The trip towards the PLANTs had been relatively peaceful. Mayu had struck up a conversation with Athrun, telling him a few stories during her time at Orb.

"So Big Brother really didn't appreciate me throwing the leaves on his face." Mayu rubbed the back of her head.

"I can imagine…" Athrun said.

Mayu watched as Athrun was typing away at a laptop, probably trying to keep up to date on the situation.

"Representative Athha must be really lucky to have someone like you." Mayu noted.

That caused Athrun to look up. "Huh?"

"Someone that's a really hard worker, looking out for people." Mayu smiled. "The best bodyguard one could ask for."

"Ah… thank you." Athrun said with a nod. "Honestly, I could say something similar about you. Shinn's lucky to have such a thoughtful little sister."

Mayu's smile dropped a little bit, but she kept up the appearance as the ship landed. The two disembarked, as a man was there to meet them. "Alex!"

"Thank you. How do things look?" Athrun asked as he floated over.

The man looked at Mayu, wondering if she should hear as well.

"It's fine. She's with me." Athrun said.

"Well, it's not looking good. The citizens of the PLANT are furious." The man said as they stepped into an elevator. "The Chairman says he will continue negotiating to resolve this conflict through dialogue, but some are beginning to interpret that as a sign of weakness."

Mayu looked outside the glass elevator, at the PLANT around her.

"I've told them of your arrival as a special envoy of Representative Athha and requested a meeting." The man said. "But given the situation, I'm not sure if a meeting is possible."

"I understand." Athrun nodded.

"If all else fails, you can go with me, Athrun." Mayu said. "I think the Chairman would understand."

Athrun smiled briefly.

Night had fallen back on Earth. While many on the Minerva were preparing for bed, Shinn was awake in his bed. He was wondering if Mayu was safe.

He heard a helicopter in the distance from the direction of Orb's main offices, and his concern only grew.

Mayu had sat down on a bench, flipping through the photos on her phone as she waited. Athrun was in a separate room, and she wondered what was going on back on Earth. She wondered if she should call her brother, but guessed he was probably asleep. The door opened and Athrun stepped out.

"Is it time?" Mayu asked.

Athrun shook his head. "I'm just going to go wash my face."

"Ah, alright."

Mayu went back to her phone as Athrun left. You know, maybe walking around a bit might be a good idea.

Slipping her phone into her pocket, she walked the way Athrun went, going past the restrooms into one of the larger halls. Looking around, she took in the marvel of the place. Though she had been living at the PLANTs for the past few years, it still took her breath away. The marvel disappeared as she heard a familiar voice. Stepping forward, she looked up at one of the floors above her to see that there was a pink-haired girl talking to several men in suits.

Lacus Clyne… Mayu widened her eyes.

For the longest time, Mayu Asuka was a huge fan of Lacus Clyne and her music. She listened to her songs back-to-back, and asked her brother to get her all the Lacus merchandise he could find for her birthday. Her songs were wonderful, and she had a powerful voice.

Then everything changed. Her songs changed in tone to be more "trendy", and lacked what her older songs had. Was it a new attempt to keep up with the times? Did she lose her spark? Whatever it was, Mayu had stopped following Lacus' songs, wishing for the old Lacus again. Maybe she sounded childish, but she was allowed to act like a twelve year-old sometimes, right?

"Lacus?!"

Mayu looked back to see Athrun had stepped up. She remembered that Lacus was Athrun's fiancee, but she imagined with everything that had happened regarding their parents, those plans probably fell through.

"Athrun!"

She was now questioning why Lacus Clyne was running down the steps, before jumping at Athrun for a hug.

"Eh?" Mayu turned her head.

"Oh, I'm so happy to see you! You've finally come to visit!" Lacus said.

"Ah… Huh? What?" Athrun looked extremely confused as Lacus stopped hugging him. "What are… you doing here?!"

"I've been waiting for such a long time… for you to come and see me!" Lacus said.

Mayu was quietly staring at Lacus. She had always dismissed the new behavior as a personal change or maybe even her true self, but now she was starting to think it might be something else. Athrun's reaction felt off, as if he also knew something was wrong.

The two men she was talking to came over. "Miss Lacus."

"Oh, yes. I understand." She nodded, before turning back to Athrun. "See you later."

Mayu looked at Athrun, who was staring at Lacus wordlessly.

"It's so great to see you. I'm thrilled, Athrun." Lacus said.

"Hey, hey, hey! Ready, go!" Lacus' red Haro bounced.

As Lacus walked off with the two men, Mayu was still staring at Athrun. Normally she'd give him something akin to a disapproving look, but could tell Athrun seemed a bit troubled.

"Alex?"

The two turned to see Chairman Durandal walking over with several members of the council. Mayu quickly saluted him.

"Ah, that's right. I was supposed to meet you earlier." He remembered. "I'm terribly sorry to keep you waiting for so long."

"Oh, it's okay. Um…" Athrun glanced at Mayu.

"The young lady I personally invited." Durandal said. "Miss Mayu Asuka, yes?"

"Yes, sir." Mayu nodded.

"I'm on a bit of a busy schedule, so would you be fine with joining Alex and I for the meeting?" Durandal suggested. "I can kill two birds with one stone that way."

"Eh?" Mayu lowered her hand. "Is that alright?"

"Well I can tell that even with the short amount of time you've talked, Alex considered you trustworthy." Durandal said. "What do you say?"

"Well, I don't think I can exactly refuse…" Mayu said with a bit of a nervous chuckle.

"Though…" Durandal's smile disappeared. "What we may be discussing might not be cause for celebration."

"A nuclear attack?!"

Athrun's eyes were wide as Durandal explained what had conspired outside the PLANTs not too long ago. Mayu was silent, though similarly horrified.

"Yes." Durandal slightly paced through his office.

"That can't be true!" Athrun said.

"I'd like to think so myself. But it's a fact." Durandal said, grimly. He pressed a button on his desk to reveal a monitor and a news report.

"Once again, our top news. Yesterday afternoon, the nations of the Earth Alliance led by the Atlantic Federation, declared war against the PLANTs and staged a nuclear missile attack a mere one hour after the declaration. However, in an act of defense under the command of Supreme Council Chairman Durandal, ZAFT Forces succeeded in destroying the attacking forces at the final line of defense. The Earth Forces have retreated to their Lunar Base, and the attack has ended, but the mood continues to be very tense."

"Have a seat, Alex. Miss Mayu." Durandal suggested, having sat on one of the chairs. "It's over for the time being. Relax."

"But only a few hours ago… we all… we almost-" Mayu said, realizing how close to death she had come.

"One of the things I made sure of as a precaution is that the tragedies that befell other PLANTs would not happen again." Durandal said. "That I promised."

His words helped Mayu calm down a bit, before the two sat down on the couch across from the chairman.

"Although this wasn't completely unexpected, it's still a great shock." Durandal said. "For them to force through a declaration of war the way they did, and then immediately fire nuclear weapons at us.

Word of this likely reached the Minerva. Mayu wondered how everyone was taking the news back down in Orb.

"They're not even following the normal course of action to declare war. But to follow it up with…" Durandal looked away with a small glare. "You can't even call this a true war."

Athrun nodded. "Right."

"But… this would be only the catalyst, right?" Mayu realized, dread growing.

"Indeed. Our problems have only begun." Durandal nodded.

"And what about the PLANTs?" Athrun asked. "After this attack, and with them declaring war against you… what steps do the PLANTs intend to take to cope with this?"

Durandal frowned, knowing what the public was probably thinking. Mayu's hand was shaking.

"If we retaliate against them for their attack, the world will once again be forced into the quagmire of war." Durandal said. "I know that much. Needless to say, I'd rather avoid that if at all possible, but we can no longer deny what's happening. If the citizens found out that we're hiding things, they would cry out in anger. They cannot forgive our enemies, so what do you suggest we do? As the second hand ticks toward another major war, what can we do to stop that second hand from ticking? The fact is, we've already been fired at a second time, with nuclear weapons!"

"No… I don't want it… to happen again…" Mayu murmured, remembering when Orb was attacked in the last war.

Athrun briefly glanced at the girl before turning back to the Chairman. "However… But still… Please reconsider, Mr. Chairman! If we continue firing at each other in anger and hatred, we're all doomed! If we fire at each other now, the world will once again be nothing but a place for battles, with nothing to gain! Please don't let that happen!"

"Alex…" Durandal said.

"I'm… I'm Athrun Zala!" Athrun said, hearing the alias once more. "I am the son of Patrick Zala, the man who added fuel to a war that got out of control, and in a pathetic move, fed hatred to the minds of people worldwide."

Mayu was brought out of her own thoughts as she looked at Athrun.

"I believed my father's words to be true!" He clenched his fists, looking at the floor. "I boldly fought in the war! Killed enemies! Battled against a close friend! And even after I realized that I was wrong, I could not do a single thing to stop him, and I lost everything. Yet my father's words still linger."

"Athrun." Durandal said, addressing him by his real name.

"We must never repeat that tragedy again! Never!" Athrun shouted.

"Athrun!" Durandal repeated in a louder voice.

Athrun seemed to calm down as he looked up. Mayu was surprised by how Athrun was acting.

This whole time… He kept all of this bottled up. Mayu realized. And I thought he was handling things fine…

Durandal stood up. "I heard about the criminals at Junius Seven. Shinn told me."

"He did?" Mayu asked.

Durandal nodded, turning to Athrun. "You went through yet another difficult experience."

"No. I wouldn't say that. It was good that I found out." Athrun said. "Otherwise, once again I would go on not knowing…"

"No, you're mistaken, Athrun." Durandal shook his head. "You have no reason to feel responsible for their actions."

"You weren't the one that ordered them to do that. And you don't share your father's beliefs." Mayu tried to reason.

"It probably cannot be helped that you're only able to think negatively about your father, Chairman Zala." Durandal said. "But Chairman Zala was not that kind of person in the beginning, was he?"

"That's right. No one is born hateful." Mayu's eyes grew sad, remembering her brother's own change.

"No, he wasn't." Athrun said, remembering when his father was far from the megalomaniac he had become.

"He ended up making some bad decisions along the way." Durandal said. "However, it was all in an effort to protect the PLANTs, protect us, and make a better world for us. Many people have good intentions, but end up making great mistakes. And statements they make can easily be taken out of context by the listener. Because the listener will often interpret what is said however he or she wants to. For example, I recall how Miss Asuka and her brother had different words to say to Orb's representative."

Mayu's hand slightly clenched, remembering the words Shinn had said to Cagalli. She tried softening the blow by talking positively about Orb, but she doubted they helped.

"Chairman…" Athrun looked up.

"The criminals at Junius Seven had no way to express their feelings of anger, so they took advantage of Chairman Zala's words to justify their actions." Durandal said. "They said "We're not wrong." "Why? Because Chairman Zala said so himself." So you mustn't let something like that take control of your emotions. The criminals are the criminals. Chairman Zala is Chairman Zala. And you are you. Regardless of whose son you are. You mustn't allow something like this to drag you down. It has nothing to do with you as an individual."

"The Chairman's right." Mayu nodded. "You aren't your father, Athrun. You're Athrun Zala, who's decision to fight alongside the Three Ships Alliance in the last war saved many lives."

"I couldn't have put it better myself." Durandal nodded as Athrun stood up. "You are an individual who has come here to try and stop a battle that's on the verge of breaking out. So that's all you need to think about. Stop trying to take all the responsibility yourself."

Athrun thought about Durandal's words, though he couldn't help but wonder why the Chairman decided to have Mayu hear all this as well.

"But I must say that I'm delighted, Athrun." Durandal walked toward his desk. "I'm delighted that you have come here. You as well, Miss Asuka. All the people who feel like you will be the ones to save this world."

Mayu blinked several times. This was the first time any of the adults in ZAFT really complimented her instead of pointing out her age.

"People may think of me as a dreamer, but I believe it to be true." The Chairman said.

"Right." Athrun nodded, as Mayu bowed briefly.

"All the more reason why we must stand firm right now." Durandal said.

The screen in the room turned on, as Lacus came into view on a broadcast towards all the PLANTs. " I am Lacus Clyne!"

While Athrun's eyes widened, Mayu stared at the screen in curiosity.

"Everybody! Please calm down, and listen to what I have to say. The latest incident involving Junius Seven and the subsequent war declaration and attack by the Earth Alliance are very sad, tragic events. I feel the same shock and resentment against them that you do for their sudden attempt at a nuclear attack! However, I ask that you all calm down and think this through! Being driven by anger and crying out thoughts of rage will only lead to more battles. As we speak, the Supreme Council is making every effort to avoid the worst case scenario. So I call upon you all to express your love for peace and believe in the Supreme Council and Chairman Durandal as they once again work on your behalf to find the best path for us. So at this time, please remain calm!"

The words were soothing, but Mayu frowned. This still didn't feel right. It didn't feel like the Lacus Clyne she grew up listening to.

"Go ahead and laugh if you wish." Durandal said to Athrun. "I'm sure you can tell."

"Tell what?" Mayu asked, looking at Athrun.

"I think it's a shrewd thing to do." Durandal folded his hands behind his back. "But I have no choice. Her power to influence is tremendous. Far greater than mine."

Thinking about what Durandal said, and looking at Athrun's expression, Mayu started to realize the truth about the Lacus Clyne she was seeing.

Wait, she's not the real Lacus? Mayu pieced it together, looking back at the screen. Thank goodness. I won't have to throw out my old stuff then.

"I have need of her strengths." Durandal said. "In the same way that I require both of yours."

"Us?" Athrun raised a brow.

Durandal turned around. "Would you mind coming with me?"

Mayu looked at the video of the fake Lacus one more time, before walking with Durandal and Athrun. Going up an elevator, they went through several halls filled with ZAFT soldiers. A few of them gave Mayu curious looks, but a wave of Durandal's hand stopped any more. Entering a restricted zone, the three landed on one of the hangar's bridges. The lights turned on, and Mayu's eyes widened as she saw a mobile suit.

"Why, this is…!" Athrun looked surprised.

"It's like Big Brother's Impulse…" Mayu recognized the similar head.

"ZGMF-X23S, Saviour." Durandal said. "The functions differ somewhat, but this machine was developed at about the same time as Chaos, Gaia and Abyss. If I told you that I wish to entrust this machine to you, what would you do?"

"What are you implying? Are you asking me to return to ZAFT?" Athrun asked.

"Not really. It's exactly as I just said. I wish to entrust this machine to you." Durandal said. "Well, on paper it would be more or less like you say. My feelings about this latest incident are what you heard my "Lacus Clyne" say. However, in a society where the thoughts of opponents, various people and organizations get tangled up, it isn't easy to move things along as one wishes. That's why I want those who believe in what I believe to stand strong with me."

While listening to Durandal's words, Mayu looked to the side, noticing part of the hangar was still covered in darkness.

"If at all possible, I'd like to avoid a war. But at the same time I cannot just sit back unarmed and wait to be destroyed." Durandal said. "Should we end up in that situation, I want the both of you to be someone with power."

"Both of us?" Athrun said.

The lights turned on the other side, as another mobile suit came into view. This one was much more recognizable due to the large wings on the back.

"The Freedom?!" Athrun stepped back in surprise.

Durandal shook his head. "ZGMF-X11S, Refrain. Nearly identical to the Freedom, but with the Variable Phase Shift Armor and Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System instead. This was a much more recent development, but much more simple to make as the preferred specs that Miss Mayu provided us matched up with the existing information of the Freedom."

"Gundam…" Mayu muttered, remembering the old files.

"The Refrain Gundam… a better name." Durandal admitted.

"You're… You're giving this to me?" Mayu said, amazed.

"It's not just the mobile suit. I read your transcripts and everything else sent by the captain of the Minerva." Durandal said. "Alongside obtaining the Refrain, you will be given the ranking and uniform of the Reds."

While Athrun looked shocked at Durandal's decision, Mayu turned to the Refrain again. Durandal looked at the two.

"Athrun, you've experienced the previous war, agonizing over your father's actions. And you Mayu, have experienced the hardships of the previous war as a civilian, and chose to help others." He said to them. "I'm confident that neither of you will never choose the wrong path under any circumstances. Should we end up taking a wrong turn, I'm counting on you both to guide us back onto the right path. However, for you to be able to do that, you'll need power, unfortunately."

Athrun looked up at the Saviour, remembering how he wasn't able to fight at his best with the ZAKU. But Mayu looked back at the Chairman.

"Chairman Durandal, while I'm honored you chose me… isn't this too dangerous?" She asked. "I'm a twelve year-old girl and you're giving me a powerful mobile suit?"

"That's exactly why I chose you, Miss Mayu." Durandal said. "I want those that are young to make choices, choices that would help the people. I firmly believe it is not age that determines one's worth, and your actions have only further proven this to me. I saw your resolve when you chose to defend the Minerva, and that is enough for me to be confident in this choice."

Mayu was still very doubtful of this decision, but she looked at the Refrain again. I can use this to protect the Minerva… I can fight at my Big Brother's side like this…

"This is all very sudden. I don't expect either of you to make a decision right away." Durandal told them both. "But what you can do, and what you wish to do, these are things that nobody knows better than you."

The Chairman left the hangar, leaving the two alone.

"Athrun, what do you think?" Mayu asked.

"Hm?" He turned to her.

"Should I use this?" She looked up at the Refrain. "If it's to protect more people… I can help people with this, right? That's what mobile suits should be used for."

"Mayu…"

The two had left the hangar and went towards the hotel they were assigned. Neither had really said anything, contemplating the Chairman's words. Though that silence was broken as soon as they arrived in the lobby, where the fake Lacus was waiting for them.

"Athrun!" She called, running over.

Mayu stepped to the side, as the fake Lacus jumped at him for a hug.

"Welcome back! I've been waiting for you!" She said.

"Huh? Ah… You? You're…" He stuttered.

He saw Mayu staring at him, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Meer. Meer Campbell." The fake Lacus said. "But call me Lacus when there are others around."

"Well, good night, Athrun." Mayu saluted him, before walking away.

"Erm, good night, Mayu." Athrun nodded. He was about to walk towards his room, only for Meer to pull on his arm.

"Hey. You haven't eaten yet, have you?" She asked. "Didn't think so. Let's go for a bite!"

"Huh? But uh…"

"You're Lacus' fiancee, right?" She asked.

"Um, I'm no longer…" He couldn't really get a word in as she dragged him off.

Mayu was standing in her hotel room looking out the window. She glanced back at her bed, seeing the red ZAFT uniform that was waiting for her, delivered before her arrival. Looking back out the window, she looked in the direction of the Chairman's office, where the Refrain was docked.

He wants me to fight… But… can I…?

She looked at her hands, remembering the feeling of piloting the GuAIZ R. She clenched her fists to prevent them from shaking. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone. She flipped through the photos of her family, before stopping at the picture of herself. The girl in the picture was so happy, so full of life. Untouched by battle.

She looked back up at the window, seeing her scarred face in the reflection. Her eyes were far more dull because of the pain she went through, the battles she had been in.

If I take up that mobile suit… I can stop more kids from becoming like me… right?

Without thinking much, she picked up the ZAFT Red uniform and looked at the details. The outfit was a smaller version of the one Lunamaria wore, but with black shorts instead of a skirt.

How would Big Brother take this? That I'll be fighting with him now?

She imagined herself in the cockpit of the GuAIZ R and how terrified she was the first time. Would it be the same with the Refrain?

She just didn't know.

But… she had to take a chance.

Athrun had woken up, feeling a bit refreshed after the events of the night before. Dinner with Meer wasn't too bad, since she seemed aware of her own situation as a fake Lacus. He went over to the secret hangar to look at the Saviour again, wondering what his next move should be. So he was a bit surprised when he saw several ZAFT employees already there and scrambling. Entering the hangar, he saw Mayu was dressed in a pilot suit talking with the Chairman.

"Mayu?" He stepped forward.

"Oh, Athrun." Mayu said.

"Glad you happened to be stopping by, Athrun." Durandal smiled.

"So, you made your choice, Mayu?" Athrun asked, looking at her. The girl seemed to be a bit more confident now, standing straight.

"Yes. I'll be going back to the Minerva." Mayu said. "I'm not completely sure about my place in this war… but I do know it should be at my brother's side. And with this… I think can make a difference. I… I don't want more people to suffer like I did."

"I can't argue with that." Athrun agreed. "Be careful, Mayu."

"I hope to see you again." Mayu nodded, before saluting them.

Taking a seat in the cockpit, Mayu pressed a few buttons before the dashboard came to life. She was surprised at how it felt. The inside of the machine felt… almost safe. Comfortable. Pressing a button, the wires all fell off as the Variable Phase Shift armor came to life, turning the Refrain's colors from a dull gray to a vibrant white and red. The eyes were a piercing green, just like the Impulse.

With this… Mayu smiled, feeling more sure of her decision. I can make a difference!

She pushed a lever, turning on the booster.

"Mayu Asuka! Refrain! Taking off!"

The Refrain took off, flying out of the hangar. It took only a few seconds for it to fly far enough that it went out of radar.

"Incredible…" Athrun said. "It's as fast as the original Freedom…"

"She's made a proper decision, I hope." Durandal said. "What about you, Athrun?"

The young man slightly clenched his fist, turning towards the Saviour once more.

A/N: And we've thrown the first stones into the lake, creating the ripples in the water.

Mayu will be piloting the Refrain Gundam, which is a red copy of the Freedom Gundam. I took inspiration from the Freedom Gundam Feder from Gundam Build Fighters Honoo Try for the color scheme.

But now, the Minerva will be getting another Gundam much earlier. Not to mention Mayu knowing more than she should. What changes will be made from this?

Feel free to leave a review. See you all next time.