Welcome, everyone to the eight chapter of Flight of the Intruders- Seeds of Freedom. Here, the Archangel and its crew were given its second (and certainly needed) break and a chance to lick its wounds as well as resupply.
Despite the proverbial calm before the storm (that also served as this chapter's title), there are things that will be addressed here. Also, much like the real calm before the storm, it would not last long either and thus trouble will come full force yet again.
So, please read and enjoy this chapter, lovingly titled...
Chapter 8 – The Calm before the Storm
Meeting Room, Secret Docking Bay, Orb Union
Uzumi Nara Athha was sitting on a long table with his daughter, Cagalli Yula Attha on his right and former Vice Foreign Minister George Allster on his left. Colonel Leodonir
Facing him were the three superior officers of the powerful warship and mobile suit carrier, Archangel.
The captain of the ship, Lieutenant Commander Murrue Ramius was flanked by her Executive Officer Lieutenant Natarle Badguiruel and unofficial Flight Boss Lieutenant Commander Mu La Flaga.
The black-haired executive officer had sat on her superior's left while the Flight Boss sat on her right.
Usually, the three officers were enough for this particular discussion but with the existence of a third and more powerful mobile suit in the Archangel's hanger bay, all personnel involved or had intimate knowledge of the said mobile suit's existence was also called in.
This was why Ensign William Zapanta and Second Crewman Tolle Koenig were also called to the said meeting.
With them were Chief Petty Officer Kojiro Murdoch, Second Crewmen Flay Allster, and Miriallia Haww.
The two pilots of the winged gundum had sat on Mu's right with William sitting closer to the blond ace. Kira had also sat beside his best friend.
The rest were sitting on the Archangel's Executive Officer's right with Miriallia sitting the furthest to the right.
"Hmm," The former chief representative of ORB Union was reading the detailed report about all three mobile suits' specifications and capabilities. "I guess this is quite a development, everyone."
"Uzumi, now you know why I had undertaken such extreme measures just to board the Archangel besides my daughter's presence in the ship." George said after a sip of brewed coffee. "If either or all mobile suits fall into the hands of the Earth Alliance or ZAFT, this war would escalate even further."
"Yes, I understand what you mean." The bearded gray haired former leader said with a heavy sigh. "The Strike and Aegis themselves would be a deciding factor in the war but not as much as Wing Zero."
Seeing the rather forlorn face of the lone Coordinator, he then added. "My apologies for not considering your accomplishments and machine when I said that, Mr. Yamato."
"None taken, Mr. Attha." Kira replied with a slight blush as he had smiled a bit at the given attention. "Actually, seeing Wing Zero in action plus knowing the existence of the ZERO system is enough to scare me, even more so, if it were to be used by either ZAFT or the Earth Alliance for its future campaigns."
"Wait, back up there, Kira." Cagalli said as she was intrigued by the so called ZERO system. "Can you guys explain what the ZERO system is and what makes it so dangerous?"
"Yeah, Zero had never even explained it to me in detail when I asked him about it so what gives?" Flay said to further pressure the now sweating brunet Coordinator.
Thankfully, everyone was apprised of the gundum having an artificial intelligence yet the words said by the red head still raised a few brows for some of the people in the room.
"I'll give that one a shot since I have used it a few times," William said as he had explained the mechanics of the Zoning and Emotional Range Omitted (ZERO) system.
From what he had experienced as well as from what the AI had told him, the gundum pilot was not surprised at the looks of horror from everyone in the room.
"Whoa, no wonder you looked like you were in a trance when you had first used it before we landed in Africa." Mu said as he had rubbed his chin in thought. "Thank the gods; you didn't go berserker on us too."
The young women had even shed a few tears at the part when William had gone berserk the very first time he had used it in his time with the space pirates.
Thankfully, the fact that the gundum also has an AI that stands as a failsafe system should something go awry.
"I see," Uzumi said as William had finished his tale and explanation of the said system. "This is distressing news indeed. Even with the few advantages the system would bring to its pilot, they are not enough to even justify its use in war."
"Still, I would like to offer our services for the repair of the Archangel and its complementary fighters in exchange for some data extracted from all three mobile suits as well as the cooperation of the pilots involved." He said gravely.
Natarle was about to protest; saying that it should be up to her superiors in Alaska to decide on the correct course of action when George had cut her off.
"Miss Badguiruel, considering the dangers that Wing Zero possess, would you actually let your superiors order for a mass production of the mobile suit that would only worsen the situation even more?"
"Please clarify on what you mean by worsening the situation, Mr. Allster?" The Archangel's Executive officer had replied while trying to hold her anger back.
"Let me answer this one, old friend." Uzumi had told the former EA politician. "Listen well, everyone. Even without the ZERO system, Wing Zero is still a very powerful weapon system since its gundanium alloy would keep it in battle longer than the others since it does not use Phase armor, thus having more power available to its formidable beam weapons and fusion engines."
After taking a sip of water, he then continued. "Furthermore, its Twin Buster Rifle and Planet Defensors are very effective offensive and defensive systems respectively. And I'm not even starting on its stealth systems that were later added to it yet. I'm quite sure that the balance of power would move to the Alliance before ZAFT would either copy or improve upon such systems. In short, we may be looking at nearly invincible weapons of mass destruction in the near future."
"I don't know about you guys, but Mr. Attha has a point." Tolle had gotten the courage to speak up. "I myself felt invincible whenever I have piloted Zero. I mean, almost no one could touch me and I don't even need Phase Armor to do it."
He then added. "I can even vaporize a land battleship if I had used the Twin Buster Rifle at full power as Zero had told me the other day."
Miriallia had felt pride at how her fiancé had stood up to the black haired lieutenant and even said his bit in front of two of the most influential people on Earth.
The brown haired woman had sighed happily at the recent memory of him kneeling on one knee after their make out session in the bridge and asking her to be his wife.
Miriallia said yes without a thought as she had seen Tolle grow up from a happy go lucky college student to a mature young man who had seen how precious life and people really could be.
A few seats away, Murrue did comfort the other woman with a slight squeeze on the latter's right shoulder since Natarle had looked lost at this point.
"Alright, I can see how dangerous Wing Zero's capabilities could be even if it was mass produced but how about the Strike and the Aegis, could they provide the same dangers?"
Natarle said after whispering her thanks to her superior.
She was having mixed feelings with how the situation was being handled and how would the Supreme Council of the Earth Alliance actually decide with the three weapons that could very well change the war entirely.
On one hand, providing the Alliance with the data taken from the three mobile suits would give their fellow soldiers a fighting chance against the mobile suits of ZAFT.
On the other hand, if those data were to be used to make weapons that would kill millions of people even innocent civilians then whatever nobility she had gotten for introducing the data would be lost forever.
Natarle was so much into her thoughts that she was shaken awake by a worried Murrue while Kojiro was explaining the basics of an ultra-compact nuclear fusion reactor and how it could be duplicated.
"Are you alright, Natarle?" The brown haired captain had asked her Ex-O in a stage whisper.
"Uh yeah, I'm just blanked out there for a minute. So how did they react to my question?"
"Well, considering that the Aegis and its sister suits were stolen by ZAFT, then providing the Strike's and Aegis' specifications to the Earth Alliance would level the playing field a bit. Wing Zero is another matter entirely."
"That's good," The black haired Lieutenant said with a small smile as she had brushed a stray strand over her gray eyes. 'Zero is way too dangerous for anyone except for those who could handle its eccentricities and power.'
"Alright, it is decided then." Uzumi said with finality. "We will still take the necessary data and may use it to enhance our own technology but the ones that would be too cumbersome or dangerous for use will be erased completely. I hope this would be to everyone's liking."
Hearing the cheers from some of the people was enough for him to know that he had made the right decision.
"That is all. Thank you for your time, Ladies and Gentlemen."
-oOo-
With the meeting adjourned, the former ORB Chief Representative had left with Cagalli in tow as the various maids had led the others to their temporary quarters.
The three officers had declined for the moment for a secondary meeting in the currently dry docked warship.
Kojiro had followed them as he still had some repairs to direct for the two Skygraspers that were in the hanger beside the three mobile suits.
An ORB lieutenant had led Kira and William back to where the mobile suits would be fixed. This had left Flay, Tolle, and Miriallia to head for their rooms and sleep.
Outside the secret hanger, three mobile suits, two of which were white and blue and the last one - red in color, were following a jeep towards the next mountain on foot.
When the strange looking convoy had arrived at the end of the road, a large chunk of the mountainside had slid open.
The convoy had continued on into cavernous hallway in the mountain itself, the huge camouflage door sliding to a close behind them.
-oOo-
In Murrue's office in the Archangel, Natarle was telling her feelings about the whole situation.
Both of her superiors had remained quiet as the black-haired lieutenant ranted and raved for half an hour about how the government of ORB had used their hospitality in order to retrieve such valuable data.
She had even added that if their ship was not critically damaged, they would have been halfway to Alaska by now.
"Lieutenant, what would you suggest?" Mu said as Natarle had calmed down a bit. "We swim to Alaska? The Zala team did a number on our engines during the battle, remember?"
"More than that, if the ship did avoid critical damage from the battle, we would still have to find a port of call to re-arm and re-supply." Murrue had added her own thoughts to the discussion. "ZAFT forces would just bomb those ports to kingdom come and starve us out until we finally surrender."
The Executive Officer was silent for a moment before saying. "Even though I understand what you're trying to tell me, all of this will still be stated on my report."
She had taken a few steps towards the door before turning around and saluting. "Good night, Captain."
Turning to the blond ace, she then added. "You too, Commander."
As soon as the door slid to a close, Mu had let out a shrill whistle as Murrue laid her head on her folded shoulders. "Like I said before, that woman scares the heck outta me."
Turning at the now sleeping captain, he had tapped twice on Murrue's shoulder before the brunette's sleepy voice was heard from her covered face.
"That's considered as sexual harassment, Commander."
Mu was shocked at the given implication of what Murrue had said. "It is? Well, I'll be damned."
The Air Group Commander had later left the room, still puzzled as to how his actions would be considered as sexual harassment.
In spite of herself, Murrue's lips had curved into a smile as she sat up after the door had closed once again.
-oOo-
The next morning, a VolPHAU fixed wing aircraft had arrived in ORB's military airport. The official word was that some dignitaries from ZAFT had arrived to pick up a very important person.
That person was Athrun Zala, son of Patrick Zala and fiancé of Lacus Clyne.
Athrun himself had kept his promise to Mr. Allster and with some help from Morgenroette's technicians had made a certain item that was sure to create a ruckus in the upcoming meeting in JOSH-A.
He then gave the said item to the former politician for safe keeping. George had made sure that only they and Uzumi Attha would know of the item and its real purpose.
The blue haired pilot was surrounded by Kira and the others but only to the door of the visitor's lounge where the other members of the Joule team were waiting.
As soon as the former politicians and Athrun had sat down, Uzumi had told the assembled Joule team. "I trust that you would not attack this country or even our special 'guests' as long as they are under our protective wing."
"Yes, we promise not to do either." Shiho said with a bit of steel in her voice.
Even she had felt a little embarrassed as the other three ZAFT pilots since they were chosen to pick up their fellow Red Coat in this public display of weakness. "May we now take our leave, your Eminence?"
"Yes," answered Uzumi as they had all left the room. The various security personnel had kept their eyes on the five Red Coats as they had left the building and headed for their plane.
As they watched the VolPHAU take off vertically and fly towards the direction of their Carpentaria base, Tolle had asked a question that everyone was thinking at the time – "Are these guys the ones that have harassed us all this time?"
Kira had thought for a minute before answering. "It would seem like it. I mean, when I heard the young woman named Shiho Hahnenfuss talk. I figured out that she was the one that got Athrun, William, and I say 'Yes, Ma'am' in stereo."
"Yup, now that was embarrassing fer all three of us." William had added to everyone's amusement.
"Wow, now that's one hell of a woman." Kuzzy said as he had put an arm around his brown haired friend and proceeded to give him a noogie. "Whoever she gets to be with, is one lucky bastard. That's for sure."
Only the girls had smiled to themselves since they had already figured out who Kuzzy was implying. It was actually pretty easy due to Shiho's and Yzak's body language towards each other.
"Let's head back since we're having some 'special guests' arriving at noon," Murrue said as she had herded the teens back to the waiting mini-bus parked just outside the terminal building's door leading outside.
"Thank you for the opportunity to let us see our enemies face to face," The Archangel's captain said to Uzumi as she and her crew had all bowed at the same time.
"Actually, it is my pleasure to give ZAFT a gentle nudge in the right direction." The older man had replied before letting loose a guffaw.
-oOo-
After the teens and their guardians had arrived at the Morgenroette factory where they met Erica Simmons, the senior engineer of the said factory.
She had led the group towards the landing bays where one M1 Astray mobile suit was still being kept.
The group had stared in surprise at the Strike look alike. Upon closer inspection, its vernier thrusters had resembled those of the Aile Striker pack but with additional wings sticking out from the back.
The brunet Coordinator had thought the wings were needed for better maneuverability.
When Kira asked why ORB would even need a mobile suit for, a rather loud feminine voice had interrupted the engineer's reply.
Cagalli then started her own rant about how ORB was supposed to be neutral yet had created weapons for the Earth Alliance.
"My lady, your father – Lord Izumi did not even know about the agreement between Morgenroette and the Earth Alliance." Erica said when she had interrupted the fuming princess. "More than that, he even took responsibility when Heliopolis was attacked and the reason behind it was uncovered."
"But-" Cagalli was about to add more when Kira had suddenly spoken up.
"Cagalli, I think I understand why he had to do it."
Seeing the young noblewoman's shocked stare at him, he then continued.
"The reasoning behind it is the same as what we had all discussed in the meeting earlier. Both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT forces need an equalizer after the other had made a significant jump in weapons development."
After seeing everyone else's shocked and confused expressions, he added. "It's not that I'd support their positions though. I'm just looking at it from a neutral point of view."
"Well then, I think I have the answer to questions about your berserker abilities." Erica said in an effort to change the subject and lighten up the atmosphere at the same time.
The thirty-something engineer then led the teens to the receiving room in the factory.
There she had explained to the teens, with the help of a computer and a projector, the existence of the Superior Evolutionary Element Destined factor in order to explain the enhanced abilities that Kira, Athrun, and Cagalli had experienced both in the desert and in the uninhabited island.
Erica had also explained that the SEED factor makes the user enter into a state of enhanced awareness and peak physical ability.
She had further added that user himself would demonstrate heightened reflexes and extremely fast information processing.
The downside would be a heightened rate of metabolism resulting in extreme hunger.
It was this fact that made both Kira and Cagalli blush heavily knowing how true that was to everyone else's laughter.
"Wow, since Cagalli has it too, we can't say that ability is exclusive to Coordinators." Sai said in awe at the fact that Cagalli has the SEED factor along with Kira.
"Don't forget, Athurn has it too." The blonde said with a sneer. "And he's one of the Le Cruset team that was following you guys since Heliopolis."
The joyous mood was quickly doused upon hearing the fact.
Erica then led them to a control center. In the said center, technicians have studied their computer screens for various graphs, tables, and scripts of computer language.
The technicians were so into their work that they only nodded at Erica and her accompanying group as the latter group had entered the said facility.
But it was what was seen beyond the glass screen that had made the group gasp in surprise. A trio of Astray units were standing in the testing area beyond and below the control center.
Both Erica and Cagalli had worn headsets as soon as they had entered.
Just before the senior engineer could start the test, a trio of female voices was heard from the mobile suits, greeting the newly arrived blonde in their own ways.
The blonde and the other three young women had exchanged words and insults in the airwaves to the amusement of the rest.
One time, one of the women had asked about the marital status of the guys who they thought was pretty cute. This had gotten Flay's and Miriallia's goat in a jiffy.
After they had grabbed some headsets for their own use, the two female crewmen of the Archangel had started an argument with the Astray pilots that was stopped by Erica herself.
She then chastised all of the girls and reminded them to act like young women not little girls.
The guys had to collectively turn around and stifle their laughter or face the women's wrath.
When they had turned back around, the girls' stares including those of the Astrays' eye cameras were enough to make them gulp in fear.
When everyone finally calmed down, the test drives of the Astray had finally begun in earnest.
-oOo-
In the first few minutes of the test drive of the Astrays, most of those who had seen the Strike in action could only hold their laughter at how pathetic the demonstration was turning out to be.
Unfortunately for the Astray pilots, Cagalli did not hold her tongue like the rest did.
"If you girls were in a real battle, you three would have been playing harps by now." She said with a smug grin.
This observation was answered by a variety of phrases from the Astray's pilot's themselves. A good example was from Mayura Labatt in Astray 03. "That was mean, Miss Cagalli."
This was immediately followed by Astray 02's Asagi Caldwell's answer. "She's only saying that since she can't pilot a mobile suit yet."
Even Juri Wu Nien had put in her own two cents when she said that the blonde was only bitter since the other girls with her were either engaged or already having a boyfriend.
Cagalli had to be held back by a combined force of Flay and Miriallia as the blonde was about to charge to the testing ground by herself.
The brown-haired controller also had to keep her left hand on the young woman's mouth to stem the stream of curses that Cagalli was more than happy to deliver.
Erica had ignored the ongoing commotion and told Kira that they had needed his help in making a mobile suit operating system.
The said operating system would have to make it easy for a Natural to pilot the mobile suit.
She had also said that Zero would also be on hand to provide some more input, if necessary.
Kira had agreed since he would do the same for the Aegis as well. After everything was said and done, the group then headed for their quarters for an hour's rest.
-oOo-
At noon time, the students were surprised to see their parents in the cafeteria waiting for them. Even Kira had welcomed his parents warmly.
The whole two hours were enough for the adults to understand the whole situation albeit most of them were still adamant about their children joining the military.
They were also shouts of congratulations and some serious talking between the Koenigs and the Hawws about Tolle and Mirallia's engagement.
Sai's parents were a little disappointed that his engagement with Flay was ended even though it was done amicably.
They had also called for both Flay and Kira to clarify that they did not force George's hand to end the engagement prematurely for their own selfish motives.
"Mom, I wanted to end it since Flay's more like a little sister to me rather than somebody that I'll spend the rest of my life with." Sai had nearly screamed in his anger and confusion. "I already met the one I'll propose to but for now, I have to do my duty."
The young man then left in a huff, leaving most of the people in the said room to gape in shock at what had just happened.
George had explained to the stunned Argylles that their son had fallen head over heels with a certain celebrity but their budding relationship was like a Romeo and Juliet type romance in more ways than one.
He had also led him to his temporary room to explain it further.
-oOo-
Sai had later joined Kira in the latter's bunk while the latter was making the necessary upgrading and re-programming of the operating system.
The bespectacled young man's job was to remind the brunet Coordinator to have a break every once in a while, since they could also talk a bit about their soon to be fiancées as well as provide some of his own knowledge in computer programming.
"Well, I do love Flay and she loves me back too but…" Kira had trailed off since he was embarrassed about what he would say next.
"But what?"
"Well, for one thing, she would surely be wearing the pants in our family." The brunet's cheeks were already beet red by then. "Plus, I'm a virgin in more ways the one."
"Oh," was all Sai had to say for a minute or so. "Well, if it would be of any consolation to you, both of us are virgins too. Mr. Allster made sure of that."
After a brief laugh between the two friends, Sai had helped as much as he could in the re-programming.
-oOo-
While Sai was helping Kira create the program for the new operating systems, Uzumi was waiting for his guests to arrive in his private den.
A gentle knock the door had alerted him to the first ones to arrive.
When the good lord opened the door, a rather confused Caridad and Haruma Yamato had entered with a bow.
"Lord Uzumi, could you tell us what had happened to our little Kira?" Caridad said as she had sat down on the couch opposite the gray haired former lord. "He's changed a lot recently and I can't really say it was for the better or for the worst."
"From what I can see, it would be for the better since he's growing up quickly." The former Chief Representative of Orb answered. "Coffee or Tea, Missus Yamato?"
"Tea, please."
Turning to Haruma, Uzumi had asked the same question.
"I'll have the same as her. Thank you."
The Lion of ORB then called for a maid to prepare two cups of Oolong teas and a cup of brewed coffee.
Turning back to the couple, he said. "The fact that Kira could pilot the Strike is quite an achievement by itself. Moreover, he has friends who are there to support him in whatever he will do."
"That's nice," Haruma said with relief. "Yet, this still brings us to the reason why you have called us here. Do you think it is time for us to tell him the truth?"
This time, Uzumi sighed since he too had prayed to Haumea that neither Kira nor Cagalli would ever meet yet it would seem the goddess or fate herself had other plans in mind.
"It is not yet the right time since they are still getting to know each other," he said simply. "That would make too many questions that cannot be answered yet."
The maid had arrived with the requested heated beverages along with another guest who had helped her by opening the sliding door into the room.
"I hope I'm not interrupting something," came from a throaty voice that the Yamatos had not even expected to hear since Sai Argylle's outburst an hour earlier.
"Take a seat, old friend." Uzumi said as he had patted the empty spot on his left side. "This may involve you as well."
Haruma was about to ask how George Allster would be involved in this matter when the said personality had beaten him to it.
"I could say that I'm involved since my daughter is now being dated by your son," he began. "But the reality is that I had known about the attacks on the Mendel Colony before it had even happened."
Looks of shock quickly had turned to anger as the couple had realized what the former Vice Foreign Minister was trying to convey.
"Yeah, I know, I'm a world class jerk who did nothing to save your sister and her husband." George said while he was trying to hold back tears at the remembrance of his dark past, his head hung low. "More than that, it is through my inability to interfere or even report my findings to the correct authorities that led to your sister's and your brother in law's death."
When the politician had finally looked up, tears were already streaming from his grey eyes, thus he continued. "I can't ask for any forgiveness from you or any family member of the researchers who had died there but I will make amends to the best of my ability even if it means forfeiting my life in the process."
Touched by George's tearful resolve to do the right thing, the Yamatos and Uzumi then talked about Kira's true origins as well as Cagalli's real relation to the brunet Coordinator. All of these were done while sipping on either tea or coffee.
George then felt his knees weaken before promising that he too would look after Kira when he and Flay do marry.
After the four adults had dried their tears, all of them said their goodbyes before they had left for their respective destinations.
-oOo-
While Sai and Kira were still creating a new program for the Astray mobile suits, Flay had joined Cagalli in the simulation room.
Both girls were flying computer generated Skygraspers against a multitude of ZAFT mobile suits and capital ships.
As it stands, Flay still has a lot to learn about piloting in general even though she had tried a few times with Wing Zero whenever she had gotten some free time.
As expected, Cagalli was doing pretty well for a Natural.
After the end of their first run, the blonde had turned to her seatmate and asked if she was doing well.
"I can't say I'm getting as good as you Cagalli," the red head answered. "But give me a few weeks and hopefully some actual flight time in Wing Zero, I'll probably be as good as you and Tolle."
"Atta, girl." Cagalli said with pride. "Wanna go for another round?"
"You took the words right out of my mouth."
-oOo-
The whole programming had taken a good two days, but it was worth it. Kira and Sai had celebrated it by eating their lunch on the second day beside Wing Zero.
The two humans and AI had talked about Tolle's recent battle performance and how the technologies that Zero had given up willingly to Erica would be utilized in the coming days.
If the two humans were to look at the farthest part of the Morgoenette factory, they would have seen a mobile suit being constructed with a prototype ultra-compact nuclear fusion reactor as its power plant.
On the fourth day of the Archangel's dry dock, fifty-five percent of the repairs to the ship were completed. Even Skygrasper Two was completely repaired, re-armed and recharged.
Even the Archangel and Wing Zero's reactors were being filled to the brim with Helium-3 particles to compensate for the ones that were used up in their shared journey from L-4.
In addition, the non-gundaminium parts of the winged gundum were given Phase Armor to provide the needed protection from projectile weaponry.
The engineers had calculated that the tinkered ultra-comapct fusion reactor was running at high efficiency and they had only added a few more batteries to power the Phase Armor.
By the fifth day, the new operating system was installed on the three Astray models as well as the Aegis. The only thing left was the road test itself.
-oOo-
While the Archangel's repairs were nearing completion nearly two weeks later, the Cousteau was also nearing the northwestern end of ORB's territorial waters.
It had taken a needed stop in a nearby islet to re-supply and get some needed fresh air for its passengers and crew.
Standing outside of the submarine's tower, Athrun was thinking on how they would approach the Archangel without being detected.
His musings were interrupted by a soft knock on the hatch leading to the outside of the submarine.
"You can come out now," he said without another thought.
"So Athrun, is the princess cute?" a youngish voice was heard after the hatch was closed with a clang.
"Nichol, I'd rather have you not follow Dearka's penchant for girls." The blue haired commander said as he had sat up from the hull with a slight pink visible in his cheeks.
"I'm not going to. Believe me," Nichol said with a slight blush. "It's just that I've heard that Miss Attha is a knockout even for a Natural. Even Dearka agreed with me on that one. Too bad, she wasn't with you when we had picked you up that time."
"She's only a knockout if her fists are clenched and both of them are nearing your face," Athrun had corrected with a smug smile. "Still, she's got plenty of spunk I'll give you that. What are you laughing at, Nichol?!"
"Sorry, it seems that our esteemed Commander fell head over heels in love with a princess." The green haired tactician said in between laughs. "Wish I could find a Natural girl to live the rest of my life with."
"Nichol, what's wrong with the girls in the PLANTs?" The blue haired Red Coat said in surprise to the point of forgetting the teasing prior to the shocking dialogue.
"Well, the girls in the PLANTs are pretty boring at times since they sometimes boast that they're prettier that the ones here on Earth." Nichol said as his explanation. "Besides, since the birth rate for second generation Coordinators is really low, I'd rather have someone who could have a child with me. I don't care if she's a Natural."
"Wow, I'm surprised at you." Athrun finally said as he had shaken the shock off his system. "I guess you'd be moving to ORB later on huh."
"Yeah, of course it's not the best position for a Red Coat." Nichol said as he had turned to the door. "It's just that… I want to live a peaceful life either here or in space with a family by my side. My parents would be a bit disappointed in me but I'm sure they'll understand in due time."
"They will," Athurn said with a light tap on his younger friend's back. "Besides, maybe I'll even join you."
"Maybe," Nichol replied as he reached the opened door. "See ya."
-oOo-
In the final week of Archangel's dry dock, a simulated six-way battle inside the massive test site of Morgoenette was about to start.
On one side, there stood the Strike along with the Aegis and Wing Zero. In front of them were the three Astray models.
For Mu La Flaga, this is his very first time piloting a mobile suit, much less a G-Weapon. Still, he had found the new operating system easy to work with as he had practiced a few body movements prior to the simulated fight.
Tolle had temporarily taken over the reins in Wing Zero since William was asked to not to participate for obvious reasons, like his superior piloting skills with regards to his opponent and his penchant to use the ZERO system in a fix.
The Filipino had taken it in stride since he would rather watch the fight from the safety of the viewing room with the girls.
For Kira, he had taken the upcoming event with mixed feelings. He had felt anxious that whatever reprogramming he, Sai, and Zero had done might not be enough to even the odds for the Astrays in a real battle.
When Erica said "Now, go" in the speakers surrounding the massive machines, the battle had started in earnest. This was simply a short-range duel between all six machines.
Mu had gotten himself paired with Juri who was the best in sword fighting. The blond ace was having trouble dodging and parrying at first but was soon able to go head to head with his opponent.
Kira had gotten Mayura so it was more of a fist fight as both mobile suits had turned off and hid their beam sabers.
Finally, Tolle had traded low powered plasma beams with Asagi, the sharpshooter. Both of them were careful not to hurt the other suits in the tightness of the space provided.
An hour later, the guys had won simply due to having more experience in fighting. The group then ate lunch with jokes being cracked and some teasing being given.
Uzumi, who had also watched the battle, was impressed with the quicker response of the M1s as well as the performance of the three prototype mobile suits.
He had noted that Wing Zero's height disadvantage with the rest of the mobile suits was more than equalized by its speed and power.
The rest of the days had passed by with Cagalli and Flay taking turns in the Aegis' shakedown along with Tolle.
Both teens had started slow but eventually were able to keep up with the Astray girls (at least Cagalli was).
This had made Uzumi worry since his daughter may use this knowledge to join the Archangel as the Aegis' spare pilot.
He then called Erica over to ask her about a new mobile suit being constructed for his daughter's use should she ever need it to defend their country.
The director had replied that the mobile suit's framework is currently being created and were only waiting for the gundanium that was being made in an undisclosed location in L2.
In addition, a few others were also to be built with the designs that Zero had provided them during its short stay but at a later time.
In the meantime, a second mobile suit was being made along with the first one and it would be ready within a month along with its specialized weapons pack.
A third is also being prepared but it is still lacking a pilot to guide it in battle.
After lunch, an elated Cagalli had taken the teens along with the three officers on a trip around town. Everyone was simply amazed that Coordinators and Naturals could co-exist peacefully.
They had even stopped by the Allster mansion where Flay did her best to act as a graceful hostess for the group. She did get annoyed with the various teasing she and Kira had gotten in return.
Kira had returned the favor by taking them to his house where Flay did some research on her fiancé's profile with some help from the Yamatos especially Caridad.
But like all good things, the whole time spent on Orb had come to an end. The crew then made their preparations for departure. The supplies were loaded on the Archangel's interior.
Two of the pilots were also adjusting to their new roles in the defense of the warship.
Mu was officially made the pilot of the Aegis while Tolle had taken over his place in Skygrasper One.
The brown-haired teen had also kept his old position of Archagel's co-pilot.
Flay was thinking of piloting Skygrasper Two but since Kuzzy had chosen to remain in ORB, she had figured that she would be too busy being the Communications Officer full time to even fly support in the middle of a battle.
Murrue was going to miss the vacation they had gotten for the past three weeks but she had reminded herself that she and her crew were going to complete their mission of delivering the Strike and Aegis to Alaska.
She was also worried about the news about the coming attack of the Panama mass driver under the so-called Operation Spitbreak as related to her and some of her crew by Kisaka.
For Natarle, she had felt a little giddy that their mission was underway after being sidetracked for three straight weeks. She then thought about getting a promotion for her efforts in trying to keep the timetable.
William was back in his new haunting grounds as he had watched the dry dock slowly being filling up with water. He then spotted Kira and Flay having a chat with Cagalli.
The chat had ended with hugs and kisses from all three before the couple went up the gangplank.
The blonde had spotted the Filipino from her place in the pier as the two teens had exchanged goodbyes and some good fashioned ribbing.
-oOo-
The three cruisers of ORB's naval fleet had set out to sea first to provide an armed escort to the leaving Archangel, their shared course being north by northwest.
As soon as the lead ships had reported that it was safe to come out, Murrue had given the order to start the engines.
In the meantime, the four pilots had suited up and were also sitting in their respective cockpits.
Flay was a little apprehensive about her decision to join the crew as their newest Communications officer.
Her father had to stay to help Uzumi talk to the Council about the upcoming danger from either ZAFT or the Earth Alliance. Kuzzy has also stayed behind to help his ailing family business in ORB.
This was why when the transmission from the lead cruiser came in about them heading for home, she was caught unprepared.
Murrue had to gently chastise the red head for not doing her duty.
"I'm sorry, Captain." The red head said as she had come back to reality. "I won't do it again."
To the microphone, she then added. "Archangel to Kangmaru, please say again your last transmission."
The response was simple and to the point. "We're heading back; may the gods guide you to your final destination."
"Captain, our escorts are turning back since we've gone past their territorial waters." Flay then said to her commanding officer.
"Tell them my thanks, Crewman."
"Kangmaru, we would like to offer our thanks for escorting us." The Communication officer said with a smile. "Farewell."
After the exchange, Flay was thinking that Athrun and his fellow pilots may attack them based on what Kira was telling her about during dinner.
Considering the fact that they were pretty much alone now, the attack could be a sure thing. She had made a silent prayer that they could get out of this alive.
Somewhere to her back and left, Miriallia was doing the same.
-oOo-
Down below, Tolle was familiarizing himself with the Skygrasper One's controls. As soon as he was sure which switch is for what function, the klaxons went off.
"Guess it's time to show our stuff," He had told everyone in earshot as his canopy had slowly went down before locking itself with a click.
Kira was told to plug the Agni cannon to a power cord from the Archangel for nearly unlimited power.
Tolle had his Skygrasper hold the spare Aile Striker Pack since the original was modified and docked to the Aegis which Mu is now flying.
Wing Zero was also given his modified Sniper beam rifle for use. The said weapon's power pack was modified for either a larger rate of fire or to be able to fire a more powerful beam.
As soon as the enemy was detected, the Archangel's missile launchers had released chaff and its dispensers had made smoke.
-oOo-
From the incoming Zala team, a large ground hugging smoke was seen in the horizon.
It was this smoke that had puzzled Athrun so he told everyone to slowly approach the weird weather phenomenon with caution. This was especially so since their scanners seemed to go on a fritz.
His suspicion was vindicated when two green beams were fired from the 'cloud'. This had gotten the Zala team to scatter as the beams seemed to be homing in on them.
Enraged, Yzak had Dearka follow him to the cloud only for both of their Guuls to be destroyed by direct hits.
Furthermore, both the Launcher Strike and Wing Zero had emerged from the said cloud to knock them into the water.
While the Strike had kicked the Buster off of its ride, the Duel was the recipient of powerful left cross from the winged gundum that had sent the former flying.
The remaining three mobile suits had acted quickly as they had attacked the waiting Strike and Wing Zero. Kira had fought the Blitz while William had taken care of the remaining two.
Even Tolle and Mu had joined the battle with the Aegis emerging from the cloud to engage the DINN that Athrun had flown in place of his lost mobile suit.
The Skygrasper pilot had provided some needed distraction for William as they had tangled with the lone red CGUE.
-oOo-
Sometime later, both Tolle and Kira had broken off from their battle with Mu and William picking up the slack.
Even then, Athrun had managed to break off from the rat race to witness the Skygrasper release its Striker Pack to the waiting Strike.
The former friends then engaged their respective SEED modes as they had clashed above the evading warship while Tolle headed back to retrieve the Sword Striker Pack.
Korinthos and Wombat missiles had screeched their eagerness as they had entered the battle zone as soon as the Skygrasper was tucked in the Archangel's bosom.
The various combatants still in the air had to either slash, shoot, or evade the incoming projectiles.
"Jeez, watch the missiles, Nat." William said in an open channel, annoyed at the fact that even he was getting shot at by the warship's missiles.
"What he said," Mu and Kira had added at the same time.
"Don't call me that, Will," was the quick and heated reply that got everyone (including the ZAFT pilots) smiling for a few seconds.
Shiho's machine was the most damaged and therefore had left the battle first. She then looked for her fallen comrades in the nearby islets below.
In the meantime, William had followed her down since the Duel and Buster may still be functional as such was still considered a threat while being chased by Nichol.
Soon, the remaining units had also chosen to fight on the ground to Natarle's surprise.
-oOo-
In the islets, the fighting became more harried as Zero had found the Duel and Buster before all four suits had engaged each other in a frenzied melee before the Blitz had joined in from above.
This had given Shiho enough time to escape and lick her wounds.
The Skygrasper and the Aegis had joined the winged gundum a little later since the former machine's batteries had to be topped off while the Sword Striker Pack was being installed to its rear.
Together, they had gotten both enemy mobile suits on the run.
In the meantime, Kira's battery was running low on power. He had called Tolle in the radio for the Sword Striker Pack as he had parried every slash the DINN was making on him.
William had taken over the fight while Kira had switched Striker Packs but he was forced to use the ZERO system just to keep up with Atrhun's SEED mode.
Kira had taken over while thanking his older friend on keeping the DINN busy for a few minutes.
Tolle then helped Mu take out the right arm less Blitz which was trying to escape with its Mirage Colloid on.
Some lucky hits by the Skygrasper's gun and missiles were enough to bring down the mobile suit for its later capture.
Athrun had realized that he was now alone and escaped, regretting his decision to leave Nichol to the enemy.
None of the others had pursued him since Mu was frisking Nichol at the time with the other machines either standing guard or hovering over the powered down Blitz.
-oOo-
Fifteen minutes later, the Archangel had hovered over the battlefield but what really surprised them were the appearance of the Astray suits as well as cruisers and destroyers of ORB's fleet.
The suits then carried the disabled Blitz to one of the cruisers while a destroyer crew had taken custody of the green haired Coordinator who sighed at his bad luck.
When the fighters came back to the Archangel, Cagalli had called them to inform them that the Blitz would be repaired and reprogrammed for an ORB's pilot's use.
As for the prisoner, he would only be deported back to Carpentaria since he too was the scion of a representative in the PLANTs.
-oOo-
In the Cousteau, Yzak had pounded his locker's door again and again as they were once again dealt with defeat against the legged ship.
He cursed the Strike and Wing Zero for being responsible for most of their losses.
Dearka and Shiho had kept silent as they were reminded of their defeat with the said units. This time, they also lost the Blitz in battle to a support fighter aircraft no less.
"Then again, let's consider ourselves lucky since Nichol is still alive." Dearka said as he had shrugged his shoulders.
This had made Athrun smile since he knew the green haired pilot's dream may come sooner than even they thought. This had gotten him some strange looks from the others but he had waved them off.
"Yeah, although we still have to notch a win on our side of the scoreboard." Shiho replied with a sigh. "I mean; they've got the Aegis now in their team which had helped a lot in taking down the Blitz. And what do we get in return - a funny picture of the Duel and the Buster playing around in the sand."
"Woman, we were NOT playing around in the sand!" The white-haired Coordinator had whirled on his fellow pilot as he said that, blushing as he did so. "That damn Wing Zero had forced us to jump off the land battleship that we were in and we couldn't even get out without help. I swear I could hear its pilot laughing as he had passed us by."
"Knowing whatsizname, he'll probably have taken a picture of us in that flyby." Dearka said with a blush as he had remembered feeling useless at the time. "Wait a second, who took that picture that you were telling us, Hahnenfuss."
"I don't know," The brown-haired pilot said in reply. "All I know is that it is being circulated in the ZAFT bases in the PLANTs and even in Carpentaria and Gibraltar. As for Wing Zero's pilot, I heard that his name is William Zapanta while the Strike's pilot is Kira Yamato."
"Oh shit," Both Yzak and Dearka said in loud voices before laughing maniacally. "That Intruder and the Strike are going to pay for humiliating us."
Both Athrun and Shiho had felt a large amount of sweat forming in the back of their heads as they had left the room quickly.
"Jeez, those two need a psychiatrist." Athrun was saying to Shiho who had giggled. "Seriously though, we're being made a laughing stock in the ZAFT rank and file since we could not even capture a single ship for four months now."
"Yeah well, Morassim didn't nor did Waltfield." The brown-haired girl said in an effort to bring a smile to her commander as they had arrived at her sleeping quarters. "By the way, I heard that you were caught on an island with the Princess of ORB. Anything juicy you want to tell?"
"Heck no," Athrun said with a blush when he had remembered his time on the island. "Cagalli did give me a nice nickname though."
"Oh and what nickname was that?" The girl asked as she was entering the room.
"Lieutenant Pretty Boy," Athrun replied before running away as Shiho had ducked into the room for a moment. "What can I say? I'm a lady's man."
"You're just as conceited as one too," The brunette Coordinator said as she had thrown a pillow at the retreating Athrun. "And here I thought Yzak and Dearka are jerks."
Shiho then picked up her thrown pillow before turning in for the night.
-oOo-
In the Archangel, everyone had a nice dinner filled with stories and jokes. Mu did tell William, Tolle, and Kira that he was sure that the Zala team would not take their latest defeat lightly.
"Ah ghuessh sho," Tolle replied while chewing on his well-done steak. His fiancée then lectured him about talking with his mouth full.
"I may not be married but I'm can actually say that you'll havta get used to it, boy." Murdoch said as he had chugged his mug of beer to everyone's amusement even Tolle and Miriallia.
"Well then, get some rest since we're definitely not out of the woods yet." Natarle said from her seat beside Murrue.
"Good point," William replied as he had just finished his second plateful of food and was already standing up. "I'm turning in after I get some fresh air."
"I'll join you." Kira said before everyone had turned in their plates and joined the Filipino in some stargazing.
-oOo-
Sunrise came along with the blaring of klaxons as the Zala team had once again engaged the fleeing Archangel.
Missile exhausts, tracers, and plasma beams had lit up the brightening sky as the Duel and Buster along with a CGUE and a DINN were trading fire with the flying warship.
"Don't these guys have anything better ta do then attacking while I'm still dreaming about donuts and coffee?" William was saying to himself as he ran towards the hanger.
Running alongside him, Kira had heard William's muttering and said in reply. "Athrun always was an early riser."
With a laugh, the Filipino had let the younger pilot take the lead as they had passed the hatch leading towards their machines.
-oOo-
In the air, Athrun was having second thoughts since both Yzak and Dearka were looking for blood as they had fired their weapons close in.
He too had wanted to notch a win against the Archangel but it was not personal. A brief thought about losing Nicol to any of their enemies could have changed that.
Since the green haired Coordinator was taken to ORB according to the intercepted radio messages between the Archangel and ORB, he was not as angry as he thought he was at his friend's loss.
All of a sudden, a trio of mobile suits and a Skygrasper were heading towards them from the Archangel's bow. The battle had been joined.
Mu had gone for the Buster since he had some scores to settle with its blond pilot.
The Duel was about to intervene when Wing Zero had showed up in front of it brandishing a green beam saber in its right hand.
Athrun and Shiho had their hands full in dealing with the Aile Strike and the Skygrasper.
Even the warship had joined in as it had launched Helldarts while firing CIWS when it had gotten in between the duelists.
Korinthos and Wombat missiles had joined their smaller cousins in the attack as the Archangel had gotten out of the battle zone as fast as it could.
Even then, the fight had gotten hairy when the Duel had used its left foot on Zero's chest. The said move had stunned William so much the winged gundum had lost altitude for a second.
It was enough for Yzak to move in on the distracted Strike with the intent to kill.
Thanks to Tolle's warning, Kira had avoided the slash that would have halved his suit before the Strike had unsheathed its own beam saber.
As for the Skygrasper, it was downed by the CGUE when its pilot was warning the brunet Coordinator.
Tolle had managed to put in a rough landing in the sea where it was later picked up by Merlins.
Shiho was by then turning her attention to the charging Wing Zero. In the meantime, Mu had taken down the Buster before Athrun had gotten his attention.
William was amazed at how relentless the CGUE was in keeping Zero away from the Duel and the Strike with its sword slashes.
The fight itself was brutal since Kira had gone to SEED mode while Yzak had gone berserk.
-oOo-
In the Archangel's bridge, a worried Flay had tried to contact anyone who could help her boyfriend.
Seeing that it was difficult since both the Aegis and Wing Zero were being engaged, she had made a decision for herself and ran out of the bridge.
She had also ignored the cries of the bridge crew along with Murrue's and Natarle's.
The red headed teen had run as fast as she could towards the hanger since she knew Skygrasper Two with the Sword Striker Pack was fully charged in case Skygrasper One was heavily damaged upon its return.
She had climbed the ladder up the aircraft after kicking a surprised Murdoch in the shin. After familiarizing herself with the controls, Flay had powered up the twin engines.
"Miss Murrue, please open the hatch." She pleaded to the bridge. "I'm the only one who could help Kira. Please let me go."
There was a brief silence before the captain had given her assent. Natarle's cry of "I'll see that you would be demoted for this" was heard followed by a slap.
The red head did not pay attention to the latter though since she was busy with the take off as the port side bow hatch was slowly rising.
-oOo-
Flay's yellow craft had dodged various beam fire and heavy ordnance before its red headed pilot had seen the dueling suits down below.
The wind and rain were not helping either as Flay had to squint a few times at the water that was veiling her view through the canopy.
Trees were either ignited by the dueling suit's thruster fire or vaporized by their firepower. Even lightning had helped out in the creation of forest fires.
The falling rain had turned to steam as the burning trees were too hot to be smothered by the said falling water.
When Flay had finally arrived at the battlefield, she could see that the Strike was beginning to lose power. She had radioed Kira to take the Sword Striker while she had kept the Duel busy.
Yzak had also heard the transmission and fired a burst of gunfire in Flay's direction. The girl had panicked which led to her craft losing both control and altitude.
The Strike had kicked the Duel away before using the last of its vernier fuel to catch the falling Skygrasper.
The Duel, which had also lost power, then jumped at the Strike while Yzak had turned on the self-destruct sequence.
A powerful explosion was seen by the other combatants who were too far away to know what had really happened.
-oOo-
The brown-haired ZAFT pilot was the first to realize what may have happened to the other fighting units and as such had her CGUE being held back by Athrun's DINN before she had chance to charge towards the hellish scene.
William and Mu had asked what the heck was going on before Shiho had given them a tearful reply.
The Aegis and the other suits had nearly used up their batteries' charge thus William was the only one who could fly over the tragic scene despite the worsening weather.
"Wing Zero to Archangel, I'm goin' out to check if Kira and Flay are alright."
"Negative, Wing Zero. You're picking up the Buster and the Aegis before returning to base," was Natarle's curt answer.
"What the fuck?!" William had spat out in disbelief. "Don't you even care 'bout those two at all?!"
"I-I…do," was the short reply, but unlike the first one, a few sobs could now be heard. "B-but we cannot r-remain here any longer. T-three flights of DINNs are heading our w-way so we could only have t-time to pick up the Buster and leave. I h-hope you of all people s-should understand, W-william."
The rest of the transmission was garbled when sobs were heard from the other end.
William had known from his experience with her that this was out of character for a martinet like Natarle.
Yet, thinking of the recent times when she had acted more like a woman rather than an officer, would explain a lot.
Thus, he had gotten Wing Zero to pick up the Buster with its claws while being in Neo Bird mode with the Aegis riding on its back.
"I'm sorry, Nat." the gundum pilot said in the radio on his way back to the hovering warship. "I jus' blew up back there. Hope ya would forgive me."
"Apology accepted, William." Arnold had replied in the airwaves. "By the way, take care of her for me, alright."
After William had shaken off his surprise (and ignored Zero's offbeat snickering) he said. "You got it, man."
Later that night, William was again at his favorite spot in the rear deck. He was so out of it that he did not notice that he was not alone until he had felt a soft tap on his right shoulder.
A quick look behind had confirmed that he was forgiven. The Filipino pilot then pulled the surprised executive officer to himself by the waist.
Both of them had watched the shimmering sea in silence with the older officer enjoying her stay in the younger one's warm embrace, his chin leaning on her left shoulder.
So yeah, once the Archangel had left ORB, it was once again under fire by the chasing Zala Team. And again, I managed to break the mold (and canon) once again by having Nicol and Tolle alive in this one and thus it was Yzak (and his Duel gundam) that got the job of dealing with Kira (and Flay) once and for all.
Sai finally broke up with Flay and we learn that George knew about Mendel before learning about Kira's real parents from his foster ones and Uzumi. Plus, I gave the SEED factor and the Zero system a sort of handicap. It isn't much, but hey, it's better than having none in my opinion.
Of course, this would certainly change things in the next chapter where the Archangel finally arrives in JOSH-A... just in time for Operation Spitbreak too. Also,it would be Kira and Flay's turn on who would be doing a Grand Theft Gundam and eventually save the day.
But before all that, Ash and his friends has to deal with a gym leader with a lot of "scents", solve a baffling case, and prove that beauty isn't always skin deep. So yeah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year... also, Happy Holidays too and I'll see you again in A Ponyta's Tale next year.