Merry Christmas everyone!

Still reeling over AsuCaga being on the cover of Gundam Ace and the Escape for Two CD Drama

Phase 09: COMPASS in Orb

"What's the status of all our preparations?" A man with a cold voice asked. Everyone in the room shivered just by his presence. With his intimidating stature and eyes that were expressionless, he was not someone that you would want to mess with.

"We are ready, sir. We're just awaiting your orders for a go-ahead." A staff who had the most courage to talk with him answered. The rest tried to be invisible and minimize interactions if possible.

"Good. I expect nothing less." The man smiled at the status report that he received. Everyone in the room knew it wouldn't end well if anything was not up to his standard.

The staff sounded relieved that their superior was satisfied. They were all afraid of his erratic behavior, especially when things don't go exactly his way.

"What about that weapon?"

"It is also ready to be deployed." There was a discomfort with the staff just from that question, but there wasn't much he can do but give a response.

The man didn't say anything but just smirked and left the room.

They were meeting up with Representative Athha in a while and Shinn couldn't be any more anxious.

Members of COMPASS were assigned to be escorts to the VIP attendees of the Kingdom of Scandinavia's ball. For some reason, his squad was assigned to Orb's Chief Representative, Cagalli Yula Athha.

In this assignment, there was no need to engage in battle with any enemy, no base he needed to infiltrate or destroy, no weapons he needed to disarm, no civilians he needed to save. He was merely accompanying Cagalli to the ball for extra protection and security.

Still, he was on the edge.

How could he not? This was probably the only time he would be working directly with Cagalli and now he must do it without Kira or Athrun being there. He still felt nervous and awkward around her even now. He couldn't believe that he preferred it that Athrun was there, even though he gets on his skin, and they argue most of the time. But with Athrun there, he won't have to interact much with Cagalli.

Both Kira and Cagalli, he had wronged at one point. Shinn almost killed Kira and then when he failed, tried to take him down multiple times since then. He blamed Kira for Heine's death, Stellar's death and the nuisance to the success of Destiny Plan. He hated his existence and wanted to destroy him. When he realized that everything that he believed in was wrong, he was horrified.

Despite everything, Kira bore no ill will against him and even asked him to join their fight. Knowing that this was the right path to take, Shinn joined him. But it wasn't easy for him. At first, he also felt so tense around Kira that sometimes he felt small when he was talking to him. It took months for him to finally be more comfortable and act more natural around him.

But with Cagalli, his transgressions felt deeper than that.

Back in Minerva, he had nothing nice to say to her. He tried to provoke her and made sure that each word he said stung her. He tried to humiliate her every single chance that he got. He even purposely bumped into her, despite knowing it may have negative ramifications on him, hurting someone in her position so casually. But at that time, he didn't care, he just wanted to make her feel at least a fraction of the pain he felt.

It didn't stop there. He knew that she was desperately trying to protect Orb soldiers but, in his rampage, he destroyed multiple fleets and took many of their lives. Granted, they were attacking them first but now thinking about how he retaliated, he overdid it. They were citizens of the country that he considered home for the longest time. He might have killed people that he personally knew or their friends and family… But more importantly, they were people that she desperately tried to protect…

When it came to the battle on Orb, he was even hell-bent on attacking it with the intention of wreaking havoc. He was so frustrated with Orb, why was it siding with the enemy? Why did it refuse to cooperate with them? In his rage, he didn't even realize that he was battling her at one point. He almost even took her life, and it was a good thing that Kira was there in the nick of time.

If he successfully took her life, then he would have inflicted the same kind of pain that he felt when he lost his family, on people that cared for her. The destruction of Orb also might have led to the Destiny Plan's implementation, and they wouldn't have had the peace that they were enjoying now. People would have had specific roles assigned to them, and they would be unhappy and devoid of freedom and choice.

After so much thought, now that he wasn't clouded by hatred. Orb stood by their ideals during the first war, refusing to give in to the demands of the Earth Forces. If they did, then maybe his family wouldn't have died then. But what would have become of them? Would they have been just killed eventually by Earth Forces soldiers that hated Coordinators? Would Orb also point their guns and lead to death of many more coordinators like him?

But if they refused the Earth Forces and accepted ZAFT's help instead, then what would have become of naturals?

Now he understood why Orb did what they did…

Orb wasn't wrong…

With the way that he treated her and tried to destroy his homeland that only stood by its ideals, he felt immense shame for his actions.

What's worse is when they finally met after the second war, before he could even muster words of apology, she beat him to it. With her head bowed low, she asked for forgiveness that Orb couldn't protect him and his family. She didn't make any excuses nor try to justify her father's actions. All she did was to simply express her regret that things ended up that way and that he lost his family because of it.

Shinn could only shake his head while crying and tell her that he should be the one apologizing for the things that he's said and done. Everything that happened to him… It wasn't her fault at all. It was those people that were full of greed and vitriol that started and escalated everything. She, on the other hand, only tried to protect Orb.

He reminded her of everything he's has done. How he attacked his own people without qualms. He knew that he caused grief to many people of Orb and to her. He apologized for almost taking her life, Kira's life and for everything else. He really didn't know how he could atone for sins.

Instead of lashing out at him, Cagalli welcomed him back home to Orb with open arms. She asked him if he could lend his power and keep fighting for peace alongside them, to ensure that people would not experience that kind of anguish ever again.

To that, he agreed and swore that he would dedicate himself to their cause. He would follow the path that Kira and Cagalli were treading.

Like Kira, Cagalli too showed him only compassion and kindness. She immediately asked him what she could do for him and if there was anything that he needed, that he should just reach out to her, and she would do what was in her power to take care of everything.

These siblings… Are they angels on earth? Shinn couldn't believe it.

While he doesn't feel the same kind of nervousness with Kira now, it took months for him to finally act more natural around him. Kira never acted weird around him, but rather always made sure that he was comfortable. Even though Cagalli does the same effort with him, He couldn't say the same for her as they barely interact.

"What's the matter Shinn?" Lunamaria snapped him out of his thoughts. She seemed to have noticed that he seemed to be fidgety. "You're being awfully quiet right now…"

They were on standby at the Orb parliament building, waiting for Cagalli to arrive so they can greet her and be on their way to the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

"It's nothing…" Shinn didn't want to admit that his palms were starting to sweat with how nervous he was.

Lunamaria raised an eyebrow, not believing him. "What is it? Are you feeling sick or something?"

"It's really no-"

"Please, are you still nervous in meeting Representative Athha? She's already moved past you being an asshole to her at one point, so just chill out." Agnes rolled her eyes and interjected. She was still as catty as ever, but she hit the nail right in the head. How she even did that made Shinn wonder if she was also an accord or not.

"Agnes!" Lunamaria raised her voice at her. It's always like this, when Agnes goes out of line, Lunamaria defends him. Also, this wasn't the place to discuss this, considering that they were in the proximity of other Orb officials.

"What? I'm not wrong, aren't I? It's going to be awkward if he doesn't get it together." Agnes didn't even flinch at Lunamaria's scolding. She was unfazed and was on her phone the whole time, not even bothering to look at them.

After the battle with the Foundation, Agnes had a change of heart when it came to pursuing men. She no longer tried to ruin relationships nor steal other girls' partners for her ego boost and need for validation. But she can still be haughty a bit snide in her remarks when she couldn't hold back at times.

Lunamaria can't protest with what Agnes said since it showed with Shinn's reaction. She ignored Agnes to comfort him. "Don't be so nervous, we'll provide support for you. Cagalli-san is probably looking forward to meeting with us."

"Thanks, Luna." Shinn felt relieved that he didn't have to face Cagalli alone. He wouldn't be able to last if it were just the two of them.

They sat there in the receiving area for a bit more before they were called by an officer to inform that Cagalli was done with her meetings and was ready to meet them. All three stood up and straightened out their uniforms before going to her. Shinn buttoned his shirt as he usually unfastens them when it was just the three of them.

They were led to her office where she was seated. As soon as she saw them, she stood up and walked towards them to greet them. All three of them saluted her and Shinn cleared his throat, trying to speak past his nervousness. "Good work today, Representative Athha. Shinn Asuka reporting for duty. The Asuka Team from COMPASS is looking forward to being your escorts on the trip."

Lunamaria and Agnes followed suit and introduced themselves too.

"Lunamaria Hawke, reporting for duty."

"Agnes Giebenrath, also reporting for duty. Nice to see you again, Representative Athha."

Cagalli smiled and acknowledged their greetings. "Welcome to Orb, Shinn, Lunamaria and Agnes. Thank you for taking on this task of being my escort for the event. I'll be in your care." She bowed down slightly, which made Shinn panic a bit.

"Ahh, Representative Athha no need to bow your head." He found his hands flailing until Cagalli raised her head. For Shinn, she need not do this gesture towards them because she was the one with the higher rank. Besides, this was a job that was assigned to them, so it wasn't like she was owing them any favors.

Cagalli could only laugh seeing him act like that. Shinn thought that maybe she was amused seeing him flustered like that, but he couldn't help himself. He felt Lunamaria sighing beside him and Agnes was probably rolling her eyes again thinking about how pathetic he was being.

Cagalli motioned them to sit down so they could catch up. Her office had an area to receive guests. They all sat comfortably in the couch and tea and snacks were served to them by her staff. "How are you all doing?"

"We're doing well." Luna answered politely and Shinn was thankful that she was here to engage in the conversation. "It's been a while since we've went down to Earth so gravity feels a bit weird."

"I'm working with these two so I can't say the same. They're annoyingly lovey dovey at times! Being a third wheel honestly sucks, Representative!" Agnes answered in an exasperated tone, almost trying to get pity from Cagalli.

"Wait, Agnes! Why are you bringing that up now?" Lunamaria's courteous demeanor dropped and was on Agnes' case again, forgetting that they were in Cagalli's presence. But she was too embarrassed with the topic. Shinn meanwhile was speechless because he couldn't argue with Agnes, mostly because there were times that they acted like a couple in front of her. Also, being in front of Cagalli made him a bit meek.

"It's really annoying! At least get a room! Geez, rubbing it in my face like that just because I don't have a man right now." Agnes wasn't seeing anyone right now so she might have been peeved that she was hanging out with them most of the time. According to her, she tried dating men that were below her standards, but that didn't go that well for her.

Agnes then turned to Cagalli and grabbed her hands. "Cagalli-sama, you would know a lot of eligible bachelors, wouldn't you? There should be many here in Orb! Those that are courting you, but you don't want, please introduce them to me! I can't take these two anymore!" She was being so dramatic! It wasn't that bad at all! The worse that she's seen was him kissing Lunamaria on the cheek!

"Hey, you're acting too familiar with the Representative!" Shinn scolded her and was horrified that Agnes just took her hands like that. Although Cagalli didn't seem to mind, he still didn't think it was appropriate.

When Agnes first met Cagalli after the battle with the Foundation, Shinn and Luna were worried that she wouldn't act proper with her, since she was after being Athrun's girlfriend when they were in the academy. How would she treat Cagalli once she knew of that fact?

With Lacus, Agnes acted formal around her but rolled her eyes when Lacus turned away or had words to say when Lacus wasn't around. But to their surprise, Agnes treated Cagalli with so much respect. She wasn't completely docile, but Agnes treated her better than any of them. There weren't any vile comments said behind Cagalli's back either. It was such a mystery to them. Or maybe she just really turned a new leaf after Lunamaria beat her in their duel.

"Courting me…?" Cagalli looked puzzled with what Agnes said. "I wonder about that…"

"Representative Athha, you're being too humble. Of course, there would be a lot of people vying for your hand in marriage! You're somehow like an idol online and have a lot of fans." Agnes exclaimed, still holding her hand. "Or could it be that Athrun Zala is barricading you so no other men can approach you?"

"B-barricading? Athrun would?" Shinn noticed that Cagalli started to be flustered upon mention of Athrun's name. "H-he doesn't do any such thing… Why would he…"

"I mean, if I were him, I would definitely be cautious about anyone trying to whisk you away!" Agnes stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "Also, he has that vibe that he wouldn't allow any other men to get near you…"

"Ahhh, I don't… think so…?" Cagalli answered but wasn't that confident with her reply.

Although Cagalli tried to deny it, Shinn already knew what was going on between the two of them. Shinn was occasionally invited to go to casual get-togethers with both Cagalli and Athrun in attendance. At first, he didn't have a clue that they were a thing, until he walked in on them in the kitchen. Until that time, he naively thought that they were friends.

Lunamaria then decided to intervene and physically pry Agnes of off Cagalli. "Mou Agnes, stop asking Representative Athha to set you up on a date. She's busy as it is and you're asking the impossible."

"You have a boyfriend so butt out of this conversation!" Agnes snapped back.

Cagalli was looking at all of them and started to laugh. "I'm glad that you three are getting along so well!"

"Huh? Getting along?" That comment from Cagalli even made Shinn forget that he was nervous around her. "With her? That's far from the truth, Representative Athha!"

"Eww. As if I'd get along with someone like Shinn." Agnes also made a gesture of fake vomiting.

"Huh? What was that?" Shinn wondered if she wanted to start a fight with him.

"Hey, you two, we're in front of Representative Athha, quit it." Luna again was in between them, looking so tired of dealing with this kind of thing.

Shinn wouldn't say that they all get along well. Agnes always got on his nerves with all her comments, and it always seemed like she was picking fights with him, even though he was her superior. Luna always mediating between the both of them and he's gotten used to having Agnes' comments enter one ear and exit the other.

"I look forward to our days together in the Kingdom of Scandinavia." Cagalli told all three of them, with a big smile on her face. She seemed to have enjoyed seeing them interact like that.

"Hey Agnes." Shinn started the conversation. They were in their mobile suits, surrounding Cagalli's private plane. "I have a question."

"What?" She acknowledged him but seemed uninterested.

Shinn didn't know how to coax the topic, but he was really curious to know. "I'm surprised that you like Cagalli-san so much…" He remarked. He didn't know if he should say that he thought she would act unpleasant towards her.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He could tell that Agnes must be displeased that he was implying something. He was racking his brain on how he should respond to that while careful of offending her.

"I mean, wasn't Athrun your type before? But he's dating Cagalli-san now." Lunamaria interjected. Shinn was thankful that his girlfriend was able to read the room. But it also might be because she too was curious about it all this time. "You really genuinely like her right?" She didn't mention her bad behavior towards Lacus before as it was already a thing of the past.

"You also liked Athrun before and flirted with him back in Minerva but now why aren't you acting like a bitch towards Cagalli?" Agnes retorted and that seemed to make both Lunamaria and Shinn shut up for a bit. Back then, Shinn was too dense to even notice that it was going on. They've already talked about it, but it was still awkward when it was brought up.

She had a point though. Just because Athrun Zala had a partner now, does that mean they should act in an untoward manner? Especially since they both moved on from him anyway.

When they both didn't say anything, Agnes continued. "Anyway, it's not like I'm after Athrun now. That was years ago. Anyone can see how he only has eyes for Cagalli-san and no one else stands a chance. You'll just wind up wallowing in self-pity because it's no use… His feelings for Cagalli are a bit too intense."

"You're right…" Lunamaria agreed, and it was probably to both of her points. Shinn thought that she might be thinking of her sister that once vied for his interest but ultimately, it didn't work out for her.

"Besides, Cagalli-san was the only one that believed in me at the start…" Agnes told them. "You two probably don't know it. Many people looked at me with disdain for trying to kill Kira-san. Of course, that was all expected and I was prepared for it. But she was the one that told them to give me another chance… That's why I'm able to be where I am now… Otherwise I'd be behind bars right now…"

"I see…" Shinn wasn't the only one afforded by Cagalli's grace. "She did persuade the COMPASS council to go easy on you."

"Athrun-san was so scary… He was mostly glaring at me when I finally got to meet me in person. He was so hostile! And then Cagalli-san was the one who told him to be nicer to me… She's really kind and amazing… After what I did to her twin brother…" She said nothing but compliments and Shinn was surprised that it was to this extent.

"Good for you, Agnes." Lunamaria said in a soft tone. She did feel bad for her when people acted cold to her when they first found out. Agnes could only stay silent and accept the consequence of her actions.

"That's why, I'll forever be grateful for her." Agnes said in a serious tone. "She even patted my head to comfort me one time."

When they all didn't talk after that, Agnes started again. "Honestly, if Cagalli-san was a man, she would totally be my type! Actually, even if she wasn't, the problem is Athrun Zala… I feel like I won't make it out alive even if I attempted to steal her away from him. He's a formidable opponent after all…" [1]

That earned a gasp from both Shinn and Lunamaria. They were surprised that Agnes would say that kind of thing. They would have never expected it from the person they knew at the academy.

"That's surprising… Well, unfortunately you're right, Athrun won't let you have your way. He'll skin you if you tried." Lunamaria commented, knowing how it would turn out for her. "Give it up!"

"I wasn't even trying to! Geez! It's like signing my own death wish. I already avoided it before and I'm not actively seeking it." Shinn could feel Agnes roll her eyes. "Anyway, I'll do this job properly for Cagalli-san, so you two don't get in my way."

"Of course! Who do you think you're talking to?" Shinn was slightly insulted that she would even think that. But if anything, those words from her made him fired up. He wasn't about to lose to her.

Cagalli's private charter left Orb a few hours ago and was now on their way to the Kingdom of Scandinavia. The flight to their destination was long and Cagalli spared no time to get some work done on the way. She started to feel the fatigue take over and she put down the documents that she was reading and sighed.

She never got to talk to Athrun properly. She could call him while she was on the plane, but then she had to speak with the United States of South America's prime minister. They discussed the joint operation at a higher level and the implications of it to the treaty. Thankfully, they were all in the clear.

Now that she was free, it got a bit late, and she wanted him to get some rest instead of staying up late. Would he be fine though? Would his worries weigh on his mind as he conducted his mission? She hoped not…

Sending him a text explaining everything didn't sit well with Cagalli. This was a bigger deal, and it doesn't feel right telling him through text. She preferred that they talk in person or at the very least, through a phone call. So, she opened her phone to send him a message of well-wishes instead to ease his mind a bit.

To her surprise, she already received a message from Athrun.

"Have a safe flight. Contact me when you land. I love you." The message read and Cagalli could feel herself smiling from ear to ear as she took it in. Even if he was upset with things recently and very busy with the preparations, he found the time to send her a text message and that made her so happy.

"I love you too, Athrun. As for why I couldn't say anything to the Emirs… it's not what you think. The question came as shock to me that I didn't know what to respond to them. Please don't be upset over it. Please be careful and come back home safely." She quickly responded back, trying to send him off on a good note. She wanted to explain everything in detail and the good news when he gets back.

She didn't expect any response from him at this time, so she put her phone in the drink holder of her seat. She then checked around the plane, it looked like Touya and most of the staff are now resting. She felt ridiculous being conscious about their presence when she was separated by a privacy door. But there was a possibility that they would knock and see what she was doing in the first place.

Now that she had time to herself and the coast was clear, she took out the brown paper bag that Miriallia gave her. She felt like she was sneaking in some contraband with the way that she acted but she didn't want anyone else to see what it was. She opened the paper bag and got out the envelope that was inside it. It was still sealed so she was sure that Athrun didn't peek.

The contents? They were pictures of Athrun. [2]

She discovered that Miriallia had this thing of secretly taking pictures of her and then giving them to Athrun. So, when she finally caught her, Miriallia fessed up and admitted that she would send pictures to him occasionally. The pictures were of her working, eating lunch with her or even accidentally dozing off. Cagalli really didn't mind as these pictures weren't harmful. It wasn't as if Miriallia was doing it with the intention of blackmailing her or anything malicious of that sort.

Besides, Miriallia snapped a photo of them that she really loved.

It was the picture of Athrun lifting her up after the battle of the Foundation. Back then, she was ready to scold him and confront him about the "shameless delusions". But he looked extremely happy to see her and carried her up, much to her surprise. Cagalli really loved it and has kept a copy of it framed in her room ever since.

Now to get back at him being that sneaky, she asked that Miriallia take pictures of Athrun too. So, during times that Athrun was in the capital and in the military headquarters, Miriallia wasted no time in stealing a shot or two of him. She even was nice enough to print copies of her photos instead of just sending a digital copy, which Cagalli preferred as she was always looking at screens throughout the day.

There were several pictures in the envelope, and all were of Athrun working. One was when he was leaning over a table and looking closely at a data in the computer, another was when he was briefing soldiers about the mission, another was when he was examining the documents that were given to him. There were several more and Cagalli was impressed that Miriallia managed to take a lot of photos without him noticing. His senses were usually sharp, but maybe Miriallia is just too good at taking photos undercover.

Looking at the pictures, she couldn't help but swoon over them. Cagalli couldn't see much of him when he was at work, so these photos were much appreciated. It was like seeing a part of him that she never got to see. Even if he was so engrossed in his tasks, he looked so cool in each one. When she thought about it, Athrun really was a handsome fellow. No wonder so many women had crushes on him.

She heard from Erica that Athrun was breaking hearts left and right in Morgenroete too because he would outrightly reject anyone that would ask him out or give him gifts. When she scolded him and told him that he should be nicer about it, he told her that he didn't want to give them false hopes, so it was better that way instead of them getting the wrong idea. She understood where he was coming from, especially with how things went before with Meyrin…

With all the women that flock to him, she sometimes questioned why he would choose her and even stay with her despite the circumstances. But Athrun already made it clear before that there was no one else but her that he considered his home. He gave her so many reasons why and instead of telling him why he deserved someone better, she decided to accept his unconditional love.

She was wholeheartedly grateful that he was by her side. And now, she could only think of giving back and making him the happiest person too. She couldn't wait to get back from her trip and finally tell him everything.

She held the pictures close to her heart before falling asleep.

Athrun woke up the next morning, before his alarm went off as per usual. Since Cagalli left for the Kingdom of Scandinavia, he didn't return to the mansion and instead slept in one of the rooms in the military barracks. Aside from it being convenient for the mission, he felt it a bit odd to stay in the Athha residence without Cagalli, especially with the household staff also attending to him.

The first thing that he did when he woke up was to check was his phone to see if there were any messages from Cagalli. To his surprise, there was indeed a message from her hours ago, when he already fell asleep.

Just reading it, his morning was immediately made with the message. Kira was right. He was in over his head thinking about the worst. With the stress of the operation and all the chatter going around, he was starting to doubt himself, but Cagalli just gave him the reassurance that he needed. He sent a reply before to her before anything else.

"Good morning! I'm not upset about it anymore. I can't wait to see you after all this is over. I'll be off now. I love you." He didn't care if he already said that in his previous message, he just wanted to tell her again that he loved her so much. Besides, they might not be able to communicate in the next two to three days so it was better to leave her a nice message until he could text her back again.

He had some time before their scheduled departure, so he decided to have a quick workout in. The barracks had a big and well-maintained area for physical activities, so he headed there.

When he got there, several officers that noticed him and saluted him. He acknowledged their greeting and proceeded to do get some exercise.

With Cagalli's message, he was more at ease today. Rather, he had to stop himself from smiling like a lunatic in front of other soldiers. He was just so happy that it was all a misunderstanding.

He focused his mind on the upcoming mission, making a mental checklist of the things that he needed to do still. This was the first one in a long time that they were deploying to battle again. He wasn't nervous for himself, but for the other soldiers. For some of them, it would be their first time in combat and outside a stimulator and practice sparring sessions. He hoped that they would remember all their training during the operation. He wanted everyone to get back to Orb and their families safely.

Blue Cosmos really wouldn't give it up, won't they? After each time they were taken down, they seem to always be sprouting when you expect them the least. Athrun was tired of their persistence to wreak havoc in this world.

He hoped to quell them with this joint operation because he knew that if their activities continue, then the extremists in PLANT won't let it go quietly and might find their reason to make a move. He won't let any of these sides let get their way. So many lives were already lost, and he had enough.

After this mission is done, there was so many investigations that he would need to do. Once they capture Jonathan Gabriel and other personnel pulling the strings, they had to interrogate them on other possible leads to neutralize it. There was also a lot of reports to be submitted and meetings to attend, which was even more of a hassle for him. This would also add work to Cagalli as she had to engage in more conversations with other leaders.

But to him, he still would willingly take on all this work if it meant that there would be a future for naturals and coordinators to co-exist peacefully.

When he thought about Kira, Lacus and Ren living in isolation from the rest of the world, it steeled his determination to ensure the success of this mission.

A future where Ren is safe, free and wouldn't need to suffer... He would see to it that it would happen.

Notes:

[1] Everyone likes Cagalli, even Agnes. Sorry I make the rules around here.

[2] Finally we get to know what's in that paper bag that Miriallia gave to Cagalli.