Disclaimer: This is fanfiction. Anything you recognize is not mine. All characters and events in this story are entirely fictional.
-=oOo=-
Lacus and Rowan managed to sit in Kira's seat. He talked them through activating the suit, and since they weren't trying to fly it, that was all they needed.
"This will work, though we need more. A couple dozen if we can get them," said Rowan.
"Let's go then and get them," said Lacus.
"You want two dozen top grade hyper capacitors for mobile suits? I don't have that many spares," said Kira.
"We need a power source that can deploy about that much power in that much time, if we are to do this safer."
"I know the Archangel class specs. I suspect Orb may have what we need. Their Kusanagi class was in some ways the predecessor to this class," said Murrue.
"We need it quickly."
"Then let's go."
-=oOo=-
Mu looked on the two huge reactors and hyper capacitors that the Rowan, Erica, and Murdoch had worked hard to get online, to say nothing about the third tied directly to the ships systems. Being able to kinetically move everything was a huge time savings.
Murrue walked up to him. "Are we about ready?"
"We are."
"Second thoughts?"
"Always, but not about this."
"Good." Murrue looked over at a brown haired woman who was busy helping Murdoch. She asked, "Are there any problems Erica?"
Erica walked over. "No, the fact that you can just make all this appear here and even bring me and others is amazing. We are going to siphon power from the docks to charge the hyper capacitors. It will take about an hour, if we are going to avoid tripping an alarm."
"We will be ready."
-=oOo=-
"Archangel, you do not have authority to activate engines. Stand down," said the port.
"Negative, we have decided to go find someone in the chain of command that will actually talk to us," said Murrue.
"Stand down or you will be fired upon."
Murrue signaled a cut to communications.
"Hit it."
Lacus and the Rowan together focused as they drew deeply on all three generators, but not touching the reserves or her well. They were all immediately shoved back into their chairs.
"She is difficult to control," said Neuman.
"Do your best," said the captain.
"We will not crash," said Lacus.
"They are firing," said Miriallia.
"They missed," said Sai.
"Well, I imagined they didn't expect us to accelerate that fast," said Mu.
"We are on course for Greenland," said Neuman.
"Why Greenland?" asked Miriallia.
"We didn't want Alaska to be warned, if we could avoid it, so we picked another target initially," said Murrue.
"We are approaching the speed of sound," said Neuman.
"I will try to handle the transition and smooth out the supersonic wake. Increase angle to escape the gravity well and get us out of the thick air. It's a whole lot simpler then. Also, we want them to believe we don't have a plan," said the Rowan.
"Yes mam."
"How are we doing down there chief Murdoch?" asked Murrue.
"Main engines are at maximum. All three reactors are at maximum. She is purring like a kitten."
"Time to Geosync?" asked Murrue.
"Forty seven seconds."
"Time to Alaska staging ground?"
"Three minutes twenty two seconds."
"This is Kira, I am ready to sortie."
"We will not have a lot of spare focus to protect you," said Rowan.
"I'll do my part."
"Be safe Kira," said Lacus.
"I will."
"Alright, stand by till we are over the target. We don't want you left behind," said Murrue.
"Understood."
"Coming up on planned reentry point. Main engine cutoff in fifteen seconds," said Neumann.
"That has gotta help so much. We will be able to cool them before we really need them," said Mu.
"And, everything else takes a break while we are ballistic. It's a win win," said Rowan.
"We are getting a laser com signal from Alaska," said Miriallia.
"I suppose that is the downside of ballistic. Put it on," said Murrue.
"Archangel, what the hell are you doing?"
"We are coming to talk to your CO."
"Why?"
"I'm afraid the matter is top secret."
"You had better do better than that. Launch and shoot that craft down if it doesn't divert."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. For what it is worth, we are not your enemies. We will see you in a bit. Archangel out."
"Well that was useless," said Mu.
"Pretty much. Are you two ready to destroy the Cyclops array?" asked Murrue.
"We are. I want to get somewhat close, so we aren't working at a massive distance, but I absolutely would not stop," said Rowan.
"Understood. We are just over a minute to staging," said Neuman.
"Arm all missiles. Activate all defensive systems," said Murrue.
"Ten seconds to staging."
"Beginning to deploy missiles to underground Cyclops array," said Lacus.
"Explosions registered, but dimly. They are pretty deep it seems," said Sai.
"Twenty seconds to leaving target area. We are about to take fire," said Miriallia.
"Keep Kira here. We will get through this and be gone," said Rowan.
"You heard her," said Murrue.
"Okay."
"Almost out of the staging area."
"We just finished the last missile. I don't think we got every one, but we had to get ninety percent," said Rowan.
"That will do. Bringing us back to escape velocity and direction," said Neuman.
"We are getting pursued. They are launching missiles," said Miriallia.
The necklace around Rowan's neck flared and the three hyper capacitors also strained as she pulled hard on every source of energy they had to haul the heavy ship quickly out of the way.
"And that is why speed wins most every time," said Mu.
Murrue smiled. "Yes it is. Yes it very much is."
-=oOo=-
"That bitch. I want her dead. All of them dead. Every single one of them dead. No capture. Just kill them all," ranted Azrael.
"The loss of the Alaska plan is quite unfortunate, as is the loss of the Archangel. How did they find out?"
"I don't know. Just kill them. Get me that other women. Natarle. Tell her to launch her ship and kill her former Captain."
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Screw it. I'll go myself. The job will get done."
"About eight percent of the system is salvageable."
"The idea is useless now. We certainly can't set it up there anymore, and I doubt anywhere else will work. The only thing good that came from it is at least they used up weapons," said Murata.
-=oOo=-
Archangel entered the Plant with the Supreme council. Murrue and Mu walked in alone.
"Why are you here?" asked Siegel.
"We want to stop this war. We stopped the other half of the plan, but then you were already informed. We won't help you kill our forces," said Murrue.
"They have added death warrants for you," noted Herman.
"There was one of those before we started. We were to be the bait," said Mu.
"I wanted that system dead. There is what a million or more civilians at that base?" asked Murrue.
"One point four actually, according to our intel. They say you killed thousands. We estimate you killed around twenty," said Herman.
"Twelve. Rowan counted," said Murrue.
He nodded. "You saved a great many lives then. It is unlikely they would build that and not find a reason to use it. They might have used it and just blamed us. Of course they did anyway. You are apparently now Coordinator spies." He rolled his eyes.
"Of course we are," said Mu dryly.
"So what is next?" asked Murrue.
The Rowan appeared. "Murata isn't where I thought he would be."
"Dammit," said Herman.
"It looks like we need to wait and figure out our next steps. For now, I have an urgent request from Uzumi to have Kira or possibly Athrun help them develop better mobile suits. He needs their flight data, but also the operators," said Siegel.
"We should coordinate. As long as we agree to treat naturals fairly, there is no reason Orb should not remain our ally," said Eileen.
"Not the N-Jammer tech. That is not getting released, possibly ever. We are still making the two suits, but hope not to use them," said Herman.
"Agreed," said Siegel.
"We have another concern. I almost hesitate to bring it up," said Murrue.
"That is why you are here. Speak," said Eileen.
"We know why you buried the N-Jammers, but the lack of power is hurting a lot of people. Is there nothing that can be done?"
"What would you suggest? I'm certainly not deploying cancelers to Earth. That would be insane," said Herman.
The Rowan blinked. "Is there a reason you don't just build a lot of solar panel kits combined with those super capacitors?"
"Resources for building some of that are hard to come by on Earth and the advanced factories have been destroyed," said Orson White.
"So, you build it. I'll help you get whatever resources you need."
"Could that work?" asked Siegel.
"Our automated factories are second to none. If you can arrange the asteroids with the right minerals, we can do it," said Orson.
"I honestly think a gesture like this might help end the war more than anything, and it has very few military applications," said Mu.
"I see no reason not to try," said Yuri.
"Agreed," added Ezalia.
-=oOo=-
"In a strange big of news, the Plants began delivering stacks of solar panel kits in the areas most hit by the power disruption. They appear to work well. We will keep you posted."
-=oOo=-
"Where are they?" raged Azrael.
"They are probably in one of the Plants. All we can do is wait. You should replace those three pilots you brought. They seem unstable," said Natarle.
"They aren't going anywhere. They are the key to our victory."
Natarle said nothing. They just continued their patrol, though when Azrael turned around she frowned minutely in obvious worry.
-=oOo=-
Lacus looked out at the thousands of people who had gathered not in the plants, but on Earth in San Francisco. It had been very difficult to set this up, particularly being fairly sure to provide adequate security so none of them were killed and so the place itself didn't turn into a target. They were still a bit wary about that. It had been too quiet.
She walked out on stage, her game face fully in place as she soaked in the energy of the crowd. It was a massive open air stadium and they were walking up on a massive raised platform in the middle of it. Rowan was a few steps behind.
"Good evening San Francisco!" she shouted.
"Good Evening," they shouted back.
"I've convinced my friend Angharad Gwyn to debut here with me. Behind me is another friend Nicol Amalfi, as well as the very talented band Fire and Water. Our first song is from a television show Angharad saw some time ago. It is Tenchi Muyo's Pioneer." They sang.
Did you know that I am a pioneer?
I'm out on a secret mission
I travel the galaxy and far beyond
Can't you see that I am pioneer?
Unlocking the greatest mysteries
My key is a fearless heart
So pure and strong
People laugh when you are a pioneer
Not walking the straight and narrow
They tell you the way things are
They swear you're wrong
You can't be a hero
Hiding underneath your bed
Got to live the life
You create inside your head
So I opened the window
Caught the wind one night
Now I sail with the birds in their flight
Lacus took Rowan's hand and together they rose in the air. The spotlights followed them into the sky. The crowd gasped as the they continued to sing.
If you're tired of everything
Come hitch a ride with me
You'll cry out with joy
When you realize you're free
It's a trip like no other
For your heart and mind
Leaving all but the future far behind
Some will say you're safer here
Never mind them - be a pioneer!
Can't you see that you are a pioneer?
Not one of the endless talkers
Who tell you the same old rules you've heard before
I can tell that you are a pioneer
You want to be facing danger
Not happy to hide your dreams anymore
You are a pioneer, the same as me
You can't be a hero
Hiding underneath your bed
So we'll live the life
We've created in our heads
We'll wake up ev'ry morning
In a whole new place
On a road reaching out into space
Some will say we're safer here
Never mind them - we are pioneers!
Hand in hand we'll journey as pioneers
Unlocking the greatest mysteries
Don't listen to anyone
Who says we're wrong
They can't stop you when you're a pioneer
For truth is your greatest weapon
Out there in the cosmos
Where we both belong
A place for pioneer
Like you and me
Through the ages we will be pioneers
We'll go out on secret missions
We'll travel the galaxy and far beyond
It's our destiny to be pioneers
We'll always be moving forward
Our courage is what we will be counting on
We will be pioneers forevermore
They landed back on the ground. The crowd continued to go wild. They had certainly never seen human flight, without help in open air.
"It is great to see you all. Next up I'd like to sing one of my own. This is Fields of Hope," said Lacus to a throng of cheering.
They were near the end of it when Rowan heard in her ear piece from Kira, "Inbound cruise missiles, numbering over a thousand and counting. Athrun and I are launching. ETA for missiles is 2 minutes."
"Lacus, end the song. We have trouble," sent Rowan.
"Alright. I am with you," she replied mentally
"Attention everyone. We need your help. There is trouble incoming. Some friends of ours are going to try to handle it, but we want your help too," said the Rowan.
"What can we do?"
"How can we help?"
The questions were numerous and largely impossible to tell one from the next. Rowan swallowed and tapped into the emergency generator below her. It wasn't remotely enough, and neither was the well around her neck, not for this. She tried to let Lacus go, but she would not be freed.
"Let go. You will die," she thought desperately to her.
"No. I refuse to let you do this alone."
"No time. I'm sorry," sent back Rowan.
"I am with you," were Lacus's last thoughts before the distinction between them was simply gone.
"Please, I ask that you lend me your strength. Together we can stop what comes," said the Rowan out loud.
Then they did something they had never expected to do. They let go. They let everything go, embracing all before them. They couldn't possibly check that each was willing and just integrating so many fractional strengths by themselves was of course impossible, but then they didn't expect to survive. Initially they weren't sure even that would be enough. Perhaps Kira and Athrun could stop some. They, and they was beginning to mean so very much, hoped it was so. It was clearly a mistake to try this, but that didn't matter. There was only the mission that they had to complete.
They had gathered almost a thousand. It was so confusing, but the feel of the missiles brought purpose, even as those remaining joined in their desperate struggle.
In their mind a song began to play. It was another from RWBY of all things. It seemed appropriate.
There's a point where it tips
There's a point where it breaks
There's a point where it bends
And a point we just can't take
Anymore
There's a line that we'll cross
And there's no return
There's a time and a place
No bridges left to burn
Anymore
We can't just wait
With lives at stake
Until they think we're ready
Our enemies are gathering
The storm is growing deadly
Now it's time to say goodbye
To the things we loved
And the innocence of youth
How the time seemed to fly
From our carefree lives
And the solitude and peace we always knew
The missiles were barely a minute away now, but they were one in this moment, in this time. They seemed almost unimportant now. A thing that could not possibly matter.
There's a day when we will fight
And we're not gonna fall
There's a day when we will stand
And a day when we won't crawl
Anymore
There's a moment in time
And there's no going back
When we're pushed too hard
And we won't hold our attack
Anymore
We can't just cling to childish things
As evil just grows closer
Humanity's in jeopardy
This fight is far from over
Now it's time to say goodbye
To the things we loved
And the innocence of youth
With a doubt in our minds
Why we chose this life
And at times we can't help wondering
Were we born to fight and die?
Sacrificed for one huge lie?
Are we heroes keeping peace?
Or are we weapons pointed at the enemy
So someone else can claim a victory?
It was time. With a contemptuous effort the merge ported the missiles deep beneath the sea, sweeping the sky of all danger.
Now it's time to say goodbye
To the things we loved
And the innocence of youth
How the time seemed to fly
From our carefree lives
And the solitude and peace we always knew
"Must stop carefully," thought the part that was barely the Rowan anymore.
"You will die," the others thought, including Lacus in that.
"Might get lucky, maybe. Help me save Lacus at least."
WIth infinite tenderness the merge embraced and separated Lacus from the whole, completely against her will, and then Rowan used every ounce of skill and strength to let everyone else go, thanking them as they parted.
The Rowan fell backwards, like a puppet with strings cut. She hit the stage floor hard with a loud crack amplified by her microphone even as Lacus ran to her.
Kira and Athrun flew above the stadium, their new mobile suits ready for anything else.
"Help us," screamed Lacus as she felt for a pulse, as she gave the Rowan the last of the strength she could. Her microphone was still connected then as her cry in the night was heard by all.
-=oOo=-
The blond haired Q appeared beside her. They were on a green field on a cliff face overlooking an ocean. It was near dusk in a sky with two crescent moons rising.
"You passed, if that matters to you," he said softly.
"Am I dead?" asked the Rowan softly.
"Would that have killed you? Yes. Too much, too fast, too desperate, none of them with developed skill. You didn't have any doubt at the time, and without certain other skills, yes, that was going to be lethal. Fortunately, I was paying attention and preserved your essence and brought you here."
"It was all real, wasn't it?"
"Yes, still is in fact. Creating a world that complex and sustaining it is a large drain even for a Q. It is much easier to find one suitable for what we need."
"I wanted to see them find peace," Rowan said softly.
"You don't believe your sacrifice will lead to it?" he asked curiously.
"I don't know. If I am to return, I'd like to have at least told Lacus that I was well, but leaving now feels wrong."
"What would you have me do? You rising from the dead, or the equivalent of it is not going to happen. I have a personal policy not to permit my actions to create religions."
"Are they okay?" asked Rowan.
"A lot are going to have massive headaches. A smattering will gain some talent, perhaps a hundred in total."
"You could make them forget."
"And undo the good you just did? No. I will not do that. You vastly underestimated their response, but I will not erase the good that came from it."
Q appeared in his usual red uniform. "Oh don't be so stuffy Q."
"Hey Q. Is everyone else okay?" asked Rowan.
"They are fine. From their point of view, no time has passed."
"I have been quite reasonable Q. If she can come up with an acceptable continuation, I will allow it," said Q.
"She doesn't need one. Just send her back."
"Her brain is mush. She has several broken bones, though that is nothing in comparison."
"Send Tirla to her. You can heal her, or I can so that Tirla can fix her head the rest of the way," said Q.
"I'm not sure I want my daughter in danger," said Rowan.
"There are costs if you want to live and help them. Q's suggestion is the absolute bare minimum I'd accept. I'm also inclined to make you paralyzed from the waist down, with both of you thinking it isn't something Tirla can fix."
Q snorted. "You can't fix the more complicated thing, then call the easier bit impossible. That is implausible."
"Fine, no Tirla. Recovery is possible on her own, but months of pain at minimum. I will not let that act have no consequences."
"You and your silly rules," said the red Q.
Q snorted. "It is hardly silly," said the blonde.
"I accept, as long as I can eventually recover and still help. Can I speak with Deanna for a few minutes?" asked Rowan.
"It has no harm." Blond Q snapped his hands and suddenly Deanna was there.
"Imzati," called out Deanna who ran to and quickly kissed the now younger woman.
Rowan pulled back. "I love you too. I was given a test, to help a universe. I'm not done my love. I want to see it to the end. Please watch over our family for me, till I can return. I will return to you. I promise. I will always return to you."
"What?" exclaimed Deanna.
"Sorry, I'm not allowing her to communicate vocally or not, her current situation. Not when you have craft available that might reach her. Time is linked now," said Blond Q.
"I'll find you," said Deanna.
"Doubtful," said blond Q.
"I'll be fine," said Rowan.
"You're lying. Something is wrong."
"She did a stunt that saved several thousand, made her brain mush, and broke several rather important bones. I've agreed to allow it to be something she can heal, eventually. That is her price for returning. I shouldn't accept it," said the blond.
"I will find you. We will heal you," said Deanna. She then turned to Q.
"Sorry, Q here was given permission to test you all to see if you were worthy of what you were near to finding. She passed, so she could return now, if she wanted. She could also go back and die. Q saved her because he was impressed enough at the self sacrifice, but if she dies in the ordinary course of things," trailed off the red Q.
"Then she dies. I am not her personal savior. I am bending a rule I do not normally bend to send her back."
"It's all right, even if I die I could help so very many. I wish I could tell you more."
Deanna reached out, but it was like she hit a wall.
"No, not when you could slip around the barrier I made if you touch. I am not helping her find you," said Q.
The Q they were more familiar with smiled in amusement.
"Don't get clever Q. You are off this case. I will sense your interference."
"It is not necessary."
"Be safe. I do not wish to morn your death of you love," said the Rowan.
"You should let me show her how she ended up in this mess. Who knows she might get jealous," said Q.
"You keep trying to advance your own goals," said the blond.
"And those goals aren't your own?" asked Q.
"There is nothing to be jealous of. Even if she found love again, my love for her would not waiver, nor hers of mine," said Deanna.
"She hasn't, at least not like you two," said blond Q dryly.
"Oh just show her. I want to see her reaction," said Q.
"You show her. You are so determined, and I'm sure she will see the memory eventually, assuming she makes it back."
"Alright." Q snapped his fingers, and suddenly Deanna was there from the beginning of the concert, a part of it all, and yet not.
At the end as Lacus was pushing everything she had left to Rowan, Deanna pounced, pushing everything she could, and her entire well into Lacus at that moment, and trusted her instincts to do the rest.
"That is cheating my dear. Well done," said the red shirted Q.
The other Q scowled, even as time resumed. The last they heard from him was him saying, "I should have been manually holding her back, not just blocking them apart."
"Yes, you always did miss the obvious. Better luck next time Q," smirked the red shirted Q.
-=oOo=-
Lacus woke in pain. Her father stood over her.
"You're in the garden at our home. We moved your beds out here to give you the most restful area we could. Lacus you scared me."
She tried to focus, looking through the glass windows to the outer gardens. She then tried to turn, only her whole body protested.
"Easy, you've been out for nearly a month. We still can't really explain it. You were fine after the incident and even ran over to Rowan, who is still unconscious."
He helped her up, and then Kira brought her a glass of cold water with a straw that she barely managed to drink.
"Head hurts," she said softly.
"We didn't know how to treat you. There is an energy field cradling your head and to a lesser extent your body. The doctors and us just kept you comfortable," said her father.
Lacus turned to Kira. "I'll be fine Kira."
"I didn't say anything," said Kira.
"You didn't? I heard you as clear as day."
"I did not," thought Kira.
Lacus then said "3.1415926 Athrun misses me. You care. Sorry Kira, I don't know how to stop."
"That's okay Lacus. Don't worry about it, and yes I'll say out loud what you probably already heard. You are amazing. Truly amazing."
She blushed.
Lacus turned back to her father. "Rowan's wife was here, but for an instant. The one that brought Rowan here decided to save her life. They worked out some deal. Deanna got to see Rowan's last moments here before she returned, and in return they would let Rowan live, though with likely a very long return to health. She chose to stay with us to finish helping us, rather than return healthy, except at the end Deanna found a way around their limits on her. I was already trying to do what I could for her. She briefly merged with me and basically shoved everything she could through me as a loop hole into their protections. She gave me every ounce of help and power she could. I think she might still be recovering too, based on the thoughts I'm just now deciphering."
"She shouldn't have hurt you like that," said Kira.
"Oh Kira, I would have volunteered in a heartbeat and she knew it. I already had refused to leave her. She convinced the merge to first set me safely free using strength they did not have. I would never give any less to save her, for we knew in that moment we both loved her dearly."
"I'm sorry Lacus," said Kira.
"Don't be silly Kira, I love her like a sister, not a lover."
Kira blushed furiously. Lacus smiled in amusement.
"How is Rowan? I sense her mind, but it still seems to be recovering."
"The energy around you is also around her."
"It knows the way. It knows her. Perhaps she doesn't have the talent for healing, but I begin to suspect I have a little, at least to a point, and Deanna who knows Rowan almost as well as herself gave of herself. A part of Deanna is there now healing her, even as a part of me is there now, healing her. This is all so very strange. What happened afterwards?" asked Lacus.
"They sent mobile suits. We had to destroy I think it was twenty eight of them. There was some damage to the city, but we managed to draw most of them over the ocean."
"And do they know your suits are nuclear powered?" asked Lacus.
"We have to assume they will figure it out based on the battle data," said Siegel.
"That is unfortunate. Kira, please help me get back into shape. We cannot remain idle long."
"Are you sure? I mean, if I touch you and you can't shield."
"We can't act on anything we might feel Kira, at least not until I can control this. I could hurt you, badly. Rowan did that once, when she was young and foolish. It is one of her biggest regrets."
"What do you mean? She is young now," said Kira confused.
"Only in body. Her mind is certainly older than father is."
"I am not old," insisted her father.
"No, you are certainly not," agreed his daughter pertly.
-=oOo=-
Natarle watched once again the video that was broadcast of the attack on the stadium. She had read the reports that the audience members gave. She had read more than a hundred of them so far and seen how enraged Azrael was. "They had even killed the bitch," were his words, except she once heard him say captured in a voice that still gave her nightmares.
A part of her could not but help reread a fragment of the song they heard in their minds.
Now it's time to say goodbye
To the things we loved
And the innocence of youth
With a doubt in our minds
Why we chose this life
And at times we can't help wondering
Were we born to fight and die?
Sacrificed for one huge lie?
Are we heroes keeping peace?
Or are we weapons pointed at the enemy
So someone else can claim a victory?
She greatly feared she would not survive to leave this ship, still wandering the endless midnight sky. Azrael had come and gone a few times, but she knew who was in command here really, and it wasn't her. She dearly hoped Azrael never got his hands on the Rowan or Lacus. She once again checked her sidearm and verified the bullets in it. If the worse happened she had enough for both of them and at least one more, though she dearly prayed her primary targets would give her time on that day. No, she didn't expect to get off this ship alive, and she was fine with that. Some days she was fine with that. Either way, she was a soldier and she now knew who the true enemy was. She would have dearly liked to speak with Murrue one more time though. She would regret not doing that.
-=oOo=-
Murrue met with Cagalli, Uzumi, Kisaka, Mu, and Reverend Malchio the next morning for breakfast. She was the first to bring up the topic of the morning. It was the topic of far too many mornings.
"How are they?"
"I have some positive news there. Lacus is awake," said Uzumi.
"Is she whole asked the blind priest?"
"Yes, and more. It's apparently driving her a bit crazy."
"Can you explain?" asked Murrue.
He went on to explain what Lacus had said. He finished with, "Love often finds a way. I am glad to hear it."
"Dang," said Cagalli, just trying to take it all in.
"It doesn't surprise me. She is too amazing not to be married to someone equally amazing," mused Mu.
Cagalli sand softly.
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
"Where is that from?" asked Mu curiously.
"I dug it up in the archives. The song she sang is in there too. It's from a cartoon series for children," said Cagalli.
"In time, your heart will open minds. A story will be told. And victory is in a simple soul. Was that not the meaning they gave at the end? One soul may be too weak to change the world, and yet close to four thousand clearly were not," said the reverend softly.
"Another part interests me. We may be reading too much into a children's song, but it is still interesting. This will be the day we've waited for. This will be the day we open up the door," said Uzumi.
"Your talking about the strange powers some of them have now," said Mu.
"Yes. I have tried to track those I can, without being obvious about it. I have managed to retrieve close to half of them and give them places on Orb. I know Siegel and the rest have made offers to about a fourth. That still leaves a forth. About half we know about, by estimate. At least half of that half are missing," said Uzumi.
"When did you find this out?" asked Murrue.
"Just before breakfast. My intelligence resources are limited. It may mean nothing."
"Or it may mean they have them," said Kisaka.
He nodded.
"The world has changed again. Is this for the better I wonder?" mused Murrue.
"You can't think Rowan means any harm," said Mu with a touch of confusion.
"I don't. I just question the whole decision for us to move beyond the bow and arrow," said Murrue.
"Ah," he said understanding.
-=oOo=-
"How long?" demanded Azrael.
"You must have some patience Murata. If we are not ready when we launch our attack, they will survive."
"And if the bitch recovers and senses what we are doing or some nonsense?"
"You ascribe to her more power than she has. She is not a god. She had to turn to those gathered to save herself."
"No, she had to turn to those gathered to save those gathered. Get your facts right," he snapped.
"Perhaps, but we are being very careful, and space is very big. We should not be detected."
"Hurry the hell up."
"We are."
-=oOo=-
The Rowan woke up in pain. She instantly felt Lacus's mind. That was curious.
"Dear one?" she sent without thought.
"Your well?" Lacus sent back hesitantly.
"I wouldn't call it that. I feel horrible. I'm sorting through it all."
"Your wife was there, somehow at the end thanks to Q. She found a way to help you."
"She risked burning you out. Q was going to heal me, enough that I eventually recovered."
"You would have done the same for her, or me. We were one for that moment. I have no regrets, though I do desperately need you to teach me, once your well enough."
"Oh my God. I almost considered leaving. I can't believe I almost chose that. So many have no one to teach them. How could I be so selfish?"
"You are not selfish. Perhaps you didn't think about the new telepaths then. You had a lot on your mind, with almost dying, but I refuse to let you call yourself selfish."
"How is my body? I think my legs and right arm are still not healed. I feel a cast on each, I think."
"Yes, I think we were focused on your mind. She sort of imprinted all she knew on me and we used it as a pattern to construct something I think. It is all a blur."
"That clever woman. I shall have to reward her when I return. Sorry, not censoring my thoughts enough."
"Believe me, the thoughts Kira and I have had are far less tame. I really need to learn."
"So you can act on those thoughts?" teased Rowan in thought.
"Perhaps."
"My focus isn't remotely enough to teach anything today. I need you to help me move. I guess you have stimulated my muscles some?"
"Yes, to try to reduce the recovery time. I still can't walk far."
"If I could gather my thoughts in some kind of focus, I could hover, but I'd probably end up breaking more bones," said Rowan.
"I'll get Athrun. I honestly don't have enough control to be helping with physical therapy yet."
"Aren't you afraid I'll find him cute?"
"I don't think Deanna would mind, but he doesn't seem your type, and you have children his age."
"True. I can also probably manage to shield that much. I'll need a day or two to get my head together enough to begin teaching you."
"Alright."
-=oOo=-
Athrun gently helped the Rowan move her arm, then the one in the cast, and slowly both legs and toes before repeating it. He handed her everything she needed, and once when Cagalli wasn't available helped her to the bathroom as best he could.
The third morning she could barely get out of the bed. Blond Q appeared beside her.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"You would have been in less pain had Deanna not interfered."
"And this world would be without Lacus's strength. I'll take that trade. They will need her when I am gone."
"Perhaps."
"I honestly do not think we are ready for Childhood's End," said Rowan softly.
"And in acknowledging that, you prove you are one step closer to being ready."
"Seriously, Q's gambit with me and all this, which seems to be repeating. What kind of society is it that needs, well, those like me to hold it together, to cut through the lies, to reveal truth?" asked Rowan.
"The kind of society with a better chance than it had before," he said softly.
"Can you tell me anything?"
"Get better quickly. Time is shorter than I thought."
"It seems you fear something worse that what you feared last time."
"I can't say," he said.
"You have said enough." The Rowan send a mental call for Lacus to come.
"Perhaps so. Farewell warrior. We shall not meet again until your time here ends, be it through your death or the completion of your mission."
-=oOo=-
"Why won't this work?" exclaimed Deanna.
"You are trying to force finding a dimension you do not know for who knows how far away and reach someone who may be in critical condition," said Tam.
"I thought for sure Gomtuu and you would be the key."
"We need something to go on. Some whisper in the wind, some direction. We have tried random destinations but the possibilities are nearly infinite," said Tam tiredly.
"And Shion needs precise coordinates, which I do not have. Why does this have to be so hard? She needs me. She needs help!"
"I know. We can only keep searching," said Tam.
-=oOo=-
"Will you help? There seems not much time. I'm sure it is dangerous. Your mind is raw, as is mine. Neither of us is in any shape to experiment, yet I don't think we have time not to," said Rowan.
"Of course I will," added Lacus.
"You could die, in our fumbling, or we could destroy each others minds, or cause no telling what damage."
"If the risk must be taken, then I will take it with you," said Lacus firmly.
Kisaka knocked.
"Come," said Rowan.
"I couldn't help but overhear."
"Are you going to try to stop us?" asked Lacus.
"No, but I will guard your door, to make sure you are not interrupted."
"You believe the danger is real?" asked Rowan.
"We do not know what Murata Azreal is doing, but I am absolutely certain it is nothing good."
"Where is the other one?" Rowan blinked and remembered. "Natarle?"
"Last intel was that she was put in command of a copy of Archangel. I believe they have some new mobile suits. Details are sketchy. That intel is pretty old too," said Kisaka quietly.
"A copy of Archangel, mobile suits or not. It may be relevant. It probably is relevant, but it is not big enough. It doesn't feel right," said Rowan.
"I would tend to agree. Can you do the scouting you did before?" asked Kisaka.
"That takes knowing where your looking and we are in no shape to do any of that. We are going to try healing each other. It may not work. Make sure we are not disturbed."
"You shall not be."
Lacus tucked in beside her carefully and took her hands in hers. They were enveloped in a warm glow. Around Lacus's neck a copy of the well the Rowan wore formed. Both blazed brightly even as the power began to drain from this section of the Plant.
Nearly thirty minutes later Siegel demanded entrance. Kisaka allowed him in, then put his back against the door again.
"What is going on?" he asked.
"They are trying to heal each other. They believe something big is coming soon and this risk must be taken."
"How risky is it?"
"I don't think even they know," he said softly.
-=oOo=-
"There. There she is," shouted Deanna.
"Let me in," said Tam.
Deanna took his hands and they focused.
"We need to get Tirla, Donna, and Mary first."
"Let's hurry Gomtuu, take us back."
-=oOo=-
"How much longer?" snapped Azreal?
"An hour maybe. Have some patience Azreal. We will kill them all."
-=oOo=-
They emerged from a dimensional rift near Athena and the Defiant. Deanna jumped to Athena without waiting.
"We know her coordinates. We must go now. Tirla, Donna, and Mary are here correct?"
"They are," said Shion.
"Then go. Please I beg you go."
"We are getting the dimensional coordinates for the universe in question from Gomtuu," said Allen.
"Initiate calculations. Bring the reactors up to potential. Start emergency countdown and tell the Defiant to tuck in closer and power and purge the exotic particles from its warp drive. We will do a dimensional fold jump. I believe the risk warranted," commanded Shion.
"Our engines are cold. Even at emergency rates it is twenty minutes before we hit potential. We will have the calculations done by then of course, but the engines require the time they require," said Momo.
"I know. What a crap time to do needed maintenance. Do the best you can. We can't rush beyond a certain point. The danger is too high."
"We are coming my love. We are coming," said Deanna.
-=oOo=-
On the bed, both started screaming in pain.
"What do we do?" asked Siegel.
"I don't think there is anything we can do. Separating them would probably kill them," said Kisaka.
-=oOo=-
Natarle scowled. Azrael being deliriously happy meant nothing good.
"Move the ship. I want a good view of the Plants," said Natarle.
Natarle sighed. "Do it," she said without preamble.
It took there little time to orient on the Plants. She at least knew they were way too far away to hurt them.
"There is an anomalous object off the port bow at extreme range. Some kind of big hollow tube," said her sensor officer.
"Ignore it," snapped Azreal.
"We can't ignore what could be a possible threat," said Natarle.
"It is not a possible threat. Ignore it. That is an order."
Natarle seethed, but said nothing. She could see no way to salvage the situation. She doubted she would even manage to reach her pistol before they would kill her. They were watching her too closely.
"Incoming communication from the Moon base."
"Put it on."
"Five minutes remain and Requiem will play," said a voice on the other end.
"Excellent."
-=oOo=-
"Dimensional jump potential achieved."
"Jump. Jump now!" commanded Shion.
-=oOo=-
"Target the Plants Capital. Setting all generators to critical status. Preparations for firing complete. The first movement is ready."
Natarle was about to risk it regardless when she heard.
"We've got an energy spike. It's off the scale."
"Of course you do. Requiem is about to fire," said Azrael eagerly.
"No, that's not it."
-=oOo=-
"Reading extreme high energy reaction on the moon. They appear to have some form of super weapon. Further analysis reveals a system of field lenses have been created. They are ready to fire," said Momo.
Kosmos vanished in transporter motes.
"Target the weapon and fire."
"Firing."
"We are too far away to hurt them quickly enough," said Allen.
On a separate screen the bridge of the Defiant was visible.
"Target the source and fire Quantum torpedoes," snapped Riker.
"They won't get there soon enough," said Shion sadly.
"No, but we will. Help me Tam, Faile, children," snarled Deanna.
The lights dimmed as their impromptu gestalt crushed the last of the large cylinders acting to bend the field even as the great beam headed towards them.
"Shields to maximum. Protect this ship," said Shion.
Riker gave a similar order.
In space the beam shifted. Somehow they had anticipated the loss of one of the lenses. The others compensating by shifting it through a new pattern. Kosmos was there. On the bridge they could hear her.
"Releasing locks. Hilbert generator online. Activating Hilbert effect with maximum field dispersion."
"She is distorting spacetime. It will have its own affect on the beam," said Shion thoughtfully.
Momo smiled. The beam missed by a large range.
"Finish it," snapped Shion.
"No need. They are still tracking," said Momo.
"Show me."
The screen zoomed in on the moon base. The updated torpedoes easily phased through all their shields. The three torpedoes removed the moon base from existence.
-=oOo=-
"No. It's not possible!" shouted Azreal.
Natarle smiled. Her minders were looking at him. She drew and in one smooth motion did what she did in her dreams so many times. Five shots, all to the heart, one for each.
The other bridge crew drew guns on her.
"Kill me if you want. At least I stopped the monster."
They appeared to reconsider it and then her second said, "We aren't going to kill you, but you will answer for this. Now drop your weapon."
She did so and for the first time in a long time she smiled.
-=oOo=-
"We need to go to Rowan. She is the one they targeted," exclaimed Deanna.
"Maximum speed. Get us there as soon as possible," said Shion.
"You need to find her and give me the coordinates. I will beam you and your children over," said Momo.
"I am searching. I have her." Deanna knelt beside Momo and touched her lightly on the cheek.
"Coordinates are specific. Targeting scanner not yet in range. Thirty seconds."
"Good. We could port there if we needed to, but we need what we have left. She is in so much pain. They both are," said Deanna.
-=oOo=-
Siegel, Kira, Athrun, KIsaka, and the Reverend looked on helplessly, unable to do anything as Deanna, Tam, Tirla, Donna, Marie,Faile, and Doctor Selar beamed in.
Tirla, Donna, and Marie immediately circled them, holding hands, even as Deanna and Tam held onto them. Doctor Selar opened a tricorder.
"Their nervous systems are operating dangerously beyond safe levels. Whatever they were doing it is not right. They are healing, but causing damage and healing," said the doctor.
"Mother knows she is not a healer, and this one has no training for the little potential she does have," complained Tirla.
"We will fix it all," said Donna.
"We will," agreed Marie as a storm of healing began commencing.
Suddenly Q appeared, eating popcorn.
"Can I help you," said Siegel crisply.
"Oh don't mind me. I'm great fans of theirs."
"Ignore him. He is a friend," said Doctor Selar.
"In the spirit of adding music where appropriate, how about this one? It's from another cartoon, called Shera of all things," said Q.
We're warriors
Unstoppable
We feel the evil coming
And shadows all around
Danger surrounds us
But won't bring us down
We're on the edge of greatness
Turning darkness to light
We're right beside you
Ready to fight
We must be strong
And we must be brave
We gotta find every bit of strength
That we have and never let it go
We're bound to this struggle
With mighty sword and flame
We'll never fail you
When you call our name
"Do you have any more popcorn?" asked Kisaka ten minutes later.
Q laughed and snapped his fingers, providing him a bowl.
Several glared at Kisaka.
"What, I don't think this one would be eating popcorn if they were in real danger," said Kisaka.
"That is true. The kids know their stuff," said Q.
Ten minutes later that was proven true. Rowan was the first to speak.
"Well, that was not how I hoped that would go," said Rowan tiredly.
"What? I can't be the hero some days?" asked Deanna archly.
Rowan jumped over to her and kissed her passionately on the lips for more than a minute.
"You can save me anytime," said Rowan as she stepped back.
"What about the danger. The thing we were doing this for?" asked Lacus in confusion.
Rowan looked back, her eyes focusing on Tam. "Can you beam Lacus to Gomtuu maybe, and the rest of us elsewhere? The pressure of so many minds has to be hurting her, and I've barely begun her training."
They all vanished, with all but the doctor appearing on Athena. The doctor was returned to the Defiant.
"Oh that is so much better," said Lacus.
"We see and hear you," said Rowan.
"You didn't answer my question," added Lacus.
"We took care of it," said Shion.
"That we did," added Riker from the Defiant.
"You might need a new moon base," added Allen dryly.
Siegel blinked. "You destroyed the moon base. Really?"
"They were trying rather hard to kill your entire set of space colonies you know," said Shion.
"And had about fourteen more seconds from destroying the first several," added in Momo.
"I really must thank Q. He gave us what warning he could," said Rowan.
"Nonsense. He could have just ended the test and erased those who annoyed him," said red shirted Q.
"Can you really do that?" asked the Rowan softly.
"The Continuum does get a might upset when we start doing that kind of thing, but I've had to run before. Someday, I will no doubt be killed, but it won't stop me if I have to get something done," said Q.
Q appeared. His blond hair as neat as always. "You believe they like you more than they do, you know this Q."
Q shrugged, unrepentant.
The Rowan went up to the blond Q and hugged him warmly. "Thank you."
"I didn't help you that much. You should have died, for nothing even."
"I still thank you."
"I'm going. My work is done. You hardly need me to bring you anywhere now." Q vanished.
"Yes, it is a bit boring now. Do clean up the mess. This universe has potential," said the black haired Q, before vanishing.
"I'm hoping you will tell me that we killed people that needed killing. We didn't exactly have a lot of time to analyze the situation," said Shion.
"Or any," added Worf.
Siegel's eyes widened when he saw him, but he said nothing.
"I have a space ship at extreme range, that appears to be headed back to Earth. There is a curious phenomenon detected near the colonies and the planet and satellites. Something is affecting communications. I am analyzing the resonance pattern. It seems to be affecting the behavior of the standard model," said Momo.
"It's the N-Jammers. We deployed them after our colony was hit by nuclear weapons. They block most of the standard fission operations by affecting the behavior of neutrons," said Siegel.
"Ah, it is an interesting technology," said Momo.
"Shouldn't affect us. All key systems are way too shielded for that kind of nonsense," said Shion.
"We are also unaffected," said Riker.
Rowan took Deanna's hands and suddenly their minds shot out towards the ship, and then to one they barely knew. They noted Natarle was locked in her room and that Azrael was dead. They quickly returned. They then ported over to the Defiant.
"Can you cloak and get us close enough to fetch a person from that craft that is descending? Porting through space without a suit, is not ideal, if we don't need to do it," said Rowan.
"That we can do. Engage cloak and warp engines briefly."
"Got it."
The Defiant went into warp for not even a second and then slingshot around the planet to dispel speed. Rowan moved over to Worf and helped him scan. He beamed Natarle over.
"You?" she asked surprised.
"Can we try again?" asked Rowan hopefully.
"I was not kind to you."
"Yes, but I think ending that monster puts us in your debt."
"He was disgusting. I was certain he was going to kill me, but whatever happened gave me a chance."
"Good job. We will get you back home in a bit, but first we can go talk to the others."
"Those were your people weren't they? Others like you?" asked Natarle curiously.
"No. Those were my friends. Some are like me. Most are not. Have you met Mr. Worf?"
Worf smiled. Natarle stepped back.
Rowan laughed and Deanna smiled.
"It is good to meet you. I'm Captain William Riker." Riker held out his hand.
"Captain Natarle Badgiruel, though I'll likely be court martialed and executed. I'm sure someone will be upset I killed that damn monster.
"Well you could come with us. We would hold a trial of course," said Riker.
Natarle hesitated. "Can I see how this turns out first?"
"Sure."
Natarle turned to Rowan. "He wanted you and Lacus dead badly, but I think he wanted. I'm sorry to say this, but you have to know."
"To use us, badly, or at least me," said Rowan.
"That will not happen," said Riker.
"He is dead, but its not as if his organization is gone. Some of them were on the moon, but only some," added Natarle.
"We will deal with it somehow," said Riker.
"I should have destroyed his organization when I couldn't find him. I left a living dangerous enemy and his organization alive and so many were nearly killed," said Rowan.
"Yes, that happens. We take risks because we are the good guys. Killing isn't our first choice," said Riker.
"Some times you have to do what needs doing," said Worf.
"I don't disagree. We just disagree as to when," said Riker.
"I'm not used to not having backup, or at least backup of all your level. I can't thank you enough for coming," said Rowan.
"When Deanna called, do you think we would say no?" asked Riker incredulously.
"Lacus are you listening here?"
"Yes, I seem to have video here."
"I don't want to stress your brain anymore, but everyone on this ship, except Deanna and me are quite normal humans. They have rules against what happened to you. Well, correction, one is a normal Vulcan, well mostly normal. Whatever. Can we get cake? I feel like cake and ice cream time is here," said Rowan.
"Could you bring me some?" asked Lacus hopefully.
"Let me and Deanna abuse their replicator and we will be right over," said Rowan.
"I'll be waiting."
Rowan turned to Will. "Would you be terribly upset if I handed this mess to you and Shion? We will help of course. Maybe talk to the others. This have so much potential. Please help them."
"No. Well done Lieutenant Commander. Now go eat your ice cream and cake."
-=oOo=-
"Your my absolute hero Rowan," said Deanna from the table Gomtuu had grown for them.
"Oh what for?" she asked.
"You got the replicator to produce real chocolate ice cream and double fudge cake."
"You do know you can override it if you want? I don't do it often, but it doesn't stop you."
"I know."
"But you never did it?" asked Lacus curiously.
"Oh, I haven't corrupted her enough yet. This must be fixed," exclaimed Rowan.
"I agree," added Lacus before she piled ice cream and nuts over chocolate cake and eat a bite.
"We have so much work to do. So many need training and in the mean time we are doing home surgery with a hunting knife on ourselves. It is only because our failure sent a flare that anyone is still alive," added Rowan.
"The kids are quite mad at you for risking yourself so. They understand, but they are still angry. They almost lost you," said Deanna softly.
"I know. I cannot find a better option, other than acting more aggressively from the start and I hate that to beat someone like that he makes me think of acting like them."
"We will get it done. My father probably needs to return by now, if he hasn't," said Lacus.
The bridge of the Athena appeared on the wall.
"Is my father there?" asked Lacus.
"He returned to his home to begin organizing. Captain Riker and Doctor Selar went with him," said Allen.
"Doctor Selar needs to look at their genetics and possibly others. They have been modified and now have problems conceiving," said Rowan.
"Momo can you start digging? We won't necessarily help them perfect their genetic engineering you know," said Shion.
"I know, but if there is a way you can give a fair choice, I'd appreciate it," said Rowan.
"I'm beginning now," said the little seeming girl.
"We will do what we can. We have had our mistakes in this area as well. We too have banned most of it, save for fixing problems," said Shion.
Rowan bowed. "I thank you."
"We are all on the same side, pitting ourselves against that which would harm the greater whole. You are of course most welcome." She then touched her belly. "I am several months pregnant thanks to all this. We will do what we can."
"Your going to make a great mother," added Deanna. Rowan nodded as well.
"Thanks, now we will let you back to your cake. Tam will want to return sometime, so you may want to begin lessons soon, or transfer to a shuttle. We can certainly spare one," said Shion.
"They are fine," said Tam.
"Are you sure? We can beam to a shuttle," said Rowan.
"Eat your cake. I wouldn't mind meeting Lacus briefly before I go."
"Sure, bring more cake," said Lacus.
"Alright."
Faile beamed over.
"Want some?" asked Rowan.
"Sure, I will take a little."
"There is plenty," offered Lacus.
"I do not normally eat. A small amount is all I want."
"You mean your on a diet?" asked Lacus curiously.
"No."
Deanna handed her a plate and she reached for the knife to cut a piece of cake.
"Faile here is more special than all of us put together," said Rowan softly.
"That is debatable." She move a piece to her plate and began eating."
"What do you think of our home?" asked Lacus curiously to Faile.
"I think we need to possibly find you a world."
Lacus blinked. "You can do that?"
"It would be quite some work to move you all, but it is doable, and would solve the issue with no real risk."
"They wouldn't learn," noted Rowan.
"Is that so important? The hatred seems endemic. I am hardly an expert in humanity, but, while I have no doubt we could manage to get a peace agreement signed, I'm less than certain it would last. The problems causing the hate will remain, will they not?" asked Faile.
"And I inadvertently helped spark talents in those with potential, making the situation even more complex," said Rowan.
"I do not know if a lasting peace is possible with everyone," said Lacus sadly.
"Between our two ships, it seems likely that we could find a suitable world in a few weeks at most. With our skills and sufficient cooperation we could likely empty those colonies in what a couple months?" asked Faile.
"That is about right," said Rowan.
"You can do that?" asked Lacus.
"Alone no. You and I might be able to do it now, but you have no training, and we likely don't have time to train you and everyone else and do all the rest. If we do decide to move you, getting everyone to safety has to be priority one."
"Of course."
-=oOo=-
Riker was still suffering the headache from accepting Rowans offer to fill him in on all the gory details. He supposed that was the price of shortcuts. Overall, he suspected the find a planet and move most anyone who wanted to move seemed as good as plan as any. Rowan and Deanna agreed to stay on Orb and help train those that were there while Lacus and Faile went with the Defiant to search. Faile would be training Lacus as well. She volunteered, saying she preferred to train one, not many. Tirla stayed with her mothers, while Donna and Mary went to Athena to help there. As to the Coordinators, well, almost being killed made that choice quite easy. The only other choice was to ramp the war back up and try to seriously win it, no matter the cost. No one seriously wanted to risk a solution where they could fail when an easier one was available.