New chapter is up is up! Note: I do not own Chris, Liz, or Johanna Dante, Ian, Saul, or Diana Kessel, John Alaric, the 11th Fleet, Treize Zabiarov, Gyunei Ridden, Reccoa Schnieder, or the machines listed for the remaining members of the Le Creuset team, as they are Akatsuki_Leader13's and are used with his permission as such. I also do not own Xander Alexis, as he belongs to Mordalfus Grae. Nor do I own Matrin Nightengale, as he is Meteorthunder3's OC. Jack Carson and the Defender Gundams are property of CT7567Rules and not mine. I only own Tao White, Akira, Nishikama, Nisha and Taikyu Itsuno, Preisdent Marie Hilson, Gai Tatsuni, NASA/NAZAFT, the Presidential Murasame, the Raptor, the Dax, Wing, Traverse, and Z.A.M. Gundams, and the colony of New Juneau.
Wolf's Child: Here you go! :3
CT7567Rules: I cannot reveal much about the 'Black Pizza Boxes', other than they are not what the name says. XD ;3 And all of your questions will be answered as you read the story. :3 And yes, the F-14 is a sexy bird. XD If you want to know why I chose the name 'Black Pizza Boxes', well... let's just say I chose that for a reason... ;3
Titanic X: Glad you like it. :3
Guest DCDGojira: Thanks. :3 And to answer your question, I did. Sad that happened, but what can you do? He will be sorely missed. :(
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Cosmic Era 72. One and half years of grim war between Earth and PLANTs ended following the space battle at Jachin Due. The two sides forged a peace treaty amid the ruins of Junius Seven. A place of unprecedented tragedy during the war. The former enemies pledged themselves to work for mutual understanding and to make every effort possible to maintain peace. As a result, the world once more on the path of stability.
Phase Ten: A Father's Spell
"A nuclear attack?"
Athrun was stunned. How could the Alliance resort to nukes so early? It was unthinkable.
"Yes. Unfortunately, they used nuclear missiles against the PLANTs themselves, and two waves no less." Durandal replied.
"No way… That's impossible…"
Durandal wearily shook his head. "I wish I could say that too, Athrun. I really do. But, a fact is a fact."
Durandal pulled out a small remote and pushed a button. Footage of the missiles nearly hitting the PLANTs played out on the monitor before them. Chairman Durandal sat down on one of the chairs in front of his coffee table. "Please, have a seat, Alex." he said.
Athrun joined him, sitting down on the couch across from Durandal. "Still, it's not like I hadn't expected this. And yet, I was completely caught off guard by quickly and eagerly they declared war on us, and then to jump to using nuclear weapons on us."
"It was unusual enough for them to declare war on us given the situation on Earth, but to follow it with something so extreme…" Durandal shook his head. "This is no ordinary war."
Athrun nodded. Everything seemed to be spiraling out of control ever since Armory One. "That's true."
"Even though the Alliance has withdrawn back to their lunar bases at moment, they won't back down. Not after the second near attack."
Again, Athrun was caught off guard. "What?"
"Yes." he explained. "In the aftermath of the first wave, a second wave was launched. But thankfully, NASA intervened once more. They used their own missiles against the nuclear fleet and saved the PLANTs once again."
Athrun needed answers. That was partly why he had come here. He couldn't bear the thought of the PLANTs repeating his father's comrade's actions. "With the declaration of war and this attack, what are the PLANTs planning on doing with this situation?" he asked, determined to find out what Chairman Durandal was planning.
Durandal sighed. For brief moment, the Chairman weary and looked older than he normally appeared. "There are a lot of people in the PLANTs right now that filled with anger and fear over what's happened. And they want to lash out the Earth Alliance. If we were to respond by retaliating, the world will once again be entangled in quagmire of war."
Images of the Bloody Valentine and bloody war that followed filled Athrun's mind at that point, as did the deaths of Miguel and Rusty, Nicol's near death, his own killing of Kira's friend Tolle, his brutal battle against Kira, and the deaths of those that died at Jachin Due all played out in his mind. Athrun clenched his fists. Another war and more pointless deaths happened to be upon them now…
"Of that, I have no doubt." Durandal continued. "Needless to say, I want to avoid a war at all costs. But there's no denying how grave the situation is. If they knew the full details, the people would rage in anger. They would want vengeance. How do you think we should proceed? The clock is counting down, just like it did in the previous war. And this isn't the first time they've attacked us with nuclear weapons. How do we stop this process all together?"
Athrun closed his eyes, pushing out the images of the attempted nuclear attacks on the PLANTs during the final battle of the war from his mind. "Mr. Chairman." Athrun said, opening his eyes. "I understand what you're saying, but please reconsider. Fighting is not the answer. We can't let anger and hatred control us. If we attack each other now, the world will become battlefield once again. Nothing will be gained. Everything will be lost. You can't let that happen!"
"Alex… I-"
"My name is Athrun Zala." Athrun said cutting him off as his hands trembled. "I believed in my father's comrade's words, I fought in the war, killed the enemy and I fought my best friend. Even after I realized how wrong it was, I couldn't stop him and my father lost a friend because of it! He lost Siegel Clyne! And yet my father's comrade's words live on." Athrun's whole body began to shake from sorrow, anger, and rage. "We must never repeat that tragedy! Never!"
"Athrun!" Durandal called out, putting a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. The Chairman rose from his seat, walking towards his desk. "I know what the terrorists at Junius Seven said." He stopped, looking over his shoulder at Athrun. "It must have been difficult for you to hear."
"No. Not really." Athrun lied. "It's better that I know the truth. Otherwise, I'd be blind to what really happening. Again."
"Don't blame yourself Athrun. It's not your fault. You aren't responsible for their actions." Durandal said. "It's sad that the memory of your father's friend pains you. That it's a source of such bitterness for you. But I suppose that it can't be helped. And yet, I doubt that Chairman Wu was always like that."
Athrun remembered what his father's friend had been like before the war, before the Bloody Valentine, before his mother was killed. While his father's friend was never a moderate like the late Siegel Clyne, his father hadn't been the angry, hate-filled man Wu had become by the end of his life. "No, he wasn't. And it's not really a source of bitterness…I just feel like I should have done more to save him."
"In his capacity as Chairman, there is no doubt that he made grave mistakes. But he always sought to protect the PLANTs, to protect us, and create a better world for his people." Durandal continued. "The best intentions of great men can lead them to make terrible mistakes. Then there are those with agendas who will hear the words of people with power and twist them to support their warped ways of thinking. Like those who dropped Junius Seven. They had no outlet for the anger and sorrow they felt. So they used the Chairman's word as an excuse. When they lashed out, they believed that they were in the right because Chairman Wu said so." The Chairman paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "You shouldn't let yourself be bothered by such things. You are you. The terrorists were the terrorists. Chairman Wu was Chairman Wu. You are only the son of Patrick Zala. Don't let this drag you down Athrun. None of this reflects on who you are."
Athrun stood up. "Chairman, I-"
"You are the one who came here, wishing to prevent war from breaking out again. Just keep that in mind. Stop holding yourself responsible for all this. Your father wouldn't want that, now would he?" A smile crossed the Chairman's face. "But I am very happy that you came here Athrun. Those who feel like you do, Athrun, need to stand together, for you will be the ones to save the world. Call me a dreamer if you like, but that is what I believe in."
As Durandal and Athrun spoke, all across the PLANTs, people began to gather, people that were frightened and enraged at the recent nuclear attack on the PLANTs by the Earth Alliance, and were afraid that more nuclear attacks would follow. They demanded action, that the PLANT Supreme Council declared a strike back against the Naturals that had attacked them. Shouting and chanting while waving signs proclaiming; 'Protect the PLANTs', 'Down with the Alliance' and 'Remember Junius Seven'. It wasn't long before these rallies were on the verge of becoming full-blown riots. But before any violence could break out, a broadcast was transmitted all across the PLANTs.
"My friends, it is I, Lacus Clyne…"
Athrun could only stare at the screen; his expression was one of surprise as the girl he had met earlier began to speak.
"My friends, it is I, Lacus Clyne. Everyone, please calm down and listen to what I have to say. The recent tragedy with Junius Seven, the Earth Alliance's declaration of war, and the attack on the PLANTs themselves, these events are all sad and tragic. I feel the same resentment that you are all feeling. I am just as shocked as you are. How could they use nuclear weapons against us again? But please my friends be calm and let reason carry the day. Letting yourself be consumed by anger, crying out words of hatred, will only lead to more conflict and suffering. Even as I speak, the Supreme Council is doing everything possible to avoid the worst case scenario. I'm call on all of them, each and every one of you show the world that you want peace. Chairman Durandal and Supreme Council are working hard to find the right path. Please remain calm during this time."
"You can go ahead and laugh." Durandal said, pulling Athrun's attention from the screen. "It's quite pitiful that I have to resort to such a deception, but it can't be helped. I'm sure that you've already seen the young woman of the Earth Alliance as well as the anger of the people of the PLANTs over this recent attack. The truth is her influence is great, much greater than my own. I'm sure you that must think of this utter foolishness on my part, but I fear that without Lacus Cylne, the anger of the people will blind as it did the last war." Durandal sighed. "I am in need of her strength right now, just as I am in need of your strength."
Athrun's head was spinning from everything he had just heard. Everything just so confusing right now. "My strength?"
Durandal nodded his head. "Will you come with me Athrun?"
Washington D.C.
'The nighttime fills the sky
Stars alive, go floating by
So still the evening air so warm and soft
Peace everywhere I see a world in harmony
A world of peace and humanity
Where people walk free like water in a stream
Flowing on forever more'
President Hilson looked on as the people of the United States worked around the clock to try and recover bodies and survivors from the debris fields that were created by the impacts of the pieces of Junius Seven. Even Washington D.C. had not escaped unscathed. Some buildings had been completely demolished by impacting debris chunks while others had been only damaged by the pieces of other buildings.
Luckily, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Capitol Building had been unharmed while the Supreme Court building had sustained only minor damage. But several other buildings had not been so lucky. And those places were now being swarmed by countless members of the police and fire departments as well as the Pentagon soldiers who were on station at the time.
It was hard for her to watch, to see people of her nation struggling while she was in safe hands and unable to witness and take part in the suffering of her nation. But that was why she was not an ordinary president either.
Completely forgetting her duties as president, she opened up the door of The Beast and leapt out of the still moving car. Landing on the ground in a rolling position, she came to a stop just as the caravan came to a halt. Ignoring the cries of her security detail, she got up and ran over towards where there were some soldiers and police struggling to move a large piece of concrete. The President could hear people inside crying out, screaming for medical help.
The police officer in charge of the project walked up to her. "It's too large to move without a mobile suit." He said as he looked back at the slab.
"Then let me go and get mine." President Hilson replied instantly.
"Wait!" the cop called out, but she did not hear as she ran off towards the White House, which was not too far off. Using her special ops training, the president scaled the fence around the White House and ran towards the mansion. She pulled open the mansion's front doors and ran inside towards the elevator that went down to the hanger for her machine.
In a few minutes, President Hilson was in the hanger, her flight suit on. It was blue in the torso with the white chest armor. Her upper arms were blue while the lower were red. The upper legs were blue as well, with the lower legs being red. White gloves and boots completed her pilot suit, and the helmet was like the NAZAFT helmet, but without the green pentagon on it.
She ran towards her machine, the Presidential Murasame, which was parked in the hanger near the runway. She hopped into the cockpit, which closed up as she powered up the machine. With a whine, the engines powered up and she moved towards the runway. The massive doors on the White House lawn opened up and her machine took off in a rush of heat and flame.
Flying out of the hanger, the president flew towards the sight of the massive slab of concrete and turned her machine into its mobile suit form. She landed and made her way over to where the officers were still trying to lift the slab.
"Need a hand?" she asked as the officers looked up to see the new presidential mobile suit. They moved aside so she could lift the concrete chunk with little effort, thanks to her machine. The medical crew ran in, pulling out survivors while President Hilson tossed the concrete slab aside so that more people could be helped.
"Thanks!" the lead officer called as President Hilson moved towards another concrete slab that was blocking even more people inside. The firefighters ran over to pull out three people, one of whom was partially crushed by the slab. That person was no longer alive.
The president looked away, tears running down her face as she tried to stay focused on the mission at hand. Cries and pleas for help hit her ears, and she tried to drown them out, but she found herself moving towards the area once more, her Murasame pulling aside more concrete for the officers to get inside to the suffering people.
Bodies were pulled out of the rubble, while survivors were transported to the already overworked and overflowing hospitals. For once, the president found herself hating the United Nations for their inactivity and inability to help all of the suffering nations and their citizens in the aftermath of the attempted colony drop.
She cursed their decision to become neutral, their decision to be uninvolved in world affairs, and their decision to leave the world without a group to lead it. She cursed their decision to dissolve the armed forces that had once served them so faithfully, their decision to break up the International Court, and their decision to remove all officials from their embassies all over the world. It had no merit to it. There was no reason for it at all!
Why did her nation have to suffer the results of not having an international group to lead it, a group that had once been so feared and respected no one could deny their power?! And why did the United Nations have to stop their hard work for no reason at all?!
The president shook her head, recalling that people still needed help in the capital. She moved her machine towards where a group of ambulances was blocked by concrete in the middle of the road. President Hilson picked up a large concrete chunk that had been blocking one ambulance and moved it aside. She nodded her machine's head at the driver, who then nodded back and proceeded onwards.
Still, there was far more work to be done than just those few jobs she had done.
This was going to be a long recovery…
Aprilius One
Chairman Durandal had led Athrun into a ZAFT base and into a darkened hanger. In the low lighting, Athrun could see the outline of a mobile suit as they walked across the catwalk. Once they reached the center of the catwalk, the lights came on. Revealing a…
Athrun's eyes were wide with surprise. "This is a…"
"The ZGMF-X23S Savior." Durandal said. "Though its abilities are different, it was developed alongside the Impulse, the Specter, the Chaos, the Gaia and the Abyss." Durandal turned to Athrun. "If I said that I want to entrust this unit to you, what would you do?"
The surprises just didn't seem to stop coming. "What are you talking about? Entrusting this unit to me? Are you asking me to return to ZAFT?" Athrun asked a defensive tone in his voice.
He had left ZAFT for a number of reasons and truth be told, Athrun wasn't sure if he was ready to return. Or if he'd ever be truly ready to return.
"That's not what I mean." Durandal answered, looking at the Savior. "As I said, I want to entrust this mobile suit to you. While it may look like you've returned to ZAFT from an official standpoint; my thoughts on this matter are as my Lacus said. I am trying to find the right path for ZAFT and the PLANTs. However, our world is a complicated place. The thoughts of opponents, advisors, and organizations become muddled together, making it difficult to accomplish things. That's why I need all those that believe as I believe to stand together with me." The Chairman turned to Athrun. "If at all possible, I would like nothing more than avoid a war altogether. But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to let ZAFT go down without a fight. If the time came, I feel that it would be better for you to have power, real power."
Athrun wasn't so sure. Not counting Armory One and Junius Seven, he hadn't piloted a mobile suit since Jachin Due. And those two times were different. He had been protecting Cagalli and Flay and then fighting to break Junius Seven before it could destroy the Earth. This was different. Durandal was asking him to enter a mobile suit and fight in a war again. "Chairman…" Athrun started.
But Durandal cut him off. "You fought in the last war, and I know you have been disturbed over your father's comrade's actions and his legacy. I'm sure that you, no matter the circumstances, will stay true to your path." he said, turning to Athrun. "If it looks like we're about to stray off our path, I want you to be the one to correct us. But in order to do that, you'll need power."
Athrun blinked. Just what was the Chairman asking of him? Did he want him to be some kind of watchdog for ZAFT?
The Chairman turned and started to walk away, Athrun with the Savior. "I know it's very sudden which is why I won't ask you to make a decision right away. But there are things you are capable of doing and there are things you want to do." He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "There is only one person that has the answers you seek. You."
The Gondwana
Yzak stepped out of his personal bathroom, drying his wet hair with a towel when the console built in to his desk started to beep. He rushed over to his desk and sat down. He pushed a button on the console. The face of one of the Gondwana's communication officers appeared on the screen. "Commander Joule, there's a message for you from the Supreme Council."
Yzak's calm face hid the surprise he was feeling. Why would the Supreme Council send a message to him? "Send it here." he said.
A text message appeared on the screen. Yzak read the message and then swore. He couldn't believe it! This had to be some kind of joke! Yzak double checked the message's authentication code. It was good. The orders were real. Yzak slammed his fists on the desk in frustration. He quickly changed into a clean uniform and rushed out of his quarters, heading for the quarters of the ordinary pilots. He reached Saul's and Nicol's quarters first and entered. Only Saul was inside, lying on his bunk, asleep with a book on his face. "Get up!" Yzak snapped.
Saul jolted up, the book falling off his face. "Huh… What's going on?" Saul asked with a yawn. "What's got you so angry? Your girlfriend dump you?"
Yzak hit Saul's head. "We're being called up to the Supreme Council."
Saul stretched his limbs. "Whatever it is, I didn't do it."
"No, they don't just want you. They want you, me, Nicol, and Dearka. So get ready to leave." an extremely annoyed Yzak answered. "Where're Dearka, Nicol and Shiho?"
"Think they went to get something to eat. When are we leaving?"
Yzak left without saying anything else, heading for the mess. As Saul said, Dearka, Nicol and Shiho were there, eating. "And he spent half the concert sleeping while Saul was awake for the entire time." Nicol told Shiho and Dearka, earning laughter from the two.
Yzak approached the three. "Dearka, Nicol, we've been called to the Supreme Council."
"What? Why do they want to see us?" Dearka asked.
"I don't know. But they want you, Nicol, Saul and me to report to the Council immediately." Yzak replied in a bitter tone. He then turned to Shiho. "You're in command until I return."
Shiho nodded. "Alright Yzak. Do you know when you'll be back?"
"They didn't say." Yzak answered. "But I just want to get this over with and get back here."
Aprilius One
Later
"Athrun, do you like meat or fish better?"
Athrun turned away from the hotel window and his thoughts to the girl sitting across from him, the girl impersonating Lacus, Meer Campbell. Athrun found it a little disturbing how physically identical the girl was to Lacus. And yet, Meer's personality was quite different from Lacus's. While Lacus was kind and cheerful, she had a serious side as well; Meer was constantly cheerful and giddy, seemingly an endless ball of energy. To be honest, she reminded him more of one of Lacus's fans than anything else. "I'm fine either way." he answered.
"Let's have the chicken." Meer said, ordering for them. "Oh, by the way, did you happen to see my performance earlier today?"
"Er…"
"What did you think? How was it?" Meer excitedly asked. "Was it like the real Lacus?"
Athrun hesitated, causing Meer's expression and demeanor to completely reverse. "Or was I terrible?" she added quietly.
"No, not at all. You're really quite good." Athrun quickly said, trying not to upset the girl.
Meer instantly perked up. "Really?"
"Yeah. It was just like the real thing. You really have her mannerisms down pat."
Meer's eyes lit up. "I'm so glad. That means so much to me, especially coming from you Athrun."
Athrun turned back to the window as Meer continued on. "To tell you the truth, I've always been a fan of Miss Lacus." she said. "I've always loved her songs and singing them myself too. After a while, people started telling me that I sound just like her. Then one day, the Chairman called for me."
"And that's how you started doing this?" Athrun asked.
Meer nodded her head. "Yes. The Chairman said that he needed my strength, for the sake of the PLANTs."
"It's not your strength he needs, it's Lacus's." he bitterly replied.
Meer's expression saddened. "You're right. But at the moment… No, not just now, Miss Lacus will always be needed." She turned to the window, staring at her reflection in the glass. "She's strong, beautiful and kind. I'm just Meer. No one needs me. But I don't mind, even if it is just for now. As long as I can be of help to the Chairman and the people for Miss Lacus, I will do so gladly."
Meer continued to speak, but Athrun stopped listening to her. His mind was drawn to the Chairman's words.
"…there are things you are capable of doing and there are things you want to do."
"There is only one person that has the answers you seek. You."
Athrun found himself at a loss. What was he to do? The war had started. There was nothing he could do to change that. But maybe…maybe he could do something to bring the war to a quick end. But first, he needed to speak with NASA's leader to determine his path.
The PLANT Supreme Council Chambers
"This is unbelievable! The Naturals have completely humiliated us!"
"Calm down! The Naturals have us in bad position, but we can recover from this. We just need to disrupt the momentum they've gained."
"Indeed. Defense Committee Chairman Kessel, I trust that the Defense Department has come up with a strategy to do just that." Durandal said, turning to Ian.
Ian nodded and stood up. "What the Earth Alliance did was unexpected. A clever ploy and one that could have had disastrous consequences for us. Our foothold on Earth is hanging on by a thread due to the Earth Forces now beginning to attack our two bases on Earth. If we don't have any presence on Earth, the fighting will shift to here at the PLANTs. That's why we've come up with a plan for an Operation. It's risky, very risky, but it's the only option we have left."
"We don't have much choice given the situation." Durandal said. "Please, explain the Operation."
"We call it Operation Reclaimer. We would assemble a large force, consisting of four battle groups. Two of said battle groups would be equipped for an orbital drop." The screens displayed a 3D map of the Earth. A cluster of red dots appeared over Gibraltar and Carpentaria while four clusters of green dots appeared a distance off from the planet. "As you can see, two Alliance fleets are blockading the two best locations to drop our forces onto Carpentaria and Gibraltar to resupply them." Two groups of the green dots headed for the red dots. "The other two battle groups will attack these two fleets as the two drop groups will be nearby, on standby. The attack groups' main objective will be to clear a path for their drop group." The green dots pushed opened a gap in the center of the red dots. The two remaining groups of green dots headed for the openings. "Once a path has been cleared, the drop group will move into position while their attack group covers them as they commence a combat drop onto Gibraltar and Carpentaria. Now we've also managed to get in contact with many of our forces that were providing relief support at the time of the attacks and were stranded. They will attack the bases at the same time as our drop forces land. Hopefully, the combined assaults will allow us to reinstate the diminished defenses of both bases."
"Casualties estimates?"
"High. No one has ever tried a combat drop while in combat. The two groups attacking the Alliance fleets can expect to receive heavy losses. The estimates of the forces that will be dropping in will be much more favorable, though there is the danger that the Alliance forces will be able to shoot down the drop pods as they begin their descent. And even if this does succeed, both bases will be operating at far below their normal capacity for a while. But it is the only option we have at this moment. If it fails, we'll have suffered heavy casualties and by the time we manage to regroup for a second attempt, both bases will be heavily fortified. Once that happens, our chances to gain a foothold will drop substantially and in all likelihood, we'll be boxed in here in the PLANTs. I don't need to explain how dangerous that is."
"What about the Minerva? What is their status?" Durandal asked an urgent tone in his voice.
"They were among the first that we managed to get in touch with. They are still in ORB, but they are ready and able to participate in the Operation. They will leave ORB and lead the ground assault against the forces around Carpentaria." Ian answered. "Now, I hope this meets with your approval and you will support this plan."
"It's as you said, this may be our only option. We must purse it and pray that we are successful." Durandal said. "But I want our military to be used defensively. If we lash out at the Alliance, things could spiral out of control like did in the last war. I wish to avoid that at all costs."
Ian nodded. "I understand Chairman Durandal. We will put every effort into Operation Reclaimer."
The Next Morning
Athrun stepped out the shower, drying himself off, and then changed into his clothes. The Chairman had offered to put him up in a rather high end hotel room. It was certainly a nice room, though to be honest. Athrun was never one for this type of fancy accommodations. Suddenly, there was a knock at his door. Athrun opened it. Standing before him was…
"Yzak?"
"You bastard!" Yzak shouted, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him back. "What the hell is going on here?!"
"Hey! Wait a minute! I have no idea what's going on!" Athrun said, trying to calm his old friend down.
"Alright, break it up you two." Dearka said, pulling the two apart as Saul and Nicol entering the room behind him.
Needless to say, Athrun was confused to see the four of them here. "What's going on here?" he asked.
"You tell me Athrun. We were called down from the frontlines to the Supreme Council and told us that we've been assigned to be your bodyguards." Yzak replied, half-shouting at Athrun.
"Jeez Yzak. Can you scream that any louder? I think I can still hear in one ear." Saul said sarcastically, rubbing his ears. "But yeah that's about it. We're supposed to keep an eye on you while you're visiting."
"Given the state of things in ORB, NASA, and the Earth right now, the Chairman and the Council felt it would be wise to have someone watch over you. They chose us. Guess they felt that you could use a visit from some familiar faces" Nicol added. "So where do you want to go Athrun?"
Yzak scowled. "I swear if you say shopping, I'm going to kill you."
"Let's go shopping Athrun!" Saul cheered mockingly.
Yzak glared at Saul, earning laughter from him. "Don't mind him Athrun. He's just upset that we're being transferred."
Athrun raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're being transferred."
"Yeah." Dearka said. "Don't tell anyone but we're-"
But Yzak cut him off. "Hey! Dearka! You can't tell him that! He's a civilian from another nation!"
"See, I told you he's upset." Saul said with a grin. "He's all broke up over leaving his girlfriend behind."
Yzak hit Saul in response. "Ow! Okay, okay, I'll knock it off."
Nicol cleared his throat. "So where will we be going today, Athrun?"
Athrun had only one place in PLANTs he wanted to visit, the cemetery for ZAFT's fallen soldiers. He wanted to pay his respects to Miguel and Rusty. Though Yzak had asked to stop at a grave belonging to a girl named Saya Hawke. As they saluted her tombstone, Athrun briefly wondered if she was related to the Hawke sisters aboard the Minerva before they moved on.
Athrun placed down a bouquet of flowers upon Miguel's tombstone. The five young men than saluted their fallen friend. "Deployed for self-defensive purposes only." Athrun said, echoing Durandal's words from a press conference earlier today. "So ZAFT is preparing to take action?"
"Are you surprised? We can't just sit around after they used nuclear weapons against us." Yzak answered.
"The four of us were running interception missions when those nukes were used." Dearka added in a quiet tone. "When we saw those missiles, we were terrified. We thought that they were trying to wipe out the PLANTs in one strike. I still think that may be what they're trying to do."
"And what about you Athrun? What are you doing back here in the PLANTs?" Nicol asked.
"And what about ORB? What are they doing?" Yzak asked as well.
"I don't know." Athrun admitted.
There was a pause for a moment. "Come back Athrun." Yzak said, surprising them all. "I'm sure there'll be some obstacles, but I'll take care of them. You can come back to the PLANTs Athrun."
"Hey. Don't go pressuring Athrun to come back." Saul argued. "He has to decide to come back on his own. Not because anyone was pressuring him."
Yzak ignored him. "I often think of something that Chairman Durandal once said. 'Though it was the adults that started the war, it was actually the young who fought it. And if we label those that made mistakes as criminals and punish them, then I ask you, where will the future leaders of PLANTs come from? We should honor the young for their sacrifices and look to them to build a peaceful tomorrow.' That's why I still wear a military uniform. It's the only thing I know. And also, because I think that I can make a difference for the PLANTs…and all the friends who died."
"Yzak…"
"That's why you have to do something too." Yzak continued. "You have the ability; why not put it to good use?"
Athrun didn't answer. They then silently headed towards Rusty's grave. Suddenly, Saul spotted something. "Hey look Nicol. It's still up."
The four of them turned to a grave. Written on it was Nicol's name.
"That's the military for you. They couldn't even take down a single tombstone in two years." Saul commented with a grin. "Makes you wonder how they ever get anything done."
After a moment, Dearka, Saul and Yzak started to walk away. Athrun turned to join them, but stopped when he noticed Nicol wasn't moving. "I must admit, I surprised that you're here Nicol." he said to his green haired friend. "Even more than Saul, you were sick of the fighting and… well you weren't really a-"
Nicol turned to him. "A soldier? Yeah. I admit I'm not like you, Yzak and Dearka. I'm not really the type to be a soldier. My father even tried to use his old connections to have me assigned to a desk job rather than the frontline."
"Well, you did nearly die on us in the last war."
"Just between you and me, I wasn't reactivated." Nicol said quietly. "I rejoined."
"What?"
"As Saul and I watched Junius Seven fall, I couldn't help but wonder could I have done something? If I had been there, would it have made a difference? Then when we learned that it was terrorist attack, I felt that I should have been there with you guys, fighting those lunatics and breaking up Junius Seven." Nicol explained. "As the tensions rose between ZAFT and the Earth Alliance and it looked like another war was going to break out, I knew I had to do something to help out. So I did the only thing I could do, I rejoined the military. It may not be much, but I just can't sit around while others went out and fought. I owe that much to our friends and comrades that didn't survive the last war."
With that, Nicol turned and walked away from Athrun, heading for the others. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder, "Are you coming Athrun?"
"Yeah… I'm coming." Athrun said, his thoughts were on the words of Nicol, Yzak and the Chairman.
Once again, Athrun found himself wondering what he should do. Nearly everyone, even Nicol, was getting involved in the conflict, fighting for what they believed in. So why was he still sitting around?
He needed to speak with President Hilson soon.
New Juneau
Aki' could only stare at the images that were now being displayed on the massive screens in the city part of the colony. People were suffering, injured and dying people suffering needlessly for no reason. What had the world done to deserve such a thing?
He looked around at everyone else in the colony who had eyes on the screens. Their faces held hatred for the terrorists for dropping the remains of Junius Seven on the planet, as well as sympathy for their fellow Americans who were suffering the same effects as the rest of the planet. The nation had done nothing wrong to deserve such a punishment. True, they had done things in the past that could be considered wrong, but nothing like the rest of the planet, which had been following the Earth Alliance's commands.
It did not make any sense.
ORB
Heero walked up to Erica as she looked over the data of his machine. "ZAFT will need my help." He said as he faced her.
Chief Simmons looked up at him. "Does that mean you're leaving for the time being then?"
"Yes. They will need my help to prevent another war from going the same way as the last one."
"I see. Well, just don't overdo it. We still need the specs of your machine to do the upgrades, you know." Chief Simmons said as she looked back at Wing Zero.
"Roger that."
Heero then turned and walked off towards his machine, which was now ready to launch.
Minerva
Captain Gladys looked over the data of her ship when the message alert bleeped, alerting her to a message from the bridge.
"What is it?" she asked.
Meyrin's face appeared on the screen. "It's Wing Zero ma'am. The Berserker of JOSH-A wants to board the ship."
Captain Gladys was stunned but gave the order anyway. "Let him on. There has to be a reason for his return."
"Yes ma'am!"
Getting up, the captain wondered why Heero Yuy wanted to visit the Minerva. She would get the chance to ask him when he came to her office.
"So, you wish to join our ship as a mercenary?" Captain Gladys asked as Heero stood before her in the ZAFT outfit he had been given. The red uniform looked good on him, but she did not pay attention to that.
"Yes, I do." He said. "Zero says that you will need my help in preventing this war from going the same route as the last one."
The captain nodded. "I see. So you wish to help us prevent another war. I will have to see what the Chairman thinks of that, but I have no problem with it personally."
"Then ask him." Heero said as he leaned back against the wall.
At that moment, the chairman's image appeared on the screen on Captain Gladys's desk. "Ah. Captain Gladys. What brings you to call me?" the man asked.
"We have the Berserker of JOSH-A wishing to join the Minerva as a mercenary. While I have no problem with that, I want your approval before I allow him to do so." Captain Gladys explained as Chairman Durandal looked at Heero.
"I don't see why not then, if he wants to join as a mercenary." The chairman said as he looked back at the captain.
"Very well then. Thank you." With that, the line was cut. Captain Gladys looked back at Heero, a neutral expression on her face. "You have permission to join us as a mercenary. But please note that this does not make you an official member of the crew, so there will be areas of the ship that will be off-limits to you, mainly the weapons and engine areas."
"I understand." Heero said as he stood up from his spot against the wall.
"I will have you assigned to crew's quarters as soon as possible." The captain said as Heero prepared to leave.
"Understood." With that, Heero left her room, the door hissing shut behind him.
Heero walked down the hall of the ship when he saw another ZAFT red, the girl Lunamaria Hawke. She turned and gasped at the sight of him.
"Heero Yuy! What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I joined the ship as a mercenary." He replied. "Zero says that you will need my help in the coming war."
"Really? I didn't think that it would be that bad…" Luna said as her voice trailed off.
"Hn."
The two stood there before Lunamaria spoke again. "I just can't stand the thought of another war like the last one. Why can't we just be left alone?"
"War is not just about hatred of one group. There are other reasons, often times hidden from plain sight." Heero replied.
"You think the same is happening with this war as well?"
"It's highly possible. But as to what, I don't know yet."
Silence reigned again for a few seconds before Luna spoke up once more.
"What do you think about this, as a veteran of the last war I mean." She asked.
"I have been in more battles and wars than you can count, even before I came here, to your universe. But as a veteran of the last Bloody Valentine War, I think that the Earth Alliance needs to learn that Coordinators are human too. Even if they are different on the genetic level, they are still able to think like humans, they still breathe like humans, they still eat and sleep like humans, and they still look like humans. No one is better than anyone else. Coordinator or Natural, everyone is still flawed in the end." Heero said.
"Talk about philosophical. I never expected that from someone like you." Luna said with a smirk.
"Even a Gundam Pilot can think about such things." Heero noted.
Luna just laughed slightly, making Heero smirk at her. A slight blush crossed her cheeks, with the same happening to Heero. Both looked away, but Heero was able to hide his blush much more effectively than Lunamaria.
"I…gotta go now…" Luna said before she turned and walked off at a fast pace.
Heero leaned against the wall, wondering why he had reacted like that around Lunamaria. What was it that had made him blush?
He shook his head, trying to get the image of the blushing, giggling Lunamaria out of his mind. But he couldn't. That was what was bothering him.
"Why did she make me react like that?" he asked himself.
No answer came.
Around the corner, Lunamaria was also confused as she stood against the wall as well. Why had she blushed around the legendary pilot? It did not make any sense to her.
She shook her head, trying to get the image of the blushing Heero out of her mind. But the image would not leave. And that was bothering her greatly.
"Why did he make me react like that?" she wondered softly.
No answer came.
PLANTs
Chairman Durandal leaned back in his chair, quite pleased with himself. He had now obtained a new ally, and it was the infamous Berserker of JOSH-A no less.
"Maybe he will prove to be useful after all…" he mused aloud as an image of Rau Le Creuset appeared before him.
"The ones who are feared are often the best allies, but they can also become the worst enemies." The image said.
"True, but he has not shown me any reason to distrust him." The chairman said as he moved a piece on the chess board before him.
"Yet, he could. Those who have fought for a cause will fight for that same cause again should the need arise." The image pointed out. "No one is perfect."
Chairman Durandal just smiled and moved another piece. "The worst can turn out to be the best as well."
"Yes, but war can change people's ideals and their world view, as well as their view of others." Rau's image mused before fading.
The chairman stood up and walked over to the window of his office. How was he going to handle Heero Yuy…?
"Dad…Mom…Andrew…why…? Why did you have to die like that?" a nineteen-year-old girl murmured. The nurses could see her crying to herself, wanting to see her family again. But that was impossible now…
They were dead…
The head doctor came in, making the girl look away. "We have decided to release you, Miss Allen."
"No…"
"What? But your charts say-"
"I'm not Mackenzie Samantha Allen, not anymore at least." The girl said.
"Why?"
"The last Allen died today, and explosion survivor Marie Hilson was released following her recovery."
"You are changing your name?"
"Yes…because I don't want to be targeted anymore."
The doctor could hardly believe what he was hearing, but he could not complain either.
"So, you're Marie Hilson?" a man asked.
"Yes, why?" Marie asked.
The man just looked at her. "Funny. You look a lot like the late Mackenzie Samantha Allen." The man mused.
"Well, I'm not her." Marie said as she continued on. "As for your target, she is dead."
The man just stared at her, wondering how she had figured it out so quickly…
-End Flashback-
President Hilson sat up in bed, her heart racing slightly.
This was the fourth night she had had those strange dreams/flashbacks to her past. But this time, they were not about the fire or murder of her family. Rather, it was about the aftermath.
Still, it was better than dealing with the reflection of the fire anyway…
Pentagon
John Keller looked over the report he had been sent by the Secret Service. It appeared that the president was going to meet with her fellow NASA leaders. He sighed. That was just typical of her. Typical of her indeed…
Norfolk Naval Base
The ships and crews at the base were working around the clock to get things set up for the combat that would be seen in North Africa. The new units, the Raptor and Dax Mobile Suits, were being loaded onto the ships that were modified for carrying them. However, unlike the Invasion of NASA, there were no Traverse Gundams being brought to the front-lines this time. The older units were needed back in the homeland of the alliance.
Besides, the Traverse Gundams would not stand up to the new Windams very well because they were older than the Earth Forces units. Even if the Traverses were more advanced and had the stronger armor, the Windams were much newer, and therefore had not seen combat very much. The frames were not so damaged, and on top of it, the Windams had newer weapons that could probably pierce even Traverse armor.
That was why NASA could not take the chance on sending out their tank MS's. It was not worth the risk.
Traverse pilots could only watch as the newer units were being loaded onto the ships. This was one fight they would be left out of, and it made them frustrated. But, orders were orders. There were even some GM pilots watching. Of course, the GMs were now being phased out in favor of the newer units and the Traverse Gundams. And while that was good, the bad news was that a lot of the armed forces in both Mexico and Canada relied on the GMs instead of the Traverses.
That was why Canada and Mexico suffered the worst of the invasion. While the U.S. had suffered fewer losses than the other two, both of the other nations had suffered even higher losses than America.
But now, NASA was fighting the Earth Forces on their own grounds. And to do that, they needed the newer machines rather than the older GMs and much newer Traverses. This was because the EA had not even seen the new units yet, so they did not know their capabilities. And if the plan went accordingly, they would never get to know all of the capabilities.
Unknown Location
The many forms sitting around could only watch as the ships of NASA began to head out, one after another. The wakes grew in size, revealing the urgency of the crews and their comrades.
"So, combat begins again…" the lead form mused.
"If combat is beginning again, then shouldn't we intervene?" another form asked.
A loud slamming was heard. "NO! Under NO circumstances are we to EVER get involved in world affairs again!" the lead form shouted.
"But if the world was truly at peace, then why would war be happening again, and in just two years as well?" a third form asked.
The lead form sighed. "The world did not learn from its past mistakes. That is all. And the world is not in need of us. We are to fade, and take with us the legacy the world so needs right now…"
"Vhy should ve let the legacy ve represent fade?" Another form, German by the accent, asked.
An unseen glare from the lead form did not faze the man. "It is for the best. The world is in better hands." The lead form replied.
"And vhose hands are those? Blue Cosmos?" The German man asked.
The lead form just looked away. "They are the best choice for the world now…"
Unseen by the darkness, the German representative walked up to the lead form and socked him in the mouth. "That is vhat a member of that group vould say! If I didn't know any better, I vould say that YOU are a member!" he snarled.
The leader looked up, shock on his unseen face. "You just fail to see the vay the planet is suffering right now!" the German added.
"But-"
"NO! I do not wish to hear your excuses!" With that, the German sat down in his seat.
Why were they having doubts about their decision now? And what did this mean for the future of the planet?
If the UN got involved in world affairs once more, then wouldn't war continue to rage? Wouldn't people continue to suffer? And wouldn't countries continue to hate each other?
After all, isn't that why the UN went neutral? To keep the peace that followed their decision of neutrality?
It did not make any sense…
New Juneau
The Constitution was prepped for combat, its machines loaded into the hangers that were now exposed to the colony interior. The crew headed into the ship's bridge, Tao in the front.
She drifted into her seat, her hat managing to float away from her until she grabbed it before it could get out of her reach. Aisha snickered before she looked away at Tao's glare.
"Alright. As you all know, we have received orders to help in the ZAFT base protection. The Earth Forces need to be driven off so ZAFT can reinforce the defenses around each base. This is where we come in. Assisting the rest of the NASA forces, we will try and create a diversion so the ZAFT forces can get inside. Any questions so far?" Tao asked. There was no reply. "Good. Fire the engines! We are heading down to Earth!"
The invisible ship proceeded to leave the hanger, both catapults closing up as they did so. It was now time for the combat debut on Earth. Soon, the Earth Forces would learn that the ship's first combat appearance was not some mere fluke.
Aki', also in the bridge, observed the stars of space becoming visible to him. As the planet below became larger and larger, he could only wonder if Nisha was still alive. There had been no body to retrieve, which meant that either the blast took him out, or someone had found him still alive.
While the latter seemed slim, there was still that chance. And Aki' was determined to find out if his cousin was indeed still alive. The mobile suit he had seen last battle he had fought the EA had been the Z.A.M. Gundam. So, could it be possible he was indeed still alive? Yes, but he had to be wary and not get to hopeful, otherwise his hopes would be shattered.
And that would not be a good thing. Nisha's father was still upset and refused to speak to anyone, even his own nephew. That was why Akira wanted to find his cousin, as well as prevent another war about the existence of Coordinators.
"Soon… we will show those EA bastards why NASA is not a mere fly to be ignored…" he murmured. This was going to be the time of NASA, and hopefully, the UN would see how bad off the world really was. But that all depended on how open-minded the so-called leadership of the planet really was.
If they did not see just how bad things were, then it would be up to NASA's leadership to bust in and show them personally. And that was not what anyone wanted to see.
The blue-coat glanced down at his pendant, and clenched in tightly.
His home was in need of his help, and he was more than willing to give it. And this time, NASA was not going to be brushed off as some weak nation like it had been during the first Bloody Valentine war. That was for sure…
Now, all NASA needed to do was defend those ZAFT bases. It was either now or never! And NASA was going to win!
Corporal Carson was watching as the cloaked ship was leaving, even if he could not see it visibly. He was staring at where it would be seen if it was not cloaked. Things seemed to be normal, with the 'Black Pizza Boxes' now being in the labs and under analysis. However, things were not normal, as NASA was now being called into battle to aid ZAFT in protecting their Earth-based forces.
The 20-year-old Natural could only wonder what was going to go down when the forces on Earth began to fight.
As much as he wanted to be down on the planet and aiding in the fight, Corporal Carson knew his mission was to remain on standby for the next part of the investigation, which was to determine where the terrorists had launched from.
In the main analysis lab, one of the investigators looked over the CVR data that had recently been deciphered. It was quite disturbing to hear, but the team now had a solid lead on figuring out who had ordered the drop of Junius Seven. Yes, someone had indeed ordered the colony's remains to be dropped onto the planet below.
Lead 'Crash' Investigator Jilia Hanson of the United State's National Transportation Safety Bureau, frowned as she listened to the last known recordings of one of the pilots, a man known only as Sato. Or rather, Hitoshi Sato to be precise. The man had been a supporter of the late Hong Fa Wu, and even believed that Coordinators were a new species of human. 'The man was a Wuling it seems...' The Coordinator thought as she listened in again on the recording for the third time that day.
"The Flare Motors have been loaded?" Sato's voice asked.
Investigator Hanson closed her eyes as she put a hand to the headset she wore, listening to the other voice that had been picked up by the CVR of the GINN.
"Yes. You and your men can launch at any time." Another male voice replied.
Jilia opened her bright orange eyes as she removed the headset and paused the audio. "Here... at 2 minutes and 38 seconds, an unknown man speaks." She said as her counterpart from Canada's Transportation Safety Board, a male Natural by the name of Thomas Winstone, rewound the recording before playing it to that very point of time.
He frowned as he heard the same voice that Jilia had heard. "It sounds like Sato and his crew of fellow Wulings were on some kind of a ship if the voice mentioned launching at any time." Thomas noted.
Jilia felt her frown deepen at those words. "But we can't just begin a search of every ship in the area. If this was ordered by someone, then the ship involved would have either had its crew killed, or the ship was launched without any sort of flight plan or something of that nature."
Her Natural counterpart sighed. "I know, but this just opens up a whole new can of worms, and we can't ignore the fact that someone had ordered the near extermination of the human race." Thomas said as he ran a hand through his hair.
The blonde-haired Coordinator groaned as she put her head into her hands. "Ugh... And this is just the third CVR that we have deciphered... I can't imagine what might be on the other 6-7 we have yet to read. And that is not counting the actual FDR devices we also have to decipher."
Thomas looked back at the CVR data that was being downloaded and read over. "Yeah." He admitted. "And we have only a certain amount of time to find the ship that was used to launch those terrorists into the remains of Junius Seven. We need that ship's own 'Black Pizza Boxes' if we are to ever find out who is behind this."
Just then, the phone rang. Jilia looked over and picked it up, answering the call. "Hello?"
She was silent for a moment before she felt her eyes widen. "What?! You have the first of the FDRs deciphered already?! That's great news!"
Jilia then furrowed her eyebrows together as she heard the rest of the report. "The FDR stop recording for a period of time? When did it start recording again?"
The response made the Coordinator frown in contemplation. "I see... Okay, thank you for the update on the FDR status. Please let me know when you get the remainder done. Okay, goodbye."
Jilia hung up and sighed as she slumped back into her seat. "Well... we have a development, but I can't tell if it's good or bad."
Thomas looked back at her. "What do you mean?"
"I mean we got the first of the FDRs deciphered and downloaded. But the data shows the FDR ceased operation for a while, and only just started recording data again when the GINNs began to set up the Flare Motors." Jilia replied. "However, based on the timeframe of operation that was ceased, it has been determined that the GINNs were in idle operation for at least three days."
"So, you think the GINN pilots were laying in wait then?" Her Natural counterpart asked as Jilia nodded.
"Yes, I do." She replied.
"Hmm..." Thomas looked down in thought. "If that is the case, then it is imperative we decipher as many FDRs as we can before we go after the ship. A spacecraft's FDR and CVR can only hold data in a timeframe of 30 days before the older data is overridden by new data as it is recorded."
Jilia nodded in agreement. "Yeah... If we can't get the last position of the GINNs when they launched, we may never track down the ship..."
Next day
President Hilson looked on as Prime Minister Warson walked in. It had taken no less than three hours for him to arrive at Washington D.C., and the meeting was set to begin.
"So, what is so urgent that we have to meet here at the White House?" He asked as he sat down.
The president followed suit and sighed. "It's too sensitive to explain over open lines. And you already know of the plan, right?"
Prime Minister Warson nodded. "I do. The one you mentioned only in passing, right?"
"Yes, that's the one. Only this time I am going to tell you the full plan and every detail we have so far." She replied at once.
A nod from her Canadian counterpart made her smirk. "We're going to basically bring the United Nations out of retirement and bring a new generation of leaders into power."
Prime Minister Warson, who had been drinking water at that point, coughed in surprise. He managed to get his airway clear before he spoke. "Are-Are you insane?!"
"No, I'm not." President Hilson replied in a serious tone. "We need to get them out of this neutral stage, and involved in world affairs once more. This new war is going to get out of hand, Travis. I just know it. This war between Coordinators and Naturals can't go on. It's just a stupid squabble in reality. People are losing lives over a stupid squabble! Throw in the Break the World Attempt as well, and what do you get? A war over a misinterpreted action to save the world from being decimated by the ruins of a colony! Naturals will claim Coordinators were trying to wipe them all out by dropping the remains of Junius Seven on the Earth. That will lead to another war. Hell, it already has! That's why we need to bring the UN out of this stupid neutrality phase they are in."
Prime Minister Warson sighed as he placed his head in his hands. The President of the United States had a point, but what really made him frustrated was her inability to see that the UN couldn't be brought out of their neutral state.
"Marie, I respect you, I really do. But you need to realize something." Prime Minister Warson said as he looked back up at her. "The UN can't be brought out of their neutral state."
"Did the ones who developed the Atomic Bomb say it was impossible?" She retorted with a growl.
"No, but that doesn't relate to what I am trying to say." The prime minister rebutted.
"Actually, it does. People throughout history have said something is impossible, and then what happens? Someone goes and proves the public perception of that ideal wrong. They prove it can be done. Did someone say the Mag-Lev was impossible? Yes. Did someone prove it could be done? Yes. Did people say that space travel was only fantasy? Yes. Did people prove that it could be done? Yes. Did someone say that it was impossible to travel underwater in a vehicle? Yes. Did they prove it was possible? Yes. Did someone say that air travel was fantasy? Yes. Did the Wright brothers prove it was possible? Yes." President Hilson countered. "Those who say something is possible are often seen as the crazies yes, but in the end, history proves them as the ones who made it possible."
Sighing, Prime Minister Warson knew what she was trying to say. He didn't like it though.
"Okay… So if I go along and try to help you with this, what can I do? I mean, the UN won't listen to anyone, or even allow them in unless they have business at the complex, and even then, it has to be under their terms, or people get shot and killed by the remaining armed forces on station there."
"That is true, but that doesn't mean we can't get in. After all, where does the complex reside?" The president asked.
"American boundaries yes, but those boundaries are considered international by UN standards." Prime Minister Warson pointed out.
"True, but they are still American boundaries. Therefore, I still have access, even if it is considered restricted now. After all, America basically founded the UN with Britain."
"Good point…"
Looking out the window, President Hilson sighed. "Look, I need you to help me from behind the scenes with this. President Gonzalez and Vice-President Young are going to handle the public front and cover for us so that no one, and I mean no one, can find out about this."
"I see. So we act behind the scenes while they cover the public front and try to hide it with that." Prime Minister Warson mused as the president nodded.
"Yes. We need to make sure the public does not know what is going on. So, expect more meetings, even if it over public lines. I will send you a set of codes we can use when talking over the phone later on." President Hilson said as Warson nodded.
"Very well. Good luck."
"Thanks."
However, she wasn't about to reveal she was meeting with one Athrun Zala as well…
Chapter is complete. Athrun struggles to decide on what he should do, while Heero joins the Minerva as a mercenary. President Hilson prepares to meet with her fellow leaders for a reason unknown and the UN begins to suffer divisions on remaining neutral. At the same time, NASA's investigation begins to enter into deeper water, with the realization that someone was behind the terrorists' drop of Junius Seven.
Anyway, constructive criticism is appreciated as are reviews. Flames, AKA, hate-filled/spamming reviews as well as out-right hatred of the story, WILL be reported and/or deleted depending on if they are signed or not.
Anyway, read and review!
