PHASE-20: The Uncertain Future


"We have to remember these days. Because there's no guarantee that they will last forever, enjoy them as long as they last."

Sebastian Vettel, 4-time Formula 1 World Driver's Champion (2013 United States Grand Prix)


The following night after Flay's debut as a full-fledged Gundam Operator, the team are exhausted. And they only have a few months away before leaving the Earth for the Moon.

Inside the headquarters, everyone is already asleep in their respective quarters. However, Rio is busy in her office with various paperworks to be submitted to the National Defense Committee.

Meanwhile in their shared quarters, while Akiza is already sleeping peacefully; Flay is somehow awake while facing on the opposite direction in the bed, and she's been remaining like that for almost 30 minutes. The two were already naked as the day they were born aside from the blanket covering them from chest to the bottom, apparently the two had spent their time making love with each other.

While the two were satisfied in their latest intimate bonding, there is something that has been bothering Flay lately. It's more than just about Kira, but what the future holds for her. She knows that the future is and will always be uncertain, it is just she's feeling nervous about what lies ahead and the trials she will face sooner or later.

When Akiza faced towards her partner, she wakes up the moment Flay has been awake for 30 minutes.

"Flay... What's wrong?", the psychic pilot asked.

"Nothing, Aki.", Flay shook her head in the gesture of saying "nothing".

"Don't lie. I can feel that there's something up with you."

"It's just... I'm feeling anxious about what lies ahead.", Flay admits that having gone through the soul-searching and her desire to atone for her mistakes, she felt the sudden pressure coursing on her spine of the trials and tribulations she will face. "I know that the next chapter of my life is about to be set in stone."

"I see..."

"I can't help thinking about it. And the more I think about it, it leaves me with so much unanswered questions."

"Don't overthink too much, Flay.", Akiza tells her partner to slow down. "Sometimes you have to go through things one step at a time. You don't have to hurry up or it's a waste of precious time."

As Flay faced forward towards Akiza, she clung onto her partner.

"Aki... The moment that I piloted the Neptune for the first time, I felt his desire to protect everyone, especially when he piloted the Freedom.", Flay realizes when she first got into the Neptune's cockpit, she found herself under Kira's shoes in what it is like to fight, and the need to do so to prevent needless bloodshed. "Fighting is one thing, but it is the only way if we want to avoid seeing innocent lives lost."

"That's true.", Akiza replied. But encourages Flay to follow her own path. "You need to follow your own conviction if you want to fight something to protect. However, like what Kiryu said... there is no way you can save anyone in the midst of the blood and carnage from the scourge of war. Even if we lose people dear to us, we just have to keep on going while we treasure their memories."

"If the war a year ago never happened, I could have lived a normal and peaceful life.", Flay recalls a few of her happier memories long before the war. "Even when I was a child, I had been through lows in my life, my mom died when I was still young. My father was my only family. Then when the war began and my father was taken away from me... My world turned upside down, and worsened my hatred of Coordinators. But, as time passed and found myself on three different sides of the conflict, I knew what it's like how war changes everyone. And here I am now, having survived when you re-wrote history, learning the awful truth about my father's involvement with Blue Cosmos. That did not deter me from looking forward to the future, and I found new friends that I come to see as family."

Compared to the Flay Allster from before and during the war to the one in the present, Flay has learned how to face her own inner demons, being able to move on with her life, and desiring to atone from her past sins. She had made it this far to prove herself if she has what it takes to fight to protect everyone's smiles and everything Kira fought hard to protect. Meeting with the three time travelers from the future changed her life forever, as they have their own experiences on the battlefield. From Akiza and Kiryu's empathy and guidance, to Ian's ability to be uncompromising under pressure; coupled with Rio's dominance and higher position of power as an heiress to one of Orb's noble families; as Team Paradox's Gundam Operator Series Blue, Flay finally knew what is like to be a voice of reason in the event if the team are unable to coordinate with each other.

And given that she is still alive and lived to tell the tale of her experience of the war, Flay also know what it feels like to have nothing left to lose other than making things right with the people she wronged in the past. Akiza is also the type of person who has nothing left to lose by the time she arrived in the present day. She was and always has been a stranger from a distant future, knowing she felt uneasy until the time she began to make friends with people in the current era, and meeting up with her family from her own era.

"Aki... I know what if feels like to have nothing left to lose ever since surviving the war.", Flay continued as she tightly embraced her partner.

"I know..."

"And that's why I'm not staying away from you nor leaving you behind. Losing you will be the last thing that will happen to me. I don't want you, nor myself, to feel the same pain Kira did if I had died."

"That's because we all share a bond. Not just you and me, but with the entire team. You are part of Team Paradox, Flay. It's where you belong. And I will be here for you even in the lowest point of your life."

"Aki... I'm thankful to have met you. I may not know what the future holds, and no matter how many times I waver, I will keep driving on to find the answers for myself. You taught me that, after all.", Flay whispered before she finally closes her eyes and sleep. "Aki... No matter where fate takes us to, I want to be with you always. We'll never let each other go."

Akiza nodded likewise before she embraces her partner as they finally sleep. And at the same time gave her a kiss to the forehead as a gesture of affection.


Meanwhile, in Kiryu's quarters. The man himself could barely sleep, despite the fact that he only sleeps for 12 hours. The same can be said with Ian. Kiryu, however, while he has his bouts with his PTSD, is having nightmares about a boy who lost his family when Orb was attacked by the Earth Alliance. Following that tragic event, he was shipped into the PLANTs where he had to start his life from scratch and since then became a pilot for ZAFT.

Then, Kiryu began to have another nightmare regarding a gargantuan mobile suit unleashing hell on Berlin. The ZAFT pilot piloting a Gundam tried to save the pilot inside, revealing to be a blonde-haired girl, only for the Freedom to thrust its beam saber into the mobile suit's cockpit, killing her.

Her last words to that ZAFT pilot was, "Shinn... I love you." before dying in his arms. The young pilot lets out a wail that reached into the skies in his anguish and grief.

Kiryu wakes up as if he was about to lash out. Though it was just a dream, but Kiryu apparently wasn't kidding about the fact that his genetic progenitor is in fact the same ZAFT pilot who lost his family when the EA invaded Orb. Given that he is one of the first Carbon Humans to be created by the mysterious organization known as Librarian Works, Kiryu recalled how he was created by the organization, when they transplanted the body of an unnamed man in his mid-20s with muscular features using the genes of ZAFT pilot Shinn Asuka.

Another side effect of having Shinn's DNA implanted onto him is he is having nightmares of the tragic events that befell the young man, is that he even possesses his memories as well.

"Goddammit... Why am I seeing his memories?", Kiryu muttered.

He leaves his quarters as he goes into the mess hall, and by opening the fridge, he grabs a can of beer to drink. Kiryu's nightmares about Shinn's tragic experiences are nothing new to him, he often suffers episodes of these flashbacks; as a result of his own PTSD.

Kiryu spoke to himself, "The fact that I had that ZAFT pilot's genetic coding, I even got his memories... The day where he lost his family during the war. Then, comes the downward spiral of rage after that Extended girl had to be killed while piloting a gigantic mobile weapon that the Alliance unleashed on Berlin. In fact, these instances are yet to occur in the future."

While Kiryu continued his urge to drink, Ian catches up to him.

"Hey, the fuck are you doing in the mess hall in the middle of the night?", Ian asked as he grabs a can of beer on the table. "Don't tell me you just went ballistic again."

"Yeah, I did went ballistic. And I'm the only one in my room."

"Come on, man. Tell me what just happened?"

Kiryu didn't need to hide, as he is willing to hear anyone out who would take him seriously. "It's the guy who is tied to my genetic coding. He's a ZAFT pilot who lost his family when the Alliance invaded Orb back in the earlier war. I suddenly had nightmares of his tragic experiences."

"Oh, you mean that loser that got his ass kicked by Jesus Yamato's buddy, Athrun Zala?"

"Yeah. Then, there's this blonde-haired girl that the Alliance turned her into a Biological CPU..."

Kiryu could hardly explain about Shinn's relation to that Extended girl, other than the fact that the latter's memories are so ingrained to his DNA, that his PTSD worsened his psyche. However, being a Carbon Human copy of the said ZAFT pilot, Kiryu is an entirely different person than Shinn.

"I don't know how I to put this, Ian... My PTSD worsened for the past 70 years, every time I had nightmares, I see his fucking face, that girl, and even Lunamaria. And worse, his future self was even killed when JUNO began invading the PLANTs."

"Come on, bro. I'm here. Whenever you need to talk out of your trauma, we got your back.", Ian reassures his big brother/father figure that he'll be by his side through thick and thin. "You don't have to go through all that shit by yourself and you know that. You taught Akiza and myself that. So, I'd be happy to return the favor."

"Thanks, Ian.", Kiryu finally smiled, while being completely drunk.

"Well, everyone has got some inner demons to face. That Flay managed to get over all the shit she had been through during and after the war. Akiza managed to set her straight, just like you have done for us.", Ian then proceeds to propose a toast with Kiryu. "Cheers."

Both men say in unison, "To Team Paradox." as they clash their beer cans and then drink and continue on conversing what will the future wait before them.


Prime Minister's Residence, Olofat, Orb Union

Prime Minister Unato Ema Seiran signed the papers that Rio proposed of having the Tokino family relinquish their position of its part of the five noble families, the first time that a high-ranking political family sever ties from its contemporaries. This is due to the fact that because of the ensuing unrest among the other families caused by the Seirans, Rio refused to be dragged into this fiasco and decided to renounce her family's part of the noble families.

As the prime minister signed, despite Rio's scorn for the PM merely because of being a Seiran, she still holds a degree of respect because of Unato's history with her father, Ryu.

"Rio, I didn't know why you chose to sever your ties with the five families but is this why your task force will be leaving Earth for the Moon?", the prime minster clarified her intentions.

"That's none of your concern, your excellency.", Rio replied, with a scowl and glare pointed at the prime minster. "We may have played our part eradicating the presence of Blue Cosmos here in Orb. But we will continue our crusade even in the stars above. However, considering how you and your pathetic son of yours view Coordinators as anomalies, and your act of putting yourselves above the needs over the people; I'm compelled to not get myself roped in your antics."

"If this is about what happened to your father, I feel the same way as you are. When Ryu died, a part of me also died as well."

"And my father can't help but look at you with disappointment from the Heavens above.", Rio doesn't buy what Prime Minister Seiran's excuse, despite that he and Rio's father were once the closest of friends. In fact, the older Seiran is Rio's godfather, and have a history with Yuna when they were children. "When the Alliance invaded Orb, while my father and Lord Uzumi sacrificed themselves, you decided to throw your lot on those Blue Cosmos scum! And I know from the fiber of my being that you and your good-for-nothing son sympathize with those extremists. Just because you have power over the government and the families, Lady Cagalli is still the rightful leader for this country. And I cannot stand the sight of a charlatan like you trying to stick their noses into something that they are not supposed to do."

The Prime Minister did not lash out on Rio's criticism of him, as he finished signing Rio's papers. Only wishing her and her task force the best, as he reminded her of his deceased friend. Then again, Rio has every reason to despise the Seirans, but the prime minister's son, Yuna is the biggest target of her scorn.

Once all is said and done, both the Tokino heiress and the prime minister exchanged salutes, with Rio giving him but scornful glare before leaving his office.

Outside, she runs into Yuna. While Rio maintains her decorum, seeing her made Yuna see red.

"I did not expect I might run into you again.", Rio said with sarcasm. "So, were you celebrating that I won't be here around Orb?"

"I was about to say that. But, I haven't forgotten you humiliated me back during Cagalli's party you Coordinator bitch!", Yuna's childish behavior comes in full display, he recalls that she gave him a middle finger especially in front of his father.

Rio chuckled, "Grow up, boy. Can't you take a joke for once? To me, you're a joke compared to your senile old man. In fact, you still have the same immature and infantile behavior when we were children. When you were bullied, you often run and cry like a girl and say, "I'll tell my father!". Hehehe, you are so pathetic as always."

"I haven't also forgotten the fact that you yourself made my life so miserable back all those years!"

"This is why I hate men who can't stand up for themselves.", Rio continues roasting Yuna. "You spend your whole life being pampered by your old man, it shows how much of a spoiled little brat you are! This makes you not qualified to be a leader. Just because I have made your life miserable back in our younger years, even bullies like myself have grew out of my old habits. But you, you never change."

Rio's animosity for Yuna goes a long way back to their childhood. As she used to be his bully. And given the aspects of their personalities in the present, they are exactly the opposite of each other; as Rio is very authoritative, charming and domineering, but has a profound sense of honor and bravery after witnessing Team Paradox's recent heroics. Yuna is a bratty manchild and the reason why his father had to keep him line is inability to keep his impulses in check, and browbeats anyone who will say "no" to him. While Rio does grow up from her bullying of Yuna, Yuna has never learned anything from his misfortunes.

"Never show your face before me if you have grown a pair of testicles, boy!", Rio takes her leave while mockingly saying "Ciao!" at Yuna, leaving him fuming at his latest humiliation.


Meanwhile at Team Paradox's HQ, Trent introduces a new Gun Vehicle for the team.

This new Gun Vehicle is based on a luxury tourer car, particularly that of Aston Martin. This new car is the AMR-V100X Zagato Interceptor, powered with a 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 engine with a power output of 700hp. But that's not all, it shares the same arsenal as Limp Bizkit and Slapshock GTR, right from the wheel spikes and machine guns hidden inside the headlights. Also, the Zagato Interceptor has the ability to place anti-personnel and anti-mobile suit mines.

"Mobile suits, cool cars, chicks, time travelers. This is how you build up a crew of badasses!", Ian boasted.

"We're not done yet, Ian. We got another one.", said the older Payne twin. "We got another inspired from Italian-made supercars. Behold, the FZ-171 Alessi GTB."

Rio apparently liked the design of the car, as she has fondness for the Ferrari-like Gun Vehicle. As with most of the Gun Vehicles designed by Trent and Dr. Paradox, the Alessi is also has the same set of equipment as with the other Gun Vehicles.

"Molto magnifica, I'm impressed by how you worked on this machinery. I will take it for myself then.", the Iron Lady showed her appreciation for the Alessi, now claiming the car for herself. It can't be helped as she herself is a speed demon, even more so than the future trio.

Akiza decides to use the Zagato Interceptor as a means of transport since she will only use the Core GT when piloting the Paradox. She turned the Interceptor's engine on, and the sound of the V12 engine is music to her ears. Likewise, when Rio started the Alessi on, the sound of a 679hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine never disappointed her.

All of Team Paradox's Gun Vehicles are now registered, since Rio managed to vouch the vehicles owned by the team, that includes the Zagato Interceptor and Alessi.

"I'll take the Zagato. And we're in for a wild ride.", said Akiza. "By the way, anyone else available?"

"What is it, Akiza?", Kiryu asked.

"Mind if we visit the orphanage in the Marshall Islands? Flay apparently wants to speak with Kira Yamato."

Rio raised her eyebrow, knowing that Flay actually had a history with Kira. "Wait, you know Mr. Yamato?"

"Yeah. But it's rather complicated.", Flay replied.

"You could have told us sooner, Allster. I mean, the fact that Jesus Yamato has been spending post-war around some orphanage, I get along well with kids."

Only for Flay to take a verbal swipe at Ian's expense, "Other than the fact you open your mouth and make them learn your sailor mouth!"

"That was a low blow!"

"Okay, enough.", Rio stops the two from bickering. "In that case, we'll be taking a detour into the underground tunnel leading to the Marshall Islands with the Gun Vehicles."

"An underground tunnel?", everyone asked in unison.

"More like an underground highway.", Rio reveals that Orb has an underground highway connecting to the other islands, with one that connects to the Marshall Islands. "The underground highways were built long after the Reconstruction War. And these were used as alternate routes instead of sea or air travel."

It's only 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Though the team has nothing to do other than checking on their Gun Vehicles and mobile suits. So, Team Paradox decided to head out for Reverend Malchio's orphanage in the Marshall Islands. Instead of traveling by air or sea, they opted to take the underground highway with their cars.

The Gundam Operators changed from their military uniforms to civilian clothing before heading out into their respective Gun Vehicles. Flay goes onboard the Zagato Interceptor, which Akiza drives. Rio heads out into the Alessi, Ian then proceeds to start the engine of his Limp Bizkit, while Kiryu readies the Slapshock GTR.

The Gun Vehicles head out from the headquarters and travel into the Onogoro Underpass, which leads into the Underground Highway. Once inside the underpass, the cars head deep into Orb's Underground Highway, interconnected between the islands. The path southeast leads to the Marshall Islands, and the estimated distance is 1100 meters. The cars are fast enough to reach that speed so long as they manage their fuel, tires, and battery.

On the way, Flay is feeling a bit anxious of the fact she is going to see Kira once again as Akiza checks on her.

"Flay..."

"Don't worry about me, Aki. You keep driving."

"I have every reason to. Please, tell me. Are you really nervous?"

"Just a bit. And the fact that I survived the war, I'm still ashamed for everything I've put him through and that's the reason why I stayed away from him. I don't know if Kira will talk to me."

"Be strong, Flay. Don't let your past sins determine your future. I know he will understand."

Kiryu overhears Flay's situation with Kira, as he radioed through into the Zagato Interceptor.

"Akiza is right. I know he will understand what he feels about you."

"You've made it this far, yet you're showing signs of anxiety and guilt?", Rio's voice is heard from the car's radio.

Followed by Ian, "Seriously, bitch. You've already grew a spine, and now your starting to act nervous as if Akiza is jealous?"

Her fellow Gundam Operators are showing their support for Flay, despite her guilt of everything she put Kira through a year ago. Akiza reassuring her partner that everything will be okay so long as she believes in herself and her friends. And Kira knows deep inside him, has already forgiven her.

"Flay, remember we as a team will be always right behind you even when you are at your lowest point and will support each other no matter where fate takes us to.", Kiryu continued.

"And remember why you became a Gundam Operator in the first place.", Akiza added.

"Aki... everyone... Thank you.", Flay took a deep breath and managed to get a grip. "I feel at ease, for now."

The Gun Vehicles pressed on into the Underground Highway as they head for the Marshall Islands.


At Reverend Malchio's orphanage, as sunset is nearing the horizon. Kira is sitting outside of the orphanage looking at the sunset, while Lacus is cooking food for the children. And the children themselves are playing as the Reverend himself looks after them, despite his inability to see. The blind priest hears the roar of an engine drawing closer to the church.

Kira himself heard car engines revving nearby.

Team Paradox arrived as the Gundam Operators parked their cars behind the church.

"So, this is the place?", asked Ian as Flay leads her fellow Gundam Operators to the orphanage.

As Kira was brooding outside, Flay arrives along with the other four members of Team Paradox much to his surprise.

"Flay?", Kira shook his head.

"Kira.", Flay replied, seemingly nervous as she hasn't talked to him almost a year after the war. "It's been a while. How... are you been doing?"

"Wait, that's the guy?", Ian whispered. "For a second there he's just some average Joe that became a fucking legend."

"That's him alright.", Kiryu replied.

"No shit, no wonder that bitch had the audacity to let him f-", before Ian can say something about Flay's previous relationship with Kira, Akiza puts a stop before he could embarrass Flay by elbowing him on the top of his head.

"Ian, shut up!", Akiza angrily puts Ian in his place before letting out a deep breath before focusing her attention to Kira and Flay. "Sorry about that."

Kira apparently remembered how the Paradox altered the timeline, but he has not saw the true face of its pilot back in Jachin Due. But now, he now meets the pilot in person.

"Were you the one who saved Flay back in Jachin Due?", asked Kira.

"Yes, I did. It already happened twice.", Akiza said. "But, that discussion should be in another time."

Rio then approaches Kira, "Mr. Kira Yamato, I presume. Lady Cagalli sends her regards. I am Rio Nagi Tokino of the Orb Union's Tokino family."

"You're from Orb too?", Kira notices the Orb Union badge in the sleeve of her shirt. "You must be members of Team Paradox."

The future trio start introducing themselves, starting with Ian.

"Don't forget the name Ian Joule. Since there's another Joule in the PLANTs."

"Kiryu Fudo Nagare. The three of us are from the future."

"Akiza Izinski. I'm also with these two as well. I guess you've already knew that.", Akiza finished. "If you want to ask why we ended up here, again that will be in another time."

Given the circumstances of the people from the future about their fight against JUNO, it is appropriate that they should not be disclosing anything remotely related about the post-apocalyptic future itself, knowing the presence of children in the orphanage will cause them to panic. And Akiza is right not to disclose everything about the future.

"I see.", Kira understood and respected Akiza's statement. "If that's the case, I'll be asking when the time is right."

Within moments, Lacus goes outside and sees the members of Team Paradox meeting up with Kira.

"Kira, who are these people?", Lacus asked before recognizing Flay. "Oh, if it isn't Flay Allster. What brings you here? And, who are these folks accompanying you?"

"I'm now a member of Orb's Team Paradox, the Anti-Blue Cosmos Squad.", Flay replied. "It's been a while since we've last met."

"You've changed quite a bit since we last saw each other. Come inside, dinner is ready.", Lacus leads the five Gundam Operators inside the orphanage before reminding the children, "We have guests. Children, please behave yourselves!"

During dinner, Lacus asks each member of Team Paradox of their recent exploits, on top of having apprehended members of Blue Cosmos hiding in Orb and fighting unmanned enemy mobile suits spawning around the world, with the most recent one in Orb itself. The songstress herself learns that three of the Gundam Operators - Akiza, Kiryu, and Ian are from the future. And as usual, the future trio decide to keep their bad future secret from everyone inside the orphanage to avoid creating an unrest among the kids.

But, the only thing the team are talking with Lacus is the likelihood of another war between the Alliance and the PLANTs. Even with the Junius Treaty, Blue Cosmos managed to exploit a loophole in the treaty, the lack of mentioning anti-Coordinator extremism.

Akiza explains to Lacus why Team Paradox is created, "Both the PLANTs and the Alliance missed one critical point in the Junius Treaty, is basically about dealing with extremists like Blue Cosmos. Even in Orb, as what Lady Rio said, there are some Naturals who sympathize with Blue Cosmos' so-called "preservation of a blue and pure world". That's why we can't stand around and do nothing about it."

"And so this is how Team Paradox is created.", Rio followed up from Akiza's earlier explanation. "We have since dedicated ourselves holding anyone who sympathize with Blue Cosmos accountable. Even for a neutral nation like Orb, we can't ignore these acts of bigotry."

"I understand. It seems you've dedicated yourselves to keep the peace between Coordinators and Naturals in Orb.", Lacus replied.

"And speaking of peace, given how that the presence of racism between Coordinators and Naturals still prevalent today. This is just the calm before the storm.", Akiza puts the notion of another war becoming more inevitable to a cryptic level. "This leaves a few of us asking, what are we going to do if another war is happening?"

Neither Lacus and Kira gave an answer, the same with the Gundam Operators themselves. But this insinuates that they know what to do if that happens, given how Kira has been through tough times during the earlier war.

After dinner, Kira goes outside to get some fresh air. Ian stays inside playing with the children, and some of the kids are giving Ian a hard time. Rio is seen smoking a stick of cigarette outside the orphanage.

Kiryu explores further on the beach, playing his harmonica. Along the way, he apparently sees a blonde-haired girl blissfully dancing around the beach. However, when he blinked, the girl mysteriously vanished, believing to be some sort of hallucination due to his PTSD. Despite this, Kiryu moved on as he looked into the stars in the night sky, playing that same melancholic melody from his harmonica.

Kiryu muttered, and somehow figured out that girl's name, "Stella..."

[Music: "Clear Mind (Present of the Voice version)" by Masaaki Endoh]

Lacus takes Akiza and Flay to a walk on the beach, where they go into the same shore where Flay found Akiza when she was unconscious at the time. Flay's old beach house was not far from the orphanage, as she stayed there before journeying around Orb with Akiza.

"Going back here makes me want to recall how I ended up here after Jachin Due.", said Akiza. "When I first made an atmospheric entry on Earth, it was too much for the Paradox to the point that all the components had to be jettisoned, separating me from Dr. Paradox and the other Gun Vehicles."

"Which leads to the fateful day I found Aki.", Flay gazed at Lacus.

"It seems that fate led you two to each other.", Lacus sees the chemistry of the two redheads, as if they were like twin sisters, with the only main difference is that Akiza is much older. "From the first time you two met, you developed a bond so tight that neither of you will let each other go."

"It was in our time we know how to look each other like families. Kiryu and Ian are the family I treasured the most and Flay ends up being part of that.", Akiza continued, and emphasizing to Lacus that the bond she formed with her fellow future mobile suit pilots, Flay, and Rio is based on a family unrelated by blood.

"Akiza, am I correct? Those eyes remind me of both Athrun and Cagalli. This means are you, their descendant?", whenever Lacus saw Akiza, she is reminded of both Athrun and Cagalli, given the likelihood that the two are an item. "You seem to be rough around the edges and have the same determination as Cagalli. But you seem to be as kindhearted as Athrun."

Akiza did not need to comment, let alone take Lacus' word as compliment. And she is right, Akiza has, and has always been uncompromisingly serious even in the face of danger. But underneath it all is a kind and gentle soul who is willing to give people a second chance in life, like what she did for Flay.

"Where's Kira?", Flay asked.

"Kira is close by. Why don't you go and talk to him?", Lacus answered. "I know it's been a long while you've never talked to each other after the war."

"It's because-"

Akiza reassures her partner, "Flay, don't worry. I'm right behind you. You just have to go and talk to him."

That said, Flay went on to look for Kira while Akiza and Lacus followed and keep their distance to make sure they can talk properly. As always, Flay has been anxious trying to get her act ever since taking the opportunity to talk to Kira one final time before Team Paradox leaves for Copernicus in less than a month away from now.

Not far from Akiza and Lacus, Flay manages to run into Kira, whose eyes gaze into the stars in the night sky. The Black Rose Witch and the Songstress watch their two respective significant others talk for the first time since the war.

When Flay stood beside Kira, she instead looked into the night skies rather than face him while reeling from the weight of the guilt of manipulating him in the past.

"You've changed since the last time we saw each other.", Kira said, while facing forwards as if they are now strangers talking.

"It's a long story... It's like a roller-coaster of epic proportions if I want to put it.", again Flay still can't bring herself to face her ex-boyfriend after everything she put him through, while in deep thought. "I thought for a second there back in Jachin Due, I would have died if the Paradox Gundam never appeared. And I know that might haunt you for the rest of your life. Aki might have changed the future, I can't blame her for it. But the fact that I am still alive shows how much of a complete idiot I have been."

"Flay..."

"I'm not here asking for forgiveness. I just want to let you know that I made a complete fool of myself back in the war. I made both you and Sai's lives miserable all because of my irrational hatred of Coordinators! Until now, I still hate myself for not getting the full picture of the whole conflict. And the fact learning the truth about my father's connections with Blue Cosmos isn't helping anything either. I know the truth hurts, but it's the only thing that made me feel at peace."

"I understand how you feel. And the truth about my past also shook me to the core. I was even used by my own father for his Ultimate Coordinator project. But, despite the revelation, Lacus came and comfort me when I am about to lose my will to fight.", Kira then brings up to Flay that her future self brought up during the second divergence. "No matter what is in your past, that should not decide your own future."

"Yeah. Aki told me the same thing. Meeting her was the turning point of my life. It was thanks to her, I was able to put everything behind me for good. Given how she saved me back in Jachin Due, and eventually meeting her, Aki gave me a future. She taught me how to fight and eventually pilot a mobile suit.", Flay brings up her experience with Akiza to her former lover, "At first glance, Aki seems to be a scary person and there's a reason she's like that. But, that's just a mask to her true personality as a kind and compassionate person, much like you and Lacus. Since then, I finally learned what it is like to keep driving onward no matter how many times you suffer and the world looking down on you."

"Lacus could have told me that too. But, I already know what it means to move forward. We've lost many of our friends, and we can't turn back time. The only thing we can do is move on while their memories remain in our hearts. Flay, don't lose that conviction. The path you're taking will bring you past to the point of no return, especially if another war might be happening soon."

"This is my only way of atoning for my sins. Even if that's the case, someday that my sins may be forgiven, until then what I can do to make up for them is what makes be worth forgiven or not."

The two faced each other for the first time since the aftermath of Jachin Due, with Kira being able to smile again. And so does Flay, finally putting everything in full circle.

Akiza then approaches Flay, as the latter got her partner's attention when Akiza patted her hand on Flay's shoulder.

"Well, how did it go?"

Flay nodded. "It's okay. I guess everything comes in full circle now."

Kira then looked at Akiza. "Take good care of her.", he told Akiza, showing that he wants Flay to be happy with her lesbian partner. "You're lucky to have someone like Akiza, Flay."

"You can count on it.", Akiza nodded.

With Flay finally gaining the closure she needed with Kira, Team Paradox's next chapter is about to be set in stone.

As Akiza and Flay look at the night sky, the latter began to speak her thoughts of what will the future await before her.

"The future remains uncertain, yet not set in stone. And we as humans have the power to change it, for better or for worse. Something that Aki having told me ever since I journeyed with her. Now that I have put the past behind me, I want to focus on the future. If that's the case, I want to keep driving forward to find those answers for myself. It doesn't matter how many times I waver, but I will keep trying my best. Then again, I can't do this on my own... I'm very lucky that I have shared a bond with my new friends, they're more than just that... they're my family."

While Kira looks on at Akiza and Flay sharing a moment together, Lacus appears beside him.

"Their bond is stronger as they come... I'm happy for them.", said Lacus.

"Me too...", Kira added. "I'm also happy that Flay managed to finally come to grips with herself after hitting rock bottom."

Within moments, the other three Gundam Operators gather towards Akiza and Flay. Kiryu commending Flay now that she got the closure that she needed. Flay responded by smiling to her fellow teammates.

Team Paradox wave their final goodbyes to Kira and Lacus as they now leave the orphanage. The Gun Vehicles once again take the Underground Highway route on the way back to the headquarters in Onogoro.

Flay's last conversation with Kira was the proof that the old Flay truly died in the war, the current one is a changed person. Akiza was looking on at their heart-to-heart talk with Lacus, and despite Flay's initial reluctance, she is able to talk it out to Kira before leaving. It wasn't that hard, and she had to take it all out to free herself from the guilt of her past actions.

For now, Flay needs to focus on what the future holds for herself and her friends.

"Aki... I think I'm ready for what the future has to offer.", Flay is optimistic of what lies ahead from this point on.

"Me too. This is the starting point of our lives as Gundam Operators.", Akiza added. "Flay, remember that catchphrase?"

"Of course, I do."

"To the villains who make the people of Orb cry... To those who threaten peace in this world... And to those who seek to bring death and destruction across the galaxy will forever hear these words from us."

"Now, count up your sins!"


A month later, the crew of the Gilgamesh have finished stockpiling supplies before take off. Meaning, Team Paradox is ready to set up their new base of operations into the moon, while leaving behind its Earth branch to be guarded by Rio's elite guards. With the task force's expansion, Team Paradox is now divided into two branches: the Orb Unit and the Copernicus Unit. So long as Rio is in command of the team, the remaining members on Earth are to stay on guard of their HQ on earth. The Gundam Operators themselves are the ones will be in Copernicus for their missions in space.

At the Giga Float, as this is so far the only known active mass driver built by the non-government organization known as Junk Guild, this is the only way Team Paradox can use it to return to space. Junk Guild granted their permission to use their mass driver. Despite that this constantly active mass driver is made for civilian use, Junk Guild made an exception.

As the five Gundam Operators prepare to board the Gilgamesh, they are greeted by salutes from Orb military personnel and by Cagalli herself. The Payne twins and Vic entered first, followed by Kiryu and Ian.

"Rio, be responsible for the well-being of your comrades. This is the duty of a true leader.", Cagalli said.

"You too. Your excellency. The responsibility of being Orb's Chief Representative is shouldered upon you. I understand why Lord Uzumi chose you as his worthy successor.", the Iron Lady replied.

"Akiza. Flay. Take care you two.", the Chief Representative nodded to the two redheads. "The path you're taking will be the past of point of no return. But, even if you waver, you will still stand up on your feet and move forward."

"Yeah. Starting today will be the next chapter of our journey as Gundam Operators.", Flay replied. "I know that there will be uncertainties that will be waiting for us. But, I want to keep going to look for those answers.", then she looked at Akiza.

"We will meet again, Lady Cagalli.", said Akiza before she and Flay give one last salute before entering the ship.

Now at the helm of the ship, Vic now gives the green light for take off.

"Anchors aweigh, lads! Next stop, is the moon!", Vic yelled. "Gilgamesh is headin' out!"

The Gilgamesh is catapulted out of the mass driver, as it now soars into the heavens and Team Paradox begin their voyage into the stars above.

As Team Paradox look up into space, Akiza began her soliloquy as they leave the Earth for their new base of operations at Copernicus.

"And so ends the chapter of another journey, and a new beginning is waiting for us. The future from this point on may remain uncertain, but we know for sure that it is not yet set in stone. For all the experiences we have in the past while on Earth and other adventures across space and time, we have to remember those days; because there's no guarantee that they'll last forever. We will enjoy them so long as they last."


C.E. 150, The Future

Elsewhere in a castle resembling an industrial plant, JUNO has gained a physical robotic body. Despite his forces being constantly defeated by Team Paradox, the tyrannical AI remained calculating as always, having analyzed their pilots' abilities with the intent of outpacing them in the future.

"So many universes, so long as Gundams exists, so does conflict.", the AI began pondering that wiping out human life that led into this post-apocalyptic future wasn't enough to satisfy its desire to impose its war-free, authoritarian rule. "But for now, Team Paradox have yet to focus to stop another conflict. But, what's the point of creating such machinery to put an end to wars that caused them in the first place?"

A JUNO Trooper then stood and knelt reverently before the AI. "Master JUNO, our forces are now ready."

JUNO continued, "Team Paradox will be less of my worries for now. But, I have other things in mind."

Multiple portals open around JUNO's palace, showing him every single universe where Gundams exists and so is the wars that conceived them. The AI seeks to eradicate every single Gundam, their pilots, along with the conflicts in that universe, not just for the sake of conquering them, but also to turn all into data.

"It's time.", JUNO proceeds to set its sights into an alternate universe where corporate greed feeds on the conflict between inhabitants of Earth and a faction of businessmen in space, while those who pilot Gundams are considered witches.


Author's Note:

- This chapter now concludes the first arc of this story. As this arc focuses on Flay's redemption quest after her death was undone at the start of the story, and coming in full circle after talking to Kira. By the next chapter, since we're now transitioning to the Destiny storyline. The first twenty chapters are primarily focused on Flay, the next chapter onwards will be on Kiryu.

- JUNO's end goal of invading the other Gundam alternate universes, starting with the Ad Stella from The Witch from Mercury, is basically based on Lord Drakkon invasion the other Power Ranger timelines during the Shattered Grid arc. Expect to see Team Paradox using the mobile suit cards of the Aerial, Calibarn, Schwarzette, Pharact, and other WfM mobile suits later on. Besides time travel, multiversal travel to other Gundam AUs will be on a separate story but will be intertwined to Gundam SEED Paradox's main storyline.

- And speaking of Witch from Mercury, Elan 5 really proved to be a lifesaver, being able to shoot Prospera's mask while buying Miorine time to disable Quiet Zero. Seeing Ericht sacrificing herself to protect Suletta is shocking AF. It's no wonder everything Prospera worked for most of the show gets rendered moot, at least for now until the final episode next week.

- Part of Rio's animosity towards Yuna is a foreshadowing to his current personality in Destiny, and further expansion of his personality. First, Rio hates the Seirans is basically that they sympathize with Blue Cosmos, which compels her to put them under suspicion of conspiring with the Earth Alliance (which is another foreshadowing in Destiny); her father was once good friends with Prime Minister Unato Ema Seiran. When Rio's father died and Unato began siding with the Alliance, Rio did not bother hiding her scorn towards him. Meanwhile, Rio's history with Yuna is a retread of Muruta Azrael's backstory. Like Azrael, Yuna gets bullied mostly by Coordinators, and then by Rio herself. As a bullying victim myself, I had a few run-ins with bullies back in high school. However, as adults, they grow out of their bad behavior and become decent people. Rio exemplifies that despite her domineering behavior, she still has a pang of decency and moral compass. While Yuna, as she points out, remains as an immature and bratty manchild, as highlighted throughout Gundam SEED Destiny.

- UPDATE 7/5/2023:

* The AMR-V100X Zagato Interceptor is based on the 2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage, with the front grill and headlights of the Aston Martin DB12.

* The FZ-171 Alessi GTB is based on the Ferrari 296 GTB, and is named after former Formula 1 driver Jean Alessi. Like the 296 GTB, it's a hybrid supercar with twin-turbo V6 engine.