(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.
Chapter Thirty Nine
Chaos
Orb Waters
Orb Fleet
The ships regrouped as Todaka gave the orders to pursue the Doomsday, unfortunately by the time they arrived in section two the ship was already gone. However they could see more and more of the damage. What debris that wasn't vaporized was left as burning rubble. What was worse was the Zaft fleet that attacked withdrew itself and was heading back to their bases, which meant they failed in realizing this was just a decoy.
Another thing was after the Doomsday left their waters they were able to get their short range communications and radar back, as they were picking up three ships arriving from the east.
"Captain we have an incoming," one officer said.
Taking his sights away from the rubble he went back to work.
"They have Orb signatures sir, it seems its Lady Cagalli," the officer said as they got closer.
Todaka at least sighed in relief, losing the capitol was bad enough, but if they lost her then it truly would have been over for them.
"Take us around," Todaka said as he gave new formation orders to the Fleet, since all they really had left was Onogoro and a few other islands that was where he made them set up the defense.
Headquarters Bunker
It was fairly clear the Seirans were no longer in command as none were listening to them anymore. They did this worthless strategy and they lost their civilians because of it and mostly because they were too worried about themselves.
"How dare these people ignore us," Yunna said quickly.
Unato was looking over the scene when he realized that the ships had returned.
"It seems as if the representative has returned," Unato said.
Yunna quickly turned; both now had good reasons to be afraid.
Archangel, Eternal, John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones
Neo looked over the damage from what he could see; this wasn't very good at all.
"It seems that proves the theory that weapon can fire on earth," the captain said as the alliance had debated that.
"Since we are not under attack the information I sent must have lured them away," Neo said as all Zaft presence was gone from the area.
"I was skeptical about your decision sir, but after seeing this, the threat to the entire world is too great for Jibril to remain in power," the captain said looking at the area.
"What about the request I made, this won't keep them away for long," Neo said.
"It should arrive, but it will take time sir," the captain said.
"I understand," Neo said as they detected something over the radar.
Archangel
As soon as they came into range Murrue had the area put on the screen, all were immediately crushed, and many couldn't even look.
Cagalli was visibility shaking, she couldn't even find words, Kira was right as this was a blow straight threw her heart.
Athrun overlooked the damage, and saw not a single military target was destroyed; it seems this was Kira's plan from the beginning.
"This is my fault," Cagalli said as she backed into Athrun who helped support her standing up.
"Miss Cagalli," Murrue said.
"No this is my fault, I shouldn't have left, we could have done something, I played straight into his trap, he knew I would take are best fire power away, we could have…" Cagalli was losing a little control.
"Cagalli!" Athrun said turning her to face him.
"Orb…Orb ships are approaching," Miriallia said shaken up as well.
Athrun looked at Cagalli, "Look at me Cagalli," Athrun said sternly.
Cagalli looked up at him, she was in the worst pain since her father had died, "You are still Orb's representative, you have to pull yourself together, lead them," Athrun said showing her the screen as more and more ships approached.
Cagalli wiped her eyes, "I hate him Athrun, I will never forgive what he has done, I don't care what happened to him anymore, I am done," Cagalli said angrily.
Athrun place his hand on her shoulder as Cagalli tried regaining herself, as the voice was played over the screen.
Eternal
Coming into view Lacus had just saw the worst damage then anything else imaginable, the very large popular city was either completely gone or piles of debris.
"How could you?" Lacus asked herself.
"It seems we have company Lacus," Andrew told her.
Lacus was now completely glad she got her children away from Orb, but many others didn't have that luxury.
Dacosta placed it on screen as it was Todaka.
Near Onogoro
All Orb ships
"Lady Cagalli do you respond?" the voice was heard.
Cagalli was able to compose herself, "I am here."
"I am glad," Todaka said.
"How? Why? How could this happen?" Cagalli asked.
"Forgive us representative, we failed you and Orb, our forces were all stationed around Onogoro when the attack began, it was dead night and we couldn't break through their lines when that massive ship went out of sight, it made it to section two where the shot was fired…by then their was nothing we could do, we failed," Todaka said.
"No it wasn't your fault…I should have seen this," Cagalli said angrily.
Athrun jumped in, "Tell me captain, why were the forces all around Onogoro?"
"It was Unato's strategy sir, they believed the target would be the base…however all Zaft did was keep us distracted, they never went for the base, it was foolish," Todaka said.
Cagalli heard that, "Where are they?"
"They are in the bunker Lady Cagalli," Todaka said.
"That makes perfect sense," Cagalli said anger boiling.
"What is the status of the capitol?" Lacus now asked.
"We can not tell fully ambassador, the aftereffects are still lingering in the air, and we will have to have hazmat go in with protect suits, but that will only be for a few hours before they are eaten away…from what we have gathered the effects will make the island unlivable for decades…but we don't know when Zaft will attack again," Todaka said.
"That shouldn't be for awhile, we will all dock at Onogoro shortly, I want the Seirans restrained," Cagalli added.
"With pleasure representative," Todaka said as he signed off.
Once they were done Cagalli excused herself for a minute as the crew went to work and trying the recovery.
She went to her quarters and for the first time in awhile she had cried, she had to be quick as they were docking shortly but for now she just wanted to do this, she had to let it out. The misery her own brother caused was nearly destroying her.
Lacus on the other hand was torn as well, but she was working on something else, she knew Kira would be back and she believed looking at Onogoro she had a way to stop him.
All ships scheduled to dock landed at Onogoro as all started getting off and heading for the headquarters.
Pacific Ocean-Near Southeast Asia
Doomsday
Leaving the destruction behind the Doomsday was on its way when their long range sensors picked up a Zaft ship fast approaching them.
Kira was on the bridge at the time, the entire time he didn't have his mind on Jibril, it was back in Orb, it was driving him crazy that he couldn't finish the job.
"We have a ship approaching," one officer said.
"Identify and give me the distance," Willard ordered.
"It's the Minerva sir, shall I radio them?" the officer said again.
"You will not," Kira spoke up after he heard that.
"Sir," the officer said.
Kira looked at the captain, "They are traitors and their only attempt is to make a stand against us."
"Shall we prepare for battle sir?" Willard asked.
Kira shook his head, "No maintain course and heading, I will handle this myself," Kira said getting up and heading for his hanger.
The bridge crew was a little shocked, they heard that the Minerva had been acquiring with Orb, so they weren't surprised about the traitor thing, it was that Kira was going to handle it alone.
When Kira arrived at his hanger, he placed his flight suit on this time, heading into his machine Kira began powering it up.
"Are you sure about this sir?" Willard asked over the radio.
"Do you doubt me captain?" Kira asked.
"Never sir," Willard replied quickly, "Its just they have machines that…"
"Just worry about where you are going captain, I have my methods and will bring that ship to its knees when they reach the ocean, I will catch up with you shortly after that," Kira said signing off as he moved the Armageddon into position.
The doors opened as Kira flew off, taking one last glance south was where Orb was, and how badly he wanted to head there, shaking the thought out of his head Kira flew towards the shore and now waited for the Minerva, as their sensors were no where near the Doomsdays so he would be in perfect position.
Minerva
With the ship about to prepare, Talia was doing the only thing she could at this point; they had to bring down the Doomsday. To do that however she had to use sabotage, she had no clue that the satellite was watching her every move but she figured Kira didn't think her ship would survive that battle so she took the risk as their was nothing else she could do. This one gamble was all she had, if she could get close to that ship even the mighty warship wouldn't stand to a surprise attack at close range.
They were in battle mode as they neared the Pacific, they saw finally on their radar that the Doomsday was about thirty minutes ahead of them, the destruction she knew happened in Orb only meant they had to be heading to a new target.
In the hanger all pilots were already in their suits and on battle ready status, they could launch immediately when ordered. Shinn was still a little torn, he didn't like Kira, but he was weighing which he hated more, Kira or Orb.
As soon as they reached the ocean the ship entered the deeper waters and turned north to try and catch up with the Doomsday.
"Are you sure this will work Ma'am?" Arthur asked.
"We have no other choice, we stand no chance in a one on one battle with the Doomsday, this gamble is our last shot, or would you rather just turn yourself in and face the consequences? Joining with Orb could be an option but this is the best chance in my opinion to destroy that ship," Talia told him.
"Yes ma'am," Arthur responded as everything was ready, they just didn't expect a signal to break into their own.
"Wonderful weather today, don't you agree?" the voice said.
All knew that voice.
"Where?" Talia said as they saw nothing on radar or anywhere.
That voice was completely chilling.
"You were sloppy captain," Kira's voice said again.
All looked forward out the front screen to the front of the ship, they saw the Armageddon materialize as it was obviously in its mirage form to get straight on them.
What was worse was the machine was sitting on the haul like it was on vacation or something. He was sitting on the Tanhoiser cannon staring straight at the bridge.
The suits eyes immediately flashed.
Onogoro Island
The ships began their docking on the island as all started disembarking.
The crew remained on board as only a few got off from each ship, Neo was the only one from his ship, Murrue, Cagalli, and Athrun were from their ship, Lacus and Andrew were the last ones from their ship.
All met up as today was still a very distraught day.
Todaka and a few other captains met up with them as they all saluted Cagalli.
"Representative," Todaka said.
"Tell me…how bad is the damage?" Cagalli asked as all looked in the direction of the large island.
"We wanted to fly some fighters overhead but the radiation is affecting their flights over the area, we are using long range choppers to take images and they will be in shortly," Todaka said.
"Is their any chance of survivors?" Cagalli asked quickly.
"They would have had to be on the far side of the island, but that is very slim," Todaka replied.
"Is there a risk any of the after effects can effect us here?" Neo immediately asked.
The Orb captains looked at him and said nothing.
"Its alright, he helped us along," Cagalli told them.
"We are currently monitoring that and have alerted other islands with personal, but their seems to be little risk of anything in our direction for the time being, just right above the area seems to be effected, it doesn't seem to be spreading, just sticking in one area," an Orb captain replied.
"As soon as possible, I want rescue teams to search the island," Cagalli said.
"That will take a lot of time Lady Cagalli, our protective suits can only shield us for so long, then we will have to pull out," another said.
Lacus looked at her, "They should start on the far side of the island, which will be where the most chance of survival will be."
Cagalli nodded, "Just please do what you have to? Have whatever is left of our researchers assist you, just do what you have to," Cagalli said as it was really hard to hold herself together.
"Yes ma'am," the Orb officer said leaving.
"What are the chances that we will be attacked again?" Todaka said.
"High," Athrun added, "They only left because we gave them a high target of a Logos leader."
"We should mount a new defense then, I know this seems insensitive now but we have practically ninety eight percent of our forces in tack," Todaka said.
"First things first, take me to the bunker," Cagalli said angrily.
They then started heading for the headquarters, and even Yzak joined them at this point.
Arriving at the location they started heading down.
Inside Unato and Yunna were told who was arriving, as they nervously waited, they really screwed up the defense and because of their cowardice Orb didn't have an adequate defense for their city.
The doors stopped as the elevator opened and out walked the personal.
Unato was standing and tried greeting them, "Rep…"
"Shut up!" Cagalli shouted at them, "You fools failed with this worthless battle plan of yours, and I was an even bigger fool for allowing you two in charge, but no more…you are relieved of duty effective immediately."
"You have no right," Yunna said quickly.
"I believe she does," Neo said walking in.
Unato stared at him, "You're a federation, why didn't you come to our aide?"
"We sent signal after signal and the federation did nothing," Unato said quickly.
"That was Jibril for you, he only cares for his own interests and my guess is he is using the other factions to weaken the Zaft forces before engaging, but that plan will fail, you failed in putting your trust in him," Neo said quickly.
Cagalli was in no mood for the rest as she called another meeting, leaving Yunna and Unato out was something she didn't need to deal with, she stripped them of their power but she allowed them to stay just so she wouldn't have to deal with it later.
They had to deal with a few issues and they now had to plan a new strategy.
Lacus however had the perfect one as no one knew Kira better then her.
Heavens Base
Jibril ordered a quick evacuation as he was following the advice from his advisors and was heading out of this place for the federation headquarters.
Only top personal went with him as he boarded his ship.
Jibril was explained that they had to take the long way around to avoid detection as in their mind Zaft was only focused on the base. After Jibril left the personal left was going to take what they could and leave the base quickly.
Soon Jibril left with precautions as all they knew that Zaft ship was going to have this base as their cannons next deadly target.
Pacific Ocean
With Kira and Talia
"Commander…we were just on our way of joining up with you," Talia said quickly.
Kira moved his suit forward and landed a little ways ahead of where he was sitting.
Talia looked at Arthur, "He is in a blind spot ma'am, no weapons can reach his suit from there."
Kira then spoke again.
"Were you now? Do you honestly think His Excellency is that foolish?" Kira said with tones of anger.
Talia only stared at him.
"You disobeyed my orders and let those ships go, you forget captain our satellites cover everything," Kira added.
"Did you really think that I would allow you to sacrifice my ship and crew for what you did to the former chairman?" Talia said.
Kira slightly smiled, "I see she told you everything, however you like many others are just pawns, pawns to be sacrificed when so needed."
Talia made a hand motion to Arthur, as Arthur quickly radioed down to the hangers, but did so silently.
Kira suddenly hit a feeling, "You're trying to be slick captain but it will not work," Kira said removing his beam rifle and lifted the plasma beams over his shoulders.
"Launch them now," Talia said.
Hanger
The Minerva was equipped with three mobile suit launchers and the all were ready, As soon as they got the order, it was Heine who was able to launch first and Shinn then soon followed, and just made it in time.
Kira fired a full barrage at the mobile suit hanger and as soon as the two launched he collapsed the hangers and launchers, Kira kept the output up as he was blocking them in with melting steel and falling debris. This wouldn't keep them in long, but it would be enough for him to do the damage he had to.
After firing the shot Kira saw the orange Gouf and the Destiny fly out, he let them go as he kept the output up as he watched as the hangers collapsed.
Turning he saw them heading straight for them.
Kira extended the wings as a shot from Heine made him dodge, Kira only dodged because it was heading for the joints so this man must know his suits strength and weakness.
Bridge
"He is ascending ma'am," Meyrin said.
The damage shook the ship rapidly but no main systems were hit badly.
"What is the status?" Talia said quickly.
"All launchers are damaged and the hangers are collapsed, our remaining suits are trying to dig themselves out but he melted the steel around them making it harder to break apart, they will be delayed for some time ma'am," Arthur said.
The units of Rey and Shiho were using their beams to cut through the debris but it was slightly slowing them down and with an enemy like Kira every second counted.
"Ma'am," Arthur said.
"Fire what you can," Talia said as they aimed for the Armageddon.
"Were trying ma'am, but our own machines are in the way," Arthur said again.
"He is doing that on purpose," Talia said.
Aerial Battle
Kira knew what he was doing when he flew off after those suits, keeping as close as possible to them would make Talia not fire, that was her weakness he would exploit, she wouldn't risk her people even if saving her own ship.
Heine led the attack as Shinn was breaking off a little, his hatred was strong but he was still torn in what he hated more. Kira was picking up on that as well.
Heine activated the Gouf's blade and moved toward him.
Kira grabbed the shoulder boomerang and immediately threw it at him, Heine caught it as he dodged and as he spun to dodge it a second time he launched the heat rod straight at the Armageddon. Kira saw it coming and caught it in mid air as Heine activated it.
Vaults were being sent to the Armageddon's hand, but the armor was holding so far.
"Insane, but impressive," Heine said upping the output.
Kira knew even the Armageddon couldn't take this for to long, with one jolt he pulled the Gouf closer as Kira slammed the suits leg straight into the Gouf's torso and knocked him back towards Shinn.
After Kira did that he flipped around and the gun launcher went into place as Kira fired his long range cannon at high force straight at the Minerva. The blast was fast and struck the bottom haul as Kira kept moving it along making blast after blast.
Minerva
The ship was shaking a lot more violently this time, "Were taking heavy fire ma'am, the haul is breaching," Arthur reported.
"We cannot land ma'am, we will sink," Meyrin said.
"If he takes out the engines were done for, aim missiles and fire," Talia said as he was alone for the moment.
"What is Shinn doing?" Arthur said as he was doing nothing.
Aerial
Kira saw the missiles launched and used the head Vulcan's to destroy every last one as Heine caught back up.
"What are you doing?" Heine asked Shinn.
Shinn didn't answer.
Kira only smirked he knew to well what this was about, Kira removed his saber and accelerated towards Heine, Heine raised the shield but Kira cut it in half and then one of the Gouf's legs. Heine moved up just enough to avoid the fatal slash but it still hit him.
Kira then slammed into him knocking him towards the Minerva; Heine fell on the haul as Kira turned to Shinn.
Orb Headquarters Bunker
With all gathered Cagalli began the meeting, first it was on damages.
"The images are coming in now from our choppers," Todaka said.
"Put them up," Cagalli said.
Many gasped and were still in shock, images came in from all over the island, from where they could take them.
The first was from the capitol, their was a large hole in the ground where the blast finally hit, very little debris from the center but a few miles outward their was some very little but it was still burning, other then that it looked like a giant dust filled rock.
The next image was from the view from the direction of Onogoro, there was damaged and vaporized trees and material, some debris but this was the third worst hit spot.
The next was from the other side which would be the second worst hit spot of the island; it was a lot like the first area, just nothing.
The last area was where the wooded area was, there was some damage, however some was still in tact, there was also a lot of stuff burning but the vaporization didn't reach this far too badly.
"That is where you will have to search first," Cagalli finally said after looking at those painful images.
"We are sending a team now, but they will not have very long, that area I doubt will have anyone anyways," Todaka said again.
"Still we have to search," Lacus added.
"Agreed," many said.
"The radiation levels however are very high over the island, and from early calculations it will be ten or so years before it is safe to return, without protection, but that is still an early number, it could go higher," one of their researchers said.
That was another stab in the heart.
"What's our military strength?" Athrun asked.
"That is actually something that didn't suffer much damage, all our forces were defending the island so loses were minimal," Todaka said.
Cagalli glared over at Yunna and Unato.
"We should ask the alliance for assistance," Unato spoke up.
"Fools," Neo said.
"I only said you could sit in this meeting, not speak," Cagalli added, with a lot of hatred for them.
"The alliance will not come, you are on your own with this one," Neo said quickly, "We only have a week minimum before he returns, likely less if they catch Jibril in the sea like I believe."
"Now would be a good time to put all our forces around Onogoro, not the last battle but now," Cagalli added.
"The question is how do we defend when Kira returns with the intent to destroy this base?" Murrue added.
Cagalli looked at her, "Please…please don't say that name again, it no longer exists to me," Cagalli added.
"I'm sorry," Murrue added.
Lacus had mixed feelings about that, but one thing was for sure Kira had to be stopped.
"A full out attack will not work," Athrun added.
"I know how," Lacus added.
All turned to her.
Lacus shut her eyes for a second and then explained.
Pacific Ocean
With Kira and Shinn
"What are you waiting for? This is the chance you have dreamed about is it not?" Kira asked.
Shinn stared at him with his finger still on the trigger.
"I can feel how badly you want to pull that trigger, but I also know you won't," Kira said again.
"What do you know?" Shinn finally said as it was like he was reading his mind or something, these ultimates were freaky.
"I feel your anger, but I feel your anger is directed at Orb, you are wondering just what you want to actually do, I can feel your hate towards me, but the hatred is stronger against Orb, in joining with Talia and the rest you will join with Orb, and you don't want that," Kira said, "No need to answer I already know."
"Finish the job and I will take you to Orb," Kira finally said.
Shinn was shaking he didn't know what to do, he was once again torn between what was right and wrong, however the images of his families deaths flew into his mind as his decision was made, it was Orbs fault they died and Orb had to pay.
Shinn flew past him and fired straight at the Tanhoiser cannon.
Kira smiled as he flew off, so young and naïve he let his hatred flow and was now a perfect tool. Kira wanted Shinn to continue to hate him as that would build this up more.
The shot at the dormant Tanhoiser caused an explosion nothing to big but the haul was no longer balanced.
Bridge
They saw what Shinn did.
"I knew we couldn't trust him," Talia said as she always had a bad feeling from him.
Our haul is no longer balanced ma'am, we are heading down.
"Get Damage control on it quickly," Talia said.
"What about the suits?" Talia asked.
"They are working as fast as they can ma'am, but that last explosion has turned the ship and they are having trouble staying balanced, the hanger is just to small for this," Arthur said as if they hit that water they were going to go down fast.
Aerial
Shinn moved on and with Kira's orders which he still hated following did the other side of the haul.
The Minerva was heading down it was just a matter of time, Kira maneuvered towards the back as he saw the engines, lifting a full payload of his rifle, plasma beams, and the rail cannons, he unleashed a volley and connected with the engines.
A large explosion was seen as the ship was heading straight for the water the bow first, it hit the water quickly as Kira maneuvered towards the bridge.
Bridge
After the engines were hit that was practically hit.
"We lost propulsion ma'am," Arthur said.
"Were going down," Talia added as they hit the water with force knocking a few crew members out of the seats.
"Were taking water," Arthur added as all the holes Kira made.
"Ma'am ahead," Meyrin said as the Armageddon was straight in front of them.
Aerial
"Your ship will sink, but I won't let you see that happen," Kira said taking aim for the bridge.
Before firing however the same heat rod came up and connected around his leg.
Kira looked down as Heine as limp as could be still put up a fight.
"Impressive, but you might have lived if you would have stayed out of it," Kira said reaching down and unwrapping it around his leg, the heat was damaging his hand a little by now, and Kira himself was feeling the electricity but with one powerful tug Kira lifted the Gouf straight up towards him.
Heine was wounded a little when he hit the haul, but now finally got back to it and had just saved his captains life.
However he knew he was screwed now as he was heading straight for the Armageddon, trying to move his blade ahead it was to late as Kira sliced straight into the cockpit of the Gouf.
The orange machine had Kira's saber sticking right through the front and out the back.
Kira stared at him for a second as he pulled the saber out and kicked it straight towards the sinking bridge.
Bridge
Talia saw her pilot just save them, but at the expense of his own life, the explosion of his machine even shielded them from sight as the bridge finally sank under water.
"Arthur, do it," Talia said.
Arthur used a frequency as now there was nothing else they could do.
Aerial
The Armageddon and Destiny were left as Shinn watched Heine perish; he perished for his friends while Shinn just condemned some of his all for his own revenge.
"The Doomsday is at these coordinates head their now," Kira added.
"You said we would go after Orb," Shinn said angrily.
"You will do as I say or you will join them in the sea below, Orb has its time coming now go," Kira ordered as Shinn snarled and flew off.
Even after all that they were still at each others throats, and Kira wanted it no other way, anger made Shinn a good pawn and a more powerful one at that.
Kira looked down as the ship sunk; they would perish down there in no time.
Taking a quick look towards Orb again, Kira knew maybe he could assault the place before Jibril arrived; heading back towards the Doomsday Kira was going to do something that could make that happen.
Onogoro Headquarters Bunker
After Lacus finished explaining what she had in mind, Andrew only shook his head.
"Your crazy with that songstress…but it could work, you realize the danger however," Andrew said.
"I do," Lacus said.
"We will have to get to work immediately however, I don't know if we can pull that off in time before he comes back, but I will search around," Athrun said.
"You are sure?" Cagalli asked.
Lacus nodded, "There is no other way, all you guys have to do is let Kira by and hold off any force he brings."
"We will set it up around the base, and you better prepare yourself as well, you won't have much time when it actually happens so run a few simulations," Murrue said again.
"You do realize the risks again right?" Cagalli asked again.
Lacus smiled, "I do, please however if the worst happens, don't look at my children like you look at Kira, they are innocent," Lacus said again.
"I would never do that," Cagalli added.
They were discussing it more as if it was going to work they would first have to pull the most important part off, if they couldn't find something then it would never work.
However as they were talking more a solider rushed in.
"What now?" Cagalli asked as things couldn't get any worse.
"We are receiving a signal representative," the soldier said as Cagalli took it.
To be continued…
(A\N): The next chapter Kira makes a daring decision, The Minerva tries to escape and Lacus' idea is put into motion. Bye for now.