Disclaimer: As I said at the end of the last chapter don't expect this one to be anywhere near the same length. You might see Zero go into action along with the Freedom but not to help the Archangel escape from Alaska, or not. I'll give you a little hint about something, Natarle stole two things from Zero while Heero was onboard the Archangel. Please enjoy chapter 15.
"Speech"
'Thought,'
"Communications"
Freedom, Justice and Wing-Zero.
Regular POV.
Plants.
Lacus' House.
11:30 am The Next Day.
Lacus' punishment for yesterday was wearing a pink nightie to bed instead of nothing, she said it was because of Kira but Heero could tell she was still very made about him not waking her up to tell her where he was going. She even pushed him out of the room when she went to chance practically ordering him to make breakfast, the weird part was he actually enjoyed being shoved around. She wouldn't even give him a single kiss. The only good thing about yesterday was that Heero was placed as a member of the Faith Special Forces just like Zala had authorised, or rather was persuaded to authorise.
"I'm surprised she didn't make you sleep on the couch last night," Kira said standing beside Heero who was leaning against the stone railing overlooking the Plant ocean.
"She can be mean when she wants but she's not cruel and I have no trouble admitting it was my fault to being with, but I will protect what is precious to me. I just wish I could show Lacus how much I really love her, I'd even get on my knees and grovel at her feet if it helped," Heero replied looking down at the water, watching the fish swim by.
"You don't have to grovel Heero but if you want to do something I'd like you to catch a fish for lunch," Lacus requested wearing a light pink knee length skirt and lavender spaghetti strap shirt.
"If you'll excuse me then," Heero said vaulting over the railing and into the water scaring Lacus and Kira.
Smack!
"Did he just do a belly flop?" Lacus asked watching as Heero slowly sank beneath the surface.
"Looks like it," Kira answered having a strange feeling Heero was fine. "You're not still mad at him are you? Because I don't mind if you stick to your normal routine even if I'm around,"
"No I'm not mad at him anymore and I'll tell him when he gets back. But my normal routine with him is me dressed, half dressed or completely naked," she outlined playing with a few stray locks of hair.
"The night before Athrun and I tried to kill each other Shinobu told me she didn't have a problem with me looking at other naked women or not as long as I still loved her. So don't worry about it Lacus, dress however you want. Shinobu hardly wears anything when we're alone anyway," Kira replied spotting something thrashing below the surface. "Looks like Heero's caught something,"
True enough Kira and Lacus watched as Heero broke the surface holding a fish big enough for four people in his arms with the tail end slapping him in the face trying to get him to let go. Half an hour later the troublesome fish has been cleaned, scaled and now sat cooking on a barbecue by Heero marinated in a lemon and basil sauce with Lacus making the salad and Kira chatting with Shinobu on Heero's laptop through a secure channel between Zero and the Buster on the Archangel.
"You aren't too badly hurt are you?" Shinobu asked dressed in her overalls with the zipper undone past her belly button showing off the fact that she wasn't wearing a bra.
"That's the thing about coordinators, our bodies heal a lot quicker than naturals so I'll be back to normal in a few days, I just wish it were sooner. Lacus has been feeding me like a baby," Kira whined earning a giggle from both girls. "It's not funny Shinobu,"
"It is from this end, I just wish we found you so I could be the one feeding you like a baby. But all joking aside I think the Earth Forces are glad you're not here, I hacked into their security feeds and saw a video feed from when we arrived at the Alaska base. It seems you embarrassed them by piloting the Strike against ZAFT and there was a hearing involving the senior staff. The higher ups were practically accusing Murrue and the others of the destruction of Heliopolis, Artemis and the Eighth fleet because they let you in the cockpit. They also mentioned this guy called Azrael who just so happens to be the current leader of Blue Cosmos," Shinobu explained not knowing Heero and Lacus could hear the conversation.
"That's great news Shinobu but don't look into that stuff anymore, I don't want you getting caught. Especially as how I want to ask you a really important question when the war's over," Kira replied looking at the screen with longing in his eyes.
"Then I'll wait so you can ask me in person, I better go but I'll keep sending you guys info while I still can. Bye Kira I love you," Shinobu said blowing a kiss at the screen.
"I love you too," Kira replied closing the channel. 'I don't think she understood what I meant,'
"It all makes sense now, Blue Cosmos is influencing the actions of the Earth Forces. They were the ones who gave people the impression that coordinators are evil, they were the ones who started this damn war," Heero hissed placing the cooked fish on the table.
"But there are those in the Earth Forces who only fight because they're ordered to not because they hate coordinators, like everyone onboard the Archangel," Kira commented now able to sit in a chair without too much discomfort.
"If Blue Cosmos weren't influencing the Earth Forces we might be able to rely on peace talks rather than our Mobilesuits to end the war," Lacus said sadly serving the salad.
Heero's POV.
6 Days Later.
An Hour before operation Spit Break.
Kira's injuries had healed up two days ago but he spent most of his time contemplating he reasons for fighting, something I had already had the answer to. There were a few instances when he accidentally walked in after Lacus and I had finished showering and instead of turning away or closing the door in embarrassment he just gave her body a once over got ready for his shower. And although she slept naked Lacus limited her nudity after waking up while Kira was with us by wearing either a night gown, lingerie or normal underwear which would have most likely given him a nosebleed. Today she wore her normal white dress as we waited for Zala to officially commence operation Spit Break through a direct video feed to the ZAFT Operations Command Centre on my laptop.
"How long do you think it'll take ZAFT to complete the attack?" Kira asked trying not to fidget in his seat.
"With the Archangel there I'd say three maybe four hours but if I'm right ZAFT will only have half that time. Maybe I should…," my sentence ended as I suddenly felt something amiss.
"Heero?" Lacus asked turning to see me with a blank expression. "Heero what's wrong?"
"I'm not sure, I thought I heard an echo of another Zero System but that's impossible," I replied looking at the screen after shaking my head to clean the fog. "Looks like Zala's about to give the go ahead,"
"As we embark on this operation, it is my strongest wish that it will bring the war to a swift conclusion. Inspiring the hope in us all that this will lead to true freedom and justice. Let operation Spit Break now commence,"
Pressing a few keys on the laptop the image switched to an overview of the intended target which changed from Panama to Joshua Alaska just as I had thought. Pulling out my cell phone I called a certain ally to make arrangements for Lacus if and when Kira would 'borrow' a Mobilesuit to get to Earth.
"So what are you going to do Kira? Will you go back to Earth and save the Archangel and Shinobu? Or will you wait for all them to be annihilated?" I asked holding my hand over the mouthpiece, knowing he'd go anyway just to protect Shinobu.
"I'll do whatever it takes to protect them and Shinobu," Kira replied.
"Let if you'll please come with me Kira there's something Heero and I need to give," Lacus added turning off the laptop.
"Sorry Lacus but there's something I need to take care of right away," I said finishing my conversation on my cell. "I'll be going out in Zero but it's nothing big so I should be back in less than a day,"
"Then you'd better go on ahead," Lacus replied wrapping her arms around me. "We'll wait an hour after you leave,"
"See you when I get back then," I answered giving her a heated kiss.
"I'll be waiting," she whispered directing my hands to her breasts. "I love you,"
"I love you too," I replied giving her breasts a small squeeze before heading to our room to change into my ZAFT uniform.
Regular POV.
Earth.
Alaska Base.
Submarine Dock.
"This doesn't make any sense, why are they sending all these troops to Panama? They're leave headquarters open for attack," Natarle said standing with Commander La Flaga and Flay Allster.
"Does it really matter why Lieutenant? Sure I find it odd myself and it looks like they're evacuating more personnel than needed. But we're just soldiers who follow the orders we're given, isn't that right Lieutenant?" La Flaga asked sneering at the woman. "Care to tell me what you were doing in Wing-Zero's cockpit just before Heero left? What was that thing you put in your pocket?" he continued not waiting for an answer. "You weren't asked any questions during the inquiry, you must have stolen something important from Heero to be excluded like that,"
"What I stole doesn't matter, I couldn't allow advanced Mobilesuit technology to fall into ZAFT's hands Commander, not matter what Heero said there is the possibility that Wing-Zero will be used to attack Panama which is probably the reason they're sending more troops. I don't regret what I did," Natarle replied trying to stare Mu down and failing.
"I wish I could have told Kira I was sorry for acting like I did," Flay said effectively causing a crease fire between the two officers. "I'm heading to Panama myself so I probably won't live through the attack,"
"Don't worry too much, I'm sure your sub will change course if ZAFT attacks Panama before you get there," Mu consoled patting Flay on the shoulder.
"And where are you heading Commander?" Natarle asked.
"I'm with this little lady," he lied with fake enthusiasm.
"Final call for all personnel to board Vessel 8 for Washington. I repeat, Final call for all personnel to board Vessel 8 for Washington,"
"Well that's me, good luck to you Commander," Natarle saluted then grabbed her bag.
"You're forgetting that I'm the man who can make the impossible possible!" he shouted at her retreating form. 'Somehow I know we'll meet again, but as enemies,'
30 minutes later the proximity alarms sounded alerting everyone to incoming enemy forces.
Heero's POV.
Plants.
Zero's Hanger.
"This is Heero Yuy Faith Special Forces to control station, ready to launch in Wing-Zero," I said closing the visor on my ZAFT helmet.
"Wing-Zero this is control station, you're cleared to launch but we haven't received details of your assignment,"
"I have to retrieve something on the moon that was stolen from me. Wing-Zero taking off!" I replied shooting Zero into open space converting to the mobile armour mode once I cleared the space port.
Regular POV.
Restricted Area.
Mobilesuit Hanger B.
30 Minutes Later.
"Won't you get in trouble for doing this Lacus?" Kira asked floating beside her through the dimly lit hanger.
"Don't worry, Heero and I have some friends we can trust to keep me safe," she replied with a smile stopping in the centre of the gangway dressed in her white and lavender billowing dress. "But this is why I brought you here,"
When the lights came on Kira was awestruck at the sight of the immense Mobilesuit standing before Lacus and himself. "Huh, a Gundam,"
"Actually that's not what it's called. This is the ZGMF X-10A Freedom. But you know, Gundam's better because it sounds more powerful," she giggled. "Under orders from Chairman Zala, they designed a machine with the same capabilities as the Earth Forces Mobilesuits they captured and then added state of the art technology to it,"
"But why are you letting me?" he asked not understanding.
"I feel that this machine has the power you're going to need. Neither will alone nor strength alone will be enough, that's why," she answered with the same understanding smile. "Will this get where you need to go?"
"Neither will alone nor strength alone," Kira repeated staring at the Freedom with determination.
Quickly changing into a red flight-suit Kira floated to the Freedom's cockpit where Lacus was waiting for him. "I hope I see you again,"
"As do I Kira, be safe my strength goes with you and Heero," she replied pecking him on the cheek causing a pink tinge to colour his face. "And now you should go,"
Climbing into the pilot's seat Kira was impressed at the design of the controls as he began the start up sequence and discovered the N-Jammer Canceller giving the Freedom four times the power of the Strike. Powering the Phase Shift armour he watched a magnified image of Lacus waving goodbye and the hanger doors closed alerting the soldiers in the control room to the unauthorised launch who were unable to do anything as the outer doors opened one by one.
'Neither will alone nor strength alone,' Kira repeated as he increased power to the jets catapulting the Freedom into open space while dodging four pursuing Ginns.
Zala's Office.
Although operation Spit Break had begun Zala was not happy, he had wanted the data on the Hyper-Jammer analysed and reproduced so their forces would have the tactical advantage over the Earth Forces. However when head of the R&D team came to give his report Zala was furious to learn that the data they downloaded from Tallgeese and Epyon only described what the Hyper-Jammers did not how they worked. Of course to add insult to injury the only way to reproduce the technology was analyse all of Wing-Zero's systems which was in Heero's hands. Picking up his phone Zala made a call to the control room for the Freedom and Zero.
"This is Chairman Zala, make sure Wing-Zero doesn't take off. I'm sending a tech group to take that suit apart," Zala said already planning his next move.
"Uh sir, Special agent Heero Yuy already launched in Wing-Zero over and hour ago," the controller informed. "We asked for his assignment details he said he needed to retrieve something from the moon that was stolen from him,"
"What! Anything else I should know?" Zala demanded, his face turning red with anger.
"Well sir, it seems someone's stolen one of the prototype machines the uh, X-10A Freedom. And it appears that Lacus Clyne was the person who gave it to him," the controller answered.
"What should we do Chairman?"
"We'll wait from Wing-Zero to return, in the meantime I want Lacus Clyne arrested and detained under charges of treason. We'll make Yuy give us the Hyper-Jammer technology," Zala smirked at his own deviousness. (More like arrogance)
Heero's POV.
Earth Forces Lunar Base.
Getting past the orbital defence fleets orbiting the Lunar base was easy enough as long as I drifted past their ships without the main thrusters, the hard part would be getting inside and finding their R&D section and destroying their Gundanium refinery. When I was first brought onboard the Archangel, Natarle must have sunk inside Zero's cockpit and stole the disk with the formula for Gundanium alloy as well as a control card for the Zero System. The echo I felt earlier was the activation of Mobilesuit made from Zero's armour equipped with the most dangerous cockpit system. There was little chance of getting the control card back but I could plant a virus into the Earth Forces computer network, erasing all information on Gundanium alloy which could only be manufacture in space. Fortunately for me it took a month to create enough Gundanium for one Mobilesuit. Locating a maintenance hatch big enough to fit several mobile armour and Zero while in mobile armour mode, I figured blasting my way in would only draw unwanted attention so I needed another way in. With the attack on Alaska taking place the Earth Forces wouldn't expect an attack on their Lunar base and I needed to get back to the Plants quickly.
'Might as well access their main computer while I'm sitting here," I thought using their comm. traffic to tap into their computer network.
"This channel is for priority messages only. Identify yourself,"
'Oh crap!' hoping they could pinpoint my position through my link to their computers I quickly searched for the location of the R&D section while Zero prepared the computer virus.
"I repeat, identify yourself and state your location,"
'Let's see if I can bluff my way out of this,' I pondered opening a two way comm. link. "You have five minutes to erase everything regarding Gundanium alloy from you main computer or I destroy your ships one by one,"
"Just who do you think you are?"
"I'm the pilot of independent Mobilesuit Wing-Zero not affiliated with the Plants or the Earth Forces so I suggest you comply or the warship at point E3 is the first to sink," I answered comparing the R&D lab from my own position. 'A few well placed shots and my little problem is gone,'
"This is the commander of the Earth Forces Lunar base, we will not allow this formula to be used by the coordinators. Your threats are meaningless, one suit couldn't possibly destroy all our ships. Surrender yourself and Wing-Zero and I'll consider sparing your life,"
"Then I guess we do this the hard way," I said uploading the virus on a timer program and transforming Zero into its Mobilesuit mode. "Say goodbye to one of your warships,"
Omake!
"Open up Kira," Lacus said teasingly spoon feeding him a bowl of banana custard. "Here comes the Mobilesuit,"
"Stop it Lacus, I feel like a little kid when you say stuff like that," Kira complained swallowing the custard anyway.
"Would you rather have Shinobu feed you?" she asked shoving the spoon in his mouth before he could protest again. "Anyway I need something to cheer myself up, I haven't heard anything from Heero since last night when we went to bed. So if me feeding you like a baby cheers me up don't complain or I'll dress you LIKE a baby. That includes: The bib, the bonnet, AND the diaper."
"I'll be good." Kira replied paling at the thought being dressed as a baby.
Disclaimer: I hope you can forgive me for not making this chapter longer or should I be apologising for ending the chapter right when the action starts? If you're wondering how Natarle got her hands on the formula for Gundanium alloy you'll just have to wait until Heero and Athrun arrive at Orb. I'd also like suggestions for the hair and eye colour for Flay's boyfriend and any omakes if you have them.