The Dark Side of the Moon
Ramias, Nataru and Maw Mwuu Fraga, their only surviving veteran pilot from the Heliopolis attack, stood in rapt attention in a dark room. Before them, sitting on a large ornate ebony table, the Triumvirate of Von Braun composing of Dianna Soreil, Agrippa Maintainer and Gym Gingham. It had been only two hours ever since the Archangel landed and being looked over, and now its three top officers were awaiting their verdict.
"We receive word from the United Earth and Space Federation Council regarding your plight. Under our Non-Aggression Pact, we will aid you in our own way we can manage. You will each have reports giving specific instructions in the process after this meeting." Dianna began briskly, not bothering with proper introductions, "Regardless to say that you are ordered by Commander Oka to head for Jabrow on Earth as soon as you are able after leaving Von Braun." She seemed to shift some papers placed on her desk before she could continue. "I have been given word that new troops should be supplied to your ranks to be able to defend yourselves properly. I have already given this to the Captain of Guard to handle that assignment. However I cannot permit my soldiers to join you, only volunteers."
Ramias mustered as much strength as she could as she asked the following questions. "What about supplies? The civilians?"
"We will provide food, water and fuel. But not weapons." Agrippa, a tall old man with deep eyebrows and a hawklike nose, said. "You will receive those in Jabrow."
"I see." Ramias said wincing inwardly. Archangel's weapons had been terribly low ever since, and she doubted they could survive another bout with ZAFT. It seemed their only route was indeed in flight as Oka suggested.
"For the civilians," Dianna said gravely. "Those who are not among your military ranks, are allowed to stay here under our protection until their families will come and claim them." It took all her years of military training for Ramias not to scream in joy, but instead smiling gratefully towards the young queen. Dianna gave a slight nod in return, Agrippa didn't look too pleased by that decision and Gym's expression was blank, not betraying his thoughts on the matter.
"The Archangel must leave within the next five hours. This will give you ample time to sort out your forces." Dianna said, holding a small hammer in her gloved hand she giving the table a firm raps. "Dismissed." The three officers gave a smart salute and walked towards the door in a single file.
"I'm glad she's on our side," Fraga said, "They could have simply taken the civilians and asked us to leave. With fuel, we may still make it."
"Sir," Nataru said to Ramias the first time since the meeting. "Will you grant Yamato to leave?"
"If that is his decision, yes. I fully intend for him to leave." Ramias said, giving Bajarle a sharp look, knowing where this may be leading. They've already had this discussion before, and frankly she was getting tired of this.
"But he's our best pilot. He is the only one who could handle the Strike Gundam."
"Lt. Fraga is more than qualified for that once Kira leaves." Ramias retorted.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence." Fraga said ruefully. Ramias ignored him and continued, "He is not formally a member of the military and is underage. I will not permit him to join in the war."
"Captain!" Bajarle protested. "If you could just convince him to…"
"THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH, ENSIGN!!!" Ramias thundered, giving stress on the other woman's rank, reminding Nataru who was in charge of the ship, and was demanding that this conversation to be over.
"Yes, sir." Nataru replied through gritted teeth, but at least she dropped the subject.
"Inform the civilians to prepare their things for transportation. We need to have the ship ready within five hours."
Fraga and Bajarle gave their Captain their salute, quietly concurring to her orders.
The Ahgama, after finishing unloading its civilian passengers and surrendered their data regarding the Heliopolis incident with the Von Braun government, they were allowed to leave unchallenged to land on the civilian port to receive their supplies. The Vidans never left the ship though, as they were not part of the Heliopolis civilians anyway, and were quite unsure where they should go from thereon. Kira asked Camille and Erin a favor to smuggle Lacus away from the Archangel and find her a new hiding place in the Ahgama instead, convinced that she won't be safe in the former ship once the inspectors came. So while Hilda was wandering in the Ahgama searching in vain for her son, Camille and Erin were busy helping Lacus to settle down in the ship's brig with food, some flashlights and sleeping bags.
"Can't find a better place to hide." Camille apologized to her, "We're both new here, and I don't think we should tell the others about you."
"Don't worry," Lacus said with sincere cheerfulness, as if she was heading off to some pleasant holiday instead of being kept here in a very dark area. "At least this place is larger than Kira's room."
"Speaking of that, he's been acting very nervous around you ever since you've stayed there," Erin commented suspiciously, "did he do something?"
"Oh no, he didn't do anything like that at all. He was a very kind boy." Lacus assured her. In actuality, it seemed Lacus didn't mind changing her clothes in front of a guy she didn't know, and when she tried to wear an oversized t-shirt Erin lend her to use as her sleeping gown during the night, Kira had freaked out, for lack of a better term, and made a point to run out from the room whenever she change. Lacus didn't find that such a shameful act at all, and Kira's actions had puzzled her greatly, but she never said those words to her other two rescuers, as they didn't really ask about it specifically.
"Well," Erin said, "it's a good thing we've given leave from the ship. I don't think we could hide her this way for long." Brecks and Henken had decided for the Ahgama crew to acquire a well-deserved rest while they could still afford to. The AEUG people had taken this respite gratefully. As such everyone, except for Astronage and the mechanics, the ship was technically empty.
"I have to go with Lt. Quattro today, though." Erin said, frowning while trying to recall his words, "I think it's something to do with the Hyukebein." Since Erin and Astronage cannot figure out the heads and tails of the robot's "black boxes", parts found around the Personal Trooper that they could not identify its uses, Quattro had contacted a Mao Industry scientist who could help them to at least give them an idea on how to maintain it.
"Leaves me to take care of her, then," Camille said nodding towards Lacus.
"What about your parents?" Erin asked him.
The blue-haired boy shrugged helplessly, but his voice was quite steady. "No matter what they say, I'm coming with you guys."
"But how will you convince them to stay here in Luna wihtout you, unless you plan to bring them along?" She asked in mild curiosity.
"I'll think of something," was his short reply, his tone of voice telling Erin that they should drop the subject already. Without a word, she simply stood up while Camille looked at her in mild surprise. He was rather used having Fa and his parents forcing him to comply with their decisions, and it was gratifying to see her not following the same path, although it did disorient him.
"Er, Erin." Camille said, feeling that he should retract his thoughtless remarks a while ago, "Since you're going out, can you do me a favor?"
Erin rewarded him with a grin.
"Since the Titans captured the Director and the Mao Industries on Earth, their Luna HQ was the one thing that remained. They stop mecha production under Mao's orders though, and most of the employees stationed here returned to their families." Quattro explained patiently as he and Erin walked in the empty corridor of the building's lobby. The echoes of their footsteps reverberating throughout the large room.
"Strange place to meet someone," Erin commented. "Why'd I have to bring the Hyukebein along anyway?"
"The person we're going to meet had specific orders to remain here and oversee some Mao projects that were still operational." Quattro said. "He can't afford to leave this area. He would have to conduct a brief research of the mecha here."
"If you knew about that, then I'm afraid I'm in serious trouble. It was supposed to be a secret," a man, around Quattro's age and maybe older, with short violet hair, his bangs almost hiding his eyes. He was wearing a Mao issued uniform but even without that distinct laboratory gown worn over it Erin had already recognized him, having met the man briefly before. "Dr. Shirakawa…" she said, bowing in a polite manner.
"Ms. Shore." Shuu Shirakawa replied, nodding back gravely at her. "I'm glad to see you still alive."
"Thank you." Erin replied.
"I see you're the chosen pilot for the Personal Trooper." The scientist began. "My people are already there to look over the Hyukebein."
Quattro produced a small diskette from his pocket, "As you've requested, the manifest of the Hyukebein mk. 4's performance for the past week." And gave it to the other man's outstretched hand.
"I appreciate it. This will be vital for future research," Shuu also took something from the inside of his lab coat. "Give this to your mechanic. Tell him to have it installed." A slightly larger disc, used for adding data to a mecha, was given to Quattro. "It's to add the mental performance for the pilot." He explained to Erin.
"And about those black boxes?" Quattro asked him.
"They will be revealed in time," Shuu said, "I have not been given permission to divulge its secrets to you. Some other time, perhaps. I'm sorry to be abrupt, but I must return to the Trooper for inspection." Without a word the taller man simply turned away and walked in a brisk manner on where the truck where the Hyukebein was stored. Then Shuu stopped, turn back, walked towards the girl and gave Erin a rather thick brown envelope onto her hand. "Your payment. We will add reimbursements and raise your wages for being the pilot." Before she could reply, he had already left.
"What now?" Erin asked they went back to the building's entrance, trying not to look shock at the huge amount of money, wages that seemed she had earn for a year, that she just received after she gave the envelope a quick look.
"We give them an hour for their inspection," Quattro said, "And then we return to bring the Trooper back to the ship."
"You guys aren't using Sam as a guinea pig have you?" Erin asked him sharply.
"That's one way to put it…" Quattro replied thoughtfully, looking at the girl's outraged expression he added quickly. "She volunteered to be it's pilot. She knew about this beforehand." As if he found necessary to explain he continued, "Mao Industries were vying for Newtype based weapons like Anaheim, thus those mental enhancements."
"Newtype based weapons? But Newtypes are few to begin with, that's a rather limited choice of research."
"On the contrary, I believe they're heading in the right direction. Mao is also not willing to engage in a rivalry with Nergal and Anaheim."
Erin would nod at that remark; Anaheim had been the sole producer of Mobile Suits seven years ago. That had changed remarkably when Nergal and Mao Industry entered into the field. But while Nergal and Anaheim spent their research on weaponry, producing better robots, Mao spent resources on the psychic field. Producing prototypes instead of mass production ones, which clearly shows a disadvantage. Recently, though, the Federation had given Mao permission to mass produce its Geshpents… the robot Lynn Mao herself piloted seven years ago… to join into its military ranks. Whatever happened to them was unknown, and it was unlikely it would be ever found out. But it had been suspected that the Titans may use them sooner or later, as Sutherland was their number one supporter.
By now they have reached outside the Mao Luna building, Erin had excused herself to go shopping, taking advantage of her salary. Quattro had other appointments to attend to so he had given her permission, in which the girl was vastly relieved. She was not only buying stuff for herself and Camille, but also to Lacus, and she certainly didn't want the Lieutenant to discover this.
It made Erin realize, a few minutes later after leaving Quattro's side, that it will take awhile for her to get her payments again. And if the Titans were smart, they would have blocked her bank accounts in the hopes of tracing her. And she knew she could never send her money to Jed. She hoped he was wise enough to get himself a job, because it seems she won't be supporting them for quite some time. Brecks and Quattro had been specific to tell her not to contact them, for their protection as well as hers, and it was quite frustrating for her that she was helpless to at least assure them of her well-being. Doubtless they would have been worried by now ever since the word that Mao was out of the business for political reasons, and she made no attempts to return to them.
With a sigh, Erin checked the small lists that Camille and Lacus gave her before she left the ship, and she felt herself laughing out loud. Camille asked for some potato chips, food that was unfortunately not served in the Ahgama's cafeteria, and from Lacus some personal hygiene items… namely deodorant and shampoo. They even gave her the money for those requests. She felt a quirk of guilt that Lacus was most likely never had a chance to take a shower for the past three days, and that she, being female herself, has overlooked that. Feeling unusually generous today, Erin entered the first shop she encountered.
In a private lounge of a hotel he was staying on the rare occasions that he was on Von Braun. Using the name of "Edward Mass" Quattro took his keys and made a slow ascent towards his personal quarters. Remembering that he had not been here for over a year.
His room was unchanged, as he had left it. A large comfortable bed, a sofa on the far end of the room, and a television set that was near his door, and above that TV was a single picture frame.
Slowly, almost reverently, he picked up the frame and looked at it, as if he had seen it for the first time and wanted to imprint the image into his memory. A young blonde girl and boy smiling radiantly back at him, their heads touching each other, the boy hugging the girl tightly over her shoulder. It was taken during a family outing many years ago, on a rare occasion when his father was free from his work in the government during the weekend. It was one of the happiest days of his life, when his family was still complete: calm and vibrant and alive, his father, his sister and himself. The photograph was the only thing that he had brought along with him ever since his father was killed, when he and his sister Artesia were smuggled away by friends to hide in Earth. And much later when he forsaken his own sister for his quest of vengeance … somehow over the years, he couldn't bear parting from it, despite the irrationality of being attached to an inanimate object like that.
"Captain," a new voice intruded his thoughts and without a word Quattro hidden those memories away as he returned the frame back to its resting place. "I told you not to call me that." He reminded his guest patiently. "I'm Lt. Quattro."
His visitor smiled slightly, "Forgive me, sir, but you will always be the Captain Char Aznable to me."
Quattro did not reply but instead asked his guest to sit down as he called through phone for coffee and bread. Minutes later the nourishments were delivered as the two men took the time to look at each other. "Civilian life suits you well, Kigunan." Quattro remarked.
Kigunan nodded as he silently hand over the folders to Quattro. "Thank you sir," he said. "How is the family?"
"Under the circumstances lately, better than usual." But Quattro's grin vanished a bit as he scanned the piece of paper. "So, the Alternate Company was razed to the ground?"
"Can't be helped, the attack is approved by the Federation and its supporters. It's about time, anyway, they never should have captured that other girl, otherwise they could have still be up and running." Kigunan said. "Neo-Zeon never got their Whisper, but the Newtype research survived long enough for them to save." The blonde Lieutenant looked at Amuro Ray and Tifa Adil's personal files, wondering what happened to the former. The next batch showed him the files of three more people whom he had never met before, but the information regarding them gave him pause… "Enhanced Humans?"
"Yes, sir. Those three were in fact put into active military services."
"I can't believe the Titans would put this into action." But nevertheless he closed the folder and extended his hand, in which Kigunan clasped it with his own. "Thank you for bringing it to our attention. It will greatly help to the meeting."
"Sir, may I ask a question?" Kigunan said, and before Quattro could answer he continued as bravely as he could muster, "Lady Haman Khan is asking when you should return to give her the report personally."
Quattro shrugged, "If this continues AEUG will enter into the Federation services, something that the other spies can't do. It would be a shame to pass this opportunity." But privately Quattro was beginning to wonder if he should continue working for Haman. Neo-Zeon, despite their claims, was only in name. Quattro didn't see it as much different from the original Zeon Principality, but these things he kept it to himself for now. Such thoughts are much too soon to contemplate over. He would need a little more time…
He and Kigunan exchanged pleasantries for an hour before they finally stood up and left the room to return to their respective duties. Quattro would still escort the Hyukebein and its pilot back to the Ahgama before he could attend a meeting with Won and Brecks.
WcDonaldes was a popular food chain on Earth, which had somehow also ended up as a semi-popular franchise on space. But ever since the conflict of the One Year War, when the supporters of the Principality of Zeon had those "Earth manufactured items" banned in their propaganda, the hamburger shop had been doing quite poorly. In fact it was quite a surprise it was still running in Von Braun, when other popular food shops were available.
For Quattro he couldn't find a better hiding place.
Upon entering the small shop he faced a familiar face. There dressed with an apron, a cap and a WcDonaldes uniform was Captain Henken, he didn't seem to mind the absurd get-up at all and ushered Quattro into the back door, where the lockers of the employees can be found. But instead of the locker room, it was furnished with a small round table and some chairs, seated on them were the leaders of the AEUG along with Brecks. And Won, their financial backer.
"Gentlemen," Brecks began as he began distributing folders regarding of the Titans to the other members, "I have a proposition that needed your serious contemplation."
"What's this?" Kira asked when after inputting some data in Strike's cockpit and emerged outside where Ramias was waiting for him. She had silently given him a piece of paper he was now looking at.
"You're not to leave the ship unless you show them your discharge papers." Ramias explained patiently. "This is to allow you permanent leave your military service."
Kira felt his eyes widening in shock. "Really?" he asked happily.
"Yes." Ramias smiled back at him. "Back then I haven't find the time to do this but…" To Kira's embarrassment the Captain of the Archangel bowed. "Thank you very much."
"I… I don't…" Kira stuttered.
"We're alive, thanks to you." Ramias continued as if she hadn't heard him. "On behalf of my crew, we are grateful."
Fraga had somehow managed to drift into their conversation and slung a friendly arm on Kira's shoulder. "If you're planning to leave, I suggest you pack your things." Kira gave a nod, made a quick excuse to the Captain and drifted to the ground using the zero gravity. But he found himself staring at the Strike Gundam, knowing he'll never pilot it again.
Quattro Bajina made sure that Kira left before he approached Ramias, giving her the papers for her to read. The new members joining their Mobile Suit ranks, along with Harry Ord's volunteer squad.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked him, upon seeing the last names listed on the paper.
"From what I've just seen you've lost a lot of your soldiers," Quattro said. "We could at least defend you until Jabrow."
Fraga looked at Ramias, "The Strike would have to be re-calibrated for my use. I'm not sure I can undo the data Kira put in by the time we leave. I'll still have to use the Mobius Zero." Ramias nodded, realizing that they were still very much in danger.
But as the adults were holding this discussion Kira was already walking on the corridor with confused emotions. Glad as he was to be out of the service and become neutral again, a small voice inside was telling that he was taking the easy way out. But if I continue to be with them… I may fight Athrun…And I don't think I can…
His thoughts were interrupted when he saw a small girl waiting patiently on the corridor. Surprised to see a lone child when the civilians are being asked to leave the ship, Kira bent forward to ask her if she was lost, when the girl smiled happily at him. "For you, big brother!" she said as she thrust into his hand a small paper flower onto his palm. "Everyone was saying you're the one who saved us. Thank you so much for everything!"
Kira could not recognize the name of that child, but before he could finish gaping at such a simple gift in his hand, the little girl had already left, running in the corridor as fast as her little legs would allow her. Kira watched her leave, a smile lighting up his features.
Although they were away from Von Braun's sensors, Rao Ru Cruze wasn't willing enough to engage their forces against Dianna Counter. But after receiving a reliable information that the Archangel landed on Luna, Cruze asked his officers to have it logged, knowing that he will have to give this information to the ZAFT inner council. He was now pondering if making an aggressive move towards Von Braun was a wise idea when a knock was heard from his door, and Athrun Zala entered in the room with a grim expression on his face.
"I see you've heard the news." Cruze said after the younger man saluted.
Athrun nodded. "Lacus Clyne's whereabouts is unknown. But intelligence seems to point out she may with the civilians the Archangel brought in."
"Or she could be dead." Cruze said, looking at Athrun for any reaction. A flash of concern crossed his features, but other than that he very much kept to himself.
"I looked into Aegis' logs. You didn't do well against the Strike Gundam as Nicole reported." Here Cruze looked stern, or as much as his face could let him with his silver mask that covered his eyes.
"I can explain that sir." Athrun interjected quickly, forgetting his place. "I know the pilot."
"Really?" this took his complete attention. He waited patiently for Athrun to continue.
"He's a friend of mine since childhood. We studied together in Von Braun five years ago." Seeing Cruze's grimace he added, "He's also a Coordinator. One of us."
"Are you sure?" Cruze asked sharply.
"Yes. He told me himself." Athrun said eagerly, finding a foothold that would allow this conversation to go to his favor. "Kira's naïve. And easily manipulated by peers. I'm sure the Federation forced him to pilot it. I can convince him to join us…"
"And if he doesn't listen? What will you do?" Cruze asked, watching the youth carefully.
Athrun snapped his head up. "Then I will shoot him down." He said firmly.
To his surprise Cruze chuckled at his words. "Well," he said quietly. "Then perhaps a reunion is needed after all."
"Wow, what are those?" Paula asked as Erin lugged some clothes and food in her arms. Erin feared that Quattro would at least inquire why she bought so many things when they met at the rendezvous, but it seemed that the Lieutenant has other things in his mind and was silent throughout the ride home.
"I just got my wages," Erin said. "And I doubt I'll ever got the chance to use it once we leave. Want some soda?"
"Oh, no." Paula said, laughing. "I'm just only here to ask you a favor." Without a word she handed Erin a small diskette.
Erin looked at her in suspicion. "What?"
"I got orders to stay with the Ahgama." Paula said seriously, Erin stared… she had not seen Paula like this before.
"What do you mean?"
"It means that if Won and the AEUG leaders agree with Brecks, then you'll head for Earth with the Archangel under Commander Oka's protection and influence. I just saw Quattro and the others at the other ship, and seems it will pull through." Paula told her patiently. "I have to stay here a little bit longer though, but I need you to bring this tape to the Preventers for them to look over."
"I thought you told me you're not working for them."
"You actually believed that?" Paula replied in wild-eyed surprise. "I was kidding!"
"So who are coming along?" Erin asked looking at the tape warily, as if it was going to bite her.
"Lt. Quattro, you and Camille if I'm not mistaken." Paula said, "It's easier if you go in smaller numbers."
"But why are you telling me this?"
"So you wouldn't be surprised if Astronage and his team would lug you and the robot into another ship without a proper warning." Paula said as she waved goodbye, "and if you've brought visitors along they should go there as well." Paula was too far away before Erin could ask her what she had meant with that remark.
She was already resuming her walk in the corridor when she had accidentally bumped into Camille.
"Hey, I seem to remember asking you to buy one packet of potato chips." The blue-haired boy replied.
"Ha ha. I didn't just bought food you know." As if to prove her point, she shoved another bag of groceries to her friend's arms for him to carry. "Help me out here. This is for Lacus."
"You know we may transfer to the Archangel?" Camille asked.
"Yeah. Paula gave the news."
"I haven't been in Earth before." Camille admitted.
"Ah, don't worry about that. Contrary to what other people's common misconception, it's a nice place."
He still didn't look convinced "If you say so… what's this?" Camille asked her as he placed his hand on the top of the bag and pulled up a long brown wig.
"I don't know if Lacus would like her hair dyed… actually, it'd be a shame if she did, I like her hair as it is… so I bought that instead. She mustn't go around as Miss Clyne if we want her to be conspicuous."
"You're bringing her along?"
"Of course not! But if she has to stay here in Luna she should at least disguise herself."
"Kira just told me he just received his discharge papers." Camille said thoughtfully, "If we could smuggle her out of here, he can watch over Lacus."
Erin frowned in disapproval. "I dunno about you but I don't think a guy and a girl who're perfect strangers should be left alone in a city…"
Her friend chuckled. "You sound like a soccer mom! Kira's a decent sort…"
"That's not what I meant. It's just…" they had walked for a few more corridors before Camille made an abrupt stop, cursing under his breath. Looking over her bags, Erin saw the reason; Mrs. Vidan was walking towards their direction. And it was too late for them to make a quick getaway. As if reading their thoughts, Hilda walked towards Camille and took a firm grip on his arm. But to their surprise, Hilda's first words were not what they had expected. "Camille, have you seen your father?"
Franklin looked around. With most of the top officers away from the ship, it seemed that the opportunity for him to leave has finally come. His roll of film hidden securely in his pocket, containing the various pictures of the Hyukebein, the Strike Gundam and the gold Hayaku Shiki. He didn't have to bother to look over for the plans, as like Camille he can give an accurate assessment of a mecha with thorough looks alone. Franklin knew that Basque Ohm will be vastly pleased with his report once he leaves Luna. He search around for a weapon to use, and his gaze reverted to the torch that was lying nearby.
Then suddenly Astronage spotted him, as the chief mechanic was given orders to have some of the Mobile Suits transferred to the Archangel. He was surprised to find Camille's father here, as he had thought he left the ship with the Heliopolis civilians. "You!" he shouted, "What are you---!"
But before he could finish his question, Mr. Vidan swung the heavy object hard to his head.
It was more on Camille's hunches than any sound reasoning. But he and Erin and Mrs. Vidan ran into the hangar just in time to see Franklin Vidan disappearing in the cockpit of Emma's mk.2 Gundam. The IFF program had been recently changed but the mechanics hadn't find the time to give it a new coat of paint, thus retaining its original black color. "DAD!" Camille shouted in vain as the mk.2 moved forward to the catapult. "What are you doing?!"
"Stop him," Astronage gasped out, his face covered in blood. Hilda Vidan was already at his side, placing a clean handkerchief over the cut on his forehead.
"Come on!" Erin snapped, dragging Camille by the arm towards their respective mechas.
Paula didn't know what exactly happened, but when she saw the white mk.2 and the Hyukebein flying away from the Ahgama she found herself muttering "They have GOT to stop doing that."
"If you please," a quiet voice penetrated in the silence behind you. With a shout of surprise, Paula looked over her shoulder to see Lacus standing silently behind you. "You…" Paula began.
Lacus forged ahead, "I need your help."
"This is Dianna Soreil to the ZAFT ship. I demand you to answer our hails." Dianna said, looking at the tactical screen of the war room. She was a bit surprised that ZAFT had come so quickly and so bravely. She really had no intention to keep a pretense that nothing was going on, but what does the commander of that battleship had hoped to accomplish with this?
Suddenly the huge screen flashed into life and Cruze's sardonic face filled the portal, "Greetings, your Majesty."
Dianna didn't flinch, "Your ship is approaching the city in aggression. I ask you to desist at once."
"We do not take orders from traitors."
"We are not traitors."
"Helping our enemy is not a wise thing a ruler should do."
"That is not what I expect from someone who destroyed one of my ally's colony." Dianna replied coldly.
Cruze was silent for a moment before giving her a small smile conceding his defeat in this debate with her. "Blind loyalty will not help you here, my Lady." He warned her grimly however, and the communication was abruptly cut off.
Dianna whirled to her tactical officers, realizing what Cruze had planned. "Warn the Archangel! Tell them to leave the port as soon as they are able!"
The ground shook, and Ramias and Quattro gripped the railway in an effort to keep their balance. "What's going on?!" She asked.
Quattro's expression was grim. "It seems that ZAFT has decided to attack after all." He was worried as well, the Hayaku Shiki was already on board, but Camille's Gundam and Erin's Hyukebein were still unaccounted for. "It seems this would be the time I officially join you under your command."
Ramias hesitated, but only for a moment, then nodded at Quattro and Fraga to suit up for battle. As Quattro hurried to his mecha, his other gloved hand reached for his pager, requesting an update from the Ahgama. A minute later, the gold Mobile Suit was in the rocky terrain beyond Von Braun's territory, his eyes alert for his quarry.
Kira gasped as he hit full force onto the hallway as the ground shook. He felt soreness in his chest but was relatively unharmed. If it had been otherwise, he could have easily broken a rib. There are some advantages of being a Coordinator after all.
"Kira!" At first the young man could not recognize her, but upon seeing her blue eyes staring earnestly from a pair of ridiculously large sunglasses under a brown mane of hair he almost shouted the name.
"Lacus, what are you…" He whispered, then felt his eyes bulge when he saw her stomach swelling from her normal suit. "I didn't know. How many months…?" he began.
"Stupid. Her clothes are kept there." Paula snapped at him indignantly, standing behind Lacus, "Get your mind out of the gutter."
Kira looked incredulously at the two girls, too surprised to make a retort on that comment.
"I can't leave the ship. Captain's orders." Paula was saying. "But ZAFT is attacking Von Braun."
"They what?" Kira was surprised, but understanding finally dawning on him. "Then…"
"I have a plan to make them stop." Lacus said. "If it hadn't been Soreil's intervention in the past, we Coordinators would have been wiped out entirely. I can't believe Cruze overlooked that."
"Hurry!" Paula was saying in difficulty as the ground beneath them shook for the second time. "If they keep this up, the port will be…"
Kira already knew. The shuttles containing the remaining civilians were still here, and the port was in danger of being destroyed. Without any words, Kira threw away his discharge papers, grabbed Lacus' hand and ran as fast as they could back to the hangar. Paula watched them off, then thoughtfully picked up the scrap of paper, wondering if he had made the right choice.
Another GINN had been shot down, as the black and white mechas flew over the terrain, using the moon's gravity in attempt to stop a fleeing desperate man.
Franklin Vidan couldn't believe it but the white Gundam mk.2 and the Hyukebein had somehow caught up with him so soon, while both of them were trying to desperately to convince him to return with them. Mr. Vidan ignored them and had been thus successful from being grappled by the other two.
"Father!" Camille cried in despair, as his Gundam finally brought out its beam saber, intent to disable its black counterpart.
"You dare aim your weapon at me?" his father cried out in anger. Camille hesitated, unsure on what he should do next.
"Sir!" Erin interrupted hoping that a calm conversation would convince him more than a show of force. "Please think carefully on what you're doing!"
"There is nothing to think about!" Franklin snapped, being in the open like this and being cornered by the other two mecha had finally pushed him to lose his self-control completely. Without any warning, the black Gundam's beam rifle was raised and fired a shot towards the Hyukebein. But Camille's Gundam protected it with it's shield, taking the force of the impact. "You!" Camille shouted, father or not, he can't just let him shoot them down. And before the younger Vidan could will himself to counterattack, he saw an energy beam out from nowhere striking neatly at his father's Gundam.
Franklin was too surprised to realize what just happened, he never even had a chance to scream.
The black mk.2 instantly exploded, a brief fireball in the black horizon, which then dissipated into nothingness.
It happened so fast that Erin and Camille could only gape at its remains in stunned silence before more ZAFT GINNs appeared.
"You two, are you alright?!" Erin looked behind to see a white Sumo Mobile Suit halting beside them. From her screen she saw a youth with brown skin and shoulder length platinum hair. The youth then introduced him as Loran Cehack, a volunteer pilot for Dianna Counter.
"Lieutenant Ord asks you to stay close to me to return to the Archangel." Loran was saying, "Gym Gingham's forces will protect the escape route."
"I understand," Erin said, turning to Camille, wondering how on Earth she should say this to him. Her sensors had just gave her the information of the one who literally offed Franklin, and try as she wanted, she couldn't deny the evidence.
But Camille surprised her by saying, "Look!" Erin saw as well, flying above them as fast as it could, thrusters' blaring was the Strike Gundam, thinking that it was Fraga, she was about to ask her friend what the fuss was about when he answered in advanced. "Kira is in there." Camille said quietly.
"KIRA?! What the hell is he---!"
"We should let him handle this." Camille interrupted, to Erin's ears he sounded so tired. "No more deaths today."
It was a tight fit in the cockpit, but both Kira and Lacus managed well in the cramp space. From his sensors he saw the Hyukebein a few feet away from him on the ground, and gave him a pang of guilt for thinking he should leave, when Erin and Camille left behind to do the fighting for him.
"What now?" Lacus asked quietly, realizing the seriousness of the situation. Even her Haro wasn't making any unnecessary noises.
"I'll contact Athrun to take you, this will stop their attack." Kira said, fighting off his nagging doubt that this plan may not as simple as he had hoped.
"Do you know him?" Lacus asked, interested all of the sudden.
"Yes. He was… is…" he corrected hastily, "my best friend."
"I see." Lacus said, but didn't say anything what exactly she saw from his answer. "Fate is such a fickle after all. You see… he is my fiancée."
Kira looked at her in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes," she looked sad, "You're very kind. You remind me of him. And now… I don't like the idea of you two fighting."
"It can't be helped." Kira said grimly, pushing the radio on to transmit his message to the enemy.
It can't be helped.
"We're having a transmission from the Strike pilot." The communications officer told Cruze, his eyes widening in alarm, "He said something about Miss Lacus."
"Put him online." Cruze personally thought it was a bluff on the Federation's side, but decided there's nothing wrong to at least check it out.
Lacus' face filled the screen while Kira's voice began his message, "I have Lacus Clyne as hostage." He began. "Desist your attack on Von Braun immediately."
"That bastard." Isaac muttered angrily glaring at the Strike Gundam.
"I ask ZAFT to bring out Athrun Zala alone to claim her." Kira continued, "if you do not meet my demands, I can't guarantee her safety."
Cruze motioned the communications officer to talk to Athrun, who was now busy preparing his Aegis Gundam as soon as he heard those words.
"Permission to go out sir!" Athrun said, "I can talk some sense to him."
"Permission granted," Cruze said, then cut off the communications as he looked his second-in-command officer over his shoulder. "As soon as Aegis rescued Clyne and leaves, aim the artillery on the Strike." As the rest of his bridge crew prepared their attack, Cruze watched the image very carefully.
The rest of the GINNs backed off and remained on their posts as the red Gundam flew towards the lone white and blue Gundam in their midst. Kira was helping Lacus to wear her helmet properly, for the time for her to depart was near. "I'm sorry." He said sincerely.
Lacus smiled brilliantly at him, despite the helmet on her head. "Don't be. I owe you my life, and I will never forget that. Say thank you to Ms. Erin and Mr. Camille for me as well. They were lovely."
The Aegis was a few inches away from the Strike, so close that their heads were touching, before Kira gave his next instructions. "Open your cockpit. Lacus will have to go to you." Athrun, who knew that Kira will never shoot him complied immediately. He did not only opened his cockpit, but was standing on the hatchway patiently, waiting for her.
"Good luck." Kira said as hiss own cockpit opened, and Lacus went to the open, Athrun helping her to move from Kira's side to his own, relieved to see her unharmed, though he was a bit surprised to see her bloated belly as Kira did awhile ago. "Are you alright?" he asked her.
"Yes." Lacus said.
The Athrun looked at Kira, still sitting in the safety of the cockpit, and said "Kira. Come with us!"
Kira found himself shaking his head, remembering the friends that he had made back on the Archangel, "You know I can't come with you, Athrun. I have no intention of joining ZAFT. I have friends here…"
Athrun tried not to look angry by Kira's words, And I wasn't?…but the resentment of his voice was clear when he said these words. "Then the next time we meet, I'll kill you in battle." He threatened half-heartedly.
"And I as well." Kira was still looking at him firmly as he and Lacus entered in the safety of the Aegis. Athrun was about to will his Gundam to fly away when his fiancée placed a small hand on his arm, stopping him. "What is it?"
"I need to talk to Captain Cruze." Lacus said, her voice and expression stern, surprising him.
Cruze was still wondering what the hell Athrun was doing when Lacus' voice invaded the bridge, "Captain, I ask you to draw away your forces from Luna immediately."
"But," Cruze began.
"Will you dare wage a war in front of me? I am still a member of ZAFT's civilian council." Lacus continued, her expression giving no room for any compromise. "They will not take it lightly of you attacking Soreil's kingdom."
"As you wish, Lady Clyne." Cruze said smoothly, but inwardly he was vastly disappointed, as his sensors shown that the Archangel was leaving port.
The Strike Gundam, the Gundam mk.2, and the Hyukebein used the gravity of the moon to propel themselves onto the leaving battleship, when both Erin and Camille received orders from Quattro to board the ship immediately. They saw the Hayaku Shiki and the Mobius Zero docking as they've landed onto the Archangel's port.
"Thanks," Erin said to the Sumo pilot.
"Just doing my duties, ma'am." Came Loran's polite reply as the Sumo left them.
"Look," Erin pointed out, "The GINNs are leaving." From their vantage view, Dianna's army shot some of the retreating GINNs down. Loran also remembered that Lt. Ord and Commander Gingham were also down there in their respective units.
"Which shows that they're really only after the Archangel." Kira said, but his mind was distracted, still remembering Athrun and Lacus' words. "What about you two?"
Camille was still silent so Erin decided to answer for him, "We're here to see to it that you reach Earth. What about you? I thought you're leaving."
Kira thought so too... "No, I realize I now that I belong here."
Hilda Vidan felt tears as she watched the Archangel disappear from the moon's horizon. She didn't know if her husband had went there with Camille, but she didn't really gave much thought about him. She can only give a silent prayer of her son's well being and hope that this was not the last time she will see him alive.
"Ma'am," Paula said politely. "You have to go now. It's no longer safe here."
"I know. Thank you." Mrs. Vidan replied, looking at the ship, and to the planet they were heading.
"ZAFT killed him," Erin said, as the two of them finished settling down on their own quarters with their personal belongings, "They must've mistaken your father as part of our squad."
"Are you sure?" Camille asked her, which was the first time he had talked ever since the black mk.2 exploded, and Erin was slightly relieved to see that he was slowly returning to normal.
"Yes. Astronage installed the hardware that enhances the Hyukebein's sensors. I saw the whole thing."
Camille balled his fists in rage, shouting at the empty corridor, "those bastards!!!"
Erin left him to his grief, and before long found herself in the Archangel's hangar. She was surprised to see Lt. Quattro there overseeing the maintenance of their Mobile Suits. "Hello." He said, giving her a slight smile.
For some reason she couldn't find herself looking at him, and give a proper reply.
Quattro didn't seem to mind her lack of warmth and stared quietly at her. Realizing that he was not going to strike a conversation with her after all, he gave a small shrug and left. He was a few feet away from her back when she gave a quiet question. "Why, why did you kill him?"
Quattro didn't need to ask her a proper explanation. He had already knew what she had meant. "Would you prefer Camille kill his own father?"
"That's not what I meant. He didn't have to die at all."
"Do you really think so? Mr. Vidan is Ohm's lackey. From what I can tell he wouldn't be swayed by talk either." Quattro challenged her, and for the first time since Erin met him there was a cold steel in his voice. She was unsure if she can answer that herself, but will not allow herself to be intimidated. She only glared at him in return.
Even after Quattro left, he could still feel her angry eyes bore onto his back, but he was used to those kinds of stares a long time ago: being feared and hated by people.
She would just have to learn to live with it.
Next Chapter: A Silver Streak of Light --- things is definitely going odd in the Pacific Ocean journey. A hopeless lost boy with two talking cats were ambushed by the Balmings. Erika begins to remember… and much to her horror, she also began to regret it…