Chapter 1 – Fall of Artemis
Disclaimer: As I've said before I do not own GS/GSD and some characters in this Fic belong to Gundam Seed Dark Destiny as I've said before (I hate disclaimers)
12:00pm; Pre-Minerva-Class Heavy Battleship: Varda, Bridge
"Commander, we are in range of the Nazca-Class Destroyer: Vesalius, what are your Commands?" questioned White Coat Dylan Frere who was head of the ship's CIC, the man wore his Dark Celestial Badge with pride however the number of stripes around it marked the simple fact that the man was only a Paradox Lieutenant in the Dark Celestials.
"Open up communications with the ship, request the bridge personally, especially Le Creuset!" commanded Krane Hibiki as he sat back in his throne like Chair.
"Chiss take us in, nice and easy, don't want to seem aggressive to Rau Le Creuset however we do want to give off an ominous and dark aura!" commanded White Coat and Hel Captain Renaldo as he leaned forwards to look at the ship's Helmsman who wore also a White Coat and held the rank of Valkyrie Commander.
"Transmission confirmed, we have link, shall I open communication?" questioned Dylan and Krane simply nodded before he looked at the large screen above the bridge's main viewpoint, moments later Rau's face appeared.
"Ah, Krane, what may I ask is the reason behind the pleasure of your arrival?" questioned Rau with a cold smile, Captain Ades seemed to shrink in his chair over the transmission as he watched the two giants stare each other down.
"Someone out of Cecile and I, have to keep a list of your known failures and incompetence!" scowled Krane as he crossed his right leg over the left "firstly the destruction of Heliopolis where you failed to capture the last G-Weapon, secondly the fact that you beforehand failed to destroy the Archangel while in dry dock, finally the inability to destroy the Archangel, a single Mobile Armour and either Capture or Destroy the final G-Weapon when you had two ships and six available Mobile Suites is unforgivable!"
"Ah, yes, however our enemies are far stronger than I had predicted and I bet even you would fall prey to their tactics" smirked Rau and Krane scowled at the challenge, he'd accept it of course, he would break down the defences in which the Archangel had protected itself even if it cost Krane the Archangel itself.
"Then I assume you want the Five-Oh-First to join your Gamow while you take the Vesalius back to the PLANTs, I'm sure a little preaching to Patrick Zala will save you from any political or military damage, I also request that you take Athrun with you!" announced Krane as he straightened where he sat "he may be able to prove to the council the urgency of letting even a single of these new Earth Forces Mobile Suites get away!"
"Interesting point, also, the pilot of the Strike is going by the name Kira Yamato…he isn't that Kira Yamato, is he?" questioned Rau and Krane quickly hid all surprise.
"Of course not, the Kira you speak of, still lives on the moon" lied Krane without giving a hint away, Rau shrugged before cutting the transmission.
"Commander, the Vesalius is moving away, also the Gamow is hailing us!" announced Dylan and Krane nodded before making a motion with his hand, the captain of the Gamow: Captain Zelman's face appeared…
12:45pm; Vesalius' Command Corridor, Rau's Office
"Commander, was it really such a good idea, leaving the Legged Ship in Krane Yamato's hands?" questioned Captain Ades and Rau sighed before nodding.
"If anything, Krane is the best Commanding Force out there at this moment in time, with his speeches he could move mountains and mount movements" explained Rau as he took his medication "I may be as strong as him when it comes to my Newtype powers and Piloting skills however my evolution is ending due to the simple design of being a clone, true that I am the most recent projection of Newtype Royalty however Krane is not a clone and therefore has no restraints, Krane could possibly be the heir I've been looking for!"
"Indeed, and what of this Kira Yamato!?" questioned Ades fanatically and Rau raised an eyebrow.
"And what of him?" shrugged Rau but noticed energetic look behind Ades' Glare.
"What if we have found you an heir with every bit as much potential as Krane himself, could you train him, to match his brother?" questioned Ades and Rau smiled coldly.
"We have no idea if the boy is the same person, however, Krane did seem quick to dismiss this young man" shrugged Rau "maybe you have something there"
Suddenly the intercom started to beep and Ades pressed the button before the CIC officer's face appeared before Ades announced "What!?"
"We have a message from the Gamow, from Yzak Joule, for Commander Le Creuset!" announced CIC over the Communication and Rau sat forwards.
"Put I through" announced Rau and he waited until the screen closed and reopened with Yzak's Face "Yzak, what is the matter, you seem somewhat…worried"
"I just wanted to know Commander, this Krane Yamato, I was wondering if you could tell me what he is like since you did go to the academy with him!" announced Yzak and Rau smiled.
"He's a prodigy, when I and Cecile Boonar joined the Academy at 18, Krane had joined at the Age of Seven" explained Rau as he tapped his chin in thought "a word of advice, obey his every word and never lie to him, chances are otherwise that he'll Crucify you"
"You…your joking, right, Commander?" questioned Yzak with a pale face, Rau didn't answer, and instead turned off the transmission with a cold smile.
1:00pm; Pre-Minerva-Class Heavy Battleship: Varda, Bridge
"So the barrier is impenetrable to even beam weaponry, how disgusting, these Naturals!" scowled Paradox Lieutenant Alexander Haven who commanded Fire Control as he floated next to the tactical holo at the rear of the bridge alongside the Captain of the Gamow and the three pilots of the Le Creuset Team.
"Ah, but there must be a known weakness, any of you have a good idea?" questioned Renaldo as he looked at the three pilots of the Le Creuset team until a cough from Krane made him turn to the Supreme Commander.
"I believe that the Blitz has the weapon we need, Mirage Colloid Illusion System, Nicol Amalfi will take the Blitz into the Fortress when the Shield is down and destroy some of the Relays" explained Krane as the plan formed in his head upon reading the specs of the three G-Weapons "we have two hours till operation time!"
Meanwhile; Artemis, Commander's Office
"As you can see, you have caused a lot of…infamy, in such a short time" smirked Admiral Gerard Garcia cruelly as he pressed a button on the Computer monitor.
The Screen showed the view outside the port and Murrue Ramius felt like pissing her pants at what she saw, surrounding the Laurasia-Class that had been chasing them as well as an unknown ship, were six Heavy Variations of the Nazca-Class Destroyer and though the heavy variations (later renamed the Cuzco-Class) were slower than their Nazca brothers however were still faster than their Laurasia ancestors.
"Damn, I had hoped, that I would never see that ship again after Endymion" scowled Mu as he glared at the ship alongside the Laurasia-Class, it seemed to everyone on the bridge that it had been built from data on the Orb Union's Izumo-Class Battleships but like the ships around it (not including the Laurasia) it was coloured in a misty black opposed to the dark black that the Cuzco-Class Heavy Destroyers fathomed which sat as the ships of power for ZAFT's Elite Fighting Force…the Dark Celestials, Mu however recognised that ship in the middle or rather the one who was Commanding it.
"Regardless, you are safe here, no one to date has ever been able to break through the Umbrella of Artemis" smirked Gerard Garcia but froze when Mu pointed something out.
"What about the Dark Commander?" questioned Mu and Gerard froze with fear in his eyes "that is his Flagship out here, I should know, he retreated back to it to resupply at Endymion"
"And?" questioned Gerard in ignorance.
"And, maybe you didn't notice, but Krane is the greatest tactical genius this side of Space let alone on Earth!" growled Mu as he glared daggers at Gerard "if anyone can find a way through your precious Umbrella, it will be, that man!"
"I know how good that man is, I led the Eurasian Fleet at Endymion, however there is little to no chance of that man or any man breaking through the Umbrella!" shouted Gerard before he calmed down with a smile "so, you can now relax, for you are safe here at Artemis"
1:15pm; Laurasia-Class Frigate: Gamow, Hanger prep-room
"Mirage Colloid is a perfect weapon for Nicol" smirked Dearka as he sat back in the leather chairs of the prep-room.
"Yeah, perfect weapon, for a coward" answered Yzak however he was countered by a 'tut-tut-tut' from the doorway.
"Do you always insult your own team-mates!?" questioned the man leaning in the doorway, he wore a purple mask that covered his eyes however what was obvious was the simple fact that he had green hair and was either a year or two older than the two pilots before him.
"Who are you!" scowled Yzak until he saluted when he noticed the Dark Celestials badge and the White Coat he wore.
"I am Commander Asuzur Zala of the ZAFT 501st Fleet and Devil Commander in the Dark Celestials!" announced Asuzur as he returned the salute "myself and my two comrades are directly under Krane's personal command aboard his ship, like Krane we wear masks much like Rau Le Creuset, I have no reason to explain why however…"
"Wait…Zala?" questioned Dearka and a cold smile played on Asuzur's face.
"Yes, I am the son of the Deceased ZAFT Admiral: Valentine Zala, sister of Lenore Zala who was Athrun's mother" smiled Asuzur before turning sour "that makes me his cousin, however, I do not have an 'uncle'! Understand!!?"
"Yes sir" winced Dearka before deciding to ask a question "so why are you aboard this ship?"
"I was sent over by Krane as Battle Commander for your ship, also, I'm here to make sure that your loyal to the ZAFT cause" smirked Asuzur and before Yzak outburst Asuzur countered "and I don't give a damn about your parents being on the PLANT Supreme Council, all I care about is getting the job done, remember that I can't be harmed politically when you take into consideration who is the true head of the ZAFT Forces!"
3:00pm; Pre-Minerva-Class Heavy Battleship: Varda, Bridge
"It seems the Blitz has begun its attack within Artemis!" announced Renaldo and Krane smirked as he fastened the Black Mask he wore on the side of his head "will you be launching sir!?"
"Yes, prepare my CGUE!" announced Krane as he floated towards the lift "move all available ships to attack speed and launch all GINN High Maneuver Type Mobile Suites that are equipped with D-Class Weaponry, they will be the 1st Team that are to enter the hangers and destroys ships and Mobile Armours alike, the 2nd Team will provide support while Team Three are to remain on standby while creating a screen around the ships!"
Yes sir!" announced Renaldo as the lift closed behind Krane who smirked 'the time has come Kira Yamato, to see, if you are the Kira I think you are!'
3:15pm; Within Artemis' Main Hanger, Battlefield
"Nicol Amalfi, listen to my Commands, withdraw and target the rest of the Base while I deal with the Strike!" announced Krane over the open transmission to the Blitz.
"Yes sir!" announced Nicol as he withdrew the Blitz, the inside hangers were turning into a free for all of destruction, with or without the Blitz's aid.
"What is this…odd sensation!" gasped Kira as he lifted the Strike's Anti-Ship Sword to block the slash of the MA-M4A heavy sword of the CGUE, not that there was much point.
"Ah, the Strike is well equipped for even close range combat, how interesting" smirked Krane coldly as he dodged a slice by the Strike "and this pressure is also familiar, I haven't felt it in, say ten years"
The CGUE drew its MMI-M7S 76mm heavy assault machinegun and along with its M7070 shield-plus-28mm Vulcan system began to release a barrage of bullets at the Strike, the bullets made no effect against the Strike's Phase Shift Armour making it therefore immune to the CGUE's main weapon complement, Krane whistled before dodging another slash from the Strike which however managed to cut off his shield before he could practically do much.
"Asuzur, have all forces withdraw, we can't pursue them through this firestorm and they are going to escape from the rear port anyway!" announced Krane as he flipped the CGUE around and flew out of the main hanger, moments later all ships moved away from the Asteroid Fortress along with the very annoyed Le Creuset pilots, they hadn't had the formal chance to finish the base off.
4:00pm; Pre-Minerva-Class Heavy Battleship: Varda, Bridge
"What the Hell was that!?" screamed Yzak as he marched up to Krane, the masked man ignored him as he swivelled the throne around so that its back was facing the approaching Silverette.
"That's enough!" commanded Renaldo as he floated so that his back was to the back to of the throne and was facing the three Elite Pilots of the Le Creuset Team "you are soldiers, your objective is to follow your given orders, not question about your orders!"
"Grr, fine!" scowled Yzak before spinning around and marching off the bridge.
"Forgive our team-mate, he's always been a little…impulsive" smiled Dearka and Krane tutted as he turned to face the remaining two Red Coates.
"You're not as innocent yourself, I'd say, that the best out of the three of you would be Nicol Amalfi" smirked Krane as he pondered "go to Yzak and leave my ship, I will need to converse with Nicol, however he will be along not long afterwards"
"You wanted to speak with me Commander?" questioned Nicol and Krane motioned for Nicol to follow him off the bridge and to his office, after Krane sat down he smiled at the Greenette before him.
"You have a lot of potential" smirked Krane as he threw a glass case which Nicol caught "I would like to invite you to the Dark Celestials!"
"M…me!" gasped Nicol and Krane's smirk widened.
"Of course, you're an incredibly able pilot and like your father you support my goals of forging a strong government from ZAFT, I see no reason why you can't join up with the Dark Celestials!" announced Krane with a large smirk "as well as Asuzur, I need someone, aboard the Le Creuset Team that I can trust to keep an eye on those without any competence!"
"If that is your wish, Commander, then I will join the Dark Celestials!" announced Nicol with a nod before heading out if the room, Krane smirked before sitting back to relax, this would be fun.
4:30pm; Pre-Minerva-Class Heavy Battleship: Varda, Bridge
"We have confirmation, that Le Creuset and the Vesalius, will be moving to a position in L2" announced Renaldo as he pointed to the map in which Krane was facing "what shall we do?"
"Hmm, has Devil Commander Asuzur Zala and Demon Commander Nicol Amalfi been transported over to the Gamow, Renaldo?" asked Krane and Renaldo smirked.
"Yes, Asuzur Zala was given your personal CGUE as compensation and a beam rifle, he and Nicol Amalfi should have arrived at the Gamow by now" nodded Renaldo as he stood near his Commander's Chair.
"Very well, send a message across that Asuzur is in charge of the 501st while we go and join up with the Vesalius, send our predicted Course to the Furnish-Class Tender Ship coming from Meteor City!" announced Krane and Renaldo nodded, it was time that they forged a trap for the Archangel and its Mobile Suite.
Info - This Story is designed to give you a few Changes to Gundam Seed Prior to Kira's recruitment into the Fallen, also, it is important t0 see that the Dark Celestials mature as through the 1st Bloody Valentine War.
Next-time on Rise of the Dark Celestials - Fading Light! The Destruction of the 8th Fleet's Advance Force and the Death of Vice-Minister George Allster!!!