A/n

Okay, sooner than I had originally thought here is phase 21. Again the general storyline overall is unchanged, but how events play out are going through revision. Other than saying I own nothing from the Gundam Universe, only my characters and musings, on with the show!

Phase 21: Meeting Again

March 2nd, 71 C.E.

The Archangel

It was mid-evening of the fourth day since landing on Earth, Kira and Lacus had been allowed to go back to their quarters for the rest of their recovery. As their health improved, Kira's and Lacus's thoughts were returning to the results of recent events. There was still no news on Tyler good or bad that either had heard nor had the fate of the refugees been stated. The Archangel came down in a completely different area than it had been aiming for and was in non-allied territory. That meant that the ship would have to travel days if not weeks to get to its intended destination. So, the mood on the Archangel wasn't great, both had felt that when they went to the mess hall.

Flay wishing to help in what ways she could, decided to keep an eye on both Kira and Lacus until they both recovered fully. It wasn't out of the questions that ZAFT forces could attack the ship as they traveled. If they did, the mobile suits and their pilots would be needed to defend the Archangel. Then Flay had found out from those in the hangar after they had cleaned out the mobile suit cockpits that there had been stuff in there. She was curious as to what the things meant as they had appeared to be paper flowers. Flay had grabbed some of the flowers before coming to check on the two Coordinators hoping she could get some explanation. So, the redhead made her way to their quarters and knocked on the door, "Kira, Lacus? I'm coming in."

She opened the door to Kira's quarters which they were sharing for now to see the two sitting on their respective beds, their robot pets twirling around them. She smiled softly as the two looked up at her, "I was just bringing something to you," she said. Flay held out two paper flowers to them, "The mechanics found these in the cockpits of the Strike and the Asuka." She paused as the paper flowers did look very similar to those made for Junius Seven. "They look like the ones we made for Junius Seven," Flay looked at them uncertainly, "Is there a connection there?"

The paper flowers had been gifts from some of the refugees before they left to the mobile suit pilots. There had even been one for Tyler, but he had already launched out by that point Kira and Lacus found out. So, they had promised that they would get it to Tyler and tell him how grateful the refugees were for his efforts. "Sort of," Lacus remarked as she accepted the blue flower Flay handed her. "You remember that blonde girl, Elle? She gave these to us before boarding the Menelaos launch as a thank you."

"Oh, I see," Flay replied as Kira accepted the yellow flower. The redhead smiled, "I think she picked that color because it matches your eyes."

The paper flower was a similar blue color as Lacus's eye were, but she doubted that was the reason that the girl had picked this paper flower for her. "Hmm, maybe" Lacus mused.

"Well, it's late," Flay said, "I'm going to bed now, you two just rest."

"Okay," Kira replied, "Good night Flay."

"Good night," Lacus added.

Flay gave them a slight nod and left the room leaving the two alone again. They were quiet for a few minutes, staring at the flowers before Kira turned to Lacus to continue the conversation Flay had unwittingly interrupted. "So, Sakura was leading that last battle," Kira asked, "by what chief Murdoch said, Tye said as much."

Lacus nodded, clutching the paper flower a little tighter. Thoughts of what she'd witnessed out on the battlefield were coming back to her mind. That Tyler had known that Sakura would be there suggested that the Federation's Military had been aware. True, Lacus had heard the Federation's Information Network was incredible and accurate, but this was the first hint as to how much that was correct. Then there was the change in her sister that Tyler clearly had a part in somehow, that had been shocking and confusing. "Yes, she was, but Sakura was," Lacus hesitated, "well, she was acting differently." Lacus paused for a moment thinking, "Kira, the last time you saw Sakura was almost four years ago, you remember?"

Kira did remember the visit that Lacus was referring to, it was months after he had gotten off Lunar school. Kira had wanted at the time to leave his family's home around Copernicus City as he had been bored. Athrun had gone home and Tyler hadn't come to the lunar prep academy this year so Kira was missing his friends. He had found out that Lacus and her family had come to Copernicus for their father to get time away from work and with her and Sakura. So, Kira had one day invited Lacus and her family over, more so he could spend time with her as it was better than doing nothing as he had with his summer break.

It hadn't taken long for Lacus to end out cuddling with Kira which he didn't mind as she smiled when she did. Sakura, on the other hand, had observed her sister's actions and wondered why she did it. Sakura had been roped into this trip by her father saying "she should spend time with the family". She had agreed in the end thinking time off would get others to not pester her for a bit as they had been doing. Sakura didn't have much of an issue with the boy Lacus was cuddled with, which was odd. Most guys and men being around her little sister irked Sakura greatly and she made sure that such fools knew that she felt that way. And when Sakura wasn't able to be around, she tasked others that she knew would keep others from getting too close with Lacus to do the job.

However, as Sakura kept watching, she still didn't like that Lacus was being so affectionate with Kira Yamato. True he wasn't forcing her into anything, but he wasn't keeping any distance with Lacus or telling her to not be too close. However, it did serve as a possible way to get the boy recently engaged to Lacus and Sakura wouldn't say no to that. In the end, Sakura decided to speak up and state what needed to be said in her view, "You two really should try to be a LITTLE less affectionate with each other," she commented teasingly. Sakura smiled down at the two twelve-year-olds that separated from each other at the comment, blushing faintly while looking up at her. Sakura smirked, "You wouldn't want your fiancée getting jealous, now would you?"

Lacus glared at Sakura, "You'd rather he gets jealous and call things off anyway," she said with a slight huff.

Sakura laughed a bit, "That's true, but that's because I'm protecting you since no one else seems to do the job. Even Kira doesn't have my approval yet, but he's closer than Athrun Zala," Sakura replied.

Kira had heard from his friend that he was only told about the engagement and hadn't had much choice in the matter. It had all been between Mr. Clyne and Mr. Zala, and they had just informed their children. "Really Sakura, it isn't like that," Kira remarked, "and Athrun didn't get a choice in the arrangement either, he told me that."

It wasn't that Sakura didn't believe what Yamato was saying, and she would commend him for defending his friend. "Sure it isn't, I'll believe you for the moment," she answered before she glanced at the TV, "now, what are you two watching?" Sakura paused for a moment and blinked as what she saw was some sort of musical performance, "A concert?"

"Kira seems to enjoy listening to female pop artists," Lacus piped up with a slight grin. Kira blushed slightly, shaking his head in denial. "Oh, don't try that with us, Kira!"

"Well, music is one of the more wondrous things in the world," Sakura remarked with a bit of a far-off look in her eyes.

"Well… my interest was piqued a few years ago by Sheryl Nomie," Kira admitted. Sakura and Lacus both shared shocked looks at the mention of a music artist that had vanished close to two decades ago. "I know she disappeared from the music scene before I was even born, but when I heard her music," he paused for a moment, "well, I guess you could say I fell in love with it. I started listening to music a lot after that, so…"

Lacus hadn't heard about this from Kira before and it was intriguing to her as it gave her a chance to get Kira to smile possibly. She knew that she could sing better than most, even if she didn't do it in front of others often. "I see," Lacus said softly. "Hmm," She coughed, clearing her throat, then took a deep breath. "Everyone calls me "fairy" I try to live up to it." Kira and Sakura stared at Lacus in surprise as she began to sing one of Nomie's songs in a near-perfect imitation. "I can't feel the weight in my heart. That's why I chose to fly in the sky."

"Lacus," breathed Sakura softly staring at her baby sister in shock. She had known that Lacus could sing beautify, but this was the first time she had mimicked another singer's voice. Sakura had always been proud of her little sister and her talent. Although, Sakura had always wanted the kind of talent Lacus had rather than the ability she did. She envied Lacus's singing an amount, though she didn't let that change how Sakura loved Lacus.

Kira started to relax, listening to his friend's perfect singing of a song that he remembered listening to over and over again just a few years back. "I was shaken by love from meeting you, and my wings lost their way. Exposed to the rain, they are wet, and they woke the sleeping lifeforms. Fly away, for another day. Call for me with your voice," Lacus sang.

Kira shook away the memory before he got distracted and ask Lacus to sing something, with her health it wouldn't be good for her. "I remember," he said. "It was the first time I heard you sing."

Lacus's singing talent had always been a bit fo a bad subject between her and Sakura. With the victories that Sakura had achieved in her military service had made a picture of her being larger than life. That made it feel like Lacus was at times living in her older sister's shadow with so many saying how amazing Sakura was to her. Then Sakura had been jealous of Lacus's singing talent wishing she'd had it. So, Lacus nodded, "You know all about the resentment between us," she said. "I was always living in Sakura's shadow, but I had the talent Sakura wished to have more than the ones she possessed. What you don't know is a lot of other stuff that happened with her."

"Like," Kira posed.

"Well, Sakura discovered her talent for combat," Lacus started. "Combat, military leadership… she had a knack for it. She's always been highly capable at almost anything she puts her mind to, but she was a really good fighter and commander. So, she worked to cultivate those skills and has employed them to great effect. She's called the Black Zephyr for a reason which doesn't get talked about nicely." Lacus paused for a moment before she continued, "For a while, sis was someone who fights for the sake of it. She loved challenges and the adrenaline rush was to use an old metaphor, it was better than sex for her." Lacus stopped for a moment thinking if Sakura could have done said activity with anyone, she didn't believe so, but she couldn't say. "Not that I think she's done that with anyone. Yet, she still hates war in and of itself, but she loves combat for the push and challenges that it provides. However, killing, destruction, and hatred are the roots of her hatred for war even though it's where she thrives. But then Endymion happened, and she lost her team… her second family, including her childhood friend who she cherished and opened up to, perhaps more than her own family."

"Wow," Kira uttered slowly, "I didn't know that…"

Lacus knew that Sakura had changed from the war, but she didn't like admitting the change in her older sister. However, she continued, "After the events at Endymion, Sakura was lethargic in public, so most didn't even think much of it, but in private Sakura was falling apart into a complete wreck. She blamed herself for getting everyone killed, and then when she was sent back out to Lagrange 4, she was mostly going through the motions," Lacus paused, "until Lieutenant La Flaga and Major McAlester showed up. The prospect of a challenge that even the other two top ZAFT aces had never quite beat brought her fighting spirit back out, though she's a lot more restrained." Lacus stopped for a moment, "Still, she'll keep coming after us as long as she can, keeping her lips sealed, going out of her way to fight the two of us head-on, both to help us improve and for the sake of challenging our mobile suits. But she'll do what she can to keep us safe."

"Considering what she hit us with back in orbit, she has a funny way of showing it," Kira muttered.

"Yes, but I don't think she'd have done that lightly," said Lacus. She hesitated, remembering the change and vast difference Sakura had shown when Tyler had shown up. Her sister had been acting happier than she had when she'd been with her team. It had made so little sense to Lacus and she wouldn't have believed that her sister would be like that if she hadn't seen it herself. Looking at the paper flower and clutched it to her chest, she spoke again, "Kira."

Kira looked to his pink-haired friend in slight confusion with her reaction, "Yes?"

"Well, there was something," Lacus hesitated for a moment, "odd recently which happened during the battle in Orbit." She paused once more, thinking on how to put what she had heard from her sister, "You remember how Tye says that he avoids my sister?"

Kira thought for a moment as Tyler had indeed told Kira himself about an 'issue' that he had with Sakura a number of times. By what he had described in his examples, it had sounded like Sakura had been stalking him or something like that. It had seemed crazy and hard to believe, especially with some of the specifics times that Tyler had recounted. However, Tyler wasn't inclined to lie about things, so Kira thought he had been exaggerating since Sakura wouldn't do what Tyler had talked about. With that in mind, Kira nodded slowly, "Yeah, I remember some of the things Tye has said, he probably had bad experiences with Sakura in the past. But he wouldn't want to hurt your feeling since you respect her so much, so he describes them in an odd way," Kira stated, "Why do you ask Lacus?"

Lacus hesitated, "Well, while Sakura and I were fighting each other in the atmosphere, Tye got between us, and just after he spoke… Sakura changed. She sounded happy and… well, infatuated with Tyler I think. I haven't heard her talk like she did for years… since before the war started. It makes me wonder if what Tye has said about my sister and what she has done around him isn't actually true in some way. I mean, Tye doesn't have a tendency to lie to us," she said.

Kira was silent for a moment, "So then, there is a chance that we will have to go against her again," he asked.

Lacus nodded, "I believe so, though I can't say when it will happen or where," she answered.

In the ship's hangar, Murdoch finished typing on a computer connected to Skygrasper One. There was fine-tuning to be done before the craft and its fellow to be ready to be used out on the field. Part of that included the systems that worked with the Strike's equipment as that wasn't finished when the aircraft was delivered. He heaved a sigh of weariness, wiping sweat from his forehead, and turned to face the pilot sitting in the Skygrasper in question. "Listen, Lieutenant," Murdoch hollered, "what do you say we call it a night? You won't really know all the fine adjustments that we'll need to do until you get it up in the air. And quite honestly, we both need sleep to be effective in this work."

Mu wouldn't deny that there would need to be more changes made after the craft was flown. However, with the teen pilots on the mend but not ready to go out if the need arose, he wanted what equipment there was ready. Mu would admit the Skygrasper did have potential, better than the F-7D Spearhead craft he had done simulations with. Plus, neither he nor Krystal would be able to use their Zeroes on Earth due to their incapability of atmospheric flight. So, in the end, the Skygraspers were what the two Alliance pilots had to work with on Earth. Mu stretched, heaving a sigh himself. "Yeah, I suppose you're right," he said as he clambered out of the cockpit. "The health of our two young pilots is definitely starting to improve by what I hear, so, we may be able to handle problems if they come up as early as tomorrow. Although I would've preferred getting on our way and into safer territory than we are in right now."

The door to the hangar opened and Sophia and Krystal came in, "Didn't I tell you, Sophia, Mu and Murdoch would still be down here working." Krystal said to Sophia.

The two women had been looking for the two men as they had been not popping up a great deal as of late. Sophia sighed and nodded, "Yes, you are right Krystal, Mu probably works himself more than he should," both women turned to face the two in the hangar, "Although, I'm agree with you Lieutenant La Flaga," Sophia said. "You two need to put down the tools and get some sleep." Both men looked at one another and knew it would be best to admit defeat as these two women would unlikely give up and leave them alone. So, they decided it would be best to call it a night to stay out of trouble.

Meanwhile, on the Archangel's bridge, it was quiet as the ship kept moving forward through the ocean. "The ship can be cooled by routing excess heat through the black hole exhaust system," Pal iterated to Kuzzey in the CIC wanting to reassure the boy that they probably wouldn't have a fight on their hands in the near future. "As long as we can evade infrared scans by satellites, we just might pull this off. Our radar's unreliable, but that means ZAFT's is too for the same reasons ours are."

At that moment, the main door of the bridge opened, and Tolle and Miriallia stepped through. "We're here to begin our shift," Miriallia announced hoping that none would say anything about being a tad late.

Arnold who was currently in charge on the bridge while both the vice-captain and captain were off wasn't the most pleased. The volunteers should know that they would be expected to show up for the shifts on time by this point. And while they may not be in the circumstances that battle could happen at almost any time, that was no excuse. "Don't give me that!" Arnold stated sternly, "You're late!"

"Sorry," Miriallia apologized. Arnold just shook his head and decided not to worry about it as the two sat at their stations. The help of the students from Heliopolis was appreciated, but they had so much to learn about what being a member of the military was about since they enlisted.

"And that's all because of the Neutron jammers," Kuzzey asked returning to the subject he'd been on with Pal before his friends arrived. "But isn't there a way to get rid of them?"

"That's impossible with current technology," Pal replied shaking his head, "They've been fired deep into the Earth's surface. We don't even know how many there are or where a lot of them are located. If it were possible, then someone would've done it already as they have caused a number of problems. The way they came down," Pal began and paused, "OMNI intel suspects that specific targets were chosen before they were sent down to Earth but no way to confirm that. But as a result, radio waves and fission-based energy have been adversely affected, you might as well say they barely work if they do at all."

Jackie exhaled heavily, "However, it's still a lot better than having nuclear missiles flying around all over the place. If ZAFT had retaliated in kind after the nuclear attack on Junius Seven, then there would be no Earth right now. Even if the Earth Alliance doesn't want to admit it, ZAFT made a hard yet noble choice in not blasting us with nuclear missiles after the Bloody Valentine occurred. The Federation may have had a part in that, but no one can confirm or dismiss that possibility."

Natarle had stepped onto the bridge as the conversation had been going on about N-jammers. She had heard the arguments of the use of N-jammers on Earth by all three factions and Natarle felt both sides had merit. After the Bloody Valentine, many feared that ZAFT would rain nuclear weapons on Earth, Natarle remembered the tense weeks after the destruction of Junius Seven. Those responsible for the Bloody Valentine simply vanished without a single trace quickly after the event. OMNI intelligence suspected that the Federation was responsible for the disappearance, but none could prove that suspicion. The winters that followed N-jammers being deployed had resulted in the deaths of many and others to relocate. A number fled to the Federation member nations as they were less affected by the harsh winters. Natarle came out of her thoughts and focused on the present, "Anything unusual," she asked.

"Nothing detected ma'am," Pal replied looking up from the CIC for a moment. Of course, this was Kuzzey's station, but no harm in sparing the kid from the need for military discipline, if only for a moment.

Natarle mentally noted Pal's report as she walked to the front of the bridge and offered a bottle of water to Arnold. "Do we have the data on the hull's distortion," she asked.

"Yes, thanks," Arnold returned as he took the bottle. "These are just simple measurements. The stress distortion seems to be within acceptable limits, the details can be seen," Arnold trailed off as he tried releasing the water bottle in mid-air and it dropped unceremoniously to the floor.

"Petty officer Neumann, please," Natarle chided as she stepped around him and retrieved the bottle, "try to remember we're no longer in a weightless state here on Earth."

"I-I'm sorry about that," he apologized.

"Sonar is detecting only biologics below us," Natarle remarked scanning Arnold's station read-out boards.

"What does that mean," Tolle questioned.

Arnold turned to look at the copilot. "That there's nothing out of the ordinary in the ocean we're in right now." Arnold then turned to Natarle, "So then, where's our next destination?"

Natarle thought for a moment as that was the constant question that had plagued the Archangel, what was next. The ship's goal was unchanged, they needed to get to OMNI HQ as soon as they could. However, Natarle knew that the ship while fine in the immediate period, would need resupply before getting to JOSH-A. "We can't go back, and our eventual goal is still JOSH-A Alaska, but we need supplies." She looked over the small map on Arnold's display, thinking about where the best would be to get what they needed. "The best course right now would be to Federation territory. They aren't against resupplying ships from the Alliance or ZAFT as long as they don't go too far into their territory."

Nodding as those on the bridge agreed with Natarle since it was the best idea at the moment. While the Federation stuck to their 'Neutrality', they still did do basic things such as resupply for both sides. Arnold looked at the map as well, "The closest in that would be the Equatorial Union."

Natarle agreed, "Set course for DOelias then, their docks should be able to handle the Archangel," she said.

Back with Tyler, a few days had passed by since the meeting with his mom and house guests. It had been about a week since landing and being separated from the Archangel and her crew which still hadn't changed for Tyler. While it had been nice to spend some time at home rare as it was for him, it had come with an issue or two this time around. Of course, the stay in the hospital hadn't been something Tyler had wanted to do, but there had been no real choice with him out cold. He would've had little to complain about other than his mission being on a standstill if not for the fact that Sakura crawled into his bed every FREAKING night since Lisa, Athrun, and she started staying at Tyler's place. He had found her to be so gosh darn clingy and invasive into his personal space that he had little privacy which irked Tyler.

This current morning was no different than the previous ones this week other than the first one for Tyler. When he woke, Sakura was next to him in the bed as he felt she shouldn't be, and 'hugging' him. Tyler had put a sizable effort to get away from the pink-haired woman, yet to no avail so far while around his home. The amount of sleep Tyler had gotten hadn't change during this week, but the quality certainly had and it was taking its toll. And what irked Tyler more was while he suffered, Sakura seemed to be having the time of her life. Lisa and Athrun would help Tyler from time to time, which he appreciated, but Sakura wouldn't be denied what she wanted. Tyler was missing being around Lacus, she was so much more reasonable than her older sister.

To be honest, Tyler had been searching for a way to get time away from Sakura the last day but hadn't managed anything. He really wanted time from his stalker and the feeling grew as he worked his way out of Sakura's embrace. Tyler grabbed his personal communicator and headed to his bathroom. As he checked his com-unit, he found that he had a solid "get out of jail free" card as there was a message from a friend for him. Tyler's friend worked at Teswa R&D complex to answer a few questions about the mobile suits that Athrun and he had come down in. Tyler had figured that the Shadow and the Aegis were sent to Teswa via the underground rail system. Both machines would need repair after the beating they had taken in the atmosphere and the descent.

Tyler sent a reply to his friend saying he would meet him within the hour before Tyler left his bathroom. He quietly got dressed and snuck out of the room and headed to the kitchen hoping that he hadn't woken up any of his guests. Tyler was shoveling a little breakfast in when Athrun walked into the living room. Athrun wasn't surprised at Tyler being up at this time, but that he had escaped Commander Clyne already. Sakura had shown in a few days beyond a shadow of a doubt that separating Tyler from her would not be simple or easy. "I see you slipped away early this morning," Athrun greeted with a smile.

Tyler turned to look at his blue-haired friend, "Yeah, something like that," Tyler returned. "But my presence has been requested so, thought I would get a bite and head out."

Athrun snickered, "And you slipping away has nothing to do with getting away from Commander Clyne."

Tyler gave Athrun a deadpanned look, "Keep your comments to yourself," he stated flatly. "I will neither confirm or deny that may play a part, so hush."

Athrun snickered again at Tyler's answer though he didn't blame him for wanting time away from Sakura. Tyler shortly finished his food and left before either of his two other houseguests knew he was awake. He didn't want to give Sakura an opportunity to try to accompany him to Teswa. Tyler drove his car to the northern train station for the Republic's underground transit system. He parked just outside the entrance to the station in the northern sector of Shira before he descended down into the station itself. Tyler flashed his military credentials to those at the ticket station, to which they simply nodded and waved him through. Tyler waited for five minutes before the train to Teswa arrived at the station. Once it came to a stop, he boarded the train and took a seat. The train itself was pretty empty, though he was riding after the early morning rush, yet before the midmorning pileup.

The Republic of East Asia's underground transit system spanned much of the nation and connected the major cities, heavily residential areas, and other sites of note within the territory. Some of those sites would include the facilities around and for the control and management of the Republic's mass driver "Shen Lóng". Tyler knew the major facilities were more regulated and secured than the lines between cities and residential areas. The same was true of the Teswa Research & Development complex and you need either a military ID with a minimum level of clearance or an ID for those who work at Teswa. In fact, the underground transit system is one of the select few ways to get to the complex. Tyler was aware there were a number of reasons why the physical location was kept a secret from the Alliance, ZAFT, and most citizens in the Human Federation.

It's no secret that the Earth Alliance leadership, both in its military and its political wanted Federation technology. They have even begged to get access to Teswa and other development facilities from what Tyler had heard. From what his mother had said to him, several from the Alliance had threatened and attempted to intimidate the governmental officials and those within the Federation's military to no success to have access. ZAFT was better, but they too had "requested" access to Federation scientific and development data in different ways. Tyler knew that neither side had received anything, mostly because it is the view of the top brass that sharing of data and/or information to either side would make things worse in this war. That's not what the Federation wants, peace is the goal for the Federation itself, its citizens, and preferably for everyone if possible.

As Tyler rode the train, he wondered what his friend who worked at Teswa could want or need. Technically speaking, Teswa was in the northeast area of the Republic and Tyler knew the area the complex takes up wasn't small at all. However, most of the complex is underground or hidden by the natural landscape, which meant looking down from above Earth wouldn't help and Teswa is built with material that sensors can't see. Thankfully, the transit system that the Republic has and uses, wasn't slow, quite the opposite as it was based on the hyper-loop ideology.

It took around twenty minutes for the train to come to the station at Teswa R&D. Tyler got off and approached the entrance of the complex, which is where the security checking starts for this place. As this is the most advanced scientific development facility that the Human Federation has on Earth and possibly off of Earth as well, security is taken very seriously and is tight. Even with Tyler's military ID with the level of clearance he had which wasn't low, it took him a good fifteen minutes to get through the security.

When that was done, Tyler found that he did have someone waiting for him in Teswa's lobby. The man was six feet tall, fairly thin overall but not in a sickly way, looked good for a man that's thirty-six in Tyler's opinion. His hair was of medium length and black in color and had a tendency to come down straight. The blue eyes that he had were still visible behind the red square semi-rimmed glasses. Currently, the man was wearing black slacks and a blue dress shirt with a red tie, and last but not least, the customary white lab coat.

Tyler gained a smile as he walked up to the man whose name was Carlos Neil. He was a scientist here, one of the ones who unofficially ran things in areas of the complex. He's a Natural and one of those who proved to Tyler that it didn't matter if one was born Naturally or have genetic alterations. It also made Tyler wonder if Sai won't do amazing things as he gets older as this man reminded him of his glasses-wearing friend. Anyway, Carlos was looking over reports of some sort were Tyler to guess and so, wasn't paying a great deal of attention to what was going on around himself. "Busy as always, eh Carlos," Tyler greeted.

Carlos had been looking over the day's morning report and the list of tasks for the day for the mobile suit development sector. He was the head of the sector even though he didn't think he was skilled enough to do the job, but he hadn't been given an option to refuse. His message to Tyler McGregor was hopefully to help explain some oddities found with the two mobile suits that had come in days ago. The OMNI one was undergoing needed work since it was discovered the builds had installed half the hydraulics improperly. But it was still being looked over as a unit to understand the designs of OMNI's mobile suit ideology.

Then there was the other machine that had come to the complex, which was similar yet different from the OMNI prototype. It had become clear very quickly there was Federation tech in the suit which raised a number of questions without answers. With Tyler's experience and time around the former colony, Carlos hoped that he may have some more information that could help with said answers. And so, upon Tyler's greeting, Carlos looked up from the page he was going over, "Ah Tyler, a very quick response to my request, I didn't expect to see you for at least an hour."

Tyler really didn't want to go into detail about why he had gotten to Teswa so quick as that was kind of personal. He was avoiding Sakura plain and simple, Tyler would admit that though maybe not to Sakura directly, not that she would listen. And while Carlos was a friend, Tyler's issues with Sakura were something he didn't discuss with just anyone. So, Tyler frowned a margin and a hand went to the back of his head, "Um well, I happened to be free to come down, so I say why not?"

Carlos stared at Tyler for a moment, his current mannerisms were saying that whatever the reason was that he was here so quick was one he didn't want to talk about. Carlos knew Tyler had subjects that he declined to discuss, but this was more starker than others Carlos had asked about previously. Instead, Carlos pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, "If you say so, I'll not ask further as it sounds like you don't want to talk about it."

Tyler was grateful that Carlos didn't press the subject, but then Carlos was one that knew when to back off and not go too far. Tyler nodded, and Carlos rose from the seat that he'd been sitting in, Tyler followed him as he led the way into the Teswa complex. And no matter how many times that Tyler saw the place, he was always amazed at its size. The complex was for scientific research of course, but not just one specific area of science gets worked on here at Teswa. It was the reason the complex was known to be one of the most advance development facilities that the Federation had. It's because the scientists that work here tend to do work in multiple areas and also bring in their own expertise and share them with each other.

Carlos led Tyler into the mobile suit development area where he spent the majority of his time. Tyler knew that Carlos was one of the best mobile suit researchers in the world and colonies even if he didn't look like it. Tyler himself didn't call Carlos or refer to him as a "Geek", but by the historical definition, he knew Carlos fit the point. If he didn't have a wife and daughter at home to return to, Tyler suspected that Carlos wouldn't leave the lab. And Tyler knew there were times that Carlos did stay at Teswa for extended periods even had a cot in his office from what Tyler had seen.

Back in the present, as Tyler was led to the work floor, he spotted the Shadow standing in a maintenance cage. A good portion of the Shadow's plating which would cover the internal components of the machine were off as mechanics were doing work on the suit. Tyler also saw that the structure of the Shadow's shield was off to the side and appeared to be in the process of being rebuilt. He'd figured that the Shadow would need work to the point it could be considered an overhaul, but to see it with his own eyes made Tyler wince a bit. Tyler ended clearing his throat which got Carlos to turn, "Um," Tyler started, "I'm sorry for dropping a mobile suit overhaul into your and others' laps Carlos. I really try to not make messes for others to have to clean up, I assure you, but they still happen."

Carlos blinked at Tyler's apology. To be honest, most of the workers and scientist here had been excited when the two mobile suits came in. They were new and glancing at specs only did so much, that in mind, most had been enjoying working on them. "Tyler," Carlos began, "you don't need to apologize. If anything, then you have helped refresh everyone's enthusiasm and broken the doldrum."

Tyler was taken aback at the reply as it seemed his actions had helped rather than hindered. Of course, Tyler wouldn't say no to a free and thorough overhaul the Shadow needed after going through reentry among other things he'd put it through over the last few weeks. And while Tyler wouldn't chide or discount the efforts of Murdoch and his team, Teswa would do a better job than they were able to do. Tyler also saw that the Aegis was also here in a cage dock that was next to the Shadow. The Aegis was undergoing similar treatment as Tyler's machine though was having more pulled out from what he could see. He guessed that the scientist and mechanics were using the original specs that his team had gotten at Heliopolis. Tyler would assume they were fixing things done "wrong" by the original builders as he believed they had been rushed during the second half of the project.

Carlos got Tyler's attention back and guided him to his office which was in a room just off the development floor. Carlos shut the door behind them cutting off the sound of the work going on giving them a better environment to have a conversation. He sat down at his desk and put the report he had been looking over in a draw while Tyler took the seat in front of the desk. Carlos looked back up at Tyler, "Tyler, I'm hoping you could answer a few questions for me concerning the two mobile suits you brought with you upon your return to the Republic."

Tyler had discovered an amount about OMNI's project but he didn't know every little part of it. Tyler had more got the general info and some on various other parts about the G-project. Tyler ended out shrugging, "I'll try my best, but I don't know everything about those two machines, Carlos."

While Carlos appreciated Tyler's candor, he still likely knew more than those at Teswa did and any other info would be accepted. "I was wondering if you knew who any of the developers at Heliopolis's Morgenroete were specifically," Carlos posed.

Tyler had discovered the identity of a few of those that were involved in the development of OMNI's project. But Alan had more time in Morgenroete than Tyler himself did and Tyler wouldn't deny that. However, Alan and Luke hadn't joined back up with him and Lisa so their input wasn't available. Tyler only really knew the most about what was a part of the development was Professor Kato and that was more a guess with the evidence he'd collected. "Unfortunately, I can't be of much help in that, I was positioned more around the college rather than Morgenroete itself. My teammate Alan didn't mention any names of note that I can recall though he would know better than me," Tyler replied. "Why do you ask?"

From the inspections of the two machines, more the Shadow than the Aegis, but some of the equipment was Federation. Carlos brought up data on the display on his desk, "Because, one or more of them at one time had to have worked in Federation weapon development, even if they don't now," he returned.

Tyler had wondered if what Carlos stated could be true. He'd suspected somehow those that had built the Shadow couldn't have been all OMNI. The scope and the echo trace systems were not OMNI developed from what Tyler had seen. Tyler nodded slowly in response, "Okay, I can see you being right on that with at least some of the equipment I saw with the one I piloted."

A holographic image appeared in the middle of the office and it formed into a design spec of the Shadow. Carlos continued, "You have as sharp an eye as ever Tyler, the suit you have been piloting has federation technology in it. You can't find a few pieces of equipment that this unit has with the Earth Alliance or ZAFT. Although, I have to say that whoever it was, they've done an impressive job adapting Federation tech to work with the systems that the Alliance used in this prototype series. And I would think you understand that the Alliance systems don't work or play well with others."

It was true that Tyler figured out that there was Federation equipment built into the Shadow, it had been fairly clear the more he'd delved into the systems of the machine. Tyler knew all too well that OMNI systems didn't work or play well with others. It had been the major difficulty he'd been working against in the streamlining of the Shadow's operating system over and over again. It had caused Tyler to wonder what whoever had built the machine was thinking, though hiding the Shadow's existence made more sense with Federation tech being at stake. "Yeah, I'd seen some things that would be designed by the Federation plain as day. And it had been annoying to keep OMNI personnel from getting a look at it, but I've managed. I assume you are referring to the Echo Trace system and the long-range scope correct?"

The image of the Shadow zoomed in on the head and rotated to the right side with the hidden scope coming out. Carlos nodded, "Those would be the two major ones. The hidden targeting scope is definitely a piece of Federation equipment and is one that's going into the next generation of mobile suits. Same for the detection system that is built to work with this scope and it's the one that Federation scientists came up with, I was one of them myself."

Tyler straightened as a detection system had never come up while he had been doing his work on the OS. "Hold up Carlos, what detection system are you talking about?"

Carlos blinked, "You weren't aware that the scope can home in on targets that are using something to block them from view or employing stealth?"

Tyler's eyes widened at hearing the Shadow's scope could do what Carlos described. That would make the scope even more useful than he'd found it to be already. The scope made targeting better especially when distance was involved, but Tyler would be looking into this more later. "Nope, that is a feature I was not aware of, but I'll take a good look at it later," Tyler returned, "Do continue where you were before I interrupted."

"Well," Carlos said, "There's the 'Echo Trace Emitter' which makes this machine invisible to any and all sensors that ZAFT and OMNI have currently. Hence, why I was hoping you knew any of the developers, for some of those who helped with the systems have gone missing over the last year…"

Tyler looked at the floor, "As I said Carlos, I'm not the one to be asking on that, one of my teammates would have better info than me."

Carlos sighed at not getting any clues, but he didn't blame Tyler for not knowing. So, he kept going, "The other question that I'm not alone in wondering would be what information you have if any on the transformation capabilities that the X303 Aegis has. It's very likely based on Federation technology that the fighters have," Carlos said. The rest of the conversation focused on the five Alliance machines and what Tyler and his team had learned after seeing them being used. Teswa might have the blueprints and designs for the Alliance prototypes, but that doesn't give data on their performance that came after that.

Meanwhile, back on the Archangel, in the days that had gone by, some of the mechanics along with Mu, Krystal, and Sophia had put the parts together to make a simulator. With Kira and Lacus on the mend, the ship pilots wanted to keep busy. "You know, I think this ship may have a future career in battlefield training if things don't work out," Sophia remarked. She worked on the final adjustments on the simulator as she spoke for practice for the Skygraspers.

"Well, we've got the two current top aces in the entire Earth Alliance, and arguably the two most brilliant rookie pilots I've ever heard of," Murdoch added. "We had a hell of a Federation pilot, so I really can't dispute that belief."

Sophia smiled slightly as she finished her adjustments, patting the simulator almost fondly. "It's not perfect," she said. "Right now, it's not able to run simulations smoothly just yet and it will still take time and tuning to make it run realistic simulations." Sophia paused for a moment, "I'm more amazed you guys managed to put programs together that could do that idea at all. But the rumor is Sai's working on it, and he is showing to have a bit of a knack for programing where I don't."

Mu exhaled, "I'll take whatever we can get right now," he replied. "I don't mind the quiet and not being attacked, but it is making me on edge for some reason."

Krystal sighed agreeing with Mu's sediments since the journey to where they were had not been easy. ZAFT had been hunting the Archangel since Heliopolis, even with Creuset off the chase temporarily, Krystal and Mu didn't think they would stop. That no ZAFT forces had tracked the ship down and tried to assault it was kind of odd. Granted, the Archangel was in Federation territory currently, but that hadn't stopped enemy forces previously. "Can't argue with you on that Mu, better to keep busy and prepare for whatever is to come," Krystal commented.

Sophia shook her head, "You edgy armor pilots," she remarked, "instead of taking the good luck where you can get it always talk about bad things ahead." Sophia's thoughts went back to the simulators, "Hopefully when Ensign Yamato returns, he'll be able to upgrade the system with better scenarios. Currently, it's only a shoot and dodge game because some idiotic higher-up didn't think to give us proper simulations for fighter machines. And don't get me started on the lack of data recent or otherwise to build them with I'm forced to work without."

"Well, the lack of data is probably a good sign," Murdoch said, "It means we haven't seen that much combat since getting the Skygraspers. Those kids haven't been so fortunate, still on the road to recovery as I understand it even if they're adamant in working."

"Hmm," Sophia looked up at the Strike, which Lacus was in currently working on the operating system. Then she glanced over to the Asuka that Kira was doing adjustments too, "Both seem pretty anxious, but I can't blame either of them," Sophia remarked, "to be expected after the battle in orbit. With ZAFT's Black Zephyr possibly tracking us, who knows how long we got until she finds us again and we won't have the Eight Orbital Fleet's support and that made a difference."

Murdoch nodded with a frown, "Yeah, that was all the motivation me and my boys needed to double-time all our work. We made the needed repairs and we've been working on wrist-mounts that the Asuka can equip flamethrowers on, then eject them when the fuel runs out. It's so Kira will at least have options to work with, and Lacus asked us to mount a dual-grenade launcher on the Strike's right wrist. Kids are thinking about what could be coming seriously, I'll give them that."

Mu made his way up the stairs towards the entrance of the hangar leaving Sophia, Krystal, and Murdoch discussing possibilities for the mobile suits and skygraspers. At the door, when it opened Murrue was on the other side, Mu moved and let her in, "What brings you down here captain?"

"Just came to see how things were going," Murrue answered. Mu and Murrue scanned over the activity in the hangar where many were working to keep busy and their minds off the potential issues ahead. Mechanics were currently mounting the grenade launcher on the Strike, the right wrist only as to leave the left free for the shield of the Aile or the rocket anchor from the Sword Striker pack. Lacus was been working on adapting the Strike's OS to use the new equipment. Kira had also been helping some of the mechanics including the newest mechanic that had joined the crew, Arthur Nicks.

Murrue wondered why the mechanics were putting together new equipment as none of it was standard. Granted, Murrue understood that combat on Earth would be different than it had been up in space. "So, I'm curious, how long has this been going on," she asked gesturing at the new equipment.

"Beats me, not that I'm complaining about the work," Mu replied with a shrug. "We will need any advantage we can get down here on Earth against ZAFT. We can't depend on the Federation to bail us out a great deal along our way to JOSH-A, and we have a distance to go."

"I won't deny you have a point Lieutenant," Murrue admitted. "As much as I wish we will have clear sailing to HQ, the journey thus far has been anything but that."

Mu nodded grimly, "Yeah, doubt that will change all that much with us being on Earth. I doubt we'd say no to help from the Federation and others, but can't factor that in." Murrue looked at the deck as Mu's comment reminded her about leaving Tyler to his own devices up in orbit. Granted, Murrue didn't appreciate an amount of Tyler's behavior, though she was more tolerant than Natarle was. However, that he was separated didn't sit well with her, and she couldn't think of a way to apologize to the volunteers for not being able to help their friend. Mu noticed Murrue going silent and put a hand on her shoulder, "Stop blaming yourself for Tyler getting separated from us," he said.

Murrue sighed in response, "Am I that easy to read?"

Mu shook his head, "Not all the time, but you aren't the only one whose thoughts have gone to Tyler. I know I have wondered if we could have done more, but it isn't helpful to focus on what could and couldn't have been done. Besides, the kid will have made it, I have no doubt about that and he will find his way back, you just wait and see."

Murrue wished she was as confident that things would work out as Mu was, she still had serious concerns about the road ahead. The third mobile suit pilot had been their most skilled and there was no arguing that any longer. Here on Earth, ZAFT would be able to strike with less warning than they did in space as they came from underwater most of the time. Murrue knew that the four pilots the Archangel still had would defend the ship and those on board with all they had, but the odds were still stacked against them. Murrue glanced around the hangar again and spotted Minister Allster's daughter moving to be in front of the Asuka's cockpit. That was odd for as far as Murrue knew the girl had a similar view as her father. "Since when did our first volunteer come down here," Murrue inquired.

Mu looked in the direction that the captain had been and saw Flay checking in on Kira. The girl had popped into the hangar off and on since Kira and Lacus had been well enough to be down here. She had also been one of the main people that watched over the two Coordinators when they had been in the Archangel's sickbay. The rumor was that the redhead was Sai Argyle's fiancée though Mu couldn't say if that was true or not. "That started when Kira and Lacus got back down here after released from sickbay. I believe she is supposed to be Mr. Argyle's fiancée if the rumor is right," Mu commented. "You'll have to do your own research if you want to know more or are concerned about it."

Murrue blinked as Mu turned and left the hangar, his nonchalantness catching her off-guard. The man had shown he could wave things off when he really should be taking them seriously, but he was dependable nonetheless. So, Murrue followed after him and soon caught up, "And you're not concerned about the situation," she asked. "I'll grant that it's easy to forget, but Kira, Lacus, and the other volunteers are just kids without any military training at all."

Mu took a moment to think about how to answer for he had his suspicions about the three teen pilots the Archangel had. Granted, one of those three was not here at the moment, but he was also another matter entirely. But Mu believed that Kira and Lacus deserved credit for doing as well as they had under the circumstances they were forced into. "I won't dispute that Kira and Lacus have no formal military training. Tyler was the only one I'm sure had military training even before he informed us he's a member of the Federation's military. How much training and what kind he's got, I can't even begin to guess but enough he knows how to get what task he had done. However, with the pink princess," Mu paused for a moment ordering his thoughts, "Her skills are similar with the way Lacus has piloted, but I find it unlikely it's just natural talent."

"Hmm" Murrue uttered, turning to face him. "Then do you think she was taught?"

Mu considered the question as he had been wondering that too. He hadn't forgotten Tyler saying something about Lacus being taught during one of the mock battles. And Tyler was usually right, whether that was him being incredibly well-informed or just having amazing intuition. Mu and Krystal had discussed this point even tried to figure out who could have taught Lacus the skills she had. "I'm inclined to think the princess was taught," he admitted. "It's easy to miss, but the way she flies is a bit more fluid and controlled, she's actually a bit more skilled than Kira."

Mu stopped for a moment since he didn't want to downplay Kira's progress as the kid had gotten to a level that veteran pilots would acknowledge. "Kira is a faster learner and is improving on a steep learning curve and has stronger physical and mental capabilities. That's why I believe he seems so naturally good at using a mobile suit." Mu hesitated, "Outside of that though, I'll admit that I haven't seen a hint of military training, nothing like what Tyler has and that kid hides his better than the majority of soldiers I've met can hope to do."

Murrue would say that Mu had a point about Tyler not showing that he had military training. His behavior would convince most if not all but the most scrupulous individuals that he was a stubborn and at times a rebellious teenager. She had a hard time accepting that Tyler McGregor was a soldier in the Federation's military and that he technically outranked every officer on the Archangel. But with Kira and Lacus, Murrue couldn't see either of them having any teach them skills employed in this war, they were too nice. "And what do you think it means," she asked.

Mu sighed as those who hadn't fought on the front lines wouldn't understand what he was getting at. After killing another, you could see the subtle signs from another that had done the same as you. Mu could see Murrue Ramius hadn't actually killed another human being with her own hands, injured maybe, but not ended another life. "You haven't been on the frontlines of a battlefield until recently have you Murrue?"

Murrue stared at Mu wondering what he was getting at, "Not really no," she answered, "Why are you bringing that up?"

Mu shook his head, "Because it makes a difference, you haven't killed another with your own hands." Murrue blinked at Mu's statement, even though it was true that she hadn't actually killed a person herself. Mu continued, "With Tyler, the way he fought, it's clear as day that he's done it before, but to those who haven't fought on a battlefield, it wouldn't be visible." Mu paused for a moment, considering the words that would get across what he was trying to convey. "With the pink princess, she hasn't killed another, but I can't say for sure, it may be nothing or maybe something. If she was taught, then whoever did the job was no novice, they have experienced without question, I can't say much more than that. At any rate, she's here and on our side, we've trusted her this far, I see no reason not to continue that. But that's off-topic, you were worrying about the situation with that Allster girl."

Murrue was worried about all the volunteers if she were honest, they were teenagers after all, and students, not soldiers. Most teenagers were not known for the best emotional control when under stress. And while Murrue would applaud them for how they had done thus far, there were still chances incidents could happen. "We're in a tense situation where stress is high, and they don't have the military discipline to help keep their emotions under control." Murrue then put a hand to her chin, "And now that you mention it, Tyler has proven that he has that kind of discipline looking back," she remarked. "I hate to imagine where this could lead if there are no boundaries set for the younger group of this crew."

"Well, personally, I think it's a good thing," Mu replied. He felt the volunteers had done better than most could ever expect of them in a situation not of they own making. At their age, Mu believed he would have a harder time dealing with what they were, but then, they had one another and that made a difference. "They require each other for emotional support among other things and that has clearly helped. The redhead and Sai will be a huge help to them in a way that the rest of us just can't be to them." Mu paused, and smiled slightly, "Or are you worried about potential fraternization since this is a mixed crew."

Murrue felt her cheeks heat up a bit at Mu's implied meaning with the last sentence. She had in no way said or meant to imply that she was concerned that the teens would do inappropriate things with one another or members of the crew. Yes, she knew such things could happen, but she had faith that those on the Archangel had enough sense to keep such urges under control. "Wait, I didn't say anything about that," Murrue shot back.

Mu smirked as he had been trying to get Murrue to stop being so stiff and such a worrywart. He had found the acting captain was a worrier and it was taking a toll on her and trickled down to the crew. "I didn't say you had, I was just putting it out there," he commented. "Besides, I hear Orb's kind of big on the open relationship concept much like a good portion of the Human Federation is."

Murrue knew that Mu La Flaga was prodding her and she didn't like it in the least, "Lieutenant," yelped Murrue. The ace pilot couldn't help but laugh at his captain's flustered state as it was better than her normal concerned expressed.

Tyler had returned back to his place after visiting Teswa and the rest of the day had been as quiet as it could be. He would have liked it better if Sakura would leave him alone, but she wouldn't have that. Tyler had discovered in the last week that Sakura wouldn't listen to his instructions when it came to giving him space. Granted, Lisa and Athrun helped Tyler get some time without Sakura, but it wasn't as much as Tyler would have liked. And then, he had found no info on the Archangel as of yet, which concerned Tyler. His friends were on that ship and he doubted ZAFT had given up sinking the Archangel. So while they were on that ship, their lives were in danger, plus, the ship crew were good people as well.

The next day, Tyler figured it was high time he reported to the local superior officer so that Federation High Command would be appraised of his progress. He knew it was a responsibility he would do well to adhere to when he could. Tyler's boss had made sure in no uncertain terms that he was to file or give reports when possible, or else there would be "unpleasant" consequences. The admiral Tyler reported to scared him to a degree and so when he heard her say "unpleasant consequences", he knew it was better to not find out what that meant and do as told. And a long report to an officer was far better than potential punishment from the woman, so Tyler would endure.

That in mind, Tyler drove to the nearest train station and boarded the train for the hour ride it was to the Republic's military command center. Tyler showed his military ID when he arrived at the station for the command center and he was let inside. The main military complex in the Republic was hidden in the mountains west of Shira built into the rock itself. Tyler knew the basic layout of the place as he visited it once a year or so normally. Taking the lift system that would go up to the offices of those working here, Tyler was ordering his thoughts for the report he was about to give. He knew the officer he would report to, the man was here from sunrise to sunset every weekday without fail. As far as Tyler knew, the top officer here had that routine for more than a decade now. So, when Tyler arrived at his destination, he knocked on the door which had the name plate for "General Bartholomew Maxwell".

General Maxwell was going through the morning reports and was finding nothing out of the ordinary. He was a man in his mid-fifties but looked to be more early fifties or late forties and when he stood, his height would be one-hundred-eighty centimeters. He had short black hair that was neatly combed, which fit his brown eyes and the goatee and mustache on his face by what others said. Maxwell we in his customary Federation white officer's uniform, which had the black in the same places the regular officer uniform did. The shoulder pads were gold and had two stars below the Federation crest and on the cuffs of the coat, there was one wide gold with a thin gold band above the wide one. Nevertheless, a knock on his door got Maxwell to pause in his scanning and look up. He had no standing appointments until the afternoon so either it was someone coming to deliver something or an unscheduled appointment. "Enter," Maxwell ordered.

The door opened and in walked a young man that Maxwell hadn't seen for a little more than a year now. Tyler McGregor was one that gave reports to Maxwell when he was around the Republic which was normally annually. Maxwell wouldn't deny that McGregor was a heck of a soldier and the Federation was lucky to have him. The previous reports of his missions were enough for Maxwell to know that McGregor was one of the better specialist there was currently. And so, he watched Tyler stride up and salute, "General Maxwell, Commander Tyler McGregor, here to report upon previous assignment, sir."

General Maxwell nodded to Tyler, "At ease McGregor," he replied, "I am not Admiral Raine so no need to be uptight and formal as I know you do so rarely."

Tyler's shoulders dropped a bit as he relaxed, "And rest assured General, I am glad you are not her and I get to report to you."

Maxwell chuckled, "I haven't had the opportunity myself to be in front of her, but I have heard it is an unforgettable experience that most don't wish to repeat." Maxwell cleared his throat, "But on to the reason you're here, it is good to see that you're doing better after going through reentry and landing. Do have a seat so that you can begin your report, I don't doubt with you being gone for a year and the rumors flying around you have a great deal of things to cover."

Maxwell gestured towards a chair in front of his desk which Tyler took and exhaled, "That would be an understatement sir. I'm still trying to figure out how I got into the mess I did and how it developed to what it has," Tyler remarked.

Tyler then began the summary of what had started at Heliopolis and what he had been there to do. Maxwell had of course heard the reports about the Heliopolis collapse, official reports said that ZAFT personnel had been involved. What OMNI or rather what the Atlantic Federation had been doing was a treaty violation which they were denying point-blank regardless of the evidence presented. That McGregor had been there had clearly curtailed the situation from being worse and prevented a major loss of life. The journey that led OMNI's prototype warship was unlike most that Maxwell had heard. They had definitely had to odds stacked against them with ZAFT pursuing them even into Federation territory.

After a short break for a meal with the hours McGregor had been iterating what he had been a part of, he kept going. The story only made Maxwell wonder further how much worse the current war between ZAFT and the Alliance could get. The fall of Eurasia's Artemis was messy but could have been worse in the end than it had been, though the Eurasian Federation would disagree with the view. The battle OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet had been in was regrettable as much as the losses that came from it. McGregor's mission was still unfinished and it would be a difficult one from Maxwell's view. OMNI had wanted mobile suits since seeing how effective ZAFT was with them. To deny them that had been an amount of work from many over the last few years. Maxwell had to postpone his afternoon meeting to be available to hear McGregor finish his report.

Tyler finished around mid-afternoon before he was dismissed and he left the Republic's military command center. The report had taken a toll on Tyler as he had relived moments of his journey from Heliopolis. Many of those moments were more than just unpleasant, he had killed people, and that never felt good or right. That was why Tyler didn't want Kira or Lacus to be fighting, they would likely end out killing someone else. It was a burden that one carried for their life, and it was one that Tyler didn't want them to have. Still, Tyler headed back to his house and was in time for dinner with his guests.

After the evening meal, Tyler figured with how his day had gone that it would be a good idea to just turn in for the night. So tired was Tyler that he didn't bother to tell Sakura to not sneak into his bed like he had the last few nights. But then, it wasn't like the woman would listen to Tyler even when he told her to do things. With that in mind, Tyler dropped off quickly even before Sakura snuck into his bed as she had done. Yet, Tyler was woken up by an incoming call, which got him to roll over and tapped the communicator on his bedside table. "This is McGregor, who is calling and why at this time of night?"

"Apologies commander McGregor for calling at this late hour," the military personnel apologized, "it was stated that you wanted to know when there was information about OMNI's vessel called the Archangel as soon as any came in. Information on the ship just came in, they are heading for Delias and will likely dock there tomorrow early morning. That is all commander."

Once the call ended, Tyler sunk back to his pillow as it was late and he could already tell that Sakura was in his bed. And like the times before the pink-haired woman was scantily clad and was clinging on to Tyler. Normally, he would try to kick her out of his bed, but as he was too tired right now and only half awake at the moment, Tyler didn't fight this or care. Instead, Tyler mentally told himself that he would find out what the Archangel was dealing with. After knowing that, he would slip away to Teswa and take the Shadow and find the Archangel. That in mind, Tyler spun around to face away from the unwanted bedmate and broke free of her arms encircling him, then settled back in the bed. Still, Tyler felt Sakura move in her sleep before he dropped off, she shifted and ended out snaking her arms to go around his torso again and press her front against Tyler's back. Sleep welcomed Tyler back into its fields and he returned to the dreams he'd been having before the communicator had woken him.

When morning came, Tyler slipped away from Sakura and got to thinking about what he'd learned last night. The Archangel was around the Equatorial Union's capitol Delias in the area that is formerly known as India and the Indonesian islands. However, from what Tyler had heard recently, the Equatorial Union had been having internal issues. Its government was in the process of handling the issues and as was their normal "style" they wanted no outside interference or help. That wouldn't be a problem most of the time if not for the fact it meant that all non-Federation vessels were denied entry until internal affairs were settled. It was Tyler's understanding that the Equatorial Union did that to prevent problems from becoming more volatile which he could agree with. Yet, such would force the Archangel to continue on its way and not go to Delias.

Tyler still betted that the Archangel's goal was OMNI's JOSH-A base in Alaska, a distance away from where they were. And unless the ship got supplies that Tyler wasn't aware of which he doubted, it would still need to stop somewhere to do that. If the Archangel took the most direct route to Alaska, the two most likely places they could stop at either the Orb Union or the Republic itself. Then there were the rumors of "pirate" activity around the Indonesian Islands that Tyler had been reading about on the Information Network. For the last few months, commercial vessels being attacked and raided for their cargo. The style that the aftermath displayed implied ZAFT subs being the culprits, though ZAFT said they had nothing to do with the piracy. For the time being, ZAFT was being taken at their word, but Tyler knew that if evidence was found, ZAFT would have uncomfortable questions to answer. Instead, commercial vessels were now escorted through the Indonesian Islands until the pirate raids stopped.

That the Archangel was traveling through the area in question concerned Tyler as he doubted they were being escorted yet if they would be at all. He trusted Kira and Lacus would defend the ship if the need arose, but he rather it didn't. Nevertheless, that hope wasn't enough to have Tyler relax and not worry about his friends. But without knowing their location better than just a general area, Tyler couldn't rush off and expect to make it to them without issue. Yet, his thoughts wouldn't stop bouncing around his mind and plague him.

By the time mid-afternoon came about, Tyler had made up his mind that he needed to go before his imagination got the better of him. And with trouble expected, Tyler headed over to Teswa R&D, hoping and praying that the Shadow was ready to be used. If that was not the case, then Tyler would take whatever he could work with, the Aegis included even if there would be serious questions and consequences with doing that. He knew there would be uncomfortable inquires put to Tyler if he showed up in the Aegis, but he would deal with that if need be. There were things that Tyler couldn't tell those on the Archangel right now, and also things he didn't want to tell them. He didn't want to put his friend Athrun in a bad position since he didn't steal the prototype suit just because he could or wanted to. If those bridges became issues, then Tyler would burn them if necessary, but he wouldn't add to the problems he had if he didn't have to.

So Tyler slipped away from his place and headed to Teswa via the Republic's transit system. Once he arrived at the laboratory, Tyler made his way to the mobile suit development section where the Shadow should be. The facility was quiet and sparsely populated yet, it tends to be light on people working on the weekends. However, to Tyler's surprise, when he reached the development floor, he found that Carlos in his office. With it being the weekend, Tyler would have thought Carlos would be at home with his family that he was happy with.

Carlos was at his desk doing work that had been piling up, though he was really at Teswa to avoid his in-laws. His wife's parents had never been the fondest of him, even if the didn't outright hate him either. Most times when they visited, they would grumble about his life choices and Carlos's wife would argue with them in his defense. Carlos didn't like to see his wife or his daughter fight with other family members. So, for them he spent time away from home while in-laws visited the family as a compromise. He was brought out of his thoughts when a knocking sound came and it made Carlos jump a bit. He looked around and after a moment came to see Tyler on the outside of his office looking in.

Carlos hadn't expected to see Tyler until he contacted him about his mobile suit being done with repairs. And he knew the Shadow was still undergoing work and would be for another day or so. The shield needed the outer plating replaced and that would be molded on Monday. The beam rifle needed some minor adjustments with its internal components. And since none of the work was of urgent priority, it would be completed Monday. But the expression on Tyler's face told Carlos that something had come up which had him doing his thing on a battlefield rather soon. That in mind, Carlos got up from his desk and exited his office to face his friend, "Tyler, what are you doing here?"

Tyler was wondering why Carlos was around the complex as he was a family man first before his work. It was the one thing more important to him than his scientific work which was what his life was. So Tyler crossed his arms, "I could ask you the same, Carlos. Normally you're home on weekends," Tyler replied. And while he wasn't one that pried into the personal lives of others, "perhaps there are problems at home with the wife? Not that it's my business of course, and I hope you are not having a falling out as you got a great lady in your life."

While Carlos appreciated Tyler's concern, it was unwarranted as there weren't issues between him and his wife. So in response, Carlos rubbed the back of his head, "Well, the in-laws are visiting, and well," Carlos hesitated, "they don't get along with me the best. Something about disappointed in my work and job as a scientist, so I'm here working to keep harsh words from being said. My wife understands and doesn't fault me for this, I think she is actually… well, anyways," Carlos trailed off a bit, before focusing back on me, "So, what about you, what brings you to Teswa on the weekend?"

Tyler had been ordering his thought as he had to explain the plight he had to deal with as of last night. "To be honest Carlos, I'm here to ask if my mobile suit is ready. Something has come up and I need a unit to use," Tyler answered. "I'm seriously hoping that you can help me in this and help me save lives."

Carlos could tell that Tyler was being absolutely serious about something coming up and it had lives in danger. But that was what made the truth harder to state, "Well, one of the two mobile suits is ready yes. However," he started, but trailed off.

Tyler didn't like what Carlos could possibly be applying with the 'however', it ignited a bad feeling in him. He had enough problems he could foresee with what he planned to do, he didn't want to add more to the list. So, Tyler's head fell a bit as he asked the question on his mind, "I assume that however means that something about the equipment isn't good and ready to go, am I right?"

Tyler couldn't know how right he was and Carlos knew that, but he didn't want to say it out loud. Yet, there was nothing else that Carlos could do for his young friend, so he nodded sadly, "The Shadow's main beam rifle and the shield are still getting work done on them. The beam rifle will misfire half the time with the components as they are right now. And the shield is missing its outer armored layer as it needed to be replaced after what the heat of reentry did to it."

Tyler figured the Shadow's shield would need serious work and repair after the battle in orbit and the reentry that followed. But in the back of his mind, he had still hoped somehow the Shadow had been repaired and was ready for the field. Nevertheless, as his mobile suit was at least ready minus its equipment, he could go with other equipment that was available. Tyler looked from the Shadow before he glanced at the Aegis, "Then is the Aegis any more ready for use?"

Carlos could see that his young friend was grasping at straws and while he didn't blame him, it wasn't helping. The Aegis was and still is in the worst shape than the Shadow had been when the two had arrived here even if it hadn't looked it. Once workers had done a diagnostic on the Aegis, there had been many problems found. The worst damages that had been fixable had been addressed, but the hydraulics had not been salvageable. That in mind, Carlos shook his head, "Unfortunately, no, we fixed what we could but we found some of the hydraulics were put in badly and so needed to have them replaced. We ended out having to tear the bad pieces out and that took longer than we expected. We are working on building the needed parts but they won't be all done until Monday sorry to say. That being said, the suit isn't in an acceptable condition to be used on the field," he admitted.

Tyler knew he was asking a lot of his friend, along the lines of a freaking miracle, but he had hoped for something. He sighed in resignation, "So, the Shadow is ready, but no equipment to work with, and the Aegis isn't usable." Tyler raised his head and stared Carlos in the face, "Come on Carlos, help me out here, I'm close to begging for anything and you know I don't do that often and only with friends," Tyler said desperately. "I need something to work with and you are the one I turn to for this."

Carlos had never seen Tyler beg before and he wasn't sure he wanted to. Tyler was headstrong and could be stubborn to a fault sometimes, but he was dependable when it counted. And it was that which made Carlos happy he had an alternative for Tyler to work with. So he smiled, "Now Tyler, I never said there wasn't something I can do to help you. Yes, your mobile suit is ready except for the rifle and shield. As I see it, all that's needed is different equipment which happens to be available."

Tyler took a moment to calm his breathing as it had been getting rapid and desperate. If Carlos said he had something for Tyler to work with, then he would take his friend's word for it. "Well, don't keep me in suspense Carlos, I've done enough of that to myself," Tyler admitted. "So tell me what you got man, I'm really pressed if it isn't obvious already."

Oh, Carlos had seen clear evidence that Tyler was stressed and was pressed for time. But that made what Carlos had even better for a few reasons the foremost being it would help Tyler. The other reason that Carlos was happy with helping Tyler was that the equipment was experimental and Tyler was the best tester that he'd ever had. All at Teswa had Tyler as their first choice for testing equipment, not only because he wasn't afraid of trying something potentially dangerous but would give amazing criticism and an honest opinion. And with the equipment pack that Carlos and others had made for the Shadow having two experimental prototype weapons, it didn't get riskier than that. Carlos smiled, "How about I show you what I have," he posed.

Carlos went over to a control console and typed in some commands to bring the Shadow to the center of the development floor. As the Shadow moved, Tyler wondered if Carlos had some sort of equipment pack as the suit had that ability to do as the Strike did. Once the mobile suit reached the center of the floor, a compartment above the suit opened and something started coming down. The apparatus had a battery compartment in the center that sat behind and in between the two upper thrusters. Spars stretched over both shoulders. The central structure came down and there was a cluck and hiss as it docked and locked in. Tyler did see that attached to each spar was an arm unit much like the Strike had with its launcher pack's cannon. It made him think that this "set" had larger weapons that would require support than a single mobile suit arm could hold.

The next thing that Tyler spotted was two barrels coming down on cranes on either side pretty much in line with the spars and mechanic arms. The one on the left appeared to have a thicker barrel after the main structure of the weapon. The other barrel was rectangular for two-thirds of the gun and triangular for the other third. The triangular section divided into three emitters, with one at the top and the other two on the bottom corners of the triangle shape. It kind of reminded Tyler of the Strike's "Agni" cannon but he planned to ask Carlos when the opportunity came up.

Tyler's gaze returned to the cannon on the left as he hadn't seen a weapon like it. Yet as Tyler looked harder he saw what looked like rails between the barrels like one was to slide forward. The barrel itself was long yet a little over two feet in diameter from the large end that was connected to the backpack to the end of the second half of the long weapon barrel. The big end was the shape of a metal liquid container barrels and one and a half of the hundred-gallon drums in length, which he assumed was where the ammunition was stored and fired from.

Tyler was about to say something but the sound of hydraulics stopped him and he looked up again. Down was coming what appeared to be a beam rifle that had a slightly elongated barrel. The rifle was definitely longer by a small margin than the Shadow's own beam rifle by what Tyler saw. However, the rifle was attached to a holster on the left hip plate instead of the right as Tyler had expected to be placed. He was also starting to wonder if the said rifle was some sort of non-beam rifle. His gaze returned to the backpack, "So Carlos," Tyler began, "mind telling me what I'm looking at, because my brain is yelling 'What is that!' in a rather excited fashion."

"What you're looking my friend is the 'Kale' Artillery pack," Carlos stated, "And it comes with an extra battery for the equipment included. On the right, you're looking at an experimental prototype 300mm 'Titus' compact positron blaster cannon. I recommend caution in its use as you should be aware of positron energy's effects on the environment," Carlos iterated gesturing at the said cannon. "On the left, I'm proud to present the other prototype and first of its kind, the Linear Accelerator Shot Cannon, or LAS cannon for short. And on the left hip is the NR-103 115mm railgun rifle which is the switch out for the normal beam rifle."

Tyler was interested in the equipment that Carlos was showing off as with previous equipment set didn't replace the shield and beam rifle. But he did have some questions about some of the weapons that Carlos was presenting. The positron cannon was self-explanatory, point in the intended target's direction and pull the trigger. Tyler knew he would have to use it sparingly as the beam had other side-effects which were to be avoided when possible. However, the railgun and the LAS cannon brought up queries to him, which got him to nodded slowly, "Okay, neat Carlos, what does the LAS cannon do? And then give me a bit more on the railgun, I would like to know what I'm going to work with."

The LAS cannon was the first attempt to make a working "mac gun" that Enterprise-class cruisers had. It had been worked on for a while as the weapon was so hard to take its concept and make it smaller. Carlos ended out snickering, "What does the LAS do? I would think its name would give you a hint, but you know how the Magnetic Acceleration Cannon works?"

Of course, Tyler knew how one of the Federation's signature weapons worked, with his fieldwork how could he not? But Tyler was trying to figure out what Carlos was getting at since the only thing that was coming to his mind was a comparison. And if that was true, then should the cannon be able to fling projectiles like a MAC gun could, Tyler would be impressed. So, Tyler nodded in answer, "Yeah, have seen and am aware of how the MAC gun works, do remember, I tend to work up in space my friend, why?"

Carlos continued, "The LAS cannon works along the same principles, though it is a bit limited due to set amount of ammunition and they can't accelerate to the exact same speed but still to a respectable velocity. This cannon can fling each round at speeds that you would still gawk at, makes thick armor plating seem like paper, I'll tell you."

Tyler's eyebrows rose at hearing Carlos iterating the specs as it sounded amazing. But then, the scientists here are pretty good at impressing others and so Carlos has done for Tyler. He knew scientists here came to him for testing equipment which Tyler was more than happy to help with. Carlos had even told him that he was the first go-to pilot that Teswa personnel thought of with experimental equipment. Tyler was proud of that fact and it was times like this that made the job worth every minute to him. So, Tyler Faced his friend and bowed, "Once again Carlos, you have left me in awe by the work you and your colleagues do. If you could just give me a quick rundown about the railgun you mentioned, I can be on my way."

The rifle that Tyler was asking about was made with the latest Federation ideology and would perform well by what Carlos saw. It was a cut above OMNI's and ZAFT's takes on electro-magnetic weapon technology for a couple of reasons. First, the rifle could do rapid-fire for up to fifteen shots without cool-down time which neither of the other factions couldn't do. Then the rifle also had more punch as it was built with the newest rail system that was being tested to replace space ship launch rails, and so was more efficient in delivery. Carlos knew that Tyler would not only love putting the railgun through its paces as well as getting good data. Carlos smiled at Tyler, "The railgun rifle works much like a normal railgun, but it can do rapid fire for a bit and has more punch."

Tyler liked what he was hearing about the rifle he'd be using in whatever he was going to be facing soon. The three weapons the Shadow had at its disposal would work with most situations that Tyler could think of. "Thank you very much you are a freaking miracle worker Carlos," Tyler remarked with a bow, "Now, where's the exit? I'm tight on time I believe, or my intuition would have me think that."

Carlos went over to another control console, "Your intuition is impeccable, so I believe you are likely right. But I'm always glad to oblige you Tyler, the exit is," alarms sounded, and the hundred-meter diameter circular shutter that allows ground-level access began opening. Carlos gestured towards the opening shutter, "Above if that would fit your idea of an exit?"

Tyler nodded, "Carlos, a better exit you could not give me." Tyler then headed for the lift next to the Shadow and used it to get to the cockpit. He activated the Shadow's OS and noted that the system was running better than it had been. That meant the scientist here had streamlined it as he had been slowly doing while traveling on the Archangel which he appreciated. Tyler also checked over the OS and made sure the equipment set would work well with the suit. There was a jerk as the Shadow moved forward toward the large opening shutter. By the time Tyler came to launching position, he'd checked over the changes that had been made and was happy with them. Tyler took off and flew out of Teswa activating the mirage colloid shortly after leaving the lab and headed towards the area where he believed the Archangel could be.

Once Tyler hit the open ocean, he turned off the colloid to conserve power and regulated his speed to do the same. During the two hours that passed as Tyler flew towards the southeastern part of the Equatorial Union thoughts were bouncing around his head. He was worried that he wouldn't reach the Archangel in time to help his friends and this war would take them from him. Tyler didn't doubt Kira and Lacus would defend the ship to the best of their abilities, he knew they would. But with the word of pirates around the same area, Tyler feared that multiple ZAFT-type subs might try to swarm the Archangel. And only hearing the humming of systems running inside the cockpit and my steady breathing wasn't helping.

As Tyler traveled, he came across two Federation Dolphes-class sea escort vessels, protecting a merchant vessel that was sailing towards Shira. The Dolphes-class was the main-stream earthbound naval vessel type that the Federation's military used on the seas. The class had a length of one-hundred-ninety meters modeled along a similar framework Orb's Aegis class. As far as Tyler knew they were designed around the same time and with unofficial collaboration. However, there were two major differences, which were armaments and the raised runway on the front half of the ship for launching Federation Fighters.

For armaments, Dolphes-class had sixteen missile launchers normally loaded with anti-ship missiles, along with two tri barrel 40cm turrets and the main 125mm long range cannon. The two turrets were on either side of the ship behind the center whereas the long-range cannon is under the runway and can be brought up when the runway parts for the cannon's use. For defense, there are four CIWS gatling turrets at back, front, and both sides, along with four counter-measure missile launchers. Dolphes-class carry two fighters usually at any given time to be launched out for field operations.

From the captain of one of the Dolphes vessels, Tyler learned that the 'pirate activity' had been a tad more frequent as of late. The other point which Tyler read about was that said pirates were using ZAFT Vosgulov-class submarine and GINNs to raid passing ships. That didn't necessarily mean ZAFT was doing the raids off the record, but it implied some might be. If that was proven, ZAFT would have to answer for that and it wouldn't be easy for them.

Tyler kept going after passing the patrol knowing there should be one more group ahead as was the standard patrol pattern used currently. He had narrowed down the Archangel's probable location and he would take a stab at where he thought they were. Tyler felt that the sea was between the islands that once made up Indonesia before the reconstruction war, the area called the Inda Sea. Shortly before Tyler entered the sea he was aiming for, he came across the patrol he was looking for. "Lead Dolphes-class, this is Commander McGregor, I'm looking for an OMNI vessel of a new class, do you have any information about that," he asked.

The lead vessel by the name of Lao Chi confirmed the message came from the mobile suit that was coming up from behind them. The question about the OMNI vessel was what the group was looking into currently. The other escort that they had passed had mentioned pirates being active in the general area. "Commander McGregor, this is the Lao Chi, we seem to have the same mission. We are looking for OMNI's Archangel which was last seen around Delias," the captain replied.

Tyler was pleased that this patrol would be on hand to help, that would help if things were more towards the bad end of possibilities. But they didn't have the same speed the Shadow did so they would be a little while out. "Keep your present course then," Tyler returned, "I'll be going ahead and seeing what can be done."

The Lao Chi's captain acknowledged the suggestion and watched as the Shadow fly by the ship. Tyler was pushing the Shadow's thrusters power consumption and the second battery which was built into the Kale pack was at fifteen percent and falling steadily. He kept going and entered the Inda Sea scanning around for any evidence of the Archangel. It was another fifteen minutes before Tyler spotted something off ahead of him. To get a better look, Tyler brought out the LRT scope and used it to see what he was about to dive into. He saw the Archangel ahead and it was still flying and was looking in fair condition overall. However, the ship wasn't safe or having an easy time as four ZAFT GINNs were attacking the vessel. The lead GINN was an assault type and had a standard loadout, including two Gatling guns on the shoulders, missile pods on its legs and a couple of grenade launchers. One of the other three GINNs was a WASP aquatic type of suit though Tyler couldn't say what the exact armaments were. The other two were standard GINN models with assault machine guns in hand and no other optional equipment.

The other thing that Tyler caught sight of two aircraft flying around the Archangel as he got closer. The aircraft were the two that the Eighth Orbital Fleet had given the Archangel, the Skygrasper as Tyler recalled them being referred to. They were attempting to hold off the mobile suits and were doing an admirable job Tyler would have to say. However, Tyler's intuition was telling him that something was off and doing so rather loudly. He was wondering why only two aircraft were out and none of the mobile suits, it didn't make sense. But in the end, it didn't matter, Tyler activated the Shadow's mirage colloid and rushed forward grabbing the railgun rifle.

Tyler homed in on the GINN that was chasing the nearest aircraft and took aim with his railgun. After a moment of closing the distance, Tyler let loose two bolts which hit the GINN's shield forcing it back and stopping its chase of the skygrasper. Tyler then shot forward grabbing his beam saber and clipped off the GINN's shield arm before he spun around and kicked the suit away.

Mu had been working with Krystal to defend the Archangel in the two skygraspers. They were around as effective as mobile armors, so put the two pilots at a disadvantage. And it didn't take long for the two regular GINNs to snag the attention of the aircraft and draw them away from the Archangel. As the GINN that Mu was dealing with tailed him, it was suddenly hit and forced back. Mu was looking around for whoever or whatever had helped him and a moment later a figure appeared out of thin air. The figure materialized into the Shadow which was completely unexpected by Mu and Krystal. Not only was the Shadow's appearance odd, but it also had different equipment attached than it did before. It looked to have two cannons and a longer rifle in the left hand by what Mu could see.

Tyler's timing was nothing short of incredible since the Archangel needed help against those assaulting them. And one with Tyler's skills would definitely make a difference in this situation both Mu and Krystal had no doubt about that. Plus, Tyler was wasting no time and drawing most of the attention of ZAFT onto him rather than the ship or the skygraspers. Mu at least appreciated the pressure being off him and Krystal completely. Where Tyler had come from didn't matter at the moment even if that didn't stop Krystal and Mu from wondering.

Tyler got down to pushing his opponents off-kilter and have them on the defensive rather than the attack. And while Tyler could tell he was making a difference, it was still four against one essentially, he would work with what he had. Tyler then had the thought to gain more attention, he should aim for what his opponents couldn't ignore. The ZAFT sub likely a Vosgulov-class would fit the bill for Tyler's idea to draw attention to himself. Also, it would give Tyler a chance to try out the LRT scope's detection system and he wanted to see what it could. Tyler activated the scope which came up with the option to use a comm frequency to find a target. He input the common ZAFT channel and found the "pirates" were using that communication channel further implying this was a ZAFT group doing things off the books.

Tyler was satisfied when he received an outline of where the signals the GINN pilots were using to talk to their commander now showing him where the sub was. With his target in sight, Tyler brought out the LAS cannon having the lower barrel slide forward and combine with the other. The readout on one of Tyler's displays showed the circular coils that accelerated the ammunition were warming up. It also showed that the cannon had six rounds to use before it would have nothing to fire, which he knew meant he would have to make every shot count. Tyler continued to dodge as he waited for his cannon to be ready to use which required the coils to warm up enough.

At the same time, on the Archangel's bridge, the crew had been nervous as their situation was not looking the best. Both Mu and Krystal had taken the skygraspers out to keep ZAFT busy while the ship's mobile suits were made ready. This ZAFT sub and those with it had caught the Archangel off-guard somewhat as there had been little warning. But Murdoch and his mechanics were rushing the needed work and would have the Strike out in minutes and the Asuka would follow shortly. And as good of pilots Mu and Krystal were, it was clear that ZAFT mobile suits still had the advantage in a fight. Both armor pilots were fighting hard, yet were getting pressed and it looked like they may get beaten. However, as things looked there grimmest, something seemed to change though wasn't immediately visible.

It was as Sai was scanning over his sensor display that he noticed there was something there that hadn't been a moment ago. A separate signal had popped up near one of the skygraspers which wasn't one of the ZAFT GINNs. It took a couple of seconds for Sai to put in the commands to get more information on the signal. When the info came back, Sai blinked not exactly believing what he was seeing on his console. The signal was being identified as the Shadow, but that made little sense as it had been separated from the ship close to two weeks ago. Not that Sai wanted the signal to be wrong as it said that Tyler was alive and okay enough to pilot. But when the Shadow's signal didn't vanish, Sai took that as it was not just him having wishful thinking. "Captain," Sai called, "a signal has just popped up, it's the Shadow."

Both Murrue and Natarle thought they may have heard incorrectly as it had sounded like Mr. Argyle had said the Shadow had appeared. There had been no word or sign of the Shadow or what could have happened to its pilot. The crew of course hoped that Tyler had made it through his descent, but there had been no way to be sure if he had. For him to appear now of all times would indeed be the definition of "impeccable timing". Murrue glanced down to the CIC, "Are you sure about that," she asked.

Natarle rose from her seat and went over to Sai's console and looked it over, pausing momentarily on each signal. It was on the fifth one that she stopped as it was listed as the Archangel's missing mobile suit. Natarle put in a command which brought up details on the signal and it displayed the Shadow's ID code. That meant that it was as Sai stated, the Shadow had appeared at the Archangel's time of need. "He's right captain," Natarle announced, "I have no idea where it came from but the Shadow is on the field now."

Down in the hangar, the Strike moved to the catapult to launch out to the battlefield as its prep had been finished. Lacus was a tad antsy since battle stations had been called when ZAFT forces had appeared. The Asuka needed more time to be readied, but Lacus felt that both the lieutenant and the major would need help out there sooner rather than later. And with Tyler having vanished, Lacus didn't want to lose another of the Archangel's crew, they had become like family to a degree. The Strike was equipped with the Aile striker pack which she had chosen as this was going to be a fight over water. So, when the signal came, Lacus zoomed out to the battlefield ready to fight and defend the ship.

Lacus quickly spotted both skygraspers who were still fighting against the GINNs and they were still flying. However, after a moment, Lacus saw that the GINNs were having issues not against the skygraspers, but another. She ended out blinking but what she saw didn't change and in her heart she was extremely glad it didn't. The Shadow was going around fighting against the GINNs and was forcing them on the defensive. To see the Shadow was akin to a weight being lifted of Lacus's shoulders as it meant that Tyler was alive. Although it was clear it had different equipment than it had in orbit. The black suit seemed to be missing its shield and had a rifle that replaced the missing beam rifle. The rifle the Shadow was using seemed to be more a railgun of sorts than a beam rifle. Along with those changes, it had two other cannons behind either shoulder.

Back with Tyler, he knew that in a few minutes there would be allied reinforcement from the Federation patrol that was heading this way. But that still meant that for those minutes, Tyler and the defenders of the Archangel were on their own. His LAS cannon was almost ready as he weaved out of attacks aimed for him. Tyler was using his rail rifle to keep the GINNs at a reasonable distance from him. A moment later, a beeping signaled the cannon was ready and so, Tyler brought it to firing position. He pulled the trigger and saw an ever so brief splash as the round entered the water heading for the sub. That was followed a moment later by a sizable upwelling of water which told Tyler he had hit his intended target.

On the Vosgulov-class, the captain had made it clear that the pilots were to take down the OMNI ship. Granted, they were in Federation territory, but if they should get this finished up quickly, there would be no concern. The practice of raiding passing vessels in this area was done with the understanding that no one on those ships were killed. If there were deaths then the Federation's military would look into this more thoroughly than they already did. But this OMNI vessel was a standing problem for ZAFT and had the classification to be destroyed on sight.

Things had been going well enough, even with the two aircraft that the enemy ship had sent out. Records said that the enemy vessel had mobile suits, up to three by what was stated in the previous encounters. None had come out yet, and if the ship could be taken down before they launched all the better the ZAFT captain believed. However, the situation changed when an unknown mobile suit appeared on the field. One of the operators did manage to identify it as one of the enemy's units a moment later. Nevertheless, the mobile suit had not come from the ship itself but from the open ocean seemingly. The black machine quickly pressed the GINNs more to the defensive which risked the mission taking too long and having a Federation patrol come upon this. This mission was off the record officially, were the Federation to witness it, then there would be harsher consequences.

Then the sub was hit by something and punctured one side of the sub and effectively disabled two of the underwater catapults. The weapon used was unknown but whatever it was punched through the hull like it was soft aluminum. It wasn't a torpedo, the attack had struck from a high angle meaning from above the water's surface. With that in mind, the attack couldn't have come from the enemy ship, which pointed to one of the two enemy mobile suits. That one of them had a weapon that could strike underwater was problematic. And the damage was also causing other issues along with drawing out time that the Federation could appear. The attack certainly caused the ZAFT field leader and the other GINN pilots to pause and take notice.

Tyler was once again impressed at the work those at Teswa could do with the display of the LAS cannon. Not only was there a feel-able recoil from the cannon firing, the round Tyler estimated was between one-hundred-fifty to one-hundred-seventy millimeter caliber. There was no shell ejection out the back but there was super-heated steam pouring out of the vents on the back of the cannon's main structure. The screen to Tyler's left alerted him that the cannon was going through a cool-down phase mostly for the acceleration coils. He knew that the cannon could not and would not be inspected by Murdoch and his mechanics. Tyler was sure those on the Archangel wouldn't abuse Federation tech, but those they worked for would in a heartbeat.

Tyler had the LAS cannon swing back to its storage position behind the left shoulder still had the barrel connected as the long barrel. He then went back to using the rail rifle he had to keep the GINNs on their toes and on the defensive. Tyler was being made to work hard to not be hit often as he didn't have the shield that he was used to having to work with. The Shadow's phase shift was draining the power of the main battery slowly but surely. He would admit that the GINN pilots were competent as they definitely knew how to fight. And while a beam rifle would have made things quicker for Tyler to make a difference, his railgun rifle had enough punch to move the fight along.

Lacus was trying to fight off the GINNs that were coming at her, the Strike seemed to be popular in this situation. The Shadow was also fending off the Archangel's attackers but Tyler was handling himself as he always seemed to. Still, Lacus was determined to do what she could to make sure the Archangel didn't fall and that Tyler came back too. Even if Kira was not out yet, Lacus would use every lesson Sakura had given her to make her goal possible.

Meanwhile, with Tyler, he noticed that his shot at the sub hadn't forced the vessel to come to the surface. Until the sub came up, it would make things harder in this battle though it also made it difficult for the GINNs to resupply as well. Yet, Tyler then saw out of the corner of his eye that the Federation patrol ships were closing in. They weren't in firing range for the ships yet, however, the lead should be close enough to send out their pair of aircraft. As Tyler recalled Valkyries could carry a payload that had depth-charges and those should be able to coax the Vosgulov-class to the surface.

As if Tyler's wish and thoughts were a signal, he looked down at his sensor display, he saw two signals that hadn't been there before. He assumed that the signals were the pair of fighter craft from the lead Dolphes-class. Tyler hoped they had been loaded with depth-charges as that would move things along. Tyler was still dodging but as there hadn't been any sign that the sub had moved from where it had been when he had shot it moments ago. So, with hope and a pray, Tyler opened a channel to one of the aircraft, "Valkyrie pilots, the pirate sub you are searching for is at red 13 Delta." Tyler took a breath, "if you have a way to get it to surface, that would be very much appreciated."

The two fighter pilots had been searching for the pirate ship suspected to be a ZAFT Vosgulov-class. Both Valkyries had been loaded with pods that contained depth-charges with the idea those would get a sub to surface. After the sub came up they would be given the chance to leave or else they would be fired upon. The second Dolphes-class would launch their fighters shortly and they would join the efforts to deal with these pirates. Then the message from Commander McGregor came giving the location of the sub. The approach would need to be adjusted to effectively deploy the depth charges but that was simple enough. The lead pilot did give a reply to Commander McGregor, "Thank you for the location sir." There was a pause as the two aircraft made an arc so that they were approaching the sub from behind, "Commencing attack run."

Tyler watched as the run was being made, though he couldn't see the Valkyries since they had their stealth systems on. But as Tyler kept fighting the GINNs, he did see a line of splashes on either side of where the sub was. Tyler assumed those were the "depth-charges" that would hopefully get the Vosgulov-class to surface. Half a minute later, the water was disturbed and upwellings of the ocean on either side of the sub.

On the Vosgulov-class, the captain was dealing with the catapult damage which was making it hard for the sub keeping where it was in the water and no sink. The battle was not going the best and the longer that it went on the worse it would likely be. The Federation's patrols were on a schedule normally and it was getting closer to the time they would pass. But then one of the operators called out that objects had entered the waters on both sides of them. It was a moment later that the same operator shouted the objects were depth-charges which was not good for the sub. The charges went off and rocked the sub violently and then captain was informed about multiple hull breaches. The captain knew the sub would need to surface or it would sink regardless of how exposed it would be.

Tyler was pleased to see the top of the Vosgulov-class submarine came into view as the vessel surfaced a moment after the water was throw up. Not only that, Tyler noted that both the Dophes-class were now in range for their main guns to be effective. There would be the customary warning shot given, but after that would be the order to leave Tyler knew. And the next thing that Tyler saw was a large splash was seen close to the sub which would match the Dolphes-class's main cannon. Then a message came over all channels, "Attention unidentified ZAFT vessel, your presence, and your activity violates the Silas border agreement." The captain of the Lao Chi gestured at his XO to load torpedoes in the missile tubes as he continued. "You're being classified as pirates for attacking commercial ships to steal cargo to fulfill self-interests as per the definition of piracy. Recall your mobile suits and leave immediately or you will be fired upon."

Tyler studied for a moment to see what this "pirate force" to see their response to the warning. He didn't expect much as this ZAFT forces had been caught in the wrong so would unlikely stop. As far as Tyler knew, ZAFT still considered the Archangel a priority target so wouldn't miss an opportunity to sink her. And like Tyler suspected, the GINNs didn't stop attacking and the Vosgulov-class launched a ZAFT UMF-4A GOOhN from its submerged catapults. Tyler got back to work fighting the nearest GINN using his rail rifle and the Oscillator rifles switching between the two. The first pair of Valkyries joined the battle shortly after delivering their depth-charge payload.

However, as the Valkyries got involved, one of the GINNs began aggressively attacking the aircraft. Within a minute the GINN got a hit in on one of the Valkyries causing the aircraft pilot's situation harder. The Valkyrie pilot quickly found that his aircraft's wing stabilizers weren't responding and the craft was falling in a glide. The same GINN came back around only giving enough time for the Valkyrie pilot to eject from their craft. Tyler didn't like seeing an ally being taken out, if anything it frustrated him as this situation shouldn't be happening. He looked around as he hadn't seen a parachute deploy from the ejected pilot but saw nothing. A moment later Tyler did find the Valkyrie pilot still in their seat yet no chute out.

Tyler dove after the pilot, storing his railgun rifle as he went, ignoring the GINNs for the time being. He wouldn't let an ally die while he could do anything about it period, regardless of what others might say later on. Tyler managed to catch up and nab the pilot in the Shadow's hands before he leveled out his flight path. "Lao Chi," Tyler started, "please have a part of the deck cleared, I'm bringing in the ejected pilot."

On the Archangel, the movement of the Shadow hadn't been missed even if a communication line hadn't been established. Natarle felt the all too familiar frustration and irritation that came to her when Tyler did "his own thing". The Archangel was in a combat situation, the priority for the mobile suits was to defend the ship. Yet, Tyler was going off towards the Federation ships that had appeared on sensors a little while ago. Granted, Tyler was supposed to be a Federation soldier, but that was not an excuse in Natarle's mind. She managed to hold in the growl that wanted to escape her as she spoke, "Has there been any luck on contacting the Shadow?"

Miriallia had been trying to get a line to the Shadow, to hear Tyler's voice to confirm he was alive if anything else. However, she had been having no luck with the task, either the Shadow had its comm shut off or it was on a radio frequency than she was using. And by the tone in the Vice-Captain's voice, she wasn't happy with Tyler traveling away from the Archangel itself. She didn't doubt that Tyler had a reason for whatever he was doing, he always did no matter how frustrating it may be. "Not yet ma'am," Miriallia replied evenly, "I have been trying but have had no success."

Natarle grumbled quietly, "Make sure that our pilots understand the priority of this battle is for the Archangel to make it through this."

Mu heard the message from the ship stating the priority of the current mission. It made him believe Natarle was expressing her irritation of Tyler as he was moving to one of the Federation ships. Mu had seen the movement and also that Tyler had caught something, likely the Federation pilot that had ejected from their aircraft. He didn't blame Tyler for the action, more would applaud him for it as it showed very good character. Mu had heard about how the Federation's soldiers would watch out for each other and bail one another out when needed, it was something to see firsthand. "If that is your way of calling out Tyler, Natarle," Mu began, "then hold off on that."

Natarle scoffed at Mu's comment, "He is losing sight of," she started. Mu cut over her before she could go any further, "The kid is saving lives," Mu insisted. "You choose to call Tyler out on that, then at least listen to his reasons before you snap at him."

At the same time, Tyler made it to the Lao Chi landing on the forward ship deck and having the Shadow kneel. Once the Shadow opened its hands crew got the pilot Tyler had saved to the deck of the ship. The moment the pilot was free from their seat they turned and gave the thumbs up to the mobile suit. Tyler saw the gesture and was glad the pilot was okay as the Shadow rose up. He had the Shadow make the same gesture before the suit lifted off and began flying back towards the battle. While Tyler was flying back, the Lao Chi fired torpedos from their missile launchers which splashed as they entered the water.

The GOOhN detected the torpedos entering the water and begin tracking towards the Vosgulov-class. The ZAFT pilot moved their suit to be between their sub and the oncoming torpedos in preparation to intercept. The GOOhN stayed in its cruising modem and fired off its 47mm rifle darts at the torpedos, which downed four of the eight torpedos. The underwater mobile suit fired off its Photon Maser cannons to dispatch the other four torpedos.

Meanwhile, Tyler headed for the GINN that had taken out the Valkyrie whose pilot he just saved. He was more than miffed that the ZAFT pilot had not just disabled the Valkyrie craft, it was they didn't care that the pilot had been in danger of hitting the water and being left for dead. Tyler was currently feeling inclined to show the same point for the ZAFT forces around the immediate area. That in mind, Tyler activated the Shadow's mirage colloid and moved forward closing in on his intended target. Tyler got a hand on the GINN's shoulder and then banged his rail rifle into one of the wing thrusters. The GINN's eye swiveled just as Tyler pulled the trigger and blew apart the right shoulder thruster leaving only some mounting structure. Tyler didn't waste time and shot the other wing thruster destroying it leaving the GINN hanging by the grip the Shadow had on it.

Tyler then disengaged the mirage colloid before dropping the GINN and training his rifle on the suit. He made four more shots taking off the arms and legs of the GINN as it fell towards the water. One of the other GINNs did try to move in to attempt to save its comrade, but Tyler swung his railgun in that direction and fired at the other ZAFT suit. The GINN trying to save the other was forced to block and come to a halt thereby preventing the rescue. It wasn't that Tyler wanted the GINN pilot to die necessarily, just experience what it felt like to be helpless and unable to save themselves like they caused.

His attention was drawn to an upwelling of water between the Dophes-class and the ZAFT sub. That meant that the GOOhN was intercepting shots fired at the sub and was drawing out the fight. Tyler brought the LAS cannon back out along with the Shadow's scope in order to deal with the underwater mobile suit. The coils were warmed and ready, so Tyler just needed to find the machine which the scope's detection system revealed. Tyler pulled the trigger and the tower of water that resulted said he hit his target.

As the battle kept going it became clear that ZAFT was losing the advantage they had started with. The Federation appearing had turned the tide for the Archangel and it was only getting more so. The ZAFT captain decided to cut their losses and ordered a retreat signal fired to recall the mobile suits. The signal was seen by all on the field and while most were relieved to see that flares, some of the GINN pilots were not pleased. One of them wouldn't accept the retreat signal and kept attacking the Strike.

Tyler saw that and didn't like seeing the Strike fending off one of the standard GINNs after the retreat signal was deployed. And Tyler wasn't about to let Lacus die since he could do something to prevent that with her being a friend. Plus, Sakura would do HORRIBLE things to him if he stood by and did nothing while her little sister died. Tyler stored the railgun rifle and then brought out the other weapon the Kale pack had, the "Titus" compact positron blaster cannon. The cannon came down and swung forward and the barrel slide out to its active position. He pointed at the GINN hearing the hum of the weapon charging much like the Archangel's Lohengrin. A few seconds later Tyler pulled the trigger for the weapon and a crimson beam outlined with white light shot from the combined output of the three barrels.

Lacus had been defending against the GINN that was attacking her and was doing okay. She had seen the retreat signal that had been sent up by the Vosgulov-class, but the GINN didn't let up. The Strike had shoved the GINN back a distance and Lacus prepared to keep going but then the situation changed. A crimson beam outlined with white light came across Lacus's view and slammed into the GINN. The mobile suit seemed to hang in the air at the moment then the beam ripped through it and disintegrating it and leaving nothing. Lacus glanced to her left and saw the Shadow with a cannon out pointing at where the GINN had been. The feeling of watching someone else die in front of her still sickened Lacus as much as it did previously.

On the Archangel's bridge, the crew could only stare at what had just occurred in front of them. The crimson beam were close to identical to what the Lohengrin blaster cannons could put out though it was smaller. The shot had come from the Shadow, specifically from one of the cannons it was carrying with the new equipment. The disintegration of the GINN matched what the positron blaster cannon would do perfectly. To Natarle and Murrue, it showed that the Federation had very likely had reverse-engineered the technology. It brought up the question just how much of the G-Project was known to the Federation. OMNI higher-ups would certainly be displeased that ZAFT had stolen the other G-Weapons, they would be even more furious that the Federation had the developed technology.

The rest of the remaining ZAFT force which was the assault-type GINN and the one-armed standard GINN along with the submarine began retreating. With things settled, Tyler breathed out a sigh of relief that the battle was over. The Archangel was still sailing and not sunk, so Tyler considered this as a win for the moment. He turned around and witnessed both the skygraspers flying in to land in the Archangel's catapults. Tyler took that as the Archangel had lost none of its defenders which was another good sign. With that in mind, Tyler shut off the phase shift armor and piloted the Shadow to line up with the Archangel's right leg's catapult. He noted the Strike was doing the same on the left slightly ahead of himself.

Tyler landed onboard the ship and came to stand in the area for loading and unloading optional equipment. It took the mechanic that was manning the console a minute to start removing the equipment currently on the Shadow. The Kale backpack was removed and stored in one of the compartments that was used for Striker packs. The railgun rifle was taken and stored in one of the rifle compartments leaving the Shadow without equipment attached. Tyler turned the Shadow to face the airtight shutters that opened to the hangar waiting for them to move aside.

Murdoch and the mechanics in the hangar were working on getting the skygraspers ready to be inspected and then stored. The Strike had come in before the Asuka could launch out which was in a dock about ready to have been sent out. Kira was relieved to see the Strike come back into the hangar as it meant Lacus was alive and okay. Mu and Krystal looked at one another as they exited their aircraft and gave the other a thumbs up to show they were all right. Lacus began to glance around searching for the Shadow as she was firm she'd seen it outside. Kira noticed Lacus was looking around and he was trying to figure out what she was searching for.

Murdoch was barking orders to his boys as they were going around the hangar when he noticed two where at the consoles for the right catapult. He was trying to come up with any reason the two would be where they were as all the mobile weapons were onboard now. There was enough work for all the mechanics to do right now without a few slacking off in the corners of the hangar. Murdoch called out to the two mechanics demanding to know what they were doing where they were. However, the next moment the airtight shutters opened and the Shadow moved into the hangar area. The sight of the mobile suit that had been missing for close to two weeks caused all in the hangar to stop and watch as the Shadow moved to its dock.

Once in the dock and locked in, Tyler had the forward screen retract and the cockpit's hatch open before he climbed out. Many in the hangar were just staring at the teen not quite believe he was here after the battle in orbit. Tyler was scanning the room and saw that the majority of things were as they had been the last time he'd been here. Yet the feeling in the hangar was not the same and it didn't sit nice with Tyler, at least the silence wasn't pleasant. His feet touched down to the docking cage catwalk before he proceeded to the ladder and descended down to the main deck.

After setting foot on the deck, the silence remained and caused Tyler to look around finding that all eyes were on him. Now Tyler wasn't one to like or even enjoy being the center of attention, he wanted quite the opposite. With what his mother did for her profession, Tyler avoided the spotlight and the center stage as much as possible. The rest in the hangar were still processing that Tyler McGregor was standing there in front of them. Many were gaping at the teen as truth be told, most had thought the teen had been lost.

Tyler was wondering if they hadn't understood that he was downright difficult to get rid of and then some. "Why is everyone staring at me like I've come back from the dead," Tyler questioned almost flatly. "I mean, truth be told, I was questioning if I would make it in time for a bit but I managed. So why am I being put in the position that it feels more like I'm a stranger here or something?" Silence was Tyler's reply to his questions, to which he sighed, "I'm alive I assure you, maybe not kicking as I normally do, but can do decently so."

It was Lacus that moved first out of all those in the hangar by her rushing forward and embracing Tyler. She was so glad that he was alive and here after what happened up in orbit, the forced parting had been heart-wrenching. The near two weeks that followed with no news about him had been a form of torture. Tyler smiled in response, "Good to see you too Lacus," Tyler greeted, "More the greeting I was expecting."

Lacus's action acted as a trigger for others in the hangar, Mu and Krystal came forward with many of the mechanics behind them. The crowd quickly surrounded Tyler asking question after question from where he'd been to what had happened to Tyler after being separated from the ship. Mu and Krystal took the next few minutes to get all here under control and to give Tyler some space taking charge and everything. As they were doing that Kira approached his friend trying to find the words to say his feelings to Tyler. Parting with him had not been wanted nor had the way it happened left Kira rather haunted him. There were many words that Kira wanted to say to Tyler, but he couldn't get them out, "Tye," Kira stared, "I'm so-"

Tyler didn't regret his decision to send Kira back to the Archangel rather than going himself, it had been the better option. He knew that Kira would completely disagree with his decision and action, but that's why Tyler hadn't given his friend the chance to refuse. In the end, things had worked out fairly, better than Tyler had feared they might go after being separated from the Archangel. And so, Tyler cut over Kira, "You have nothing to be sorry about Kira," he assured. "You did exactly what I knew you would and that's why I sent you back to the Archangel."

Even if Kira disagreed with Tyler and that he should have been the one to come back if not both of them, he just sighed. Instead, Kira put out a hand to Tyler to say that things were good between them. Tyler looked at the hand before he gained an expression that said he questioned why Kira was only offering that to him a friend. Tyler ignored the hand and hugged Kira instead as he had missed his friend while separated from the Archangel. He wouldn't accept a mere handshake from one of his best friends, it wasn't enough.

Murdoch ordered his mechanics back to work and to move along and stop staring at the scene. Mu and Krystal stayed by Lacus, Kira, and Tyler as the crowd broke apart and moved on to assigned tasks. Kira and Tyler separated before Tyler faced the two mobile armor pilots he had pretty much bailed out of a bad situation. Neither OMNI pilot would deny that Tyler's timing and actions had helped them make it through the battle. "Must say Tyler, you really got me out of a jam out there," Mu remarked.

Tyler wasn't looking for recognition, though he would say the thanks was appreciated as he didn't seem to get that from may on this ship, at least not vocally. As he would say to those that asked, he helped the ship by his own choice for his own reasons, he wasn't helping OMNI directly. He was defending and helping friends period, those on the Archangel were just benefiting from that. So, Tyler waved a hand in dismissal, "It's on the house this time, don't worry yourselves about it," he said. "I'm just glad I got here in time to make a difference, that's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Phase End

A/n

I'll leave off at this point a little behind where I stopped in the previous version, so on to the points of note. Some of you readers may have noticed that I have been expanding some of the dialogs, hope that it is being enjoyed. Now onto the major section, I made changes to, the Shadow's Kale pack and the battle it was used in.

My decision to not use the Aegis rifle as I did originally came when I considered a potential issue that another brought up. The question to me was "wouldn't the Archangel's mechanics recognize the beam rifle?" and I agree with that point. Murdoch and his boys aren't so dumb to miss one of the G-Project's weapons, overworked as they are. Thus, I chose to put in a different weapon in its place for Tyler to work with in the battle. The idea of a railgun rifle came to me and as this phase shows, it was an effective idea to go with. I did make some changes to the LAS cannon's appearance specifically how the barrel connects, made more sense to me. The changes to the battle were my way of making it more interesting even if other say it isn't.

As always, please some of you take the time to write a review, I don't care of the length and tell me what you think, ask questiona or even tell me I don't know what I'm doing. Until next time, peace out all!