A/n

I'll say it right now, this Phase is somewhat shorter than previous ones, read the closing remarks to find out why. Anyways, enough from me, standard disclaimer still applies and on with the tale!

Phase 31: The Scars that Don't Heal

October 28th, 73 C.E.

-Neutral pov-

Mid-Atmosphere over the northern hemisphere

The descent of the Minerva and the Normandy through the atmosphere was bumpy, more so for the Impulse Gundam and the Justice Gundam who were sailing beside their respective ships. Once the two ships were outside the Thermosphere, both the Justice and Impulse boarded their ships before they were to hit the water. The Normandy made splashdown a moment before the Minerva did the same, both landings were somewhat rough, but nothing either ship couldn't take.

It didn't take long for either ship to figure out where they had come down, for the scenery, specifically the sight of the Cronos mass driver in the distance told them. They had come down in the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, which was neutral territory technically, though the Human Federation had the most influence in the sea. Both the Minerva and the Normandy moved forward and were quickly joined by Federation escort vessels coming alongside them. Captain Gladys wasn't worried about the Federation ships, relations between the Federation, the PLANTs and ZAFT had become more than fair since the war ended. True, there wasn't an official or standing alliance between the PLANTs and Federation, but with how things stood, one might as well as say there was to an extent. If things kept moving as they were, then sometime in the future, an alliance between the two factions could happen. Talia, when asked, said that the Minerva was making her course to ZAFT's Gibraltar base as that was the closest to current position. The escort acknowledged the course and said that they would go most of the way with the Minerva to Gibraltar.

As the trip went forward, many were left to reflect upon recent events, for they had changed the state of things for the human race. The Minerva arrived at ZAFT's Gibraltar base by the evening of the day they came down to Earth. The ZAFT base was one of the older ones on Earth that had been built during the First Alliance-PLANT War. It had served as a base of operations for the campaign that had claimed the North African Community from the control of the Earth Alliance. It was the only area on the continent that ZAFT had, as the rest was part of the Federation's Euros Coalition. Geographically, the base was on the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar that separated the African Continent and the Euros Continent. The bonus to the locations, was that the Alliance left the base alone from the Atlantic end, mostly because of the Federation's Asgard Base.

The Minerva docked at Gibraltar, her crew breathing a sigh of relief now that things would hopefully calm down for a time. Their first assignment had been unexpected and taxing, and most were wishing for a rest bit. Captain Gladys did wish the Normandy well as it went onward, likely to Asgard, and she said it had been an honor and pleasure to work alongside the ship again. True, the captain of the Normandy, Tyler McGregor might be young and certainly different than most other commanding officers. However, while his command style was unusual and unique, Talia had to say that it could be effective sometime. How that ship got ahold of the ZGMF-X09A Justice, she couldn't even begin to guess. the mobile suit "went missing" after the Second Battle of Jachin Due without a trace. None of the intelligence agencies had been able to find it nor its sister unit, the ZGMF-X10A Freedom. But, as long as they didn't end out in the hands of the Earth Alliance, it didn't matter particular.

So, with the Minerva now in safe territory and docked, Talia Gladys was left to wonder what would happen next. Bogey One was never technically dealt with, and they had appeared during the colony drop incident and cause issues. Talia knew that what would happen to that ship or the Minerva was out of her hands, but she would still need to write up a report about the ship. Of course, Bogey One was dangerous to be left to its own devices, that had been made clear, but other than that, there was close to no information on the craft or its crew. The things they had done were bold and problematic and so, Talia didn't like to leave such unsaid.

-Line Break-

Around the world, people were coming out from sheltering from the debris that had hit the surface of Earth. The damage from the fragments impacting caused many to question why such a thing had happened at all, it made so little sense. The people which emerged from the shelters they had fled to for safety, took in the results of the fragments' destruction and what had followed. Weeping for the lost echoed, bringing reminders of past horrors and amplified the standing pain and hurt caused by the colony drop.

In Orb, Kira Yamato gazed sadly over what had been the orphanage that he, Lacus and others had been living at, for now it was gone, washed away by the tidal waves. The knowledge that the event that did this, had likely been caused by a few people and all that would be remembered or known about them would be their type and not who they had been, it didn't sit well with Kira. It brought bad memories from the previous war and Kira wished to forget what had happened back during that timeframe. As much as Kira wished that human beings were quick to forgive others and not so stubborn to hold on to memories of horrible events, but he had come to know that such was not the case. No, Kira was sure that this event would be what would be used to justify starting another war and bring back the same kind of horrible things that had come with the previous conflict.

Within the week of the colony drop, news was "released" from an unnamed source, that those which were 'responsible' for the colony drop occurring in the first place, were Coordinators. The news brought about a response and it came hard and threw fuel onto a growing fire. The outcry against Coordinators was loud and the lashing out by a number of groups made against Coordinators on Earth came just as swiftly. For many Coordinators, they fled from the hatred against them, most taking haven within member nations of the Federation, much to the displeasure of those who wanted to attack them. The Federation military cracked down heavily on any that attacked or bullied Coordinators without due cause. And blaming Coordinators for the colony drop wasn't seen as due cause at all by the Federation. Even so, such didn't stop many yelling for Coordinators to pay for what the colony drop had rained down on Earth. The retaliation was hissed at towards the Federation member nations as they were sheltering Coordinators as well as a great deal aimed at the PLANTs.

As public opinion became increasingly bitter against Coordinators, Earth Forces on the moon were preparing for the operation they would soon commence. The Alliance's new Arzachel Lunar base, which was south of where the Ptolemaeus crater had been, was the Lunar HQ of the Alliance. Within the base, ships and mobile suits were being loaded and equipped with nuclear missile launchers to them. The mobile suits were the newest mass production model, the GAT-04 Windam. The machine was based on a variation of the early Dagger suits, but simulations and field test had shown that the Windams were a match for ZAFT mobile suits. The mobile suit had laminated armor rather than phase shift armor and was white overall but had blue on the top of the shoulders and upper torso. The suit had a hardpoints on the back to mount different equipment sets, depending on the situation.

The load of nuclear weapons onto the ships and mounted to the mobile suits kept going at a steady pace. The top brass was waiting for the message telling them to move out and head for the PLANTs to do the job they were readying for. Whether the PLANT Supreme Council agreed to the demands which would be sent or not, it was expected that the Alliance fleet would go out. The expectation was that the PLANTs would refuse the demands, so with that in mind, the Earth Forces were going to attack the PLANTs, in order to protect Earth.

It didn't take long, before a message was made to the PLANTs concerning the air of discontent. Joseph Copeland, the current leader of the Atlantic Federation, was a man in his early forties, had short blonde hair and brown eyes. He addressed the world and colonies at large, but the feeling of the message said that it was directed at the PLANTs.

The message was in the form of an ultimatum, echoing the cries being heard by those on Earth for justice and vengeance for the colony drop. The list of demands came down to four basic points that the 'Alliance' said the PLANTs were to meet or suffer the consequences. The first point concerned the 'terrorists' that were responsible for the Junius Seven falling, for the PLANTs were accused of harboring the terrorists. Said individuals were to be handed over so that they could be tried and punished for their actions and what they had caused. The second demand, was that ZAFT, the PLANT's military stand down and begin the process to disarming and dismantling. The members of ZAFT would not be accused of crimes unless there was solid evidence that they had committed one or more so that there was 'fair treatment'.

The third concession, was for the members of the current PLANT Supreme Council, to step down. Special elections would be held to put new people in the positions of the Council under supervision of selected individuals. That led into the fourth demand, which was to have selected Earth Alliance individuals be assigned to inspect and observe the Supreme Council. It was with the intent to put in place to act as a 'checks and balances' idea for the Council. The terms stated were given in such a way to sound like they were merely to put means in place to prevent the incident of Junius Seven falling from happening again.

However, what came across to the PLANT Supreme Council from the message was quite different from what the words said. The Atlantic Federation's President and through him, the Earth Alliance, were demanding the PLANT's and ZAFT's surrender and submit to the control and dominion of the Alliance. To say that the demands irked those that represented the PLANTs, was an understatement. When read between the line, there were implications made, which if accepted, would give a number in the Alliance the opportunity to abuse Coordinators as they saw fit and there would be little to stop them. Then, those who had been responsible for the colony drop were dead, all of them had been taken down by those who had been working on breaking up the ruins. Handing them over was impossible because of them being dead and likely burning up in the atmosphere.

It was agreed by all on the Council, that the ultimatum was unacceptable and would be rejected. Shortly after the message from the Alliance had been sent, representatives from the Federation contacted the PLANTs, asking to discuss the contents of the message and its implication. The reason for the meeting, was stated as the Human Federation saw the demands as wrong and vailed attempts to control the PLANTs. The Council agreed to meeting with those the Federation sent to the PLANTs along with rejecting the ultimatum. Instead, the members of the council with Chairman Durandal at their head, tried to pursue diplomatic solutions to the clear misunderstanding that had developed. Before the time given in which the demands of the Alliance were to be met, representatives from the Federation arrived at Aprilius One. They were accompanied by a group of Federation Military forces, who joined the ZAFT patrols and defensive lines. ZAFT was preparing themselves to defend the colonies if that became necessary. There was the chanced that the Alliance would come and bring nuclear missiles to fire at the PLANTs.

Even as ZAFT and their temporary allies prepared, the Alliance forces on the moon launched from Arzachel and began making their way toward L5. Meanwhile, Lord Djibril had contacted Joseph Copeland, to see how the planned operation against the PLANTs, "A very rousing speech Mr. President, you set a firm standing for the Earth Alliance that is needed. Now, to matters at hand sir, when is the attack on the PLANTs scheduled to take place, soon I hope," Djibril asked.

Copeland narrowed his eyes at Djibril's inquiry, "Djibril, your impatience needs to be reined it in. Such things aren't as cut and dry as you seem to think they are, politics aren't the same as business as you seem to believe," he replied.

Djibril grunted a bit annoyingly, dismissing the comment on his impatience needing to be restrained back. He had been patient for years, his wait was nearly over, Djibril wanted to see this all over and done with. To have Coordinators put in their proper place in the system and have all else fall into place. "The PLANTs are still insistent on negotiating, and that's not all, they have taken steps and put measures into place to placate us. Then, with the cry against Coordinators, the Federation is still against the initiative we've taken against the PLANTs and is setting themselves in opposition to the Alliance both on Earth and presumably in space as well. So, taking dramatic action at this time will have serious consequences attached," iterated Copeland.

Nevertheless, Djibril was in no mood to listen to the drivel the man that was to do what he was told, "Sir, I believe I explained this already, once the PLANTs are out of the way, all the commotion that's happening will fade away." Copeland sighed at hearing Djibril's counter, but Djibril kept going, "When they're gone and forgotten, everything will fall into place and in the end, who will be able to oppose us? The Human Federation? Its member nations or its military?"

Copeland shifted uncomfortably at the questions posed by Djibril, but he didn't back down, "Don't underestimate the Federation or those who make it up Djibril, those that have, things didn't go well for any of them. As a member of Blue Cosmos, you should know that Muruta Azrael made that mistake and it cost him everything."

Djibril hid his irritation at being reminded about the failure of the previous leader of Blue Cosmos. Muruta Azrael had gotten the closest to destroying the PLANTs, there was no real way to deny that, but still he fell short in the task. It had been because of the interference of the Human Federation and their involvement whenever it happened was frustrating. "So, you're still afraid of the Human Federation sir? They are not infallible or unbeatable, rest assured. Think of the world as a system; it needs people who build things, and others that manage things. Without people who managed things, the world would fall into chaos, much like a garden needs a gardener to tend and manage it to keep it from being overrun with weeds and unwanted plants. We all take care of our own 'gardens' and work to make sure it stays pretty. If we let the grass and plants grow as they pleased, then would we call that beautiful, would we call that freedom?"

"Djibril, you can say that all you want, however," started Copeland.

"That's the way the humans are sir, we want what's around us to be aesthetically pleasing," Djibril cut over Copeland, and continued, "We want things to be well managed, ordered and safe, it's human nature. History is a testament to the mentality, people have always worked to make the world that way and it has been successful. We build cities, designing tools, making rules, all to make things organized and safe. And now, we have a chance to do just that on a level that hasn't been done successfully yet, it is time President Copeland. The sooner that the PLANTs are gone, the sooner we can move on to the next, more pleasant step. We will build a new system for the world that not only work but will bring peace to the human race, even the Human Federation will fall into line in the end."

-Line Break-

Orb Union

A day after the disasters died down, Athrun contacted Kira, first to make sure that he and those with him were alright, and also to hopefully talk with Kira about a decision he was about to make. They agreed to meet along one of the beaches that was close to the place that Kira, Lacus and the orphans would take up residence in. Athrun visited them when he could make the time and the kids had become fond of him, much like they had Tyler when he got around. Honestly, the kids had seen and experienced things that no child should have to go through, both from the Alliance-PLANT war and this most recent incident.

Athrun had borrowed a car to drive to the agreed upon meeting place, traveling for around fifteen minutes. He parked on the side of the road next to the beach and when he looked down towards the sand, Athrun spotted a group of kids that surrounded Kira and Lacus. Athrun walked down to the beach and was quickly noticed by the children. They raced over to Athrun calling his name and peppering him with question after question about where he had been and what he'd been doing. Lacus came up and tried to calm the children down as they were getting wound up and excited seeing Athrun. The children also told Athrun about going into the shelter below the orphanage and the shaking that had shortly followed when the storms and tidal waves crashed into the land. Of course, when they had emerged from the shelter, the orphanage had been in shambles and mostly washed away.

Lacus got the kids to head in the direction of the house they were now living in, leaving Kira and Athrun alone. Kira focused on Athrun after one more look at Lacus and the children, "So then Athrun, you said there was something you wanted to talk about," Kira posed.

Athrun nodded, "Yeah," he said, but then paused, gathering his thoughts. "Kira, do you remember what I asked when we were back here in Orb after the Alliance attack."

Kira nodded slowly, "As I recall, you asked what should we be fighting against," he replied.

"Yes, I also posed how we could do that as well," Athrun added, frowning at thoughts that events currently occurring could possibly develop into the same circumstances there had been when Athrun had asked what to fight against.

Kira put a hand to his chin, "We also agreed that we would look for the answer to that together, and that Tyler would join us in that as well," he mused.

Athrun didn't look Kira in the eye, "I haven't been able to find the answer to that even with the years that have gone by. When I asked Tyler for advice, he said that seeing the need for change is a step forward to start with," Athrun said.

"That sounds like something he would say," Kira replied.

"Yes, he said something to the effect of looking at my priorities and use my talents to defend what I believe in. He also had me say that I not tell Cagalli that he said what he did," Athrun remarked.

Kira didn't answer right away to Athrun's statement, but Athrun waited to hear what his other best friend's thoughts were. "I find myself agreeing with Tyler's sediments, but I also feel that you both have a point in what you feel. I understand you feeling that you're being left behind and holding others back, I've been feeling like that increasingly as of late. However, I've promised myself that I would not take more lives when the war ended but find ways to save them instead, my way of atonement. That's why I chose not to fight in this, perhaps sometime in the future that may change, I don't know. Yet, what Tyler says is also valid, if one fights, then it should be for their belief and by their choice," Kira reasoned. "I take it that you're coming to some sort of decision that will take you away from Orb for a while?"

Athrun nodded in answer to the question, "Yeah, I've decided to go back to the PLANTs. I think that I can do the most to help there and try to defend the peace," Athrun stated.

Kira hummed at the response, "If that's what you think is best, then more power to you Athrun." Kira placed a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "Just don't be a stranger around here, I know for one, that Cagalli would miss you as will I."

They parted ways after that on good terms, Kira going after Lacus and Athrun heading out to find Cagalli. When Athrun went to Cagalli's place, he was told that she was currently in meetings with the Representative Council. Athrun waited for Cagalli to return, looking through news feeds, seeing how the world was taking the fragments of Junius Seven impacting on Earth. It was midafternoon when Cagalli arrived back at the house, and she was pleasantly surprised to see Athrun.

The meetings that she had been required to attend had been long and tedious. The big subject of discussion had been the results of the colony drop disaster, for the repercussion had been far reaching. Cagalli understood the need of aid and help to other nations, the welfare of the world was important. However, why that should mean Orb bowing down and allying itself with the Atlantic Federation as some of the representatives suggested, was ridiculous. It had been Unato Ema Seiran, one of the ministers of Orb, that had suggested the idea of working with the Atlantic Federation. The man had influence, being a member of the Seiran Family, but the idea had been put down by the majority of the other representatives, including Cagalli's father. Sharing in the grief of the losses incurred was good in Cagalli's view but agreeing with the cries of retribution were not helpful to anyone.

So, coming home and seeing Athrun helped lift a weight off her shoulders, but then, spending time with Athrun normally did for several reasons. "Athrun, you didn't say that you would be coming by today, of course, you're always welcome," Cagalli greeted. "I'm sorry if you had to wait long, the meetings went longer than I had expected them to, there was an amount to talk about."

Athrun waved a hand in dismissal, "It's fine Cagalli, I understand that you're busy now that you're back in Orb. With the colony drop, the leaders of Orb are working hard to ease tensions and help the victims of the disasters that followed, yourself included," Athrun iterated.

Cagalli sighed at the truth of what Athrun said, for she had little in the idea of a break other than the few short periods of sleep. She took the chair next to Athrun at the table he sat at, "So, what is Orb's standing with how things are currently," Athrun asked.

Cagalli considered the question, what was Orb's standing? Even with the suggestion to have a truce and an unofficial loose alliance with the Earth Alliance, the decision was to stay with the Human Federation, united with the other member nations. Cagalli's father Uzumi, had been the first to counter the idea from Unato Seiran, but those two butted head often enough. Finally, Cagalli spoke, "Well, it's not like we in Orb can't understand the pain and grief that has come from the fragments of Junius Seven falling to Earth. Granted, Orb may have not been hit as badly as other places in the world were, and I get what some are saying about sharing the burden of grief. Yet, sharing the grief and helping in moving on from it shouldn't mean that we join those who scream for revenge and retribution. Doing that would go against many of our core beliefs that Orb has in common with the rest of the Human Federation."

Athrun found himself aligning with the view Cagalli was saying, but he knew that there was far more to this growing situation than the public knew. He knew that the hatred between Natural-types and Coordinators never had gone away after the Alliance-PLANT War ended. If anything, then the hatred and what it brought with it was still around and had been merely smoldering. Acts that were because of the hatred had been kept out of the open, since it had been made clear that such things would be punished. Nonetheless, much had changed with the colony drop, feelings had soured and had come close to a breaking point. The news feeds had been getting that point across quite well to Athrun, the demands from the public for 'justice' and vengeance were getting worse with the passage of time.

This brought Athrun to the reason that he had come to see Cagalli, to say farewell before leaving for the PLANTs. And he thought it best to just say the point outright, "Cagalli, I've decided to go back to the PLANTs."

Cagalli's head whipped around to have her staring at him, "Wait, what?"

"I really don't wish to leave Orb with things as they are currently, but I can't just sit around and do nothing. That said, I think it's the best choice that I can make right now, but I didn't want to go without telling you first," Athrun finished.

"But, Athrun," Cagalli started protesting.

Athrun took ahold of Cagalli's shoulders, "I know this may seem sudden, but I don't believe I can sit around here and do nothing any longer as things stand anymore," he reasoned.

Cagalli was having an internal battle, a fight between her wanting Athrun to say and yet, she didn't want to appear to be controlling him. Athrun had been unknowingly been helping her keep Minister Unato's son Yuna from bugging her. Yuna and Cagalli were in an arranged marriage made by Unato, 'for the future of Orb' being the reason. With Athrun sticking next to her, Yuna had less opportunity to get closer to her. Plus, even if she wasn't to say it out loud yet, she would miss Athrun and wanted him to stay. "A-Are you sure about this Athrun," Cagalli asked.

It took a moment for Athrun to order what he wanted to convey, "The news feeds don't give the full picture I know, but they give a grim and hauntingly familiar one. I'm worried what could happen with the feelings going around, both to the PLANTs and to Earth and that's why I need to go. I can make a difference and protect the peace that lives were lost and sacrificed for in the war, and perhaps help curtail such things being repeated," Athrun answered.

Cagalli had nothing she could say in response to Athrun's logic, for she understood and agreed with it at heart. But, she also wanted to believe that fighting could be avoided as conflict couldn't be solved by fighting. "With Chairman Durandal at its head, I doubt the PLANTs would do something drastic against Earth. But, the ones that made Junius Seven fall… I think they were following the ideals that my father had during the latter part of the war. As long as there's a chance to stop things from descending into something like the Alliance-PLANT war again, I need to try," Athrun stated firmly.

"Athrun," Cagalli uttered.

The two walked to the front door and headed outside as the transport that would take Athrun to the spaceport was to arrive soon. Athrun continued on the tangent he had been iterating, "If the current course of events doesn't change, the Earth and the PLANTs will likely end out as enemies as they were before. If that happens, then what has all the effort for peace been for? I think there's still time to prevent tragedies of the past from happening again."

The sound of aircraft engines began making itself known and soon thereafter, the sight of the heli craft appeared, approaching the open area in front of the residence. It swung itself into position and then, came down and landed on the ground, letting its two engines idle.

Athrun glanced at Cagalli again after seeing that his ride was here and was unhappy to see the expression on her face. Cagalli was clearly not pleased that Athrun was leaving and it hurt him to witness it. "Look, I know about the whole situation between you and Yuna Seiran," he said.

Cagalli's head whipped up and gazed at Athrun in mild shock, showing that she thought that he knew little to nothing about the arranged marriage. Honestly, it hadn't been hard to figure out, the way Yuna acted around Cagalli, attempting to cause Athrun to be jealous of him, it hadn't worked yet. Even naïve minded Kira knew about the arranged marriage, and if he could figure it out… then it wasn't hard to do so. Athrun took a deep breath, "And even know about it and have no say in the matter, that doesn't mean that I have to like it," Athrun continued.

Then before Cagalli could say or do anything, Athrun fetched the ring that he had purchased, grabbed her left hand and slipped the ring on her ring finger. Cagalli looked down at the ring, her eyes widening at the sight, before she looked back at him. "W-What is this Athrun," she stuttered. Athrun said nothing in reply to the question, just felt his cheeks turning red as this was one of the more open ways that he had shown how he felt about Cagalli.

"Giving a ring to someone isn't something you just spring on them," Cagalli shot at him somewhat loudly. However, internally Cagalli would be lying if she didn't admit that she was jumping for joy and was very pleased and happy at this completely unexpected gesture. Heck, she had to resist the strong urge to pounce on Athrun, hug and kiss him and saying yes over and over to the implications the ring gave to her. Sure, she had kind of secretly hoped and been hinting non-verbally to Athrun to tell her that he felt the same as she did about him. If the ring and its position was anything to judge by, then Athrun more than like her just as she did with him.

"Sorry about… actually, no, I'm not sorry for this, it's my way of saying what I can't seem to be able to say with words myself yet," Athrun stated.

He may have not have said the three words Cagalli wanted to hear, but this was as close as one could get without doing that. She could wait for a while longer for him to say what he truly felt towards her. "Take care and keep in touch Athrun," Cagalli said softly, smiling.

Athrun then took her by surprise by drawing her close and kissed her, Cagalli quickly hugged Athrun back, enjoying the gesture and felt all the stress she had fade away. When the kiss ended Athrun gazed at her face one more time, "Never lose hope Cagalli," he said and then headed for the Heli.

Athrun apologized to the pilot for making them wait, and was told that it was fine, before they lifted into the air. The Heli made the journey to the spaceport, delivering Athrun to the shuttle that would take him up into space. After ascending, Athrun dropped off and slept through a good portion of the trip to the PLANTs.

When Athrun arrived at Aprilius One, he was met by a man that was a liaison between him and Gilbert Durandal. Upon questioning him, Athrun found out that things were even grimmer than he had expected they would be and he hadn't had high expectations. According to the man, the Alliance was demanding outrages things and weren't listening to anything the Supreme Council said in response. Chairman Durandal was doing his best to open dialogs and settle this through diplomacy, but with the Alliance's current standing and mood, that wasn't likely going to work. With things as they were, it was uncertain how long it would be before Athrun would get a meeting with the Chairman. Athrun could understand the stress of things but worry still crept into him as he felt the growing tension.

-Line Break-

Orders came in and Alliance vessels which were on their way towards the Lagrange 5. There was still more time before the ultimatum was to be answered and either fulfilled or refused, but for those who were in control didn't care. To them, this was an opportunity to start things moving in the direction the wanted. The mood among the Alliance fleet was serious and focused. The way the operation had been stated, this task was for the protection and future of Earth, and failure would spell major disaster. As the Alliance fleet was heading for the PLANTs, the situation the human race found itself in, took a turn that many had hoped wouldn't happen. One announcement set the tone, from the Atlantic Federation's president, stating that attempts to reason with the PLANTs had not gone as hoped and that measures would be taken at midnight of that day. The world held its breath and watched to see what would result from this, whether it would turn into a war like the previous one.

When the Alliance ships got into range of Lagrange five, mobile suits launched and all prepared to face-off against the ZAFT defense forces. At the same time, ZAFT forces headed out to defend their homeland from the impending attack. The Alliance had had brought the fight to them and so ZAFT would defend the PLANTs at any and all costs. Tension mounted as the two groups drew closer to one another and burst when the battle began.

The fighting was going in earnest between the two sides, while unnoticed, as small Alliance group was waiting, hidden from view. When ZAFT forces were mostly focused on the main Alliance fleet, the smaller group moved forward towards the PLANTs from the polar side of L5 with their 'payloads' they were to deliver. Windams, equipped with nuclear missile launchers launched from the vessels in the small Alliance group and move forward ahead of the ships all outside of the detection net that ZAFT had set up. However, in that point the Alliance was wrong, as the ZAFT patrols were bolstered by Federation forces that were around the PLANTs. The scouts spotted the smaller group approaching and even recorded that they were carrying nuclear missiles.

Yet, as the Alliance machines closed more distance between them and their target, they were forced to halt as they came under attack but ZAFT and Federation mobile suits. Of course, if stopping the nuclear carrying machines was feasible, then it would be done, but the small Alliance force was just slowed down and delayed. The time bought, was used to move a few Nazca-class ships to be in between the nuclear weapons and the colonies. To one of the vessels was attached a newly developed device called a Neutron Stampeder. The device was made up of two large anchoring structures that sat on the wings of the ship and also acted as targeting systems. The center part was set over the launching catapult with a central rod that was its quantum Fresnel lens. Connected to the rod was neutron collection fins, six on both sides of the rod, which collected the energy for the use of the Stampeder.

With the Federation having suspected a stunt by the Alliance, the information had been given to the PLANTs, so that they might prepare for the worst case scenario. And so, the Stampeder had been readied earlier than originally planned, just in case nuclear weapons were involved. Admittedly, it wouldn't be the first time that Alliance forces had tried using nuclear weapons to take out the PLANTs, unfortunately, it was a reoccurring theme with some.

So, Neither the approach, nor the positioning was seen or noticed by the Alliance as Federation forces were cloaking their movement. But, once in position the camouflage was dropped, and the stampeder began charging up. The Alliance suits and ships noted the odd equipment that one Nazca carried, but for the most part, they ignored those who were in their way. The main reason for this, was the Windams had come into firing range of the colonies. With most of the Alliance pilots being trigger happy and some of them being members of Blue Cosmos, they didn't wait for orders. They fired the nuclear missiles they had and watched as they soared towards the PLANTs, believing victory was at last theirs.

Nonetheless, as they fired, the neutron stampeder's fins lit up, a ring of light appeared for a moment, then a wave of neutron energy blasted forward. The wave engulfed the missiles and caused them to detonate where they were. The Windams shortly followed the missiles in their destruction as the neutron wave wiped them out. Alliance vessels behind them suffered the same fate as their nuclear loads exploded from the neutron wave. The sight of the nuclear missiles being destroyed was a somewhat comforting one to the military leaders of ZAFT and those on the Supreme Council. It had been a close call and would have likely been closer still if not for the warning and information from the Federation's military.

At seeing the nuclear strike fail, the Alliance fleet retreated, taking the losses they suffered and vowing that they wouldn't be caught off-guard next time. The other lesson that was taken away from this attempt, was the real danger posed by an alliance between the PLANTs and ZAFT with the Human Federation. Such couldn't be ignored, for that would only spell cataclysmic disaster for the Earth Alliance.

Within the PLANTs, the citizens were not pleased at all to have to witness the explosions of nuclear weapons in close proximity once again. The sight had brought back very painful and negative memories to many, like Junius Seven and what the Alliance-PLANT war had done, though it had ended years ago. There were those that even demanded that ZAFT respond in kind to the "Natural-types" and shoot nuclear missile at them.

However, Chairman Durandal knew that such an idea would cause far more problems than it would solve. Where the Earth Alliance was composed of mostly Natural-types, there was a portion of the Human Federation that was made up of them as well. The Federation had helped out in this situation, but they were also a very powerful faction, arguably the strongest of the three factions of the human race. Making them enemies right now would be a serious mistake, Durandal knew, so de-escalation was the best course of action. Therefore, he used a plan that he had come up with in case there was a need to calm the masses, that being, having a stand-in for Lacus Clyne take the stage.

Durandal would have like to have the real Lacus Clyne helping him, for he couldn't deny that the girl had a way with words that was rare. But, she had disappeared without a trace just after the previous Alliance-PLANT war and all his efforts to find her had not turned up anything. Her father Siegel Clyne had been the same, heck the man had been offered his position of Chairman of the Council, he had refused, then disappeared like his daughter. So, Durandal had found a young woman that would fit his needs and done the necessary changes so that she could pose as Lacus Clyne and few to none be any the wiser.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Eastern Atlantic Ocean

The Normandy sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar after seeing the Minerva to the ZAFT base and exchanging farewells. With how things were going, the Normandy was set to arrive at Asgard just after sunrise. Lisa was taking the night shift for the bridge which would have me free until we get to Asgard. But, the unfortunate thing about being in charge of a vessel, is you don't get the same freedoms as everyone else does, just lots more responsibilities. That's one of the things about this current assignment that I've quickly grown to not enjoy, the responsibilities that generate mounds of freaking reports that I then in turn have to write!

Now, I'm not saying that I am a stranger to writing reports or anything, for I begrudgingly am used to creating them. The difference now, it that I have to justify what I do or order and then defend my decision with logic and protocol. If it was only logic I needed to use to defend my standing and position, I would be fine, golden even for I can logically justify what I do. However, the same can't be said about protocol, for it's not something that helps me much or often. You see, protocol and I have this well-established relationship, almost from the first day of basic training going forward, we don't get along. Oh sure, I follow protocol and rules when I can and have to, which surprisingly, doesn't happen as often as the "necessity" to ignore them does. To me, the goal of a mission is to get the best results with the least amount of lives lost by whatever means are needed, plain and simple. With me now a captain, it's hard for me to use that mentality to get things done and it's seriously irritating me!

Let me use the most recent event of the colony drop incident as an example of what I'm talking about. Protocol would state that should have disabled the thrusters that were pushing the mass towards Earth, to buy time for the meteor breakers to work. Never mind that those setting them were being picked off by those responsible for the whole situation, apparently that didn't come into the equation or something like that. Then the Alliance vessel from Armory One had shown up and made things more difficult, again, didn't factor into the equation, why I don't know. Anyways, I was now to justify why I did what I did, including going out myself to the field as captains are "discouraged" to do such things. Honestly, I kind of want to go back to being a commander again, I got much less flak and hassle than I do now!

So, I took an hour to write out my report, silently cursing whoever would be reading this later. However, I would intermediately chuckle as I would write a line that would either have the reader fuming intensely or laughing their head off. But then, I'm the kind of person that has a… different sense of humor, the kind that has one turning the dial marked awesome up to eleven, ripping it off and then run away laughing and cackling with the utmost glee! I tend to keep that contained and restrained a good portion of the time, yet at times like writing reports, it comes out and I don't stop it. Once done writing the "report", I sent it off, wondering who it was that would be reading it. There are some that I could see dropping to the floor and rolling around involuntarily laughing, but there are also those that it would be the opposite. Oh well, it's not like I've not been in trouble before, so whatever comes will be fine in the end.

I did manage to get together with my bed and get some sleep before the Normandy came to Asgard. The alarm going off was unwelcome when it did, but I did roll out of bed… yet, silly me, I forgot the Normandy wasn't in space at the moment. That being said, I dropped to the floor, which woke me up, but also made me kind of mad. I picked myself up off the floor and dressed in my uniform, before heading to the bridge. Upon entering, I saw that the sun was rising and that Asgard was coming into view from the front view port.

The Asgard Base is the military headquarters of the Federation Military on Earth and there really is no argument in that by either of the other two factions. It's actually nicknamed the "Unassailable Fortress of the Federation", mostly because all attempts that have been made by the Alliance or ZAFT have failed. The base is built on a large island that was called Iceland before the Reconstruction War. The central interior area of the island is where the Federation's military command is, training facilities and some civilian areas are. Civilians are permitted to come to Asgard, but there are lots of hoops and hurtles to get over for them to be allowed to come. Along the perimeters of the island, were lookout posts and the main defensive guns and batteries that shoo away those that try to attack Asgard. The other point of note, which neither the Alliance nor ZAFT know about yet, would be the two and soon to be third orbital cannons that had been built over the two years since the last war. Said cannons should be able to take out any vessels above that could drop mobile suits down to Asgard.

The base is literally built as a fortress that sieging is extremely difficult, between its set defenses and the amount of forces stationed there. ZAFT has only tried once and quickly backed off after seeing that Asgard would not be an easy target. The Alliance on the other hand, have yet to have that lesson to sink into their skulls. They make attempts against Asgard every once and a while, in close to a routine supposedly by what I hear.

The Normandy was directed to the dock it was assigned to and even during the approach, it was clear that everyone here was on high alert. I'd heard rumors that the Alliance had been gathering forces for something, but no clue as to what. Once the Normandy was locked into the dock, I was ordered to central command, likely to give my report as to the colony drop incident. The meeting was boring to me, but I got through it and was told that the Normandy was to be on standby for the time being. Apparently, there was an Alliance assault expected soon enough by the evidence acquired, though I don't know if that is fact yet. Also, the Aurora was being sent from Teswa to here at Asgard and would arrive today. I would have to thank Carlos for that when I see him next! The Justice would be sent back to Teswa for repair and storage. We would be left to wait and see what would happen with the Alliance.

Still, I did not figure they would do what they did! I mean, I knew there were those that still wanted to fire nukes at the PLANTs, but I didn't think enough of them were in positions to get that to happen. But, indeed that's what the Alliance attempted doing, though they failed due to the actions of the Federation and ZAFT working together. However, I felt that the Alliance won't take this loss and failure nicely or let it be the end of their plans. It is becoming clearer with each passing day and event, in this war that the Earth Alliance has started, staying neutral will be much harder than it was in the last war and it wasn't easy then.

Phase End

A/n

Okay, I know that this seem like kind of an odd spot to leave off on, but I do it for a reason. This Phase may feel like a bit of a filler, but it is written for a point and that is setting up for what is coming up next. The next Phase will be different than this one and the setup will make more sense I hope. This phase was for Djibril and showing his control over the Alliance, along with the reaction to the Junius Seven drop mostly. Hope you readers are enjoying the Destiny timeline so far within this story. Peace Out!