A/n
This is the revised version of Chapter 12 of Gundam Seed: the Federation. Not much more I can say for this other than, On with the story!
Phase 12: Silence of the Grave
February 3rd, 71 C.E.
The Donnen
Tyler returned back to the Donnen after the visit he'd with his friends on the Archangel. He knew that there wasn't a room on the Alliance ship for him, and he did have the motivation to change that standing now. Tyler's mission would be more easily done on the Archangel than on the Donnen. Kira had the pack that Tyler had before, so Tyler's stuff was already on the Archangel with one 'exception'. Tyler intended to bring the Shadow with him when he went to the Archangel regardless of what anyone else said.
Tyler did get a decent night's sleep in the quarters on the Donnen he'd been provided, so he woke up refreshed which hadn't happened for over a week. His task of the day would be to hopefully move over to the Archangel and get things arranged that he could start getting the crew's cooperation in the mission he was assigned. However, it would be best to go to Captain Shepard to arrange to leave without problems. Hence why he made his way to her cabin, knocked on the door, and waited for a response. "Enter," said the voice of Captain Shepard.
Tyler moved into the room and floated to be in front of Shepard's desk hoping this would be a simple as he thought it would be. In the abstract, talking with the captain had seemed simple to Tyler, but those thoughts were disappearing. Shepard looked up at Tyler just after he entered the room and gained a look of slight surprise. "Commander McGregor, to what do I owe this visitation," she asked.
He rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh, well ma'am," Tyler began, "I'm here to make a bit of a different request, it may seem a little outlandish, but nevertheless…"
Shepard wasn't interested in hearing frivolous explanations, "State your point commander," she said curtly.
Tyler got the message from the woman which was to get on with what he was here for and don't waste time. He cleared his throat, "Yes, sorry captain. I would like to request for me to go over and travel aboard the Archangel going forward ma'am. I thought it would do me well to come to you and do this official and clean," he said politely, but internally Tyler was holding his breath waiting for the woman's answer.
Shepard blinked at Commander McGregor's request as it was quite unexpected with him. His record implied heavily that he wasn't the fondest of OMNI or their personnel due to previous altercations. So, for him to say he wanted to go and travel on the Alliance ship went against that implication. Shepard wouldn't deny that McGregor had a point that his mission could be done more efficiently on the Archangel. "And why might I ask would you want to do such a thing commander. From what I've read in your profile, you very much dislike the Earth Alliance and its OMNI. You have an amount of bad experience with them or something to that effect which is understandable. That in mind, for you to want to go over to one of their vessels and have to abide by their rules," Shepard paused, "confuses me."
What Shepard had said about Tyler was true, on both points and he wouldn't lie about it. He wasn't the fondest of those from the Earth Alliance or OMNI, there were bad experiences with those he'd crossed. So then, if he were to go over to the Archangel, Tyler would have to follow Alliance rules and regulations to an extent at least. But it wasn't like he intended to enlist as a crew member and join the Alliance or anything. Tyler saw this as 'assisting a group' who was in some rather bad circumstances and that was different. "You state that I would have to follow Alliance rules and regulations is true ma'am to a degree. However, if I'm on the Archangel, then I'll be able to accomplish the mission my team and I have better," Tyler reasoned.
Shepard mulled over McGregor's reasoning for a few minutes. He had a point and she could tell by the subtle tone he had he wouldn't like being ordered around. That matched a note on the young man's profile, he was known for not following orders a portion of the time. The record said that the teen stated, 'if he didn't agree with an order that he wouldn't follow it', but that was neither here nor there. Then, the commander did have a license to act as he saw fit which came from being a member of SOLAS, so it was his decision in the end. "Very well commander, it is your decision as you have a license, so I'll defer to your judgment in this," she returned.
After exiting the captain's cabin, Tyler stopped by the room he had on the Donnen to quickly pack his things into a suitcase. He would head to the hangar from there as the sooner he was on the Archangel, the better. The mission his team had would be much easier if he were on the OMNI vessel. Plus, Tyler missed his friends more after talking to some of them and want to be on hand if they are put into danger. Tyler would deal with the Alliance officers when that potential issue came up. He would establish the status quo in such a way that the majority would understand they couldn't order him around like any soldier.
However, on the way to the hangar, Tyler caught sight of Lisa looking to be waiting for him which brought him to a halt. Tyler hadn't expected to see his friend before he headed out to the Archangel. She would be the active team lead while Tyler was doing the needed 'dirty work' and jump in if needed. "Hey Lisa, come to give me a farewell for the time being before I head over to the Archangel," he asked.
Lisa had been waiting for Tyler as she was sure he would be leaving for the OMNI vessel within the next hour or so. It made the most sense with him, he would do the hard part of the mission so that if things went bad, he would take the fall for it. The other reason that Lisa was sure that Tyler would go to the Archangel was he had friends on that ship. He would want to protect them, and Lisa saw no fault with that at all, it was a good quality. Nevertheless, with what he needed to do, he could and likely would at some point be branded a traitor by the OMNI personnel. It wasn't what they would think of Tyler that would be harmful, it was what his friends would think. So, Lisa shook her head, "No, I'm here to confirm that you understand what the mission we're currently assigned entails. Following the Archangel is only part of this assignment, the main part of this is to prevent OMNI from obtaining a mobile suit and use it to mass-produce them for employment on the battlefield. I'm asking if you understand what that means you might have to do to accomplish the mission."
Tyler hesitated at the implication that Lisa was putting to him as he knew of some of the things she was inferring. The job that was to be done just might have Tyler appear to betray those he called friends, though he would like to avoid that if at all possible. Yet, he'd already given thought to the possibility of him having to do things such as sabotage or similar actions. Tyler wanted to help and protect his friends and the refugees on the Archangel, but he also comprehended what could very well happen if the Earth Alliance were to become able to mass-produce mobile suits. It was what made this current assignment as difficult as it was in Tyler's mind. "I do understand what needs to be done Lisa, even if I don't want to do such things. I'm worried about how things will play out, and I think I would question myself if I wasn't worried, yet I believe I'm up for this."
Lisa sighed and decided to just say the point outright to Tyler, "Oh, and what if your friends from Heliopolis accuse you of betrayal along with the ship's crew," she asked seriously.
That question cut to Tyler's heart and had been one that had been bouncing around his mind. He didn't answer immediately since it was one of the few fears he had with going over and staying on the Alliance vessel. Tyler trusted that Kira would see anything he would do as done for a reason and not an act of a traitor. The two had known each other long enough to know that there's a bond of trust between them and so, there would be a reason for what either of them did. Lacus would be similar to Kira she wouldn't accuse Tyler without talking more to him. Sai, Miriallia, Tolle, and Kuzzey, Tyler was not as sure if he were to do things that could be seen in a bad way. A fondness for them has developed in Tyler over the last year, which made him stress over the possibility that they could come to hate him if he looked to betray them along with the Archangel. Tyler took a moment to collect his thoughts and take a breath, "If that should happen, then it will hurt, and I can't help that. But" Tyler hesitated, "in the end, I would like to think they would come to understand the reasons why I do what I do."
Lisa saw that Tyler was steeling himself up for the possibility he had stated, and it was already causing pain in him. It was amazing to see one of Tyler's age willing to do what he was for those he cared about even when it could hurt himself. So, she put a hand on Tyler's shoulder, "Tyler, you know that Alan, Luke, and I will help you the best we can. You're not alone in this, don't forget that fact," she said to comfort him.
Tyler nodded to Lisa and thanked his female friend for the pep talk since he felt it helped even if only a little. Then he continued towards the Donnen's hangar stopping by the pilot locker room to put on a pilot suit. It was the same coloration as Lisa's suit was and Tyler didn't want to leave without one. If he did, then Tyler would be stuck with an OMNI pilot suit and he didn't trust those much to keep him alive in harsh situations.
Entering the hangar, Tyler found that Chief Montoya and his team had finished the modifications that he'd requested with the Shadow. So, the machine he'd acquired at Heliopolis was ready for use and Tyler planned to take the mobile suit when he "transferred" to the Archangel. Tyler humbly thanked the man and his team for the work they did on the machine that he was coming to call his own. Tyler had no doubt that the changes would prove their worth shortly and he would be grateful for it. After the thanks, Tyler entered the Shadow's cockpit and sealed it shut, and activating the OS. The Shadow shortly launched from the Donnen before Tyler headed to the Archangel.
It wasn't long before Tyler landed on the Archangel and moved his suit into the dock it was assigned to the last time it was onboard. Tyler exited the Shadow thanking the mechanics around the dock as he sailed by. He then floated towards the door out of the hangar so that he could get out of his pilot suit and find quarters to unpack in. Tyler spotted Chief Murdock and he greeted him as he passed but was told that Captain Ramius wished to talk to him.
Tyler had expected he would be required to 'report' to an extent to the officers on the ship. He didn't intend to tell them much about what had happened to him in great detail as Tyler didn't see what occurred at the PLANTs as any of their business. Yet, if he went and got the question and answer session over with, that would be one less thing he would have to worry about. Also, Tyler might just end out stating the status quo to the officers and he believed that the sooner that was known the better. Then, it was better he met with Murrue Ramius rather than Natarle Badgiruel since the second in command of the Archangel gave off a feel to Tyler that spelled trouble. The woman came off as strict and Tyler rarely got along with those and they normally were frustrated and hated him for his attitude.
Tyler made his way to the captain's quarters at his own pace not seeing a reason to rush to the meeting. He entered when given permission to do so and the second he was in the room, Tyler could tell this was going to be a long talk, and as he also figured, it would be a non-nice one too. It wouldn't be as bad as being lectured by a superior officer which Tyler got from time to time, but it would be along the same lines as what Tyler expected. He saw that Murrue was sitting at the desk in the room and her face was like the times before that he'd been in her presence, not bad, nor good. On her left was Natarle Badgiruel with a serious expression on her face which made his levels of apprehension grow. To the right of the desk was Mu La Flaga and Krystal McAlester behind the Lieutenant, neither of those two worried Tyler. He refocused on the task at hand for him by taking in a deep breath and exhaled, "I heard you wanted to see me, that right Miss Ramius," he stated.
Murrue stared at the teenager that had been with the volunteers from Heliopolis once again wondering many things about him. Tyler McGregor was unlike any teen she had encountered before and she couldn't figure him out. He had incredible control of his emotions and appeared to have impressive discipline from what she'd seen thus far. He had been separated from the Archangel around a week ago and yet he had popped up again out of nowhere. From what the crew had said, he had gotten into Artemis and had disabled the soldiers and helped free the ship. Now, he was on the ship and in a Federation space suit implying that he was likely a soldier within that military. The teen was getting more mysterious the more they learned about him, "Yes, that's correct," she answered gesturing towards a seat in front of the desk she sat at for him to take.
Tyler glanced at the seat before he moved to it as he just wanted to get this ordeal over with. However, before he lowered himself into the seat, he bowed to the four OMNI officers, "Before this discussion starts, I would like to thank you all for taking the Heliopolis refugees on board that you did and protecting them. It's greatly appreciated, thank you," he stated politely. After giving his gratitude, Tyler sat down in the chair facing the officers of this ship and their judgments. He knew that when some on this ship found out he was a member of the Federation's military, they would not be happy. The relationship between the Alliance and the Federation was made by those that didn't like what the other did.
The ship officers stared at the teen for a moment as he wasn't reacting in any way like one his age normally would. Mu was still trying to figure out the kid as he was definitely different than most that he'd met. The pilot suit inferred that he was with the Federation's military and that could explain some of the weird signs that he'd seen before. That didn't explain Tyler's skills and abilities to Mu but it provided a bit of a window to say how Tyler was as good as he was. Natarle on the other hand was irritated with what Tyler was wearing as it said things about the teen he hadn't stated. If he was a Federation soldier, then the Federation could know about the G-project and that was problematic in many ways. That needed to be either confirmed or dismissed as soon as possible, "So then Mr. McGregor, are you or are you not a member of the Federation military," she just about demanded.
It's one of the questions Tyler figured would come his way and he didn't see any reason to deny the facts as they were. That would open this to other questions that Tyler may not be able to answer due to protocol but that was beside the point. Yet, Tyler was one that could go into an interrogation keep his cool and come out of it and move on without a single issue. So, he shrugged in response, "The answer is yes, though I would think what I'm currently in would tell you that."
That Tyler McGregor confirmed himself as a member of the Federation's military was surprising as the teen had given little to no hint of it before now. Yes, Mu had mentioned he was suspicious of the teen potentially having military-type training, but nothing had been done to confirm the point. Tyler was rather young to be in the military even if pilots for mobile suits were younger than previous military personnel were on average. Then, he had been around the G-Project and he could report his findings to those within the Federation and likely had already. There were just so many questions needing answers about this teen but there hadn't been the chance before. "Care to give further detail," was the inquiry from Murrue.
Tyler stared at the captain of the vessel trying to decide how to answer the woman. He could say no and let that be the end of the conversation though that would not end the questions that would come. But he could also take this opportunity to point out the mistakes made that had brought things to the current situation. It would be better in the end for them to understand the crap they had pulled and what resulted from it. After a moment, Tyler let out a sigh slowly, "Honestly, I'm not really feeling inclined to, but since you're asking, I suppose I can be nice and answer some questions. Yes, I'm a soldier in the Federation military, and I'm well aware that I look too young to be, but that's how things are." Tyler glanced at the four, "So, does it make you happier to know whom I work for and report to when required?"
The tone in which the teen stated his answer irked Natarle in many ways, and she already had several problems with him. He was argumentative, he seemed to go out of his way to go against authority and appeared to do so by his own choice. Such rubbed her military discipline badly and did so more than any have before him. If he had been around Heliopolis for long enough, then he could have gathered a dangerous amount of information and Natarle knew that was very troublesome. And so, Natarle couldn't help but slam her clenched hand on the desk, "The hell it does," she exclaimed in an angry tone. "Why didn't you mention this fact earlier?"
Tyler held in a smirk at the woman's reaction when she found out he was in the Federation Military. Natarle Badgiruel came off as someone that expects to be told all about someone else and is not happy when that's not the case. And also, the woman had given rather amusing reactions and that spurred Tyler into doing more to get responses, a character flaw of his he didn't see a reason to fix. He glanced over at the other three in this room as saw that their reactions were not as bad but gave a similar message. The feeling that he was needlessly being put on trial for some kind of offense that he didn't commit washed over him. It was, unfortunately, familiar to him as a good portion of the OMNI officers he'd encountered had done similar.
Tyler's gaze came back to settle on the acting vice-captain of this vessel with a cold expression coming to his face. His decision was made on the way this discussion would go now, he would point out the mistakes made and not be all that nice about it. Natarle's outburst had snubbed Tyler and he wanted to put her down a bit. "You want to know the reasons why I didn't mention anything about being a soldier in the Federation? Alrighty then, I'll be more than happy to give you some as you're insistent about it. The first reason would be your reaction to taking offense and showing anger that's directed at me for no viable reason. Especially you Badgiruel," Tyler replied. "By the way, have you ever consider doing anger management? From my observations, you would stand to benefit quite a bit from doing so Miss Badgiruel."
Natarle was getting more irritated at this teen as it felt like he was insulting her specifically and was actually enjoying the idea. Plus, his "suggestion" of her needing anger management was frustrating as she had great emotional control. It just seemed around this teen that said control vanished and his actions got under her skin without much effort. Yet Tyler kept going, "And correct me should I be wrong, yet the way you're 'asking' me for details about myself and what I do is being stated more as a criminal accusation." Tyler folded his arms, "The last time I checked, being a part of the Federation's military isn't a crime in any way, shape, or form even if there are some who scream it is and pointlessly justify their claims. And then second, none of you ever asked before now, so there was no reason to tell you I'm a Federation soldier."
The points that Tyler brought up created an uncomfortable feel to the four others in the room. Some within OMNI wasn't fond of those in the Federation's military and yes, some even say that such was a crime as Tyler said. But to have the idea stated was different than just hearing about some that dislike the Federation. There was silence in the room for a few moments, but then Natarle found the use of her voice, "That's not an answer, that's an excuse," she barked back.
Tyler couldn't help but snort before replying, "Yeah, none of you are in any real position to be saying that, not with what you lot pulled," he said shrugging his shoulders. Both female officers stared at the teen with confusion and surprise for apparently, they didn't understand what he was talking about. Tyler shook his head, "The look on your faces says that none of you know what I'm talking about. That's fine, I can tell you and I'll start by setting the scene." Tyler took a moment to organize his thoughts on this subject, then he began, "Okay, think back to a little over a year ago for that's where this starts to get problematic."
Tyler began with how the rumor that there was a group within the Alliance's OMNI organization was doing weapon development in neutral territory. He made mention that he was with the Federation investigation team that had been sent to Heliopolis to see if the rumor was true. Natarle took umbrage at the fact that Tyler was accusing them about the development of the Archangel and the 'G-Weapons' at the colony. "There's nothing wrong with what we've done, how dare you put the blame of what happened to Heliopolis on the Alliance," she just about shouted.
Tyler had to admit that Natarle just has a knack for digging a hole for herself with her reactions as they weren't helping her at all. His deadpan expression he'd gained earlier as he'd been iterating the chain of events didn't change as Natarle shouted at him. "Perhaps when you started your precious 'G-project', you were doing nothing wrong. I can't say I know who the deal was made between the Orb Union and the Atlantic Federation, but within the last year, what you've been doing has become wrong. You've been in direct violation of two major treaties that the Earth Alliance has with the Human Federation. Certainly, by the time I got there, you were doing actions that were and are illegal," he stated calmly.
The last tidbit caught the attention of both Krystal and Mu for as far as they knew, the Federation shouldn't have any say with Heliopolis as it belonged to the Orb Union. That is unless other facts weren't being said that and that could change many things. "What do you mean Tyler, Heliopolis was owned by Orb, what does the Federation have to do with anything," he asked.
Tyler turned to face the man nodding slightly, "An excellent question Lieutenant La Flaga, as it happens, the Orb Union is a member nation of the Human Federation and became so about a year ago. That in mind, as they are a part of the Federation, the rules and treaties that the Federation has with ZAFT and the Alliance apply with them and their colonies too."
After that, Tyler resumed where he'd left off in his iteration of the chain of events. He went on about how the other members of the investigation team and he had taken the time to study OMNI's weapon development. Then Tyler moved on to the attack from ZAFT forces on and in the resource colony which they used to steal four out of the five machines. Admittedly, the way Tyler was laying out the timeline of events, it might be seen as pinning blame and rubbing in the fact that they had been beaten by ZAFT. However, Tyler wasn't judging any of them, merely stating facts as they were without bias.
Natarle wasn't happy at what McGregor was saying nor the way he was putting events as it put blame on OMNI. That there had been Federation personnel around the colony was problematic, and it should have been taken into account, but there was nothing that could change it right now. The real issue was how much of the project could have been reported to the Federation's military command. If they somehow found out about mobile suit development, they could interfere and set back the idea for years. And without mobile suits, the Alliance wouldn't last for those years and be able to end the war effectively. So, Natarle was quite angry at the teen but she couldn't seem to find the use of words at the moment.
Mu found the teen's iteration of events harsh but at the same time, it was fair in a way that Mu couldn't deny. The kid was describing things with little to no bias with factions and with what had happened to Heliopolis that was difficult. That the Federation was investigating OMNI weapon development wasn't surprising to Mu, it was that they found out where it was going on before ZAFT. The Federation had always had reservations at the very least with OMNI weapon development, why Mu couldn't say. But Mu decided since no one else was speaking he would, "You put the chain of events harshly, don't you Tyler?"
Tyler studied La Flaga for a moment then shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe it sounds harsh, but it is what occurred. And I would ask you a question or two if you would take a moment and step back and look at what happened at Heliopolis in a different perspective," Tyler replied. "The first perspective to see is with OMNI so desperate to get mobiles suits usable for themselves is it really a surprise that ZAFT figured out where they were being developed? After all, neither the Eurasia Federation nor the Atlantic Federation has the resources to spare or the scientists that are willing to help them. Most of all the Alliance doesn't have a place that ZAFT and the Federation don't know about and watch close enough that the activity wouldn't be noticed."
Tyler was trying to use simple logic to explain his point, he didn't know if it would work, but it was worth a shot. His gaze locked on Murrue as she was the one it would be best to not have to oppose him. "That leaves going to those who aren't a part of the Alliance the most viable explanation. ZAFT wouldn't help you in any way as it would only hurt them. There's no way that the Human Federation would allow anyone from the Alliance access to or use any R&D facilities such as Teswa."
The mention of Teswa had sharpened the attention of Tyler's audience for it was the name of the foremost R&D facility the Federation has. OMNI had literally begged for access to the facility but had always been denied. Tyler continued, "That pretty much leaves the Orb Union with their Morgenroete Inc. left that even gives you a slim chance to develop mobile suits. I can't see the current leader of Orb letting such development occur within their homeland, due to what happened to Heliopolis being the likely possibility of what would occur. Whoever made the deal probably knew that they couldn't do that in Orb and so that pretty much leaves Heliopolis. It's the last choice to work with, which would attract the least amount of notice," he stated. Tyler took a breath and said one last thing, "If I can deduce that, should it be much of a shock that some in ZAFT were able to do so as well?"
What Tyler had said made sense to Mu and Krystal, it was logical and matched facts they both knew already. And it was just as likely that ZAFT had figured out the same which led to why they had attacked Heliopolis. "True as that likely is, ZAFT attacked Heliopolis and caused its collapse," remarked Krystal.
Tyler knew that OMNI personnel weren't the only ones that caused the colony collapse, ZAFT played a part in it. However, he wasn't placing blame as he knew it wouldn't help since it would change nothing. So, his response was to nod slowly, "True, though I never said that you and your colleagues were completely at fault for what happened thus far. If you got that from what I said, that may just be your conscience talking to you. I'm well aware there are those on the PLANTs Supreme Council that won't let this go, Creuset will have to face consequences." Tyler paused for a moment, "What those will be, I haven't the faintest idea, but he won't get away with what he did. Yet, you from OMNI did play a part in the events that led to the colony's collapse, and that's a fact."
Natarle finally found the use of her voice again, "And what gives you the right to judge, Tyler McGregor," she growled.
Tyler returned the glare that was aimed at him from the woman. It just proved to him that he and she wouldn't be getting along any time soon if at all. Tyler figured that would be the case, but he felt that Natarle would take time to figure out the relationship. "Always with the harsh assumptions and conclusions with you," Tyler remarked, "Seriously, you should think about getting some anger management, it can only help you. And did I ever say I'm judging you," Tyler shook his head, "I don't think so? I'm just telling you how things are, but to answer your question, allow me to reply by reintroducing myself." He stood up and inclined his head, "I'm Commander Tyler McGregor, member of the Federation's special forces."
The 'talk' with the top brass of the Archangel ending on the note it did wasn't the best Tyler would admit, but he would take what he could get right now. Tyler was shown from the captain's quarters to an empty officer's room that he assumed he would be given while on the ship. It was clear the quarters were for an officer of fairly high rank with the size and single bed. After his escort left, Tyler took the time to unpack what he had immediately with him before he went back to the pilot locker room. He chose a locker and put away his pilot suit and head back to the quarters he'd been assigned. And as Tyler was beaten from the stuff that had happened today, he went to the bed and quickly dropped off to sleep.
The next morning early, there was to be a meeting on the subject of getting supplies. Krystal had been the one to volunteer to remind or rather fetch Tyler out of the officers. Natarle had shown she was not fond of the teen and would unlikely get along with him going forward. Murrue was on the bridge managing things as was her job, which the other officers understood. Krystal figured that Mu was still working out the particulars of whatever he was going to present to the crew. So that left Krystal herself to go and fetch the teen as she was free among the crew. She didn't think the teen was a bad person, even with how he spelled out events. If anything, then the way he put it was unbiased and that was a rare thing to hear with the way the war had been going.
Tyler didn't much appreciate the wake-up call and it took an amount of restraint to keep himself from lashing out as he was still tired. Tyler felt justified with being grumpy, the reception he'd received yesterday wasn't the nicest. "I would hope there is a good reason to make me part from my bed Major," Tyler greeted flatly. "I was working on catching up with much-needed sleep that I've been deprived of this last week."
Krystal didn't comment on the greeting for she could sympathize with the lack of sleep lately as she had been having the same type of issue. The teen's attitude was going to take some getting used to without a doubt, but teens were normally so. "There is to be a meeting at 0900, an hour from now, it would be wise of you to attend," Krystal replied.
Tyler rubbed his eyes and brushed his hair out of his eyes, "Oh yeah, what is this meeting about? If it is about me or what I said, I got nothing more to add nor retract thanks. If the vice-captain doesn't like then she can deal with it in whatever way she wants, not my problem."
Krystal was trying to decide whether to laugh or frown at Tyler's reply, he was certainly different than most his age. "The meeting is to discuss the supply problem that the Archangel currently has," she began, "your input would be nice."
Tyler woke up more, and he could think of little else than he'd in mind to do today, meaning the meeting would be harder to avoid. Plus, it would give some potential good cred with the crew and Tyler knew he needed that. "Sure, I'll be there, not sure what I can contribute though. At least that all the officers would agree with or appreciate, but I'll give it a whirl," Tyler returned.
Krystal nodded and left the doorway, leaving Tyler to finish getting out of bed and ready for the day. Tyler got dressed and combed his hair so it wasn't 'messy' and get needlessly called out on such crap when it didn't matter. He dressed in the casual Federation military uniform even though he'd been supplied with a white Alliance officer uniform and not the blue Alliance uniform. Tyler believed it was meant to have been a gesture of 'good faith' or something like that, yet he didn't see it that way. Tyler wouldn't anytime soon wear an OMNI uniform, he wouldn't be caught dead in it without an extremely lifesaving reason! Honestly, Tyler had considered throwing the uniform out of an airlock and just say that it got lost, but he doubted the excuse would be accepted. He was in enough hot water with the officers of this ship, he didn't need or want to get himself deeper right now.
After he was somewhat presentable, Tyler made his way to the bridge, thinking about the "supply situation". Since this meeting would be about supplies, Tyler was left to wonder what the Donnen had given the Archangel other than some water. It was unlikely enough water to get them through to their destination, just enough to tie them over until the ship resupplies more fully. The other issue that Tyler saw was there wasn't much in the way of places to resupply on the way to Earth.
Once everyone had arrived for the meeting, Tyler found it a tad amusing that his friends from Heliopolis the civilian volunteers made up a full third of the current crew now. Granted, Tyler was aware that the Archangel was short on crew, but it was still interesting to note volunteers made up a good portion of them. Tyler was a tad surprised seeing Flay was in an OMNI female uniform too and on the bridge.
With Tyler's arrival, Murrue began the meeting by thanking everyone for coming and stated this meeting was being held to discuss a plan to obtain much-needed supplies. She then turned over the charge of the meeting to Lieutenant La Flaga who began to lay out a plan he had come up with. "So, this mission will be to get supplies, specifically water," explained Mu.
The teen volunteers looked at one another for a moment, "Supplies," questioned Tolle.
Sai was doing some thinking and he couldn't figure out where the ship could get supplies at the moment. As far as he knew there were no bases or facilities in the general area that could help with the idea. "We can get some," asked Sai, "From where?"
"Get supplies, that's correct," said Mu, his amusement was obvious to us all, but then the amusement disappeared as he continued. "Or to be more precise, we intend to take them."
Tyler felt uneasy about the comment from Mu and what could come next. The implications weren't nice in his mind as taking would infer stealing and Tyler wasn't okay with that. "When you say take them, do you mean stealing them or something else Lieutenant?" Any stealing that Tyler could think of with the territory they were currently in would be from a Federation vessel. Tyler would firmly put his foot down about that idea and make it clear that activity would be defined as a no-no. He wouldn't stand for it and would put the idea down five ways from Sunday so fast their heads would spin.
Murrue could see that Tyler wasn't asking a question he voiced but more if what Mu had in mind would be an issue. With the young man admitting that he was a Federation soldier, stealing from them would plainly be a bad idea. And being in Federation controlled territory, the consequences of that tactic would come swiftly. Plus, as Mu had explained it, stealing wasn't what he was suggesting. "No, it won't be stealing," Murrue hesitated, "exactly. We're presently on a course that will put us in the vicinity of the Debris Belt."
Tyler's thought process came to a screeching halt at hearing mention of the Debris Belt. There was a stabbing pain in his heart at the thought of the place as a personal tragedy was there. He hoped that the ship officers weren't implying taking water from Junius Seven. That was akin to grave robbing and Tyler was in no way comfortable with that and wasn't interested in taking part in it either. However, Tyler decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being and not voice his opinion further.
"The Debris Belt," questioned Tolle confused by what La Flaga was saying, "What could be there that holds water?"
Sai did some quick thinking about what kind of things were in the Debris Belt and it didn't take long to be sickened. There was junk in the belt, but that junk had once belonged to other human beings before their deaths. "Now hold on," said Sai. "You're not saying…"
Mu could tell that Sai saw what Mu was referring to with the Debris Belt. Of course, Mu wasn't pleased with where the ship could get supplies from. It was essentially a graveyard they would be taken from, but times were close to getting desperate. "Extra credit to the bright student," said Mu.
"The Debris Belt consists of a wide assortment of junked items, drifting around the outermost orbital track," said Murrue tiredly. "Of course, this also means it has a fair number of abandoned vessels that have been destroyed in battle among other things."
The thought of taking water and potentially other supplies from the junk in the Debris Belt didn't sit well with anyone on the bridge. Nevertheless, none voiced their discomfort about getting supplies from the Debris Belt. "You're not suggesting that we get our supplies from there," asked Tolle.
Tyler kept his breathing calm as he figured that taking water from what was left of Junius Seven wasn't in the plan since they didn't mention it specifically. He didn't think he could help in that task nor even say why he had a problem around the colony remains. Although that being said, Tyler felt he would then likely be cohered into helping in the idea anyway. He'd hadn't been around the ruins of Junius Seven in years and it brought him lots of pain as he lost his father and younger sister due to the Bloody Valentine. Kira was the only one on the ship that knew why Tyler wouldn't want to go around the colony remains.
"There's not much choice," Mu said in a sigh. "If we don't do something quickly about the supply issue, we're not going to last for very long even with the supply that we received from the Federation."
Natarle knew Mu was right about needing supplies, she couldn't deny that, and rationing them would only buy a little time. Acquiring needed supplies was a priority and admittedly, the Debris Belt was a prime place to look for such. In the end, Natarle couldn't stop the sigh that escaped her, "The Lieutenant is right, we need water and other things as soon as possible. When the Archangel arrives, we would like for the majority of you people to use the Mistral pods we have and help with gathering the supplies outside the ship."
All the volunteers including Flay frowned, showing that they didn't like the idea at all. The thought of taking things from those that were dead left a sour taste in most listening. Tyler still kept his mouth shut not trusting the words that could come out of his mouth right now. Hard memories were coming to him and it was taking much of his emotional control to keep himself from showing it or leaving the room. "We're not too happy about this either," said Natarle wincing a bit, "but it's pretty much the only choice we have right now, our very survival depends on it."
Murrue kept the sour taste coming to her mouth down and picked up where Natarle left off. "We will not scavenge around for things which belonged to others," she stated as much for herself as for those on the bridge. "We are not taking random things, only what we're in immediate need of right now, just the basic necessities, that's all." She looked down, a sad expression on her face, "In order to survive…"
It was within the next few hours that the Archangel came into range of the Debris Belt and then entered it without slowing down much at all. Arnold had to keep alert and pay close attention to the debris and the Archangel so they didn't meet. It certainly tested the skills he had been polishing for close to the last two weeks. Tyler gained a bit of respect for the driver of the ship with the way they were moving the large Alliance ship in the field of debris. The task he knew wouldn't be an easy job and Tyler didn't want to know the real difficulty of the idea.
However, Tyler had chilling feelings settling over himself as the ship went deeper into the debris field. Painful memories kept coming to Tyler's mind and it was getting hard to ignore the stabbing pain in his heart. Recalling times with his father and sister weren't what hurt, it was remembering the feelings that had hit him when he had learned about the Bloody Valentine. Truthfully, Tyler hadn't ever fully come to terms with the deaths of his father and sister, he still missed them more than words could ever say.
The job for the pilots while the gathering of supplies was to be to go out with the pods and provide support as needed and keep watch. There was the chance there could be ZAFT forces even with the section of the Debris Belt was in Federation territory. The Donnen would go around which left the Archangel to watch after itself until it reached the other side of the Debris Belt. None of the pilots were really asked about whether they wanted to do the task they were expected to watch after the pods and those in them. Both Mu and Krystal would stay behind and defend the ship with their mobile armors should ZAFT forces come around. Tyler would admit that such could happen though it was unlikely for the time being. Creuset was stubborn which Tyler had found out, but to come into Federation territory and to an area that was very difficult to fight in, Tyler didn't think the man was that reckless.
Water was the main resource to be collected and the Mistral pods would have the proper equipment with the tools to break down ice found. And picking through the junk would take hours to gather enough to make the job work the time. So, once the Archangel was a fair distance inside the field, the ship's three mobile suits and worker pods launched out. Within the group was Natarle and some of the mechanics to help with the task to be done. Natarle would be in charge of the operation while Murrue would keep the Archangel running and watching for any problems that could pop up.
As those from the Archangel moved forward, large chunks of metal and other materials floated past, unrecognizable from what they had been before ending up here in the debris. It was around five minutes later that a particularly large piece of debris began sticking out in front of the travelers which caught their attention. Tyler felt the ice-cold chill that ran up his spine that told him in an instant what they were approaching along with his blood going cold and his throat tightening. Although he'd agreed to help even if begrudgingly, he'd hoped strongly that the group wouldn't end out around the hulk that was in front of them. He hadn't been around it for years and he wished he wasn't here right now.
The chatter that had been going between those in the pods faded and silence was their companion. All were looking at the growing shape trying to figure out what it was. Kira had an educated guess what was now before them and he had no words coming to him. However, it was Tolle that spoke first out of the group, "No, this is," he whispered but hesitated, "A continent," he paused again as the sight took away his capability to speak properly, "How did it end up here?"
Tyler heard Tolle and at first didn't want nor intend to answer his friend's question. Bringing up Junius Seven and the Bloody Valentine was hard for Tyler as it was a sore subject for most people. The incident had affected so many and what had occurred had never been forgotten by those who had lost loved ones, but also a number in ZAFT and the PLANTs. Many Coordinators would chant "Remember Junius Seven" as a way to make sure Bloody Valentine was never let go. And with the Federation, there was proof that some from the Alliance had been involved with the event, though the point was denied vehemently. Thus, Tyler spoke for the second time for the current day, "No Tolle, that's no continent, that was a colony…"
With what Tyler had just said, it proved that Kira's guess was right on the money. The tone his best friend was using was one Kira hadn't heard in years and it hurt to hear it again. At knowing the Archangel would be going into the Debris Belt, Kira had been worried they may come upon the ruins of Junius Seven. He had even tried to talk to Tyler before they were to come out as Junius Seven was a hard thing to deal with for Tyler. However, Tyler had vanished and Kira couldn't find his friend in the time there had been before launching out. "Then that is the remains of Junius Seven," Kira remarked somberly.
Lacus gasped in horror at what Tyler and Kira had stated and she didn't doubt what they said was true. Of course, she knew about Bloody Valentine and what happened to the former PLANT-type colony Junius Seven. She remembered February fourteenth in year sixty-six, it was a clear memory even if a very unpleasant one. Her father had come home that day and it was obvious to Lacus even as a twelve-year-old that something was wrong back then. When she had asked her father what was wrong, he hadn't said anything to her, but his expression had been pained. In the end, it had been her sister Sakura that had told Lacus about what happened to Junius Seven. To see the remaining evidence of the terrorist attack was much worse than to only be told about it. There'd been countless lives lost because of this one act of terrorism by Blue Cosmos or at least they had claimed responsibility for the event.
After around fifteen minutes of surveying the area, there were a few places that large masses of ice were marked for the next trip. Those that had come out then headed back to the Archangel to come up with a more detailed plan for gathering water and other supplies. And so, a short while after returning, everyone returned to the bridge to discuss how the foraging for needed supplies would go. Kira was the one to break the silence as he was now against going around the ruins as he wasn't happy with the 'plan' being suggested. "That water over there," Kira started angrily, "Are you seriously saying that's what we are to gather?!"
The tones of anger were a tad unexpected from Kira as he was normally calm and not quick to lose his temper. And where Natarle could understand the teen could be anger after seeing the ruins, that wasn't helping right now. Supplies, specifically water were too desperate to ignore and the ice here was the more readily available source. Being emotional at this time was the last thing that was needed, calm and collected thinking was the best help in the current circumstance. "There are close to a hundred million tons of ice frozen over on it," Natarle reasoned calmly.
Kira wasn't going to let the woman rationalize this plan of theirs off, "The hell there is," snapped Kira. "You saw it for yourself, Miss Badgiruel, those ruins were a PLANT where hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. And yet you-" Kira stopped and glanced over at Tyler who was in a corner of the bridge floating silently. His friend didn't make any sign that he was paying attention at all, just had his head down and didn't respond. Kira knew why Tyler was in such an unresponsive mood than he was normally with unpleasant subjects. It was much the state Kira and Athrun found him in on the day that Junius Seven had become like it was now. For Tyler, having to see what's left of the place he'd lost half of his family had to hurt. And now Kira was only driving in the pain harder with his friend reminding him of his loss. But Kira couldn't just stay silent with the idea of water being taken from the ruins being thrown around and ignore that it was a graveyard.
Murrue wasn't the only one that would admit and agreed that Kira having a point and could understand what he was getting at. It was an ongoing argument with the supply acquisition not too long after Mu had brought up his idea. Nor did she miss that when Kira stopped, the teen had looked in Tyler's direction which was somewhat odd. In fact, Murrue realized that Tyler had been the quietest today than she'd ever found him to be before now. The oldest teen had proven that he had no issue giving his opinion and didn't care what others thought of him or what he said. Yet now, Tyler didn't make any sign that he was paying attention to the conversation at all. When Murrue's gaze went over to look at Tyler, his head was down and he wasn't looking at anyone directly. Murrue took a deep breath, "That's the biggest supply of water we've been able to locate around here," she said tiredly.
Mu felt for Kira as he agreed taking water from the PLANT ruins wasn't in any way ideal. He didn't like the point any more than the teen, but the Archangel needed water desperately and the ruins held the most water in the Debris Belt. Mu also noted Kira looked at Tyler which brought up the odd despondent behavior from Tyler. Mu was left to wonder what had brought it on as it seemingly came on for no apparent reason. The moment the Debris Belt had been mentioned, the oldest teen had become silent and melancholy. Mu could only guess it had something to do with the ruins as he had gone from melancholy to despondent. "Hey, nobody's jumping for joy over this," Mu said, "I don't hear folks shouting 'hurray water'."
"Lieutenant La Flaga," grumbled Kira quietly.
"Nobody wants to step onto that place if it can be helped," Mu replied. "Listen, we're alive everyone, and if we have too, we'll do what it takes so we continue to live!"
Lacus knew that both sides of the argument were valid, and it would endlessly keep going unless someone ended it. She realized that she'd become accustomed to Tyler taking that job on as he seemed so good at it. However, one look at him showed he was clearly having problems himself and that said a lot which she couldn't guess about. So she decided to step up, "I agree with the Lieutenant in this," she said. All on the bridge other than Tyler focused on Lacus, to which Kira and Sai's eyes had widened in shock. "The people of that PLANT were peaceful," she said softly but paused. "Junius Seven was an agricultural colony and so, I'm sure they wouldn't want us to die simply because the water we could get was from what's left of the PLANT where they died."
"Lacus," said Kira, softly but with strain audible as she wasn't helping in the argument.
Tyler could tell what Lacus was trying to do and in almost any other situation, he would applaud what she was doing. He was usually the one that settled or ended arguments and though he didn't feel up to doing that right now, Tyler knew it needed to happen. "She's right, the water is going to waste if we leave it like it is."
Everyone shifted their attention to Tyler, some even jerked as they had forgotten that he was there as he'd been so quiet. His voice had been flat which in itself wasn't unusual as he did that when he was serious. Kira still heard the faint hint of Tyler forcing his voice to be even and flat, which showed how much he was being affected by Junius Seven. Yet, as all on the bridge looked towards where Tyler had been, they had enough time to see him entering the elevator and the doors closing behind him. Kira squared his shoulders before speaking again "Alright, then let's get this over and done with."
Tyler couldn't stay on the Archangel's bridge any longer, so he'd said his piece on voting to get the supplies needed and then left. The feeling of growing nagging pain in his heart was getting worse since seeing the ruins of Junius Seven. He'd given no signs that others would notice, other than Kira maybe, but he knows why this place holds significance with him. And Tyler's emotional control was starting to slip and he didn't want others to see him with the mood he was in. Tyler had buried the pain of the loss of his father and younger sister and didn't let it show to those that did not know about the point. He avoided the crew during the time before the mission to collect the supplies was to take place.
The crew felt it was only right to inform the refugees where the water that was going to be obtained for the ship was coming from. For many of the refugees, hearing where the water was coming from was hard as all of them had heard about Junius Seven. Tyler did see the reactions from the crew and the refugees and felt that did keep the memory of those that had lost their lives at the colony alive. Lacus also suggested that some make paper flowers as a type of "memorial ceremony" for the lost. It was entirely volunteer work, and even Natarle had supported the idea. All the refugees wished to help with the project, which only made it more meaningful. Tyler reminded himself to thank Lacus later for her suggestion, for his father and sister along with the rest.
No one was particularly happy with where they'd be getting water, other than perhaps the children who were too young to understand what was really going on, yet there were few of those who fell into that category. However, the refugees and many of the crew when they weren't on duty would volunteer to help out in making the flowers. Tyler felt it was the way many saw that they could do to offer up a form of respect for the dead.
Flay had practically taken the lead in making the flowers even though she wasn't the fondest of Coordinators. Seeing the results of the Bloody Valentine incident had affected her, the ruins of the colony made it feel more real than just the stories or reports. She was as horrified as everyone else at seeing the ruins of Junius Seven and it had shown. When the flowers were finished, Miriallia cast them into space over the ruins.
A short while after the respects were paid to the victims of the destroyed colony, the crew went about the needed work. Each pilot was set to go with the pods, one per group of two, and they would stand watch while the workers would go gathering supplies. The main job the mobile suit pilots had was to also keep an eye out for anything else that could be potentially salvaged and ZAFT forces. With the water frozen in several chunks throughout the colony ruins, the three groups would separate into parties to collect the necessary liquid.
Kira in the Asuka set off with the two pods that he was assigned to look after, and they went off to the left. Lacus in the Strike went to the right with her two Mistrals pods proceeding slowly as debris was still moving ever so slowly. Tyler in the Shadow with the last two worker pods headed forward into the ruins. Sai was among those in the two Mistrals pods that were with Tyler's group along with some of the mechanics that have been on board the Alliance ship.
Kira's group headed into the left section of the colony debris which looked to have been where much of the agricultural work had been done. He looked around the general area as the worker pods began to gather the large masses of frozen water. The more recognizable structures were small homes and what Kira guess to be greenhouses. From what he understood, the colony had been doing research into the agricultural methodology. Kira vaguely remembered a time or two that Tyler would talk about how his father and others were trying to create ways for growing crops and plants that were better than natural methods did. And with Tyler's dad working at Junius Seven, this area was likely where some of the testing for that kind of thing was done.
While that was going on, Lacus's group had entered what was clearly the living area for those that had lived in the colony. The worker pods got to work gathering the large masses of frozen water while Lacus scanned the area. To see where people had called home hurt as there was evidence everywhere that people had lived here. Natarle and some of those that were in Lacus's group did look into some of the buildings. What they found was objects floating along with their dead owners perfectly preserved by the vacuum of space. The sight of families together caused sick feelings to most working on gathering the water.
Meanwhile, Tyler's group headed into the center section of the colony debris, and as the worker pods began to gather the large masses of frozen water, he was scanning the area. Tyler wanted to make sure he could truthfully claim that he'd done his due diligence in looking around for usable junk. He didn't want guff later as this experience was taking its toll on him and he didn't want to deal with reprimands later. Tyler didn't see a real reason to look for trash around here, he just wanted to leave the ruins as soon as possible. The memories coming to his mind with increasing frequency was adding to the pain he felt. If that was given enough time, Tyler knew he would have difficulty keeping that to himself.
Nevertheless, as Tyler looked around, he registered enough landmarks to recognized where his groups were approximately in the former colony. They were around where the university that had been on Junius Seven, there was no mistaking it to Tyler. It had been the place his dad had worked and done his research, so Tyler knew it well. His father Lance Blass had been a professor of Advance Agricultural development. In fact, Tyler's dad had been the foremost scientist in Agriculture development research a fact that Tyler had been proud of. The dream drove him to do the research that he would was to find the solution to world and colony hunger. It sounded ridiculous and impossible, and his dad was sometimes considered a quack because of his dream. But Tyler believed in his dad's work and knew it was very good and could have done what he said it would have.
Tyler glanced back to where the Mistrals pods were working and saw that they were completely involved in doing their tasks set to them. Some had gone looking and poking around some of the structures but weren't paying attention to the Shadow. With that being the case, Tyler figured that they wouldn't miss him for a short period nor notice him gone. In Tyler's mind, the fact that of Junius Seven's population, only a third at most had been positively been identified or found came to him as it had haunted him before. His father and sister hadn't been in that percentile and he couldn't forget that as much as he may wish to sometimes. And while knowing it would bring more pain should he find their bodies, Tyler still wanted to see if his dad and sister Lana were floating here to be sure.
Tyler maneuvered his suit to move toward a large section that held the majority of the university buildings. He was looking for what had been the front quad square as that would do as a landing spot for him. It took Tyler a minute or two, but he found the area he was looking for and landed the Shadow firmly on the "ground". Tyler then undid his restraints and popped out of the cockpit quickly glancing around for anything he needed to be careful of. After seeing nothing, Tyler had his pilot suit's thrusters whipped out and propelled him forward.
He headed forward and into the nearest building which turned out to be one of the administration centers the college possessed. From there Tyler quickly moved through the structure as he knew the place he wanted to go as it would be in a nearby building. Tyler left the admin offices and sailed on to the agricultural science building where his dad's office was located. He pushed on the front doors that he had entered through many times before now yet, this time felt so much different to him and not just because the place was now in the ruins. Not only did the bodies floating at random make the scene a horrible thing, but the silence was beyond eerie. The times before, there would be students running from class to class, or stopping by to see their professors. However, now there was nothing but the bodies and the cold silence of space encroaching in and it was making Tyler very uneasy.
Tyler shook his head and ignored the bodies floating sporadically trying to not look at them, mostly because he feared he'd see someone he may recognize. There had been some of the students that Tyler remembered from the times he had visited his dad and knew they had been good people, so their deaths were horrible and sad. Instead, he began making his way down the east wing hallway of the building, knowing the route to the office his dad had. Tyler recalled the countless times he'd traveled the route he was in earlier days. The real difference was the cold silence that was all around since Tyler always remembered there being noise in the halls and rooms adjacent.
It took about five minutes for Tyler to come to the door he was aiming for, the door to the office of Lance Blass. The nameplate was still attached to the door itself and even in the vacuum, it looked like it had any other time Tyler had come to visit. Tyler took a deep breath to calm himself and prepare for what he could see. He'd had nightmares of this particular event many times after learning of the Bloody Valentine, coming upon the bodies of those he missed. Tyler twisted the handle and slowly pushed the door open and looked into the room that he'd wanted to see if only to know how things may have ended for his missing family members.
The view from the door showed Tyler the room was a mess which wasn't surprising from the rapid depressurization that had occurred during the colony's breakdown. Objects were scattered everywhere, from books to furniture, nothing was where Tyler remembered it. However, before moving inside, Tyler breathed for a moment and steeled himself for what he may find. He moved forward into the office then gazed around taking in the space and how it was now while keeping his breathing calm and measured.
The office was unrecognizable, and Tyler's father was one to keep things neat and in their proper assigned place, so the mess was hard to see. The three bookshelves that had stood behind the desk were now floating, one in pieces the other two mostly intact. Books, papers, and other small things were spread all over the office most of the debris hard to tell what it had been. Nevertheless, Tyler's gaze came to a halt on a form slight to his left and it wasn't more than a moment for him to know the form as the body of his father. The vacuum of space had preserved Lance Blass, yet Tyler could see signs of what looked to be glass having hit his father before his death. Tyler glanced behind himself and say the display case that had been on the wall had been shattered which would have had shards flying. Tyler glanced back at his father's body and tears were forming at the corners of his eyes. To have to see his father, the man he respected the most like this hurt and tore at his heart.
He had to turn away after a moment though his fists were clenching hard in anger with seeing undeniable proof of the loss of his father. Nevertheless, Tyler didn't leave yet, there was still one other he wanted to find. So, he scanned the rest of the room looking for anything that could tell him what had happened to the last family member he was searching for. Yet as he was scanning, a sizable object collided lightly against Tyler and his pulse shot up and his breathing hitched. Tyler calmed himself in a moment and turned around to see what had hit him. The sight that met his eyes hurt as it was a sorrowful one and horrifying to him and cause the tears to flow harder. The long light brown locks of hair, which fanned out with no gravity pulling them down were unmistakable to Tyler. He knew the small human form floating in front of him as it was the body of Lana his younger sister. Tyler's body felt numb at processing the sight of his younger sister floating lifeless before him. The vacuum of space had preserved her perfectly much like his father, it was like the near five years hadn't gone by and she was just sleeping.
After a minute, Tyler couldn't hold back the tears any longer and they flowed. He knew full well that the girl in front of him was dead and had been for close to five years. Nonetheless, he hadn't seen Lana for longer than that and he'd always loved his little sister dearly. She'd always been amazed by what things he could do that Naturals weren't usually able to do. Lana would encourage Tyler in her own ways, usually cheered him up after a hard day, and made him smile in a heartbeat. Tyler missed his dad and Lana more than he tended to admit to anyone else, other than his mom when he took the time to visit her. Moving forward slightly, Tyler embraced the body of Lana and felt the tears keep flowing from his eyes and Tyler's shoulders begin to shake and convulse.
It took Tyler a little while to come back to himself and realize that he'd been away from the group he was with for some time and his absence might start to be noticed. Tyler began heading towards the doorway but stopped before he got there and turned back to his father and sister. Tyler went over to his father and slipped his wedding ring off and put it into a pocket of his suit. "Dad, Lana, I swear that I'll come back, I will bring you both home so that mom and I can give you a proper burial so that you can rest," Tyler said. "And I don't make promises that I don't fully intend to keep, so wait for me, I will come to get you." Tyler left the room and headed back to where the Shadow was so that he could get back to the group and his trip not be noticed.
While Lacus's group was gathering water, she did take the opportunity to look around some of the ruins herself. She'd heard about the inspections that had been made by ZAFT forces before now and none of what had been said to be pleasant. The view of families together that she got stabbed at her heart. It showed her that the war was tearing apart more than just lands and cities, it was destroying people and their families. The view also had Lacus thinking about her own family which could be considered strained. Her father tended to be busy with being the Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council, so he was rarely around. And her sister Sakura was more a ghost than their father due to the war. Sakura made it around home once a year and it was not more than a day or two. It was reminding her that her own family was drifting apart and it was getting worse as the war kept going.
Of course, Lacus was looking around for potential supplies for the Archangel as she was keeping an eye on the worker pods as she was told to. But within the ruins, there wasn't much of non-sentimental value to bring back that she was seeing. And over the few hours that the water gathering took, not much was said between the group. The silence the gripped the ruins was hard to deny and even more difficult to break. Lacus's group was the first to head back with the water they had collected.
Tyler had made it back to the Shadow and had got back around those he was to look after and none seemed to notice he had been gone. Sai had asked if Tyler had found anything while looking around and Tyler had replied to the negative. The time gathering the needed water took was a form of torture to Tyler as it gave time for the pain within him to fester. And Tyler's group was slightly less than fifteen minutes behind the first group had gathered around the same amount of ice that Lacus's group had brought back. Still, Tyler was silent the whole way remaining in a state of heart-wrenching sorrow from what he'd seen while out in the ruins of Junius Seven.
The unloading of the ice was going when Tyler came in with the Shadow from what he could see. The Strike was in a dock already and Lacus was helping with the processing of the frozen water. Tyler moved the Shadow to its dock before he popped out of the cockpit with his helmet's visor blocker up. He started towards the door out of the hangar saying nothing as he slowly sailed. He barely noticed those that had been flying the pods getting their cargo off and stored. Tyler wasn't in the mood to care at all about the activity with the pain he was feeling and so, he simply kept floated towards the exit of the hangar. Tyler felt the need to get away from being around other people right now, there's too much pain running through him and it was difficult to keep it together and not break down.
Miriallia caught sight of Tyler sailing slowly toward the entrance of the hangar. And seeing him once again about to slip away from doing work irritated her. It certainly wouldn't be the first time that Tyler had vanished when there was work to do, he had a knack for doing that. "Tyler McGregor," she began loud enough to have some looking the way she was facing, "Where do you think you're going, there still are supplies to unload." Tyler came to a stop and turned his head to her, showing that his face wasn't visible at the moment. Miriallia was more irritated that the visor of Tyler's helmet was the violet coloration that blocked the view of his face.
Tyler was thankful it was in place, he didn't want his face to be visible at all to anyone. Tyler may have run out of tears some time ago, but he didn't doubt that those reservoirs that his tears come from will have refilled by this point. And as if in response to his thoughts, Tyler felt dampness at the corners of his eyes. However, he managed to keep his voice even, "Sorry Miriallia, I'm just tired from this outing. I assure you that I'm not shirking work, I'm going to turn in early today." Tyler continued forward, not giving anyone the chance to say otherwise to what he had said.
Lacus gazed after Tyler starting to worry about him even if she couldn't see his face. His voice may have been even, but there had been something there that was faint. Tyler was hurting, from what Lacus couldn't say, but she could tell he was and it didn't sit well with him going off alone. However, there was still a lot of water to off-load and store so as many as possible were needed for that task. That was especially true when Kira's group came in with their collection of water. Yet, that didn't stop her from worrying about Tyler and whatever it was bothering him.
Once processing the water was done, Lacus approached Kira and told him about Tyler slipping away. She also told him about how she was worried about their friend and that something seemed to be wrong. Kira had an educated guess as to what was bothering Tyler, though it was sounding like it had gotten worse. Being around the ruins of Junius Seven would be horrible for Tyler since he had lost two family members here. Kira knew that Tyler kept that information to himself and did so for his own reasons. However, Kira didn't see how it would hurt or make things any worse than they were should he check on and talk to Tyler.
Tyler from the hangar didn't go to the pilot locker room, instead, he traveled straight to his quarters. The moment he was inside, he locked the door so that most won't be able to enter without his permission that he wouldn't be giving for a time. He took off his helmet, and a sizable amount of liquid in the form of droplets moved out from his face. Tears were coming from Tyler's eyes again, he couldn't stop them from flowing out, the control over his emotions was pretty much shot by this point. Tyler pushed off from the deck and without thinking he curled into the fetal position and hid his face in his knees.
He ended out in a corner of the room as he felt himself softly bumping into the wall and ceiling before he came to a stop. Tyler began to silently sob as images flashed through his mind of seeing his dad and sister in the ruins of the colony. His heart ached and hurt much more than it had in years since he'd found out both were gone and would never come back. With the lock to the door in place, Tyler was able to lament without ceasing for a period and he lost track of time. But then, with how Tyler rarely if ever show the emotions he was feeling, he preferred to be left alone while he dealt with them.
Kira had gone to Tyler's quarters as he figured that would be where he would go, it was a place he could keep others away from. And if Kira needed more proof of his assumption, he found there was a locking program on the door. It took him half a minute to get through it and open the door but Kira managed it and stepped inside. There were water droplets around the room along with Tyler's helmet floating. Kira scanned the room and his gaze came to stop on his friend curled into a near ball in a corner. The water droplets were likely from tears and that told Kira that his friend was hurting more than he had thought. And so, Kira moved to be a short distance from Tyler and took a deep breath, "Tye, you want to talk about what has you hurting so much?"
Tyler wasn't much in the mood to talk, but his best friend was around and he knew him enough to know he wouldn't go away easily. Some would say that Kira was being a good person and Tyler wouldn't disagree other than Kira's naiveté being a part of this. So, he managed to sniffle before speaking, "No, just go away and leave me alone to deal with this."
Kira didn't move, Tyler was in pain and Kira couldn't leave him like this. He knew that Tyler would be there for Kira when he needed him, so Kira would be there for him in his time of need. "I won't do that Tye, you need help to deal with the pain you're in."
At the same time, the other volunteers from Heliopolis with Lacus leading them had gone after Kira when he had left the hangar. To Lacus, she was sure that Kira was going to find Tyler and try to help with whatever was bothering him. But Kira shouldn't be the only one to help Tyler, he had more friends on this ship than just Kira. Tyler could count on all of them to help and be there for him when it counted like he was for them. The group was going down the corridor where Tyler's quarters were when the sound of voices got Sai to put a hand on Lacus's shoulder to stop her. "Kira," Tyler's voice started, "for once would you just listen and do what I ask?"
Tyler's voice was unlike any time it had been before, it was breaking and had clear tones of pain in it. Truthfully, it shocked all the teens to hear Tyler speaking like that, he had always been so easy-going, but serious when the situation required. He rarely showed much emotion other than laughing at things he found funny or showing frustration at things. "I can't do that Tye, leaving you alone isn't what you need right now and you know that in your heart even if you won't admit it," Kira said.
Back in Tyler's quarters, Tyler was getting angry as Kira was not leaving him alone. He knew his friend was trying to help, but the naïveté he had was making his attempt infuriating. In fact, with Tyler in the pain he was, used his feet to launch himself at Kira to hit him. Kira got a hand up and caught his friend's fist when it came. It wasn't a strong punch, but the expression on Tyler's face told Kira he was mad right now. The best thing Kira could do was let him vent off the pain and anger while keeping calm himself. Tyler was shaking as he tried to push forward, "Dang it Kira, would you stop talking like you know what it feels like," Tyler snapped. "Stop heeding that damn naïveté of yours and letting it get the better of you!"
The group on the outside of the room moved forward to the doorway and found Tyler trying to punch his friend while Kira stopped him. It was so unlike Tyler to be violent, so out of character that it surprised all but Kira. Kira just shook his head to Tyler snarling at him, "You're right I don't know how it feels for you, but I can't just let you go through it alone. As you said it's what friends do for one another, we do what we can."
Tyler's frown deepened with Kira using his own words against him to justify staying, it irked him. For the observers, the frown was not nice, but the tears coming from Tyler's eyes had them stunned. Tyler wasn't the kind of person that cried much, other than perhaps when he was laughing hard. Tyler swung his other fist at Kira but like the other was caught before it, "Don't use my own words against me," growled Tyler.
Kira was trying to figure out what happened out among the ruins to have Tyler like he was, he hadn't seen his friend like this for years. However, Kira couldn't come up with anything that would affect Tyler like this. "What happened out around Junius Seven Tye," Kira questioned.
Tyler's right hand moved to the pocket on his suit that still had his father's ring in it but said nothing. In fact, Tyler looked away unable to say what he had found or rather whom he had. Kira noticed the movements but couldn't make sense of them even as he thought about what could hurt Tyler so much. Yet, after a few moments, the realization came to Kira like pieces of a puzzle coming together. The investigation that had followed the Bloody Valentine had done several things, one of which had been trying to identify the victims. There were the lists of the inhabitance of the colony and those visiting, but around a third had bodies to confirm their deaths at best. And Tyler had mentioned once that Kira recalled that his father and sister had not been among those that had been found. That in mind, Kira's expression became a sorrowful one, "You found them, didn't you?"
Tyler looked at the floor while his shoulders convulsed yet still said nothing as his voice wouldn't do as he wanted. The others in the room were attempting to figure out what Kira was talking about as none of them knew. Kira moved forward and put a hand on Tyler's shoulder knowing he was right, Tyler had found the bodies of his missing family. "Tye, I'm so sorry, I guess I should have realized," Kira began.
Tyler took a shuttering breath, "Call me stupid if you want, I wouldn't argue it." He paused, "But I just couldn't help myself, I needed to know with so many never found."
Lacus moved forward, not liking that Tyler was talking down upon himself. He was a good person and did far more than could ever be expected of him. "Tye you are not stupid," she said. Then she glanced at Kira, "And what did you realize Kira?"
Tyler said nothing to what Lacus said as she hadn't seen him like this. Pretty much only his mother, Kira, and Athrun have ever seen Tyler in such a state. Both Kira and Athrun had been there just after Tyler had learned of what had occurred to Junius Seven. Athrun himself understood what Tyler felt, he'd lost his mother with the destruction of the colony after all. Kira had at that time had somehow managed to console Athrun and Tyler with the pain the losses had dropped on them. And how Kira had done that Tyler couldn't ever explain in a logical manner as he didn't know. Silence remained absolute from all in the room for a bit, then Lacus spoke up again, "Who did you find Tye?"
Kira didn't look at his friends as this was quite a personal subject for Tyler and he didn't talk about this. He knew the reasons that Tyler didn't talk about his family at least in direct identifying terms. It was more his mother specifically and upon learning that his friend was a Federation soldier it made more sense. If what Tyler did could be linked to his mother, that would cause many issues and Tyler wouldn't want that. "Tyler found," Kira hesitated for a moment, "well, he found the bodies of his dad and sister." Kira paused again for a moment then continued, "His father was a teacher at the college on Junius Seven and his sister was visiting his dad at the time when Bloody Valentine happened."
The fact that Kira had just said shocked all in the room as Tyler had never mentioned anything about it. And also, they started to realize that Tyler didn't mention his family or facts about them often merely had said he and they saw the Republic of East Asia as their home. So, to learn that Tyler's family was incomplete due to the Bloody Valentine was hard to accept. It was Sai that found use of his voice first, "So then," but Sai couldn't finish.
Lacus was sad at hearing that Tyler had lost family because of the Bloody Valentine, "You lost your father and sister when Junius Seven collapsed," she questioned. And when Tyler nodded, Lacus's heart fell and she wanted to reach out and comfort him the best she could. Although Lacus was the first to move forward and hug Tyler, the others did the same a moment later. Tyler appreciated their efforts to comfort him after seeing him in the pain. Tyler's doubts he'd had with Sai, Tolle, Miriallia, and Kuzzey were silenced and they have earned his trust.
Phase End
A/n
Hope you are all liking the changes that are being made. There has been time and effort put into them. Also another subject I wish to bring up, a reader suggested it to me but there is a website (gundamfanon) that allows wiki pages to be made for gundam fanfiction. I have made my custom mobile suits there and some of my characters should any of you like a look. Please some of you take the time to write a review and tell me what you think. Until the next Phase!