A/N

Here is the next phase on my hoped schedule. I certainly hope you enjoy it even if there are points that I will address at the end.

Phase 30: Truth vs. Propaganda

May 10th, 71 C.E.

Carpentaria, Oceania Union

Athrun had been lost in his thoughts for the last few weeks since the battle around Orb. He'd been sent back to Carpentaria from Orb after he had been given a good bill of health. Athrun would not participate in Operation Spitbreak that was set to happen in ten days. The operation was to launch a massive attack on the Alliance. The goal was to cripple OMNI in a way they wouldn't easily recover from. It was being said that with the success of Operation Spitbreak, the war would start coming to a swift end. The target was going to be Porta Panama, where the Alliance-controlled mass driver was. Without their mass driver, OMNI forces would be cut off between Earth and the moon.

Athrun didn't know if the mentality of the operation bringing the end to the war was true anymore. This war had seemed so simple initially, but it had evolved into anything but simple. This war had been going for more than five years now, and there was still not a single sign of it ending in the future. If anything, Athrun would say the war had been getting steadily worse rather than better. The Alliance was racing to get mobile suits, and ZAFT kept making more powerful mobile suits. Should the Archangel get to JOSH-A, then OMNI would get mobile suits, which wouldn't help. Neither side was backing down or even willing to talk to the other at all. Any chance of a peaceful end was getting bleaker by the day, and it was already dark to begin with.

Then the Federation, while it had kept out of the war thus far, Athrun didn't think that would last much longer. The signs were saying they would be pulled in by either the Alliance or ZAFT soon enough under foolish presidence. When they came into the war, it was more becoming a question of which faction would be handled first rather than who would potentially benefit. The Alliance didn't have much of a chance against the Federation by what intelligence said. Even were they to get mobile suits, the Federation's estimated strength would overwhelm OMNI. However, ZAFT wouldn't do a great deal better against the Federation than OMNI, especially if they had mobile suits which it was assumed they did. Admiral Treize's leadership would be the best chance ZAFT had fighting the Federation's military. And even that potential advantage was in question with the direction the National Defense Committee was going in. Athrun couldn't see a good end with any potential scenario involving ZAFT fighting the Federation.

Personally, Athrun wanted this war over or at least get out of it. The war had already taken important things and people from him. The first it had taken was his mother, Lenore Zala, with the Bloody Valentine and that was before the war officially started. That had been followed by his father, who had slowly changed after his wife had died and been getting steadily worse over the years. Then Athrun had lost people he considered friends, like Rusty killed in action at Heliopolis. And the most recent loss Athrun had suffered was one of his best friends, Tyler. Losing Tyler hurt the worst so far as he played a personal part in his death. And lastly, this war had Athrun trying to take down and kill his other best friend, Kira. The war was turning him into the very kind of monster that he had joined ZAFT to fight.

Athrun was still trying to figure out where things had started drastically changing to become what they had. The "plot" which had been playing out had taken so many twists and turns that Athrun couldn't tell how he had got to where he was. He was angry he'd been expected to fight and kill his friends since Heliopolis, it was his "duty". That had escalated into him having to attempt to kill Kira in the battle around Orb and instead end out taking the life of Tyler. They were his friends and had been for years, but duty and orders had demanded he kill them both without hesitation. Tyler and Kira had stood by him through hard times, yet what had he done for them when they needed him? Athrun hated himself for what he did to Tyler and tried doing to Kira. They had been protecting their friends, and Athrun couldn't fault them for that as he would've done the same in their position. And yet, Athrun had chosen orders over friendship, and he cursed himself for doing that.

When Athrun had arrived at Carpentaria, he had even been given an award for his actions in the last battle. It had been the medal of valor, awarded to those that performed their duty with distinction. It was normally given to those that took down a notable enemy that had caused serious issues with ZAFT. The metal was supposed to be an honor to receive, and if Athrun had gotten it anytime before Heliopolis, he would have been honored to get it. But he had "earned" the metal through killing one of his best friends, so it was no honor. The metal was a reminder he had chosen duty and orders over Tyler and Kira. And the very thought had caused Athrun to hold up in his room assigned to him so that he could avoid people. Days had become weeks which brought the month of May, and Athrun still felt horrible.

While Athrun moped, Nicol was coming to check on his friend. Athrun had not been the same after the last battle with the legged ship. Something had affected Athrun Nicol could see that, but he couldn't figure out what it could be. Nicol noticed there was something with the legged ship that Athrun had not been mentioning. Normally, Nicol wouldn't nose into another's business more as a courtesy than anything else. But with Athrun in the dumps, Nicol felt talking to him could help him move forward. There was sometime before Operation Spitbreak was supposed to occur, so Nicol decided to talk to him. Thus, Nicol knocked on Athrun's door and came in when he was told to. The first sight of Athrun told Nicol that his friend's mood hadn't changed much, he was still depressed. "Athrun," Nicol began, "I thought it would be good to talk."

Athrun was not much in the mood to talk to anyone, even Nicol, who listened to another. His thoughts were in too much chaos for him to sort out to make a great deal of sense properly. "A talk about what Nicol," Athrun asked in a hollow voice.

Nicol came to sit on the bed next to Athrun, "About what's eating away at you," Nicol replied. "I can see something, likely several things are dragging you down. And unlike Yzak, I am willing to listen and not just say deal with it and move on like he would." Nicol paused, "Something about the last battle with the legged ship has hurt you, Athrun, and in a way that hasn't happened before. What occurred out there, Athrun?"

Athrun didn't say anything for a few minutes, but Nicol waited, knowing that it would be better to let Athrun start. "I can't figure out how things came to be where they are anymore, Nicol," Athrun said. "I've tried, I've tried so hard to understand how events led to what has happened. And I still can't explain why this war is only taking the truly good people away and leaving the rotten ones." Athrun stopped thinking about Rusty, he'd been a friend from the military academy. They had gone through survival training together had watched one another's backs since then. "Why did this war take Rusty from us?"

Nicol didn't answer that, but it was clear Athrun missed Rusty, Nicol did too. Rusty had been the peacemaker of their group, while Athrun the leader, and Nicol the tactician, it what made them a good working trio. "I don't know Athrun, that is a question I think doesn't have an answer we can accept," Nicol remarked. "This war is taking people without consideration."

"Rusty was going to write a book," Athrun shot back, "He wanted to be a novelist. He wanted to write a memoir of life as a soldier to show people what it was really like, to help people see soldiers as people. But now he can never write it, and people will never read about his experiences."

Nicol was surprised, he hadn't known Rusty wanted to be a writer, but Nicol wouldn't deny Rusty would have been good at that. Rusty had a way with words, he didn't use it during missions, but Nicol had seen it during downtime. But apparently, Rusty had mentioned to Athrun he would write a book about the soldier's life. The two had always been close, they had made it through survival training together. That training made lifelong friends as you found those you would trust with your life and more. So, while Nicol knew Athrun had taken Rusty's death the hardest out of the team, he didn't know it was this bad. "I didn't know he wanted to be a writer, but I can see that as he had a way with words," Nicol commented.

As Athrun had started, he couldn't stop himself, couldn't stop the feelings he'd been holding in from coming out. "And then, chasing the legged ship became a nightmare with having to fight those with them." Nicol was about to ask Athrun what he was getting at but could not as Athrun continued. "Duty demanded I fight friends of mine and not have an issue with it or hesitate to take them down."

Nicol blinked as Athrun had just admitted he knew one if not more of the enemy mobile suit pilots they had been going against the last few months. To withhold such information was not just dangerous, it was very much frowned down upon by ZAFT. Not to say, Nicol couldn't understand why Athrun said nothing to anyone else. If one or more of the enemy pilots were not just people he knew but were friends, that was a horrible position. "So, some of the legged ship's pilots were friends of yours, that does explain a few things," Nicol said. "Not that I blame you for saying nothing, I would have done the same in your place."

Athrun twisted to look at Nicol, "The winged suit and the black one were used by my two best friends, Nicol," Athrun said in a wavering voice, "And ZAFT expected me to ignore that fact and shoot to kill them." The torture Athrun had been putting himself through during the pursuit of the legged ship had been taken a toll on him. "How can any side assume that one can shoot a friend and not have any problem with it?!"

Nicol could only feel pity and sorrow for his friend, he had clearly been suffering in silence. In a perfect world, no one would have to attack or fight a friend, let alone be expected to try and kill them. But there would be no war in a perfect world either, Nicol would say, which only nailed the point. Humanity was imperfect beings living in an imperfect world, it was a fact of life. Nicol put a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "They shouldn't, but they do," Nicol said, "I'm sorry, Athrun, no one should be put in that position."

"Our attack on Heliopolis made things worse," Athrun stated, "The Federation had things in hand and under control before we got there. They were going to take OMNI's project away from them and settle it quietly with no lives lost. There would have been no escalation if we had stood bby and not interfered."

Nicol had wondered if the Federation had known about what the Alliance had been doing at Heliopolis. As Orb was one of their member nations, it would make complete sense they would know. With that being true, there should be no argument with the Federation taking care of OMNI's project. The Federation was well-known for handling issues with either ZAFT or the Alliance themselves without interference from the other faction. And if the Federation had done that at Heliopolis, ZAFT wouldn't have gone inside, and none of the stolen machines would have been acquired. However, that brought up a question that Nicol had before now, why had Commander Creuset been so insistent? Nicol had gone back and checked ZAFT intelligence reports about Heliopolis. They had only stated there was suspicious activity around it, there had been none of the pictures the commander had in his possession. So, where had he gotten them, if not from ZAFT intelligence agents?

"And then, as we pursued the legged ship, we kept doing things we weren't supposed to. So much so, we could be charged with multiple treaty violations and face trial by the Federation," Athrun continued. "We've been in Federation territory and started fights with that ship, and the commander has waved it off as nothing." Athrun paused to breathe for a moment, "I can't tell if ZAFT considers the Federation as a neutral entity or an enemy anymore."

Nicol had also been concerned about territory violations during the hunt of the legged ship. The Federation wasn't tolerant for long with those that blatantly broke and/or ignored standing agreements or rules. Nicol didn't doubt the Federation had been talking with the Supreme Council and even possibly Admiral Treize about the recent events that the commander had been involved in. He even wondered if Commander Clyne hadn't been sent not just to get the legged ship handled but also to reign in Commander Creuset, it would make sense. Down on Earth hadn't been any different, the commander's hunt had taken them into Federation territory. And the Federation's responses seemed to get sterner, and quicker each time the commander had others go into their territory.

So, Nicol was also left to wonder if ZAFT was starting to see the Federation more as an enemy than a neutral faction. If the Federation were being seen as enemies, Nicol would be worried about that kind of development. The Federation's military wasn't weak or an organization to scoff at, they had proven that time and time again. If anything, then the Federation's military was the stronger military organization than both ZAFT and OMNI. Admiral Treize had always expressed respect for the Federation's Military and how they conducted themselves. The Admiral didn't respect just anyone, so there was a reason if he respected the Federation's military. Nicol's worry had deepened at the last message he'd gotten from his father, who was a member of the National Defense Committee.

The message had said things with the council had been strained as of late for several reasons. First, the Federation asked questions about ZAFT's recent activities as one would expect of them. However, from what Nicol's father said, the answers being given to them were more evasions which the Federation wasn't accepting at face value. Then perhaps more concerning, according to the message, the National Defense Committee was working with Admiral Treize less closely than before. Nicol was firmly in the camp of Admiral Treize, being the best leader ZAFT could hope to have in times of war. That the Admiral was not being involved in ZAFT operations was having Nicol question what the committee was thinking. "I've started to wonder about that too, Athrun," Nicol remarked, "The PLANTs' standing with the Federation seems to have been changing."

Athrun stared at Nicol, "Wait, you agree with me about the changes," he asked.

Nicol nodded, "Indeed, the treaty violations have come to the council from what my father has said, and they are essentially being waved off. It makes me wonder if standing with the Federation is deteriorating."

Athrun felt good not to be alone that another was having the same kind of doubts as he was. But that still left the most recent event, the one for which he'd gotten the metal he cursed. "When we fought the legged ship in Orb's territory, I was trying so hard to reason with one of my best friends." Athrun hesitated, "I even offered to help defend the target ship so they could surrender, knowing I would pay the price for it." Athrun held his head in his hands as the tears started flowing again, "But in the end, because of duty and orders, I attempted to kill him."

Nicol was shocked that Athrun had offered to help the legged ship for it to surrender. It was noble of him, but defending an enemy ship was also seen as a major offense in ZAFT. Athrun would've known he would face serious consequences for such an action, potentially including dishonorable discharge. And it sounded like Athrun had been willing to face the potential punishment for this said friend. It was a testament to how much this friend meant to Athrun in Nicol's mind. However, it did explain the favor that Athrun had asked of him with the legged ship. "So that's why you wanted me to disable the legged ship's engines," Nicol said, "I wondered."

Athrun shook his head, the tears flowing faster than before, "But instead of taking out the winged suit," Athrun continued. "I end out destroying the enemy black machine with the Aegis's self-destruct charge. I was tried to kill one friend and instead kill another," Athrun's shoulders began shaking in anger and pain as he grabbed the metal he received. He glared at it, hating the very sight of it as it praised him for a truly horrible act, "This medal was given to me for killing someone that I cared about! I 'earned' this thing for choosing duty and orders over my best friends, Nicol!"

The pieces were falling into place of why Athrun was in the mood he was right now. And it wasn't just now, it was since he came back from the homeland after Heliopolis. Around the homeland, Athrun had somehow found out his friends were helping the legged ship for whatever reason they had. The fact had been torturing him, and he had been silent about the whole thing. The metal had acted as some sort of trigger for those feelings inside to come to the surface. Nicol could only feel sorry for Athrun, he should never have been in the situation to do what he had. It was clear he was tearing himself up on the inside for being the one that had killed a dear friend. "Athrun," Nicol began.

Athrun cut over him, "This cursed metal was awarded to me for taking Tyler's life," he snarled. "It isn't a badge of honor, it is a mark of shame for a horrible crime I committed for the sake of duty!"

The name Tyler registered as belonging to Tyler McGregor in Nicol's mind. But were that true, then it would strongly imply that Mr. McGregor had been the Blitz's twin's pilot. Were that correct, then he had been an amazing Federation pilot, according to Commander Clyne. Nicol was trying to wrap his mind around the fact he'd meant the one that had whipped him earlier. He had suspected nothing of the sort of Tyler, he had seemed like a normal teenager, even if he somehow knew Commander Clyne. "So, that's why you have been locked up in your room for more than a week," Nicol commented. "I wish I had known the hardship you have been suffering through Athrun, I would have done what I could to help. And perhaps it is better you are being recalled back to the homeland rather than participating in Operation Spitbreak. I have a feeling that it will be a real messy business."

Athrun looked at Nicol, "You really think Spitbreak will be that bad," he asked.

Nicol had no evidence to support his thoughts about Operation Spitbreak. He agreed with the general goal of the operation, it was to cripple the Alliance, specifically in matters of military operation. Destroying or disabling Porta Panama's mass driver would effectively cut off the Alliance's supply line to their forces in space and on the moon. That, in turn, would make the Alliance have to back off in theory from any major military operation for some time. While the Alliance was crippled, ZAFT could prepare themselves and potentially develop a way to end the war.

However, there was one potential issue that Nicol saw that could and likely would come from the operation against Panama. Should the Alliance lose their mass driver, they would look for another to use as quickly as possible. Of the six mass drivers in the world, two were controlled by ZAFT, three were under the watch of the Federation, and the last was Panama's. Nicol could see possibly that OMNI may attempt to go against Victoria, but ZAFT forces were entrenched there. Carpentaria was even more well-defended, so OMNI would probably not try for that one. That left the three mass drivers that the Federation controlled, and they didn't allow use for military purposes. It was no secret that the Alliance detested the Federation for several reasons. The Alliance had claimed that as the Federation's member nations were territories of Earth, they should be helping OMNI. The Federation had refused that and kept to their principles and policies, so it hadn't helped the Alliance during the war. But according to ZAFT intelligence, the Alliance still had been trying to acquire Federation resources and technology. So should Panama be destroyed, it could provide the excuse the Alliance wanted to go against the Federation and attempt to get what they wanted.

Nicol sighed, "I have no proof of my suspicions," he replied. "But I don't see OMNI giving up Panama without a fight to the end. And I fear there will be more fallout if the operation is successful than if it isn't. While that fallout may not hit us immediately, I have no doubt it will strike ZAFT and the PLANTs given time."

Athrun wondered what Nicol was talking about with fallout. Operation Spitbreak was to start the end of the war, which was what had been advertised by leaders. But he was tired from the "confession" he'd given to Nicol. "Thanks for listening to me while I vented Nicol," Athrun said. "It's been tearing me up on the inside."

"I can see it has," Nicol replied.

"As I leave soon for the homeland, I will wish you the best of luck," Athrun said, holding out a hand. "Keep yourself alive through Operation Spitbreak."

Nicol shook Athrun's hand, "I certainly will, maybe you can find out what is going on with things these days around the Homeland," Nicol returned. "I have a nagging feeling things are changing and not necessarily for the better."

"I'll keep my eyes and ears open," Athrun assured.

Nicol left the room to go about his own preparations for Operation Spitbreak. On the other hand, Athrun got to packing for his trip home, which he'd been putting off. He was supposed to report directly to his father when he got back to the PLANTs, he was curious why. The normal procedure was to report to a commander who would then relay the information to both Admiral Treize and the National Defense Committee. It had Athrun thinking back to what Nicol said about changes happening. Hopefully, he could maybe find out something when he got back to the homeland.

It was a few days when Athrun boarded the shuttle, taking him back to the PLANTs. He wasn't the only one heading back to the homeland, there were others on the shuttle too. Athrun had also seen the signs of the growing preparations for the upcoming operation. Subs were being checked over and loaded with mobile suits. Air transports were being readied to carry mobile suits to Panama. As Nicol said, Athrun hoped the operation went as advertised, and there would be no fallout. However, he feared that hope was more wishful thinking than a potential reality.

Athrun's shuttle lifted off thirty minutes after boarding had started, and he glanced down at Carpentaria. The base was one of ZAFT's main bases on Earth, definitely the major one for the Pacific and Indian Oceans. ZAFT had held the base for years since it had been established just after the April's Fool Crisis back in CE 67. Athrun remembered some of the videos he'd watched when the base was being made. The Alliance hadn't been silent when Carpentaria was being constructed, they had made several attempts to stop it. Athrun's shuttle quickly climbed, and Carpentaria shrank into the Oceania Union.

The journey to the homeland took sixteen hours in total, as was standard with most shuttles except for the Federation's Hermes-class. Athrun was trying to think about what he would say to his father when he made his report. His father had sent a brief message of him being proud of Athrun earning the metal of valor but had said little else. Operation Spitbreak would start just before he arrived at the PLANTs as the Council approved it. Both Nicol and Yzak were going to be involved in that, and he wished them the best of luck. Athrun was gathering his things as the shuttle began docking at Aprilius One.

Athrun came off the shuttle into the docking lounge, and he instantly noticed that the air was far different from the last time he had been at the PLANTs. This "homecoming" felt more like striding into a warrior's den of some sort. Athrun's doubts were being fed that things with ZAFT were going in a bad direction. Those doubts had started just after Heliopolis and had begun growing with the Council meeting that had followed. Tension Athrun expected with Operation Spitbreak happening right now, it was a huge operation after all. But the tension was much higher than Athrun would expect for a major operation to have. Then, to Athrun's surprise, he was approached by his old mentor while he'd been in the ZAFT military academy, Ray Yuki. Athrun saluted his mentor, and the gesture was returned, "It's good to see you again back around the PLANTs Athrun," Yuki greeted.

"Thank you, Commander Yuki," Athrun replied. "But what's going on to have so many worried and panicking like I've been seeing?"

Yuki glanced around and then drew closer to Athrun, "The latest reports are saying Spitbreak may have been compromised. There haven't been much details yet, but it is being suggested that the operation may fail or have to be abandoned."

Athrun was stunned at being told that Operation Spitbreak may be compromised, which came with serious implications. As far as Athrun knew, the operation should've just started. If the operation was compromised, it could mean a mole or a traitor in ZAFT that tipped the Alliance off. "Wait, Commander Yuki," Athrun began, "Are you saying our forces are being repelled from Panama?"

Yuki shook his head, "That's the thing, Panama wasn't the intended target, we just wanted the Alliance to think it was." Athrun blinked in confusion as that implied there was a change in targets. Yuki continued, "Operation Spitbreak's target is JOSH-A in Alaska." Athrun would have asked for what information there was, but Yuki kept going, "There's something else as well that occurred recently which isn't widely known, and it's preferred to be kept that way for now. It seems that one of our prototype mobile suits has been stolen from one of the Integrated Design Bureau's complexes. And from what evidence there is, the thief who's being considered an enemy spy was assisted by Lacus Clyne. Thus, the National Defense Committee is in a state of panic about that."

Athrun dropped the suitcase he had been holding from the shock at what he had just heard. Lacus loved the citizens of the PLANTs, she would never do anything to harm or betray them. There was no way that she would help an enemy spy get to top-secret equipment any more than she would refuse singing for her fans. Athrun knew Lacus wouldn't do anything like Commander Yuki said she was accused of. "No way, that's impossible," Athrun replied, "I know her Commander, Lacus would never do something like help an enemy spy. She loves the PLANTs and its citizen, she would never do anything to hurt or betray them."

Yuki could understand Athrun's disbelief, that had been his reactions when he'd first heard of this. All loved Miss Clyne in the PLANTs, she had been a strength through hard times for many. And if not for seeing the evidence himself, Yuki would not have accepted the claim any more than Athrun was. So, Yuki nodded, "I understand your disbelief," he assured. "I was the same when I first heard it and didn't think it possible, but there's proof of this claim. If there weren't, no one would even think to accuse her of doing such a thing."

Even as Athrun made his way to give his report to his father after leaving Commander Yuki, he still couldn't accept that Lacus would do what he had been told she did. It made no sense at all with her, it had to be an imposter or a mistake. No matter what the "evidence" showed, Lacus wouldn't help another than had bad intentions towards the PLANTs. Athrun entered his father's office and saw other officers talking to him. "Excuse me," he announced and saluted. However, Athrun stopped as he took in the conversation that was going on.

"Our forces are pushing forward, but some have reported that there are potential signs there could be some sort of trap laid for them," said one of the four officers that were in front of Patrick Zala's desk.

Patrick Zala sighed and took a moment to calm down a bit, "Where's Le Creuset," he asked. "Has he been able to confirm any of these rumors?"

The officers looked at each other, "We haven't been able to make contact with him yet, the mission commander has said that he is out on the field right now," said the same officer as before.

"I want a detailed report from him and Treize about this," Chairman Zala commanded.

At that moment, another military officer entered the room and saluted, "Eileen Canaver and some of the other council members are gathering in the meeting room, sir," said the officer.

It was then that Patrick Zala noticed Athrun standing in the room, waiting for his turn to speak and report. He nodded to Athrun, "I'll be with you in a moment."

"Sir," Athrun acknowledged.

The officer that had come in and said that the members of the PLANTs Supreme Council wanted a meeting continued, "It sounds like the other members of the council are demanding an emergence session upon the initial reports about Spitbreak coming in."

Patrick Zala put a hand to his temple, "Have our forces continue with the operation as planned but do so cautiously for the time being. With the operation already going, we can't just pull out due to a silly unprovable rumor," he said.

The officer showed that he understood and then left the office. Chairman Zala then focused back on the four officers in front of his desk, "I want solid results. What is needed is an objective analysis of this situation," Zala stated, "Where is the Clyne family?"

The lead soldier answered, "We don't know, sir, by what we can tell, Clyne had an escape planned already. It may take longer to find him and his daughter than early estimates said."

Patrick Zala gained a serious expression yet showed growing irritation, "Alert the Justice department. Eileen Canaver and other members of the council who have been with Clyne in the last few months are to be detained," he ordered.

All the officers looked apprehensive, "But… But sir, to detain active members of the Supreme Council," began the lead officer.

However, Chairman Zala interrupted the officer, "Lacus Clyne was seen consorting with a spy! And now she and her father have disappeared when we are getting reports of potential information leaks regarding operation Spitbreak! Even a child can make the connection as to how this happened. It was Clyne that betrayed us! Yet, Canaver and the other are demanding an answer from me about this?! They have had their hands in this, and they will pay for it. In fact, they're probably the ones hiding them, it's the only real explanation that makes sense," he reasoned at a near shout.

"Understood, sir," all the soldiers said together before leaving the room.

Athrun approached the desk as his father sat down in the chair, appearing tired and stressed. It wasn't surprising with all that was going on, but still, all that was being assumed was crazy. "Father," Athrun started.

Patrick Zala glared at his son sternly, "What did you call me, soldier," he asked angrily.

"Forgive my misconduct, I meant to say, Chairman Zala, sir," Athrun corrected.

"Do you comprehend the magnitude of the current situation," posed chairman Zala.

Athrun nodded, still not really believing what was being suggested, "Indeed, sir," Athrun began, "but I," Athrun hesitated, "it's hard to believe that Lacus would do anything like this, I can't believe that. She wouldn't get involved in or help an enemy spy, she would never do so."

Patrick Zala brought up a screen and showed Athrun a security video, and Athrun saw it was clearly of a mobile suit. He spotted that one of those in the video was Lacus but couldn't see who the other was as they had a helmet on. Lacus was waving from the doorway as the doors to the hangar closed and then. Then the 'spy' in a ZAFT pilot suit and helmet began heading for the mobile suit cockpit entrance. Yet, they stopped when they were halfway and focused on the camera, which confused Athrun. As the footage kept playing, Athrun witnessed the 'spy' wave at the camera, showing they clearly knew that the security camera was there and recording. Then, they used one of their hands to point at the camera and the other… Athrun's eyes widened as he saw the other hand get shown with only the middle finger pointing up and the others curled in. The spy emphasized the gesture and aimed it at those who were watching the footage.

The individual sent a message, and they likely knew ZAFT higher-ups would view it. And yet, the "spy" had said for those viewing to screw themselves if Athrun remembered correctly. The gesture was an old one from before the Cosmic Era and was rarely ever used anymore. Once the video was done, the screen was covered again, Patrick Zala turned back to Athrun, "Now you see there is no doubt as to what she did. And when the identity of that spy is discovered, they will be punished severely. You may think it's not possible that Lacus Clyne is a traitor, but you see the facts for yourself."

This still made no sense to Athrun, the Lacus he had gotten to know wouldn't have done anything like he was being told or shown. She cared about the citizens of the PLANTs, there had been no question about that. So then, why would she help someone to hurt those she cared about? "Isn't it possible that it was an imposter, sir," Athrun asked.

Patrick shook his head, "That avenue was already explored, the one in the video is the genuine Lacus Clyne." Athrun still couldn't believe what he was being told, she wouldn't do this. "It goes without saying, but she's no longer your fiancée, the official announcement will come later. Lacus Clyne is now regarded as a criminal and is wanted for the crime of treason." Patrick Zala continued and then looked at Athrun, locking his gaze on him, "Your next mission is to recapture the stolen X10A Freedom, and if possible, capture the pilot and if neither is possible, eliminate them both. Along with that, you are also to eliminate all persons and facilities that they might have come into contact with."

The orders that were being given were unlike anything Athrun had gotten before. Granted, he could understand the need to get back a stolen prototype mobile suit before the enemy gets it and has the time to reverse engineer it. But the second part of this mission didn't sit well with Athrun at all, to have to kill everyone that the pilot could have come into contact with was harsh. It was more difficult that the theft had happened days ago, so that pilot had time to go who knows where. So all the possible places and people it could've come into contact with was huge and growing list. Yet, before Athrun could bring up the concern, the Chairman continued, "Stop by the Armory and pick up the X09A Justice and then begin your mission as soon as preparations are finished. If you cannot capture the Freedom, then you are authorized to destroy it."

Athrun couldn't dismiss the issue he saw in this mission without bringing it up. He found it extreme to have to potentially eliminate many people and possible places the Freedom could have gone. "Sir, you say everything they may have come into contact with, isn't that extreme," Athrun questioned.

"No, because those machines, the X10A Freedom and the X09A Justice, are equipped with N-Jammer Cancellers," he returned.

That answer shocked Athrun for a couple of reasons. First, the PLANTs abandoned nuclear technology, mostly due to the Bloody Valentine Incident and the sorrow accompanying it. Second, in a way, some could see these two mobile suits as a nuclear bomb delivery system. Then should the Alliance get their hands on them, nuclear weapons would follow shortly. However, Athrun accepted the orders, even if he felt conflicted with them. He knew arguing with his father at this point would not help in either getting more information or helping his father see the danger.

So, Athrun instead traveled to the Clyne residence, hoping that he could find answers to all the confusion that was wracking him. Upon arrival, Athrun found there was a group searching the structure likely for clues. They let him in and pretty much ignored him as they continued their search for information. As Athrun glanced around the house, it felt like he was at a completely unfamiliar place. He'd been here many times before now, both in recent years and when he was a child.

His first time had been when he was six years old and had been with his mother and father. Patrick and been there to talk to Siegel about work, so he had left his wife and son in the care of Mrs. Clyne. Tasara Clyne had welcomed him in, and he had met both Lacus, who was shy back then, and Sakura. Sakura had been intimidating even back then but not to the same extent she is now. Sakura had even smiled back in those days when her mother was around. Thus, Athrun was familiar with the Clyne residence, he stopped by when he could to check on Lacus. It was his way to say he cared about her well-being since they would spend their lives together or would have before this.

As Athrun explored the place, he heard others questioning the house staff of the whereabouts of Lacus and Siegel. From what Athrun heard, they hadn't been told what had been going on before their employer's disappearance. It fit as both Siegel and Lacus would not wish other people to be punished for something they may do. But he still couldn't fully believe Lacus or Siegel, for that matter, would do anything like they were being accused of. Even after seeing the evidence, something in him just felt that pieces were missing and important ones at that. Then the sight of furniture being overturned or out of place just made the place even more unfamiliar to him. One of the guest rooms, in particular, puzzled Athrun when he looked inside. It appeared to have been used for some sort of medical purpose, and he knew of no reason for that to be here. And the room had been used recently as there was blood spread over the room. He tried to come up with anything that could explain what could have happened for this to be as it was, but he could think of nothing.

Once Athrun had made his way to the backyard where he and Lacus had walked together during previous visits, the area was a mess. It pained Athrun to see places that he remembered in such different states. Yet, as he looked around further, Athrun found one of the ball-shaped robots that he had made for Lacus that she had liked so much. In fact, it was the pink one, and that was her favorite. It was still active and started hopping towards an area where white flowers. Athrun chased the robot and caught it before glancing at the flowers and recalling that they were the same kind that had grown around the theater Lacus had first sung at. That gave him the idea that she might have gone there, and Athrun wanted answers, and she seemed to be the one that would have them.

With that in mind, Athrun left the residence and entered the car he had taken here, and traveled to the said theater. As Athrun entered the theater, he heard the singing of Lacus no less, he made his way further into the theater, gun drawn and ready to use. Athrun listened to the singing, he began to recall the events that had led to his current mood. From Tyler's death to the promotion and transfer back to the PLANTs to the rumors about Lacus and her father had helped another steal a prototype mobile suit. None of it had made sense, those were Athrun's thoughts as he came into the main theater and located Lacus on the stage, sitting on debris. The pink robot that Athrun had been carrying since he visited the Clyne residence jumped out from him and bounced towards the stage. "HARO," announce the robot, "LACUS, I WON'T ACCEPT THAT!"

Lacus heard Haro's announcement and glanced in that direction to see Mr. Pink hopping down the aisle. She had left Mr. Pink to hopefully bring something that knew him to her for the truth. Lacus caught the hopping pink ball in her hands, "Well, hello again, Mr. Pink," she greeted before looking up at Athrun with a smile as she'd hoped it would be him. Athrun would understand the truth where others would not, his heart would help him know she was helping the ways she could. Plus, he would want to know that Tyler was alive and okay as he could be right now. "I was quite certain it would be you who would find him Athrun, thank you very much."

His mind swirled with so many thoughts at seeing Lacus, and he wanted to know the truth. So he was torn internally, "So then, Lacus," Athrun started, "Did you do it? Did you really do what others are accusing you of?" He paused, feeling that he needed to hear her tell the truth rather than just hearing others say it. "I want to hear the truth from you."

Lacus's smile weakened a slight margin as she knew what he was talking about. Through those that were helping her, Lacus had heard what accusations were being thrown around with her name attached. It had been as Tyler had said, those in power would claim they were traitors and spout it until others believed them. "To what are you referring, Athrun," she posed, "I've been doing several things recently."

Athrun rushed forward and leaped up onto the stage and faced Lacus, he hated beating around the bush. "Explain yourself, what have you done," he challenged.

Lacus's smile faded, he was here for the truth, but he had been already told and likely shown footage of the mobile suit theft. Tyler, bless his heart, had tried to get attention off of her, even if rudely, she appreciated the thought. It hadn't taken others long with their digging to discover she had been at the complex that day. "No doubt, you have already been told all about what happened a few days ago by this point. Is that not the reason that you came to see me," she questioned, "To hear the truth."

It annoyed Athrun that Lacus wasn't giving a straight answer, "Is it true," he paused, "is it true that you're guilty of assisting an enemy spy," Athrun demanded. He waited for a moment for her to deny that, but she didn't, and that hurt. That Lacus didn't deny straight away said to him that it was likely true. "How could you think of doing that, with all the care you've shown for those here in the PLANTs?!"

Lacus ordered her thoughts, so she hadn't denied the point straight away. Thus, she shook her head, "I have not and will not provide assistance to anyone that would wish to bring harm to the PLANTs or Earth. So no, I did not provide assistance to an enemy spy as some are saying I have." Athrun stopped as that's what he had believed of her when he'd been told she had betrayed the PLANTs. She continued, "All I've done was help get a mobile suit to where it will be best used, and that was not here." Lacus paused, thinking of how Tyler had reacted to her father's request. He had been very worried for both of them, even though he agreed to help in the endeavor. "In fact, Tyler, after hearing about the situation, was willing to help in the task, even if he worried about what my father and I would face."

Athrun gawked at what Lacus said, for it was impossible as much as he wished it wasn't. She talked about Tyler as if he was still alive, but that wasn't the case. Tyler couldn't have survived the explosion that the Aegis created. Not with him close to the center of the blast, it just couldn't happen even when Athrun would give almost anything for it to. It made him wonder if Lacus was trying to confuse him or just cause him pain by reminding him of what he had done to one of his best friends. Or it could be that he'd been attempting to do the same to Kira just to follow orders. The image of the metal of valor came to his mind, and he cursed it as he had before. Athrun had been arguing with himself internally ever since that battle, and he hadn't been able to come up with anything to lessen the pain or guilt he felt.

Lacus could see Athrun was beating himself up about what happened to Tyler, she had been doing that too. But with him alive, Athrun, like Lacus, could stop torturing himself about a friend's fate that hadn't happened. She didn't doubt that Tyler would appreciate that she told Athrun that he was alive. So, Lacus continued when Athrun found himself at a loss for words, "I'm confident that Tyler will make sure the mobile suit will be put to good use and will make the greatest difference. He wouldn't let those who would use the suit and what it has for evil intentions."

"Tyler," Athrun finally uttered, "What are you talking about, Lacus? Tyler," his voice caught as he hated to admit what he was responsible for, "he's gone," he hesitated, "and it's my fault." Athrun stopped again, tears were coming to him, "Because of me he," Athrun cursed himself for what he did to Tyler, "I'm the one who killed him! He was trying to save lives, and I chose duty and orders over him!" Athrun ground his teeth, "I earned a damn metal for killing the one I considered one of my best friends."

It was clear that Athrun had been suffering since Tyler's incident with the Shadow's destruction, and she could understand. Her heart had been in such pain when she believed Tyler was dead, words couldn't describe how much it hurt. And Lacus was glad Sakura hadn't known about it, she would have either done terrible things to Athrun or gone into a terrifying depression. If Sakura found out Athrun had been the one that had nearly killed Tyler, Lacus could only imagine what she would do to him. Yet, Tyler was alive, so Athrun didn't need to beat himself up anymore. Thus, her smile returned before she spoke again, "Thankfully, you are quite wrong, Athrun, Tyler is still alive."

Athrun feared that if he believed her for even a moment, the possibility he would give anything for would be ripped away from him. He wanted Tyler back so badly he would apologize on his hands and knees for what he'd done. But that wasn't possible as much as Athrun wanted it to be, "YOU'RE LYING," Athrun shouted in deep emotional pain, raising his gun and pointing at Lacus, "What trick are you trying to pull now, Lacus Clyne? What you say is impossible," Athrun hesitated, "my friend is dead, there's no way he could still be alive."

Lacus kept smiling, and it amplified the pain Athrun felt as her voice was heard again, "I thought that as well before returning to the PLANTs." Lacus remembered the moment she had discovered Tyler was alive, she had been so relieved. "I shortly learned that Tyler was brought here after being found by a friend to help him recover." Lacus stopped as she recalled her conversation with Tyler about what happened to him. He had been so afraid of Athrun and Kira trying to kill one another, it had haunted him. Tyler had said he couldn't live with himself if he stood by and didn't attempt to stop them from being pushed to do so. "It was saddening to hear about how worried Tyler was that you and Kira would be put in the position that you would be expected to kill one another. It haunted him so that Tyler felt the need to put his own life on the line," Lacus paused. What Tyler had said next had truly floored her though it had explained many things about the three. Tyler saw Kira and Athrun as family, and family to him was more important than anything else. "It's because he sees you and Kira as the closest people he has to family other than his mother."

Once more, Athrun found himself at a loss for words at what Lacus was telling him. Athrun would be more than happy if what Lacus said about Tyler was true. The aching in his heart would leave him, and he wanted that. Tyler had been there for him when he needed a friend, almost like a brother. But with what she was being accused of, he couldn't take what she said at face value. However, there'd been many things that weren't as Athrun had thought they were when he had gotten back to the PLANTs. So his doubts were whipping around in his mind and wouldn't be silenced. "Do you not believe what I'm telling you, Athrun," she asked. "I have no doubt you've seen the difference once you came back to the PLANTs after being away for the time you have. You've noticed the changes that have taken place, haven't you?"

The only reply that Athrun could come up with was one word, "Lacus-" Nevertheless, Lacus didn't let up, "What is it you believe in now? What is it you fight for? Is it for the metal you have or the orders of the current chairman of the council?"

"I," Athrun started, not knowing what to say, "Lacus-"

"If your reasons are anything like those, I fear that you will be fighting against your friends again, and I will be among them as well," She stated, keeping her eyes locked onto Athrun. "If we are to be enemies, then go right ahead and shoot me now and be done with it, Athrun Zala, soldier of ZAFT."

Athrun was getting more confused than he had ever been right now. All the thoughts swirling around in his head were contradicting each other. He didn't know what was true and what was false lately, so much made little to no sense. "I," Athrun started again, "with all that's happened," he hesitated, "I'm so confused, and I don't know what to think." Athrun felt the tears coming from his eyes, "Nothing is like I'd thought it would be anymore," he stopped, "I don't know when the world became so muddled like this." His conversation with Nicol came back to him, "I'm so angry with myself, with just following orders. It has had me doing things that disgust me to my core. But I don't know who or what to believe anymore."

Lacus could understand and sympathize with Athrun's confusion. He had been misled and used by others he had placed trust in. And it seemed only recently he'd been seeing the signs of being tricked and used. She got up and was about to move forward when the sound of the doors to the theater opening was heard. Both Lacus and Athrun glanced in that direction saw figures coming in. As they got closer to the stage, Athrun saw that the figures were men in black suits and sunglasses with guns equipped with suppressors. Athrun positioned himself in front of Lacus and faced the men, "What is this about," he demanded.

"Our search for Miss Clyne had been going nowhere, so we have you to thank Athrun Zala. Of course, being her fiancée, you would know her best. Now then, step aside so that we can dispose of the traitor," said the leader.

Athrun didn't move, and the men pointed their guns at him, "Are you sure you want to defend the girl, you're outnumbered and out gunned. I would recommend you think about your decision carefully." The leader said.

Athrun stood his ground, surer than ever that if he moved that, he would regret it in the same way he regretted what happened to Tyler. He had lost enough friends already because of this war, Athrun wouldn't let more die because of foolish decisions he made. The face-off that was about to happen didn't as gunshots rang out. The black-suited men looked around as more gunshots sounded, and some started to be shot. Once the group of assassins realized that others were picking them off, they focused on their target and started shooting at Lacus.

Athrun got her out of the line of fire and behind a stone slab that acted as a barrier that was blocking incoming bullets. However, all of the assassins ended out being taken out, and once that was done, others in ZAFT uniforms. The one that was in the lead was a woman in a blue bodysuit, "A very nice performance Miss Lacus, only wish it hadn't been interrupted. Unfortunately, it is time to go," she said.

Lacus was happy to see Miss Aisha, she knew the woman had her group of soldiers patroling the theater. "You're right, Miss Aisha, thank you for the assistance you and your men provided," Lacus greeted before she turned to Athrun. "Goodbye Athrun, thank you for bringing back my dear Pink to me. As I said before, Tyler is alive, and you'll find him along with Kira on Earth, likely getting together by this point. I recommend that you go and have a talk with them as much for yourself as for them. They are your friends after all, and they care about you as much as you care about them, do not doubt that."

After giving her farewell, Lacus left with the soldiers, and they disappeared and left Athrun there to consider what to do next. He still had so many questions that he didn't have answers yet. However, he figured that Lacus had said the best action to go with to move forward. Athrun needed to talk to Kira and Tyler to see what they knew about all of this. That Tyler had taken the Freedom was something that Athrun wanted Tyler's side of before making any other judgment. And since he was assigned to take the Justice to find where the Freedom went, it worked out to that end.

Thus, Athrun reported to the armory suited up and ready to go. He didn't say anything about what he intended to do on the 'mission,' and he didn't have to tell those in the hangar what he would do. All that was officially said was he was to take back or destroy the Freedom and 'handle' any that had become involved with it. The methods of how Athrun did that were up to himself, as long as it was settled in the end. Athrun entered the mobile suit, and the engineers were doing the last tasks to make the unit ready. Once they were done, they moved away from the cockpit entrance, and so Athrun closed the cockpit. "Sound the A-55 alarm," said a voice over the P.A. system.

Athrun bought the system readouts on the main display in front of himself, looking them over to make sure they were acceptable. Even with the little time that he had to look over the technical specs of this machine, the ZGMF-X09A Justice and also the ZGMF-X10A Freedom, the two mobile suits were definitely the most powerful built by ZAFT so far. Yet, they were also a symbol of something that the PLANTs had abandoned shortly after the Bloody Valentine Incident, nuclear technology. To see nuclear technology again didn't sit right with Athrun, he hated the idea. Nuclear weapons had taken his mother away from him, he had no wish for that technology to be used again in that fashion."Radiation levels are normal. All stations have cleared takeoff," Came over the radio within the Justice.

Shaking his head, Athrun focused back on the task at hand. He knew what was expected, but Athrun refused to kill those who had become involved with the Freedom unless they were to threaten the PLANTs, that would be the only reason. If Tyler had taken the suit, as Lacus said, then he would've been careful where he would've taken it. Tyler wasn't a careless person, so eliminating others wouldn't be necessary. But it did make Athrun wonder what Tyler had thought when he had seen the Freedom and what it contained. Tyler would be no more okay with nuclear technology than Athrun was, they had both lost loved ones to it. "Beginning countdown to launch, T minus 200," said an operator over the radio.

Lacus's words back at the theater kept coming back to Athrun. He had never thought that Tyler had seen Kira and himself as close as family. Athrun hadn't been acting like family to his friend that had been there for him as he had for Athrun himself. The thought of what Kira and Athrun fighting was doing to Tyler hadn't crossed Athrun's mind, and it brought pain. Tyler wouldn't have wanted to see his best friends fighting each other, he would hate that as much as Athrun and Kira. And being a Federation soldier, Tyler would have seen horrible battlefields likely more than Athrun had. "T minus 50, A-55 in effect. All lines connected to X09A, separation confirmed. Standby for takeoff" announced the P.A. system.

Athrun activated the Justice's phase shift armor as cables disconnected from the mobile suit. Even with the storm of battling thoughts, Athrun couldn't help but mutter the names of those that were at the forefront of his mind, "Kira… Tyler…" Strong thoughts came to mind as Athrun considered things, 'What are the two of you thinking about now? And what are you planning to do going forward?'

Again, a voice came over the radio, continuing the countdown, "T minus 5." The thought that had crossed Athrun's mind several times after accepting that what Lacus said Tyler was alive was true. 'Tye, can you ever forgive me for what I did to you,' Athrun asked mentally. "May the divine light of the stars guide us to Justice!"

Athrun grasped the controls and pushed the throttle forward, "Athrun Zala, Justice, launching," he stated before the Justice shot up the launching tunnel and left the PLANTs.

A/N

Okay, I'll leave off there until the next Phase. So, on to the explanations and elaboration of this chapter as they are a couple. I did set this part earlier now as I feel it works out better happening before Spitbreak. The first point, as many of you would probably bring up, Athrun being in a way a whiny little prick. I will admit that Athrun does a lot of whining in this phase in one way or another and that annoys some. However, I would say that Athrun is beating himself up for what he "did" to Tyler. I added the conversation between Athrun and Nicol so that Athrun could vent his cursing about being awarded a metal for his efforts. Second, Athrun's questioning ZAFT's aims, which is earlier than in the original. Finally, I apologize to those that were annoyed by Athrun whining as he did. Please some take the time to write a review and tell me what you think. Hope to post the next Phase in 2 weeks titled: "In the Promise Land" (no pun or Copyright intended)