Phase-13: FAITH
As instructed, Athrun and Seren, unaware of the recent events, were heading to Orb in order to join up with the Minerva. Athrun's ZGMF-X23S Savior specialized in aerial combat and could transform into a highly aerodynamic MA for increased flying speed and aerial combat capabilities. The MS mode though was already highly mobile due to its large wings and powerful thrusters. It was a perfect suit for hit-and-run tactics by alternating the two modes. The Savior was equipped with Variable Phase-Shift armor and the Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System, and used the OS Generation Unrestricted Network Drive Assault Module.
Its armament consisted of two MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS guns mounted in the head and usable only in MS mode, two M106 "Amfortas" Plasma Beam Cannons, the suit's most powerful weapons, that are attached to the suit's backpack and are movable. When in MS mode, the cannons can be used positioned under the shoulders to be fired, while in MA mode they are always facing forward. The X23S is also armed with two MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm Machine Guns located on the back cowl, a pair of MA-7B "Super Fortis" Beam Cannons mounted above/on the "Amfortas" plasma beam cannons and usable in both MS and MA mode. They were slightly weaker than the plasma beam cannons but had a higher rate of fire. The Savior was equipped with a MA-BAR70 High-Energy Beam Rifle handheld when in use and stored on the rear skirt when not needed. In MA mode, it was mounted on the left shoulder and can be fired in that manner. For close combat, the suit had a pair of MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber stored in the shoulder. That model of beam saber was employed by every Second Stage Series mobile suits. And for defense, the X23S possessed an anti-beam coated MMI-RD11 Aerodynamic Shield to reduce air resistance when the suit was flying in MA mode. It was either mounted on the left forearm or handheld when in MS mode and in MA mode, it covered the torso and protected the cockpit from attacks from below.
The ZGMF-X22S Fortuna was also part of the Second Stage Series and designed for aerial combat. It had been named after the Roman Goddess of Fortune and Fate. It could be because Fortune was actually a capricious thing that could bring both good and bad luck that ZAFT wanted her on their side... to bring them good luck, and bad luck to their enemies, and lead them to victory. As one of the first units built, it mainly served as a prototype. The Fortuna was intended to quickly and considerably reduce the enemy numbers and give a strong impact due to its overwhelming ranged firepower before instantly dispatching the survivors during a melee. It should be capable to perform highly on the most gruesome battlefield, even surrounded by swarms of enemies. So the manufacturers gave it the ability to attack in multiple directions. Thus, mobility was also a key point. Of course, it could operate both in space and the atmosphere, and like most Second Stage Series machines, it could transform into a Mobile Armor. For this purpose the X22S had an extremely light and thin build – almost like a real human – and highly aerodynamic form in both MS and MA mode, reducing air resistance for less strain and greater speed in the atmosphere. When transforming into a mobile armor, the Fortuna's six 'feathers' pivoted to a lateral position, and four combined to form two large wings. The two lowest feathers served to maintain and adjust flight and, depending on their incline, grant a greater variety of movement. In addition, the Fortuna possessed extraordinary flexibility which allowed it to move much more fluidly than any other mobile suit. It was also equipped with the Deuterion Beam Energy Supply System and Variable Phase-shift armor, and used the Generation Unrestricted Network Drive Assault Module Operating System. Its pilot for the test runs died during the Armory One incident.
The Fortuna's arsenal consisted of two head-mounted MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS, four beams sabers, one mounted on each forearm and foot like the Aegis rather than hand-carried (all four could be wielded simultaneously), two M101 "Caelestis" Plasma beam cannons, one attached to each of the two top wings in MS mode. In use, they pivoted to the front over the shoulders and possessed enough power to blast through several ships at once. In MA mode, their position shifted to the junction between body and wings and formed a combo weapon pod with the 'Invictus' rail cannons. The two MMI-M14X1 "Invictus" rail cannons were stored against the lowest wings and pivoted under shoulders in MS mode. Two MA-5D "Eos" beam cannons were situated above the "Caelestis" cannons (the same way the "Super Fortis" cannons were on/above the "Amfortas" cannons on the Savior), and possessed a high rate of fire but were not that powerful, just a bit more than the beam rifle. The X22S was also equipped with two MMID-706 "Libra" Anti-ship swords of a unique type stored in the back. The main difference was the material. Indeed, they were made of the same rare metal as the sword of GINN High Maneuver Type II, allowing a skilled pilot to bisect three mobile suits in a row in a single slash. It was big enough to slice a ship, but the slightly smaller size compared to other anti-ship swords enabled the wielder to swing more comfortably when battling other mobile suits. It could be used as is, or a laser could be emitted along the edge for increased cutting ability, notably against battleships. And there was the standard MA-BAR70 High-Energy Beam Rifle, either handheld, stored against the right side skirt, or under the right wing when the suit is in MA mode (and could be fired as is in that case).
For defense, the Fortuna had two streamlined MMI-RG13 Offensive Aerodynamic Binders. Their position was adjustable and they had a wide range of movements. Because one could be moved independently from other, mastering them required an enormous amount of skill and concentration, especially in the midst of battle. Fortunately, an AI, connected to the machine's particularly sensitive sensors helped the pilot perform this grueling task. In MA mode, they covered the underside and the back, to shield from attack from both below and above, although the back one was more forward to serve as nose and leave place for the tail stabilizer. Each binder integrated a MMI-77A "Honos" railgun, deploying from the lower end of the binder and possessing a high rate of fire, but could be used only in MS mode, an "Eos" beam cannon usually protected by shutters that opened during battle (the muzzle stayed inside), and four MMI-GAU12 "Orcus" 80mm machine guns (two in the middle of each binder, and two on the upper side, facing upwards, and thus forwards when the unit transformed into a MA). Given the adjustability of the binders, in MS mode, they could shoot the sides and even enemies coming from the back, while in MA mode, they shot upwards and downwards. Although those machine guns were only sightly more destructive than the CIWS, they served the same purpose.
And right now, those two mobile suits, the ZGMF-X23S Savior and ZGMF-X22S Fortuna, currently in MA mode, were nearing the Orb border.
"Orb Control, we are approaching your airspace in two ZAFT forces mobile suits, we would like permission to enter your country to join the Minerva, a ZAFT ship docked in your harbor. Please grant authorization." Athrun requested, causing a stir in the Orb forces base that deployed six Murasames. Zala kept trying to contact the Orb control but received no response.
"Athrun, there's something wrong. Maybe we should head to Carpentaria after all." Seren proposed anxiously. Just as she said that though, they detected the Murasames heading towards them... and locking on to them?! Athrun called the Orb control again, demanding to know what was going on as they had no intention of attacking their nation. Why were they firing?! The Murasames launched their "Hayate" air-to-air missiles. The ZAFT units maneuvered to dodge the shells and shoot them down with their machine guns before evading the beams from the cannons mounted on the tail stabilizers.
"You seriously think we'll believe that? Now that Orb has joined the World Security Treaty Organisation, the PLANTs are an enemy state. We're not at war with ZAFT yet but at the same time, there's no way we can allow entry." Lieutenant Baba of the Orb forces firmly told them. Seren felt a pang in her heart and clicked her tongue. So Rayner and Cagalli failed to hold the ministers down. Athrun looked at the Fortuna and recalled his earlier discussion with Seren. So Orb had joined the Earth Alliance. Knowing what she must be feeling, he changed tactics and called for a government official. He gave their citizen numbers and names and asked to be connected to either Representative Athha or Representative Ledford. The official denied this request from ZAFT soldiers. Seren too, even if she was a Ledford and their former ambassadress, she was now a soldier from an enemy country.
"I have no idea what you're trying to pull off but only idiots would use the Minerva as an excuse when it's no longer even here! Don't underestimate Orb Forces!"
"Well, guess it can't be helped. When we left the PLANTs, Orb had yet to sign the treaty. Athrun, let's go! The Minerva must have gone to Carpentaria!" Ledford advised, although it sounded like an order, turning her machine back into a mobile suit. If she hadn't mentally steeled herself for that sort of welcome, the blow would have been hard. Though she had still hoped, and so it had still hurt... even though it was a path she had chosen herself. Athrun cursed and emulated her. He had really hoped to let Seren see her family again, and of course, he had wanted to meet them too... at least so they could explain the situation in person. But it had been no use after all. While avoiding the enemy's fire, the ZAFT pilots shot the enemy's weapons and thrusters before flying away in MA mode, cursing again, and thinking of Cagalli and Rayner.
"What the hell were you thinking doing something so foolish?!" Cagalli stormed on the bridge of the Archangel that was on the sea bed, nested between rock formations not far from the surface. After the embrace and the tears of relief and happiness that Rayner and Ruka were still alive, everyone had changed into their uniforms. And now, it was time for the explanations. "And even you people too! Why?! Kidnapping a nation's leader from a wedding ceremony makes you international criminals! Are you insane?! Who the hell asked you to do something like this?!"
"Well, that might be true... but..." Waltfeld began.
"It couldn't be helped, could it? If even you are doing something stupid in these crazy times, Cagalli, then there's really no hope for this world..." Kira spoke. Lacus said his name. He was saying too much. He reassured her.
"Something stupid?! What... what do you mean by something stupid?! I'm Orb's Chief Representative! I too worried a lot... thought a lot... And...!"
"And you truly believe that entering an alliance with the Atlantic Federation, and marrying Yuna Roma will be in the best interest of Orb, Cagalli?" Rayner questioned, making her recoil, and her heart ache. He hadn't kidnapped her merely to indulge in some selfish desire to have her all to himself. Of course he loved her and wanted to be with her, but if he was absolutely certain it was for the good of the country, the world, and that Cagalli would be well treated, then he would have been able to back off as much as it would have pained him. But this current situation... just wasn't right!
"O-of course I do! If not, who the hell would want to get through that marriage?! I didn't have any other choice! It's like Yuna, Unato and the other ministers said... we can't let Orb be burned down again! In order to prevent that, this was the only way!" Tears of frustration were beading at the corner of blonde girl's eyes. She loved Rayner, but with the lives of hundreds of thousands people in her hands she had no right to be selfish!
"So as long as you avoid burning the nation, it doesn't matter what happens to other countries? If one day, Orb was to burn the PLANTs or some other nation, would it be okay?" Ledford insisted. His loved one gasped and recoiled again.
"No, it wouldn't... but still!"
"What about the things Uzumi-sama said?" Yamato added.
"But..!"
"I'm sorry Cagalli." Rayner tightly held her in his arms. "Even though I was there, even though I had promised to protect you and support you, I couldn't do anything for you."
"No, Rayner, that's... I... I'm the one..." I'm the one who should be apologizing! Cagalli started sobbing, clutching his clothes.
"But you know, we all believe in you, so it'll be alright if you just do what YOU, from the bottom of your heart, think is right, if you just do what you truly want to do. And it'll be alright if we're together... with everyone... so, won't you rely on us?" The young blonde man said gently, comfortingly, stroking his beloved's hair. She cried his name and wept harder, sinking on her knees. He didn't let go and knelt down with her.
"I know very well the troubles you had to face, Cagalli. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you until now. But I believe it's not too late. There are still a lot of things that we don't understand. But I think we can still do something about it. That's why. We're all the same. If we choose the wrong path along the line, we'll never get to where we want to go. That's why I want you to come with us, Cagalli." Kira softly encouraged his sister. "I'm sure this time, we're meant to find the right answer. So don't run away." He knelt too and placed a reassuring hand on his sister's back. She looked at him, said his name, and wrapped an arm around his neck while she wrapped her other arm around Rayner's neck. The two boys hugged her back and comforted her.
In the ZAFT base of Carpentaria, the Minerva had been drydocked and was being repaired while the crew was enjoying a well-earned break. The Hawke sisters were shopping. Since the repairs on the ship were going to finish soon and they didn't know where they were going to leave and for how long, Meyrin wanted to stock up while she could, though Luna didn't understand why her sibling needed that much. Vino and Yolan were at a counter and discussing too. They should be going back to space this time, right? After all the Minerva was a battleship built for space. It wouldn't make sense for them to stay here on Earth when they weren't equipped for it. They were probably going to be stationed on the lunar orbit. Vino was worried about the PLANTs, having had nuclear weapons fired at them. He had family there too. While walking around, Rey found a piano on a terrace, showed a rare soft smile, and started playing. Shinn was walking among the hangars, and returning to the Minerva with a drink and a bag of groceries when he saw two mobile armors approaching. They turned into mobile suits and landed into the ship's catapult that had opened for them. The boy ran back to see what was going on. Seren and Athrun deactivated their machines and waited for them to be parked. The Hawke sisters had returned too and were wondering about those new models and their operators.
The cockpits opened at the abdomen and the pilots came down, one male and one female, and both were bearing the FAITH insigna on their chest. The man's standard elite pilot suit had been customized, as the red had been replaced by a deep purple, and the white had been tinted into a very pale lilac. The woman was wearing the standard suit, only the white had become a light cream color. Both were wearing a suitcase that they put down before removing their helmets. Their identity was a shock to everyone... Athrun Zala and... the Orb ambassadress?! The two new members of the Minerva stated their ZAFT recognition numbers, names, and their affiliation to the FAITH Special Forces and requested permission to board. Given the crew's surprise, Seren explained that for the time being, it had been decided that she would take on her mother's maiden surname 'Canaver'. As mechanics took their helmets, Shinn came running and excitedly started inquiring about those new machines when he recognized the new comers... and his expression turned rather sour...
"What's this? What the hell is going on?!" Asuka asked, walking forward. Luna angrily elbowed him and told him to watch his language. They were members of FAITH! And she saluted. Shinn gasped and looked at the silver white wing ornating the chest of Athrun's and Seren's pilot suit. All the soldiers (but Shinn) saluted. "Why you?" The boy couldn't help but speak. Lunamaria whispered his name again. The two FAITH members smiled understandingly and saluted too, turning to everyone. That snapped the rebellious teen back to a more professional attitude. He looked down at the drink and bag he was carrying, handed them to Meyrin who didn't appear all too happy about it, and buttoned up his jacket and collar before at last saluting too.
"Is the Captain on the bridge?" Athrun inquired. Aves believed so. Lunamaria – interrupting her sister – offered to confirm it and escort them. They thanked her and followed her. Meyrin looked quite disappointed.
"Have you returned to ZAFT?" Shinn questioned Athrun, a bit snappily. "Have you really enrolled in our forces after all you said about said about Orb?!" He fixed Seren. The childhood friends looked at each other.
"It does seem that way." The young man replied.
"Why?" Shinn insisted.
"You'll have to wait for your turn. The Captain comes first." Canaver answered, turned back, and waved without looking.
Athrun and Seren changed into their red uniforms and followed Lunamaria into an elevator. Chacha had taken place on his owner's shoulder. But then Luna admitted that she too really wanted to know why they had joined ZAFT. As they didn't want to go into details, they simply replied they had gone to the PLANTs and met the Chairman.
"More importantly, when did the Minerva leave Orb? We knew nothing about it." Zala asked.
"Did you go to Orb?! Were you alright?! That nation's now..."
"They scrambled on us."
"I can see now why Shinn would be so angry. That country's all messed up! You have no idea what we went through when we left Orb. We were ambushed by an Earth Forces fleet! We nearly died there. If Shinn hadn't saved the day, the Minerva would have been sunk for sure!"
"But Cagalli wouldn't-"
"She must not have known about it." Seren intervened. "And even if she had known, I don't think she would have been able to stop it. It would have been fine if she had governed in times of peace, but for an 18-year-old girl to lead a country in the troubled times right after the war, and fully rebuild it, was just too much. The power is actually in the hands of the Seirans and the ministers. But... it doesn't change the fact that she's still the Head of the nation. She's the one who ratifies the treaties..."
"So that's how it was. I used to admire her too... Cagalli Yula Athha... but I'm somehow disappointed. She formed an alliance with the Atlantic Federation, and gets married to some weird guy, right! That Seiran guy!"
"Married?!" The two former Orb envoys were so shocked they let go of their luggage.
"Y-yes, it was in the news just a while ago." Hawke stammered. Their outburst had surprised her.
"That hasty idiot!" Seren could not help but snap a bit and vigorously rub her head in frustration, causing Chacha to go over to Athrun. How could that thing have happened as soon as she left Orb?! What was that girl doing?! What were Kira, Lacus and Rayner doing?! The door opened. Lunamaria gently snapped them back. They picked their suitcases and stepped out.
"Um... but... She was kidnapped either just before or just after the wedding ceremony and no one knows where she is now." Luna added, stunning them even more. "...or so I've heard! And I also heard that Representative Ledford went missing before that. His car crashed at the foot of a cliff..."
"Missing?! A car crash?!"
"But I don't know the details! About the wedding or those two's disappearance... I'm sorry!" She bowed deeply, clearly very, and sincerely apologetic that she could not be of more help to them given how upset they were.
Then the two newly appointed Minerva crew members went to see Gladys-kanchou in her office. Chacha had returned to Seren. Arthur Trine was there too. Talia looked through the documents they had given her and sighed before taking and opening a small white box containing her own FAITH insignia.
"He brings you over, makes you FAITH members, gives you the latest machines, and sends you to this ship, and makes even me a FAITH member? What in the world could the Chairman be thinking? And you too..." She wondered, looking at them. Athrun apologized. "There's nothing to apologize for. So then, do you know the content of this order?"
"No, we haven't been informed."
"I see. It's quite interesting I must say. As soon as the Minerva's ready to take off, we are to head for Gibraltar and provide backup to the forces engaged in a battle to capture Suez." She said. The deputy officer was taken aback. "There'll be some pretty messy fighting if the conflict spreads to western Eurasia. It's true that the Earth Forces' presence in Suez is a problem for Gibraltar. But I fail to see why we should have to go all the way there from where we are." She pondered. Her second-in-command agreed. This ship wasn't equipped for land warfare, so why? The teens wanted to know more about that conflict in western Eurasia. Seren had heard things about it but her latest information was still a good week old and the situation was evolving incredibly fast. "Eurasia is already siding with the Atlantic Federation... or more exactly, it's being taken advantage of by them. A territory within Eurasia is trying to separate and become independent. It's happened just recently, no wonder you haven't heard about it."
"I knew about the coals smoldering there but..." Athrun commented.
"The start of the war made them burst into flames. The people in that area say they're retaliating because they're sick and tired of being drafted for military service and having their rights restricted. So the Earth decided to bring them in line by force, and I hear things are getting really ugly." Gladys kept showing them pictures of the Earth Forces oppressing a population trying to resist. "And we've been ordered to go there." She concluded. Trine gasped and Athrun furrowed his eyesbrows. The Chairman was sending them right in the fire. "'Without exception, we fight only because of our right of active self-defense. The PLANTs have no intention of expanding their territory.'" She quoted. "This position requires us not to interfere carelessly in the disputes of others. But nonetheless, that's the kind of place we've been told to go. That includes the three of us who are part of FAITH. Please remember that."
"Yes." They replied.
"...Seren, how do you see that intervention?" The captain questioned after studying the former diplomat for a time.
"Well, it's quite harsh of the Chairman to send us into a gunpowder plant and tell us to light a cigarette when even static electricity should be avoided. But... in light of what you've just told and shown us... 'Go, and save the oppressed population as you do.' That is what he wants us to do, right? 'Do not worry, you are not fighting alone. The PLANTs will not ignore your plight.' That is the message he means to pass on, and like this gain the people's support, and multiply the fronts on which the Earth Forces must fight. Especially if individuals handpicked by the Chairman of the PLANTs' Supreme Council provided relief, they'd feel for sure 'Ah, we were not abandoned, the Coordinators came to our aid... we can count on the PLANTs... the Earth Forces are truly the bad guys here!' The extreme delicacy needed here requires the wide breadth of vision, and particularly clever decision-making of FAITH members. For the time being, we are more needed here than in space, that is how I see it." Ledford shared her evaluation.
"If you're the one saying that, it's probably true. At least, I can see why the Chairman values your opinion and insight so highly." Gladys smiled kindly, understandingly, and causing the girl to feel a little embarrassed, and that she might have been a bit too forward or speculative, that she might have presumed a bit too much. She had always been somewhat authoritative, and her time as an official had only strengthened that tendency and made it worse. But luckily, here, like on the Archangel, she had been blessed with understanding people who forgave her manner of speech and saw past her insolence.
Then, the two former civilians inquired about Orb (as they had been dying to for a while). They might have deserted that country, but that didn't mean they no longer held any attachment to it and the people there. What in the world was going on with that nation? That was what the captain wanted to ask too. She told them it was really hectic over there. First about Representive Ledford who went missing after his car fell off a cliff, and then with the abduction of the Chief Representative... The government was desperately trying to cover the facts, but she'd heard that the ones who had kidnapped her were the Freedom, and the Archangel, as well as what seemed to be a replica of the Blast. Seren and Athrun could not fully hide their surprise. Kira? And... Rayner? Could he have faked his death to rescue Cagalli with Kira? Just what was going on over there?! The youngsters bowed, thanked her, and headed to their respective rooms.
Meantime, in the lounge, Meyrin was repeating everything that had transpired to Vino and Youlan. She had heard from their thrilled Deputy Captain that the Captain had also become part of FAITH. Although that didn't mean that the Deputy Captain's rank changed too, to Vino's surprise. And that changed nothing either for the rest of the crew. Youlan taught his friend that FAITH membership was handed out to individuals. Only people with remarkable war records and certain character qualifications and who had been recognized by the Council and Chairman can be appointed to FAITH. Their authority outranked that of most field commanders. On the battlefield, they could give out orders and plan operations as they saw fit. They were ZAFT's top elite who reported directly to the Chairman. So why would Vino have anything to do with it? The greatest surprise though was that he didn't even know about those FAITH requirements. Although it was just as surprising that an embassadress of Orb would actually enlist into ZAFT and become a FAITH member, no less.
"Top elite..." Meyrin muttered.
After leaving his luggage in his room, Athrun headed to the hangar. Seren would follow after having put her things in order. They wanted to familiarize themselves more with their new units. Still shocked by what he had heard, the boy didn't notice Lunamaria as he passed her by and climbed on the elevator that would allow him to reach the cockpit of his machine. The vexed red-violet haired girl asked him not to ignore her and joined him. He stammered an apology. It hadn't been his intention, just that he had been lost in thought because of all that had happened. He sat in the cockpit and activated the unit. Luna asked if the Representative's marriage had been that much of a shock, but it was clearly a marriage of convenience. It probably couldn't be helped. Had it been her though, she'd have never done it.
Seren entered the hangar too and her robotic pet took off. She bumped into Shinn who sulkily asked if he had finished her business. She stifled her laughter. Could he have been pouting? That irritated him even more but he suppressed it, and asked the real question...: why did they come back, and as ZAFT soldiers?
"Many reasons... but let's overly simplify and say we talked to the Chairman and found something we could do." The young woman answered. From the face he made, she guessed what he was thinking. So much for her lecture from back then, huh? "Are you going to mock me? That I can't stick to my decisions, that I am unfaithful as I betrayed Orb, that I was really naïve and finally realized the truth, or that everything I did was for nothing?" She inquired out of simple curiosity. The fact that there was no trace of sarcasm or bitterness placated him more than anything.
"No, I..." He meekly looked down and away.
"You can go ahead and laugh if you want. But you know, I still haven't given up. True, this time was no good. So I'll try again after the war. There might be more than one way too reach my goal, and the paths certainly twist and turn. So, I'll keep walking, I'll keep searching, and I'll keep trying... because if I give up everything will be over and all will have truly been in vain..." She smiled sadly, hopefully and walked towards the gundams.
"So what is it? What do you want?" They heard Athrun say to the obnoxious girl with violet-red hair. Lunamaria ignored his slightly annoyed, blunt, and lackadaisical attitude, cheerfully introduced herself once more and leant forward to look at all the panels. She expressed her interest about this new unit and asked him about it. The two pilots down there could see her panties but made no comment. Still wasn't her skirt too short? Wasn't she leaning too far inside and thus too close to Athrun? Since she seemed so eager to learn, Athrun offered her to sit in his place, though of course, she couldn't move it, and she gladly accepted. He had apparently failed to notice that this girl was just looking for a way to get close to him... and that their faces had actually been quite close when she had leant forward and looked up at him. He came out and Luna entered the cockpit. While she was noting the differences from her ZAKU, Zala looked down and remarked Shinn and Seren looking in his direction and only absent-mindedly replied to her.
"What about you?" Canaver asked Shinn. "Want to try sitting in the cockpit of the Fortuna?" She offered, grinning.
"Eh? N-not really..."
"Don't be shy, don't be shy!" Seren hugged his arm and pulled him along. With the distance and since they had their back to him, they couldn't see Athrun's... somewhat cross expression as his green eyes kept following them.
And then, one day, it was decided the Minerva would sail out the following morning. Carpentaria had also received an order to assign one Vosgulov-class submarine to accompany them. Or so Gladys told Arthur who acknowledged it... but still needed his captain to remind him of his duties as vice-captain to notify the rest of the crew. On the bridge, Meyrin was looking through Athrun's file on her monitor.
Aboard an EA aircraft carrier, the fleet flagship J.P. Jones, Stella was sitting down, watching the sea and enjoying the breeze. Two soldiers came over. One, who obviously wanted a woman and mistook her for a good and easy catch since she seemed so careless, approached her, against his friend's advice. He asked what she was doing here. She answered she was watching the sea because she liked it. As he didn't care about that, he tried to grab her and make her follow him when Auel arrived, saw everything, smirked, and rushed in. He made the cautious guy fall, sneaked behind the crude soldier and menaced him with his gun.
"You'd better stop. We're from the 81st Autonomous Mobile Corps. She might look dazed now but she's really scary when she's angry." Neider warned him.
"Phan-Phantom Pain..." And the two terrified soldiers fled for their lives. Auel stuck out his tongue at them and put his gun away.
"You gonna stay here?" The boy turned to his female comrade. "We're being called... by Neo." He started walking back. Stella happily stood up and followed him. "Which means, we're going into battle again. Well, that's our job. I wonder how many I can destroy this time." He pondered, and Loussier agreed with the same innocent, childlike happiness.
The Vosgulov-class submarine Nyiragongo, named after the highly active Congolese volcano (one of the very few volcanoes possessing a permanent lava lake), left the ZAFT base of Carpentaria. Then it was the Minerva's turn.
"The Minerva is leaving. Proceed slowly." The captain and deputy captain ordered.
Dressed in his pilot suit, Athrun entered the pilot's lounge. Shinn and Seren were already there, also in their pilot suits. The boy was lying on a couch and reading a magazine. He and Zala looked at each other before Athrun joined Seren before the large window panel overlooking the hangar. The childhood friends were thinking about the people they had left in Orb. Seren especially could not help but feel a pang of guilt and worry each time she thought about her family, about her sister and cousin... although she'd hide it by acting cheerful. She balled her fists. She couldn't go back. However, she couldn't deceive Athrun who had learned how to see through her acts. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She glanced at him and relaxed slightly. THEY couldn't go back to Orb. So they had to believe. They had to believe in Cagalli, in Rayner, that they were fine, that they were going to be fine as Kira and the others were over there too.
As the Minerva sailed out, it was detected by an Earth Alliance ship.
"We finally meet again. I found you, little kitten." The blonde commander with the black half mask smirked.
A distant place, a far-away uncertainty, no chance for farewells. Regrets and trials are really quite commonplace. We open our eyes. We turn our backs and run, heading towards 'now'. Departing down a road bathed in a pale wind, we embrace our dream and pursue the unseen sky. There's no choice but to run. We must cut through the ambiguity. It's preparation for war.
Author's note: next chapter is 'Skirmish in the Indian Ocean'