Hello everyone, R-0 here welcoming you to another chapter of "Gundam SEED Twin's Fate Entwined". For those of you who missed the notification, I will not be doing the R&A section for a while. It will start back up again at the Chapter 15 mark. The reason for this is relatively simple: I'm starting my new job next week and I want to quickly marathon chapters 11-14 this week just to get past them as they are easily the most boring and yawn-inducing chapters to write due to how canonically devoted they are. As such, I want to do them all at once as I won't have the will to do them when I start work which is going to be both physically and exhausting for me. The last thing I want to do on my days off, in that case, are four chapters that are so mind-numbingly dull to write.
Anyway, let's begin this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED or its respective materials. Believe me, if I did, I wouldn't have hired pop-stars to voice some characters just to brutally murder said characters not five episodes later…
Chapter 12: What Kira Wants
With the Vesalius… Hangar Bay…
A small ceremony was being held within the depths of the Nazca-Class. Lacus Clyne's shuttle has just arrived to transfer her to the Laurasia-Class which would ferry her home. Due to her position as the Chairman's daughter, the crew felt it prudent to give her a sufficient send-off for political reasons, hence why the crew (Including Miguel) are all stood in a group saluting songstress for her departure.
"It's such a shame that we must part after finally seeing each other again." Lacus mutters with a woeful tone as she reaches her shuttle with her fiancé.
"The PLANTs are worried about you." Athrun explains as they land at the craft, a saluting Rau waiting to greet them.
"Thank you for everything during my stay here, Commander Le Creuset." Lacus compliments the ZAFT White.
"Laconi says that he will personally see to your safety." Rau assures her.
"Will the Vesalius be back for the memorial service?" Lacus enquires.
"I can't say, unfortunately." Rau responds with a hint of a sombre tone.
"I'm sure that war results are important," Lacus agrees. "But we mustn't forget about the people who sacrificed themselves along the way."
"I will do my best." Rau assures her, dropping his salute as he does so before the Pink-Haired songstress regards Athrun.
"What is it that one should be fighting against?" Lacus enquires rhetorically. "War is very difficult." Her comment does give Athrun pause as he lets out a minor gasp of confusion. "Anyway, I will go. I hope we meet again soon."
No more words are spoken as the Pink-Haired songstress boards the craft and leaves the duo to mull on her words.
Later…
" 'What is that one should be fighting against', Huh?" Rau mutters as he watches the shuttle leave from one of the outermost corridors portholes, standing there with the familiar ZAFT Red. "Did you hear about Yzak?" Athrun's eyes widen momentarily as he recalls the shocking news about his friend's sustained injuries.
"Yes…"
"The Strike." Rau simply says. "Unless you shoot it down, that could happen to you next."
And with that, Rau breaks away from Athrun and drifts down the hallway, leaving the youth to reflect on what he said. Athrun stands there conflicted for a moment before a wave of realization hits him.
That's exactly what Miguel's been saying…
Elsewhere… Earth Atmoshpere… The Eighth Fleet…
From a distance, it was an impressive sight to see. The large collection of Nelson-Class and Drake-Class battleships all tightly bunched together, orbiting a single Agamemnon-Class carrier which stood as the Fleet's flagship (Said ship being named Menelaos). Likewise, however, it was an equally impressive sight to see this fleet seemingly appearing to greet the single Archangel-Class that had travelled far to join them. Clearly, if one was not aware of the Earth Forces' newest ship, they could immediately include that such a ship holds weight.
This much was obvious as the ship manoeuvred through the massive compilation of ships to join deep within its ranks, the white battleship turning about to even face the same direction as them, lining up next to the aforementioned flagship, which did turn a few of the Archangel crews' heads.
"Is this really a good idea?" Arnold wondered out loud, turning his chair to regard the rest of the bridge crew. "For us to sail right beside the Menelaos?"
"Admiral Halberton probably wants to take a good look at the ship." Murrue explains to her subordinate. "He says that he, himself, will visit us later on. The Admiral was the number one supporter of the project to make this ship and the G-Weapons, after all."
Meanwhile…
In the depths of the ship, the numerous assembled civilians are preparing their things for the probable transfer to another vessel, a sight which both relieves and troubles a certain group…
"Civilians are to transfer over to the Menelaos and board a shuttle." Kuzzey summarises. "But what does that mean for us?"
"Of course we'll be allowed to disembark." Miriallia assures him. "We may be wearing these uniforms, but we're civilians."
At least, that's what they Hope.
Back at the Bridge…
"Captain!" The XO's voice calls out as the Captain clambers into the elevator shaft, her swiftly following suit as the doors close behind them. "What are your intentions with the Strike?"
"My intentions?" Murrue asks confusedly. "What are you talking about?"
"Everyone aboard this ship knows that we only made it this far because of that machine's abilities." Natarle explains. "And its pilot…" At that extra clause, a momentary silence passes over the duo as they regard each other rather sternly. "Are you going to let him go as well?"
Instead of answering her question, as if be fate, the door's slide open and the Captain swiftly drifts out.
"Captain!" The XO addresses her superior again.
"I understand what you're trying to say, Natarle." Murrue agrees. "But Kira is not a part of this military."
"But his abilities are valuable!" Natarle counters. "We can't afford to lose them."
"Regardless of what he brings to the military, we cannot force him to join." Murrue states with a stern tone, seemingly frustrating the XO before Murrue turns and drifts away, a sombre expression clear on her features.
Some time later… Archangel Hangar Bay…
"We're with the fleet now so what's the rush?!" Kira exclaims as he clambers out of the Zero's cockpit, clearly annoyed at the seemingly pointless tinkering on account of the surrounding tinkering, his griping causing Mu to jump in surprise.
"Yeah, I mean what's the point if we have a whole fleet guarding us?!" Cagalli gripes, popping her head up from behind the Zero where its engine shaft is located. "It's not like your crappy Mobile Armour's gonna make a difference!"
"I don't feel safe when it's not repaired!" Mu reasons.
"Even with a fleet guarding us, all its pilots are just rookies." Murdoch chips in. "If someone does come knocking, the Lieutenant's gonna have to sortie anyway."
"And what about the Strike?" Kira counters. "Do you just want to leave it as it is?"
"He has a point." Cagalli interjects, vaulting onto the top of the Mobile Armour and crossing her legs. "With the way it is, no Natural could ever pilot it or figure out its OS. I mean, for one thing" She points to the still idle GINN, "You can't even figure out how to move that piece of crap without Kira in it."
"Hmmm, you do have a point." Mu agrees. "Still, I don't think it's worth putting it back to its old specs."
"They were kinda shitty." Cagalli murmers with a smug tone, crossing her arms. "Damn thing acted like it was drunk on something."
"We can only hope," A voice calls out, alerting the quartet to the approaching Captain. "That someone can just come along and pilot it as it is."
"Captain!" Kira exclaims.
"What are you doing here?" Mu enquires in an amused tone as the brown-haired woman lands next to the youth.
"Sorry to interrupt." Murrue apologises. "I just need to talk to Kira." She declares, confusing the youth as he shoots her a wary glare. "Please don't give me that suspicious look, though I don't blame you."
"It's fine, I understand." Kira assures her, smiling slightly. "I'm coming." He informs her as he fully clambers out of the Zero's hatch and begins to float away.
"Kira-"
"It's fine, Cagalli." Kira assures her. "I trust Miss Murrue."
And with that, the duo float away as Cagalli watches him go.
"You get really protective over him, dontcha?" Mu asks, his tone becoming teasing, causing Cagalli to become momentarily flustered.
"It's not like that!" She responds heatedly, her cheeks flared. "Anyone could see what she wants to talk to him about after what she just mentioned."
"Yeah, you're right." Murdoch agrees. "I've heard that Badgiruel's been badgering the Captain about it."
"It will be a while before we get another pilot for the Strike." Mu trails sombrely before smirking and tapping Cagalli on the shoulder. "But that's what you're here for, Miss Backup."
"Oh?" Cagalli responds sarcastically. "And how do you know I'm not joining them?"
"Simple; you haven't packed yet and you haven't showered in a day so you're probably still wearing your day old-" His statement was met with a wrench almost colliding his face and a clearly annoyed Cagalli drifting away. "What about my Mobile Armour?!" His query is met with silence before she quickly turns and throws a spanner at him, a tool she must have been hiding in her work trousers. "Kids these days…"
"I don't even want to know what you almost said." Murdoch says as he also takes off.
Some time later…
"I've hardly had any free time so I've not had a good moment to talk to you." Murrue remarks as they stand in front of the idle Strike, both she and Kira gazing at the advanced piece of technology. "Well, I just wanted to properly thank you." Her statement causes Kira to let out a confused grunt. "I put you through a great deal of hardship so I am truly grateful for what you've done." At that, she politely bows to help illustrate her gratitude to the youth.
Her actions leave the youth a little flustered as the Captain continues.
"I've forced a lot of things on you and you still gave it your all." Murrue continues. "I am truly grateful to you."
"No, it's alright, Captain!" Kira quickly assures her, hoping to quell the awkward atmosphere.
"The others may not put it into words, but we are all grateful to you." Murrue informs him, surprising him. "Given the situation, I imagine that things are going to continue to be hectic for you, even on Earth." She extends her arm. "However, I still wish you luck."
Kira regards the raised appendage slightly with a mixture of shock and awe before looking at the Captain's face once again, smiling, and graciously accepting the gesture.
Sometime later…
Soon enough, the famed Admiral Lewis Halberton arrives as a small shuttle enters the Archangel from the Menelaos. As the shuttle's doors opens, a tall man garbed in the Earth Force's uniform steps out, a large moustached man with short blonde hair and followed by a smaller, more portly man. As he steps out onto the gantry, he's greeted to the sight of the assemble Archangel Officers all saluting him. At the sight, he lets out a jovial chuckle as he drifts down to the assembled crowd.
"You know…" He begins with a still jovial and relieved tone. "When I heard of the Heliopolis collapse, I thought that was the end, but what a joy it is to see you all here."
"Thank you very much, sir." Murrue responds, saluting her superior. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Admiral."
"I was a little nervous when told you were in a battle earlier!" Halberton exclaims as her returns her salute. "Are you all alright?" He says to the assembled crowd who all merely nod in response.
"I'm Natarle Badgiruel." The XO declares, stepping forward and saluting.
"I'm Mu La Flaga of the Seventh Orbital Fleet." Mu declares, also stepping forward and saluting.
"Oh!" Halberton mutters with a joyous tone before stepping in front of the pilot and presenting his hand which Mu quickly accepts. "We were lucky to have you."
"Well, I wish I could have helped more." Mu responds with a sombre tone.
"Oh, and those fellows?" Halberton queries, regarding the volunteer crewmen.
"Yes, they're the students from Heliopolis who have been helping with the ship." Murrue informs him as the Admiral surprisingly shoves past the trio, surprising Natarle, and floats over to the assembled group.
"We checked each of your families." Halberton informs them. "They are all safe."
At that piece of information, they all exchange relieved and joyous glances while Cagalli just stands there unfazed, as if the information didn't appeal to her, something which Kira did pick up on with confusion.
"We're grateful for all of your help during this situation." Halberton compliments them. "I wished to thank you all personally."
"Admiral, we have little time." His subordinate whispers into his ear which the Admiral quickly nods at.
"I'd love the opportunity to sit down and talk to all of you later." He declares finally as he takes off out of the hangar, his subordinate and the trio of Archangel officers following suit. Kira watches with confusion at the friendly behaviour of the commander in comparison to his previous encounters.
"Well…" Cagalli mutters in his ear. "At least he's not a douche like that one guy from Artemis."
The assembled volunteers all quietly snickered at that.
With the Vesalius...
"The Ziegler and Gamow have joined us." Ades informs his cohort, the blonde hovering next to him.
"They haven't found us yet, have they?" Rau queries, referencing the enemy fleet.
"No, since most of that fleet has descended to a low point." Ades theorises.
"I thought the Legged Ship would be escorted to the Lunar Headquarters." Rau remarks with a momentarily confused tone as the duo float over to the tactical display board. "But it looks like they'll be descending to Earth."
"Their target must be Alaska." Ades surmises.
"I'd like to still somehow sink it while it's still safely in our backyard." The blond turns to his comrade. "What do you think?"
"The Ziegler has six GINNs." Ades informs him. "We have six machines, including the Aegis, and the Gamow can still send out the Buster and Blitz."
"In that case…" Rau trails, regarding the tactical display with a small smirk. "… I'd say that it's about time for the famous Admiral Halberton to exit the stage."
Meanwhile… The Eighth Fleet…
After the pleasant introductions by the Admiral and his staff, he and his subordinate were escorted to the Captain's quarters. Once there, the trio moved to recount all of the events that brought them to this moment.
"How could they go to the extent of destroying both Heliopolis and Artemis, all for this ship and a single G-Weapon?" Halberton's subordinate asks with wonder, standing behind the seated Admiral. His comment causes a mixture of sadness and annoyance to cross over Murrue's features.
"However, I'm sure the fact that her crew was able to at least protect this ship and the Strike will eventually benefit this us." Halberton counters.
"It seems that Alaska disagrees with that sentiment." Halberton lets out a slight scoff at this.
"And what do they know about Space Combat?" Halberton remarks. "Lieutenant Ramius understood my intentions all along so there's nothing in this matter that could be considered a problem."
"Admiral…" Murrue trails with wonder.
"And are we to turn a blind eye towards the Young Coordinator, as well?" The Subordinate remarks, holding up the sheet with Kira's details on it, smirking slightly.
"Kira Yamato just wanted to protect his friends." Murrue counters. "That was the only reason he got into the Strike and fought the enemy." Halberton continues to listen with intent. "Without him, we would not have made it this far. Even as this events fell out his control, he was still forced to fight against his fellow Coordinators for us and suffer for it." At the clear plead for the boy's life, Natarle narrows her eyes in annoyance at the Captain. "He's just a sincere and kind boy. As such, we should respond to him with trust."
"If we let him go now, though…"
"I may have a word…" Natarle interjects, stepping forward. "I agree with Captain Hoffman." Her words cause some shock from Murrue and Mu whom clearly thought the matter closed. "His abilities are enough to open anyone's eyes. We also must consider how much he knows about the G-Weapons and if it is safe to just let him embark." Like before, Halberton merely lets out a small scoff.
"ZAFT has four of those machines already so it's hardly a secret at this point." He reasons.
"H-however…!" Natarle persists. "His strengths are still worthwhile. I think it would be best to have him join our military."
"Oh?" Hoffman mutters, clearly pleased at someone agreeing with his sentiments as Murrue can only look on with nervousness.
"But according to what Lieutenant Ramius has told me he does not wish to join our military?" Halberton counters.
"His parents are Naturals who are currently living on Earth since the Heliopolis Collapse." Natarle continues. "So if we took them under our protection-" Her statement is cut short as the Admiral bangs his first sharply on the metallic desk.
"What you're saying is nonsense!" Halberton admonishes her. "What use will such a soldier be to us?"
"I-I'm terribly sorry, Sir!" Natarle apologises bowing and stepping backwards as beads of sweat are visible on her face.
"What has happened in the past is no longer important." The Admiral declares, rising from his chair. "The problem is what we do from here on." His statement confuses Murrue momentarily before he continues. "We need to have the Archangel descend to Alaska Headquarters with the current personnel roster."
Meanwhile…
As the trio demonstrate their confusion at his declaration, there's a great deal of hubbub amongst the ship. The numerous refugees are being loaded onto shuttles to be ferried to the Menelaos so that they can descend to Earth in its entry capsule.
Elsewhere, the Archangel, in preparation for its descent to Earth, is being loaded with numerous supplies for its journey to Alaska as well as parts and supplies for the Strike itself. Interestingly, the supplies also consisted of salvaged GINN parts and ammo. On top of these items, certain other items are being loaded.
"Two Skygraspers?" Murdoch queries, regarding the supply manifest. "Hey, wait a minute! I get giving us leftover parts and ammo they may have salvaged from GINNs, but those are for use within the atmosphere!"
His gripes are addressing the pair of large aircraft being loaded into the Hangar of the ship. At first glance, it is not easy to see the overall design of the craft due to still being wrapped in its protective materials, but they are jet-like in nature.
Murdoch's gripes, clearly, are directed at why they need them…
Captain's Quarters…
"The Advance Force that we sent with supplementary personnel has been sunk so we have no additional crew to allocate to the Archangel." Hoffman explains, quelling their confusion.
"However, now that Heliopolis has been destroyed, it's all the more important to get the Archangel and the last G-Weapon, along with its Data, down to Alaska." Halberon assures them.
"But we-" Murrue tries to protest before being cut off.
"We must get the G-Weapons' development back on track." Halberon emphasises. "ZAFT will no doubt continue to send new machines onto the battlefield. To those fools, however, who spend precious resources on concessions, the number of soldiers lost in battle is just a figure on a piece of paper!"
"I understand." Murrue responds, clearly impressed at the passionate display by the Captain. "I'll be sure to deliver that spirit of yours to Alaska."
She salutes him.
"As a surviving Mobile Armour pilot, it's an order I cannot refuse." Mu remarks, stepping forward.
He also salutes.
"Thank you." Halberton responds, bowing slightly.
Sometime later… Archangel Crew Quarters…
"Discharge permission?" Tolle asks in confusion as he and his group are given the appropriate documents from Natarle and her fellow officer Hoffman, the soldiers stood in their quarters doorway.
"We were soldiers?" Miriallia asks in confusion.
"Belonging to the Archangel of the Eighth Fleet?" Kuzzey adds in confusion.
"Where's Kira Yamato?" Natarle queries, not seeing the youth amongst the rabble. Her query causes them to exchange wondering glances. "It doesn't matter. Ensure that this gets to him."
"What about Cagalli?" Miriallia asks. "Don't you want to know where she is?"
"She has already made it clear that she's staying on-board for our journey to Alaska and is continuing her work as normal, helping out with the supply transfer." Natarle informs, confusing the assembled group. "Since we're grossly understaffed, the Captain allowed it."
"I thought she'd want to be the first one off." Sai thinks to himself.
"Although this was an emergency situation, it is a crime for civilians to take part in combat." Hoffman interjects, alerting the group. "So to evade the problem, you've all be recognized as volunteer soldiers having entered the military the moment you boarded the ship." They all regard their discharge papers intently. "You'll not want to lose those. Furthermore, you are subject to confidentiality on information. You were exposed to military duties, even after-"
"Excuse me." A voice calls out. The group of youngsters all turn to see Flay stood there, her hand raised in the air.
"You were not involved in combat so you do not have to go through these procedures." Natarle informs her.
"I know, that's not what I want to ask." Flay responds. "I'd like to join the military!" Her declaration elicits gasps of confusion from her cohorts.
"Flay…" Sai trails in confusion.
Meanwhile…
Within the bowels of the ship, Kira Yamato (With his robot companion perched on his shoulder) stands atop the Strike's chest, gazing at the Mobile Suit's head as he reminisces about the circumstances that thrust him into the cockpit about it. In the end, it could be considered a case of "Wrong place at the Wrong time" in the grand scheme of things, but he knew that, if he wasn't there, he and his friends may have never survived this ordeal.
"Are you suddenly feeling nostalgic now that you're about to disembark?" A familiar voice calls out from behind him. The youth turns to regard the familiar figure of Admiral Halberton. "You're Kira Yamato, I take it? I read about you in the report."
"Yes." Kira responds with a cautious tone as the Admiral slightly tilts his eyes to regard the Mobile Suit.
"Once again, I'm marvelled by the abilities of you Coordinators!" Halberton remarks, confusing the youth. "These were built merely to cope with ZAFT's Mobile Suits, but when you all pilot them, they become superweapons!"
"I wouldn't go that far!" Kira counters.
"I understand that you have Natural parents."
"Huh?" Kira responds confusedly before responding. "Er, yes."
"I wonder what they wanted you to achieve by making you a Coordinator." Halberton wonders out loud, confusing the youth. "In any case, I'd like nothing more than a swift end to this war!"
"Admiral!" A voice calls from the left, alerting the officer as an Earth Forces soldiers appears and salutes the man. "The Menelaos would like you back on board immediately."
"Here we go again…" Halberton mutters in annoyance before regarding Kira again. "I'm not even given a decent chance to have a conversation with you guys! I will still thank you for protecting the Strike and Archangel up to this point! Don't die before the arrival of a better day!" And with that final statement, the Admiral salutes the youth and turns to walk away.
"Er…" Kira calls out, alerting the man. "Uh, what will happen to the Archangel, Lieutenant Ramius and the others?"
"The Archangel will proceed onto Earth as is!" He responds. "They will be going straight back onto the battlefield!"
"Er, well…"
"I know what you're concerned about." Halberton assures him. "Your abilities are certainly attractive to the military." His comment causes a wave of nervousness to hit Kira. "However, it's not as if having you would guarantee our victory. You were almost killed in the Montgomery Incident so please don't flatter yourself!"
"B-but I understood that if I have the ability to make a difference then I should make a difference!" Kira declares, as if expecting an answer.
"Admiral!" The subordinate urges the man before being swiftly silenced with a wave of the superior's hand.
"Only if you have the will to!" He responds. "Nobody who lacks the will can see anything through to the end."
Meanwhile…
"Do you even realise what you're saying?!" Natarle asks incredulously at the statement just made by the red-haired girl!
"I'm not saying this just for the fun of it." She retorts. "I spent some time thinking, after my father was killed."
"Then you must be daughter of Vice Minister Allster." Hoffman declared knowingly.
"Yes, I'm Flay Allster." She declares before glancing down. "I was in deep shock when my father was killed. All I could think about was how I couldn't stand what happened, but when we joined the fleet and I realized that I could finally land on Earth I felt uneasy about something." She declares, pressing her hands together.
"Uneasy?" Kuzzey asks with confusion.
"Should we be feeling safe?" Flay continues. "Will we now live in peace? No, not at all! The world will continue to fight, something I never noticed while living in a neutral nation." She explains. "My father worked desperately to end this war. If true peace and security can be achieved by only fighting…" She pauses, tears pooling in her eyes. "…Then I wish to inherit my father's will and fight." She covers her eyes as she starts to sob. "Even if my abilities are of no use to the military."
"Flay…" Sai trails, moving to embrace his crying fiancé.
Meanwhile…
Soon enough, the familiar brown-haired youth arrives at the large bay where the shuttle, waiting to ferry refugees to the Menelaos is being loaded with its passengers.
As the youth stands there, contemplating whether or not to board the craft, he is soon spotted by the familiar little girl (Elle) who lets out a happy gasp at the sight of the boy. She detaches herself from her mother's hand and floats over to the boy, alerting her mother worringly.
"Come back, Elle!" She cries out, but the little girl remains unfazed, landing in front of the boy with happy smile. Momentarily confused, Kira is shocked as she pulls out a little Origami Flower from her pouch, similar to the ones Miriallia released at Junius Seven.
"Thank you for protecting us." She says, presenting the flower to him. Momentarily stunned, Kira slightly smiles before bending down and taking the gestured flower.
"Thank you." He replies as the little girl happily floats back on over to her mother. Once there, she gives him one last wave before joining the queue again with her mother, her hovering there before smiling slightly.
"Well, that's just adorable." A voice calls out behind him. "She must have really liked you."
Recognising the voice, he turns around and is greeted to the familiar sight of the blond haired girl, still clad in her maintenance uniform, her small frame hanging against the door arch.
"Cagalli!" He addresses her, momentarily surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing her?" She asks, seemingly annoyed. "A girl can't see her friend off?"
"See me off?" He repeats, momentarily confused. "Does that mean that you're-"
"What do you think?" She asks rhetorically. "I'm still wearing this sweaty outfit, aren't I?"
"But why aren't you coming with us?" Kira asks with a confused tone. "I thought you didn't really like being on this ship."
"While that is true," She admits, uncrossing her arms and drifting over to him. "I figured 'Hey, both these ships are going down to Earth! Which one's safer?' and so I decided to stay around."
"That's an odd way of rationalising it…"
"I call it being sensible." She retorts. "And besides…" She gestures to the Data Disk still hanging around her neck. "… I was made your backup for a reason." Kira looks at her slightly shocked. "What's your problem?!"
"It's nothing, I just figured that, like a lot of soldiers on this ship, you would-"
"Try and convince you into staying on-board and piloting the Strike?" Cagalli replies knowingly. "No, I won't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because, after all that you've suffered, you deserve the choice Kira." Cagalli explains. "With all that has happened to you, you have the right to choose. Being able to make choices is what makes us human. If you don't want to fight anymore, I don't hold that to you." She plants both of her hands on his shoulder to emphasise her point. "Do what you trust in, alright?"
"Cagalli…" Kira trails, slightly moved, before smiling at her. "Thank you."
"Any time!" She smiles back. "Now get in line before you make me cry!"
Meanwhile…
As Flay is being escorted away from the quarters, still sobbing, by a comforting Natarle and Hoffman, Sai and his party all stand there, mulling over words.
"As she says," Sai begins, breaking the tense silence that had enveloped the group. "The world continues to fight a war."
At his words, they all regard their discharge papers silently, conflict deep in their hearts as they all ponder the exact same issue. Their conflict is cut short by a loud ripping sound being audible. They all turn towards the perpetrator.
"Sai!" Tolle exclaims, clearly shocked by his friend tearing apart the discharge paper.
"What Flay said was actually how I feel as well." He assures them. "Besides, I can't just leave her alone." As if in response, Tolle rips his own in half.
"Tolle!" Miriallia now exclaims.
"The Archangel is short-staffed." Tolle reasons. "I'd feel bad if it got shot down."
"If you're staying…" Miriallia begins before ripping her own. "Then so am I."
"If you're all staying, then how can you expect me to just leave?" Kuzzey remarks as he rips his own.
"You're an idiot." Tolle remarks to Sai.
"So are you."
"You're a fool."
"You might be right."
The group erupt into cheerful giggle at the banter they created, clearly trying to make light of their rather serious actions. Their giggles are cut short as they regard the papers sat on the bed, papers indicating Kira's permission to discharge.
"He'll disembark, though, won't he?" Tolle muttered, his tone filled with certainty.
Meanwhile… Inbound ZAFT FLEET…
It's a busy sight within the Nazca-Class and its companion Laurasia-Class Destroyers as the trio of ships are all prepping for combat. All three of the ships' Mobile Suit complements are being prepped for sortie.
"Mobile Suits to take off in three minutes." A voice calls over the intercom as the pilots all begin to make their way to embark their Mobile Suits, two of these being Miguel and Athrun who, as the message plays, are entering the cockpits. "All machines, systems check."
As per instructions, the pilots all begin to go through the motions, their Mobile Suits' viewscreen blaring into life in preparation for sortie, the Linear catapults of the three battleships all opening out for the massive launch of the Mobile Suit force.
Meanwhile, within the ship's depths, a certain individual does not want to miss out on the action:
"N-no, you can't go!" A ZAFT Green tries to hold back the white-haired youth Yzak, his right portion of his face bandaged heavily as a look of anger is clear on his face.
Elsewhere…
On-board the Archangel, the last ferry to the Menelaos is about to be filled as the queue is all but non-existent, Kira Yamato being at the back and ready to embark. Cagalli had elected to stay and watch him go, so she is also currently present, stood off to the side.
"Kira!"
As he's about to enter the craft, a voice alerts both he and Cagalli from behind. They both turn and are shockingly greeted to the sight of Tolle and company, the quartet still in their uniforms.
"There you are." Kira addresses, a tone of relief is clear in his voice. "I couldn't find any one you, so…"
His words were cut short as Tolle placed the discharge authorisation paper in Kira's hands.
"We were told to give this to you." Tolle explains. "Your discharge permission." Kira remains confused.
"We've all decided to stay." Sai clarifies.
"With the Archangel and the military." Tolle adds. At that revelation, both Kira and Cagalli take on shocked and confused faces before Cagalli speaks up, demanding explanation.
"What the hell for?" She asks with annoyance.
"Flay joined the military." Kuzzey responds. "So we did too." His declaration causes the shock to be even more prominent on Kira's face while Cagalli becomes noticeably angered.
"I knew something like this would happen! I just knew it!" These were the thoughts of Cagalli. "She wouldn't let him go so easily!"
"Flay convinced them to join…? But then I won't be able to protect them…!" Are the thoughts of Kira as he glances towards the blonde who gives him a knowing look. "Could Cagalli have been…?"
"All hands to Level One battlestations!" The tension is cut as the familiar alarm blares and the ship-wide orders resound over the intercom, alerting the group. "I repeat: All hands to Level One battlestations!"
"Hey, you over there!" The shuttle guard calls out to Kira, alerting the youth. "We're leaving!"
"Uh, please wait a moment!" Tolle addresses the guard. "He's coming!" He informs him as he grabs Kira by the shoulders, alerting the youth. "Think of this fate!" He pushes Kira towards the shuttle. "So make sure that you get to Earth safely!"
And with that, the quartet drift away back towards the bulkhead as Cagalli hovers there, nerves filling her as she wonders what Kira's next course of action will be. Will he stay and protect his friends or will he not? Will he play into Flay's hands or will he not?
Meanwhile…
The battle is almost underway as the Mobile Suits are in the middle of sortieing. A large number of the numerous GINNs have sortied from their respective craft and the Buster and Blitz have launched from their own ship.
At that moment, Miguel and Athrun were both lining up for the Launch Catapult, the orange GINN lined up first as the sign reads "CLEAR".
"Miguel Aiman, Launching!" The ZAFT Green declares as his orange GINN takes off down the launch catapult at breakneck speeds before reaching the end, detaching its power cable and flying away, moving to join its comrades.
Soon enough, the Aegis follows suit and lines up on the catapult as the sign reads "CLEAR", signifying its permission to take off.
"Athrun Zala, taking off!" He declares as he takes off and follows his predecessors motions.
Surprisingly, the remaining Mobile Suit on-board, the Duel is also being prepped for launched. What is worth mentioning, however, is its rather noticeable appearance change. It now is clad in bulky armour with a mixture of blue and orange coating this new blocky appearance, signifying that this armour, interestingly, is not equipped with Phase Shift.
"Don't, Yzak!" One of the engineers pleads with its pilot. "You're not ready!"
"Shut up!" He retorts heatedly. "Hurry up and guide me out!" He demands as the Mobile Suit is released from its clamps, its green eyes blaring into life as the angry youth lines up for takeoff.
"Damn Strike…" Yzak thinks to himself in frustration as his Mobile Suit launches down the Catapult. "This Assault Shroud will avenge my humiliation!"
Back in the Archangel Hangar…
It's a tense moment as Kira hovers near the shuttle, mulling on what to do, while Cagalli watches him nervously. The shuttle guard is also becoming increasingly aggravated by the boy's idleness and eventually decides to call out to the youth.
"Hey!" He addresses him. "If you're getting on, will you hurry up?"
"Give him a minute!" Cagalli admonishes the impatient guard.
"Lieutenant La Flaga's taking off in his Zero!" A pair of nearby engineers call out.
The youth's conflict continues as he regards the two items he holds in either hand: The discharge sheet, signed personally by Admiral Halberton, and the Origami Flower, made for him by Elle. He regards both, weighing up his options. After a eerily long period of time, he crushes the discharge papers and regards the guard.
"Please go on without me!" He declares as he takes off. Before he can get any further, however, he feels a hand wrap itself around his left arm.
"Kira…" The familiar voice calls to him. "Are you sure this is right?"
"Cagalli, you told me, very recently, that I have the right to choose what I want…" Kira addresses the anxious girl. "Do you remember that?"
"I do."
"In that case, I have to do it…" Kira begins. "Because it's what I want! I want to protect my friends! " His passionate declaration gives the girl pause as she lowers her head slightly, silent for a few moments.
"In that case…" She lets go of his arm and looks up at him, a fierce expression in her eyes. "Go get ready and the Strike will be ready for you! Then you can protect your friends!"
"Thank you, Cagalli!" He responds with a happy smile before continuing on and exiting through the door, leaving the blond alone.
"Kira…" Cagalli trails, clenching her chest tightly with one of her hands. "…Be careful…"
Anyway, that was that chapter. I tried to inject a little more banter and comedy into this one to try and compensate for how uneventful this one is. I'll also say that writing Flay's speech and her crocodile tears made me fucking gag a little. I swear I died a little inside writing that little number. "My father worked desperately to end the war!" Yeah, with an organisation hell bent on genocide!
Stay tuned for the next chapter coming soon!
R-0 Out!