(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

Chapter Twenty Four

Training

Orb Headquarters

"I am aware of the current situation Cagalli," Erica told her.

Cagalli stared at her, "What is your point?" Cagalli said tiredly.

"I have something to show you that I think will help," Erica said as that spiked her interest.

"Come with me," Erica said as she began leading Cagalli down the hall.

"Where are we going?" Cagalli asked.

"From the threat I believe this will come in handy," Erica told her.

"Speaking of that I need you to go over all the data we gathered on my brother's machines and that warship," Cagalli told her.

"Your brother has some of the greatest potential in engineering from what he did with our own OS programs, I doubt I will find much but I will look at it," Erica replied.

Erica led her to a classified hanger as she stopped at the door.

"I don't know if this can compare to your brothers machine but it is better then anything else we have," Erica said opening the door.

They both walked in as the lights were turned on and standing straight in front of her was a golden mobile suit.

Cagalli looked wide eyed up at it, "What is this?" Cagalli asked as the machine certainly looked impressive.

"This is the ORB-01 Akatsuki," Erica said looking up at the machine.

Cagalli took a closer look at it.

"In its standard mode as you see it carries two sabers, a beam rifle and a shield…however with the mounted packs that were built for it, this machine can adapt to either land or space battle," Erica told her.

As Cagalli looked it over it was very similar to her brothers first machine the Strike along with her Rouge, but it looked far more powerful.

Erica went on, "The Sky pack mounts a few extra modified high energy beam cannons, but the Space pack is the most impressive."

"The space pack includes seven guided beam blaster systems, similar to the Zaft Dragoons, they can also be used to create a defensive shield," Erica said.

Cagalli turned to her, "My brother's machine carries those…but I cannot use them."

Erica nodded, "I understand but that is not the best part, the best part of this machine is the anti beam defensive reflective system which is coated right on the armor."

Cagalli looked at her, "How did you build this? Why was I not aware of it?"

Erica stared at her, "That is because it was given the go ahead by your father as Orb's last line of defense."

Cagalli looked shocked, "My father had this built?"

"I was told never to use it unless it was necessary, but the conflict ahead will require its power…it was ironic that it is your own brother we must use it against," Erica told her seriously.

Erica looked back at her, "In all honesty though I don't know if it can compete against your brother's machine but I will search the data you gave me, I will see if I can get some sort of weaknesses."

Cagalli stared at that machine, "I…I think I should find…"

Erica stopped her, "This machine is left for you Cagalli…you should pilot it."

Cagalli stared at it as Erica walked away. Cagalli figured that maybe Athrun should take it but he had his new machine, she made her decision she would pilot this until she found one that could do better.

Cagalli knew she had a big day tomorrow so she returned to her residence.

As for Erica she was putting the entire engineering team on the data they had on the Zaft weapons, she hoped by going over everything she could find something new that didn't find before, but Kira's work was highly impressive.

They were also on a time basis as they didn't know when he would come and attack.

The Next Day

L4 Mendel Colony

Genetic Facility

Sarah finally stirred and woke up, she sat straight up remembering the events, she quickly felt her stomach as she still had that empty feeling again, one of her children was no longer where it should be.

"Your awake, that's good now we can leave," Kira said from across the room.

She immediately turned to him, "How is he?"

Kira looked at her, "Don't doubt his Excellency's work, the baby is fine and under constant supervision, now I have things to do so we must leave."

"But…" she said as Kira grew agitated.

"I have no time for this…" Kira said agitated.

Sarah turned her head away, ever since this war started he had become a different person then she knew, he was always dark but now it was worse. She found things out about his past he going to take too kindly when he found out she knew, and now he was using his own child as a specimen.

Kira knowing he still needed her fathers position immediately had to do damage control, "I didn't mean to yell, this war has me occupied and is driving me crazy," Kira said walking over to her gently placing his hand under her chin making her look at him.

"I should have been more open with you, I will make sure you have a way to remain in constant contact with our people here, and I will personally make sure nothing goes wrong to our son," Kira said kissing her gently.

Sarah was stunned, it was like he knew what she was thinking when he said that last sentence, however she was lost in this emotion he was showing her which was extremely rare.

After parting from their kiss, he helped her up and then left the room to get what he promised.

As she finished placing her uniform back on Kira returned with a program disk and contact information.

"You can get in touch with anyone here by using this information…and with this disk you can get all our son's vitals and progress, however this still remains between us for now," Kira said really tired of all this he had to do.

"I want to see him before we leave," Sarah said as Kira agreed and they went into the classified room.

This still wasn't right to her, but as long as their son was okay she didn't press the issue anymore for now. After the report given by the lead scientist they were escorted outside and led back to the shuttle bay where the shuttle was launched and re-escorted heading straight for Aprilious One.

Earth

With Jibril

Wasting no time the orders were distributed around the Atlantic federation to pull back from the space ports and to look as if following Zaft's demands, however many military leaders refused to follow those demands at a few ports, Jibril however made it clear this had to be done and they decided to fall back but not to far from the port.

With most of the world under his control Jibril was now focusing on the remaining countries that refused to hand over their resources.

Their were a few but the three that would give him the most problems were the Kingdom of Scandinavia, the east African communities and the Oceania Union. There were a few other nations but Jibril knew the might of the Federation would cause them into submission before any action would have to be taken, however with these other three he knew force would probably have to be used.

Wasting no time Jibril had his council handle the nations he knew could be brought into submission and for the others he contacted Neo with specific orders.

Neo's Fleet

Neo was able to rejoin up with a normal fleet and the phantom pain members, and it didn't take long for Jibril to come on the air.

"Yes sir?" Neo asked.

Jibril stared at him, he sent him the report of the three nations, "I want these nations under my control or captured immediately."

Neo looked over the data, "I understand…I shall head for each one immediately."

"I will send other commanders to each location, use any force necessary, we should have no problem in capturing them," Jibril said seriously.

Neo gave a list of what he would need, although he knew this was a complete waste of time, they shouldn't be wasting resources on three nations while Zaft is in space watching every move, the more time they wasted down here the more time Zaft grew stronger.

Changing course Neo would try to end this as soon as possible.

After Jibril ended his call the preparations they made should keep Zaft off their backs for awhile, Jibril left those countries in Neo's hands so now he gave orders around the planet to his loyalists, they were to up production of suits ships and nukes. All countries were to enter a draft to get more military personal, he wanted them trained as quickly as possible as he was going to reclaim space and destroy those Plants if it was the last thing he did. However he was once again not taking Zaft as seriously as he should be.

Aprilious One

Kira's shuttle finally docked as he was preparing to leave.

Once the shuttle doors were opened a car was waiting for them, he and Sarah got inside as the car started taking them to the headquarters. Kira knew with his actions he made her more confident in the procedure so he knew it should be quiet enough until the birth.

Once outside Kira saw the changes being made already since Ryu took over, the headquarters was a lot more secured, solders were standing guard everywhere as a presence was known they were around, unlike Gil who took things to lightly, they were on their way until creating a military state around the headquarters. What Kira didn't expect was the press that was still outside and immediately they took shots of him, this was the first time they saw the hero that drove the alliance out of space. Questions were asked but Kira said nothing as he was given an escort to the front door. Sarah kept close to him, this was certainly different then they were used to.

Once inside the press was no longer allowed so they were left alone.

Kira turned to her, "I will be in meetings most of the day, you should take it easy."

She smiled at him, "I think I will see my parents for awhile then return to the ship."

Kira gently kissed her, "Just remember what I said," he said before leaving.

She understood she didn't have to hide her pregnancy she just had to hide the fact of what they were doing at the colony, so as far as anyone knew she was still carrying twins.

With Kira

Kira knew before heading to the councils chambers he had to see the pilots Ryu summoned, all he had to do was get their information and records of the squad they commanded or were in as well as putting them into training simulations Kira himself developed some time ago. Many pilots fought on earth before but with the program Kira designed he was going to bring out more potential and it would deliver more efficiency for the battles they would face on the ground. For the earth invasion this was all the more necessary especially when the Doomsday started firing its cannon.

All pilots were gathered in a conference room but a few were still outside, he saw his own pilot from his squad Rey waiting as well as a few others but the one that really caught his eye was the female pilot alone by the door.

Rey saw Kira and saluted as did the rest; the one that caught his eye however was one of the last ones.

"I have little time so let's get this over with," Kira said as all went inside.

A few pilots introduced themselves as they went in however the female pilot just stared at him, Kira immediately saw the coldness in her eyes, it intrigued him.

"No introduction pilot?" Kira asked in his tone.

She stared straight into his eyes, yes he was deadly and she had to admit she was being affected by his tone and the darkness in his eyes, but she was really unfazed.

She saluted again, "Forgive me commander, pilot Shiho Hahnenfuss from the Minerva sir."

Kira heard that word, "That would explain it, unfortunate you have to be with such a worthless captain, now enter," Kira said as she saluted again and went ahead of him.

Kira seemed intrigued with her, this was the first time he saw a women with as much coldness as he possessed. The ones he put himself around were never like that, even his one nighter's were too soft, however this one seemed like a challenge.

As Shiho entered she knew to gather information she would have to gain his trust, and with a sigh that was to close, this man was defiantly deadly and one mistake could cost her, her life. It wasn't only that though she was also intrigued a small bit and she could use this to complete her task.

Once inside all pilots stood and saluted, as Kira looked at them all he noticed many looked on him with envy, and others were just plan petrified. Kira was going to make this short and sweet with very few words he had each lead pilot give their information and battle history. Once that was gathered the soldiers inside handed each one a disk.

"Your mission until further notice is to run these simulations, the threat still exists and if the alliance breaks our terms we will be ready, promotions and other benefits will be given to those that rank the highest, but remember you will treat this as war," Kira said deadly.

The look made all feel he was not kidding about this; this all seemed strange to a few of them why go through all this.

Kira stood back, "Dismissed," Kira said as all saluted and began walking out, he watched as he walked out and soon he would see just how coordinators would match up to ultimate's. The data of the enemies were all his own, sure this worked to help the earth invasion but it would also prove that coordinators were inferior to ultimate's when Ryu made what they were doing public.

As Shiho stood up she made it her point of walking straight past him, and like she hoped Kira stopped her.

"Pilot Hahnenfuss," Kira said sternly.

She turned to face him, "Yes sir."

"From what I gather on you, you have fought in the past war correct?" Kira said.

Shiho knew he couldn't have any data on her, "Yes sir," she said leaving out the name of the pilot she served under.

"I need someone to take control of this project, I am handing the job to you," Kira told her.

Shiho looked at him, "I am only a pilot sir."

"You will continue to be a pilot, but for now you will report to me on this plays out, it is surly better then listening to the Minerva captain," Kira said as an order not request, Kira said as he turned around slightly taking one of his new pills.

She looked at him, that was surly strange, "Very well sir, though I will not be pushed around," she said as she lightly clamped her hand to his shoulder and began walking out.

Kira watched her leave with no emotion he showed, however with Sarah out of commission for awhile with the pregnancy, he would see what this new one could do. First things first and most important however was he had to finish this council meeting then see Ryu, that was the priority of his mind the rest he would do if his head killed him again.

Walking out Kira headed for the council chambers where the tactical briefing he would give would soon start.

Orb

Lacus' House

Two guests were walking up to the house as they decided they needed to get away from the capitol building for awhile.

Athrun and Cagalli decided they would come here instead of going through all the hassle the ministers were putting on her at the moment. Cagalli did all her requirements as the entire engineering team was going over the data they gathered. Cagalli also ordered the entire military to be put alert status and to begin preparing for an invasion she knew her brother would eventually do. The Seirans were insistent that she join them in another meeting about the situation but Cagalli quickly turned it down as she knew it would only be more of the same from them. She put them in charge of dealing with the Atlantic Federation as their was no way she could get out of that treaty without having to engage the alliance and in a time where her brothers threat was so great she wasn't going to waste resources on a battle with idiots so they would go along with what they were doing for now.

Athrun and Cagalli knew that Lacus wanted to go over a few things but they didn't want her to once again have to leave her children behind so they decided to discuss the matter here. As the chopper dropped them off they looked around.

"From here things seem so peaceful," Cagalli said looking around the grounds.

Athrun looked at her, "People are getting nervous and that broadcast that chairman made has been running constantly, all stations keep replying parts of it and I believe it is only drawing more people into fear."

"A storm will soon be approaching, Kira will without a doubt launch an attack on this country…but for today at least let's try and keep this short," Cagalli said as her and Athrun started walking towards the house.

Inside the House

Lacus had a very difficult time falling asleep last night, she eventually did and as soon as the sun rose she was awaken by the sound of her children entering the room. They always did this when she returned from space, and to think this should have been her last time and now she had to fear that their own father was going to eventually come to destroy them.

Despite their high intelligence they were still just normal kids in her mind as they immediately entered the room and woke her up by jumping on the bed. Even for their age they were even able to speak normally.

"Wake up mother," her daughter said happily.

Her son was more the quiet type just like Kira used to be, but even he was excited, "You don't have to go away anymore?" her son asked excitedly.

Lacus smiled as she sat up looking at the two, she heard her sons statements and she did say she wasn't going away anymore, and maybe she wouldn't be heading back to space, but that doesn't mean when the attack comes that they would be able to remain, however she wasn't going to ruin any moment right now so she changed the subject.

Lacus immediately embraced both of them, "All of us will be together," Lacus said even though the part that was missing seemed completely out of reach.

Lacus smiled again, "We will start by spending the whole day together, now let's get you two ready," Lacus said as they were extremely happy, she got up and began getting the two of them ready.

Lacus could have had hired help if she wanted but when she was home she liked being the one to do things for them, she made sure she wasn't going to let maids and nannies be around them more then her.

After getting the two ready she spent a little extra time brushing her daughter's long blonde hair.

"Are you alright mother?" her son immediately asked as he could tell there was something wrong with her.

Lacus looked over at him, the image of Kira was always strong in him, "I am fine Dante."

He just smiled at her as Birdy flew in and landed on his shoulder. He began playing with the bird as Lacus watched, he treasured and took care of that bird just like Kira used to.

As she looked down her Haro was sitting in her daughters lap, Lacus never thought she would ever part with the small pink ball, but for her daughter she had no problems as she took to the ball just like Lacus did.

"That should do it Leena," Lacus said to her daughter.

She smiled as Lacus announced they were going to go make breakfast as the two quickly rushed off to the kitchen.

These were times when Lacus could forget about the outside world and focus only on her children. She followed them in the kitchen as she began preparing their breakfast when both twins noticed a chopper landing in the back.

Lacus knew who it was, "It seems like your aunt is here."

Both twins waited by the door as they saw their aunt and Athrun approaching.

With all of them

Athrun and Cagalli approached the door as they were about to knock Lacus met with them and opened the door greeting them.

Athrun and Cagalli greeted her as they saw the two behind her.

Cagalli looked at both of them as they immediately rushed at her, she was used to this when she came over, both took really well to her even though when they first learned to talk they both called her a boy, Athrun was their as well and almost died laughing but Cagalli made him pay the rest of the week.

"How have you two been?" Cagalli said looking at each one of them.

Both spoke with her as they then headed over for Athrun. Athrun was the only male figure they really interacted with so he played sort of a father role in Kira's absence, it was really the only thing he could do for his best friend at the time, he was going to look after them until he returned but now all this happened and that wasn't looking good.

Lacus calmed her children down as all walked into the kitchen, Lacus knew this was more then a social visit so she finished their breakfast and while they ate Athrun and Cagalli were finally able to speak with her, their was no way they could discuss this with them so close so Lacus kept them in view as they went into the next room.

As Athrun and Cagalli watched they had once talked recently about children of their own, but now all things would have to be put on hold.

"I see so much of the old Kira in them," Cagalli said to Lacus.

Athrun nodded in agreement.

Lacus slightly frowned, "I know, I removed all the pictures I had of Kira and placed them somewhere where they couldn't find them."

Cagalli looked at her, that was understandable as Kira's face would be showing up in the media a lot.

Lacus had another fear though, "I know, when Kira eventually comes to earth he will cause a lot of misery, if it gets out these are his children I don't know what some would do, or Kira himself for that matter."

"You're doing the right thing, eventually they will ask questions but for now I think its best if they don't know," Athrun added.

"They have seen the pictures a few times but that was awhile ago I just hope they don't remember when he shows up," Lacus said putting the safety of her children first.

Lacus re-looked at them, "How were things at the capitol?"

Cagalli looked at her, "It was more of the same, keep the treaty, we cannot afford the alliances wrath, Unato and Yunna are the biggest idiots I have ever known."

Lacus frowned, "It doesn't seem like they are taking Kira seriously."

"That scares me, when Kira eventually comes I believe Orb will be his first target," Cagalli added.

"We agreed to keep the treaty with the alliance only so we didn't have to waste manpower and resources on the federation," Athrun added.

"What are you doing to prepare?" Lacus asked glancing at the kids again.

"Erica showed me a machine my father had built awhile ago, it seems strong," Cagalli said.

"My new machine is being prepared as well, but it will take a lot more then just a few machines to hold off Kira," Athrun said.

Lacus nodded.

"The truth is we don't really know what their military power on the earth will be, they were supreme in space but we don't know the capabilities of that warship on the earth," Cagalli added.

Lacus looked at her, "He would have known that when he built it so I would suggest we treat it as that."

"We already are, I am having my entire engineering staff look at the data we gathered, I have ordered the military on constant drills, I will not let Kira destroy this country," Cagalli said seriously.

"What about the alliance?" Lacus asked.

"Complete idiots," Athrun replied quickly, "From our sources they still wish all nations to join and from what I gather they have sent forces to three remaining countries that are refusing, it appears they aren't taking Kira that seriously either."

"Do you think Kira will head for Orb first?" Lacus asked looking at the kids again.

"I put it in high probability…for whatever reason this place would fit his twisted logic of places to destroy, those terms the chairman made will never hold up and even if they do I wouldn't put it past them to make it look like they were broken, the only question is when will it happen," Athrun once again replied.

"I see, all we can do now is prepare…and then stop Kira ourselves," Lacus said sadly.

They talked on a few other issues of strategy and a backup plan for emergencies, after their discussion they spent more time with the kids as Cagalli and Athrun knew left.

Lacus smiled at her children as she looked up at the sky, Kira was up their somewhere and now the only question wasn't if this would happen, the question was when he would come.

Aprilious One

As Kira was making his way to the council chambers he met up with Sarah as she looked excited for some reason.

"What is it?" Kira asked.

"I told my parents and their thrilled, especially my father that was surprising I thought he would be a little more skeptical but he took it great," she said happily.

Kira knew the reason for that, her father was using his own daughter to be put in line for the chairman's seat next time an election came around and since Sarah was seeing him that was the perfect thing to use, Kira knew he was becoming a legend to the people and pilots so he could use that to help him take the chairman's seat. However Kira knew their wasn't going to be anymore elections, the councils role was almost complete and with what they were going to do people would see Ryu would take a lifetime role.

"That is great news, I must enter now," Kira said as he walked towards the doors.

Sarah saw him in thought, and she knew him well enough to know something was going on, but for now she decided to wait for this meeting to end then return to the ship.

Council's Chambers

As soon as Kira walked in he saw Ryu at the head of the table as he immediately saluted.

"Enter commander, first thing is first your great leadership and skills have led us to the greatest victory in Zaft history, for that I speak for us all when I thank you," Ryu said.

"It was an honor sir," Kira replied.

Now they began.

"What is your take on the alliances fighting strength?" one council member asked.

"We own space sir, but on earth it is unknown," Kira responded.

"If we have to head to earth commander will we be ready?" another asked.

Kira looked at him darkly, "I have already started preparing for that sir, if they break our terms I will be ready to lead the forces to the surface."

"Of course that may never happen, I believe with the impression we made they will not try anything again," another said.

Kira and Ryu had the same thought and that was this man was an idiot, he was living in a fantasy if he believed they would just give it up like that.

"Perhaps sir," Kira replied sarcastically.

"One thing though sir," this one said to Ryu, "You mentioned in your speech something about solving the coordinators biggest problem, can you elaborate?"

Ryu looked at him, "Unfortunately it will have to wait for awhile, but I will address it as soon as it comes available."

A few were annoyed he was leaving them out and these few got the feeling Ryu was doing to much and some of what a chairman wasn't supposed to have the authority to do without the councils approval but he did it anyway.

"Please continue with your report commander," Sarah's father asked.

Kira gave the rest of the report on that battle and his preparations for how to move forward if they had to.

Ryu listened and Kira gave the correct report he came up with.

"Going public will be the best way to show unity on the subject in my opinion," Kira said to a few of them.

All thought about that, the public seemed pleased with the events and to help their own political careers it would be the best thing to go ahead and indorse what the chairman proposed with the terms to earth.

Ryu knew as soon as they did that their role was complete.

As the meeting concluded Sarah's father stood up again with an announcement, Kira knew immediately what he was going to do.

"On my way in here today my daughter gave me excellent news, she and the commander are expecting twins," he said proudly.

That was certainly different a coordinator having twins was rare, congratulations were given to both him and Kira, Kira knew what he was doing. Ryu also played along.

After that Ryu stood up and dismissed the meeting.

Kira walked out first as did the rest as Ryu was held up on a few matters but would join him shortly.

Once outside Sarah saw Kira and approached him, "How did it go?"

"It went fine, though your father announced it to the whole council," Kira said.

She was a little embarrassed but smiled anyway.

As soon as Kira saw Ryu he turned to her, "I have a few things to take care of, go ahead and return to the ship and rest."

She nodded as she gently kissed him and he walked away.

She met up with her father and took another look at Kira, this was the last time she would see him for three months.

Ryu's office

Once Ryu walked out Kira joined him as they said nothing at first, immediately Kira noticed the atmosphere had changed as Ryu walked down the hall all soldiers and staff moved to the side and saluted, now they were giving Ryu the respect he should have in Kira's mind.

As Ryu opened the door Kira walked in as they began their meeting.

"I take it everything went well at the facility?" Ryu said taking a seat at his desk.

"Yes sir, everything is in place," Kira replied.

Ryu smiled, "Good, the disks were distributed to the pilots correct?"

"Yes sir I did that before the meeting," Kira replied again.

Ryu sat back, "Everything is now in place, once your children are born that is when I will announce it to the world, we will use the data and everything else you have done as proof of ultimate's, my prediction is people will flock to the facilities."

"I agree Excellency, what do we do about earth?" Kira asked.

Ryu looked at him, "You don't even need to ask that Kira, from what I am gathering they are already fighting each other, we will watch in amusement for a little awhile and wait for them to make the first move…however if they don't make the move by the time I announce our plan we will take the initiative and make a situation, in the meantime however I will bring out your true potential."

Kira looked up at him.

"I know your eager to head to earth, but when we are done you will be several times more stronger, the training you are about to go under will draw everything that is still dormant inside you out into the open, and the next time you meet that surprised pilot he will not fair as easily as he did," Ryu told him.

"Shall we begin?" Ryu asked.

Kira nodded as eager as he was to head to earth this had to be done first.

To be continued…

(A\N): The next chapter takes place one year later and the events that led up to it. Bye for now.