Gundam Seed: The Federation

by Blackshadow999

Different telling of Gundam Seed. With the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators getting worse as time passes, some nations have banded together and formed the organization known as the Human Federation. Will the Federation be able to help bring peace or will the hatred between Naturals and Coordinators destroy everything and bring extinction of humanity? Cover by SaddlePatch

43. Phase 43: Building Tensions

A/n

So here is Phase 43 and it picks up where I left off.

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Phase 43: Building Tension

May 3rd, 74 C.E.

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-Neutral pov-

Mendel Colony

Martin DaCosta found the Mendel Colony's interior beyond eerie, it was freaky. Yes, he had heard Mendel was abandoned like most have but learning the truth that chemical weapons had been used on the colony gave it a different feel to it. The interior was safe, the bio-weapon's effects had ended years ago, but the feeling left was still freaky and ominous. DaCosta was at least thankful he wasn't here by himself, he bumped into a Federation team that was investigating the colony for evidence. They said that with Gilbert Durandal's actions, more information was needed and as Durandal had worked at this colony before its end.

The search for evidence was long and tedious, others had gone through this place, so the question of what else could be found was present. DaCosta kept focused and ignored the sights of the laboratories here and what they had clearly been using for test subjects in their work. Combing over the laboratory that Durandal was thought to had worked in took hours as it was one of the more extensive laboratories. It was when DaCosta was looking around an office looking room, that he spotted something that could be of interest.

The object appeared to be a book or journal as DaCosta got closer and when he opened it, he glanced over what was written. It only took a few pages for DaCosta to know that he had found prime evidence. He showed the journal to the Federation team and they took pictures of each page and discovered that the Federation had found a second set of what appeared to be notes. DaCosta asked if he could get a copy of the notes, which he was given the booklet as there was already a copy made, before DaCosta took the book with him when he took the shuttle back to the Eternal. However, little did he know that ZAFT had been watching the activities around Mendel in secret, even though the Mendel Colony was in the Federation area of L4. The reconnaissance GINN followed the shuttle at a far enough discreet distance to not be seen or noticed by DaCosta.

Back on the Eternal, which was continuing to hide from ZAFT and the Alliance within the Debris Field, they were waiting for the Normandy to meet back up with them. The Normandy had contacted them to say they had a mobile suit to deliver for Lacus when she gets back up into space should she wish to use one. While they waited for the Normandy, they had been watching the series of events the world was going through and their effects.

The state of the world had only seemed to worsen since the campaign that Durandal was doing against Logos began. After the taking of the Alliance's headquarters Heaven's Base, ZAFT had then turned their sights on the Federation's member nations. The attack on Orb had been first and harsh, but ZAFT had been forced back thankfully and according to a message received from the Archangel, Lacus was safe. What had taken many by surprise on the Eternal, was the response the Federation Military gave by their disablement of Carpentaria. However, the logic that led to the operation made sense and results spoke for themselves as ZAFT was now crippled when it came to deployment in the Pacific Ocean area.

Then Andrew was also waiting for DaCosta to return from his trip to the Mendel Colony to hopefully find something that could help in figuring out what Durandal was planning. The Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council wasn't showing his intentions clearly other than wishing to change how things were currently. DaCosta did return after about a day after he left and when he came onto the bridge, he was smiling. "I must say commander, that was certainly a tedious trip. The colony was seriously eerie, I'm glad I wasn't there alone, there was already a Federation team looking around inside the colony too," DaCosta remarked.

Andrew gazed at DaCosta curiously, "A Federation team was already looking around? I hope you found out something about what they were looking for like you have been urged to do before," he remarked.

DaCosta nodded, "Like you taught me commander I did inquire, and they said that with Durandal's actions as of late, more information on him is needed. Apparently, since Durandal worked at Mendel, the Federation's Intelligence Agency believes that there could be potential evidence there that could shed more light on Durandal." DaCosta brought forward a small briefcase, "Still, the colony's air supply was stale and stagnate at least what was left of it was. The atmosphere inside was very thin said that the colony's control systems had been tampered with, suggesting that someone had been there before us recently. The laboratory we were looking through was too clean, another sign that some had been through already. But the trip was worth it in the end if you ask me, and it's all because of these," DaCosta said bringing out the book and collection of notes found. "I believe this one is a set of notes made by one of the researchers and the other is a journal about the work being done in the laboratory."

Aisha floated over to the table as Andrew glanced through the notes that DaCosta had brought back with him. They both saw that the medical notes entailed genetic engineering, specifically showing a method of manipulating genes at a level that just hadn't been done before. The notes gave hints as to just how much genetic engineering could set and design but writing in red drew the attention. The red ink only was made up of two words, those being "Destiny Plan" but appeared to refer to all the notes in the collection. The journal looked to be made of entries that argued in favor of what the medical notes showed and the benefits that could come from employing the idea. Aisha was the first to speak, "At first glance, if what is being detailed here can actually be done, then it could change the world as we know it," she said.

Andrew hummed in response at first, his thoughts dwelling on what ifs of what was on the pages that DaCosta had brought back. "It very well may however, we can't forget or throw away good common sense," Andrew stated. "The world is not for people to live for a system or rather exist to serve the world around them, the world is a place for people to live as they see fit."

"Agreed commander," commented DaCosta, "This Destiny Plan comes off as having people live their lives by a script that is assigned to them before one is born. I wouldn't doubt there will be a decent number that would never agree to this idea, the Federation being one group that would be against it."

The discussion would have gone on, if not for an alarm going off drawing attention to the ship's systems. Aisha moved forward to the captain's chair and brought up what was setting off the alarm on the forward screen. The image of a reconnaissance GINN being seen by one of the proximity optic sensors was clear before the camera was destroyed. Andrew twisted back to glare at DaCosta, "You were being tailed DaCosta! How many times have I told you to double check if you are being followed on questionable missions, even if you have to take a longer route to do so," he snapped.

"I did commander, I swear, I was checking and didn't take shortcuts coming back," DaCosta replied in slight panic.

Andrew growled, "I'll go catch it in my Gaia," he stated.

He started heading for the elevator from the bridge, "Andy wait," called Aisha, stopping Andrew. "You know that the type of GINN we just saw isn't designed to work extremely long distances from its ship. For it to track DaCosta back here means that its ship won't be far behind, and we know that for a fact. How much would you bet me that said ship is not alone but accompanied by other ships to take care of what they have been tracking?"

Andrew sighed, "Yes, like usual love you're right and I wouldn't make that bet as you would win it. But that puts us in a rather difficult position since we're still waiting to meet up with the Normandy to transfer the mobile suit they have," he said flatly.

"ZAFT might have been watching the colony, yet that would be trespassing on ZAFT's part as Mendel is in the Federation's area of L4," DaCosta said thinking out loud.

"Whether that's true or not DaCosta no longer matters," Aisha remarked, which got DaCosta to lower his head in shame.

"No, it doesn't," Andrew agreed, before he became serious, "All hands to level go to Condition Red! We need to hold them off until the Normandy arrives, they should be able to help drive them away when they get here."

Aisha took over the captain position while Andrew made his way to the Eternal's hanger to board his custom X88S Gaia Gundam. Aisha had the Eternal reposition to have debris between them and the oncoming ships, also using the interference that came with the Debris Belt. Their opponents would be forced to fire their weapons by line-of-sight as target designators wouldn't work well within and near the Debris Belt. However, the Eternal did get a glimpse of the group that had tracked them as the ship moved. The group was made up of five Nazca-class destroyers and depending on the compliments of mobile suits, that meant up to thirty machines between the all.

The Eternal wasn't equipped to handle those odds, nowhere near that really, even if it was just the Nazca-class ships this would be a difficult battle. The multiple mobile suits were going to be the real problem for there would likely be enough to overwhelm the Eternal's interception systems given time. The only mobile suit that the Eternal had currently was the Gaia Gundam and as good a suit as the model was, it had its limits just like any mobile suit did. So, things were looking grim for the Eternal and all onboard knew that the current situation was bad. A message was sent to the Normandy before N-jammers made long-range radio transmission impossible, but there was little way to know if that would help until later.

Aisha had DaCosta take a station before one of the hardest battles began, and it was less than a minute later that mobile suit signals began popping up on sensors. Andrew launched out in his custom colored Gaia Gundam and saw that he would be badly outnumbered in this fight. His piloting skills would have to make up the difference and that was a tall order. The best chance the Eternal and those onboard had, was to be able to hold off the ZAFT forces until allied reinforcement arrived.

The Nazca-class vessels and their mobile suits started their assault on the Eternal, but the position of the Eternal had debris being used as shields against the ships made things difficult for ZAFT. Andrew quickly began to shoot down the ZAKUs that were making their way toward the Eternal. But there were just too many and Andrew headed back towards the Eternal to make sure none of his opponents got shots at vital parts of the Eternal. As he went, a few ZAKUs chased and shot at him forcing the Gaia to evade. Andrew then shot one of the ZAKUs and used it to launch the Gaia in its mobile armor mode towards the Eternal. He only hoped that he could keep in this fight along with the Eternal for long enough for the Normandy to arrive and help them.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

The Normandy

The Normandy had headed out from Echowas and set course for the Debris Belt to meet up with the Eternal and transfer the ZFMS-25Y Xevonia Gundam over to it. So, when Lacus gets back up here into space she'll have something to work with, which I believe she would appreciate whether she used it or not. Like Kira, Lacus may not like the fighting, but she is willing to be in it to help bring about peace and protect those she cares about. So, I wanted to make sure that there was at least the ability for Lacus to help in the fighting should she want to. It was a quality she had that was to her credit even if she didn't employ it as often as others would.

Anyways, I was on duty currently as Lisa needed a meal and time off, and I'm not a tyrannical captain nor will never be like a few I've been around, I make sure my second-in-command does get breaks. Besides, I figured that it would be a semi-quiet trip to the Debris Belt to meet the Eternal though ZAFT was searching for the ship. Since ZAFT had been focusing their efforts on Earth in space it had been calmer sadly than it was down on Earth. That doesn't mean that things were fine up here, no, the Federation had been mobilizing since just before the fall of Heaven's Base. There is the full expectation that ZAFT forces would soon turn their sights on the member nation of the Federation at some point. Why would ZAFT attack, I don't know the excuse they may state, but I'm confident that the true reason Durandal will have in mind is his wish to be rid of those he couldn't manipulate or convince to side with him.

The expectation was proven to a "T" when the attack on Orb occurred and the justification had been made that Lord Djibril was being sheltered and protected by the nation. That only solidified the resolution to stop whatever it was that Durandal was up to for me and quite a few others. If what that man is after has him believe attacking innocent people under the guise of hunting a dangerous person down is fine and okay, then what he wants isn't right for humanity PERIOD! So, I certainly didn't disagree with the operation that crippled Carpentaria for it severely limited ZAFT's ability to deploy their forces around the Pacific Ocean which. That would relieve some of the stress from three of the member nations and one full coastline of another, a good portion of the major states of the Earth Alliance. If that doesn't get the point of leaving the Federation and parts of the Alliance alone to ZAFT, then their Gibraltar Base is next to get crippling treatment then space will be seen to.

Honestly, I don't know who's worse, Lord Djibril or Gilbert Durandal, they are basically doing the same thing overall in getting their way. They both are working on their vendettas and cry that you're either with them or against them, there is no middle ground according to those men. The only real difference I've seen is that Djibril's goal is simple to see and familiar, he doesn't hide his hatred of or wish to rid the human race of Coordinators. Durandal's end goal is still unknown even if there were bits and pieces that inferred what it could be, but not enough to say for certain. I don't trust anything either of the two hypocritical idiots say or do anymore, for they've proven that what they say and way they intend it to be taken don't mean the same things.

Anyways, things were going just fine as the Normandy cruised towards the Debris Belt and we would arrive in close to two hours at our current traveling speed. However, then Miss Alloy informed me that a message had been received from the Eternal and it basically said that the Eternal was coming under attack by ZAFT forces. After I heard that my mind was clear as to what needed to be done, so I faced forward, "Paris, I don't care what you have to do, be it putting your foot to the floor or what have you, we need to get to our destination A.S.A Damn P," I ordered.

Lars Paris shifted to turn in his chair to look at me, "Cap, you make this the most worthwhile assignment I've had since enlisting. With what the Normandy's engines can do I'll have us there in a little over twenty minutes," he replied.

Paris input some commands before he took firm hold of the helm and shoved the throttles forward as far as they could go. The Normandy sped up a good margin as the engines output increased to their maximum. I picked up the ship's phone and called down to the hanger and asked Chief Volyon to do what he could to have the Xevonia and the Exalt ready to go out to a battlefield in twenty minutes or less. He told me he and his mechanics would get the job done, and I had to respect the man for that reply and the confidence it was given in. I had asked a rather unreasonable thing to have two new mobile suits made ready for full use yet, Guy Volyon hadn't complained about it one bit, just said he and his crew would get the job done. Honestly, this crew is growing on me, I don't want to be assigned elsewhere if it means that I don't have people like the crew of the Normandy working with me.

The Normandy rocketed toward the Debris Belt and when it came into visual range of the place the trouble that we had been informed about was still going strong. Five Nazca-class vessels and more than twenty mobile suits which were made up of ZAKUs and the newer GOUF models were still assaulting the Eternal with the intention of destroying it. This kind of paints a picture that Durandal wants any who are possibly loyal to the genuine Lacus Clyne and any like her unquestionably gone. This action goes over the border of overkill and lowers the opinion I have of the man and it has been plummeting a great deal lately. Yet, that also makes me want to show this group up and make Durandal's day less nice for him if only by a little.

The second that Lisa arrived on the bridge I raced down to the pilot locker room where I found Sakura suiting up already. I quickly changed into my own suit and the two of us headed for the hanger without a word, which for the two of us is rare. To be honest, I was actually kind of itching to go out in the Exalt since I'd studied the data on the suit. That said, when Sakura and I got to the hanger the launching order had been decided, I would head out first giving Sakura time to look over the equipment the Xevonia had and she would follow me. Her piloting the mobile suit would put it through its paces and when the battle is done the Xevonia could be delivered to the Eternal without much issue. A plus for me, I may get time without having Sakura invading my personal space on a regular basis as she has been.

I sailed over to the Exalt, reoriented myself to come to land in the pilot seat and once settled in, I had it lower into the Exalt's cockpit. I instantly noted that the cockpit layout was kind of similar to the Exia Gundam's own, but not the same. There was still the combined control stick and throttle for either hand along with control panels next to them. The panoramic view was made up of a single seamless circular screen that wrapped around three fourths of cockpit interior. There was the main forward display for system information and the two com-screens above. Sealing the cockpit shut before I locked my suit into the pilot seat, I then activated the Exalt's OS, which startup message was different:

MOBILE SUIT S2.5 OPERATION SYSTEM
Generation
Unified
Nucleus
Drive
Augmented
Module
TwinSync

G.U.N.D.A.M Defender
_Series GND200-O9 SR 00-31530_
Federation Military

The hum of the reactors was audible inside the cockpit and it was for some reason a soothing sound to me as they harmonized with each other. The whole operating system was up and ready quick with the main display showing a simple picture of the Exalt. There were two circles one at either shoulder and then a horseshoe shape bar that went from one circle down and around to the other. The picture was a readout of the output of the reactors by themselves and together, and both reactors were at eighty-eight and slowly climbing and the same pace for each. I glanced over the other systems the Exalt had and saw that they were registering as green and good to go.

I informed those in the hanger that I was ready and there came a jerk as the Exalt moved towards the airlock to the catapult. When I lowered onto the catapult, I took a deep breath, "I'm all ready on my end Normandy," I said.

"Understood," replied Miss Grace, "Magnetic clamps disengaged," the came a clunk as the Exalt was released from the plate the feet had been attached to. "Magnetic acceleration field formed, standby for launch Exalt."

I gripped the two stick controls and waited for the launching signal to come and it did a moment later. I rocketed away from the Normandy towards the explosions and fighting ahead in my view. I shifted the Exalt into its flight mode and my machine changed into what appeared to be a fighter with the shoulder packs moving to the sides to become the wings and thrusters. Then the central backpack spun around one-hundred-eighty degrees bringing the flight array into place for use. The Exalt's legs collapsed and folded to be the main thrusters for the flight mode of this machine.

Shortly after I catapulted from the Normandy the Xevonia followed, which came to be beside me before we zoomed forward towards the battle. As we got closer the sight of a single mobile suit doing a fair job at fending off the ZAFT suits assaulting the Eternal. Sakura flew off in the direction of the mobile suit defending the Eternal and knowing that she could handle herself in a fight, I wasn't worried about her. Meanwhile, I veered left and shifted the Exalt back into its suit mode and drew the sword rifles and began shooting the ZAKUs and GOUFs closer to the ZAFT vessels. The difference in mobility and ability of the Exalt compared to my opponents… well, it quickly became clear and it was kind of comical to an extent.

Mobility the Exalt had was incredible, much like the Exia's had been when I had used that machine. And then, particle weapons were different from conventional beam weapons when it came to puncturing armor, in that particle weapons were superior. I almost instantly liked piloting this mobile suit just like I had felt with the first time I flew the Aurora. I did start out by shooting off limbs of my opponents at first, but I soon I was forced to aim for more vital areas of the opposing mobile suits.

I did catch glimpses of the Xevonia assisting the mobile suit defending the Eternal by taking out a few mobile suits that had been pressing forward as I fought. Soon after that Sakura detached the Prometheus wing system from the main suit and it was almost instantly ignored. One can't exactly blame the ZAFT pilots for ignoring the Prometheus system for Sakura was making them dance like their lives depended on it… which they pretty much do. Her arsenal might be cut down by about half, but this being Sakura we're talking about, it wasn't much better other than she had less of a variety to choose from, and she still knew how to use her arsenal very efficiently! Plus, she would take her opponent's weapons and use them against ZAFT forces anyways, so Sakura wasn't hurting for options to attack with. It makes me wonder how many of the ZAFT pilots were comprehending that they were fighting one of their former champions and ace pilots.

However, the unique feature of the Prometheus is that it is a DRAGOON pod carrier even if it doesn't look it at first glance. That being said, the Prometheus is actually made up of three "pods", the main wing and its two vectors is in theory more to be worried about. And as I watched, the two vectors raised/lowered before separating from the main wing. The top vector kept the two anti-ship swords which shifted up and out to become wings for the vector itself. The bottom vector had more its own wings and a cannon had been deployed for use in between the pair of beam gatling guns the vector had. The main wing kept a pair of high-energy beam cannons and all three parts had a pair of beam gatling guns to work with.

I was forced to focus back on my fight by ZAFT mobile suits as they were shooting at me and I don't give out free shots often if at all these days. I will say that the sword rifles were sweet weapons for multiple ranged combat, probably the best equipment I've worked with for that idea thus far. To help even the odds for me and to have some fun testing, I deployed two sets of sword bits to add to the brawl. The bits didn't just make a difference they were making this hilarious, except for the dying piece that resulted. I had sword bits zooming around, firing particle beams at my opponents, some were cutting off parts and a few punched holes in others' mobile suits.

There came a point where I had to use some of the sword bits to put up a shield to block a shot from a beam cannon that a ZAKU trained on me. I used my right shoulder shield and had it deploy particles out to form a field that blocked incoming fire. I didn't let this circumstance go on for long as I had the other sword bits shoot beams and punch holes through those attacking me. Also, I deployed the third set of sword bits that were docked on the flight array to add to the effectiveness of my other bits in this combined with me using my sword rifles.

Overall, it can be easily said Sakura and I were turning the tables on ZAFT and were pretty much forcing them back. Sakura, the other gundam pilot and I were slowly gaining ground against ZAFT mobile suits as the battle kept going. The Nazca-class vessels tried to help their mobile suits, yet Sakura and I were blocking the incoming beams. I was doing so with my shoulder shields putting out GN particles ahead and deploying a field that intercepted them. Sakura on the other hand was using the beam shield the Xevonia had on its left arm, or else she grabbed an enemy machine and threw them into the path of the beam to block it long enough for her to get out of the way.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

The Archangel

The Archangel moved to the docks near Kaguya at Morgenroete after the battle to have minor repairs done and to equip plasma boosters to the ship for ascent to space. The Dominion was undergoing the same treatment as they would be returning to space at the same time as the Archangel. The Akatsuki and the Gaia were also loaded onto the Archangel while the Dominion was having the three DOM Troopers come onto her for the trip up. Everyone involved was giving what they had to get the needed work done as there was a sense of urgency building. The tension between Logos and those on their side and ZAFT were worsening and though the Federation's military was trying to minimize the effected outside of those two forces, it was made difficult.

The Archangel and the Dominion made their ascent from the Earth Sphere shortly after the preparations were done. With the crippling of ZAFT's Carpentaria base, their activities in the Pacific Ocean had been stemmed lessening the chance of attack on member nations of the Federation, so there were more forces needed in space now. The plan was for the two ships to meet up with the Eternal which was hiding within the Debris Belt currently from ZAFT. The idea seemed simple enough, but like fate so often seems to enjoy doing, such was proven wrong. The initial sign that things had gone awry was the trouble communicating with the Eternal when there shouldn't be an issue as the distance should be close enough to get through the interference.

As the two Archangel-class vessels got closer to the meeting point, the sight of explosions and battle was impossible to miss. With the Eternal clearly under attack, mobile suits were ordered to launch out to assist their allies and battle stations were called. Most mobile suits launched flew forward while some stayed back to defend the Archangels if ZAFT tried to attack them. Those going forward included the Freedom and the Justice along with Lacus taking the custom colored Murasame and the suits from the Normandy. The Freedom and the Justice took the lead of the small group of mobile suits, taking in the battle as they approached. On one side was ZAFT forces attacking the Eternal, on the other was the custom Gaia gundam suit and two other gundam units helping the Eternal and the Gaia. It was clear the two gundams were making a difference, at least they were pushing back ZAFT mobile suits, or really pushing them around.

For those that were coming to help, it quickly became apparent that those assisting the Eternal had done a good portion of the work of scattering and disabling ZAFT forces. At least the wreckage and pieces of mobile suits said that the two had been doing effective work. The magenta machine looked an amount similar the Exia's framework but also had a wing system that looked much like the Justice's Fatum-00. Although the wing system had separated from the suit itself and was attacking in sync with the mobile suit. The other gundam suit appeared more similar to the Exia gundam than the other and was blue and white. Its torso was a tad different for it was more like the Burst Freedom's than the Exia's. The additional parts the suit had included a backpack section in the center along with two more packs in the form of shoulder binders as they were connected to either shoulder.

The magenta suit was working its way towards the ZAFT vessels while the blue and white machine was dancing with the ZAFT mobile suits. Kira, Athrun, Lacus and Neo watched in somewhat morbid fascination as the magenta suit's wing system separated into three parts and those parts then began attacking both the ships and the mobile suits that ZAFT had. The blue and white machine then detached pieces from itself, which quickly turned out to be DRAGOON bits and those added to the troubles that ZAFT were having.

Once most of the ZAFT mobile suits were destroyed or taken out of commission, the two gundams shifted their focus to the Nazca-class vessels. By the time that the Archangel and its allies came into range of the battle, the ZAFT ships were in direr straits and sending out destress calls. The sight of the magenta gundam having its wing system swarming two of the destroyers as well as the suit attacking the ships too was scary. The blue and white gundam was using its DRAGOON bits to punch hole after hole, half of the bits coming down from above and the other half from below, which was also somewhat terrifying to witness.

The battle came to a close when the lead Nazca-class fired signal flares and the formation said they surrendered. All five ZAFT vessels were in varying states of trouble and damage, most of their mobile suits were destroyed and those that weren't could do little. The Xevonia headed for the Eternal, while the Exalt made its way toward the Normandy that had just reappeared. The three mobile suits that the Archangel gave a ride to broke off from the group and also headed for the Normandy. Kira and Lacus flew to the Eternal while Neo and Athrun headed back to the Archangel and the rest of the mobile suits also went back to their assigned ships.

All four ships moved forward with the Normandy in the lead and the Eternal close to being beside the frigate. Both Archangel-classes took up position behind the Eternal and the Normandy slowly passing the ZAFT vessels who were waiting for their allies to come and help them. Not too long after setting out, a conference was called to decided what to do to go forward between the leaders of the ships. Murrue and Natarle were the first to establish communication between each other, "It's good to see you Murrue, it has been awhile," Natarle greeted.

Murrue smiled, "Yes it has Natarle, you're looking well," she replied.

"Well, the Dominion isn't as popular as the Archangel was during the previous war, but that doesn't mean we have had things easy these days," Natarle returned.

Murrue chuckled a bit, "So, it's an improved situation from what we used to have to manage then," she questioned.

Natarle sighed, "In some ways it has, less problems to have to deal with has helped an amount," she remarked.

Murrue knew that when her friend said 'problems', she was referring to what went on between Tyler and her. She would have said more, but another spoke before her, "Why Natarle, it sounds almost like you miss the times we used to have together," said Tyler, before his image appeared on a different screen than Natarle.

"What the? Tyler what are you doing here," demanded Natarle.

Tyler folded his arms and smirked, which only seemed to irritate Natarle, "What do you mean, I'm always where I need to be, but I doubt that's the answer you want. Yet apparently you haven't heard, but I'm a captain now Natarle and I'd say that I've been doing an awesome job so far," he replied.

Natarle slapped her forehead, "Who in the world would even consider for a moment that you would be a candidate for a ship captain," she inquired to no one in particular.

Tyler shrugged, "I've never figured out whose bright idea it was, but I'll admit that I won't complain. The Normandy is a ship I'm proud of and the crew has gotten used to my way of doing things, so it's all good," he returned.

Andrew tuned in and the meeting shortly began when others that would participate got to the bridges of the ships they were on. The summary that the meeting started with set a gloomy mood as the war had been getting worse and that the current conflict bore so many parallels with the previous war. The seemingly inescapable reality of the fighting and what resulted from it which kept occurring was just driven home from the summary. Then came the information that DaCosta had acquired when visiting the Mendel colony. The explanation of what was termed the "Destiny Plan" was unlike anything any had heard before.

Lacus had glanced over the notes that had been brought back from the Mendel colony and what she had read had been confusing as well as unsettling. "Why is it that we can't seem to break free of this chain of fighting that leads to war," asked Lacus to no one in particular. "One group is attacked, and then because of those they harmed, the response is to return the same type of actions for the initial offense."

There was silence to the question, but the air felt made sure the frustration and dislike of the subject wasn't missed. "Everyone wants to live a happy life, to find happiness and experience it fully," said Lacus.

"Yet, that's partially the reason the fighting happens as contradictory as it seems logically," Athrun stated, "For whatever reason to obtain the happiness sought, the human race keeps resorting to fighting one another to reach that goal."

"And that logic in itself makes little to no sense," added Kira.

There were mutterings of agreement to what had been said, yet it was Lacus that spoke her thoughts first, "No, that logic doesn't make sense, and perhaps that's why Chairman Durandal is so focused on changing things. If what we have read in these notes is what he has in mind, then his wish to show a new solution to this problem makes more sense, though seeking to employ such an idea would be much more involved. He speaks of a world without war or even the threat of the very idea of war or other things that cause the issues that we face today. I can't imagine what would such a world be like."

"If these notes are anything to go by," Andrew said, "such a world would be based solely on manipulating genes to an extent that has never been done before."

"So, it would be a world where everything about a person would be decided before birth all based on their genes for everyone," Lacus questioned.

"At a glance, the Destiny Plan doesn't sound so bad," Athrun admitted. "Everything about one's life is chosen and assigned by their genes beforehand. However, those who wouldn't conform would be weeded out and adjusted I imagine or the idea overall wouldn't be successful for long."

Tyler exhaled heavily drawing attention to himself, "In other words, a world in which everyone is free from uncertainties about their path in their life and the role they would play in the world as a whole. Every individual's future would be set, and so they supposedly could live their life without any fears or doubts just enjoying the good things of life," he iterated.

Kira hummed, "Yes, in short, they would live according to the destinies that had been selected for them, manipulating the essence of humanity for the benefit of all. For many Coordinators, it is the ultimate destiny and destination," Kira stated flatly.

"There would be no war in such a world, everyone would see and understand how pointless it is to fight one another, mostly since each person would know their destiny," Lacus concluded.

"Indeed, that would be the idea with what those notes say and the world you talk about sounds wonderful on the face of it, I won't deny that," Tyler interjected. "But there is one point that has not been mentioned and it is important and is the crux of all of this."

Those in the meeting looked at one another asking silently what Tyler was trying to say. "What do you mean Tye," inquired Kira.

"In the conceptual world that is being portrayed Kira, there would be nothing of value of any kind that isn't a lie or an imitation. The reason that would be the case is value of something is gained by comprehending what the opposite of said idea is and compare it to the other, that applies to everything," Tyler stated firmly.

"You're referring to the idea of contrast," Athrun suggested.

Tyler nodded, "It is key to everything, take it away and every single thing loses true meaning period, others may argue this point all they want, but they don't understand what they're talking about and are ignorant and arrogant fools. There is no way that you can know what happiness is really like if you haven't experienced sorrow, none could comprehend the difference without both of them and so neither would exist essentially."

The revelation that Tyler brought up took all by surprise and yet, made them think as well as it was hard to argue with what Tyler was saying. Tyler continued, "Durandal claims that he can create a world without war but take out the evil that is in opposition the world has, the good will disappear with it. The world he would have wouldn't change in any way, it would be as if you live the same eventless day over and over indefinitely."

"Then why do it, what does Durandal get out of this," asked Neo. "Controlling people's roles is something, I'll admit that, but I can't see a benefit if Durandal would be just as much a part of the system as everyone else."

"He may get to say what goes, and control the system," suggested Athrun.

"That's possible, I can't say if he would be an exception to the system he wants to bring about. Yet, my personal guess is the claim of doing something that none have come close to before now," Tyler returned.

The conversation came to an end with the decision to make their destination Serenity City on the moon. Things had come to a point that it was necessary to wait for the next move to be made, though the goal to move forward was now clearer than it had been before. Although, waiting was not something that any wanted to do, there was little else that could be done at this time. The choice didn't sit well with most, but none could think of much more that could be done with things as they were.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

The Moon

Our group made up of the Normandy, the Archangel, the Dominion and the Eternal, traveled to the moon and we began our approach to Serenity City. There was no issue with docking at Serenity, not with all four ships being seen as Federation vessels. So all of us were let inside and crews were able to go into the lunar city without problems. With Serenity being one of the two neutral cities on the moon, there was little bias, though the security was tighter than it was during earlier days. It was understandable with the war and everything as it was currently even if the city wasn't of major importance, it was close to Luna Base.

I'd been here a few times before, but it had been a while since the last time I'd gotten around here. The memories I have of Serenity City, came with the times my dad would bring Lana and I here. He had taken us through the museum here, which was apparently built over the site of the first historical landing site of men on the moon. Anyways, after disembarking from the Normandy, I found Kira and Athrun who were healing from previous decisions. Kira looked okay at a cursory glance as did Athrun though Athrun looked a tad paler than he would normally. I was glad that they both were okay taking into account what they had been through, but they had been giving me a good run for my money in the reckless department.

Once I had scanned my two best friends over I put a hand on a shoulder of each of them, "The two of you may well be one of the causes of my hair going grey at some point in the future among other issues, much like I am for my mother. So please, I'm asking you to pace yourselves a bit and try leaving the risky and reckless activities to me going forward more of the time. I think the three of us can agree that I tend to fit the job requirements that reckless tasks need and survive them," I greeted.

Kira and Athrun smiled to my greeting, "It's good to see you Tye," replied Kira.

"Yes, you're looking well Tye," Athrun said.

I looked over at Athrun, "Yes, and you're looking paler than you do normally Athrun and the look doesn't suit you well my friend. I take it that you haven't been getting the bed rest that others would recommend you should have then? Not that I don't understand the feeling of confinement that poor health can provide, trust me I do," I remarked.

"You're right as you usually are Tye," Tolle pipped up, and I twisted around to look at him, "Athrun hasn't been in bed unless someone makes him or he collapses."

"Yes, I can imagine he has been doing just that Tolle," I muttered before folding my arms. "I would hope that you've been giving what I recorded for you some thought Athrun, it would be nice to know I didn't waste the time for simple kicks and giggles."

Athrun told me that he had been thinking about the things I had said, but we didn't get into great detail. The reason that was would be Sakura and Lacus came around where we were, and Sakura had a look I'd seen before. Said expression told me it was in my best interest to make myself scarce immediately before my stalker gets her hands on me. So, in order to avoid being clung to by Sakura I hauled myself away from there and slipped off into the city 'going into hiding'. I ended out around the museum in Serenity and decided to walk through it for old-time sakes. Entering the museum brought back memories of being with Lana and my dad here for it looked like much of the museum hadn't changed. I was looking around and not paying attention on my surroundings as I should have, mostly recalling earlier and happier times, and so I bumped into another. I ended out on the bottom on the floor, whoever I smacked into fell on top of me.

Once I regained my bearings, I could pretty much tell instantly that whoever it was now on top of me was female. It's not like I could miss or mistake the sensations that are felt by being in contact with a girl with the things that Sakura has done to me over the years. The girl was fuller than average in the proportion that I was feeling though I was taller than her by a margin by what I could tell. Upon looking down, I found a head of magenta colored hair, very close to the same shade as Lacus herself has. Yet, it was the sound of something bouncing against the floor and a robotic voice saying 'Haro' that gave me a clue about my situation.

I glanced over towards where the sound was coming from and saw a red ball bouncing up and down. It looked just about identical to the ball robots that Athrun made for Lacus, but there were a few differences with them and this thing, most of which were in how it moved and acted than anything else. This particular ball robot was crimson, not a very fitting color for the idea if you ask me. My gaze returned to the individual lying on me and noted that there was a golden star shape hair-clip in the pink hair. The girl was wearing normal-ish clothing with a brown long-sleeved jacket and a white knee length skirt. In short, the 'fake Lacus' Meer as Athrun had called her was on top of me after falling. What the girl doing here around Serenity City I haven't the faintest freaking idea. Although, now that I think about it this was the closest I've been to this girl before. The girl let out a groan and put a hand to her head as raised it up a little, "Ow, who or what did I hit," she asked.

Our eyes met a moment later, "Hello again Miss Clyne, long time no see," I greeted evenly.

Meer stared at me for a moment, then her eyes widened, "Oh, you're the nice Federation officer that helped me at Rome," she replied before she for whatever reason hugged me.

It's kind of awkward to be embraced by someone that you don't know well, more so if they are of the opposite gender. Then, the thought that were Sakura to come upon this scene, she would be VERY unhappy to put it mildly. Meer here could and would likely be in danger for as I've probably mentioned, and if I haven't yet, Sakura is extremely protective of me or rather she doesn't like sharing me with anyone else she isn't forced to! "Uh yeah, that's me Tyler McGregor Federation officer. I wouldn't have expected our paths to cross again, certainly not here in Serenity," I returned.

Meer kept her arms around me, "Thank goodness, I got separated from those who I was with and then gotten lost in the crowds. So, to finally find a familiar face puts me at ease," she said.

Seeing what this girl is like up close, it's easy to see that she's not malicious or has a mean bone in her body. If anything, it showed that she was being used by Gilbert Durandal for his goals and unlikely even had the slightest inkling that she was being manipulated. I kind of feel sorry for this girl now that I meet her up close, she really is just a nice girl that has been caught up in chaos. I smiled somewhat, "Uh glad I can help you feel at ease. Would you mind getting off of me, nothing personal intended of course," I responded.

The girl at my statement appeared to realize our positions and she got off of me, bowing to me saying she was sorry. I rose to a sitting position and waved a hand, "Don't worry yourself about it, as I said it's nothing personal. You said you had been separated from those you were with did you not," I posed.

"Yes, that's correct," she answered.

I got to my feet, "Well then, I could help you out with finding them if you want," I said offering a hand to help her up.

Meer took my hand and rose to her feet, "Thank you, that would be wonderful if you have the time," she replied.

"I have the time, I'm not doing anything urgent or of importance to do right now," I returned, and we headed off.

The two of us left the museum and went into the central sector of the city looking for those that Meer had been with. When I asked Meer to describe some of those that had been with her as I assume 'bodyguards', she did give me some details. The first individual she told me about was a woman that was her 'attendant' or something like that by the name of Sarah Mont. Apparently, this Sarah was looking after Meer while she was here taking 'some time off' as Chairman Durandal had suggested doing after the whole incident of Cagalli giving her speech ending with Siegel coming onto the stage. My thoughts about Durandal weren't kind lately, so I was suspicious of him having send this girl off to not be on the public stage.

I kept listening to Meer as it seemed that she had things to get off her chest and I was there. For whatever reason, people feel they can talk to me about pretty much anything, maybe since I'm not one to open my mouth for no reason and spout things I'm told. Anyways, Meer had been trying her utmost to help bring peace according to what Durandal had been telling her to do. Where he had found this young woman, I don't know and honestly, I doubt it matters any longer by this point. With what happened Orb, the man had fed her the lie that some within the Federation were siding with Djibril and Logos and the rest were unaware of it. Meer was asked by Durandal to help reveal the 'truth' to the world so that a mutual understanding could be achieved and so more deaths could be prevented. Admittedly, the story Durandal was using could be believed with the current circumstances the world was going through even when it was a plain lie.

It was easy to see that Meer bore no ill will towards Cagalli or any within the Federation. Meer saw the work she was doing in influencing the masses being the best course of action for peace. Doing your best to try and make things better for yourself and others with good intention isn't wrong, in fact the world would be a better place if more did such. No, the issue and what has contributed to the current crapshoot that all humans are in right now in both the war and outside of it is different than that. Such would be called obsession and vendetta and are what is driving the actions of those like Gilbert Durandal and Lord Djibril. Those like them which are humankind's true enemy that are why the war is still going more than before. The two are not the exact same in what they do, but both are working to destroy humanity in some shape or form, of that I am sure.

However, in my view Siegel had come into the picture as a voice of reason and sanity among the chaos the world was floundering in and that had been sorely needed! The way he had put the state of the world and the war as it was, it had been so wonderfully simplistic that is was extremely hard to deny let alone argue with. Not only had he pretty much called Durandal out on some of the deception he had been doing without saying it directly but had 'spiked' the ball back to Durandal's side of the court by making his choice on Orb be seen for what it was and hard! The deception piece was something I've personally wanted called out for an amount of time now. And Siegel had done the same idea my sweet mother did during the last war in making sure the blame goes exactly where it belongs! That's harder to justify or snake out of than simply being bluntly accused of wrongdoing.

Then, I doubt any could have put what Siegel had said about the purpose of Durandal's campaign than he did. The campaign against Logos may have sounded good as it was sold, but in reality, it was anything but. The idea made things worse and Logos is still around for all the efforts made, so not that much of a gain for the sacrifices paid. Those words Siegel said would stand as a standard of judgement for ZAFT and Durandal going forward for a while for the rest of the world to view them by, along with what my mother had added to them. I guarantee that the speech will be talked about for years to come like my mom's speech about humankind's true enemy is still even today.

Back to Meer, the girl was now seriously questioning things she had believed with recent events. Part of that came from being shown that what Durandal said before could be wrong, the other half was from some things Athrun had told her. My friend had realized that Meer was being made into a puppet and manipulated, he had tried to tell her such during his attempted escape from Carpentaria. Apparently, lines that Athrun had said were haunting her along with what had happened to Athrun after she had pretty much told him that he was wrong. "And the last thing I said to Athrun was 'you're wrong Athrun, I am Lacus Clyne'. I didn't want to believe what he said, but now I don't know what to think or who to believe," Meer said with tones of regret.

Clearly, she was sorry about what had gone on between her and Athrun, but there is a chance to correct this. "Well thankfully, there is a chance for you to say you're sorry for what you said to Athrun as he is still very much alive," I stated, speaking for the first time since she started rambling to me.

Meer's head snapped over to stare at me, "Athrun is alive," she questioned.

I nodded, "Yep, he is in fact, he's here at Serenity City as it happens," I replied. The feeling of being watched registered to me and I covertly scanned around subtly and quickly identified a few people that stuck out from the inhabitance of the city. The reason I feel that I haven't been jumped already, for the malicious intent was impossible to miss was Meer was with me and there were other people near by. That wouldn't stop some kinds of people, but it discourages most from doing anything noticeable in public.

Seeing as Meer and I were being spied upon, it would be surprising if it is for good or nice reasons in this instance, I continued as if I hadn't noticed them. "Athrun came with the Archangel after it ascended from Earth," I iterated, then an idea came to my mind. This was an opportunity to set up a trap for this group that would no doubt jump at the chance to try and assassinate Lacus. It's better to know about what you're going into than walking forward blindly into a situation in my opinion. "And as I recall, he and some others were planning to go and see the old amphitheater here. It's a nice sight even if it's not popular to visit as it used to be these days, so it tends to be quiet most of the time."

Now to see if the bait will be taken by those listening in, and my answer came as if it was timed. "Miss Lacus, there you are," said a female voice.

A woman came to the open plaza that Meer and I were in currently, she was around my own height range. She had shoulder length blond hair and brown eyes, though she was wearing a magenta visor across her eyes. The woman was in a black shirt with green jacket over it with a green skirt and tights. "Sarah," Meer said in relief.

I held back the smirk at the prompt response, for as I believe the old phrase goes 'I got them hook line and sinker' for the bait I threw out has been snatched up with vigor! Now, all that's left is for me to reel them in and set them up for a net, "One of those you were with Miss Clyne I take it," I remarked. Meer nodded, and so I turned to this Sarah, "It is easy to get separated from people around the hustle and bustle of Serenity City ma'am, wouldn't you say?"

The woman inclined her head, "Indeed it is, thank you for accompanying Miss Lacus it is appreciated. We take over watching over her from here," she said.

The others that had been spying moved closer giving the impression that I was to move along and mind my own business. I simply shrugged at the attempted intimidation, "Sure, I was just helping Miss Clyne find those whom she had been separated from being the nice guy that I am." I took a few steps away before I stopped and turned, "I do hope that you enjoy the rest of your time here at Serenity City Miss Lacus."

I left the group of whaat was likely Meer's bodyguards and made my way back to the docks, contacting Kira and Athrun along my way telling them I needed to tell them something important. Athrun and the girl named Meyrin met up with me, but Kira and Lacus were missing, "Hey Athrun, I was kind of hoping that Lacus and Kira would be with you," I greeted.

"They were involved with shopping Tye," Athrun replied, "What's going on?"

Oh, was that ever a complicated question, or rather had I made it so with the bait I'd extended out for assassins to snatch up. Now I had caused a situation that put a friend in danger and potentially others as well, something I don't usually do. In the end, I exhaled heavily, "Well, to begin that stand-in Lacus is here Athrun," I stated bluntly.

Athrun's eyes widened at my statement, "Meer is here?"

I nodded, "Yep, I ran into her, quite literally as a matter of fact while I was out and about avoiding Sakura. The girl apparently got separated from those she was with here and so I helped her out by staying with her until we found those she came with," I replied.

"I sense a 'but' with this," Athrun commented, leaving it open for me to answer.

"You're sharp as usual Athrun for right you are my friend. The 'but' comes in when she and I came across her bodyguards, they spied first and then approached. They didn't have a friendly air about them in any way, shape or form." I took a breath and began the part I played, "So, the reason I called for you was I may have thrown out some bait that will likely put Lacus in danger."

Athrun's gaze stayed on me, "What type of danger are you talking about Tye?"

I smiled with a little regret, "Well, I suggested a venue and said that you and 'others' might be around there sometime today that being the amphitheater here. I do believe that they took the bait I gave them and somehow will make some form of contact with Lacus and draw her there to do not nice things. That in mind, you can understand why I would like to give Kira and Lacus a heads up so all of you can be ready and, on the lookout," I returned.

After stating that, Athrun and I got down to planning out how best to go about what I had ignited and have as many alive afterwards. Meyrin and Athrun would head back to meet up with Kira and Lacus and stay with them while this crap was going on. Meanwhile, I would swing by the Normandy, get reinforcements and suit up before heading to the amphitheater armed and ready to take done some assassins. Before splitting up, I made sure that Athrun and Meyrin had pistols with them and one extra for Kira, then I sprinted in the direction of the Normandy.

When I got to the ship, I did ask Lisa to give a warning to the authorities of Serenity City that there would be trouble soon and it would be brought under control. That would cover most issues that I could foresee in this that I wasn't already expecting. Then, I told commander Marks to have his team suit up and ready themselves for an 'outing' that would be a messy one. Along the way to get ready for the job, Sakura found me and ended out joining in the preparations when I mentioned Lacus would soon be in a jam. Yet, once all participating were good to go we headed out from the ship and towards the amphitheater, stealth systems up and running.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Kira and Lacus had continued looking around one of the shopping centers in the eastern sector of Serenity when the message from Tyler had come. Athrun and Meyrin said that they would go and see what he wanted to convey then meet back up with them. It was so rare for Lacus to be able to go out and shop like most people did with her keeping a low profile. Kira seeing Lacus happy as she was couldn't find it in himself to tell her no to this activity. It had been a while since Lacus had been able to be like a normal teenager and there hadn't been much opportunity for her. Plus, Lacus seemed somewhat familiar with the city itself, but according to her she had spent time around Luna Base and so, Lacus could have slipped over here.

Athrun and Meyrin returned around a half an hour later and found them both while Lacus was trying on clothes. Lacus was showing off an outfit to Kira as Athrun was trying to think of how to deliver the information Tyler had told him about the upcoming situation. However, before he could broach the subject with Kira, a sound was heard, "HARO!" The four turned and saw a crimson ball bouncing towards their group, Lacus caught the robot when it leapt at her, "Haro," announced the robot.

Athrun recognized the Haro robot instantly as the one that was usually with Meer, which just confirmed that she was here as Tyler said. Upon closer inspection, the crimson Haro was found to be holding a small letter with it addressed to Lacus. That suggested that the machine was the means that Tyler said would come to lure Lacus to the set trap. Lacus opened the letter and showed it to the others and the it read as follows:

Please help Miss Lacus! There is a group that intends to kill me! I don't know where to turn for help, so please come to the amphitheater at the western sector of Serenity City! I don't want to die!

All four looked at each other then back at the letter, the only sounds that were heard were from the people around them. It would clearly be a trap they would be walking into should they go, but if it was true then Meer might die if Lacus didn't go. Athrun then iterated what Tyler had done which effectively created this situation as it was. Kira didn't like what he heard even if he knew that Tyler wouldn't put Lacus into potential dangers, he didn't like that it might happen. Even when Athrun said that Tyler promised that he would be there to do his utmost to prevent people from dying, Kira was still hesitant. Yet, Lacus was adamant that she go and see this through and confront this Meer face to face. None of the other three could talk her out of the decision, so they went with her instead as guards, Kira taking the gun that Athrun handed him.

When they reached to the amphitheater, Athrun positioned himself in front while Meyrin was on the right and Kira was next to Lacus as they moved forward. The group made their way slowly towards the center of the structure, Athrun, Kira and Meyrin sweeping their pistols as they went. Athrun came out into the main stage area of the amphitheater and saw Meer there first before any of the other three had come into view. "Athrun," uttered Meer.

Athrun swung his pistol to train on Meer which stopped her where she was, "What is this about Meer? This is unlike you to do or plan something like this," he accused.

Meer was confused at this more than she was when Sarah suggested this arrangement would help settle things. Sarah had said with the uncertainty there was, she could confront the 'other Lacus Clyne' and make things clear without issues public or private. Meer had nothing against Lacus Clyne in fact, she was still a huge fan of her songs and before now she would have given almost anything for a chance to meet her in person. However, after working with Chairman Durandal like she had, Meer wasn't as sure as she had been before. She had been more Lacus Clyne than this other person had been over the last year… hadn't she? It was Miss Clyne's work to help in the efforts to bring peace along with singing, that's what she did.

"Calm down Athrun, that's not what this meeting will hopefully do," said another voice, one that was near identical to Meer's own. Out of the shadows of the passageway that Athrun had come out of came a girl that Meer had only seen pictures of, none other than Lacus Clyne herself. She looked so similar yet so different from Meer herself and that only confused her further. "Hello Meer Campbell, it's nice to meet you in person at last, and now that I am here you said in your message that you were in some sort of danger and needed my help," Lacus stated.

Meer gained a feeling of fear, even being close to the one that had been an influence for her to going into singing in the first place. This girl had more reason to hate and despise Meer herself, yet here she was saying she wanted to help her. Still Meer took a breath and spoke, "I might have exaggerated an amount when I said I would die if you didn't come and I apologize for that. I wanted to meet you for a long time honestly, probably since I heard one of your songs for the first time." Meer glanced to Athrun, "And I'm sorry for what I said to you before Athrun and I'm glad you're alive." Meer paused for a moment ordering her thoughts, "Maybe what you said is right Athrun and I'm being used as a puppet by others. But even so, whether a dream or a lie I have felt more alive being Lacus Clyne than who I once was. I have become Lacus Clyne and I will do everything to keep it that way, so I am Lacus," she declared in a shout by the end.

There was silence for a moment, tension was swelling as Meer didn't back down, "If it is my name you want then you may have it, take it and all that goes with it," Lacus said calmly yet firmly. Meer stared at Lacus as that wasn't the answer she had been expecting, "However, even if you use my name and have the reputation, you would still not be me Miss Meer. We can only be ourselves by how we choose to be, we cannot be someone other than ourselves as much as we wish that was not so." Meer fell to her knees as she began to understand what was being said and the truth there was to it. Still Lacus kept going, "But, I do not believe that should mean that you have to give up on your values just because you are not me Miss Meer. If you believe in the values you hold, then no one else can change that unless you allow them to. Should you do that, you will find that the two of us have more in common than many might think," Lacus assured.

Meer wanted to believe what Lacus was saying, words could not accurately describe how much she wished to believe what was being said was the truth. Nevertheless, the situation shifted as Kira saw the dot of a laser site training on Lacus. He rushed forward grabbed Lacus and got her behind cover as a shot struck where she had been. Athrun instantly snagged Meer and pulled her behind stonework as other bullets followed the first shot and the rain of weapon fire began. However, the rain of bullets didn't stay one sided for long as moments later shots were fired back at the assassins trying to kill Lacus.

Athrun peeked around the stone pillar that he was hiding behind, noting smoke was appearing from grenades coming from seemingly nowhere. That implied that Tyler was holding up his end of the promise he made about keeping Lacus and those with her safe. Not that Athrun had expected anything else, when Tyler made a promise, he fully intended to do what it took to keep it. Kira and Meyrin were adding their pistols to the storm of bullets going in the direction of the assassins. Still, Athrun communicated to the Archangel and told them of the situation then requesting backup as soon as could be sent to their current location.

It quickly became clear that those fighting against the assassins outnumbered them by a margin and it was growing. Sarah was frustrated at this unforeseen difficulty that had appeared for it was hampering the mission that she and those with her were to do. The Chairman had made it clear, if the opportunity to deal with and silence Lacus Clyne, then Sarah was to take it and silence Lacus Clyne. The other problem with the current circumstances came with the longer this went on the more likely the Federation's military would be involved and that was to be avoided the best possible. After a bit, Sarah dropped her sniper rifle and made her way closer to the target, taking cover as she approached.

Yet as she went forward, she witnessed one of her comrades getting close to their goal get shot at point blank by seemingly nothing. In fact, many of those that had been with Sarah were either being shot or had fallen already. Seeing that would deter Sarah from doing her best in attempting to kill Lacus Clyne, after all Chairman Durandal had entrusted them with this task. Nonetheless, a few bullets managed to find their mark in Sarah's legs followed by her lower back and she fell to the ground. Sarah gritted through the pain and glared at her goal which was within close to spitting distance as if the girl was taunting her with remaining alive. Even as Sarah watched, a golden mobile suit appeared on the scene landing close by, probably here to take the target to safety.

"All right, I'm here for pick up, who's going first," the pilot of the mobile suit announced.

Sarah wasn't about to let failure happen on her watch and there not be a fair effort be made to complete the objective. She ignored the pain from her wounds and reached for her pistol and then pointed it at Lacus Clyne. Yet, before she could pull the trigger a knife sailed through the air and struck the same hand holding the pistol, causing her aim to be off as the gun fired and then she let go of the gun and the gun spun away a short distance.

Kira had just put himself in front of Lacus when he noticed one of those on the ground moving and then had a gun in hand. But a knife imbedded itself in the woman's hand forcing her to release the gun as she was firing as shot off and the bullet missed. Kira's attention was then drawn to a figure in a Federation pilot suit appearing a short distance away from the woman walking towards her. The woman tried reaching for the gun with her other hand, but the weapon was shot away from her by the individual approaching. After holstering the submachine gun, the Federation soldier then removed their helmet revealing that the individual was Tyler. "Well well, our paths cross again Miss Attendant, isn't that interesting," he remarked.

Sarah glared murderously at Tyler, before he looked over at Kira and Athrun, "Everyone okay? No holes or anything like that I hope," he asked.

The five teens that had been around the gunfight looked at each other and Athrun shook his head, "I don't believe so, all of us look to be okay," he answered.

Tyler smiled at Athrun's reply, "Well that's a relief, the cleanup should be finished up soon enough and the authorities have been informed so there should be no trouble on our end," he stated. Then Tyler turned back to gaze at Sarah who was laying on the ground, "You on the other hand lady, I highly doubt will be so fortunate to have little to no trouble due to this altercation." Tyler strode over to stand in front of and above Sarah, "So then, how about we start with a name and we'll see how things work out from there," Tyler posed.

Sarah was silent at the inquiry, to which Tyler exhaled, "Yeah, I figured that you wouldn't say anything. The last bunch that tried an assassination stunt I was around weren't inclined to talk either, ended out shooting a number of them instead. So, I guess there's just one thing left to ask, any last words you feel you need to say," asked Tyler.

Sarah gazed murderously at one of those stopping her, "Lacus Clyne must be silenced, she stands against the greatest attempt to end war forever," she stated and said nothing else, and she would say nothing more to this individual so that it could be given to the Federation. He could do his worst and the results would be the same. Tyler stared at her for a moment, then shrugged, "Fine, have it your way," he said. He started walking away from Sarah, "She's all yours, do whatever you want to her," Tyler stated.

The next thing that registered, Sarah felt a rifle barrel touching the back of her upper back, "You will regret that last line and what you attempted to do," said a cold female voice, "I personally guarantee you'll be feeling the worst you ever have before you die."

Sarah stiffened at those words, glancing back and found to her horror that she hadn't been hearing things. Standing above her with Sarah's own sniper rifle in hand was the woman that was the Black Zephyr and she knew that she would suffer a lot before she died. Sarah tried to move, but when she did she was shot in the right side of her abdomen. Sakura kept firing bullet after bullet at the woman below her into non-vital areas merely to cause pain and suffering. She kept going making sure this woman that Gilbert Durandal sent to kill her little sister would serve as an example to any others that might consider trying this idea in future, what kind of fate awaited them. Lacus and the two other girls looked away as Sakura did what she was as did Kira and Athrun. Tyler walked over to where the younger people were, "Well, it's nice that this situation is done, I've never have understood why people would toss away their lives for little to nothing," he said.

Meer had an expression of sick horror from the of each gun shot and following cries of the woman that was supposed to be her attendant were heard. There came a final crack of gunfire before the clattering of a gun being dropped to the ground echoed. Once silence fully fell, Tyler faced Lacus and Meer, "I feel I should apologize to you two ladies as this situation put you both in danger and I played a part of it coming to be," he stated bowing.

Sakura came walking up to the group, spatters of blood over the pilot suit she was wearing, the air she was giving off was menacing. And yet, her face had an expression of indifference overall, but when Sakura looked at Lacus she did crack a small smile. Lacus's gaze fell to the ground, "Sakura… I'm sorry," she began.

Lacus didn't finish as Sakura moved forward and embraced her, "You have nothing to be sorry about Lacus. I told you before didn't I, any that try and do anything uncomfortable or harmful to you deal with me period, by whatever methods I deem fit," she stated.

-Line Break-

Daedalus Lunar Base

The events that had happened around Orb and the assault that had followed had been tedious to Djibril, even if a tad amusing at times. But now that he had made it to Daedalus, things could progress forward in a more efficient manner. His goal was unchanged, Djibril wanted to see the destruction of Coordinators to its conclusion. Those that had be captured or killed along the way of this work were unfortunate but would be remembered as noble sacrifices. Yet as long as Djibril was free and able he would continue the extermination of Coordinators.

Here at Daedalus there was a weapon system that could start the process of Coordinator extermination known as Requiem. The Requiem was a beam cannon which had been built under the nose of both the Federation and ZAFT and none the wiser to its purpose or existence. The cannon itself was constructed into the underground surrounded by a shallow crater right next to the Alliance's Daedalus lunar base. The cannon's barrel was fairly long and was covered by a armored bulkhead. The way the power conduits were laid, made the flow of energy undetectable from above or outside the barrel.

The other half of the system that Requiem was a part of was the 'relay stations' which were positioned at different points. These relay stations were built from abandoned O'Neill type cylindrical space colonies with their end caps removed. They were outfitted with a large network of large Geschmeidig Panzer arrays to work on the limited power the former colony structures had. These stations are controlled from the Daedalus base and could be positioned in strategic locations to work with the cannon itself.

The cannon itself would fire off a pale green energy beam which would use the relay stations to get to the intended target. So, using different combinations of these arrays, the Requiem can be fired at targets anywhere in the Earth Sphere or any of the colonies. There were five relay stations in total named Gounod, Fauré, Czerny, Letunã and Fourier. The beam itself was in theory powerful enough to destroy anything in its path or be used as a giant beam saber to cut through whole space colonies. The process is done by the beam entering one such relay which bends the beam to the next relays and so on, until it hits it designated target.

The Requiem was ordered to begin its charging sequence as the point took some time to be done. Djibril had a clear target in mind already, Aprilius One the capitol of the PLANTs. Hitting that colony would not only kill a massive number of Coordinators, it would act as a message to the rest that their days were numbered. And Coordinators fleeing to the Federation territory wouldn't save them, Djibril would be sure to see to that. It would be a pleasure to make sure of their deaths along with being rid of some other individuals along with them. As Requiem charged the anticipation built within Djibril at finally seeing the destruction of Coordinators about to come to pass.

Meanwhile, the forces that were loyal to Logos were moving abandoned O'Neill colonies to different positions in loose lunar orbit. However, the actions had drawn notice from both ZAFT and the Federation's military who moved in on different colonies as they were being moved. Fighting quickly ensued between the forces of Logos and their opponents and the transporting of the last two relay stations were brought to a halt.

As the fighting around the last two relay stations "Fourier" and "Letunã", Requiem finished its charging cycle. After the cannon barrel was open, the trigger for Requiem rose out of its secure locked position and Djibril grabbed the trigger in his hand. Requiem's final set of safety locks were released, making the cannon ready to fire at the activation of the trigger. Djibril smiled as the beginning of the end of Coordinators was at hand. Granted, the final two relay stations were not in their assigned places completely, but they should be close enough. "And now Gilbert Durandal, allow me to play a requiem for you and all your kind," announced Djibril as he pulled the trigger.

Requiem fired a green beam and it zoomed towards the first relay station Gounod where it bent in an arc. The beam arced in close to a match to the lunar orbit of the moon heading for the Fauré relay and bent once again. The beam kept going, instantly gaining attention by ZAFT and Federation forces as the beam shot towards the Czerny relay. After going through the third relay, the beam changed direction again and zoomed towards the next relay. Most of the ZAFT forces managed to evade the beam in time as it was deflected through the Letunã relay towards the last station.

However, when the beam came to the Fourier station, the beam didn't bend like it had before at the other relays. It kept on a straight path after going through the colony and passed by the intended targets at L5 but was clearly visible from the PLANTs. Seeing how close an attack had come to hitting one or more of the PLANTs, ZAFT forces redoubled their efforts on disabling the relay station they had been trying to deal with. The last relay station Fourier was broken down further after the beam passed by the Federation forces.

At Daedalus, Djibril was processing the fact that the Requiem's beam had not struck any of the PLANT colonies as intended. Anger quickly filled him at understanding that the beam had missed when it shouldn't have. Granted, the last two relay stations weren't exactly where they were assigned to be, but that shouldn't have brought about a miss of the shot. "What happened for Requiem to miss, everything should have been perfect and gotten the beam to the target," demanded Djibril.

There was scrambling and moments later the answer to Djibril came from one of the operators reporting to the base's commander. "Sir, readings indicated that Letunã and Fourier were having issues due to the fighting around them. Letunã's systems were slightly off but were within acceptable margin though it was close. However, Fourier had its power flow disrupted and so the array of Geschmeidig Panzers went offline just before the beam reached the station preventing the shot to continue bending."

"Recharge Requiem so that we can fire again and have the remaining relay stations adjusted to get the beam to L5. Have what forces we have keep ZAFT and the Federation forces occupied for the charging cycle to finish. This next shot is not to miss the PLANTs understand," ordered Djibril frustratedly.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Serenity City

Days passed since the attempt had been made against Lacus and things had been fairly quiet, a little too much so if you ask me. The only thing that had been confirmed about Djibril was that he had gotten to the Alliance's Daedalus base on the dark side of the moon. Leaving a man like Lord Djibril to his own devices is as safe as going into the vacuum of space without a proper air-tight space suit. It's begging for trouble and catastrophe to come around with vigor and there has been enough of that to last awhile. The issue is that Gilbert Durandal isn't much better than Djibril is for anyone and the two men have already cause enough!

The girl Meer had been taken to the Eternal as she was in a bit of a bind now with how things had gone down. The ones watching her had been 'dealt with' and the incident had been cleaned up by the authorities here at Serenity City. ZAFT didn't give any sign that they were aware of what had happened, though they hadn't been told or informed. So, Meer was a liability for Durandal and as Athrun had proven, Durandal doesn't allow those to be around him long without trying to remove them. The girl couldn't be left on her own for the time being, there was too much a chance of her getting killed if she was left alone.

Back to the present, it was early morning and I was in my bed… yes, Sakura was in it too as she sneaks into it, even though I try and get her to stay out of it. Anyways, I had woken up and managed to get out of Sakura's hold and made my way to the desk in my quarters. My expectations of this day being like the one before came to an end when an alert popped up on the terminal I was looking at. The alert iterated an event that had just occurred and as I went through the details, I was proven why my thoughts about those like Djibril and Durandal being left alone was so right.

Apparently, the Alliance or some within it had built a weapon at Daedalus which when combined with arrays with something that could deflect beams was used to try and attack the PLANTs. The beam had miss, which was being accredited to the damage done to the two stations that were last in the line. Even with the miss, ZAFT wasn't taking the beam nicely and I can't exactly blame them as their home was almost hit. However, I get the feeling that changing the one with the trigger from Djibril to Durandal won't stop the weapon from being used, simply shift the targets shot at. And I doubt that I'm the only one who feels that way, there will be actions taken to make the weapon that had been used unable to fire I would bet.

I viewed what recordings there were on the attempt, what I saw motivated me to get dressed and rush to the bridge of the Normandy. Those on duty were going about with an air of intense focus, and with the alert that had come in, not that surprising it was that way. We had been waiting for the next move to be made as so it had been, yet we still didn't have orders of where to go at this time. Now, should that remain that way for all that much longer, then I'll have the Normandy move out without orders and enough of the higher-ups know my inclination to get involved is not always a good thing.

Lisa, I knew could see that I was getting frustrated at waiting especially when mad men were shooting weapons to kill lots of people. It was one of the major takeaways that came from the Bloody Valentine incident, I loathed having to watch as a weapon of mass destruction are employed to kill in mass. Every time that attack like this one occurs, memories of what I felt would come back to me in varying degrees. That was accompanied by the anger that these mad men were focused on their vendettas that they didn't care about those they killed in the process!

Phase end

A/n

Okay, so some things to mention and point out I suppose. First, I know that I said in the closing notes of the last Phase that you would see the Xevonia in action, I apologize as it was in this Phase it was in. These phases were originally going to be one, but the length was growing, and I try to keep their length as reasonable as possible. Second, I know that I'm coming a bit close to canon at this point but rest assured that it will not match it. I won't spoil the changes I've been planning to make as it wouldn't make them as neat I believe.

Next collection of points to bring up, I'm aware that I portray Sakura as flat out mean at the tail end of the attempt on Lacus's life. I mentioned before that Sakura has 'done' things to 'protect Lacus' that would be seen horribly, this is an example, a more extreme one, but still. As for not having Meer die to save Lacus, I admit that I didn't have the heart to have her die for that reason. Then the miss of Requiem on hitting the PLANTs, I thought that would due rather than hitting directly. Djibril will still get his just dues, I won't tell you how that will happen, but I will say that your guesses will likely be wrong.

The final point, the relationship developing with Tyler and Sakura specifically talked about during the last section of the previous Phase. I know that Tyler has said that he doesn't want to end out with Sakura Clyne and you can't exactly blame him given the history between the two. There personalities clash pretty good and they didn't get along the best, or rather Tyler didn't appreciate what Sakura did around or to him. However, when all is said and done, the two actually can work well together as seen in the defense of the Eternal. Plus, the interactions between the two tend to be rather funny and humor is always nice to have. Please keep the reviews coming as they are motivation for this story, peace out until the next Phase!

ChuChewy

Glad you appreciated the stuff I do with Tyler and Sakura, their always fun to write about for me.

REVANOFSITHLORD

Honestly, I gave a hint it I believe Phase 24 when Tyler was praying that he wouldn't end out with Sakura, when she had made it pretty clear that she would be his choice or nothing.