Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.
-=oOo=-
"Murrue Ramius should be executed! She should have injected sedative into that woman and brought her here by any means possible. Clyne's daughter too," snapped the Admiral.
"If she had done that, the Archangel and all our people might have been killed."
"Then she should have done it afterward."
"What about the boy?"
"No one can use the mobile suit but him. We tried copying his changes then reverting it, and its useless. Major work is required. His battle data is useful, but I'm not sure it helps if your not a coordinator."
"We still need some troops for the planned Alaska operation. Why not copy the data, and maybe transfer Natarle to the copy of Archangel we are building, then send them?"
"Mu La Flaga is a war hero. We should use him for recruitment."
"Agreed. Is there any other changes? Do we agree to delay Ms. Ramius's final fate so she may serve one more time?"
"Agreed."
"It is agreed. The Archangel shall fight its last heroic fight at Alaska, for a pure world."
-=oOo=-
Murata Azrael frowned and then gave orders. The woman known as Angharad Gwyn must be captured alive, or if not possible, killed. It might be impossible to win this war if she remained free. That she wasn't helping either side substantially was helpful, but not enough. Hopefully she was the correct target. It could also be Lacus, or someone else. The destruction of his monument could be a false lead, particularly since they signed it, or apparently did. They had to find out. For now both would be captured or killed.
He dreamed what he would do with that power. Dropping a hundred different regular bombs to destroy each colony would be only the beginning. If at all possible they would have that power, and if she would not cooperate, well she no doubt had many eggs they could work with. Still, it might be safer, if she was not cooperative, to harvest them all and kill her. Time would tell. He supposed they could sedate her for the duration of several pregnancies, assuming of curse it was a her, and this wasn't a false lead. He had a picture from his Blue Cosmos operatives, that he thought was her. He supposed she was quite pretty, but then Coordinators often had that unholy gift. It was more proof of the evil inside.
-=oOo=-
"Natarle Badgiruel you are being reassigned to the new Archangel class ship. Mu La Flaga you are being reassigned to the training division. That is all."
"What about the civilians that joined us early on? Why are they not being released?" asked Murrue.
"I have no further orders. Everyone else is to remain aboard."
"Does Admiral Halberton know about this?"
"Are you questioning orders?" asked the Admiral icily.
"No."
-=oOo=-
Uzumi Athha handed out a folder to the Rowan. They were in his office. All three of them were standing.
"Your intelligence gathering is quite impressive. Do we know why they made these assignments?" asked Rowan.
"Mu's posting could be what it appears. He is likely very good for recruitment and training. Natarle's I find suspicious."
"Why?" asked Lacus.
"Archangel's crew was light in the first place. They are keeping the civilians aboard. Why? They are removing the one person who questioned Murrue's orders, apparently to promote her. Why? I'm also suspect of those giving the orders. They are of the more militant commanders, not Admiral Halberton, which is who she should be reporting to."
"Then we will have to figure it out. Do we know anything about what the Coordinators are doing?" asked Rowan.
"Unfortunately not."
"Then let us go find that out as well. We will need a guard for our quarters," said Rowan.
"I will send Kisaka and Cagalli."
-=oOo=-
Back in the room they had been sharing there was knock.
"Come in," said Lacus.
Kisaka and Cagalli walked in.
"What is it you want us to do?" asked Kisaka.
"We will be quite vulnerable while we attempt to go spy on the Plants. Please assure we are not disturbed," said Rowan.
"We understand. Cagalli lock the door."
She did so.
"I guess I am ready," said Lacus.
"I can go alone if you wish," said Rowan.
"You will not know the way. I will come with you."
The Rowan laid down on her pillow. Lacus's pillows had been laid on her bed as well. They covered up and joined hands.
"That is so weird," said Cagalli.
"But incredibly effective. If they can obtain intel without leaving here, that is beyond invaluable. Wars have been won with smaller advantages," said Kisaka.
"I guess."
-=oOo=-
Patrick Zala looked across from his desk to the chief engineer of the new Gundam series.
"Well?"
"The whole point of the N-Jammers was to prevent the use of nuclear power. Our attempt now to undo them is difficult."
"I don't care about difficult. You have an unlimited priority. I need this done. I have big plans for the technology, and not just the mobile suits."
"There have been a few positive results, but stable cancellation has not been achieved. We are continuing to work."
"Get it done."
"We will."
The Engineer left and another came in.
"Well?"
"Athrun reports that Lacus is with Andrew Waltfield. The rumor is confirmed. He also reports that she refuses to leave."
"I don't actually care. Leave her there. Now, what about her father?" asked Patrick.
"We are not yet ready."
"Clyne is blocking needed progress. That block must be removed."
"We continue to look for the opportunity to sideline him."
"Have I not made myself clear? If we ignore the threat of the naturals, they will eventually finish the job. We must proceed."
"We will get it done."
"See that you do."
-=oOo=-
Lacus and the Rowan woke up, and quickly removed the sheets. They were still dressed, though in house robes not formal clothes.
"We must speak with Lord Athha at once," said Rowan.
"I'll go see if I can get him to come here," said Kisaka.
"Fine. I'm not even sure we shouldn't have acted then," said Rowan.
Lacus was near catatonic with worry.
Rowan turned to her. "We are not permitting it. We are not."
"Permitting what?" asked Cagalli.
"I'll explain once your dad arrives," said Rowan.
-=oOo=-
Siegel Clyne got another encrypted call from Lord Uzumi.
"How can I help you Lord Uzumi? I half hoped Lacus would be with you."
"Is your end secure?"
"Yes."
"We have intel that Patrick is planning your death."
"I already suspected."
"Why are you there? We can get you out."
"If I leave good people will be in danger and Patrick will be uncontested."
"Fine, I think we can possibly imprison Zala. You may have to help," said Uzumi.
"Your talking treason."
"No, that is already in motion. The question is whether or not your going to be alive to lead your people, or I'm going to have to your daughter that her father is dead."
"I don't like this."
"Siegel that damned fool is developing a counter to the N-Jammers, and he says he doesn't just want it for mobile suits. Think man," said Uzumi.
Siegel paled. "I think some of my other intel makes sense now. I think his long term goal may be to end the war."
"You mean by killing everyone that isn't on his side."
"I don't know for sure, but I believe that is probably his plan. It would explain his desire to kill me. I might have considered approving the suits, maybe, but genocide, never. How did you get this information?"
"You don't currently need to know."
"Fair enough old friend. Let me know how I can proceed. If we can find proof I can try to present it, and get him jailed."
"He has people willing to commit treason. Locking him up in the Plants will not be sufficient."
Siegel sighed.
"Remain online. I'm going to go get your daughter."
He left and returned with Rowan and Lacus. Uzumi summarized the previous conversation.
"Lacus you are involved in all this?" asked Siegel.
"It seems we must return after all. Will bringing my friend be a problem?" asked Lacus.
"Patrick wants me dead. You cannot come here."
"We should remove Patrick first, or rather I should. I need two space suits. At least something that will survive a couple minutes" said Rowan.
"I'll go get them," said Uzumi.
"What do you plan?" asked Siegel.
"I will come there, and send him here."
"Lord Uzumi will have to lock him up. The other other option is to kill him, and none of us wants to do that," said Rowan.
-=oOo=-
Athrun quickly ran up the steps into Andrew's compound.
"Why are you here?"
"I need to see Lacus right away. We have been recalled. If she is coming, she must come now."
"Alright, come this way,' said the guard.
He was led to the same room as before. Lacus was brought in a few minutes later.
"Athrun?" asked Lacus.
"My father is missing."
"I'm sorry to hear that Athrun."
"I have to go. I've been recalled. You should come with me."
"May my friend come with me?"
"Is she a coordinator?"
"No."
"I don't know."
"Athrun, I'm not going without her."
"Fine, but it could be dangerous for her."
"We will protect each other. You can protect us too if you want."
"Of course. Why would I not?"
Lacus nodded, seemingly nervous. "I'll go get Rowan. Thankfully we have been considering it and are nearly ready."
"Oh, okay."
-=oOo=-
"Just who are you?" exclaimed Athrun's teammate Yzak Joule on their way to the shuttle.
"I'm Rowan."
"Are you a coordinator?"
"Why would you think I wasn't a coordinator?"
A green haired young man next to them smiled in amusement.
"Nicol. I was asking a serious question," said Yzak.
"What are you fighting?" asked Lacus.
"I'm fighting to protect my people," said Yzak.
"Are you? Are you really?" asked Rowan.
A mocha skinned young man with short blond hair said, "Explain that."
"Please do not misunderstand. I get that you are technically protecting your people. I have no problem with that, but how does the war end? What is the sequence of events you are working towards to bring the war to an end, or are you simply reacting?"
"That's a good question. I've often wondered how the war can ever end when the causes of it are as alive today as ever," said Nicol.
"They might say it was your fault for building the agricultural colonies," said Rowan.
"You don't believe that do you?" asked Nicol.
"Oh, I'm fairly sure it affected timing. It is even possible that the situation could have been managed to avoid the war."
"Your not seriously defending the naturals are you?" exclaimed Yzak in an obviously annoyed manner.
"No. I am simply analyzing the situation. Assuming you could head off the likely rise of violence is not a reasonable assumption."
"Then how would you have stopped it?" asked Nicol.
"A man I know once told me that you can do everything right and still lose. Perhaps there was a path. Perhaps not. What matters is what we do now," said Rowan.
"We are going to protect our people," said Yzak.
"And then what?" asked Lacus.
"They aren't going to have the answers. If it were that easy this war would be over," said the previous mocha skinned man.
"What would you know Dearka?" asked Yzak.
"I have a suggestion," offered Lacus.
"What?" asked Athrun.
"We have to help make sure good people are in charge on the Plants and on Earth."
Yzak snorted. "As if it was that easy."
"I did not say it was."
"Then how would you do it? As it is my father is missing," said a somber Athrun.
Lacus gently took his hand, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Well one target needs to be Blue Cosmos. I can't see really negotiating with them," said Rowan.
"I would greatly like to eliminate them," said Yzak.
"It is better not to take joy in such things. It may be a job that needs doing, but I weep the necessity of it."
"Do you think you could do that job, to maybe kill in cold blood?" asked Nicol.
"It is said that the only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men and women to do nothing. I'll do my part, if that time comes," said Rowan.
"As will I," said Lacus softly.
Athrun turned rapidly to her in shock.
"Does it surprise you so much that I will do such things, if there is no other way Athrun?" asked Lacus.
"Yes."
"It does me as well, but I fear not all the choices we make will be ones we wish to make."
Ahtrun nodded.
-=oOo=-
"Hello Patrick."
"Athha, what the hell am I doing here?"
"I'm afraid you are my prisoner."
"You have no right. Let me go."
"No."
"Why did you do this?"
"Patrick, I get that you want the Coordinators to be defended, but I do not get your strategy. Hatred just leads to more hatred. It will not end this war."
"You talk of my efforts, when you have a military might far in excess of any other nation state of this size."
"Yes, I fully intend to protect my people. Your point?"
"You could join us. Your weapons and your industrial might could see this war over."
"Where are all the naturals on the Plants?" asked Uzumi.
"The Plants are the Coordinators home."
"Why? This was not a mistake we made in Orb. Here Coordinator and Natural work side by side."
"It will never work long term. I'm amazed you managed it this long."
"We shall see. Goodbye Patrick."
-=oOo=-
Rau Le Crueset considered the current situation. His favorite pawn had been removed from the field. For now he would lay low and asses the situation.
-=oOo=-
"You should stay with us Athrun. You should not be alone," said Lacus.
"I'll be fine."
"Are you sure Athrun? We have the space."
"I'll be fine Lacus."
"Alright, but if you change your mind we have a room for you."
"That wouldn't be appropriate."
Lacus blinked. "We are not married yet. I trust you to remain honorable and my father is in the house. What exactly is the problem?"
"It just wouldn't."
"I don't agree, but I'll leave you here for now."
"Thank you," said Athrun.
-=oOo=-
Back in the vehicle Rowan said, "So, he wouldn't come."
"No."
"It does simplify things, but I feel for the boy," said Siegel.
"I wish we could tell him, but he probably wouldn't remain quiet. I hate this war and the things it makes people do," said Lacus.
"We all hate it," agreed her father.
"Remember that your life remains in danger. We have identified his agent, but not the rest of them yet," said Rowan softly.
"I know."
-=oOo=-
Gunfire were heard in their home aboard the Plant. This had Lacus, Rowan, and Siegel awake in second.
Lacus took the Rowan's right hand and her father took her left. They vanished.
"Where are we now?" asked Siegel.
"The lab I found where they are developing the N-Jammer technology, well one of the labs. This one is in the other side of your Plant," said Rowan.
The Rowan's well began to glow even as the surrounding lights began to dim.
"What is your plan?"
"You may help, if you wish, but I lack time to explain."
Siegel nodded and suddenly found himself almost looking back at their bedroom before moving out. Every time they found someone that clearly wasn't supposed to be there with a gun they knocked him out. More than a few broke bones. They dealt with eighteen before flowing back and focusing on those with gunshot wounds.
"Go to our doctor's office. Bring him there," thought Lacus.
They jumped again, first locating and bringing their doctor there. He was awoken by the displacement.
"Lacus, Siegel?" he asked.
"Injured are incoming. Treat now, questions later," said Siegel.
He got up even as their still formed merge ported in the worst injured and then in rapid fire the next six.
"We are going to stem the blood loss until you can treat. Do not distract us," said the Rowan with her well slowly fading into invisibility once more.
"I need to take charge," thought Siegel.
They released him and he went over to the nearest console and immediately contacted the security forces local to his part of Plant.
"Chairman Clyne. Thank God your alright."
"Attackers were disabled. Get them and pick them up now. We have seven injured we are trying to save. Secure the situation. Find out what you can, but protect our people."
"Yes Chairman Clyne. We will not fail you again."
"I could use my nurse," said the doctor.
"We shall retrieve her," said Lacus.
Suddenly an older woman popped in place on the ground. Lacus bent down to gently wake her.
"Janet, we have a situation. Help please. They are stopping the blood loss, but I don't know how long they can do it."
"It is not a matter of us running out of strength. It is quite little effort, but the number of spots we have to focus on are exhausting us mentally, so please hurry. Triage please," said Rowan.
"Got it," both doctor and nurse said, ignoring the strange as they simply did their job.
Sigen connected to Plant Council a few minutes later.
"Thank god your alright."
"I'm somewhat glad about it as well Eileen. I think the situation is contained."
"Yes, we have been talking to your security detail. They want to know where their missing men are. You said they were alive."
"We are at our Doctor's office. The information should be on file. Get some security you trust here and make sure they all stay secure and healthy."
"Got it. I'll come to. You can tell me what happened."
"First make sure you and every other member of the plant council is secure. I think they were just after me, but you never know."
"We already have."
"Good, be careful Eileen. I think we got this, but be careful."
-=oOo=-
Siegel Clyne led an emergency session of the Plant Council the next morning. He explained their actions. Lacus and Rowan were beside him.
"I have to ask you now," said Eileen.
"Yes, we are responsible for Patrick's abduction. I take full responsibility," said Siegel.
"It was not your decision. You reluctantly went forward with it. If anything it was mine," said Rowan.
"He was trying to get you killed. I won't walk away from defending you father," said Lacus.
"We want to talk to him," said another.
"He cannot be put back in charge. He will lead you to ruin," said Rowan.
"That is our choice, is it not?" said an older man.
"Yes, it is Herman," said Siegel.
"I will do this thing, but only on one condition," said Rowan.
"Do you really think you can dictate terms girl?"
The Rowan blinked and then with a gesture every member of the Supreme council was lifted to the ceiling, before being lowered.
"You tell me. You want him back, you will face my test, or I will leave, taking the Clyne's with me to somewhere safe."
"We already know about your calls to Orb, even if we can't read what was in them," said Herman.
"I'm not sure we should let Patrick back, if he is behind trying to kill you," said Eileen.
"It is not your decision."
"Nor is it yours. It is the councils." She then turned to the Rowan and asked, "What are your terms?" asked Eileen.
"I pull you all, including Patrick into my rapport. The lies will end. If you choose to embrace the darkness, then I will walk away and focus on saving those I can."
"You are the one that did that strange thing near Earth then," said Eileen.
"I am."
"Why would you fight us. You have to be a coordinator. Join us. We will crush the naturals and this will be over," said Herman.
"That will not happen. You disgust me, and I'm fairly sure your the only other extreme member. I don't even think you have the votes."
Eileen turned to Siegel. "Is what she asks for safe?"
Siegel shrugged. "I still have a nasty headache, but my doctor says I'm fine. Lacus says you adapt, but it was my first time. Lacus has done it several times."
"How?" asked Eileen.
"She has a very fine mind that merges nearly seamlessly. You have a very precious daughter, who I still think is a better match for Kira. They seemed to resonate a bit," said Rowan offhandedly.
"Kira?" asked Eileen.
"Kira is Athrun's childhood friend. She could be right, but now is not the time. In any event, I doubt Athrun will forgive me," said Lacus sadly.
"I think you underestimate Zala's son. He is not his father," said Eileen.
"I pray you are right," said Lacus softly.
Eileen turned to the others. "The choices are this. We attempt to retrieve Siegel on our own, from a place we can guess, but are not sure about, possibly provoking conflict with Orb. There is a good chance Uzumi will just turn him over if he has him, but it is not certain. Obviously we could also leave him where he is. Finally we accept this ones offer. Ezalia, you had a question."
"I will want proof that what she proposes is not harmful or does not cause us to remain somehow affected by her."
"You can summon our doctor, though he is probably quite tired," said Siegel.
"Do it anyway. This is too important," said Ezalia.
"I am largely bound by my own ethics. Had I not been, could I have developed the skills and inclination to use them as you fear? Probably. You cannot lie in a merge like I would establish, but I know not how you can believe that," said Rowan.
Another turned to Lacus. "My name is Yuri Amalfi. Why did you take the weapons away from both groups, disabling everything but what we now know is called the Archangel?"
"I had made some headway into convincing the captain to see beyond the moment. I choose to place some faith in her and her crew, well most of her crew. Your son was out there, was he not? I don't know his name, but I recall someone that looked much like you in those we moved."
"He was."
"Is he well? We were quite worried about the oxygen capacity. Lacus thought you had enough time."
"We did, though it was closer than we would have liked. Our analysis showed we would have probably won that battle."
"True, I do not deny it, but winning that battle would have also killed the chain of command that Murrue reported to, leaving the more extreme faction with more power, or at least that was my analysis at the time. Do you disagree?"
"No, I went over the known intel as well. That is a fair analysis, particularly based on the information you would have had at the time."
"Without Lacus's trust in me, a very great deal of people would have died that day. Some did anyway."
"We also lost four critical mobile suit assets," said another.
"Jeremy, we have the technical data. That was the main thing," said Ezalia.
"I will give you a chance to convince me. You alone, not you and Lacus. Afterwards I will have certain tests done on me, and then we will see. That is the plan I propose," said the man named Yuri Amalfi.
"What do you wish of me?" asked the Rowan.
"If you can share memories, you will share what you have seen since first interacting on Archangel. Thoughts as well."
"It would take a couple days to do so safely, and I must ask Siegel and particularly Lacus's permission."
"Do what you have to do," said Siegel.
"Agreed. I do not fear the judgment of Athrun's friend's father," said Lacus.
"Yet you fear Athrun," said Yuri.
"No, never. I fear he will not understand. Athrun is very skilled, but not, I think at people. He chose one path to protect our people. I chose another, that I thought a better one. He never understood."
"The pink haired princess singing for peace," said Yuri softly.
"Yes. I do not delude myself into thinking it will be easy, for I know it will not."
"How do we begin this?" asked Yuri.
"Well if you have to go to the restroom, doing so is a good idea. Beyond that, I'd like a glass of water to drink first. Other than that, I'll need to sit by you, and while it is not required to hold hands, it is safer, particularly in the beginning."
"Why is that?"
"It is easier to be precise and careful that way."
"Very well."
-=oOo=-
Yuri felt clearly her curiosity and worry about suddenly being far from home. She watched as she carefully examined every action and then was honored to see the complex tapestry that was Lacus's thoughts. Lacus was but less than half her true age, yet had come to many of the same conclusions.
He focused hard, examining every part of of what he sensed for deception as she did her best to replay her memories. She had to go back several times, but that didn't surprise him. Memory was not so nicely ordered. Finally he came to the part where she made the deal with Murrue.
She was deeply worried about Lacus. Archangel's power was a joke. She was risking burning out and bringing a precious soul with her, but this madness had to be stopped. She finally got to the passing moment when his son was moved to La Crueset's ship. Their merge spent a moment examining La Crueset, seriously considering violating her own ethics, based on the little she felt, but in the end forced the distraction aside. His motives for being so careless as to why he didn't wait outside for Archangel were extremely suspect, but she would not violate ethics, not without a larger justification at least. Was they making a mistake? Focus. They had to focus. Their minds were exhausted. They spent one last effort finishing and then her last thought was to release Lacus as gently as she possibly could. Must not harm, but she had no energy left. She pulled hard anyway for the strength and knew nothing else.
Her first thought on waking was Lacus's safety. If Q or another had brought her here, she had no one with the kind of knowledge to heal her mind had it been damaged. Could she reach across the dimensional barriers herself to contact Deanna? Unlikely. Not with the pathetic power systems she had available. Reidinger would tan her hide if she attempted a barely powered send so far. Maybe if she recharged her well. It would sustain the outflow, briefly. That was the plan she would do, if Lacus was hurt. She was relieved a few seconds later when the doctor said she was okay. A part of her wondered if the plan would work. If this was a test, was she in a linked dimension, or was she outside of known realities? Could she reach out of this area? Was this even real? It had to be. Lacus was not fake. None of them were. What was the goal? She wasn't insane. This reality was real. An insane talent would be terminated if they could not treat them. A prime was far too dangerous to be risked. She could never be risked. Lacus thought she was fine. She was so precious. She still missed Lusena and the silly electronic toy that held her hopes and dreams. Deanna my love, I will return to your side. I swear it and I will see you again my children.
He was astonished when she started going through elaborate calculation using mass, energy, space, time, and thought. A possible way out, she thought. Too dangerous, I should have not shared that thought, thought Rowan as she caught up.
"Why?" he thought.
"You are not yet ready for Childhood's End. I honestly don't think we are, but we may have no choice. You should embrace this simple life for many centuries yet. SImple joys such as children laughing in a simple world. The threats we face are not stupid. They adapt so quickly. We must do what we must do."
"Resistance is Futile!" she heard the memory in her mind of nearly a million voices screaming that cry. Her resolve never wavered.
"Till Shade is gone, till water is gone, into the Shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath, to spit in Sightblinder's eye on the Last Day. By my honor and the Light, my life will be a dagger for Sightblinder's heart. Until the Last Day, To Shayol Ghul itself," she thought.
"What was that?" he thought in surprise at the vehemence she had thought it.
"Me being tired. This is not easy for me either. It is a book quote that my mind jumped to. I cannot retain the focus to do more today, and you will likely feel this when we separate. I do not intend to do this again after tomorrow. Not even Lacus got this."
"I understand. From my understanding of the mind, I think your fine. Thank you for this honor. I will act with discretion."
Yuri felt the headache when he got out. He looked over at Rowan who looked like she had passed out.
"I believe her. Please make sure she is treated well. She shared more than intended I think."
"You asked. I have respected her privacy and did not ask such a question," said Lacus.
"I know."
"Is she a Coordinator?" asked Herman.
"No, and in a way yes," said Yuri.
"Explain that," said Ezalia.
"I only got touches of her birth. It wasn't what I asked for, but we all have wandering thoughts. She is from Altair. She was born on the fourth planet out in a different universe about two hundred years from the present day. She is what evolution created, not what man took a hand to, except that is not really true, not entirely," added Yuri.
"Again explain," said Elaine.
Lacus again looked at Rowan to make sure she was comfortable.
Yuri then said, "Around this time on her world they began to develop paranormal abilities. They were quite useful. Nothing like what Rowan has of course, not in the beginning, and there were many trials and tribulations, but certainly they did often have the talented married the talented. While her parents were not immediately of note, there were those in her past."
"Ah, so selective breeding then," said Elaine.
"Not that formal I think," said Yuri.
"But not the mindless nonsense the naturals do at least," said Herman.
"No, her actions are always thoughtful. She is human, just as we are," said Lacus softly.
Yuri snorted. "She examines plans, and counter plans, and contingency plans so quickly. Their is nothing wrong with her mind. It is why it exhausted her, plus keeping the stress from bleeding to me, though I still have a huge headache. In the five seconds it took for the Archangel's doctor to answer if you were alright she had already made a rather dangerous plan to contact help if you were not and rejected a couple others, and was even then preparing to act."
"Yes, she greatly misses her wife and family. I ask you be kind. She is a friend to us and to the naturals," said Lacus.
"Wife?" asked Herman curiously.
"I'm not sure I should say, but I suppose I can give the overview. The being that took notice of her arrival in the universe she normally lives in, saw the outcomes in her own and decided to meddle. He partially engineered some circumstances so she ended up with a family. It was still their choice. She has a rather large family that she misses dearly, as she does her wife. Needless to say, if your ally is a being far stronger and more powerful than she is, figuring out the genetics to make it possible for two women to have children is likely not difficult," said Lacus.
"I don't disapprove. Why would I? As long as the children are genetically healthy," said Herman.
"I worry we have made mistakes. Rowan is not a genetic engineer, though she knows people with those skills, if they are not beyond her reach. I urge caution in the creation of new Coordinators until the problems can be solved."
"We will solve the temporary difficulties," said Tad Elsman.
"I pray you are correct."
"Our doctor should be here soon. I want him to check Rowan first. After that, I ask your questions to be brief so we can take her home," said Siegel.
"I move we adjourn. We can do the rest tomorrow. You can bring your doctor then," said Yuri.
"Seconded," said Herman.
"Do we need a formal vote?" asked Siegel.
"No," they all said.
"Very well. We will wait for our doctor and be back tomorrow."
"I will remain till she wakes," said Yuri.
After the others left Lacus sat beside the Rowan and held her hand. Their joined hands seemed to glow softly. Rowan looked up. "Did I teach you that?" she asked softly.
"I don't think you did directly, but then minds interact on more levels than one, do they not?" asked Lacus.
"What is it you did?" asked Yuri.
"She gave me some of her strength. It's renewable of course. We can share such."
"Then is Lacus a telepath too?"
"No, though maybe hanging out with me will help her develop a little. No, I suspect she is much like my wife was in the beginning, only obviously not as strong."
"An Empath? Really?" asked Lacus.
"Yes, but also projective. I have some skill in that, but I normally do not train such skills beyond not using them. Still I can teach you I think.
"Are you certain?" asked Lacus.
"We could do a quick test, that is if Yuri and your father agree."
"What kind of test?"
"I'll give you a fragment of a song I heard lately. You sing, conveying all the emotion you can from what I give you."
"And you think this will prove something?" asked Yuri.
"Prove no. Suggest yes."
"Try it, at least if your recovered enough," said Siegel.
"Well?" asked Rowan.
"Are you recovered enough?"
"Yes, I am going to do very little. Trying to replay every ounce of memory in order and not lose focus while protecting Yuri's mind was exhausting. With you I shall simply pass my memory, and my emotional interpretation of the song. That is far less."
"Okay." Lacus held out her hand and Rowan took it.
"It is not my kind of song," said Lacus after she let go.
"I know. It's a better test that way."
"Alright."
"Don't give less than your best. Believe with every fiber of your being in the words. Reach your audience. Again, this is a test. We will later learn on how not to do this."
"I don't want to force people to feel a certain way."
"You misunderstand. You are conveying your emotion. A little is considered ethical. It is no different than tone of voice. You will have to learn not to go beyond that point."
"It's not right to manipulate people," said Lacus stubbornly.
"I will write out the ethical guidelines I live by. I'm certainly not going to fault you for choosing a stricter set, now, will you honestly try?"
"I'm afraid."
"That you can do it? I can kill someone so very easily. That use to terrify me. It still does some days. Are you going to run from the training to make sure you control it, and it doesn't control you?"
"What do you mean?" asked Lacus.
"You think your immune from your own mind? There is a reason we require so much training. Feedback loops are possible. Will you shrink from this challenge?"
"No."
"Good, now begin. I'm quite sure there is no great harm in giving this your all. Make us experience Ruby's emotions. Sing," asked Rowan.
"Alright." Lacus' face took on a of absolute determination and focus. It was the face of a woman who would not be stopped or diverted. She sang.
They see you as small and helpless
They see you as just a child
Surprised when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild
Prepare for your greatest moments
Prepare for your finest hour
The dream that you've always dreamed is suddenly about to flower
We are lightning
Straying from the thunder
Miracles of ancient wonder
This will be the day we've waited for
This will be the day we open up the door
I don't wanna hear your absolution
Hope you're ready for a revolution.
Welcome to a world of new solutions
Welcome to a world of bloody evolution
In time, your heart will open minds
A story will be told
And victory is in a simple soul
Your world needs a great defender
Your world's in the way of harm
You want a romantic life
A fairy tale that's full of charm
Beware that the light is fading
Beware as the dark returns
This world's unforgiving
Even brilliant lights will cease to burn
Legends scatter
Day and night will sever
Hope and peace are lost forever
There was a brief pause, and then another after the next.
This will be the day we've waited for
We are lightning
Welcome to a world of new solutions
This will be the day we've waited for
This will be the day we open up the door
I don't wanna hear your absolution
Hope you're ready for a revolution?
Welcome to a world of new solutions
Welcome to a world of bloody evolution
In time, your heart will open minds
A story will be told
And victory is in a simple soul
"You convinced me. You had never sung that before?" asked Yuri.
"I have not, but Rowan gave me everything she knew about the song, including her interpretation, feelings, and the voice of the actual singer."
"You should sing that at one of your concerts."
"I will not. I will not sing a song that implies we are better to others," said Lacus soberly.
"It's a song from a cartoon, but that was certainly not what I tried to convey when I gave it to you."
"You understand we are all men and women. I agree with you. A great many here do not hold that principle so closely."
"I'm not going to tell you what to sing or not to sing Lacus. I do, however, think you have the capacity to make your actual thoughts heard, with or without this gift. After all, is that not why you sing?" asked Rowan.
"I agree," said her father.
"I as well. I know Nicol is also a fan. He is a very talented musician. You should come by sometime and sing with his playing."
Lacus sighed. "First, I need to talk to Athrun."
Their doctor was let in.
"Siegel, what is it you need?"
"Can you check Rowan and then we will go."
"I can't do much here."
"Just do what you can."
Rowan turned to Yuri, "Please go see a doctor. I truly do know what I'm doing, but we always caution people the first few times to be sure. The fact that what we did pushed me to the point of that much fatigue does slightly increase the hazards."
"I intend to, right now in fact. Good day Lacus, Rowan, Siegel, Doctor."
-=oOo=-
"Lacus, why are you here?" asked Athrun.
"We need to talk Athrun."
"Sure, come in."
He led her into the living room where the local news was on. It was still speculating on the disappearance of his father.
"You haven't heard the news then? Actually, I'm not sure there was any news. The council may have managed to suppress it," said Lacus.
"What are you talking about?" asked Athrun.
"What I'm about to tell you is absolutely true. I swear on all that I am it is. I swear on my hope for peace that it is."
"What? I never doubted you did I? Are you saying you lied about something?"
"No, I didn't lie to you, but I did leave out some details for reasons I will explain. We did what we did for reasons that we still believe are valid."
"Wait, is this about my father?"
"I'm sorry Athrun. Your father planned to kill my father. Your father is fine. Twenty five agents tried to kill us last night. We stopped them and prevented causalities."
"What?" exclaimed Athrun.
"Every word I just said is true. Which part do you want more detail on?" Lacus appeared to be distancing herself from her emotions.
"Where is my father?"
"I'm not telling you that, though he will be returned likely tomorrow evening or the next day. Whether he will end up in jail here, well I'm not sure, but I think it likely."
"This is crazy. My dad would never do this. You're wrong."
"I wish I was Athrun. I truly wish I was. Tomorrow when Rowan is rested she can share what happened if you wish to see it, or possibly the next day, because tomorrow is likely to exhaust her again."
"I think you should leave Lacus."
"I truly am sorry Athrun. I will leave you now, but I pray you will one day forgive me."
"Please leave Lacus."
She walked silently out, but still heard Athrun slamming his arm into the wall. She swallowed and walked to the car with her father, the doctor, and Rowan.
-=oOo=-
The second day went much as the first. They returned the fourth day. The Rowan was carrying a large gym bag full of something.
"What is that?" asked Elaine.
"Space suit, well a very basic one. I'll go get him, at least if we agree."
"I didn't authorize that attempt on your life. I'm trying to track down who did,' said Herman.
"We thank you."
"Well, are we doing this?" asked Elaine.
"I don't need to see it. I'm already sure. You should have gotten the copy of my health report. I instructed the staff physician to send it only to you, and not to me, and I'm sure someone checked," said Yuri.
"We did. There was some anomalous swelling. You were prescribed a mild drug to reduce it. They found no evidence your mind was affected beyond that," said Ezalia Joule.
Yuri nodded.
"I supported Patrick. I'm suggested we listen to what he has to say, but remove him from his position on this council. I regret to say he also needs held pending the investigation into the attempt on the Clyne's," said Herman.
"Are we good with that suggestion?" asked Elaine.
"I am fine with that. There is no need for telepathy if people just talk and be honest," said Rowan.
"Agreed," said Ezalia.
"Then I'll go get him. Yes, Uzumi did us a favor and kept him. He will no doubt tell you that. Please do not make Orb's life more complicated. You are a lot safer where you are than they are," said Rowan.
"We won't," said Eileen.
Rowan opened the bag and slipped on the one piece suit. Siegel helped her secure the helmet.
"That only has twenty minutes air," he said.
"I won't need that much. I'll be back in a few." She vanished only to return almost fifteen minutes later with Patrick in another suit.
"I thought you said a few minutes," said Herman.
"He did not want to go. Uzumi eventually convinced him."
"And that matters why?" asked Herman.
"Because, while in an emergency I will do what is necessary. This was not one. He had the right to say no."
"You'd better not do this again," snapped Zala after removing his suit.
"You were unharmed, were you not? Surely Lord Uzumi treated you well."
"I do not appreciate being thrown in jail. I've done nothing wrong."
"Except trying to kill me and my family, except try to develop neutron jammer cancelers, except I think, probably, planning to kill the naturals without even discussing it with the council," snapped Siegel.
"You can't prove any of that."
"Actually we can. A few of the ones that attacked had information on others which traced back to you," said Herman.
"Your against me?" exclaimed Patrick in surprise.
"I'm not in principle against the N-Jammer cancelers. I took control of that one and redoubled the secrecy. As to the rest, yes."
"Father, are you certain your security is adequate now?" asked Lacus.
"Yes, I have twenty people guarding me day and night. We all do."
"Then we should depart. This is the business of the Plant Supreme Council, and as the truth is now known, I don't think it is our business any more."
"You are correct, though may be recalled. Where will you go?" said Herman.
"We intend to touch base with the crew of the Archangel, and possibly Natarle and Mu, and then perhaps investigate Murata more. I fear something must be done there that we will not like," said Lacus.
"Kill him," snapped Zala.
"Yes, it may come to that," said Rowan softly.
"If you have the power you do, just send a bomb to his desk and be done with it," snapped Patrick.
"No. I will not cause needless death."
"I'll do it myself. Send me," said Patrick.
"No, if one is going to order or facilitate a death, then pretending that their hands are cleaner by sending another is ridiculous. I would prefer another way, but I greatly fear by failing to act when I can, I become, in some small way responsible for his actions," said Rowan.
"Then why return me, if you blamed me for the attack on Clyne?"
"You are a patriot I think that has lost his way. You should stand trial for your actions. You should pay for your crimes, but I do not find you irredeemable."
"And Murata is?"
"We don't know yet, but he launched a nuclear attack, or at least we think he did, on a civilian colony growing food. If this is true and he is of sound mind, then I see no path possible to forgive him." Rowan focused more fully on him and asked in thought, "Tell me, do you seek first to protect or first to avenge?"
"Protect, but you have to see your sympathies for the naturals will not work."
"No I don't. I grew up in a world where those like me were treated very well and got along with those without talents. I see no reason to assume your case is so different. If you start a task believing that the only possible path is failure, then you will find a way to get there," said Rowan.
Lacus said to him. "Please tell Athrun I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I was part of helping to capture you."
He snorted. "Are you sorry for capturing me?"
"No."
"Then why should I tell him that?"
"I am sorry he is sad. Hurting him was never my goal," said Lacus.
"The wedding is off."
"Yes, I believe you are correct."
"You should meet Nicol," suggested Yuri helpfully.
"Now is not the time," said Lacus dryly.
"Ridiculous. It is clear she cannot be trusted. I forbid you to have anything to do with her," snapped Zala.
"We will deal with the rest," said Eileen.
"Then I shall take your suit," said Lacus.
"Be my guest. I'd hate to see you trip and fall in a suit far too big for you."
Lacus started putting on the space suit Patrick was in. The Rowan put hers back on as well.
"I need it for like half a minute. I'll be fine," said Lacus.
They finished, took each others hands and vanished.
"Dammit. You should have captured her or something. We need her genetics," said Zala.
"Guards, please make sure ex defense committee chair Zala doesn't leave without our permission. Also send for someone to begin drafting charges," said Eileen.
"You can't do that. You need a vote and eight of you to agree."
They held the vote. All of them agreed, though a couple were reluctant.
-=oOo=-
"Hello Mr. La Flaga," said Lacus from the couch in Mu's small apartment as he walked in. Rowan was to her right.
"I see the wonder twins are back again," he said as he closed the door and hung up his coat.
"Do we really look like twins?" asked Rowan in curiosity.
"Well, perhaps in spirit. So, why are you here?"
"To talk. When do you need to be back to work?" asked Lacus.
"Monday at nine."
"Want to go visit Murrue?" asked Rowan.
His cheeks pinked.
"Well if your door is locked we could take you there and perhaps leave you overnight."
"I can't date her. She is in my chain of command."
"I think we have more important issues, do we not?" asked Lacus.
"If you mean the whole mad war, then yes, of course we do."
Rowan held out her right hand. Lacus took her left. They vanished, appearing inside the room they had been kept in.
"Where are we?" asked Mu.
"Our former quarters aboard the Archangel," said Rowan.
"Really?"
Rowan nodded.
"Let's go talk to Murrue," said Lacus.
They found her in the mess hall.
"Mu?" she called out from beside Sai and Miriallia.
"That's me."
"How did you get here? Nevermind, I can see how you got here. Welcome, not that there is anything going on here. We more or less are being kept here, though there is supposed to be a critical mission soon they say."
"We have been watching them. Their plan is disgusting. We just haven't entirely figured out what to do yet. We have already negated it, for the most part," said Rowan.
"What is their plan then?" asked Murrue. They were beginning to get an audience.
"I suppose the fist step in stopping it is for you to know, and then you can decide. Lacus, are you familiar with the technology?" asked Rowan.
"They plan to use what is known as a Cyclops System. It's a very large array of microwave emitters, big enough to destroy the entire Alaska base and of course all the invaders, but the Plant council already knows. Operation Spit Break has not been officially canceled, but it certainly will not lead to Alaska. We are hoping they cancel it entirely, but we haven't yet gotten that agreement," said Lacus.
"Your kidding. They wouldn't do that, would they?" asked Mu.
"It makes sense now," said Murrue tiredly.
"They have been keeping us in reserve to act as bait," said Sai.
"This is bullshit. We aren't going to take this, are we?" asked Miriallia.
"We are not," said Murrue.
"If we takeoff from here, I can accelerate us quickly, getting away. We can go to Alaska where I can likely disable the Cyclops system. More power than you have aboard would be helpful. Perhaps Uzumi can assist," said Rowan.
"Are you serious? Your want to put us directly against our government?" asked Murrue.
"Are you going to just let them use that thing and kill all those people in Alaska?" asked Lacus.
"No, of course not. Where will we go afterward? We can't just go AWOL without knowing where we are going. I can't believe I'm saying this," said Murrue.
"Either to the Plants or Orb. Plant might be better, to keep Orb secure," said Rowan.
"We aren't coordinators," said Lieutenant Neumann.
"How does that matter?" asked Kira.
"It doesn't," said Lacus.
"If you need power, you need a mobile suit, or maybe the hyper capacitors in them," said Mu.
"Can we test with the one here?" asked Rowan.
"I have no objection," said Kira.
"Do it. I want to make sure your plan is solid. As to everything else, please gather the crew. I'll go over it. I want them off the ship if they aren't willing," said Murrue.
"Of course," agreed Rowan.