Chapter 13: Sea Dyed Red
I do not own Chris, Liz, or Johanna Dante, Saul, Ian, or Diana Kessel, John Alaric, the 11th Fleet, the Raven, or the Surge Gundams. They all belong to Akatsuki_Leader13. Nor do I own Gundam. I only own Akira, Tao, Nisha, NASA/NAZAFT, the 7th Fleet, the Wing, Z.A.M., and Diver Gundams.
Guest: Glad you like it so far, but please put a consistent name so my responses to your reviews can be more personal for you. :3
CT7567Rules: Yes, it was clever, and Heero will only be on the sidelines to protect the Archangel. That is his mission right now. :3
Just a Crazy Man: Glad you like it. :3
Note to all readers: I am going to ask those who have an account to sign in to leave a review in order to know who is leaving it, or at least to put their account name on the review so I know who is sending it. If you want to sign in to leave a review, then feel free to do so. But if not, then at least put your account name at the top so I can see who you are.
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C.E. 71 – War has been raging for 11 months between the Earth Alliance and the PLANTs. With their superior numbers, it seemed inevitable the Earth Forces would win. But the PLANTs unveiled new technology and began to gain the upper hand. Now, 10 months after the initial conflict began, the war is at a stalemate…
Desert Dawn HQ
Later that night…
To a new Desert Dawn." Sahib said, raising his glass.
"To a victorious future." Murrue said, raising her own cup.
"I'll drink to that." Mu added as he and Natarle raised their cups.
"To those who were lost." John said, adding his own cup to the others.
The five downed the contents of their cups. "Damn. I'm gonna need some more shots of this before the night is done." John said as Natarle started coughing.
"You know, things won't be easy for you guys." Mu said. "The Tiger may be gone, but you'll still have to deal with ZAFT. Once they regroup, ZAFT will try to take back those mines."
"Indeed. It will only be a matter of time until they come back. You should fortify and booby trap the mines as soon as possible." John said. "Of course, you may get lucky and ZAFT will decide that it's better to leave the area alone, rather than face the rebel group that beat the Desert Tiger."
"When and if they do come, we'll be ready for them." Sahib said. "We'll fight to the last man. Against anyone that oppresses us."
Sahib's son entered the command center. "Father!" the boy called out. "The Chief wants us to honor our fallen warriors."
The group headed outside, where men, women and children were gathered, paying their respects to those lost in the last few battles. While the others joined the group, John moved towards the rock wall and pulled out a knife. He began to crave into the rock face.
Andrew Waltfeld
Aisha Mercer
When he finished, John saluted the names he craved. It was all he could do for his fallen friends at the moment. But when the war was over, he would erect a proper gravestone for them.
The Next Day
"But you have to take me with you!" Cagalli said. "You people don't have any idea what's going on down here. And I'm better at solving any of supply problems than anyone else in your crew."
"However-"
"Of course, I can't say that I'll come with to Alaska. And I'm not joining the Earth Forces. But you need my help." Cagalli said.
"What do you mean your help?" Mu asked.
"I...I can help in lots of ways."
"Oh? And just how does an overemotional little girl going to help us out?" John asked.
Cagalli held back a growl. "Whatever the case may be, I'm going with you aboard the Archangel. I've already decided." she said before storming off.
"Man, what a stubborn, spoiled, overemotional, hot-headed, little girl." John said, sipping coffee. "I pity the poor fool that falls in love with her."
The Archangel
The Indian Ocean
The Next Day
The Archangel glided across the waters of the Indian Ocean. Chris, Liz, Tolle, Miri, Nisha, Heero, and some of the off duty crew members were standing on one of the outside decks, enjoying the cool breeze and the vast sea below them.
"Wow..." Liz said. "Look at all that water. I've never seen so much."
"That's right. This is your first time at sea, isn't it?" Tolle said.
"Actually, this is the first time we've been on Earth, period." Chris said, leaning on the guardrail.
"Really? Then this must be really different from what you're used to." Miri said.
"Yeah. I've seen pictures of Earth's oceans and deserts, but to actually see it with my own eyes is something else entirely." Chris said. "The pictures don't do them credit. Hey, where's Kira? He should be out here, enjoying this."
"I don't know." Tolle said. "I think he's still in the hanger."
"I'm gonna go find him." Chris said, leaving for the hanger.
Archangel Bridge
"The Earth Forces have certainly left you in a difficult position. Ordering you to head to Alaska but not sending you any supplies." Kisaka said. "Although I'm sure you have enough food and water, but it would wise to avoid the enemy whenever possible."
"But sailing out into the Indian Ocean is an extremely risky plan." Natarle said. "If we were attacked out there, we'd have nowhere to escape to."
"There is no 'safe' route." John said. "No matter which route we take to Alaska, there will be danger. All things considering, this is the safest route. ZAFT does not have the numbers to just seize territory with reason. The middle of the ocean will have the least presence. With a little luck, we should be able to avoid any major ZAFT naval groups in the area. Now if you excuse me, I have to finish patching up my machine and getting it repainted."
Hanger
One of the hanger crew had told Chris that Kira had headed for the rear hanger. So that's where he was headed. Chris found the door and opened it. What he saw surprised him. Kira and Cagalli were hugging.
The two turned to him. "I...Er...I...Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt anything. I'll be going now." he said.
Cagalli pushed Kira back. Both were blushing. "It's not like that at all!" Cagalli said. "Kira looked upset and I was just-"
"I don't wanna know. And I'm not gonna say anything." Chris said, leaving the pair.
Vosgulov Class Submarine, Varnass
"I was quite surprised when I learned of Commander Waltfeld's death." Rau Le Creuset's recording said. "I feel partly responsible as I should have been able to stop them before they reached Earth. His death is a tremendous loss. In short time, I shall arrive on Earth for Operation Spitbreak. This legged ship and its crew are formidable, so I trust I'll be able to rely on your assistance when the time comes, Commander Morassim."
Commander Marco Morassim punched the console, ending the message. "That punk Le Creuset…He's got some nerve sending me a condescending message like that." he said. "But it doesn't matter. I'll go along with his plan. But I'll be the one to fell that so-called legged ship."
The Archangel
"You know, you're a pretty strange guy." Cagalli said, sitting by the door to the inside of the Archangel. "Take that time when you totally freaked out and slapped me."
"Sorry." Kira said, leaning against the guardrail.
"Well...It's not that I'm really mad. It's just that I wonder sometimes why you're a Coordinator."
"What?"
"Oh. That didn't come out right. I mean, why are you fighting for the Earth Forces if you're a Coordinator?"
"You probably think that's strange. I get that a lot."
"Whether or not people think you're strange is beside the point. We're at war because Naturals and Coordinators are determined to wipe each other out, no matter the cost. Don't you have any strong feelings about that?"
"What about you?"
"My feelings about someone don't matter whether they're a Coordinator or Natural."
"Same here." Kira said.
"But at the same time, I feel that if someone attacks you, you have to fight back."
"War isn't just fighting back against an attacker. War is never that simple." John said, entering the deck. "It is the greatest and most terrible thing humanity has ever done. It's just that most never see the good in war."
"What's so good about war?" Cagalli rudely said.
John leaned against the guardrail. "War claims lives, destroys homes, brings pain and suffering to all. It is a terrible, bloody thing." John said. "But it can also show us humanity's courage, its ingenuity, its strength, its honor and most importantly, people's desire to change the world for the better. It is only in battle, when one is pushed to the limit, that we can truly understand who we are. Also, there are some things that one can never truly know about someone until they face them in battle. When people are fighting, they fight with their hearts and souls. And nothing changes the world for the better faster than the horrors of war. That is the good in war."
Heero, who has not too far away, just grunted. "Hn. War is never good if all that comes from it is sorrow and pain." He remarked before walking away.
"Well, his comment aside, there's one thing that's bugging me." Cagalli said. "If you were a ZAFT commander, why are you now fighting as a mercenary?"
"When I was Victor Cain, it was simply for the money, which has been a rather nice amount. As to why I fight as I am now, there are people within ZAFT, powerful people, who want nothing more than to turn this war into a war of genocide." John said. "There is no honor in such a war. There is nothing good about genocide. And I will fight against it, even if I must betray my homeland to do it. I have no illusions about the choice I made. When this war is over, chances are, I'll never set foot on the PLANTs again. But it will be worth it if I can help bring a peaceful end to this war. Besides, I left the men and women that served under me in good hands."
"That woman Lieutenant La Flaga mentioned." Kira said.
John smiled. "Yes. He would remember her." he said. "Mu shot her down at Endymion Crater, though she survived. She actually considers Mu to be the only worthy pilot in the Earth Forces and she's determined to beat him. The fact that he's managed to survive the engagements in space you had with the 11th Fleet, speaks very highly of his abilities."
"All hands to Level 2 Battlestations! I repeat, all hands to Level 2 Battlestations!"
"Well. It looks ZAFT has found us." John said. "I was hoping that they'd still be in disarray in the area for a few more days. But it looks like it wasn't meant to be. You better get going. My machine's still undergoing repairs. So it's up to you and the others to protect the ship this time."
Hanger
The hanger deck was a flood of activity as the hanger crew rushed to get the mobile suits and Sky Graspers prepped for launch. Cagalli approached the third Sky Grasper. "Hold it right there." Johanna Dante said, blocking her path. "This one's still under repairs from your little stunt from the last time."
"Then I'll just take the other one." Cagalli said.
"Too late." Johanna said, pointing to Sky Grasper 2.
Cagalli turned her head. Liz closed Sky Grasper 2's cockpit as the crews loaded the Sword Striker onto it.
"Sit back and wait while we get this one fixed." Johanna said.
"So, do we know what we're up against?" Chris asked as he powered up the Raven.
"It's squad of DINNs." Miri said.
"DINNs?" Chris said, checking the Raven's computer.
'A transformable, atmospheric mobile suit.' he thought as he read the profile on the computer. 'Just like the Raven.'
"The Captain has given the go ahead for the Raven and the Sky Graspers to launch. The Strike will remain on standby." Miri said. "The Z.A.M. Gundam and Wing Zero have also been cleared to launch."
"But-"
"Relax Kira. There's not much you can do in this situation anyway. The Strike can't fly in the atmosphere or swim." Mu said.
"Alright."
The Raven loaded onto one catapult as Mu's Sky Grasper was loaded onto the other catapult.
"Raven Gundam, launching." Chris said, launching the Raven.
When the Raven cleared the catapult, it transformed into its mobile armor mode. Mu's Sky Grasper followed, launching from the other catapult. A few minutes later, Liz's Sky Grasper was launched.
"Nisha Itsuno, Z.A.M. Gundam, taking off!" Nisha cried, launching his machine as well.
Not too long after, the Z.A.M. Gundam landed on the top of the Archangel while Wing Zero took to the air.
The DINNs were already upon the Archangel, firing their assault rifles on the vessel. The Archangel's Igelstellungs and missiles returned the fire. The DINNs dodged the incoming fire.
"Chris, you take the one on the left. Liz and I will get the one on the right." Mu said. "I think Heero's got a few ideas of his own to add as well." The man noted as Wing Zero flew past a DINN while firing on it. The machine went down as soon as the bullets hit the engines.
"Alright." Chris said, heading for the left DINN.
"So this is the Raven, one of the Earth Forces new mobile suits." Commander Morassim said, firing on it.
The bullets little effect on the Raven's phase shift armor. "You gonna need something a lot stronger than that." Chris said, firing back.
Morassim dodged the fire. "Damn. These mobile suits are as tough as they say." Morassim said. "GOOhN Team, are you in position?"
"Yes sir." one of the pilots replied.
"Then fire!"
A pair of GOOhNs fired a barrage of torpedoes at the Archangel. The Archangel rose into the air, avoiding the torpedoes. But the GOOhNs began firing on the now airborne Archangel. The Strike, standing on the end of an open catapult, fired its beam rifle at the GOOhNs, but they dove underwater, avoiding the beams. The GOOhNs surfaced and fired again. One missile struck the Strike, knocking it back. "Chief Murdoch, didn't we get a bazooka from the Eight Fleet?"
"Yeah. Why do ya ask?"
"Could you get it for me?" Kira said. "I'm going underwater."
"Diving? But kid, the Strike wasn't designed for that. It'll-"
"I know that. But we have no choice." Kira said. "We have to do something."
A few minutes later, the Strike, armed with a bazooka, stepped onto the catapult. The catapult activated, launching the Strike into the water. The Strike fired at one GOOhN. But underwater, the Strike was slow while the bulky GOOhNs were fast and agile. The GOOhN avoided the rocket while its comrade slammed into the Strike from behind. The other GOOhN fired a pair of torpedoes at the Strike, hitting it. Kira fired back, but again the GOOhNs dodged his shots. More torpedoes hit the Strike. The first GOOhN slammed into the Strike. The second one followed suit, tackling the Strike. But this time, Kira managed to grab on, losing the bazooka in the process. He pulled out one of the Strike's knives and stabbed the GOOhN's back, piercing its armor. He let go of the GOOhN. With a breach in its hull, the GOOhN was crushed by the water pressure, like a tin can.
In skies above, the DINNs were struggling against the Raven, the Sky Graspers, the Z.A.M. Gundam, Wing Zero, and the Archangel. One DINN fired on the warship. The Archangel fired back with a barrage of missiles. The DINN dodged the missiles. But the pilot was so occupied with dodging the missiles he didn't notice Sky Grasper 2 coming at it from behind. The large anti-ship sword sliced through the DINN. A split-second later, the two halves exploded. Debris rained downed on waters below.
"Dammit." Morassim cursed as he dodged incoming fire from the Raven. "What's taking the GOOhN Team?"
The remaining GOOhN slammed into the Strike, dropping its knife from the impact. Kira swore as more torpedoes struck the Strike. He with the loss of his last knife, he was out of weapons. Suddenly, he spotted the sinking remains of the DINN, especially, the rifle still being clutched by the DINN's arm. The Strike moved towards the arm, pulling the rifle from hand. The GOOhN tackled the Strike. Kira slammed the rifle barrel into the GOOhN's chest and squeezed the trigger.
Commander Morassim dove low, avoiding the Raven's fire. Ahead of him, an explosion from underwater appeared. Wreckage from a GOOhN surfaced. "What? They've been wiped out?" Morassim said.
Suddenly, a round from the Raven's railgun tore through the DINN's left wing. "Damn. Time to withdraw."
His DINN took off, heading back to the Varnass. He had been beaten this time. But next time, he'd destroyed that legged ship personally.
Kira stared at the wreckage of the GOOhN. His thoughts were once again on Commander Waltfeld. 'I hate this. I hate this whole war. But if I don't do this...'
Laurasia Class Frigate, Tsuigara
In Earth Orbit
The Next Day
"Gibraltar Weather Service reporting sunshine with a high of twelve degrees, humidity of forty-five percent. Wind is from the west-northwest, at twenty-seven kph." the com-officer reported to the pilots sitting in their mobile suits in the hanger.
"Then hurry up and launch us already." Saul said.
Nicol chuckled. "I forgot. You don't like orbital drops."
"Shut up. They make me sick to my stomach." Saul said.
Athrun started to laugh. "Hey! You shut up too, Mr. Can't Stay Awake For One Little Concert."
Nicol started to laugh. "He's got you there, Athrun. He didn't fall asleep like you did."
"Attention. Deploying atmospheric re-entry capsule in T-minus ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One."
They all felt the slight shutter as the hanger was detached and began its decent to Gibraltar. Saul groaned as they started entering the atmosphere. He hated going through the atmosphere.
Archangel Bridge
"There's no doubt about it. Those suits couldn't have any place other than a submarine carrier." Mu said.
"A submarine carrier?" Murrue said.
"ZAFT's Vosgulov class submarine to be exact." John said, a mug of coffee in his hand. "Carpentaria is too far for them to be able to find us, attack and return. And had they been launched from a normal sea carrier, we would have picked them up. So that leaves a submarine carrier. This is the first time this ship has been on water, which means the crew isn't experienced in naval operations and isn't use to using sonar. They're following us. Sooner or later, they'll attack again."
"Any idea on who it is?" Mu asked.
"Well...I've been out of the loop for months, so I only know who was stationed in this region six months ago." John said. "It could be Commanders Marco Morassim or Zack Messa. Or it could be some other commander. Either way, we'll have to take them out the next time."
"Any ideas?" Murrue asked.
"Give us some time." Mu said. "We'll come up with something."
Gibraltar Base
The drop capsule door opened. The Blitz, the Aegis and the Surge exited the capsule and lined up alongside other mobile suits.
"Gah..." Saul said as he exited the Surge's cockpit.
He was thankful that he had made sure that he avoided eating anything before the drop. Otherwise... He shuttered at the thought of losing his breakfast with his helmet on.
"Hey come on Saul!" Nicol shouted. "We suppose to meet up with the rest of the Team."
"I'm coming. I'm coming." he said as he descended from the cockpit.
The three made their way to the briefing room where the rest of the Creuset Team was waiting. "Please sir! Listen! I can get him! I know it!" they heard Yzak shout as they opened the opened the door.
"Calm down Yzak. You're acting far too emotionally." Le Creuset said.
"Yzak...That scar..." Athrun said, staring at the large scar on his face.
"Wow. Well, you ain't a pretty boy no more, Scarface." Saul said, chuckling.
Dearka laughed and Nicol chuckled as well.
"Shut up!" Yzak shouted as he shot death glares at him.
"Shame it only improved your looks and not your attitude as well."
Yzak looked ready to tear him apart. "The wound has healed." Creuset said his words breaking up the potential fight before it happened. "However, he's decided to keep the scar as reminder until he's destroyed the Strike."
"Now that we're all here, why don't begin the briefing sir." Zane said from his chair.
"Yes. Everyone take a seat." Creuset said. "The Earth Forces' legged ship is heading to the JOSH-A Base in Alaska. You must stop them before they reach their HQ with the data they've acquired. However, that mission has been assigned to the Carpentaria Base."
"But sir! That's our job!" Yzak said. "It's unfinished business!"
"I agree with Yzak." Dearka said. "That legged ship is our business."
"I agree as well. They've humiliated us again and again." Zane coldly said. "We should be the ones to destroy that ship and its mobile suits."
Creuset waved his hand. "Needless to say, I feel the same way." he said. "I have to prepare for Operation Spitbreak, so I must remain here. But if you we that strongly about it, why don't you go try it yourselves."
Yzak instantly grinned. "Yes sir!" he said.
"Then well form a Team consisting of Yzak, Dearka, Zane, Athrun, Nicol and Saul. And your commander will be...Let me see...Athrun. I'm putting you in charge."
The announcement of who the commander was did not please Yzak, who scowled at Athrun, while everyone else was surprised by the announcement.
"I'll assign you to a submarine in Carpentaria. You should leave immediately."
"But why me Commander?" Athrun asked.
"That ship has been a real thorn in our side. It will not be easy." Creuset said, putting a hand on Athrun's shoulder. "I'm counting on you, Athrun."
Creuset then left, saying, "Good luck." as he left.
"So now we're the Zala Team?" Dearka said.
"I don't know. I kinda like the name." Saul said. "It's a nice ring to it."
"Hmph. This should be good." Yzak said, his voice dripping with annoyance and sarcasm.
"Yeah, it will be good. Certainly, a lot better than being the Joule Team." Saul said.
"Hey!"
Athrun wasn't listening to the two. His thoughts were on the Strike and Kira. The next time they met, he'd have no choice but to destroy him...
The Archangel
"Ma'am, we have a sonar contact at 7o'clock. It's a mobile suit signature." Chandra said.
"Have you identified them?" Murrue asked.
"Two GOOnHs and...one unknown."
"All hand to Level One Battlestations!" Murrue ordered.
The ZnO and the two GOOhNs approached the Archangel from under the water. Morrassim grinned. "They're traveling in shallow waters. Perfect for this ZnO. And since Le Creuset's already landed, we better sink this ship now!"
Torpedoes from all three machines streaked towards the Archangel. The Archangel rose into the air, avoiding the torpedoes. The GOOhNs surfaced and began firing on the ship. The Archangel fired back, but GOOhNs dove underwater, avoiding the attacks.
Inside the Archangel's hanger, Cagalli was picking a fight with Chief Murdoch, who was refusing to let her pilot the fighter again.
"Just let her pilot the thing already!" John shouted from the cockpit of his repaired and repainted GINN.
"Stubborn girl." John mumbled as he sat down and powered up his machine.
The Sword Striker was loaded onto the Strike while the Launcher and Aile Strikers were loaded onto Sky Grasper 1 and 2. John's GINN was equipped with his sniper rifle and a GINN sword. The first two Sky Graspers were then loaded onto the catapults with the third one waiting behind the first to go.
"Alright. Listen up girls. The three of us are gonna hunt down their carrier while the mobile suits stay to defend the Archangel." Mu said.
"The name's Cagalli."
"Jeez. Are you always this high-strung?" Liz said.
"I'm not high-strung!" Cagalli shouted back.
"Yes you are." Liz said. "It's a very repelling feature of yours. I doubt there are many people that find you attractive because of that attitude."
"Shut up!" Cagalli shouted as the first Sky Grasper took off. "I bet you're now gonna try to hook me some with guy you know."
"Nah. I don't know any good guys that would date you. Truth be told, I've never been attracted to guys." Liz said. "Elizabeth Dante. Sky Grasper 2 launching."
"Wait...What? Was she trying to hit on me?" Cagalli said as the Sky Grasper took off.
Chris started laughing. "No." he said. "While she does swing that way, she doesn't find you attractive in slightest. I think she said that you're too much like a guy for her taste."
"For the last time, I'm a girl!" Cagalli shouted as her fighter was loaded onto the catapult.
"Personally, I think the jury's still out on that." Chris said.
"Yeah, judging by the way you act." Nisha quipped.
"You should have seen her in that dress at Andy's place. If it wasn't for her mouth, she would have been the perfect little lady." John said.
Cagalli let out a loud growl. "Whatever! Cagalli! Sky Grasper 3 launching!"
John chuckled. "Alright boys, here is the game plan. Kira, you're gonna drop into the water and battle the mobile suits directly. Try to force them to the surface. Chris, I want to keep the Raven in its mobile armor mode, to serve as an atmospheric platform for my machine. We'll try to pick them off as they attack from the surface. Nisha, you take any that try to attack the Archangel. And Heero…well…he'll just do his own thing."
"Right."
"Got it."
"Sounds good."
"Hn."
The Raven and the once again gray Farsight were loaded onto the catapults.
"Chris Dante, Raven launching."
"John Alaric, Farsight launching."
The two mobile suits were launched into the air. The Raven transformed into its mobile armor mode and the Farsight landed on it, its sniper rifle ready to destroy the ZAFT mobile suits.
"Kira Yamato, Strike Gundam launching." Kira said as the Strike was launched into the air.
"Nisha Itsuno, Z.A.M. Gundam, launching." Nisha said as the Z.A.M. Gundam was also launched.
In a roar of fire and sound, Wing Zero also took to the air not even a second later.
The Strike dropped into the water below while the Z.A.M. Gundam landed on the Archangel. Wing Zero followed the Strike, diving into the water via its Mobile Suit form. The GOOhNs fired a barrage of torpedoes at the Strike. Kira avoided the torpedoes and swung his sword a GOOhN. The GOOhN was too fast however, and dodged the sword, racing past the Strike. The Strike turned around, firing it's Igelstellungs at the passing GOOhN. The second GOOhN fired its phonon laser cannons at the Strike. Kira raised his shield, blocking the beams as he moved behind some rocks. Suddenly, torpedoes struck the rock he was behind, destroying it and knocking the Strike back. A ZnO appeared, transforming into its mobile suit mode. "I got him." Morassim said. "You guys go after the ship."
As the GOOhNs did so, Wing Zero sped towards them, stunning Morassim. "A new machine?! How the hell did the Earth Forces develop so many in such a short amount of time?!"
In response, the machine, Omega One, drew out its beam saber, which was not supposed to work underwater, and ignited the blade!
The ZnO fired its hand cannons at the Strike as the GOOhNs headed towards the Archangel, only to be stopped by Wing Zero's engagement with them. Kira barely dodged the beams before the ZnO lunged at him. "I'm gonna tear you apart with this ZnO!" Morassim shouted, swinging a clawed hand at the Strike.
Kira blocked the hand with his sword. But the larger machine swung its other hand at the Strike, swatting it like a fly. Torpedoes hit the Strike. "Gah! It's too strong!" Kira said as the cockpit shook violently.
Gibraltar Base
Athrun waited in the passenger compartment of the transport plane as the pilots went through their final check. The others had left hours ago. But his plane had been grounded because of mechanical problems that they had only just fixed.
"Fasten your seat belt." the pilot said over the intercom. "We're ready for take-off."
Athrun fasten his seat belt. It was a little humiliating that the first day of his first command had been plagued with a mechanical delay. If he was superstitious, he might have taken it has a bad omen about his command...
Battle Site
The Sky Graspers flew over the water, searching for the submarine carrier that the mobile suits. Unbeknownst to them, the Varnass was already preparing to surface, so it could launch its DINNs at the Archangel. "There it is." Mu said.
The Sky Graspers each fired off an anti-sub missile at the submarine. The missiles struck the submarine. The submarine surfaced, its three vertical mobile suit catapults opening. DINNs were preparing to launch.
"Oh no, you don't!" Mu said, firing the powerful Agni cannon at the sub.
The powerful beam tore through the sub. A massive pillar of fire and smoke emerged from the submarine. Moments later, it exploded.
"Did we get it?" Cagalli said, staring at the pillar of smoke and fire on the water.
Suddenly, a DINN emerged from the smoking, firing on Cagalli's Sky Grasper. Cagalli barely avoided receiving a fatal blow. But the DINN managed to hit her fighter. Mu fired on DINN, causing it to move away from the damaged fighter.
"Are you okay?" Mu asked.
"Yeah." Cagalli replied. "It's only my navigation system."
"Head back to the Archangel, we'll handle the DINN." Mu said.
"No. I can still fight."
"Head back! You're only getting in the way now!" Mu shouted.
"Fine." Cagalli growled, heading for the Archangel.
"Liz, can you keep him busy?"
"Yeah." Liz replied, firing on the DINN.
The DINN evaded the bullets and beams of the Sky Grasper and returned fire. Liz took a sharp dive, dodging the DINN's fire. The DINN took aim at the diving fighter. It was about to fire, when Mu fired the Agni cannon at the DINN. The mobile suit never stood chance against such a powerful gun. The DINN was destroyed instantly.
"Got him!" Mu said triumphantly. "Come on, let's head back to ship."
A GOOhN surfaced and fired on the Archangel. A trio of rounds pierced the head area of the mobile suit. The GOOhN exploded. "That's one." John said as the Raven and the Farsight flew over the wreckage. "Now let's get the other ones."
Another GOOhN rose and fired a trio of missiles at the Raven's underbelly, causing both mobile suits to fall into the water. Chris swore as the Raven sank under the water. The GOOhN slammed into the Raven. Chris held onto the front of the GOOhN. "This isn't the Strike." Chris said. "The Raven's guns aren't beam weapons."
He jammed the barrels of his railgun into the GOOhN's underbelly and fired. The rounds tore clean through the GOOhN's body. A second later, it exploded, pushing the Raven back.
"Damn. I hate fighting underwater." Chris said, heading for the surface.
Heero just grunted as the GOOhNs he was fighting fired torpedoes at Wing Zero. Two of the shaped charges hit the shield and the leg of his machine, but the Gundanium held, even under the water. "You know nothing about combat, even underwater." Heero noted in an emotionless voice. In a series of three strikes, the GOOhN that had fired on him was disabled and sinking. The pressure of the increasing depth eventually caused the machine to compress and explode while the second GOOhN retreated to safety, only to meet the same fate not a minute later.
Elsewhere, the battle between the Strike and ZnO was still raging. A wave of torpedoes struck the Strike, knocking it back. Kira tried to get the Strike back up, when the ZnO, in its sub mode, slammed into the Strike, taking it along for the ride. Suddenly, the Farsight appeared in the ZnO's path, its sword drawn.
"What? A GINN?" Morassim said.
The ZnO was moving too fast for Morassim to stop it in time. The GINN held its sword out like a spear. The blade impaled the left shoulder plate of the ZnO, but didn't manage to reach the arm underneath it. The Farsight was knocked down by the racing ZnO, breaking its sword in two. The top section was still in the shoulder plate while the lower half remained in the Farsight's hand. But as the Farsight fell down, it grabbed the Strike's leg, pulling from in front of the ZnO. "Finish him off." John said.
The ZnO transformed back, turning towards the two mobile suits. Kira fired the Sword Striker's grappling claw at the ZnO. The ZnO swatted it away as it charged towards the Strike. The ZnO's hand grabbed the Strike's head, pushing the Strike onto the sea floor with its weight, its photon cannon charging.
"Oh no you don't." Kira said.
He drew the Strike's knives and drove them into the area between its head and torpedo tubes. The Strike then, using a leg and both hands, threw the ZnO off of it. The ZnO exploded.
"Good work kid." John said. "Let's head back to the ship."
Elsewhere
"Is the way back to the Archangel?" Cagalli said to herself as she tried to get her bearings.
That's when she spotted it. A ZAFT transport plane. "What's that doing out here? If they're reinforcements, then I have no choice but to shoot it down."
One of the ZAFT plane's turrets fired on her. Cagalli turned away, preparing for a strafing run.
"Damn. Hurry up and get into your mobile suit." the transport plane pilot said to Athrun. "If comes to it, we'll eject you and your mobile suit."
"But-"
"Go! We'll be a disgrace to ZAFT if we take our cargo down with us." the pilot said.
"Alright." Athrun said, heading for the cargo hold.
Cagalli scored a direct hit on the plane's right wing. But one of the turrets hit Cagalli's Sky Grasper. Both aircraft started to go down.
"Damn. We were fools to think we had air superiority." the ZAFT pilot said. "I can't hold it much longer. We have to eject you."
"What about you?" Athrun said as he began to power up the Aegis.
"Don't worry about us. We'll bail out once we lighten our load."
The cargo hatch opened and the Aegis was ejected from the plane. Elsewhere, Cagalli frantically struggled to keep her fighter in the air for as long as possible. She spotted an island. She knew her only chance was to land in the waters near it. If she survived the crash, that is.
Cagalli screamed as the Sky Grasper hit the water, skimming across the waves. The fighter came to a stop in the shallow waters of the island.
Cagalli breathed a sigh of relief. "I made it."
She tried to get in touch with the Archangel. The fighter's radio was dead. Seeing no other choice, she swam the short distance to the island. Nothing left to do but wait for rescue...
Aboard the Archangel
An Hour Later
"Where did we lose Cagalli?" Murrue asked. "Anything on the radio?"
"No ma'am. Nothing." Miri said.
"There's too much radar interference." Chandra said. "So far, I can only confirm that she left the combat zone."
"Should we list her as MIA?" Natarle asked.
"I think you're jumping to conclusions, Ensign Badgiruel." Murrue said. "How much longer until sunset?"
"An hour ma'am."
"Once the maintenance on the Strike and the Raven are complete, send them out to search the area for her." Murrue said. "Send out Wing Zero as well. The Z.A.M. Gundam will remain on stand-by."
"But Captain-"
"If you object, then feel free to write it your report." Murrue said, interrupting Badgiruel. "I'm not giving up on her that quickly."
Heero heard her words, making him look up at her. "I will go and search." He said.
Murrue and Badgiruel looked at him, stunned and what he was suggesting. "Are you crazy?! You can't possibly fly for such a long distance without recharging your mobile suit!"
"You would be surprised." Mu noted. "That machine of his has all sorts of surprises, so it should not be taken lightly or underestimated."
That made her shut up.
"Very well, Heero. I will allow you to go and search for Cagalli." Murrue said. Badgiruel made to object, but remembering Mu's words, shut her mouth and did not say anything more.
Wing Zero took to the air, flying around and farther from the Archangel than the Raven and Strike could go. But something told Murrue that it would be some time before even Wing Zero could find Cagalli…
Several Hours Later
Chris yawned as he walked back to quarters. Their search for Cagalli had been fruitless. The ocean was a huge place. She could be anywhere. But Kira was insistent that they had to keep on searching for her. And truth be told, if he wasn't so tired, he would have backed Kira and Heero up. But it was getting late and he was drained from the battle earlier today. How Heero Yuy could go for such a long time, he had no idea, and he didn't want to know either.
"Hi, Chris." Flay said with smile, approaching him.
"Hey. What can I do for you?" he asked.
"Well...There's something I want to tell you...But I'm...I'm just not sure how to say it..." she said hesitantly.
"Then say it."
"Well...I've been thinking about things since we left the desert and...I...I..."
'What's she so nervous about?' he thought as Flay tried to speak.
Suddenly, Flay's lips met his own. He knew it was wrong. That they shouldn't be kissing. But all thoughts instantly melted away. He stood there, stunned for a few seconds before he responded, his arms wrapping around her and returning the kiss.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Sai had walked into the hallway at that very moment...
Chapter is done. I want to note that the chapters will be getting longer from here on out, reaching maybe seventeen to twenty pages average length, with the only exception being Phase 15, which I had to actually write from scratch. It will be a vital chapter though, as it has some scenes that are vital to the overall plot of the story. Please read and review. Constructive criticism is appreciated, no matter what. I need to know how I can improve on the story, and if it can be made better. Also, no flames, aka hate-filled reviews, are to be given, as they will be reported and/or deleted depending on if they are signed or not. Just the usual warning is all.
