A/n

Here is Phase 57, it is the first of the new phases I'm writing, hope you enjoy it!

Phase 57: What Comes After

September 27th 71 C.E.

Jachin Due Battlefield, Lagrange 5

Graham was flying over the field, searching for any in need of help of any kind he could provide. The destruction of GENESIS was a wonderful thing and had been needed for the battle to end in the best way possible. Graham didn't know why the weapon seemed to destroy itself, but he wouldn't complain about the event or how it happened. ZAFT forces who hadn't been listening to Lanus were falling back from the battle toward the colonies. Ezalia Joule had helped that along and had gotten the fighting to lessen. However, Graham was brought out of his thoughts when he spotted something moving slowly toward the coalition fleet. As he got closer, he found two damaged mobile suits moving slowly. One was the Aurora that Tyler had been using, and another one that Graham didn't recognize at first glance. But a moment later, Graham saw the other seemed to be the one Creuset had been fighting when he'd come upon the masked man. From what Graham could see of the two, Tyler and his companion were in a serious bind. So, he flew over the two and opened a channel, "I must say, Tyler," Graham began, "you and your companion appear to be much worse for wear."

Kira glanced up and saw the blue Gundam from before, which interrupted the fight between Kira and Creuset. Apparently, the suit's pilot knew Tyler though Kira couldn't say how or why his friend would know the man speaking to them. While Tyler may not appreciate Graham's attitude most of the time, he knew it wasn't the time to be picky. He and Kira needed help to get back to a ship and get assistance as soon as possible. "Do you need some help," Graham posed. Tyler admitted this was the time to put aside his reservations about asking for help from those he would rather not. Thus, he sighed, "Yes, Graham, we could use some help right now. My companion has pretty much no thrusters, and I'm flying blind. So, an assist back to a ship would be appreciated right now."

Graham had the Thanatos shift into flight mode, and the grapple carrier system came into place. Then he came around to be behind the two and slowly came to connect the carrier system to latch onto the Aurora. Tyler felt the jerk of something connecting to the Aurora, and then he was moving forward at a brisker pace. Graham was pulling the two toward the coalition fleet so the two could get the help they needed. "Is there any particular ship you want to get to," Graham asked. "I can get you to where you wish to go."

Tyler considered for a moment the best place for Kira and him to go for the help they needed. The Archangel could have the equipment, and there would be medical personnel which Tyler would require. The Archangel's doctor had done a good job the last time Tyler needed the work done, so he figured it would be the same. However, Tyler assumed Kira would want to see Lacus as soon as he was able. Thus, there was one choice as to the ships they could go to, "The Eternal would probably be best for the time being, Graham," Tyler replied. "They will have the needed equipment and personnel we may need for our plight." Graham changed his course while Tyler kept ahold of the Freedom as they traveled. The pace Graham had set was brisk, which Tyler appreciated as his side was still bleeding, even if slowly.

Graham had spotted the Eternal and connected a channel to the ship, "Eternal, this is the Thanatos. I have two mobile suits in need of assistance. They are the Freedom and the Aurora and look to have been damaged pretty badly."

Andrew blinked at the communication, both at what had been said and the voice which had said it. He swore that he'd heard the voice before now, but Andrew couldn't place where he could have heard it. It was good to hear that the Freedom and Aurora were still around, even if damaged. Those two had been among the missing from the Eternal's mobile suits. The Justice had gone to the Kusanagi, while the Regenerate had returned to the Eternal. The Regenerate had come back with the black CGUE belonging to the Black Zephyr. Thankfully, the woman hadn't done anything to take over command. It wasn't unheard of for the Black Zephyr to take command of the ship she came on. However, nothing had been heard about the Freedom or Aurora until now. Miss Lacus had been worrying about the lack of news about the Freedom and Aurora.

Aisha replied to the Thanatos' pilot as Andrew seemed to be lost in thought about something. After the communication, Aisha turned to Andrew, "Andy, is there something on your mind," she asked. Andrew came out of his thoughts, and it was at that point he recalled why the voice had been so familiar. The one who had talked to them was none other than the Comet, Graham Aker, the missing champion of ZAFT. That the man appeared on the battlefield was something else when there hadn't been a single rumor of him being alive or where he'd been. Those in ZAFT still told stories about the Comet and his escapades and victories against the Alliance. The man was ZAFT's hero even these days, as he was during the early years. Talk about him gave hope to ZAFT soldiers during hard times which had been coming lately. "The one we were just talking to was Aker, the Comet," Andrew stated in slight disbelief. "There was a rumor that he could be alive and here, but I thought those were just rumors being spread to give us from ZAFT hope."

While Aisha was surprised at what Andy had said, there were more pressing matters. "Whether that is true or not, we have damaged mobile suits coming in, that is a priority," she replied. Andrew knew his partner was right; the priority was for the incoming machines and their pilots. And from what he saw approaching, the "damage" was being downplayed from how bad it was. The view of the damage was getting worse as the two were being brought closer by the blue Gundam. "Have hangar personnel standing by for the Freedom and Aurora," Andrew ordered, "make sure emergency crews and medical teams are ready for whatever comes in." Aisha was on the same page, "Catapult to open position and have deceleration cables set for the two to bring them to a stop."

Graham lined up those he carried with the Eternal's catapult, which had opened. Then he readied the carrier system to release the two and impart momentum for them to use. "I've brought you two here," Graham said. "I wish you both the best of luck." He released the link he had and veered off, leaving the two sailing forward. Tyler was still completely blind to what was happening outside, with his cameras still dead. He hoped that with what Graham had said, he and Kira were somehow moving toward the Eternal's hangar. Kira watched as they were released and kept the momentum that the Thanatos had. They were sailing toward the Eternal and flew down the catapult right at the deceleration cables at the end. Tyler felt a jerk, and his suit's frame was forced to keep him connected to the seat with his backpack holding him to it. It was one of the reasons Tyler preferred the Federation's method of using repulsion to slow down mobile suits rather than cables to bring one to a stop.

Meanwhile, in the hangar lounge, Sakura held onto Lacus to ensure she didn't do something foolish. Her baby sister had been "worried" about some that she said had been on the Eternal before the battle. One was her beloved Tyler, and the other was a friend of his both had gone out to the battle and hadn't returned yet. Sakura was confident Tyler would come back in some way or another. And knowing him, he would make sure his friend did the same, even if he had to drag himself to do so. "Lacus," Sakura started, "Your worrying is doing nothing but stressing you more. They will return, do not doubt it."

Lacus wanted to believe her sister. Oh, how she wanted to believe her. She'd always wanted the unmovable confidence that Sakura seemed to have. It was one of the qualities Lacus had never been able to learn or get from her. Lacus knew Sakura wanted some of her qualities, but her sister seemed to forge ahead instead. The ability to keep going like there was nothing difficult about it had both irritated Lacus and made her jealous. She hadn't even brought up such feelings with Sakura. Lacus didn't know how to talk to her older sister or broach the jealousy she had of her. But with the battle she'd just been in the current year, Lacus couldn't keep silent anymore. Lacus's eyes became overshadowed as she spoke, "You say my worrying is for nothing," she said coldly. "And what would you know about worrying about others as I do?"

Sakura blinked at what her baby sister was saying. She hadn't meant telling Lacus not to worry as an insult or anything. Sakura had been attempting to comfort her little sister, which was rare for her to do for anyone. And yet, Lacus was taking her attempt to comfort as something it wasn't. Sakura hadn't said Lacus's worry was for nothing since she'd just mentioned it was stressing her. Lacus was being unlike her usual self and was seemingly cold. "I didn't say your worry was for nothing," Sakura began, "I said you were stressing yourself needlessly. They will return, there is no reason to doubt that."

Lacus wasn't about to stop as her sister was talking. She had been quiet about things when it came to Sakura. From as far back as Lacus could remember, she had always been compared to Sakura. Their father never did, but pretty much all the rest around Lacus had. She'd lost count of how many times she had heard she should be more like Sakura. It had been "Sakura can do such and such, why couldn't she" or "Sakura can do amazing things, couldn't Lacus do the same," and the like. She didn't want to hold such things against her sister, for she wasn't at fault. Sakura hadn't tried to be better or be a bar of comparison that Lacus was measured by. However, that didn't change the fact that Lacus had been compared and measured to her even to this day. And Lacus was tired of others contrasting her to Sakura, living in her older sister's shadow, so to speak. Lacus would speak her mind, and Sakura would listen to what she had to say and know how she felt. "You never had to worry about measuring up to other's expectations," Lacus snapped. "You've always been the amazing one everyone looked up to." Lacus glared at Sakura, "Do you have any idea what it is like to live in the shadow of the accomplishments you have? How often I get compared to you and asked why I can't do what you do?"

Sakura didn't know what to say in response to Lacus. In truth, Sakura had to bear others comparing her to Lacus, but more their mother, Tasara. What Lacus was describing was similar to what Sakura had faced when she was growing up. She'd always been compared to her mother and told to be more like her by those around her. Tasara hadn't said that, nor had their father, but most others had that Sakura could recall. Once Tasara had died, the comparison shifted from her mother to her baby sister. Lacus had been more like their mother than Sakura had ever been. Thus, Sakura had lived in their mother's shadow much as Lacus claimed to live in hers. She had learned to ignore it, make her choices, and stick to them regardless of what others said of her. "Hard as it may be to believe, yes," Sakura replied. "I do know what it is like to be compared to another a great deal. I used to be compared to our mother while I was growing up more often than not. Told I should be more like her, to change myself to emulate what mother is like countless times. It motivated me to make my own choices regardless of what others said."

Lacus's anger and frustration drained away at Sakura, saying she was compared to their mother just like Lacus was to Sakura. Sakura nor their father had said anything about her being compared to their mother. And it sounded like she had been living in their mother's shadow, much as Lacus had been doing with Sakura. Her reply was of one that knew through experience what being compared to another was like. And because of that, Lacus's complaints now seemed foolish and non-sensible. Her sister had been through what she had already. Lacus could've known that if she had asked Sakura and talked to her about what she'd been going through. "Sakura," Lacus started, "I'm sorry, I didn't-" Sakura moved forward and hugged her sister, "Lacus," she began, "I never wanted you to be compared to me or what I can do. It isn't right for others to do, and I feel for you as others forced me to live in our mother's shadow. It was why I tried not to be like you, so others wouldn't measure you against me. I have tried to curtail that but haven't had a great deal of success." Sakura paused, "I'm sorry we didn't have this conversation sooner. We've drifted apart and don't talk as much as we once did, which has had consequences."

Lacus would've replied, but the ship's PA interrupted her before she could, "Emergency crews stand ready," said Aisha's voice, "The Freedom and Aurora are coming in." Lacus spun around to the panel, which gave a view into the hangar from the lounge. A portion of her worry was fading after hearing the Freedom and Aurora were coming in at long last. Sakura smiled, "As I said, have faith in them," she stated. "They have proven they will do what they say, so you can have that faith and count on it." Lacus turned and nodded, but the PA sounded again, "Both machines have been severely damaged. Emergency crews prepare for potential issues. Medical team report to the hangar immediately." Lacus whipped around back to the window, her worry returning and slamming into her with full force. She then moved in the direction of the antechamber that led to the hangar but was stopped by Sakura. Her older sister shook her head, "We can't help them right now. We will have to be patient for the time we can be of assistance," Sakura stated firmly. Lacus was about in tears at the thought of Tyler or Kira being injured. If they were, they would need help, and Lacus wanted to assist them both. For a medical team to be called down to the hangar didn't encourage her that the two were okay any more than hearing their machines were severely damaged. "But what if they are hurt," Lacus just about sobbed. "They will need help, and I can't stay here with that being the case."

Inside the hangar, there was chatter just before deceleration cables came into view, stretching to bring what hit them to a stop. The two women were drawn back to observing the activities in the hangar with the chatter. The cables disconnected their couplers and revealed the two machines which had come into the Eternal's hangar. Lacus was horrified to see the Freedom and Aurora as they were right now. As the two machines were separated, the view of their condition worsened for both Gundams. The Freedom had lost its wings and the housing it had been attached to. The back had places had holes that exposed the nuclear reactor, which could spell out other potential issues. Its right arm was missing, as was its right leg and part of its left. The Freedom's head was also gone and what was left around the mounting structure looked worn and messy. The Aurora wasn't much better than the Freedom though there was more structure overall left. The Aurora's backpack was mostly gone, and what was left were taters of metal. However, there were also holes in the Aurora's back that also showed its reactor. The head of Tyler's mobile suit was also missing, like the Freedom's, as was part of its right arm.

The emergency crews moved forward, one with a scanner with exposed nuclear reactors. They found the radiation levels were higher than they should be. That meant one of the machine's reactors was leaking. The issue needed to be addressed immediately for the safety of all on the ship. The moment the problem was reported to the chief mechanic, he ordered the hangar sealed off until it was taken care of. The emergency crews' suits would protect them from the radiation levels where any that may enter would be in danger. The command was inputted, and the entrance to the lounge above the hangar had a heavy bulkhead slid into place to block the entrance to the antechamber. The viewing window was covered on the hangar side by metal shutters that slid down to block the radiation.

Lacus halted when the bulkhead moved into place and cut her off from getting into the hangar. Then Sakura came up behind her and grabbed her, dragging her back into the lounge. Lacus struggled against her older sister, "Let me go, Sakura," she shouted. "I need to know if they are okay!" Sakura didn't let Lacus go, as she couldn't get into the hangar until the bulkhead opened. That the viewing window being covered meant the hazard was one of the more dangerous ones. Thus, they wouldn't be going in until the emergency crew cleared it. It wouldn't be wise if they tried to get around the safety measures. Also, Lacus was being emotional, and that wouldn't help either of the two that had come in should they need assistance. "Lacus, that bulkhead is protecting us from potentially dangerous and hazardous environments in the hangar. The emergency crews will deal with the problem and then open access to the hangar once done." Lacus shook her head as she needed to see both Kira and Tyler. "I need to help them now," she yelled.

Sakura could see she cared a great deal about Tyler and his friend Kira Yamato. The two were good people, especially her beloved Tyler. However, neither Lacus nor Sakura would be of help; they were more of a hindrance in the hangar at the moment. Neither had the medical or technical skills to assist the two trapped pilots. Sakura slapped Lacus, which got her to go quiet, "Lacus, we won't be able to help them at this point," Sakura stated firmly. Lacus stared at her sister since Sakura didn't hit her like this before, but it focused her thoughts. So, Lacus broke free of her sister and punched the control panel for the bulkhead. There was a buzz then a message played, "Access denied; bulkhead seal is in place due to hazardous environment protocol. Safety protocol will remain in place until the hangar environment is deemed safe for all personnel." Lacus banged on the bulkhead as Sakura put a hand on her shoulder, "We have to wait, even when we wish that weren't necessary." There was a rustling behind them, and when Sakura turned, she spotted the medical team approaching the ante-room. Sakura shook her head, "There's an environmental hazard being dealt with, all of us will need to wait."

Meanwhile, once Tyler felt himself stop moving, he glanced around his cockpit again. His display on his nuclear reactor stated its flow had been restricted. It had done so in order to prevent a radiation leak from occurring due to the damage incurred. The cockpit seal would protect Tyler for the time he needed to improve things for himself. Were Tyler's suit in proper order, possible radiation wasn't as much of a concern as it was. Yet, he had a hole torn in his suit right now from shrapnel, giving a direct way for radiation to affect him. Thus, Tyler dug around in one of the compartments in the cockpit and got out emergency supplies. He found the patch he was looking for and applied it to his suit, which sealed it well enough to protect him for the time being. It didn't help his injury, but Tyler would have a doctor help him with that once Tyler had made sure Kira was okay. Next, Tyler put in a command in his right arm control panel to have his suit reestablished its seal.

Just as Tyler finished getting his suit back in order, the lights in the cockpit suddenly went out before the emergency lights came on a moment later. That told Tyler his suit's reactor had been shut down by those in the hangar. It made Tyler think one of the mobile suits had a leak in their reactor. The Aurora's issue had been handled by automatic safety features designed into it before its shutdown. It reinforced Tyler's confidence and gratitude for how Federation equipment was thoroughly tested before being used by its soldiers. If the Aurora's reactor wasn't leaking, then the Freedom's reactor was leaking radiation and creating a hazard. Tyler inputted the command to release his backpack from the seat, letting him float out of the seat slightly. After being released, Tyler reached up on either side of the cockpit hatch and grabbed the manual release handles. He swung them down until he heard a click before they were firmly in place. Tyler then pushed the handles forward, but they were stuck set in the parallel position to the hatch. Tyler exerted his strength, and there was a creak before the handles moved forward slowly. Once Tyler had the handles ninety degrees from where they had started, there was a clunk and a hissing outside.

After the Aurora's reactor had been shut down, another scan was made, but the radiation levels were unchanged. The team working on the reactors moved onto the Freedom while some stayed around the Aurora, discussing the best method to get the cockpit open. However, as they talked, a clunk drew attention back to the Aurora. Some saw steam spraying out of places around the torso which cleared, showing pressure exhaust ports. Two moved forward, pushed at the front bulkhead, and found it sliding. "It looks like that cockpit seal had been cracked and the hydraulics released," called one. The other waved at the others watching, "Slide the bulkhead down slowly so we can get to the cockpit hatch. The pilot may not know about the radiation hazard."

Tyler heard movement outside the cockpit, but he merely waited for whoever was outside to get to him. His right side was burning with pain, and though it wasn't disabling, it wasn't easy to ignore. Tyler focused on controlling his breathing to do what he could to stop his injuries from getting worse. Around a minute later, by what Tyler estimated, the hatch opened a crack letting in a light brighter than the emergency ones. Tyler glanced up and saw hands getting into that crack and then pulling the hatch open. A flashlight was shinned in the cockpit and settled on Tyler, "Commander, are you okay?" Tyler raised his left hand, even though that made pain shoot through his shoulder, and gave the thumbs up, "I'm okay." The flashlight was moved away, and Tyler saw three looking down at him, "We have a radiation hazard in the hangar for the moment, commander." Tyler nodded, "I figured as much. Thankfully, my pilot suit will protect me from such things as long as they aren't at outright dangerous levels."

The hatch was opened the rest of the way before Tyler moved out of the Aurora to find he was in the Eternal's hanger. Tyler saw all the mechanics were in heavy space suits due to the radiation hazard. He didn't doubt the hangar had also been sealed away from the rest of the ship to ensure the hazard was contained. Most followed the safety of protocol, isolating dangerous things and then handling them. As Tyler scanned around the hangar, he spotted the Regenerate as he expected. It was nice to know Lacus was here and more than likely okay after the battle. The issue was she would likely be worried silly and trying to do anything to get into the hangar, which was a bad idea. Tyler's gaze moved on from the Regenerate and stopped on the next suit, which was a black CGUE. It told Tyler that Sakura was somewhere on the Eternal, and he had a personal issue with that point. His health was not so good, and Sakura wouldn't help with that at all. Nor would she help put to bed what had caused the gunshot wound or the shrapnel injury.

At the same time, Sakura dragged Lacus back into the lounge's main space as she was hysterical at the bulkhead. She had calmed down a bit when Sakura had asked the doctor if he had sedatives with him should Lacus need to be "encouraged" to calm down. Lacus glared intently at her sister when she'd asked the doctor about sedatives. She was just worried about Kira and Tyler, which Sakura should be too. So, instead of arguing, Lacus moved to the window even if a bulkhead blocked it on the other side. Sakura moved to be beside Lacus, "You were panicking, and you need to be calm if you want to be ready to help them when the opportunity came," she said. Lacus faced her sister, "I am worried about their well-being," she snapped. "Unlikely you, I worry about others." Lacus turned away, "I thought you liked Tyler, but apparently, you don't, as you aren't worried about him at all."

Sakura knew she could come off as cold to the vast majority, and war had contributed to that for her. She was definitely worried about Tyler and his possible condition. He was her beloved, and she wouldn't lose him if there were any way she could prevent it. Sakura may not show her feelings of affection as others did or in the presence of others, but she loved Tyler. So, she let out a heavy sigh, "It may appear that way, but that is due to the developed emotional control I have. But rest assured, I am very concerned about Tyler," she replied. What Sakura had said took Lacus by surprise, as this was the first admittance she'd heard from her sister in relation to Tyler. Sure, she'd seen the signs that Sakura liked Tyler, but not much beyond that. Sakura continued, "Whether you know it or not, I love him and don't intend to lose him if that can be avoided in any way."

Back with Tyler, he was focused on checking on Kira rather than who was and wasn't on the Eternal. He floated over to the Freedom, glancing at the team at the back of the suit as he went. One of them raised a hand and signaled for testing to be done again. Tyler looked to the chief mechanic, who was working with two who had meters. Tyler recognized the equipment as those used to scan for nuclear radiation levels. Since Kira's suit wasn't Federation-made or made by the other factions for radiation threats, the high radiation levels had to go down before Kira could come out. He looked down at his left arm controls and had it take a quick scan and show the radiation levels. The readings returned showed the levels were considered "Orange," which was still too high to be around without proper protection. So, Tyler moved forward to be on the left side of the Freedom's torso and hit it hard to make a resonating sound to get Kira's attention.

Kira had felt the Freedom being moved before it stopped. The readings from the displays weren't encouraging, at least those that made sense. Some readings said things that didn't seem off, while others contradicted the previous data. From what he saw, Kira had a sneaking suspicion that the Freedom's reactor could've been damaged and possibly leaking nuclear radiation. As far as Kira knew, the OMNI suit he'd been using wasn't rated to protect him from nuclear radiation if the need arose. The cockpit's pressure seal would keep Kira safe from such things as long as it was kept intact. However, Kira noticed the hydraulics, which normally opened the cockpit, were damaged and wouldn't respond correctly. So, Kira didn't know how he would get out of the Freedom's cockpit. It may end out that others would have to cut their way into the cockpit to get him out. Then Kira heard a bang from his left, which after a moment, he assumed was someone hitting the outside of the Freedom. "Kira," came Tyler's muffled voice, "If you can hear me, bang against the side of the cockpit to acknowledge." Kira stretched over to his left and hit the left display as Tyler had asked to show he'd heard him. "Okay, you will need to wait a moment while the radiation levels outside are lowered," Tyler called. "Apparently, the Freedom's reactor was leaking, and the emergency crews are almost done shutting it down. Once they get that done and purge the radiation, I will tell you what you'll need to do." Kira banged against the side of the cockpit again to say he had heard Tyler and understood what was going on.

Tyler heard the second bang and took that as Kira saying he acknowledged what he'd told him about the current circumstances. Less than a minute later, Tyler heard the mechanics working on the Freedom's reactor shout it was shut down. Tyler had his left arm control pad scan radiation levels again. They had leveled off but still were in the "orange" range, thus still dangerous without protection. Then Tyler heard the Eternal's chief mechanic call for purging the hangar of the radiation. That was followed by an alarm and lines of light passing through the hangar area, which was the radiation being lowered. Tyler waited as the process proceeded since it would take a few minutes to complete. When a dinging sounded three times in a row, Tyler had his arm panel scan the radiation levels again. This time the return showed the hangar was in the green, which was safe for any without protection.

Tyler turned back to the Freedom and banged on the torso's side, "Okay, Kira," he began, "Listen to my instructions. You will need to unbuckle your restraints if you haven't already. Then look up toward the cockpit hatch and reach in that direction. There will be handles on either side of the hatch right below it. Grab them and pull them down toward you until you hear an audible click that signals they are where they need to be. After that, you will need to swing those handles forward ninety degrees, which will take a good amount of force. That will break the cockpit's seal and release the hydraulics for those of us out here to get to you."

Kira looked upward and couldn't see what Tyler was talking about. He reached up, felt around, and touched the handles that Tyler had been referring to. Kira grasped the handles, pulling them down to where they blocked the edges of the hatch. There was a click from both handles before they felt locked into place. Kira pushed against the handles, but there were firmly stuck where they were. He took a deep breath, positioned himself to have better leverage, and pressed against the handles. There was a creaking, and the handles slowly began moving forward. Kira kept pushing, employing his strength to move the handles which were resisting his force. But Kira got the handles to the position Tyler had stated he needed for those outside to help him after putting forth the effort. He heard a clunk outside the cockpit and the rush of air around the space he was in.

Tyler had moved away from the Freedom, watching for the signs of Kira having done what he'd instructed. Some mechanics had suggested that he go to the medical team waiting to enter the hangar. Tyler had refused that straight away, saying he wouldn't leave until he saw Kira out of the Freedom's cockpit. Even when others had insisted since he looked injured with how he clutched his right side off and on with Tyler being stubborn. However, the loud clunk got all to turn to the Freedom as steam began pouring around the torso. Mechanics moved forward and began moving the forward bulkhead down to reveal the cockpit hatch. It only took a few minutes more before the Freedom's cockpit was opened, and Kira came out.

Kira quickly glanced around the hangar, hoping to have some sort of sight that would imply good news. The Aurora wasn't far from where the Freedom was but was in a much different state than when it had left for battle. The same could be said for the Freedom; it was worse than the Aurora. The Regenerate was also in the hangar, and a black CGUE were in docks. It brought Kira comfort to know Lacus had made it back okay, he'd been worried about her. Yet, it was less comforting to understand that Sakura was on the Eternal for Kira. He doubted Tyler would be any more pleased or happy for Sakura to be on the ship. But then, Kira's gaze fell on Tyler, who was far from the Freedom. Others nearby asked Kira if he was okay, which drew attention to them. He answered them that he was okay as he had no standing injuries.

Tyler looked over at Kira, and his friend appeared okay at first glance, which was a relief. He'd already taken a hit to help his other best friend, so a madman didn't potentially kill him. Tyler had hoped he would be given a break after doing it a second time for Kira. Not that Tyler would hesitate to act in order to save his friends, he'd proven that today twice alone. But should there be a choice in the matter, Tyler would prefer not to be required to put his life on the line to do that. Tyler's attention was snapped back to the present as the burning in his side spiked, causing him to grab his side. He needed a doctor to extract the shrapnel soon before things became more complicated. So, Tyler went forward to check on Kira before finding the help he needed. "You good, Kira," Tyler asked in greeting.

Kira stared at Tyler, who physically seemed okay, but the way he was breathing didn't agree with that assessment. There was a patch on his left shoulder that hadn't been there before the battle, which was worrisome. Then there was also a much larger patch over the right side of Tyler's suit around the abdomen, and Tyler had clutched it a moment ago. Kira floated over to Tyler, "We both made it back," he began, "But are you okay?" Tyler winced slightly as the burning swelled at his side, "Well, it would be wise of me to see a doctor when I can," he admitted. "I've had a few issues from the battle that left marks on me, which will likely need medical work done to help them with recovery." Kira was worried to hear Tyler say he needed a doctor to look at him. The last time such happened was horrid. Tyler had been closer to death than Kira in any way liked. Tyler glanced toward the door to the anteroom, then back at Kira, "Shall we head in that direction?" Kira nodded and followed Tyler as he headed toward the hangar's exit. He would ensure Tyler would be okay before letting the relief take hold of him.

The medical team was waiting outside the anteroom after they had arrived. The bulkhead seal was still in place, so the hazard in the hangar hadn't been dealt with yet. After what felt like an hour, the bulkhead slid out of the way, revealing the door to the anteroom. Sakura had to grab Lacus by the shoulder, so she didn't rush forward. Lacus did attempt to move forward to check on Kira and Tyler. Sakura gestured to the medical team to go in, and they did so. Lacus twisted around to glare at her older sister, "Why are you holding me back," she demanded. Sakura sighed, "Because you will be a hindrance to them right now," she stated firmly. "The two need to be looked over by medical professionals." Sakura matched her sister's glare, "And last time I checked, you aren't a medical professional nor have more than the most basic first-aid skills to work with. They will need skilled people before those who will hover over them, peppering them with questions. This is one of those times you will need to put logic before emotion," Sakura insisted. "Be patient, Lacus. It will work better in the end as you will get to see them faster if you do."

In her mind, Lacus knew her sister was right, as much as she didn't want to admit it. It would be better for Tyler and Kira to be looked over medically before anything else. While she wanted to see them immediately, she couldn't do much to help them if they were hurt. Lacus would still see them, but their health and safety were more important than relieving the painful feeling in her heart. So, she stopped struggling against Sakura, silently admitting her older sister was right. Lacus didn't want to wait, but it was the best thing to do for the two. Sakura was proud that Lacus had calmed down, as she'd clearly been stressed.

Tyler and Kira were more than halfway to the anteroom's entrance when the medical team came out of it. Kira waved down the doctors and pointed at Tyler, "He needs some help," he said. Tyler would've countered about needing help, but at this time, such would be detrimental, so he kept his mouth shut. He needed medical attention for both the gunshot wound and more for the shrapnel in his side. So, Tyler didn't resist as the doctors surrounded him and let them direct him onto the stretcher they had with them. The burning of his side was getting worse, and Tyler's shoulder was also throbbing more. He felt his body being strapped to the stretcher and then was being moved toward the infirmary.

There was chatter from the anteroom then a group came out, not stopping around Sakura and Lacus. Sakura spotted a stretcher in the middle before the group vanished, heading toward the infirmary. She hadn't seen who it could be on the stretcher, but it could be anyone in the hangar. Depending on the hazard they had been dealing with, injuries were expected with members of the emergency crews. The environmental hazard hadn't been specifically defined by what Sakura had heard. But she thought she'd heard alarms ZAFT ships used to warn of the hangar being purged of something dangerous before the bulkheads had gone away. However, she didn't have time to ask what had been happening inside the hangar. That was because another came into the lounge, and Lacus shot toward them, slamming into them. Sakura blinked and looked again for a longer period so she could see what was going on more accurately.

Before her eyes were her baby sister, hugging the boy she'd been around several times before now. And it wasn't that Sakura had an issue with hugging per se between the two if it was on a friendly basis. But the way that Lacus was embracing Yamato was more than friends would normally do. If things had ended there, Sakura would've been forgiving and said little about the gesture she'd seen. The hug could be passed off as relief driven for both of them to be alive, and Sakura could give the two that. Yet, her baby sister locked lips with the boy, raising Sakura's eyebrows. Sakura was forced to wonder just how close the two had become in the time since she'd seen them together. They hadn't been this close the last time she had observed them. Sakura was more than concerned Lacus was getting so close to another she didn't fully approve of. She vetted any that got close to her baby sister, and it was for her good and safety. Sakura folded her arms as the two stopped kissing, "And since when were the two of you close enough to be locking lips?"

Lacus turned to look at her sister's icy tone she'd said that line in. Kira was her boyfriend, and she'd chosen him herself. Sakura would accept that. Lacus hadn't missed her sister's efforts to "protect" her from those who would potentially take advantage of her. There had been several people Lacus thought could be her friend, but Sakura scared them away before things went too far. Lacus had talked to her sister about that but never got much of an answer from Sakura as to why she would do such. Sakura would only say she protected Lacus from those who would use her for their selfish desires. Kira wouldn't take advantage of her, and he cared about her as she did him. Thus, Lacus gazed back at her sister with determination on her face, "It isn't any of your business, Sakura," she stated.

Sakura paused at the unexpected reply from her baby sister. Lacus hadn't talked back against her much before now. Sakura assumed it came from the trust Lacus had in her to do her utmost to protect her from others. This was the first time Sakura could recall that Lacus had said something happening to her wasn't Sakura's business. No, Sakura must have heard wrong. Her baby sister wouldn't say such things to her. "What was that, Lacus," Sakura asked evenly. "I don't think I heard you correctly." Lacus continued to gaze steadily at her sister, "I said this is none of your business, Sakura. What is going on between Kira and me is private, and you don't need to know about it."

Sakura was silent for a long moment at Lacus's reply since it was so different than what she was used to. Her baby sister's relationships had been Sakura's business for years now. Why should that change now? Any boy who wanted to be close to her sister would first have to earn Sakura's approval period. Sakura would chase them away without hesitation if they didn't earn that. She'd done that several times before fools tried to court Lacus to take advantage of her. The boy may be her beloved's friend, which was good, but even Yamato would have to earn her approval. So, Sakura's glare shifted to Kira, who shivered as it came onto him. Kira didn't like Sakura glaring at him as he could feel the glare directed at him, saying she wasn't okay with him and Lacus. "It most certainly is my business who is around and associates with you," Sakura remarked. "Any guy that wants to be close to you has to earn my approval. If they can't, I chase them away since they aren't worth your time."

Lacus wouldn't let Sakura chase away Kira, not after all the work she had put in to get as close as she was to him now. She and Kira would have a relationship, and not even her sister would get in the way of that. So, Lacus clutched Kira to herself, "This is my choice, Sakura," she stated firmly. "You've arranged and chosen a lot of things in my life before now. And while I don't blame you for what you've done for me, there comes a time when I need to take charge of my own life. I finally began making my own choices during my time away from the homeland." Lacus pressed herself against Kira a bit, "Being together is our decision, and others will have to accept that."

Sakura would applaud Lacus for making her own choices since she should be doing that. However, there were some decisions that Lacus wasn't informed enough to make wise ones yet. An intimate relationship was one of those kinds of choices that Sakura's baby sister wasn't ready to make. And Yamato had yet to earn her permission, and he would get that before she would allow him to be close to Lacus. While the boy was in better standing than others who had come before him, he still had a ways to go before getting her approval. "I applaud you are trying to make your own decisions, Lacus," Sakura remarked. "But this is one of those decisions you aren't ready to make on your own."

Kira didn't like Lacus and Sakura heading for the position of fighting one another. He knew they were close since they had been younger, and he didn't want to hurt that relationship. Kira had heard from some that Sakura's approval would be required to be with Lacus. Before her confession, Kira would've not thought about getting her older sister's approval. But now, Lacus wanted to be with him, and he was with her, so he knew it would be best to have Sakura's approval. It wouldn't be easy, not by anything he'd heard about trying to please Sakura. Tyler may have some ideas for getting on Sakura's good side. He seemed to be on the woman's good side himself, so he would likely know some ways for another to get there. Thus, Kira took a deep breath, "I fully intend to work on getting your approval, Sakura," he said. Lacus and Sakura stopped glaring at one another and shifted their gazes to Kira as he continued. "I want to be with Lacus, but I also want her to be on good terms with her family, including you. So, I will work to get you to approve of our relationship. I just ask you to give me the chance and time to earn it."

Sakura blinked as she was caused paused by what the boy had just said. He was the first she could recall saying he would work for her approval. Most would ignore her until she got on their case and chased them away from her baby sister. But Yamato had gone and requested she give him a chance and time to earn her approval. It certainly showed the boy had potential and good manners, which was a step in the right direction. She would be asking her beloved about Yamato and what merits he had. So, Sakura folded her arms as she gazed at Kira, "I'll admit, Yamato, you are the first to say you are willing to work for my approval. All before you just tried to dazzle Lacus to get her attention and hope it would be enough to get around me." Sakura's gaze hardened a bit, "But don't think Lacus's adoration will in any way make it easier to earn my approval, boy. You may be a step ahead of the rest, but that is just a single step, not a kilometer. You'll be working hard if you want my permission to remain with my sister. Don't you dare mistake that, Kira Yamato!" Lacus would argue with Sakura about what she was saying to Kira. Her older sister had no right to bully her boyfriend, especially not in front of her. However, Sakura held up a hand, "I'm not saying he has no chance, Lacus. That he says he is willing to work for it has gotten him a shot at earning my approval. That is more than any other has done or gotten from me, so he has a chance." Sakura gazed at Lacus, "If he cares about you, he will do everything he can to show it and earn my approval. Look at this as a test for him to show how much he cares for you, with him having to prove it to me."

While Kira was more than willing to earn Sakura's approval for Lacus's sake, his thoughts shifted to the other concern he had. Tyler had been on the stretcher, which had headed off to the Eternal's infirmary. He hadn't looked good with the patch on the right side of his suit and a small one on his left shoulder. It wasn't as bad as when he'd returned from the Shadow's destruction, but his friend being hurt still worried Kira. Thus, it would be best to put this discussion on hold and see if Tyler was okay. "Um," Kira started, "Not to lessen anything that has been said, but could we talk about this later?" Both women looked at Kira as he kept going, "I really want to check on Tyler and make sure he is okay."

The mention of Tyler got both women to put aside their quarrel about Lacus's and Kira's relationship. Lacus realized she hadn't seen Tyler yet. She had been so relieved that Kira was alive and okay that the lack of her friend's presence had been missed. And by what Kira said, Tyler wasn't in the best condition right now after the battle. Lacus didn't want to see Tyler injured again as he had been when at her home. On the other hand, Sakura's seriousness with Lacus and Yamato vanished as it implied her beloved could be injured. She wouldn't lose Tyler if there were anything she could do to prevent it. The thought of the medical team carrying the stretcher came back to Sakura's mind. She'd not seen the one on the stretcher, and she had just assumed it had been one of the emergency crew members. But there was the possibility it could've been Tyler, and she had not noticed. The three said no more and made their way to the ship's infirmary to see what they could find out about Tyler.

Meanwhile, Tyler was in the Eternal's infirmary getting worked on, and he was unhappy about what he was going through. He did indeed have pieces of shrapnel in his side, as in more than one piece buried. And the removal of the shrapnel, while it was progressing, was slow and painful for Tyler. Two of the four pieces had gone in deep enough to be more of a problem. The doctor had to "dig" for them, while the other two pieces were small and difficult to get out. The bullet wound in his left shoulder had been sewn up with stitches but still stung a bit. He didn't blame the doctor or his assistants; they were doing what they should be. Tyler needed the shrapnel out of him as soon as possible before they could do more damage with his movements. He tried to keep in the curses that wanted to come out inside, but an amount escaped him as the doctor went digging for the shrapnel. Tyler had been offered medication but refused such, as he didn't want to be knocked out for hours while things were still going on. He was given painkillers, but they only blocked an amount of the pain, leaving the rest for Tyler to deal with.

He'd watched two smaller pieces of metal extracted from the long and large gash they had made with their fellows entering. While the pieces weren't terribly large, they were worrisomely jagged so did damage going in. Tyler suspected the burning he'd been feeling was due to the shrapnel cutting the areas they had been around. The burning had been lessening somewhat as the pieces had been removed, but the burning was still there. Tyler had to work to not move unnecessarily from the pain coursing him. Thus, Tyler was still cursing at the pain as the two larger shrapnel pieces were "fished" out by what the doctor said as he worked.

The three worried about Tyler reached the area the infirmary was around by that point. They heard Tyler's voice from the other side of the infirmary door as he was "spouting" curses. Lacus didn't wait; she just pushed the button for the infirmary to door open and moved inside with Kira and Sakura behind her. Nurses quickly noticed the three and moved to have them to wait outside. There were already enough bodies in the infirmary without adding more. Lacus didn't want to leave until she knew Tyler was okay and saw that with her own eyes. However, Sakura pulled her baby sister back and essentially dragged her out of the infirmary. Kira bowed in apology and followed the two women out of the room to let the medical staff work.

Tyler was so focused on dealing with the pain he didn't register that others had come into the infirmary, let alone that they were two friends and his stalker. The doctor was working on digging out one of the two large shrapnel pieces, and Tyler felt it moving toward the surface. Each shift of the metal burned and caused a sharp increase in the pain, which got Tyler to curse in response. He knew things would improve for his health once the two large pieces were removed, but the process was anything but pleasant. Nurses were holding him still as they could as the extraction continued, with help from Tyler holding himself from thrashing around. Still, colorful words came from Tyler's mouth as the operation continued. He was glad his mother wasn't here to hear what dirty words he was spouting. Ellen Blass was willing to take the time to clean out her son's mouth with soap. Tyler had that done once, and he didn't want his mother to do that again anytime soon.

Outside the infirmary, the three worried about Tyler waited for more information about him. Sakura had to keep a hand on Lacus's shoulder to keep her from rushing into the infirmary. All three heard Tyler cursing as they waited to know what his condition was. Kira was shocked after a few minutes of listening to the curses as he didn't know Tyler would use such colorful language. Sure, Kira knew Tyler could and did swear during hard situations. He'd heard some of that language but had said nothing to Tyler about it nor held it against him. What worried Kira was Tyler didn't curse as he was unless he was dealing with a great deal of pain. He remembered Tyler mentioning he had gotten shrapnel in him, but little more than that. But by the sound of it, the shrapnel was more of an issue than Tyler implied it was. Kira glanced in the direction Lacus and Sakura were observing Lacus struggling against her sister to get into the infirmary. Kira could understand Lacus's wish to be inside the infirmary, and he wanted to be in there himself. Yet, he knew there was nothing he could do for his friend right now as much as Kira wanted to be able to.

Tyler cursed heavily as the first of the two large pieces came out of the gash since its jagged edges dug in as it was pulled. The burning pain lessened with all but one piece of shrapnel, and Tyler hoped it would be more so after the last piece was removed. There would be stitching to close the gash as there had already been with the bullet wound on his shoulder. It took another ten or so minutes for the last piece of shrapnel to be dug out. Tyler cursed during that time, though he managed to hold back some and muffle a few of those so the infirmary staff wasn't treated to more foul language Tyler knew. The pain lessened with the shrapnel out of his side. It had become a dull throb, which Tyler could deal with. The doctor moved on to stitch up the gash on Tyler's side, and the painkillers blocked out the needle, stabbing him as he was sewn up. Tyler was looking forward to when the doctor was done, and he could go and work on recovering from the consequences of his choices. Time passed as Tyler's side was sewn up, though he couldn't figure out exactly how much time as the pain made it hard to tell. But he could feel the gash in his side closing slowly but surely, which was progress.

Once the doctor finished, he had nurses wrap both Tyler's left shoulder and his torso around the gash. One of the nurses mentioned to the doctor there was some waiting outside, and they had expressed worry about their patient. So as the nurses continued dressing Tyler's injuries, the doctor moved to the entrance of the infirmary. Outside, the doctor found Miss Clyne. Mr. Yamato and another woman were waiting. It was a moment before the doctor realized the other woman was Commander Clyne, holding Miss Lacus from rushing forward. The doctor cleared his throat, "Commander McGregor is having his wounds dressed," he said. "We managed to remove the shrapnel that had entered his body without much further damage being incurred."

To hear that Tyler was going to be okay was comforting for Kira since he'd been worried about his friend. Tyler had protected him from Creuset's machine detonating and had been hurt in doing so. Kira wouldn't be able to forgive himself should Tyler be hurt or killed for something that involved him. Sure, Kira knew Tyler was tough. His friend had proven it over and over during the years he'd known him. But Kira knew that even Tyler wasn't invincible, so he could be hurt or killed in his work. Thus, with Tyler going to recover fully from the injuries he'd received during the battle, Kira was relieved. The battle had been important. Kira saw the logic and need of it to save the human race from destruction. Yet, many went out to fight and hadn't returned, making the ultimate sacrifice. Kira was glad Tyler wasn't among those numbers.

Sakura still held Lacus back from rushing into the infirmary as she was trying to do. She was worried about Tyler and his condition since he was her beloved. The doctor coming out of the infirmary implied that Tyler was doing better than when he was carried in. If he recovered, things would work out in the long run. However, as Sakura thought about it, Tyler's recovery allowed her to spend time with him. She could imagine many opportunities to "help" Tyler get back to good health. And with him recovering, he wouldn't be as resistant as he normally is. She had been denied and stopped from getting time with her beloved because of the war and what it involved. But now, hopefully, with the war heading toward a peaceful end, there would be time for her to spend with Tyler. She needed time off from military service since she hadn't gotten any for some time now. And spending time with her beloved would be an ideal way to use vacation time in Sakura's mind.

Lacus was struggling against her sister to attempt to get into the infirmary and ensure Tyler was okay. He had been in the infirmary for more than an hour now, and she was beyond worried about him. From what Kira had said to Lacus and Sakura, Tyler had something wrong with his right side, but he admitted he knew nothing more. Tyler had told Kira that he had a few "issues" that left marks on him, which would need work done. For Tyler to admit he needed medical help was rare, he would grin and bare the issue normally. And the cursing that had been heard wasn't encouraging nor leaning toward the possibility of Tyler being okay overall. The battle had already done enough damage that it would take months, if not years, to get over for all involved. Lacus didn't want to add a friend in bad condition to that battle cost.

The doctor finished his summary of Tyler's condition by saying Tyler would need to take it easy for a time for his recovery. The three who had been waiting entered the infirmary and gazed at the main work table where Tyler was. He was sitting up as nurses were wrapping up his lower torso. Kira also noted that his friend's left shoulder was also in bandages with padding in the front under the wrapping. The bandages around Tyler's torso made sense as he had been clutching his side, saying something had been causing him pain. But the shoulder was odd, and Kira didn't doubt there was a story to what had happened, which he hadn't heard anything about. However, out of the three, Lacus moved forward to be directly in front of Tyler as his bandage wrapping was being finished. "Tyler," Lacus started, "What happened to you? Are you going to be okay?"

Tyler blinked both at the questions being asked and the fact that Lacus was standing in front of him. Yes, he'd seen the Regenerate in the hangar, which meant Lacus was on the ship, but for her to be here was weird. True, he'd been worked on, but that was currently being "wrapped up," so he would be fine. There was no reason for others to worry about his health as it would improve given time and less stress for him. That would mean Sakura would give him space and not hover over him for a period of time. If Lacus could do that, then he would be recovered in no time. He also wanted to know what was going on since the battle should've been going toward an end with GENESIS gone. Tyler wanted to make sure things were settled, and the fighting was done for the time being. He was a hard worker, not wanting to stop until a job was done to a credible standard. "To answer your second question, I will be okay given time and rest," he replied.

The nurses backed up once they finished their wrapping. Tyler moved his arms and rotated his shoulders to ensure they were doing okay. His left shoulder was sore but wasn't throbbing as it had been before. Tyler's right side was uncomfortable but was manageable for the time it would take for his recovery. The stitches and the "cream" that had been put in would move things along if Tyler rested well for a time. Tyler glanced around the room and saw Kira and Sakura. Kira being here was fine. Tyler expected that his friend would be worried about him. That was totally natural. On the other hand, Sakura being in the room was not helpful and would be detrimental to his health. The woman hadn't left him alone when she was around him, not after their encounter after their "first" meeting. The last thing Tyler's health/recovery needed was Lacus's older sister hovering over him and demanding his attention in whatever ways she desired. "As to what happened to me for the marks I have currently," Tyler paused for a moment, "Is a long story, to put it mildly." He sighed heavily, "Forgive any curses you may have heard. The pain of having the shrapnel removed was beyond unpleasant, and it wasn't because of the doctor's efforts. The metal was jagged and did the damage as they were extracted from my right side."

Lacus didn't like the shortness of Tyler's explanation since it didn't clarify anything for those worried about him. He had been hurt during the battle, but he wasn't giving any detail as to how he got injured as he was. It was somewhat classic Tyler, and Lacus didn't like that he wouldn't give details about what happened to him. Lacus grabbed the sides of Tyler's face and forced him to look at her, "You didn't answer my first question," she stated. "What happened to you for you to be injured as you are?!" The tone told Tyler he would unlikely be able to get his friend to leave this subject alone as he'd hoped. But he didn't want to have an uncomfortable conversation in the infirmary, which would worsen the non-nice situation. "You aren't going to leave this alone, are you," Tyler posed. "There is no need for the details to be public knowledge or iterated."

Lacus shook her head firmly, "You were hurt, and your friends deserve to know how that happened," she insisted. While Sakura wanted to know how her beloved got into his current condition, she knew badgering him wouldn't help that come out. Her baby sister's concern was nice, but she was letting that cloud her judgment. So, Sakura moved forward and pulled Lacus back a short distance, "Lacus," she began, "that isn't helping." Lacus spun around to glare at her sister for pulling her away from Tyler. She wouldn't let Tyler get out of telling them what happened to him for him to be hurt enough to be wrapped in bandages. "Don't interfere, Sakura," Lacus snapped back, "I will not let Tyler wave off what hurts him and say nothing to those that care about him."

Tyler observed the two women start arguing with each other, wondering why this was happening in front of him and because of him. He was trying to save his friends the pain of telling them what he'd done to protect others. Tyler had put his life on the line for his best friends and had done so willingly without hesitation. It was part of his personality, a good part in Tyler's view, so he would practice it as the need arose. His friends should know that he would do what it took to protect and save them by this point, including risking his life. There were a lot of things he did they never knew about, and it was better that way in the end. Tyler did things that weren't seen well but believed it necessary sometimes. He felt it better that his friends were ignorant of the more horrible things he sometimes did to protect others. It was the same stance the Federation's military had with its citizens. It was done, and the lengths trod to defend them from those who would threaten them. Tyler's gaze shifted to Kira, and he tilted his head at the pair of women expressing an expression to say, "really."

Kira understood what Tyler was saying, even if non-vocally. The fight between Lacus and Sakura had a little point to it from the view of those watching. Kira hadn't seen the two argue like they were for years now, but it was rare for them to be around each other since the war started. So, Kira shrugged, not knowing a better answer to Tyler's unvoiced question. Tyler waved a hand to have Kira come over to him and whispered to him to help get him to his quarters. Kira didn't know if that was the best idea, but Tyler said the woman would find them once they were done venting. Kira sighed and helped Tyler leave the infirmary and get him to his quarters. Tyler took off his pilot suit and dressed in civilian clothes while Kira slipped away and did the same. Kira returned after changing and found Tyler horizontal on the bed. "So," Kira started, "How did you get the injury on your left shoulder?"

Tyler didn't answer immediately, organizing his thoughts on how he wanted to explain what happened with Athrun and Chairman Zala. Dealing with Chairman Zala had been nasty, and Tyler knew it would be that way from the beginning. Athrun's involvement had added a layer of difficulty even if Athrun had accepted Chairman Zala wasn't the man who had been his father. In the end, Tyler had done the "kill shot" in the chairman's head, even though the two chest shots, one from him and the other from Athrun, would've done the job given a little more time. "The result of a complicated altercation, I guess you could say," Tyler replied. Kira waited as Tyler paused, which he took to say to keep going. "I got it while confronting Chairman Zala," Tyler stated evenly. "Athrun was there facing off against the man, and the conversation wasn't going well, by what I heard after arriving."

At the same time, Lacus and Sakura had come to the point they had gone from speaking to just glaring at one another. Their argument had gone back and forth, Lacus saying Tyler needed to stop keeping things in and not sharing. Sakura countered her with the point that Tyler was in a military organization and so likely did things the public wouldn't be told about for a good reason. Lacus argued that friends weren't the "public" and so could and should be an exception to that expectation. She whipped around to get Tyler to agree with her, but she could only blink. Tyler had been on the infirmary's main bed but was missing now. Sakura also noticed that her beloved was gone from the infirmary. He had disappeared without either woman noticing. Both noted that Kira was also absent as well. The two boys had vanished while arguing, and now who knew where they were? Lacus twisted to the door and floated out of it to search for the two.

The two women looked around the Eternal and ended out finding the two in Tyler's quarters. Lacus was fully ready to charge in, but Sakura held her back as she heard Tyler's voice. The two listened to what Tyler was saying and were halted. Tyler mentioned he had gone to confront Chairman Zala, implying he had trekked into Jachin Due. Tyler's voice carried to the two outside, "When I came in, Athrun and the Chairman were at a standoff with guns pointed at one another." There was a pause before Tyler continued, "I told the Chairman he was denying reality and insisting radical fiction was the truth. Athrun backed me up, ironically using my mother's words from her speech to condemn the man. The Chairman didn't much like what we said, which wasn't that much of a surprise seeing as we were shooting his view and reasoning down. Then, to remind him who I was as he'd forgotten my face apparently, I gave him the gesture he had been cursing ever since viewing it in the security footage of me taking the Freedom."

Inside Tyler's quarters, Kira could only smack his forehead at his friend's disregard for his safety in dangerous situations. He had the urge for a moment to ask Tyler if he really did such a reckless thing, but it would've been a waste as Tyler had clearly done what he said. And in doing so, he had further incensed an unstable man willing to use weapons to kill those that stood against him. Thus, Kira could only sigh, "I take it that Chairman Zala didn't take that well, did he?" Tyler chuckled, "Oh, not in the slightest. He just about flew off the handle, really, to tell the truth. But I didn't see a reason to be nice to the man who was insistent on attacking Earth with his gamma-ray cannon. That man would be fine with killing millions of innocent people, one of which is my mother and others are my friends. I'm not in any way okay with that kind of event or the results of it any more than you should be, Kira. The Chairman was out to exterminate Naturals regardless of who they are, meaning our friends would be killed without hesitation and those like your parents if the man got his way."

Lacus hadn't thought about what Chairman Zala's vendetta would do if it came to pass. Kira's friends from Heliopolis had become her friends over the journey she'd been on. So, she didn't want them to die, but by what Tyler said, they would've died if Chairman Zala had been allowed to do what he wanted. Then there would be all the innocent lives on Earth that would be lost if GENESIS had been used on the planet. Tyler kept saying, "I mean, I can sympathize with having an issue with the Alliance shooting nukes at the PLANTs. Defending your homeland is within the rights of any; I won't dispute that. However, when that transitions into destroying the home of those who have nothing to do with the crap being attempted, that's crossing a line. Athrun and I pointed out such to the Chairman, who didn't take kindly to our statements. He snapped at us, growling for having the gall to compare him to 'filthy Naturals' who would nuke the PLANTs."

Tyler paused in his summary to Kira, thinking about how to put what came next as things had gone south. "After that, things took a turn and rapidly went down a path I had known could happen but had been trying to avoid. There was no reasoning with the man by that point. That much had become clear. I tried to give him a chance to justify himself and his actions, to explain why he was so intent on wiping out Naturals. He could've told us of there being similarities between him and the radicals on the Alliance's side who were focused on using nukes on the PLANTs, admit the truth. Yet, he didn't give an "answer," merely a denial of any correlation between him and those from the Alliance. Athrun and I then went through listing the parallels between him and them, which the Chairman didn't accept. That shifted to things becoming violent, with the Chairman pointing his gun at me rather than Athrun as I had expected. I tried dodging but was a tad slow on the fly, and that's where I got the hole in my left shoulder."

Tyler would've kept going, but the door to his quarters slid open before Sakura and Lacus rushed inside. Tyler had wondered how long it would take for the two women to track Kira and him down once they noticed they were gone from the infirmary. However, Tyler hadn't expected them to eavesdrop on his conversation with Kira. Lacus should know better than to listen in on a conversation that didn't include her, and the girl had better manners than to do that. Sakura would just come in and demand information. That's what Tyler expected from her, not eavesdropping. Tyler glared at the two women, "See you two are done with your argument," he began. "How did that transition to you eavesdropping, might I ask? I would expect you two not to resort to that type of thing." Tyler focused on Lacus, "You have better manners than to listen into a conversation that doesn't involve you, Lacus. You can just come to me and ask, and I'll tell you when the time is right. You should know that of me by this point." Tyler then shifted his attention to his stalker, "As for you, Sakura, you listening in is odd as you just come in without any invitation and demand information from me. And that is normally done with you invading my personal space with your "affections" you insist on giving me."

Lacus lowered her head as Tyler had a point with her eavesdropping was not a thing she should've been doing. On the other hand, Sakura didn't let what her beloved said to distract her from what was on her mind. He'd said the Chairman had shot him, which wouldn't stand with Sakura. "Zala shot you," she growled, "He will pay dearly for that." Tyler blinked as he processed what Sakura was saying. She wanted vengeance on Chairman Zala for shooting Tyler, though that was impossible as Tyler's actions had ended the man. "You're a little late to do that, Sakura, but let me continue where I was before you two burst into the room." Tyler took a breath, "I missed with the shot I sent at the Chairman, but Athrun nailed his hand, making him let go of the gun. The man grabbed the gun again and aimed it at Athrun, yet I shot the gun and made him drop it again. I gave him one final chance to give up and live for another day when I tried to arrest him, but he refused. I ended out shooting him and making a lethal shot to the man's head. And even if I hadn't made that shot, the two shots in the chest would have done the job given a tad more time. Thus, Sakura, the man you want payback on, is already dead, so you can do nothing to him."

Sakura blinked at being told Chairman Zala was dead by the efforts of her beloved. She was frustrated that she wouldn't be able to make Zala pay for the crap he'd done, which she had to deal with. It was poetic that the man was dealt with by his son and her beloved. Yet, she still wished a bit that she'd been the one to finish the man with all the annoyances he'd caused her. She wasn't pleased that Zala had shot her beloved, but with him dead, there was little she could do to repay the man. "He is lucky that you dealt with him," Sakura grumbled, "I would've made him suffer before killing him." Tyler sighed as he expected Sakura to want vengeance on the Chairman, both for what he had done while on the Defense Committee and what he did to Tyler.

Instead, Tyler went into coming upon Kira, fighting Creuset before he jumped in to help his friend. "Kira wasn't looking so good when I got around the fight, and the rat was ranting off on a crazy tangent. So, I took on the masked man in order to protect Kira, so he didn't get killed by the rat that had some sort of twisted interest in him." Lacus gasped at hearing Kira had been in danger while fighting Creuset. She had been afraid of potentially losing Kira, but she hadn't understood how close she had been to losing him. "And while I managed to get the rat off him, Creuset is no easy opponent. I can attest to that," Tyler continued. "The masked man ranted as we fought and said rant was grating, to put it mildly. It showed his view of humanity was beyond low. He disparaged the whole race, Natural, and Coordinator alike. Of course, Kira and I disagreed with the rat and made that vocal. My response seemed to irk the rat more than Kira's, but I can't say why exactly. The rat attacked me more aggressively after I said that hope and faith are what keep Humanity from being destroyed."

Tyler shrugged, "Creuset then went off about the trap he set up with GENESIS. Little did he know that I had discovered it and had done alterations to make it backfire and destroy the weapon instead. He didn't believe me when I told him I had wrecked his plan. But then he saw the display I told him about, and his whole persona changed. I only wish I could've seen his face to see his twisted expression. Of course, the rat tried really hard to end me, and he admittedly got pretty close to doing the deed. If not for Kira running him through, then Creuset could have succeeded in killing me." Tyler paused for a moment, "Although the rat's defeat caused another issue even when we needed no more of them. Kira's strike caused the rat's reactor to detonate after a bit of time. The Freedom was in no condition to protect Kira from a nuclear explosion. Thus, I used the Aurora, which was in better condition to shield the Freedom, which is why my machine ended out looking the way it does."

Kira looked at the floor, "You risked your life to save mine and fought against Creuset," he remarked flatly. "And you even got injured during the process, all to protect me." Kira didn't know what else to say to his friend about what he had done to save him. While Kira knew Tyler would do a great deal for him and had said as much, to risk his life for him was beyond what Kira thought Tyler would do. Or at least, Kira hadn't thought Tyler would be put in the position he would need to risk his life for Kira. It had been as likely Tyler wouldn't survive protecting him as surviving, if not more likely, he would die. So, he was grateful for what his friend had done, but he didn't have the words to express his gratitude. And if not for the blue Gundam coming by, Tyler would've likely been in worse shape before getting doctors. Tyler waved a hand in dismissal, "And you worry too much. I would step in and defend you if called upon," Tyler replied. "All I need is rest, and I'll be right as rain given time."

Lacus moved forward and gently hugged Tyler, not happy that he had been hurt. She now understood better why he'd done what he had, but she didn't like him risking his life even to save others he cared about. "Why do you insist on risking yourself for others," Lacus questioned in close to a sob. Tyler smiled softly, "My mom has asked me that question several times in the last two years and a half years. She asks why I jeopardized my life, worrying her that she will get a report that I died in the line of duty." Tyler paused for a moment, "And I tell her in response, Sorry, mom, I don't try to do such things. But circumstances just so love putting me in the position that I put my life on the line for others, and I would add especially for those I care about." Tyler sighed as Kira pulled Lacus back a bit, "If I have other options, I tend to go with those, but there are times that isn't what hand I get dealt, as the old phrase goes."

Sakura hadn't been listening actively after her beloved had said he needed rest and time to recover. That certainly sounded to her like nursing, and Sakura was more than willing to do that task for Tyler. She would even dress the part if that would help and not be the least bit embarrassed doing so. It would give her the perfect opportunity to spend time with her beloved Tyler and be less likely to be rejected by him. "As Tyler said, he needs rest to help his recovery along," she stated to Kira and Lacus, "So move along and get some sleep, you two." Sakura paused for a moment and pinned the two with her stare, "And I don't mean you two sleeping in the same bed or even room. Go to your own quarters and get the needed sleep. That's not a request; you will do it, now go."

Tyler was kind of surprised at this "change" in his stalker, Sakura. She was being almost responsible and mature in what she was instructing his friends what to do. He agreed that the two needed sleep and were not in the same room or bed while doing so. They could be lovey-dovey at a later time when things weren't still happening. But this behavior was unlike the Sakura Tyler had unfortunately gotten to know, which caused him to be suspicious. Tyler didn't have the strength to fight off the woman, and he was well aware of that problem. If Lacus's older sister left his quarters too, things would be fine. However, Tyler had the nagging feeling he wouldn't be so lucky to have that occur. He was going to be in unique trouble he dealt with when it came to Sakura Clyne quite soon. Tyler was becoming sure of that. Tyler would've asked Kira and Lacus to take Sakura with them, but the woman shooed them out before he could. Then Sakura turned around, facing him with a sweet smile that didn't bring any form of comfort to Tyler. He swallowed before he spoke, "Correct me should I be wrong, but I get the feeling you won't be leaving me alone to rest as I envision."

Leave her beloved alone with the opportunity presented to her in this? There would be no chance of that which Sakura would miss. She intended to dote on him and make up for her time apart from him. So, she shook her head, "Leave you alone, my beloved Tyler," Sakura posed, "Not going to happen. Rest assured, we've been apart for a while and will compensate for the lost time." Tyler didn't like what he heard from Sakura at all. It more said what he would be forced to endure. The very idea brought back to mind Kira mentioning Sakura "visiting" him while he had been around the Clyne residence. For all he knew, Sakura might go and find a "nurse's outfit" for such an occasion. He wouldn't put it past the woman in order to tempt him to do things with her. "You could exercise patience, you know, and let me regain my strength," Tyler suggested hopefully. "My condition really won't let me do a great deal of things you may want, Sakura." Sakura smirked, "We'll see about that," she replied before she left the room.

Tyler was more worried now about what the woman was up to than before. She hadn't left his quarters to give him peace and quiet. Tyler was confident about that. Sakura would be back, and Tyler was concerned about what she may have when she returned and what she had in mind. And he didn't have to wait long to find out what awaited him, for Sakura returned after around ten minutes. When the door to his quarters slid open and shut, he couldn't help but blink at the sight which met his eyes. The nurse's outfit image had been a joke at first, then an unwanted scenario. But in front of Tyler was Sakura Clyne in a short white nurse's outfit, complete with a nurse's hat on her head and medical tools at her hips and around her neck. And honestly, Tyler had to admit Sakura looked amazing in the outfit, for she was "working" it. The woman filled out the "uniform" and seemed unembarrassed with it, more like she was enjoying it.

Having her beloved staring at her was wonderful for Sakura. She wanted him to look at her. It made wearing the outfit more than worth it since he would be the only one to see her in it. And even if others saw her in the nurse's uniform, it wouldn't matter. It was all for her beloved Tyler. She would nurse him back to health while looking at the part and would enjoy every moment of the experience. So, Sakura bowed, "I'm here, Tyler, to nurse you back to health. You will leave everything to me, and I will have you feeling better in no time." Tyler's voice wasn't responding to his commands with the scene in front of him. Sakura floated forward to the bed before she continued, "I promise you will be feeling the best you have in a long time."

For a moment, Tyler was fully committed to flat-out refusing this woman and what she was implying. However, his exhaustion washed over him, and he didn't have the energy to argue with the woman that was his stalker. She won this round, and he didn't much care about it though he would likely later. Thus, Tyler sighed, "I'm too tired to argue with you right now, Sakura. Do what you want, but no sex or anything like the idea. You do that, and I will find the strength to toss you out of this room and lock the door so you can't get to me." While Sakura would like to be physically intimate with Tyler someday, she could be patient. So, his terms were acceptable as they weren't a rejection for her to spend time with her. "I can work with that," Sakura returned.

Tyler resigned himself to Sakura's "treatment" while he was left to think. The battle for the future of Humanity had essentially come to a conclusion, and it wasn't the worst-case scenario. It didn't feel like there was a side that won exactly in Tyler's view. Many people who hadn't needed to pay the price had lost their lives in this battle on all sides of this conflict. All three factions felt the effects of the second battle of Jachin Due, both what had brought it and what had ended it. The physical evidence of what came out of the fight was both agonizing and horrifying to view. It was as a glaring example of what blind hatred of differences that existed produced; destruction, ruin, and death. There was a field of debris, wreckage, and scattered remains of ships. Mobile suits and other metal structures floated in front of the PLANTs around the area that Jachin Due once occupied. The event and the view it made were painful for many, humbling for others, and sobering for most.

The leaders of the coalition fleet were directing the cleanup of the battle. The same was being done on Earth, with Federation leaders leading the charge. The PLANTs were in upheaval, which had started just before the battle with Jachin Due. Enough of those in the governing body had listened to the people they represented and said enough was enough. Maria Loloths was reinstated after sixty days after her removal from the head of the Justice Department by the Administration and Legislation Committees. Once she was back in the position, Maria got down to work, and within hours, those in the Justice Department had documents ready and signed to get things moving. They nullified the orders and authority of Patrick Zala and his position as Council Chairman. Most members of the Supreme Council sided with the Justice Department's action and overrode those who did not. Eileen Canaver, as the deputy chair of the Council, took charge and even forced the National Defense Committee to stand down.

During the time that things were being calmed down, the Coalition Fleet was making sure that fighting did not break out. Any differences that had stood between those within the fleet before its formation were ignored as they worked together. ZAFT mobile suits, Alliance suits, and Federation machines worked side by side in the cleanup effort and the ongoing work of preventing further losses. The scene of so many working together brought hope for a bright future for humanity. For the soldiers and mobile suit pilots, their shifts were staggered so that none exhausted themselves. Even with the battle over, there was still much to do for the horrors of the battle to be put into the past for everyone.

A/n

And I'll leave off right there and pick up in the next phase. Okay, quite a bit to talk about in this Phase. First, this is the first of four phases that will cover the last bit of the original Phase 25 and all of Phase 26. I say that to set the stage of the path of transition toward Destiny. I give fair warning to those who have watched the Anime or read the Manga which is canon, the story is going off on a tangent. I've done this before in this story changing some events, but this will be a wider variance than before. For those of you that dislike such ideas, thank you for your patience and you may want to look into a different fanfiction than this one. And I'm not say this isn't a good story, it just isn't what canon does. I see canon as "loose guidelines" an author can work in should they choose. With that point out of the way, let me get to the Phase's subject matter I want to highlight.

So this Phase is one I originally argued with myself whether to include or not, and as it is here, you can guess which side won. The expansion of the events on the Eternal after the battle play more a part than they do originally. First thing I would like to highlight in this is Andrew's reaction to Graham. There is inference here which I've only lightly done before this with Graham's "reputation" or "how he is held" by those in ZAFT. Put simply, Graham is their hero, the one that gives them hope and inspires them. Graham was the one that nothing seemed to be impossible for him and so he was dependable to all. So, Andrew's reaction is "normal" for those in ZAFT as Graham was thought lost to the war with his disappearance.

Next, I would point out Tyler was injured in a way he wasn't in the original version, which plays into this. Second, I honestly wanted to give "screen time" to Lacus and Sakura. They haven't gotten much for a few phases and they are fun characters. The two women have what one might call a moment between them. I've implied that Lacus is compared to Sakura by others. Sakura is the warrior and the strong one of the Clynes so is seen as the example of what they can do if not diplomacy. Lacus had till this point been holding in her frustration of being compared to her sister to herself. But in this she lets it out which helps the two talk and make up somewhat. I like this scene as it shows Sakura has been where Lacus stood and was compared to another. Sakura was compared to their mother when she was young much as Lacus is compared to her. And Lacus can get the jealousy and frustration off her chest and be listened to by Sakura. These two don't get many chances to talk and have moments they can be close, so hope you enjoyed it.

Moving onto the boys and their part in this phase. Both the Freedom and Aurora are trashed if the last phase didn't make that clear. The girls are denied for a time seeing the boys, but I felt that after what the two mobile suits took from battle. I want to point out that there are space suits which protect from nuclear and other types of hazardous radiation. However, pilot suits commonly used by ZAFT and OMNI don't fall into that category. Federation pilot suits have radiation protection built in standard as Tyler states. It is another reference that the Federation has been designing their equipment for more function than what the other factions do. That transitions to Tyler having to be carried off to the infirmary.

The next scene is one of the two that make this phase interesting if you ask me. I'm of course, talking about Sakura finding out about Lacus and Kira being together. I would hope you readers saw this coming at some point, I think I've foreshadowed this for a time now. Sakura is extremely protective of Lacus through her "vetting" any around her little sister. Thus, Kira would have to face her at some point should he want to be with Lacus. Nor is Lacus blind to what her sister does with those that come around her. But I also wanted you readers to see Lacus stand up for herself specifically against her "cold warrior" older sister. Plus, is it cute how Lacus is protective of Kira? Now I want to state for the record, that Sakura isn't being mean or petty with what she does for Lacus. Sakura is really trying to protect her baby sister from those who would try to use her for their own gain. Understand, Sakura has been looking after Lacus since their mother died, when Lacus was around five or so.

The shift to the infirmary where Tyler is being worked on. My main character just has a hard time catching a break, am I right? A bullet through the shoulder and shrapnel in the side. Can any of you readers blame Tyler for cursing with gusto from the pain he's in? Anyway, the more important part of this scene is Lacus's insistence that Tyler give details as she hasn't done that before now. The other point I would highlight is what comes out of Tyler's conversation with Kira. He gives a general summary of what happened with Athrun and him inside Jachin Due. This eventually goes to my favorite part of this Phase. Now I had a few of you suggest jokingly of having Tyler have an "incident" with Sakura. I hope my delivery is to your liking! I just couldn't help but do this after Kira joked about Sakura in a nurses outfit, it was just too darn tempting. But I say don't take Tyler's acceptance of Sakura's actions in this as him throwing in the towel. My boy ain't going to give in that easily I tell you! Plus, it would be a lot less fun if I couldn't use the interaction between Sakura and Tyler as comic relief. You have to say these kind of things are quite funny when they come, at least I do.

In conclusion, sorry for this closing notes still being longer from previous Phases. There is just so much to go over with the changes that I make, it is hard for them not to be long. And as I said earlier, this is one of four phases thus far that will transition to Destiny. The next three will over time which the original Phase 26 did, but don't use that as a template. And the reason I mentioned the updates are going to three weeks instead of the two I've been sticking to is for a few reasons. First, I work full-time and am going to school, which sucks up writing time, it's the truth. Second, these Phases at least for the next three, are more than half written from scratch, if not the majority. Writing from scratch isn't as easy as many might think, at least if you want it done well. And third, I'm restructuring things ahead to flow well, which takes times, thank you very much. As always, some of you take the time to write a review and tell me what you think of the phase/story thus far. I appreciate those that do write them as I do read them and reply as I can. The next Phase is titled: "Path Towards Peace" see you in around three weeks for that, peace out!