(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.
Chapter Thirty Two
Offer
Carpentaria
After Rau got word their were changes he immediately met with the base personal, Patrick authorized them to track the stolen machine and they had their eyes on it since it landed, however right before Rau and the Zala team arrived on the surface the signal started moving again.
The soldiers kept an eye on it when they saw it entered Orb airspace and that was when Rau entered the command center.
"What is going on?" Rau asked.
"Take a look sir," one officer said.
Rau looked at the radar screen and saw the stolen machine had just entered Orb airspace.
"This is a setback for us," Rau said as the machine seemed like it was heading for Onogoro Island.
"What are your orders now sir?" the commander of the base asked.
Rau kept watching when all of a sudden they just lost the signal, "Either he gained asylum with Orb or they captured the machine…we have no choice but to hold off and gather more intelligence, contact all our sources in Orb and tell them to start looking around."
"Yes sir," the commander said as they went straight to work.
Rau knew this could be problems; charging straight into Orb right now would not be the best move, so they had to be secret about it. Rau left to go and brief his team.
Conference Room
After checking their equipment they went to the headquarters and awaited Rau and it wasn't long before he arrived.
All stood up and saluted.
Rau looked at them, "We have had a small setback and our attack will be delayed for an unknown amount of time."
All three looked on with interest.
"What does this mean commander?" Yzak asked quickly.
"We detected the tracer of our stolen machine and it has now entered Orb airspace and shortly after disappeared from our radar, such a thing is hard to do but for the moment we have nothing to go on," Rau said.
"Orb is harboring a traitor sir, we should go in ourselves," Yzak quickly said.
Rau stared at him, "All in good time, we have several agents in Orb and we will have them look around, if they come up with nothing in a few days I will send you in myself," Rau said sternly.
Yzak sat back down as it seemed this was going to be delayed again.
Athrun heard everything and now he was presented with more time to think, but in all reality he just wanted this over.
Rau concluded the meeting as he went to oversee the search, but first had to contact Patrick.
When Rau got a hold of him Patrick was very furious but knew nothing could be helped and since he had to worry about the election he agreed to Rau's plan and gave them three days to find information, if not Patrick ordered Rau to send the team in immediately.
Orb Onogoro Island
The transport planes flew straight back to Orb, Lacus still never left Kira's side but she could see he was getting a little worse, once they arrived they quickly rushed Kira to the military hospital, Uzumi set it up so only a direct few knew of Kira and Lacus' presence, Lacus went with him as well as Cagalli, she still had that feeling.
Kisaka ordered the machine they picked up to be placed in the underground hanger; the hanger was protected against radio waves and satellite equipment, which is why Rau lost the tracker.
Military Hospital
Lacus refused to leave Kira's side as she went with him to the hospital and waited outside while the doctors performed their surgery.
Cagalli then got contact of her father calling her.
"How is everything?" Uzumi asked.
Cagalli took the call as she moved a little away from Lacus, "They said his life is still in danger but they are amazed at his bodies recuperative abilities, I didn't know coordinators could do things like this as well."
Uzumi cringed a little he this man was who he thought there was a very different explanation and he wanted to see for himself.
"How is Miss Clyne?" Uzumi asked.
Cagalli looked at her, "She is worried but alright, she told me what happened and it seems Patrick Zala is attending on…" Cagalli didn't have to finish.
"I know Cagalli, let me speak to her real quick," Uzumi said quickly.
Cagalli walked over to her, "My father wants a quick word."
Lacus didn't take her eyes off the room but took the phone, "Thank you again for helping us Lord Uzumi," Lacus said grateful.
"I am glad your alright, I know this isn't the best time Lacus, but I need to know just what happened, from the start," Uzumi said as it was important.
Lacus didn't take her eyes off the room but told him everything but left out parts about Kira.
Uzumi became more and more convinced and realized he would have to see him for himself, "That is terrible Miss Clyne; I think you should contact your father as soon as possible."
Lacus knew to do that she would have to leave, "I will once Kira is in stable condition, but I will not leave before then."
The name echoed in Uzumi's mind, this couldn't just be a coincidence, "I understand, I will take care of things for now, and I hope everything will turn out okay."
"Thank you Lord Uzumi, for everything," Lacus said before handing the phone back to Cagalli.
Uzumi got off knowing with the situation they were now facing it wasn't looking good but they couldn't give up now.
Uzumi looked at the photograph again and hoped that he could avoid telling Cagalli, but that seemed like it wouldn't happen.
Kira's surgery went on perfectly, any normal coordinator would not have been able to handle the blood loss and pain but they repaired his lung and finished him up.
Lacus was beyond relief, Kira was moved to a guarded room where only certain people could enter and Lacus sat by him she refused to move until he woke up or at least until he was stable enough that she would know he would be alright so she put off contacting her father, and she waited with him.
Two Days Later
Onogoro Military Hospital
Kira remained unconscious for two entire days, Lacus stayed with him for every single minute refusing to move until he woke up. Kira's regenerative abilities were amazing and all smaller cuts were already perfectly healed, a bandage was wrapped around his body covering his chest wound where they did the surgery but that was it.
Cagalli often visited her and gave her food but she did have another reason for coming, every time she looked at Kira she felt as if she had seen him before or that they met in the past, it was something like that.
Lord Uzumi however kept his distance; he didn't want to see Kira until he woke up. He made sure that Kira and Lacus' presence was on a need to know basis, the room inside and outside was well guarded and they were on the highest alerted floor. This was a military hospital so security was never a problem but Uzumi knew well that with all that was going on spies could be looming for both Zaft and the Alliance so he had to be extra careful and placed only those he knew personally to guard Kira and Lacus.
Cagalli took notice to her father's sudden change in behavior it was as if he was nervous about the Kira Lacus situation, he didn't mind them being here it was like he was almost anxious about something. Cagalli just didn't know that Uzumi almost knew that was her brother, he just had to speak with him and Uzumi would know, the past always catches up and if it was meant to be Uzumi would tell both of them the truth, which he would likely know the answer soon as he ordered the doctor that did the surgery to get a DNA sample and with that he would be able to tell, but he also wanted to speak to this man.
On the second day however Lacus remained with Kira like she had the previous days when Cagalli came to see her again but this time it was business.
Kira's secured hospital room
Cagalli went towards the room and the two Orb soldiers saluted her as they let her inside.
Cagalli walked in and saw Lacus in the same chair next to Kira, the surgery did very well but with the exhaustion and stress on his body he remained unconscious, after Lacus got the word from the doctor she knew that was not very surprising, after what Kira told her she knew that when he served Patrick he didn't really have much time to relax, either he was doing his reconnaissance missions or he was putting up his front as a military engineer he most likely never slowed down and after all this time it was finally catching up to him so she wasn't surprised he was out this long.
Cagalli walked up behind Lacus as she looked tired, "Any change?"
Lacus blinked her eyes a few times and turned back, "Nothing yet, but I expected that," Lacus replied tiredly.
"What time is it?" Lacus asked.
Cagalli smiled, "Almost dusk…I have actually come to get you."
Lacus looked confused, "Get me for what?"
Cagalli looked at her, "We have to head to the communication center in the main building."
Lacus knew what that was about, "I know I have to contact my father but…" Lacus said as Cagalli cut her off.
"We understand that, however your father has contacted us in secret," Cagalli told her.
Lacus heard what she said and knew that Andrew must have told him what she was doing and he was tired of worrying, she didn't like her father worried but she didn't want to leave Kira.
"My father filled him in on the situation mostly, but he really is worried so he said he would hold until he spoke to you so my father sent me to get you, it won't take that long Lacus," Cagalli told her.
Lacus looked back down at Kira, but now she didn't have a choice.
Lacus leaned down gently kissing his forehead as she stood up tiredly.
"We will be in and out and you can be back in no time," Cagalli told her as she looked back at Kira again and they made their way out as the two guards on the inside opened the door and the two on the outside moved out of the way.
Lacus and Cagalli went down to the bottom floor as a car was waiting and it led them to the headquarter building.
With Kira
It wasn't to much longer that Lacus left that Kira finally stirred.
A nurse just entered the room to check on him and insert an anesthetic into his IV.
Kira stirred only slightly when he finally regained consciousness, being the ultimate soldier he was when he woke up he didn't immediately open his eyes, Kira awoke with slight pain in his chest area and immediately remembered the last events, he and Lacus escaped the Mendel colony and made a dangerous landing on earth at a spot Lacus chose, Kira lastly remembered looking at his wound then at Lacus' face as he passed out, now he didn't know where he was at.
Kira slightly opened his eyes only to see a nurse doing something, Kira looked around and what he saw by the doors is what made his guard go up as their was two armed soldiers. Kira just waking up didn't know where he was, who these people were or even where Lacus was. They were on earth and could have been captured by the alliance or even Zaft forces; Kira immediately shut his eyes again to process the information. Kira's main concern right at the moment was where Lacus was and who these people were, but also what happened to his machine, if that fell into enemy hands things would get very messy, but first thing was first Kira had to find Lacus.
Being the soldier he was it was better to be on the upper hand before asking questions after all he could have been captured, Kira now was testing his body as he eyes remained shut, he moved slight movements to see the level of pain he was in, but so far the only pain he felt was in the chest and he could do what he had to with just that.
Kira now opened one eye as he watched the nurse move closer to him, she was obviously going to inject him with something and he couldn't allow that to happen, the guards by the door were in normal positions as they weren't really watching him but he couldn't look at them to long so he didn't see their uniforms that well but they had to be the first to go.
Kira looked slightly at the nurse again as she grabbed the IV tube and was about to inject the substance inside when he made his move.
Kira used his arm and pulled the IV tube right out as he shot to his feet knocking the nurse back as she let out a surprised scream.
Kira know knew the full extent of his injuries as his chest was killing him but he knew he could hold it for now.
The guards heard the nurses yelp as they turned but that was far to late as Kira was already on them, Kira struck the first one closest to him straight on the back of the head while removing the pistol from his holster, the first one fell as the second one was shocked at the speed, he went to speak but Kira brought him down as well with the same blow but he used the back of the gun this time, struck the guy in the head and he fell unconscious.
Kira stumbled back against the wall as he clutched his chest, but saw this wasn't over yet as the two guards from outside heard the commotion.
Kira felt his senses rise as he looked at the door and two came charging in.
"What is going on in he…" one said but all he got was a spinning kick to the face knocking him to the ground.
The other one reached for his radio as Kira caught on to that, not wanting to fire a shot to alert more all Kira did was point the Orb standard issue straight at the guys head while clutching his chest with his other hand, Kira was breathing a little heavy but he could tell his strength and skills were likely above fifty percent so he knew he could hang on.
The other one dropped the radio and raised his hands as Kira delivered the blow to the back of the head knocking him down and out.
That took a lot out of him but he then turned back to the frightened nurse, Kira focused his eyes as he looked down and now saw the symbol of the soldiers.
"Orb…" was all Kira said with a touch of disgust, even though Kira wasn't working for Patrick anymore he still was having trouble letting go of the hatred he was taught all his life of naturals, and all of what happened in the past wasn't helping either.
The nurse was shaking badly as Kira looked at her, "Where am I?" Kira asked knowing but he wanted the exact location.
The nurse looked at him, "You're…your in Orb, we…we were ordered to attend to you."
"Where in Orb?" Kira asked again.
"Onogoro Island," the nurse said as Kira remembered that, he had a photo memory of just about every location in the world that was of military nature.
Kira now asked the most important question to him, "Where is Lacus?" Kira demanded to know this time.
The nurse looked at him, "Miss Clyne had a call from her father, she hasn't left your side in two days, she was the one that requested we help you and Lord Uzumi agreed, only a select few know about you being here, we were only trying to help," The nurse said hoping he wasn't one that would shoot her.
Kira was glad she was safe but with that he had another question, "How did I get here and where is my machine?"
"All I know is you were brought in under military escort unconscious, if you had a machine it is likely with Morgenroete at the moment," the nurse said still not knowing what he was doing.
Hearing that didn't make Kira very happy, Morgenroete would likely try to gain control over the machine and take the data, Kira wasn't trusting anyone but Lacus, and he didn't like being here, he trusted Lacus' judgment but this was something that he couldn't take chances on and with hearing she was safe and knowing her connection to Orb Kira knew he had to get to his machine first.
Kira looked around and saw that at least they kept his equipment by him, Kira moved over to his equipment and saw that his military pants as he quickly put them on over the ones he was wearing now, Kira saw that all he had was one of his M9's in the holster and his two knives, he tossed everything else in the back of the mobile suit he and Lacus stole. His body armor was gone but they had to cut the shredded parts off when they did his surgery so he had to go without for now.
Kira checked his weapons as he stumbled towards the door.
The nurse being a nurse was concerned she knew he was just in shock and since he didn't kill anybody she knew he was just worried, "Please sir, you still aren't in any shape to move, Lord Uzumi gave his word to Miss Clyne that nothing would be touched at least let me call her.
Kira didn't listen, this was very important and he trusted no one but her but this time he had to get to his machine.
Kira having the photo memory he did knew where Mongenroete was so he could get inside.
Kira opened the door as he walked out slightly in pain.
The nurse quickly picked up the phone and contacted the headquarters secured line.
Kira took the stairs as the lower floors operated just like a normal hospital, Kira got down to the first floor in pain, he really wanted to see Lacus again, but knew this was a place she would be safe, but he didn't trust the data of the mobile suit was and if that fell into the wrong hands the world would be in worse disastrous shape then it was about to be.
Kira made it down holstering his M9 in the same spot by his ankle while taking the stolen handgun he got from the Orb guard and placed it in the back of his pants using his shirt to cover it.
Kira got to the bottom floor looked around and saw the main entrance and a side entrance for emergency's, Kira quickly moved to the side and out that entrance with stealth and precision, he know had to make his way over to Mongenroete but knew that should be a problem, he broke into far more secured locations then this.
Headquarters
Uzumi's office
Right after Cagalli and Lacus arrived they were escorted up towards Uzumi's office, the area was very well secured as Uzumi made sure their exposure was at a minimal.
Cagalli and Lacus opened the door and went inside as Cagalli saw her father sitting at the desk.
Uzumi was very busy these past few days with trying to keep things under wraps, he was very relieved to hear that Kira's surgery went well but he was eager for that DNA test he had the doctors take, he was hoping to find out the truth, and then he had to make a decision would he let Cagalli know about the truth, Uzumi didn't know what Kira was taught along the way but it may have been possible that he knows, but he had a strong feeling that Kira didn't.
Uzumi was also worried about the military leaders and a few cabinet members as they were getting very suspicious about what was going on, several areas were on lockdown and only certain personal was allowed into the Morgenroete facility. Uzumi made sure the machine they brought back was kept in secret at the bottom of the facility.
With all of that it was only a short time ago that he got a call from his friend Siegel up in the Plants, Uzumi was well aware of what happened and Patrick Zala just blew him away in the election that took place earlier, it didn't take long to tally up the results as with all that was going on Siegel didn't stand a chance, Siegel was waiting for days for a call from Lacus but nothing so he couldn't wait any longer and with Patrick's people celebrating this new victory he knew he could get a secured call down so it wouldn't be tracked.
Uzumi and Siegel spoke of the situation going on as Uzumi told him all he knew but he didn't even have the full story as Lacus didn't leave Kira's side until now.
Uzumi sent Cagalli to retrieve Lacus and they spoke until Cagalli and Lacus returned which was at this moment.
Uzumi noticed Cagalli and Lacus walk in.
"Miss Clyne, how is he doing?" Lord Uzumi asked.
Lacus walked up to him with Cagalli, "He is stable but hasn't woken up yet, thank you for asking," Lacus said gratefully.
"I know you didn't want to leave but your father is very worried," Uzumi told her.
Lacus nodded as she walked over towards the desk.
Uzumi transferred the call to the monitor as he himself got another visitor as there was a knock at the door and this was something he was waiting for.
Uzumi excused himself as Cagalli let Lacus be alone for a second.
Lacus walked over as she sat down and for the first time in awhile she heard her father's voice.
"Lacus," Siegel said as his face appeared on the monitor in obvious relief she was alright.
Lacus slightly smiled, "I am sorry for worrying you father, I am alright and Lord Uzumi has been taking great care of us."
Siegel sighed in relief, "Commander Waltfeld filled me in on some of what happened but I would like to hear the rest, I am just glad you are alright."
Lacus smiled again, "I am sorry I couldn't go with commander Waltfeld like you asked father, but I…I just knew this was the right decision."
Siegel eyed his daughter she was just like her mother in a few ways and he could tell she meant more then what she said in that statement.
"Your decision was the right one Lacus, I have lost the chairman's seat but I will not stop my work here, but first I need to know just what went on," Siegel said seriously.
Lacus understood, she told her father everything, but even with him she did leave a few parts about Kira out; she spoke of all the events that happened from the time Kira saved her in that small park area where she was to speak, their escape, the Mendel colony, as well as their landing.
Siegel was in a little shock at what he heard, "So Zala is planning on using those cancellers on the earth," Siegel said as Lacus told him about what they found at the bottom of the colony.
"It is likely not just that father, we recovered a disk downloaded from one of the computers, it is highly encrypted but I believe Kira can get into it, but not until he is well," Lacus replied.
Siegel stared at her, "You speak highly of this former assassin, do you really trust him that much?" Siegel had to know, he trusted Lacus' judgment but she was still his daughter and needed to know she was in the best hands.
Lacus lightly blushed, "I do trust him father…with my life."
Siegel caught on, "…I can't say I fully approve of this yet, but since he saved your life, left Zala's command and is protecting you now I will not say anything else about it, for now," Siegel told her.
"I don't know where the future will take us father, but I do know one thing, he is not like many put him out to be," Lacus said seriously.
"Times will get rougher from now on Lacus, would you be able to convince him to join the Clyne faction?" Siegel asked.
Lacus wasn't to thrilled about that, but knew her father didn't mean anything bad about it, "I don't know father, he has been around fractions his whole life, I will not push the subject, if he wants to join you it will be his decision, I will not bring up such matters to him…if he doesn't want to fight anymore then I will support that."
Siegel detected the defensiveness in his daughter, "I understand Lacus, my time is running short but I want to give you the heads up, I am still hosting the cruise with most Zaft, Orb and Alliance leaders in a few weeks, with that I am confident we will be able to create a treaty that even Zala will not be able to defy, I may not be the chairman anymore but I will not stop seeking for peace."
Lacus smiled, "I know you are doing what is right father."
Siegel smiled, "I am glad you are alright again, and I am very proud of you…I will try contacting you again and think hard about what I said, I look forward to a favorable reply, but more then that I am glad you are truly happy my daughter," Siegel told her as he had to cut the line.
Lacus smiled again as the line went down.
Lacus got up as Cagalli rejoined her.
Outside the room Uzumi got what he was asking for and he knew with Cagalli in the room he didn't want to take any chances of opening it yet, he spoke with a few soldiers then returned back inside as Lacus was finishing up.
"I hope everything went well," Uzumi said.
Lacus nodded, "Yes everything was fine Lord Uzumi…my father may not be chairman anymore but he will not stop pursuing his hope for our world."
Uzumi smiled, "Nor will Orb."
They were speaking when Uzumi got an urgent call.
Uzumi reached over and placed it on speaker, "Yes," Uzumi said.
The occupant on the other line was the nurse from the hospital, "I am terribly sorry Lord Uzumi but our patient has broken out," She said quickly.
All looked at the phone as Lacus looked very worried, Kira wasn't one hundred percent yet.
"What exactly is going on over there?" Uzumi asked.
"I'm sorry again sir, we were giving him his anticipative when he suddenly woke up…I have never seen anyone move so fast, he took out the two guards then the other two that came to see the commotion he took them out to," the nurse said.
Lacus didn't like the word she was using, and she cursed herself for leaving.
"You mean him?" Uzumi asked.
"No sir he just knocked them out, I could tell he was just confused about where he was, but when I told him he didn't seem to happy, he wanted to know where Miss Clyne was and where the mobile suit they had was located," The nurse told them again.
Lacus thought for a second.
"Do you have a location on him?" Uzumi asked.
"We locked down the hospital but it was to late sir, he vanished," the nurse said.
Lacus spoke up, "Please Lord Uzumi I know where he is going, can I have someone take me there?" Lacus said quickly.
Uzumi looked at her, "I have no problem but how can you be so sure?"
Lacus looked at him, "He…he doesn't trust many people with what happened, I don't really blame him but with that I know he will head for his mobile suit, he is afraid you will try and steal the technology from it…please you have to take me there," Lacus said pleading.
Uzumi nodded, "Alright then Miss Lacus, I will have a car waiting for you outside."
"Let me go to father," Cagalli said.
Uzumi wasn't too happy about that, but with this he could look at that file with interruption, "Very well then, but be careful, I will alert Morgenroete."
Lacus looked at him, "Please sir that isn't a good idea, I know him and I don't want your soldiers getting hurt, he will listen to me."
Uzumi thought about it for a second she was very confident in him which confirmed more of his suspicions about him, "Very well I will call the base and have security open a hole to the machine, no one will stop him, now go ahead," Uzumi said as Lacus thank him again and about ran out of the room, she was very concerned for Kira, he was injured and she knew he only trusted her so people could get hurt if they tried to stop him. Cagalli followed her out as they were lead outside.
Outside the headquarters
Cagalli and Lacus went outside only to find that their escort would be none other then Mu. Mu was also another one Uzumi trusted the most so Mu knew what was going on, he had to admit he was surprised at the turn of the events but he was like Andrew and somehow knew that Kira could be trusted.
Mu also spent time since their arrival at the mobile suit hanger looking at the new machines, as for right now they had orders not to touch it, but even if they tried it would not do them any good.
Mu met Cagalli and Lacus as they got into the car.
"I have to say that guy of yours can never stay in one place for long," Mu said.
Lacus blushed madly and Cagalli looked at him like he was an idiot, but they had other things on their minds.
They got in and the driver drove them to the Morgenroete facility.
"I don't understand why he would head their first," Cagalli said.
Lacus remembered she hadn't really spoken much about Kira to them only what he did nothing about his personality.
"He wants to make sure no one can get a hold of the technology inside that machine," Lacus replied.
Cagalli still had a weird feeling about him, "I don't know much about him, but would helping our cause really not sit well with him?"
Lacus lowered her head a little she understood the situation well, but that wasn't why she stayed with Kira, "I am not sure what he will decide, but I will not persuade him to do anything he doesn't want to…personally if he just wanted to disappear I would leave with him," Lacus said as that was her first serious statement in awhile.
Cagalli was a little surprised, "That is just one weird situation, first he was sent to kill you, then he saves you and now this," Cagalli said as Lacus thought about the events but she just guessed that it was fate.
"We really have to hurry," Lacus said changing the subject partially, but it was truthful Kira was wondering around still recovering and if anyone tried stopping him now that would not be good for their own health.
The car continued on.
Uzumi's office
After calling Mu for Cagalli and Lacus, and the Morgenroete security Uzumi sat down and started opening the file that contained the answer he wished to know badly.
Uzumi opened his desk drawer again looking at the photo one last time before reading.
Uzumi opened the file and pulled out the DNA results…"Negative."
Morgenroete Facility
With Kira
After Kira left the hospital he knew just where to go, after all this would likely have been one of his targets in the future so he had it photo remembered in his memory.
Kira knew that it was around the night hours which were his specialty, he was trained with the night as his friend and greatest ally, but he could have done it in the day as well but this was easier for him so the cards were on his side for the moment.
Kira was still clutching his chest but he was still able to move with good timing, Kira used the surrounding area as his cover, he timed out the patrols, watch towers, just like he did in the past. Kira used the vehicles and walls of other buildings to sneak behind as he made his way through.
When Kira got to the facility there was one road that separated him to the opening of the facility, he was currently behind a small helicopter that was stationed in the spot.
Kira looked at the situation as he saw only a few stray guards, as Kira was trying to access what to do he noticed that one got a call on his radio, Kira watched as the first one finished and spoke to the second one as both immediately abandoned their post and went inside.
Kira thought it was likely a guard change and with no security around he saw his chance and made a run for it, Kira was not as fast as he used to be and he didn't even care about surveillance equipment, all he wanted was to get to his machine.
Kira got to the gate which was opened by the two guards and used his speed to get inside and hid behind the first building.
Kira clutched his chest again as he reached down removing one his M9 from the holster on his leg, he didn't want to cause trouble but if they crossed the line and looked at the data then he would have no choice but to eliminate them, no one can get their hands on the data of the machine.
Kira looked around again and saw the opening, something was defiantly strange here, but time was not a luxury to him as he had to get to that machine.
Kira thought briefly of Lacus, he knew she was safe and had allies here, but they were not his and he didn't trust them a bit so he had to make sure of this first.
Kira taking advantage of the emptiness made a break for the facility, Kira went straight in as he reached the large opening that was angled down and into the earth, Kira could tell the facility went underground a ways. The strange thing was is their was no security, Kira didn't know what to think of that but he didn't really think about that now, normally he would plan everything out before hand but he wasn't thinking very clearly at the moment, ever since he met Lacus he could feel his skills declining and the strange thing was he didn't care she was worth it, but he also knew that could cost him his life in these situations.
Kira got in as he noticed several ways were locked and a few were opened, it was as if they were inviting him in as everything led one way, Kira even thought by now they had to of report him and if it got back to Lacus this could be her doing, but even so he still had to go on.
Kira made it to a gigantic elevator that started and led him even further down, Kira never dropping his guard though knelt painfully and put his M9 in a defensive stance.
Once the elevator stopped Kira saw nothing but mobile suits, "So the rumors were true," Kira said as Zaft intelligence in the past found traces that Orb was planning their own mobile suit project, and now that was confirmed.
Kira didn't have time to look at the machines and once again the place was empty, Kira made his way through looking for the one he stole, it wouldn't be hard to find in the mess of all these standard models.
Kira however couldn't find it but did find another security terminal leading into another room, Kira walked over to the terminal and was about to hack into it but found it unnecessary as it was unlocked, and Kira opened it making sure not to let his guard or weapon down.
Secret Hanger
All of Morgenroete got the word from Uzumi that a path from the front gate to this area was to be cleared, and the ones in charge followed the order as they got everybody out, the last ones to get the order were the two guards at the gate when Kira arrived, but everybody else was able to clear out.
However in the area Kira just reached the room was still a little full, the stolen machine was placed inside here from a different location and only those Uzumi trusted were allowed to see it, and Uzumi ordered nothing touched or the cockpit entered but that didn't stop them from wondering about it.
Inside was a chief mobile suit designer Erica Simmons as well as her team, just by observation this machine was extremely greater then the standard issues they developed.
When Erica got the order she cleared the rest out but she didn't leave, she was at first shocked by the order as it seemed as if they feared what one man could do but soon she would find that out as she was standing straight in front of the machine the doors leading to the other hanger opened.
Erica turned to see this man, but all she saw was a weapon pointed at her.
Headquarters and outside the facility
Uzumi's office
Uzumi opened his desk drawer again looking at the photo one last time before reading.
Uzumi opened the file and pulled out the DNA results…"Negative chance that it was not accurate, this man was his adoptive daughter's twin brother and more then that this was the ultimate coordinator."
Uzumi placed the papers down and looked at the photo, "After all this time."
Outside the Morgenroete Facility
The car arrived as Lacus was the first one out followed by the others, Mu had to make sure they stood behind him as they went inside.
"Never seen this place so quiet," Cagalli said looking around.
"I have seen him in action trust me it was worth it," Mu replied as they made their way through.
Lacus heard their comments but didn't respond they arrived at the elevator as they went down.
Once down Lacus saw the suits she heard of but that wasn't on her mind now.
They arrived at the large opened door leading to where the stolen machine was and in their Lacus finally saw him.
"Kira," she called out.
Stolen Machines Hanger
Erica turned to see this man, but all she saw was a weapon pointed at her.
"I was told you would be arriving," Erica replied.
Kira kept one eye on her as he surveyed the area and saw a few other more shocked looking workers all surrounding the machine but they were now backing off as Kira got closer never lowering his gun.
"We are unarmed, we mean no threat to you," Erica told him.
Kira got towards his machine; her words meant that Lacus must have been the one to call this in, she knew him better then anyone and knew what would happen if he was met up with resistance.
"What have you done?" Kira demanded.
Erica eyed him he was serious, "If your referring to this machine nothing…our orders were not to touch it at all."
Kira got closer to his machine, "I don't care what your orders were, that doesn't mean someone still attempted to retrieve the data, and if so I will be able to find out so speak now," Kira said seriously.
"Your pretty serious for someone your age, you look around eighteen but you have seen your fair share of war haven't you?" Erica asked.
"Don't try the physiological analogy on me it will fail, this machine had one golden rule, all that see it shall not live to tell about it, now I hope it will not come down to that," Kira told her as he got right up to his machine.
"You will see I speak the truth, you don't trust easy I can tell however none of us are armed so you don't have to wave a gun around us," Erica told him.
Those words only made Kira grow more suspicious and Erica could tell that.
Kira eyed everybody as he heard the only voice he did trust.
"Kira," the voice of Lacus said.
Kira immediately looked over and saw her, "You're alright?"
Lacus walked in as Cagalli and Mu stopped.
Lacus knew she understood him well, "It's alright Kira Lord Uzumi granted us an asylum, and second you shouldn't be walking around yet," Lacus said as she got right up to him.
Kira instinctually lowered his gun as she got near him as the pain in his chest returned, Lacus was forced to grab hold of him and support his balance.
Her presence was always soothing to him, she gave him peace, "I'm sorry I worried you," Kira replied to her leaning on her shoulder.
"It's alright now Kira," Lacus said clutching him tighter, Kira reached down and placed his weapon back into the holster on his leg as that made everybody in the room feel better.
Kira placed one knee on the ground as Lacus still supported him so he could regain his balance and he then rose up.
Lacus smiled at him, "You scared me half to death, I'm sorry I left but I my father contacted me…" Kira interrupted her he knew she never left his side; he felt her presence by him.
"You have nothing to apologize for, I guess couldn't let anyone get their hands on this machine…I tired of doing this," Kira said seriously.
Lacus knew what he meant, "It's alright Kira, you don't have to do it anymore."
Mu saw the scene in one moment he went from the assassin he knew to this, someone like many that just didn't want to fight anymore.
Lacus looked at him, "We should get you back, I will fill you in on the way."
Kira shook his head, "I don't need to return to the hospital, my body will handle the rest," Kira told her quietly.
Lacus was unsure, but it was Mu of all people to speak up, "Well then why not return to the headquarters."
Both Kira and Lacus looked back, Kira knew this guy from somewhere.
Mu looked at him, "Never thought I would meet you like this."
Kira looked at him.
Mu could see he was way to serious, "Well kid the name is…" Mu didn't have to finish.
"Mu La Flaga, personal body guard to the Orb chief representative Uzumi Nara Attha, your marksmanship is first class and you even have experience as a pilot, for a natural your abilities even surpass some high ranking coordinators," Kira replied for him.
Lacus had her arms around him as he was leaning on her for support, but she was shocked at this.
Mu was as well as the rest of the room, "I see you have heard about me."
Kira stared at him, "You are on the data I had for Orb as the worst threat I would have to face for an Orb mission."
Cagalli was watching all this for some reason she couldn't speak yet, she heard him speak and that crazy feeling just kept returning.
Mu was very impressed, "I can see why you were the best…however Lord Uzumi wishes to see you and if you feel up to it, why not get it over with?"
Lacus shot him a death glare she didn't want Kira pushing himself or what Lord Uzumi would ask him.
Kira knew what she was up to, "I understand I will get it over with now."
"Are you sure?" Lacus asked.
Kira slightly smile at her, "It will be alright."
Lacus nodded as Mu started leading them when they saw Cagalli.
Kira and Cagalli had now first made eye contact and Kira had to admit he had the same vibe as Cagalli like he knew her from somewhere.
Lacus saw her, "You haven't met yet, this is my best friend Cagalli, we have been through thick and thin together," Lacus said trying to take Kira's mind off what he was thinking about, and put it on something else.
Lacus knew Kira was knew what Lord Uzumi was going to ask him, most likely what any military faction would ask if they got a hold of him.
Kira only nodded to her before heading out with Lacus, Cagalli watched him leave she could tell he wasn't easy around her and that only made her think he was either still being cautious or he was the worlds biggest jerk.
Mu led the way as they were heading out.
Erica and the rest of the team watched them leave, something was defiantly different about that young man, what she spoke to him about was the truth, they didn't touch the machine but even if they tried they would never break the security on the OS, Kira knew that but it was all a trust issue as he didn't believe anybody but one.
Kira leaned onto Lacus as he used a lot of strength to get here but he did whisper into her ear, "Do you have the disk?" Kira asked.
Lacus knew what he meant, she used her free hand to reach in her coat pocket and pull it out. Kira took it in his hand, this was the program they got off the computer at the bottom of the colony and this held Patrick Zala's true intentions, Kira quickly put it in his pocket as he would decipher it later.
Cagalli followed behind, it was rare of her not to say anything but she found herself acting like this around him, he had a terrible personality on the first impression and he didn't know what Lacus saw in him, but something else made him almost trustworthy.
They got outside as the car was still waiting and Mu opened the door, Kira got in first holding his chest as Lacus sat beside him with Cagalli following sitting on the opposite of Kira and Lacus. Mu got in the front seat as he nodded to the driver and they sped off back to the headquarters. Mu also made a contact on his radio telling Lord Uzumi he was on the way back, Mu had many questions for the soldier in the back but all that would have to wait, Mu knew if he could get him on their side then the world they were preaching might come true.
The drive was very silent, Lacus could tell Kira was still uneasy around Cagalli and would likely do what he was trained and stay quiet.
Cagalli eyed him every now and then but he would even look at her.
Kira looked out the window while Lacus clutched his hand, Kira's thoughts were very simple and that was what to do now, he knew Orb would be drooling all over him for his abilities but he would not let himself be used anymore, Kira's pain was lessening as they drove but as Lacus could see he was thinking hard, she looked at him and the only thing he looked like was a broken soldier, she knew by his entrance to the facility he was sloppy, he didn't worry about surveillance or anything like he normally would have, he still had the skill even hurt but she could tell he didn't seem to want to use it anymore.
Lacus leaned her head on his shoulder as if that would be his decision to not fight anymore, then she would support it and stay with him, she would give up everything for him, that was what she wanted and that would be her choice.
The car kept driving until it arrived back at the headquarters with everyone getting out.
Zala Plant
Military Headquarters
The election didn't take long to tally up the votes with Patrick winning by a landslide, many in his camp were celebrating, Patrick made the good public address with him being declared the victor but now that all that was over he wasted no time in getting ready to start.
Patrick knew he hadn't heard anything from Rau other then the mobile suits signature and tracker went off line but they did detect it in Orb.
Patrick just got off the satellite call to Rau and smiled as he got knew information but now he was ready to begin his goals.
Patrick was in his office when he called for a few certain people.
"Congratulations you're Excellency," the people said.
Patrick looked at them, "That is over and done with…I want a time limit on when we can begin."
The man smiled, "We will send our team back to the Mendel colony and begin the final checks on all the jammers, probably a few weeks sir."
"Very well then get started," Patrick said.
The man saluted as the other one looked at him.
"What about the damage to my machines?" Patrick asked.
The man saluted, "Sir, they were completely wiped out, to rebuild and structure them would take months."
Patrick didn't like the sound of that; those were going to be major weapons in his upcoming war.
"Do what you have to but I will not wait, it is time for the naturals to be destroyed, and us coordinators to reign supreme," Patrick said.
The two left as Patrick sat back, the world was already on high tensions, all the past attacks and now the alliance was still leaderless, the timing could be better, Patrick heard about what his wife was going to do attending that peace conference that Clyne set up but that didn't matter, if she wanted to waste her time so be it, but the future was going to be determined by him.
Carpentaria Base
Two days of getting in contact with spies still spawned nothing and Rau knew it was time to take action so at the late hour he assembled the Zala team.
Rau was waiting when the three remaining members arrived; they saluted before taking their seats.
"Do we have them sir?" Yzak asked.
"Our intelligence has come up with nothing on the location…however our spies do tell us that the Orb facility at Morgenroete can stop transmissions and leave satellite equipment useless, in other words the machine could be hiding deep below the earth, and with the signal going off right after they entered into Orb territory I have no doubts the machine is there," Rau told them.
Yzak smiled, "Then we will attack sir?"
Rau stared at him, "We will not use a full out attack, I just got the word from our new chairman, apparently they want him taking power immediately and Clyne has already been removed so he after explaining the situation he has given us the go ahead, I am sending you three into Orb to personally find the machine and the two traitors."
Yzak smiled as well as Dearka.
Athrun had two full days to think about what was going on, and his opinion didn't change he had to end this once and for all.
"Your orders are to sneak into the Orb Onogoro island military base and find the machine and the two traitors, you know what to do from there," Rau said.
Athrun looked, "That Island is very secured sir, how will we get in?"
Yzak had to admit as much as it killed him that Athrun was right on that, "That will not be easy sir."
Rau knew how to handle that, "Surly Yzak you now hold the job that Kira had, he would easily be able to get in and out."
That touched a big nerve on Yzak he hated being second to Kira, it was more like third as Athrun's marks were always higher then Yzak's but nobody would bring that up to him.
"I will get in and have his body for you in no time sir," Yzak said.
Rau knew that would work, "You will not be going in with nothing, I will contact our spies and they will meet you and set you up so you can walk around freely but not even they have seen anything, I know it's there so you know what to do."
All three stood up and saluted, "Yes sir," all three said.
Rau smiled, "Go and suit up, you leave immediately you should arrive at dawn."
All three quickly left the room and went for their equipment, after grabbing their stuff they didn't suit up yet but they quickly got the submarine that was taking them in, Rau was staying here as he would oversee their actions from here.
When the scheduled time came they left and all had one thing on their mind and that was completing this mission, Athrun finally made his decision and would have to live with the consequences of that choice.
Orb Headquarters Onogoro Island
The car stopped as all got out, and Mu led them in, they walked up towards Uzumi's office as Mu stopped them.
"Sorry kid, but I can't let you go in armed," Mu said.
Kira knew that a soldier's life was his gun, "Then I guess the meeting won't take place."
Lacus looked at Mu and nodded, "It will be alright."
Mu was uneasy but knew that in order for Kira to trust them they had to trust him, "Very well then," Mu said as he knocked and opened the doors.
All of them saw inside as they walked in.
Uzumi's office
Uzumi got word the situation was resolved but know knew he could finally speak with him, Uzumi hid the photo and results in his drawer as now was not the time for that.
After the knock he told them to enter and the doors opened and Uzumi saw him for the first time.
Mu walked in first, "I have brought them back sir."
Uzumi nodded, "Please all of you stay," Uzumi said as Cagalli was going to walk out.
Kira and Lacus walked in as Kira looked at him, he could tell Cagalli looked nothing like him, Kira also found it ironic all the people he was suppose to kill in one room, fate is a funny thing.
Lacus stayed silent as she leaned on Kira to support him.
Uzumi looked at Kira; he very much resembled the mother other then Cagalli who resembled Ulen.
Uzumi had to break the silence and tension in the room, "I would like to properly welcome you to Orb, I am sorry for the awkwardness of the situation, and I am glad you recovered from your wounds."
Kira looked at him, "Why are you showing me hospitality, I am grateful you took Lacus in but I did try to kill you that day," Kira said seriously.
Uzumi looked at him again, "I know of what happened and I know you were under service of Patrick Zala's radical ideas but what type of people would we be if we punished an action you did when you were being used."
"You show too much kindness, I know the world well, I don't fully disagree with what Zala is trying to achieve," Kira told him.
Cagalli looked at him angrily, as Mu just watched.
Lacus knew Kira's feelings from the start and she knew what he was getting at.
"I know our path is difficult to achieve but we believe it is not impossible, hope is a great thing, it stirs events in the direction to change," Uzumi told him.
Kira looked at him, he didn't trust him, "Can we stop beating around the push Lord Uzumi I know what you're getting at and I will respect you more if you just come out and say it."
Uzumi looked at him, he was very different from Cagalli, most likely the years of being trained to kill but also similar, "I will not lie to you, I would like your help in achieving our new world, both the former chairman Clyne and myself will not give up especially since he is not the chairman anymore."
"Not surprising I did help him get that seat," Kira said referring to Patrick and his past acts.
"You know first hand what Patrick Zala will do Kira, I am asking you not ordering you to help us stop him," Uzumi said.
Kira was silent and Lacus held him a little tighter.
"I know you have no reason to trust me, and I know you were never given choices, which is why I am asking for your help and extending Orb's friendship to you, help us stop the chaos that will benefit no one not even coordinators but only benefit Patrick Zala's sick and twisted logic," Uzumi asked for him.
Kira was still silent.
Uzumi looked at him, "You don't have to decided right at this moment, you are free to stay here in Orb until you decide and even if you don't wish to help us you are still free to remain, take as much time as you need, I will grant you all access to anything of Orb's you need, work on the machine, find out what's on the disk or investigate anything you please," Uzumi said getting up and walking over to him.
"I do hope for a favorable reply and even if it is negative I wish to thank you for what you did for Miss Clyne and for what we learned, the choice Kira is up to you," Uzumi said as he walked out of the room.
Mu nodded and followed, he agreed with the logic.
Kira remained as well as Lacus with him; Cagalli stared at him for a second before leaving.
As Uzumi walked out he could see Kira didn't trust him, he wasn't sure at first to tell him what he learned but he saw that Kira didn't know about Cagalli yet, that was clear, he decided against telling him there but he knew in order for trust he would tell him before Kira gave his answer, he just didn't want him to feel the pressure of that right now, Cagalli followed as she still had that weird feeling.
Kira and Lacus remained in the office as Lacus looked at him, "Whatever you decide Kira, I will support you in that decision, but for now lets get out of here," Lacus said with a smile.
Kira leaned over and kissed her forehead while placing his arm around her as they walked out, he had many things to think of and knew Lacus would support him, Kira decided before even starting to think about a decision he had to find out what was on the disk, but for now he didn't want to think about anything as he and Lacus walked out seeing the darkness of the sky, Kira's greatest decision had to soon be made and millions were going to be affected on what he decided.
To be continued…
(AN): This chapter took awhile sorry for the wait, the next chapter the Zala team arrives as Kira learns the contents of the disk, Allster and Sutherland are going into action as well, I don't know when it will be up. See you later.