Gundam SEED C.E. 79
Tragedy at Perth
Part 1
Nightmare PHASE III
Once again Cagalli found herself naked and alone. Amidst the darkness of where she stood, there were intermittent flashes from a damaged light that would flicker on and off. In the distance, Cagalli made out what appeared to be a person standing in the distance-a woman. As the light flickered, Cagalli could see that the woman, like herself, wasn't clothed at all. As Cagalli looked up the woman's body, even with the light flicker, she couldn't discern the woman's face. Her face was shadowed by the darkness, out of the range of the small flickering light. The only visible portions of her face were mouth and jaw line. Cagalli could tell that during a flicker of light, that the woman had golden blond hair that went just past her shoulders.
The woman giggled eerily as Cagalli slowly approached, stopping her in her tracks. Cagalli could see a visible smirk on the woman's face. The woman spoke with an extremely dark demeanor, "Just what are you waiting for?" she said, "If you continue to sit idly by... everyone you care about will be consumed by the darkness."
Cagalli was experiencing a sensory overload, the cryptic nature of this woman's words were one thing, but the undeniable fact of who was speaking to her... was none other than herself. The woman standing in the distance, among the shadows was herself – Cagalli Yula Athha. She couldn't respond, merely she stood with her eyes open wide as her other self approached. Once in full view, Cagalli was face to face with her self.
"If you continue to remain as you are, you will never be able to protect anything. You must open your senses far beyond yourself... Surely you felt the pressure emanating from that shadow mobile suit... You must not let the undeniable fact of WHO that pilot is cloud your judgment. He is your enemy..."
With sweat dripping down her entire body, Cagalli opened her eyes, awakening from her nightmare... She sat up in the bed she was resting in and looked over to her side. Ashley was sitting in a wooden chair, sleeping. It seems he was sitting there all night. Cagalli remained sitting up in bed, so that she could collect and gather herself. Once she had done so, she slid out of the bed. She noticed a pair of fresh clothes that were folded neatly on a spare chair at the edge of the bed. Pulling her sweat-soaked t-shirt up and over her head, she dropped it to the floor.
Standing at the edge of the bed, in her bra and panties, Cagalli picked up the change of fresh clothes. She unfolded them to reveal that they were a spare Earth Federation uniform. Cagalli frowned, the idea of donning an Earth Federation uniform wasn't something she looked forward to at all – regardless of the circumstances... Perhaps her ties to her ORB Nation still ran strong...
Still holding the uniform in her hands, Cagalli looked over at Ashley. He was still asleep, his head nodding back and forth every now and then. She smiled softly as she took the uniform and proceeded to put it on...
...As she buttoned the last button of the uniform jacket, Ashley slowly opened his eyes from his slumber. He noticed Cagalli standing at the edge of the room, looking into the mirror. While her back was to Ashley, they could see each other through the reflection of the mirror.
"So, you're finally awake," Cagalli said softly.
"Hey, that's my line... you were asleep for an entire day. You had everyone really worried..." Ashley replied, standing up.
"I'm sorry... I guess the strain of the Vierge was a little more than I was ready for. It has been 5 years since I've piloted a mobile suit in battle..."
"That uniform... you don't like it do you?" Ashley said, as he walked up towards her.
Cagalli placed her hand on her chest, "No, the Earth Federation had placed so many sanctions on the ORB Nation following the events of C.E. 73... And there were many things the Earth has done over the course of it's past that has been just as distasteful as that of ZAFT... It's just a never ending course. It's no long the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, but the Earth Federation and the Zodiac Empire... the names may have changed... but the fact that the clash of ideals has resulted in another war is just as it was in the past..."
Ashley, standing behind Cagalli, placed his hand on her shoulder, "I know... but even so, we saw with our own eyes what the Zodiac Empire is capable of. You witnessed it first hand, and miraculously survived the drop of Martius-4... I think you should be able to put aside your predispositions of the Earth Federation, at least for now. I clearly believe that the threat here is the Zodiac Empire. They've killed their own people, which the end result caused the catastrophe of ORB..."
Cagalli looked ahead at Ashley, through the reflection of the mirror. She placed a hand on his hand that was on her shoulder, "You know... you're very mature for your age. Are you sure you're only 17?"
"I've always been objective when it comes to history, I love history. Studying the events that have occurred over the past 9 years has been my driving force to attend school. All the other subjects bore me, the real interesting part of school is being able to study History. I know it sounds kind of lame... probably not something I should be boasting about in front of a woman, huh?"
"What do you mean by that, Ash? I don't think there's anything wrong with having an interest in history...after all, as a leader, it's also key that I myself know about the various historical events that have occurred in our past as a people."
"...Of course, how could I forget..." Ashley replied with a hint of dejection in his voice.
"Is something wrong?" Cagalli asked.
"No...it's nothing. Perhaps we should go see Lieutenant Bartlett and the remainder of his company. They were saying something about a systematic raid that the Zodiac Empire had in store for Australia... I didn't get the details. All he told me was to bring you to the briefing room when you've awoke."
"Right... well, shall we go?"
"Sure, I already know the way so, please follow me..."
After leaving the room, Cagalli and Ashley headed towards what was left of the briefing room, located in the partially destroyed command center at the Canberra military installation...
Meanwhile... in space, in a large stealth mobile fortress... A man wearing a dark crimson uniform complete with a long crimson cape, which was solid black on the inside and a deep crimson red on the outside in the back. He wore a crimson mask that completely covered his face, and a hood which covered his entire head. He had taken the ladder rope down from the Iblis, the black gear frame that was last seen at Canberra during the assault. The moment he landed to the floor of the hangar, he was approached by a woman. Like him, she wore a uniform complete with a long cape, mask and hood. However, instead of a deep crimson red, her uniform was a deep navy blue...
"How nice of you to return so soon..."
"Retslla... I saw Cagalli Yula Athha. She was piloting the Vierge."
"You saw Cagalli Yula Athha... heh, it's a shame I wasn't delegated the Canberra Assault..."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what you think I mean - I'd of killed her."
"Why are you so consumed with killing intent?"
"Have you forgotten? I've already died once... His Excellency Emperor Kayneth El-Melloi has given me life again...and he's sent me my requested "instrumentalist" from Aprilis-1."
"..."
The man in crimson walked past Retslla. After he had left the hangar, Retslla proceeded towards the elevator and descended to the lowest level of the mobile fortress. Once inside she walked up to a large cylindrical tube. The tube was surrounded by countless machines which constantly monitored the status of the person inside. Inside of the tube, floating unconsciously amidst the artificial womb was a man. As Retslla approached the tube, she removed her mask and pulled back her hood – revealing her face and letting down her long red hair.
"Soon... you'll awaken...and then we'll usher in the new age together!" she said passionately as she caressed the outside of the tube with her hand and pressed the side of her face against it...
Communications Room
As the Crimson Knight entered the communications room, the com link view screen was already open and the Emperor was seen on screen. He immediately knelt before the presence of the Emperor.
"My Lord... I regret to inform you that I was unable to capture the Vierge... it was activated by the ORB Lioness, Cagalli Yula Athha..."
"...It's not like you, to come to me admitting defeat. It matters not that you were unable to retrieve the Vierge. I had already factored in the possibility that Cagalli Yula Athha would survive and stand up to us."
"...But, My Lord... this will make things more difficult from now on. She has the ability to influence people to band together. She is a threat to our cause—"
"She is no such thing. Our cause is absolute and fated to come to fruition. She is but a mere bump in the road to our realization of the dream. The dream that humanity will be cleansed of all blemished, imperfections such as Naturals. We as Coordinators are infinitely greater than our Natural counterparts... we have been persecuted against for far too long. Now that we have learned of a way to cure our evolutionary standstill, there is no doubt that we are the destined race to lead mankind into the next age!"
"Your wisdom is incredible, My Lord... your words have calmed my prior confusion. I am prepared for your orders."
"I want you to return to Earth and lay waste to the Earth Federation Australian coast. It will draw out the Vierge, I'm sure. When the Vierge is drawn out... you'll know what to do. That is all..."
The communication ends after the Emperor had given the Crimson knight his orders... after receiving them, he raised to his feet and headed towards the hangar to board his Iblis – to return to Earth...
Canberra
Earth Federation Military Base
When Cagalli and Ashley entered the dilapidated briefing room, they were greeted by Lieutenant Bart Bartlett and the three surviving windam pilots.
"I'm glad to see you're awake and doing well, Cagalli," Bartlett said, the moment Cagalli and Ashley sat down.
"So am I, Lieutenant. But more importantly, I'm sure there's more to why you called me here. Could it have something to do with wanting me to join the Earth Federation?" Cagalli insinuated, making a gesture to the uniform she was wearing.
"...I can't say enough how unfortunate it was what had happened to ORB... but we have to face the facts that ORB is no more. You are the only remnant of ORB that remains, as far as we know. So for now, I believe it would be beneficial to you and to the Earth Federation if you would lend us a hand against the Zodiac Empire. The land down under seems to be the initial striking zone for the Zodiac Empire... but it's only a matter of time before they broaden their assault and begin attacking various locations throughout the entire world."
"I understand your logic, Lieutenant... For now, I'll agree to help out the Earth Federation. It's the least I can do, and besides, the fact that the Zodiac Empire is still out there poised to attack us at any time doesn't sit well with me."
"I want to help too—"
"No, Ash, you'll go back to Perth with Cagalli. After she drops you off at your home, she will return here and regroup with us to plan our next move," Bartlett interjected.
"But—"
"Ash... he's right."
"Y-you too, Cagalli? ...I figured you'd at least understand..."
"I allowed you to come this far, against my better judgment. There's no way I'll allow you to join the Earth Federation with me... your Mother and Sister are probably worried sick about you. It's time you return home. As the only man in that house, you have to be there to protect them."
"...If you say so..."
"I'm sorry, Ash... but this isn't your fight. You should leave this to those who have already soiled their hands in war..."
"...I don't like it... but I understand," Ashley replied.
Afterwards, plans were made for Cagalli to return Ashley to Perth. When Cagalli had readied the Vierge, Ashley had gotten inside the cockpit with Cagalli. He stood behind her in the small open space, behind the seat.
"Cagalli Yula Athha. Vierge, taking off!"
The Vierge took to the skies, it's vernier boosters blasting as it jetted through the skies towards Perth. During the route there, Cagalli and Ashley had remained silent. Even while Ashley understood the reasoning for him to return home... every fiber of his being had no intention on returning. He wanted to fight. He was inspired by what Cagalli had done at Canberra... it made him want to pilot a mobile suit as well...
...As the Vierge was coming upon Perth from the distance, Cagalli sensed a foreboding... and as she looked up the entire city of Perth in the distance was burning... the thick smoke rose far into the sky.
"No! Why? They've attacked Perth!" Ashley shouted, "We have to land! We have to get there now!! My Mother and Cam—"
"Calm down!" Cagalli interrupted, "panicking isn't going to solve anything... I'm going to swing around and come up the coast first... that way we can check on your house first... all we can do now is pray they took shelter or evacuated before the attack..." she concluded quietly.
Ashley was biting his nail with anxiety... all he could do was pray that the worst hasn't already occurred...
...As the Vierge landed along the coast, Ashley immediately exited and ran towards his house along the coast...
"Ashley -wait!" Cagalli shouted before hastily following Ashley... and when she saw Ashley in the distance, she stopped her pursuit... because he had stopped running... he was knelt down before all that remained of his former home... it was in flames, and it's ashes spread through the sky and whirled in the coastal winds... He was holding the trembling body of a woman... it was his mother.
"A-ashley... i-is that you...honey...? cough cough ... I can't... see...anymore..." she said weakly, coughing up blood. Her vital organs had been seriously damaged... Cagalli could tell that she didn't have long to live. Out of respect, she kept her distance...
"Yes, Mother! It's me-please! Hold on!!" Ashley screamed as tears flowed down his boyish face.
"Oh, Ash... I'm sorry... but... cough... I think it's too late for that... now..."
"Mother!"
"...Is Miss Cagalli with you?"
Upon hearing her name, Cagalli slowly approached, "Yes... I'm here Ms. Rosi..."
"I know it's selfish... cough... but please... look after... my son...and...daughter..."
"Where's Cam? Mother... please tell me she's alright!"
"...She...should be far away... by now... She was going to meet you at Canberra... she was worried... worried that something had happened to you... cough!"
"Oh Mother... I swear! I swear to you I'll protect Cam!"
"Oh, Ashley... I know you will... and... I'm..." she said weakly as tears flowed down her face, "I'm... s-so sorry..."
"Please don't apologize, Mother!"
"No... there's something... something I didn't... cough... tell you... Ashley... Cam isn't your biological sister... and I'm not your Biological mother... Cam is my daughter... and you were your Father's... son... We had always... wanted to tell... you two... one day... and for that... I'm so... sor..rr...y..."
As his Mother's hand reached for his face, it fell short... as Ashley knelt there with his dead mother in his arms, reality failed to sink in. He started to shake her violently, he screamed, "Mother! Wake up Mother! Mother!!"
As Cagalli stood behind the grieving, hysterical Ashley... she out stretched her hand to comfort him... but pulled it back... she didn't know what to do...
"Ashley..."
"Why?! Why did she have to die?!" Ashley looked back at Cagalli with tears streaming from his eyes, "She had NOTHING to do with this war! WE had nothing to do with this war!" He screamed as he continued to hug his lifeless mother, he buried his face in her bosom and continued to cry.
Cagalli looked towards the main city...she felt a presence. It was the same presence that was in Canberra. Yes, she was certain... HE was here... the cause of this tragedy...
Chapter 5 Preview
Watching the pain of Ashley's loss reminds Cagalli of the loss of her Father. As she rages into battle against the mysterious Crimson Knight, pilot of the Gear Frame Iblis, using her newly acquired awareness realizes just who she's fighting. As raw emotion pours from her heart, Cagalli must fight two battles, one with mobile suits, the other within her heart. Next time on Gundam SEED C.E. 79, "Tragedy at Perth, Part 2". Sometimes the most arduous of struggles occurs from within.
Iblis Gundam Specs
Model Number: ZGMF-18115
Code Name: Iblis Gundam
Unit Type: Multi-purpose stealth-assault Gear Frame
Operator: Zodiac Empire
First Deployment: January, 10th C.E. 79
Accommodation: Pilot only, cockpit in lower abdominal region
Power Source: Unknown Relic; found in space.
Equipment and Design Features: sensors, range unknown; Phase Shift armor; Iblis system combat computer/pilot interface; ECS optical camouflage
Fixed Armaments: Claymore Beam sword, directly powered from core; long Buster Rifle, mounted on right forearm; Vulcan guns (2) mounted in head
Optional Fixed Armaments: Core Ether Blast Cannon; fixed inside chest cavity of Iblis
Pilot: Zodiac Imperial Crimson Knight - ??
Additional Info: Iblis, one of the many names derived for the Devil is probably the best description for this Gear Frame. It's verniers give it the uncanny ability to break through the Earth's atmosphere without the aid of an Orbital elevator or rocket boosters. A perfect solo mobile suit, the Iblis' cloaking system renders it completely invisible to the naked eye and radar. It's Core Ether Blast Cannon split the Martius-4 Plant colony in half before it fell to Earth.