Phase Twenty: Seen and Unseen

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: Thanks.

Ken Wise: You will see as the fic goes on. :3

CT7567Rules: Ok, I would like you to make it so your reviews are not one jumbled paragraph next time please. But I will answer to the best of my abilities. :) First, yes, I am glad Heero did too. Second, Saya is related, but I am not sure now. Sorry. :( Third, no, Chris will not do that since I have a different scene planned out. Fourth, yes, Zala is still head of the defense committee and as for the fleets defecting, they will as the story goes on. :) And yes... Meteor will be used. XD

gagasgumilang208: I have no clue. Sorry. :( But yes, Mu will use the Perfect Strike in this revamp. XD

A0930: Glad you like it! :D Yes, Aki's character development seems to be coming along well. :) As for the rest, it will be more of a surprise if I don't reveal anything else. XD

LazinessRules: Here it is. :)

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. If you do not have an account, the feel free to leave a review anyway. Just no outright hatred of the story please.

Anyway, please read and review!


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…


Clyne Residence

Aprilius City

"We've got a problem!" the infamous Mr. Pink announced excitedly, bouncing around in the backyard of the Clyne residence.

"Mr. Pink! Don't go there!" Lacus called out as the pink Haro entered the glass sunroom.

The Haro landed on the bed situated in the sunroom. Lacus followed after it and grabbed it from the bed before it could wake the boy up. However, the moment Haro landed beside him, there was a groan and the boy's eyes opened. Lacus noticed this and cheerfully said, "Oh. Good morning, Sleepy Head."

The brown haired boy, disoriented, blinked a few times before his eyes finally focused in the harsh lights of what he assumed to be the sun. "Where...Where am I..."

"There will be time for that later," she instantly replied.

His violet eyes locked with the pink haired girl beside him. "You're Miss Lacus..."

"Oh my. Just plain Lacus is fine, Kira. Okay?" the songstress said smiling. "I'm so pleased to hear that you remembered my name."

Haro hopped off of Lacus' hands and back onto the bed next to Kira. "No problem! No problem!" it chirped happily.

"So, has our sleeper awoken?" A raven haired man asked as he entered the sunroom from the garden.

Lacus glanced at the blind man who entered before responding. "Yes, Reverend Malchio."

"You must be surprised waking up here." Malchio said. "Miss Lacus was insistent that we bring your bed out here."

"Perhaps because it feels better to be outside than inside, don't you think?"

Kira glanced around at his surroundings noting how unfamiliar it is. "How did I get here?"

"I found you lying unconscious in my garden," Malchio answered. "You were injured and were in need of assistance. So I brought you here."

Suddenly, as if a dense fog in his mind had instantly cleared away, memories of what happened came flooding back to him: His vicious battle with Athrun, Athrun killing Tolle, the Aegis grabbing onto the Strike and self-destructing. The memories kept pouring back like being hit by a ton of bricks. Kira's breathing became labored as he started to sweat.

"What's wrong Kira?" a concerned Lacus asked as soon as she noticed this.

Despite all the horrible images, there was something Kira didn't understand. "But...Why...Why am I..."

"Because you possess the SEED." Malchio said. "That is why."

Kira shot up, clutching the blanket, gasping for air. "Kira!" Lacus said as she leaned over him, trying to see what was wrong.

"There's a problem!" Haro chirped.

Tears poured down Kira's face. He was in pain, physically, mentally and emotionally. Lacus reached out and held one of his hands to comfort him. "I...fought Athrun..." he said. "I...I couldn't have survived..."

"Kira..." Lacus said, trying to comfort the boy.


Aboard the Odin

"As you all know, we've been ordered to participate in Operation Spitbreak," Commander Diana Kessel announced to the gathered officers and pilots of the 11th Fleet. "Specifically, we've been ordered to be a part of the first attack group dropped from space, by Chairman Wu personally."

"Hmph. So Wu's putting us in the most dangerous part of the Operation," Basque Gideon said, punching his palm. "They won't stand a chance against us."

"That's true," Lisa DeCosta agreed. "But don't forget, we'll be fighting on Earth. Something we've never done before. If the 7th is involved however, then that could change."

"Gah...I hate Earth's gravity," Herbert Von Reinhardt complained.

"Oh shut up," Hilda retorted, punching her teammate in the shoulder.

"Enough," Diana said, silencing the group. "We won't be participating in the Operation, nor will the 7th."

Most of her gathered subordinates all stared at her as if she had grown a second head. They had never backed down from an assignment. "But why?" Lisa asked.

"Ajay has approached me with his increasing feelings of dread over this Operation. Also, the 7th has recently lost their commander and will need time to recover from the loss."

Those that had wondered why they weren't going had their questions all answered by that statement alone. Something bad was going to happen. Ajay's sixth sense about these things was never once wrong. If it wasn't for his feelings of dread at Endymion Crater, none of them would have escaped in time before the Cyclops System was activated. And to hear of the loss of Commander White was even more surprising, considering his reputation.

"We will report that we are having mechanical problems and will be unable to arrive in time for the battle," Diana stated. "And this will give us time to get in touch with the Junk Guild."

"You think they got a message from the Commander for us?" Ajay asked.

"Possibly. It's been awhile since we've received a message from him. Either way, the next couple of days will certainly be interesting."


7th Fleet

Commander Wolfe looked over the data that had been sent from the 'homeland', as the PLANTs were now being called. The new name made her skin crawl, as did the data.

"So, Wu wants us in that wave as well." She mused as she read over the report. "Well, he's not getting us."

She tossed the reports away, looking back at Tao, who was still upset over her father's loss. The new commander had not spoken much, nor given out many orders. The fact that they had tried to attack New Juneau had only been because she was grieving and was unable to process things clearly.

The rest of the crew was still upset as well, and an attack on Earth would have made things worse. They needed time to recover, not to go into battle so soon.

And Commander Wolfe knew it.


Aprilius City

An Hour Later

Kira sat in his bed, thinking about everything that had happened. He wondered about everyone else on the aboard Archangel. He knew Tolle was gone, but did everyone else make it out alive? Had they made it to Alaska? Or...well, he didn't want to think about that.

"It was inevitable, I guess," Kira spoke out as Lacus placed a cup of tea on the small table next to the bed. "Because he thought I killed his friend, he killed my friend. And that's why..."

"So you tried to kill Athrun with all your might and he tried to do the same to you," Lacus finished. "None of that could be help, now could it?"

Kira glanced at her. "Because that's war," she continued. "And you were both fighting against the enemy. Am I mistaken?"

No, she wasn't. And as much as Kira hated to admit it, he and Athrun had gone from best friends to mortal enemies all because of this stupid and meaningless war.


The Archangel

The Next Day

Flay opened her eyes. Siting on the side of the bed was Chris who putting a shirt on. She sat up pulling the blanket up to cover her naked body. "Good morning," she finally said. "What time is it?"

"Quarter to seven," he replied as he put the jacket of his uniform on.

"I have just over an hour then," she said lowly before moving to grab her scattered clothes.

"Yeah..." Chris said. "Before you go, there's something I want to give you."

"What?"

Chris reached underneath his collar and pulled out his grandfather's dog tags. "Here," he said handing them to her. "These belonged to my grandfather. He claimed that they protected him. I thought it was foolish before, but I've had bizarre luck ever since I first stepped into the Raven. And I want you to have it so that bizarre luck can protect you since I won't be able to anymore once you leave the ship."

She grabbed his keepsake, smiling just a little. "Thank you." Flay said putting the tags around her neck. "But I believe you should have one as well." She added as she took one of the tags off the strap that held them.

"Why?"

"This way we will never be truly apart. You will have a piece of me, just as I will have a piece of you." Flay replied as she put the remaining tag around her neck once again.

"Thanks." Chris replied with a smile.


ZAFT Fleet

In Earth Orbit

The ZAFT fleet was abuzz with activity. GINN Long Range Reconnaissance Types patrolled the area around the fleet watching for any possible threats. GINNs and CGUEs left their Nazca class and Laurasia class warships to board the drop pods tethered to the large dropships awaiting for their orders to launch into the Earth's atmosphere.

"Where the hell is Kessel and the 11th Fleet?" an annoyed Admiral Darlian yelled. "They're supposed to be in the first wave! It's the same with the 7th!"

"Message coming through, sir. It's from the 11th Fleet. Reads: Unable to arrive in time for the start of the Operation due to mechanical problems. Will join up with assault group when able to. Message from the 7th as well. Reads: Unable to join due to loss of commanding officer. Will join up with assault group once new commanding officer chosen."

Darlian slammed his fist into the armrest of his chair. "Hmph! It serves them right!" Darlian said in contempt of the 11th Fleet and its counterpart. "They always think that they're the best and that normal military hardware isn't good enough for them. They waste their time installing black market parts into perfectly good mobile suits and warships. But we'll show them. This Operation will succeed without their help."


Jachin Due Control Center

'It's time, time to cut off the beast's head.'

Hong Fa Wu stood up from his chair on the upper balcony of the control center. "As we embark on this operation, it is my strongest wish that bring the war to swift conclusion!" he said, his voice being transmitted to the ZAFT forces participating in the Operation. "Inspiring the hope in us all that this will lead to true freedom and justice, let Operation Spitbreak now commence!"

The officers a floor below him scrambled to relay the orders to the ZAFT forces on standby.

"Message from Central Command. The target for Operation Spitbreak is...JOSH-A, Alaska."

Momentary confusion flooded the ZAFT forces. Just about everyone thought they were going to attack Panama and take the last Mass Driver from the Earth Forces. Not attack their central headquarters. But this confusion quickly subsided and everyone resumed their duties.


Aboard the Cousteau

"JOSH-A?" Saya said sticking her head out of her DINN. "I thought we were attacking Panama."

"It appears that Panama was a feint to draw the Earth Forces away from JOSH-A," Zane said from the cockpit of his GINN. "A clever ploy."

"Yeah. I knew Chairman Wu was put in charge for a reason," Yzak said from the Duel.


The Odin

"JOSH-A?"

"Yes, Commander," Captain Lee said. "They just announced it. Spitbreak's true target wasn't Panama, but Alaska."

"It's a clever gamble," Diana said. "Draw the enemy's strength to where you're most likely to attack and then attack where they least expect it."

"Do you think it will work?"

"No," Diana said. "Ajay felt that something was wrong with the Operation and hence, there's no doubt in my mind that it will fail. The real question is, how badly will it fail?"

Kira, Lacus and Reverend Malchio sat in sunroom drinking tea as the rain poured down outside. Kira had asked if there was any way to get back to Earth. Which Lacus's father was checking on for him.

"It's impossible. Even if you use the Reverend's shuttle," Siegel Clyne said as he approached the group, "Flights to Earth just aren't being allowed."

BEEP BEEP

"There's a call coming in from Ms. Eileen Canaver and Mr. Ian Kessel," a voice said over the intercom.

The faces of a man and woman appeared on the screens within the glass. "Siegel, Wu has deceived us all," Kessel said. "Spitbreak's target wasn't Panama. It's JOSH-A."

"What?"

At that instant, Kira's eyes widened in shock as his cup fell from his hand and shattered. The Archangel was at JOSH-A. All of his friends were in danger.

"Kira!" Lacus said as she reached out to him.

"He's trying to take out the Alliance Command in one fell swoop," Ian informed.

"The Council is in an uproar. We've never approved anything like this," Eileen added. "He's overstepped his authority."

"What do you expect from a man like Wu? I told you all that a man like him shouldn't be in charge."

Kira didn't need to pay attention to the rest of the message. His friends were at Alaska and he needed to get back there before it was too late.


Submarine Pen

JOSH-A

"Just line up here. You'll have to show them your papers when you board," Mu said handing Flay her papers. "Got it?"

"Yes," Flay said.

"Good," Mu said walking away from the group.

"Wait. Where are you going?" she asked. She didn't want to get separated from familiar people.

"I forgot something." Mu casually replied as left.

The drop pods tethered to the dropships were deployed falling through the atmosphere towards JOSH-A. While ZnOs and GOOhNs were launched from underwater sub carriers and heading for the base. Early warning alarms went off in the abandoned control room of the JOSH-A base. A moment later, the alarms went off throughout the base, alerting the garrison there as well as the Archangel. The manned and automated defenses of JOSH-A had activated, preparing for the incoming attackers.

The battle of JOSH-A had begun.


The Archangel

Murrue and the bridge crew were all stunned when they heard the alarms go off. Suddenly, Captain Sutherland appeared on the main screen.

"Captain Sutherland! What's going on?" Murrue asked.

"They tricked us!" a stunned Sutherland replied. "At the last minute, they switched their target to JOSH-A. All Defense Forces are to launch immediately. Commence interception."

"Damn." John said as he, Chris, Heero, Liz, and Nisha rushed into the hanger. "Who would have thought they would be taking the gamble to attack JOSH-A?"

"This seems to happen just about every time we get a break," Nisha said as put his helmet on. "This ship must be cursed or something."

"Well, it's not the most conspicuous of ships," John replied, heading for his mobile suit. "And I think its reputation has made it a major target for ZAFT. Anyone wanting to make a name for themselves will be gunning for us out there. So be careful."

Nisha headed for the Z.A.M. Gundam while Chris and his sister headed towards the Buster and the Surge. Heero ran towards his own machine, and hopped inside as well.

"Hey! What's the status on the Buster and the Surge?" Liz called out.

"We've got them both up and running!" Murdoch called back.

"Then get the Buster ready for launch! I'm using it!"

"You heard her, guys! Get the Buster ready for launch!" Murdoch called out the crews.

"And I'll use the Surge, given that the Raven is damaged beyond repair." Chris replied as the Surge was loaded onto one of the catapults.

"The Farsight has been a good companion. I won't abandon him for another mobile suit," John replied.

"You know, I actually felt the same way about the Raven. I didn't think I could ever use another mobile suit. But given the circumstances, it looks like that may be happening soon."

The first catapult opened up. "Chris Dante. Surge Gundam, launching!"

The catapult activated propelling the Surge forward. Once it cleared the catapult, the Surge transformed into a Mobile Armor. The Buster was loaded onto the second catapult. "Liz Dante. Buster Gundam, launching!"

The Buster was launched from the Archangel. "Finally! I get to pilot one of these machines!" Liz said with a grin as she cleared the ship.

"This isn't a game." Chris said.

"I know. But I've wanted to pilot a mobile suit for long time now."

Chris shook his head. "Just get on."

"Right," Liz said as she landed on the Surge.

The Farsight launched and landed on the Archangel's hull. "This is going to be a tough one," John said.

"Stick close to the Archangel. And pray that we can hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive."

The Z.A.M. Gundam landed on the ship as well while Wing Zero took to the air and landed right on the battle zone.


Aboard the Cousteau

Rau Le Creuset glanced at his watch. It was almost time for them to launch. So far, the Operation had gone off without a hitch. Save one. The 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet had been delayed and wouldn't be arriving in time. Technically, it wasn't a danger to what was going to happen, but the Cyclops System could have removed a potential threat to his plans saving the trouble of dealing with them himself. "No matter. I'll have to deal them later," Rau said to himself.

"Zane, Yzak," he said over the radio.

"Sir!" the teens said.

"I'll be scouting out their inner defenses. I trust that you'll both be able to proceed as planned."

"Yes sir," the two replied.

"Good. It's time to launch."

The three vertical catapults opened. Rau's silver DINN launched followed by the Duel and the red GINN and their Guuls. DINNs and GINNs were soon launched afterwards.

"The curtain has risen," Rau said to himself. "And now it's time for the actors to show their talent."


New Juneau

Akira could not help but stare at the small screen before him. On the planet, there was a battle going on at JOSH-A. He could only stare as ZAFT began an attack that was considered very brutal by NASA standards: People being killed, ZAFT officers shooting them while they were exposed to attack, etc. It was horrible, but not as horrible as what was to come in the next few days.

He averted his gaze from the screen, not wanting to see any more of the conflict. The ZAFT pilot could hardly believe that ZAFT actually had the guts to attempt something like that.

"ZAFT is attacking JOSH-A I see." A voice said. Aki' turned his head, only to see the guard who was charged with watching over him. "That is a very bad mistake, considering that JOSH-A is the headquarters of the entire Earth Alliance armed forces."

"But, isn't the base a NASA base?" Aki' asked.

The guard glanced at Akira with a small smile on his face. "While that may be true, the Earth Forces are the ones who actually own the base, at least, they use it."

Aki' just looked down at his hands. "Then, why is ZAFT attacking it if they know it is a NASA base? Won't ZAFT get beaten back?"

"No. The Earth Forces demanded that NASA have none of their soldiers stationed there, and considering that NASA allows Coordinators into their own armed forces, it was a viable request, especially given that the EA hates Coordinators." The guard replied.

"…"

Akira was silent for a few minutes before he spoke up again. "So, that means that NASA can't defend the base under any circumstances, even though it is their base."

"Exactly. With no Mobile Suits there to reinforce the line, the EA will have to either retreat or call on NASA to help defend the base, but considering that the EA forced them from their own base, they might not be so inclined to help out."

That got Aki'. He looked at the guard with a surprised look. "Then why would they let the EA use their base?"

"To maintain good relations with the Earth Forces." The guard replied simply. "Given how they support both groups, this makes their situation especially difficult. If they support only one side, the other would be a devastating force to even them. So it is for survival that they support both sides in the war."

The Coordinator looked down again, unable to believe what he was hearing. "I heard that NASA only supported the Earth Forces and that they are ruled by royalty that takes ZAFT pilots as slaves."

A laugh from the guard caught his attention. "You actually believe that lie that the radical faction made up? You just got duped!"

"What do you mean?!"

"NASA is not ruled by royalty, and if they actually did enslave Coordinators, then why would the EA ask them to leave their own base?"

Now that Aki' thought about it, that wouldn't make sense if the alliance was ruled by royalty. "So, if NASA is not ruled by royalty that enslaves Coordinators, then what is it really like? Is it how I remember it?"

"And how do you remember it?" the guard asked.

"I…remember…an elected official…called the president…that ran the United States…in which the whole Congress was elected by the people as well…the Constitution that protects all rights for everyone, not just Naturals…" Aki' murmured as he closed his eyes.

"Then there you go. The governments of all the nations in the alliance are still as you remember, Akira." The guard replied.

Akira just put his head in his hands. "Then, why would Wu just make up a lie like that? And why would he try to attack a PLANT colony?"

The guard just sighed. "Even we don't know. That is what is so disturbing to us."

Aki' looked at him, cocking an eyebrow. "'We'? Just what do you mean?"

"I mean NAZAFT, or the No-Attack Zone on America Firma Terra. That is the full name, or as ZAFT calls it, the North American Zodiac Alliance for Freedom Treaty. We are the American armed forces space unit." The guard explained. "NAZAFT is made up of only Coordinators, just like ZAFT, but there are also Naturals in the unit as well, but they handle more the repair jobs while the Coordinators handle the mobile suit conflicts."

Akira could hardly believe what he was hearing, and he blinked in astonishment. "NAZAFT?"

"Yes. We are like ZAFT, but at the same time, we are far different from ZAFT. While ZAFT is a militia, NAZAFT follows the American armed forces structure, which includes the ranks. While ZAFT ranks officers based on coat color, here, we use actual ranks." The guard explained. "Someone who wears a white coat may be a lieutenant while someone who wears a blue coat may be a private or ensign. The rank is what matters in NAZAFT, not the uniform color."

Akira could only gape at the explanations. He had not expected NAZAFT to be so different from what he was told in the ZAFT academy. They were not an army unit that had only one rank for each uniform color. And it was made up of both Coordinators and Naturals to boot! He could only shake his head in amazement.

"It's just unbelievable what Wu told everyone one in the PLANTs, mainly the ZAFT members." He chuckled. "For a Coordinator, he is such an idiot."

The guard could not help but chuckle as well. "That he may be. That he may be…"


Juneau, Alaska

Air Force One landed with no problems the day prior, and now the president was en route to the base of JOSH-A. She looked out the window of the presidential limo, only to stop short when she saw the explosions. 'A battle? At JOSH-A?'

Glancing in that direction, President Hilson could now see smoke rising from the base's direction. "No…they can't have!" she exclaimed as she put her hands on the glass that protected her from the outside.

Facing the driver, she knew that her request would most likely be denied, but she still had to try.

"Take me to JOSH-A now! There is a battle there and I want to make sure that the soldiers there get out alive!" she ordered, but just like she had guessed, the driver merely shook his head no.

"I'm sorry, but I am under orders to keep you safe at all times, and that means heading away from the base. We cannot risk you getting injured or killed." He replied.

Flopping back onto her seat, the president folded her arms in a huff, but did not say anything more.

Deep down, she knew that it was for her own safety, but she still wanted to be involved as a person, not just as the President of the United States. It was frustrating, but there was little that she could do about it. Sighing, President Hilson looked back at the thick smoke rising from the base. 'Please…get out alive…'


7th Fleet, Constitution

Tao was observing the battle that was now getting underway. "The target was JOSH-A?!" she exclaimed as she stood up. Her head was still bandaged from the attack that had claimed her father's life, but she was still capable of leading the fleet from the ships.

"It would appear so." Aisha replied as she looked back at her commanding officer. "ZAFT Command fooled everyone, even the Earth Alliance."

A growl escaped the white-coat's throat. "Damn that Wu! He wants to take out all the Alliance leaders so he can get away with his plans!" Tao snarled as she slammed a fist against the chair arm.

"Tao's father getting killed was our saving factor." Heidi replied, a smirk on her face. Tao glared at her with her good eye before she ran over and punched her on the face. "DON'T speak about my father that way, EVER!" she snapped back.

Deep down though, she knew that Heidi was right. If her father hadn't been killed, they would be down there fighting as well. Not to mention they were two pilots short, so their strength would be compromised.

'Father…what should I do…?'

Looking back at the screen, Tao could see many people, all Naturals running for cover from the ZAFT machines. Many of the Naturals were unarmed and ZAFT was attacking them anyway. To her, the attack seemed to be brutal, but it was not as bad as it could be. Still, it was a sign that ZAFT was turning into a force that she wanted to have no part in.

"When should we leave…" she murmured so softly, no one else could hear it.

Her answer was not going to come any time soon, she knew, but she at least had to try to find it, because her father would have wanted her to…


Submarine Pen

Flay was waiting in line to board the sub when the alarms went off. They were under attack! Flay knew the sensible thing to do was to wait and board the sub. There wasn't anything else she could do. But…She was worried about Chris and everyone else on the Archangel.

So she did the only thing that made sense to her. She ran out of the sub pen and headed to where she had last seen Archangel.


Aprilius City

Lacus lead Kira through the corridors of a ZAFT installation. Kira wasn't exactly sure why they were here, but he figured that they were going to find a means to get him back down to Earth in time to save his friends on the Archangel. They approached a large pair of doors. In front of the doors was a pair of ZAFT technicians and that man in the purple ZAFT uniform that had called Siegel Clyne, Ian Kessel, if he remembered correctly.

"Hello, Mr. Kessel," Lacus said with a smile.

"Hello, Miss Clyne. And you were the pilot of the Strike, correct?" Mr. Kessel said.

"Yes."

"Before we go in, could you tell me what happened to the Surge and its pilot?"

"No. I'm sorry, I can't," Kira replied.

"I see." For the briefest of instances, the man seemed older and worn out like how he had acted before then had mostly been a mask.

But that moment passed and the man's appearance returned to what it was before. "Well then, let us give you your new sword."

The doors opened and Lacus entered the dark hanger with Kira close behind. It was pitch black inside. All Kira could see was Lacus and part of the catwalk they were floating over. Suddenly, the lights in the hanger came on. Standing before the teens was a...

"A Gundam!" Kira said as he stared at the mobile suit in awe.

"Actually, that's not what it's called. This is the ZGMF-X10A Freedom," Lacus stated. "But you know, Gundam is better because it sounds more powerful."

"Under orders from Chairman Wu, they designed a new mobile suit using the technology of the captured Earth Forces machines and then added state of the art technology," Lacus continued.

"But why are you giving me this?" Kira asked.

"I feel that this machine is going to have the power that you're going to need," she replied. "Neither will alone, nor strength alone, will be enough. That is why. Will this take to where you want to go? Will it help you when you get there?"

"Neither will alone, nor strength alone." Kira said, echoing her words.

He turned to her. "Who are you, really?"

"I am simply Lacus Clyne," the pink haired songstress told him, "and you are Kira Yamato."

"I'm grateful for your help." Kira said with a smile.

Kessel entered the hanger. "We've knocked out the cameras," he informed them as he approached the two, a red ZAFT flight suit and helmet in his hands.

"So what do you think of the Freedom?" he asked.

"I honestly don't know what to think." Kira answered.

"You must make sure that this machine doesn't get into the hands of the wrong people."

"Huh?"

It's equipped with a nuclear reactor and an N-Jammer Canceler. I don't think I need to tell you what could happen if it fell into the wrong hands," the man said.

"I understand. But why do you trust this with me?"

"For most of us, it's because you have the trust of Miss Clyne. For myself and others, this is an act of defiance against Hong Fa Wu and those that follow him. We wish for the war to end peacefully. Not with one side wiping the other out, which is where Hong Fa Wu's beliefs will lead ZAFT if nothing is done," Ian said. "You'll be going back to Earth and the war, while we will remain here and fight to bring peace in our own way."

"How?"

"Because of Miss Clyne's popularity, she's one of the most influential people in the PLANTs. And my family has strong ties with many leaders in the military," Ian said. "We'll be fine. Here, you better get suited up."

He handed Kira the flightsuit as Lacus turned away. A few minutes later, he was wearing the flightsuit and heading for the cockpit. "Are you sure about this?" Kira asked.

"Yes. I too will be singing the great song of peace," Lacus said, floating next to him.

"Be careful."

"I will. You take care too, Kira" Lacus said.

"My strength goes with you," she added kissing him on the cheek causing both of them to slightly blush.

"And now you should be on your way," Lacus said pushing off the Freedom and headed for the catwalk.

Kira climbed into the cockpit as Lacus and Ian left the hanger.

"Neither will alone nor strength alone," Kira said to himself as he powered up the Freedom.

The Freedom took off flying out of the hanger alerting ZAFT security in the process. The officers in the Dock Control Room frantically tried to stop the Freedom from escaping, but it was too late. Kira had already cleared the hanger and PLANT itself. But they weren't the only ones to try to stop Kira. A pair of GINNs on patrol moved into Kira's path and fired at him. Kira effortlessly dodged their fire and, in a blur of speed, sliced off the GINNs' heads with the Freedom's beam sabers. With the threat neutralized, Kira sped off towards Earth passing a shuttle heading for the PLANTs.


Athrun sat quietly in his seat on board the shuttle. There was barely anyone on the shuttle and those that were on board were mostly soldiers that had been too badly hurt to continue fighting in the war like the man a few rows ahead of him. The brown haired man had lost his left eye and his left arm and was forced to walk with a cane. Clearly, his days of fighting were over. He glanced out his window just in time to see a mobile suit he had never seen before fly passed the shuttle with tremendous speed heading for Earth. It looked similar to the machines built on Heliopolis, but unlike any of those mobile suits.

Neither Kira nor Athrun realized they had just encountered each other again.


Aprilius One

Patrick Zala looked out as the mobile suit fled the PLANT. Deep down, he knew that he would be in trouble for what he had allowed to happen by Hong Fa Wu, but considering that he was defense chairman, he would be able to get away with it.

He just hoped that his own son would be able to see through the lies that he had told him over the past year. If he wasn't, then it was all over for him, and for his son…


Beneath JOSH-A

NASA Armed Forces officers ran around, trying to seal up the doors to the hangers where the machines were held. The massive hydraulics whined as the huge slabs of metal clanged shut with a loud WHAM. Huge locks slammed into place, with only the President being capable of unlocking them.

It was the only way to keep their work a secret until the right time came. The Earth Alliance officials in charge of the base were unaware of the hangers under the base, but several had come looking in the past, making it much more imperative that they hide their newly completed weapons.

"Make sure that those doors are sealed tight! We can't have the Earth Forces come down here looking for nukes only to find our hard work and steal it!" a man shouted as others ran past him.

Several mechanics checked the massive slabs of metal, giving the thumbs-up. They were sealed. Good.

The man looked back, only to see the outline of the third machine being covered with a tarp on top of a flatbed truck. "We need to move the third out of here and to Air Force One so it can be transported back to Washington where repairs can continue."

A woman nodded before she ran over and gave out the order. The massive machine was covered completely before the tarp was strapped down.

Men and women, Natural and Coordinator, worked to seal the entrances that were to no longer be used unless the circumstances allowed it…


NASA Missile Silos

Engineers ran about, missile parts littering the floor of the silo. An old missile was torn open, the nuclear warhead exposed to the outside. Wires led from the warhead to a computer that was opened and online.

"Damn it! The N-Jammers still cancel out the fission process!" the head engineer snarled, slamming his hands down on the table before him. Sighing, he slumped down in his chair, head in hands. "No matter what we try to do, it seems that the N-Jammers can't be overcome!"

Another scientist looked over. "Well, we can't stop. You know what the Earth Alliance is dying to do to the PLANTs, and as soon as they get the chance, they will try and nuke the colonies again."

"I know that! It's just that, without the missiles, we can't even defend the PLANTs from such an attack! By dropping those things on the Earth, the PLANTs not only caused the energy crisis, they also prevented the only ones who can defend them from doing so! By disarming the Earth Alliance, they also disarmed US!" the engineer exclaimed. "That is why we need to overcome the N-Jammers!"

Another engineer looked up from the warhead that was still opened. "Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that we can outfit the missiles with the armor of our Traverses. The bad news; it will only buy us a few missiles."

"How many?" her superior asked.

"15 and then some." The engineer replied. "That's not enough if the EA tries to do it multiple times."

The head engineer looked down at the readouts before him. "So, it would appear that ZAFT did not want our help after all…"

-Flashback-

The escort fleet approached Junius Seven unnoticed by the rest of the PLANTs. The men inside grinned. It was almost time for the attack.

"Prepare to launch the missiles!" the captain declared, with glee present in his voice. "Time for those Space Monsters to pay for what they did to us!"

Everyone on the bridge cheered as they shouted that phrase that they all knew too well. "For the preservation of our blue and pure world!"

ZAFT ships and machines headed towards them, preparing to intercept the missile-armed Mobile Armors and ships. But it was not fast enough.

The Mobile Armors spread out, targeting all of the PLANTs in Junius City. The three ships armed with missiles also targeted three PLANTs, but of December City instead. The missile hatches opened, but on the missile noses was the symbol that marked a nuclear missile.

"Those are NUKES!" A ZAFT pilot shouted. "They are going to nuke Junius City!"

Reacting with alarm, the ZAFT machines and ships prepared to fire, but before they could, something else happened.

On the ground below the PLANTs, data transmitted from New Juneau revealed the attempted attack. President Hilson looked over the data reports, her face showing a frown. "They are attacking Junius City?"

Her advisor for the Defense Department, Defense Secretary John Keller, looked at her. "Yes, they are. Blue Cosmos is armed with nuclear missiles, which, with the right accuracy, can decimate an entire colony…"

The president mulled over his words, considering the options that were placed before her. 'If we attack with NAZAFT forces, they will be too late in launching. The colony is too far from Junius City. However, if we use them, then there is a chance of success, as they were once used as a deterrent during the Cold War, and they can be deployed at a moment's notice. New Juneau can't defend the PLANTs in such a manner.'

"Prepare to launch one."

The words stunned Keller. "WHAT?! You want to use one of those?!"

"Listen, we need to move to defend the PLANTs, and New Juneau is too far from Junius City! They would never make it in time! Those things are our only advantage over the Earth Forces! If we show that we are willing to use such things, then the Earth Forces would have to back off!" President Hilson snarled back.

Keller stood his ground, but then relented. "Very well."

In the desert, the orders were received. Underground, steam hissed as a missile rose from its silo where it had been stored for over three hundred years. Old hydraulics moved the holding system upwards as the rust-covered hatch retreated. Sunlight shone down into the old silo for the first time in three centuries. The titan of metal and machinery rose upwards, the sunlight reflecting off the metal skin, now covered in dust and rust patches. The controller stood at the ready as three hundred year-old computers targeted the location of the Blue Cosmos fleet.

Sirens blared as the controllers reached over and proceeded to hit the buttons that were now exposed to the open air. In a roar of fire, the missile sped out of its silo, heading up towards space. The rust fell off as the dust flickered away. The tower of smoke that was getting bigger was the only sign a missile had been launched.

Up in space, the Blue Cosmos fleet was commencing the final preparations to attack when the alarm blared. Five Mobile Armors were around the three ships armed with missiles, the Armors themselves armed with the same missiles. The radar controller looked at his screen, unable to register the readout coming in from behind and below. He looked to his superior officer, his mouth opening to speak. That was as far as he got before an intense flash was registered on ZAFT sensors. Heat radiated outwards as the three ships and five Mobile Armors were engulfed in an expanding orb of light.

ZAFT officers could hardly believe what they had just seen. Three ships and five Mobile Armors had just…vanished in a flash of light! The readings were unnoticed though, which proved to be NASA's greatest saving move.

Still, it did little to prevent the Junius Seven attack…

In the days that followed, NASA released a statement saying that New Juneau caught wind of an engine malfunction on one of the ships, which caused them and the Mobile Armors to be wiped out in an explosion.

The PLANTs never knew what really happened…

-End Flashback-

"It was because of these things that Junius City was spared a full wipe-out." The head engineer murmured as he placed a hand on the warhead. "And how to the PLANTs repay us? They repay us by dropping the N-Jammers, which render us and them defenseless in terms of heavy firepower."

Everyone there knew what he meant. "That is why we are working on this project. Of course, I highly doubt we can overcome the N-Jammers unless there is a way to block them."

A scientist looked over the readings of the missile's warhead. "Well, there're no reactions in this one, even when we try to induce them on purpose, that's for sure."

The head engineer sighed. "Looks like we still have a big job ahead of us."

Everyone nodded. Still, they had to try; otherwise, the PLANTs had no effective defense against the Earth Alliance.


Chapter is complete. The battle for JOSH-A begins, and NASA tries to overcome the N-Jammers to defend the PLANTs. Flay leaves the sub pen to find the Archangel, and President Hilson makes her way to the base.

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