A/n

Here is Phase 4, so read and enjoy the chapter!

Phase 4: Uncomfortable Situation

January 25th, 71 C.E.

The Vesalius

Onboard the Vesalius, Athrun was typing away at the Aegis's keyboard doing the needed fixing for the OS. Yet his mind kept going back to the encounter with the two unknown suits in the colony interior. The prototype machine that the Alliance officer had boarded should have been simple to deal with, it didn't work efficiently due to the OS being junk. Then the first unknown had appeared and had shown it was a different kind of beast than they had expected to handle on the operation. The way it had moved and reacted, the only explanation that Athrun could come up with that made sense was it had a working OS.

The intelligence reports that Commander Creuset was working from had only revealed to them the existence of five machines. And until the two unknowns had popped up, everything else from the report had been on the money. So then, where did those two other suits come from and why hadn't they been noticed by those who had gotten the intel? The question was one that an answer was pointless by this time, but it still kept coming to mind.

That's before the far more worrisome fact of the performance of both of those machines for they were working as well as a ZAFT suit, which inferred they had a full working Natural-use OS. Were that system to reach the Ptolemaeus Lunar Base or either of the main Alliance bases on Earth, the Earth Forces could then mass-produce suits and would as quickly as possible. That meant nothing but trouble for the PLANTs or any that would refuse them.

Of course, Athrun had heard some of the rumors that the Federation's military was supposed to have a Natural-use OS for their machines. But then, there were also whispers that they could have mobile suits as ZAFT forces did and simply didn't see a need to use them. Honestly, Athrun couldn't say which idea was scarier, the Federation having suits that could match and likely outdo ZAFT machines, or that if that was true, they didn't see a need to use them. The Federation was well-known for not showing more strength and power than they thought was necessary. Yet, there had never been proof of either idea obtained by ZAFT intelligence agents.

If they did have both, then the Federation hadn't shared the technology with the Alliance, which was understandable. There was supposed to be some sort of agreement between the Federation and the Alliance that scientific development was not shared, especially military advancement. It was no secret that the Alliance disliked the fact that the Federation hadn't helped them in their war against ZAFT, just kept firmly neutral. The refusal to share their technology the Federation had with the Alliance had strengthened the dislike of the Alliance. It had not been the exact same between the Federation and ZAFT for there was some scientific data shared, but nothing to do with weapon's development.

Then the pilot of the black machine as they had been skilled beyond normal Alliance pilots are. How could they have someone like that at their disposal and ZAFT not have known about them? With those in charge of the Alliance and its military forces, they wouldn't have waited until now to use a pilot that good. Such thoughts and questions kept bouncing around Athrun's mind and wouldn't leave him alone.

"Commander Creuset is returning," came a voice over the PA, which caused Athrun to come out of his thoughts and glance up from the controls of the Aegis, "Damage sustained from two direct hits, firefighting and rescue squads to B deck."

The second part of the announcement caught Athrun's full attention. Commander Creuset had taken not one hit but two from going into the colony? Yes, when it had been Miguel, Lester, and Athrun himself fighting the last of the known Alliance machine, it had been fine. Then had come along with those two unknown suits and their pilots had caught them by surprise. For them to be able to pilot well enough to force Commander Creuset who was an accomplished pilot to retreat back to the ship with damage. Perhaps there was more to those machines and their pilots than any had thought. Seconds later, the CGUE entered the hangar flying backward and was stopped by the deceleration cables in the hangar.

"His unit has lost both arms," said a mechanic just outside of the Aegis, voice filled with disbelief.

Upon hearing that, Athrun quickly maneuvered himself out of the Aegis's cockpit to get a better view of what had happened to the Commander. He could only stare at the suit, the damage the CGUE had taken as crew members began the process of cooling the armor down. The right arm of the suit was gone, shot cleanly off by what Athrun could see. The left arm had less than half remaining and appeared to have been sliced off by some kind of cutting blade. The question as to what kind of weapons could've done that was being asked, but there wasn't an answer to the question at this point.

Back in the colony interior, once the CGUE had retreated, the warship began the process of landing on the ground. Kira positioned the Strike in a kneeling stance, which when he did Murrue climbed on board and use the radio request the Archangel to open that led into the hangar after landing so that those on the ground could board. Tyler was hopeful that when the ship did land that the three suits could get on and get their batteries charged. ZAFT forces were more likely now to come back after the display from the Strike, to either capture the suit and the other two machines or destroy them all.

Once the ship had landed, Kira positioned the Strike's left hand down on the ground to offer some of his friends a ride. Lacus, Miriallia, and Murrue did hop into the hand before the Strike rose up keeping its hand level and began walking forward. Tyler moved the Shadow forward a few steps and maneuvered the mobile suit into a kneeling posture right by the three male teens. He then opened the cockpit hatch and stretched out the Shadow's right hand to Sai, Tolle, and Kuzzey, "How lucky it is for you three that I'm such a nice guy no? Offering to give you a ride to the ship just like Kira is doing for the ladies," Tyler said.

The three clambered onto the Shadow's hand, "Thank you Tyler," replied Sai.

"Yeah, you're awesome," added Tolle.

Tyler gained a small smile, "I'm aware of that Tolle though it's nice to be reminded of it every now and again." Tyler took a deep breath, "Now, you three hold on tight," Tyler said before making the Shadow rise and moved towards the Alliance ship.

On the right-side catapult section of the Archangel, a part opened up at the end of the linear catapult itself from what Tyler could see. He assumed that something the same or similar was on the other side of this Alliance ship as there was supposed to be two catapults for it. Kira and Tyler moved their suits into the ship and put down their passengers gently to the deck. As the two suits were off-loading their passengers, a group of people some with Alliance uniforms were watching. The standard uniform for the Alliance organization was heavily based off of old Earth military uniforms. Then there were others were in jumpsuits and others in military combat wear and holding guns coming up to the group.

"Lieutenant Ramius," called a black-haired woman at the front of the group, her voice sounding relieved.

Tyler wondered if what his group was seeing was possibly what was left of the Earth Forces officers and crew. Alan had said there was a mess at the dock and presumably the one under Morgenroete would be the same. Tyler turned on his Federation com-link, "Alan, you said the docks were a mess, I assume that you were also implying that the dock under the development complex was as well correct," Tyler posed.

"Indeed, both docking areas appeared to be in ruins from what the video I could get from tapping into the colony's systems. There a specific reason you bring that up chap," Alan replied.

"Yes, when you saw the mess at the dock, you didn't happen to see anyone dressed in anything that makes up Alliance uniforms did you," Tyler questioned.

"As it happens old boy, I saw a number of bodies that I believe were wearing Alliance uniforms. From the estimated location, I would guess many of them were around what I think was the control booth for the development complex's docking area when the explosions happened," Alan answered.

Tyler nodded, "Well, I do believe I'm looking at what's left of the Alliance ship's officers and crew," he remarked before disconnecting from the channel.

Tyler saw that Miss Ramius was looking over at the woman that had just hailed her yet, an alarm going off in the cockpit drew his attention. He glanced around for the reason for the alarm, he saw the suit's main display saying that the battery had ten percent of its power remaining. So, Tyler quickly shut down the machine's systems to conserve what power there still was and the forward screen split apart and the two sections moved to either side leaving the way to the opening hatch clear. While Tyler used the zip-line to descend to the deck, he scanned what was likely left of this ship's crew.

The one who had spoken to the lieutenant, Tyler realized that it was the woman from earlier that had passed around the train station. Although this time, she was in a uniform with a collar that was red and had one gold vertical bar. That said to Tyler that she was an Ensign and then second the woman was pretty much a member of the ship bridge officers even if it was not the highest. Also, by the way, she was acting, Tyler assumed that this woman was the one 'in charge' of those here currently.

Tyler spotted four others in Earth Forces officer uniforms though he guessed the kind were for general commissioned ship crew and not officers. There was also a group of fourteen jumpsuit wearing people, which Tyler guessed were engineers and mechanics. Tyler had always had a bit of respect for those in those jobs for they weren't easy ones and he believed didn't get enough recognition for their work. Finally, there was also a small number of soldiers with guns were around as well as Tyler noted. That had him gripping both the sub-machine gun he had taken from the ZAFT soldier and his own pistol just after he touched down on the ship deck.

Murrue, on the other hand, was glad to see familiar faces at last as most she had been with had been killed. She did take in that there were less than she hoped, but she hoped that meant the ship's crew was at their stations. "Ensign Badgiruel," Murrue greeted with slight relief.

"It's a tremendous relief to see that you're safe with what happened," said Natarle as she saluted.

Murrue returned the salute, "You as well, I'm honestly glad that you protected the Archangel. I was worried that with how things had gone, things might be worse than I feared they could be."

Tyler had the urge to retort about the damage done by all of this and how the Alliance was the ones that brought this situation on in the first place, but he held his tongue. Instead, he glanced around for something to occupy his time to prevent his mouth from running off. Tyler's gaze stopped on the Strike as Kira came out of the cockpit which drew some stares from the ship's crew. Tyler understood the potential reasons there would be shock and curiosity as Kira and himself were teens and had pilot suits.

The second those that were left of the Archangel's crew saw that the two suits that had come on board the ship had teens piloting them, confusion spread. No one said anything until the chief mechanic by the name of Kojiro Murdoch couldn't keep quiet. He was a black haired man that was five feet six inches, that had brown eyes. He was also known among the crew of the ship to be stubborn as could be and would get on the case of any that tried to tell him how to do his job of managing the mechanics. "Will someone with a working brain tell me what the hell is going on here?" All attention shifted to Murdoch, "First there are two suits that not a single person seems to know about and now you're telling me that two kids going through puberty are piloting the Strike and one of those unknowns? Can't say anyone told me that a circus was being put on because that's what I'm seeing the signs of."

Tyler looked at the man that had spoken, "Chief Murdoch, that's enough," said Ensign Badgiruel.

Ignoring the question of those here with the Alliance ship, Tyler strode over to Kira with a slight expression of worry set on his face. With the way Kira tends to think, he would blame himself for the hole Heliopolis had now and Tyler knew that. The hole in the colony wall wasn't his fault for he couldn't have known what that cannon was capable of. As Tyler got close, Kira waved a hand and gave him a smile to say that he was okay though Tyler could still see that Kira wasn't fine like he was claiming.

Tyler and Kira were shortly surrounded by their friends as the ship's crew were either muttering to themselves or wondering what was going on. Miriallia took Tyler's left hand and Kira's right and began to shake their hands up and down. "You two are amazing," she said with awe.

Tyler was a little taken aback at how Miriallia was impressed at what Kira and he had done. So, Tyler just gave her a sheepish look, "Thanks Miriallia, I think," Tyler muttered.

Lacus as Tyler expected, ran straight up to Kira latching onto his left arm, she then got Kira to face her and she stared into his eyes. Kira's eyes locked with her and one of their 'silent conversations' ensued. Honestly, Tyler found the pair quite adorable when they did this, and also fairly humorous for this wasn't new. Tyler contained himself from cooing at the sight and embarrassing the pair since this was not the best time.

Ignoring the teens for the moment, Natarle approached Murrue, "Lieutenant Ramius, what's going on," she asked, her confusion obvious. "Are there any others that were around the prototypes still with you and where did these teens come from?"

Murrue sighed as the chain of inquiries from Natarle was expected, but the answers were complicated Murrue herself was still trying to wrap her head around the events that had occurred today, so she had to think about how to explain the current situation. Although Murrue still did glance over at the teens feeling sorry for what circumstances they were now in. And yet, her gaze then dropped to the floor trying to come up with a viable explanation to give.

"Wow," came a new voice.

Attention shifted to the source of the voice and walking into the ship was a blonde short-haired man in a purple and grey Alliance pilot suit who was walking over. The man stood at an estimated six feet two inches in height and he could also be considered handsome by some with his looks. Mu glanced around at all of the people in the immediate area before he focused on the group of us students, "What a surprise," he said.

Tyler took notice of a woman coming up behind the man that was also wearing a pilot suit though hers was blue and grey. She was shorter than Tyler himself by four inches or so, her light brown hair fell straight down to her mid-back, along with her green eyes. The woman appeared to be in her mid-twenties, the other things that I noted, was that her suit looked to be tight around the upper torso area. Both the man and the woman walked forward and came to a stop in front of Miss Ramius. "I'm Lieutenant Mu La Flaga of the Seventh Orbital Fleet at your service," he said, giving her a salute, "it's an honor."

Tyler was forced to pause a moment at hearing the man's introduction as he had heard the name La Flaga. The name had been mentioned and been in reports about an individual that was seen as an ace pilot Alliance had. If the man was who he said he was, he would have the nickname of the Hawk after the campaign that took place on the moon in the war. Tyler himself knew some mobile armor pilots whether they still were or had gone on to other things and he knew that not all of them were idiots or fools.

The other soldiers including Murrue and Natarle saluted as well to the greeting while the teens just stared at the scene. The woman with La Flaga came up beside him, "I'm Major Krystal McAlester, also assigned to the Seventh Orbital. It's an honor to meet you all as well," she said.

Honestly, Murrue hadn't thought she would meet two of the pilots that had survived what had gone down around the Grimaldi Front. There weren't many that came out of that campaign, so those that did were known to have great skill. "Lieutenant Murrue Ramius of sector two, fifth special division," she introduced herself, "I'm a crew member of this ship."

Natarle nodded, "Ensign Natarle Badgiruel, same sector and division," she stated.

Tyler was carefully observing the scene still on edge a bit as there were some with guns that could do harm. The soldiers were relaxed for the time being, but Tyler had the two guns he possessed ready to bring up and use. Tyler may not like killing another if things required the task, but he would do it if he saw the need to in order to protect others.

Lieutenant La Flaga then spoke up again, "My comrade and I would like permission to come aboard this vessel," he stated. "May I ask who's in command around here?"

Everyone, minus those of us who were the residence of Heliopolis and Murrue Ramius looked towards Ensign Badgiruel for the answer. Tyler spotted the frown that came to the woman's face at the question and assumed that what information he had about the docking areas was correct. The majority of the ship's crew, mainly officers had died due to the explosives ZAFT forces set or from what they caused. So, the pressing question in Tyler's mind was who was in the line of succession to take over the leader position?

Natarle knew the answer to the question Lieutenant La Flaga was asking even if she didn't want to state it. She had been lucky enough to be in the boarding tunnel to the Archangel which had been shielded enough from the blasts that had gone off. When she had gone to the control booth to check and see if others were injured, all she had found was dead bodies. All but four ship officers had been there for a planning meeting, of those four, one had been with Lieutenant Ramius and the other had been heading for the boarding tunnel and was now bandaged up and his fate was uncertain. There were some non-commissioned crewmen still alive, pretty much those that were on the Archangel when the explosions occurred.

So Natarle sighed after a moment, "The captain," she began, "along with all but three of the ship officers have perished in battle. There was one with Lieutenant Ramius and the other is now in sickbay unconscious severely injured from what happened. Therefore, according to the chain of command, I believe it's Lieutenant Ramius who's to fill the captain's position."

Tyler felt a slight twinge of pain at hearing that line as he knew that jumping up in rank doesn't feel nice when it's due to someone dying. That didn't excuse the damage and harm done by Alliance's action here at Heliopolis in Tyler's mind, but he still felt sorry for Miss Ramius. Murrue processed what Natarle said and what it meant and as the facts sunk in, she couldn't believe what she had heard. "Wait what," exclaimed Murrue sounding distinctly worried.

"The majority of the crew is either dead or MIA," Natarle said, "what you see here are those that are accounted for minus one at the moment. Most that are left are mechanics and a few non-commissioned officers ma'am." Natarle looked down at the deck, "I was fortunate enough to be in the boarding tunnel which was shielded enough from the explosions that I survived."

"You mean the captain is," Murrue was saying but her voice caught in her throat, "it can't be."

Tyler decided that he may as well just state the record as it was and get it over with so that time wasn't wasted. ZAFT forces would be coming back Tyler was certain, and the next time they came they would be heavier armed. So, time was of the essence and frivolous questions were eating up time that there just wasn't much of. "Your captain was likely around the secondary docking area under the Morgenroete complex at the time that the explosives that ZAFT forces no doubt set went off." Tyler paused and took a breath and finished, "If they weren't killed by the blasts, then they're likely died from injuries bleeding out." Tyler bowed slightly, "My condolences to you Miss Ramius."

All eyes were on Tyler now, yet it was Krystal that asked the question that was on everyone else's mind, "And just how do you know that is where ship officers were or that explosives were set by ZAFT forces?"

Krystal had glanced over the teenagers and had been curious as to how they had ended up on this ship, who wouldn't be. However, the oldest teen was different than the rest of them, he had been sweeping his eyes all around in a way that one would to seriously assess a situation. The air about the teen was something she couldn't read and that was very odd for a teenager.

Tyler twisted his head to look at Krystal, "I don't see a viable reason to go into detail as to how I know that as things currently stand. But take a moment to look at things logically, it makes the most sense with what's happened," Tyler stated in an unsettlingly calm manner. "Rest assured, I'm certainly not with the ZAFT forces or your enemy right now. You could force me into that position, but I don't recommend that if I were you."

There was silence for a small period after Tyler had given his reply. The silence didn't sit well with Mu at all, not with the current circumstance. Granted, the teen was odd, the calm way that he said what he did, and it was a tad unnerving Mu would admit. But with Creuset around the colony, there wasn't the time to waste on things right now, the man would be back and there were preparations to be made. The sooner they all were in more defendable positions the better off against Creuset they would all be. "Oh man, what an unmitigated disaster," Mu remarked. "In any case, please grant us permission Lieutenant Ramius. The ship we were assigned to engage the enemy and was downed."

"Along with our fellow armor pilots as well," Krystal added a tad bitterly.

Murrue wasn't used to being asked for permission to have things done by others, more the reverse. She had only become a commissioned officer a little over two years ago, just before being assigned to the G-Project. It had been shocking to be put among the bridge crew and Murrue had thought that may lead to better opportunity. However, this was not the promotion she had been wanting and not in the way it had come. She wasn't ready for a command post, of a new warship no less, it was overwhelming. So Murrue took some deep breaths, "Yes, permission granted Lieutenant La Flaga, Major McAlester," she replied.

With the official stuff out of the way, Mu moved his gaze over to the teens, "And who might they be out of curiosity," he inquired.

The grip that Tyler had on the two guns he had tightened though the safeties were still on for both guns. Tyler readied himself as he saw the soldier raise their guns and pointed them at the group of teens. It was an instinct that was ingrained for Tyler since the days he had gone through Federation basic training. That response was to throw your opponent off balance even if that meant shooting first, just try not to aim for something vital unless your opponent showed intent to kill you.

Murrue hadn't forgotten the teens were there, she had needed to keep them with her due to regulations. "As you can see, they're teenage civilians of the colony," Murrue said.

Kira and the other teenagers looked over those who were with the Alliance while Tyler had tensed ever so slightly. Lacus was holding Kira's right arm and standing just slightly behind him while Sai had one hand on Kira's shoulder and one on Tyler's. Sai's glance flicked downward for a moment, and he was shocked that Tyler had what looked like a rifle or SMG and a pistol in his hands. There had been no sign that he had any of these weapons before now at all, which inferred Tyler had either hidden them or had acquired them. Tyler didn't miss the quiet but sharp intake of breath from Sai, telling him that Sai had noticed the guns Tyler had. The air was getting heavier by the minute, all the teens could feel the impending trouble coming. Miriallia, Tolle along with Kuzzey started behind Tyler and Kira, but they moved in front of Kira and Tyler facing outward from them. It appeared like they were forming a protective barrier around the three other teens from those here on the ship.

"I caught glimpses of those three," Murrue said pointing at Tyler, Kira, and Lacus, "Around Morgenroete during the ZAFT attack. While they were they there, apparently, they by their own words, they came across both suits. After entering them were successful at using both machines to drive off the Aegis, which was captured by a ZAFT soldier and two GINN suits."

Tyler hadn't been aware that any had really noticed him around Morgenroete while he had been going around. Yet, Tyler had to admit he had been busy with other things and his mind was taxed so he could have missed things. That didn't change the tense air in the immediate area that Tyler felt and that was why he was focusing on the present. He wasn't about to let guns be shot in his friends' direction, then he would fire first if that's what it came to.

There were gasps from the crew at hearing Murrue's accounting, "They fought off the Aegis and two GINN suits," asked Natarle incredulous not quite believing her ears. She glanced at the teens again lingering on Tyler and Kira for they looked like normal teenagers to her. "These kids actually did that?"

"Yes," Murrue said, "With the unit equipped with the flight system out of power, we decided to utilize the black unit and the Strike with the Launcher set to recharge the Strike's power and make contact." Murrue paused and then pointed at Kira before she continued, "He was in the cockpit of the Strike at the time the CGUE showed up."

Krystal shifted her gaze to the older teen again as the black mobile suit had gotten into the air as Creuset had been going for the other machine. What she had seen was an unknown suit whipping the CGUE pretty good. Creuset had been pushed onto the defensive and that man rarely had that done to him. The older teen did notice Krystal looking at him, "And what about you," Krystal posed pointing at Tyler.

Tyler returned the gaze directed at him, "I was in the black unit that was keeping the CGUE busy while the Strike was loading up its equipment," he replied.

Mu took a second and longer look at the teen that had just spoken for holding off a CGUE was no easy task. And that it had been Rau Le Creuset's suit made dealing with it harder as the man was skill at fighting. So perhaps there was more to this teenager than met the eye, it was the more viable explanation that Mu could come up with. "I see," said Mu looking back at Murrue since there was business to do, "Krystal and myself came here as an escort for the officers who have been specially trained to pilot the G-weapons. Do you know where we can find them?"

"As he said," said Natarle pointing at Tyler, "The explosive charges that were set detonated near the control booth where the captain was welcoming them at that very moment. So, they were also," Natarle trailed off and didn't finish.

The woman didn't need to as Mu understood what she didn't say, the five were dead. He had figured that was the case but had hoped that it wasn't true, so it was more a confirmation. "Yes, I see," Mu exhaled heavily, "oh boy, that complicates things." Mu then turned to the group of teens and walked over towards them. The other remaining crew members followed behind Mu at a short distance.

When Mu came face-to-face with the group, Kira was the first to speak up, "What? What do you want?" Kira was a little uneasily with the stares and Lacus's grip on his arm tightened as those around came closer. Tyler meanwhile made himself ready to raise his weapons and put them to use as needed.

Mu for a moment, simply stared at Kira and Tyler to which Tyler didn't like though Mu's gaze wasn't hostile towards the teens. Tyler being irked by the silence spoke his mind, "If you have something to say, then just say it," he remarked.

"Tell me then," started Mu in a kind and gentle tone, "You're both Coordinators right?"

There was dead silence loomed over all present for a bit, not just at the question but at the implications. Upon looking around, Tyler found most appeared to be shocked and apprehensive following La Flaga's question. Kira squared his shoulders while Tyler tensed up and ready himself to fight to the bitter end. "Yes," Kira said simply answering first.

The fact that Kira and Tyler were Coordinators was something neither could really deny by this point. Especially once some of the people mainly the mechanics get a look at any of the mobile suit's OSs, Tyler knew that for a fact. Everyone shifted their attention to Tyler looking expectant, "Yeah, I'm a Coordinator as well, what's your point," he asked a tad apprehensively.

The Alliance soldiers retrained their rifles to aim at Tyler and Kira appear to be waiting for the command to fire. In the seconds that it took the soldiers to aim their guns, Tyler rushed forward in front of Kira and the others and raised the sub-machine gun in his left hand and pistol in his right. He flicked off the safeties as he had brought the guns to firing position to aim both at the soldiers. The Alliance soldiers looked surprised and worried that Tyler had moved so quick along with having two guns pointed at them which they hadn't seen. The expression on the teen's face was blank and unfeeling which only added to the uneasy feeling.

While the events inside the colony were unfolding, Commander Creuset gathered together the remaining veteran pilots including the three that had gone against the last Alliance unit and the two unknown machines. Those on the Gamow were participating via com-channel to also be involved in what was going on. The recordings made by Athrun, Miguel, and Lester of the last unobtained Earth Alliance machine and the two other suits were reviewed by all. There were mixed reactions to what was seen in the video from all the pilots. Some were wary of what was seen in the exchange inside the colony, others were skeptical.

"You really saved my hide by bringing this back, you three," said Creuset to Athrun, Miguel, and Lester as the recording played again. The remark got the chatter to quiet down, "The smooth and quick movements of these two unknown suits are clear and worrisome. They are at a much higher level of efficiency than the machines acquired." Creuset paused for a moment then continued, "Why if I didn't have this as proof of the difference, I would've been a laughingstock and called a fool for allowing my unit to get damaged in a battle against suits made by OMNI R&D. Most would've believed it impossible without out this with the level of technology the Alliance has."

Athrun didn't disagree with commander Creuset in his view or opinion, the machines were different than the other prototypes. If they were left alone and ignored, then there would only come problems and serious ones. But the nagging question that was bugging Athrun was that the machines were never discovered until the middle of the operation. It made Athrun wonder if the two unknown suits might not be made by the Alliance but by others that just happened to have access to information used for the Alliance prototypes. Such an explanation could fill in some of the holes there was about those suits.

"Sir, what's your opinion of the two machines that weren't accounted for in the report," Athrun asked. "I mean, they are different in several ways from the Alliance suits even though there are similarities." Athrun paused for a moment then kept going, "The two unknowns seemed to have a complete working OS where the Alliance prototypes didn't. Do you think it's just a fluke in our Intel?"

Nicol then spoke up, "That point is bugging me as well. If those two suits were made by the Alliance personnel, then why only give them a working OS and not the others. It makes no logical sense as they wanted usable suits as soon as possible," he reasoned.

The sound of Yzak's snort was clear even over the com-channel from the Gamow, "Maybe those were the test platforms and they didn't get the time," he said. "This is the foolish Alliance we're talking about remember."

Dearka snickered, "I can see that, efficiency isn't their forte by any means."

Creuset nodded, "Whether or not they were made by the Alliance or not is irrelevant, they cannot be ignored," he said, a finger on his chin. "However, now isn't the time to wonder upon possibilities, moving onto more immediate matters. I believe all of us are aware of the incomplete status of the original OS on these machines as Athrun brought up. With that in mind, I have no idea why these two units maneuvered and performed so well or anything of the other things they did. However, I want to make one thing perfectly clear to everyone here, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this turn of events." Creuset made sure he had every pilot's attention, "Allowing the Alliance to have possession of even one mobile suit is dangerous as they will produce more. To ignore them having three and two proven to be very dangerous will only lead to problems. If capturing them is possible, then the opportunity is one to be used, yet if we cannot capture them, then they must be destroyed along with that new warship. Don't underestimate it or any of those three machines, it could get you killed. Is that understood?"

"Sir," said all the pilots, saluting in near unison.

"Miguel, Paul, Kegan, Lester, prepare to launch your units at once," Ades said. "We've been authorized to use Assault-D type equipment. And this time, let's see you take down those suits along with that ship, put an end to all this."

"Yes sir," declared the four pilots as they left to ready themselves for the mission that they were assigned.

Nicol and Athrun felt surprised at the equipment that was being authorized for this mission. Assault-D was heavy artillery meant for assaulting an enemy base and yet, now the same weapons were going to be taken into a colony that had already been damaged to a worrisome degree. "Commander, wouldn't you consider Assault-D being used inside a resource colony, excessive," asked Nicol apprehensively.

"Perhaps Nicol, however, Alliance have forced us into the position to need to do this to prevent future massacres. By what I was able to tell, most if not all the citizens of Heliopolis managed to reach the shelters and those should be protection enough," replied Commander Creuset. "Miguel, Paul, Kegan, and Lester understand what's at stake, they'll be careful and end this so that as many of Orb's citizens can be saved as possible."

Nicol nodded at the answer from Commander Creuset, while Athrun's mind went back to the thing that had happened back at the colony and bit his bottom lip, somewhat uncertain. He wanted to request permission to go with his fellow pilots. He wanted to make up for his failure earlier against the Alliance officer and the unknown machine… and perhaps avenge Rusty's death back at Morgenroete. Rusty had been a friend, and like Athrun and Nicol had questioned the report about the Alliance doing weapon development here at Heliopolis.

Turning to the captain of the ship, Athrun spoke, "Captain Ades, please allow me to sortie sir as well," said Athrun, drawing the attention of Ades and Creuset.

"You have no mobile suit," said Creuset, "Besides, you've already accomplished an extremely important mission by capturing one of those units. Or is there something that you have recalled that you haven't said?"

Athrun was silent for a moment, internally warring with the desire to go and the logic of staying. No, he shouldn't turn this into a personal vendetta, and he knew that's what he was on the verge of doing. Athrun knew this fight, the war, ZAFT and the PLANTs… they were all far more important than that.

"No Commander, nothing has come to mind. I just," Athrun hesitated, "what happened to Rusty," Athrun's voice caught again, "I thought…"

Creuset placed a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "What happened to Rusty is unfortunate, but it wasn't your fault Athrun, death was a risk for all who went, he knew that as did you. Doubtless, Rusty would wish you to let this go and honor his memory rather than let your feelings about this be the cause of your death. Go and get some rest, that's an order."

Ades nodded, "Commander Creuset is right, let Lester, Paul, Kegen, and Miguel go this time Zala, they have a score to settle. You are not the only one that feels the loss of Rusty, it has affected them as well," added Captain Ades.

Athrun knew that what was being said was correct, but there was still something in him that told him it would be better were he to go. But instead, he exhaled, "Yes sir I understand," he paused, "Could I at least wish them good luck before they head out?"

"Of course Athrun," replied Creuset.

Athrun left the bridge and headed down to the hangar and watched the GINN suits being loaded with equipment. He then spotted two out of the four that would go back into the colony and floated over to them. It was Miguel that saw Athrun first, "Athrun, didn't expect to see you down here before we launch out."

Athrun smiled slightly, "Well, I just wanted to see you guys off, be careful out there," Athrun said, before he stopped for a moment, then continued. "We already lost Rusty, Lyle, and Fox, don't let there be more that don't come back, so watch yourselves in the colony. Those two unknown suits were different than those we captured, and I feel the pilots are not normal either, don't underestimate them."

Miguel nodded, "We'll watch out for ourselves and one another Athrun, thanks for the reminder."

Lester moved forward and placed a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "We'll be careful inside Heliopolis. You aren't the only one that feels the absence of Rusty, Lyle, and Fox," he said.

Athrun acknowledged the reassurances from his fellow pilots and wished them good luck on their mission as the moved to board their suits. And yet, Athrun couldn't shake the feeling that he wouldn't see some of them again if any of them.

Then the announcement came, "Suits, prepare for launch."

Nicol, Paul, and Kegen had headed back to the Laurasia-class cruiser after the meeting had ended. Paul's GINN was being given the specified equipment that had been authorized for the operation he would be a part of as was Kegen's. Dearka, Yzak along with Nicol watched as the two suits finished getting things attached to it and it stepped forward to arm itself with heavy assault missiles. "Assault-D equipment I hear they'll be using," said Dearka.

"I take it Commander Creuset is planning to storm a fortress or something then," commented Yzak.

"What do you think is going to happen to Heliopolis," asked Nicol somewhat worried.

"Can't be helped now, can it?" said Dearka with a slight tone of pity.

"Yeah, it serves them right, and they call themselves a neutral state," said Yzak.

Nicol frowned slightly as he glanced back out the window to the hangar. "Yzak, how many innocent civilians who only wanted to remain out of the war will die for this, tell me that," questioned Nicol softly. Then he added, "Civilians who won't even be capable of fighting back or defend themselves."

That brought Yzak up short hearing the idea being put as Nicol did. Certainly, if the ZAFT pilots took down the targets properly, there wouldn't be much of a problem in Heliopolis. But the suits had even managed to blow off an arm of the commander's machine. Almost unconsciously, Yzak clenched his fist. He had no problems with the idea of blowing up Alliance ships, blasting bases and strike fighters to pieces, but he hated stuff like what Nicol had just described, it was not war, that is slaughter and mass murder. Regardless of whether or not it would ever match the Bloody Valenine, Yzak had always believed that they should hold themselves to higher standards than those who cause that atrocity! "Then let us hope that none of them gets caught up in it," he said in a humbler voice.

Meanwhile, back on the Archangel, the tension was approaching breaking point, but before things got worse, Sai stepped in front of Tyler putting out a hand yet glaring at the soldiers. "Would you please put those weapons away," said Sai in a forced politely tone, but there was definite steel in his voice.

The glare on Sai's face sent shivers down the spines of the soldiers looking at him even if he had no weapon. Even Tyler had to say that from the expression Sai was giving unnerved him a bit and got Tyler to lower his guns a margin out of surprise more than anything else. Tyler had never seen Sai as serious as he currently was and he was a tad impressed at the change. Kira was also put off by the difference between his friend as he was now and how he was normally. "Sai," uttered Kira quietly.

"Wow, I didn't know you had it in you Sai," Tyler muttered.

The stand-off was not what Murrue wanted, nor was it helping the standing situation any and things were already bad. Yes, she had started to suspect that Yamato and McGregor were Coordinators, with how they had operated suits it implied that point. However, they were still teens and had not shown any clear signs that they intended harm. Granted, McGregor had been stating facts in a rather unnerving way, but that didn't mean that he had a reason to do harm. The soldiers aim guns at the teens on the other hand clearly was pushing the oldest teen to do things that were not normal. The speed he had moved and the fact he had weapons with him had given no hint of that was extremely worrisome.

Murrue took a deep breath and since apparently, she was in charge, for the time being, she got down to trying to defuse the situation. "Lower your weapons and settle down men," she ordered stepping forward to place herself between us and the soldiers.

Thankfully, the soldiers did as they were ordered though somewhat reluctantly Murrue observed. Natarle moved forwards as well, "Lieutenant, I request an explanation," she whispered.

Murrue turned to Natarle, "Well, if you think about it Natarle, it's not a great mystery that Coordinators would choose to live in the neutral territory," Murrue said with a slight smile. "After all, Heliopolis is controlled by a neutral nation. It would make logical sense to find some Coordinators taking refuge in places like this in order to avoid any involvement in the war." Murrue turned back to face Kira and Tyler, "Am I wrong, Kira, Tyler?"

Kira and Tyler did a nod to the question put to them by Murrue. For Kira, it was the truth, he and his family had lived in neutral territory to not get involved in the war. School had brought him to Heliopolis but as it was an Orb Union colony, it was still neutral. Tyler, on the other hand, was nodding and was kind of glad not to have to elaborate for he was involved to a degree in the ongoing war as a member of the Federation's military. The real reason Tyler was here at Heliopolis was to investigate if OMNI and through them the Alliance was breaking the Latinan Protocol. Plus, Tyler didn't have the best record with the Alliance nor did they like him all that much as they suspected him of interfering with their business.

And Tyler found it unlikely that the Alliance would take it nicely if they knew that the Federation was investigating rumors that they were developing weapons using Federation resources. The leaders and other politicians of the Alliance states would categorically deny any such claims as was a type of standard with them. If something made them look bad, the Alliance denied the facts in every way possible, Tyler had seen the idea multiple times. And even if the Alliance didn't know that the Orb Union had become a member nation of the Federation around a year ago, that wouldn't be an excuse. Tyler figured OMNI would appreciate it even less if they were to find out that a Federation patrol was on its way to confiscate the results of their development project. The situation and circumstances were different due to the interference of ZAFT forces in the form of them infiltrating the colony and causing chaos.

Tyler kept his peace while Kira spoke up, "No, you're right, especially since I'm a first-generation Coordinator."

Tyler held in the groan that tried to come out of him at Kira mentioning that he was a first-generation Coordinator. A first-generation Coordinator was a child whose parents were natural-type humans that chose to have their child's genes altered. And where Coordinators would get poor treatment or ridicule from a number of people, first-generation Coordinators got it worse as did their families. "First- generation," one of the survivors questioned Chief Murdoch.

Hearing that question surprised Tyler a bit as it inferred that the term wasn't mentioned as much as it used to be. He wasn't given much time to think about the point further as he noticed that Miss Ramius, Miss Badgiruel, and both armor pilots were looking at him. Tyler assumed that they wanted a vocal answer to the question posed which Kira had answered. Tyler sighed, "Yes, you're right for both of us on being Coordinators and, I'm a first-generation like Kira is," he answered.

In Tyler's family, he was actually the only Coordinator as the rest were Natural-types. Tyler had never seen any problem for being a Coordinator so hadn't ever questioned his parents for their decision. Then being different had never been an issue for Tyler within his family, definitely not his younger sister had always encouraged him in what he did. Of course, Tyler didn't mention details about his family outside of those he trusted since his parents were known for what they did in their chosen professions.

Mu hadn't meant to cause a scene or anything, he had simply been curious and wanted to confirm. And yet, it had become soldiers aiming guns and a teenager facing-off against them with two guns of his own and one of those was a sub-machine gun his intent had gone wrong. The way the teen had moved and positioned himself said to Mu the kid was not a stranger to using a gun. The fact in itself was sad and yet kind of scary at the same time to be honest. But the question about what first-generation meant had lessened the tenseness in the air somewhat. So, Mu then answered the question hoping it would help, "Which then means of course, that your parents are Naturals."

"That's right," returned Kira, while Tyler nodded.

Tyler wasn't about to get into any details about his parents, more so with the current company. Tyler had gone to sizable lengths to hide the connections to his parents as much for them as for himself to not have trouble. And Tyler knew without a doubt that if the Alliance could connect him to his mother, they wouldn't hesitate to slander her as much as they could get away with and then some. Yes, La Flaga was quite right that Tyler's mother and father are Naturals, but Tyler was still naturally born like Natural-types are through regular childbirth.

Mu turned away from Kira and Tyler rubbing the back of his neck and glanced at Miss Ramius. "Well, I do apologize, I didn't intend to cause such a fuss with the question, I was merely curious, that's all. It was nothing more than that."

Tyler was wondering what Mu La Flaga was getting at with him acting almost nervous at what his query brought. It made Tyler think that there was more to what La Flaga was saying than his words implied.

"Lieutenant La Flaga," questioned Murrue.

Mu glanced up at the Strike, "As Krystal and I made our way here escorting the specially trained pilots for the G-weapons," he said. "I watched the guys who were supposed to pilot the suits run through a bunch of simulations to practice doing so. They really struggled just to get the program to respond in the way I was told it was supposed to." Mu turned back to Kira and Tyler, "That's why I was so certain you two were Coordinators." He looked away shaking his head, "Man oh man, the things you see…"

With that, Mu started to walk into the hangar leaving the rest of us to wonder why he had brought up what he had. Tyler was himself having a hard time understanding the man, he wasn't like most mobile armor pilot he'd ever met. And Tyler had met a fair number, the majority having left OMNI and the Alliance and joined the Federation. "So then, what do we do now," asked Natarle to the crowd at large.

"What do we do," asked La Flaga rhetorically stopping to look back at the two remaining ship officers. "Krystal and I have been shot down and our mobile armors need major repairs before being able to fly again. The Creuset Team is waiting for us outside the colony to pick us off at their leisure and you're asking me what to do? The man is definitely a persistent fellow, I'll give him that and it isn't a compliment. If you ask me, I don't think we can afford to spend too much time here sitting and twiddling our thumbs."

Mu La Flaga was gaining some respect with Tyler from what he just said for he was grasping the current situation and understood what all were facing. And also, Mu was showing that sometimes you will be required to defer to another for the decision of what will be done and that isn't easy. It took humility and wisdom to admit and do such a thing Tyler knew that from experience. It also sounded like to Tyler that La Flaga has crossed paths with Creuset before which could be helpful. Tyler still didn't trust Mu La Flaga or his fellow armor pilot much, but it was clear that neither were complete idiots.

Murrue also knew that Mu was right that staying inside the colony wouldn't be helpful and wouldn't work for long. The ZAFT forces had been willing to come in and attack a neutral colony, it was unlikely they would stop by this point. So, getting the suits on the ship and obtaining supplies was needed. Murrue let out a sigh before turning to look at Kira, "If you don't mind Kira could you bring the wing system mobile suit aboard? You as well Tyler if you would please. Between the two of you, all three mobile suits can be brought into the Archangel," she asked. "Under the circumstances, we might as well have them ready for combat."

"Yeah sure," said Kira turning and walking out of the hangar with Lacus trailing after him. Tyler took one last glance at the Alliance personnel before storing the submachine-gun under his jacket and the pistol back into a holster that there was a glimpse of, then he turned and made his way to the Shadow and ascended the zip-line to the cockpit.

Neither Murrue or Natarle could exactly say what to make of the oldest in the group of teens Tyler McGregor had shown himself to not be a typical teenager in several ways that made them both wonder where the teen could have learned his habits. Or maybe Tyler's habits were not taught to him, but he developed them himself, neither woman could say at this point. However, the two got to giving out tasks to the crew members that were left to get the needed work done as quickly as possible.

Phase End!

A/n

I'll stop for this chapter here. I do hope that you readers are enjoying some of the changes I've been doing. Please take the time to write a review and tell me what you think of this story, Thank you for reading and peace out until the next chapter!