Author's Note One

Usual reminder about canon scenes

"Regular speech"

'Thought'

"Soma/Hallelujah speech"

Bridge of the Ptolemy

Having rescued Setsuna, Ian had gotten one of the ships engines running and the ship had moved slowly to the dock they were previously at, weapons facing outward. It had been an hour since the raven-haired man's rescue, the crew unwinding from the battle if they weren't occupied otherwise; Ian, Linda and Mileina working on repairs to the ship; Setsuna and Allelujah getting regeneration treatments with Anew monitoring them; and Saji, Lasse and Sumeragi on the bridge, making sure nothing caught them by surprise.

While keeping an eye on the sensors, Saji saw a notification on his terminal. He called out to Sumeragi, "Ms. Sumeragi, someone wants to open an encrypted channel. Should I open it?"

Sumeragi thought for a second, before realizing who it was. 'Kati!' She nodded at Saji, "Go ahead." He opened up the link and an image of Kati appeared on the main display, a more relaxed look on her face. Sumeragi smiled at her, "I assume you are here about that message you sent earlier." Both Saji and Lasse looked at her confused, wondering what message she meant.

Kati nodded, speaking evenly, "Yes. Officially I am here to tell you that you have a 48-hour time period to leave the space around this base, but I also have some…negotiations that I have privately been authorized to do. Do I have permission to come aboard?"

Sumeragi nodded, her tone light, "Certainly."

"Also, I have a request. When you come to meet me, bring Saji Crossroads with you." Sumeragi and Lasse looked confused craning their necks to look at the Japanese man.

Saji slowly began to realize why she was asking and that was accelerated when he heard Louise's voice come from the side of Kati, her face appearing soon after, "It's because I'm here! I came up to space to see my boyfriend!" Saji beamed at the blonde woman, happy to see her smiling face after so long apart.

Lasse's confused look turned into a smirk, wolf whistling at seeing Louise in person, "You are a lucky man, Saji." Saji blushed at the comment.

Sumeragi let out a sigh, somehow still having to deal with things like this, "I will bring him along." Sumeragi gave Kati a warm smile, "It's nice to see you again, Kati."

Kati responded with a smile of her own, "Same here, Lisa. I'll be there in a few minutes."

The communications dropped and Lasse smirked at Sumeragi, "Your name is Lisa?"

Sumeragi ignored the comment, a mock annoyed look on her face and called out to Saji, "Tell Ian to prepare the shuttle hanger for our guests, then follow me to wait there."

With Saji

Saji stood anxiously next to Sumeragi, waiting for the shuttle to come in. His nervousness spiked, even knowing Louise was happy to see him. It had been a year or so since he last saw her and he wasn't sure how much she was going to bring up. 'I want a new start, a better start.' He was drawn from his thoughts by the sound of a craft slowing coming into the hanger. It moved into the locks, the holds keeping the shuttle in place. 'Well, no time to prepare.'

Sumeragi, meanwhile, was curious what terms Kati had that were private and couldn't be public. 'I know they can't publicly support us, but it would be nice for them to recognize our role against the A-Laws.' She knows Kati, even with their previously good relationship, would only go as far as she was legally allowed to. 'She was always more willing to accept orders than I was, as long as they seemed reasonable.'

The hatch on the side of the shuttle opened, revealing three figures in space suits, the visor open. The first was Kati, the second was a red-headed man covered in bandages and minor burns and lastly Louise floated out of the shuttle, a wide smile on her face. Louise kicked off the shuttle, wrapping her arms around Saji when she reached him, yelling, "Saji!" Saji let out a grunt as he hit the wall, not expecting her to do that. He looked at her beaming smile and blue eyes, and immediately felt a weight off his chest, seeing just how happy she was to see him.

He looked at her, overwhelmed, "Hi."

Louise responded breathlessly, "Hi."

Kati and Sumeragi looked at the sight of the couple, smiling, before turning their attention to each other. Sumeragi nodded at her old friend, "It's nice to see you in person. How many years has it been?"

Kati let out a breath, "It has been a long time. But before we reminisce, I think we should talk about the…terms I have."

Sumeragi felt disappointed by that but understood her logic. It had been so long and both of them needed to get the other side of the story. Sumeragi pointed to the elevator, "Well then, follow me."

As Kati passed by Louise and Saji, who were looking into each other's eyes, she spoke casually, stopping for a second, "Louise, feel free to spend time with Saji. I will signal you when we are ready to go." Both of them looked at her, Louise nodding. She then focused her eyes on Saji, "Mr. Crossroads, you can come back with us if you want. We have a cover story for you, don't worry." Saji looked flabbergasted and Kati continued, "You don't need to say anything. Just be at the shuttle with all the stuff you want to bring back."

Kati then pushed off the railing joining back up with Sumeragi, the three people entering the elevator and leaving the couple alone in the hanger. Saji looked at Louise, surprise evident, "So I can just go back? I'm not wanted?"

Louise shook her head, "Nope! You were framed for a crime, so they consider you innocent. And you joining Celestial Being wasn't your fault, assuming people actually learn what happened, which that lady said wouldn't be known. So you are free to come back with me!"

Saji stuttered slightly as he responded, a tear coming to his eye, "It's…it's like it's a dream. I dreamed of this ever since Proud. Of being able to find you again and be free. Yet despite you being right in front of me, it still doesn't feel real."

Louise flicked him on the forehead, "Of course I'm real. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do this." She pulled him into a passionate kiss, Saji responding eagerly after a few seconds. It felt like finding fresh water in the desert after not having it for so long. He pulled her close, never wanting to separate from her again. The two pulled apart after a minute, both blushing and smiling brightly.

Saji spoke first, having recovered his wits, still out of breath, "Wow, that was better than I fantasized." Louise nodded, looking down slightly. Saji continued, "So we are good? After all those things-"

Louise put a finger on his lips, shushing him, "Saji, that was the past. We both made mistakes and learned from them." Scanning him, she could see that Saji was more confident, not filled with anger and overall happier. She intertwined their hands, "I can already see you have changed. You are not the same man that went into space a year ago."

Saji laughed at that, but saw her eyes looked a little downcast despite the happiness of the moment, "I suppose. And you seem…troubled? I don't know how to describe it."

"I suppose that living on your own not being able to trust people and the government made me a bit cynical. I'm not the same woman from before."

Saji looked at her shamefully, "I'm sorry for what I put you through before we broke up. I shouldn't have taken my frustration at the gundams out on you. We both suffered but I refused to really acknowledge what you were going through, wanting you to not move on, like I couldn't."

Louise gave him a smile, "It's alright Saji. You clearly moved on, seeing that you willingly worked with the gundams. And its not like I couldn't have done better in the past."

Saji gave her a confident smile, happy they could move beyond their past issues, "Well then, I guess we both need to learn about the new us. But I'm looking forward to it." He pecked her on the lips and as he broke it, he heard the elevator ding. Saji and Louise turned to see Feldt and Setsuna exiting the elevator in their normal uniform, hands intertwined, looking around the hanger before their eyes fell on the couple.

The two began to approach Saji and Louise, and everyone was caught by surprise when Louise let go of Saji's hand as she launched herself toward Setsuna, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug, pulling herself close to him. Setsuna's eyes widened in shock as he grabbed the railing, stopping her from sending him shooting back. Feldt looked on in confusion as the stranger hugged her boyfriend. Louise pulled out of the hug and with a grateful look, she said, "Thank you Setsuna! Thank you for saving Saji!"

Gathering himself from her surprise hug, he gave her a smile, "No problem."

Louise looked curiously to her left, seeing the pink-haired woman looking confused. She directed her question at Setsuna, "Who is this?"

Setsuna was about to speak when Saji spoke up first, "Sorry you two. I didn't expect Louise to lunge at you like a mountain lion." Louise gave him a mock glare, sticking out her tongue at him. Saji continued, "Anyway, Louise, this is Feldt Grace, one of the members of Celestial Being." He saw her begin to raise her hand, "And yes, this is the girlfriend that I mentioned, if it wasn't obvious before."

Feldt gave Louise a smile, "Hi, I'm Feldt. It's nice to meet you." 'What did has he told her about me?'

She scanned Feldt up and down, the pink-haired pilot blushing slightly. Louise nodded at Feldt, "And it's nice to meet you too." Louise's eyes lit up as she looked at Setsuna, "Wow, you found a cute one! And here I thought you would never get a girlfriend after the time I threw a pillow at you."

Setsuna let out a chuckle as he squeezed Feldt and his intertwined hands, "I never expected it either, but it happened and I can't say I've been happier." Feldt smiled at that, pecking him on the lips as she sent him feelings of happiness. Louise looked at the scene in wonder. 'When I met him at the party, I saw he was more sociable. But this is something I would never would have guessed without being told.'

Louise put her hands behind her back, "Well this is a story I would love to hear! Along with everything that happened."

Saji stepped in, "Well let's find somewhere else to talk. These are two long stories."

Conference Room on the Ptolemy

Kati and Sumeragi sat across from each other at the long table, tension filling the air. The red-haired man stood in a corner awkwardly, sensing the tension. Sumargi spoke evenly, "So, what has the government given you permission to offer?"

Kati pulled out her terminal, reading an official document she pulled up, "We in the ESF recognize the role Celestial Being played in fighting and destroying the A-Laws. We also recognize how the gundams only attacked the A-Laws and an unknown faction, not the general Federation forces. In honor of your service, we offer a pardon to those who are currently part of Celestial Being, with assistance in creating new identities if necessary, similar to protective services. In return, members of Celestial Being will assist in teaching the Federation on aspects of their technology, in particular their different GN particles and trans-am technology."

Sumeragi's eyes widened slightly hearing the offer, the generosity surprising her. 'Kati must have said something to them.' Sumeragi let out a breath, "Well, I didn't expect an offer like that. Did you convince them to do that?"

Kati smirked, folding her hands together in front of her, "Let's just say I was very persuasive."

"Why?"

The military woman's smirk evened out, "I looked at the path you guys followed this time as well as your old interventions. It showed that you guys consistently only engaged military targets and bases. The only time that changed was when those new gundams showed up. It struck me as odd that they used the engines that we currently have, unlike your GN drives. While I can't say I have proof, I was certain that you would never have supported attacking civilians."

Sumeragi gave her old friend a warm smile, "It's nice to know you had faith in me."

Kati gave her a slight smile back, "I saw how you reacted to a bad military operation. I would never think you would attack civilians, even if you were all terrorists. And I'm humble enough to know that without you, the A-Laws and whoever was behind them would have gotten away with their crimes."

Sumeragi tilted her head slightly, "What caused you to turn on the A-Laws? You certainly had me on the ropes a few times."

Kati scowled, "The extreme measures they were willing to take, like massacring civilians and even taking pleasure in it. The point that fully turned me was seeing them destroy the orbital elevator. They were willing to kill millions of people in order to 'maintain order'. I quietly left, gathering those that survived the coup and others who were disillusioned by the A-Laws. We got support from some members of the government and the rest is history."

"You certainly got things done. Without your support, I don't know if we would have made it."

"Well with your risky tactics, you would need someone like me to back you up."

Sumeragi began tapping her fingers on the table, "Well, back on the offer, what is the plan, assuming I take the offer to the crew and the rest of the organization?"

Kati looked at the brunette tactical forecaster evenly, "You will send us a list of people and their relevant information over a private channel that I will provide you and we will tell you when we they can come to Federation territory. We will then help them establish a life if they need it."

Sumeragi laughed quietly, "If it wasn't you here, I would have thought this was a trap. It seems too good to be true."

Kati narrowed her eyes, "So, are you going to take it?"

Sumeragi smiled sadly, "Not me, but I will offer it to the crew. They deserve a chance to have a safer life."

Kati looked at Sumeragi curiously, "Why aren't you taking it?"

The Celestial Being tactical forecaster let out a sigh, "There will always be threats to the Federation and red tape is always a problem. Celestial Being can deal with those enemies without you guys having to deal with political and military issues. And the Federation will have corruption at some point that you would have a hard time dealing with. And this organization will need a tactical forecaster. And honestly, I don't have anything on Earth anymore."

Kati gave her friend a bittersweet smile, "While I would love to be able to go to the bar with you, I see your point. Celestial Being would certainly be a good deterrent to internal and external issues." Her smile became happier, "And I can always give you a private line to me if you want to talk to a friend."

"It would be nice to have a friend who is a tactical forecaster. Haven't had one of those in a long while." Sumeragi rubbed her eyes, "God, I'm exhausted. It's been so long since I could truly relax. Are we done or…"

Kati quirked her head, "Well I was planning on leaving, but I would love to hear what happened to you."

Sumeragi laughed, "Well that'll need a drink. Give me a minute to go to my room. I'll be back with glasses and some liquid courage."

Kati nodded at her, watching the brunette woman leave the conference room. 'Despite her being a terrorist, it is nice to see her again.' She looked over at her red-headed fiancé, who was looking at her dreamily, covered in bandages. 'You are lucky you are cute.'

Hallway of the Ptolemy

Saji and Louise made their way back to the hanger, having received the message from Kati. Saji had packed his few belongings after about an hour or so going over what happened to Saji and the story of Feldt and Setsuna. Both of them promised to answer her further questions if they ever came down to Earth, and Louise had told them they could stay in her house if they needed somewhere to stay.

Saji had said goodbye to the crew as he made his way to the hanger, Mileina, Ian and Lasse the saddest to see him go. Lasse had smirked at him, telling him to take care of Louise. Saji blushed at that and Louise had smiled, saying he definitely would.

As they reached the elevator, Saji saw Anew standing there, looking awkward. Saji turned to face Louise, "Go ahead of me. Tell the Colonel that I'll be there in a few minutes." Louise looked between Saji and Anew, but complied, taking the bag with his stuff and entering the elevator.

Anew rubbed the back of her neck, "I don't want to hold you up. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for shooting you. I have no excuse for that and I understand if you don't forgive me."

Saji gave her a smile, "I forgive you." Anew looked at him, shocked. Saji, seeing her shock, explained, "Setsuna told me what happened and I understand what you went through. Also Louise says she likes the scar."

Anew laughed, "I didn't expect that response to a bullet wound." She pulled him into a hug, Saji hugging her back, "Good luck back on earth. I hope you find success."

Saji broke the hug, and nodded at her, "I'll try. Don't feel too guilty. I'm sure everyone will accept an apology from you."

Anew looked down, "I hope so." Saji smiled at her one last time as he called for the elevator, the door opening. Anew watched the door close, Saji leaving the ship for the last time. 'That went easier than I thought. I hope everyone else is the same.'

Briefing Room of the Ptolemy

The crew had been called by Sumeragi to gather in the Briefing room, their tactical forecaster saying she had important news for them. Everyone was there, except for Ian, who had a comm open from the hanger as he and Linda were working on ship repairs. Sumeragi scanned over the group, curious to how everyone would respond to the deal. She took a deep breath and began, "I know some of you are curious as to who that woman who came onboard was. She is an old friend of mine and gave me an offer. Something I was even surprised by."

Sumeragi paused for a few seconds, which Anew took advantage of, "I'm sorry, Ms. Sumeragi, but I have something I want to say." The brunette looked at her curiously but ceded the floor. Anew took a step forward, Lyle looking at her with worry. She gave him a reassuring smile before looking at the group, "I know we've been busy, so I never had the time to talk to everyone. I wanted to apologize about what I did, apologize about betraying all of you. And I especially apologize to Mileina, who didn't deserve being held hostage and scared by me."

Marie spoke up, curious, "You were controlled by Ribbons, right?"

Anew shook her head, needing to tell everyone the truth, "When I was first woken up, I believed in the cause, that innovades were superior. I was wrong, but it felt so right, like that was the proper order. But all my experiences with you guys made me realize how wrong Ribbons and the rest of the innovades were. Ribbons had to suppress my emotions towards you guys after my initial reaction to Lyle getting shot, hoping it would make it easy for me to fight you guys. But Lyle managed to get those emotions to come back, leaving me with no urge to fight against him or any of you."

Lasse, leaning against a railing, asked curiously, "But why did you attack him after that then?"

Anew was about to speak up but was interrupted by Tieria's voice echoing in the room, "She was taken over by Ribbons Almark. He was able to possess any of the innovades that he made, leaving them little opportunity to resist."

Everyone but Setsuna and Feldt looked around the room, wondering where Tieria's voice was coming from. Mileina felt tears come to her eyes, whipping her head around. Tieria chuckled, "I'm sorry, I should have explained before. I am now a part of Veda and wanted to convey that info to you about Anew."

Sumeragi put a hand on her chin, "So that's why we took control of Veda. You beat out Ribbons."

"Yes. With help from Setsuna's trans-am burst. But I will talk to you all later. You have Anew's apology to listen to."

His voice went silent and the group was trying to process that bombshell. Tieria was alive, albeit in Veda. But the reminder about Anew made everyone turn their heads towards her, wondering if she should be forgiven. Lyle came up behind her, and pulled her close, Anew curling into his side. A minute passed as every contemplated how to react to this. The super soldiers and innovators could sense her regret and dread as she looked like she was about to be sentenced for a hanging.

To everyone's surprise, Mileina was the first person to speak, her tone downcast and shaky, "I was so scared, Ms. Returner. I thought I would die. I don't know if I should trust you. But learning that you were controlled, that you fought when you didn't want to and the fact you showed love for Lyle even during that, shows me that you regret what you did. I forgive you, though I still can't exactly trust you."

The rest of the group began to agree to varying degrees, some like Setsuna and Feldt fully accepting it, with others like Ian giving her a begrudging acceptance.

Anew smiled bitterly at the reaction, "I don't expect you guys to fully forgive me. I just hope I can earn your trust back eventually." Anew stepped back again, nodding at Sumeragi. Part of her guilt disappeared, though a ball of it remained in her stomach. 'I have a long way to go.' Lyle squeezed her hand, proud of her.

Sumeragi looked happy at the group, knowing Anew was making a good first step. 'Though it may not be important after this next news.' She cleared her throat, getting the groups attention, "Thank you Anew. Back the topic of this meeting. I have been given an offer by that woman. A surprisingly generous offer."

Lyle rolled his eyes, "And this offer is?" 'What trick of the Federation is this?'

"They are willing to quietly pardon anyone who wishes to have a normal life on Earth or the colonies. For those without a citizenship, they will set one up for you. The cost to us is we will teach the Federation about some of our technology, most importantly true GN particles." She saw Lyle begin to object, "And yes, this sounds too good to be true, but the fact my old friend was sent to offer it leads me to trust her. You don't need to decide now. Take the next couple days to come up with a decision." Sumeragi looked at Linda, "Would you mind informing the rest of the organization and gather the names of those who are taking the offer?"

Linda nodded, "I'll get right on it. I assume Ian and I will be sent to assist them."

Sumeragi replied, "Yes. You and Ian were central in development and maintenance. That was all I had to tell you. Make sure to-"

"I'm taking the offer. I don't want to go through that again. I just want a peaceful life." The group looked and saw Feldt, who looked at Sumeragi with determination. They could see that she was nervous, trying hard to keeping looking at Sumeragi.

Sumeragi looked at Setsuna, curious. He caught her silent question. He looked at her, voice quiet, "I go where she goes." Feldt waited for a look of disappointment, but instead saw a look of pride on Sumeragi's face. She pulled close to Setsuna, curling into his side gently.

Sumeragi nodded at their decision, proud smile still on her face, "Understood. Anybody else?" The question hung in the air for thirty seconds before Sumeragi spoke again, looking at the innovators seeing no one else stepping up, "Can the two of you follow me after everyone leaves? I want to talk to you about some logistics in regard to that. Everyone else is free to go."

The pair nodded and the rest of the crew left, pondering what decision to make. Sumeragi led the two pilots out of there to a more comfortable room.

Observation Room of the Ptolemy

Sumeragi and the two innovators stopped in one of the observation rooms that looked out into space. The two young adults stood side by side, their hands still linked as they stood in from of the tactical forecaster. Looking down, Feldt speaks first, focused on Sumeragi, "Why did you look at me like that when I told you what I wanted to do? I thought you would have wanted me to stay."

Sumeragi chuckled as she shook her head, "Feldt, I want you to be happy. I saw how much Setsuna going off to fight Ribbons hurt you, which I am sorry for having to put you two through that. So you deciding to want a peaceful life makes me happy. After all the fighting we have had to do, you get to rest and not have to be constantly in danger."

Tears of happiness began to come out of Feldt's eyes, but she wiped them away, "I…I… without you I wouldn't have been safe for so long. I wouldn't be here with Setsuna. It just feels wrong to abandon you."

Sumeragi shook her head once again, putting a hand on Feldt's shoulders, "Feldt, you are like a daughter to me. And part of being a parent is watching their kid make their own path, even if it hurts a little to watch them leave. I want you to make your own future. To have a family. To experience things you never could on this ship. I will be there with you, even if only in spirit."

Feldt couldn't fight the tears, and wrapped her arms around Sumeragi, tears of happiness flowing out of her. Sumeragi wrapped her arms around the pink-haired woman, smiling warmly. As Feldt let out her emotions into Sumeragi's shoulder, she looked at Setsuna, a warm smile still on her face, "Thank you for taking care of her. It's so funny to see you so emotionally open. If you told me this would happen five years ago, I would have called you a liar."

Setsuna blushed from the complement as well as the feelings coming from Feldt, "She helped open up my heart, so I owe it to her. I feel…more complete. Like I'm a better man."

Sumeragi shook her head, "You were always a good man. It just took the right person to bring it out."

Feldt pulled out of the hug, sniffling. She went back to Setsuna's side, happiness shining in her eyes as she looked at Sumeragi, "I'm sorry for your shoulder. I couldn't help myself."

"It's no problem." Sumeragi smirked, "Also, when you two have kids, I want to see the pictures. I'm sure Tieria can set something up."

Feldt smiled, blushing slightly, her tone teasing, "Excited to become grandma, Ms. Sumeragi?"

The tactical forecaster teased back, "I wouldn't complain." Her tone became more serious, it tinged with regret, "Take care of each other. Always stay at each other's side. It's a lonely world without the one you love." Both Feldt and Setsuna could sense a growing feeling of regret and grief.

Setsuna spoke up, speaking softly, "Did you lose someone? Someone important?"

Sumeragi smiled bitterly, "Yes. I lost the man I loved on a bad operation. His loss has never fully left me."

Feldt spoke up, curiosity lacing her tone, "Can you tell us what happened?" 'Does this have to do with that Emilio person she sometimes said in her coma?'

Sumeragi closed her eyes, old memories flashing through her mind. 'Maybe…maybe it's time someone learned the story.' She let out a deep breath, "This was when I was just starting my military career…"

Lyle's Room

Lyle and Anew sat on Lyle's bed, her head leaning on his right shoulder as they sat on his bed. They sat in silence, internally debating about this offer. Breaking the silence, Anew turned her head to look at Lyle, wanting to know what was in his head, "What do you think? Are you going to take the offer?" 'Maybe hearing his opinion might help me with mine.'

Lyle snorted, "The Federation, after all this time hunting us and Katharon, suddenly wants to just pardon us? Sumeragi may trust her friend, but I don't exactly give the Federation the benefit of the doubt."

Anew replied, playing the devil's advocate, "But what if they are being honest? Would you not want to go back to a normal life? Not have to worry about dying in battle?"

Lyle let out a breath, "While that sounds nice, the last couple years of my life have been the most exciting part of my life." Anew looked at him quizzically, but Lyle elaborated, "You know before I was in finances. I had to watch the corrupt government do what they want. But now I'm in a position when I can deal with that. I can fight against those things. Make a difference." Lyle chuckled, "That was what Setsuna told me I could do when I first met him and I didn't believe him then. But look at me now, making a difference."

Anew smiled at him, her tone teasing, "And you met me, right?"

Lyle squeezed her side, "I mean that was certainly a benefit…" She poked him in his side, causing him to cry out in surprise. He then playfully glared at her, before going back to an even look, "What about you? Would you want to take the offer?"

She let out a heavy breath, pulling out of Lyle embrace "I don't know if I deserve it. I caused you and the crew so much pain. It feels like it would be taking the easy way out." Her face scrunched up, "And not to mention I'm an innovade. An immortal. How long till people get suspicious? I would have to move constantly."

Lyle smirked, looking into her eyes, "Well babe, I guess you will have to stay here with me then. And even as I got old, I could always say my girlfriend was hot."

She blushed hotly at that comment, "Flattery won't get me not mad at you for that stunt. And who's to say you don't get hotter when you get older."

He smiled suggestively and winked, "I'm not trying to get on your good side. That is for later." His tone became teasing, "And that is true. My dad said grandpa aged well. Maybe you can talk to Tieria, see if you can stop that immortality thing that the innovades have."

She gave him an impressed smile, "That is actually a good idea. I don't think any innovade ever asked that. I don't expect it to work, but it's worth a shot."

Lyle looked at her, shocked, "You would give up your immortality? Why?"

Anew rolled her eyes, but her tone was loving, "For you, you idiot. I want to grow old with you and I can't do that as an immortal, can I?"

Lyle gave her a warm smile, "Well I wouldn't complain about that. So the two of us are staying then?" She nodded, knowing neither of them would get this opportunity again for a long time.

She then stood up and climbed into his lap, straddling him, "Now, what was that about getting on my good side?"

Bridge of the Ptolemy

Mileina and Lasse sat in their usual stations, the rest of the crew having left to discuss things. Mileina began to tap her hands against her terminal, feeling anxious. Her parents had said they would be talking and would get back to her, which just increased her anxiety. She looked at Lasse, curious and trying to avoid thinking about what her parents were talking about, "So Lasse, what are you planning on doing? Are you taking the deal?"

Lasse responded casually, "I'm staying. The ship needs a pilot after all."

Mileina tilted her head slightly, "Aren't you interested in going back to Earth? Not having to worry about being hunted?"

Lasse just smirked, "It wouldn't be the first time I was hunted by the authorities. Honestly I'd rather be helping the world than living a normal life. It's not liked the world will suddenly be super peaceful, even with us in control of Veda." Lasse chuckled, "What do you think your parents will do?"

Mileina looked down at her hands, "My gut says that they will take the offer for me, so I can live a normal life. Both of them had said before that they wanted it for me."

"Don't you want to live a normal life?"

Mileina let out a breath, "I mean yes, but-"

"But you don't know what it would be like." Tieria's even voice came over the bridge, finishing her thought. Lasse and Mileina looked around, curious where the voice came from, before stopping.

Mileina called out excitedly, blushing at hearing the innovade's voice, "Mr. Erde! I'm so happy you are alive!"

Tieria chuckled, "Well technically I did die, but yes, I am not gone. I'm sorry that I worried you all. I was just focused on getting to Ribbons and Veda." It was strange to not have a body, but in this new form he could help Celestial Being in different ways. 'I wish my death didn't scare Mileina that much.'

Lasse shook his head, "Don't worry about it. You saved our asses out there. Without you the suicide suits would have gotten us."

Mileina asked curiously, "So what are you planning on doing? Helping us?"

Tieria spoke casually, "Besides helping with data for the Federation, I will help keep you guys updated on what's going on as well as support the gundams." He chuckled, "Also I will help maintain some level of contact with those that are leaving, making sure they won't become accomplices with known terrorist communications and associates."

Lasse replied happily, "Well it's good you will be there for us." He looked over at Mileina, seeing a million questions in her eyes. He sighed, "Mileina, just ask you questions."

Mileina let loose a stream of questions, which Tieria answered to the best of his ability. He smiled to himself, happy to still be considered a part of the crew.

Allelujah's Room

Allelujah and Marie laid in bed, the relief from the defeat of the innovades rushing through them and what to do in the future weighing on them. This deal presented them with the perfect opportunity to find a normal life, something both of the wanted. Allelujah smiled at Marie, "Do you want to take this deal? This is what we have been looking for."

Marie curled into him, "I think we should. I want to experience what it's like to be a person. To not have to worry about the safety of the world."

Allelujah smiled at her, pulling her close, "Well, we can explore the world, like we talked about before. Have a family. It's not like we have anything we need to do and I don't think I ever got a chance to hang out on earth. But I'm curious what our other halves to say."

Marie nodded at that, "Why don't we ask? I'm certain the two would agree."

Allelujah nodded and the two closed their eyes, opening their connection to the other personality. Allelujah called out to Hallelujah and got a groggy answer, "What? I was trying to sleep after taking that attack to the face. It's always me that happens to."

Allelujah rolled his eyes, "You always do it voluntarily. Don't get on me about that. Anyways, I wanted to ask how you would feel if we were given the opportunity to live on earth."

Hallelujah spoke tiredly, "Honestly, I don't really care. You are kind of boring, but I've come to expect that. You are probably going to do all that peaceful, standard life stuff, which I really don't care about. You and Marie do deserve to be happy, so I will just be quiet. I don't expect you to become some killer to satisfy me or anything."

Allelujah smirked, "So you don't want to hang out with Soma? I thought you liked her?"

Hallelujah bristled, "I don't like people. She's hot and not boring like you." Hallelujah sighed, "If you really want me to be happy, let me take control every once and awhile. Stretch my legs."

The brunette super soldier smiled, "I think that will work. It's nice to see you settled down. The old you would find this disgusting."

Hallelujah spoke pensively, "Well the old me didn't know what I knew now. It's not…all bad. Just don't expect me to be all affectionate like you two lovebirds. It's disgusting. Now let me nap please. I can still feel my head ringing from the blast."

Allelujah smiled at that, knowing that Hallelujah wouldn't be fighting him over things like that in the future. 'It really is nice to be on a good footing with him.'

While those two were talking, Marie called out to Soma, who replied in an even voice, "I heard everything you guys said. I think you should take the deal. I wanted to live a normal life to and even if it's not the most ideal, I'll take it over having to be a soldier again."

Marie responded gently, noting how Soma sounded much more relaxed after defeating Andrei, "How often do you want to get out? I don't mind letting you have control sometimes."

Soma thought for a second before replying, "I can't say any specific amount of time, but being able to exercise or talk to Hallelujah would be nice."

Marie chuckled, "If you want to take over exercise, I wouldn't complain. And it's funny to see how much you like him. If I was guessing, I would say you care for him romantically."

Soma's tone became more defensive and desperate, "I don't like him like that! I just…came to appreciate him more as I talked with him!"

Marie smirked, "That sounds like denial!"

Soma scowled, "If you want to keep implying that, I can make you do all the exercise!"

Marie laughed, enjoying a more personable Soma, "Fine, fine, I'll stop. But honestly, it's nice to see you built up a friendship with him. I wouldn't have ever seen that happening before."

Soma replied, sounding bashful, "He's…more complex than I thought. Also hot, but don't tell him I said that."

"I won't." With that, Soma broke away from the conversation, leaving the cuddling couple to open their eyes, happiness reflected in them. Without any words, the two conveyed the positive response over their bond.

Allelujah pecked her on the lips, "Ready for a new adventure?"

She nodded happily, "Yes." The world was unfamiliar, but both were ready and happy to see where the world took them.

Hanger of Celestial Being Base

About a month passed before the crew got a response from the Federation about the deal. On top of everyone who decided to leave, the Vashti family also took the deal, saying they wanted to give Mileina the chance to grow up with a normal life. The family would be part of the group that would teach the Federation about most of their technology, though some things would remain secret.

Everyone felt the month passed by as people awaited the response. However, there were a few significant events that happened. About a week after the battle, Tieria sent data to Feldt about her parents and the exact details about their deaths. Despite the pain it brought her initially, the truth and Setsuna being there for her helped her accept it quickly, relief from learning the whole truth taking a burden off of her shoulders she didn't know she had. Combined with the offer that Louise gave them, which was that she would house them until they got their situation stabilized, Feldt felt more confident about the future.

The other event was Lyle contacting Klaus about leaving Katharon and fully joining Celestial Being. Klaus was initially resistant, wanting Lyle to join them in keeping an eye on the Federation, but Lyle promised he would do that from a gundam. Klaus, though disappoint his friend wouldn't join them, was happy to see his friend dedicated to this new task and realized Lyle would uphold Katharon's ideals about holding the government responsible. He also teased Lyle about staying for his new girlfriend.

But after the month had passed, everyone stood at the docks containing several large shuttles. Around two-thirds of the organization took the deal, leaving the organization a skeleton of its former population. It would take a while to get everyone out, as they didn't want to attract too much attention. The crew of the Ptolemy would be part of the first group.

As other people loaded onto the shuttles, the crew stood near one piloted by Lyle, those leaving dressed in civilian garb. A number of remaining crew were loading on the belongings. Everyone said their goodbyes, a bittersweet feeling in the air. They had been together for a varying amount of time, but everyone knew this was the end of the unified group. As everyone began to load onto the shuttle, Sumeragi pulled Setsuna and Feldt into one last hug, once again telling them to take care of each other. Setsuna accepted it awkwardly, but Sumeragi didn't seem to be bothered by that. Feldt fought against crying, pulling Sumeragi close.

As the hug broke, the tactical forecaster pulled back, leaving the two innovators to be the last to board the shuttle. The two looked at each other, wordlessly conveying their nervousness. As soon as they got onboard, their world would be completely different. Setsuna intertwined their fingers, squeezing the bound hands. Taking the lead, he pushed off the railing, pulling Feldt with him, giving her a smile. She grabbed red haro just as Setsuna pulled her, ready for their new life, wherever it took them.

Author Note Two

And that's the conclusion! I never expected to get to this or my story be as popular as it became. While there is an epilogue, this is an end to the story as you know it in the show timeline. The epilogue will be very different and the movie will not happen in this canon.

This canon was one that expanded and grew as I wrote it, many things not initially planned, like Feldt piloting or Anew surviving. Yet I'm happy that I did those changes. And I hope you liked my rewrite. If you have any question, feel free to contact me, message me or join my Gundam 00 discord, which will either be below or on my profile.

I will say this again in the epilogue, but feel free to comment and message me, even if the story is done. This was a passion project and I am happy to talk about it. See you guys for one last time!

Recommendation: My editor, Grailknight, has put out the first chapter of his story. It is basically Arthurian mythology with mecha and a little bit of fate gender bending. It's really good, so please check it out on Ao3!

/works/34045522/chapters/84684847