Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.
Fated Shift: Rearmed
By Centurious the Azure and Storm Wolf77415
Awkward Reunions
(EAS Archangel, February 2nd, C.E. 71)
Sharon was understandably uncomfortable as the shuttle from the Montgomery set down in the hangar. She hadn't thought Flay's father would come into the picture. Nonetheless, she had drawn the short straw and was sent to receive the incoming VIP while Murrue had called for Flay to come to the bridge. The pinkette thus put on her best PR face as Mr. Allster floated out. She snapped to attention, saluting. "Welcome aboard the Archangel, Minister Allster. I'm Lieutenant Heim."
It was as far as she got before being interrupted. "Thank you, Lieutenant, now where is my daughter?" George rudely demanded. "When I heard about Heliopolis's destruction. I jumped the first transport to Panama so I could get to Ptolemaeus." He breathed heavily. "I just need to know she's safe." It was evident he was just acting as any parent would. Sharon just gently patted him on the shoulder.
"Just follow me, Minister. I'll take you to see her. She should be waiting for us on the bridge right now." This placated him for now. He took a quick, final glance at the Strike, and looked a little longer at the Masamune and the Hyperion.
"What is that all about, Lieutenant Heim?" George asked, indicating to the two new Gundams. "I had heard reports about Admiral Halberton's G-Project. But those weren't in any of the technical readouts I've seen."
"That is a story in itself, Minister." Sharon looked over her shoulder. Her normal playful smile returning. "Captain Ramius will give you all the details. I'm sure you'll find it to be quite entertaining." No further words were exchanged as the two exited the hangar. The two walked down the corridors. "Magnificent isn't it?" She asked.
"Indeed, she's truly the new pride of the fleet," George said. He spoke the truth with those words. He remembered when the Archangel first approached the small task force. There was something truly majestic at seeing the new ship's graceful lines for the first time. "The techs at Heliopolis built a strong ship, it kept my daughter alive." He said. Sharon said nothing, just discretely coughing to hide an irritated roll of her eyes. As they entered into the elevator leading to the bridge.
(Bridge)
Flay stood nervously by the captain's chair, idly playing with a scarlet lock of hair. She had been in her quarters when Natarle had shown up in person, requesting her presence on the bridge immediately. Upon learning her father was with the Advance Force, Flay's reaction was less than enthused. It was a stark reminder of how things were before she met Yukimasa. The time she spent with her father was minimal as best. The man was a chronic workaholic and thus stayed in Washington.
She was lucky if he even showed up at her birthday parties. Yes, she always knew there would be a mountain of lovely, not mention expensive gifts waiting for her. But there was never any time where they just spent together as a family. A horseback ride on the grounds of their plantation, or even just watching a movie together. It had been a stark wake-up call to Flay when she heard her friends at school talking about quality time with family. It was devastating to think of what she was missing out on.
Luckily Yukimasa had opened her eyes and gave her the love and affection she hadn't realized she needed. His roguish smile and debonair charm and wit had filled in the empty hole in her heart. A part of her had wished that George wouldn't have found out about it. No doubt he would have disapproved, but she knew it was the only thing to make her feel complete.
"I bet you're glad to see him again." Natarle's voice brought Flay out of her thoughts. "I said, I bet you're glad to see your father again. He was quite worried about you. If I didn't know any better. He looked about ready to crawl through the viewscreen to get to you."
"Yeah. It's going to be real great to see him." She said, fiddling with her hands. Natarle's delicate eyebrow quirked. But before she could ask, the doors open, admitting Sharon and George.
Almost immediately the elder Allster's expression lightened. "There's my baby girl!" George had immediately come up to her, folding her up in his broad arms. "Oh, Flay. I'm so glad to see you, sweetheart. I was so worried about you when I heard about Heliopolis. Are you okay? Have you been getting enough to eat?" He threw out one question after another.
"I'm fine, Daddy." She said in an annoyed tone, gently pushing herself out of George's embrace. "You didn't need to come out here in person."
"Why not?" George was perplexed at his daughter's behavior. This wasn't the same girl who always put her daddy on a pedestal. She seemed much more cynical and bitter since he saw her at the Heliopolis spaceport almost ten months ago. It went totally against the image he had of her "I thought you had died. I nearly had a heart attack when I heard about the raid and the colony's destruction. No way I would just sit around and wait for news. I reached out to my contacts at the Pentagon and they got me up here ASAP on the first shuttle available."
"And let me guess, once we hook up with the Eighth Fleet, then we're going straight home, right?" Flay asked.
"I don't like the tone of your voice, young lady." George scowled. He wasn't about to let this stand. "Where did all this attitude come from? You were not like this when I dropped you off on Heliopolis last May. I expect answers from you, Flay Catherine Allster, right now!"
Flay tapped a delicate finger against her chin. "Last May…that's nine months. It really has been that long hasn't it, Daddy?" Her voice becoming more and more frosty. "Nine whole months since we last spoke to each other. I imagine your work back home kept you very busy, so much you didn't have time to even speak about your own daughter!"
"My job is very important. You of all people know that." George tried to defend herself. He then noted that it was probably not the best idea to have such a personal conversation in such a public place. "Listen, sweetie. Let's go somewhere more private and talk this out." He tried to take her hand only for her to knock it away. "Damn it, Flay all I've ever done is to give you what want!"
"What I wanted was my father present!" Flay exclaimed, tears forming in her eyes. "It's always been about work with you! You spent all your time in Washington while I was forced to remain either at the house in Orb, or at the plantation in North Carolina. And then even worse, you pack me and send me all the way far end of the Earth Sphere and for what? No calls, no emails, not even an occasional text! To sum it up, Daddy, I was alone! Did you ever stop to think about that?!"
It was too much for Flay to take. She stomped off the bridge, her tear-stained face the last thing George saw. It was clear to the elder Allster that he had truly failed in his role as a father. Murrue then took the time to intervene, clearing her throat. "Excuse me, Minister Allster. I know it's not my place to get involved in a family matter. I'm sure Flay just needs time to calm down. If you want I can escort you to guest quarters and once things have settled down, you can talk to her then."
"I appreciate that, Captain Ramius, but I'll return to the Montgomery." He sighed, running a hand through his hair, before loosening his tie. "My little girl needs her space. I would just be a distraction. I can find my own way to the hangar." The downtrodden man dragged his feet to the elevator. The doors banged shut. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet. Opening it up it showed a picture of a gorgeous woman with long red hair and bluish-gray eyes. "Allana…" He said. Now that no one could see. Atlantic Federation Vice Foreign Minister George Allster was able to let silent tears fall.
(PSV Calvin, Commander's Quarters)
The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due sat in the darkened confines of his den. His face illuminated only by the light of his computer screen. He was reviewing the footage of the recent battle against the Archangel. Sebastian rewatched his duel with the Strike. The doors opened, admitting Maria. "You know they say watching TV in the dark is bad for your eyesight." She chided him.
"What can I say, the lights throw off such a heavy glare it's hard to see the screen at times." He turned on a small lamp on his desk. "There is that better for you, Mom?" Maria just giggled and took a seat in front of his desk. "Do you want anything to drink?" He indicated to the coffee maker he kept in his quarters.
"While I'm not obsessed about the stuff the way a certain Tiger is. I certainly won't say to a cup." She took the offered cup, relishing the warm liquid. The red-haired captain's eyes fell on the screen. "Looking at it again? That white and blue mobile suit certainly is impressive." She observed of the Strike, its beam rifle firing. "Whoever they found to pilot that thing is talented. I guess Counselor Zala's tripe about Naturals isn't all its cracked up to be."
"Yeah, The Hawk of Endymion is plenty proof of that, but in this case, it doesn't matter. The pilot of that new mobile suit isn't a Natural. He's a Coordinator." Maria wasn't the type to show her surprise much, but her eyebrows shot upward as Sebastian continued. "I can see it in how the machine moves. The only way a Natural could control a mobile suit like that is with very extensive training, or something like Alaya-Vijana system, and a lot of people frown on that. So it only makes sense the pilot's a Coordinator."
"So then, why is he fighting for the Earth Alliance? I know a few Coordinators have probably slipped in, wanting to serve their country, but given how those fanatics in Washington feel." Maria was surprised by this.
"There's no way to tell for sure, Maria. Unless we just asked him." Sebastian chortled. He replayed another clip, this time showing the Masamune squaring off against the Duel. "And then there's this guy. I know a large part of it is due to Yzak's impatience and rage blinding him, but this is a dangerous machine." He turned the screen off. "That being said, we can probably use this to our advantage." His gaze fell on a framed portrait of a Sebastian, Rachel, and Maria, the former two wearing the red of elite pilots, along with a man in his early twenties, with brown hair and green eyes behind steel-rimmed glasses, clad in commander's white. "Anthony certainly would."
Maria just looked on at the picture longingly. "If only." Her voice a wistful tone as she ran long, elegant fingers over the image. She then became all business again. "So tell me, have we heard anything from home?"
"I'm afraid not. Zala's keeping quiet for now. But Rau's going to be joining back up with us in a few days. We'll need to keep quiet around him. If Anthony's predictions were right, it must be taking everything he has to keep from losing his other mask."
"And if he starts to slip?" Maria asked.
It was that moment that the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due began looking every bit the predator he was. "Then I'll do the entire world a favor and finish him off right then and there!"
(EAS Archangel, Crew Quarters)
After the explosive confrontation with her father, Flay had retired to her bunk, throwing herself onto the bed. Just wanting some time alone. The warmth of her tears burning on her face. She clenched her hands into fists, beating her pillow. "Why did I do that?" She said through her sobs. "First time I see him in months and I chew his ass out?" It wasn't that she intended to lash out at her father like that. However being on her own for so long with such minimal contact from George, plus her time with Yukimasa had given her a fresh perspective.
Before her time on Heliopolis, Flay hadn't given a second thought to her father's chronic absence. She had adored her daddy dearest, as many girls had. But several cracks had formed in that pedestal George Allster stood on. It had been annoying to know he had raced all the way out here when really…she was just fine. It just made him look kind of desperate in her eyes. Flay let her hair out of her ponytail, hugging the pillow to her chest. She just stared at the wall for a few minutes, content to let sleep take her. After that, she'd talk to George and clear things up.
A knock at the door roused her from her slumber. "Flay, are you okay?" Yukimasa's voice through the heavy steel door. Letting out a soft moan, Flay got out of bed, padding across the hard steel floor on stocking feet. Opening the door, Yukimasa quickly let himself in. He reached his hand out, gently touching her face. "I heard about the incident on the bridge with your father from Captain La Flaga. I thought you would need a little cheering up."
Flay's expression immediately brightened as he sat on the bunk next to her, reaching out to intertwine her fingers with his. "Maybe, just a little bit." She admitted. The palm of his hand was weathered, the total opposite of her own, but it felt so right on so many levels. She leaned into him, resting her cheek against this shoulder. "This was so not what I wanted to do, Masa. I just completely lost my temper at him! I just kept asking myself, why would he show up now? He could have done so any time before that. I was so angry at him for forgetting me, but…he's still my dad."
He said nothing, just gently stroking her hair. "You only get one. I understand you've kept those feelings bottled up inside for a long time. I'm surprised you hadn't let them out a lot sooner. Just take some time to cool off and then go and talk to him, Flay. One thing about being a parent, you always forgive." He paused for a moment. "I can't help but feel a sense of irony by me saying that." This earned him a questioning frown from his girlfriend. "Let's just say I have my own issues with my old man. But I think your relationship with your dad is different. I know you care about him, and let's leave it at that."
Placated, for now, Flay rested her head against his shoulder. "I know I've said it before, Yukimasa. But thank you so much for always being there for me. It makes the days easier."
"Anything for you." He said.
(Hangar)
Keijiro's fingers ran over the Hyperion's keyboard. If he wasn't in his "quarters" in the brig. He had taken to spending much of his time in the stolen Eurasian Gundam. It was necessary because he was facing a major crisis. His drug stash was getting more and more diminished and with that meant his unwanted guest was starting to show up more and more.
"I gotta say, this is a fine piece of equipment you appropriated from those Eurotards." Koji's voice ran in his head. Keijiro paid it no mind, simply continuing with refining the Gundam's operating system. "Garcia wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but at least he had a good idea on how to build a quality mobile suit."
"So glad you approve," Kejiro muttered under his breath, adding another line of code. "Don't you have someone else to annoy?"
"Not really. I'm just curious to see where this whole thing goes for you. It's as I told you a lifetime ago, Keigo, war always makes for great opportunities." It was then Yui walked across the Hyperion's field of vision. "Ah, I will never get tired of looking that that. That Takamura chick has a great rear end. Tell me again…why don't you have a girl like that?"
"Because I have more important things to do with my life?" Keijiro was half contemplating just sticking his face in a bowl of dry ice just to get his mind to shut up for a while!"
"Oh sure, video games and drugs are way more important than finding a hot piece of ass, Keigo." Koji's voice mentally tutted. "Clearly none of my lessons sunk in, little brother."
"Yeah, those wonderful lessons on theft, violence, and generally being a douchebag," Keijiro said.
"Hey, Don't lump me in with those pop collar, upside-down visor wearing, over inked Chads!" the apparition sounded generally offending at those words. "I at least have some standards! Those guys couldn't fight worth a damn. Remember how hard we kicked those posers around? And don't forget that's how we got started as car thieves."
Keijiro cracked a grin. "Yeah, took their expensive, little car that they whined to Daddy for, and sold it to that chop shop. Made the world a little better for a while."
"Or at least for a pair of lowly urchins trying to survive on the mean streets," Koji added. Keijiro sighed, trying to put the voice in his head to rest as he continued working on the Hyperion's OS.
(Observation Deck)
Cagalli nervously shifted on her feet as she looked out at the starscape in front of her. She sighed, running a hand through her sun-hued locks. She had been avoiding Kuro ever since their argument after joining Yukimasa and the others after Artemis. Not exactly the smartest move, considering he was supposed to be her protector. However, she just couldn't bring herself to look him in the face after the whole debacle. As such, moments like this were a precious one.
"Beautiful isn't it?" She clenched her teeth at the sound of that oh so familiar voice. Kuro was leaning against the bulkhead. "Whenever we come up to space, I like to just watch the stars." He kept a fair distance away from her. Neither of them said anything, resulting in awkward silence. "So how long are we going to do this, Cags? You can't hold this grudge against me forever. We can't stay apart forever. Kind of means I can't do my job as your bodyguard."
"Don't you have someone else to bother?" Cagalli asked, eyes riveted to the slowly twinkling stars outside, deliberately keeping any facial contact to the absolute minimum. "Why not Alyssa or your brother?"
"Alyssa was never the talkative type. Believe I've tried to make small talk with her and she just ignores me." He said "Yukimasa has his own issues to deal with, not to mention he's probably busy with Flay. That means all I'd have left is Keijiro for conversation and the less time I spend with him the better."
She snorted. It was one of the few things they could always agree on. Kuro had made his intense dislike of the stoner evident since the day he walked in the front door. "You sure he takes a bath regularly? He always reeks of pot, so it's hard to tell." Kuro cracked a smile, a muffled snort escaping his lips. Cagalli struggled to hold her own laughter in. It failed horribly and they were both laughing.
Once it had died down. the two found themselves with awkward silence once again. Cagalli bowed her head. "Kuro…maybe it's better if I get someone else to be my bodyguard once we get back to Orb. I mean, if we're going to argue politics. It just wouldn't be right if you protected me and we got into another argument like this."
"I don't care about the politics! I care about you!" Kuro grabbed her hand, making her cheeks start glowing. "Cagalli…Can we please just put all this aside? We both said stupid things. You're more than just my charge, you're a friend. Do you really want this whole thing to fall apart because of our political differences? I know I don't, and I'm sure you feel the same way." It then registered he was still holding her hands, and Cagalli was still blushing. "You using a new hand lotion?" He asked weakly, idly rubbing her palm. "It feels really nice."
"It's shea butter," Cagalli replied. "I like the smell." She struggled to hold back the tears. "Kuro, I'm sorry. Kisaka warned me about my temper more than once. I didn't mean to lash out at you." He rubbed her palm some more. The princess and her bodyguard said nothing more, just going back to stargazing.
(Hangar)
Kira was mirroring Keijiro, making a routine diagnostic of the Strike's operating system. Yui was looking over the mobile suit's hydraulic systems. He couldn't help but admire his girlfriend's work ethic at times. Yui was never the type to take shortcuts or leave things out. Everything was always done properly and efficiently. Even with her arms covered in grease and oil, she was still extremely beautiful.
She wiped off her hands, before looking up at him and smiled, waving. Yui gently kicked off the deck, floating up to the open cockpit hatch. "How's the diagnostic going?" She asked. Her purple eyes glowing in the dim light of the Strike's cockpit. The student turned soldier struggled to keep his hormones in check, the love of his life's face so close to him. Yui seemed to cotton onto this, gently patting his cheek. "Stay focused on this, Kira."
He just sighed. "Everything's in acceptable parameters, Yui. I've just made some minute adjustments to the settings, see how they handle the next time we have to fight ZAFT. It should be fine for right now."
Cocking her head to the side, she started playing with the lock of hair tied up with the white ribbon. "Start making some calculations for operating planetside. If we end up in combat once we reach Earth. It will save you a lot of trouble down the line." Yui said. Kira took hold of her hand, making her start blushing. "Really, you want to do this now?"
"All I'm doing is holding your hand. You can at least let me have this, Yui." He said. "I guess we're not going to see Miss Saigon now, are we?"
"I guess not," Yui said. She hadn't had much time to think about it since Helilpolis collapsed. It had been a shame since it was one of her favorite musicals. "There will be other times, Kira. It's not that big a deal to me."
"It is to me. I paid good money for those tickets because I know how much you love live theater. So I was thinking when we get to Orb. I'll see what shows are available, and that will be the date we got denied. How does that grab you?" He was rewarded by another dazzling smile. Yui leaned in and kissed him square on the lips! It was a sensation he never tired of. Only for the moment to end by Yui gently tapping his forehead.
"I will look forward to that, but in the meantime, you get back to work, Mr. Yamato." She then pushed away from the Strike, floating over to another part of the hangar. Kira went back to the keyboard with new vigor. He would fight to protect this ship, his friends, but most of all, he'd protect the girl he loved. So long as it meant seeing her smile.
(February 5th, C.E. 71, PSV Vesalius, Hangar)
The Vesalius was three days out from the PLANTs, Rau and Athrun had returned to the homeland in order to deliver a report about the G-weapons, as well as explain the collapse of Heliopolis. For the pilot of the Aegis Gundam, he couldn't be happier to head back out to the frontlines and join up with the rest of the squadron. They had taken on three new plots as replacements for Miguel, Olor, and Matthew.
Athrun stood at attention alongside Rau as they inspected the newest additions to their team, a young man with piercing eyes of malachite green, framed b messy, light brown hair that was just a few shades away from being accepted by the military. A young woman with long, chocolate brown hair pulled up in a ponytail. The two wore the brilliant red uniform of ZAFT elites. And lastly a second girl with sparkling aquamarine eyes, blonde hair falling just above her neck, wearing ZAFT green.
The three snapped to attention, saluting. "Lieutenants Shiho Hahnnenfuss and Erza Kanitz, along with Private Felecia Anderson, reporting for duty, Commander Le Creuset!" The brunette woman announced.
"As you were." The masked commander responded, and they fell into parade rest stance. "First off, let me introduce you to the Le Creuset Team. It's good of you to finally join us, Lieutenant Hahnenfuss, your absence was missed during the Heliopolis operation."
The brunette woman just gave a slight nod. "I'm very sorry I wasn't able to join you in time for that, sir. Our forward operation base got attacked on the day I was supposed to leave for Gibraltar. It was just a brief skirmish, but it enough for me to miss my flight, and I had to wait for the next transport. But I'll be sure to make up for that from here on out."
"That's all that I ask. Either way, you and your CGUE Deep Arms will be a welcome addition to the squadron." Rau said, Athrun looking to the variant of his commanding officer's mobile suit of choice, equipped with a pair of large cannons mounted on the arms. Finished up with a vibrant royal blue paint job.
The White Meteor then stepped in front of Ezra. "Next up we have you, Lieutenant Kanitz. Command certainly seems to have faith in you, given the machine you were assigned." Indeed, the Red Knight was certainly fixated on Ezra's mobile suit. A metallic titan with a black torso, inundated with blood-red vents, and white limbs, the shoulders, and feet were square and blocky looking. But it was the design of the head that ensured its uniqueness. Athrun found himself going between this mobile suit and the Aegis, for they could have been distant cousins.
"The MSX-FA78 Thunderbolt Gundam, created to fight in the Reconstruction War," Athrun spoke. "I didn't think we even had something like that just lying around."
Ezra just smirked. "There's more of those relics lying around than you realize, Lieutenant Zala. It was brought here by one of the original designers of the GINN." He shrugged, loosening up his shoulders. "When the brass heard we actually had one of those monsters. No way in hell were they going to just let it sit in a warehouse and gather dust. So they cleaned it up and gave it to me."
"It can only be a benefit to us." Rau's masked visage came upon the lone green-clad pilot. "Private Anderson, I see in your file that you and Lieutenant Kanitz are childhood friends. Joined the Academy together, and just missed out on the top ten spots. Many of your instructors have spoken of your skill in the cockpit. Remarked you would have easily made redcoat, but insisted Ezra have it instead."
"He was more deserving of it in my eyes. The fact ZAFT High Command gave him the Thunderbolt is proof of that. Of course, they gave me a nice little gift too." Felecia indicated to the ZGMF-1017M GINN High Maneuver Type, the same machine the White Meteor himself piloted in the earlier days of the war, painted a deep wedgewood blue sitting in the slot next to the Aegis. "I'm a patient girl, Commander Le Creuset. If the time comes, I'll get my promotion eventually."
"It may be sooner than you think, Private." Rau's thin smile unsettled both Ezra and Felecia. "We're going to meet up with the rest of our comrades in the pursuit of the Earth Alliance's new assault ship, and the mobile suits contained within. The three of you will get to put your machines through their paces soon enough." He cleared his throat, "If you any questions, direct them to Lieutenant Zala. All of you are dismissed!" With that, Rau departed for the bridge.
(Cafeteria)
After a nap and shower, Flay had gone to the cafeteria to get some food. Although she wasn't very hungry. Apart of her wanted to go the bridge, asking to raise the Montgomery so she could speak with her father, but at the same time she didn't want to. Even after her little chat with Yukimasa, her mind struggled to determine what she wanted. Although she wouldn't have to wait long to get some advice.
"Haro Haro!" The door opened, admitting Mr. Pink, bouncing about in its usual random manner. It quickly hopped over to where Flay was sitting, bouncing right up onto the table, coming to rest in front of her. "Haro fine? You feel fine?" The robotic ball asked, rolling slightly to one side, like if a person cocked their head when asking a question. Flay couldn't help but find it rather cute.
It was then Lacus came in, clearly looking for her errant toy. "Oh, there are you, Mr. Pink! I do wish you wouldn't run off like that." The Songstress of Hope then sat down at the table across from Flay. "Thank you so much for finding him, Miss Flay. He managed to get the door to my quarters open, and he does so enjoy wandering off."
"You're welcome," Flay said, handing the pink orb back to Lacus.
"Is something wrong?" Lacus asked. "You look very distressed. Is there anything you want to talk about?"
This made Flay hesitate a little bit. While her time with Yukimasa had calmed her down, the uneasiness of her father showing up so abruptly was still weighing on her mind. It was then she remembered a few days ago when she had sat down and talked with Lacus. A degree of trust had been earned, maybe she just needed the opinion of her fellow woman. "Yeah, actually there is. I guess you heard my father showed up with the Eighth Fleet's advance elements? I hate to admit it, but let's just say our reunion wasn't exactly a happy one."
"Oh dear, please tell me everything," Lacus said, keeping silent as Flay laid it all out, while Mr. Pink rolled about on the table. The constant sense of loneliness and how George always seemed to put off spending any time together. The way Yukimasa had made her idealized image of him shatter forever. Then worst of all, hoe he just came in and expected everything to be right as rain, despite it being totally to the contrary. She was totally exhausted by the end. Lacus reached out to take hold of Flay's hand. "I can see why you would be so frustrated. Your father being such a workaholic, and then coming in to act like a hero when he hadn't done anything to warrant it. I would feel the same way."
It then dawned on the pink-haired beauty. "I can also assume he doesn't know anything about your relationship with Yukimasa?"
Flay leaned in her head in. "No, and in fact, He engaged me to be married to someone else entirely." She pulled out her phone, revealing a picture of a young man with short-cropped blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He wore a military uniform consisting of a double-breasted jacket in navy blue, spotless white trousers, and boots, complete with officer's hat. He looked ready to step off a recruiting poster. Flay sighed. "This is Cadet Miles Copeland, son of Atlantic Federation Senator Ryan Copeland, currently in his last year at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Our fathers are old college friends."
Lacus studied the portrait. "This is me speaking as a fellow girl, he's actually kind of cute, and seems like a nice enough guy. So what's wrong with him?"
"Because he's boring!" Flay said. "The two of us have only been together a handful of times at most. And he was so dull, not to mention a little clueless. He is a nice enough guy, but just not for me. It was one of the reasons I was grateful to be at Heliopolis, it meant I didn't have to listen to Daddy get on me about spending time with him." She rested her on the table, idly running her finger along Mr. Pink. "Let's face it, arranged marriages suck."
Lacus gently patted Flay's face. "Here's my advice to you, Flay. Your father left you on Heliopolis, and you found independence, and you liked it. Yukimasa clearly loves you, and vice versa. It's your life, live it your way. Don't let the presence of your father make you feel like you have no choice but to willingly march back under his thumb. Because you don't." The Pink Songstress picked up her pet and walked out of the room, the gentle swishing of her skirt the only sound. Flay tapped her cheek, mulling on Lacus's words.
(PSV Calvin, Bridge)
Sebastian stood on the command deck, looking at the layout of his task force. His second vessel, the Hobbes, was currently at the flagship's five o'clock while the Gamow was to the port at nine o'clock. He was about to speak to Rachel when his sensor officer piped up. "Commander, a new contact just came on our scopes. I'm confirming now…It's the Vesalius!"
"So he's come back." Sebastian mused.
The Calvin's communication's officer, an attractive young woman with long tangerine-hued hair spoke up. "We have Commander Le Creuset on the line, sir."
"Put him through, Private Fenette." Sebastian fought to keep the bile in his throat down as the masked visage of the White Meteor appeared on his monitor. "Hello there, Rau. I trust things went well back home?" He kept things pleasant, but anyone who knew the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due well enough could sense the broiling anger underneath.
Rau's expression was unreadable as normal. But his lips quirked a little before he spoke. "As well as they can. A few of the Council members were up in arms about my decision to use the bunker busters inside the confines of Heliopolis, but I brought them around. I'm taking back command of the legged ship hunt, Commander Connor. I appreciate your willingness to look after the rest of my men in my absence, but I have some new replacement pilots on board, and I've requested the Galvani to join us as well. As such, your services are no longer required."
Sebastian's fake smile didn't waver. "That's quite all right with me, Commander Le Creuset. I have more pressing matters to attend to anyway. I'll release Captain Zelman and his company to your care, and we'll be on our way. Good luck in your hunt, Commander." And with that, the screen went dark.
The two Nazcas peeled off and made their way into the void. Sebastian looked to Maria, idly sitting in the command chair. "Put a message through to the Blood Fang. I have a job for Captain Russo."
"Let me guess, you want David to shadow the legged ship for you?" Maria just gave a knowing smile. Sebastian said nothing, just holding his hand behind his back
"It doesn't hurt to keep an eyeball on things now, is there Captain Allster?" He said.
(Vesalius, Hangar)
A small shuttle departed from the Gamow. Yzak and Dearka piloting. and Miguel and Nicol in the back. "It will be nice to have the Commander back in charge," Dearka said. They had nothing against the Storm Wolf, but there was only one man they would take orders from and that was the White Meteor.
"I can only imagine the look on Athrun's face when he sees you're alive, Miguel." Dearka joked.
The shuttle settled into the hangar bay, as the three other redcoats, and one green, of the Le Creuset Team, powered down and disembarked. "I have to admit, I missed Athrun a little bit. It will be nice to have the entire team back together." Dearka trailed off when his eyes fell on the Thunderbolt, causing Yzak to run into him.
"What is your problem?" Yzak snapped, it was then he caught sight of the Gundam himself. "W-what is one of those things doing here?"
Nicol couldn't believe his eyes. "A Gundam that's not one of the Heliopolis line. It's almost like…"
"Do not say it!" Yzak hissed, memories of Artemis flowing back to him. His blood still boiled at how they had been utterly humiliated by Tatsuo and his men. "Come on you guys. Let's go find Athrun. We'll get to the bottom of this!" They immediately headed for the crew lounge.
At the same time. Felecia was lounging on the sofa, paging through a magazine she had picked up before departing from L5. Shiho was listening to some music, and Ezra pounded away at a video game on his phone. He looked over to Athrun, sitting at one of the tables with his laptop and a bevy of electronic parts spread out. "What exactly are you doing, Lieutenant Zala?"
"Tinkering with some components from the Aegis. The Earth Forces put together some impressive machines, but it doesn't mean there's no room for improvement. I was looking to see if I could use spare parts for the GINNs, but they're just different enough that I may have to fabricate them myself."
"You're really good with those kinds of things, aren't you?" Felecia decided to join in the conversation.
The doors swung open, admitting Yzak, Dearka, Nicol, and Miguel. "There you are!" Yzak thundered, "You have some explaining to do!"
"Nice to see you guys as well." The Red Knight responded dryly. It was then his eyes widened at the sight of Miguel, alive and well. "Miguel, is that you?" The Magic Bullet of Dusk just smirked and waved. "Everyone, this is Lieutenants Yzak Joule, Dearka Elsman, and Nicol Amalfi. Not to mention, Sergeant Miguel Aiman, who I was certain was dead. Guys, meet our new replacement pilots."
"Hey there." Dearka immediately forgetting about the Gundam, and now quite excited to see a girl on their team. "Always wonderful to have a couple of beautiful ladies in our unit." He put on a debonair smile for Felecia, she thought it was kind of cute that he was trying so hard to impress them.
Ezra just snorted derisively. "So what's got your panties all in a wad, Joule? We just got here and you're already coming down on us."
"Why is there an extra Gundam in the hangar?" Yzak shouted.
"You mean the Thunderbolt?" Athrun asked. "It's an old Gundam from the Reconstruction War. Apparently, someone at ZAFT High Command thought it would be useful to us out here, and thus it was given to Lieutenant Kanitz."
Yzak's hands clenched, and the flesh around his eyes tightened. "It's just like, just like."
"It's just like the mobile suits who kicked our asses at Artemis." Dearka finally spoke. This got everyone's attention. "We ran into these independents, and they were packing some of those Reconstruction War relics as well, and they were just absolutely brutal!" The blonde winced. "They killed off two of Commander Connor's men with relative ease, literally crushed them like tin cans!"
"And we actually have to use one of them." Nicol felt uneasy about it, remembering how the Gravesend's heavy mace caved in the Storm Wolves's GINNs. Yzak looked about ready to explode.
It was then Ezra stood up, getting right in Yzak's face. "Getting angry about the kind of help you're getting? Heh, I heard stories at Keystone that you were a total mama's boy. Well, let me inform you, that it was Councilor Joule herself that arranged for the Thunderbolt to be taken out of mothballs and put into my hands. You have to love the irony sometimes. Of course maybe you're just jealous that you didn't get picked to pilot it."
Yzak looked about ready to throw a fit, but Ezra was unfazed. "For the record, Commander Le Creuset approved of its use as well. So, the bottom line is, the Thunderbolt is here to stay, get used to it!"
Miguel then cut in, settling into the peacemaker role. "That's enough, all of you! It's not enough we have to fight the Earth Alliance, we have to be at each other's throats as well? We're better than this! Haven't I said that more than once, Yzak?"
Dearka nodded "Yeah man. I don't want this to get off on the wrong foot, but can you just cut it out, bro? You're the only one in here who gets anything out of pissing Yzak off. It's enough that I have to listen to him and Athrun go at it all the time." The pilot of the Aegis simply went back to his laptop with those words. "We really don't need anyone else stoking that fire." Nicol began to sweat, if Ezra was the type who just liked winding people up, they were all in trouble.
"Perhaps I should step in." Shiho finally got up from her place. Yzak's jaw dropped at the sight of her. She just came up and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Hello there, Yzak. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Housenka, I thought…you were still on Earth in the African front."
"You do remember I was supposed to be part of the Heliopolis mission, right?" Her smile seemed to have a cooling effect on the hotblooded Duel pilot. "I'll spare you the details and just say I missed my flight. But I'm here now. I'm sure my dad would be happy to know I'm in a safe place with someone he trusts."
"Y-yeah, of course." Yzak mentally cursed, Dearka and now Ezra would never let him hear the end of this. But those purple eyes and playful smile were something his normal rage couldn't overcome. She slid her arm into his and gently moved toward the door. "Where are we going?"
"We have a lot of time to catch up on. I think we can do that without an audience now, can we?" Shiho gave a playful wave and the couple was out the door. Dearka and Ezra just looked to each other and burst out laughing. Felecia was quick to join in. Nicol just stifled a laugh while Athrun facepalmed.
"Ha! Now that is Grade A whipped! Maybe it's a good thing she's here after all!" Dearka managed through his raucous laughter.
"She has more combat experience than most of us combined," Athrun said. "I think if we ever find ourselves Earthside, she may be the one to teach us a thing or two about ground combat." Everyone settled down, and Dearka and Nicol were keen to meet their new squadmates.
"Now that we've broken the ice, how about you tell us where you guys are from?" Dearka asked Ezra. "Despite how Yzak and I felt about the thrashing we got from those Gundams we faced earlier, I suppose we may as well fight fire with fire. And you must be pretty hot shit in order to be assigned it."
"You're not entirely wrong, Elsman. My parents and I immigrated from the Atlantic Federation to the PLANTs when I was just about six years old. It was hard, growing up having to put up with all the insults and passive-aggressive talk. Always felt like I had to hold back my real skill in order to keep from being lynched. Junius Seven was the final straw for me, I want to see the Earth Alliance put in their place, enough said. And the Thunderbolt is the means for me to do just that."
"I nearly died when I first saw it." Athrun looked up from his work. "When I learned of the Thunderbolt's history I started doing a little research on the original Reconstruction War Gundams. The technology used to make them was banned by numerous treaties and post-war laws. The Gundams were weapons of mass destruction and symbols of terror, even now after a century. And it just so happens the Earth Alliance used them as the basis for their prototypes, we're piloting the next generation these weapons. We just inherited their dark legacy."
"The Dark History if you will?" Ezra quipped. "You're reading too much into it, Zala. So what if using Thunderbolt isn't kosher because a dusty piece of paper signed a hundred years ago says so? The Earth Alliance doesn't care, and let's face it, the GINN breaks those exact same laws. I'm happy to have such a powerful weapon at my command." His green eyes became dark. "It's my instrument of vengeance, and I will make them all pay."
. This made Athrun very uncomfortable, automatically thinking of some of his father's more impassioned speeches. Nicol then decided to change the subject, going to their other fellow pilot. What about you, Felecia?" The pilot turned pianist asked. "Why are you in this fight?"
"I want to swim in a real ocean," Felecia said. She giggled at the confused expressions given to her by Athrun and Nicol. She rested her chin in her hand. "It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But it's the truth. Let me give you a little context, and that should help you understand better. I was born in Aprilus Five, and I've never set foot on Earth at all. Mostly because our kind isn't really welcome there. I was a champion swimmer before joining ZAFT, put me in the pool and I'm right at home. I met Ezra just after he moved from J7 to A5. He told me stories of how his family would go the beach during vacations. An unending expanse of water reaching out to the horizon. For someone who's only ever known the local swimming pool, it totally captivated me."
"You do know there is a very nice beach set up in Julius Eight, Felecia?" Athrun said.
Felecia shook her head. "It's not the same. I want to experience the real thing, walking on actual sand and feeling it between my toes. I want to feel the ocean air in my face, and plunge into that blue sea. I'm hoping that if we win this conflict. The Earth Alliance member nations would allow Coordinators to live freely on the planet and not persecute them. I want everyone to have that kind of experience and not have to live in fear. That's what I'm fighting for."
"That's actually kind of admirable." Dearka grinned, already getting an image in his head. "Not to mention I bet you look killer in a bathing suit!" This earned him exasperated groans from Nicol and Athrun, but Felecia just smiled.
"Be patient, you may find out sooner than you think!" With that, she grabbed her magazine and left the room, giving a playful little wave before leaving. Dearka sighed contentedly. He walked out of the lounge with a dreamy look on his face.
"He's going to be like that for a while." Athrun sighed, wishing the sniper wasn't such a playboy at times.
"Meh, I've met worse." Ezra shrugged. "You don't have to worry about Felecia. She's a tough girl. If blondie gets too handsy, she knows exactly where to aim." Athrun and Nicol subconsciously crossed his legs beneath the table. Ezra's face was merciless. "And Felecia never misses. I should know, since I've seen her do it before. We were out and some oiled up muscle head tried to squeeze her ass. I'm pretty sure he'll never have kids again, she stomped him there more than a few times. It keeps the gene pool a little bit cleaner."
"Okay, really not pissing her off…" Nicol muttered.
Ezra stretched out. "So how long until you think we go after the legged ship?"
Athrun picked up another circuit board. "Knowing the commander, he won't wait long. He does not want it, or the remaining prototypes on board to get back to the Earth Alliance." He hesitated. "One thing, Ezra. The white and blue mobile suit known as the Strike. Leave that one to me."
"You got a personal beef with him?" Ezra asked.
"Yeah, and that's all I'm going to say for now." Athrun silently prayed that Ezra didn't go after the Strike. If the way he talked down to Yzak was any indication. Who could tell what he'd do to Kira? He would spare his best friend that pain, and do it himself.
(Vesalius, Bridge)
Rau Le Creuset's expression was mostly unreadable as he checked the latest sensor data. "So the Legged Ship has gained a couple of friends? A Nelson and a pair of Drakes." He studied the Kagutsuchi a little bit closer. "Have we identified what class of vessel it is, Ades?"
"Yes, an Orb Izumo-Class carrier. I'm still having difficulty reading the reports from Captain Zelman and Commander Connor. They actually have genuine Reconstruction War Gundams on board." Frederick Ades was not a squeamish man, but reading the part on how the one GINN had been smashed in nearly made him sick. "If we hadn't picked up the Thunderbolt, I'd say they all needed to be put on trial for war crimes!"
The White Meteor as always remained pensive. "It shows just how desperate the situation has become, Ades. Cleary the GINN and CGUE are no longer sufficient. The Earth Alliance clearly remembers the reputation that's attached to the name Gundam, if what we've seen so far is an indication. If so, then we need every edge we can get. Our job is to win this war, and leave the politics to the politicians."
He then looked to his communications officer. "Comms, have we heard from the Galvani yet?"
"It will join us in another twelve hours, Commander."
"So we're going to attack?" Ades asked.
"Yes we are, once our reinforcements have arrived, we'll strike. We need to break in our new pilots. While I'm thinking about it, have my CGUE prepared as well. I may even launch myself." Rau smirked. "I'm certain this is going to be a very interesting battle. Since we have an old Gundam of our own. It will be quite a little family reunion if you think about it."
(Archangel, Bridge Twelve Hours Later)
On the Bridge, it close to pandemonium. It had been pure chance Sai had caught them. "We have incoming ZAFT IFFs, Captain Ramius!" The bespectacled student announced. "Vesalius is coming in from our ten o'clock, the Gamow, and Galvani are approaching from five and three! It looks like Rau wants to box us in." He further checked the screens. "They've already begun launching mobile suits."
"Put me through the Kagutsuchi and the Montgomery right now." Murrue wasted no time in raising Tatsuo. The older man as always had a cigarillo in his mouth, slouched in his chair like nothing was wrong. But she had come to know when he was all business, if the way his usual sneer was decidedly less pronounced. "Well, Captain Mishima. It appears we're right back to it. The Le Creuset Team has brought some extra help."
He just snorted. "So well else is new? It was inevitable that pretty boy, Rau, would come to finish what he started. Unlucky for him, we're ready for a fight. My boys are already saddling up, Captain Ramius. I'm curious to see how the White Meteor does against a few old school Gundams."
She just nodded, before switching channels over to the Montgomery. "Captain Koopman, ZAFT is fast advancing on us. Can we count on you to assist us?"
He nodded soberly. "I'm deploying our mobile armors and have them act as a defensive screen. I'm going to have my ship take point while the Bernard and Law take flanking positions to the Archangel." Koopman had never been the most dynamic of commanders, but a firm resolve had taken root in him. "Make no mistakes, I am prepared to do whatever it takes to defend that ship and its cargo until we can rendezvous with the rest of the Fleet. Even if it means sacrificing this entire task force to do it!"
"I hope it doesn't come to that," Sharon replied.
"In these times, we do what we must, Lieutenant Heim. Koopman out." The screen went dark. Murrue immediately began barking out orders.
"Level One Battle Stations! Activate Gottfrieds and Valiants, load Sledgehammers and Wombats in the missile tubes, and have all pilots report their mobile suits at once!" Murrue tightened her grip on the edge of the armrest.
(Montgomery, Bridge)
"Are you out of your mind? How can you say something like that?" George demanded, only to be met by the captain's stern glare.
"I can assure you I'm very much in control of my mental faculties, Minister. And I can say it because it's the truth. In the grand scheme of things, we are very much expendable. That ship." He pointed to the Archangel for emphasis. "Is the future to our nation's very survival. If we have to give our lives to protect it, then so be it!" He sat down in his command chair, a slight twitch of his hand, the only sign of his true feelings.
George was aghast. Perhaps Flay had a point in him coming out here, he had never imagined dying. It terrified the poor man, But then he had an image of his daughter. Her bright red hair, the same as her mother's, shining in the warm sun. A playful smile on her face, and the sound of her delicate laughter. Whatever fear the man had, was soon replaced by the protective instinct every parent had for their child.
It didn't escape Koopman's notice. "You're thinking about your little girl, aren't you, sir?" He pulled a small photo out of his pocket, containing the image of his own wife and two sons. "I don't know about you, Minister Allster, but I would make your peace with her and right quick! You will not get another chance."
The other man said nothing, just straightening his tie and sitting down in the flag officer's seat next to Koopman, who began barking orders.
(Archangel, Crew Quarters)
Yukimasa was crashed onto his bunk. He was enjoying the few moments of quiet afforded to him. He hadn't made any further headway into unlocking the secrets of the Null System. It seemed that only Kato would know the full details about it. However, the Masamune Gundam had more than proven itself in combat to him. But that was neither here nor there to him. The only thing that mattered was getting a nap. A desire that was shattered by the shrill bleating of the alarm, and the now common sound of Natarle ordering everyone to battle stations. "It never fails!" He growled, running to the locker room to change.
He ran into Keijiro and Kuro along the way. Both men said nothing, only going straight to the locker room. Mu was already dressed in his flight suit, looking somber. "This could be a big one, kids. Rau came back and he brought a third ship with him!" Grabbing his helmet, the Hawk of Endymion departed.
Yukimasa looked at the male volunteer flightsuit he had worn earlier. A part of revulsed at the baby blue shade it was. Kuro tapped him on the shoulder. "What is it?" He asked his brother, who was holding a second flightsuit, Orb style, in red, gold and black. He sagged in relief, taking the offered garment. "How did you know?" He asked.
"Just made sense," Kuro responded, getting his own Orb-cut flightsuit, colored basic black, on. "I figured you would be more comfortable with that anyway. And to be honest, blue is just not your color."
"Maybe you should try a nice shade of green then?" Keijiro remarked, having got his flight suit, a vivid shade of cannabis green on. "It would bring out the red in your eyes."
"I'll take a rain check on that one." Yukimasa chuckled. It was then Kira ran into the room, out of breath. He got out his own light blue flightsuit and struggled into it. "You can relax Kira, it's not a race."
"Easy for you to say! I was in the hangar, assisting Yui with some adjustments to the Strike's operating system when the alarm came up." Kira didn't take long to get suited up, and the four boys made their way into the hangar.
It was then Flay came around the corner, a look of sheer panic on her face. "Yukimasa, wait a minute!" She called out, silently cursing the shuttle to go faster.
Yukimasa looked to his brother. "You three go on ahead. I'll catch up in a few minutes." He said. Kuro just nodded, understanding that he needed a little time with his girlfriend. He patted Keijiro on the shoulder and they left, Kira following close behind. Letting Flay catch up to him. He put his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I heard about the ZAFT attack. Masa, please…You have to protect my father!" Tears began to form in her eyes. "I know I've got a lot of resentment toward him right now, but he's still…" He just put a finger to her lips, before kissing her.
"You can relax, honey. I won't let anything happen to him." He said. With that, he made for the hangar, leaving her behind. As he arrived, The starboard side hangar doors were beginning to close, indicating the Moebius Zero was about to launch. He passed by the Hyperion, where Keijiro was doing a final walk around before he got on board.
Kuro was just about to enter the cockpit of the Gravesend when he saw his brother, throwing a slight two-fingered wave. Yukimasa returned the gesture, and continued walking. He caught a fleeting image of Yui giving Kira one final goodbye kiss before he boarded the Strike. Finally he arrived at the Masamune, leaping up and vaulting into the cockpit with a smooth, practiced gesture. "Just got to protect him." He uttered, bringing the mighty engines of war to life.
"You are go for launch, Masamune." Miriallia's professional tone was soothing to Yukimasa's ears. If he hadn't fallen for Flay, and she wasn't with Tolle. He may have asked her out.
"Yukimasa Sahaku, Masamune, launching!" The bladed Gundam vaulted out into the void. He felt a sense of uneasiness when he saw the extra ship. At first, it was the usual mix of GINNs, along with the four stolen Gundams, but then he noticed the mobile suits coming off the Vesalius. The dark blue GINN HM was nothing unusual, but the next machine caught his attention. "A CGUE variant?" He zoomed in, taking notice of the giant cannons, and what appeared to be a blade similar to the Schwert Gewehr Anti-Ship Sword that came with the Sword package.
It was then the Thunderbolt launched, Yukimasa's stomach dropped out. It was then he got a call from the Gravesend. Kuro looked more than a little frantic. "Bro, are you seeing it? The mobile suit that just came off the lead Nazca."
"It's kind of hard to ignore. ZAFT has a Gundam from the Reconstruction War! Where in the hell did they pull something like from?" Yukimasa wondered.
"You worry too much, Yukimasa. We can take these guys on." Akihiro was calm as always. the Gunshot had found a good sniping position atop the Kagutsuchi. He zoomed in on the Thunderbolt. "I've been wanting a rematch with them since Artemis anyway. And if they do have a Gundam that's like ours, then it means we could have a real challenge on our hands."
"It certainly makes things more interesting than if we were just fighting GINNs." Shino remarked, the Firestorm's railguns primed and ready. "Time to see which Gundams are better? The OGs, or the new blood? We'll find out today on Robot Rumble!" Kuro just groaned in irritation. Even after all this time he still wasn't used to the boys under Tatuso's command.
"So glad you guys are enthused about this," Yukimasa said, nervously watching as the lines of battle began forming on both sides. "Because I'm sure not!"
(Vesalius, Hangar)
Rau was already seated in the cockpit of his CGUE. It was a place he had been many times before. He looked around the hangar to see the other pilots boarding their respective mobile suits. Athrun was already inside the Aegis, the red Gundam's eyes, the same brilliant shade of green as its master's, blinked to life.
Ezra gave Felecia, wearing a ZAFT style flightsuit in the same shade of blue as her machine, a deep kiss before he disappeared inside the Thunderbolt. The Gundam was weathered looking, but no less formidable, given the massive array of weapons on its backpack. Five rocket launchers, a large, crude beam cannon, a six-tube missile pod and plenty of missiles to spare.
Felecia watched the Thunderbolt come to life, blowing Ezra one last kiss before making for her GINN High Maneuver, putting her helmet on before boarding.
Shiho already had her helmet on before entering her YFX-200 CGUE Deep Arms. The beam cannons glistening menacingly in the hangar lights. He noted the newest addition to his own machine's arsenal, an NOL-Y491 Heavy Laser Sword, based off the Strike's Schwert Gewehr Anti-Ship Sword.
Rau couldn't help but muse about that particular mobile suit. The one that got away as it was. If what Athrun had told him about it being piloted by his friend, a fellow Coordinator, being true. He had to gauge the young man's skill for himself in battle. "Ades, I'll leave you to engage the ships. Try not to let anything happen until I get back?"
"But of course, Commander." Ades, ever-dependable said. "You have a green light to launch, sir." The white CGUE moved to the launch point as the hangar doors opened, and the stabilizer bars extended out, allowing the magnetic force to facilitate the launch.
"Rau Le Creuset, taking off!" The cable holding the machine in place separated, and the White Meteor entered into another battlefield. He took a moment to watch the rest of his troops joining him. The Duel, Buster, and Blitz, along with the GINN Miguel had appropriated from the Storm Wolves, now repainted in his trademark orange color scheme, launch from the Gamow, while regular GINNs were coming off the Galvani.
He noted the Earth Alliance were disgorging their own machines and getting into formation. The Moebiuses forming a first line of defense while the Montgomery, Bernard, and Law took a defensive stance behind them, and lastly, the Kagutsuchi remained alongside the Archangel in the very back. It was all too clear to Rau what their intentions were.
"They intend to defend the legged ship to their last dying breath. Admirable, but ultimately a lost cause." Rau keyed the squadron frequency. Time to give one last little pep talk. "This is White Meteor Actual to all machines, form up on my position, we're going in. All ships, prepare for long-range bombardment. This is our time to show the Earth Forces our true mettle, let's go!" A series of cries went up, and the two forces advanced toward each other.