Red Angel of Cosmic Era

by Ronin2106

Millicas Lucifuge, once ZAFT's First Ace and legendary Seraph of Junius Seven, now finds himself in Heliopolis on the day of it's attack. Taking flight once again, he returns to the battlefield as the Red Angel, a symbol of hope and death, intent on ending the war, yet also on reaping his own toll. Both ZAFT and EA shudder, for Red Angel has taken flight again...

5. Chapter 5

February 9th. Sogdiana. Medical bay.

The first thing Millicas noticed when he had regained his consciousness was that there was something on his eyes, a kind of blindfold, which kept his eyes closed, but not in hurtful way, although there was also an itching around his eyes. Strangely enough, he did also feel numb in his eyes, as if they were fixed and could even respond to any of his commands, and that was more than enough to cause worry to Millicas, as well as start drawing certain conclusions.

Next what he had noticed was the smell, a sterile and clean air, specially sterilized for a medical bay of a ZAFT's vessel, and one that he was all too familiar with, and following that finding, Millicas knew he was on a bed, and that there were some injections in his veins. There were no restrictions on him, and once he felt like it, he moved his arms, and soon enough his hand began to reach for the blindfold, until he heard soft footsteps, and then someone's hand reached and stopped him from taking off the blindfold.

"I would advise against removing it, Commander Lucifuge. At least for the moment, if you would indulge me." The voice that spoke just now was quite familiar to Millicas, and he followed the advice given to him. "Well, Commander, I must confess, that I did not expect you regain consciousness so quickly. Especially not after the extensive damage you have incurred upon yourself, but after Endymion, I suppose I am ought to have learned better."

"Doctor Bashir." Millicas called out the chief medical officer of Sogdiana, as he let out a sigh. "Wish I could say it is good to see you again, but I suppose it wouldn't be correct in current situation. I take it I was picked up after the battle?"

"Yes, and rushed in here as soon as what remained of your Suit was opened." Julian Bashir confirmed. "You were, to put it bluntly, one leg on the other side when you were brought in. Multiple puncture wounds of various sizes and severity, followed by burns of several degrees…" Doctor was about to continue counting on and on, but Millicas decided to interject.

"Pardon the interruption, Doctor, but can you get to the point?" Though Millicas couldn't see, he could clearly feel Bashir's eyes on him. "What's the sum total of my current prognosis?"

"Most of the damage we were able repair and heal, including blood loss and tissue via transfusions and enhanced regenerative processing, so you are fit and able to be discharged, for the most part…" Millicas could clearly hear the hesitation in the last part on Bashir's talk. "However… There are some things that we weren't able to heal to the same degree as everything else."

"My eyes." Millicas immediately guessed, before letting out an accepting sigh. "The extent of the damage, Doctor?"

"I… Your eyes had suffered from severe burns and trauma, with your eyelids having offered only partial defense…" Bashir tried to explain, but he could see that Millicas wasn't interested in details. "Your eyes have received an extreme case of cataract, as well as amblyopia, due to damage to both lens and optical nerve. I… I have administered every treatment I could to prevent complete loss of sight, but… I am afraid that the damage was too severe for me to treat, Commander." Though Millicas' eyes were closed, the shock from the revelation was quite clear, and it took him a few moments to compose himself.

"I… I see." It was all that he said, but Julian could clearly hear the struggle with emotions in Millicas' voice, though he hid it. "Thank you, Doctor. I know you did everything in your abilities, though I imagine that many would say you shouldn't have bothered."

"Despite all that had happened and out current positions, I am still a doctor first, Commander." Julian reminded him, before moving away from the bed. "And I believe you will be surprised to find out that the number of people concerned with your health on this ship is higher than you expect. Commander Delys, Captain Gladys, as well as pilots Grayson, Hahnenfuss, Westenfluss, Hawke and Amarfi, along with a number of other crewmembers, were waiting on the update on your health with baited breath." Millicas was surprised to hear the last three names, while Bashir had moved to what Millicas heard was his table.

"Heine, Lunamaria and Nicol?" Millicas remembered all of their names, with surprise clear in his tone. "They… They all are in the 1st Corps?"

"Only the former two, while Nicol Amarfi is part of the Le Creuset team, same as Yzak Joule, Dearka Elsman, and now captured Athrun Zala and late Rusty Mackenzie." After hearing all those names, Millicas stilled from surprise and shock, realizing who it was that had attacked Heliopolis, while Julian was doing something on his table. "I suppose you didn't know that? It is my understanding that you have been their instructor back in the Academy."

"Yeah, I was…" Millicas said quietly, processing it all in his mind, before picking up on what Julian said earlier. "Athrun… You said Athrun was captured? What happened?"

"You do not remember?" Julian asked, as he momentarily stopped his actions. "Hm, though I suppose with the trauma you've received, a minor loss of memory is to be expected. Tell me, what is the last thing you remember?"

"I was shot by an A turret of Sogdiana's beam turret, after La Creuset destroyed my main thrusters and damaged my propulsion system." Millicas stated, before hearing Julian hum a response. "Aside from that, all seems in place, so care to answer my question?"

"Well, in short, after you were shot down, one of your teammates, a golden colored MS, had repelled the ambush by destroying two GINNs, and when Zala moved to intercept, he picked Aegis off with its rifle, and then dismantled its arms, leaving Athrun in care of EA, before destroying Gamow." Julian explained to Millicas, who internally was rather impressed with Cagalli's performance. "Afterwards, the Archangel contacted us, and revealed that they had Lacus Clyne on board, and should we continue pressing on the attack, they would hurt her." Julian's tone was clearly cold and laced with anger.

"What?! Who… Who had the audacity to…" Out of sheer shock, Millicas was at a loss of words, when he heard that. "To use her like that… I would've expected it from cowards like Blue Cosmos, but not them."

"The Captain and Commander Delys appear to be of the same opinion, sir, and that you wouldn't have used a civilian in any form or manner." Julian said, as he finished his work on the table and now moved back to Millicas. "However, I must warn you, that Commander Delys will question you at the first opportunity, and that Commander Le Creuset, as well as a small number of people on this ship, are rather eager in seeing you dead."

"I would've been surprised if you've said the opposite, Doctor." Millicas told him, while Julian came to his bed, before putting something on the stand nearby. "Time to change the blindfold?" Millicas asked, as he felt Julian removed the injections, and then start to fiddle with his blindfold.

"What you have on you right now is an optical regeneration unit, which had been healing your nerves as best as it could be done, but as I've said, with your damage, you are virtually now blind." Julian said, as he disconnected the wires from the unit. "However, with a great help from pilots Hahnenfuss and Hawke, I was able to modify and convert this regeneration unit into an augmentation devise, which should allow you to see." Julian told him, as he finally turned off the unit on Millicas' head.

"An optical augmentation devise? If I recall correctly, your dissertation about bio-mechanical augmentation, back before the war." Millicas remarked, with Julian chuckling at it.

"Yes, it was actually based on your mother's incomplete research into the field. She had practically paved the whole road for me to follow on, so you could say your mother once again helped you, Commander." Julian said, as he put his hand on the unit. "Now, I am going to remove the unit off and replace it with the augment, but I must warn you: due to the damage, your eyes are extremely sensitive towards any form of light, unless it is filtered through special lenses, and your eyelids are also unresponsive and fixed in a position to allow your eyes to receive full treatment. It is going to be… uncomfortable, to say the least."

"Let's get it over with, then." Millicas said, and then Bashir removed the blindfold, and Lucifuge hissed and groaned from the burning irritation and blinding sea of milky white color, overwhelming his senses, until Julian placed appeared to be a mask on his face, which finally stopped the pain. "Uncomfortable, you said? I'd have used quite stronger words than that, Doctor." Millicas' irate tone made it clear that what he went through was most definitely a very painful experience.

"I believed my tone would enough to indicate the severity of the pain, but at least we are past it. Now, let me just activate it and… There." Julian said, as he activated the augment, and Millicas' finally was able to see as clear as when he didn't receive any wounds. "Now, you should have a very good picture."

"Yeah, it's like my eyes were never damaged, and I can actually move them again." Millicas responded, as he moved his eyes and eyelids, finally seeing Julian Bashir and the med bay. "Now it is good to see you, Doctor." To that Julian smiled.

"Likewise, Commander Lucifuge. Now, this augment stimulates your optical nerves and lenses, acting as filter and neural enhancer, which allows you to make full use of your eyes again. However, this is only possible when you wear this augment and activate it, and it doesn't heal your damaged nerves and eyes." Julian explained to Millicas. "While Sogdiana's medical equipment are considered the most advance in the entirety of ZAFT, to fully rectify your optical damage, I'd recommend you paying a visit to Atlas City's Medical Center… Though, I suspect you will not be able to get there any time soon."

"Considering my current status with ZAFT, I find myself slightly confused as to why you would go to such lengths with this mask." Millicas admitted, as he touched the metal mask, which was in form of a circlet, feeling it press on his face. "I doubt the Supreme Council would've cared much if I was blind or not." Personally, Lucifuge suspected that either the Council or the NDC would wish for him to be dead without even hearing him out.

"They wouldn't care either way, Commander." Julian's tone was enough to make it clear to Millicas that his worse suspicions were not unfounded. "Commander Delys… She had tried to make a plea for your life, arguing your potential knowledge of EA, those prototypes and more, but… The Council has ruled that you are to be executed and your body disposed of. That was yesterday." Julian revealed to Millicas, with his face hardening from it.

"Are they aware of the situation, regarding Lacus and Athrun?" Millicas asked, with Julian recognizing what he was hinting at.

"They are, but…" At that very moment, the door into the med bay slid open, revealing Faye Delys in her white commander's uniform, stepping in, with Julian saluting her. "Commander." Millicas merely turned to her, looking at her through his mask, with Faye having a neutral and serious look on her face.

"Doctor, how is the patient?" Faye turned to Julian, and from her tone, both former Commander of the 1st Corps and it's loyal chief medical officer understood, that she was not here for social talk.

"Commander… Pardon me, the patient's condition is stable and he is ready to be discharged from here. I only need to administer instructions in regards to his current health situation, but overall…" Julian was about to go on, but Faye interrupted him.

"Thank you, Doctor. Now, give us the room." Faye commanded, and Julian, after some hesitation, did obey the order and left the med bay, with Millicas and Faye finally meeting face to face, eyes to eyes. "Does this device work?" She asked him.

"It does." Millicas stated. "Though I imagine I now look like Le Creuset's more handsome brother." Though the words were of joking nature, Millicas' tone was anything but jovial.

"Unfortunately, you do, though the red lenses are a good touch." Faye admitted, with a small chuckle, but then turned serious. "Did Bashir fill you in?"

"Yeah, he did, in general terms." Millicas answered, but before Faye could say another word, he raised his hand and spoke first. "Before we say anything, I just want you to know, that what happened to Lacus… I would never have allowed her to be put in such danger, or to be used like she was. I know that after everything, you have little reason to trust me, but…"

"But I do, Millicas." Faye interrupted him, dropping the official tone, her face softening, surprising him. "Had it been anyone else, I wouldn't believe them, but I know you, Millicas, and after what Lacus made me promise after battle and what she did, I know that you are still the same man as you were."

"In the regard, I'd dispute with you, Faye, but this is neither the time nor place for it." Millicas breathed out. "What exactly did Lacus do, for you to regain trust in me?"

"To regain my trust in you? Nothing, I always trusted you." Faye admitted. "But she did put herself in that spot intentionally, to make us stop fighting, and she made me promise, that I would protect you from both ZAFT and Patrick Zala." Millicas looked at her with surprise, before a small smile appeared on his face.

"Lacus… She always was the voice of reason, whenever we were arguing." Millicas said with a chuckle, which Faye agreed upon, before his expression soured. "Bashir told me about Council's decision, but I have a hard time believing, that they would not consider prisoner exchange." Faye's expression soured too.

"I've argued with them about it, tried to appeal that we could exchange you for Lacus and Athrun, but…" Faye let out a sigh of defeat. "The Council… They are preparing to release a statement, that Lacus and Athrun were killed already, and as for you… The Council wants you gone for good, and has made it clear that every evidence of your existence on our hands is to be erased."

"Does that also include the G-Weapons and the data you've taken from them?" Millicas asked of her. "You know, I have half a mind to sue ZAFT for corporate espionage and theft of property. If the Council, or rather, Zala and his radicals want me gone so badly, then they best erase those as well, because they are my work too. I take it the situation on political front has worsened with my re-appearance." Millicas' way of speaking made it clear to Faye, that he had some indication of what was going on in the PLANTs.

"I've not been to PLANTs in a month's time, but it appear to be so. Zala had overruled his decision to open negotiations in regards to Lacus and Athrun, claiming that they are as good as dead in the hands of EA." Faye said with clear disdain in her tone. "That man… I always knew Patrick was cold, but it's like he doesn't even give a damn about his own son's life."

"Believe me, that man would sacrifice everything just to achieve his own goals. His own family is only important to him if it helps him achieve his goal, and as it stands, having his own son become a martyr serves him more that recovering him." Millicas told Faye, with no small amount of malice in his tone. "For Patrick Zala, his goal always justifies whatever means he will take, and he doesn't care, if he his son or a million Coordinators have to die for him to achieve it."

"So, to bring a swifter end to war, he would be willing to sacrifice even his own son?" Faye asked of him, coming to what she wished to ask him from the start. "He did it make clear, that you are to die, and that if I did not comply with this order, then I would face severe consequences. He also wasn't all too happy that I've ordered Le Creuset and his pilots out, when we rendezvous with Voltaire yesterday for resupplying."

"Le Creuset and his pilots are not here?" Millicas asked again, with Faye nodding to him.

"Yeah, they've transferred to the Voltaire, with Heine Westenfluss joining them as well, as Zala's replacement." Faye told Millicas. "I tried to oppose that transfer, but Rau's had it authorized through Zala, so there was little I could do. They were reassigned for the moment, at least officially."

"That… That was not a good move, Faye. You should've kept Le Creuset locked up, if you didn't plan on killing me."

"You think that he will make a move against me and the Corps?" Faye asked of him.

"No, I know that Zala will most likely order Rau to eliminate you all now." Millicas stated to Faye, shocking her. "Faye, you don't know Zala, not like I do."

"Then tell me, Millicas." Faye asked him. "I may not be a genius like you, but I can think and draw conclusions on what I see and know, and you know what I think? I think that whatever had forced you to flee PLANTs and ZAFT is connected to Patrick Zala, and I suspect, that you know more about him and his plans than anyone else. And I think, that whatever you know, has Patrick scared. Scared, that if you ever appear in PLANTs again, you will destroy him. Now, tell me, Millicas, what is that has Zala so hell-bent on killing you, and why did you flee without saying a word?" Faye's expression made it clear that wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"Faye… If I tell this to you, then I'll be burning any possible bridges you have with ZAFT. Not just for you, but the entirety of this ship and all on board it." Millicas told her. "I am not joking or exaggerating, Faye. What I know… It will ruin lives of all on this board. Hell, my very presence here has already done so." Faye could clearly see that he was not joking, but she too was determined to get to the bottom of everything.

"Whatever, it is you have to say, Millicas, I'm ready to hear it." Faye told him. "Me, Talia, Shiho and Alex- we all know you wouldn't have abandoned ZAFT for nothing, and whatever forced you to do it, I want to know what it was." Millicas let out a sigh, before speaking up.

"Do you trust in them, to be of the same mind?" Millicas asked of her. "I know it sounds paranoid, but…"

"I understand, and I do." Faye told him.

"Then call them here. It is for the best that you all hear it." Millicas asked of her, with Faye moving to the door. "In the meantime, I'd rather get out of this gown." Millicas added, with Faye moving to the nearby closet and opening it, revealing a freshly pressed military uniform, based off one used by ZAFT.

"You can thank Lacus. She had designed and ordered that for your birthday." Faye told him with a small smile. "I've kept it as a memento. She said that while you wore your father's uniform well, you deserved your own more." Faye told him, and then left the room, with Millicas moving to the closet and looking at the uniform.

The coat was similar to the one he used on Archangel, but it had a redesigned golden detail to it, as well as black sleeves, shoulders and collar, with wings motif to them, while the shirt and pants were of white color, with leather brown boots. A redesign, yes, but Millicas could clearly feel that it was made with care and attention to his own tastes, and Lacus' touch was evident, and smiling at the thought, he proceeded to quickly change in to it. Soon after he was done, he suddenly sensed quite clearly, that there was someone on the other side of his door, yet wasn't about to enter and intending to stand there. Once done with his coat, Millicas walked to the door, and then opened it, before quickly stepped aside, as two all too familiar girls fell inside, one wearing the green uniform, while the other a red coat of ZAFT's aces. Letting out a chuckle, Millicas adopted the tone he had grown used to using as an instructor back in the Academy.

"Cadet Hawke, what did I say about fishing for gossip and dragging your sister into it?" Millicas asked of the two, as Lunamaria and Meyrin Hawke looked up at him with surprise, as he helped them up.

"N-never to do it again, sir." Lunamaria answered, before her and Meyrin both saluted him.

"Um, i-it is good to see you again, s-sir." Meyrin responded with a bit of shyness, with Millicas smiling at it.

"At ease. I'm no longer your instructor, but it is good to see the two of you." Millicas admitted to them, with Luna smiling proudly to him, while Meyrin with more reserve. "Now then, what are you two doing here?"

"We were just hoping to come and say hi, sir, but we heard Commander Delys come and leave, so we waited, until she was out of the earshot." Luna openly admitted, before she took a closer look at him. "Um, sir, why are you cosplaying as that creep Le Creuset? It is a nice look on you, though, especially this royal red and black with gold."

"Luna!" Meyrin chided her. "Please forgive her, Commander, she…"

"It's alright, Meyrin, and I quite agree on the fashion part. As for the mask, this thing is what allows me to use my eyes properly." Millicas pointed at the mask, with the two girls growing quiet and averting their gaze from him, with Millicas understanding why that was. "I wish we could meet under different circumstances."

"Yeah, I guess it would've been better." Lunamaria agreed with a more reserved tone, before she turned to Millicas. "Commander… You are not with the Earth Alliance, are you?" Lunamaria asked of him the question that was on her mind.

"Despite the recent events saying otherwise, I am not with EA, Lunamaria. I won't deny that I work with the Archangel and its crew, but my allegiance doesn't belong to EA." Millicas answered. "However, I can't say that I am part of ZAFT, nor wish to rejoin, either."

"But if you are not with either, then who are you with?" Meyrin asked. "You fought for the EA and against ZAFT, but… I, we don't believe you could just switch sides."

"Let's just say, I stand against leadership of ZAFT and EA, the people who want me dead the most." Millicas told them, confusing them even more. "I know it sounds complicated, but the point is that to you and Sogdiana I am not an enemy, despite everything that had happened. This is hard to believe, but that is the truth."

"Yeah, we've figured that it was more than meets the eye." Lunamaria said. "Commander Delys herself said, that even though you may fight against us, you wouldn't be doing it without a good reason for it, and most likely wouldn't have fought us if we didn't pursue you." Luna told him with a small smile.

"I'm glad to hear it." Millicas told them. "So, you were both assigned into the 1st Corps right after the Academy?"

"Yup, thanks to you and your lessons, I've passed all the tests with flying colors, safe for one, and got selected by Commander Delys herself to serve in the 1st." Lunamaria said with pride, with Millicas nodding to her. "She said I was flying like our brother and that I'd make him proud, but to be fair, I'm kinda glad I didn't get to fly in that battle. You did wreck up my GINN HM pretty hard, though seeing how Aiman desecrated it, I'll forgive you for it." Luna said with a chipper tone.

"I'm sure Tristan would say the same." Millicas acknowledged. "Also, taking a personal MS and changing its colors without permission? I thought I had taught him better. Speaking of, what exactly your colors are?"

"Why the best ever- red and black, just like your DRAKE, em, was." Lunamaria responded. "After all, it's common knowledge that if you paint something red, it'll go faster." She said with a joking manner, with Millicas chuckling to it.

"I'll not dispute that." Millicas said, before her turned to Meyrin. "What of you, Meyrin? How did you do on your tactical and communications exams?"

"U-um, I did well, sir." She said with a bit of a blush, before Lunamaria nudged her a little.

"Aw, don't be so humble, sis. Mey here passed those tests like a pro, best in the entire year, and she had Captains and Commanders practically squabbling among each other over who should get her." Luna said with pride for her sister, with Meyrin blushing at the praise. "In the end, it was Captain Gladys who picked her up, so now she serves as an MS second comms controller. You weren't kidding- she is a serious lady, but you can tell that she cares for her own."

"Hence why I always felt safe when leaving her in charge of the ship in battle. And you should be proud of your accomplishment, Meyrin." Millicas told her. "Talia takes great care when it comes to picking up crewmembers. If she chose you that means you are a great comms officer and coordinator for the MSs."

"Th-thank you, sir." Meyrin blushed an even deeper color, before she and Luna heard a cough behind them, prompting them to turn and see the Captain, Commander and their two senior pilots, standing them, with both girls immediately saluting. "Captain, Commander, ma'am."

"At ease." Faye ordered them, as she turned to Millicas, before turning to Lunamaria. "Pilot Hawke, what was it I said about eavesdropping and dragging your sister into it?"

"Um, never to do it again, ma'am?" Luna said with a sheepish smile.

"Told you she would." Alex said to Shiho, with her rolling her eyes in playful manner, before the two looked at their former Commander. "Looking sharp there, Commander. Really rocking that "Le Creuset" look." Alex said, before saluting.

"Shut it. It is good to see you well, Commander." Shiho told him, as she saluted to him, out of force of habit.

"Likewise, Shiho, and you can stuff that comment in your exhaust port, Grayson." Millicas said with a hint of mirth in his tone, before he turned to Captain Talia Gladys and offered her his hand. "Captain Gladys, it is good to see you again, despite the circumstances."

"Likewise, Commander Lucifuge." She responded, shaking his hand. "Commander Delys has informed us of your decision, and we are in agreement to hear your words, regardless of the consequences."

"Um, what is going on, Commander?" Both Millicas and Faye immediately turned to Luna, before the two shared a look between one another. "What is this about your decision and consequences?"

"It's… It is your call." Faye told him, and Millicas turned to the two girls and spoke up to them.

"Lunamaria, Meyrin, there is a serious reason as to why I've left ZAFT, serious enough to warrant death penalty and condemnation as traitors from ZAFT." Millicas stated to them with full seriousness. "They have chosen to hear about it, but you have a choice, to walk away, leave Sogdiana while there is time, and never speak of it again or…"

"Commander, I know what you are trying to do, and while I appreciate it, I'd rather hear it with the rest of my unit." Lunamaria said, as she looked to her fellow pilots.

"I am of the same mind, sir." Meyrin said, with Millicas turning to Faye.

"Lead the way." Millicas told her, and the group then proceeded to the small conference room, where upon reaching it, Millicas closed the door and locked it, letting out a sigh and then turning to his former comrades. "Before I begin, I would like to ask, if anything had survived in my DRAKE? There was a small flash drive in it…" At that moment, Shiho produced it out of her coat and gave it to Millicas.

"Here, sir." Shiho spoke up, with Millicas nodding to her, before plugging it in to the computer, activating it.

"Now, to begin with, as some of you already know, I deserted ZAFT due to a supposed conflict between me and Patrick Zala, which arose in the last year. Well, it is only partially true, but before explain the details of it, I must tell you where it all had begun." Millicas began his tale. "After the Endymion, when I transferred to the Academy, I was privately approached in July by Patrick Zala, Chairman of National Defense Committee and de-facto Commander-in-Chief of ZAFT. He told me of his idea to bring a swifter end to the war, and that to achieve it, PLANTs needed to regain the usage of nuclear power, but to achieve it, he needed a way to counter my previous creation, the Neutron Jammers. I will not deny the fact that at the time I was…broken, but I should've seen his realized sooner what he really wanted, and yet I didn't, and instead of questioning or further prodding, I agreed to assist him in that. Within three weeks, I've completed what he wanted of me- a functional Neutron Jammer Canceller, a device that effectively countered my earlier creation and allowed nuclear fission to work again."

"Okay, but what exactly did Zala want to do with it?" Alex asked. "PLANTs don't have any nukes of its own or the proper facilities to make any. Did he want to use fission to power Mobile Suits?"

"At first, I had thought it to be so, which is why I made my prototype to work on an MS mounted reactor. However, Zala wanted a much more powerful and larger N-J Canceller, strong enough to support the largest possible reactor, and so I made one." Millicas continued. "When he saw the results, he said that I've surpassed all expectations and that now Naturals were going to become history and that line… That was what had finally tipped me off."

"Did he really say that?" Shiho asked him, with Millicas nodding to her. "Then… What could he possibly need such an N-J Canceller?"

"That is what I too wished to know, so I've hacked into his personal computer when I had the chance, and learned what exactly he was planning." Millicas went on with his tale, as he tapped the keyboard and brought up the needed material, showing it all. "As it turned out, Patrick had secretly revived a project called Genesis, a propulsion device, which utilized nuclear energy to create a laser for launching ships into deep space via solar sails. The idea was proposed back in 62 C.E., and originally it all was going fine and well, but then the project was suddenly cancelled, shelved and forgotten for good. I later learned, that it was my mother, Grayfia Lucifuge, who saw to it."

"Grayfia cancelled that project?" Faye asked. "Why and how did she do it?"

"My mom had more influence on the PLANT's Supreme Council than most realized, and as for why, she realized exactly the same thing that I did- that this thing, despite its noble intentions, has the potential to be utilized as weapon with more destructive potential than anything ever developed before. In short, if that thing ever were to be fired towards Earth, then it would render Earth completely uninhabitable." Millicas stated, shocking all, before showing the ignition and work of the device.

"It looks like it works through the induction of a fission reaction and release of energy, which is then directed back via mirrors, and condensed, into a directed beam." Shiho stated, as she looked at it, as a feeling of terror took hold over her. "Oh my God… I-If these numbers are correct, t-then this thing…"

"It would make the nukes of Reconstruction Wars look like a bunch of petards." Alex said, before turning to Millicas. "Who was in charge of the project?"

"Patrick Zala and he was none too happy about it, because I remember him barging out of my home just two days before I left for PLANTs. I asked my mom what it was about, and all she said, I that I would be going to Atlas City instead of studying in PLANTs." Millicas continued. "At the time, I didn't connect the two, and when three days after I left my mother died, I blamed the Blue Cosmos. It was only after I hacked Zala's computer I learned the truth… The truth that I had helped my mother's murderer complete the very thing she sacrificed her life for to stop." To say that it was a shock for all to hear, would be a serious understatement, as Meyrin had her hands by her mouth, while Shiho and Lunamaria were staring with wide open eyes, while Alex was processing it with Talia, with only Faye rising up and putting onto Millicas' for support.

"You didn't know, you couldn't have known." She told him in an attempt to help him. "Like you said, Patrick will use anything to further his own goals."

"Had I not been so damn drowned in my own self-loathing, I would've seen it all a mile away, I…" Millicas tried to argue, but Faye clenched her hand on Millicas' preventing him from further such thought.

"Endymion broke all of us, and you hardest of all, Millicas. Do not blame yourself for what had happened, be better." She told him the same advice he once gave her, with Millicas finally turning to Faye, and nodding to her with a small smile, with her taking her previous place.

"So this GENESIS was completed then, and you've left in order to stop it?" Captain Gladys spoke up, with Millicas nodding. "Why didn't you take your findings to Supreme Chairman Clyne or before the Council? Why not call us for help?"

"Because GENESIS was scheduled to fire just 18 hours from when I hacked Zala's computer and I had little time to do anything, and I knew that even if I took to anyone, then Zala would've fired earlier and wiped out Earth and all on it." Millicas told them, continuing his tale. "I've downloaded all of his files, and then I downloaded a specially designed virus into his and ZAFT's systems, wiping out every bit of data on all my work and GENESIS, as well as remotely destroying all working and not working prototypes. From then, I hopped into my DRAKE and made a beeline to where it was, but Zala had either suspected that I would figure it all out, or learned of my work, so he had Le Creuset and Catalonia with their teams and ships waiting for me. It was tough, but I've managed to destroy GENESIS from the inside, and then make it appear as if I was killed, via sacrificing one of my external fuel tanks. From then, I waited in the debris for an opening and made a run for towards one of Atlas."

"Hm, makes sense that you would take shelter in Atlas." Alex noted. "But did Patrick really plan to fire that damn thing? I mean, there were our people down there as well. Did he really not think about them?"

"Trust me, Alex, he couldn't care less about anyone, be they Natural or Coordinator. All that matters to Patrick is his vision of a world of Coordinators, a world he would build on corpses of Naturals, everyone who would oppose him, and even those he seemingly wished to make that world for." At that moment, Millicas changed the image on the screen, and displayed a new one in form of a map. "Recognize it?"

"It's the Nebula Shroud Perimeter, the first line of defense and early warning system of PLANTs." Lunamaria answered.

"You've proposed the idea of it back in 68 C.E. for purposes of protecting PLANTs from rogue asteroids and debris, as well as expand communication network between PLANTs and Earth Sphere as a whole." Meyrin recalled the lessons. "After Aprilius' intervention, the satellites were repurposed with missile and early warning systems, and in January of last year, they were complimented by Neutron Jammers, covering the entirety of PLANTs' approaches. But then…"

"It failed, at one very specific direction- Junius City, the agricultural PLANT, and on the very same day of its failure, Earth Alliance's 1st Fleet attacked, armed with nuclear warheads." Shiho finished for Meyrin. "There were no formations on patrol there, no warnings or anything, not even reinforcements. Even our 1st Corps was not even supposed to have been there, as we've been ordered to deploy closer to Januarius. We only stuck around the area because Commander Lucifuge noticed an abnormality in the Perimeter, and then we detected the EA's fleet."

"The Perimeter, its systems and everything went completely offline, without any way of rebooting them." Millicas breathed it out. "After Junius Seven, all believed it was some form of cyber-attack that caused a glitch in the system, but I didn't believe it. Too many things didn't fit it: lack of forces, complete radio silence, size and timing of EA's forces. I was the one who had worked on Nebula's defenses, and I knew that they were impervious to anything and all that both EA and PLANTs had in terms of cyber-warfare, and it racked my brain… Until I got Zala's files and I've learned the truth, and it all became as obvious as it could be." The implication was more than enough for all to realize what Millicas meant.

"Commander… You are implying that Chairman Zala had cooperated with EA?" Talia asked of him with clear shock in her voice. "B-but that is… That is madness. Wh-why would he even do it? His own wife was in Junius City at that time, this doesn't make sense."

"Oh, but from Patrick's point, it does, and same can be said from the perspective of Blue Cosmos." Millicas said, before elaborating. "After Junius Seven, there was no longer any way of turning back from war, and Junius Seven became the cry for justice and vengeance. Zala wanted to give incite PLANTs into a frenzy, but at the time, the PLANTs and it's people were more willing to talk, rather than kill each other, remember. So, he decided to show them, that there can be no negotiating with the Naturals, and so secretly leaked them the codes to specific portion of Nebula Perimeter, redirected forces away, as well as cut all comms. And what do we get?" To further prove it all, Millicas showed on the screen the clear evidences of it, with all looking at it with shock.

"This… This makes sense. Only two people would have access codes to Nebula: my father and Patrick Zala, Head of NDC." Faye stated, as she looked at the evidences. "Zala, he… He planned this war. He and Blue Cosmos, they've unintentionally helped each other… And now this is no longer a war of independence, but a war of extermination. Patrick… He's gone mad."

"Yeah, and now he knows that I am alive, and that I can undo all he has done." Millicas stated to Faye. "This is why I did not wish to show it to any of you, why I never revealed myself to any of you. I had hoped that I've managed to stop Patrick for good, but now… Now I realize it was wishful thinking. The war is growing more intense by the day. This is part of the reason why I fled to Atlas, but Uzumi Nara Attha had learned of my survival, and pressured me to join this G-Project, with the goal of helping Orb develop means of defending themselves."

"How did he manage that?" Faye asked of him.

"Simple: if I had refused, he would've informed PLANTs of my survival, and that would mean Zala learning as well." Millicas answered. "I may like his daughter and consider her one of my closest friends, but Uzumi Nara Attha… In his eyes, I am more dangerous to Orb, or rather, his vision of Orb, than even Blue Cosmos, hence why he refused to defend me and my mother after Brussels' Bombings, forcing us to leave for PLANTs."

"Man, Commander, it's almost as if the entire world is out to get you…" Alex noted with wry tone. "So, what is our plan now?"

"With Le Creuset gone with his team, he is most likely going to rendezvous with additional forces of ZAFT, and will attack Sogdiana with the means of wiping us out." Millicas stated his opinion, with Captain Gladys turning to him with wide eyes, as did Lunamaria and Meyrin. "In Zala and Le Creuset's eyes, you are threats now, and they won't rest until they eliminate us, and with the media control that they have, the people will only hear of a heroic sacrifice of Sogdiana and so on. Hence, your only option is to make a run for it towards Atlas."

"You think they'll accept us there?" Lunamaria asked.

"If you inform them who sent you, they will, but before we do that, we need to rescue Lacus and Athrun from the Archangel." Millicas stated. "Had it just been Captain Ramies, I would've been able to persuade them to let the two go, but if that bastard George Allster is on board… Then it will be problematic."

"What in the world is Allster doing out here?" Faye asked of him.

"His daughter is on the ship, decided to pay her a visit or something, but then he found out I was there too. The rest you can guess." Millicas stated, with Faye knowing what he meant, while Lucifuge turned to Captain Gladys. "What is our current position in relation to the Archangel, Captain?"

"We are on her tail, but trailing behind, because of the damage taken after battle. Our engines are not operating at full capacity due to damage to the energy capacitors on them." Captain Gladys stated. "We do have an option of using secondary weapons' capacitors and reroute power to engines, but that would leave Sogdiana weakened, should a potential attack happen."

"How long would it take to catch up with Archangel if it were done?" Millicas asked of Gladys.

"8 to 12 hours. The modifications can be done within two hours." Gladys responded.

"Do it, Captain." Millicas ordered, with Gladys sharing a short look with Faye, who confirmed the order and moved to the comms unit to give the order. "Le Creuset will come for us soon. He knows our position, our route, and that we are vulnerable… We need to tip the balance in our favor."

"Never would've imagined that the EA would be our savior." Alex noted, before letting out a sigh. "Our DRAKES are more or less ready for combat, and we have one GINN HM ready, but I'm afraid your suit is busted beyond repairs, Commander."

"I've figured." Millicas said with a sigh. "The Archangel is our best option, and it also has something that can tip the scales in our favor, and prove a nasty surprise for Le Creuset."

"Something you haven't yet shown to us?" Faye asked. "There were more Mobile Suits in that project you were working on?"

"Yeah, one more." Millicas stated, as he showed them the image of it. "GAT-X310 Thunderbolt Gundam, or at least it was its original designation. Its current one is MVF-M1X Raijin Gundam, and it should be enough to put Le Creuset into the ground for good."

"I've given the appropriate order, the modifications are being installed as we speak." Talia spoke up, before she turned to Millicas. "Commander, you realize that not all of the crewmembers of this vessel will accept effectively defecting from ZAFT. What is your plan in this case?" Millicas understood what his former Captain meant by those words.

"I'm not Le Creuset, so if they wish, they can leave. Sogdiana is still equipped with escape shuttles?" Millicas asked, with Gladys nodding to him. "Then whoever wishes, can go to them, but if I know Zala and Le Creuset well enough, they'll eliminate any and all traces of my existence. Do the PLANTs as a whole know that I'm still alive, I wonder?"

"No, the information in regards to you was restricted, with only to the Supreme Council and highest members NDC having access to it." Faye informed them. "That being said, we did attempt to contact PLANTs again, once the operation on you was over, but didn't manage. We assumed there was some interference, given our positioning."

"Except that soon after Voltaire we've also lost contact with it, and she is not so far from us." Meyrin chimed in. "I… I ran a full analysis of our comms lines and waves, and I've found no problem with any of them, s-so that would mean…"

"We've been effectively cut off from the rest of ZAFT and its network." Talia stated, as she breathed out a heavy sigh. "I'll order the engineering to double-time it. Our plan is to intercept the Archangel, retrieve Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala, and then make our way to Atlas, is that it?"

"Roughly, it is." Millicas said with a sigh. "In the meantime, I might as well make myself useful while I can. Shiho, those Weapon Pods of yours, you have any spares left? I think I have an idea on how to actually make them useful." And just like that, Millicas Lucifuge was once again back where he felt most comfortable with.

---

Meanwhile. Voltaire.

"I must thank you for sending the Voltaire to pick us up, Chairman Zala. I am told that the repairs and upgrades on the Duel shall be completed tomorrow, so we will be able to resume pursuit of the Legged Ship." Le Creuset reported on the comms to Patrick Zala, who clearly wasn't too pleased with the situation. "Although, I suppose our priorities have shifted, considering the situation…"

"I am growing tired of your failures, Le Creuset. This inability to complete a simple mission has me and my compatriots questioning your abilities as commander of ZAFT." Patrick Zala stated to him with cold tone. "More than a few believe that you are no longer fit for any form of command and piloting."

"I would like to remind you and your comrades, Chairman, that this is Millicas Lucifuge we are dealing with, not another disenfranchised pilot or uncovered Hybrid. So naturally he would be more complicated to deal with." Le Creuset decided to give some lip. "And as you may recall, the NDC and Supreme Council are also partial to his legendary reputation and status as a hero of ZAFT. Naturally, his former 1st Corps and Captain would be more willing to see save him, rather than take him out. I believe I've already pointed out, Chairman, but…"

"Do not test my patience, Rau. You are already on thin enough ice, and one more misstep will be enough to see you disappear for good." Zala warned him, before sending him some data. "You have one last chance to make up for your mistakes, and suggest you do not waste it. The NDC has effectively cut off all comms with Sogdiana, so you know what that means." Le Creuset smiled at that news, as this was exactly what he was hoping for.

"It would be my pleasure to end the esteemed 1st Corps, but I fear that my current forces will not sufficient enough for it. I only have one Nazca-class, three prototypes, my CGUE, one standard GINN and a GINN HM." Rau pointed out. "Even damaged and undermanned, Sogdiana still remains are a powerful foe, not to mention that each of the three 1st Corps veterans are worth five pilots, and Faye Delys is considered to be equal to Millicas himself."

"Which is why I've managed to get the Council to approve the Operation Daybreak, and hence you will be allocated sufficient enough resources to take it down. The captains and commanders will be informed that Sogdiana and it's crew have mutinied and took Lucifuge's side." Zala stated to Le Creuset. "You will have over 30 Mobile Suits, including DRAKEs and GuAIZs, fresh from the production lines. The new models will be equipped with beam weaponry, so you best make good use of them."

"Understood, and the naval forces' composition that I shall receive, if I may ask?" Rau asked.

"You will have plenty enough to destroy Sogdiana, and afterwards, to eliminate the Legged Ship for good, even if it reaches the 8th Fleet's position." Patrick stated to him with cold tone. "Leave no survivors, Le Creuset, not a single one."

"Does that also include young Miss Clyne and your son, Chairman?" Rau could not resist asking, with Patrick's face hardening. "If you wish, we could mount a rescue operation…"

"I believe I have made myself clear, Le Creuset." Zala stated to him coldly. "As far as PLANTs know, Athrun Zala went MIA last battle, while Lacus Clyne's fate remains unknown. Should both perish and be confirmed dead, then it will be clearly because of EA's actions, thus turning them into martyrs. Millicas Lucifuge's death drew tens of thousands into ZAFT and hardened the minds and hearts of hundreds of thousands. I expect at least the same effect to come from their deaths."

"Understood, Chairman." Le Creuset nodded, accepting his orders. "One last thing, Chairman. One of my pilots, Nicol Amarfi. He and Athrun are close, and he has gained a respect and amity towards the 1st, and is clear follower of Lucifuge's teachings. I've had growing concerns regarding his performance since the reveal of Lucifuge, and I suspect he may be… reluctant to execute the coming attack."

"Should he refuse or even hesitate, then that is an act of treachery, and you know well how we deal with traitors." Rau smirked a little at that one. "We've been tolerating Lucifuge's supporters and followers within ZAFT for far too long. The time for quiet removals and accidents is over. Before the Operation Spitbreak, we'll have them weeded out and culled for good, and should Amarfi prove to be one of those supporters, then deal with him accordingly. In fact, perhaps the death of his son will finally push Yuri out of Siegel's supporters for good."

"Then I shall act in accordance with your wishes and situation, Chairman." Rau stated to him.

"Remember, that this is your last chance, Le Creuset. Another failure- and you shall wish to join Catalonia." And with that, Zala ended his call.

"Such aggression… As you wish, Chairman Zala." Rau stated with a mocking tone.

---

Meanwhile. Moon. Atlas City.

PLANTs' diplomatic shuttle finished its final preparations and was now preparing to enter port of Atlas City, while it's passenger, Eileen Canaver, member of PLANT's Supreme Council and head of the diplomatic service, was looking out of her window, seeing the second city on Moon. Unlike Copernicus, which was a joint venture of all major powers of Earth, Atlas City was the product of ambitions of a single family and hard work of two generations. Starting with Lord Shingen Mashima of Orb, who laid the foundations for it, and ending with his son and heir, Tatsuya Mashima, who had completed it, both men nearly bankrupting their prestigious and wealthy family in the process.

And yet their venture paid off, as Atlas City was completed, with people of all kinds moving in to live and find a new life in there, bringing with them their skills, talents and so on. Officially completed in 48 C.E., by the time of Lord Tatsuya's death, Atlas was already a thriving city, with stable economy and great prospects to boot, both socially and economically. Like in Orb, discrimination was prohibited on all levels, and Atlas boasted the single largest concentration of Coordinators outside of PLANTs, even surpassing some of its Cities.

The powerful position of Atlas was helped by its proximity to abundant resources, which had served to spearhead Orb's colony development, and catapult it into the world power status. To add to it, Atlas was a center of sciences and academics, a true city of future, where Naturals, Hybrids and Coordinators could pursue their desires in scientific fields without any worry, and this showed in the fact that in a number of fields, Atlas was ahead of even PLANTs.

The monumental successes and its powerful position Atlas City, as well as its populace, owed in large part to Mashima Family and Mashima Corporation, which basically ran the city since its inception, and still held it. Even though Atlas did have an elective democratic government, Eileen, as well as everyone who mattered, knew that in reality there was one undisputed ruler of Atlas City- Miyuki Mashima, current Head and last member of Mashima Family alive. While on paper, Atlas was still a protectorate of Orb, in reality Uzumi Nara Attha had far less influence over than he wished, and all power was concentrated in the hands of Lady Mashima, also known as the Queen of the Moon, due to her sheer influence, which reached Copernicus, colonies and Orb proper itself. Though absent from Orb since the death of her brother, Miyuki's influence is powerful enough that even Uzumi Nara Attha has to take into consideration her interests. Given the fact that Mashima name remains as powerful as it is both in Orb and in Atlas, meant that more often than naught, current Chair Representative had to thread carefully around her in all matters.

Tatsuya Mashima was considered to be a titan in the world of politics and the man who raised Orb into what it is today, who had defended it and its ideals, and who had been the first real head of state to introduce egalitarianism for both Naturals and Coordinators, and his sister had dedicated her life to upholding those very standards. Although there are those that say that Miyuki will always remain in the shadow of her late brother, Eileen believed that this was not something that bothered the Queen of the Moon. What she knew for certain at this very moment, is that she was very fortunate that Miyuki had agreed to a meeting with her, especially in light of recent events. To say that Lady Mashima was displeased by the destruction of Heliopolis would be an understatement, and while the situation was resolved with Uzumi Nara Attha, same couldn't be said about Atlas and Miyuki.

As much as Patrick Zala and his radicals didn't like to agree and admit it, but the fact remained that PLANTs benefited far more from having Atlas as their friend, rather than their enemy. The sole reason why Miyuki hadn't pledged Atlas' support to the EA was because her hatred for the leadership of Atlantic Federation ran deeper, along with her distaste of PLANTs' former sponsor nations' politics and their encroachment on the Moon. Those reasons, along with help from Millicas Lucifuge, had secured ZAFT the support of Atlas in creation of their proper military navy, away from the prying eyes of EA. Bactria-class, the flagships of ZAFT, were first constructed in the very lunar docks in Atlas, and it was Atlas that provided them appropriate materials and equipment to construct their first proper Mobile Suits in large enough numbers. In short, PLANTs and ZAFT owed a serious debt to Atlas and Miyuki Mashima in person, and now Eileen was here to incur a new one, if she were successful.

Once the shuttle had docked in the port, Eileen and another passenger she shared her ride with, rose from their seats and floated to the exit. Once outside, they were already expected, as a small group of Mashima Security Agency waited for them, with one of them stepping forward and speaking up.

"Miss Eileen Canaver, Missis Lenore Zala." The man addressed the two women, before motioning them to the car. "Lady Mashima is expecting you. Please." The doors of the vehicle opened, and the man and two women sat in the limo, before leaving the spaceport, accompanied by their escorts.

"Excuse me?" Lenore spoke up to the agent, who didn't even show that he heard her. "Where will Lady Mashima be meeting us, if I may ask?"

"You will be meeting Lady Mashima at the place of her choosing, Missis Zala." The agent replied in neutral tone, which didn't ease Lenore's worries.

"You can relax, Lenore. If Miyuki was not interested in seeing us, she wouldn't have dispatched this detail." Eileen comforted her. "She will hear us out."

"But will she help us?" Lenore asked, clear desperation apperent on her face. "Eileen, I… Y-you know what the EA do to captured ZAFT pilots, and Athrun is…" Eileen reached and touched Lenore's hand in an effort to comfort her.

"Lenore, we will rescue him. Him and Lacus." Eileen assured her, before the car stopped in a parking lot, and from there, the ladies were led to the elevator.

Once they arrived to what appeared to be a penthouse, they were led into the cabinet and there they met the woman who ruled Atlas City, Lady Miyuki Mashima. She appeared to be a woman in her early to mid-thirties, with a slim and slender build, standing at about 5 feet 6 inches, with a flawless fair, nigh porcelain skin, with long silky black hair, with blue eyes, dressed in black and dark blue closed dress of elegant and simple design, not too showy and strict. When the two Coordinator women entered, for a moment they thought that Miyuki was also a Coordinator, for she had an appearance that rivaled many beauties, being akin to a flawless piece of artwork, yet also possessed an air of nobility and power around her. Miyuki Mashima didn't greet the two as she sat in her chair and looked out, observing Atlas City, and it wasn't before the agent she sent spoke up that she finally paid them attention.

"Lady Mashima, your guests have arrived." He informed them, with Miyuki turning her head and observing the two with a seemingly emotionless, cold gaze, before speaking.

"Thank you. You may leave." She said to the agent, and he left them alone, with Miyuki rising from her chair and moving closer to one near coffee table, on which tea and deserts were prepared for them. "Please, be seated, ladies. I believe we can manage to serve ourselves some tea." The two Coordinators accepted and sat, as Miyuki poured them all tea.

"Thank you, Lady Mashima, for allowing us to see you on such a short notice." Eileen expressed her gratitude to Miyuki, as she and Lenore took their cups of tea. "I understand that given recent unfortunate events, you would have reservations to seeing us, and I am grateful you had looked past them."

"Do not thank me yet, Eileen. My reservations, as you've put it, are not so small or insignificant for me to simply look past them. After all, it is not every day one violates neutrality, destroys a colony, harms and kills a number of innocents." Miyuki stated with cold tone, as she took a sip of her tea. "That is not to mention having the audacity and gall to attempt placing blame upon me and my country for what your people had done. I can understand that you are at war, but I would expect a member of your government to be more composed in her approach, and less inclined towards vocalizing maximal radicalism." Miyuki reminded Eileen of the recent talks conducted between Orb, Atlas and PLANTs' Supreme Council, in which Ezalia Joule had had spoken rather heated words towards Miyuki.

"I apologize for what had happened, Lady Mashima. Chairman Ezalia has always been more outspoken of us." Eileen said with some reserve in her voice. "Still, I am very grateful for seeing us."

"You can express your gratitude towards Siegel Clyne when we return. Politics aside, he has proven to be a more loyal friend to me and my brother than most, and Mashima family never forgets it's true friends." Miyuki stated, as she sat her cup down, as she looked at Lenore Zala. "I will admit, however, that while I had expected to be meeting you, Eileen, he surprised by saying that you, Mrs. Zala, will be coming along. I understand your husband doesn't know of your visit here, and if he does, he doesn't approve of it?"

"I… How did you know?" Lenore asked of Miyuki, surprised at her deduction.

"I happen to know your husband, and what I know, tells me that he would not wish to have any sort of contact with me, direct or not." Miyuki revealed to Lenore, surprising her again. "I doubt he had ever mentioned our acquaintance or the one he shared with my brother and his family. There was once a time my brother had counted himself to be his friend, though I personally always found him to be too… radical in his views."

"He never mentioned that he was familiar with Lord Tatsuya Mashima." Lenore admitted. "He rarely speaks of his past."

"Unsurprising, and I imagine he has even less reason to speak of my brother, not after their falling out." Miyuki took a sip of her tea, before she turned to Eileen. "But enough of the past. I understand you have come to me seeking some form of assistance. I assume that this has something to do with the resurfacing of one Millicas Lucifuge and the state of panic he had caused to you and your Council." Lenore again looked surprised at Miyuki's words, while Eileen simply adopted a more neutral expression.

"Your information is as precise as it has ever been. You are correct, Lady Mashima, it is connected to Millicas Lucifuge." Eileen wasn't even surprised at the fact that Miyuki was completely unfazed by the fact that he was alive. "If you would indulge me for a moment, was it you who had assisted him when he had… disappeared?"

"Naturally." Miyuki answered without reservations. "Now then, you are here to ask for my assistance in rescuing Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala, since your Council has resolved not to negotiate for them and exchange your recently captured former hero for them, am I correct?" Miyuki could clearly see that she had hit the nail on its head, with Eileen's expression hardening.

"I take it Siegel had informed you in advance of the reason for our visit." Eileen noted, as she took a sip of her tea.

"He would not dare to even hint at it, even on a private channel." Miyuki stated, as she took a sip of her tea. "But I do prefer to be aware of the happenings in both PLANTs and EA. I would've thought that your Council would be more inclined towards recuing their idol and her fiancée, especially given their familial ties."

"Unfortunately, it would appear that the appearance of Millicas Lucifuge has shifted the opinion of some towards the opposite end." Eileen told Miyuki. "There are some in our government and in Defense Committee who fear Millicas, enough to not want him to be alive."

"And Patrick Zala is chief among those who wishes him dead at all costs." Miyuki stated it as a fact, as she sipped her tea. "So much so, that he would condemn his own son… How typical of him." Miyuki said it like it was nothing new to her

"You… You do not know Patrick, he… He wouldn't have sacrificed Athrun like that." Lenore tried to defend her husband, but Miyuki paid her little mind. "He is…"

"Mrs. Zala, I knew Patrick before you even met him, and I can assure you, he was always the person who viewed everything and all as means to further his own ends." Miyuki told Lenore, who looked at her with wide eyes. "In his eyes, even his own child is nothing more than tool to achieve his own goals."

"You… You do not know what you are talking about." Lenore stated with clear disdain. "You do not understand what it is like, to be a parent and…"

"Mrs. Zala, I understand your distress, and though I have no children, I understand and sympathize with you, but do choose your words with more care." Miyuki told her with cold tone, before she turned to Eileen. "Was your hope that I would be able to persuade the EA's leadership to hand over Lacus and Athrun in exchange for Millicas?"

"It was, yes." Eileen admitted.

"Then I fear I have to disappoint you, for that is impossible, even for me." Miyuki told them, surprising and shocking the two. "JOSH-A has already been made aware of their status, and they are all too eager to get their hands on the two, even at the expense of the person who created their best fighting chance in this war."

"P-Please, Lady Mashima, th-there must be something y-you can do." Lenore pleaded to.

"If there were, I would've already done it." Miyuki told them. "Unfortunately, I am unable to do anything to save them."

"Then… Then we have come here for nothing." Eileen let out a defeated sigh. "My apologies for wasting your time, Lady Mashima." Eileen put down her cup and both prepared to leave, but Miyuki was not done with them.

"Before you leave, I would think you would like to know, that in your absentia, Patrick had managed to get the Operation Daybreak approved." Miyuki spoke up, surprising Eileen again. "Under pretense of carrying out, he has allocated rather considerable resources of ZAFT under command of one Rau Le Creuset, with his official orders being to deal with his Moby Dick and the 8th Fleet, guarding the orbit. However, there is something that I find rather odd."

"What is it?" Eileen asked of Miyuki.

"The fact that Sogdiana, the flagship of the 1st Corps, had suddenly disappeared from all of your comms traffic, and every contact with it was lost mere hours after it was resupplied." Miyuki informed Eileen, who found it quite concerning. "Now then, I've taken the liberty of booking you two in at this hotel. Your luggage was already taken in, and my aide will show you to your rooms. I believe you will find your accommodations adequate."

"I thank you for your hospitality, but it may be best we return home as soon as possible." Eileen said, as she and Lenore rose up and prepared to leave.

"And I insist that you extend your stay in Atlas." Miyuki told them right before the two reached the door. "If you do, then you may see a more positive development in your dilemma."

"What do you mean?" Lenore asked of Miyuki, who merely gave her a mysterious smile, before she spoke up.

"Do enjoy your stay, Mrs. Zala, Eileen." Was all that Miyuki told them, and the two left her penthouse, with Lady Mashima drinking the last of her tea and putting down the cup, with the servants coming in to take away, as well as one of her aides.

"Is my vehicle prepared?" She asked, with the aide nodding to her.

"It is, milady." The aid responded, with Miyuki moving to depart her chambers.

---

Sometime later.

"Unit 2, engine parameters are well within optimal reaches. Begin acceleration."

"Unit 5, adjust targeting matrix by 0.012 percent on your weapon."

"Unit 12, report back to the maintenance hangar two…"

That and more Miyuki Mashima heard when she entered the control center in the manufacturing facility, located in between Atlas and Hercules craters, secretly and safely tucked into the mountains that surround the two craters. The massive complex, consisting of several parts, built into the mountain, was akin to a small city, with all that worked in here, dedicated to one purpose- research, development and construction of Mobile Suits for Atlas and Orb. And right this moment, Miyuki was watching how those very Mobile Suits were being tested, with Erica Simmons of Morgenroute Inc. observing the tests, before noticing Lady Mashima and greeting her.

"Lady Mashima, we were not expecting to see you here." Erica noted with a slight surprise.

"Let my presence not distract any of your test handlers and pilots, but I will be borrowing you and your expertise for some time, Chief Engineer." Miyuki stated, as she observed the various tests on the monitors. "I take it the new OS is of adequate quality and answers your demands?"

"That is putting it lightly." Erica chuckled. "Millicas' OS was light years ahead of all that we had been working beforehand. The response time, handling of the Mobile Suits, operations- all of those are optimized to bring a trained Natural pilot on the same level as a ZAFT's pilot. During the mock battles between equally trained Natural and Coordinator, one could not tell the difference if they didn't know who was who."

"As expected of Millicas." Miyuki let a small smile out, before regaining her composure. "And in regards to the Mobile Suits themselves, do these M1 Astrays meet your requirements and how do consider their capabilities in comparison to ZAFT's own mass production units. I understand that these machines have been stripped of much of the capabilities of their parent Mobile Suits."

"Although M1s are a downgraded version of our Astray Frame prototype series, to safe the cost of production and simplify the mass production, they are more than enough to pose a serious threat to anything that ZAFT has." Erica responded. "Nearly all parameters of M1 Astrays surpass those of GINNs and CGUE, and only DRAKE can compete with it. In terms of weaponry, the beam rifles and sabers surpass all that ZAFT have supplied their forces with."

"And what about their DRAKE Re and ZAFT's new frontline unit, GuAIZ?" Miyuki asked. "I believe you have received the data on them."

"I have and I have already analyzed it. DRAKE Re indeed could prove a challenge, while GuAIZ in its current form is little more than a mass-produced version of CGUE, though I suspect that with the new data from G-Weapons, IDB and ZAFT are overhauling their design in order to incorporate new technologies." Erica stated. "This could explain the reason why only 37 machines were produced so far, before the production had been halted. I have already drew up plans for potential upgrades of M1s in order to compensate for it, and the data sent by Millicas on all of G-Weapons has already proven extremely valuable. We are already drawing up plans for more specialized MSs and support systems for M1s to accommodate various situations."

"I see." Miyuki said, before she turned to one of the screens, and spoke up. "And this is your latest design, the one you wished for to test in zero gravity?" Erica turned and nodded to Miyuki.

"The MVF-01 Raiden, a transformable Mobile Suit, based primarily off of Aegis. Though lacking Aegis' main cannon, Raiden remains well above most other machines, being well on par with most of the G-Weapons." Erica assured Miyuki. "If you would like, Lady Mashima, our test pilot will be happy to fill you in on the details." Erica pointed towards the red haired young man, who came close to them.

"Commander Hawke." Miyuki greeted him.

"Ladies." Tristan Hawke greeted them with a nod. "Anything I can do for you, Chief?"

"Yes, Lady Mashima is curious of the performance of MVF-01 Raiden, and how it holds up to currently deployed Mobile Suits of ZAFT." Erica stated. "Given your experience in piloting all of the mentioned machines, I believe you would be quite up to the task of elaborating the details."

"Certainly. Well, not to bore you with the technical details, ma'am, the Raiden was developed using the data derived from Strike and Aegis, hence the resemblance. Thanks to the omission of that overpowered cannon of Aegis, Raiden has far better thrusters, plus it has an overhauled and redesigned internal and external frame, which have seriously lightened the load on it, so it can fly independently in the atmosphere. Now both inside and outside of it, Raiden outperforms anything that ZAFT has, with its speed even surpassing that of DRAKE Re and can even give Millicas' own DRAKE a run for its money." Tristan told Miyuki, who listed with intent. "With the redesign of the entire machine it now uses a specially designed Beam Submachine gun as its standard weapon, weaker than normal Beam rifle, but still pack a mean punch to anything that doesn't have anti-beam coating. Naturally, it is also capable of utilizing every other standard variant of beam weaponry, so we can adjust to mission parameters. In addition, we took a bit of an inspiration from Millicas' DRAKE and Blitz, so the shield also has offensive capabilities built into it. Taking into the account of various possible situations, the MS was also designed to be equipped with additional items for the job: missile pods, booster packs, beam cannons, you name it- we'll mount it up. Hit and run attacks, close range engagements and so on, it can do it all, Raiden was designed to be able to perform multiple tasks at once. Had the 1st Corps had even one of these back at Endymion, we would've tore through that EA fleet faster than hot knife through butter."

"And in terms of its combat capabilities? How will it perform against ZAFT's Mobile Suits, with you at the controls, for an example?" Miyuki asked suddenly.

"Chief had me pitted against all that ZAFT fielded- GINN, GINN HM, Assault Type, CGUE, even my own old DRAKE, it outperformed all with flying colors." Tristan stated. "Although, as Commander always said, the only true test of combat unit is combat, so until then, I guess we won't know for sure. Although I wouldn't mind putting this machine through its paces, good and proper."

"Then perhaps it is your lucky day, Commander Hawke, because I've come to give you just that- a battle to both test out the machines, and to give Patrick Zala a metaphorical black eye." Miyuki stated to Tristan drawing his attention, along with that of Erica. "Zala appears to be now interested in eliminating the 1st Mobile Suit Corps from the face of the cosmos, and that includes your former comrades and little sisters, Lunamaria and Meyrin Hawke. Zala has dispatched a sizable task force after Sogdiana, under command of Le Creuset, and as it happens, Millicas is currently a guest on board."

"If that's true, then Zala and Le Creuset will not leave anything and anyone alive." Tristan said, before Miyuki procured a data pad and handed it to Tristan. "Is this…"

"All the necessary details for your upcoming mission, Commander. Your mission is as follows- protect Sogdiana, assist the 1st Corps, lead them to Atlas City after shaking off pursuit, and if possible, retrieve from the Archangel Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala." Miyuki stated to Tristan, who nodded, before she turned to Erica. "What is the status on the Shinano?"

"Lady Mashima, you do not intend…" Erica was about to try and protest, but Miyuki cut her off.

"If I didn't intend to, I would not have asked you this question." Miyuki responded, with Erica sighing and answering.

"Shinano is ready for departure, all systems are green." Erica stated. "With her engines and thrusters, she should be able to arrive to the destination fast enough, if a booster unit is added in."

"Make her ready for departure, and load the full complement of your M1 Astrays and Raiden. Commander, I leave to you the choice of pilots." Tristan nodded to Miyuki. "I shall personally oversee the operation."

"Lord Uzumi will not approve of it." Erica noted. "He is already plenty angry enough with you for allowing Cagalli to leave you for Heliopolis. An open act of aggression like this against PLANTs…"

"Not against PLANTs, but ZAFT and Patrick Zala, who thinks that he and his ilk can act as they like merely because of their genes being different, even attack neutral nations like ours. Uzumi may be prepared to endure whatever insults and even drawn blood, but I will not stand for it, nor would brother have done so, not after Zala's own dog had destroyed our colony and murdered our people." Miyuki stated with clear passion her voice. "Ours is the nation that knows the value of peace, but Uzumi has forgotten the cost of it. Si vis pacem, para bellum- if you want peace, prepare for war. Uzumi would rather sacrifice even his own daughter on the altar of his false peace, but a peace that comes at a cost of our integrity, lives of our people is no peace at all, and I refuse to accept it, refuse to sacrifice any more than what had been given already for this peace of his."

"Milady…" Erica stood there, stunned, but understood what Miyuki Mashima meant. "I understand what you mean. Lord Tatsuya… Your brother would've done the same, I imagine."

"He would, for the Orb that he built." Miyuki said. "For the Orb that he built for the future generations. For it and the future, it is our responsibility to be prepared to fight." Miyuki stated, as she turned and moved to leave the control room.

For long enough she had languished on Moon, and now it was time for her to take a leave from it, and she shall do so with purpose. Miyuki wasn't going to lie to herself, for she knew that in reality she was more than itching to give ZAFT a black eye, to retaliate for Heliopolis, but also for Grayfia Lucifuge and her son Millicas. She will not leave Millicas out to die at the hands of ZAFT, not after all that he had been through, and she'll be damned she gives Zala the satisfaction of achieving any form of success. Patrick Zala and ZAFT had drew the ire of the Queen of the Moon, and now they will have to answer for it.

---

February 11th. Archangel. Hangar.

Though the enemy's Bactria-class was no longer on their radars, most on board of the Archangel were exactly relaxed, especially given the clear determination of ZAFT to stop them. The maintenance and repairs of the ship were in full progress, which had allowed them to regain their previous propulsion and engine efficiency, while weaponry was still being worked on. Due to having taken in a great number of EA's soldiers and crewmen, Archangel now was again fully crewed, even if those additions came from differing ships. However, with the new crewmen also came new problems for the pilots of the Gundams, as the Archangel had also picked up a dozen and a half of adrift pilots of the Mobile Armors, and after Cagalli's outburst and threats, George Allster had made it clear that he wanted the pilots of Mobile Suits replaced with those of picked Mobile Armors.

To say that this demand was as ridiculous as it sounded would be an understatement, and both Coopman and Ramies refused to comply with it, but the news of it spread to throughout the crewmen and reached the pilots. And while Mu La Flaga, despite his roguish attitude, was a good and honest person without much prejudice and mistaken preconceptions, most of the other pilots were different. Fresh out of the academy, almost brainwashed to hate Coordinators and all that didn't side with the EA, they were all too eager to pick a fight with both Kira and Cagalli, believing that they were more worthy of those machines, since they did belong to the Atlantic Federation in the first place. So far, the conflicts were limited to glares, insults and so on, but Cagalli, who was currently in the cockpit of the newly repaired Aegis, had a feeling that this wasn't going to last, and she hoped that they would be able to reach 8th Fleet soon.

And yet, as she had learned from Millicas, she wasn't as blind as to believe that ZAFT would back off after the last battle, especially if Millicas' assessments of Zala, Rau Le Creuset and their supporters were right. Hence why Cagalli wasn't simply sitting idly and was working on installing the Natural compatible OS, based off of Lancer's, onto Aegis, though also calibrated to adjust to the different Mobile Suit with its capabilities. Though she was no genius like Millicas is, Cagalli's own education under Miyuki Mashima was as extensive as it was thorough, and since the Queen of the Moon was also in support of Cagalli becoming an MS pilot, she had her put through a ringer in technical sciences. More than once Cagalli cursed Miyuki silently for the workload she gave her, but now was particularly grateful for her pushing her so hard as she did, as she tapped the keyboard.

"Okay, I'm now moving the main thrusters." Cagalli called out, moving the control stick. "How does it look on your end?"

"Yeah, all looks good, and it's green across the board." Chief Murdoch called out via radio, while Cagalli moved the auxiliary thrusters. "Alright, all stats are in the green, no lag or problem that I can think of."

"Copy that. I'll finalize the targeting matrix calibration and guidance-attitude control." Cagalli called back, as she continued to work on the machine.

"You know, the kid was more than willing to take over, and he is pretty good with the programming." Murdoch noted, while Cagalli worked on the machine. "Though I suppose you too ain't too bad. Had done my fair share of work with pilots, who didn't know a thing about how their machine actually works."

"Well, Millicas doesn't like to fly anything that he can't take apart and then put it back together, so I guess I've learned more than I suspected from him." Cagalli responded, as she put the finishing touches on the OS. "Okay, let's run a full checkup, starting now." Cagalli started the checkup, with Murdoch looking at it from his end.

"Yeah, everything is looking well. The OS' setup and adjustment is now complete for this bad boy. Great job, Lioness." Murdock praised Cagalli, who turned off the machine and then floated out of the cockpit.

"So, is it all done?" Mu floated to Cagalli and Murdoch with his team, as the hatch closed up, with Cagalli nodding to him.

"Yeah, we've fine-tuned the OS to fit this thing, so now any trained pilot can use it." Cagalli said, as she took a look at the Aegis. "I take it you'll be now piloting it?"

"Afraid not." Mu replied, surprising Cagalli. "Captain Ramies was all for it, but as it turned out, Allster made a call to someone, and they've had it transferred under one of the surviving pilots."

"That slimy racist... Don't any of those higher-ups know that all those pilots we've picked up are greenhorns, fresh from the academy, and this is no Mobile Armor?" Cagalli asked in exasperation, before composing herself. "So, who did they choose?"

"That would be me, Lieutenant Asano." A black haired woman with red eyes, dressed in a purple and black pilot suit, floated down to them. "Lieutenant Rena Imelia. I believe we've met before, Lieutenant." Cagalli blinked and then remembered the woman.

"Yeah, I remember now. You were an instructor in Atlas' Academy before the war, training cadets on how to pilot a Mobile Armor." Cagalli recalled, with Rena nodding, as she took a look at the Aegis. "I would've thought you had remained in Atlas or in Orb."

"I was there as part of the exchange program, though I was offered a permanent position there, but I refused and put what I had learned into training new pilots." Rena said, as she looked at Aegis. "X303 Aegis, the fifth G Project and the first fully transformable one. Same one that Howard was to operate…" Cagalli and Mu could clearly hear the sadness and even grief in Imelia's voice, with Cagalli deciding to speak up.

"Pardon me, who was supposed to pilot it?" Cagalli asked openly, with Rena closing her eyes and composing herself.

"One of the pilots who were supposed to pilot the G-Weapons, Howard Mason was assigned to the Aegis." Rena replied, with Cagalli curious as to how did she know that. "I was his instructor, his and all the other pilots assigned to these Mobile Suits, ordered to train how to operate them, or at least how to work in them." Cagalli and Mu understood what caused her grief was.

"It was a tragedy what happened to them. I've shared a flight with them, and they were all great pilots, each in their own right." Mu replied, with Rena letting out a small smile.

"Yes, they were the best I had to train. The finest in the Earth Alliance, trained to operate the most advance weapons in history, developed by the very man responsible for their deaths." Rena replied with clear malice in her voice, surprising Cagalli. "I've seen how you moved and fought out there, Lieutenant. You and the Red Devil have much in common, in terms of your battle prowess and skills. Though I suppose that is to be expected, since I heard that he trained both you and that Coordinator civilian." To say that Cagalli didn't appreciate the way that Rena was talking about Millicas was an understatement.

"Lieutenant, I think you are getting your facts mixed up, because Millicas had nothing to do with the deaths of those test pilots. In fact, he had done everything in his power to repel ZAFT's attack and secure the Archangel." Cagalli responded, feeling her anger start rising inside of her. "I believe that Captain Ramies' report had stated the details of how the attack had happened."

"I've read it, and while Lucifuge may not have had a hand in their deaths directly, he is bears responsibility, for what ZAFT has done, and for all the lives it has taken." Rena replied with coldness. "And just because he suddenly grew a conscience and decided to switch sides doesn't absolve him of his sins. If anything, that just makes him a coward and a traitor."

"Millicas never switched sides. He left ZAFT for Orb." Cagalli reminded her. "Like I said, do not get your facts mixed up, and stop talking about Millicas like you know him."

"He is still a traitor and a coward, since he was basically responsible for constructing these Mobile Suits for the Earth Forces." Rena stated with a scoff, before she turned in the direction of Raijin. "And what is the deal with that particular Mobile Suit? I hear that because of Lucifuge, nobody is even able to activate it."

"That's Raijin, or Thunderbolt as may know it, the last of the G-Prototypes that was constructed under the project." Murdoch replied. "While it may be all assembled and ready to go by the casual look, the reality is that it ain't yet operational and Commander wasn't able to finalize the installation of the OS into it. And even if we activate it, we don't even feel safe doing so."

"And why is it so?" Rena asked of Murdoch.

"Because that Mobile Suit is the most classified of all of the G Project prototypes, and we have info on all of them, but that one is different. All that we have is outdated information, conceptual design, a complete far cry from what that thing is now." Murdoch turned and looked towards the Mobile Suit in question. "All that we learned from the survivors and data available is that this thing was designed entirely and solely by Commander Lucifuge, utilizing data from the five original Prototypes, and then upgrading every single imaginable aspect."

"So this thing is potentially the most powerful Mobile Suit on this ship, and we can't even access it?" Rena asked of Murdoch, who nodded, with the woman scoffing. "Figures that such lowly man would keep something even from his own allies…"

"Maybe he kept it away from you, because Thunderbolt, during its conceptual phase, was to go to Orb after its completion." Cagalli mentioned it with clear disdain in her tone for the way Rena spoke of Millicas.

"If he had developed such advance technologies, then the least he could do to atone his crimes is share them with us." Rena stated back.

"Atone before whom, exactly?" Cagalli asked back. "In case you haven't realized it, this is war. War that the Atlantic Federation started and Millicas is a soldier, and was one when he fought for the PLANTs."

"More like a complete butcher. Do you even know how many soldiers and pilots that man had killed alone, in his infamous DRAKE?" Rena asked of him.

"I do." Cagalli told her. "And you what else I know? I know that right now, you are projecting your hatred onto someone, who had nothing to do with the loss of your students. And it may surprise you, but if anyone can sympathize with you is actually Millicas."

"And why is that?" Rena asked of her.

"Because he was an instructor in ZAFT's Academy too, before and during war, and he had seen his own students and cadets die before his eyes more times than he cared to count." Cagalli stated, as she was done with this discussion and left for her machine, with Rena continuing look at her back, while Mu let out a tired sigh.

"You know, Lieutenant, I can understand what you are feeling, and I've felt the same way once, right after Aprilius, about Millicas. He and his 1st Corps tore through my 37th Squadron like we were not even worth spit, and only I lucked out of 16." Mu admitted to her. "Thought the man who had led those Angels of Death was a monster, but then I saw the man stand up for us, captured Natural pilots, before the very same Coordinators he fought alongside with but 10 minutes ago."

"What is it that are you trying to say? That he isn't a traitor and a man responsible for single-handedly racking up a kill count of 611 Mobile Armor?" Rena asked of Mu.

"All I'm saying is that he ain't all that the propaganda made him out to be, and in more ways than one, he is closer to us than one can think." Mu sighed, before he turned to Murdoch, while Rena went on to inspect her new MS without another word. "Ugh, I've almost forgotten what the Atlantic Federation pilots actually think of Millicas… By the way, what is so advance about that Raijin? I asked Lucifuge once, and he just said: "Everything." Mu tried to copy Millicas' voice and tone, and failed to do so.

"Well, to tell you the truth, he wasn't lying, 'cause me and my crew actually took a look under its hood, so to speak, and to say that it left us speechless, would be just about right." Murdoch said with a sigh, with Mu raising an eyebrow at that. "For starters, that Mobile Suit has that movable frame that Millicas mentioned, and to put it bluntly, that thing alone is enough to make it more advance than all other G-Projects. He somehow had managed to miniaturize and put all of the essentials into what amounts to skeleton of that Mobile Suit, and that's just… Just genius! That bastard had not only made the Mobile Suit lighter, but it's response time, weight and ease of maintenance are better than even your Moebius."

"Man, now I am starting to feel jealous." Mu said with a joking tone.

"Oh, and that's not all. The mad genius had actually made the thing modular like Strike, so it can actually adapt to any situation by modifying the machine to suit the environment." Murdoch continued. "Weapons and PS Armor are also better than the original five, but what's the real kicker is what is powering that thing."

"What did he somehow manage to put a nuclear reactor into it?" Mu asked, with Murdoch's eyes saying that he wasn't too far off. "You are kidding, right? Millicas wouldn't do it, since the Neutron Jammers would just render his new toy complete inoperable right."

"I know, and at first I thought the same, and while I didn't get a close look at it, I do know that it ain't no battery." Murdoch stated. "But what I do know, is that there is not a trace of anything that could amount for a fuel for that reactor, or else we would've long since picked it up."

"But it is a reactor, right?" Mu asked, and Murdoch nodded. "Then, what exactly did Millicas install in there?"

"Well, back when I was in the technical institution, I did hear about some Coordinator scientist, who published some work about possible development of nuclear energy utilization or something. It was some 20 years ago, though, and last I heard, the scientist died some 10 years ago." Murdoch said, as he looked at the machine again. "Maybe Millicas took inspiration or something?"

"Wouldn't surprise me." Mu said, and then at that moment the alarms blared up. "What the heck?"

"Warning! Enemy capital ship is sighted! All Mobile Suit and Mobile Armor pilots, to you machines and on standby!" The alarm blared, and Mu immediately went to change into his pilot suit.

"Do we have match yet?" Natarle asked.

"We do, it's the Sogdiana!" Sai Argyle called out, with all looking at him surprised.

"I thought we had lost it after the battle." Tolle said to Arnold. "How is it that she is back?"

"I do not know and there's nothing we can do about it." Murrue said, as she looked at the radar. "We are just a few hours away from 8th. Can we make a run for it?" She asked.

"Negative, Sogdiana will overtake us faster. They've already set an intercept course." She heard from comms.

"Captain Ramies, what are your orders?" Coopman asked of her, with Ramies thinking, until she was called out again.

"Captain, the Sogdiana… It is hailing us on open frequency." The bridge was surprised to hear.

"Ignore it. They are obviously trying to distract and stall us." George Allster stated, before turning to Ramies. "Launch our Mobile Suits, and wipe that damn ship out for good!"

"Captain, Sogdiana is transmitting a coded message via our secured channel!" The comms officer called out. "It's… It's from Commander Lucifuge!"

"What? Confirm it." Natarle called out.

"Confirmed, it is his personal ID code. It reads: "Open channel at once. Sogdiana will not attack. Shiba recommends doing it now." Comms officer finished, with Natarle sharing a look with Murrue.

"Shiba? What is that?" Coopman asked of Murrue.

"Lucifuge's name when he worked in G-Project, before the attack." Murrue responded. "He is alive then."

"Captain, ignore that damn hail and destroy that damn ship at once!" George shouted at them.

"The Archangel is hardly able to put up a good fight against that opponent, not in the condition she is now." Coopman stated, knowing the full extent of damage sustained by the carrier, turning to Ramies. "Captain Ramies, this is your call to make."

"Open the channel." Murrue ordered, and the vision of a ZAFT's Captain appeared. "This Archangel, Captain Murrue Ramies speaking."

"Captain Ramies, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Captain Talia Gladys of Sogdiana." Captain Gladys introduced herself. "Thank for responding to our hail. I had doubts you would, given our recent altercation."

"Under normal circumstances, I would've ignored it, but you've positioned yourself in such a way, that we would be at a disadvantage, should we had opened fired." Murrue admitted. "Before we proceed, I would like to know, what has become of Commander Lucifuge?" At that moment, Millicas appeared on the screen, with his new mask and uniform on, standing near Captain Gladys.

"Captain Ramies, it is positively relieving to see you and to have you answer this call." Millicas stated. "I do apologize for the slight fashion change. Consequences of recent previous battle."

"Commander Lucifuge… It is a relive to also see you alive." Murrue said to him. "Although, to be fair, I wouldn't have expected you to be at the helm of your former flagship."

"Let's just say that the situation has gained a new development, and the 1st Corps and its flagship, including it's personnel, now have a more cooperative attitude towards the Archangel." Millicas responded, before his face hardened. "However, we don't exactly have time for pleasantries. Captain Ramies, you have in your custody two certain individuals, and my former Corps and Captain would like to reclaim them."

"Too late for that, and too bad for you, monster." George spoke up with snide, as he didn't even let Murrue speak up. "Those two are now prisoners of Atlantic Federation, and will be put to good use. They, much like you, have a lot to answer for, so you can't have it."

"Allster, do shut up. I'm not talking with you at the moment." Millicas shut him up, turning to Murrue. "Captain Ramies, when we picked up Miss Clyne's life boat, do you recall what I said in regards to her?"

"I do, Commander, and I would not like to put it to the test." Murrue admitted. "However, we have received an order from JOSH-A, to not engage in any form of negotiation with the enemy."

"I see, and what do your orders say about engaging in negotiations with a neutral party?" Millicas suddenly asked, surprising Murrue and others. "As it stands right now, Sogdiana and the 1st Corps are now unaffiliated with ZAFT, and hence are no longer, by the definition, an enemy."

"I… How can you confirm it?" Murrue asked of Millicas, before some data was sent to them over open channel. "What did you just send to us?"

"Looks like their logs… Captain, it would appear that Sogdiana has indeed seized every single form of communication with PLANTs and ZAFT. In fact, there are multiple attempts at trying to make contact, yet failing at that from Sogdiana's side." Natarle responded, before she turned to the screen. "It is like Sogdiana had been left alone by ZAFT."

"This is ZAFT's standard procedure when it comes to dealing with deserters, or undesirables: completely cut off the comms, and then eliminate the enemy. The ISB takes makes a great effort to keep it all under wraps, but there are few things I don't know of their operations." Millicas responded. "As you can see, Captain, the situation has gained a new development, and I believe you realize, what it is that you best do in your situation."

"Captain, do not listen to this man! He has switched sides again and is now trying to goad you into treason! If you give him those prisoners, you'll be throwing your whole carrier under the bus." George stated. "I will ensure that every single person in here faces court martial if you comply!" He threatened, with Millicas growing irate from his words.

"And if you do not shut up, I will make sure that every soul in every corner of Earth Sphere knows, how exactly did George Allster suddenly inherit the Allster family fortune, despite having been disinherited, due to his "questionable associations." Millicas took a modicum of pleasure in the way George's face immediately paled and changed in its expression to one of fear, while others looked in curiosity and interest. "I have all the evidences I need to destroy you, and as much as I would like to do it… I am offering you a chance to do better."

"Wh-what do you mean?" George asked of Millicas, who simply looked him in the eyes, with the politician realizing what he meant. "No… No, this would completely destroy me! Y-you do not know who they are!"

"Oh but I do, and so did you, when you made your choice to betray them, and now both their blood is on your hands." Millicas' words were laced with as much coldness as they were filled with anger.

"I-I tried to save her! Th-they told me th-they would spare here, but they… They…" Allster struggled with his words. "I tried to stop them, to save them both, but they… A-Azrael said that i-it was a-an accident that she was there… Please, I-I beg you, Millicas…" From his tone and expression, it was absolutely clear that Allster was completely sincere.

"They were never going to spare her, not after she had "betrayed their pure race." Millicas continued. "Now, you have a choice: to at last do something right, or to remain a monster of your very own creation. Now decide what kind of legacy you wish to leave to your innocent daughter." Millicas and others waited for about a minute, before George spoke up.

"C-Captain… I-I authorize the prisoner transfer." George stated, as he looked to the monitor and at Millicas. "J-just… Just promise me t-to protect Flay. She… She d-doesn't deserve t-to suffer because of what I did."

"As much as I wish to simply tell you to go to hell… You have my word that your daughter will be safe." Millicas stated to George, and it appeared as if it were enough for him. "Captain, I'm heading to you with a shuttle. Please have everything ready by my arrival." And at that moment, Millicas disconnected, while George closed his eyes for a moment.

"Vice-Minister, why did you reconsider?" Murrue couldn't help but ask. "You… You understand that…"

"That I will have ruined my entire carrier with this decision? Of course I do, Captain... But… It was time to make amends for me." George told her. "Did you log my decision?"

"We have, yes." Natarle responded, with George proceeding out.

"Then… Then I shall be in my quarters. Do as Lucifuge have told you." Was the last thing that George has said, before leaving the bridge.

"I still do not understand, what just happened?" Natarle asked of her captain aloud.

"Me neither, Ensign, but… Something tells me that there is a lot more that connects Commander Lucifuge and Vice-Minister Allster than we know." Murrue admitted her thoughts, before she gave out the orders.

---

Sometime later.

The standard small shuttle touched down in the hangar of Archangel, where quite a gathering of crewmen, soldiers, officers and technicians was present, along with the two prisoners, Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala. Once the shuttle had seized all operations, the door opened and outside stepped Millicas Lucifuge in his uniform, though updated and with the inclusion of a mask. Lacus looked at him with a mix of worry and relief, while Athrun with disbelief, and yet it was Cagalli who acted first and without even minding anyone floated up and hugged Millicas tightly.

"Never… Never do this to me again, you big dummy." She said though her tears, before letting him go. "Like the mask, but it won't save you from what I'm going to do to you later on."

"Trust me, I'll welcome whatever you have over being forced to remove it." Millicas told Cagalli, as she floated onto her feet and stepped aside, letting Millicas look at Lacus and Athrun. "Lacus, Athrun, I am glad that you are well, all things considered."

"And I am glad that you and Faye hadn't made a serious mistake, but this mask…" Lacus was about to ask, before Millicas replied.

"Without out, I am effectively blind and powerless to do anything. A new fashion sense and a haircut is a small price to pay." Millicas said to her, before turning to Athrun. "Athrun Zala… This is certainly not how I would've wanted us to meet again."

"The feeling is mutual, Commander." Athrun told him. "I… Nicol and I have a lot of questions to you."

"I understand, and you will get your answers if wish, on Sogdiana. Now, you best come aboard before…" And then, at that moment, Millicas suddenly froze in place, before he turned his head, and seemingly had forgotten of a whole world, looking at the wall as if he watched what was happening on the other side of it.

"Commander, i-is something the matter?" Natarle Badgiruel asked of him, having come down here to finalize the transfer of prisoners.

"They are here, I thought we'd have more time…" Millicas muttered to himself, before he turned to all and spoke in his commanding voice. "All pilots to your machines at once! All hands to battle stations, ready for combat immediately!" Millicas ordered, shocking all and surprising everyone, but Kira and Cagalli, who on nearly an instinct went to their machines.

"Commander, what are you talking about? What enemy…" And then at that very moment, the alarms went off.

"All hands to battle stations! Level one alert! ZAFT vessels are approaching, Mobile Suit launches confirmed! All pilots to your machines!" Came the orders from the bridge, and then everyone finally started moving, with Millicas already moving to Raijin, before he was intercepted by Rena Imelia, who pointed a gun at him, with many looking at her with shock.

"Lieutenant Imelia, what are you…" Natarle tried to address her, but it seemed as if Rena didn't hear her.

"Millicas Lucifuge, the Red Devil of Junius Seven and Angel of Death of Jachin Due… The man who created the G Weapons, do you know to whom those were supposed belong, do you?!" She asked of him with a heated tone. "Those machines... They were to belong to my students, t-they were to end all this, t-to finally break the sting of defeats, but you… You and your kind had killed them, and now no one will even know about them!" She pointed her gun at him, with her eyes filled with tears, as she was near hysteria, with Millicas not even flinching.

"Howard Mason, Akira Takei, Joshua Edwards, Daryl Dodge, Randy Stuart and Viktor Leonov." Millicas named all of the pilots, shocking Rena Imelia. "I know who they are, and I've seen all of their performances, and how you've trained them, hence why I recommended them to Federation to be the test pilots, after reviewing their dossiers."

"Wh-what?" She was in shock when she heard it.

"I chose them out 225 candidates, because I that they were the finest Earth Forces had to offer, and that their instructor was worthy of every praise imaginable." Millicas told Rena, shocking her. "What had happened to them was not what they had deserved, and you are right. Their blood is on my hands, and as a fellow instructor, I know what you feel."

"H-how can you know?" She asked of him.

"Because right now, my very first students and pilots I've trained are out there, about to face the enemy to buy us some time to escape." Millicas told her. "I've seen far too many of my pilots die before my eyes, and I will not lose them. If you want, you can pull that trigger, Instructor Imelia." With that said, Millicas turned his back to her and floated to the cockpit of Raijin, entering it, before starting up the system, while Rena remained there, shocked and phased by what she heard, before leaving for her duty.

"Miriallia, give me the sit-rep." Millicas commanded, as the OS came online and he pulled a console.

"Commander, it's good to see you again. The enemy's force is enormous, sir! We are reading 4 Nazca-classes and 4 Laurasia-classes, and entire swarm of Mobile Suits. We are registering 3 prototypes, 10 GINNs, 6 CGUEs, 10 unknown models and 7 DRAKEs…" Miriallia said with absolute shock on her face. "C-Commander, Sogdiana has turned and has launched it's Mobile Suits, th-they are trying to h-hold the enemies off, but it is…" Millicas listened to her, while he was busy finalizing the OS settings.

"Can you get me 3-D image or something?" Millicas asked, working faster than ever before, with Miriallia sending him the image, with Millicas taking a look at it. "GuAIZ… That's ZAFT's new mass-production MS, based off of CGUE and GINN. So they've finally rolled them out… Took their sweet bloody time." Millicas cursed, as he finalized the calibrations.

"Commander, what are our orders?" Kira asked of him.

"We need to hold them off no matter what and not let them sink Sogdiana. Kira, Launcher Pack and long range support fire. Cagalli, on the frontline, Aegis, hit and run attacks, Moebius, pick targets. Our priority is protecting Sogdiana and the shuttle." Millicas said, and finally completed the work on Raijin, with it coming fully online. "I'll draw them to myself." Raijin then was outfitted with all of the prepared weaponry and equipment for it.

"Commander, the enemy outnumbers us four to one, they will easily pick you off alone and…" Natarle tried to explain to him, but Millicas wasn't listening, as Raijin moved to the catapult deck.

"Millicas Lucifuge, Raijin Gundam, launching!" And with those words, Raijin bolted straight out of the catapult and then headed straight for the enemy at a speed that seemed to make him literally fly like an angel, as the Gundam transformed into what appeared to be a powerful jet.

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"Dammit, they are on my tail!" Alex called out, as Faye was firing and dodging fire from a team of CGUEs.

"I'll try to support you, move to my location!" Shiho called out to him, as her WMP darted from one place to another, as the fired indiscriminately, along with her, but then Faye saw her take several nasty hits on her MS, with a pack of GuAIZ making its way to her.

"Shiho, fall back and…" And then Faye was thrashed in her mobile suit, as she registered a hit on her flight system, forcing her to eject, and then she saw the upgraded Duel Gundam coming right at her, all weapons drawn and ready.

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"Now you are mine, traitor!" Yzak smiled a vicious smile, before his sensors blared with a warning of a new incoming enemy. "Huh? What's that, a new Mobile Armor? I'll just swat it away." Yzak aimed his new shoulder mounted rail gun at it and fired, but then the MA easily veered off to the side, evading the shot.

"What?! How the…" Yzak wasn't able to finish his sentence, as the MA suddenly opened a fire from what appeared to be two beam cannons. "Beam cannons, what the hell is it?!" Taking heavy fire, Duel was forced to evade and move away from DRAKE ODIN, but the new enemy wasn't done with him.

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Raijin accelerated further, and the secondary engines flared up, creating the red wing like train behind it, as Millicas aimed his two beam rifles and fired again at Duel Gundam. This time he struck true, destroying its new cannon and thrusters on the left leg, and once he was close enough to him, Millicas activated the transformation sequence.

Within a span of a second, the sleep and powerful Mobile Armor changed its appearance, and in its place was now a red, with white and golden details Mobile Suit, armed with a special shield, two beam rifles in each hand, a winged thruster backpack, and which sported an all too familiar Gundam head.

Attaching one of the rifles to the hip, Raijin pulled out a beam saber as it closed on Duel, just as it was about to turn and face it, and then… The moment Duel turned, it had lost it's right arm and shoulder, before it's thruster on the back was destroyed with a precise shot, with Raijin losing not a single second and dashing towards a new objective.

Seeing a pack of 4 GuAIZs closing in on Shiho, Raijin accelerated and moved to intercept, with the pack breaking off its attack, while more and more ZAFT MSs noticed and started firing at the new enemy. And yet it seemed to almost dance around beams and projectiles, before it's twin rifles opened up fire, destroying three machines, with the last one being destroyed when Millicas passed it by with one shot from his shield to the cockpit.

Breaking through the enemy formation through maneuvers and speed, Millicas found himself soon surrounded by four DRAKE Re coming right at him, clearly intending to striking him down in a coordinated assault. Maneuvering and closing in at the same time, they seemingly formed an impossible target, but this was only their misdirection, as two more DRAKEs sprung from above and below with beam rifles aimed at Raijin… only for the first one to be destroyed without firing shot, before Raijin bolted, changing its vector and now going straight at the DRAKE that was above him.

DRAKE Re was the fastest and most powerful mass produced Mobile Suit that was known to anyone, and before, Millicas would never dare to engage them like this, but now things have changed. Accelerating, Raijin overtook the DRAKE and destroyed it with two shots, before it put some distance between itself and the incoming enemies, stopping for a second.

Seeing the enemy incoming, Millicas smirked, and then combined both of his rifles into a single one, extending it and then pointed it at the enemy. Tapping on the trigger, a powerful green beam shot right through two DRAKEs Re, eviscerating them, before second shot turned the next one into a cloud of dust. The last one was clearly putting everything it had into its thrusters, with Millicas at first unable to get a proper shot, before his senses told him where and when that enemy will be, and then he fired, destroying it completely.

Noticing the nearest Laurasia-class and a squadron of 6 GINNs and 2 CGUEs making their way to him, firing all they had at him, Millicas moved Raijin out of the firing line, returning rifles back into the original form. Seeing the enemy's formation, Raijin suddenly altered the course and accelerated at full speed at them, appearing as nothing more than red winged comet, before it pulled out its beam saber, with its shield opening up a section, before emitting another blade. What once was state-of-the-art MSs were unable to even keep up with the enemy, as its pilots felt and thought that this was not even a Mobile Suit, but a living creature, for it moved like it was alive.

It's wings out fully firing it's engines, Raijin closed in and span in a dance of death and destruction, it's beams appearing like flaming swords of an angel, as it passed by all 8 MSs like it was nothing, before coming close to the enemy ship. Stopping for a moment, Raijin's wings suddenly transformed, as a portion suddenly split from the two of them, and then formed into what appeared to be two barrels of cannons. Coming over Raijin's shoulders, they extended and once the powering up was complete, Millicas unleashed their power, with two crimson read beams coming right out of the two barrels.

In a flash, Laurasia-class was completely obliterated, a massive explosion claiming it, as the two beams even reached past it and destroyed engines of a Nazca-class, before the cannons finally returned back into their original form. Seeing as the battle finally appeared to have gained a small pause, Millicas opened an open channel, revealing himself to all combatants on the field and beyond.

"This is Commander Millicas Lucifuge, formerly of ZAFT and 1st Mobile Suit Corps, and now of the Archangel. To all ZAFT forces, pilots and crewmen, this is your one warning- cease your attack on Sogdiana and Archangel at once." Millicas gave them the order, before he continued. "Should you not, then I will destroy every single one of you, here and now. I am at the controls of the fastest and most powerful Mobile Suit ever developed, and I've got enough firepower to wipe your entire fleet out for good. Now, is there anyone who would like to try me out?!" Millicas challenged them all out.

On this day, Millicas Lucifuge, the Red Angel of Cosmic Era, has officially announced his return to the entire world, and a new legend began to take shape…

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Longest chapter yet, and finally, the reveal of so many things: Atlas and Mashima Miyuki; Zala's plans and Millicas' past (partially) and of course, Raijin Gundam, the God of Thunder and Lightning.

Without further ado, here are the stats and data on it:

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MVF-M1X Raijin Gundam

Prototype Fusion-Powered High Performance Transformable Assault Mobile Suit

Overall Height: 19.8 meters

Weight: 63 metric tons

Power-Plant: Ultracompact Fusion Reactor

Standard Armaments:

Fixed: Pack 2 x "Ame-no-Mitori" 270mm Hyper Impulse Cannons; 4 × "Igelstellung" 75mm Automatic Multi-barrel CIWS; 2 × "Armor Schneider" Combat Knife;

Handheld: "Akuma" Offesive Shield System; 2 x Ho-oh High-Energy Variable Weapons Systems; 2 x Beam Sabers

Description:

MVF-M1X Raijin Gundam originally began it's life as a concept for GAT-X310 Thunderbolt Gundam, a variable frame atmospheric Mobile Suit, but after a revision of the agreement between Orb and Atlantic Federation, Thunderbolt Gundam was transferred to Orb's ownership. With full authority on the development of the machine given to Millicas Lucifuge, he developed the machine by incorporating all the previously developed technology within G Project and improving upon them, as well as creating several new ones.

As the result, Raijin Gundam is the most advance technology-wise Mobile Suit, incorporating cutting edge technologies and radical new designs. Newly designed internal movable frame significantly reduced the weight of the machine, eased its maintenance and increased responsive time, as well as improving mobility of the joints to never before seen stats. Redesigned structure of the armor and external frame also reduced the weight, increasing mobility of the MS, which is coupled by the specially built thruster-weapon pack "Ame-no-Mitori."

Featuring extremely powerful propulsion and flight unit, it also houses 2 movable Hyper Impulse Cannons, which double down as acceleration units for during movement, and serve as most powerful weapon on Raijin, able to destroy several ships with one shot. In addition, primary weapons of Raijin, the Ho-oh Beam Rifles are highly powerful and capable of combining into a mega beam cannon, able to obliterate even Anti-beam coated targets in one shot. "Akuma" Offensive Shield System is a retractable shield system, containing a beam barrel, doubling as a rifle and saber at the same time.

Perhaps the most important and powerful feature of the Raijin is its main power-plant, which is the first of its kind fusion reactor, developed by Millicas Lucifuge by completing research and work of his mother, Grayfia Lucifuge. A completely autonomous, semi-perpetual thermonuclear reactor, working on hydrogen, it is completely resistant to the Neutron Jammers and surpassing every analogous fission reactor, able to power Raijin, all of it' features and weapons without a problem.

Extremely advance and high performance, Raijin Gundam is without a doubt, the single most powerful Mobile Suit to have come out of G Project, designed to surpass anything that it can come up against.

Based off of: LGZ-91St Lightning Gundam Strider and CB-001.5 1.5 Gundam

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Hope you enjoyed the chapter and will support it by giving me your honest opinion in the review, ask questions, share your thoughts on the story and possible romance options, for your feedback helps make it better.

Next time: Battle near Earth; Angels fly; Descent is altered…

See ya!