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

45. Phase 45: Race Against Time

A/n

Earlier than expected, but here is Phase 45 all. The action is coming and the story is building towards the climax! My normal disclaimer applies, do enjoy this Phase!

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Phase 45: Race Against Time

June 20th, 74 C.E.

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-Neutral pov-

Around Requiem's First Relay Station, Lunar Orbit

The Archangel, the Dominion and the Eternal began their approach towards Requiems first relay station Gounod shortly after parting ways with the Normandy and the Orb fleet. They would keep going on towards Daedalus and link up with the allied fleet and assist in the assault and handling of Requiem. Both tasks of attacking the relay station and going to destroy Requiem were dangerous even if for slightly different reasons. The three ships would be going against a good portion of ZAFT's lunar fleet after while attacking the first station. It was to not only delaying any reinforcement for the defenders of Daedalus and if successful, the station disablement would make the beam unable to target at long distance. If the attack on the first relay station was finished before the assault on Daedalus, the three ships would then proceed to Daedalus and help their allies. If their allies destroyed Requiem, then they would come to the first station and assist against ZAFT's lunar fleet.

The direction that the human race was going required choices to be made of what was considered the best path forward. Durandal had been talking up his plan and how it was 'the only option' that would have success and so it was the best way to the future. However, for those that had taken the time to apply cool logic, the Destiny Plan as stated was full of holes. Those holes could be filled by what would be paid as the price or what would be given up if the Destiny Plan came to pass.

So, when the Archangel, the Eternal and the Dominion had gotten into effective attack range, the ships readied themselves for battle. Pilots boarded their assigned mobile suits, even Lacus got into the Xevonia to go out to the battlefield as she refused to sit by and do nothing. From the Eternal launched the Burst Freedom, the Eternal Justice and the Xevonia, while from the Archangel came the Akatsuki, Cormag's Excel fighter and the DOM Troopers and a few Orb Murasames. Out of the Dominion came a number of Excel fighters along with the X88S Gaia Gundam.

Once the mobile suits had launched Andrew ordered the METEOR units to detach from the Eternal. The units moved forward and reoriented themselves, weapons and thrusters shifted to make the METEORs ready to dock with mobile suits. Kira had the Burst Freedom link up with one of the units, its wings moving out of the way as to not interfere with the unit. At the insistence of Athrun, Lacus had the Xevonia hook into the other METEOR unit to use, and like the Freedom, the Xevonia had its backpack section moved out of the way as so not to interfere with the METEOR's operation.

As mobile suits from the three ships assaulting the first relay station began heading towards the colony structure, the part of ZAFT's lunar fleet that was there also deployed their own mobile suits. Lacus wanted to try and reason with those that were being fooled by Chairman Durandal, so that the most could return to their loved ones. The breaking down of Requiem was necessary as it posed a threat to every single living thing and that was determined by whoever controlled it. The beam cannon was on the same level as nuclear weapons in most ways, so it shouldn't be used to threaten people. Lacus opened a channel for all to hear, "My name is Lacus Clyne. I know that there has been another that has been using my name and face to help Chairman Durandal. I too wish for a world without war as much as any would, but the way that Gilbert Durandal has in mind will not work in the way that he claims. So please, move aside so that we may breakdown all parts of this useless weapon of mass destruction. It serves no purpose, it can't protect nor do anything but destroy and ruin. If you truly wish to fight for the sake of peace, if you have pride in the uniform you wear and what it really stands for, you will let us accomplish this task."

A portion of ZAFT mobile suit pilots hesitated at hearing Lacus's words, but most kept going forward towards those attacking station one. "What are any of you thinking, these people don't want to hear the Chairman's message of hope and a future. They just want to hang on to their old privileges and care nothing but for themselves. This is their last stand, open fire and shoot them down, we must stop them here for the sake of ZAFT and the future of the human race," stated the commander that was over ZAFT's lunar fleet.

The two groups shortly clashed in battle, Kira and Lacus using the METEORs to target their opponents en mass. Athrun fought close by Kira and Lacus doing more the close-range fighting while the other two were doing the mid and long range. The other from the Archangel, the Dominion and the Eternal fought in groups against ZAFT forces. The battle around the first relay station quickly grew heated, neither side giving any amount to the other. The machines from the ZFMS series proved that they stood apart and in a different league than ZAFT mobile suits, even the newer GOUF models and that was before taking into account their pilots.

The fighting went on for close to half an hour by the time reinforcements arrived for ZAFT, including the Minerva. The sight of the fighting in the proximity of Requiem's first relay station was different from what expectations and reports implied. Yes, the reports stated that three ships were involved in the assault and no more than that. However, it hadn't been said that the three ships were none other than the two known Archangel-class ships and the Eternal. Then there was the 'new' Freedom and Justice among the enemy mobile suits and those two showed around Orb that they couldn't be taken lightly. Then there was a new unknown unit with the Freedom and Justice, it had a framework similar to the X09A Justice.

ZAFT's reinforcement jumped into the fighting, the Osiris and the Impulse launching from the Minerva. The Destiny and Legend had gone to the space fortress Messiah at the request of Chairman Durandal as he wanted to speak to their pilots. Messiah and the forces with it were a distance behind those that came to help their allies defend the relay station. The Minerva headed towards the Archangel, her crew determined to succeed in sinking the ship this time where they had failed the last two attempts.

Meanwhile, after Luna and Aila had launched out, Aila made her way towards the unknown gundam-type suit on the field while Luna headed for the Justice. Luna was still shaken from the events that occurred at Carpentaria, the events had her questioning if what she was doing was right or wrong. She saw the Justice near by the Eternal and was going in that direction with doubts in her mind. At the same time, on the Eternal's bridge, Meyrin saw the Impulse coming at the ship and her guess was Luna was piloting it. After all Shinn and Rey had been using those to new mobile suits and Aila worked with the Osiris. Meyrin didn't want her sister Lunamaria to die for any reason, so she opened a com-channel to the Impulse. "Luna, please stop this!"

Luna came to a halt at hearing Meyrin's voice, looked down and saw the com-channel was coming from the Eternal. "Wait, is Meyrin on the Eternal?!" How could Meyrin be on the Eternal? She had died with the destruction of the Saviour, right? Not to say that Luna wasn't overjoyed to hear her sister's voice as it said she was alive, she was very happy to learn Meyrin wasn't dead. But, her little sister was on a ship that was designated an enemy of ZAFT, what kind of circumstances could have gotten Meyrin there?! Anger began filling Luna at the thought of Athrun Zala being the one that had involved her little sister in the first place. It was because of him that Meyrin had been put in danger and worried Luna and put her through so much stress. Granted, Meyrin had a bit of a crush on Athrun before, Lunamaria did for a time as well, which had gone away with getting to know Shinn. Athrun seemed nice enough and came off as trustworthy and loyal, but past events said otherwise.

As Athrun was fending off those attacking the Eternal, he spotted the Impulse gundam, figuring that Lunamaria would be piloting it now with Shinn and Rey being assigned to the Destiny and the Legend. Of course, Athrun didn't want to harm let alone kill Lunamaria if there was any way not to do that. However, that point was put to the test and stressed when the Impulse approached the Justice and began attacking. "Why… why did you take Meyrin away Athrun," Luna screeched.

Athrun evaded the attacks from the Impulse as closed the distance between them, the Justice's superior mobility giving Athrun an advantage. Yet, Athrun ended out raising his left beam shield as the Impulse drew a beam saber and slashed downward at him. Athrun blocked the saber with his beam shield, "Stop this Lunamaria, I don't want to fight you," he stated.

There was a pause, "Too bad, you are not getting away this time Athrun Zala," Luna snarled.

The Impulse fired its chest level CIWS guns and Athrun gritted his teeth, "Don't be a fool! You are better than to be so willing to throw your life away," he shot back. He had always disliked seeing people losing their lives for so little, Athrun had seen more than enough of that already from the First Alliance-PLANT War. The Justice brought its Valor system to bear on the Impulse before the GN particle vulcans fired shots off.

Luna felt the Impulse being shaken by the weapon fire and watched as an amount of the Impulse's power supply was drained through the phase shift armor. The memory of Aila telling Luna herself to be careful around the gundam-types that there were images on file for since Orb were coming back to Luna now. This 'new' Justice was one of those specifically that Aila had been referring to and the reasons why Aila warned Luna were becoming clear. The addition of four pods detaching from the Justice's wings and then taking up the task of peppering the Impulse with rapid fire weapons didn't help, the phase shift was just draining the Impulse's battery faster. However, before Athrun could force Luna to retreat, the Osiris swooped in and the Justice had to back away a short distance. The Justice's assault bits flew back to position themselves slightly behind their mobile suit along with the two smaller pods detaching and joining their fellows. Then Athrun waited for his two opponents to make the next move, preparing to counter the incoming attacks.

At the same time, Neo was working with the Excel fighter that had come from the Archangel, the one piloted by Cormag Swift. The two of them were being pushed against the wall hard by ZAFT forces attacking the Archangel, the Minerva especially was trying with vigor to hit the Archangel. Still, there was something about this whole situation that was naggingly familiar to Neo, almost like he had been in the position he was currently before. He couldn't place what the feeling was referring to though he felt he should much in the same way he felt around the crew of the Archangel. Yet, when Neo spotted the Minerva swinging her front around to aim its positron cannon at the Archangel, he reacted on instinct. He moved the Akatsuki to be between the Archangel's bridge and the path the positron cannon's shot would take.

On the Minerva, it at last looked like they had gotten the Archangel in a position that it couldn't get out of. The Minerva's positron cannon had the ship in her sites there was nothing to do but pull the trigger. Talia had nothing against the Archangel or her crew, they had shown themselves to be fine men and women. But, they had ended out on opposite sides and so, that had brought them to face off like this. To show respect, Talia saluted the Archangel as she gave the order, "Fire!"

The Tannhäuser fired and its beam zoomed towards the Archangel with time seeming to slow down. Murrue knew that when the Minerva had pointed her bow at the Archangel they were trapped. Should the Archangel move, the Eternal would be struck along with other allies and Murrue wouldn't do that. That meant that this was it, the Archangel was facing its end, but her service was outstanding and Murrue would have had it no other way. Nevertheless, the beam was stopped by the Akatsuki appearing in front of the bridge and using its shield. The gold mobile suit stayed where it was, hauntingly reminiscent of how the Strike had blocked the shot intended to destroy the Archangel during the Second Battle of Jachin Due.

Neo clenched his teeth as he rode out the positron blast, "You're not getting the Archangel!" When the beam began disbursing, images went through his mind, but this time they all seemed to connect to each other and everything began making sense. Memories became clear where they had not been before, "Murrue… I remember," he muttered. All the feelings and urges Neo had been having, they were from the past he had been forced to forget, the past of Mu La Flaga, his own past. Mu had been nearly killed while blocking a plasma cannon shot aimed at the Archangel in the X105 Strike, but he had made it through that by some slim margin. He had then been 'saved' and then used by Logos for their plans.

He had done many horrible things while working for Logos under the identity that they had given him. Many people had died due to his action as Neo Roanoke and he had thought nothing of it during those times. There had been points that he had questioned who he was as something hadn't felt morally right. Now all those instances made sense to him, and it wasn't too late for things to be put right.

Mu pointed the Akatsuki's rifle at the Minerva and put a shot through its positron cannon, effectively disabling it. Then he connected a channel to the Archangel as no doubt they were worried, he had just about done what he had before during the Second Battle of Jachin Due. "I'm okay," Mu said before the video connected and he saw there were expressions of relief. However, Mu quickly focused on Murrue's face, "I'm never going to leave you again captain," he said with a smile The Akatsuki detached its DRAGOON bits and they formed a barrier around the Archangel, "So, let's finish this up and go home Murrue."

Murrue could hardly believe her ears for this was a wish come true as it sounded like Neo had remembered who he really was Mu La Flaga. The man had once again saved the Archangel from destruction, pretty much exactly like he had in the last battle in the First Alliance-PLANT War. "It's bout time you get your head straightened out La Flaga," remarked Cormag. "Was startin to wonder if someone needed to smack you upside the head to help you along."

A few on the Archangel's bridge chuckled at the remark from Cormag, "Welcome back Mu, though technically you still owe me a drinking outing and you're buying for Jachin Due," came the voice of Krystal McAlester.

The Archangel, the Dominion, the Eternal and their mobiles suits were making progress forward towards the relay station. ZAFT was doing what they could to slow them down but wasn't having a great deal of success at the task. The Freedom and the Xevonia were thinning out the ZAFT ranks with the METEOR units they were linked with. All those attacking the first relay station were pushing forward much to the dislike of ZAFT. No matter how hard ZAFT forces fought, they couldn't seem to bring the attacking forces to a halt.

And as Messiah drew closer to the fighting around station one, Durandal wasn't liking what he was seeing at all. Then there were reports coming in from Daedalus as they had been approaching that said they were under attack by a massive force and things were getting bad as time when on. A portion of ZAFT's lunar fleet had gone ahead at receiving that report to help the Ricter team and their allies. Even with that being the case, there was a need to settle things at the first relay station in a timely manner so that focus could be shifted to Daedalus. If Requiem was damaged more or destroyed, that would hamper things for a time and in Durandal's view there was already more than enough issues currently.

Kira was making his way towards the relay station with a few allies helping him though ZAFT forces were making it difficult. The METEOR unit did make the task less time consuming as it increased the number of offensive options the Freedom had. Kira still didn't like killing others, he never had, but he understood the need of it right now. If Chairman Durandal to get his way and bring about his Destiny Plan, then the human race would be lost for generations and it would take still more generations to get back to where humanity was currently. The only way to prevent the massive digression the Destiny Plan would push the human race to was to fight.

Kira did keep an eye on the Xevonia and Lacus as he could while he fought his way across the battlefield. He didn't want to lose Lacus though Kira knew there was the risk with her on the battlefield, that she might not come back. Kira had started to realize that a life without being able to be by Lacus's side was a world that was existence. That was the world that Durandal's Destiny Plan, a world of existence akin to living death as nothing would change. There would be no future as future needs to have people moving forward which requires change. Events that happened 'by chance' or due to the choices made would vanish, such as Kira meeting Lacus as a personal example.

At the same time, Lacus was doing much the same task as Kira but was a distance from where he was. Piloting the Xevonia was different from the previous mobile suits she had flown, it wasn't exactly easier, though it wasn't harder. The mobile suit was unique yet was also equip to be flexible for different types and ranges of combat. The Regenerate had been kind of like that, but the Xevonia was even more designed to be so. The improvements that had been put into the Xevonia were interesting to Lacus, and she had looked at the non-combative systems. The solar reactor in particular was fascinating, for it had many potential applications, she could see that even if she didn't understand a great deal of scientific subjects.

Although, Lacus detested fighting and the battlefields that such took place upon, right now it had become necessary. The Destiny Plan of Gilbert Durandal could not be allowed to come to pass, it would destroy the future of the human race. It would rip away the qualities of Humanity that were not just the worse parts of humans, but also the greatest capabilities. To stop such things that would being those results, those who were able must fight to protect and defend what good there was in humanity! That included Lacus, and she would do what it took to defend the future that the human race could have given an opportunity.

She still didn't like or wish the lives being taken to end as they were, few if any of them deserved the death that came on a battlefield. Each ZAFT pilot had a life, friends, family and loved ones, who would feel sorrow at their life's end. And yet, those that were spurring this war to keep going said they were doing what was best, but they showed they cared in no way about those that were dying because of their vendettas. It brought sorrow to Lacus to see the signs of the lack of caring about the lives being lost. Lacus still firmly believed that mutual understanding was not just possible but also what would have humanity moving forward further than it ever had.

Back with Athrun, the Impulse and Osiris rushed forward together and Athrun used both the beam shield on the left arm of the Justice and the deflection field on the right to block them. A pair of assault bits aimed at one of the two mobile suits and began firing while in their barrage mode. The bits attacks forced both Aila and Luna to back up a small distance trying to get out from under the storm of weapon fire. With the Impulse and Osiris backing up, that gave Athrun the opportunity to draw and combine the Justice's beam sabers. So, when the assault bits retreated back and stopped firing, Athrun zoomed forward with combined beam saber in the right hand and ignited beam sword on the left arm.

Aila managed to avoid the swing of the beam sword, but she was fairly sure that Athrun wasn't aiming to kill, just disable. That opinion changed a bit at the sound of an alarm and Aila seeing one of the DRAGOON pods from earlier flying towards her with a beam cutting point formed at the front, the other pod was doing the same from the opposite direction. She dodged one that shot from behind and deflect the other pod with her shield, but there was a gash in the shield in exchange for the blocking move. Aila had known that Athrun wasn't a run of the mill pilot or even just a skilled pilot, he was good, and his service record left no doubt about that. However, battling against someone that had earned that record is quite different than reading about what they are capable of.

At the same time, Luna was being kept busy by the Justice's two other assault bits and the two smaller DRAGOON pods. Dodging the smaller ones was not easy, but they only had beams and they couldn't fire in rapid succession. The other two pods could fire beams and beam machine guns which could sweep and that were harder to avoid Luna was finding. The Impulse's shield was able to block beams fine, but that was only effective in the front not for the rear. The maneuvers she was being forced to do were leaving her to seriously wonder how Shinn had pulled off the moves he had before, for this was taking most of what she had to keep up.

However, as the battle went on, the three mobile suits rapidly got separated to different parts of the field. Athrun had recalled the assault bits and pods before he lost sight of the Osiris and the Impulse. He ended out on a different area of the field and had deployed all his assault bits to fight against other ZAFT mobile suits, two Nazca-class destroyers and a few Laurasia-class frigates. Athrun was doing fine at first, the Justice's assault bits were helping keep his opponents at a reasonable distance. Yet, ZAFT forces kept coming and the situation changed to where Athrun was pushed onto the defensive.

It was as a swarm of missile was closing in on the Justice that the missiles were intercepted, yet most not by the Justice but by others. Athrun glanced over in the direction the missiles had been shot down from and saw a group of three mobile suits. One was a black colored ZAKU Phantom with the Blaze equipment set, while another was a white GOUF Ignited. The last one of the trio was similar in design to ZAFT's GOUF though its weapon load-out was different. The suit's coloration was red with the framework being near identical to the GOUF. Its arsenal was made up of a whip, but unlike the GOUF whip it had a ball at the end of the whip which was a spherical breaker. The whip part worked like the GOUF's slayer heat rod, yet the ball had a rocket thruster for extra kick for the target. The other attached weapon the suit had was a claw or vice mounted on the left forearm. A beam rifle was stored on the back skirt of the red suit as well Athrun did note.

The next thing that Athrun registered, there was a growl over an open comm-channel, "Athrun, what in the hell are you thinking, being out here on this battlefield," snarled none other than Yzak Joule.

Athrun would have replied, but he was beaten to it, "Yzak, one could ask that question of you a portion of the time," remarked Nicol.

"That's the truth, no offense Yzak," piped up Dearka.

Athrun was trying to come up with a possible explanation as to why his three former comrades and friends were doing here now. The last time he had seen the three of them had been when he had been at the Aprilius One colony. However, he could come up with nothing, "What are you three doing here," he questioned.

"Originally, we were out to stop the movement of these O'Neill colonies being done by those loyal to Logos," stated Nicol. "Technically, our current orders are to defend this station while we travel towards Daedalus to assist our allies in the defense of Requiem against the combined fleet assaulting it."

"Because by the reports coming in, they are getting not just hammered, but whipped badly," Dearka added.

What they said made sense, still something nagged at Athrun, "Okay, how did you know that it is a combined fleet assaulting Daedalus Nicol?"

There was a pause, "Well, getting that kind of information is a perk of being an informant for the Federation's Information Network," Nicol replied simply.

"Can't argue with that point Nicol," Dearka agreed.

Athrun was kind of shocked at what he was hearing, for it sounded like Nicol and Dearka were serious when they said they were informants for the Federation's information network. "And you two claim to be loyal ZAFT soldiers, are you listening to what you're saying," snapped Yzak.

"We are still loyal and dedicated to protecting the homeland Yzak, we just don't fully agree with what Chairman Durandal is proposing," Nicol stated.

"Besides, we were working on breaking these things down after that first shot was fired as per your demands, were we not Yzak," posed Dearka.

There was a grumble on the line, "Would you shut it Dearka, I don't need to hear that from you," Yzak replied.

Athrun couldn't help the smile that was coming to his face at hearing the exchange. The dynamic between his comrades hadn't changed much, and it was comforting in a way. "After all the years that have gone by, the four of us haven't changed that much," Athrun said.

There was a brief pause, "No, I suppose we haven't, but there's work to be done before we catch up," Nicol replied.

"Yep, let's brake this thing down," agreed Dearka.

The four moved toward the first relay station, and Athrun spotted the Xevonia and the Freedom already inside the colony with METEOR units still linked to them. Athrun spun around to face the upper colony wall and ignited the Justice's beam sword having it extend out farther, which took more power. As Kira and Lacus started slicing the colony wall, Athrun began cutting into the upper colony wall and kept flying forward cutting as he went. And with that, the first relay station for Requiem was broken down into three pieces, its deflection system completely unusable.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

The Normandy

The assault on the Daedalus Lunar Base would begin soon enough, which the Normandy would take part in. Like in the last Alliance-PLANT War, events had ended bringing about the forming of a fleet made up of vessels from all factions united in purpose and cause of survival. Said fleet was on its way towards Daedalus, while the Normandy was traveling with Orb's space fleet going towards the same destination. It had been close to a day since leaving Serenity City and heading out to get down to business. We had parted ways with the Archangel, the Dominion and the Eternal hours earlier as they flew towards the first deflection station for Requiem. I bid them the best of luck and told them we would meet back up around Daedalus where the fleet would be taking care of the beam cannon.

With "Requiem" now under the control of ZAFT, those with common sense could comprehend that it's not much different than when Logos controlling it. The proof of that had come when the beam cannon fired once more though the shot was shorter than the first volley. The reason the shot was shorter was because of the explosive charges that the team that had been sent before to disable the weapon went off and damaged Requiem enough to stop it from working. However, the shot fired was enough to hit the Alliance's Arzachel base and destroy those that had not evacuated already, which wasn't many by what I am to understand. Arzachel had been mostly empty since the Alliance leaders not at the beckon and call of Logos were secretly cooperating with the Federation. Yet, the disablement of Requiem provided time for an assault on the beam cannon so that it can be destroyed once and for all. There was the need to stop such from being used as a threat to conform to Durandal's ideals or else.

The upcoming battle would be a harsh one, much like the Second Battle of Jachin Due had been if not more so. That being the case, there is a more than moderate chance that I won't be coming back from this looming battle alive. Of course, I certainly intend to do my utmost to survive and come back alive from this fight. I still have things I wish to do before my life comes to its end if I have the opportunity.

And yet, I was now left to ask myself some of the most serious life questions, like what do I do after this if I do come back and the like. Lately, I've been reminded that I'm not getting younger and my life is moving forward whether I want it to or not. In other words, I've been doing some thinking on the next chapter of my life would potentially look like. I've been adamant up to this point that I had no interest in getting or being in a serious relationship with a female, most due to Sakura stalking me as she does. However, I do want a family in the near future, kids and all that comes with it, there is no question about that. The memories I have with my own family are some of the most treasured ones I have, and I wish for more like that, but military service has kept me busy and made such more difficult among other factors.

So, when I finished my shift and went off-duty and went to my quarters, instead of cruising the decks of the Normandy. There, I found Sakura which kind of sped along the decision to have a serious talk with the woman which I admit I've been avoiding. I mean, the woman has been actively stalking me for years and I haven't figured out how this ever started. And I assure you, I've tried to think of what could have started, yet I've never come up with anything solid. I focused on the pink-haired woman that had been insisting to be around me, "Sakura," I said evenly, to which she glanced over at me. "We need to have a talk before we get into the assault on Daedalus and now is as good a time as any I suppose."

I floated further into the room and stopped by the bed while Sakura was by the sofa that is in my quarters. The woman was giving me her attention rare as it was for her to do so in this particular form as she's usually more focused on getting her hands on me. Honestly, my mind was a jumble of thoughts right now, but I began with what was clear within my brain. "Sakura, the battle ahead… well, there really isn't a doubt that it will be harsh with what's at stake. That in mind, to tell the truth, there is a chance that a number of us man not come back, including you and me." I paused, as I tried to contemplate and decide what I wanted to say and convey, "So, I've been doing some serious thinking." I stopped again, having issues of putting into words the ideas that were swimming around my head.

To have trouble putting my thoughts and views into words is unusual for me, I normally don't have trouble talking to others, not even Sakura Clyne my stalker. Before now, I could say precisely what I wanted to Sakura without any problem and normally with few if any filters. But right now, words were not coming to me like they would in times previous, "I know I have said no and to cut out to your advances before in various ways. Yet, I guess I've kind of gotten use to your efforts surprisingly, even if I don't like or appreciate what can result from them," I iterated, but my voice caught again, and I stopped.

Sakura was paying complete attention to me by this point, which is quite rare with her around me. It's like I stated before, she tends to be more focused on getting her hands on me and fulfilling her desire to have contact with me and more if she can get away with it. I took a breath, "Nevertheless, after time to contemplate, I was thinking that… if both of us make it through and back from the battle and however long this war lasts," I started but paused again. Sakura was just staring at me as I attempted to say what was on my mind. The tension in the air was building quickly, "I was thinking that I might… seriously consider… well, we could," I trailed off. Admitting what I was trying to, was much harder than I had thought it would be, but I wouldn't stop with how far I've come. I took a deep breath, "We could start courting for the intent of building a relationship with effort coming from both sides."

The silence in the air after I had said what I did was much deeper than I would have imagined it would be. Wondering why Sakura hadn't said anything at all in response to my admittance, I glanced at her and she had an expression that I hadn't seen before. It was an expression of what could be described as growing hope for her I think. "Do you really mean that," questioned Sakura after a few minutes as well as floating a bit closer to where I was.

Sakura wasn't acting exactly like she normally would around me, it was weird though it was a nice change from the stalking behavior. Still, I hesitated for a moment for whatever I would say would and could not be taken back, Sakura won't let me do that, I personally guarantee it! After a minute, I did give my answer, "Yeah, I do. Honestly, you've shown that you are willing to go the distance that so many are not and beyond, annoying as it has been at times. Nor are either of us getting any younger really, so it's time to start looking forward and not dwell on the past I guess," I summed up.

The next thing I registered, Sakura shot forward at me and closed the rest of the distance between us pulling me into an embrace, which I figure she would. After all, I had pretty much acknowledged her attempts to get the two of us together that she's been doing for years. Heck, I hadn't thought I would ever give that acknowledgement in any way while I was of sound mind and breathing. But, after serious consideration, it is clear that if I want a family that Sakura has made it either her or no family at all. It pains me to admit that, but I doubt I would be able to change that with her. Her other response however, took me by surprise and then some! I mean, I had expected an embrace, but that wasn't all I got. Nope, less than a second after she hugged me, Sakura latched her lips to mine and began smooching me with VIGOR! …And truth be told, Sakura kissing me felt good actually. Where she learned this art, I haven't the faintest idea and I don't ask on this kind of thing especially not with Sakura.

Sakura didn't release me from her hold as we floated and as the gesture kept going, my arms of their own accord wrapped around Sakura going with the flow of the moment. We sailed through the air due to the force Sakura had collided with as we stayed together. The kissing session lasted a while with us only parting for long enough to take in air before it continued. If this was one of the things we could do, then I'm kind of left to wonder why I'd been so against this before since doing this with Sakura was nice I admit. Not saying that Sakura kissing me, made what she's put me through during the years of stalking she's done to me worth it. Anyways, the passage of time became lost and I can't say I exactly minded with what was ahead being distracted was helpful to an extent. When we finally parted, Sakura kept looking at me, "I'll hold you to that Tyler," she said softly, and I wouldn't doubt she would keep me at my words.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Sakura was genuinely filled with joy for one of the rare times since the First Alliance-PLANT war had begun. All the effort and all the work along with the time spent was all now worth it with Tyler saying he would consider having a relationship with her. At first when he had said there needed to be a talk, Sakura figured it would be the usual leave him along lecture. She had heard it in its variations multiple times before now, not that she listened to it much, she couldn't leave him alone.

Tyler may not remember how or why she started pursuing him, but Sakura would never forget their first meeting. He had been younger at the time, mid-teens likely sixteen or seventeen perhaps and they had encountered one another on Earth around Victoria. Sakura later found out that Tyler had been on an undercover assignment back then, while Sakura had been inspecting the base. She had recently lost some teammates a week before, so Sakura hadn't been in a good mood and the terrified air of the soldiers around her made that clear. What Tyler had actually been around Victoria for, she hadn't the faintest idea and she didn't care anymore. She remembered their meeting like it was yesterday…

-Flashback-

Sakura was miserable and didn't want to be here at Victoria at all and that was coming off as near constant killing intent. She knew Lanus was trying to give her time away from the battlefields because of the loss she had gone through recently. Her best friend had been killed by a shot meant for Sakura herself and she was not taking it well, it was nice of Lanus to try and help nonetheless. The ZAFT personnel were leaving her be, the dark air she put off made sure of that and Sakura preferred that right now. The call from her little sister Lacus has not helped much with the pain though her concern was nice. If not for her family, things that came from the battles would be much harder to deal with.

Sakura was lost in her thoughts when someone crashed into her and knocked her to the ground. If Sakura was in a bad mood before, then she was in a worse one now and whoever it was that had come into her path would feel her wrath that had been building! Yet, before she could slowly rip apart whoever it was that had been unlucky enough to knock into her, there came a voice. "I do beg your pardon miss, wasn't paying the attention I should have when I bumped into you. I was on my way to somewhere in a hurry and stopped looking as to where I was going."

She glared at the speaker, finding that they were a male teenager with messy tan colored hair and green eyes. Where normally Sakura's glare would shut up anyone and get them to do whatever she wanted them to do, this teen wasn't reacting like the rest. Instead, he seemed to study her for a moment, then he spoke again, "Hmm, you know, I would bet the glare you're giving me would terrify most people under most if not all circumstances. However miss, I'm not most people nor does your glare scare me in the least," he said taking a small step back from Sakura.

Sakura blinked at the reply, mostly since it was so rare to the point that it was close to unheard of for someone to not be scared of her. Up till now, the group that didn't outright fear her had included some of her fellow champions, Lanus and her family, that was it. But the surprises didn't stop there, "Still, has anyone told you that such a glare mars your face, which is a pity with the pretty one you have," the teen stated.

Sakura's heart skipped a beat at being called pretty in such a carefree tone, yet before she could reply, the teen looked at his watch. "Oh, dearie me, is it that time already," he remarked before he looked back a Sakura and gave her a smile, "Sorry to run, but I have somewhere I really need to be very soon. I do apologize for knocking you over, it wasn't intentional, but I got to go," he said in a rush and ran away in a different direction.

Sakura stared after the teen as he ran before he slid at an intersection and then went to the left and disappeared. The encounter was more than odd for her in many ways, and this was the first time that Sakura could remember her heart skipping a beat like it had. She put the recollection in the back of her mind for the rest of the day, returning to it from time to time. However, it was in the evening that things changed in that. Sakura was about to go off-duty, when the sound of a blast rang out, breaking the quiet of the night.

Upon getting outside, Sakura view a blaze coming up from an area that had been under the influence of Earth Force sympathizers. ZAFT personnel were scrambling to get things under control, while Sakura went looking for what had started all of this situation. While she was looking around, she heard gunshots ahead which had her taking out her own pistol. As she kept moving forward, someone suddenly rushed past her, using the shadows to hide themselves while running away from the blaze. Sakura managed to catch ahold of the running and found that it was the teen from earlier today. The force that he pulled against Sakura was more than she would have expected from this teen.

But as she looked this teen over, there were signs that he had been around the blaze, perhaps even around the source of the fire. He didn't have any burns, but there was ash on his clothes along with other covert things that told her of this. The quick glimpse inside his pack showed Sakura tools for infiltration and sabotage. She looked back at this teen curiously as he hadn't come off as the type to be able to do such things. However, Sakura had little time to contemplate as the teen slipped out of the pack, dropped to the ground spun around sweeping Sakura's legs out from under her. She caught herself before she hit the ground, but the teen had made distance from her by that time.

"Oh, it's you again," he said. The teen bowed slightly, "As nice as it would be to chat, afraid I don't have the time. By the way don't think we were introduced, name's Tyler McGregor." There came an angry shout from the direction of the blaze, "Do believe that's my cue to be on my way miss. Not interested in being caught tonight by those chasing me, wouldn't end well," the teen said, then ran off again.

Sakura was left where she was, wondering what was going on that would have a teenager acting like he just did. It wasn't more than a few minutes that a ZAFT soldier came up and informed her that the Earth Forces sympathizers had suffered problems and were looking for the one responsible. At hearing that and suspecting the teen was the one that had pulled the stunt, she couldn't hold back the laugh that came out. She had clearly underestimated that male teen, and such hadn't happened for a long while and it intrigued her more than just a passing interest.

She wished to know more about this teen that she had encountered today, for is seemed that he was quite interesting. Not only had he not reacted like pretty much everyone else did around her, but he also had a talent or not arousing suspicion about himself. Plus, he had called her pretty and so few did that and actually meant what they said. So, Sakura decided she would find out more about this Tyler McGregor that had caught her attention!

-Flashback end-

A meet of fate Sakura saw that as now, it was the beginning of her pursuit of Tyler which stretched out for years. And all of that time and effort was paying off as Tyler had gone on to say that he would give her a chance at a relationship between the two of them. At first, she had thought she had heard him incorrectly for before now Tyler had fought against and refused her advances and expressing her interest. She had even asked if he meant what he said about considering a relationship. His acknowledgement of her efforts and agreement of the potential relationship had been the tipping point for her and she could stop herself after that.

Sakura had just moved forward and hugged Tyler, truly happy for the first time in a long while. Of course, she had kept going and kissed Tyler, she wasn't about to let the opportunity slip away for that. What's more, he had hugged her back and he didn't normally do that, which served as reinforcement that he meant what he had said. Oh, if only the moment could last longer, Sakura didn't want it to end really. It was these feelings she wished for Lacus, the real reason that she had gone to the lengths she had to shoo away those that wanted to use Lacus for their selfish pursuits. She could see those that wanted to use her baby sister to benefit themselves, and she disliked such. Kira Yamato had shown himself to be different from those before, he had no motive to use Lacus and he made her smile genuinely and that said a lot to her. Plus, Tyler spoke highly of him and she had come to learn that Tyler was a fair judge of character.

After Tyler and Sakura parted slightly, she kept looking at him, "I'll hold you to that Tyler," she said softly, fully intending to hold him at his words.

The two ended out around the bed and spent the rest of the time remaining before reaching the battle around Daedalus. Just before arriving at the destination, they both got up, Tyler headed for the bridge and Sakura went to the pilot locker room. Sakura made her way to the hanger after that and towards the X32 Phoenix which was assigned to her. Tyler was going to the bridge first to get a bit of a picture of the current situation. When he arrived on the bridge, Tyler felt a bit of pride at seeing everyone was where they needed to be.

After taking that in, Tyler focused ahead to the growing number of explosions and the lights of beams being exchanged between both sides of the battle that had broken out. The magnitude of the battle wasn't the same as the Second Battle of Jachin Due had been yet, but it had just started a short period ago, so given time it could become the same scale. The allied fleet outnumbered the ZAFT forces that were defending the base and Requiem by a large margin, just don't see a reason to state it to be nice. However, information coming in said that a portion of ZAFT's lunar fleet were on their way and would arrive soon to reinforce their forces.

Still, even with ZAFT quickly being hard pressed, it had to be said that they were hanging on hard as they defended the beam cannon and the base. Yet, the sheer force they were going against wouldn't be pushed back by them and conclude this battle if things go unchanged. The reinforcement would help the defenders for a time, but it wouldn't change the situation enough as things stood. However, there wasn't any expectation that this to end quick with Durandal at the helm and giving the orders to those fighting back.

Lisa turned in her chair and saw me viewing the battle, "I see that you intend to go out to the field," she posed.

Tyler just nodded, "Yep, by the look of it every qualified pilot will be needed on there to end this as fast as possible before that beam cannon can fire and end lives again," he responded flatly.

Lisa paused after his answer, "Come back alive Tyler," she said, catching Tyler's attention. "The world… no, humanity needs those like you who can see and believe in the potential that it still has. The world Durandal paints is not living, it is death without the curtesy of allowing rest at all."

Tyler was flattered to be told that, and he gained a smile, "I'll return Lisa, I still have things I plan to do before I kick the bucket hard once and for all. And I ain't letting Durandal bring about the world he's been advertising since it is not what he says. Plus, I wouldn't get to see it anyways," he stated firmly.

After his statement, Tyler turned and left the bridge and went to the hanger and found that all the pilots that the Normandy had there preparing to go out to the battlefield. He did tell the pilots that they were to do their best out on the field to help where and how they could and to come back alive as he sailed towards my mobile suit. The Rapture was the first to go to the catapult, and the lineup that would follow was to be as follows: the Kyrios, the Virtue, the Phoenix and the Exalt for launching order. Thankfully the Normandy's catapult system is efficient for consecutive launches of machines, so the launching process was not slow.

When the Exalt zoomed out to the field, the fuller picture of what this battle was and would likely become before its end sunk into Tyler with the view of the scene before him. ZAFT defenders were dragging out this battle and making it clear that they would keep doing so to the very last one of them was stopped or taken down. For whatever reason, and Tyler couldn't for the life of himself explain the logic, ZAFT saw Requiem as a necessity for the future that Gilbert Durandal had envisioned for all those who listened to him. Why a weapon of mass destruction would be needed in a 'peaceful future' made no sense at all in Tyler's mind and he doubted he was the only one that thought that way. The only reason he could come up with would be using the cannon as a means of force against those that will be against Durandal. The beam cannon had certainly proven that it would rain down horror and destruction on wherever it was fired upon, there is nothing else that needs to be said about it.

Unfortunately for the allied fleet, thus far, the first couple of attempts to destroy the cannon had been unsuccessful, due to two reasons. The first point was that ZAFT was doing everything they could to halt and make the approach extremely difficult with the few mobile suits they had to work with. The second reason added to the first, which was the triad of positron reflectors that covered Requiem's barrel made hitting it will something with decent power ineffective while they were up. Hence why the ZAFT defenders were being targeted and then taken down by teams of mobile suits from the allied fleet.

Those from the Normandy and the Orb ships dived in and joined the fight to destroy Requiem and stop any chance of it being used again. Tyler found himself was quickly split up from those from the Normandy he had started with and forced to fight ZAFT machines and ships. Nonetheless, Tyler ended out with some of the new models that had something similar to the GN Solar reactors that the Exalt had. The mobile suits had something like the solar reactor, but the color of the particles was different from the green that the machines he'd seen before now. These suits were putting out orangish particles instead, which made me think that perhaps there had been progress made in somehow mass-producing solar reactors. The mobile suits were streamlined and looked similar to the Delta Fighter's flight mode and looked to have somewhat a similar frame to the Delta Fighter as well. There was blue version of these new machines, although that one appeared to have two reactors like the Exalt did, but readouts were much lower than even what the other suits from the Normandy.

The point and priority for those assaulting Daedalus was to make it so Requiem couldn't fire again, whether by its destruction or disablement don't think any really care which. There was little to no doubt that ZAFT has been repairing the damage done by the explosives in the cannon, so it could fire again. That inferred to Durandal intending to use Requiem as a way to intimidate and/or eliminate any that would disagree with him. Even with numbers against ZAFT being a large margin higher, ZAFT forces were fighting a losing battle with sheer desperation.

Tyler was working on getting closer to the former Alliance base that ZAFT now controlled, but the progress was slower than he really liked. Working alongside others, Tyler was picking off ZAFT mobile suits with both the Exalt's sword rifles and the particle cannons mounted in the shoulder shields. However, it seemed that each opponent he took down, another appeared to take their place in seconds later. The problem is the longer this dragged on, the more likely ZAFT's lunar fleet will show up and reinforce the defenders. The siting of more ZAFT forces showed that things would only drag out longer. And were the defenders to get more reinforcements, that will buy even more time for them to get the cannon operational again, which is likely what they were bargaining on.

At the same time, the Phoenix was in a different area of the field doing much the same as the mobile suits of the allied fleet were doing. Sakura had to admit that the gundam-type suit was quite impressive, much better than a CGUE machine. The nuclear power source was one thing, but the solar reactor was something else. Still that didn't change the mentality Sakura had when it came to battle, the machine used is not the absolute determining factor like some thought they were. Skill and experience tended to make far more a difference rather than what model of mobile suit one used. And if anything could be said, then it was such a mentality was being proven right by Sakura heavily.

She was putting the Phoenix through its paces, utilizing all the offensive options it had to work with, including ones that were probably not built-in intentionally. Sakura found it somewhat intriguing to use the Phoenix's flight mode to crash through Nazca-classes and Laurasia-classes without incurring any damage to her machine at all. The mobility of the Phoenix was more than interesting as it made avoiding incoming weapon fire simpler. The ZAKUs were easy for Sakura to cut down, though the normal battle lust that would take the forefront of her mind wasn't coming. For whatever reason, there was none of that, maybe the progress made with Tyler might be having a good affect with her, she couldn't say.

Even ZAFT's new GOUFs were having serious trouble against the Phoenix, they were as pushovers to Sakura. The pilots were depending far too much on the capabilities of their machines and much less on their piloting skills if they have much. The GOUFs that approached her, tried using their duel swords, machine gun and heat rods but with no success. Heck, Sakura used the GOUFs' heat rods, grasping them as they wrapped around the Rotonda weapon systems, then swinging her opponents around as the slayer whips were attached to them. She would take a duel sword and use it against the owners and their comrades with more finesse than them. In short, Sakura was ripping through her adversaries with ease and caused them to try and avoid her within a short period.

Tyler did catch glimpses of Sakura's work against the defending ZAFT forces and it was scary to a degree to watch. He could blame the ZAFT forces for attempting to avoid the Phoenix, Sakura was scaring them good. It brought to mind several thoughts about his soon to be 'potential girlfriend' with her ripping mobile suits into pieces with gusto to say the least. Having her pilot a gundam-type may have been a decision made by a higher up, but that person could be regretting the choice. It wasn't that Sakura wasn't helping the progress being made forward, it was more that she was contributing a great deal to it, more than many were. Tyler was going between horror and fascination at how Sakura was pretty much showing up most of those on the field with how she's performing along with putting the Phoenix through its paces.

Sakura also would pull maneuvers that used that tail whip to slice ZAFT suits like a hot knife through butter. The assault bits were just as frightening as Tyler had believed they would be, if not more so as he caught sight of them. Lacus's older sister used two bits as spears, punching hole in mobile suits and ships alike. The other two were firing particle beams at their targets they were assigned to aim at.

So, those that were assaulting Daedalus were giving those defending it the harshest gauntlet they have probably done or imagined. Although, one had to hand it to the ZAFT defenders, they were fighting with all they had, even if it wasn't enough against those they were fighting. It was really a matter of time before they were wiped out, which it was likely they knew that. The gamble of this situation was if ZAFT defenders could hold the allied fleet off until their lunar fleet arrives, then they have a chance to fire that cannon again.

-Line Break-

Lunar Orbit

The mobile suits of the three attackers of the first relay station returned to their respective ships after the destruction of the relay station. Those ships began heading towards Daedalus and the battle going around there to disable Requiem. The breakdown of the station was a morale booster for those against the Destiny Plan and that was helpful. Hope was beginning to grow that things could work out in this and there wouldn't be a weapon firing at Earth or the colonies. Meanwhile, the ZAFT forces that had been defending the station regrouped and regained their bearings after the battle had ended with the destruction of the relay station.

It was upon this scene that the fortress Messiah came onto and to understand that it was caused by just three ships and their mobile suits hurt. The loss of the first relay station wasn't nice, but it could be replaced with some time as long as Requiem itself wasn't destroyed and that was questionable outcome right now. The reports of a 'massive force' attacking Daedalus base hadn't been well received. Part of ZAFT's lunar fleet had been sent ahead to help out those at Daedalus before the others headed for the first relay station. Yet the cries for help that had come not all that long that those sent should have arrived at Daedalus weren't encouraging. The Ricter team along with a portion of the lunar fleet were outmatched by more than ten to one according to reports and that was being extremely optimistic. The rest of ZAFT's lunar fleet was trying to hurry up to reinforce their allies being hit hard and barely hanging on. However, the attempt had been delayed by the assault on the first relay station along the way had failed.

Chairman Durandal really wasn't liking this turn of events, especially not the attack on Daedalus by a 'massive force'. Losing a relay station wasn't preferred, but it could be recovered from in the long-run. However, if Requiem was destroyed itself that was an entirely different matter and that was not so easy to undo. Still, the massive force could explain why there had been nothing from both the Federation's military and the Earth Forces. It wasn't a helpful change in situation by any means, yet as long as that force could be occupied for long enough to get Requiem charged and fire, then things could still work out. With that in mind, the rest of ZAFT's lunar fleet set out for Daedalus to assist their allies defending it.

When the Archangel, the Dominion and the Eternal, the battle that was playing out before them was quite similar to how the Second Battle of Jachin Due had gone. The allied fleet was made up ships from all three factions working together in the purpose of handling Requiem much as the threat of nuclear weapons had been. It was surreal to see mobile suits of all factions working together in teams against ZAFT forces. That it would take this type and level of threat for a uniting to occur was sad yet good to see. But there wasn't long to take in the sight as the three ships began launching their now resupplied mobile suits back out to a battlefield. If the rest of ZAFT lunar fleet arrived and reinforced those defending Daedalus, they might buy enough time to charge Requiem and fire the cannon.

The second the mobile suits pilots got onto the field, it was obvious that the defending ZAFT forces were close to being defeated and overwhelmed by their allies. Nonetheless, Requiem wasn't destroyed or disabled and that still left Earth and the colonies in looming danger. Progress on dealing with Requiem was slowed by the system of three positron reflectors defending the cannon and its bulkhead. The reflectors projected three fields that covered the cannon's barrel and the immediate surrounding area. The defense prevented enemy mobile suits' weapon fire along with ships guns from reaching the cannon. That combined with ZAFT suits keeping any ships from getting into range to bombard the area by whatever means necessary.

The METEOR units were kept by the Eternal instead of being disconnected for linking up with a mobile suit. Kira and Lacus stayed close to each other as they went into the thick of the battle assisting where they could. The Justice joined up with an allied group that he came across and helped them in the fighting. The other mobile suits of the three ships stayed as close as they could to the ships that sent them out. For a time, it appeared that the allied fleet would get to Requiem before it was made operational and charged for use. However, as the defending ZAFT forces dwindled the allied fleet was pushing forward at a steady pace towards the goal such changed. As good and real progress was being made, the rest of ZAFT's lunar fleet began coming into range to join the fight. With the ZAFT defenders being bolstered by the rest of their lunar fleet, the battle became much more intense. And yet, ZAFT forces were still outnumbered even if it wasn't by the large margin it had been at the start of the assault.

Nevertheless, the hope of things not being so bad dwindled as the sight of the battle above Daedalus came into view for ZAFT. Durandal was much less pleased at seeing the force that was assaulting Daedalus closer up and what made it up. He had glanced at the reports that had been hastily sent, that a 'massive force' was attacking the base. But seeing the point with his own eyes hammered the idea home more and just who would likely end out standing against the Destiny Plan. Granted, Requiem was still intact for the moment, but the Federation and those with them had made more progress forward to get to the cannon than Durandal liked or felt at all comfortable with. Requiem's defenses were being stressed and while that was the case, it was too dangerous to open Requiem's barrel to fire the beam. There was the option of using Neo-GENESIS to start thinning out the Federation and their allies, but after using that they would target Messiah just as much. That would put the database that the Destiny Plan required at risk and Durandal would like to avoid that if possible. It would be best to save that card from being played for later if at all possible and not put Messiah in the scope of targets yet. Plus, Messiah wasn't in effective range to use Neo-GENESIS to the utmost effect it be put to.

Ahead in the midst of the battlefield, the fighting between the mobile suits wasn't slowing down at all, more picking up the pace. Some pilots and mobile suits had quickly become popular targets when the rest of ZAFT's lunar fleet came and reinforcement them. The gundam-type suits especially became magnets to enemy mobile suits as well as for allies to gather around with a few notable exceptions. Of those said exceptions, Sakura Clyne and Kurt Gream were the foremost as they were each akin to a one-person army.

On Messiah, Shinn and Rey had just talked with Chairman Durandal and were preparing themselves to sortie out to the battlefield. Shinn was having more doubts the longer he thought about the Chairman's Destiny Plan. It sounded really good, a world without war, without worry or concern, Shinn liked the idea of such a world. And the way Chairman Durandal had explained it, the Destiny Plan really did seem like the perfect solution to the current woes of the world and colonies. But, there was one point that nagged at the back of Shinn's mind, that being 'what's the catch to the plan' or what is the price. A lesson of life Shinn learned early on, there was no such thing as a free ride or hand-out, everything came at a price whether that was putting forth effort, work or something else. That thought combined with the things that Athrun had said were bouncing around his brain and wouldn't leave him alone.

Rey entering the room and speaking snapped Shinn back to the present, "Did you get some rest Shinn, we should be getting ready to go out. Once this battle is finished, then everything will fall into place Shinn."

"I'm fine, but what do you mean Rey," asked Shinn.

"When those fighting the enviable are dealt with, then the rest of those who are blindly resisting that which will bring about a better world will start to understand." Rey gazed at Shinn, "You can understand Shinn, a world without war, without suffering and just living peaceful and happy lives is the best future for the human race."

Shinn hesitated, and what Athrun had said about the words that Rey and the Chairman said sound right but there being more to them came to mind. "I do understand that, and I don't disagree that such a world isn't desirable. But, can the Destiny Plan really do what has been stated, and at what price would it come," he said.

Rey moved over to Shinn and put a hand on his shoulder, "The Destiny Plan will change the world for the better Shinn. The Chairman has entrusted us to defend that and help push this forward because he knows that we can succeed," Rey assured.

Shinn nodded, yet the nagging thoughts going around his mind wouldn't be silenced by Rey's assurance. The two boarded their machines before the Destiny and the Legend did launch from Messiah as soon as they could and entered the fight. Rey quickly got down to hunting for the Freedom and the Justice for he wanted to take them down once and for all. But finding specific mobile suits in the maelstrom of the battle was much easier said than done. The fact still was that the ZAFT defenders were still outnumbered by a decent margin even with the reinforcement of their lunar fleet.

Shinn was helping his allies as he made his way forward for ten to fifteen minutes before he took in his surroundings again. He found he had ended out in the area that the second Archangel-class, the black one along with other vessels. It was hard to tell with ZAFT vessels in this battle which were ally or foe, they all looked the same in the end to Shinn and he doubted he was the only one that was having issues in that. He also spotted the Justice close by the second Archangel-class, helping in its defense. Flashes of the last encounter with Athrun went through Shinn's mind, of how Athrun had not blamed him for trying to kill him as he attempted to escape from Carpentaria along with the things he had said.

Athrun had sounded so reasonable and logical like he always seemed to, but that clashed with the claims of him being a traitor. Perhaps that was where the confusion began, where two very different picture of Athrun Zala was portrayed. The chase from Carpentaria had happened and the arguing sides had been harping at each other had been awful. It seemed that Rey had known what was going on and hadn't said anything when he should have. The scene at Orb that was so similar to when the Alliance had attacked during the First Alliance-PLANT War and that was only adding to the mess in Shinn's mind. What stuck out was the question Athrun had posed, 'what kind of future do you wish to see and are willing to fight for'. It had been going through Shinn's brain off and on since it had been asked by Athrun though Shinn hadn't said anything to anyone else.

Shinn did the best he could to clear him mind and focused in on the Justice as he closed the distance between them. The Destiny took out its beam sword and was moving to attack, yet the Justice turned and blocked the swing Shinn made downward with its deflection shield. The Destiny's beam sword bounced off the Justice's Valor shield. While Shinn was recovering from the deflection, Athrun drew a beam saber and slashed at the Destiny forcing Shinn to draw back a margin to avoid getting hit.

Athrun had no real desire to kill Shinn, he still saw him as someone with a good heart that was simply being tricked by others. Yes, Shinn was blinded by the lies that Chairman Durandal was feeding him, and Rey was helping that along, but he wasn't a bad person. The sadder thing about circumstances as they were, Shinn had no idea that he was fighting for a world he would never be allowed to see. In Durandal's world, those who were different wouldn't be a part of it and those with SEED factor would definitely fall into that category of different. So, the Justice rushed forward to attack the Destiny in order to disable it, but Athrun had to dodge when the Legend began firing its weapons from behind at him.

Athrun's attention shifted to be on the Legend and its DRAGOON pods that it had deployed and was using against him. In response, Athrun detached the Justice's own six assault bits and engaged the Legend. Athrun didn't hate Rey, he could be as blind as Shinn to the truth about the Destiny Plan for all he knew. However, he had interfered frequently lately with situations that didn't concern him and made things worse. He had been helping Chairman Durandal to trick others like Shinn into believing what Gilbert Durandal was creating was right. Blinding people of the truth by just not telling them all the facts is not all that different than lying about what is being done in this type of thing.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

I was going around the battlefield fighting to try and get closer to Requiem, but not having the greatest success as I was popular with ZAFT defending forces. As with most gundam-types, I was automatically a prime target and it quickly got irritating to be a constant target. But, I dealt with my sudden popularity being as flexible as I am doing my job and whipping rear as I did so. I was working my way across the field for I believe the third time when I spotted the Dominion, which meant those who had assaulted the first relay station had arrived.

I had made my way over toward the Dominion, it was in the general same direction of Requiem. My goal was still to get to that cannon and make it, so it could be taken out, whether I did that myself or simply opened the way for it to happened. By the time I had gotten in the vicinity of the Dominion, I noticed that the ship was in need of a little help and relief from its attackers. So, I deployed my sword bits sets to speed along the task of shooing these ZAFT machines away. Some bits generated shields to block shots from hitting the Dominion while the others were shooting at the ZAFT suits as I was using my sword rifles to do too.

It didn't take me all that long to either send the attacks running or simply take them down, thus helping the Dominion out. That would mean that Natarle owes me, not that I'm exactly keeping track or anything, but I don't have the nicest record with the woman. Of course, I well-earned my reputation with Natarle Badgiruel with the time we were made to be around one another, can't deny that without lying. As I recalled the Exalt's sword bits, I connected a channel to the Dominion's bridge, "How lucky for you and your crew Natarle. No need to think I'm keeping score, this save is on the house and me, just don't get use to this," I stated.

I didn't wait for Natarle's reply as there were high stakes in this battle and so there was work that needed to be seen to as soon as possible. In less than five minutes, I came upon a scene that caused me a bit of a pause. The Justice was fighting a blue, red and while gundam-type mobile suit, and by the look of it Athrun would do fine in the skirmish against the suit. However, then a second mobile suits that was also a gundam-type suit got behind Athrun and began adding and interfering.

The second suit caught my attention for a moment as there was something about it that was somehow familiar. At first, I couldn't place the familiarity, that is until it had pods on it detach and then they attacked the Justice. That action brought to my mind non-nice memories from the First Alliance-PLANT War, specifically when I had been taking on the dirty rat Le Creuset. And the longer I looked at the mobile suit, the more it reminded me of the one Creuset used and I don't like recalling the rat if I don't have to! But, I focused back on the other machine going against the Justice as it was moving up behind Athrun. As I'm not one to just sit by and watch a friend potentially get hurt and I do nothing about it, I shot forward. I shifted the Exalt into its flight mode and then aimed my flight path at that machine with the full intention to ram it!

And oh, like it always seems to be, was it ever satisfying when I crashed into one of those that were assaulting my friend in the Justice and plowing them forward. I took my opponent by complete surprise, they just glimpsed me when I was about on top of them before I rammed hard. The mobile suit's torso became caught on the left wing between the main body of my suit and the left shoulder pack. Then a moment later, I slammed on the breaks and hurled my 'passenger' off flying a short distance away. I next turned my attention to the other machine attacking one of my best friends, which was irking me as it looked similar to Creuset's suit. So, I zoomed towards them and used the Exalt's vulcans in the nose section and unloaded at the other doing what I see as wrong.

The wannabe Creuset machine turned and faced me, the trained their beam rifle on me. I decided it would be better for me to change my suit over and so, I shifted it to its suit form. Bringing up my sword rifles, I began taking shots at the wannabe, making him dance away from Athrun. I then moved over to be next to the Justice and opened a channel, "Yo Athrun, happened to be passing by and saw you having a bit of trouble with these two," I said. "And as you should know, I'm not one to see a friend in need and standby simply watching, so I rushed in as is my normal style."

It was true, just sitting by and watching a friend in a bind struggle and do nothing when I could help them had never sat well with me. It wasn't right, and it certainly wasn't a practice I was going to pick up while I'm still sane! "Yes, and thanks for the help," Athrun replied.

There was a pause in which Athrun and I noticed the two mobile suits that had been attacking Athrun recovered and starting to move in on us. It was a more even fight with these two versing Athrun and me, but there was a growing time restraint that we must keep in mind. "So then, any good idea of how to convince them to leave us alone quickly," Athrun posed to me.

A number of ideas went through my head at that question, ranging from reasonable to ludicrous. The main point was the beam cannon at Daedalus needed to be disabled and not fire and getting into that cannon would really help that be sped along. I mean, I had been making my way in that direction when I had been coming this way, "Well actually, I was on my way to getting inside that nasty cannon that ZAFT is so desperate to shoot off," I stated. And yet, I have a feeling, call it a hunch if you like, but I don't think the two gunning to fight us will be inclined to just let us pass. "Yet, my intuition tells me that these two wouldn't be inclined to just let either you or I go and do that. What are your thoughts," I questioned.

There was a moment of silence from Athrun, "You're not wrong on these two not letting us accomplish what is needed, I personally guarantee that from experience," Athrun returned.

Personal experience Athrun says, should I ask what that infers and entails, or would it be better for me not to know. That has been becoming a common question I've having to ask of my two best friends as of late now that I think about it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm seen as the reckless one of the trio that is Kira, Athrun and me. And yet, my two best friends are getting ahead of me in this, I would rather the tough stuff be left to me honestly. Still, I just couldn't hold back my curiosity, "You saying that you know the pilots of these two machines then," I posed.

"Yes, I used to work with them," Athrun replied, "It was also these two that got me close to kill while leaving Carpentaria."

Wait, then that would mean that the two pilots we're going against nearly killed Athrun and I don't appreciate that idea at all! "So these two gundam-type pilots put you in the haggard condition you've gone through, and yet, they still aren't satisfied," I asked losing almost all the emotion in my voice.

"Apparently not, I fought them around Orb as well," Athrun remarked.

I took a moment to calm down and reign in the desire to make the two that had gotten close to killing Athrun in. Getting irritated wouldn't help in this situation and I knew that, so I instead focused on the irony of this. "Hmm, with what you've been getting into lately, one would almost think you had the same kind of talent I do at getting people to dislike you and want you to be seriously hurt or die, which is ironic as you're far nicer than me in general. However, I think I have an idea that could work for us in getting to Requiem and hampering these two interlopers," I mused in a sly tone.

To say I was coming up with a plan was not wrong, I was cooking up something that would be good. The idea was that Athrun and I zoom off to the beam cannon to get the job done as soon as possible. If these two want follow, then they are more than welcome to do so though it won't do much for them. They would have to watch what they do, especially inside the beam cannon, or risk taking the cannon off-line. Athrun was quiet for a bit but then spoke, "Whatever your plan is Tyler, I'm in," Athrun answered.

A somewhat dark chuckle escaped me at hearing Athrun's answer, "Glad you're onboard without hesitation my friend, Kira always takes coaxing to agree to my plans. So, on to business," I replied, before gaining an air of seriousness. "We fly to Requiem, get inside and open up that cannon barrel like a tin can, therefore allowing others with more firepower to start blasting down the cannon. Those two by the sound of it will follow us and I say let them. When we're inside the firing chamber they have to be careful where and how they shoot or else risk the cannon losing functionality. We on the other hand aren't limited in the same respect whatsoever, meaning that we can fire as we like without any issue."

The plan was sound enough and followed my usual way of plans on the fly, which was crazy yet logical, a perfect balance. So, I set my sight on the lunar base, "Follow my lead," I said before shooting off towards the lunar surface.

Athrun and I made a close to be b-line towards where the service tunnel that would lead to the inside of Requiem laid. Sensors did rapidly indicated that as expected, the two that we had been going against were pursuing us. Yet, when it comes to speed, the Exalt and the Eternal Justice can outstrip our hunters, in that I'm confident. So, to prove the point, I shifted the Exalt into its flight mode and Athrun followed suit with the Justice. The streamlined flight modes increased out cruising speed and we began gaining distance from our pursuers.

We leveled out our mobile suits a short distance above the surface of the moon, still heading in the direction we had been. However, our current position also put us below the majority of Daedalus automated interception network's effective range. Not to say that the defenses weren't leaving us alone, they were shooting at Athrun and I, it was just less than it would be where we higher up. The two ZAFT mobile suits were still chasing us, but they were being force to dodge the defenses too. Although, on a side note, I applaud the effort that both the ZAFT pilots were putting forth in their pursuing of us, it takes guts and dedication. It makes me wonder what it is that they fight for or if they know the truth about Durandal's Destiny Plan.

Back to the present, I spotted the tunnel entrance ahead just beyond the first line of automated defenses. And speaking of the automated defenses, they were having difficulty getting close to hitting either Athrun or I. It might have to do with the GN particles produced by the solar reactors, I don't know enough about them to say. Nonetheless, the defenses were helping the Exalt and the Justice get even more of a lead ahead of our chasers. So, we had a healthy lead built by the time we zoomed past the first line of automated guns and shot down the service tunnel's mouth. I took point while Athrun flew behind me in a near single-file manner as the tunnel was not the most spacious. But, we had a rough map and that was helping Athrun and I navigate the space well enough to get through it. Sensors still indicated that the two pursuing us were not letting up in their chase and were following us down the tunnel.

Once Athrun and I came into the cannon's firing chamber, we shifted our machines out of their flight modes. I glanced upward and saw the bulkhead was still in place, and I knew that needed to change, the sooner the better. Maneuvering the Exalt to move towards the bulkhead, I focused in on the task at hand. Athrun followed me, probably getting an idea as to what we were about to do. Along the way, I deployed both the Exalt's shield sword bit sets and the flight array's set as well. The shield sword bits combined with my sword rifles while the other set split up into two groups of three. The Justice also detached its own assault bits and they positioned themselves in tandem with the two groups of three sword bits. The trio of sword bits would generate fields to block incoming shots, while the Justice's assault bits would give the return fire.

When the autonomous equipment was positioned behind Athrun and I, we ignited our beam cutting weapons, the Justice its beam blade, me my sword rifles in the blade mode. The Justice's beam blade extended farther than it would normally, while my sword rifles with bits were able to generate long beam blades. The sparks began flying as we dug our blades into the metal of the bulkhead, but it was satisfying when our weapons penetrated the cannon's cover I will say. The plan was to cut out a ring that was the shape of the cannon's mouth so that others could fire down this barrel and destroy the cannon. It was as Athrun and I were starting to cut a ring out of this bulkhead that our pursuers entered the firing chamber.

The two ZAFT machines when they spotted us moved our way, shooting at Athrun and I as they came. Their shots didn't reach us as the sword bits I had out formed triangular GN particle field between them which intercepted the beams. The Justice's assault bits kept our opponents from getting too close to us by firing beams at them. The teamwork of the Justice's and the Exalt's autonomous bits was close to perfect and made what they were doing look like a dance of sorts. It was certainly stopping any interference with the task Athrun and I were seeing to currently, though that didn't stop the two ZAFT suits from trying.

We were halfway through slicing a ring when the movements of our two attackers began changing subtly. The Creuset wannabe was becoming more erratic, likely due to growing frustration at not hitting Athrun or me and not being able to stop us. But, with their dancing and evading, they weren't effectively able to line up many shots and the ones they did were intercepted. It took in total between five and ten minutes for Athrun and me to cut our ring section out of the bulkhead. The squealing of metal being ripped apart was awesome to hear, but the job wasn't done, just a major step forward. Alarms began blaring with the bulkhead now not seal and secure, and it provided a wonderful distraction.

With such opportunity presented, Athrun and I began slicing the section we cut out into smaller pieces. And once we had the bulkhead into many more pieces, we had all our weapons pointing at them, I even switched my sword rifles over to their heavy particle rifle mode. When we both had all we got brought to bear on the metal slabs, we fired our weapons. Our beams slammed into the metal slabs and pushed them forward opening up Requiem's barrel further. I would bet that the flash of our combined weapon fire drew the attention of the ZAFT suits back to us. Of course, we kept up firing at the metal slabs out of the way so that this cannon can be taken down.

As the cannon was opened, the view of the field that the positron reflectors were projecting became visible. That field generated by the triad of reflectors is the last defense standing in the way of Requiem's destruction, so it's got to go! Athrun and I zoomed out of Requiem's firing chamber through the hole we made to deal with the reflectors. Our autonomous weapons kept with us, flying next to us as to not get separated. We could dock them, but we were likely about to use them, so what would the point be of doing that? And since we're below the field the three positron reflectors were projecting, we had clear access to the generators from where we are with little interference.

Athrun aimed at the nearest reflector's emitters and fired at them, while I targeted another, our autonomous bits sweeping around us. I highly doubt that the two ZAFT machines will stop trying to attack Athrun and I, not after following us this far. My assumption was proven right when the sight of the two said machines coming up from the barrel was visible. Still Athrun and I were not wasting time with shooting the reflectors, Athrun was working on disabling one as I was taking another down. The blue and red suit headed towards me and the Creuset wannabe went for the Justice.

I had brought up the shoulder shields and pointed the particle cannons to bear on the positron reflector network, when a beam shot past me. I was forced to evade as the ZAFT mobile suit was closing the distance. As my opponent drew closer, I had the sword bits combined to my sword rifles detach and some of my other sword bits fire at them keeping the pilot on their toes. I had to use my sword rifles in a X formation to block the beam sword from my opponent. The ZAFT machine tried pushing forward, but I shoved back and then slashed outward forcing the gundam back. I shot beams from my sword rifles making my opponent dance farther away from the Exalt. And from there, I had the Exalt's sword bits move around and fire at the blue and red mobile suit.

It quickly became apparent that the pilot of the ZAFT mobile suit had difficulty with remote weapons attacking from multiple directions. I was actually kind of taken aback at the erratic reaction from my opponent, their inability to adapt to dodging the incoming fire from my sword bits felt weird. I will admit, whoever the pilot of this mobile suit was, they weren't fully in this battle by what I was seeing. What I mean is that their heart isn't in this, whether that was due to doubts or something else, I can't say. But the surprises didn't end there, "Damn it! These things just keep attacking," said a voice over an open com-channel.

I stopped for a moment, for I had heard the voice before, I glanced down at the main display and say the voice was indeed from my opponent. "No way, the pilot of this ZAFT machine is the kid from before," I asked myself incredulously.

The kid Shinn Asuka, the one that had come on the Normandy temporarily to see Stella Loussier to Shangra-La. He had seemed like a good kid, kind of like Kira, but didn't have the naïveté my other best friend does in abundance. I hadn't thought about Shinn much since he was sent back to Gibraltar, been kept kind of busy since then. The conversation we had did come back to my mind more than once since then for it had been on subject matter that teens don't normally think about. He had understood a good portion of what I had told him, and I hadn't been talking about pleasant stuff. However, I never imagined that I would encounter him in a place like this and not as an opponent. And yet, here we are exactly in such a position, and that we were brought to this didn't sit well with me.

I recalled the sword bits and they came to float behind me slightly and Shinn faced me once again. I decided it would be better if I break the ice in this and see where this would go, "I'll admit that I'm honestly shocked," I opened. "That it is on this battlefield that we should encounter one another again Shinn Asuka, for I would never have expected it."

There was a pause, "Who are you and how do you know my name," Shinn asked.

I exhaled, "Let me give you a hint kid, I don't prefer or like formalities, so if you insist on being so, sir will do and not captain," I returned.

I heard a gasp, "Wait, but that's what," Shinn said trailing off.

"I said to you when you were on the Normandy, indeed," I finished. "My name is still Tyler McGregor, and I would be surprised if you've forgotten about me. I'm told I am very memorable, if not by my words, then by my actions alone as they speak for me, usually very loudly."

"But," Shinn spoke up, "What would you being doing out here?"

I sighed, "One could ask you the same thing you know kid. Did you even understand what it is you're fighting for right now in this battle, what Durandal is planning to bring about," I posed.

"The Destiny Plan will bring peace," Shinn replied in an unconvincing tone.

I shook my head, "You don't sound confident in that answer, so do you really believe what you're saying?" I gestured around with the Exalt's right arm, "There is an old phrase that says far more about how to judge a man, 'by their fruits, ye shall know them'. Around you are the results or fruits of that Gilbert Durandal's efforts have wrought, this battle is what his Destiny Plan is forcing onto us all!"

Beams came my way and I had to evade to not take damage. I looked in the direction that he beams came and saw the Creuset wannabe coming out way. "Shinn don't listen to such things! Those words are from ignorance and shouldn't be heeded," said the pilot.

I pointed all the Exalt's weapons at the wannabe, "Listen to yourself, words from ignorance shouldn't be heeded, that is pretty much the definition of ignorance. And let him decide for himself what words he listens to, that's a right of every single human being still, so kindly hush would you," I said flatly. "Besides, if what I say is from ignorance, then do elaborate on how this battle isn't at least in part Durandal's fault and doing. If you don't have anything to show that, then I have lots of reasons to prove my point that Durandal is not the hero or savior that he has been portrayed to be and that he has played a part in keeping this war going."

"Humanity will never change on its own," said the wannabe pilot. "Ambition and ignorance make sure humans will never learn. That is why this fight is happening, it is why the Destiny Plan is required, it is the only way to change."

Flashes of the fight against Le Creuset came to my mind, his ranting that he had done that had sickened me. Even if the dirty rat was dead, apparently his ghost insists haunting the human race as a reminder of what can come from madness and ruin. Athrun and I switched up our opponents, I took the wannabe and he took Shinn. I rushed forward and closed the distance and slammed into the other ZAFT suit, "What you say makes me sick to my stomach in more ways than words can say! Not only do I reject them with every fiber of my being, but they bring to mind bad memories," I snarled.

"Oh, and why is that," asked the wannabe pilot.

"Because the crap you just spouted is like what the rat Le Creuset ranted before he met his end. The mentality of that madman is wrong, and I say good riddance to dirty rubbish when it comes to him! It was a pleasure to stop his plans and be there to witness his fall and following demise," I stated firmly, and the clash between me and the wannabe began.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

The fight between the Justice, the Exalt, the Destiny and the Legend kept going underneath the positron reflectors. Shinn at seeing the magnitude of the firepower the two gundam-type mobile suits had, he was apprehensive about them. They had shown that they had more power to use than previous gundam-types had displayed. Whether that was due to the odd light that the two were putting off or something else Shinn couldn't say. The new Justice was powerful, and Shinn had personal experience in going against it, but its companion was something else. The blue and white gundam was letting out more light than the Justice did, it had an unknown number of DRAGOON pods AND, those pods could also combine with the rifles the suit had.

On the other hand, Rey was fuming about the turn of events that he and Shinn had been fighting to prevent. Not only had these two mobile suits been difficult dealing with, they were literally setting up things for others to hamper if not ruin Gil's plans! Rey had promised Gil that he would do his utmost to help him bring about the Destiny Plan, just as Rau had been doing in his own way. Yet, Athrun Zala and whoever it was that was assisting him were destroying all the work that had been going into helping the Destiny Plan along. Who it was in the blue and white gundam-type, Rey didn't know nor care honestly. It wasn't the abomination Kira Yamato as he was piloting the new Freedom, so it didn't matter who they were. But they had insulted Rau and Gil and Rey wouldn't let that stand!

The battle of the Destiny and the Justice was going similar to what it had the time the two had clashed around Orb. Shinn was doing a tad better than the battle on Earth against Athrun however, Shinn knew that if their mobile suits were compared, then the Justice was better with its capabilities. The fact that the Justice had superior mobility, defensive and offensive abilities hadn't changed in any way since the last encounter. Then, Athrun wasn't a novice or average pilot, he was skilled and Shinn and seen proof of that and so, it was taking much of what Shinn himself had to keep up.

Still, the strong doubts that Shinn had were what was affecting him the most right now. His heart was saying that there was truth to what was said against Chairman Durandal and his plan. Yet, his mind denied that, and the argument was not permitting ignorance of it as it went on, even as Shinn traded blows with Athrun.

Athrun noticed Shinn's hesitation and decided to not use the Justice's remote weapons even though he knew that Shinn had trouble against such. If he could convince Shinn through talking, then all the better in Athrun's opinion. "Have you come up with an answer to what kind of future you want to see Shinn," Athrun posed.

"I… I am working for the future that is best for all," Shinn replied halfheartedly.

Shinn was still not answering the question as it was posed, it was a personal question, not a question meant for a group. "My question is about your future Shinn, no one else's," Athrun insisted. "I am not inquiring about what Gilbert Durandal had said about what his Destiny Plan is supposed to bring about. I am putting to you to state to yourself and me what you work and fight for, not what others tell you. Understand what it is you fight for and know for yourself what you chose to stand for, don't just others guide you to do what they want."

Shinn could not come up with any answer to what Athrun had said, though his heart was burning in need to have an answer to this. Meanwhile, the Legend and the Exalt still were fighting each other and were going hard at it. Tyler had come to realize that his opponent wasn't the rat, but likely someone who had been around him more than others were. That was the best explanation as to why they carried the similar mentality as Creuset had. However, this young man didn't have the skill Creuset did from what Tyler could to tell. As the fight continued, Tyler did manage to destroy one of the reflectors and the field it had been generating faded.

Rey, gritted his teeth as one of the three positron reflectors was taken down, weakening the defensive field over Requiem. Gil had said that Requiem must be protected and preserved, and yet the Justice and this other gundam-type were ripping down its defenses and open the way for other to destroy Requiem. Shinn was fighting the Justice, but Shinn was not fighting as hard as previous times. Perhaps he had been affected by Athrun Zala's words along with what others had said. Rey himself had tried to explain to Shinn why Gil was right and why the Destiny Plan was the best way to help the world and the colonies. The human race had shown that it couldn't help itself and would be driven to extinction if left to their own devices as they were. The Destiny Plan was the solution that would change humanity for the better and save them from themselves and destruction.

Things slipped further as the Justice shot one of the two remaining reflectors destroying it and weakening the defense of Requiem more. "Shinn, we have to protect the last positron reflector, Requiem must not be destroyed," Rey insisted.

Rey was forced to activate the Legend's beam shield as the Exalt attacked him again, "Oh, is that right rat wannabe," posed Tyler. "And why would Durandal need this thing if his goal is peace as you say it is? It more sounds like he is doing the same as those who've come before now, crying that they are right and that their way is the only solution for the woes and problems."

The last two lines caught Shinn's attention as they got him to think about things differently. The Minerva had disabled Requiem because it had shot at the PLANTs, and even if it missed that a weapon could potentially do that was too dangerous. So, why would such a weapon be repaired by ZAFT and be used again? It didn't make logical sense now that Shinn thought about it. Then the last line, it made the Chairman be portrayed as not a good man, but a deceiver and a despicable individual. Gilbert Durandal hadn't seemed like that type of man, but some of the actions he said were necessary didn't feel like they should be.

"This cannon Requiem is a weapon of mass destruction period," Tyler stated firmly. "Such things are NOT deterrents in any way, and the fear they cause should never be a way to sway others. This cannon is capable only of destruction as its classification clearly states, hence why it is a weapon of mass destruction. It will never bring peace, it is a means for Gilbert Durandal to eliminate those that won't agree with him so that he doesn't have to listen or tell lies and part truths to contradict the truth that would come from them."

"Lies, all of what you say is untrue and how dare you spout any such lies about the Chairman," Rey challenged.

"Then provide multiple piece of solid evidence that proves me wrong," Tyler replied. "History of weapons like Requiem clearly agrees with my iteration and not yours. Durandal's actions show that his goal isn't peace as he says, his Destiny Plan is the shining piece of evidence that peace is the last thing he is working for, that's not what his plan will bring."

"You know nothing of the Destiny Plan," Rey snarled. "Your ignorance and blindness is the reason this battle is occurring at all!"

There was a moment of silence, "Fine, if you aren't willing to even try and talk civilly, then let us see who is right," Tyler posed. "Let us find out what Chairman Gilbert Durandal will do when he's shoved up against the wall. That will stand as a clear testament as to what kind of man Gilbert Durandal really is more than his words." After saying that, the Exalt pointed one of its particle cannons at the last reflector and fired. The last reflector exploded and the field over Requiem finally faded completely exposing the cannon's barrel fully.

Tyler and Athrun quickly left after the field went down, the orders from the allied fleet to move into an attack formation to assault Requiem directly providing motivation. This left Shinn and Rey there, but the sight of a number of ships moving to be above Requiem got the two to move out from being above Requiem as well. Rey was unhappy that things had taken the turn that they had, but at the moment there was nothing more Shinn or he could do. "Shinn let's head back to the Minerva and resupplied while there is the time," Rey suggested.

Meanwhile, the space fortress Messiah drew closer to the battle, coming into effective range to enter the battle. The station's structure was a rough diamond shape overall though the upper section kind of looked like a classic fortress or castle shape with a large central section and two side parts. The fortress was made up of a what had seemed to be a former asteroid or space rock with other man-made parts to fill in here and there. Three rings were connected to the structure, the smallest at the lower spire the medium sized ring at the central fortress section and the largest close to dead center of the fortress. All three rings attached by multiple long spars, rotating in a clockwise direction.

For its arsenal of weapons, Messiah had quad laser-cannon turrets as well as a smaller version of the GENESIS weapon Patrick Zala used in the previous war named Neo-GENESIS. The Gamma emitter was the third version of the type of nuclear weapon it was. The major difference between this one and the previous was that its external mirror would not need to be replaced after each firing, thus it is able to fire more rapidly than the previous GENESIS models. There was still the need to have the array charged before use, but it consumed less power and can fire two shots using half of the charged energy on its power supply. The main defense for Messiah was a powerful beam shield, capable of engulfing and thus protecting the whole station from weapons fire. The shield could possibly be perpetrated by some mobile suits were they to get close enough, which the quad laser-cannon turrets were to heavily discourage. Combine that with ZAFT's lunar fleet, Messiah would be hard to take on and deal with.

On Messiah, Durandal sat in the command center gazing at the scene that was the battle unhappily. He had to applaud the Ricter Team, they had held out better than had been hoped when the first call for help had come. The fleet that was assaulting Daedalus was larger than he would have thought such a thing could be, comparable to that which had been in the Second Battle of Jachin Due. Like that fleet, this one was also made up of ships and forces from all three faction. Durandal had known something like this could come to pass, but he had been doing what he could to curb such from occurring.

Requiem still was where it was supposed to be, and it was charging currently, yet its defenses had been mostly removed or disabled. By recent reports, two enemy units had managed to infiltrate Requiem's firing chamber and gundam-types no less. They were being pursued, but that wasn't going well clearly as the cannon's barrel had the bulkhead covering it removed. Then the three positron reflectors had been disabled leaving nothing to block a bombardment. In fact, Durandal saw ships moving into a formation that would have them shooting down Requiem's barrel.

Durandal order that Neo-GENESIS be readied to fire at this fleet assaulting Daedalus as quickly as possible. He still watched when the last reflector went down, barely able to see four mobile suits breaking up their fighting with one another. Two of those suits were the Destiny and the Legend, one of the others was the new Justice that had appeared around during the operation against Orb. The other mobile suit was one that Durandal hadn't seen before, but it was putting out light, which fit the descriptions that had been in recent reports. What the light was remained unknown, scientists had been attempting to breakdown the idea, yet they had come up with nothing solid other than guessing it was a new type of power source that the Federation developed recently.

The ships positioning themselves to fire at Requiem were waiting for the allied mobile suits to move out of the way. However, as they began opening fire on Requiem, Messiah transmitted a warning to ZAFT forces to move out of the path that Neo-GENESIS would fire in. Shots were striking the area of Requiem when Neo-GENESIS was fired, and the gamma beam surged forward and washed over a portion of the vessels attacking Requiem. The ships that the beam engulfed were destroyed quickly as the beam began shrinking and fading.

Phase end

A/n

Okay, know I'm ending on a cliff hanger and it can be seen as mean, but that's how it goes, not sorry about that. Now, on to a few points that I want to get into for one reason or another. Collection part one, the battle around the first relay station. I thought it would be neat to have Lacus using a METEOR unit and not Athrun. Plus, honestly, the Eternal Justice is cooler fighting without it against multiple opponents. Next, the scene with Mu recalling who he was, I kept that scene as I really like that scene from canon as I think it really does play a part in the story.

Next collection, and one that some have asked about and kind of requested, the interaction between Tyler and Sakura. As it had been suggested before now and implied, the two are on the road to ending out together and this makes it pretty much official. Yes, Tyler is coming to accept that he'll end out with her, though he hasn't forgotten what she's put him through. Also, you now have a glimpse of how the relationship started with the flashback. There might be more to it later, I still haven't decided if I will yet. Plus, we saw how the Phoenix gundam which Sakura flies can do and, in her hands, it's SCARY. Last section, the change to Tyler and Athrun infiltrating Requiem instead of like in canon where Mu and Athrun break through the shield. Honestly, I thought that breaking through the shield, while nice was lacking in a way. So, I thought why not spice up how the what leads up to the disablement of Requiem with my version. Plus, I wanted to have a fight of Athrun and Tyler versing Shinn and Rey and this was an opportunity.

Anyways, I do hope you readers are enjoying this story thus far as I've put lots of time into it and where it is fun to write, it's nice to have others enjoy it too. That being said, please some of you write a review and tell me your thoughts, such is very much appreciated. Peace out until the next Phase!