Gundam SEED Rebuild

Ch. 3 - Giving Thanks

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED. The Lockheed and Donnelly families, Jeff Glenn, and Helen Glenn are my OCs. Andria Yamasaki is Titanic-X-21's OC. Mark Allen and Mackenzie Allen are ZAFT Prime's OCs.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

Jefferson City, Missouri, Atlantic Federation - America, Nov. 28, CE 53

Adrian Lockheed was smiling as he held his three-year-old son, Derek, as he greeted friends and family at the door with his father, Mark.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Mark," one of the guests greeted.

"Same to you," Mark replied. These guests were some of the family's old friends, not to mention some of his allies in the Assembly and from NGOs around the country. However, there was no business planned, as the Lockheeds intended for a casual occasion for everyone to forget their troubles for a while. In a country and world seemingly tearing itself apart over the Coordinator issue, the Lockheed home was serving as one oasis of calm and sanity for the night.

"So, how's little Derek?" one of his guests asked. "Is he being a handful?"

Adrian chuckled. "Surprisingly, not really," he looked to his son, who giggled as his dad bounced him in his arms, "ever since he started talking, he's been very well behaved. He's very smart for his age too."

A woman cooed at the boy's face. "You are such a good boy~!" she sang.

Derek pouted slightly at the affections. He seemed to understand but was apparently annoyed. Adrian saw this and said, "hey little guy, how about you go play with the others?" The boy giggled as he was let down. Derek scurried off to play with the other children. Adrian smiled as Derek went to the living room, where Martha was watching the children. She was sitting down, coaching the other kids to play nice. Her belly was swollen at five months old, with their second son on the way.

Adrian glanced at Martha. "So, how's the other one doing?" he asked her with a sly smirk.

"He's doing fine, Adri," Martha said as she rubbed her tummy, "though I do feel very hungry."

Adrian smiled. "Good to hear." He placed a hand around her. "Better be ready for the real handful with two sons later on."

"No joking," Martha smiled a bit as Derek came up to her. He placed a hand on her leg as he looked up to her tummy. He seemed to be rather fond of his unborn little brother. The little boy reached his hands up and gave cute puppy dog eyes, asking to be held on her lap. Martha laughed and slowly lowered her arms towards him. Raising him up, she allowed for little Derek to rest his head against her tummy, hearing the pulses of his young brother. Derek smiled peacefully before he looked at his mother and father. "Brudder happy!" he chirped.

"I guess he is," Martha laughed. However, Derek followed up with,"Brudder kicking!" He was all grins and giggles as he listened. Adrian had to keep himself from laughing at his son's cuteness and care. It was then that the doorbell rang again. Looking at the time on his smartphone, Adrian grinned. He was right on schedule.

Mark opened the door and the foursome filed in. The group consisted of George Glenn, Helen Glenn, Jeff Glenn, and Andria Yamasaki herself. "Welcome, my friend," Mark beamed as he and George heartily embraced.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Mark," George greeted. Adrian walked up to the group, smiling as he approached Andria and Jeff.

"Hey, Jeff my man," Adrian greeted with a hearty handshake with the Glenn family heir. "Happy Thanksgiving to you and Andria."

"Likewise, Adrian," Jeff replied with his own smile.

"Glad to be here," Andria said with a smirk. Jeff likewise smirked as he put his arm around Andria. Adrian raised an amused eyebrow at this. The woman returned the hug and pulled back. As the two Lockheeds led the four to the dining hall, rounds of applause sounded at the entrance of the Republican Party's newest, yet one of the most powerful benefactors.

"Hi, George!"

"Happy Thanksgiving, sir."

George shook hands and gave numerous compliments to the other guests. After the shooting that changed his life direction and outlook on the world, the year proved to be a greatly challenging one as he learned the ropes and intricacies of politics and power within the AF. However, he had wonderful friends in the Lockheed family and the grassroots and like-minded members of the Assembly to show him the ropes, in return for his financial support and access to connections of his own throughout the private sector. Now, however, he just wanted to set the politics of the day aside and count his numerous blessings.

It was then that Martha and the other women approached with their children, with Martha being led by Derek, whose little hand was holding hers. George was with Adrian as the latter's wife and son came up to him.

It was then that George took notice of little Derek.

"Oh, hello there," George greeted the young boy with a smile. He had heard a lot about Adrian's son, but now he could see that there was a lot of vitality to Derek. In fact, he looked even more handsome and well-mannered than words could describe.

"George," Adrian said, "meet Derek."

"Hewwo!" little Derek chirped with a smile. George laughed as he knelt and spread his arms receptively. As George lifted him up, Helen got a close look at the young Lockheed in his arms. The boy's grey green eyes sparkled as he was held gently. His brown hair was tossled as Glenn rubbed his head playfully.

"Unca Gwenn funny!" Derek was laughing, to the smile of his grandpa and dad's friend. Helen smiled at her good-natured husband's joy with children. She then took notice of Martha's pregnant belly.

"Boy or a girl?" she asked the other woman.

"Derek's little brother," Martha proudly said.

"How much longer until then?" Helen asked with a grin.

"Only four more months," Martha said, but then felt a little faint, leaning onto Adrian, who quickly supported her. "What's wrong?" Adrian asked her.

"I'm fine," Martha sighed deeply, "just feeling very hungry and tired."

"I know the feeling," Helen sympathized. George held Derek as he looked at Martha with concern. Something did seem wrong, but no one knew what it was now.

"Whatever's happening," George advised, "just don't do too many activities, and make sure to drink water, Martha." As he said this, he gently bounced Derek in his arms, comforting him.

The woman nodded. "I will, George."

"Well, well," someone then came into the conversation. Adrian and George turned to see a rather lively-looking man coming towards them with Senator Lockheed. "The pioneer of the stars himself at last!"

The man was none other than Senator Mark Allen, otherwise known for his forceful and rather blunt personality in the Senate. His views on Coordinator rights were what marked him as a radical among his critics, but he was truly for the betterment of living conditions and working conditions for them. His greatest asset was his stubbornness on the issue, which earned him more than a few enemies in the political arm of Blue Cosmos.

"George," Mark Lockheed introduced, "Senator Mark Allen of North Carolina."

Glenn held out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you," he said. "I've heard a lot about your efforts to better enforce our civil rights laws in this country."

Senator Allen chuckled with a bit of that southern accent. "Actually, it is repackaging the same old Golden Rule; respect others as you want to be respected," he remarked, "if we are created equal in dignity regardless, it follows that we have equal rights and laws, doesn't it?"

Glenn nodded. "True. At least you have the guts to stand up and denounce Blue Cosmos on the Assembly floor."

And it was, true, too. Last week had been the most intense debate on the issue of Coordinators in the Assembly. And Senator Allen had sent a live video feed to Hunter News, thereby earning him a reputation for trying to smear Blue Cosmos publicly. His efforts had not only earned him the title of Maverick Senator, but also the moniker of the "Federal Bull" for how stubborn he could be.

But his biggest achievement so far was sponsoring a bill that would render all Coordinator restriction laws invalid. While it had yet to pass, the very effort was what marked him as a threat, but due to his popularity with the Republicans, any attempt at assassination would no doubt lead to a civil war. And that was the last thing anyone wanted.

"I do the best I can," Allen replied, "because it is only the right thing to do."

"I appreciate the sentiment," George beamed.

"There you are, Dad," a teenage female sternly walked up towards Senator Allen with a pout.

Senator Allen turned to face his daughter. "Ah. Mackenzie. What's the problem?"

Mackenzie sighed, "you kind of left me for a loop in front of Mr. Connery upon hearing that George Glenn was here. I was able to handle the conversation, but please be a little more considerate."

Senator Allen placed a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her head with the other. "I promise, honey," he assured her.

George Glenn smiled gently at Allen. "Your daughter?"

"Yes," Allen remarked. "She's already got politics on the brain sometimes." Here Mackenzie smiled a bit.

George returned Derek to his father's arms. Looking at his son, Jeff beside Andria talking to people, he remarked, "well don't forget your life outside politics, and treasure your time with your family while you have your chance."

Allen nodded. "I intend to." He glanced at his daughter as he said this, and she returned the smile.

Adrian held his son as he glanced at George. His smile was a solemn one in relation to the tone of his previous remark. While he was a brave man, George was still dealing with the aftermath of the Kennedy Space Center shooting that nearly ended his life. As he got to know the man over these several months since he saved him, Adrian understood him to be a conflicted man with a mission to be a voice of sanity. Of course, it did not come without a cost; George's family worried for him as he tried to keep them out of the spotlight with Blue Cosmos activists threatening and harassing him.

It was then that a gruff voice addressed him. "Hey, Adrian." Adrian turned to face the person. It was a man in Atlantic Federation Marine Corps dress blues, with a major's insignia on his shoulders. The man was of a steely build, but the gunmetal grey crew cut hairdo and his orange eyes stood out the most. In his arms was a little girl with blue hair.

"Hey Joe!" A smile crossed Adrian's face as his Coordinator friend, Major Joe Donnelly approached. "How are things with your family?" Adrian asked.

"Peachy sweety," Donnelly beamed, bouncing the little girl in his arms. "Kayla here is a true princess."

Adrian smiled. "She is so cute," he remarked. Kayla did have a smooth and fair-skinned baby face. Combined with her soft blue hair and her innocent expression, she was just a little bundle of cuteness.

"Kawee!" Derek called out with a chubby smile. The two men laughed. The baby Kayla opened her violet eyes, looking towards Derek. Derek's eyes widened and he looked away. Adrian chuckled. "I think she likes him," he joked.

Donnelly chuckled, though Kayla proved to be a rather quiet girl.

Adrian finally sighed. "She's gonna be a quiet one, I take it," he remarked. Kayla made gentle baby garble, as though to communicate with Derek, who just smiled at the Coordinator girl. Adrian noticed that his son had a sort of understanding and patience that was unusual for a boy of his age.

Minutes later, Mark called the dinner to session, and the conversations halted as the guests took their seats around the table in the large dining room. Adrian sat next to his father and Glenn, while off to the side, Mark Allen sat with his daughter. Donnelly, his wife, and their daughter Kayla were seated opposite the Allens, while Martha and Derek were beside Adrian.

Mark smiled as he said, "thank you, friends and allies. While we have had many challenges over these past number of months, and many more yet ahead, we can praise the good Lord for His wonderful grace and the unexpected blessings he's showered upon us."

Mark continued as he looked to Glenn. "We can be most thankful that Mr. George Glenn is here with us as, and that God protected him and my son during that shooting in Florida. George has been most gracious and patient in his work with us, and even more so as a personal friend with his wit and good humor."

The guests gave a round of applause as Glenn sheepishly smiled, with his wife blushing a little. Jeff and Andria smiled as they both clapped as well. When the applause subsided, George Glenn decided to speak.

"I for one am just glad that Adrian was here to save my life. A happening of being in the right place at the right time," the Coordinator stated solemnly. "While I am sad that two promising lives were lost, I am thankful to the Lord for saving my life, and perhaps helping us to usher in a true era where it is not how you are born that matters, but what you do with your life that counts. And whether one's genes are enhanced or not should not be the basis for racism. Anyone can be a Coordinator, regardless of that." He bowed his head and closed his eyes.

"So I ask the good Lord to watch over us as we seek to create a better future for all humanity," George finished.

"Amen," Adrian vocally agreed.

Nodding in agreement, George Glenn raised his glass. "A toast," he said, "to our friendship and peace upon this great nation."

"Amen," everyone echoed, raising their own glasses. As the turkey and stuffing were passed among other things, the table was lively with conversation, and the occasional humor with little Derek and Kayla squirming in their baby seats as their mothers tried to feed them. All in all, it was a very wonderful Thanksgiving. Even Mackenzie had to admit it was fun.

"So... I'm curious. What's it like to have to deal with those idiots of Blue Cosmos?" Mackenzie asked Andria.

The older woman looked at the teenager. "Well, it's not easy, let me tell you," she replied. "They think they can get us to sell out, but I'm far from stupid and weak-willed." Her eyes hardened. "Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I can be easily broken."

"Something I hate as well," Mackenzie added. "Why Blue Cosmos always feels that they can be so superior to others is beyond me."

"You ever think about going into politics?" Andria joked.

The teen stuck her tongue out. "Of course! I have a few Coordinator friends who are constantly harassed by Blue Cosmos supporting teens at high school! I keep telling them over and over again to knock it off, but so far all I got for my efforts was a fistfight... that I won." She smirked. "Dad had a fit over it, but he was also proud of me for standing up for my friends and my beliefs."

"Sometimes to fight for your beliefs is one thing. But it is best to sometimes ignore them and retreat to fight another day," Andria lectured. "I should know myself. However, if they persist, then it is best to report them, or last resort, what you did." Then she smiled. "I think you'll go far in politics, Mackenzie."

"Thanks," Mackenzie said, grateful for a friend like Andria. Since Glenn had become a Republican backer and advocate, she found in Andria a wonderful mentor and older sister figure to be around. They had their giggles and mutual worries over their fathers.

Andria then looked at Jeff. He seemed a bit nervous for some reason. "Something wrong?"

Mackenzie noticed that Jeff was fidgety, as though he was concealing something in his hands under the table. However, she said nothing, wanting to see what would happen. "Jeff? Is something wrong?" Andria asked. "You seem nervous."

The man was downright nervous. In all his time dating her, he had always thought that the best thing about her was her strength of will and independence. But also, what if that same independence made her turn him down? He had been planning this for months, waiting until the right time. Everything, right down to the ring he was going to give her.

His eyes wandered around a bit as he tried to figure out how she'd react. Andria was not one to take lightly, and he respected her independence, but who was to say she wanted to be with him? He was terrified she'd reject him flat out! 'No, I must seize the moment, like how my dad would,' Jeff resolved, 'whether I succeed or not.'

"Jeff?" Andria tried again.

"Andria," Jeff looked her in the eye with resolution.

"I... I wanted to say that I'm glad we met. But... after all this time... I decided that it was... it was time for us to take our relationship up a notch. I... Honestly, I admire your drive and fierce independence, especially regarding Blue Cosmos pressure to sell out." He took in a breath and let it out. "What I wanted to say is, basically..." He brought out the object he was holding.

Andria's eyes went wide as he got out of his seat and knelt on one knee. "Andria Yamasaki," Jeff said as he held steady. He opened the small case in his hand, revealing a ring, "will you marry me?"

George Glenn stopped his conversation with Mark and Adrian abruptly, his breath hitching at the sound of those words from his son.

The woman was shocked. She was silent for a moment, and then, she smiled. "Jeff, you're sweet. I'd be honored," she said as she leaned in and kissed Jeff on the cheek. Martha squealed, causing the rest of the room to explode in celebration. Jeff embraced his fiancé and kissed her passionately as claps and cheers resounded.

After dinner was finished, Adrian and Martha walked up to the newly engaged couple, who were receiving hearty approval from George. Derek was in his mother's arms.

Adrian gave a sly smile to Jeff. "About time you both started tying the knot!"

Jeff and Andria went pink, at which George chuckled. His son and his now future daughter-in-law were always cute and acting like shy love-sick teenagers around each other.

"Come on Adrian..." Andria groaned.

"We're just engaged, man," Jeff waved his hands while trying not to be flustered, "we're not doing anything that major yet."

The group all laughed. "So, what's next?" Mark Allen asked.

"We've decided to do it at the soonest," Jeff said, the nervousness having vanished from earlier, "after all, we've got to cherish every moment with our loved ones."

The group all nodded as one. "Especially given what we're having to fight against," Glenn said seriously.

"Whatever happens next," Adrian resolved, "you Glenns have me and my family by your side, rain or shine. We'll rejoice together and cry together as well."

Major Donnelly stepped forward as well. "As a Coordinator and patriotic Atlantian first," he also pledged, "you all also have my family's support and protection. We're all in this boat together."

As numerous friends were stepping up to pledge their support for George Glenn and his family, Martha suddenly found Derek to be squirming in her arms. It was then that she saw his troubled expression. "Bruddah!" the toddler cried softly. His little hands were reaching down past his mother's grip, as though trying to reach for his unborn brother.

Before Martha could ask what was wrong, a loud shattering of glass sounded from the living room. There was a panic as the women screamed, and the children wailed at the disturbance.

"Get the women back!" Senator Lockheed barked as he and the other guests drew their concealed handguns.

"George, Jeff," Adrian said as he held his 1911, "get the women and children to the kitchen!"

Andria wasn't about to be held back though. She drew out her own concealed pistol. "I'm not some helpless damsel, remember?" she snarled.

"Andria, cover the kitchen with Jeff," Adrian reminded, "you two have to protect George!"

"Andria," Jeff urged, having drawn his own pistol and pushing his father along. The woman nodded and retreated, holding her pistol at the ready. She glanced back and plastered herself against the wall closest to the kitchen entrance.

Adrian led a group towards the front door and heard the roar of a car engine as he opened a crack. He glanced outside to see a car speed off into the night. The apparent attackers did not waste any time.

"Who was that?" Allen asked as he looked out, his gun at the ready.

"They're gone," Adrian huffed, both relieved and exasperated. He then locked the door back and put a reinforced jam for security and some peace of mind. Walking back into the living room, there was shattered glass all over the floor, with a brick in the middle of it all. There was a note on the brick.

Allen glanced over slightly, still with the other guys guarding the door. "What's that," he asked as he refocused on scanning the outside.

Adrian opened it. "It says," the Lockheed read off, "'Thanks for reasons to kill Nazi Republican Coordinators.'"

"No doubt Blue Cosmos, or some delinquents sympathizing with them," Allen remarked darkly.

It was then that Senator Lockheed came back to the front, still wielding his gun. "How does it look," he asked in a concerned tone.

"All clear here, Mark," Allen replied, "nobody hurt." He then grimaced at the glass on the floor. "Can't say the same for your window though.

It was then that Jeff Glenn called, "you guys alright out there?"

Adrian looked over to the kitchen. "It's safe now," he answered, "we're clear!" With that, there was a lot of shuffling as the people hiding in the kitchen removed themselves from their sheltered places. Martha and the other mothers were holding their children tight, trying to sooth their crying from the fright. George himself was escorted by Jeff and Andria, with Helen clinging onto him out of fear and trembling. The First Coordinator gently held his Natural wife around the waist.

"What a mess…" George lamented as he saw the damage. Looking over to Adrian, he saw the note in his hand. He didn't see the text, but he frowned upon it, nonetheless. He knew that someone was trying to send him and his allies a nasty message. A broken window would be the least of their worries.

Mark was perturbed at the damage, but even more so at the implications of the attack. "Even Thanksgiving is no longer sacred... this is wrong on so many levels." In the wake of the Florida shooting, Blue Cosmos stepped up their anti-Coordinator campaign to aggressive levels, openly stalking and harassing Republicans and pro-Coordinator Naturals in public. He knew that this act meant that even his home would not be entirely safe without further protection. The Republicans and George Glenn rallied plenty of support, yes, but it also meant that plenty of crazies and Coordinator haters now had a singular lightning rod for all their vitriol and extremism.

Jeff and Andria hugged each other in comfort. They were just glad that no one was hurt, and silently seething at the endless attacks on Jeff's dad.

"Jeff…" Andria whispered, silently worried and angered at the indignity and indecency of the opposition.

"In due time, love," Jeff assured her, "in due time…"

As everyone was reeling and recovering from the scare, no one else took notice of Derek's troubled glances towards his mother's belly. In fact, no one would recognize the problem until it was nearly too late.

A little Thanksgiving shorty where George Glenn gets to count his blessings with his new friends, and his son has a surprise engagement with his closest subordinate.

Sorry for the late update. Just had a lot happening with juggling fanfics, life and responsibilities, and even comforting some friends with the troll attacks happening as of late here.

Feel free to read, fave, and provide constructive reviews, and I'll see you all next chapter. :)

God Bless! :D