Gundam SEED Stars

by Findarato

Third war erupted, but now it isn't only with ZAFT and EA and all sides aren't even humans. OC/Lunamaria, OC/Meyrin, Kira/Lacus, Athrun/Cagalli and more.

4. Gundams of Orb

Gundam SEED Stars

Third war erupted, but now it isn't only with ZAFT and EA and all sides aren't even humans. OC/Lunamaria, OC/Meyrin, Kira/Lacus, Athrun/Cagalli and more.

"Human language Speaking"

'Human language Thoughts'

"Alien language Speaking"

'Alien language Thoughts'

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply. I do own my neonians, OCs and some mobile suits.

Wind Master Gundam:

Description:

This all-powerful suit was designed solely for newtype Mu la Flaga. It's designed to support his newtype abilities which is why it has beam turret system taken from Cagalli's Akatsuki. Suit is for Mu's style to engage in shooting duels with his opponents rather than in melee combat and to use spatial awareness which allows him to be extremely proficient with employing the remotely controlled objects. This suit started development of Orb's ORB-Z-series Gundams.

General Unilateral Neuro-link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver

Model Number: ORB-Z002

Power Plant: Ultracompact Nuclear Reactor, Crystal-laser-filter,

Special Model Features: Trans-Phase Shift Armor Mark II (TPSA II), Transforming Frame,

Fixed Armament: 76mm laser-CIWS; 7x DRAGOON beam turret mounted in wings; 320mm hyper impulse cannon; combo weapons pod (120mm anti-ship Vulcan cannon, 2x 350mm gun-launcher); 2x beam blade, mounted on wings; A52 offensive shield type E, with beam shield; 10x dual multipurpose missile, mounted on shield; rocket pods and missiles mounted on hardpoints on the underside of the wings

Optional Hand Armament: 1x twin beam saber, 2x high-energy laser rifle,

Owners: ORB, Three Ship Alliance

Pilot: Newtype Mu la Flaga

Appearance: its MA mode resembles Murasame, but MS mode it is like combination of Strike and Murasame with Launcher and Jet Strike Back.

Gaia Tiger Gundam:

Description:

This powerful suit was designed for war veteran Andrew Waltfeldt. It was designed from almost all mobile suits he used in past. Most of its design is from Gaia Gundam and LaGOWE. It is mostly used against Neonians during their invasion, but also against any enemies of Lacus Clyne who attacked her or her famous ship, original Eternal.

General Unilateral Neuro-link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver

Model Number: ORB-Z004

Power Plant: Ultracompact Energy Battery, Crystal-laser-filter,

Special Model Features: Trans-Phase Shift Armor Mark II (TPSA II), Transforming Frame,

Fixed Armament: 76mm laser-CIWS; 2x beam blade, can be used as wings and be taken of as two anti-ship swords; 13-tube 400mm missile launcher; 2x cutter; 4x leg spike claws; 2-barrel laser cannon

Optional Hand Armament: 1x high-energy Laser rifle

Owners: ORB, Three Ship Alliance

Pilot: Coordinator Andrew Walfeldt

Appearance: In MS mode reminds of Gaia Gundam in Waltfeldt colors and in MA mode ZAFT's LaGOWE.

4. Gundams of Orb

(Play starting song Bokutachi no Yukue by Hitomi Takahashi/Realize by Nami Tamaki)

In Azores even in technical school students are taught also little bit about piloting mobile suits and it isn't uncommon for soldiers in base to spar with them in simulators. Lance found for himself friends from some really nice guys amongst soldiers who trained under Liger Gundam's pilot Van Elisi. Lance also started martial arts hobby and became common sight in simulators. He noticed that his skills are in Anti-Ship swords and DRAGOON-system.

X-Technical school near Orb Forces Base, Azore-islands-X

The morning news came on his computer's screen as it did every morning, the brunet news anchor bubbly and excited as ever, despite the foul report.

Lance bit into a pastry as he watched the screen switch from the studio to the picture of a transport vessel.

"-all hands died during the attack," the anchor said, "Authorities verify the Neonians were responsible for the strike on the trade route. Because the unpredictability of Neonian strikes, Earth Alliance officials at highly suggests all aircraft, particularly civilian transports, cancel all voyages to the all areas south of Florida until further notice."

"Atlantic Federation military forces state they do havewarships patrolling the area to search for signs of large Neonian invasion activity while trying to push all aliens back to central Mexico… Reports indicate high unrest at the military's lack of ability to stop the advance of aliens."

"In other news Morgenroete stock has doubled last week ever since-"

Lance shut down his computer, which he was using to watch news while waiting his turn to get in principal's office to take his inheritance. Lance had gained third hobby alongside martial arts and mobile suit simulators. He wanted know truth that wasn't told in news and he created program that detects and removes any manipulation, showing removed parts and removing added things. With it he noticed tons of misinformation, especially from PLANTs.

'Devil's greatest trick was making man believe he doesn't exist.' Old wisdom which was very true. Durandal used it to paint ZAFT as angels from heaven and Coordinators used it to make people believe Anti-Natural movement in PLANTs are not as bad as Anti-Coordinators in the Earth Forces. Third example is how Mars had made world believe its system works only to collapse on insurrection.

But right now it wasn't time for Lance to think about it. He could now get in office and receive information about his mother. Minutes later he walked out of school building, only to come face to face with certain person.

"Lance!" said his old friend Bart.

Lance was surprised to find him suddenly, but he was glad to see him there in Azores. Bart walked up to his friend. As he approached him Lance waved at him with a smile on his face as Bart said "Well I come to Azores an hour ago and I run into you so quickly. Must be fate."

"It's good to see you again Bart, but could you refrain from talking about fate. Fates, destiny, Utopia, ultimate and perfect are words that I dislike a bit since those don't exist in universe. Those can't exist as long as long as universe revolves around laws of balance." Lance said with a smile.

"If you say so Lance. It's also good to see you. You look great. Have you found yourself a lady?" Bart said as he complimented young man.

"Oh thank you. And no I haven't, I just found more info about my inheritance from mother."

"Really? That's great, where is it?"

Lance showed briefly a key from his pocket. "I was told I've been sent four containers which wait in harbor. Nothing else was told so I'm going to head there as soon as I've eaten something. Maybe I can find more information about there. By the way how was your trip to Europe?"

"It was alright…Paris was fun, but I liked Rome better. I saw some good sites there while I was studying there."

"Sounds like you had a good time." Lance said as he felt a little jealous of Bart for having seen places like Rome and Pairs during his time and even getting girlfriend.

"Did you see anything else interesting?" Lance asked with a curious expression.

"Nothing worth mentioning really, but my trip was still fun."

"Well I guess that is what is important. Just as long as you had a good time is enough for us to hear." Lance said. "Alright then! Since you are here why don't we go for a walk and I should show you around. After I've taken us to eat something, of course. Besides we still have so much we need to catch up on." Lance said. Bart agreed as he grabbed his things. Little did they know this will be last time they will have fun together.

X-Orb Forces Base Control Center-X

"I recognize they are geniuses," young Natural Marcus Flint, pilot of Flash Gundam insisted, straightening the collar to his uniform. "But shouldn't they commit their full time to working inside Orb?"

"Now, now, Marcus" Kiba Hanabishi, pilot of Abyss Buster Gundam, said moving over to base's commander and Liger Gundam's pilot Van Elisi, who stood by the main console, the blue screen reflecting up against his reading glasses. "Sir, what do we have to entertain us today? Any new targets to blast away with new models?"

"No ensign. But do not assume you will not be busy. I am beginning a diagnostics check on all computer systems, have scheduled an evacuation drill for the base, and all procedure documents for the docking of the Horizon need our approval."

Kiba frowned and started scanning the terminal, pressing a few icons to bring up the digital documents, "Nice to know you keep me working," he said, using his finger to write out his name in flowing letters. "Signed. There. Now Captain Waltfeldt can enter in our waters. That pirate warship, Horizon was it?"

"Yes," Marcus said. "I hear commander of mobile suit team Canard is a mobile suit genius."

"Is that right?" Muttered Kiba absently, tapping away at the terminal.

"You got that right," Ensign Mayura Hanza, white-haired pilot of Defender Gundam with lilac eyes, said from her console. "Seo Canard is a respected member, and the only man who has successfully driven off the Virus during an attack."

"Object of Neonian's attack was ruined," Van replied without apparent emotion. "His victory was piecemeal considering his mission was to defend the new models developed there. But although I don't like Canard family I'll handle him with respect, I know my place, Ensign Mayura."

Mayura nodded. "I apologize sir."

"No need," Van said. "Your caution was duly needed. I don't want to get in trouble."

"Oh, you could spit Command HQ in the face and they couldn't hurt you. Your roots here are too deep, and you have new toys to work with. Although some pilots here lacks courage to work under fire and Kiba needs to learn not to take others' suits."

"Here's some aspirin, I thought you might need it," Marcus said, handing it to commander.

"It's half empty," Van replied, confused.

"I took some already," Marcus confessed. "This is going to be a long day."

Little did they know how long. Only one of them had any idea as he walked away with dangerous glint in his eyes.

X-ZAFT Minerva-class ship Juno-X

On board the Juno Yzak opened up a communications channel with a man on Azores who was none other than the Kiba Hanabishi. "So it's you. I trust you have already talked with a certain someone?" Yzak asked as he immediately recognized the purpose of the man's reason of contacting him.

"They were given me the necessary information you require sir. So I am transmitting it to you now. Are you receiving it?" the man asked as Yzak began receiving a large number of files giving the ZAFT commander all of the information on the mobile suits there, everything that had been developed at Azores and including all of the information he would need to pull off a successful theft operation.

"Excellent work Hanabishi. As promised money shall be transferred in your secret account and we won't attack your Flash when you take it for yourself." Yzak said as he had successfully received the entire information traitor sent him. Kiba smiled as he simply answered Yzak by saying.

"You know how it is with me Commander Joule. I wish you good luck on your next mission." Kiba said as his face disappeared from the video screen on his desk. Yzak had a scowl on his face for a few moments as he began concocting his plan to steal the new mobile suits at Azores, but he was interrupted when he heard a knock on his door followed by a voice saying.

"Dearka Elsmann reporting."

"Enter." Yzak replied as the door opened and Dearka walked in.

"Yzak. I wish to discuss the matter of staying here while others attack the base and ask about that guy..." Dearka was saying, but he stopped when Yzak interrupted him.

"Your mission is to stay here with me to command ship while others will steal those mobile suits. I know what you think about trusting in that double-dealer, but we wouldn't be here without this deal. Any other questions?"

"Of course not Commander." Dearka replied his fists tighten because he was sickened by the thought that they were making deals with money seeking traitors as that guy. Yzak looked up at Meyrin and said.

"Go and inform Shiho and the others and meet me in the hangar immediately. Is there any problems that has risen?"

"Actually yes commander. One of pilots for infiltration plane has fallen in coordinator-virus and can't pilot."

"Damn it! Isn't there any spare pilots?" Yzak raged.

"I have taken few lessons in piloting that kind of vehicles, but…" Meyrin spoke nervously, but Yzak cut her off.

"Then there is no other choice. CIC has spare person, but we don't have other spares for infiltration planes. You shall go with mobile suit/infiltration forces. I take care of your sister's complains."

"Yes sir."

X-Hangar bay-X

Lunamaria Hawke put on her red helmet. She heard a click, signaling that the suit was sealed.

She turned to close his locker and caught her reflection in the small mirror on the locker door. But most of her thoughts revolved around this mission. When she heard Meyrin would join in she sought out Yzak and her to make them reconsider, but after much yelling between girls Yzak had to stop it. Secondly she didn't like thought of stealing and they should've just try survive from this war with honorable means.

Yet there they were. And now he and the rest of the team were supposed to attack a colony of a neutral nation and steal said weapons so they could be studied and eventually used against-

Shinn Asuka shouted something at her, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"What was that Shinn?" she asked her teammate.

"Jeez! As usual you don't listen me and actually ignore what I say." Shinn shouted at her. "I said, hurry up and get the rest of your gear on!"

Shinn and Lunamaria frequently argued about small things like how they didn't listen each other's, just assumed and kept on what they thought without giving chance to explain. And it was kind of true, as both had that problem even before they joined ZAFT couple years ago. Lunamaria tended to be rather assuming when she was in and out a combat situation. But she was a skilled and, unlike Shinn, levelheaded pilot and probably the best long range shooter on the entire team, even Dearka.

Even after all this time Shinn had been unable to forget his past. It kept infecting his decisions and move on in life. It had been so bad that he was once placed in machine which was used as treatment for trauma patients and wipes out patient's memories. It hadn't worked as he kept having flashbacks, he still held on his attitude and nightmares became frequent. In the end they had to return Shinn's memories as flashbacks kept affecting his life.

"Calm down Shinn," Christian said in a non-caring tone as he put on his combat gear.

"It's no wonder, that with all that shouting, you're eyes became demonic red." Courtney added, earning chuckles from other pilots as they started leaving for the hanger.

Shinn scowled at him and was about to say something, when Athrun Zala intervened.

"Enough. Save your bickering until after the mission is over."

"Sorry," grunted Shinn not really meaning it and made his way towards hanger with the others.

"One of these days, he's going to piss off the wrong person," Kuroneko said to herself as she and Athrun followed the rest of the team to the hanger.

"What?" asked Athrun.

"Just talking to myself," she replied. "Good luck out there, Athrun. Let's hope this mission goes off without a hitch. There are way too many things that could go wrong."

Athrun nodded. "Same. I just hope Meyrin didn't have to fight in this war. Just why Shinn and Lunamaria have to fight?"

It was wrong thing to say, since Lunamaria heard him and walked in front of him furious and ready for tongue lashing.

"Do you think I want my sister to fight! That I like fighting! I would've left military if not about that little information that got out about Destiny plan! I see nightmares because what I fought for in last war and I wish to kick my old self, but here I am not solely because I chose so, but because I have no other choice!"

After second war there had been objections from some factions who saw Destiny plan as answer to humanities problems. They were supported by people of Mars. To quell resistance Lacus had made compromise by presenting idea of a genetic career aptitude test. In that idea every living person should have the ability to decide for themselves if they want to participate in the Destiny plan. They would ask people if they want to take test where they belong voluntarily. It would allow people to identify their abilities at an early stage of their lives and then make tweaks to their own lives to compensate, if they wanted to. For that idea they went to supercomputer shown in Durandal's video and looked for plans that were in computer. What they found caused big backslash when information leaked to public.

It's not about what Durandal had told people. It's about what he left untold.

Destiny Plan and genes knew nothing about person's future. Durandal had researched with chosen scientists about genetics all his life and he found out that information genes tell changes with age and genes do not tell with required accuracy about future. Because of that information which genes tell about future in infancy doesn't match with information when matured. Genes were not stone tablet where fate was etched with clear letters. In society where genes were king it would be one which would say many times: "I have no idea." Should Destiny Plan be success it is one of greatest things ever happened to people. Should it fail it shall be one of the worst things ever and it WILL fail if some higher source doesn't give reliable information about peoples destinies. If genes fail to tell future, then what?

That is why Durandal had never tested society ruled by Destiny plan in small scale in some remote colony or something like that and used information gained from experiment to quell resistance. He knew that if whole truth got out nobody would support him. That is why he needed war and one who impersonates Lacus. If ZAFT became dominate force and Lacus Clyne (known great peace keeper) were support him he could silence opposition before truth gets out. Even if it did get out ZAFT would be ruled by elitist FAITH which thanks to Durandal offering positions in it like candies would be loyal for him only. He could silence opposition as 'supporters of LOGOS' and 'those who cling in their past privileges.'

As an answer to problems in Destiny plan Durandal thought about horrifying idea. Computer would tell about future with standards that he and high-ups would place and where 'king' genes couldn't tell 'high priests' like him would tweak with information and decide themselves. To further show that greatness of Destiny plan Durandal had thought future where people's genes were manipulated to become what is needed in future ignoring that people would be reduced to fate of being only biological machines or like extended were. They would have no right to choose anything. It was found out that government of Mars used this method secretly to rule over people.

Durandal had planned systems which would rule over peoples all lives via destiny should it work or not. Genes would determine who they would marry with, how they live, their occupation and various other things. But since genes didn't knew right way it would've been medieval dictatorship where chosen elites and chairman would rule over people's fates and decide their fate for them, even if it were biased. And those who would object would be replaced with replacements for 'peace, order and stability.'

He was going to create a world where people's destinies are determined at birth. Where a person's life is entirely mapped out. Their career, which their friends should be, who they will marry, everything will be predetermined. A world where everyone is content. Their life predetermined. No doubts over what they should do, what they should become, all of it will be gone, replaced with planned out path laid out for everyone.

When certain councilman later talked about in news he let out a bitter laugh and said "It's a word devoid of free will, of choice, of freedom, of liberty. Humanity would become stagnate machines and die in such a world. Without conflict, struggling and fighting humanity can't grow and evolve. We'll just wither and die in such a world."

Something which has to be forced on others via forcing ideals on others isn't worth achieving. It's nothing, but pure manipulation in its worst form where people will truly be nothing more than puppets. And arranged marriages where other people decide who is best for who before birth…Its just bigoted tradition from old ages of forcing people from happy relationships to unhappy ones for sake of others. Marriage is something that should bring happiness for those in relationship and last through their entire lives. Durandal had planned for example Shinn's entire future and had used Rey to control Shinn and Lunamaria's feelings so that Shinn would be his biggest pawn when Lunamaria who never questions orders would become just another mean to control Shinn.

When truth got out people had turned so badly against supporters of Durandal that it almost destroyed ZAFT. Lacus was forced to talk to people and in the end genetic career aptitude tests were approved to give lives for people who had no dreams or sufficient education or whose lives were bad. Supporters of Durandal were forced to stay in military as they had no other life and FAITH was disbanded. In Mars when people looked beyond surface they found that large number of people had dormant low self-consciousness which only waited to burst out and it did. Bloody riots had broken out which even caused death of Ergnes Brahe. In the end admiral Kira Yamato was forced to go personally with ZAFT soldiers to quell riots for some time before civil war broke out.

"Shinn and I had to stay in ZAFT, we kept having arguments when we tried living together and we have learned that everything we had worked on last war was for some maniacs envision for slaving the entire world! Dad is dead by shuttle accident and mother dying in illness, which by the way we thought to be immune and now we have to throw ourselves in new war, which we started! How can I be happy about my life! I just want for once be sure I fight for right thing and do right decision!" Lunamaria yelled and started taking deep breaths after pouring her heart out. After which she walked inside the plane.

Athrun didn't know what to say. He had heard about lashing of ZAFT, when truth got out, but he didn't know it was this bad. The Chairman Prisken and the Vice-Chairman Devyder had been able to revive FAITH, but there were some who protested against that ZAFT elite group and the Chairman Prisken was constantly slashed by non-Natural-haters in favor of Gin D Devyder, person most likely to become the Supreme Chairman after the war.

Shinn didn't see it that way that Lunamaria and Athrun did. He wanted change things from inside and bring ZAFT in glory it was before the end of war. Thought which was shared by Vice-Chairman. Shinn had trusted so greatly to ZAFT and PLANTs after his defection from Orb that he would not start doubting them now. He was going to exchange words with Athrun.

Shinn was stopped, letting Athrun continue ahead, by a hand on his shoulder, and turned his head to face another redcoat soldier. The piercing eyes of Christian Canard and Nur Eacha looked over Shinn's shoulder at the back of the others.

"You're right," he said to Shinn, in a calm tone to match his eyes. "But no matter how quietly, you shouldn't talk like that. You never know when the wrong person might hear." Christian nodded.

"Right, I'll remember that," Shinn said. "I guess I do get too complacent out of battle. Thanks for the reminder, Chris."

"Not a problem," said Christian in the same tone before giving Shinn a slight shove and proceeding on past him in infiltrator plane.

When Shinn passed Nur she talked for him quickly. "I came for here from middle-east so I know how you feel and I agree with you. We shall rise in ZAFT together and bring world without war." she said while blushing from closeness of black-haired coordinator. Nur had crush for both Christian and Shinn. Shinn smiled and nodded.

After few minutes suit and planes were loaded on launcher ready to leave.

"Shinn Asuka, Core Splendor, launching."

"Nur Eacha, Gaicho, taking off."

"Meyrin Hawke, Mirage Plane, I'm taking off."

Transforming black Gundam and five different planes were launched above waters. When all Impulse's flyers got out those quickly combined forming Force Impulse. Impulse and Mirage Plane got on transformed bird like Gaicho Gundam with plane between Impulse's legs. Mirage Plane spread Mirage Colloid particles on itself and Gundams turning them invisible as Gaicho fired its thrusters and started flying towards Azores.

X-In Menelaos-X

"There you have it." The middle-aged hangar officer said as he dropped his hat on top off the box. "This young ship has just started her first mission. You serve admirably as escorts, young pilots."

In front of the captain was the Trust of Eurasia herself, Celine Cloucester. Floating next to her was a young man with black curly hair, grey eyes and dark skin. He wore the same uniform as Celine, but in a darker color. Behind them were two sibling pilots.

"Sir, I'm just glad we arrived without an incident." Celine said.

"Although maybe running into ZAFT would have made things more interesting." Jean said with a childlike smile.

"Speaking of which, any ZAFT or alien vessels in the vicinity?" Arthur asked.

"We've spotted one advanced Minerva-class and one alien dreadnought, but it's no cause for alarm as they keep their distance." The hanger officer said. "They stay out of radar distance and concentrate on their mission, just like we are doing. We will deal with them later. We are estimated to reach island first and they are not waiting for an attack."

"Hm. Because it's neutral territory? What a joke." Rafa said.

Celine's smile disappeared. "We're putting a lot of innocent civilians at risk just by showing up."

Jean giggled while walking towards plane. "Don't worry Lieutenant; you've already made your mark."

"However, I can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen." Celine thought while putting on her helmet and walking towards her mobile suit.

"Well let's go scrap them!" Arthur walked out of the room in a pilot suit.

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Rafa said as he followed him.

"Launch Paladin and Mirage Plane! Start the operation! Good luck for all of you!" The captain ordered.

The Paladin Gundam and carrier-plane got on their catapults and waited until they got green light.

"Celine Gloucester, Paladin, launching."

Paladin Gundam and one Mirage Plane got out and plane used special wires to dock with Gundam while leaking Mirage Colloid particles to turn both to invisible. After process was complete plane fired its extra strong thrusters and headed towards Azores.

X-In Galactix-X

On corridor heading at hangar bay Lux was in telepathic conversation with big bosses of Neonian army. Lux leaned back against the wall near him while dressed in pilot suit (1) and heard thoughts "Is everything in order for the operation?"

"We are ready to proceed with the plan sir. Everything has been prepared just as you ordered. I shall test Thanatos in today's operation." The Lux answered via his thoughts. "This is the information on the security detail and other information captain has provided for us to pull off a successful operation to steal that computer. First we will destroy base and prototypes and we shall retreat as soon as energy gets low. When ship is close enough we shall attack again with other mobile weapons as well. Once inside we will steal all of the data regarding the stolen information and new mobile suits and along anything else we find. We should depart in these minutes." Lux thought with a smile.

"What about your teammates? They should at some point be informed what is Plan Terra Clamare." the one of big bosses asked.

"Of course sir. I shall inform them if humans prove to be as stupid as they have been so far." Lux commented as he smiled at the thought of reassurance.

"Also has my prototype been built as I it was planned?" Lux asked as he rolled both of his eyes towards the ceiling.

"Not yet…we managed to stabilize teleportation-system, but it wasn't easy. Having nanobots to work quickly is still problem and suitable energy source is biggest problem of them all. But it should be ready for you to use in the following months." The one of them replied.

"Good…I have to say it is one powerful machine. It will be greatest Gundam in existence." android general said to his friend.

"Then there is about Byak-Deisn family with that weapon." The admiral said as Lux simply frowned, "It will be great strike at the Atlantic Federation's heart, but there is thing about how un-empathic they are. Has their desire to use that piece of wretched past war warped their mind?"

"Most likely, but it will be necessary. If this doesn't shake them so that cries of Blue Cosmos are drowned nothing will." Lux answered as he had a look of concern on his face about the lives of those who are serving this crusade to help them achieve their common dream.

"They are all aware of the risks lieutenant." one of female generals said sensing his thought via telepathic link. "In fact they would gladly give their lives to bring about your dream." The female general thought with a sly smile on her face.

"No not my dream…Our Common Dream. We do this to bring forth a Bright, Healing and Peaceful future for the Mother Goddess." Lux thought as his expression turned revealing a more serious expression on his face.

"Spoken like a true fanatic. This dream must be made a reality no matter what the cost." The admiral thought with a concerned expression about the war. If it was to get accelerated any further then the world of humans as they know it would had to be destroyed.

"As you wish sirs. Once our business is done here and with other factions' thieves we will rendezvous at base. For Mother Goddess." Lux thought as those big bosses in main base thought same words and link was cut off.

When he started walking towards hangar he placed silver mask on his face(2). Like many really dedicated Neonians he had placed cybernetic links in himself to become better fighter and soldier. Mask was most important of those as it was linked at his memory letting him memorize everything he has seen and process it. It was necessary in preparation to become pilot of that Gundam.

In hangar servant droids were buzzing with activity. Because ship would be too far for teleportation Gundams had to be packed with extra powerful batteries and arm with weapons in ship. Energy problem also affected in how this would plan be done. Destroying base required approaching with stealth all the way and using once 'scattering' from Lux and Neqor, while Josnia needed to teleport missiles from ship twice. Even with extra battery Lux and Neqor could 'scatter' only once each and Josnia could only use teleport five times. Less if she had to use beam bubble and Lux had only two shots at Thanatos-cannon.

For this operation only energy weapons for Virus were Thanatos, one small beam shield, rifle and saber. Thunderbird had dual 52mm hyper lightning shield cannon, 1 beam saber, 2 75mm automatic multi-barrel beam CIWS, 2 76mm beam machinegun, mounted on shoulders and 2 short-range plasma lightning cannon.

"Damn its big shame we can't use more weapons. I feel naked when my suit goes with so little fire power." complained Neqor while Josnia was talking with other Neonian and android pilots of other mobile suits. They would commence second attack on Azores should attack of Gundams fail in some object.

"You will use weaponry that plan requires or you shall give your suit to someone else." said Lux when he walked in hangar. "If it makes you feel naked place more clothes for yourself like your mother used to say or it may be because you forgot to wear other clothes than your suit."

Other pilots started laughing when Neqor started launching angry profanities. Lux gained little color in his cheeks when he watched how beautiful Josnia was with laugh in face and turned away from her. Contrary to popular belief Ace-Neonian did hold some unprofessional affection towards female android from his childhood. It didn't help Neonian suits were skin-tight.

Josnia noticed how Lux turned away and gained black cloud above her head. Neqor noticed Josnia's mood and frowned, but there was no more time for things because captain VIKA informed that pilots should get in their machines. Operation was beginning so for first thing Lux and Neqor took medicine which dampens their empathy and Josnia lowered her ability to understand feelings.

All Neonians have telepathic empathy ability, which is reason they haven't been in war for hundreds of years. That is because when they hurt someone they shall feel pain and horror of victim. Emotions and pain of dying, 'death echo', is so horrifying feeling that Neonian who kills another Neonian are reduced to shaking mass and can't do anything but mutter apologies for week. It dampens when facing non-psychic like humans, but they have to take medicine or every kill will make them freeze in battlefield. Also machine born like androids of Neonians have that empathy ability due to 'humanizing' of their great technology.

Lux got on his Gundam when suddenly some male android-pilot asked him something with telepathy. They didn't need radios or radars with their telepathy ability. "I've question for I like to get answer, if you mind? I heard you had once duel with one of best pilots of humans called Kira Yamato and won. After that match you've started avoiding areas where he is although he has kept destroying our forces. In fact he has become more ruthless as he now actually destroys his opponents if he has no choice. What happened there?"

Lux paused for hearing that question and started remembering things due to his mask. Lux started reminiscing his duel with Kira Yamato about month ago. Soon after war had begun Neonians had made massive strike against planet Mars. After one week of fighting Mars fell, aliens had destroyed everything humans had built so cleanly that planet became basically same it was when humans first arrived there and many convoys had started taking survived Martians as prisoners to the Silver moon.

One of those prisoner convoys which consisted about light stealth/supply ships, which didn't have beam bubble technology, was attacked by one EAF's Hyper Mega Particle beam, one ZAFT's gamma-ray beam and one Orb's Photon Blaster beam which each obliterated one large neonian ship. The ones responsible of firing were one modified first Archangel-class, one heavily modified Agamemnon-class and one heavily modified first Eternal-class ships which were accompanied by some other ships and dozens of mobile suits. Both Eternal and Agamemnon soon shielded themselves with beam fields similar to ones used by Artemis and Messiah bases, while Archangel deployed Orb's Lumiere Luminuous field which shrouded ship with light blue energy field.

When neonians brought their ships which used heavy Solar Beam cannons which could destroy any ship with single strike and beam bubble energy fields which could survive from direct hit from positron cannon humans built their own counters. EAF created Hyper Mega Particle cannon and Umbrella light wave barrier, ZAFT answered with Neo Genesis gamma-ray emission cannon and Messiah light wave barrier and Orb built Photon Blaster cannon and Lumiere Luminuous energy field deprived from Voiture Lumiere technology. Orb's Lumiere Luminuous is weakest of shielding technologies although can take on direct hit from positron cannon, but can be used while firing weapons like with aliens' beam bubble, unlike with Umbrella and Messiah which has to bring parts of it down if they want to use their weapons and gives opportunity for counterattack.

Two of attacking ships were original Archangel which was modified with Orb technology and original Eternal upgraded by ZAFT. Three Ships Alliance had made alliance with Junk Guild, Serpent Tail and Mercenary Unit X led by Canard Pars. They had decided to make surprise attack against one of convoys and save Martian prisoners. For their cruel surprise ships had soon unloaded almost half hundred Wisels and ships had big arsenal of Wisels' supporting armories. Battle wasn't easy for humans.

X-Flashback-X

"They're after me!" Kira called as he dodged beams of Wisels, but then had to fly away as a moderate group of them took off after him.

"Get away from him!" Mu La Flaga growled as he fired beam cannon of his custom ORB-Z001 Wind Master Gundam at the Wisels pursuing Kira.

"Thanks, Mu." Kira said after Mu cleared his tail. The two of them then deployed all their DRAGOONs, while Waltfeldt sniped every alien he could while in MS mode.

Suddenly, one of the Wisels armed with some beam cannon part decided to go for one of the Junk Guild ships, but Andrew, thinking fast, transformed the Gaia Tiger Gundam into its MA mode and got in between the Wisel and the ship. Waltfeldt aimed, and then fired a powerful blast from back-mounted laser cannons at the Wisel's arm, destroying it. Wisel although used its' A-ports teleportation mechanism to get new beam cannon hand which attached to suit and aimed again. Andrew decided that there was no other way and fired cannon at Wisel's cockpit destroying entire suit.

"Thank you, Gundam pilot!" The ship's captain called.

"We can't destroy these enemies without aiming at cockpit! Otherwise they just teleport new arms for themselves. I know aiming at cockpit is against our morals, but we have no choice." Waltfeldt said at radio, before firing another laser cannon blast at another Wisel's cockpit, wiping it out in one shot.

Kira risked looking over his shoulder and he felt fear at what he saw. There were at least 10 Wisels on his tail.

"I'm not about to die here." Kira yelled, making his Gundam turn around as he prepared full burst mode. Quickly he fired a quick shot from his two beam rifles, hip-mounted rail cannons, torso-mounted multi-phase beam cannon and his DRAGOONs destroying Wisels' weaponized parts before turning around and flying away again. It was for nothing, because in three seconds new parts were teleported and attached to replace destroyed ones and hunt continued. Once the weapons had cooled down, Kira swung his mobile suit around and fired a second shot from his full burst mode, this time sweeping the shot through the even larger group of Wisels and process repeated itself. This time few Wisels equipped with heavy weapons fired their weapons at Kira in same time and he had to bring both of his beam shields up. Blast pushed Kira back and beam shield generators short-circuited from overload, becoming unusable.

X-X

With Mu la Flaga in Gundam Wind master, which was in Mobile Armor mode, was using slashing attacks by firing into a group of Wisels before rapidly flying to the next group to slash into it. Mu looked over his shoulder to see that there was a group of Wisels with high-speed combat parts after him. Gritting his teeth, he switched to MS mode and then let loose seven DRAGOONs attached at wings. He grinned as the swarm behind him was destroyed by beams from DRAGOONs, but focused as he recalled DRAGOONs, changed in MA mode and flew towards alien cruiser. Grinning, Mu transformed the Wind master into its Mobile Suit mode and fired beam cannon into it, which destroyed the cruiser's beam shields. After few shots from Wind master's weapons ship was destroyed. He then transformed the Gundam back into Mobile Armor mode before he flew it to the next formation of Wisels.

X-X

Gai Murakumo in Gundam Astray Blue Frame 2nd Revise was rapidly firing its' Tactical Arms II in Gatling Arm at every Wisel he could find, but he then deployed Sword Arm Mode and started slicing them. He then saw multiple Wisels go after a group of rescue vessels. Not wanting the pilots to be killed, he deployed again his Gatling Arm and fired at Wisels while other Serpent Tail mobile suits took care of them. Seeing that the vessels were safe, Gai recalled his Gundam's Sword Arm mode as he focused on the Wisels in front of him. Meanwhile another group came up behind him. Lowe Guele in Gundam Astray Red Frame Kai flew at the group while slashing with two solid mobile suit-sized katanas. He took out some of the group, but the rest just kept charging at him and Gai. He made his Tactical Arms IIL to crap suits and start absorbing energy taking most of them out and before new energy battery could be teleported to replace empty ones Lowe sliced them with two katanas finishing group off. Lowe then turned his attention to the next swarm that was coming at him.

X-X

Waltfeldt was firing left and right, using his Gundam's laser cannons to tear apart multiple Wisels, only firing again at any alien machine he encounters.

X-X

Canard Pars in his Dreadnought H was making sure none of the Wisels made it to the ships. Transforming from Normal mode to Buster mode, he shot down Wisels with beam sub-machine gun before charging up a powerful shot. Releasing it, Pars fired a powerful beam which pierced straight through alien cruiser that was sneaking up on his Mercenary Unit X vessels. He looked to his left, to see that there was a couple of Wisels closing in on him fast. He transformed the Dreadnought H to its Sword mode, charged at Wisels while swinging two large blades and fired with shoulder-mounted grenade launchers, wiping them out. Canard then transformed to Buster mode and fired quick blasts at alien cruiser, destroying it.

Meanwhile the other pilots from Junk Guild, Serpent Tail, Mercenary Unit X and Clyne Faction were awed at the power of the Gundams, but focused as Wisels flew right at them. The pilots learned quickly that by covering each other's backs was the best way to avoid being defeated by stronger Wisels. When one was in danger, two others supported it. It also helped that the ships were giving as much cover fire as they could.

But it wasn't enough. Because for every time when Wisels parts was destroyed they would teleport replacements from ships using A-Ports system. Only destroying cockpit helped against them, but it didn't fit in for everyone since they valued lives.

X-X

Kira took this hardest. He hasn't yet killed anyone and Wisels keep firing on him. Couple times others had to intercept for him, especially ZAFT soldiers loyal to Kira. Suddenly Wisels then started retreating and choose other targets. Surprised Kira could only wonder that about three seconds before his instincts told him to raise his beam rifle.

It saved his life as it allowed parrying and dodging purple beam saber which cut Freedom's rifle in half. When Kira watched at his new opponent he gasped. It was Virus Gundam, personal machine 'Annihilator from Stars'. In right hand was single beam saber and left hand's fingers had extended to five whips.

"To think you are so unable to kill you sacrifice your loyal allies. You are not worthy of your reputation and I shall beat you here Kira Yamato!" Kira heard voice of Lux Testa-Haron who Kira could somehow understand. Then Virus charged towards him.

Lux and Kira were fighting one another as the Virus was batting away all of his beam shots as the Freedom was furiously trying to take down the Virus Gundam. The pilot of the silver mobile suit knew this was coming and had long expected it as he prepared to battle Ultimate Coordinator.

After missing his beam shots including dodging a few of them, the Strike Freedom unfolded its DRAGOONs and rail cannons firing at the Virus in conjunction with its beam rifle trying to overwhelm the Gundam, but Virus charged and dodged roll to evade the shots while using its beam saber to deflect most of the energy based shots before extending one of its whip/fingers, its tip embedding itself into barrel of the Freedom's right rail cannon.

The plugged up weapon exploded sending the white mobile suit falling backwards as Virus pressed forward with its attack. Kira recovered just in time to fire off a shot at point blank range with his left rail cannon hitting Virus in the face forcing it to back off. Kira wasted no time counter attack as he aimed his beam rifle ready to shoot the alien machine down, but suddenly a silver tentacle struck and destroyed his beam rifle.

"You can't harm or win against me with your attitude." Lux declared as he used his A-ports to attach backpack to his suits back which released eight small DRAGOON-bits and he moved those in to attack the young man's own DRAGOONs.

Virus and its DRAGOONs destroyed Kira's own bits until only two remained. Then alien sent up his bits against the Freedom with Kira forced on the defensive as Lux was raining down an onslaught of beam shots from his DRAGOON controlled units along with Kira barely fending off beam sword swings. Luckily for Kira, energy of bits and suit depleted soon and Lux had to call bits back and back off in order to safely teleport backpack back to some ship and teleport for him new battery. Kira tried to counterattack, but process was over only in four seconds. After that Neonian resumed quickly in his attack.

X-X

Meanwhile in Eternal pregnant Lacus was watching fight between Strike Freedom and Virus. She was incredibly worried and listened how they were unable to help while rubbing her slightly swollen stomach.

"Is this what I am? Just mere icon? Something... to be protected? Something that is a drain on society? Someone who cannot fend for themselves and must rely on others? Someone who tries to talk and reason in times when that are over and done with? I'm on this shuttle myself, to ensure my own safety, but at the same time others are fighting. Even man I love is fighting with pilot of that class. I have never done anything. Is this what it is to be Lacus Clyne? To be someone who can only talk, when actions speak louder than words. I am someone who speaks in a low volume, is insignificant and who doesn't do anything of real value and just deludes themselves to think otherwise." Lacus thought.

"Don't we have anything to send help him?" one of bridge officers asked.

"We have one spare DOM Trooper with bazooka, but nobody left in here knows how to pilot it.

Unseen by everybody someone exited from door and headed towards hangars.

X-X

Kira and Lux were left to battle one another alone with no one to interfere, as their battle picked up from where they left off. Without his beam guns and DRAGOONs, Kira used his beam saber to defend himself against Virus' sword and whips' strikes while the Freedom was firing off its multi-phase beam cannon at the alien Gundam.

Virus batted away each shot as it closed in and locked blades with the Freedom once again as sparks and energy was sent flying as both machines were trying their utmost to overpower the other.

"Now for the last hour you have avoided the taking out those who threaten people dear to you and one person that loves you more than anyone else on the universe. Here are you making their lives difficult by acting like a spoiled child."

Kira felt the festering frustration and anger rush out of him.

"What are you supposed to do? Act like nothing is happening as people are out there dying? How do you deal with that? We have killed people who were close to you and threaten others! They died to save you, to make sure you and Lacus Clyne Yamato both did not fall."

"I never asked for them to do this. I never wanted this. I just want past times back. I would have been happy just living our lives with my friends and Lacus." His voice dropping off and becoming more of a whine rather than the yelling it was before.

Virus was about to bring its sword down, but it was stopped in time as Kira successfully parried it with his beam sword. "What right do you have to sit here and complain about what they do? They fight for a better world and you cry that they have to kill people to do that. That just proves that they are better people then you are! They are the ones willing to not just risk their lives but a part of themselves that you lose when you kill; there are not many that are willing to do that!"

"It's easy for you to say that what they are risking is ok, it's our people doing it. People die and we work to make sure the smallest number do. In a conflict you started!"

"I merely end pointless battles I don't start them, but there are men still in the Alliance who will start fights with or without us helping. Of course the same goes for ZAFT, there are men still within both sides who will begin a new war using old hatreds for their advantage; such is how it has been throughout your history. Wars have been waged and fought for centuries for different reasons; mostly power, personal gain, a sense of justice and even religious reasons; the reason wars continue is because the opponents of these wars have always been and will always be human beings accompanied by time, the reasons wars are fought change with time and in due time new wars will be fought with new or old reasons that will emerge if Naturals and Coordinators ever get over their hate for one another."

"Is that how you see humanity?"

"Yes…sad, but true. Don't tell me you haven't seen how people are you…consider you time at Artemis and with the Alliance in general. Consider ZAFT's big wigs undermining your authority while you were admiral and husband of Supreme Chairwoman. As long as humanity exists there will always be conflict while they should end these wars before they destroy all life especially now you have the means to wipe out human kind rather easily if you wanted to. Genesis, nuclear weapons and Requiem are clear evidence of this."

"But people can change." Kira retorted as his machine fired its rail cannon at Virus' waist, but the Gundam dodged with great skill while it lashes out with its whips and knocked it back with a hit to the Freedom's chest. "Do you even have faith in humanity?"

Virus quickly pushed the Freedom up against the asteroid, wrapped its fingers around suit and started sending computer viruses and electricity causing jolts of energy to surge through the machine. The Freedom was struggling to break free, but Virus had the Gundam pinned tightly between itself and the rock surface of asteroid. "People have fought wars for many reasons, but not for reason why we Neonian-race fight. There is victim in this war which humanity has forgotten and even Clyne Faction isn't helping. I have faith in the people, but cold truth is that conflict will always exist just as the concept of order and chaos."

For a moment the situation seemed hopeless for Kira, but at that moment missiles started hit around them. Lone DOM Trooper appeared with bazooka in hand.

"Let go off from Kira!" Both pilots were surprised when voice from comm-link showed that pilot was Lacus. Suddenly lone Wisel flew towards DOM with beam saber and surprised Lacus squished trigger in instinct. Missile flew from bazooka hitting suit and sending it flying towards asteroid where it exploded in surface. Lacus was paralyzed by fact she had killed someone and would've been slaughtered by group of aliens if not some Clyne Factions suits hadn't arrived to take her back in Eternal.

Explosion made Virus to unfold itself from its captive. When the systems returned online, Kira angered how Lacus was forced to fight took advantage and turned the tables as the Freedom turned and slammed Virus into surface of the asteroid. With the Freedom pinning the Virus against the rocky surface of the space debris, Kira was almost certain he had him trapped…but the mobile suit fired up its boosters as it began flying against the surface of the rock leaving a trail of sparks. Kira tried to stop him with a shot from his mobile suit's last DRAGOONs, but alien stopped suddenly causing the Freedom to jerk forward as it fired striking the surface and causing Kira to fly backwards from the recoil and resulting explosion.

"Now listen to me, Kira Yamato. Who do you think deserves to be taken more seriously: Me, the powerful and influential soldier from great power who has fought tooth and nail or Lacus, a pink pop star who sings songs all day long but never does anything of real significance?"

"Don't be so rude against Lacus!" Kira retorted. "What do you mean 'Never does anything of real significance'? She was part of an alliance with our group last two wars that stopped genocide and tyranny! She has been Chairwoman in time of peace! She gave me the Freedom!" Kira yelled.

"Although I will not deny that you receiving the Freedom was in fact a very good thing to happen, it only happened because she decided to outright betray her own nation, and that she were somehow aware of secrets like that, despite being the daughter of the Chairman and only that. As for the Three Ships Alliance, do you mean the part where she sat in a chair and pointlessly ran her mouth to people who already had a fixed mindset and ideology while other people struggled and did the hard labor for her? You were out there fighting in a mobile suit! So were so many others! But she never did anything useful besides be an icon."

Virus returned to the fight almost without injury with its beam sword and tentacle fingers ready.

"She has sacrificed her purity and has killed just now!" Kira countered.

"While I'm impressed as she has shown more backbone than you I don't change my mind just from that. You were right in my mercy! It was obvious that you had to be helped. It's just everyone panicked or were busy and the tactical officers were trying to think of more complex strategies. She decided to take the heavy risk and now soldiers had to be dispatched from fighting, because she couldn't stomach fighting."

Kira and Lux fought on the surface of the asteroid as they exchanged blows with one another, with only Kira's beam sabers left aside from one rail cannon on his hip and his two DRAGOONs; the Freedom fought on tried to overpower the Virus…however the two machines were at another stalemate.

Kira grit his teeth. "Doesn't those who die here in your side matter anything to you?!"

"We are telepaths and we hear voice of everyone that dies in this battle, so it matters even more to us than you humans. We would be driven to madness by cries if we didn't use drugs to suppress those 'death echoes'. But in same time we accept it, because this is war and we have decided to fight."

While Lacus was to be carried away in DOM Lux' words she listened from radio brought tears in her eyes as she first time CURSED her weakness and uselessness.

"She isn't useless." she suddenly heard Kira saying.

Virus dropped down and swept the Freedom off its feet with a sweeping tentacles before spinning around to strike the mobile suit with its whips, but Kira unfolded his last rail cannon and fired it again at the Virus knocking backwards while it unfolded its DRAGOONs to shoot down the silver machine, but Lux deflected the shots with his beam sword batting them away.

"SHE IS THE HERO! I don't let those words get to my head and demoralize me! She is the icon of the PLANTs. She is possibly one of the most useful people in the world, and she knows about what is right and what is wrong always, and she sings the song of peace. So despite what that you or anyone says she is very useful and has lot to give. She is Lacus Clyne Yamato. Mother of my children, my wife and the love of my life!"

"Kira…" Lacus mumbles as she smiles and remembers why she fell in love with Kira.

Knowing the only way to win would be to go all out, so Kira activated his SEED mode and began fighting the Annihilator on more equal footing as the battle was beginning to intensify. The Freedom fired its DRAGOONs once again, this time hitting the shoulder of the Virus while it was blocking the deadly beams as it forced itself closer.

"So you are going with your SEED? I guess I shall show our difference by showing you Neonian-version of it." Lux said as golden seed started spinning in his pupils before bursting and from burst released golden ripples like in surface of lake where stone was dropped. In neonian's pupiless eyes appeared those same ripples.

Kira tried to back off, but a tentacle swipes disabled his last DRAGOONs. Lux quickly continued by roundhouse kicking the Freedom before hacking off its left arm, but Kira once again forced Virus back with other rail cannon shot to the torso section which it dodged.

"Kira Yamato. You have no real reason to fight; even if you have you are not prepared to go far enough for it. You're not a Gundam pilot…in fact although the level of potential piloting skills you possess should make you challenge against me your attitude towards battle makes you nothing more than a child. You bring shame to other Gundam pilots. Right now I find you almost boring.

War will never end because people forget what it means." Lux said as he continued his attack. "Then the cycle begins again, I can't see you being able to stop this although you promised Durandal you can."

"We know how things are now, but we know things can change. I want a better tomorrow, but that can't happen if nothing changes."

"You're being arrogant, people are not that smart." The Freedom ducked to avoid a sweeping kick to the head before trying to upper cutting Virus in the stomach with its hand.

"You are the arrogant one…I am just one man."

"But it is not the whole case. Yes, you are a human being, but you each have your own DNA inside of yourselves that makes you special and unique. I hate to say it but you're living in a dream where you are the equal of everyone else on the planet, but that is not the case. You have abilities... that are fundamentally specific to you alone, and as much as you wish to deny those abilities, which to deny what happened to you long ago, they're still there. Besides one man can't change humanity!"

"Maybe not on my own, but I'll find a way to give humanity a chance!" Kira declared as he locked swords with Virus again and the two machines began to chase one another away from asteroid matching blow for blow. "You only seem to make things worse!"

"Many times that you have either spouted about the ridiculous idea that you want to end war forever. If you haven't said it yourself, you've had the Lacus Clyne say it for you. Now, if you pay close attention to your speeches you'll realize that you NEVER actually explain how you intend to 'end war forever', only that you want to do it. That is because you have no idea how. I have noticed a trend amongst people. They will go with the man who has a plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. Rather than the well-meaning idealist who boldly states that he has not got a clue what to do." Lux replied as Virus kicked the Freedom in the chest, but it counterattacked with unfolding its rail cannon…seeing the weapon deployed however, Lux spun his beam sword and sliced off half of the barrel causing it to explode knocking Kira back.

"You don't have too many combat opinions open to you."

"I won't lose to you…I'll prove you wrong and I'll stop more wars from happening."

Kira fought back as he tried to kick Lux back as it was bringing its beam saber down on the silvery machine, but Lux blocked it by using his machine's own leg tentacles to wrap around Freedom's sword arm. Virus' saber cut its opponents left leg and it exploded sending both machines flying backwards.

"Let's finish this!" Kira roared as he charged Virus after combining his two beam sabers into one dual-ended weapon and rushed towards his foe.

"It ends now!" Lux shouted as he powered up his beam sword and charged straight at the Freedom intending to end this duel once and for all.

Gundams were about to clash when Virus' wings suddenly engulfed area with plasma cloud and ion storm was released inside of it. It didn't harm Virus, but Strike Freedom stopped, beam sabers blew up and multi-phase beam cannon in chest powered down. Strike Freedom was now weaponless.

"KYAAAAAA!" Kira screamed in pain as Virus wrapped its tentacles around suit sucking away power from reactor and information from computer. Freedom's phase-shift vanished and suit went limb.

"Kira, get out of there!" Lacus back in Eternal yelled.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Kira screamed, trying to withstand the pain continuous electrocuting brought. Unable to take the pain any longer, Kira fell unconscious.

X-X

An alert appeared on Miriallia's screen. "Strike Freedom is being captured by Virus!" she said.

"Retrieve Kira at once!" Archangel's captain Murrue Ramius La Flaga ordered. "Retreat to point Y32!"

X-X

The Gundams moved to retrieve Kira, but had to fight their way to him as swarms of alien mobile-suits went after them.

Mu recalled his remaining DRAGOONs to recharge them, as those were almost out of energy.

"Damn!" Lowe cursed as he dodged one beam barrage after another.

"Mu, fall back and hook up with the Archangel!" Murrue ordered.

Mu gritted his teeth, but relented as he fell back. Junk Guild also retreated back to their ships as almost all prisoners had been rescued.

Gundam Red Frame and Blue Frame were firing their rifles at any alien they encountered. "There are too many of them!" Gai yelled.

"If this keeps up…!" Lowe trailed off as he fired on any alien in his way. The two Gundams grouped up to support each other.

X-X

"If you had truly unlocked your full potential you would've become so much more. You have potential in you to activate power that only someone like you can use." Said Lux as he held Freedom in his grip inside plasma cloud. Soon computer noted that all information in Freedom had been downloaded. Virus then raised activated beam saber over its head. "It's pity that you have to die here."

Just right before Virus brought its saber down two grenades slammed in it and two anti-ship swords appeared. Lux was able to dodge, but was forced to release Strike Freedom and Dreadnought H Gundam kicked it out of plasma cloud. In retaliation Virus wrapped its extended fingers around one anti-ship sword and crushed it. Canard Pars gritted his teeth, and made the Dreadnought H Gundam to attack with its last effective weapon.

A few of Wisels that were surrounding plasma cloud charged at Freedom, but were forced back when Gundams Astray Red Frame and Blue Frame appeared and took it.

"I can fight, too!" Canard yelled as he opened fire with Igelstellungs, which didn't do any damage, with reckless abandon. It was desperate since there wasn't kinetic weapon which worked against alien armor aside rail cannons and even those were less effective than smaller beam guns.

Two Gundams rushed to Canard's rescue. "Canard!" Lowe yelled.

"Save Kira!" Canard ordered, making the other two Gundams stop. "For the sake of the future battles against these guys, we can't let them get Kira!"

Two Gundam pilots relented and went to take Kira and started running away with Wisels after them. The two Gundams sped off to rendezvous with their ship.

Canard, who by now was almost completely defeated by the neonian ace, smiled as he sensed that the two remaining Gundams have retreated with Kira. "I shall take you with me. It's quite funny that I die saving person I once tried to kill. Oh well. I'm sorry… Prayer…" Canard said. The Dreadnought H Gundam tried to crap Virus, but Lux guessed what was coming and ran away while two Wisels stabbed cockpit with their beam sabers. Gundam's nuclear reactor overloaded and self-destructed, taking out the Wisels that were near it. Some of the Wisels survived though, and took off after the retreating Gundams.

Lowe got an alert showing that the aliens were after them. "Damn!" he cursed as he and Gai threw Freedom towards Eternal and prepared facing threat.

Right before the Wisels could slam into them; a hundreds of beams and missiles hit them in cock-pit and wiped them out. The Gundam pilots looked up, to see that the Freedom had powered up again and was equipped with METEOR-unit. In Freedom Kira cried for two reasons. For one he had now truly forsaken his inability to take enemies' lives. Second because his anger at himself for being so weak and deaths that his naivety has caused. The METEOR and multi-phase beam cannon fired at the Wisels' as the Gundams retreated back to their ships, which then fired a spread of missiles. Aliens started retreating, but before leaving Virus locked gazes with Freedom which had fired everything it had. Lux had small grin in his face.

"Maybe you can be a true Gundam pilot Kira Yamato."

Kira just stared in SEED-mode with drying tears in his face.

X-Back in present-X

"It was my fault that we have now strong enemy. But I cannot help, but be happy that there is human who can possibly fight against me and become suitable guardian for Mother Goddess." Male-android raised his eye-brow in confusion.

"Course is clear. Mobile suits move out." came captain VIKA's voice in their heads.

"Lux Testa-Haron, Virus, go."

"Josnia Zu-Gyren, Night Sky, I'm heading out."

"Neqor Pyre-Gosbel, Thunderbird, ready and rolling out."

Three alien Gundams got out and started preparations. Virus and Night Sky stepped on Thunderbird's wings which had changed in MA mode. Virus crapped at two other suits connecting their power generators. After Virus released Mirage Colloid particles on them Thunderbird opened boosters and sped off towards Azores.

X-Azores, the Orb Forces base-X

Bypassing security when Earth Forces arrived at the docks was fairly straight forward and soon they were inside the base. Once they bypassed the security systems in the base, they headed to the prototypes. The Paladin stayed behind in order to intercept any mobile suits that would get in their way. Soon after plane left and the Earth Forces team got inside base Meyrin landed her plane on other side of the base. ZAFT team started unloading itself out while Impulse and Gaicho walked in their position waiting for their time to act.

"Sis! Athrun!" Both of them turned to look at Meyrin who had worried expression. "Good luck for both of you."

"Same for you."

"Have a nice return trip. I see you in Juno." Then two of them walked out, Meyrin activated the Mirage Colloid and plane rose in air. Unfortunately nearby satellite disk was affected by released particles.

X-X

In the surveillance room of the base, the lone soldier of the Orb was on standby and in guard-duty, watching systems and monitors. The soldier was listening to the local radio, which was broadcasting some old rock-pop. Relaxed at first, some sensors suddenly malfunctioned, and the music suddenly turned into static.

"What the hell?" he wondered, looking around, "Interference?"

He looked at radar, but showed nothing. "Guess I still go with book and fire Anti-Phase Shift missile. It's still waste of money, if they ask me."

Soldier pushed button and certain type of missile was launched from one of batteries. As Phase Shift suits and optical camouflages became increasingly more common of course it was decided to create some counter measures. Humans created certain particle which countered both Phase Shift and Mirage Colloid when even little comes in contact and can be spread to wide area with single missile. Just like this time as missile detonated in air and covered area with unnoticeable particles.

Soldier looked again around with radar and cameras and paled as he saw that in the distance three Neonian mobile suits and one ZAFT Infiltrator plane came out of their protection…

"Oh shit!" he muttered and hit alarm button. At same time neonian suits scattered and opened fire.

X-On the main command of the base-X

Commander Van Elisi gave a deeply fierce glare and gritted his teeth in deeper frustration as he got wind of the fact that two more batteries were destroyed, while the others were either under fire or were disabled.

The first officer nodded with his superior's assessment and saluted. "What do we do now sir?"

"Everyone get in your positions." Commander Van barked out as his answer. "We have intruders, which mean our secrets have been uncovered. Pilots in Astrays, Murasames, Ootsukigatas, Yamatos and Stratoses. Tell those aces of ours to get in their designated prototypes. I shall get in my Liger and you lieutenant go to center and secure Box of Lotto. Launch missiles towards ZAFT plane."

"Yes sir!" Lieutenant saluted as he then moved to fulfill that order. On the main view-screen, were the images of several corridors, hangers of mobile suits and three approaching alien machines.

"But… most of the mobile suit pilots are mere trainees!"

The commander snarled. "I know that, but we have no other choices! If prototypes or more importantly the Box get stolen this war becomes even bloodier and Box is our best hope in understanding those aliens."

It was then that several small but bright dots of light came to screens as defensive batteries opened fire.

X-With Meyrin-X

Meyrin was nervous, Anti-Phase Shift had taken away her cover. She looked towards one of the camera feeds and saw patch of missiles, which apparently turned towards her. Meyrin then panicked. "Goddamn it!" she exclaimed, and he literally blasted plane trying to get out. The missiles, however, were too fast, and those turned around and slashed the plane. While not destroying it, it managed to cut off the main links that communicated the motors with the cockpit. Screaming in a terror, Meyrin quickly started to crash land towards the hangars with barely any control what so ever. "Juno! We got a problem!" she started calling by the radio, "Anti-Phase Shift exposed me, aliens are here and I got hit! I have to crash-land towards hangars!" Just after telling that plane hit the ground near hangar three.

X-X

Lunamaria and Athrun thought they had heart-attack when they heard Meyrin's scream and then static as Mirage Plane fell near hangars. Shiho guessed what they were going to do and placed her hands in their shoulders.

"We can't do anything right now. We have to get mobile suits if we are going to send anyone out of this island. When you are in Gundams you have my permission to go rescue Meyrin. Until then you follow my orders. Understood?"

Lunamaria and Athrun looked each other's before nodding. After this little outburst team returned in mission and placed explosives in hangar doors.

X-X

"Hull breach in sector five! I repeat! Hull breach in sector five! Requesting reinforcements!" a petty officer shouted through the emergency line as the doors suddenly exploded.

ZAFT's had taken explosives with them and doors were blasted open. The doors opened via blasts and out came the ZAFT pilots and they moved to secure the area. Orb soldiers were disorientated because of blast and were quickly gunned down.

"Okay boys and girls this is it." Shiho said as area was cleared. "Athrun and Chris shall take team in hangar five and take Z106 and Z107. Lunamaria's team gets in hangar three to get Z103 and saves Meyrin. Kuroneko, Riika and Mare take team in hangar eight and take Z105 and Z102 and Z108, while Courtney takes team to hangar six for Z101. Others move towards other hangers to get other mobile suits with me. Good luck."

ZAFT got in tunnel and separated each team heading towards their designated hangars. But nobody noticed how Mare Stroebe separated himself from his team and headed towards hangar six.

X-Outside the base-X

Meanwhile, on outside, an Orb Base was quickly beginning to deploy reinforcements to fight off the invading forces. Missiles flew and laser-type weapons fired, but aliens were too fast and agile. Lux Testa-Haron, the pilot of Virus Gundam, sighed.

"Main command center of outer defense system spotted." Josnia said, "Commencing neutralization. Looks like information we got was accurate…"

"Launch more units!" said man in charge of outer defense barrier, "Those things gonna kill us!"

Two Murasame units were launched, and accelerated towards three Gundams. They started firing their laser guns at them, but Neqor, despite being in mobile armor mode, evaded every single shot. Once he did that, Lux and Josnia used their beam rifles to disable the Murasames. As soon as they finished this, the base's largest defense cannon fired laser so wide and destructive it could surpass even positron cannon in power started firing at them, but again they dodged the shot.

"I hate it when bullies torment those that are weaker…" said Lux. Immediately afterwards, he fired his beam rifle at the large laser cannon from quite a distance, destroying it. Some laser-CIWS machine guns were also fired at them, but they ignored them.

"Neutralization of outer defense field accomplished," Josnia said, "Moving now to phase two and cause chaos which should cripple most of forces and machinery inside the base."

Meanwhile, the Thunderbird flew overhead, and Neqor's irritation rose upon feeling how Virus boarded on top of his mobile suit. "Uhh...Lux!" He yelled, "Who gave you a permission to ride in my back?"

Lux just answered emotionlessly "Phase two requires this." he said, "Or are you telling me you're brain's memory is so small that you forgot that? Or did you fail to registerate it?"

"Shut up! I didn't need to take cybernetic implants to boost my memory! It's just only Josnia can ride on top of me…" Last part he tried keep on his own, not speak telepathically.

Lux just rolled his eyes, trying to ignore what he heard. "Virus and Thunderbird, moving on to release plasma clouds and computer viruses," reported the golden alien with silver mask as two Gundams spread their wings and Thunderbird activated boosters. Thunderbird made single quick flight above base while releasing particles with computer viruses and thick plasma cloud. Viruses destroyed all systems in base and lightnings from cloud destroyed all electronics and blew up all mobile suits in open.

Then it was Josnia's turn. She flew above base's center, activated extra-batteries and spun around while activating teleport-link at mother ship. This scattered dozens of particle neutralizer missiles which opened large holes throughout the base. Night Sky repeated process once more, but this time with destructive base-destroyer missiles. As the missiles hit the ground, the screams from the men echoed in alien's heads as missiles flew in holes destroying hangars and bases interior decimating over half of mobile suit forces. Only one to survive relatively intact was blue Gundam Liger which was quickly fired upon by Virus from quite long range and it exploded.

"Phase two complete, moving to hunting," sighed Lux as he got off from Thunderbird, "I shall destroy hangars outside of center, you two will do your things here." and Virus flew away leaving Night Sky to snipe things from above and Thunderbird flew in cloud electric weapons blazing.

At same time Shinn in Impulse watched from distance as aliens decimated the base. After some debating Gaicho changed in mobile armor mode and flew towards the base. Impulse also stood up when suddenly his instincts and radar warned about enemy from above and he raised a shield just in time to block beam submachine gun fire.

"Shinn Asuka! I've wanted to battle with you a long time!" yelled Celine Cloucester as Paladin Gundam stroke two yellow beam sabers at Impulse's shield starting a duel between two pilots who were in their respective militaries their own mirror-images.

"Shinn!" yelled Nur as she started to turn back.

"No Nur. You go to fight against aliens, I got her." Shinn said before getting back in beam saber duel. Nur glanced back with worry before speeding up locking at the Night Sky Gundam.

X-In hangar four-X

Kiba Hanabishi rushed towards the Flash Gundam which was in MA mode ready to go. He had to leave this place before it was too late! He finally reached a hangar but it was a mess. Debris littered the hangar floor and much of the hangar crew was trying to put out a fire that erupted at another end of the large space. Fortunately, his main price – the Flash Gundam - was sitting in the hangar looking alright.

"What?! Nearly all defense batteries are wiped out! That's impossible!" said an Orb soldier manning the hangar's comm console, just before it was shut down by computer virus.

Kiba ran to that man. "Who's in charge here?"

The soldier turned to him. "Ah… At the moment sir, you're the only ranking officer here."

"Then get out of here now! The sector is being abandoned!" informed Mu urgently. "Get everyone here out! I will pilot the Flash in battle!"

This didn't make any bit of sense to the soldier one bit. "You're taking the Flash? But it belongs for..."

"There is no time to protocol! Get out of here!"

The soldier nodded. "Ah… Yes sir."

Not bothering to watch him gather the hangar crew and flee, Kiba rushed to the Gundam grabbing a discarded helmet along the way. He climbed into the cockpit and started the mobile suit up. A moment later, he took off, ready to get as far away as possible with grin in his face. That grin soon turned in horror as silver web appeared before him and the Flash flew straight in it.

"What is this?! Move you stupid mobile suit!"

The Flash Gundam struggled in web while silver tentacles had suit in tight hold and sucked information out of the computer and sending computer viruses. Behind mobile suit was the Virus Gundam holding it in its tentacle hands and purple orb in chest glowing. The Virus moved the Flash in its trap so that there was forest behind mobile suit.

"Power charged, targeting complete, data gathered, no problems. Positioning target, all clear, Thanatos-beam firing." muttered in recorder Lux and pressed trigger.

Out of orb launched large purple beam, which only half hit the suit and rest of beam hit forest. After hitting beam spread radiation on mobile suit and large area of forest. Radiation started turning mobile suit in dust and when it hit Kiba his clothes vanished and for moment he felt good before his life slipped away. In the Virus Lux watched as suit disappeared and scanned naked Kiba as he fell. Then he scanned forest area which beam hit. Amazingly there was no damage whatsoever and in fact some birds flew away from area where beam hit.

"Cannon fired, no negative effects on suit except high energy-consummation, enemy suit destroyed and human dead. Scanning area, Thanatos had no any effect on flora or fauna. Everything went perfectly." He kept recording, before getting excited. "This is amazing! This weapon shall change everything!"

One lonely camera recorded everything. Suddenly the Virus noticed the Paladin and the Impulse in their duel and decided to join in. Maybe Shinn was better opponent than Kira.

X-Interior field of base-X

Outside the battle was now one-sided, that meant that the battle lay in favor of the aliens. The fast Gundams of the invaders dodged and ran rings around the technologically inferior defenses of their enemies which were also almost all broken by first assault. The slow moving cannon turrets of the Orb base tried in desperation to lock on the nimble mobile suits but due to their slow traversing rate and technical difficulties were unable to do so. The nimble mobile suits dodged each barrage.

At that instant, the Thunderbird appeared on the left side of some still working defense laser Gatling-guns, heading towards them at great speed, and its beam saber out drawn. The Thunderbird sliced through two Gatling-guns as it passed through the group.

"This is too easy." he said before he was struck in his left side. When he turned to watch in his left he noticed large and bulky black and white Gundam-type with double laser Gatling in left hand walking out of hangar. Inside Defender Gundam Ensign Mayura Hanza watched alien mobile suit intensely.

"I've always wanted to face alien Gundam in combat, but I have to ask you leave this base." she said and opened fire with laser Gatling and wrist-mounted laser submachine gun.

"I don't know who you are," said Neqor as the Thunderbird transformed and spun around to face the Defender. "But I have to destroy your machine so you're going to be a dead soon!"

He opened fire with dual 52mm hyper lightning shield cannon at the Defender, but Mayura blocked it with wrist-mounted beam shield and answered back with lasers firing all over from Gundam's body.

"What the hell is wrong with that fire-power?! It's like some mini-fortress!" exclaimed Neqor. Gritting his teeth, he began firing his shield cannon at the Defender. Mayura responded by firing the laser cannons on his machine's shoulders and blocking with beam shield. "ARGH!" screamed Neqor, transforming the Thunderbird and charging.

As the Thunderbird prepared to fire on the Defender, Mayura fired his laser bazooka, the powerful laser blast too fast for the Thunderbird to completely dodge as chest heated up, making Neqor very uncomfortable and sending the mobile suit spinning at Defender Gundam. Large beam saber on the wrist was placed in right hand and activated, and Mayura used it to ward off the Thunderbird, who had drawn his own. The Thunderbird began firing weapons, but Mayura countered with the backpack-mounted turrets, forcing Neqor to back away to avoid being cut in pieces by the laser fire.

Neqor desperately pulled the Thunderbird upwards as fast as he could, just barely evading the Defender's attacks. "That thing has too much power for me to fight with these weapons. If only I could use A-ports…" he said.

The Defender's missile pods opened and fired a barrage of missiles at the Thunderbird. Neqor fired his lightning cannon and CIWS, destroying the missiles. The Defender fired off another missile barrage at Neqor. The Thunderbird flew up, avoiding the projectiles.

"Come on my little birdie," he said, firing at the Defender. "Let's show them that we can beat one human any day!"

One of his shots flew straight into the opened missile launcher on the right shoulder, causing the remaining missiles within to detonate, shaking the Defender and knocking it to the ground. Needless to say, Mayura was less than happy to see that happen. The Defender opened fire with all its lasers designed to fend of entire fleet worth of mobile suits.

"I'll tear you apart!" shouted Mayura.

Neqor swore as he pulled back, trying to avoid the Defender. Suddenly, its leg missile launchers opened up, firing directly at the Thunderbird and sending the midnight-blue mobile tumbling through the air. Thunderbird had to make crash-landing. When Neqor's world stopped spinning for his horror the Thunderbird's systems were rebooting and Defender raised her bazooka towards him.

Suddenly missiles struck the Defender in the back making it fall in its chest. In the air the Night Sky Gundam had sneaked away from the Gaicho Gundam to help Neqor and it suddenly spun around releasing this time salvo of particle neutralizer mini-missiles. The Defender Gundam vanished in multi-colored orbs and naked Mayura fell in ground. The Thunderbird rose on its feet and prepared to fire, but the Night Sky got in way.

"This is enough. Let's return to mission."

Reluctantly the Thunderbird got in air with the Night Sky. The Thunderbird headed towards mobile suits stolen by ZAFT and EA, while the Night Sky was found again by the Gaicho Gundam. Mayura walked naked in hangar and punched wall, while releasing profanities.

H-Hangar eight-X

Arthur and Rafa looked at crowd before them, they had hoped that they were going to be able to find a way to get on Gundams, tucked away at a quietly and eventually get themselves out of the Azores. Jean had gone towards other Gundams with two others. Now it seemed that it was not going to happen the way they hoped it would be. However, this was hardly something that they had to worry about as they got themselves ready for the soon to come fight. They might however have to find another way to get their new toys out of the hands of its soon to be former owners.

But to do that, they had to escape first, though they had no doubt that the guards before them were not going to make that part of their plan easy in any case.

At that point a group of security personnel began approaching the strangers to arrest them. Unfortunately guards had not been able to get any guns and were now armed only with stun batons. However the strangers just lowered their bags, intent on not going away quietly and got into a defensive stance. The guards then attacked them with stun batons, hoping to take them out with sheer force of numbers.

Rafa dodged a blow to his flank, and with a quick spin, belted the guard on the temple with a roundhouse kick. Ducking from another blow, he slammed a fist into the diaphragm on one guard, and grabbing his arm, and with a quick twist sent the guy into one his fellow guards. Two more came at Arthur and each received several fast jabs, and elbow strikes into the temples, knocking them out cold. Three more guards came and Rafa responded with a spinning pair of attacks, a bicycle kick into chest of one guard followed by a reverse spin kick that sent the first slamming into his comrades. Dashing in and avoiding another blow, Arthur leaped upward and got behind another guard, when he turned, he grabbed the man and with a quick throw sent the man crashing into two more guards. In less than four seconds, he had already defeated eleven military men.

Just as Rafa flipped back for some more room to move about, his ears picked up the sound of rifles being switched to full auto and being aimed at him. Arthur looked and spotted several more guards coming, only this time, they were armed with assault rifles. Young men quickly realized that now was not a good time to be fighting guys with guns, they locked into place and smiled as the guards came and were about to fire at them, Rafa then threw down a gas grenade which exploded into a massive cloud of smoke, surprising the guards as they rushed in to track down the man. However as soon as the smoke cleared and everything was back to full view, the guards and the cadets were surprised to find out that the young men had climbed up in to bridge leading towards two Gundams' cockpits. Guards were not able to do anything before two Gundams started moving out of hangar in hands of the Earth Forces.

In other side of hangar Toujo and her team watched helplessly how their targets were walked out by Earth Forces. Z108 must've been already taken by Orb forces.

"We failed. Try to gain some way to get out of here or fight against those prototypes. Maybe we can… Where is Mare?" They hadn't noticed him missing and suddenly Riika remembered how he had protested when he got to know he wasn't chosen to pilot DDS Gundam.

"That idiot!"

X-Hangar six-X

Jean Bailey's team had gotten in their target and since Jean had fired all her ammunitions stayed behind while his two companions headed to secure Gundam. They fell for pistol shots of ZAFT-uniformed male who threw his gun away after shooting last of his bullets.

"Hold! I won't give you this mobile suit." yelled Jean who appeared with knife in hand.

"Well, well. Little inferior Natural girl. You should've staid out of ways of your betters." said Mare Stroebe before taking out knife of his own.

Immediately, both sprung their knives, beginning what was probably the last knife fight ever in their lives. Mare twisted away from Jean's stab, while she allowed him to catch the her reinforced suit's left arm; to her surprise, the knife actually managed to pierce the clothes and leave a small gouge in the arm. Fortunately, there wasn't any real damage.

Both soldiers flipped the knife in their right hands into a reverse grip, Jean attempting to slash the Coordinator with the weapon, only for her opponent to block with his own, sparks flying. She grit her teeth as the two remained locked like that for a few seconds, but Mare broke the lock, tumbling away and lashing out with a kick. He flipped the left knife, gripping it by the blade, and tossed it at Jean, but girl was able to turn her head so she only got wound in cheek.

"That accuracy is absurd, even for a Newtype," muttered Mare. He raised his other knife in front of him, charging forward again, anger in face. Jean grits her teeth and charged forward as well.

The two evaded one another's fire… and when they entered melee range, Jean shifted, and slammed her right arm into the man's body.

Then, Mare struck her on shoulder and both stumbled on ground in their backs, Jean losing her knife in progress. Suddenly Mare rolled on top of her knife in right hand ready to strike. Jean was able to place hold knife hand with her left hand, but Mare placed his left in her throat and Jean placed her right in it.

After little struggle Jean was able to move Mare's right hand so she could bite it. Pain distracted Mare enough for Jean to roll on top of him and twist Mare's left hand so that now knife was pointing in Mare's chest. Mare tried to hold her hands, but adrenaline and madness from pain which Coordinators inflicted on her in second war made her able to place knife's tip in skin. Mare started panicking and tried to distract her.

"Wait… Wait, listen… Listen to me! Stop! Stop! NO, no, no… Ggrrullgh…" But there was nothing to do. Slowly knife sank in his chest. He had betrayed Shinn in past, because he didn't become pilot of Impulse and now he had deserted his companions for replacement. He had survived when extended attacked Armory One. He didn't survive now.

Face set in a grim expression and walking like zombie, Jean turned and walked towards Duel Dragon Strike leaving dead Mare with his knife in his chest with her dead comrades.

In few moments DDS Gundam stepped out of hanger and opened fire towards Night Sky Gundam who dodged.

In same time from another hangar the Wrath and Nothung Gundams moved out with some Murasames. Athrun and Christian's team had succeeded and the Wrath with Murasames started open fire at defending Orb forces. The Nothung flew in three way duel between Virus, Paladin and Impulse and helped Shinn by firing two massive beams from two large crystal spike-like 'Dita' cannons towards Virus and Paladin just before they skewered him between their beam sabers. Beams didn't hit and Paladin charged at ZAFT pilot who Celine believed to be better than Shinn.

X-In hanger three-X

"What you said commander?! Kiba took my Flash and got it destroyed!" yelled Marcus Flint in comm consol.

"That is right. This fine mess." sighed commander Van in his end. "Viruses and electric problems caused by that plasma cloud destroyed all systems not yet blown up, ensign Mayura is fine, but Defender is erased like Flash and my Liger and all other prototypes aside Nibelung are stolen. I got reinforcements from harbor, but they're being murdered out there. Nibelung is there, but it can't change in MA mode. Do you think you can protect it or shall you activate self-destruct system? Choice is yours."

"What question is that? Un-complete or not, it's still Gundam. Besides it has taken enough insults, now is time for Nibelung to shine. After all engineers did say when it's complete this bad boy is one of most impressive of our prototypes." With that computer virus destroyed computer and Marcus ran for his new mobile suit.

Marcus sat in the cockpit of the Nibelung, making final adjustments for the suit in his totally white Orb-pilot suit.

"Ensign Flint, we noticed Mirage Plane near hangar doors with colors of ZAFT." came some soldier's voice over the radio.

"Mirage Plane? That must be how ZAFT got here. Is there any passengers?" said Marcus.

"There is pilot who has nasty wound in head and is unconscious, but otherwise is fine. We could remove her, but it's dangerous in these conditions since there some fuel leaking." he heard soldier say over the radio.

"I shall cover you while using laser sniper rifle. You can remove her and take her in infirmary for healing and questioning later." Marcus said and cut off the link.

Knight-like Gundam's eyes flashed and trans-phase shift Mk II activated when hangars doors were opening.

"Marcus Flint, Nibelung, lets mobilize."

X-In fight-X

The Astray pilot reloaded his rifle, and resumed fire. He attacked the stolen Murasame directly, with rage, "This base …belongs to us, citizens of Orb!" he then exclaimed. The Murasame transformed and drew out its beam saber. The Orb pilot kept firing at it, but the Murasame dodged each burst and finally got close enough to cut off the left arm of the Astray. Having lost his rifle, the Orb pilot then made a war cry and drew his beam saber. He then proceeded to chase the Murasame. The same Murasame, however, was too fast, and it turned around and slashed the Astray, this time in the torso. While not destroying it, it managed to cut off the main links that communicated the limbs with the cockpit. The Orb pilot vomited blood due to the shock of falling. And like bullies, the stolen Murasame then began to slash the Astray, one at a time, doing it as if they were trying to give it a slow death. But the Orb pilot's resolve was, however, not undone, and he made one last charge. He knew there was no point at doing this; he knew he would be killed instantly by the ZAFT pilots. However, he had to let the rest of his comrades know that they were set up, even if it meant by letting his own mobile suit explode.

And then, a miracle occurred, as the two Murasames aimed their rifles at the Orb soldier, a long, thick and bright red laser light suddenly hit them below waist just under cockpit.

The Orb pilot was dumbfounded, as were the other pilots. "What the…?" was all he said.

He then saw it, knight-like beige armored mobile suit, but still clearly Gundam-type. It held what appeared to be single large caliber laser sniper rifle in its arms.

"This is Nibelung, Marcus Flint, I will protect this base." he said.

X-X

Christian, fully berserker now, starts using his two rifles and cannons in a gracious and deadly form. Astray avoids the first shots, but Christian manages to hit him several times, destroying the suit. When Orb forces withdraw Z-105 Asura begins firing his Laser Rifles, destroying one of the Chris' rifles. Christian screams in rage again, and directs a full scale attack against the Asura only to Neqor join in with his Thunderbird.

"At this rate…" Neqor says to himself. He deploys flares to blind his opponents for a moment. Christian and Rafa feel a burning sensation in their eyes, which forces them to pause for a moment. After regaining sight, they see the Thunderbird flying away.

"No way you get away" Christian calls out, intending to redirect them towards the alien, however, three captured Murasames start firing at him. Already on a state of uncontrollable rage, he turns his cannons towards the Murasames.

X-X

Sgt Himuro of Orb hovers away as he sees the Nibelung; it is sniping the some stolen Murasames without hitting. "Marcus!" Himuro called, "We have lost all our Gundams except yours!"

"I'll shoot them down!" said Marcus, and he aims at the other end of the base.

X-X

Rafa draws his beam saber and engages Christian in close-quarters combat as they rise in aerial combat. Christian pushes him away and tries using his cannons against him. He tries to hit his cockpit with one of his rifles, but he barely manages to evade this, firing his Igelstellungs in the process. Another member of the stolen Astrays tries to attack Christian with his beam saber, but he is suddenly shot from afar. Rafa turns around, surprised by this.

"Where the hell did that come from?" he said.

Christian also saw this and turned as well, and spotted the same alien mobile suit from before. Somehow this gradually calmed him down, and her expression returned to the same old, stoic one. Having regained composure, he drew her beam saber out and almost cut Rafa's Asura's right arm off.

"Damn!" shouted Rafa as he started to use his rifles. Christian gave one last battle cry and fired towards transforming mobile suit. Rafa also fires at alien and Neqor who was ready to fire his beam rifle, but had to dodge and accidentally fire towards same direction where two dodged beams were fired. Rafa starts to engage Thunderbird, and Christian, calm once more, flies towards two of them, trying to get aim at them. At same time three fired beams kept flying towards civilian school. Two misses, one doesn't.

X-X

At the near school wall, Lance and Bart were desperately attempting to get away from fighting, running towards cars they see in distance.

"Damn it!" Lance then exclaimed, frustrated over the fact that he was unsuccessful in getting out of there in time.

"By now, the shelters might be closed as well!" said Bart.

And then Lance felt something, dread. He turned around and saw the beam heading towards them. And then, an explosion, as beam hit a wall right next Lance and Bart. The explosion sent them flying a few meters away from the building. Suddenly out of the ground spring in air snapped energy cable which hit briefly to Lance in chest sending painful electric shock through him.

He remained down for a moment, waiting for things to get clear. Lance then stood up and looked towards the school's wall, a huge fissure, caused by beam weaponry, had been cut through the wall and the entire floor in front of it. And to Lance's horror, where his friend now laid, there was now only one bloody corpse which he could still identify as Bart.

"Bart…" he said, "This can't be happening…"

He went catatonic at this view and he watched where beam had come from. He saw three Gundams fighting each other's, one clearly neonian. Suddenly he clutched his head in pain and his eyes widened in horror as he started hear voices and feel emotions not his own. "Esther, Marco… Damn you invaders!" he heard some soldier mutter while feeling his rage, "Dennis… Tom… Everyone… Where'd everyone go?" He heard from civilian from somewhere yelling while empathizing with his sorrow like it was his own.

He started running away from Bart's corpse, but voices and emotions of others kept haunting him, grabbing himself by the shoulders. "Bart!" he said. He hugged himself as he started sobbing. All Lance could do was look at the situation, in despair of his own and others. He was pale, and couldn't move. He felt powerless, he felt useless. And then he remembered his mother's smile while he was baby even more clear than before, she was most likely alone in somewhere, possibly she had some reason she had to leave him. He saw working i-Phone in ground which had dropped ground and took it. He noticed for his relief that when he placed headphones in ears, music silenced some voices and lessened emotions he felt. Lance was tired…tired of not being able to do anything, of not being able to prevent all of this. He clenched his fists, wiped off his tears, and thought about his mother's inheritance.

"I shall get in those containers and find you mother!" I shall become soldier and kill if it is necessary to find you." Lance said.

With that in mind he started heading towards harbor.

X-X

Lunamaria was frustrated about situation. Way to hangar three was collapsed and Z103 was in Orb's hands preventing anyone to reach Meyrin. Situation was hectic and only way was to get some mobile suit or she could do nothing for Meyrin. She moved towards hangars looking to find any way out of there.

Lunamaria was running when at her side as she spotted some running civilian boy about her age with blue hair and she admitted that he looked quite good. She wasn't aware that the bluenette was also giving her the once over look. But they both had something else in mind and they ran away from each others.

X-X

By some miracle Lance was able to get quickly in harbor and find four blue containers that principal had talked about. He picked key from his pocket and opened door at side of biggest one.

Lance suddenly found himself in a dark container, with only light coming from open door. Suddenly, some lights in the ceiling turned on, and he saw something that made him speechless.

He soon found that only one light was directly on a large stone boulder covering white and blue mobile suits middle body without head, arms and legs. Lance recognized technology used to make hidden bases in space look like asteroids. He noticed the cockpit hatch open.

'Maybe I can find answers from inside,' he thought. He then climbed towards the cockpit. As he used the mobile suit's hatch to hold himself, he found some letter inside with memory stick and helmet which was connected to seat. Lance started reading letter and he gasped at what he read.

'Hello Lance Halo, my little halo of starlight. I'm your mother.

You must have at least thousand questions, most burning being why I left you. It is answer that I can't tell now no matter how much I wish it. There so much I wish to talk for you, but I can't do it in other way than face to face. If you come for me I'll tell everything, information of my location is in memory stick. But because I'm with my friend Miranda Lotto, information can only be opened by Orb's LEXI-supercomputer.

If you've started hearing thoughts and emotions due to your telepathic empathy abilities you can dampen it by listening music. That way your abilities only amplify your spatial awareness and sensing others.

This is mobile suit I built with you in mind. HALO-00 Trinity Gundam. It is now in six parts with its three special Stratos armors in order to deceive Neonians, but they shall assemble when you place my memento in keyhole. It's yours and you can fight with it, sell it or trash it, you decide. I just hope you use it for what you yourself believe to be right way. It doesn't matter if you don't know about mobile suit battle. It has AI-computer which can help your chances in start until you become true Gundam Ace I know you can be.

I only wish I could touch your face as you are pretty much only thing I've done right in my useless life.

Always loving you, Selene Halo.'

"Halo… That is my true surname. My name is Lance Halo."

Lance was shocked by what he read. It became hard to know what to believe in. "Mother. Do you truly love or is there some ulterior motive?" There was all the reason to believe that since you were not given mobile suit unless you were going to use that.

On the other hand her mother stated clearly that it was for him to decide. It could be for something else, but what did he know? Entire world had turned upside down after this invasion killed his best friend. Lance collapsed in the chair and started muttering things.

"What should I do? I've seen too much false information, corrupted news and biased propaganda that I don't care about those who say to be on righteous mission, but only care about that it's their faction who looks right and stands at the end. Like Durandal with his Destiny Plan. The Earth Forces cling to long lost past, even with all sweet talk PLANTs only want to replace them, so almost nothing would change under their rule and they do not care about this planet. Nobody knows what Neonians want and Orb doesn't know what to do and some are sticking their heads in sand, not caring about outside world unless it touches them directly…

I have always wanted to pilot my own Gundam, but in military you have to subdue to orders of those above and just hope what you do is right. I want to think for myself and not be puppet in strings. Not for some faction leader, not for some self-righteous commander or manipulative 'comrade'… Not even for my own family member."

Then answer came to him. "I can't decide right now, I know too little and what does it matter if someone placed some rail before me right now. I shall become mercenary with only coal to analyze this information out with LEXI-computer and find answers from mother. I've dreamed about meeting her too long to back off now when I'm so close. I decide when I know more and for mean time… I shall help my home country. I won't be savior like Kira Yamato, but I also won't be minion of madman like ZAFT during second war."

Lance then placed helmet on his head and his hand on a small panel in front of the linear seat. The panel seemed to analyze Lance's fingerprints and helmet was scanning his entire body, and bleeped. Clearly his mother had made extra precautions that only he could pilot this suit. Lance got seated as several control panels appeared along with manual controls. A holographic HUD surrounded Lance, with several holographic controls displayed as well in panoramic cockpit.

'I've been held back for too long…' he thought, 'now I shall make my own decisions and shoulder them alone. Mother, I am coming for you, I am… launching in battlefield!'

And with that thought, he grabbed crystal in his neck placing it in hole in the manual controls, and the panoramic view reactivated. The Trinity's sensors activated; its restraints broke down. All four containers opened up revealing torso, two legs, two hands and head surrounded by three different kinds of airplanes. Those were Stratos armors. All were covered in substance which made them look like boulders, but when systems activated stone started rubble away. Parts of Gundam rose in air and torso connected with legs, then hands and head. Azure and white of suit became clearer and Gundam hovered above its armors. On screen appeared these words:

MOBILE SUIT NEO OPERATION SYSTEM
/HALO – 00 TRINITY/
Generation
Unknown
Neuro-link
Drive
Assault
Mode
G.U.N.D.A.M. Synthesis Complex
Fallen Angels of Stars Young Warrior Custom

"Trinity Gundam, Lance Halo, Launch."

Trinity's eyes flashed as he soars in sky heading towards battlefield, three Stratos-armors right behind him.

X-In battlefield-X

In battlefield things heated up as energies in batteries started getting lower and pilots more anxious to lower numbers of their enemies. Impulse, Nothung, Paladin and Virus were locked in three way duel. Suddenly Virus wrapped its tentacle fingers in Nothung's and Paladin's legs and used their mass to fling himself on top of Impulse like octopus on prey crap.

"Shinn!" Athrun yelled after cutting tentacles holding his leg and charged towards Virus who blocked attack with his single beam saber. Then Virus punched Nothung in face sending red suit stumbling away so Virus could block Paladin.

"You know Celine, Shinn and Athrun…" Lux talked in minds of three pilots who could understand Neonians telepathically. "I actually was interested to know what is it to fight against you. But Miss Celine is only one who doesn't disappoint me badly. You are weaker than Kira Yamato and he was in that stupid idea of his that worlds can be changed without bloodshed during war. I beat him only using one DRAGOON-set, one burst, beam saber and my tentacles. You three I can beat with rifle, shield, saber and tentacles while I have to take in account my energy. He was in nuclear Gundam, but still…"

Shinn got angry in his trapped suit. "I'm weaker than him you say! I've beaten him when he piloted Freedom with my Impulse!"

"We have researched about your pasts so we know. You defeated him because he didn't shoot to kill, he was distracted by attack on Archangel, you had studied him with help of someone else and he was already tired from previous attacks. Impulse's true value is in how if enemy is not able to fire at cockpit it can keep rising even if enemy is better. It was suit designed to take down Kira Yamato. More proper name for Impulse would be Zombie Strike…"

That really angered Shinn, but Lux didn't listen to him as he fired at Athrun to keep him away while Virus was exchanging clashes with Paladin with beam saber on other hand.

"You Celine are by your vision of world best of three. You know what you fight for and who to fight. You could reach even higher if you released your Newtype-mutation side which you're suppressing for your ideal of not being different than other Naturals. Idealistic and your way won't bring better world, but your dedication is admirable.

And you Athrun are pathetic case who doesn't even know who he should he fight, with who and for what. You have abandoned your best friends and your love many times for persons who can say pretty words while not reading situations of others or sticking in anything. That is why you are unable to use your SEED right now. Preaching your sense of justice…"

"Shut up! I know that I have made tons of mistakes and sacrificed much. But what you are doing is only bringing more confusion on battlefield and making matters worse. I shall drive you away from this world and bring you justice from crimes you have committed! Justice will prevail!" After shouting that Athrun started charging at Virus with boost of one Dita and firing with other while using his skills to dodge purple beam shots.

"Justice? You say that you know what justice is? What your justice says then? The Earth Forces and we Neonians are evil? The ZAFT are justice? These labels have passed goddesses knows how many times."

To dodge shot from Nothung Virus and Paladin had to separate from each other's and that gave Virus time to flip upside down so he fully faces coming Nothung. At the same time Virus' bottom tentacles holding Impulse extended crashing Impulse in Paladin's chest sending Gundam stumbling in air. Virus fired beam rifle from close range at Nothung forcing it to block with shield. Then from single swipe of beam saber, laser rifle of Nothung was cut in half and shield was pulled away from machine sending rifle and shield falling at the ground.

"Those who have never known peace and those who never have known war… Their values are too different, but who can say whose values are wrong ones. Those who stand at the top can define right and wrong as they see fit. Right now we stand at neutral territory called war. Justice will prevail? Of course it does! Its winner who decides what is justice!"

Athrun was really frustrated how this single pilot was able to dominate battle against three best pilots in ZAFT and EA, but more frustrated he was from fact that in some way he agreed what he was saying. It was quite dark way to watch the world, but it didn't change how true it was.

"I won't accept your way of thinking!" said Athrun who crapped beam saber and separated one Dita-booster/cannon to use it as jousting lance and started duel with Virus. It ended when swipe from Virus' beam saber sent separated Dita to spinning in air above two Gundams, but also gave Athrun chance to cut tentacles still holding Impulse except one. Virus made a flip once again crashing Impulse on top of Nothung sending both suits crashing at one building in ground. At same movement Virus crapped Dita-lance it had sent flying moments ago.

"I shall return this for you."

Lux threw lance towards fallen mobile suits which embedded itself tip first on ground between Nothung's legs. Then Lux moved his suit to battle recovered Paladin who charged back in battle. Athrun and Shinn got company when Ootsukigata which Lunamaria had taken crashed near them. She had tried to reach Meyrin, but was intercepted by Jean's Duel Dragon Strike Gundam and shot from tail cannon sent her crashing in the ground.

X-X

"Damn it, this fine mess!" yelled one Orb-pilot who was still fighting with Murasame. Suddenly he noticed Abyss Buster Gundam above himself ready to kill him with his bayonet. Pilot had already accepted his fate when two lasers hit Gundam in boosters sending it towards the ground.

All battle seemed to halt when blue and white mobile suit appeared on scene and landed on ground near hangar three. Circling it three planes which could be identified as Stratos-armors. Everyone could see this suit was clearly Gundam-type.

"What the hell?" cried Arthur Bailey, in Abyss Buster's cockpit. "That machine… it looks like…!" He raised his rifle, about to fire on the newcomer that was closest of him when suddenly beam saber sprouted out of Gundam's palms and was swung through the air blindingly quick, cutting his rifle in half as Arthur leapt backwards.

"We shall be your opponents." said two stolen Astrays who activated beam shield emitters in their shields while closing in. The Trinity's fists started glowing as Lance activated Energizer Hands and punched at two shields. Energies in hands were developed to counter protective means like beam shields and Phase Shifts. Two shields shattered and this gave Lance chance to give two suits round-house kick.

Lux and Josnia raised their eyebrows as they become interested with this suit and wondered about that strange glowing fist. Lux also noted that pilot seemed unconsciously probing people's emotions. That should be impossible since there are no psychics amongst humans. On the ground, near Ootsukigata that had fallen from the hangar next to Nothung and Impulse, Shinn, Athrun and Lunamaria stared wide-eyed at the battle that had suddenly begun.

"What is that? Did Orb build more Gundams than we had informed?" demanded Athrun as the unidentified Gundam continued its battle with all non-Orb mobile suits. The Thunderbird fired its assault cannons, but the Gundam emitted beam shields from palms at lightnings' direction, deflecting them. The Abyss Buster leapt into the air, swinging its lance down on the Gundam, but a beam saber suddenly activated on its palm and swung at the Abyss Buster, which dropped one fin into place to defend, but the stolen Gundam was knocked away from its opponent regardless.

The unknown then descended at blinding speed, swinging its sword down on the Asura, which barely raised its two sabers in time to intercept. But, unbelievably, the Asura's assailant began to overpower the white Gundam, forcing it steadily back. Suddenly one hand went in fist and started glowing and was swung at Asura's chest sending it stumbling away from hangars.

"This is Lance Halo in the Trinity Gundam," came a male voice from the Gundam suddenly. "Orb forces I wish to fight with you." As though to emphasize this point, the Trinity's eyes suddenly flashed.

"Lance Halo? That student who performed amazingly well in simulators?" asked Marcus.

"Marcus? Good to hear about you. Could you take care about these three Stratos armors? There are some bugs in system and I can't equip those." Without hearing answer he controlled three planes to land near wreckage of ZAFT Mirage plane and joined in fray.

But it seemed the thieves were not ready to give up so easily. The Thunderbird suddenly attacked the Trinity from the side, cannons blazing, but the Gundam's palm shield intercepted each shot. The Trinity leapt forward, shifting from mobile armor to mobile suit mode, drawing a saber that was immediately brought down on the Trinity. Quick as lightning, though, the Gundam activated a beam saber and intercepted the beam saber with that.

That was when the Asura suddenly appeared behind it, swinging its beam sabers down on the Trinity. The pilot evidently saw the attack, because he suddenly fired thrusters and shot into the air. The Thunderbird and Asura, both struggling to overcome the Trinity, who had fresh battery, stumbled forward.

In the air, Lance shook his head in wonder as he evaded the attacks of his opponents who decided soon to attack each other's. They just stole those machines and they were fighting like this? While it was true that he was still able to overwhelm them, he knew that if it weren't for the fresh battery of the Trinity and guiding computer which kept sending information for Lance, he'd likely be unable to take more than two of them at a time.

As Marcus prepared his manual targeting module, he noticed the Wrath. "Oh look, it's our ZAFT friend." Marcus said, and so he hailed Lance. "Lance! The Wrath is out there, so be careful! It is armed with firepower equal to the Freedom!"

"Roger." answered Lance, "I actually wanted to clash swords and fists with that bastard and two others."

Lance started hovering towards the main service entrance, where the Wrath was waiting for the weaker stolen mobile suits to mow them down. "That mobile suit…" he said.

Lance aimed his palms at him. Christian quickly fired a blind shot with his rifle. Lance covered himself with his shield and proceeded to destroy other mobile suits that were approaching two of them.

X-X

Shiho in stolen Astray detected the explosions, and realized, to her despair, that more of his companions in stolen mass-produced suits were destroyed. She turned around and saw it, the ORB-Z103 Nibelung. She clenched her teeth; this wasn't going anyway as she had hoped. The sniping Gundam began to move out, and then fired its Laser Rifle at her position. She moved to dodge the shot, only to realize it wasn't intended for her, it was intended for the other stolen Astray. The Nibelung began to move again and tried to snipe more mobile suits.

"Nibelung, Marcus Flint, we will not allow this base to fall!" Marcus said. He sniped one more stolen Murasame, and the invading mobile suit force began to spread, only to be intercepted by others.

X-X

Despite being powerful, Christian's suit was unfit for prolonged combat. The cannons were particularly troublesome, as he had to constantly to recharge them as they needed too much energy.

EA's Murasame that had crashed into a building was firing its rifle at Christian. Another one behind him drew its beam saber and charged at her. It tried to slash him, but Christian evaded the hit. "Get off my tail!" he shouted, "Damn it!" he countered with his own beam saber, and they both clashed, while the fallen Murasame continued to fire its beam rifle at him. Another Murasame charged at him, but he skillfully deployed one of his sabers and stopped it, while graciously cutting the other troublesome Murasame in half. However, all of these maneuvers were too difficult, even for him. "So annoying!" he exclaimed as he turned to deal with the camping Murasame in the ground. The Murasame kept firing, but he difficultly evaded every shot. He then called upon his cannons and aimed towards the Murasame. "This'll shut you up!" he said, and fired then in unison. The Murasame had been eliminated and it exploded.

Lance and Marcus watched this in horror. "This has gone too far…" said Marcus, "Lance! Can you hear me? Hold that Wrath off! I'll keep fending off this spot, but you have to prevent him causing more damage."

"Roger!" said Lance, happy to fight against Wrath and he charged at it.

As Christian caught some breath, he detected the Trinity charging at him. He drew his saber and began an all-out aggressive against it. Lance deployed his sabers from palms and blocked his attacks. Christian started screaming in what appeared to be rage, and deployed his cannons against Trinity. Lance pushed him away and evaded most shots, with a few shots. Despite this, Lance knew that against laser weapons his armor could only endure a few hits.

The Trinity then propelled itself and clashed with the Wrath in beam saber combat. Christian used his cannons to push the Trinity away, and tried to use keep up pressure by trying to use targeting system and firing full burst; however, Lance again dodged his attacks.

"You damn annoying thing!" he shouted in rage. However, he managed to restrain from losing it and simply withdrew his cannons and focused on close combat.

They continued to duel, with each blow, each slash and each attack seeming almost eternal to them both. Lance withdrew his sabers and started firing his lasers, but Christian used his shield to block his shots. Lance then drew one of his Sabers and charged at Christian. He started suppressive fire with his cannons, forcing him to stop his charge towards Christian and block them with his shield and evade them, giving him time to charge at his enemy. Lance then used his lasers to shoot down one cannon, and then charged towards him. Their blades clashed and released huge amounts of energy.

Christian started to feel intense rage. "You bastard!" he shouted, directing his remaining cannons towards the azure mobile suit. Lance charged at Wrath, slashing with his beam sabers; however, the stolen mobile suit blocked his blow with its right saber.

Lance, inside the white mobile suit, had heard Christian speaking and was shocked when he recognized him.

"Christian Canard!" he shouted, "Is that you, you bastard!"

Chris heard him and was equally surprised. "Orphan-boy Lance Inuzi! How can you be in Gundam and fight like this!?"

Christian managed to push Trinity back and get clean shot at him; however, the Gundam matched its speed and attacked him again, cutting an in chest little. Christian tried to use two more cannons and two rifles, but the Trinity was able to block him.

"That reaction time is amazing. What kind of response system and pilot this thing has?" he asked himself, shocked.

Lance became nervous and started to sweat. "Christian is good…" he muttered, "I would've already lost if not the computer!"

(Play ending song Reason by Nami Tamaki)

Suddenly large red lasers started raining down on battlefield stopping the battles. Everyone stopped and looked up. There was a massive shadow flying behind mountain and it was escorted by three mobile suits. They all watched as massive silver and purple futuristic warship flew towards the base.

Today four significant battleships from four different factions had headed towards Azores. One was forgotten in chaos and it reached its allies first.

Pirate-ship of the Orb, the Horizon, had arrived in scene.

To be continued

(1) Pilot suits used in Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse.

(2) Same kind of mask that Zeheart from Gundam Age uses.

Author notes:

Sorry it took so long. I had some problems with peanut gallery AKA interactions between people. Also I'm lazy writer with other interests than my stories.

I've noticed certain pattern in mobile suit designs of different seasons of same series. Gundam of first season hero's (Kira's) is first plain one with no special things (Strike and Freedom) and in final fight antagonist starts using mobile suit with remote controlled objects. In second season starts rise of transforming mobile suits (ZAFT's Gundams) or some system related to planes (Impulse's flyers) while mass-produced machines are created from first seasons plain ones. Finally in third and final season transforming frames are mass-produced and main characters start using mobile suits with remote controlled objects or some other weird system to become memorable. I follow that pattern with Stratos-armors which I got idea from Infinite Stratos anime.

I created Celine and Lux how they could be like how Kira is For Three Ship Alliance, Shinn for ZAFT and Lance for Orb in future. These five are mirror-images of their respective militaries.

After this I spend rest of summer with my most popular story Demonking of Konoha. So don't wait updates for many months. In next chapter of SEED Stars Marcus and Flint join in Horizon and ship and its crew are introduced. Also they shall face terror of equipment-teleportation tactics of Neonians, with Trinity's Stratos-armors as their trump card.

Please read and review and look at my profile. I shall answer in your questions.

You can make your own varieties from my stories if you tell what you take, for what and what kind of stories those are.