Gundam Seed: The Federation ver 2

by Blackshadow999

Different telling of Gundam Seed. With the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators getting worse as time passes, some nations have banded together and formed the organization known as the Human Federation. Will the Federation be able to help bring peace or will the hatred between Naturals and Coordinators destroy everything and bring extinction of humanity? Cover by Saddle Patch

69. Phase 69: Catching Up

A/n

Okay here is the next Phase, I hope you enjoy it!

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Phase 69: Catching Up

October 3rd, 73 C.E.

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Lagrange 4

The Federation ship shuttle shot out from the Minerva, and after clearing the ship, it turned toward the Normandy. Cagalli glanced out of the window of the shuttle as it traveled along to the "Normandy" Tyler mentioned. The shuttle made an arc, and Cagalli got her first view of the Federation ship she guessed was the Normandy. The vessel was unlike any Federation vessel Cagalli had seen with her own eyes or seen images of. It was slightly shorter than the Kusanagi, by what she could guess. The shape was more of an Earth-based aircraft with a central section with wings attached to it. With it being smaller, Cagalli could only wonder what purpose the ship had been designed for. She'd learned the Federation made and designed what they used for a range of reasons, but it normally had some specific purposes. Cagalli wasn't the only one looking over the ship as the shuttle was making an arc toward the Normandy.

Athrun was scanning it over, taking in some of the features he could identify. By its size, it was more than likely a frigate in its classification. Frigates were good for missions that were time-sensitive since they had better speeds than larger ship classes. He couldn't guess how well-armed the ship was, likely not lightly since the Federation rarely did that. It was the first new ship class from the Federation that Athrun had seen since the war. And it wasn't that he'd thought the Federation wouldn't be improving what they used, he would be shocked if they didn't. Yet he couldn't help but wonder what advancements the Federation had made in the two or so years that had gone by. Athrun hadn't been around the Federation's Military much, even after being around Orb for a time. So, he'd been "out of the loop" for a while, and he was realizing it had been longer than he thought it was.

The shuttle came to be aligned with the Normandy's catapult, which had lowered as it approached. The electron rails used their repulsers to slow the craft down as it came through the catapult. Athrun was slightly surprised at the gentle speed reduction as it couldn't be done with deceleration cables. It said the Federation had developed a new method for decelerating craft and mobile suits. The speed reduction was far better than the sudden stop deceleration cables were known for, Athrun had to admit. The other thought that passed through his mind was why Tyler might have been assigned to this ship. With him being a specialist in his own words and Athrun believed that he couldn't see Tyler being assigned to a vessel without a reason behind it.

As the shuttle was cycling through the airlock system to get to the Normandy's hangar, Tyler was sorting out his thoughts. Technically, Cagalli coming onto the Normandy would be the ship's VIP, regardless of Tyler knowing her on a more personal level. Ship VIPs came with their own sets of problems both due to them being treated differently than others who would come onto the vessel and normally their "authority." Before now, Tyler hadn't had to deal with VIPs on a vessel since he hadn't been a ship officer. However, now he was the captain, there was no valid reason for him to avoid dealing with VIPs. The other point with them in this was if Cagalli made any complaints while on the Normandy, he would be held accountable by his boss. Tyler wasn't worried about the crew complaining about him anymore, but Cagalli could pester them. If they complained about that, it could reach Tyler's boss, and that was the last thing he wanted. Being in the woman's office before the mission had been bad enough, Tyler didn't want to go back there anytime soon again.

The shuttle rose into the hangar and moved into the center of the space. Once the shuttle came to a stop, Tyler rose and moved to the hatch. He opened it, revealing the hangar interior to those who were unbuckling from their seats. The soldiers exited the craft first, and Tyler told them to report to Jenkins or Marks before taking downtime for themselves. Tyler glanced back at the three whom he'd picked up from the Minerva. "Well, off the shuttle, I would say," Tyler stated. "No reason to stay on it." The trio exited the shuttle and glanced around the hangar area as Tyler brought up the rear. Tyler gestured toward the entry of the hangar to infer they should head in that direction. After exiting the hangar, Cagalli rounded on Tyler, "Time for you to answer my questions," she just about demanded.

Tyler exhaled heavily at the response which he had expected from Cagalli not too long after getting to the Normandy. The girl was persistent when she was set on something. That wasn't a bad thing necessarily, but it could be nerve-grating being on the receiving end of it. The Federation spacesuit, while it did a lot of things, comfort with long-term use wasn't one of them. They weren't uncomfortable, but they weren't the nicest wearing if that wasn't required. So, if Tyler were going to answer a list of questions, he would rather do it in something else than a spacesuit. "Cagalli," Tyler started, "If I have to answer questions, I would like to get out of my pilot suit first, then it would be wise for me to check-in with others. Let me do that and get you to the quarters you will use while on the Normandy. There I will answer your questions the best I can, as I said."

Athrun grabbed Cagalli's shoulder and put a hand over her mouth to prevent her from arguing with Tyler in this. He had said he would answer their questions and even promised that, so that should be enough. Tyler didn't make promises lightly, when he promised something, he fully intended to keep his word to the best of his abilities. However, badgering him to fulfill his word faster rarely went well from Athrun's experience. And Cagalli was in the mood to badger with recent events, and that would merely delay. "Go ahead, Tye," Athrun replied. "We'll wait here so you can show us to the quarters we will use while on the ship." Tyler entered the locker room leaving the other three outside. Cagalli rounded on Athrun, "Athrun," she just about snapped, "What are you doing?" She would have answers to what was going on, "by hook or by crook", as the old phrase went. And she was tired of being waved off and told to be patient by those who likely had answers for her.

Athrun sighed at Cagalli's reaction to his attempt to assist things moving along as smoothly as possible. He thought she would understand patience was a virtue to develop with her working within governmental jobs for the last nearly two years. Athrun had hoped to observe Lord Athha and Homura would've helped Cagalli learn to be more polite and non-confrontational. She respected her father and uncle a lot, so Athrun had thought she would try and emulate them. However, Cagalli had been stubborn and persistent to the point it was borderline rude by most standards. "Cagalli," Athrun began, "you need to calm down. Your questions will get answers if you just wait a little longer." Cagalli glared at Athrun, but then Quatre spoke up, "Representative Athha, I believe what Athrun is trying to say is your outbursts are unnecessary. You will get the answers you are asking for, just be patient a little longer. And it isn't that you haven't shown a great deal of patience already, for you have. Recent events just haven't allowed a proper discussion. But that time is almost here, so rest assured that you won't be waved off."

Cagalli took a moment as she processed what they were saying to her to breathe and calm herself. She had been letting the frustration get the better of her, she had to admit. The attack and what had come with it had stressed her quite a bit. Cagalli normally did her best to keep her cool and not make a scene that others would view. Her uncle Homura had discussed with her the importance of appearing calm and collected even if one didn't feel that way. His points made sense, even if they were difficult to follow at times. And looking back, Cagalli had been failing spectacularly for the last twenty-four hours in appearing calm and collected. Her gaze fell to the deck, "I'm sorry," Cagalli said, "I supposed I've been really emotional in the last twenty-four hours."

The door to the locker room slid open, and Tyler floated out. Tyler glanced the trio over, studying them as it was obvious they had been talking about something. He hoped that Athrun and his companion had calmed Cagalli down while he'd been changing into his casual Federation uniform. The girl had been rather emotional, more than she normally was for one reason or another. Tyler had assumed it was due to what happened inside the colony during the attack, but he couldn't be sure. Non-soldiers tended to react differently when they were thrown into combat situations, and Tyler didn't hold that against anyone. Tyler's gaze came to settle on Cagalli, "Gotten the time to breathe and calm down somewhat, Cagalli," Tyler asked. "You did need the time with having been thrown into the dangers you were." He shrugged, "You've been doing better than most non-combatants do when tossed into dangerous combat situations, I assure you. And I mean that as a compliment to you, whether you take it that way or not." Tyler gestured to the right, "Shall we continue onward?"

Tyler guided the group through the Normandy's corridors, heading for the upper crew deck. That was where the VIP quarters were, which Cagalli would use while on the Normandy. There were quarters right next to the VIP quarters was a smaller one for the "escort" of the VIP, whatever it may be. His group entered the lift and moved up to the second ship deck. When the lift door slid open, Athrun was kind of impressed with the design of the Normandy thus far. It was organized in a different way, but one that seemed to make sense for its operation. It was Athrun found the Federation's mentality, function, and purpose over most else to achieve their goals. That was something he'd learned since leaving ZAFT after the war. Even if the Normandy was a smaller ship class than others, there was no wasted space from what Athrun had already seen.

Tyler led the way down the corridor and came to a stop in front of the VIP quarters, and pointed at them. "These would be the Normandy's VIP quarters, so Cagalli can use them while on the ship," Tyler iterated. Then he gestured to the door next to the one he'd pointed out for Cagalli, "And that would be the quarters for the VIP's escort. You'll have to share them, so I hope that shouldn't be a problem for the two of you." Tyler rolled his shoulders, "Now, if you would give me a moment, I'll check in with others and then come back to answer what questions I can." Tyler then headed off back down the corridor to the lift so he could go check in with Lisa on the bridge.

Athrun had gently pushed Cagalli to go into the quarters that would be provided for her during the journey. While she entered them, Quatre and he went into the quarters they would have while on the Normandy. The room was simple yet wasn't lacking in the needs of their tenants. It had two double bunks in the back left corner. There was a table/desk on the right wall of the room with a small bathroom in the back right corner. It was more than what Quatre and he needed to keep an eye on Cagalli. Not that they would need to watch her all the time while on the Normandy. The room was a little fancier than normal crew quarters that Quatre was familiar with on the vessels he'd served on.

After the two had glanced over the quarters they would be using, they headed over to Cagalli's room. The moment Athrun came in, he could see why Tyler had called this room the "VIP quarters" the Normandy had. They were much as officers' quarters were, with one bed, a desk, some furniture, and a private bathroom. On the desk, there was a terminal that Athrun bet had a connection to the Federation's Information Network. Cagalli was currently sitting on the bed, appearing to be lost in thought. Athrun took the sofa while Quatre moved to the desk to wait for Tyler to return to answer questions.

Meanwhile, Tyler had returned to the deck lift and took it up to the command deck to get to the bridge. He felt it was only fair that Lisa be told of the change he'd brought onto the ship that they would be dealing with for a time. Tyler may be overall responsible for Cagalli, but with her, on the ship, the whole crew may end out interacting with her. Plus, they wouldn't be reporting back to Echowas as had been planned upon the mission's completion. Tyler would guess Cagalli would need to head back to Earth and Orb. The Normandy was more than up to the task of taking Cagalli back to Earth and down to Orb. Also, Tyler felt it was only courtesy for the Normandy to reach out to the ship Cagalli had traveled to Lagrange 4 on. They had likely planned to swing by Armory One to pick her up and take her back to Earth. He assumed the ship was the Kusanagi as that one seemed to escort Orb representative around.

So, when he arrived on the bridge, Tyler glanced around and was proud to find the crew where they should be. He moved forward to be just behind Lisa's chair, "Lisa," he started, "would you mind remaining in charge of things here for a bit longer? There is something I need to see to before I take over and give you a break." Lisa twisted to face Tyler, curious as to what he needed to see to. She didn't have an issue with remaining on the bridge for a time longer for whatever Tyler needed to do. "Certainly," Lisa replied, "but should I ask what had come up?" Tyler sighed, "We have gained a VIP which I feel we're going to be expected to take to Earth." Tyler paused, "If you could have us head in that direction, it would be appreciated. Also, if we could reach out to the Kusanagi and tell them Representative Athha is now on the Normandy, that would be great. We will escort her to Earth, so they didn't need to worry about swinging back around ZAFT's Armory One, that would save time for us."

Lisa nodded, wondering how Tyler had gotten into the situation he'd just iterated. There had been no word that a representative of one of the Federation member nations being around ZAFT's colony. Escorting a representative was a simple task for the Normandy to accomplish. And from what Lisa understood, Tyler knew a Cagalli Athha, which could very well be the representative he was speaking of. "I'll get to that," Lisa returned, "Go do whatever you need with our VIP we now have." Tyler exhaled, "Oh, I'm looking as forward to it as I do going home and getting lectures from family members." Tyler left the bridge and headed back toward the Normandy's VIP quarters. He wasn't looking forward to the "Q&A" session there would be with Cagalli.

Tyler arrived back at the VIP quarters and took a deep breath before he entered the room. He found Cagalli on the bed while Athrun sat on the sofa, and the blonde individual was at the desk. Tyler still hadn't heard a name for the blonde guy yet, but he hadn't gotten the chance to ask with Cagalli badgering him. He cleared his throat, "Thanks for waiting," he stated. "It was best I get up to date on things and inform some of what had happened." Tyler took a breath, "So then, what questions did you have that I can do my best to answer?" Cagalli was the first to speak, "What has been going on," she just about snapped.

Tyler sighed at the question, as it was not what he had been offering to answer. Cagalli's inquiry was far too broad to be able to answer accurately in the way she wanted. He'd expected her to start with something like that, which would require him to set some rules/boundaries for this. "Okay, that question is far too broad to be answered in the way you want," Tyler replied. "You will have to be more specific than that, Cagalli." Athrun could see where Tyler was coming from and agreed that Cagalli's question was too broad to be answered properly. "Cagalli, you need to narrow down what you're asking for a question to get answers." Cagalli rounded on Athrun and began arguing with him about her question being fine as it was. Tyler watched the two as they went back and forth between each other as a quarreling couple would.

Instead of diving into the argument, which Tyler didn't feel like doing, he turned to the blonde young man. He figured he could do introductions while Cagalli and Athrun were arguing with one another. Tyler floated over to the desk and smiled at the man who appeared to be around the same age as himself. "While they are having a discussion," Tyler began, "I don't believe we were ever properly introduced." Tyler held out his hand, "Captain Tyler McGregor, currently the commanding officer of the Normandy." Quatre had noticed Athrun and Representative Athha arguing. They did that from time to time Quatre had seen during their journey to Armory One. He tended to stay out of such as he didn't want to get roped into what seemed to often be a "lover's quarrel." Quatre took the offered hand and shook it, "Lieutenant Quatre Winters, currently assigned to be Representative Athha's bodyguard," he returned. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain McGregor. I've heard stories told about you by colleagues and others I've worked with."

Tyler had long ago given up hoping stories about him told by other soldiers wouldn't make him out to be something he wasn't. He tried to correct misunderstandings instead when he could, which didn't happen as often as he would like. "Oh, hasn't the majority of the Federation's soldiers heard stories about me?" Tyler exhaled heavily, "I assure you, I'm not as they say I am, I'm a soldier that just has specialized skill sets which get utilized. But those in SOLAS do get all sorts of things said about them, and I'm just a lucky one that gets more than others." Quatre chuckled softly, "I wouldn't doubt you grow tired of correcting the stories' images they create of you?" Tyler roll his eyes, "Words couldn't say just how tired I've grown of the idea over the years of my service." Tyler couldn't help but wonder what branch Quatre could be from. "So, what branch do you serve under when not chosen for different assignments?"

Quatre knew the question well, as it was a common one for soldiers to ask each other. Some members of the Federation's military got "odd jobs" more than others. SOLAS especially got all sorts of assignments handed to them. "I'm assigned to the Core and do work with them most of the time," Quatre answered. "I'm under Colonel Mills' command, who is under Admiral Delaz." Tyler nodded, "I know Admiral Delaz more by reputation than anything, and they are supposed to be nice. But it is always nice to meet a member of the Core when it does occur." Quatre smiled, "I would say the same for a member of SOLAS. I assume you report to Admiral Algreus being in SOLAS, right?"

There was many a day that Tyler would be happy as could be if he reported to Admiral Algreus. Tyler had met the man once, and he had a far nicer temperament than his boss did. Yet, lucky Tyler, he was one of his boss's "favorites" whom she kept under her direct command and sent where she wanted. "Oh, there are days I would do a great deal of things to be under Admiral Algreus. Alas, I'm lucky, in whatever way you want to say it, to be under Admiral Raine's direct command. She "lends" me out to others as she sees fit but never lets me forget that I'm hers to use," Tyler said, using air quotes with lends. Quatre gave a sympathetic expression, "I've heard Admiral Raine can be difficult to work with and be around." Tyler snorted, "That's putting it mildly, but you didn't hear that from me." Tyler took a breath, "But as a pilot from the Core, I may call upon you to help out if the need arises. I hope you don't mind that." Quatre shook his head, "I don't mind at all. I'll help as I can should you need me."

Tyler glanced back at Cagalli and Athrun, who were still arguing. He shook his head, "As much as I dislike stepping into another's argument without a good reason, it has gone on for long enough," he stated. "I have other things to do and have others waiting on me. So, this Q&A session needs to move along at a decent pace." Tyler then raised his voice, "Hey, you two can have your quarrel on your own time. I have other things to do, so I don't get all day to sit around and answer questions." Tyler focused on Cagalli, "You need to ask me specific questions, Cagalli. I don't just spill the beans with open-ended questions as that is a "rabbit hole" I avoid the best I can." Athrun sunk back to the sofa, knowing Tyler likely had responsibilities to get to that he was delaying for them. The argument that he'd been having with Cagalli wasn't needed right now.

Cagalli took a moment a moment to calm down and organize her thoughts. She knew bits and pieces about what ZAFT had dealt with during the attack on Armory One. However, she had little information about what had brought the Normandy out to Lagrange 4 and to the colony. "What brought the Normandy out to the Lagrange 4 Colony Cluster," she asked. "It wasn't with any patrols that watch the cluster, I would guess." Tyler nodded, "No, the Normandy wasn't with a patrol, it had its own assignment to work on, which brought it to Lagrange 4." That matched what Athrun had heard while in the captain's quarters on the Minerva. "That assignment had something to do with the research outpost that was mentioned before, right," he posed.

Tyler didn't answer immediately, he was deciding what to tell them about the incident at Milos. They could be told more than Captain Gladys and the Chairman had. But with how Cagalli had been rambling, Tyler hesitated on telling her the truth. Tyler ended out exhaling heavily after a minute, "Well, yes, that was involved in the assignment." Tyler hesitated, "However, some details are not public knowledge and won't be for a while, if at all. So, what I say is not to be repeated to others, for some of it will be denied by those asked about it." The three nodded, so Tyler continued, "The research outpost, which was out at the western end of the colony cluster, was attacked by the same group that struck ZAFT's Armory One. The group is assumed to be an Alliance team, and from what I've seen from a specific group, the Alliance has." Quatre leaned forward, "I take it there is no evidence to connect the group or positively identify them?" Tyler nodded, "Correct, but the MO leads me to believe they are part of the group I mentioned, as it is rather unique to them, unfortunately."

Athrun could only wonder which group from the Alliance had been sent to do the attack on the outpost and the colony. With how proficient they were in the attack on Armory One, Athrun figured it was special forces or black ops of some kind. And Athrun wanted to say it would be more likely black ops from what he knew from ZAFT's intelligence. "What group would you say they are from, Tye," Athrun questioned. "They were not novices, they were trained and well at that." Tyler sighed before gaining a serious look, "They're called Phantom Pain. They are supposed to be some sort of unofficial black ops group for the Alliance. I've seen their work before and am sickened by it. They are normally given dirty work that the Alliance doesn't want a chance to be traced back to them. Thus, they can ignore rules and regulations as they please and not be held accountable. And Phantom Pain doesn't leave witnesses most of the time to talk about what happened."

Cagalli couldn't think of a reason for an Alliance black ops team to go to a Federation research outpost. There was nothing of value for them at such a place other than perhaps the research being done there. "What kind of research was the outpost doing," she inquired. Tyler turned to her, "Astrological, nothing more than that," he answered. "Milos is one of the older stations used for research, and so most have forgotten about it." Quatre hummed, "And by what I heard between you and the Chairman, it had a connection to the Information Network." Tyler nodded at the statement, "That's right."

If the station had a connection to the Federation's Information Network, that made it a potential target of the Alliance. Athrun knew the Alliance wanted access to the network, which the Federation denied them. ZAFT had its own interest in the network, but Athrun hadn't heard of attempts made to get to it. However, he imagined such wouldn't be made public if ZAFT had done it. But the connection explained why the Alliance had gone there. The station was out of the way and so not in the mainstream of space traffic. And yet, that attempt had drawn the Federation's attention which the Alliance had been avoiding as far as he'd been told. "So they attacked the station to make their failed attempt to access the Information Network," Athrun remarked. "And by what you say, left no witnesses to the point."

Tyler's fist clenched at remembering the dead he'd seen while on the station. It may be expected with Phantom Pain to kill people without hesitation, but it was still sickening. "Indeed, they killed all one-hundred-twenty on the station, every last man, woman, and child, no exceptions. They slaughtered them with relish by what data has been extracted from the station's black box." Cagalli was horrified at being told the Alliance group had killed all on the station. The loss of life was evil as those on the station had been human beings. Her heart ached at those who had died at the research station and their families. "That's monstrous," she uttered. "How can any do that and not be sickened by it?"

Tyler's shoulders dropped, "There are those in the Alliance that don't care about what they do," he replied. "And the radicals have been working to make their soldiers see those from the other factions as nothing more than animals, if not less." Tyler sighed, "If you want images of what was seen on the station, I can get that for you. However, I wouldn't recommend it as those images won't leave my brain." Cagalli shook her head hard as tears were coming out of her eyes. Athrun was looking at the floor, "Killing so many for a doomed attempt to get what they can't," he said, "It's so horrible."

While the deaths were regrettable, Quatre had focused on the attempt on the Information Network. During the exchange with the Chairman, Captain McGregor had agreed with the Chairman's assumption, siting security protocol. Yet, that response had felt set or practiced, as some questions asked of the Federation by outsiders would receive. Thus, Quatre felt the "attempt" wasn't as it had been implied. "While the losses are terrible," Quatre began, "You essentially told the Chairman the attempt failed due to security protocol. Correct me should I be wrong, but that sounded rehearsed." Tyler would applaud Quatre's observation skills as they were very good. He was right that the response was set since the attempt hadn't technically failed. "You aren't wrong, Mr. Winters," Tyler returned. "But that is the answer those not apprised of such things are told." Tyler paused, "Phantom Pain managed to get access for less than two minutes before they were locked out."

Athrun and Cagalli snapped their gazes to Tyler at him, saying the Alliance group had gotten into the Federation's Information Network. The security of the network was implied to be strong and essentially an amazing defense and wall against any that tried to get access without permission. To be told an Alliance team had managed to get unauthorized access to the network, even for a brief period of time, was shocking. "You're telling us," Athrun started, "some from the Alliance got into the Information Network?" Tyler nodded his head slowly, "For less than two minutes before being locked out, yes," he replied. "However, the immediate issue that came from the incident has been handled. Others would be sent to do the cleanup that still needs to be done since the Normandy wasn't given that job."

Athrun couldn't wrap his head around the Federation's Information Network had been breached, and Tyler wasn't showing more problems with that. He may have said the breach only lasted for less than two minutes, but that it had happened at all was concerning. Tyler also said the "immediate" issue had been taken care of, and Athrun believed the point. What Tyler meant by others cleaning up what was left from the breach, Athrun couldn't say. "What did you handle, Tye," Athrun asked. He wanted to know what the Alliance had gotten from the network since there was a chance it could be harmful to the PLANTs. "The data stolen was made unusable for the Alliance," Tyler answered. "I don't know what the data was, nor do I see a reason to dig and try to find out what they stole. The Alliance will never admit what they did as that would then put them in the position to have to explain what they are doing and why. The Alliance higher-ups won't do that even when if it would be simpler for them to do so. The data is lost to them, and there is nothing they can do about that now."

The story of how the Normandy came to be around Armory One was coming together for Cagalli. She didn't have all the details, but there was enough to tell her she didn't want to know the finer points. She needed to speak with the ship's captain to discuss what was next for her. The Kusanagi needed to be told that she was on the Normandy so they didn't need to swing back by Armory One. That had been the plan originally when the Kusanagi had brought her to Lagrange 4. Then, the Normandy could take her to Earth, where she would have to descend down planet-side. Cagalli would need to get back to Orb so this wild journey would be over. "Tyler," she said, "I need to talk to the Normandy's captain. If I'm going to travel on the ship, I need to discuss with them my next destination."

Tyler was aware he'd not gotten around to telling Athrun or Cagalli that he was the Normandy's captain. And he'd already done what needed to be seen to for Cagalli's stay on the ship. The Kusanagi should be informed of her being on the Normandy by this point. Cagalli was likely going to be heading for Earth, so the Normandy was going in that direction already. Yet, if she wanted to talk to the "captain," he was ready to hear what she had to say. "What did you want to say to the captain," Tyler questioned. "I will help the best I am able." Cagalli had asked to talk with the captain, not with Tyler. "I said I need to speak with the captain, Tyler," she stated clearly. "I'm grateful you answered my questions, but now I need the commanding officer of the Normandy." Tyler nodded but didn't move, "And again, I ask, what did you need to discuss?"

Cagalli was getting irritated with Tyler for not telling her where the captain was. He wasn't the one she needed to speak to right now. Athrun saw Cagalli was not liking Tyler's answer to her request. It was odd that he wasn't fetching the ship's commanding officer. He'd been surprised Tyler had been the one dealing with them, as Cagalli was the ship's VIP. Tyler wasn't fond of dealing with VIPs, mostly because he didn't like politics and avoided such. Athrun had figured Tyler had taken the time for Cagalli and him since they were friends. But now, he was starting to think there could be more to what reason Tyler had for taking the time. And when he looked at Quatre, he was surprised to see him smiling and snickering quietly. Athrun glanced back to Tyler, who wasn't moving from where he was, even as Cagalli was glaring at him. He thought about what his friend had said, and he began to realize why Tyler wasn't going anywhere.

Cagalli wanted to talk to the captain of the vessel, and they were standing right in front of her. Tyler was the captain of the Normandy, even if he hadn't said that outright yet. It would mean he'd gotten a rank promotion recently, likely before being assigned to the ship. It also explained the timely appearance of the Normandy around Armory One to Athrun. Tyler had always had impeccable timing as long as he'd known him. However, Tyler wasn't what one would picture as a typical ship officer in any way. He was more the opposite of the expected ship officer with his "unique" style of doing things. But then, maybe Tyler's kind of style was what humanity needed to avoid further conflict that was likely building. Cagalli was growling, but Athrun cut over her, "Cagalli," he said, "Tyler is the Normandy's captain."

Cagalli turned to Athrun, not believing she had heard him right. She thought he'd said Tyler was the Normandy's captain. However, that couldn't be right, Tyler wasn't ship commander material by what she'd seen. He was an amazing Gundam pilot and had a knack for fighting against stacked odds. But Tyler didn't work well with large groups as crews could be considered. Kira had said something to that effect before now. "That's not possible, Athrun," Cagalli stated, "He isn't officer material."

Tyler had said much the same thing to his boss when told of his promotion and assignment to the Normandy. He knew those who knew him and had been around him while he worked would say he wasn't what was expected of a commanding officer. Sure, on the field, Tyler could impressively direct troops in battle. Yet, commanding a ship was different that a field commander and Tyler wouldn't deny that. He sighed at Cagalli's comment, "I told my boss the same thing when she told me I would be the captain of the Normandy." Quatre hummed, "I take it Admiral Raine said in some way to make it work. That's what I'm told she's like when getting backtalk." Tyler groaned, "You have no idea," he replied, "how frustrating it is to know what you say is the truth, yet how pointless it is to tell her about it since you know the answer she'll give you." Tyler turned back to Cagalli, "Hard as it is to believe with me, I am indeed the captain of this vessel. I was promoted over a week ago and given this ship and its crew to work with."

Tyler stopped with what he'd been saying as his position wasn't all bad. Heck, it wasn't as horrid or stiff as he'd feared it would be to be in command of a vessel. The crew was great, much better than he'd figured he would get to work with. And the crew was adapting to his style of running a ship quickly enough to not have issues. A portion of the crew seemed to like and prefer Tyler's command style from what he'd observed. Lisa was the best choice he could've picked for a second-in-command to work with. Plus, she seemed to balance out his unique style and support the crew that was not adapting to his way of running things. "The crew is reacting well to my way of running things," Tyler remarked. "And I work great with my second-in-command, which I'm grateful for." Tyler focused back on Cagalli, "So, with that in mind, what can I do for you as the captain?"

Cagalli was a tad flustered at being proven wrong about Tyler being the captain of the Normandy. Athrun noticed that and so spoke up for her, "What Cagalli wants to discuss is where the Normandy can take us," Athrun returned. "As well as informing the ship we were traveling on of the change in plans." Tyler smiled in response, "I assume you want to go to Earth," he said simply. "And the Kusanagi has already been informed by this point, as I asked my com-officer to do that when I checked in with the bridge." Athrun blinked as Tyler had already guessed what they needed. Tyler had a knack for predicting things others may need him to do, but it was something else to see it. Athrun ended out smiling, "Yes to the destination, and thank you for informing the Kusanagi." Tyler laughed, "Hey, I aim to please as I can, my friend."

Tyler left the room and headed back to the Normandy's bridge so he could get to the responsibilities he had. Lisa needed a break so she could be up for her shift later on. And Tyler really knew he should do time on the bridge and not leave it to Lisa all the time. He wouldn't be a proper captain if he didn't spend time around his crew and off the field when the opportunity came up. Thus, he took the lift up to the command deck and moved to the bridge. He found little had changed while he had been answering questions for Cagalli. Tyler moved forward and floated down to his chair. Lisa glanced over at him, "I take it your chat finished up with the VIP," she asked. Tyler nodded, "Yep, so you can go have a break while I keep an eye on things here," he replied. Lisa nodded before she rose and left the bridge.

Tyler brought up the schedule on his console and saw the shift change wouldn't occur for another hour at least. He turned to the com-station, "Miss Alloy, I assume you reached out to the Kusanagi and told them Representative Athha is on the ship," Tyler posed. He got an affirmative to that which he was pleased with. Tyler then told Paris to put his lead foot to work and not get caught making good time toward Earth. Pairs didn't miss a beat in responding to Tyler with an "abso-freaking-lutely" which got Tyler to grin. Tyler then got down to looking over what the Normandy had been doing. He would have to write a report for his boss, and the woman would want it decent. The trip should take around twelve hours at the pace the Normandy was sailing at currently.

His report was written well and organized to a credible standard. He'd learned how to write a good report or essay from his mother. Ellen had amazing writing skills on top of being a heck of a politician. Tyler had learned far more from her than his dad when it came to the more "practical life skills." He may love and respect his dad, but skills such as writing and proper manners hadn't been Lance's forte. It was surprising since the man had been a well-renowned scientist, so one would expect him to be able to write papers and reports like nobody's business. But no, Tyler's dad was only marginal when it came to writing stuff like that. He'd normally had a secretary write the stuff he needed as Tyler recalled. Tyler's military service had made polishing his writing skills a necessity. Ellen had taken a week to give Tyler a crash course in that which he didn't remember fondly.

The shift change came, and the bridge crew switched out as Tyler kept writing his report. He acknowledged the change and greeted the crew that swapped places with the bridge crew. The pilot filling in for Paris did put their foot down after some insistence from Tyler to maintain the Normandy's traveling pace. Tyler hoped the quiet trip would continue till they reached Earth, but he wasn't holding his breath for that. The Normandy had already seen action most ships didn't in its first week. It was the expectation of the first vessel of a new ship class, they got the "fun" and attracted attention from others. While it may be wishful thinking, it didn't stop Tyler from hoping the Normandy wouldn't come across something. He wouldn't mind a boring shift for once as it was so rare for those like him. Tyler had just checked over his report a final time before sending it off to Admiral Raine. His boss should be happy with him sending a report as he should, though the woman never seemed pleased with his actions. Tyler leaned back in his chair and glanced at his console and saw it had been a few hours since he'd taken charge of the bridge. He enjoyed the quiet he was getting along with the crew while they could get it.

Meanwhile, Athrun had convinced Cagalli to come with Quatre and him to the ship's mess and get a meal. It had been a while since she'd eaten with all that had gone on today. There hadn't been the time for them to get much in respect to a real meal with the attack on Armory One. Cagalli had resisted at first, but Athrun had pestered her until she had agreed. The mess which also served as a common area for the crew was on the same deck as the quarters they would use were. There were crew milling about, likely on their downtime when they weren't on shift. Athrun guided Cagalli to the kitchen and got a tray himself as well. Quatre politely declined a mean for the moment, saying he was going to look around the ship instead.

Cagalli ate the food, but her thoughts were elsewhere than what she was doing. With what had happened in the last twenty-four hours, her mind had become restless. With the group that had attacked Armory One being related to the Alliance, that suggested many possibilities. Cagalli had heard rumors that Alliance had been doing "things" outside the public eye lately. None of those in Orb's military had gone into further detail about what those things were when she'd been around. Thus, she didn't know what the Alliance had been doing that they weren't talking about. But if the attack on Armory was anything to judge by, the Alliance was not keeping the peace at all. They were igniting and encouraging conflict, for what purpose she couldn't say. The possibility that she despised the most was the Alliance trying to start another war. That was the last thing humanity needed right now. It was still recovering from the Alliance-PLANT War that had ended nearly two years ago. She knew the Federation would do its utmost to stop the conflict from becoming a full-scale war. But even the prospect of a new war was horrible to consider.

Athrun could see Cagalli was troubled about something, and it pained his heart to see her like this. He wanted her to be happy as well as safe, which with her job was difficult to manage. To tell the truth, Athrun would love to have a future with Cagalli if it were possible. However, with his standing, he was unlikely to ever be considered a suitable candidate for Cagalli's husband. She was of noble standing, and Athrun was a "commoner" with no living family to speak of. He'd known Cagalli would have an arranged marriage at some point with her being an Athha. Athrun didn't like that fact, but he had no way at the moment to change that. Yet, Athrun was determined to be her friend the best he could and be there for her as he could be. That was easier sometimes than others like it was now. He'd protected her from harm during the attack on Armory One. But was that all he was good for, being her protector when danger came her way? Athrun didn't want that to be so, but lately, that's all he could seem to do for Cagalli.

Athrun knew he had feelings for Cagalli, he just hadn't admitted them out loud yet. He wasn't as naïve as Kira to not know what he felt toward Cagalli. She was unlike any girl he'd met before even Lacus, and he'd thought she'd been special. However, Cagalli was different from Lacus as she didn't hesitate to speak her mind even when it would be better if she didn't. Cagalli showed her feelings out on her sleeves as the phrase went, and Athrun appreciated that. The time he got to spend around her good and bad were worth it to him. Being with her made his day a little better no matter how hard the day could be. And yet, he'd not been able to tell her how he felt about her. Maybe it was the knowledge he would never be considered to potentially be with her for their lives that stopped him. Athrun couldn't say exactly what it was stopping him from telling Cagalli that he loved her. Athrun sighed, "Something is troubling you, Cagalli," Athrun commented, "Talking about it will help."

Cagalli came out of her thoughts when Athrun spoke. She knew that Athrun would listen to her get the weight off her shoulders. Cagalli appreciated he would always be willing to listen to what she had to say. It was sweet of him to do so, and she couldn't help but like him all the more for what he did for her. Yet, she frowned at Athrun noticing something was bothering her. "Athrun," she began, "If those in the Alliance are sparking conflict as they seem to be, then does that mean another war is coming? The Alliance-PLANT War did horrible things to Humanity, which it is still recovering from. Have enough really forgotten what darkness it brought that they are willing to plunge the human race into war again?"

Athrun didn't have an answer to the questions Cagalli was asking. He wanted answers himself about such things. The Alliance was clearly working to encourage conflict from the shadow. The logical conclusion from that would be a war being brought on by the Alliance. That wasn't what the majority of the human race wanted, but radicals rarely listened to the majority. ZAFT was preparing for the coming conflict with developing Gundams. Athrun could only assume the Federation was doing much the same in preparing for what was appearing ahead. Thus, the Alliance was drawing the other two factions toward war again from what evidence there was available. "I can't say for sure," Athrun admitted. "However, the available evidence certainly seems to point toward conflict leading to potential war. The Alliance seems still bent on domination as it was before. Yet, I can't say if that is their only motivation or even if it is their driving force now."

Back on the bridge, Tyler had been enjoying the quiet his shift was giving. Nevertheless, that was broken by the sensor operator saying there were vessels ahead of them in their path. Tyler ordered the helm to slow the Normandy down so they could take a look at what was going on. He changed the tactical display over to look at the sensor input and assess the situation. On the left were three Enterprise cruisers in an escort point formation from what Tyler could see. That would mean they were the advance escort of a non-combatant group behind them. On the right, were seven Alliance vessels; three Nelson classes, two Drake classes, and two Agamemnon classes. The escort group was outnumbered even if fighting power would be close to equal. The match-up would be further complicated by the non-combatants being exposed should the escort be defeated.

The Normandy was at the edge of the range it could assist allies. Tyler didn't see a reason why the Normandy shouldn't help the escort and whip OMNI "pirates." That's what he saw the OMNI vessels as, they were pirates trying to take what wasn't theirs. Tyler told the crew member at the com-station to reach out to the lead escort vessel and tell them the Normandy had just gotten on site and was ready to assist. The message came back from the Enterprise class Hood that the Normandy's help would be very much appreciated. While Tyler had hoped for a quiet trip to Earth, he knew it was unlikely with how active the Alliance was becoming. Tyler ordered the helm to bring the Normandy closer to the Alliance group bugging the escort. He also declared the ship be moved to red alert so it was prepared for combat. The alarm for red alert sounded throughout the Normandy and battle stations was called.

The conversation that Athrun and Cagalli had been having ended when the alarm began going off. Cagalli glanced around as the Normandy's crew began rushing toward their assigned station. She was worried that the Normandy was apparently about to enter combat. The journey to Earth was supposed to be quiet and not involve battle along the way. Cagalli felt the Normandy would be fine with whatever was going on. Tyler wasn't one to let those he was working with be put in danger needlessly. She would give him the point that he did his utmost to protect those he worked with and were under his command. She'd known some like that within Orb's military and respected them for their efforts.

Athrun was concerned like Cagalli was, but not for the same list of reasons she had. The Normandy entering combat put those on the ship at risk, including Cagalli herself. He knew Tyler being in command of the ship would make the chances of bad things happening to the Normandy slim. His friend did what he could to protect those under his command and around himself. Tyler had implied the crew of the Normandy were competent in their tasks, and Athrun would believe that. However, he dreaded having to be on the sidelines once again and do little to nothing about the situation. It had been something he had disliked about being by Cagalli's side. Athrun wasn't seen as an active soldier, so he didn't have the privileges that would allow him to fight to protect others directly.

What had happened in Armory One was an exception, not the rule. Cagalli's life had been in immediate danger, and so Athrun had needed to act right then and there. As a bodyguard, he could do things to protect Cagalli, but unless her life was in immediate danger, he was more limited. Piloting a mobile suit was something Athrun wasn't supposed to do nor expected to do if the chance came up. Thus, even if there was the opportunity for Athrun to pilot a mobile suit in whatever had come up for the Normandy, he shouldn't be doing so. His responsibility was to protect Cagalli first and foremost. That was to be done before satisfying his own wishes to do something to make a difference, as much as he didn't like that.

Nevertheless, Athrun was brought out of his thoughts when Cagalli rose and turned toward the deck lift. He was up just after her and followed Cagalli as she floated in the direction of the lift. He figured that Cagalli would go to the bridge to find out what was going on for the alert. Athrun didn't blame her, but she shouldn't interfere with the crew's work, especially in combat. He didn't doubt Quatre would meet up with them soon with the call to battle stations. Athrun just hoped that whatever was going on would be settled simply. He didn't want to be forced to watch as the fighting went on and be unable to do anything about it. That had been a form of torture for him as of late with what the Alliance had been doing from the shadows.

He and Cagalli entered the lift, and Athrun pressed the button for the command deck. A moment later, the lift stopped, and the two exited into the corridor with a door at the end. Cagalli floated to the door and found a biometric scanner on the right side of the door. She put a finger on the scanner, which had a soft light go down it. A moment after the scan was done, the door slid open, revealing the room beyond. Athrun and Cagalli moved onto the Normandy's command bridge and could only look around briefly. There were console areas on either side of the room's perimeter, which were set lower than the center of the room. From what Athrun could spot, the helm was in the forward part of the room. In the center of the bridge was a large holographic display with some terminals connected to it. Two chairs were behind the tactical display, which had a view of the full bridge area. Tyler was in one of the chairs and was giving orders to the bridge crew. From some of what Athrun heard being said, the Normandy's mobile suits were launching out.

Tyler had been giving out instructions to those on the bridge to ready the Normandy for combat. Crew members appeared on the bridge soon after red alert was declared. The response of the Normandy's crew was efficient and made Tyler proud that they were under his command. The Alliance group hadn't noticed the Normandy from their movements yet since they were still facing the advanced escort. Thus, the Normandy could get the jump on the Alliance group before they could counter. And the Normandy's arsenal would be used effectively against the seven OMNI vessels. The Normandy was designed to be good at striking hard and disappearing from an enemy force. She had far better maneuverability than any of the OMNI ship classes. Paris had proven the Normandy could move better than other vessels when she was put to it.

Should Tyler's plan go as he intended, everything would be good for battle. Lisa would be able to take charge of the bridge crew for him. Then he would be free to head down to the hangar and take the Aurora out to the field. Tyler still preferred being out on the field when fighting was to be done. Whipping OMNI would help Tyler vent his frustration that Phantom Pain had caused within him. Tyler had been looking for a way to eliminate his feelings for Milos. The skirmish around Armory One had helped a little but hadn't lifted the thirst for payback fully. So, Tyler was looking forward to heading out with the Aurora and getting down to business. All he needed was for Lisa to come to the bridge and take over for him. While he was waiting for Lisa, he had Miss Grace help with the deployment of the Normandy's mobile suits.

The three mobile suits headed out when the bridge door opened. Tyler turned to look who had come in while he was overseeing things. He hoped it was Lisa as he was itching to go out and whip some OMNI fools. However, Tyler didn't see Lisa, but rather Cagalli and Athrun floating there. Tyler wasn't surprised that Cagalli would come to the bridge to find out what was going on. Athrun would be with her since he was taking his bodyguard job seriously. As long as they didn't interfere with the bridge crew, Tyler had no issue with them being on the bridge. The situation didn't need their input as it was the responsibility of the ship and its crew, not its VIP. Tyler smiled at the two, "I kind of wondered when you would find your way to the bridge during this journey," he remarked. Cagalli glanced at Tyler before she scanned around the bridge, "What is going on," she asked. "Why have battle stations been called?"

Tyler faced forward and put in a command to his terminal for the tactical display. The image blurred and changed over to the battlefield layout ahead of the Normandy. On the left side of the image were three signals. Athrun squinted and saw the signals were being identified as Enterprise cruisers. On the other side were seven signals, and readouts were showing as Alliance vessels. The group comprised three Nelson classes, two Drake classes, and two Agamemnon classes. The OMNI side had the advantage of numbers but not necessarily in overall power. The Federation side was too small for a regular patrol, so Athrun assumed they weren't a patrol by something else. "Well," Tyler stated, "As we were plugging along toward Earth, we came across this situation. From what sensors have seen and communication from the lead Enterprise-class, an Alliance group is harassing them. The Federation group is escorting non-combatants who are behind. We offered to assist since we were around, and the escort group accepted the offer."

The door to the bridge opened again, letting Lisa and a few others come onto the bridge. Tyler was brought back to his wish of going out to the field and whipping OMNI. He was rearing to go out with the Aurora and get to work. One glance at Lisa said she knew what Tyler intended to do in this situation. Lisa would take charge of the Normandy while Tyler when out in his Gundam and fought the OMNI force. It was part of the wonderful relationship the two had to work with one another. They didn't need words from each other all the time to know what the plan was for them. In Tyler's opinion, it was the ideal working relationship between a captain and vice-captain. Much better than what Tyler and someone like Natarle would have if they were forced to work together.

However, before Tyler could hand Lisa charge of the crew and ship so he could head to the hangar, he was met by a sight that stopped him cold. The sight which brought Tyler to a halt was Athrun's face. His friend had an expression he knew all too well and couldn't help but feel sorry for Athrun. The expression was one that an individual possessed when they wanted to help so much but were frustrated they would be forced to be on the sidelines. Tyler had the feeling himself from time to time and cursed every moment it was with him. And being a "bodyguard" for another would be far more restrictive than a normal soldier would be under. Athrun wouldn't blame Cagalli for being limited on what he could do when a situation went south. That wasn't how Athrun was; he didn't complain vocally often, just held it inside.

Nonetheless, Athrun was silently suffering as he was, and Tyler noticing it put Tyler in a difficult position. It threw Tyler into an internal conflict, putting him at odds with doing what he wanted and helping his friend. On the one hand, Tyler really wanted to take the Aurora out and whip OMNI to vent his frustration. Phantom Pain had done horrific things at Milos, and they had escaped before paying for what they did. Fighting OMNI mobile suits would help Tyler somewhat get over what he'd seen at Milos. However, on the other hand, Athrun silently suffered from being "doomed" to the sidelines. Tyler wouldn't be able to be okay with letting a friend suffer when he could help them, more so when it was a best friend in the position. He was there for his friends when they needed him and wouldn't do anything less than that for them. As the captain of the Normandy, he could "order" Athrun to pilot a mobile suit. Tyler could give Athrun a chance to do something when his job forbade him from doing so. Thus, he decided what he would do, even if he didn't like the results.

After a moment of thought, Tyler pulled himself back into his chair. He had to decide how to word what he would tell Athrun. Cagalli wouldn't be on board with what Tyler was going to do, and he knew that for a fact. Yet, Tyler could see plain as day that Athrun needed to go out and fight in a mobile suit. His discipline and soldier mentality were suffering; they needed help before they crashed. Tyler wouldn't let it be said he wouldn't go above and beyond for his friends when they needed it. But Tyler couldn't stop the sigh that escaped him at the finality of his decision. Tyler then turned and gazed at his blue-haired friend, "Athrun, go suit up," he ordered. It was hard for Tyler to give up his opportunity to go out to whip OMNI, as he wanted to do that badly. But Athrun needed the chance more than Tyler did in the end, and Tyler knew it would help Athrun's mood improve.

Athrun had been gazing ahead out of the forward viewing window where the signs of battle were starting to appear. Seeing the fighting starting only increased the weight on his heart with being forced to the sidelines. He would love to help with something to do besides being a shield for Cagalli to protect her from harm. And it wasn't that Athrun didn't want to protect Cagalli from harm; he was more than willing. But being limited on what he could do had hurt Athrun, even if he hadn't been saying so out loud. Athrun had thought he would be forced to stand by and watch a battle again. So, he had been gritting his teeth in preparation for holding himself back and down from moving forward to do something. Yet, Tyler had then spoken up and told him to suit up, meaning he could go out to the field. An offer to go out in a mobile suit was more than welcome to Athrun. But Athrun questioned whether he'd heard Tyler correctly or had just been thinking wishfully. "What did you just say, Tye," Athrun asked, "I'm not sure I heard you right."

Tyler exhaled heavily, "I said for you to go and get yourself into a pilot suit, Athrun," he replied. Tyler didn't want to have to repeat himself and nail himself down more than he already was. He was helping Athrun, which made his hardship worth going through. "Please do not make me repeat myself, for there isn't the time to waste. There should be a pilot suit that will fit you; use mine if need be, then go to the hanger. You can take the Aurora out to help shoo OMNI along." Athrun said nothing in reply, still shocked that Tyler offered him what he was. Tyler kept going after a minute, "Is there a problem with that," he asked. "I can have Mr. Winters do the job should you feel unable to do the idea."

Cagalli didn't like what she was hearing Tyler saying or, rather, ordering Athrun to do. Tyler was asking Athrun to put his life on the line by going out in a mobile suit. Athrun, having done that inside Armory One, had scared her enough. She knew Athrun had gotten into the ZAKU to protect her and ensure she didn't die. This situation was completely different as Athrun didn't need to risk his life in this. "Now hold on," she began, but Tyler cut over her. "I'm not talking to you right now, Cagalli. You can speak in a bit once this is settled, but we are in a combat situation."

Athrun was more than willing to get out and pilot a mobile suit for the battle ahead. It was the answer to the silent prayer in his heart that had been there for a while. Tyler was allowing him to do something to make a difference in current events. And Tyler was offering more than just a mobile suit on the Normandy, as many a ship officer would. Athrun would've taken the chance with a Federation mass-production model to fight if that was what was offered. And yet, Tyler was offering his own Gundam, the Aurora, to use on the battlefield. That wasn't something most would do if they were in Tyler's position. Gundams were normally assigned to one pilot, and they used it almost exclusively. Thus, Athrun's choice in this was clear, "I'll do it," he answered firmly. Cagalli twisted and did something between a stare and a gape. She had hoped Athrun would politely decline and stay on the Normandy. He didn't need to go out in a mobile suit and fight. "Athrun," she exclaimed, "What are you saying?"

Tyler ignored Cagalli's outburst and focused on Athrun. She apparently hadn't noticed Athrun suffering in silence as he was beside her. Why Cagalli hadn't seen the obvious pain Athrun had been in, Tyler couldn't say. It had been clear as day to him that Athrun had been down about being on the sidelines. While Cagalli wasn't a soldier, she had fought in the last battle of the Alliance-PLANT War. Thus, she should know the feeling of being held back and unable to help when she wanted to. "Then get going and suit up, Athrun," Tyler remarked, facing forward, "time's a-wasting."

Athrun left the room, leaving Cagalli there. Tyler could hear Cagalli's breathing pattern change to show she was angry. And he didn't doubt that anger would be directed at him. The glare drilling into him was more than enough for Tyler to know Cagalli wasn't happy with him. His offer to Athrun had been for his friend's benefit, whether others saw it that way or not. He knew Cagalli was "passionate" about things; the girl wore her emotions on her sleeves. There was no need for Tyler to give her a retort. He knew quite a few that would fit the situation with Cagalli right now. Nor did Tyler need to ask Cagalli what her issue was, as he knew and didn't need to confirm it. In truth, it was easier for Tyler to wait for Cagalli to lash out at him and let her do that. Tyler had found Cagalli had a "pet peeve" with those that overstepped her "authority." And Tyler did fit into the group, which got on that nerve of Cagalli's.

Cagalli was mad at what Tyler had done with Athrun. He didn't have the authority to tell Athrun what to do. That ability and responsibility were supposed to be with her when things came down to it. And Tyler had not just stepped around that; he had blown right past her authority without a thought. She would speak her mind, and Tyler would listen to what she had to say. "Tyler," she growled, "What the hell are you thinking?!" Tyler turned to gaze at the girl that was snapping at him as he knew she would. "You have no right to tell Athrun what to do," Cagalli snapped. "How dare you even think of sending him out to a battlefield." Cagalli pointed at the tactical display, "You will not let him launch and have him get back here."

Tyler didn't flinch at what Cagalli had snapped and growled at him. She could snarl as she liked at him; it wouldn't change the point. Tyler had command of the Normandy and those on it. When a combat situation arose, Tyler had the authority to do what he saw fit for the circumstances. Federation protocol made it clear that military authority took precedence in combat situations over political ones. "Excuse me," Tyler remarked as he calmly dug a finger into his ear, clearing the wax and organizing his thoughts. He wanted to be as "nice" as he could to Cagalli as she was a friend. However, Tyler was of the opinion that the truth was better to say than to be ignored. "Are you trying to order me around, Cagalli," Tyler posed. "You should know that isn't something which will come easily, if at all, with me." Cagalli wouldn't back down to Tyler in this. Athrun's life would be at risk, and she wouldn't allow that to happen. "You will not let Athrun get out to fight," she insisted.

Tyler's expression became deadpanned as Cagalli had been insistent. He would defend his decision to have Athrun go out against any that would challenge him. Athrun needed the chance to go out and do something to help more than Cagalli needed him with her right now. Athrun had the choice to put his life on the line or to decline the opportunity. Cagalli didn't own Athrun or tell him what he was to do all the time. As much as the girl may love Tyler's best friend, he is still independent. Tyler took a deep breath before he continued, "That isn't up to you to decide, Representative Athha." Tyler stated Cagalli's title, and her reaction said she didn't like that. "You may be a political figure which comes with its influence," Tyler said. "However, that has its limits and place. In this case, as captain of the Normandy, my authority trumps yours during combat situations. That is standing protocol, which you can whine about on your own time." Cagalli was frustrated so much that she couldn't put into words a response to Tyler's answer to her.

Tyler waved a hand dismissively, "Apparently, you have been either oblivious to see or ignored Athrun suffering in silence." Tyler shrugged, "Being your bodyguard had its perks, I wouldn't doubt; you would have to ask him about that. Yet, he had been trapped on the sidelines and had been cursing that position. What happened inside ZAFT's Armory One could've pushed Athrun to suffer more as he was actually able to do something at that time." Cagalli had known Athrun wanted to do more to help her and those around him. But she had to admit she hadn't thought it was as bad as Tyler was implying it was. She didn't like Athrun suffering in silence, which would hurt him and weigh on her heart. Cagalli hesitated at the thought, "That's not what I-"

Tyler knew Cagalli wouldn't knowingly hurt Athrun. She loved him; that had been obvious, and that feeling had grown over the years since the war. And he wasn't trying to make her feel bad about what Athrun was going through. Tyler was just pointing out what she had been missing and putting off if she had been seeing the idea. Thus, Tyler cut over Cagalli, "Meant to do to him?" Tyler inclined his head, "I know you didn't mean to do that to him or make it worse. But the fact of the matter is Athrun has been suffering from inaction, and it has been coming to a head." Tyler gazed at Cagalli with a pointed expression, "You should know the feeling, Cagalli. You experienced it while on the Kusanagi during the latter part of the war." Tyler pointed forward to where the battle was going on, "What Athrun needs right now is to make a difference. His skills include piloting a mobile suit, a Gundam specifically." Cagalli's head fell slightly at what Tyler had said, though she couldn't disagree. Athrun was an amazing Gundam pilot and had proven it during the war. That didn't make it any easier for her to stand by and just watch Athrun go out and risk his life. "But," she began but never finished. Tyler's sigh stopped Cagalli, "Have faith in him, Cagalli," Tyler remarked. "Athrun will come back just fine; believe in him as you have before." With the conversation done, Tyler focused on the battle ahead.

Lisa had been watching Tyler's exchange with the Normandy's "guests." The offer for him to give his friend the opportunity to go out in a mobile suit to fight by giving up his chance was nice of him. It was a selfless act for Tyler to do when he wanted to go out and fight the Alliance group ahead. Tyler's friend had been looking at the fighting with an expression of one who was suffering as they tolerated being forced into inaction. A soldier from any faction could understand the feeling of being on the sidelines. She knew Tyler had experience with being forced to the sidelines. And the times she'd seen that with him made it clear he hated the idea passionately.

Tyler noted that Lisa had a soft smile on her face as he was returning his attention back to the battle ahead. He glanced over at her and sent an expression that said, "If there is something you want to say, then say it." Lisa didn't miss the expression Tyler gave her, nor the meaning of it. "I must say, Tyler, that was quite nice of you," she said. One of Tyler's eyebrows rose at the remark, "To what are you referring, Lisa," he inquired. "I'm talking about you, giving the opportunity to go out to the battlefield in a mobile suit you clearly wanted to your friend. He clearly wanted to do something to help in the situation before us," Lisa returned. "It was very nice of you to stay here instead and give him the Aurora to use, though it's the only one to work with left on the ship."

Tyler was a tad floored by Lisa's comment and the genuine feeling it was said. Helping a friend was essentially second nature for Tyler and had become so over the years. He didn't expect notice from others beyond his friend circle. Tyler was thanked by the friends he helped most of the time, which was enough for him. So, Tyler didn't expect others beyond his friends, saying what he did for them was selfless or much more than nice. It through him for a bit of a loop and made him momentarily speechless. "Yeah, I suppose it was," Tyler managed to reply. "But that's what friends do for one another. I won't let it be said of me that I won't go out of my way to help a friend."

Tyler focused on the battle ahead of the Normandy as there were still things to do. Volyon would be expecting Tyler to come down and take out the Aurora. With what he'd said and done the last time, Tyler knew he left an impression on Volyon and his mechanics. He didn't doubt Athrun would also impress like Tyler around ZAFT's Armory One. Athrun was a Gundam pilot as much as Tyler was and had earned the title Tyler had. He picked up the ship's phone attached to his chair and dialed the Normandy's hangar. "Chief Volyon, another pilot is on their way down," Tyler stated. "Have the Aurora prepped to go out ASAP if you please." Tyler didn't have to wait long for the reply, "Sure thing, kid," Volyon returned. "I take that means that said pilot won't be you then?" There was a slight pause; you made a great impression with your last outing."

Tyler knew he'd impressed some on the Normandy when he took out the Aurora. He'd sent Phantom Pain packing and had enjoyed doing so. The Aurora was his Gundam, and he knew how to effectively use it to get a job done. And that was before one took into account the piloting skills he had regardless of what type of mobile suit he used. And if not for Athrun's need to do something to help, Tyler would be going out to show his skills again. But Athrun needed the opportunity more than Tyler did. "Yep, you assume correctly, Chief," Tyler replied. "Keep those mechanics of yours doing the good work they do."

Meanwhile, as the lift descended from the Normandy's command deck, Athrun was left to his thoughts. The last two days had been going back and forth between him being frustrated with being limited on what he could do and trying to make do with what he could do. He'd been dealing with it since he'd been helping Cagalli with her job. And it wasn't that he didn't want to be by Cagalli's side, for he did. However, his skill set of piloting mobile suits and fighting as a soldier didn't fit well with what Cagalli did in politics. Being a bodyguard didn't utilize the skill set he had to work with. Accompanying Cagalli was one of the few things that made what Athrun had been doing worth it. Of course, Athrun hadn't said anything to Cagalli about the point. He didn't want her to worry about him feeling useless to help her with the work she was passionate about.

When Athrun realized a battle was ahead of the Normandy, his mood had dropped. He'd thought he would have to stand on the sidelines once again and simply watch others work. It was what he'd been forced to do for around a year now. He'd quickly grown to hate the point by he kept his silence about what he was going through. Athrun had considered talking with Tyler and asking his friend for ideas of what he could do. He hadn't done that, but he'd come close several times on hard days. And so, he'd expected with the Normandy going into battle, Cagalli would be in "potential danger." Athrun didn't think it would be concerning as the Normandy seemed capable, and with Tyler in charge, it would be an effective ship in combat. Thus, Athrun had been going through the logic he needed to hold himself back and not demand to do something to help.

However, Athrun was shocked when Tyler allowed him to launch in a mobile suit to the field. It was a more than welcome the chance to Athrun as it was what he wanted. He would've taken any mobile suit to work with and gone out to fight and protect the Normandy and Cagalli. It was the first time in a while that Athrun had been able to do something to potentially make a difference. He would take the chance to do that no matter how small it would be seen by others. Athrun knew Tyler would do what he could for Athrun, to help him in ways others may not. He was a friend that Athrun was beyond grateful to have. Athrun had been humbled by Tyler's friendship time and time again. Athrun would admit he was sure Tyler would do whatever he could for him. Yet, the shock for Athrun hadn't ended there with just the offer to go out in a mobile suit; more had come.

Nonetheless, it hadn't ended with just giving Athrun a chance to go out and fight. It had been obvious to him that Tyler wanted to go out. How he'd glanced at the woman Athrun assumed to be his second-in-command told Athrun that Tyler would plan to hand things off to her and head out. It seemed the two had some sort of agreement between them where the woman would take charge of the ship while Tyler headed to the battlefield. Athrun knew Tyler best used his skills in a mobile suit on the field. And yet, instead, Tyler had given his own chance to go out to Athrun to help him. That alone was incredible to Athrun and was again a time when Tyler's friendship was more valuable than essentially anything else in Athrun's life. Yet, the shock for Athrun hadn't ended there with just the offer to go out in a mobile suit; more had come. Tyler continued by telling Athrun to take the Gundam on the ship to use. For all intents and purposes, the Aurora was Tyler's to employ on a battlefield. There was little argument in that point, much as the Justice was for him. Athrun would be sure to thank Tyler properly when he got the chance to do so.

That being said, Athrun had known Cagalli would be against him going out in a mobile suit. She didn't want him to fight and put his life in danger if it could be prevented. Cagalli had been doing things that said to Athrun she cared about him more than an ordinary friend would. He hadn't addressed the feelings that there were between them. Neither had confessed they liked one another and even probably loved each other. They were eighteen, so they were too young to think about the possibility of marriage or creating a family together. Then, with Cagalli's responsibilities, they didn't get much time to have the serious talks they needed. However, his wish to keep him safe had held him back from doing something to help with what was going on. It had been coming to a head, and Athrun would admit that. He hoped this event would be a turning point for him, the first of many needed changes. That was Athrun's prayer, at least in this, and he would try his best to make it so.

He was brought out of his thoughts when the lift came to a stop on the cargo and hangar deck. Athrun exited the lift and turned to his left, and headed for the pilot's locker room to grab a suit to wear. If there wasn't one in his size was available, Tyler's suit should be close enough to work with. Athrun would find something to work with so he could go out in the Aurora and fight. When he entered the room, he glanced around and looked in a few lockers to find a spacesuit to use. Athrun found nothing other than the blue pilot suit, which he assumed was Tyler's suit. Thus, Athrun took out the suit and began stripping down so he could put on the suit and head out. However, as he was doing so and glancing at the spacesuit since this would be the first time he would get an up-close view of the Federation's spacesuit design. And wearing one would definitely give him a hint into what the Federation's mentality was with spacesuits.

A simple glance at the suit showed Athrun it was somewhat bulkier than OMNI's and ZAFT's versions of spacesuits. As Athrun was slipping into the suit, he found there was far more inside and under the suit's outer layer than any spacesuit he'd put on before. It had an internal framework that hugged his body and would keep the suit from shifting much, if at all. Athrun could also tell more equipment was built into the suit that the other two factions didn't employ. While Athrun couldn't tell what the equipment's purpose was by looking at them, he could give educated guesses on some. Of the few Athrun could guess, the equipment looked to be used to keep the pilot alive under different situations.

It brought back to mind some of the conversations he'd had with Tyler about Federation technology. Of course, Tyler hadn't revealed anything that could be used against the Federation or be reverse-engineered by others. But by what Tyler had said, the Federation had been designing their suits to work in multiple environments, even some that hadn't been encountered outside testing labs. Athrun could only imagine what kind of "experimental" environments the Federation had tested in for their spacesuits. And Tyler had made it clear that the Federation thoroughly tested their equipment to ensure they worked and were dependable. If some had been harsher than what Humanity had encountered before now, as Tyler implied, then it could mean the Federation was looking ahead to other possibilities.

While Athrun wasn't the most science-savvy, he was left to consider if the Federation wasn't planning to build their spacesuits for something more than just being in space or pilots of mobile weapons. One of the few things that Athrun could think of was crazy on the face of it, but he couldn't dismiss the idea. His thought was the Federation could be aiming for the use of their equipment on worlds besides Earth or the Moon. Should that be the goal the Federation was working toward, and evidence was pointing in that direction, then that was beyond an ambitious idea. Historically, Humanity had looked to the stars off and on with varying thoughts of what they could mean for the whole race. Fiction had been written telling of traveling and living on worlds beyond Earth and even the solar system. But no group, organization, or faction Humanity had created thus far had devised a plan to potentially travel among the stars that Athrun had heard about.

Athrun closed up the suit and was surprised when he felt the internal framework adjusting to fit his body near perfectly and skin tight. It meant that Federation spacesuits had a dynamic adjusting framework to prevent the suit from shifting. It could also potentially protect the wearer in a couple of ways. Athrun took a breath before grabbing the helmet and heading out of the locker room toward the hangar. When he arrived, Athrun stopped, taking in the clearly unique hangar setup the Normandy had, for it was one of a kind. From what Athrun could tell, the Normandy's hangar looked to be made and geared toward shifting the mobile weapons around. Two places seemed to be central to the system: the docks for mobile suits and an area at the back of the hangar. The area Athrun assumed was some sort of airlock to the Normandy's linear catapult.

The mentality was somewhat different from was accepted hangar design used by ZAFT and OMNI. Most hangars that Athrun had been in focused on mobile weapon deployment, with the weapon moving itself to the launching position. Such required space that could have been more efficiently used but that went ignored by most. However, Athrun was left to wonder if the Normandy was the first template for the Federation to change that old hangar design mentality. The Federation had already made a difference in that with the one Enterprise cruiser he'd been on. But the Normandy's hangar took the idea to a whole new level. Athrun didn't doubt the Normandy could send out mobile suits faster than ZAFT or OMNI vessels could in a combat situation. And getting one's mobile weapons out to the field fast could make the difference in a battle.

Yet, as Athrun moved in further to the hangar, he could see there were some drawbacks to the design. Storage space was a premium for the hangar and cargo bay in the forward section of the area. While space had been well-spent, it meant there was little, if any, extra room to work with if something came up needing it. There was also a set number of mobile suits the ship could carry since there was no space for more. It lent credence that the Normandy was designed for missions that required speed and effective responses. That also meant it could have more trouble adapting to unexpected situations. However, with Tyler as the ship's captain, Athrun wasn't as worried about the ship's adaptability. Tyler had a knack for "flying by the seat of his pants," as the old phrase went. So, he would make sure the Normandy would be able to handle whatever came its way.

Athrun scanned for the one giving those here their orders, as that would be the Normandy's chief mechanic. He quickly spotted a man shouting instructions to those in the hangar and began approaching them. Along the way, Athrun glanced at the only mobile suit left in the hanger, which was the Aurora. While he'd seen Tyler's Gundam before now, it was still something to look at. And by what Tyler had said to him, the Aurora had been rebuilt since the war's end. Tyler had stated forlornly that his machine had been damaged to the point that it couldn't be repaired. So, Teswa had built another one, and Athrun guessed his friend had pulled some strings for that to happen. Tyler had ways to get things to happen; Athrun had seen that much and didn't deny that. In fact, Athrun had learned it was better just not to ask what Tyler did for some things to happen for him and just be happy he managed it.

Athrun came to a stop close to the man shouting things to others. It took a minute for Guy to notice the older teen nearby. He assumed they were the one the captain had sent down in his place. The kid looked a tad younger than McGregor had appeared. But Guy wasn't going to judge by age; McGregor had proven that shouldn't be a factor in any way. That kid had shown he was a Gundam pilot for sure and knew how to whip those he went against with vigor. At least Guy wouldn't be complaining about the captain's actions from now on; the kid clearly knew how to do things right. So, if McGregor sent the teen Guy was seeing down, he wouldn't argue much. "Take it, you are the one the captain sent down to take out the Gundam," Guy posed. "Can't think of another reason you would be down in a spacesuit." Athrun nodded, "Yes, I am to take the Aurora out and help send the Alliance away." Guy inclined his head toward the Aurora, "The get in, we've been making sure it was ready."

As Athrun floated over to the Aurora, he put on the helmet and adjusted it to seal it to the suit. A moment after he'd done that, things began popping up in front of his face. It took a few seconds for him to realize it was data giving readings on its status and some on his current health. The heads-up display was quite something, Athrun would admit. It explained why Federation pilots seemed to be able to know things they shouldn't without "equipment" to investigate what they talked about. None of the data interfered with Athrun's sight as they were on the sides mostly and were faint if in front of him. Athrun focused back on getting into the Aurora, floating upward to the cockpit. He found the pilot seat already up and ready for him to use to enter the cockpit. He caught the seat with a hand to stop himself before orienting his body to come into the seat.

A moment after coming into the seat, Athrun felt the backpack of his suit pull him to the seat. That was followed by the sound of locks coming into place. It took him a moment to understand that the backpack of his suit was used as part of the restraint system. Using part of a pilot's spacesuit to hold the pilot in place so they didn't get tossed around was revolutionary. Combine that with the dynamic framework in the Federation's spacesuits that would be as effective if not more than physical belts attached to the seats. It made Athrun realize that Federation technology had likely progressed in leaps and bounds since the war ended. And the other factions would only find out about any of that if they pushed the Federation to use their technological advantage.

Athrun pushed the button to lower the seat into the cockpit, which was in much the same place as the Justice had it. The seat descended, and the bulkhead slid into place, throwing the cockpit into darkness. Lights came on a moment later, illuminating the space and allowing Athrun to look around and take in the layout. He had known a Federation's mobile suit cockpit would likely differ from a ZAFT cockpit with which Athrun was familiar. However, Athrun was surprised by the few differences between the two. Most of the controls were in the same place or the general area they were located with what Athrun had used before. The Justice's layout familiarized Athrun with the controls' location and function. Tyler had also said Federation mobile suits were designed from a cross of their early space fighter and the first mobile suit, the YMF-01B Proto GINN.

With the layout close enough to what Athrun knew, he activated the suit's OS so he could see what the machine had to work with. As the system booted up, Athrun saw it had a similar message as the Justice had:

MOBILE SUIT NEX OPERATION SYSTEM

Generation

Unsubdued

Nuclear

DriveAssault

Module

GUNDAM Intrigue

_Series GN125-O7 NR 03-13868_

Federation Military

Athrun found it interesting the startup message was very similar to what the Freedom and Justice had used. It kind of said like minds do seem to think alike, it seemed when it comes to developers. Yet, after the message went away and the system menu came up, Athrun found the message was where similarities stopped. The system structure differed from ZAFT's, including the Freedom's and Justice's. Athrun glanced over the general structure of the Federation's OS and was impressed. The structure made more sense overall than what ZAFT used, or rather it was easier to follow the logic of what ZAFT used. The OS was more efficient than ZAFT's or OMNI's systems by a good margin. And from what Tyler said, the OS the Federation used or its framework could be used by Naturals.

Athrun brought up the options Aurora had to work with, as Tyler had never talked about that. He went to systems first and found that Aurora had a few to work with besides the ones he expected to see. Athrun had expected both the Phase shift and stealth system. Although, he was kind of surprised by the improvement in the phase shift. The Federation was bound to take what had been invented by OMNI's G-Project and see the true value of what they could be. The stealth system could also work along with the phase shift and not interfere with its operation. The other two systems that stuck out to Athrun were the RTAS and HiMAMs. The Rapid Target Acquisition System, or RTAS, was similar to the Multi-lock on system the Justice had to use. From what Athrun read, it would have a medium-range and close-range advantage over the Multi-lock on. The High-Mobility Aerial Maneuver System, or the HiMAMs, was comparable to the HiMAT system that the Freedom and Justice had. However, it seemed to do the job without using resources as much as the Justice and Freedom did.

The nuclear reactor the Aurora had installed was different from what ZAFT had put in the Freedom and Justice. It was similar in parts, but the way it operated was different overall than what ZAFT had built. It had failsafes built in, which was something he'd expected with ZAFT but never saw anything of the sort. And those failsafes were automatic, so they didn't need any input from the pilot. That made Athrun feel safer with the Aurora's reactor than the Justice's as it had been originally. He assumed the Federation had been doing some improvements while the Justice was stored at Teswa. But when he'd gotten the Justice to pursue the Freedom, the reactor had concerned Athrun as it could be dangerous. The reactor was running as it should as far as Athrun could tell right now. At least, all the Aurora's system passed their checks and showed as green and ready to go, nuclear reactor included.

Athrun moved on to the defensive and offensive options the Aurora had to work with. There was the beam rifle, but now Athrun got to see it had slightly better output than the Justice's rifle had been able to do. The Aurora had two beam sabers that could combine as the Freedom's and Justice's could. The shield had an anti-beam coating but could also "deploy" a deflection system for incoming beams. Athrun had seen that work before and was impressed with what the Federation had created. Next, there were the two plasma cannons on the wings. Those had proven to be powerful, like the cannon the Aegis possessed for each of them. The suit's last option in its non-flight form was CWIS guns in the Aurora's head. Surprisingly, they were loaded with "anti-phase shift rounds," meaning they would have more effect against Gundam-types. The other options were for the Aurora's flight mode exclusively. There was the beam rifle and plasma cannons, but there were also 90mm Vulcans with anti-phase shift rounds. And then there were missile launchers in the hip skirts that could be used against enemies.

With knowing what he needed to do, Athrun had the Aurora have all its systems go to combat-ready status. Athrun announced he was ready to head out to those outside. A moment later, he felt the Aurora jerk and begin moving into the center of the hangar. It then zoomed down to the end of the hangar to have Athrun looking at the rear wall. Athrun was curious about the linear catapult system the Normandy had worked, for he wondered if it was the same or even similar to what ZAFT or OMNI employed. Nothing had been mentioned as to how it worked. And the glimpse he'd gotten of it hadn't helped much in figuring out how it worked. Athrun felt the Aurora come to a stop before it began tilting backward toward the floor. There was the sound of the airlock opening, and then the Aurora lowered into the space between the airlocks.

While the airlock was cycling, Athrun switched on the Aurora's stealth system, called the "Phantom Stealth System." It was the first real view of the Federation's Stealth technology Athrun had gotten. It was because they guarded the tech very closely and kept it as an advantage over the other factions. Even at a glance, the methodology employed was kind of similar to mirage colloid but appeared to be better at not being detected. According to what Nicol had implied, it certainly didn't draw power as mirage colloid had. The other thing that Athrun had noticed before was that the stealth system could be used simultaneously as the phase shift. Yet another point showed the Federation still had the advantage they'd always seemed to have.

After the two airlocks cycled and the outside one opened, the Aurora lowered into the launching position. The electromagnetic acceleration rails down appeared to have slid down from inside the Normandy. It seemed to be a similar setup that ZAFT used on a Nazca class. "Standby, Aurora," said a female voice over the radio. "Power cable lock released, disconnecting you from the magnetic plate." There was a gentle jerk as the Aurora was released from the magnetic plate that had brought the mobile suit down. The Aurora seemed to be kept where it was by something done through the electron rails. Athrun looked forward, waiting for his chance to launch out. "Aurora, your course is clear; timing controls are yours," the female voice continued. Athrun may not know whom it belonged to other than someone in Tyler's crew, but it didn't matter right now. The launch signal came, and Athrun took a deep breath, "Athrun Zala, Aurora launching!" Athrun was surprised that he didn't feel the G-force from the rapid acceleration that occurred during the launching sequence. The sensation was less than he had become familiar with launching in ZAFT mobile suits.

Once Athrun had cleared the Normandy, he flew the Aurora towards the battle ahead of him. The battle had picked up from what he'd been seeing while on the Normandy's bridge. The Federation's side was holding its own, but the Alliance group wasn't making that easy. Athrun shifted the Aurora into its flight mode as he continued forward. He quickly discovered that flying the Aurora's flight mode differed from piloting the machine in its suit mode. The flight mode was more like flying a shuttle, while the suit mode was more traditional piloting for a mobile suit. Thankfully, while working alongside Cagalli, he'd had to learn how to drive a shuttle by helping her around. So, Athrun quickly got the hang of the difference between the modes and kept moving forward. He was getting into the zone he got into when fighting in battle. And he was glad he was going to be able to make a difference in this situation.

As Athrun reached the fighting, the Alliance vessel had spread out a bit, so they were a large target for the Federation forces. It was a wise tactic to use, but the Federation tended to be able to counter it. The OMNI mobile suits were holding Federation suits at bay for the moment, but they were losing ground. OMNI's suits appeared to be their new mass-production model, their Windam, as he recalled it being called. The newer model seemed to be better than the first series OMNI had come up with. And with what they had done against ZAFT forces around Armory One, the Windam was not to be taken lightly. However, they weren't up to fighting Gundams on an even playing field.

The battle was shaken up when one of the Nelson classes was punctured by a positron beam. The Normandy appeared and got down to attacking the Nelson class and the Drake next to it. Athrun reached effective range shortly after the Normandy began its assault. He dove in using the Aurora's beam right in his right hand and the shield at the ready, blocking incoming shots. OMNI machines quickly took notice of the Aurora's appearance and began aiming for it. Athrun employed the Aurora's RTAS using the beam rifle to nail chosen targets. And using the system really showed the difference between the RTAC and the Multi-lock on system. That wasn't the only system that was proving to be better than what Athrun had been used to working with. The High-Mobility Aerial Maneuver System, or the HiMAMs, was comparable to the HiMAT system that the Freedom and Justice had. However, it did things a tad better than the HiMAT in space battles, but Athrun assumed it would be the same with the planet side.

Athrun didn't have much time to respect the differences as he was drawn into the thick of the battle. He appreciated the beam rifle's power and ease of use. Yet, he still preferred close-quarter combat and using weapons such as beam sabers. His skillset specializes in fighting up close and personal. Athrun stored the beam rifle on the back hip skirt so he could draw the beam sabers the Aurora had. When he brought the beam sabers up on display, he found that Aurora's two beam sabers, yet, instead of the combo being named the "Ambidextrous Halberd," the combination was titled the "Dual Corseque ."Athrun brought out and then combined the Aurora's beam sabers. He kept his shield ready to block attempts to stop him from attacking as he began hacking and slashing the Alliance machines close to him.

As the mobile suits were fighting one another, the other three Federation vessels moved forward and joined the Normandy. While it was four against six, with one of the Nelson classes dead where it was and unable to use its weapons, numbers were a moot point. The OMNI ships fought hard against the Federation force they had come across. The OMNI patrol had come across the small Federation by chance. The formation had suggested they were some sort of escort group for others. OMNI top brass had said that if an opportunity arose to "acquire" supplies, OMNI groups were to attempt to get them. If they were taking it from others, they were to not leave witnesses to tell others about what happened and point to the Alliance. And that it was a Federation force made fighting them all the more interesting. OMNI intel had said the Federation had been working to keep its technological advantage since the war. There was a "high bounty" for any to collect if one could bring back Federation tech to OMNI.

However, where the battle had started off okay, with the numbers in favor of OMNI. The Windams had been keeping the current Federation mass-production models. But then additional Federation forces appeared and quickly began turning the tide. Another Federation vessel which was of an unknown class, popped up on the field and added to the hardship. The new ship had what seemed to be a positron blaster cannon it used on one of the Nelson classes, disabling the ship to a degree. The surprise attack had encouraged the other Federation vessels to fight on. And the longer the battle went on, the clearer it became the Alliance side wouldn't win in the end.

As the battle had been going on, Athrun was working hard against OMNI forces. He'd been switching his weapon choice between the beam rifle and the combined beam sabers. OMNI's pilots had clearly become better from their performance during the Alliance-PLANT War. It wasn't enough to overcome Athrun and his skills, but he did note the difference. He was forced to occasionally utilize the Aurora's shield's deflection ability with the Windams. And using Aurora's deflection field both amazed Athrun with its capabilities and wondered how the Federatin could've developed it further. The deflection technology was a game changer if or rather when conflict got to the point war could break out. If it could be applied in a defensive way for mobile suits, vessels, and even fixed defenses, it would make a real difference for whichever faction had it.

The battle lasted for nearly twenty-five minutes before it was wrapping up. Only about half the Alliance force remained when they launched their retreat flares to recall their mobile suits. Tyler noted the flares and sighed slightly with relief, with Alliance forces pulling back from their foolish pursuits. The Alliance group had been dogmatically persistent in their attack on the escort group. It made Tyler figure the Alliance had taken up piracy unofficially and wouldn't admit the point if pushed. The Alliance was still working to keep up the image of them holding to the Treaty of Junius Seven as they agreed to. However, they did almost the opposite in the background and behind the scenes. What this group had been after with those the escort was helping along, Tyler couldn't say. He didn't know what the group being escorted was carrying that could be of interest to the Alliance.

Return signals were sent out for the Federation forces after the Alliance had made a decent distance from where the battle had been. The three Excel Fighters and the Aurora flew back to the Normandy, all of them with minor damage from the fight. Cagalli raced from the bridge towards the hangar, worrying about Athrun with Quatre behind her. Tyler followed a few minutes after them after he knew the Normandy was okay and their allies were also in good condition. Cagalli was worried about Athrun ever since he had gone out to fight at Tyler's orders. She hadn't wanted him to go and fight against OMNI forces. Cagalli had heard OMNI had been "busy" shortly after the current year's start. The few details she'd been told said OMNI had been doing things against standing treaties. Cagalli hadn't understood what that actually meant, but she hadn't liked what had been said. She wanted to make sure Athrun was already with her own eyes.

The Aurora was brought into the hangar and moved into a dock. Athrun was feeling far better than he'd been for some time now. He'd been able to go out and make a difference in a way that used the skills he had to work with. And he'd been protecting Cagalli while he had been out fighting OMNI forces, so he'd been observing his duty. Athrun wanted to keep the momentum he'd started by going out moving so he could keep making a difference. While guarding Cagalli and helping her in small ways hadn't been bad, it hadn't been completely fulfilling either. The battle had made it clear to Athrun that he needed to do more than he had been. He could fight and help try and prevent war from coming to the Human race again. It may come anyways, but he wanted to slow that coming and save lives.

The Aurora had been moved into a dock when Cagalli arrived in the hangar. She hadn't forgotten what "Tyler's" Gundam looked like since she'd seen it during the war. Seeing the machine back on the Normandy was a relief as it meant Athrun was alive. While she knew Athrun was no novice pilot, it didn't stop her from worrying each time he got into a mobile suit to go and fight. As a Gundam pilot, Athrun would be difficult to take down by those he went against; Cagalli knew that. However, Gundam pilots were unkillable or undefeatable, as stories implied they were. Yet, the sight of Athrun popping out of the Aurora's cockpit was comforting for Cagalli. He looked okay, with no injuries that she could see, and that was better than him being hurt or dead. "Athrun," she cried as she floated towards him. Athrun had just removed his helmet when he'd heard Cagalli calling out his name. He turned to have enough time to see her flying toward him. Cagalli embraced him as she collided with Athrun, tears coming to her eyes as she was relieved he was okay. "You're such a reckless idiot sometimes."

Athrun was a tad embarrassed that Cagalli was acting as she was for others to see. She was a representative of Orb and the Federation right now, so she should be behaving properly. Not that he wasn't happy she had been worried about him since it showed she cared about him. It was one of the times the feelings which were between them came out. Thus, Athrun patted her head in response, "Sorry for worrying you, Cagalli," Athrun replied. "I just had to do something other than stand and watch from the sidelines." He paused momentarily, "I couldn't let you be in danger and do nothing by accepting others would fight to protect this ship." Athrun then spent the next few minutes calming Cagalli down as she was crying quietly.

As that was going on, Tyler was on his way toward the hangar to check on things. He'd ensured the Normandy was okay and her allies were in fair condition after the battle with OMNI. The escort group had taken a bit of a beating from the OMNI group. The losses had been harsher for OMNI than the Federation, but the Federation had taken some losses. However, the losses would likely be worse if the Normandy hadn't come along and helped the escort group. The non-combatants would've also been put in unneeded danger, which wasn't acceptable. And that was before Athrun's performance was taken into account with the battle. Tyler knew his friend would make a difference fighting against OMNI if given the chance, and he had been right. Tyler had to applaud Athrun's use of the Aurora; it was better than good, Tyler had to admit. He didn't judge Athrun's performance against his own. It would be mean of him to compare Athrun's performance to his, for they were different and thus shouldn't be compared. Athrun's fighting style was different from Tyler's. Athrun was better in close-quarters combat than Tyler was by a tiny margin. Whereas Tyler was better in general as an "all-rounded" pilot that could excel at all ranges if put to it. So, all in all, things had gone fairly well, all things considered.

When Tyler entered the hangar, he scanned the area and was glad to see that all the pilots, including Athrun, had returned safely. Tyler hadn't doubted the Normandy's pilots would return, for they had shown they were competent in their field. And he'd known without a doubt Athrun would be fine and return without much issue. Then from what Tyler could see with Athrun, his friend appeared in a better mood than when he'd seen him last. It meant that Tyler's offer had done as intended and given Athrun a chance to do something to help. And Tyler was always willing to do what he could for a friend to help them, whether improving their mood or getting them out of a jam. Tyler would let others say what they would about him and his dedication to friends. However, he would let his actions speak for him and prove his loyalty to his friends when it counted the most.

Tyler's gaze shifted from Athrun and Cagalli having their moment to the Aurora. A quick scan had Tyler's expression morph into a thoughtful one. The Gundam had incurred minor damage from the battle. However, it wasn't anything that would need major repair or beyond what the Normandy's mechanics could do. Not that Tyler blamed Athrun for the damage, for such happened from time to time, even for Tyler himself. It made Tyler wonder how infrequent it was for Athrun to pilot a mobile suit since the war. True, by what Athrun had mentioned while Tyler had passed him during downtime, he'd gotten into a ZAFT mobile suit during the attack on the colony. But Athrun had said it was a rarity for him to have to go that far to protect Cagalli. So, actual combat wasn't something his friend often saw since the Alliance-PLANT War had ended. His own Gundam, the Justice, was stored at Teswa as far as Tyler knew.

Tyler's attention moved back onto the pair of his friends having their moment. They seemed completely oblivious to the audience they had for the point. Tyler looked at Volyon and silently gestured for him to have his mechanics stop watching the show and that he would get it to move along. Guy got the message and barked for his boys to get back to work and get down to the needed repairs the machines required. Tyler turned back to Athrun and Cagalli and smiled a bit at their display. He could tell Athrun was at least partly aware they had an audience watching them. However, Cagalli seemed ignorant of the point, which was amusing to Tyler. He floated over to be closer to the two before he spoke. "I'm still curious if you two intend to ever make your relationship official and clear."

Cagalli flinched at hearing Tyler's voice getting closer to where she and Athrun were. Athrun had seen Tyler floating toward them, so I wasn't surprised. However, the question his friend asked was one which had come to Athrun's mind before now from time to time. He and Cagalli had never made their relationship clear to others, let alone to each other. Athrun had wanted to do such a thing, yet the right mood nor opportunity had come up to do the idea. Heck, Athrun had been trying to think of how to tell Cagalli that he more than liked her. He didn't want to make it sound cheesy or anything like that. Stories he'd heard didn't help much either, as none seemed to fit Athrun's situation. Yet, a small smile had come to his face without him realizing it with the thought of him and Cagalli potentially being together.

On the other hand, Cagalli had gained a visible blush on her cheeks at Tyler's remark. It wasn't any of his business whether she and Athrun made a relationship with one another official. Granted, Cagalli would be "over the moon," as the phrase went, if she and Athrun could end out together. She had been coming to see the more than liked Athrun; she loved him more than just a friend. However, Cagalli knew she would more than likely have an arranged marriage with her being an Athha. She'd been cursing the fact since she'd met Athrun and grown fond of him. Cagalli had been looking into a potential way around the marriage idea but hadn't come up with anything as of yet. But she wouldn't let Tyler, of all people, tease her and Athrun about their relationship. "What is that supposed to mean, Tyler," Cagalli just about growled. "Our relationship is none of your business."

Tyler felt Athrun's happiness was, to an extent, his business, as he wanted him to be happy. And while Cagalli wasn't a perfect or proper lady by some standards, she wasn't bad either. Tyler would say Cagalli was more just "rough around the edges," as it could be said. She was a great fit for Athrun, Tyler would state that for the record, and he wanted that for his friend. However, Cagalli had just given Tyler a golden opportunity to give a retort that he couldn't resist. "You want a further explanation, do you?" Tyler snickered, "Really, I doubt I'm the only one feeling the heat in this room increasing because of you two lovebirds having a moment." Tyler gestured around the hangar, "But hey if you are willing to give a show for others to watch, be my guess. I thought it would be good of me to have the mechanics go back to their duties and not watch you two. Yet, I can resend that and let them see the two of you have your moment if you prefer." Tyler focused on Athrun, "Come on, my friend, I've told you, I can personally guarantee that Lord Uzumi would have no problem with you dating Cagalli. The man would be pleased if anything, I would bet." Tyler stopped momentarily, "Though I can't say what the other nobility of Orb would say to the two of you being together. However, I wouldn't worry about them or their response to your relationship. It's best to just ignore them and their petty complaints; that's what I tend to do when dealing with them."

Cagalli's face was becoming redder by the second and was screwing up in response to Tyler's iteration. She didn't want to have others watching her, being worried about Athrun and his well-being. That was a private matter for her with how she cared about him. Thus, it wasn't up for public scrutiny. Tyler had no right to tease them about this, and he would mind his own business; she would make sure of that somehow. She wouldn't let him get away with embarrassing her while others were watching, as she'd been forced to do before now. No, Cagalli would give Tyler a piece of her mind and force it down his throat if needed. She pushed against Athrun and flew at Tyler, ready to deliver, "Tyler," she about screeched. Tyler moved away from Cagalli, which devolved into a chase around the hangar. "Our relationship is none of your freaking business nor something you can use to tease us! It is between us, and no one else has any right to say anything about our relationship. I've told you that several times and you still haven't gotten the hint or the point!" Cagalli's voice had risen to a shout by that point as she continued to chase Tyler. "How we conduct ourselves is even less your concern, and I promise you your mother will be hearing about this."

Tyler cackled as he kept out of Cagalli's reach. The chase was enjoyable to Tyler, as was the teasing he was getting to do. Cagalli's threat of telling Tyler's mother was an empty one for him. Ellen didn't tell Tyler what to do and hadn't done so since his early teenage years. He and she had come to the understanding that Tyler was responsible for his own behavior and the consequences of it. And she would give suggestions and recommendations on how he might improve his overall manners. "If you're trying to scare or threaten me by saying that you'll tell my mom, go right ahead," Tyler said as he laughed. "I can save you the time and trouble by telling you the response you will get from her. It will go something along the lines of her sighing, shaking her head while saying that she's tried to break me of the bad habits. Teasing another and enjoying it is one of those bad habits she's been trying to rid me of without success for years. So, you telling her isn't really a threat to me, Cagalli." Tyler shrugged, "But hey if it makes you feel any better, the two of you are better than Kira and Lacus."

Athrun moved forward, catching Cagalli and holding her back from continuing to chase Tyler. Athrun knew Tyler had a point that Cagalli's threat had no hold or sway over his friend. Tyler and his mother had come to the understanding that Tyler's behavior was his business, and he "regulated" it as he saw fit. In other words, Tyler's behavior wouldn't change unless he felt it needed to. It took time to calm Cagalli down, and she was restrained for a bit to do that, but she did settle down. Athrun apologized for the Aurora's damage, and Tyler told him to not worry about it. Tyler knew it was nothing compared to the state where he'd returned his mobile suits after the Second Battle of Jachin Due. And those on the Normandy would be able to repair the Aurora's damage.

A/n

And that's where I'll leave off for this Phase and pick up in the next one. Now onto what I do in the ending notes were I highlight and point out things for the Phase. The scene before the shuttle comes onto the Normandy is there for a reason. I wanted to give a view from Athrun and Cagalli for the Normandy. I also wanted to nail the point the ship is the next-generation and that it is different than what has come before it. The other things I want to point out with Tyler bringing back Cagalli's group is he realizes she changes things for him while on the ship. As I've implied, Tyler isn't the fondest of "VIPs" and the like. He isn't the one to play nice with people unless he sees it as necessary. The added wrinkle to this is as captain, anything that goes badly with Cagalli will reflect on him with higher-ups.

Moving on to Cagalli wanting answers to her questions. From the previous phases, it had been touch and go with no explanation for the girl, so can one blame her for wanting answers? I would also remind you of two things with respect to Cagalli. She wears her feelings on her sleeves, and that is something to keep in mind for a while. Second, while she is in politics now, it still is rather new with her, so she doesn't know all the ins and outs of the field. And Tyler has experience with Cagalli's mannerisms and tolerates them as she is a friend. Athrun of course jumped to Tyler's defense as we would expect from a best friend. However, know that Athrun has been having to tolerate Cagalli's behavior longer than Tyler so, I wouldn't doubt he gets tired of it too. Yet, in Cagalli's defense, the girl has been under extremely stressful conditions for the last day or two. Tyler does kind of give a rundown to Lisa so he can go do the "job" with Cagalli which he didn't want to do. I would point out that Tyler's knack of seeing needs before they are stated, like heading for Earth, or informing the Kusanagi about Cagalli being on the Normandy. But there is the tidbit of Tyler seeing answering Cagalli's questions akin to getting lectures from his mother. And I made that comparison for a reason as Tyler may do the job without complaint, but he doesn't like it.

Now, onto the scene which is the Q&A session with Cagalli's and Tyler. As you may have expected, the first question that comes from Cagalli is "what is going on," which is far too broad a question. Tyler isn't able to answer a question like that as there are things he knows that isn't public knowledge and stuff that is. But that shifts to Athrun and Cagalli arguing like an old married couple. Yes, they are still in an unofficial relationship, and it is obvious they fight like married couples do. Tyler had no interest in interrupting those two doing that. He's done it before and regretted it let's just say. Instead we get introductions between Quatre and Tyler which is kind of interesting. I stated again, Tyler's service record is anything but ordinary so he sticks out and there are stories about him others tell much to his frustration. We also get more of a view of the dynamic between Tyler and his boss Admiral Raine. The standing is she owns him and his skills, and she can use or lend him as she sees fit. This point has been made clear to Tyler by the woman and he can't really question it.

Back to the Q&A session after Tyler breaks up the quarrel Athrun and Cagalli got into. Tyler lays out the "ground rules" the session would be done by, more so Cagalli models her questions properly than anything else. Cagalli and her group get the basic outline of the events that occurred at the Milos outpost. The fact that is different than what Talia and Durandal got is they heard the truth about the Information Network's breach. Let me iterate why there is a difference between the answers given out by Tyler. The Federation's Information Network has a very set and solid reputation that all believe and accept. That reputation is the network has all sorts of information and its security is second to none. The said security is the strongest and so won't be penetrated by any that would attempt to do so. As Durandal mentioned in the last Phase, there isn't concern about the network since its security keeps those who would abuse it out. I would also state there is a set of procedures the Federation has on the rare occasion the network does get breached to handle the issue. The Normandy's assignment was the first part of the set of procedures.

With the questions answered, Cagalli moves on to wanting the captain without knowing that Tyler is the Normandy's captain. Originally, I had Tyler telling the group the point in the hangar, but I thought it would be more amusing this way. And Tyler's response while we get a kick out of it, Cagalli doesn't find it so amusing. When the point of Tyler being the captain does come up, it comes with the point that Tyler isn't what most would picture as a ship officer. As you readers may recall, Tyler did tell his boss he wasn't officer material. The woman agreed and they both admitted it was likely Admiral Raine would get complaints about Tyler's commanding style. Although, I find it funny that those outside of SOLAS know of Admiral Raine and her reputation of not accepting talkback.

The next scene with Tyler on the bridge I would say gives a view of how he and the ship's crew have adapted to how Tyler does things. I mean, take Tyler and Paris for an example in this. Paris didn't have good experience with his previous assignments, and yet with the Normandy, he is loving every moment of it. Or you could go with Miss Alloy or Feldt as another where they do as they are ordered without question, no matter how weird the order may sound at time. The other thing I would highlight in this scene is Tyler's admittance about his writing skills. With his father being a scientist, one would logically assume Tyler was taught his writing skills from his father. However, in his case, Tyler learned the skill from his mother. It isn't entirely a surprise that Ellen has good writing skill, the woman is a political leader. Her job requires doing the law-making portion of governance which excellent writing is required for.

Let's move on to the battle in this Phase as there are a few things to discuss with it. Now this seems like a simple fight and overall it is. However, this I feel is more for Athrun to have a chance to feel like he is doing something to make a difference. Being Cagalli's bodyguard, Athrun doesn't get to do much outside of those duties. And as a former soldier, Athrun is used to doing things that make a difference in the lives of others. Tyler offering the use of his Gundam is also notable since Tyler uses the Aurora essentially exclusively. But Tyler, to be a friend to Athrun, is willing to let him use his Gundam. Cagalli doesn't appreciate Tyler giving Athrun the opportunity to fight. The girl likes Athrun and doesn't want him in potential danger if it can be helped. Tyler on the other hand, can see Athrun suffering and needing the chance to do something more than being kept on the sidelines.

I want to highlight Athrun's take and view on the Federation spacesuit as there is some information to note. I have done a little comparison between the spacesuits that the factions use as they are different in appearance but not so much in function. While the Federation's suits do similar to OMNI's and ZAFT in respect of protecting the wearer from the harshness of space. As Athrun states, there is more equipment built into the Federation's spacesuit than OMNI or ZAFT has. We know some of the equipment is for the medical system and the arm control but there are other things built into the suit. The Federation's suit are designed to work in other planetary environments as implied. I will neither confirm or deny that may or may not come up in the future, but I throw out it could.

In conclusion to this Phase, I would like to make mention of release timing for this story. Work and school are taxing me, so I'm going to go back to every three weeks instead of two for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry that is the case but I don't get time to write like I would like and life is what it is. Also, if some of you readers could write a review and tell me what you think of the phase and/or story, that would be great. I do read the reviews and answer them as I can so they do matter to me. I am working on the next Phase which is likely going to be Titled: "the Hunt is On." Peace out until the next Phase!