A/n

I don't own nothing from the Gundam universe, only my own original characters and musings with which I write stories with. If you see similarities, it's a coincidence, that's my reasoning and I'm sticking to it! Now, on with the story!

Phase 11: Settling Accounts

January 29th, 71 C.E.

The Archangel

Arnold sighed as Tolle entered the bridge and took his station letting him get a break. With ZAFT momentarily out of the picture, Tolle would be able to handle flying the Archangel for a while and at the same time get some practice driving the ship. The teen was learning fast as decently how to pilot the Archangel and Arnold had told him that a few times already. In fact, all the teens volunteering were learning their assigned stations well enough. And with recent events, it was a credit to the teens with how well they were doing taking into account all the stress and tension. Plus, Arnold could finally get some rest and well-earned it was like most breaks he got.

Most of the crew was getting a little nervous with the Federation cruiser still traveling ahead of them. The reputation of and stories about the Federation was established, the crew of the Archangel didn't know what would happen to them. Then there had been the message from the Federation vessel that there would be some of their officers would be coming on board to discuss current and future standing soon. That in mind, Arnold was hoping to get some sleep before the tense atmosphere got stronger. But before he got to the lift from the bridge, Murrue spoke up, "Chief Neumann, please wait for a moment."

Arnold turned to the acting captain, "Yes captain," he asked managing to keep the weariness out of his voice.

Murrue followed Arnold as he got into the lift, the doors closing behind her, "I would like to ask you along with Major McAlester to go and greet those from the Federation as they will be here rather soon as they are coming our way. I have already talked with Krystal and she is willing to do so but I would like a member of the bridge crew to greet them too."

Arnold nodded slowly, kind of surprised and also honored that Murrue Ramius would think of him to represent the ship in this. It was expected that either Mu or Krystal would be picked as they had likely had experience with interacting with the Federation. "Very well Captain, if you think I can represent the crew well I'll do my best," Arnold replied.

Murrue was relieved a bit that Arnold was willing to meet the Federation officers. Things were hard enough already, everyone pulling double duty or more to keep the ship going. Mu's assurance about the Federation had helped a little, but not all that much. So, she would admit that she needed the help of the ship's crew, "Although, on your way, could you find Kira and Lacus for me and tell them something for me," she said. "A discussion between Lieutenant La Flaga and we agreed upon something."

Murrue explained to Arnold that Kira and Lacus would be moved to new quarters and told him which ones they were. Arnold agreed to tell the two pilots as he wanted to thank the two for the things they had done for the Archangel. Those two teens may be Coordinators, but they had put their lives on the line for all on this ship and Arnold felt they should be thanked for that. So, he headed off and met up with Krystal on the upper crew deck before they went to one of the suspected airlocks that the Federation would use.

Arnold did briefly explain what the captain wanted him to do. Krystal upon hearing what Murrue Ramius wanted Arnold to do, she suspected the captain didn't have the idea fully herself. It more sounded like something that Mu would come up with to her. Krystal knew that Mu had a mischievous side to him that didn't come out often but she'd seen it sometimes. So, giving better quarters to the two teen pilots was something she pinned on Mu. Not that the teens didn't deserve recognition for what they had done thus far, for she believed they did.

Arnold and Krystal glanced into crew quarters as they passed searching for Kira and Lacus. The two ended out finding the teens in the set quarters that they had seemed to have chosen since the incident with Heliopolis. The light level was dim so only parts of the room's interior were distinguishable from the doorway. "Excuse me? Mister Yamato, Miss Christopher, are you in here," Arnold asked.

There was a form stirring on the left as Kira came to conscious at hearing Arnold's voice. Kira and Lacus had been getting some sleep with things somewhat quiet. Neither Lacus nor he had missed the tension around the ship, though they couldn't figure out why it was there. True, they both knew the Alliance wasn't on the best of terms with the Federation, but they didn't think it was as bad as some were inferring. Tyler certainly hadn't said anything to infer that things were to the point that the two factions would fight one another. So, Kira sat up in the bunk where he was lying, "Yes," replied Kira, "is there something you needed Chief Neumann?"

Lacus was lying on the bed opposite Kira's and she was waking up as well with the talking going on. She'd heard bits of the conversation while she had been waking up and she was trying to make sense of it. From the things her father and sister have said around her before now, relations between the factions weren't the nicest. The PLANTs and ZAFT were on cordial with the Federation, but some didn't like the Federation. The Alliance and the Federation were close to being at complete odds and battling each other as of late supposedly.

"Sorry for waking you both," began Arnold, "but the captain asked Major McAlester and me to show you two to your new quarters."

Krystal picked up where Arnold had left off, "Since you've been doing volunteer work and a good job I might add as our key pilots no less, it has been felt that you should be given better sleeping arrangements than what you have right now."

"Oh, I see," said Kira swinging his legs over and to the floor. He looked at Lacus who was getting out of the bed she had been in. It would be nice to have a little more room, but the change was kind of unexpected. Still, he did the same as Lacus and they both rummaging around for what few possessions they had on them at the time of this all got started. A short while later, Arnold and Krystal led the two Coordinators down a hall to their new quarters. To the surprise of both Kira and Lacus, their new rooms were right next to each other.

Before the teens could ask about the arrangements, Arnold spoke, "The captain assigned you quarters right next to each other," he said. "They're for low-ranking commissioned officers normally, but since you are pilots, she thought it was appropriate. Ordinarily, you'd be sharing with another officer of the same rank, but given the small crew compliment and the circumstances, you'll each have your own quarters. Lieutenant La Flaga and the Major here, are in quarters down the hall, you can talk to either of them if you need anything."

"Understood," said Kira.

"Thank you, Chief Neumann," added Lacus and gave a slight nod as they entered their new quarters.

With Kira and Lacus getting down to the business of settling into their new rooms, Arnold and Krystal left the two along and resumed on their journey to greet the Federation officers. Arnold was a little nervous at the prospect of meeting some of them as the Federation had a reputation for being mysterious and strict, he'd never had personal experience with any. Krystal was keeping calm as she was sure the Federation would at least listen to their explanation. They may not agree to help, but they would at least listen to the explanation of the situation and that would be the first time the Archangel or its crew had gotten that.

Meanwhile, the Donnen moved to the position that it was over the Archangel in preparation to connect. Most of the time, a Federation vessel over another ship had either the intent to disable the opposing ship or board it. This time disablement wasn't the intent, just to connect the two ships so that shuttles would be needed for a conversation. Shepard had decided there was no reason to waste time about having a talk with the officers of the Alliance ship. The ship and its crew had been at the center of recent troubles whether they had contributed or not.

When in position, the Donnen used a tunnel from the bottom of its hull which connected to one of the top hatches on the Archangel. Captain Shepard accompanied by two other officers arrived at the Donnen's end of the tunnel. There were four soldiers in space suits armed with assault rifles with them, ready to jump in if things went bad as was standard procedure. Shepard nodded at the soldiers and told them to stay aboard the Donnen for the moment while she and the two officers when over to the Alliance vessel.

When the connecting tunnel was pressurized and filled with breathable air, Captain Shepard along with two other officers entered and sailed over towards the Earth Alliance ship. Once the three reached the hatch on the upper hull, one of the officers connected an electronic device to the small access port beside the hatch. The hatch shortly unlocked and opened with the aid of the small electronic device use for hacking through OMNI and ZAFT security. Captain Shepard with the two Federation officers right behind her floating onto the Archangel.

On the Archangel, the only real warning that any aboard the Alliance vessel had was the dull thunk of the tunnel engaging its magnetic pressure seal and start filling with air. Arnold with Krystal right behind him caught sight of a door to maintenance access ways of the Archangel, including an airlock to the outside opening. How the Federation could access systems of Alliance and ZAFT ships none knew but it wasn't a fluke. It was one of the many unanswered questions about the Federation that existed.

Out of the door came three Federation officers in the known Federation uniform and they quickly faced Arnold and Krystal. The officer in the center was a woman and had a serious look on her face and both Arnold and Krystal didn't miss that the woman's uniform had more symbols and markings than the other two officers had meant she probably had a higher rank. And if they needed more proof, the woman gave it herself when she spoke, "I am Captain Mary Shepard of the Federation cruiser Donnen, where is your captain," She asked curtly yet gave no room for debate.

There was tense silence that hung over the corridor, so much so that none noticed the fourth figure that popped their head out of the maintenance corridor the Federation officers had come out of, which was sideways to the deck of the Archangel. The person was in a Federation pilot suit, but they didn't have the helmet, so Tyler's tan hair and green eyes were visible. "Say, Captain Shepard, has anyone ever told you that you come off as extremely strict and intimidating," he asked lightly. He wondered if the woman had ever been told how she came off, not everyone was. "It can be very hard to respond to and make you hard to approach."

Shepard glanced back at Tyler McGregor who was smiling slightly and again she wondered about the young commander. It was clear he was blunt and didn't mince words that she could respect to an extent. However, he also didn't seem to care what others thought of him nor his actions. It explained a bit about what the reports on him said which was he didn't always follow orders from superior officers. So, she gave him a deadpan expression in response, "There has been mention of something along those lines McGregor, do you have a point you're trying to make saying such?"

Tyler had found it wouldn't be a wise idea to tick off the captain of the Donnen with the short amount of time on the ship. That didn't he would bow his head and do whatever he was told, but he would show some manners. That in mind, he waved a hand in dismissal, "Not really, I was just curious if you've been told that you present yourself that way." Tyler paused before smiling a bit though in a more nervous manner and continued, "I think it would be best for me to uh, occupy myself with something else. So, I'm going to go for a walk then trying to keep myself out of trouble while doing so. Chief Montoya wasn't appreciating me hovering and waiting for him and his mechanics to finish up the work I asked them to do."

Captain Shepard huffed a bit as that had the teen looking after himself before she turned back to Arnold and Krystal, "Lead the way to where your captain is, there is much to discuss," she stated.

Arnold was starting to see where some of the stories about the Federation came from if this woman was anyone to judge by. So, he swallowed and nodded showing the way towards the captain's cabin on the Archangel. Tyler however, didn't follow them, instead floating forward and beginning to explore the ship looking for his friends. He wanted to make sure they were okay and have them know he was alive and kicking.

In the Archangel's captain's cabin, introductions were exchanged between the Alliance officers and the Federation personnel. They were short and polite yet still to the point, which painted the picture of the current relationship that there was between the Human Federation and the Earth Alliance clearly. The feel in the room was tense to put it mildly however, Murrue broke the tension by getting to business. "So then, Captain Shepard, the Archangel's ultimate destination is the Alliance's Lunar HQ at the Ptolemaeus base, or Earth's JOSH-A base would work as well. However, we're short on supplies and that's making the journey difficult," Murrue said laying out their current situation.

Mary Shepard crossed her arms over her torso as she already knew most of what had been said. "I'm aware of the general situation that your vessel is working with and I sympathize. Yet, you are aware that while right now you're in Alliance territory, should you continue much farther, you will be entering Federation controlled territory. According to standing treaties with the Alliance and ZAFT, neither Alliance vessels nor ships from ZAFT are allowed to enter unless they have been given permission. If they do, then they tend to be shot at until they leave," returned Shepard.

Natarle clenched her fists at the reply as it wasn't what the Archangel needed right now. Yes, Natarle knew about some of the treaties between the factions though the Federation was stricter with them than the rest. And where Natarle could understand protecting your own, there was still such a thing as kindness to another which seemed in such short supply. As much as Natarle didn't want to admit it, the Archangel needed help if she was to survive. "Then you say that we should turn and face ZAFT instead of going forward," she snapped at the Federation captain.

Shepard glanced at Natarle as the officer was letting her emotions get the better of her and the current situation really couldn't afford that. It was one of the issues that were common with OMNI personnel, they demanded a solution from others for the issues they faced instead of figuring one out themselves. So Shepard gave Natarle a deadpanned stare in response to her statement, "It's not my issue what you do, I'm merely stating the agreed-upon rules set by the treaties that have been made between all sides to maintain a semblance of peace."

While that may be true, that wasn't the point of this discussion and Murrue knew she needed to get things on track. If all that was needed was permission then asking for it was the best means forward even if it went against protocol. "Then please," Murrue spoke up, gaining everyone's attention, "Allow the Archangel to pass through Federation territory! It's the quickest route and the sooner that we get to our destination the better." Murrue paused for a moment, "I'm aware that the Archangel is an Earth Alliance vessel and isn't registered yet with the rest of the Alliance, but we need to reach one of the two Earth Alliance headquarters."

Captain Shepard was a bit surprised and impressed with this OMNI acting captain. The woman had it rough from the outset, no real way to deny that from any standpoint. She had been forced into the command chair with less than a skeleton crew which was much harder to deal with than it sounded. So, Shepard thought for a moment upon how to answer the plea that she had just been given. The ship passing through Federation space wasn't bad per se, it was who could follow them that could bring potential trouble. Shepard had read the reports on Rau Le Creuset, and what she had learned wasn't encouraging at all more the opposite. The man would chase this OMNI ship, no real question with that with the records on him. That in mind, Shepard sighed, "As long as you don't cause trouble or an incident as you go, I don't see it as much of a problem," she answered. "Plus, we can give you some immediate supplies to tie you over for now."

With the agreement made and understood, the Federation officers left and those remaining began to look at what route to take forward. But the question of what route to take lie ahead, "Now with permission to travel through Federation territory, hopefully, that will make encounters with ZAFT forces less likely. I believe we should try to use the earth to slingshot ourselves to the moon," said Murrue thoughtfully as she and the other headed towards the bridge and the rest of the crew was informed of the Federation's permission that they now had.

"Is that our best option," asked Natarle thinking over their current course to the moon. With the reminder of the strict watch of the Federation which the Archangel would be under, Natarle was irked with the current circumstances. She had nothing personally against the Federation Military, though Natarle did agree in part with those that saw the Federation's insistence of neutrality being ridiculous. But in all honesty, the pressing issue was that they didn't have the supplies to make it on the suggested route, at least, that's how it was with the refugees on board. Even were they to ration the supplies there were, it wouldn't last for long before people started to snap. "Can't we look for a better route somewhere," Natarle asked as the four came onto the bridge.

Mu sighed, "If you have a better-suggested route to the moon that doesn't have us fighting most of the way, I believe we are all ears," he remarked.

"So," said Pal, "Do we have the Federation's permission to keep going forward into their territory?"

Murrue nodded, "Yes, and hopefully it will be a quiet run through it," she replied.

"And our destination is the moon," question Arnold.

"That's the idea," Natarle returned as she sailed down into the CIC. She had given up arguing the plan, it was clear they were going forward regardless of what awaited them.

Arnold took a moment to calculate the paths to the moon from where they were. Should they turn much towards the moon before the Earth Sphere, they would be plowing through the Debris Belt. The area was filled with wreckage and was a deathtrap to the unprepared, so should be avoided as best possible. "Then please say you're not suggesting we turn towards the moon from here before getting close to Earth. If we chart a course either to the Earth Sphere itself directly, we'll have to cross the Debris Belt, despite that route taking us less time to reach than getting to lunar orbit via a direct path from the current position," Arnold stated.

The Debris Belt was a huge ring made up of lots of junk, like old satellites, empty tanks, destroyed space ships, mobile suits, and even the remains of destroyed colonies like the notable Junius Seven supposedly, which all came into the range of Earth's gravity. Because of the gravity sometimes parts of the belt spiral inwards and fall on Earth by what records said. It was definitely a dangerous place for a ship of any faction to go without an experienced pilot at the helm. Murrue however, still had a thought, "Suppose we navigate through it?"

"Are you really suggesting going through the Debris Belt," exclaimed Arnold not quite believing he'd heard correctly. The place was a ship pilot's nightmare and Arnold was not ready for that kind of a challenge crapshoot. "Recent events haven't done something to your head ma'am," Arnold looked away, "No offense intended of course. But trying to plow through the Debris Belt is nuts and just a way to bang up and destroy a ship to the point that it becomes part of the collection of debris! I'm a decent pilot, but I'm not that much an expert ma'am!"

"The junk heap that humanity made ever since they began exploring space," muttered Mu with a sigh. What Arnold had said about the place was accurate, all ship pilots knew the area was borderline suicidal to cruise through. "It's true, we don't want to be a part of that," he paused suddenly before a thoughtful look on his face. "Wait a minute," he said slowly as a plan quickly began forming in his head, "yes, the Debris Belt, that's it."

The others on the bridge were still discussing what was the best route to Lunar HQ ignoring Mu's muttered comment. Krystal on the other hand, the moment she saw the smile on Mu's face she started to worry. The smile was the one when he was cooking up a crazy normally beyond ludicrous idea that was coming to his mind. The ideas had a fair chance of working and Krystal would give credit where it was due, but the introduction was never smooth with his plans. So, she spoke up, "Mu, you have that expression of yours again, and I don't know if I should be worried or wonder where you get your ideas. What kind of scheme are you cooking up in your head this time?"

Murrue had turned to the two mobile armor pilots wondering what they were going on about. "Hm? What are you two talking about," she questioned catching both Mu's and Krystal's attention.

Mu just kept smiling, "Am I a person who can make the impossible possible?"

Krystal exhaled heavily, "Mu, whenever you say that I get worried about the plan you have formed because it means it will be more than your usual crazy ones."

Back with Tyler, he was wandering down a corridor on the central crew deck of the ship. He was kind of hoping to run into Kira and Lacus as he'd some catching up to do with them with the time apart from his friends. Tyler also had a lot of news that he wanted to tell them both plus and he had missed those two along with the friends he'd had made at Heliopolis. Also, Tyler had said to Siegel that he would tell Lacus that he was concerned for her and that she should be careful.

Tyler was sailing up to the mess hall planning to take a peek if Kira and Lacus were in there. He hadn't seen any of his other friends yet either, but he did recall that they had been in OMNI uniforms before. That could mean they volunteered to help the crew, which there wasn't a problem with that per se, in the end, it was their choice. However, as Tyler approached the Mess, a group of refugees came out of the room. In their lead was the little girl that had been scared by the Artemis soldiers, and looking to be in a much better mood. The little girl wasn't watching where she was going and she crashed into Tyler, pushing him back a tad with her weight. Tyler quickly fixed his bearings and at the same time did the same for the girl.

A woman among the refugees moved forward who was the young girl's mother bowing to Tyler in apology. While Tyler could appreciate the gesture, the girl hadn't done anything wrong at all.

When the girl looked at who she had bumped into she saw it was the nice person in the odd spacesuit that had punished the bad guys before. Her eyes widened and she smiled, "You're the nice guy that punished those bad men that were scaring us," she stated.

Tyler chuckled a bit at the simple logic of a child, they've better sense than many adults do in his opinion. So, he 'knelt' or rather brought his head down to her eye level and smiled back, "You're right, I did punish those men, they were doing bad things that they shouldn't have. It's good to see that you and everyone else is okay," Tyler said kindly.

The little girl sprung forward and hugged Tyler, "Thank you for saving us," she cried.

Tyler's smile grew at hearing that for it was times like this he felt that the jobs he did in the Federation Military were worth the effort and hassle they involved. What the military did for the citizens of the Federation for the most part was made available for the citizens to access. And the Federation's citizens through their leaders did make it known that they appreciated the work done to protect them. Tyler just felt that a simple thank you was never a bad thing to give and receive. It brought warmth to his heart and made him proud that he was able to protect these people. And for Tyler it wasn't just out of duty since they're citizens of the Human Federation, but because he could do so. "Your thanks are much appreciated little lady, don't always get that," Tyler said. "It is the duty, honor, and especially a pleasure to protect and serve those like yourself."

The child's actions acted as a trigger for the others in the group of Heliopolis refugees to come forward to Tyler and thank him for his intervention. For many of them, having to face the OMNI soldiers had been quite frightening. So, this young soldier appearing and handling the OMNI personnel was as a godsend to the refugees. In Tyler's position, it was somewhat rare for him as well as others in the Federation's military to be thanked for their efforts. And with Tyler in SOLAS, thanks were even scarcer to get as the operations that they did were classified a good portion of the time. So, Tyler was grateful for the gratitude he was getting for something he did for others.

It took ten minutes for the refugees to finish saying their thank yous to Tyler and move on allowing him to continue his search for friends. Tyler entered the mess hall and found that it was essentially empty except for a red-haired girl that he'd crossed paths with. Tyler still didn't know Flay's last name, though Tyler would admit that he isn't the best at remembering names, quite horrible at it actually. Then the thought that Flay may know where Kira, Lacus, and the others are currently coming to Tyler. She was supposed to be close to Sai after all so it would logically fit, at it shouldn't hurt to ask from his view. So, Tyler cleared his throat, "Hello Flay."

Flay turned around upon hearing her name and found a tan-haired guy looking at her with a slight smile. It took a moment but his face was familiar and Flay realized it was one of those that was around Sai regularly. She couldn't remember his name offhand, but a familiar face was still a familiar face and there had been a shortage of those lately. "Wait! You're one of Sai's friends from Heliopolis, aren't you," She asked hesitantly.

Tyler nodded, "Yes, my name is Tyler McGregor," he introduced as he sat down next to the girl.

It was just after the introduction that Flay noticed Tyler was in a Federation space suit. She had been saved by someone in the same kind of spacesuit back in the Archangel's hangar. Flay had not had the chance to thank the one that had saved her life as she had feared she could've died down there. The last few days had been stressful to Flay and she wanted to at least thank the one that had saved her. "That's the same kind of spacesuit that the person who saved me was wearing," Flay said, "was that you?"

Tyler knew that Flay was referring to Luke as he had been the one that had saved her from that bad situation. It was nice that Flay wanted to thank Luke for his actions and Tyler would be sure to tell his teammate about this when next he saw him. Tyler shook his head, "Nope, that wasn't me, but he's a colleague and a friend of mine."

Flay had heard stories about Federation soldiers, about how they saved the lives of others that weren't even citizens of the Federation. But she hadn't given much credence to the stories before now since she'd seen it firsthand. "Oh," she muttered before focusing back on Tyler, "Well, the next time you see him, could you thank him for me?"

Tyler nodded, "Certainly, don't doubt he'll appreciate being thanked, it happens rarely nowadays for those of us in the Federation Military for what we do." Out of the corner of his eye, Tyler saw two figures come into the mess hall. When he turned to see who it was. Tyler felt surprised and happy to see Kira and Lacus as he'd been searching for them.

Kira and Lacus had been heading towards the mess hall to get something to eat before sleeping. Lacus had been telling him about Tyler helping them and how he had said that he would catch up with them. And it wasn't that Kira doubted Lacus, he believed her, it was just there had been nothing about Tyler since Heliopolis. Yet, when they entered, they found it mostly empty except for two individuals. Flay was one of them the other was in a Federation space suit and a moment of looking at them had Kira and Lacus realize it was Tyler. They headed over to them and Flay took this as a cue for her to leave and she exited the mess hall, leaving Kira, Lacus, and Tyler in the room. Lacus threw herself at Tyler crashing into him in the form of a hug, which he did return to her as she is a long-standing and good friend. Kira put a hand on Tyler's shoulder and squeezed, to which Tyler smiled, "Good to know that I'm not a stranger around you two yet with the time I've been absent."

Kira smiled knowing his friend would always be welcome around him regardless of where they were or what was going on. Tyler may stand out among some types of people, but Kira didn't care about that. "I don't think you could ever be a stranger around us Tye," he said with Lacus nodding in agreement.

"So Tye, what's been going on with you," asked Lacus.

Tyler took a moment to think about how to order his thoughts on how to present the chain of events that he'd been Through recently. After a minute, he gave an answer, "Oh," Tyler began, "A lot of things in the last few days. If you two would like to listen, then get comfortable, it'll be somewhat a long story."

Tyler began his story at the point where the three of them had been separated from one another during the collapse of Heliopolis. Specifically, Tyler began at with the ZAFT pilot getting out of his cockpit before the Archangel had fired in their direction. Tyler was still a tad miffed about the crew of this ship doing that as it made the situation much worse, but upon taking the time to review the situation, they'd been scared and stressed. That in mind, Tyler was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they hadn't been aiming for them intentionally. That wasn't meant to dismiss the fact their actions resulted in the colony shaft had come apart and the structure of the resource colony had followed. In turn, the atmosphere had been drawn out of the space of the colony and that force had separated the three pilots.

Having found himself alone with only the ZAFT pilot for company, Tyler had the good luck as the Federation cruiser had been in the area. Since with the interference that came from the colony's breakdown and the battle that had been going on, he couldn't contact anyone that wasn't in the immediate area. Kira and Lacus understood the reasons that Tyler was stating with why he didn't try to contact the Archangel. However, they still wished that he had done something to have them know that he was alive and okay. Tyler continued by giving some detail of his meeting Miguel Aiman who turned out to be a nice guy. He then went on to say that he and others which were his teammates that had come along and had helped him to get to the Donnen.

Kira and Lacus at hearing that Tyler was clearly familiar with Federation ships got curious about that. Kira was the one to voice his thoughts, "So then Tye, are you a member of the Federation's military?"

Tyler knew that the fact he was a soldier would come up at some point, it was just earlier than he suspected it would be. His head fell a margin, "Technically yes, I am a soldier in the Federation military. Sorry for not saying anything about it earlier when I should have."

"Okay," said Lacus, "but why would there be soldiers from the Federation military be doing around Heliopolis?"

Tyler hesitated as he couldn't tell them everything about the mission he'd been on yet as it was still classified. "I would like to tell you the whole reason why I was around the colony but due to fudging protocol I can't right now." Tyler paused for a moment cursing that military protocol said he couldn't tell Kira and Lacus the reason he was at Heliopolis fully. "What I can say is that I was looking into things around the colony and that happened to do with the Alliance."

Kira could see that this subject was not one that Tyler liked and as he said he couldn't talk about it fully. He didn't doubt that his friend had reasons for what he did, there was no doubt in Kira's mind. That was how strong their friendship was, they trusted the other and believed what they said and did was for a purpose. So, if Tyler said he couldn't tell them everything right now, Kira was fine with that. Although Tyler being a soldier did explain a few subtle things that had been odd before now.

Tyler resumed his tale at the point that he'd gone on board the Donnen and met the captain of the vessel. Miguel had been curious, but Tyler didn't blame him as it was a rare thing for those outside the Federation to be on a Federation ship after all. The reason for that was Federation High Command doesn't give out information that they don't see the need for others to know, which is most things. Tyler knew and understood the standing that Federation High Command had and agreed with it.

He kept going by saying how he had gone onto the ZAFT Nazca-class and had even seen Rau Le Creuset while he'd been there. Tyler said how interesting it was to meet Nicol Amalfi who was a clear friend to Athrun. He even mentioned the amusing reunion with Athrun, which got Kira to smile a bit. Tyler did say he had gotten a glimpse of the Aegis and the Blitz which was unexpected. However, for Tyler that had been helpful information and likely be handier in future even if Tyler couldn't say how.

Tyler moved on to the portion where he had gone to the PLANTs which included the meeting with the Supreme Council. He didn't say that he'd been wearing the more formal Federation uniform since Tyler didn't like wearing it. Tyler continued by saying he'd met up with Captain Shepard and the two of them then met up with Siegel Clyne and Ezalia Joule before the group went into the council meeting itself. Tyler felt the session had gone not as he'd envisioned or had hoped it would thanks to Rau Le Creuset. Lacus and Kira frowned at what Tyler said Patrick Zala reacted at what happened to Heliopolis. Tyler mentioned that Patrick was the foremost member of the council to blow up about what the Alliance had done.

That had been followed by the talk that had taken place between Athrun, Siegel, and Tyler. He had found that conversation had been better than the council meeting though that wasn't saying all that much. While Tyler found it nice to have spoken with Athrun in a far less tense or professional setting as he hadn't been able to do so until that point. Tyler was a bit smug that he'd confirmed that Athrun was officially engaged to Lacus even if it didn't mean a lot right now. Tyler had found it kind of fun to tease his friend since he doesn't get to do that to Athrun often or really all that much more to Kira. Tyler hadn't liked the reminder of Junius Seven and what had been lost there, but it is one of the connections he had with Athrun. He hoped that he'd gotten across the point of what dangers his father posed with his views to Athrun, but Tyler couldn't be sure.

Then when Siegel Clyne had joined them and it had gotten a little better and a little less nice at the same time if Tyler were honest. When Tyler had told Athrun about him being a pilot of one of the prototype mobile suit along with Kira doing the same, Athrun had taken the information not so well, though he had accepted what Tyler had told him. Tyler hadn't mentioned that Lacus was piloting the Strike as that would not have been taken well. As Tyler finished the portion of the tale, he got to the request from Siegel, "Now that I think about it, your father did want me to give you a message Lacus," Tyler said.

Lacus had been interested in the tale that Tyler had been going through as it had been different then what the Archangel had been dealing with. He had been busy and even gone to the PLANTs while separated. That Le Creuset had gotten out of responsibility for what had happened at Heliopolis didn't sit right with Lacus. She did have a curious expression on her face upon hearing that her father had asked Tyler to tell her something. "What did he want you to tell me," she asked.

"Well, he said that he's worried about you of course, but told me to tell you to be careful and stay safe but hold to your views and beliefs," Tyler answered.

Lacus nodded to what Tyler had said as that did sound like something that her father would say to her. She knew her father and even her older sister cared about her and what happened to Lacus. And with her being around OMNI personnel, she was more at risk than the average Coordinator with her family were she discovered.

Tyler continued where he'd left off which brought him to the point that he'd crossed paths with Lacus's sister Sakura. Honestly, Tyler was tempted to just skip ahead and say nothing about what had happened with Sakura. After all, few ever believed what he would say, even his friends didn't think he was telling the truth completely. As a compromise, he made mention of 'seeing' Sakura, and Lacus gave him an odd look while Kira just looked confused. Tyler then moved on to heading towards Artemis and the chain of events that happened which was a completely different can of worms in his view. Nevertheless, things had turned out okay in the end with help from Tyler and his comrades.

Phase end

A/n

That is where I shall end this chapter. I do hope that those reading are liking the rewrite that I'm doing, there is work going into it. It may be so for many but I find writing in 3rd person fairly difficult so this rewrite is hard for me. Although it has allowed me to go into details that I didn't have before which give depth to the story. As always, please some of you take the time to write a review and tell me what you think. Until next time, peace out to you all!