Gundam Seed: The Federation Chapter 42: Phase 42: Hope Burning, a gundam seed fanfic

A/n

Here is Phase 42. I know that readers have waited for more and I'm working on it. Standard disclaimer applies and enjoy the story.

Phase 42: Hope Burning

May 1st, 74 C.E.

-Neutral pov-

Orb Union

The sun was beginning to set when the battle was officially announced to be over and remaining defense forces were recalled. The results of the battle were a mixed bag of good and bad to put it nicely. Orb was still standing after the heavy long assault that ZAFT and its allies had made against it. However, the defending forces had taken sizable losses even with allied reinforcements and would've taken more without the reinforcement. There had also been civilian casualties from the battle but again, defending forces had curtailed things from being worse. Djibril had managed to escape among the chaos of the battle, though he was being tracked currently, yet once again the man had helped bring about the deaths of others.

Any person that had helped Unato and Yuna Seiran had been put on leave from duties for questioning. Both Unato and Yuna were being held in custody for their actions that had brought the events down on Orb. Normally, members of the five noble families of Orb tended to loosely agree with major decisions made by the government. Yet, at times when that was not the case, it caused some of these families to violate decisions of the chief representative council as had happened in this instance.

To fill the spot on the representative council that Unato had left, Cagalli stepped in for the time being. It was more a formality since Cagalli was working with the military side more than the politics of Orb. And with the mess that had been left from the attack from ZAFT and Djibril's escape there was a lot to do. Adding to the worries she had when Kira told her that Athrun had reopened some wounds when he went out to the battlefield, it was easy to understand that she was stressed. But Orb's people had wanted her to fill the spot showing their love of and for her and so, she had taken the position.

All over the Orb mainland work was being done to pick up what could be salvaged from ZAFT's attack. Even with the reinforcement that had come to help in Orb's defense assisting in the efforts, the pickup was going slowly due to the sheer amount to be done. Tanya was flying the Rapture over the western shorelines of Orb, felt feelings of sorrow and anger for those below, which were still fairly new for her. The sight of destruction below wasn't so new, as a former Extended the view of destruction was somewhat common from the assignments given out from those that Lodonia Lab worked for. At thoughts like these, Tanya's mind wandered to Stella her younger sister for she missed and worried about her.

Ever since Tanya had been taken to Shangri-La and had gone through the recovery program for Extendeds, she had then wished for Stella to do the same. Coming to the understanding of what the scientists had done at Lodonia to Tanya herself and others… what they had taken from them, thoughts of revenge had swum around her mind several times. But, those had gone away when the memories of what had been before Lodonia had begun coming back to her clearly. When Tanya's earliest memories with Stella returned, she had wanted to find her and save her from those that were using her. It had been Allelujah that had stopped her from going back to Lodonia had finding Stella, even if that meant she razed the whole lab in the process. Allelujah had convinced her by reminding her that the other member of their trio Vali Lucipher had given his life to save both Tanya and Allelujah from being killed before they had been captured.

Tanya ceased focusing on the destruction and what thoughts and feelings came with it and started looking for a place to land her mobile suit. There was still the task of finding a means of getting both herself, Allelujah and Tieria back into space and the Normandy. Captain McGregor had made it clear that she and they were responsible for getting back up into space. The Orb Union might have a mass driver, but that was only part of getting to space there was still the need of a ship. That would be the biggest challenge in Tanya's mind, find a ship with a captain that would be willing to take three mobile suits into space with how things were after the assault by ZAFT.

Once Tanya spotted an area open enough to allow not just the Rapture, but also the Kyrios and the Virtue to land, Tanya contacted both Allelujah and Tieria and told them to meet up with her. She then moved the Rapture to hover slowly down to the ground, close to floating if anything. The Rapture was definitely a different class of mobile suit compared to any Tanya had used or worked with in simulations. It was well-designed overall, not really specialized in one specific area other than working underwater and owning the environment. There wasn't a set operational time for the suit as long as the power supply wasn't used overtaxed which was new in the world of mobile suits. Plus, Tanya had found it somewhat easier to pilot this suit than any she had used before, even if it was different than Alliance or ZAFT machines.

Just after the Rapture had landed and Tanya had opened the cockpit, she had one of the suit's hands come up to the level of the hatch. Upon getting out to the Rapture's hand, Tanya saw that the Kyrios and the Virtue had come to be above her and began their landings on either side of the Rapture. Tanya input a command into the right forearm control set of her pilot suit and the Rapture lowered its hand and shifted to a kneeling position, bringing Tanya to the ground. Allelujah didn't take all that long to get to the ground after Tanya, nor did Tieria where they all met.

Tanya then got down to giving out instructions, much like she tended to with the Extended trio she, Allelujah and Vali had been. Nonetheless, as she had been the stabilizer between the other two and had shown talent in management it was almost a given for her to be the leader of the three. Tieria would stay and watch over the mobile suits meanwhile, Tanya and Allelujah would go and attempt to secure a means of transportation up into space for them all. Allelujah went one way while Tanya went another in order to search for a ship that fit the bill. Tanya hadn't been looking long when someone calling her name brought her attention out of the task of finding means back up to space, "TANYA!"

Tanya had just enough time to turn to her right before something collided into her and she was forced to work to not lose her balance and fall. It was close, but Tanya kept herself upright, then looked to see what had hit her, finding it had been a girl a few years older than herself. The longer that Tanya looked at the girl the more familiar she became, and she realized that it was Lafter Galiena. What the youngest of the Galiena sisters was doing in Orb, Tanya couldn't guess. Dr. Moss rarely let them out of her sights for all that long, even if she gave them more freedoms than she used to, and far more than other candidates had been allotted.

Tanya had met them during her time at Shangri-La and found them to be what many would say was 'an acquired taste'. Deborah was the easiest to be around for she was the calmest and most logical of the three. Rossweisse was okay though she had times that she could be moody but could keep that in check most of the time. However, Lafter unlike her older sisters could be frustrating mostly since she didn't make sense a good portion of the time. She only said part of a subject, assuming that whomever she was talking to have any idea what she was speaking of. "Tanya Tanya, how neat that you're around here," chattered Lafter, still hugging Tanya as she did.

Tanya sighed tiredly, "And why do you say that Lafter? I'm more surprised that Dr. Moss let you come around here without her," she replied.

"Silly Tanya, mama keeps busy back at Shangri-La. She said no to Deborah, Rossweisse and me coming to help at first, but then Dr. Kall convinced mama to let us go," Lafter said in a rush and in excitement. "But guess what Tanya, guess guess!"

So, it was Dr. Kall that managed to convince Dr. Moss, that made sense as she seemed to be only one that could change the former head of Lodonia's mind. Then Tanya wasn't in the mood for guessing games, and certainly not with Lafter, "What," she asked, not exactly wanting to know what Lafter was so excited about.

Lafter's smile grew wider, "There's someone with us that you know! Guess who, come on guess who it is?!"

Someone that Tanya knew… that doesn't narrow down the answer and Tanya wasn't in even less of a mood to play a guessing game with Lafter than before, and there was tasks to complete. "Lafter, I don't have the time to play this game with you and I'm not in the mood," Tanya started.

"Awww, come on, guess Tanya," Lafter whined.

Tanya once again exhaled heavily, "Your sisters," she replied flatly.

Lafter shook her head, "Nope, they are here, but they aren't who I'm talking about!" Lafter then began dragging Tanya, "You have to see them to believe it!"

Tanya had little choice in the matter, Lafter just kept pulling her off to wherever she had in mind. With Lafter being a Boosted Man, she had more strength than Tanya did overall, so struggling against her would do much. She just hoped that Allelujah was actually have more success at finding a way up into space than she was. Lafter kept pulling Tanya, they went past people that stared at the pair strangely, but that was normal with how Lafter acts.

Meanwhile, Stella was still in the Gaia in its mobile armor mode helping in the efforts of surveying the damage with Rossweisse Galiena. The Gaia had an advantage on the ground-level view of the results of ZAFT's assault in its mobile armor mode. The sight of destruction and ruin wasn't new to Stella, but the images of the people that lived around here caught Stella's eye. There many people, both young and old all of them looking sad while they stared at the ruins ZAFT caused. Seeing the people being sad from the attack brought pain to her where it would have done nothing before now. The minimum conditioning that Extendeds received would block such emotions, so these feelings were new to Stella and she didn't like them much.

Stella continued looking around as she was being asked to, but the pain didn't fully leave her as she kept going. However, the instruction to stop and switch off came and so Stella followed Rossweisse to where they could put their mobile suits for the time being. The hanger that the two came to, was at a place that others were calling Morgenroete. Once the Gaia was in a suit dock, Stella came out and made her way to the ground and was shortly joined by Rossweisse. The two then went off to look for the other two Galiena sisters, then decide what to do going forward.

Back with Lafter and Tanya, ten minutes of being dragged had gone by and Tanya could not stay quiet any longer, "Lafter, where is it you're taking me, I have a task to do that needs to be done," she said.

"But you have got to see this as soon as you can Tanya," exclaimed Lafter continuing to drag Tanya onward.

Tanya tried asking what Lafter was trying to show her in different ways, but no matter how Tanya phrased her question to Lafter the young woman wouldn't give her a different answer. When finally, Tanya caught sight of Deborah Galiena, she was hoping that this unplanned jaunt would be ending very soon. "Deborah Deborah! Lookie who I found," Lafter called.

Deborah turned to face Lafter and saw that she was dragging Tanya with her, and simply put a hand to her forehead. "Tanya, I am sorry about however far my sister has been dragging you," Deborah remarked when Tanya got within hearing distance.

Tanya sighed, "It's been a while since she's done such to me, but I would like to know who she has been referring to. All she's said is there's someone with you that I would know and then guess who and nothing else, even when I guessed," she replied.

Deborah sighed once more, "Again, my apologies, Rossweisse and I have been trying to help our mother improve Lafter's explanations on subjects she's talking about better, but we've not had a great deal of success," she answered.

Tanya was about to ask once again who Lafter had been talking about before she resumed the search for a means to return to space as that was a priority right now. But then, there came a voice that Tanya hadn't heard in close to a year yet had wanted to hear not too long after the treatments at Shangri-La had started, "Tanya?"

Tanya turned her head in the direction that the voice had come seeing that Rossweisse Galiena was walking up towards where she, Lafter and Deborah were. Nevertheless, with the middle Galiena sister was Tanya's younger sister Stella. Tanya blinked a couple times making sure that she wasn't seeing things, for she wanted Stella to be in front of her. "Stella," uttered Tanya in slight disbelief yet with also hopeful tones.

Stella was overjoyed at seeing her older sister Tanya after all the time she hadn't, it had been close to a year now. She rushed forward and closed the distance embracing Tanya tightly with tears flowing from her eyes as she did. Stella sobbed as she said how much she had missed her, while Tanya wrapped her arms around her younger sister. A rare genuine smile came to Tanya's face, "I've missed you too Stella, I've been very worried about you and thought about you a great deal," she said softly.

A few minutes went by as Tanya and Stella had their reunion, then Tanya looked to the Galiena sisters. "Deborah, you and your sisters have my gratitude for watching after my sister," she said, before looking at Stella. "I may not show it outwardly often, but I do care a great deal about her and so, I have been very concerned about what was happening to her since losing track of things."

The happy reunion of the two sisters put off a glow, which got the three Galiena girls to smile as they watched. It was ended however, when Allelujah contacted Tanya and told her that he had information on a potential way up to space as the sun began sinking into the horizon. Tanya had Stella stay with the Galiena sisters while she headed off to where the Rapture was and then she traveled to the areas where ships were docked. Allelujah had mentioned that the ship that might give them a ride up to space was the Archangel-class assault ship Archangel. The ship class that had been created by the Earth Alliance was unique enough that most knew what it looked like and it also stuck out. Then with what the Archangel itself had done during the previous war, it was hard not to know what the ship looked like with its history.

-Line Break-

The Archangel

Neo hadn't been restrained when he got back on the Archangel for apparently, he was now seen as trustworthy. But he was now left with the jumble of thoughts that had been coming to his mind recently. The Archangel seemed to be somehow familiar, and yet he couldn't place why that was the case. It wasn't just the ship that was causing images to come to his mind, it was also some of the members of the Archangel's crew as well, the captain especially.

The only place that he could escaped the images to a degree was the outside rear observation deck of the ship. There he was left to think about what he was to do going forward, so much had changed from what he knew, or thought he knew. Neo had been a captain in the Earth Forces, part of the 81st autonomous mobile group that did jobs that were seen as necessary but couldn't be handled by normal forces. That had been simple, yet now he was left to question if all he knew was true or just lies.

"So this is where you are," posed the voice of Murrue Ramius.

Neo twisted around to look at the hatch to the observation deck and saw the woman herself coming out. There was something about Murrue Ramius that affected Neo, he couldn't dismiss it as a fluke anymore. He faced forward, "I really don't have anywhere else to go," he replied. Murrue came up to be on his right but said nothing to him yet seemed to be listening. As that was the case, Neo just started speaking without really thinking about what he was saying, "Neo Roanoke, born November 29th CE 42, from North Faluba in the Atlantic Federation, blood type O," he stated dryly. Murrue was caught by hearing this, for it was like hearing Mu's bio, "Enlisted in CE 60, later assigned to the 81st autonomous mobile group also known as Phantom Pain, a captain, or so I thought." Neo hesitated, "But now, I'm not so sure if that's really who I am anymore," he admitted.

Murrue didn't want to get her hopes up, that somehow this man might be recalling who he once was Mu La Flaga. She wished with all her heart for it to be true, but fate had been cruel to her before in this, first taking Mu and then having him reappear but be completely different. She could only stare at the man and wonder if it could be possible still that Mu was somehow still there.

Neo looked at Murrue Ramius, the woman that had been haunting him in a way that he couldn't understand. The urges to do things for her when she was around him had come off almost as if they were second nature somehow, which hadn't made sense. That would only be possible if he had known her before now, which could've happened admittedly, "I think that maybe… somehow… I know you," Neo admitted, and something in him told him that there was no maybe about what he had said. "Yes, I know you, or rather my body does, my eyes, my ears, my arms, my," Neo stopped, not sure how to phrase what he was saying.

Murrue was having trouble keeping herself from embracing this man as she would Mu, for he was seeming more like the man she had loved all the time. "And that's why I couldn't just fly off and leave this ship or you to the hands of fate," Neo continued. "I think I know how hard it's been for you, it's been hard for me too. I would like… to stay right here, with you and be by your side."

Neo moved forward and hugged Murrue, the action felt right somehow, righter than most things would. Murrue couldn't bring herself to break the embrace, the familiarity was too strong for her to do that. Even if somehow this was fate cruelly slapping her again and taunting her over the loss of Mu, she didn't care at the moment.

The moment the two were having was interrupted as a Gundam-type mobile suit approached the Archangel, then came to land next to the dock that the ship was in. Murrue had not seen a machine exactly like it before, but then Gundam-types were usually unique from one another in appearance. Neo on the other hand, instantly noticed that there were a number of similarities between the mobile suit that he was seeing and the Abyss. Overall coloration was quite close to the same and the framework looked to be strikingly alike. The big difference was the armaments and the odd light that was coming from the rear of the suit as it seemingly floated downward in the air.

Once the machine landed, a hatch opened in the lower torso, yet instead of the pilot using a zip-line, one of the mobile suit's hands raised up to the level of the hatch. The pilot then got out to the hand and the mobile suit shifted to a kneeling position while keeping the hand level and bringing the pilot to the ground. Said pilot then headed to the gangway that led to the Archangel itself. Murrue didn't know who the pilot was or why they were coming to the Archangel, but if they came however far they had there had to be a reason. Neo who was curious, followed Murrue to see what kind of situation was developing.

When Tanya got onboard the Archangel it didn't take long for her to be approached by members of the crew asking who she was and why she was on the Archangel. She replied by saying she had a 'request' to discuss with the captain of the vessel. It took time for the crew to finally decide to take Tanya to the Archangel's captain when she didn't give further details on her request.

Murrue had gone to the bridge to find out what was going on with the unknown mobile suit and was told that its pilot had some sort of request to speak to her about. She acknowledged the information and asked that the pilot be escorted to her quarters. Then Murrue headed to her quarters with Neo with her saying that he was curious as to what the pilot wanted. So when the pilot entered the captain's quarters, not much could be seen as with most Federation pilot suits kept most identifying features hidden. Yet, before Murrue gave a greeting and asked that this pilot state their request, the pilot removed their helmet.

The second that Neo saw the face of the pilot he was stunned, for it looked close to identical to Stella's. The notable variance was the eye color, because this young woman's eyes were red where Stella's were violet. Yet, much of the other features were the same as Stella's own were, but there was a lack of an innocent expression replaced with a serious look that appeared to be a carved into her face. Murrue glanced over the girl wondering what one like her had done to be a pilot and be here right now. Such individuals weren't common even these days, even with soldiers being as young on average as they were now. The expression on her face spoke of harsh experience learned by this young woman and at her age that shouldn't be the case at all.

Tanya inclined her head, "Greetings captain, my name is Tanya Loussier and I'm hoping that you might be able to help out my two colleagues and myself with a standing issue that we have," she stated.

Neo had heard the name Tanya from Stella as well as from Auel and Sting with varying tones when mentioned. Stella had always spoken the name with happy tones, while Sting had be more neutral and Auel had clearly not liked the owner of the name for one reason or another. If this was the owner of that name, then Stella's way of referring to 'Tanya' made more sense, but the other twos' tones didn't with what he could see. Neo thought perhaps there was history that the three shared with this young woman, he couldn't say. He kept silent, simply observing the young woman as Murrue replied, "I am Murrue Ramius, captain of the Archangel, what issue are you and your colleagues facing Miss Loussier?"

"The ship we are assigned to is up in space when we volunteered to come down to Orb to help in the fight against ZAFT forces. We are in need of a means to return up into space with our mobile suits and apparently the rumor is that your ship plans to head up sometime soon. I'm here to ask if the three of us could ride with you when you go into space," Tanya answered.

Murrue was left to wonder what captain would let their ship's mobile suit pilots descend to Earth and then expect them to find their own way back into space. The individual either had a great deal of confidence in this girl and her colleagues or they didn't think like others would logically speaking. "What ship are you and your colleagues assigned to out of curiosity," Murrue asked.

"The Normandy ma'am," Tanya replied curtly.

That reply explained an amount for that meant Tyler was the one who gave permission and then expected this young woman and her colleagues to find a way back up to space. It sounded like something that fit his mentality and style of doing things from what Murrue knew from experience. Tyler wasn't one to do things by the 'book', more tossed that manual out an airlock cackling as he did so, then he'd do things how he saw fit, somehow in the end the whole situation working out. Murrue ended out shaking her head slightly, "I see, that explains a bit. I don't see an issue with you and your colleagues traveling on the Archangel to return to space with your mobile suits. We have extra room right now for mobile suits as we aren't at full capacity at this time," Murrue stated.

Tanya bowed, "Thank you Captain Ramius, the assistance is appreciated," she returned.

Then Tanya exited the room leaving Murrue and Neo in Murrue's quarters, "Well, that was different," Neo commented, looking towards Murrue. "I take it this Normandy is a ship you know?"

Murrue nodded, "A newer Federation frigate, the captain is an individual that I know and have had experience with. He is what many would call 'an unordinary individual' no matter his rank or station as his style of doing things is certainly unique and isn't taught at any academy," she replied.

"You don't say, care to elaborate what you mean," Neo posed.

Murrue gained a tired look at remember the many clashes between Natarle and Tyler along with the chaos it brought to the ship during the First Alliance-PLANT War. Honestly, she was more surprised that one of them hadn't done something more serious to the other. There had even been unofficial bets at how much Tyler could get away with before Natarle somehow dragged him and then chucked him in a brig cell among the crew though neither of the two showed signs that they knew of the idea. The two just seemed to bring out the worst in one another for whatever reason, there was no real explanation for it other than military discipline versing teenage rebellion. And Murrue knew that Natarle would often try an find out who Tyler's parents were when he frustrated her especially so. There was the question of what Murrue's former first officer and friend would think if she knew who Tyler's mother was for none of the Archangel's crew had come close to guessing and some had attempted to guess. "The captain's name is Tyler McGregor," she stated.

Neo blinked at hearing the name for it was the names of the well-known heroes from the previous war. He had heard stories about this McGregor character and even read a couple of reports that involved the young man. But, the guy was supposed to be in his early twenties, and that was rather young to be considered for the position of a ship captain. "McGregor, as in one of the known heroes from the previous war? That Tyler McGregor," Neo asked.

Murrue nodded, "Yes, the same individual, hard as it is to believe. However, I guarantee that the things you've heard about him don't give a complete image of his character rest assured," she returned.

Meanwhile, Tanya headed back outside to the Rapture and reentered the cockpit and contacted Allelujah and Tieria and informed them to the arrangement made. She then maneuvered the Rapture over to one of the Archangel's catapults and when it opened, she hovered inside. When the Rapture came into the Archangel's hanger, Murdoch barked orders to direct the Rapture to a free suit dock. Tanya switched the solar reactor to its 'GN repose' as she moved the suit to the dock mechanics were directing her towards. It wasn't long before the Kyrios and the Virtue also came onto the Archangel and both were fitted into mobile suit docks even with the two machines being shaped differently so were hard to fit into standard suit docks.

Over the next day after the three odd Gundam-type suits and their pilots came onboard the Archangel, the crew didn't know exactly what to think about the trio. Tanya Loussier and Allelujah Haptism were given some odd looks from some of the crew but were left alone mostly. Tieria Erde was a different matter than his two colleagues for his clear lack of emotion put off a number in the Archangel's crew. The three stuck out with the differences they had, but no one really approached them much.

Still, as the cleanup effort around Orb continued on, Kira and Lacus went to visit Athrun who had been taken back to the Archangel's infirmary at the end of the battle with ZAFT. Athrun was stable, but he had paid a price for going out piloting the Eternal Justice though the Federation pilot suit had helped things not be worse for him than they were already. The two were worried about their friend with his health the way it was, but they both knew that while the physical injuries would heal, the mental and emotional would need not just time to heal.

In the Infirmary, Meyrin was watching after Athrun as there was little else for her to do for the time being. She herself was still healing though she was farther along than Athrun was, Meyrin had an amount to go. Meyrin still had gained a new-found respect after the battle had ended and Athrun had come back as he was. Despite his injuries, which had been worse than her own from the destruction of the Saviour, he had chosen to get into a mobile suit and go out to make a difference. Athrun may say that he's no hero, but his actions in this last battle had shown to Meyrin that he was one, just not the exact kind that others said he was. However, it was as Athrun was trying to get up that Meyrin came out of her own thoughts and went over to stop him. "Athrun, are you okay, should you really be getting up yet," she asked worriedly.

At that point Kira and Lacus entered the infirmary, "That's not the question to ask Athrun, mostly because he will say pretty much every time that he's fine and that he'll manage," Kira spoke up having overheard the question.

Lacus giggled, "Be nice Kira, at least Athrun admits when he's injured to some degree, Tye will suck it up as he puts it and not say a thing to others," she added.

Athrun managed to sit up with the help of Meyrin, "I may not be at my best, but I am good enough to do things Kira," he said. Then he grumbled, "And at least Tye thinks ahead for those he cares about."

Kira smiled, "Yes, Lacus told me about the contents of Tye's message with the Eternal Justice that he took the time to make for you," he returned.

Meyrin felt lost as to what they were talking about, she hadn't heard of anyone by the name of Tye before, so she hadn't any idea who they were referring to. "Um excuse me," Meyrin said drawing attention to herself, "It may not be my business, but who is this Tye you're all talking about?"

"Well Meyrin, Tye is short for Tyler and he is a friend that we share," Athrun replied.

Kira nodded, "One of our best friends between Athrun and I," he added. "He is also the one from the message to Athrun that the Justice had and by the sound of it, you took what he said to heart Athrun."

Athrun gained a soft smile and remembering what Tyler said, "I don't know how he does it, but somehow he has a way of putting things in a form that's hard not to understand. And it isn't a fluke, he does the idea too consistently for that to be the case." He paused recalling the salient points of what Tyler had gotten across. "He says that he doesn't have the same gift that his mother does with speaking, but he can speak from his heart like she can." Athrun laughed, "He apparently has been questioning his position of being the reckless one out of the three of us with what has happened to you and me recently."

Kira nodded sadly, "Yes, I can imagine that he has been wondering about that," he said somberly.

"Wait," Lacus interjected, "What kinds of things are you two referring to exactly? You said that Athrun had gotten hurt, but that was all you really said."

Kira and Athrun looked at Lacus and then at each other, "Um Lacus, what have you been doing since going up to space," asked Athrun.

"Looking through information about what Gilbert Durandal has been doing as well as Logos on the Federation's Information Network. I was trying to figure out what they are up to, then traveling on the Eternal and coming down here, why," replied Lacus curiously.

"Um Lacus, please don't take this the wrong way," Kira said evenly, showing he was nervous about telling Lacus how close he had gotten to being killed for he hadn't said anything major yet. "Didn't you wonder why Tye was bringing a new mobile suit for me to use?"

Lacus nodded slowly, "A little, what does that have to do with anything? I expect that the Freedom will be stored with Morgenroete or Teswa like the Justice is right Kira," she posed.

Kira looked away from Lacus, "Well, not exactly," he started trailing off.

However, Lacus got right up in Kira's face glaring at him sternly, "Kira what is it you have not told me?"

Kira was getting worried about how Lacus would react as she waited for his answer. Athrun was kind of shocked that Kira hadn't said anything to Lacus about the destruction of the Freedom, though it was clearly so she wouldn't worry. "He didn't tell you that he was defeated, and the Freedom was destroyed," posed Athrun.

Lacus's head swung around to stare at Athrun, then she rounded back to Kira glaring at him hard. Kira was rubbing the back of his head, trying not to look at Lacus, "When were you going to mention that Kira, that's a rather notable event to inform me about," she said in a near growl.

Kira chuckled worriedly, "Oh uh, it must have slipped my mind," he got out.

But before he could try to explain himself Lacus grabbed Kira's arm, "Athrun, could you excuse the two of us for a bit." Lacus then focused on Kira, "You and I need to have a talk mister right now, so come along."

Kira's expression fell an amount as he was dragged out of the infirmary by Lacus. Athrun stared for a bit and then shook his head, "It's rare to see them fight, but I'm shocked that Kira didn't tell Lacus about that incident. It was rather stupid for him not to, but it seems his naiveté is not helping him once again."

"Those two seem close, I thought that Miss Clyne was your fiancée," Meyrin remarked awkwardly.

Athrun snorted, "At one time she was, but the engagement was nullified during the latter half of the previous war by the chairman of the Supreme Council at the time. So no, Lacus and I are not engaged nor am I in a relationship with the one Chairman Durandal has working for him as the idol Lacus Clyne. Truthfully, my naïve friend you just saw being dragged out hasn't a clue how lucky a guy he is to have Lacus as a girlfriend for several different reasons, some better left unmentioned" he answered.

Meyrin processed what Athrun said, curious as to what he referred to with 'naïve friend' and 'some better left unmentioned'. But then the fact that she hadn't been aware that the Supreme Council Chairman could cancel an arranged marriage came to the forefront of her mind. But then, hadn't the Chairman back at that time been… "But wouldn't that have been Chairman Zala, your father Athrun," she asked.

Athrun closed his eyes at the memories of learning that Chairman Zala was not his father and frowned. "It may not make sense when I say this, but the man that was Chairman Zala looked like the one I called father, but it wasn't the same person," Athrun admitted.

Meyrin didn't understand, "What does that mean?"

Athrun didn't look at Meyrin, for this subject was not a pleasant one, "The man looked like Patrick Zala, but he was no longer the man that I knew as my father, he had become a complete stranger to me. That is why he became simply Chairman Zala, he holds the name but nothing else," Athrun stated.

There was an awkward silence for a moment, "That guy in the message," Meyrin started, "the things he said… it sounds like he doesn't think highly of Chairman Durandal."

Athrun shook his head, "No, and I can understand and now agree with his view in that. Whatever it is that Gilbert Durandal is working to bring about, it isn't peace as the idea is generally accepted. He's just selling his vision as that to gain support for it and he is very good at making what he does sound like the right thing. Yet he's manipulating people with his words, the attack on Orb is clear proof of that."

"But didn't ZAFT forces say that Djibril was being protected by Orb," Meyrin asked.

"That's a justification and nothing more," Athrun replied. "If Djibril was in Orb, then he was smuggled in for that man is no doubt a war criminal by now according to the Federation. Those that are classified as such are not tolerated nor helped period, they are captured and then tried and sentenced or killed outright. That standing has been made crystal clear already and Durandal knows that, which is why he's done things the way he has. Chairman Durandal is trying to turn people against the Human Federation with this situation further manipulating them."

Meyrin was shocked with what Athrun was saying about Chairman Durandal, but he had been right about being chased at Carpentaria. "Why would any go so far to manipulate others," she questioned.

Athrun shook his head again, "That's what I've not been able to figure out, but whatever his end goal is he needs certain circumstances to happen and the more that support him the easier it will be for him to have what he needs. He requires particular types of people to play roles for him, like a Lacus that can sway the masses, or some that will eliminate those that could stand against him."

Meyrin was going to ask what Athrun meant, but then Lacus and Kira reentered the room, Kira looking a tad more haggard than when he had been dragged out. Athrun smiled a bit, "I take it that you two have come to an agreement?"

"Yes, something like that," Kira replied tiredly.

"Indeed, I now understand better what Tyler was referring to when we saw him last and I'm miffed that Kira didn't tell me earlier. However, I more glad that he is okay for which I will have to thank Cagalli for helping him the next time I see her," Lacus said.

Kira focused on Athrun, "So then," he began, "are you over the low that you have been feeling Athrun?"

Athrun thought for a moment, then nodded, "Pretty much, Tye's message I think helped me start moving forward again. I have decided as he put it 'what kind of future it is I want to see' and can now see what needs to be done to move towards that," Athrun admitted.

"That's good," Kira said. "It seems that when times become somewhat peaceful we tend to take for granted the value of things. Unfortunately, we have to be reminded by the contrast of how valuable some things really are." Athrun knew that Kira was right, the valuable parts of life only seemed to be understood when you learned the bad alternative. "Hey, do you mind if I turn on the TV? Cagalli is going to make a statement as Lord Uzumi has been swamped with work and I think he encouraged her to do so," Kira iterated. Athrun nodded, and Kira went over and turned on the display in the infirmary and when the image came up, there was a journalist saying that Cagalli was about to make a statement.

Cagalli was in her father's office with reporters pointing cameras at her to catch every moment of this statement. Normally Lord Uzumi would do this himself, but he was still handling the efforts to get Orb and its people back on stable ground after ZAFT's attack. Plus, he had encouraged Cagalli to do this saying to speak from her heart for all to hear and help the world see what this conflict was doing. And after mingling with Orb's people, Cagalli had first-hand accounting of what the fighting had done to people that had tugged at her heart.

When those manning the cameras gave her the go ahead, Cagalli took a deep breath and began, "My name is Cagalli Yula Athha, I'm one of the senior representatives on the Orb Union's leading council. Today, I'm using the media of the entire world to both give a message to Chairman Durandal of the PLANT Supreme Council and to help others see the truth of what this war is doing. First, in regard to Chairman Durandal's demands to hand over one Lord Djibril and the subsequential action to invade Orb that followed without further attempts to prevent unneeded bloodshed, I would hope that you have taken the time to consider what has come from your decision."

Cagalli kept going speaking from what was in her heart right now, wanting other people to see what was being done and not what was being portrayed. "Chairman Durandal's recent speech made to the world denouncing the group known as Logos along with evidence that supported his accusations had a varying impact on all human beings. The Chairman called on a campaign to destroy Logos and all its members wherever they are and to put an end to war in this world," stated Cagalli. "I believe these are fine sentiments and I can't deny that I myself found them appealing, for I wish to see a world where war does not rage. Working on the political stage dealing with the chaos that is rampant as well as a private individual who wishes for a good future, I can understand the interest of such views. However, there is much… more…"

The video feed of Cagalli suddenly became fuzzy and the image of Cagalli was replaced with 'Lacus Clyne'. "My friends, it is I Lacus Clyne," she said.

Athrun was forced to wonder and rack his brain to come up with a reason why Meer would be doing this. A moment later, it dawned on Athrun that Durandal was using her to try and discredit Cagalli and likely try to turn as many as he could against the Federation itself. It angered him to come to the realization, not at Meer for she was being used unknowingly, but at Durandal for him to stoop so low as to use what he ordered against Orb as a further rally cry to his cause and eliminate those that would likely stand against him.

"There was a fierce battle the other day that took place at Orb. I'm certain that everyone knows about it by this point," Meer continued. "Why would one of the Federation's member nations who were once on such good friends with the PLANTs decide to shelter this Djibril person within its borders. I'm still unable to understand this," she said frustratedly.

As Meer was speaking, Gilbert Durandal who was at ZAFT's Gibraltar Base awaiting a shuttle to return to the PLANTs was sitting confidently smiling. Everything was falling into its proper place, with Meer discrediting Orb the rest of the world would start doubting the Federation and its standing. After all, one of their own member nations had helped Djibril, a man that was unquestionably evil. There was little to nothing that could ruin this moment of victory in Durandal's mind, short of the real Lacus Clyne somehow interrupting this. The girl had been forced into hiding, so the likelihood that she was somehow in Orb was slim.

"Why would Orb or any of the Federation's member nations be willing to go to war in order to protect one of humankind's true enemy? This man that is leader of Blue Cosmos and has already killed many and brought destruction upon the world and the colonies, even using nuclear weapons and has children changed against their wills and then thrusted into combat. Because Orb protected this man, he escaped forces that were pursuing him, and he could bring havoc again now," Meer reasoned.

Lacus was not happy at watching Orb being blamed, but also used to turn hatred on the Federation as a whole by Durandal. The whole series of events that had befallen Orb was being used to handle the Federation that could stand against Durandal with whatever he was doing, and it frustrated her. She turned to Kira, "I've heard more than enough Kira, these lies will not be allowed to stand as truth," Lacus said flatly. Kira nodded and the two headed for the Archangel's hanger to go help Cagalli.

"This world, our world is filled with all sorts of temptations, but there is no crime in wanting things to be better nor in wishing for more than you had before," Meer stated as Athrun watched the broadcast. "However, Logos is different than that and it should not be allowed to exist, there is not and should not be a place for such evil in this world of ours."

The Burst Freedom launched from the Archangel and headed over to Orb's Cabinet building However, it was as the two entered the building intending on aiding Cagalli that something completely unexpected occurred. Meer was still going on in her speech, "What we're attempting to do is-" But the transmission once again cut out for a moment and when it came back, no longer was it of the place where Lacus Clyne was but of a different office. All viewing the transmission quickly focused at the two individuals now shown on the broadcast. One was a woman which most had seen before, Ellen Blass the Republic's Prime minister. The other was a man that was about as well-known as Minister Blass was even if he hadn't been seen for years.

Gilbert Durandal gazed in sheer shock and anger at the display he had been viewing the broadcast, for on it was one of the few that could ruin a great deal of the work that was helping lay the foundation for the Destiny Plan, Siegel Clyne himself. The true Lacus Clyne appearing had been in Durandal's mind the worst-case scenario, and that had been he had thought to be close to impossible with the preparation that had been made. But, this development could be worse than such a case and not only that, the man was obviously in the Republic, making efforts at discrediting the Federation potentially harder.

"My fellow human beings, people of the world and the colonies do not let yourself be swayed by mere words so easily without asking for the whole story," Siegel opened. Cagalli, Kira and especially Lacus stared like most dumbfounded at the display where Siegel Clyne now was. Siegel had been in hiding for close to two years for him to come out into the open was something else and he no doubt had his reasons. And it wasn't opportunity that was lacking for Siegel, he could have come onto the world stage anytime he had wanted, but he had clearly waited until now.

"The world of today can appear as a chaotic mess, most if not all of people regardless of nationality, type or age have seen signs of such. The world and colonies around us have been made out to be in an ongoing war of good versus evil, but I tell you it is not as portrayed." Siegel paused, "Why believe one like myself many might ask when I've been off the center stage of this current conflict? Consider how powerful words are, also knowing that lies can sound as plausible as truth does, if not more pleasing to the ear. Nevertheless, the truest measure of an individual is their intentions and ideals, which might not be in the words said, but the actions done and where those lead."

Those viewing the broadcast were in as a trance as Siegel kept going, "I am aware that right now there is a young woman out there that has taken on the name of Lacus Clyne." Durandal ordered the broadcast that Meer was doing to be cutoff for it was now more detrimental to continue. Once Meer disappeared, Durandal fumed as he watched Siegel Clyne. "However, that young woman is not known to me nor is she my youngest daughter even if she looks and sounds like her. I would not doubt that she can be a woman of conviction and I can respect those that are so. Nonetheless, at this time both of my daughters are fighting in their own ways to protect the innocent and bring peace, just as I do now, speaking out and not staying silent when recent events are twisted into lies to make good hardworking people appear to be siding with those they would not!"

Meer sunk to the floor unable to think of what to do as Siegel continued, but Athrun's final words to her were coming back to her mind. 'The Chairman only wants those who will play the roles that he has for them.' Meer shook her head, trying to get the memory to go away, but it simply kept going, 'He wants a Lacus that he can control and manipulate and that's you'. It couldn't be true what Athrun said… could it? 'Trust me Meer when I say that Durandal when you finish what he has in mind, you will have no use to him and he will then have you disappear like he wants to do to me now.'

"The attack on the Orb Union is an event said by Gilbert Durandal to be for the purpose of capturing the individual Lord Djibril, the current leader of Blue Cosmos and a member of the business platform Logos. The operation was for the effort to eliminate Logos who are the cause of the ongoing war, so then why has the fighting and what comes with it gotten worse? Where it is true that Djibril was in Orb for a short period, he was not welcomed nor brought there by the leaders of the nation. The man was smuggled in by a few that thought themselves above all others and laws, making their own decisions without thinking through their actions fully. Nonetheless, when one claiming to represent Orb's government made a foolish statement, ZAFT forces began an assault and refused to listen to Orb's representatives, nor minimize the bloodshed," Siegel iterated.

Ellen took a step forward, "Added to that, especially directed towards Gilbert Durandal for you to conclude that Lord Djibril would be welcomed in any of the Federation's member nations, points more to you justifying your campaign to rid the world of those that you alone deem as dangerous. Djibril has been classified as a war criminal after the attacks on the Euros Coalition that he promoted and instigated. Such individuals are not welcomed anywhere within Human Federation territory and would and will be tried for their crimes should they be found. Any claim to the contrary of these long-standing policies are lies to twist events to show what they want to be seen rather than the truth," she stated.

Siegel took over after Ellen said her piece, "The attack on Orb is now being used much like the tragedy that befell those in the Euros Coalition to advance the goals of others. And the campaign that was started against Logos that was supposed to bring an end to this war and encourage peace, has done only the opposite. The current conflict is no closer to an end, the two sides that have formed continue to refuse to see or accept one another and bystanders are caught up and hurt by the fighting."

Djibril who had reached the Daedalus Base on the dark side of the moon was trying to decide whether to lose his cool or applaud the man taking Durandal down a peg or two. He didn't like the man Siegel Clyne, he was a Coordinator and an influential pacifist and history proven that those were not helpful for making progress forward in ways that Djibril had in mind. But right now, any who took Gilbert Durandal's ego and 'more righteous than thou' attitude down a notch was amusing and kind of nice to him. It wasn't nice to learn that he Djibril was classified as a war criminal by the Federation for that had issues that were nigh impossible to get waved off. Others before Djibril had proven that the Federation hunted those they classified as war criminals and haven't let one go thus far.

"How many more lives must be taken before it is enough for this war," Siegel posed. "How many more loved ones have to be stolen from those that care about them before this is ended? How much more must families grieve for the members that are killed in this conflict? How much longer will we humans allow humankind's true enemies have their way with us?" Durandal was appreciating the subject matter that Siegel Clyne was covering less and less the longer he spoke. "Peace is not an impossible dream as some scream it is. However, humankind's enemy uses the desires for justice and twist that into vengeance and revenge to tempt any to join their side and cause. Do not give into either, justice isn't vengeance nor revenge and the line between them is often blurred. Vengeance brings nothing but more loss, pain and regret, it doesn't bring back anyone or anything. Revenge is worse for it is akin to a slow yet lethal poison or venom, the most lethal and vicious ever known to the human race. Neither lead to the path of peace or change as others claim they will, they only spiral into destruction. Peace comes through understanding, and that comes from looking not at the differences, but at what commonalities we share. The differences are what make individuals, they need not divide us, there is far more that is the same between us all than different. If you need proof, then take a look at your neighbor or friend and list what you have in common and you will be amazed."

-Line Break-

What was left of the ZAFT forces had crawled back to Carpentaria after the battle against Orb. The mood among the ZAFT forces was somber as the objective they had been set with had not been achieved, nor had Orb been overcome to prevent them to shelter others like Djibril. Then had come the broadcast from Orb and that had shaken things up for everyone.

"My name is Cagalli Yula Athha, I'm one of the senior representatives on the Orb Union's leading council. Today, I'm using the media of the entire world to both give a message to Chairman Durandal of the PLANT Supreme Council and to help others see the truth of what this war is doing. First, in regard to Chairman Durandal's demands to hand over one Lord Djibril and the subsequential action to invade Orb that followed without further attempts to prevent unneeded bloodshed, I would hope that you have taken the time to consider what has come from your decision."

It was unusual for the princess of Orb to speak for the Orb Union rather than its chief representative Uzumi Nara Athha. And yet, the young woman had clearly been affected by what had happened to her nation as her tone had changed greatly. "Chairman Durandal's recent speech made to the world denouncing the group known as Logos along with evidence that supported his accusations had a varying impact on all human beings. The Chairman called on a campaign to destroy Logos and all its members wherever they are and to put an end to war in this world. I believe these are fine sentiments and I can't deny that I myself found them appealing, for I wish to see a world where war does not rage. Working on the political stage dealing with the chaos that is rampant as well as a private individual who wishes for a good future, I can understand the interest of such views. However, there is much… more…"

The video feed of the princess suddenly became fuzzy and the image was replaced with 'Lacus Clyne'. "My friends, it is I Lacus Clyne," she said. So many were left to try and figure out what was going on for the broadcast from Orb to be interrupted by an idol. "There was a fierce battle the other day that took place at Orb. I'm certain that everyone knows about it by this point," Meer continued. "Why would one of the Federation's member nations who were once on such good friends with the PLANTs decide to shelter this Djibril person within its borders. I'm still unable to understand this," she said frustratedly.

What Lacus Clyne was saying made some sense, but there still were holes as she had jumped from Orb being at fault for sheltering Djibril, to the Federation sheltering Djibril and those like him. Whether truthful or not Lacus Clyne was not clearing things up, more muddying up the waters. "Why would Orb or any of the Federation's member nations be willing to go to war in order to protect one of humankind's true enemy? This man that is leader of Blue Cosmos and has already killed many and brought destruction upon the world and the colonies, even using nuclear weapons and has children changed against their wills and then thrusted into combat. Because Orb protected this man, he escaped forces that were pursuing him, and he could bring havoc again now," Lacus reasoned. "This world, our world is filled with all sorts of temptations, but there is no crime in wanting things to be better nor in wishing for more than you had before," Meer stated as Athrun watched the broadcast. "However, Logos is different than that and it should not be allowed to exist, there is not and should not be a place for such evil in this world of ours."

Talia was starting to just wish that someone would get to the point being made instead of drawing things out. She wasn't the only one that was starting to have thoughts like her as the broadcast. Lacus was still going on in her speech, "What we're attempting to do is-" but the transmission once again cut out for a moment.

When it came back, no longer was the image of the place where Lacus Clyne was but of a different office. All viewing the transmission quickly focused at the two individuals now shown on the broadcast. One was a woman which most had seen before, Ellen Blass the Republic's Prime minister. The other was a man that was just as well-known as Minister Blass was even if he hadn't been seen for years. "My fellow human beings, people of the world and the colonies do not let yourself be swayed by mere words so easily without asking for the whole story," Siegel opened.

The former Supreme Council Chairman Siegel Clyne had disappeared close to two years ago after the Treaty of Junius Seven had been signed. Many within the PLANTs had wanted Siegel Clyne to be the Chairman of the Council again, but he had declined. He had vanished quickly and without seemingly a trace. There had been searches made to find Mr. Clyne, but none had been successful. The name Clyne still carried influence and weight around the PLANTs, which was likely one of the reasons that Lacus Clyne was able to influence the people.

Those viewing the broadcast were in as a trance as Siegel kept going, "I am aware that right now there is a young woman out there that has taken on the name of Lacus Clyne. However, that young woman is not known to me nor is she my youngest daughter even if she looks and sounds like her. I would no doubt that she can be a woman of conviction and I can respect those that are so. Nonetheless, at this time both of my daughters are fighting in their own ways to protect the innocent and bring peace, just as I do now, speaking out and not staying silent when recent events are twisted into lies to make good hardworking people appear to be siding with those they would not!"

Hearing Siegel Clyne himself state that the idol Lacus Clyne that had been siding with Chairman Durandal was not his daughter sent ripples through those that listened. If the 'idol Lacus Clyne' wasn't who she said she was, then what else was being lied about? "The attack on the Orb Union is an event said by Gilbert Durandal to be for the purpose of capturing the individual Lord Djibril, the current leader of Blue Cosmos and a member of the business platform Logos. The operation was for the effort to eliminate Logos who are the cause of the ongoing war, so then why has the fighting and what comes with it gotten worse? Where it is true that Djibril was in Orb for a short period, he was not welcomed nor brought there by the leaders of the nation. The man was smuggled in by a few that thought themselves above all others and laws, making their own decisions without thinking through their actions fully. Nonetheless, when one claiming to represent Orb's government made a foolish statement, ZAFT forces began an assault and refused to listen to Orb's representatives, nor minimize the bloodshed," Siegel iterated.

Siegel paused and gazed at the camera, but it felt like he was gazing at those viewing the broadcast. "Peace is not an impossible dream as some scream it is. However, humankind's enemy uses the desires for justice and twist that into vengeance and revenge to tempt any to join their side and cause. Do not give into either, justice isn't vengeance nor revenge and the line between them is often blurred. Vengeance brings nothing but more loss, pain and regret, it doesn't bring back anyone or anything. Revenge is worse for it is akin to a slow yet lethal poison or venom, the most lethal and vicious ever known to the human race. Neither lead to the path of peace or change as others claim they will, they only spiral into destruction. Peace comes through understanding, and that comes from looking not at the differences, but at what commonalities we share. The differences are what make individuals, they need not divide us, there is far more that is the same between us all than different. If you need proof, then take a look at your neighbor or friend and list what you have in common and you will be amazed."

The broadcast came to an end leaving people to think and ask questions about if the world was as it appeared or whether it was as another portrayed. Members of all factions were questioning the validity of what Gilbert Durandal said versus what others did. After all, if he was using a girl that was a fake and imposter to influence people, then he was either lying or not saying other facts. The argument of who should be believed had been ignited and quickly grew into debates of what facts were true and which were not.

In Gibraltar, Durandal had gathered himself together after watching the broadcast which was supposed to be a victory for him and the Destiny Plan. Yet, thanks to the interference of Siegel Clyne, this was more a setback and would take an amount of work to fix. A shuttle was now ready to take Durandal back into space which would be the best place for him to get things done right now.

Meer entered Chairman Durandal's office and approached him, Athrun's words still whispering themselves over and over. "I'm sorry sir, I," Meer started, "I did my best."

Durandal turned to face Meer and smiled softly, "Yes, I know you did, and I'm grateful for all the efforts you have been giving. Who could have predicted that Siegel Clyne would appear at this time when he's been missing since after the signing of the Treaty of Junius Seven. Truly an unexpected turn of events, it must have been a great shock to you as it was to me. How could such have happened at an unstable time like this? But now that things have come to what they have, there will need to be an adjustment to plans," Durandal stated.

Meer's attendant Sarah came up behind her as Gilbert continued, "There is nothing to worry about, things will work out. In the meantime however, as you have been working so hard lately I believe some time off is in order for you. As I said, I appreciate your efforts greatly and have saved the world from worse straits and I'll never forget that. So I'll make sure you're taken care of while you have a break for a short while, that's all. We wouldn't want you to become overly stressed, so some time out of the spotlight to relax and recuperate would be good for you."

Sarah guided Meer to another shuttle that was prepared to take Meer up into space and to the Moon, specifically Serenity City to vanish for a little while. Meanwhile, Durandal planned to head into space and changed his destination from the PLANTs to the mobile space fortress Messiah which had been built since the last war. Messiah had started out as a mining asteroid, which after having been stripped of all valuable resources, had been hollowed out and turned into a fortress. Thanks to having large engines installed, the fortress was capable of independent movement, and neither faction appeared to be aware of the fortress yet.

There was no movement at or from Arzachel thus far from what information had been acquired by ZAFT intelligence. Nor had there been any activity out of the ordinary from the Federation's Luna Base, it made Durandal curious if something was going on behind the scenes. Then there still hadn't been a response from the Federation's military yet for the attack on Orb, and there would be a response soon. Durandal believed that the response whatever the form would be, would target a ZAFT base, he just couldn't decide which base was the most likely. So, he had told the National Defense Committee to have all forces around Earth-based bases to be on high alert for anything suspicious.

-Line Break-

The Minerva

The Minerva was still docked at Carpentaria waiting for orders to be given to them. However, while in dock the crew gossiped about the broadcast both with other members of the crew and those around Carpentaria. Some of the things that Talia heard being said were ridiculous while others were seriously lacking in proof and common logical sense. Even Arthur showed effects from the broadcast, "Uh Captain," Arthur started.

Talia sighed, "Don't bother asking me what that broadcast was about, I haven't the faintest idea what the story is about any of it. However, one thing that is to be made clear, headquarters nor we are at the command of Lacus Clyne. We do not act according to her orders, is that understood," she posed.

Before Arthur could reply, Abbey Windsor who had replaced Meyrin at the communication and mobile suit operator station turned in her seat. "Captain, we've received orders from Fleet Command to participate in the active patrols going on right now for the next twelve hours periods with sixteen-hour break periods for the next few days, that is all," she iterated.

"Reply that we acknowledge the orders received and that we'll head out within the next hour," Talia ordered.

"Patrol," questioned Arthur incredulously.

Talia glanced at Arthur, "I would bet that headquarters is on edge right now trying to guess where the response from the Federation's military will come and in what form it will be," she replied.

"Response? But we were trying to capture Djibril around Orb, all pilots were told to do their best to avoid harming the citizens of Orb. Surely they can understand that," Arthur reasoned.

Talia shook her head, "We see it that way, to the Federation we were attacking one of their member nations like the Earth Forces did in the previous war and they don't stay silent about such things. The response the Alliance got after doing that was their orbital fleets were being eliminated and the Federation fortified their borders. I would be shocked if they do nothing for the attack on Orb, regardless of what we say is the reason was."

At the same time, Rey, Shinn and Lunamaria were walking towards their quarters discussing the broadcast. "I mean, who would of thought that former Chairman Clyne would appear now and say what he did," Luna said.

Shinn was silent, his thoughts going between the subject of the broadcast and what had happened during the battle at Orb. "You too Lunamaria? Honestly, the whole thing is just a ploy by the enemy to confuse and distract us, it should be obvious," Rey replied tiredly. "Everyone will start question who is right and who is wrong, what is true and what are lies, just like you're doing right now." Luna couldn't think of an answer to that, "It's quite an example of psychological warfare, that has to be said for them," Rey said.

Rey kept walking as he continued, "Why does it matter? Why do people think it's important to identify who is right? Everyone seems to be so concerned about the question of truth. But why? Why are people always concerned with it? Is the truth always right and the false always wrong? Such details don't really matter to me," Rey stated

"But Rey," Shinn uttered.

"The Chairman is right and that's good enough for me," Rey said firmly, entering the quarters that he and Shinn shared. Luna and Shinn followed Rey both curious as to what he meant about truth for it had sounded odd in a way that was eerie. "What we should be focusing on is what we can learn and take away from the battle at Orb, because a loss like that cannot be repeated," Rey reasoned, grabbing a portable terminal.

"What are you talking about Rey," asked Luna. "I mean yes, we didn't apprehend Djibril and it really sucks that we didn't. But, the Federation's military has always been stronger and more efficient fighters than the Earth Forces, that's fact."

Rey hummed, "While the fact of the Federation's military strength might be true Lunamaria, there was more to why we were forced back than that. There were a couple of factors that helped such along which can be pointed out. Particularly the appearance of a few mobile suits and us not being able to work in such a way to capture Djibril before Federation reinforcement managed to push our allied and us back," he iterated.

Shinn kept silent, his mind going over the parts of the battle trying to logical lay out what had happened and figure out why. Things had started just fine, Orb's defenders had been having trouble halting the advance of ZAFT and its allies. There had been some watching out for any craft that would attempt to make a break for space, if Djibril tried to escape. The setup had been solid and appeared to be built for a successful operation, more so than the assault against Heaven's Base. Shinn himself had gone out with Aila to the field and had been contributing to the efforts, even if he still had his doubts about Orb helping Djibril.

The first two waves of reinforcements for the Federation did add difficulty to the operation. Part of them had clearly been skilled pilots and scattered ZAFT forces for a time as they were pushed onto the defensive. The other group had the golden Gundam-type at their head and Shinn had gone for that machine. His opponent had been better than average with fighting, but piloting a mobile suit was definitely not their main skill set. Shinn had disarmed them and had used the Destiny's beam boomerangs aiming for the backpack to disable them. It was at that point of time things took a turn from the ZAFT operation gaining steady progress, to everything seeming to be going wrong. The first change had been the appearance of the 'new Freedom' mobile suit. The original Freedom had been a force to be reckoned with, but the new version of it took the idea to an entirely new level! Then there had been Athrun and the mobile suit he was in that had showed up further complicating things.

Rey opened the terminal and was typing away when the door to the room slide open and Aila stepped in. "I had a hunch that you three would be in either these quarters or Luna's," she said.

"Were you looking for us Aila," asked Luna.

Aila nodded, "Yes, the Minerva has received orders to patrol for the next twelve hours around Carpentaria," she said.

Shinn and Luna gestured that they understood, but then Aila looked at Rey, "Rey, did you hear what I said? If you did, then do acknowledge," she stated.

Rey kept his attention on the terminal, "I heard you ma'am, the Minerva will be patrolling around Carpentaria for the next twelve hours," he replied.

Aila exhaled, somewhat frustrated that Rey had become this rude when he used to be the best mannered of the Minerva's pilots. Yet, not too long after he had been made a member of FAITH, Rey had morphed into how he was now. "Rey, being a part of FAITH does not require you to forgo manners. If anything, then you're expected to hold yourself to a higher standing." Aila folded her arms, "Not making eye contact when someone else is talking to you is still considered rude."

Rey stopped typing and looked at Aila, "I am sorry ma'am, I was just reviewing things to prevent what happened at Orb from occurring again," he answered.

"What do you mean Rey," asked Luna.

"I'm talking about the appearance of the Freedom and Athrun during the operation against Orb," Rey replied.

Luna was shocked to hear that, "Wait, how could Athrun have been there, the Saviour was destroyed, wasn't it?"

Rey shook his head, "Athrun survived and is alive," he stated, turning the terminal for the other three to see. "He was piloting this machine, which bears similarities to the X09A Justice, but is clearly stronger than the original Justice."

Luna's thoughts were racing at understanding that Athrun was alive, for it also implied another fact was possible. "Then, does that mean that Meyrin could also be alive," Luna asked.

"It is possible I supposed, even likely," Aila admitted. "However, there is not enough to say for certain right now Luna."

"Indeed, though if she is alive Lunamaria, then she is likely on the Archangel, so there is nothing we can do about that," Rey added.

Aila focused back on Rey, "Upon the subject of things to do Rey, correct me if I'm wrong, but you've been rather busy either piloting or studying when you aren't piloting or sleeping," she posed.

"That sounds about right," Rey replied, returning his attention to the terminal, "is there something wrong with my dedication ma'am?"

"That depends Rey, before the operation against Orb I would have agreed that such dedication is fine," Alia stated. "Yet, your insistence upon this and your recent stepping over and on others makes me more see what you are doing as an obsession. Dedication is all well and good, but an obsession is not and the line that differentiate the two is a fine one Rey. Obsessions tend to blind those they have hold over and so the individual doesn't notice the people they're getting killed around them." Aila paused, "Do make sure you take the time to do other things Rey, sleep included."

-Line Break-

Upper Orbit

The planned operation that was to be the response to ZAFT's assault on Orb was set to begin shortly. The group of Federation vessels were in a mid-ranged orbit with the southern western hemisphere spanning below. The operation about to take place had the objective to disable ZAFT's Carpentaria base. The logic of the idea was that if Carpentaria was unable to deploy forces effectively then attacks against member nations would be much less likely to occur. However, the difficulty as well as an important point was the insistence of minimizing casualties, preferably none if possible.

For that the operation was different in a couple of ways, first the planning and tactics was done by Admiral Treize who had intimate knowledge of the base. The other major change was the machines that would be used for they were all next generation mobile suits which would have advantages over previous mobile suit models. All but two were new mass production models called the GTD-125A Brave. It was of the first series of Federation mobile suits that worked with the recently invented GN Tau drive. Also, the operation would take place during the latter half of the night hours for the base. The Tau drive was seen as a particle power system similar to the solar reactor but unlike reactor, the Tau drive could be mass produced and a steadier rate. Yet, the amount of GN particles emitted from the Tau Drive was slightly less than the solar reactor and was not semi-perpetual.

The framework from the Brave model was based to an extent on the ZEL defender suits though its mode transformation came from data on GSR-003 Kyrios. Like the Gundam-types with solar reactors, the Brave would have superior mobility over other mobile suit models. Its standard equipment was made up of two side binders, an energy cable to provide a high particle feed into the weapons, and for certain situations a particle condenser. And in this operation each Brave suit was being equipped with a condenser to extend the particle supply so that the pilots wouldn't have to worry as much about them as much.

As for the Brave model's arsenal, there was an assortment of beam weapons, beam sabers, rapid-fire guns, missile and grenades. In the close-range combat area, a pair of beam sabers that were stored in the side binders that could be drawn. The Chakram Grenades the suit had were stored in the legs, meant to be effective at electronic warfare rather than direct damage. Also in the legs specifically around the knee area, there were micro missiles two per leg and they packed a punch to non-phase shift armored foes. The rapid-fire weapons were more for interception but included GN beam machine guns mounted in each wrist like the GSR-001 Exia, and 30mm gatling guns mounted in the chest loaded with armor piercing rounds.

The beam weapons were a combination of a beam rifle and two particle cannons, which can be use both separately and together as one. The beam rifle functions as a normal beam rifle when the Brave is in its mobile suit mode but also is the Brave's nose section in its flight mode. The particle cannons are mounted in either side binder and with the binders' range of motions can fire more than just ahead of the machine. The combination of the beam rifle and cannons comes when the front section of the beam rifle splits in order to fire a powerful GN particle beam. Its alternative name of the "Tri-Punisher" attacks by combining the beam outputs of the rifle and cannons.

The other two mobile suits that would be involved in the operation against ZAFT's Carpentaria, was a custom version of the Brave model suit and one of the prototype solar reactor carrying Gundam-type machine. The custom Brave was meant for an ace pilot and the major difference other than control tuning was there were waist binders instead of shoulder binders and the suit had two Tau drives instead of one like the other Braves had.

The Gundam-type that was involved was called the GSR-002 Dynames Gundam and was a part of the series that the Exia, the Kyrios, the Virtue and the Rapture were. The difference between the Dynames and what set it apart was the long-range attack abilities it had. The mobile suit is white overall with green covers over the knees and upper legs, around the shoulders and armor at the chest and over the back. There were also a set of two armor plate shields attached to each should that could shift to cover the front of the machine made from E-Carbon.

Dynames's main offensive option is the particle sniper-style rifle that was specially built which utilizes compressed particles to be able to fire precisely and not lose too much power over range. The rifle itself has a low rate of fire, it makes up with its capability to shoot at long-range and not lose shot strength. Combining that with its Sniper mode employing a extended-range targeting optic sensor has better firing range than any other mobile suit model currently produced. Due to the range the rifle gives the Dynames, its opponents have difficulty finding the mobile suit as it can be out of their search range. The rifle was stored on the right rotatable shoulder dock when it is not being used.

However, for times that long-range wasn't an option the Dynames possessed two beam pistols stored in holsters attached to the outsides of the legs. The two pistols lacked the longer range and high firing power the rifle had, but instead had a higher firing rate. The pistols can be used in sync with the armor shields by the lower shield swinging outward. Along with the pistols, there is a pair of beam sabers on the rear waist armor that were also the Dynames's thrusters. The other weapons that the Dynames had was a collection of micro missiles, sixteen of them in launchers in the front skirts and four in each knee plate.

As the pilots chosen for using the Braves were making their final preparations, the one that had been selected to pilot the Dynames was looking over the Gundam suit. His name was Lyle Swift and his height was around average with shoulder length brown hair, which was a tad unkempt and messy. His eyes were blue and had facial features that were fairly common with those from the Euros Coalition specifically the northwestern part. He looked to be in his late twenties to early thirties. However, what stuck out the most was the air about him as it was serious but had an amount of go-lucky and easy going feel to him.

"You must be the one that was selected to pilot the Gundam-type then," posed a male voice from behind Lyle.

Lyle turned around and found a blonde man coming up to him, "Aye, me name is Lyle Swift, though I have the nickname of Lockon Stratos from teammates and former commanding officers because of my skills. Can't say that I've the pleasure of knowing who you are though," Lyle greeted in his Irish accent.

"The name is Graham Aker," the blonde man said extending his hand out.

Lyle grasped the hand extended, wondering if this man was really who he said he was, for that would make him arguably the best mobile suit pilot currently. "Then you're the one others call the Comet," Lyle questioned.

Graham smiled and laughed, "That's what some call me. By the way, you know someone by the name of Cormag Swift, the Silver Eagle?"

To understand that the guy in front of him was the former ZAFT Champion the Comet was the same man he was seeing was something. Although, to be asked if he knew Cormag was a tad irritating, but it had always been for Lyle. Cormag had always been the better to everyone else, leaving Lyle to pretty much be in the shadow of his older brother. Lyle didn't deny that Cormag was skilled as a pilot and won't hold that over Lyle himself. However, it had grown tiresome to be compared or related to his brother Cormag. "Yeah I know him, Cormag is me brother but I no ace pilot like him," Lyle said.

Graham didn't react the way Lyle expected or like any that had asked if he was related to Cormag, "Why would anyone expect you to be the same, I was merely curious if you were related, that's all," he replied.

The conversation might have gone on, yet the orders to ready for launch came and Graham gave his farewell before he went off to his suit. Lyle shook his head and focused on the operation ahead as he entered the Dynames's cockpit. This mobile suit fit Lyle's style on the battlefield better than many did, mostly since it specialized in long-range. When it came to sniping skill, Lyle could actually outdo Cormag in accuracy and consistency.

The full squadron of Brave models and the Dynames left the ships they were on and began the descent downwards aiming for just south of the Carpentaria Base. Particle fields were used to shield the machines through reentry and to avoid sensor detection. The Federation squadron finished atmospheric reentry to end out just south of the Carpentaria Base in an unofficial blind spot. According to those that knew the base the network of sensors in the southern area could and normally spotty on a regular basis and there was something about the land that made sensors not as effective. The fact was kept a secret from the Earth Forces to prevent an attempted surprise attack.

The other point which was a factor of using the next generation Brave suits, the particles from them caused faulty readings that didn't look that out of place. So, the sensory network that ZAFT had in place detected nothing and no triggers were set off as the Federation mobile suits drew closer to the base. The first set of targets that this force had was the communication equipment followed by the sensory network. Graham flew his Commander-type Brave with a few others down a canyon to come out at a plateau wall where the southern sensor network converged. The hub was taken out so that the southern set of sensors wouldn't send in data, which would be seen as them being spotty.

Attacks from the south were so unlike to ZAFT, that there were no alarms for any part of the southern sensor network. Graham and those with him joined back up with the others that had descended and moved forward. There were very few lights from any structure within the base's territory, most of which were in areas that were being avoided. The reason that was the case, the objective of the operation was to truthfully to strike the equipment then the mobile suit hangers along with ships disabling or destroying them all. Doing so, would hopeful not take lives needlessly and get the message across that simply attacking without solid evidence and reason would not be tolerated.

As Carpentaria was laid out, there were two antennas for long-range communications without which ZAFT forces wouldn't be able to call for help less than a few kilometers away. The hub that controlled the main sensor network for Carpentaria was next to one of the communication antennas so could be disabled around the same time. And once communication and sensors were down, all that would be left to do would be strike the mobile suit hangers and the docks. Intelligence had already confirmed that most ZAFT submarines and other ships were out patrolling the waters of the southern Indian Ocean, meaning there wasn't much of ZAFT's forces guarding the base directly.

The first antenna was taken down without notice or alarms going off immediately before the strike force moved forward. The Dynames took to the highest point that could be found and Lyle activated the extended range targeting optic. With the beam rifle, he kept a close eye on the surrounding area for activity as he shot at more remote equipment hangers. In fact, the operation was running smoothly up to a point, which both antennas were disabled and the sensor network was effectively taken out of commission. The Braves broke off into smaller groups and headed off into areas that were populated by hangers and other structures that held equipment. However, it was as the attacks on the mobile suit hangers began that ZAFT personnel at the base noticed that something was going on.

The ZAFT personnel that were on duty for the night hours had been having a quiet night like was normal, but that changed. The first explosions snapped those on duty to alertness, more so when they realized that the blasts were from mobile suit hangers being destroyed. Alarms were triggered, but all that was really being done was watching helplessly as equipment was either disabled or destroyed. ZAFT personnel tried to scramble and counter those attacking them in any way, but they were stopped each attempt as equipment was destroyed before they could get to any. Panic quickly took hold of the people on the base for an attack like this one had never happened before now.

For those in the control center of Carpentaria, the news kept getting worse by the minute and every new piece of information. Being attack like this was out of the blue and so little preparation had been made, since most defenses were geared towards keeping assaulting forces out or approaching from the north. Currently, those assaulting Carpentaria were seemingly avoiding areas where there were habitation structures, instead going for the mobile suit hangers and other deployable equipment. Then, any attempt to call for help failed as long-range communication wasn't working at all for reasons still to be determined.

Then, if this was the Federation's military doing this, they were using completely new model machines that had never been seen before now. The new mobile suits were all putting off a strange light from multiple places which such a phenomenon had only recently been glimpsed around Orb. That light appeared to give the machines the ability to float rather than hover along with incredible mobility. The weapons being used were beams but they were clearly different than what was conventionally beam weaponry that was standard now. Said weapons looked to be more effective than other weapons as the speed and efficiency of the hangers being struck and wrecked were proving.

The hangers and equipment around them weren't the only targets being hit for very long, the docks and the few submarines there soon came under attack as well. Smoke billowed from the destroyed structures and built quickly above the base. Yet, thus far there had been no casualties with this attack, but that was mostly due to the fact that those assaulting were not going around the living areas. But that was little consolation with this attack as no counter-offensive was effectively being mounted.

Meanwhile, the Minerva was heading back towards Carpentaria having finished its assigned patrol. The assignment had been quiet though the tension had been rising with the feeling of pending events coming on. However, when the call of smoke coming up from Carpentaria came, the quiet time came to its end. Talia declared condition red as the Minerva picked up speed as it sailed towards Carpentaria. She knew it was possible that the Federation might choose to strike Carpentaria, but in all honesty, she and most others expected the base at Gibraltar to be the likely target. The other fact that was clear was that those attacking Carpentaria didn't approach from north of the base, but from a different direction and didn't trip sensors or alarms.

The Minerva's pilots headed down to the hanger when condition red was called, only being told that there was smoke coming up from Carpentaria from a suspected attack. Aila, Shinn and Rey boarded their respective machines while Luna headed for the Core Splendor. Luna chose to go with the blast silhouette which was loaded, and she was sent to the catapult. Once the four mobile suits the Minerva were off the ship, the sight of what was visible from Carpentaria ablaze stood out from the night sky.

Two subs shortly surfaced close by the Minerva and launched their own mobile suits which joined the Osiris, the Legend, the Destiny and the Impulse. As they came closer, unknown mobile suits were spotted shooting the mobile suit hangers and other equipment. The enemy suits were of an unknown model from any seen or recorded previously. Aila however, instantly noticed that each and every attacking machine had the same kind of odd light that some suit in the battle against Orb had. The only real difference that she could see was the coloration of the light coming from the units. the Freedom and the other mobile suits around Orb had a greenish light while the ones ahead of them were putting off an orangish light. Yet, the 'light' or whatever it was still gave the machines unreal mobility that had them floating in the air.

Nonetheless, as ZAFT forces approached, some of them started to be shot down, but there were no immediate signs of the attacker responsible. It was Lunamaria that trained her eyes on the one shooting down her allies. The mobile suit was a Gundam-type machine and was white overall with green covers over the knees and upper legs, around the shoulders and armor at the chest and over the back. There were also a set of two armor plate shields attached to each shoulder from what she could see. The unit was using a long sniper-style rifle to shoot the ZAFT mobile suits though appeared to be utilizing some sort of targeting optic in the upper part of its head.

Luna brought out the high-energy beam cannons aimed and fired at the Gundam suit, which evaded out of the way. Luna flew the Impulse at the sniping suit switching over to the missile launchers and using her beam rifle to attack her opponent. But the green machine just spun out of the way of shots and did manage to get in a few shots at the Impulse, which Luna blocked one with her shield and dodge the others.

However, when Luna thought she had gotten too close for the long-range rifle, her opponent stored its rifle on its right shoulder and the side shields flipped forward over its front. Luna used her beam rifle and missiles again and it appeared she scored hits with all shots. Yet, beam zoomed at Luna and she was forced to evade and when she was able to be still momentarily, she saw that her opponent now had the lower half of the shields had swung open and the suit was holding pistols.

At the same time, a few of Carpentaria's attackers broke off their job of destroying equipment to intercepting the incoming ZAFT forces while the rest kept up the work they were here to do. It was quickly proven that these new mobile suit models had advantages in mobility and their weapons were somehow more efficient over the ZAFT forces. Even the Gundam-type suit pilots were having difficulty keeping up with fighting these unknown machines. Shinn and Aila were caught up in the brawl, while Rey broke free and set his sights on the blue mobile suit that seemed to be the leader of this group. He thought with the Legend's superior fire-power and capabilities he would be able to finish this unit off and then this could be brought to an end.

Nevertheless, Rey quickly became frustrated as his chosen opponent as they danced out of his reach and simply felt like they were playing with him. They somehow knew each move he was making and was countering them pretty much perfectly. But even as Rey's anger was getting the better of him, there came a voice over a ZAFT comm-channel. "I must say young man, I may not know who you are, but I am familiar with the fighting style you're using," said a male voice. "And it will be useless against me, Le Creuset was the one to try it the last time and he found out in a single match that it won't work."

Rey was snapped out of his slight trance as his opponent came at him with two beam sabers at the ready. He tried to bring up and activate his beam shield, but Rey was too slow at the task. His opponent sliced off the beam shield emitter and then cut one of the dagger pods in half before they kicked him downward. As the Legend flew towards the sea, the blue Brave suit brought up its beam cannons fired, sweeping the beams by the Legend, cutting the DRAGOON pods off. Rey got the Legend back in a stable hover and realized that he had lost all the pods, when alarms began blaring. He snapped his head forward and witnessed the blue mobile suit charging down at him, beam saber set to slash down at him.

The next moment, the Osiris appeared directly in front of the Legend, beam saber in one hand shield raised with the other. The blue Brave brought its sabers down and they were blocked by the Osiris's shield and beam saber. The Osiris creaked as it was slowly forced back as the weapon lock continued, and Aila knew that she would end out losing it. "Rey, move," Aila ordered.

Rey did what he was told as Aila detached the Osiris's shield and dropped the beam saber, weaving backwards as the blue suit pushed their sabers through the shield. It was crystal clear to Aila that the pilot of the blue machine, whoever they were was not a novice in any way shape or form. They knew what they were doing on the battlefield and had nearly whipped Rey cleanly that couldn't be denied. But before Aila could refocus on the battle, she caught sight of the Impulse fighting the Gundam-type suit. Then, the green machine sent a dense stream of the odd light at the Impulse and when the light made contact, the Impulse seemed to quickly freeze up. Just after the Impulse froze, it began falling towards the water and plummeting like a stone.

Aila threw the throttles forward and zoomed after the Impulse, trying to communicate with Luna, but there was no answer. Moments before the Impulse hit the water, Aila caught it and stopped the Impulse from plunging in. She checked on Luna to see if she was okay and Luna said that she was, but she was trying to figure out what had happened. It was around that time that the battle just appeared to dissolve with the unknown mobile suits disengaging and then disappearing. The green Gundam-type also disappeared in the same manner, likely following the rest to wherever they were going.

Aila glanced around at the results of the event that had occurred here and was stunned. The military complex areas of Carpentaria were in ruins, from the mobile suit hangers to the docks. There were no working mobile suits left that she could see just pieces that were left of what there used to be. The living areas were untouched entirely, not a scratch or mark on any of those parts at all. It was a picture of why there was such concern and fear about the Federation, they tactics and capabilities were frightening in their efficiency as they were their effectiveness.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

The Normandy

The Normandy got back to Echowas and docked, and soon afterward the loading of the mobile suits that we're here to get. So, you would think load up and then head out, simple as that right, you would be wrong. There happened to be another piece of news that was dropped on me that I wasn't excited to hear. Honestly, I was wondering what I could have possible done to get screwed over like I was being. What could I possibly be referring to for me to be of such an opinion? Well, don't ask me whose bright idea it was, because like with promoting me to captain and giving me a ship, I haven't the faintest. But someone thought it good to assign none other than my stalker Sakura to the Normandy, or rather if I were to guess I think she managed to get herself assigned to my ship somehow. I don't think it technically matters which it is, the fact of the matter is that I'm now stuck dealing with Sakura on a regular basis.

Of course, Sakura was happy as could be about the arrangement, why wouldn't she be? She got an excuse to be around me and she wouldn't leave me alone for long with how she was. Truthfully, it was unfitting for her with to be close to giddy with what you would expect from the reputation she's built for herself. There is the possibility and is likely that she pulled some strings to have herself put on the Normandy. I mean, she does have a good relation to one of the leading admirals. Plus, she is one of the best-known pilots ZAFT used to have, second to Graham, so she can pretty much choose the ship she wants to work with.

To avoid Sakura for a bit after she dropped the news of her assignment on me, I returned to the dock that the Normandy was in and watched the loading of the mobile suits that we were getting. There were three machines were moved onto the Normandy which filled the ship's hanger. The first of the three, appeared to have a very similar frame as the GSR-001 Exia. It had the orb in the torso, but that was more exposed than the Exia had been to a degree but had the vents on the sides and pieces on the top and from the bottom encasing the orb section. However, I spotted that the cockpit was the same idea as the Freedom and the Justice introduced with the seat lowering down rather than the hatch in the lower torso. The suit also had something like the Fatum-00 from the Justice connected to its back, though it was differently shaped and made me curious as to what it could do. Nonetheless, on the back of the mobile suit I saw clearly there was the solar reactor. And the backpack unit was designed in a way that there was space to not interfere with the reactor and if I was seeing right, had connections to the reactor itself.

I assumed that the machine I was viewing would be the mobile suit that Lacus would be using at some point. The reason I thought that was it seemed for whatever reason to fit her fighting style, don't ask me why. Lacus is a sweet girl, and Kira is really clueless about how lucky a guy like him is in having her as his girlfriend. Oh sure, those two are cuddlier with each other than Athrun and Cagalli are, but that's more due to them having more opportunity I think. Yet, Lacus is willing to go the distance to protect those she cares about and that's a good quality.

Anyways, when I brought up the specs on the mobile suit and found that the machine was part of the same series that the Burst Freedom and Eternal Justice, designated as the ZFMS-25Y Xevonia. As a part of the series, it had both a Hyper-Deuterion engine and a GN Solar reactor for power sources. The suit's defensive measures were made up of a beam shield system, along with the phase shift Type-S V2 and E-Carbon plating. With its arsenal the mobile suit was somewhat better with close combat but could hold its own with longer range combat and facing multiple opponents. The collection of offensive options includes an array of beam blades including two beam sabers, two leg beam blades which looked neat. Then like the Burst Freedom, the Xevonia possessed two beam rifles, but they were particle based and not conventional beam technology. There were four CIWS guns, three pairs of beam gatling guns which fired faster than CIWS guns, a particle beam rifle and two weapons in the shield it carried, a beam boomerang and a grapple stinger.

The real interesting feature of this suit was the support flier called the Prometheus-01, an improved version of Justice's Fatum-00 with higher overall performance. Its connected to docking points on the back of the Xevonia and gives the suit its mobility and advantage in close-quarters combat as it deployed particles better or so it was noted. In terms of weaponry, it mounted a pair of high-energy beam cannons, a long "V" shaped beam blade and two beam blades on the wings, two anti-ship swords and a particle beam cannon. And it can also split and separate into three sections termed vectors, which could attack separate from one another and were controlled by a DRAGOON system. That feature alone was one I wanted to see in action for the explanation provide in the data didn't help me imagine what it was supposed to be like.

The next suit that got moved onto the Normandy looked to be a framework that was kind of cross of the Kyrios and the Aegis. The upper half of the suit was like the Kyrios, while the lower was more like the Aegis. There was two long 'horn' antenna on the head and then what looked like one of ZAFT's GOUF heat whips coming from the upper back. Honestly, the machine overall just had a 'mean look' about it, at least that's got me to suspect that Sakura would be using the one I was seeing. Knowing Sakura like I unfortunately do, she can make a mobile suit dangerous, but give her one that she can utilize well, and it gets terrifying!

As if to prove such an idea correct, when I brought up the specs I became very glad that I wouldn't be going against this mobile suit with Sakura piloting it. This suit was powerful no matter what range it fought at and with Sakura in the cockpit, let's just say that I expect this suit will rip through opponents like nobody's business and making it look easy, I would be shocked if it doesn't appear that way. Like the other suits of the ZFMS series, the 32X Phoenix was a Gundam-type and had both a Hyper Deuterion engine and a GN Solar reactor, so plenty of power to work with.

The defensive capabilities not like Sakura would need them much were made up of phase shift armor, E-Carbon plating, beam shields and the machine could project a GN field as well. The machine had a HiMAT V2 system in its wings, making it nimble and harder to hit without Sakura helping in that department. The other point that scares the pants off of me were it my opponent was the Omni-Target Acquisition system. Kira using the idea with the Burst Freedom would be impressive I wouldn't doubt from what I could imagine. He had used the multi-lock-on system that the original Freedom had and to great effect. But Sakura using the newer improved version of the system with this machine, it terrifies the hell out of me and I'm glad that I won't be on the receiving end.

That brought me to the arsenal of this mobile suit and it just added to the feelings of gratitude that I wouldn't be fighting Sakura when she's in this and has me feeling somewhat sorry for those who would be. First, there was the beam sabers on the feet much like the Aegis had on its feet and those had the same range of movement as far as I could see. Then there were GN Vulcans mounted in the head mostly for interception, but that doesn't mean that's all they can be used for. Those two weapons were what I call the 'conventional weapons', simple and effective in how they were seen and operated.

Let me move on to the three 'unconventional weapons' as it was them that made this machine so downright mean combined with Sakura being the pilot! Weapon number one, the MA-X90 "Dragon Tail" flare rod, it worked along the same line as the ZAFT GOUF's slayer whip did but is more robust by what the data said. However, the reason there is 'tail' in the name would be it was attached to the back of the upper torso and could move like an animal's tail and it carries lots of heat and electricity. I would be surprised if the whip couldn't cut through a mobile suit without phase shift better than a hot knife through butter. Then the jolt of electricity could cause what it touches to overload and go boom I do believe. I've seen what the ZAFT's GOUF whips could do, I fully expect this weapon would make those look stupid in comparison, Sakura will see to that point and display it proudly! Plus, there was a note that the tail could extend its length, though there was little more detail than that on the subject.

Weapon number two, a pair of weapon systems in the form of what looked like gauntlets that were built around the forearms. The gauntlets were heat resistance, so the ZAFT's GOUF heat rods aren't going to do much other than providing a way for Sakura to swing them around or draw them closer, neither of which is good for them rest assured. In those structures, was a rapid-fire particle beam rifles along with beam saber emitters at the front above the rifles. Then, each gauntlet had a beam shield on the top just behind the wrist, should Sakura feel the need to use them. The system was called the "Rotonda" and they were the primary offensive option for the Phoenix.

Then weapon number three and perhaps the harshest overall of the three unconventional weapons, a collection of four DRAGOON bits. The bits, like the Freedom's and Justice's had multiple modes four to be precise in this case. The first configuration allowed each bit to be a powerful particle beam cannon, not something you want to be in the path of if you want to live. Mode two, beam spear that could punch holes through a mobile suit and other objects such as ships, a very unpleasant thought if you ask me. The third, and in my opinion the scariest, the pincer mode which would have the bit attach to the target and then either cut in half or the beam cannon fires at point-blank, instant death in either outcome. The final configuration was a defensive capability in which each bit could project a small GN field or can work together to make a large field, but I don't see Sakura using that idea much.

It took me a moment to shake myself out of the fear of the imaginations of what Sakura could do with the Phoenix as the last suit started being loaded. The last mobile suit being loaded onto the Normandy definitely caught my interest and dare I say, it was a beautiful mobile suit. Overall, I could see that the design was somewhat similar to the Exia's frame, though the torso was a tad different, the torso was more like the Freedom's as I look at it. There was also a backpack section in the center along with two more packs in the form of shoulder binders as they were connected to either shoulder. I was certainly getting much the same feeling I did when I got my first sight of the Aurora right now gazing at the mobile suit.

I brought up the data on the mobile suit and found that this one was to be piloted by yours truly, so I paid special attention to the details on this machine. The designation of this mobile suit was the GSR-T00D Exalt Gundam, so wasn't a part of the ZFMS series, but part of the same series as the Exia and those that had been on the Normandy. And I had to say, it was an amazing package that I'm looking forward to putting through its paces! It was powered by not one, but two GN solar reactors, which according to the information I was seeing were 'synced' together and supposedly had not double the output, but a squared output of particles. If that were true, then this suit has power matching the ZFMS series if not a margin more than them especially with them being semi-perpetual. The Exalt had E-Carbon plating, as well as the latest phase shift, but added to that defense two large shields, which made up the shoulder binders. Plus, I could have the GN particles form a dense field all around the Exalt or all ahead as a wall depending on the situation.

For my offensive options, I had good stuff I'm looking forward to putting to use and finding out how they work and the effectiveness they had. First, I had a pair of beam sabers, great in a pinch and I like having such equipment handy at my disposal. Next, there were two 'sword rifles', which were a combination of a particle beam rifle which looked to have decent power according to the data and a solid E-Carbon blades that ran along two thirds of the rifle length. The blades had good cutting power on their own, but cover them with GN particles, and it increased the slicing ability. The rest of the weapons the Exalt had, were stored or were built into the shields and the flight array. The non-remote weapons consisted of a particle beam cannon one in each shield that could match a multi-phased beam cannon. Add to that a pair of GN Vulcans mounted in the nose of the flight array that performed the same function as CIWS guns.

Then, the remote weapons which I wouldn't doubt is why the Exalt is equipped with a DRAGOON system, were made up of three sets of autonomous bits, each with two bits of three different types, totaling six bits per set. That gave me a grand total of eighteen bits, more than any other mobile suit I've seen have yet. The different types were more differentiated by size or length, for they seemed to have the same functionality regardless of type. They were called 'sword bits' A, B, and C respectively, B and C appeared to connect together as well when stored. There was one set on each shield, divided to three per side one A, one B and one C, with the same set up just below the flight array.

Each bit also had a couple of abilities to work with, though the A-type could be used as a hand-held weapon as well where the other two types could not. All bit types could fire beams at targets along with just flying and punching holes through them too. The other neat feature that I will love to test with these bits, was that a sword bit set could combine with one of my sword rifles and either make them into an awesome beam sword, or a better ranged and powerful rifle. Definitely a rounded style weapon for me to use and that's the kind of idea I prefer given a choice in weaponry.

At least, no one won't hear me complaining about piloting the Exalt, I'm more looking forward to it if anything! The loading of mobile suits was quicker than the last time, yet with there being two less than last time, it's understandable. Once the loading was done, the Normandy headed out from Echowas and we once again, began making our way to meet up with the Eternal to deliver the Xevonia. The meeting point was different than the previous one, farther out from Earth within the Debris Belt itself. It would take a bit more time to reach than the last location did, but that was fine.

…That was the plan and it was fine for everyone else on the ship except me, having to deal with Sakura and everything. However, in this instance where I have to deal with Sakura and how she is around me, there was a small change on my end. It was mostly due to a conversation I'd had with my mother before heading back up here to space. Now, don't mistake my griping for me not respecting and loving my mother, I say she's an amazing woman and I don't know how she does what the job she's got plus the other things she finds time to do. I respect her and care about her as she's family and I wouldn't be here if not for her and my dad. Nonetheless, when she steps into the role of being my mother and out of being the Prime Minister of the Republic, there's a difference.

This last conversation we'd had was nice mostly, but some of the subject matter hadn't been pleasant to talk about if you ask me. No, it wasn't an embarrassing talk like the "birds and the bees", that one had been much more awkward for me when it came just before leaving for Heliopolis. Yet, my mom had come back from a stressful conference before that, so I give her some leniency on that parental lecture. Nevertheless, the conversation I had before coming up was still one that isn't nice to have with a parent, it was about "settling down". My mom had said that I should really consider looking for someone to start a family with in broader terms that that. No, she hadn't said anything directly about giving her grandchildren, but there had been an implication or two that gave that message.

I know my mother was looking out for me and was worried about what could happen with how things are right now, and I don't blame her. But there have been two issues for me in this subject and one's kind of related to the other and vice versa. The first point, I've not had the interest to court or date anyone, nor had the time with my military service as it is. Granted, I could date a comrade, but I'm more of the opinion to separate my working and personal lives from one another a bit. That I had to establish after Luke and Alan had made the "suggestion" that I date Lisa in a way that was embarrassing, and they had a laugh at my expense. I'm not saying that Lisa isn't an awesome woman, for she is but I don't see her more than a friend and don't see our relationship progressing further than that.

My mom and dad had made it work in separating their working and personal lives. With my dad being a well-known scientist and professor while my mom was a political leader and running a nation, it hadn't been easy for them to be in a relationship. So, I thought I could figure out a way to do the same idea and had tried to do just that. That's how much I respected and thought of my parents, they had set an example for me that I wanted to follow in general. The second reason that contributes to my problem with a romantic relationship is Sakura and all that she does around me. What does that mean? More than most would ever imagine, and it's not just her stalking and chasing me like she does.

I admit, it can be accurately said that Sakura is over-freaking-protective of Lacus and its absolutely true, I've seen some of what she does to protect my friend. Well, as it happens, she does that to a larger degree when it comes to me. It's hard to believe, I know, but she has chase away any potential interests to put it mildly. I will spare you the details about what she's done to achieve those results, it's just wrong a good portion of the time! So, settling down for me has pretty come down to me having the single choice of Sakura as a partner, or at least that's what she's been made it over the years. Still like I said before, Sakura is not lacking in the looks department in any way shape or form. Sakura is gorgeous and has beauty that other women would probably kill for, and I'm definitely not inclined towards the homo end of sexual orientation, Sakura made dead sure of that.

So then, why many might ask am I dragging my feet when it is plain and obvious that Sakura and I will likely end out together should I want to have a family? Well, I'm not the kind of person that likes to be uh, bossed around or dominated by another. It's just not in my nature to allow another person to do that to me that hasn't earned a good amount of respect with a few notable exceptions, and I not make the one doing the bossing and dominating lives… oh, how did it used to be put to make another's life utterly miserable… oh yeah, a living hell in response. From my observations, Sakura does that with others naturally and I don't want her to do that to me and sometimes her smother of me feels like that. And yet the talk with my mom, it had brought home that I'm not getting any younger and the line of work I do doesn't tend to let those like me to live to a ripe old age. So, I'm left to consider what to do and what kind of future I want to see from here and how I get on the path to get there.

Phase end

A/n

This is where I'll leave off for this phase as it is an okay stopping point for the story for the moment. So, lots of stuff covered hence why this phase is longer than usual. I do hope that at least this is thus far going in a direction that readers like, for it's getting hard to decide how to get where I would like to end out. I know this phase isn't as action packed as the last one was, there was some, but this is more story progression than fighting. The battling is coming, I promise you readers it's building, and I believe you'll like the battle that is being built towards.

Anyways first, the three new mobile suits that are all custom for Tyler, Sakura and Lacus. The suit for Tyler some of you might assume that the 00 Gundam and Quanta were influences for it and you would not be wrong, kind of a cross of the two. It may seem over powered, but it like all mobile suits has its weaknesses. The twin reactor system is a technology that I had been wanting to bring in for a while now but I was saving it until now.

Second, the Xevonia Lacus's suit, I know that there are those of you that have been asking, pleading and urging me to design a mobile suit for her. I hope that the Xevonia meets some if not all of those expectations even if Lacus hasn't piloted yet and Sakura has shown some of what it can do. The design came from an image I saw on pintrest and the suit just developed from there to become the Xevonia. The Prometheus came to mind and is name after an idea that came from of all places 'Star Trek Voyager'.

Finally the Phoenix Gundam, I know there is another gundam named that from a different series. I stated for the record, my custom suit is not that one or related to it in any way other than the name and it just is a coincidence. It is designed the way described with the pilot it will have in mind Sakura and how she can be on the battlefield, terrifying as freaking hell! And rest assured Sakura will DELIVER on that in the future!

To sum up my spiel, please some of you write reviews as I do appreciate them and read them even if I don't answer them immediately. Phase 43 is in the works, no idea when it will be done as the time I get to write is more limited with life as it is for me. Peace out everyone until the next Phase!

Xrail

Hopefully the story is still interesting for you, thanks for writing a review

Flaxj

I will certainly try my best to make the ending and the path to it the best I can.

KakeruPB

I agree the fight was neat, and it was fun to write. The reason that I didn't have the Freedom do more damage to the Legend, was it would have made the double teaming of the Justice and the Freedom not as good. As for your question, the rifles were combined into one at the time and that shot was blocked by the Legend's beam shield. The other shots from the multi-phase cannons and the railguns, the multi-phase took out the DRAGOON pods and the railguns sent Rey tumbling from impact. Also, Kira didn't use full burst mode, as that would need the DRAGOON bits the Burst Freedom has, that will come later.

Here is the mobile suit specs for the three new mobile suits:

Mobile Suit Specs

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Classification: Custom Prototype Anti-Mobile Suit use Transformable Mobile Suit

Model Number: ZFMS-25Y

Official Name: Xevonia Gundam(ゼヴォニアガンダム)

Overall Height: 18.9 m

Full Weight: 79.67 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: May 5 74 C.E.

Operators: Federation Military
Known Pilots: Sakura Clyne, Lacus Clyne

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.

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) V2 Mode

A configuration in which the Prometheus system are unfolded into its vectors but still connected to the wing system for higher maneuverability during aerial combat. When in space, the deployment of the wings can enhance the Xevonia's AMBAC capabilities.

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 Xevonia uses the Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Module Unity operating system.

METEOR Unit

Like the Freedom and the Justice, the Xevonia can dock with a 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 in recharge racks on either side skirts. They are the same type used by the Eternal Justice and the Burst Freedom and are enhanced versions of the ones used by the Justice and Freedom had. The two beam sabers can be combined into a twin-edged beam saber, and this form is known as 'Ambidextrous Halberd'. Lacus will switch between the configuration and duel and single wielding the sabers.

MMG-GAV23 30mm Twin CIWS

One set is mounted on each side of the head, they are mainly used for shooting down incoming missiles and enemy units at close range. Yet, due to improvements in the CIWS ammunition they have higher initial velocity, along with better armor piercing capability and friction is reduced due to a new coating. All these increase the stopping power by 25% while the ammunition capacity is increased by 20% due to their smaller size. They also are still made to be anti-phase shift rounds to be effective at having an opponent's phase shift armor create a heavier drain on its power source.

MMK-M18 35mm Twin CIWS

A pair of them are mounted in the chest, and they are improved version of those used by TFA-4DE GAZuOOT. Like the head-mounted CIWS, they are mainly used for shooting down incoming missiles and enemy units at close range. Yet, due to improvements in the CIWS ammunition they have higher initial velocity, along with better armor piercing capability and friction is reduced due to a new coating. All these increase the stopping power by 25% while the ammunition capacity is increased by 20% due to their smaller size. They also are still made to be anti-phase shift rounds to be effective at having an opponent's phase shift armor create a heavier drain on its power source.

MR-Q15 "Griffon" Beam Blade

A more unique weapon is the two MR-Q15A "Griffon" beam blades, one mounted in each lower leg in the form of two emitters for a blade. When activated, a beam is generated between the knees and foot, it is used by the Xevonia to cut through opponents and can be used to deflect incoming beam boomerangs as well.

MA-M1911 GN Beam Rifle

Unlike the others in the ZFMS series, the Xevonia has a pair of particle beam rifle as its main offensive weapon and it works at multiple ranges. Like other particle-based weapons, it has better penetrating power than standard beam rifle used by both ZAFT and the Earth Alliance, though phase shift can block shots, it takes more power to do so. When not in use, the can either be stored on the side skirts or on the underside of the Prometheus.

"Prometheus-01" System

The Prometheus-01 is a wing system based off of the Fatum-00 from the X09A Justice. It includes six different weapons systems, of which three are built into each of the wing vectors and each of the other three are built into one of the vectors and not the others.

- MX2351 "Solidus Fulgor" Beam Shield Generator

One is mounted in the Prometheus's nose for the main center vector and forward sensor arrays of the upper and lower vectors and they all generate a beam shield that can block beam or physical attacks coming at the vectors. Yet for the central vector when it combined with the "Screaming Nimbus", they can also be used to ram a target and allow their piercing beam sabers do better damage.

- G14X31Z "Screaming Nimbus

The same weapon, which the DOM Trooper also have, it is located below the beam shield generator of the main vector. It utilizes Mirage Colloid technology and releases special particles that shrouds the units during a pressing assault. These particles have both defensive and offensive properties, allowing the center vector to lead the other two vectors of the Prometheus-01 to do damage or even can destroy enemy units by simply ploughing through while protected from their attacks.

- MA-A8X "Bastian" High-energy Beam Cannon

A pair of rapid-fire "Bastian" High-energy beam cannons, which mounted on the Prometheus-01's main central vector and serve as its main ranged weapon in combat for the Xevonia on the Prometheus.

- M22-I9 "Desperado" Beam Gatling Guns

A pair of the gatling guns are mounted in all three vectors in the front ahead of the engines. They serve as the weapons for each vector to use to pelt any enemies in front of them and have a higher firing rate than CIWS guns tend to.

- MC-X15 "Dragone" GN Cannon

A highly customized particle beam cannon designed with a built-in GN Particle Tank/Condenser to store particles for use when the vector is not docked. The power output in a single shot is the equivalent of to a multi-phase beam cannon's output and can destroy mobile suits and ships.

- ASS-P13 "Hazan" Anti-Ship Sword

The pair are mounted in slots of the Prometheus, stored on the outside of the upper engines and are connected to the upper vector and stay with it when the vectors separate. These swords will swing out and extend to act as wings for the upper vector upon separation from the main unit. The swords are based on the MMI-714 "Arondight" Beam Sword and so both anti-ship swords are folded to collapse down to nearly eight meters and extend to close to sixteen meters. When extended as wings a beam edge in the vector combined with the cutting blade of the swords created a very long cutting edge.

MX2002 Beam Carry Shield

Handheld or mounted on the left forearm similar to the Eternal Justice, it is a solid shield equipped with a beam shield emitter and two other weapons.

- EEQ8 Grapple Stinger

One of the two weapons mounted in the shield, it is a grappling claw that is shot out on a line. It can be used in multiple ways. E.g. Ramming a target some distance away, capture a target using the claw or restrain a target using the attached cable.

- RQM55 "Shining Edge" Beam Boomerang

The second weapon mounted in the shield, it has two functions. It can firstly function as a beam boomerang that can move in space like in the atmosphere, as its movement is due to the interaction between the beam blade's force field and the surrounding matter. Secondly, it can function as a handheld or shield mounted beam saber and can puncture enemy units.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Classification: Custom Prototype Anti-Mobile Suit use Mobile Suit

Model Number: ZFMS-32X
Official Name: Phoenix Gundam (フェニックスガンダム)
Head Height: 18.62 meters
Weight: 78.08 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: 74 C.E.

Operators: Federation Military

Known Pilots: Sakura Clyne

Equipment and Design Features:

Gundam Nucleus (GN) Solar Reactor

DRAGOON System

High Mobility Aerial Tactics V2 (HiMATV2) 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

Phase Shift Type-S V2

Operating System

The Justice uses the Generation Unified Nucleus Drive Module Unity operating system.

Armament:

MA-M03M "Impa Lancer" Beam Saber

Similar to the Super Lacerta, the Impa Lancers work like beam sabers. The two that the Phoenix has are mounted at the end of either foot. When activated, then they are usable much like the Aegis Gundam can use its beam sabers.

GN Vulcan

Mounted in the head, the pair of vulcans are mainly used to shoot down incoming missiles and enemy units at close range.

MA-X90 "Dragon Tail" Heat Rod

One of the more versatile weapon of the Phoenix, the flexible MA-X90 "Dragon Tail" Heat Rod is attached to the torso just behind the head but in front of where the backpack connects to the mobile suit. This rod can be used to whip a target and at the same time deliver a large electric charge, causing great pain to the pilot. When the charge is delivered while the heat rod is wrapped around an object, the shock can cause the object to explode. The rod can also heat up via high frequency vibration to such a degree that it can slice lightly armored suits in half. Lastly, at the end of the rod is an emitter that can put out a beam dagger that can puncture a mobile suit well.

"Rotonda" Weapon System

The major offensive weapons for the Phoenix, appears as a gauntlet on each forearm. Each of the two weapon systems is made up of 3 parts combined. The gauntlet is also very heat resistant and won't be affected by a heat rod.

- GN Machine Beam Rifle

The main rifle built into the space above the hand, but below the shield structure, the GN particle machine rifle can be utilized for multiple ranges, though medium or short range is the most effective. The rifle can fire rapidly at moderate power or it can fire slower with more powerful shots.

- MR-S13 "Katara" Beam Saber

The Katara emitter is in the front of the beam shield emitter and produces a beam blade longer than an average beam saber, but shorter than a beam sword.

- MX2200 Beam Shield

This shield's emitter is inlaid in the center of the gauntlet structure. The powerful beam shield can effectively block beam-based and physical attacks.

MP25 "Talon" DRAGOON Mobile Autonomous Bits

The DRAGOON system was installed into the Phoenix Gundam as a standard feature, which includes the four DRAGOON Bits that are the wings of the mobile suit. Each Bit has a particle beam rifle, an emitter for a beam spear at the front end and the particle disbursal system to create a GN field. The beam rifles can also function as a close combat weapon as it can emit a beam spear head from its tip. The Phoenix'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. 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-P14 "Roar" Particle Cannon

- GN Beam Spear

- GN Field Emitter

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Classification: Prototype Twin Reactor Assault Mobile Suit

Model Number: GSR-T00D
Official Name: Exalt Gundam (機動戦士ガンダム)
Head Height: 18.7 meters
Weight: 80.23 tons
Power-plant: 2 x GN Solar Reactor

Armor Material: E-Carbon
Crew: Pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso

GENERAL DATA

Manufacturer: Valhalla Research

First Deployment: May 5 74 C.E.

Operators: Federation Military
Known Pilots: Tyler McGregor

Equipment and Design Features:

Gundam Nucleus (GN) Solar Reactor

-Twin Reactor System

The Twin Reactor System is a next-generation drive system that synchronizes two GN Solar Reactor to exponentially increase their GN Particle generation rate. That rate is in theory squared from a single reactor output and their particle generation rate is faster than a single reactor.

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.

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 Sword Bit A

One type of the remote bits stored on both of the GN Shield and below the flight array, each dock possessing six GN Sword Bits. Bit A is the longest type. All the Bits are usable as remote-controlled weaponry, or as hand-held swords as they contain hidden handles. They also possess many attacking roles in Exalt's arsenal such as attacking individually or forming up around the sword rifles to become either a more powerful and better ranged beam rifle or a long beam sword. In addition to offense, the bits can also create a GN Field when positioned together in a circle and their defensive capabilities are high Overall, the Sword Bits are very versatile, and their stats are higher than any other remote weapons.

GN Sword Bit B

One type of the remote bits stored on both of the GN Shield and below the flight array, each dock possessing six GN Sword Bits. Bit B is the medium length type among the three types. All the Bits are usable as remote-controlled weaponry, or as hand-held swords as they contain hidden handles. They also possess many attacking roles in Exalt's arsenal such as attacking individually or forming up around the sword rifles to become either a more powerful and better ranged beam rifle or a long beam sword. In addition to offense, the bits can also create a GN Field when positioned together in a circle and their defensive capabilities are high Overall, the Sword Bits are very versatile, and their stats are higher than any other remote weapons.

GN Sword Bit C

One type of the remote bits stored on both of the GN Shield, each shield possessing six GN Sword Bits. Bit C is the shortest type. All the Bits are usable as remote-controlled weaponry, or as hand-held swords as they contain hidden handles. They also possess many attacking roles in Exalt's arsenal such as attacking individually or forming up around the sword rifles to become either a more powerful and better ranged beam rifle or a long beam sword. In addition to offense, the bits can also create a GN Field when positioned together in a circle and their defensive capabilities are high Overall, the Sword Bits are very versatile, and their stats are higher than any other remote weapons.

GN Beam Saber

The Exalt carries two GN Beam Sabers, stored on recharge racks in the rear waist. Unlike the beam sabers used by previous Gundams-types, their blade length can be altered as needed to function as either a beam saber or beam dagger.

GN Shield

The shield binders positioned on either side over the shoulders, is connected to the central backpack unit by arms braces. The shields themselves, are made up of three basic sections; the center shield, the upper flap and the docking for the sword bits on either side of the center shield. The upper flap has a particle emitter in the center to put out a GN field ahead and can even dump a flood of particles ahead.

- GN Beam Rifle

There is also a beam gun with variable output mounted on top of the shields that can be used for missile interception and also can be used like beam rifles.

GN Sword Rifle

The primary weapons of the Exalt, possessing two of them, the rifle stored on the central backpack unit when not in use and held in the hands in flight mode. The weapon is specialized as a gun rather than a sword, yet the underside of the rifle has a blade that runs two thirds of the rifle length and uses a Condenser edge concept that can cut through like any of the other GN blades. It has the same level of output as a long-range beam rifle and so can punch holes in mobile suits. The rifles can also combine with the sword bits to either become a more powerful rifle or long beam swords, which are comparable with those that the METEOR Units