PHASE-24: Visitors
"Don't let the mistakes and disappointments of the past control and direct your future."
―Zig Ziglar, American enterpreneur and motivational speaker
With Team Paradox arriving in the PLANTs, the Joule Team act as their escort on their way to Aprilius One, the mainland PLANT colony. Orb's anti-Blue Cosmos task force unit have an objective in mind; is to gain the trust of Chairman Durandal. Rio know that there's risks of colluding with ZAFT, knowing that the Seirans will label them as traitors. Even though Cagalli is Orb's Chief Representative, she is unknowingly a puppet leader for the Seirans, which only further their goals to side with the Alliance.
However, Rio is determined to overthrow the Seirans. Even if she has to resort to unscrupulous methods if she needs to.
Inside the transport shuttle en route to Aprilius One, Yzak converses with Akiza and Flay, asking how the latter is able to pilot a mobile suit and after hearing that she singlehandedly demolished the Alliance's fleet on her own even before the Neutron Stampeder could be fired.
"You really grew a spine since the last I saw think that you butchered the Alliance by yourself is astounding, yet dangerously reckless.", Yzak said. "Why did you do that?"
"It's a long story... The fact that the Alliance pulled a stunt like that back in Boaz stirred some unpleasant memories.", Flay replied, her eyes rolled elsewhere before her gaze are on Yzak. She brought up her time working as a CIC operator in the Dominion and she saw what happened on the space fortress. "If Aki didn't saved my rear end when the Neutron Stampeder fired, I would have been dead by now. Either way, I did what I needed to do."
"Don't be reckless. Acting on your emotions while on the battlefield can sometimes put you in a very tight spot.", Yzak continued, as Flay saw that he's likewise a different person than he used to be. "That's the same thing I've been saying to myself before this war."
Dearka then said, "I didn't know you were able to pilot that other mobile suit. In fact, the other you back in Jachin Due with the Paradox pulled a stunt like that.", bringing up the events of the second divergence. "For a second there you were one scary bitch that you almost shot me when I was still a prisoner, the fact that you took on an Alliance fleet was awesome."
Even Flay still has unpleasant memories of the previous war fresh in her mind whenever anything that reminds her of the past causes her to becoming timid and quiet. This even includes the time she attempts to shoot Dearka while Sai tried to keep Miriallia control herself following Tolle's death.
"Hey, what's wrong?", Dearka waves his hand on Flay's face.
"Enough, Dearka.", Yzak tells his partner to leave her alone. "She might have post-traumatic stress disorder, and those who survive the last war are still reeling from it. That woman is no exception."
Akiza checks on Flay, "Hey, are you alright?", the witch asked.
"I'm okay. It's that whenever I'm reminded of my past actions really put me on a tight spot.", said Flay.
Flay has battled with her PTSD a year earlier, and considering that she now finds herself in the second conflict between the Alliance and ZAFT, unpleasant memories of the previous war are still fresh in her mind, as well as the guilt of witnessing the deaths of some Coordinators all in the name of "preservation of a blue and pure world".
"The fact that my father turned out to be colluding with Blue Cosmos the whole time shows what an idiot I've been.", Flay brings up to Yzak about her father, George, was a member of Blue Cosmos. "And the fact I survived the last war, I fear that I might have a target on my back on the way to the PLANTs."
"Aren't you happy that your old man got what came to him?"
"He's still my father... But, I did not become like him. Hearing Azrael's genocidal mania forced me to do the right thing."
"I understand what you're saying... When parents sin, their kids take the blame. That one is nothing new to me; the same can be said with Athrun.", Yzak comments about his post-war life, and given that he's also the son of former PLANT councilwoman Ezalia Joule. After the war, some ZAFT soldiers, as well as loyalists under Chairman Patrick Zala's regime were ostracized for their use of GENESIS in an attempt to wipe out all Naturals on Earth. Even Athrun isn't safe from the wrath of people who wanted peace, because he's the ex-chairman's son. "While my mother is in house arrest, she even gets death threats on a regular basis!"
"That's awful...", Akiza lamented, because she herself was a victim of the same kind of discrimination because she is Athrun's descendant, without bringing it up to Yzak and/or Dearka.. "Ever since the end of the previous war, the aftermath of Jachin Due stirred unrest among Coordinators. And with Chairman Durandal at the helm only further escalated the division between those who want peace and co-existence and those who took ex-Chairman Zala's radical sentiment."
"Not to mention, we lost a lot of friends back then.", Dearka added. "And your [Flay] friend Tolle got killed in the crossfire when Kira and Athrun were fighting. Things got completely went haywire. If Chairman Durandal didn't save Yzak's ass during his trial, he could have been on death row for shooting a civilian shuttle."
Flay remembered how the Duel blew up a shuttle full of civilians, mistaking it for troop transport. Civilian casualties is a red flag in and on itself, which could lead to serious repercussions by international court of law. That incident was the worst point in Kira's life which Flay took advantage of this trauma to manipulate him into killing ZAFT soldiers. And Yzak is unaware of the fact that Flay's manipulation of Kira what led to him getting his scar in the first place. Ever since the end of the war, his scar is gone and went on with his life.
When Yzak tells Dearka not to bring that up, Flay then asked him on how did he deal with the discrimination that he and his mother experienced by the moderates. In fact, ZAFT soldiers from the previous war were treated way too badly for playing along with the radical Coordinators. Thus, forming a rift among Coordinators in the PLANTs. Even Chairman Durandal could not do anything with the ensuing division.
"How did you deal being ostracized by people that detested Chairman Zala's actions?"
Yzak replied, "I couldn't care less. The past is the past, and you don't let one single mistake that happened before dictate your future. That's the same thing that she [Akiza] said to you when she saved you back in Jachin Due, right?"
Since meeting Akiza on both divergences, Flay understood what it means to move forward and putting the past behind. Yzak also took those words when he first saw Akiza during the second divergence. Since he's now a white-uniformed commander, he vows to be a role model to the next generation of pilots.
"Looks like we got our own reasons to atone for our mistakes...", Flay concluded. "For me, I don't care if people will hate me for what I do, but I want to do what's necessary to prevent needless deaths and destruction. I have nothing left to lose, and that's why I joined Orb's Team Paradox."
"Humph... And judging by your tone, you sound just like Athrun.", Yzak compares Flay's current personality being almost no better than Athrun's.
Before they can continue, Flay's G-Phone rings, and it's actually Ian calling, who happens to be close by where Akiza and Flay are sitting while talking with Yzak and Dearka.
"WHAT?!", Flay screamed. However, she hangs up.
"What did Ian just said?", asked Akiza.
Little what Flay know that Ian tricks Flay through a crank call, "I'm a stupid moron with an ugly face...", she said, "...and a big butt, and my butt smells, and I like to kiss my own butt."
Hearing this, Dearka bursts into laughter, "You what?!"
Everyone inside are laughing, including Akiza, Rio, Kiryu, and even Yzak of all people. However, given that Ian pulls a prank call on Flay, the main problem that he's close by which is a dumb idea. It only made Flay even angrier, as she gets out of her seat and confronts Ian.
Kiryu, Rio, and Dr. Paradox are nearby Ian and soon immediately get out of dodge when Flay stands in front of Ian.
"Oh, shit...", Ian laments in resignation as Flay is about to beat the guy within an inch of his life.
Ian and Rio can only look away as audible beating sounds can be heard as Ian gets beaten hard. As soon as Flay returned to her seat, Ian's face becomes completely swollen, has black eye on his left, and Haros circling above his head.
"Take a joh-oke nekscht time, beetch.", Ian's speech is slightly incoherent given how his face got swollen following that beating moments ago.
Flay managed to regain her composure after that, as the fact Ian likes to get under her skin to get a reaction from her.
"Who's the motor mouth?", Yzak asked.
"Oh, Ian?", Akiza replied, without disclosing Ian being Yzak's descendant. "He's the type of guy who likes to get under everyone's skin. Unless when piloting, he gets serious if he has to."
"And he still can't resist being a complete troll.", Flay added.
"Ignore him. The more you're trying to cut down his antics, the more he's going to piss you off.", Dearka spoke. "The first we saw the guy, he's more like Yzak and myself into one."
"Not to mention, your team consists a bunch of weirdos even for an elite anti-Blue Cosmos squad.", Yzak followed up.
"Yeah, pretty much.", Akiza couldn't help but agree. "But that's what it is."
Despite each of the Gundam Operators' tragic backgrounds, all have their own pervasive or extremely noticable personality traits but nevertheless take their duties very seriously. Akiza has a knack of showboating her abilities as a pilot and her psychic powers, Ian is and is always been very talkative, Kiryu has a hard time adjusting into the present day than Akiza or Ian. Flay, despite having changed after surviving the war, is still conscious of her looks to the point of being needy for luxury beauty products. And, Rio is a very well-read individual and gifted orator who enjoys making grandiose speeches.
On the other side, while holding unto Dr. Paradox's Haro body, Kiryu and Rio discussing about negotiating with Chairman Durandal.
While reading a book, Rio thoroughly explains to Kiryu about the situation in Orb.
"The Alliance getting too desperate following the unprovoked attack on the Girty Lue, and the failed attempt to nuke the PLANTs. And now, they're seeking the assistance from Orb. The Seirans are pretty much in control of the government while they use Lady Cagalli as their puppet leader."
Kiryu replied, "So, why negotiate with the Chairman? Because, knowing that we Team Paradox siding with ZAFT might mean the Seirans will label us as traitors."
Rio chuckles, unfazed by the consequence of the idea of Team Paradox colluding with ZAFT. "Humph. They can label us traitors whatever they want, but I don't care. But the fact that old man Seiran having the audacity to side with those racist fuckers knowing they violated Orb's neutrality is beyond me.", commenting on the hypocrisy about Team Paradox being labeled as traitors when the Seirans are throwing their lot on the Alliance.
The unprovoked attack on Girty Lue and the failure to nuke the PLANTs only worsened the losses for the Alliance. Even though the Atlantic Federation is once again desperate to have Orb enter the war on their side, the enlisting of the neutral nation is once again in limbo because of Team Paradox's interference.
Rio continued, "For now, this is our only option. Because the fact that Orb is once again at the risk of being embroiled in this war again; I will find a way to set things right. Even if it means ousting the Seirans from power. I will do it patiently."
"You're not even afraid to take risks.", Kiryu replied.
"That's because my father have since taught me that as a child. And then, while I was mentored by Lady Mina, she taught me one important thing: "We dirty our hands, and the world stays clean"."
Kiryu is no stranger to getting his hands dirty, even Akiza and Ian, no matter it would leave them uncomfortable with the reprehensible acts that they do. Rio herself is not afraid of stooping to the level of amoral methods as the Sahakus.
"Is anything else do you want to ask?", Rio continued. And Kiryu decided to talk to Rio about her disciplining Flay earlier.
"Did you go easy on Flay?", he asked.
"Not that much. Considering that she, like those who survived the previous war, her trauma is still fresh in her mind. And I decided to let her undergo psychological re-evaluation on a regular basis."
Rio recalls during the session with Flay in her office, scolding the latter for disregarding a CO's orders.
"I should have died a long time ago. I'm such a complete idiot to think of Coordinators as monsters, and they are people like the rest of us. The fact I had to take matters into my own hands is that I don't want to see more lives being forsaken all for this so-called "blue and pure world". I did what I needed to do, I had to stand up for what I believe what's right. Because, if none of us had acted quickly, Blue Cosmos and the Alliance will not stop at wiping out every single Coordinator in existence, nor ZAFT will plan to do the same thing towards Naturals like with Chairman Zala did. And this endless cycle of hatred will continue to spread like a plague and history will keep on repeating itself."
"Why did you take it upon yourself to slaughter an entire Alliance fleet?"
"I don't know... But the fact that I had to do it is that I don't have much of a choice, since I have nothing left to lose."
"Is this why you're taking matters into your own hands?"
"No matter how painful it may be or whoever hates me for it... this is my way of atoning my sins, even if it meant killing one to save millions. I will have to bear those sins myself if I have to."
Kiryu sympathized with Flay's situation at the time, and he knew what it's like to experience PTSD. She nearly forgot the fact that she is part of a family of unrelated people fighting to protect the peace and safety of Orb and the world.
"Flay, haven't you forgotten why you are a part of this team?", during their session, Rio asks Flay why she became part of Team Paradox.
To which Flay replied, "Because I wanted to atone for my past mistakes."
"Close, but no cigar. It's more than just that. Tell me, why are you part of this team?"
Only for Flay to lash out, "I DON'T fucking know! Okay!? I'm sorry, commander. It's just I can't think straight... The second I saw the Alliance bringing those nukes, I was reminded of what I saw in Boaz. I'm such a fucking idiot... I fucked up and-"
"Enough! You're not an idiot, and I understand why you have to stand up for what you believe is the right thing, even you without thinking things through. Flay, haven't you forgottten why are you part of this team? It is where you belong! In Team Paradox, we are more than just a ragtag group of misfits, we are a family of unrelated people brought together by fate and we are all committed to never leave one another behind. We work together as a team, and true teamwork comes through the frequent hardships and sacrifices. The struggles you've put yourself through since day one and sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of others.''
For a brief moment, Rio slowly puts everything together why Flay was acting like that earlier. Unlike in the previous war, she does nothing but hide in the quarters while Kira was doing all the fighting. In the present, Flay will go to great lengths to prevent more people from dying, even if it meant doing something very morally dubious. Her past may have scarred her future, but that doesn't mean it will decide the future for her.
It just shows rather than forever living with the guilt of her words and actions of the past, Flay is determined to make a difference in the only way she knows how as a means to atone for her sins. Because she has found people who she came to see as her new family that love her and support her in a time of need.
"The previous war left her emotionally drained... And now, after I saw the gaze in her eyes, it's like she has no more tears left to shed.", Kiryu rolled his eyes as he observes Flay, who was talking with the Joule Team. "Thanks to Akiza, she is able to gain some sense of self-control."
"It just shows that Akiza managed to straightened her up and gave her an unconditional love like what a parent does with their child.", Rio compares Akiza and Flay's relationship with the former being almost close to being a mother or sister figure. "Even as this team's commanding officer, I could have done better..."
Rio continued as she recalls giving Flay an advice before letting her off with a warning...
"Flay, don't be hasty. Precious time that's lost can't be returned. You have to think things through before you take action. It's a step-by-step process. There is a time and place to act on your own emotions. But remember, our job is to apprehend those responsible for instigating this war."
Rio's flashback ends as she sighs in resignation, knowing on how she would deal with Flay if she would ever pull a stunt like what she did to the Alliance fleet attempting to nuke the PLANTs.
"Time can be a blessing and a curse at the same time...", Rio said while she returns to reading her book. "And it's not hard to see why."
As Kiryu is brooding at the window, he quickly has visions of his genetic template, and at the same time the likelihood he will be clashing with him in a mobile suit in what would be in a trial by combat. Right now, his "flash forward" experiences don't even affect him at this moment.
The escort shuttle now arrived in Aprilius One, the mainland colony. Team Paradox and Joule Team disembark from the shuttle as the latter team receives an order to escort Team Paradox to the Hotel Misurugi, which is just fifteen klicks northeast from the PLANT Supreme Council main building. This gives the team enough time to rest before meeting with the Chairman.
"This is the first time I've ever been in one of the PLANT colonies.", Akiza spoke.
"Yeah, welcome to our world.", Yzak snickered before looking at Flay. "I assume the four of you guys are mostly Coordinators? You better keep a watchful on Allster over here."
"Now you guessed it, this place is hostile territory for Naturals.", Rio noted. "I guess Akiza is the only one responsible for her well-being."
"Flay, once we go around Aprilius One, I urge you to stay by my side at all times.", Akiza instructed her partner. "That's an order." And since Akiza is a senior officer with a rank much higher than Flay's, Flay has no other choice but to follow orders.
"Yes, Aki- I mean, yes ma'am.", Flay nearly forgot to address Akiza with the proper military etiquette, even though they are partners, she needed to take her duty very seriously.
And Yzak wasn't kidding about giving Team Paradox heads up that they have a Natural among their ranks, and they have to guard Flay from possible radical Coordinators around the PLANTs.
"And Ian, no funny business while the moment we talk with the Chairman.", Rio then turns to Ian.
"You're the boss, and I'll keep my mouth shut."
Upon arriving at Hotel Misurugi, the five Gundam Operators are reserved with three rooms. And each will have to share with the other: Kiryu will stay alone with Dr. Paradox. Flay and Akiza will share one room next to Kiryu's. And Rio will stay in the room next to the two redheads. This leaves Ian all alone without a room to stay, much to his chagrin.
"Hey, where the fuck am I supposed to sleep? Do you guys want me to sleep around the streets while in uniform?!"
"Oh, don't be so hysterical. I'm going to share my room with you.", Rio decided to let the mischievous Ian stay on her room, much to Akiza and Flay's chagrin.
"No way...", Ian smiles, while Flay and Akiza had an expression of utter disbelief.
"Yes way!", Rio replies, while looking at the rest of her teammates. "Now, does anybody have any objections?"
While looking at Flay, Akiza shrugs in resignation as it seems nothing can go wrong with Ian sharing the same room with Rio. That said, the team went on to their respective rooms to take a well-earned rest before meeting with the Chairman.
Later that night...
Kiryu sits in front of the window with a flask of liquor in hand. He and Dr. Paradox are talking about his recent "flash forward" visions regarding his DNA template.
The silver Haro's eyes blinkered as the doctor spoke, "What's wrong, Kiryu?"
"Just had a few glimpses into the future, especially coming from my genetic progenitor.", Kiryu replied. "These flash forwards tend to happen arbitrarily."
"Did anyone else found out about it?"
"Only Akiza and Flay.", Kiryu continued. "When we fought those three Alliance pilots earlier, especially the Gaia. These flash forwards constantly haunt me through nightmares. Especially that one of the three Extended pilots is forced to pilot a giant transforming mobile weapon."
Kiryu brings up his visions about Stella, the Gaia's pilot. At the same time he fears that she will be piloting a gigantic mobile weapon against her will and the grim fate that will befall her.
As much as Kiryu wanted to avoid preventing the death of a person that is fated to die in the present, not like the way Akiza did with Flay. Kiryu's glimpses into the future suggests that he's more than just being Shinn Asuka's carbon copy.
"Truth be told doc, I'm also the embodiment of his guilt of being unable to protect that girl.", Kiryu insinuates to Dr. Paradox. "The fact that I even got his memories, that Extended girl is fated to die when the Freedom impaled that giant mobile weapon with a beam saber."
"Kiryu..."
Despite being his own person, Kiryu even has a tendency to act like his progenitor. Even though Carbon Humans are separate beings from their genetic progenitors, Kiryu is a rare example of a Carbon Human with a case of identity crisis, who has a tendency to pinball into his own individuality or acting like his progenitor. Other than Akiza and/or Flay, he seems to be secretive about this to Ian and Rio.
Even though the 70 years in the post-apocalyptic future did a number on him, the fact that Kiryu is fated to cross paths with his progenitor Shinn and even Stella in the present day, he's uncertain of what paths intersect between him and those two.
"Everywhere I go, I always see that girl's face.", Kiryu contemplated, considering his presence in the current era. "Is this what it's like to bear the guilt of not being able to save anyone?", and what makes his words ironic in hindsight is that these were the same words he told Flay that "you can't always save anybody." He continued, "The Lunamaria in the future was feeling the same way after Shinn perished during the JUNO uprising. From that day on, she was never the same."
"Have you also forgotten that Shinn Asuka lost his parents when the Alliance invaded Orb?", Dr. Paradox brought up the very tragedy that changed Shinn forever.
"It's still burned deep into my mind as well.", Kiryu replied before gulping his flask. "It just makes me want to ask myself who am I, really?"
"Just be yourself, Kiryu. You are your own person.", the doctor spoke. "Remember that Carbon Humans have their own sense of identity and individuality despite being created as replicants."
Even for a scientist now an artificial intelligence inhabiting a robotic ball for a body, Dr. Paradox retains his sense of compassion and care for others. Seeing Kiryu in a rather unusual state of confusion and identity crisis, he reassures him that he has his own identity separate from his progenitor.
Meanwhile on the other room, Flay and Akiza have dinner as the latter ordered room service and Akiza herself paid for the food. While having a decent meal, Flay is considerably worried of the fact that she's the only Natural to be a part of Team Paradox, while Akiza, Ian, and Rio are the only known Coordinators in the team. While Kiryu, on the other hand, is an anomaly, due to the fact that the existence of Carbon Humans being mostly kept in secrecy to the entire world; but this makes him easily distinguishable among Coordinators.
"Aki, did you remember what Yzak said earlier?", Flay asked.
"I know.", Akiza got the gist of it. "Being the only Natural to set foot in a PLANT colony might seem you are finding yourself in enemy turf... You don't have to worry a thing so long as you stay by my side. On the other hand, Lady Cagalli managed to go into Armory One with Athrun long before the three mobile suits were hijacked. Keep in mind, unlike Mr. Kira, she's actually a Natural."
"I see...", Flay nodded before talking about Chairman Durandal. "Aki, what are your thoughts about the Chairman?"
"Truth is, I don't trust the guy. Don't get me wrong, his charisma, political career, and the cult-like following among his peers is worthy of respect. The way he delivers his speech is extemporaneously passionate that makes him the man of the people. Part of me says that there's something deeper than that that tells me not to get my hopes up about him."
"What's that?"
"That, I don't know, for now."
Akiza admits that despite her respect for Durandal's reputation as a career politician, she clearly does not trust him. And this is merely just a glimpse into the future of what Durandal is planning for the rest of humanity.
Flay felt that despite learning to understand Coordinators as people after under Creuset's custody, she felt uneasy by the fact that some Coordinators don't take too kindly with Naturals entering their home turf, this only applies to the radical ones that share the same sentiment as the late chairman Patrick Zala. But Akiza reassures that she has nothing to be afraid of. And considering that she's part of a task force that come from a neutral country, Flay is probably safe for now.
"What is the commander planning to do while negotiating with the Chairman?", Flay then proceeded to talk about Rio's deal with Durandal. "Because the Seirans will use that as a chance to label us as traitors for siding with ZAFT."
"Actually, that's part of Rio's plan to undermine the Seirans of their control over Orb's government.", Akiza got the gist of what Rio was scheming recently. "The unprovoked attack on that Alliance ship and you singlehandedly mowing down their fleet is just the tip of the iceberg."
"Then, what will happen to Cagalli?"
"Yeah... Come to think of it...", Akiza began brainstorming as she quickly connects the dots of what transpired at Armory One and the Seirans conspiring with the Alliance, as she comes to a shocking conclusion. "The Seirans pressured her into arranging a meeting with the Chairman at Armory One. That means, Lady Cagalli is unknowingly used as bait for the Alliance to hijack the three mobile suits."
"Aki, how did you know that?!"
"Just my hunch. And how do you put it this way, the Prime Minister of Orb is the second person to have more political power next to the Chief Representative. And the real kicker? Lady Cagalli is hardly an experienced politician, as she's only accustomed to the front lines. And because the Seirans are having a backdoor deal with the Atlantic Federation, they took advantage of having a leader of a neutral country travel into the PLANTs and steal ZAFT's hardware."
To Flay's surprise, Akiza actually has a great sense of intuition and keen eye for details, going as far as constructing any received information together like how police detectives do. Being able to connect the dots from what happened in Armory One and the Seirans' conspiracy to drag Orb into the ensuing chaos, it seems that Akiza managed to decipher Rio's intel perfectly.
"I didn't know how you pull that off, Aki. But, that's ripped straight out of a hardboiled detective story."
"Detective work is not much my style. But, I'm already used in connecting the dots when it involves gathering intel.", Akiza continued. "I hope Rio's gambit is worth it, even if we end up becoming traitors for siding with ZAFT."
Akiza is positive of what Rio is doing, but the risk it poses for Team Paradox might be a double-edged sword.
"I have a feeling that we are in for a difficult battle ahead, Aki. I'm glad that I ended up here with you.", Flay lowered her head momentarily. "If it weren't for your wisdom and experience, I might never know who or what I am up against. I have to rely your genius-level intellect and level-headedness more than ever."
"I'm also feeling the same thing.", Akiza likewise shared her sentiment. "Keep in mind, we will have to stick together if we want to survive and get through this chaos. Likewise, I need your emotional support too. Because we only have each other in the time of need, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."
Given how Flay lived to tell the tale of her experience of the previous war considering how Akiza inadvertently rewrote history, and she now has her firsthand experience of another war and history repeating itself. This current conflict will only go from bad to worse on the days to come, and being an official member of Team Paradox, she is determined to make a difference even if her piloting skills are not on the same level as her fellow Gundam Operators. The people from the future - Akiza, Kiryu, and Ian, are probably much more accustomed to the horrors of war as they have long fought against a tyrannical AI that destroyed 98% of human life. To them, seeing deaths and destruction caused by the scourge of war may look like they've seen it all like it was nothing. That's why Flay has every reason to rely on Akiza's wisdom and life experiences as a soldier, in order to hold on to her humanity while witnessing more bloodshed on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, in the room between Kiryu and two redheads, as Ian is busy looking on social media, he watches the video of "Lacus Clyne" performing on stage. To his surprise, the Lacus performing on the music video is far different from the real one: right from her large breasts bouncing and the star-shaped hairpin.
"Check this out, how the fuck did Princess Bubblegum returned into the PLANTs?", Ian chuckled.
"Lacus Clyne?!", Rio grabs Ian's G-Phone as she watched the music video. "But how? She's been spending her life in exile in Orb!"
"Um, boss. Check out her hairpin and those torpedo tits bouncing!"
Given that Rio has seen the real Lacus Clyne in person, and the one in the music video did somehow made her suspicious.
"This doesn't seem right... But for now, this does have nothing to do with our agenda."
"Welp, I guess that's out of our sight for now.", Ian shrugged. "And look at how her tits move while showing off her performance. I couldn't imagine if those are some natural tits or just implants? Get it? imPLANTs?!", as he laughs at his own pun.
"I'm afraid that pun is less than amusing."
Back with Akiza and Flay, the latter receives a text from Ian as her G-Phone beeps.
"u gotta c this. -Ian"
Flay read the message. Along with a link under Ian's text, she touches the link, opening the video. "Aki, you got to look at this.", she passes her phone to Akiza.
The two redheads watch the music video of "Lacus", and Akiza is quick to conclude that this Lacus is an impostor.
"That Lacus is an impostor."
"How did you know that?!", exclaimed Flay. "And don't say it out loud, or else we might look ourselves suspicious to everyone here."
"Yeah, I know she's an impostor. Think about it... There's no way in hell the actual Lacus Clyne would do something that provocative.", Akiza then points out the discrepancy of the "Lacus" in the music video. "Observe her hairpin very carefully along with her... never mind. I guess you already got the idea. Let's just keep this to ourselves without drawing suspicion from denizens. Either way, our objective is to earn the Chairman's trust."
"I'll pass it on to Kiryu, and he'll be fully aware of it.", said Flay as she likewise sent Kiryu the link into his phone.
Back in Rio's room, as Ian goes on to relax, the commander has something else in mind.
"If you're done talking about a woman's body, Ian, I think I will show you something interesting.", the Iron Lady said as she already in her bath robes as she finished shower.
Rio takes off her robe, and much to Ian's surprise, is astounded by her curvaceous figure and large breasts.
"Holy fucking Christmas! You've got some huge set of melons and the perfect body!", exclaimed the Silver Fox.
The white-haired Iron Lady's body is a sight to behold. Rio might be the type of person to be compared to the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena because of her cunning and dominance as a pilot, but her body is worthy of admiration from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Akiza and Flay already had their firsthand experience with Rio in the bed, as she is oftentimes in touch with her promiscuous side.
"I'm kinda bored right now... The stress of this war is really getting the better of me.", said Rio.
"Shit, that's unexpected from you.", Ian chortled. "If you wanna fuck, then let's get this started then."
And despite Ian's wisecracking antics and penchant for profanity, he takes an active interest of having sex with women, but despite his perverted urges, he knows how to treat women well like a gentleman would do. As he proceeds to kiss Rio's hand, turning her on.
"I'm impressed.", said Rio as she felt the kiss from her hand coursing into her skin. "A real man who understand a woman's needs."
"And a real man knows how to grow a pair of balls by being... a man.", followed by a wisecrack from Ian, as he kisses Rio in the neck. Then, Rio's hands were on Ian's crotch, as she felt a bulge as if his "thing" started to erect.
Meanwhile, on the other side as Flay is briefly looking on social media via her G-Phone, she begins hearing moans from the other room as voices are heard. It seems Rio tends to moan very loudly whenever she masturbates; although she is actually hitting it with Ian. Flay can even hear Ian's voice as well, but not as loud as Rio's as he can be also heard spewing his usual dirty talk.
Flay grabs her G-Phone and sends a message to Ian.
Meanwhile, as Rio and Ian engage themselves in a one night stand as the former starts sucking on his dick, as Ian feels the pleasure of getting his "little self" being devoured.
"Yeah, suck that dick like a boss.", Ian lets out a brief moan as his phone went off as he grabbed it in the lull of their sex. He then receives a message coming from Flay of all people.
(Incoming message from Flay) [Are you two seriously hitting it right now?!]
While Rio is busy sucking on Ian's pole, she couldn't care less if someone hears them having a good time, let alone from her teammates. However, Ian takes the chance to troll Flay.
(Message sent from Ian) [so fukin' what?!]
After that, Flay replies, and so quickly escalate into thread of bickering...
(Incoming message from Flay) [Have you two lost your minds?!]
(Message sent from Ian) [bitch fuck off.]
(Incoming message from Flay) [You're a psycho, and you know that. But why sleep with the commander?]
(Message sent from Ian) [jesus christ allster. the boss needs this.]
(Incoming message from Flay) [Okay then. I'll shut my mouth so YOU. CAN. FUCK!]
(Message sent from Ian) [thnx bitch. the nxt time u interrupt our session, i'll fuk u up in d worst way possible!]
(Incoming message from Flay) [Keep your orgasms, you maniacs!]
Ian couldn't keep himself from getting in a laughing fit after messing with Flay through a thread of text messages and trying to show Rio the conversation between the two, but he can't hold the phone enough. Once Rio is done as she proceeds to tease Ian, she sets his phone aside.
"What's going on, lad?", asked Rio.
"Man, she can be really an annoying bitch.", Ian replied after he trolled Flay.
"Flay? She can be a handful. But, that's what she is. Back when we first met, I had fun with those two.", Rio brings up that she had a threesome with Flay and Akiza a year ago.
"You really enjoy fucking your brains out."
"I told you, I'm always in touch with my promiscuous side.", Rio pulls a sachet containing a condom, and asks Ian to put it on his pole as they take their sexual escapade to a whole new level. "Let's play it safe this time."
"With pleasure."
Back with Akiza and Flay, the two are sharing a hot bath as the tub is topped with rose petals and the surrounding aromatic scent laced on the warm water and candle lights placed near adjacent to the tub. The tub is wide enough to accomodate two people, and Flay is sitting besides Akiza.
"I can't believe those two are really hitting it.", said Flay as she relaxes on the tub.
"Well, that's Rio for you. She really seeks out to have sex just for the pleasure of it.", Akiza seems to be okay with Rio and Ian having sex. "She really gets around on anyone she can have a good time with, and the last time we had a threesome with her was worth it."
Flay is not into talking about her sexual life, as the first time she does so with Kira. And the fact she realized that her romance with Kira did damage to both of them emotionally, it's safe to say that their relationship was unhealthy; and decided to break up with him in order for him to be with Lacus. And Flay now has a stable relationship with a lesbian girlfriend in Akiza, as they would occassionally bed one another when the opportunity arises.
While the two relax together, Akiza then tells Flay about what happened to her ex, Mayumi.
"Flay, did you remember that I once had a girlfriend having fought alongside with in the future?"
"What was her name?"
"Mayumi Celestina. We were once a dynamic duo while fighting JUNO's army, until one fateful day she was captured and subjected into brutal experimentation that turned her into a ROBEAST."
"Did you do anything to save her?"
"No. The enemy turned her into a Rafflesia ROBEAST, a plant-like monstrosity. Being turned into a ROBEAST is basically losing your humanity against your will with no way returning back to the way you were. I had to kill Mayumi to free her from the agony of being turned into a mindless monster by burning her alive. However..."
"What's that, Aki?", Flay asked, knowing that there's much darker context behind Akiza's ex-girlfriend's demise.
"The moment I burned Mayumi alive, the sight of her being on fire somehow turned me on.", Akiza recounts the very depressing and disturbing aspect of losing her ex-lover. "I had a bad case of pyrophilia after witnessing the mutated Mayumi burnt alive. From the cockpit of my mobile suit, I couldn't help but touch myself profusely while fantasizing my former significant other being burnt at stake..."
The fact that Akiza had to kill her former lover who was turned into a ROBEAST did a number in her psyche. Instead of rather falling into depression, she reacts by merely masturbating while fantasizing of someone being burned alive, that being how she put Mayumi out of her misery. Ironically, this is almost the same way how Flay died in the original timeline when the Providence's DRAGOONs shot her shuttle; with the flames engulfing her from the combustion.
Since that tragic incident, Akiza would have a tendency to masturbate at the sight of someone being burned alive. However, she has stopped doing so ever since she came into the present and met Flay. And that horrific ordeal just shows that JUNO is just as inhumane compared to the likes of Azrael or even Creuset of all people.
"How did you deal of losing your friend, Aki?", Flay asked, while maintaining in deep thought.
"It's a tough pill to swallow. But, I kept on going. Kiryu had to straighten me up in order for me to hold on to whatever sanity I had left.", Akiza replied glumly as she continued recounting the darkest moment of her life to her partner.
"Perhaps there's a reason why that he said that you can't always save everybody.", Flay brought up what Kiryu told her ever since first meeting him.
"Yeah. That's the sad and painful truth of being a soldier.", Akiza continued. "All that I have left are Kiryu and Ian, they are my only known family left ever since they took me in. No matter how many times we argue amongst ourselves and Kiryu having to be strict to keep us in line back then, we still have each other."
As much how they deal with so much Hell back in the future, Akiza, Kiryu, and Ian are inseparable as siblings. That bond carried on when they escape to the past in separate paths until they finally reunite. Finding new allies in the present, they finally understand the extent of their bond.
"Aki,", Flay whispered as she leaned on Akiza's shoulder.
"What is it?"
"I don't know... It's just..."
"I know... Ever since when this war began, you wanted to fight so that no one will end up like how you suffered from the last war. The guilt from the past can be a big motivator if you want to atone from your mistakes.", Akiza continued. "Don't let your past sins determine your future, but how you can atone them can make a difference."
Again, Flay maintained a deep thought ever since being reminded that her past mistakes shouldn't determine her future.
Akiza then points out that sometimes reality is filled with contradictions, "You know, life can be unfair and time can be always cruel. Because the world is almost full of contradictions, so many aporias, antinomies, and paradoxes."
"What the heck is an aporia?", Flay asked about the context about the word "aporia", along with the words "antinomy" and "paradox", they all have the same meaning: contradictions. "What are you talking about, Aki?"
Akiza puts these three words into context: an aporia means a declaration of doubt. Antinomy is about incompatibility of two beliefs. Paradox is another self-explanatory term for contradiction.
She put it in Layman's terms, "Like what I said, the world is almost full of contradictions, people will look down on you for being too idealistic, which is not suitable for a world riddled by war. However, you have the power to prove people who criticize you wrong."
Akiza explains why that reality is riddled with contradictions, to prove that mankind at this point has never learned from the mistakes of the past as the current war persists in the present. But, there are some people who will prove them wrong; and Kira himself was that example.
Ironically, considering Akiza is also the pilot of the Paradox Gundam, she herself along with the rest of Team Paradox are the embodiment of philosophical contradictions.
"For real?", Flay raised a brow when Akiza also stated that sometimes contradictions are often proven wrong.
"That's right. You do have the power to prove anyone wrong if you believe what's right. You have to do it with conviction, with every fiber of your very being.", Akiza further elaborated. "You can make a difference, even by rejecting the reality of others and believing in your own."
For someone coming from a post-apocalyptic future, Akiza believes that mankind has the power to find their place in the world and even in the far reaches of space. proving their opponents wrong and believing in their own moral compass while living in a world filled with contradictions. Humans have the power to change and create their own future, this is what she and Kiryu believed in.
"I supposed Kira also took that as his way of life. Because Lacus is also that kind of person who can break through all those barriers that come between mankind and their desire for peace.", Flay added. "Even if that's the case, I won't hesitate. I don't want to be praised as some kind of "hero", I just do what I needed to do so that no one will have to suffer the same pain as I did in the past, even if the world will look down at me for it. I'm grateful that I've learned a thing or two from you, Aki."
Meanwhile, going back to Ian and Rio. The former ends up collapsing on Rio's chest as the two unlikely pair panted and breathing as if they are exhausted. They pushed each other to their limits for the whole night as both end up satisfied of making love.
"I never felt so satisfied in my entire life.", said the Iron Lady herself. And it took almost twenty times of orgasms to finally push her to the limit. "Incredible."
"No shit. That felt awesome, and you are sure as hell as undefeated than you look. I'm gonna die happy.", Ian replied as he panted between his words. "When you find the available time to fuck while fighting a war seems kinda difficult nowadays."
Given the unlikely chemistry between Ian and Rio, they think very much alike, right down to their eccentricity and being down-to-Earth theatrical.
"You're quite correct about it. God knows how long this war is going to last.", Rio can't help but agree. "The only thing we need to do is to find those responsible."
"Cutting off the head of the snake?"
"Precisely."
"So, that's why you're proposing a deal with the PLANTs' head honcho?"
"That's right. And the consequence of that is that we will be labeled traitors by the Seirans for collaborating with ZAFT."
"I don't think that's a dumb move. But whatever you're planning tells me your onto something."
"Overthrowing the Seirans is one of my main priorities, second is hunting down Djibril."
"You could have thought of a coup d'etat, boss.", Ian suggested a coup.
But, Rio objects. "That's a stupid idea. Instigating a coup against Orb's government is asking for an immediate death sentence. I have other ways to undermine the Seirans' control over Orb."
"Okay. I'm down.", Ian seems to be interested in Rio's plan to undermine the Seirans' control over Orb once the team returns to Earth. "Besides, I love to kill assholes that really deserve it and doing society a favor."
"Your enthusiasm and bloodlust never fail to amuse me.", Rio grins evilly, as she and Ian think very much alike and the lengths they will go to for the sake of the greater good. Ian doesn't show any shame of getting his hands dirty as he is used to killing people he sees as scum of the Earth when necessary. Rio is a brilliant strategist, with her patient way of playing a long game will often times put her at odds with her own allies for the morally dubious things she will do.
The next morning, Team Paradox's Gundam Operators arrive at the PLANT Supreme Council's main building, where Chairman Durandal awaits the five Gundam Operators.
Rio leads the way while the other four stood beside her, given that Rio is the commanding officer, her fellow Gundam Operators follow her orders. They will speak unless spoken to, Akiza and Kiryu as the two second senior officers did their effort to straighten Flay and Ian up to avoid any unnecessary attention.
As Rio and Durandal shook hands, Ian whispers, "So that's the chairman?"
"Ian, be quiet.", Kiryu instructed.
"Whatever."
"I'm surprised that there are people from Orb managed to visit the PLANTs.", Durandal greeted the heiress of the Tokino family. "I assume that you are also from Orb's five noble families, Commander Tokino?"
"It's an honor meeting you in person, Chairman Durandal. I would like to thank you for keeping our Chief Representative, Lady Cagalli safe following the Armory One incident.", Rio replied. "Do you know why we came here?"
The chairman gives her credit following the skirmish earlier, "I'm grateful for your unexpected assistance for repelling the Alliance attack on the colonies. Without further ado, please follow me and we will discuss matters."
Team Paradox then followed the Chairman inside the Supreme Council's main building as they proceed with the meeting.
Author's Note:
- There's a good reason Akiza is always skeptical about Durandal. One is that she quickly suspects that Meer is an impostor Lacus and is aware of Durandal using Meer as his propaganda machine. Two is that given that she's from the future, she might have heard about the Destiny Plan, but decided not to disclose it to Flay. Imagine how she would react about the Destiny Plan?
- If Gundam SEED Destiny's theme is about Freedom vs. Destiny: A world where everything is decided for you? Or where you can choose your own life? Gundam SEED Paradox, on the other hand, the main theme here is contradiction. Reality is full of contradictions but that does not mean you cannot make the impossible possible. The mobile suits from the future are far more advanced than the Second Stage suits, and thanks to the Gundam Operators' time medallions and time rings, they possess power that transcend logic and reason.