So, it has been a while. Exams, personal stuff and my old laptop breaking down didn't really help my writer's block. I'm starting to understand how hard it actually is to keep writing a story like this. I'll give my best to keep posting these chapters, even if it takes me weeks to complete. Its not like I'm on a schedule or something. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter. And thaks for the reviews and anyone who likes the story.

Chapter 3: The Beast of Possibility Part 1

"Is this the footage sent by Creuset, Chairman Zala?"

"Don't call me something that isn't decided yet. And yes, it is."

Patrick Zala, member of the Supreme Council of the PLANTs - the colonies in space functioning as a refuge for all Coordinators against the cruel and brutal assaults from the Naturals living on the Earth – was sitting in his office and currently watching the footage sent to him by Creuset. And he didn't like what he saw at all.

"Damn Naturals, to come up with something like this."

"I understand your feelings, Sir."

With Zala was a ZAFT officer in a white coat. His reddish brown hair was cut in a long buzz cut, revealing his young appearance in his early twenties with no visible scars on his face. And his dark brown eyes watched Zala as said man was again beginning to burst with rage.

"This whole mess is becoming more and more dragged out. I'll make sure that we defeat these Naturals with the very technology they planned to use against us!"

Zala looked at the young soldier who was still patiently waiting for him.

"Creuset is currently bringing Lacus Clyne to an escort ship. I had a transporter ship made ready. Use it and regroup with him, Jareed Ramsey!"

"Me, Sir?"

"You'll be going as reinforcements, taking one of the early prototypes we build from the few bits of data we already have. That should make things easy enough for you", Zala said with a dismissive tone.

"I'm honored that you have this much trust in me, Sir", Ramsey said with a formal bow.

"I don't trust you, I trust your capabilities and your combat records. So go and prepare for your transfer. And don't forget, we are talking about a prototype here. Don't you dare let any information fall into enemy hands!"

"Yes Sir!"

And with a salute Ramsey turned around and left the office. He went straight for a single elevator, made sure no one else was inside, and went down. As soon as the door closed he sighed.

"Damn, that Zala. He really gives me a bad vibe", Ramsey said to himself. "It's like dealing with a child who doesn't get the toy it wants. Or rather, a child that is jealous of the other children's toys."

Ramsey was by no means a perfect soldier. As Zala said, his records in battle were of the charts, surpassing many other skilled soldiers, and about the same skill as Creuset. He didn't care for any of that though. All wanted was to fight and kill as many enemies as possible. That was his drive to get stronger, no matter the cost. And it got him the position of a high ranking officer. However, because of his conduct with some teammates, he had yet to lead his own team. The only reason he got promoted was Zala.

Zala had seen something in Ramsey. Something useful. And unlike with Creuset, Ramsey was easier to read and control. Or so Zala thought.

"I don't give a damn about what Zala wants, but that footage was definitely promising."

A sinister grin spread on his face, and he could feel the adrenaline starting to pump through him. The unnerving feeling of not being able to fight a strong opponent. However, he wasn't simply out for blood. He was preparing. Preparing to hunt for a new enjoyment.

"I hope you understand why you're here?", Murrue asked.

"I do. And I also know that this won't help with anything", Banagher replied, seated on the bench inside the brig. "You know he did the right thing, and I don't regret helping them either."

"I know. But one of my officers is not pleased with being left out of the loop, and know I have to make amends to avoid having her go nuts with the protocols."

Banagher didn't say anything as Murrue sighed. She was visibly tired, and definitely in need of rest. But what with the return of Lacus Clyne to the Creuset-Team, their pursuers where hot on their heels yet again. And it didn't help that a strict officer and selfish politician continued to make complains and demands.

"She isn't a bad person, but…"

Murrue looked at Banagher for a moment, as if expecting a reply, but before he could say anything, she went to the door.

"You'll be here for a while. I'll try to get you out by tomorrow."

When the captain had left the brig, Banagher leaned back against the wall, recalling what happened after handing over Lacus and fending of Rau le Creuset, as Mu had told him the man's name.

Banagher wasn't really surprised to encounter a déjà vu as he once again found a group of soldiers aiming their rifles against his cockpit. And again, Murrue was standing there, but this time not Mu, but another young woman with black hair and an officer's uniform, just like Murrue's. However, Banagher could tell that she was stiffer than Murrue. Like she would follow orders to the letter without question, and would only accept something that went by the regulations she learned.

"This is Natarle Badgiruel", Murrue introduced her crewmember when Banagher had exited the Unicorn. Natarle seemed as surprised as the others earlier when he took of his helmet. Instead of waiting for her to start voicing her obvious complains, Murrue quickly continued to short conversation.

"I'd like you to follow me", she said to Banagher before addressing Natarle. "You return to the bridge. I'd like to hurry up to reach the 8th Fleet."

And before Natarle could even inhale air to answer, Murrue quickly left, Banagher following directly behind her. And so he ended up in the brig before he could even make excuses.

Thinking back on the handover of Lacus Clyne, Banagher was glad that everything worked out more or less. It didn't sit right with him to hold a child hostage, no matter who they were. So he had no complains. But he was sure that he was only one of the few who are actually glad that she is back home. The rest, mainly the Alliance probably, wouldn't think so though. So Banagher once again locked the Unicorn up, to keep curious hands away from it, even if they couldn't move it without his biometric data.

However, he didn't think more about his situation, as tiredness took over his consciousness and he started to drift into slumber, even on the uncomfortable bench he was sitting on.

When he learned about the doings of the Strike and the Unicorn, George Allster was anything but pleased. With the capture of Lacus Clyne, the Alliance would have gained a great advantage in the war and many things would turn out differently. However, the most enraging thing was that his trust in the pilot of the Unicorn was misplaced. He had hoped to make good use of the pilot and the machine, but it was obvious that winning the pilot for his side would not give him many advantages.

"Then at least give us as much information about the mobile suit as you can. There is only so much we can actually get from the Alliance."

"I will try as much as I can, but the captain is a stubborn one", replied George to the other recipient of the call. "She is also one of those troublesome types."

"I understand. We will take care of things from our side, you just have to focus on obtaining the data. For our pure, blue world."

"For our pure, blue world."

The call ended, but the minister still wasn't satisfied. Murrue was still refusing him to visit the pilot, now that he was placed in the brig. But he was done being nice. He would get what he needed. No matter the cost.

Kira was taking a stroll through the ship to relax a bit. After his "trial", he needed some rest, but found himself unable to sleep. The parting words of his best friend still rang in his mind and a small part of him couldn't help but feel regret at his decision. Could he really shoot down his best friend?

"Kira?"

Kira turned around at his name being called and blushed slightly as he saw Flay coming towards him.

"Flay, what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for Miri. Did you see her?"

"No, I was until just now… talking with the Captain and the others."

"Oh, I see."

Kira noticed that something was bothering Flay. She seemed somewhat restless, but he didn't have any idea why. The fact that her father was still alive was a relief for many, but Flay wasn't as happy as Kira had thought she would.

"Is everything okay?", Kira asked concerned. "You don't seem well."

"Oh, It's just that we still didn't meet the pilot of the white mobile suit. You know, the one who saved Papa's ship", she replied. "Apparently, Captain Ramius says that he is currently busy, but he should be having breaks, right?"

Kira recalled the events of returning Lacus and how Banagher didn't stop them. Yet he was shocked when he saw Banagher exiting the Unicorn as Lacus had named it. The teen would have never imagined that the young mechanic was actually the pilot. And all that Kira did was complain to him.

"Kira?", Flay asked, trying to pull the Coordinator out of his thoughts.

"I'm sure that he also has his problems. He might be working in secret for the Alliance", Kira said. "I'm sure you'll meet him sometime."

"If you say so. Anyways, I'll keep looking for Miri. See you!"

He watched the girl floating away, a slight unease in his chest. He was happy that he could talk with his crush like this, but was he really satisfied with this? Kira shook his head, removing such thoughts for the moment before he thought about the other things he had to deal with.

The longest time on the journey to the 8th Fleet remained calm and everyone was able to relax from the constant battles they went through. Everyone's mood was good and the remaining work on the ship was finished quickly, allowing most of the crew a good rest as well.

Banagher was released from the brig, but Murrue told him to not sortie in the Unicorn as Natarle would never let her have the end of it until they talked to the Admiral. It was obvious that they were still in danger, but as long as they kept an eye open, they should be able to deal with it.

If anything, the biggest news for everyone was Banagher being the pilot of the white mobile suit. And when said pilot entered the canteen, he was swarmed by the teens from Heliopolis.

"Why didn't you say so before?", Tolle asked, though he didn't seem upset at all.

"A lot was going on at the time", Banagher replied. "My intervention seemed to have caused quite a stir with everyone, so I kept quiet to make things a bit easier."

"Then how did you get your mobile suit?"

"…It was entrusted to me. That's all I'd like to say about it."

"So are you part of the Alliance?"

"No, I'm not a soldier. Actually, I was a student at a Technical School back at my home colony."

"From where are you then?"

Banagher stayed silent at that question. He didn't want to lie to them, but he was aware that telling them the truth would not help at this point. Still, it was a relief to know they didn't hold it against him.

"I can't say. I'm in a… complex situation that forces me to keep quiet on many things. But when I get the chance, I'll tell you."

The teens seemed disappointed, but they could tell that Banagher had his reasons and it wouldn't help anyone if they continued to pressure him.

"Okay, we'll look forward to it", Tolle said with a smile. "Just like Kira, we'll help you out when we can, so don't hold back on us, okay?"

"Yeah."

Patience was not one of Yzak Joule's strong points. He was a person of action, and waiting around was only aggravating him. Even when they received specific orders not to attack the Legged Ship, he was still dead set on sinking that ship and shooting down the Strike. It was an embarrassment to him to be defeated again and again by the Naturals, and he was going to rectify this situation.

"Even if you say that, we won't have a chance to get to them in time", Nicol said when Yzak had told them about his plan on the bridge. "If it were only the Strike, then it would be doable, but the white Mobile Suit makes it impossible."

"We are more than enough to finish this", Yzak countered.

"But time isn't on our side", Nicol replied, this time unexpectedly more stern. "If we wait for reinforcements, then we can do a save attack on them."

"So you're just going to let them get away!?", Yzak shouted.

Dearka, who watched the whole exchange, interrupted them as he couldn't stand the constant bickering. And he had to admit, Nicol's idea sounded more solid than Yzak's.

"While I'm also not happy about it, Nicol's right. If we wait for reinforcements, we can kick their asses even harder, okay?"

"You too!?"

"And besides, I heard one of the reinforcements is Jared Ramsey."

This caught the attention of everyone, and a moment of silence spread through the bridge. Jared Ramsey. While not famous, there weren't many who didn't knew the name. And what he could do on a battlefield.

While the reuniting with the 8th Fleet happened without problems, many were still tense from the constant worry of being attacked, even at the last second. So when they reached safe airspace, everyone was so relaxed, everything seemed like a dream.

The captain and the two officers went to meet the Admiral after the Archangel took position next to the Menelaos, and Kira and his friends received discharge papers, so they could leave the ship and go home to their families.

To his surprise, Banagher didn't need to accompany Murrue and the others, so he decided to check on the Unicorn. Ever since they arrived at this apparent save spot, he could shake this growing feeling of unease. Something was going to happen, and Banagher was sure that it was related to the ZAFT-vessel that continued to follow them. So he made sure to deal with the situation, should it come to a battle.

Time passed, and one he was taking a break, leaning of the railing of the walkway.

"So you're Banagher."

Said pilot turned around to see a blond man in his forties in Alliance uniform floating towards him. The man stopped at the railing and stood next to Banagher.

"I'm Admiral Halberton. Captain Ramius had told me about your situation."

When he learned the Admiral's name, Banagher thought back on the promise he made with Murrue. She would tell the Admiral about his situation, with the hope to give Banagher a chance to pursue the hints of the Unicorn.

"I see. Is there something you wanted from me?"

Halberton didn't reply right away, but he turned to look at the Unicorn.

"In all my years have I never seen anything like this suit. Its capabilities are far above the G-series, and I'm sure it is capable of even more than we have seen."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I understand that you are a person wishing for a peaceful life just as much as Kira Yamato, am I wrong?", Halberton asked as he looked back to Banagher.

"At first, there was someone I wanted to be useful for", Banagher answered. "But now, I want to fulfill my promise to her. And if I have to fight, then so be it. But I refuse to kill someone just because I'm told they're the enemy. I'm not a soldier."

"Then are you going to stop this war by yourself if you have to?"

"…"

Banagher kept silent, but Halberton understood what his silence meant.

"You have a difficult path ahead of you, young man. A path too difficult to be walked alone."

Halberton turned away, making his way back to the entrance of the hangar.

"But I look forward to see you succeed on it."

~ "The burden she carries is huge. Even so, do you have the resolve to stand beside her?" ~

Banagher recalled his father's last words about the resolve to move forward. The young pilot knew that his path would not be easy, but was he ready to keep going? To move forward without knowing where his destination was? It would be difficult. But that wouldn't stop Banagher from getting home. No matter what.

"…Admiral Halberton."

"What is it?"

"I have a favor of you to ask."

"I know many of you are surprised at the amount of reinforcements the council has given us, but it just shows how big of a threat the Legged Ship is if left unattended, alongside the two Mobile Suits on board."

Creuset began the meeting without much talkabout, as he knew that everyone here was aware of the ship and the two Suits. He noticed Ramsey floating slightly of to the side, a small grin plastered on his face. It was no secret that Ramsey was disliked among his fellow soldiers, but no one could deny his skill. And that rubbed Creuset the wrong way. To him, Ramsey was too much of a wild card. While easily predictable, Creuset had no idea how the infamous pilot would react in many situations.

"The council also provided us with a prototype made from the earliest information we could give them about the Alliance's new Mobile Suits. Captain Ramsey here was chosen as the pilot."

Everyone turned to look at said pilot, some narrowing their eyes upon recognizing the name and the face of Ramsey.

"Can we trust him?", asked one of the Green-Coats bravely.

"I trust that he will do his job and take down the white Mobile Suit known as the Unicorn."

"Who came up with that name."

"Miss Clyne called it so, and the pilot didn't seem to deny it. While we can't say if that is true, we will still call it the Unicorn", Creuset explained, unsuprisingly with a sligtly sour tone. And no one could blame him for that.

"As I said, Captain Ramsey will take on the Unicorn while the rest of us concentrates on the 8th Fleet. Our top priority is the destruction of the Legged Ship! Any questions?"

No one said anything, and Creuset turned to Athrun.

"I'd like you and your teammates to take care of the Legged Ship. The others will keep the 8th Fleet busy, understood.

Athrun and his team replied with a salute.

"Enough talk", Ramsey said, making everyone give him disapproving looks. "I've had it with the waiting. I had enough of that on the way here. Now, let us hunt a Unicorn!"