Yo everybody! Got another chapter for you all. But before that begins, I have one thing to take care of first. I'm still struggling to come up with names for those two Destiny MS and few people have pointed out that I use names based off of what they can do. But I still can't quite come up with names for them yet. So I figured that I so reveal the suits and see if anyone can help me with it.
"Start another war? Of course we are! We exist only to fight in wars and kill people like you, Coordinator! Like all soldiers do! If you're too weak to understand that than you don't belong in that machine!" Classified
Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-X44S Name Classified
Unit Type: Prototype commander type mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Special Equipment: Variable Phase Shift Armor, Deuterion Beam Energy Supply System
Armaments: 4x MMI-GAU1717 12.5 mm CIWS, 2x 'Cerebus' beam revolver with bayonette, stored on hip holders, 1x MMI-558 'Tempest' beam sword, stored on the inside of the shield, 1x MA-BAR834 beam sniper rifle, stored on the back of the waist, 2x MMI-M826 'Hydra' Gatling beam cannon, mounted on flight pack, 1x shield, mounted on the left arm, 2x grapplers, capable of producing electrical shocks, mounted within forearms
Pilot: Classified
Appearance: resembles the Sandrock Gundam of Gundam Wing (Anime Version) but with the GOUF Ignited's flight pack and the Gatling guns.
Color: the same as the Sandrock but with black trim on the shoulders instead of white and black shins. And minus that green circle on the chest or whatever it is.
Info: This particular mobile suit incorporates a number of technologies that would later be used in the GOUF series. Including the integrated flight pack and the Tempest beam sword. The grapplers of the MS possess a longer range than GOUF's heat rods and have a more powerful electrical shock, capable of temporarily disabling an enemy MS. However, it lacks the ability to be used effectively as a whip like the GOUF's heat rods and is more of a tool than weapon. While it lacks the transforming capabilities of the Gaia, Abyss and Chaos and the Silhouette system of Impulse, it is never the less, a powerful MS at both long and close range combat. Especially in the hands of skilled pilot.
The next MS, I'm still playing around with. But since it won't appear until the appearance of the Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice, that does matter all that much. Basically, appearance wise, it'll be Epyon of Gundam Wing but with elements of the Strike Freedom incorporated into it. But I'm still playing with most of the weapons, so I'm not revealing them yet simply because I'm not sure the weapons I have for it will remain on the final version. Of course, I've also had some bizarre weapon ideas as well as ideas that just seem too impossible to use. Like a multi-phase beam cannon mounted in the head of the MS, similar to the Raider's beam cannon. I'm also thinking of incorporating elements of the Druggies' weapons into the MS like the plasma induction cannon from the Forbidden. (I love the curving beams of that weapon.) But there are two weapons that I knew from the start that I was going to have and I'll list those. Oh, and the classified in the Special Equipment, there's a good reason for that.
"Much of what I have done is unforgivable. But with this I can at least atone for some of my sins. And bring those responsible for all this to justice." Classified
Mobile Suit Serial Number: ZGMF-X21A Name Classified
Unit Type: Prototype assault mobile suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact hyper Deuterion nuclear reactor
Special Equipment: Variable Phase Shift Armor, Neutron Jammer Canceler, Classified
Confirmed Armaments: 1x 'Excalibur' beam saber, stored on the back of waist, 1x shield mounted on left arm, 1x 'Hellfire Whip' heat rod, retractable, mounted on shield
Pilot: Classified
Info: The third nuclear MS built by Terminal during the Second Bloody Valentine war. A special feature of the beam saber is the ability for the pilot to adjust the length and width of the blade. This can be especially deadly in the middle of a sword duel with another MS, as the pilot could alter the saber's dimensions in the middle of the fight, catching his opponents off guard. The heat rod differs from the GOUF's, in that it cannot generate electrical shocks. Instead, it has two separate states. It's 'cold' state, where it is an effective whip, and it's 'hot' state, where energy flows through the whip, causing it to glow a reddish-orange, hence the name. Instead of wrapping around things, it cuts through them like a sword in this state.
Disclaimer: I don't own Saya Hawke or the Massacre Gundam. Those belong to GundamGirlie456 and SOLDIER-MS respectively.
Phase Eighteen: Gathering Darkness
JOSH-A
The Next Morning
"The Archangel. I never thought it would make it here." Colonel Moore said as they watched the video feed of the Archangel entering JOSH-A.
"You think maybe Halberton's force of will protected it?" Vice Admiral Michaels jokingly said.
"Those young Coordinators were the ones who really protected it."
"Captain Sutherland, don't be so sure of that. Luckily, the destruction of the Strike and the declaration of it's pilot as MIA, can be considered a fortunate accident for us." Captain Oswald said. "A shame the same fate couldn't have befallen the Raven and it's pilot."
"The GAT series is going to be our main weapon. We're going to get a lot of use out of them in the future. And we don't want people saying they were operated by Coordinator children." Sutherland said.
"You're right about that." Moore said.
Michaels hit the table with his fists. "It just seems like glaring evidence of our own inferiority!"
Sutherland pushed a button on his console. The screen displayed the schematics of the GAT-X131 Calamity, the GAT-X151 Massacre, the GAT-X252 Forbidden, and the GAT-X370 Raider. "All of the Strike's and the Raven's technology has already been transferred and furthered developed. And this time, it's we who will benefit from it."
"What have you told Azreal?" Oswald asked.
"I told him that we'd take all the necessary steps to address these problems. This was all an unfortunate situation. Just like what is going to happen here. All of this is for the preservation of our blue and pure world."
A Small Town
Outside the Carpentaria Base
"I understand that it's warming up in Alaska."
"Indeed. But it's only going to get hotter." the man replied.
He shrugged. "How's Josh?"
"He's good. He's almost finished moving. And that reminds me. Mr. Angel gave me something to give to you." the man said, reaching into his pocket and handing him a disk.
"Thank you." Zane said with a grin as he took the disk. "I'm sure that this will be quite helpful.
Aprilius One
"Obani's Compromise Plan? What's the point in bringing something like this to the table now?" Patrick Zala, the newly elected PLANT Supreme Council Chairman said. "Operation Spitbreak will proceed as planned."
"I'm certainly not saying that we accept it as is. But if we proceed with the Operation, there is no doubt that we will stuff casualties if we go into battle." Seigal said. "We have a chance to avoid that. Shouldn't we at least make the attempt?"
"You raise a valid point, but you can't expect us to agree to these ridiculous demands." Ezalia Joule said. "They're acting like they've won the war."
"Never the less. We can us this to call for a temporary ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. It would give the men and women actually fighting this war a chance to rest." Ian Kessel said. "And it could actually end the war peacefully. We owe to everyone that's fighting in war, their families and those that have been lost, on both sides, to try."
Many in the Council were still surprised by Ian's steadfast determination. His son had been declared missing in action, likely dead. And yet unlike Tad Elsman, whose son was also missing, and Yuri Amalfi, whose son had been killed, who had slipped into the background of the Council, Ian was still just as strong and as determined as he was before. Much to annoyance of Patrick Zala.
"This is only their crude way of buying time." Jeremy Maxwell said.
"Of course. They know we're going to launch a massive operation soon. But truthfully, it's unlikely that they could fortify Panama any further without dangerously weakening other important bases. And I don't think Operation Spitbreak will be a success in the long run." Ian said. "I've been looking at the numbers and estimates for the Operation and well as the latest troop estimates at Panama. And frankly, this Operation could be damaging for us in the long run."
"It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that the best target for us to hit is Panama. The loss of Panama would cripple their space forces. But the number of troops at Panama will guarantee at least loss of a forty to forty-five percent of our forces. Our holdings on Earth will be critically weakened afterwards and the Earth Forces could likely take back much of what we've gained." Ian said. "Unless...You've got a hidden ace up your sleeve Zala. Something that you've kept hidden from us."
Patrick Zala scowled. The bastard was trying to ruin everything! If he revealed Operation Spitbreak's true target, Clyne's supporters would try to stop it because they never voted on an attack on JOSH-A. The weak fools didn't realize anything! Hacking off the limbs of beast will only weaken it. You have to cut off the head of the beast to kill it.
Worse, the more they delayed, the greater the chance that the Earth Forces may get wind of his plan. Ruining everything.
"No. I have not kept anything important from the Council." he calmly said. "You are underestimating our forces and overestimating the strength of the Earth Forces. Operation Spitbreak will be a major success and help bring a quick end to the war. And there is no reason to consider Obani's proposal at this point. Operation Spitbreak will go ahead as planned."
"Arrogance in war, only leads to disaster. You might wish to remember that Zala." Kessel said. "For if Spitbreak fails, it will those fighting this war that will suffer for it. Not us."
The Office of Ian Kessel
An Hour and a Half Later
Ian sighed as he sat down at his desk, letting his fatigue show. He glanced at the framed pictures on his desk. Pictures of his wife and children. His eyes lingering on a picture of his son.
Missing, presumed dead. That's what they had listed him as.
He never should have pushed him as hard as he did. He wished he had told Saul how proud he had been of him.
BEEP BEEP
He sighed as his mask returned. "Yes?"
"Sorry to bother you sir. But we just receiving a communication from Commander Kessel. Shall I patch it through?"
"Yes. And make sure that it's completely secure."
Diana's face appeared on the screen in his desk. "Father." she said with nod. "Has there been any word?"
"No. They haven't found any trace of him."
There was a slight frown on her face. Most people won't have noticed it. But he knew his daughter. She was a woman skilled at keeping her emotions from showing. That frown spoke volumes on how she was feeling.
"I see. What about Operation Spitbreak?"
"It's still on. What do you think of Zala's plan? I know he's asked for the 11th Fleet to be with the first assault wave."
"It's risky. Zala thinks that Earth Forces can't possibly beat us. His arrogance and false sense of invincibility will get good men and women killed." she said. "And Ajay has a bad feeling about the Operation."
"And you trust his gut?"
"After Endymion, there's not a single person in the Fleet that would doubt his gut."
Ian chuckled. "Trusting someone's feelings over logic? That's not like you."
"Don't ask me how, but somehow, he is able to tell when something bad is going to happen." Diana said. "None of us doubt his sixth sense for danger."
"That reminds of paper I read some time ago about a theory of the next step of human evolution."
"You mean the SEED Factor?"
"No. It was from the same two doctors. But this was their last paper a few years ago, before they died. It was of a separate phenomenon. They claimed that people could possess unusual mental abilities. Among them, a sixth sense for these kind of things." Ian said. "They even claimed, that while 0.001 percent of the human population were born with these abilities, estimated one percent could develop these abilities given the right circumstances. And that those numbers were rising with each generation. They claimed these people were latest step in humanity's evolution towards becoming a new type of being and weren't dependent on being Coordinator or Natural. In fact, they dubbed those people Newtypes."
"Interesting. I'll have to take look at that." Diana said.
"Indeed. But we're getting off topic. If you fear the Operation, what will you do?"
"I think we'll be delayed due to mechanical problems. It happens from time to time with all the upgrades we give to our mobile suits and ships." Diana said. "We'll probably have to call the Junk Guild for some assistance."
"For the life of me, I'll never understand how Alaric managed to create that private arrangement you have with them."
"He promised them access to any new ZAFT technology he got his hands on."
"Speaking of new technology. Our new Chairman has revealed our newest, greatest weapons. New mobile suits using technology obtained from the stolen Earth Forces' mobile suits. And they're nuclear powered."
"Your joking."
"No. Zala's come up with N-Jammer Cancelers."
"What is that fool thinking?!"
"He doesn't care. So long as all the Naturals die." Ian said with a sigh. "Someone has to stop him."
"You're planning something, aren't you?"
"Not just me. Clyne and many others that feel that Zala is leading ZAFT down a road that we must not take..."
Carpentaria Base
Athrun stared out the window as ZAFT crews were rushing to prepare for Operation Spitbreak. A few hours after waking up in the Orb vessel, he been transferred to a ZAFT vessel and taken back to Carpentaria. Where he was currently recovering.
"It's Le Creuset. I'm coming in."
The door opened and Commander Le Creuset entered. Athrun straitened up and moved to salute his commanding officer "You're still injured. Don't even think of getting up." Creuset said.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir." Athrun quietly said.
"Nonsense. You were splendid. I heard about everything."
"Splendid?"
As far as Athrun was concerned, there was nothing splendid about what he had done.
"I should be the one apologizing for not getting you help sooner. The sacrifices made were significant. But I'm afraid they couldn't be helped." Creuset said. "It's a testament to how formidable your friend really was."
A fresh wave of guilt hit Athrun.
"I know it's been a difficult series of battles for you. Miguel, Nicol, Commander Waltfeld, Commander Morassim. They, and many others, have lost their lives to him. Since you are the one to defeat him, your skills are highly valued by the homeland. The decision has been made to honor you with the Order of the Nebula."
Athrun didn't deserve a medal as far as he was concerned.
"Also, much to my regret, you've been transferred to the Special Forces reporting directly to the National Defense Committee."
Athrun looked up at his Commander. "Transferred? But Commander-"
"You're a top gun now, Athrun. You are to be the pilot of our latest mobile suit. You've been instructed to return to the homeland and receive the new mobile suit."
"But sir! This is too much. I-"
"Your father is now the Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council. But you already knew that."
"Yes."
"Chairman Zala has been pushing for a quick end to this war." Creuset said, putting his hand on Athrun's shoulder. "Personally, I would like nothing more than for this war to end. For that reason, I want you to do what ever you can to bring this war to a quick end."
"I understand sir." Athrun said. "But there's something else."
"Yes?"
"When I was on the Orb vessel, they said that they recovered the remains of the Blitz, but they didn't find any sign of his body. Nicol could still be alive."
"I see. But that isn't enough to change his status to MIA."
"But Commander! What if he's still alive?!"
"And what if he isn't? His family is still grieving over his loss. If you gave them that hope, only to later take it from them. The pain they feel now will pale compared to that pain. Do you really want them to feel that?"
JOSH-A
The Next Day
Murrue, Nartarle, the rest of the senior bridge crew, Chief Murdoch, Mu and Chris all sat in a group of chairs in the center of the room. They were waiting for the officer in charge of the hearing on everything that had happened since Heliopolis. A trio of officers entered the room. Everyone stood up and saluted. The officers returned the salute. "I am Captain William Sutherland of the General Staff. I've been put in charge of all instructions and deliberations regrading the Eight Fleet's Archangel." the officer said as he took his seat. "Please be seated."
"We've already retrieved the logs from the NavComm and are analyzing them as we speak. I must say Captain Ramius, your vessel's combat record is impressive. And now I like you to give us a detailed report and testimony on the preceding events. This hearing is being run according to the military regulations for a court marshal. And in keeping with procedure, anything said here will be entered into the records. I trust you will all tell the truth."
Aboard the Cousteau
Docked at Carpentaria
Two Hours Later
Both Zane and Yzak left their quarters, heading for the briefing room. Commander Le Creuset was going to brief them on Opertaion Spitbreak before the Cousteau left Carpentaria. They rounded a corner, coming face to face with a violet haired girl in a red ZAFT carrying a travel bag. Upon seeing them, the girl dropped her bag. "Sirs!" the girl said, saluting them. "Saya Hawke, reporting for duty, sirs!"
Yzak and Zane returned the salute, but both had the same thought running through their heads. 'Rookie.'
"So your one of the replacement pilots." Yzak said. "Where's the others?"
"Sir?"
"The other replacement pilots. And stop calling us sir. We're all the same rank here, Rookie."
"I'm the only one, sir-er...Yzak. I've been assigned to replace Nicol Amalfi." Saya said.
"What?! There's only two of us left and HQ assigns us only one replacement pilot!" Yzak said.
"This is your first assignment, isn't it?" Zane said.
"Yes sir." Saya replied. "But don't worry. I was in the top of my class."
"That's as obvious as the red coat you're wearing." Zane said.
"What the hell is HQ thinking?!" a very annoyed Yzak said. "Sending us only one replacement, whose as green as they get! And on the eve of a major operation too!"
"Sorry."
Yzak sighed. "You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault you're here." Yzak said. "Do you at least have a decent machine?"
"I've been assigned a DINN."
"Then get your stuff stowed away. We have a briefing with the Commander in fifteen minutes." Yzak said.
Right away sir. Just one question."
"What?"
"Which way to the pilot quarters?" Saya asked with an embarrassed grin on her face.
Yzak slapped his forehead while Zane seemed to struggle to keep a straight face. "How did you ever become a pilot, much less a Red Coat?" Yzak said.
"Actually, I'm quite skilled in the cockpit of a mobile suit." Saya said. "In fact, I broke several records at the Academy. Including your record on the final exam."
"Well, than you're not completely-Wait! What?! You beat my record?!"
"Yes sir. By five seconds."
Yzak opened his mouth like he was going to say something. But Zane cleared his throat, interrupting him. "The quarters are down the hall. Take the first right and you're there." he said. "The briefing is in the Main Briefing Room, near the bridge. Do you know where that is?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. We'll see you there."
JOSH-A
To Chris, the whole hearing was a joke. They were blaming Captain Ramius and Admiral Halburton for what happened to Heliopolis, the destruction of the 8th Fleet and just about anything else they could tie them to. But the vast majority of the blame was being thrown on both Kira and himself. Because they were Coordinators and the pilots of the mobile suits. Sutherland was manipulating the facts and in some cases, ignoring the facts, all to shift the blame for the destruction of Heliopolis, Artemis and the Eighth Fleet as a result of their being Coordinators. Hell, there was no doubt in Chris's mind that if he could, he would have blamed the two of them for the entire war if he could.
"And now for the final part. We have a number of question that we would like to ask Ensign Dante." Captain Sutherland said.
Chris stood up, as ready as he could be for whatever they could throw at him. "Sir."
"You were a civilian living in Heliopolis, correct?"
"Yes sir."
"But tell me, where did you live before that?"
"Chris scowled. "Junius Seven."
"So not only are you a Coordinator, but you also lived in the PLANTs. Whom we are currently at war with. And not only that, you're from the very PLANT that was destroyed by a group of radical Natural terrorists and started this war." Sutherland said. "Tell me, your record doesn't say where your parents are. I was wondering if you could shed some light on this matter."
"They're dead sir." Chris said, barely keeping himself from yelling.
Sutherland was lying about not knowing his parents' fate. He knew it. Everyone from the Archangel knew it. Hell, chances were that everyone in the room knew it.
"And how did they die?"
"The Bloody Valentine Tragedy."
"I see." Sutherland said. "And you and your sister were sent to live with your aunt and uncle at Heliopolis before it happened. Who just so happened to work a Morgenroete. And as it turns out, worked on G-Project. That's quite a coincidence."
"I don't understand what you're getting at sir." Chris said.
"Someone had to have tipped off ZAFT about the Archangel and the mobile suits being built there."
"And you suggesting that my sister and I are ZAFT spies?"
"Not at all. Though you do bring up an interesting point." Sutherland said, a slight smirk on his lips. "Unlike Ensign Yamato, who had never set foot in the PLANTs, you two grew up there. And your parents and home were destroyed by Natural terrorists. Most people would have a grudge against Naturals for that kind of thing. They would likely seek vengeance against those that were responsible and against the Earth Alliance for failing to stop such an attack from happening right underneath their noses. Perhaps they'd seek out secret information to give ZAFT as vengeance for what happened to them."
"I didn't do any of that!" an angry Chris said.
"Who ever said you did?" Sutherland said. "I was merely speculating on how ZAFT could have found out about Heliopolis. Now, moving on. The incident in the Debris Belt with Miss Lacus Clyne. According to the records, you, along with, at the time, acting Ensign Yamato, acting Crewmen Argyle, Haw, and Dante released Miss Clyne from her cell. And then you personally brought her to the ZAFT Fleet pursing the Archangel at the time. Why did you feel the need to disobey orders and endanger the ship by taking her to the ZAFT Fleet?"
"Because it was wrong for us to use her as a hostage." Chris said. "And given the choice, I would have done it again without hesitation. Do you plan to punish me for that incident sir?"
"No. Captain Ramius decision was the correct one. You were not an official soldier at the time, so we cannot punish you for that." Sutherland said. "However, this all goes to further show your the uncertainly of your loyalties. I can't help but wonder which side you'll ultimately side with. With the Earth Alliance or with your homeland."
"I have never done anything to betray the Archangel or it's crew!" Chris said, barely keeping his voice under the level of a shout.
"At the moment, yes. But who can tell what the future will bring." Sutherland said. "How do we know that you won't have a change of heart in the middle of a battle and betray us?"
"Why don't you just say it?! You think I'm a ZAFT spy!"
"I wouldn't go that far." Sutherland said. "But there is a distinct possibility that you could be a spy."
"Finally, there is the incident with the shuttle of Heliopolis civilians that was destroyed alongside the 8th Fleet." Sutherland said. "The logs aren't clear as to what happened, other then the Raven and a GINN were fighting near it, when it was destroyed."
"Are you accusing me of that too?!!" Chris shouted. "I tried to protect the shuttle from the GINN!!"
"No. You miss understood me. I wasn't accusing you of destroying the shuttle." Sutherland said. "While we don't know what destroyed the shuttle, we do know that you didn't fire a single shot until after it was destroyed. I was curious about why you didn't fire on the GINN before the shuttle was destroyed. You claimed to be protecting the shuttle. But if that were true, then why didn't you fire at the GINN?"
Everyone was staring at him now. Including the crew of the Archangel. Chris knew they were all probably thinking the same thing. 'Why didn't he fire at the GINN?'
He wasn't even sure what to say. If he told them the truth, Sutherland would probably throw the book at him. And probably claim that it was proof that he was spy or something like that. So his only option was to lie. "I was afraid to fire."
"Afraid to fire? You mean to say that you were afraid to fire on one of your own. Then how can we trust that this won't happen again."
"Actually sir. I was afraid to fire with the shuttle so close to us. I feared that if I missed, the shuttle would have been hit and destroyed." he said. "Are you saying sir, that I should have fired when a civilian craft was in danger of being hit by a missed shot."
"No. Of course not. But I'm surprised that with your improved abilities, that you won't be able to hit him."
"I'm good. But I'm not that good." he replied. "Coordinators aren't all powerful like that."
The Cousteau
Zane, Yzak and Saya sat in the front row of the briefing room, along with a group of regular ZAFT pilots. Commander Le Creuset entered the room. All the pilots stood up and saluted. Creuset returned the salute. "At ease." he said.
The pilots all took their seats as Creuset walked in front of the group.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Operation Spitbreak." Rau said as the screen behind him displayed a map of the Operation. "Chairman Zala's plan to cripple the Earth Forces and hopefully, bring a quick end to the war, by attacking their last Mass Driver. Now the first wave will consist of a massive drop of mobile suits from space as well as large deployment of aquatic mobile suits. These units will disrupt their naval forces and coastal gun emplacements for the second wave."
"That is where we come in. The second wave will consist of an airborne attack from sub carriers as well the deployment of landers carrying BuCUEs and ZuOOTs and the another mobile suit detachment from space. Our job will be aid in clearing paths for the ground mobile suits and ultimately, delivering the killing blow to the Panama base."
"Now, since Zane and Yzak are two most experienced pilots here, I'm dividing you all into two groups. One under Zane's command and the other under Yzak's. Miss Hawke, you will be Yzak's second. Stick close to him and follow his orders."
"Yes sir." Saya said.
Rau Le Creuset's Quarters
A Short While Later
"Azreal has come through for you." Zane said, pulling out the disk. "A clear route through JOSH-A's defenses and the access codes. I still don't see why you need to go."
Rau smiled and took the disk. "It's quite simple." he said. "To ensure that the Earth Forces' top brass, do not have a change of heart at the last minute. The Cyclops System must be activated. At the moment, most ZAFT soldiers don't particularly hate Naturals. But after JOSH-A, that will change. For both sides."
"And of course, the 11th Fleet will be right in center of that." Rau added.
"You convinced Zala to have them assigned to the Operation?" Zane asked.
"Yes. That was a difficult thing to do. He didn't want them to get too much glory for the Operation's success. But I convinced him to have the Fleet assigned to the first wave, so they suffer the most casualties possible. Including the possibility of Commander Kessel dying." Rau replied. "He was particularly pleased with that possibility. It seems Kessel hasn't stopped battling Zala in the Council. And Zala hopes that the death of Kessel's remaining child will destroy the man."
"If it wasn't for the fact that the Operation was going to fail, he'd be pleased that the 11th Fleet is going to be wiped out." Zane said.
JOSH-A
An Half Hour Later
"This concludes our hearing. Thank you all for your patience in answering our questions. We'll be in touch with you concerning the Archangel's next assignment." Sutherland said, sitting up. "Expect for Commander La Flaga, Lieutenant Badgiruel and Crewman Allster. All other crew members will continue to stay on standby aboard the Archangel."
Mu asked the question that was on everyone's minds. "Sir. What about us?"
"Orders are to have you three transferred." Sutherland replied. "Report to the Personal Office at 0800 sharp."
"Sir. Why is Crewman Allster being transferred?" Natarle asked.
"You heard her words when she join the military." Sutherland said. "Seeing how she's a member of the Allster family, I'm sure those words with touch the hearts of many people. As well as her motives for joining the military. Her contributions don't necessarily have to be on the frontline."
Carpentaria
Athrun placed Nicol's music sheets into his suitcase and then closed it. He walked out of the room, heading for his waiting craft. He stepped into the hallway. Yzak was waiting there for him.
Athrun smiled and nodded at his friend. "Don't worry. My turn will come." Yzak said. "Though how could they pick someone like you for the Special Forces?"
Athrun set down his suitcase and extended his uninjured hand. "Sorry about how things turn out. Thanks for your help."
The two shook hands. "Goodbye." Athrun said before heading down the hall.
"Next time, I'll be the one in charge. Don't get killed until then, okay?" Yzak said as he left.
Athrun turned his head back. "You got it Yzak."
The Archangel
Chris walked into the mess hall. Flay was there, eating her dinner. She looked up and smiled. "Hi. How was it?"
"Awful. The guy running the show was jackass. Kept blaming us for what happened. Especially Kira and me."
"That's terrible. The two of you did everything you could to protect everyone." she said.
Chris sighed. "They don't care. All they see is that we're Coordinators and nothing else." he said. "There's something I need to tell you in private."
A few minutes later, they entered his quarters. "What is it?" Flay asked.
"You're being reassigned." Chris replied as he sat down on his bed.
"What? Why?"
"Sounds like they want to use you and what happened to you for propaganda." Chris said. "You're suppose to report to the Personal Office at eight tomorrow morning."
"That soon?"
"Yeah." he said with a sigh. "Tolle's dead, Kira's missing and now you're being reassigned. I honestly don't know what's going to happen next."
Suddenly, Flay's lips met his own. He returned the kiss, falling backwards onto the bed, Flay landing on top of him.
And I'll end it here before I have to raise the rating on this story.
Now, I didn't do any of the scenes of with Kira and Lacus, I'm saving that for the next chapter. Along with the beginning of Spitbreak.
I particularly enjoyed doing the scene between Chris and Captain Sutherland. The whole idea of this came to mind a long, long time ago, when I first watched SEED and I wondered how it would have been if Kira had been there. Given the way Sutherland treated the Archangel's crew and his ties to Blue Cosmos, he would have viciously torn into Kira. And I used that as the base for that scene. I actually had thought of switching Kira and Chris out in that final battle before Alaska. But the scenes with Kira and Lacus in PLANTs, are among the most important scenes for Kira's character development. And I didn't want the Raven to replace the Strike in that situation. Which meant that the only way was for the two to switch machines or something like that. And really didn't like that. I had also thought of having both Kira and Chris go MIA in that battle, be taken to the PLANTs and get new machines. And that was what I was initially leaning towards. But I changed that for something I that found much, much better.
As always, review!