Gundam Seed: The Federation ver 2

by Blackshadow999

Different telling of Gundam Seed. With the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators getting worse as time passes, some nations have banded together and formed the organization known as the Human Federation. Will the Federation be able to help bring peace or will the hatred between Naturals and Coordinators destroy everything and bring extinction of humanity? Cover by Saddle Patch

22. Phase 22: Safe Harbor

A/n

Phase 22 is done and here. Originally this phase was longer and part of Phase 13 but decided to split it. Anyway, I don't own anything but my original characters and musings, on with the story!

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Phase 22: Safe Harbor

March 6th, 71 C.E.

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The Archangel

Reuniting with some of his friends had been wonderful Tyler would admit, but he knew that a catchup session would have to wait. As much as he didn't want to do it, Tyler knew the captain and vice-captain would have questions for him. None of the times that Tyler had stood in front of one or both of the women in-charge of the Archangel had been what could be called "nice". But as he had learned, putting off things you didn't like never helped, usually just made the experience worse in the end. So, Tyler hadn't fought Mu when he had said the captain wanted to see him.

Mu was 'escorting' Tyler to see Murrue and Natarle as they had already messaged him that they wanted to talk to the teen. However, Mu could see the subtle signs that Tyler wasn't interested in speaking with the two top commanding officers of the Archangel right now. However, Mu also noted that Tyler didn't fight with the summons but more tolerating the point. He didn't blame the kid, Natarle seemed to butt heads with him most of the time when they were in the same room. And honestly, Tyler didn't do things that were wrong, even if questionably against orders an amount of the time. Granted, the way Tyler did a task were rough and at times appeared shady but the results were commendable.

Once the two reached the captain's quarters, they were told to enter and Tyler found himself in the room he avoided on this ship. Both women gazed at Tyler McGregor as the teen that seemed to always be around issues even when he didn't cause them. The teen's appearance in the battle that had just occurred was extremely helpful to the ship and her crew. There were still questions in regards to what happened to Tyler after being separated from the ship. It had been close to two weeks since the descent down to Earth and there hadn't been as much as a peep from Tyler. And while it wasn't odd to get little from the oldest teen pilot, that didn't mean it comforted those on the Archangel to hear nothing from or about him.

Murrue gestured for Mu to leave as he and Krystal would be in-charge while she and Natarle had their meeting with Tyler. And where the two armor pilots tended to defend Tyler, that wouldn't help in this meeting. Mu sighed knowing he was being told that he wasn't to stay, "Fine, I'll go, just at least give the kid a chance to speak," he said and then left.

Tyler twisted around and stared at the man as he vacated the room, not having expected the guy to say what he did. Granted, Tyler had gained some respect for Mu La Flaga and Krystal McAlester, they had shown they were good people. However, he hadn't figured they would defend him and telling the commanding officers to give him a chance to give his story was in Tyler's view a defense. Now, did that mean the two women would give Tyler that chance, he didn't truthfully know. Past experience gave mixed expectations on whether he would be given a chance to defend or if he would be simply listening to a lecture. Hence, he turned back to face the Archangel's top officers and folded his arms waiting for them to begin this meeting.

Murrue could tell that Tyler was waiting on them to start this, which was pretty typical of him as he didn't give information unless prompted and willing. She had no idea how this would go, Tyler wasn't the most cooperative when expected to be. "So then Tyler," Murrue began, "I suppose the first question is what happened to you when you were separated from the Archangel?" She paused, "It is assumed that you went through reentry but after that we have been making guesses."

The opening that Murrue had started with was what Natarle would have gone with. She had learned that Tyler couldn't be approached with the normal way she would any other member of the crew. But there was other information that Natarle wanted as Tyler had viable data on reentry conditions and how the mobile suit dealt with it. That was data that the developers didn't have and used "estimates" to do the work for the G-Project. "Also," Natarle added, "data on how the Shadow handled atmospheric reentry would be appreciated. Developers were insistent on the G-Weapons being able to do the idea without some sort of an entry capsule."

Tyler held in the scoff that wanted to escape him at the developer comment, those individuals hadn't a clue what they were talking about. Yes, the Shadow and the Aegis had made it through the atmosphere, but it had taken work to make that possible which hadn't been done by said developers. So, he took a deep breath, "Yeah, from what I learned about the G-Project, I'm aware the developers tout their creations can do reentry on their own among other things." Tyler paused then continued, "and to that claim, I say freaking BS! They need to stop smoking or drinking what they were when they did the work and made their claims. Technically OMNI's prototypes like the Shadow have the capability to survive the heat, but that is all I'll give them. I had to make adjustments to the OS and onboard systems to make reentry even feasible and it was still harsh as can be. If a Natural pilot had been in my position, they would have been dead before crashing into the ground, I'll leave it at that."

Tyler's iteration didn't speak well of future development as the G-project was to match and hopefully out do ZAFT with some things. ZAFT had to use entry capsules for getting to Earth, and those were easily detectable where a mobile suit would be harder to pinpoint. Nevertheless, Natarle wanted more an explanation, "And what do you mean by that?"

Tyler shook his head, "Your G-Weapons leave the pilot in the position of having to do manual descent the whole way, no assistance, that clear enough," Tyler replied. "Have whoever you plan to do that sign their death certificate along with their final will and testament before they go. It would save you time as the pilot is going to die even if they are experienced in harsh environments. I had to get creative and route what I could to the phase shift to not faint from overheating and that is before landing. I hope that OMNI isn't getting into sacrificing their pilots for such type of stunts, you'll lose good pilots fast."

Murrue held up a hand to stop the two from getting into an argument as that was the last thing they needed. "Moving on," she said to transition, "after reentry, where did you come down Tyler?"

Tyler leaned back in the chair, "Around the Republic off East Asia if you must know," he answered. "I have been working on recovery for the last week almost two, spending the first two days in the hospital. Since then, I've been taking some R&R waiting to get info about the Archangel as I had no idea where you lot were."

Natarle folded her arms, "And the mobile suit you had? What has been going on with it?"

Tyler gave the woman a look which said to her that she was butting into business that wasn't hers. "As I understand it, the Shadow is mine and so, means you have no say in what I decide to do with it. And that is according to Admiral Halberton, so argue with him if you have an issue with the Shadow being my business now," Tyler stated.

"And the new equipment," Murrue asked.

Tyler sighed, "Again, it really isn't your business, but I had a friend and others do repairs and they had been working on the equipment pack before now. I just got lucky to be able to test the equipment and that it was ready at the time, that's all." Tyler paused and looked the two women in the eye, "And I make it clear, you nor any of Murdoch's mechanics are to inspect any of that said equipment. You do that and I assure you there will be consequences that will be faced by this crew, which would be better I not have to spell out."

Natarle frowned angrily as the mobile suit in question was made with OMNI technology. With that in mind, the Shadow should belong to OMNI if not for the salvage laws. But its technology should still be seen and inspected regardless what this rebellious teen said. "Are you threatening us? The Shadow was made with elements of the G-Project, we have every right to inspect that machine!"

Tyler didn't flinch at Natarle's snapped reply, he was used to the woman's reaction to him. "Threatening, no, just telling you facts nicely as they are and honestly, trying to help by warning you." He shrugged, "The Shadow has equipment in it that isn't OMNI developed, and with that I site the Latinan Protocol as the reason for you not go looking at it."

Natarle gritted her teeth at the mention of the Latinan Protocol that the Federation had between the other factions. She knew of it as OMNI R&D personnel cursed it often and OMNI top brass did as well. Those that didn't openly curse the agreement would state that it had been one of the things that kept tension between the Alliance and the Federation but still didn't like it. The protocol made it illegal for OMNI or ZAFT to use or steal science data of the Federation's for its own military development. And with the estimates of Federation development, OMNI scientist said if shared would have ended the war years ago. That also heavily inferred that the Shadow had Federation technology that they saw no reason to share. Murrue on the other hand, had only heard the name of the protocol and was vaguely aware it had something to do with scientific development. "Why do you bring up the Federation's Latinan Protocol Tyler," she questioned.

Tyler blinked as it was obvious that Natarle knew about the protocol and wasn't fond of it. But then, most of OMNI didn't like the agreement as they wanted scientific development which they were being denied. Yet apparently, Murrue Ramius didn't understand what that protocol actually did. "Do you know what the Latinan Protocol does Miss Ramius," Tyler inquired, to which Murrue just looked confused, "by the expression on her face, Natarle certainly does." Murrue glanced at Natarle and saw she had a displeased look on her face likely due to the mentioned agreement. Yet, Tyler continued, "Then let me make it simple for you, the Latinan Protocol makes it illegal for ZAFT and OMNI to acquire, steal, or use Federation scientific data for military development."

Natarle let out a growl, "And that agreement has caused needless deaths and this war to keep going for years along with the Federation's neutrality."

Murrue was surprised at Natarle's reply to Tyler and the tone she had stated it in. Even with the how things were between her and Tyler, this was a worse reaction than normal. She had also heard some of the argument that Natarle was making but she didn't see the point of it. Tyler however, had heard the basic debate that Natarle was making in some of its various forms, and felt it was narrow minded and foolish. "Do you really believe that Natarle," Tyler posed, "For I have heard a number of counter-arguments to that view."

Natarle glared at Tyler, "The facts and number speak for themselves," she returned, "the lives lost during this war could have been prevented."

Tyler didn't disagree with the last half of Natarle's sentence, lives lost could have been prevented. However, she was missing the point that some within the Alliance had started the war and were keeping it going. So, Tyler nodded, "I'll give you Natarle that you have a point, but it isn't in the way you think you do." He stopped for a moment and thought if he should lay out the facts as they truly were. "Let me tell you in a way you would understand of why the Latinan Protocol exists. The last time OMNI got their hands on Federation data they employed it for military use, the numbers of deaths caused speak for themselves. And the form the said use would be mobile armors."

Murrue was confused, what was Tyler talking about with mobile armors? As far as she knew, OMNI R&D came up with them to defend the Alliance's interests. "What are you talking about Tyler?"

Tyler exhaled, "OMNI may claim they came up with mobile armors themselves, but that isn't true as they are developed from designs of early Federation space fighters, that plain enough for you? And this war shows that OMNI or rather some of them and those they listen to cannot be trusted with science that can be militarized. The proof is that mobile armors have been used to attack colonies and deliver destructive payloads to wipe out populations." Tyler folded his arms, "The leaders of the Federation have no desire to have such happen again."

Natarle was angry at Tyler saying the Earth Alliance was expected to use any science data for military application and to commit genocide. "That's speculation, nothing more!"

Tyler had to admit that Natarle was stubborn at times to a fault. She wasn't willing to see the evidence and see the horrible things done by some of those that were in the Alliance. But then, Tyler had seen the darker side of the Alliance that they hid from the world with the work he did in SOLAS. He ended out sighing heavily, "The Bloody Valentine," he said simply.

Murrue was shaking her head at what Tyler was implying, that the Alliance was somehow involved in that tragedy. "What are you implying Tyler," she asked, "That the Alliance was somehow involved in that?!"

"Ridiculous Murrue, the Bloody Valentine was committed by terrorists period," Natarle stated firmly.

Tyler hummed which drew attention back to him, "Terrorists huh," he questioned, "what is your definition of a terrorist then Natarle?"

Natarle blinked at the question as it made her think, "Members of a rouge group that commit atrocities," she answered.

Tyler shrugged, "Fair enough, but I would add their appearance may not match what you would picture of such individuals. Terrorist can put up a front and tend to be rather good at making their "cause" seem like a just one when it isn't while looking like normal people." Tyler took a breath and decided to change the subject, "Anyway, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Archangel is still in need of repair and resupply, unless you have managed it already."

Murrue was relieved for the change of subject, the previous one had been making the air tense in the room. "You are correct Tyler, the Archangel still needs to resupply and really could use repairs. We tried to go to Delias but were denied entry so have been moving on attempting to figure out where we could get assistance."

Tyler nodded as he knew there were other things were going on in the Federation that outsiders didn't see. And with the Federation, unless specifically asked, there was no reason to tell others about what was going on. "Yeah, makes sense, the Equatorial Union is having some internal issues it is working through currently by what understand. With that in mind, outsiders are discouraged until that is settled, so please don't take offense."

Natarle sighed since there had been no mention of such a thing and it would have been nice to know. "Well it would have been nice if we had been told that as we were just informed that we couldn't dock."

Tyler shrugged, "Apologies, but outside interference has rarely been nice, that's the reason it is avoided. Moving on, I can think of two places that the Archangel could dock and get the supplies and repairs it needs," Tyler iterated.

Murrue perked up at Tyler saying he knew of not one but two potential places that the Archangel could dock was some of the better news she'd heard in a week. The Archangel was managing for the time being, but food and water supplies were starting to be worrisomely low. Natarle and Murrue had been discussing what they could do to ration out supplies until getting to a dock. Unfortunately, neither of them had been able to come up with much of a backup plan as they were already rationing. "What places did you have coming to mind," Murrue asked.

Tyler hadn't forgotten he still had an assignment to do that involved the Archangel. The ship was still carrying mobile suit data and that was not to reach JOSH-A in usable condition. If the Archangel docked at a Federation port, then Tyler could get his task done without arousing suspicion. The best port would be Shira as Tyler would have the best opportunity and equipment to do his job. But he didn't want to make it seem like he was planning something and have Natarle be more suspicious that she already was. "Well, I believe Orb's Onogoro port or the Republic's Shira port would be able to handle the Archangel without much issue," Tyler replied. "You can take your pick between the two depending how much a detour you want to make."

Murrue was glad to know there were ports that could help with repairs and resupply for the Archangel. Such had been rare from the outset and that had been an hinderance in ways words couldn't say well. And as far as Murrue knew, the Federation was reasonable when it came to resupply and repair. Shira was not too far off the path to JOSH-A and the crew could get some time to relax which they hadn't had since the start. Natarle on the other hand, wasn't keen on docking at a Federation port for anything other than quick resupply. The Archangel's mission was still a priority and that was to get the ship and its remaining mobile suit prototype to Alliance HQ. OMNI needed mobile suits as soon as possible to keep in this war and perhaps change the course of it, Natarle believed that. "While your suggestion is appreciated," Natarle began, "we need to get to JOSH-A as soon as possible."

Tyler nodded in response, "I can understand the priority of your mission, but I would ask can the Archangel with current supply and condition make it to said base," Tyler questioned. Natarle bit her tongue at the question as she knew the answer was an unlikely yes and a more likely no. Tyler saw the expression on Natarle's face and that was enough of an answer, "So it is slim to none as things stand."

Murrue sighed, "Indeed Tyler, you are correct," she admitted, "as things are the chances of us reaching our destination are low."

"While that is correct captain," Natarle stated, "if we dock at a Federation port and they do repairs, there is a chance they could see the Strike."

Tyler shook his head, "You still think that your G-Project is secret," he posed. "Then let me remind you how wrong you are, ZAFT knows about it through what they stole. The Federation has become aware of it after digging was done, so it's no secret anymore. However, I'll give you credit for being the dutiful soldier, wish there were more like that in OMNI. Yet, I would also state that you are driving this ship's crew into stress which is followed by duress. Both of which are unhealthy to have for all that long without taking time to relieve them."

Natarle wanted to snap at the teen, but she couldn't exactly deny what he was saying even when she wanted to. The G-Project was as good as public knowledge with ZAFT's theft, but that didn't change the mission. And she had seen the subtle signs of the crew dealing with stress from this journey. However, were she to admit Tyler had a point, it would be an encouragement for the teen to continue talking back. And his smirk that had come to his face was only irritating Natarle as it seemed to dare her to agree with him. "Your view will be considered," Natarle said evenly, "Anything else you care to add?"

Tyler knew he had won against Natarle Badgiruel and she wouldn't admit that in front of him, not that she needed to. Nevertheless, Tyler figured that it wouldn't be the best time to mention the Alliance and OMNI weren't happy with the Archangel. From what he had read, the data the ship carried was the major reason that they're not being targeted by their "allies" as they were with ZAFT. And he doubted they even knew what they carried that OMNI wanted so much. Tyler feared for the crew of the Archangel, they wouldn't get praise for their actions, the opposite Tyler was sure which was sad as they were good people. So Tyler shrugged, "Other than to not be in such a rush that you get the minimum repair done, not that I can think of."

Murrue exhaled, "And you believe the Archangel would be allowed to dock in either place you suggested Tyler," she asked.

It was a question Tyler had seen coming and not for the reason that they were Federation ports, but from past experience the ship had been through. The Archangel hadn't been on the best or easiest journey from its outset, Tyler wouldn't deny that. ZAFT had been chasing them dogmatically and did still, nor was it only Creuset that was 'ignoring' rules and treaties to do said pursuing. Those that were supposed to be allies to the ship hadn't been much better than ZAFT with Artemis being an example. The only help the ship had gotten during its travels was at orbit and being allowed to travel through Federation territory. The Archangel really needed a break and while Tyler knew that they would get that to an extent at a Federation dock, it made his assignment somewhat harder to do. "Yes, I do," Tyler returned, "ZAFT wouldn't attack you while you're there as they would be severely punished were they to attempt that. Also, the crew would have some time to not have to worry they'll be needed to help everyone survive to see another day for a bit."

Murrue would admit that what Tyler said helped a little, but the last dock they had been in had been an allied one and that hadn't ended well. However, the ship was in need of repairs, even if Murdoch and his mechanics were keeping her going. The Archangel needed supplies sooner rather than later as rationing was only going to stretch them so far. The morale of the crew was getting more strained every passing day even if none said anything. Most were pulling multiple duties with the crew compliment being as low as it was and that was taking a toll. So in the end, Murrue said that Shira would be their next destination and Natarle accepted that even if she wasn't happy about it.

The conversation didn't end there, both Murrue and Natarle had other questions for the teen. The talk kept going for around an hour and it had gotten tedious to Tyler, but due to the manners that he'd been drilled with, he didn't say that rather just listening and replying for the most part. Tyler had never been fond of interrogation sessions, and that's what the meeting was after the first part of it.

At the same time, Kira and Lacus had left the hangar after the fight had ended, and Tyler had gone off with Mu. They had headed towards their quarters but had been caught by Sai and Miriallia who had just gotten off a shift. Of course, they both had asked questions about Tyler and where he was to Kira and Lacus. The two said that Tyler had gone off with Mu to likely report to the officers of the ship. It made sense to them with Tyler having been separated from the Archangel for the near two weeks he had been. The majority of the Archangel's crew had assumed Tyler had unlikely made it through reentry. Only a few had been firm and sure that he had made it and was alive, those being the volunteers, Mu, and Krystal. So when the Shadow appeared in the previous battle, that had proven the believers right and the doubters wrong. Yet, none of the volunteers had gotten a chance to see or talk to Tyler after the Shadow had landed on the Archangel.

The four teens headed for the mess hall, planning to get a meal before separating from there. Miriallia fully intended to search out the ship and find Tyler, to see him with her own eyes. She may not like some of his behavior as it annoyed her, but she didn't want him dead, he was still a friend after all. Sai planned to tail Miriallia to make sure she held herself back enough to not bother others on the ship. The four grabbed trays from the kitchen and went to a table the mood still subdued from what it had been weeks ago.

When Tyler was allowed to leave the office, he made his way to the mess hall as he hadn't eaten since the light meal he'd shoveled down early this morning. Yet, as Tyler approached the mess, he heard the sound of voices talking and he quickly identified them to belong to Kira, Lacus, Miriallia, and Sai. Tyler being how he was decided to have a kick and make a more extravagant entrance into the mess hall than he would normally make. His sense of humor was something that got him into trouble at times but it had carried him through hard times too. Kira would understand enough to not take Tyler's action as him acting up or something like that. How the rest would take Tyler's antics, he couldn't say exactly and honestly, he wanted to let off some stress and humor was the best way for him. So, he stood in front of the door, took a deep breath in before he pressed the button to open the door.

Minutes after the four teens in the mess sat down, the door to the mess slid open drawing attention to the doorway. The sight of Tyler coming in with a smile on his face and his hands on hips froze Sai and Miriallia. "I'mmmm Baaaack," Tyler announced with firm confidence.

Kira at seeing his friend coming in and trying to make them laugh, shook his head and snickered in response. Lacus attempted to stifle her giggles but she couldn't help them coming out of her at Tyler's display. On the other hand, Sai and Miriallia were staring at Tyler, Sai with his mouth open in shock. Miriallia was gaping at Tyler trying to process that he was at the door of the mess hall. After the greeting, Tyler waltzed over to the kitchen and grabbed a food tray thanking the cooks for the meal. Then Tyler walked over to the same table that the other four teens were sitting at and took a seat. Tyler glanced over at Kira and Lacus, "Sorry for going off and leaving you two, the captain and vice-captain wanted to talk to me about things. The conversation took longer than I thought it would as they had several questions for me. Anyway, I hope you all don't mind me joining you for dinner, I haven't had anything to eat to since early this morning and that was light," he said.

It was a moment after Tyler had spoken that Sai and Miriallia came out of the gaping stupor. Miriallia rushed around the table so fast that Tyler swore that she had just about teleported somehow. Miriallia was so glad that Tyler was alive, she had been so scared that she'd lost a friend to this dumb war. Tyler found himself being hugged tightly by Miriallia, "Tye, you big idiot, disappearing and worrying us so much," she got out in a somewhat broken voice with tears falling.

To say Miriallia's reaction was unexpected to Tyler didn't quite say his feelings about what the girl was doing in response to his sudden disappearance and absence. Miriallia wasn't one to be mean to him regularly or anything, but she would often chide Tyler about 'shirking work' as she put it. He honestly didn't think she would care this much with him being separated from the Archangel. All Tyler could think to do was to gently pat the brunette's left shoulder, "My apologies for pulling the disappearing act Miriallia. I knew doing atmospheric reentry was a possibility, but never planned to do the idea," Tyler remarked. "I just found myself pushed into that position that I was forced to do."

Sai came to be behind Miriallia patting her other shoulder to help her calm down. He was also glad that Tyler was okay and here now, him disappearing had scared all those from Heliopolis. It may not seem like it to most, but Tyler was a pillar of strength that the volunteers looked to in hard times. Kira had tried to step into that position, but even he hadn't been able to fill that well even with Lacus's help. Sai didn't know if Tyler knew that he was a support to them in the times of need during this unexpected journey, but he certainly was. It still took a few minutes for Miriallia to let go and calm down with the assistance of those there in the mess. Tyler would admit that it was nice to know that his absence had been noticed as sometimes he felt kind of like a third wheel. He had been confident that his friends on the Archangel would be okay in most situations that he could think of. That didn't mean he wasn't worried about them while he had been away as he had, anything could have happened after all.

Dinner was a fairly boisterous event for the five teens even if there was no one else in the mess other than the cooks in the kitchen. Miriallia mentioned to Tyler that Tolle and Kuzzey were on the bridge currently as they had a shift. It made sense to Tyler as the Archangel's crew was still shorthanded and so they couldn't afford to have too many off duty at the same time. The reunion would have been nicer were Tolle and Kuzzey there but it still gave Tyler a warm and fuzzy feeling.

After the meal, Tyler found the quarters he'd been inhabiting before separating from the ship and its crew were unused. In fact, Tyler saw his things were still in the room as he had left them for whatever reason. He wasn't going to complain about the quarters being available for him to work with as he was tied and didn't want to have to hunt down a room. Plus, Tyler was looking forward to a good night sleep for the first time in more than a week. Sakura's sneaking into his bed had been beyond annoying and irritating, more so with him telling her to leave him alone. That didn't mean Tyler didn't think about and feel sorry for Lisa and Athrun who would have to deal with the pink-haired woman.

Tyler began going through his things to make sure all of it was there as he had from Heliopolis. He doubted that anyone had touched any of his stuff but it never hurt to check in Tyler's view. As he was doing that, a knock came at the door which got Tyler to turn curious as to who was coming to see him. Shift change wasn't due for a few hours as far as he knew if things were unchanged which assumed it was. Tyler rose and went to the door and found when he opened it Kira and Lacus were standing on the other side. "Uh, hey you two," Tyler greeted, "to what do I owe the pleasure of the visit?" Tyler did gesture for the two to come into his quarters as he assumed they would be having a catchup session.

Kira and Lacus entered the quarters that were unofficially Tyler's even if the crew never said so out loud. Tyler took a seat on the bed while Kira and Lacus went over to the couch that was in the room. "Well, you have been gone for almost two weeks," Kira started, "I doubt you were doing nothing for that time frame."

Tyler shrugged, "Not a whole lot to tell, reentry sucked and it took time to recover," he answered.

"But you made it," Lacus stated. She had been worried when Tyler hadn't made it back to the Archangel, at least when she had been told about it. The volunteers had told her and Kira about Tyler being separated from the ship and that no one had heard anything. It had been horrible to know nothing about their friend, where he was or if he was okay.

Tyler frowned a bit with the reminder of the experience of the descent to Earth as it hadn't been in anyway pleasant. "Yeah, heck of a ride and I was having non-so-nice thoughts on the way down I assure you," Tyler admitted. "The specs may say the suits can do reentry, but I dare the designers to do the idea themselves before claiming that." Lacus gazed at Tyler pitifully, figuring that his journey had been anything but easy including whatever happened after the descent. Kira said nothing as Tyler kept going, "And that's before taking into account there was more than just me to worry about getting through the atmosphere."

Kira perked up at his friend saying he hadn't descended alone as Tyler had been when Kira had been sent back to the Archangel. "Who did you descend with," he asked.

"A colleague of mine along with Athrun and Sakura," Tyler replied flatly.

Lacus was shocked to hear that her older sister had been forced to do atmospheric reentry in the CGUE she'd been piloting. ZAFT mobile suits weren't designed to do reentry without an entry capsules period. "Is Sakura okay," she asked with tones of worry.

Tyler held back the flinch at the thoughts of Sakura as she had been making things harder since she had started staying at his place. But he didn't want to get into that problem as he didn't want Lacus to think horribly of her sister even if her actions were unwanted. Tyler cared what Lacus thought about him and didn't want to hurt her feelings, even if it meant he had to grin and bear the pain he did. So Tyler took a deep breath, "I would say she is okay and has been taking time to relax a bit."

There was something about what Tyler said that Lacus couldn't place exactly and it wasn't that she didn't believe him. The strained undertone said that how Sakura was relaxing didn't sit the best if at all with Tyler. And while Lacus knew her older sister did rub people the wrong way at times, she wanted to believe Sakura didn't mean to do that. Lacus was going to ask further but Tyler spoke again, "When we landed, the four of us were taken to a hospital as none of us were awake as far as I've heard. I spent close to two days there before getting out for the rest of my recovery."

Kira nodded, "I assume that those with you did much the same?"

Tyler shrugged, "Other doing it a tad longer, pretty much. Sakura had an incident at the hospital which I had to handle, but nothing which needs to be noted. They have been resting up as of late which I would say that we all needed."

Kira sighed, "I can understand needing time to recover," he began, "Lacus and I spent time in the ship's infirmary after the descent. It has been pretty quiet since coming down to Earth other than that one encounter with ZAFT." The conversation kept going as the three spent the next hour catching up on what had happened over the time apart.

After the catch-up session, the two left to Tyler assumed was their quarters wherever those were. Tyler was curious if Kira and Lacus were either next door to one another or sharing a room by this point. It wouldn't surprise him, at least not with Lacus as the girl had made it clear she liked Kira. The sad thing to Tyler was his friend hadn't been seeing the hints that Lacus was giving him or seeming to notice any sign of Lacus's interest in him. Tyler chalked it up to Kira's naivete which he cursed more often than not for the frustration it provided. He just hoped that somehow the relationship the two had could progress, Kira and Lacus just seem to fit one another. Tyler figured it would come down to Lacus being assertive rather than Kira making a move. And he knew that Lacus could be assertive when she wanted to be, not as much as Sakura but still.

And speaking of Lacus's older sister, Tyler once again remembered tonight would be the first night in near two weeks he wouldn't wake up with her in his bed. That relieved Tyler somewhat as waking up with Sakura in his bed had been doing things to him he didn't like. His nerves had been stressed from Sakura along with the little patience he had with the woman. So a night away from her insistent "cuddling" would be good to Tyler. At least, he was looking forward to not finding Sakura arms wrapped around him when he got up as well as finding her in an outfit that was questionable to put it mildly. It would certainly be the best night of sleep he had in weeks, and he was looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, on the Navigation Bridge, Natarle had taken charge as Murrue needed to get some rest after pulling close to a thirteen-hour shift including the fight in the middle of it. Things had been quiet since the encounter with ZAFT forces. The two Federation vessels were still ahead of them guiding the way forward towards the Republic's Shira docking ports. And at the rate the Archangel was traveling, it should reach its destination by early morning. The majority of the crew was winding down other than those on duty keeping the ship going.

Natarle wasn't being taxed by the managing task of the operation of the ship itself, the crew on the bridge were doing that just fine themselves. So that left her to her own thoughts and considering recent events and how to move forward effectively. It didn't take long for Natarle's thoughts to return to the conversation between Murrue, Tyler, and herself. Learning of the young man had come down in territory of the Federation had given a fair conclusion to an unanswered question. Tyler had also mentioned that the two Alliance shuttles with the refugees on board had landed in the Republic as well. Then there was the other part of the talk which was the need and solution to the supply issue and the Archangel's condition.

She was conflicted with where the conversation had ended with the supply and the repair problem. The point of needing to resupply was something that even she couldn't deny without outright lying and admitting Tyler had a point which she wouldn't do. However, that didn't change the Archangel's mission to get to Earth Alliance HQ at JOSH-A in Alaska. The war was becoming worse every passing day and OMNI needed a game-changer soon or they would be defeated by ZAFT. Mobile suits were to be that game-changer for OMNI and Natarle felt it would make the needed difference.

With that in mind, when Tyler had suggested that they stop by Shira, it had caused pause to the captain and for Natarle herself. Natarle had heard about the Republic's capital city from others before now both from others within OMNI and people when she was younger. Shira was one of the "premium vacation destinations" of Earth for many and in the years of the war one of the safer places to go to get away. Natarle had been to the city once when she was a little girl with her father and mother. Although she didn't remember a lot other than it had been time she had spent with her father before he had been killed.

Natarle's reservations had nothing to do with the Federation itself or any of its member nations. And where Natarle disagreed with a number of the policies, treaties, and standings of the Federation personally, that was a separate matter. Their neutrality was a standing issue when it came to the war, but the Federation stuck to it stubbornly. However, it was also due to that standing that people within the Alliance and the PLANTs could go and get away from the war for a time. And records did state that the Federation would resupply vessels from either side as long as they "behaved" while in dock. So, stopping in Shira wasn't what was bothering Natarle exactly as it would help the Archangel in a number of needed ways.

Yet, there were other issues encroaching that were worrying Natarle and that had her on edge about going to a Federation port. Tyler's reasoning had made sense for the crew did need rest and to relax, Natarle could see the signs of that. But as the Archangel's mission was even more critical now than before, to stop in a non-Alliance port could be a disaster with ZAFT chasing them. However, as there were few Alliance ports along the way to JOSH-A, there was little option. And while the likelihood of ZAFT attacking the Archangel when it is in a Federation port, it was still possible. ZAFT knew that if they were to assault the ship while in Shira, they would be blasted and ZAFT would have to explain themselves or risk the Federation bringing them to task.

Records showed that the Federation's military had the power to bring either side to task for making "extremely dumb" decisions. There were a number of examples that stood out, the response to Bloody Valentine being the most notable. The campaign on the Grimaldi Front was yet another show as the Federation's military had effectively ended that in less than twenty-four hours when the campaign had gone on for weeks. It was the reason why ZAFT and OMNI left Federation member nations alone, to avoid having that force turned on them. But even that concern was not the whole reason Natarle had to get to JOSH-A as quickly as possible. It was more what hadn't been said in the conversation that took that responsibility for her.

The way that Tyler had presented his idea of docking at Shira or in Orb was sound in and of itself. But there was something more to it, Natarle just couldn't place what was being left unsaid by the young Coordinator. He knew something which he was choosing not to say, she was almost sure about that. Although Tyler had the admirable military discipline which he showed from time to time and did in the conversation. Yet, what it was that he knew but didn't say, she could only guess and that annoyed her quite a bit. Nonetheless, whatever the subject was clearly troubled Tyler, the sign was brief but it had been there.

In the end, Natarle couldn't stop the sigh that escaped her at the thoughts going through her mind. Arnold who was in the pilot's chair noticed Natarle's action which wasn't really like her normally. Both the captain and Natarle had been stressed lately ever since the descent down to Earth from what Arnold had seen. Things had been stressful before coming down to Earth, but it had increased as they got closer to JOSH-A. "Ma'am, are you doing okay," he asked.

Natarle looked up at Arnold posing his question, "Yes, I'm fine, just thinking upon recent events and wondering why they have happened the way they did," she replied.

Arnold nodded in agreement as things had been busy and stressful with the Eighth Fleet then down to Earth. Yes, the Archangel had only been attacked once while on Earth, but everyone had been on edge. Hours passed with little change overall and not much talking between the crew on the bridge. That changed when the bridge lift door opened which startled a few of those on the bridge as it was so unexpected. The shift change wasn't due for hours and Natarle didn't know any that would be this early to their posts. However, when Natarle turned, she found Tyler stepping onto the bridge from the lift. Tyler put his hands on his hips, "Good," Tyler started before realizing his intended greeting wouldn't exactly apply, "uh well, it isn't exactly morning just yet as sunrise hasn't happened, but you get the idea of the greeting."

Natarle stared at the young Coordinator wondering about what he was up to at this time of night.

She had her issues with Tyler, a number of them in fact which she didn't make public if she didn't have to. No, she hadn't missed that the crew watched the interaction of Tyler and her, nor the mutterings that followed. And now there was a feeling in the back of her mind that Tyler was here for something again since the teen wasn't one to do social calls with the crew. "What are you doing up here so early Tyler," she questioned.

Tyler knew Natarle wouldn't believe he was being nice right off the bat, too much bad experience between them for that. And really, he was here to give them a warning concern current Federation policy with OMNI and ZAFT vessels. Due to some incidents within the last year, security at docks for non-Federation vessels had been tightened. Tyler understood the reasoning, and didn't fault the policy, but it still created an issue for the Archangel. With the ship's experience at the Eurasian Federation's Artemis, Tyler figured that the crew wouldn't appreciate the lock-down procedures. So, Tyler shrugged, "Well, as it happens, I need to be on my way and take back my mobile suit to get the work being done on it finished." Tyler paused for a moment. "However, I wanted to at least say that I'm leaving because apparently, the disappearing I was forced into wasn't taken well when it occurred up in orbit. We'll meet back up later, so no need to worry. Plus, wanted to give a piece of advice before I go to be nice if anything."

Natarle was a tad curious as to what Tyler meant when he said he was giving advice. She wasn't the most pleased that he was going and taking the Shadow with him likely including the equipment it came with. If the Shadow's equipment was developed by Federation scientist, it would be a real look into their level of technology. OMNI had wanted to see and inspect Federation tech for years and had never gotten anything due to treaties and agreements. Just from the battle earlier, she had witnessed a railgun in the form of a rifle which seemed to be as efficient as a beam rifle. Then there had been the potential positron blaster cannon far smaller than the Lohengrin yet close to as powerful. The last weapon was a mystery so not much to say about that one. However, with Tyler leaving that ended any possibility of inspecting the Shadow or looking at its equipment.

And then there was whatever Tyler had as "advice" since she had rarely if ever heard reasonable advice from the teen. The Archangel was approximately between an hour or two from Shira's port, for the teen to leave now was odd. "And what kind of advice do you have," Natarle asked curiously.

Tyler's face became serious, "When you come into dock at Shira, I can guarantee that there will be a group that will inspection the ship before you'll be permitted to disembark," he began.

"Why would that be the case McGregor," Natarle interrupted somewhat irritated. There was no reason for the Archangel to be inspected by the Federation. And it was sounding like Tyler implied that the crew wouldn't be given an option to refuse the said inspection. Granted, the Archangel still lacked a registry code for the Alliance, but that shouldn't mean that it be treated as it had.

Tyler wished that Natarle would let him finish his thought as it would answer her question. It wasn't new, the woman did this when he tried to explain something, she interrupted before he could get a full thought out. "I'll tell you if you would let me finish Natarle," Tyler replied calmly. "As I was saying, there will be an inspection team coming onboard to check over the ship and make sure things are as they should be. Please don't take it or their possible attitudes or actions personally or as an insult. The Archangel doesn't have identity codes and so isn't in the Earth Alliance registry and that does make a small difference. Mostly it's because, it wouldn't be the first time during this war that an unregistered ship from either ZAFT or OMNI have cause serious problems in Federation ports so, this is taken seriously due to previous incidents. That being said, my recommendation is to cooperate with those who come on board. It will best help you and move things along a lot faster if you do Ensign Badgiruel."

Natarle sighed, not exactly liking what Tyler warned of as the Archangel had faced similar at Artemis. Nevertheless, it wouldn't surprise her if such situations as Tyler had implied had happened during the years of the war. Natarle had read a report of two about "attacks" within Federation territory that neither OMNI nor ZAFT took credit for. The concern with such was that it could draw the Federation's military into the war and that could complicate things greatly. Back to the inspection, unlike the experience at Artemis, there was warning beforehand which was different. It didn't make the event any nicer but with the Federation it should be less bias than Artemis had been. "Very well," Natarle returned, "your advice is noted."

Tyler nodded and then left the bridge after that heading to wherever he was leaving the present crew processing what had been said. Pal turned around in his seat, "At least we have some warning about what will come," he commented. "We didn't with what went down at Artemis."

Natarle exhaled, "While that is true, to be told you will be inspected isn't something to look forward to."

Meanwhile, Tyler headed through the corridors making his way to the hangar. However, Tyler did stop by his quarters to grab his things that he had left the last time. There wasn't much but Tyler would rather have the personal items he had at Heliopolis. When he got to the hangar itself, Tyler found the large room empty of people, which at this time of night was understandable. For others that made launching a mobile suit more difficult, but Tyler knew he could get the job done himself. Knowing what needed to be done, Tyler made his way to one of the consoles for launching mobile weapons and got down to the business of setting up a delayed launching sequence for the Shadow. This presented a few challenges, the first being the delay itself without having someone manning the console as was normally needed. Tyler fixed that with a few creative commands to run after a time delay that would allow him to get to the Shadow.

The second issue was the need to equip the backpack he had come with as Tyler wouldn't leave the Kale pack on the ship. There was too much of a chance for OMNI personnel inspecting it and then developing weapons of their own. Tyler had seen OMNI development and the Atlantic Federation's G-Project was his proof of how dangerous it could be. And he wouldn't be the one that gave them that opportunity which would be snatched up with vigor. But like the first problem, Tyler corrected that through some creative commands to attach it to the Shadow. The final part of the program would then initiate the actual launching sequence after all the rest had been done. He managed to take care of all of that in a little over five minutes with the time delay that Tyler estimated he would need.

Tyler scanned over his program and was satisfied with what he had put together and that it would do what he wanted. He started the program before he snatched his bag and ran over to the Shadow's docking cage. Tyler used the zip-line to get to the cockpit, tossed his bag in before entering himself. He quickly settled into the seat and was buckling in when the docking cage jerked and began moving to the right catapult. Tyler flicked the switch to seal the cockpit and the hangar disappeared from his sight. He turned on the OS as the forward screen came into active position. By the time the OS was up fully, Tyler witnessed the Shadow passing the airtight shutters into the main catapult. The cage's catwalks retracted as the Shadow was locked into the catapult docking points. A moment later, the Kale backpack was lowered and attached to the suit with the clunks of the clamps locking it in place. The railgun rifle came out from the left storage compartment which Tyler had the Shadow clip to the hip holster. Tyler faced forward and waited for the linear catapult to open so that he could head out.

Back on the bridge, Pal had been staring at his console watching as the Shadow was sent to the right linear catapult. As far as he knew, there was no one in the hangar at this time as the mechanics were off and likely sleeping. For the Shadow to go the catapult meant that it had somehow been done without mechanics helping. Pal hadn't been aware that such a thing was possible and was impressed Tyler had managed that. "Ma'am, the Shadow has moved to the right catapult and is holding for launch," he reported.

Natarle felt irritation that somehow Tyler had managed to do something that should require others helping with. "Of course, he somehow found a way to move the suit to the catapult," she muttered. "Open and activate the catapult so the Shadow can launch."

Pal did as Natarle had ordered and activated the right linear catapult which opened and the electron rails extended out. Tyler smiled a bit as the catapult opened up as it said that Natarle wasn't going to make things difficult. He was grateful for the gesture as he had other things to do today, and he wanted to get to them. The Shadow launched out and the event was watched by those on the bridge. Natarle noted that as she figured, Tyler was taking the unknown equipment which meant no looking at it. The machine soon afterward vanished from view leaving its direction for travel unknown to those on the Archangel.

After activating both the mirage colloid and the echo trace emitter, Tyler flew the Shadow along the coast heading back towards Teswa. He wanted to return the Shadow to the lab to have the maintenance finished, the sooner the better in his view. Tyler knew that it would take the Archangel close to two hours to reach Shira's docks and he wanted to be there when it docked. It took him close to an hour to reach the 'valley' that the huge shutter in the ceiling of Teswa and he contacted the central control room. the operators opened the shutter and Tyler maneuvered down into Teswa and landed on a launching platform. The platform retracted in and brought the Shadow to the development floor. Tyler exited the Shadow and the machine was moved to a dock for the needed work to be resumed. Tyler saw there were few here, so he just thanked the scientist that was on duty before he exited the laboratory. He did a brisk walk to Teswa's train station and had to wait for the next train to come so he could get back to Shira.

Meanwhile, the ships escorting the Archangel silently kept moving forward to Shira's docks. And when the edge of the city came into view, those on the navigation bridge couldn't help but smile in a bit of relief. ZAFT would not attack the Archangel while it was dock at Shira, so this would be a chance of safe rest. Communication from the lead escort told the Archangel to enter one of the larger dry docks which had been flooded for them. The two escorts moved away as the Archangel approached and entered the dock itself. Once in the dock, the dock closed from the open water and began to draw having the ship on stands.

Murrue who had come onto the bridge around half an hour ago was sighing with relief as the cranes and docking structure began moving into place. The ship was safe from ZAFT while they were here and that was something the Archangel hadn't had that since the journey's outset. However, she blinked and saw scaffolding shift to be over the ship's beam turrets as that was kind of odd. The officers that had come on with Murrue were also watching as things were moving into place wondering what was going on. Those that had heard Tyler's warning kept calm as they assumed this was part of what he had been talking about.

When what looked like a gangway was brought to one of the outside airlocks, Murrue spotted a number of people hustling up the walkway. She and other officers that hadn't heard Tyler's advice began to be apprehensive as the watched what was going on. Natarle noticed this so she spoke up in the attempt to ease the developing tension, "By what Tyler said before leaving, there will be a group coming onboard to inspect things," she stated. "It is apparently due to the fact that we're unregistered, and the Federation has had trouble with such." Murrue was trying to figure out how not being registered had to do with troubles the Federation may have had. She had neither heard nor read any reports about trouble with the Federation recently that would warrant an inspection for OMNI ships.

At the same time, the airlock that the gangway had been extended to was opened and the Federation's inspection team rushed onto the ship. Their job was to secure the ship and lock down its weapon and combat systems. It was the routine now with unknown ships having caused issues in the last two years. Should the crew cooperate, it would be quick and simple for all concerned and the team leader hoped that would be the case. The team broke into two groups, one group headed for the engines while the other made their way towards the navigation bridge.

Back on the bridge, Murrue was going to ask what Natarle was talking about and what Tyler might have said, but never got the opportunity. The lift doors slid open and out of them came seven people who spread out once on the bridge. Six of them were in combat outfits that the Federation tended to use with what looked like assault rifles in hand. The one man that wasn't in the combat uniform wore the less formal uniform of the Federation's military identifying them as the likely leader of the group. The man in the Federation non-combat uniform looked to Murrue, "I assume you're the captain or the current commanding officer of this vessel, correct," he inquired in a serious tone.

Murrue nodded, "Yes, I am," she replied.

The man acknowledged the answer and continued, "Very well then, tell your crew to step back from their stations captain," he commanded curtly.

Murrue was attempting to understand what was going on here as none of this was making any sense to her. There was no reason for an inspection of the Archangel even less allowing access to others. "What in the world for," Murrue demanded. Yet, Natarle interrupted her, "Everyone, step away from your stations for the moment please."

The rest of the bridge crew hesitated for a moment with the differing orders from the two commanding officers but did as Natarle had said. Once they had, the six other soldiers moved forward and began to tap out commands on the consoles. Pal and Jackie observed that the commands that were being put in essentially were locking use of certain systems, specifically combat-oriented. How Federation personnel could know what commands OMNI used to do that none of the non-commissioned crew knew. Murrue on the other hand, gazed back at the man who was likely the leader of these soldiers. She wasn't pleased with what was happening to her or the ship's crew as it was undeserved. However, she took a moment to calm down as acting out wouldn't help. "What is the purpose of this," she asked in a calmer tone.

The group leader knew that as this ship and its crew were guests, there was no obligation to tell them of the standing policy. Yet, from the reports on this ship, they had been through a great deal and the man could sympathizes. So he stared back Murrue, "Your cooperation in this procedure is appreciated," he remarked. "We are locking down the systems of this vessel while it is in dock. It is a precautionary measure that's fairly common now for non-Federation vessels, they will be unlocked when you are ready to depart. Once the lockdown is finished, you may disembark from this ship," He said, slightly inclining his head. "It is asked that you have identification ready to display, it will make processing quicker."

Murrue slumped into her chair as it was clear that nothing she said would change the situation as it was. This wasn't as bad as what happened at Artemis, but it still felt similar in the end. True, there weren't guns being pointed at them beyond the entrance, but still to be ordered around without being told as to why this was happening was unpleasant. She wondered if giving another the benefit of the doubt was something that done anymore or if it was a relic of the past due to the ongoing war. The 'lockdown procedure' continued as the crew's frustration and slight depression built.

Back with Tyler, the train had come by some time later which he boarded and the ride lasted for twenty minutes or so. Once he arrived at Shira's northern station he got off and went straight for his car. Tyler buckled in with the five-point harness before starting the car and began heading for the docks. His driving speed was not slow, he made sure he wasn't caught by any sensors the law enforcement used for the idea. Tyler knew that as it was early morning, there's a lot less of a chance for him being stopped for any reason, so Tyler wasn't worried about local authorities pulling him over. If questioned, then Tyler would neither confirm or deny that his speed could have been a tad above the posted limit.

When Tyler got to the dockyard entrance, he flashed his military ID and he was let inside. As Tyler drove, he spotted the Archangel in a dock but didn't look to have been there lock as dock equipment was shifting into place still. And since it would take some time for the disembarking process to go through, Tyler had an idea. His hobby of drifting was pretty much denied outright most places, but the dockyard was one those happy places Tyler could practice. At least that was true since he had befriended some of the dockyard managers. With that in mind, Tyler pulled up at the dockyard offices and went inside and spoke with the one in-charge.

The chief on duty in the dockyard was a tad surprised to see Tyler McGregor at this hour of the morning. The teen did pop up every once and a while to "practice his hobby" but that was normally during daylight hours. The car drifting that McGregor did was a popular show with most of the dock works and the kid knew that. Tyler agreed to the normal wager of fifty meters or less meant that he would clean up the skid marks himself. If Tyler put down more than fifty meters, then the dock workers would then do the cleanup. The Chief agreed and told Tyler to do what he needed to get prepared. Once Tyler zoomed back to his car, the dockyard chief put out the message for a break and that there would be a drifting show.

Tyler drove his car a distance away from the stretch in front of the larger docks where he did the drifting. His hobby of drifting was something he enjoy thoroughly, even when his mother not just frowned down at, but actively discouraged. But he knew that the dock workers liked watching him and even cheered him on as he drifted and that motivated him. A smile crept to Tyler's face at the prospect of drifting ahead of him. The feeling of excitement and adrenaline pumping as Tyler took a deep breath in before focusing on what he was about to do. A distance down from Tyler most of the dock workers were by the offices chattering excitedly at the show about to happen. McGregor's drifting was never dull and honestly was impressive and so most workers didn't miss the shows. Tyler rolled both the driver side window and the passenger side down as he loved the feeling of the wind in his hair when drifting. He revved his car to signal he was good to go to the dockyard workers, so that they could give him the signal to go.

At the same time, those on the Archangel were preparing to exit the ship as the lockdown was now done. Kira and Lacus had grabbed their things from the quarters they had been assigned and began to make their way towards the ship exit. For Kira, it had been over two years since he had visited the Republic and he hoped it would be as it was. He was also curious where Tyler had gotten off to as he had been gone when everyone woke up. Kira had gone down to the hangar and found the Shadow was also gone meaning his friend had taken it somewhere. He guessed that he and their friends would see Tyler soon enough, they all had catching up to do. Kira and Lacus met up with the other from Heliopolis and they made their way to the airlock which would lead to the dock.

As that happened, Tyler saw a green flag being waved wildly by one of the workers a ways down the open raceway. In response, Tyler put his foot down to the floor and his car shot forward engine roaring as he lurched into motion. As he moved forward gaining speed, Tyler shifted the transmission up through the gears with the lever under the steering wheel with his left hand. His right hand was holding the emergency break, ready to pull it to get the car to begin drifting. Tyler kept building up speed until he reached the start of the open area in front of the main administration build for the docks, then he yanked on the emergency break hard. The tires started squealing as they lost most if not just about all traction as momentum took over the motion of the automotive machine Tyler was in. Tyler wrenched the wheel to get the car turning ninety degrees to being drifting down the open stretch of pavement. He kept a tight grip on the steering wheel with one hand and the other had a hold on the emergency break. Tyler continued to throttle the gas and the break to maintain the drift and gain the distance yet stay in control.

Back with Kira, he was in front of his group as they approached the airlock. There were people on the gangway platform checking IDs of those disembarking from the Archangel. Kira had just handed his civilian ID over to one of those checking them when the sound of screeching tires was heard. It had been some time since Kira had heard the sound and he remembered that Tyler had an "acquired" hobby. Tyler's love of drifting was one you either got used to and didn't hold against him, or cursed him for practicing. Kira slowly turned to look towards where the sound was coming from and witnessed a car sliding sideways along a stretch of the dockyard. And Kira couldn't help the sigh that escaped him at seeing the car drifting, which he had no doubt Tyler was at the wheel.

Lacus noticed Kira's actions and glanced the same way he did and could only stare at the car that was skidding across the pavement. She had seen video records of the idea which was usually referred to as "Drifting". Those videos had made her question why the drivers were consider doing such things. And now seeing the point firsthand, she still didn't understand how anyone would have an interest in doing it. Then there was Kira sighing which made her curious why he would do that, for it was like he was no stranger to seeing this. Lacus couldn't think of any reason that Kira would be familiar with drifting. He wasn't the kind of person to do such activity and she didn't see him knowing anyone that would do it either.

The screeching of the tires continued as Tyler stayed in the controlled skid he had started, sailing sideways across the pavement. Tyler was grinning broadly as he was enjoying himself more than he had in weeks. After the first twenty meters, Tyler couldn't hold the excitement or rushing joy he was experiencing any longer, "WHAAAA WHOOOO!" The shout was long and loud, and said my current feelings better than words could for him.

Kira had gotten through the checkpoint as the car was still drifting, the cry had certainly sounded like Tyler's voice. And while Kira knew Tyler liked drifting, he was glad he wasn't in the car with him this time as he was the last time. Athrun tended to take Tyler's hobby better than Kira did and didn't call their friend out on it. Kira would merely say that Tyler's mother had a point that such a hobby was not the best one to have. Lacus and the others were watching with almost morbid fascination as the car kept drifting.

Tyler continued to sail down the open space in control of the drifting skid as he went, intending to hold this for as long as possible. He glanced over at the crowd of dock workers and saw the majority were cheering as he went. Tyler took that as a compliment to his skills he had in drifting and he laughed to himself at seeing that. the drift lasted for almost sixty seconds, which included the last bit where Tyler had to jerk the wheel hard before entering a turn still drifting. When he came to a stop, Tyler leaned out of the window and glanced back at the results of his 'drifting high'. To say he was proud of how far he'd been able to drift/skid wouldn't be accurate to state. Tyler was elated at seeing the long black tire width lines that were clear against the pavement, more so watching two dock workers beginning to measure the length of the said skids.

Once they finished, they went over to the chief and reported the info in what appeared to Tyler to be in an excited manner. The chief exhaled and chuckled a bit at what the two workers had told him as McGregor had won his wager. The kid rarely disappointed when he did this with his car, and once again he had impressed. And so, the chief came over to McGregor's car, "Must say McGregor, you did an impressive performance as you seem to do," he began.

Tyler snickered, "I'm always glad to oblige," he replied, "So then, what's my distance then?"

The man stared at Tyler, "Eighty-nine meter meaning you won the wager agreed upon," he said calmly.

Tyler beamed with pride at the distance stated as it was a new personal best for his drifting. "Thank you for the opportunity to give such a performance Chief," Tyler returned before moving his car forward towards where the Archangel was docked.

Kira and his friends were moving down the gangway as the fancy car came up and stopped near by the end of the walkway. All but Kira had the jaws dropped when one of the car doors opened and out came none other than Tyler. Lacus couldn't believe that Tyler of all people had been in that car doing the crazy stunt she'd just seen. Tyler on the other hand, merely waved at those from Heliopolis with a smile on his face. Kira sighed knowing his friend had just enjoyed the stunt he pulled, "What was your distance this time Tye," he asked.

Tyler smirked and gave Kira a thumbs up, "Eighty-nine meters, a new personal best," he announced. "And I'm absolutely proud of that performance and look forward to bettering it in the future."

Lacus was trying to figure out what Kira and Tyler were talking about as what they said made little sense. However, Tolle spoke up before she could pose a question, "Tye, where the heck did you get that car," he exclaimed in amazement.

Tyler would admit that he tended to enjoy the reactions that he got when others saw his car. It amused him as not only was he car's make and model rare in present days, but most his age couldn't afford it to begin with. He felt the car had been worth every bit he paid for it as he had so much fun using it in the ways he did. In the end, Tyler chuckled and kept smiling, "This beautiful machine before you is mine Tolle," Tyler answered with a tone of pride. "I own it as hard as it may be to believe along with driving it," he paused as his smile shifted to a smirk, "and doing so is awesome."

Lacus gave Tyler a stern expression, "And from what I just saw, drive it irresponsibly," she stated.

Tyler waved a hand at hearing the normal line he did from adults when it came to his driving style and hobbies. "Yeah, some say that to me, no need to remind me that my hobby of drifting is discouraged. And it's a shame if you ask me, the experience is epic," Tyler replied, then looked to Kira, "Kira knows what it's like, don't you Kira?"

Kira felt a shiver go through him at Tyler's reminder of what he had been roped into more than a year ago. Tyler had talked him into going on a ride with him in his car, and Kira hadn't seen anything wrong with accepting that offer at the time. One thing Kira could honestly say was the experience had been one he wouldn't ever forget. And it wasn't that Kira feared Tyler would crash the car, his driving skills prevented that. However, Tyler drove in such a way that many including Kira held onto some out of instinct to anchor themselves. Hence, Tyler's display of drifting had brought back memories of when Kira had been in the front seat while that happened. So, Kira nodded slowly, "Yes, I certainly haven't forgotten the ride you gave me," he hesitated for a moment then continued, "Although it is nice to see it from a different perspective."

Lacus was looking between Kira and Tyler the gears in her mind turning on the conversation between them. It sounded like Tyler had not only given a ride in his car to Kira but had potentially done drifting while that ride happened. She didn't like the idea of Kira being put in possible danger even though she knew that Tyler wouldn't do that knowingly. So, Lacus strode up to Tyler, "Tyler," she began.

Tyler didn't much like the expression on Lacus's face currently, it kind of reminded him of what he got from his mom when in trouble. Nevertheless, Tyler caught sight of the ship officers coming in the group's direction and used that as an out from trouble. He sidestepped and bowed his head slightly, "Welcome to the Republic's capitol Shira," he started. "I do hope all of," Tyler continued but his voice faded as he spotted the glum looks on faces. He blinked a bit and as nothing changed, he glanced at Kira, "Um, should I ask about the glum air over them or would it better for me to hush?"

All of the teens heard Tyler's question which had them recall the "inspection" made that had caused the officers to be in the mood they were. None of the volunteers thought the Federation personnel had been forceful or aggressive when they had been on the Archangel's bridge. It had been nothing like what had gone down at Artemis and that was a relief. However, it was Sai that came up to Tyler and whispered in his ear, "They didn't much like those who came onboard to lockdown the ship."

Tyler had a feeling that the routine inspection might be taken badly and that's why he had warned Natarle before leaving. It wasn't the Archangel's situation to blame for the treatment, any OMNI and ZAFT vessel would be inspected were it to dock at Shira. Honestly, Tyler didn't see a huge problem with a ship's systems being locked while in dock, it was sensible. However, he knew that not all agreed with the view and apparently the Archangel's officers didn't share it. With that in mind, Tyler sighed in understanding while he nodded, "Look, like I said before, don't take the inspection team's attitude or manners personally. It's one of the prices of peace, ongoing vigilance," Tyler paused then continued, "should you not believe me, I can get any of you copies of the reports about some of the situations that have happened that makes it necessary."

Tyler observed that his explanation wasn't going over very well as the officers' reactions said. He had been attempting to help to get the glum feeling in the air to go away but the intent wasn't conveyed. The reason Tyler had suggested Shira as a place to dock was that the ship would be repaired and resupplied without much issue. The crew and specifically the mechanics would get a break from the work of keeping the ship running. It would be the first time really since the Archangel's outset to get real break from trouble. However, Tyler's attempt didn't help dispel the negative feel either, if anything it made things more awkward.

He figured it would be best for him to not embarrass himself further in attempting to help in the current situation. So, with it being morning, Tyler faced his friends, "So, am I right to assume that none of you have had breakfast yet," he asked. "I know it is kind of early for the idea, but I think it would be something good to do."

The volunteers were quick to agree to Tyler's suggestion as the heavy air was not getting any better as time went on. Sai spotted one of the vehicles the Archangel had come out of the catapults onto the dock and grabbed Kuzzey before heading in that direction. Miriallia and Tolle fell into step behind Sai and Kuzzey heading toward the car. Tyler gestured at Kira to stay where he was and he ran after Sai and his group to give them some instructions. Tyler knew that he wouldn't have the needed supplies needed to make breakfast for his friends on hand at home. He listed out the items that the four could get before heading for Tyler's place which he iterated the address for.

After telling the first group what they should get Tyler jogged back over to where Kira was along with Lacus and Flay. He gestured for the three to come with him as he went for his car and opened the driver's side door. Kira followed and pulled the passenger's door handle letting the door raise then he pulled and pushed the door upward. Kira then had the front seat move forward so the girls could reach the back seat that Tyler's car had. He just hoped that Tyler would do no extreme driving while he had passengers in the car. After Lacus and Flay slid into the back Kira had the front seat go back and then took the seat, buckling up.

Tyler moved into the driver seat and strapped in and Lacus noticed that his restraints were more "heavy-duty" than the rest in the car had. It made her wonder just how often he did drifting and whatever other stunts he may do with the car. She also saw Kira tighten his seatbelt a bit, which got her to do the same for herself and Flay. As Tyler turned on the car, Kira frowned slightly, "Tye, please no extreme driving," he pled.

Tyler twisted to look at Kira with an expression of incredulity, "You have to ask that," Tyler questioned. "I invite those I take out for extreme driving as you put it and you agreed to it beforehand. I wouldn't do that to others without asking them, plus, we have other things to do."

Kira sighed knowing this was one of the reasons that Tyler was seen as the most reckless one out of the trio of him, Kira, and Athrun. And it wasn't that Tyler went headlong into situations without thinking, he didn't do that if he could avoid that. But he did do activities that were discouraged and risky in some ways, just not life-threatening normally. Tyler scanned over the displays for the car and saw everything was good so he drove the car forward.

Tyler drove them to a small grocery store that he knew and liked since it was open pretty much twenty-four hours. Tyler figured that making pancakes would be the easiest as the recipe isn't a terribly hard one and can be cooked in big batches. The four acquired the supplies Tyler would need, like eggs and other perishable items like that. After purchase, the four piled back into the car and Tyler drove his passengers back to his place. On the way back to his house, Tyler spotted the jeep from the docks falling in behind Tyler's car. That meant Sai and those with him had completed their shopping Tyler had given them.

Tyler parked his car and headed inside while Kira and the girls helped the others with their supplies. Tyler found Lisa and Athrun were already up though as he didn't see Sakura Tyler assumed she was still sleeping. At least Tyler hoped that Sakura wouldn't be around while he was entertaining guests as he was. The woman embarrassed him enough out of sight, Tyler had no interest in having his friends see the shenanigans. Instead, he introduced Athrun then went to the kitchen followed by Lisa and the two got down to making pancakes.

As Tyler went off to a different room, Kira and Lacus spotted Athrun there in the house as Tyler had said. After what had happened along the journey here, Kira had hoped to have a talk with Athrun at some point. He wanted Athrun's side of the chain of events before he came to any conclusions. Kira wanted to understand what events had brought things to the point that had Kira and Tyler fighting Athrun in this war. Tyler introducing Athrun was nice and he didn't mention anything that their friend had done to those here. Kira didn't want his friends from Heliopolis to think that Athrun was a bad person for he wasn't. So, Kira didn't add anything to Tyler's introduction other than saying Athrun was a mutual friend of theirs.

Lacus was also pleased to see Athrun for she wanted to chat with him about a few things. She was glad that only she, Kira, and Tyler knew that Athrun was involved with what occurred at Heliopolis though. She didn't believe that Athrun had knowingly gone with what Creuset had done to the colony and those along the Archangel's way. Athrun had too good of a heart to agree with such schemes. Plus, this was the first time she could think of that the three friends had been together that she'd seen. Kira, Athrun, and Tyler would talk about the other two when asked and made it clear they were best friends with one another. The things Kira had said had Lacus wishing she'd made a friendship or two like the three had with each other. Also, Lacus hadn't seen Sakura yet when Tyler had mentioned she was staying at his place.

Athrun was glad to see his other best friend aside from Tyler, the passing months had been stressful to put it mildly. The one opportunity that Athrun had to say anything to Kira had been during one of the fighting with the legged ship. And to see Lacus okay was also nice as she was a sweet girl and Athrun wouldn't deny that. Athrun ended out waving a hand and smiling slightly, "Hey Kira, you're looking well," he greeted, then he turned to face Lacus, "You also Lacus, it's good to see you."

"Indeed," Kira said, "you are looking fair as well, I hear that you had a bit of a rough journey to get here."

Athrun thought about the chain of events that had brought him to Tyler's house in the Republic as they were crazy. From the fight in orbit to the descent through the atmosphere and finally the landing, Athrun was grateful to be alive. His time in the hospital had been fine then he had ended out here at Tyler's place. And truthfully, it was at Tyler's house that Athrun had seen the craziest things that he thought he'd never witness. The way Commander Clyne had acted around Tyler had been unreal as well as mind-boggling. Athrun wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it himself. He'd had to apologize to Tyler for not believing him when he had talked about Sakura previously. "Something like that yeah," Athrun replied.

Tyler and Lisa were working on the pancakes while the talking in the other room was going on. He was happy his friends were talking to each other, they really needed to talk about recent events. If he wasn't the host, he would have joined the conversation but manners wouldn't allow that. It was one of the things Tyler could applaud his mother for, the manners she taught him had served him well even when he didn't like them. And with Lisa helping him, it didn't take a great deal of time for them to have the first two batches of pancakes ready to eat.

The pancakes were brought to the table before Tyler and Lisa went back to the kitchen to make more. The food was plated and bites were taken, and everyone at the table minus Athrun looked at the plate then at each other. "Holy molly, this tastes amazing," Tolle exclaimed before he began eating with vigor. Miriallia would have called Tolle out on his lack of manners, but as she took a bite of pancake, she found he was absolutely right. The breakfast that Tyler and the other lady cooked was amazing and she didn't think Tyler knew how to cook much if at all. However, if this was an example of his skills in the kitchen, Miriallia wouldn't mind him making meals sometimes. Lacus was impressed at Tyler's cooking ability as he hadn't seemed the type to have that skillset.

Kira had known that Tyler had picked up cooking more out of necessity as his mother was busy as had been his father most of the time. His friend didn't like to depend on others for basic needs like working staff around where he grew up. Tyler had mentioned that his younger sister's encouragement had helped him learn cooking too. Although, it was the first time in a while that Kira had gotten to have a meal with all of his friends from Heliopolis at the same time. The shift schedule for the Archangel had always had one or more of them on duty while others were off.

It was after the first two serving or fifteen minutes or so when the front door opened before Mu and Krystal can inside. They were checking on the teens as they had vanished during the disembarking period. But then, the inspection by Federation personnel hadn't been liked much by what either armor pilot had heard. The group that had come into the Archangel's hangar had been okay, they had just stated they were here to make sure the engines were safe and the mobile weapons properly secured. But from what Krystal had gotten from Sophia, the bridge group hadn't had it so easy as those in the hangar.

Once they had been outside, Mu had spotted the teen, Tyler among them seeming to be chatting. He thought he heard Tyler say something along the lines of a greeting but he couldn't be sure. He and Krystal had been trying to help with the glum air there was with much of the crew. By the time either he or Krystal had glanced around again, the teens had vanished as he the car Tyler had been around. With the older model car gone, Mu and Krystal had figured that Tyler had guided them somewhere else. They hadn't had the time to look for them at first as the crew was told where their accommodations would be for their stay. Yet it had been while Mu had been driving toward the places that Krystal spotted the same car from the dockyard. The vehicle was parked in front of a house along with one of the jeeps from the Archangel.

Mu and Krystal figured that with those vehicles there, the house was likely where Tyler had taken the teenage crew members. The houses down the road was where the Archangel's crew would be put up during their stay which worked out. And so, Mu pulled the car he was driving up to be next to the jeep so that he and Krystal could check up on them. The two were a tad surprised to see the teens around a table eating pancakes and doing so with some gusto. Nevertheless, it was Krystal that noticed there was another teen at the table that wasn't a part of the Archangel's crew. The young man appeared to be about the same height as Kira and had neck length blue hair with green-colored eyes. And by the way Kira was chatting with them, the young Coordinator knew him. Mu looked at the blue-haired teen and started to wonder who they were, but then the smell of the pancakes came to him. The aroma was hard to miss or ignore, it was that good to Mu and it had been a while since he had a cooked meal that wasn't done by the ship cooks.

The next thing any in the room knew, Tyler came out of another room with two plate filled with more pancakes. Tyler saw both Mu and Krystal and felt it was fine if they had some food, the two had proven to be good people. "Yo Mu, Krystal," Tyler greeted, "Didn't expect you for breakfast, but go ahead and get some if you like. There is enough to go around and I don't need leftovers nor do I want to throw out stuff."

Krystal was going to say that was a nice offer from Tyler, but she and Mu would go elsewhere for a meal, yet never got the chance. After hearing the offer, Mu snagged a plate and a fork and started putting pancakes on the said plate. "Don't mind if I do since you offered," Mu replied as he piled food on his plate. Krystal didn't know whether she should smack her friend for the display or just laugh at it. She wouldn't deny the food smelled really good, but that shouldn't mean foregoing manners. So, in the end, Krystal smacked Mu upside the head to make sure he understood that he was behaving poorly. Yet after that, she grabbed a plate herself and piled food on it like Mu had as she hadn't eaten either. Both armor pilots after their first bite, began shoveling the food in much like the others at the table.

Tyler observed the scene and had found Mu's actions and reply to his offer of breakfast funny. Krystal following up with a smack to the man's head was definitely amusing in Tyler's view though he kept quiet. Tyler had headed back to the kitchen a smile on his face as the laughter from the other room came to his ears. Lisa noticed the smile and was happy to see Tyler in a better mood than she'd seen him in weeks. "Quite the scene in there huh," Lisa questioned.

Tyler nodded, "It certainly is, don't think I've seen something that funny in a while," he returned. "And with things as they are, we just might be able to finish our task and get some time off for a bit."

Breakfast went on for around thirty minutes before those there had their fill of food. Mu mentioned that arrangements had been made for the crew while the Archangel was undergoing repairs. Everyone thanked Tyler for the meal and said their farewells before they headed out to the houses they would be in. That left Tyler, Athrun, and Lisa to clean up the dishes and leftover food which there wasn't much of. By what Tyler had overheard, the places the Archangel's crew would be stay were just down the road from his place. Tyler was happy he could provide a meal to his friends, it had felt kind of like an apology for vanishing on them.

As the cleanup was being finished, Tyler's thoughts went back to the fact that he had yet to see Sakura this morning. Lacus's older sister hadn't left Tyler alone a great deal while he'd been around the same place as her. Tyler didn't see that behavior changing any time in the near future with Sakura being the way she was. So, her not popping up was worrisome in his mind as he preferred to know where she was when he could. Sakura had proven to be terrible good at trapping Tyler and getting around defenses he would set up. And while now there was less people around to see his embarrassing moments due to Sakura, that didn't mean he wanted the to happen.

At the same time, Sakura had been woken up by noise from another part of the house. She had found Tyler missing from her embrace which had put her in a somewhat dreary mood and caused frustration to build within her. Tyler slipping away was one thing, but for him to disappear was much less nice as it was harder to change. So with things as they were, Sakura wasn't interested in seeing what was causing the noise elsewhere in the house. Instead, she drug herself out of bed and took a shower attempting to figure out a plan to find her beloved. When Sakura exited the shower and got dressed, the noise had died down somewhat. With that being the case, Sakura made her way down the hall to see what was going on. Her sour mood instantly reversed when she caught sight of her beloved in the dining area.

Tyler looked to be deep in thought about something, but Sakura didn't much care about that. Her beloved was before her and she would now get what had been denied her last night and this morning. Sakura didn't hesitated in moving forward and wrapping her arms around Tyler's middle and hugging him to her. Sakura's heart soared as she held Tyler to her front, all the negative feelings she'd had before vanishing. And she had no intention of letting him get away before she had her fill of this feeling.

Tyler on the other hand, had been wrenched from his thoughts when the pair of arms wrapped around his torso. He had been contemplating so deeply that he hadn't noticed anyone enter the room but the embrace he was in was all too familiar. Tyler got over his surprise quickly and struggled hard against the hold he was in and just managed to free himself. The moment he was free, Tyler headed for the opposite wall to get away from the trapper. Tyler faced Sakura who was on the other side of the room decently dressed this time, which he was thankful for. The times that Sakura snuck into his bed the woman was never dressed decently which caused other issues. And as Tyler gazed at Sakura's face, he became extremely worried as he could clearly see a predatory expression directed at himself. "Sakura, I'm not in the mood for this," Tyler started, "It's too damn early for this crap."

Sakura ignored Tyler's statement, she wanted cuddle time with him and she would have that whether he gave into from the start or later on. "Tyler, you didn't return last night and said nothing about it," Sakura stated pausing for a moment before she gained a wide smile. "Now I'll have my fill of hugging and cuddling you, so just accept that and come here by darling!"

Tyler had flinched at the smile as it sent a serious shiver down his spine and her reply only made him more concerned. As Sakura finished her statement, she lunged at Tyler, to which he dodged out of the way as quickly as possible. He managed to escape capture and have Sakura fly past him, though Tyler's heart rate had shot up as this pursuit started. Sakura rolled on the floor back to her feet and slid to a stop with her facing he beloved. Tyler could see with the look on her face and her stance, this wasn't going to end unless he put for a lot of effort. His house didn't provide a great deal of outs he could use to get away from Sakura, so Tyler decided it would be best to get outside. With that in mind, Tyler bolted for the front door without further hesitation hoping he could reach it with enough time to get it open and leave.

Sakura wasn't about to let her beloved Tyler escape her, so she dashed after him seeing he was going for the front door. As cute as it was when Tyler played hard to get, she wanted cuddle time with him and she wasn't willing to wait. The moment that Tyler reached the door he ripped it open and rushed to the other side before he slammed the door shut and put all his weight against it. Sakura didn't stop, she slammed into the door in the attempt to force it open and catch her beloved on the other side. However, Tyler gripped the doorhandle in a death grip and managed to keep the door shut and Sakura on the other side away from him. There were two more bangs to the door and it shuttered but didn't give way.

Tyler was breathing hard frantically thinking of what to do to prevent Sakura from catching him. If she got to him, he wouldn't get away for a while, he was certain of that and that thought scared him. Cuddling with Sakura Clyne was not a pleasant experience for Tyler even when it was a joyful one for her. On a base level, it was interesting and kind of heart warming to be in a woman's embrace. Yet, with Sakura having stalked him for as long as she had, the whole activity was the opposite to Tyler.

Meanwhile, Kira and Lacus had followed the rest to see where they would be staying while the Archangel was repaired and resupplied. Lacus was still wondering where Sakura could have gone as Tyler had stated she had descended down with him. Granted, Sakura wasn't the best people person, but that didn't mean she avoided them either. After seeing where they would be staying Lacus asked Kira if he would go with her to see Tyler and ask him if he knew where Sakura was. Kira agreed to go with Lacus as he wanted more time to talk to Athrun anyway and that was in the same direction. The two headed back to Tyler's place only to find him at his front door appearing to be leaning against it breathing hard for some reason. "Tye," Kira called, "What are you doing out here, and are you okay?"

Tyler swung his head over to the source of the noise and saw Kira and Lacus strolling over towards him, both looked worried. He really didn't want to involve them in his current plight with Sakura, he didn't want the possibly hurt. And with the state Sakura was in, Tyler feared that any who got in her way would be hurt as she forced them aside. True, there was the chance that Lacus might be able to either distract or even save Tyler from her older sister. However, Tyler didn't want to risk Lacus getting hurt by mistake, so he would deal with this himself. With that in mind, Tyler forced a smile, "Oh, I'm fine you two, no need to concern yourselves about me, just needed some fresh air, that's all. You'll have to forgive me, but I'm in the middle of something, so could you come back later?"

Sakura had been listening and waiting for the opportunity for Tyler to relax the slightest bit. Once he did that, she would make her move and would have her beloved in her embrace again. After a minute or two, she heard voices outside, and Tyler's voice drew away from the other side of the door. Sakura quietly tried the door and smirked as it opened, she had won and she wouldn't waste that chance. She opened the door the rest of the way to see Tyler feet away but still within her reach.

As Tyler had been waving his friends off to save them from getting involved, he heard a creak from his right. That instantly told Tyler he had just sacrificed holding Sakura at bay in order to not have Kira and Lacus involved. Moving away from the front door thus not holding it shut had given Sakura all the opportunity she needed. Tyler felt hands grabbing him and jerk him back to the inside of his house. However, he had enough time to let out something between a yelp and a screech before the front door slammed shut and Tyler found himself trapped.

Kira and Lacus had been walking ways after Tyler had asked them to come back later. Kira had been a tad curious as to what Tyler could be doing but it wasn't his business. Lacus could ask about Sakura later and Tyler could inform them where she was. However, they hadn't gotten more than ten meters when there was a cry from behind them. Both Kira and Lacus turned to see Tyler was gone but his front door slam shut. Kira was off first with Lacus right behind him to go and see what had happened.

Back with Tyler, he was made perfectly aware that Sakura had him in her clutches and they was little to nothing he could do about it. And it wasn't just her arms that Sakura held Tyler with, she had also snaked her legs around him to make sure he wouldn't get away. Sakura was happy to have her beloved Tyler back in her embrace, it felt so good to have him there. She would not let him go for some time and she planned to enjoy every moment of their time together. Sakura began to rub her cheek against Tyler's as another show of affection for him. And though Tyler struggled a bit, Sakura only giggled and held him tighter.

Tyler ended his struggling as it was doing nothing to help his situation, and he was thinking frantically for a means out of this. His efforts weren't doing anything so he needed outside help and soon before Sakura got frisky. That had happened the first night and Tyler didn't want to know where that could have gone if Lisa and Athrun hadn't come to save him. The issue with those two coming to his aid, Sakura had learned how to resist them better than at the start. However, Tyler's worry shot up when Sakura ceased caressing her cheek against his and forced Tyler's face to be in front of hers. He knew what came next, Sakura had shown she liked to kiss him when she could get away with it.

Sakura pressed her lips to her beloved's humming happily as she did so as it felt so right to her. Kissing Tyler had become a joy for her whenever she could manage to do so. His reactions said he didn't dislike it completely and she took that as encouragement. Perhaps if she showed him enough gestures of affection, he would see that he belonged to her and she to him. She would get Tyler to see that they would have a future together, she would do anything to make sure of that.

At the same time, Kira opened the door and rushed inside with Lacus right behind him. Kira scanned around to try and find Tyler, but stopped upon the scene he witnessed. Lacus also paused at what she was seeing as it was so odd and unexpected that she wondered if she was seeing things. In the living room, Tyler was being held by none other than Sakura and she was in the process of kissing him. Kira's jaw dropped and he rubbed his eyes reflexively not quite believing what he was seeing. Lacus's older sister was not only acting like a normal person, but she was going beyond flirting with one of his best friends.

Lacus had some mixed feelings about what she was seeing, and she had blinked to make sure what was in front of her was real. Yes, she had heard Tyler talk about Sakura and how he "didn't prefer" the way she was around him. However, that was fairly normal with Sakura except that Tyler hadn't said that in a scared way like others did. The exchange between Tyler and Sakura in orbit had been different and that hadn't left Lacus's mind often. But the display before he now was mind-boggling since Lacus had never seen Sakura like this. It was clear she more than liked Tyler, she was more than flirting after all with kissing him. Yet, Lacus didn't exactly know what to think about the idea that Tyler and Sakura could possibly be a couple at some time in the near future.

As Sakura kept the lip-lock up, Tyler did see something else that had pink to it at the corner of his vision. He prayed it was Lacus as she could get her older sister off him potentially as he was out of ideas. Tyler doubted that Sakura would hurt Lacus, she "adored" her baby sister after all, more than she should really. So, when Sakura pulled back from the kiss, Tyler took the chance to do what he could. "Sakura, guess what, your little sister Lacus is behind you," he said in an even voice, though Tyler didn't feel that way at all.

Sakura stared at Tyler for a moment since he could be just saying that to make an escape attempt. She didn't intend to be separated from Tyler yet as she hadn't cuddled with him long enough to satisfy her. Nonetheless, Tyler's face didn't show any signs of him lying about what he was saying. And it had been months since she'd seen her baby sister face to face and Sakura missed that. So, Sakura twisted around while keeping Tyler in her grip to see if he was being truthful. Standing a short distance away was indeed Lacus, staring at Sakura herself with Tyler. "Ah Lacus," Sakura greeted, "it's nice to see you."

Tyler felt Sakura let go of him and he was grateful for the mercy it was to him. He assumed that Sakura was going to Lacus and he intended to thank her for being an unsuspecting decoy for him. Tyler slumped flat to the floor breathing in long deep breaths to help calm himself from having to experience Sakura's affections. And it wasn't like Tyler hadn't been forced to take Sakura's affections before now, he just usually got a break to recover with. Any time Sakura was around him it took a serious toll of him and it was not helping in anyway with any types of health recently.

Athrun was looking on with pity for Tyler as he had been going through hell and only in the past two weeks had Athrun understood what the involved. He no longer doubted the stories that Tyler had told him and Kira, even if they were outlandish. Commander Clyne was a totally different person around Tyler and it was shocking how much. Athrun knew that if he were to tell any of his comrades or even superior officers about what he saw, not a single one would believe him. And knowing that made Athrun not just understand some of the suffering that Tyler had been enduring, but also knowing few if any could help you with it. Athrun glanced over at Kira and shook his head as his friend had an almost identical expression as Athrun had when seeing this the first time.

Athrun moved forward to help Tyler in what ways he could and Kira did the same after coming out of his shock. The way Sakura had acted was so unlike her that Kira couldn't believe what he had seen. Oh, he remembered what Tyler would say about Sakura, that she would be "completely different" around him. But the things that Tyler had said just didn't sound like things Sakura would do in public or private. Yet now, Kira had to admit Tyler had likely been telling the truth if what he'd seen was anything to go by.

In the end, Tyler was looking at the ceiling until two faces appear in his vision, one being Athrun's and the other being Kira's. Kira had an expression that said he was trying to understand what he had seen. Tyler felt the urge to say "I told you so" but he ignored it as it would do much in this situation. Meanwhile, Athrun was giving Tyler an expression of pity as they both now knew this was a development that had been going for more than a week. Tyler smiled weakly, "It's been a long while since I've seen you both together like this," he admitted. "It doesn't make what I just went through entirely worth getting that nice as it is for the three of us to be in the same room. Now, you mind helping me up and to one of the pieces of furniture please, I can't do that on my own at the moment." Both Kira and Athrun grabbed an arm and pulled Tyler upward and helped him to the couch which was the nearest piece of furniture.

While that was going on, Lacus was hugging Sakura as she had missed her older sister. Sakura was gone a majority of the time with her military service, but Lacus saw her first and foremost her big sister she looked up to. And it wasn't her skills on the battlefield or her command abilities that Lacus admired, it was that Sakura had always been there when she needed her. Sakura had been kind of like a mother figure as their mother had died while Lacus was too young to remember. And with recent events over the last few months, Lacus had a look into Sakura's world that she'd never thought she'd get. The war was a horrible thing, and now Lacus knew that from being on battlefields.

As the girls were busy catching up, Tyler figured it would be best for the rest to stay out of it and not bother them. Plus, he didn't want Sakura's attention to be on him any time soon and Lacus was helping with that. So, Tyler turned back to his friends since he felt there was a lot of catching up to do. "So, then you two," Tyler started breaking the ice. "It's been some years since the three of us have been around each other, let alone in the same room. And as we didn't reunite under the best of circumstances recently, I don't doubt we have a story to tell that would help us know how we all got here."

The last time the three had seen each other had been just before we parted from the prep school at Copernicus City. That had been a short period after the current war had officially started years ago. True, Tyler had been seeing Kira most days while around Heliopolis, but they didn't get a lot of time with each other. Being swamped with work from Professor Kato had left little free time to work with, while Tyler had also been busy with his mission. However, Athrun hadn't been there and his presence had been missed by both Kira and Tyler. And Athrun had missed his two best friends as they had been doing other things than he had. Yet, all of them had been drawn into the war and had even been forced into the fighting.

Athrun was the first to start his part of the story that had come to this point which started five years ago or so. Athrun talked about how once he returned to the PLANTs, his father Patrick Zala had been grieving over the death of his wife. Athrun had also missed this mother and wished that Bloody Valentine hadn't happened. The loss of his mother had broken things in his father even if Athrun didn't want to admit that. His mother had been doing some sort of work around Junius Seven, she'd said that it would benefit all humanity. Athrun wondered if the work had something to do with Tyler's father but he couldn't say. The reason Athrun wondered was it had been his mother then convinced his father to listen to Tyler's father about his work.

He did mention learning about the arrangement his father and Chairman Clyne made between himself and Lacus. Athrun himself had nothing personally against the engagement though he felt it was a little early to be thinking about marriage. Plus, Commander Clyne hadn't taken the announcement well at all when it had been officially stated. The marriage was more one to help Coordinators with the standing issue of reproduction seen in the second-generation onward. Athrun had done what he could to be nice and gracious, the first present to Lacus had been a green Haro robot. He'd always had a talent for robotics and had practiced the skill of building robots during prep school days. Actually, Lacus had liked Haro so much, Athrun had ended out built her a number of them in response to her happiness with the first one.

When Athrun turned fifteen, he enrolled in the ZAFT military, partially due to the insistence of his father. However, Athrun also wanted to prevent another Bloody Valentine Tragedy from occurring and making things far worse than they already were. He knew he wasn't the only one that had lost loved ones and couldn't forget the event that had taken them. Athrun continued by going into a summary of his first tour of duty with one Commander Hersey. His first tour had been fine, nothing much on the front lines, more reckon and inspection which Athrun wasn't against, but it had been there he had met Rusty and befriended him. The friendship had helped Athrun through his first tour and beyond when a year later, Athrun was assigned to Rau Le Creuset along with his fellow pilots.

Kira then talked about his time before Heliopolis, how he returned to Earth, specifically back to the Orb Union where his adopted parents were living at the time. His life had been less eventful as Athrun's had been before paths crossed again. Kira and his family moved around a bit before they ended out at Heliopolis where he enrolled at the technical college. Lacus had somehow kept up on where Kira had been living through most of the five years, for she visited him from time to time. At Heliopolis, he had met those who were now friends to Kira and I, not all at the same time, but still. Interestingly, when Kira had met Sai, according to him Sai had been kind of intimidated by Kira while Kira had not understood why Sai had been so reserved.

Athrun continued with his time with Creuset, the memories of getting to know Nicol came to his mind. Nicol had been a kindred spirit and saw the war much in the same way Athrun himself did, holding little meaning in it overall. Nicol and Rusty were like Athrun voices of reason and caution when others wanted to charge ahead. Yet, then Athrun came to the mission into Heliopolis which he along with Rusty and Nicol disagreed with. They'd had doubts about what information Commander Le Creuset had gotten, though the picture did make them wonder. However, after seeing the prototypes close up, it was hard to deny that OMNI was doing dangerous development. Nevertheless, with the facts Tyler told Athrun more than a week ago, he wondered where Creuset got his info from. The Federation clearly knew of OMNI's activities and was dealing with them before ZAFT came into the picture. Yet, the commander had been very insistent that they move when they did, almost like he might know something.

And when the colony came under attack the reaction of the citizens was hard to miss, and it had stabbed Athrun's heart. Getting OMNI's mobile suits had also cost lives on both sides which didn't sit well with Athrun. Then had come the part that hurt Athrun greatly, Rusty's death during the mobile suit theft. Rusty had sacrificed himself to give Athrun cover to get to the Aegis, which had cut deep. And though at the time, all in that mission knew death was possible, it wasn't something any wanted. Then Athrun hadn't gotten the chance to even retrieve Rusty's body due to the situation at the time.

Heliopolis had ended badly but that hadn't been the finish of the mission which only seemed to get worse the longer it went on. The council meeting had been unhelpful and had Athrun doubt the direction the war was going. However, meeting with Tyler had been a good event during hard times. Yet, that didn't last as the next battle with the Archangel had been a lesson unlike any that Athrun had received. The way Kira, Tyler and the other pilot had trounced Athrun and his comrades was frightening. And Tyler hadn't gone into a great amount of detail about what happened on their end of that fight. If that hadn't been enough, then the reprimand from Commander Clyne had certainly hammered things home.

Kira then talked about how he had been forced to defend the Archangel in order to defend his friends onboard. And both Tyler and Athrun knew with Kira's kind and gentle heart he had, killing another wasn't naturally in him. Kira confirmed that by saying fighting was not easy and he aimed for places other than the cockpit of his opponent out of habit. To make things harder for Kira, when the Archangel reached Artemis, things had gone from bad to worse. By what Kira said to Athrun and Tyler, the leader of the base had done and said many things to the crew and some specifically. Kira finished by summarizing the journey to Earth to where the battle in Orbit between OMNI and ZAFT took place.

The battle in Orbit against OMNI's Eighth Fleet had been hard before the Archangel's mobile suits became involved. Athrun had agreed with the tactics that Commander Clyne as in the end her plan had defeated OMNI's Eighth Fleet overall. But then the Shadow had come into play along with the Federation and that had changed things. Tyler told of his part and efforts in the battle which caught the attention of Kira and Athrun for different reasons. Kira was kind of impressed that Tyler had been sending ZAFT packing as he had and had made it look doable. Athrun had been worried at first, but that had shifted to fear with what the Shadow had done out on the field. After the battle above Earth, Athrun along with Sakura, Lisa, and Tyler had descended down to the Republic. Kira on the other hand had gone down with the Archangel and its crew.

When the catchup got the present, both Kira and Athrun looked towards Tyler as he had said nothing as to what he'd been doing to that point. The issue as Tyler saw it was there were things he could talk about and others he couldn't with what events he'd lived through. It came from a number of the missions he'd been assigned over the two years of Tyler's service. Specifically, it was the work he did during his time in SOLAS which were classified for several reasons. That had been a difficulty for Tyler, the work he did for the Federation's military was not the stuff one talked about, but still necessary. And while Tyler had been fine with doing things that he knew would rarely if ever be known to the public, it still hurt to not be able to tell his friends.

Tyler started his tale with him heading back to the Republic after the lunar prep academy the three had gone to. He gave sparse details of the year it took to cope with his dad and sister dying in the Bloody Valentine. And Tyler had come to the conclusion that idle time wouldn't be helpful, so he had enlisted in the Federation's Military. His first year as a soldier had been a hectic one in Tyler's mind and he didn't remember it fondly. The months of basic training was one of the harshest experiences that Tyler had been through. That was so for a few reasons one of which was he hadn't liked the officer he'd been under. The officer Tyler believed had something against him and went out of their way to make his life hell. Then Tyler had been the youngest in the group he had done training with, so had been singled out to be pushed harder.

Once Tyler had gotten out of basic training, he had worked hard and said work had not gone unnoticed. Tyler had gone up in rank due to his efforts and talents, which those he worked with would credit him when asked by officers. Also, Tyler mentioned to his friends he showed some unusual talents with sabotage, espionage, and getting info. That was before Tyler had gotten into a space fighter and displayed what he could do. After a few mock battles and challenges, both the Federation's Mobile Weapon Core branch and the Intelligence Agency branch wanted Tyler to work for them. However, it was SOLAS that claimed Tyler and had him do the training for their missions. After that, within the first year in SOLAS Tyler had worked all over the Earth Sphere in enemy territory. Tyler knew that the Alliance and its OMNI hadn't liked what he'd done to them both through sabotage and espionage.

To learn that Tyler was a member of the Federation's SOLAS, their best of the best was a surprise for both Kira and Athrun. Granted, they both knew that Tyler had a number of talents he could use for what he had in mind. But for their friend to tell them he had been working on missions within "enemy territory" for a portion of his first year of service was mind-blowing. Athrun understood that Tyler probably couldn't say a great deal if anything about what his missions had been for. Being in the military himself, Athrun knew some missions/tasks were classified from public and general knowledge for good reason. Some things that were necessary were better done off the books and out of the public eye to keep what stability there was. Kira on the other hand had a hard time coming to terms with his friend was a notable soldier in the Federation's military.

Tyler then shifted to his assignment at Heliopolis and the real reason he had come to be there. He told the two of the information that the Federation's Intelligence Agency had acquired about OMNI doing military development in "neutral" territory. Athrun knew that ZAFT had suggested that something like that had been going on, but nothing as to where the information was obtained. Tyler did assure Kira that he was glad to have met Kira again and truly enjoyed the time he had with him and their friends. Tyler wished that he could tell Kira about the current task he was working on that involved the Archangel. Yet, as the mission was still ongoing, he knew he couldn't talk about it in detail until either he had permission from the Federation's higher-ups or the mission finished.

Instead, Tyler resumed talking about the work the Federation's investigation team had been doing at Heliopolis. How they had been gathering information from all parts of the colony without being noticed. To Kira, it explained why Tyler had the job he did and why he gave it more priority than school work and Kato's work. Tyler spoke of how when ZAFT attacked, he had done what he could to minimize the damage and danger to the colony. That transitioned to Tyler finding and using the mobile suit ZAFT had missed. The story from there was one they had already filled in and/or knew from there.

As the catch-up session was finished, the discussion turned to more recent events and the details. Kira started this by asking what reasons ZAFT could've had to attack Heliopolis as he couldn't understand the move. Tyler had even said the Federation was handling the issue that OMNI had created being at the colony. And while they likely didn't know that Orb was a part of the Federation, ZAFT still had no business with Heliopolis. Athrun visibly grimaced at the question as he knew Kira had a point which was rare for him. "Well Kira, reports from ZAFT intelligence gave us enough evidence to say that OMNI was developing mobile suits there. The mission commander said ZAFT military command didn't want to take the chance of that being true and do nothing about it," Athrun explained.

Sakura had been listening to the three boys somewhat while having her time with her baby sister. What had been talked about filling in some of the oddities that Sakura had seen in the reports that Creuset had written. Of course, Sakura hadn't believed what Creuset had claimed, not with what she knew about him. Creuset had reported that he had confirmed danger in the "complex" as he referred to the colony, didn't say anything about it belonging to Orb. Nor did the man say anything about sneaking into neutral territory though he knew there was procedure for that, just ignored it. Honestly, if not for some of those on the Supreme Council being blind fools, Creuset would be on leave for what he did. She knew that Lanus had seriously considered doing that with Creuset, but the National Defense Committee had flat out refused, siting he was on a "priority mission".

That Creuset had wormed his way out of responsibility irritated Sakura, the man did that often and was smug about it. However, Creuset wasn't Sakura's issue most of the time, and she felt sorry for Lanus that he had to deal with him. But she wanted to clarify things, "What you didn't know then Zala," she started and the three turned to face her, "was that Creuset's orders specifically were to quietly investigate the validity of the reports from intelligence. He was not to send ZAFT forces into a colony and risk doing damage to it and start a political mess. He made that call on his own, and he will face the consequences for that decision I assure you."

What Sakura said made Tyler wonder a number of things about the internal workings of ZAFT. As far as Tyler knew, ZAFT was officially led by the PLANTs Supreme Council's National Defense Committee. However, unofficially, the ZAFT organization was led by one man, their most brilliant tactician, Lanus Treize. It was pretty much common knowledge within the Federation's military and Treize was reasonable according to information on him. "Okay Sakura, if what you say is true, then answer me this," Tyler began. "Does ZAFT Admiral Treize know of how Rau Le Creuset does things and has earned the reputation for himself over the years of the war between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT?"

Lanus knew of those like Creuset, that masked man was just one of those that misbehaved more often than others. The latest mess that Creuset had been one of those things keeping Lanus busy Sakura knew. Sakura ended out sighing, "You're referring to Creuset's habit of going in guns blazing first and make excuses about his reasons later I assume?"

That was what Tyler referred to, but he was also curious as to how much ZAFT's unofficial leader knew of those under him. So, he nodded, "Yes indeed, that's what I'm referring to."

"Yes, Lanus is well aware of Le Creuset's habitual behavior," Sakura returned tiredly. "Yet the mess is due in part to the dichotomy of AZFT's command structure as it is currently. Lanus wasn't the one that assigned Creuset to the observation mission, it was the National Defense Committee who was insistent upon investigating."

That information caught Tyler off guard somewhat as it implied that the National Defense Committee was at odds with ZAFT's unofficial leader. That was odd as the record that Tyler had heard of and read a bit of portrayed Lanus Treize was the one that had gotten ZAFT to the strong position it was in now. So, logically, Tyler would think most would let a leader like that do what they felt right to keep the organization working smoothly and favorably. With that in mind, Tyler felt it worrisome that the PLANTs National Defense Committee was ignoring such wisdom and doing actions that could end out causing serious issues. "I see," Tyler replied carefully, "then riddle me this, aren't ZAFT's military command and the National Defense Committee supposed to be on the same team working for the goal of protecting the PLANTs and its citizens? Or has that view changed these days?"

Lacus could see what Tyler was asking about and it was a question she had been asking herself more often as of late. In truth, ZAFT's leadership including Admiral Treize should be working with the committee and the committee should be cooperating with ZAFT's leadership. Yet, Tyler's question brought up the point that the two groups were not working together as much as they used to. Her father Siegel had mentioned that a number on the National Defense Committee wanted Treize to deal more "firmly" with OMNI so the war would finish up sooner. Admiral Treize didn't heed such whisperings as he made it plain that his goal was for the war to be handled with the least lives lost for all sides. "The two groups are supposed to be working together Tye," Lacus answered. "The National Defense Committee's purpose is to help the armed forces to have what they need and make sure others don't limit them to the point soldiers can't do their job, but-"

What Lacus had said gave Tyler some things to wonder about, but what she didn't say was more worrisome. Tyler was aware that the National Defense Committee's job was to assist and provide for ZAFT's military in order to protect the PLANTs. It was their responsibility to see to the defense of the PLANTs and the committee's name implies. However, they were supposed to not cause political incidents which Creuset had without argument. Tyler wouldn't doubt that the Diplomatic and the Administrative Committees had their hands full with clean up and damage control with recent events. He bet that Federation High Command would know about the non-nice dichotomy that had developed within ZAFT and the Supreme Council.

But before Tyler could inquire further into what either girl meant the two resumed their catchup session. And once again Tyler was made to wonder about the scene that was Sakura and Lacus catching up with one another. Sakura was acting what one would expect from most, almost normal and Tyler didn't think he would see that. Tyler wasn't alone in thinking that the scene with the two women was odd for at least one of them. Athrun was in agreement with Tyler when it came to Commander Clyne, the way she was acting just went against her reputation so much. For Kira, it had been so long since he had seen Sakura and Lacus like this, at least before the war. Tyler glanced at his two best friends seeing that they were staring as he was, even if the women weren't giving attention to that. "Give the two a bit of a break," Tyler remarked quietly, "who knows when the last time was when they saw one another and got to spend time together."

Both Kira and Athrun knew where Tyler was coming from and were aware the female siblings had little opportunity to see each other. So the three guys looked away from the two women, "I suppose you're right Tye" Athrun commented.

"Yeah, I agree with that," Kira said.

Even with that being said, the scene was still so awkward that Tyler couldn't stop himself from thinking just how odd it was. So much so that Tyler couldn't stop but voice his thoughts, "Still, is it just me that thinks it's just plain weird that one of the most feared ZAFT pilots and commanders is the same woman we're seeing hug Lacus like she hasn't a care in the world and is only a loving sister?"

There was silence between three guys all considering what Tyler just said as it sunk in. With the reputation that Sakura had, it was an expectation that she was cold and unapproachable. Of course, Lacus had told the three that her older sister did have a nice side to her. And while they believed Lacus, it was just hard to see from the outside for them. "It isn't just you Tye," Athrun muttered for his friends to hear, "I assure you."

Kira regretted that he had doubted Tyler when he talked about what he dealt with Sakura. He knew that Tyler wasn't inclined to lie or exaggerate about things, Tyler was far more a realist and didn't sugar-code things. And though the things Tyler had said about Sakura had been so unbelievable, having now seen it first-hand, Kira wouldn't doubt his friend now. So, Kira hummed in agreement, "Yeah agreed, sorry for ever doubting you Tyler when you were telling me about Sakura," he said apologetically.

Phase end

A/n

I'm leaving off there and will continue in the next phase. First I hope that you readers are enjoying the changes I'm making to the original story. Now, on to some of the notable changes I made to this part of the story. I decided to expand the conversation that went on between Tyler, Natarle, and Murrue as I wanted to point out a thing or two. The first part was what Tyler thought of the G-Project's developers as it should be clear he doesn't like what they claimed. Second, I wanted to point out or rather reiterate again is the relationship between Tyler and Natarle. They don't fight openly, but they don't agree with one another and they don't want to admit it to the other.

The next point I will point out is the talk between Tyler, Kira, and Lacus. I expanded it for the reason that I wanted to have Tyler infer his issues with Sakura and have Kira and Lacus wonder. Lacus is already wondering about her sister in relation to Tyler from the battle in orbit. Then the third point I got is as you might guess Tyler's drifting escapade as that changed. I thought it would be more interesting if Tyler had an "audience" that liked to watch him do what he does. So the deal he has with the dockyard is more for humor than a part of the story.

Finally, the last event which is Tyler's attempted escape from Sakura. The fun point of this to me wasn't that Tyler thought he would escape, but putting Sakura's view into this story. We all know he won't get away, at least not without work and usually help from others. But also it was neat to bring in Kira's and Lacus's view into this event as it wasn't there before. The conversation that followed I think gives more a view/summary of events up to that point. It is my "shortened" version of those episodes in canon that I like to call "catchup-sodes". Those that didn't advanced the story much but were more a review of what had happened, I wouldn't doubt you remember those. Anyway, please some of you, take the time to write a review, I got good responses with the last phase. I would love that to keep going, I value the views and the points and questions that are brought up, they are helpful. Until the next Phase!