Disclaimer: "Gundam Seed" is Sunrise's, Sebastian Connor, Duncan Cooper, and Shawn Mason are mine. Anthony Russo is the property of Wing Commander White Wolf

Gundam SEED: Tale of the Twin Wolves

By Storm Wolf77415 and Wing Commander White Wolf

Prologue: Memories

Many heroes and aces emerged on the battlefields of the First Bloody Valentine War, but none more so than the Twin Wolves, Sebastian Connor, the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and Anthony Russo, the Arctic White Wolf. The two cut a swath across the battlefields of Yggdrasil, Jachin Due, and across the moon. The only unit the Earth Forces could field at the time which matched the Twin Wolves and their pack was the Zero Corps, headed by Lieutenant Junior Grade Mu La Flaga.

June 3rd, C.E. 70, Endymion Crater, the Moon

"SON OF A BITCH!" Sebastian Connor roared, as he nearly evaded getting blown to bits by a TS-MA2mod.00 Moebius Zero's 75mm wired gunbarrels. He was quick to reply with a gout of fire from his white and forest green ZGMF-515 CGUE's 28mm shield gatling cannon, causing the Zero to explode in a black and orange fire ball. A barrage of 150mm shells took off the CGUE's head crest. The Storm Wolf turned to see who had dared damage his machine. It was a second Zero, decorated with white feathers on both side.

"Not bad, Storm Wolf! But how about you face me now?" Mu La Flaga's cocky voice sounded on the open channel. The Wolf and the Hawk had developed a strong rivalry since the start of the Grimaldi Campaign. Sebastian commented many times La Flaga was one of the few pilots within the Earth Forces who could keep up with him. He dreaded facing La Flaga if he had a comparable mobile suit.

"La Flaga! Alright, you and I are going to finish this little personal war of ours, here and now!" Sebastian growled, jetting towards his opponent. He raised his MMI-M7S 76mm heavy assault machine gun, squeezing the trigger. The Zero turned vertical, soaring straight up. Sebastian smirked. "So…he's figured out in space, yes you CAN go in all three dimensions. I will admit he's a worthy opponent. A shame we ended up on opposite sides."

"This is Wolf Alpha Leader! All units report in!"

A low, cool voice promptly responded, "Wolf Alpha Lead this is Wolf Bravo Lead. I can see you and the Turkey brawling above the crater. I'm in position and ready to fire, if you wish for some assistance, pup."

"Take your shot, Wolf Bravo! La Flaga's taking this fight seriously." Sebastian replied. Three kilometers away, a pure white ZGMF-LRR704B GINN Long Range Reconnaissance Type, lugging a MA-M305 57mm sniper rifle swathed in a camouflage shroud eased onto the inclining slope of Endymion Crater. Commander Anthony Russo crouched down on the hard lunar soil, the mottled gray fabric of his shroud blended in with the lunar surface making him invisible to most pilots, "Target acquired." he pulled the trigger. The round's target, the ventral gunbarrel of La Flaga's Zero.

"Wolf Alpha round outgoing! I suggest you get out of the way unless you want to lose your head!" the sniper shouted.

"Understood!" Sebastian said, diving out of the line of fire. The yellow streak hit its target dead on, causing it to explode.

"Verify accurate delivery of round." A certain smugness colored the White Wolf's voice.

"Delivery verified...DEFINITELY verified. Gotta love the old Twin Wolf Special!" Sebastian said, "How did you do that, Anthony? A LRRT's optics shouldn't have that kind of range. They shouldn't be able to see more than a click."

"Hehe, you noticed? My GINN has some new optics mounted on it. Optics I personally designed. These babies expand my range to almost five clicks. I'm at three right now."

Mu struggled to restore his center of balance after losing his lower gunbarrel, "Holy crap! Who hit me?" Mu frantically looked for his attacker. Anthony smiled and adjusted his rifle so it gleamed a little in the sunlight then displaced to a new position. The Hawk saw the distant twinkle and he wondered no more. "The White Wolf of Alaska! So I'm up against the Twin Wolves, lucky me." Sebastian and Anthony already had solid reputations among the Earth Forces, and now it was showing here.

"Nice shot, Wolf Bravo! I'll take it from here!" Sebastian said, diving on the Hawk. The CGUE's verniers ignited and the Wolf went for the kill, madly firing his rifle until he emptied the magazine. He hurled the now empty rifle at the Hawk, who blasted it away with his linear cannon. Sebastian's CGUE shot through the explosion, custom heavy sword in hand.

"Show off" the White Wolf chuckled at the younger man, He then directed his attention to where both of their teams were occupied with opening the main entrance of the Endymion supply base, "Bravo Lead to Alpha Nine, Sitrep!"

"This is Alpha Nine, we've made it to the base's main entrance," Came the intense, soft spoken voice of Shawn Mason, Sebastian's executive officer, and main strategist. "Alpha Five is opening it up right now!" He spoke of Duncan Cooper, the Storm Wolves' engineer.

"Roger Alpha Nine, Bravo One, providing sniper cover." Sniper replied downing a pair of Mobius' over the team's location. In the meantime, Sebastian's battle with Mu continued unabated in the skies over the crater. Sebastian's ammo was almost gone. Mu made good work of using the one advantage the Zero had over the CGUE, maneuverability.

"Damn, La Flaga is that good! I hate to see what he could do with a mobile suit!" Sebastian griped, the last of the ammo in his shield cannon running out, "Alpha Lead to Bravo One, I'm Winchester! I need another round!"

"You got it, Pup!" Anthony chambered another round. "Wolf Bravo Leader, GOING HOT!" The massive rifle fired again, this time aimed right at the Zero's cockpit. But this time, Mu anticipated it, jerking the control yoke upwards. Anthony's round sailed right underneath it deep into space. The Hawk swiveled the mobile armor towards the area where Anthony was.

"Fool me once, shame on you!" He pulled the trigger on the linear cannon, sending the heavy 150mm shell at Anthony's position. "Fool me twice, shame on me!"

"Shit!" Anthony yelled, breaking cover and diving off the side of the crater, a dull WHUMP as the shell hit the place where the White Wolf once was. "That was a close one!" He crawled back up the side of the crater in a new position.

The battle was starting to turn in ZAFT's favor. In the ship to ship battle, The Third Orbital Fleet was getting pasted by the ZAFT armada, led by the Storm Wolves' three ships, the Calvin, the Hobbes, and the Locke, and the Blizzard Prowler and Blood Fang, the White Wolves' carriers. the Storm Wolves and White Wolves themselves, led by Wolf Bravo Two, Irwin Webber, and Wolf Bravo Three, Linda Wang, assaulted into the supply base, intending to burn everything they found.

Shawn and Duncan remained at the entrance to guard the escape route for their packmates, as the Twin Wolves themselves continued to brawl with the Hawk of Endymion over the crater itself. Sebastian swinging his sword with a fervor the samurai of ancient Japan would have been proud of, as Anthony divided his time between giving Sebastian support in the form of a 57mm shell and aiming down at the troops below.

Anthony's trained eyes swept across the battlefield. A trio of GINNs gunned down by a barrage of 75mm shells from the base's Igellstellung CIWS. The firing pattern was clean, crisp, and mechanical…in other words, on auto fire.

Anthony kept shooting, but the pop and lock movements of the base defense turrets just bothered him, "This was too easy. After Ptoleameaus this is the EA's largest base on the moon. There should be way more defenders here than what they've currently got, and reinforcements should have arrived by now." Duncan's next report only solidified Anthony's fears.

"Bravo Lead, this is Alpha Five...I've been monitoring the rad levels around here...they seem to be much higher than usual. And they're still going up. I don't want to make of it, so I thought I'd better call it in." Duncan said.

"Roger Alpha Five. If you can humor me, can you or Alpha Nine observe any of the defense turrets? Tell me how they're moving? I know it's a bizarre request, but do it for me." Anthony's prayers were dashed with Shawn's next words.

"This is Alpha Nine, I can see two CIWS now…they're moving real mechanical, almost like they're on preplanned orders. I don't think there are any human operators manning the controls…" It didn't take long for Shawn's mind to snap into the same pattern as Anthony was, and his tense tone reflected his concern, "Alpha Nine to Bravo Two, what is the status of Wolfpacks Alpha and Bravo?"

"Alpha Nine, this is Bravo Two, We've now reached the midpoint of the base!" Irwin reported. "We've cleared the first two gates, but something's not right here, the place is practically deserted!"

"It's really weird. There's been practically no resistance whatsoever," Linda added. A loud heavy CLANG came over the radio. "SHIT! Bulkheads just closed on us!"

"It's a trap!" The White Wolf spoke to Storm Wolf as he took out another CIWS battery. Nearly avoiding a missile barrage.

"Get our teams out of there, now!" Sebastian ordered, slicing off the Zero's linear cannon with his sword. Mu decided he'd had enough, reeled in the remaining two gunbarrels, and fled the scene in a hurry. Sebastian would settle things with Mu later.

"Yes." Anthony replied, "Wolfpack this is Wolf Bravo Lead Code Foxtrot Omega! Abort mission!"

"We can't get out!" Irwin replied. "The bulkheads are all locked up! Even if we could, we're too far inside to reach the exit point in time to evade whatever gifts the Earth Forces may have left behind."

"NO!" Anthony's cool façade broke and his Recon GINN broke cover, "Alpha Five, burn the door! I'm coming your way!"

"Already on it!" Duncan replied, activating his Engineer GINN's blowtorch, cutting into the hardened steel.

"What are you guys doing? Save yourselves and get out of here now!" Linda snapped.

"I'm not leaving without you! I'm going to save you, and we're all going to go home!" Anthony's voice brokered no argument. "Step it up, Duncan!"

A Zero and three Mobiuses dove on the two Wolves. The sniper picked up a MMI-M8A3 76mm GINN machine gun from one of his fallen comrades and fired it and his Sniper rifle at the diving enemy in a hail of lead. Sebastian joined in his CGUE, grabbing a M8A3 of his own. Cutting down two more Mobeiuses and slagging a missile launcher and gun turret.

"Damn it! It's taking too long! The armor's too thick. I'm barely a third of the way through! I give it ten minutes!" Duncan cursed.

"We don't have ten minutes! Radiation levels climbing fast!" Shawn reported. "Whatever they left here, It's going to be very messy and very painful!"

"I'm not leaving without my men!" Anthony shouted, "We don't leave our own behind!"

A cold ball of ice formed in the Storm Wolf's stomach, it was a horrible dark feeling, the feeling no commander ever wanted to have. "We don't have a choice...we have to go now. I'm sorry, Anthony. Duncan, Shawn..." And the two GINNs grabbed the White LRRT and took off into the sky.

"Let me go! Damn it that's an order! Your men are in there too, Sebastian! How can you just abandon them!"

"I have operational seniority over you, Commander Russo! I know fucking well my people are trapped in that shithole!" Sebastian snapped, "…Don't make this any harder than it already is, Anthony!" He tried to keep the lump out of his throat.

"I'm sorry guys..." Anthony muttered to Irwin and Linda.

"It's alright, Anthony…live on and keep…legacy alive…" Irwin said. "The temperature is rising even higher now! Oh god…it's broiling…"

"AAAAAAAAAA!" the pain filled voice of Marie Jackson ended with a screech, Wolf Alpha Six as her GINN exploded from the wave of super concentrated radiation emanating out from underneath the Endymion supply base. The brave pilots of the Storm Wolves and White Wolves its first victims, The bubble of energy expanded further, taking out anyone unfortunate enough to be in the line of fire.

"MOVE!" Sebastian roared, the CGUE and three GINNs redlining their engines in their rush away from the surface Anthony's eyes widened at the widening radius of the weapon, "Those bastards..."

"AURRRRRLLLLLOOOOOOOOO!" Sebastian threw back his head, howling for the death of his packmates.

"AURRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOO!" Anthony followed suit for his teammates.

"Boss we lost all three carriers. We're all that's left." Shawn's voice shaking.

"My Dad and Maria should be nearby with the Blood Fang and the Blizzard Prowler." the disturbed Commander told them.

"Thanks…" Sebastian rasped, before turning off the radio. He removed his white helmet, letting the tears roll down his face. He finally just screamed in anger at the dark void of space.

Heliopolis, January 24th, C.E. 71

Sebastian Connor gasped, waking from his nightmare. He wiped his sweaty bangs out of his eyes. "Why can't I just put the stupid thing behind me?" He sighed. He walked over the small kitchen area of his modestly furnished studio apartment, drawing a glass of water, downing it in one gulp. He looked out on the colony city.

In the apartment across the hall from him, Anthony Russo woke up from the same dream. He sat down at his desk, turning on the small table light, gazing at a framed picture of the White Wolves taken just after the First Battle of Jachin Due, the battle which made the younger Wolf famous."Linda…Irwin…the other Wolves." Anthony muttered. "Another sleepless night…guess I can work on that crossword puzzle again."

The Storm Wolf shook his head, deciding to go back to bed, but the light came on. "Sebastian? What's the matter, dear?" the brunette girl with shoulder length hair asked. Her blue eyes misty with concern. Sebastian reached out to touch the girl's cheek. "Oh…you had the nightmare again, didn't you?"

"Yeah, fourth time this month, my love. I'd be a lot worse off if not for you…Lacus." She took his hand in hers. "I'm still amazed you came. You had everything back home, legions of fans, you had access to the swankiest parties in the PLANTs, but you gave that all up…for an old Wolf like me. I'm glad you did. The nights are so much easier with you around." Lacus' blue eyes twinkled merrily.

"I love singing and inspiring the people. As the daughter of a politician it's my duty, and privilege to support them in any way I can. But you are my husband, and a wife's main duty is to support and love their spouse. I can't imagine who needs it more than you." Lacus smiled. The two settled down in bed for another hour, enjoying a quiet moment as a married couple.

Anthony looked at the picture of his teammates taken just after the battle which made Sebastian famous. "Are you guys watching over us from the other side? Do you know what we're up to?" Anthony sighed. He knew he wasn't going to get any sleep after that, he slid on his Orb uniform, carrying the rank of Naval Captain. He went across the hall, knocking on the door. "Hey pup! I'm heading to the hanger! You take your time, but don't be late!"

He walked out of their apartment complex to where his pride and joy, a Harley-Davidson Fatboy in pure white, the symbol of the White Wolves on the fuel tank. He slid on a pair of aviator glasses, doffed his helmet and took off down the road towards the Morgenroete Branch Office. "Soon…soon it will all come together." He said, as his mind recalled the meeting which changed their fates.

Aprilus One, L5, May 17th, C.E. 70,

Sebastian picked at the collar of his ZAFT redcoat. "I wonder what the Chairman wants with us both." The Twin Wolves received a message at three in the morning to report to the Clyne Manor for an emergency meeting with the Supreme Chairman himself.

Anthony, in pristine commander white was wondering the same, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Sebastian swatted the older man on the back of the head. "Dude, don't say those words! Are you TRYING to tempt fate?"

"What do you think Endymion was?" Anthony shot back, rubbing the sore spot on the back of his head.

"Endymion was a trap. Which I'm hoping is NOT the reason we're getting called in for."

"It's not. I'm talking about a situation that could put us in the meat grinder." Sebastian gave his mentor a look plainly saying, 'what the fuck?'

"Dude, where have you been the last seven months? We've been in the meat grinder ever since Junius. Endymion was the worst part of it."

The commander sighed and nodded, "True, let's see what your future father-in-law needs." Sebastian's eyes grew a little brighter as he saw the pink haired woman of his heart sitting on the sofa in her father's office, playing with Mr. Pink.

"Sebastian Connor and Anthony Russo, reporting as ordered sir!" They both saluted.

Welcome boys, please sit down." Siegel addressed the younger men.

The Commanders sat down, "It's been awhile, Siegel." Anthony spoke casually.

"Indeed, Anthony." Siegel nodded. "I'm sorry for getting you out so late at night. I needed you both here for a very important matter."

Anthony shook his head, "Don't worry about it. I couldn't sleep after what happened."

"I haven't had that problem…much," Sebastian said when he could. Lacus was sitting in his lap, making out with him. Siegel cleared his throat. And the young princess started blushing. "Uhh, sorry sir," Sebastian managed a short, embarrassed grin. "

"What is the reason that you called us in Sir?" Anthony turned all business like.

Siegel's face grew grim. "Boys, you're the two top aces in the service. And I know I would have your full trust and support, is that not correct?"

Anthony nodded, "You do sir."

"Of course, you're going to be my father-in-law before too long." Sebastian added.

"Good. The reason I called you here tonight is because I fear I can no longer trust Patrick...or Commander Le Creuset."

"I thought as much." The White Wolf remarked.

"It's hard to do this, since we've known each other so long. Patrick had pushed me to make an engagement between Lacus and Athrun. But my little girl found someone to love." He looked to his daughter, still in the arms of the Storm Wolf.

"I see, but that isn't the true reasons that you called us here." Sebastian replied.

"He...intends to eliminate all Naturals. And I believe Commander Le Creuset is in on it too. Or has his own agenda." The Twin Wolves' reactions made Anthony shutter, He was technically Half and half, and his father was a Natural.

Sebastian ground his teeth. "That...monster!" Sebastian had lived the first thirteen years of his life on Earth. It had been a rough time, but Earth still held a special place in his heart, "He plans to kill them all?!"

"Yes. It's his intention to 'sterilize' Earth. He believed Coordinators are the next evolution of humanity." Siegel said sadly. "He's turned a corner ever since Lenore died." Sebastian's grip tightened on Lacus at the mention of the Bloody Valentine, claiming the lives of Sebastian's entire family.

"The Bastard..." Anthony hissed under his breath.

Lacus cuddled Sebastian. "Bad man! Bad man!" Mr. Pink chirped.

"I assume you have a mission for us? I can't imagine you'd let this go unanswered." Anthony asked.

"Yes. I've been in secret negotiations with Chief Representative Athha of Orb. We' both agree that Zala's plans cannot come to fruition."

Anthony nodded, "Um excuse me, sir, but you should know all I have are two Nazcas and a Vosglov with two GhOONs nearly my entire mobile force was destroyed."

"Yeah, I have no problems throwing a wrench in the works, but all three of my carriers are gone, and Duncan and Shawn are all I have left. It's going to be kinda hard to fight back with so little."

"I've found a couple of replacements for you, Commander Russo. They're near washouts, but still very skilled pilots. Command isn't going to miss the two of them. And Commander Connor, you'll have to pick them as they go along. It shouldn't be an issue at this point. Since you operate as one unit anyway." Siegel pointed out.

"Yes. Anthony." He then looked to his daughter's fiancee. "I also have something extra for you, son-in-law. This not an order from the Supreme Chairman of the PLANTs to one of his subordinates, but a request from a man and a father to the boy whom his little girl loves so much."

"Name it." Sebastian said.

"I want you to take Lacus with you when you leave for Orb." Siegel took his daughter's hand and put it into his.

Anthony looked at the couple. Sebastian could only gape. "A-are you sure? I mean, won't Lacus be needed here?" Sebastian still wasn't sure if he heard the Chairman right.

"We heard him correctly Sebastian." Anthony patted the younger man on the shoulder.

"She asked to go with you, and I would do anything for my daughter's happiness. I don't want her to be used as a possible bargaining chip by Patrick. She'll be better off with you. I know she's the only thing which lets you sleep at night, Sebastian. Go...with my blessing." Siegel said.

"Thank you…Dad." Sebastian said.

"What is the instrument of Zala's plan?" Anthony asked getting back on track.

The elder man's features hardened further. He turned on a screen to reveal a large menacing looking object. "This...is GENESIS, a massive gamma ray laser, triggered by a nuclear blast. The large array of mirrors focuses the energy into a coherent beam. This beam is powerful enough to irradiate the entire planet in seconds. A second blast could destroy Earth outright."

"Gamma Rays cook organic life forms!" Anthony was outraged at this turn of events.

"Exactly, Commander Russo. THIS is the beast we must slay to stop Patrick...no, Defense Committee Chairman Zala's ambitions." Sebastian's eyes were hardened like steel.

"When do we leave, dad?" he said. "I want Lacus as far away from here as possible."

"I want you all shipped out in two weeks' time." Siegel said.

"Plenty of time," Anthony added.

"Yeah, plenty of time...for Lacus and I to be married," Lacus gasped at the Storm Wolf's words. He looked into her eyes, taking her hands.

"I'd recommend that we hold off on that until we get to someplace safe first." Anthony said, but Sebastian wouldn't hear it.

"No, Anthony. If this is the path we're going to follow, I want to live without any regrets! In my eyes it would be better to marry her now, and enjoy what time we have as a couple together. Than let something bad happen to me and wonder what could have been." His voice brokered no argument as he held her cheek in his hand.

The sniper sighed "Same old pup... You do understand that I'm the ONLY person that would be able to protect you two."

Siegel spoke, "You actually aren't completely alone. There are two other team commanders I trust as much as you two. Recall Commander Lamperouge and his wife?"

"Mark and Cornelia?" Anthony recalled, "But they're an Orbital tactician and a Grunt commander respectfully."

"And are very good friends of the family, and my godparents too!" Lacus giggled.

"I see. So they can be trusted." Anthony was relieved, they weren't fighting alone.

Siegel nodded soberly, "Don't worry, Anthony. Mark and Cornelia have both agreed to report any movements from Commander Le Creuset or Chairman Zala. You have my word. It is quite late. You should both go and get some sleep. Dismissed."

Anthony stood up and saluted, "Sir!" he looked torwards Sebastian, "Pup you're on Guard duty." he said smiling.

"Oh yeah!" Sebastian grinned, picking up the Pink Princess and heading to her bedroom.

"Zala…Le Creuset, just you two wait." Anthony muttered to himself as he pulled up to the hanger assigned to the 1st Rapid Strike Force, as the remnants of the Storm Wolves and White Wolves were now known as. He just shook his head, as he saw Duncan tinkering away on Sebastian's CGUE. "Don't you ever sleep?" Anthony remarked.
"Nope, not really, Captain." Duncan reported in a chipper tone.

"No sleep! No sleep!" Lacus' light blue Haro bounced out of the small office, right into Anthony's hand. "Good morning! Good morning!"

"Hi, Blue, you keeping an eye on our wrench jockey here?" Anthony said.

"He need girl! He need girl!" Blue wiggled about. Duncan tossed a wrench at the Haro, who nimbly left out of the way. "Bad aim! Bad aim!" Blue rolled under the table.

"Why did Lacus give you that thing?" Duncan grunted.

Because it's attached to me. Did you upload it with the software I gave you and install its cradle in my GINN?

"Yeah, yeah. I got it. Plus the improved avionics for your GINN's heavy rifle."

Anthony nodded, "Is the shotgun fitted to your Rifle as well?"

"Yep. I'm going to enjoy unloading that baby!" Duncan cracked a scary smile.

The Orb Captain smirked, "Carry on, I'll be in the office."

"Yes sir!" He saluted. Blue hopped out and followed Anthony into the office. Anthony sat down at the desk, picking up the construction report on the Earth Alliance G-Weapon prototypes. He frowned with some dismay to note all six machines were nearly complete. "We're going to have to make our move soon."

Back at the Twin Wolves' apartment complex, Sebastian finished showering and sat down to have a cup of tea, watching Lacus make breakfast. She wore a simple light blue dress trimmed in yellow with a white apron over it, her shoulder length brown hair swaying back and forth in a low pony tail. She moved lightly through the kitchen, humming a little tune to no one in particular, preparing waffles. Mr. Pink rolled about on the table.

"I'll be attending classes today, sweetie, just so you remember." Lacus said as she put the waffles in front of her husband. "I must say, I've enjoyed this…just living the life of a regular student, I was always surrounded by guards and handlers, my entire schedule dictated to me. Here there's no crazed mobs, No paparazzi sneaking about to get pictures of me. It's a freedom I've never known before."

"As far as the world knows, Lacus Clyne is still back in the PLANTs. 'Taking time from her busy schedule to work on new material for her latest CD.' They have no idea you'd gone underground. Plus with your hair chopped and colored. You blend right in."

Lacus giggled, "I still remember how shocked you were I came out to show you my new look." Her husband stifled his laughter, remembering all the air he probably gulped in.

"I'm ready!" Lacus said. She came out. "Well, what do you think?" The Storm Wolf's jaw hit the floor.

"Your hair..." he began.

"Is short?" Lacus asked, her now chin length locks swaying cutely.

"No, you're a brunette." Sebastian finished.

Lacus nodded, running her hands through the feathery locks. "Yes, I decided my pink hair was too distinctive. So I dyed and cut it. Do you like it? If not, it'll grow back."

Sebastian gave his wife a scrutinizing eye, "You know what, honey? I like it! I like you as a brunette, and the short hair…it's kinda sexy on you." he grinned. Lacus blushed at the compliment. Sebastian snapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her in for a long deep kiss.

"If you'll excuse me sweetheart, I need to get over to Morgenroete. I'll pick you after classes are done and we'll get dinner together." He kissed her lightly on the lips. Lacus twitched her little button nose. Sebastian stepped outside to his motorcycle, a vintage 2003 Harley-Davidson Softail in dark forest green and pearl white. He slid on his dark green helmet with a howling wolf embossed on either side, revved the engine, and took off for the Morgenroete compound. He slid his bike next to Anthony's, and headed for the hanger.

"Anthony need you! Anthony need you!" Blue greeted Sebastian at the hanger door.

"Hey boss, Anthony's in the office, and he needs to talk to you now." Duncan called from his Sapper GINN.

"Understood." He then addressed the Haro, "Lay on, Macduff," following the rolling blue ball to the office. "Hey chief, what's going on?" Sebastian asked as he took his leather jacket off.

"Come with me," Anthony said simply as the two walked towards the restricted Area. He slid his passcard through the reader. "It's almost time, Pup. The Earth Alliance prototypes are almost complete. We're going to have a short window to acquire them before they're taken away."

"I see." Sebastian's face grew grim. They entered the observation room to view the six Atlantic Federation G-weapons, GAT-X102 Duel, GAT-X103 Buster, GAT-X105 Strike, GAT-X108 Predator, GAT-X207 Blitz, and GAT-X303 Aegis. "You gotta admit, they are pretty impressive, including the Strike. Of all the machines, I think it's the most dangerous, given its versatility." Sebastian observed. "Are we going to go for it?"

"If we can, your objective would be Predator."

"What about you?" Sebastian asked.

"If things go right the Buster. Shawn will take the Aegis, and Duncan will grab the Blitz. You and I will come back for the Strike and Duel later. But if things go south like I fear they might, we have our custom GINNs as back up. So many things can go wrong here. I know I shouldn't be so pessimistic, but I can't help it."

"The Earth Forces kept this real hush hush. If anyone's managed to sniff Project G out, then the EA's security measures suck more than we thought they did!" Sebastian replied. "Wait a minute…Anthony, does ZAFT know about the prototypes?"

"I hate to say it pup, but the answer is yes. You weren't here the other day, but I saw a real shady figure in here, taking pictures. Shawn and I chased him down, but he managed to escape. It may be only a matter of time before ZAFT comes a calling. Call Shawn and get him in. I'm starting to get REALLY nervous."

"Someone call my name?" A voice from behind came. Shawn sauntered up, An attractive young woman with royal purple hair pulled into a high ponytail with him. "Duncan told me you two would be here. You remember Harmony right?"

"Kind of hard not to." Anthony remarked.

"Yeah, given she was one of my wife's bridesmaids." Sebastian said, remembered .

Harmony Lamperouge just smirked. "Captain Russo, Colonel Connor, admiring my babies?"

"He can't. He's married, And I can't because I value my life." Anthony joked.

"Ha ha, very funny. Is the plan still on? You and your boys going to grab the machines? They're powerful...I'd hate to see the Earth Forces use them against the PLANTs." she gazed out on them.

"That's the plan but I can see it going south." Anthony informed, "We got some reinforcements from the homeland, but I'm not putting too much faith in them. They're all too cocky for their own good, and their leader's a glory hound."

"A Niedermeyer…I hate those types. If ZAFT does attack, odds are those boys are going to be the very first to go." Sebastian remarked, referencing a character from one of his favorite old movies, "Animal House."

The elder wolf sighed, "Replacing a team can be a wise investment or a total waste of time. We got lucky."

The Blood Fang and Blizzard Prowler slowly sailed through the dark ocean of space towards Earth, Anthony and Sebastian sat in the White Wolf's office, going over the files of the two replacements for Anthony's squad, "Does the Council think so low of me? At least Siegel managed to find two good pilots for us."

Sebastian leaned back on the couch, "Really it's a win for us. Both of them were on the verge of being sent to the disciplinary units. That's the worst place you can be sent, it would be a greater mercy to just discharge them altogether and walk away with a little dignity intact. I met Jeff Hills once. He's scary!" A knocking came at the door. "I guess this must be them."

"Enter!" Anthony ordered, and the two replacements entered the office, a male in elite ZAFT red, and a female in regular ZAFT green.

Unremarkable and average, were the summary of the nineteen year old male wearing the standard male version of the red uniform reserved for ZAFT's elite pilots, although the collar was unbuttoned. Average height, about 5'8, Dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a dour, defeatist expression on his face.

Both men's eyes bugged out at the gorgeous seventeen year old lady stepping into the office. First item of note, she was tall, 5'11 if not six feet even. Shoulder length dirty blonde hair framed soft, hazel eyes, adorned in a heavily modified version of the standard female ZAFT green uniform she wore. The sleeves cut off to reveal toned creamy arms. The skirt was an inch shorter than usual, showing off very long shapely legs. Topping it off was a very large bust line, which Anthony estimated to be a high C cup at least.

The sound of the male clearing his throat brought Sebastian and Anthony out of their stupor. "Pilots Alan Barqs and Lennette Taylor reporting for duty, Commander Russo."

Anthony smiled warmly, "Welcome aboard you two. Please sit."

"Thank you." Alan replied, he held out the chair for Lenette and sat her down before he took a seat. "So tell me, how much are we going to have our asses raked over the coals?"

"Who told you this was a Disciplinary unit?"

Lenette then cut in. "No one did, We were informed by Chairman Clyne himself to report to the White Wolves. Apparently, my friend here doesn't realize it, but I do. It's an honor to serve under two of ZAFT's greatest aces, and help reconsitute your team, Commander Russo."

Anthony smiled, "Good." He opened Alan's personal jacket first, "You totaled a ZGMT-01 GINN Trainer, six cars and a Skylight while you were under the influence?" The whitecoat was rather surprised.

Alan put his head in his hand, "Yes sir...a tequila/vodka mix to be specific. But...that's not all. I was also involved in an incident which involved Miss Taylor here."

"Do Tell." Sebastian said.

Lenette blushed slightly, "Mr. Barqs defended me from some very rough men, Including your brother." Sebastian got up from his chair and starting pounding his head against the wall.

Anthony just palmed his face, "Damn it... continue."

Lennette's face became pleading. "Commander Russo, Commander Connor, please don't think any less of me. But before I joined the service, I was an exotic dancer...a stripper. And sometimes I'd give, 'private shows' to some of the other guys. We're in the middle of a war and even soldiers need some release from time to time, if you understand what I'm saying?"

"Well at least it's not whoring yourself out." Anthony admitted, "Pardon my mouth. I look for skill and professonalism on the battlefield."

"Oh no! No! I would never go THAT far! I make more money here than I ever did working the clubs. But, old habits die hard, and they do enjoy it. was...just showing off, really when that beast, Yukari came in. He demanded I sleep with him and I said no. He got rough." She looked over to Alan with fond eyes. "Mr. Barqs came to my rescue by cracking a bottle on the asshole's head. It went downhill from there. We were caught by Commander Le Creuset."

Alan smirked slightly. "Yeah, I did get a certain degree of satisfaction breaking that bottle on the fucker's head. I never did like him, or Commander Evans for that matter, they're both psycho."

A broad smirk graced Anthony's face, "Alan I think you'll fit in here just fine."

"Indeed, I think I could see us becoming VERY good friends, Pilot Barqs." Sebastian mirrored Anthony's smirk.

"Well, that all aside, let's get down to business. Why exactly were Lenette and I sent here?" Alan said.

"As the new pilots, you're going to be the first to be briefed." The white coat commander motioned to Sebastian to continue.

"Mr. Barqs, Miss Taylor, what you're about to hear, does not leave this room. It's been classified Omega Black by Chairman Siegel Clyne himself." Alan's expression was unreadable, but the shock on Lenette's face was quite clear. "It's rather ironic you were reported by Commander Le Creuset of all people. He's one of the men we're working against. He and Defense Committee Chairman Zala have some nasty secrets."

"Not much, I have to admit." Lenette said.

"Yeah, same here," Alan admitted.

"They have created a Gamma Ray laser." Anthony said.

Sebastian nodded grimly. "A gamma ray laser large enough and powerful enough to take out Earth in one shot. Zala intends to use this thing on Earth. Chairman Clyne has charged Anthony and myself with stopping his plans. And now you two are part of it as well."

"So you two feel up to it?" Anthony's tone was commanding.

They both stood up at attention. Determination blazing in both their eyes. "You need a specialist in mobile suit heavy weapons?" Lenette asked.

"Always. I also have another job for you."

"Oh?" Lenette asked.

"Gentlemen, Could you excuse us?" he asked respectfully. Sebastian took that as a signal to leave. Alan stood up as well.

"Come on, Barqs, I'll show you to your quarters, and you can meet your new squadmates. And you can tell me how exactly you feel about Kyle Evans…" were the last words Anthony and Lenette hear before the door closed.

He waited until they left before pressing a button on his desk locking the door, "Someone with your skills is hard to come by."

"Oh really? I had no idea being a stripper was beneficial." Lenette remarked, turning the charm on.

"It can be."

"How so?" she smiled cutely, unbuttoning the first button of her jacket.

"You can help the men relax, keeping morale up..."

"I'd have done that anyway."

"It also has some uses in intelligence."

A knowing smile crossed Lenette's features. "Hmm, I see where you're going. One of the oldest tricks in the book." She came around to his side of the desk, "If you need my services. Just give me the word, and I can make them talk. Male...or female, I don't discriminate." She said huskily into his ear.

Anthony shivered all over, "Sure. And one more thing."

"Anything you want," she sat on his desk, legs crossed.

"Sebastian and Lacus are getting married. I need a Girl for the pup's Bachelor party. Make it memorable for him."

She licked her lips. "So the Storm Wolf's finally going to to marry Miss Clyne? I'm game."

"First, I'm going to need to see your credentials, show me what you got, Miss Taylor."

"Yes sir!" Lenette smiled.

He sat back and let the woman work.

Anthony took a few minutes to shake the naughty thoughts out of his head before turning to his partner in crime. "We should start making preparations to snag the prototypes and soon."

"Agreed." Shawn said. "I'll let Duncan know. He'll be eager to get out of here and return to the homeland."

"We'll make our move in two days. Hopefully nothing will happen between then and now." Sebastian winced and both Shawn and Duncan palmed their foreheads.

"Anthony…what did I always say about tempting fate?" the former Supreme Ace replied.

"Don't?" The sniper asked, sheepishly.

Sebastian just sighed and headed back to the Twin Wolves' hanger, saying a prayer things were quiet for a little longer until they could snatch up the prototypes. However…the damage was already done…

Outside Heliopolis

Three ships, the Nazca-class destroyers Vesalius and Dark Tooth, and the Laurasia-class Gamow hovered.

"Neutral? Pah, Neutral my ass." a blood thirsty voice muttered in the background of the Dark Tooth's bridge. "Orb is nothing but a bunch of cowards and bleeding hearts. Attha is as weak as Clyne is. They cling foolishly to their pitiful beliefs of neutrality while the animals lurk at their gates! After we take down the Earth Forces, Orb is next!"

"Eager to shed blood already, Zavier? We haven't even begun yet." An equally, bloodthirsty voice said. "Don't worry, we'll both get our chances soon enough. We're still waiting on Commander Le Creuset's signal. Soon you'll be able to kill as many people as you want."

Zavier Yukari, the Blood Fox, snorted derisively, "There's only one person I want to bleed dry Kyle. My worthless halfbreed of a brother! He thinks I won't track him down? He's wrong! When I find him, I'm going to snap that precious sniper rifle of him clean in half and use it to crush him! It's only a shame mother is busy with business over near L2. I know she'd want to be there when both Anthony and our deadbeat father buy it! She may even want the honor of doing so herself."

Kyle Evans, the Grimaldi Hyena drawled. "Ultimately it will come down to a fight, us versus them, Wherever Connor and Russo have gone, they can't stay away forever. Champions of justice they are, they're too noble to sit back and ignore the carnage while innocent lives are at stake. I know the two of them. They WILL come back, it's just a manner of when, and what side they'll be on."

"A hungry hyena and a fox seeking blood tracking a pair of endangered wolves." Zavier licked his teeth in predatory glee, "I smell a hunt coming on!"

Kyle offered a smug nod of approval, "And a glorious hunt it will be."

Author's Notes: The Tale of the Twin Wolves starts here.