Mobile Suit Gundam/Kido Senshi Gundam: Peacekeepers
By: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All characters and machines of the various Gundam eras belong to Yoshiyuki Tomino, Hajime Yatate, Fumihiko Takayama, Takeyuki Kanda, Umanosuke Iida, Mitsuko Kase, Takashi Imanishi, Masashi Mukaeda, Mitsuo Fukuda, Seiji Mizushima, Susumu Yamaguchi, Satoshi Konno, Junichi Kamino, Bandai, Level 5 and Sunrise. I only own Mark Liu for now.
There may be a few mobile suits that's not part of Gundam canon at all. They're also under me for now aside from the gunbarrel one which I've now decided to get rid of after hearing out Deathzealot's review.
Summary:
The Archangel was able to get away from the fighting in Heliopolis thanks to the Strike Gundam piloted by Kira, the arrival of "his" comrades and the intervention of the OMNI's Titans. However, it also resulted in the destruction of Heliopolis. Refugees from an Orb-made lifeboat were secured and among them include Chinese socialite Wang Liu Mei. Meanwhile, Murrue talks to Kira in the infirmary after the initial battle when he plans to reveal something regarding his encounter with Athrun as a ZAFT Red. Will this make any impact to the relationship between Murrue and Kira? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 5: Destination Artemis
Infirmary, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"I'll tell you. It's about the ZAFT Red you faced in Heliopolis after he shot me on the right shoulder."
Kira told Murrue, looking down at the ground after he finished dressing up.
The ZAFT Red? Does Kira really know him?
"I see." Murrue said. "Well I am going to keep my promise after all, Kira. So I'm not going to tell anyone else. Not even my fellow OMNI officers about this."
"The ZAFT Red who shot me..." Kira nodded, glad to hear what Murrue had said. "He's Athrun Zala. He's an old friend of mine when I was a kid before we had to part ways due to the repercussions of the One Year Bloody War."
"I don't believe it..." Murrue was a bit shocked with what she heard from Kira.
"Yeah." Kira had a grin before he placed a sad expression. "I didn't expect that coming either."
Murrue was silent after hearing Kira's last comment before she asked him.
"Are you all right with that?" Murrue asked Kira. "I mean, you and Athrun meeting under those circumstances?"
Kira nodded. "I don't blame him if he wanted to join ZAFT after his mother died during the initial stages of the war."
"Junius Seven." Murrue whispered. The woman had remembering hearing news about it after a week away prior to her graduation from West Point Academy. That just seems like yesterday.
"Is that all you want to know, Lieutenant Ramius?"
"Yes, of course." Murrue nodded. "Thank you very much, Kira."
"You're welcome." Kira began to stand up from the cot. "If you will excuse me, Lieutenant." The brown-haired youth said after excusing himself from Murrue's presence, stepping out of the infirmary.
Why do I get this feeling I know Kira from somewhere? Murrue said to herself before she sighed. Stop it Murrue! Now's not the time...
Corridor, somewhere near Infirmary, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Kira had just stepped out of the infirmary when he saw Wang Liu Mei and her bodyguard, Hong Long. The two did not react to Kira's presence as they were now walking closer and closer to him. But once Wang Liu Mei was within arm's reach, she only whispered a few words to the teenager.
"Meet me later with Hong Long and the others."
Kira blinked as he watched Wang Liu Mei leave and walk off, going somewhere else.
I wonder what that's about.
He sighed after hearing the message before he left the area, intending to go back towards the enlisted quarters to get some rest since there wasn't any ZAFT or renegade Zeon forces out there.
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Mark had poked his head out before coming out, using one of the empty quarters to make contact with Sumeragi.
"So far, so good." He mumbled after closing the retractable gate-like door behind him. "No one spotted me using that empty room."
Mark then eyed Kira, who was walking in the section already.
"Hey, Kira." The auxiliary policeman greeted Kira.
Kira nodded.
"About the lifepod you got on the ship?" Mark spoke to Kira. "Apparently Ms. Flay Allster's on as well aside from Wang Liu Mei and her quiet bodyguard."
"Flay?" Kira said, a bit surprised.
Mark smirked. "Come on, Kira. Some of the guys in your school sometimes talk about ya while I do patrols with the regular officers."
Kira sighed. "Yeah whatever."
Outside Cafeteria, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"You're probably very happy that Flay's around to see you alive and well Sai."
Tolle said after he came back from the toilet.
"Er yeah..." Sai chuckled, hugging Flay back.
"By the way," Kuzzey asked. "Where's Mir?"
"I don't know Kuzzey." Tolle shrugged his shoulders. "Probably needed a bit more time to the toilet. But hey, at least she'll be happy to see Flay around."
Kuzzey took a look at Sai's facial expression while Tolle chuckled. He seemed to be a bit concerned, but otherwise he was fine.
"Well Flay." Sai said as he broke off the hug. "I'm wondering if you're a bit hungry or thirsty or something, because I got some food and I'm not hungry anymore for the meantime..."
"Thank you Sai!" Flay said, being glad to see her boyfriend alive and well before Sai led her to the cafeteria to get some food.
Kuzzey sighed, rubbing his forehead when Mir showed up.
"Are you okay Kuzzey?"
The black-haired teen stopped whatever he was doing when he heard Mir's question.
"Oh yeah! Don't worry about me." Kuzzey chuckled. "Probably just tired from this little adventure of ours."
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Mark and Kira were busy talking to each other inside one of the empty quarters when Kuzzey showed up.
"Hey." Mark and Kuzzey gave each other high fives. Tori flew in and sat by Kira's left shoulder.
"Made it here too thanks to Ms. Wang?" Mark asked Kuzzey when he showed up.
"Yeah." Kuzzey replied, closing the sliding door behind him.
"Where you followed by anyone?" Kira asked. "Except Sai of course."
Kuzzey shook his head. "All clear, Kira. I think she should be coming."
"Right." Mark nodded. "I guess the first order of business for those OMNI officers is to find safe refuge ASAP."
"Yeah I agree." Kuzzey replied.
"But what now?" Kira asked. "Should we ask HQ for their advise?"
The three looked to see the sliding door open to see Wang Liu Mei outside.
"That will not be necessary."
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Murrue had entered the bridge when Natarle had approached him.
"There you are, Lieutenant." Natarle said when she talked to Murrue. "Lieutenant La Flaga was here a few minutes ago talking about our next destination."
"Are you talking about..." Murrue asked as she went to sit down at the command chair.
Natarle nodded. "Yes, we were talking about Artemis since it's the only allied space base out here. After all, I'm pretty sure the European Federation wouldn't mind assisting an Atlantic Federation-created OMNI space ship for some needed supplies."
"I understand." Murrue replied. "But the moon would be better since we have an OMNI base there." Though the place is mostly still used by the Atlantic Federation...
"I'll have to object to that. You see if we do travel to the moon, there are chances that we'll run into renegade Zeon forces since they prowl around the area waiting for the chance to attack and plunder military and civilian ships, not to mention Le Creuset's personal vessel."
"The ship and the Strike's IFF codes are not uploaded into the OMNI's official IFF database." Murrue said, hearing Natarle's reasoning. "So there is a chance that EF troops will greet us with hostile intentions."
"But I'm sure that the EF will be able to help us since we're in a bad situation." Mu told Murrue. "Especially from what I heard, the Archangel didn't have time to get some supplies to keep the crew afloat for a while."
"Well it does seem to be the viable option." Murrue replied, now agreeing with what Natarle and Mu had told her. "But we'll need to shake any ZAFT or renegade Zeon pursuers to make the trip a bit more productive..."
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Wang began to speak to the trio inside the quarters with Hong Long standing guard inside as the lights were already turned on.
"So Ms. Sumeragi wants me to inform you all that you guys need to stay inside the Archangel for a bit longer."
"Aw, come on..." Mark groaned. "Did Colonel Berserk tell her all this?"
"Afraid that part's not going to change." Liu Mei grinned, shrugging her shoulders. "The Colonel and Ms. Sumeragi are pretty sure that their next course of action is to seek refuge at Artemis. Which will not be good."
"From what I know..." Kira told Liu Mei. "The European Federation didn't make any progress in creating a space-worthy ship, as far as I know, that can be used for their own forces aside from those they inherited from the One Year Bloody War. And since this ship's a new model, I'm pretty sure there's gonna be a rogue officer waiting to get a chance to seize the Archangel."
"But what about the civilians?" Kuzzey raised the question, now a bit worried.
"Pretty sure those rogue officers won't mind making them as collateral damage to cover us any progress in taking the ship, Kuzzey." Mark told Kuzzey. "And I know it's not pretty."
"So what are we going to do?"
"Your orders are to proceed with maintaining your legends, alongside Sai's." Liu Mei replied. "The Colonel should have sent you guys a message on the matter a while ago."
"Dammit." Kira muttered in anger, sitting down on one of the empty cots. "This will not end well."
Bridge, ZMS Vesalius, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"Commander."
Ades went to see Le Creuset, studying the tactical map table. "It seems we don't have any progress in locating the new enemy ship since the debris is covering its heat signature."
"I see, Ades." Le Creuset said, looking at the map.
"You do know that everyone in the council will start asking questions, right?" Ades warned the ZAFT White officer. "Not even Zala will be able to defend you before a council hearing in light of what happened to Heliopolis."
"How can a neutral colony creating weapons for OMNI be considered neutral at all?" Le Creuset replied, glaring at the man. "Didn't you see it for yourself, especially since we got four new OMNI-made mobile suits? You would be making the same too to the Principality raiders who did the same thing to Side 7 years ago during the war."
"I understand that, Commander. But still..." Ades was trying to object to Le Creuset's argument.
"The Heliopolis residents had time to escape." Le Creuset told Ades. "So it's not a major issue I'll face with the council. Especially in the wake of the events that led to the One Year War."
The masked officer then sighed. "So did you locate the ship's signature?"
"Not under these conditions." Ades pointed out the debris field where Heliopolis used to be on the map. "And besides, most of our GINNs are either destroyed or badly damaged that they need to be temporarily decommissioned."
"What do you mean?" Le Creuset grinned. "We have those four new mobile suits and their data extraction's completed."
"You mean we're going to use them?"
"Of course we can." Le Creuset made a circle with his white gloved left index finger on the tactical map. "We'll let the Gamow join in the search so that our radius can be expanded."
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"I can easily foresee that we'll need to head to Artemis, since it's a space base of the European Federation." Kuzzey told everyone. "That way, the Archangel would get the needed supplies to continue back to Earth."
"Unless some of the officers would want to head to the moon since the Atlantic Federation's main lunar base is there near Von Braun City." Kira then added.
"I doubt that it'll happen." Liu Mei objected to Kira's comments. "Since the Archangel did not have enough supplies and the fact that they picked up refugees, it means that the current supplies they picked up at Heliopolis will run out eventually. So they will have to go to the nearest allied space base to do that."
"But to do that..." Mark told Liu Mei. "The officer'll need to fool the ZAFT ships into thinking that they'll head to the moon instead of Artemis."
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"Prepare to fire number three decoy rocket!"
Natarle was now seated in the CIC chair, carrying out the plan that she and Murrue had agreed on. The plan had been to fire a Wombat missile that was not primed for detonation. Instead, it was to be used to be a decoy to indicate that the Archangel is heading towards OMNI's moon base.
"Start main engines!" Murrue then gave out her orders. "Adjust ship course for Artemis!"
The OMNI officer watched as Arnold worked from his seat to navigate the Archangel through the debris in order to reach Artemis.
Bridge, ZMS Vesalius, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Le Creuset and Ades were informed by the bridge crew that a heat signature was detected, now heading en route to the moon after circling around the Earth while discussing the deployment of the Vesalius and the Gamow to capture/destroy the Archangel.
"Hmph." The masked officer scoffed after hearing the news. "Now that's done, I'm pretty sure that the legged ship's moving towards Artemis."
"How do you know that?" Ades asked Le Creuset, wondering how he knew that. "We may need to double check with the Gamow to make sure..."
"There's no need for that Ades." Le Creuset waved off Ades' concerns. "Like I said, the legged ship's going to Artemis in the first place." He then ordered the bridge crew. "Make preparations to launch the Vesalius and put Zelman on the online ASAP."
"But what about the Titans..."
"If the legged ship's using the debris field to hide themselves, then I'm also sure that they're doing the same thing."
ZAFT Red quarters, ZMS Vesalius, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
Athrun Zala was alone on his cot, floating a bit due to artificial gravity when the Vesalius was moving out to intercept the Archangel. He stared at the empty cot, which had Rusty's clothes and shoulder bag neatly folded out in case any of his immediate family/relatives would pick it up after the Vesalius would return back to the PLANTs.
Rusty... Athrun sighed, looking up at the ceiling. Miguel...
Meeting Room, MRS-70 Ptolemaios
Sumeragi was inside the meeting room as she had summoned Setsuna, Allelujah, Lockon and Tieria inside while Christina and the others would navigate the Ptolemaios near Artemis, shadowing the Archangel on the side.
"It seems that things are going to get worse thanks to both the Titans and ZAFT." She showed them a news broadcast of the Orb News Channel, showing protestors outside the PLANT and Atlantic Federation embassies located at Rawaki, which serves the mainland as the main commercial and financial city.
"So much for being neutral." Allelujah sighed while watching the ONC broadcasts. "Thanks to this, the Titans will be forced to explain themselves alongside ZAFT."
"Not unless they got a convincing explanation." Lockon told his Kazakh comrade.
I wonder if it is without Allah that the world is distorted? Setsuna wondered as he watched the broadcast. "Do we have to do anything at this point?"
"Aside from stalking the Archangel to make sure Kira and the others are fine..." Sumeragi replied. "There's nothing we can do really. Even Colonel Berserk advised on this."
"I just hope those guys can hang on in there." Lockon chuckled.
"You are underestimating what those four are capable of." Tieria glared at Lockon, crossing his arms near his chest. "Especially on where they learned how to fight."
Captain's Office, OMNIS Alexandria, somewhere in Heliopolis Debris Field, Space
"I will not accept any further action done by any Titans personnel starting right now!"
The OMNI liaison officer, who was of African Canadian descent and in his middle 20s, was currently furious at Bask Om at his personal office in the Titan's flagship Alexandria, commanding officer of the Titans on board his personal ship who is very much noticeable among OMNI and Titans personnel for wearing goggles ever since he was recruited back in OMNI before his selection to join the Titans. So far, Om was leaning back at his chair to listen to the liaison officer assigned by the UN to make sure the Titans were doing their duties while followings lawful conduct when executing anti-terrorist/counter-insurgency missions in space and on Earth.
"What do you mean by that?" Om sighed while he took off his peaked cap. "We did see ZAFT mobile suits and a vessel intruding onto Heliopolis and so we did what we are suppose to do according to our mandate."
"BUT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE DESTROYING THE COLONY BELONGING TO A NEUTRAL NATION! I THOUGHT YOU KNEW BETTER THAN THAT. COMMANDER OM!" The liaison officer slammed his hands on Om's table. "The UN's already receiving complaints from the various nations regarding the Titans and as such, the Secretary General is trying to schedule a meeting with Admiral Hymen regarding this matter!"
Om leaned back when the liaison officer mentioned Jamitov. In the ranks of the Titans, he was the founder of the group and has some influence and backing from the Security Council. Thus Om was confident that Jamitov might be able to convince the entire UN that the Titans did not have any fault in the destruction of Heliopolis.
"But it's not like you can pin the blame on the Titans on the destruction of Heliopolis." Om was now defending the unit's action. "Did you not see any of those GINNs out there near Heliopolis airspace aside from our deployed mobile suits meant to subdue them?"
"That will not excuse your actions back there, Commander Om." The liaison officer glared at Om. "Need I remind you that the unit deployed there has been suspended pending further review of their actions?"
"Of course I do and I won't do anything to hinder it." Om told him when the liaison officer was informed by a Titans soldier who had showed up outside Om's office that he needed to answer a call.
"I'll talk to Admiral Hymen when I'm done with the call, commander. Don't think that you'll get away with this."
The goggles-wearing Titans officer sighed once more when the liaison officer left.
I need to do something about him since he's becoming bothersome...
Outside Cafeteria, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Sai had stepped out of the cafeteria after he told Flay that he needed to urgently go to the toilet nearby. But as he stepped out, the glasses-wearing teenager went to reach out for his left front pocket of his light brown dress pants to get out a mobile phone that resembled the Apple Iphone. Sai noted that the phone already received a message.
"A message?" Sai raised an eyebrow. "Was probably before Heliopolis was destroyed."
He then opened the message when he used his left index fingertip to touch the screen.
New orders. Stay a bit longer with the Archangel with Kira and the others until we can extract you safely. That is all. I will let you know of any further orders.
D
So the colonel wants us to stick around for a little long huh?
Sai sighed before he went to delete the message. "Dammit. This never goes easy."
He kept his phone before proceeding to go to the toilet in order to relieve himself. The teenager didn't notice Mu had passed him by.
Enlisted Quarters Section, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Kira had been the first to leave after the covert meeting he held with Wang Liu Mei and the others was over for now.
"Ah! There you are, Kira. I've been looking for you."
The teenager turned to the side to see Mu approaching him.
"What can I do for you Lieutenant?"
"Well I'm informing you that we're heading for Artemis." Mu began to walk alongside Kira down the corridor, the latter looking at refugees being checked out by some of the armed OMNI soldiers on their identities such as the national ID cards they were using whether they were from Orb or from some other nation. "So I just want to let you know that you need to be ready with the Strike when the enemy comes."
"W-what?" Kira told Mu, playing around with his legend. "Why do I have to? I'm just an Orban refugee to begin with..."
Mu sighed when he heard Kira's complaining. "Kira. You do have the ability to make a difference. Considering all the refugees we got along with us." He then added. "Why don't you make us of it?"
Kira kept quiet.
Just a little more Kira...
Commander's Quarters, ZMS Vesalius, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Le Creuset was working on his computer when he was informed by Ades that Athrun would be reporting in to his quarters due to the masked man's request. He then heard Athrun's voice on the intercom, declaring his presence.
"Right. Come on in."
The blond man heard the sliding door open, followed by Athrun's footsteps. He glanced and saw him salute.
"I was hoping to speak with you earlier," Le Creuset told him as he was typing a report on his commander. "but I've been rather busy. The incident in Heliopolis has cause a lot of fuss..."
"Sir!" Athrun began, his arms on his sides. "I would like to apologize for what happened during the previous battle."
"I don't intend to punish you." Le Creuset replied, moving his swiveling chair in order to face the ZAFT Red. "But you weren't yourself. So I am curious to your explanation, Athrun. Go ahead."
Athrun gritted his teeth.
Dammit! Do I have to tell the commander that it was "him"?
"I would believe that you were able to get the machine when it was activated?" Le Creuset asked Athrun.
"I deeply regret my conduct." Athrun went to try and apologize to Le Creuset. "I was quite upset by the events that were unfolding and I failed to report the incident."
Le Creuset nodded a bit, hearing his reason.
"That final machine. I saw who the pilot was. My friend Kira. We attended the same lunar prep school together in Copernicus City. He's a Coordinator."
Is it that Kira? I better check this out later...
"Oh?" Le Creuset said, pretending to be a bit surprised. It was not unheard of that some Coordinators were working with the militaries of various OMNI member states such as the European Federation and the Republic of East Asia as their national government do not have harsh anti-Coordinator/Zeon policies unlike their allies in the Atlantic Federation.
"Yes, sir." Athrun said sadly. "I'd never dreamed that we would meet like this. I had to find out for sure."
"I see." Le Creuset replied after hearing Athrun's answer before he began to stand up from his chair. "Irony abounds in warfare." He then told Athrun. "No, I don't blame you for being upset. I imagine that you were close to this friend."
"Yes." Athrun looked down as it was a shameful thing to say with his eyes gazing a bit at the floor while staring at Le Creuset.
"Very well." Le Creuset stood in front of Athrun. "I'll take you off the next sortie. I think it's best."
Athrun was stunned to hear the commander's decision.
"You wouldn't be able to point a gun at such a friend." Le Creuset told Athrun, saying it as he was serious. "And I have no desire to put you in that position."
"No, commander." Athrun objected. "Couldn't you..."
"Even if he was your friend," Le Creuset began to lecture Athrun. "now that he might be an enemy. We must eliminate him. I'm sure you can understand that."
"Kira..." Athrun sighed. "He doesn't see that the Naturals are manipulating him. Brilliant as he is, he's also naive in good nature. They're exploiting him, but he's blind to it."
How interesting. Le Creuset was listening to Athrun insisting that Kira is not the real enemy.
"That's why I have to go back. And reason with him. Kira's still a fellow Coordinator. I'm sure he'll come around to our way of thinking."
"I know how you feel." Le Creuset said, staring at Athrun carefully. "However, what if he won't listen to you?"
"If that should happen..." Athrun feel morally crushed after hearing Le Creuset's question. Even though he wanted to help Kira, he has a duty to ZAFT. Never mind considering that the Athrun's well-known throughout the PLANTs via the media in part due to his father's position with the council.
I hate doing this part. But I may have no choice.
"I'll... shoot him down myself."
"I see." Le Creuset nodded. "Well, we're done here for now so you can take some rest in your room."
Athrun saluted him before he left Le Creuset's quarters.
"Kira?" Le Creuset mumbled. "Could it be... Hibiki's? I'll need to check on that soon."
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Mu had just finished his talk with Kira regarding the Strike when he heard some of the bridge crew inform Murrue and Natarle that an enemy ship is just near their position.
"What?" Mu said after sitting down on his chair. "You mean there's an actual battleship?"
"Are they onto us?" Murrue asked after confirmation on an enemy ship was made positive.
"They're fair distance." Natarle reassured Murrue after studying the tactical map displayed in front of the two, showing how much distance the Archangel has towards Artemis.
"It's outpacing us. Identified as a Nazca-class ship." Romero informed everyone inside the bridge.
"Shit." Mu cursed before he said, "They're going to position themselves in order to cut us off ahead."
"Where's their Laurasia-class?" Natarlea sked Romero, looking at him working from his seat.
"Hold on a moment." Romero replied before he was able to confirm its presence. "All right. There's another heat source following us. 300 to stern."
"It seems they didn't fall for the bait." Murrue said after hearing Romero's findings.
"When did that appear?" Romero mumbled, confused while he frowned.
"We know that the Laurasia-class will eventually overtake us." Mu told everyone as he assisted Arnold in steering the Archangel. "But if we use our engines to outrun it, then the Nazca-class will double back and come right at us."
The blond OMNI officer then told Romero. "Hey. Bring up a space map and data on the two vessels?"
"You have a plan, Lieutenant?" Natarle asked Mu while Romero was working to get data on the Nazca-class and the Laurasia-class ready.
"I'm thinking about it." Mu grinned at her.
"Well I hope it does work." Murrue sighed after hearing Mu's answer. "Or we'll be doomed. Including the refugees."
Cafeteria, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Tolle, Sai, Kuzzey and Mir were now back in the cafeteria with the refugees and Mark, some scared after hearing the siren and the intercom dispatches to all OMNI military personnel to be in battle stations. Wang Liu Mei was placed in an enlisted quarters bedroom as the cafeteria had no place for her to sit down.
"Do you Kira's going to fight?" Mir asked after being told by Kuzzey and Mark that Kira was told by Mu that he needs to be ready with the Strike in case ZAFT forces are going to attack the ship.
"If Kira doesn't want to fight..." Sai told Mir, having a serious tone in his voice. "Then our future's not going to be very bright at all."
Mark was talking to some of the refugees, seeing his auxiliary police uniform. Some of the children were asking him on what it's like to be a part-time policeman.
"You know..." Mir told Tolle. "We've been always on the sideline waiting for Kira to come and save us."
"Yeah..." Tolle nodded. "Maybe if we can make a difference, then why not put it to good use, right?"
The Orb national looked at Sai and Kuzzey, both of them nodding.
Mir then excused herself and went to speak to Mark, who was talking to a young girl.
"I'm sorry, but big brother needs to take care of something, okay?" He hugged the young girl before she went off to her mother.
"Mir..." Mark greeted the girl. "Is there something you want?"
Mir nodded. "Yeah." She said. "Actually, the others and I..."
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"Excuse me..." Dalida spoke to Natarle from his seat. "I've got some civilians wanting to speak with you."
"Tell them that I'll hear out their complaints later..." Natarle told Dalida angrily, interrupting her planning with Mu and Murrue. "Inform the refugees they need to stay put."
"It's not that." Dalida shook his head. "The students from Heliopolis had asked if we need some assistance in operating the ship. They wish to volunteer."
"What?" Murrue was shocked to hear what Dalida had said.
Alright then. At least it's better than nothing...
"I'll be back in a few minutes." Murrue stood up from her command chair. "Ensign, take over for me will you? I'll be fast."
"Huh?" Natarle was confused for a bit. "I... alright Lieutenant."
Murrue went outside the bridge, greeting the students and Mark, who once again saluted at her before she told him out of old habit again that it was not needed.
"I appreciate your efforts to help us with the ship." Murrue greeted the students. "Please follow Petty Officer Chandra's instructions..."
Corridor, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Kira was now in a corridor, informed by an OMNI soldier that he needs to be on standby with the Strike in case the enemy's going to attack the ship. He then noted Mark and the others with Dalida. The only thing is his classmates were now wearing OMNI uniforms.
"Hey." Kira greeted them. "What's with those uniforms?"
"Mir informed me that they wanted to help." Mark explained to Kira. "So I decided to help them by escorting everyone to see Lieutenant Ramius."
"Besides..." Sai added. "The ship is undermanned after all."
"We were told that we can't help around the bridge and stuff unless we got these on." Kuzzey said, pointing to his blue uniform shirt.
"But don't you think the ones from ZAFT or Zeon are cooler?" Tolle said with a grin on his face. "After all, we don't have rank badges so these are lame."
"Watch it there, wise guy." Dalida said, glaring at Tolle. Mark chuckled at Tolle's comments.
"We always see you fighting out there back from Heliopolis." Tolle told Kira the reason why they (except Mark) volunteered. "We all thought you may need some backup."
"Since we're all in this together," Mir said with a smile to Kira. "we plan to help out too."
"So what do you think?" Mark said. "Of course I won't help and all since I got a bigger duty to do with the refugees..."
Thanks guys...
"All right. Let's move." Dalida gave the students a gentle shove before he told Kira. "And make sure you wear a pilot suit in case you get the go ahead for launching the mobile suit into space."
"Yes, sir Mr. Chandra!" Kira replied as Dalida let the students towards the bridge. He was now alone with Mark for the time being.
"So you're going in there?" Mark asked Kira.
"Yeah I gotta." Kira replied. "Besides," He showed the auxiliary police officer a disk. "the colonel wants me to completely get the data from it. After all, they don't treat me at suspicious."
"Better get going then." Mark patted Kira on the shoulder. "I'll head back to the cafeteria and do my job as an auxiliary."
"See ya."
"You too. If you don't die out there."
Bridge, ZMS Vesalius, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"And there it is." Le Creuset said as he and Ades saw that Artemis had now activated its lightwave barrier. "The Umbrella of Artemis."
"They caught unto us." Ades said, seeing the lightwave barrier protecting the asteroid. "But the legged ship's not here even though we're here."
Le Creuset smirked. "On the contrary, Ades. We've already cut them off. The time is now."
Ades nodded before he gave his orders. "Rotate 180 degrees! Match velocity to Artemis! Then proceed to stern at low speed!"
And now you're mine, legged ship!
Locker Room, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"Looks like you've decided to fight, now that you're in a pilot suit."
Mu greeted Kira when he got in, wearing his custom OMNI purple, black and white suit while clutching his helmet.
"I know." Kira nodded. "After all, we're the only ones who can protect this ship in the meantime." He sighed. "It's not that I want to fight. All I want to do is protect because of the people on board the ship."
Mu nodded. "Well it's the same for everyone on board. You won't be able to find many people who wants to fight for no reason at all." He grinned at Kira. "Well maybe except for those who're nuts and all..."
"Uh, yeah Lieutenant La Flaga..."
"We fight because it's the only way to protect ourselves."
That reasoning's been mentioned by the Principality and the PLANTs during the One Year Bloody War too.
"So sit down first, 'cause I'm about to explain our strategy."
Kira nodded before he sat down at the nearest seat while placing the pilot helmet at the side.
Cafeteria, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"Hey!" Flay approached Mark after he got in the cafeteria. "Is Sai going to be alright?"
"He will be." Mark reassured Flay. "After all, he's in a non-combat position so he's not to be in much danger."
"All right. I heard that Sai volunteered a while ago..."
"Don't worry about it. He's only doing this so that all the refugees can go back home. Including you too."
"I hope so."
Flay said. She was a bit scared, but she's relieved that Sai's not going to be in a mobile suit or a mobile armor.
Mobile Weapons Hangar, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Mu and Kira were now in the hangar, wearing their helmets as they were now going towards the SVMS-01OP Union Flag Orbit Package, which the spare gunbarrels had been used on before Mu had decided against its future use. The OMNI officer was prepared to get on the mobile suit before he spoke to Kira again.
"Remember to protect this ship and yourself." Mu told Kira before he got in the cockpit of the Orbit Package.
"All right. Be careful Lieutenant." Kira said before he brought the visor of his helmet down, making his way to the Strike as maintenance technicians were already making a last minute check on it to ensure its readiness.
Cockpit, SVMS-01OP Union Flag Orbit Package
Mu sighed after he retracted the visor of his helmet while ensuring that the seat belts are fastened and secured while the Flag is being taxied towards the right mobile suit catapult.
I'm confident that this plan can work.
The man heard from the bridge that he's been cleared to take off from the Archangel.
"Mu La Flaga! Union Flag Orbit Package! Launching!"
He then boosted the engines as Mu took off towards his objective.
To take out the Naza-class ship Le Creuset was on.
Don't let them get you before I return.
Cockpit, GAT-X105 Strike Gundam
Kira had just fastened and secured the seat belts on when the mobile suit was being taxied onto the catapult.
"This better work." Kira then took out the disk he showed to Mark a while ago before he inserted it into the open disk slot where he can readily download the combat data of the Strike when needed. The teen heard some chatter and commands, especially from Murrue that he needs to get ready to launch.
The lieutenant will sneak up and hit the enemy by surprise. Meanwhile, I'll stay here and protect the Archangel from the rear. He sighed after going over Mu's plans. I wish Sai, Kuzzey or Mark would be here like good old times...
"Hello Kira." Kira heard a familiar voice on the radio and on the screen in front of him, he saw that Mir was greeting him with a headset worn.
"Hey, Miriallia." The teen greeted Mir. "What are you doing there?"
"From this point on, I'll be acting as the combat operator for the mobile suits." She winked at him and gave him a peace sign. "I'm counting on you."
"We're all counting on you!" He heard Romero on the line, as well as Dalida cheering Kira on.
Kira had a grin on his face, hearing the cheers from the bridge. He studied the display, indicating the mounting of Aile Strike equipment.
I'm ready for you ZAFT! So bring it on!
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"Fire the main engines." Murrue gave the orders after Kira's Strike was equipped with Aile Striker equipment. "Now activate the assault cannons!"
The dual Lohengrin Positron Blaster Cannons were being prepared as they were extended out of the ship. She then saw that the cannons were ready to be fired.
"Target the Naza-class ship in front of us!"
From the CIC, Natarle gave her orders.
"Lohengrin, fire!"
Murrue watched as the dual Lohengrin cannons fired their positron beams towards the Naza-class ship.
Bridge, ZMS Vesalius, near outskirts of Artemis, somewhere in Space
"Heat source approaching! And a larger one coming from behind! It's a warship!"
One of the bridge crew's CIC officers had warned Ades and Le Creuset about the incoming positron beams moments after Murrue gave the order to fire the cannons.
"Dammit...!" Ades gritted his teeth before he ordered, "Take evasive action!"
"I see that we've spooked them and they've fired a round." Le Creuset commented.
"Commander!" The communications officer spoke to Le Creuset. "Captain Zelman's already preparing to launch mobile suits against the OMNI warship."
"Excellent." Le Creuset replied before he heard that Athrun was about to be launched from the Vesalius.
"Remember what you've said Athrun. I'm holding you to it."
"Yes, sir."
A few minutes later, the bridge crew informed Athrun that he was cleared for take off.
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"One mobile suit has been launched from the Nazca-class ship." Dalida reported to Natarle his findings on his console.
"Captain?" Natarle asked Murrue for her final decision on launching the Strike.
"By all means, Ensign."
Natarle then told Mir her instructions. "Get Kira to prepare for launch in the Strike."
"Yes, ma'am." Mir nodded before she went for the headset's mic. "Kira..."
Cockpit, GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam
"Got it."
Kira heard Mir on the radio before he was ready for take off after given the green light.
"Kira Yamato! Strike! Launching!"
He then launched the Strike out of the catapult, arming himself with the beam rifle once his mobile suit was in space.
Remember to protect this ship and yourself.
Kira raised an eyebrow when he remembered what Mu had told him prior to taking off from the Archangel.
The only thing he doesn't know is that I've been fighting in mobile weapons for a while now...
His display has warned him on an incoming mobile suit, so Kira studied it carefully to see who he was facing.
"Let's see who I'm facing here..." Kira mumbled before the screen showed that it was the stolen Aegis. Piloted by Athrun for an offensive combat mission against the Archangel.
"It's the Aegis. One of the five Gundam models under the G Project." Kira said after reading the display. As the Aegis was approaching closer and closer to him, he decided to use the Strike's beam saber as the weapon of the day.
"I hate to do this..." The Coordinator mumbled after drawing out the beam saber.
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
"I've got three mobile suits coming from the rear!" Dalida reported to Murrue. "It's the Blitz, Buster and Duel. And they're about to separate and spread out."
"CIC!" Murrue shouted to everyone in the CIC section of the bridge. "Intercept them!"
"Understood!" Natarle shouted before she began to relay her instructions to everyone at the CIC. "Laser designator?"
"Already taken care of, Ensign." Romero replied.
"Missile tubes 13 to 18, take aim!" Natarle told the CIC crew before she gave the order. "Fire!"
Natarle had noted through a small console on her armrest that the missiles had already been fired against the three stolen mobile suits.
Good! Now a barrage is needed to distract those three mobile suits.
"Load Sledgehammer missiles into missile tubes 7 to 12! Corintoss missiles on missile tubes 19 to 24! Fire!"
Soon enough, a barrage of Corintoss and Sledgehammer missiles were launched directly at the Blitz, Buster and Duel.
Cockpit, GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam
Kira had already drawn out his beam saber when he saw the Aegis draw its own beam saber out. And then...
"What the?" Kira saw the Aegis charging at him. In response, he made the Strike move out of the way before the mobile suit was damaged in the assault.
"KIRA!" Kira heard Athrun's voice on an open line for him to hear. "Put away your sword, Kira! I don't want to fight you! We're not enemies!"
"Athrun!" Kira shouted back on the open line.
"You're a fellow Coordinator like us!" Athrun was starting to reason with Kira. "Why do you want to fight against your own kind?"
Stop it Athrun! Don't make me hurt you!
The confrontation was making Kira remember something from the past.
Something he doesn't want to remember at all.
"Tell me Kira! Why are you helping OMNI?"
Cockpit, GAT-X102 Duel Gundam
Yzak had an easy time bagging most of the missiles launched from the Archangel. For him, it's like shooting paper targets at the shooting range back at the ZAFT Military Academy in his younger days. He was not the only one who had this in mind as the Blitz and Buster also had no problem shooting down the missiles meant for them.
"Heh! All too easy!"
The silver-haired ZAFT Red grinned as he blasted missile after missile before he radioed Dearka and Nicol. "Listen up you two! I'll go and reinforce Athrun. Go ahead and get the warship!"
"Understood!" Nicol replied.
"Are you sure on that, Yzak?" Dearka's reply irritated Yzak to no end.
"DEARKA!" Yzak began to shout at him. "Just shut your trap and get the ship! You hear me?"
Yzak moved in towards the Aegis to back Athrun up and either take out or capture the Strike. He had ignored Igelstellung CIWS gunfire meant for his mobile suit as he had simply evaded them.
Cockpit, SVMS-01OP Union Flag Orbit Package
Mu had begun a silent journey towards the Vesalius stationed somewhere in front of the Archangel. He went to use minimum propulsion in order to get the element of surprise.
"I just hope Le Creuset's not going to be aware of my little surprise for him."
Earlier, the Hawk of Endymion had witnessed Lohengrin cannon fire used against the Vesalius while the Strike began to engage the Aegis in mobile suit combat. He gave a whistle when he witnessed the positron beams heading towards the ship before Ades' quick and calm thinking was able to avoid them.
"If we only had more hands to help around..." Mu mumbled. "Well, there's no time to worry about that. Got to make sure I can reach the Nazca-class ship and take it out before they know I'm around."
So far, Mu was only half way towards the camping ZAFT warship. He needed some more time to sneak past it by using the asteroids to mask its physical presence with minimum to no propulsion to ensure its heat signature would not be picked up.
Cockpit, GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam
"I'M NOT WITH OMNI!" Kira shouted at Athrun as the two began dodging each other. "I've got a lot of friends on the ship! Especially refugees from Heliopolis!"
What? Athrun had been shocked to hear that the OMNI-made warship had refugees. Refugees? If that's the case...
Good. Kira saw that the Blitz and Buster, from a distance, had a hard time engaging the Archangel as the warship had unleashed most of its weapon systems to get the stolen mobile suits to back off.
"But why are you with ZAFT?" Kira then began to yell at Athrun, "getting back at him". "Back in Copernicus, you told me that war's not your thing. So how come you had no problem joining ZAFT huh? Especially since ZAFT forces attacked Heliopolis!"
"It's because these mobile suits were manufactured in Heliopolis... And it made itself as a liability."
"Heliopolis is a colony from Orb. And it made itself neutral from the start of the OYBW. And that includes me!"
Before Kira can yell at Athrun any further on how his actions have destroyed a neutral nation's space colony like what Zeon did back in the war, he was alerted to another incoming mobile suit.
One that had its model number from the G Project.
"It's the Duel."
Kira used the shield mounted on the Strike's left arm to block the incoming shots, readying the beam saber against the incoming Duel.
"STAY BACK!"
The Coordinator decided that he needed a few minutes worth of distraction, starting with blocking the incoming beam shots with the shield as the Duel was moving closer and closer to the Strike. Kira manipulated the Strike's mounted shield to hit the Duel after moving to the side as they were now in close quarters, stunning it before whacking the now enemy mobile suit onto the side.
"HAH!" Kira yelled, smacking the Duel with the shield. Eat that!
Bridge, OMNIS Archangel, en route to Artemis, somewhere in Space
Did Kira just hit the Duel with its own shield? Or is it just me?
Murrue said to herself before giving the orders to evade since the Blitz and the Buster were now approaching the Archangel.
"Evasive maneuvers at maximum speed!"
"Fire anti-beam depth charges!" Natarle gave the order to have anti-beam depth charges at the starbord side of the Archangel. "Fire Igelstellungs! Don't let the enemy get any closer! And set the Helldarts to auto-launch!"
The black-haired woman watched as the CIWS and the Helldarts gave the Blitz and the Buster a hard time that they began to back off to a significant distance.
Yes! It's working!
Until she got a report from Dalida that the Blitz is trying to conduct a sneak attack below the Archangel with the Buster providing backup.
Cocky little bastard, isn't he?
"Commence interception with the Igelstellungs!" Natarle ordered before some of the CIWS were fired below the ship to stop the Blitz from coming any closer.
"We'll use the Gottfrieds." Murrue told the bridge crew. "Left roll 30 degrees. Port 20. Got it?"
"Left roll 30 degrees. Port 20." Arnold repeated Murrue's instructions, working on his seat as the helmsman. The Archangel was now turning according to Murrue's instructions in order to maximize the firing angle of the Gottfried beam cannons and the CIWS to get the Blitz and Buster to back off permanently. However unknown to them, the civilans were having a hard time staying in their seats as the Archangel was tilting and rolling.
"It seems that Kira's doing a good job in keeping the Duel away from him." Murrue told Natarle, facing her.
"So it would seem." Natarle replied to her superior. "But isn't he only a college student?"
"I agree."
Sai and Kuzzey overheard part of the women's conversation.
Kira needs to be careful. Both of them thought. Mir was only confused on whether the women were telling the truth.
Cockpit, X-303 Aegis Gundam
Athrun witnessed Kira pounce on the Duel with its shield to its defensive maneuvers against the Duel before the Buster and Blitz joined up to gang up on the Strike after being driven away from the Archangel. However, he was on the sidelines as the teenager didn't know what to do.
"Where does Kira learn to fight like that?" Athrun mumbled, not able to even lift the beam saber to disable the Strike. Even when the Blitz and the Buster began to clash with the Strike, they couldn't get near the OMNI-allied mobile suit. Not even lay a scratch on it.
"Hey Athrun! Is something wrong with you?" Dearka yelled via standard ZAFT mobile suit frequency. "We can use your help here you know! The mobile suit here's giving us a hard time!"
"Come on coward!" Yzak shouted at Athrun. "If you're not gonna move, then I'll start calling you a coward starting from here!"
"Dammit!" Athrun now faced two personal dilemmas.
One, Kira did not willingly join up with OMNI from some Coordinator-friendly nations. Second, Kira had some mobile suit fighting skills that he was not aware of.
Seriously, where did Kira learn to fight like that?
As Athrun wondered about Kira's fighting skills, he witnessed his best friend clash beam sabers with the Blitz after it tried to take over from the Duel by trying to take down the Strike before the latter went for several slashes aimed for the torso.
"Athrun! Give us a hand!" Nicol's frantic shouting snapped Athrun from his thinking, moving in to help his friend from his academy days.
Bridge, ZMS Vesalius, near outskirts of Artemis, somewhere in Space
"One mobile suit has been deployed by the enemy warship!"
Le Creuset and Ades heard a report from the CIC that the Strike was only deployed to engage the Aegis before it moved to face off against the Blitz, Buster and Duel.
"Hmph..." The masked ZAFT White smirked. "It seems that the mobile armor wasn't repaired in time."
"It looks to be that way, commander." Ades said, agreeing with Le Creuset's assessment of the situation.
At last. Le Creuset thought, smirking to himself as he reclined back on his seat. I win, Mu La Flaga. And you're doomed alongside the legged ship.
Cockpit, SVMS-01OP Union Flag Orbit Package
Don't count your chickens yet, Rau Le Creuset.
Mu thought, as if he was reading Le Creuset's thoughts as he traveled slowly with the Flag Orbit Package. He had been traveling alongside debris while taking cover within the occasional asteroid for more than an hour now.
"Any minute now." The OMNI Lieutenant murmured, eying his console until he was able to locate his target.
"There it is." Mu eyed the Vesalius, which was just stationed near the outskirts of Artemis. In fact, there were no mobile weapons stationed outside the warship. Which means...
I can launch the surprise attack on the Naza-class ship as planned!
With this in mind, Mu began to boost the Flag Orbit Package to move in towards the Vesalius to catch it completely off guard.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
Chapter 5 END
PS - Back this time as I was not able to successfully update the story due to mostly university commitment with forum RPing on the side. That with laziness as I was playing Catherine on the PS3. As for some of Orb's cities depicted and the islands in Orb Union, it's fictionally depicted as it's needed for the story.
And now, the "official" reveal of Kira, Sai and Kuzzey as agents for "M". I'll get more background on how these guys and their life before and after M soon. Or not, we'll see.
As usual, let me know how it is. Reviews to suggestions and helpful flames. Corrections to any mistakes I made are greatly appreciated too. Also did a recent chapter for my Resident Evil story, "Hostage Rescue". So feel free to put a review there too if you wish after reading it.