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. Nor do I own Martin Nightengale, as he is Meteorthunder3's OC. I only own Akira, Tao, Nisha, NASA/NAZAFT, the 7th Fleet, the Wing, Z.A.M., and Diver Gundams.

CT7567Rules: You will like what the Blue Cosmos/LOGOs members suffer in the second arc. ;)

Titanic X: Glad you like it. :)

A0930: Actually, there is a twist regarding the Mendel reveals~! ;3 As for the joke, I did it because it was just too good to pass up. XD And don't worry, everything will become clear as you continue to read. :3

Mko: PLEASE use a consistent guest name! Geez... But I am glad you still like it. But I want to know WHAT you love about it, not just that you like it, even though I like hearing that as well.

Note to all readers: I am going to ask those with an account to sign in to leave a review in order to know who is leaving it, or at least 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 are a guest without an account, PLEASE put a CONSISTENT guest name. Thanks!


Phase Twenty-Eight: Lacus Strikes

The Archangel's Hanger

Athrun finished suiting up as his shuttle was being prepped for launch. It was small, single seat craft. With it, he would reach the PLANTs in a couple hours. Kira, Chris, Saul, Nicol, Nisha, Heero, Aki', Liz, and Dearka were there to see him off. "If anything happens to me, I want one of you guys to pilot the Justice." he said.

"No way. You're the only one for that mobile suit." Dearka replied.

"Yeah. I don't want use any other machine besides my Surge." Saul added.

Athrun turned to Nicol, who shook his head. "Sorry. But the Justice just isn't for me."

Looking at Aki', the NAZAFT pilot shook his head. "No. If I do, then I will be considered a ZAFT pilot, and that would mean capture and execution."

Heero just glared at Athrun. "If you think I am going to switch from Wing Zero, I will kill you."

Nisha just shook his head. "Sorry, but I can't pilot such a machine. You might, but I won't."

Liz just shrugged. "Sorry. But I've got the Dynames, which is more of my thing anyway."

Finally, Athrun turned to Chris. "No. I'm not piloting a nuclear powered mobile suit." he said. "You and Kira can pilot those things, but I'm never gonna pilot one of those machines or any like it. Besides, I've got the Exia, which is not nuclear powered."

"Wait a minute!" someone called out.

Cagalli appeared, virtually tackling Athrun. "Why are you doing this? Why are you going back to the PLANTs?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier." Athrun answered.

"Sorry doesn't cut! What will happen if you don't return without that?" she shouted, pointing to the Justice.

"I'm leaving the Justice here. It's better this way." He explained. "Should worst comes to worst, Kira will take care of it."

"That isn't what I'm talking about!"

Athrun sighed. "I know, but I still have to do this."

Kira then came over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Cagalli, you know why he has to go."

Defeated, she nodded and stepped back.

A short while later, the shuttle took off and sped away. A minute after, the Freedom and Wing Zero followed as escort. Whenever everything was done, the plan was to rendezvous with Athrun and all three would return to the Archangel. All hands on board both ships nervously watched as the machines disappeared out of sight.


Hong Fa Wu's Office

Aprilius One

Hong Fa Wu sat inside his office and watched footage of the Earth Alliance's battle with ORB. Le Creuset had managed to record a portion of the battle as he returned to Carpentaria before returning to space.

The loss of Victoria had been a heavy blow. Though Thule had managed to save a portion of their forces stationed there, the loss of the Mass Driver to the Earth Forces was grave turn of events. Just when they had turned things in their favor again, those damn Naturals attacked Victoria. And with those accursed new mobile suits of theirs, the PLANTs were once again in danger.

As he continued watching, Wu spoke with the Captain of their new warship, the Eternal. "Yes, that's right." He said. "Le Creuset returned less than an hour ago and had this information with him. I don't how or why the Freedom ended up at ORB. Athrun may know, but the little fool hasn't reported in yet."

"You did say that his mission was top secret." the man replied. "Needless communications is but one way information can be picked and leaked."

Wu shuddered. Leaked information had become the cause of many of his recent headaches. "The overconfident Naturals have been gathering at the moon. We need to crush them this time, completely." he said, changing the direction of the conversation.

"I understand. I shall give every effort to repay Your Excellency for giving me another chance at life."


Aboard the Vesalius

Armory One

"Well Miss, I think I found the reason you've been getting sick in mornings." the doctor said. "I believe congratulations are in order."

Flay's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't mean..."

"Yes. You're going to be a mother."

Flay felt an overwhelming tide of emotions as her subconsciously reached for her abdomen. She was going to have a baby. She felt joy. Worry. Fear even. But mostly joy.

But then dread entered her mind. Had she found out a few weeks ago, she would have known instantly that Chris was the father. But after Panama…After Panama, she was Le Creuset's assistant by day and at night... She barely managed to suppress a shudder. She had heard some of rumors going around about her. But they were much farther than she had imagined. She was not his lover, nor had he made her his lover.

While she was overjoyed at the thought of having Chris's child, the realization struck home. She was having Chris's child! Joy spread through her, but she also knew that she was still in danger. For now, all that mattered was ensuring the safety of her unborn child and trying to find a way back to Archangel.


The Vesalius's Hanger

Yzak wondered through the hanger as the crews worked on the new mobile suits that had been loaded onto the Vesalius. He walked pass his Duel and Zane's new mobile suit. Next to them was a second new mobile suit, identical to Zane's save that it was currently in the process of being painted purple, and a CGUE DEEP Arms. Shiho Hahnenfuss's CGUE DEEP Arms. Yzak was familiar with Shiho and had met her a few times. She was a skilled pilot.

Yzak stopped at the third new mobile suit. It was painted in the colors of a CGUE and a technician was working on it. "Is this the new model GuAIZ?" he asked.

"Yes, it's a new mass production type from MMI." the technician replied. "The assembly lines are all retooling for this guy. Once we get them rolling out, we'll stamp the Naturals out of space in no time."

Yzak doubted that. The new Earth Forces machines, while inferior to his Duel, were more powerful than the rest of ZAFT's arsenal. And the Earth Forces could field a lot of those mobile suits. But then again, the GuAIZs had no doubt been made with the technology gained from the mobile suits from Heliopolis. If NASA was put into the picture as well though, then things changed, as they had even more advanced tech than the PLANTs. He took another look at the machine and shrugged before walking off.


Outside Jachin Due

An Hour Later

Athrun's shuttle reached the defensive perimeter surrounding the space fortress of Jachin Due. He, Heero, and Kira had already parted ways and Kira now waited at the rendezvous point with Heero. A group of GINNs moved in to intercept his craft. He switched to a ZAFT communication channel. "This is operative Athrun Zala of the National Defense Committee." He said. "My identification number is 285002. Jachin Due Defense Forces, please respond."

The squad of GINNs slowed but didn't stop. They quickly surrounded the shuttle, ready to destroy it if he did anything remotely suspicious.

'So far so good.' Athrun thought. 'I hope I haven't made a big mistake in coming here.'


Patrick Zala's Office

Patrick Zala looked over the data of what he planned to be Wu's ultimate weapon in the war against the Naturals, the appropriately named GENESIS. For it would be the genesis of the Age of the Coordinator according to Hong Fa Wu. It was already in the final phase of its construction and would be operational shortly thereafter. That bothered him greatly. His intercom buzzed and he pressed the receiver. "Yes, what is it?"

"Operative Athrun Zala has arrived at Jachin Due, sir. He was piloting an Earth Forces shuttle."

This was a shock for Patrick. At very least, Athrun should be in the Justice. Not an Earth Forces shuttle. Something had happened. Something he knew Wu wasn't going to like.

"Given the circumstances, he's being detained at this moment." the officer added.

"Bring him here at once." Patrick ordered before turning off the intercom. He had many questions for Athrun, and not the ones Wu wanted him to think or even ask.

A short while later Athrun was escorted into his father's office, flanked by two guards. Once they arrived, the guards saluted the Defense Chairman.

Patrick said nothing at first. He sighed and stood up. "Guards, leave us."

Once the guards left, Patrick looked at his son and continued. "What's happened? Where are the Justice and the Freedom?"

"I know where they are both are. They are intact and safe." Athrun answered. "But I need to ask you something father. What direction are you and Supreme Chairman Wu planning to take this war?"

"What?" Patrick demanded. "What sort of absurd question is that? What about your mission? That's what you need to report on!"

"The reason I've returned is because I needed to speak with you directly." Athrun said. "I'm talking about what happened at Alaska, Panama, and Victoria. You attack because you're attacked and then you're attacked again because you attacked. All the while, war and suffering continues. How much longer will this drag on? How many more will have to die?"

"Where did you get such ideas?" Patrick asked. "If you got them because of your experiences, then that's what I had hoped would happen. If it was Clyne, then I am-"

He was cut off as the door slid open to reveal Chairman Wu. "Ah. I see that your son has returned to us. So did he succeed in his mission?"

Athrun stared as his father stood up, a hard look in his eyes. "Look Wu, I only am going along with this because of my son's safety! I did not want to wipe out all Naturals!"

Shock filled Athrun as his father said those words. Wu then turned on Patrick and smacked him across the face. The other man fell to the ground. "Look! What happened during the Bloody Valentine needs to be avenged! MY WIFE WAS KILLED AT JUNIUS SEVEN!"

"But how far are you willing to go?" Patrick asked. "I know how you feel, because my wife died there as well, but at least I'm not willing to kill every person on Earth!"

"Once every last Natural is dead, that is when this war comes to an end."

Athrun was stunned to say the least. "What did you say? Do you really mean that you plan on killing all the Naturals?"

"Of course!" Hong Fa Wu yelled as he grabbed Athrun by the collar. "That's been our goal from the start! Now where are the Justice and the Freedom?!"

"Unhand my son!" Patrick yelled as he stood up again from his spot on the ground.

"Chairman, do you really mean what you just said about killing all the Naturals?"

"That's the whole point of this war! That's why we're fighting this war! Have you forgotten that?" Hong Fa Wu shouted, throwing him to the ground.

The next moment, Chairman Wu pulled out his sidearm and aimed at Athrun. "You're pathetic! Stop giving me that garbage and answer me! Where are the Freedom and the Justice?"

Athrun glared at him but didn't answer. "If you refuse to answer, I'll have you arrested as a traitor!"

But Athrun still didn't answer. His father's comrade reached for his intercom and called in a group of military police. They surrounded him and aimed their rifles at him and his father. This whole thing had been a big mistake. He never should have come back. Chairman Wu was locked into his path. Nothing he could say would change that. Suddenly, Lord Uzumi's words echoed through his mind.

"The Earth Forces' present actions are being guided by the leader of Blue Cosmos, Muruta Azrael. To make matters worse, the PLANTs are led by someone who believes Coordinators are a new species, for Hong Fa Wu rules them now. The way things are developing, the world will soon be trapped between two forces who refuse to accept each other's' existence."

As much as he hated to admit it, Chairman Wu was one of people driving this war on. He got to his feet. What he did next surprised everyone, himself included. Athrun lunged at the chairman. A shot rang out. Athrun fell to the ground, the bullet having grazed his right shoulder.

"Don't kill him. There is still information we need from him." Wu ordered. "Arrest him and use whatever techniques necessary to pry information on the Freedom and the Justice out of him. I'm very disappointed, Athrun. As for your father, I will see to him personally later on."

The soldiers pulled Athrun up and slapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists. Another group did the same with his father. "As am I…Chairman." He spat.


The guards dragged Athrun outside the government building, where a van was waiting. But he wasn't about to let them lock him up. He kicked one of the guards and tackled the other before running off. Patrick Zala also kicked a guard to the ground before turning to face another. To Athrun's surprise, one of guards followed, firing at the other soldiers and throwing flash-bangs. The pair rounded a corner of the building. "Turn your back to me so I can shoot the handcuffs." the soldier ordered.

Athrun complied and his handcuffs were removed. "You're being too reckless." the soldier said, handing him a pistol. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? You even got one of my guys."

"Sorry about that. But who are you?" Athrun asked.

"I'm with what they're calling the Clyne Faction, as is your father. He was basically a mole for us." the soldier replied. "And you need to be more careful. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Sorry."

At that moment, the second soldier he had hit appeared, firing his rifle. "Come on DeCosta! We need to get out of here!"

DeCosta nodded and turned to Athrun. "Come on!"

The three ran out, Athrun's father right behind them.


New Juneau

Tao and her crew looked themselves over as they finished up putting on their new uniforms. Tao's was black like a ZAFT black coat's, but instead of the purple areas, the lower sleeves were blue just like the shoulder area. The line was blue as well. She had the white belt and white boots like Akira had, but she had a commander's hat that had on it the United States armed forces insignia.

Heidi wore the blue coat uniform, and it was just like Akira's, complete with male pants too.

Commander Wolfe wore the same black outfit as Tao, but instead of the same parts being blue, said parts were red.

Josh Ajaxy had on the same outfit as Heidi, marking him as a pilot of NAZAFT as well.

"Now you all are NAZAFT officers." The commander of NAZAFT replied as the four looked at her. "From here on out, you will be fighting not for ZAFT or their superior being ideology, but your own beliefs."

Tao knew what she meant. "You also mean fighting for the ideals of the United States, that ALL people are created equal, whether they are Naturals or Coordinators."

Her superior officer nodded. "That is correct. No one race is better than others. And Wu fails to see that. Now, I believe that the 11th Fleet will be needing some help. You had best get out there and help out the Clyne Faction."

The four saluted with the United States military salute. "Yes, ma'am!"


The Eternal

Inside a ZAFT Hanger

Commander Andrew Waltfeld glanced at his pocketwatch and smiled. DeCosta should have recovered the kid and Zala by now and be heading to meet up with them. Now it was time for phase two of their plan. Andy picked up the phone in his chair's arm, switching to the ship's intercom. "This is Commander Waltfeld. The ship is now entering its final preparations. I repeat…The ship is entering its final preparations."

All across the ship, the Clyne supporters amongst the ship's crew quickly gathered up those that weren't and kicked them out as others rushed to bring the Eternal's systems online.

Moments later, Lacus Clyne entered the bridge. "Sorry I'm late." she said as she sat in the command chair.

"No worries. As long as you're safe." Andy replied. "Shall we be heading out now?"

Lacus nodded. "Yes."

"Loading departure plan C, forced exit subroutine one nine two zero online."

"Adding logic array, security is disengaged. All systems go."

Suddenly, the frantic calls dockmaster filled the bridge. "Commander Waltfeld! What's going on? You don't have clearance to launch!"

"Sir. They changed the codes to the main gate."

"Those people are so clever." Waltfeld said mockingly. "They should've left it as it was."

He turned to Lacus. "Our exit is gonna be a bit rougher now. So brace yourself."

"We have no other choice, since we must go." Lacus replied.

"Prepare to fire the main cannon! Target the main gate!" Andy ordered. "Fire immediately after take-off!"

"Eternal, please launch." Lacus said.

The Eternal's engines fired up, propelling the ship forward. Moments later, the Eternal's main cannon fired, destroying the gate and providing them with a way out.

"Where's DeCosta?"

At that very moment, a four-man shuttle raced through hanger, heading for the Eternal. "Commander we're here." Martin said as he pulled the shuttle alongside the Eternal.

"DeCosta, move to the rear hatch." Andy ordered. "Once they're on board, get the ship up to maximum speed!"

Once the shuttle safely landed on board, the Eternal reached its maximum speed, outrunning all of their pursers. But there was one last hurdle before they could consider their escape successful. Jachin Due and its defense forces which would be waiting for them.


7th Fleet

Near Jachin Due

The 7th Fleet was now around Jachin Due, disguised as ZAFT vessels.

"This is not going to be easy." Tao said as she looked over the amount of ZAFT forces. "We may be in over our heads."

Josh just shrugged. "Hey, if we are, we are. There's nothing that we can actually do about it except follow orders."

"Hey! Following orders nearly got us disbanded more than once!" Tao shot back. Her now-scarred right eye was visible. The side of her head near her eye was scar tissue, and part of her hair that was burned off now fell over that eye, hiding the damage from a distance.

Commander Wolfe just sighed. "He's right, you know. That incident with Panama nearly got us branded as traitors."

Tao just glared back at her. "Hey, you didn't have to follow the orders, you know!"

"True, but why did you give those orders anyway?"

"Killing countless people, even if they are of the enemy, is wrong! And they were defenseless no less! How can ZAFT do such a low-brow thing, when they are supposed to be the superior group of humans?!" Tao snarled.

Commander Wolfe was shocked as her eyes widened in surprise. "But ZAFT should have known about the results of JOSH-A being prevented! That would have stopped the whole thing from even occurring! And yet did they tell the soldiers out in the field?! NO! The Supreme Council outright lied and said that JOSH-A had killed over seventy percent of their men and women in uniform!" Tao snapped.

"Yes, but-"

"NO! ZAFT could care less about harming Naturals who are only fighting to defend their homes! I was just doing what I knew should be done!" Tao growled.

"Then why did you do it?!" Commander Wolfe snarled back, her voice rising.

"Because I am an American citizen first and foremost!" Tao shouted back. "I could care less about ZAFT and its policies of genetic superiority! My HOME was what drove me to make those orders! My NATION where I was BORN, the UNITED STATES! NOT the PLANTs!"

Commander Wolfe stared, unable to find anything to say.

"Wow…" Josh whispered.

"My loyalties lie with the United States and NASA, not the Coordinator 'homeland'." Tao murmured as she looked down. "If you don't like it, then you can return to ZAFT and have me branded as a traitor if you want."

"…"

"No."

Tao looked up, stunned. "What?"

"You heard me." Commander Wolfe said as she faced her superior. "I won't do that."

"Yeah, we're with you. NASA is my home as well, and my loyalties to them are much more so than even the PLANTs expect." Josh replied.

"ZAFT can go to hell for all I care. Anyone who wants to kill Naturals for the fun of it needs to suffer the way those soldiers did." Heidi replied, also looking at the new NAZAFT commander.

Tears shimmered in her eyes as Tao looked over her crew. "Thanks…" The message center then bleeped and Aisha, in her new white coat uniform, brought it up.

"The Eternal is sending out a message. I'm putting it through."

"Hello. My name is Lacus Clyne. Although I have become enemies with Chairman Wu because we hope for different futures, I do not intend to fight against you. Please let our ship go. And I also ask each one of you to think about what we really should be fighting against."

Tao looked at her crew, knowing what they had to do.

"Prep the mobile suits for launch! We are going to defend the Eternal!"

"Yes, ma'am!"


The Odin

Near Jachin Due

"Commander, orders from HQ." the comm officer said. "The Eternal has been stolen from Armory One. Chairman Wu is ordering that all available ZAFT forces to intercept and destroy the Eternal."

Diana Kessel nodded. "Bring the ship to Level One Battlestations! Get the GuAIZs ready for launch! Bring the fleet into position to flank the as the Jachin Due defense forces move into intercept!"

"Commander! The Eternal is sending out a message to all ZAFT forces!"

"Let's hear it."

"Hello. My name is Lacus Clyne. Although I have become enemies with Chairman Wu because we hope for different futures, I do not intend to fight against you. Please let our ship go. And I also ask each one of you to think about what we really should be fighting against."

"You're orders sir?" a bridge officer asked.

This was wrong. What they were doing was wrong. The ZAFT she had once known was slipping away more and more each day. It had to stop. "Prep my mobile suit for launch." Diana ordered. "I will not follow Wu's orders any longer. But I will not force the rest of you into betraying ZAFT. All I ask is that you give me a head start."

No one on the bridge moved.

"No ma'am." Lucius replied. "I speak for everyone when I say we'll not follow your order."

"Then arrest me." she said. "I will not fire on that ship or follow that man's orders."

"We're not going to arrest you either."

"But-"

"Ma'am, again I speak for everyone when I say, to hell with our orders and to hell with Hong Fa Wu."

For the briefest of moments, her normally cold demeanor dropped as a slight smile spread across her lips. "Thank you." she whispered under her breath.

Then the smile dropped. "What are you waiting for then? Bring the Fleet closer to the Eternal! Scramble all mobile suits! We're protecting the Eternal!" she ordered. "I don't want a single mobile suit to get within striking distance of that ship! And do not fire until I give signal! Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am!" came the chorus of replies as the bridge crushed rushed to carry out her orders.

"Will you still be going out as well, ma'am?"

"Of course. You have the bridge Lee."

Minutes later, all of the mobile suits of the 11th Fleet were launched and joined by the 7th Fleet machines as well, heading for the Eternal. The ZAFT forces heading for the Eternal let out a cheer. "Those traitors are done for now!" one GINN pilot shouted.

"Yeah! There's no way they can escape the 11th Fleet!" another said.

"The 7th is there as well! There is no way that they can escape both fleets for long!" a third GINN pilot added.

"Damn. The 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet." Andy said. "This isn't going to be easy."

"We're being hailing by the 11th Fleet and the 7th." DeCosta said.

"Put it through. Let's hope that Miss Kessel and Miss White will listen."

The cockpits of Diana's GuAIZ and Tao's Diver appeared on the main screen.

"Eternal. This is Commander Diana Kessel of the 11th Autonomous Mobile Fleet." Diana said. "We have been ordered to destroy you. However, we can no longer willing follow Hong Fa Wu's orders. The entire 11th Autonomous Mobile Fleet is at your disposal, Miss Clyne, Commander Waltfeld."

"Eternal, this is Commander Tao White of the 7th Independent Mobile Fleet." Tao said. "Now it might seem like we are still with ZAFT, but we have in fact defected to the side of NAZAFT. In other words, we are now with the United States Armed Forces. We are no longer willing to follow Hong Fa Wu or the path ZAFT is headed down. Therefore, we are placing ourselves at your disposal."

The rest of the ZAFT forces and most of the Eternal's crew were stunned by this announcement. Both Andy and Lacus smiled. "It looks like we may just make it after all." Andy said as the colored GuAIZs and GINNs formed a defensive ring around the Eternal.

"ZAFT forces, withdraw now and you will escape with your lives." Diana said to all the advancing ZAFT mobile suits. "If not, we will slaughter you all."

"ZAFT forces, you are to withdraw at once, or we will destroy you!" Tao snarled as she aimed one of her machines weapons at the ZAFT forces.

The ZAFT forces were in a state of panic and disarray. ZAFT's own propaganda worked against them in this case. They made the 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet out to be dreaded, unbeatable fighting forces within their military. Added to this were the recent events at Panama, where the 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet had attacked their fellow soldiers in the defense of the Naturals, left no doubt in their minds that they weren't bluffing. As a result of this, many ZAFT soldiers started fleeing the battlefield in fear, rather than face the unbeatable 11th Fleet and Maverick 7th Fleet in battle. But many more stayed, forcing the 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet to battle their, now former, comrades in arms.

"Damn you, Hong Fa Wu, for forcing us to do this." Diana said. "All forces, engage the ZAFT forces. Try to avoid the cockpit if you can. But do not let them near the Eternal!"

"Hong Fa Wu, you bastard! You will pay for your actions!" Tao snarled. "All units! Engage the ZAFT forces! Do not hesitate to kill if you can! Do not let them near the Eternal! And let them feel the fury of NASA!"

The 11th Fleet snapped into action, attacking the ZAFT forces like men and women possessed. The Odin and its sister ships fired their cannons as did the Eternal. The 7th also joined in, firing as well. Many GINNs lost heads and limbs to the GuAIZs and GINNs of the 11th Fleet and 7th Fleets. Sadly, many more were destroyed. But even then, there were too many mobile suits for the 11th Fleet and the 7th Fleet to hold back. GINNs armed with missile launchers flew past the GuAIZs and GINNs, heading for the Eternal. "Stop them!" Diana shouted as she blew a GINN's head off.

But it was too late. A barrage of missiles was fired. All of them were heading for the Eternal. The Eternal fired its anti-missile countermeasures, but there were too many for them to stop. And a number of the missiles continued for the vessel.

At that moment, perfectly aimed beams tore through the missile, destroying every missile. Everyone turned to the source of the beams.

It was the Freedom.

Of course, there were still others heading towards the Eternal. Even the Freedom was unable to block and destroy those. The ship seemed to be doomed once again.

Then, a massive golden beam cut across the path of the missiles. The heat forced the missiles to explode against the beam, rendering the assault useless. Every machine and pilot faced the source, Wing Zero.

With the missiles destroyed, Kira turned his attention to the ZAFT forces. He fired. His perfectly aimed shots tore through the weapons, limbs and heads of ZAFT mobile suits. Leaving only the mobile suits of the 11th Fleet and 7th Fleet untouched. "Whoa...That was amazing..." Ajay said as he surveyed the area.

"Indeed." Lucius agreed. "I've never seen such power."

"Wing Zero…" Heidi murmured.

"What a machine." Josh agreed.

"Only that machine could pull off that move." Tao replied with a smirk.

"Cut the chatter." Diana ordered. "The Eternal is safe. Everyone, return to the ships."

The GuAIZs all returned to the Odin and its sister ships. The GINNs and Diver returned to their ships as well. The Freedom and Wing Zero pulled alongside the Eternal as the Nazca-class warships and Laurasia-class warships tailed the pink vessel.

Kira opened a comm channel to the Eternal. "Kira Yamato here." he said as his face appeared on the Eternal's main screen.

Lacus smiled. "Kira."

Heero also opened a channel to the pink ship, revealing himself as well. "Heero Yuy in Wing Zero."

"Hey there youngsters. You saved us." Andy said with a grin of his own.

The sight of a former adversary, who they had thought was dead, was beyond a little stunning. "Mr. Waltfeld?"


Washington D.C.

President Hilson looked on as the battle for the Eternal was aired live from the external cameras of New Juneau. "So, it would appear that the 11th Fleet has defected as well. Two mighty fleets, both of ZAFT, defecting to join the causes they know are right. Wu must be pissed." She said with a smirk.

Her guard looked back at her, his face showing no emotion. "One of them joined NAZAFT though, and that will be an even bigger blow, considering that their records from ZAFT have been transferred over. That means that the 7th Fleet will be unable to be tried and executed as traitors."

"Exactly. I told Commander Willis to let them join should they reach New Juneau to do so." The president replied, that grin still on her face.

Agent Williams just nodded. "I see."

The door slid open to reveal the Vice-President of the nation. "I see you're watching the news feed?" Vice-President Young asked.

"You know it. Both of ZAFT's best fleets have defected and the 7th joined up with NAZAFT." The president replied.

Young could not help but smirk at the news. "Why am I not surprised? Given their reputations, it is only natural that ZAFT would back off from them, especially the 7th Fleet."

President Hilson then looked back at the man beside her and her Vice-President. "Now, I just want some time to myself please. I need to rest."

Both men nodded and left the room, the President herself turning off the T.V. screen. She then walked up to the second floor, where no one but herself was allowed. President Hilson sat down on the couch, pulling out a small photo of herself and her family.

"Dad, Mom, if only you could see me now…" she murmured as she flipped over the photo, revealing small writings on the back. The words 'Allen Family, C.E. 44' were written on there in black ink, prompting tears to flow forth from her eyes.

It was her family in that photo, not someone else's. She reflected on the circumstances that forced her to disappear from her previous life, a life she wished she had never had to give up, even if it was only for a little while.

Her family, the ones she had loved so much, had been killed by Blue Cosmos while she had been sleeping. The last thing she recalled was waking up the hospital due to injuries that could have killed her.

She snapped back to reality as she pocketed the photo. 'I can't dwell on the past now, not when there is too much to actually do.' She reminded herself.

With that said, President Hilson got up and left the room as well. The small photo that sat in her pocket though, was a constant reminder of why she was president and no one else.


That night

A small girl ran around the yard, her father watching her with pride. The girl ran towards her father and her mother, who was standing next to her father. Both had big smiles on their faces, just like the small girl.

Then the scene shattered to reveal a chaotic household, a crying young boy who was in a state that did not indicate good care. There were small cuts and bruises on his body as well, and he was skinny as possible while still being alive.

The scene shifted again, revealing the happy household from before, the young boy staring in fear at the girl's father, who was worried about his mental health after he had been retrieved by the local authorities from his previous home. The young girl stared at the boy before a big grin came to her face. The boy shrank back in fear, but the girl grabbed him and pulled him inside the house, revealing nothing that could be used to hurt him.

The young boy, several years later, now a young man, was thriving and the young girl, now in college, was more than happy to see him as a happy person instead of the fearful young boy he had once been.


"Mackenzie Samantha Allen, age 19, died of burns to 40% of her body. Her family line, the Allen Political Dynasty, has now come to an end, with the death of its last remaining member. Officers have ruled the incident a homicide, citing the evidence of arson found at the site of the fire and injuries the victims obtained prior to the fire. Four Blue Cosmos members have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder of a political figure, and murder of a Senator of the United States Congress."

"Victims of the fire include, Senator Mark Allen; his wife, Maria Allen; their adopted 25-year old son, Andrew Henry Allen-Guss; and their 19 year-old daughter, Mackenzie Samantha Allen."

"Senator Allen; died of smoke inhalation and carbon-monoxide poisoning. Maria Allen; died of third degree burns over 70% of her body. Andrew Henry Allen-Guss; died of strangulation and stab wounds to the neck, a single bullet shot to the center of the head. Mackenzie Samantha Allen; survival pending, injuries include second degree burns to 40% of her body, a gunshot wound to the shoulder, a stab wound to her side, a broken arm, sprained leg."

"Will she survive?"

"It is highly possible, but given what she went through, I highly doubt it."

The voices faded to reveal flames leaping about, the young college student outside her house as the fire raged. The man before her raised his gun, only for the barrel to explode.


President Hilson's eyes snapped open as she sat up in a flash. Her body was covered in sweat as her heart raced at a mile a minute. She looked around frantically before she realized that she was just in the White House. Her breathing slowed, but just a little as she looked down at her hands. They were shaking. Sighing, she placed her head in her hands before getting up.

Standing before the mirror in the room, she looked herself over. A single round scar was on her right shoulder; her arms had pale marks that were evidence of burns she had suffered in the past. Her legs held the same thing. On her left side was a thin mark that was only made by a knife blade. And on her face was a small line that was from a burn as well.

The president sighed again before slipping back into the bed. Why did she continue to have those same dreams? Hadn't that Blue Cosmos done enough to ruin her life as it was? Deep down though, she knew that it was because she was suffering from PTSD, something she had been found to have after the fire.

She looked back at the small photo, now on her desk in the room. How she wished for her family to be with her again, even all those years later. Closing her eyes, the president cried herself to sleep, a routine that happened every night she had those flashbacks…


Pentagon

John Keller looked over the reports that had recently been received, as he always did. "So, we are getting closer to our ultimate goal of having functional missiles once again…" he noted as the data and an image of an N-Jammer part came up. The small part was highlighted, revealing its reason for being sent in.

"The N-Jammer's core…" Keller mused as he looked it over. On another screen, there was an image of a device that had recently been tested. The results had been as desired. "The test was a success…?" A smile spread across his face at the news. But there was still a ways to go until it could be put into use.


Next Day

An Earth Alliance officer exited the White House, the standard EA uniform crisp and clean. Brown eyes were hidden by dark brown hair slightly, but it did not matter. A driver was waiting to take the soldier to the airport, where she would leave from to meet up with the newest ship that the EA had.

"I hope you know what you are doing." The driver said as he looked back. "This is not what someone of your position is supposed to do."

The soldier just grunted. "As if I care. I will do what it takes to protect the country that I love." She replied. "That's just the nature of war."

"Still, I highly recommend taking at least one with you."

"No. If I do, then it will all be for nothing."

The driver just continued on, glancing back at the Earth Alliance officer that was now his passenger every now and then. The young woman had the appearance and air of a soldier, with brown eyes that pierced the soul of the person observed. Dark brown hair hid those eyes slightly while not entirely covering them.

Looking out the window, the EA officer had a distant look in her eyes, as if reflecting on something from her past or the future. The driver then pulled into the airport, the officer getting ready to leave for her new position.

"Good luck…Ma'am…"


White House

Vice President Young watched as the plane left the airport in the capital. He knew Congress had stopped her, but then again, she was his superior, so it was not like he could have anyway. It was lucky that the legislative body had pulled rank on her.

Still, what she been about to do was crazy, so crazy that he had been unable to believe that it was her idea in the first place. 'A president pulling off such a mission…who would have thought…'

He knew that she was not one to sit back and just let things play out. She wanted to get out and actually do something, not be cooped up in the White House. Vice-President Young smirked to himself, wondering if she would re-invent how the presidency did things in the future. It was highly possible, at the rate she was going at least. But this was one area where even she had no control over. That was why someone else was going in her place.

The smile faded before the plane left the airspace of Washington D.C., but he knew that the young woman was more than capable of handling herself. It was what Azrael would do if he found out that worried him.

And he hoped that the man never did find out…


Dominion

Natarle looked over at the new soldiers entering the ship, one of which was an Ensign Dana Lockhart. The young officer was a new recruit apparently, which was not much of a surprise. They needed all the help that they could get.

The female officer's record was before her.

'Apparently she is a war orphan, with a hatred for ZAFT. Typical of the soldiers here. No parents or siblings… That is strange, but I can't complain. High marks on her tests upon graduation…100% pure Natural too. As usual. Apparently from the AEU…Many will love that.'

Lokchart's record was spotless, a trait that all EA officers wanted. She also had good marks in repair of mechanics. That would come in handy, Natarle knew.

Still, it was like the ensign had come up out of nowhere. Then again, so did most soldiers in the Earth Forces anyway. But complaints would have to wait until after the war was won.


Crew Quarters

Ensign 'Dana Lockhart' sat in her bunk, looking at a small photo that was held in her hands tightly. It was of a woman, a man, a young man, and a young woman. All were smiling, happy as could be, at least, before the mission that came up.

"Blue Cosmos…they will fall from the inside out…" she murmured as she put the photograph away in her breast pocket. Standing up, Ensign Lockhart straightened out her uniform before exiting the room.

She made her way down the hallway, reflecting on the reasons she took on such a mission. It was mainly to get intelligence on what Blue Cosmos had planned, but there were other important reasons as well. Protecting her home nation was one of them.

The young woman stopped and looked out the window at the setting sun. It was just like back in the White House, except the view was much different. There, grass stood and the buildings of the capital were a familiar and calming sight. Here, there was only water and military buildings, which alone made her feel uncomfortable in knowing that if she was found out, then the President would be hard-pressed to do whatever Blue Cosmos wanted in order to ensure her safe return, if the group ever did release her that is.

Ensign Lockhart just shook her head and proceeded on with her routine patrol of the ship's halls. She encountered several EA officers, but they paid her no heed. To them, she was just another normal Natural who hated ZAFT. But to the people of her home nation, she was a soldier who respected the rights of everyone, not just Naturals.

It was quite a contrast to the life she already knew, she mused. To anyone in her home nation, she represented the defense of Coordinator rights to many. And yet, here in the Earth Forces, she was just another Coordinator-hating Natural to them and nothing more.

Fighting to wipe out Coordinators was wrong. In many ways, ZAFT was not that much better than the EA, as they wanted to wipe out all Naturals. How ironic, she noted. Both groups wanted to wipe out one another, to ensure that they would live in peace. Two groups, supposedly so different, were so alike in many more ways than just one.

Both Naturals and Coordinators wanted peace for their people. And they were willing to go as far as wiping each other out to do so. Why they failed to see that they were much more alike than they assumed was just mind-boggling as well as interesting from a scientist's point of view.

Shaking her head, she brought herself back to the real world. Fading from the real world was not exactly what she wanted to do in the middle of such a dangerous mission.

The ensign made her way over to the windows and looked out on the setting sun. The light reflected off the wings of the ship, giving it a deep red glow that seemed to be the color of blood. It made her shiver inside just looking at it. The black did little to make it any better.

In contrast, the sister ship seemed to have that bright red defiance given off when the sun hit it just right. From what she had seen anyway… Ensign Lockhart turned away and walked back towards her room, her eyes hidden by her dark brown hair.

No one paid any attention to her as she wandered back the way she came. EA officers just smirked as they walked past her. A trio was talking as they made their way to the lounge.

"Those space-monsters will never know what hit them when we take back the space ports we lost." A lieutenant said as he glanced back at his two comrades.

"It's just too bad that NASA had to be so defiant and fight against us. With their help, we could have won the war a lot sooner." A female replied in a nonchalant manner. "Oh well. If those traitors want to die, then we can kill them along with their precious inhuman citizens that they protect so dearly."

The last member laughed. "Yeah, it will sure show them how futile it is to resist us!" he declared as the trio laughed like what they were talking about was a funny joke that they heard in the park.

Ensign Lockhart could not help but feel disgust towards the Earth Forces. How could they even sleep at night, knowing that they killed a living, breathing, human being?! Oh! That's right. The Coordinators were not human according to the Earth Alliance, or more specifically, Blue Cosmos.

She clenched her fists, hatred rising inside her, but she pushed it down. Her mission came first. Then she could focus on getting the information on the Earth Alliance officers and governments. Right now, she had to remain in control.

Memories of her commander-in-chief killing those two ZAFT pilots came to mind. 'Not to mention she was able to kill two ZAFT pilots.' She thought to herself.

The ease with which the president had defeated those two pilots made her feel scared about what she could do in actual combat as well as when the EA had tried to invade their home. But yet, the president had also probably felt like a soldier again, and the feeling of being able to actually do something was what she had relished in. Fighting had probably never felt so good before, considering her position.

Ensign Lockhart could only wonder if the president was thinking about her and what her mission chances were. She was only a recent recruit to the US Navy, and yet she was being given such a to-secret assignment. She was probably worried about her regardless.

Still, if she could do it just once, just once, she would feel like she had accomplished something, knowing that she had made a difference in the course of the war.

She reflected on the mission, and how everyone around her had been shocked to say the least.

-Flashback-

"You can't be serious! You're the leader of the country! How can you even think of doing such a thing?!" the leader of the Congress demanded. "You are needed here more than anything!"

"I know that!" she snarled back. "But I can't just sit back and be a figurehead! I NEED to be out there! I NEED to make a difference! I FOUGHT two ZAFT pilots and WON, not to mention I HELPED to defend our nation! If I can do that, then I can do THIS! I was a soldier before I even took the oath of office, so I can handle myself!"

The vice-president just put a hand on the table and looked at her. "We all know what happened. But you also forget, you reported seeing a small seed-like object explode before you killed the last pilot and again during the invasion of our home. That alone is a bit of a concern to us. We need you here so we can observe what happens to see if that small seed-like object will reappear and what exactly happens when it explodes."

"So?! That does not matter! This mission NEEDS to be completed so that we can end the war!" she replied.

"I know that." The vice-president replied. "But you cannot be the one to carry it out. You are too vital to lose. If the country loses its second president in a year, then the world will try to take advantage of it."

She just glared at him. "So I am to be just a figurehead then?"

"No. You actually run the nation, just not from the frontlines."

"But President Washington did once!"

"Yes, and he was the leader of the Continental Army before he became President."

"Prime Minister Churchill did as well!"

"Yes, but he was never on the battlefield himself."

"SO?!"

"You are acting too immature to be president!" The leader of Congress shouted. "Frankly, I'm surprised that you have lasted this long, considering how you have no real experience in the field of politics. But such an attitude will get you nowhere. You are the leader of a nation, so act like it, otherwise you will be kicked out!"

She stared but did not lose her focus. "I can't just sit back and do nothing, senator." She replied calmly. The fact that she was in such control of herself seemed to be a surprising and sudden turnaround from her earlier outburst.

"It does not matter if I am to remain in the nation. I cannot be forced to sit back when I can actually do something to help try and end the war." She explained.

The leader of the Congress sat back down, his hands folded in front of him. "I see. While we respect your desire to help out your nation, we cannot allow it to happen. You are too important to lose, and we can't risk Blue Cosmos getting what they want by using you against us. But, that is not to say this mission can't be carried out. It just can't be carried out by you."

"I see." She sighed. "Okay. I relent. You guys win. However, the fact that you agree with me gives me some relief. But I get to choose who will go on the mission."

The Congressional leader nodded. "Very well. That we can allow."

The vice-president sighed. "I guess this means I will be choosing the person then."

She grinned back at him. "Yep, so you had better get used to being my second."

He just shook his head.

-End Flashback-

She smiled at the result of her pleas to the Congress. They had seen it her way and allowed her to pull off the mission so far, albeit with someone else going on it. But all of it hinged on whether she could pull off the assignment or not. If she did, then she would be allowed on the battlefield herself from then on. If she failed, then she was stuck back in the nation on stateside duty.

And that she wished to avoid.

It was just not in her nature to do such a thing anyway.

Her com-line beeped, indicating that it was from the NASA capital. Ensign Lockhart opened the link, revealing her contact.

"How is the mission going?" she asked.

"Well, so far so good, but I just can't help but feel disgusted at the way these people are acting. They are joking about killing the citizens of NASA along with the Coordinators, which is a serious crime and human rights violation."

Her contact frowned. "I see. You know you can always back out."

"Yeah, I know. But I can't. Not when there is so much at stake anyway."

"That is what I was afraid of." Her contact sighed. "Just don't forget who you really are when on this mission."

She frowned slightly, knowing that she was worried about her losing sight of who she really was and just becoming another normal Earth Alliance officer who hated Coordinators. "I won't. I can handle this with no trouble."

"I know."

"Still, the target has not been confirmed yet. There is no sign of him on the ship so far, but that could change." Ensign Lockhart replied.

"I see. So that means you will be there for another three months if he does not show."

"Yes. And that I wish to avoid. You never know though. He could come sooner or later. It all depends." She reminded her.

Her contact nodded. "Very well then. May you succeed in your mission."

She closed the line, knowing that she could have been overheard, but there was no sign of such a thing having occurred. She was safe, for now…


The Eternal escapes from the PLANTs with Lacus, Athrun, and Patrick Zala onboard. At the same time the 7th and 11th Fleets defend the stolen ZAFT ship as an assassin makes her way into the Earth Alliance forces. What awaits now? Read on to find out! :3 Flames, AKA, hate filled/spamming reviews, will be deleted AND/OR reported depending on if they are signed or not. Anyway, read and review! ^^