Note: Sorry about the huge delay with this update; I've been busy lately.

Chapter Eight

"I'm sorry about Yzak," Dearka apologized as soon as he reached the quarters of Kira, Cagalli, and Murrue, formalities out of the way, token appreciation given out of friendship. Sure, Cagalli may be the Representative of Orb, but technically, that wasn't supposed to happen, and Dearka didn't want to give her the impression, at least, not yet. PLANT had to keep the noses of the Earth Alliance out of this.

It was essentially the political officer's quarters, one that Cagalli currently resided in. Kira and Murrue had their own respective quarters down the hall, which Dearka had arranged for them. Although Dearka didn't think Cagalli would disobey his request, he took extra precautions and disabled all communications devices in her quarters.

"What happened between them?" Cagalli asked, seated on the sofa, looking at Dearka curiously, "I haven't heard."

"After the events on Heliopolis," Dearka explained, "We developed a sort of vendetta against the Archangel and Strike. Well, it wasn't really a vendetta; we took it like a milk run. Destroy the ship and the mobile armor. Yzak took it as a vendetta early; his personality admitted that. Athrun probably would've wanted to take revenge if Kira wasn't his old friend. There was one Ginn you took out back at Heliopolis, the pilot being Athrun's former mentor, Kira."

Kira's features hardened as he stared down on the floor, and he didn't say anything. It was almost expected.

"Yzak really got ticked off after he got a scar from Kira, though," Dearka continued, "Kira attacked Duel at one point, and damaged the cockpit; the cockpit blew apart and slashed a scar across Yzak's face. He really took it seriously, and we all did after Blitz was destroyed."

Murrue marked the way Dearka talked about these events, and avoided the usage of names, the names of Kira's victims. Dearka knew what all of them knew, but Murrue figured that only she, and maybe Cagalli, understood consciously. An enemy becomes harder to kill once you know him. It's easier to shoot the enemy in front of you if you don't wonder if he has family, a friends, girlfriend, or whatever. Dearka knew that Kira may one day stumble across a name, realize its a victim he had killed, and learn all about his life, as well as his death, the death that he, Kira, had produced. And Dearka was no fool; he may not have seen how Kira had lived before Murrue took him in, but Dearka could imagine.

"But don't worry," Dearka laughed, patting Kira on the shoulder, "Yzak's forgiven you. He's already removed the scar on his forehead, meaning that he doesn't intend to how the hate against you any longer. But it's just normal for him to get angry over things like this. So don't worry; he shows off his temper to everyone."

"Let's talk about our progress so far," Murrue tactfully changed the subject, now that the conversation had changed to a pleasant note, "We haven't met any Earth forces so far, have we?"

"No," Dearka said, paused, then admitted, "Earth is being quite sloppy in this department. They haven't explained why they declared war on us, neither did they give us any terms of surrender, or deployed and forces against us. But there is a great wall of silence between us; we have warships spread out across PLANT territory and sometimes going into international space, but the Earth Alliance is sticking around the Moon. Intelligence reports that the activity there has only be increased by twenty percent, and that may be just because the Lionheart almost went into Earth airspace. Chairwoman Canaver has sent requests for a meeting, but they haven't been answered so far. We don't know why."

"Was that the reason why Earth declared war?" Cagalli asked.

"Unknown," Dearka shrugged, "It's unlikely, though. We have reports from the Kalima that they told the Moon the Lionheart was a renegade ship. And the Lionheart didn't really enter Moon territory. Earth would've pushed for talks, but not something like this. I suspect another reason, but I don't know what yet. Meanwhile, what's Orb going to do?"

A penetrating question, that, Murrue thought quietly.

Cagalli tensed, hesitated, then replied slowly, "I'm not quite sure," Cagalli admitted, "While I've got my tracks covered, as far as this expedition is concerned, my most trusted people aren't exactly senators or anything. But in my opinion, my administration is likely to keep their nose out of the affair. At least, that's what I hope."

My administration, she says, Murrue said to herself, impressed, Cagalli is taking the reins of leadership well. But she has to take care of her administration more carefully.

"I'm inclined to agree," Dearka nodded, "Orb hasn't really given us any trouble so far. I'm hoping for that to continue."

Ringing on Dearka's cellphone nabbed their attention, and Dearka cursed himself at not disabling it before entering the room. However, he noticed that the caller ID displayed itself as Yzak, so he took up the call.

"Yzak," Dearka nodded, "You'd better have a good reason for calling me."

"I do," Yzak said on the other end, his voice tight, "We just picked up several contacts, destination unknown. They're lingering rather close to PLANT territory though."

"How many contacts?" Dearka asked, and the edge in his voice made Kira, Cagalli, and Murrue listen to the conversation intently, although they could not hear Yzak's reply, "Where's their carrier?"

"Unknown," Yzak replied, "I'm suspecting a light squadron, maybe three, four mobile suits. As for a ship, I'm picking up none."

"So we've got some mobile suits running around, near PLANT territory without a battleship nearby," Dearka confirmed Yzak's words, paused, then asked, "You know what models?"

"Initial analysis indicates that the mobile suits are M1s."

Dearka could barely keep the surprise from his voice. "What?" Dearka exclaimed, "Astrays?"

Orb's M1 Astrays near PLANT territory. Dearka's words were enough to make Cagalli's eye widen with shock.

---

Athrun was quite surprised to find the variety of people occupying the bridge of the Kalima as he floated in behind Ayame. He identified several ZAFT officers, others wearing civilian clothes, and even one wearing an Earth Alliance officer uniform. Athrun tensed slightly, although he knew that no one was going to give him any trouble. Or at least, he didn't think so.

"Athrun!" a familiar voice called out from the side; Athrun turned and was not-quite-surprised to see Niel Schneider floating toward him.

"Well met, Niel," Athrun smiled as Niel stopped in front of him and patted him on the back.

"We meet here, of all places," Niel gave a slight grin, paused, added, "I think you already figured out I wasn't the one who called you yesterday afternoon."

"Took too damn long to figure that one out, in my opinion," Athrun laughed, "I'm glad we're all safe and sound, though."

"I agree," an unfamiliar male ZAFT officer said, seemingly competent and intelligent, "You were nearly a political case, Athrun Zala; in this case, I'm quite glad you're safe and sound."

"Political case?" Athrun echoed, but the officer had turned to Ayame.

"You've done a great job, Ayame," the officer smiled at Ayame, "You should go to your quarters and rest; the past four hours must've drained you. Fantastic job, Ayame."

Ayame merely nodded, saluted, and floated out of the bridge. Athrun watched her depart before focusing his attention on the ZAFT officer.

"She's very impressive," Athrun admitted as soon as Ayame left.

"One of a kind," the ZAFT officer agreed, then proceeded to introduce himself, "I'm First Lieutenant Aiden Renguard of the Ace-Ops, extension of Hitomi Varyvae's Peace Project," the ZAFT officer extended his hand for a handshake.

Athrun took it. "Please to meet you," he nodded.

Aiden squeezed, shook the hand, released. He gestured around at the members on the bridge. "I see you're already acquainted with Niel Schneider," Aiden smiled, "This is the current captain of the battleship Kalima, Irene Vaelmont, who is also a diplomatic aide to Senator Leland. Our political officer, Hitomi Varyvae, mother behind the Peace Project and the Ace-Ops. And this is Anthony Marks of the Earth Alliance; we picked him up after the nasty affair near the Moon."

The group made one or two formalities before getting to business.

"The Defense Committee gave us quite an earful trying to get you back safely," Aiden said, looking squarely at Athrun, "In fact, we had been contacted by Admiral Orlando Chester before, telling us not to fire on you."

"I guess I should thank him for my life," Athrun tried giving a smile; it didn't come out that way, and ended up being a smirk.

"Do you know what's going on?" Aiden asked, "The reason why everyone's so desperate to nab you?"

Athrun crossed his arms, frowned. "If you're talking about Admiral Irwin Crawford on board the Lionheart, I can tell you he's part of the Zala Faction. What he wants from me, I'm not sure."

At the mention of Zala Faction, the atmosphere and pressure around the entire bridge tightened suddenly; throats were cleared, gestures were made, and nervous glances were given. Aiden, however, didn't seem to change at all as he focused his attention on Athrun.

"And what about Aprilius One?" Aiden asked simply.

"I don't know," Athrun admitted, "It may have to do with my report."

"Your report?" Irene sounded puzzled.

"Athrun here's an analyst," Niel explained for Athrun, "Military and political analyst; he can practically take any kind of information and situation, and give it a proper ending."

"General Arthur Cromwell was assassinated yesterday morning at Washington, wasn't he?" Athrun asked. As if it were an impossible task, the bridge was placed under heavier tension and suspense.

"My report focused on that," Athrun explained, "Unfortunately, my division thought it was bullshit; General Cromwell was quite prominent and popular at the time, and no one thought he would be a target for assassination."

"But he just was," Aiden nodded, "Rumored to be assassinated by a collapsing Blue Cosmos."

"Yeah," Athrun nodded, "I wasn't very adamant on the Blue Cosmos part, but somehow, I knew that Cromwell would be silenced sooner or later. And there's only one possibility that can come out of this, unless drastic measures are taken."

"And what's that?" Hitomi asked, a nervous edge in her voice.

Athrun answered her question quite simply. "A full-scale war between PLANT and Earth. Again."

---

"A compliment of M1 Astrays will be joining the Ace-Ops soon, sir," a bridge officer reported to Admiral Crawford over the COM channel, Crawford seated in his quarters devoid of Athrun Zala. Crawford found Athrun's disappearance intriguing, but he was hardly surprised, just slightly disappointed. It meant Athrun didn't quite trust Crawford, if he was to choose escape over Crawford's protection.

"I understand," Crawford nodded, sipping at a bottle of water through a straw, "So everything is going as planned so far?"

"So far," the bridge officer agreed, "We've already entered the debris field of Junius Seven; we'll be done with the docking procedures shortly. The Kalima is currently maintaining position seventy kilometers outside the debris field."

"Very good," Crawford nodded, "I convey my gratitude."

"You're welcome, sir," the bridge officer replied, and the link closed between them. Crawford stretched slightly, sighed in comfort as he felt more awake. He pressed a button on his computer; a communications software came up, and he directed an encrypted link at PLANT. It was a communications link to a cellphone at PLANT. He waited three rings before he received an answer.

"This is Julius Vibrassa," a smooth male voice replied, "Admiral Crawford, right?"

Crawford smiled. "I wasn't aware you were a soothsayer, Julius."

Julius voice betrayed no humor. "My cell phone can identify the phone number of almost any caller," Julius explained, "You are on a very short list of people who can encrypt the communiques so extensively. I could guess who it was."

"I feel honored," Crawford laughed.

Julius chose not to reply to that joke. "You called me," he stated flatly.

"Yes, I did," Crawford nodded, getting serious, "The events at Aprilius One?"

"Earth has declared war on PLANT," Julius replied, "Aprilius One does not know why they have declared war yet. But the military has been alerted to condition yellow. Although war is not public knowledge yet, the civilians do know there's something going on."

"Would you carry out my orders if I told you to make it general knowledge?" Crawford asked, "Spread information across news agencies?"

Julius paused for just the briefest of moments. "I would require proof," Julius finally said, "And Senator Leland has advised me against this. Chairwoman Canaver is taking her own measures."

"I could provide proof," Crawford ventured.

"It would not be a good idea," Julius finally said, "You know I hardly voice any objections to anyone, but I have to advise against it. The news could cause for civil disturbance, which may lead to a ZAFT spearhead against Earth, instead of an Earth spearhead against ZAFT. That would change the plans drastically; the path to Earth would be blocked."

"You aptitude is always appreciated," Crawford smiled, "Yes, then, we won't do anything too drastic."

Julius gave a short grunt of disapproval. Crawford had the feeling that Julius seemed to have some sort of grudge on him, as if Julius respected Crawford, but not necessarily liked him. He always seemed somewhat cold.

There was a pause over the line, before Julius asked, "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," Crawford nodded as he leaned back on his chair, "The Ace-Ops took something precious from me, something named Athrun Zala. Although I've already drained him of his usefulness, I do have a promise to keep. Please be kind enough to ask them to return him to me."

---

As Athrun stepped into Aiden's office, he was greeted by something of a shoutmatch over Aiden's communications suite, something which shocked Athrun, considering that Aiden had asked Athrun to come to his quarters, and that Aiden didn't seem to be the type that argued.

"Your orders from the Defense Committee was clear!" a face on the holographic display shouted angrily, "How am I supposed to explain this when I'm asked why my son was commanding a ship acting in clear defiance against the Committee?"

This man has a son on this ship, Athrun thought. The insignia on the man's chest showed he was a general.

"You will explain exactly what is happening," Aiden snapped, "This ship, part of the Peace Project, was condoning an action to prevent war between PLANT and Earth."

"Great actions condoned," the man muttered, "Washington just declared war on Aprilius One."

"We're trying to reverse the effect," Aiden said.

"The Peace Project has no political power!" the man yelled, "There's no point for you in staying in the Peace Project! Damn that Hitomi Varyvae; get back here to PLANT where we need you, Aiden!"

"We're the only organization of peace recognized by Earth, General," Aiden said coldly, "We are basically the last resort. Aiden, out. Communication error." He slammed his hand on a button that cut the transmission; the image of the general disappeared. Aiden took a deep breath to calm himself, exhaled. He closed his eyes in frustration.

Athrun had heard enough. From the tones and words used in the conversation, Aiden had made it imminently clear that the general was indeed Aiden's father. A familiar name came up, General Matthew Renguard, head of the 23rd Corps, a man of great reputation. At first, he hadn't known Aiden was his son, but now he was sure.

First Lieutenant Aiden Renguard was the son of General Matthew Renguard, and they didn't seem to get on too well. A fact that bothered Athrun because he didn't get along well with his father either during Patrick Zala's last days. "Didn't get along well" seemed like an understatement; Patrick practically shot Athrun's shoulder.

"Looks like I heard something I wasn't supposed to hear," Athrun said just after Aiden closed the link.

"Hardly," Aiden shrugged, obviously indifferent, "Everyone knows I don't get along well with my old man."

Athrun suppressed a grimace; he certainly remembered the last moments he had spent with his father as the both of them quarreled over the justifications of the war a year ago. The end result was his father fired a pistol at Athrun's shoulder before sending him for interrogation to find Justice's whereabouts.

"Ideologies?" Athrun asked, trying to sound like he wasn't disturbed. It didn't come out too well, but Aiden didn't seem to notice, or, at least, pretended not to notice. Athrun had a feeling Aiden knew a lot more than he let on.

"Kind of," Aiden said as he motioned for Athrun to sit down, "Funny. Derlude, that is, one of the members of the Peace Project, used to complain that I never put chairs here. Miracle that I remember now."

"Yeah, I met him," Athrun nodded. He sat down on the chair across from Aiden.

"Uh-huh," Aiden nodded as he waved his hand over a panel, and the holographic monitor on his office desk projected the image of a star chart of ZAFT, replacing the earlier image of his father's angry face, "Either way, my dad isn't too happy with my rejecting offers of a promotion to captain."

Athrun was surprised, and he looked it. "It seems strange to me," Athrun admitted.

"Quite simply," Aiden explained, "being promoted to captain would mean a heavier workload for me. Doesn't really matter; they may call me first lieutenant, but I have all the privileges of a lieutenant commander or a lieutenant general. But I want to concentrate on the Peace Project for now, so I'm spending all my time on it. I don't have the time for the duties of a captain. My dad's not happy with the choice I made, though. He's saying that someone of my caliber could've already been promoted to lieutenant general had I accepted the first offer of promotion that was given to me."

"Do you think so?" Athrun asked.

"Think what?" Aiden asked, looking at Athrun squarely in the eyes.

"That you'd be lieutenant general at the moment if you had accepted the promotion."

Aiden shrugged. "My old man brought up dozens of cadets to officer rank. I'd be surprised if he was wrong."

"Then I'd see why your father is displeased," Athrun admitted.

Aiden gave a little laugh. "That's not really the focus of his dissatisfaction," Aiden said, "He just doesn't like me being around the Peace Project. His expressing of rank and promotion is just to mask that he doesn't like the Peace Project, which is staying my rank. For one thing, he never liked Lacus Clyne, and he often says that Hitomi is the reincarnate of Clyne. And he's probably horrified of the idea that a subordinate officer is trying to pull a move on me."

"The last time I checked," Athrun crossed his arms, "Varyvae was a lieutenant commander."

"In my dad's eyes, it doesn't work that simply. Hitomi hadn't worked up the ranks in battle, but had worked for intelligence branches. I technically could be a lieutenant general right now. And she doesn't come from a prestigious military family like I do. It's not that my dad doesn't oppose me being wed to the daughter of a senator or something, but he definitely doesn't want me to be wed to..." Aiden paused, groped for the right words, then said slyly, "...as my dad puts it, a 'second-rate soldier'. I'm not particularly proud of the fact, but people like me tend to get promoted faster."

"Your dad sees it as a badge of honor?" Athrun looked incredulous.

"Like I said," Aiden shrugged, "I never liked my dad much. I don't see anything wrong with Hitomi. She's a kind, hard-working person who had managed to make her way up the ranks. The only real fault with her I can see is that she is way too shy and introvert. In a sense, I joined the Peace Project as the chief director and, in a sense, Hitomi's guardian. There were several people who were hoping that someone protect Hitomi personally."

"I suppose some in Aprilius One asked for that?" Athrun ventured.

"I guess you can say that," Aiden nodded, "Hitomi was the one that suggested the Peace Project, but she was not one with enough influence or brashness to carry the task out. Senator Francis Leland asked me to join the Peace Project and help her handle some military affairs. I hate to sound like a hypocrite, but the 'peace' that the Peace Project upholds is the result of using weapons and blackmailing others. But it's like what Derlude said before. A dream without strength is nothing but blind hope. Power without an ideal is merely violence."

"Sounds like a moral," Athrun smiled.

"It is," Aiden chuckled, "Tell you the truth, you know where the name 'Ace-Ops' comes from?"

Athrun shook his head.

"I had wanted to name the team of aces after my favorite childhood storyteller, Aesop," Aiden explained.

"The ancient Greek storyteller?" Athrun asked.

"Yeah, that's the one. But Derlude thought it was an awful name; I expected that. We kind of debated around for a while, and came to a compromise. The team was pronounced 'Aesop', but on papers and all, it would read 'Ace-Ops'."

"Impressive compromise," Athrun admitted.

"I agree," Aiden nodded, "At any rate, I am officially second-in-command of the Peace Project, and essentially commander of the Ace-Ops, but off the records, I have to take care of Hitomi."

"So basically speaking," Athrun smiled as he closed his eyes, placed his hands together, "You're his knight in shining armor."

Aiden laughed, although it was kind of dry, and Athrun almost thought Aiden felt awkward. "Well, I guess you can put it that way. I'm not his boyfriend or anything, but I guess our relationship has its own intimacies."

There was a moment's pause, where they realized both of them ran out of things to say. Several seconds passed, before Aiden spoke up.

"The Orb pilots should be docking up now," Aiden nodded, "We'd better go take a look."

They got up, and that was when the explosions shook the ship.