A/n

The rewrite continues, hopefully to everyone's liking. Now once again, I don't own nothing from the Gundam Universe or the ideas I use from other Universes. I do own my characters and inspiration and take pride in them! Okay, on with the story!

Phase 7: Moving On

January 27th, 71 C.E.

Close to Lagrange 5

The Donnen and Vesalius traveled toward the ZAFT's PLANTs colonies after the meeting between the officers and some arrangements were made. The trip itself wasn't very eventful, Tyler used the time to write what he could of the report he would send to Federation command. When the announcement of impending arrival sounded throughout the ship, Tyler finished the sentence he was on and closed the terminal he was using. Thinking ahead, knowing that he would be going in front of the PLANT's Supreme Council, Tyler thought it a wise idea to put on a formal officer uniform which he borrowed from Commander Sulu. Tyler wasn't fond of the set of clothing due to several reasons he chose to keep to himself. He didn't wear the uniform if there wasn't a serious requirement to do so and a meeting with bigwigs in these circumstances did qualify as a requirement.

The outfit was similar to what Captain Shepard wore when on duty, the same black pants and coloration overall. Yet, the overcoat was longer going down to the mid-shins but black with gold embroidery on the edges. Over the left shoulder was a shoulder cover that had the Federation emblem on the front while the right had a thing gold stripe from the neck to the start of the sleeve. Between the right shoulder stripe and the front torso section of the coat was three gold bands that connected the two fabrics signifying rank while on the sleeve cuffs was a square that had three stars also denoting rank. At the waist there was a gold-colored belt along with a second loop on the left side that went below the hip. Tyler also happened to have with him a pin that stood for the other group of the Federation's Military that he was a part of which was SOLAS that he put on the uniform's collar. The pin was a yellow four-pointed star with a yellow crescent with its center touching the bottom point of the star and the two points of the crescent almost contacting the two horizontal points of the star.

Once dressed, Tyler exited the quarters he had been given and headed towards the forward airlock which would be where those who would leave the ship would get off. By the time he got to the airlock, the Donnen had docked at the capitol of the PLANTs, Aprilius One. Tyler met up with Captain Shepard before they both disembarked into the colony for the meeting with the council. Aids were waiting for the two at the dock and they guided Tyler and the captain saying that the Supreme Council was waiting for the two of them.

However, before the two reached the meeting chamber of the PLANTs Supreme Council, they were met by the council's head Siegel Clyne. The man was just a margin under six feet in height with him being in his early forties. He had mid-length blond hair and a mustache of the same color. His eyes were blue, and his features inferred that he hailed originally from the Kingdom of Scandinavia. Tyler knew the man as he was Lacus's and Sakura's father though the two women bore a resemblance to their mother supposedly though she passed away already so Tyler never met the lady.

With Siegel was a woman with medium length silver hair and light-blue eyes who stood at around five and a half feet tall. Siegel bowed to Captain Shepard and Tyler, "Hello, I'm Siegel Clyne, chairman of the PLANTs Supreme Council, and this," he pointed at the woman next to him, "Is Ezalia Joule, a part of the National Defense Committee and one of the representatives for the committee on the council."

The silver-haired women bowed in greeting to Tyler and Shepard though the captain was the first to speak. "I'm Captain Mary Shepard of the Federation cruiser Donnen," she introduced.

Tyler also inclined his head, "My name is Tyler McGregor, Commander in the Federation's Special Forces. I am also the leader of the Federation's investigation team that was at Heliopolis," Tyler said.

After the greetings and introductions were made, the group traveled to the Council Chamber. Chairman Clyne and Councilwoman Joule took their seats as the other council members had already. Tyler and Captain Shepard stood off to the side and Tyler noticed that Athrun and Rau Le Creuset were also there. Siegel began by bringing up an image of Heliopolis while it had still been a working resource space colony. "This meeting was called, due to the event that occurred to the Orb Union's resource colony Heliopolis. Less than twenty-four hours ago the colony was embroiled in a series of battles between OMNI and ZAFT forces," he stated.

There was muttering to the last statement, some angry, others shocked, and a few outraged at what Siegel has said and its implication. "Accusing our own forces of such atrocities chairman," posed one of the other council members. The man was six one in height and had short dark-brown hair which was combed back. His eyes were brown and had a piercing quality to them. The man's name was Patrick Zala and he was the father of Athrun and was the head of the PLANTs National Defense Committee.

Tyler knew the man and had met him before now as his own father had been friends with Patrick at one time. But by what Tyler was seeing, much had changed the man and he wasn't the same as the good man that Tyler remembered. Still he stepped forward and made sure the record was set straight, "He speaks the truth Councilman Zala," Tyler said.

All eyes focused on Tyler, some with curious interest while others like Patrick in contempt, "And whom might you be," he asked.

That one line didn't sit right with Tyler as it said that Patrick didn't know who he was, which could say that Athrun's father could have changed a worrisome amount in the years had gone by. Tyler's gaze flicked over to Athrun whose expression was of mild surprise and sadness which didn't comfort him. The question for him in this situation was should he use his real name? Tyler took a deep breath, "My name is Tyler McGregor sir, a Federation officer and I say again that what Chairman Clyne said about Heliopolis is correct as I saw the events with my own eyes."

There was more muttering from other members of the council about Tyler's claim. There were even whispers of how ZAFT forces could have contributed to the colony's collapse was impossible. Yet one of the council members spoke up, "Then please if you were at Heliopolis when this event occurred, tell us what happened."

Tyler glanced around at the rest of the PLANT's Supreme Council members and saw that most were interested in the question's answer as well. So, Tyler gave a summary of the chain of events that befell Heliopolis to bring about its collapse. The information that Tyler told the council members started fine, the investigation of the rumors of OMNI developing weapons was understandable. Tyler had just gone over the decision made by Federation command when Rau interrupted, "Interesting as your accounting is Mr. McGregor, by your words, the Federation knew about the construction of the prototype mobile suits and ship and yet, did little about them."

The thought that came to Tyler's mind that he kept from coming out of his mouth was 'and sending in soldiers to attack is acceptable then? Think freaking again punk!' It had been Creuset after all that had been giving out the orders that had ended with the destruction of the colony. So, Tyler was wary of the masked man as he could very well be attempting to get out of responsibility for what happened to Heliopolis. "Well, you didn't let me finish, and wasn't it you that ordered soldiers into a neutral colony, knowing full well you were ignoring treaties," Tyler posed flatly.

"What are you getting at Commander Creuset," asked Chairman Clyne cutting over to prevent an argument.

"Well Mr. Chairman," Rau began, "Heliopolis is said to be neutral, but with the development OMNI was clearly doing of warships and mobile suits, then isn't their neutrality a lie," posed Creuset.

Rau moved forward to the table and after putting in commands into the display controls. The information that was being displayed changed to shift between images of the Archangel and designs of the prototype machines that had been produced at Morgenroete. "See for yourselves, these are far more than just attempts at building machines to match mobile suits that ZAFT forces use."

At the images and statements made by Creuset, there came a great deal of angry mutterings from around the table. Patrick ended out slamming a hand down on the table, "The Alliance's OMNI has managed to develop mobile suits without us knowing it! How did this happen," he growled loudly.

Tyler looked to Athrun who had glanced at Tyler exchanging worried expressions between each other. This meeting was getting out of hand and it was straying from where it was supposed to. So, Athrun moved forward, "OMNI's mobile suits aren't complete yet," he called over the din.

Tyler also moved forward to add to and help his friend along with the situation, "He's right, they haven't had successful tests yet with them," Tyler called.

At both teens shouts, the muttering died down and Athrun's father looked at his son, "What do you mean the mobile suits are incomplete," Patrick demanded.

"The suits are well-designed true, but there are faults that weren't solved, the major one being their operating systems don't work, not for Naturals or really even for Coordinators. For those of us that acquired the machines, we had to almost rewrite the whole OS to get the machines to perform decently. And even then, there is still a lot of work to make them reliably usable," said Athrun.

Tyler nodded in agreement, "With the specs on the prototypes my team were able to acquire, it was clear that the development was being rushed and so, the machines weren't usable in combat and wouldn't be any time soon," he added to help clarify the situation.

That combined explanation from Tyler and Athrun seemed to calm most down, yet Patrick Zala still didn't appear happy. "Even if their unfinished, the fact that the Naturals were developing titans is concerning. Should the Alliance and their OMNI obtain the use of mobile suits, the war against them will get worse for all."

Tyler was trying to wrap his brain around how the accounting and discussion that began with talking about what happened to Heliopolis turn into this. The subject matter of the dangers of the Alliance developing mobile suits was a completely different matter than what had happened to the colony. Tyler knew that whether OMNI developed mobile suits or not wasn't what this meeting was about. So then, Tyler's guess was Creuset was trying to shift the focus to get off the incident and worm out of being held responsible for what happened. That point angered Tyler as individuals like Rau Le Creuset irritated him when they wormed out of the consequences for their actions.

"Councilman Zala," Tyler stated clearly, "I ask for your pardon if it may seem rude, but the merits of the Earth Alliance or their OMNI getting mobile suits isn't what this hearing is about sir. A neutral colony that belongs to a member nation of the Human Federation has been destroyed and that is a fact. The event happened because of the decision of the very ZAFT Commander in this room as he ordered a team of soldiers into the colony regardless of what his intentions were. That alone is a treaty violation as he had no permission to do such a thing and I would be shocked if this council gave him any kind of permission. Then ZAFT mobile suits entered Heliopolis's interior and their subsequent actions put the citizens and colony in danger. Those actions are violations of standing agreements that the PLANTs have with the Federation, that makes this a rather serious matter."

"You are forgetting that OMNI is at fault for what happened," remarked Rau.

Tyler twisted to face the masked ZAFT commander holding in his real thoughts of the man and not saying them out loud. The reports about Creuset made more sense now than Tyler liked to admit, the man was a snake. "I am not forgetting what OMNI personnel did Creuset, and rest assured that part of the incident will be handled. However, your orders made the situation much more volatile and that will not be waved off," Tyler returned evenly.

Arguing broke out before the conversation could go further between Tyler and Rau and the meeting had to be called back to order. The rest of the council meeting was the discussion of what needed to be done going forward. Most of what was said irked Tyler as it showed that Rau Le Creuset was being excused from facing consequences for what went down at Heliopolis. The man was cunning, Tyler would give him that even if he didn't wish to, the way he manipulated others to worm out of things he shouldn't was something else. Then years of watching his mother had made him disinterested in politics, so being in a meeting of them was not pleasant for him.

Once the meeting was done, Tyler had slipped away to get time to himself before the Donnen would leave. He wandered around the colony and his path eventually brought him to a park area. When he spotted a bench, he took a seat after taking off his overcoat leaving Tyler in a white dress shirt. Tyler folded the overcoat as it wasn't his technically and set it behind himself and rapidly became lost in thought.

Honestly, Tyler wasn't pleased with the outcome of the meeting with the Supreme Council for it hadn't done a great deal to help the current circumstances. All that had really come out of the accounting had been Creuset getting out of responsibility for his actions. Tyler suspected he had some on his side and could spin things to get his view taken over others. He thought that if the same version of the story had been given in front of Federation officers or leaders, it wouldn't have flown at all. And when Tyler's report was received by Federation High Command, he knew that Creuset would have to answer for some things.

Nonetheless, because of Creuset's spin, he'd managed to take the focus of the incident off the damage and danger to the citizens and placed it on the Alliance and their activities at Heliopolis. Yet, Tyler was still somewhat hopeful that Creuset would have to face some disciplinary actions as the majority of the council had listened and frowned down upon his decision. But the behavior of Patrick Zala concerned Tyler as it could lead in a dangerous direction given time without change. It was sad to Tyler to see the man as he was now, for he used to have the view of a peaceful future for all. Tyler knew it was likely the Bloody Valentine which had caused a change as his wife had been on the colony.

It was the sound of footsteps that tugged Tyler out of his thoughts and when he opened his eyes which had closed when he had been thinking, he looked in the direction the footsteps were coming from. His gaze was met by his friend Athrun approaching the bench, and he shortly took a seat next to Tyler. Silence hung in the air between the two and it quickly got awkward as the two were the best of friends even if there had been a period of time between seeing one another.

Athrun was racking his brain for what to say to Tyler, and there was so much he wanted to say but the words just wouldn't come. The circumstances under which Tyler and he had reunited weren't ones Athrun had wanted, but there was no helping that. Then had come the meeting with the Supreme Council and it could have gone far better than it had, Athrun wouldn't deny that. It had been clear to him that Tyler hadn't been happy with how the meeting had gone. Tyler had been more concerned with what happened to the colony and Athrun could understand the view. "So Tye," Athrun started, "The meeting with the council," he hesitated, "Went okay, wouldn't you say?"

Tyler let out a sigh, "Okay, I guess so," he muttered, "Rau Le Creuset certainly made sure to shift the blame for what happened to Heliopolis onto the actions of OMNI personnel and others rather than what he did. Never mind that his decisions put the citizens of the colony in danger or that he was clearly violating standing agreements between the PLANTs and the Federation." Tyler paused then continued, "But don't mind me and what I was seeing nor me grumbling about it as my view could be skewed right now. Anyway, your father was rather vocal about how 'Natural-types' are at fault for the woes faced these days. I don't remember him disliking Naturals so much, at least he didn't make that known when he was around my dad. Yet, I haven't seen him for years now, so I can't say much in this."

Athrun looked at the ground knowing full well what Tyler was referring to and he didn't like it any more than his friend did. The change that Athrun's father had undergone since the Bloody Valentine hadn't been nice to witness. Athrun still cared about his father, but the last few times he had been around him, it was almost like he was around a stranger. So, Athrun grimaced, "Yes, he's been like that since-"

Athrun trailed off and didn't finish, but Tyler had a very educated guess as to what he was about to say. "Junius Seven was destroyed in the Bloody Valentine. You and your father lost your mom, didn't you Athrun," question Tyler.

Tyler knew the fact that Athrun had lost his mother, she had been one of many that had been slaughtered in the incident. Tyler couldn't forget the day the Bloody Valentine occurred, so many things had changed in the blink of an eye. February fifth, year 66 of the Cosmic Era, the day that the event had come to past that was carved into history. A group from the "Earth Forces" had sent a nuclear missile to strike the PLANT-type colony Junius Seven. The colony was one of the agricultural colonies that had been built. Plus, there was also a university in the colony where there was some of the most advanced agricultural research was being done and tested. However, the resulting blast from the missile brought about the destruction of the colony and the death of all its inhabitance.

Tyler had been at a lunar school back at the time and it was the same one that Kira and Athrun were going to as well. Tyler had been a year above them, yet they had ended out being neighbors with how living arrangements came out. It had been at the academy that the three had become the best of friends and spent a great deal of time together. On the day the tragedy happened, Kira and Athrun had been in a class that morning while Tyler had been enjoying a free period. Tyler had been watching the news for something to listen to when the breaking news report had come on.

When Tyler heard the announcer say that a nuclear missile had struck Junius Seven and the colony had broken apart, it put him in a state of shock. That had led to another problem, but Tyler rarely brought that up as he didn't like to go into the idea. He couldn't believe what had been said at the time as that had personal consequences for Tyler since his father Lance worked at the colony. The very next day was to start a break from school and Tyler had planned to stop by Junius Seven to join up with his dad and younger sister. They would've headed back to Earth and spent time as a family with his mom just the four of them.

Tyler's father was one of the lead scientists in the agricultural research being done at Junius Seven which he'd hope would benefit both Earth and space colonies. Tyler remembered hearing his father claiming that his work could be a major step towards solving the hunger problems that still exist. There'd been representatives from what became the PLANTs that had come to see Lance Blass including Siegel Clyne and Patrick Zala. Both had been very interested in the potential applications that the agricultural research had.

Even people from the Earth Alliance had visited Tyler's father and showed interest in his work. Some of those individuals had offered him a lot of perks and benefits to work for them exclusively though Lance had said a clear no. Tyler knew that his father wanted his work to help all people and not be used as a means to "weed out" some from the human race. Then had come the Bloody Valentine and everything had changed, and war had broken out shortly afterward.

Tyler had somehow gotten back to his room after the news of the destruction of Junius Seven had sunk in. Kira and Athrun had found Tyler after they had gotten out of their classes since they normally met for lunch. They had been concerned about what was going on with several students who were mortified at something that they wouldn't say what. It had taken a bit of time to get Tyler to use his voice and he told them what had happened. At hearing of the destruction of Junius Seven, Athrun fell into a similar state of shock as Tyler was in as it meant his mother was gone. It had been Kira who had managed to bring both Tyler and Athrun out of the pain of loss and comforted them. Those being the facts, Tyler sighed as Athrun was staying silent, "You and your father weren't the only ones that lost loved ones in that tragedy Athrun," Tyler said quietly.

Athrun felt bad as he knew his friend had lost his father and sister in the Bloody Valentine. Tyler loved his family and Athrun knew that, so losing half of it hurt him horribly. "I'm sorry, I never meant to infer," Athrun started.

Tyler cut Athrun off, "I know that you didn't my friend, but your dad is really taking what the Alliance and those that are a part of it do as some sort of an insult to him personally and as an excuse to cry a call to arms." Tyler stopped for a moment, but then kept going, "I understand the pain of what the destruction of Junius Seven brought as one that is affected by it. But Patrick Zala's actions don't provide a good solution nor a lasting one at all." Tyler paused and bit his tongue before more came. Athrun gazed at Tyler worried, "I'm sorry Athrun, this won't sound nice, but it's my view and opinion and only that. The man that looks like your father isn't looking out for the best interest of citizens of the PLANTs like he's supposed to be as is the duty of the position he holds. He's out for revenge that could and likely go beyond vengeance and the scope of what happened with Junius Seven Athrun."

Athrun knew in his heart that Tyler was speaking the truth even if he didn't want to admit it. Patrick Zala could and likely would do horrible things if things didn't change in the near future. And where Tyler was trying to soften the blow which Athrun could appreciate, having the truth stated as it was still hurt. He wanted to believe that his father was just stressed from the war, but in the back of Athrun's mind, a voice was saying that wasn't true.

Tyler held back saying that Patrick was quickly approaching the point that he was on the same level as those from the anti-Coordinator group Blue Cosmos. They were extremists that were hell-bent on exterminating Coordinators as much as they could get away with. Tyler didn't want to see Patrick descend to that point, but it looked that little could stop that from happening as things stood. But to help change the mood, Tyler set his hands on the back of his head and leaned back a bit, "Anyway, enough about dull and dreary subjects as they're not healthy to dwell on long. What's been going on with you Athrun? I haven't seen you or talked much to you for a few years now other than that short time on the Vesalius," he said to clear the air.

Tyler's question had the desired effect of clearing the bad feeling around them and Athrun smiled a bit. "Well, not too long after finishing at the prep academy, I enlisted in ZAFT at the suggestion of my father. After a year and a half of training, I did my first tour with Commander Hersey who was under the command of the Black Zephyr herself at the time. After a year of that, I was promoted from green to red pilot and then I was transferred to the Creuset team," Athrun answered.

Where Tyler liked hearing about what Athrun had been doing, though he wasn't interested in hearing about Sakura but felt sorry for his friend being around her. Yet, there had been a rather solid rumor that his friend was engaged too, and that hadn't been mentioned. Tyler normally didn't poke fun at his friends often, but there were times that he couldn't resist. "Nice, sounds like you've been busy, but you're missing something if what I've heard is correct," Tyler posed setting up Athrun with a straight face.

Athrun blinked as he looked at Tyler with a confused expression since he didn't know what Tyler was referring to. "Missing something, what are you talking about," he asked.

Tyler got a smirk replacing his straight face, and Athrun kind of got worried as the expression was one that told of teasing coming. "Oh," he mused, "the fact that you're engaged to a young lady that you're supposed to marry in the future." Tyler paused for effect, "She's supposed to be very good looking, have a nice personality," Tyler then lowered his voice for the next comment. "At least, she has a much better personality than her sister does if you ask me," Tyler then switched over to a normal volume, "I believe her name is Lacus Clyne, or is that rumor incorrect my dear friend?"

Athrun cheeks gained a red tint to them at the mentioning of the arrangement that had been done between Lacus and himself. He had just been told about close to a year ago, never had been asked if he was okay with it, simply informed that he would marry Lacus. Not to say that she was undesirable or anything, Athrun would be lying if he said that. But it had come out of nowhere to him even if it was still going to be a few years before the actual arrangement went through. The part that Tyler had muttered about Sakura Clyne, Athrun just assumed was part of whatever he had against her. "Well, it was my father who arranged the engagement between Lacus and me," Athrun said.

Tyler wasn't going to let off Athrun with just that, there was too much opportunity for fun to be that nice. So, he poked Athrun softly in the side with his elbow, "Yeah so? You don't sound like you're against this engagement with her Athrun. I mean, come on, Lacus is pretty and has a nice personality, then good golly can she sing," Tyler returned still with a smirk.

"Indeed, Lacus can sing well and loves doing so," said an older male voice.

Both Athrun and Tyler turned to their left to see Siegel Clyne coming up to them. "Hello Chairman," greeted Athrun politely.

The line that Siegel had said was kind of amusing, so Tyler snickered a bit, "Well, you would know better than either of us how Lacus sings being her father and everything Chairman Clyne," he remarked.

Siegel took the bench next to the teens, "Please, no need of formality from either of you, especially in this kind of setting," he said with a smile.

The atmosphere relaxed a bit more, yet with Siegel here Tyler had to ask a question even though it meant going back to a subject that he wasn't fond of. "So then Siegel, what did you think of the council meeting and its results?"

Siegel frowned at Tyler's question as personally he hadn't been satisfied with the discussion that had taken place. Rau Le Creuset had made a bad decision and it had resulted in the collapse of a colony. Yet the man was not really being held accountable for the actions and Siegel knew he wasn't the only one that wasn't please about that. And this wasn't the first time that Rau had gotten out of responsibility, Siegel knew that for a fact. The issue would be the Federation wouldn't let that stand for long and that would make work for many. "It certainly was not as well as some of us would like I would imagine, personally not how I wanted it to go," he said.

That's what Tyler figure was the case, he had seen that there was a split in the overall view of the council. Siegel was one of those that saw the wrongness of what Creuset had pulled and sees the need to prevent such things from occurring in the future. But that then brought up a serious inquiry in Tyler's mind, "Tell me Siegel, how much pull and influence does Patrick Zala have within the Supreme Council and outside of it," Tyler asked.

"Within the Council, probably second to myself," answered Siegel seeing somewhat why Tyler was asking what he was. "Outside of the council it would be mostly in ZAFT itself and again second to most."

Those pieces of information worried Tyler for they spelled trouble in potentia and leaving that to its own devices is never a wise idea. Patrick Zala's hatred of Naturals bordered on a fairly managed obsession and those can be more dangerous than an unmanaged one as they were less predictable. The possible saving grace currently by what Tyler could figure was that the ZAFT had an unofficial leader that most of ZAFT forces listened to more. From the things that Tyler had seen on ZAFT's Admiral Lanus Treize, the man was the best leader they had and possessed logic as well.

However, another thought crossed Tyler's mind as he thought about recent events. And he wanted to make sure Athrun knew what Commander Creuset would likely put him and the others under the masked man's command to. Tyler didn't for a moment expect that the Supreme Council meeting would deter Creuset from disregarding rules, agreements, or treaties going forward. More the fact that the masked man getting off would encourage him to keep pulling the stunts he was. So, Tyler turned to Athrun, "Hey Athrun, I have something to tell you, and it would be best that you keep to yourself for the time being. Definitely do not tell Rau Le Creuset since it will likely make no good difference and possibly be a motivation for him to do more crap," Tyler said putting a finger to his chin, "I can't say with that man."

Athrun stared at Tyler for a bit wondering what information he could give that should be kept from others. He knew that Tyler said things he did for a reason even if it only made sense to him and none other. And if he had information that could help against the prototype mobile suits, Athrun wouldn't say no. Knowing that Athrun nodded for Tyler to go on, "Okay, what is it?"

Tyler took a moment to organize his thoughts on how to explain the circumstances that they were in. The Archangel would be classified as an enemy vessel to ZAFT forces and so would naturally be targeted. The problem Tyler saw was that there were people that weren't supposed to be involved guilt-tripped into helping on that ship. Tyler wanted none of his friends to die but that was starting to be what could come. That in mind, Tyler took a deep breath, "First, the Alliance's new warship named the Archangel had three mobile suits, but right now is carrying two. Of those two, the machine that is likely Orb's suit model, the one with the winged backpack," Tyler hesitated, "Well, the pilot is someone that I know."

Athrun's eyes went wide at hearing that Tyler had information on even one of the pilots of the three machines that hadn't been captured, let alone one of the two unknowns. Memories of going against one of the two suits came back to Athrun for the fight had been something else. Then there had been the recordings of the encounter Commander Creuset had and what had happened to Miguel and the others. Yet even with those situations, there was still so little information on the two unknowns and just as much if not less on their pilots. "You know the pilot of the winged suit," questioned Athrun. "Then do you know any of the pilots OMNI is using for the other two mobile suits?"

Tyler had seen the second question coming the moment he admitted he knew a pilot of even one of the mobile suits the Archangel had. And the point that Tyler knew all three pilots was a fact he could say, but the identities of at least one he really couldn't say for their safety at this time. It wouldn't be well-received if the point that Lacus had not just piloted a mobile suit but done so against ZAFT forces become known. Saying to Athrun that Kira and Tyler himself had piloted was okay, Tyler was confident that Athrun would be able to understand the reasons that they had. So, Tyler nodded and pointed to himself, "The black machine with the shield on the left arm was piloted by yours truly."

The admittance from Tyler took Athrun by surprise for the implications it came with as much as his friend had just said he could pilot a mobile. Sure, Tyler had interesting skills and Athrun bet a number he didn't know about, but piloting seemed a bit of a stretch. "You were the pilot for-" Athrun stuttered.

"The OIS-X209 Shadow mobile suit, yes indeed and that's the designation for the machine," Tyler interjected. "I'm a pilot when called upon Athrun, it's a skill set I have from my time served in the military and I'm a part of the Federation's Military. Although I didn't choose to pilot the suit exactly, it happened more due to necessity at the time."

Athrun felt like he had just gotten smacked at hearing what facts Tyler was stating. He had known that Tyler could be in the Federation military, he had implied such things before now though never said it outright. But that he used one of the unknown mobile suits was another matter as they had proved dangerous. Then even if he had been forced in a way to pilot the machine he said he did, the level of skill shown but Tyler was shocking to Athrun. Yet Tyler wasn't done and kept going, "The pilot of the mobile suit with the winged backpack," Tyler hesitated, "It's Kira, as in Kira Yamato our other best friend."

Athrun wasn't sure how much more "surprises" he could handle at this time as he had just been thrown a few that was blowing his mind. Tyler piloting a mobile suit was one thing, and with Tyler is fit even if in an odd way. But for Kira to be doing so didn't fit him, or even being around Heliopolis was odder still. Oh sure, Athrun and Kira had been keeping up correspondence better than the two had with Tyler overall in the years that had passed. However, nothing mentioned about Kira being around Heliopolis or that explained how things developed into what they were.

Siegel was also taken aback at hearing what Tyler said for Lacus had gone to see Kira keeping the trip quiet. It had been clear to him that his youngest daughter had feelings for the young man and Siegel himself had no issue with Kira Yamato. Yet, if she had been around Heliopolis when the collapse occurred, that worried Siegel a great deal. He worried about both his daughters, but his youngest Lacus more than his older daughter as Sakura proved capable of taking care of herself. "Kira Yamato you say? Tell me Tyler was Lacus with him," he asked with worry.

Athrun twisted to look at Siegel as his statement brought horror to flow within him at the implication. "Wait, are you saying that Lacus was at Heliopolis when the mission to capture OMNI's prototype mobile suits was going on," he questioned incredulously.

Tyler knew that when Athrun learned of Kira and he being around Heliopolis during ZAFT's attack, he wouldn't take it well. However, when he was told Lacus was there it would be worse and that was why Tyler hadn't mentioned her yet. Nonetheless, with what Siegel had said there was no avoiding it, "Yeah Athrun, she was visiting Kira when everything when down. She probably would have been heading back today or tomorrow were I to guess if things had been different, at least, I believe that was the plan. Yet that's not how things worked out," Tyler remarked with a strained tone.

Athrun felt guilt that mixed with horror coming to him at the realization of just what effect that the mission he had been a part of had brought. Granted, he hadn't liked the mission from the start, it hadn't felt right, and he knew that he hadn't been the only one to feel that way, Rusty and Nicol had as well. There was no way to take back what had been done and Athrun knew that even if he wished there was. Nonetheless, it was Tyler sighing that snapped back Athrun's attention, "Athrun, you didn't know everything that was happening even I didn't know all that was going on. That being said, don't blame yourself for what happened at Heliopolis. If anyone is to blame, it's Rau Le Creuset for his choice of actions without taking into account the consequences of them, if he cared at all which I would question," Tyler said.

Tyler couldn't say if Athrun heard the attempt made to help him not blame himself or felt guilty about what happened to Heliopolis. Silence pervaded the air for five minutes before Athrun spoke again, "So then, do you plan to go back to the Alliance warship," he asked.

That query caused Tyler to pause and take a moment to think about how he should answer as it was complicated. He would like to go back to the Archangel even if it was temporary to get some needed tasks done was he given the choice in the matter. However, Tyler knew that with the investigation mission over now, the chances of that weren't the best. There was just not enough information to make a good call for Tyler yet, "Well, I can't say for sure at the moment Athrun. Technically, the assignment that I had is over now, so I really don't know what I'll be given to do. If I'm given an option, then I would like to go there yes. There are people I know on board that ship and I would very much prefer they don't die because of the war," Tyler answered.

Athrun was silent at Tyler's reply as it sounded like he wasn't siding with the Earth Alliance. It sounded more like some he cared about had been drawn into the conflict and Tyler didn't want to see them get hurt, which made much more sense. Tyler had always been on that could be counted on to back and do whatever it took to help a friend, Athrun knew that personally. Yet, the conflict that came with it in this instance was that Tyler may have to fight Athrun himself if circumstances had it that way. "Look Athrun, we're both members of a military force, different groups true, but nonetheless, we're both soldiers," Tyler spoke. "I assume that you understood that taking the job of a soldier meant that you would have to at times do things that you don't want to, such as destroying someone's home or killing another."

Tyler didn't like to admit the truth, but it was what it was in the subject that he was talking about. Tyler himself was responsible for four deaths in the last twenty-four hours or so with the chain of events that had happened at Heliopolis. And Athrun understood what Tyler was saying, he didn't like it, but he knew the validity of the subject.

Phase end!

A/n

That's where I'll end the chapter. Please take the time to write a review or PM me and tell me what you think of this story. Peace out, until next time!