Disclaimer: See chapter 1
Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny
by Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure
Brothers Will Also Forgive
Sender: Seawolf, Rear Admiral Russo, Anthony
Receiver: Archangel, Lieutenant General Connor, Sebastian
Method: Secure Point to Point transmission.
Date: February 14th, Cosmic Era 74
Subject: Yo Buddy, Still Alive?
I know how the situation appears, I know how you must feel towards me, but that honestly doesn't matter at this point does it? I made a judgment call, whether it was good or not is irrelevant. But given the nature of the weapon deployed I should have at least informed you. Due to my paranoia, I failed to properly brief my crew on the proper procedure involved in launching the Tempest. A situation I am currently in the process of rectifying.
While this may be of little reassurance I will tell you that Tempest is NOT a WMD. I'm not some kind of monster that would use weapons that can or rather will kill indiscriminately. Given the SNAFU of that battle... I was overzealous, we for all intents and purposes were losing, I watched Captain Frost, my wife, get hurt and I snapped. However, the miscommunication during the activation (while it caused the Earth Forces to fall back) brought a few rather serious flaws in the weapon's targeting system to light. Flaws I intend on mending. I can't discuss them over a potentially monitored communication though.
Only if you could see some of the things I've been working on General... Anything further... I would have to brief you and the other captains and ranking pilots in person. I may be just getting paranoid, but I sense something is very wrong with this conflict. The Earth Alliance organized and mobilized unrealistically fast for what happened, Orb's defenses were sabotaged, and ZAFT (Chairman Durandal specifically) was very eager to accept our offer of alliance. But again I might just be paranoid...
The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due sighed as he sat in the small office given to him for the duration of his stay at Kendrick. His face illuminated by the light of the screen, Sebastian continued looking at the email sent to him by his brother. His chat with Dingo earlier had rid him of most of his anger at Anthony, and what he was viewing certainly did clear a few things up. Yet he still found himself hesitating to just pick up the phone and text or call him. More than once he had his official issue Blackberry Key5LE in hand before tossing it on the desk.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" Sebastian groaned, turning on the small desk lamp. "Why can't I just do this thing and get a dialogue going with him?" A knocking at the door kept his pity party from growing any further. "Enter!" He barked, maybe a little gruffer than he normally would have been. Shinn uneasily poked his head in and Sebastian's temper abated. "What do you need, Lieutenant Asuka?"
"Did I come at a bad time, General?" The pilot of the Impulse asked nervously, but the Wolf of Lightning waved him inside. So he entered the room, taking a seat before the desk. "You sounded pretty irritated about something."
"I'm just trying to figure out my problem with Admiral Russo. The last few days made me re-evaluate things and I need to mend fences." He picked up his Blackberry again. "Yet I find it incredibly difficult to just pick up this phone and dial the number. If this was the Earth Alliance then it wouldn't be an issue at all. I'd just have to shoot them. But this is not my enemy. It's my brother, my family and it's a whole different beast."
"Family tends to be that way. If I had a dime for every time Mayu and I got into a snit, then I wouldn't need to do this job." Shinn remarked, thinking of plenty of instances when he and his sister got heated. "I'm reminded of something my mom always said. 'You can choose your friends, you can choose your enemies, but family? That's in the stars."
"Nothing is greater than a mother's wisdom," Sebastian growled as he stretched his arms to the stark white ceiling. "But, enough of my hangups. You came here for something, Lieutenant. What exactly did you want?"
Shinn straightened up a little. "If it's not too much trouble, General. I was hoping you'd be willing to teach me the way of the blade. I know Major Yamato is a student of yours. It always amazes me to see how skillfully he wields the Freedom's Gerbera Straight. Not to mention a lot of pilots on both sides seem to be favoring physical melee weapons lately. I thought such training would help me to better handle the Sword pack's Excaliburs in case I end up facing such an opponent."
"Melee combat with something beyond a simple beam saber does seem to be in vogue these days. If you want to brush up on your MS close combat skills. I have no problem sharing my knowledge with you, Lieutenant. You can join Major Yamato and I any time you wish." The wide smile on Shinn's face was a payoff Sebastian didn't realize he needed before that point.
(Orb Union, Sahaku Manor, February 17th, C.E. 74)
Unato Ema Seiran had become impatient. It was absolutely infuriating that he had to remain ensconced within the Sahaku estate. Still, his return to the Land of Peace had to remain secret. He was just lucky that he could at least stand out on the back porch, watching as the sun rose over the ocean. He took a seat at the wrought iron table. A cup of expensive coffee Yukimura brought back from Argentina remained untouched.
"You know, for someone who enjoys the finer things in life, there's also something to be said for life's simple pleasures," Yukimura remarked as he came out onto the stone porch. "A cup of warm coffee while watching the sun rise over our homeland is something you just can't put a price tag on. You have to admire the symbolism. The sun rising over our glorious Land of Peace."
The former Prime Minister of Orb grunted. "I suppose so. I'm just tired of remaining in the confines of boredom. When are we finally going to make a move, Yukimura? We've been sitting on our hands for the past three weeks now! This farce of an alliance between us and the PLANTs has to come to an end! Orb must take its proper place as a member of the Earth Alliance. That's the only way our nation will prosper." He scowled through his orange glasses. "My patience is wearing very thin. So kindly tell me what you want for Orb's future."
Yukimura sighed dramatically. "Oh is that all you can think about, Unato? Orb's future? That was always your biggest flaw, you think too small. For me, the future isn't just about Orb, but all of humanity. Beyond the Lagrange Points, beyond the Moon, beyond even Mars and the reaches of our Solar System." He smirked a little. "That is where our future, nay our very destiny, lies. Imagine Unato, a million beacons of humanity spread out across our galaxy. That first cauldron will be lit here, by the two of us. Yes, Orb is a central part of this vision, but ultimately just a small piece in a much bigger puzzle. This isn't going to happen overnight, Unato, probably not even within our lifetimes."
"But will it be profitable for us?" Unato asked. "I'll admit your idea holds merit, but as long as the alliance between Orb and the PLANTs exists, then nothing will happen!"
"For me it's the glory that matters, cementing our place in history. That will last long after any piles of gold are tarnished. But yes, in order to reach the heights we yearn for, the bonds between Orb and the PLANTs must be severed." He indulged himself with more coffee. "Ah, this is a good mix. I definitely need to order some more. That is where you come in. I trust you've been making the rounds with your old compatriots?" Unato had been meeting with the various nationalist and anti-PLANT groups over the last few days in secret.
The Seiran patriarch sneered. "Oh yes, none of them were very pleased with being pushed out after the last war. All of them are more than ready to let that fool Kumiko and the rest of her ilk know how they feel about the direction our country has been going. I can't wait to see the look on all their faces when we show up! They'll know the price to pay for betraying what this country stood for!"
"I'm sure it will be quite the show then," Yukimura said. "I hope you won't disappoint."
(Lincoln Base, February 19th, C.E. 74)
It hadn't taken long for Felecia to find her place in the Crimson Foxes. Ezra had been more than eager to help her acclimate. The two Windams, both equipped with Jet Striker packs, currently engaging in melee combat on the main training ground. The younger sister of the Steel Fox clearly had inherited her brother's skill, if the burn marks along the right shoulder and torso of Ezra's Windam were any indication. He couldn't help but be mesmerized by how graceful she handled the mobile suit. It didn't seem feasible for a near sixty-foot-tall machine to be able to move in such a graceful manner.
Yet, Felecia was doing exactly that. Ezra wasn't surprised at all. He had seen her in the early morning, stretching on the beach in a dark blue sports bra and tight dark pants. The younger Anderson sibling had a thing for yoga apparently and was quite flexible. It would be a memory he'd keep for the rest of his life. His beam saber bounced off Felecia's shield, he dodged the left, avoiding the shield-mounted missiles, squeezing off a few rounds from his beam rifle.
Felecia threw her Windam high into the air for an overhead strike, only for Ezra to parry with his weapon. He then tossed an anti-armor penetrator at her. She threw her shield to the side once it was embedded within it. Only for Ezra's Windam to bodycheck her mobile suit. "Hey, don't you think that's a bit much for the first date?" Felecia teased, punching Ezra's Windam in the face, sending the giant war machine tumbled backward. The glowing columns of fire intersected once again.
The sabers strained against each other, sparks dancing off as the Windams' faces were inches from each other. Felecia broke the lock, firing her CIWS. Ezra took the blue paint bullets on his shield. He was enjoying this way too much for his good. They exchanged a few more strikes before taking a break. Felecia came out of the cockpit of her Windam, helmet off, panting heavily.
"You're really good, Ezra! I'm impressed." Felecia said, tossing him a bottle of water as she took a sip of her own.
"Thanks, but I've only been at this for a few months now. Not that Admiral Lamperouge and Captain Anderson haven't been awesome teachers." He admitted, relishing the cool feeling going down his throat. "You're not bad yourself, Felecia. Did your brother give you prior training?"
She smiled warmly, cocking her head slightly. "Nathan's always been good to me. It was my dream to join the service and fight alongside him and Admiral Lamperouge. It looks like that dream will finally become a reality." Her smile faded a little. "Not that I relish the darker side of this war. But if the alternative is to let madness reign, someone needs to stand and defend the populace."
It was then a third mobile suit joined them on the practice ground. Both pilots sat up a little straighter at the sight of the Patriot Gundam looming over them. "Break time's over you two. While it's good to see you young folks be so diligent. But let's up the challenge now." The Crimson Fox's voice sent a chill down Ezra and Felecia's spines. as he produced a stately-looking longsword with an obsidian blade, the newest addition to Patriot's arsenal. "I can't let you rookies have all the fun now can I?"
"You don't like to make it easy, do you Admiral Lamperouge?" Ezra said appraising his commander's new weapon, the finely honed edge, a sliver of the night that reflected the early morning sun. "Nice sword, by the way, the craftsmanship is top caliber, and the color is a perfect supplement to Patriot. It's clearly not your average ES-05. Can I assume it's a gift from Professor Eifman?"
"Yes, but it was Colonel Willet who put him up to it." Mark took the moment to look at his new acquisition. "She said it wasn't proper for an officer to be without his blade. I couldn't very well say no now, could I? I'm looking to break it in, so it seems you two are going to be the test subjects" Ezra and Felecia looked at each other with uneasy eyes. But it was from the Vice-Admiral himself, and a chance to learn directly from the Crimson Fox would never come by every day. So they simply ignited their beam sabers and waited for the Fox to strike.
Neither of them had to wait long. the black and crimson-hued machine loomed over them, ten blood-red wings spread as its blade, a sliver of pure night gleamed in the sun. Mark targeted Felecia first, the blue Windam's engines coming to life. "Yeek!" She cried, barely managing to parry her commander's strike. The Patriot was lightning quick and in the hands of a true veteran like the Crimson Fox, extremely deadly!
Ezra came to Felecia's aid, swinging at Mark, but was rebuffed by a pair of railgun rounds. The Patriot leapt into the air, but the two Windams were quick to follow. Felecia was a couple of minutes behind Ezra, who had tossed one of his Stilettos, only to be batted away by Mark's blade. She let loose with a barrage of missiles from the Jet Striker pack. Only for Patriot's Baelanas to spit out a pair of orange and blue plasma bursts, destroying the missiles.
"This Fox is a quick one!" Ezra growled in frustration, firing his beam rifle, but the green lance simply hit the air. Patriot was coming around, going right for Felecia, its dark sword in hand. But Ezra put himself between them, beam saber ready. The blade of fire met the blade of dark steel. The Crimson Fox's pride soared at the stalwart defense his young apprentice was putting up to defend his squadmate. It probably helped just a bit that it was a pretty girl.
"Oh to be that young again!" Mark remembered younger days with Cornelia, even as Ezra tried kicking at the Patriot, but the Crimson Fox was just too quick. The Gundam ascended to the heavens, blocking out the sun. Those brilliant crimson red wings expanded outward, scattering light blue particles in the sky.
"Light him up, Felecia!" Ezra said, the two young pilots letting loose a barrage of missiles, just as the Fox fired his powerful array of weaponry, beams, and projectiles colliding in a ball of fire that everyone on base could see. It was clear to all that Mark was still the superior combatant. Ezra and Felecia's lungs burned from the exertion, and their commander didn't even seem fazed. "If it's all the same to you, Admiral. We'll concede defeat this time. You didn't exactly get us at our best, since we were training before you showed up."
A slight chortle emanated from his lips. "Just think of it as always being on guard, Lieutenant Kanitz. The enemy isn't going to wait for you to be fresh. In fact, catching the enemy when they're weak and vulnerable is practically Soldiering 101. Lucky for you I wasn't Connor or Russo or any of those other guys." Mark sheathed his new blade. "Hit the showers you two. I want you at your best for our next deployment." The Patriot spread its wing and soared off. Ezra and Felecia both just looked on. You're allowed to make a flashy exit when you're the boss.
(ONS Seawolf, Kendrick Base, February 21st, C.E. 74)
Lines of code and schematics flashed on the seventy-five-inch plasma screen television in Anthony's lab. He and Yukimasa spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks going over his projects with a fine-tooth comb. This one was particularly sacred to the Arctic White Wolf. The light from the TV reflected off his glasses. The White Wolf took in everything being displayed.
Yukimasa was currently sitting at the main console. Eyes taking in the six monitors arrayed in a semicircle around him. His fingers dancing over the keyboard with a speed that would make even Kira impressed, turned to face his new partner in crime. "Well, what do you think Admiral Russo?" His sharkish grin widened evermore. "Didn't I say it would be a good idea for us to collaborate?"
He nodded in approval, noting all the improvements and tweaks the younger man had made. "Yes, you did. I'll admit, I'm quite impressed with all the suggestions you've made for my projects. Your refinements to the plasma flow in the Sentinel system tightened up the beam by twenty percent and decreased the excess energy flow by almost sixty. I would never have thought to configure it this way."
His fellow engineer just brushed it off. "Aw, don't sell yourself short! The answer would have come to you eventually. A student of Reuben Ashford should take a little more pride in what they've done. After all, any result in science is still a result. Even if it's not one you were hoping for." He shivered slightly. "But do you think it would be too much to ask to turn up the heat a little bit in here? Why do you always have it so cold?"
The White Wolf laughed. "I am known as the Arctic White Wolf for a reason, Colonel Sahaku. I love cold weather. It's like a second home to me. I'd love to settle down in Alaska if the Atlantic Federation ever decided to change its views on Coordinators, that's for sure." He sighed, taking a seat on the couch. Yukimasa noted his colleague's distress.
"Still wondering how to make nice with Storm and the others?" Yukimasa drawled, his gaze not leaving the screen. Noting the way his eyes drooped at the mention of the Wolf of Lightning "I mean, you've kissed and made up with Captain Dupree and me, but you're still in the doghouse with everyone else. I doubt it's going to be so easy to win them over."
"Oh, I'm not worried about that." Anthony's voice became quiet, making Yukimasa slightly uneasy. "I'll show Lady Attha, Major Yamato, and Commander Zala just exactly what the weapons I designed were really meant to do, and they will change their tune very quickly. As for General Connor." He swallowed hard, trying to keep back the memory of the aftermath of the Indian Ocean in the corner of his mind. "One step at a time." He pulled out his laptop. "I came up with an idea for a new G-Pack, tell me what you think of it." He sent it to Yukimasa's station, whistling in approval.
"Hoo, nice! I may have to steal this one for the Bushido!"
"Don't even think about it." Anthony shot back, his mind already making plans for his 'chat' with his three biggest critics. While he would admit that he stepped over the line with Tempest. That didn't mean he wasn't going to make his point clear to those who disagreed with him. It usually worked in winning them over, although it usually meant a few bumps and bruises came with it!
(Kendrick Base, Recreation Center)
Sebastian grunted as he put an extra pair of twenty-five-pound plates on the bar. He laid down on the bench and began lifting. He was already up to 145. The sweat beading down his face as he pushed through on his next phase of reps. Breathing heavily he completed the last one, returning the bar to the rack. "My arms are burning up!" Sebastian exclaimed, squeezing his forearms.
But it was a good kind of burning. It was proof that the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due was keeping himself strong. An absolute necessity for any warrior. Weight training wasn't a huge part of his workout regimen, being only 5'7 meant he didn't have much in the height department and didn't want a lot of bulky muscles. Still, what definition he did have along his arms and chest was very evident. His wife certainly liked it.
Speaking of which, He looked out the window to the base pool, where a lithe figure cut through the water. The Wolf of Lightning just looked on at his Angel of the Stars. The base wasn't exactly set up for gymnastics or dance of any kind. So Lacus wasn't been able to practice in her usual manner. Undaunted, the Songstress of Hope took up another sport, swimming. He hadn't thought she was that good in the water, but the pink-haired beauty loved proving the contrary.
Lacus was doing a steady, powerful butterfly stroke, gliding across the pool with a majestic flair. She wore a one-piece racerback swimsuit, mostly black with splotches of pink and red on it. Her hair was under a pink swim cap. Although she had no goggles, so her eyes burned from the chlorine in the water. But continued with her workout, undaunted. Sebastian came outside to observe his wife in action, as she reached the edge of the pool, flipping around and switching to a backstroke, which the Storm Wolf thought was the one that made her look the best.
Flay was also present, wearing a one-piece racerback and a matching sunhat, all in brilliant fire red. She sat under one of the large umbrellas, curled up in one of the cushy lounge chairs, sipping a drink. For that moment, she was the queen of the pool. "Excuse me, cabana boy! I need some assistance." She cooed, waving to Sebastian. He put his hand in his pockets and strolled up to her.
"Yes, milady." He drawled, wondering if Flay had read his mind. "You look like a tomato in that get-up." He said to his cousin, sitting down on the lounger next to her.
She just flashed a smile, pushing up her hat's brim slightly. "But I'm the best-looking tomato in the bunch!" Flay giggled, eliciting an amused snort from Sebastian. "Kira certainly thinks so. He's off training with Stellar right now. He seems to have accepted her as our child. I was bored so I thought I'd get some sun while Lacus did her laps. I must say I'm impressed with how well she's done." Flay blushed in embarrassment. "As for me, I'm like a brick in the water, so I wouldn't stand a chance."
Lacus gasped, having finished her laps. It was a testament to Sebastian's mental discipline he didn't turn into a hormonal animal at the sight of her climbing out of the pool, water dripping from every inch of her fit, curvy body. He just grabbed a towel and went to her. She smiled taking said towel to dry herself off. "Well honey, how did I do?" She asked, draping it over her shoulders.
He kissed her on the lips, once again taking comfort in those gentle blue orbs he knew so well. "Spectacular as always, my love. We'll have a race when we get back home. As for right now, How about we get cleaned up and grab some lunch? We're both probably hungry after our respective workouts."
"That sounds like a lovely idea." Lacus clapped her hands together. "You want to join us, Flay?"
The redhead shook her head. "I'll pass on this one, I'm going to stay here and cook for a little while longer. I wouldn't want to impinge on a romantic moment." The couple headed back inside while Flay pulled her sunhat down, taking in the rays.
(Kendrick Base Infirmary, February 22nd, C.E. 74)
All the preparations were complete. It was time for the Arctic White Wolf to silence his critics. And so it was he was finally visiting his wife for a last bit of courage. Loretta's condition had improved considerably. Yet it still hurt him to see her lying in bed, attached to all the monitors and other machines. But Anthony wasn't going to let it deter him. If anything it just further steeled his resolve.
"Hey there, my cute little Fox." He whispered, gently stroking her ivory cheek. "I'm sorry for not coming to see you until now. But better late than never, right? I did something really stupid, honey. I know I was wrong, but certain parties who shall remain nameless seem to forget what it means to protect what you care about. So I need to re-educate them about that." He grimaced. "That being said, you may get some company here when it's all done."
Anthony gave her a final kiss on the lips. "I love you so much, Loretta. Never forget that." His deed done, the White Wolf departed, pulling out his cell phone. As such he missed a subtle twitch of pale, long fingers, or see the beeping of the monitors begin increasing.
(Kendrick Base, Docks)
Lieutenant General Sebastian Connor, Major Kira Yamato, Commander Athrun Zala, and Lady Cagalli Yula Attha. I request your presence at 0800 hours to discuss some matters of grave importance. Please be prompt.
Rear Admiral Russo
This was the email that had found itself on the phones of the people in question. Of those four, three had gathered in front of the berth where the Seawolf was docked. Kira felt a sense of dread as he looked at the email one more time. "What do you think Admiral Russo wants to speak to us about?" He asked the others. Kira had reconsidered what he said that day to the White Wolf, thanks to his little, personal epiphany.
"I'm sure he'll tell us in time. Provided there's no more he's keeping from us." Unlike his white counterpart, the Red Knight's feelings toward the White Wolf hadn't changed much. Although seeing Loretta in such a state had made him lighten up a little. Not to mention, Lunamaria's words had made him feel he should at least hear him out. And depending on that, maybe give him an apology. But he was in no hurry.
"You got that right," Cagalli said, arms folded as she took a look at her phone. "He has a lot to answer for." Like her brother and his friend. The Lioness of Orb had a little more sympathy for the sniper/engineer. That being said, she wasn't quite ready to let go of those feelings just yet. It was then Rachel came out, looking all business. But yet there was a look of sympathy, showing in the Iron Dove's eyes.
"Thank you for being prompt." Rachel said, taking note of them. "Where's General Connor? All four of you were summoned."
"We haven't seen him," Athrun said. "I figure if anyone would be able to get a handle on Admiral Russo's actions it would have been him."
"I wonder if he's just that disgusted with him?" Cagalli offered.
"I doubt it very much," Kira said.
Rachel considered things for a few minutes, before shrugging. "Sebastian is technically Anthony, and by extension, everyone else's superior officer. He is the task force commander. I suppose he'll show up when he feels like it. As for the three of you, come with me. And let me welcome you guys aboard the Seawolf." The four went below decks. This was the first time any of them had set foot on the massive submarine carrier.
Athrun found himself remarkably at home, probably due to his prior experiences on ZAFT's submarine carriers. "I have to say this is a rather nice boat, Captain Dupree. Definitely puts the old Cousteau to shame." The Red Knight thought of the Vosgulov that had shuttled the Zala Team down when they were pursuing the Archangel on Earth. "ZAFT might have had some problems if the Earth Alliance had something like this to throw at us back then."
Rachel gave the Red Knight a wide smile of pride as they passed through the corridor. "Thank you for the seal of approval, Athrun. It is Anthony's pride and joy after all." Her smile faded a little as they walked the gleaming silver halls. "It's a good thing too. You see this was originally created by Yukimasa's father, and his son, Ghina, gave the blueprints to the Earth Alliance as part of the deal to help create the Heliopolis Gundams. So it's not the only one of its type, although it is head and shoulders above the Vosgulovs. Still, I've heard the new Block III ships could give it a run for its money."
"Key word is possibly!" Everyone squared their faces at the sound of that voice. In front of a large metal door stood Anthony at parade rest, his eyes two glowing pieces of emerald. Wearing his flightsuit, helmet under his arm. "I don't usually tout my prowess that much, but when I say this ship is the most advanced of its kind in the world." He got right in Cagalli's face. "I mean it." Cagalli wanted to summon her usual stubborn anger, but the way he said those three words, and how they dripped with a cold authority made her hesitate just a bit. He straightened himself a little. "Given how our last meeting left, I thank you for being prompt, follow me."
The door opened, revealing a room set up with simulator pods arrayed in a semicircle while another pod stood apart on a raised pedestal. All three silently admitted it was an impressive setup. These pods were state of the art, most likely Anthony's handiwork. "Get in the pods. There's a little simulation I've written up. It's something I need you guys to see. I want you to understand how it was supposed to work." They all knew exactly what Anthony was talking about.
"And why should we do anything we tell you?" Cagalli put her hands on her hips. "It's plainly obvious that you're just doing this to stroke your own ego and put us in our places!" Anthony said nothing, just giving her that icy emerald glare he'd perfected over the years.
"Forgive me if I'm a little skeptical about this, Anthony." Kira finally spoke. "You have our mobile suit data in the system. And given your prowess in such matters. You would have more than ample time to analyze the weak points of all our machines and prepare a countermeasure." Kira said, knowing of his tactical acumen.
Anthony's smirk held no warmth. "You would be right, but it's not going to change anything now, is it?" Inwardly he felt pride at how Kira wasn't quailing as he would have in the last war. The White Knight may not like fighting, but he wasn't whining about it wasn't his business. "You are here to learn just what it is my weapons are capable of, and how when used properly they could ensure Orb would never be touched."
"I'm more impressed at the fact that you managed to get this equipment to fit in such a confined space like on a sub!" Athrun's respect for Anthony had gone up a couple of notches. "What kind of fabrication process did you use to pull this off?" He said.
"Sorry, that's classified." Anthony quipped, not ashamed at using the most cliche military line in history. "Please board the pods, folks. We don't have all day."
So they did just that. Kira climbed into Pod 1, Cagalli took her place in Pod 2, and Athrun settled into Pod 3. Anthony's face appeared on the screen in each pod. "I'll be in Pod Zero. Each of the pods has been programmed with the data of your respective mobile suits, so just do what you do normally." He then gave a wide smile. "And most importantly, Just have fun!" Everyone became instantly unsettled at the White Wolf's expression.
The pods came to life, and Kira saw he was hovering over the ocean, flanked by the Justice on his right and the Akatsuki, armed with the Oowashi Pack, on his left. It looked peaceful enough, but the White Knight, Red Knight, and Lioness knew better than to underestimate the skill and tenacity of the Arctic White Wolf. "Everyone keep your heads on a swivel," Athrun said shifting to commander mode, eyes scanning the ocean. "Knowing Anthony he could hit from anywhere and with anything."
"Glad to see you're taking this seriously." The Wolf's voice cut in, frigid and unfeeling. He was now fully immersed in his role as a sniper. "Too bad it's not going to help you. Do you know what's one of the biggest flaws in any soldier's thinking? They don't think to look up or down!" It took all of five seconds for the trio to figure out where he was going to strike first.
"Break! Break! Break!" Athrun barked, and the three Gundams scattered as a 105mm shell streaked from the depths. Seconds later the conning tower of the Seawolf erupted from the sea. The stark white form of the MBF-P06 Gundam Astray Blizzard Frame on the forward deck, a sniper rifle in hand. Cagalli was the first to open fire. The white titan leapt into the sky to evade, the emerald lance splashing harmlessly into the ocean. The Blizzard Frame landed on the upper deck, taking aim at the Akatsuki.
Only for the Freedom to swoop in, firing the plasma cannons. The White Wolf fired back with three shots in quick succession, before quickly evading a barrage from the Justice's Cervus and Volucris machine guns. A panel on the deck extended up, which the Blizzard Frame ducked behind for cover, the kinetic shells embedded in the thick armor plating covering the hatch. The barrel of the Yuki Ookami protruded out, firing at the Freedom. Kira managed to evade the worst of it, but the white Gundam did get clipped above the right hip.
Cagalli was quick to defend her brother. The Akatsuki's gilded beam shielding deflected the second round from the white Astray. It was the Blizzard Frame stepped out of cover, as if daring them to attack. "You had this coming to you!" She cried, firing the twin beam cannons. But the Blizzard Frame remained in place as a cylindrical object extended upward. The machine reached into the cylinder, pulled out a white shield, and used it to protect himself. Slamming the shield on the deck, the Yuki Ookami came to rest upon it.
Athrun felt the bottom of his stomach drop out as he found himself staring directly down the gleaming barrel of Anthony's very large gun. Training and experience kicked in, and the red-trimmed Lupus came up, firing back at the Blizzard Frame. Both shooting at the same time. The Red Knight didn't wince as the right-wing of the Fatum was burned away, he scored the first hit on the White Wolf as the left shoulder armor was scorched by Justice's attack.
Cagalli was quick to follow up, swinging her double-bladed beam saber at the Blizzard Frame's head. But Anthony wasn't sitting still. He grabbed the shield, letting the flaming blade bounce off before throwing the sheet of laminated armor at the Justice. Athrun ignited a beam saber, cleaving it in half. He then aimed the Fortis at Anthony, the twin beams finding their mark, one getting the Blizzard Frame in the right shoulder, the second hitting in the left forearm, blasting the beam rifle out of its hands, sending the weapon clattering to the deck. A pained grunt came over the speakers, but none of them paid it much mind.
"We got him!" Cagalli said, swooping in with beam saber ready. "Athrun, let's go! Kira, provide cover fire!" She swung her glowing weapon, raking it across the Blizzard Frame's right leg. The Justice's double-bladed Lacerta then impaled the mobile suit in the shoulder. More pained grunts and growls could be heard from the Arctic White Wolf.
Kira hung back, watching as his comrades continued wailing on the stricken Astray Frame. "This isn't right. A few minutes ago he was holding off all three of us. But now he's just taking it, not even bothering to defend himself." A part of him was making him uneasy at how passive The White Wolf had become while the Justice and Akatsuki continued picking the white Astray apart. It actually sounded like he was being hurt by the multiple attacks upon him. "I know they're both angry at what Anthony did, but this is just plain unfair to him."
"I'm grateful for your concern, Kira. But who said this is an unfair fight? I'm just letting your sister and best friend blow off some steam." Kira gritted his teeth at the far too chipper tone in Anthony's voice. Athrun and Cagalli felt rising terror in their hearts. "I'm just getting warmed up! Seawolf, this is White Wolf Actual, prep the G-P pack for my use right now!" A hatch on the fore deck opened, and a dark shape rocketed into the sky. At first glance, it reminded Kira of one of the old Skygraspers from back in the day. But a part of him knew it worked the same way the Minerva's Silhouette pack launcher worked.
The Blizzard Frame launched into the sky, catching up with the strange device. To the three pilots' shock. The other machine broke apart, forming around the machine. "MBF-PO6 Gundam Astray Unit 6, developed at Morgenroete's main Onogoro facility here on Earth while the other five units were developed at the branch facility on Heliopolis. Unit 6 was left in storage in a half complete state until I got my hands on it. I put the nuclear reactor from my old GuAIZ Experimental Firearms Type in it, and made some other special modifications to it. Which you are about to see!" His voice became cold again, although he sounded a little winded. "It's time for you scrubs to see how sharp my fangs are!"
The armor began connecting to the Blizzard Frame, the entire upper torso was covered in the heavy layered armor in a camouflage pattern of different shades of grey, slamming shut with firm, metallic thuds, and clangs. Kira thought it looked like the mobile suit had just been given the mechanical equivalent of steroids. A giant backpack connected to the mobile suit's behind a pair of arms with simple metallic claws folded upward, waving about ominously. "Meet the Blizzard Frame Paladin!"
The Arctic White Wolf now had a huge array of weaponry trained on his three opponents. A blocky, heavy-looking beam cannon that could match any of the Freedom's arsenal mounted on the right side of the backpack swiveled around. Athrun nervously eyed the six-tube missile launcher on the left side of the backpack aimed right at the Justice, the tips of the warheads catching the simulated sun. A blinding array of shields protruded off the mobile suit's armored structure. It grabbed two of the shields, to which a pair of dark metallic barrels jutted out on the one clenched in the right hand, pointing it at the three Gundams.
Kira summed it up best. "I think we're fucked." And with that, the Blizzard Frame ignited the huge array of verniers on its back, rushing at the Freedom. The shield gun letting loose a flurry of the familiar green bursts. The White Knight barely had time to raise his shield, let alone get out of the way as the Blizzard Frame's metallic fist reared back, punching the Freedom right in the face. While the point-blank strike from the beam cannon melted off the left shoulder armor entirely, exposing the shoulder joint.
The Gerbera was drawn, the intricate banded patterns of light weaving through the dark metal-like currents of water. Kira swung, but Anthony was faster, the blade bounced off the shield. Athrun and Cagalli joined in the fray, wielding their signature double-bladed weapons, trying to get Anthony from behind. The beam cannon swiveled around, Cagalli put herself in front of Athrun, the Yata-No-Kagami barely tanking the blast before sending it back. One of the arms on the backpack snatched a shield letting the beam disperse, while also defending from the fiery blades swung in its direction.
The Blizzard Frame Paladin didn't even flinch. Athrun and Cagalli's frustration and while they wouldn't say it, their fear, was growing by the second. The Arctic White Wolf was proving to be a greater challenge than they thought, and his mobile suit lived up to its name. A frozen storm consuming all in its path. A great force of nature that would blow away even the golden warrior of the sun and the red champion of justice. The White Wolf's fury was released in a flurry of beams and projectiles from the cannon, missile launcher, and twin double-barreled shield rifles. The Justice was battered relentlessly. The Justice's anti-beam shield melted and buckled trying to keep from being obliterated.
"Athrun!" Cagalli cried, letting loose with the full array of her mobile suit's firepower. But it was nothing to the armored titan. The beams splashed harmlessly off the heavily reinforced armor, which Cagalli reasoned was laminated.
"He's a true beast!" Athrun rasped, almost forgetting that he was in a simulator. "At this rate, he's going to wipe me out!"
Athrun's relief came in the form of a barrage of plasma beams, 110mm shells, and particle beams lanced out. The Blizzard Frame Paladin turned to see the Freedom, Gerbera Straight in hand as the weapons slowly retracted back in. Forgetting about the others, the White Wolf charged directly at the White Knight. The Freedom brought the mighty blade up to a guard stance. "You may have been right from the beginning, Admiral Russo. Perhaps a weapon like Tempest is needed. I can't judge you for reacting the way you did."
A mirthless chuckle came over the speakers. "Well, someone's been soul searching. I'm glad you've come to that conclusion Kira. However, in light of that. I still need to make my point known. You are the biggest threat here." Kira didn't flinch at the gleaming double barrels of the shield rifles the Paladin held. "So you'll fall first!" The green beams flowed from the barrels as the dark blue blade swung across the horizon, cleaving them in twain.
"That may be so, but I won't make it easy for you!" He proclaimed. The White Knight's mighty steed charged forth, its blade in hand. Kira went for the starboard shield rifle. The finely honed edge looked to cleave into the shield itself. But the fangs of the wolf weren't so easily chipped. He twisted the weapon at a slight angle, letting the Gerbera bounce off before unloading an energy burst right into the Freedom's gut. The pod was illuminated in angry scarlet light as error messages flashed across the screen.
He tried to swing the Gerbera again, only for it to be caught by one of the shield rifles. The Blizzard Frame Paladin flicked its wrist, causing the blade to shatter into millions of fragments. "A fair effort, Kira." The armored hand came up to the Freedom's chest. "But not good enough. You rely too much on the Gundam's power." A metallic thud echoed. "Meet the heat pile. It will be the last thing see or hear. Rest in peace." Freedom dropped to the ocean, a smoking hole in its chest. Athrun and Cagalli watched it hang in the air for a second before it exploded in a giant fireball, the largest pieces being an arm and a railgun barrel.
"NO!" Cagalli screamed, forgetting all about it being a simulation. Letting out a wordless cry of rage she lunged at the Paladin with her beam saber. Only for it to be effortlessly batted aside. The armored Astray Frame wheeled about to punch the Akatsuki square in the face. Grabbing the golden mobile suit by the head, crushing it inwards before tearing it off entirely. It fell into the depths of the ocean below. Tears fell down Cagalli's cheeks as she stared into the cold green eyes of the Blizzard Frame Paladin, just as the White Wolf's own.
"Cagalli, I understand you love Orb more than anything else. But you of all people must know that ideals mean nothing if you don't have the strength to defend them. Yukimura got inside your head, and it clouded your judgment." A rough cough escaped his lips. "Not to mention there's your usual inflexibility and stubborn pride. As such you make mistakes and thus." The heat piles lanced out again, punching holes in the Akatsuki's torso. "You always lose." The Akatsuki's body went limp before it too joined the Freedom in simulated oblivion.
It was all too much for Athrun to take. He was frozen at the carnage laid out before him. He barely registered Anthony's words to him. "You're way too hung up on the past, Athrun." Anthony sounded exhausted. "I will fully admit I overreacted with the Tempest launch. But I never intended to wipe out the entire planet as your father did. I'm rather insulted you'd equate me to him based on that alone."
"Just end it, already." Athrun was resigned to his fate. "You've proven your point. Anthony." But then Anthony began coughing rapidly, clearly in great pain. "Anthony?" The Red Knight became worried. Just what was going on in his simulator pod? The screen went dark and the pod opened up. He climbed out as Kira and Cagalli did the same. The twins were clutching their ears slightly. "What happened to you two?"
"The cockpits were pressurized. The minute we were defeated they opened and our eardrums popped." Kira said. "But I think what was done was minor compared to Anthony." All of them looked in horror at the sight of Pod 0, smoke coming from the seams of the hatch. It slowly extended open and Anthony crawled out, crashing to the ground, his clothes ripped and burned.
"Anthony!" Kira called out, running to him. His face was covered in soot, and he was bleeding above his left eye. He stopped in his tracks when the White Wolf growled, his head snapping up to look at him with cold white, red-rimmed eyes.
"Are you satisfied?!" He snarled, looking feral. "Did the three of you get your pound of flesh? Well, I hope it was worth it!" He struggled to his feet, growling in pain as he clutched his left leg. "You called me less of a man, Cagalli. I think I've proven otherwise today!" He winced with each step.
"Okay, I was wrong! Anthony please, you're hurt!" Cagalli exclaimed, all of her anger toward the sniper now officially gone. All that mattered to her at that moment was getting him some medical attention He stumbled a couple more feet. Before his eyes turned to their normal green, rolling back into his head as he hit the floor with a sickening crunch. All three ran to their stricken friend, and winced at the sight of blood staining the left leg of his flight suit.
"That looks like a fracture," Kira noted, wondering how much pain Anthony must be in. "What was the story with those simulator pods?"
"YOU DUMB IDIOTS!" All three of them froze at the voice none of them thought they'd hear again. But there was Loretta Frost-Russo in a wheelchair, along with Rachel and a team of medics. The latter with a wheeled gurney which they placed their commander on before hurriedly taking Anthony to sickbay. "I hope you're all happy! Now it's my husband's turn to be in a hospital bed." The redhead wheeled herself forward to get in their collective faces.
Rachel put a hand on her sister-in-law's shoulder. "Loretta, please calm down. They don't understand how Anthony works. What happens when someone criticizes him when he's only done his best for those around him." She sent a pointed glare at Cagalli before softening and letting out a light sigh. "You've only ever known the Arctic White Wolf, the sniper, and Rear Admiral Russo, the commander. You've never met Anthony Russo, the engineer. He takes his work in that particular circle very seriously, to a very dangerous degree in fact."
The Iron Dove looked at the still smoking pod. "Whenever he designs anything, and I do mean anything. He always tests it out on himself. These simulator pods are fitted with the latest in sensors that replicate things to them in the real world as possible. Atmospheric pressure, damage. It takes a toll on him every single time. More than once he crawls out of that thing, battered and exhausted. But this is the first time he's been injured so badly."
"We both warned him about this." Loretta huffed, folding her arms. "But it's just like him to go to any lengths when he feels he's right." She sniffled, a tear forming in her eye. "Even if it means risking his life."
"I can't believe he'd go so far just to prove a point!" Cagalli exclaimed.
"I can." The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due entered, hands in his pockets. "This is classic White Wolf. It's why I didn't show up. I already got this lesson once, so I didn't need it again." His gaze fell upon his fellow Gundam pilots. "I don't know about you, but I think it's time we put this whole mess behind us. Anthony screwed up, but we all overreacted. Once he's out of traction, let's all just forgive and forget so we can focus on the matter of the war. That's where our attention needs to be, and we need Anthony's tactical and strategic know-how. Who knows? Maybe Tempest could actually save our lives in the future."
"You're right," Kira said. "I concluded that I was just being a hypocrite since Freedom's able to do as much damage as that missile possibly could. I'm just sorry I couldn't say it to him earlier." Both Athrun and Cagalli bowed their heads, realizing they would have to do some soul searching themselves. The Storm Wolf said nothing, before pulling his Blackberry out one more time. He began typing out a text. There was no turning back from here.
(February 26th, C.E. 74)
Anthony paced nervously in the park. He had forgone his uniform, instead wearing khaki pants, a white t-shirt, and a vintage leather jacket issued by the Germans in WWII, but of the Luftwaffe, a thick metal zipper running down the middle, and zippered pockets along the front. The Arctic White Wolf sighed, taking a seat on the bench as he downed some bottled water. Four days had passed while Anthony recovered from his injuries. To his surprise, he found his phone next to him on the nightstand with a text comprising of two words. Let's Talk.
"Yo Buddy, Still Alive?" Four simple words that held so much meaning, not just to the Wolf of Lightning, but to the Wolf of Ice as well. Anthony looked up and Sebastian was standing there, looking uncertain, like his brother, he had eschewed his uniform for casual clothing. His dark green v-neck shirt, black pants and boots, and his ancestor's Kriegsmarine leather jacket. He took a place on the bench next to him.
For a long time, neither the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due nor the Arctic White Wolf said a single thing. The two men just stared at each other for nearly five minutes. Anthony finally broke the silence. "I suppose we both have things to say. If you don't mind, I'd like to go first." Sebastian just gave a slight nod.
Anthony took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Sebastian. I should have trusted you more, and read you in on Tempest's full capabilities from the very beginning. The only reason I didn't was that I was afraid of the data on Tempest getting leaked back to Lord Sahaku. I'm well aware of his technical prowess, and improving on it." He rolled his eyes when he mentioned that. "But you know should have known, because you're my brother and you don't don't keep secrets from family."
Sebastian took a few steps forward, coming eye to eye with him. He reached for a handout, resting it on his shoulder. "And I'm sorry for slugging you in the jaw, calling you a traitor, and generally being a first-rate assclown. Because you're my brother too. Brothers will argue with each other. Brothers will fight over stupid things. But ultimately, Brothers forgive each other."
The two men's eyes watered up, finally glad they had put their feelings out in the open. The younger Wolf snorted, a mute laugh escaping his lips. "On the plus side, we both have something in common now, Anthony." Sebastian chortled. "We've both done incredibly stupid things that almost got us killed. I let Rau goad me into fighting him with an inferior mobile suit, and you decided to drop a giant ass missile on our heads!" Anthony's lips twitched, and soon both of them were laughing about it.
Anthony removed his glasses, wiping them off. The laughter had been a much-needed release of emotion. "Yeah, I guess I can't get on your case for the whole mess at Ame anymore, can I? But should really be laughing about the whole thing?"
"Well, if you're not laughing, you're crying. And me, I'd much rather laugh. It's a lot healthier." Sebastian reasoned. "Let me put it this way. Neither of us will ever fall into that trap again. We'll both make sure of that." Sebastian said, and Anthony gave a nod of acknowledgment. "So I guess all debts are paid now?"
A sinister grin crossed the older man's lips, as his fingers curled up into a fist. "Not quite." The White Wolf's right arm whipped out, a picture-perfect hook punch connecting with the Storm Wolf's jaw, sending him down to a knee. "Now all debts are paid."
Grunting, rubbing his jaw. Sebastian just nodded. "All debts are paid indeed." He stood up, holding his arm out. "On the same page?"
Anthony grinned, reaching out to grasp his brother's forearm, before leaning in for a brief hug. "Playing on the home team." The sniper's face became serious. "Listen Pup. I'm calling a special briefing for everyone in Task Force Angel in one hour. It will be full disclosure, nothing held back. Besides, I have a lot of fences to mend."
"And I will be standing right alongside you for every minute of it," Sebastian said. The two shared a fist bump before walking back to base, arms around each other shoulders. "By the way, you did remember what today is, right?"
"How could I forget?" Anthony clapped Sebastian on the shoulder. "Happy Birthday, Pup." The Storm Wolf was never happier to be called that again. "You made it to the big 22. Here's hoping we make it another year alive."
"And we will do it together," Sebastian added. With that, the enmity between the Twin Wolves had vanished and things were now looking much brighter.
(Kendrick Base, Briefing Room)
"I wonder what this is all about?" Shinn wouldn't have to wait long to get answers as the door opened. Everyone sprung up and snapped to attention. In walked Lieutenant-General Sebastian Connor and Rear Admiral Anthony Russo, the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and Arctic White Wolf, side by side, shoulder to shoulder.
Kira and Athrun couldn't help but grin, and happy tears formed in Rachel, Loretta, Flay, and Lacus's eyes. The Twin Wolves were reunited once more. They could see the loyalty in each other's eyes renewed and stronger than ever before. Sebastian and Anthony offered their best salute to the people under the command. "As you all were!" Sebastian spoke in his best commander's voice. "Admiral Russo has something he would like to say to everyone. Please be seated."
Anthony took the podium. "As you can all see, General Connor and I have made our reconciliation. I would in turn like to apologize to everyone assembled here. What I did was wrong. You all looked to me and trusted me with your lives, and I nearly threw them all away due to my overreaction of one casualty, even if it was my wife." Loretta just blew a kiss at him. "Nothing can ever fully erase that sin, but I hope you're willing to look past it and continue working with me to end this war."
"This briefing is to inform all of you of the work I've done over the past three years, the various weapons I developed, and how they all work. Pay close attention, this will all be on the exam later."
Author's Notes: Did everyone really think I would leave the guys at odds for any extended length of time? Yeah Right! The relationship between Sebastian Connor, the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due, and Anthony Russo, the Arctic White Wolf, is the foundation of almost all my Gundam-related stories. Even if they have their moments, their bond isn't so easily broken. They always find their way back to each other.