Gundam Seed: The Federation

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 SaddlePatch

2. Phase 2: Collapse

A/n

This chapter became much longer than I had expected… sorry about that. Anyways, not much else to say other than what I've already said in the previous Phase. So then, on with the story where I left off.

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Phase 2: Collapse

January 25th, 71 C.E.

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-Neutral pov-

Heliopolis Interior

"Rusty failed," said Athrun over the radio to Miguel Aiman, one of his ZAFT mentors as well as an ace pilot. "I saw the pilot that boarded and they are an Earth Forces officer." Athrun didn't mention that he had tried to kill that said officer, but he'd run out of ammo and tried to finish them off with a combat knife. To his misfortune, the officer still had ammo, and they had used it to put a bullet in his leg.

"What, Rusty is gone?" gasped Miguel before turning his attention to the stumbling gray machine the Earth Forces officer had boarded. Sure, not all of the ZAFT pilots were the best of friends, but that didn't mean that none cared if one of their comrades died. Miguel fired a few rounds from his machine gun at the Alliance suit, yet after watching it stumble and get lucky, he decided to not waste the ammunition. He put his rifle away and pulled out his GINN's sword, "Alright then, I'll capture this machine. Athrun, go ahead and make sure you get yours out of here. Make Rusty's death count for something Athrun."

Athrun, looked around and saw all the people fleeing in panic, and a twinge of guilt went through him. Still, he got down to making some OS modifications to make the mobile suit usable, while Miguel charged at the grey machine ahead of him. The spray of bullets from the suit's guns in the suit's head, were easily evaded with their targeting not properly calibrated. Miguel Swung the GINN sword downward, yet the Alliance machine brought its arms up to block the blade. At the same time, the Alliance machine suddenly shifted color, turning a brilliant white, blue, and red. Where the GINN sword was pushing against the opposing suit, sparks flew off in all directions.

"What the?! What's going on with this armor?" cried Miguel in frustration and surprise.

"The Alliance mobile suits are equipped with a system known as Phase Shift armor," said Athrun as he continued to type away, recalibrating the OS to something that could be control and move with relative confidence and proficiency. "Once it's activated, it renders the GINN sword useless as well as most projectiles." Athrun activated his own phase shift, turning his suit, the Aegis a brilliant red. He then used the Igelstellungs to destroy a few incoming missiles, before taking out the artillery truck that fired at him.

"You've gotta get out of here now," said Miguel, "You can't stick around this place forever or the Naturals will find a way to get the machine you have back."

Athrun nodded, and was just about to leave when there was another explosion that occurred at the front of the main factory structure sending debris flying forward. Then from the smoke and flames came two objects, which quickly became identifiable as mobile suits. Both machines were grey like the other Alliance machines had been without their phase shift armor system active. The one that was slightly in the lead, appeared like the unit that Nicol had been assigned to capture, but had a shield on its left arm rather than the right and a medium length rifle on its right hip. The other suit appeared to be similar to the white and blue one but had a large backpack attached on the rear of the upper section of the suit that had wings. The most noticeable difference though, was both suits were moving in a much less jerky manner than the other Alliance machines.

"Huh? Two more of these new mobile suits?" questioned Miguel as Athrun stared at them in shock. "Damn it… okay, change of plans, Athrun, see if you can subdue the one with the flight system on its back quick, then whichever one of us finishes first goes for the other."

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

I managed to come to a stop in the forecourt in front of the factory, the major changes I made to the operating system were showing off their effectiveness as the improvement and smooth operation was easy to see now. However, I'm used to working with a Human Federation fighter OS, not a mobile suit like this, not to say I'm a stranger to piloting a mobile suit. The suit was responding with the input I was giving and that's what counts. Maybe not the best it could be yet, in my defense, I'd only minutes to pretty much rewritten the entire OS even if I was somewhat familiar with parts of it, so cut me some slack. On my left, the suit Kira and Lacus was in touching down around ten meters away.

And now that we're out in the open, I took a quick glance around the general area and I didn't like what I was viewing. We were still in the Factory District around Morgenroete and ZAFT has been busy making a mess of things! I switched on the radio and connected to the suit next to me, "Kira, you and Lacus read me?" I asked.

"Yes, we can hear you." Kira replied.

Upon glancing down at the sensor detection display, I noted two things immediately; Kira and I had company and there were still people fleeing from this battle in the area. I focused back on the immediate issues at hand, "Looks like we got incoming, two ZAFT GINNs and one of the stolen Alliance mobile suits."

"What's with the different colors with those two machines, why aren't they grey like ours?" asked Kira.

Shifted my gaze from the stolen Alliance machine which had turned mostly red with a little white yellow and black to the last Alliance suit which was overall white, with red and blue parts around the torso. Saw that Kira was quite right, both suits had changed color, likely due to one of their defense systems, known as Phase Shift Armor.

By what I'm to understand, mostly from what Alan had gleamed from working around Morgenroete, it's one the major features that the Earth Alliance boasts about behind closed doors. The general idea of the system, is to use electricity to reduce damage the suit incurs, at least while power is being provided to the system. It's admittedly quite the achievement with the defense the idea can provide in battle. "My guess is one of the defensive options these units are equipped with. The unit I'm driving has it too, Phase Shift Armor I believe it's called, yours may have the same idea built into it for all we know." I returned.

Scanning the field again, took in the jerky way the white suit was moving… Oh yes, the Alliance calls that mobile suit, the "GAT-X105 Strike" the other general-purpose unit. My educated guess is that the pilot is using the piece of junk that was being passed off as an OS for these machines… which is kind of impressive when you take into account the pathetic state the 'operating system' was in. One of the GINNs was pounding the Strike, while the second GINN was in the air looking over the field, and then the red stolen machine was looking over in our direction. Posture and movement said that the stolen mobile suit, the "GAT-X303 Aegis" had a partly fixed and working OS, assuming that the pilot had done some work on it.

From where Kira, Lacus and I stood, to move forward, we needed to know a few things. I needed to know where Kira stands with the systems in the suit he's piloting is in. Going on from then, we would have to get these mobile suits to go away. "Kira, is the operating system on your unit crap, not really usable, or good enough to work with?" I asked in a slight rush.

"Uh, usable… still needs a little work though." Was my friend's answer.

So… not really usable yet, that's not what I wanted to hear. Oh well, it's what I get to work with, so roll with it! "Then get those fingers of yours typing and make the required changes, I'll hold the GINNs and the red suit at bay while you do." I replied, gripping the controls in my hands.

I honed my attention on the Aegis, the first action I made, was to push the button that activated the Phase Shift armor system for my own suit. I might as well have the best defense I can, the odds are against me when it comes to numbers. Doubt skill level will be against me, since I'm no run of the mill pilot, am very good at when it comes to piloting.

Anyway, my mobile suit's color changed to being black overall with blue on the feet, sides and back of the knee sections, both sides of the torso, and the thruster apparatus on the back of the suit. Then there were red accents at the ankles hip coverings, front vent on the hip section, vents on the chest and the outside of the shoulders. So, this suit is a kind of twin of the Blitz as I had sort of suspected, wonder why someone would build a unit so similar yet not make it a copy?

Shook my head to rid myself of the questions about this machine and focused on the task at hand. Grabbed the beam rifle stored on the right hip with the right hand of the suit, and brought it up along with the shield, to be able to shift it to block incoming shots and counterattack the situation called for. I wasn't about to let the pilot of the Aegis have things easy or their way! ZAFT may not be the ones who laid the groundwork for this situation, but they are certainly not clear and innocent. They brought mobile suits into a colony that's owned by a member nation of the Human Federation, and that goes against a couple of agreements that ZAFT has with the Federation, at least one big one.

Now, there's a fairly noticeable difference between the Shadow and the Blitz, that being the thruster system. Where the Blitz had six thrusters, the Shadow has eight and they're as far as I could tell, more powerful and robust. The top two boosters which were housed on the upper back inside of either should, set in shrouds. They were a little heavier duty than the other six thrusters. Along the center line of the back, was two sets of twin thrusters, one set near the top of the back and the other sat behind where the cockpit is. The last two boosters for this machine, were a little below the top two heavy boosters and pointed outward somewhat, but were able to pivot. In fact, all the thrusters could pivot somewhat to help in directing pushing power that came from the thrusters.

Time to get this situation going in a better direction than it is right now, began doing so by leaning my mobile suit forward, igniting most of the thrusters on the back. That sent me rocketing forward, with the shield set in front, not for defense but for a surface to deliver impact. The funny thing, the Aegis didn't move from its spot and oh… it felt awesome to smash my suit's shield… I guess for the moment, this mobile suit is mine, anyway slam the shield into the upper section of my opponent's mobile suit. Used the momentum, transferring it to the Aegis and sending the machine flying back a good distance, before it righted itself with its own thrusters.

"What the hell?!" Sounded over the field in the form of a demand from the pilot of the Aegis, clearly caught off-guard by my upfront and brute force approach.

…That voice, I swear it sounds kind of familiar, but I can't place where I could have heard it at the moment. Filed the observation in the back of my mind and got my brain back in the fight. Since my opponent has Phase Shift armor, projectiles and just most weapons that aren't beams are pretty much not effective while its going. How unlucky he is that I just happen to have a beam rifle to work with, so I'm not exactly worried about the damage department with hitting him. My concern is that there could still be people around here, fighting would put them in more danger than they already are in. Unfortunately, the choice was made for me as the second GINN dove towards me. Tilted the Shadow's head upward and used its CIWS Igelstellungs meant for interception, which were loaded with ammo that was of the 60mm caliber grade to unload. The bullets found their mark and the GINN was force to veer off its approach at me. Then I pointed my beam rifle at the Aegis which had been closing the distance between us and fired off a round forcing the machine to stop its advance.

A flash of white passed me on the right and I saw Kira's mobile suit fly to the assistance of the

Strike. Apparently, Kira had finished fixing the mobile suit's OS and was entering the fight… naïve as my friend is, he tends to have impeccable timing. "Kira listen, we only need to convince the GINNs and the red one to leave, that doesn't mean we have to kill them." I said seriously.

Aimed on my rifle back at the Aegis again and shot a volley at the red suit, making it jump back and move side to side in order to evade my shots. Within a few minutes, I was able to nail the second GINN and blast off an arm and Kira and forced the other GINN to fallback as well. The Aegis followed the other two mobile suits retreating from the area, but glanced back at us before leaving. Kira and I watched them go, and only when a voice came over the com channel did we snap out of the trance of watching the mobile suits go, "I don't know who either of you are," a female voice said over the radio. "But thank you for the assistance."

The Strike glanced around. "If you don't mind, I would like to speak to you both face-to-face," the pilot said, who was apparently a woman.

With that, the pilot, whoever she was, began moving the Strike rather clumsily over to a nearby park. Although, in the woman's defense, taking into the pre-fixed condition of the OS into account, to get the mobile suit to move at all is quite something. The Strike stumbled just as it entered the park, nearly toppling over. However, Kira suddenly rushed next to her and caught the Strike, carrying it the rest of the way and helped move the suit it into a kneeling position. While that was happening, I maneuvered my mobile suit to be a short distance away from the other two suits and brought it down to a kneeling posture, switching off the phase shift armor to conserve power in the battery. After all, who knows when the opportunity to recharge will come up and doubtless the isn't over.

Unbuckled the restraint belts, before toggling the switch that opened the hatch. Waited for the forward screen to move out of the way, then I came out of the cockpit. Then I used the zip line to descend down to the ground. I glanced over to the other two mobile suits, the Strike turned grey and the hatch in the torso opened. Kira meanwhile, maneuvered the Astray like suit to be beside the Strike and then knelt it down. After kneeling, the hatch opened, Kira and Lacus stepped out into the fresh air. Looking back to the Strike, I saw that a woman in an orange jump suit climbing out of the Alliance mobile suit. She had shoulder length brown hair and from what I could see, her eyes were brown and she was shorter than me, but a couple of inches. I've seen a few of the Earth Alliance officers here, but can't say I've seen this woman, at least I can't recall her face.

The female Earth Forces officer gained an expression of shock and surprise at seeing Kira, Lacus and myself. But then, doubt she would have expected people our ages to be the ones driving machines like these. The expression didn't last all that long, before she waved over to us, "You three!" she called making her way towards us. "Thanks for your assistance."

Kira nodded, Lacus smile, while I gave a lose salute, which were I to give to one of my superiors, I would be in trouble for disrespect! But then again, I'm known for not giving a lot of respect to others until they've earned that respect. Yet, back to the present, let my gaze scan around the immediate area and most of the friendliness I was showing faded and I felt much less inclined to be nice. The factory district was a mess with rubble all over the place… when it comes to write the report on this incident, it's going to SUCK! And I'll probably be responsible for writing that report for this as leader of the Federation investigation team… fan-freaking-tastic! How, I wonder could things get more complicated than they are now?

"Kira!" came a voice I had heard earlier.

We all spun around and saw a group of teenagers that Kira and I knew as they were our friends and they were running over to us. I had to ask… well, it does answer my unsaid question, this will be a very long day, I feel it! Tolle was in the lead of our four friends, but the sound of something collapsing to the ground brought my attention back to the three behind me. Turning around I found the Earth Forces Officer had fallen to the ground and her left shoulder was red with blood.

"What's going on? What were you three doing in these two mobile suits anyway?" Tolle asked.

"Lacus and I got stuck in the factory," said Kira. "We came across Tye and then found these two mobile suits, and decided to use it to escape."

"Uh, not to interrupt your catch-up session, but this woman needs medical attention if her shoulder, which is bleeding is anything to go by," I said flatly with a little emotion.

My comment had the desired effect and we carried the woman over to a bench and set her down softly. Miriallia did the dressing on the shoulder of this woman and Lacus was checking the lady over. Tolle and Kuzzey climbed up to the cockpit of the Strike and Tolle clambered in, while Kuzzey watched and Kira kept an eye on them both. As there was work to be done and I tend to be one of the more responsible ones in the group, I grabbed Sai, then he and I went to gather some supplies as well as check on the status of the colony.

After I access a colony console, I checked on the status of the colony, mostly to assess the current damage of Heliopolis. To say Heliopolis had come on bad times, just wouldn't deliver the picture accurately at all. The resource colony had taken a serious beating and I don't think it'll be able to handle all that much more. Hell, her construction was being put through a situation more rigorous than the tests she had passed to be considered safe. The threat level had gone up to 7, so the shelters would be locked down, even if any of us could get to one of them, unlikely would be able to get in at this point. Things were certainly not looking good for those of us stuck out in the colony… and I don't think this situation is done with its descent into hell just yet.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

The Vesalius, near Heliopolis

"Commander, Rusty… failed," came Athrun's voice over the radio, a tone of pain audible, "An Earth Force's officer boarded the last prototype. Miguel was attempting to capture it when two more machines appeared."

"Two more machines, you say?" questioned Le Creuset, they hadn't heard of this in anyway.

"Yes sir," toned in Miguel. "I thought that Athrun and I could handle them, so told Athrun to deal with one of them and then whoever got done would seize other. However, both the mobile suits were moving very differently. Athrun and I believe they probably had completed OSs. The other issue was the prototypes have some kind of armor that rendered my weapons useless, so we felt it was prudent that we both withdraw."

"Understood," said Le Creuset. "Your decision was sound and wise under the change in circumstances. Both of you are to come back to the ship, Athrun, make sure the captured unit is ready for data extraction. I want everyone else to withdraw for the time being and begin resupply. I'll head out myself to deal with the final Alliance mobile suit, and then investigate these… unexpected machines." Le Creuset then got up from his chair and headed to the hanger of the ship.

-Line Break-

Outside of Heliopolis

Lieutenant La Flaga was flying around the battlefield outside of the colony, fighting a GINN. He managed to do damage to a leg, but it wasn't critical enough to lead to the destruction of the mobile suit. Major McAlester was a distance away fighting off another GINN and was holding her own for now. As far as either could tell, they were all that was left of the defending forces for this colony or what was inside it. But, as Lieutenant La Flaga watched, the GINN he had been fighting backed off and went back in the direction of the ZAFT vessels. It was then he saw three bright flares in the same direction the GINN had headed in, a signal from one of the enemy vessels perhaps? "They're retreating? At this point? Something isn't right about this, there's still something…" he muttered to himself.

"Mu, are you okay?" came Major McAlester's voice over the com-channel.

"Yeah Krystal, I'm fine for now, but it looks like we're all that's left." Replied Mu La Flaga.

"Am well aware of that Mu. Luke and Gail getting shot down and then the ship crashing into the colony… this is unreal. Yet, any idea why ZAFT just suddenly retreated? It isn't like them to do normally," Krystal said.

Mu knew that Krystal was right this was odd for ZAFT forces to do, they had been winning, yet they were retreating. Then out of nowhere, a strange feeling came over Mu La Flaga, as if there was someone watching him and coming closer. He turned his mobile armor around and began flying towards whatever it was causing this odd unknown feeling in him.

At the same time, Rau Le Creuset was himself in a ZAFT CGUE-type mobile suit, making his way towards Heliopolis. "Can you sense my presence Mu La Flaga, just as I can sense yours? An unfortunate fate, wouldn't you say, Mu La Flaga? But, to whom is this twist the more unfortunate? You, Mu La Flaga or me?" Le Creuset mused.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Heliopolis Colony Interior, Factory District

After Sai and I finished gathering the immediate supplies that all of us needed, the two of us headed back to the park where the rest of our group was. The female Alliance officer was still out cold, probably from the blood she lost from being shot in the shoulder and not stopping the bleeding as quickly as possible. After dropping the supplies, Sai walked over to the Strike and began to chastised Tolle for goofing off. Meanwhile, I walked over to Kira who was sitting on a bench, appearing to be in deep thought. Put a hand on his shoulder and gave a weak smile, "You doing okay Kira?" I asked, real worry evident… rare as it is with me.

My friend nodded slowly, "Yeah, I think so… just a lot to take in." he answered.

I snickered a bit, "Ain't that the truth Kira," I replied putting an arm on Kira's shoulder.

A moan got Kira and me to look over to the bench on the left, where the Alliance woman was waking up. Kira briskly made his way over to the bench, where as I sat down on the bench nearest to me and grabbed the assault sub-machine gun I'd taken from the ZAFT soldier and began inspecting it to make sure it was working right. My pistol was fine as I kept it in good working order. Hey, you never know when you might need a gun to defend yourself, especially during these uncertain days!

Since, if memory serves me right, a good portion of the Earth Forces soldiers and officers didn't think highly of those who were citizens of neutral nations including the Federation member nations, at least not of those I've met. They tend to think that we all should be involved in the war of Naturals vs Coordinators and are adamant about that view. Although I wasn't over around the bench or around the Strike, I was listening to the conversation very carefully. "You're with the Alliance," said Kira as a statement of fact.

Glancing over for a moment at the woman and seeing her thinking, "Yes," she said.

At least she isn't denying the facts, it was clear when you look at recent events. I lowered the sub-machine gun out of sight, hoping that using it wouldn't be necessary and twisted to watch the group at a distance. The woman was looking all of us over, even me. As we aren't part of the Earth Alliance, and we've seen what they would consider a military secret, some policies might come into play, I can't say. However, these mobile suits ain't so secret anymore and likely will never be again, for several reasons. I would defend my friends here however I needed to, and would even bring up the crimes committed here if that's what was required.

The woman sighed, "We never wanted Heliopolis to get involved… at least, not like this."

Tolle gained a look of incredulity, "Give me a break! Kind of too late to say things like that now, isn't it?" he muttered.

"We just wanted Morgenroete to help us build the prototype suits and our ship, before we left quietly, but," the woman said, before looking around, then letting out a sigh.

With my current inclination to be… well, none too friendly and a bit antagonistic right now, I decided to say my thoughts. "Well, we can all clearly see the results of your intentions, now can't we," I spoke a tad coldly, but it was clear that everyone heard me.

There was an awkward silence as everyone looked over to me, before I exhaled at the truth of the comment I just made, but said nothing. The woman looked over us all again, "Listen, you've all seen something that you shouldn't have, yet you all appear to be good kids, so…"

I snorted loudly, gaining everyone's attentions again, "Are you about to say, go find a shelter?" I asked flatly.

"We haven't been able too," said Miriallia, "Everywhere we've managed to reach so far has been full."

"Plus, with what crap that has gone down, all shelters have been locked down due to the heighten threat level to the colony. So, we're stuck in this crapshoot due to the actions of you and your colleagues, thank you very much," I remarked in the toneless voice I'd been using, now having gained a deadpanned expression.

"I see…" said the woman uncertainly. "Well… I guess we'll just have to stick together for now."

She glanced between the two mobile suits Kira and I had piloted, while the rest of us stared at her. I'd to admit, this woman was a different kind of Earth Forces officer than I'd been around for a while. She wasn't holding us hostage, since we've seen things 'that we shouldn't have'. Not that she could, for I still had the sub-machine gun in my right hand, the safety was on, but I had a finger on the trigger. "We'll probably need to rely on these things for the time being. I'm guessing we can't recharge the battery on the ones you have, but the one I have, the Strike, can be recharged with external power, which there should be one in one of the trailers that went with them. If we can retrieve one of those, then we can recharge the Strike in case we're attacked again. Meanwhile, we can try to call for assistance, while looking for the trailer."

"Calling who?" asked Kira, shifting just slightly between the female officer and Lacus, but only Sai, Lacus and myself took notice of his nervousness.

"Under the circumstances, the Earth Alliance may be our best bet," said the woman.

"I see…" said Kira softly.

A snorted escaped me again, "If you say so, that's if any are still alive right now. With everything that happened recently, who knows?" I muttered somewhat bitterly.

"Excuse me ma'am, but who are you?" asked Lacus suddenly.

The woman blinked, apparently, she has just realized that she hasn't introduced herself to us. "Murrue Ramius, a lieutenant in the Earth Forces," she returned, "And yourselves?"

"I'm Kuzzey Buskirk," answered Kuzzey.

Sai was next for introductions, "Sai Argyle."

Tolle, who was standing next to Miriallia spoke next, "Tolle Koenig,"

"Miriallia Haw," she replied.

Miss Ramius's eyes went to Kira and Lacus, "Kira Yamato," said Kira, supplying his last name to her.

"Lacus Don," answered Lacus.

Miss Ramius then turned to me, I sighed cleared my head and wiped my face of the non-nice emotions, "Tyler McGregor."

It wasn't my real name, but an alias that I used as my last name is kind of well known. But because of my father having been a fairly famous professor and scientist even after… his death. Then, my mother being in politics within the Federation, specifically for my homeland, the Republic of East Asia plays a part as well. So, I don't use my real name often to avoid unneeded attention from others. My friends here don't know my real name yet, Kira and Lacus do and they understand that I've my reasons for doing so.

Miss Ramius nodded slightly, "Well, unfortunately, for the time being, I can't really let any of you out of my sight. Since you have witnessed a classified military project, it's how it has to be. Once the proper authorities are informed, they can decide what will happen to you all, but until then, we'll need to stay together. Please don't take it personally," she said.

…The hell she can do that to me, or any of us here, I'll make sure of that should it come down to such things. One look at our group, told me they weren't interested in being baby sat any more than I was. "What kind of lame excuse is that?" exclaimed Tolle.

"In case you haven't noticed ma'am, we're citizens of Heliopolis, as such we're neutral," said Sai. "We have nothing to do with the military or anything associated with it!"

Technically, I can't claim such a reason, like my friends can, as a soldier in the Federation Military, my standing is different, but that's not the point at the moment. I gripped the sub-machine gun in my right hand, ready to whip it up and use it, should the need arise. "Besides, what is the Earth Alliance doing here in Heliopolis in the first place? Even that doesn't make any sense," remarked Tolle.

If only he knew… there's a story to how all of this developed. I may not know everything involved, but I know enough. Before the Orb Union became a member nation of the Federation, someone in their government, I don't know who, made a deal with a part of the Earth Alliance, the Atlantic Federation. The deal was for development with mobile suits and their ship for the Alliance, while Orb got to keep the data that was gleamed.

"You said it Tolle," piped up Kuzzey. "I mean, isn't that how all this started?"

Glanced over at Miss Ramius, saw that she was having the mix of regret, but also anger… I'm not liking this development one bit. "Quiet down, all of you! You kids haven't a clue, do you?" she growled in anger. Readied myself to raise one of the guns I had, both if necessary, but Murrue Ramius continued before I did, "You keep insisting that you're neutral and aren't involved, but can you really distance yourself from what's happening? You don't really seriously believe that's possible, do you? The Earth Alliance's most vital secret was here and you people have seen it. That's the reality and you'll just have to deal with it!"

Got to say, this woman gives a hell of a first impression, I'll give her that! "A little harsh don't you think?" asked Sai.

"Harsh it may be, but the reality is that we're in a war, between the Earth and that PLANTs, Naturals vs Coordinators." Returned Miss Ramius saying what she had as it was obvious.

I couldn't hold back any longer in this and so, I began to clap. Everyone turned to me, still sitting on a bench, "Have to say, quite a speech you gave there, Miss Ramius, very rousing," I took a breath and my face lost all emotion, "as rousing as it was extremely boring. So black and white in your view point, wouldn't you say?" my gazed met Murrue Ramius's, "But then, that's how your whole war came about, isn't it?"

She had a look of defiance as she stared back, "What do you mean by that, Tyler McGregor?" she asked.

I shrugged, "Merely pointing out the fact, that not all share the same view as you or the Earth Alliance have. Not everyone sees that all Coordinators as enemies of Naturals and vice versa, a fact that many in the Earth Alliance never seem to understand or accept."

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Outside of Heliopolis

Mu and Krystal were cruising around searching for any sign of there being something wrong, for what exactly, neither knew. Mu's odd feeling of being watched, was one that he couldn't explain with words. Still, they had split up when they had gotten close to the colony structure itself, Krystal taking the left side and Mu the right. Mu was getting increasingly on edge as the silence of space kept up, that's until the second Mu felt the urge to move and he noticed a CGUE-type ZAFT mobile suit coming out from behind one of the colony spars. He threw the throttle forward and sped up to avoid getting shot down by the enemy. "Bastard! That's you Rau Le Creuset, isn't it?!" Mu shouted over an open com-line.

Dodging the incoming shots, Mu deployed two of his mobile armor's gunbarrels to counter his opponent. While he did that, Mu weaved out of the gunfire from the enemy mobile suit, hoping that Krystal was on her way.

"You always seem to get in my way, Mu La Flaga! Although, I would imagine you would probably say much the same about me," replied the voice of Le Creuset

The white mobile suit was forced to move out of the course it had set to attack the red mobile armor as weapon fire came at it from a different direction. Le Creuset spotted the blue zero armor flying at him and moved out of the way, before diving into the colony dock entrance.

"Damn it! Creuset has gone into Heliopolis!" Mu cursed.

"Then that's all the more reason to go after him Mu," Krystal shot back.

"Yeah, but be careful, this guy doesn't fight fair if he doesn't have to," warned Mu. Then piloted his red zero into the colony dock with the blue zero close behind him.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Heliopolis Interior, Factory District

Well… my opinion, valid as it is, was ignored, like it is a portion of the time. I tell you, days like this one are never fun and cause me stress like no other. Anyways, Kira got into the suit that he had been piloting, the orb suit, and had attempted and failed, to contact any Earth Forces still remaining. He tried the same with the Strike with unfortunately, the same results. However, with both suits along with mine low on power, none of them could cut through the interference that ZAFT N-Jammers were putting out. So then, with that failure out of the way, plan 'B' was called for. Said plan was for Sai and the others going to find and retrieve the trailer that held what Miss Ramius called "Striker packs". She explained that the were sets of optional equipment for the Strike to attach, one of had an extra battery.

While our friends were out getting the trailer, Kira and I took the time to improve and tweak the OSs of the mobile suits. Along with the adjustments, we learned more about them, it was something to do and to have time doing nothing isn't healthy in the current situation.

After delving into the Shadow's system, it was clear that whomever designed it had also been involved with the construction of the X207 Blitz. The other thing, there was other things I saw that made me think that there might have been someone that had an understanding of Federation technology, but I could be seeing things. Back to the feature of interest in this machine so far, the Mirage Colloid stealth system. It was a system that the Shadow and the Blitz had exclusively within the Alliance prototypes. The system was comparable to the Federation's stealth technology and systems, at least it's a step in the direction of what the federation employs.

Once Kira and I got together and exchanged information that we had learned, the unit my friend had used was apparently the first in a series of mobile suits being developed by Orb. It was using the same technology as the Earth Alliance machines and was named Asuka. Yet, there were differences between what the Alliance had come with and what the Asuka used. For one, the Asuka had two batteries built in, one in the suit, the other contained within the backpack, which was called the Astray Flight System that was hardwired directly into it. This made it so, the Phase Shift would extend to the backpack as well as the mobile suit itself.

It didn't take us long into our exchange of information, for us to agree that we shouldn't bring up what we had learned with just anyone, specifically Miss Ramius until further notice. From what I could see, she didn't know about either mobile suit even had existed. That told me that they were unlikely part of the Earth Forces' prototype mobile suit series. If that's the case, why were they here and who had been responsible for their design and construction?

The current issue, was that the Shadow and the Asuka were both at less than half power or so and really needed to be recharged in the near future. Kira in the meantime, was able to convince Miss Ramius to allow him to 'improve' the Strike's OS. She said the operating system was incomplete, but that doesn't change the fact that it was junk that was thrown together by those who have little idea how an OS is supposed to work. Really, Kira just made it usable from the crappy mess that the system was so that it worked decently.

Although, it was clear to me from just looked at my friend, that Kira wasn't interested in fighting anytime soon again. Yet like me, he wasn't one to be idle at times of stress like this. I was lending Kira a hand with the OS and just general stuff. Believe Kira was starting to figure out that I already knew information about this machine as I was pointing out things that would have escaped his notice. But, when a quiet voice came up to us, it forced us to pause, "Kira?" came a soft voice. Kira and I looked up to see Lacus having used the zip-line and was now right outside the cockpit. "Do you think we'll be attacked again?"

Kira sighed and nodded, while I looked away yet also nodded, "Unfortunately Lacus, with the one Alliance mobile suit here, I high doubt ZAFT will just let things be, especially after attacking a neutral colony. They're already in trouble and so until someone makes them account for that, it's going to keep happening, that's how I see it at least." I said in a pained tone.

"I would have to agree with Tye, with the two GINNs and the red suit that got away," Kira paused for a moment, "After all the trouble they've gone through… well, do you honestly expect them to just leave these last three machines alone?"

Lacus frowned, but nodded to our reasoning, "No, not with them being the Le Creuset Team," she said quietly, so no one but Kira and myself could hear her.

I blinked, "Le Creuset… as in the ZAFT commander that has a huge reputation for ignoring rules and justifying his actions after waving off standing agreements, which are questionable to begin with, that Rau Le Creuset?" I asked.

Lacus nodded the affirmative, "He's the only one who would've done something like this. My father wouldn't have allowed this level of attack to befall a neutral colony, nor many other members of the Supreme Council."

My shoulders slumped dejectedly, "Great, we have to be facing one of the few ZAFT commanders that there's nothing too low for him to commit and the rules mean nothing to him. That makes things more difficult for all of us here," I breathed out.

"Yeah," Kira said in agreement, "Hard to believe that Athrun's father might be the one that authorized this. After what happened with Junius Seven, he wasn't the same after losing his wife. But still… this," Kira stopped and looked at me apologetically.

Waved a hand at him, "Don't worry about bringing up bad memories Kira. Nonetheless, I can understand where the man is coming from, even if I don't agree with the reasoning he uses. I think he sometimes forgets that he isn't the only one to lose loved ones in the Bloody Valentine incident. But, killing to get back at those who killed doesn't change anything, only makes things worse." I mumbled quietly.

Kira paused in his work as his hands clenched slightly. "Damn it… I hate war."

Lacus smiled slightly, "That's because you are you," she said, "and don't you ever forget it."

Kira smiled back in response as I did, "She's right, and I totally agree with you Kira 100%, war sucks."

It was then the sound of a truck was heard and the sight of a large truck with Sai and Kuzzey in the driver's cab. Tolle and Miriallia were in a jeep that was rolling alongside of the trailer and when I looked at Miss Ramius, the expression said that the trailer was the correct one. The large trailer was parked next the mobile suit we were in. Kira moved the Strike as the trailer was 'opened' and was changed to being able to attach equipment. All of us set to work attaching the Striker pack to the hardpoint on the machine's back, during which I happened to hear Miss Ramius muttering, "This would be faster on the Archangel."

"Archangel?" questioned Lacus, but Miss Ramius didn't answer her, even though she heard Lacus.

Since the female Earth Forces officer wasn't looking like she would answer Lacus, figured that I would. "The Archangel, would be the new Alliance ship of a new class that was built here at Morgenroete and was supposed to work with the prototype mobile suits," I remarked flatly.

Miss Ramius spun around and stared at me incredulously, likely because she wouldn't expect me to know about the ship. It's through the investigation here on Heliopolis, the team and I had learned a good amount about this "G-Project" and what it involved. Sai was scratching his head, "So how do you know that Tye?" he asked.

I shrugged, "The journalist I've been working with for the last few months happened to get some gossip on the subject. They were having me do research on it and some of the workers at Morgenroete mentioned it." I replied with the excuse I had come up with a while ago.

The sound beeping from the com-link, drew my attention and I walked a way off from everyone activated the device, "This is Tyler, what do you got?" I asked.

"Tyler, a commander type CGUE just flew into the dock, while the rest of the GINNs were retreating. This one came from out of nowhere, best we could do, sorry! Also, two mobile armors, Moebius Zero types that were following closely behind the ZAFT suit! Watch yourself in there with them coming your way!" said Lisa in a worried tone.

DANG! If it's not one thing causing problems, something else comes along to do the job. For the incoming to be a CGUE suit, infers that the pilot isn't a novice. This isn't good, especially not right now, dare I ask what else can go wrong that would make this situation worse?! I whipped around to face the rest of the group, "Kira! We got incoming! Everyone else RUN!" I shouted.

I received confused looks however, before any could question me, a hole was blown in the central shaft. That drew everyone's eyes up in shock as a silver-gray CGUE mobile suit flew out, pursued by a red and a blue Moebius Zero type mobile armors. The mobile armors were in combat with the CGUE, but it was obvious that the pilot of the ZAFT suit was better than the mobile armor pilots.

In the meantime, I ran over to the Shadow and went up the zip line to the cockpit, got in quickly. Once strapped in the pilot chair, I activated the suit and closed the hatch and the forward screens slid into place. Noting that I'd less than half power in the battery at the moment, hope it'll be enough! The Shadow rose to its feet and looking up, I observed that the fight between the armors and mobile suit, was still going strong. The three tussled briefly, until the CGUE severed the red armor's forward gun and scored a hit on the underside of the blue armor, effectively putting both machines out of commission. The CGUE turned to face the Strike, I shot forward to put myself between the Strike and the ZAFT suit.

The ZAFT suit pointed it shield on its left arm at me, said shield had a machine gun mounted to the underside. I raised my shield in time to intercept the incoming bullets, blocking as I hadn't turned on the phase shift armor. Then I sent a barrage from my Igelstellungs, which had the desired result and the CGUE veered and flew back a bit. "Kira, get that equipment on the Strike, I'm going to run out of power soon!" I said over the radio.

I put the petal to the metal and leapt up at the ZAFT mobile suit, my shield set ahead. The CGUE fired off some rounds from its gun, that pounded my shield, but didn't deter me. When I got within range of the opposing suit, I ignited the beam saber that was built into my shield. A pink line of energy appeared, starting from the gap at the bottom of my shield and extended out five feet. Gave a forward sweep with my beam saber and managed to cut off the shield on the CGUE's left arm at where it was attached to the mobile. Gravity pulled me down and I sank downward to the ground after disabling at least one weapon the CGUE had. Landed a little hard as I was using as little power as I needed to as the battery was running low now. To further conserve more energy, but I still kept my sites on the CGUE.

The ZAFT suit adjusted its flight path and went once again for the Strike. Looking over at the mobile suit, I observed the Strike rising up and activating the phase shift armor. Yet before, the fight between the Strike and the CGUE could begin, the entire colony shook hard for a second time as it did when this horrible situation began. Upon gazing towards an explosion around a section near the secondary harbor was blown out… and from the smoke, a massive, white warship flew into the colony.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Heliopolis Interior

I stared at the white warship, it was the one the Alliance had been building here and was supposed to carry the mobile suits that all but one had been stolen. It's named the Archangel as it's the first of its class. I'd looked at the basic specs that Alan had acquired a little while ago and it wasn't a bad ship, but with the ones in control of it… I can't say how things will go. Now, if things go by the recent track record, then those who are with the Earth Forces that are controlling the ship, they'll stick their noses where they shouldn't and make things harder for everyone around them, including themselves.

Thus far, that's what's been happening, the Earth Forces or Earth Alliance who they are a part of, shouldn't be here without permission in the first place. They shouldn't be using Morgenroete for their military development and that's just to start. Those two actions violate treaties that the Earth Alliance has with the Federation, since the Orb Union is a member of the Human Federation. Depending on what kind of arsenal that ship has to work with, things could go south REALLY fast!

Didn't have to wait long to see how things could become worse, for the CGUE suit turned its attention on the Archangel and opened fire. Whoever the pilot of the CGUE is, did missed the ship, those on the warship decided to fire missiles from its stern in response. …And so, resumes the poor decision-making ability of the Earth Alliance personnel!

The ZAFT machine flew backward as the missiles followed them, the issue, the CGUE went towards the colony's shaft. If that shaft takes enough damage… Heliopolis will collapse, literally come apart if that shaft goes! As that was something I don't want to happen, I leapt up and shot at the missiles in the attempt to intercept them, couldn't care less what happens to the CGUE or its pilot anymore, saving the colony is my task right now! I managed to destroy three out of the four missiles fired, but that last damage two support cables… severing them from their mountings to the shaft. One cable fell and crashed down to the ground making the mess on the commercial district to become worse.

The other cable fell towards the factory district, and as I calculated the path… and I found it would be around where my friends were right now! Moved the Shadow that way and activated its phase shift armor, in preparation for unforeseen complications.

"No, Guys!" Kira's voice came over the com channel.

I just barely managed to get in front of our friends and raised the Shadow's arms, thereby, I was able to block the falling cable. Shifted the heavy things to the side and out of the way of possible crushing those I'd saved.

"Damn it! This is a neutral colony, not a battlefield!" shouted Kira.

Not that I don't agree with my friend, but he sounded desperate and frustrated… rarely if ever a good combination. Heliopolis won't be able to take this kind of abuse for long, hell the colony had already taken more than she should… a testament of how well built this colony is! Looking over in the Strike's direction and saw the long green cannon shift from the back to a firing position. Now I'm wondering just how much power that weapon can put out… Never had gotten information on the full arsenal of the two General Purpose machines. Nevertheless, I'm getting a really BAD feeling about this, "Um Kira, maybe you should take a moment to…" I began saying, yet I was interrupted.

Before I could warn Kira to think about what that cannon could do, the easily 250mm or higher cannon let lose a powerful plasma beam that made my jaw go slack. The beam didn't score a direct hit, cause if it had, then there would be no more ZAFT mobile suit there, but it got nicked and lost the arm that hadn't had the shield. Kind of wish the suit had been nailed, then it might have been worth what came next. For what happened after that beam nicked the ZAFT suit … it didn't stop, but continued on in its path and collided into the colony wall. The beam ripped a good size hole, probably close to hundred-yard diameter in the colony structure from what I could estimate. "Wh… what kind of power is this?" questioned Kira with a tone of horror in his voice.

My mouth was open slightly. To think the Alliance had come up with a weapon that was that size and had that kind of firepower! A quick glance at those still around the trailer, showed me that the feeling of horror was mutual among us all. Miss Ramius also looked to be feeling regret, or I could just be seeing things at this distance. Turning back to search for the CGUE, I spotted it as it left Heliopolis through the hole that was just made. The sound of my Federation com-link beeping snapped me out of the stooper that the cannon firing had put me in. Putting my right pointer finger to my ear again to activate the com, "This is Tyler, everyone okay out there?"

"Yes, I'm good, though whatever weapon just made a large hole in the colony wall, certainly got me to jump. Knight, Lascy, what's your status?" replied Lisa.

"No need to worry about me chaps, it'll take more than what ZAFT or the Alliance can throw our way to take this gentleman down." Answered Alan.

"I'm alive mates. So, what's goin on in there Tyler? Certainly not like ya to make a hole like Lisa is describing," said Luke.

I let out a sigh, "Trust me when I say it's complicated however, simply put, Earth Alliance equipment is being used to show their lack of understanding of consequences of high powered guns." I returned in a flat voice.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Vesalius, Outside Heliopolis

Athrun was typing away at the Aegis's keyboard, though his mind kept going back to the two machines that had appeared during the fight with the last machine, the one that an Earth Forces officer had boarded. Those two machines had been different than any of the other mobile suits that the team had been there to take.

The intelligence reports that Commander Le Creuset was working from had only revealed to them the existence of five machines. So then, where had those two others come from, and why hadn't they been noticed by those who had gotten the intel? That's before the far more worrisome fact of the performance of those two machines, they seemed to be equipped with a full working Natural-use OS! Were that system to reached the Ptolemaeus Lunar Base or the JOSH-A base at Alaska on Earth, then the Earth Alliance would be able to produce operable mobile suits… which they'd no doubt would mass produce them and use them as quickly as possible. That meant nothing but trouble for ZAFT and any that would go against them.

There had been rumors that the Federation military was supposed to have a Natural-use OS and had mobile suits equipped with the OS. Yet, there had never been proof of either idea obtained by intelligence agents. If they did have both, then the Federation hadn't shared the technology with the Earth Alliance, which was a good thing for both ZAFT and the Federation. It was no secret that the Earth Alliance disliked the fact that the Human Federation hadn't helped them in their war against ZAFT, but kept firmly neutral. Then as the Federation didn't share their weapon developments with the Alliance either, strengthened the dislike of the Alliance. Whereas the Federation had shared some scientific data with ZAFT, but nothing to do with weapon's development. Then the pilot of the black machine, they had been skilled! How could the Earth Forces have someone like that at their disposal and ZAFT not have known about it?!

"Commander Le Creuset is returning," came a voice over the PA, which caused Athrun to come out of his thoughts and glancing up from the controls of the Aegis, "Damage sustained from two direct hits. Firefighting and rescue squads to B deck."

The second part of the announcement caught Athrun's full attention. Commander Le Creuset had taken not one hit, but two from going into the colony?! Yes, when it had been Miguel, Matthew and Athrun himself fighting the last of the known Alliance machine, it had been fine. Then had come along with those two unknown suits, and their pilots had caught them by surprise. For them to be able to pilot well enough to force Commander Le Creuset, who was an accomplished pilot, to retreat back to the ship with damage. Perhaps there was more to those machines and their pilots than any had thought. Seconds later, the CGUE entered the hangar, flying backwards, and was stopped by the deceleration cables in the hangar.

"His unit has lost an arm and the shield?" said a mechanic just outside of the Aegis, voice filled with disbelief.

Upon hearing that, Athrun maneuvered himself out of the Aegis's cockpit to get a better view of what had happened to the Commander. He could only stare at the machine, the damage the CGUE had taken as crew members began the process of cooling the armor down. The right arm of the suit was gone, shot cleanly off plus, the shield had been taken off where it mounted to the suit's arm. The question as to what kind of weapon could've done that was being asked, but there wasn't an answer to the question at this point.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Heliopolis Interior, Factory District

After the CGUE had tucked tail and ran, Kira had positioned the Strike in a kneeling stance, which when he did Miss Ramius climbed on board, probably to use the radio request the Archangel to land and open some part of it up, so that we can could board. Hopefully, when that ship does land, these three mobile suits can get on and get their batteries charged.

ZAFT is more likely now to come back after the display from the Strike, either capture the Strike and the other two machines or destroy them all. Once the ship had landed, Kira positioned the Strike's left hand down on the ground to offer some of our friends a ride; Lacus, Miriallia and Miss Ramius hopped into the hand. I moved forward a few steps and maneuvered the Shadow into a kneeling posture, opened the cockpit hatch and stretched out the right hand to Sai, Tolle and Kuzzey, who got on. "Lucky for you three, I'm such a nice guy no? Giving you a ride to the ship just like Kira is doing for the ladies," I said.

"Thank you Tyler," replied Sai.

"Yeah, you're awesome!" added Tolle.

"I'm aware that I am Tolle, though nice to be reminded of that every now and again," I returned, before making the Shadow rise and move towards the Alliance ship.

On the right leg like section of the Archangel, a part opened up and from what I could see, was the launching catapult for the ship. Probably something the same or similar on the left leg of this Alliance ship. Kira and I moved our machines into the ship and put down our passengers gently to the deck. As we did, a group of people, some with Earth Forces uniforms, some in jumpsuits and others in military combat wear and holding guns came jogging up to us.

"Lieutenant Ramius!" called a black-haired woman at the front of the group, her voice sounding relieved.

…Perhaps a surviving ship officer? Alan had been sure about the mess at the dock… hmm might as well ask him. I turned on the Federation com in my right ear, "Alan, when you saw the mess at the dock, you didn't happen to see anyone dressed in anything that makes up an Alliance uniforms did you?" I asked.

"As it happens old boy, I saw a number of bodies that I believe were wearing Alliance uniforms… many of them around what I think was the control booth before the explosion as I recall, why are you asking chap?" replied Alan.

"Because I do believe I'm looking at what's left of the Alliance ship's officers and crew." I said before I disconnected from the channel.

Saw that Miss Ramius was looking over at the woman that had just hailed her. An alarm went off in the cockpit and after glancing around for the reason it would be going off, I saw a screen saying that the battery had 10% power remaining. I quickly shut down the mobile suit to conserve what power there still was, the forward screen split apart and the two sections moved to either side, leaving the way to the opening hatch clear. While I used the zip line to descend to the deck, I scanned what was likely left of this ship's crew.

The one who had spoken to the lieutenant, had black hair which was short, only to her ears and her eyes were a light violet color. Her collar, was red and had one gold vertical bar, which tells me two things about the woman. First, she's an Ensign and then second the woman was a member of the ship bridge officers even if, it was not the highest. Also, this woman is clearly the one 'in charge' of those here currently. Hold on, she looks like the woman that had crossed paths with our group as we had been traveling to the college! I was fairly sure that she was the same woman.

Then, there were four other in Earth Forces' officer uniforms, though I believe the kind that were general commissioned ship crew officers and not commanding ones. There was also a group of twelve jumpsuit wearing people, probably engineers and mechanics. Have always had a bit of respect for those in those jobs, not an easy one and don't get enough recognition for their work. Finally, a small number of soldiers with guns were around as well, thankfully I still had the sub-machine gun and my pistol with me.

"Ensign Badgiruel," said Miss Ramius, sounding somewhat relieved herself.

"It's a tremendous relief to see that you're safe with what happened," said the woman that I assumed Miss Badgiruel as she saluted.

Miss Ramius returned the salute as I touched down on the ship deck, making sure to keep the SMG tucked in the vest I was wearing and out of sight. My pistol was in my right pants pocket, and I'm thankful that my pants had pockets were deep and so didn't show that I had a gun.

"You as well," said Miss Ramius. "I'm glad that you protected the Archangel. You do realize you saved us."

Saved us she says? That's not the way I would put it with the damage done to the colony, besides it's this ship and those mobile suits they had been building here, are the major reasons this all happened! I held my tongue and didn't state my opinion just yet, but glancing around for something to occupy me.

When my sweeping gaze stopped up and to my left, I watched the Strike's cockpit hatch opening and Kira clambered out. By this time, Kira and I were drawing some real shocked stares from most that were here. Granted, they wouldn't have expected us to be the pilots, but then we hadn't wanted to do so anyway, nevertheless that's how things had played out.

"Come on, will someone tell me what the hell is going on here?" asked one of the jumpsuited people, "First there's two machines that no one knew about and now you're telling me that two kids are piloting the Strike and one of the unknown ones? Doubt either of the two have learned how to shave yet…"

…Haven't needed to shave? That's my business anyways, it would be nice for people to not discuss my personal business! "Chief Murdock, that's enough," said Miss Badgiruel.

Ignoring the question of those here with the Alliance ship, I strode over to Kira with a slight expression of worry. With the way Kira tends to think, he would blame himself for the hole Heliopolis had now. That hole in the colony wall isn't his fault, he couldn't have known what that cannon was capable of. As I got close, Kira waved a hand and gave me a smile to say that he was okay, though I could still see that Kira wasn't fine. Our friends also came over and surrounded us, Miriallia took my left hand and Kira's right and began to shake our hands up and down. "You two are amazing," she said with awe.

A little taken aback at how Miriallia was impressed at what Kira and I had done. I just gave her a sheepish look, "Thanks Miriallia… I think." I muttered.

Lacus, as I expected, ran straight up to Kira, gripping his left arm, she got Kira to face her and she stared into his eyes. Kira's eyes locked with her and one of their 'silent conversations' ensued. Honestly, the pair are quite adorable when they do this, also fairly humorous, it's not by any means the first time the two have done this. You just want to let out an 'AWW' at times like this, but I contain myself as I don't do that kind of thing often since it would likely embarrass the two. It was the voice of the first Alliance officer that had spoken that brought my attention back to the present. "Lieutenant Ramius, what's going on?" asked Miss Badgiruel, her confusion obvious.

Glancing over at Miss Ramius to try to gage her action, for I think that it'll be a big contributor to how this'll play out for all of us going forward. She looked over at our teen aged group, before she looked down at the deck, not giving an answer.

"Wow," came a new voice.

Spinning around to get a view of the one who had spoken, I found myself looking at a blonde short haired man in a purple and gray pilot suit that Alliance mobile armor pilots wear, walking over towards us. The man stood at an estimated 6 feet in height. He glanced around at all of us, but came to focus on the group of us students, "What a surprise." He said.

It was then, I noticed a woman who was also wearing a pilot suit, though hers was blue and grey rather than purple and grey as the blonde man. She was shorter than me, by four inches or so, her light brown hair fell straight down to her mid-back, along with her green eyes. The woman appeared to be in her mid-twenties, the other things that I noted, was that her suit looked to be tight around the upper torso area. Both the man and the woman walked forward and came to a stop in front of Miss Ramius.

"I'm Lieutenant Mu La Flaga, of the Seventh Orbital Fleet, at your service" he said, giving her a salute. "It's an honor."

…La Flaga? That's a name I've heard mention of, from a colleague as it happens who has crossed paths with this man, if he is who he says he is. If what I've heard about this mobile armor pilot, known as the 'Hawk of Endymion', then I'll need to keep an eye on him. The other soldiers, including Miss Ramius and Miss Badgiruel, saluted as well, the woman with La Flaga, then came up beside him, "I'm Major Krystal McAlester, also of the Seventh Orbital Fleet. It's an honor to meet you all as well," said the woman saluting.

"Lieutenant Murrue Ramius, of Sector Two, Fifth Special Division," said Miss Ramius, introducing herself as well. "I'm a crew member of this ship."

"Ensign Natarle Badgiruel, same sector and division," introduced Miss Badgiruel.

My gaze flicked over to the soldiers, who were relaxing their postures. I stealthily got the sub-machine gun into my left hand, which Miriallia had let go of by now and drew my pistol out with my right. Lieutenant La Flaga then spoke up again, "My comrade and I would like permission to come aboard this vessel. May I ask who's in command around here?"

Everyone, minus those of us who were residence of Heliopolis and Miss Ramius looked towards Ensign Badgiruel. Witnessed her frowning slightly, her expression somewhat downcast… Ah, bad news, which I believe I already knew. Take it that she knows that the rest of the crew were around the dock when the explosives went off and so… are dead, "The captain," she began, "along with all of the ship officers have perished in battle. Therefore, I believe it's Lieutenant Ramius who's next in command."

Oooo… That's not the way most like or want to advance up in rank. I feel sorry for her in this instance, even if I rightly pin a portion of the blame on the members of the Earth Alliance for what has happened here at the colony. This still has to hurt to learn that everyone who has higher rank than you… is dead. "Wait what?" exclaimed Miss Ramius, sounding distinctly worried.

"Less than a dozen of us are left, ma'am, mostly mechanics and a few non-commissioned officers," iterated Miss Badgiruel. "I was fortunate enough to be in the shaft and survive the initial attack."

"You mean the captain is… it can't be," said Miss Ramius.

Sighing before making the decision that I might as well say the piece that I know, "Your captain was likely around the secondary docking area around Morgenroete at the time that the explosives that ZAFT no doubt set went off. If they weren't killed by the blasts, then they're likely dead from injuries bleeding out. My condolences to you Miss Ramius." I said flatly.

All eyes were on me now, it was the female pilot that asked the question that was probably on everyone's mind, "Just how do you know that's where officers were or that there were explosives set there by ZAFT?"

I twisted my head to face the female pilot, Krystal McAlester, "I don't see a viable reason to go into detail as to how I know that as things currently stand. But take a moment to look at things logically, it makes the most sense with what's happened. Rest assured, I'm certainly not with ZAFT or your enemy… you can force me into that position, don't recommend that though." I replied calmly.

There was silence for a small period at what I said, until Lieutenant La Flaga broke the it, "Oh man, what an unmitigated disaster," said lieutenant La Flaga breaking the quiet. "In any case, please grant us permission, Lieutenant Ramius. The ship we were assigned to engaged the enemy, and was downed."

"Along with our two fellow mobile armor pilots being shot down as well," said Miss McAlester a tad bitterly.

"Oh, of course, permission granted," said Miss Ramius, obviously uncomfortable with being in command.

"And…" said Mu, turning to look at our group, "Who, might they be?"

The grip I'd on the SMG and pistol tighten slightly even if the safety was still on with both guns. My gaze flicked over to the soldiers who tensed and raised their guns. I readied myself to defend, it's an ingrained instinct from the days I was in Federation military basic training. "As you can see, they're teenage civilians of the colony," said Miss Ramius, while Kira, our friends and I looked over those who were with the Alliance.

Lacus was holding Kira's right arm and standing just slightly behind him, while Sai had one hand on Kira's shoulder and one on mine. Hearing the quiet but sharp intake of breath from Sai, which makes me believe my glasses wearing friend had seen the guns I had in my hands. Miriallia, Tolle along with Kuzzey were behind us, moved in front of Kira, Lacus and myself, facing outward from us, almost as if they were forming a protective barrier around the three of us, from those here on the ship.

"I saw the three of them," she pointed at myself, Kira and Lacus, "Around Morgenroete during the attack. While they were they there, apparently, they by their own words, came across both mobile suits and after entering them, were successful at using both machines to drive off the Aegis, which was captured by a ZAFT soldier and two GINNs."

I didn't know that she saw us at all while we were at Morgenroete, but then I was occupied with staying alive as there was a ZAFT soldier trying to shoot me, so I guess it possible that I could have missed her. There were gasps from the crew at this, "They fought off the Aegis and two GINNs?" asked Miss Badgiruel, incredulous. "These kids actually did that?"

"Yes," said Miss Ramius. "With the unit equipped with the flight system out of power, we decided to utilize the unit that similar to the Blitz and the Strike with the Launcher Striker Pack to recharge the Strike and make contact." Miss Ramius paused and pointed at Kira and continued, "He was in the cockpit at the time the CGUE showed up."

Pilot McAlester glanced at me, "And what about you?" she said pointing to me.

"I was in the black unit and was keeping the CGUE suit busy while the Strike was loading up its equipment with the suit." I replied.

"I see," said Mu, looking back at Miss Ramius, "Major McAlester and myself, came here as an escort for the officers who have been specially trained to pilot the G-weapons. Where can we find them?"

"As he said," said Miss Badgiruel pointing at me, "The bombs that were set, detonated near the control booth, where the captain was welcoming them at that very moment. So, they were also…"

"Yes, I see… oh boy…" trailed Lieutenant La Flaga. He then turned and began to walk to where us teens were still standing, the others crew members following behind at a distance.

"What? What's the matter?" asked Kira, a little uneasily. Lacus's grip on his arm tightened, while I made myself ready to raise the sub-machine gun and pistol, and put them to use.

Lieutenant La Flaga for a moment, simply stared at Kira and myself, to which I wasn't liking, though La Flaga wasn't gazing at us in a hostile way. "If you have something to say, then just say it," I remarked.

"Tell me then," said La Flaga in a kind and gentle tone, "You're both Coordinators, right?"

Dead silence loomed over us all for a bit, upon looking around, most appeared to be shocked and apprehensive following La Flaga's question. Kira squared his shoulders, I tensed up and ready myself to fight if that would be needed. "Yes," Kira said, answering first. The fact that Kira and I are Coordinators, is something we can't really deny, especially once some of these people get a look at any of the three suits' OSs.

Everyone turned to me then expectantly, "Yeah, I'm a Coordinator as well. What's your point?" I asked a tad apprehensively.

The Alliance soldiers raised their rifles and aimed them at Kira and myself. In the seconds that it took the soldiers to raise the rifles, I was in front of Kira and the others and had raised the sub-machine gun in my left hand, my right whipped out the pistol I had. As I brought up the guns, I flicked their safeties off and aimed both weapons at the soldiers. Said soldiers, looked surprised and worried that I'd moved so quick, along with having two guns pointed at them they hadn't seen on me. The expression on my face was blank and unfeeling, as using guns isn't new for me by any means. However, before things got worse, Sai stepped in front of me, putting out a hand before my face, yet glaring at the soldiers.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Vesalius, Outside Heliopolis

Commander Le Creuset gathered together the remaining veteran pilots, including the three that had gone against the last Alliance unit and the two unknown machines. They reviewed the recordings made by Athrun, Miguel and Matthew of the last unobtained Earth Alliance machine and the two other mobile suits. "You really saved my hide by bringing this back, you three," said Le Creuset to Athrun, Miguel and Matthew as all there watched the screen displaying as the video of the other two units fighting was being played. Their smooth and quick movements was clear and worrisome since they were at a much higher level than the machines acquired. "If I didn't have this as proof, I would've been a laughing stock and called a fool for allowing my unit to get damaged in a battle against mobile suits of the Earth Forces. No one would've believed it was possible without out this."

"Sir, what's your opinion of the two machines that weren't accounted for in the report? I mean, there's one that's of a similar design to the one that Nicol brought back, but it moved differently than any of the other ones that we obtained. Then the second one with the flight system, never seen a suit like that one… it's like those two had complete OSs while the ones we took don't. Do you think it's just a fluke in our Intel?" asked Athrun.

Le Creuset nodded, "I can think of no other explanation with what we know at this time, though it is possible that the Alliance was somehow able to keep these two secret, or they may have had little relation to the machines you stole, for that's also a possibility." he said, a finger on his chin. "However, now isn't the time to wonder upon possibilities, moving onto more immediate matters. I believe all of us are aware of the incomplete status of the original OS on these machines as Athrun brought up. With that in mind, I have no idea why these two units maneuvered and performed so well, or anything of the other things they did. However, I want to make one thing perfectly clear to everyone here, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this turn of events. Allowing the Earth Forces to have possession of one mobile suit is dangerous, to ignore them having three and two proven to be very dangerous, will only lead to problems. If capturing them is possible, then the opportunity is one to be used, yet if we cannot capture them, then they must be destroyed, along with that new warship. Don't underestimate it or any of those three machines, it could get you killed. Is that understood?"

"Sir!" said all the pilots, saluting in near unison.

"Miguel, Olor, Ryan, Matthew, prepare to launch your units at once," said Frederik Ades, the captain of the Vesalius. "We've been authorized to use weapons configuration D. And this time, let's see you take down those suits along with that ship, put an end to all this."

"Yes sir!" declared the three as they left to ready themselves for the mission that they were assigned.

Nicol and Athrun felt surprise at the equipment that was being authorized for this mission. Configuration D was heavy artillery meant for assaulting an enemy base and yet, now the same weapons were going to be taken into a colony that had already been damaged to a worrisome degree. "Commander, wouldn't you consider configuration D being used inside a resource colony… overkill?" Asked Nicol.

"Perhaps Nicol, however, the Earth Forces have forced us into the position to need to do this without regard of the citizens of the colony. By what I was able to tell, most if not all the citizens of Heliopolis managed to reach the shelters and those should be protection enough." Replied Commander Le Creuset, "Miguel, Olor, Ryan and Matthew understand what's at stake, they'll be careful and end this so that as many of Orb's citizens can be saved as possible."

Nicol nodded at the answer from Commander Le Creuset, while Athrun's mind went back to the thing that had happened back at the colony and bit his bottom lip, somewhat uncertainly. He wanted to request permission to go with his fellow pilots. He wanted to make up for his failure earlier against the Earth Forces officer and the unknown machine… and perhaps avenge Rusty's death back at Morgenroete. Rusty had been a friend, and like Athrun and Nicol, had questioned the report about the Earth Forces doing weapon development here at Heliopolis.

Turning to the captain of the ship, Athrun spoke, "Captain Ades, please allow me to sortie as well sir," said Athrun, drawing the attention of Ades and Le Creuset.

"You have no mobile suit," said Le Creuset, "Besides, you've already accomplished an extremely important mission by capturing one of those units. Or is there something that you have recalled that you haven't said?"

Athrun was silent for a moment, internally waring with the desire to go and the logic of staying. No, he shouldn't turn this into a personal vendetta, and he knew that's what he was on the verge of doing. Athrun knew this fight, the war, ZAFT, and the PLANTs… they were all far more important than that.

"No Commander, nothing has come to mind. I just… what happened to Rusty…I thought…" Athrun began.

Le Creuset placed a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "What happened to Rusty is unfortunate, but it wasn't your fault Athrun, death was a risk for all who went, he knew that as did you. Doubtless, Rusty would wish you to let this go and honor his memory rather than let your feelings about this be the cause of your death. Go and get some rest, that's an order."

"Let Matthew Olar and Miguel go this time Zala, they have a score to settle. The loss of Rusty has affected them as well." Added Captain Ades.

Athrun exhaled, "Yes sir I understand," he paused, "Could I at least wish them good luck before they head out?"

"Of course Athrun," replied Le Creuset.

Athrun left the bridge and headed down to the hanger and watched the GINNs being loaded with equipment. He then spotted the three that would go back into the colony and floated over to them. It was Miguel that saw Athrun first, "Athrun, didn't expect to see you down here before we launch out."

Athrun smiled slightly, "Well, I just wanted to see you guys off. Be careful out there," Athrun said, before he stopped for a moment, then continued. "We already lost Rusty, don't let there be more that don't come back, so watch yourselves in the colony. Those two unknown mobile suits were different than those we captured, don't underestimate them."

Miguel nodded, "We'll watch out for ourselves and one another Athrun, still thanks for the reminder."

Matthew moved forward and placed a hand on Athrun's shoulder, "We'll be careful inside Heliopolis. You aren't the only one that… feels the absence of Rusty," he said.

"Olar nodded emphatically, "We promise that we'll get payback for Rusty's death, as well as cause the least amount damage to the colony as possible."

Athrun acknowledged the reassurances from his fellow pilots and wished them good luck on their mission as the moved to board their GINNs. And yet, Athrun couldn't shake the feeling that he wouldn't see some of them again if any of them.

Nicol and Ryan had headed back to the Laurasia-class Frigate, Gamow after the meeting had ended. Ryan's GINNs was being given the specified equipment that had been authorized for the operation he would be a part of. Dearka, Yzak along with Nicol watched as Ryan's GINN finished getting things attached to it and it stepped forward to arm itself with heavy assault missiles. "D equipment I hear they'll be using," said Dearka.

"I take it Commander Le Creuset is planning to storm a fortress or something then?" commented Yzak.

"What do you think is going to happen to Heliopolis?" asked Nicol somewhat worried.

"Can't be helped now, can it?" said Dearka with a slight tone of pity.

"Yeah, it serves them right, and they call themselves a neutral state," said Yzak.

Nicol frowned slightly as he glanced back out the window to the hangar. "Yzak, how many innocent civilians who only wanted to remain out of the war will die for this, tell me that?" asked Nicol softly. Then he added, "Civilians… who won't even be capable of fighting back or defend themselves."

That brought Yzak up short hearing the idea being put like Nicol did. Certainly, if the ZAFT pilots took down the targets properly, there wouldn't be much of a problem in Heliopolis. But the mobile suit had even managed to blow off an arm of the commander's machine. Almost unconsciously, Yzak clenched his fist. He had no problems with the idea of blowing up Earth Forces ships, blasting bases and mobile armors to pieces. But he hated stuff like what Nicol had just described. That's not war, that is slaughter, mass murder. Regardless of whether or not it would ever match the Bloody Valentine, Yzak had always believed that they should hold themselves to higher standards than those who cause that atrocity! "Then let us hope that none of them gets caught up in it," he said in a humbler voice.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Archangel, Heliopolis Interior

"Would you please put those weapons away?" said Sai politely, but there was definite steel in his voice.

The glare on his face that sent shivers down the spines of the soldiers looking at him, and his entire posture screamed that he would do horrible things if they're trigger fingers so much as twitched. Even I had to say that from that expression, it forced me to lower my gun a bit, out of surprise more than anything else. Never have seen Sai this serious… I'm impressed!

"Sai," uttered Kira quietly.

"Didn't know you had it in you Sai," I muttered.

"Lower your weapons and settle down men," ordered Miss Ramius, stepping forward to place herself between us and the soldiers.

Thankfully, said soldiers did as they were ordered, though somewhat reluctantly. "Lieutenant, I request an explanation," said Miss Badgiruel quietly, yet loud enough that I could still heard what was said.

"Well, if you think about it, it's no great mystery that such things would happen," said Miss Ramius with a slight smile. "After all, Heliopolis is controlled by a neutral nation. It would make sense to find some Coordinators who decided to take refuge in the territories of neutral nations in order to avoid any involvement in the war would be found here." Miss Ramius turned back to face Kira and me. "Am I wrong, Kira, Tyler?"

Nodding to the inquiry of taking refuge, as it wouldn't be me lying, since I wouldn't need to say anything about the real reason that I was here for. It's unlikely that the Earth Alliance would take it nicely, if they knew that the Federation was here investigating the rumor that they were developing weapons using Federation resources. Even if the Alliance don't know Orb became a member of the Human Federation around a year ago. Yet, the normal MO of the Alliance and its leadership, is to deny all accusations put to them, even if there's clear evidence against them. Would bet those here would appreciate it even less were I to tell them there was a Federation patrol on route here to confiscate this ship and the mobile suits. Of course, ZAFT's coming has made that more complicated for all concerned.

"No, you're right," said Kira, "Especially since I'm a first-generation Coordinator."

Why did Kira tell these people that particular fact?! Granted, Coordinators are disliked and feared by people, mostly due to propaganda. However, first-generation Coordinators are more disliked along with their families than other Coordinators are, simply because the parents chose to get their child's genes altered and the child because they are a Coordinator. "First- generation?" one of the survivors questioned Chief Murdoch.

Apparently, the term first-generation, when it's referring to Coordinators, isn't as widely known as it once was or perhaps it's just not used as it has previously. Miss Ramius, Badgiruel and both mobile armor pilots looked at me, for I would assume the answer to the question they had just asked Kira and me. I sighed, "Yes, you're right for both of us… and, I'm a first-generation Coordinator like Kira is." I answered. In my family, I'm actually the only Coordinator; yes, my parents are Naturals, but also had a sister, she was a Natural as well.

"Which means, of course," said La Flaga, mostly for his comrades' benefits I would guess, "That your parents are Naturals."

"That's right," returned Kira, while I nodded.

The subject of my parents and who they were, wasn't something I got into often and much less so around Earth Alliance personnel. I've gone to sizable lengths to hide the connections to my parents, as much for them as for myself to not have trouble. I don't see a reason to change that now or in the future, for I know nothing about any in this group. And the one that I do know, I don't trust Murrue Ramius much at all. Yes, La Flaga is quite right, my mother and father are Naturals, but for me it's a tad different. I wasn't born in an artificial womb like the majority of Coordinators are, I was "born" like Naturals are through natural child birth.

Back to the point, Lieutenant La Flaga turned away from Kira and I, rubbing the back of his neck, and glanced at Miss Ramius. "Well, I do apologize. Didn't intend to cause such a fuss with the question. I was only curious, that's all. Nothing more than that." Somehow, it was odd in an unexpected way watching La Flaga acting almost nervous at what his query brought… there has to be more to this than he's letting on.

"Lieutenant La Flaga?" said Miss Ramius, but La Flaga glanced up at the Strike.

"As McAlester and I made our way here escorting the specially trained pilots for the G-weapons," he said, "I watched the guys who were supposed to pilot this machine and the other four that were stolen, run through a bunch of simulations to practice doing so. They really had to struggle, just to get it to move." Mu turned back to Kira and me. "That's why I was so certain you two were Coordinators." He looked away, shaking his head. "Man oh man, the things you see…"

With that, La Flaga started to walk into the hangar, leaving the rest of us to wonder why he had brought up what he had. I'm having a hard time understanding this Mu La Flaga myself, he's not like any mobile armor pilot I've ever met. I have meant a fair number, most having left the Earth Forces and joined the Federation, but still. "So then, what do we do now?" asked Miss Badgiruel to the crowd at large.

"What do we do?!" asked La Flaga rhetorically, stopping to look back at Miss Ramius. "Krystal and I have been shot down and our mobile armors need major repairs before being able to fly again. The Le Creuset Team is waiting for us outside the colony, to pick us off at their leisure. The man is definitely a persistent fellow, I'll give him that. If you ask me, I don't think we can afford to spend too much time here sitting and twiddling our thumbs."

This pilot Mu La Flaga has gained some respect from me, to be able to not just grasp a situation, but to also understand that you, yourself, will be required to defer to another for the decision of what will be done. That takes humility and wisdom to do such a thing and I would know from experience. Plus, it sounds like La Flaga has crossed paths with Le Creuset before, that could be helpful. Miss Ramius let out a sigh before turning to look at Kira, "If you don't mind Kira, could you bring the wing system mobile suit aboard? You as well Tyler, if you would. Between the two of you, all three mobile suits can be brought into the Archangel." she asked. "Under the circumstances, we might as well have them ready for combat."

"Yeah… yeah, sure," said Kira, turning and walking out of the hangar with Lacus trailing after him. I took one last glance at the Alliance personnel, stored the sub machine-gun back under my jacket and my pistol back in its holster, before turning to follow my two fellow Coordinators.

It didn't take too long for Kira and me to get the three mobile suits onboard and into the ship's hanger. Once that was done, I slipped away without being noticed, wanted time away from all these people and be able to think in peace. So, I decided to take a walk outside the Archangel while I could, with the hole in the colony wall, the atmosphere would get thinner over time. Right now, there wasn't a risk, especially since there weren't many people using up the oxygen, but given several hours, the air will be gone. So, since there was the time, I'll take the opportunity to think about the current dilemma that I faced.

The original mission the team and I were sent to do, was to first either confirm or dismiss whether the Earth Alliance was developing weapons here. If they were developing weapons as the rumor entails, we then gather information on the weapons being made, before the decision is made to either confiscate or destroy the weapons. It had seemed so simple at first and as of a week ago, the decision came down from Federation High Command, that the ship and mobile suits that the Atlantic Federation were developing illegally, would be seized. That should have been the end of this situation, but ZAFT having struck before that could be done had complicated things a great deal. I don't know what will happen going forward, there's just not enough information to make a good call at this point.

It was as I was walking around thinking, that I saw that I wasn't the only one that was clearing their head. Lacus was on a bench and she looked like she was thinking about troubling things as well. Strode over to the bench, which Lacus didn't seem to notice me coming up to the bench behind her. "Hey Lacus, want some company, you look like you're trying to figure out a harsh dilemma?" I said nicely.

Lacus jumped at hearing my voice, and she twisted around to look at me, I smiled to hopefully reassure her. "Tye, what are you doing here?" she asked me.

Came around and sat down on the bench next to her, "Oh, needed time to clear my head and it would be much harder on board the Archangel. I take it that you need time to think about something troubling you as well, am I right Lacus?" I asked.

My pink haired friend didn't meet my gaze, though she nodded. "Some advice, it helps to talk about what's troubling you with someone. I'll listen if you want Lacus, I'm rather good about keeping my mouth closed on things I'm told by others. Plus, we're friends, are we not? Who better to talk to in times of difficulty?" I inquired casually.

Lacus stayed quiet, but the expression on her face said that whatever was causing her grief, was big for her… probably a personal matter. …Oh please, don't let it be about Lacus's older sister Sakura! I've nothing against her sister… exactly, it's just the woman that's four years older than me… has a... rather serious thing for me. To explain what I mean, you see, every time our paths cross, the woman doesn't leave me alone… flirts with me a lot, whether I give her permission or not and I usually don't! It's why I don't go around the PLANTs often and avoid Sakura Clyne as much as I do.

Sure, Sakura is beautiful and can be consider cute, but the girl is one who likes to be in full control and I don't like others controlling me. So, you would think that we wouldn't get along and I really wish that were the case sometimes. But no, she doesn't understand what the meaning of the word 'no' is, so she keeps making advances at me. Nope, my refusal only spurs her onward to catch me or something like that! I believe Siegel Clyne has noticed his oldest daughter's interest in me… at least he's helped me escape from Sakura a couple of times… bless the man for it! Yet, I don't know if Lacus knows about her sister having a serious liking of me that has gone beyond just being uncomfortable! The woman acts 'quite' different when she's around me for whatever reason she has.

My smile faltered a margin, "Um Lacus… the issue that's occupying you… it wouldn't have to do with your sister Sakura, would it?" I asked in an even voice.

Lacus gave me a slightly confused expression before she shook her head, "No, it's Le Creuset and the team he has." She replied.

That one line explained a great deal to me, even if it wouldn't make any sense to anyone else. A fact that had bugged me since I went against the Aegis, the way the pilot had been fighting was fairly familiar to me. The voice had added to my suspicions and what Lacus had said clenched the fact for me beyond a shadow of a doubt. Looked at Lacus, "I see, your dilemma is how to tell Kira that there is a high likelihood that he'll be fighting Athrun Zala, am I right?" I mused.

Lacus's head snapped up and she stared at me in shock, "How did you…?"

"…Know that Athrun was one of the ZAFT pilots that stole the Alliance mobile suits?" I finished. Lacus nodded slowly, so I continued, "When I went against the Aegis, the way the pilot moved the mobile suit, even if the suit had an OS that's horrid, it was calculating in the way they move to accurately counter their opponent in a very quick fashion… I know a select few that have a talent to do that while in a fight. Athrun Zala is the only one in ZAFT that I know other than your sister, that has the talent, so it made the most sense that it was him. Then there was hearing his voice which made it even more obvious to me."

Lacus slumped at my statement, I sighed, "My suggestion to you, just tell Kira outright. Then let him make the decision for himself. Doubt it'll be pretty at first, Kira won't take it well, but he'll get over it given time. I would guess that were, or rather when Athrun finds out he's fighting Kira and myself, he'll do some serious reconsideration about what he is doing and what he's fighting for. I think Athrun is being influenced by his father, but at heart Athrun hates this war as much as Kira, myself and you do. He'll come around given time Lacus, you can count on that."

Lacus nodded, "Yes… thanks Tye, you were right. Talking about this issue with you has help a lot." She said.

My smile was back in full now, "Hey now, what are friends for?"

The pink-haired girl suddenly got a look of curiosity, "Although, why did you think I was having problems with my sister Sakura?" she asked.

Used my right hand to scratch the back of my head, "Oh um… it's been a while since I've seen her and well… your sister can at times, be hard to be around and everything. So, I just thought," I trailed off.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Mu La Flaga sighed slightly while he looked out the front viewport, watching the activity of resupplying occurring. The few remaining crew of the ship were small in number, less than a usual skeleton crew. This ship, by what Mu had been told, was meant to carry a crew of a hundred-fifty, yet it was being run by twenty-five currently, a sixth of its intended crew compliment. The bridge didn't have all its seats filled, by the seats he counted, there should be eight officers, ten including the captain and vice-captain. Right now, there was three with the acting captain in her chair and even were the other general commissioned officers here, that would only be six out of the ten filled. The rest of the Archangel was suffering the same personnel shortage as the bridge and the bridge was the best off.

The mechanics along with the highest ranking non-commissioned officer Arnold Neuman were grabbing what supplies they could from Morgenroete and the surrounding area, then bringing them onto the ship. This included what was left of the mobile suit equipment, along with other basic supplies for the ship itself. Mu had even watched the two teens bring the mobile suits onto the Archangel and it had been fascinating and yet harsh at the same time. Kira Yamato, the younger one of the two, had moved the winged mobile suit onto and then into the Archangel's hanger, making the task look not all that difficult to do. Mu could accept that the kid could be smart and gifted for the reasons that it looked doable for the teenager. However, having to watch Tyler McGregor use the black machine to help bring heavy supplies onboard, wasn't easy for the mobile armor pilot. The older kid which appeared to be the oldest of the group of them and had made maneuvering a mobile suit look to be as easy as a 'walk in the park'.

Nonetheless, that wasn't what was bothering Mu the most, it was that Le Creuset hadn't made a single move since retreating. It caused a frown to appear on his face with how things were going right now, for it didn't make sense. ZAFT was outside, and the Archangel was on the inside, things hadn't changed yet. Le Creuset wasn't one to wait unless he had a reason, that man didn't sit back and wait for things to happen if he didn't absolutely have to. Mu had figured out that attribute about the masked ZAFT commander from their encounters.

Putting aside the feelings of foreboding, Mu turned to face the acting captain of the Archangel Murrue Ramius. She was currently sitting in the captain's chair, using the phone attached to the arm rest, giving out instructions. Mu couldn't help but think about what a right old mess that he and Krystal had gotten themselves into with this mission that was supposed to be simple from the start to the finish. After a few minutes, Murrue sighed, putting the phone down, "The colony interior is close to one hundred percent evacuated," she said, "However, I'm told the recent incident has upped the hazard level to nine."

Captain Ramius stood up and walked over to the viewport. "That means the shelters have been locked down completely," said Mu with another exhale of frustration. He looked to Captain Ramius, "…So then, since that's the case, what do we do with those kids?" Murrue stopped right in front of him and looked at him. "It's too late now to find a shelter to toss them into, isn't it?" Mu posed.

Ensign Badgiruel, who had been double checking one of the control stations in the Combat Information Center in the lower area of the navigation bridge below the captain's chair however, she came up and glanced over at Mu at the question. "Lieutenant Ramius detained those children because they'd been exposed to military secrets Lieutenant La Flaga," said Natarle Badgiruel, clearly objecting to the implications that Mu had put out, yet her voice betrayed that she agreed that Mu had a point. She, of course, didn't know that Murrue had never actually detained them at all, merely temporarily recruited them, mostly because they couldn't find a shelter. "We can't exactly let them go free after seeing what they have."

Mu stared at Natarle seriously, "I'd say you'd be hard pressed to stop them. I mean, did you ever see that tan haired kid, Tyler McGregor have a gun on him, let alone two, before he had them pointed at your men? Clearly that kid has seen fighting… likely been in some fights too by how he moves and reacts. Hell, possible that he could have military training of some kind, kid's a mystery." Mu paused, "So, you're proposing to have them join us in our escape then?" questioned Mu, sounding somewhat incredulous. "Once outside, we'll be involved in some pretty heavy fighting, would be a complete miracle if we aren't."

Natarle seemed to freeze at being told that, but said nothing in response to Mu's inquiry.

"I'm thinking that we'll have to rely on the power of the Strike and if possible, the Shadow as well," said Murrue.

"Then you mean to send both of those machines into battle?" questioned Natarle. "Then what about the winged mobile suit, it's similar to Orb suit model that I've seen in pictures?"

"What do you think our chances of escaping are without one or more of the mobile suits onboard?" asked Murrue in a serious tone. "As for the winged mobile suit, I guess that's up to Kira or Tyler as they both seem to be able to pilot it."

They were all silent for a minute, thinking how to say what was on their minds. "I guess we'll be relying on that precious Strike or that 'Shadow' one then," said Mu, drawing their attention back to the issue. "But, do you think either of those kids would be okay with piloting either of those machines?"

Both women gained a confused expression, "What do you mean?" questioned Natarle sharply, before she calmed down and continued. "Why don't you and Major McAlester pilot the Strike and the Shadow? In the best-case scenario, it's better to keep civilians uninvolved in the fighting itself. The less those two are involved, the better."

"Are you joking or are you just crazy?" asked Mu, definitely incredulous this time. Both women stared at Mu as he continued, "Listen, there's no way Krystal or I can operate any of those three mobile suits as they are."

Murrue and Natarle looked confused at the exclamation, Mu rubbed his forehead with a hand, "Have either of you taken the time to go down to the hanger and look over what those kids did to the OSs on any of those given suits? I couldn't make heads or tails of any of it, nor could Krystal! A regular human being couldn't possibly grasp the system or its complexity anymore. The other weird thing, the Strike and the winged suit… have similar OSs if they aren't identical, even if I can't tell you how they work. However, the Shadow is a different matter, that machine's system is of the like of which I've never seen before. Sure, I might be able to comprehend given a year or more, but right now, it might as well be written in gibberish, as that's what it is to Krystal and myself!"

"Then make Kira Yamato change the Strike's OS back and Tyler McGregor undo what he did to the," started Natarle before falling short, remembering that the OS had been incomplete before the alterations, "In any case, this is supposed to be our battle, not one for children! Even if we keep those kids detained, it seems inappropriate to then force them to fight for us."

"You're not suggesting that we should go out and make ourselves a nice sitting duck for ZAFT to use for target practice?" asked Mu in challenge.

"No, of course not!" said Natarle, clearly trying to come up with a solution to this problem. "But still… perhaps we should ask either Mr. Yamato or Mr. McGregor to try and put together an OS to let you and McAlester pilot two of the mobile suits at least? They seem to know how to write one, so…"

"A nice thought, but I doubt either of them could manage to do that in the time we have available," said Mu. "I know enough about programming, to understand that it's easy enough to design a system for your own use. To tailor it for another to use and comprehend, especially a machine as complex as a mobile suit, would probably take days at the very least, that's without testing for fine tuning the system. We don't have that kind of time, not with Le Creuset pursuing us."

"So, our survival hinges on Kira and Tyler with the mobile suits," said Murrue, stating the line to bring the discussion to a close as she stared out the window, watching the loading of supplies. She saw the trailer that was carrying equipment for the Strike returning. Murrue Ramius let out a sigh of acceptance. "I hate to do this, but… I'll ask them both." With that, she turned and left the bridge.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

After the conversation with Lacus, both of us headed back to the hanger of the Archangel as there was work that could be done, while there was downtime at least. Once back in the hanger, Lacus went to help Kira and I climbed up to the cockpit of the Shadow, as there still needed adjustments and tweaking to do with the OS. From what the operating system had started as, I had basically rewritten the vast majority of it. What I had whipped up, was a basic rolling version of the OS that the Federation employs in their mobile weapons, since it's what I'm used to using. The problem with that, the Earth Force and those at Morgenroete had designed their system to be more like ZAFT's OS model, which was different than the Federation's. Granted, I've gotten the mobile suit to run and do so somewhat smoothly. But, if I could streamline the OS with the functions and tasks of the suit in an organized and sensible fashion, then it would run so much better.

However, as I'd started working towards the goal of a decent system, I began noticing some odd things within the mobile suit. I'd spotted, that this machine really did seem to be built to work with a Federation OS in mind for some reason and not the junk the Earth Forces called an OS. The reason I say that, is for some of the equipment, internal network and controls in general, were more like what is standard within the Federation military. Although, those who had been doing the work on this suit had been divided in what they wanted for this mobile suit and so, had been at odds with each other I'd say. One side wanted to go with Earth Alliance ideas and the other side had been trying to employ Federation methodology to this unit. It made fixing things a challenge as well as confusing to say the least, was also very frustration I'll tell you!

While I sat in the cockpit, I was pretty much forced to literally rebuilding more than half the functions of the machine piece by piece to fix mess this system was in. AND I was being forced to do the task one painstakingly function at a time and each one was adding to my growing annoyance. Then, once an individual function worked, I had to get them to work with the other system programs and functions smoothly, which wasn't always a simple task. The process was time consuming, but I knew it would pay off later, hence why I was taking the time to do this. I would like to continue to be alive and so, I would do the needed work to give myself the best chance of doing just that in the long run.

Tolle and Kuzzey came up while I was working and watched me for a bit, then they asked if there was anything they could do to assist me. I smiled at them and was about to tell them, though the offer was appreciated, this was something I would have to do, yet the appearance of someone else cut that short.

"Kira, Tyler!" called Miss Ramius, drawing everyone's attention as she rushed over to where the Asuka and the Shadow were docked. I saved the work I'd done and then turned off the system and popped out of the cockpit.

"Miss Ramius," greeted Kira.

My current mood was not good, and a sense of serious foreboding in the air with the acting captain coming into the hanger was just making things worse. However, I plastered the best smile I could, "So, what brings the acting captain down to the hanger?" I asked as I climbed down the ladder from the cage that the Shadow was in.

Kira followed by Lacus came down the ladder from the cage that the Asuka was in and then came over to stand in front of the mobile suits along with me, facing Murrue Ramius. "Listen Tyler, Kira," said Miss Ramius when she reached us, "I don't know how much time we have, so I'm going to be blunt, our situation is grave. The shelters are locked down, so we can't put you and your friends in one now. On top of that, the colony itself is in danger, so the only safe place for you and your friends is aboard the Archangel."

My feeling of annoyance morphed into irritation from the work I've been going through with the Shadow's operating system. Then this woman comes in stating the obvious, only adds to my irritation. But, I breathed in and then I exhaled to calm down and keep in control, which caused the woman to pause, "Are you one that normally states the obvious? Or is this an admittance of what you got yourself into with the Alliance's actions?" I posed.

Miriallia punched my shoulder and after glancing over at her and seeing her serious expression, I knew it was her way of saying to be nice. If I didn't start being nice, Miriallia might punch or hit a more sensitive area… I would rather avoid that if possible! "Okay, what I meant to say is, what's your point Miss Ramius? You said there wasn't much time, so please just get to the reason why you're down here," I restated.

Kira was the next to speak, "ZAFT is targeting this ship, aren't they?" asked Kira.

My friend then looked back at the Asuka before his hands clenched into fists. "You want Tyler and me to pilot again, don't you?" he stated as fact, not as a question.

Very observant Kira, it's times like this I wonder if you're naïveté is inherent or is you acting by choice. The expression on Murrue Ramius's face, told me that Kira had hit the nail on the head, Miss Ramius was here to ask us to pilot two of these machines and help bail them out of this crap shoot they had landed themselves in. Honestly, this is one of the points of arguments I have against the Earth Alliance and Forces I tend to cross paths with. They dive into situations, head first and then if, or rather when things go bad, they put those who can help them out of it into the horrible position of having to help them, just like this!

"I'm afraid so," said Miss Ramius. "I'm sorry Kira, Tyler, but we don't have any choice but to ask this of both you."

The woman appeared to be sincere in her apology, but that doesn't make this any nicer with what she's asking of us. Kira closed his eyes, hands clenching and unclenching, clearly saying how irritated he was at being told this. I moved over to Kira and placed a hand on his shoulder and when Kira looked to me, I gave him a look to say, 'let me handle this'. Kira nodded slowly, and I turned back to acting captain Murrue Ramius.

As things stand for us all, the shelters were locked down, and the colony itself wasn't safe from recent events. In short, Kira, our friends and I were stuck with the Archangel for the foreseeable future. And we had no choice in this and still have little going forward as things are, what a mess! "You wonder why the Earth Alliance has the reputation it does, it's because of situations like this one. That's especially true of those who are Coordinators that aren't citizens of the PLANTs or the Human Federation. We avoid being around the Earth Alliance, since you have a tendency to put us in the position that if we don't help out, we lose or die… Sometimes both." I said in a controlled tone of frustration.

Miss Ramius looked at me with slight shock, "That's not…"

I cut her off, "Not what you intended to happen? Yeah, heard that line quite a few times before now. Tell me, did you seriously think you would be able to finish the mobile suits and this ship, then just slip away without being noticed? Please don't say that you're so ignorant and/or blind, you've shown yourself to be smarter than that." I said flatly.

Kira set one of his hands on my shoulder and squeezed, stopping me from talking. I glanced over to my friend in question of what he was doing. "Alright, fine," he said, opening his eyes and glaring at Miss Ramius. "Our situation can't be helped, so we need to work together I guess for the time being. Besides, I can't just let you walk to your deaths, even if… even if it is because of you that ZAFT is here in the first place."

Damn… after Kira says that, I can't refuse without feeling like a real douche, which I'm not a douche. I sighed, "Okay sure, I said too much just now, whether the subject matter is true or not. Since Kira has agreed to help, so then shall I," was my curt reply.

"I'm grateful," said Miss Ramius with a slight bow. "Again, I'm sorry it came to this. It was never our intent, but… well, you know what they say about the road to hell."

"Is paved with da-darn good intentions, yeah… not the best phrase to go with for yourself, as the current situation is a prime example of that saying and how it applies." I finished for the woman.

Miss Ramius straightened up, "Due to the present circumstances, we'll allow you access to the Strike and the Shadow," said Murrue. "You can both use them or the… Orb mobile suit at your own discretions."

"It's apparently based on the Astray type frame, but it's been nicknamed the Asuka," said Kira. Miss Ramius blinked in surprise, just how much will these Earth Alliance officers underestimate us?

"If Kira's going to be out there, then please allow me to pilot as well," said Lacus suddenly, shocking everyone including myself.

Lacus… in a mobile suit?! Well, that's unexpected… no, more from left field if anything. Sakura is the warrior of the Clyne family, there's never has been a doubt about that, especially with how she performs on the battlefield. So, Lacus never came off as a fighter in this way as long as I've known her. She could probably do it, don't doubt Sakura gave her a lesson or two, but never thought Lacus would get into one by her own will. "I'm a Coordinator as well. If we put a proper OS in, I can handle it." She went on.

"Lacus…" uttered Kira.

"I have to admit, quite surprising you'd volunteer for the job Lacus, don't see anything wrong with it though," I commented.

"Tye! She can't," Kira started loudly.

I was about to tell Kira, he would be hard pressed to stop Lacus, when the girl in question beat me to it. "I won't let you or Tye fight alone Kira," said Lacus firmly. This girl hasn't ceased to amaze me… definitely a Clyne, has the stubborn drive that her father and older sister are famous for. She looked back to Miss Ramius. "There isn't any harm in me piloting, right? Trust me, I can be of help."

It was difficult not to burst out laughing at how Lacus had countered Kira's protest! The acting captain seemed to be considering the offer, finally nodded. "Okay, I'll allow it," she said. "How long will it take to put together an OS?"

Kira looked at me as I did him, after a moment I shrugged, "As I see it, that's already been done. The Strike and the Asuka have pretty much the same OS, right Kira?" I asked.

He nodded, "The OS I built for both machines are identical," said Kira quickly, brushing some hair out of his eyes. "Between the two of us, it shouldn't be too hard to modify one of them for Lacus to use without much difficulty, but can't say how long it would take."

I put a hand on my friend's shoulder, "As we're modifying instead of building one from scratch, it shouldn't take us more than an hour I would think, likely less." I said.

"It'll take at least that amount of time to resupply the machines on board and find what supplies we can acquire anyway," said Miss Ramius.

She sighed in slight relief, "Thank you, please get started as soon as possible. If the rest of you, please follow me, I'll show you to the mess hall. You can rest there for the time being, with all that's happened, it would do you good." She looked around. "Chief Murdoch! Tyler, Kira and Lacus will be piloting the three mobile suits, if you could continue with the resupply, but please, don't get in their way with adjusting the mobile suits!"

"Sure thing!" Murdoch called back distractedly.

Shaking her head again, Miss Ramius led Tolle, Sai, Miriallia and Kuzzey out of the hangar. Their support was nice, but while Kira and I were making adjustments to the machines that we would be using now to defend the ship, it wasn't needed actively. So interestingly, between the Asuka and the Strike, Lacus chose to pilot the Strike. Kira got into the cockpit first, getting behind the pilot seat, Lacus followed him, sitting in the seat and I got on the hatch itself and leaned in over the forward controls.

"Lacus, are you really sure about this?" asked Kira softly when he was certain we wouldn't be overheard… namely, when we our heads were in the cockpit while we were trying to examine how to modify the Strike for her use, with the OS displayed. "It's one thing for me to fight, another for Tye, but you're from the PLANTs."

I nodded with what my best friend had said, "In this, I would agree with Kira, though I still say it's up to you Lacus." I put in my view.

Lacus looked at both Kira and myself, before she answered, "I know… but it'll be fine," said Lacus. "I want to protect you both too… and all of them as well. I don't just want to sit by and watch, doing nothing when I know I can."

"Lacus…" muttered Kira in surprise.

I snickered, "And the lady has spoken Kira, no arguing with that, doubt we could stop her if we tried anyways. Got to say Kira, must be nice to be told by your girlfriend that she wants to protect you as well. You lucky boy you!" I said with a smirk, while elbowing him in his middle.

Kira blushed noticeably, yet, what Lacus said to us next, surprised both of us, "Besides, I can probably do better than both of you in battle. At least, better than Kira for sure, can't say if I could do better than you Tye, but possibly."

"Huh?" both Kira and I uttered at the same time in response to what Lacus had said.

"I never told either you, did I? I've gotten lessons and some training from my sister Sakura." Replied Lacus serious.

"Oh, is that so? You two have made up after the disagreement you two had then?" asked Kira.

Lacus nodded, I frowned slightly, "Wasn't aware that you two had a disagreement, but Sakura taught you how to pilot a mobile suit did she?" I asked, to which she nodded again. That would mean she would do decently, nowhere near my level, but then I could take on Sakura and have a chance of winning the battle. There would be large chance of me losing against Sakura, she has more experience than I do, but still. Not that Kira or Lacus have any idea how skilled a pilot I really am, since I've said nothing about it or what I do for a living. "Well, if she did so, that's good enough for me. I can't argue with the skills that woman has when it comes to piloting a mobile suit."

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Murrue let out a small sigh as she returned to the Archangel's navigation bridge and sunk down into the captain's chair. Mu and Krystal were there along with Natarle and they were looking towards Murrue. "Did you manage to convince them?" asked Mu, looking over from the tactical station where he was sitting.

"Yes," said Murrue. "Both Kira and Tyler did agree to pilot for the time being and then Lacus Don volunteered to pilot one of the machines as well. Apparently, she's also a Coordinator like Tyler and Kira are."

"The pink princess did that?" questioned Mu a little surprised. "I'm not exactly surprised that she's a Coordinator. That pink hair didn't appear like any dye job I've ever seen, so it had to be her natural hair color. Although, I'm impressed that she would volunteer to pilot just like that."

"Lieutenant Ramius, are you really sure about this? Letting those three teenagers pilot those machines." questioned Natarle.

"Under the circumstances, I don't think there is any harm," said Murrue. "Kira said that with the current situation, it's best for us to work together to survive. Those three have the best chance at piloting those suits, so it can't be helped. Tyler however, viewed the present circumstances as ones that we got ourselves in, and seem to think that we were putting them into this to use their abilities."

Natarle appeared shocked, "Tyler McGregor believes that we're trying to use them for their abilities as Coordinators?"

Murrue's face fell, "He said, 'We avoid being around the Earth Alliance, since you have a tendency to put us in the position that if we don't help out, we lose or die… Sometimes both'. What you said about Tyler McGregor being in fights of some kind before now Lieutenant La Flaga, I think you're right. And I think some of those fights involved Earth Forces soldiers in some way and not nice ones."

"I've heard the view you say he brought up, Coordinators being taken advantage of, being use and seen for their abilities alone only," Mu said. There was silence to his statement, until Mu spoke up again, "Well, at least they all agreed for now, Tyler McGregor doesn't seem to be a bad person, just has had some hard times I guess." said Mu. "Say, did Kira tell you the name of that Orb machine?"

"He said it's based on the Astray model, which Orb uses and is nicknamed Asuka," said Murrue. Mu quirked an eyebrow at that while Natarle barely suppressed a snort.

"Asuka you say…" murmured Mu. "Interesting name for a near sixty-foot death machine I guess…"

-Line Break-

From the hanger, Sai, Tolle, Miriallia and Kuzzey were brought to the mess hall to wait with the process of bringing supplies onto the Archangel was done. "So, what do you guys think of all this?" asked Tolle, glancing around at the others a little nervously. Knowing that two of your friends are different than you is one thing, to have the point proven in the way that it had, was much harder, right?"

Sai shrugged slightly as an answer, while Miriallia seemed to chew on her bottom lip a little. Although, it was Kuzzey who ultimately answered the question vocally, "We always knew that Kira, Tyler and Lacus were Coordinators. Kira and Tye told us outright that they were Coordinators, and Lacus… it was fairly obvious." he said. "Yet, before today, how many of us here really thought about what them being Coordinators actually meant? I mean, none of us even know Lacus all that much other than she's friends with Kira and Tye and some other basic facts." Sai shifted imperceptibly at the statement, since he knew more than they did, but he had promised to not say anything, none seemed to notice Sai's reaction.

Kuzzey continued, "As for Kira, sure, we always knew that he was more… 'advanced' than the rest of us, but Sai is just as accomplished in schooling, so we never thought about it. With Tyler, when he arrived a year ago, Kira greeted him as an old friend and so we just took like that. But, you heard what those officers said… Kira managed to reprogram that mobile suit's OS in the middle of that fight, and Tye did the same for that black suit at some point and fought off the red mobile suit. Then Tye gets a hit on that silver machine followed by Kira getting a near bull's-eye on the same silver mobile suit. That ZAFT pilot and those they fought before that have probably gone through combat training and are Coordinators themselves. Both of them are our friends, yet at the same time, can we really look at him the same after witnessing what they can do?"

"I can see where you're coming from Kuzzey," said Sai. He pushed up his glasses a little. "However, you're missing something in this, Tye and Kira have been building parts of the original OS those machines were using."

"Huh?" uttered everyone else.

It was not a moment later, Miriallia gained an expression of comprehension, "That's right," she said. "While we were traveling to the college earlier, we asked them about what Professor Kato had both of them working on and Kira said he thought it was some kind of new operating system and Tye seemed to agree."

Sai nodded, "Exactly right," he said. "I did a little work on it too, but Kira and Tye were the main contributors, it seems likely that this is where the work was going, looking back now. The OS was incomplete, just like Professor Kato's project. Given the likelihood of that, Both Tye and Kira were very likely already pretty familiar with much of the OS. I doubt it would take as much for them to get it to a state where it could work well for themselves. Think about how the other mobile suits had trouble at first and then still had difficulty moving the machines, the ZAFT pilots wouldn't have been so capable. Finally, the machines are protected by that Phase Shift armor system, making ZAFT's weapons ineffective."

"I get what you're saying, Kira and Tye would be intimate with the working of the incomplete OS, where the guys from ZAFT would be new to the system that the mobile suits and so, the two machines that worked better would worry them. So, they would be more likely to just walk away more easily," said Tolle, Sai nodded in response, "Thanks for that… it's reassuring, in a weird way." Replied Tolle.

-Line Break-

Around fifty minutes passed without anything happening to the Archangel, ZAFT hadn't come to attack them. Of course, the crew of the new Alliance warship wasn't fool enough to think that the ZAFT forces would leave them alone for long enough to fully supply the ship and leave Heliopolis. It was not long after the resupply on the mobile suits was done and a little bit of basic supplies, when Petty Officer 2nd-class Pal Romero, manning the fire control station on the bridge, watched as his screen quickly blurred out. "Electrical interference throughout the whole colony occurring," he announced. "N-jammer levels rising."

"Damn, looks like ZAFT is coming our way again," cursed Murrue, before she turned her chair slightly to face Pal.

"Well, appears Le Creuset is done waiting for us to come out and has decided to come in after us, curse that man!" said Mu angrily, standing up.

Krystal glanced over at Mu with a serious expression, "Did you really believe that the man would wait all that long before he would come or send others in to finish what he started?"

"No, but I was hope he'd hesitate a tad longer, enough for us to be ready. Yet, that's too much to hope for, I know," replied Mu.

"They don't really plan to hit us again while we're inside the colony, do they?" asked Natarle to the room at large.

"For them, it's an easy choice," said Mu with a sarcastic tone. "They can fire all they want, the inhabitance has been completely evacuated, so no risk of hurting the citizens anymore. But we on the other hand, have to aim so carefully we might as well not shoot back… Nice."

"Order all hands to level one battle stations," said Murrue grimly. "Have Kira, Tyler and Lacus prepare for takeoff in their mobile suits. Ensign Badgiruel, please equip the Strike with the Sword Striker pack. Lieutenant La Flaga, since neither your mobile armor nor Major McAlester's is ready for launch, please man the CIC. Major McAlester, take the electronic warfare station."

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Close to an hour went by, before the call to battle stations came which in turn, got Kira, Lacus and I hurried down to the hanger. Lacus looked nervous at the prospect of having to launch out in a mobile suit for the first time, even though she volunteered for the job. Once in the hanger, we separated to board our respective machines, Kira to the Asuka, Lacus to the Strike and me to the Shadow. I buckled myself into the pilot seat and turned on the Shadow's main systems and closed the entry hatch. As I activate the OS, both halves of the front screen moved into position for use.

"Hey you three, listen," Came the voice of Chief Murdoch, an image of the man appearing on one of my com-screen and probably Kira's and Lacus's, "I just want all you kids to know, whether you're a Natural or a Coordinator makes no difference to me or any of us mechanics and engineers down here beyond assuring us that you can do fine and protect this ship. So, good luck to the three of you… get out there and give 'em hell."

"Thanks Mr. Murdoch," said Kira over the radio.

"That's a good chief mechanic, Chief Murdoch. Him and his whole team with him, I won't deny that at all," I said on the radio.

"Alright you numbskulls, open the number three container and attach the Sword Striker equipment! Let's minimize the chances of causing the kids to damage their own home colony!"

Again, this mechanic Murdoch is a good guy, even if he works with the Alliance. Even if I dislike the Earth Alliance, I'm well aware that not all that work within the Earth Forces are bad people. The Shadow jerked and moved to the left catapult, by this time the Shadow's OS had fully booted up and so all the displays for the outside were up and I saw the airtight shutters closing behind me. looking up, I spotted Kira on the left com-screen and Lacus on the right.

"Nervous?" Kira asked.

"After training with that sister of yours, this should be fine for you Lacus. Plus, Kira and I will be out there with you, so things will be okay." I said in the hope that it would reassure Lacus.

"Yeah… even with 'that', this is still a whole different experience for me," she said. "Kira, Tye… promise me you'll both be alright?"

I saw that Kira looked confused at the request from Lacus and I can't blame him, this was weird. Granted, neither Kira, nor Lacus know that I'm a pilot for the Human Federation, and one of their excellent pilots, but when have I ever given the impression that I couldn't take care of myself?

"I promise," Kira said.

Lacus looked at me and was silent, waiting for my answer, "Uh yeah sure Lacus, you got it. I'll be good and will help you both. My personal guarantee," I said a bit awkwardly.

"And…" Lacus trailed off for a second, "Promise me… that you won't hesitate… no matter what happens you two."

This is getting more than awkward here! "Listen Lacus, it'll be fine out there, the goal is to get those coming to go away. That doesn't mean that we have to kill them… doesn't mean that we won't have to either, but you get the idea. However, if it makes you feel better, I promise you, I'll be careful and do the job, wouldn't doubt Kira will do the same," I replied calmly.

"Like Tye said Lacus, we'll be fine," was Kira's intelligent reply… swear my friend can be too naïve sometimes. Kira shook his head, before he continued, "Alright, I promise too Lacus."

Lacus was quiet for a moment after Kira and I made our promises. "Thank you Kira, Tye."

The catapult that I was in opened and light from the outside came into view. The electron rails extended out and the lights lit up the linear launching rails. I leaned my mobile suit forward a bit, preparing for launching sequence, looking up towards the launch command display, waiting for the system to be ready for me to fly out. The signal to go appeared and I accelerated forward quickly, firing up my suit's thrusters just before I hit the end of the catapult. Shot into the air and gained height and as I did so, I scanned visually around to locate the ZAFT mobile suits that would be our opponents. Observed Kira launch out in the Asuka from the left catapult after I did and Lacus in the Strike come out the right leg of the Archangel. The three of us activated the phase shift armor systems on our machines, when the sight of the first GINN came into view from the docking area of Heliopolis. What had me staring for a brief moment, was the machine was… equipped with artillery that's meant for the purpose of taking heavy armored targets out. And so it would seem, that Le Creuset has no interest whatsoever anymore in what happens to the colony, that's just peachy!

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

"One heat source approaching… no, make that two," announced Natarle to the bridge crew, "Matching thermal patterns… heat source confirmed to be two GINNs." The GINN in question suddenly came up on the front screen, shortly followed by a second one, the sight of heavy missiles attached to each arm and the legs of both GINNs was a horrifying picture to the crew.

"What are they thinking?!" cried Mu. "It's equipped with heavy artillery used for taking out bases!" Mu looked over his shoulder at Natarle sitting at the station behind him. "Are they planning on using that here?!"

"Unfortunately, I do believe they are Mu. Le Creuset wouldn't have had them equipped with such weaponry if there was no intent to use them. I bet they're not thinking about Heliopolis much if at all by this point," remarked Krystal McAlester from the electronic warfare station.

As if to confirm Krystal's view, an explosion rocked Heliopolis and a second sizable hole was created in the colony wall, allowing a second pair of GINNs entry to the colony through it with the similar artillery type load out as the first two. "Separate group approaching from the Tannenbaun district, also equipped with heavy artillery." called Natarle showing slight apprehension now with four GINNs in sensor range.

"Send out the Strike, the Shadow and the Asuka. Activate Gottfrieds and Valiants," ordered Murrue.

The Shadow shot out the left catapult less than a minute after the order from the bridge had been given, shocking some of the crew members on the bridge. The mobile suit was followed by the Asuka, from the left leg of the ship and the Strike from the right catapult. The three machines headed towards the GINNs shortly after launching. "Have Igelstellungs ready for interception and link target laser designator for Gottfried cannons to aim for the GINN directly ahead of us. Load all stern missile launchers with Corinthos," continued Murrue.

The Archangel's weapon systems activated, the Valiants rotated to point forward while the Gottfrieds came up before moving to aim in the direction of the GINNs, then fired. The pair that were shot at, broke away from each other completely, dodging the beams sent their way and went on the attack, coming in from different angles.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

As the blasts from the guns of the Archangel went past us towards the GINNs, they dodged, flying in different directions from one another. We matched them, with Kira, Lacus and I, picked whom we went after. My fellow pilots picked one of the GINNs, which left me with the remaining two as this fight was three of us, verses four opponents. The two suits that I got to dance with, one had a heavy beam cannon while the other missiles on one arm and an assault rifle in the other.

The GINN with the cannon aimed the cannon at me and fired. I moved to the right hard and avoided the shot, and then was forced to throw myself to the left as the other GINN shot its assault rifle in my direction. As I maneuvered around I pointed the Shadow's head at the GINN with the cannon and peppered it with 75mm rounds from my suit's CIWS guns. That ZAFT pilot backed off and pointed the beam cannon at me again, let lose another blast. I did a backflip to dodge and shot at the other GINN with my beam rifle, though I didn't score a hit. However, as the shot from the beam cannon passed me, to my frustration and growing anger, I watched the energy blast disintegrated another of the colony support cables that were part of the structure holding the entire colony together melt and break before falling to the surface of the colony. The crash of the cable to the ground, caused even more structural damage to the colony itself making the whole colony structure more unstable.

Overriding the irritation of this chain of events and the ludicrousness of them, I brought the up the list of offensive equipment that the Shadow has since I hadn't memorized it yet. After looking it over, I made my decision on what to use along with taking in the positioning of both GINNs I was going against. With my beam rifle moving to point at the suit with missiles and the Shadow's shield railgun to aim at the cannon wielding GINN, I pulled the triggers for both weapons. The missile carrying GINN managed to avoid being nailed by sacrificing its assault rifle.

Nonetheless, just after the boom from my railgun and then the sight of a clean hole through the GINN's torso, told me that I had made a textbook "money shot" on the GINN. The ZAFT mobile suit ended up exploding, killing the pilot along with the machine. In response, a bitter taste filled my mouth at seeing what my action had done, though I don't regret what I did. I don't like killing another if I can help it, but if it comes down to either me or them, I choose me and my friends pretty much every time!

I turned to face the other GINN, but as I did, a volley from one of the Archangel's main beam cannons hit the mobile suit, destroying it. Yet, the shot missed the missiles, which fired off from their racks before the suit exploded. I shot forwards, using my beam rifle to shoot at the missiles, to prevent them from striking any part of the colony. I managed to intercept both missiles before they hit anything and I let out a small sigh of relief at knowing that at least that hadn't gone bad.

Focusing back on the field and I took in a sense of what was happening on the battlefield and how things were progressing. Kira was still fighting one of the other two remaining GINNs and doing so up close and personal, while Lacus had taking up to defending the Archangel. Why would Lacus need to defend? Because, like the Alliance prototype mobile suits, this ship wasn't finish and so had bugs to be worked out. Those bugs would include targeting for all defensive and offensive ship guns and missiles, the movement of the ship itself needed work. Although, whoever was steering was doing a great job with the incomplete system the Archangel is working with. In other words, this battle could still go either way as things stand. The previous shot that had hit the second GINN that I had engaged, was sheer luck.

As Kira appeared to be doing fine with the GINN he was fending off for now, I flew off towards the Archangel to give Lacus a hand. Along my way, I turned off the Shadow's phase shift and activated the Mirage Colloid system. Unfortunately, the two features can't be used at the same time, so got to pick which one to use and take the pros and cons of the said features. The Mirage Colloid deployed and the Shadow vanished from sight of all others on the battlefield. Becoming invisible was nice, no one paid attention to me and that suited me just fine. I headed at the GINN, which was equipped with four heavy missiles and two somewhat smaller missiles pods attached to its legs. Before I reached a range, where I could make a shot at the machine, the GINN fired off the missiles from its leg-mounted launchers. The Archangel's Igelstellungs opened fire, but as its targeting was not aligned correctly, meaning they couldn't lock onto the missiles for interception effectively.

With little other options and being hit being unacceptable, the Archangel maneuvered to the right and tilted out of the path of the missiles. The caveat of that, due to the heavy interference of the N-jammers ZAFT was putting out affects their weapons as much as ours. Simply put, their targeting system, if it isn't line of sight, then the margin of error can cause a miss of hitting the intended target. That meant the missiles shot from the GINN couldn't tell the difference between the warship and the ground below it. So, the missiles crashed into the internal surface of Heliopolis after sailing pass the Archangel.

"Just stop it!" cried Lacus, rushing forward and slashing at the GINN with the Strike's large sword. It dodged, twisting to bring all four of its anti-fortress heavy missiles to bear on the Strike. However, I wasn't about to let anyone hurt a friend of mine while I could prevent it. Plus, should Sakura find me, and learn that I let her little sister get hurt when I was around and could have prevented it, she would make me regret it in horrible ways, before possibly killing me in equally painful methods. Lacus threw the Strike into a quick spin and bring the anti-ship sword around, clearly to cleave the GINN in half at the waist.

The GINN pilot barely managed to move out of the way of the sword, but had no idea I was coming up behind and from below. As I rocketed upward, I ignited the beam saber in my shield and my beam saber passed on the right through the center of the suit like a hot knife through butter. Yet, before the two haves that were made by the cut I made blew up, the heavy missiles launched from their racks like the other GINN I'd faced. I switched off the Mirage Colloid, gazing in horror as they went flying for the largest object they could find: the colony's central shaft.

Next moment, I began firing the Igelstellungs in the Shadow's head and the beam rifle, trying to destroy the four missiles before they slammed into the central shaft. I WOULD do my utmost to keep Heliopolis from collapsing period! As I was trying to take down the missiles, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, that Lacus was firing the Strike's Igelstellungs at the missiles along with me. I hit two out of the four and get them to explode harmlessly, Lacus got one of them. Unfortunately, that left one that got beyond the range our machines' guns and one was enough to cause problems. The missile made contact against the shaft and exploded, shredded a good section of metal and other material that made of the shaft structure.

My eyes widened as parts of the central shaft either blew out or fell apart. Yet, to my intense relief, the central shaft of Heliopolis held together overall and the colony itself as well. But, with the damage that had just been delivered, the shaft and the colony were hanging by mere threads! I connected the radio on my suit to the Strike, to see Lacus was scared that the colony was close to breaking apart. "Lacus, Heliopolis is still in one piece, focus on the last GINN. Once that machine is either gone or taken care of, we can worry about Heliopolis and the citizens when that's settled," I said in a firm and steady voice in the effort to calm the girl.

"I… I know, it's just," Lacus began saying.

"Trust me Lacus, whatever way this ends, I promise that Kira and I will see it through with you." I returned to her.

Lacus nodded at my statement, "Okay."

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

As the colony shook and trembled from the mobile suits fighting one another, the citizen in the locked down shelters were scared at what was happening. It was as much for them having no control over the situation as it was not knowing fully what was going on in the colony interior. In particular, inside one of the shelters, which was in the factory district section of Heliopolis, the civilians looked around as everything shook around them for a moment.

"Has another battle started up?" one of them asked in a worried tone.

Then, lights in the shelter suddenly turned red, "The hazard level has now been increased to ten," came a feminine, yet mechanical voice over the speakers. "This shelter may be ejected as a lifeboat. All personnel are to fasten their seatbelts for their safety."

Glancing around briefly, a blonde-haired, topaz-eyed girl bit her lip nervously, worried about the two who had helped her and pushed her into this shelter. Both the light brown-haired boy and the pink haired girl had run off in the direction they had dragged her from when they had headed to the shelter. She didn't know what had happened to them, but she hoped they were alright, they both seemed like good people.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Lacus and I were flying over to where Kira was still in combat with the last GINN, I reactivated the Shadow's phase shift armor. Half a minute later, we spotted the Asuka using a beam saber against the ZAFT suit, yet the GINN kept dodging at the last moment. Just from what I was seeing, the pilot, whoever they were, was fairly skilled and had been on the battlefield a decent amount before now. But, Kira was also evading the shots from the ZAFT pilot so they were at a stalemate for the moment. Lacus rushed forward and swung the large sword at the GINN, yet the ZAFT pilot evaded again. I didn't think this fight would take all that much longer as it was now 3 against 1. Plus, if we work together, we can end this in such a way that this ZAFT pilot doesn't die like his comrades did already. I got the radio connected to the Asuka and the Strike, "Kira, Lacus, surround him so that we can bring this to an end while Heliopolis is still in one piece!" I ordered.

Kira got on the right of the GINN and Lacus moved to its left, while I was in the front. The GINN's optical sensor was swinging from side to side, no doubt the pilot was seeing that he or she was trapped. I then, switched the radio to an open channel, so that the ZAFT pilot could hear me, "ZAFT pilot, you can see that you're surrounded. None of us want to kill or be killed in this, so put away your weapons and come out of your cockpit peacefully. You do that and I promise you that we'll let you walk away from this battle with your life and even have a good chance at getting back to the ship you're assigned to," I stated with clarity so that the pilot wouldn't misunderstand.

There was a slight pause and then, to my relief, and if the two sighs that I heard were anything to go by, Kira and Lacus were just as relieved as me, the ZAFT pilot was doing what I said. The situation appeared to be working out for everyone's benefit and that doesn't always happen, especially these days. However, then things went south… REAL far south, VERY fast. The GINN stored its gun, but then the cockpit opened instead of the GINN landing. The reason became clear when an alarm in my cockpit went off. Looking down at the sensors, I saw that there was a beam heading my way!

I steered forward, used my suit's hands to grab the ZAFT pilot and then shot downward. The beam passed over me, since the GINN disappeared quickly after the beam passed over, I assumed that the beam vaporized the machine. Upon calculating the direction that the beam had come from, it had been fired from the Archangel and with their current aim, it was a miracle that they hit the GINN and not any of us instead! I was about to get on the radio with the Archangel and give them a piece of my mind about how their poor decision-making was putting us all at risk and in colorful terms! But, before I could, the screeching of metal came through the sound channels gaining my attention. I shifted my mobile suit to be able to look upward and a horrific sight filled my vision. The central shaft of Heliopolis began to rip itself apart, the beam from the Archangel had struck the shaft and destroyed the remain integrity of the shaft! I turned on my Federation com-line and shouted the thought that had come to my mind, "HELIOPOLIS IS COLLAPSING, DISCONNECT NOW!"

The beating that the space colony had taken had finally gone beyond what it was rated or meant to take in any way. Those who engineered Heliopolis I bet never imagined that this structure would be put under the strain it had undergone. Now the colony's rotation which gave the colony itself gravity, was now tearing the central shaft into pieces. The inertia from the rotation tugged at the shaft, parts of it began to come off in fragments. I had to force myself not to close my eyes as what came next, though I knew what was happening and it was painful! As Heliopolis is designed, the central shaft provides the main support to literally hold the colony together, without the shaft doing that, Heliopolis's colony wall, fall apart in chunks, pieces separating from one another at the seams.

As Heliopolis began coming apart, the atmosphere that was still inside the space colony was sucked out through the openings into space. That was created strong winds that pulled in multiple directions as the air was rushing out into the vacuum of space. The Strike, Asuka and my mobile suit were all pulled in different directions. I flew backwards and was forced to concentrate on dodging debris and objects as I was in an uncontrollable flight path out of the colony at a breakneck pace. I did manage to keep ahold of the ZAFT pilot in the Shadow's hands and not have him get sucked away to who knows where along with other random debris.

Within about a minute, I finally stabilized and reoriented the Shadow and had come to a stop, just floating in space. I looked around and saw that I was in a debris field made up of chunks and pieces of what had been Heliopolis. It felt like I'd gone to sleep and was now in some sort of nightmare, even though I knew that I was awake and not imagining what I was seeing. All that was left of Heliopolis was some frame work and all the debris that had made up the place, and that had happened in a matter of minutes!

I switched on my suit's radio to find out if I could contact anyone else. It would be unlikely for me to get someone else, due to the interference of the N-Jammers. Also, there was much more heat and other ideas now adding to the previous interference, making communication even more difficult. The simple fact would be the farther the distance I would attempt to communicate over, the worse the connection would be. So, short range radio would work fine to okay, while long-range would be crap. But, it's worth a try to check anyways.

When I turned on the radio however, all I heard was static… meaning that my expectation was right. There was too much interference to contact the Archangel and I'm on my own for the time being, with the exception of my single companion. I switched over to an open channel, "Hey ZAFT pilot, are you okay?"

There was a moment before the reply, "Yes, I believe so… why did you save me? You're with the Earth Alliance, aren't you?" asked a male voice.

I wanted to say, 'hell no' right off the back to being with or a part of the Earth Alliance, but, I pausing to think about how I should answer this nicely. I came to the conclusion that my job and the required secrecy, was as good as blown to hell by this point thanks to recent events. "I saved you as I firmly believe that no one should die if they don't have to. Second, I was with the Earth Forces due to unexpected mitigating circumstances that I couldn't control and I'll stick to that. Technically, I'm a part of the Federation Military and a pilot therein," I said.

"Hmm… Federation huh, always heard that their pilots were good, guess it's true. So then, what do we do now?" He asked.

Okay, I don't think I should be a point of comparison for Federation pilots as I'm among some of the best, I'm just saying. As to the question he had asked, I haven't the faintest idea, it's something I would love the answer to myself. "Well, introducing ourselves would be a place to start, my name is Tyler McGregor, and you?" I posed.

"I'm Miguel Aiman," was his reply.

The beeping of my Federation com-unit sounded in my ear, "This is Tyler, what's your location? … I'm kind of in a bind at the moment and could use some help out of the current circumstances."

I've have a few issues as things are right now, which will affect me soon enough if nothing changes. The first would be the most obvious, air. I've a limited supply of breathable air and that will run out, likely in the next hour or so. Next, as much as I would prefer to bring Miguel into the cockpit as it would make things easier, I can't. The reason being, that would lose me all my air in seconds, since I don't have a space suit on right now. The last issue which effects the others, I don't have any means to change my current situation.

"We're almost to where you are Tyler, you okay?" Asked Lisa me in response to my plea.

"I'm good for the moment, but I've a ZAFT pilot with me on the outside and I'm without a pilot suit, so have a limited air supply to breathe. Thus, is the current plight for me, any ideas of a way to change it for the better anyone?" I asked the members of my team at large.

"You're lucky, you know that right?" returned Lisa.

"Too right lass, but then, Tyler has always been lucky, haven't ya mate?" came the voice of Luke.

Lucky am I? That depends on how you look at how things have played out in this so far. I pondered what Lisa said, "Uh, thanks for the vote of confidence Luke, but how lucky do you mean Lisa? Because, from where I'm sitting right now, I don't see myself as being that lucky."

One of the Federation fighter appeared next to me as the optical camouflage of the machine disbursed, "The Federation Cruiser the Donnen, is about two hundred yards in front of you right now. So again, I say you're lucky," said Lisa.

Ah ha, so… that's what Lisa meant by me being lucky, now I understand. I switched over to the radio to talk to the Miguel, "Miguel, hold on, we're going to go forward and get on a ship. From there I'll do what I can to help you back to the ZAFT ship you were assigned to if it hasn't been downed, I promise you that."

"Okay, I believe you," said Miguel back.

I used the Shadow's thrusters to move forward and started in the direction that Lisa had indicated the Federation Cruiser was in. It took a little less than five minutes of traveling, when I spotted the lower catapult entrance for our destination. The cruiser wasn't visible as it would have its stealth field up and running. I turned my suit around so that the rear would hit the deceleration cables and not my front as I have a passenger with me. Lisa and the others I assume went in the Federation vessel through the top linear catapult. My mobile suit came to a stop, quickly connecting the feet of my machine to the deck as the catapult door closed. Next thing that occurred was that lights came on, illuminating the lift shaft, but the Shadow stayed where it was as the space began to pressurize with oxygen.

"Pressurization sequence, complete," announced a mechanical voice that came through the sound filters.

After the announcement, the lift rose towards the main hanger and we shortly came into the hanger. Now that there was an atmosphere outside my machine, I toggled the controls so that the front screen split and retracted, before I opened the hatch. I popped out of the cockpit, instantly looking down to the hands of the Shadow. I saw that the ZAFT pilot Miguel Aiman, was looking around the hanger, not that I blame him. It's rare for those who weren't crew or members within the Federation Military to be on board a Federation vessel. I used the top section of the cockpit's hatch to launch myself and sail down to his level as he took off his helmet. "Nice to meet you face to face, Miguel Aiman," I said holding out a hand.

Miguel took my hand and shook it, "Yes, I have to say, this is not what I would've imagined the inside of a Federation ship would look like. But then, there isn't much information on what the inside of a ship belonging to the Federation looking like."

The reason for the 'outsiders' not seeing the inside of Federation vessels, of course is the Federation doesn't share that kind of information with others… Federation High Command is rather notorious for that type of thing. The less information others know, then the longer the advantage of information possession the Federation keeps, or that's the idea in mind I think.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Ruins of Heliopolis, Lagrange 3

The Federation Military cruiser named the Donnen, had a length of two-hundred-fifty meters from bow to stern, with a cylindrical shape for the back half and a slight conical form going towards the front. Like all Enterprise-class ships, it supports a crew complement of two-hundred made up officers, general non-commissioned officers, engineers/mechanics along with pilots. The navigation bridge of the ship was halfway along the back half of the ship. Wings come out of the back fourth of the ship's length, have a span of fifty meters from wing tip to wing tip. The engines are mounted on the top of the wings and the underside of the of the ship's hull parallel to the other engines. The main engines were mounted in the back of the ship's central structure.

An Enterprise-class cruiser is equipped with an optical camouflage field generation system as all Federation ships are, to make the ship is undetectable. As well as having the ability to be undetectable, the sensor array the ship has is able to detect the system that the Alliance and ZAFT have made in the attempt to copy the Federation's stealth capabilities. None of the said tries have succeeded, but that didn't stop either the Earth Alliance or ZAFT from making more attempts.

For the Enterprise-class cruiser's arsenal, three high output beam cannons codenamed 'Lancers', give the cruiser firepower. There was one on either side just forward of halfway point of the ship on the sides of the ship and the last one is ahead and below the navigation bridge. Missile tubes are housed in the wings above and below on both sides of the ship, which pop up for use. Then for defensive systems, there were twelve 75mm automatic multi-barrel CIWS guns known as 'Falcoguns'. Eight of the guns were forward of the wings, four on top and four on the bottom. The other four guns of the twelve total, were on the back section of the ship. None of the arsenal of the cruiser interfered with the two fighter catapults that were built into this class of Federation ships. One catapult ran along the top of length of the ship in front of the bridge and the other ran along the underside of the cruiser. The Enterprise-class could carry up to five Federation fighters at a time and still had enough room for some other support craft.

Within the tactical command center, which comprised of the back half of the bridge, officers were at control consoles that lined the edges of the oval shaped room. In the center of the room, was a table that also acted as a holographic display which also had Federation officers looking over and inputting data to help to have a clear picture of the current situation.

At the one end of the table, was a red-haired woman that was 5'5", was gazing intently at the area of debris, that was supposed to be Heliopolis. Her red hair had the length down to the middle of her neck and brown eyes. The woman was wearing the standard Federation commanding officer uniform, which was the blue long sleeve coat, that buttoned left of center and was black from mid-chest down. There were gold bars on the shoulders and wrists, denoting the woman's rank. On her shoulder pad was one star and four gold straight bars in a row and the same arrangement of star and bars on her sleeve at the wrist. This woman was named Mary Shepard and she was the captain of the Federation vessel.

Captain Shepard's expression was serious and calculating as she kept studying the incoming data. "Ensign Cob, how long will it take to get accurate readings on the area that Heliopolis is supposed to be occupying?" Asked Captain Shepard.

The short brown-haired man that was on a side of the table, typing away on a console, looked up at the red-haired woman. "We're already working on it Captain, we'll have it as soon as possible ma'am" stated Ensign Cob.

A male bridge officer came up behind Captain Shepard, "Captain, even if we can't get clear readings yet, the sensors have been able to make out two ZAFT vessels in the area. Although, we can't say where they precisely are right now, too much interference at the moment. But, if reports from the Investigation Team are correct, one is a Nazca-class destroyer and the other is a Laurasia-class frigate," said the man.

The man was in the same uniform as the captain, though on his wrist and shoulder pads was a star and three bars, symbolizing his rank of Commander. His face showed Asian descent, along with his black hairs and brown eyes. Captain Shepard glanced over her shoulder, "Tell me Commander Sulu, have we been able to confirm which of them is which type for the two ZAFT vessels?" she asked.

"Not yet captain and it's not for lack of trying. As I said, there's a great deal of interference around the area, likely due to neutron-jammers transmissions and the after effects from the collapse of Heliopolis. And upon the collapse of the colony, we have already detected a few of beacons from life boats. We're awaiting your orders to start recovery opts to retrieve them and bring them back to the ship. The cruiser Enkeya and Marsis, along with the dreadnaught Boyd will begin retrieval of the lifeboats in the next ten minutes when they come into range to do so captain," replied Commander Sulu.

Captain Shepard nodded and turned back to the central display for a moment, then faced Sulu again and was about to speak when something interrupted them. There was the sound of an alarm, then the security door to the rest of the ship opened and in walked a woman in a Federation pilot suit.

The woman stood at 5'4" with raven black hair that went to her mid-back. Her eyes were green and she appeared to be in her early mid-twenties. The suit the woman was wearing, consisted of an outfit that was similar to a one-piece jumpsuit. The arm, upper chest along with the collar sections, front and back were a neutral blue color. The side that started from the arm pits, going down to the ankles was also a neutral blue. From the mid chest, down to the mid-shins was dark blue front and back of the suit. There was a white stripe that acted like a dividing line between the neutral and dark blue sections, as well as the shoulders being white. Lastly, there was a grey belt and chest plate and shoulder straps that connected to a back piece that would attach to a pilot seat in a Federation fighter and secure the pilot in. The coloration of the suit, denoted that the woman was a member of the Human Federation Special Forces.

The black-haired woman came over and stood in front of Captain Shepard, "Captain, I'm Lieutenant Lisa Malto, Federation Special Forces and a member of the Federation investigation team that was assigned to Heliopolis." She said saluting

Captain Shepard saluted in return, "Welcome aboard the Donnen Lieutenant Malto. What is it I can do for you?" Asked Captain Shepard evenly.

"Well Captain, my team leader Tyler McGregor, came on board in a prototype mobile suit as I don't doubt you noticed. But, he also brought a ZAFT pilot on the Donnen… due to circumstances that I'm not fully aware of at the moment, yet I know he wouldn't do such without a reason. I thought it best to inform you of the development," said Lieutenant Malto.

-Line break-

-Tyler's pov-

The ZAFT pilot Miguel Aiman and I, exited the cruiser's hanger and made our way through the corridors of the vessel. Our destination was the captain's cabin, so that they could know of how things stood. I have found that having the captain's cooperation can make a big difference in doing a job and so it's a habit of mine to attempt to have their assistance. In this, I would ask the captain if they could help me keep my word that I gave Mr. Aiman to get him back to the vessel he was assigned to. There shouldn't be much of an issue with doing what I promised, heck can be used as a reason to board one of the ZAFT vessels to get answers for what happened to Heliopolis. Honestly, the collapse of the resource colony shouldn't have happened at all, the Earth Forces shouldn't have been developing weapons there and ZAFT shouldn't have attacked the colony. Yet, there's no reason to complain about what shouldn't and should've happened at this point, there's nothing that can be done to change what has occurred.

Miguel was looking around as we traveled through the ship, yet that's to be expected. As I stated already, rarely do any non-Federation personnel walk the decks of a Federation military vessel. So, this is a treat that most don't get, Alliance or ZAFT. It took us slightly less than ten minutes to reach the captain's cabin.

Now, where I might have the rank of Commander, as of thirteen months ago in the Federation Military. I was a Lieutenant commander before that… long story how I started with the rank I did, perhaps I'll get to the story later. Anyways, I also was a part of the Federation's Special Forces, again an unusual point with me being as young as I am and yet doing the things I do. Not only that, but I'm also a member of the Federation's S.O.L.A.S. or the Specialized DeplOyment TacticaL Antiphon Squadron. SOLAS is pretty much the best of the best that the Human Federation has, much like ZAFT's 'FAITH' pilots or the Earth Forces' 'SWORD' pilots.

Yet, my point is that while I'm on board this ship, even if I would be treated as having equal rank as the first officer, if not the captain, I'm still not able to do whatever I want to. The ship's captain can overrule me in matters concerning the ship, if they see a reason to. So, I'm taking a risk here in asking that Miguel is returned to the ship to which he's assigned. Technically, per regulations, I shouldn't have brought him on board to begin with, yet I don't see leaving him to die being something I could accept. Still, what's done is done and I can't change my actions now, so time to man up and take responsibility, that's what I do.

When Miguel and I reached our intended destination, I knocked on the door and we were told to enter, the door opened and into the captain's cabin we went. I snapped to when I got in front of the desk and faced the captain of this Federation Cruiser, this would be the time to be on my best behavior. "Commander Tyler McGregor, reporting as per request," I stated.

I looked at the person in front of me and found that the captain was a woman… not that it's unheard of by any means, there's just a difference between male captains and female captains. I'm not discriminating, giving the truth as I've seen it, different style of leading. The woman looked up at me, "I'm Captain Mary Shepard, I assume that your companion is the ZAFT pilot I've heard about?" she replied in an almost emotionless voice.

I see Lisa is as quick to minimize risk as she ever, thankful for what she does as it tends to save hassle later on. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Miguel salute, he must have read the situation and figured like me, good behavior would be best to practice. "Ma'am, I'm ZAFT green pilot Miguel Aiman," he said stiffly.

Have to say, this woman is giving off a serious, no-nonsense vibe, kind of reminds me of how my mother can get when she's ticked off about something and I avoid her when she's like that! So, I don't blame Miguel for being uptight, probably better that manners are employed in this situation. Captain Shepard nodded in return to the introduction, then she turned back to me, "Commander, as the leader of the investigation team, perhaps you can explain somethings to me as sensor readings haven't said much as of yet." I inclined my head to signal her to keep going and the she did, "With the orders that I received along with the other ships in the patrol, it was my understanding that we would be here to bring to task the Alliance forces that were in the Orb resource colony."

Straight to the point then, is it? I swallowed and then nodded. "That sounds about right Captain Shepard," I confirmed, but wasn't given the chance to explain as Captain Shepard continued.

"And yet, when we in the patrol arrives on site, we find debris where the space colony should be. What happened Commander for this to be the case?" She demanded.

Well… that's a long explanation she's asking for. I knew that the question as to what happened here would come, I just don't know how to explain it without placing blame on ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. And where I would normally not have much issue with doing such a thing, the situation with Heliopolis is complicated in a way that isn't normal. I cleared my throat, "Well Captain Shepard, things got far more complicated in the last few days, which wasn't expected." I received a bit of a cold glare from Captain Shepard, which I took to mean, don't ramble and just answer her question outright. "Put simply ma'am, things were going fine at the beginning of the week, then things started getting tense and complicated quickly. Today started alright, then ZAFT forces got involved. They entered the colony, I believe with the evidence I've seen, they were aiming to only foil Earth Forces weapon development and them moving any of it."

I paused and looked back at Miguel, hoping that he would backup my statement. He was nodding at my last statement, "Yes, we were only there to get the prototype mobile suits. It was never intended for the citizens of the colony or the colony itself to be put into harm's way," he said in a sober tone.

Turning back to Captain Shepard, I continued, "Unfortunately, the Alliance forces' reactions added lots of fuel to the chaos, which in turn, put the colony and its citizens in danger. My fellow team members and I tried to minimize the damage. Unfortunately, it didn't work out the way that we hoped. I managed to board a suit at Morgenroete Inc. complex, along with another and we fought off the last stolen Alliance machine and two GINNs. The three machines retreated and then I hooked up with the Alliance forces that were still alive for a bit. It was in the hopes that further damage to Heliopolis could be prevented. I'm ashamed to say, the results… speak for themselves ma'am," I lowered my head slightly and didn't meet the woman's gaze, "I made a bad judgement call, I admit that. The new Earth Alliance ship and remaining mobile suit, both proved more powerful than I'd calculated from the blueprints that had been obtained. That was made worse with lack of experience crew operating the ship and lack of knowledge of the weapons of the mobile suit. Because of those screw ups, Heliopolis is now in pieces. This is due to my bad call, so it's in part, my fault," I admitted as I finished my recounting.

I couldn't read the captain's face from what I had told her, but she shifted her gaze to Miguel, "And how did you come to keep the company with this ZAFT pilot?" she asked.

"During the last fight, three GINNs… well, were destroyed and when I and other mobile suit pilots surrounded his suit, I gave him the option to exit his machine and give himself up. When he exited his suit, the Alliance ship fired one of its beam turrets. I reacted and grabbed Miguel and shot downward to avoid being shot. However, that beam hit the colony central shaft and… it didn't take nicely at all. During the process of the colony breaking up, I was pulled outside of the main colony from the force of the atmosphere being sucked out. I gave my word that I would return him to the vessel he is assigned to, that's all captain," I said.

I waited for the verdict to come, what that will be, I can't say, but I will face the consequences of my decision. The captain seemed to be considering what I had said for a couple minutes, then she looked to Miguel, "And what ship were you assigned to?" she asked curtly.

"The Nazca-class vessel Vesalius ma'am," replied Miguel.

Captain Shepard nodded slightly, "Very well, I don't see why that cannot be arranged. One last question of you pilot Miguel Aiman."

"That is ma'am?" asked Miguel.

"Whom might your mission commander be?" inquired Captain Shepard.

I'd a good guess, thanks to Lacus, but I was curious too, I wanted to be sure. Miguel looked somewhat surprised at the question, "Oh, that would be Commander Rau Le Creuset."

The captain nodded at the answer, then she touched a communication control, "Sulu, move the ship towards the nearest ZAFT vessel, identify it visually if you have to, you're looking for the Nazca-class destroyer. Once you have identified it, inform me please."

"Understood Captain, will do," was the reply to the request over the com-channel.

Captain Shepard turned back to the both of us, "We will return you to your ship Miguel Aiman. Plus, I would like a word with your mission commander," she said in a tone I couldn't read.

Phase End!

A/n

Hope you readers are liking the revision I've taken the time to make. Please take the time to write a review and tell me what you think of this story. As I said before, this is an idea that came after reading some of the fanfiction of Gundam Seed and watching the anime, of which I love most of the Gundam series. It is close and dear to my heart as it was one of the anime series that started my interest and love of anime.