Phase Nineteen: Gathering Darkness
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.
Titanic X: Glad you do. :)
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A0930: Glad you liked it all. And yes, everything will become clear as the story goes on. ;3
CT7567Rules: You will like the next chapters for sure~! :3
KentLinuxStadfelt: Yes, he is still in, and if you want it to be changed, I can work with it.
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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…
JOSH-A
The Next Morning
"The Archangel. I never thought it would make it here." Colonel Moore said as they watched the video feed of the Archangel entering JOSH-A.
"You think maybe Halberton's force of will protected it?" Vice Admiral Michaels jokingly said.
"Those young Coordinators were the ones who really protected it."
"Captain Sutherland, don't be so sure of that. I heard that a Natural with a powerful machine also helped out in that regard. Luckily, the destruction of the Strike and the declaration of its pilot as MIA can be considered a fortunate accident for us." Captain Oswald said. "A shame the same fate couldn't have befallen the Raven and its pilot. Luckily the Raven was destroyed, so we can call the machine a lucky loss."
"The GAT series is going to be our main weapon. We're going to get a lot of use out of them in the future. And we don't want people saying they were operated by Coordinator children." Sutherland said.
"You're right about that." Moore said.
Michaels hit the table with his fists. "It just seems like glaring evidence of our own inferiority!"
Sutherland pushed a button on his console. The screen displayed the schematics of the GAT-X131 Calamity, the GAT-X151 Massacre, the GAT-X252 Forbidden, and the GAT-X370 Raider. "All of the Strike's and the Raven's technology has already been transferred and furthered developed. And this time, it's we who will benefit from it."
"What have you told Azreal?" Oswald asked.
"I told him that we'd take all the necessary steps to address these problems. This was all an unfortunate situation. Just like what is going to happen here. All of this is for the preservation of our blue and pure world."
A Small Town
Outside the Carpentaria Base
"I understand that it's warming up in Alaska."
"Indeed. But it's only going to get hotter." the man replied.
He shrugged. "How's Josh?"
"He's good. He's almost finished moving. And that reminds me. Mr. Angel gave me something to give to you." the man said, reaching into his pocket and handing him a disk.
"Thank you." Zane said with a grin as he took the disk. "I'm sure that this will be quite helpful."
Aprilius One
"Obani's Compromise Plan? What's the point in bringing something like this to the table now?" Hong Fa Wu, the newly elected PLANT Supreme Council Chairman said. "Operation Spitbreak will proceed as planned."
"I'm certainly not saying that we accept it as is. But if we proceed with the Operation, there is no doubt that we will stuff casualties if we go into battle." Siegel said. "We have a chance to avoid that. Shouldn't we at least make the attempt?"
"You raise a valid point, but you can't expect us to agree to these ridiculous demands." Ezalia Joule said. "They're acting like they've won the war."
"Nevertheless, we can us this to call for a temporary ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. It would give the men and women actually fighting this war a chance to rest." Ian Kessel said. "And it could actually end the war peacefully. We owe to everyone that's fighting in war, their families and those that have been lost, on both sides, to try."
Many in the Council were still surprised by Ian's steadfast determination. His son had been declared missing in action, likely dead. And yet unlike Tad Elsman, whose son was also missing, and Yuri Amalfi, whose son had been killed, who had slipped into the background of the Council, Ian was still just as strong and as determined as he was before, much to annoyance of Hong Fa Wu, as was Patrick Zala, whose son had also been declared missing in action.
"This is only their crude way of buying time." Jeremy Maxwell said.
"Of course. They know we're going to launch a massive operation soon. But truthfully, it's unlikely that they could fortify Panama any further without dangerously weakening other important bases. And I don't think Operation Spitbreak will be a success in the long run." Ian said. "I've been looking at the numbers and estimates for the Operation and well as the latest troop estimates at Panama. And frankly, this Operation could be damaging for us in the long run."
"It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that the best target for us to hit is Panama. The loss of Panama would cripple their space forces. But the number of troops at Panama will guarantee at least loss of a forty to forty-five percent of our forces. Our holdings on Earth will be critically weakened afterwards and the Earth Forces could likely take back much of what we've gained." Ian said. "Unless... You've got a hidden ace up your sleeve Wu, something that you've kept hidden from us."
Hong Fa Wu scowled. The bastard was trying to ruin everything! If he revealed Operation Spitbreak's true target, Clyne's supporters would try to stop it because they never voted on an attack on JOSH-A. The weak fools didn't realize anything! Hacking off the limbs of beast will only weaken it. You have to cut off the head of the beast to kill it.
Worse, the more they delayed, the greater the chances the Earth Forces of getting wind of his plan, ruining everything.
"No. I have not kept anything important from the Council." he calmly said. "You are underestimating our forces and overestimating the strength of the Earth Forces. Operation Spitbreak will be a major success and help bring a quick end to the war. And there is no reason to consider Obani's proposal at this point. Operation Spitbreak will go ahead as planned."
"Arrogance in war, only leads to disaster. You might wish to remember that Wu." Kessel said. "For if Spitbreak fails, it will be those fighting this war that will suffer for it. Not us."
The Office of Ian Kessel
An Hour and a Half Later
Ian sighed as he sat down at his desk, letting his fatigue show. He glanced at the framed pictures on his desk, pictures of his wife and children, his eyes lingering on a picture of his son.
Missing, presumed dead. That's what they had listed him as.
He never should have pushed him as hard as he did. He wished he had told Saul how proud he had been of him.
BEEP BEEP
He sighed as his mask returned. "Yes?"
"Sorry to bother you sir. But we just received a communication from Commander Kessel. Shall I patch it through?"
"Yes. And make sure that it's completely secure."
Diana's face appeared on the screen in his desk. "Father." she said with nod. "Has there been any word?"
"No. They haven't found any trace of him."
There was a slight frown on her face. Most people won't have noticed it. But he knew his daughter. She was a woman skilled at keeping her emotions from showing. That frown spoke volumes on how she was feeling.
"I see. What about Operation Spitbreak?"
"It's still on. What do you think of Wu's plan? I know he's asked for the 11th Fleet to be with the first assault wave."
"It's risky. Wu thinks that Earth Forces can't possibly beat us. His arrogance and false sense of invincibility will get good men and women killed." she said. "And Ajay has a bad feeling about the Operation."
"And you trust his gut?"
"After Endymion, there's not a single person in the Fleet that would doubt his gut."
Ian chuckled. "Trusting someone's feelings over logic? That's not like you."
"Don't ask me how, but somehow, he is able to tell when something bad is going to happen." Diana said. "None of us doubt his sixth sense for danger."
"That reminds of paper I read some time ago about a theory of the next step of human evolution."
"You mean the SEED Factor?"
"No. It was from the same two doctors. But this was their last paper a few years ago, before they died. It was of a separate phenomenon. They claimed that people could possess unusual mental abilities. Among them, a sixth sense for these kinds of things." Ian said. "They even claimed that while 0.001 percent of the human population was born with these abilities, an estimated one percent could develop these abilities given the right circumstances. And that those numbers were rising with each generation. They claimed these people were latest step in humanity's evolution towards becoming a new type of being and weren't dependent on being Coordinator or Natural. In fact, they dubbed those people Newtypes."
"Interesting. I'll have to take look at that." Diana said.
"Indeed. But we're getting off topic. If you fear the Operation, what will you do?"
"I think we'll be delayed due to mechanical problems. It happens from time to time with all the upgrades we give to our mobile suits and ships." Diana said. "We'll probably have to call the Junk Guild for some assistance."
"For the life of me, I'll never understand how Alaric managed to create that private arrangement you have with them."
"He promised them access to any new ZAFT technology he got his hands on."
"Speaking of new technology, our new Chairman has revealed our newest, greatest weapons. New mobile suits using technology obtained from the stolen Earth Forces' mobile suits. And they're nuclear powered."
"You're joking."
"No. Wu's come up with N-Jammer Cancelers."
"What is that fool thinking?"
"He doesn't care, as long as all the Naturals die." Ian said with a sigh. "Someone has to stop him."
"You're planning something, aren't you?"
"Not just me. Clyne and many others that feel that Wu is leading ZAFT down a road that we must not take..."
Carpentaria Base
Athrun stared out the window as ZAFT crews were rushing to prepare for Operation Spitbreak. A few hours after waking up in the ORB vessel, he been transferred to a ZAFT vessel and taken back to Carpentaria, where he was currently recovering.
"It's Le Creuset. I'm coming in."
The door opened and Commander Le Creuset entered. Athrun straightened up and moved to salute his commanding officer "You're still injured. Don't even think of getting up." Creuset said.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir." Athrun quietly said.
"Nonsense. You were splendid. I heard about everything."
"Splendid?"
As far as Athrun was concerned, there was nothing splendid about what he had done.
"I should be the one apologizing for not getting you help sooner. The sacrifices made were significant. But I'm afraid they couldn't be helped." Creuset said. "It's a testament to how formidable your friend really was."
A fresh wave of guilt hit Athrun.
"I know it's been a difficult series of battles for you. Miguel, Nicol, Commander Waltfeld, Commander Morassim. They, and many others, have lost their lives to him. Since you are the one to defeat him, your skills are highly valued by the homeland. The decision has been made to honor you with the Order of the Nebula."
Athrun didn't deserve a medal as far as he was concerned.
"Also, much to my regret, you've been transferred to the Special Forces reporting directly to the National Defense Committee."
Athrun looked up at his Commander. "Transferred? But Commander-"
"You're a top gun now, Athrun. You are to be the pilot of our latest mobile suit. You've been instructed to return to the homeland and receive the new mobile suit."
"But sir! This is too much. I-"
"Your father's comrade is now the Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council. But you already knew that."
"Yes."
"Chairman Wu has been pushing for a quick end to this war." Creuset said, putting his hand on Athrun's shoulder. "Personally, I would like nothing more than for this war to end. For that reason, I want you to do whatever you can to bring this war to a quick end."
"I understand sir." Athrun said. "But there's something else."
"Yes?"
"When I was on the ORB vessel, they said that they recovered the remains of the Blitz, but they didn't find any sign of his body. Nicol could still be alive."
"I see. But that isn't enough to change his status to MIA."
"But Commander! What if he's still alive?"
"And what if he isn't? His family is still grieving over his loss. If you gave them that hope, only to later take it from them. The pain they feel now will pale compared to that pain. Do you really want them to feel that?"
Athrun did not know what to say after that.
NASA capital, Washington D.C…
President Hilson walked down to the airport where Air Force One was parked, awaiting her arrival. She noted the open cabin door, recalling that she was asked to head up to JOSH-A where the Archangel was located.
"Ma'am, Air Force One awaits you." Her guard said as he walked beside her.
"Thank you." She replied as she walked up to the steps and got onboard. Agent Williams followed her, closing the door behind them as soon as he was inside as well.
The two sat down as the massive plane began to take off. The engines whined as they powered up, the thrust pushing the aircraft to the runway. Once in position, the presidential plane took off, the acceleration pushing the U.S. leader and her staff back into their seats slightly before reaching cruising speeds as the plane climbed higher and higher as it began the journey to JOSH-A.
New Juneau
Akira sat in his cell, looking at the small T.V. that was on the wall. There was news on the PLANT battle campaigns as well as news stories on NASA and other nations on Earth.
On the small screen, there were images of EA officers savagely beating other Naturals and killing innocent civilians for no reason at the moment. It made him sick that he had to see that, and it only increased his hatred of the Earth Forces.
"Why of all places, did I end up here?!" he growled. Of course, it was better than being treated as a piece of garbage on Earth. And better than being killed in the PLANTs. But he still did not like the fact that he was now a prisoner of war.
The guard from the day before walked over with his food, prompting Aki' to look in his direction. "I brought you your food." The guard said as he set down the tray.
Starving, Aki' grabbed the tray and began to gobble down the food that was before him. Compared to the military rations he had to eat when on the ZAFT ships and on the field, this was even better. Not to mention that it was real food no less.
A smile crossed the guard's face. It seemed that the boy was calmer now. Perhaps he would be ready to hear the news sooner than expected. But when that was, well, it was up to the commander, not him.
"So, you heard about the Earth Forces' actions as of late?" the guard asked.
Aki' just growled. "Yes. It makes me sick just even hearing about it. I can't believe that they still want to fight the PLANTs, even when they are losing." He replied.
His watcher just looked on, his gaze never faltering. "You hate them even more now, right? Why? They are just as human as us."
Enraged golden eyes met the guard's blue ones. "You heard what they did! They killed innocents for no reason! Not to mention, they murdered my own sister! They MURDERED her in cold blood, and put her through so much pain, I can't believe that they were able to sleep at night!" Aki' snapped back.
"So, your sister was the one killed all those years ago? I recall that very clearly. And yet, ZAFT did nothing to arrest the people involved. Tell me, who do you hate more, ZAFT for not doing anything, or the EA for what they did to her?"
Aki' just looked at the guard, confused as to what he meant. "What do you mean?"
"Do you hate ZAFT for not doing anything?"
"Yes, but-"
"Then tell me, why is your hatred of the Earth Forces stronger than your hatred for ZAFT?"
Aki' could not answer. He had never bothered to consider that ZAFT had done nothing to help his family get justice. In fact, he could not recall ZAFT doing anything to get him and his family justice for her senseless death.
"I…just…I don't know…" he sighed at last.
The guard just looked at him before speaking again. "ZAFT did nothing to help your family out, and that allowed the Earth Forces to get away with what they did. So, if you think about it, ZAFT is the real cause of your hatred of the Earth Alliance."
Aki' looked up at the guard, wondering if what he said was true.
"ZAFT is the cause of my hatred for the EA?"
A nod of the head made the young ZAFT officer put his head in his hands as he groaned. "What am I supposed to believe? I just don't know!"
"Only you can determine that, ZAFT pilot Akira Nishikama." The guard replied as he turned to leave. Aki' could only watch as he left with the door hissing shut behind him.
Throwing himself onto the cot, Aki' put his hands on his head. Tears ran down his face as he cried for his sister, and for those who were lost at the hands of ZAFT and the EA. The ones he had helped to kill, those who he had killed, those who lost their lives, he could not take it anymore. Sitting up, Aki' grasped at the small pendant around his neck, just wanting to know what he should do. "Minako…What should I do?"
He closed his eyes, tears hitting the small pendant below. Feeling tired, Aki' lay down and finally was able to fall asleep.
JOSH-A
The Next Day
Murrue, Nartarle, the rest of the senior bridge crew, Chief Murdoch, Mu, Nisha, Heero, and Chris all sat in a group of chairs in the center of the room. They were waiting for the officer in charge of the hearing on everything that had happened since Heliopolis. A trio of officers entered the room. Everyone stood up and saluted. The officers returned the salute. "I am Captain William Sutherland of the General Staff. I've been put in charge of all instructions and deliberations regarding the Eight Fleet's Archangel." the officer said as he took his seat. "Please be seated."
"We've already retrieved the logs from the NavComm and are analyzing them as we speak. I must say, Captain Ramius, your vessel's combat record is impressive. And now I like you to give us a detailed report and testimony on the preceding events. This hearing is being run according to the military regulations for a court-marshal. And in keeping with procedure, anything said here will be entered into the records. I trust you will all tell the truth."
Aboard the Cousteau
Docked at Carpentaria
Two Hours Later
Both Zane and Yzak left their quarters, heading for the briefing room. Commander Le Creuset was going to brief them on Opertaion Spitbreak before the Cousteau left Carpentaria. They rounded a corner, coming face to face with a violet haired girl in a red ZAFT carrying a travel bag. Upon seeing them, the girl dropped her bag. "Sirs!" the girl said, saluting them. "Saya Hawke, reporting for duty, sirs!"
Yzak and Zane returned the salute, but both had the same thought running through their heads. 'Rookie.'
"So you're one of the replacement pilots?" Yzak said. "Where're the others?"
"Sir?"
"The other replacement pilots. And stop calling us sir. We're all the same rank here, Rookie."
"I'm the only one, sir-er...Yzak. I've been assigned to replace Nicol Amalfi." Saya said.
"What? There're only two of us left and HQ assigns us only one replacement pilot!" Yzak said.
"This is your first assignment, isn't it?" Zane said.
"Yes sir." Saya replied. "But don't worry. I was in the top of my class."
"That's as obvious as the red coat you're wearing." Zane said.
"What the hell is HQ thinking?" a very annoyed Yzak said. "Sending us only one replacement, who is as green as they get?! And on the eve of a major operation too?!"
"Sorry."
Yzak sighed. "You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault you're here." Yzak said. "Do you at least have a decent machine?"
"I've been assigned a DINN."
"Then get your stuff stowed away. We have a briefing with the Commander in fifteen minutes." Yzak said.
"Right away sir. Just one question."
"What?"
"Which way to the pilot quarters?" Saya asked with a sheepish grin on her face.
Yzak slapped his forehead while Zane seemed to struggle to keep a straight face. "How did you ever become a pilot, much less a Red Coat?" Yzak said.
"Actually, I'm quite skilled in the cockpit of a mobile suit." Saya said. "In fact, I broke several records at the Academy. Including your record on the final exam."
"Well, then you're not completely-Wait! What? You beat my record?"
"Yes sir. By five seconds."
Yzak opened his mouth like he was going to say something. But Zane cleared his throat, interrupting him. "The quarters are down the hall. Take the first right and you're there." he said. "The briefing is in the Main Briefing Room, near the bridge. Do you know where that is?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. We'll see you there."
JOSH-A
To Chris, the whole hearing was a joke. They were blaming Captain Ramius and Admiral Halburton for what happened to Heliopolis, the destruction of the 8th Fleet and just about anything else they could tie them to. But the vast majority of the blame was being thrown on Kira, Nisha, Aki' and himself. Because they were Coordinators and the pilots of the mobile suits. Sutherland was manipulating the facts and in some cases, ignoring the facts, all to shift the blame for the destruction of Heliopolis, Artemis and the Eighth Fleet as a result of their being Coordinators. Hell, there was no doubt in Chris's mind that if he could, he would have blamed the four of them for the entire war if he could.
"And now for the final part. We have a number of questions that we would like to ask Ensigns Dante and Itsuno." Captain Sutherland said.
Chris and Nisha stood up, as ready as they could be for whatever they could throw at them. "Sir."
"You both were civilians living in Heliopolis, correct?"
"Yes."
"Yes sir."
"But tell me, where did you live before that?"
Chris scowled. "Junius Seven."
Nisha frowned, but did not let it show. "I lived in Heliopolis for ten years."
"So not only are you Coordinators but you also lived in the PLANTs. Whom we are currently at war with. And not only that…but you, Ensign Dante, are from the very PLANT that was destroyed by a group of radical Natural terrorists and started this war." Sutherland said. "Tell me, your record doesn't say where your parents are. I was wondering if you could shed some light on this matter."
"They're dead sir." Chris said, barely keeping himself from yelling.
Sutherland was lying about not knowing his parents' fate. He knew it. Everyone from the Archangel knew it. Hell, chances were that everyone in the room knew it.
"And how did they die?"
"The Bloody Valentine Tragedy."
"And you, Ensign Itsuno, lost your parents there as well?" Sutherland asked.
"My mother, sir. My father is on the ship. He worked at Heliopolis."
"I see." Sutherland said. "And you, Ensign Dante, and your sister were sent to live with your aunt and uncle at Heliopolis before it happened. Who just so happened to work at Morgenroete. And as it turns out, worked on G-Project. That's quite a coincidence. Same to you, Ensign Itsuno, because your father worked on the very same project."
"I don't understand what you're getting at sir." Chris said.
"Someone had to have tipped off ZAFT about the Archangel and the mobile suits being built there."
"And you are suggesting that my sister, Nisha, and I are ZAFT spies?"
"Not at all. Though you do bring up an interesting point." Sutherland said with a slight smirk on his lips. "Unlike Ensign Yamato, who had never set foot in the PLANTs, you three grew up there. And your parents and home were destroyed by Natural terrorists. Most people would have a grudge against Naturals for that kind of thing. They would likely seek vengeance against those that were responsible and against the Earth Alliance for failing to stop such an attack from happening right underneath their noses. Perhaps they'd seek out secret information to give ZAFT as vengeance for what happened to them."
"I didn't do any of that!" an angry Chris said.
"Neither did I!" Nisha replied back.
"Who ever said you did?" Sutherland said. "I was merely speculating on how ZAFT could have found out about Heliopolis. Now, moving on. The incident in the Debris Belt with Miss Lacus Clyne. According to the records, you, along with, at the time, acting Ensign Yamato, acting Crewmen Argyle, Haw, and Dante released Miss Clyne from her cell. And then you personally brought her to the ZAFT Fleet pursing the Archangel at the time. Why did you feel the need to disobey orders and endanger the ship by taking her to the ZAFT Fleet?"
"Because it was wrong for us to use her as a hostage." Chris said. "And given the choice, I would have done it again without hesitation. Do you plan to punish me for that incident sir?"
"No. Captain Ramius' decision was the correct one. You were not an official soldier at the time, so we cannot punish you for that." Sutherland said. "However, this all goes to further show the uncertainly of your loyalties. I can't help but wonder which side you'll ultimately side with. With the Earth Alliance or with your homeland."
"I have never done anything to betray the Archangel or its crew!" Chris said, barely keeping his voice under the level of a shout.
"The PLANTs are not my homeland!" Nisha countered back. "I might have been born there, but I am an American citizen first and foremost!"
"At the moment, yes. But who can tell what the future will bring." Sutherland said. "How do we know that you won't have a change of heart in the middle of a battle and betray us?"
"Why don't you just say it? You think I'm a ZAFT spy!"
"I wouldn't go that far." Sutherland said. "But there is a distinct possibility that you could be a spy."
"Finally, there is the incident with the shuttle of Heliopolis civilians that was destroyed alongside the 8th Fleet." Sutherland said. "The logs aren't clear as to what happened, other than the Raven and a GINN were fighting near it, when it was destroyed."
"Are you accusing me of that too?" Chris shouted. "I tried to protect the shuttle from the GINN!"
"No. You misunderstood me. I wasn't accusing you of destroying the shuttle." Sutherland said. "While we don't know what destroyed the shuttle, we do know that you didn't fire a single shot until after it was destroyed. I was curious about why you didn't fire on the GINN before the shuttle was destroyed. You claimed to be protecting the shuttle. But if that were true, then why didn't you fire at the GINN?"
Everyone was staring at him now. Including the crew of the Archangel. Chris knew they were all probably thinking the same thing. 'Why didn't he fire at the GINN?'
He wasn't even sure what to say. If he told them the truth, Sutherland would probably throw the book at him. And probably claim that it was proof that he was a spy or something like that. So his only option was to lie. "I was afraid to fire."
"Afraid to fire? You mean to say that you were afraid to fire on one of your own. Then how can we trust that this won't happen again?"
"Actually sir. I was afraid to fire with the shuttle so close to us. I feared that if I missed, the shuttle would have been hit and destroyed." he said. "Are you saying, sir, that I should have fired when a civilian craft was in danger of being hit by a missed shot?"
"No. Of course not. But I'm surprised that with your improved abilities, that you weren't able to hit him."
"I'm good. But I'm not that good." he replied. "Coordinators aren't all powerful like that."
"Sure. Now, moving on again, there is the matter of Artemis base. The logs state that there was indeed a betrayal from the ship. One of your own, I presume, left and joined up with ZAFT's 'Maverick Fleet'. Is this true?"
"Yes…" Nisha replied. "He did, in fact, leave the ship."
Sutherland could not help but smirk. "Then that shows the further distrust we have for your loyalties right now. If he would leave, then how can we be certain that you would not do the same?"
It was then that Heero spoke up. "Because I would not allow it."
Sutherland just brushed him off for the moment. "So, with that, I will now ask Heero Yuy some questions as well."
He then turned his gaze towards the only other pilot in the room. "Heero Yuy, I understand that you met up with the ship in Africa. Care to tell us what caused that to come about?"
"I will tell you nothing about my past."
"I see. I was not asking-"
"If you knew, I would have to kill you." Heero replied back, cutting off Sutherland's words. "It's not your place to know. Only the crew of the Archangel will be allowed to know the circumstances that forced me to join up with their ship."
Sutherland could feel his face growing hot, but he did not let it get to him. "I see. Well then, would you care to tell us where you got that machine of yours?"
"No. If you try to mess with Wing Zero, it will self-destruct and blow this place off the map." Heero replied, his tone cold and icy. "My machine's combat data is of no importance to you."
Murrue stared at the way Heero was handling himself. It was like he was willing to risk it all for the ship after what they had done for him. 'Wow, Heero. You tell him.'
Sutherland did not call Heero out on it. "So…if that is the case, then how did you manage to defeat several of NASA's machines? I heard that you attacked them to get some data of some kind. Is this true?"
"Yes, but the reasons why are of no importance to you." Heero replied in that cool tone of his. "But that does bring up an important question. Why design such an OS?"
This got Sutherland off-guard. "W-W-What?"
"With such a large coalition, one would assume that you could develop a working OS for Naturals, but you clearly demonstrated that you could not do so. That means you were planning something, or at least relying on something happening that would require such an OS to be used. NASA has a working OS for Naturals, and they are a smaller coalition than even the Earth Forces. So why is it that they were able to develop such an OS while you could not?" Heero asked.
Mu and the others stared at Heero, amazed that he had the guts to ask a high-ranking Earth Alliance official such questions.
"T-t-that is none of your business!" Sutherland replied, his face turning red with embarrassment at being caught, or at least being found out.
Heero just folded his arms. "And I told you the same thing."
Murrue whistled slightly as Mu just smirked. "Well, it would appear that you can't charge Heero with anything, as he is not an Earth Forces officer."
Sutherland just glared at Mu, who continued to smirk. "That may be true, but he is still on your ship. That means he has to follow the rules that were set!"
"No. I don't. I am more of a mercenary, but my machine and its data are off-limits to any and everyone that is not of the Archangel crew." Heero replied.
The officer in charge just grunted. "I see. Then you will be paid as such." Sutherland replied, though Heero could tell that he did not like him for the way he had acted. Too bad. He was not playing by his rules. Rather, the man had to play by his rules instead.
He smirked slightly before letting it fade. Still, something did not sit right with him, and his instincts as a Gundam pilot were often right. He just did not know the reason this time, as he had before.
Still, it was better to be cautious, he reasoned. And he was right…
The Cousteau
Zane, Yzak and Saya sat in the front row of the briefing room, along with a group of regular ZAFT pilots. Commander Le Creuset entered the room. All the pilots stood up and saluted. Creuset returned the salute. "At ease." he said.
The pilots all took their seats as Creuset walked in front of the group.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Operation Spitbreak." Rau said as the screen behind him displayed a map of the Operation. "Chairman Wu's plan to cripple the Earth Forces and hopefully, bring a quick end to the war, by attacking their last Mass Driver. Now the first wave will consist of a massive drop of mobile suits from space as well as large deployment of aquatic mobile suits. These units will disrupt their naval forces and coastal gun emplacements for the second wave."
"That is where we come in. The second wave will consist of an airborne attack from sub carriers as well the deployment of landers carrying BuCUEs and ZuOOTs and another mobile suit detachment from space. Our job will be aid in clearing paths for the ground mobile suits and ultimately, delivering the killing blow to the Panama base."
"Now, since Zane and Yzak are two most experienced pilots here, I'm dividing you all into two groups. One under Zane's command and the other under Yzak's. Miss Hawke, you will be Yzak's second. Stick next to him and follow his orders."
"Yes sir." Saya said.
Rau Le Creuset's Quarters
A Short While Later
"Azreal has come through for you." Zane said, pulling out the disk. "A clear route through JOSH-A's defenses and the access codes. I still don't see why you need to go."
Rau smiled and took the disk. "It's quite simple." he said. "To ensure that the Earth Forces' top brass, do not have a change of heart at the last minute. The Cyclops System must be activated. At the moment, most ZAFT soldiers don't particularly hate Naturals. But after JOSH-A, that will change. For both sides."
"And of course, the 11th Fleet will be right in center of that." Rau added.
"You convinced Wu to have them assigned to the Operation?" Zane asked.
"Yes. That was a difficult thing to do. He didn't want them to get too much glory for the Operation's success. But I convinced him to have the Fleet assigned to the first wave, so they suffer the most casualties possible. Including the possibility of Commander Kessel dying." Rau replied. "He was particularly pleased with that possibility. It seems Kessel hasn't stopped battling Wu in the Council. And Wu hopes that the death of Kessel's remaining child will destroy the man."
"If it wasn't for the fact that the Operation was going to fail, he'd be pleased that the 11th Fleet is going to be wiped out." Zane said.
"But that still leaves the 7th Fleet. Can you take care of them, Zane?"
"Yes sir…"
JOSH-A
A Half Hour Later
"This concludes our hearing. Thank you all for your patience in answering our questions. We'll be in touch with you concerning the Archangel's next assignment." Sutherland said, sitting up. "Expect for Commander La Flaga, Lieutenant Badgiruel and Crewman Allster. All other crew members will continue to stay on standby aboard the Archangel."
Mu asked the question that was on everyone's minds. "Sir. What about us?"
"Orders are to have you three transferred." Sutherland replied. "Report to the Personal Office at 0800 sharp."
"Sir. Why is Crewman Allster being transferred?" Natarle asked.
"You heard her words when she joined the military." Sutherland said. "Seeing how she's a member of the Allster family, I'm sure those words will touch the hearts of many people, as well as her motives for joining the military. Her contributions don't necessarily have to be on the frontline."
Carpentaria
Athrun placed Nicol's music sheets into his suitcase and then closed it. He walked out of the room, heading for his waiting craft. He stepped into the hallway. Yzak was waiting there for him.
Athrun smiled and nodded at his friend. "Don't worry. My turn will come." Yzak said. "Though how could they pick someone like you for the Special Forces?"
Athrun set down his suitcase and extended his uninjured hand. "Sorry about how things turn out. Thanks for your help."
The two shook hands. "Goodbye." Athrun said before heading down the hall.
"Next time, I'll be the one in charge. Don't get killed until then, okay?" Yzak said as he left.
Athrun turned his head back. "You got it Yzak."
The Archangel
Chris walked into the mess hall. Flay was there, eating her dinner. She looked up and smiled. "Hi. How was it?"
"Awful. The guy running the show was jackass. Kept blaming us for what happened. Especially, Nisha, Kira, and me."
"That's terrible. The three of you did everything you could to protect everyone. And that includes Heero as well." she said.
Chris sighed. "They don't care. All they see is that we're Coordinators and nothing else." he said. "There's something I need to tell you in private."
A few minutes later, they entered his quarters. "What is it?" Flay asked.
"You're being reassigned." Chris replied as he sat down on his bed.
"What? Why?"
"Sounds like they want to use you and what happened to you for propaganda." Chris said. "You're supposed to report to the Personal Office at eight tomorrow morning."
"That soon?"
"Yeah." he said with a sigh. "Tolle's dead, Kira's missing and now you're being reassigned. I honestly don't know what's going to happen next."
Suddenly, Flay's lips met his own. He returned the kiss, falling backwards onto the bed, Flay landing on top of him.
Air Force One
The U.S. presidential plane flew overhead, circling the city of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Inside, the president looked out the windows of her cabin, catching site of JOSH-A below in the distance.
"So, that is JOSH-A…" She murmured as her eyes rested on it. The military complex seemed to be eerily silent, which set off warnings in her mind. If a base was silent, then something big was going to happen, or the base was going to be destroyed. The first one was unlikely, but that disturbed her even more. If the base was going to be destroyed, then wouldn't the base commander have let her know about it? It was law that a base commander evacuated everyone if such a thing was going to happen, and yet there was no sign of anyone getting ready to leave or anything.
This only served to heighten her concern about the base's fate. From what she knew, the Archangel was at the base. But if they were at the base, then things would not be so silent, which was what made her worry about those stationed there.
Thinking back, President Hilson recalled that the base engineers had requested a lot of parts, which they had said were being used in construction underneath the base. And some of those parts had been explosives, no less.
Then, it clinched for her. If some of those parts had been explosives, then the base was going to be destroyed! The fact that the base commander had not let her know about this made her realize that he was either killed or forced to leave, but the former seemed more likely than the latter. And that made her concerned as only Blue Cosmos members would be able to get away with the killing of a base commander of such a high rank. If Blue Cosmos was behind the desire to wipe out the base, then she had a real problem on her hands, and it was not just the radical faction of ZAFT either…
Standing up, she left her cabin and headed into the cockpit area. Opening the door, the two pilots looked at her with astonishment on their faces. "Madam President! What are you doing here?!" the first pilot asked.
"We need to get to JOSH-A, as soon as possible. When's the soonest we can land?" she asked.
The second pilot looked at the gauges before speaking to his superior. "According to the tower, not for a few more hours. There are other planes that have priority over us, and even we have to obey the laws." She replied.
President Hilson let out a small growl, but did not call the two out on it. They were just doing their jobs she knew, so she did not say anything about it. "I see. Then let me know as soon as we get clearance to land. I need to get to that base as soon as possible."
"Yes, ma'am!" the two replied before she left.
Leaving the cockpit, the president slammed her fist into the cabin wall of the plane. "Damn them…" she growled as she looked out the window that was right there. Clouds drifted by, looking like puffy marshmallows in the sky.
Beneath the plane, the lights of Juneau and JOSH-A lit up the air, stars trapped on Earth and bound to the land below. Cars sped by, their headlights illuminating the roadways beneath the massive jet. President Hilson just wanted to land so she could get to JOSH-A and warn the soldiers stationed there.
But here she was, trapped in the air above the base, unable to land until given clearance. It frustrated her to no end, but there was very little she could do about it. All that she could do was wait until Air Force One was given clearance to land, and that would take hours in itself no less…
JOSH-A
Heero crept around that night, exploring the base to find out what was going on and what made him feel uneasy. Having stolen a mechanic's uniform, he was able to explore the base and get into areas otherwise off-limits. Recalling the layout that he had seen on the map in the pocket of the uniform, he made his way towards a sealed-off area.
Using a small lock-pick, Heero was able to open the door. He made his way inside and poked around before he came across a large open area, which held one thing he recognized all too clearly. 'This is a reactor! But what is it doing beneath the base?'
Creeping over to a small terminal, the Gundam pilot was able to hack into it, only to feel his blood turn to ice, which is not an easy thing to do to a Gundam pilot, mainly Heero.
"This is…" He had no words to describe it, only the feeling of hatred that now sat in his chest at the mere sight of the records he was now reading. How anyone could do such a thing was beyond him, but it also reminded him of the wars back in his own universe. "These people are just like OZ and the Romefeller Foundation…" he mused in a low growl.
Not wanting to get caught, Heero turned off the terminal and left the room, taking care to cover his tracks before he left completely.
Returning to the Archangel, he could only fall into a dreamless state, his mission far from over…
Chapter complete. Heero gets involved during the hearing at JOSH-A and finds the secret in the base that the EA wants to hide. President Hilson heads to JOSH-A to try and stop the Blue Cosmos heads there, but gets delayed big time.
Anyway, constructive criticism is appreciated, as are reviews. Flames, AKA, hate-filled/spamming reviews, will be reported and/or deleted depending on if they are signed or not. Please read and review! ^^
