, for she promised her sister, and she needed answers on her own questions.
"What's the progress on the recovery of the survivors from Vesalius and Gamow?" Faye asked aloud.
"Not much to recover, I'm afraid." Alex breathed out. "No life pods or anything, safe for the pilots. Aiman is alright, as is Heine and his wingman. Le Creuset, unfortunately, is also in one piece, but his pilots weren't so fortunate."
"How bad is it?" Faye asked of them.
"Joule's sustained an injury in the head, but nothing too serious. A couple of days in bed, and he should be fine. Elsman got a concussion, so he is more or less in the same spot." Grayson reported, as the trio moved to Millicas' Mobile Suit. "Nicol is alright, but… He blames himself for not being able to protect Athrun. I'll talk to him later about it, before Rau can sip his poison into his ears."
"Thanks." Faye thanked him, as she breathed out an exhausted sigh. "What a fucking mess… I imagine Zala and his cronies will have a celebration, once they hear about it."
"You did all you could, Faye. If Rau hadn't…" Shiho was about to speak up, but then Rau appeared before them.
"Ah, Commander Delys, I was just about to come looking for you." Rau spoke up, ignoring glares from the Angels. "I am curious as to why you haven't disposed of this DRAKE. I believe Chairman Zala's…"
"I bloody well know what his orders are, Le Creuset. However, in case you have forgotten, we acted on the orders of Supreme Chairman, who had entrusted me with the authority on the matter." Faye's cold tone sounded clear for all to hear. "I have given you, your pilots and your captain clear orders, and yet, you saw fit to disregard them, Commander. Now, tell me, why I shouldn't have you thrown into the brig this very moment for insubordination and disobeying my direct orders?"
"I believe we both know the answer to that question, Commander." Rau allowed himself a small smirk. "Given the precarious situation you now find yourself in, I do not think that it would be wise of you, to threaten the person who can salvage your carrier after such a disaster of an operation. That is not to mention that we are of equal rank, hence why I was allowed to act in accordance to my own will and judgment." Alex clenched his fist at that, but Faye stopped him from moving against Rau.
"If you think that I cling this much to my rank that I would sacrifice my integrity, then you clearly know nothing of me, Le Creuset." Faye told him, as she motioned the guards to come closer. "Escort Le Creuset to his quarters, and see to it, that he does not depart them without my express orders."
"Commander Delys, I implore you to reconsider. I am obligated to report today's actions to Chairman Zala and the Council." Rau reminded her, not losing his smirk. "How do you think he will react to you refusing his direct order to kill Millicas Lucifuge and seeing his son taken captive?"
"That is for me to worry about, now get out of my sight." Faye commanded, and the guards escorted Le Creuset out, before Captain Gladys appeared. "Captain, anything to report?"
"The Archangel appears to have finished with rescue operations and are withdrawing towards the 8th Fleet's position. I've ordered to follow, but maintain a non-engagement distance between us." Talia reported, with Commander Delys nodding to her. "Commander, what had happened today, despite what others may say, my crew and I all know that the fault is not with you. You did all that Commander Lucifuge would do himself out there."
"It is very kind of you, Captain, thank you." Faye said with a tired sigh, as she and all turned to the technicians trying to pry open the hatch of Millicas' machine. "The last thing I wanted to happen and yet…" Faye looked at the destroyed machine with regret, with Talia Gladys speaking up.
"We have already detained the gunnery officer that fired. According to him, he acted on the basis of duty of ZAFT soldier, to eradicate all traitors no matter what." Talia said with a heavy sigh. "A freshman out of the Academy, instructed in all things ZAFT's soldier should be, or at least what people in charge of it believe accounts for it. He sounded so sure and certain of himself, completely not caring for the fact that he disobeyed direct orders from his captain." Faye knew what Talia meant by her words.
"Looks like the rot is starting to spread from top to bottom, as Millicas would say it." Shiho breathed it out, with others agreeing, before noticing that the hatch finally gave in. "Medical team, over here!" She ordered, and the medics came closer just in time when the hatch opened up and out of there floated out their former Commander.
Without even thinking, the three Angels jumped and caught Millicas in their arms, before setting him down, looking at him and seeing something that didn't bring them much comfort. He had punctuations in his legs and arms from the shards of equipment, as well as lacerations, but what worried them the worst was the burnt and broken helmet, obscuring the view of his head. Gently pulling over his head, the people shook in shock and horror from what they saw, as Millicas' face was bloodied and covered in many shards of glass, bleeding from all of them, though luckily his eyes were spared the glass. Yet it was no comfort, as instead, they and area around them was scarred in burns and lacerations, revealing to the horror of all that Millicas was quite likely blind, and yet still clinging to life.
Archangel. Meanwhile
Though the advance force of the 8th Fleet was wiped out in this attack, at least much of the people that crewed those ships had managed to survive, largely thanks to the Archangel's decision to disobey orders and standing its ground. To say that most didn't expect this ship to survive its first real battle, with a Bactria- class no less, was an understatement, but the new assault carrier of the EA proved its worth and merit. Throughout the entire battle, it had managed to tie up Sogdiana on itself in an intense duel, which had left both ships damaged and wounded, but the Archangel managed to hold its own, and this was already seen by some as a great success, for up until now, no vessel in the EA was able to hold its own against a Bactria-class.
That is not to mention the fact that today ZAFT had also saw their most decorated MS Corps beaten and lost two more vessels, while EA had managed to retrieve one of the G-Weapons, the Aegis, with its pilot being none other than Athrun Zala, son of one of the leaders of PLANTs and ZAFT. For some, this may have been a reason to celebrate, but for Archangel and people crewing it this wasn't it, for they had lost Commander Millicas Lucifuge to the enemy, either taken captive, or, as some had assumed, killed, though those that knew of him and his relations with the 1st Corps, had chosen not to believe in the latter.
Among those that believed that Millicas was alive was Cagalli, who, after her achievements in battle, had actually gained her own nickname, Celestial Lioness, by the soldiers of EA. Personally, she couldn't care less about it, and was far more interested in saving Millicas, knowing all too well what awaited him if he were to return to the PLANTs. Unfortunately for her, she found a roadblock in the form of Vice-Minister George Allster preventing her from laying down her plan into motion with Captains Ramies and Coopman, who too had managed to survive the battle. And now she, Kira, Mu La Flaga, Ensign Badgiruel, Captains Ramies and Coopman, as well as George Allster were discussing it all in the Captain's quarters.
"I am telling you, we need to get Millicas back, no matter what." Cagalli continued to push her point of view. "We have Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala on board, sure we can arrange for a…"
"A prisoner exchange?! Do you even hear what you are saying, girl?! You, a pilot and the soldier of Atlantic Federation, dare to propose such a thing! And to even think of exchanging those two for Millicas Lucifuge… That abomination is a monster, an affront to the mother nature and humanity as a whole, not to mention a threat to the entirety of Earth!" George Allster was absolutely livid at this suggestion, with Cagalli glaring at him with clear hatred. "To think that one of own pilots would even think of such treachery… Captain, I demand that you remove this girl from her Mobile Suit and put her in a brig for attempted treachery." George turned to Coopman, who personally wasn't all too interested in agreeing with the man.
"I am afraid that I am unable to do anything, Vice-Minister. As per the military code, the current commanding officer of this ship is the highest ranking authority when it comes to his or her own pilots." Coopman elaborated. "In this case, it is Captain Ramies' decision to make."
"And I too am unable to comply with your decision, Vice-Minister." Ramies responded, with George looking at her with outrage. "Firstly, all of our pilots, safe for Lieutenant Mu La Flaga, are in actuality members of Orb's Independent Volunteer Corps, as are many members of our current crew. As such, in accordance to the laws, disciplinary decisions can only made by their commanding officer, which in this case, is actually Lieutenant Junior Grade Cagalli Asano. Secondly, both she and Kira Yamato are the only ones with actual experience and expertise in operating Mobile Suits, and given our current situation, I will endanger my vessel any further by removing either of the two."
"You… You allowed a Coordinator to operate one of our machines?!" George pointed at Kira, with Cagalli putting herself between him and Kira. "What in the world had possessed you to give one of our most valued secrets to this enemy? When we reach safety, Captain, I will make certain that JOSH-A reprimands you most severely for allowing a ZAFT soldier into one of our machines."
"Kira is a citizen of Orb, you racist scumbag, and in case you've forgotten, so am I, and Orb is neutral." Cagalli practically growled out of her, before George attempted to backhand her, but she caught him with ease. "And if you even think about trying to do anything to him, I'll personally throw you out of the nearest airlock." All could hear that Cagalli was quite serious in her threat, and clearly made everyone concerned with what she might do next.
"Let go of me, you bitch!" George tried to break away, but Cagalli proved too strong to get away, as she continued to glare at him.
"Lieutenant." Ramies called out to her, with Cagalli finally relenting and letting him go.
"Captain, anyone, arrest this bitch this instant!" George demanded, as he nursed his sore hand. "Clearly, this Coordinator-loving whore is an enemy sympathizer and…" Cagalli didn't listen any further, as she grabbed George and pinned him against the wall, shocking all.
"Listen here, you filthy bastard, and listen well! I know Millicas very well, and I know what you did to him." George's entire demeanor changed from one of anger to one of fear. "So unless you want me to tell everyone about it, you'll shut your fucking mouth and get the hell out of my and everyone's sight. And if you, or any of your Blue Cosmos friends decide to try anything funny with anyone, know that I've got all the access codes on this ship, and I can do a lot with them. Now beat it!" And with this, Cagalli practically threw the man out of the quarters, before closing the door.
"Well, that's certainly one way to take out the trash." Mu said in a joking manner.
"Lieutenant." Ensign shot him reprimanding look.
"Hey, that idiot was grinding everyone's nerves, not to mention all but threatening everyone he could reach just to show off his power." Mu said with clear disdain towards the man. "Seen his type before, back in my academy days, and let me tell you- they are always bad news, and treat anyone who is not them as trash. Plus, what kind of a man dares to try and hit a girl, no offence." Mu said the last part to Cagalli, knowing she didn't like people treating her differently because of her gender.
"None taken." Cagalli said, before turning to the other officers. "Captain, you know we need to get Millicas back. If he gets to PLANTs, then…"
"I understand what you are saying, Cagalli, and as much as I may agree with you, I am afraid that I cannot condone or approve your plan." Murrue said with a bit of a sigh. "Atlantic Federation's military regulations prohibit any form of negotiations with enemy, unless primarily authorized by JOSH-A. Should any such attempt be made, it would be considered as nothing short of an act of treason."
"That also includes prisoner exchanges." Ensign Badgiruel added. "That is not to mention the value of our prisoners outweighing the value of Millicas from political standpoint, and… We have also received orders, in regards to both of them."
"What… What sort of orders?" Cagalli asked, with clear fear in her tone.
"They are to be delivered to Rear Admiral Halberton personally, and from there, they are likely to be transferred directly to JOSH-A." Coopman answered that question. "Considering their combined value, the command must believe that they can be used to bring a swifter end to the war." Despite his words, it was clear that even Coopman didn't fully believe his own words.
"More like turn them into showpieces of your propaganda, before publically shooting or hanging them as if they were criminals." Cagalli stated, knowing the attitude of JOSH-A members, and how they handled political prisoners. "Captain, please..."
"Cagalli, I am sorry, but… Our hands are tied." Ramies said, with Cagalli shooting her a betrayed look, before preparing to leave, but not before saying something.
"Had it been Millicas in your spot, he would've done everything in his power to save you. Just like he did today." Cagalli said with a bitter tone and left the room, with Kira following her, though still remaining silent, with Cagalli noticing it, yet instead of barking at him, she calmed herself and spoke up in a more even tone. "Kira, what's eating you up? Are you too worried about Millicas?"
"Um, no… I mean yes, I am, it's just…" Kira wasn't sure how to properly express himself, until Cagalli stopped and looking directly into his eyes. "The Aegis' pilot, Athrun… I know him, actually. We are, or rather were now, best friends, since the time when my family lived in Copernicus. I actually saw him back in Heliopolis, when he was stealing those Mobile Suits, but I… I didn't say a thing, and now… Now I think that if I did…"
"You are thinking that the things would be different, and all that had happened today would be averted." Cagalli surmised, with Kira nodding to her, as she sighed. "Let me give a piece of advice Millicas shared with me, back when he studied in Atlas: "Don't ask yourself what if I could do things differently in the past, but focus on trying to do better in the future." And as for your friend, I'm sorry to tell you, but I doubt it would've made much of a difference." Cagalli told him with a sympathetic tone.
"I know. I just wish that things were different." Kira admitted. "I know that we've won, but it feels nothing like a victory."
"Yeah, it's the same for me." Cagalli told him, as they continued down the hallway. "I don't envy your position, Kira. Knowing the Federation and its stance on all things Coordinator… Lacus and Athrun are not safe here, not with so many Federation soldiers on board, and same should be said about you."
"You don't think that any of them will try and do something to them?" Kira asked of her with clear fear present in his voice. "And I am a citizen of Orb, like you said, not to mention that I've tried to protect them."
"I know, and while I'm sure there are many good soldiers in here, there is also a lot of nasty pieces of work as well in here. The kind that takes to Blue Cosmos' word like fish to water, and given the attitude of much of ZAFT towards Naturals and prisoners of war, I wouldn't be surprised if they are itching for a chance to exact some form of revenge of their own." Cagalli told him honestly. "This war… It erodes the humanity in all sides, as Millicas once told me, and instead leaves only the bottomless need for wanton cruelty."
"I see…" Kira said, before a question popped into his mind. "Cagalli, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" She asked.
"It's about Flay's father." Kira could immediately see that this was not one of Cagalli's favorite topics for discussion. "When you threw him against the wall and back when he first called the ship, it appeared as if he and Millicas know each other, and that Mr. Allster is… afraid of him. Do you know why that is?"
"Because of what that man had done to Millicas and his family. Look, Millicas' story, especially one that concerns his family, is complicated and complex and it's not my place to tell anyone about it. He himself only told me the full version of it after he defected to Orb, and only because he fully trusted me." Cagalli told him. "Let's just say, that a lot of people, both on Earth and in PLANTs, want Millicas dead, as they see him as a threat to them, and Allster is the prime example of it." And just as she said that, she and Kira saw Flay exit her cabin, and seeing them, she ran to them.
"Kira, Cagalli, you are alright?" She asked immediately. "I… I heard it was a tough battle and that Commander…" She clearly struggled with saying what she thought, but it was clear that there was no malice in her voice.
"Yeah, he kept the Angles off our backs, and saved all our hides in the process." Cagalli said with a heavy sigh.
"I… I've also heard what daddy said about him, a-and about you." Flay said with clear regret in her tone. "I… I am sorry for all he said."
"Don't beat yourself over it. You shouldn't apologize for his own words." Cagalli told Flay. "After all, it was he who said it all, not you."
"But... But was no better than he was." Flay said with clear guilt, surprising Cagalli and Kira. "I myself was like that, thought that all Coordinators were monsters and that Blue Cosmos was right, I… Kira, I am so sorry for what I said, and Cagalli, I…"
"It's okay, Flay. It's all water under the bridge now, or something like that." Kira decided to try and ease the tension. "You've already apologized, so all is forgiven."
"Yeah, though I do need to say, that I'm kinda curious about this 180 turn you've made." Cagalli admitted. "Pardon the curiosity, but what did Millicas do to make you see things like you do now, if you don't mind me asking?"
"When we were at Junius Seven, he took me on his DRAKE to one of the loading bays, which connected to the port. It was jammed and had to be pried open, but when he opened it…" Flay said, with the two listening. "There… There were people. Hundreds, thousands even, women, children, men, young and old… H-he told me, th-that those people were simple farmers, teachers, social workers and so on, but not one soldier among them, with none of them having anything to do with war. They were on their way to escape pods, b-but then… Then the colony was destroyed by a nuke. I… I always thought that EA was in the right, but after what he showed and told me, I… I realized that I was wrong, a-and that Coordinators were also people, or… or rather, that we all are humans, as Millicas said it." Flay explained herself, with Cagalli nodding to her.
"Yeah, we are all humans, even though everyone likes to forget that and categorize everyone in either Natural, Coordinator, or Hybrid, like Millicas." Cagalli revealed to Flay.
"Millicas is a Hybrid?" She asked, with Cagalli nodding. "But… But his skills and mind, I mean, he is like better at everything than any Coordinator, um, no offence, Kira."
"None taken, and yeah, you are right about that." Kira agreed with Flay, while Cagalli decided to speak up.
"He said that part of it is because of his heritage, but mostly because of his own efforts to achieve what he had." Cagalli said, as she sighed from her memories. "He always did say that it was easier for him to consider himself as human, and not as Coordinator or Natural, since… Well, you know how Hybrids are seen by both sides."
"But it makes no sense. I mean, they are like Naturals, born without augmentations, and only have their Coordinator parent's genes, so why do both sides hate them so much?" Flay asked aloud.
"Same reason as why Naturals and Coordinators hate each other- they are different. Coordinators, or at least those that Millicas told me, see Hybrids as close something akin to Neanderthals, a failed branch of humanity, if not worse. And as for Naturals, Hybrids are same as Coordinators, just born not out of the tube, and hence proving that those same monsters can breed like humans, making them even worse." Cagalli explained. "It's all horseshit, I know, but when both sides prefer wanton hatred to reason, it makes all the sense to them to hate Hybrids, especially when they represent something that their leaders absolutely can't stand- a living proof that they can coexist and prosper."
"Then, is it the same for Hybrids in PLANTs as it is in other Earth nations?" Kira asked of Cagalli.
"From what Millicas said, while Hybrids aren't prosecuted by law in PLANTs, they are looked down by other Coordinators, seen as half-breeds or simpletons, not "advance" enough to be Coordinators." Cagalli said. "Millicas didn't have to deal with it, thanks to his abilities, and that his mom was a Coordinator, and all assumed he was one as well. I know that in Orb and Atlas, Hybrids are treated equally to others, but in other places it differs from one place to another, but… It's not exactly pretty."
"I see." Kira said, with Cagalli noticing that there was some chemistry between the two, and so decided to take her leave.
"Anyway, I'd best go and see about my MS. See you two later." Cagalli said and took her leave, feeling a pang of hurt from the fact that, unlike Kira, she couldn't right now with her heart's desired one.
Well, I hope you like what I've prepared for you, and I apologize for the wait, I've been feeling a little under the weather, nothing serious. As you can see, Millicas had suffered a defeat and has been taken prisoner, while Cagalli actually achieved SEED factor (and just because she is a Natural doesn't mean she can't, I've checked the Wiki), kicking Athrun's butt and taking out a whole ship by her lonesome.
Hope you liked this chapter will support the story by giving me your opinion on it via reviews, make suggestions about future events, possible romances and more. Your feedback helps me make this story better.
And as I've promised, here is some information on the new MS and the ship in this story, plus what served as basis for them:
AVMF-8F DRAKE Re ACT
Customized Close-quarters High Performance Assault Mobile Suit
Overall Height: 22.1 meters
Weight: 67 metric tons
Power-Plant: Ultracompact Energy Battery; 2x Miniature Auxiliary Energy Battery
Standard Armaments:
Fixed: 2x "Griffon" Offensive Shield Systems (Anti-beam shield, MX-12 45mm Beam Carbine; "Ascalon" Beam Saber)
Handheld: M11 90mm Heavy Machine gun. MA-M4 Heavy Blade; M11 90mm Heavy Assault machine gun; M34 120mm Sniper Rifle; M81 Rocket Launcher
Description: Due to the prolonging conflict and technological advancement of the Mobile Suits, a team of designers from the Vanguard Tech, now working in ZAFT's Integrated Design Bureau, presented a refined version of widely successful and powerful AVMF-7E DRAKE in October of 70 C.E. Dubbed AVMF-8F DRAKE Re, or DRAKE Refined, it was meant to simplify the design, improve controls and responses for pilots, as well as improve customization, while also making the machine cheaper.
Despite the machine showing higher responsiveness and better handling than the original model, it was still deemed too complex and expensive, and so it entered only a very limited production. Prioritization being given to aces, with first three of these machines being given to 1st Mobile Suit Corps for test piloting at first, and then for combat usage by its veteran pilots: Faye Delys, Alex Grayson and Shiho Hahnenfuss.
After the acquisition of the G-Weapons by Le Creuset's team, Sogdiana's technical team and pilots examined the data of all four machines for possible modifications and personal improvements on the machines. Following the examination and study of Blitz's weapon systems, Alex Grayson ordered his personal unit upgraded to utilize a combined shield-rifle-beam saber weapon systems, along with improved battery and thrusters from Aegis.
As the result, the team developed its own "Griffon" Offensive Shield System, a smaller, simplified and more refined version of Blitz's "Trikeros" system, which removed Lancer Darts, redesigned the shield's shape and installed miniature energy battery to improve power consumption of the beam weapons. Additionally, beam weaponry was also redesigned, allowing the installation of a weaker, but faster firing Beam Carbine, and a variable beam saber. Further upgrades to energy batteries and thrusters significantly improved DRAKE's maneuverability and speed
The new DRAKE Re ACT is a close-quarters oriented high speed assault mobile suit, mounting 2 "Griffon" systems on its arms and able to rapidly attack enemy and maneuver away. Alex Grayson, also known as "Midnight Falcon," is considered to be one of the best CQC Mobile Suit pilot and makes exceptional use of the DRAKE Re ACT.
Based off of: RGZ-95 ReZEL (specifically, it's shield)
AVMF-8G DRAKE ODIN
Customized High Performance Assault Mobile Suit
Overall Height: 22.1 meters
Weight: 78 metric tons
Power-Plant: Ultracompact Energy Battery; Ultracompact Auxiliary Energy Battery
Special Equipment: "Sleipnir" Flight Support Unit
Standard Armaments:
Fixed: "Sleipnir" Flight Support Unit (2x MA-1A "Taurus" Beam Cannons, 2x MMI-GAU1 "Sagittus" 20mm CIWS, 2x Quadruple Short-range Guided Missile Launchers); 2 wrist-mounted beam sabers.
Handheld: M11 90mm Heavy Machine gun. MA-M4 Heavy Blade; M11 90mm Heavy Assault machine gun; M34 120mm Sniper Rifle; M81 Rocket Launcher; Anti-beam sharpened Shield; 2 x beam Sabers; 57mm High-energy Beam Rifle
Description: A personal MS of Faye Delys, Commander of the 1st Mobile Suit Corps, originally was designed to test out a possible application of heavier armor onto DRAKE Re, intending to make use of already tested Assault Shroud. However, after initial tests proved the application of such system too problematic, DRAKE was completely overhauled, and the new machine received the name DRAKE ODIN.
Despite mounting a heavier armor, DRAKE ODIN retained a relatively high speed and maneuverability of its parent MS, but after the acquisition G-Weapons, further improvements and upgrades were implemented. After the examination of the G-Weapons' systems and combat data, Sogdiana's technical team upgraded DRAKE ODIN's reactor and energy battery to handle usage of beam weapons, as well as better thrusters, communication and sensor equipment derived from Aegis Gundam, as well as wrist mounted beam sabers.
In addition, "Sleipnir" Flight Support Unit was developed, derived from Guul Sub-Flight system, was developed, to act both as a flight and weapon pack, increasing firepower and speed of DRAKE ODIN, or as sub-flight unit in the atmosphere, enabling flight within Earth's boundaries. Armed with twin laser cannons, 2 quadruple missile launchers and 2 auxiliary CIWS, "Sleipnir" drastically increases DRAKE ODIN's capabilities, making it a dedicated assault unit, and thanks to its own auxiliary energy battery, it's power consumption doesn't affect DRAKE ODIN's overall performance.
Developed and upgraded with the express thought of making full usage of the new beam weaponry, DRAKE ODIN is considered both a well-rounded and powerful Mobile Suit, able to fulfill a variety of roles on the battlefield, from commander unit, support and combat unit. Specifically fine-tuned to Commander Faye Delys' expertise and MS combat experience, also known as "The Violet Witch of Victory", DRAKE ODIN is a fearsome sight, matching DRAKE LC of Millicas Lucifuge in capabilities.
Based off of: ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam and ZGMF-1017AS GINN Assault Type
AVMF-8F DRAKE Re EXEA
Experimental Multi-vector Artillery Support Mobile Suit
Overall Height: 22.1 meters
Weight: 74 metric tons (without MWP Backpack) 97 metric tons.
Power-Plant: Ultracompact Energy Battery; 2x Ultracompact Auxiliary Energy Battery (1 in MWP Backpack)
Standard Armaments:
Fixed: 2x EXW-21 High-energy Beam Cannons.
Handheld: M11 90mm Heavy Machine gun, MA-M4 Heavy Blade; M11 90mm Heavy Assault machine gun; M34 120mm Sniper Rifle; M81 Rocket Launcher; Anti-beam sharpened Shield; 2 x beam Sabers; 57mm High-energy Beam Rifle
Remote: 2x EMP Mobile Weapon Pod; -4-04 beam assault cannon (2 per pod).
Description: With the onset of the EA-PLANTs war and its continuation, ZAFT's military command and Integrated Design Bureau, like their counterparts in the Earth Alliance, were researching miniaturization of the beam weaponry and its application to the Mobile Suit. After Battle of Endymion, ZAFT was also able to acquire a large number of damaged and scrapped Moebius Zero Mobile Armors and had taken an interest in its Wired Gunbarrels system, began reverse engineering and improving the system.
Deciding to test out both integrated energy weapons and a new wireless MWP system in conjunction, ZAFT had chosen DRAKE Re as its testbed. Thanks to MS's modular system and intended room for improvements, a more powerful reactor and battery were installed, with Shiho Hahnenfuss, one of the veterans of the 1st MS Corps and designers of the integrated beam weaponry technology, chosen as its test pilot. Testing of the technologies was to be conducted on Sogdiana in January of 71 C.E.
Initial tests showed a serious problem with the overheating and insignificant cooling of the energy cannons, while operation of the weapons pods proved too difficult and the wireless communication failed in combat situations due to interferences. Another serious problem was the energy consumption of the systems, which rendered DRAKE EXEA operational in combat for less than 10 minutes. After the acquisition of the 4 G-Weapons and combat data of La Creuset's team, Shiho Hahnenfuss and Sogdiana's technical team examined Buster Gundam's weaponry and auxiliary battery on it, as well as performance of Strike Gundam, before applying similar upgrades to DRAKE Re EXEA.
The result fixed power consumption of the machines by addition of two auxiliary batteries, with one installed into now removable MWP Backpack, allowing a more effective recharging of all the weapons, improved accuracy and firepower. To compensate the communication and targeting errors, DRAKE EXEA received additional sensors on its shoulders and communication antennae on its head, allowing pilot easier control of the pods, but still requiring high level of special awareness for its operation.
Due to its weaponry load-out, reduction of maneuverable thrusters and increase in weight, DRAKE EXEA is a dedicated ranged unit, with its maneuverability and speed a drastically lower than normal DRAKE's. During combat, MWP System can be disconnected from the DRAKE EXEA, increasing its maneuverability and speed. Currently, only one unit is produced and it is piloted by Shiho "Housenka" Hahnenfuss, 2nd Officer of 1st Mobile Suit Corps "Angels of Death"
Based off of: ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam and GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam
Bactria-class
Commander-use Space Assault Battleship
Overall Length: 325 meters
MS Hangars: 2
MS Catapults: 2
MS Capacity: 18
Propulsion: 4x Primary Thruster; 8x Secondary Thruster
Standard Armaments:
Fixed: 350mm "Garm" Long-Range Artillery High-energy Cannon;4x Dual 200mm high-energy beam cannon; 5x 75mm dual Railgun; 24x 58mm CIWS; 18x 450mm multipurpose Vertical Launch System
Description: Designed before the EA-PLANTs War, Bactria-class was designed to fulfill several roles of a command battleship and carrier and serve as counterpart of the Agamemnon-class. Due to lack of the proper construction docks, first three ships of this class, Bactria, Sogdiana and Arachosia, were secretly built in Atlas City's lunar dockyards. Belonging to Mashima Corporation, this was arranged through a secret agreement between PLANTs and Atlas' leadership before war, facilitated in large part thanks to Millicas Lucifuge, who is also rumored to have had hand in its design and development. Thanks to utilization of advance technologies, Bactria-class possesses extremely powerful equipment, surpassing EA's ships in firepower, as well as speed thanks to its engines and thrusters, allowing it to keep up even with the newer Nazca-class.
Thanks to its "Garm" Cannon and extensive sensory equipment, Bactria-class can engage enemies from outside of the enemy range and destroy battleships with one good shot, while its secondary armaments provide both a good additional firepower and defense from enemies. However, the main armament of the Bactria-class is its standard compliment of 18 Mobile Suits, which it houses in two hangars, situated at its bottom, and able to be rapidly deployed thanks to its two catapults.
This allows a single Bactria-class to engage entire enemy fleets alone and come out victorious, earning itself a dreadful reputation as the fleet killer within EA. In addition to its extensive hangar capability, Bactria-class is also outfitted with automated industrial facilities, meant to maintain, repair and apply upgrades to Mobile Suits, allowing Bactria-class to operate for prolong periods of time without the need to resupply their MSs.
Due to high cost of production and complexity, only 10 Bactria-class ships exist, with additional 2 being currently under construction, with the most famous one being Sogdiana, commanded by Captain Talia Gladys, famous for being the mothership of the 1st Mobile Suit Corps and the first ZAFT ship to see combat in the war.
Based off of: Rewloola- class
Next time: Reunions and questions; Decisions on both sides of the front; Raijin takes flight…
See ya!