Chapter 4: Deeper into the Blue

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed Destiny. The only characters I own are the OC Michele Zivera as well as Academy teachers, and the JTO idea.

This will be written a bit differently than the last chapter. As I read over it, I should've added more context from the anime. This will also begin to branch off from the main storyline of the anime and delve into the subplot.

The ride back to the Minerva was quiet, so Michele took the time to study the boy beside her. From what Captain Gladys told her, he was a rather silent yet capable pilot, and knew Chairman Durandal on a personal level. She wanted to dig deeper and find out just what kind of relationship they had. She noticed differences in his behavior when they were all eating with the Chairman; he seemed happier, more relaxed. She also gathered that he and Shinn were close friends, and that most of the young pilots and other crewmen had graduated from the Academy together.

"So tell me," Rey began suddenly, "just how did you come to be on the Minerva?" he asked and looked at her.

"Well, Chairman Durandal assigned me to this ship. I'm not exactly sure why either, considering all of the talented pilots and crew already on board. Plus, it looks like that other FAITH member will also be joining us." She answered.

"Hm. You first saw battle at Jachin Due, correct? So you graduated from the Academy at least two years ahead of us. I wonder if we had some of the same teachers." He said.

She could tell he was digging for information on her just as she was trying to figure him out. His questions sounded like the Chairman had doubts about her status as a Zaft solider. Either that or she was looking way too deep into his comments.

"Yes, that's correct. Let's see, for piloting instruction I had Mukata and Jioni. They were tough, but I learned a lot. Who did you have?" she replied.

"I had Mukata as well; in fact Shinn, Lunamaria and I were all in the same class together." Rey told her.

"Did he tell that joke about a Coordinator priest and a Natural rabbi entering an Orb bar?" she asked, giggling at the memory.

"Yes, but I'm not sure I get it." He confessed.

"Don't worry, nobody ever does." She assured him. They spent the rest of the car ride mostly talking about the Academy. She felt like she had passed some test, and noticed that Rey seemed to relax around her. When they were back at the ship, she excused herself to the hangar for a quick check on her mobile armor, and also to think about what she observed during their conversation.

Durandal definitely had trust issues with her. He wanted to know what, or who, she was involved with, and he wanted to know bad. Rey's initial questions confirmed a relationship between the two. She just knew Durandal wanted him to ask about certain things such as the Academy, to make sure she actually went or to test her knowledge. He was on to her, but he thought she was a spy. Which she technically was, but not the kind he should be worried about.

She knew Rey's next questions would be different, because he would try to get her to talk about JTO—not that he knew, but he wanted to get a hint. She would have to be careful, but she didn't want him to know that he was already compromised. If word got back to Durandal, his efforts and motives may change, putting her at risk. But still, she couldn't help wondering just how close the two were. Captain Gladys hinted at their relationship, but she didn't trust Michele enough to go into any full detail, which made her think she was involved as well. She wouldn't be surprised if something wacky came out of it.

She glanced around the hangar, taking note of the crew positions. She couldn't help but to be cautious of her machine, like it was her baby, and the paranoia that one of the young mechanics would try to tinker with it set her on edge. She inspected it, but they didn't touch it. She made it clear that she would do any upgrades and work needed throughout the war. She couldn't have them analyzing the specs and design. This was supposed to be a shadow, as in unseen, but this was as discreet as she could get.

She hopped inside the cockpit to do some updates and see if anything needed to be tweaked. Not long after she turned everything on and started looking at the system, a message came in from a secure, unknown line. She answered, knowing exactly who it was.

"Have you acquired the intel?"

"Some, yes. The battles keep interrupting any chance I get." She replied.

"How is the machine?"

"Perfect, it's serving me well so far."

"And you are aware of the current situation concerning Orb and its Mistress?"

"Yes, we made contact recently."

"Good, it seems everything is moving along smoothly. Your orders remain the same. Have you any notes, questions, or comments concerning the mission?"

"I've discovered a relationship between Durandal and Rey Za Burrel. Also, I believe the Chairman may be behind the assassination attempt on Lacus Clyne, because of his fake companion singing in her stead. I have yet to determine his reasons, nor establish whether he should be a target." She told the JTO operative on the other line.

"We'll handle Durandal, then. It seem he is flying rogue, but with different colors than Patrick Zala." The operative mused.

"Let's hope he doesn't wish to carry on the former Chairman's ideals." She murmured.

"If he does, we can only count on you to stop him, by whatever means necessary."

"I understand and am prepared to take action." She responded.

"Carry on with your mission. Guide the future with your Light." He told her.

"Whatever it takes." She answered, using the motto of the JTO as he did. The link was disabled and she smiled. She knew sooner or later they would contact her for an update. She didn't know as much as she wanted, but she was getting there.

As she walked to the dining hall the next day she saw Luna, who looked annoyed. "How did your stay go?" Michele asked politely, curious as to her emotional condition.

"Oh it was fine until this morning." The girl replied, the anger in her voice obvious.

"What happened this morning?" Michele asked, a bit concerned and confused.

"I really shouldn't talk about it, but I went to see if Athrun wanted to join me for breakfast but Miss Lacus was there. He tried to tell me it was no big deal, but I understood perfectly." Luna replied and told her about the confrontations.

"She did what?" Michele exclaimed and laughed. "Oh poor Athrun!"

"Yeah, yeah, he didn't seem to mind all that much." Luna waved it off.

"He was probably embarrassed." Michele told her.

"Yeah, embarrassed that he was caught! The nerve of that guy to yell at me after…" she said and let out an irritated noise. Michele couldn't help but to keep chuckling.

"I guess it was to be expected. You remember last night when she showed up, I'm not surprised." She said. On the other hand, she couldn't wait to tease Athrun about this strange Lacus look-alike showing up in his bed. She wondered how awkward it was for him to deal with her, when no one else knew she wasn't the real Lacus. She also wondered how the pink-haired songstress was taking all of this, as well as Cagalli and Kira.

She thought about meeting up with them. She knew she had to stick with Shinn and Rey, but she also wanted to know what the Archangel and her crew were up to. If she was going to guide this war, she needed to know the positions of all key players in order to make the appropriate decisions.

They ate and chatted until Athrun arrived. Luna abruptly got up and left, shooting him a mean look. He sighed and looked flustered.

"Soooo, I heard you had a fun time off the ship." Michele taunted.

"Awww, she told you?" he moaned.

"Every juicy detail." Michele replied and laughed. "I know it's wrong but it's so humorous seeing you two together!" she added.

He groaned again and put his head in his hands, clearly distressed.

"All kidding aside, what do you make of this?" she asked seriously.

"I don't know why the Chairman has a fake Lacus running around, if that's what you mean. He told me it would boost morale, but I don't buy it. Something just isn't right." He answered.

"Do you think he was behind the attack on Lacus?" she asked.

He looked shocked. "What? How did you…?"

"I know about the Archangel, and I know the real Lacus is with them, just as you do. Remember? We discussed it with Captain Gladys." She said.

"Right, but I don't think…" he began.

"Athrun, don't you think it odd that Durandal has this fake traipsing around as Lacus, when the real one is missing? Perhaps he didn't trust her, which could mean his motives are different than ours." She told him.

"Maybe…"

"And what about Cagalli?" she asked again.

"What?"

"She almost married Yuna. What would you have done if she did?"

"I guess…move on." He replied.

"Wrong!" she exclaimed and he turned to her, surprised. "You don't have to be so noble all the time, Athy-kun. If you don't pursue her, you'll lose her. Is that what you want?"

"I really don't have time to deal with that, Michele, there's a war going on! I think it's a bit more important than my love life!" he shouted at her.

As he calmed down she gazed at him, knowing it wasn't her he was upset at, but the war. "Look," she began in a softer tone, "I get it, alright? But even amidst this war, you can't forget the people you care about; because those are the people you're fighting for. If you lose sight of that, you lose your reason to fight. You become a machine, just like the one you pilot, controlled by a higher power. You're better than that, Athrun Zala. That's why you're a FAITH member. You were given the power and ability to make your own decisions, the ones you couldn't make last time. Don't make the same mistakes again, or keep on making new ones. This is your chance to make things right, including your relationship with Cagalli. She needs you right now." She told him.

They sat in silence for a moment as he contemplated her words. "You're right. I apologize." He murmured.

"No, I apologize, commander, for speaking out of turn." She replied and winked. He smiled at her.

"You're doing well here." He commented. "And speaking of relationships, have you told Yzak the news?" he asked.

"Yes, I called him as soon as I could after we arrived. He's a bit disappointed that I wasn't placed with him, but he understands. He also expects you to keep me safe." She replied, smiling.

"Which is what I'm doing, am I not?" he replied in the same manner.

"Yeah, by putting me in the back where nothing's happening." She grumbled jokingly.

"Nobody mentioned how to keep you safe, just to make sure you survived. I think I'm doing a pretty good job as your protector." He said.

"I still don't understand why I even need protecting. I graduated from the Academy top of my class. I think I know how to handle myself." She replied.

"But you don't have quite the battle experience we do. I admit Jachin Due was tough, especially as your first battle, but there were a lot of other battles leading up to that point. Plus, the fights we've been in recently just aren't the same." He answered.

"I guess you're right. But one day I'll show you all my power, and then you won't say anything about this 'protector' stuff." She said.

"Oh, I almost forgot! You remember that other FAITH officer we met yesterday, Heine?" he asked.

"Yeah, is he joining us?" she replied.

"Yes, he was assigned to this ship. He's in the latest model, that gold GOUF Ignited." He told her.

"Wow, that's pretty fresh. He outranks you, doesn't he?" she said.

"Yeah. I wonder why Durandal is assigning yet another FAITH member, let alone another pilot."

"I feel like he's gathering all his eggs in one basket. I'm worried they might blow up in his face. That would be a messy clean-up job." She mumbled.

"I have to admit I really have no idea what the Chairman is doing." Athrun admitted.

"I don't think anyone does." Michele replied.

Later on, when Athrun was called to Shinn's distress signal, she sat with the other pilots.

"What do you think happened?" she asked them.

"Who knows, he probably got lost." Luna said and shrugged.

"Or is out saving a damsel in distress." Rey replied.

"He does that often?" she asked.

"Too often." Luna muttered.

"Rey told me all of you were in the same classes at the Academy." Michele said, trying to get to know more about Shinn.

"Yeah, we all graduated together." Luna said.

"How did you feel about being assigned to the same ship together?" Michele asked.

"Hmm, I dunno. It's like we can't seem to get away from each other, but I guess it's alright. We're all friends after all, plus I feel better knowing my sister is safe with us." Luna responded.

"Maybe that's why you were all put on this ship." Michele suggested.

"Yeah, plus you and Athrun were put here together as well. And now we're getting another pilot, although I've never met him before. Have you?" Luna asked.

"No, I don't think so. We're quite the odd team." Michele stated.

"Maybe you two met during the Battles at Jachin Due." Rey spoke up.

Michele turned to him and Luna looked surprised to hear him speak. "Maybe. I don't remember ever seeing him. There was a lot of chaos going on at the time." She said. He was starting to fish for clues as to where she was really from. Maybe he thought she and Heine were both part of something. She decided to talk with Heine to see whether he was actually a member of the JTO or just another pilot. It would be quite the coincidence if he was, and she wondered whether Durandal already knew somehow.

She got her chance to chat the next day, when Heine officially came aboard the Minerva. Athrun was showing him around, and they all met up.

"You must be Michele, right? I hear your machine is unlike any other." Heine greeted her with a knowing look in his eyes.

"I hear you got the latest model. Nice to meet you, sir." She replied and returned the look.

"Please, drop the formalities. We're all equals, right?" he said.

"Right." They all replied.

"But wait, don't they call you commander, Athrun? That doesn't seem…well, it's not good to distance yourself from the other pilots on your team. Honestly, you should know better than that." He chastised the bluenette.

Michele couldn't help but snicker. "I don't think he means to put up any walls, he's always been formal." She commented.

"So you two have worked together before?" Heine asked, intrigued.

"Oh yeah, they go way back." Luna said before Michele could reply. Heine raised a brow and glanced between Michele and Athrun.

"Oh, no, it's not like that! You see…" Athrun stammered.

"We've been friends for a while. I was in those last battles, with the Joule Team." Michele said, saving him from an awkward explanation.

"I was there too; we may have run into each other. It's good to have you here with us, if you survived that." Heine replied happily.

"Thank you, it's good to have you here as well." She said. She noticed Rey glancing from her to Heine, and knew he was trying to connect the dots.

"It does seem odd that all of us were put on the same ship." He said as they kept walking.

"Whatever the big plan is, it must involve us." Michele said.

"I don't really get what the big deal is. We're not the only Zaft pilots around." Luna said casually.

"True, and there are plenty of capable fighters, most of them older and more experienced." Rey added.

"Hey, that doesn't make us any less formidable!" Shinn exclaimed.

Heine chuckled at his outburst. "You're quite right!" he agreed.

They went their separate ways after the tour, but Michele had a feeling her chat with Heine would come soon. Until then, however, she planned to learn a bit more about Shinn.

"Hey," she called to him as he headed toward the dining hall. He paused so she could catch up. "I know we haven't really been able to talk much, and I didn't want us to get off on the wrong foot. I'm sorry about yelling at you the other day on the battlefield." She told him.

"Oh, it's fine. You're Michele, right? I always see you with Athrun. Luna told me about you two." He replied.

"Yes. And you all went to the Academy together. I have to say all of you are commendable pilots. You deserve that decoration Chairman Durandal was talking about, from what I hear and have seen firsthand." She said.

"Well…thanks." He said, smiling. She smiled back.

"I'm glad there are no hard feelings. It's difficult enough to fight in a war, but when there's dissension among soldiers it's even worse. I know you and Athrun aren't exactly the best of friends." She stated. She was hoping that by mending the relationship between Shinn and Athrun it would help him endure the trials ahead. Plus, as a personal mission, she wanted to relieve the stress in her friend's life.

"Yeah, he's my superior, we don't really have to be friends to fight together." He mumbled.

"But remember what Heine said. We're all working together towards a greater cause. It helps if we all get along." She told him.

"Yeah." He replied. They joined Luna for dinner and chatted about Heine and the Chairman for a bit, until the discussion turned to the reinforcements coming to Suez at the Black Sea.

"What, an Orb fleet?" Shinn asked.

"Yep, I heard Orb's reinforcing them." Luna replied.

Michele dropped her fork, the sound loud in her ears, like the crashing waves outside. Shinn and Luna glanced at her inquisitively but continued their conversation. Her face was pale, shocked. She didn't expect to have to face Orb like this. She could tell Shinn was upset as well, although Luna didn't seem to notice.

"Excuse me." She murmured and left. She had to find Athrun.

On the way she bumped into Heine and remembered she wanted to question him about his involvement. She would have to try to catch Athrun before they went into battle.

"Michele, may I have a moment?" Heine asked with that same knowing look from before.

"Of course." She replied.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here." He began. She frowned slightly, wondering where this would lead. "I mean, we already have one Guiding Light." He continued with a slight smile.

Her face lit up in acknowledgment. "I see. Did they send you to check up on me?" she asked, confused as to why they would doubt her. She now knew he belonged to the JTO, because no one else knew about the code name for this mission, only the ones directly involved. She vaguely thought about why the operative from earlier didn't mention him.

"Oh no, nothing like that. They had nothing to do with my assignment, it was all Durandal's doing." He told her.

"Ah, then we may be in trouble. I suspect Durandal knows something, or is trying to learn about us. Rey's been asking questions that seem to be coming from the Chairman." She said.

"So I heard. When I found out I was ordered to board this ship, they contacted me and told me about you and your mission. They said to aid you in whatever way I could." He told her.

"This makes me wonder even more why all of us are here. If Durandal knows more than he should, things could turn out badly for us." She said.

"We'll just have to be more careful." Heine said with a nonchalant attitude. She was growing to like him. He was nice in a knowledgeable kind of way.

"So how long have you been involved?" she asked.

"Oh, not too long. They recruited me after the first war. It took me a while to decide, but ultimately I chose to join them. I shared much of the same principles they've been trying to uphold. I suppose they knew I wouldn't refuse, or else they probably would have never asked me." He explained.

"Same with me. My cousin died in the last war, and I joined the military out of vengeance, but now I see that those types of decisions lead to wars like this, so I wanted to do more than just fight in his honor. I wanted to change the outcome, I wanted to end this for him." She confessed.

"Love is a powerful thing to fight with. It's honorable that you carry a sword in his name." he said and smiled.

"I just hope I can make the decisions he would have made, so that his death will not be in vain." She murmured.

"I'm sure you're doing a great job, but remember to make decisions that reflect your own opinions and ideals as well." He reminded her.

She nodded assent, glad that they were able to talk.

"It's time to go." the call went out. Michele paced in front of the locker room, waiting for Athrun.

When she saw him she grabbed his arm. "Athrun, I can't fight Orb. But I also can't just do what I want. You have to order me to stay behind. Just say that with Heine here I'm not needed. We can make a big scene about it. I just can't fight them." She whispered.

He looked surprised. "Michele, we have to fight. I don't like this either, but they're a part of the Earth Forces now." He told her.

"It's just not right. It's not what Cagalli would have wanted. Please, Athrun. I can't guarantee my abilities out there if I have to face them." She begged. She hoped he wouldn't about her true motives, but instead think of his vow to Yzak.

He sighed. "Fine." He replied. "Michele, you stay here as back-up. If we need you, be ready." He commanded in a louder voice as the others gathered around.

"As you say, sir." She replied, relief in her eyes.

"I thought you wanted to fight more?" Luna asked as she changed.

"Yeah, haven't you been complaining recently?" Shinn asked. Rey was silent beside his friends, but glanced at them.

Athrun spoke up for her. "We have plenty of pilots. Heine has more experience, so it would be better if he went out instead."

"Don't let me mess things up. If you want to go I can stay behind." Heine said as he arrived.

"No, Athrun's right. You're better suited for this battle. Besides, we need someone to stay behind and protect the ship if anything happens to you guys out there, or in case you need back-up." Michele said, looking at Heine to make sure he understood.

He nodded slightly in her direction, the others shrugging and preparing for battle. As they all began to leave, Heine stayed behind.

"This must be difficult for you, just be careful not to give away your position." He told her.

"I know. I think it would be harder for me to remain a normal soldier if I had to fight Orb. It's just best if I don't fight right now." She replied.

"I understand perfectly. Good luck." He said and touched her shoulder.

"Good luck to you as well. Be safe out there." She said. He nodded and then left. Michele sighed and went out to watch with the others on the monitors. She saw Shinn fighting viciously, attacking the Orb Murasames with no mercy. More and more Orb fighters were being sent out to combat Shinn and Athrun. She wondered what Orb must be thinking, and realized Yuna must be leading them.

"Great, the idiot's making the plans." She muttered to herself.

Suddenly the ship shuddered, as if it had been hit. She wobbled but steadied herself on a chair. Looking up at the screen, she saw the Freedom.

"Kira…" she breathed. She was definitely glad she hadn't gone out. Now she had no desire to interfere with the battle. No matter who she was allied with, she wouldn't fire on those she called friends, especially since they were helping in the very mission she was dedicated to succeed in.

-Author's Note: That's it for this chapter! The focus is shifting more on Michele and the Junius Treaty Organization, although will still follow the main action. Also, the teachers Michele mentioned are made-up names and people. Please review and let me know what you think! Any questions, comments, and more are welcome! Peace out-