On the Aesculapius, Donovan was watching Gatlin's fan cd. He had on another screen of Selena and Gatlin's old performances. He pushed the pause button as one of his more trusted men came into the room.
"Things are going smoothly," the man reported. "After the collection, we will be ready to descend to Earth."
"Good to hear," Donovan kept staring at the screens. "Make sure the two are unconscious when it happens. We don't want to cause more unnecessary trauma. How is my mimic coming along?"
"She has been given the files and is working on replicating the voices," he answered. "When we arrive at headquarters, she will be ready."
"Good, good," Donovan nodded. "And how is she on the main person she is supposed to mimic?"
"She could be the real thing," the man smirked.
"That's satisfactory," Donovan stared at the Selena on the screen. "We don't want to make the same mistake as Durandal. He made a copy of the original. Pulled out all the stops. Instead of trying to get the original on his side, he went on to make his own. We don't want to do that. The original won't take it as a compliment. It also can be deemed as a threat. The copy also went on her own, doing things the original wouldn't have done. No. That's not our intentions. We only want our mimic to bait the original to come to our side. Using the mimic, we can do as most politicians do, spewing lies until the lies become truths through effective persuasion."
"What if she won't come to our side?" The man asked.
"Oh, she will," Donovan was confident. "Right now, she's dealing with the White Queen. That's the reason her childhood friend who is a rival star did not do any performances with her. None of these women on here can do him justice like she does but he must know what's going on. The videos that have been popping up between her and Lacus must be due to him." He chuckled. "However, I do admire her for making me only see her and no one else." He smirked. "Is the vessel and my mobile armor done?"
"Yes," the man nodded. "It is being loaded and primed as we speak. When we get on Earth, it will be ready for the maiden voyage."
"Excellent," Donovan clicked off both screens. "With the Minerva on Earth, we will have a great first opponent. It is sad that it wouldn't be Selena's vessel but this is how it must be. Continue to keep me informed."
"Yes sir!" The man spoke before leaving.
In the PLANTs, in a lavish condo that had become messy. Two people were arguing.
"I don't wanna stay here anymore!" Setona packed her things in bag. She yelled from her room. "Why are you pitting my two favorite people against each other?!" Gatlin went to a hidden safe. He pulled out a letter. "I would rather be Jess' maid again! This isn't right! Miss Lacus and Miss Selena shouldn't be compared to one another!"
"Setona," Gatlin called to her.
"I don't care if we made a song together," Setona came out with a couple bags in tow. "I'd rather go into debt then continue this!"
"Setona," he called again. "At least read this before you leave."
She grabbed the paper out of his hand. She tried to gloss over it. She didn't read the letter head. She didn't read the paragraphs really. She did pause on a familiar set of words. "Why is my brother's name on this?!" She glanced at him. She looked back to see it again. "Why is my name on this?!"
"Please read it," Gatlin reminded her.
"Miss Selena is on it, Mr. Yamato," Setona dropped her bags. "Miss Cagalli and Canard. Why are they on there?" She looked at him in full concern. He tapped the paper. She narrowed his eyes at him before finally actually reading it. "Possible abduction listed from highest priority. They wanted to abduct us?!" Tears started to form in her eyes. "Who wants to abduct us?!"
Gatlin took the paper from her. He placed it on a table. He then placed both hands on her shoulders. "Everything is okay. Why do you think you are actually here with me? You think its because of I needed someone to rival Lacus? Or to help you become a star? That's not it. It's because Selena is trying to keep you safe. She also is keeping your brother safe."
Setona wiped away the tears streaming down her face. "Ha-how is she doing that?"
Gatlin gave her a soft smile. "Remember her vessel being blown up?" Setona nodded while sniffling. "The Konungr is a class with the first vessel of its name. You must not know your idols very well. She wouldn't just make one. Bor and Buri Konungr class vessels are escorting Ergnes as we speak. He doesn't know it as they are both in stealth mode. When he arrives, they will uncover themselves to announce they are on diplomacy to bring prosperity between Mars Colony and the Kingdom." Setona's tears started to stream down again. Gatlin brought her in to a hug. "We won't let anything happen to either of you. How do you think Jess got the notion to attend my performance? How do you think he got those seats? Why else did you think Ergnes got to be with Selena so much? She's always been a few steps ahead. Come now, lets dry those tears. If you still want to leave, I can arrange that."
She shook her head, burrowing into his chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"No need to apologize," Gatlin patted her on the back. "Her Heinous saw it coming as well. She gave me full permission to let you know when it came to a time like this. She's good but too good some days. We kept you in the dark to keep you safe. Ignorance is bliss. Let's have a relaxing day, shall we?" Setona stepped away to wipe her tears. Gatlin held a out a hand for her. "We still haven't gotten to pick out your debut outfits. Let's go do that."
At the PLANT Supreme Council, the group was discussing the incident pertaining to blowing up the Konungr.
"The beam came from somewhere in the United States of South America," one of the representatives informed. "It fired just enough to hit the hidden vessel." A video played of the beam hitting an invisible object before an explosion happened. "We can rule out Princess Selena as a conspirator against Orb, for now. However, this is coming from Earth Alliance. They just signed a peace treaty."
"Yes, but they did not sign it with the Kingdom," another representative countered. "This could be an act of war. I don't think Earth Alliance could feign innocence by stating it was an accident."
"They very well could," another representative spoke. "Hidden vessel they didn't know was there and they fired off from a very secretive base. Could say it was an accident. A misfire."
"This could be connected to the rumor going around about the moon trying to outrun the sun," the first representative spoke again. "This beam could very well take out the moon as well as the colonies. It is a threat to all humanity."
The discussion continued on with different representatives taking over tasks to further the investigation. Lacus headed back to her estate. She headed to the room she wanted to see the most. The room with the chessboard. She sat down behind the white chess set. Lacus looked around before tapping on the side of the board.
"Show me the moves from the start," she spoke to the board. The chess pieces moved all back into place before slowly moving across the board. She watched as each piece moved, taking in each movement. The pieces stopped moving. She saw that a white rook and white two pawns were pulled off to the side of the board. She narrowed her eyes at them. Cagalli, Murrue, and Canard. She thought to herself. Not dead but taken off the battlefield for now. Meaning all have been captured by the black chess pieces. She looked over to the black chess pieces. She still couldn't figure out the rest of them.
"Intense! Intense!" Mr. Pink chirped out.
"Yes," Lacus stood up. "A very intense game indeed, Mr. Pink. Let's have some tea. It's been a long day." She walked out of the room with Mr. Pink bouncing behind her.
Days later, in the Kingdom, Selena was in a hospital room. She was next to a bed. Her SEED mode had calmed down, she was back to the state of normal, for now. She was looking down at someone with affection.
"You know you only have so many chances to wake up," Selena stroked their hair. "Pretty soon I am going to leave you and you're going to have to go back to fending for yourself. Wake up now while you still can and I am still here. If not, you get to endure their wrath." She kissed their forehead before leaving.
She headed to a hidden elevator. There it took her to another secret room. Mikael was waiting for her. The two walked through a few doors until they were met with subway cars that fit up to ten people. The two headed into one of them. Mikael controlled the car to take them to the royal military docking area. These were secret subway systems built by the royal military to get around. They were designed by Selena. She had tunnels everywhere.
The two boarded a submarine type vessel that headed out to a specific set of coordinates. It would take a day to reach them. She an anonymous tip to Orb about these coordinates and with what they might find.
Athrun jumped at the first notion of hearing this tip. Andrew and Mu decided to come along with him. They took one of the smaller military naval ships. The ship's crew notified the three about the Kingdom's Royal Military vessel.
"So, she's already here," Andrew muttered. Athrun gritted his teeth. "Let me guess, they're allowing permission to come aboard."
"Yes," a crew member nodded.
Andrew let out a sigh. He turned to Athrun. "Remember your manners, kid. Besides we're here for Cagalli and Murrue."
Their vessel got closer to the coordinates. Orb was thinking they would meet with the submarine vessel but instead met with a small ship floating above it. Their vessel maneuvered to be next to the Kingdom's. A makeshift bridge was placed over the sides. The three of them headed out with some soldiers to head onto the Kingdom's vessel. They were greeted by one of the higher-ranking soldiers. He greeted them before leading them to Selena.
Athrun was leading the way with Andrew and Mu behind him with the guards taking up the rear. The entered the room to see Selena and Mikael. She was waiting with her guards behind her. Athrun was about to speak when she pulled a gun out and aimed it towards Mu. Mu was shocked. Her eyes out of focus as she entered SEED Mode. Guns were pointed at her from Orb. Mikael frowned. He stepped around her to be in between them.
"Everyone, calm down," Andrew took hold of the situation.
"Who let this man aboard my ship?!" Selena kept her hand steady. Mu was about to speak. "Ah! Don't. Speak." Mu had put his hands up. He had no idea what was going on. He had never met Selena before and yet she was aiming a gun at his head, ready to shoot.
"Our apologies, Your Highness," Andrew placed an arm on Athrun getting him to calm down before he makes matters worse by blurting out whatever he was thinking about saying. If he was even thinking at all at this point.
"Escort this man off my vessel at once!" Selena commanded.
Andrew looked over to Mu who nodded. Mu understood. He nodded back. He put his hands down to be guided off the vessel with a few guards and Royal military. Orb put down the weapons once Selena handed the gun over to Mikael. He stood behind her once again.
Selena blinked and her eyes were back to focus. "I have Chief Orb Representative Athha and Captain Ramais here on my vessel. I found them thanks to a few leads. Right now, they are being evaluated by my doctors."
"Oh, you just happened to find them," Athrun let it slip out.
Andrew clamped on his shoulder tighter. Athrun winced but Andrew wouldn't let go. "We are thankful for your help, Your Majesty. Are they alright?"
Selena ignored Athrun. "They are slowly waking up from an unconscious state. We found them in a boat drifting out in the sea. There were no other passengers. Everything has been wiped clean. There were no traces left behind." Andrew nodded taking in this information. "I recommend they be put on rest with counseling for all the trauma they have just endured."
"I agree," Andrew flexed his grip on Athrun again who flinched.
"I'll also send along the copy of results and extra blood samples we had taken from them," Selena continued.
"Why would you need to take blood samples?" Athrun was gritting his teeth and wincing.
"Why else?" Selena didn't glance at him. She kept staring at Andrew. "They were found unconscious. Who knows what they were given?"
A soldier from the Kingdom came in. "Chief Orb Representative and Orb Captain are ready to be escorted over to the Orb vessel now."
"I'll come back for the copy of the results," Andrew spoke. He headed out with the rest to escort the two back onto the vessel.
Mikael and Selena were left alone.
"I really thought you were going to shoot him," Mikael brought up. "Weren't you fine with him? Especially now that he has scars all over his body."
"I was fine," Selena glanced away. "However, with each pressing matter, I can't even stand to see him anymore."
"You can't even say his name, can you?" Mikael raised his eyebrows. "You used to. Just the first name though."
"M-mhm," Selena tried. She tilted her head with a frustrated look. "M-mmhp!"
Mikael let out a chuckle. "Can't even say Mu."
SMACK!
Her arm was outstretched as if she was about to choke someone. Mikael had caught her wrist as he leaned back avoiding it. Her hand was open ready to clamp down on someone's neck. Fingers twitching.
"I think we should give Athrun some credit," Mikael followed her arm back to her face. She wasn't looking at him but had closed her eyes in concentration trying to contain herself. "He had the fighting strength when he was part of ZAFT, also tried to look like a golden boy so to not disappointment his father, since he's now part of Orb, he's doesn't care anymore. He doesn't continue to train like his life is on the line. He doesn't train daily to keep a person with deadly skills at bay. He only has to be political now."
One of the doctors came in with results in their hands. They handed it to Selena even though her other hand was still stretched out. She finally relaxed. Mikael let go. The doctor left to retrieve the samples.
"I wonder how bad he had conditioned them," Selena started to read through the blood results. "How much trauma they received with all the injections and different types of interrogation." She stopped. Her hands started to shake. Mikael could read the signs. He started to prepare himself for the next few moments. "He, he didn't condition them." She felt a pain welling in her chest. "I, I thought that is why he wanted them but I miscalculated." Tears started to form in her eyes. "That-that's not-I didn't think he would do that yet." Her hands clenching tighter onto the paper. Her anger started to build inside her. "He really-he really collected from them. I knew he was going to abduct her but I didn't think he would collect her eggs!" She blinked going to SEED Mode. Her voice went lower. "He wasn't going to take from them. Now I see why he wanted the captain of the Archangel. He was being nice." Selena dropped the papers. "The trauma they went through that could have been easily prevented." Her voice started to go deeper. Her breathing increased. "If only I-"
Mikael lunged at her before she could make matters worse. She was ready to fight. They weren't that far from the United States of South America. She knew where the compound was. She started to fight against Mikael. He held her back struggling to keep her in his arms just long enough when a pod opened up. He moved the two of them around for her to fall into it. The doors closed on her before she could move around.
Selena turned around in the pod, a mist spraying over her. It almost fogged up the whole area. She slowly drifted to sleep. Mikael had fallen on the floor. He looked over to the pod as the mist was dissipating.
"That was a close one," Mikael panted.
"Sir, Orb is wanting the copies of the results," a crewmember called in.
"Right," Mikael looked back to see the pod was moving back down into the vessel. "One moment." He called back. "Understandable you became that way." He watched the pod disappear. "You still haven't rescheduled and each situation is making matters worse." He got up, fixed himself, grabbed the papers off the floor. He made sure the scene was clear of any struggle. He looked over to the pod area again. "I'm going to need you to finish this."
A moment later, a doctor came in with the copies of the results and a small bag that had the extra blood tubes. Andrew was the only one who came back from Orb. He was let into the room by a soldier escorting him.
"My apologies again, Your Highness," Andrew bowed to Selena. Mikael was standing between them with the copies of the results in a manilla envelope and with the blood sample bag in hand.
"Thank you for cooperating with us," Selena nodded to him. "It probably wasn't easy."
"They don't know you well enough, that's all," Andrew smirked.
"Mm," Selena became softer. "Because it's you Andrew, if you ever get an offer to regrow your arm and eye, the choice is up to you, but I would like to take a physical of you afterwards."
Andrew was taken aback just a bit by this sentence. He looked down at his prosthetic arm. He let out a chuckle. He looked back to Selena. "I remember saying to someone with a fresh battle scar, when one doesn't have a bad scar removed, some might think it's a symbol of commitment or since you turned your head maybe it's a symbol of your humiliation." He let out a solemn chuckle. "He removed his scar but I, I still keep mine." He looked over to Mikael with his scar across his face. "We all have something to remind us whether that be a silent commitment or to remind ourselves the humiliation we continue to endure. But you can count on me, Your Highness, of not taking upon that offer no matter how good it sounds."
"It is not my choice on what you decide but I shall remember your answer," Selena nodded.
Andrew gave another bow to her. Mikael handed him the items. He left back to the Orb vessel. The crew members of both sides were taking apart the makeshift bridge.
On the Orb vessel, Cagalli and Murrue were wrapped in blankets being treated by the medics on board. The two were slowly coming back to reality.
"Just what was that all about," Mu leaned against the seat. He looked over to Andrew who was lost in thought.
"Huh? Oh," Andrew looked over to him. Athrun was relaying back to Orb as they were making their way back. "Selena has been on edge. Don't take it as any offense." Andrew didn't know how to put it gently so he decided just to be honest. "She also has history with your bloodline."
"Bloodline?" Mu spoke up. "I never met her, have I?" He was still gaining back memories bit by bit after LOGOS used memory-altering technology. Some memories came back while others will still a bit hazy.
"You probably have never met her officially until now," Andrew watched Athrun come in to meet up with them. "So, what did the doctors say about the results?" Mu was confused about what Andrew said.
Athrun let out a breath. "According to them, they were injected repeatedly in different areas of the body with the same drugs over again and then one final drug. A 'trigger shot' is what they called it. They will do a thorough physical when we get back in Orb but it's looking like egg collection." Andrew and Mu flinched in shock. He lowered his head, ashamed of himself that he couldn't protect Cagalli from this incident.
"Egg collection?" Mu was confused. "Who would want the eggs of two Naturals? Coordinators, maybe but Naturals?" That was the only plausible thing he could think of.
Andrew scrunched his eyebrows while thinking. He remembered back to Selena's conversation. "As of now, let's not go further onto Selena's bad side. An enemy of our enemy is our friend." He only stated that for now. He needed more information before piecing everything together.