Once the teen got on board the submarine, the crew realised that they had a VIP on board. Athrun's last name had caught the commander's eye. He quickly agreed to Athrun's request for a DINN, and despite his protests, arranged for 2 DINN escorts to accompany him to Carpentaria Base. At the base, he managed to change out of his pilot outfit, into his redcoat. From there, upon his request (again), he was moved to the Victoria Spaceport to be taken back to Aprilius One. He didn't want to explain himself over a video intercom. He'll answer for what he did in front of his father... and possibly Rau Le Creuset. The teen decided to doze off on the trip back to the PLANT...
Athrun stepped out of the spaceport on Aprilius One into the PLANT. As always, the controlled weather was just nice for his tastes. But, he wasn't in the mood to enjoy it. On his way back, he hadn't contacted his father in any way. He looked at the Supreme Council building in the distance. I hope I could hitch a ride, he thought. The teen stuck his thumb out. A car stopped in front of him. Today was his lucky day...
"So, you're the Defence Chairman's son." said the driver. He had agreed to take Athrun to his father's office.
"That's right."
"You're very fortunate, young man. Your fiancee's quite beautiful."
Athrun blushed. Almost everyone in the PLANTs knew of his engagement with the Pink Princess. With the announcement on all major television networks, it would have been hard to miss it. Come to think of it, with his dismissal from ZAFT, he might be able to spend more time with her. He could imagine the Haros shouting his name when he visits Lacus...
"Here we go." The middle aged man stopped right outside the majestic building.
"Thank you," said Athrun politely. He looked on as the car drove off. The teen then took a deep breath before stepping into the building...
Patrick Zala was busy. As he was in charge of Operation Spitbreak, he had to supervise the overall coordination of the mission. Luckily, Le Crueset was at hand to help him. Also, he was the only other person who knew about the true nature of the operation...
A voice sounded over the intercom on his desk. It was his secretary. Zala was annoyed. He had given orders that he was not to be disturbed.
"Sir, your son wishes to see you."
Athrun? Zala was a little surprised.
"Tell him to come in."
As he waited for his son to enter, Zala wondered what Athrun's explanation will be. He had heard from Le Creuset that Athrun was missing and the Aegis unit, which he piloted, was lost...
"Chairman," greeted Athrun as he saluted his father.
"Take a seat, young man," said Zala as he looked as his son. "You have a lot of explaining to do."
Athrun told his father about his defeat in the hands of the Archangel, his imprisonment and subsequent release. After he had finished, Patrick spoke.
"So, the Aegis has been re-captured?"
Athrun nodded. "But, Chairman, I managed to find out who the captain of the ship was."
"Oh?"
"Her name is Murrue Ramius."
"It's a 'her', huh?" Patrick was surprised that the mighty Archangel was actually helmed by a lady. Despite his capture, the kid could remain cool-headed for such details. Suddenly, he had a nasty thought.
"Athrun, did you reveal any of our secrets to the enemy?"
Athrun shook his head. He looked at his father straight in the eye.
Patrick smiled. He ought to have more faith in his son. At first, he had wondered how Athrun could have returned if he was captured. The lady captain must have been merciful, perhaps a little too merciful...
Athrun secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Looks like Commander Le Creuset didn't tell him about Kira, thought the teen.
"Athrun, Le Creuset has decided to drop you from his team." The masked commander had briefed the chairman earlier on about his son's disappearance, and his removal from the Le Creuset team.
The teen's shoulders sagged. Although he had expected it, his future in ZAFT now becomes an uncertainty.
"But, you'll remain in ZAFT, as part of my personal guard."
Athrun accepted his father's decision. Becoming part of the Defence Chairman's personal guard should mean that he would not be as busy as he was with the Le Creuset team.
Patrick picked up the phone.
"Siegel, could you get Lacus over to my office? There's something which I wish to show the two of them."
Athrun had no idea what his father had in mind. Something which he wants to show the couple? He was still thinking about what this "something" could be when Siegel and Lacus entered the office. The teen stood up and saluted the PLANT Supreme Council Chairman.
"I know it wasn't easy for you to come on such short notice, Lacus. We all are busy people," deadpanned Patrick.
"Not at all, Uncle Patrick. I'm having a break anyway," replied Lacus sweetly.
"So, shall we proceed," asked Siegel Clyne. The Defence Chairman nodded and motioned Athrun to follow them.
The four made their way to a complex near the Council building. While it appeared to be an ordinary place, the security outside convinced Athrun that this area was holding something top-secret. Within the compound, the numerous checks reinforced Athrun's guess. Finally, they reached a set of doors with 2 scanners by the sides. The 2 older men took out a card each and swept it down the scanners. The doors parted to reveal a darkened hangar. In the darkness, Athrun could only make out the outlines of 2 tall objects which appeared to be Mobile Suits. Patrick snapped his fingers. When the lights came on, the couple gasped. The 2 Mobile Suits were unlike any they had ever seen before.
"The ZGMF-X09A Justice, and the ZGMF-X10A Freedom: the latest weapons in our arsenal. Besides the 4 of us and the makers, no one else in ZAFT know of their existence," introduced Patrick Zala.
"Their greatest difference from other mobile suits is the addition of the Neutron Jammer Cancellers," continued Patrick.
"What! But, Father..." Athrun was so shocked by the news that he had a slip of the tongue.
"I know, Athrun. But without nuclear power, we cannot hope to beat the Naturals." Both father and son remembered their loss on Feb 14, C.E. 70. But Athrun had something else in mind.
"Chairman, do you realise that the existence of these devices would mean that the enemy will be able to use their nukes should they steal the plans from us," argued the teen. He stared at his father, then looked towards Chairman Clyne.
"I agree with your father, Athrun. As precautions, only the top leaders of ZAFT has access to the plans," reassured Siegel. Athrun was somewhat placated. Despite his surprise, he knew that atomic energy will ensure the durability of these suits due to the extended use of their Phase Shift armour. He looked more carefully at the suits.
"The Justice and the Freedom, eh?"
"Actually, I've brought you here so that you may choose for yourself which one of them you'll pilot," said Patrick, looking at his son. After all, he was still a father. Despite his latest failure, Athrun had been a dutiful son. It was Patrick's way of showing his care to a son he had seldom cared for while his wife was still alive.
Athrun looked at his father. He then observed the 2 Mobile Suits. He didn't care about the specifications. He just wanted the Suit to represent his thoughts and feelings. The pilot looked at Lacus. The Songstress smiled at him. It's settled then.
"I'll take the Justice."
"The Justice it is then. Now, let's visit the mechanical crew to program her."
On their way back to their cars, Siegel Clyne spoke to Athrun.
"Athrun, can you come to my office after this?"
"Not so fast, Siegel. I've something to share with him first,"interrupted Patrick.
"Go ahead, Patrick. My business can wait."
Back at Patrick's office, Athrun stood ramrod straight in front of the desk, waiting patiently for his father to begin. The older Zala thought for a while.
"Athrun, would you like to take part in Operation Spitbreak?"
"Operation Spitbreak?" The teen had heard rumours about the operation.
"Officially, the target is the Panama Spaceport. But..." Patrick deliberated for a while.
"Our actual objective is JOSH-A."
Athrun tried hard to hide his surprise. The Archangel is making its way there, he thought.
"The capture or destruction of JOSH-A will be critical to our victory."
"I'll not disappoint you, Chairman," saluted Athrun. Perhaps with JOSH-A's fall, the war will end.
"You've better not. Now that you're a part of my personal guard, your conduct will be a direct reflection of me and my judgement."
"If that's all, Chairman, I'll take my leave."
Patrick gave the go-ahead. As he watched his son depart, a curious thought came to his mind. He's no longer the kid Patrick remembered from a year ago. He's a man, and soon, he'll become a husband. Though it's a political marriage, so far, everything has turned out well. If they win the war, it'll be perfect, thought Patrick...
Athrun knocked on the door to Siegel Clyne's office.
"Come in."
As he entered the room, he saluted the Chairman, who motioned him to take a seat before his table. As he sat down, Athrun realised that Lacus was seated beside him. He looked at the Chairman.
"She needs to be here, Athrun. I've something to ask from you, young man."
Athrun listened carefully to what his future father-in-law had to say.
"I want you... to keep an eye on Rau Le Cresuet."
To keep an eye on his former superior? Athrun knew then that something wasn't right. But he resisted the urge to question Siegel.
"Ever since the war began, I've noticed that Le Creuset has advocated excessive force in our campaigns. Although I have no evidence against him, I simply find it hard to trust him. Moreover, with his face hidden behind a mask..." Siegel paused and gave Athrun a hard look. "Also, I believe he's targeting your father to further his agenda."
The young scion knew that the possibility was there. With his father's position, if Rau Le Creuset was to become a trusted confidant, his influence in ZAFT will grow enormously. Moreover, now that ZAFT has acquired the Neutron Jammer Cancellers...
As if reading the young man's thoughts, Siegel continued.
"As you have learnt, the NJCs are now part of our arsenal. Should the enemy get hold of them..."
"The secrets of the NJC will remain within the Supreme Council and their families, if they know about them," said Athrun firmly.
"I'm counting on you, young man."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now." Athrun stood up.
"If you don't mind, could you escort Lacus back as well," asked Siegel.
Athrun took his fiancee's hand. As the couple left the room, Seigel gave a sigh. Although they were only teenagers, they were a symbol of the future in the eyes of most Coordinators. He hoped that the couple would not buckle under the stress of the expectations.
On the sedan, Athrun looked out of the car's window. His life seems to be getting on track: he could now spend more time with his fiancee; he had talked to Kira and settled their differences (somewhat); with the Justice, he could now influence the outcome of a battle more dramatically...
Lacus smiled as she watched Athrun daze off. She didn't want to disturb him, at least, until they reached her place...
The sedan stopped in the compound of the Clyne residence. Lacus had to hold her giggles as she gently tapped Athrun on the lap. The boy woke up from his dreaming.
Without realising it, he had fallen asleep. I must get some real rest, the teen thought as he stepped out of the vehicle and held the door open for Lacus.
"Thank you." A simple phrase, but it made him blush.
The usual rush of "Athrun! Lacus! Haro!" greeted them as they entered the house. The Haros crowded around Athrun.
"I think they are curious to see you in your uniform, Athrun," said Lacus.
Athrun was embarrassed by the Haros. Although they had done the same thing during his last visit, he was very much aware that he was wearing his ZAFT red coat. If anyone saw him, or took a photo, tongues would surely start to wag. He knew he was being a little paranoid. But...
Lacus could guess what Athrun was thinking.
"A Red Coat of ZAFT should be more dignified, I presume," teased Lacus as she took out a marker from her pocket.
"Pink-chan!"
The pink Haro hopped into her hands. The lady drew 2 circles around the robo-pet's eyes.
"Follow the one with the eye circles," she ordered. The rest of the Haros chased after Pink-chan.
Athrun sighed as he sat down on the couch. When Lacus decided to sit right next to him, the teen looked a little shocked. Despite being his fiancee, the two had always behaved more like good friends instead.
"You know, our relationship must move on a little further now. People are watching." She looked a little sad when she thought of the ZAFT troops whom she had spotted in the audience of her concerts. Unlike Athrun, these soldiers were usually dressed in green, meaning that they stand a higher chance of perishing in the battlefield due to their "grunt" status.
Athrun was tongue-tied. He knew Lacus was mature for her age, but he didn't realise that she knew so much about the nature of their engagement. He didn't dislike Lacus; he just didn't know how to react in the presence of a girl. As he held her hand, he struggled to find the right words.
"I'm... going to take part in Operation Spitbreak." Athrun thought that as his fiancee, Lacus had the right to know.
Lacus had a thin smile as she took in the news. Athrun was a soldier, and it was his duty to help fight for an end to the war. She began thinking about the other teen who's also doing his part to end the conflict.
"Will you be meeting Kira?"
"No," said Athrun firmly, although he knew that it was a lie. He didn't want Lacus to worry unduly. As expected, Lacus brightened up immediately.
"I'll tell them to take some snacks outside."
Athrun smiled as the Songstress made her way to the kitchen. I'm really very fortunate, thought the teen as he recalled the driver's words...
Afterthoughts
-Please RnR!
-Gomen to all Kira-Lacus or Athrun-Cagalli fans. All situations now point to Kira-Flay and Athrun-Lacus. Gomen!