A/n
This is the revised version of Chapter 12 of Gundam Seed: the Federation. Not much more I can say for this other than, On with the story!
Phase 12: Meeting again
March 1st, 71 C.E.
-Tyler's pov-
Shira, the Republic
A few days had passed by since the meeting with my mom and my house guests, making it about a week since landing and being separated from the Archangel and her crew. It's been nice to spend some time at home, not saying that it's not, but… it has had its issues. Of course, the stay in the hospital hadn't been something I wanted to do, but no real choice with me out cold. I'd be fine after that… except for the fact that Sakura crawls into my bed every FREAKING night since Lisa, Athrun and she started staying at my place! The woman had been so gosh darn clingy and invasive into my personal space, I've had little privacy.
This morning was no different than the previous ones this week while I've been home other than the first one. When I woke… Sakura was in my bed as she shouldn't be, and 'hugging' me I might add. I had really put a sizable effort to get away from the pink-haired woman, yet to no avail so far. The amount of sleep for me hasn't change during this week, but the quality certainly has, and it was taking its toll on me! While I suffer, Sakura appeared to be having the time of her life… at my expense. Lisa and Athrun did help me from time to time, but Sakura wouldn't be denied what she wanted, or that's what I was finding out. …I miss being around Lacus, she's so much more reasonable than her older sister.
However, I got a 'get out of jail free' card for part of the day, that came in the form of a call from a friend of mine that works at Teswa R&D complex. Apparently, he needed me to come there and answer a few questions about the mobile suits that Athrun and I had come down in. The Aegis and the Shadow had been sent to Teswa after we pilots had been extracted so that they could be repaired.
I was more than willing to take the chance to get time away from Sakura… I mean, I'm forced to take the time to go and provide assistance to the scientists at Teswa, yes, that's what I meant to say! I went to tell the good news, um… break the situation to my house guests that something very urgent had come up that desperately needed my attention and had to spend time away from them. Athrun was fine with it, Lisa, I think for one, if not both she and Athrun, knew I was using whatever I'd been asked to do as a way to escape Sakura. And of course, the pink-haired woman herself… well, she wanted to come with me. I don't think I've said no so quick to almost anything before now, with the no I told Sakura to her coming with me.
After telling my guests the news, I got myself ready for the day and I took my car and drove the distance to the northern train station. For the Republic of East Asia, there's an underground transit system in place that connects the major cities, heavily residential areas and other sites of note within the Republic. Some of those sites would include the facilities around and for the control and management of "Shen Lóng" the Republic's mass driver. Such major facilities are more regulated and secured than the lines between cities and residential areas. The same is true of the Teswa Research & Development complex and you need either a military ID with a minimum level of clearance or an ID for those who work at Teswa. In fact, the underground transit system is one of the few ways to get to the complex, which helps to keep the actual, physical location secret from the Alliance, ZAFT and most citizens in the Human Federation.
It's no secret that the Earth Alliance leadership, both military and political, wish, want and have even begged to get access to Teswa and other development facilities. They've also threatened and attempted to intimidate the governmental leaders of the Republic and the Federation's military Admiralty… to no success, but still. ZAFT is better, but they too, have asked and requested in different ways to gain access to Federation scientific and development data as well. Neither side have received anything, mostly because it is the view of the top brass that sharing of data and/or information to either side, would make things worse in this war. That's not what the Human Federation wants, peace is the goal for the Federation and its goal for itself and its citizens… preferably, for everyone if possible.
Anyway, I parked just outside the entrance to the station in the northern sector of Shira and descended down into the station itself. Flashed my military credentials to those at the ticket station, they simply nodded and waved me through. I waited for five minutes before the train I would ride to Teswa arrived in the station. Once it came to a stop, I boarded the train and took a seat. The train itself, was pretty empty, but then, I was riding after the morning rush, yet before the midmorning pileup. Yet, it wasn't empty, but sparse.
Technically speaking, Teswa is in the northeast area of the Republic and the area the complex takes up isn't small at all. However, most of the complex is underground or hidden by the natural landscape. That means that looking down from above Earth won't help and Teswa is built with material that sensors can't see. Thankfully, the transit system that the Republic has and uses, isn't slow, quite the opposite. It took around twenty minutes for the train to come to the station at Teswa R&D. I got off and approached the entrance of the complex, which is where the security checking starts for this place.
As this is the most advance scientific development facility that the Human Federation has on Earth and possibly off of Earth as well, security is taken very seriously and is tight. Even with my Military ID with the level of clearance I have, which isn't low, it took me a good fifteen minutes to get through the security.
When that was done, I found that I did have someone waiting for me. The man was six feet tall, fairly thin overall, but not in a sickly way, looks good for a man that's thirty-six. His hair was of medium length and black in color, had a tendency to come down straight. The blue eyes that he had were still visible behind the red square semi-rimmed glasses. Currently, the man was wearing black slacks and a blue dress shirt with red tie, and last but not least, the customary white lab coat. I smile as I walked up to him, his name was Carlos Neil and he was a scientist here, one of the ones who unofficially ran things in areas of the complex. He's a Natural, one of those who proves that it doesn't matter if you're born Naturally or have genetic alterations… kind makes me wonder if Sai won't do amazing things as he gets older as this man reminds me of my glasses wearing friend. Anyways, Carlos was looking over reports of some sort were I to guess and so, wasn't paying a great deal of attention to what was going on around himself.
"Busy as always, eh Carlos" I commented.
Carlos looked up from the page, "Ah Tyler, a very quick response to my request, I didn't expect to see you for at least an hour." He replied.
I frowned nervously, "Um well, happened to be free to come down, so I say why not," I said
Carlos stared at me, before pushing his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, "If you say so, I'll not ask further as it sounds like you don't want to talk about it."
I nodded, and Carlos rose from the seat that he'd been sitting in, and I followed him as he led the way into the Teswa complex. Now, let me say this about this research facility, Teswa isn't small in any way! This complex is for scientific research of course, but not just one specific area of science gets worked on here at Teswa. There's a reason the complex is known to be one of the most advance development facilities that the Federation has, and it's because the scientists that work here tend to do work in multiple areas and also bring in their own expertise and share them with each other. Such has amazing results, no denying that fact!
My friend Carlos led me to the area that he tends to spend his time, which is where mobile suit development is done. Yes, the Human Federation does have access, the ability and does build and develop mobile suits. ZAFT and the Earth Alliance do suspect this fact, but have no proof of their suspicion. Carlos is one of the best MS researchers in the world and colonies, doesn't look like it, but that's how he is. My friend… well, simply put he's a GEEK, and I mean a seriously obsessive one at that! If he didn't have a wife and daughter at home to return to, Carlos wouldn't leave the lab, he would live here… kind of does sometimes by what I hear, even has a cot in his office.
Anyways, as I came into the MS lab behind Carlos, I instantly spotted my mobile suit, the Shadow standing in a maintenance cage. A good portion of the Shadow's plating that covers the internal components of the machine were off as mechanics were doing work on my suit. I wouldn't say no to a free and thorough overhaul which the Shadow needs after going through reentry among other things I've put it through over the last few weeks. The other interesting thing I noted, was that the Aegis was also here, in a cage dock that was next to the Shadow. The Aegis was undergoing the same treatment as my own machine was. I would guess that the scientist and mechanics were using the original specs that my team had gotten at Heliopolis. And by the way those working were showing excitement around both mobile suits, they were happy to work on them.
Carlos guided me to his office, which was in a room just off of the development floor and he shut the door behind me, cutting off the sound of the work going on. My friend then went over and sat down at the desk in the office, looking to me, "Tyler, I'm hoping you could answer a few questions for me concerning the two mobile suits you brought with you upon your return to the Republic." Carlos said to me.
I shrugged, "I'll try my best, but I don't know everything about those two machines Carlos." I replied.
My friend nodded and began, "I was wondering if you knew who any of the developers at Heliopolis's Morgenroete were specifically," posed Carlos.
I thought for a moment, of the people that I was aware that were involved in the development and construction of the Alliance prototypes, I only knew one much at all. That person was professor Kato and that was more a guess with the evidence I had collected. "No, I can't say I do, I was positioned more around the college rather than Morgenroete itself. My teammate Alan didn't mention any names of note that I can recall. Why do you ask?" I asked out of curiosity.
Carlos brought up data on the display on his desk, "Because, one or more of them at one time had to have worked in Federation weapon development, even if they don't now," he returned.
My eyes widened a bit at the implications Carlos was making, "And how do you figure that?" I inquired.
A holographic image appeared in the middle of the office and it formed into a design spec of the Shadow. Carlos continued, "I say that due to the fact that the suit you have been piloting has federation technology in it, you can't find a few pieces of equipment that this unit has with the Earth Alliance or ZAFT. Although, I have to say, whoever it was, they've done an impressive job adapting Federation tech to work with the systems that the Alliance used in this prototype series. And I would think you understand that the Alliance systems don't work or play well with others," Iterated Carlos.
It was true that I had figured out that there was Federation equipment built into the Shadow, it had been fairly clear the more I delved into the systems of the mobile suit. Then, what Carlos had said about the Alliance systems not working or playing well with others, was the major difficulty I had been working against in the streamlining of the Shadow's operating system over and over again. I'd wonder what whoever was building this machine was thinking, though hiding the Shadow's existence made more sense with Federation tech being at stake. "I have seen some things that would be designed by the Federation, but what equipment precisely are you referring to Carlos?" I questioned.
The image of the Shadow zoomed in on the head and rotated to the right side, with the hidden scope coming out. Personally, I had to admit that the scope had proven handy in many situations already so far to me and I'd come to like the equipment. "One of the major ones, is the hidden targeting scope, it's definitely a piece of Federation equipment, one that's going into the next generation of mobile suits. Same for the detection system that is built in to work with this scope and it's the one that Federation scientists came up with, I was one of them myself. Then there's the 'Echo Trace Emitter', which makes this machine invisible to any and all sensors, that ZAFT and the Earth Alliance have. Hence, why I was hoping you knew any of the developers, for some of those who helped with the systems have gone missing over the last year," Carlos trailed off.
I nodded in understanding, but keeping my mouth closed as I had nothing that I could say about those who had been developing my mobile suit. My friend kept going when I said nothing, "The other question that I'm not alone in wondering, would be what information you have, if any on the transformation capabilities that the X303 Aegis has. For it's very likely based on Federation technology that the fighters have built with," said Carlos.
The rest of the conversation focused on the five Alliance machines and what I and the team had learned after seeing them being used. Teswa might have the blueprints and designs for the Alliance prototypes, but that doesn't give data on their performance that came after that.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
The Archangel
"You know, I think this ship may have a future career in battlefield training if things don't work out," said Sophia as she worked on the final adjustments on the Skygrasper simulator.
"Well, we've got the two current top aces in the entire Earth Alliance, and arguably the two most brilliant rookie pilots I've ever heard of," said Murdoch, "We had a hell of a Federation pilot, so I really can't dispute that belief."
Sophia smiled slightly, patting the simulator almost fondly, "It's not perfect," she said. "Right now, it's not able to run simulations smoothly just yet and it will still take time and tuning to make it run realistic simulations. I'm more amazed you guys managed to put programs together that could do that idea at all. But, rumor is Sai's working on it, showing to have a bit of a knack for programing, where I don't. Then, when Ensign Yamato returns, hopefully he'll be able to upgrade the system with better scenarios. Currently, it only is a shoot and dodge game, because some idiot higher up didn't think to give us proper simulations. And don't… get me started on the lack of data recent or otherwise to build them with I'm forced to work without."
"Well, the lack of data is probably a good sign," said Murdoch, "It means we haven't seen that much combat since getting the Skygraspers. Those kids haven't been so fortunate, still on the road to recovery I understand, even if they're adamant in working."
"Hmm." Sophia looked up at the Strike, which Lacus was currently working on, then she glanced over to the Asuka that Kira was doing adjustments to. "Both seem pretty anxious, but I can't blame either of them, to be expected after the battle in orbit. With ZAFT's Black Zephyr possibly tracking us, who knows how long we got until she finds us again and we won't have the 8th orbital fleet's support and that made a difference."
Murdoch nodded with a frown, "Yeah, that was all the motivation me and my boys needed to double-time all our work. Made the needed repairs and we've been working on wrist-mounts that the Astray Frame can equip flamethrowers on, then eject them when the fuel runs out. It's so Kira will at least have options to work with, and Lacus asked us to mount a dual-grenade launcher on the Strike's right wrist. Kids are thinking about what could be coming seriously, I'll give them that."
Mu made his way up the stairs towards the entrance of the hanger, leaving Sophia and Murdoch discussing possibilities for the mobile suits and skygraspers. At the door, when it opened Murrue was on the other side, Mu moved and let her in, "What brings you down here captain?" asked Mu.
"Just came to see how things were going," replied Murrue.
Mu and Murrue stared down at the activity; mechanics were currently mounting the grenade launcher on the Strike, the right wrist only as to leave the left free for the shield of the Aile and Sword Striker packs, especially the latter. Lacus had been working on adapting the Strike's OS to use it, Kira had also been helping some of the mechanic, including the newest mechanic that had joined the crew, Arthur Nicks. Then there was Flay, who was currently cleaning out the cockpit of the Asuka while Kira was busy with other tasks, since Kira had apparently left a bit of a mess in there.
At seeing the girl cleaning, Murrue couldn't keep silent, "So, I'm curious, how long has this been going on?" she asked, gesturing towards Flay.
"Beats me," said Mu with a shrug. "Every time I saw that girl, it seemed like she didn't care for Coordinators all that much, which isn't surprising given her father's behavior. But, after Artemis, that has been changing from what I've been told, she's really gone out of her way to look after the two of them."
"She's Sai's girlfriend, right? Maybe he knows more?" posed Murrue.
"Fiancée actually," said Mu. "But yeah, he'll probably know more. If you're really concerned about it, you should ask him when he's off-duty."
Mu turned and left the hangar, Murrue following after him and soon coming up to walk next to him, "You're not at all concerned about the situation?" she asked. "I'll grant that it's easy to forget, but Kira and Lacus are just kids without any military training at all."
Mu took a moment to think about how to answer, for he had his suspicions about the three teens that were pilots, even if Tyler wasn't here right now. "I don't dispute that Kira and Lacus no military training. Tyler was the only one that I'm sure had military training even before we found out he was a member of the Federation military. How much training and what kind, I can't even begin to guess. However, with the pink princess… I'm not sure if that's true, the way Lacus has piloted, it's unlikely just natural talent," said Mu, coming to a halt.
"Huh?" muttered Murrue, turning to face him.
"It's like… well, I think someone taught Lacus how to pilot," admitted Mu. "It's easy to miss, but the way she flies is a bit more fluid and controlled, she's actually a bit more skilled than Kira. He's just a faster learner and is improving on a steep learning curve and has stronger physical and mental capabilities. Outside of that though, I'll admit that I haven't seen a hint of military training, nothing like what Tyler has and that kid hides his better than most soldiers I've met can hope to do."
"What do you think it means?" Murrue asked.
"With Tyler, the way he fought, it's clear as day that he's done it before, but to those who haven't fought on a battlefield, it wouldn't be visible." Mu paused for a moment, considering the words that would get across what he was trying to convey, "With the pink princess… I can't say for sure, but it may be nothing, or may be something. If she was taught, then whoever did the job was not a novice, I can't say much more than that. At any rate, she's here and on our side, we've trusted her this far, I see no reason not to continue that. But that's off-topic, you were worrying about the situation with that Allster girl."
Murrue nodded, "We're in a tense situation, and they don't have military discipline to help keep their emotions under control." Murrue then put a hand to her chin, "And now that you mention it, Tyler has proven that he has that kind of discipline looking back," said Murrue. "I hate to imagine where this could lead if there are no boundaries set."
"Well, personally, I think it's a good thing," said Mu. "They require each other for emotional support among other things. That girl and Sai will be a huge help to them in a way that the rest of us just can't be to them." Mu paused, and smiled slightly, "If you're worried about potential fraternization though, remember that this is a mixed crew."
"Wait, I didn't say anything about that!" Murrue shot back.
Mu smirked, eyeing her slyly, "I didn't say you had, I was just putting it out there," he said. "Besides, I hear Orb's kind of big on the open relationship concept, much like a good portion of the Human Federation."
"Lieutenant!" yelped Murrue.
The ace pilot couldn't help but laugh at his captain's flustered state.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Western Outskirts of Shira, The Republic
It was now the start of week two since landing in the Republic, and it was high time that I reported to my superior officer here. It's a responsibility I've as a soldier and member of the Federation Military. I know going into this it will be a long report, can't say exactly how long or even estimate, but I do know it'll be long. I made the trip to military command, which lies on the outskirts of the north end of Shira pretty much in the mountains behind the city. And after showing my ID, I headed to the officer that I would need to see. Thankfully, I knew where the office was and so went straight to it to save myself time.
Knocked on the door and was told to enter, and so I did. The man sitting at the desk in the room, appeared to be in early fifties. His height was 180 centimeters, though he was sitting down at the moment, so he wasn't at full height. The man had short black hair, brown eyes and a goatee and moustache on his face. He was wearing a Federation officer's uniform, however, his was white denoting high rank. Where Captain Shepard's uniform had been blue and black, the black was the same, but the white took place of the blue. The shoulder pads that were gold and had two stars below the Federation crest and on the cuffs of the coat, there was one wide gold with a thin gold band above the wide one. The man's name was Bart Maxwell, and he was the top commanding military officer in the Republic and was the head of the Federation forces here.
I snapped to and saluted, "General Maxwell, Commander Tyler McGregor, here to report upon previous assignment sir," I stated.
General Maxwell nodded to me, "At ease McGregor, good to see that you're doing better after going through reentry and landing. Do have a seat, so that you can begin your report, don't doubt with you being gone for a year, you have a great deal of things to cover." He said gesturing towards a chair in front of his desk.
I sat in the chair, took a deep breath and began to go over the events that had happened over the last near fourteen months. Summarized the majority of what went down at Heliopolis up to when things went south, as most of it wouldn't be unknown to the Admiral. Along with the specs of the Archangel and the Alliance prototype mobile suits blueprints, there wasn't a lot of note during the time my team and I were gathering information. That lasted for around an hour and a half, I didn't see a reason to bring up the time with those I had befriended at Heliopolis, so I did not. Then I went into the events that led to the current issues that are being faced. I began with coming to the realization that ZAFT would make an attempt to steal from Morgenroete's complex at Heliopolis. I managed to keep my voice even and my manner calm when I gave the details of how Heliopolis collapse, as to an extent, some of the fault falls to me and my team for not being able to stop it.
Next, I went over the time I was on the Donnen and even the sight I got of Le Creuset on the ZAFT Destroyer. Then moved on to the meeting with the PLANTs Supreme Council, wasn't happy with how that went. My reporting of events up to my landing here in the Republic went on for hours. There was one break for a meal, but other than that the report was as I expected it to be, long.
My reporting to General Maxwell, had lasted for hours, so since I started in the early afternoon and when I had finished, it was mid-evening. One of the longer recountings that I've given that I can remember. I made my way back to my place and had dinner with my house guests, before I decided to turn in a little early as it had been a busy day for me. I was so tired that I didn't even tell Sakura to not sneak into my bed like I had the last few nights, plus, she ignores me anyways. So, I fell asleep rather quickly, that's how tired I was.
However, I was woken by an incoming call, I rolled over and tapped the communicator, "This is McGregor, who is calling and why at this time of night," I asked in a sleepy voice.
"Apologies commander McGregor for calling at this late hour, yet apparently it was said that you wanted to know when there was information about the Earth Alliance vessel called the Archangel. Information on the ship just came in, and they are heading for Delias, will likely dock there tomorrow early morning. That is all commander," said the Federation officer before he hung up.
My head sunk back to the center of the pillow and I was about to go back to sleep, planning to deal with the new information about the Archangel tomorrow. However, before I could return to dreamland, motion to my right caught my attention. I glanced over to the right, I saw that once again, like since the first night she had gotten here, Sakura had snuck into my bed. And like the times before, pink-haired woman was scantily clad and was clinging on to me. Normally, I would try to kick her out of my bed, but you know what, I'm too tired right now and only half awake at the moment to really fight this or care. So, I spun around to face away from the woman and broke free of her arms encircling me, then settled back in my bed. Still, I felt Sakura move in her sleep before I dropped off, she shifted and ended out snaking her arms to go around my torso again and press her front against my back. Sleep welcomed me back into its fields and I returned to the dreams I'd been having before the communicator had woken me.
With learning what I had about the Archangel last night, that being that they would be around the Equatorial Union's capitol Delias in the area that is formerly known as India. Unfortunately, the Equatorial Union had been having internal issues according to what my mother said that the government was 'handling'. So, as a result, those who belonged to groups outside of the Human Federation weren't very welcomed right now, it was to keep problems from becoming more volatile. That in mind, it would be unlikely that the Archangel would be permitted to dock at Delias
The possibilities of what awaited the Alliance vessel, depended upon what route they would take from Delias to eventually arrive at JOSH-A in Alaska. The Archangel would need to resupply somewhere along the way and the two most likely places they would stop at either the Orb Union or the Republic itself. With the ZAFT controlled Oceanic Union to the south, specifically the Carpentaria base, which is ZAFT's main operational base for the Pacific Ocean, options were limited.
Should the Archangel go through the former Indonesia islands part of the Equatorial Union, then there could be trouble. There had been rumors of 'pirate' activity for the last few months, commercial vessels being attacked and raided for their cargo being the type of incident that brought the rumors to light. Hence, the reason that commercial vessels were now escorted through that area lately. These facts had me worried, yes, I trust Kira could defend the ship if the need came up. However, there are still those I consider friends on board and I don't wish them to be in danger if it can be avoided.
By the time mid-afternoon came around, I made up my mind and headed over to Teswa R&D, hoping and praying that the Shadow was ready to be used. If not… I wouldn't say no to borrowing the Aegis and I doubt that Athrun would have a problem with it either. However, there would be issues and unwelcome questions asked by the crew of the Archangel were I to show up in one of the stolen Alliance machines. There were things I couldn't tell them at this point and they'll have to accept that, but I'll cross those bridges if or when they come up, I'll burn them if necessary. No need to add to the pile of worry there already is from current events, if I don't have to.
Once I arrived at the laboratory, I made my way to the mobile suit development section, the facility was quiet and sparsely populated. Yet, it tends to be light on people working on the weekends and as it's the weekend, makes complete sense. However, to my surprise, when I reached the development floor, I found that Carlos was in his office. With it being the weekend, you would have thought he would be at home. I went over to the clear plastic walls and knocked on one to get my friend's attention, and I got him to jump and look up. Carlos got up and came out of his office, "Tyler, what are you doing here?" he asked.
I crossed my arms, "I could ask you the same of you, normally you're home on weekends, perhaps there are problems at home… with the wife? Not that it's my business of course," I replied.
Carlos rubbed the back of his head, "Well, the in-laws are visiting, and uh… they don't tend to get along with me when they visit. Something about disappointed in my work and job as a scientist, so I'm here working to keep harsh words from being said. My wife understands and doesn't fault me for this, I think she is actually… well, anyways," Carlos trailed off a bit, before focusing back on me, "So, what about you, what brings you to Teswa on the weekend?"
"I'm here to ask if my mobile suit is ready. Something has come up and I need a unit to use," I returned.
Carlos took a moment to think, "One of the mobile suits, is ready yes. However," he started, but trailed off.
My head fell a bit, "However, I assume not all the equipment is good to go, am I right?" I inquired.
My friend nodded sadly, "The Shadow's main beam rifle and the shield are still getting work done on them," was his answer.
I looked to the Shadow and then glanced to the Aegis, "What about the Aegis, is that mobile suit ready to go out to a battlefield?" I asked.
Carlos shook his head, "Unfortunately, no, we found that some of the hydraulics were put in badly and so needed to have them replaced. We ended out having to tear the bad pieces out and that took longer than we expected. That being said, the suit isn't in an acceptable condition to be used," he remarked.
I sighed in resignation, "So, the Shadow is ready, but no equipment to work with, the Aegis isn't usable… come on Carlos, help me out here, I need something to work with!" I said desperately.
My friend smiled, "Now Tyler, I never said there wasn't something I can do to help you. Yes, your mobile suit is ready except the rifle and shield. All that's needed is different equipment, which happens to be available," said Carlos
I stared at my scientist friend, "Well, don't keep me in suspense Carlos, tell me what you got man," I told him.
Carlos smiled, "How about I show you what I have?" he posed.
My friend went over to a control console and type in some commands, the Shadow moved to the center of the development floor. Once my mobile suit reached the center of the floor, a compartment above the suit opened and something started coming down. The first sight of the equipment was two barrels, which were positioned behind both shoulders of the Shadow. The one on the left appeared to be two barrels that were folded, one behind the other barrel. The other barrel was rectangular for two thirds of the gun and triangular for the other third. The triangular section being divided into three gun barrels, with one at the top and the other two on bottom corners of the triangle shape. Both weapons were attached to a backpack that was also a flight system that would connect to the Shadow's back and improve the thrusters output with the flight system.
The cannon on the left, mystified me, as I haven't seen a weapon like it. The barrel itself, was long yet a little over two feet in diameter from the large end that was connected to the backpack to the end of the second half of the long weapon barrel. The big end, was the shape of a metal liquid container barrels and one and a half of the hundred gallon drums in length, which I assume was where the ammunition is and is fired from. I stared at the backpack as it was being attached to my mobile suit, "So Carlos, mind telling me what I'm looking at, because my brain is yelling 'What is that!' in a rather excited fashion," I asked.
"What you're looking my friend, is the 'Kale' Artillery pack. It comes with the flight system that I wouldn't doubt you've spotted and it works with the thrusters your suit comes with. The output of the flight system is about one and a half times what your unit's thrusters are capable of. On the right, you're looking at an experimental prototype 300 mm 'Titus' compact positron blaster cannon, recommend caution in its use as you should be aware of positron energy's effects on the environment. On the left, I'm proud to present the other prototype and first of its kind, the Linear Accelerator Shot Cannon, or LAS cannon for short." Said Carlos with pride.
I nodded slowly, "Okay, neat Carlos, what does the LAS cannon do?" I asked.
Carlos snickered, "What does the LAS do? I would think its name would give you a hint, but you know how the Magnetic Acceleration Cannon works?" he questioned
Nodded in answer, "Yeah, have seen and am aware of how the MAC gun works, do remember, I tend to work up in space my friend, why?" I replied.
Carlos continued, "The LAS cannon works along the same principles, though it is a bit limited due to set amount of ammunition and they can't accelerate to the exact same speed. But, this cannon can fling each round at speeds that you would still gawk at, makes thick armor plating seem like paper, I'll tell you."
I was shocked to hear what this cannon was supposed to be able to do, it was amazing! But then, the scientists here are pretty good at impressing others and so Carlos has done for me. Faced my friend and bowed, "Once again Carlos, you have left me in awe by the work you and your colleagues do. The only thing that I see left, is I would like a rifle of some sort to work with for mid-range combat," I replied.
Carlos smiled at me, "The Aegis's rifle should work fine in that respect, it's working just fine unlike the suit itself and it should clip in to your suit's holster for its beam rifle."
"Thank you very much now, where's the exit?" I asked him, bowing as I said my thanks.
Carlos went over to another control console, "Glad to oblige you Tyler, should also mention that the backpack system which the cannons are attached to, has its own battery that you can use for it and weapon use. As for the exit," alarms sounded and the hundred-meter diameter circular shutter that allows ground level access began opening. Carlos gestured towards the opening shutter, "That fit your idea of an exit?"
I nodded in reply, before nodding my head, thanking my friend once more and getting into my mobile suit. After activating the Shadow's OS, I noted that the system was running better than it had been, meaning the scientist here had streamlined it as I had been slowly doing while traveling on the Archangel. I grabbed the Aegis's 60mm high-energy beam rifle and clipped it into the holster on the right hip of my suit. Granted, it's not as good or as powerful as the rifle the Shadow came with, but it's better than nothing. I then moved into position to receive the weapon pack that Carlos had shown me. After that, there was a jerk as my machine moved forward toward the large opening shutter. By the time I came to launching position, I had checked over the changes that had been made and was happy with them. I took off and flew out of Teswa, activating the mirage colloid shortly after leaving the lab and headed towards the area where I believe the Archangel could be.
Nearly two hours pass by as I flew towards the southeastern part of the Equatorial Union, to an area called the Inda Sea. This sea was between the islands that once made up Indonesia before the reconstruction war. The only sounds were the humming of systems running inside the cockpit and my steady breathing. On the way, I came across two Federation Dolphes-class sea escort vessels, protecting a merchant vessel that was sailing towards Shira.
The Dolphes-class, is the main stream naval vessel type that the Human Federation uses on the seas of earth. They have a length of 190 meters, and is modeled along a similar framework of the Orb Union's Aegis class or rather it was made around the same time and with unofficial collaboration. However, there are two major differences, that being armaments and the raised runway on the front half of the ship for launching Federation Fighters. For armaments, Dolphes-class have sixteen missile launchers normally loaded with anti-ship missiles, along with two tri barrel 40cm turrets and the main 125 mm long range cannon. The two turrets were on either side of the ship behind the center, whereas the long-range cannon is under the runway and can be brought up when the runway parts for the cannon's use. For defense, there are four CIWS gatling turrets at back, front and both sides, along with four counter measure missile launchers. Dolphes-class carry two fighters usually at any given time to be launched.
From the captain of one of the Dolphes vessel, I learned that the rumors of 'pirate activity' were true and not just that, the 'pirates' were using a ZAFT Vosgulov-class submarine and GINNs to raid passing ships. I thanked them for the information and continued onward, making sure I contacted the current patrol to inform them of what I intended to do, where I was heading. The patrol said they would move in that direction. I kept flying, entering the Inda Sea, going on for somewhere between fifteen to twenty-minutes, before I spotted something off ahead of me. To get a better picture, I brought out the LRT scope and used it to get a better look at what was going on ahead of me.
The view I got, wasn't comforting to me at all! Granted, I saw the Archangel, which I'm very pleased to see again after more than a week of being separated from it. But, the four ZAFT GINNs heading at the Alliance vessel was not nice in my view. The lead GINN was an assault type and had a standard load out for the type of GINN. That included two gatling guns on the shoulders missile pods on its legs and a couple of grenade launchers as I recall. One of the other three GINNs was blue… one of the WASP aquatic type of suit, can't say I know the exact armaments it tends to have. The other two were standard ZAFT GINN mobile suits with assault machine guns in hand and no other optional equipment.
I don't doubt that Kira and Lacus could handle the GINNs, but after seeing only two… aircraft launch out from the Archangel as I got closer, something felt off. The aircraft were the two that the 8th orbital fleet had given the Archangel, I hadn't really looked too closely at them while I had been on board, so I don't know much about them. The point of my observation, two aircraft versing four GINNs… the odds are in serious favor of the GINNs. So, the question, why haven't the Strike or the Asuka launched out to the field? Not waiting to see if the two mobile suits would launch, I put my foot down, making the Shadow zoom forward towards the developing fight.
If I wanted to get the GINNs to pay attention to me rather than the Archangel and its defenders, then I needed to aim for a target that those pilots couldn't afford to ignore. Their ship would fit that requirement in my view. So, I used the LRT scope paired with the detection system the Shadow had, tapped into the ZAFT communication, not to listen, but to track the signal to where the ship was positioned. I was satisfied when I received an outline of where the signals the GINN pilots were using to talk to their commander, now showed me where the Vosgulov-class sub was.
Next, I brought out the LAS cannon, letting the two halves of the long barrel connect and the circular coils started to warm up. Had to let the accelerator coils get running so they could chuck the ammo hard and at ridiculous speeds in the direction I pointed the cannon in. While I was waiting for the weapon to be ready to use, I kept closing the distance between the battle and myself. As I got closer, I had to hand it to the… oh what were those craft called? Oh yes, Skygraspers I believe it was. The ones piloting, which are like Mu and Krystal, were doing pretty dang good and not being hit by the attacking GINNs.
At the time I could see the fight clearly with my naked eye, without using the Shadow's scope, the LAS cannon became ready to fire. I pointed the cannon to where the ZAFT sub was and let loose a round that was accompanied with a noticeable recoil from the weapon itself. The shot struck the water less than two seconds later and punched a hole in the submarine. The shot was powerful enough to cause water to be thrown upward with explosive force, proving that I hadn't missed my mark. A small hatch opened on the bottom of the back section of the LAS and the shell from the ammunition, which was a good foot in length and a little over seven inches in diameter was ejected. Vents on the sides of the back section let out heat and steam to cool down the cannon to prevent the accelerator coils from overheating and burning out. Well, quite the 185mm cannon this beast is that Carlos and his fellow scientist made, the acceleration the ammunition goes under, makes a real point with weaponry. I had the cannon swing back to its storage position on the side of the backpack, but still had the barrel connected as one long piece.
Movement in the field of my peripheral vision caught my attention, and upon looking, I saw that one of the standard GINNs was baring down on one of the skygraspers. As I've come to have some respect for both Mu La Flaga and Krystal McAlester as they are the most likely to be flying those aircraft, they will not die while I can do something about it! Plus, I was now in range to make use of the Igelstellungs in my suit's head and the Aegis's beam rifle I had to work with. I positioned the Shadow's head to have the Igelstellungs level on the closest GINN and began peppering the opposing mobile suit as I kept moving forward. The effect was immediate and the one I wanted, the GINN stopped pursuing the aircraft blocking the spray of bullets and searching for the source of them.
It didn't take long for the GINN to raise its machine gun and began to fire in my direction, trying to hone in on my location. In response, I switched off the mirage colloid and activated my unit's phase shift armor, also of course changing the color of the Shadow by doing so. Now that the GINN could see my mobile suit, it rushed at me. I had the hidden beam saber flip out the hip storage compartment that was set in the right hip of the Shadow and grabbed it. I ignited the saber and slashed upward, cutting off the right arm of the GINN cleanly, before I used my suit's right leg to kick my opponent away from me a short distance.
The GINN I disarmed kept backing off from me however, the other standard GINNs moved to attack me in place of the retreating mobile suit. I retrieved the Aegis's beam rifle, raised it and started shooting back at the GINN, while evading the vast majority of the bullets from my opponent, a few did hit, yet the phase shift armor prevented damage from being incurred. It became clear that the high-energy beam rifle I had was more effective than the GINN's machine gun and the ZAFT pilot seemed to quickly realize the fact as well. They backed off from me and went off to work somewhere else and avoid me.
An object shot out from the Archangel, and when I glanced over, I saw the Strike had just launched and was equipped with the Aile Striker pack. Although, it was now four verses four now, it still wasn't fair, for on 'our side' the four was made up of two mobile suits and two aircraft. Whereas the opposing side had four mobile suits, though one was damaged by me already. Oh well, make do with what you get, as is one of the mottos I tend to follow.
Back to my first goal, getting the attention of this 'pirate force' off the Archangel, best done by targeting their ship. So, I brought out the LAS cannon to firing position, and it was ready to be used again as I had let it cool off. The accelerators got back up to their previous speed while the cannon had been stored, and so, I loaded a shell into the cannon itself. The LRT scope popped out of the Shadow's head once again and I tracked the ZAFT communications from the GINNs back to their submarine and located where they were. I took aim for the front right side, which I'm fairly sure is one of the catapults for mobile suits, then pulled the trigger. I felt the recoil, and saw the splash where the ammo had entered the water, followed by visible tower of water as the shot punctured the submarine's hull and the pressure difference cause an explosive like force. It was very satisfaction to watch the results of the cannon's damage.
Yet, the sub didn't surface, which would make this battle a tad easier and this frustrated me a bit. However, fate and opportunity were both smiling on me today! For, I spotted two Federation fighters coming towards the battle field, followed by a Dolphes-class. And by what my sensors were telling me, those fighters were carrying a payload, likely a cluster of depth charges each! Opened the communication channel to the fighter pilots, "Delta pilots, if you're looking for the troublesome pirate sub, it's at red 13 Delta," I said.
My reply came quick, "Thank you for the location sir," came a male voice.
I watched as two cylindrical objects appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Twenty meters above the water, the cylinders came apart and several smaller ovals things dropped and spread out before hitting the water. Five seconds later multiple towers of water erupted, disturbing the surface as the depth charges detonated, probably close to that ZAFT submarine. Less than a minute later, the top of the Vosgulov-class submarine came into view as the vessel surfaced.
A loud boom was heard and a large splash was seen close to the sub… the Dolphes-class had come into firing range I see. Then a message came over all channels, "Attention unidentified ZAFT vessel, your presence is a violation of Silas border agreement. You are being seen as rouge forces that has been attacking commercial ships to steal cargo and fulfill self-interests. Victoria and Carpentaria have made it clear that no ZAFT forces would be around this area. Recall your mobile suits and leave immediately or you will be fired upon," said the one I assume is the captain of one of the two Dophes-class that were approaching.
So then, what will these people do? Well, they didn't really listen to the warning they were given. Next thing I know, I witnessed the Strike fending off one of the standard GINNs. And I wasn't about to let Lacus die since I can do something to prevent that plus, Sakura would do HORRIBLE things to me, if I stood by and did nothing while her little sister died. Most importantly, Lacus is my friend, I don't allow friends to die on me while I'm still in anyway able! I stored the Aegis's rifle and then brought out the other weapon I had yet to use in this skirmish, the "Titus" compact positron blaster cannon.
I pointed the triple barreled gun at the undamaged standard GINN, and then heard the hum of the weapon charging. A few seconds later I pulled the trigger for the weapon and a crimson beam outlined with white light shot from the combined output of the three barrels. The beam slammed into the GINN and ripped through the machine, disintegrating it and leaving nothing. …An example of why you shouldn't underestimate the effects of positron energy, it's dangerous stuff!
The rest of the remaining 'pirates', which was the assault type GINN and the one-armed standard GINN along with the submarine began retreating. The Aquatic GINN had been taken down by Lacus in the Strike while I'd been fighting elsewhere on this battlefield. With things settled, I breathed out a sigh of relief, turned around to see both the skygraspers flying in to land in the Archangel's catapults. I shut off the phase shift armor, and piloted the Shadow to line up with the Archangel's right leg's catapult. Noting the Strike was doing the same on the left slightly ahead of me.
I landed on board the ship and came to stand in the area for loading and unloading optional equipment. It took the mechanic that was manning the console a minute to start removing the equipment currently on my mobile suit, though the 60mm high-energy beam rifle stayed clipped in the Shadow's holster. After the backpack was taken off, I turned the Shadow to the airtight shutters to open so that I could enter the hanger. A good sixty seconds went by, before the shutters opened, I had started wondering what was taking so long. But still, once the shutters were open, I moved forward, yet I didn't miss the stares I was receiving as I maneuvered my machine into the dock it hadn't stood in for over a week.
Once in the dock and locked in, I'd the forward screen retract and the the cockpit's hatch open, before I climbed out of the cockpit. When I glanced around, I noticed that the familiar hanger hadn't changed much while I had been away from the ship. My feet touched the catwalk, before I walked over to the ladder to descend down to the main hanger floor. Once I'd gotten to the floor, the silence forced me to look around to realize that all the mechanics and others in the hanger were staring… no, gaping at me would be more accurate. I can't say why they're gazing at me like I'm some kind of ghost or something, "Uh… why is everyone staring at me like I've come back from the dead? I mean, I was questioning myself if I would make it in time for a bit, but it feels more like I'm a stranger here or something," I said.
I still got further silence at my inquire about everyone's reaction, until something that was grey, blue and pink rushed at me, crashing into me. The next thing I registered, I was being embraced by someone… with pink hair, meaning it was Lacus as Sakura is back… at my place. I smiled in response, "Good to see you too Lacus," I greeted.
Lacus's action acted as a trigger for others in the hanger, Mu and Krystal came forward with many of the mechanics behind them. I was quickly surrounded by people and was being asked question after question, from where I had been to what had happened to me after being separated from the ship. Mu and Krystal took the next few minutes to get all here under control and to give me some space, taking charge and everything. During that time, Kira got to be in front of me and for a moment all around the two of us seemed to disappear. "Tye… I'm so-" Kira began, however, I cut him off, "You have nothing to be sorry about Kira. You did exactly what I knew you would and it's why I sent you back to the Archangel," I replied.
Kira put out a hand, to which I stared at with a look that said, 'really?', moved forward and brought Kira into a hug rather than shaking his hand. I'll not just take a hand shake from one of my best friends, it's not enough! The world came back and made itself known to Kira and I, as the mechanics and chief Murdoch went off doing work, giving us space. Mu and Krystal stayed by Lacus, Kira and myself as the crowd broke apart. Kira and I separated, and I faced the two mobile armor pilots. "Must say Tyler, you really got me out of a jam out there," said Mu.
I waved a hand in dismissal, "It's on the house, don't worry about it. I'm just glad I got here in time to make a difference," I returned.
After a short chat, I parted ways with Lacus and Kira for the time being and followed Mu and Krystal as they took me to talk to the captain. The meeting with both Captain Murrue Ramius as well as vice captain Natarle Badgiruel, was… interesting, to say the least. Both women of course asked me where I'd ended out after getting through reentry, which I told the truth of coming down around the Republic along with a general summary of getting time to recover.
The discussion soon turned to the need for the Archangel to resupply, and I was reminded of my 'assignment' still being left undone. The need for this ship to resupply, provided me with a potential opportunity to have the chance to complete my mission. So, that in mind, I made the suggestion that the ship make its course to Shira in the Republic as they could get both resupplied and repaired. Plus, it was clear to me from the few crew members that I'd seen, that they needed time to rest, relax to begin recuperating from the stress that had piled up. That could also be done around Shira with little effort involved on anyone's part.
Murrue appeared very much interested in the idea, which was a good mark for me, yet Natarle was quite a bit less enthused in going to Shira. Her argument was that the Archangel needed to get to Earth Alliance HQ JOSH-A at Alaska as soon as possible. In her view, I wouldn't doubt that the Archangel and her mission was not pubic knowledge yet. So, the less that the Archangel is seen along with the Strike, the better, or something like that. Now, I'll give the woman good marks on being a dutiful officer and soldier, and being determined to uphold the mission she's assigned. And while that's all well and good, you can easily drive those under your command into the ground and that's just abusive, such shouldn't be done often, if at all!
On my end, I needed time and an opportunity to either extract the mobile suit data or find a way to degrade or destroy the data to the point that it can't be used at all. I didn't say anything about my task, nor the existence or presence of the data in the system of the Archangel. I'm of the mind that none on board know of the data being in the systems of the Archangel up to this point. Whether any of the officers that had died at Heliopolis, I couldn't say for sure, I would assume the captain and probably the vice-captain knew, but other than that, I don't know. Nor do the two women sitting in front of me seem to know that what they're carrying is likely one of the major reasons that they're a target to others and not sunk by their "allies".
The debate or argument, whichever you wish to call it, evolved into lasting for almost two hours, in the end I managed to convince even Natarle that stopping for supplies, maintenance and for the crew to get time to wind down. By the information that I had gleamed in this conversation, supplies on the ship were running thin, morale among the crew wasn't really low, but it wasn't high by any means. Most people were being spread thin or worse, doing multiple duties, and it was taking a toll.
What I didn't voice or add, was those on the Archangel would very unlikely receive a warm welcome at Alaska. If they did, would probably more a sham than anything else, with the information I've been looking over in the last week. Sure ZAFT had been trying to take the ship down, but with the events that the Archangel had been involved in, made the ship unpopular with the Alliance lately. The data embedded in the vessel's systems is valuable enough to the Alliance that the Archangel wasn't taken care of already. That data is so much more valuable than this ship in the eyes of the leaders of the Earth Forces along with the crew of this vessel, it's bad. I can personally guarantee that when Earth Forces military leaders learn that the pilots of 'their' mobile suits have been Coordinators, if they didn't know already, then it wouldn't or hadn't gone over well with the majority of them, more an insult were I to guess. Then, when you take into account that the Earth Forces are losing in the war against ZAFT, they're getting desperate for a means to change the current standing it makes a twisted logical bit of sense.
The talk lasted for so long, it had gotten tedious to me, but to be polite I didn't say that and just listened for the most part. I left the office and made my way to the mess hall, hadn't had any food since the lite lunch I had at home and I was getting hungry! As I approached the mess, the sound of voices talking was heard and I identified them to belong to Kira, Lacus, Miriallia and Sai. I decided to have a kick and make a more extravagant entrance into the mess hall than I would normally make. So, I stood in front of the door, took a deep breath in, pressed the button to open the door. The door slid open, had a smile on my face, hands on my hips "I'mmmm Baaaack!" I stated with firm confidence.
The heads of all in the hall turned to me, seconds later, Lacus was giggling, Kira was snickering, meanwhile Sai and Miriallia gaped at me. I walked over to the kitchen, grabbed a tray of food, thanked the cooks and then sat down at the table that my friends were at, looking towards Lacus and Kira. "Sorry for going off and leaving you two, but apparently, the captain wanted to chat… and it dragged on for a while. Anyways, hope you all don't mind me joining you for dinner, haven't had anything to eat to since an early lunch today and that was light," I said with a smile.
At that point, Sai and Miriallia came out of the gaping stooper, Miriallia came around the table so fast, I swear that she had just about teleported somehow. I then, found myself being hugged tightly by Miriallia, "Tye, you big idiot, disappearing and worrying us so much!" She said to me in a somewhat broken voice, with tears falling if the wet feeling on the back of my shirt was anything to go by.
To say Miriallia's reaction was unexpected to me, didn't quite say my feeling about what the girl was doing in response to my sudden disappearance and absence. Miriallia wasn't mean to me or anything, but would often chide me about 'shirking work' as she put it… I didn't think she would care this much. All I could think to do, was to gently pat the brunette's left shoulder, "My apologies for pulling the disappearing act Miriallia. I knew doing reentry was a possibility, but never planned to do the idea, just found myself pushed into that position that I was forced to do," I answered.
It took a few minutes for Miriallia to let go and calm down. It was nice to know that my absence had been noticed, it felt nice. Also good to know that everyone is okay, I'd been kind of worried about my friends here on the Archangel since having to separated from them. Dinner was a fairly boisterous event, Tolle and Kuzzey weren't there because apparently, they were on duty since the friends that Kira and I shared from Heliopolis had enlisted. But anyways, it's fun to dine with good company, that's for sure.
After the meal, I found out that the quarters that I'd been inhabiting before being separated from the ship and its crew, were unused. Heck, even my things were still in the room as I had left them, so no real reason to changed rooms as this will likely be for one night anyway. However, I was certainly looking forward to a decent, good night sleep, since I hadn't gotten such for nearly a week! It's all due to a certain pink-haired woman who keeps sneaking into my bed every night no matter how many times I tell her not to do it. I was going through my things, to check that nothing had been rummaged through and taken… I doubt it happened, but better to make sure. It was while I was doing this, that a knock came at the door to my quarters, I turned, curious as to who would be coming to see me at this time.
Went to the door and to my surprise, Kira and Lacus were standing on the other side of the sliding door. "Uh, hey you two, to what do I owe the pleasure of the visit?" I asked.
I gestured for both of my friends to come in, and they did. Kira and Lacus sat on the couch, while I went to the bed. The three of us spent the next hour catching up on what had happened over the last week period. Apparently, both of them had spent time in the infirmary, just as I had put in time in a hospital, it's kind of a given after experiencing the heat that the atmosphere has without ablative gel. The question of what I had been doing did come up and in reality, I hadn't been doing much of interest or of note. …I might have left out my current issue with Sakura, mostly because of the respect I have for Lacus and I don't want to paint a picture of her older sister, who she regards highly. What Sakura had been doing around me over the last week could break that image Lacus has of her older sister.
After the catch-up session, the two left and I would assume returned to their quarters… if they haven't moved to sharing one room by this point, I'll be surprised. But then, with the way they're going with their relationship, it will happen eventually I bet. I headed to bed, very happy that I wouldn't have to worry about someone slipping into my bed tonight! It'll probably be the first night of decent sleep since the first night out of the hospital.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
The Archangel
On the Navigation Bridge, Natarle was in charge as Murrue was getting some rest after pulling close to a thirteen-hour shift, including the fight in the middle of it. Things had been quiet since the encounter with ZAFT forces, but for Natarle, her mind was wondering back to the conversation between Murrue, Mu and herself with Tyler. Learning of the young man had come down in territory of the Federation had been appreciated along with the two Alliance shuttles with the refugees on board them. Yet, when the talk had turned to what needed to happen next, Natarle was and still felt conflicted. The point of needing to resupply was something that even she couldn't deny without outright lying. However, the Archangel's mission was to still get to Earth Alliance HQ at JOSH-A in Alaska and that was the top priority.
So, when Tyler had suggested that they stop by Shira, the Republic of East Asia's capital city, it had caused pause to the captain and for Natarle herself. Natarle had heard about the Republic's capital city, it was one of the "premium vacation destinations" for many. And Natarle had been there once when she was a young girl, though she didn't remember a lot other than it had been time she had spent with her father before he had been killed. And it wasn't that she had something against the Federation or any of its member nations. So, stopping in Shira wasn't what was bothering Natarle, it was other things that were encroaching in.
Even though Tyler's reasoning had made sense, for the crew did need rest and to relax, Natarle could see the signs of that. But, as the Archangel's mission was secret or supposed to be and was of the utmost importance, to stop in a non-Alliance port could be a disaster. However, as there were few Alliance ports along the way to JOSH-A, there was little option. But even that, was not the reason that had Natarle wanting to get to JOSH-A as quickly as possible. It was more what hadn't been said that took that responsibility.
The way that Tyler had presented the idea was sound, but there was something more to it, she just couldn't place what was being left unsaid by the young Coordinator. He knew something he was choosing not to say, Natarle was almost sure about that, even though Tyler had the admirable military discipline he showed, she had seen that much. Yet, what it was that he knew but didn't say, she could only guess. Nonetheless, it clearly troubled Tyler, that sign was brief but it had been there.
Natarle couldn't stop the sigh that escaped her at the thoughts going through her mind, which Arnold who was in the pilot's chair noticed. "Ma'am, are you doing okay?" He asked.
The woman looked up, "Yes, I'm fine, just thinking upon recent events and wondering why they have happened the way they did," she replied.
Arnold nodded in agreement, but before he could speak, the door to the lift opened and Tyler stepped onto the bridge, "Good, uh well, it isn't exactly morning just yet as sunrise hasn't happened, but you get the idea of the greeting," he said.
Natarle stared at the young Coordinator, "What are you doing up here so early?" She questioned.
Tyler smiled, "Well, as it happens, I'm going to be leaving as I should take back my mobile suit to get the work being done on it finished. However, I wanted to at least say that I'm leaving because apparently, the disappearing I was forced into wasn't taken well when it occurred up in orbit. We'll meet back up later, so no need to worry. Plus, wanted to give a piece of advice before I go," he stated.
"And that is?" Asked Natarle curiously.
Tyler's face became serious, "When you come into dock at Shira, I can guarantee that there will be a group that will inspection the ship before you'll be permitted to disembark," he began.
"Why would that be the case McGregor?" Interrupted Natarle somewhat irritated.
"I'll tell you if you would let me finish Natarle. As I was saying, there will be an inspection team coming onboard, please don't take it or their possible attitudes personally. The Archangel doesn't have identity codes and so isn't in the Earth Alliance registry and that does make a small difference. Mostly it's because, it wouldn't be the first time during this war that an unregistered ship from either ZAFT or the Alliance have cause serious problems. So, this is taken seriously due to previous incidents, that being said, my recommendation is to cooperate with those who come on board. It will best help you and move things along a lot faster if you do Ensign Badgiruel," Tyler finished.
Natarle sighed, not exactly liking what Tyler warned of, but it wouldn't surprise her if such situations as Tyler had implied had happened. And unlike what had occurred at Artemis, there was warning beforehand, which was different. "Very well, your advice is noted," she returned.
Tyler nodded and then left the Bridge, Pal turned around in his seat, "At least we have some warning about what will come. We didn't with what went down at Artemis," he commented.
Meanwhile, Tyler headed toward the hanger, stopping by his quarters to grab his things. When he got to the hanger itself, he found the large room to be empty of people, not that such mattered to Tyler. Instead, he made his way to one of the consoles for launching mobile suits, and got down to the business of setting up a delayed launching sequence. This presented a few challenges, the first being the delay itself without having someone manning the console. Tyler fixed that with a few creative commands, then the second issue, was the need to equip the backpack he had come with. Like the first problem, it was corrected through some creative commands, which left the final conundrum of then initiating the actual launching sequence. He managed to take care of all of that in a little over five minutes and then execute the set of commands.
Once that was started, Tyler snatched his bag and ran over to the Shadow, using the zip-line to get to the Cockpit. He had just settled into the seat, when the dock catwalks and scaffolding began retracting. Tyler closed the hatch, having the forward display coming into place with the OS activating in time to see the Shadow passing the airtight shutters into the main catapult. The equipment was attached to the mobile suit and then Tyler waited for the linear catapult to shift into the position to launch a mobile suit.
Back on the bridge, Pal reported the event of the Shadow's launch, and those on the bridge watched as the black mobile suit flew out of the Archangel. The machine soon afterward vanished from view, leaving its direction for travel unknown to others.
For the next two hours, the ships escorting the Archangel, silently kept moving forward to their destination. But, when the view of a city came, those on the navigation bridge couldn't help but smile in a bit of relief. The city they were coming to, Shira the capital of the Republic of East Asia, represented a much-needed rest bit for them. The Alliance vessel was brought to one of the larger dry docks and they came into it. Natarle along with most of the officers on the Archangel, had to keep themselves calm as their vessel was being locked into the dock itself. This included cranes on either side attaching structures to parts of the Archangel mostly around the weapons, as well as a type of gangway being brought to one of the outside airlocks.
Murrue and the officers that hadn't heard Tyler's advice began to be apprehensive as the watched what was going on. However, Natarle spoke up in the attempt to ease the developing tension, "By what Tyler said before leaving, there would be a group coming onboard to inspect things, due to the fact that we're unregistered and the Federation has had trouble with such ships," she said.
As if her statement had been a signal, a few minutes later, the lift doors opened and seven people came onto the bridge. Six of them were in combat outfits that the Federation tended to use, the one man that wasn't in the combat uniform, was wearing the less formal uniform of the Federation military. The man in the Federation non-combat uniform was slightly in the lead, looked to Murrue, "I assume you're the captain or the current commanding officer of this vessel?" He inquired in a serious tone.
Murrue nodded, then the man continued, "Very well then, tell your crew to step back from their stations captain." He commanded curtly.
"What in the world for?" Demanded Murrue.
Yet, Natarle interrupted her, "Everyone, step away from your stations for the moment please."
The rest of the bridge crew hesitated for a moment, but did as Natarle had said. Once they had, the six other soldiers moved forward and began to tap out commands on the consoles. Murrue gazed back at the man who was likely the leader of these soldiers, "What is the purpose of this?" She asked in a calmer tone than before.
The man stared back at both Murrue and Natarle, "Your cooperation is appreciated, we are locking down the systems of this vessel. A precautionary measure that's fairly common now, they will be unlocked when you are ready to depart from here. Once the lockdown is finished, you may disembark from this ship, please have identification ready to display." He said, slightly inclining his head.
Murrue slumped into her chair, this wasn't as bad as what happened at Artemis, but it still felt similar. True, there weren't guns being pointed at them, but still, was giving another the benefit of the doubt not something that was done anymore? These were her thought as this 'lockdown procedure' continued.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Coastline of the Republic
I flew the Shadow along the coast, heading back towards Teswa to return the Shadow to the lab to have the maintenance finished. It took me close to an hour to reach the 'valley' that the huge shutter in the ceiling of Teswa. I contacted the central control room, and they opened the shutter and I maneuvered down into Teswa and into the MS development floor. Carlos wasn't in his office, so I assumed that he had gone home since I left yesterday and hadn't come in yet. I thanked the scientist that was on duty, before I exited the laboratory and caught the train back to Shira.
The ride on the train lasted for twenty minutes or so, then it arrived at the northern station, where I got off. Exited the station and quickly found my car, buckled in with the five-point harness before starting the car. From the station, I headed to the docks… at a non-slow pace, but not fast enough to be noticed… around any sensors at least. Since it's early morning, there's a lot less of a chance for me being stopped for any reason, so I wasn't worried about local authorities pulling me over. So, where the journey from the northern transit station to the docks in the south normally takes around thirty minutes with less traffic, I did it in a little over fifteen minutes. I won't deny that I was going faster than I should by what is posted however, I won't say by how much thank you!
I entered the dock yard Shira had and could see that the Archangel had come into the docking area already, though doubt anyone has disembarked just yet. A thought came to mind of something I could do while I waited and I pulled over next to where the management building for the docks is and got out of my car. I found and spoke to the chief in charge and delivered a proposition for an interesting show and a chance for me to have a lot of fun that I don't normally get to do.
The idea was simple in its explanation overall, the workers at the docks would get to watch as I would get to put the petal to the metal with my car. Once I hit the open stretch of the docks that happened to be in the view of the Archangel, I would begin to drift and go as long as I could. My goal was to lay down as much skid marks from the tires and get as much distance as possible. I have a thing for drifting in my car, a wonderful thrill and hobby of mine… which my mother very much frowns down upon. The issue tends to be… I get little opportunity to do drifting, let alone with permission from anyone to do this, so I do it whenever I get the chance.
The chief was apprehensive, though the rest of the workers seemed rather interested in watching me do what I suggested. I then put down a challenge of making seventy-five-yard skid marks or farther, or I would clean the skid marks off the pavement… by myself. When I laid that on the table, the chief nodded and agreed to the idea. The agreement set, I headed back to my car and noticed that the workers were making a wide path for me to drift down. I couldn't help the smile spreading across my face at the prospect of getting to drift with my car as it had been well over a year since I'd done the activity.
I drove my car back a good distance and came on to a straight length that would allow me to build up the speed before drifting. The feeling of excitement and adrenaline pumping as I took a deep breath in before focusing on what I was about to do registered. I rolled both the driver side window and the passenger side down, as I love the feeling of the wind in my hair when I drift. The sight of a green flag being waved wildly by one of the workers a ways down the 'track', in response, I put my foot down to the floor and my car shot forward. The engine roared as I gained speed, shifted the transmission up through the gears with the lever under the steering wheel with my left hand. My right hand was holding the emergency break, ready to pull it to get my car to begin drifting.
I kept building up speed until I reached the open area that the main administration build for the docks is, then I yanked on the emergency break hard. The tires started squealing as they lost most if not just about all traction as momentum took over the motion of the automotive machine I was in. At the same time, I turned the wheel to get my car to turn ninety degrees to being drifting down the open stretch of pavement. Keeping a tight grip on the steering wheel with one hand and the other had a hold on the emergency break, I throttling it to keep the drift going and yet be in control of it.
The screeching of the tires continued, as my car stayed in the controlled skid I had put it in, sailing sideways across the pavement. After the first twenty yards, I couldn't hold the excitement or rushing joy I was experiencing any longer, "WHAAAA WHOOOO!"
The shout was long and loud, and said my current feelings better than words could for me. Continued to sail down the open space, in control of the drifting skid as I went, intending to hold this for as long as possible. I caught a glimpse of the gawking stares from those observing me and the skill I have drifting a car, my car in particular. That brought a satisfied smile to my face! My drifting skid lasted for almost sixty seconds, which included the last bit where I had to jerk the wheel hard before entering a turn, still drifting.
When I came to a stop, I leaned out of my side's window and glanced back at the results of my 'drifting high'. To say that I'm proud of how far I had been able to drift/skid, wouldn't be accurate to state. I was elated at seeing the long black, tire width lines that were clear against the pavement, more so watching two dock workers beginning to measure the length of the said skids. Once they finished they went over to the chief and reported the info, before the man made his way over to me, "Must say McGregor, you did an impressive performance," he began.
I smirked, "Really? What's my distance then?" I posed.
The man stared at me, "Eighty-nine yards… meaning you won the wager agreed upon." He said calmly.
Eighty-nine yards… that's a new personal best, OH YEAH! "Thank you for the opportunity to give such a performance Chief." I said before moving my car forward towards where the Archangel was docked.
I noticed that people were already on the gangway disembarking from the Alliance vessel, probably started while I was having a ball drifting. I came over and brake a short distance in front of the ship and turned off my car, unbuckled my seat belt. The car door opened out and upward before I hauled myself out of my car and glancing at the people coming off the ship. Of course, I was searching for my friends, the kind of person I am. I took a seat on the hood of my car as I scanned the crowd and after a period, I spotted Kira, with Lacus behind him coming down the ramp.
I waved to him and he saw me. The others from Heliopolis were quick to follow, and the looks I got from some of the people from the Archangel were amusing. However, Tolle was the one who spoke his mind first, "Tye, where did you get that car?!" He asked in amazement.
I chuckled, "This beautiful machine, is mine Tolle, I own it and drive it, and doing so is awesome," I returned in a happy tone.
Then, I caught sight of the ship officers were coming in our direction, to which I stood up, "Welcome to the capitol of the Republic, Shira all… of… you," I greeted them, but trailed off before finishing the greeting.
What stopped me mid-sentence, was the Archangel officers' expression of glum and unhappiness, "Um, what's with the glum feel in the air?" I inquired.
Sai came up and whispered into my ear, "They didn't much like those who came onboard to lockdown the ship."
I sighed in understanding while nodding, "Look, like I said before, don't take the inspection team's attitude or manners personally. One of the prices of peace is ongoing vigilance… should you not believe me, I can get any of you copies of the reports about some of the situations that have happened that makes it necessary." I replied.
My explanation didn't seem to go over very well or so their reactions said to me. Attempting to help to get the glum feeling that was in the air, I began talking about how while being here, the Archangel would be repaired and resupplied. Best thing, the mechanics of the Archangel wouldn't have to kill themselves to do this, in fact, they would get a well-deserved break! However, that didn't help dispel the negative feel either, if anything it made things more awkward.
To prevent myself from being further embarrassed by trying to help the situation, I instead turned to doing something else. Since it's morning, I figured that it was time to do breakfast and so when I asked those I consider friends if they were interested in the meal, they were quick to agree it was. So… the eight of us left the officers to their wallowing, and divided ourselves into two groups to go and fetch supplies for making breakfast. For I can guarantee that I don't have enough food to make a meal for the eight of us and those staying at my place in my refrigerator at home.
The first group was made up of Sai, Tolle, Kuzzey and Miriallia, they would be getting cooking stuff, which I listed to them. Once I told them where to get the said stuff, they borrowed one of the vehicles from the Archangel and headed off. That left Kira, Lacus, Flay and myself to get the other things we would need for breakfast. Thankfully, my car has backseats, supposedly they didn't in the past. The ladies rode in the back while Kira took the passenger seat, and I of course, was in the driver seat as I should be. With all that set, off we went to a small grocery store that I like and it's open pretty much twenty-four hours.
After my got the supplies we would need, like eggs and other perishable items like that, we piled back into my car and I drove back to my place. Was planning to make pancakes, as the recipe isn't a terribly hard one and can be cooked in big batches. On the way back to my house, spotted the jeep from the docks, meaning that Sai and those with him were done and they followed me. I went directly into the house while the others began bringing the cooking supplies inside. Found out that Lisa and Athrun were awake, didn't see Sakura… and I wasn't interested in dealing with her shenanigans, especially with my friends here to witness it. Were any of those from Heliopolis or Lacus and Kira to see what Sakura does around me… the embarrassment I would be forced to face, would be horrific!
Anyways, after everything was in, Lisa and I got down to making pancakes, though I did get a glimpse of Lacus talking to Athrun. I had mentioned that he was a friend of mine, and the others had accepted that. Really, only Kira and Lacus knew who he was and the significance of him being here or what he had done. But I know that Kira and Lacus wouldn't hold what had happened against him. With two of us whipping up the pancakes, it didn't take a great deal of time for Lisa and myself to have the first two batches of pancakes ready to eat.
Tolle was the first to say how good the food was tasting, which everyone else agreed. Things got a bit more amusing in my view, when the Archangel officers came by, likely to check on us. Mu was the first to get himself some pancakes and Krystal slapped him upside the head due to his poor show of manners. That was before she got some food herself and was shoveling it in with about as much gusto as Mu. I did have a good healthy laugh at the scene between the two pilots as did pretty much everyone else.
Yet, then a message came, telling everyone from the Archangel would be staying while their ship was getting maintenance and resupply. My friend did say their farewells before they headed out to the house they would be in. When my friends exited and went to the place they were assigned, Athrun, Lisa and I began to clean up the dishes. The houses they and the rest of the crew of the Archangel were being given to stay at were down the road, but still had been nice to have them over for breakfast. Yes, I had woken up earlier than I would done normally, but it had been the first night I hadn't had to worry about another sneaking into my bed. It'd been a nice quiet morning thus far… speaking of which, where was the woman that insisted on cuddling me at night? I haven't seen her yet this morning, that's a tad odd for her, and that makes me worried.
The reason I was wondering what was going on with the pink-haired woman, isn't because I dislike her or anything like that. I would just prefer that she didn't chase me and pursue me like a stalker would, for it doesn't fit her well. So, not knowing where Sakura was gave opportunity for her to catch me off-guard and trap me. Better to know where your opponent is so that you know from which direction attacks come from.
While I was contemplating, I failed to notice another enter the room, until a pair of arms wrapped around my chest. I got over my surprise and I managed to free myself and make some distance from the one who had been embracing me, to see it was Sakura. I was glad to see the woman was at least dressed decently, since she rarely is when she sneaks into my bed. I became very worried when I noted the predatory expression she had, "Tyler, you didn't return last night and said nothing about that," Sakura paused for a moment, before she gained a wide smile that was CREEPY! "Now I'll have my fill of hugging you!"
Just as Sakura finished her statement, she lunged at me, to which I dodged out of the way as quickly as I could. The woman was back on her feet in a flash and I knew that she wasn't going to let me get away, unless I put forth a LOT of effort. So, I bolted for the front door without hesitation and I could hear Sakura behind me in pursuit. I reached the front door, ripped it open before racing through it and slamming the door shut and then putting all of my weight against the door to stop it from opening. There came a bang from the other side of the door, but I kept it closed, I was breathing hard and was trying to calm down from the near thing of Sakura catching me for a cuddle session and who knows how long that would last!
"Tye? What are you doing out here, and are you okay?" came the voice of Kira.
I swung my head over to the source of the voice and saw that Kira and Lacus were strolling over towards me, both looked worried about me. I forced a smile, "Oh, I'm fine you two, no need to concern yourselves about me, just needed some fresh air, that's all." I said to get them to wave off me being out here.
However, my mistake of stepping away from the front door came back to haunt me really fast. For as Kira and Lacus turned away from me, there was a creak from my right. That sound made me fully aware of the consequences of my error of stepping away from the door, and I knew it was FAR too late for me to get away. There was just enough time for me to grimace as I felt two hands grab me and then yank me back towards my house's interior. A scream escaped me as I was dragged back inside… though I can't say if that did anything really. The second I was back inside my house, Sakura hugged me in every way she could, with her arms, legs and even rubbed her cheek against mine, leaving me with no escape. Not to say I didn't try as hard as I could to get out of the woman's clutches, but my efforts were to no avail.
My plight worsened in my view, when Sakura ceased caressing her cheek against mine and forced my face to be in front of hers. As she got closer, I did everything I could think of to stop what was happening, but nothing I did achieved what I wanted. No, what occurred was Sakura proceeded to kiss me, humming happily as she did so… this woman would be the death of me!
Yet, even as Sakura continued to lock her lips to my own, the sound of the door opening came to my ears. Something pink just barely came into my view, and an idea came to my mind. If what I'm seeing is Lacus, she might be able to hold Sakura's attention long enough to get her off of me. So, when Sakura pulled back for a moment, I took the chance to enact my plan, "Sakura, guess what, your little sister Lacus is behind you." I said in an even voice, though I didn't feel that way at all.
Sakura stared at me for a moment, perhaps trying to detect if I was lying to get out of her clutches. But after a short period, she looked around behind her, "Ah Lacus, it's nice to see you," Sakura said, before she let go and got off me, going to where I assumed Lacus was.
I slumped flat to the floor, breathing in long deep breaths to help calm myself from having to experience Sakura's affections. The woman's actions towards me were taking a serious toll of me and it was not helping me in anyway, with any types of health. The next thing I knew, Kira and Athrun were above me looking down, Kira was looking more as if he was trying to understand what he had seen. Meanwhile, Athrun was giving me an expression of pity as this was a development that had been going for more than a week. I smiled weakly, "It's been a long while since I've seen you both together like this, doesn't make what I just went through entirely worth it. However, still is nice to see you two together. Now, you mind helping me up and to one of the pieces of furniture please," I requested.
Both Kira and Athrun grabbed an arm and pulled me upward and helped me to the couch. I glancing over to where the two women who were now happily hugging one another, but then they haven't seen each other for who knows how long I would bet. Well, have no idea what's going to come next, but the point is those I consider friends are still alive and that means things are going well for the time being.
Phase End
A/n
Hope you are all liking the changes that are being made. There has been time and effort put into them.
OIS-X209 Shadow
Kale Artillery pack
(So, I based this pack on the Blaster Impulse's backpack)
"Titus" 300mm compact positron beam rifle (right cannon)
The primary weapon of the Launcher Strike is the powerful "Agni" 320mm hyper impulse beam cannon. At its introduction, it was one of the most powerful mobile suit mounted weapon and is capable of blasting a hole through a colony wall. It is mounted on the left side of the backpack via an arm unit, and held under the left shoulder when in use.
Linear Accelerator Shot Cannon
Mounted underneath the main body, the Moebius Zero is equipped with the same linear gun used in the TS-MA2 Moebius. Although it is weaker than beam weaponry, it is still a powerful weapon, as demonstrated when one shot of it was capable of penetrating the hull of a Nazca-class destroyer.
Federation Sea Cutter
Technical Specs
Classification: Sea Escort Vessel
Overall Length: 190m
MS Capacity: 2
MS Catapult: 1
General Data
Manufacturer: Human Federation
Operator: Human Federation
Crew Compliment: 150
Machines carried: Delta Flier
Standard Armaments
125cm long range cannon
the long range cannon is under the runway and can be brought up when the runway parts for the cannon's use.
16 x Missile Launchers
Normally loaded with anti-ship missiles
2 x 40cm tri-barreled turrets
The two turrets were on either side of the ship behind the center
4 x 50mm Multi-Barreled CIWS
8 in the front, 4 on top and 4 on the bottom, 4 in the back.
Capabilities
Has a raised runway on the front half of the ship for launching Federation Fighters.