A/n
Like I have implied, more than one chapter or Phase in a short period of time is rare, at the same time is unheard of for me. But, this and the next Phase came to me as I was writing 35 and 36, so it just happened. Hope you like how this story is going!
Phase 40: Twisted World with No Horizon
April 3rd, 74 C.E.
-Neutral pov-
The Minerva
The Minerva had reached the ocean and used the engines that still worked alright to move forward towards a port and seriously needed repairs. Due to the efforts of many in the crew, especially the mechanics, the ship was operating at a good enough level that it should make it to a dry dock. There were still shifts to keep ship systems working well enough divided between the crew of the Minerva to attempt to take some stress off of the mechanics. Particular members of the crew became rarely seen by others, like Chief Aves and Athrun to name a few. Aila was also close to a ghost like Athrun, taking the job of management when Athrun went to his quarters to sleep. The mood on the Minerva wasn't all that high, even after completing a tall order operation.
For Athrun, when he wasn't managing the needed task, he went to his quarters and in there the pain of losing his two best friends came out. Memories of times both good and bad with both Kira and Tyler had been going through Athrun's mind over and over. When the pain had dulled, Athrun would look through file and records in order to try and see where things had started changing to come to where they were.
Athrun had come to the conclusion that Tyler had been referring to Chairman Durandal along with Le Creuset. There were enough evidences pointing towards Gilbert Durandal using the general public for something. Only the Federation member nations were really ignoring the campaign against Logos. Still, Athrun couldn't identify what it was that Durandal was after, but it wasn't 'peace' that many wanted. He did see that Durandal and others he no doubt had helping him, had been covering their tracks very well, for they were very hard to find.
It was as Athrun was looking through records that someone knocked at the door, which he ignored so that whoever it was would leave him alone. However, the sound of the door sliding open said that whoever it was wouldn't just leave Athrun alone. So, Athrun switched off the screen so that what he had been viewing wouldn't be on display. "Forgive the intrusion Commander," said the voice of Heero in the stoic tone he seemed to always have.
"What is it you needed Heero," Athrun asked evenly, not facing his fellow pilot as he replied.
Instead of Heero answering right away, the door slid shut and then seconds later, there came an odd hum with Athrun couldn't identify. So Athrun turned and saw the hum was coming from a small oval shaped device that Heero had set down on the bedside table. The device had two thin antennas on one side, Athrun knew the device for he had seen it before. Tyler had one himself and had used it before while Athrun had been around him, it was a Federation signal jammer. But the question of how Heero Collins had one of these devices as Federation equipment wasn't shared often was coming to mind. Athrun looked at Heero "So Heero, answer me this, how do you have that device? That's not ZAFT equipment at all," Athrun posed.
"No, this signal jammer is not ZAFT equipment, it is Federation Military issue," Heero replied. "The reason I have it is I am an undercover Federation operative, I work for the Intelligence Agency."
The fact that Heero Collins was a Federation Military operative was completely unexpected, but that showed that he was a good undercover operative, none would suspect him. Then, the signal jammer meant that anything said while it was running, would be private and none would hear the conversation. Athrun gave Heero his attention, "What is this about," he asked.
Heero bowed to Athrun, "I am here to give some news, advice and a warning," he stated.
Athrun wondered what Heero was referring to with advice and warning, for Athrun himself was being careful not to be suspected by anyone for looking into Gilbert Durandal and others. "Go on," Athrun said.
"Well first," Heero began, "The pilot of the Freedom did survive the destruction of their mobile suit." Athrun felt a portion of the weight that had been pressing down on himself lifted at hearing that Kira was still alive. "However, it is my understanding that he was injured an amount and is going through recovery. Second, Mr. McGregor also was able to get out in time before his mobile suit's reactor detonated."
The majority of the painful weight Athrun had been carrying around for the last couple of days had been lifted at knowing both his best friends were alive. It was a relief, and when Athrun saw them next he would be begging for their forgiveness and understanding for how foolish he had been, on hands and knees if necessary. Athrun would have thanked Heero, but he spoke again, "Now the warning, your loyalty is being questioned if you were not already aware, more so now than before with the destruction of the Freedom. Either Gilbert Durandal will expect you to prove you fully agree with him or will have you disappear before too long."
Athrun had been aware that he was being scrutinized before now and believed that Rey was the one right now reporting to Durandal about Athrun himself. He couldn't prove it, not with solid evidence that pointed to Rey, it was just the way Rey was around Athrun that gave him the suspicion. "I've been seeing some of the signs of that going on, thanks for confirming that for me," Athrun remarked.
"The advice I would give you, is use the time that it will take for the Minerva to reach Carpentaria to come up with an escape plan for yourself. It will be at Carpentaria that you will be dealt with whether it is in a good way or not," Heero stated.
"Carpentaria? That will be a bit," Athrun began, but never finished.
"Carpentaria will be the port that the Minerva will go to next," Heero said firmly. "Due to the attack on the Archangel, a policy has been brought into effect which denies docking for all ZAFT vessels in any Federation port until further notice. It will force the Minerva to go to Carpentaria."
Athrun understood what was being said, he was kind of surprise that the response to the attack on the Archangel and that it had come this quickly. And really, Carpentaria was the closest ZAFT port from where the Minerva was that could be reached by water. Heero kept going, "Upon reaching Carpentaria, I would surmise that you will have less than a day to escape before others try and arrest you for a false accusation of some sort, likely treason or something similar. I will be of no help to you as I will be transferred back into space, so you will be on your own Mr. Zala. I do wish you the best of luck," Heero finished.
The task of coming up with an escape plan wouldn't be easy, nor would keeping it all from being discovered by others. Athrun needed any help or advantage he could get in this, and a military quality signal jammer would be an asset. "One more thing Heero, could I use this signal jammer you have, it would be very helpful," Athrun asked.
Heero nodded, "Use it as you will Commander," he replied.
It was close to a week when the Minerva came to dock at Carpentaria after its journey in northeastern Eurasia and taking down the Archangel. The ship was doing okay from the damage received during the close of Operation Angel Down, but it had taken a beating from the fight and the debris that had been thrown by the nuclear detonation. Normally, the Minerva would have docked in a Federation port along the way to repair, but when they had begun their approach to the Republic, they had been denied entry outright. Apparently, things had soured quickly between ZAFT and the Federation for no visible reason and a policy denying ZAFT force docking. So, when the Minerva arrived at Carpentaria, she was set up for an overhaul, both the ship and the mobile suits she carried.
The unusual thing was that Chairman Durandal was at Carpentaria when the Minerva arrived, even though he had gone back to the PLANTs not too long ago, he was now back on earth. To Athrun, it only lent credence to the growing doubts he had about the Chairman and his intentions. Still, Athrun was keeping up the acting that he was still onboard with Durandal, which was being bought by all but Rey Za Burrel by what Athrun could tell, Rey was still somewhat suspicious of him though by the signs.
In the back of Athrun's mind, the warning that Heero Collins gave, was repeating over and over. Athrun had been seriously working on a plan he could have to leave and not get caught before he was arrested for something false to get him to disappear. With the Minerva's mobile suits off the ship and in a hanger, which he knew, all that Athrun had to do was slip away without notice. After that, he would go to Orb and find out where the Archangel was, go to it and go forward from there. Athrun would beg Kira and Tyler to forgive him for being an idiot again and not listening to their concerns and warnings.
However, before Athrun could figure out a way to vanish, he and Shinn were called to meet with Chairman Durandal. Athrun knew that refusing would be too suspicious, so he went with Shinn to meet Durandal. The two of them were taken to a factory here in Carpentaria, where a soldier guided them to the Chairman and oddly Meer. The room itself was dark save the light in the middle where Durandal and Meer were. Athrun was glancing around trying to figure out what this was about, for he didn't trust Gilbert Durandal any longer, not what he said, nor what he had in mind.
Shinn and Athrun saluted, "It's been a while Chairman, you're looking well sir," Athrun said curtly.
Shinn had a half smile on his face, "Your speech about Logos and the state of the world sir, it was moving. I hope it will be as simple to bring peace about as you made it sound Chairman," he said.
Durandal shook both their hands in turn, "Well thank you, I've been told by a number that it was equal to Minister Blass's speech back during the latter half of the previous war. I personally don't think I could match as moving a speech as she can give, but I would like to think that she and I are equals in say what comes from the heart," Durandal replied.
Athrun didn't show the irritation he felt at Durandal's reply, for to him the speech Durandal gave was nothing like what Tyler's mother gave back during the first war! Ellen had said what she had to rouse all humans to work towards the purpose of peace, that wasn't what Durandal was working towards. What his end goal was, Athrun still couldn't say with what he knew, yet pieces had been starting to come together to show some of the picture. The picture that was forming wasn't peace as the common definition states it to be, it was something else completely, of that Athrun was sure.
"Still, I've been hearing excellent things about the two of you and your efforts and I would like to thank you for them myself. ZAFT is truly lucky and fortunate to have you two in their ranks," Durandal continued.
Before he could say more, Meer moved forward and hugged Athrun, which caught him a bit off-guard. "Athrun, how have you been doing, it's been too long since last we saw each other and I've missed you," Meer greeted.
Athrun composed himself, "Lacus, this isn't the time or the place to do this right now," he said.
"Yes, I wouldn't doubt you two would like to catch up, but I must ask for your patience for just a bit longer," Durandal stated, then he gained a smile. "I'll even arrange special dinner for just the two of you tonight as an apology for the wait."
Meer moved to the side holding onto Athrun's arm and became quiet. Durandal turned to the side, "I doubt there is a need to review current events, after all, there are mad men on the loose. One in particular has been causing serious issues, Lord Djibril as his name is, has been involved in activities that are too large to even wave off, nor should they be ignored with the lives lost as the results. However, there are many things to be discussed between us, but first," he said looking to the dark silhouettes behind him. "Perhaps you would like a look at the machines here, since I can tell that they have caught your attention."
More lights lit up the room revealing the two mobile suits that were here. The one on the right bore similarities to the X56S Impulse with framework. While the one on the left looked much like the mobile suit that Kira and Tyler had described Rau Le Creuset had used during the Second Battle of Jachin Due. Durandal gestured at the machine on the right first, "Both of these suits are state of the art, the strongest machines built so far. This one is designated the ZGMF-X42S Destiny and the other the ZGMF-X666S Legend." Durandal turned back to Athrun and Shinn, "I hope that we can continue to count on the two of you to help bring about the end to the conflict.
Seeing the two mobile suits, Athrun was having clear recollections of learning about the Freedom and the Justice from Chairman Zala. This situation felt close to identical to him, Athrun was even betting that some form of a nuclear power source was inside the two. The words that Tyler had spoken back at the meeting back outside of Diocuia and during the fight around the Archangel were returning to Athrun. He had said that there were frightening similarities developing that mirrored the First Alliance-PLANT War and so here were two more and dangerous ones at that.
"Is there something the matter Athrun," asked the Chairman.
"My apologies sir," Athrun got out, putting forth the effort to appear that he didn't suspect anything. "Seeing these two mobile suits has just brought back memories of being shown the Freedom and the Justice in the last war, that's all."
Durandal appeared pensive, "Yes, I suppose this would be similar in a fashion."
The meeting came to a close, with Durandal saying the two would receive more information on the mobile suits they would be assigned. For the rest of the day, not much of note happened, other than defecting Alliance forces gathering at Carpentaria along with more assembling at Gibraltar. The planned assault on Logos' stronghold Heaven's Base in Greenland was going to take place in close to two weeks.
Athrun had gone to the room that had been provide for him, but he wasn't idol. The first thing that Athrun did, was put out the signal jammer that he had asked Heero for and activate it. Athrun was assuming that tonight was the best time for him to disappear before any had the chance to nab him. He would need to do dinner with Meer, there would be notice if he didn't and the longer he had being undiscovered the better Athrun's chances of escaping without problems. Athrun was about to get ready for dinner with Meer as it was dark, and he wanted to get to his plan as soon as possible, when a knock came at the door, "Athrun."
Hearing Meer's voice, he assumed she was here to go to dinner, so he approached the door, but she came in before he got to the door. She closed the door behind her and the expression on her face told Athrun that there was something wrong. "Meer, what's wrong," Athrun asked.
Meer looked scared, "Athrun, you're in danger here. I-I overhead the Chairman and some guy named Rey talking," she said.
Then she started telling Athrun about how Durandal and Rey had discussed that Athrun wouldn't do for what was seen as needed. In other words, Athrun wasn't being an obedient "soldier" or really, a puppet as Durandal wanted him to be. Athrun knew that it would be found out that he wouldn't simply do as he was told, but this was earlier than he had figured he would have. The issue was the 'crime' that Athrun was going to be charged with was coming sooner than he had expected. This only confirmed the warning that Heero had given him, that he would be arrested and taken care of after reaching Carpentaria.
Meer was saying how Athrun should prove that such views were wrong, and that the Chairman could trust him. It was nice that Meer had come to warn him, but it put her in danger as well. After all, she was a puppet of Durandal more than he was, her face influenced the masses. But, Athrun already knew far too much and wouldn't be a blind follower of Durandal, which made him a liability instead. Athrun looked at Meer, "Do you honestly think that after what you heard that there is anything I could do that would change their mind? No, to Durandal I'm a liability now and he doesn't want those around at all," he said.
Athrun looked to the window and knew that it was now or never for him to escape. So, he headed for the window, but turned and held his hand out to Meer, "Come with me," he entreated.
"Why," asked Meer.
Athrun sighed, "The Chairman only wants those who will play the roles that he has for them. I no longer have a role he wants played that I would do and look what he's setting into motion because of that. He wants a Lacus that he can control and manipulate and that's you, he wanted me to be a pet mobile suit point. Trust me Meer when I say that Durandal when you finish what he has in mind will have no use you and he will then have you disappear like he wants to do to me now," he iterated.
Meer didn't want to believe that what Athrun was saying was true, but in the back of her mind and in her heart, there was a ring of truth to his words. However, she couldn't accept it, she had become Lacus Clyne, she was loved by her fans. "You're wrong Athrun, I am Lacus Clyne," Meer challenged.
Athrun knew that he didn't have the time to deal with this any longer, "We can only be ourselves and choose how we are, we can't be someone else. But, for your sake Meer, I hope you're right about the Chairman," he said before going out the window and then ran down the stairs on the outside of the building.
Nonetheless, Athrun ended out having to go back inside the hotel, managing to pick up a gun as he crept through the building looking for a way out. Yet, the sounds of men moving around, forced Athrun to go into a random room and close the door behind himself. Meyrin was very surprised to see Athrun Zala enter her room, she had a crush on him after all. But, upon looking at him longer, she saw that he was wet, likely from the rain that was coming down outside. "Athrun what's," she began but Athrun put a hand over her mouth.
"Please Meyrin, all I want to do is get outside again, so don't scream, there are others searching for me. If they find me, then I will disappear without a trace, I can't explain much better than that right now," Athrun said quietly.
Meyrin nodded and Athrun pulled his hand away, "What's going on, why is anyone chasing you," she asked.
Athrun shook his head, "Honestly I don't know yet, but my guess is some kind of false charge since I'm unwilling to be a puppet," he replied.
Meyrin would have asked what Athrun meant by a puppet, but the sound of footsteps and then a knocking at the door silenced the two. "Beg pardon ma'am, but we need to search the room, we're under orders," said a male voice on the other side.
Athrun was trying to think of something he could do, but Meyrin pulled him into the bathroom, turned on the shower, then striped down to her underwear, grabbed a towel and left Athrun standing in the shower. He was wondering what she was thinking but kept silent and listened. The sound of the door opening came to Athrun, "Oh hey sis, what's going on," asked Meyrin.
"Meyrin! What the hell are you doing coming to the door in just a towel?!" exclaimed the voice of Lunamaria.
There was a pause, "Well Luna, most people with common sense don't wear clothes when they take a shower, maybe you do, but I don't. However, it sounded like these guys intended to break down the door if I didn't answer, so I wrapped myself in a towel and here I am. Maybe you can tell me why they sounded so insistent on searching my room sis," posed Meyrin.
There was another pause, "Yeah, I want to know that myself, and you three, stop staring at my little sister! Move it along before I get you all written up for coming up with excuses to peep on others, you perverts! There's nothing here to see," screeched Luna, which was followed by hurried footsteps, before another pause. "And Meyrin, get back in your room and put some clothes on!"
The door closed, Athrun waited for a few seconds and then opened the door to the bathroom and came out with Meyrin's clothes that she had shed. The girl was shaking, so Athrun put her uniform jacket around her shoulders, "Thanks for helping me, that can't have been easy to do for you," Athrun remarked.
"I don't know why I did that, I didn't think about it," Meyrin said shakily.
Athrun gained a soft smile, "You saved me Meyrin, but forget about me, I need to vanish from here," he said.
Meyrin grabbed Athrun, "You'll never make it as things stand," she said.
A few minutes later Meyrin had clothes on and went over to the terminal in her room, "If I hack into the base's mainframe and set off an alarm somewhere away from where to need to go, that should give you a better chance."
Athrun was impressed at the daring this girl had, she would get into serious trouble for this were she caught. He looked over at the layout of the base, then he pointed to the hanger that the Minerva's mobile suits were taken to. "That's where I need to reach," he said to point to it.
Meyrin nodded, and began typing away, less than a minute later, alarms around the base began sounding. Athrun and Meyrin exited the hotel and made their way to the hanger with the Minerva's mobile suits were. The two got to the hanger without being discovered, after getting in front of the Saviour, Athrun turned to Meyrin. "Thank you for the help, but you should leave here before you're found," he said.
Meyrin hesitated, and during that hesitation, Athrun spotted Rey coming into the doorway, and so, Athrun pushed Meyrin down as bullets came in their direction. "So, running away Athrun Zala," said Rey.
Athrun gritted his teeth, "Then tell me Rey Za Burrel, you believe I should be a mindless soldier like you are, just following the orders you are given? Even if you were ordered to do something that you know is wrong, and will get good people killed," Athrun shot back firing his gun back at Rey and disarmed him.
Athrun then controlled the lift to go up to the level of the Saviour's cockpit, he directed Meyrin to get in and she did. Athrun got into the cockpit as bullets came his way again, but he shut the hatch, stopping bullets from reaching them for the time being. He activated the Saviour's OS and grasped the controls, "Sorry Meyrin, but if I leave you behind, then they will harm you right now," he stated.
Meyrin grunted her understanding of what Athrun was saying. Athrun moved the Saviour out from the dock, forcing Rey to back up as the mobile suit moved out of the hanger. However, before the Saviour took-off, Rey contacted Shinn and told him to get the Destiny and Legend ready. The 'spy' they were looking for had taken the Saviour and were trying to make their escape and that they had to be stopped.
Athrun got the Saviour into the air and transformed it into its mobile armor mode and set his course towards Orb. In the Saviour, both he and Meyrin should be able to reach Orb's mainland in two hours or so and they could go forward from there. Athrun felt terrible for involving Meyrin, but there was nothing he could do about that now. He was confident that Meyrin would be treated just fine around Orb, so that wasn't a problem.
Meanwhile, Shinn and Rey got into the Destiny and the Legend and activated the mobile suits. "Hey Rey, do you even know who this spy we're pursuing is, or how they even got access to the Saviour," Shinn inquired.
"The first alarm was false, the spy got to the Saviour during that time, as for who the spy is, does it matter," replied Rey.
The Destiny and the Legend launched and began chasing after the Saviour. Shinn was still curious about how a spy would even have made it into Carpentaria. There was the preparation for the assault on Heaven's Base, but that was it. It felt like there was something missing or not being said in this and it nagged at the back of Shinn's mind. Shinn shot ahead of the Legend and flew after the Saviour ahead of them. When he reached a range to establish a com-channel, Shinn coded in for the Saviour, "Whoever you are, this is your only chance to get out of this alive, turn back and land the mobile suit you stole at Carpentaria," he stated clearly.
There was a pause, "Even if I did what you said Shinn, I wouldn't be alive for all that much longer with how things are." Shinn was shocked to hear the voice of Athrun, he had been told that he and Rey were chasing a spy, that couldn't be Athrun! "Listen Shinn, this isn't what you have been led to believe," Athrun continued. "Whatever it is that you've been told, whether it is that I'm some sort of spy or traitor, it isn't true. I simply learned truths that others don't want anyone else to know and now they use others to get rid of me."
Shinn didn't understand what Athrun was saying, for it didn't make sense, how could learning of facts lead to something like the current situation?! "Athrun, just come back to Carpentaria, this is all a clear misunderstanding, it just needs to be cleared up," Shinn said.
There was a sigh over the com-channel, "I wish this was a misunderstanding Shinn, really I do, but it isn't. I told you once, for those that have the power to help change things like you and me, there are those that want to use and manipulate that for their own purposes," Athrun was saying.
"Don't let Athrun words sway you Shinn," came the voice of Rey.
"Rey," uttered Shinn.
"It's clear that Athrun is unstable right now, to help him we need to get him back to Carpentaria," Rey reasoned.
Shinn didn't know what to think in this, the information was contradictory. Rey said that Athrun was unstable, but he also seemed to already know that it was Athrun in the Saviour's cockpit, when had said that it didn't matter before. Then, Athrun didn't sound unstable at all, he was calm like he normally was. "If you want to help Athrun Shinn, we can't let him get away," Rey said.
Shinn shot the Destiny's beam rifle towards the Saviour, not aiming for the torso directly. "Listen Shinn, I know that the words that Rey and the Chairman sound right and I understand that you want to believe them. What they say feels right in principle and the ideas they talk about normally are, but they leave out the method used and the cost it comes with," Athrun reasoned. Rey shot at the Saviour, but Athrun dodged, before he continued, "You can't take what they're saying at face value without looking further than the words being said. Their words will end out destroying not just the world but the human race as a whole if they come to pass."
Shinn's mind was racing, could what Athrun was saying be true in any way? The world wasn't perfect, but the destruction of the world would be far worse that what the world was now. "Is that what you want to fight for Shinn, the destruction of everything," Athrun posed.
"He's lying Shinn, he knows nothing about what he speaks of, it is proof that he is mentally unstable, he's insane" countered Rey. "He's trampling on the dream of a world without war Shinn, that is not permissible! You said it yourself, you would defeat any enemy that would stand in the way of that!"
"Shinn, make the judgement for yourself, don't let others cloud your vision. Did Rey even tell you that I was the one you were chasing, or did he leave that out? That is what I'm talking about, you know what a person's like by their actions rather than their words," interjected Athrun.
Shinn was having the worst internal conflict that he'd ever had, both sides sounded right but they were against one another. Athrun had always been calm and control with what Shinn saw, a voice of logic and reason. He had shown he was dedicated to fighting to end the war, so why would he suddenly turn traitor or spy? Then Shinn's friend Rey, what he was saying about Athrun, was possible, but extremely unlikely. And he seemed to be aware of the fact that Athrun was involved in the first place somehow and had said nothing about it, merely waved off the need to know. The mess that was going around his head had both sides battling for dominance, before things came to the point that something just snapped in Shinn and his SEED mode activated, "NO!"
Shinn drew the Destiny's beam sword and rushed forward at the Saviour. Athrun dodged the first swing, but the second swing destroyed the beam rifle. Shinn backed up and activated the Destiny's mirage colloid, then zoomed forward aiming for the Saviour's upper torso. Athrun set the Saviour's shield over the cockpit, "SHINN, MEYRIN'S ONBOARD!" he shouted.
Shinn faintly hear those words, but he was committed to the strike, he couldn't stop it any longer. The beam sword went through the upper third of the shield and plunged into the Saviour's upper torso. Things felt like they were moving in slow motion as events moved forward. Shinn let go of the beam sword and stared as the Saviour fell towards the water with the beam sword still stuck in it. The Saviour exploded shortly after hitting the ocean's surface, and what he had just done began to sink into Shinn's brain. The more that the realization solidified to his mind, the more sickened and horrified Shinn became with himself.
"Shinn you did well, we comp-" Shinn punched off the com-channel that Rey had connected to the Destiny. He didn't want to hear any 'well done' or 'mission complete' from anyone. Shinn had literally just killed someone he'd looked up to and the younger sister of his friend! He had done nothing to try and get them back without killing them, just plunged a sword into the mobile suit they were on. He couldn't face Luna after killing Meyrin, of course, he hadn't known she was onboard the Saviour, but still! Tears quickly began streaming from Shinn's eyes, how could the situation that had just occurred happened at all?! Self-loathing took firm grip within Shinn as he quietly beat himself up for what had just happened.
Both Shinn and Rey returned to Carpentaria, Shinn was still in a state of self-loathing, and nothing that Rey said dampened that. The whole event shook up a number at the base, mostly the crew of the Minerva. Lunamaria had been taken aside and asked about what she knew about her sister Meyrin's involvement. Luna was in shock, both that Athrun and Meyrin were being accused of treason and desertion, but also that both had been killed. In the end, Aila had defended Luna and stated that her reaction showed that she had no idea of what had been going on.
When the two had gotten back to the Minerva, they had passed by Shinn, who didn't look at either of them. He simply whispered, "I'm sorry about Meyrin Luna," in a shaky voice.
Luna had come to a halt at hearing Shinn say that, then she stalked over to him and spun him around, "What do you mean that you're sorry about Meyrin," she demanded.
Aila moved over to where the two teens were, "Luna, calm down, I know that you're going through a very difficult time, but that doesn't mean that you can take it out on another. Shinn was just trying to be a friend and be here for you," Aila said steadily.
Aila's intervention snapped Luna out of the anger she was in, "Sorry Shinn, it's not your fault… I just… with Meyrin," Luna was saying trying not to breakdown, yet trailed off.
Shinn preferred that Luna be mad at him right now, after all, it was because of him that Meyrin wasn't here. Shinn shook his head, still unable to look Luna in the eyes, "No, you're wrong, it is my fault," uttered Shinn. "I was the one that destroyed the Saviour, I was the one that killed Athrun and Meyrin." Luna's mouth fell open while Aila gaped at Shinn as he kept going, "Everything happened so fast, but it's my fault Luna. So snap at me, be angry with me, I'm so sorry that I killed Meyrin," he said in a broken voice.
"It was you," muttered Luna. Then she lunged forward, socking and punching Shinn hard a few times before Aila got ahold of her by her arms and kept her back. "Let go of me Aila! I'm going to let him have it, he killed Meyrin," Luna screeched.
Aila didn't let go of Luna, for she saw that Shinn was beating himself up far more than Luna was for what had happened. Physically hitting Shinn would do nothing but bring regret later, Luna was too distraught right now to realize that. Even as Aila looked at Shinn, she could see tears running down his cheeks, "Lunamaria," shouted Aila to get her attention, "that's enough! If you take a moment to look, you would see Shinn is beating himself up for what happened far more right now than you are getting close to!"
Luna glanced up, and as she saw Shinn's face, her pained and angry expression faded, and it was obvious that Aila was right. Whatever had happened between Athrun, Rey and him, was tearing Shinn up on the inside. Luna went over to Shinn when Aila let her go, "I'm sorry for hitting you… I just," she said, then broke down crying.
This left Shinn asking the question why things had happened the way they had, for past events shouldn't have ended out bringing things to what they did. Athrun's words kept echoing around his head and he couldn't ignore them even when he tried, much like the guilt he felt for the death of Athrun and Meyrin.
-Line Break-
The Archangel
The Archangel was in the secret hidden dock under an island a short way from the Orb mainland. The ship had definitely seen better days, but she had taken a beating from the narrow escape from the Minerva. Granted, the Minerva's positron cannon hadn't gotten a direct hit on the Archangel, but the blast it generated had done a good amount of damage to the ship itself. Murrue had made a decoy out of one of the engines, but detaching it and having it explode, which had likely fooled their pursuers. So, when the Archangel had reached the dock here, the work needing to be done was more than any would've liked. But, the complaining was put aside, and repairs had begun to get the Archangel back to fighting fit.
Then, close to three weeks later, Kisaka brought Athrun Zala to the Archangel after a situation went bad. Athrun had been in a fight, he had been trying to leave Carpentaria, but had been intercepted and hurt bad. Defectors within the Alliance along with Kisaka had fished him out of the water after the mobile suit he'd been in was destroyed. When Athrun arrived he wasn't alone, there was another with him a girl to be exact. Athrun himself was injured seriously, the girl wasn't all that much better, and not much was said as to what happened, other than those that had helped the two, saying that they had seen an explosion.
Both were taken to the Archangel's sickbay and treated as best as was possible, even so, the injuries they both had were extensive. The other 'guest, or rather confined patient Neo Roanoke merely observed the two brought in to the sickbay. Ever since he had been brought on board the Archangel, what he had seen hadn't made much if any sense to him. The people on this ship kept calling him 'commander' when he had corrected them by saying he was a captain. Then, there were some that called him Mu La Flaga, a name Neo hadn't heard as much as he would like, but it sounded kind of familiar somehow, but weird things abound now-a-days. That was made clear by the news he viewed to pass the time, since he was tethered to the bed he was in.
Those Neo had taken orders from, were now being hunted down by the masses after the PLANT's chairman Gilbert Durandal had revealed Logos and pin the blame of the war on them. And one by one, each member of Logos was being either captured or killed by mobs of people. Somehow, the Federation leaders were keeping control of their territory and were keeping out the mobs, but they were dealing with unrest. Neo had to hand it to the Federation, they made what they did look easy, but he doubted it was in any way. If anything, then the Human Federation seemed to be strengthening their resolve, even adding the United States of South America to their member nations. The kid, Kira Yamato would come every day and visit Athrun Zala, even though he wasn't awake often, he was a few times.
When Athrun first became aware of the world, Kira had been sitting and watching over his friend. And the first words out of Athrun's mouth, "Where am I and why am I here?"
Kira touched one of Athrun's hands, "You're on the Archangel in the sickbay Athrun," he said. Athrun slowly turned his head towards Kira, "You were brought here after others found you in the water following an explosion," Kira answered.
Before Kira could continue, the door to the sickbay opened and Cagalli came into the room. Neo glanced at the young woman, still wondering about the difference between the image built for the "Princess of Orb" and this young woman in the room, for the difference was stark. Cagalli smiled at seeing that Athrun was awake, "Thank goodness you're awake," she said.
Athrun was left to wonder how things had come pretty much full circle to have him end out on the Archangel. Events had happened so fast, it made his head spin and confused him and yet, here he was on the Archangel once again. He had blacked out before he got to talk to Kira and Cagalli. The next time he opened his eyes, Athrun found Kira sitting in the chair next to his bed, Athrun couldn't stop himself speaking his thoughts, "How did things get to this point," he muttered.
Kira frowned slightly, "Others warping the truth slowly by degrees," he answered.
Athrun said nothing to that, though he knew that Kira was right, and looking back it was clear. Things had seemed so simple at first, yet the facts then morphed into being far more complicated and contradictory. It had started with the Junius Seven colony drop and gone down from there. Athrun had wanted to help, do something to try and preserve the peace that so many had fought and died for in the First Alliance-PLANT War. So, he had returned to ZAFT as that appeared to be the best way to go about the idea at the time. Athrun had fought and worked to do his utmost to change things for the better, and yet, all that effort had not been enough in the end.
"How did I get here," Athrun asked.
"Mr. Kisaka brought you here, we were surprised to say the least. And then, Cagalli has been crying quite a bit since you were brought here," Kira replied.
Athrun drifted off not too long after that, and when he woke up again, Kira and Cagalli were not by his bed and that left him to think about past events. How had he gotten so deep into the war going on and not seen the signs of manipulation on both sides? Perhaps what he had really been looking for was a reason to be involved, since he had been on the sidelines so long. Those he knew had kept say that with the skills that Athrun had could be of use and of help in the ongoing efforts. Maybe it was that, which had Athrun cling to Chairman Durandal's words to fight for one's own beliefs and do what he was told and not look beyond the words. However, there was truth in the idea that Chairman Durandal said and could bring the war to an earlier end still, confusion kept coming and got steadily worse as time went on.
The standing of sides of the Alliance, ZAFT and the Federation kept drifting farther and farther apart even if they stated they had the same aims and goals. Perhaps realizing that was the first instance that his heart had been telling him that something was off and wrong that wasn't obvious. Athrun had seen times that more was not being said than was being stated, the last war was full of that. Yet, in regard to the current war, truth was less in the words said, but more in the direction in which their intentions pushed. Such had come to Athrun's mind with the group that attacked the Euros Coalition that ended at Berlin and then ZAFT's operation to destroy the Archangel following it. Yes, that's when things became clear, when he believed his two best friends had been gone that Athrun had made the decision not to be the star soldier for Durandal, his puppet to rally others fighting. Athrun had made the mistake of just following orders blindly once already, and it had nearly cost him everything that made life worth living, he wouldn't do that again.
However, even as Athrun had been coming to the truth, circumstances had soured quickly for him. If not for the warning from Heero Collins, Athrun would very likely be worse off than he was now or dead. Yet, leaving had been much more complicated, not because Rey and likely Chairman Durandal framed Athrun to deal with his non-compliance, but because those who trusted and looked up to him were fed lies to get them to not question him leaving or his reasons. Shinn's pleas to return to Carpentaria and that things would work out somehow had struck Athrun to his heart. It was mostly due to the time he had spent getting to know Shinn and know that he was a good person simply being used, much like Athrun had been. Athrun believed that if he had just a bit more time back then, he could have convinced Shinn of the web of silver-tongued lies that had been spun. However, Rey had intervened and made that impossible and Shinn had ended out doing the finishing blow to the mobile suit Athrun had been flying.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
Shira, the Republic
I had returned to Shira after trying to help the Archangel, that had ended in a way I didn't like, for the Freedom had been destroyed and I had sacrificed the Aurora. Upon getting back from that, my mood hadn't been good, for I knew nothing about the Archangel or if Kira had survived and not knowing was nagging at me. Thankfully, Sai had contacted me and had told me about the Archangel's condition along with Kira's shortly afterwards. The news was nice to receive, but the Normandy was still awaiting orders and so I had little to do right now.
Since then, relations between the PLANTs and ZAFT with the Federation had quickly soured and are getting worse, especially with the announcement of the ongoing campaign against Logos. Tensions had been rising before the attack by the Alliance on Berlin, but they were doing so more quickly now. Yet, if what my mother said was true, behind the scenes leaders of the Federation member nations and the Alliance states were talking and even starting to cooperate.
In the near month that has passed since the attack on the Euros Coalition, the current Alliance-PLANT War was going downhill at a breakneck pace and it started when the giant Alliance mobile suit had made a rampage path across the Euros Coalition starting from the eastern border. It had ended out being stopped in Berlin, but the death toll by the finish had been very high. Since that event, ZAFT had taken firm hold of the reins outside of Federation territory on public opinion. ZAFT had been working on their campaign or really their "crusade" against the industrial pro-military platform Logos. Durandal's broadcast also had another affect shortly after the campaign against Logos, inferences were being made that those who didn't help in the fight against Logos were supporting the people and events that had brought the war on, though nothing was said directly yet. Unrest had gone through most of the member nations in response to recent events and most were on the way to being settled so far.
Looking back, I had seen more how Durandal was do things going forward, for he had taken control of a great deal of public opinion. Chairman Durandal has more power than almost any other political leader and that's a dangerous position to have someone in. He was using part truths to sell his view being the 'only' truth that matter and all others be dismissed. Honestly, the events of this war are reminiscent of how the previous war and more so of the latter years of it. Then, there had been the attack on the Archangel and that could have gone better in many ways, really it shouldn't have happened at all.
When the event with the Archangel had been made public, Durandal hadn't responded at first, just had others attempt to get the questions being asked dismissed. That hadn't flown and I had been cheering and begging to help with that, as I kept myself informed on the exchange. Durandal after a few days gave his official story that the Archangel had still been working for the Earth Forces and in extension Logos. Truthfully, Talia Gladys gave a more understandable explanation and hers had been ridiculous.
The story was still as dumb as it was ridiculous I tell you when you put it against the clear record that the Archangel earned during the First Alliance-PLANT War and the current one. Then Durandal showed 'evidence' he stated was obtained by ZAFT, which was a video clip that had a custom Excel fighter bringing a custom colored Alliance Windam onto the Archangel. That was the sole piece of evidence being provided as justification for the attack on the Archangel. Any other countering information was being dismissed as irrelevant when it was put forth. It did change the policy that had come into effect the day after the Archangel fought ZAFT, that denied all ZAFT vessels from docking at Federation ports until further notice.
And then days ago, Kira had contacted me and as much as I like chatting to a friend, especially one of my best friends it wasn't a social call. Kira was first of all still recovering from the destruction of the Freedom, for it hadn't been kind for him. Between the shrapnel and other projectiles, Kira had gotten beaten up pretty good. If not for Cagalli being on the Archangel, then Kira would have been in worse straits as it was his twin sister that had gotten him back to the ship and he had received medical attention.
Anyways, Kira had called me, only to inform me of an event that involved our other friend Athrun who I was already worried about. He didn't know that Kira and I were still alive as neither of us could contact him. And now according to Kira, Athrun was now on the Archangel in the infirmary along with another individual, both of them in worryingly serious condition. From what Kira had managed to get out of Athrun so far, he hadn't taken the results of the battle Kira lost in and I detonated the Aurora's reactor well, which I can't blame him. His had kept himself together while the Minerva had suffered from 'my contribution' of a nuclear detonation. But, he had been under observation by others from Durandal more than likely as there may doubt where Athrun's loyalty lies.
After arriving at Carpentaria, within half a day, Athrun had been framed and accused of desertion and treason by Chairman Durandal who had been there for some reason, which that itself was another red flag in my eyes. Athrun had tried to escape and was helped by a crew member of the Minerva, the other individual I would assume on the Archangel as well. After Athrun had gotten into the red mobile suit he had been assigned and had been heading for Orb, looking for the Archangel. However, he had been chased by others and then been disabled which had done a serious number on Athrun. The man Kisaka that had been the captain of the Kusanagi in the last war and others fished Athrun and the other out of the water and gotten them to the Archangel.
Honestly, I thought I was the heaviest risk taker out of the three of us, yet my two best friends were showing me up lately. Maybe I'm growing out of such a phase? Nah, I'm confident that I still got it in me to go the distance, do whatever it takes to get the job done regardless of what happens to me. It's more I think that Sakura pops up and hovers over me and making sure that I don't do something crazy stupid lately and lack of opportunity.
Looking ahead, it feels like time was growing short for the reveal of whatever the goal of Gilbert Durandal has. Most of the members of Logos had been hunted down and either killed or captured. ZAFT forces had just finished a successful assault on the Earth Alliance's headquarters in Greenland Heaven's Base yesterday. They had been joined by the Alliance forces that were defecting. The goal had been something along the lines of apprehending the remaining members of Logos. Whether Durandal stops there, I highly doubt it, regardless if any of those from Logos escaped. What he is after I don't know, but I'm fairly confident that he will see the Human Federation and its military as a hinderance.
The information that there was on the battle at Heaven's Base was gruesome to read and go over. The fighting had been bloody and, in the end, seemingly pointless with the countless deaths that had come from it. There had been a few things of note from the battle though from both sides of it. First on the side of Logos, they had used more of the giant mobile suits a couple of them in fact and had attacked first before the ultimatum Durandal had given them to reply. They also had something that was a cross to Asgard's anti-orbital cannons and a cyclops system. They had used it to eliminate the forces that had been dropping from orbit.
Then from the ZAFT/Alliance side, there had been sheer numbers and started with a tactical advantage. There were also two new mobile suits that might be responsible for what happened to Athrun and by what I saw, they could and likely were powered by nuclear energy. One of them looked a lot like the rat's mobile suit and that brought back bad memories for a moment. And in the battle, numbers and tactics had won in the end. Honestly, both sides didn't seem to care how many died on the other side, they were too focused on 'their victory'. But there was one piece of information that stood out, and that was one member of Logos had been confirmed to have escaped. Where this Lord Djibril was now, no one could say just yet, and the Intelligence Agency was working hard to find out. It hurt to know that so many were dying right now, more frustrating that there was nothing changing about it.
When orders finally came, the Normandy was ordered to launch back to space. I had been busting my rear to do what I could to help arrange a mobile suit for Kira, Athrun and myself as all three of us were out of the mobile suits we had been using now. The response I had got for my efforts was that the Normandy was given specific instructions, to head to Echowas to retrieve some new model mobile suits and that was encouraging to me! Not only that, the Normandy would also get new pilots, Luke and the others were being reassigned for the time being. I'm sorry to see them go, but I don't get a say in this, it sucks but is part of the job.
As an exchange for the reassigning of the Normandy's pilots, the ship would pick up three pilots to replace those we were losing, two guys and a gal. I had the time to look over the personnel files on the three and was kind of surprise with the trio for a couple of reasons. The quality they had in common were they were around my age as far as I could tell. Other than that, their backgrounds were different, but were all rather unusual in some way and that was putting it mildly.
The female was named Tanya Loussier, and a glance at her picture reminded me of the girl Stella who had been on the Normandy twice. There was a clear resemblance between Stella and this Tanya Loussier, it was possible that they were sisters. Tanya had the same shade of blonde hair as Stella, though Tanya's was longer in length. Her eyes were red, and they had a look of pain and told of a not nice past. Then her facial features denoted that she was from somewhere in the Atlantic Federation, but that was as specific as I could get as there was no details on her origins. Her psychological file confirmed my observation, for apparently, this girl had been part of the Enhanced Human Project, the 'Extended' side specifically. Tanya had already gone through the treatment and recovery program to help those who had been involved in that project. There was a note in the file that the word "celebration" was bad to mention around her, though the reaction had been curtailed from what it had been but would still cause a potential problem.
The first of the two male pilots had a profile that was rather similar to Tanya Loussier, his name being Allelujah Haptism. Allelujah was also an Extended like Tanya was and there was a point mentioned that they had worked together before, meaning they had been likely in the same trio that candidates of the project were put in. His hair was a shade of hunter green and went down to the bottom of his neck. Oddly, his eyes were different colors from one another, the left was gray while the right was gold a rare idea. The facial feature inferred that he was from somewhere in the Eurasian Federation, but I couldn't be much more specific. His psychological file just enforced the point that Allelujah had been an 'Extended' in the Enhanced Human Project.
There was a note that he had a condition where he had two personalities and one was much more violent than the other. But like Tanya, Allelujah had already gone through the treatment and recovery program to help those who had been involved in that project. The note in the file said that instead of a word, there was a phrase, which was "Give thanks to God" or a combination of the words was bad to mention around him and would induce issues. His name for some reason was an exception to the point, no more information other than the reaction that was exhibited at hearing those words wasn't as extreme as it had been, but there was still a response that wasn't nice.
The last of the pilots that the Normandy was getting was if anything, the most mysterious of the three individuals. His name was Tieria Erde, his personnel file said nothing about any past he could or might not have. Really, all the information that was listed was what a doctor would get from a basic physical. His picture was odd for a lack of a better words, I mean he looked as normal as any other person. But, there was just something about him that was different, maybe it was the complete lack of expression, for his face showed no expression, it was beyond blank, the absolute definition of expressionless that was beyond stoic. He had purple shoulder length hair, which contrasted with his red eyes.
The only fact of note was that his genetic type was one that I hadn't actually heard of before, which was an 'Innovade'. There were no details as to what an Innovade was, and even when I looked up the term on the Information Network, there just wasn't much at all on the term. Anyways, back to Tieria, his psychological portion of his file was somehow even less descriptive than his physical one was. The general point made was that Tieria was calm and came off as emotionless and didn't mean insult with anything he might say yet would follow instructions given.
The first two would board the Normandy before it launches back into space later today, while we would pick the other up at Echowas. That being said, the Normandy catapulted off Shen Lóng up back into orbit in the afternoon and from there we made our way to Echowas. The trip to the space headquarters of the Federation was uneventful, but the tension was mounting as time kept moving. After the Normandy docked at Echowas, the loading of the mobile suits was set to begin, but beforehand I did get to meet Tieria Erde. What had been iterated in his file was accurate, he came off as lacking even the hint of emotion from what I could tell.
I observed the loading process of the newer mobile suits onto the Normandy, for there were five in total which would fill the Normandy's hanger to the max capacity. Four was what had been carried and that was a good fit, five was definitely the maximum number of mobile weapons that my ship could carry, and they were stuffed. The interesting thing was that all five mobile suits were Gundam-type suit and that is very rare to find for one ship. I had a datapad with the specs of each of the mobile suits to view at any time I wished given to me earlier, but I wanted to get a first-person view of the suits themselves first.
The first suit being loaded, was white over all, with the exception of the torso section the bottom of the feet were orange, while the backpack unit and leg thrusters were slate grey. The machine had two gold fins on either side of the head attached to the main torso. There was also a gold fin coming out of the back of the head. On the legs, there were what looked like thrusters attached to the sides as well as wings at the knees of the legs. The backpack looked to be made up of an aircraft nose section that flip over the head.
After seeing the machine, I brought up its specs, to see what the mobile suit had to work with. The suit was known as the GSR-003 Kyrios Gundam, and I noted that my assumption of what the backpack had as a function was correct, as it flipped over for the machine's flight mode. The mobile suit was powered by a GN Solar Reactor, which my one use of one had proven to me the idea is awesome. I look forward to seeing the performance of a solar reactor from a bystander's perspective. The machine's armor and in parts in general, were made of the synthetic alloy E-Carbon as the Exia was. It also had phase shift armor, which I would guess would make the colors of the machine more distinct when activated.
The Kyrios didn't have a lot in the idea of armaments, but that doesn't mean a mobile suit isn't dangerous. The primary weapon was a solar particle or GN particle beam submachine gun, made with two barrels for rapid fire. For close range, Kyrios had a pair of beam sabers that were stored under the front hip skirts. The other offensive equipment this suit was a shield, which could become pincer claws and there was a blade that could extend down the center to pierce whatever the claws were holding. The other offensive feature came in the form of the Kyrios having the ability to carry a container with various payloads while flying.
The flight mode that the Kyrios had made it into an aircraft shape. The backpack had the forward flight array which flipped forward over the head and the shoulders shift upward to make a streamline form with the nose section. The legs, instead of folding in on themselves, have the upper leg going perpendicular to the hips and the knees make a ninety-degree angle with the feet holding the thrusters. Those were combined with the thruster housing on the legs which end out on top of the legs in flight mode. The wings on the legs move out and on the left side the shield's lower half firmly holds the wing's position. The submachine gun attaches to a clamp on the left forearm and can be used in the Kyrios' flight mode. Lastly, the OS that the machine had was titled G.U.N.D.A.M Defender which was programed to work with particle reactors. Kyrios had been assigned to Allelujah Haptism to use on a normal basis, which I hope means that I don't have to decide who pilots any of the suits that would be a pain.
I glanced up again and saw through second mobile suit being put onboard the Normandy and it was quite different from the Kyrios Gundam. The first and easiest viewable difference was that this one was bulkier than the previous. The suit was white overall, with the torso black while the bottom of the feet were red. There also was two turret-like rectangular housing over each shoulder and a similar idea on the outside of each leg. The machine was obviously heavily armored, both with E-Carbon and phase shift. Why it was so armored, I couldn't say with just looking at it.
When I brought up the specs, I saw that the suit was designated as the GSR-004 Virtue Gundam. It had a solar reactor for a power source and unit that was noted to be specialized for compressing particles efficiently. For an arsenal, the Virtue had a Bazooka and as I suspected the pieces over the shoulders were cannons. The Virtue also had a pair of beam sabers, but really, the suit was clearly meant for ar-freaking-tillery, at least if the output of the bazooka was true, I wouldn't want to be in front of it. For defense, other than its armor and phase shift, the Virtue could form a field of particles around itself that could block projectiles with ease and could deflect beams well enough. This machine was to be piloted by Tieria Erde, and I have nothing against that, since I don't know him well having just met him.
The next Gundam suit to go onto the Normandy at first glance appeared to have a similar frame as ZAFT's underwater Gundam suit. It was white overall with the torso being dark blue, the shoulder binders, hips skirts and forearms were a neutral blue, along with the bottom of the feet. Like the Abyss if I remember the ZAFT Gundam's name right, it had shoulder binders that had a half shell shape that were positioned on the outside of the shoulders. I assumed that the shoulder binders could shift and form a mobile armor mode of some sort, probably for underwater. The whole machine was made with E-Carbon and like the previous mobile suits had phase shift armor.
Looking down at the datapad and bring up the machine's specs, named the GSR-005 Rapture Gundam and I had to say that this mobile suit was well designed. Unlike the previous two suits, the Rapture had a decent arsenal to use both against mobile suits and ships, which was a mix of beam weapons, railguns and particle weaponry. The shoulder binders were armed with a railgun, particle rifle each and had two torpedo launchers per. Then, there was a miniature version of the MAC gun, one built into each shoulder binder, which was kind of scary to think about. Other than what was in the shoulder binders, there was a pair of high-energy beam cannons mounted on the backpack section. A pair of CIWS guns mounted in the head of the mobile suit for interception and defense loaded with pretty much standard anti-phase shift rounds. The only handheld weapon that the Rapture had was its "Nivalhime" scythe. It was made of E-Carbon like it's armor, giving tremendous cutting power. If that wasn't interesting enough, then the 'energy beam' emitter that was below the blade was, for it put out a thermal beam for cutting.
The secondary mode that the Rapture had was apparently rather similar to ZAFT's Abyss' mobile armor mode or the Y series of Federation Gundams from the previous war. So, the submersible mode, had the two shoulder binders connect together to give it a streamline shell that could quickly traverse distances underwater. It had the beam cannons pointing forward and the torpedo tubes in the position to use. The Nivalhime scythe would be stored along the underside of the Rapture's submersible mode. Lastly, the OS that the machines had was the same as the previous two the G.U.N.D.A.M Defender. The suit was assigned to Tanya Loussier to pilot, which like the other two of the Normandy's pilots, I just don't know her enough yet to make any judgment on.
Now, the three mobile suits that either had been loaded or were almost inside were impressive, I won't deny that, much like the Exia had been. BUT, the mobile suit that came next definitely attracted my full attention the second I got sight of it and for good reason. That being the machine was based heavily on the Freedom's frame and so was likely its successor. It had the same coloration as the original Freedom did though duller, phase shift armor will probably make them more pronounced. Yet, it was clear with one look, that the Federation R&D had done a good amount of development from the original Freedom design to come up with the mobile suit I was seeing.
I quickly brought up the specs on the mobile suit and found it was called the ZFMS-30F Burst Freedom, and oh boy, was this an amazing mobile suit! First, the power source or rather 'power sources' as the machine had two separate means that generate power for the systems and weapons with this machine were interesting. The first power generation system was a "Hyper-Deuterion Engine", a cross between a nuclear reactor and the new technology known as a Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System, acquired from ZAFT R&D, which I doubt they gave knowingly. The other power system that the Burst Freedom had was a solar reactor like the other mobile suits I'd seen going onto the Normandy had.
To say that I was impressed and awed by the Solar Reactors was an understatement, as the Exia Gundam had outdone my opponents back then and my expectations! However, apparently the OS in this machine was designed to handle both power generation systems without either interfering with the other. Titled Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Assault Module Unity, it was one of the most advanced OSs created thus far. Just looking at this machine makes me kind of jealous of what Kira's going to be working with, but that's okay, I can wait for something else.
Anyways, the Burst Freedom was the first of the mobile suits that had a phase shift armor system included as well as E-Carbon plating. The phase shift armor was a new version than what I've seen, a more efficient version of the Type-Sigma. The suit also had like the Freedom, full flight capabilities in the atmosphere with its back-mounted wings, which was made up of four large wings and four small wing-like fins. The combination of the wings and fins can be deployed in the suit's "High Mobility Aerial Tactics V2" or (HiMATv2) Mode which was a mix of the HiMAT system from the Freedom had and the HiMAM system that the Aurora had put together.
Then, the Burst Freedom also has an advanced targeting system that is based on the Freedom's Multi Lock-On System combined with the Rapid Target Acquisition system called the "Omni-Target Acquisition System", which allows the suit to target and fire at multiple enemy units simultaneously as well as acquire targets for following attacks at the same time. That combination would be a force to be reckoned with and also mean to go against. The Burst Freedom could dock with a METEOR unit that the Eternal carries. I would assume that the METEORs had been rebuilt as they had been destroyed during the last battle of the previous war, I would be shocked if they hadn't.
For its armaments, the suit included CIWS guns, beam weapons, railguns, and even remote weapons, in other words, what you might need for a hell of a party. Like the Freedom, this mobile suit had two beam sabers, two 50mm CIWS guns in the head and two railguns, which were attached to the shoulders instead of the hips. The beam sabers were an improved version from what had been used towards the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War and could still be combined together. The 50mm CIWS guns in the head, were loaded with anti-phase shift round standard. The railguns were upgraded versions of what the Freedom used in a few ways, the biggest point was they could swivel backward and forward in a hundred-eighty-degree range. On the forearms, there were beam shield emitters as well for defense and took the place of the original Freedom's shield.
The Burst Freedom's two beam rifles replacing the one the original had, were developed from said "Lupus" high-energy beam rifle. The two possess the ability to combine together into a single long-range rifle much like the GAT-X103 Buster had with its rifles. When the rifles were not in use, they stored on the side hip skirts. However, they could still swing forward or back and be remotely fired at an opponent giving a nasty surprise. Then, there were the two "Fastus" multi-phase beam cannons, mounted on the backpack. The cannons can flip forward over the shoulders when used against other mobile suits and ships.
When it came to the Burst Freedom's remote weapon collection there were autonomous mobile unit that docked on the four wings and the fins. There were eight of them in total, one docked to each wing and fin, those on the fins were a bit shorter than those docked to the wings, but functionally the same. With the second-generation DRAGOON system, the pilot doesn't need to do as much work to control the units. Each remote unit possessed a particle rifle named "Phaser" and a set of beam blade emitters that could form a beam blade tip that can be used for penetration of a target. The units also used particles for the weapons but thrusters mostly for propulsion to move, but particles could be used for an atmospheric environment for movement.
The flight mode that the Burst Freedom had makes the four wings form an 'X' formation at the rear of the craft, with the shorter fins acting as tail stabilizers. The legs fold and become the rear thrusters that combine with the backpack's thrusters giving the flight mode supersonic speed capabilities. The forward flight array which is connected to the backpack section moves forward and appeared like a classic aircraft nose and cockpit. Both railguns lock to point forward with the shoulders, which shoulders shift to come beside the main vents that sit on either side of the flight array. The multi-phase cannons come to sit along the top structure of the craft above and behind the flight array. Finally, the beam rifles are held in the hands along the bottom side of the craft and are completely usable in flight mode. All in all, an awesome mobile suit and I look forward to seeing Kira's face when he sees it.
The last of the five mobile suits that the Normandy would be either carrying or transporting depending on how you look at it, was also intriguing. Like the previous machine, the last mobile suit had a design basis I'd seen, which was the X09A Justice. It wasn't to the same extent as the Burst Freedom looked like the Freedom, but there was definitely similar with its framework. But had a few particular differences, the main one being that there was no Fatum-00 or something like it. Instead it had two large wings like the Aurora did connected to a backpack section, but that was the most stark difference from the Justice's framework.
Bringing up the specs on the mobile suit and found it was called the ZFMS-28C Eternal Justice, and as with the Burst Freedom, this was as awesome a mobile suit too! The Justice also had two power sources which were the same as the Freedom, with a Hyper-Deuterion Engine and a solar reactor. It also had the same OS as the Burst Freedom to handle both power generation systems without either interfering with the other, the Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Assault Module Unity system.
When it came to the Justice's arsenal, it didn't have the quantity the Freedom did, but it made up that in a different way. The Justice had two of the same type of beam sabers and CIWS guns as the Freedom does. The main offensive options of the Eternal Justice were the weapon system that is a combination of weapons and its remote assault bits. The "Valor" weapon system was shaped much like a thin version of the Excel fighter's shield and nose section. It had four separate pieces of equipment, three weapons and a shield. The defensive part of the shield was a deflection field generator, a more efficient variation than what he Aurora had. The weapons consisted of a high-energy beam rifle under the main shield's structure that was higher powered than the Freedom's rifles did separately. Then, there's a particle beam vuclan mounted under the shield between the rifle and shield. Lastly, a beam sword emitter that was projected along both sides of the forward nose section and would be longer than beam sabers.
The Eternal Justice's remote weapons, its assault bits were different from what the Burst Freedom had. First, there were six instead of eight, but four were bigger than the remaining two which were more the size of the eight units the Freedom possessed. The reason that four were larger, was that they had more than just a rifle and beam blade, they also had two more barrels to make a rapid firing weapon as well. The four larger assault bits and are stored in docks alongside each of the two large back wings and can swing forward while in their docks to be used in combat, while the other two bits were docked on either side hip skirts. Then, as with the Freedom, the second-generation DRAGOON system, the pilot doesn't need to do as much work to control the unit.
The four large assault bits possess three modes; rifle, barrage and blade mode. There three barrels in each bit, two smaller than the third and the large barrel uses conventional beams while the other two barrels utilize particle beams. In rifle mode, the bits utilize the large barrel and fires beams that are a small margin less powerful than the High-energy beam rifle that the Justice has. In barrage mode, a combination of all three barrels are used to create a rapid-fire effect, much like a vulcan does. Then in blade mode, beam sabers are emitted, and the bits are used like javelins or spears and penetrates enemy machines. The bits utilize particles for their movements in space. The two smaller bits were much the same as the Freedom's own remote weapons.
The machine's flight mode had the Valor weapon system as the nose section. The large wings connected to the backpack, would shift to come alongside the torso and the assault bits move to be in the center of the wings, having one above and the other below on bother sides. The smaller bits functioned as part of the tail shifting back close to the rear thrusters which are set in the feet. The forward flight array moves forward from where it connects to the backpack and attaches with the Valor weapon system. Also, the Eternal Justice could dock with a METEOR unit that the Eternal carries.
If the Justice could help Athrun in his recovery and have something to do, then I'll get it to him. I'm betting my friend is feeling beyond crappy both physically and mentally, but more mentally, much like I had after the Shadow had been destroyed. To hopefully prevent Athrun from doing something really risky dumb, I'll provide equipment for him to work with as I did the Aurora once.
Anyways, once the five mobile suits were loaded onto the Normandy, we departed from Echowas and began the journey to where we would meet up with the Eternal. We would meet them just outside of high orbit over Earth, on the nearer side of the debris belt. A message along the way from Kira came, he was going to head up into space to get to the Eternal.
That would work out well for delivering the new Freedom to him, but that left a small problem. I want to get the Eternal Justice to where Athrun can have the option to use the machine if he wishes to. But as things stand, that would require a second pilot to take down the Justice and the Normandy doesn't have any to spare. I myself could pilot the Eternal Justice down to Earth, yet that would leave the Normandy captain-less for a time, the longest I would be away thus far. I trust Lisa could keep things going and take care of business, but I really shouldn't be away from the ship for the period of time I would be. It was an option, but one of the last ones I was considering, as much as I wish to see my friends and make sure they're okay.
-Line Break-
-Neutral pov-
Hidden Base among the Marshal Islands
Kira met up with Murrue to discuss as things stood with recent events, since things were quickly becoming more volatile. "Miss Murrue, what's the status of the Archangel," Kira asked.
"The repairs are coming along, but there still is a ways to go before she's ready to go out into battle again," Murrue replied.
"That's good," Kira said trialing off.
Murrue smiled, "I take it that you're restless," she said.
Kira became flabbergasted, "What no," he replied quickly. Then he took a moment to calm down, "Maybe a little I guess. What happened to Athrun, it leaves me to wonder what ZAFT will do going forward. I highly doubt they will leave the Federation alone much longer," he reasoned.
Murrue sighed, "You're not alone in feeling so Kira, all of us here feel the same, especially after the news about Heaven's Base came in," she said.
Kira exhaled and grumbled, "I… I just feel powerless right now, I can't protect anything or anyone like I am now. I know Tyler is trying to help change that for me, but," Kira began, yet stopped.
Murrue smiled a bit, "The waiting isn't easy," she posed.
Kira nodded, "Yes, I want to be doing something to help in the work towards peace and so, just pacing while doing nothing is frustrating."
Meanwhile, in the Archangel's infirmary, Cagalli was visiting Athrun who was recovering slowly, but still had a ways to go. Cagalli was very happy that Athrun was going to be okay, for when he had been brought to the Archangel, he hadn't looked good at all. She had been scared for a time that she might lose Athrun, and she hadn't told him how much she loved him. "Athrun, how do you feel," Cagalli asked.
Athrun didn't answer right away, "Honestly, I feel horrible, though physically I'm improving." He paused and looked away from Cagalli, "I was such a foolish idiot, I was so blind and refused to listen to anyone else, even my best friends who were looking out for and trying to help me," Athrun said with a waver in his voice.
Cagalli hated to hear Athrun talk like he was, for he was demining himself, so she grabbed his face and forced Athrun to look at her again, "Don't say that about yourself," she chided.
"Sorry," replied Athrun putting a hands over hers right hand, "How's Meyrin?"
"Miriallia says she's doing better," Cagalli said.
That was good to hear for Athrun, he hadn't wanted to involve her in his escape, but that hadn't worked out as he'd hoped. Athrun hadn't spoken to Meyrin much and yet she had helped him twice, and he had gotten her hurt as a result. All that had befallen him after arriving at Carpentaria seemed ridiculous yet ironic overall.
While Athrun was thinking, Cagalli was coming to a decision that now was as good a time as any to tell him how she felt. She had not the last chance she had, and that had nearly cost the chance with Athrun coming close to dying, "There's something I want to say to you Athrun," Cagalli said.
Athrun focused on Cagalli, wondering what she was about to say with the soft caring tones she had in her voice. "For all the trouble and stress which I've caused you Athrun, can you find it in yourself to forgive me," she asked.
"No," Athrun said without missing a beat, "That's what I should be asking or rather begging for you to do for me Cagalli. I've been such a blind fool."
"But I… I was going to get married and not tell you about it," Cagalli said guiltily.
Athrun looked to her left hand and spotted the ring he had given her, a smile crept onto his face, "You were doing what you thought was best for the future of Orb and in the end, you didn't do it Cagalli," he remarked.
It was nice of Athrun to try and justify her actions, but that wasn't what she wanted in this, "But I love you Athrun, not Yuna," she admitted.
Athrun was kind of dumbstruck at hearing Cagalli saying that she loved him out loud, for this was the first time she'd said so out loud. Both he and Cagalli had not really made things clear about how they felt for one another, just kind of accepted they were fond of each other. However, he cleared his mind and then said what he had not, "I love you too Cagalli, sorry for not saying so before now."
There would have been more said and done, but an announcement prevented that, "All personnel, prepare for the launch of the Strike Rogue with the booster," came the voice of Murrue Ramius.
Kira changed into a pilot suit faster than he could remember doing before, but then he wanted to go and be doing something, and he wanted to see Lacus. The last few months had been much harder than he had thought they would be partially due to the separation from Lacus. The relationship between he and Lacus had moved forward some from where it got to towards the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War. Lacus seemed to want it to go farther yet, they were still teenagers, so Kira kept the close friendship and girlfriend-boyfriend relationship from going too far just yet. However, Kira had to admit that he had missed Lacus for the months that had gone by since she went up to space. Kira… had been taking for granted the opportunities he would have to hug and cuddle with Lacus while living at the orphanage. He missed her smile, for it always brightened his day no matter how harsh things were. So, even if he wasn't one to show strong feelings often, Kira was focus and determined to go to where Lacus was.
Kira rushed to the lift that the Strike Rogue had been loaded to after being connected to the Strike Booster. He entered the cockpit without a word and got down to modifying the system settings for the atmospheric ascent. The radio crackled before Chief Murdoch's voice came, "Kid, what should we do about the voltage and the other specs, we've been busy with other things so couldn't get the setting changes done yet and we weren't going to use the Rogue originally."
"Use the same setting that there were for the Strike, they should be able to work," Kira returned, finishing up his modifications.
"You got it kid," Murdoch replied.
Once the settings were inputted, Kira told Chief Murdoch that he had to go, to which the man shouted to those with him to take cover. The lift began rising to the tunnel for the booster to launch out of as alarms began sounding. The outer wall/door to the tunnel shifted out and slid upward and out of the way as the Strike and its booster reached the top of the lift. Shutters closed and sealed behind the booster to help vent the exhaust from the booster. "Kira, it looks like you will have a clear path for ascent," informed Sai, "Tell Lacus hi for us here."
"Will do Sai," Kira replied.
"Course cleared, systems all green, Strike Booster, go ahead launch," called Miriallia.
Kira ignited all four heavy thrusters on the booster unit and they burned hard and the Strike Rogue began accelerating forward. "Launching," Kira announced as he began racing down the tunnel, increasing in speed. He activated the Rogue's phase shift armor to shield him from heat from the atmosphere as the entrance of the tunnel was rushing to meet him.
The moment that the Strike Booster came out of the launching tunnel, Kira pulled the control stick back to head upward and pushed the throttle forward for full speed. Some from Orb did witness the launch of the Strike Booster, though most didn't take notice as the mobile suit headed up. The heat from friction with the atmosphere soon came for Kira and the temperature climbed rapidly. Kira was determined to make it to the Eternal, to see Lacus again, so he tolerated the heat and kept going. Still, he was glad of his choice to put on a Federation suit instead of his orb pilot suit, for it was helping deal with the effects of the atmospheric heat. "Lacus… I got to make it," Kira muttered to himself.
After a few minutes, Kira rose above the atmosphere and the heat died down and the sight of the Eternal bolstered Kira. He headed for the ship, disconnecting from the booster as he got close to the Eternal. "Eternal, do you read me," Kira asked, trying to connect a com-channel to the Eternal.
"Kira!" answered the voice of Lacus.
The view of the Eternal's bridge came up on the Strike's com-screen and seeing Lacus again warmed Kira's heart. Andrew Waltfeld smiled and nodded, "Hey there youngster, long time no see, I was wondering how long it would be before you got up here," he greeted.
"Yes, it has, do you want me to come on through the catapult of through the back hatch," posed Kira.
"The back hatch will probably do the best," replied Waltfeld, assuming that the two teens would want some time alone after being denied that.
While Kira began heading for the back hatch of the Eternal, Lacus left the bridge and quickly made her way to the lounge that the bay the back hatch opened to. The months in space had been torturous in a fashion for Lacus, she had been lonely and had missed Kira terribly, even his naiveté. Oh, Lacus wished that she and Kira would advance their relationship more, but she understood the reasons why Kira insisted that they wait. Both Kira and she were young and not ready to be married or parents yet and she agreed with that, though Lacus wanted the idea with Kira someday soon. Nevertheless, Lacus had missed and craved to snuggle with Kira, to kiss him and just show him how much she cared and loved him. She hadn't been able to do any of that after coming up to space and it was close to a type of an addiction withdrawal!
Now, Lacus was close to floating on air with getting to see and have contact with Kira soon. Upon arriving in the bay lounge, Lacus saw the Strike coming and the bay closing, and she nearly plastered herself to the window that separated the bay and where she was. Kira was out of the Strike's cockpit the second he could, sailing towards the airlock. Lacus went towards the ante-room on the other side of the airlock, a feeling of need to get to Kira and impending happiness coursing through her. Kira pressurized the airlock and removed his helmet, before the door to the ante-room opened when the process was completed. As he floated forward into the room as the opposite door slid open and Lacus sailed inside towards Kira. The two came into an embrace at the center of the ante-room, hugging each other tightly. Lacus quickly found Kira's lips and pressed hers to his while she clung to him, which gesture Kira returned.
The kiss lasted for a while, words were not needed between the two to express the feelings of happiness and joy Kira and Lacus felt at reuniting with one another. After the kiss broke, the two pressed their foreheads together, "I'm so happy to see you again Lacus, I've missed you," Kira said softly, staring into Lacus's eyes.
Lacus was beaming, as she kissed him softly, "I've missed you too Kira, it's been so lonely without you with me," she replied her grip on Kira tightening a bit.
The two soaked in the other's presence which they had been denied for months, that had seemed like far longer. Such involved cuddling, snuggling and kissing, but as no one came around and interrupted them that did so without issue. Kira and Lacus thoroughly enjoyed their 'alone time', which they had been deprived of since Lacus went to space.
-Line Break-
-Tyler's pov-
The Normandy
It was a few hours by the time we came into range to detect the Eternal which was hiding within the Debris Belt and shortly after that, we made direct contact. Paris proved his piloting skills as he navigated the Debris and when we came in sight of the Eternal, he oriented the Normandy to have the underside face the Eternal's own. The Normandy lined up and connected to an airlock, while that happened, I headed from the bridge to meet up with Kira.
I got to the corridor that the room the airlock in the bottom side of the Normandy would come out into and a moment later, a door on the left slid open. Out of that door floated Kira, who I expected, but then after him came Lacus, which I hadn't predicted. Kira was in Federation pilot suit while Lacus was in the Kimono I'd seen her in before now. Although, Lacus being here did provide a potential solution for getting the Eternal Justice down to Athrun that didn't require me leaving the Normandy for a while.
I moved forward towards Kira, he spotted me floating towards him and we greeted each other as we hadn't seen one another in-person since getting Lacus into space. "Good to see you Kira, you really had me worried when you lost close to a month ago," I said.
"Yeah, it was a close call, and I now understand to a degree what you went through when the Shadow was destroyed and what followed," Kira replied.
Good golly, he's right, Kira had pretty much gone through a mobile suit explosion with being near its center. As a matter of fact, all of us in the trio that is Athrun, Kira and I, have now been in a mobile suit that has been destroyed and survived the experience with a varying amount of injuries. Kira and I separated a little and I turned to face Lacus, "It's good to see you as well Lacus, I assume that you've been keeping busy," I greeted.
Lacus came up and hugged me and as she did, there was a soft vibration as the Normandy was likely disconnecting from the Eternal. "It's been far too long Tye," she returned, then she took a moment to look me over. "Tyler, what are you wearing," she asked.
Lacus' question reminded me that I was still in my formal military uniform. I normally put it on when visiting Echowas, mostly in case I come across my boss, she's not a woman that you want to be on the bad side of. I just hadn't taken the time to changed out of it since leaving Echowas, and the formal wear is out of place for me with those who know me. I rubbed the back of my head with a hand, "Oh well, this is the formal outfit for the Federation Military, I just haven't taken the time to change out of it," I replied. Then I focused on the task I was here to do, "But, that's not the point right now. Kira my friend, I know that you've been having a hard time waiting and doing little to nothing, but the wait is over. I'm here to deliver on what I said I would and I promise that you will appreciate it a lot. And then with Lacus here, she can do me a big favor that I've been trying to figure out how to get done."
I led the way to the Normandy's hanger, and when we came inside the room Kira and Lacus were looking around at the five mobile suits that the ship had been given. I gestured at the Burst Freedom, "Well my friend, here it is, the mobile suit to take the empty space that the Freedom had before, I do believe this mobile suit I believe will be a great replacement." Kira focused on the Burst Freedom and I continued, "The mobile suit is designated the ZFMS-30F Burst Freedom, it's a Gundam-type and obviously based off the original Freedom's framework. But let me tell you, she's packed with the latest and greatest, most of which isn't available to others outside of the Federation Military."
After that introduction to the Burst Freedom, I got into some of the details for the machine. I started with the two power sources that the Freedom had to work with, along with the OS designed to work with them both without interference with one another. Explaining the particulars of the E-Carbon, phase shift and the defense that came from utilizing the GN particles, took a bit of time. I mentioned that the wings had the improved HiMAT V2 system, before moving onto the Omni-Target Acquisition System and saying that the Burst Freedom could still dock with a METEOR unit. I gave a brief listing and summary of the Freedom's armaments, which were more extensive than the original. I finished up by giving detail for the Freedom's flight mode and its abilities.
Kira was impressed with the Burst Freedom from what I could see, his expression was certainly amusing to see. I turned towards Lacus, "As for the favor I want to ask for your help with Lacus, I was hoping you could deliver another mobile suit, which is for Athrun," I said.
Kira focused back on me at the mention of Athrun's name, "Tye, Athrun isn't in the condition to pilot, even if he's doing better physically, he's been mentally shaken," Kira iterated.
I folded my arms and stared at my 'naïve friend', "Once again Kira, you leave me to wonder if your naiveté is genuine or an extremely convincing act. This isn't the normal special kind of stupid you can be, you noticing Athrun being in the dumps is a good step forward," I replied.
My friend blushed, while Lacus was glaring at me, and I was waving my hands, "Lacus, you know I don't mean Kira is lacking in intelligence. Heck, you of all people should know how naïve he can be, you're around him the most after all even with your time apart." I turned back to Kira, "I might not know why or what contributed to get Athrun where he is now, but I would hazard a guess that he's questioning his faith and convictions as he did in the last war. However, when that settles, and I assure you it will, Athrun will be desperately looking for a way to help in the situation and I know the feeling from personal experience. I'm haunted by the expression he had before leaving for ZAFT of being useless and only able to watch as things happen." I gestured at the Eternal Justice, "This mobile suit is my way of giving Athrun a means to help out should he feel inclined to do so and others aren't able to hold him back enough."
Kira appeared to be about to argue, likely about Lacus piloting a mobile suit down to Earth, but the girl beat him to it, "I'll do it," she said.
Lacus didn't let Kira talk her out of piloting the Justice, just headed off to get a pilot suit. I said my farewells to the two of them, since I had to stay up in space for the time being. I did mention that things were pointing towards ZAFT making an assault on Orb soon the most out of the member nations. Two things made me think that ZAFT would attack Orb out of the Federation nations. The first was Orb was part of those that stood in the way of what Durandal wants, whatever it is. The other was according to the Information Network, some idiot thought it a nice idea to offer Lord Djibril, the leader of Blue Cosmos haven in Orb and that could easily translate into the man ending out there. Plus, that troublesome guy was also one of the few members of Logos that were not in custody and was classified as a war criminal. ZAFT could and likely would use that point as an excuse to attack Orb and 'bring it under control'.
Lacus had donned a pilot suit before boarding the Justice as Kira going into the Freedom. After the Freedom and Justice were in the process of being sent to launch, I began heading back to the bridge. However, on my way, I bumped into the Normandy's mobile suit pilots, they were all suited up and ready to go, even though no orders had been given. I stared at the three of them, "You three appear ready to go out somewhere, care to fill me in on what's going on," I posed.
Tanya Loussier inclined her head towards me, "Captain, we were going to sortie out and go to help in Orb. Vice-captain Malto said it shouldn't be an issue," she said.
I agree with Lisa, but this was unexpected, "Sure, that's fine, but fare warning, you'll be on your own getting back up here to space," I said, to which they all nodded. "Also Loussier, you will be in-charge while you are all away from the Normandy, understood."
The three nodded again and continued towards the hanger, while I continued towards the Normandy's bridge. I silently prayed for the safety and success of Kira and Lacus getting to Earth with the two mobile suits. I get the feeling that things are very soon to become worse for everyone, so I hope that the two get to Earth in time to make a good difference.
Phase end
A/n
That's where I stop and let the tension… no, since I posted the next Phase, there won't be much tension. Anyways, again, this phase like the last one is filled with new characters, and mobile suit, whose specs are below for the custom ones. I hope that you readers enjoyed the moment that Kira and Lacus shared. I think it was MUCH better than canon was as all they do in that is hug one another and say their 'happy'. I know that canon had a fight to introduce the new Freedom, but that will be in the next Phase. Enjoy the next phase, hope you like the specs below as I did an amount of work on them.
Mobile Suit Specs
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Custom Prototype Anti-Mobile Suit use Transformable Mobile Suit
Model Number: ZFMS-28C
Official Name: Eternal Justice Gundam(永遠の正義ガンダム)
Overall Height: 18.9 m
Full Weight: 81.25 t
Power Source: Hyper-Deuterion Engine, GN Solar Reactor
Armor Material: E-Carbon
Crew: Pilot only (in cockpit in torso)
GENERAL DATA
Manufacturer: Federation Military
First Deployment: April 74 C.E.
Operators: Federation Military
Known Pilots: Athrun Zala
Equipment and Design Features:
Gundam Nucleus (GN) Solar Reactor
A Gundam Nucleus (GN) Drive Solar Reactor, is a powerful energy system within the next generation mobile suits constructed during the second PLANTs war. They are designed to give a mobile suit a significant advantage in combat. A GN Drive is a semi-perpetual generator, scaled for installation in a mobile suit, which harnesses the byproducts of baryonic decay as an energy source. Like every other power source, a GN Drive has a limited moment-by-moment output however, due to its very nature a GN Drive will continue to supply power for a theoretically infinite period of time, so long as the GN drive is not pushed to breaking limits.
- GN Field
The GN Field is a defensive shielding technology developed by the Federation during the Second PLANTs-war that utilizes GN Particles. The field is created by concentrating enough GN particles within a local area of space. The GN particles are shaped and focused into a spherical form for full defensive coverage over the unit(s) however, the field itself is not restricted to spherical forms. The field itself can wrap around any shape or size, so long as the necessary amounts of particles can form around the surface it was generated/formed over.
DRAGOON System
The system allows a single mobile weapon pilot to control several smaller weapon pods to attack enemies from different angles, using a quantum communication network to send signals to move them around the battlefield. These pods are usually stored on several hardpoints across the suit's body, whether on a backpack of the suit's main body. The docks are not only for storage, but also for recharging the pods and so they must dock to restore power.
High Mobility Aerial Tactics (HiMAT) Mode
A configuration in which Burst Justice's four wings are unfolded for higher maneuverability during aerial combat. When in space, the deployment of the wings can enhance the Burst Freedom's AMBAC capabilities.
"Voiture Lumiere" Propulsion System
One of the three variants, the combat type of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system, is mounted in the Eternal Justice's wings. This combat variant uses a combination of an internal laser and the Solar Reactor, rather than an external power beam, and converts its energy into a strong light pressure which is then used as thrust. It can be used even when the DRAGOON Pods are still attached to the wings, by slightly separating the DRAGOONs from the main wings, without fully deploying them.
Omni-Target Acquisition System
Similar to the Multi-Lockon system the original Justice Gundam was equipped with, the Eternal Justice is equipped with an improved idea that does the same to target multiple enemies and attack them at once. To overcome the requirement of the pilot having high spatial awareness capability, which is rare even among Coordinators, there's an onboard AI processor to assist in the task. This system can also be used when the Justice docks with the METEOR unit.
Neutron Jammer Canceller
A device built into the mobile suit to counter the effects of the Federation's and ZAFT's Neutron Jammer. This gives the Burst Freedom the ability to use its Hyper-Deuterion Engine without the risk of being shut down.
Phase Shift Type-S V2
An improved version and more efficient armor system developed by the combined efforts of Federation scientist. It works much like the original Phase Shift Type-Sigma, yet the power usage is better and distributing of the voltage to the needed areas more than the non-needed areas is improved. It also uses GN Particles to help reinforce the defensive armor and make it even more capable to block incoming attacks.
Operating System
The Justice uses the Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Module Unity operating system.
METEOR Unit
Like its predecessor, the X09A Justice, the Eternal Justice can dock with the METEOR unit, a large mobile weapons platform with powerful thrusters and an even more powerful armament of battleship-caliber beam cannons, large beam swords, and dozens of heavy missile launchers.
Armament:
MA-M02G "Super Lacerta" Beam Saber
The suit's main close combat weapon, a pair of them are stored on the hips. They are also used by the Imperious Justice and are enhanced versions of the ones used by the Justice and Freedom. The two beam sabers can be combined into a twin-edged beam saber, and this form is known as 'Ambidextrous Halberd'. Kira however prefers to dual wield the sabers rather than combine them.
MMI-GAU27D 50mm CIWS
Mounted in the head, the pair of CIWS guns are mainly used to shoot down incoming missiles and enemy units at close range. Originally, the weapon is supposed to be omitted due to a lack of space in the head unit. However, they are installed in the end due to their effectiveness and reliability. They are loaded with standard anti-phase shift rounds.
MX2200 Beam Shield
There is an emitter attached to left forearm of the Eternal Justice, it generates a field from beam shield generators, the powerful pair of beam shields can effectively block beam-based and physical attacks.
"Valor" Weapon System
The major offensive set of weapons for the Eternal Justice and its made up of three weapons combined into one singular system that attaches to the Justice's right arm.
MA-M1911 High-energy Beam Rifle
A greatly improved version of the MA-M20 "Lupus" Beam Rifle. The rifle is mounted in the weapon system between the long outer shield and is effective at varying ranges.
GN Vulcan
A small duel barreled gun installed in the Valor weapon system, mounted above the beam rifle. It's purely a secondary weapon, these low powered weapons that is equipped with main purpose of diversion. Although the power of their beams are weak, their high firing rate means that they can be a threat to conventional weapons that lack E-Carbon or Phase Shift armor.
MA-X180 Beam Sword
A large beam sword that are emitted from the Valor system. It has extended range beyond beam sabers by 1.5 times and can easily cut through non-armored foe. The pair of emitters that work in tandem to generate the blade, are mounted in the raise portion of the shield that's towards the back.
MX2400 "Mitus" Deflector Shield
This shield's emitter is inlaid in the shield of the weapon system. The shield works similar to the Aurora's Imperious Deflection shield but takes less power and uses GN particles as well. The powerful shield can effectively block beam-based and physical attacks.
EFUN-3Y Super DRAGOON Mobile Weapon Bits
The DRAGOON system is the Eternal Justice's newest feature and four DRAGOON Assault Bits and are stored in docks alongside each of the two back wings as well as the two on the side skirts. The Eternal Justice's DRAGOONs are based on the second-generation DRAGOON System, which does not require pilots to have high spatial awareness to effectively control them due to the use of an improved quantum communication system among other modifications. With the onboard AI, the huge amount of data processing required is minimized, so the Super DRAGOON System can function closer to its maximum potential. The DRAGOONs can be used in group formations for multiple barrages or used with other of the suit's weaponry to shoot down enemy ships or mobile suits.
GN-P13 Assault Bits
The four assault bits that the Eternal Justice has, possess three modes; rifle, barrage and blade mode. There three barrels in each bit, two smaller than the third and the large barrel uses conventional beams while the other two barrels utilize particle beams. In rifle mode, the bits utilize the large barrel and fires beams that are a small margin less powerful than the High-energy beam rifle that the Justice has. In barrage mode, a combination of all three barrels are used to create a rapid-fire effect, much like a vulcan does. Then in blade mode, beam sabers are emitted, and the bits are used like javelins or spears and penetrates enemy machines.
EQGY-4X Super DRAGOON Mobile Weapon Wing
The other two bits, each with one particle beam cannon, and two are stored in docks on the side skirts.
- GN-P12 "Phaser" Particle Rifle (1 per pod)
The "Phaser" is the main beam weapon of each pod, and is a particle beam, which aren't affected or blocked by positron reflectors.
- VN-50 "Lance" Beam Blade (1 per pod)
Each pod, in addition of having a particle rifle, also has emitters to produce a beam blade at the tip and around the front of the pod. This function is usually used for penetration of a ship or mobile suit and can overwhelming when multiple pods are doing this at the same time.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Custom Prototype Anti-Mobile Suit use Mobile Suit
Model Number: ZFMS-30F
Official Name: Burst Freedom Gundam (バーストフリーダムガンダム)
Head Height: 18.88 meters
Weight: 80.09 tons
Power Source: Hyper-Deuterion Engine, GN Solar Reactor
Armor Material: E-Carbon
Crew: Pilot only (in cockpit in torso)
GENERAL DATA
Manufacturer: Federation Military
First Deployment: April 74 C.E.
Operators: Federation Military
Known Pilots: Kira Yamato
Equipment and Design Features:
Gundam Nucleus (GN) Solar Reactor
A Gundam Nucleus (GN) Drive Solar Reactor, is a powerful energy system within the next generation mobile suits constructed during the second PLANTs war. They are designed to give a mobile suit a significant advantage in combat. A GN Drive is a semi-perpetual generator, scaled for installation in a mobile suit, which harnesses the byproducts of baryonic decay as an energy source. Like every other power source, a GN Drive has a limited moment-by-moment output however, due to its very nature a GN Drive will continue to supply power for a theoretically infinite period of time, so long as the GN drive is not pushed to breaking limits.
- GN Field
The GN Field is a defensive shielding technology developed by the Federation during the Second PLANTs-war that utilizes GN Particles. The field is created by concentrating enough GN particles within a local area of space. The GN particles are shaped and focused into a spherical form for full defensive coverage over the unit(s) however, the field itself is not restricted to spherical forms. The field itself can wrap around any shape or size, so long as the necessary amounts of particles can form around the surface it was generated/formed over.
DRAGOON System
The system allows a single mobile weapon pilot to control several smaller weapon pods to attack enemies from different angles, using a quantum communication network to send signals to move them around the battlefield. These pods are usually stored on several hardpoints across the suit's body, whether on a backpack of the suit's main body. The docks are not only for storage, but also for recharging the pods and so they must dock to restore power.
High Mobility Aerial Tactics (HiMAT) Mode
A configuration in which Burst Justice's four wings are unfolded for higher maneuverability during aerial combat. When in space, the deployment of the wings can enhance the Burst Freedom's AMBAC capabilities.
"Voiture Lumiere" Propulsion System
One of the three variants, the combat type of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system, is mounted in the Eternal Justice's wings. This combat variant uses a combination of an internal laser and the Solar Reactor, rather than an external power beam, and converts its energy into a strong light pressure which is then used as thrust. It can be used even when the DRAGOON Pods are still attached to the wings, by slightly separating the DRAGOONs from the main wings, without fully deploying them.
- Full Burst Mode
The name of the attack mode in which the Burst Freedom uses its beam rifles, DRAGOONs, railguns and multi-phase beam cannons all at once. This mode is also present in Freedom Gundam and is often used together with the Multi Lock-On System to destroy a large amount of enemy units at once. Thanks to the DRAGOONs, the Burst Freedom's Full Burst Mode has a larger firing range than the Freedom's, granting it a full 360-degree range of attack capability. However, on Earth, the DRAGOONs cannot detach and do are limited to only shooting forward.
Omni-Target Acquisition System
Similar to the Multi-Lockon system the original Justice Gundam was equipped with, the Eternal Justice is equipped with an improved idea that does the same to target multiple enemies and attack them at once. To overcome the requirement of the pilot having high spatial awareness capability, which is rare even among Coordinators, there's an onboard AI processor to assist in the task. This system can also be used when the Justice docks with the METEOR unit.
Neutron Jammer Canceller
A device built into the mobile suit to counter the effects of the Federation's and ZAFT's Neutron Jammer. This gives the Burst Freedom the ability to use its Hyper-Deuterion Engine without the risk of being shut down.
Phase Shift Type-S V2
An improved version and more efficient armor system developed by the combined efforts of Federation scientist. It works much like the original Phase Shift Type-Sigma, yet the power usage is better and distributing of the voltage to the needed areas more than the non-needed areas is improved. It also uses GN Particles to help reinforce the defensive armor and make it even more capable to block incoming attacks.
Operating System
The Justice uses the Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Module Unity operating system.
METEOR Unit
Like its predecessor, the X09A Justice, the Eternal Justice can dock with the METEOR unit, a large mobile weapons platform with powerful thrusters and an even more powerful armament of battleship-caliber beam cannons, large beam swords, and dozens of heavy missile launchers.
Armament:
MA-M02G "Super Lacerta" Beam Saber
The suit's main close combat weapon, a pair of them are stored on the hips. They are also used by the Eternal Justice and are enhanced versions of the ones used by the Justice and Freedom. The two beam sabers can be combined into a twin-edged beam saber, and this form is known as 'Ambidextrous Halberd'. Kira however prefers to dual wield the sabers rather than combine them.
MGX-2235 "Fastus" Multi-phase Beam Cannon
A pair are mounted on the backpack section and they can swing forward for use. In flight mode, they are positioned in the center, behind the forward sensor array on either side. This multi-phase beam cannon is a similar type as the one used by the Abyss Gundam. However, its firepower is higher due to the Burst Freedom's power sources Hyper-Deuterion Engine and Solar Reactor. Another fact of note, the both cannons are protected by the PS armor like the rest of the suit. The beams fired from these weapons are the strongest among the suit's beam weaponry.
MMI-GAU27D 50mm CIWS
Mounted in the head, the pair of CIWS guns are mainly used to shoot down incoming missiles and enemy units at close range. Originally, the weapon is supposed to be omitted due to a lack of space in the head unit. However, they are installed in the end due to their effectiveness and reliability. They are loaded with standard anti-phase shift rounds.
MMI-M15E "Xiphias 3" Railgun
The two "Xiphias 3" railguns are mounted in the shoulders of the suit and are upgraded version of the "Xiphias" railguns of the original Freedom, they are more powerful and have a simplified structure. Like their predecessor, the "Xiphias 3" can also be used to attack enemy units in the water or from underwater. They can turn in a 180 degrees range of motion with the upper section of the shoulders. In flight mode, the shoulders turn and have the railguns face forward for use.
MX2200 Beam Shield
There is an emitter attached to each forearm of the Burst Freedom, they generated a field from beam shield generators, the powerful pair of beam shields can effectively block beam-based and physical attacks.
MA-M21KF High-energy Beam Rifle
Both Rifles were developed based on the Freedom Gundam's MA-M20 "Lupus" high-energy beam rifle, though are more advanced. The two MA-M21KF high-energy beam rifles can combine to form one long-range beam rifle, in a manner similar to that of the X103 Buster's main weapons could. As such, the rifles can be used to hit enemy units in various ranges or pierce defense as well. The rifles, when not in use are stored on the side hip skirts, but while there, they can swing forward or back and be fired remotely at an enemy in close quarters.
EQGY-4X Super DRAGOON Mobile Weapon Wing
The DRAGOON system is the Burst Freedom's newest feature and two DRAGOON pods, each with one particle beam cannon, and two are stored in docks in each of the four wings. The Burst Freedom's DRAGOONs are based on the second-generation DRAGOON System, which does not require pilots to have high spatial awareness to effectively control them due to the use of an improved quantum communication system among other modifications. With the onboard AI, the huge amount of data processing required is minimized, so the Super DRAGOON System can function closer to its maximum potential and when used by the Ultimate Coordinator, Kira Yamato they can go beyond expectations. The DRAGOONs can be used in group formations for multiple barrages or used with other of the suit's weaponry to shoot down enemy ships or mobile suits.
- GN-P12 "Phaser" Particle Rifle (1 per pod)
The "Phaser" is the main beam weapon of each pod, and is a particle beam, which aren't affected or blocked by positron reflectors.
- VN-50 "Lance" Beam Blade (1 per pod)
Each pod, in addition of having a particle rifle, also has emitters to produce a beam blade at the tip and around the front of the pod. This function is usually used for penetration of a ship or mobile suit and can overwhelming when multiple pods are doing this at the same time.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Underwater Assault Mobile Suit
Model Number: GSR-005
Official Name: Rapture Gundam (ラプチャーガンダム)
Head Height: 17.95 meters
Weight: 90.23 tons
Power-plant: GN Solar Reactor
Armor Material: E-Carbon
Crew: Pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
GENERAL DATA
Manufacturer: Valhalla Research
First Deployment: April 74 C.E.
Operators: Federation Military
Known Pilots: Tanya Loussier
Equipment and Design Features:
GN Field
A powerful defense mechanism used by the Rapture Gundam. It is deployed through a few generators housed on the shoulder binders and the backpack. It is fully impregnable by conventional arms while also providing competent defense against beam weapons in most cases.
Phantom Stealth System
An improved system and based on the Specter Optical Camouflage Field that the generation used during the majority of the First Alliance-PLANT War of Federation mobile suits. It is harder to see the difference between the projections put out and the surrounding scenery and is more efficient with its energy consumption. Before the Second Alliance-PLANT War, the stealth system is paired with an idea similar to the "Echo Trace Emitter" and provides even better undetectability.
Operating System
The OS that the Rapture has is the G.U.N.D.A.M Defender, the Federation's system for working with a GN Solar Reactor.
Armament:
GN "Nivalhime" Scythe
The Nivalhime Scythe, has a blade made of E-Carbon, giving it tremendous cutting power, it also has a beam emitter that puts out a thermal beam blade along the edge of the GN blade. The beam blade unlike previous versions, can work underwater like a normal beam saber. As with most GN Blades, the scythe can be coated with a GN Field on the surface to increase its sharpness, but they can also negate any positron reflector. One disadvantage they possess compared to beam sabers is that the blades can be destroyed or wear out from disrepair.
GN Particle "Stinger" Rifle
The two particle rifles are mounted one in shoulder binder shells along the top edges. They utilize GN particle in the beam fired and work at multiple ranges. They can be used underwater as well as they can be above water as the particle beams can work in both, though they are less effective underwater.
GN Micro torpedoes
Two launching tubes are built into each shoulder binder in the upper part of the outsides shell. Despite their size, the torpedoes effectiveness are close to the same as a normal Missile, but they are only usable underwater.
"Bow" 75mm Railgun
The two railguns are mounted in the shoulder binder opposite of the "Stinger" rifles, they were equipped mostly for use underwater. They can be used underwater as well as they can be above water without a loss of weapon effectiveness of the railgun itself whether above or below water.
M107 "Depths" High-Energy Beam Cannons
There are a pair mounted on the backpack, yet they can't be used while underwater. However, while in Submersible mode, the Rapture can use the cannons as the suit moves along the surface of the water. The beam cannons can adjust their pitch angle for targets and they can swivel 360 degrees while the Rapture's Submersible mode.
MA55 "Smackus" Magnetic Acceleration Cannons
There are two of them and one is mounted in the center of both shoulder binder's structure. It works along the same principles as the MAC guns on the Enterprise-class cruisers, just smaller and more compact. It takes time for the weapon to charge up and be ready to fire at the intended target, but they can charge while the Rapture is using its other weapons in its arsenal.
50mm Multi-Barreled CIWS Guns
The pair are mounted in head and they function like other CIWS guns. They are intended to intercept incoming projectiles and are loaded with anti-phase shift rounds.