During a meeting with council members of PLANTs and National Defense Committees. A ZAFT commander barged in with news for all of them. The commander was allowed to speak.

He saluted them. "I have news that the Minerva is being chased by the mysterious Archangel as we speak." This made the council nervous. "The Minerva had an unaligned Astray GUNDAM, piloted by Jess Rabble, come aboard with a pallet of four torpedoes. He is accompanied by former Earth Alliance soldier who was aboard of the Archangel, Miriallia Haw. The Junk Guild and Serpent Tail have teamed up to help escort the Minerva. However, they must escort them to Kingdom of Scandinavia, as the pallet of torpedoes is meant for them."

"Is that all?" One ZAFT military in purple and black uniforms asked.

"Yes, sir!" The commander answered.

"You're excused," the military officer saluted him back.

The council looked at one another. The topic they were discussing was now put on hold. Live footage of the ongoing chase popped onto their screens.

"Torpedoes that must be delivered to the Kingdom of Scandinavia," one of the civilian senators mused out loud. "Jess Rabble and his antics once again. Usually, he doesn't interfere only reports. This time he took something, and now asking for ZAFT for help."

"Serpent Tail and Junk Guild must have been the ones to retrieve these weapons," a National Defense officer explained. "Orders must have changed. ZAFT has been pulled into the mix of things."

"That doesn't explain why the mysterious Archangel would continue to chase after them," another civilian senator commented. There was silence amongst them. Information about the chase started to come onto their screen. They started to scroll through the information.

"They're going to continue onto the Kingdom with no stops," one of the civilian senators was perplexed.

"Junk Guild and Serpent Tail will help out on relaying fuel and supplies," one of the military officers explained. "They're going to plan ahead to keep distance between them and the Archangel."

"Any word from the Kingdom about this?" A military officer was reading. There had been no news.

"Better to ask if Princess Selena had said anything about this," Eileen Canaver spoke up. "Which we all know she won't. Serpent Tail is a mercenary group. Junk Guild operates by recycling. Two things that the Princess is known for. It's safe to say that once they get closer to the Kingdom, the Minerva will be protected."

"Do you think she will keep the Minerva as she has taken Commander Joule?" A civilian senator asked. "We haven't heard any more about the investigation, but this could be another ploy of hers."

"What would she gain by taking them?" Another civilian senator countered. "I doubt she would try to weaken our military strength when we helped her out."

"We did interrogate her after her vessel blew up," a military officer answered. "She has ties to questionable people and organizations. The princess could have her own agenda. I doubt that she could align herself with this new enemy arising but we don't know the whole story."

"What do you think Chairwoman Clyne?" Eileen looked over to Lacus who was reading the information on her screen.

"We can only go by the information that we have," she looked up to them. "Hopefully the Kingdom doesn't take this opportunity to keep the Minerva. I think it would be best to let them head to the Kingdom. If the Minerva does get taken in by them, we won't have to worry as much. I have reports that Commander Joule is doing fine and has the upmost care. He will be back to an almost perfect health due to the physical therapy and meals provided by the Kingdom. The investigation is continuing on, but we're not dealing with someone who wants to wipe us out."

"She might be wanting to make some sort of deal," one of the military officers concluded. Others agreed.

"We'll continue to watch and aid as much as we can," Lacus concluded.

While Lacus was having her meetings, Kira had wandered over to Dearka's office. Dearka was working on the computer when Kira had knocked upon the door. Dearka was surprised to see him. He let him in.

Kira was a bit embarrassed for coming all the way over to see him. "I didn't mean to intrude but Lacus is having her meetings." Dearka nodded. It was new for him to have Kira come visit. Most of the time Kira came over because he was lost. Kira looked to Dearka with a comforting smile. "I came because I wanted to know how you were doing." Dearka was at a loss. He knew Kira was actually a really nice guy who was pushed to the breaking point. For someone who was never trained in fighting, he was a genius.

Dearka gave a half smile back. "Thanks. I've been doing okay. Trying to keep up with the work coming from above. I don't how Yzak could manage, but I'm glad he was the type to be really organized."

"Was it a nice visit though?" Kira knew what it felt like being away from your best friend. He learned how close Yzak and Dearka was.

Dearka nodded. "It was." He let out a scoff. "He's basically in paradise." Dearka froze for a minute. "I-I-I mean like a vacation type of paradise."

Kira laughed at Dearka's casualness. "I know what you mean. He's not in a place where we have to worry as much. That's good." Kira looked away. "I know Athrun can be stubborn at times. Well, you must know that as well since all of you trained together in ZAFT and were on the same team battling against me." Dearka gave slow nods, trying to figure out where this was going. "I think Athrun is just worried that this could get out of hand. I don't know the princess that well but it seems like the rest of you do. However, if the princess harms my friends, I don't think I could stand and watch anymore."

Dearka had to keep his face emotionless. Selena harm YzaK? He thought to himself. He may return with marks on his back and bruises. If only you knew the truth of it, Kira. Dearka wished they were closer to be able to reveal that. It may take the tension away.

"I hope Yzak is doing okay," Kira mentioned. "He seemed like he could be the next National Defense Committee Chairman."

Dearka perked up. "He does seem like he's headed that way. Yzak is trying to atone for what he has done in the past. He doesn't want others to make mistakes like him. He wants peace like the rest of us. He continues to put on his uniform and give it his all in ZAFT. Even was a Senator." Dearka had a small smile. Yzak had become a great guy.

"I'm sorry the two of you got wrapped up into this," Kira apologized. "Neither of you would have to take a bribe from the princess."

Dearka liked Kira. He was honest with his feelings. "You don't have to apologize. Being a Coordinator, growing up in the PLANTs has made us accustomed to situations like these. You may have had a better time growing up in a Neutral nation so you wouldn't really understand how it was like here. All we knew growing up was that someone or some nation wanted us to work for them because of our genetics. However, they didn't want to treat us fairly or treat us as equals. We all knew that in order for us to be ourselves we would have to rebel. We would have to scheme, take bribes, anything, to finally be free of people who wanted to use us. Taking that bribe was easy. I know the two of us would do it again and again. Athrun believes he's a righteous man but I know if given the chance, he would take it too. Maybe even you too, Kira." He looked over to Kira who was surprised about the notion.

"Her bribes are that good, huh?" Kira speculated. He didn't think he would be able to take that bribe no matter how good it seemed. It made him also think how much does Selena know about them to make a bribe neither of them could pass up. How much does she know about their personal lives to break their integrity to fall into her hands?

"You don't remember the peace treaty, the ballet, the soiree, or the interrogation?" Dearka rekindled. "Selena's charm has many vying for her. She knows a vast network of people, and can sway opinions. She's not someone you should take lightly." Dearka didn't know that this conversation was helping Kira side with Athrun on believing she was starting to become an actual enemy. Dearka thought he was talking her up. To him, she was someone great.

The two continued to talk some more before Kira left so that Dearka could finish his work. What Dearka said did make think more. He wondered what the bribes were. He wondered why Selena would treat Yzak so nicely. He would have to speak with Athrun once he got the chance.

When Kira and Lacus reached the mansion, the two had dinner together before splitting up. Lacus went back to her office to continue more work while Kira went to a room that had changed into an office for him. He got a hold of Athrun. The two talked about the recent news, the Minerva acquiring torpedoes that are meant for the Kingdom.

"That is a bit suspicious," Athrun mulled over. "Selena could make her own weapons, why would she need four random torpedoes from the United States of South America?"

"And then speaking with Dearka," Kira nodded. He agreed that it sounded suspicious. "He pointed out that him and Yzak would take those bribes over and over again. He even stated if you and I had the chance, we would do the same."

Athrun scoffed. "Of course, Dearka would think that. They're not much of soldiers, they did what they want. He pointed that out quite clearly at the last meeting. I don't know if Rau's obsession with her rubbed off on them. No word from her anyways?" Kira shook his head. "She's been hiding all this time, only now to make her move. I don't think she has the same end goal as we do."

Kira agreed to some of that. "It's unfortunate that the evidence is pointing out that she is an enemy." He let out a sigh.

This made Athrun concerned. "Why are you so concerned? It's not like we know her that well."

Kira grimaced. "I may not, but I came across photo albums Lacus must have been looking through. I did glance through them only to find that Lacus and Selena seemed like they were friends at one point in time." Athrun never knew this, and he had became shocked by the news. Kira nodded, continuing. "It looked like they were in the same ballet class when they were kids. However, something happened like a little jealousy or friendship turned rivalry on one of the ballets. The two were no longer close, and Selena had the look she has now." Kira gave Athrun a sad smile. "It reminds me a bit of us. I know we left on good terms, but meeting each other once again," Kira glanced away. "We were both fighting for different causes but ended up fighting against one another. After everything we went through, I don't want Lacus to go through it too." Athrun nodded in agreement. "Whatever tore their friendship apart, I think if they just had enough time, they could reconcile."

Athrun let out a sigh. "I would like to think the same but I think it has gone too far for that."

Kira didn't agree with that. "No. It's never too late."

Athrun knew that Kira believed in that type of stuff, however Athrun knew the reality of it. "Lacus may try to have a hand open to reconcile, but I doubt Selena would. Even if it did, it would take a lot of persuading. Selena is stuck in her ways. She has an end goal, and she's going to complete it."

"I think there is still hope," Kira didn't want to cross out any possibility of turning around. There was always hope to do the right thing even near the end. The two continued to speak some more before ending the call. Athrun was going to continue to keep an eye on the Minerva situation.

Kira took a shower. His mind racked with thoughts about handling the situation if worse came to worse. He tried thinking about all different scenarios to try to keep the worse outcome from happening. Kira didn't notice that Lacus was waiting for him in bed. She had already changed into her night gown.

Kira sat on the bed, moved himself under the covers, not noticing Lacus still watching him. He laid his head down, snuggling under the blankets before he noticed someone was staring at him.

"Gahh!" Kira flinched backwards; flaying is limbs under the blankets.

Lacus gave him a comforting smile. "Are you okay?"

Kira looked away, embarrassed by what he just did. He was lost in thought that he didn't even notice Lacus was there.

Lacus placed hand on his cheek, moving his face back towards her. "You must have something weighing on your mind to be this distracted. Is there anything I can do?"

Kira felt guilty as he stared into Lacus' eyes. They were full of warmth and comfort. Even if she would become mad at him, he could not lie to her. He glanced away. "I came across your photo albums."

"Oh?" Lacus was curious as to what photo albums he saw. She did reminisce from time to time, but it has gone up as she wished to have her parents guiding her on the right path. She sought after their strength. She tried to remember what they had wanted when they were first battling for freedom as Coordinators.

Her one worded response made Kira sink even further. He grabbed onto her hand, pulling it away from his face. "I shouldn't have looked through them without your permission. I looked through the one where you were little, and performed ballet." Lacus understood why he was feeling this way. He didn't even have to say but she let him continue. "I saw that you and the princess were close until it looked like something had happened." Kira looked to Lacus, clutching her hand. "I know it must be hard, and the situation feels the same as mine and Athrun's, but know this, I will make sure that something like that happens. Whatever happened between you and her, that's stays between the two of you until you're ready to talk about it. But I also don't want to see you get hurt either. I've been racking my mind on this whole situation, and I can only imagine how you're feeling. You two were close, and now it looks like she's becoming our enemy. Almost as if she's giving us no choice, but there's always a choice. I hope it will not come down to it. I think I need to tell you more, that even though I may not be that much of help, I'm here for you Lacus, whatever it may be, and whatever I can do, I'm here for you."

Lacus embraced him into a hug. Kira was shocked at first but hugged her back as well. Lacus loved that about Kira. He's a sweet, kind man who takes in account others. Kira forgets to think about himself at times. He was a very selfless guy, willing to do what it takes to make things right, and to keep things right. She thanked him for his generosity and his honesty. The two stayed that way a bit more. Lacus kissed his forehead, signaling the two of them to sleep.

Kira fell asleep with no worries anymore. The weight holding him down had been lifted off. However, Lacus started to feel as the guilty one. Kira is very honest with his feelings and thoughts. He took accountability for looking through her things, even though she had let know that this place was just as much his as it was hers. Lacus wanted to tell Kira that everything would be fine, however she couldn't. The end goal needed to be reached, and if she told anyone, she feared it wouldn't work out. Since Lacus could not sleep, she in turn recalled a memory between her and Selena from that time they were in ballet together.

The two of them had finished ballet practice. Lacus had already changed, and was waiting for her parents to pick her up. Her father was born in the Kingdom of Scandinavia, along with her mother. She grew up partly in the Kingdom and the PLANTs. As her father would come back and forth between them. Lacus tried her hands at chess, hoping to gain another skill.

Selena came out noticing that Lacus was playing by herself. The two of them had gotten along really well. Their parents knew each other, so it made it easier for them to get along. Selena sat down on the opposite side.

"Do you want to play?" Lacus asked with a sweet smile. Selena nodded. "What set would you like to play?"

"Black," Selena moved the pieces back. Lacus was shocked, as most people would choose white. Selena was really kind. If any time Lacus needed help, Selena would be there. "Are you playing chess to play or trying to learn strategy?"

Lacus moved the pieces back together before moving her first piece, a white pawn in the middle. "Maybe a little of both. With everything going on in the world, I want to try my best to help make sure we have peace." She knew the signs of wear on her parents, especially her father. He was always off from time to time, trying to help other Coordinators. At times it was safer in the Kingdom then it was on PLANTs.

"Such a big goal," Selena pointed out. She moved her piece next. The two continuing while talking back and forth.

"Didn't you say you wanted to be a great queen?" Lacus reminded her.

"That's because I am royalty," Selena justified. "It is required. Back to your goal, you're going to need people to help you reach it. You won't be able to reach that big of a goal by yourself."

Lacus moved a piece. "Are you saying you're going to help me?" She stared at Selena.

"You're putting words into my mouth," Selena moved her piece, nabbing one of Lacus'. Lacus blinked. She needed to stay focused. "I'm currently learning that we may have some things in common, however, for it work, you're going to have to hate me." Lacus frowned. She couldn't do that. Selena was becoming a close friend. "That's how it's going to go. Love and friendship are not going to solve the violence plaguing the world around us."

"But-" Lacus didn't like this one bit. She didn't want to end their friendship due to a goal like this.

Selena shook her head. "Chess is about strategy. Only so many moves can be done to win. One objective, take down the king. If we were playing Hnefatafl, the escorts must take their king to the port before the enemy could ambush them, taking the king down. Each game has a side, most of the time it is to take someone down." Lacus was listening while they continued to play. "You believe we're better together," Selena looked at the board. It was getting close to the end. Selena placed her queen by the white king, ending the game. "But I think we would be better apart. Checkmate."

Lacus studied the board, wondering how she lost so quickly and easily. She looked over to Selena who was waiting for a response. Lacus looked back the board, realizing what Selena was meaning. Lacus looked up to Selena once again. Lacus nodded.

"Good," Selena gave her a smile. "I always play the black set, that is my set."

Lacus spoke, "then I am always white." Selena nodded. Lacus was seeing what Selena had meant. "Will we always be playing chess?"

"We can if you like?" Selena offered. Lacus nodded. She didn't know other games as well. She wanted chess to be a strong point like Selena's. "Then the game has begun."

Lacus felt a tug on her heart. "I-I don't think I could come to hate you."

Selena figured as much. She gave Lacus a comforting smile. "You won't have to worry then. Continue on as you do, I will do that part."

"Ah, no!" Lacus didn't like this.

Selena tilted her head. "Your goal is for peace for us all. We cannot get there if we are soft hearted."

"We can!" Lacus stood up from her chair. She was determined to tell Selena she was wrong, and to even prove her wrong.

"Alright," Selena was happy to see the spark in her friend. "Then prove me wrong. We will continue the game, but prove me wrong. I would like to see it."

"I will!" Lacus clenched her fist but then unclenched it. "How will we know when the game is done?"

Selena looked to Lacus. "As any game goes, someone will fall."

"And then we can become friends again?" Lacus was hopeful. She hoped the peace came soon.

"We won't stop being friends," Selena reminded her. She thought Lacus understood. "We just can't be friends to everyone else." Lacus became wide eyed as she listened. "We'll be friends to the rest when the game is over." Lacus smiled, giving Selena a hug. Selena let out a sigh, giving a hug back to Lacus. She said the game started now, but Lacus wasn't really understanding. It didn't help that Selena was already being conditioned and heading to the path she was told to take by her parents. "After this, though, we have to distance ourselves. Remember, we're better apart."

Lacus shed tears while remembering that memory. She didn't know how hard that game had become. As Kira racked his brain on how to treat Selena, Lacus was starting to feel the same way. Was this all part of the game? Lacus just trusted her blindly. What was the game actually about? Was it really the goal Lacus had stated? Then why didn't Selena show up for the two wars? It was frustrating for Lacus. Were they still friends or not? Selena would check in, by sending mixed messages, always being the one to show the distance between them. It felt like they had drifted too far apart, but Lacus couldn't stop the feeling of not following Selena. Just like Kira, hoping there would be a slight chance that things could work out.