Phase-28: Endless Night
Shinn returned to the Minerva. All the mechanics were watching as he came down the Impulse and let the guards handcuff him and take him away, officially arresting him for the violation of Military Law article 3, section G. Athrun, Seren, and Lunamaria were waiting in front of the Captain's chambers, knowing he would be necessarily brought here. As expected, the soldiers arrived with their young prisoner. They worriedly looked at the boy who glanced at them before averting his eyes again. A guard took Shinn inside, only to leave him alone with the captain and vice-captain.
"...From your expression, I can tell you're prepared to be punished." Talia noted. "You did well coming back here, although Rey believed in you all along. But naturally, you knew what you'd be facing upon your return, didn't you? Releasing a prisoner without permission, striking crewmembers, unauthorized use of a mobile suit, contact with enemy forces... I've never heard of such foolish disregard for military regulations! Why did you do such a thing? Did you feel sorry for that girl? But she-"
"She was dying. I'm sure you were aware of that as well, Captain." Asuka interrupted her, speaking calmly and politely in spite of his feelings.
"Shinn!" Arthur warned him.
"She may be an Extended of the Earth Alliance, but Stella is still human! And yet to speak of her in that manner... that an autopsy would make it hard to have accurate, uncorrupted data, like she was an object! Nobody gave a damn if she lived or died! Sure, the Earth Forces are horrible, but Captain, acting like that doesn't make you any different!" His anger and frustration made him more forceful.
"Shinn! Watch your ton-" Trine started to rebuke him but Gladys held a hand to stop him.
"Even so, that doesn't justify your actions." She calmly countered him. "The fact is, she's an Extended, and we were ordered by Headquarters to bring her to Gibraltar. It is utterly unacceptable to disobey those orders based on personal opinion!" She harshly reproached him, making him grit his teeth. "I will have no choice but to report this to Headquarters. I will inform you of your punishment later. Until then, Shinn Asuka is to be confined to the brig along with Rey Za Burrel!" She declared, unfazed by the boy's glare. The deputy captain took Shinn out and the guards led him away.
"Shinn..." Luna worriedly muttered. Athrun scowled and marched away, followed by Seren after a heavy sigh from her. Luna and Arthur could only wonder what was with them before a loud noise startled them. Gladys had slammed a fist on her desk while swearing. Now that sort of outburst was exceedingly rare coming from her, which showed just how exasperated she was, how much duress that child had put her and the whole ship under.
As ordered, Shinn was taken to the brig. He had a slight reaction when he saw Rey was already confined there and was made to enter the cell next to his. The guards left and returned to their posts. Hidden behind a corner, the two young FAITH agents observed them walk away.
"Sorry." Asuka sheepishly apologized.
"For what?"
"Well... because..."
"You have nothing to apologize to me for. I did what I did on my own. Did you return her safely?" More than worrying about having gone through all that for nothing, he was showing genuine care for Stella and Shinn despite being in this situation because of them, and that deeply touched the pilot of the Impulse who nodded with a shy smile. "Then all's well."
"Yeah... thanks."
A second later though, Athrun and Seren came to interrupt this warm moment. Chacha was there too but hidden in the woman's pocket.
"Shinn."
"What it is?" The boy brusquely inquired, looking away from him.
"Well, I just feel bad about what happened. I had no idea you were thinking so much about her."
"Oh, it's not as if I was overly concerned about her." Shinn carelessly replied. "I just couldn't stand it any longer. Stella is also a victim here. But everyone forgets that and treat her only as an Extended from the Alliance, like it didn't matter if she died."
"However, that is a fact. You can't deny the facts that she's a pilot from the Earth Forces, and that many ZAFT soldiers have been killed by her. Have you-"
"That's-! But... But Stella didn't choose to become that way!" Shinn glared his way and leaned forward. "She's not like us who entered the military by choice!"
"Then all the more reason why you shouldn't have returned her. If she's unable to leave the battlefield on her own, chances are she could be forced to fight again..."
"So you're saying I should've just let her die?!" The child bolted upright.
"That's not it! But what you did solves nothing!"
"She was suffering so much and was so terrified! And that man promised me! He promised that he would return Stella to a kinder world, far from the war!"
"Are you saying that thanks to his promise, what you did was not a mistake?"
"Even I-!"
"Shinn, stop it already. Athrun too, I think that's enough. Discussing this now isn't going to accomplish anything. What's done is done, and we don't know what the future will bring. Discussing either is pointless. All we can do is pray and wait for tomorrow, all of us." Rey stopped them. Seren gave Rey her support, surprising all three boys.
"Seren, is that really what you should be doing? Why are you encouraging them?!"
"I'm not. But if you recall what I did in the last war, I'm not really in a position to blame them here..."
"B-but that's... the circumstances were completely different..." Athrun argued after faltering for a moment. After all, while fighting as pilots of the Earth Forces, Seren and Kira had similarly taken Lacus out without authorization, made contact with an enemy ZAFT soldier, that was Athrun, and returned Lacus, prisoner and daughter of the then PLANTs Supreme Council Chairman to him.
"True, there were a few sizable differences, but we'll come to that later. And while we don't know what the future will bring, it's still possible to make predictions and decide what to do in which case. Shinn, I want to hear your thoughts on a few things, and make sure you know what you got yourself – and all of us – into. Indeed, what's done is done, but now we must face the consequences of your actions. It's hard for me to say you guys were wrong to have so desperately wanted to protect someone, something. But Shinn... know that your violation of military regulations would normally send you straight to the firing squad. Not only that, but the ship as well, or at least we officers could be harshly punished as well for having failed to stop you. All because of your selfishness, to help an enemy, that's what many in this ship would feel should that happen. What are your thoughts on that? Did you act with the awareness you might not be the only one suffering those consequences?"
"...I was ready for whatever punishment I would get. But... I feel sorry for Rey and everyone. But, even so, I... I..."
"I see. You care about her, more than about your comrades."
"No, that's..."
"You can't deny it now. In any case, that you could care about Stella despite her origins and not simply reject her as an Extended means your world is widening, which is a good thing. I believe there's a chance Headquarters will be understanding if they consider your past accomplishments and potential higher than the loss they occurred when you made Stella escape." She smiled encouragingly, causing Shinn to smile in relief too. But then her expression turned grim again. "Now tell me, you said you're angry about her not being treated like a human being, but what about the others? The pilots of the Chaos and Abyss were Extendeds... humans too, like her... and so were the people in all those ships and Windams you sunk without a care in the world... They all had names, stories, wills, and their own reasons to fight... Yet it's only Stella that you treat differently... Why? The pilot of the Abyss that you killed, he likely went through exactly what she did, so why aren't you showing him the same consideration?"
"That's... I..." Of course he couldn't answer.
Seren sighed. "Geez, who's the hypocrite now? You don't care about others, you just wanted to do something about her because you love her... What 'It's not as if I was overly concerned about her'... good grief..." The girl shook her head.
"What? No, that's not true at all!" Flustered, Asuka tried to deny it. She wondered the point of trying to deny the obvious. Athrun was surprised too... concerned yes, but love?!
"You... It's because you don't look at others properly that you don't see the important stuff and keeps missing the mark. Now I really respect Lacus. How can a girl date such an oblivious guy?" Canaver sighed heavily again, peeving Athrun. She could be quite resentful and kept jabbing him. After all, Meer was one thing, but he hadn't noticed Luna and Meyrin fawning over him and thus did nothing to make them stay away.
"I'd be grateful if you could stop saying one thing too many." Zala frowned.
"Another point I want to you to think about, is that you call Stella a victim, and indeed she is, but that's not all she is. She is a soldier too." Seren ignored Athrun and turned back to Shinn (who was also angry that she kept ignoring his protests) "Many people become soldiers because they had no choice. How many of those Earth Forces soldiers enrolled because ZAFT killed their family? How many were simply deceived by the Blue Cosmos propaganda? How many children were kidnapped and raised as fighting machines? How many orphans unwittingly fell into their clutches? How many among all those you killed? Do you believe that only Stella is different, and that the rest of them wouldn't have taken a different path if given the chance? Did you ever pause to think about them?"
"That... but it's war so..."
"So it can't be helped? Yet, you're trying to do something for Stella only. Then, do you think I became a mobile suit pilot because I liked to fight and kill? I boarded a mobile suit because it was that or death. I boarded the Archangel because it was that or death. I didn't want to kill or fight, but I had no choice or my friends and I would have died, all because ZAFT attacked. I still don't want to fight, but I am here wearing this uniform because I felt I had no other choice in order to end this war even one day earlier, in order to protect what was important to me. If I were a more capable diplomat, I wouldn't be here now, and maybe this war would have gone differently. But I couldn't do it. Instead, I sunk ships and killed many people. That's all I was able to do in my weakness. I didn't want to, but that doesn't free me from responsibility. That is why I do all that I can to avoid killing. I know that Orb, the Earth Forces, all those I shoot, they're all humans, like me, with their own circumstances."
"I do too!"
"Do you? Then start showing more consideration to people other than Stella and yourself. And know that although Stella didn't choose this path, it doesn't free her or those people from responsibility either, just like it doesn't free me; because we're still the ones pulling the trigger. And your love for her doesn't free her either. Everyone lost someone, something in those wars. Athrun and I did too. Everyone is a victim. And for whatever reason, as long as we take a gun in our hands and shoot, we are all perpetrators as well. I'm sure it's something you didn't want to hear, but it's a reality you'll need to accept. You don't have to pretend to agree or understand now. But at least, since you'll have time on your hands, promise me you'll think about my words."
"...I promise." Asuka forced out. His unwillingness couldn't be any clearer, which made the young woman smile good-heartedly. As all he seemed to see was his own and Stella's suffering, she had wanted to draw his attention to others, that there were as many truths as people in this world. Next, she asked him about that enemy commander he met. After he described their encounter, she told him about the past, when she had been in the EA, she and her brother had also freed a girl from the 'enemy camp' kept in custody.
"Athrun and my brother were naïve enough to believe that after the exchange, everyone would be on their merry way and that would be it. But as expected, ZAFT attacked as soon as the hostage was returned. That's how proper commanders act. They can't let a single chance pass because they have to get things done. At that time, we were fine because that girl was a civilian, what more, a pacifist with authority and character, in full possession of herself and she kindly stopped the conflict. But Stella is different. As Athrun said, she cannot do something about her situation on her own. You may have felt that Neo's sincerity, but what about his superiors? Do you think they will hesitate to use her again after everything they already did? You know how those people operate, right? Do you believe Neo will truly be able to defy them? Commanders must obey orders from above. And the top won't care about the hopes and wishes of some naïve kids, especially in the Earth Forces... to them, Extendeds are tools that must fight until they break. So they'll definitely send her out again in the battlefield, maybe even against us."
"Even if you say that now, what-"
"As Rey pointed out, what's done is done. I'm telling you all that so that you can prepare for that eventuality." Seren interrupted his protests by raising a hand in peace. "So in case Stella returns to the battlefield as the enemy, and has forgotten about you... what will you do?"
"I'll stop her. I'll stop her and make her remember. She remembered me, so I will make her remember again."
"What about your comrades? She will attack with the intent to kill, and they'll need to defend themselves. If it comes down to that, will you sacrifice your allies to save Stella?"
"No! I won't let her hurt them either! I'll stop her no matter how many times, I'll protect both Stella and my comrades!" His strong declaration, filled with youthful innocence and confidence caused a pang in Athrun's and Seren's heart. They were reminded of their past selves. They had tried so, so hard to protect both their comrades and their friend on the other side... and been handed a reality check with Tolle's and Nicol's deaths. Shinn was so sure he would be able to protect everyone with his own hands. After all, ever since acquiring this 'power', he had never yet failed to protect or accomplish something when he wished for it so strongly. He still didn't know the limits of his strength, or that the world wasn't nearly as simple as what he made it out to be. He just wanted to protect the girl he liked. That was all he could think of now. It was a sweet and sour ache that made Seren place a fist on her chest.
"I see." She smiled wistfully, goodheartedly. As much as possible, she wanted to protect that love, that aspiration of his, so he wouldn't go through what she had suffered. "Then I'll help too. As much as I can, I will help you protect both Stella and our comrades."
"Really?!" The boy bolted upright and leaned forwards, his reddish brown eyes gleaming with hope and gratefulness.
"Of course, as much as possible. But Shinn, I must also warn you of MY resolution. If we do end up fighting Stella again, and she can't be stopped, if I am forced to choose between her and you or a comrade, then I will protect you... even if I have to kill Stella. I want to keep you and the others alive even if that means you'll hate me for life. This is my decision, and my duty both as Seren and as a ZAFT soldier."
"Wha-" He was evidently confused. After all, Seren, despite saying she would protect Stella, also spoke of killing her.
"That is only a last resort, if all else fails. Naturally, I WILL do all I can so that it does not come down to it. But I cannot, and will not sacrifice the ship, or the people for her sake. So you too must do your utmost to stop her as quickly as possible, and ensure that a situation never comes that would force me to kill her." Seren's amber eyes bore straight into his. They both had the same unflinching gaze, the same unyielding resolve to protect something, someone, even if what they wanted to protect was different and caused them to clash. After a time she nodded, having confirmed his feelings and intentions. Then she went to Rey. "Now, Rey, do come over." She gestured for him with his hands. The blonde teen complied without missing a beat or a single change in expression. The young woman pinched and pulled his cheeks as far as she could. "Oooooh, you're always so tight-laced I didn't know you were actually this elastic!" She feigned surprise. "But if you truly cared for your friend, you should have stopped him! What you would do if he gets executed because you went along with his whims, huh?!" She let go and the cheeks retracted back to their original place and shape and then she started petting his head. "But you did well. I'm sure Shinn felt saved that he had a friend like you that would stick with him and go this far for his sake. It's very important to have someone to believe in and who will believe in you in turn."
"Which is it?!" Athrun exclaimed. Did she think Rey was right? Or wrong? Asuka though had lowered his head, a subtle smile on his lips and a blush on his cheeks. Now he could relate to Canaver's words and feel proud and happy to have a friend like Rey.
"Both, of course. His actions will change meaning depending on the point of view and what you focus on. Since I couldn't decide whether to scold him or praise him, I'm doing both."
"You really do as you like."
"That's right."
"Then YOU please think more of the emotional struggles your friends must go through because you don't listen to them and keep doing as you please!"
"Athrun, we might be soldiers and the situation is as it is, but it's not good to always be this much on edge. You'll end up collapsing at this rate." Seren worriedly gazed at her friend and patted his head too.
"Whose fault do you think it is?"
"Shinn's." She replied like it was the most obvious thing.
"Hey!"
"You're not wrong, but you're not blameless either!" Zala retorted.
"Is that so?" The girl smiled, tilting her head innocently. Was she unaware of it? Was she just messing with him? It was one of those times when Athrun couldn't guess from her expression alone, causing him to hold and shake his head in frustration. No, she had to know and be messing with him! Meantime, Shinn was complaining to Rey that those two were totally saying what they liked and ignoring him... and Rey was simply smiling at the familiar and peaceful scenery.
While Durandal was reading the report on Shinn's misconduct in his office at Aprilius One, somewhere in the Russian steppes, impervious to the snowstorm, the Earth Alliance-affiliated land carrier Bonaparte received a communication from Neo Roanoke-taisa of the 81st Autonomous Corps requesting permission to land. The Bonaparte confirmed his identification code and gave permission. The magenta Windam and the plane transporting the last two Phantom Pain pilots landed next to the carrier. Sting glared at the blonde girl who was sleeping and groaning in a specialized medical bed, protected by a glass case. She had received emergency treatment in time and her life was no longer in danger but it was still going to be some time before she could recover enough. There were also a few staff members dedicated to her maintenance. As they boarded the Bonaparte, Oakley complained to their commander about how he had taken them to one heck of a remote place. And why the hell did he bring that half-dead thing with them?
"Nevermind that. There are too many things you guys don't know. At this point... it's another piece of information you don't need to know." The masked man silenced him. Sting didn't recognize Stella because they had erased her from his memories. But at least, he didn't want him to talk about her like this. As they passed next to the cabled and partly covered parts of what seemed to be a giant mobile weapon, Loussier opened her violet-red eyes. She didn't appear to be in pain anymore.
The blonde officer in charge of Phantom Pain, the 81st Autonomous Corps, arrived at his chamber, and removed his mask and fur-lined winter jacket, as well as his black uniform and the rest of his clothes, revealing a toned body marred by a number of substantial scars, and went to take a warm shower. But the pipping hot water did not warm his heart that he felt growing colder as he remembered the conversation he had with Lord Djibril...
"Well, miscalculations can happen sometimes. So are we to conclude that the Minerva's too much for you to handle? I was troubled as to how to deal with the situation, but luckily, the Destroy is complete. I've decided to hand that over to you. Although we've never would have had to come up with a plan like this had you sunk the Minerva, alas, it can no longer be helped. We've gotta get rid of the rotten parts quickly, or it'll start spreading. Use the Destroy to swiftly bring order to Western Eurasia. With its help, you'll succeed for sure this time, won't you, Neo?"
Neo gritted his teeth, knowing very well the sheer atrocity and inhumaneness of the plan that was about to be to be executed, and his own weakness and cruelty.
Athrun and Seren were standing on a walkway, overlooking the repairs on the Fortuna. He was worried about her, that her lectures would antagonize Shinn, and that she would be fighting again, alone with Shinn.
"It's fine. Someone had to tell him about the reality of things. Even if he reacts like this, I'm sure he'll understand one day. Deep down, he's not a bad kid. Deep down." She reiterated. "Even if we fight as a result, that's still one way of communicating. Surely you understand that." After all, they were in a middle of a fight with Kira, Cagalli, Rayner, and everyone. He nodded dejectedly. "As for my taking to the battlefield again, it can't be helped, with three units out of commission, and only the Impulse and Fortuna being able to fly. And with the hotheaded bull always charging forward without a single thought, he will need someone can remain cool-headed to have his back and keep him on track, right?"
"I know, but..."
"And who will stay back and protect the Minerva? There's Luna, Rey, Meyrin, Yolan, Vino... I like them all, so I want to protect everyone. And I need to fight for you as well." Right she would fight both to protect him, and for his sake, to do the things he was currently unable to do. Upon hearing those resolute words, and seeing that comforting smile, Athrun held his head for a moment before suddenly grabbing her by the waist and swiftly backing into a nearby dark corner, against the wall, where he hugged her as tightly as he could.
"...Promise me you'll be careful." That was all he could ask of her, knowing there was no way she would be allowed to sit out given their lack of fighting power, and that with only two machines, the burden on each would be all the greater. Especially the burden on her since she would need to be on all fronts, forced to compensate for everyone's absence and Shinn's narrow-sightedness.
"I promise I'll be careful." She lightly tapped his back. Neither of them noticed the green uniform or red locks of the twin-tailed female CIC officer hiding behind another corner.
The Archangel surfaced from the stormy sea. After the battle at Crete, it had left the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea, passed into the Adriatic Sea, flown northward over Western Eurasia, before diving under the North Sea and crossing it to arrive a distance off the coast of what used to be Norway and that now constituted, along with its former neighboring countries, the neutral Kingdom of Scandinavia. This kingdom was also the birthplace of the late Chairman of the PLANTs' Supreme Council Siegel Clyne. The engines started. No abnormalities. Only 90 left to their destination. The weather was just as bad as that of the Russian steppes. Miriallia watched the blizzard raging outside and commented how cold it looked. Neumann laughed. The docks at the fjord were indeed extremely cold. Chandra proudly added that was why the Archangel was now equipped with its very own hot springs. Milly was shocked to hear it but soon rejoiced.
Cagalli was using the dining hall as a meeting room with the newly added Orb soldiers. Rayner was standing behind her. Someone expressed his – and the others' – surprise that the Kingdom of Scandinavia had agreed to shelter them. Cagalli informed them that only the royal family and their closest advisors knew of it. She was grateful that some nations still respected and mourned her father. Amagi agreed and noted that country had also been quick to rescue them when they were under attack by the Earth Forces.
"I'm still just being protected by such people... and by you guys as well. Right now, I can only depend on everyone's kindness, but someday, I'll be sure to return the favor." She admitted her weakness before strongly announcing her goal. "If it's not too late, I will repay you by becoming a good leader who never gives up, just like my father." Her virtuous heartfelt declaration caused the men to fervently speak her name and swear to always follow her.
"There are many citizens in Orb who are dissatisfied with the Seirans' way and are waiting for your return, Cagalli-sama!" Another told her.
"I'm not an expert in politics, but no matter how I look at this war, I can't help but feel that the Alliance is to blame." Someone voiced their – and indeed the world's – sentiment.
"And as a nation under that same umbrella, Orb will also end up..." A man expressed the worries of most of Orb's citizenry. The others noisily voiced their assent, calling Seiran a fool.
"I understand, I understand but please give me a little time!" Athha stood up. "I'd also like to return to Orb as soon as possible, for you guys, and those who lost their lives at Crete and the Dardanelles. So please, please give me a little more time. And when the time comes, please lend me your strength! For the sake of Orb! Please!" She lowered her head to them.
"Of course, Cagalli-sama!"
"For the sake of Orb!" They all cheered for her, for their home country. She smiled in joy and gratitude. Rayner smiled too.
For a long time though, now, Kira had been in one of the Archangel's corridors. He seemed to the watching the sea and blizzard at the back of the ship, but he was actually lost in thought, until Murrue-san came to interrupt his musings. He apologized for having skipped out but she wasn't the slightest bit angry at him and smiled reassuringly.
"It's fine. You've been making every effort and doing so much, practically all on your own this time after all."
"Right... back then I had Seren with me. On the battlefield not only was she doing her part, but she was also watching my back. And in the ship she was also supporting me at my side..."
"Then maybe it's a good thing that she's at Athrun's side? He must be very relieved and she's there with him, supporting him, the same way she helped you out back then. Aren't you somewhat relieved that at least he's not alone?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"But what about you? Are you alright?"
"I was thinking... how did things end up like this? Why am I fighting Athrun again, and this time Seren too? Are we wrong? Maybe it's like they said, the Chairman is a good man, and the attack on Lacus had nothing to do with him? If what we've been doing is wrong and foolish..."
"Kira-kun... I don't believe there's anything foolish or wrong about trying to protect something, someone important to you. We can't be sure about what's best for this world as a whole but I think we love this world like we do because we have people important to us who live here."
"Murrue-san."
"It's probably the same for everyone. That's why we all try so hard, and why we fight, right? However, there are times when our methods... or rather, our thoughts are different. Even though the world is what it is because of those we love." She looked down, and upon noticing her wistful expression, Kira hung his head, remembering that at the end of the last war, she had lost the man she loved, and who was also like a mentor to him. "I'm sure Athrun's and Seren's desire to protect is the same. And that's what makes things all the more difficult. I'm sure the day will come when you can be together again. So don't give up. Do your best in your own way. Okay?" She petted his head.
"Yes!"
A few days later, Roanoke took Sting and Stella – both in their pilot suits – to the hangar, and showed Stella her new mobile suit, which was extraordinarily massive.
"Stella's... new machine...?" The girl tilted her head at him.
"Yeah, you'll have to use this to fight again, Stella. Otherwise, scary things will come and kill us all." Neo spoke grimly, once more manipulating Stella into throwing herself in the battlefield despite remembering the innocent wish of the boy who had returned her to him, and that he had betrayed. It was a promise he had made knowing full well he could never keep, although deep down, he would have loved nothing more than to fulfill it.
"Kill us? Me too? Neo too?" She fearfully gazed at him and gripped his sleeve.
"That's right."
"No! I don't want it! I don't wanna die!"She shrank in sheer terror and tightly shut her eyes.
"Then you'll have to fight." He softly told her, cupping her cheek and raising her face. While of course he did not show it, quite a bit of self-disgust was welling up inside him at his own words and actions. "If it's Stella, you can do it. You must get rid of all the scary things."
"Get rid... of the scary things..." She stepped back and glared at her new unit, determination etched onto her face.
As the Bonaparte started moving, fully loaded inside out with Windams and Jet Daggers L and backed by combat helicopters, the Minerva had also left its hiding place was receiving supplies at a base on the Lybian coast. North Africa as a whole had grown quite supportive of ZAFT these last years, so this support base had been built with the locals's permission and help. Proper repairs were also being carried out. Indeed, while the mechanics had done some emergency patching (and they had really done well despite the severity of the damage and the lack of materials and equipment) it wasn't nearly enough to save the ship should there be another terrible onslaught. The ship needed to be in its best condition. The missing parts for the Fortuna had been loaded as well and the repairs were going smoothly. Some materials meant for the Savior were also being used on the Fortuna. It would soon be able to sortie alongside the Impulse. Meyrin informed the Captain that a Level One coded message had arrived for her from Headquarters. Talia and Arthur gasped, having infered what this message was about, and headed towards her personal room and office to read it. Trine was worried about what would happen to Shinn. Gladys had no idea. Under normal circumstances, he'd be executed. But he might escape it if his past achievements were taken into consideration.
Gladys started her computer, which was really a keyboard, the screen being holographic. She surmised they were likely going to be punished too for their inability to stop Shinn, making her subordinate groan. But the content of the message she opened and read was shocking enough to make them gasp.
In the Minerva, soldiers released both Shinn and Rey. "The matter of the captured Extended escaping and surviving is most regrettable. However, taking into consideration your ship's achievements so far and the current war situation, this matter shall be overlooked."... was the response from Headquarters, which made Arthur reel back in shock. Shinn was brought to the Captain's office again where the two glared at each other.
Some time later, Shinn and Rey freely walked down the corridors of the Minerva, heedless of all the whispers about them. While everyone was surprised by the decision of the Headquarters, some were dissatisfied he hadn't been punished nearly enough, got such preferential treatment and that basically such selfish irresponsibility had been approved, most were amazed by his sheer combat ability that made even that that sort of behavior permissible. Might made right. The pair reached the lounge. Vino and Yolan ran to them and rejoiced for Shinn. Luna stood up and took a few steps but Shinn ignored her and went straight to Athrun and Seren.
"I'm sorry for any worry that I caused you. I'm fine now. Thank you for everything."
"It was nothing."
"It appears there are people at Headquarters who understand me." Shinn added, oozing smugness from his every pore. "This proves that this truth you talk about isn't the whole truth." He went on, causing Athrun to frown and glare at him.
"The people at Headquarters certainly are understanding... for all the unfortunate people who would have been punished alongside a certain rude, thoughtless, and self-centered brat regardless of their hard work and perfect record until now... As well as for me who would have been made to defend the ship and attack the enemies all on my lonesome otherwise..." Seren wiped a fake tear of emotion at the corner of her eye. Asuka's eyebrow twitched.
"Wha-" But just as he started protesting, Rey placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked back at his blonde friend, lowered his head, closed his eyes, and forced himself to calm down. "Well then." The boy saluted after a deep breath and walked away.
"Excuse me." Rey did the same.
Stella activated her new machine. The screen read Gigantic Unilateral Numerous Dominating Ammunition G.U.N. Fortress. The gundam was on standby for action. A happy yet sinister smile curved her lips. Neo and Sting were also going to accompany her as support in the magenta Windam and the repaired Chaos.
"Linkage with biological CPU, satisfactory." The cables were disconnected from the Destroy. With a head height of 38.07m, an overall height of 56.30m and over 400 metric tons, rendering it able to simply squash a normal mobile suit underfoot, the GFAS-X1 Destroy was, as its name indicated, built for the sole purpose of mass destruction.
On the circular backpack was a pair of twin-barrelled "Aufprall Dreizehn" High-energy Beam Cannons, the suit's most destructive weapon, which also possessed the longest range of attack, though they can only be used in MA mode. A set of twenty "Nefertem 503" Thermal Plasma Composite Cannons capable of continuous fire for limited amounts of time (with they shooting angle adjustable by rotating the barrels while being fired), were placed along the circumference of the backpack and usable in both MA and MS mode. Four Mark 62 6-tube Multipurpose Missile Launchers (two facing the front and two facing the rear) primarily used for mobile unit interception and pure offensive barrage, also had their place on the top of the backpack. Four "Igelstellung" 75mm Automatic Multi-barrel CIWS were mounted on the unit's head, as well as a "Zorn Mk2" 200mm Energy Cannon in the mouth part. Three "Super Scylla" 1580mm Multi-phase Energy Cannons were mounted on the chest and could be fired in combination with the "Zorn Mk2" for maximum effect. The "Super Scylla", "Zorn Mk2" and "Igelstellung" could only be employed in MS mode.
The Destroy was also armed with two "Sturm Faust" Detachable Arm Beam Cannons, each being a small arsenal unto themselves as the back of the hand section had a single beam cannon, plus, masquerading as the Destroy's ten fingers were MJ-1703 5-barrel Split Beam Guns used for more multidirectional attacks. The forearms could detach and serve as wireless remote controlled weaponry like DRAGOON Pods and be deployed in both MA and MS mode, but unlike most other types of remotely operated weapons, they could be operated in the atmosphere. They were the suit's 'secret weapon' against fast moving targets, made to balance out the unit's general poor mobility. For defense, the Destroy had a "Schneidschutz" SX1021 Positron Reflector Shield generated by three emitters, one on each hand, and one on the backpack. But only the arm-mounted ones could be used in both modes, the backpack one functioned only in MA mode.
"Emergency crew, standby. X1 Destroy, opening platform gate." The dome atop the Bonaparte opened. The platform was raised, revealing the GFAS-X1 Destroy. GFAS-X stood for Gressorial Fortress Armament Strategic – EXperimental. It needed to launch it MA mode though, thanks to its slightly smaller size, which looked like a monster mushroom with two legs, the backpack having pivoted to a horizontal position, and to support and balance the weight the legs became like bird legs. It launched gently, hovering not too high above the ground. Due to its massive size though, it could not fly high and had very poor mobility, both in terms of speed and maneuverability. Neo and Sting sortied too. The boy complained that he wasn't the one given that new machine. He was a much better candidate than that still recovering mixed up girl. The officer replied that according to their data, Stella was a better match and could operate that thing more effectively. Oakley clicked his tongue as the two positioned themselves behind the colossal gundam.
The ZAFT Compton-class heavy land battleship Compton, along with a numbers of BuCUES, BABIs, GAZuOOts, and AWACS DINNs had gone to intercept the Bonaparte. A 230 meters long recent addition to the PLANTs's armament, it was equipped with two triple beam cannon, two pairs of twin cannon, four 75mm rotary quadruple cannon, as well as many 40mm CIWS guns and anti-air missile launchers. And it could host over thirty mobile suits. Unlike the previous ZAFT-developped land battleships, this model travelled using caterpillar tracks instead of scale motors. The Bonaparte was longer, 250 meters, could contain 40 mobile suits, and was armed with four dual beam cannons, ten dual machine cannons, and a dual anti-air cannon. It was also equipped with thirty-two smoke dispensers mounted across its hull. If the two battleships were similar in performance, the point of the battle would be the effectiveness of the mobile suits.
The ZAFT forces fired first but no ranged attack could even scratch the Destroy, protected by its positron reflector shield. Stella roared. By shooting the twin-barrelled "Aufprall Dreizehn" High-energy Beam Cannons just a few times, the ZAFT battleship and mobile suit squadron were decimated and the beautiful city of Warsaw they were trying to protect was also heavily damaged. The black titan went on unchallenged, devastating the whole city.
After Warsaw, the Bonaparte and Destroy had kept going straight and after laying waste to the city of Łódź, despite ZAFT's valiant efforts, it was now the turn of Poznań. The BABIs' "Ardor" multi-phase beam cannons were also useless against a positron reflector. The tanks and BuCUEs trying to circumvent it were taken down by the arm and hand-mounted cannons and stomped. Stella howled and released a barrage of missiles both at the ground and air forces, annihilating them. The shockwave blasted the screaming civilians attempting to run away. The "Sturm Faust" arm beam cannons detached themselves and aimed for the mobile suits flying about. She glared down at the GAZuOOTs and activated her twenty "Nefertem 503" thermal plasma composite cannons, ravaging the city, massacring the people, until the Destroy stood alone amidst a sea of fire, blood, and ruins. Three cities and their respective defensive forces, utterly decimated in just three days...
Kira and Murrue returned to the bridge, laughing, right as an alarm started ringing on Chandra's computer. It was an emergency message from Terminal. Likewise, Meyrin informed Gladys-kanchou of an emergency message from Headquarters. "The Earth Forces are staging an attack in central Eurasia. Three cities have already been destroyed. All ZAFT forces are to go to emergency status!" The sudden news shocked the officers of the Minerva. The crew members on the bridge of the Archangel were even more appalled after watching the footage sent by Terminal showing the rampage of the monster unleashed by the Earth Forces.
"Let's go, Murrue-san." Kira enjoined.
"Right." She agreed. He quickly left the bridge to go check on the Freedom.
"I have to get rid of the scary things, all of them!" Stella exclaimed resolutely, almost desperately.
The future is uncertain and the past can never be changed. Surely, it is too dark in there. Is it the darkness before dawn? All this time, we've been searching for our place in this world. There is chaos in adversity, but it's not just despair. No matter how many times we doubt and feel lost deep inside our hearts, there's a 'small ray of light' called 'love'. In our immaturity, we still don't know how to protect this 'love'. That's why we suppressed our passion.
Author's note: lectures and debate, and some teasing. We also see an improvement in the relationship Athrun/Seren.
I also had great news for you fellow GS fans. In case you don't know already, a new film/movie will come out in January 2024 titled 'Gundam Seed Destiny Freedom'. It looks like Kira will become the enemy in this one as Lacus asked someone to stop him. You can google the title and date to see the trailers.
Next chapter of this story will be titled 'Phase-29: Broken Promises'