Disclaimer: None of us own Gundam SEED. Goddamn Sunrise… Furthermore, any franchises that make cameos here belong to their respective owners.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Radio"
Chapter Twenty Two: The Eve of War
Mendel - Mobile Suit Launch Bay
"Alright, this is a live fire testing of the capabilities of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom, -X09A Justice and -X14A Conviction," Ryu announced over the radio. "Drones are in place and operators are at the ready, Pilots, check in."
"Shinn here," Shinn reported as he finished checking the status of his new machine. "ZGMF-X14A Conviction looking green."
"Cagalli, ZGMF-X10A Freedom is online and operational," Cagalli announced. "All systems are a go."
"Athrun Zala, ZGMF-X09A Justice is good to go," Athrun informed.
"Alright, your objective is simple, eliminate all hostile threats before they can land on Mendel," Ryu explained. "You are being timed and scored on this, the shorter the time, higher the score, the more that land, the lower the score, any questions?"
"None on my end," Shinn remarked. "Ready to see just what this thing's capable of."
"I'm good," Cagalli confirmed. "Athrun?"
"No questions here," Athrun informed. "Ready whenever you are."
"Very well, Pilots, you launch in three… two… one… LAUNCH!"
"Shinn Asuka, Conviction, Launching!" Shinn called out as the Conviction was launched out of the catapult.
"Cagalli Yula Attha, Freedom, heading out!" Cagalli shouted as the Freedom was hurled down the Catapult before launched into space where she used the HiMAT thrusters to increase her velocity the Phase-Shift armor activating to show the blue, white, and black color scheme.
"Athrun Zala, Justice, Launching!" Athrun yelled, his machine launching from the Catapult as its Phase Shift Armor activated, turning it a brilliant crimson similar to the Aegis.
Shinn followed suit, activating his own Phase Shift Armor as the Conviction turned mainly white, with its torso armor turning red, with blue and black trim all over, as its wings turned red with black trim.
"Drones are live," Ryu announced as a series of spherical objects appeared, firing off blasts of energy at the three units. "Field test is stating."
Shinn was the first to score a hit as he blasted a drone with his Lupus beam rifle, then proceeding to grab the Tucana Heavy Plasma Launcher from his unit's left shoulder and unleash a beam comparable to an Agni blast.
Cagalli was the next to score some kills as she shot several down at once using the Freedom's Multi-Lock on function in conjunction with the shoulder mounted Baleana Plasma Cannons, the waist mounted Xiphas 3 Rail guns and her beam rifle
Athrun was next with another Beam Rifle shot, as well as paired beam blasts from his backpack unit, though he quickly closed to melee range, drawing his Beam Sabers by linking them together to form a saber-staff, before using it to slice open another two drones.
Shinn peppered a group of five drones with the Anti-Air Gatling Cannons on his unit's shoulders, before he holstered both the rifle and the Tucana to draw the Crux Anti-Ship Sword. his unit's High Impulse Flight Thrusters kicked in, shooting him through the field at high speed as he sliced through more drones.
The Freedom remained behind the Justice and the Conviction, Cagalli making good use of the long ranged weaponry mounted onto the mobile suit to pick off targets from afar as she dodged incoming drones.
"Changing attack vectors and increasing difficulty," Ryu announced over comms. "Second wave, released."
Shinn made the first move again, holstering the Crux to pull out the twin Divider Beam Boomerangs, throwing them out as they cut through several drones before returning. "Much more powerful than the Midas Messer from the Strike," Shinn remarked. "And it's nice to have two of them, too…" Catching the Boomerangs, he put them away before drawing his twin Beam Sabers.
"The rate of fire for the Freedom's weapons is incredible!" Cagalli breathed as she began to lay down suppressing fire. "I guess without having to worry about power, they don't need to worry about controlling the rate it's consumed."
"Agreed, and the Justice is amazing at close-quarters!" Athrun remarked, before triggering another feature, causing the backpack to detach and fly off as an attack drone. "And that thing has a rudimentary AI, so I don't need spatial awareness to attack from multiple directions!"
"Alright then, upping difficulty to maximum," Ryu announced. "Releasing waves 3 through 10 and releasing Heavy Assault Drones."
Shinn put the Beam Sabers away, drawing the rifle with his machine's right hand and the Tucana with the left, even as the Gatlings spun up. "This is more than likely going to suck…" he muttered, before opening up with everything, even the CIWS.
"Well, we did get cocky and open our mouths," Cagalli muttered as she began ducking and weaving, making good use of the HiMAT's improved agility. "Damn, these things are far harder to hit!"
"Point taken," Athrun remarked, having a bit more trouble hitting drones in melee, now, but the backpack had docked with the Justice again, and he was using its beam cannons as best he could.
"But still, these machines are amazing!" Shinn remarked. "I mean, the Conviction itself is at least four times as powerful as the Strike!"
"Tell me about it!" Cagalli agreed. "The Freedom far outstrips Kira's old Patriot!"
"Yeah, and Ryu's old CGUE is like a Mistral compared to the Justice!" Athrun said, even as the three continued taking down drones.
"All drones shot down, none have landed," Ryu announced. "Come in for a landing you three, good work out there."
"Thanks," Shinn replied, as they began returning to the hangar. "How's the data collection look?"
"Looking good, have all the data I need to upgrade the units to tune to your personal styles," Ryu confirmed. "Which… honestly won't be much."
"Gotcha," Shinn replied. "Well, definitely going to be interesting when I actually need to launch in this thing…"
"Let's hope that won't be anytime soon," Cagalli commented. "Because something tells me it's going to be big when we do."
"Agreed," Athrun remarked. "We're going to need some time to get all the upgrades done that need to be."
"Alright, park your suits guys," Ryu called out. "All tests are finished, I'll keep you all posted on the upgrades."
The three pilots called out affirmatives as they brought their machines into the hangar.
Gungnir, Takeshi and Linda's Quarters
"I gotta admit, Yamato, I was surprised when you invited me for dinner," Yuna Falcon said as she leaned back in her chair, the night's remains of dinner arrayed before the three. "Definitely not expected."
"Yeah, I can probably guess that," he said. "To be honest, it was mainly Linda's idea, after we had a bit of a discussion on the issue."
Yuna raised an eyebrow in surprise, brushing a strand of her blonde hair out of the way before folding her arms across her rather… prominent bust. "What issue?" she asked bluntly. "Want a threesome or something?"
Takeshi blushed a bit at that. "To put it bluntly," he admitted. "I… I love Linda with all my heart, but… when we first met, Yuna, I guess I… couldn't help but feel drawn to you… I contented myself with just looking, but…"
Yuna's jaw dropped as she stared at the two of them, her finger alternating between the two of them. "…what?" she finally managed to get out blankly.
"Well… Linda's bisexual," Takeshi admitted again. "And while she was happy with just the two of us… she saw some of the looks I sent your way, and suggested seeing where… where things went."
"Umm… again… what? Why?" Yuna asked in confusion. "This is… really confusing."
Linda smiled. "It's simple, really," she said. "As Takeshi said, I'm bisexual - I like both girls and guys. And although I've always been loyal to Takeshi, like he has to me, I… I'vekindasnuckglancesatyouwheninthemesshall,too." The last was said in a rather rushed whisper, a blush creeping its way onto her face.
Takeshi blinked. "So, that's how you could recognize my glances at Yuna for what they were?" he asked. "You'd been doing the same thing?"
Linda nodded. "Yeah," she replied. "And so, I figured, if we both had those feelings… maybe see if they developed into something?"
"You know what's funny?" Yuna asked as she recovered from her shock, staring at the tumbler of scotch in her hands. "This is still not the most awkward confession I've gotten." She tossed back the rest of the scotch. "Alright, let's do this."
Takeshi smiled. "Thanks, Yuna…" he said, before he and Linda stood up from the table, walked around it to Yuna, and kissed her.
* * * LEMON ALERT! * * *
Yuna gasped in through her nose as Takeshi kissed her before she quickly pushed back with her mouth, her tongue shooting out to gain entrance to his mouth.
Takeshi's tongue shot out, as well, slipping into Yuna's mouth just as hers slipped into his. He angled his head a bit as Linda made it a three-way kiss, her tongue joining theirs and all three of their tongues intertwining.
"Well, this is interesting," Yuna said as they separated. "Let's see if you can handle your junior as well as you do your unit."
"We'll do our best," Takeshi said, as they made their way to the bed. "Linda, can you attend to her breasts?"
"Sure thing, Takeshi," Linda replied, as she helped Yuna out of her shirt, before bringing her mouth to Yuna's right breast and beginning to suckle. At the same time Takeshi pulled Yuna's pants and panties down, before reaching down to rub a finger along her slit.
Yuna let out a moan at the double attack, her head lolling back as she was hit by the wave of pleasure. "Oh god, it's been way too long…" she muttered.
Takeshi grinned. "You must have a lot of pent-up stress, Yuna," he said as he began moving his way down her body. "Let Linda and I help you… take care of it." He then bent down and ran his tongue along her slit, as Linda continued suckling on Yuna's right breast and began fondling her left.
Yuna let out a low groan as his tongue pushed into her. "I hope you're not expecting preferential treatment from this," Yuna gasped out. "If anything, you'll get the shit ones cause of this…"
Takeshi didn't say anything as his tongue dove deeper into Yuna's pussy, swirling around within her even as he could feel himself growing hard. He wasn't worried about preferential treatment at all. All he was concerned about at this moment was pleasuring the second woman he had developed affections for.
"Oh god, I'm going to cum soon!" she warned as she arched her back.
Takeshi grinned as he backed off for a moment. "Cum, then, Yuna," he said. "Don't hold it back…" He then dove right back in, his tongue diving as deep as he could within her pussy as Linda intensified her ministrations on Yuna's breasts.
Yuna let out a small scream as she spasmed in her orgasm, juices flooding out of her, spilling all over Takeshi's face.
Takeshi just lapped up Yuna's juices as they poured from her pussy. As her orgasm came down, he looked up and smiled. "You taste delicious," he said.
Linda pulled away from Yuna's breasts, before coming over to Takeshi and kissing him, also licking some of the juices off of his face. "You're right, she does taste good," she remarked.
"Definitely been too long," Yuna affirmed in a dazed voice as she slowly gathered her scattered wits.
"So, what do you want to do next?" Linda asked. "Do you want to taste one of us, or…"
Takeshi pulled down his pants and boxers, freeing his erection as he finished, "Do you want me in you?"
"Oh fuck yeah," Yuna asked out as she recovered from her orgasm, eying his junk like a piece of meat. "You better or I'll really make you pay."
"Alright, then, Yuna," Takeshi said as he positioned his cock at her entrance before pushing it in, even as Linda got onto the bed, placing her pussy over Yuna's face before giving Takeshi a passionate kiss.
Yuna moaned as Takeshi speared into her, his rod splitting her apart as she gasped into Linda's pussy, making the girl tremble above her before reaching out with her tongue and probing her pussy.
After Takeshi had fully sheathed himself in Yuna, he gave her a moment to get used to the feel before he began thrusting within her, slowly at first. Linda could feel her pleasure rising at the feel of Yuna's tongue in her pussy, combined with Takeshi's hands beginning to massage her breasts even as she did the same to Yuna, as she moaned into her kiss with Takeshi.
Yuna let out a loud moan into Linda's pussy as she constricted around Takeshi, shuddering in pleasure as Linda's hands expertly kneaded her breasts while Takeshi began to hit against her sweetspots.
Linda broke from the kiss to gasp in pleasure, Takeshi and Yuna's ministrations, combined with the fact she'd already begun getting turned on when they first started, meant she was drawing close to an orgasm. Takeshi, too, was beginning to draw close, as his thrusts grew faster and more powerful, to the point they could all hear a slap every time his hips met Yuna's.
Yuna felt her hips spasm, meeting Takeshi's thrusts with ones of her own as she dug her tongue deeper into Linda's pussy, purposefully brushing her chin up against the other's woman's clit.
"Y… Yuna… Takeshi…" Linda cried out, the coil within her winding even tighter and preparing to snap. "I… I'm gonna cum!"
"Me too, Linda!" Takeshi replied, as he could feel his cock throbbing. "Yuna, get ready for it!"
Yuna freed herself briefly from Linda's pussy to gasp out. "Yes, cum, please," she managed to get out before returning her attentions to Linda.
Linda screamed out her pleasure and Takeshi bellowed his as they came at the same time, Linda's juices covering Yuna's face as Takeshi's seed filled her womb.
Yuna gasped out as she let out a low moan of pleasure while Linda pulled herself off of the MS pilot's face. "It's… it's been way too long…" Yuna gasped out, her heaving breaths making her breasts bounce. "Used to be able to do that all night long… now I wanna take a nap."
Takeshi nodded briefly as he pulled out of her. "I understand," he said. "Still… are you alright with joining us?"
Yuna shrugged. "I got no worries," she said. "Just one thing you should know, though… Y'know how I was stuck in infirm for weeks before being assigned? Due to O.M.N.I's cowardice?"
"You're talking about the CYCLOPS detonation," Takeshi replied. "We first saw you near the tail end of your infirmary state, when you came into the cafeteria seeking booze, and learned the details afterwards. Why?"
"Well… took a bit too much radiation from the blast," she admitted. "It rendered me infertile."
Takeshi and Linda shared a brief look of shock. "Wow…" Linda replied. "You can't have children ever? That sounds horrible…"
Yuna shrugged. "I've come to terms with it," she said. "I wasn't even really sure I wanted any kids of my own anyways."
Takeshi nodded. "Well, you can potentially get a taste of what it would be like, once Linda's child is born," he informed. "I doubt you'll miss not having to go through childbirth, but if you'd like, we can both help you discover what it would be like to have a family."
"Aw shucks, you're gonna make me cry," Yuna informed, rolling her eyes - definitely not looking close to crying. "Plus, something tells me, I am going to be horribly inept with kids."
"Well, we'll do our best to help you," Takeshi replied. "I doubt we'll be instant experts either, but all we can do is our best."
"Alright then," Yuna acceded with a nod. "But… for now… I need rest, go ahead and have sex atop of me or whatever, I conk out like a rock."
Takeshi looked at Linda. "Probably beside her rather than on top of her, but would you be up for more, Linda?"
Linda smiled. "You don't even need to ask, Takeshi," she said before kissing him again.
"Ugh, you better not try that lovey-dovey crap with me," Yuna announced as she began to yawn, rolling over. "I'll kick you if you do."
The two didn't answer as they continued to kiss, their remaining clothes going flying as Yuna fell asleep…
* * * END LEMON! * * *
Mendel Colony - Top Secret Eyes Only Research Branch
Within the slowly rebuilding Mendel Colony - now headquarters for all Fenrir Operations - was a specific new research branch that was set up in the GARM R&D facilities, after extensive upgrades and ensuring proper security for it. At the moment only four people had access to the innermost sections of this new R&D Branch of Fenrir, the two founders, the new spokeswoman, and newly instated Chief Mechanical Engineer, in other words, Kira and Ryu Hisanaga, Lacus Clyne and Athrun Zala.
"This is unlike anything I've seen before," Ryu muttered as he looked over the results of the testing they had just run on the material. "Creating and manipulating dark energy into fields where the laws of physics can be… well… not broken, but bent."
"This material was the cornerstone to all Prothean technology," Sentry informed as he materialized near them - Sentry was now fully loaded into the R&D branch, ensuring no security leak and acting as an assistant for the tests being ran inside. "Everything from Spaceships, War and even Faster-Than-Light Travel was possible because of this material."
"Huh…" Kira remarked. "And you said they built on what they'd discovered from other races?"
"Correct," Sentry replied, 'looking' over to Kira. "This was our greatest folly, unlike you, we never saw past the wonders of Element Zero and the Relay network, your race was one of several that were considered to be the inheritors of the next cycle."
"So, in addition to figuring out all that this Element Zero can do, we also need to keep researching technology that doesn't use it," Athrun surmised. "That way, if these 'Reapers' expect us to only use Element Zero-based tech, they'll be in for a surprise."
"We already have an edge with mobile suits and beam weapons," Ryu commented. "The problem is… creating a viable FTL that can replace the Relay network, or at least make us less dependant on it… I think Eezo will help with that."
"Gotcha," Kira replied. "And once we figure all that out, and get this war ended, we'll have another hurdle to deal with… making contact with any other space-faring races out there and warning them about the Reapers."
"If they'll even listen," Lacus murmured from her spot towards the back of the room. "Something tells me, if they don't already know… they won't be exactly willing to listen."
"The majority of them, maybe," Kira admitted. "Still, they have to share some similarities with us, even if we're fundamentally very different - and I'd imagine that one of those similarities would include at least a few individuals with common sense…"
"Fenrir will be the answer," Ryu announced as he stood up. "We'll keep on doing as we have, recruiting like minded individuals and preparing for the worst to ensure it never happens, Sentry, what's the status of the short-ranged FTL drive?"
"75% complete, I have several dozen drones working on it at all times, Mr. Zala's upgraded 'Haro' units are proving to be invaluable to the process."
"Double the numbers, pull in trusted mechanics of need be," Ryu ordered. "I want it online in one month, we need to get to Mars if we are to get anywhere."
"Yeah," Kira remarked. "Well, we've got a lot to do before we reach that point. Including figuring out uses for Eezo that no one else has thought of…"
Ryu hummed in response as he looked over the data. "Sentry, this is with a standard electrical charge… correct?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Sentry replied.
"What… what would happen if we introduced a Cold Fusion charge?" he ventured, a thoughtful frown on his face.
Sentry took a few moments to process the inquiry. "One of two possibilities, either a response near or above tenfold the standard with half the materials, or a cascade explosion."
"Definitely an interesting idea there, Ryu," Kira remarked, a thoughtful expression on her face, too. "Though we'd better make sure we thoroughly test it first, make sure we get the results we want, and not an explosion."
Ryu nodded. "We'll test it in space in an old junker with a wireless transmission," he informed. "For now, let's continue the testing under normal electrical currents."
"Gotcha," Kira replied. "Though I don't know why, but… I get the feeling something is going to be happening soon… something big."
Lacus nodded in agreements as she stepped forward to link her arm with Kira's, her own hand resting on her swelling abdomen. "Agreed, which is why we need to be ready," she said with a smile. "Like always, right?"
"Right," Kira replied.
Earth, LOGOS Main Base of Operations - One Month Later
"Is everything ready?" Djibril questioned as he strode into the command room. "Do we have the pilot… modified to pilot the Proto-Destroy?"
"Yes, sir," one of the techs replied. "It's ready to launch whenever you give the order."
"Good," Djibril hissed out in a pleased tone. "This time tomorrow, the world will remember who rules it… LOGOS…" he turned to the man in charge of communications. "Get the Illusive Man on the line now!"
A few minutes passed before the Illusive Man's voice came over the line. "I take it you're ready to begin, Djibril?" he asked.
"Yes, all the preparations have been finalized, the troops are ready to mark, and tomorrow the Proto-Destroy will lay waste to the Oval Office," Djibril announced gleefully. "And then we can turn our full attention to those patchworkers in space and keep this profitable war running."
"Very well," the Illusive Man replied. "I expect results this time, Djibril."
"Of course, I will be leading it myself," Djibril assured with a wide smile. "After all, this will be the glorious moment of my victory and the day LOGOS truly takes the stage as the leader of the Earth."
"Just get it done, Djibril. Illusive Man out."
Djibril laughed as he turned away from the screen, heading for his quarters. "Tomorrow, the world shall be reborn into LOGOS' Image!" he cried out joyfully as he left the command room.
PLANTs, Zala's Personal Office
"GENESIS will be in position tomorrow," Zala reported to his ally, the Illusive man. "I've gathered the loyal fleets together quietly, no one will expect our attack."
"Very good," the Illusive Man replied. "With this, the power you wield will be indisputable."
"Of course," Zala agreed. "I will be targeting the Earth Forces Moon first, cripple their Space Fleet and prevent any chance of retaliation, I want to leave nothing to chance."
"Yes," said the Illusive Man. "And if any other groups try to stand in your way… crush them."
"Of course I will," Zala snapped at the screen. "After all, Coordinators are the way of the future! We are Humanity's next stage of evolution! Any who don't see that deserve to be crushed under our heel."
"Very good, Zala," came the reply. "Keep me apprised of new developments. Illusive Man out."
'Tomorrow, Lenore, tomorrow you will be avenged,' Patrick thought to himself, his eyes darting to a picture of him, his wife, and Athrun. 'Tomorrow, Athrun will see, this is the true path for humanity.'
Mendel Colony - Hisanaga Household
Ryu sighed as he sat on a chair on an overlooking balcony, looking out over the colony, currently in its night cycle, behind him was the balcony door to his bedroom where Kira and Lacus lay in bed, cuddled up to one another, a tumbler glass of scotch in his hands and he just stared into the distance. 'This feeling…' he thought to himself as he felt a lump inside of his gut building up. 'It's going to happen tomorrow, the world as we know it will end…'
He narrowed his eyes as he took a sip. "The outcome, however, has yet to be decided," he whispered to himself.
"Ryu?" Kira asked, she and Lacus both looking in his direction.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Ryu asked, turning to the pair who were sitting up in bed, rubbing their eyes.
"Your absence from the bed did, Ryu," Lacus replied. "What's wrong?"
Ryu hesitated for a moment, turning back to the view of the Colony. "It's happening tomorrow," he whispered after a few moments. "It's all going to happen tomorrow."
Kira nodded. "Yeah, I can sense it, too," she replied. "Everything will come to a head tomorrow… and either we eliminate the radicals… or the world will be destroyed."
Ryu stood up, leaving his glass behind as he moved to his two lovers. "Yeah, win or lose, it all ends tomorrow," he whispered in agreement as he sat down next the two of them, resting a hand on Lacus' swollen stomach. "It's frightening…"
"But we can't afford to lose here," Lacus replied. "So we'll do all we can, right?"
Ryu and Kira nodded as their arms pulled Lacus to them, hugging her between them. "Yeah, we will," Kira whispered. "We will put our all into this battle, and know we are doing all that we can."
Lacus nodded, as the three remained in that position.
Win or lose, they would do all they could in the battle to come.
Jinn and Hanami's House
Jinn silently watched as his fiance slept next to him in their bed, his eyes watching the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed evenly. "Hanami… Kagami… I love the both of you so much," he whispered quietly to her. "So… in this coming battle, I will do everything I can to protect you, so that we can continue to live together…"
Hanami let out a groggy yawn and cracked open a… purple eye?
Jinn let out a small gasp of surprise. "Ha… nami?" he questioned.
"Who else could it be?" she smiled, reaching out slowly and resting her hand on Jinn's. "Jinn-kun, we'll come back safely no matter what, right?"
"Y… yes…" Jinn confirmed, still in shock. "Hanami… your eyes…"
"Mmm?" Hanami tilted her head sideways. "I do feel a little funny… like something's missing, but it's a bit of a faraway feeling…"
"Your eyes, they're purple," Jinn finally stated. "Almost like… almost like yours and Kagami's were mixed together…"
"Huh?" Hanami blinked several times, but when she reopened her eyes the final time and rubbed them, they were back to blue. "Sorry… Jinn-kun… I'm still half-asleep…"
Jinn examined her eyes closely before closing his own and shaking his head. "Never mind, it's not important," he told her. "Hanami… tomorrow… I…" he was unable to finish his sentence as a pained look sprouted on his face.
"W-What is it, Jinn-kun?" Hanami didn't miss the pained look as she sat up slowly, pulling the blanket off her.
"I'm afraid…" he admitted. "I'm afraid of losing you, of losing Kagami," he surprised her as he suddenly pulled her into a tight hug. "I don't want to lose either of you, you've… you've helped me come outside of myself, and see the world…"
"Y-Y-You won't lose us, Jinn-kun…" Hanami whispered and blinked once as she hugged him back, switching to Kagami. "We promise, we're definitely coming back. All of us. Even if we have to come back crawling on the ground with our hands."
Jinn smiled as a few tears leaked from his eyes, hugging his lover. "Then I promise to do the same," he whispered into her ear. "No matter what, I will return to you, both of you."
This time, Jinn missed Hanami's eyes turning purple again. "I know you will, Jinn-kun," she smiled.
Jin buried his face into her shoulder as he sobbed slightly. "I love you, all of you, Hanami," he said firmly. "Always and forever."
"Always and forever…" the silverette repeated, trying to stay awake even as she swayed gently.
The two slowly slid back onto the bed, their eyes growing heavy as they slipped into the land of dreams, but not once, did they ever let go of one another, drawing warmth and strength from the other's presence, and prepared themselves for the day to come.
Asuka Household
"It looks like… we won't be able to join you, Shinn," Jade whispered to her husband as the trio lay in their bed, Flay's and Jade's stomachs swollen with their respective child. "It's… painful, not being able to go out there with you…"
"I agree with Jade…" Flay replied. "I wish we could join you out there… but there's a chance we could cause undue harm to our children if we did that…"
Shinn shook his head, holding the two tightly. "It doesn't matter," he told them gently. "Because your hearts will be joined with mine when I'm out there, that's all I need."
"Thanks, Shinn," Flay replied. "Kick enough butt out there for all three of us, and do your part to stop Patrick Zala, alright?"
Shinn nodded in agreement, a cocky smirk sprouting on his face. "Of course I will, I am the best after all!" he declared smugly.
Jade rolled her eyes and poked him in the side of his stomach. "You mean like how you lost against Ryu-nii two weeks ago, quite badly too."
Flay giggled. "You don't have to be the best pilot of all time, Shinn," she said. "Just put your best effort forward."
Shinn nodded. "I will… after all, I have to protect the two of you, as well as our little ones, right?" he asked, a goofy smile on his face.
Flay nodded. "Right," she said. "Good luck out there, Shinn, and come back to us."
Jade leaned against him as she nuzzled her neck. "Don't want to raise our children without their father," she whispered into his ear. "So be safe, alright?"
Shinn nodded. "I'll do my best," he said.
The two women smiled in response as they cuddled up closer to him, enjoying the warmth of their family.
With Athrun and Cagalli
"Are you going to be alright?" Cagalli asked in concern. "I mean, we're going to be fighting your father…"
"He hasn't been the same since Mom's death…" Athrun replied. "I get the feeling that his heart died with her… and if the need arises… I'll send the rest of him to join her."
Cagalli gave Athrun a sad look as she curled up against him in their shared bed. "I'll be with you, okay," she told him gently. "Not just as support, but… to make sure you come back."
"Thanks, Cagalli," Athrun replied. "I love you so much…"
"I love you too, Athrun," Cagalli assured, kissing him gently. "I think… that when this is over… I may stop taking the pill."
"You… think you might be ready for a kid?" Athrun asked.
"Yeah, I talked to father yesterday… he… he gave his blessing and said he'd start grooming his successor," Cagalli explained with a smile. "He told me all he wants… is for me to be happy, and if it's in Fenrir with you, then so be it."
Athrun smiled. "I'm glad to hear it, Cagalli…" he said. "I… I wouldn't mind being a father…"
Cagalli giggled slightly as she suddenly straddled him, leaning overtop of him. "I think you'll make a great father, Athrun," she whispered to him.
He smiled, as they kissed.
Archangel Common Area
"So… tomorrow, huh?" Nicol spoke up, breaking the pensive silence of the room, the other ZAFT Rookies plus Fubuki looking over to him. "We're going to be fighting ZAFT Forces."
"I'm… not sure if I'll be fine going into battle like this when I haven't seen actual combat before," Fubuki admitted, cradling his legs to his chest.
"Don't they plan to have you on the rear lines?" Dearka asked quietly, looking over to Fubuki. "Using the big guns on the Ariete as artillery?"
"Yeah, but I've only spent enough time on the simulator to get familiarized with the controls of the Ariete," Fubuki sighed. "If they get close I'm not sure if I can handle the stress of melee combat…"
"Ah, that's what the Interceptors are for," Yzak commented offhandedly, referring to the Space/Atmosphere jet interceptors the Commandos had brought with them. "Let them worry about the ones trying to get close, push comes to shove, we'll move back from the mid-lines to help ya."
"Thanks, Yzak-kun," Fubuki smiled at his fellow silver-haired pilot.
"So… do… do any of you plan on going back to ZAFT after this?" Nicol asked hesitantly. "When our contract is up, I mean."
"Well… not really, actually," Dearka admitted, scratching his scalp. "Ryu's making me his replacement as Chief Mechanic."
"Really?" Fubuki gasped. "I'm looking forward to working with you again, Dearka-kun!"
'He's a dude, he's a dude, he's a dude,' Dearka chanted mentally as he gave a smile to the effeminate male. "Yeah, same here."
"I… I think I might stay myself," Yzak admitted with a far off look. "With all that's happened… my whole life seems to have been turned upside down."
"Well, Athrun-san doesn't seem like he's about to leave anytime soon either," Fubuki noted.
"I guess we're all staying then," Nicol commented with a grin, making the others blink in surprise at the gentle teen. "Miss Clyne offered me a spot as her personal assistant and Bodyguard."
"Then I'm looking forward to working with all of you again!" Fubuki bowed.
"No need to be so formal," Dearka stated. "You're pretty much a part of the team, no need to stand on formalities with us."
"Sorry, it's just how I've been taught so far in life…" the effeminate boy blushed slightly, forcing Dearka to remind himself once again that the silver-haired boy was a guy. "Japanese upbringing, I hope you understand."
"Not exactly, but sure," Yzak replied. "My mother's very stiff about formalities when I'm on the PLANTs."
"Aren't our parents all stiff about that kind of thing?" Dearka sighed. "We're all sons of PLANT Supreme Council members after all…"
"Yeah, it's pretty… tense sometimes," Nicol agreed. "But… we did have advantages to it."
"Aren't they going to be awfully mad about you guys fighting against ZAFT's own forces?" Fubuki asked.
"Not against Traitors," Yzak growled. "That's all Zala's faction is, traitors."
"I suppose if you put it that way… but what about his influence in the Supreme Council?" Fubuki scratched his head.
"As much as I hate to admit it, there are those who most likely joined Zala's side," Dearka admitted. "But, after we finish of Zala, they will either fall in line, or they die with him."
"That's harsh…" Fubuki sighed.
"That's politics," Nicol muttered in return. "But, in order to remain strong, sometimes you have to cut the weak links."
"It's… sad, isn't it? The reality of the world," Fubuki swung his legs idly as he looked up at the ceiling.
"Well, it's changing, isn't it?" Dearka speculated. "I mean, when the Earth Alliance President made that announcement, a lot of the PLANT citizens offered their aid to OMNI in helping those kids."
"I'd really like to see a world where we can wipe out conflict completely… and understand each other as fellow human beings," the silver-haired Yukikaze male sighed. "It's… wishful thinking, I know, but I don't want to see as many people suffering on the sidelines."
"Well, we can limit conflict, at the very least," Nicol affirmed, a distant look on his face. "And end it before too many innocents get hurt in the crossfire, just like we're going to do tomorrow."
"Yeah, we definitely can," Fubuki nodded.
"Not we can, we will," Yzak corrected firmly. "Starting with tomorrow's battle."
Tomorrow, it all ends, and begins again.
END CHAPTER
Custom Mobile Suit Specs
Model Number: ZGMF-X14A Conviction Gundam
Unit Type: Multi-Role Assault Mobile Suit
Powerplant: Ultracompact Nuclear Reactor
Manufacture: Integrated Design Bureau
Operator(s):
ZAFT
Fenrir
Equipment and Design Features:
Phase Shift Armor
High Impulse Flight Thrusters
N-Jammer Canceller
Fixed Armament - Factory Rollout Specs:
2x MA-M01 "Lacerta" beam sabers, mounted on waist, hand carried in use
2x MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm CIWS, mounted in chest
1x MA-M02 "Crux" 14.54m Anti-Ship Sword
1x HBW-03 "Tucana" Heavy Plasma Launcher
2x MMI-GAU5 "Vega" Five Barreled Vulcan Anti-Air Gatling Cannons, on mounted one each shoulder
2x MA-B01 "Divider" Beam Boomerangs, one mounted on each shoulder
Optional Armaments:
MA-M20 "Lupus" High Energy Beam Rifle
Anti Beam Coated Shield
Pilot(s): Shinn Asuka
Appearance: Looks like the Perfect Strike without the missile launchers, a more streamlined, less bulky, frame with a slimmer cannon and a shorter sword along with thinner versions of the HiMAT Wings, color scheme is mostly white with a red chest and blue/black trimmings, the HiMAT wings being Red on Black.
Info: Built by ZAFT by using the data obtained from Fenrir on the Strike Gundam, the Conviction has been described as 'Strike with the weapon packs smushed together'. While it is an accurate description, the Conviction also features High Impulse Flight Thrusters, making up for the added weight of the multiple weapons. The Conviction has been gifted to Fenrir for services rendered and is currently being studied for upgrades.
(BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST!)
Things Not to Do on the Archangel
Rule Seven: When in trouble, while we do advise calmness, we do not advise Chiving, shoot the trouble, shoot it in the FACE!
