A/n

Okay here is Phase 15, on with the story!

Phase 15: Looming Storm

February 14th, 71 C.E.

The Archangel

An hour after the battle things were calming down and Tyler was heading for his quarters. Tyler wouldn't deny that he did need time to rest and recuperate after the stuff that had gone down. However, before Tyler made it to his room, he made sure that Kira and Lacus got back to their rooms and to their beds. Those two weren't just tired, it was beyond that for them, the battle had drained them, so they needed the sleep. Tyler was not as tired but he had the stamina to handle combat for a period of time. And with them doing what they did, Tyler would bet it was hard on both of them as it had been for Tyler.

Once Kira and Lacus were dropped off Tyler was left to his thoughts about what had happened on the battlefield. That Kira had SEED factor didn't sit well with Tyler as those who had it seemed to be drawn into dangerous things like fighting. He didn't want his friend in this war, though it was too late for that wish as much as Tyler hated it. Then for Lacus to have SEED factor as well made the idea worse for a couple of reasons. Much like Kira Lacus was too good-hearted of a person to be fighting in a war. And the more personal reason that Tyler had was if Lacus could have SEED factor, there was a possibility Sakura did too, and that terrified Tyler to think about.

Yet, halfway to his quarters, Tyler was brought to a halt when Natarle came into his path. And the expression that Tyler saw didn't speak well or that he would get to his bed for some time. Granted, Tyler hadn't forgotten he had extended the offer for a chance to reprimand him if they felt like it. Out of the officers, Tyler figured Natarle Badgiruel would take him up on it, but not this quick. Natarle at seeing the oldest teen, decided now was as good a time as any to reprimand him for his recent actions. Things had calmed down enough to look into other things and she would educate the teen even if others tolerated his behavior. "McGregor," Natarle started, "as you seem free, then let us have a talk then shall we."

At the moment, Tyler wasn't really feeling like listening to a rant about how his behavior was horrible and that he should shape up. And most of the "talks" that Tyler had with Natarle either were that from the beginning or ended out that way by the end. "So then, taking me up on my offer to reprimand me and waste time huh," Tyler posed tiredly.

Natarle didn't reply vocally to Tyler's question, merely gestured for him to follow her. Tyler did as he was directed so that he could get this stupid event over with so he could get to his bed sooner. Within a few minutes, Tyler found himself in Natarle's quarters which were pretty much the same layout as the captain's quarters. That included a desk with Natarle took a seat behind and Tyler floated to be in front of it. He knew the drill by now, it wasn't the first time since he had gotten back to the Archangel that he'd been here for a "talk". Once Tyler was in front of her, Natarle began, "McGregor, care to tell me what your orders were during the last battle?"

Tyler stared at the woman for a moment, then shrugged, "I believe like any of us that went out, we were to send ZAFT packing. That is the general idea in most battles, to get your opponents to leave, as efficiently as possible preferably." Tyler stated the point like it was common sense that most should know as to him it was essentially. "Yet, I doubt that is what you are asking for as an answer from me."

It wasn't the answer he gave that annoyed Natarle, the first part was loosely textbook for a soldier. The second line was the issue as it implied he had an idea of what she was asking but was just not giving her anything. Natarle folded her hands and rested her head on them as she gazed at Tyler. "No, instead of returning to the ship after the battle was concluded, you do other things, why," she asked.

Tyler put a hand to his forehead and shook his head, "Really," he questioned, "I would think what I brought back would answer that. I detected the lifepod and so, unlike some I didn't ignore it instead picking it up and bringing it back. You got a problem with me saving lives lady, then you have issues to work through."

Natarle managed to keep calm at the last line though it was irritating to be told she had issues when she didn't. The teen was as normal trying her patience and though her discipline which her father instilled in her was keeping her from blowing up at Tyler, it was working hard to do so. "There are times that orders need to be followed McGregor for the defense of the ship."

Tyler sighed, having heard this argument from other officers for when he did his own thing. It was why on his Federation profile, it specifically stated that he would do as he saw necessary on the field. It usually took only one instance for most officers to understand the point, but Natarle didn't seem to take the blatant hint. "Sure, and while I'll say your point has merit, there are times it doesn't so much, it's not my problem my actions irk you. And not that it will likely make a difference, nor will you believe me," he started, "but I have the privilege to do as I see fit on a battlefield."

Natarle gritted her teeth a bit as the teen was being rebellious as he always seemed to be especially around her. His defense was ridiculous and she wouldn't accept it, even should he give more of an explanation. "The hell you do, what foolish idea could you even have to justify claiming that," she challenged.

Tyler looked Natarle right in the eyes, "I have a license, meaning my judgment is seen as good enough to make hard calls during a fight." He shrugged, "I can't say if OMNI has the same idea, but in the Federation's Military if a soldier shows good judgment consistently as I have, they can be given free rein to do as they see fit regardless of what orders are given by officers."

Natarle didn't believe for a moment that Tyler had this license that he spoke of. It could be true that the Federation had some soldiers that had such a thing, there was no way to confirm that right now. That was one thing with the Federation, they kept a lot to themselves and didn't answer questions posed to them. But this teen wouldn't be one of those that would be given such free rein, his attitude would make sure of that. And in OMNI, only members of Strategic Warrior Operative diRect Duelists had such privilege to make their own calls on the battlefield. Natarle hadn't met any members of SWORD herself face to face, so she couldn't say what the privilege entailed. But such an idea would never be given to a rebellious teenager like Tyler McGregor by any with a sane mind, of that she was sure. "If the Federation's military had such a thing, then it wouldn't be given to the likes of you McGregor," Natarle stated.

Tyler exhaled, "As I said, you're not going to believe me, so get on with your lecture so we can part as I know neither of us like spending time around the other when we don't have to."

The lecture Natarle gave lasted around twenty minutes before Tyler got to leave and go to his quarters. He felt that relaxing times were going to be rare for a while, it was a hunch, but Tyler's tended to be right a good portion of the time. Plus, it was time that he wasn't being scrutinized by some in the crew which had been going on. Natarle's lecture was one that he'd received more times than he cared to count and one that he only really listened to when his mother gave it which was rather rare.

As Tyler was taking the time to relax and wind down before getting some sleep with the time available. And hours later came the call Tyler didn't expect to get signaled by a quiet beeping piercing the silence. Upon homing in on its source, Tyler realized that things were going to be tense since the signal was coming from not the Federation com-unit he'd tended to use, but from a second and more versatile communication unit he had. The difference between the two was the second one had a built-in image projector that could put out the image of the person on the other end and scans the one talking to do the same for the one on the other end.

Truthfully, the device was usually used for serious or emergency calls, or at least, that's what Tyler saw it used for. It made him questions though, was he in some sort of trouble? Tyler did do things that could be seen by some as troublesome or against policy. He avoided draw attention from certain individuals in the Federation hierarchy. Tyler had learned that lesson the hard way, especially with the one that was considered his boss or that he reported to. And Tyler was really hoping it wasn't his boss calling, he didn't want a chewing out from them. Natarle's lecture was annoying and boring, but it was always better than a chew out from his boss.

Tyler knew that it would be better to just see who was calling and get the meeting over with rather than dread it. So, Tyler got off his bed and fetched the communicator that was going off, and moved it to the desk in the room. After switching it on, the image of the Human Federation Flag came up, then changed over to a different one that isn't the normal one that the general public known. The symbol was that of a laurel reef surrounding a sphere that has stars inside it, all colored blue. It was the insignia that represents Federation Military High Command specifically which was normally known only within the Federation's Military.

At seeing that, Tyler instantly straightened as it meant that he was likely about to talk to a high-ranking superior officer at the very least. It also made it possible that Tyler could be about to speak with his boss and that sent a chill down his spine. True, it was feasible that it could be a member of the Federation's Admiralty which was still a stressful call. Tyler had respect for those that led the Federation's military, it wasn't a job he would ever want to have or be in.

Over the next ten seconds, an image was built in front of the desk, and it was about halfway through that Tyler realized who he was about to talk to. As the image of the man sharpened to being recognizable, his height was six foot three. His hair was short and silvery-grey and the finely groomed mustache was the same color. The man's eye color was blue and gave a feel of trust and experience. He was in his mid-seventies, around seventy-five if Tyler were to narrow the age down. His name was Ben Moses and he is one of the Admirals, specifically one of the two that lead the rest of the Federation Admiralty which led the Federation military. He's a Coordinator that's from the Euros Coalition and is a man that has earned Tyler's respect time and time again.

Tyler gave a proper salute to the man, "Admiral Moses sir, to what do I owe the honor of talking to you like this sir?"

Admiral Moses smiled a bit at the greeting as he knew that McGregor didn't give it to just anyone. The young man was a fine soldier and one of the better ones that the Federation had to work with. Granted, his work style rubbed some the wrong way, but McGregor got needed results consistently and that was hard to argue with. His behavior put him in hot water with officers, but other soldiers that had worked around the teen had always praised him. "Commander McGregor, it's good to see you are doing okay," Moses began, "The reason for this call is two-fold, the first is to give you another chance to opt-out of the assignment you have, none would blame you or think any less of you, I can assure you." The position McGregor was in was a horrible one by most standards and there was little way to say it otherwise. "The Second reason is a warning."

Tyler appreciated the offer from the Admiral, it was really nice of him especially with the priority of the mission. However, Tyler had thought this through thoroughly and known he would get the mission done the best possible. Plus, if he didn't do it, he may very well end out going to funerals of his friends and he wanted to avoid that. Tyler smiled slightly, "Kind of you to offer that to me and it's appreciated sir, but my answer hasn't changed. My team and I are the best to do the job, and other than a mask man's interference providing a growing pain in at least my butt, it's going swimmingly," Tyler answered.

The mention of a 'masked man' caught Moses's attention as the description fit an individual that had always caused trouble. Moses himself had a few run-ins with Rau Le Creuset and none of them had been pleasant or helpful in the end. Creuset committed atrocities and wormed out of the consequences often enough due to some within ZAFT. What happened to Heliopolis was just the most recent example of what Creuset did. Admiral Moses sighed, "By masked man, would you be referring to Rau Le Creuset I take it?"

Tyler heard the hint of irritation in the Admiral's voice and while he could understand it, such implied that he had experience with Creuset. Tyler himself had already grown to have a dislike of the ZAFT commander for the trouble he had made thus far. So, Tyler nodded, "You know him?"

"Yes, unfortunately, have had the displeasure of meeting the man, a long story as to how and why and is not the time to get into it," replied Moses. "But back to the matter at hand, if the Archangel has linked up with OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet by this point, then the warning I have is valid. A ZAFT force is on an intercept course, probable intent is to target the Archangel as Creuset has made it so to ZAFT. The force is made up of four Nazca-class and two Laurasia-class and they are under the command of the ZAFT champion, the Black Zephyr, Sakura Clyne. A Federation patrol is on route to assist as Duane Halberton has done the Federation some favors, however, the time of their arrival is uncertain."

Tyler stiffened at hearing that Sakura would be coming for the Archangel as that had a serious weight that was unsaid. He'd expected a ZAFT force coming and while unpleasant it wasn't something that was a serious issue. Sending a medium to large attack group would show that ZAFT was concerned with the mission of the Archangel. Tyler could see the reasoning for such a thing as the Federation essentially had much the same issue, just handling it differently. Nevertheless, for ZAFT to consider sending one of their Champions let alone actually do so said there were other concerns in mind. It made Tyler wonder who was giving the orders for Sakura as this didn't sound like something ZAFT would normally waste such talent on. He wouldn't deny that Sakura Clyne was a hell of a soldier and ZAFT knew that just as well. She was one of their best after all so, again, why send you best to do a job like this? It was akin to sending an assault-equipped mobile suit to take out one single person with a pistol.

There was not a doubt in Tyler's mind that Sakura and those following her orders would rip OMNI's Eighth Orbital aside. It would be as bad if Halberton wasn't in-charge of the fleet, but it would still be harsh before the end. It would be a mess and Tyler wasn't looking forward to seeing how much when he got out to the field. Tyler brought up a hand to rub his temple, "Would you have any timeframe of when contact with the ZAFT force sir?"

Moses could tell that McGregor understood the gravity of the situation that was approaching. Even with the preparation that were being done would help, but the issue was said assistance may not get there soon enough. It was pretty much a guarantee that lives would be lost, it was more a question as to how many. "Current estimations put ETA of contact at around twenty-four hours from now," replied Admiral Moses.

Tyler was starting to comprehend just how grim things would be for the next day or more and he didn't like the point. He was about to say that he understood the information when a knock on the door to his quarters, "Tye, Miss Ramius, and Miss Badgiruel said they wanted to talk to all of us pilots," said Kira.

Tyler was doing some very quick thinking as his current position would unlikely be seen the best. Granted, he had told Kira and Lacus that he was a Federation soldier and the crew had also kind of accepted that point. However, most soldiers didn't talk to top military leaders, and those that did usually were unique soldiers. Tyler was definitely a unique soldier but he hadn't said or mentioned anything to that effect to anyone. So, Tyler held up a hand to ask Admiral Moses to wait a moment, "Uh Kira, I'm busy with something right this second. Go ahead of me and I'll be along shortly when I'm finished."

Kira was a tad curious what Tyler could be working on as his friend had said he would be turning in after Lacus and Kira had gotten to their quarters. Tyler was the kind of person that did what he said he would. But if Tyler was working on something, it wasn't Kira's business unless Tyler told him about it. "Okay" Kira returned before he turned and began making his way to the bridge.

After listening for Kira's footsteps, Tyler turned back to Admiral Moses, "Thank you for the information sir, I'll keep it in mind."

Knowing of the possibilities ahead, Moses believed that a soldier like McGregor would be able to help, how he couldn't say. "Of course commander, but remember, your mission is of the utmost importance. For the future safety of our citizens and the Human Federation itself, the Earth Alliance and OMNI must not obtain usable mobile suit data. Moses out," he finished before the communication line was severed.

Tyler had known from the moment he had read the assignment, it would be much easier said than done. And now things have suddenly become more complicated for Tyler as well as others, that's for sure and he wouldn't deny that. He stored the com-device and then headed towards the Archangel's navigation bridge to see what the two leading officers wanted. After all, Tyler had been lectured by one already today, what more could she have to say to him that she hadn't said? Although Tyler could perhaps get more info on how prepared the Alliance's forces were for what was coming. Once Tyler reached the bridge, he was redirected to the Captain's cabin instead, which he went to get all the more curious about what the officers wanted.

While Tyler was making his way towards the captain's cabin, Murrue was addressing the four other pilots. She wanted to thank them for the services they had provided during the journey as they had done more than had been expected of them. Kira had said that Tyler would be joining shortly in saying that he was working on something. Murrue was somewhat curious as to what Tyler could be working on, but as with the oldest teen, if he didn't want you to know, you didn't. Natarle never seemed to be able to accept that point where Murrue had just given up on changing that with Tyler. "I just want to thank the four of you from the bottom of my heart for protecting the Archangel. With the dangers we have faced, I highly doubt that we would have made it this far in you hadn't been piloting," Murrue iterated. "The Archangel will shortly be joining up with the Eighth Orbital Fleet and the plan is for the refugees along with the volunteers be transferred over to the Menelaos. From there, they will be sent down to Earth and this journey for them will be over and done."

The door then opened to reveal Tyler standing there looking inside, he then rubbed the back of his head. "Uh, hear that I was being called for," Tyler greeted.

Natarle held her tongue about the teen being late when called upon, it didn't come up as often as his attitude. She wondered if the lecture she gave hours ago had done anything or if he had ignored it as he seemed to most of what she said. "Indeed, good to see you were able to join us, Mr. McGregor," she said flatly.

All eyes settled on Tyler, "Oh um, yeah, sorry for not being here earlier, something came up that needed my attention," he returned with a slight smile. Tyler was hoping the subject of what he was doing wasn't press as he wouldn't give details about his chat with Admiral Moses.

"Well, as was being said," Murrue stated, "once we join up with the Eighth Orbital Fleet, the plan is for the refugees along with the volunteers to be transferred over to the Menelaos. From there, they will be sent down to Earth and this journey for them will be over and done. That of course would include Kira, Lacus, and yourself Tyler."

Tyler didn't appreciate that his services were being misconstrued as him working for OMNI. He had been helping out of his own free will, not under the command of the Archangel ship officers as was being implied. That in mind, Tyler gained a deadpanned expression, "I believe I've stated the fact before now, I'm a member of the Federation Military, giving some of my services to this ship, not a volunteer as you say I am. That said, I'm free to do whatever the hell I freaking see fit, whether my actions go against your orders or not period. There's a difference in the point, do remember that."

Natarle couldn't forget the fact that the oldest teen was rebellious as his two last lines made clear. And while she did appreciate him piloting to protect the Archangel even if he had his own reasons for doing, she would admit gratitude where it was due. "Still, your performance and services have been appreciated, thank you," Natarle admitted.

Tyler glanced over at the Ensign thinking that he may have heard her wrong with what she'd said. Natarle Badgiruel had not thanked Tyler for anything that he did, more reprimanded him for his behavior among other things. So to hear a thanks was the last thing that he expected from the vice-captain. That caused Tyler's eyebrows to rise, "I think that's the first time I've heard you vocally say thank you in my presence Ensign Badgiruel. I certainly hope that won't be the last time, shows you can improve yourself."

With an hour the Archangel came to be within the ranks of the Eighth Orbital fleet. To the crew of the Archangel, it was a relief to be among allies as it had been absent for their journey. Shortly after meeting up with the fleet, the Archangel received orders as to where it was to position itself among the fleet moved forward. "Turn about one-hundred and eighty degrees," ordered Murrue. "Reduce speed another twenty percent and prepare to match velocity with the Eighth Fleet." The Archangel turned a hundred and eighty degrees, now facing the same direction as the Eighth Fleet. The engines fired, countering the powerful warship's previous momentum, began to move it forward at the same speed as the other ships around her. The Archangel It didn't take long for the Archangel to sidled up alongside the fleet and the flagship, the Agamemnon-class carrier Menelaos moved to be beside the Archangel.

"Is this really a good idea," asked Arnold turning the pilot's chair slightly to look back at Murrue, "For us to cruise alongside the Menelaos?"

The question was understandable as the Archangel wasn't a part of the fleet even if it was an ally. "It's what Admiral Halberton ordered, he most likely wants to get a better look at the ship," Murrue said with a slight smile. "He informed me that later on, he will be paying us a personal visit. As you may know, he was one of the biggest supporters of the development project that produced this ship and the G-weapons."

While that was happening, in the mess hall and in the midship corridors, the civilians were watching the displays which were showing the Eighth Orbital Fleet. And when the Menelaos came on, many gain expressions of relief for the Agamemnon-class and its commanding officer were well-known. Duane Halberton had a reputation that preceded him, and he was known for wishing to protect innocent people, no matter the side they were on. The man was among the group of OMNI officers that were like the Federation's Military that protected those that weren't directly involved in the war.

Not too long after the Archangel linked up with the Eighth Fleet, the news of the plan to move the civilians over to the Menelaos spread around the ship. All the volunteers from Heliopolis were off duty once the Archangel started moving alongside the Menelaos. And so, they were going towards the mess hall, discussing what would happen next, "Civilians are really going to be transferred to the Menelaos," Miriallia informed her friends. "There'll be two shuttles doing that, one is on its way here now, then they're supposed to transport them all to Orb." Since she'd manned communications, it was only natural that she knew that information.

None of the boys missed the pronouns that Miriallia had used when referring to the expectations of what would happen soon. With them having volunteered to help with the ship, there was the question of if they would get to leave the ship. And that was before they were to mention their friends that had been piloting to protect the ship before now. "You said 'them'," Kuzzey commented, "What about us?"

It was a question they all had on their minds since word they would link up with the fleet had come. "We'll be disembarking too, of course," said Miriallia looking down at herself briefly.

"Yeah," said Tolle knowing that even though they had been helping, they weren't soldiers. "We may be wearing these uniforms, but we're still civilians, after all."

Sai was thinking more about their friends that weren't in the mess hall right now before he spoke up. "Yes, but if Kira, Lacus, and Tye leave, then what happens to the mobile suits they used. Both the Asuka and the Shadow don't belong to the Earth Alliance, yet I don't see them just giving the suits to others. The problem is there has been no talk about the subject, it's like the point is being avoided. And I'm worried that there will be some that won't be as willing to let Lacus, Kira, or Tyler leave, none onboard the Archangel would do that, but others in the fleet probably would."

Flay listened to the conversation between Miriallia, Sai, Tolle, and Kuzzey, and felt conflicted. While it was true that those who had been helping out were volunteers, and so, not officially assigned to this ship, that didn't mean that they didn't feel like any less than any other member of the crew. With all the fighting and other things that had occurred to the Archangel and those on her, Flay didn't want to think about what could've happened if the volunteers from Heliopolis hadn't been here. So then, if they leave, then what will happen to the Archangel when trouble comes its way? The questions didn't sit well with Flay at all nor would it leave her mind.

Back on the bridge, Murrue was satisfied at seeing that the Archangel now where it was supposed to be positioned within the Fleet. There was still one thing left to do in her mind, and that was to thank those who had been protecting the Archangel personally. So, Murrue told the crew on the bridge to keep an eye on things before she headed towards the lift to the rest of the ship. The pilots tended to spend time in the hangar or in their quarters in recent days, so she intended to go there to find them. However, Natarle came up from the CIC and followed the captain into the lift as there was a topic she wanted to discuss. Murrue didn't stop her second-in-command from entering the lift, kind of curious about what Natarle had on her mind.

"Captain, tell me, what do you plan to do about the mobile suits onboard," Natarle began.

Murrue was taken aback at the question as it hadn't crossed her mind yet, "Plan to do what the mobile suits? What are you talking about Natarle," she questioned.

Natarle fixed Murrue Ramius with her gaze since this point was a major one that needed to be settled before talking with those in charge of the fleet. Only one of the three mobile suits on the Archangel was made by OMNI that she was aware of. However, the other two had elements that went into the G-Project and that was proprietary technology. That was just the start of what the Asuka and the Shadow represented in Natarle's mind. The two suits also had capabilities that the other units in the G-Project didn't have which could benefit OMNI's efforts. The pilots' performance only enhanced what the mobile suits could do and the evidence was hard to argue with. "Captain, everyone aboard this ship knows that we wouldn't have made it this far without at least one of those mobile suits or their pilots. Having three admittedly was in our favor and helped us make it through even better, but the point still stands, those machines and their abilities have proven crucial. And if we honest with one another, the machines' pilots are one of the major reasons the mobile suits are as powerful as they are."

Murrue was not disagreeing with Natarle as she had a fair point on this subject. The teens that had piloted the mobile suits had performed beyond any expectation. They had also proven how effective mobile suits could possibly be if employed. That had inspired some hope in Murrue that if OMNI could use mobile suits the war could be ended with fewer lives lost. But what it was that Natarle was trying to say eluded Murrue, "What are you getting at Natarle?"

Natarle assumed that as the refugees would leave the ship, so would the volunteers including the pilots. Were they to leave, the chances of them being seen again were low and pilots with that kind of skill would be necessary for the war. Yes, Natarle even knew Tyler would be able to help, but as a Federation soldier, she didn't think he would be very willing. At the same time, it worried her that Federation soldiers could be as good as the oldest teen and OMNI very well may end out going against the Federation's military at some point. Natarle hoped that OMNI didn't make the Federation its enemy, ZAFT was enough trouble without adding to it. "Are you just going to let the three of them go," she posed.

Murrue was shocked at what Natarle suggested for it could be seen as extortion and exploitation. Kira and Lacus had been put and forced into that position of piloting at the beginning due to the nature of the situation at that time. But Natarle was suggesting making them enlist in OMNI and then fight others like themselves. Murrue couldn't think of a way to answer the question right away, instead of when the lift doors slid open Murrue sailed out of the elevator.

"Captain," Natarle exclaimed before she followed Murrue.

Natarle caught up with Murrue quickly and Murrue looked towards her, "I see what you're trying to say Natarle. But Kira and Lacus aren't members of the military and shouldn't be forced to be so." Murrue paused for a moment before continuing, "And Tyler well, I would imagine you of all people know that he won't do something he doesn't want to. After all, the two of you clash often enough for that to be made clear."

Natarle held back her thoughts from being said out loud for she knew what Murrue was referring to. Tyler McGregor had been a frequent irritation to Natarle so they didn't get along to put it mildly. Natarle had seriously considered dragging the teen to one of the brig cells on the Archangel and throw him in it for a while more than once. She knew that physically doing that might be an issue since Tyler could probably outdo Natarle herself in a fight. However, Natarle knew where to acquire cords to tie the male teenager up and it had been a temptation multiple times to go and fetch some. In the end, Natarle sighed, "I'm saying that after seeing their performance, with their help there could be real hope for the Alliance in this war. There has been very little of that, less the longer the war has been going and you know that as well as I do," Natarle said. She paused, then continued, "Should we really let such hope slip away?"

Murrue gazed at Natarle, "That is not a decision that either of us get to make Natarle, that's up to Kira, Lacus, and Tyler themselves."

Meanwhile, on the Gamow, Athrun was examining the footage from their last battle with the legged ship again for the fourth time the whole way through. He had taken records from every source available; the Gamow, the Duel, the Buster, the Blitz, and the Aegis for this task. He'd then spent the last day reexamined all the data from every angle of the battle he could trying to gleam something and wrap his head around what had occurred. He froze images and further examined specific ones, studying them for hours on end in the attempt to help. Yet, it was to no avail, Athrun couldn't figure out or explain how the chain events happened the way they had. And Athrun once again growled one word that voiced his frustration, "How?!"

The battle had started out as planned, the Aegis, the Duel, and the Buster had kept the enemy mobile suits and armors busy. The Aegis had the Strike's attention, the Duel had the winged suit busy enough. And even the mobile suit that Tyler said he was piloting which was considered the 'wild card' by Nicol and himself had been occupied by the Buster. The mobile armors were fended off by all intermittently which wasn't ideal but was working overall. While the enemy force was kept occupied, the Blitz had gone for the ship itself, a simple plan working as it should. No matter how Athrun looked at the fight up to that point, things had been going in their favor. Sure, there were some troublesome parts, but that was calculated into the preparation for the battle. So, when Nicol reached the legged ship and began his attack, it should've been over right then and there.

However, it was at that point the skirmish morphed and twisted in two different ways which twisted the battle so completely, it was crazy! Those changes were the machine that Tyler flew vanished from not just sight, but also, seemingly all forms of detection. The ability was far better than the Blitz had been capable of with its stealth capabilities, and they were supposed to have the same system in theory. Athrun knew Tyler would be a pilot to worry about as he'd show in the last fight he was skilled, more than Athrun had guessed he would be. Then and perhaps the more horrifying change, the winged mobile suit, and the other Alliance machine's style swung to ridiculous. Kira and whoever the other pilot was had suddenly begun to move differently than they had ever before.

That sudden shift in the two enemy mobile suits had been beyond scary, it had been outright frightening! Both pilots moved like they had eyes in the backs of their heads, their reaction time sped up to a ridiculous level and they sped about as if G-forces had no effect on them! Even for a Coordinator, those maneuvers… they shouldn't have been feasible by any but the most experienced pilots, and even they don't tend to do such things due to the stress induced. An example happened when the white one had dodged the Duel's shots then somehow closed the distance between them in no time flat. Then, the Duel had gained gashes from the winged machine's beam sabers and then Yzak had in the end lost. And how the X-105 Strike had gotten below and behind the Aegis to cut off its legs and damaging the visual cameras, all before Athrun had been able to comprehend what had happened… it boggled his mind.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they'd been dancing almost literal circles around the four elite ZAFT Reds! Not only that, each ZAFT pilot was completely trounced by one of the three enemy suits, inflicting heavy damage along the way by the end. Lastly, there was the Shadow as Tyler had called the black enemy machine. The visual records had made Athrun seriously wonder just how good Tyler could possibly be. Tyler had taken the Blitz by surprise true, but for Tyler to proceeded to whip Nicol as if he was a green pilot fresh out of training, that was extremely hard to swallow. If what happened to Nicol was anything to go by, Tyler was in another league above all of them. From what Athrun had observed, the only reason that Nicol and Dearka were even alive right now was Tyler didn't want to kill them. Tyler could have, there was no question in that to Athrun, had he employed beam weapons and aimed to, he would be helping plan the funerals of his comrades right now.

The results of the battle had been harsh to all as well as humbling to some. No matter how one looked at it, they had underestimated their opponents and had paid the price of that. Yzak was still recovering in the infirmary from the explosion in the Duel's cockpit and the shrapnel that had accompanied it. The shrapnel he had taken in his face had shattered Yzak's visor, it had been only an extra security block designed to slam shut when the cockpit was threatened with the exposure that had saved Yzak from the vacuum of space and the death it brings.

Technically, that was the only pilot injury that had been sustained, yet the pride of the ZAFT pilots was hit hard and that couldn't be denied. Nonetheless, the damage to the mobile suits was much worse than the pilots' pride and served as proof of the failure. Between the four mobile suits, the Aegis's losing its legs and head cameras being disabled was pretty light compared to what the others received. It could be repaired given some time, rebuilding the parts would be as bad as what the other machines would need.

The Buster had lost its high-energy beam rifle even if its gun launcher was relatively undamaged. It had been sacrificed when the Shadow had shot it with its rifle which wasn't the same one it had previously. The rifle could be replaced if not for its combining ability with the gun launcher which made it difficult. Of course, that meant Dearka would be unable to use the sniper rifle or shotgun configurations until the rifle could be replicated. Granted, it was better than Dearka getting killed, but the sacrifice of one of the Buster's guns to defend the cockpit would take time to undo.

Then the Blitz could be considered even more severely damaged as there was more to work on fixing. Its shield had been its main weapon since its beam rifle and saber were built into it, now that shield would need major repair, and parts of it likely would need replacing. The beam saber was the only weapon that worked now, the beam rifle had a series of problems and the rocket darts' launching system would need replacing. The problem was that they hadn't gotten everything together to reproduce it or fix some of the Alliance machines' parts. So, for the time being, the suit would have to go into combat armed with conventional rifles and sabers. The other issue for the Blitz, the 'Gleipnir' the grapple claw itself was fine, but its cable had been stressed hard. The cable that allowed retraction had become dangerous to use after pulling the Shadow had done to the Blitz. It would likely need to be replaced but normal cable or wires wouldn't fit the need of the equipment.

The Duel, well… Yzak had been fairly reckless, yet amazingly, the external damage wasn't as bad as first expected. However, the same couldn't be said of the internal damage that had been done. The length of time that it would take to undo the problems there were, the engineers weren't even giving estimations on that. If anything, the engineers and the mechanics were 'pretty miffed' at the pilots for the condition they brought their machines back in to put it mildly. When they had seen the Duel Athrun swore he had heard quite a few muttered curses and complaints about Yzak and the work he provided them and he probably did. However, at seeing the other three machines' condition those in the hangar became visibly angry. So, Athrun, Nicol, and Dearka were avoiding them for the time being in the hope of getting back into their good graces.

Granted, ZAFT had been working on mobile suit-scale beam weaponry for some time, so they'd been pretty quick in reverse-engineering the basics. Although, there were some issues with mass production and deployment. So, to replace weapons such as rifles or blade is fairly simple, but more customize weapons and equipment wasn't as easy. What this meant for the Le Creuset Team was that they could easily replace beam rifles and beam sabers, but the weaponry for the Blitz and the Buster was different.

"Hey Athrun, what's up with you," asked Dearka as he walked into the lounge and spotted Athrun working on his laptop. Both Athrun and Nicol had been hard to find since the fight with the legged ship. The loss was weighing on Dearka but he was of the mind that there was nothing that could be done right now. So there was no real point in worrying or fretting about what had happened, though there were lessons to glean from it.

Dearka had brought Athrun out of his thoughts and he looked up at his comrade. "I'm still examining footage from the last battle," Athrun remarked distractedly, "What happened makes no sense to me. I'll admit that the black mobile suit has proven to be the best performer in the two battles it has participated in, but that's not all. We figured and prepared for that opponent the best we could, but that doesn't explain what happened."

Athrun paused, ordering his thoughts, "The other two suits have been improving quickly, and I can't come up with what can have cause such. When all this started out, things were going according to plan. We were better than them by a small margin overall even with the black one, we should be able to beat it with teamwork. Yet now, the two other pilots seem to be at least our equals, then halfway through the fight, something really provoked them, and then… I can't even describe what happened. However, we all saw and witnessed with our own eyes what occurred. Those pilots… they just snapped, after that, it was like we were fresh green pilots or novices getting taught by a seasoned instructor. Four machines, piloted by ZAFT Reds, completely trounced by only three others and these machines are supposed to be of comparable power."

Athrun was breathing a little hard after getting out what had been really bugging him, Dearka said nothing, yet he understood Athrun's feelings, his were similar. The door to the room slid open and Nicol entered the room, "Yeah, I know what you mean," he said. "I've been looking over the records as well and I've been unable to explain what occurred out there nor how either. I can't recall ever seeing anything like what occurred to us or what we witnessed. That precise movement of mobile suits, agility, and battlefield awareness, isn't something normal pilots are capable of, it usually takes years to learn. Whether they are Naturals or Coordinators, that was unlike anything I've ever seen, read, or heard about before."

Both Dearka and Athrun stared at Nicol for he had implied an idea that had never been considered, that their opponents could be Coordinators. Dearka spoke first, "Wait Nicol, you think that the pilots of those machines could be Coordinators like us?"

It was an idea that could explain a few things in Nicol's mind and he was willing to consider even crazy possibilities. The more that he thought about how the fight went the more he tried to wrap his head around it. Nicol himself had faced what he had thought may be his final moments in that battle and it had been sobering. So, Nicol shrugged, "It is a possibility, and honestly with the luck we've had lately, I'm open to even outlandish sounding ideas in order to understand things."

The mention of luck made little sense to Athrun and Nicol wasn't normally a believer of 'luck' in how thing went. And the tone in Nicol's voice caught Athrun's attention as it was more serious and strain than it would regularly. "What do you mean luck Nicol," Athrun questioned curiously, "you don't normally believe in luck."

What Athrun said was true and Nicol wouldn't deny that he didn't put much stock in luck in a fight or mission. But what occurred in the last fight was harder to explain without luck or something like it. Either that, or they had so underestimated their opponents they had paid for it which Nicol didn't discount, but still found hard to believe. So, Nicol pinned both Athrun and Dearka with his gaze, "Call it what you want, we're lucky to be alive right now with what those three mobile suit pilots did out there. I believe if we're all truthful, we know all of us could have had far worse injuries and damaged machines than we do." He paused before he kept going, "However, I'm still convinced the pilot of the black machine is the most dangerous of the three."

For Nicol to say they were "lucky" to be alive said just how badly things had actually gone. Each of the mobile suits was undergoing repair and so it would be a bit before they could go out again. That in mind, Dearka swallowed hard and then asked what was on his mind, "Okay Nicol, I'll say that with what happened out there, things could have ended worse than they did. But why do you think the black suit's pilot is the most dangerous? Sure, I'll admit they good, skilled, and probably a lucky pilot too but come on, how much more dangerous can that one pilot be?"

That Dearka had to ask that question told Nicol he needed to be reminded of how close a call he'd had. The Blitz's twin had used its rifle and had been aiming for the Buster's torso, there had been no mistake in that whether that had been the cockpit specifically, Nicol couldn't say. It had been through the sacrifice of the Buster's high-energy beam rifle that had saved Dearka. Not that Nicol could say he did any better against the suit, the Blitz's damage proved his folly. So he gazed hard at Dearka, which made his comrade stiffen a little, "The reason Dearka is that machine has shown abilities different than the others we've gone against. If it were just that, then I would say there was no need to worry as much. But the pilot did things that I've only read of the most elite pilots pulling off." Nicol shivered before he kept going, "The Buster lost it beam rifle, but think what would have happened if you hadn't moved when you did."

Dearka thought back for a moment to the point of the battle that Nicol was talking about. It hadn't been nice to lose the rifle, but as Dearka thought on how the Buster had been positioned. His thoughts came to a dead halt as he realized that instead of the Buster losing the beam rifle, that shot would have hit the torso and then gone through the cockpit. That shot had been aimed now that Dearka thought more about it and it could have killed him. Nicol saw that Dearka was understanding just how close things had been for him, then Nicol continued. "I'll admit, I was terrified and shaking by the end of the fight I had with the black suit."

Both Athrun and Dearka stared at Nicol for he wasn't one to let emotion show during a battle. That he would show fear and terror of an opponent said a lot about how bad the fight had been going for Nicol. Granted, neither had seen much of the battle between the Blitz and its twin, but the damage their comrade's machine came in with was not small. And yet, Nicol still had more to say, "Call it a hunch if you wish nevertheless, I don't think we've seen that pilot's full capabilities as of yet, and that's what scares me the most." Nicol's gaze flicked between his comrades not liking the idea he had any more now than when it came to mind. "Imagine if that pilot was able to hold their own against one of the ZAFT champions, and as far as I can tell thus far, it's possible."

Both Athrun and Dearka froze at what Nicol was suggesting as it wasn't something either had considered. If what Nicol said was true, then they had been going against a pilot that had the potential to fight ZAFT champions and hold their own in that fight, then that was more than worrisome, very frightening idea to imagine. In Athrun's case, it was more so than for his comrades as that potentially said that Tyler was a far better pilot than Athrun had guessed. And that was before taking into account what Kira and the other pilot had done which were outlandish in a different way. "You got to be kidding," Dearka uttered in a slightly shaky tone, "You seriously think that black machine's pilot is that much better than us?"

Athrun, bit his tongue at Dearka's question as it was information he couldn't give as it would then disqualify him for duty. Yes, Tyler was likely a skilled pilot, Athrun couldn't say how skilled, but Nicol had more of a point than even he had thought. Even back during the time that Tyler, Kira, and Athrun himself were at the Lunar pep academy, Tyler was notorious for not showing more than he saw as necessary to outdo those going against him. On the few times that Athrun had seen Tyler show what he could do… it had been ridiculous in its own way. "Dearka, I believe Nicol may be right in this," Athrun remarked gaining the attention of the two other pilots. "Think back at Heliopolis, that machine forced me back along with two GINNs on their own. Yes, with the assistance of the white-winged suit true, but still. Then, in this most recent battle, it was more dancing around us, rather than fighting us and you should know what I'm talking about. I would not doubt if that pilot had put their mind to it, Nicol and you would likely not be standing here right now."

"As much as it pains me to admit it, I would agree with you Athrun. That black suit's pilot could have killed me multiple times, but they didn't. I don't know why they didn't do so, but I think the Black Zephyr and Admiral Treize will be interested in what we saw in this battle," Nicol commented.

While Athrun could understand the point that Nicol was making to make aware of the head of ZAFT and the foremost commander, he hoped that wouldn't being attentive to his best friends. Dearka on the other hand didn't want the two that Nicol suggested knowing about what happened as it would then likely translate into them getting chewed out. So, Dearka snorted, "Oh yeah, Treize is gonna be real interested if he hears about this," Dearka said. "He'll probably fly out here personally to check it out… Along with giving a lecture on learning from this failure."

"Well, you know how he is," Nicol remarked. He shook his head. "If we're to be candid with ourselves, if they'd pursued, we would've been done for. As it was, we probably could've been beaten by Moebius Zero armors."

"And that is a scary thought," Dearka replied.

"Yes, but it's true nonetheless," said Athrun. "The Buster's missile supply was all used up and one of its rifles was gone, the Aegis had lost both legs and the main camera, the Blitz, for the time being, has lost the use of its shield and the Gleipnir, and the Duel was as good as pilotless right now." Athrun snorted slightly, shaking his head. "The machines are impressive," he continued. "They definitely retained the most powerful of them. But looking at the records, it's the pilots that I'm really interested in. Those pilots are anything but ordinary, no normal pilot could possibly do what they did. Not even an average Coordinator."

"Yeah, I agree," said Dearka. "That's what really worries me. Wonder what Commander Le Creuset will think of all this…"

At the same time, the Archangel had linked up with the Eighth Orbital Fleet, there was much less to do for those on the ship. Tyler was one that dislikes being idle, especially during the time you're waiting for an event to happen that you're not looking forward to. He was too restless as the fact that Admiral Moses mentioned kept coming to his mind that being Sakura coming the fleet's way. The woman would make the coming battle anything but easy and simple, her reputation was too well earned to expect anything else. So Tyler decided to go down to the hangar and find something to do around there as there always seemed to be work to do.

After entering the hangar, Tyler saw that it was busy with activity as it usually was. He spotted Kira's head going into the cockpit of the red Zero, likely with Mu asking him to work on it and with Kira's inability to refuse. Bless Kira's heart, even though he should learn to say no, and Tyler had tried to help with that, but his friend was doing as Mu had asked. While Tyler floated over towards the mobile suit docks, he overheard Kira and Mu talking. "We've already hooked up with the fleet," Kira grumbled popping out of the Zero and startling Mu a bit. "So, would you tell me why we're in a rush?"

Mu didn't blame the kid for asking the question, other members of the crew were asking similar of he and Krystal working as they were. Yes, the Archangel had joined the Eighth Orbital Fleet, but that didn't stop ZAFT forces from attacking. Creuset had chased them into Federation territory already, and that was a reckless choice, so Mu didn't expect an allied fleet to stop him either. "I don't feel secure while it's still damaged," Mu replied shrugging slightly.

Tyler didn't honestly blame the man, more so since he knew what's coming and hadn't told anyone. It wasn't that Tyler didn't want to tell the crew of the ship what was coming, it was mostly because he doubted they would believe him. If they did, then they would demand to know where and how he got the info and Tyler wouldn't give them an answer they would like. "The pilots joining us from the Eighth Fleet most of them are all wet behind the ears," Murdoch added. "If anything happens to them, then we'll need both La Flaga and McAlester to sortie."

Tyler came to a stop as he really didn't like the sound of what Murdoch was saying. OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet was about to face ZAFT's best commander second only to its leader. If what Murdoch said was true, then Sakura and those under her command would slaughter them and that was putting it nicely. Granted if those from the Archangel joined the fight it would be a margin better, but not a tide turner. Should Tyler go all out, he might be able to take on Sakura and holder off, but Tyler wasn't sure if he could beat her in a one-on-one fight. So the looming battle was weighing on Tyler even if he didn't let it show outwardly. "Wet behind the ears you say Chief," Tyler posed. All in the hanger turn to face the oldest teen as he floated closer, "I'm almost afraid to ask just how inexperienced you're implying the pilots in the Eighth Orbital are Chief Murdoch."

To have inexperience pilots, Tyler wasn't kidding himself and the leaders of the fleet might as well be having said pilots sign their death certificates before they go out to the field. It will pretty much be what they're going out to, they'll be used as target practice for the ZAFT pilots Tyler knew. Novice mobile armor pilots, that's more than simply fatal against ZAFT's mobile suits, it's suicidal.

What Tyler had said caught Krystal's attention as it implied that inexperienced pilots would be a bad thing. Not there weren't situations that such would be true, but thus far there were no signs of problems. And the teen had already proved that he had ways of finding out things before others generally did. If something problematic was coming up, it would be helpful to have some warning rather than none. "Why do you ask about the Eighth Fleet pilots Tyler," she asked coming closer to where he was.

Tyler was forced to pause at the question as it once again addressed the point on where/how he got the info he did. Not that it was a secret that the Federation's Information Network was second to none with info acquisition. The issue as Tyler saw it was that should it be known that he had access to the network while on the Archangel, the officers would then likely pester him to make use of it. Tyler would be an outlet for them, but it would be an annoyance that he would rather not have to deal with. So, he smiled a bit and waved a hand in dismissal, "Oh, just wondering what Chief Murdoch was implying, that's all."

Krystal and Mu didn't believe that Tyler was just asking about what Murdoch was talking about. The teen didn't ask questions without a reason in mind, he had shown that before now. The question was what did Tyler know that had him asking about the armor pilots of the Eighth Fleet?

Kira on the other hand, was more thinking about the upcoming point of leaving the Archangel and what that would mean. When he and his friends left the ship, the crew would be thinner than it was now. Also, Tyler, Lacus, and he was the mobile suit pilots, and there wasn't any that could step in and do the job as they would need to be Coordinators. Then what would happen to the Asuka and the Shadow? Neither machine was owned by OMNI or even built by then officially from what Kira understood. "Okay, but what will happen with the Strike, the Asuka, and the Shadow," he asked. "Is it really okay if we leave them as they are?"

That drew everyone's attention including Tyler's, the collective reaction was that all in the hangar looked over at the mobile suits that Kira and Lacus had piloted since fleeing Heliopolis, then at the Shadow. The majority had all but forgotten that it was pretty much impossible for any Natural to pilot any of the three mobile suits. The OS of the Strike had been so heavily tailored to Lacus's specifications at this point that even many Coordinators would have difficulty with the machine. The Asuka was similar but for Kira instead of Lacus even if it was an Orb Union mobile suit. However, the Earth Alliance might discreetly deliver it to Orb in an attempt to soothe relations with the nation whose colony they'd helped destroy. The Shadow… well, with the 'changes' Tyler had made, he dared any to try to pilot it. True, the operating system was based on the Federation OS that Naturals can use, but it isn't the same.

"Hmm, that's a good question," Mu said. It was something he'd been wondering as well as if the teens left then the Archangel would be more vulnerable. Not that such reasoning would have Mu argue or try and get the teens to stay, they shouldn't be fighting in the war. Tyler could be considered differently him being a Federation soldier and everything, but he had his choice. "I guess none of us really thought of that seriously yet. But I'm not so sure we should return it to its original state since that would reduce its performance by a noticeable margin."

Murrue had come into the hangar in the middle of the conversation that had been going on, though she had kept quiet. But when the question about the mobile suits came up she decided to make herself heard, "Well then, let's hope we can get someone who can pilot them as is."

All in the hangar looked to the entrance and saw the acting captain Murrue Ramius floating towards the rest with a smile on her face. "Uh, captain," Kira asked. It was rare for Murrue herself to come to the hangar as there wasn't normally a need for her too.

"What's this," Mu asked, "To what do we owe the honor?"

Tyler was wondering the same thing about what Murrue was doing down here, especially with what was going on lately. The rumor was that there would be officers from the fleet coming on board soon enough to talk to the 'captain' of the Archangel. "Indeed," Tyler added curiously.

Murrue wanted to talk to Kira and Tyler while other officers weren't around so that she could personally thank them. "Sorry to interrupt," Murrue started. She sailed across the hangar and landed next to the Zero close to the Asuka and a short distance from the Shadow in the neighboring dock. "I just wanted to have a chat with Tyler and Kira."

"Huh" Kira murmured wondering what the captain could want to talk about. Tyler stared at the woman a little suspiciously as he wasn't in the greatest standing with the officers of the Archangel. Granted, his standing wasn't as bad as what Tyler had with Natarle but it still wasn't the best.

Murrue chuckled slightly at seeing Tyler gazing at her with suspicion, "Oh don't give me that suspicious look of yours," she said, "although, I can't really say that I blame you."

She motioned for the two teens to follow her so that she could talk to them without the hangar listening in. Kira and Tyler followed Murrue the short distance to the corner of the hangar that she went to. Lacus also went after the boys wanting to know what was going to be said to them by the ship captain. Murrue noticed Lacus in tow a bit behind them which in truth saved time in the end as she wanted to chat with Lacus as well. So Murrue faced the teens when they were together , "I've hardly had a free moment," she said, "So, I could never find the time to really talk to the three of you. I just wanted to thank you all properly this time myself." Kira looked at her curiously as did Lacus while Tyler was trying to figure out where this was going. Murrue continued, "I'm well aware that I've put you two through a great deal of hardship," continued Murrue, referring to Kira and Lacus, "And I'm truly grateful for what you've done for us." She then turned to me, "The same goes for you Tyler, and I would like to personally apologize to you for the distrust that you've experienced while on the Archangel. You shouldn't have to face that just because you're a pilot in the Federation military."

Tyler was taken aback by the apology somewhat as it was unexpected from the majority of the Archangel's officers. And it wasn't that Tyler didn't get along with the officers of the ship though there were one or two that he had issues with. Tyler had been helping the Archangel to protect his friends and the refugees. The crew of the ship just benefited from Tyler's efforts, that was his story and he would stick to it when pressed. Tyler's attention was pulled back when Murrue bowed in thanks to the three teens. "I put a lot on all of your shoulders, and made you give us your all. I can't thank you enough," she said.

"Uh, it's alright," said Kira quickly uncomfortable with this show of gratitude. Kira wasn't one to accept praise for the things he did much, he didn't think what he did was that amazing.

Tyler would give credit to Murrue Ramius for her being a decent person which not all OMNI soldiers and officers were. "Just don't lose this respect and gratitude captain, it's rare in OMNI and it really shouldn't be," Tyler commented. "And I say that from experience, there are enough bad ones to make it harder to see the good."

Murrue didn't doubt what Tyler said about having experience with OMNI personnel, how much she couldn't say. There was still so much that was unknown about Tyler except those he chose to tell, which didn't include the Archangel officers. Even so, Murrue was grateful for what Tyler had done for the ship, "The others may not actually say it to your face," she said, "but each of us are deeply grateful. The way things are going right now," she continued, suddenly changing the subject, "I imagine it will be hectic even on Earth. So, I wish you three the best of luck," Murrue held out a hand to Kira who pretty much spoke for Lacus and himself. The two had always supported one another so Kira was the one to address. Yet, Kira tended to stand out more, especially with the way he would always be the first to speak up if he disagreed with them. It's a good and not so good quality that Kira has. For a moment, Kira just stared at Murrue's offered hand before reaching out and shaking it.

At the same time, back on the Gamow, it had been over twelve hours since their trouncing by the legged ship, and they'd rendezvoused not only with the Vesalius, the Ziegler, and the Galvani, but also with the Nazca-class the Black Jade, and the Fairchild. The pilots on the Gamow stared out of viewing ports on the bridge in various expressions of worry to disbelief. "I still can't believe it," Athrun muttered as he looked on at the ZAFT ships coming into formation. "I know Captain Ades said Admiral Treize had mentioned that she would be coming, but I didn't actually believe she would come out here for this."

Nicol agreed to Athrun's sediments, that the Black Zephyr was sent to deal with the Legged Ship was odd. For even one of the Champions to be assigned the task of downing a single enemy ship was rare. It either meant the ship was seen as a greater threat than any of them thought or some higher-ups wanted the job done to an undeniable standard. And for the Zephyr to even be considered pointed to either high ranking people on the National Defense Committee or Admiral Treize being involved. "Agreed Athrun, to think they deployed her," Nicol said in disbelief, "They actually deployed her to deal with the OMNI ship."

"I would guess Treize asked her directly," Dearka added, "She wouldn't volunteer for this. It makes me wonder if the Admiral is looking into this since there have been enough failed attempts to finish this. He probably can't get away himself, so he sends the Black Zephyr out to do the job instead, the legged ship must be seen as more of a problem than we thought it was. Sending her is overkill by pretty much by any standard."

"The Black Jade is ordering full six-way communication sir," said the com-officer, Zelman nodded in response. "Put them on screen," Zelman said.

Everyone turned their attention to the screen as the faces of the four ZAFT Commanders appeared, along with the face of the Fairchild's captain, Neil Harlous and a woman. She was the woman that every soldier in ZAFT had heard of on day one of basic training, the ZAFT Champion that was the most well-known, the Black Zephyr. She was a woman that terrified most and could easily be seen as the most feared ZAFT commander.

"Zephyr, how good to see you again," Rau greeted.

Sakura wasn't feeling kind or nice with the greeting as the masked man had caused an amount of trouble recently and did from time to time. Whenever she heard of an "incident" that Rau Le Creuset was involved in or even around, she became annoyed at the very least. He made messes which he rarely cleaned up leaving others to do the job for him and she'd done the idea a few times and detested the activity. And yet, with Lanus asking her to help, here she was once again taking care of a mess that Creuset had created. "The feeling isn't mutual Creuset," Sakura replied, her tone almost completely devoid of any emotion.

Sakura had been doing other things with the less eventful time she had been getting recently. She had been researching where Tyler may have gotten off too as he disappeared during the meeting she'd had with the National Defense Committee. Also, her little sister Lacus hadn't returned from the "trip" their father mention she had gone on. Sakura was curious where Lacus flitted off to from time to time that she didn't talk about when asked. She suspected there could be a possible boy involved but Sakura couldn't confirm that yet. If that was the case, Sakura would be encouraging them to leave Lacus alone and shoo him away. Sakura would protect her little sister by what means she saw as necessary from those that would take advantage of her.

Back to the present, Sakura focused on Creuset and spoke her mind, "The report I read iterated you've once again have gone and caused a mess not bothering to clean it or what resulted from it up. I've always said you enjoyed bringing needless chaos when you are given the opportunity, and I'll take the fate of Heliopolis as yet more proof of that." Sakura's glare intensified a bit which caused Creuset to stiffen as she continued. "I don't believe your claims about what happened there for a second, you instigated the fiasco and your claims are more justification of your interests."

Creuset had hoped that what occurred to Heliopolis to be dismissed and for the most part it was. But there were some individuals that Rau didn't want to look at what happened and the Black Zephyr was certainly one of those. The woman had earned her reputation that had ZAFT soldiers fearing her, she knew ways to make one beyond miserable. So, Rau said nothing letting Sakura keep going after she paused for a moment, "However, Lanus asked me to take over this job which you are having such trouble handling effectively. And to my misfortune, you seem to be permanently attached to this mission thanks to the decision of the National Defense Committee."

"You wound me Zephyr and after all the times we worked together," Creuset began.

Yet, Sakura cut Rau off, "I won't deny you're a hell of a pilot Creuset," she stated simply. "And you can get results even if they aren't the best, but that doesn't mean I agree or like the way you tend to go about it and I assure you I don't. This situation is as it is, that doesn't mean I have to be pleased with it." Sakura paused for a moment before continuing, "But personal matters aside, we have a mission to attend to and finish. As of this moment, I will be taking full command of the pursuit of the OMNI prototype warship and the mobile weapons aboard her. I'll be expecting you all to be giving it your utmost, you will all follow my orders. Is that understood?"

"Ma'am," all the commanders replied, saluting Sakura.

Athrun shifted uncomfortably, feeling that things were going to be tense and difficult for him while working under the Zephyr. The woman didn't like Athrun that much and if they didn't have much interaction, that wouldn't be a big deal. He'd known her for years, but since the war began, the rosette ZAFT commander had begun to even scare him more than a little. After all, Sakura Clyne, the Black Zephyr and Blood Princess of ZAFT as her other nicknames that she had earned. And the glare she had given him when the engagement between Lacus and himself had been announced haunted him. It had made it clear that Sakura wouldn't be taking it easy on Athrun and that he was in worse standing than most were with her.

Phase End

A/n

I'll be ending the chapter here, sorry it took longer to post a new Phase, but unfortunately, I've caught up to where I'm working on, so yeah. Hope you like the interaction between Natarle and Tyler, I made it to have Tyler mention he has a "license". I also enjoyed expanding the "battle analysis" that Athrun and co did. Please, some take the time to write a review and tell me what you think, ask questions, tell me I need to fix things, whatever you think. Peace out until next time!