Feb 26th
Armoury 1
Yzak Jule walked through the Zaft base of Armoury One. He was personally in charge of the distribution of the latest Mobile Suit designs. Yzak was shadowed by his long time partner and now Fiancée Shiho Hahnenfuss. Chaos was the only word to sum up the situation on Armoury Two, soldiers ran around loading and unloading supplies and moving to their new ships.
“SIR!” A blonde haired man ran over to Yzak.
“Ah Dearka. What is it?” asked Yzak as he turned around to the now black coat man.
“We just need you to sign off on these transfer papers” Dearka handed Yzak a digital pad with the list of Mobile suits and their destinations.
“Very well” Yzak signed if off with his thumb print.
“The Athena’s Captain wants to know when the new Gouf N units will be shipped over as well” explained Dearka as he put the pad under his arm
“Tell the Captain that once we get the next group off the assembly line, they will be transferred” explained Yzak.
"If we're not going to war, why are we rushing the Athena into service?" asked Dearka as he made sure his hat was straight.
"Use your head Dearka, or is it a decoration as well?" Yzak smirked.
"I think Yzak is trying to tell you that the Athena is a precaution, should the fires of war be reignited, Zaft needs to be ready to defend the Plants” explained Shiho, speaking as she rarely did. The trio looked at the giant metal wall that hid Zaft’s newest Battle Ship. Behind the giant walls, Zaft technicians worked around the clock to finish the BB02 Athena, the second vessel of the Minerva Line. The Athena waited for her prized cargo, a squadron of Gouf N units.
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Aboard the Athena, ZAFT technicians worked on the final checks for the Athena. Her launch was scheduled to take place in one week.
“Dacosta!” Andrew forced the elevator door open and walked onto the bridge.
“Captain” Dacosta firmly saluted as Andrew approached the red head.
“What’s the ships situation?” asked Andrew as he looked around at technicians installing panelling on the bridge. By the tasks the technicians were carrying out, he could guess the ship wasn’t exactly ‘finished’.
“Maintenance crews are still installing the main computer core, our Gouf N units are not ready yet, the parts for out Linear Catapult system are due to be installed on Wednesday, and the bridge is, well… look” Dacosta pointed around the bridge. Not just was there panelling being put on the walls, entire consoles were still to be installed.
“Uh” Andrew sighed as he slapped his face.
“The Maintenance crews assure me they will have the bridge completed by this time tomorrow” Dacosta turned to check on the weapons console being installed next to him.
“Oh well” Andrew sat down in what would soon be his chair. The moment the man sat in it and laid against the back, the chair toppled and Andrew was sent to the floor with a thump and a curse.
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On another section of Armoury 1 the Minerva was being elevated up onto the main deck.
“All systems clear. Minerva docking complete” Meyrin spoke into her head piece and announced their situation to the ship.
“That was easy” smiled Malik from the helm.
“It was just a lunar run, nothing amazing” Chen sighed as he slumped back into his chair.
“I don’t think I even detected a single Dagger on that entire run” Bart chuckled to himself.
“Shinn; how was that? Your first mission as Commander?” asked Meyrin as she looked down at the raven haired boy.
“I…suppose” Shinn sat back.
“I think you did a fine job” Arthur took off his white officer’s hat and smiled at Shinn. “You make me proud”
“Thank you sir” Shinn nodded.
“Captain, the Port Crews are requesting permission to come aboard” Meyrin piped up.
“Give them permission” acknowledged Arthur.
“Captain, Lacus-Sama is requesting Shinn Asuka meet her on Aprilius 1 immediately” explained Meyrin from her console.
“Understood” replied Arthur as he looked at Shinn, the boy stood up and walked over to the lift once the Bridge had locked back into place. Shinn proceeded to the hanger, boarded Destiny and headed over to Aprilius post haste. En route he noticed Strike Freedom, a white and blue Gouf Ignited also approaching Aprilius 1, undoubtedly piloted by Yzak Jule.
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“Lacus-Sama, Shinn Asuka, Kira Yamato and Yzak Jule are here now” the voice of her receptionist took Lacus out of her trance like state, rewatching the only footage of the Onogoro attack.
Lacus tapped the com switch on her desk “Please, send them in” the large door then clicked open. The State Office had undergone a major redress following Lacus’ appointment as Chairman, the usually dark room was now well lit, showing off the pale purples and blues, as well as the white one expected of the Coordinator buildings.
“Lacus” The three young men lined up in front of her desk and saluted crisply.
“At ease” Lacus saluted back. There was a long moment of silence before anyone spoke; Shinn dared not speak until spoken to, Kira allowed Lacus to formulate her thoughts, Yzak stayed silent out of respect, he had been summoned for a reason. “Ms. Cagalli, rather the United Emirates of Orb has um” Lacus was visibly flustered, she rubbed her forehead and sighed, taking another moment to compose herself. “I am sure you are all aware of the United Emirates of Orb’s declaration of War on the Earth Alliance” Lacus’ eyes were heavy, she hadn’t slept in days, Coordinators could go one or two days with out sleep, but Lacus was pushing even that boundary.
“Yes Ma’am” replied Yzak with a staunch nod.
“Yes” Kira replied.
“I am” Shinn nodded as well. The three white coated officers stood silently still.
“The Council has been deliberating on our position in this conflict” Lacus activated a map of the 12 Plant cities, now spread across the 5 Lagrange points of the Earth. “The Councillors belonging to of Januarius, Junis, October and December have been pressing to join Orb in the war. Februarius, Aprilius, Maius and Sextilis remain committed to a diplomatic solution while; Martius, Quintilis, September and November have all motioned to not get involved at all” Lacus continued to rub her temples.
“The deciding vote does belong to you Lacus” Kira spoke up.
“I cannot cast my vote without more in formation” Lacus motioned towards the large monitor to her left.
“The Windam attack” Shinn was short and concise.
“Indeed. I called you here today, to entrust special tasks to each of you. You three are my most trusted personnel within Zaft” Lacus stood up, leaving her hands on the table. “Shinn, as a Top Ace from the previous war, you carry much respect from the personnel of Zaft, I want you to make sure that the officers know that we are still at peace with the Alliance. Kira, I want you to go to Orb, meet with Athrun and find out everything they know about these attacks” ordered Lacus as she moved onto Yzak “Take the Eternal, I want you to look for clues out side of Orb, I give you full diplomatic access” Lacus was about to give Shinn his task, when the raven haired boy spoke up.
“I wish to take that assignment”
“Shinn?” Yzak and Kira moved their heads to look at Shinn.
“I followed Chairman Durandal’s orders with out question. I was swayed by his words, never looking into things. I won’t do it this time, I can’t stay ignorant. Ms. Lacus, please allow me to partake in the investigation!” Shinn bowed down low in front of Yzak, Kira and Lacus.
“Shinn” The two other young men could feel Shinn’s shame and anger at his past actions.
“Very well, you will depart on the Eternal” ordered Lacus.
“I will assign Dearka to cover his post on the Minerva” explained Yzak.
“Very well, dismissed” nodded Lacus as the boys left the room. Lacus slumped back into her chair. The pink haired girl’s gaze drifted over to a picture of her and her father on the side of her table. Slowly she ran her hand down the frame “Father, am I doing the right thing?” she asked.
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Later that day...
“Orb?” asked Lunamaria as she watched Shinn walking around his apartment grabbing cloths. “You’re going back to Orb?” she asked.
“Yes” nodded Shinn as he packed his officers uniform into the bag, Shinn was in his favourite black T and grey jeans, almost a uniform for when he was not in uniform.
“But I…You said your mission was to search for clues OUT side of that country” Lunamaria looked highly confused.
“I know, the Eternal is carrying down Kira and Strike Freedom as well as supplies for Carpentaria” Shinn stopped packing for a moment and looked at his medium size case with a raised eye brow.
Luna closed her eyes, smiled and opened them again “Tooth brush”
“Thanks” Shinn blushed before darting to the bathroom and returning with the brush a few moments later.
“Totally hopeless” Luna laughed with a smile.
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Feb 28th
Archangel
Pasific Ocean
Seiei walked into the mess hall with Li at her side. The two of them were discussing their first sortie as they went to collect their meals. A roast with mashed potatoes and a mix of vegetables, totally palatable, but Seiei wished for something more.
“You know…” Seiei stopped right before the table Li had chosen.
“Hmm?” Li sat down, placing her tray in front of her.
“I was just thinking about the battle we had before” Seiei sat down, placing her tray in front of her.
“What about the other day?” Li began to poke at her roast. “Are you bugged about it?”
“Yeah, it’s just that, well. It’s the three Windam units that disabled Infinite Justice” explained Seiei.
“Are you not proud we were able to fend them off?” Li raised her eye brow.
“Oh no of course I am. I am just wondering HOW we did it. We all went down PRETTY quick in the last war when we fought Destiny”
“And we got stronger”
“Yeah there is no denying that. But Destiny couldn’t beat Justice in battle, and… oh I’m getting confused” Seiei rubbed her head.
“I get it though. WE got beaten by someone, but we beat the guys who beat up the guy who trashed the guy we lost to” smiled Li innocently
“You know, I’m a Coordinator and that still confused me, are you sure you used enough guys and beating up?” asked Seiei sarcastically.
Li held up her hand and began counting on her fingers. “Yeah I’m pretty sure. But then again, are you complaining?” asked Li with an innocent smirk.
“I know I should be grateful that I wasn’t blown to pieces like the Orb forces were” replied Seiei.
Li was about to make reply when the communication officers voice came out over the loud speaker.
“Pilots, please report to the briefing room” Seiei and Li were up and prepared to leave. As Li walked out, Seiei followed her to the door before turning around, running back to her table and grabbing her tray. When she met up with Li just outside the door the Chinese girl gave her an odd look.
“What?” Seiei returned Li’s odd gaze.
“Nothing” Li giggled.
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“Sorry we’re late” Li and Seiei quickly took their seats along the side of the long briefing room table.
“It’s alright. This briefing isn’t immediately important” explained Murrue. The two female pilots quickly and quietly sat down next to Danel and Dante. “As you all know, the forces OMNI has at its disposal are very limited. We suffered heavy losses in the past wars; loosing Heaven’s Base, Panama, Alaska, and our Luna bases in the Ptolemaists, Daedalus and Arzachel Craters. This has left us with only the newly constructed Alphonsus Crater base on the moon and Eurasia’s Apollo Asteroid base, Glasgow and Suez” Murrue showed images of all the bases. “This is contrasted by the Orb Unions Hinode Space Colony, Ame-no-Mihashira, Onogoro and Kaguya bases” Murrue showed more images.
“We are one for one then?” Danel spoke up looking at the screens.
“Almost, the technology employed by the Orb Union is quite advanced, their M1 Astray units are constantly being upgraded and with the development of the Murusame they are able to match the prowess of our Windams” explained Li from her seat.
“We may be able to hold out in the current Status Quo, but the fact of the matter is PLANT has yet to make a ruling on the war. If they are to enter the war on behalf of the Orb Union, we will be seriously outmatched and out gunned” Murrue’s tone was completely sober “Head Quarters has ordered us to head to Suez and assist in fortifying the base”
“Well that’s hardly worth the briefing” whispered Seiei as she started to munch on her mash potatoes. Everyone in the room turned to look at the red headed coordinator. “A girl’s gotta eat!” she defended.
“Ahem” Murrue attempted to regain control of the briefing. “This briefing is to keep you all up to date on our orders. Once we reach Suez I will also arrange shore leave” Murrue cracked a smile.
“Captain, you have a message from HQ” the communications officer explained over the intercom in the briefing room.
Murrue pressed the intercom switch on the podium “Very well, I will take it in here” she gestured for the pilots to leave. The pilots quickly left the room, most of them eyeing Seiei’s meal, the red head defended it with snaps and glares that could burn through laminated armour.
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Once she was alone Murrue activated the locking mechanism on the doors and opened the message.
“Captain Ramius” Admiral McDonald appeared on the other end of the transmission.
“Sir” Murrue saluted back with respect.
“You have adjusted your course to head to Suez correct?” asked the Admiral, sitting in a large leather chair at Glasgow.
“Yes Sir, we will arrive in 4 days at our current speed”
“What route are you taking?” McDonald opened up a map on his end of the screen.
“We are using the S12 Route, running along the boarder of the Equatorial Union” replied Murrue.
“I want you to change your course and come via route M62, through the only Panama Cannel and to make a temporary stop at Glasgow” ordered the Admiral.
“Sir, yes sir” saluted Murrue. “May I speak freely sir?”
“Go ahead”
“Why are we to follow route M62? That will take us along the Orb Union boarder again, and will add 3 days to our journey” The Archangel’s Captain had due reason for her concern, is the ship was forced to fight the Orb Union’s fleet again, it could escalate tensions further and prompt PLANT into action.
“You will find a sensor buoy in the Panama Cannel; we need you to bring us that sensor data. Captain Ramius, under NO circumstances is that buoy’s information to be downloaded or digitised, it must remain untouched. Any and all crews involved in its retrieval will need to undergo screening and evaluation when you arrive at Glasgow” explained McDonald.
“Sir…”
“I am aware these measures are drastic, but in time I will be able to give you the details on the buoy” explained McDonald.
“Very well sir. I will go have Mr Nueman alter our course” Murrue saluted.
“Captain Ramius, I don’t think I need to tell you to keep the existence of the Buoy a secret until you reach Panama”
“Sir no sir” Murrue replied.
“Good. I’m counting on you” McDonald shut off the comline. Taking a moment to compose herself Murrue activated the bridge comline. “Mr Nueman”
“Captain?” Nueman’s voice came over the speakers
“We have new orders…”
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Well I hope that was as entertaining as it was for me.
Changes from the Original:
Yzak's generic agro has been removed
The BAD scene in the council was removed.
I have provided a list of the major Omni bases still in operation. Of all those listed only Suez is an actual canon base. The Alphonsus Crater is a lunar Crater in the same zone as Daedalus and Arzachel, Apollo is another base similar to Artemis, and Glasgow is the new head of the Earth Alliance Militray on Earth *I assume Heaven's Base was, but that was more or less blown up*
I thought i'd add a bit of humor to the story, with Seiei being a bit like Jack O'neil from Stargate, thought not quite as clueless. Some of the Astray characters will be making appearences, mainly from Stargazer and appearences by Shiho.
Life: 04/23/09 | Posted By: shadowfox12 | 0 comments
