Disclaimer: see chapter 1 Quiet Night was written by Toshihiko Sahashi and performed by Rie Tanaka.
Fated Shift: Rearmed
By Centurious the Azure and Storm Wolf77415
Songstresses, Fanboys, and Wolves, Oh My!
(February 15, C.E. 71 EAS Archangel, Murrue's Office)
Mu was still wondering about if some mysterious component had been installed on the Archangel that allowed them to come into contact with so much weirdness because it was the only way to explain the recent turn of events. Lacus had been ushered to the Captain's office, where she was surrounded by Murrue and the other officers.
"Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Lacus Clyne, and this is my friend Haro." She held the pink robotic ball outward. It began popping its flaps up and down before doing its best Pokemon impression by saying its name.
"You really are Lacus Clyne, the daughter of Siegel Clyne?" Murrue asked.
"So you know my father?" Lacus asked, giving a slightly vapid, ditzy stare to them.
But Yukimasa was nonplussed. "I'll give you credit for your acting skills, Lacus. But you don't have to play dumb here. There's nothing valuable you have to share anyway. You're not a major political figure in the PLANTs. What you were here for nothing warlike at all."
The vapid expression vanished, being replaced by a look of great strength, but also one of delicate compassion and empathy for others. "You are very well informed, Captain Sahaku. I was here to pay my respects to the fallen, as I was in charge of the committee set up to prepare for the anniversary of the Bloody Valentine."
"We had our own little memorial service," Murrue said. "Even if we are on opposite sides. The events of that day were a horrible tragedy that no one wants to relive."
"You have my gratitude then, Captain Ramius," Lacus said, giving a slight bow of her head. "So I guess the immediate question now is. What will happen to me?"
"I think we treat you the same as any of the other refugees in our care." A crafty smirk forming on Yukimasa's face. "In fact, this could work out in our favor. If we bring you back home via Orb, I'm very certain that Supreme Chairman Clyne would be very grateful to us. I mean, the Songstress of the PLANTs, rescued by an OMNI Enforcer vessel? If we can play this right, we could broker a peace deal with between the PLANTs and the Earth Alliance, and this war could come to an end."
Natarle scoffed. "You can't possibly be that certain it will work, right?"
"Would you rather the fighting continues and more good people die, Ensign?" Mu said from the across the way, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "What I've heard of Supreme Chairman Clyne, he's far from a warmonger. He's only doing what he thinks is right to defend his people."
"I think it's a wonderful chance for peace to return. A lot of people in the PLANTs are growing weary of the conflict. We don't want to fight, but there hasn't been any other option. I know it would put my father at ease." A melancholy gleam appeared in Lacus's blue eyes. "He often stays up late at night, going over the many casualty lists. It weighs heavy on his soul. If this could lead to a resolution, then I'm all for it."
"I know I won't shed any tears to see this war end. I wonder if our superiors in Washington just want it to be over as well." Murrue sat back in her chair, hand subconsciously going to something around her neck.
"Good luck with that." Sharon sighed, her arms folded under her ample chest. "Because right now the only people being heard are the stupid ones. Then again, it just proves there are good people on both sides, and we're not so different after all."
"I cannot believe I'm hearing all this!" Natarle exclaimed. "ZAFT and the PLANTs are the enemy! She is the enemy if you really want to think about it!"
"You watch your tongue right now Ensign!" Murrue snapped, standing up abruptly, silencing her instantly. "Miss Clyne will be treated with the same respect of any of our other guests. You will be polite, you will be courteous, and you will never say that in my presence again. Do I make myself clear?" Sharon just gave a smug grin, and Mu just shook his head.
Natarle bowed her head, knowing she had gone over the mind. "Y-yes, Captain. I'll just be on the bridge if you need me." She then turned and left the room.
"Oh dear, I didn't mean to cause trouble," Lacus said, looking distressed as Mr. Pink began bouncing about, including even jumping on her head.
"You can relax, honey. Natarle isn't a bad person." Sharon said, still trying to keep from snickering. "She just has a rather black and white view of the world. Not to mention a colossal stick wedged up her ass and she doesn't know how to relax to save her life, but nobody's perfect."
"That's a rather mean thing to say about your comrade, Lieutenant Heim," Yukimasa remarked, although his tone implied that he felt the same way about the Archangel's rather uptight executive officer. "I'm certain it's not her fault that someone jammed that stick up there. She just needs someone to pull it out." He then grimaced, his hand coming up to clutching at his chest.
"Are you okay, Colonel Sahaku?" Murrue asked, standing up. Mu and Sharon made to help him, but he held his hand out to stop them.
"I-I'm fine." He said, trying to keep his usual calm professionalism, although it was clear he was still in pain. "So, getting back to the matter at hand. We'll keep Miss Clyne on board until we can get back to Orb. After that, we'll repatriate her, and see about getting Chairman Clyne and the Earth Alliance Secretary General and President of the Atlantic Federation to the negotiating table." He looked to Lacus. "Perhaps she'd even be willing to grace us with the gift of her voice? I'm certain the Heliopolis refugees would enjoy a bit of entertainment after all the shit we've been through."
"I'd have no problem with that at all." Lacus smiled warmly. "One of the reasons I took up singing was to help ease the hearts and souls of everyone. It's what idols do after all!"
"Still, if you go anywhere, I will want you to have an escort of some kind," Mu said.
"Keijiro has that covered," Yukimasa smirked. "He wouldn't dare let anything happen to his favorite singer." His smirk vanished as the pain returned. "If there's nothing else, Captain, I'd like to get back to the Masamune. I want to make sure we're ready in case ZAFT tries anything again." He offered his best salute and left the Captain's office. He made it around the corner when he stopped dead in his tracks.
"GAH!" Yukimasa hissed, a burning sensation coursing through his entire body. He started hyperventilating as heart tightened up. "Damn it! Why did it have to happen now of all times?" With madly convulsing fingers, he reached into his pocket to produce a round pill bottle, only for it to slip out of his grasp.
Luckily he didn't have to wait long for help, for it was then Flay came around the corner. She was now wearing the female volunteer uniform, which for some reason was a brilliant pink. The dark gray miniskirt and white thigh-high stockings were a nice touch, Yukimasa would have found it rather kind of hot if he wasn't in such tremendous pain!
The redhead gasped. "Hang on!" She said, kicking off the floor and floating over to him. She deftly plucked the bottle out of thin air, popping off the lid and handing one of the pills to her boyfriend.
"Thanks." he rasped, quickly knocking it back. Yukimasa panted heavily while Flay held onto him. He ran his hand across the face. "Oh, that was not fun!"
Flay responded by punching him in the shoulder. "You dumb idiot! It's bad enough you're putting yourself in harm's way by fighting. It's even worse when you don't take your meds on time! I would never be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you!"
"Well excuse me! In between taking care of my dumbass stoner friend, maintaining my mobile suit, trying to keep ZAFT from turning all of us into space dust, and all the other shit going on. I'm afraid it hasn't been very high on my list of priorities!" He hissed before his features softened and ran a finger along Flay's porcelain cheek. "I'm sorry baby, I really am. But it's the truth. I've been pulled in so many directions lately. The pain alone is great enough as is."
Flay latched onto him, her eyes becoming misty from tears. "It still scares me. I don't know what I'd do without you." He had no words for that, so he just settled for holding onto her, running his hands through her silky red locks.
(February 16th, C.E. 71, Enroute to Earth)
Having passed through the Debris Belt, the Archangel had reached the halfway point of its journey toward Earth. Lacus had been more or less accepted by the entire crew. And as long as someone, usually Keijiro, was escorting her, then she was allowed to wander freely through the ship. The stoner was there at the Songstress's every beck and call, but some of his antics were becoming weird even by Keijiro's standards.
"Ah." Lacus sighed as she settled down in guest quarters assigned to her, kicking off her shoes and letting her toes wiggle about. "Even in zero gravity, it's nice to get off your feet." Keijiro was quick to respond with a bottle of water. "Why thank you, Mr. Mishima. You've been so kind to me over the last few days."
Keijiro then bowed low. "I'm always happy to serve you, Oh Great Lacus! I will do anything for you! I would fight the whole of the Earth Forces if that was your desire. I would even get on my hands and knees and be your own personal footstool." He then proceeded to get down on his hands and knees. "Plus, I vibrate!"
"Uh, I don't that's necessary." If Lacus was put off by Keijiro's actions, she did a very good job of hiding it.
"Keijiro, Big Weenie! Keijiro, Big Weenie!" Mr. Pink threw in its electronic two cents, earning the robotic toy a dirty glare from the stoner.
"How about I get you lunch? I imagine you must be hungry. Do not worry milady! I will return quickly!" He said with a flourish, heading out the door. Keijiro hoofed it to the cafeteria, not wanting to keep Lacus waiting any longer than necessary, the sound of Flay yelling the first thing he heard when the doors swung open.
"No way, I'm taking that girl her lunch! You can just forget it!" The redhead shouted at Miriallia, holding a tray of food in her hands. "I just don't trust her, Mir. I mean, what if she snaps my neck, or blows us up with that irritating bouncing robot of hers? Come on, Masa, back me up on this." She looked to Yukimasa for support. Who was just standing there arms folded, looking annoyed.
"Flay, Lacus is far from a threat. All we're asking you to do is take her lunch to her, that's all."
"And then I'd be all alone with her!" Flay protested. "It's one thing if it's you or Kira. I know you, I trust you. But she's from the enemy homeland. Who's to say she's just playing nice before she decides to go on some killing spree or something? I'd be her first victim!"
Keijiro immediately saw red. He stomped up, getting in Flay's face. "How dare you say such a thing about Lacus? Now, I'll admit that I enjoy hurting people, but Lacus is gentle as a lamb. She was probably genetically altered with the traits of a gentle person in mind. That's how nice of a girl she is, Flay! She'll probably hug the shit out of you and make you feel loved!" As inspiring as Keijiro's speech, was, it didn't have quite the effect he was hoping for. Flay squeaked and hid behind Yukimasa, who just groaned and shook his head before muttering something under his breath.
Meanwhile, Keijiro took the tray of food. "Here, I'll take it for her, since some people are too blinded by their own fear."
"Just go back to being her vibrating ottoman," Yukimasa said. Keijiro stuck out his tongue and left back for Lacus's quarters. He then turned to face his girlfriend, still carrying a fearful expression on her lovely face. "Look, babe, it won't kill you to just go and talk to her. I'm actually going to agree with Keijiro when he says that Lacus is not that bad. It will be the best way to keep any further misunderstandings from happening." Flay still wasn't convinced, so he took hold of her hand, giving a little squeeze. "If anything, you should attend that little concert she agreed to put on for the refugees. I've heard people say it's one thing to hear Lacus's music, but quite another to see it live. Maybe after that we can chat with her."
"Okay." She finally relented, still holding onto him, not caring if everyone saw their very public display of affection. Yukimasa had been her rock through the rough times, and he had never steered her wrong.
(Cafeteria)
A few of the tables had been pushed back giving Lacus a place to perform. Everyone was sitting, eager to get a private performance from one of the Cosmic Era's greatest musicians. Lacus came out in front of the audience, almost seeming to float with each dainty step she took. To some, she wasn't so much walking but gliding, the only sound the gentle swishing of her long skirt.
"Good evening to you all, my name is Lacus Clyne." The pink haired beauty spoke, offering a delicate curtsy, holding her skirts out and bowing. "I must say, these are strange times indeed. None of us expected to end up out here. I know the last few weeks have been difficult for everyone, but that doesn't mean we should give up hope. I don't have much to offer, but perhaps the sound of my voice can ease some of that distress. So I hope you enjoy it." She looked over to Keijiro, giving a slight nod. He just grinned and a gentle tune began playing.
In this quiet night,
I'm thinking of you,
forgetting the past
and dreaming of you.
Time passes by
And memories fade
But time can't erase
The love that we've made
And the stars in the sky
That I wish upon
Can't bring you back to my side
Though you're not here with me
I dream of the day we'll meet again
Hold me close, so deep in your heart
I will find you
No matter where I have to go
And dream of me
For we will be there
Follow the stars
That lead into the quiet night.
As she continued to ply her craft, Lacus moved about the people, sitting down with them, touching their hands, and offering gentle smiles of comfort and reassurance to the people. The tense aura didn't dissipate entirely, but the collective weight on everyone's shoulders felt a little lighter, if just for a few minutes. Even the crew members couldn't help but be impressed at just what she could do.
"Wow, she really is good," Kira whispered, captivated by the Pink Songstress's voice, and how her long pink hair waved back and forth in a hypnotic manner. Only to get an arm in the ribs and a slightly annoyed pout from Yui. He couldn't help but find it to be rather cute when she got all flustered. "You think you could do better?"
"Uh!" She started blushing, looking down at the floor in embarrassment. Kira put an arm around her shoulders. Yui rested her head against his shoulder, deciding it was best to just keep quiet and enjoy the impromptu concert.
Yukimasa watched with a stoic expression, but there was an ease in his red eyes. He had heard plenty of Lacus's songs due to Keijiro playing them near-constantly during their days preparing the G-Weapons and Archangel. As she resumed her place at the head of the room. He couldn't help but think that she really was deserving of her title as the Songstress of Hope if how everyone present seemed a little less weary, their resolve strengthened.
He felt Flay gently dig her elbow into his side as she leaned in. "I wonder how much of that is the genetic enhancements and how much of that is her own God-given talent?" She whispered to Yukimasa. This was a good sign to him. It meant some of the redhead's fear was starting to abate at seeing Lacus in her natural environment.
"Ask her for yourself and find out," Yukimasa said, content to enjoy the music, for now, Flay taking hold of his arm. Lacus sang a couple more songs including Evidence of Water, I Hear You Everywhere, and Let Me Be With You.
She was rewarded with a standing ovation by everyone present. "Thank you so much, everyone. I hope was able to lift your spirits even just a little bit." Lacus once again gave a bow, before departing out of the room back to her quarters.
"You've raised my spirits, Lacus-sama!" Keijiro cried mock tears, waving his arms frantically. Only for Cagalli to cuff upside the back of the head before kicking him in the back of the knee, sending him sprawling to the ground in a twitching heap. "I…regret…nothing!" He rasped, holding a clenched fist in the air as the Lioness huffed and walked off.
(Archangel, Bridge)
"I have to admit, our resident pink princess is quite the little songbird," Mu remarked, lounging the chair usually reserved for flag officers. "I think that little show was just what everyone needed." Indeed, Lacus's impromptu mini-concert had a restorative effect. The crew looked relaxed, but also alert and ready should ZAFT appear to plague them. And everyone knew it was coming.
"I still have reservations about her being on board," Natarle said from the captain's chair, the night shift was about to start and she was on duty. "Let's face it, having the daughter of the Supreme Chairman onboard just makes us that much larger of a target. Although it also may make them back off if we make it clear she'd be in danger if they decided to attack us in force." This elicited a round of gasps from everyone on the bridge at that moment. Cagalli had decided to try and make herself useful by working in the CIC.
"Are you out of your mind?" The blonde princess said, floating upwards and around to Natarle's position. "That will just make them even more pissed off. Now, I know I said to just dump her off in the escape pod earlier, but even I think that's a stupid idea!"
Natarle just gave Cagalli a contemptuous sneer. "And that just shows how much of a child you really are! You don't understand the full nature of warfare. Our mission is to deliver this ship and the remaining prototypes back to our superiors at Alaska. And we have to use every means at our disposal to accomplish our mission. No matter the cost!" Mu just groaned, facepalming. He knew Natarle wasn't a bad officer, but she needed an attitude adjustment fast.
Cagalli wasn't fazed by what the XO said and just seemed to fuel her fire more. "Why don't you just shut up, you old hag?" She snapped. I won't listen to the ideas of someone who had no qualms about nuking an entire colony of a quarter of a million people whose only crime was having their genes worked on. If that's your view on the nature of war as you put it. Then I say to hell with you and the whole of the Earth Forces!" She stormed off the bridge, the doors clanging shut behind her.
Natarle was unfazed by it, but she then felt a firm hand come down on her shoulder. Alyssa, who had been working the CIC gave her a hard glare of rebuke in her crystal blue eyes. "You might want to rethink your ideals a bit, Ensign. It's clear no one will accept a square wheel when the rest are round."
"Wow, Ensign, you're just making friends all up and down the Earth Sphere, I'm certain the brass at JOSH-A will be waiting for you with a nice big shiny medal." Mu drawled sarcastically. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to my quarters. Enjoy your shift. It's going to be a long one." He got up and he left the bridge. Natarle sighed, slumping in her chair.
The sound of someone clearing his throat drew her attention. She saw Mori, giving his usual debonair smile on screen. "Don't feel too bad, Ensign Natty. I know you're not well-liked, but you're only thinking of the safety of your ship and crew. I find that quite admirable." Only for a beefy arm to reach from offscreen and yank him off, revealing Tatsuo.
The master of the Kagutsuchi's unlit cigarillo went flipping end over end into zero-g. Damn it, Mori, what have I told you about using this comm channel to pick up women? Sorry, Ensign. If you don't keep a tight thumb on him, he pulls stunts like this all the time!" The screen went dark leaving Natarle to wonder if she shouldn't have taken a nice boring desk job at the Pentagon, it had to be less stressful than her current situation.
(Guest Quarters)
Flay took a deep breath as she stood outside in front of Lacus's room. Despite the songstress's stellar performance having calmed her some. The redhead was still apprehensive about this. Only Yukimasa's firm but gentle grip on her right hand kept her from wimping out entirely. She looked to him who just gave a slight nod of encouragement. Flay reached out, gently knocking on Lacus's door. "Please come in!" The delicate lilt of her voice carried through.
The door swung in, admitting Flay and Yukimasa. Lacus was sitting at the desk, Mr. Pink swaying from side to side on the counter. And Keijiro was lounging on the other bunk. Flay and Yukimasa sat down on the bunk. A few awkward moments passed before he finally spoke up. "We appreciate you putting on that little performance, Lacus. Tension's been high for everyone and I think your kind words have helped everyone feel more at ease. Flay especially was eager to chat with you, right dear?" He gently smacked her on the back.
"Uh, yeah!" She said, biting her lip. "You have a really lovely voice, Miss Clyne. I guess you must have worked hard in order to get it sounding so perfect." Her hands nervously fidgeted in her lap. "I wanted to apologize to you. I may have said some things that aren't exactly nice behind your back…I thought you were just putting on an act before you decided to blow us all up with your robot ball."
Lacus just let out a delicate titter. "Oh, I can assure you Mr. Pink is no bomb. Come here, Pinky!" And the ball leapt up into its master's hands. She held it out to Flay. "Go ahead and hold him. That way you can see for yourself." She tentatively held out her own hands, and Haro delicately rolled into Flay's grasp. The plastic was warm against the palms of her hands. It actually looked cute up close.
"Pretty redhead! Pretty redhead!" Mr. Pink chirped, the LEDs in its eyes blinking and the flaps covering its hands moving up and down as it always did. Flay couldn't help but laugh.
Of course, Keijiro had thrown his smartass two cents in. "Don't think it's so unassuming, Flay. That little bugger did manage to unlock the door after all. He likes to go on long walks at night."
"Flay go on walk! Flay go on walk! Big Weenie goes on walks! Big Weenie goes on walks!" Haro's remarks made everyone not named Keijiro laugh.
"If you weren't Lacus's favorite pet robot, I'd sell you for scrap." He growled, before stalking out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
"I guess Mr. Pink can't be all that bad if he can see what kind of person Keijiro really is." She then locked eyes with Lacus. Before bowing her head in shame. "And I suppose you can't be all that bad either, Miss Clyne." She blinked back a single tear. I'm really sorry, not just to you, but you as well, Masa. I thought I had learned to be more tolerant, but I realize I haven't learned a single thing. I was so certain that Lacus was an enemy agent, just because she's from the PLANTs like the rest of ZAFT. I suppose I have a lot farther to go in overcoming my prejudices."
"Prejudice and racism are one of the most difficult habits to overcome, Miss Allster." Lacus's blue eyes took on a serious air, but they were tempered by her natural kindness and gentle nature. "I know the political scene, and I know your family's name very well. It must not be easy trusting Coordinators you don't know very well. But the fact you're even here in the first place shows you're not as close minded as you think. I admire your courage for wanting to learn more about us. It's the first step to eliminating ignorance."
Threads of understanding were beginning to form between the two women. Yukimasa said nothing. Instead, he sat back and let Lacus direct the show. It was clear to him she was doing all possible to push the right buttons and help Flay feel more at ease. The redhead then reached over to take hold of his hand. The skin of her palm was a swathe of pure Egyptian silk, a stark contrast to his own rough and worn hand. Her eyes full of love for him.
"I owe so much to this man right here. My father always spoke so poorly of Coordinators. It's all I heard for my entire life. But then I met Yukimasa. He opened my eyes to the truth. Of how ignorant I was. Between him and what I saw at Junius Seven. I realize that even if Coordinators have had any kind of work done on their genes. At their core, they're still human." Tears formed in her eyes as she leaned over to kiss him, her cheeks starting to redden up. "Thank you so much. I love you."
Yukimasa gently rubbed her back. "I love you too, Flay. I'm glad that you were able to admit your faults. It takes a big person, man or woman, to own up to it and try and make things better." He then reached out to kiss the Pink Princess's hand. "And thank you Lacus, for being willing to extend an olive branch of peace. I think you were the best person for Flay to talk to about a very touchy subject."
"Not a problem at all. This is exactly why I sing in the first place. Now if you don't mind, Mr. Sahaku. I'd like to just have some time alone with Flay. A little girl talk if you catch my drift." Yukimasa bowed graciously to Lacus, giving Flay a light peck on the cheek before leaving. He knew she would be in good hands and could use another female friend.
(PSV Calvin, Bridge)
"Please Commander Connor, we have to act now! The Eighth Fleet's Advance Force will reach the legged ship and the rest of them won't be too far behind!" Yzak demanded on the screen, while Dearka and Nicol just stood to the side. The blonde sniper wearing a very annoyed expression, while the green haired pianist looking apologetic.
Sebastian groaned, rubbing his temple. This had been a regular occurrence since the whole debacle at Artemis. The Calvin, Hobbes, and Gamow had taken off in pursuit of the Archangel and Kagutsuchi. Yzak constantly haranguing the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due about when they were going to attack them. "And as I have told you countless time, Lieutenant Joule, the answer is no!" Sebastian snapped. "You saw full well what the legged ship's allies are capable of. I lost two of my guys to them and I won't risk the rest of my squadron just for your petty vendetta!"
Yzak gave the Storm Wolf a contemptuous sneer. "Perhaps the mighty Storm Wolf is just a toothless old dog after all! It's just like how you were after Junius Seven." It was far as he got, only for Dearka to clap his hand over his teammate's big mouth, he was madly flailing about. Nicol then grabbed onto his arm.
"Please forgive us, Commander Connor. Just give us a couple minutes!" the screen went dark. Sebastian sighed turning to his Commander Air Group, Captain Rachel Dupree, clad in a black uniform. "What do you think, Rach? I mean, that Orb vessel has two, possibly three of the original Gundams in their possession. I know command was clear in not letting the ship and its mobile suits reach Earth, but I will not risk my men if it means going up against those monsters."
Rachel, known to others as "The Iron Dove", just put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Yzak may be letting his ego blind him, but he is right. We do have to stop them. Once Halberton and his people show up, our chances drop next to nothing. So we may have to start drawing up a battle plan."
"It might not be a bad idea for some of us to hang back, just in case that one ship decides to pull a fast one on us like at Artemis," Maria said. "I wouldn't put it past them to try it again."
(PSV Gamow, Conference Room)
"What in the hell are you two doing?" Yzak raged at his fellow redcoats. But he didn't get any further as a fist suddenly connected with the left side of his face, sending him tumbling back into the bulkhead. He looked with muted shock at Captain Franklin Zelman, the master of the Gamow, fist still clenched. He then grabbed the younger man by his collar dragging him up so they were now eye to eye. "Captain Zelman?"
"You stupid moron! Do you have any idea what you were about to do to yourself?" Zelman had always been a very mild-mannered individual, not the type to really stand out. So it was so shocking to hear him raise his voice at all. "I consider myself a very tolerant captain, but it was a very poor, not to mention extremely unprofessional to insult someone like Commander Connor and bring up one of his greatest personal tragedies! You remember what happened the last time someone thought to accuse him of J7? Because I'm certain he'd have no problems coming over here and relieving you of a hand!"
All three boys went pale at those words. Yzak, Dearka, and Nicol knew all too well of what happened shortly after the Bloody Valentine. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due had been the one pursuing the nuke that destroyed Junius Seven and failed to stop it. Many people, out of a sense of misplaced rage and blame, pointed the finger at Sebastian. Someone had even drawn a gun on him, and he was forced to defend himself, cleaving the shooter's hand clean off.
The white-haired pilot looked away ashamed and more than a little terrified. Zelman was satisfied he had proven his point. "Consider yourself confined to your quarters, for the time being, I'll let Commander Le Creuset deal with you when he arrives. And you will give a formal apology to Commander Connor." Yzak looked absolutely defeated. He just saluted and left the room. Both Dearka and Nicol straightened to attention as Zelman directed his gaze at them. "I expect both of you to take a lesson from this as well. Especially you, Elsman. You're not as hotheaded as Yzak is, but I know you have a habit of opening your mouth and saying things when you really shouldn't. Do. Not. Follow his example, is that understood gentlemen?"
"Yes, sir!" They both said at once, saluting.
Zelman just nodded, and the monitor came back on. Sebastian's visage appeared on the screen. "Commander Connor, I apologize for the unprofessional conduct of Lieutenant Joule. He has been disciplined by me and I will further take this up with Commander Le Creuset when he returns. I agree that we should wait for the Vesalius before we make any attempt to go after the legged ship. I feel we need all four of the G-Weapons to make this work. Do you agree?"
Sebastian just nodded in approval. "I do, Captain Zelman. But we may not have that luxury, so we should draw up some kind of battle plan. With any luck, we'll be able to get them."
(February 18th, C.E. 71, Archangel, Hangar)
Keijiro was quite taken with the Hyperion. He had spent many of his waking hours on the Eurasian machine, mostly to keep his memories from haunting him. As a plus, it did give him a very good understanding of the differences between Atlantic Federation and Eurasian Federation technologies, and how the design philosophies of the two nations branched off in their own respective directions.
While the Hyperion wasn't equipped with Phase-Shift, it did have laminated armor that was superior to the AF's. He had even found something in the Hyperion's databanks that really caught his attention. It turned out the unit he had captured was equipped with an experimental system where micro-emitters would allow the barrier to wrap around the entire mobile suit like a second skin, rather than form a giant bubble. It was slightly more energy efficient, but it would still be a huge strain on the battery, and like with Phase-Shift, the joints were still a weak point.
Besides that, the Eurasian philosophy was much more utilitarian in nature. The Hyperion, and by extension any mass production units derived from it, were built to be able to do double duty as construction and engineering machines, even built with special components that could resist frost and rust in harsher environments. Lastly, they weren't as sophisticated technologically, with fewer moving parts, making it simpler to maintain, and most of all, they would be built to last.
The shrill bleating of the alarm ended the peaceful moment as Sharon's voice came over the PA. "ZAFT ships detected! All pilots to your mobile suits for emergency scramble!" Keijiro grinned, seeing the chance to finally see his baby in action. He clambered down from the Gundam and headed for the locker room to get changed, he found Yukimasa and Kuro suiting up, both in Orb style flight suits that Tatsuo had provided, Yukimasa in red and Kuro in gold. Of course, Keijiro had one in his beloved marijuana green.
Kira was in the corner, getting his own Earth Alliance style blue flightsuit on. He looked less than enthused about having to enter combat again, but in order to protect Yui and the others, there was no other option but to board the Strike.
"Well, we had to expect ZAFT would catch up to us eventually. That's okay, reinforcements are almost here." Kuro said, zipping up his flightsuit. "Even with the Storm Wolves present, they know once the Advance Force joins up with our two ships, they'll be in for a serious hurt. If it had just been the Archangel alone, they would have had a chance, but knowing that the Kagutsuchi is also present changes the entire game." It had been equal parts terrifying and awe-inspiring to Yukimasa and Keijiro of how one of ZAFT's most infamous teams had joined the hunt for them.
"Connor is no fool, he knows this is his last chance to intercept us, so they won't be holding back," Yukimasa said, a small part of him itching to take on the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due himself. Although he imagined he'd have to get though Yzak first. Kira couldn't help but wince at those words as he sealed one of his gloves on.
"It doesn't matter who they are, everyone's gonna fall before me today." The anticipation was nearly toxic to Keijiro at that point. As much as he enjoyed lounging back and getting baked, it paled in comparison to the prospect of a good fight.
"How can you guys talk about killing people like that?" Kira finally spoke up, more than a little disgusted at the topic of conversation. "I mean, it's like the kind of banter athletes talk about before a sports game or something!"
"I'd think after all this time you'd be used to it, Yamato." Keijiro picked up his helmet. "This is a war after all, and we're in for survival. And with it comes death. So quit whining like a little pussy ass bitch and accept it!"
"You could cut him a little slack, Mishima." The Hawk of Endymion came in. "Kira's led a relatively comfortable life away from violence and death. He doesn't have the same killer instinct like the rest of us." Mu put a reassuring hand on Kira's shoulder. "You fight in own way, Kid. Fight to protect the girl you love and the friends you care for." Placated, the student turned soldier left the locker room and went to the hangar.
The three boys now suited up, they exited to the hangar. The Strike was already moving to the starboard catapult while Mu was entering his Zero. The Sahaku brothers stopped in front of the Gravesend. "So tell me, bro. How much did ZAFT piss themselves when you showed up in this at Artemis?" Yukimasa asked.
"Oh, just a little bit." Kuro's laugh was low and just a little on the sinister side. "I know for a fact they're going to need fresh underwear by the time we're done here!"
"And this time I'll have a front row seat for it." Yukimasa's grin was looking rather insidious himself. "Stay alive, Kuro. Let's get home together." Kuro nodded, bumping helmets together and Yukimasa made for the Murasame. A slight bend of the knee and the black haired Sahaku effortlessly glided up to the cockpit, keying open the hatch. He was about to enter when he saw Cagalli standing at the doorway. They locked eyes for a second before she folded her arms and walked out. Clearly, she was still sore from earlier.
Paying it no mind, he put his helmet on, entering the mighty war machine. The Gravesend's brilliant green eyes sparked to life. It was very unsettling as the lanky looking mobile suit tromped to the catapult hatch. Kuro was all too familiar to the sounds and sensations of his machine being hooked up to a linear catapult, it was really just like a scaled-down version of the Kaguya Mass Driver back home. The g-forces pressed him back into his seat as the Gravesend was vaulted out into the void.
(Archangel, Bridge)
Murrue couldn't help but sigh, having been roused from her quarters when the alarm went on. Such was the life of a combat vessel commander. A part of her wanted to rail at her ZAFT counterparts for disrupting her beauty sleep, even as Sharon immediately pushed a cup of coffee into her hands. "I suppose we knew they'd catch up to us eventually." She said to Tatsuo over the open line. "And of course, it would be just before meeting up with reinforcements."
"It seems like something out of a bad movie," Sharon spoke up from her place at communications.
"Don't worry your pretty little heads, ladies. We managed to kick their asses once before. We can do again. You just focus on the other G-weapons. We can handle the ships, just like we did last time." Despite the rough and at times crude demeanor of the master of Kagutsuchi. Murrue had come to rely on the wisdom and experience of her fellow captain. She just gave a slight nod to Tatsuo, who in turn offered a little salute before closing the line.
The Kagutsuchi broke off from the Archangel, preparing to sweep around and hit the ZAFT ships from behind. Murrue meanwhile got her ship into fighting form and begin uttering the orders that had become all but second nature to her. "Activate Gottfrieds and Valiants, have the Lohengrins charged and on standby, load missile tubes with Wombats and Sledgehammers!"
Murrue's left hand clenched the armrest of her command chair as her right hand curled into a fist. "I guess it's time to test our luck against the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due."
(Gamow, Hangar)
Yzak couldn't contain his glee. Finally, they were going to act! He would get his payback against the legged ship and the rest of its cohorts. "Yzak Joule, Duel Gundam, taking off!" The Duel was the first out the gate, with the Buster and Blitz not far behind. "Where are you, where are you, Bladed Gundam?" He looked around frantically to find his quarry. HIs ice blue eyes gleamed in anticipation as he got a visual on the Masamune. "At last!" He exclaimed, opening fire with his beam rifle.
At the same time, Yukimasa was fast approaching the stolen prototypes. His eyes narrowed slightly at the Duel, currently on a mad charge for him. "I'll give him credit, he's anything if predictable!" He brought up his shield to defend against the emerald lances, the beams splashing off the shield. "Right back at you!" He said, firing his own rifle. The two Gundams passed by each other quickly before quickly wheeling back around. Masamune's blade flipping out while the Duel produced a beam saber. The two blades intersected, sparks flying in all directions.
The Duel and the Masamune's deadlock seemed to last an eternity. The two blades straining against each other. "How is it that thing hasn't been cut in half?" Yzak growled, decided for a backhanded swing, reasoning since his beam saber had no mass it would move faster, but Yukimasa was quick to dissuade of him that notion, batting the fiery blade aside and trying to rake it down the Duel's torso. The white-haired ZAFT pilot's eyes goggled as he yanked back on the control sticks, the tip barely missing it. The CIWS spooled up, spitting out 75mm shells at the Masamune, but may have done nothing against Phase-Shift.
Snarling, Yzak fired a grenade at his foe, only for Yukimasa to casually knock it away with his shield. He then let the blade flip back into storage mode and he opened fire on the Duel with his beam rifle, before nimbly twisting the Masamune and kicking the Duel upside the head with a large metallic foot. The two began exchanging beam fire with each other again, the two circled about in a never-ending spiral.
(Open Space)
Kira's stomach had twisted into knots when he saw the mobile suit approach him at high speeds. It was a ZGMF=515 CGUE, just like the one he had fought at Heliopolis. He knew that only ZAFT's very best rated such a machine. The battle he had with Rau Le Creuset as the Archangel fought its way out of the doomed space colony was still fresh in his mind even three weeks after the fact. The pure white machine would haunt his nightmares for the rest of his days. But his current foe would be another beast entirely. Even the young student knew the owner of this machine very well. The CGUE was mostly white, but the head crest, the shoulder fins, detailing on the wings, and on the feet were deep forest green. The personal colors of ZAFT's greatest pilot. When the shield gatling opened fire with a 27mm barrage. He was quick to evade, although he did catch a few on the Strike's right leg.
Sebastian looked over the Strike with a critical eye. "From a purely aesthetic standpoint, it's actually nice to look at. The white, blue and red is a nice touch." He deftly swung to the left as Kira fired his beam rifle at him. "And it's definitely got some serious firepower." The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due raised his machine gun, letting loose a spray of 76mm shells, it did little against the Phase Shift.
The student turned soldier fired again, only for the white and green CGUE to slip to the left, firing the shield gatling again. Kira reached for one of the beam sabers mounted on the pack of the Alie Pack, igniting the frozen column of fire. Sebastian seemed to take this as a challenge, stowing his machine gun, and drawing his own weapon, a katana in sheath the same color as the machine. The beam saber arced in, but the blade of energy bounced off the mirror polished finish.
"How in the hell did it do that?" Kira asked in disbelief. Recalling how he had fought Miguel Aiman at Heliopolis, cleaving through his GINN's heavy sword with relative ease. He swung again, only for the katana to parry the blade, even slicing clean through the saber's beam, causing it to short out for a quick second before it turned back on.
The green and white mobile suit lunged forward, sword in one hand and the machine gun in the other, the bullets bouncing off the Phase Shift. Kira fired his beam rifle, and the blade cleaved through the emerald lance, dissipating just as a shield would.
Sebastian just gave a slight smile of bemusement, picturing the befuddlement on his opponent's face as he tried to work out what was going on here. "First time seeing a Gerbera Straight, I bet. I'm not going to make this so easy for you." He swung the shining blade up, taking a chunk out of the Strike's anti-beam shield, before kicking the Strike square in the chest. "Maybe this can't do anything against that fancy armor of yours, but I can still make life miserable for you, one small cut at a time!"
(Open Space)
Nicol knew he had earned some points with his squamates for his maneuver at Artemis, and it had boosted his ego a little bit. However, he was currently glad his Gundam had the stealth system at this moment. The green haired redcoat was now doing all possible to keep out of the sight of the Gravesend. He still remembered all too clearly of how the nightmarish machine had dispatched of Michael and Burns, as Stormo Wolves, some of the very best ZAFT had to offer after the Le Creuset Team themselves, with sheer brutality. He had no desire to be added to Kuro's list of kills.
The black haired Sahaku just swept his eyes across space, already knowing about the Blitz's Mirage Colloid. "You can hide for right now, but you'll have to come out eventually," Kuro whispered to no one in particular. "And once eighty minutes have passed, then you can't use that to hide anymore!" his screen lit ups s the Blitz flickered to life, taking aim with its beam rifle. But it just splashed off the nano-laminated armor. "Don't think those fancy weapons will work against us!"
"Take this!" Nicol said, going for the Gleipner, only for it to be batted aside by the Gravesend's massive mace. The demonic looking Gundam's engines flared to life and Kuro rushed the Blitz, only for it to re-cloak itself. He was panting heavily. He decloaked, igniting the beam saber, looking to take the Gravesend's head off, the mace came up, and the beam point extended out, the two frozen columns of fire colliding.
"So you decided to quit hiding and fight me directly? That works just fine for me!" Kuro smirked, bringing up the mace one more time, only for Nicol to raise the Trikero, the shield holding against the impact of the colossal weapon.
"Thank you, Phase Shift Armor!" Nicol exclaimed, firing his beam rifle once again, point blank range. Causing the Gravesend to shrink back into a guard position. Silently praying he would survive this onslaught, he looked to where the rest of his comrades were struggling with their own engagements.
(Kagutsuchi, Bridge)
"Bring our course to bearing 661 mark 240, gets around on the backside of the ZAFT ships!" Tatsuo struggled to remain in his seat as the ship turned as fast and tight as possible. "How soon until we're in weapons range, Mori?"
"Four minutes, Captain! Lohengrins and Gottfrieds are armed and all missile tubes are loaded!" Mori looked very eager for what was to come. "Ah, now this is the kind of show I love to produce! Nothing but action and drama! Our lives are on the line we're fighting for everything we have!"
"Just cut the theatrics, Mori! Open fire when we have a firing solution!" Tatsuo snapped. By this time the ship had come about and was about to hit the Gamow, Calvin, and Hobbes from above. He was about to give the order to fire only for the entire bridge to be rocked by an unexpected impact, his unlit cigarillo coming out of his mouth. "What in the hell was that?" He asked.
"We got bounced Boss Man!" Shino grunted, as his face appeared on the captain's personal monitor. "It's the Buster and a few of the Wolves!" The camera shifted to the view of where the Buster and four white and green GINNs were raining fire on them. "It looks like they were waiting for a surprise attack!"
Tatsuo just grunted, putting another cigarillo in his mouth as entire bridge shook once more. "Connor really isn't a fool. I suppose the hype about him holds a degree of truth after all. Shino, Akihito, try and hold back those ZAFT mobile suits. Spool up the CIWS and load all missile launchers. We're going to provide fire support for the Archangel." He smirked a little bit. "At least now this fight isn't boring anymore."
"Ha! Now you're getting into the spirit of things, Boss!" Mori said, seeing a light come on his control board, and his grin just grew wider. "Waiting for your order to fire. Captain."
"Give them a bad day! All weapons fire!" Tatsuo ordered. The Kagutsuchi's teeth were bared and now they took a bite. Emerald lances as big as tree trunks, massive orange and blue beams nearly twice that size, missiles, and 75mm shells streaked out at once, cutting a swath across space, managing to break up the enemy formation. The Gamow and Calvin spilt to the left while the Hobbes looped to the right, firing its central beam cannon battery at their attacker.
"Hard to starboard!" Mori yelled to the helmsman, who frantically pushed the wheel as far to the right as possible. However, the Kagutsuchi wasn't a mobile suit or even a fighter. It moved like the giant boat it was. One of the beam rounds missed, but the other neatly brushed against the hull, melting the laminated armor to orange slag, and taking out the lower Gottfried turret.
"Damage report!" Tatsuo roared.
"We have lost the ventral Gottfried! Going to auxiliary power!" Mori said. He grimaced as the ship shook again. "I'm also detecting enemy mobile suits! They're targeting the engines! I suppose drama can't all be clean and easy now, can it?"
"Shino, Akihiro, do what you can to keep the ZAFT ships at bay, we cannot let them break through and make it to the Archangel!"
"Way ahead of you, Boss Man!" The Firestorm's pilot saluted. A slight grunt and taciturn nod was the sniper Gundam's only response. The two men had been together for years, trusted each other implicitly. Along with Kuro, they had been the terror of many pirate groups. This would be no different.
Dearka had been quite pleased with himself when they had managed to get the Kagutsuchi by surprise. He, along with Rachel, Gabrielle, Shawn, and Duncan Cooper, another of the Storm Wolves' senior members, had been waiting for the enemy ship to come calling, "Okay people, by the numbers." Rachel, in her ZGMF-LRR704B GINN Long Range Reconnaissance Type, equipped with an 88mm sniper rifle. "Mason, Cooper, Gabby, you guys take point and wait for my signal. Elsman, you're with me on fire support. We're targeting the engines!"
"Roger that, Captain!" Dearka said, combining the Buster's two chief weapons together. The reticle locked onto the Kagutsuchi's engine bank. "Got 'em dead in my crosshairs!"
"Light'em up!" the Buster and GINN LRRT opened fire simultaneously, catching the Orb vessel right in the back. "Shawn, you know what to do!" Rachel smirked, delivering a second barrage, taking out one of the engines.
"As the Boss himself says, the hunt is on," Shawn said, the three GINNs looping about, letting 76mm rounds tear into the hull, blowing off some of the CIWS. Dearka could only look on in amazement at the sheer competence the three senior ZAFTs pilots moved, covering each other's backs while picking off the ship's defenses in multiple passes.
However, the Mishima Group wasn't taking it idly. For the Firestorm and Gunshot Rebake soon joined the fray, tossing out their own rounds. It was taking everything for the Storm Wolves to avoid getting hit. "Rach, we accomplished our goal. I really don't think we should hang around here any longer than needed!" Shawn said, barely avoiding getting skewered by a round from Akihiro.
"Yeah, it would really put a crimp on the Commander's plans if we died right now!" Gabby said, firing at Shino. "I just heard from Maria. The Advance Force is ten minutes out. If they join the fight, even we'll be in trouble!"
"But we can take the ship out now!" Dearka protested.
"You'll find that it's better to withdraw and fight another day, Lieutenant Elsman. We've done enough damage to them for one day. There will be other chances to finish the job. The Storm Wolves always finish their job." Rachel's statement brokered no argument. The Gundam and four GINNs retreated to a safe distance. Dearka then wondered how his comrades were doing in their respective battles.
(Open Space)
Nicol struggled to regain control of the Blitz as it tumbled end over end. Having forgone the Mirage Colloid, he had tried to get the Gravesend with one of the penetrator darts only for them to get batted away by the mace. Kuro had paid the green haired redcoat back by smashing the mace across the black and red Gundam's torso. It was then evident that Nicol owed his life to the Phase Shift Armor. Although it was taking a toll on the battery life.
But he wasn't deterred, firing with the beam rifle once again, but Kuro easily evaded it. The saber came out once again and swung downwards, and to his surprise, managed to actually do some damage, the blue torso now blackened and scorched from the heat. Kuro grimaced. "Damn it! I didn't think he'd actually manage to do something like that!" He spun the mace, the blade tip extending once more.
Nicol wasn't about to let himself get crushed again. The saber came up and the two weapons intersected. He managed to parry the mace away one more time, and resorted to kicking the Gravesend in the head one, only to be rewarded with another swing of the oversized metal club, "Fuck!" He swore, yanking back the control yokes to just barely avoid having the entire back end of the Blitz reduced to scrap.
Kuro was having a dandy old time. Nothing like putting someone in their place. Although he had to admit that the pilots of the stolen G-weapons were legitimately talented. Even he knew of the fabled redcoats of ZAFT, long the gold standard for gauging pilot skill. He often wondered how he stacked up against them. He wordlessly spun the mace about, going for that next big swing, all the while the Blitz was weaving in and out, using its rifle and beam saber in concert to just try and stay alive.
Panting heavily, Nicol was really starting to understand how the Gravesend gained the name "White Devil." He remembered seeing a couple of old videos from the Reconstruction War online of the original Gundams in action and had proved to be just as fearsome then as it was now. "It doesn't help that the nano-laminated armor all but makes the rifle and beam sabers useless!" He muttered, once again avoiding the mace.
An idea then crossed his mind. He raised the Trikeros, firing the second of the penetrator darts at point-blank range through the Gravesend's shoulder joint. He then followed it up with the Gleipner, the rocket anchor tearing through the delicate hydraulics. Much to Nicol's relief and delight, it tore through the shoulder, taking off the offending machine's arm. "Oh thank you, God!" He said out loud.
Kuro just glared at the error messages piling up all over his displays. The pilot of the Blitz had been a craftier foe than he thought by going for the joints. "This is Gravesend to Archangel, how soon until your friends show up?" He asked Natarle.
"Less than eight minutes." She said.
Kuro grunted. "I'm heading back then; I lost my arm in the engagement with the Blitz. Just a good thing Tatsuo decided to ship over some replacement parts for my machine." He looked over to where the Strike was engaging a white and green CGUE wielding a shining katana. He whistled in appreciation at the weapon. "The legendary Gerbera Straight, Commander Connor's trademark blade. Hope you stay alive, Kira. Miss Takamura would be rather upset if anything happened to you." The Gravesend thus left the combat zone.
(Open Space)
As for Kira, this was one of the most pressing battles he had ever gone through since the events of January 25th. Sebastian had truly put him through the wringer. While the CGUE's machine gun, shield gatling, and the Gerbera Straight had done little physical damage to the Strike. It had left the young student soldier near exhausted, having to constantly defend from the Storm Wolf's relentless onslaught.
Sebastian himself was feeling it too. Unlike with the Strike, barely a scratch on it, Kira had managed to a fair amount of rents and gouges into his opponent's mobile suit. He knew the ground crew would give him an earful for playing some rough with their toys. Energy sword collided with metal blade once again. The anti-beam coating holding against the blazing weapon once again.
"Storm Wolf Two to Storm Wolf Actual, we managed to cripple the Legged Ship's escort, but the Eighth Fleet's Advance Force is fast approaching." Rachel's voice came in. "I hate to say it, Boss, but I think we'll have to wait another day to take them out!"
The Storm Wolf said nothing as the Strike's beam rifle got him in the left shoulder. "Very well then, Captain Dupree. send out the recall order to all units. We're cutting our losses for today." He gave the Strike one last look, switching over to the Earth Alliance frequency. "This is to the pilot of the white and blue mobile suit. You're not half bad, but you rely too much on your mobile suit's strength. I suggest you do something to fix that…and fast. Because next time you may not be so lucky."
Kira could only look on in muted shock as the white and green ZAFT machine withdrew. He hadn't expected the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due to actually speak to him. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't notice when Yui raised him on the comms. "Kira, are you okay?" His girlfriend's worried voice shook him out of his reverie. "I was watching the entire fight. I'm amazed you lasted as long as you did!"
"It was all because of the Gundam," Kira said, Sebastian's words echoing in his mind. "I'm heading back, Yui. See you in a few minutes." He could see the blinking lights in the distance, indicating that the ships of the Eighth Fleet's Advance Force would soon join them. But at the same time, Kira thought maybe he needed to get some extra practice time in the simulator.
(Open Space)
Yukimasa parried the Duel's beam saber with the Masamune's arm blade. Yzak had come at him in his usual aggressive manner, hacking and slashing with everything he had. He actually had the advantage because of the saber's lack of mass and his rival needed more time to maneuver the heavy weapon around. "You're going to pay for insulting me!" He yelled, the blazing blade held high overhead. Only for the Masamune to deftly parry it.
"Seriously man, what is this guy's problem?" the Sahaku scion muttered to himself, firing his arm-mounted CIWS at the Duel. He slashed upwards with the arm blade, but the Duel managed to evade to the left. Yzak pulled out the beam rifle, firing off a grenade at the Masamune, only for Yukimasa to shoot it out of the sky. Straining his teeth, the white-haired redcoat fired off his beam rifle, only for Yukimasa calmly raised his shield, and it harmlessly bounced off, leaving the barest of scorch marks.
"Damn you!" Yzak's rage grew by the minute, his strikes ever more erratic. Yukimasa was starting to get annoyed now. While he loved a good fight, it just seemed like his opponent was fighting in a berserker rage. Just a few steps above a wild animal that needed to be put down, which would have just infuriated Yzak even more, but he didn't need to know that. The large arm blade and beam saber once again collided, sparks dancing off at the point of contact. The lock was broken and Yukimasa managed to strike a devastating blow right across the Duel's torso, leaving a burning gash.
Yzak screamed, wildly swung the beam saber around, digging a nasty gash out of the Masamune's shield. "You fucking bastard!" He screamed, wanting nothing more than to tear the Masamune apart with his bare hands. He swung against, getting the Masamune on the left hip. He was about to do so when a barrage of projectiles cut the two machines off. He saw the Gunshot, rifle primed and ready to fire.
He was joined by the Buster. "Come on, Yzak. We need to get out of here! The Advance Force is almost here. This fight is over!" Dearka urged, silently cursing in his mind. The battle had not gone well, while they had managed to overcome the Kagutsuchi's ambush with one of their own. the Advance Force was soon in range and fighting just wasn't an option any longer.
"NO!" It was the last thing Yzak wanted to hear. The Bladed Gundam had humiliated him and he wasn't going to rest until he got his vengeance. Only for the Kagutsuchi's Gundams to begin opening fire on the Duel and Buster. Letting out one final frustrated growl. He turned and made for the Gamow. "You've won this day, Bladed Gundam, but this isn't over!" the Duel and Buster thus retreated to the safety of the carrier. And the latest engagement between the Archangel and ZAFT came to an end.
A Nelson-class battleship and a pair of Drake-class frigates soon joined the other ships. Murrue could finally let out some of that tension, finally, reinforcements had arrived. A sentiment Sharon felt. "We're getting a hail from Montgomery-Actual. Captain Koopman wants to speak with us."
"By all means, put him on," Murrue said. The screen flashed to life, revealing Captain Augustus Koopman sitting in the command chair. "Greetings Captain Koopman, I think it goes without saying we're very happy to see you right now."
"I imagine so, Captain Ramius. Admiral Halberton sends his regards and is eager to see" Koopman, a career naval officer in his mid-forties, wore a rather dour expression on his face, but he remained professional. "We've got fresh supplies and personnel for you. Also, we have a VIP who wishes to speak to you."
Before Murrue could ask who it was, the camera panned over to the man sitting next to Koopman, in the chair reserved for admirals and other high-value officials. A man wearing a fairly expensive suit and a panicked expression on his face immediately began asking questions. "Where is she? Where's my daughter, Flay?" It was now apparent why Koopman looked so irritated. Nothing was worse than having an overbearing desk jockey bureaucrat who knew nothing of combat being on board a military ship. Even more so if said bureaucrat was Atlantic Federation Vice Foreign Minister George Allster.
Down in the hangar, Yukimasa sneezed repeatedly, and a child went down his spine. "Why do I feel like someone just started digging a grave for me?" He thought aloud. Shaking it off, he reasoned some time with Flay would make him feel better. Oh if only he knew…