Alright sorry this took forever I worked on this alongside the newest ch of a new reason to live.

I'm honestly surprised though for some reason the original version is still getting favorites and followers. I might have to consider just continuing that one if it keeps up.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam seed.

Eric suddenly found himself staring at the roof of one of the crew quarters rooms. He could immediately tell where he was since it was darkened but after registering the cushion substance he was laying on and the cloth covering his body he came to realize he was in one of the beds of the room.

Opening the curtain to his side, causing him to become temporarily blinded by the sudden influx of light until his eyes adjusted.

"I see your finally awake." A voice said causing Eric to turn and see Abram sitting at the edge of the bed across from the one he was in.

"D-dad what happened?"

"You managed to hold off a Zaft assault team before coming back to the ship and losing consciousness."

Eric didn't immediately reply as he began to recall everything that had happened previously. From his fight with the stolen Gundam and Bernard. "Everyone got back safe right."

"Of course. Believe or not you actually have yourself to thank for that."

"I do?" Eric asked before remembering how Mu La Flaga was almost shot down by the Duel. "Of yeah now I remember."

"I'm relieved that your safe."

"Sorry for worrying you. Hopefully there won't be anymore encounters with Zaft."

"There shouldn't, according to the crew we're about to arrive at an Earth Alliance base in the next fifteen minutes."

"Already?"

"You were asleep for a while."

"Just how long?"

"For around the last three and a half hours."

"That long?" Eric asked. If that was the case it would make sense that the Archangel had mady a good amount of headway but at least to Eric's immediate knowledge

"Yes you were pretty exhausted when you came back."

"How are the others doing?"

"They're all fine. You can see them in the mess hall."

"Alright. Any idea what base we're going?"

"From what I've heard from Callahan we're headed to a place called Artemis."

"I've never heard of a place like that."

"Apparently it's much closer than our original destination." And that explained how the Archangel was arriving at a destination under its power so soon still Eric wouldn't have imagined the Earth Alliance having a base so close to where he and his family lived.

"As soon as we're out of the clear with Zaft I want to get to Orb's mainland as fast as I can with you and Callahan."

"Understandable. Once were there it shouldn't take too much time for me to find a home for us to move into so we can return to a normal life style."

"Glad to hear it. Before I forget where are the others now?"

"In there mess hall I'd imagine."

Eric chuckled a bit upon hearing that. All things considered it was probably something that should have been fairly obvious. Other then the crew quarters rooms the only they could really be is the mell hall.

"Do you want to go see them?"

"Yeah it would definitely be a welcome after everything that's happened up until this point."

It was Abram's turn to chuckle."I suppose that's understandable. Come on let's go see them.

XXXXX

"How much longer are the repairs gonna tale!?" Demanded an angry Bernard. As he watched the machinic team working on the damage to the CGUE Greyson had left him with.

"Another thirty minutes."

That earned a growl from the wayward pilot. "That's not could enough. The ship will reach the base its headed for by then."

"Then you should have thought of that before getting both arms disabled." One of the mechanics shot back dismissively.

"Just do you fucking job."

"Stop bitching and whining."

"Why you-"

"Enough."

Bernard turned to face the chief of the mechanic team. "You can be as mad as you want but harassing my team isn't going to help your case."

"I need the suit repaired so I can shoot the little shit who humiliated me."

The chief mechanic grunted in annoyance.

"You'll get your chance the next time we encounter the enemy. Like it or not it's going to be at the base they're heading to."

"That means there's EA pilots getting in the way."

"You'll just have to deal with it."

Bernard snarled but walked away leaving the Salvation's hanger.

"God that asshole's gotten even more annoying." The mechanic from before mused.

"Agreed the guy's alway been a fucking dick but now it seems like all he wants to do is whine over the target." A second mechanic chimed in before being followed by a third.

"Speaking of which I heard the pilot wasn't someone who's not even a soldier."

The first mechanic raised an eyebrow at this. "Really that sounds hard to believe."

"Actually I heard something similar." The second mechanic said. "According to our gunmen the person that was inside the mobile suit wasn't even any employee from the facility or one of the PMCs defending the place but some random kid who wandered into the place by mistake."

The first mechanic's eyes widened."No way, seriously?"

"Apparently."

"I guess that would explain the fucker's bruised ego."

This earned laughter from the third mechanic. "Serves him right. Seriously the amount of hubris he showed was absolutely ridiculous."

The chief mechanic sighed having heard enough of his team's conversation. "Alright cut the chatter, as annoying as it might be we still need to make sure the CUGE is ready for sortie when the time comes.

"Yeah yeah, let's just hope Bernard doesn't embarrass himself again. Last thing we need is him becoming even bitchier."

'True.' The chief thought. While Bernard's previous hubris and arrogance was annoying to behold with how he loved to flaunt it, this new angier and revenge obsessed persona couldn't really be thought of as an improvement since the Gunman and pilot at times was now making a complete nuisance of himself to everyone in the hanger.

The chief could only sigh. As much as he didn't want to admit to himself since it wouldn't help the crew's mission, he honestly hoped that whoever the supposed kid piloting the target mobile suit was that they could shoot Bernard down for good.

XXXXX

"This is the Archangel. Artemis please respond." Ramius said over the ship's coms only to immediately tense up when she received no immediate reply.

Mu who was standing next to Ramius' seat grimaced. The Artimas base was right in front of them but the problem with gaining any type of entry was in the form of an umbrella shield encasing the base in its entirety. As long as the shield in question remained in place entry was essentially impossible. 'If course they wouldn't lower it so easily. This ship has no IFF code.'

"This is Artemis we read you but as we have no way to identify you we can't pernit you entry."

"I know we have no IFF code to identify this ship as friendly but we need entry immediately, I am Murrue Ramias of the Atlantic Federation and the acting captain of this ship. We are on the run from Zaft forces."

Silence. Ramias felt herself becoming even more tense as the second dragged on. If the ship was denied entry into Artemis everyone onboard would be in a tight spot not only because of the obvious factor of pursuing Zaft forces but also limited supplies, it didn't help that there was a high number of civilians from Heliopolis on board.

Thinking about it made any type of trip to the lunar base on the moon seem like the equivalent to a fully blown odyssey even if one ignored everything that had happened thus far, that was the entire reason Ramius had even agreed to the idea of coming here at all.

While Natarle may have carried an optimistic attitude believing that the Eurasian's would sympathize with the Archangel's crew without a semblance of a doubt Ramius' own beliefs were more aligned with Mu La Flaga's, in other words while the acting Captain of the Archangel had hoped that against all odds the Eurasions would allow the Archangel entry she was also wary since there was the definite possibility of ulterior motives if the Eurasain's granted her request.

"Very well, we're lowering the umbrella shield now."

Ramius and everyone on the bridge let out a sigh of relief whilst the light green tinted force field encasing the vase dissipated.

"Aright. Nueman take us in."

"Got it."

XXXXX

Inside the hanger of the Archangel Kira had just finished putting a lock on the Strike's OS as per lieutenant Mu La Flaga's instructions after being informed to do so prior to the ship's arrived.

"Hey Kira ya got a minute there something I need you to do before we get to this place"

The young Coordinator tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Ok. what?"

Mu's eyes narrowed before he lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Put a lock on the strike's OS."

Kira's confusion rose even further. He had wondered what Mu was going to request but this was not along the lines of anything he could have expected. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Make sure no one can operate the machine but you."

"Alright but what about the Hope?"

"Its biometric reader already has that covered."

"Can I ask why."

"Call it a precaution for what might happen."

"I don't understand. We'll be safe from Zaft here won't we?"

"Zaft can be pretty resourceful, especially with the other four G weapons in their possession and they may not be the only ones we need to worry about?"

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"You might see when we get there." And with that Mu left.

Honestly Kira really hoped Mu La Flaga was exaggerating things when he gave that warning.

He had no desire to have anymore encounters with Zaft, confront Athrun as an enemy, or even pilot the Strike anymore. Thinking about filled him with no shortage of stress as he could only ask himself why it was so hard for people to understand that he wanted no part of this war.

The second red flag created an inner sense of anxiety. seriously Zaft wasn't the only thing everyone had to worry about? Did Mu mean to imply the people stationed at the Artemis base would try something? Why weren't the crew and them on the same side? All Kira wanted was for all this to be over with so he could love out his life in peace.

"Hey what is this?!" One of the crew suddenly yelled out gaining Kira's attention.

The Coordinator pilot turned in the general direction of the commotion and was met with a sight that made him go cold. 'Was this what Mu La Flaga meant?'

Numerous men clad in flight suits were taking the mechanic team and officers at gunpoint. "Stay silent. Everyone here to gather in a single area."

Kira could only stare wide eyed as everyone including himself was rounded up by the officers stationed at the base.

XXXXX

"Well are you both ready for this?" Mu inquired to both Ramius and Badgiruel who along with himself were all waiting for the commander Garad Garcia to come to the bridge of the Archangel to meet with them.

"As I'll ever be." The former replied. "I just hope things go well."

Badgriuel glanced at Ramius. "If we just explain the situation everything should be fine."

Mu La Flaga sighed. "I hope so." 'Otherwise things are gonna get a lot more complicated.

Unfortunately by some twisted coincidence the door to bridge was opened at that very moment and the Hawk of Endymion's worst fears came true.

The expected guess Garade Garcia did arrived but along with him were a squadron of rifle men who immediately started taking everyone on the bridge at gunpoint.

Ramius' eyes widened with shock. She did anticipate some complications but not to this level after being granted entry. "What's the meaning of this?!"

Moments later she, Mu, and Badgiruel were also taking at gunpoint whilst the Commander of the base casually strofe toward them.

"This is standard procedure given your particular circumstances so I'll advise all of you to stay silent for the time being."

Badgiruel who finally got over her initial shock at what was happening turned her gaze in Garcia's direction. "Commander, we're going to need some explanation. It should be obvious were not with Zaft."

"Maybe but you need to remember that your ship had no IFF code so we have yet to determine if you're actually friendly."

Mu's eyes narrowed as he watched Garcia scrutinize the bridge with a contemplative look on his face. The others may not have picked up on it but the Lieutenant already that the Commander of the Artemis base was planning something involving the Archangel, Strike, and even the Hope which begged the question. Was he going to be discreet about his ulterior motives or make them obvious to everyone on the ship?

"Whatever the case I'm going to have to ask the Officers on board to come with me."

The officers wasted no time in taking Mu, Ramius, and Badgiruel off the bridge and from there off the ship.

The Artemis Commander couldn't help but smile inwardly at this turn of events.

While it may have indeed been true that the ship had no IFF code but it was actually obvious to the Commander that those onboard the ship weren't with Zaft and that they were indeed friendly, that become apparent when he saw the Hawk of Endymion on the bridge.

This was a golden opportunity. For the Atlantic federation project to wind up here of all places, this was the chance of a lifetime Garcia could use this ship and two mobile to tip the balance of power in the Eurasain federation's favor and give it dominance over the Earth Alliance as a whole.

XXXXX

"What is going on, why are these guys keeping us here?" Tolle asked.

"The problem is this ship has not identification." One of the officers replied.

"Seriously? Anyone with half a brain can tell we're not with Zaft."

The chief mechanic glanced around scrutinizing the Eurasians keep everyone crew member and civilian alike in the mess hall and on that same note he caught sight of them bringing two very familiar people in.

"Move." One of the Eurasians demanded as the two complied quietly. The first person being brought in was Abram who looked around the room in worry likely looking to see if anyone he knew was safe.

The second was Eric who simply stared at the ground with a visible scowl on his face clearly upset with the situation, that was hardly surprising since he wasn't the only one who didn't like what the Eurasains were doing.

Both of the two were soon seated at the same table as Tolle, the officers, and the chief mechanic himself who simply sighed.

"If you ask me there's something else going on here."

"You think so?" Tolle asked.

"Yeah. It might be understandable of the Eurasians to be somewhat wary since our ship has no ID but the fact that they're only talking to the commanding officers and no else is painting a fishy picture and on top of that they don't even care that there are civilians onboard."

Nueman glanced around the room "Yeah I agree. They're just using our lack of an IFF code as an excuse."

Tolle scratched the the back of his head."Ok but then what are the really after?"

"The only thing they could be after is the Strike and Hope." Murdoch spat.

Neuman could only sigh. "Figures." It truly did. Knowing the Eurasain's strained relations with the Atlantic Federation many of the Archangel's crew could easily guess their end goal in holding everyone at gunpoint like this.

Honestly it had some members of the crew wondering if Zaft was really the only enemy they had to worry about. With the Eurasain's current actions it was probably something of a miracle the crew and refugees haven't been disposed of already though that would likely only remain the case so long as the Eurasains were in the dark about how the mobile suits' systems worked.

All things considered the Archangel's commanding officers should have known better than to come here, their reasons for doing so may have been understandable since the situation was pretty desperate but the fact remained that coming to the Artemis base was a lost gamble.

All that was left to ponder was how was the crew going to get out of this before the Eurasains decided to find a way to make them disappear or Zaft found a way past the base's umbrella shield.

XXXXX

Garcia smiled casually at the commanding officers from the Archangel who sat across from him in his personal office.

"It seems we were able to confirm your indeed who you say are."

Mu maintained a stoic face in spite of the news that should have brought about a sense of relief. "Then we'd appreciate being on our way as soon as possible."

"Now hold up I don't think there's any real rush to leave. Besides you have your vessel resupplied."

"Then it would be best if we were resupplied and away from here in the shortest timespan possible."

"And might I ask why that is?"

"We're being pursued by Zaft."

The Commander only smirked upon hearing this. "Oh are you referring to this vessel?" The Commander pressed a button on his desk causing the screen behind him to display the image of one of the two Zaft ships that was chasing the Archangel surprising all three officers of the Atlantic Federation.

"As you can see they've been there for some time but in the end there's nothing they can do. One or two Zaft vessels is hardly a cause for concern since this base's umbrella shield has always been impregnable to date."

Ramius felt her frustration with this entire ordeal grow "Commander our ship is a high priority target for the enemy they're not going to give up their pursuit so easily."

"On the contrary, they won't have a choice now that you're here of all places. Zaft ships have came by here before and it's always the same scenario, they linger around for a bit and leave it happens all the time."

Mu La Flaga narrowed his eyes. "We're absolutely safe here?"

"Safe as an infant in its mother's arms."

'I wonder about that.'

Garcia turned off the screen. "Well for the time being we can't just send you and those poor refugees out into the enemy's hands so why don't you three take some time to get some R & R? I'm sure you could certainly use it."

XXXXX

"So is the legged ship just going to hide in this base now?" Dearka inquired.

Nicol put his hand on his chin in thought. "This base has never had any strategic value so Zaft has simply left it alone until now."

Yzak smirked. "Guess that's all about to change since the people stationed here were stupid enough to take in our target."

The Captain of the ship shrugged. "We still have to deal with the base's umbrella shield."

"Is it really going to be a problem? It was made by Naturals."

"That may be but the umbrella has been impregnable to date."

Dearka raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding me." The very idea that inferior Naturals being capable of this type of feat.

"You can deny it if you want but it won't change the reality we're currently faced with."

Yzak moaned in annoyance. "This is ridiculous we practically have the legged ship in our sights and we're being impeded by this."

The captain shook his head. "Until we find a way past it that won't change." That was certainly easier said than done, while what they had to do was pretty straightforward the questioned remained was how.

In spite of how they were speaking of the situation even the pilots of the Duel and Buster knew that they could not simply break through the umbrella shield covering Artemis using conventional means even with the fire power their respective machines possessed.

The next best thing might have been to wait until the umbrella shield was lowered but that wouldn't happen until the gamow was out of sight and even then the moment they returned the EA personnel was simply raise the shield again the moment they detected the ship within their perimeter.

As things stood the Zafr crew was actually in quite the bind regardless of whatever reluctance they might have had to admit it, in fact the situation appeared to be all but hopeless until Nicol spoke up. "I might have a way to get past the shield."

XXXXX

"Sir, we have news about one of the mobile suits on board the Atlantic Federation's new warship!" One of Artemis' personnel exclaimed.

The Commander smiled in anticipation. "Oh have amour personnel gotten a look at the OS?"

"No, one of the mobile suits has a lock on its OS impededing then but that's not what I came to inform you of."

Garica's face turned into a frown. "Then am I to assume it has something to do with the other mobile suit."

"Yes, the one with the light blue jewel in its chest has a timed self detonation mechanism in it."

The Commander's eyes widened in shock."What? You don't mean to tell me that…." The Commander couldn't bring himself to finish but the other officer was already aware of what he was intending to ask.

"Unfortunately I do. The self detonation switch has started a fifteen minute countdown and if we don't find the pilot before it runs out the mobile suit will self destruct."

Garcia became overtaken by anger as he slammed his fist down on his desk. "We need to find the pilot now!"

XXXXX

"Uggh how much longer is this going to go on for?" Tolle groaned.

"I think the real question is how are we going to get out of this?" Sai replied before scrutinizing the room and seeing no opening that could be exploited.

"Couldn't just tackle them?"

Murdoch shook his head. "Not without something distracting them. Unless we want to get shot."

"Couldn't one of us make a scene or something."

"No whoever tries to would be shot on the spot."

"Oh." Tolle sighed before looking around. "But then what are we supposed to do?"

"For now bid our time and if they ask questions about the two mobile suits don't tell them anything."

"Seriously? Aren't these guys also part of the Earth Alliance?"

"Yeah but even so we have never really had the best relations with them; it wouldn't surprise me if the Eurasains were trying to utilize the opportunity to turn our showing up on their doorstep into an opportunity to make a power play against the Atlantic Federation.

"So these guys are basically trying to one up us when we're supposed to be on the same side, just how low can one get?"

Eric who was sitting quietly merely shook his head in silence. For him that was a rather imprudent question to ask. The Earth Alliance might claim to be a just and honest bunch but that couldn't be further from the truth.

This entire war started simply because the Earth Alliance got the idea in their heads that killing civilians would give them supremacy over the Coordinators, all things considered there was no real reason to be surprised by something like this, they lacked any real morality so it was somewhat naive to think their loyalties would hold much weight.

"Alright who is the pilot of the winged mobile suit?" A voice suddenly called out causing everyone to look in its direction to see a man who looked to be the Commander of the Artemis.

Nueman stood up and Kira tried to follow only for Murdoch to stop him. "Didn't our Captain tell you?" Neuman asked earning a glare from the Commander.

"No they haven't, but just the same I feel privileged to see what the two mobile suits are capable of. Besides, it might be in your best interest not to hide the pilots identity since as fate would have it, there is a self detonation device on it that's currently counting down. I'm certain you all know where I'm going with this."

Murdoch and a few others grit their teeth at the implication but no that there was no way that the Commander of the Artemis base was bluffing since they had soon the self detonation switch for themselves when they tried to look at the Hope's OS themselves.

Many of the refugees on board became tense upon hearing this. While none of them had witnessed anything concerning the Hope's feature in question they were well aware that the term "self detonation" could only mean one thing.

"So for all of our sakes how about you turn over the pilot while we're all still among the living?"

Eric grimaced at the entire situation. He really didn't want anyone at this base knowing about him since he wanted nothing to do with them, hell it was already nauseating enough having to fight along the Archangel's crew.

"I'm the pilot."

The Commander looked in Eric's direction with a raised eyebrow. "I'll advise you not to joke around, this really isn't the time for that."

Murdoch sighed before standing up. "He's telling the truth."

"Oh really?"

"Considering that we all die if the mobile suit's countdown reaches zero we don't gain anything from lying to you at this point. So you can either take him with you to deactivate the self detonation switch or every officer and have no success in doing so until we're all blown to oblivion."

Garcia put a hand on his chin. "You have a point so I'll take your word for it, since if you're lying you all die too and it's highly doubtful you'll go that far but there is one more thing I'd like to know."

Garcia glanced around the room. "Who's the pilot of the other mobile suit?"

"They won't be able to help you deactivate the self detonation." Nueman replied.

"Be that as it may they can still help us with other things. Now who is it?"

"It was lieutenant Mu La Flaga."

"Now I know your lying. I've soon the mobius Zero onboard and have seen the footage of your previous skirmish with Zaft here the Mobius Zero held its own. The only person capable of such a feet is Mu La Flaga. Now who's the real pilot?"

Kira sighed wanting this entire situation to move forward especially seeing as the entire ship could be destroyed any minute if Eric wasn't allowed to go deactivate the Hope's timed self detonation. "It's me." He announced whilst standing up.

Garcia grunted in irritation. "Ok since you people are so intent to keep the truth from me I might have to start having my men begin killing the refugees one at a time."

"What? I'm being serious!"

"So am I."

"What is with you people? He's telling the truth." A femine voice said causing everyone to look in the direction of Flay whilst she continued. "That boy's a Coordinator."

"Oh really." Garica inquired before turning to Kira and grinning "Well that explains a lot. Now that we have both of the pilots we'd best head to the hanger in a timely manner."

Abram immediately stood up. "Then take me with you." Earning a raised eyebrow from the base's Commander.

"And just why would I bring a Civilian with me?"

"Because you're taking my son with you."

Eric practically turned pale upon witnessing this. He loved and cherished Abram as his parent even if the two weren't related by blood and knew he meant just as much to Abram if his current actions were of any indication. The problem was that while Abram may have been thinking about Eric's safety there was little he could really do in this situation and to make matters worse he was basically jeopardizing his own.

Garica looked between Kira and Eric and noticed the latter's frantic demeanor answering the question he was about to ask Abram. "Sorry but we only need your son to deactivate the self destruct device there's nothing for you to do."

"And what do you plan to do with him once that's done?"

"Oh I'll get around to that when the time comes but you can stay here with stay right here with the others."

Abram immediately began marching towards the Commander in defiance. "There is no way I'm letting you do whatever you want with-" the rest of his sentence was cut off by the sound of a gunshot going off.

Eric felt as if his stomach turned to dry ice when he spotted a bloodied spot forming in Abrams' abdomen who stood wide eyed as if trying to figure out what had just happened before falling to his knees and then face first to the ground.

"DAD!" Both Eric and Callahan called out before the latter ran to Abram's side whilst the former was stopped one of the officers grabbed him by his arm and began dragging him away.

"I'd suggest you cooperate, if you deactivate the self detonation in a timely enough manner and the other pilot helps quickly enough we might just be able to provide your father with the medical attention he now needs and save his life."

XXXXX

Inside Artemis' main monitoring station the officers watched on the main monitor as the Zaft Zaft left the base's perimeter before the one in charge gave the order to lower the umbrella shield.

"Well looks like another Zaft ship is gone." One of the officers said offhandedly.

"Just like every other time, this is getting pretty repetitive."

A third officer chuckled. "I know right. You'd think by now Zaft would know when to give up."

All those present had like their Commander had become overly confident in the belief that they were safe behind the Artemis base's umbrella shield.

After any attempt by Zaft to try anything end the same way it became apparent that for all their supposed technological superiority the Coordinators were powerless in the face of Artemis' defense.

Or rather that's what those stationed at the base had convinced themselves of. Not a single person even considered a scenario where the vase itself would come under attack.

XXXXX

As the catapult to the gamow opened and extended the Blitz launched from the ship out into the depths of space in the direction of the base that the legged ship had docked at.

Ordinarily this type of tactic would be pointless since the Eurasains could simply raise the shield as soon as they detected it as they would with any enemy force that was spotted within their perimeter. But the circumstances surrounding the Blitz's deployment were far from ordinary.

Where the Duel was Balanced machine, the Buster specialized in long range warfare, the Aegis possessed its mobile armor configuration, and the Strike could attach different packs to itself for a variety of situations, the Blitz had it own speciality.

-Flash back start-

"Mirage collide? How in the world is a system like that supposed to help us." The Zaft captain inquired o which Nicol wasted no time in answering.

"You see the system is intended to make Blitz's main focus possible."

"You mean Blitzkrieg warfare."

"Yes and that's where its chance at getting past the umbrella shield lies."

"I see what your trying to say but you've yet to provide an idea of just how this Mirage Collide will help."

"Theoretically it should make the Blitz visually invisible and undetectable by any type of radar meaning it could be used to slip past the shield's perimeter before the enemy ever has a chance to even try to raise it."

Dearka smirked. "Wow sounds like a weapon that really suits you considering what a coward you are."

"Enough!" The Captain demanded before turning his attention back to Nicol

"You said this was theoretical correct."

"Yes, as of now the system is untested but it's the best chance we have."

"The captain weighed his options before realizing the Nicol was right. "Very well, ready yourself to launch immediately."

-flashback end-

Nicol exhaled before proceeding to start up the system. 'I know the Blitz's specs say it should be fine but I can't help but be a little nervous."

Luckily the Blitz had no problem and was successful and making itself invisible to the naked eye and any camera.

"It looks like the system works. Assuming it stay that way I'll have one hundred and eighty minutes." The Zaft red sais to no one in particular whilst heading for the Artemis base while the Earth Alliance personnel there were essentially none the wiser.

Before long the Blitz had slipped past the boundary that the shield would have marked when activated before he spotted what he believed may have been the port of the base and preceded to aim in its direction with his beam rifle.

XXXXX

Garcia smiled as he watched Eric press his hand up against the biometric reader and reset the self destruct sequence.

"Now that we don't have to worry about being blown to smithereens we can focused on looking over the OSs over the machines.

The Commander then turned his gaze over ti Kira who was in the Strike's opened cockpit. "Among other things."

"Kira met Garcia's gazs and narrowed his eyes. "And what would those be?"

"Why making further use of you and your fellow pilot of course. Afterall a couple of Coordinators fighting alongside the Earth Alliance is certainly more than a little valuable."

"Then you don't need anything more with Eric. He's a Natural."

Garcia chuckled at this. "Your sense of loyalty is admirable but the cats out of the bag with him even if no one said it directly it's pretty obvious, afterall how else could he possibly be the other mobile suit's pilot?"

Kira could hardly believe they Commander. Was he seriously intent on believing Eric was a fellow Coordinator just on the grounds of being the Hopes pilot? Unfortunately matters only became worse when the Commander continued. "Not that it matters in the end as I've said before, I am going to make use of both of you on the Eurasians federation. Afterall with what you two are capable of it wouldn't be hard to imagine you making more machines like the ones of this ship or something that could destroy them."

"But neither one of us want anything to do with this war."

"But you're both already traitors to your fellow Coordinators are you not? So there's no point in acting like you're still Neutral."

Kira didn't know how to reply whilst Eric simply sat in the Hope's cockpit silently. "I assure you there's nothing to worry about. Both you and your friend would be made very welcome within the Eurasian Federation."

Before the Commander could continue any further a massive tremor was heard and felt throughout the base. Immediately upon registering what had just happened Garcia pulled out a Radio and contacted the personnel who were supposed to keep an eye on the outside of the base. "What in the world were those tremors, are we under attack."

"We're not sure. We haven't detected anything with our perimeter."

"Well those tremors could have only caused by explosions so hurry up and raise the umbrella shield."

Whilst the Commander Kira took the opportunity to kid the officer looming outside of the Strike cockpit away before closing the hatch.

Taking notice of this Garcia glared at the Strike as it dismounted itself from the wall and walked toward the catapult. "Where do you think your going?!"

"We're under attack aren't we, neither of us have time for your nonsense. Eric I'll need your help if those four machines are here."

Upon hearing Eric closed the hatch to the Hope's cockpit and proceeded to follow Kira further anger the base Commander.

"Don't think you're going anywhere, you hear me? Neither of you are leaving this base."

The only response Garcia got was when the Hope tilted its head in his direction and proceeded to fire its CIWs at him.

By some miracle Garcia managed to just barely avoid being killed before turning to fleeing the hanger whilst silently swearing to make Kira and Eric pay dearly for their refusal to Cooperate. But first he had to see the problem with Zaft dealt with.

The opportunity he chanced upon when the Archangel fled to the Artemis base was a chance of a lifetime opportunity that could shift the balance of power in Eurasion Federation's favor, the Commander had no intention of letting it slip through his figures.

"Sir one of the shield generators have been destroyed!" One of the Artemis personnel announced over the radio causing Garcia to stop in his tracks just as he exited the Archangel.

"What that's impossible!"

"Additional generators are being destroyed, we won't be able to maintain the shield for much longer!"

"Then send out our mobile armors now! I'll be at the commander center as soon as I can."

XXXXX

"Wh-what's going on?" One of the Eurasians guarding the entrance to the Archangel's mess hall inquired.

At this moment Murdoch, Nueman and a few other officers walked up to them. "You mean you don't even know what's going on?"

"He-hey!" before either officer could take aim both of them were tackled to the ground whilst the rest of the crew started heading towards the bridge of the Archangel.

The chief mechanic smirked at the pinned Eurasians. "Sorry but it's high time you and the rest of your cronies got off this ship."

Murdoch turned towards Callahan and the other kids who volunteered to help out the crew.

"You guys need to hurry and join the others on the bridge we'll need this ship ready to leave the moment the Ramius and the others get back.

"But what about Callahan's Dad?" Tolle inquired.

"We'll get him to the medical bay as soon as we got all these damn Eurasians off the ship."

"Alright." With that all five kids headed to the bridge of the Archangel.

"Well let's hurry up and get rid of these damned Eurasains so we can get to our jobs on the ship."

"Yeah that'll definitely make things easier getting out of here." Another voice said causing Murdoch, Neuman and the rest pinning the gunman down to look up and see Mu La Flaga, along with Ramius and Natarle.

"You got back just in time."

Mu just wore his trademark smile. "Yeah like you we used the opportunity that came when Zaft began attack this place. But we gotta hurry up and start up the ship so we can get out of here, I doubt this place is gonna last much longer."

XXXXX

Outside the Artemis base Nicol had cut through the fourth generator near his immediate position further destabilizing the umbrella shield which had began to go offline and dissipate leave the base itself exposed.

"I guess there's no need for this anymore." He said to no one in particular as he deactivated the mirage collide and activated the Blitz's phase shift armor.

Glancing at the port he soon beheld the sight of numerous mobile armor units coming out of the base's ported.

'So the enemies coming out to fight now that their shield is down. Doesn't matter, I need to find the legged ship as fast as I can.' Nicol headed straight for the port shooting down a few stay mobile armors along the way. Others tried to retaliate but with their weapons being ineffective due to the Blitz's phase shift armor Nicol was able to simply ignore them and continued inside the port.

Once inside the only thing he found within immediate with more mobile armors that tried to impede him.

Nicol chose to begin relying primarily on his CIW's for the sake of conserving power. While the mobile armors may have been an obstacle that he needed to get past the Zaft red was well aware that the real fight would begin the moment he found the legged ship and more so to the point the Strike and unknown mobile suit.

He already used thirteen percent of his power which would leave him at a disadvantage because of it along with the fact he'd be outnumbered until Yzak and Dearka showed up.

Speaking of which he was already sending data to the Gammow of the base's inner layout and the moment when found the legged ship he'd send data of its location to insure he'd receive the backup he needed.

XXXXX

"So the target mobile suit's been found?" Bernard asked over the radio as he readied himself to launch for the Requiem

"Not quite but it shouldn't be long now. The Blitz is already inside the base itself and its been sending our ship along with the Gamow data of the base's interior." Rooks replied.

"And that helps me how?"

"You'll want to know the quickest route to the target won't you."

"You got a point there. I don't want Zaft stealing my prey.

Be advised the Earth Alliance have launched their mobile armors so the target and Strike aren't the only things to take into account."

Bernard shrugged. "That hardly matters. The can barely stand up to your run of the mill GINN pilot and even that's only when they have a five to one advantage."

"We'll rely whatever information we are able while you carry out your mission."

"If you feel so inclined." Cutting the link Bernard watched eagerly as the hatch to the Requiem opened.

This time Bernard would definitely shoot the target along with the kid piloting it. His pride was already being scared by being outside by the fucking brat Greyson so being humiliated by the peice of shit behind the controls of the target mobile suit was something he wasn't going to let stand.

XXXXX

"It's a relief to see you're all safe." Kira said upon being contacted by Mirriallia over the radio.

"We could say the same for you two. We were worried after seeing you two dragged away. The Eurasians do anything to either of you did they?"

"No, but is Eric's dad okay?"

"He's been taken to the medbay one of the refugees who's a certified doctor is looking after him so he's going to be ok."

Within the Hope's cockpit Eric felt a great amount of relief over him upon hearing this. His worst fears of losing one of the people he was fighting to protect. But even with that being the case he could never forgive Garcia or the Eurasians for what they have done.

If the base was truly under attack then Eric had no intention of saving any of those stationed at the base. They made their own bed so now they could lay in it.

"Thank goodness. Anyways I'm loading the Strike onto the catapult, please load it with one of the packs.'

"On it. We're loading you with the sword pack."

Right on que the Strike was soon mounted with the antiship sword, beam boomerang, and rocket propelled ancher. No sooner than it was finished that the Strike launched.

Meanwhile Eric mounted the catapult in the Archangel's opposite leg. "Eric I'm sorry about your dad but like I told Kira. He's going to be alright."

"Thanks for letting me know Miriallia. It's a load off my shoulders, though I really hate this base's Commander now."

"That's understandable, I don't think there's anything on this ship that does like him."

"Cut the chatter." Natarle's voice cut in before addressing Eric. "You need to hurry up and launch. We're in a critical situation."

Eric exhaled and focused his gaze on the front monitor whilst watching the ship's hatch open. As soon as the way was completely clear Eric launch without word.

"Eric you and Kira need to stay close to the ship we don't need where the enemy is." Miriallia informed.

"Understood."

Up ahead Eric saw numerous mobile armors launch and head in the direction the Archangel going in. If that along with the directional sound of the tremors were of any indication than Zaft was just ahead. Speaking of the tremors however more here heard but from another direction whilst the Movius Zero left the Archangel.

"I guess Zaft decided to use more than one entrance to get in." Mu La Flaga said over the radio. "At the very least it'll keep the Eurasians off our backs."

On the bridge of the Archangel Ramius shrugged while keeping her eyes firmly on what was ahead of the ship waiting for the first visual sign of battle. "We can't get complacent. Considering what Garcia tried to do I doubt he intends to let us leave without some resistance."

"Not much he can really do. If Zaft is attacking us then its a pretty safe bet to assume they're using the stolen prototypes from Heliopolis."

Ramius tensed up at the mere mention of that. While it was more or less a given what the scenario would be having knowledge of it beforehand didn't really do much to provide any real sense of comfort or relief.

The crew might have known what they were in for but that wouldn't make this an easy fight considering the unprecedented prowess all four G weapons possessed individually.

Even though she and no else had seen anything confirming it she already knew any fighting going on was one sidedly in Zaft's favor. Mobile armors could barely go against GINN's, in the face of the G weapons they'd be essentially obsolete, the most they'd be able to do is stall Zaft for a short time. Ramius just hoped that she'd be able to use their unintended distraction in order to slip out of the base before Zaft and Garcia tried anything.

After the Archangel got outside it was likely a given the crew would have to face the two Zaft vessels outside but honestly at this point the unofficial captain would take any convenience she get at this point.

Unfortunately the possibility of at least getting outside unhindered was grinded to a halt by two factors. The first was the Blitz currently shooting mobile armors at the moment but it would only last another instant before the pilot noticed the Archangel along with the Strike and Hope, the second was that the hatch to the port was closed which was likely Garcia's doing likely either to try and keep anymore Zaft units out or the Archangel from leaving, if Ramias had to guess between the two she'd have her money on the latter considering his original ambition though in actuality it was likely both.

Considering the tremors in the other direction it was safe to assume that the former of the goals failed and the other G weapons had simply used another port to get in and Ramius intended to make sure the latter failed just as miserably.

"Prepare to fire the Lohengrins. We'll force our way out."

"Are you sure? We'll be causing further damage to this base." One of the crew members pointed out.

"After everything they done it really doesn't matter, besides this base isn't going to last much longer with fighting taking place inside."

The hatches in the bottom of both legs open to reveal the Lohengrin cannons.

"Lohengrins fire!" Natarle yelled out and right on que two crimson colored blast soared from the ship taking out a few mobile armors in the process though missing the Blitz which was much more prepared before destroying the hatch jeeping to port entrance closed completely.

"Alright advance steadily towards the exit." Ramius ordered.

XXXXX

at another port of the base the Buster had hung at the entrance using both Guns to shoot down numerous mobile armor that tried to stall it along with the Duel and CGUE.

"So where's Nicol and the legged ship?" Dearka inquired.

"They're likely either further inside or at another port." Yzak said heading further inside shooting a couple mobile armors along the way. "These guys really need to learn to stay out of the way."

"Agreed. You'd think they'd realize they're way out of their league."

Meanwhile the CGUE flew up ahead almost ignoring the mobile armors completely.

"Hey where do think your going?" Demanded Yzak.

"These small fries are a waste of time. I'm going after the legged ship." Bernard answered whilst continuing further inside the base, much to the chagrin of the two Zaft reds.

Yzak growled in annoyance before following "Not ahead of us you're not."

Sighing within the Buster cockpit. "Well I definitely don't want to miss out on the action." With that the Buster gave chase after the other two unit though not without making sure to shoot the few mobile armor within the port. "We don't need any third wheels."

XXXXX

"Dammit why can't we deal with four measly units?!" Garcia demanded as he watched all of the mobile armor pilots stationed at Artemis being shot down and slaughtered.

"These units have the same design as the ones that were onboard the Atlantic Federation's new warship. Our pilots' weapons can't even put a scratch on their armor!"

"What? There's no way!" Garia all but yelled in denial. Back when he initially tried to have the two mobile suits on the ship studied he already developed high expectations when it came to their capabilities especially after seeing some of the combat footage but for them to be able to render weapons within the EA's current arsenal completely obsolete like this was something he could never have anticipated.

"At this rate the entire base will be destroyed!"

Another shock. "You mean to honestly tell me that we're about to lose the entire base!?"

"To much fighting is taking place inside of it."

"Then we need to abandon it. To the escape pods now. Tell our mobile armor pilot to continue engaging Zaft and start engaging the Atlantic Federation too."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, we need to make sure both are distracted long enough for us to slip out."

"Isn't the crew on the new warship our ally?"

"Idiot! You really think they'll forgive what we've done or did you forget that we had them all at gunpoint and shot the father of one of the mobile suit pilots? Our only option is to escape now while we still have the chance!"

With that Garcia headed for the exit of the command center before turning around to address everyone else when he noticed their hesitation. Its either come with me or die here which would you prefer?"

That did the trick. The personal finally started scrambling out of the command center. "Good choice I think it practically applies to any situation that the best course of action is to live to fight another day."

Though he might have worded his goal in a manner that made it sound noble but in reality he had no intention of taking to any type of battlefield which was why he was more than content when he was at the Artemis base all the way up until this point, he was able to simply utilize the umbrella shield and Zaft would be forced to leave, it had become so routine that he hadn't even considered them much of a priority. In fact, he was more concerned with increasing his personal renown within the Eurasion Federation which was the other half of why he had tried to keep the Archangel from leaving and take advantage of the two Coordinator pilots' abilities aside from the obvious power play against the Atlantic Federation.

Looking back on it now the Commander could only wonder what went wrong. How in the world did Zaft get past the umbrella shield now of all times when they've never managed to in the past? Whatever the reason Garcia had no intention of dying here.

'Those damn brats and the rest of those wretched Coordinators will pay dearly for this.'

XXXXX

"Why you you just leave and let us live in peace?!" Kira exclaimed as he closed the distance between himself and the Blitz trying to rend the mobile suit in half with his antiship sword but it seemed the Zaft pilot had enough common sense to stay out of Kira's range.

Eric decided to utilize his beam rifle being careful not to risk shooting the Strike by accident or use up all his power to which the Blitz would either avoid the beams or block them with its shield whilst returning fire and shooting at the Strike when it was able.

Overall both Eric and Kira were managing to keep the Blitz on the defensive which was good in and of itself since it meant that it wouldn't be able to do much to stop the Archangel from reaching the outside of the base but it would definitely be preferable if they could take out the Blitz or at the very least force it to retreat.

While they may have held the advantage at the moment with the Blitz being the enemy they were being confronted with at the moment that dynamic would be gone the moment one of the other stolen Gundams showed up and that was assuming it wasn't all three of them.

'If I can just manage to disable one of the Blitz's limbs at least it would be left with no choice but to retreat and let us get out of this place already.'

The Blitz sent its piercer lock at the Strike to which Kira responded by letting loose his rocket propelled anchor claw.

Both armaments collided into one another with neither destroying the other. Eric decided to utilize the opportunity to try using his twin railguns sending two crimson colored beams at the Blitz which pulled back and climb to avoid them.

Before the Blitz could make any attempt at retaliation Kira closed in and swung his antiship sword overhead forcing the Blitz to block the attack with its shield.

The Blitz immediately fell back and was about to return fire before suddenly turning around and retreating.

Both pilot of the Strike and Hope were momentarily baffled before they heard Ramius over the radio. "Strike, Hope hurry and head to the port themis base is about collapse."

Both pilot looked around and see Rmaius was telling the truth. Numerous support beams and pieces of debris were breaking off and floating in the air. The Artemis base was going to fall apart completely before much longer.

The Archangel increased its speed to the maximum whilst Kira and Eric landing on the deck.

Within the next minute the ship had reached the outside whilst the Artemis base was engulfed in an inferno.

"Set a course for the lunar base now!" Ramius ordered. "And have both the Strike and Hope return to the ship."

"The Blitz is still out there!" Sai pointed out.

"Use the Igelstellung to keep at bay and hell darts to keep on the defensive long enough for us to escape as soon as Yamato and Raglan have docked."

Miriallia immediately established a radio link with both mobile suits. "Kira, Eric we need you to hurry and return to the Archangel so we can leave."

"The Blitz is still out here!" Kira replied whilst throwing his beam boomerang at the mobile suit in question merely for it to block the weapon with its shield.

"Ramius already has it covered the Blitz won't be able to follow us after we leave."

Kira stared at the Blitz as it tried to fire off its rifle before being beat to the punch when Eric used his railguns to force it to pull back even further.

"Kira let's hurry and get back Mu La Flaga is already back onboard, the faster we're out of here the better." Eric said before heading back to the ship with a somewhat reluctant Kira following.

Blitz attempted to give chase but was immediately forced to pulled back when it found itself under fire from the Archangel's Igelstellungs. "Ready to fire heel darts!" Ramius ordered before the Blitz decided to retreat.

"I think the Blitz is heading back to its ship." Sai commented.

"In that case belay my previous order. We'll be heading for the lunar base now. Maximise thrusters output, we need to gain as much headway as we can before the enemy can give chase."

XXXXX

"God dammit will these fucking mobile armors just get of the way already!?" Bernard growled out in rage as he carved throughout one of the said units before following up with his shield vulcan to shoot down another.

"I've gotta hand to these Natural they know how to be tenacious even when they're in a hopeless situation." Dreaka commented whilst combining both of his weapons into their scattershot form and taking four mobile armors in one blast.

Meanwhile Yzak was shooting down EA units in rapid succession with his beam rifle "Maybe but we really can't waste too much time. Every second we spend trying to fight these guys off is a second the legged ship could be using to get away."

In spite of whatever tension might have existed between the three pilots (mainly because of Bernard) they all were in agreement that they needed to finish dealing with the Eursains in the shortest timespan possible. Problem was the EA pilots were numerous, not that it made them any real threat it just made the task take longer than any of the Zaft pilots personally cared for.

Another factor was what Dearka had pointed out. The Eurasians were being rather tenacious practically to the point of being suicidal. While under normal circumstances none of the three pilots would let them retreat even if they actually tried that scenario would have been quite preferable here since it would mean they'd be able to go after they're actually target that much quicker but in spite of the obvious outcome that would be at the end of this skirmish the EA pilots refused to back down.

A break in the scenery finally came when the Yzak and Dearka found themselves being hailed by the Blitz.

"Have you managed to shoot damn the legged ship?" Yzak inquired.

"No they managed to get away."

"You've gotta be kidding me. They managed to slip by us again!?"

"Well in that case let's make sure these mobile armors pay the price with their lives."

Bernard smirked at this. "With pleasure, the guys wanted to keep me from my target then I'll happily see to it that not a single one of them leave here alive."

"Let's make sure not to leave the lifeboats either." Yzak said taking off in the direction of those who had tried to escape putting away his beam rifle and igniting his beam saber upon taking it out.

Nicol grew anxious seeing this. "Wait I don't think there's any need to go that far."

"Shut up. After what these bastards did dying is the very least they can do. It doesn't matter if they're trying to fight or not at this point."

Splitting up his guns and reconfigured them into their sniper rifle form whilst utilizing his missile silos to clear the last of the mobile armors before taking aim at the lifeboats. "If you don't want to take part then head back to the Gamow."

Nicol sighed as a watch Dearka fire at one of the lifeboats whilst Bernard flew toward them with his heavy sword at the ready.

XXXXX

"This can't be happening!" Garcia exclaimed in shock as he watched one of the mobile suits utilized its beam saber to slash through one of the lifeboats destroying it outright.

Once more things weren't going according to plan at all. Back when the Commander told all the personnel present within the command center to evacuate and issue an order to the mobile armors to keep engaging the enemy as well as the legged ship the end goal was to keep everyone distracted long enough for the lifeboats to escape from the base.

Afterwards it was supposed to be a simple scenario of the mobile armor pilots being sacrificed than the Atlantic Federation's new warship and Zaft fighting it out until one side was destroyed and afterwards the winning side would leave.

So then why was Zaft turning their weapons against soldiers who could longer fight, weren't they satisfied with shooting down the Atlantic Federation's new warship?

The Commander began sweating bullets once he witnessed one of the other Zaft mobile suits split up its weapons and recombined them switching the places one which one was in the front and back before firing from an unbelievable range and shot one of the other lifeboats leaving only the lifeboat with Garcia in it left.

"Open a channel to the Zaft forces now!" He yelled out. The others wasted no time in carrying out the orders in hopes that'd they'd come out of this alive even if it was as mere prisoners of the enemy.

"Attention all Zaft forces. We longer have the means to continue fighting nor the intent. Henceforth we surrender."

The CGUE flew right up to the lifeboat with a heavybalde in hand but much to the Commander's relief it didn't immediately cut through the lifeboat and destroy it. Unfortunately any hope of living was shattered and replaced by dread when the pilot of the CGUE replied.

"Seeing as all your fucking mobile armor pilots managed to hold us all up long enough for the legged ship and person I wanted dead to get away I don't think any of us can simply let you leave here alive anymore."

Garcia's eyes widened upon hearing this. The Atlantic Federation's new warship got away because of him? The pilot seriously meant to inform him that in trying to ensure his escape all he succeeded in doing was digging his own grave.

Looking back Garcia could still only ask himself what went wrong but thinking about it now he was finally realizing his list of mistakes started when he let the Archangel dock at the Artemis base but how could he have known known it would lead to this? Up until this point he never had to worry about Zaft.

"I could kill you quickly but I think you should die a bit more slowly."

"There's hardly anything you could do to torcher us at this point."

"Oh I think I can. If I cut off the antenna at the top of the lifeboat you'll not only lose any means of communication with anyone but your lifeboat won't emit any signal for anyone to find you."

Garica and everyone onboard felt themselves grow cold with absolutely fear. "Wait please don't-" the Commander's pleas were cut off when the lifeboat was suddenly jolted violently.

"W-we lost communication." One of the personnel announced.

Garcia could only stare out the window watching as the CGUE and other two mobile suits began heading back to their ships leaving the Eurasians to die alone in space.

Alright that's it for this ch. Sorry for the long wait. Different factors have been getting in the way such as work amongst other things.

Anyway let me know your thoughts.