Hey, sorry for the long wait, folks!
Life's been a bit hectic at work lately, and there have been WAY too many game events happening back to back, so this actually took me a while to get right(something something Mecha-Eli chan, blah blah blah...)
As promised, here is the new chapter!
as usual, enjoy!
Copyright: Sunrise inc.
Gundam SEED: 2002, 2013
Gundam 00: 2007
Chapter 5
AD 2312
March 18
Lagrange 3
Celestial Being Factory Base
It has been a full week since Kira was inducted into Celestial Being.
So far, he's been able to keep up with most of the technical theory, thanks to his (short) education in engineering, and from all those times Mr. Murdock had him perform maintenance on the Strike, and, later, the Freedom, and from helping out with the M1 Astrays at Morgenroete.
But learning about the advanced theories, GN Technology and Physics, and the political history of this world, has been proving to be a lot harder than he thought.
For one; in his world, you'd either have to be a Coordinator, be using an operating system designed for Natural use, or be really skilled(he remembered back when Major Flaga mentioned off-hand the late G-Weapons' original pilots, and their instructor, Rena Imelia, who could pilot a GiNN as if she was a Coordinator, maybe even better than an actual one). Here: as long as you have the basic knowledge and skill with even a work loader, you could theoretically pilot a mobile suit(albeit not as well as a formally trained pilot).
It's been tough, but he's been managing with Feldt and Mileina's help. The real challenge starts soon.
Starting today, he'll begin learning how to pilot a spacecraft, and in turn, a Gundam(because, unfortunately, when they said that they were going to rebuild the Freedom, they also mentioned that they probably have to switch out the cockpit for theirs)
Sure, it might be a little different, but the mobile suits of this world are probably controlled the same way, right? The transport shuttle would probably be easy(well, easy-ER), but the cockpit controls for the Gundams should be relatively similar, right?
Piloting practices
Day 3
Well, this was a LOT harder than he first thought.
He didn't have too much difficulty with learning how to steer a shuttle, and it was a bit of a challenge when it came to ships.
He was also somewhat alright with the older mobile suit controls, like the ones on the AEU's Enacts(how ironic, in that it was newly introduced only four years ago), the HRL's Tierens, and the Union's Flags. It wasn't blatantly obvious, but he needed some more practice with those.
But when it came to the cockpit controls of Celestial Being's Gundams, he had a VERY different experience.
Despite the simplified layout of the cockpit's control(compared to the Strike's and the Freedom's), and the similar control scheme, he had a hard time getting used to the controls. He had even failed a couple of simulation missions(and Lasse and Tieria salted that wound further by telling him that that was one of the LOWER difficulty missions).
So far: this has been WAY harder than piloting the Strike the first time in Heliopolis. He was starting to think that maybe he got lucky then.
But Kira was confident that he'll get the hang of it. Eventually. But it might take a while longer.
He just had to keep trying.
3 weeks later
"You're leaving, Mr Garfield!? Where are you going?" Kira asked, after hearing from Jonathan himself that he was leaving the base tomorrow.
"Relax, kid. I'm just taking the Cherudim and Arios to our base at Lagrange 1. We're pretty much done with the Seravee, but we need to bring those two there to make a few more adjustments, seeing as Sherilyn's working on the 2nd Gen Gundams there."
"Sherilyn? The person you mentioned when everyone was analyzing the Freedom?"
"You've got a good memory, kid. Not bad. But yeah, her name is Sherilyn Hyde. She's a fellow engineer, and she's the one who came up with most of the gimmicks on the Cherudim and Arios. We're taking them over so she can do the final bit of fine tuning on those two."
"I see…" Kira didn't say it out loud, but he felt a little lonely, seeing as the first person he met in this world was leaving soon.
"Relax. I won't be gone for too long. And I'll be bringing the Freedom with me to get Sherilyn's opinion on it, and maybe see if we can improve on the base design, or if she can come up with something for your weapons."
"Don't worry, kid. I'm sure we'll meet agai-"
Before Jonathan could finish, a window popped up on the screen. The caller was Feldt.
"Mr. Garfield, Please come to the briefing room!"
"Sounds urgent. What happened?"
"We just received an encrypted message from Wang Liu Mei! An explosion has occurred in London!"
"An explosion!? What happened?"
"We're not sure, we're still going through the data. Anyway, just come to the briefing room!"
"Got it." Jonathan then cut the call, and turned to Kira. "C'mon, kid, let's go."
"But, I thought they were calling for just you?"
"Well, I think it's best that we start involving you. What with you being, well…"
"Me being what…?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Anyway, let's hurry over there, best not to keep them waiting."
"R-right!"
2 hours earlier
England, United Kingdom
ESF Army, Homeland Security office(formerly AEU UK MI5 office)
'This is weird. REALLY weird.' That was the thought of one Public Investigator Elenora , as she went through the information gathered from some of the recent attacks that were linked to Katharon, and their anti-Federation sentiments.
But the evidence doesn't add up.
The information stored in the database records that the attacks were caused by improvised explosives. But the printed photos(yes, those still exist) tell a different story.
The damage was real, no questioning that. But the problem was with the aftermath.
So far, whenever an attack happened, it was always Public Security that got there first, and they cleared the scene just as fast, not leaving even a scrap of evidence lying around. Almost as if they anticipated it.
Recently, she received some anonymous information regarding those attacks. And for one; they didn't look off. And the photos suggested something sinister.
That the military was responsible for some of these attacks.
Maybe her husband, a Federation Soldier, might know something about this. He might know what to do.
"I better get going." She said to herself, as she started to gather the files and documents related to the case. "He should still be at the base, I need to let-"
But before she could finish, a message pinged on her work computer. The message contained a short, yet disturbing, sentence.
YOU KNOW TOO MUCH.
Before she could fully react to the fact that her investigation was being traced, a loud beeping come from under her desk. As a public investigator, she knew what that sound probably meant, and that it was too late to run.
"Barack-"
Next thing she knew, there was a bright flash. Then, nothing.
Present time
Lagrange 3, Celestial Being Factory base
Meeting room 1
"What happened?" Jonathan asked, as both he and Kira entered the room.
"An explosion occurred in England, at the ESF office branch there." Lasse informed.
"Any more information? Doesn't seem like it's possible to plant a bomb there, what with all that security. And it doesn't exactly match Katharon's way of doing things."
"A video declaration was just released on the net!" Feldt said, as an alert popped on the console.
"Put it on screen."
"Right away" Feldt replied, as she typed away on the console. Shortly after, a video came up on screen, showing a man who's face was completely covered by a mask, sunglasses, and a large amount of cloth.
"Hear us, people of earth! We are the anti-Federation force, Katharon! Today, we have struck directly at the Federation's heart of the United Kingdom, as a sign that we will NOT stand for the oppression of our beliefs! That the dogs of the Federation will…." It was here that Jonathan spoke out.
"What a load of bull. This was so fake, I'm sure even Eco could see the truth."
"Hey, don't be so rough on the poor guy." Ian replied. "He may be a reserve, but he's still a Meister."
Meanwhile, at Lagrange 1
"AH-CHOO!"
"You alright, Eco?"
"*sniff* Yeah, I'm fine, Sherilyn. Thanks."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, probably someone talking about me…And hey! I didn't think you cared about me THAT much!"
"Not really. It's just that you're the only one around here right now that can move a mobile suit, and it's going to put our schedule back if you fall sick now."
"YOU'RE HORRIBLE!"
"That said," Jonathan continued. "Looks like we're starting to really fall behind."
"Yeah, looks like we might have to move up our timeline. Jon, how soon can your team leave?"
"Cherudim and Arios are already moved to hanger 2. It might be a bit of a rush, but we can leave as soon as both units are loaded."
"Good, then I'll leave it to you, Jon."
"Right, then." Jonathan said, as he straightened up, "Guess I'll go on ahead and let the guys know." As he headed for the door, he grabbed Kira's shoulder.
"Sorry, kid. Looks like my departure just got pushed up. But don't worry," he continued, facing the others in the room, "you're in good hands."
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Kira asked.
"I think it's best that YOU told him yourself, Ian. Well, then, I'll be on my way now."
As soon as Jonathan left the room, Kira turned and faced Ian.
"Mr. Ian, what did he meant by that?"
"Well, about that…"
"It took a bit," Lasse continued, cutting Ian off. "but we've come to a consensus that you would join us on the main team."
"The main team?" Kira asked, puzzled by what they meant.
"That means!" Mileina started. "You'll be with us on the Ptolemy!"
"The "Ptolemy"?"
"The Ptolemaios. It's the name of our, the main force's, ship." Tieria explained.
"But, why me? I'm still inexperienced, and there are probably others who are more suited for the job. People like-"
"Kiddo," Ian said, cutting Kira off, "in the last couple of months you've been here, you've already caught up with YEARS worth of engineering studies, and we've decided that your skills would be best used on the ship. After all, it's going to be hard running things onboard as the only experienced engineer, so someone like you would be a HUGE help."
"But-"
"No buts, kid. And besides, Jon was the one who put you up for recommendation."
"But, why would he-"
"That's just how confident he is in your abilities. See, Jon's usually one to stay neutral when it comes to recommendations. but if he's going out of his way to recommend you to Ian for the Ptolemy, that means he puts his trust in you."
"So, you're saying…"
"Yeah, it's a little pre-mature, but…welcome to the team, Kira." Lasse said, extending his hand out for a handshake.
"umm…thanks, I guess." Kira replied, as he shook Lasse's hand.
"Y'know, this might just be the start of a good relationship."
Present time
England, United Kingdom
Post-explosion: 137 minutes
'How?'
1st Lieutenant Barack Zinin was standing in front of the building where his wife worked, but all that was left of the floor she worked on(and most of the ones above it) was a scene of horror, and there was nothing but ashes.
'How did this happen?'
He was in the middle of a training exercise, training the new recruits of the 23rd Mobile Suit squadron, when he got a call from his superior officer to report to his office ASAP.
'How the hell did this happen?!'
He was informed of the incident by his Commanding Officer, and was subsequently dismissed for the day. He quickly rushed out of the base, not even bothering to change out of his uniform. By the time he got to the site, rescue workers were already busy moving the injured to a safe area for first aid and transportation, and were lining up the dead bodies found at the scene.
'God, please tell me this is just a bad dream.'
He looked around the injured area, hoping that his wife was alive, even if she's injured. He took out the photo he took of him and his wife, and asked the rescue staff if they saw her.
"Oh, god, please…."
Soon, he started losing hope, as the paramedics said that they had not seen her, and was preparing himself for the worst. After all, he has done so many times during the conflict, and when he lost many comrades to Celestial Being, and their armed interventions.
"No….'
After what felt like an eternity spent searching, he saw something in the distance, as it looked like the rescue workers brought out and were lining up, and tagging the last of the deceased. A glint of something very familiar.
There, on a burnt, dismembered hand in a bag of charred remains, was the intricate wedding ring that belonged to his wife.
There was barely anything left of the woman he loved.
"ARRRRRGGGGHHH!"
For a long while after, all he could hear was his own anguished cries, as he wept for his wife. When his throat ran dry, he just kneeled there, just staring at the now closed bag, as the rain started pouring. For how long he was there, he didn't even know anymore, as his world fell apart, piece by piece.
A while later, as the rain poured, a single voice pierced the loud hammering of the rain hitting the canopy, catching his attention.
"Lieutenant Barack Zinin, I presume?"
Slowly, as he recognized the way he was addressed, he lifted his head, eyes still red from the tears, and faced the source of the voice.
Standing behind him, in a pinstripe black suit, was an Asian-looking man with black hair(his pupils were abnormally bright yellow, though), looks about mid-20's, and had a distinctly American accent in his voice.
He did his best to hide the grief in his voice, stood up, and responded like any soldier would when their rank was addressed. "Yes sir. And you are?"
"I am agent Albert Lee, with the Public Security Bureau."
Barack didn't know what came over him, but the moment he heard that the man before him was from Public Security, he lost his composure, and grabbed the man by the collar.
"YOU DAMN SPOOKS! How could you let this happen!? Isn't it your damn job to PREVENT this sort of thing!?"
As if on cue, the realization of what he had done hit him like a truck, as the agent's expression turned sour, and said: "I suggest you calm yourself, "Lieutenant"."
Almost immediately, he let go of the man, and snapped back into attention, saluting. "SIR! I apologize for my rude behavior, SIR!"
The man stood straight again, adjusting his collar and tie, looking no worse for wear, and continued talking as if nothing happened. "It's fine, Lieutenant Zinin. It's a normal reaction for someone in grief. But onto the point of my visit; I was originally looking for you at your base, and the good Major was kind enough to let me know what happened, and where you were."
'Public Security was looking for ME?' "Sir, what business do you have with me?"
"I am here, on behalf of my superiors, to recruit you for a special task force. This task force works alongside our Bureau, and answers directly to the government, bypassing the need of waiting for the top to issue orders."
"Sir, with all due respect, I am a mere soldier, this kind of authority is way above my pay grade."
"Don't be so humble, Lieutenant. I've had the pleasure of going through your service record, and I have to say, you've done some impressive work. You were one of few who survive an encounter with a Gundam, and participated in the joint operation in the Takalaman desert. You were also one of the first few GN-X pilots who took down Celestial Being. Hell, the record even states that YOU were the one who destroyed their mothership. That's impressive."
"I was merely doing my duty, sir. As for your recruitment offer; impressive as it may sound, I'm afraid I'll have to decline your offer."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"I am but a mere soldier, I don't think I'm cut out for this kind of thing. After all, I only survived because I got lucky. Now if you'll excuse me, sir, I must see to the funeral arrangements for my wife."
"Ah, what a pity.
And here I am, giving you a chance to get back at the ones responsible for this."
'What?!' Barack thought to himself. "What did you just say?" He said, as the anger within him began to rise.
"It's unfortunate that we were unable to obtain this information earlier, but the culprits, a Anti-Federation faction by the name of "Katharon", just claimed responsibility for this attack. They are one of the many organizations that this special task force was formed to fight. Of course, you'll be entitled to several privileges, can't have you working for us without a few benefits here and there, can we? We'll even help cover the funeral costs for your deceased wife. What do you say to that, Lieutenant?"
In his mind, Barack knew that this was a noble duty, to protect the people from fear and terror, and to be able to bring lasting peace a lot sooner. Though a little selfish, he would've done it so that his wife could live a little better, but now? All he could think of was revenge.
He believed that Katharon wouldn't do anything like this. After all, from what he heard, it was made up of former soldiers, and they preached that they were fighting the Federation army for the good of the people, and he firmly believed that they would never really do anything like this. But now?
His choice was clear.
"…Where do I sign?" A deep seething anger coming from his voice. One he didn't even knew he was capable of.
"Oh there's no need for that. We'll be arranging for your transfer, and you'll be hearing from us shortly. Now if you'll excuse me, Lieutenant, I have other matters I have to attend to, so we'll have to end this here. I'll see you soon, Lieutenant Zinin." As soon as the man finished talking, he turned and walked out of the tent, and soon disappeared into the still present crowd of paramedics and victims.
'Soon, Ellie. I'll make them pay for this.' He thought, as he took one last look at the body bag that his wife was in.
'I'll make them ALL pay.'
"Well, that went better than I thought." The "Agent" said to himself, as he sat back and sunk into the seat of his car.
"I'll say." A voice said, coming from the back seat. "He actually bought that little act of yours, "Agent Lee"."
"Revive Revival." As he said that, his eyes focused onto the rear-view mirror, indirectly looking at his violet-haired "guest". "How did you get in my car?"
"It was unlocked, so I figured I'd invite myself in."
"I guess there's that." Now that he thought about it, he probably DID forget to lock his car. "I suppose there ARE some things that one'll forget when playing human."
As he said that, he reached up and grabbed his "hair", removing the black colored wig, and revealing a bright red head of short, yet untamed hair.
"So," he said, throwing the wig aside onto the passenger seat, and started the engine. "did Ribbons send you to keep an eye on me? Or is this like one of Regene's "social visits"?" He asked his comrade, as he drove off into the chaos-stricken street.
"A little bit of both. It gets a little "quiet" when you're stuck up there all the time." Revive replied, with a small smirk on his face. "You still haven't answered my question, though."
"What question?"
"How did you manage to lie to him like that? After all, that was unexpectedly "human" of you to do so."
"You're making it sound like I'M the bad guy here, Revive."
"Aren't you? After all, weren't YOU the one who gave Katharon those photos to leak, AND the one who planted that bomb in there to begin with?"
At that statement, a sadistic smirk showed on his face.
"Lieutenant Zinin is an outstanding soldier, even commander Katagiri has had his sights on him. But he's always so stiff, and he refused the invitation we sent through the official channels before, so I figured I'd give him a little "push" in the right direction."
"Hmph, and Hilling's supposed to be the sadistic one. You really enjoyed this, didn't you, Ardent Light?"
"I believe that's an understatement. After all, it's the same as humans making dogs fight each other in a cage."
"Good grief, how are you so different from Bring and Devine, both of whom share the same DNA sequence as you?"
"I've just been out here longer, maybe that's why, but I guess I've mingled with humans a little too much. So, anything else?"
"Just one; once the transfer orders are sent, you are to return, and await further directives."
"Understood, but I'll need time to clean up. My current place and this car are both rentals, so I'll need to cover my tracks before "disappearing"."
'I'll let Ribbons know on my way up. Drop me off at the airport, will you? It's hard to find a rental cab in this country."
"Sure." As he finished, he turned and took the exit towards the airport.
And... That's it for chapter 5!
this was pretty long to write, so I'll say in advance: expect delays for the next chapter.
Soon, we'll be moving away from the prologue arc, and will move right onto the start of season 2, which honestly, I am NOT looking forward to work on(mostly due to lack of free time now).
On with a few review replies:
ChunkyFunkyMunky(nice username, by the way): yes, by canon pairings, I intend for the long-cemented KiraxLacus pairing. Flay('s ghost) is fulfilling the same role Neil/Lockon 1 does for Setsuna.
Blackholelord: I'll gladly stick to my current pace and chapter length, thank you very much. I'm not going to conform my chapter length to YOUR liking.
Each author and/or story writer has his/her own style of writing, and changing it to conform to one person's preference might not make it enjoyable for others.
Guest(Jul 27th): it's a work in progress. Look forward to it.
Rakaan: The story starts during the second season of 00, in AD 2312.
As usual, please leave a review, and like and follow(the latter two is up to you, not forcing you).
And an early "HAPPY HALLOWEEN!" to all!
Now if you'll excuse me, I have Valkyries and Russian SS to beat.
Uploaded: 25/10/2018
Next update: 25/12/2018(Merry Christmas!)