It too a bit of thought but I eventually decided to skip over the meetings, the inquiry in the Plants and the arrival at the Debris Belt because well there wasn't any way that I could change them in a way I considered satisfactory.
I do not own Gundam SEED. If I did Kira and Lacus would have been married by the end of Destiny.
January 30 Debris Belt
The graceful form of the Archangel slowly glided it's way through the Debris Belt around it Mistral pods darted about gathering supplies from the wreckage around them while the Aile equipped Strike and the Devastator equipped Defender stood guard.
The pilots of said machines were currently having a private conversation.
"So what was it like kissing a girl?" Kira asked knowing full well it would annoy the blonde in the other machine.
"Hey, She kissed me not the other way round." Matthias countered strongly
Kira smiled mischievously. "That may be but you can't deny that you kissed her back most of the ship saw it."
Matthias immediately went bright red. "I ah… only did that because… Well it just felt right."
That just made Kira smile even more. "So you enjoyed it then."
The blonde blushed a few shades darker but nodded.
Kira was rather surprised at how easily he'd gotten Matthias to spill the beans as it were.
"That was a lot easier to get out of you than I expected any particular reason why?"
This time it was Matthias's turn to smile. "I'm telling you because I know Riyu will kick you into next week if she finds out that you've told anyone."
Having been one of the few people to see Matthias 'testing' Riyu, Kira knew how real that threat was so decided to stop with the questions and go back to watching the debris for signs of hostiles.
As he was watching his thought went back to the premonition that Matthias had in the hangar. 'It obviously involves me that's why he doesn't want to tell me... But what is it?' He glanced over at the black machine some distance away. 'He wants it to happen so it will be a good thing. What was it I actually said that set him off?"
He thought about it for a few minutes until a rush of static interrupted his chain of thought.
"No one's found any water yet." Said Matthias blankly. "Seems like there is only one option left and people aren't going to like it."
"Huh?" Kira wasn't sure what he meant.
Matthias simply turned the Defender to face the haunting remains of Junius 7.
Kira turned the Strike to look as well.
Matthias let out a long sigh before switching to the main channel.
"Captain from what I'm getting none of the salvage teams has found any water. Can you confirm?" He said clearly a little depressed
There was a brief pause before Murrue responded. "I'm afraid that is the case. Junius 7 is the only source of water we have found."
Matthias nodded even though no one could really see him.
"OK everyone it looks like we're going to have to get water from Junius 7."
A chorus of objections and counters erupted over the comm.
Matthias felt kind of comforted that everyone felt that way and waited for the objections to stop before speaking again.
"I'm glad you feel that way but in this situation survival come first… I knew a few people who lived on Junius 7. They were… old friends of my family I…" He shook off the now painful memory a small tear ran down his cheek as he did so.
"They were kind people the type that would make sure you stayed to eat with them before they let you leave. They would have wanted us to keep living and I'm going to do my best to make sure of that."
No one said anything more; none of them had any counter to that.
"Before we start the next run we'll release the origami flowers before collecting. We'll leave the ice till then."
On the bride Natarle had her objections. "Captain why are you letting Matthias have command of the salvage forces?"
Marrue rolled her eyes she expected something like this to happen.
"Matthias has the most experience of the people out there and is capable of sound judgement even under emotional stress that's why."
"But he's a… The radio may be off but I can still hear your thoughts Ensign." Matthias cut Natarle off.
"Now do you want to finish that line or shut up?" The raven-haired woman sensibly chose the second option.
Later
The salvage teams were now stood on the surface of Junius 7 as Miriallia and the others released armfuls of origami flowers out over the ruined PLANT.
Everyone watched in silence. Some deep in thought others praying for those who died. With respects paid everyone slowly gravitated back to their machines.
Kira and Matthias stood guard in silence as the pods darted about.
It was Matthias who eventually broke the silence.
"Kira be alert there's something nearby." His tone was serious.
Kira sighed he hoped this would be incident free obviously that wasn't going to happen. "Roger that. Can you give me any more details?"
"I'm working on it a lot of people died around here that makes it difficult. Ah!"
The Strikes console beeped as an explosion blossomed near to where the Defender was standing sentinel.
"Matthias you OK?" Kira asked he could still see the Defender but he decided to make sure.
"I'm OK… ish just downed a LLR GINN, There is at least one more so stay frosty." Matthias's tone made it obvious that he wasn't happy at having to kill the GINNs pilots.
Kira shivered slightly when he realised that Matthias had likely heard the last thoughts of that pilot. "I will." He muttered in reply.
Another beep issued from the console and immediately the screen zoomed in on a Long Range Recon type GINN that was inspecting the wreckage of a civilian vessel. It was being especially cautious undoubtedly because of the loss of contact with its comrade.
Kira manually targeted the beam rifle as to not alert the unit to his presence.
"Just go away." He uttered to himself.
The GINN began to move off as if obeying Kira when one of the Mistral pods moved out from the cover of the debris.
The two-seater machine immediately turned around and aimed its rifle.
"You idiot why did you have to see it?" Complained the brunet as he snapped off two shots with the Strike's rifle the first blew of the GINN's arm while the second hit dead centre causing the ZAFT machine to pitch backwards and explode.
Kira immediately turned off the radio, knowing Matthias would explain, and slammed his fist against the cockpit wall in frustration.
The console beeped another time. 'What now?' He thought bitterly. His attitude immediately changed on seeing it was a small life pod.
He quickly reactivated the radio and set up a channel to Matthias.
"I've found a life pod and I'm going to bring it aboard can you deal with Natarle for me?" He asked.
"Need you ask?" Matthias responded even just by his voice you could tell he was smiling.
Kira couldn't help but smile as well most of the crew found it rather amusing whenever the blonde took it upon himself to poke holes in the ensign's sense of military decorum.
He switched back to the main comm. "Archangel I've found a life pod and I'm bringing it on-board."
Natarle was the first to respond. "We're not a rescue ship leave it..." Matthias quickly cut her off. "Now ensign do I have to make a comment on your humanity or are you just going to shut up." He said in a sugary tone that seemed rather sinister at the same time.
On receiving no reply he continued. "Good choice, I trust you have not objections Captain."
"None, I give you authorisation to bring it aboard… Can you tell us anything about them?" The fact that Matthias could read minds what still strange to everyone but it was useful as well.
The bridge crew watched as the Defender moved up beside the Strike.
"Afraid not they're like Kira so I can only get their surface emotions without touching them." Matthias replied.
"I'll come down with the Lieutenant to greet our new guest." Said Marrue vacating her seat. "You have the con Ensign."
Mu couldn't resist getting in a last minute dig at Matthias. "I assume Riyu will be joining us." He teased.
Matthias immediately cut the link to hide his blush.
A few minutes later the pod was placed in the hangar and both mobile suits locked down in their bays. As predicted Riyu had joined them and was now standing next to Matthias, which made Mu grin mischievously at the younger blonde who just glared back at him.
"Alright I'm opening it." Warned Murdoch, The security detail immediately tensed ready in case the passenger of the life pod was hostile.
Matthias just rolled his eyes. The guards were unnecessary. The emotions he'd felt indicated someone who was scared rather than aggressive. Of course they'd ignored him and brought the guards anyway.
The door slowly opened and out floated a small pink robot. "Haro, Haro, LACUS!" It yelled floating past the confused crew members.
"Thank you for the assistance." Came a voice from within the pod and everyone looked back, just in time to see a pink haired drift out.
A look of surprise flashed across Matthias's face, which immediately split into a grin upon spotting Kira. The brunette was completely entranced by the beautiful girl.
'Looks like Kira's taken interest in Lacus Clyne.' He thought turning to Riyu.
Who looked like she was about to leap over to the pinkette and ask for an autograph.
Such an action would reveal the pink haired girl's identity as daughter of the PLANT supreme chairman and the songstress of the PLANTs to the rest of the crew. That was something he didn't want to happen so he grabbed the arm of his 'girlfriend' preventing her from moving.
He looked back ignoring the glare he was getting.
Lacus Clyne smiled as Kira helped her down to the floor. "Thank you." She said sweetly. The combination of the two caused the violet-eyed teen to blush deeply.
'He's handsome' she thought looking him over. Then she noticed the EA insignia on his uniform. Before she could say anything Matthias spoke up. "Excuse me miss could you come with us and explain what you were doing out there. Please."
He said earning thankful looks from Marrue and Mu who hadn't been sure how to interrupt the situation. "Kira you can come too." He added with a knowing smile that made the young coordinator in question turn an even deeper red.
A Few minutes later Lacus was sitting down in Kira's room with the others standing round. "Matthias why did you bring us to my room?" Kira asked.
Matthias shrugged. "It was closest." he replied simply though inwardly he was fighting the urge to smile.
What Matthias had said was true but Kira suspected that there were other reasons.
With that out-of-the-way Murrue took charge of the situation.
"I think that Matthias and Riyu already know who you are but could you please tell us you name." She asked glancing at the semi-official 'couple'.
Lacus smiled at them. "I'm Lacus Clyne, and this is my friend Haro." She responded lifting the pink robot that was now on her lap. "What's your name?" She added looking directly at Kira.
Kira took a moment to respond. "Err. Kira, Kira Yamato." Lacus's smile grew at getting his name. "How old are you?" She asked as if the other occupants of the room had disappeared.
Matthias started to usher the other out as the two teens continued chatting as if they'd just met on the school playground and wanted to get to know each other.
When outside Riyu just gave him a questioning look. Mu and Marrue just looked confused as he grinned back at them.
"Why did you do that?" Asked the Captain sounding slightly annoyed.
"You mean none of you noticed?" Matthias countered looking particularly at Mu.
Riyu immediately went wide-eyed. "You mean..." The blonde coordinator nodded.
"Our young pilot had a crush on Miss Lacus and I think she's taken a shine to him as well."
Marrue glanced at the lieutenant. "But they just met each other?" she asked.
Matthias looked at her the ethereal light in his eyes dancing like playful children.
"Since when do emotions follow any rules you set them?" He asked rhetorically.
Riyu was the next to speak. "But isn't she... you know..."
Matthias shot her a funny look. "I don't approve of arranged marriages except in certain unusual circumstances, like the parents actually knowing what their doing. Anyhow I'm sure her father won't make her go through with it if she doesn't want to."
"Thing is." Said Mu "when we get to the moon they will use her as a prisoner. I don't think the Kid will like that."
Matthias glanced at Riyu causing her to realise why he had held her back in the hangar.
"Who says he'd be the only one who wouldn't like that." Said Matthias his voice laden with ice. Riyu just nodded though somehow she made the motion much more threatening than either of the officers thought possible.
Marrue let out a sigh. "Well I suppose we'd better come up with ideas to prevent that from happening then. I don't want to hurt Kira let alone annoy you and Riyu."
Matthias activated the holo-computer on his wrist before responding. "Give me a few minutes. I have extensive experience in creating false identities." He said beginning to type.
Mu and Marrue stared at the slightly translucent screen for a second.
"Why didn't you tell us about that." Said the Captain in a slightly accusing manner.
The blonde stopped typing for a second to shoot a look at the woman.
"Never mind." She muttered.
"Thanks for stopping me earlier." Said Riyu feeling slightly awkward.
Matthias smiled but didn't look away from the screen. "No problem. There were several reasons behind it not just stopping you doing something you would regret."
Riyu's gaze immediately became hard. "What do you mean by that." She said with a warning edge to her voice.
Matthias knew Mu was enjoying this little confrontation but decided to ignore the fact.
"It would have served to escalate the war, also she of all people doesn't deserve that lastly…" He leant over and whispered the last part into her ear.
The girls hazel eyes went wide. Not knowing what to say.
Mu cleared his throat loudly causing Matthias to look over at him and stick his tongue out in a very childish manner.
He quickly finished typing and collapsed the screen with a motion of his hand.
"Right I have a file for her set up including school reports, a modified birth date, fictional past and family, a reason for her to be in the Debris belt and lastly put her Genetic type as natural. To top it all off the file is already in the O.M.N.I database." He said with a grin that hinted at some inner madness.
"I'm not going to even ask how you did that." Muttered Mu shaking his head in amazement.
The younger blonde just shrugged and glanced at Riyu with a mischievous grin. Which the brunette matched with a nod.
"So any complaints about assigning them the same room?" Asked Matthias innocently.
Marrue wasn't sure she heard properly. "Pardon!"
Mu on the other hand was in complete agreement. "I don't see why not. We could say that it's to help her adjust to being on the ship." He said with a barely restrained grin.
"Lieutenant!"
Mu looked at the particularly beautiful Captain. "Don't tell you've never thought about playing matchmaker before."
Marrue remained silent she'd come to like Kira in the short time she'd known him he was like the younger brother she'd never had. She truly believed that the young coordinator deserved some happiness. She eventually nodded if only for Mu and Riyu's benefit.
'Well I think they've had long enough for now." Said Matthias moving aside to allow the officers at the door.
The two quickly knocked and entered.
Kira and Lacus looked up as Matthias and Riyu slid in.
"So when is the we-Oompff!" Mu was suddenly cut off by Matthias's elbow being driven into his stomach. Hard.
"That's hardly appropriate right now." Admonished the younger blonde.
Marrue chuckled slightly in amusement.
"OK you two we need to talk, and it's best if we do it now." She said."OK Miss Marrue what is it?" Kira asked with a slight redness to his cheeks. He had a pretty good idea of what the mobile armour pilot was going to say before Matthias 'interrupted' him. He was rather thankful that Matthias did.
Marrue looked at the blonde coordinator it had been his idea after all.
"Kira, we'll be meeting up with EA forces at some point and if they find out that Miss Clyne here is on-board there's going to be problems."
Matthias paused for a moment to let the information sink in.
"I have a way to avoid that however it will require Miss Clyne to change her last name." He turned to the pink haired songstress. "Also this will mean that no one else on this ship will know who you are and it will have to stay that way. I have made a file ready for you."
"You asking rather a lot of Lacus." Complained Kira.
Matthias raised an eyebrow briefly before shrugging. "It's either this or she becomes a prisoner of war." He said shooting Mu a 'don't you dare' look before he could say anything.
"Kira it's OK. He's right." Lacus said calmly. Though inwardly she was happy that she would have more time to get to know the cute boy who had been nice to her since she got on-board.
Kira just sat looking at Lacus. Matthias had effectively asked her to lie to everyone on the ship apart from the people in this room and that just didn't feel right to him. Despite this something inside him said he had to protect her. There was no way he was going to let the EA use her as a prisoner.
"I just have one question. What am I going to change my last name to?" She asked curiously looking straight at Matthias.
"That's completely up to you Miss Clyne though I have it set as Kasne on your file for the time being." The blue-eyed teen responded.
"That will be fine and please call me Lacus. Mr…"
Matthias hit his forehead. "Sorry I should have introduced myself. I'm Matthias Rynar though just call me Matthias everyone else does." He looked over at Riyu who had remained silent but had hung close to him.
"And this it Riyu Takama." He added indicating the brunette with a smile.
Lacus cocked her head slightly. "Are you two a couple?" She asked innocently.
Both teens went bright red though Matthias was the worse off of the two.
"N-n-no… I mean sorta erm well err. Not yet." He managed to stutter out.
Mu of course found this highly amusing and started laughing.
Riyu smiled through her embarrassment as she waited for everyone to calm down. Matthias was right they weren't quite a couple yet but they were heading that way.
When everyone had stopped laughing or blushing Riyu finally spoke. "Miss Lacus."
The pink haired girl looked at her. "Yes Miss Takama." The brunette shifted uncomfortably and pulled out a small note pad.
"Could I have your autograph?" She asked politely.
Lacus just smiled. "If you have a pen then I would be happy to.
Riyu frowned she'd hoped that Lacus would have a pen on her.
Matthias rolled his eyes and produced a pen from somewhere and handed it to Riyu.
With the Autograph obtained and the pen retrieved Matthias spoke. "There's just one last thing we need to sort out. Miss Lacus will be needing a place to sleep."
Marrue acknowledged him with a nod. "I think Miss Clyne should be bunked with someone who can help her adjust to being on this ship and prevent her from wandering into restricted areas." She said slightly uncomfortable with what they were doing.
Noticing her distress Mu took over. "Well she seems to get on very well with Kira here so it would make sense to assign her to the same room and have Kira watch over her."
Kira and Lacus both blushed at the implications of such a suggestion.
Matthias cocked his head to one side slightly. "Any objections from you two."
"I'll only do it if Lacus is OK with it." Said Kira slightly hesitant.
Everyone looked at Lacus awaiting her decision.
"I don't mind really." She said unperturbed by all the gazes directed at her.
'But you would prefer to be with Kira wouldn't you.' Said a voice inside her head.
She managed to hide her embarrassment so that only Matthias noticed the wave of emotion pass through her.
Matthias looked over at Marrue. "I think that's everything covered then. You two now share this room." He said.
"I think we can all go back to what we were doing." With that he let he moved aside to let the two officers out. After a few moments he moved to follow them out only to pause at the door.
"Kira I know you would like to stay here and talk to Miss Lacus some more but you have yet to do the maintenance on the Strike." He said smiling at the waves of embarrassment he felt from both of them as he left.
A short while later the Archangel, now resupplied, left the Debris Belt.
Athrun was pacing the ready room of the Vesalius. As soon as the destroyer had been repaired it had been deployed again this time to search for hi fiancé Lacus Clyne. He smiled sadly at that. Their parents had arranged the engagement and they both saw each other more as siblings than anything else. Two friends that could relate to the pain of loosing a mother. However that was not what was bothering him. The Claymore had been assigned to assist them with the search and that's what made him anxious. He had nothing against Commander Martin personally but the man was incredibly eager to go after the legged ship and the Black machine in particular. He also had a capacity for viciousness that Athrun had never seen in anyone let alone someone only a year or so older than he was. Silently he hoped they would not encounter the Legged ship while searching. With going on right now he really didn't Kira and his friend in the black machine. "I really hope where ever they are their all safe." He muttered to himself."
In the Archangel's canteen Tolle, Miriallia, Kuzzey, Flay and Riyu were chatting. Sai currently had a shift on the Bridge while Kira and Matthias were busy maintaining their respective machines.
"So. You and Matthias are an item now?" Asked Tolle.
Flay let out a derisive snort. "Oh please it's obvious she's head over heel for that coordinator."
Everyone immediately glared at the read head. This was the main reason Riyu didn't like Flay the girls' arrogance and bigoted attitude pissed her off.
"That's not what he was asking Flay. And we may all be naturals here but please keep your prejudices to yourself." Admonished Mir before turning to a slightly red faced Riyu.
"W-wait Riyu's a natural!" Exclaimed Flay surprised. "But you kept up with Matthias when he 'tested' you?
Riyu shrugged. "I don't know why but I'm a lot faster than most naturals. Anyway I think Matthias was holding back on his speed when he did that." Her cheeks colouring slightly as she remembered the event that directly followed that.
Tolle nodded oblivious to Riyu's blush. "Professor Kato did say that there were a few naturals that proved that coordinators weren't that superior."
"Riyu smirked slightly. "You probably could have worded that a bit better Tolle. Any way back to the original question. No we're not quite a couple yet Matthias not quite certain of his feelings yet so I'll let him figure it out."
"What do you mean he's not sure?" Asked Kuzzey "Surely he's experienced it before either directly or indirectly?"
Riyu shook her head. "I don't think he has had a chance to fall in love before. He spent too much time running and trying to survive." She said sadly.
"That doesn't explain how he doesn't know despite the telepathy." Added Tolle.
"That." Came a voice that made all but Riyu jump. "Is because different people experience emotions in different ways." Everyone turned to see Matthias standing in the doorway. He'd obviously just taken a shower, as his hair was still damp. The gang quickly noted that he was wearing a navy blue top rather than his trademark black though it was of the same loose fitting design.
With the question answered Matthias sat down. Just in time for a pink haired head to poke round the corner.
"Excuse me but could you tell me where I can find something to eat?" Asked Lacus timidly.
Matthias chuckled slightly. "All that time talking to Kira and he didn't tell you where the canteen was. I suppose I should have guessed that. You can get food at the counter." He said motioning to the back of the canteen.
"Arigato."
Matthias nodded smiling at the pinkette's use of Japanese while the others, save Riyu, watched Lacus head over to the counter.
"Err Matthias who's that?" Asked Mir looking confused.
"She was on-board the life pod that Kira brought aboard." Said Riyu stepping in.
"I'll let her introduce herself." She finished as Lacus came over with a tray of food and sat down.
"Hello everyone. My name is Lacus Kasne. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Miriallia Haww. Just call me Mir though."
"Tolle Koenigg nice to meet ya"
Kuzzey and Flay were a bit more hesitant but still introduced themselves.
"I'm Kuzzey Buzkirk"
"Flay Allstar."
Lacus smiled at all of them then turned to her food.
Just then part of what Matthias had said when Lacus entered filtered through to Kuzzey.
"What do you mean all that time talking to Kira, Matthias?"
At this Matthias smiled and Lacus blushed slightly.
"Well after Murdoch opened the pod we took her to Kira's room so we sort out the things we needed to know and to sort out a room placement. However before we could do that Kira and Lacus here started chatting like there was no tomorrow so we left them to it of a bit and sorted everything else out a little later." Lacus's face had slowly got redder and redder as Matthias went on.
"So where is she staying?" asked Flay half to herself.
Matthias's smile became a grin. Then he noticed Riyu looking at him with a disapproving glare. Matthias paused for a second weighing up if it was worth it, deciding it was he spoke and braced himself. "With Kira."
Several things happened at once. Lacus turned the colour of a ripe tomato. Riyu hit Matthias hard on the shoulder and Tolle performed a spit take, fortunately not over anyone, while Flay sat up so fast she nearly fell off her seat.
"It made sense. We felt that Lacus here should be bunked with someone to help her get used to being on the ship. She obviously got on with Kira and she agreed so now they're assigned to that same quarters." Matthias explained rubbing his shoulder.
That stopped all conversation and a slightly awkward silence settled over them, at least until Lacus spoke. "Mr Ry… Matthias?"
"Yes."
"Why do your eyes glow?" She asked.
Matthias looked very sheepish he'd completely forgotten that Lacus would need that explaining.
"Well the simple explanation is it's a side effect of me being a psychic." He said fully expecting her not to believe him.
"Oh OK" She said turning back to her food.
Matthias just looked at her incredulously for a moment. "Well that was easy."
"You can't say you believe him just because he said so." Said Flay in a slightly angry tone.
"I can because I don't think Mr… Matthias here would lie about a thing like that besides how else would I explain it."
Flay was at a loss for words.
Matthias struggled to suppress a laugh. 'Awesome Kira likes her, she seems to like Kira as well she's a nice person all round and to top it all off she can shut Flay up. Perfect.'
Lacus quietly went back to eating taking part in the conversation in her usual manner though she would occasionally glance around discretely.
Both Matthias and Riyu noticed this pretty quickly though it was typically Matthias who said spoke up about it.
"Kira's currently doing maintenance on the Strike so you can stop looking for him Lacus. He'll be down shortly."
This caused Lacus to blush again slightly.
"Thank you I was wondering where he was."
Matthias just waved it off. "No problem."
The conversation degenerated into general teenage conversation as Flay found her voice again Matthias and Riyu listening but not really taking part.
A few minutes later Kira entered Like Matthias he had obviously just had a shower.
Lacus immediately smiled. "Hello Kira you work went well I hope."
Kira nodded wearily. "Yes it did, Lacus, thank you. I see you're getting to know everyone."
Lacus nodded smiling broadly as she shifted along her seat to create a space for Kira who quickly dropped into the seat.
"Hey Kira I suggest you get some sleep soon before you burn yourself out." Said Matthias leaning back at a normally impossible angle.
Kira nodded slowly. "I know but I just wanted to..." He trailed off.
"I understand." Said Matthias smiling at Riyu as she tried to tip him off the seat.
The intercom crackled slightly before Captain Ramius's voice issued out. "This is the Captain speaking. I am pleased to announce that we will be meeting up with our escort from the eighth fleet in 4 hours. That is all"
As soon as the message finished Matthias allowed himself to fall off the bench, turning it in to a quick roll to his feet.
"What's wrong?" asked Riyu almost immediately. The blonde pilot couldn't help but be amused by how easily she was able to read him despite the situation.
"I'm heading back to the hangar to finish something I have a feeling I'm going to need it soon." He replied with a slight frown.
Most of the others were confused at this. "Didn't you hear the captain we'll be meeting up with the advanced fleet soon." Said Kuzzey
Matthias sighed. "My point exactly." Heading off towards the hangar as soon as he finished speaking.
"What did he mean by that?" Asked Flay obviously eve more confused by the blonde's comment.
Riyu shook her head. "He means that he thinks something will happen about when we meet up with the advanced fleet." She said before following Matthias out.
A few Minutes later Lacus finished her meal and helped Kira to his room.
Athrun was not in a good mood. Not only had they failed to find Lacus but they had detected a small fleet of three ships obviously on their way to rendezvous with the legged ship. Both commanders had decided, despite their differences, to attack in an effort to draw the white vessel in and destroy it. So now he was in the Aegis preparing to sortie. Across from him Commander Martin was preparing his new upgraded CGUE. For some reason he'd had the unit transferred to the Vesalius earlier citing the fact that there was less suits on it so more mechanic so go around. Looking at the upgrades to the machine Athrun couldn't help but feel apprehensive about the coming engagement. The right shoulder of the blue machine now sported a rail gun that reportedly fired heated rounds that could damage Phase shift though ammunition was limited. The rifle had been replaced with a newer more powerful version and the shield was strengthened. To go along with that were new thrusters and a longer life battery.
Athrun really hoped that Kira wouldn't get in the way of the young commander.
Truing back to his work he let out a sigh he really wished that he wasn't doing this right now.
A few hours later Athrun had the Aegis sitting in the Vesalius's Linear catapult about to launch. 'I really wish Nichol was here now I could use someone to talk to… Oh well here goes nothing.' With that the Aegis shot out into the sea of stars and towards the advance fleet.
Matthias sealed the chest hatch on the Defender with a grin. The Tachyon Bolt Emitter (TBE) was now fully functional and ready to give anyone who it was fired at a really bad day. He jumped down landing next to Riyu who had just finished doing some adjustments to the foot thrusters of the Defender.
She had followed him and asked to help. He'd told her how to do the adjustments and she got on with it. Somehow both of them had managed to remain spotless.
"Thanks for the help. Maybe next time you can help with some proper maintenance."
The brunette girl nodded. "I'd like that. It's better than just sitting around." She said stepping towards him.
Matthias turned only to find his face inches from hers. Slowly he began to move closer aiming to close the gap between their lips. Of course fate and the war chose that moment to intervene.
"All pilots to your machines the Advance fleet is engaged in battle and we are heading in to assist."
Matthias reluctantly pulled away with a slight chuckle. "Should have seen that one coming."
Riyu grinned slightly "Make it up to me when you get back OK" Matthias just nodded before kicking off towards the pilots' ready room.
Kira was already there and to his surprise Flay.
"Please protect my father." She cried almost pleading.
Kira made an attempt to reassure her. "It'll be OK me, Matthias and Mu will be there."
Matthias pause for a moment before floating over. "We'll do our best, no promises though." He said retrieving his helmet.
Now in their pilot suits all 3 pilots made their way to their respective machines.
They had a task to do and people to protect and no one was going to say otherwise.
Phew sorry it took so long I've started my A-Levels so time is quite short for me. I have started a new story called Shadows of the Night it's an assassin story using the characters of SEED and Destiny feel free to check it out. Not much else to say apart from please R&R (especially if you have any questions)