Gundam Seed: The Federation ver 2

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 Saddle Patch

13. Phase 13: Tables Turning

A/n

In the current trouble times that our world is in, I hope all of you reading are staying safe from the pandemic while we wait for the vaccine to be available for all of us. And again I would like to recognize and thank all the first responders and healthcare workers for their service. I hope all of you reading enjoy the chapter.

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Phase 13: Tables Turning

February 6th, 71 C.E.

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The Archangel

Two days passed by during which the Archangel's crew gathered supplies from the debris belt. Water wasn't the only thing found there as Lacus had stumbled upon the remains of a ZAFT vessel that had parts that were still usable. With those parts that were found, Chief Murdoch and his group were able to build a fairly good simulator for the pilots onboard to practice with. Then when Kira and Tyler did a little work on the simulator and it became close to a fully functional training station for mobile armors and suits. However, the mobile suit program was still a little too advance for everyone but Kira, Lacus, and Tyler, though both Mu and Krystal did give the idea a go. They didn't get very far in the program before failing, which was expected, but they were insistent on trying.

After supplies were gathered, the Archangel resumed its journey towards the Earth Sphere. Along the way, Mu had the idea to have the teen pilots have a mock battle with his and Krystal's armors versing the Strike. To Mu, it would be a way to gauge their skills better than they had before now and Krystal agreed. Plus, much of the crew were interested in the idea when it was put forth, though not all were excited to see such. However, Mu managed to get Kira and Lacus to come to the hangar wearing pilot suits. Nonetheless, Tyler wasn't anywhere near as interested in the suggested mock battle.

It took not just Mu but also the volunteers from Heliopolis to convince him to even agree to come down to the Archangel's hangar. Tyler had been cohered by Mu to try on an OMNI pilot suit before Mu dragged Tyler to the hangar in it. He wasn't the most pleased to have been fooled into wearing an OMNI suit, and that's how Tyler saw what Mu had done. Tyler was trying to figure what was going on and how he could slip out of it as it wasn't looking like something he would be interested in.

Once in the hangar, Lieutenant La Flaga floated in front of the three teens quite excited about the mock battle he had in mind. He was very curious about how skilled the three were and he figured that this would help determine that. Watching from the platform by the doorway to the hangar were the three pilots' friends from Heliopolis, Flay along with Major McAlester. Mu smiled as he stared at the teens, "Well you three, are you ready to try my idea out," he asked.

Tyler still didn't have much of a clue as to what the man was talking about, so he glanced over at his two companions and saw they were just as confused. So, Tyler decided that he would ask the obvious question, "Okay, what are you going on about La Flaga? What do you want us to do here that requires the three of us to be in," Tyler paused not liking what he would say, "these pilot suits?"

Mu heard the dislike in Tyler's voice when he mentioned the pilot suits, which once again say he had issues with OMNI. It hadn't been easy to get the oldest teen into the suit he was wearing, the kid had resisted it the whole time. Mu had gotten close to just giving up and just having Tyler wear his Federation suit, in the end, he'd managed it. "Well Tyler," Mu began, "we're going to have Kira and you pilot the two mobile armors while Lacus taking out the Strike. Then have you three have a bit of a mock battle to have you get some practice in."

Tyler blinked for a moment processing what Mu had said and as the words sunk in, Tyler didn't like the implications. There were a few issues that Tyler had with the suggested activity most of them, ones he didn't want to say out loud. First, Tyler couldn't just say he could pilot a mobile armor and not get out of an explanation that he preferred not to give. That mostly came to Tyler as a colleague who had been an OMNI pilot before joining the Federation teaching him some tricks. The said colleague was a former mobile armor ace and that was not argued by anyone from any faction. Second, Tyler didn't like showing off and that's what this idea was sounding like to him. And Finally, Tyler didn't see a reason to be used as entertainment and he would put his foot down and refuse such.

However, what was annoying Tyler was apparently, the officers on the Archangel either didn't believe or accept that as a Federation pilot, he could pilot period regardless of the machine presented to use. The mass-production units that the Federation Military used whether in space or on Earth were similar enough in several ways to what OMNI used. Tyler glanced at his two friends next to him and saw that they appeared to have no issue with the suggested mock battle as he did. Mu was watching Tyler and didn't reply to his question right away which put pressure on Tyler himself. Tyler looked back at Mu and his expression became flat, "And what is the interest in this mock battle of yours, might I ask," he questioned.

Mu could see the signs that Tyler wasn't going to go along with this mock battle which was a shame. It was Tyler that Mu and even Krystal wanted to see the skills of the most out of the three teen pilots. Convincing him to put on an OMNI pilot suit had been difficult, but it was looking like getting his participation would be even more so. "Don't you want to try to pilot a mobile armor," posed Mu kindly in hopes Tyler would take the bait.

Tyler was left to think to himself for a moment about the question as a straight-out refusal would unlikely be accepted. As for the matter of Tyler wanting to pilot a mobile armor, the answer honestly was no plain and simple. He had flown one and had done so against not just a former OMNI ace pilot, but their top ace. True, those few bouts had taught Tyler things that he wouldn't have learned otherwise, but that was beside the point. That point in mind, it brought Tyler back to the original question, why should he even waste the time and participate in this so-called mock battle? There was more reason not to and put his foot down and so, Tyler shook his head slowly in response. "Nope, can't say that I'm interested in driving a mobile armor, even if it's a rarer model to see or be around. So, thanks for the offer, but my answer is," Tyler started.

However, Tyler wasn't allowed to finish as Miriallia interrupted him, "Oh come on Tye, do it!"

Tyler flinched a bit before he turned around and looked towards the entry platform and saw Miriallia waving her arms in excitement. Tolle was doing similar motions, just not as much as Miriallia was as they wanted to see what Tyler could do. "Yeah Tye, let's see what you can do out there," he said. Both Sai and Kuzzey appeared to be just as interested in watching Tyler go out with the others in one of the Zero Armors.

Tyler's emotions warred within him as he didn't really want to do a mock battle, but he didn't want to say no to his friends. It was one of those times that he was too damn nice and gentlemanly for his own good and peace of mind and he knew that. The distances that he went for his friends was having him curse him being nice. Tyler after a moment let out a sigh, "Oh alright fine, I'll participate in this mock battle. I still don't really see the point to this," Tyler answered a bit irritably.

Mu was beaming inside as Tyler had agreed to the mock battle now, yet he didn't let that show outwardly. That transitioned into Tyler and Kira being led to the zero armors and were helped into them. Kira got into Mu's Zero and Tyler was given Krystal's while Lacus climbed into the Strike's cockpit. As final preparations were being made, Tyler and Kira were going over the systems of the armors they were in had. Kira wasn't sure about the mock battle though he wasn't completely against it as Tyler clearly was. Kira couldn't say why Tyler didn't want to do this activity, but he was sure that his friend has his reasons as he always did. But there just was a question that wouldn't leave his mind, "Are you sure about this lieutenant?"

Tyler heard Kira questioning what they were about to do and wondered why his friend hadn't done so earlier. It would have made his attempted refusal easier and more likely to have been successful. Mu who was at a console pushed a button to communicate back, "Of course I'm sure kid, the three of you will do fine. The mobile armors and the Strike are set into practice mode, so no live shots will fly," he said. "Don't you all trust me?"

Both Kira and Tyler took a short moment to think of a reply to Mu's question of trust. Truthfully, Tyler didn't trust Mu La Flaga much at all, and that hadn't changed yet and it would take an amount for it to. Tyler had taken some time to review the records on La Flaga and McAlester, which weren't bad, but nor did they give any reason to trust the two. While Kira didn't have anything against La Flaga, he was still an OMNI officer and they hadn't done a lot to make themselves look good lately. That in mind, Kira chuckled a bit, "Not really to be honest."

"I'll second that, don't exactly trust you, nothing personally against you Lieutenant, just don't," Tyler added.

Lacus was quiet and didn't say anything after the boys did even if she did find their reply amusing. In the hangar itself, many mechanics were trying to stifle their laughter but weren't doing that well at it. Murdoch got enough of his group back on task to start the launching sequence for the zero armors. Kira went to the ship's right catapult while Tyler was moved to the left one while the Strike was readied to be launched out after the armors.

While the launching process was taking place, Kira, Lacus, Mu, and Krystal picked up the conversation they had been having in the pilot lounge. Tyler hadn't been listening when in the lounge, but he was listening in on the conversation now without adding to it. In said conversation, Kira mentioned that he'd a weird feeling just before and during his fights with the other pilots of the stolen machines on the trip to Artemis. Mu was surprised at hearing Kira saying he would get odd feelings with other pilots, but also that Lacus had the same type of sensation. At hearing that, Krystal had suggested that an exercise be done to see how strong the feeling was which translated to the mock battle with the mobile armors going against the mobile suit.

Upon that mindset, Tyler got roped into this idea with the need of three pilots though he didn't think that was the only reason. Nevertheless, Tyler hadn't exactly said no either, so he was at fault to a degree and he couldn't deny that. Mu backed by Krystal had said it would be best for the three teens to take turns using the two zero armors. Their reasoning for this activity was Mu had heard something about other zero armor pilots getting similar vibes. He went on with his theory was that it's connected with the high degree of spatial awareness needed to properly control the gunbarrels.

Tyler had heard a similar explanation from the one who gave him pointers on flying a mobile armor whose name was Cormag. It was an unusual theory in Tyler's mind as it was compared to a sixth sense of sorts. Although he couldn't flat out deny the idea of a sixth sense as he had a capability that gave him something like that. But since that was one of the main reasons for the mock battle, Tyler kept his mouth shut as he didn't want to get questions directed at himself. There were things that Tyler wanted to keep private and he found not bringing such up was the better way to not make them public.

The conversation came to an end as the zero armors started their pause and hold part of the launching procedure. The small projected display appeared just in front of the fighters, and a moment later the catapult status display showed clear one by one from the top down, and once the three boxes on the right showed clear, the three displaying abort switched to "Launch". Tyler and Kira announced taking off and pushed their armors' throttles forward and were pressed back into their seats. The armors zoomed along the catapults' length before the power cables detached from them. Tyler ignited the mobile armor's gunbarrels' thrusters just before hitting the end of the catapult while Kira just used his armor's main thruster.

Lacus was in the Strike waiting for her turn to go to the catapult to load the suit's equipment and then launch out. She heard both Kira and Tyler launch out before she felt a jerk as the Strike began moving towards the catapult. She was going over some of the lessons that Sakura had given her on piloting a mobile suit as she moved. Once in the airlock, the Strike was loaded with its "Aile" Strike pack which gave the suit a high-powered thrusters backpack meant to increase mobility and maneuverability. It also had two energy sabers stored on it to add to the machine's arsenal. When the signal came, Lacus launched out of the Archangel and found that the two zero armors waiting a short distance away.

Tyler was going over the current circumstances as the three of them would have an open field to practice flying these machines with less to worry about around the Debris Belt. To Tyler's view, it was better than a simulation as this would be real and practical experience in piloting. It would be just the three teens out there by themselves with the Archangel observing from the sideline. Plus, he had tweaked the mobile armor's systems after switching it to manual settings as he wanted control of the machine.

Those that had been in the hangar all moved to the bridge or other places that they could watch the mock battle while the pilots had launched out. Kira and Lacus flew a few loops around the Archangel giving Kira a chance to get used to the Zero's controls. While they did that, Tyler did a maneuver or two to check the response to the controls and the feel on their sensitivity before he had the mobile armor float slowly waiting for his two friends to be ready. The three teens were made aware that even if the systems were set to practice mode on all machines, it would show the fight as if they were using real weapons.

On the bridge, everyone on duty had taken their stations, and those that wanted to watch the battle were looking out the forward viewing port. Miriallia was at the mobile suit controller station when she got a nod from Natarle, "Strike, Zero one, Zero two, you have the go-ahead to begin the exercise."

"Got it," replied Kira as he rocketed at the Strike.

"That sounds good to me, let's get this going," Tyler remarked turning his armor towards the mobile suit and shot forward at a decent pace.

Lacus focused as she saw that both the zero armors charging at her. She knew that Kira wasn't a bad pilot, so she would be on guard, but she couldn't say accurately with Tyler. The skills that he'd show in the bouts against ZAFT had displayed hints that Tyler knew what he was doing with a mobile suit. And with his admittance of being a soldier in the Federation's military, there was no telling how skilled he was. So Lacus began moving left slowly to see what response she would get from her opponents in this fight. Kira fired his armor's main gun off, but the Strike evaded to the right and firing off its beam rifle at both mobile armors switching between them.

Tyler threw the control stick hard to the right and put his zero into a barrel roll allowing him to evade the shots that Lacus was sending off at him. Kira did much the same as Tyler to dodge the shots, at the same time deploying one of the gunbarrels as he resumed his approach towards the mobile suit. The gunbarrel brought out its two autocannons and they began spitting shots at the Strike along with using his armor's Linear gun to take on the suit.

As that was going on, Tyler chose to observe the fight more than participating and had to admit that he was kind of impressed by his two friends. Mu had suggested starting out with using only one gunbarrel at first, and then adding the others when they became more comfortable with the system they used. It was an idea that Tyler would agree with, though he hadn't found the gunbarrels that difficult to handle. However, Tyler was considered an "unusual and unique" pilot so he wasn't the best to judge a standard by.

And as Tyler watched Lacus evading the shots with some rather fanciful maneuvering, he was left to wonder just how much Sakura had taught her younger sister. He specifically recalled Lacus mentioning that her older sister had given her a few lessons. Then with Sakura being one of ZAFT's best pilots and one of their Champions, she was one heck of a pilot in her own right. So, it made Tyler wonder if his stalker had given her baby sister the basics or more than that. Should it had just been the basics, then nothing to worry about. If however, she had gone further, then there would be more to take into account with Lacus Tyler knew.

Lacus shot off a couple more harmless "bolts" from her beam rifle which Kira only narrowly dodged. Lacus finally went on the offensive by charging forward focusing on Kira and firing repeatedly at him. Kira evaded by activating the wire that connects the gunbarrels pulling it back in at the same time cutting off the other thrusters on the Zero. He activated the engine on the retracting gunbarrels an instant after the wire started drawing it back. The jerking of the wire gave the Zero fighter produced inertia that allowed him to dodge the incoming shots from the Strike.

While Tyler would say that Kira was doing an admittedly five-star job piloting the mobile armor, he decided he had sat by observing for long enough and to make a move. Tyler flew his zero to be behind the Strike before he aimed the barrel of his linear gun at the mobile suit and let loose a bolt. Lacus had been focusing on Kira and the red zero that she hadn't been thinking too much about Tyler. He had been on the sidelines and not doing much to add to the mock battle for some reason. But she managed to spin around in time and block the shot with her shield at the last second. It was surprising that Tyler had gotten behind her without being noticed at all. That said he was good with tactics and Lacus hadn't thought Tyler would be. So, Lacus shifted her attention to the blue zero forcing him to do some barrel rolls to avoid getting hit by the beams Lacus was shooting.

Nevertheless, Kira saw the opportunity that Tyler had provided to him having the attention of their opponent on him rather than Kira. So, he aimed the arsenal of his zero at the Strike and unloaded after deploying its gunbarrels. Kira was focusing on attacking rather than flying the mobile armor actively, having the gunbarrels attack from different directions. Several shots from the autocannons were marked as hits, yet autocannons weren't strong enough to do heavy damage or even disable a regular GINN. And in this mock battle, the Strike had been programmed to mimic a ZAFT GINN suit overall.

Lacus countered Kira's attacks by doing some acrobatics to dodge the gunbarrels shooting her and fired back at the zero even with the few hits Kira scored. Kira then duplicated the maneuver he did earlier pulling his fighter out of the line of fire as the bolts from the Strike's beam rifle, using the gunbarrels to move him. While Kira was rotating as the mobile armor sailed out of the paths of the beams, he shot off his fighter's linear gun. Kira then charged at Lacus and moved forward a little before deploying the top and bottom gunbarrels again.

Nonetheless, a moment later, the skirmish was over as Lacus managed to hit Kira's zero armor with a single rifle shot marking it as destroyed for the practice run. Tyler had to applaud the shot on the zero, it was clean and neat, he couldn't deny that and he'd seen enough records and battlefields to know what he was talking about. The result left Tyler and Lacus in this skirmish, and he was fine with that as he was still curious about Lacus's skills. Be that as it may, being the gentleman, Tyler decided to offer his lady friend a chance to opt-out of a fight against him which he would win. "Nicely done Lacus, the one who taught you how to pilot did a really good job. So, as a way to show respect, I'll offer you a chance to back out and we can consider this battle a draw. What do you say," he offered calmly.

Lacus knew that Tyler was a gentleman, and while offering what he was, she wasn't interested in it. She wanted to test Tyler and see how good he could be when put to it as he hadn't done much in this mock battle yet. Sakura had mentioned a few times that Federation pilots were usually quite skilled. Lacus believed her older sister, but she wanted to see for herself just how good Tyler might be. "Nice as your offer is Tye, think it would be more interesting if I beat you," Lacus replied.

Kira and the others listening on the radio were wondering how the rest of the battle would go. Those on the Archangel had found Kira and Lacus fighting very interesting as it had gone unexpectedly. Kira's movements were quite different than any had figured he would use, even the mobile armor pilots. Yet, Tyler was seen as a wild card so to speak and he hadn't done much other than dodge and shoot a bit. So, Tyler vs Lacus was driving up the level of excitement that was building for the watchers. Yet, some didn't miss Tyler saying that someone had 'taught' Lacus a portion of her piloting skills.

Tyler was glad that Lacus had refused his offer, it made this mock fight kind of worth the time spent. He'd been getting bored during this fight and it had been more proving that it would be a waste of time. Maybe now he'd get a bit of a workout and with the training that Sakura had likely given Lacus, at least that was Tyler's hope. Perhaps he could actually get a tad more serious and not just humor others, in short, Tyler felt it was time to stop playing around. And so, Tyler watched as the Strike charge towards him keeping cool and collected as he watched. Then Tyler deployed all four of his armor's gunbarrels and once they were at the end of their wires, he had them ignite their thrusters.

Lacus closed the distance there had been between her and the blue zero before she drew her beam saber. She did note that Tyler's gunbarrels had detached and had their wires out to most if not all of their length, but she focused on hitting Tyler. Yet, just as she was swinging the sabers, the armor jerked to the left out of the way of the attack. While Tyler's upper and left gunbarrels assisting his craft by pulling it out of the position of being cut by the energy saber, he activated the right and lower gunbarrels' auto-cannons. And so, as that barrels soared past the Strike, Tyler fired off a quick barrage to throw his opponent off-guard.

Lacus was forced back a bit after taking fire from the armor's auto-cannons while they sailed sideways. Tyler kept an eye on the tension readouts on the wires connected to the gunbarrels making sure that they didn't go too high and snap. Tyler didn't want to have them to break under the stress he was putting them through. But it did make Tyler thankful that Zero model mobile armors were built sturdy as hell which he gave credit to OMNI for that point. He'd learned that tidbit while going against his colleague Cormag since the man had used a zero armor back in the last fight they had done. And in the end, Cormag had beaten Tyler much to his chagrin and even Tyler had to admit that Cormag had gotten him good. Cormag's like Tyler's piloting style had no manual for it which Tyler was adapting to use as his own in this mock battle.

Tyler had all the gunbarrels rocket forward tugging the main body of the armor along, much like the historical dog sleds used dogs to pull them forward. The move surprised Lacus but it did show her another hint that Tyler was more skilled than he let on. The Strike fired off its beam rifle in the blue zero's direction though the bolts weren't aimed very well since Lacus was thrown off by Tyler's counter. Tyler evaded by having the wires to the barrels start retracting, but instead of the gunbarrels coming back to the main body of the armor like they normally did, they instead pulled the mobile armor towards them. Tyler accomplished that by having the gunbarrels pushing forward with their thrusters so that the wires towed the main body ahead and brought it to the barrels. Tyler didn't know which was funny in this, that he was starting to kind of enjoy himself or that he was using the same moves that Cormag had employed against Tyler himself ironically.

Tyler felt the machine shake as the four barrels docked on the back spars with a bang with their incoming speed. And again, Tyler was glad that Moebius Zero armors were built better and sturdier than their mass-production counterparts. It was one of the things that Tyler would admit that OMNI did okay with, the cables they built for wired weapons were able to take a serious beating and still work. Tyler after docking the barrels used the controls to get the right gunbarrel to point outward and the left one to shift inward and have their thrusters burn hard. The result was the zero pitched to the right bringing the white mobile suit into its targeting crosshairs of the linear gun.

Lacus was turning to face the blue zero unknowingly putting the Strike's cockpit smack dab in front of the armor's linear gun's firing line. Not one to refuse such an opportunity, Tyler squeezed the trigger and sent two shots from the zero's main weapon at the suit's cockpit. Lacus noticed far too late that Tyler was set up to make the attack he did and could only watch as the shots came at her. The shots nailed where Tyler had intended, and the message of the target being destroyed came up on his front display. He turned off the radio as he gained a satisfied smile and snickered quietly, "Whoop there it is," Tyler muttered to himself. "Eat your freaking heart out Cormag and I know you would be at seeing this. You would be laughing your head off as I just pulled off what you did to me in our last bout, I know it."

Back on the bridge of the Archangel, Mu sat in his seat gaping in astonishment at the performance of the three teens. He'd known that these three were Coordinators and that they had shown talent in piloting in varying degrees. The mock battle was to get a better picture as to how skilled they could be and with what had just gone down, there's far more to the teen pilots than many had suspected. Sure, the Moebius Zero armors were considered comparable to a ZAFT GINNs or perhaps even a CGUE with a good pilot, and records proved that, yet that didn't explain what had just happened.

Granted, Mu figured that Kira and even Tyler had experience in piloting, though it was with mobile suits, not mobile armors as far as he knew. Nonetheless, those two had just used Krystal's and his zeros with their gunbarrels, which most pilots have lots of difficulties in working with, and they had made it look easy. True, Kira had lost in the mock battle, yet he'd still gotten a fairly good grasp on the gunbarrels during his first run. And while Kira may not have used them as skillfully or precisely as Mu or Krystal did, the kid had done far better than Mu had during the first year of training. It'd taken eighteen months for Mu to get around Kira's level of skill. Then, Mu had never even thought of Kira's somewhat insane strategy of using the wires, they had felt often more of a hindrance than a help. Yet the young Coordinator had got them to produce inertia and help maneuver the armor out of enemy fire.

Lacus was a good pilot too, Mu wouldn't deny that as the girl had proven herself quite well. And with what Tyler had said to her during the battle, she had been taught by someone. That brought up the question as to who could have given the pink-princess lessons. Whoever they were, they had experience from battlefields Mu would bet as some of the things the girl did were learned there normally. Lacus's handling and awareness was something, and Mu believed it had been polished, even if the girl didn't know herself. Mu couldn't think of may that could or would teach another that wasn't in a military organization, so he couldn't guess who possibly given Lacus Christopher lessons.

Then what McGregor had done out there, that kid hadn't just won against the Strike posing as a GINN, he hadn't been hit once and used the gunbarrels in even more crazy ways than his younger friend. Hell, Mu would bet a sizable sum of money the kid could probably be able to give almost any given veteran mobile armor pilot a serious run for their money and likely beat them was he put to it. If what he had just done it anything to go by, then Mu figured that Tyler was downright good at piloting, perhaps an expert. However, it did answer the question of him being skilled, he certainly was and Mu suspected that those on the Archangel hadn't seen just how good yet.

Mu forced himself to clear his head as the battle was done, "Well, I gotta say," he said but hesitated, "I'm impressed." He put up a front by smiling and keeping his voice even, "Keep up the good work all of you, but don't forget to let the pink princess have a turn in the rotation."

"Yes Lieutenant," came the panting voices of Kira and Lacus over the radio.

"Sure thing, La Flaga," replied Tyler in his normal voice.

Once the radio was shut off, Mu's smile faltered a bit as he turned back to the captain. "Okay, Kira and the pink princess are scary with what they are capable of," he said with the corners of his mouth turned down a little before the frown deepened. "But Tyler's skills and capabilities," Mu paused to take a breath at the thoughts of going against the oldest teen, "They terrify the hell out of me." Mu then sighed scratching his head, "Dang it all, those three kids make me look bad with how easy they make what they did look. Now, what am I supposed to do? They're rendering me completely obsolete!"

Krystal patted Mu on the shoulder completely understanding what he was feeling as she was feeling the same. The kids had outdone any expectation there had been of them, her own included. But there was one point that was bothering her, "You're not the only one they're doing that to Mu, I'm in the same boat, don't forget." Krystal paused for a moment staring at the front viewing port, "Although, I'm thinking that Tyler has had previous experience with mobile armors, specifically a Zero type. It's the only way I can think of, that could have him be as familiar with how to use a Zero armor and its gunbarrels. Whether that is going against them or using them I can't say specifically."

The blonde-haired man turned to his fellow armor pilot at her last statement. Were it true, then someone may have given Tyler some pointers and it would have had to be someone that knew what they were doing. There weren't a lot of mobile armor pilots that could work well with zero armors anymore. The majority of Moebius Zeros pilots had been killed during this war thus far, Mu, Krystal and a select few others were all that was left. "You think that Tyler has done this before," he asked curiously about the idea.

With the moves that Krystal had seen, for Tyler to be a naturally talented pilot was possible yet improbable. That left the logical explanation of someone showing if not taught Tyler about the zero armor. So, Krystal nodded, "Yes, and likely shown how by a skilled pilot if I were to guess."

Natarle came out of the CIC at hearing the exchange between the mobile armor pilots. Truthfully, she had to admit it would make sense if Tyler had some form of military training with him as a soldier of the Federation. But the suggestion that Major McAlester was giving that an armor pilot could have taught the teen was hard to believe. Yet, McGregor just had a way to get under Natarle's skin unlike any had before him. However, with the display that had just been seen, there was clearly more to the oldest teen than met the eye. "If you think that another could have taught him anything he did, who would be able to do that," Natarle asked.

Both Mu and Krystal were left to ponder how to answer Natarle's question as they wanted to know the same thing. If it was true that Tyler did have previous experience with mobile armors, and was taught by someone else, then who could have possibly taught him well enough to do what Tyler had? With so few armor pilots that were skilled enough or crazy enough to attempt what the oldest Coordinator on the Archangel had done in the mock battle. In fact, among the zero armor pilots, Mu and Krystal were considered more towards the crazier end of the risk scale, so there weren't any pilots that either could come up with.

Over the next few days sparring matches between the two Moebius Zero armors going against mobile suits would occur. It became pretty much a daily ritual not too long after the Archangel came out of the Debris Belt. These matches served two purposes, they helped the pilots keep their skills sharp and it broke the monotony of their journey towards Earth. However, it hadn't taken long to witness a clear difference in skill levels between all five pilots.

Where Kira and Lacus might not be the best out of the pilots, they were quickly improving with the practice that came from these matches. Krystal was good with her zero mobile armor, though not as good as Mu himself, but like Kira and Lacus, she was improving. Her experience had shown, but with the constant rotation of pilots, she was being forced to adapt by trying new ways of flying her armor. Mu was thought to be the most experienced pilot among the five initially, proved that his experience in the war was not just for show. Yet, he was well aware that he still had room for improvement, the recent fights with ZAFT mobile suits had shown him that.

Nonetheless, it was Tyler that'd surprised the crew the most out of all the pilots. Sure, word of him being a Federation pilot had spread around the ship and the stories of what Federation soldiers had done and were capable of weren't uncommon as many onboard had heard some. But even with the stories, that didn't explain or prepare any on the Archangel as they watched the mock battles that Tyler participated in. The skills that Tyler had and the performance level he'd shown was astounding and had quickly put him at the top of the skill pile. And it didn't seem to matter whether he was in a mobile suit or mobile armor, the performance was still amazing.

In fact, throughout all the mock battles that had played out, Tyler hadn't lost once. It had appeared close once or twice, but he had always ended out the victor against the others. And the record certainly hadn't gone unnoticed by the other four pilots, instead, they took it more as an unofficial challenge to beat Tyler in some way just once. None of them had succeeded yet, but that didn't stop them from trying their hardest to do the task. It more served as a motivation for all the pilots to keep improving their own skills. It also frustrated some when Tyler was asked just how much experience he had, and the answer that came was him waving it off in some way.

The current day's match had Mu and Krystal in their mobile armors versing Lacus in the Strike and Tyler in the Shadow. Mu was going against the Strike while Krystal was doing her best against the Shadow. Mu was holding his own against the Strike, though Lacus wasn't making it easy by any means. Krystal was attempting moves with her mobile armor that she had never done even in a simulator, putting her armor close to its physical limits. Her movements were forcing Tyler to do some truly amazing maneuvers that had him pulling some heavy Gs. Yet, Tyler didn't sound winded at all when he spoke over the radio even with the stress his body was being put under. "I'll applaud your efforts Major for they are something," Tyler commented.

Krystal was replying back to Tyler that she wasn't done yet when Pal noticed an incoming signal on his console. He tapped out a command to get further detail and found it was coded as Alliance, which they hadn't gotten for a while. Pal then spoke up, "Captain, we're receiving a coded pulse, it's Earth Alliance."

"Wait, are you certain," asked Murrue. She floated over to be looking over Pal's shoulder as he manned the com-station.

Pal took a moment to double-check what he was seeing and get better detail about the message's identifying code. Each group within OMNI had a variation in the identifier that message came with to say who they were. And after a little digging Pal found the identifier he was looking for and found it belonged to OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet. "There's no mistaking it," he said, "This is a coded pulse of the Eighth Orbital Fleet."

Natarle came up from the CIC at hearing Pal say that he had a message from allies, specifically from the eighth orbital fleet. Such would potentially be a turn for the better and the Archangel hadn't had many of those at all from the journey's start. "Can you retrieve it," she asked.

Pal had already been doing the decoding of the message even before Natarle had asked if he could retrieve it. "I'm doing that right now," he replied, "give me another moment and I can have it coming out of the pa speakers." A moment later, static-filled the speakers around the bridge began putting out sound. "This is the Montgomery," said the voice, "of the OMNI's Eighth Fleet advance troop, Archangel, please respond."

Murrue smiled in a combination of joy and relief at hearing the message. The eighth orbital fleet OMNI had was under the command of her old mentor. If anyone could come up with a plan that could help the Archangel accomplish her mission it was him. "The Eighth Orbital Fleet," Murrue muttered, "that means they're under Admiral Halberton's command!"

OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet was the large space fleets that the Earth Forces had currently as a presence in space. Yet, the Eighth had a reputation that the other space fleets didn't for in the majority of the battles against ZAFT which it had participated in, the fleet had made a difference, even if the battle hadn't ended in victory for the Alliance. The one in command of the eighth fleet, Duane Halberton was also as well-known and recognized as the fleet. He was one of the

best tacticians OMNI had and was good at getting results which his service record made clear.

"So then, they're looking for us," Arnold asked, momentarily leaving his station to join the other three bridge crewmen gathered around the communications station. There had been no evidence that any in the Alliance had known what had happened to the Archangel, nor anything to say any was trying to assist.

"It looks that way, they're still a significant distance from us by what I can tell," returned Pal, "Yet, that would be the best news we've had in a while."

"But if we link up with them, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief," Arnold remarked.

Murrue nodded in agreement, "Indeed, things are finally starting to look up for us."

Rear Admiral Halberton was Murrue's mentor and she respected him a great deal. He'd supported the G-Project and said it would help bring about an end to this war. Although, Halberton had been vocally against the war with ZAFT during the beginning of it, saying that it was a mistake. Halberton never stated exactly why he thought the war was a mistake when asked. Murrue had herself asked what the Admiral had meant by the war being a mistake yet had received a confusing answer. With current events, it would be nice to see the man again and show him at least one of the fruits of the project that he supported.

Meanwhile, the Vesalius met up with the Gamow shortly after the events that occurred at Artemis. Once the ships met up, they left the other two Nazca-class ships to deal with the OMNI base and continued forward in pursuit of the legged ship. However, it was only a couple of hours before the two ZAFT vessels were approaching the border between Earth Alliance and Human Federation territory. And the risk of going into Federation territory was a serious one that the majority of ZAFT officers knew. "What's the matter Ades," asked Le Creuset coming up behind Ades as the Vesalius moved through space in search of their quarry.

"Two things commander, we're on the border between the Alliance and the Federation's territory and then, we've also detected three Earth Forces ships on long-range sensors ahead of us as well as the legged ship," said the captain. "Although, I can't say what they're doing out here."

"Hmm, indeed, a strange occurrence," murmured Creuset moving backward to the tactical board, Ades following him. After a moment of studying the information and display, Creuset spoke again, "If the legged ship were journeying from Artemis to OMNI's moon headquarters," he posed, "What would they need to do to get there with a chance of success?"

Ades thought about the question for a moment, then replied, "Well, they would need resupply at some point." Ades paused, "So then, those ships are naval vessels to either give them supplies or to get them to those supplies."

"That would be my assumption, but for them to enter Federation territory," Creuset paused for a moment, "I wonder what or who decided to do that," he said. "The Federation has proven they don't allow others in their territory without permission and the records leave no doubt. So, either those vessels are confident that the Federation won't notice them or have some reason they think they'll get off. The first is highly unlikely, and for the Federation forces to not shoo them away is just as hard to believe, and I don't know why they would believe that."

Rau paused for a bit, the musing that he had done out loud sinking into the rest of the bridge crew. Ades had to admit that the commander had a point, the Federation wasn't friendly to those that went into their territory without permission. It didn't matter if it was OMNI or ZAFT ships, the Federation had a tendency to use them for target practice and they had no need for the practice. It was the reason why the Federation's borders were so well-known, both other factions knew the consequences of border crossing. Enough ships had been damaged or lost learning that particular lesson during the years of the war.

Creuset spoke again drawing attention to him, "They haven't detected our presence yet, have they?" Ades glanced back at the sensor readouts, and by what they were showing both the Vesalius and the Gamow hadn't been noticed. But Ades didn't like what the commander was implying even as he shook his head. "Then don't lose sight of them, follow them carefully while not being noticed. We need to run silent and hope that the Federation misses our presence," ordered Creuset.

Ades hesitated for a moment, "Are you sure about this Commander," he asked. "You know the risk of going into Federation territory as well as any of us do. If we're caught by a Federation patrol, then we'll all face punishment that the council will not have any say in."

Rau knew better than any that were the Vesalius and the Gamow found by Federation forces the consequences wouldn't be nice. Getting off for what happened to Heliopolis had been something even Rau had to admit. However, he knew that the Federation would be looking into his activities as a result. That was not something he wanted at all, and it would complicate things he was working on. So, he didn't need to give them reasons to give him more attention than they already were. Nevertheless, he wanted to catch the legged ship and so the risk of chasing them even into Federation territory. "It is the reason we are to run silent, the legged ship needs to be dealt with or it will become much more of an issue."

Ades sighed as he could tell the commander wouldn't give up on his hunt, "Very well sir," he said in acceptance.

"And contact the Gamow," added Creuset, "Send them this information and tell them to plot an intercept course carefully. I want them to throw all the power they can spare into their engines… weapons, maintenance, everything not necessary to keep the crew capable. Even with the addition of three GINNs, our forces alone won't be sufficient to defeat the legged ship."

"Right away sir," said Ades turning to go back to his seat hoping that it would be as easy as the commander made it sound.

"Also," started Creuset, "Call the pilots in, we need to discuss tactics."

It was close to ten minutes later that a conference was called, and those on the Gamow were also participating. "This is the projected course of the enemy ships," said Ades, the tactical board marking the course with a red line. "As you can see, given enough time, they will meet up with the legged ship."

"It's unfortunate that the Laconi and Porto teams are joining us later than scheduled due to cleaning up Artemis," commented Le Creuset. "Thus far, the Federation seems to not be giving us any attention or notice, which works out for us right now. The OMNI vessels may be there to resupply the legged ship and I'm betting they are. With that in mind, we certainly can't ignore them," the masked man smirked slightly glancing at Athrun and the other pilots currently onboard. "Fortunately, with the Gamow providing support we should be able to handle the Earth Forces in this.

Athrun could see the logic of the Commander's plan, but that this was taking place in Federation territory didn't sit well. Should Federation forces see the battle, they could use it to deal with the Vesalius and the Gamow and ZAFT wouldn't be able to make a valid argument against them. Then there was the possibility that Tyler did get back to the legged ship and if that was true, then attacking them meant that he would be in the fight. Athrun didn't want to fight his friend as he already unknowingly had back at Orb's colony. Back to the battle, Athrun knew that at least one of his teammates wouldn't like it much with the current circumstance. "Yzak will probably be irritable over not being able to get back into the Duel," commented Athrun.

Rau heard Athrun and knew the young man had a point about his teammates. Yzak Joule was indeed a hothead and that had its uses Rau knew. But Joule had to learn control and this experience would do just that, "Well, I think the humbling experience might do Yzak some good, wouldn't you agree Athrun," posed Creuset lightly. "Besides, the repairs on the Duel aren't complete just yet, are they?"

Ades shook his head at remembering the complaints from the chief mechanic of his ship. "The mechanics estimated another day if not two to finish repairs on it," he said, "Adapting the parts is not easy. Regardless, the Duel cannot be fielded at this time, and shouldn't be considered in any of our battle plans against this force. Mr. Joule can and will live with that, or he can have some time in the brig to cool off instead."

Back with the Archangel, once the skirmish of the day was done and the pilots came back to the ship, the whispers about the communication with allies were already going around. Tyler didn't listen at first, just was thinking about getting a meal and then have time with the bed in his quarters. His undefeated record still stood unbroken, though he would applaud the effort for the fight had morphed into a three on one battle with the "one" being Tyler. Although Tyler had to admit, the skirmishes were fairly fun, at least more fun than doing the boring things he'd been doing other times when not in a mobile suit.

It was as Tyler was making his way into the mess hall that the feeling of relief hit him enough for Tyler to pause and observe what was going on more carefully. News of a rendezvous with an advance force was the message he was getting and upon listening further, he learned that the force was from OMNI's Eighth Orbital Fleet. That piece of information caught Tyler's attention for a couple of reasons. The first was OMNI nor Alliance forces should really be in the area to begin with as it was Federation territory. In truth, it didn't matter that the Alliance ships were heading in the direction of the Archangel. But it did cause Tyler to wonder just how valuable the Archangel is seen as. The reason that makes such a difference is the Federation military doesn't see any difference between ZAFT or Alliance vessels being in Federation territory without permission given before entering. If they come into the Federation's area when they shouldn't, they get shot at and that has been the consistent response. Both sides were well aware of the consequences of entering Federation territory, and they've taken care not to toe the line usually.

That being said, the ships heading their way are either ignorant which Tyler doubted, or they're crazy and that was debatable. The chances that they have permission or even asked for it from Federation High Command or anyone representing the Human Federation were low from Tyler's figuring. So, as to why this ship hadn't been given the customary single warning shot, followed by the aimed shot, he couldn't say for sure. It depends on a couple of factors, such as who's having the Alliance vessels coming with indifference and/or disregard to treaty and territorial ownership and who's on board. The Eighth Orbital Fleet's head Duane Halberton knew better than to just send ships into Federation territory like this. The man is smarter and wiser than to do something so clearly stupid and asking for trouble Tyler knew.

That brought Tyler to the point of questioning who was having these ships head this way and risk a serious military fiasco. But then, Tyler had the thought that this could also be something to do with politics and if true, that complicated things. There were many politicians Tyler had been around from the Alliance that didn't understand the consequences of thoughtless military moves at all. The majority usually claim diplomatic immunity which frustrated Tyler personally, but in the end, it just meant they get escorted out of the territory instead of chased out. No matter the reason the OMNI vessels had, they were taking a serious risk with their actions.

Tyler certainly wasn't excited or exactly happy like most others were at the news of an advanced force was coming their way. From Tyler's observations, many of those on the Archangel saw the allied ships as a sign of their worries being over. He wasn't as foolish to believe reaching allies would solve all problems, experience told him it could help, but little else. Tyler was sure that Le Creuset was still hunting the Archangel, he'd shown himself to be far too stubborn and his reputation of getting his quarry to not expect that. And Tyler betted that being in Federation territory won't slow him down, nor deter him really. That in mind, Tyler couldn't see the Archangel meeting up with allied ships doing any better at getting Creuset to leave it alone.

Kira and Lacus were reacting with apprehension, not that Tyler blamed them in the slightest. With what happened at Artemis by their own accounts, the treatment they'd received had been more horrible than what is expected. Then with the expectation of Creuset popping up sometime soon, while others on the ship were relaxing and letting out sighs of relief, Tyler intended to work his butt off the best he could to prepare. He still took the time to eat and sleep, but other than that he was rarely seen. Kira and Lacus quickly followed suit with what Tyler was doing with keeping busy from the moment that they woke up, to when they returned to their quarters to sleep.

Kira and Lacus practically more than doubled their time they were spending in the simulator. And that became more effective when Tyler programmed a few scenarios for them which were much harder than the other the simulator had. They both told their friend that what he had programmed was too hard to be right. However, Tyler told them it was a more realistic scenario than what they had been doing before and to keep at them. Tyler also took time in the machine when he could get some practice with the stuff he programmed. The teen pilots weren't the only ones doing what they could prepare, Mu and Krystal were encouraging them to keep going. What motivated the teens neither armor pilot could say, but they didn't feel safe with meeting up with allies either.

Both Mu and Krystal had experience with Le Creuset and knew the man wouldn't give up chasing the Archangel. Territory had never made much of a difference to the ZAFT commander, he went over borders before now without incident. The two even took turns in the simulator to keep up their skills. They tried the scenarios that Tyler had programmed when they found them, though they failed them. When they got together and discussed Tyler's scenarios they both agreed they were different than anything they'd seen. They questioned Tyler about how he had come up with the programs to which he just said that they were more realistic situations, but nothing else.

The zeal that we pilots were showing after hearing that we would be meeting up with the Eighth fleet's advance force wasn't missed by the crew. It shortly began worrying quite a few people as they just seemed to be stressing themselves needlessly. Tyler even heard poorly hidden whispers from some that the five pilots were getting paranoid. The counter-argument that Tyler kept hearing was that some of the crew would say that the pilots' job of protecting the ship was coming to an end soon. Nevertheless, none of the pilots let those mutterings dissuade them from their preparation. There were a few onboard the Archangel that didn't see a problem with the pilots' actions were the mechanics. And the teens found it nice to have at least some support them in what they did.

Approximately forty-seven hours after the initial contact, putting the time at around 0837 hours, the Archangel got close enough to make contact with allies. The Archangel established direct video contact with the Montgomery, the lead ship of the advance force. On the bridge of the Archangel, the screen flashed and showed Mark Copman, the captain of the Montgomery. "Greetings Captain, the arrival time at the rendezvous point with our group will be as scheduled," said Mark Copman. "Once we link up, the Archangel will come under the command of the Montgomery and we'll proceed together to the main fleet which is waiting a distance ahead. You've almost made it captain, you've done well to get this far, certainly going above and beyond the call of duty. So, all of us on the Montgomery, the Bernard, and the Law wish you safe passage the rest of the way."

Murrue nodded gratefully before she noticed that alongside captain Copman, there was a slightly older than middle-aged man in a light brown suit. The man in the suit had dark brown hair and a healthy complexion and was sitting next to him in the flag chair. He moved forward a bit so that attention shifted to him, "Greetings I am Vice Minister George Allster, of the Atlantic Federation," he introduced. "I'd like to thank you for your initiative in managing the civilian rescue operations. It's people like those on board the Archangel that bring honor to OMNI and Earth Alliance. Oh, and one other thing. I was scanning the list of recently acquired passengers and, of course, you can imagine my surprise and delight at seeing the name of my daughter, Flay."

Murrue gasped slightly as she'd known the name Allster had been familiar but had been too busy and distracted to connect Flay to this man. It seemed that, besides saving many lives, the rescue of that lifeboat may have scored them points with Allster himself, which would be helpful to them. Particularly if they ran into trouble over the presence of three Coordinator volunteers amongst the crew. And that had been weighing on Murrue heavily as she hadn't been able to think of a way to justify the action had been done. "I'd be more than grateful if I could get even a glimpse of her," continued Allster.

"Vice Minister, you'll have plenty of time to see her when they join us," remarked Copman.

"That's Flay's father," said Sai, smiling slightly to himself. "There's no doubt about it…"

At the same time, Kira, Lacus, and Tyler were spending time down in the hangar, doing work on the mobile suits. Rumors of the Archangel making contact with the lead ship of the Alliance advance force, a Nelson-class by the name of Montgomery had been quickly trickling down. There had also been something said to the effect that the Vice Foreign Minister of the Atlantic Federation was traveling on board that ship too by what Tyler had heard. It could serve as an explanation as to why the Earth Alliance ships entering Federation territory without permission, politics think they are above the rules set to keep the peace for some reason.

What surprised Tyler in the news was when Kira had mentioned the Atlantic Federation's foreign minister was Flay's father. Granted, Tyler had known that having the name of Allster meant that Flay could be related to the man, but it didn't mean she absolutely was. He'd been kind of hoping she wasn't related since Tyler hadn't heard good things about the man. His mother dealt with Minister Allster and said he could be difficult to be around at times, especially with Coordinators. Tyler knew his mother was a fair and good just of character so if she said the guy was difficult, then he believed it.

Anyway, Kira and Tyler were doing the fine-tuning on the machines in preparation for potential problems. Tyler figured it was more a matter of when rather than if Creuset popping up and he wanted to be as ready as possible. Even Lacus was in the hanger, though she was more keeping the boys' company while they worked. She wasn't as tech-savvy as Kira or Tyler were, but she wanted to do something and so she would be their moral support. However, that's not to say that Lacus hadn't learned how the OSs that the Alliance mobile suits worked, she'd taken the time to learn. As much of an idol singer Lacus was, a few years back she'd decided to attempt to tackle several additional subjects.

Tyler respected the wish to improve oneself as it's not the most common value to be held by people these days. That Lacus had chosen the subject of computer programming to pursue such as a possible career after singing passed was unexpected. It shows that Lacus has foresight as she didn't see herself singing for her entire life even though she loved to sing. Although, that wasn't why she'd originally started to expand her knowledge base to pursue the career path. She'd felt that it was better she makes her own chooses and let others make choices for her.

Tyler could respect Lacus's decision for he could understand the position of being set up for a path another wanted. His mother had wished for Tyler to go into politics like she was but he hadn't been interested in the field, though he respected her for how good she is in it. Tyler had ended the ongoing conversation with his mother by enlisting in the Federation military. From then on, his mother had let Tyler make his own choices as he'd shown he would do that anyway.

Back to the present, Chief Murdoch floated to the catwalk that was across the Asuka checking on how Kira was doing. He had been getting kind of fond of the teen pilots, even McGregor with the attitude he had. They were good honest teens that were willing to stand up for what they believed in and the world really needed those kinds of individuals. That McGregor had made his way back after being separated from the Archangel was quite a stroke of luck even if some didn't see it that way. An extra mobile suit and pilot would be critical in a fight should ZAFT show up and with a pilot as good as the oldest teen had proven to be, even more so.

Tyler himself had been gaining growing respect for the chief mechanic of the Archangel, he was really a good guy. He and his mechanics were what kept the ship going in the background and Tyler had caught glimpse of the work they did. At least, Tyler respected Murdoch and the mechanics more than the officers of the Archangel lately. Anyway, Tyler was working on the Shadow's system, but kept his ears open to listen, just in case something was interesting said. The skill of listening was one that Tyler had learned well from his mother, it was an underrated skill in Tyler's view.

Kira noticed when Murdoch came to float in front of the Asuka's cockpit opening, "You doing okay kid," Murdoch questioned.

Kira nodded his head, "Oh yeah, I'm just making a few minor adjustments to match the off-set values," he said.

Murdoch laughed, "You just do what's needed," he said. "It's still your job till we've made it safely to the rendezvous point at the very least."

Tyler had more than a nagging feeling that things wouldn't as simple or easy as just making it to the rendezvous point. Especially if, or rather when Rau Le Creuset decides to interfere and cause trouble and issues. The masked man would want another chance at taking down the Archangel, of that Tyler had no doubt. And at Murdoch's statement, Tyler popped out of the Shadow's cockpit, "Thanks for not say that we're wasting time Chief, the sediment has been getting a tad annoying if you ask me."

Murdoch turned to face Tyler, "Sure McGregor, I can understand the reasons you probably have, we're still not with the fleet yet and until we are, ZAFT could still attack us," he replied. Murdoch agreed with the implication that Tyler was making, the Archangel wasn't out of danger yet. Those that had been chasing the ship could still assault the Archangel, territory had meant nothing around Heliopolis, so it unlikely made a difference now. "Plus, we're not really sure what'll happen to the Asuka or the Shadow when we meet up with the Orbital Fleet. The Asuka is supposedly an Orb machine after all," Murdoch paused for a moment, "I suppose Yamato could always end up as its permanent pilot when you get back down to Earth. No idea what will happen to the Shadow," remarked Murdoch laughing slightly at his joke as he pushed off.

"Birdee! Birdee" chirped Tori.

Tyler glanced over to see the green robotic bird that Athrun had made for Kira and a small distance behind it was the pink ball robot. "Lacus! Lacus! There's a problem," called Haro as it seemed to be Tori's constant boon companion. Haro was bouncing off what it could to reach its partner, which started as unexpected by most but had become commonplace now. Kira tended to keep Tori with him normally as the small robot had been neat to have around. That had changed with Haro being around, so Kira had kept Tori in his or Lacus's quarters seemed to be the best way to keep Haro there and under control. Yet now, it would seem that putting those two robots together had backfired, though it more appeared that they were both restless with what was happening. Tyler was left to wonder if Athrun did something to make them like this or if it had just developed on its own.

Tori flew into the Asuka cockpit looking around before facing Lacus. Lacus smiled as Haro sailed and landed in her hands as the robots had amused her with how they acted. She paused for a moment, then opened her mouth, "Remember, on the day we decided to escape this despair, what lay before us was nothing but the passing wind," she sang.

Lacus's singing voice echoed through the whole hangar causing almost everyone to pause and listen to her. Tyler pushed himself back to the Shadow and enter the cockpit with the intent to resume working on the OS, but he had a smile on his face. It had been a while since he'd heard Lacus sing and the girl is really something when she sings! She continued, "The more feelings I have to convey, the more my words fumble. Unable to tell you anything, the truth is I live in uncertainty."

As Lacus sang, Tyler couldn't help but pause and close his eyes and simply listen to the sweet sounds of his friend's voice. With her singing, he stopped working and just leaned back into the pilot seat and listened to Lacus. The song was relaxing, and Tyler had been missing not being tense as he'd been stressing constantly as of late even if it didn't show. Even with the looming fight when Creuset chasing the Archangel, Tyler felt the weight on his shoulders lighten. And he didn't doubt Kira was doing much the same thing as he was as he gets to hear Lacus singing more than Tyler did. They've been friends with one another longer than he'd been friends with Lacus. "If humans could somehow see tomorrow, then we probably wouldn't have to live on our dreams," Lacus trailed off for a moment. Tyler wondered if it had been a bit of time since she had sung and so she was somewhat out of practice, he couldn't say. She resumed singing, and once she had, Tyler felt more at ease and relaxed than he had in weeks. There was just something about Lacus singing that could bring calm unlike most other means can he'd admit.

Within an hour, Tyler slipped away from the hangar and headed for his quarters to get some sleep. With all the 'joy' that was being felt at the coming contact with an advanced part of the Eighth Orbital Fleet, he'd decided to try getting some well-earned time to himself. That was the plan but the keyword being 'try' as Tyler didn't get the desired result of the plan he had in mind. There was a difficulty for Tyler to get good quality sleep with the things he'd seen over the last few weeks combined with the stress mounting. At least, Tyler hadn't gotten what a medical professional would consider proper sleep since the Archangel had scavenged around the ruins of Junius Seven. Having seen the bodies of his father and younger sister hadn't left his mind and haunted him.

Arrived back at the quarters he was using, Tyler changed his clothes and just went over to the bed closing his eyes. Even with the calm that Lacus's singing had brought to his mind, an amount of time went by with Tyler going into a fitful sleep that nightmares populated. Those nightmares involved images of his sister Lana and his father, and those would shift into Tyler's friends here on the Archangel, which made the nightmares worse. The 'sleep' or more the lack thereof was taking a toll on Tyler, bags were developing under his eyes and his face was starting to appear hollower than it should be. Tyler had been contemplating going to the doctor on the ship and asking for something that would help him get actual sleep, it was getting to that point.

A soft beeping brought Tyler out of his fitful sleep, and upon turning towards the sound, he found it was coming from the desk in the room. More specifically, the source of the beeping was the Federation com-unit sitting on the said desk. Tyler got himself out of the bed and went over to the desk and picked up the unit and held it up to his ear, "Yeah, it's me, what's going on?"

There was a pause before he heard the reply, "You sound tired Tyler, there a reason," came the voice of Lisa.

Tyler really wasn't in the mood to get into what contributed to his current mood, it wouldn't be a nice conversation. "I don't want to talk about it Lisa, but yes, there's a reason. There one for you calling Lisa, I was trying to get some sleep since I was able to slip away and get some time to myself. I'm not doing so good at the sleeping idea, but still," Tyler replied.

Lisa paused at the reply from Tyler as it said that he was having a hard time which she expected but not to this extent. However, there were more pressing matters to deal with first which was why she was calling Tyler. "Well, I assume you know about the small group of OMNI ships coming towards the Archangel," she posed.

Tyler was becoming increasingly irritable as he was tired and being prevented from sleeping right now. His mood was not good lately and he didn't need more adding to it and he was getting a feeling he knew what was coming. "Yeah, I do, many onboard the ship are fudging excited about the point and they are getting lax about things thinking that those of us busting our butts are nuts," Tyler muttered. "What's your point Lisa? Is there some new development? Or did you wake me up for the fun of it," Tyler paused for a moment, "perhaps Luke put you up to this? He has shown that he enjoys pranking and while I can understand that, there are lines that you don't cross. Just say that he told you to do this and I'll make him regret doing so."

Lisa sighed as she had seen that Luke did like pranks as Tyler said, but that wasn't the point of this. "No, Luke didn't put me up to this Tyler, there's indeed a new development and that's the point of me calling. From what Captain Shepard has told me, it looks like two ZAFT vessels have entered Federation Space, a Laurasia-class and a Nazca-class. And they're heading in the direction of that small Earth Forces group."

Tyler figured that Creuset would continue his hunt, the combination of ZAFT vessel matched what the man used. Having shifted the blame off himself when the evidence should have convicted and condemned him had frustrated Tyler. So, it had been a matter of time in his mind before the troublemaker popped up. "You don't say, then Creuset has ignored bounds of territory and insists on continuing the hunt he started, matches what records say about him. I figured that he would show up at some point, though this is a tad s earlier than I thought he'd appear," Tyler uttered with frustration.

"Indeed, I would agree taking into account that the man is known for bending the rules if not just ignoring them entirely," returned Lisa.

Tyler exhaled heavily knowing that it was time to get to work on making a certain troublemaker's day a very bad one. It also relieved some stress with the wait of problems coming his way, Tyler didn't like anticipating issues coming to him. "Thanks for the info Lisa, see you out on the field soon then," Tyler said before severing the connection and putting the com-unit down on the desk. Tyler shook off the tiredness he'd felt and didn't hesitate after that, he just got dressed as quickly as he could. Then Tyler raced out of his quarters heading in the direction of the pilot locker room then go to the hangar.

At the same time, the ZAFT vessels came into range to launch their planned attack against the Earth Forces' ships. The ZAFT pilots were preparing to head out down in the ship hangars, "Once again, the commander shows that he has a real knack for sensing these things," commented Miguel's comrade whose GINN was being equipped with an M68 "Cattus" 500mm Recoilless Rifle, "Reaching the advance ships before the legged ship does, that's something."

Miguel would admit that Commander Creuset had an interesting way of predicting things. The mission and what had come with it had proven that it wasn't a fluke. But three attempts had already been made to sink the white enemy vessel and it hadn't been successful yet. So, it was uncertain how this trial would go as things stood, "Yeah, the commander does have that uncanny knack I'll admit, that doesn't mean we shouldn't watch ourselves out there, don't forget whose territory we're in. Athrun, show us how that machine performs now that it's fully working," he said as he moved into position to launch armed with a Barberus ion beam cannon.

Athrun still had doubts in his mind just as he had before the operation at Heliopolis. There was still so much that could go wrong with as many factors as there were. Miguel had mentioned one of the big ones and that was they were in Federation territory, they made the rules. And they had patrols regularly watched their borders, so if they didn't already know Creuset's team was here, it wouldn't likely be much longer before they did. "Yeah, sure thing Chris, Matt, Miguel," Athrun muttered in reply as he watched Miguel's GINN move into the catapult path equipped with the armaments. The GINN quickly shot out of the catapult, and Athrun followed a moment later in the Aegis.

Once seeing the others ahead of him, Athrun shifted the Aegis into its mobile armor mode and quickly gained ground, intent on catching up. If the legged ship did enter the battle, then they'd need his Aegis there to even out the field since the Alliance vessel had multiple mobile suits and mobile armors. Athrun just hoped more than anything that his friend Tyler hadn't reached the Alliance vessel already if he had gone that direction. He really didn't want or wish to have to fight Tyler or Kira for that matter if he was still on that OMNI ship like his friend had said he was. The worry just wouldn't leave Athrun's mind as he made his way towards the battle area.

Klaxons blared as the enemy alert sounded throughout the entirety of the Montgomery when the ZAFT forces were detected. There had been an amount of risk coming to meet up with the Archangel in the first place with the meeting point being in Federation territory. Minister Allster had been insistent on escorting the Archangel and had convinced enough officers in the Eighth Orbital Fleet to get around Admiral Halberton. The man had been stubborn in the idea that the Federation's military wouldn't do anything with him among the advanced scout group while the rest of the fleet waited at the border. And now ZAFT had popped up, Copman made sure they were as well defended as they could be with enemy forces coming. "Hurry and deploy our mobile armors," ordered Copman calmly. "Load all missile and anti-beam depth charge tubes."

As he ordered this, the mobile armors detached and deployed away from the ships they were attached to. The TS-MA2 Moebius armor was once considered a high-performance machine OMNI had, especially during the early parts of the war. However, thanks to the invention and increased deployment of ZAFT's mobile suits, their enemy outmatched them a growing margin as time had gone on. On average, it took five Moebius armors to bring down just one GINN. Fortunately, the Drake-class to which the Bernard and the Law belonged weren't normally built for carrying mobile armors, four had been strapped to the hull of each one and had now been deployed. The Montgomery itself lacked linear catapults but did carry five mobile armors of its own close to airlocks so the pilots could board their machines. Still, they were now effectively counting on the enemy being an average squadron with only two or three GINNs, maybe four if they managed to stretch things.

"Heat sources detected sir," announced the Montgomery sensor officer. "Nazca-class has launched four mobile suits!" The officer paused as he took the time to identify the signals better, "Three of them are GINNs, the other," the operator hesitated, "is the X303-Aegis!"

Copman had heard and read the reports that ZAFT had stolen most of the prototype mobile suits, but there had been no information on which ones had and hadn't been taken. This would be the first encounter with one of the G-weapons as a foe. Copman was a veteran captain, so even he could see how grim things were for their Earth Forces group. Things didn't improve when Minister Allster came onto the bridge, looking all annoyed, "Now what's this all about," he questioned. "How could you not have noticed the enemy ship until this moment? And the enemy is using one of our own prototypes against us?!"

Copman ignored him as his comments weren't helping and wouldn't in the combat situation. Political figures didn't usually understand how things went on the battlefield and likely never would as they rarely spent time around them. "Lower bow, pitch angle thirty degrees," he ordered. "Turn to port, elevation angle negative fifteen degrees. Activate ship cannons and defensive systems and prepare for combat." As the Montgomeryinitiated the maneuver, Copman turned to look at his com-officer. "Send a message to the Archangel, tell them to withdraw at once, the rendezvous is off."

"Are you serious," asked Allster before he lost all the air of confidence and arrogance, "But then I…"

"There isn't another choice in this situation," stated Copman.

The vice foreign minister seemed to be having a hard time processing what he was being told, "But if we don't meet up with them, then I came all the way here for nothing!"

"If that ship ends up being destroyed," returned Copman, "then it'll have been for less than nothing."

Back on the Archangel, the situation change hadn't gone unnoticed by the crew, "Increased heat distribution ahead," announced Kuzzey. "It looks like it's around where the advanced force is supposed to be, it looks like a battle is starting!"

Sai didn't like the sound of what was starting, Flay's father was still with the advanced fleet after all. They had been close to meeting up with the three allied ships and then this had to happen. Sai wasn't the only one that was frowning at the turn of events as the majority of the crew felt the same. "Message from the Montgomery ma'am," Miriallia announced as she was handling the communications station. She gasped a moment later with what she saw on her console, "The message reads: canceling rendezvous. Archangel is ordered to leave the area at once and continue forward to the border and the rest of the Eighth Fleet!"

It took a few seconds for the magnitude of the situation to sink in for everyone, "Well captain, what are your orders," asked Natarle.

The looming decision was coming down on Murrue, much like it was before Artemis. Only this time her choice wouldn't just affect herself and the Archangel, it would also likely determine the fate of allies. "What's the enemy's battle strength," Murrue asked contemplating what options they had in this.

"A Nazca-class," said Kuzzey, "Yellow two fifty-seven, mark four zero two. Also three other thermal patterns, matching," he was inputting the commands as fast as he could, "Three of them are identified as GINNs, the other is," Kuzzey paused as the id of the fourth signal came up, "The X303 Aegis, that's all that can be detected for the moment."

With the Laurasia that had been with the Nazca-class before, by this point they were more than likely together. From what Mu and Krystal had told her and Natarle, the ZAFT commander Creuset wasn't one to give up the pursuit. A Nazca-class and a Laurasia-class could both carry up to six mobile suits each normally GINNs. In this, it could also mean the enemy would send out the captured G-weapons. With the time that had passed, it was more than likely for ZAFT to start using them. So that in mind, Murrue went under the assumption of the worst-case scenario. "Then we know which Nazca-class we're dealing with and it is unlikely it is alone," she said softly.

Natarle didn't disagree with Murrue about more than likely dealing with more than just a Nazca-class if the Archangel jumped into the situation. She also understood why the Montgomery's captain had ordered the Archangel to keep going and ignore them. It was important if not imperative that the Archangel reach one of OMNI's headquarters and get them what they had of the G-Project. "While is probably true captain, what is our next course of action," repeated Natarle.

The battle all on the Archangel knew would unlikely go well for the advance fleet and that was being optimistic even if none said it out loud. ZAFT was clearly baiting them to come and assist their allies so that they could have another shot at the Archangel. However, for the volunteers from Heliopolis, they all had the same line of thought going through their minds. Flay's father was on the lead OMNI ship that was now defending itself from ZAFT forces. "But remember who's on that ship," murmured Tolle looking back from his seat at the copilot station.

Everyone was silent waiting for Murrue's orders, "There's really no guarantee of us escaping," said Murrue at last, "even if we did withdraw and make a run for the rest of the fleet." She sat up straight with a decision in mind glancing around at her crew. "The last time we sought to avoid the enemy because we weren't ready to stand up against them. But I believe that this time will be different and so, I'm counting on all of you, don't let me down."

Everyone gave her grim nods. Murrue returned the nod slightly, "All hands, level one battle stations," she ordered voice loud and clear. "The Archangel will provide backup for the advance fleet!"

"All hands, level one battle stations," ordered Miriallia over the PA in an unusually professional tone. "I repeat, all hands, level one battle stations!"

Tyler was racing down the corridors with the speed you would think he was some sort of pinball in an old fashion pinball game machine. It took only a few minutes for Tyler to reach the pilot locker room since he took a less used route, so there were fewer people to slow him down. He wasted the least time possible in slipping into his Federation pilot suit and was finishing adjusting it when Miriallia's announcement confirmed the information he knew came. Tyler clipped the neck clasp of his suit shut and then sped out of the locker room going to the hangar.

Tyler's hand sailed into the switch for the door to allow access to the hangar, but he didn't stop the momentum he'd gained going forward and moved through the doorway. It'd been a little less than a minute since battle stations had been called, so Tyler's appearance got wide-eyed stares from many of the mechanics. Chief Murdock himself gaped at seeing McGregor pop up about a minute after battle stations were called. Oh, the man had seen the oldest teen was different and had an inexplicable knack to be where he saw he was needed. However, for the kid to appear this quick made Murdoch wonder if Tyler somehow knew about the attack on the advanced fleet before the Archangel did somehow. With him being a Federation soldier according to rumor, Murdoch wouldn't be exactly surprised if Tyler had a way to get info like the Federation somehow did. "Got to say kid, you're sure quick," Murdoch remarked, "I mean, the call to battle stations came a little over a minute ago."

Tyler glanced towards the man speaking to him but still kept going towards the Shadow. There was no time to waste, ZAFT wouldn't be lolly gagging in attacking OMNI forces, not with Creuset in charge. The looming fight was a clear trap, Tyler could see the signs clear as day, but he intended to turn the tables and make it into a fight where ZAFT was on the defensive and running by the end. So, there wasn't much to say, "No time for chit chat Chief," Tyler replied, "We've got bad company ahead, get ready to send my suit out so that I can send them packing."

Coming to a stop in front of his mobile suit, Tyler opened the outside access panel and input the sequence to revealing the cockpit. Tyler pulled himself into the Shadow, taking the time to adjust himself into the seat and buckling in. He then flicked the switch to seal the cockpit and then input the command to start the OS booting up. Several thoughts were going through Tyler's mind as he was bringing his mobile suit up to operational status. The fight ahead wouldn't be a nice one, Tyler didn't kid himself about that with the ZAFT group he would be battling. Athrun was likely going to be on the field, and Tyler wasn't looking forward to fighting him. The only that Tyler was interested in was if Creuset went out, making the man squirm and showing him up. Tyler may dislike the methods that the leaders of the Earth Alliance employ more often than not, but that doesn't mean that members of OMNI are all like that and deserve to die.

Tyler's attention returned when he felt the jerk signaling that the docking cage with the Shadow was being moved towards one of the catapults. His mobile suit's systems had fully booted up and were ready to go by the time Tyler came to launching position even with the modifications that had been done. Most of the changes Tyler had done would be considered minor by some people, but they were meant to streamline the suit's operation and that's what counted to him. And since Tyler was pretty much the sole pilot for the Shadow, he figured he should make it the way he wanted. The two major or at least noticeable changes for the Shadow were with the shield and the mirage colloid feature.

The Mirage Colloid in itself while it was quite a system on its own, Tyler felt wasn't what could be considered to be finished or made to be the best possible. Originally, it'd sucked down power at a heavy rate, limiting the length of time it could be used which Tyler saw ways for improvement. The other problem that Tyler saw was a bad flaw in giving away its general location through heat from the thrusters. With Tyler's modifications, the draw on the Shadow's battery was a great deal less. He'd fixed that by changing the energy distribution to the emitter network for the colloid after digging and finding the network. And the thrusters would disburse heat more efficiently so not to give hints of location. So, now the Shadow can truly be undetected with the implementation of mirage colloid. Tyler was certainly looking forward to testing how good the Mirage Colloid could work now with his changes.

The Mirage Colloid wasn't the only change made, the shield the Shadow is equipped with while still the same basic shape and weight weren't the same. The shield's top layer of metal had been replaced with a material that the Federation uses and produces called Zencium. The metal Zencium is an artificial material that's strong and is very hard to penetrate. Tyler knew it was rated to take a concentrated and high-energy beam to have a chance to get through this metal. Zencium does have an amount more resistance than ZAFT mobile suits and OMNI mobile armors do against projectiles and other weapons in general. Add the top layer of the shield is coded with anti-beam coding to increase the defense against beam weapons which Tyler was very satisfied with. It was the shield modification that had taken the longest as it'd been stripped down, but the improvements done were worth it to Tyler.

At the same time, at hearing the order to battle stations, Kira and Lacus had practically flown out of their quarters and started up a mad dash for the hangar. They had been preparing for this possibility coming up for the last week and even before learning of the meeting with the advanced fleet. "Kira, Lacus," called a voice suddenly giving them a reason to pause. They looked back to see Flay running up to them, "What's all this about going to battle stations," she questioned, "What's happening to the advance fleet?"

"We, uh, have no idea yet," said Kira. "We don't know what's going on, but I doubt things are going well" he turned to leave but Flay reached forward and grabbed the sleeve of Kira's uniform.

"It's," Flay hesitated, "going to be okay, right? The vessel that my dad's on won't be destroyed, will it," she repeated in a small tone.

Kira didn't want to lie but nor did he want Flay to be crushed with what was likely happening to their allies. "Everything will be alright, Flay," reassured Kira. "Lacus, Tyler, and I will all be there helping, okay?" With that, Kira ran off, Lacus on his tail leaving Flay to pray that her father would be okay and would be alive tomorrow.

While the teen pilots had been heading to the locker room, Mu and Krystal had been ahead of them. They had already suited up and we on their way to the hangar to head out to the battlefield. That ZAFT forces had caught up was unwanted but not unexpected by either mobile armor pilot. Creuset was too dogmatic to leave well enough alone, so this was his way of doing things, unfortunately. However, when both got to the hangar they quickly saw the Shadow's dock was not where it should be. The mechanics were scrambling around the area readying the mobile armors for launch. Mu was going to ask where the Shadow was but was beaten to it by Krystal, "Chief where is the Shadow?"

The Shadow had come to a halt and then dropped into the linear track connectors and locked into them in preparation for launch. Alarms were sounding as the docking cage disconnected and pulled back from the mobile suit. There came a series of bangs that came from the airtight shutter closing from my right implying to Tyler that he was in the left catapult. He tapped the button at his neck to have his helmet visor come down into place finishing the airtight seal. Next, Tyler heard the sounds of the process of the catapult being readied to be used. Shortly after the process finished, the outer door on the left 'leg' of the Archangel rose to reveal the stars. The electron acceleration rails came into place and extended out, then hummed into life.

Back inside the hangar, Murdoch turned to the armor pilots that were talking to him and was going to answer but never got to. At that moment, the launch signal appeared for Tyler and he gripped the controls, "Tyler McGregor, Shadow, let's do this," he announced before he shot down the catapult and out of the ship.

Murdoch shrugged, "Does that answer your question Major," he posed.

Mu's and Krystal's mouths had fallen open slightly at understanding Tyler had just launched out. That would require the oldest teen to have gotten down to the hangar less than two minutes after battle stations had been called suited up and ready to go. And while Krystal nor Mu knew where Tyler had come from whether his quarters or somewhere else, the timing didn't make sense. They had been on the bridge, and they had raced down and suited up and had gotten to the hangar in around five minutes. "How in the world did he get down here so quick," Krystal muttered.

Murdoch shrugged again, "No clue, he was a minute after battle stations were called," he replied.

Mu scratched his head, "Guess it's not the time to ask that question, other things to think about right now," he remarked. Krystal knew Mu was right, and so she didn't say anything more about Tyler getting there so quick which ended the conversation. The two separated and headed for their mobile armors and got into them and closed the hatches. Both brought the front screen down into active position before buckling up and sealing their suits' helmets.

And while that was going on, Kira and Lacus reached the locker room and quickly put on their pilot suits and then went to the hangar. When they entered the hangar, the two spotted both mobile armors moving towards the catapults. The very next thing they both noticed was that Tyler's mobile suit, the Shadow was missing from its dock. "There you two are," called Murdoch floating next to the Strike cockpit, "You're late!"

"We're sorry, Mr. Murdoch," Lacus replied.

Kira had heard the chief mechanic, but he was focused on the Shadow missing from its docking cage. Tyler had gone to his quarters to sleep by what Kira knew last he'd talked to him hours ago. And Kira's friend wasn't the quickest to wake up from sleep, only if he needed to be up for something very serious would Tyler jump out of bed. "Mr. Murdoch has the Shadow already launched," he asked as both he and Lacus moved towards the Strike and the Asuka.

"The Shadow? Yeah, it has, McGregor was in here around a minute after the order to battle stations came already in his pilot suit. It was like he knew what was going on before the rest of us," Murdoch hesitated, "I can't say much with how that kid seems to know about things. But enough of that you two, get into your mobile suits and prepare to go out!"

The zero armors moved beyond the airtight shutters and the exhaust vents rose up as the shutters closed and locked. Both Mu and Krystal shot out of the ship the second after the docking clamps released to the field flying towards the fighting. Both of them were going to see this battle ended with the least lives lost this time and get back Creuset for the trouble the man had caused.

Both Lacus and Kira got into their respective machines as the zero armors launched. "The enemies you're up against are the Nazca-class and we suspect the Laurasia-class is not too far behind. There are three GINNs and the Aegis thus far with mobile suits, be on alert," said Miriallia. "Please, be careful."

'Athrun,' thought Lacus as the Strike was moved onto the starboard catapult. She had still not gotten around to telling Kira who the pilot of the Aegis likely was. Lacus hadn't figured out a good way to break the subject to Kira as Tyler suggested. She knew she should just tell Kira so that he knew and didn't end out doing something he would regret. It was then Sai spoke drawing both Kira's and Lacus's attention, "Kira, Lacus, Flay's father is there with the advance fleet, don't forget that."

"Not to worry, we won't," said Kira, closing his helmet visor as the Asuka was moved to the catapult.

"Do you need any additional weapons," asked Miriallia as the Aile Striker pack was mounted on Lacus's machine in the starboard catapult.

"No," said Kira, "if things get worse, there will be too much chance of losing the equipment, and we can't afford that."

Lacus agreed with Kira, "The Aile pack will be fine for me," she replied.

"Understood Kira, Lacus, you are go for launch." Miriallia returned to them.

"Kira Yamato, Asuka, let's do it," he called flying the Asuka out from the Archangel.

"Lacus Christopher, Strike, launching," Lacus announced leaving the ship.

Once Tyler had flown out of the Archangel towards the battlefield that was lighting up in the distance, he activated his suit's Mirage Colloid. Shortly after leaving the ship, he met up with his three teammates who took up formation behind the Shadow with the mobile suit in the lead. Luke was on the right side and Alan fell in on the left while Lisa brought up the rear in the formation. Luke glanced ahead and didn't like what he saw, "Things aren't looking too good ahead mate, the Earth Forces are on the losing end by what I see," he commented.

The whole group saw the fight happening ahead and Luke merely stated what they were all thinking. "There is a second Federation cruiser on its way and should be in range to assist in the next few minutes. Yet, I don't know how much will be left to help by that point," Lisa said.

The second cruiser would help but as Lisa had said time was of the essence and Tyler knew that well. "Then that's all the more reason to haul our rears over there and see what can be done," he said with an air of authority.

Tyler's group sped up and quickly reached the battlefield and the view that they got didn't help improve the scene. The Alliance forces had sent thirteen mobile armors forward, which Tyler would applaud the effort and dedication they're showing. But honestly, they're going to be whipped and whipped good with the odds they working against, there was no arguing that. On ZAFT's side, there were three GINNs and the Aegis just behind them in its cruising mode which Tyler didn't like being right about fighting Athrun. Luke's voice came over the com-line, bringing attention to the Laurasia-class coming up from behind the Nazca. From the Laurasia came the Blitz, the Buster, and another GINN, all heading towards the Alliance forces.

Without further hesitation, the four dived into the fray and began doing what they could to stop this battle from resulting in many deaths. Luke and Alan went for the three GINNs and began to do what they could to distract them from the Alliance ships. Lisa veered off to head at the Blitz and the Buster, which Tyler would admit was a gutsy choice, but he trusted his friend could handle herself. Plus, Tyler figured that she was letting him have the Aegis to himself and Tyler would thank her later for that gesture. Tyler felt the need to have a serious chat with Athrun about the current crapshoot and what it meant. His friend had been drawn into a serious issue and whether Athrun knew it or not had just as problematic consequences. Tyler made a b-line for the Aegis with the full intent to give his friend a straight no-nonsense spiel that would be heard. Tyler switched from using mirage colloid to phase shift armor being up just as he came into striking range of the red mobile suit with his shield in front.

Athrun only saw something appearing before it slammed into the Aegis and brought him to a halt. It took a moment to right his machine which required to have the Aegis switch to its suit mode then Athrun found himself facing the black mobile suit from Heliopolis. Athrun then remembered that Tyler said he was the one to pilot the machine in front of him, meaning he was facing one of his best friends as he'd hoped to avoid. "So then friend," Tyler posed over an open com-channel, "you care to explain to me what the hell is happening right here, right now? This interference that your commander Rau Le Creuset is ordering is on par with what he did to Heliopolis. I seriously doubt I need to tell you just how many treaties and agreements that he's either ignoring or blatantly disregarding starting this fight with what your father does for a living."

Athrun knew Tyler had more of a point than he was saying out loud and it fed the doubts that Athrun had. ZAFT was attacking the Earth Forces in Federation territory, the 'Hawkins Territorial Agreement' stated in no uncertain terms that such an action was a violation of the said treaty. The consequences of a violation of the territorial agreement weren't small and it was clear the Federation knew about this already. And Athrun wasn't stupid enough to not know that the attack was more a trap laid for the legged ship. Plus, Athrun didn't want to fight Tyler if he didn't have to, they were best friends after all. "Tye," uttered Athrun with strained tones.

It wasn't that Tyler felt mad with Athrun as he wasn't angry at his friend. If anything, then Tyler felt sorry for Athrun being in the problematic position that he was. Tyler was far more irritated and frustrated at his Commander Creuset for what he's doing and believing that there'll be no consequences for it. Although Tyler could say that he was gaining an understanding of why Federation High Command disliked Creuset as much as they did. Tyler saw the masked man as a frustrating pain in the rear with his disregard for the rules and treaties that stand and then worming his way out of punishment. "You haven't answered my question Athrun, how in the hell can you reason that this fight is okay," Tyler repeated to the blue-haired ZAFT pilot.

Athrun was silent for a moment, trying to figure out how to answer his friend, but there was nothing he could justify. "I don't deny you have a point Tye, but that OMNI ship you're with can't be allowed to get to the Earth Alliance. So please, get out of the way," he replied. Then Athrun rushed forward, the Aegis bringing its right arm downward at the Shadow with its beam saber ignited.

In response, Tyler raised the Shadow's shield and blocked the saber while he grunting a little from the downward force. "So you agree with me Athrun, then why go about setting up a trap like this, rather elaborate for one ship wouldn't you say?" Tyler shoved the Aegis back, "Then please tell me, what did Creuset tell you to say this trap of his was in any way a good or viable idea. Neither ZAFT ship has permission to be around here, I assure you so the Federation forces here can attack them without a problem and ZAFT wouldn't have a valid argument against it. I'm really curious what kind of excuse the man has got for this crapshoot, or didn't he mention that the Federation defends its territory and so can attack you or your fellow pilots beforehand," Tyler retorted.

Athrun moved forward again but had to evade as the Shadow used its Igelstellungs against him. Athrun reached for his suit's beam rifle and began using it against the Shadow, which Tyler quickly did the same. It was clear that neither was aiming for the cockpit of their opponent. The fight grew more intense around the two as they fought on, but neither Tyler nor Athrun took much notice. Athrun quickly got frustrated with Tyler blocking him from getting around and getting this mission done. "Get out of the way Tyler and don't interfere in this," Athrun shot at his friend.

Tyler stayed where he was, "It's way too late for that Athrun, and I won't be leaving this battle," Tyler returned. "Blame your commander if you want, it's his fault that this is happening at all, sticking his damn nose where he freaking shouldn't." There was a flash of an explosion nearby as Tyler blocked Athrun once again and they caught a view of one of the Drake-class vessels fragmenting into debris. Tyler also noticed that the number of mobile armors had been reduced by more than half within a couple of minutes of others joining in.

Meanwhile, Nicol noticed that the Aegis wasn't around the Earth Forces like the GINNs that it had been accompanying. And at looking around, Nicol spotted the Aegis, but it was fighting the second unknown from Heliopolis. The mobile suit hadn't been seen since the colony collapse, so for it to reappear was worrisome. And seeing the unit again, Nicol had to admit for it to be called the "Blitz's odd twin" was understandable. The mobile suit overall was very similar to the Blitz though it had a few differences. While it had a shield, its beam rifle wasn't combined with it even when it was supposed to have a beam saber with the shield. All the videos that Nicol had seen told him to be cautious of the machine, it was unpredictable.

So, Nicol approached the Aegis and its opponent with the intent of helping Athrun shoo the machine away. And from what Nicol was seeing, the two pilots fighting were evenly matched which was surprising. Athrun wasn't a novice pilot, he was skilled, so for someone to match him made implications that Nicol didn't like. However, he waited for the two to separate before he rushed forward at the black suit and swung the Blitz's beam saber at it. Yet, the Shadow blocked the Blitz's attack with its shield and shoved it back.

Athrun was at war with himself, one of his best friends was fighting a more recently made friend. He didn't want to lose either Tyler or Nicol, the two were at heart good people and the world needed those more than ever. But the question Athrun was being tormented with was who does he help in this fight? No matter who he helped, it would likely do serious harm to the other, so Athrun would lose no matter which he went with. Yet the situation changed when the Archangel came into range to help with the battle. Tyler decided to move this along by kicking the Blitz away and then using his railgun to send it flying away. Nicol hadn't expected the move and was unable to counter and so his suit's phase shift took the railgun shot preventing damage for the Blitz.

Athrun got between the Shadow and the Blitz to stop Tyler from continuing his assault on his friend. Tyler tried to move around the Aegis but Athrun matched his movement and stopped him from moving forward. The battle that the two had been in resumed where it had been before the Blitz had come into it. Tyler caught a glimpse of a white machine passed their skirmish behind Athrun, which was a CGUE type. That meant to Tyler Creuset was now on the battlefield and he still wanted to make that man's day worse. It also made a serious complication to the battle, which was already messy enough as it is. Yet it was Athrun spoke before Tyler could, "Why are you helping the Alliance? How can you do that after what they've done," Athrun shouted.

Tyler was a tad taken aback at the accusation that was being put to him. He wasn't helping the Alliance directly, he was stopping the fight that shouldn't be happening. Tyler thought that Athrun had gotten that point already but apparently not. "Hold on there Athrun, I'm stopping a senseless slaughter as I stated already, that's just so happens to be benefitting the Earth Alliance around here who shouldn't be, but that's beside the point right now," he shot back.

Athrun was getting irritated with Tyler being so calm like he always seemed to be no matter the circumstance. It wasn't as bad as Kira's naiveté, but it was still a frustration that Athrun experienced with Tyler. And with him being a soldier with the Federation he should be staying out of this fight. "With the Federation's famous neutrality they so stubbornly stick to, you should stay out of this and let those that are willing to do the work," Athrun challenged loudly.

Tyler had been worried before with how Athrun's father had been back around the PLANTs. He feared for his friend and the poisonous influence that his father could be having, and that fear was growing within Tyler. Patrick Zala was showing very worrisome similarities as some radical and even a few terrorist groups presented. And Tyler knew that his friend was aware of the danger of such groups just as Tyler was. "Athrun, the work you're claiming on doing is killing for little to no reason. That you say you're willing to 'do the work' of killing just because another tells you is not like you Athrun," Tyler snapped back.

Tyler's retort cause Athrun pause as it caught him off-guard and got him to be silent. Athrun hadn't meant to say or imply that he and his comrades were out just to take out OMNI forces because they could. The Alliance was the ones that were causing the trouble and forced ZAFT and at times the Federation's military to stop them. Yet Tyler's claim of senseless killing was one that Athrun couldn't deny well if at all. "That's not what I'm trying to say," Athrun began. He couldn't finish as Tyler's reasoning had beaten him for the moment. Instead, Athrun had the Aegis transform into its cruising mode and flew off away from the Shadow.

The guilt of knowing that what he'd just said to Athrun had hurt him washed over Tyler. He felt that it had to be done, his friend had been blinding himself by the influences around him. It was to help in the long-run, but Tyler didn't like the short-term effects his words had on Athrun. To take his mind off what he just did to one of his best friends, Tyler glanced around to gauge how the battle was going thus far, and Tyler saw that the Alliance forces weren't doing any better than before. However, the arrival of the Archangel with its mobile suits and armors had helped.

Mu had engaged one of the GINNs that on the field after heading out from the Archangel and was doing decently. Krystal in her zero armor was occupying another GINN and was giving what she could. There had been nothing seen of the Shadow, but with its Mirage Colloid visibility was in question. And those from the Archangel had been occupied enough to not take the time to find out where Tyler was. The Strike was close by with Lacus fighting the Buster and occupying it from attacking the Alliance forces. The Asuka was doing much the same as the Strike going against a GINN.

Mu deployed his gunbarrels to surround the GINN he was taking on and managed to damage one leg of the suit. Yet, the GINN brought the beam cannon it had to bear on the mobile armor and let loose a bolt from the weapon. Mu attempted to evade the shot, but the shot grazed the Zero scoring a hit on the underside missing the cockpit, however, damaging the main thruster. "Damn it," cursed Mu over a com-channel. Mu put in some commands to see the status overall of his mobile armor and found that it was doing poorly. "I can't do much of anything, not like this," he muttered. With the main thruster of his mobile armor out, Mu was forced to bring the gunbarrels back in and use them to limp back to the Archangel. Kira moved to cover the man's retreat after seeing the red zero take a hit.

After observing the scene that Mu had experienced, Tyler had seen enough to know that this battle needed to end. And the best way he could think of to do that is to focus on something specific. Tactically speaking, Tyler knew that 'when you want your opponent's attention, then go for something they can't afford to ignore' was the best mentality. While mobile suits are effective and everything, if their transport was out of the picture, there was no resupply, no repair, no switching out, end of story. Yet, that would be difficult for Tyler alone to accomplish disabling the ZAFT vessels and he knew it. If he could get some help it would really go a lot smoother and a teammate should be enough. "Hey Lisa, you hear me," Tyler asked over the channel the Federation uses.

"Yes, what is it," she replied avoiding the shot from the GINN she was fighting against.

"Well, I have an idea that I could use your help on," Tyler began before he gave a short explanation of what he had in mind. Tyler's plan was relatively simple, get the ZAFT forces to leave, target their ships, and disable them enough for them to either have to retreat or call back their mobile suits. Even Creuset couldn't afford to ignore his ships being at risk for very long without things going really bad for him. With what the masked man had done to Heliopolis and the risk to its citizens he caused, then getting out of facing the consequences Tyler wanted him to pay. So, Tyler was more than happy to make his day horrid and miserable, it will be a pleasure to do.

Once Tyler had explained his plan, Lisa had to admit that Tyler had a heck of an idea and it could work. Targeting the ZAFT vessels would very likely get them to go back to cover their ships, their resupply would be at risk. And the battle was starting to go in the direction of a lost cause and become a rescue operation more than preventing a fight. So, Lisa agreed to Tyler's plan and headed in his direction while Tyler shut off the Shadow's Phase Shift in preparation to turn on the mirage colloid system. When Lisa met up with the Shadow the two set off towards the two ZAFT ships. The first target of the two ships, the destroyer that Creuset had been riding on.

Meanwhile, Kira had just finished covering Mu's retreat after his mobile armor had gotten damage. He was about to go and assist Lacus who was fighting the Blitz that had gotten her off the Buster. However, Kira got a particular feeling that was familiar and not in a good way. Reacting on instinct, he pulled the Asuka off his current course managing to dodge the incoming fire from the silver CGUE. Kira quickly assessed the situation and knew he was in trouble as his opponent was more skilled than Kira himself. True, Kira had survived the previous encounters with the masked ZAFT Commander, but the man had more experience than Kira himself did. Lacus was busy with the Blitz and Krystal was going against one of the remaining GINNs, and the Shadow was who knows where meaning Kira was on his own.

At the same time, the Archangel was firing on both ZAFT vessels, but not too much affected due to the interference and range. That's not to say the Archangel wasn't scoring a hit every now and then, yet it wasn't having the desired effect on ending the battle quickly. However, one good thing that was coming from the effort was the Montgomery was now doing much better for itself. The cruiser didn't have any of their mobile armors left, but with allied forces assisting the crew of the OMNI ship was beginning to hope that they would make it out of this battle alive. That by no means meant Copman wouldn't scold Murrue for disobeying his orders to leave later, but he supposed that would be the extent of it. Yet, the hope and looking forward changed when one of the two GINNs managed to land a shot on a decidedly "inconvenient" location. "The main turret's been hit," announced the fire control officer.

"This is just intolerable!" exclaimed Allster unable to stay silent any longer. "What do your people think they're doing? Why can't they shoot down that single GINN?"

Copman wasn't interested in listening to the political figure, this wasn't his ship that was in battle. "Vice Minister," he said turning to look at Allster, "Proceed to the lifepod."

"What," asked Allster incredulously thinking that he may not have heard correctly.

"You are on my ship and so, subject to my authority," said Copman authoritatively. "Proceed to the lifepod immediately. The Archangel will survive, so if the Montgomery is lost, they can at least retrieve you." Allster stared at him in shock despite his opinions, his own job, and his criticisms of the Montgomery crew's inability to take down the lone GINN. Leaving the ship and leaving the crew here to die didn't sit right with him. "Vice Minister, that is an order," commanded Copman. "This is just a precaution, you are more valuable than anyone else on this ship, so we mustbe ready if the worst should happen."

Slowly, Allster nodded to Copman's relief as that would end the argument. Truthfully, there was another reason for sending Allster to the lifepod. That was getting him out of Copman's hair so that he could focus on the battle. In this situation, the crew needed to focus, and the opinions of a civilian who'd never seen combat were a potentially fatal hindrance that could get people killed.

Back with Tyler, while on the route towards the opposing ships, he managed to catch a glimpse of the Asuka engaging a white CGUE type suit with Creuset piloting. By what Kira has told him, it sounds like Rau Le Creuset had developed a worrisome interest in Kira. The other thing Tyler saw was that the last remaining Alliance ship, the cruiser was having problems due to one of the GINNs having a go at the ship and taking out its main gun. So, if there were ever a time to turn the tide, Tyler knew it would be now.

Thankfully, Lisa and he reached the area that the ZAFT destroyer was around, despite the Archangel firing at the ship not knowing that Tyler and his colleague were going in that direction. Instead of complaining, Tyler focused on getting down to business and shift ZAFT's attention elsewhere than where it was. Lisa got on the right side of the ship while Tyler moved to the left, once in those positions, they commenced shooting the ship. Tyler used the Shadow's rifle to nail the beam cannon that was on the left side of the front section of the destroyer disabling the cannon from being used. At the same time, he deactivated the Shadow's Mirage Colloid and switched the phase shift armor back on.

Lisa meanwhile worked on taking out the ship's railgun on the right side as well as getting smoke to stream out of the ship around the railgun. The sooner the ship was forced to call for its mobile suits back to help the sooner the battle could be ended. She also saw Tyler using his machine's railgun and beam rifle to damage the ZAFT vessel more than just taking out the weapons. Lisa could tell there was more to this battle that was affecting Tyler than he was letting on. He had mentioned that he had a friend on either side of this conflict, so she assumed that it was stressing him. But something in Lisa told her that there was more than just that which was weighing on Tyler's mind.

The turning of the tide gained further momentum when the second Federation cruiser arrived, and their fighters took the field. That team managed to get the ZAFT suits to stop focusing on the remaining Alliance vessel defending themselves and backing off. That didn't mean ZAFT forces left the field yet, but they were now forced to fight the Federation forces. Tyler and Lisa kept taking potshots at the destroyer listening to the Federation com-channel and got to hear about how the crew of the Alliance ship was evacuated. Tyler found that to be a good thing as the Alliance vessel having the damaged as it was, ended out exploding shortly after the evacuation.

Rau had been fighting the winged suit as it had been the more intriguing suit the enemy had. He grunted slightly as he was pressed into his seat by the sudden G-forces that came from him performing a quick dodge of the Asuka's Igelstellungs. He soared back in swinging his heavy blade down on his opponent. However, Kira managed to raise his shield to block the attack and counter with his beam saber. Creuset ducked under the slash and lashed out with a kick to the Asuka's mid-section aiming specifically for the cockpit. That sent Kira tumbling back before he recovered and retaliated with fire from the Igelstellungs.

"What an amazing mobile suit," Rau muttered calmly as he pulled away avoiding the shots and countering with his shield-vulcan.

The Asuka's phase shift armor blocked a few rounds before Kira pulled out of the attack using the superior thrust of his mobile suit's flight system. The CGUE caught a few rounds on its shield but was very quick to get out from under the barrage. Frustrated, Kira stored his beam saber and grabbed his rifle once more activating his targeting computer. He quickly attempted to bring the cross hares over the CGUE, yet the machine was dancing about too quickly for him to get a solid lock for long enough to get a good shot. So, giving up on landing a hit with his skill level, Kira just pulled the trigger whenever he got close enough. As Tyler would often repeat to Kira, get your opponent to go away, then you don't have to kill them.

What Kira didn't realize though was that the G-forces Creuset was experiencing were beginning to build, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep this up, especially with how fragile his body was. Unfortunately for him, the building pressure caused him to mess up his maneuvers, and for just a second, Kira's targeting computer managed to line up a shot. In an instant, a dart of white energy flashed across space and hit the CGUE just behind the left shoulder joint hitting the wing behind it. Creuset grunted, "You've improved quickly," he said begrudgingly, "I wonder how long you can keep it up for Nemesis."

Rau was about to dive back in when his comm blared, "Commander! We're under attack by Federation forces! The Vesalius is taking heavy fire!"

The news from Ades wasn't appreciated especially with the fight he was in and kind of enjoying. Granted, Rau knew that it was only a matter of time before the Federation appear and interfered in this, but this was a tad earlier than he figured. The Federation's appearance meant that the attack would need to end and ZAFT leave before they ended out being outdone by the Federation, that would cause harsher losses. "Their response time is impeccable, I'll give them that," Rau muttered, "I understand Ades, I'm withdrawing and returning to the ship!"

Rau shot back at the Asuka before he retreated back towards the Vesalius. And even from a distance, the damage done to the ship was apparent and it wasn't nice. However, along the way, Creuset was hit by something and forced to a stop. Once righting his suit, he found himself facing the odd black mobile suit that he had faced-off around Heliopolis. The machines pointed its beam rifle at Creuset's CGUE, "Well well, our paths cross again troublemaker," Tyler said over an open com-channel.

Rau recognized the voice, even if he hadn't thought he would have heard it so soon again. It was the teen from the PLANTs, the Federation's investigations team leader according to what he had said. How the young man had ended out here or in the black enemy suit Rau couldn't begin to guess. "Mr. McGregor, fancy meeting you on this battlefield. One would question what a Federation soldier like yourself would be doing helping out the Earth Alliance," Creuset responded.

Tyler wasn't going to stay silent at that insult, plus, he fully intended to make this troublemaker squirm and enjoy doing the job. "That's rich coming from you Creuset," Tyler replied, "But you're in Federation territory and so you don't make the rules nor can you have others to excuse or wave off the crap you cause. So, now you and I are going to have a skirmish, and we'll see who gets to come out on top."

The Shadow rushed forward at the CGUE, to which Rau reacted by bringing up his assault machine gun and firing. Tyler dodged the weapon fire before deploying the Shadow's Oscillator machine rifles and aiming them at Creuset. Rau was forced to move his shield in front as the black suit's machine rifles lit up and spat shots at him. Yet, as Tyler pinned Creuset, he wanted to get this business going, so he grabbed the beam rifle and shot at the CGUE. Tyler scored a hit on the CGUE's left lower leg effectively shooting it off.

Rau glanced down out the readouts for his mobile suit and didn't miss the hit to the lower left leg. McGregor was proving to be no novice, meaning the hit the teen got on him within Heliopolis wasn't a fluke. Rau threw his controls to have him go hard right to get out from under the enemy machine's gunfire. Tyler used his beam rifle to make Creuset stop hard going the direction he was heading or get shot.

It was Nicol that first noticed that the CGUE that Commander Creuset was in trouble. To see it facing the Blitz's odd twin was uncomfortable, so Nicol began moving in that direction. Athrun caught a glimpse of the Blitz moving and when he looked in the same direction, he saw the Shadow dancing with the Commander's CGUE. And while Tyler might be a good pilot, Commander Creuset was a veteran of many battles. Athrun didn't want Tyler to die so he began traveling in the same way that Nicol was going.

Rau managed to get his machine gun pointed back at his opponent and opened up on him. The Shadow raced ahead of its opponent's fire and was closing the distance between it and the CGUE. It was a moment later that Rau realized the enemy mobile suit had gotten worryingly closer to him. However, Tyler put on a burst of speed, ignited his shield's beam saber, and swung upward. Rau tried to back away, but his suit's right arm was sliced off cleanly before he could gain enough distance. That had Rau down the machine gun as it was gone with the right arm and he knew every weapon would count in this. Plus, he had lost sight of the black machine and that was very bad to have.

Nicol and Athrun were getting closer when they witnessed the CGUE get its right arm sliced off. That the black mobile suit had the upper hand was odd, especially against Commander Creuset. Then they watched the Shadow do a high-speed arc to come to be behind the CGUE in seconds. Nevertheless, the Strike and Asuka came at them forcing the Blitz and Aegis to defend themselves. The Strike faced-off against the Blitz and the Asuka waited for the Aegis to make the first move. Facing the winged suit, Athrun remembered that Tyler had said that Kira Yamato was the pilot. And it wasn't that Athrun doubted Tyler, but he had to know for sure himself. So, he opened a com-channel, "Kira," he opened, "Is that really you in there Kira Yamato?"

Kira had taken out a beam saber as the Aegis had approached, but his mind had ground to a halt at hearing the voice. It was the voice of his other best friend Athrun Zala, but that couldn't be right. Athrun hated this war, it had taken his mother so why would he be with ZAFT fighting against the Earth Forces? True Tyler had mentioned seeing Athrun on the Nazca-class, but nothing that inferred that he could be a mobile suit pilot. "Athrun," questioned Kira, "but what are you doing in that mobile suit?"

Athrun felt pain in his heart that Tyler had been right with Kira being in a mobile suit of the enemy ship. He didn't doubt there was more to the story as to why Kira had gotten in and piloted the winged machine. Kira was too kind-hearted to fight without a very good reason or was tricked into it. "Kira please put away your sword," Athrun said, "We are not enemies, am I right?" Athrun paused, "Why do we have to fight each other, I don't want that and I know you don't either."

Kira hesitated as he really didn't want to fight his best friend, but still left many questions. The last time Kira had talked with Athrun, he had been going to school, no mention of any form of military service. Granted, Tyler had only recently mentioned he was a soldier in the Federation's military, but that made a sort of sense with him, while with Athrun military service didn't. "I agree with what you're saying on not wanting to fight," Kira started, "But what are you even doing with ZAFT, you hate this war."

While the fighting between the four began, Tyler got behind the CGUE and he didn't hesitate just banged the Shadow's railgun into the left shoulder of the CGUE and pulled the trigger. To say Tyler was enjoying whipping Creuset would be an understatement, he liked teaching the troublemaker a lesson. Rau hadn't seen his opponent get behind him, and the bang hadn't provided enough time to evade. The CGUE had shaken when the left shoulder joint was blasted apart and the left arm severed. But Rau wasn't given much time to do anything as the Shadow zoomed around and kicked the CGUE in the direction of the ZAFT ships. "Been fun Creuset, take this as a lesson that you're not on top of the pile," Tyler called. Rau wasn't given a chance to wonder what the teen was implying as the CGUE shook again and with a number of the cameras going out, his mobile suit's head had just been hit. It showed McGregor was definitely no normal pilot even by Federation standards, he was good.

The ZAFT vessels deployed a retreat signal and their mobile suits fell back to them ending the battle. Athrun and Nicol saw the signal and broke off from the situations they were in and headed back to the Vesalius. Tyler was glancing over the field and saw that OMNI forces had suffered badly with all ships destroyed and all mobile armors lost. Tyler's sight ended out on the Asuka, "Hey Kira, you okay in there," Tyler asked kindly. He had already been a jerk by hurting Athrun today, and Tyler didn't want to do that to both of his best friends in one day.

Kira heard Tyler and the voice of his friend was helpful, but there was so much going through his mind. Athrun being with ZAFT, failing to save Flay's father as he and Lacus had promised. Kira couldn't think of how he would face Flay after this, he'd tried but still failed in the end. Finally, Kira could only utter two words, "We failed…"

Tyler felt baffled at Kira's reply as it didn't make sense as things stood. Yes, the Alliance had lost but some lives had been saved and that was better than none. So Tyler was trying to figure out what the issue was that the two were suffering over. "Um, excuse me," Tyler muttered not knowing what else to say as he didn't understand what Kira was talking about.

"Kira, it wasn't your fault," reassured Lacus knowing he was blaming himself for the loss of the Montgomery.

Tyler noted the signs that something was off but still couldn't figure out what either was talking about. It was annoying but with his friends in the mood they were, he ignored the feeling trying to understand the reasons. "Okay either of you mind cluing me in on what you're talking about that has both of you in such a sorry state," he requested. "Because I'm lost here and it's hard to help if I don't know what is causing the issue."

Lacus hesitated for a moment as Tyler had not been around when she and Kira had promised Flay they would save the Montgomery. From what Murdoch said, Tyler had launched out first and had been fighting while the others had been preparing. "The Montgomery was destroyed," she said.

Tyler considered what Lacus said for a moment since it still didn't explain what was eating them. It referred to the Nelson-class that had been the last to be taken down by ZAFT. "You mean the Alliance Nelson-class cruiser," he inquired recalling that was the name mentioned for it. The loss of the ship was unfortunate, but the crew was evacuated from what Tyler had heard so things were okay. The Federation had done that without being seen meaning there would be few outside the Federation that would know.

"Yes, that one," Lacus started, "we promised someone that we wouldn't let that happen, yet we failed."

It was from that which Tyler began comprehending what the issue might be in this. Tyler was about to inform both of his friends of the fact the crew was okay, but a signal was picked up by the Shadow's sensors. It took him a couple of seconds to identify the signal and found to my surprise that it was the beacon from a lifepod. Tyler glanced back to see that Lacus was getting Kira to head back to the Archangel. That made Tyler realize that neither of them had noticed or picked up the signal from the lifepod. So Tyler, being who he was, flew off in the direction of the lifepod and after a minute of traveling, he located the small pod. The Shadow gently grabbed the pod and then began the journey back towards the Archangel, Tyler just hoped that he wasn't bringing a problem back with him.

Phase end

A/n

And that's where I'll leave off for this chapter. There were some changes in this chapter which some will have noticed. First the conversation between Athrun and Tyler on the battlefield is less Athrun snapping at him and more the two trying to get the other to see their position. Also, I wanted to make Athrun less blinded by others around himself and more somewhat trapped by the circumstances he's in. Next of course, Tyler didn't shoo Creuset away, he whipped him instead. And I think if we are truthful, we all want Rau Le Creuset to be taught a lesson and be whipped, that's the kind of guy he is. I say who better to do the job than Tyler? He not only can do it but is willing to do it without an issue. Please take the time to write a review or PM me and tell me what you think or to ask questions. Can't promise that I'll answer every question, but I will try to answer the ones I can.