Phase-08: Junction
At Onogoro Island, the Minerva proceeded through the docking operations at the port facility of the Morgenroete. A few Orb officials had gathered to observe them and greet their head of state and ambassadress upon their arrival. Among them were Prime Minister Unato Ema Seiran, his son Yuna Roma Seiran, who was Cagalli's fiancé... as well as Rayner Liam Ledford, Seren's cousin, who had taken up his uncle's (Seren's father's) position as Representative. Rayner's father, head of the noble Ledford family, had always made a point to stay away from politics in order to retain a greatest freedom of movements.
"So this is ZAFT's latest battleship, Minerva. Our princess has brought home something rather troublesome." The prime minister complained in a low voice.
"It can't be helped, father. I imagine Cagalli never dreamed she'd be involved in all that trouble. We can't exactly treat the ship that brought our head of state and ambassadress back safely with a cold shoulder... for the time being."
"Yeah, for the time being..." Unato agreed. Rayner glared at them before anxiously looking on at the Minerva. On that ship was the woman he loved as well as his cousin... (and his cousin's lover)... Among the Representatives, he was probably the only one to have been truly and sincerely worried about them, and what they had gone through. Ruka Makabe, now Rayner's assistant but formerly Seren's caretaker, was there too. There were another Representative, and various office-holders, and of course, soldiers guarding them. The two young female officials walked down the gangway, Athrun right behind, followed by the captain and vice-captain of the Minerva. As soon as Cagalli stepped on the ground, Yuna ran to her and tightly hugged her.
"Cagalli! Cagalli! I'm so glad you're okay! Oh, you really had me worried you know!" He suddenly fawned... despite being perfectly cool just a second earlier. And of course, Rayner didn't look too pleased about that to say the least. He might be Cagalli's de facto lover, but her engagement to Yuna had yet to be cancelled. However, it was too difficult a thing to do now. Given her youth and inexperience, she needed powerful backup from an established political authority...like the Seiran family... that was why, although purely political, her engagement to Yuna Roma Seiran was still necessary. Rayner, although just a bit older, also lacked in expertise, and thus, mostly served as moral support. He could not yet help her as actively as he wanted.
"Oh, well... hum... sorry 'bout that..." The princess stammered awkwardly. She kept glancing between her fiancé and her actual boyfriend... until the latter could no longer take it and intervened.
"Yuna, I understand your feelings but this isn't the time or place." Rayner noted sharply. Those two knew each other since childhood. Both were the son of the head of a noble family, and they were about the same age, Yuna being only one year older than Rayner. But despite their apparent cordiality, neither of them had a good opinion of the other... even as children... Yuna disliked how Rayner appeared so frivolous and was yet unexpectedly hard to read and handle, and how his strength and talents made him so popular and condescending. And Rayner despised Yuna's cowardice, selfishness, narrow-mindedness and lack of consideration and tolerance.
"He's right. Can't you tell that the ZAFT crew is uncomfortable?" Unato agreed.
"Unato Ema, Rayner!" Cagalli beamed as she left her fiancé's embrace. Seren stepped forth and stared, Chacha on her shoulder.
"Good to see you back, Chief Representative, Ambassadress." The prime minister and other officials all bowed in greeting. "It's a relief to finally see you two return safely." They straightened again. Cagalli apologized for not being here at this crucial time and thanked them for taking care of things while they were gone and demanded an update on the situation with casualties and damage. She did not notice the infuriatingly smug scoff Yuna was giving the son of the Ledford clan as he knew the feelings Rayner had for his betrothed. "Areas along the shore were damaged by the high waves but fortunately, there were no direct hits within Orb." He got closer and told her in a more confidential voice that he would provide her with the details later during the administrative meeting. Then they turned to the ZAFT members. Talia and Arthur saluted and introduced themselves. "I am Unato Ema Seiran, Prime Minister of the Orb Union. We are most grateful to you for bringing our Chief Representative and our Ambassadress back safely."
"Thank you. Though what happened was unexpected, we regret very much that Representative Athha and Ambassadress Ledford had to go through all that trouble. Furthermore, we express our condolences for your losses from the recent tragedy." Gladys apologized. The minister voiced his appreciation of her thoughtfulness.
"Unato Ema, the Minerva did their utmost to prevent this disaster. Please treat them most courteously and provide them with everything they need." Seren smiled and seemed to be speaking amiably but the firmness in her voice sounded like a threat in the Seirans' ears... as intended. Given the fact that the Seiran family had always strongly favored the Atlantic Federation, Seren had always considered them... not exactly as an enemy but at least an entity to be highly wary of. Likewise, Seren being a Coordinator with ties to the PLANTS, and the slippery and multiracial Ledford family were not particularly well thought of by the Seirans. The Ledfords were like a strong tree whose roots dug deep and wide, and whose branches and ramifications spread to every corner of the world. Their common point was an undying loyalty towards the family and Orb's ideals. In appearance they were a joyous and generous bunch (though defiant, a bit patronizing and highly inclined to mischief) but under that, were extremely crafty, secretive, and vindictive. Every member needed to prove themselves though.
"Of course." Unato replied and looked at the ZAFT captain. "First, I suggest you get some good rest first. I understand your situation. Your crew must be extremely exhausted." He offered. Gladys thanked him. He nodded before looking at Seren, and turning to Cagalli. They should make their way to the administrative meeting. He was sorry to have to insist on this immediately upon their return, but there were many things to report. He turned heels and just as Cagalli was about to follow, Yuna took her by the shoulders. She awkwardly resisted and turned to Seren for help.
"Seren, what are you doing? You come too. Especially during such a worldwide crisis we need our pipeline with other countries to be working actively." Yuna scolded her.
"I know."
"Oh, and Alex-kun, we're very grateful for your services. We thank you for protecting our princesses during this time." Yuna Roma formally thanked him... and implied Alex's current irrelativeness in the decision-making... and thus his powerlessness. As just a bodyguard, he had no status. And that annoyed Seren who twitched. Athrun though was already perfectly aware of his position and bowed and thanked him for his words... despite feeling his current inability so keenly. "You may submit your report later. Right now get some rest. We may be asking you to guard our ambassadress in the future next time she goes to the PLANTs." He dismissed him and walked away with Cagalli. Seren sighed. Really, what a prick this guy. She turned to Athrun who was still hanging his head dejectedly. Now that was a humiliation. The ZAFT captain and vice-captain were also uncomfortably glancing at him.
"Look up! Right now, we all need to be looking ahead. We don't have time to be looking down." Seren poked his forehead. And Zala could not help but smile slightly. She looked and sounded so encouraging. "I'm sorry about him. Well, in any case, sorry about that too, but please go on ahead. They must be waiting anxiously for the news too. I might be late, but I'll do my best to be back in the evening." She handed Chacha to Athrun. She knew that the children just loved playing with him.
"Alright." He agreed, despite a shadow passing over his face... a shadow that tinted his beloved's smile with sadness. Seren apologized deeply to the officers of the Minerva for the trouble her party had caused them, and for taking her leave so suddenly, and thanked them for their care and many other things. She left too. And 'Alex' heaved a sigh.
"However, I wonder what they will do." Murrue Ramius pondered while staring at the Minerva from within a building while Athrun was bidding his farewells too and leaving. Andrew Waltfeld looked at her quizzically. Seiran favored the Atlantic Federation. Even with Cagalli-san's and Seren-kun's return... given the situation...
"You're right. Whatever the case, what's happened has blown things out of proportions." The former ZAFT commander said grimly.
"What did you say?!" Cagalli bolted upright and slammed her hands on the table. "You're finalizing a new alliance treaty with the Atlantic Federation?! What has gotten into you, and at a time like this! Right now our priority should be to send immediate aid to the disaster areas!" She rebuked the ministers. Seren, standing at Cagalli's side, was glaring.
"This must be done precisely because of the situation we're in." A representative argued. "Besides, it isn't a treaty with the Atlantic Federation. It's true that the proposal comes from the Atlantic Federation, but the treaty itself will join all nations worldwide. Naturally included in the agreement are policies on assistance and aid to the disaster areas. We are considering signing this treaty for that very reason... to take action more effectively in those areas." He explained. Cagalli tried to protest but was cut off by her prime minister.
"Being aboard a ZAFT ship for some time, it might be difficult for you to comprehend the overall picture, but..." Unato typed on his laptop. And on Athha's laptop, pictures appeared of the horrendous damage caused by the fall of the fragments of Junius Seven, causing her to recoil. "The casualties Earth suffered are far greater than words can express. And there's this." He showed her the footage of the GINNs and flare motors on Junius Seven, shocking her. "We, in other words, all of us living on Earth, already know about this." He told her gravely. Cagalli couldn't believe such information had been made public already... Where did they get those images?! How did it come to be?! Even though it was such a grave matter that should have been handled with extreme care! Seren balled her fists.
"The information came from the Atlantic Federation. However, the PLANTs have already more or less acknowledged that this is the truth. And I understand that you were also aware of this, Representative. No, I believe the ambassadress to be even more knowledgeable about that fact." Yuna said. It sounded like there was a hint of reproof in his voice. And the two girls could not deny what he was saying. The Atlantic Federation... Those present at the time... were ZAFT, and Bogey One. Did that leak come from Bogey One? In that case was it an Earth Alliance ship after all? No, she didn't have time to think about that. She should focus on what can be done from now on.
"But... however, that was caused by a handful of terrorists... and the PLANTs weren't... In fact, Chairman Durandal and the crew of the Minerva did every effort to break apart the object as soon as they realized what was happening! That's why... that's why Earth was saved!" The head of state debated, growing more desperate. Seren observed the ministers. Except for Rayner, there was really no one on Cagalli's side! They all conformed with the Seirans' view! She had remarked over time more people going over to them but at this point, that was usurping the parliament! Even though those people were knowingly planning to violate Orb's neutrality and ideals... with things like this, just what could Cagalli, Rayner and her alone do?!
"We realize that. But can we tell this to the tens of millions who have been affected by this calamity?" Her fiancé remarked, reminding her of Seren's words... "It would indeed be naïve to think that those who survived will simply be happy to still be alive. Even if they're alive, they were utterly ruined. Stricken with grief after having lost their families, their homes, everything, they will look for someone to direct their anger at. And when they learn that Coordinators caused that, what do you think will happen? You can't very well reason with grief-stricken people, right?" There was nothing Cagalli could reply to that. "Tell them 'you people have suffered terribly but the Earth is saved, so forgive them'." He smirked at her. She recoiled slightly and gritted her teeth in frustration.
Seren looked down. Indeed, if people could simply forgive, it would be ideal... and it could never happen. Even now, it was like she could hear their cries... 'I won't forgive them!' 'How could they do something so horrible?!' 'They were trying to kill us all!' people looking for their lost family... and because this was done by Coordinators, they'd naturally start thinking that all Coordinators were the same, that they all saw Naturals as nothing more than monkeys, that it was why they tried to exterminate them... they'd start thinking that they were all to blame for everything that's happened... that Coordinators should be exterminated... and they were going to take arms for the preservation of their blue and pure world... having completely forgotten that if Blue Cosmos hadn't destroyed Junius Seven, then this would have never happened. Forgiving was impossible. But if only they could endure... no, maybe even that was could be too much to ask...
"Right now, there isn't one on Earth who can suppress their anger after seeing this. Fortunately, Orb was able to escape with relatively minor damage. All the more reason why we must choose our next steps very carefully. Ideals are important, but right now, Representative, it is more important that you think about with whom we should be sharing these feelings of pain." Unato enjoined.
"But that doesn't mean we have to agree with this alliance. Please stop trying to pull wool over our eyes. Everyone here is perfectly aware that it is the Atlantic Federation that controls the Earth Alliance, and that the ones pulling their strings are the remnants of Blue Cosmos. And everyone perfectly understands that this treaty is the gateway to the Atlantic Federation's complete access to Orb's technology and military resources." Rayner suddenly countered. Cagalli looked at him gratefully. "And should another war break out, you would be condemning half the population of this country. Do not forget that our current technological advance is largely due to the Coordinators. You speak of the people we share pain with, but that doesn't mean we should share their hatred and desire for revenge against the PLANTs. Everyone is suffering. There are still many Coordinators on Earth too who went through the exact same pain as the Naturals. It is precisely in theses circumstances that we must stay calm and firm in our principles and role as mediator so the world won't be split in two! We must do everything in our power to avoid another war, to avoid more deaths!"
"Then if like during the previous war, the Earth Alliance gives us the choice between becoming their ally or their enemy, would it be alright if Orb once more turned into a battlefield and the country was destroyed because of the choice we made?"
"That's..." Representative Ledford trailed off. Seren and Ruka glanced at each other with fearsome expressions, knowing where this was going. After all, the Atlantic Federation was a much closer threat to this nation than ZAFT, and they, too, were a nation of Earth. In the past, Orb had already made an enemy of the Atlantic Federation to dire consequences... and this time, the congress wanted to avoid that. Were they really so naïve as to think that they would be safe next to that powerful ally, that only they could escape being required to participate too actively...? Did they overlook that the Atlantic Federation had no allies, only pawns, and that it had deep ties to... or more like it was controlled by Blue Cosmos...? Or could it be that they didn't care? Could it be that their views actually aligned with those of the Blue Cosmos'? Seren knew she didn't have the strength to sway the opinion of the government, and neither did Rayner or Cagalli. They had barely left childhood, and they were still green in politics. What could just three kids like them do when all the ministers were against them? They just didn't have enough weight. And that dread, that frustration, and that helplessness felt like cold mud inexorably creeping up her limbs and encasing her. She had to act before it submerged her, went in her lungs and drowned her from within...
Athrun was taken to the Orb military headquarters where he took a shower in a room, rested a little and looked at the news. Then he took a car and drove away.
"We should be fine if we leave the ship's hull to Morgenroete, but you should do all the interior repairs." Captain Gladys told MS technical staff team leader Madd Aves. He agreed. "Thanks to Ambassadress Ledford, they've offered us whatever materials and machinery we need, so focus on doing a perfect job." She insisted. Trine voiced his doubts about accepting Orb's aid. Replenishment aside, repairs should be done once they arrived at Carpentaria.
"But after all, you need to prioritize the ship's safety over its secrecy." A beautiful and well-endowed woman with golden brown hair joined them. She was accompanied by Kojiro Murdoch. Arthur openly gaped at her... and especially at her endowments. "If ships, and especially battleships, are not in top condition at all times, isn't that more burdensome on the commander?"
"Who are you?" Gladys questioned a bit sharply as she painfully pulled the ear of her rude vice-captain.
"Pardon me. I am Maria Bernes of Morgenroete's shipbuilding division B. I'm in charge of the work being done on your ship." Murrue Ramius introduced herself. She too had changed her name for practicality's sake. But still, there was this really warm... atmosphere around her, even more so than before.
"I'm Captain Talia Gladys. Nice to meet you." She smiled good-heartedly and shook Maria's extended hand.
"I heard that the Minerva hasn't been officially launched yet but it appears to already have a long history of war." Murrue noted. The two women were alone on a completely open elevator with only railing as safeguard. They had stopped midway to overlook the repairs on the hull. Crew members had gathered on the deck of the ship to take a look. Shinn was among them.
"Yes, unfortunately. I never expected anything close to what we went through. But I guess it can't be helped. Things just happened the way they did." Talia admitted, shrugging. "It's always like this. You don't know what awaits you in the future... especially in times like this." She added. Maria agreed. "...I'm guessing that right now, Orb isn't really in a position to be lending a hand with repairs to a ZAFT ship." She ventured after a time.
"Well... you may be right about that... but it's as you said. We don't know what awaits us in the future, so we can only do what we believe to be the right thing at this moment. If we learn later that it was a mistake, we'll cry and get angry, and then think about what needs to be done next." The former captain of the Earth Alliance expressed her opinion.
"Yes, I guess so." The ZAFT captain concurred with a smile.
In her office, Seren was thinking. She had seen the condition of the government, and she understood. But... if things continued like this it was no good. If they lacked strength on their own, then they had to borrow someone else's. They needed a powerful ally, someone who understood that peace should be maintained no matter what. If the other ministers were favoring the Atlantic Federation and balance was tipping towards the Earth Forces, then to equilibrate things, she had no choice but to reach out to the other side. And that was exactly what her job as ambassadress required her to do... as well as her own will. She was extremely worried about Cagalli though. It was in those circumstances that Cagalli needed her the most. But in the long term, it would be better if they could gain Durandal's support. This country might be split in two, but it was better than completely losing its identity... Then with a determined expression, the diplomat went to see Cagalli at her office, asking if she could to take the rest of the day off after all. She needed to talk to Athrun and prepare for the next moves... in order to ensure that the worst case scenario didn't happen. She had already called someone to replace her for this evening's meeting. Cagalli reluctantly agreed, sounding and looking so alarmed, disappointed and daunted, as her sister's presence gave her so much strength. Seren was so reliable and she trusted her so much.
Rey was walking through the hallways of the Minerva. He stopped before the lounge when he heard voiced. Meyrin, Vino and Yolan were talking about the possibility of disembarking. After all, they would be here for a few days, and they had been pushed pretty hard until now. It had all happened so quickly and everything was pretty crazy. Rey returned the room he shared with Shinn. Asuka was lying down on his bed, pensively staring at his late sister's phone, sometimes opening it, and closing it again.
"Do you think... we'll be allowed to disembark?" Shinn wondered as his blonde friend was undressing. But Rey had no idea. He went into the shower room and Shinn rolled on his side. He opened the pink phone again and stared at the picture of him and Mayu.
The sun was setting. As Athrun was driving along the coast, he remarked familiar figures on the beach. It was Lacus, Kira, and some of the children. He stopped the car, honked twice to draw their attention and got out. Torii flew over and Chacha soared to join him. The little ones ran to him, happy their Athrun, or Alex, or Athrun... or Alex... was back, and asked about Seren. Kira and Lacus greeted him too. Apparently, that was quite a trip he had. Though he had heard they had been through a lot too, with the house having been washed away and them moving here. The kids all started talking at the same time about their home being gone, big waves coming and smashing their house to pieces, about their toys being all gone and having to stay here until their new house was built. So Lacus took the children with her to allow the two young men to have a proper conversation. Kira asked about his two sisters. Athrun replied they were at an administrative meeting. They surely had a ton of work but Seren said she'd come by later today. They started driving to their second home, that was like a manor or castle, built on and against a cliff. Originally a property of the Ledford family it was now collectively owned by Murrue Ramius, Andrew Waltfeld, Seren, and Rayner Ledford.
"Everyone knows by now what really caused that thing to fall, right?" Zala assumed. His childhood friend confirmed. "One of those guys told me 'Why have you forgotten the sorrows of the lives mercilessly thrown away here? Why do you live in a fabricated world, laughing with those who caused this?'" He said. Kira's eyes widened slightly.
"You fought?"
"Yeah, and so did Seren. We went to Junius Seven to help with the demolition work and they were here!" 'Alex' parked the car. "Remember that time here, in Orb, I asked you what should we really be fighting against, and how. And you said we could all look for that answer together. Seren too, she said that the answers will probably be in the battles and lives we were going to live from then on." He recalled. Kira nodded. "But... I still can't find the answer." His gaze downwards, Athrun tightly clamped his hands together at the top of the wheel. He was trembling slightly. His friend placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
It was night when Seren arrived at the mansion. Everyone had just finished eating. The children greeted her particularly happily as she had brought a box full of toys, but only for after cleaning up. Seren also tormented Kira to the children's delight... they loved seeing her practice martial arts on him, (although of course he would neglect to defend himself on purpose) but that too was only for a little bit. Then Caridad Yamato and Reverend Malchio took over watching the kids (who were anyway too busy playing with their new toys and Chacha and Torii and Pink-chan) while the two couples, as well as Murrue-san and Waltfeld-san who had returned, discussed the current state of affairs...
It wasn't good at all, worse than feared. The ministers were trying to finalize a treaty with the Earth Alliance. Unato was talking about 'the people with whom we should be sharing these feelings of pain.' Of course, their point of view was understandable. Although not as much as other countries, Orb had been hit hard too. The public knew that it was Coordinators who had caused all this. Yuna Roma had said they had received this information from the Atlantic Federation... and the ones who had been at the scene aside from ZAFT and those fanatics were Bogey One, the ship that had stolen those three mobile suits from Armory One. So it was very likely that Bogey One belonged to the Atlantic Federation, the future should tell them... Athrun noted he had thought the same when the news had shown pictures of the GINNs in Junius Seven. In any case everyone's anger and sadness was natural... but that was exactly why Orb should be firm in their role as mediator! However, the cabinet was feeling the tide rising and feared that the country was going to burn again, that was why they were talking steps to avoid making an enemy of the Atlantic Federation. Of course, she didn't want a repeat of what had happened in the first war... but the way things were going... Cagalli and Rayner were doing their best, that was why they were still at the government office... but...
After that, Athrun and Seren went to take a walk alone in the night along the beach while holding hands, simply enjoying the calm and each other's presence. After a time though, Athrun broke the silence... only to be interrupted by his lover...
"You want to go to the PLANTS, right?" Ledford guessed.
"Eh?"
"It's obvious just by looking at your expression. Your frustration has been piling up, and you're not the type to just sit around." She added with a smile. When she had told everyone about the meeting, she had remarked his conflicted feelings, or rather, that he was reaching a breaking point where he could no longer hold it in.
"You're right. I want to do something, for this country, for this world, and for you. I know how hard you've been fighting all this time. That's why I want to go. But I won't let you say that's only me. Since the ministers are leaning towards the Earth Forces, you want to reach out to the PLANTs, right? You want to talk to the Chairman and gain his support if possible. You're just as transparent." The young man knowingly smiled back. "But after all, what you and I are most concerned about is the PLANTs' situation..."
"Yeah. How will they react given the steps taken here on Earth to form a united front against them? What will they do if the Earth Forces move against them? I really don't want to leave Cagalli at a time like this... but there's Rayner, and Kira and Lacus here. She won't be alone. If we can't do anything here, we must go and do whatever we can over there... in order to nip this war in the bud. And I also think it's better if there are people on both sides, this way our incomplete views should complement each other. I'll go with you. I won't leave you alone. I can't. You're a worrywart prone to overthinking after all." Seren smiled warmly, encouragingly, understandingly.
"That should be my line." Athrun suddenly embraced her really tight. No matter how confused he might feel at times, there was one thing he felt absolutely certain over, down to the deepest part of his being, and that this thing won't ever change. "I don't think you have any idea how much I love you, or how lucky and happy I feel to have you by my side." He said in a soft and tender voice. His amorous gaze fixed on her, he stroke her cheek and kissed her, gently, deeply, lovingly. She too wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. "So, will you stay with me for the rest of our lives?" He asked after they had pulled away. He surprised her by taking her left hand and slipping a ring on her ring finger. It was a delicately crafted golden ring, with a peach gem encased in the infinity symbol that was studded with tiny green gems. The girl stared at it and caressed it before chuckling slightly.
"We really do think alike after all." Ledford sighed and smiled. "Yes, I want so stay with you for the rest of our lives, and I will. But promises don't belong to only one person." She too surprised him by producing a ring that she placed on his left ring finger. What more, his ring was basically the same as hers, except for the peach gem, and the frame that was more solid... in other words, the male version of the engagement ring. He felt another wave of happiness and love wash over him.
"I guess this will be our new promise."
"Of course." Seren grinned, and they kissed again. And Athrun suggested returning as they should properly celebrate... more comfortably... just the two of them...
This same night, while everybody was sleeping (except for the mechanics working on the Minerva... as repairs should be done as fast as possible... just in case), Shinn was still lying awake and turning in his bed. Being here in Orb again after what he had experienced here was simply to perturbing to allow him any sleep.
Very early the next morning, Athrun and Seren went to the Athha residence. They were sitting at a table with a laptop before them. The girl, focused on her work, was typing furiously like she wanted everything done before a time limit. Her boyfriend was checking the state of the world through the news. And for once, Chacha was with him. Cagalli came in and they greeted her. She apologized for the previous day. The meeting had continued forever. And today too, she'd be in cabinet meetings all morning so she didn't have time to talk and felt really bad about it. The Coordinators were quite understanding though and told her not to worry.
"Cagalli, about that, sorry but I won't participate in meetings for the time being. Don't worry, I've already arranged for a replacement. I know this is the worst time to ask this of you but I, no, WE require your permission to take a vacation. Athrun and I will both be going to the PLANTs." Seren declared, shocking her sibling who looked positively distraught. "Cagalli, given the situation here and its likely evolution, we're worried about the situation of the PLANTs." Seren stood up, walked over to her sister and placed her hands on her shoulders. "That's why we want to talk to the Chairman. If it's him, I'm sure he'll do what he can to avoid the worst scenario, but it doesn't change the facts that it will be difficult... and if he can become our ally... This is my job as the pipeline between our two nations. We must do whatever we can, and I believe Athrun and I will be more useful over there."
"The fact is, there are still people who are swayed by my father... by his words." Zala joined his lover. "That's why I want to go too, if there's anything even I can do to help... not just as Seren's escort, but as myself, whether it be as Athrun Zala, or as Alex Dino... If the PLANTs and Earth continue on this course and end up becoming enemies, we will no longer understand what it is that we've been trying to do all this time."
Meantime, since authorization to disembark had been given to the staff of the Minerva, Meyrin Hawke, Yolan Kent, Vino Dupre, and other young crew members dressed as civilians and went out to eat, do some shopping, visit their host country, and just take a good and well-deserved break. Lunamaria went to Shinn's room and called him on the interphone but received to answer. There was no one in this room. Shinn had gone to the shooting range (within the ship) to train. He was joined by Rey.
"I thought you wanted to disembark. You got approval, didn't you?" The blonde pilot inquired, but as his comrade didn't answer, he started practicing too.
Some time later, a sort of very large helicopter, very lightly armed, landed on the heliport of the Athha residence. That was the 'taxi' Seren and Athrun had been waiting for. Cagalli was there to see them off too. She hadn't been able to refuse their earnest plea.
"There are things that we can only see and do when we're apart, but wherever I am, I am always thinking of you." Seren tightly hugged her sister. Athrun took their luggage, walked a few steps, and stopped, waiting for his girlfriend.
"I know, take care, and keep in touch." The blonde girl hugged her back.
"You take care too. And hang in there until I return. And don't forget, you still have Rayner, Kira, and Lacus here. Don't hesitate to ask them for help."
"I told you I know. Don't worry that much, I'm not that unreliable."
"Yes, yes, yes. See you."
"Yeah, see you." They pulled away. And Seren joined her companion. They boarded the vehicle that flew off under Cagalli's concerned gaze.
The sun was setting when Shinn returned to the place where he had lost his family. The dock was still there but now ponds and street lamps embellished it and flowers bordered the sea. The part of the forest closest to the plaza that had been destroyed by the war had been replaced by flower beds separated by flight of stairs. Not a scar remained visible of what had happed then. But a tall memorial had also been built. However, the wounds in Shinn's heart had not disappeared, and the pain was as strong and sharp as before, just like his memories... the sensation of having been blasted down, the vision of the bodies of his family, the heat, the smoke, the stench, his sister's voice, his mother calling her, his father's reassurances... Mayu could never talk anymore, and neither could his parents. The wind blew, and like that time, grief overwhelmed him. He looked up at the sky, gritted his teeth and felt his throat and lungs constricting and burning under the weight of his sorrow. Tears started flowing down his face. Then he closed his eyes and calmed down. He started breathing again and the tears stopped. Then he noticed a young man, looking barely older than himself, who glanced back at him. A yellow and green robotic bird flew off, uttering a 'torii'. Shinn approached. He climbed down stairs onto the rocky area that had been left untouched since then.
"Is it a cenotaph?" Asuka questioned, referring to the tombstone before which Kira was standing.
"Yeah, looks like it." Kira nodded. "I'm not too sure myself. It's my first time too, actually making the effort to come here." He turned to look back at the monument. Right behind it was another flower bed, and in the distance, the sun setting over the horizon. "The flowers have finally bloomed, but unfortunately, they'll wither because of those crashing waves." He lamented. They heard the singing voice of a girl coming over.
"Perhaps it means they can't be fooled. No matter how pretty the flowers bloom, people will blast them again." Shinn looked down resentfully.
"You..." Kira began. Lacus, holding a small bouquet, joined him and stopped singing when she remarked the presence of this boy.
"I'm sorry... for saying strange things." The ZAFT pilot bowed slightly and left under Kira's worried gaze.
A shuttle bound for the PLANTs left the Orb airport. Inside were Athrun and Seren. They glanced at each other, clasped hands, intertwined their fingers, and closed their eyes.
"That's ludicrous! There's gotta be a mistake!" Cagalli exclaimed in her office. Before her were Unato, Yuna, and various assistants.
"No, there's no mistake about it. Earlier, the Earth Alliance, including the Atlantic Federation and Eurasia, have made a joint statement that should the PLANTs refuse to agree to their demands, they will be deemed a hostile enemy state and a threat to humankind on Earth. At which time the Alliance will take all the necessary steps to eliminate that threat, including the use of force." The Prime Minister declared.
The world that existed until now will probably never return. In order to avoid history from repeating itself, people choose different paths. But a different path does not mean a right path. Harmony is hypocritical nonsense. Rage smolders under the ashes. Chaining pain and hatred form a spiral. The burning wind calls forth a storm. There had to be something we could do to stop it. When the sacrifice departed, the island once again welcomed crisis