Year 99 of the Cosmic Era. Through wars and devastation on all fronts, naturals and coordinators alike have achieved an uneasy peace. Rather than through an era of understanding, this peace is born from an era of fear. A new fragment of human evolution has arisen known by the Alliance and ZAFT as the Actualizer Threat. A human breed that through its actions has long manipulated the human race in an effort to bringing about a new war. In an effort to suppress the beginning of a new conflict, the independent military force has taken to the stars known as AERO to seek out the actualizers. 18 years have passed since the threat arose. At the turn of the new century, humanity faces a new conflict.

The gray and blue AERO flagship the Terminus began to find its way miles outside the orbit of the space colony Port Two. On board the crew observed the activity within its range as the empty void of space offered only its quiet echoless void. The leader at the head of the flagship was reported by one of his officers, “Commander. We are approaching contact with the colony. Estimated time of arrival in 70 minutes.”
The relatively war-weary High Commander and leader of AERO observed the flight pattern on the simulated path on their map ordering, “Maintain our current course. Wait for confirmation of clearance before we enter.”
The officer next to him sighed briefly before speaking, “This will be an honor to view. I never did get the chance to see the Archangel in its time.”
The Commander turned to smile when he reminded, “Your mother will be pleased to see you attend the ceremony Terzo.”
Lieutenant Terzo Enran agreed to the offer when he decided, “Of course. I’ll be sure to greet Admiral Ramius on arrival.”
One of the lower midshipmen observed the event out loud, “The history will be something to see. Last time I saw the Archangel in action I was just a girl.”
“Thanks for sharing your age lady, keep observing those trajectory courses.” One of her fellow crewman nudged.
Terzo focused his attention to the brig below when he ordered, “Ensign, leave the orders to higher officials.”
The Ensign saluted lazily, “Yes sir.”
When the order was maintained Terzo decided that now was his only chance to speak with his superior before they made the landing. “Permission to question freely sir?”
The Commander stood from his seat when he ordered, “Follow me.” The two left the command room behind them and added to his offer, “Keep any high profile questions within these halls.”
Terzo gave his first question asking, “Commander are we really just stopping in the colony to view the decommissioning ceremony?”
The Commander turned to see he was alone with Terzo before answering, “We have a project that is currently being kept classified. Once the ceremony has ended it will be loaded onto the Terminus bay and we can begin our mission in sending it to the Alliance. That is our mission for right now.”
Terzo showed more satisfaction in his face when he agreed, “I see. This ceremony is enough of a cover-up for the transport of the project sir?”
“It will be designated as an equipment transfer. Civilians won’t be able to have access.”
The Lieutenant pointed out the necessities, “Thankfully it will be. But still the Alliance and ZAFT will both have to provide resources to the project’s defense.”
The Commander assured him of their wellbeing when he answered, ”The arrangements have been made. We won’t have an issue if the enemy appears.”
“This is certainly a development. Is this project a weapon by any chance? One that will be effective against the Threat?”
“We’re hoping it will be. It’s been reported a success and if that’s true we can use it as the blueprints for preparing against the next attack.”
“We certainly have made a major step forward. If all goes as planned we might be able to signal this as the beginning of our technological progress.”
The Commander was hesitant before he nodded agreeing, “I’d prefer that it not be done but if it will save lives then at least we will have something to prevent them from advancing again.” The Commander made his way further down the halls when he saluted.
Terzo asked before he left, “Shall I assist you any further sir?”
The Commander turned to decline, “I have to make sure final preparations are made personally. Keep watch of the bridge.”
Terzo wasn’t willing to question the order when he accepted, “Yes sir. Reporting now.”

The Commander entered one of the private quarters set at the front of the ship to be greeted with the view of a young teen who was laying on his bed with headphones attached to his music player. No doubt at maximum volume hoping to avoid hearing anyone. The Commander picked up the device and unplugged the headphones from the boy’s player. When the commander had his attention he asked, “Sousuke have you prepared for the departure?”
Sousuke opened his eyes and asked irritated, “What? I have to get ready for it? Dad I’m not even part of this whole gig you got ready.” Unfortunately being the heedless son of Kira Yamato did not come with its privileges. This was a fact Sousuke learned several years ago but continued to display these feelings even to his current age.
Kira sat next to Sousuke when he pointed out, “I’m not the one staging it Sousuke. It was a joint decision by the Earth leadership and ZAFT.” Kira gestured to the trunk at the foot of his bed instructing, “We’ll be docking in an hour and the suit is still in your trunk. Get it ready by then.”
Sousuke remained defiant against the instructions when he declined, “Dad I just said I’m not part of your group. Why should I have to get ready for some formality that I don’t have anything to do with?”
Kira maintained his patience when he explained to his son, “It’s how you’ll be receiving clearance to the Archangel’s brig where the personnel will be.”
Sousuke could be heard more vocally across the halls when he stood up complaining, “Are you kidding? You’re making me go to some boring decommission and now I have to sit through it behind the curtains too?!”
Kira remained seated when he answered, “You should be honored for the opportunity Sousuke. There aren’t many who will be allowed to ask Admiral Ramius about her career.”
Sousuke pointed accusingly, “Dad, first off you wrote the report twice. And do you really think I care about what old people have to say about a war I don’t have a part in?”
“You’re not at the age where you decide Sousuke. Even then you’ll be able to choose after serving two years of mandatory service in the ZAFT or Earth Alliance military Until then hearing from the wisest military leaders of our time will provide invaluable insight.”
“Quit trying to force me dad! You’re the big time coordinator who ended the conflicts. What am I supposed to be doing all of this for?! Why do you keep dragging me all over the place just to get ready for some stupid war that’s not going to happen?!”
Kira stood up and answered back to him in his sternest voice, “This decommissioning is something we both have to be on our best behavior for. If you have plans after becoming an adult that’s fine. Until then you’ll follow my instructions to the letter. Is that clear?”
Sousuke didn’t bother arguing any further when he finally relented, “…Yes sir.”
Kira exited the room attempting to hold his disappointment on the recent argument with his son when he commented to himself, “This is going to be a difficult time ahead for him.”

Within the docking bays of Dock Two the Earth Alliance had prepared the ceremonial preparations of bidding farewell to the time of the Archangel. Among them was the former twice commander of said vessel now respected official observed the activities of the colony and its ongoing activity. She turned to the Archangel when she offered a prayer, “This will be your final mission Archangel. You’ve done us all proud.” She turned away from the old ship and made her way back to the main command center monitoring the shipping activities. Admiral Murrue Ramius observed the activities of the civilians from below and the mobile suits preparing for the decommissioning ceremonies.
The Admiral heard one of the operators announce, “Admiral, we have sign of the AERO command ship heading this way.”
Admiral Ramius agreed to the hail, “Patch them through.”
Lieutenant Terzo was on the other line when he reported, “This is the Terminus requesting clearance for boarding. Repeat all personnel requesting clearance for Colony entry.”
The Admiral smiled when she saw her adopted son and cleared, “We read you Terminus. You are clear to enter. We’ll greet you in hangar 4.”
“Thank you Admiral. We are prepared for docking procedures.”

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.

One who acts thus is no leader of men, no present help to his sovereign, no master of victory.

As he stood, fully clad in his ZAFT colors, Avris grimaced as he found himself reminded of this truth. It sickened him. The fact that in lure of a sense of peace, humanity had chosen to neglect the existence of its enemy in favor of the memory of heroes. Soldiers. Men and women who had merely defended humanity from its only assuredly imminent threat. Itself.

Momentarily lost in his thoughts, Avris idly voiced his concern under his breath.

"Are we truly that naive?" Although the words were but an whisper, his companion had clearly noticed them. As the woman quickly shot him an discerning glance. Having scarcely met her gaze out of the corner of his eye, Avris quickly readjusted his posture and dismissed the thought. Deciding instead to focus on the denizens of the space port they now stood in. As if reading his mind, she once again let his crimson eyes rest on his face. Following his gaze before her lips parted to speak.

"Relax, we've been here four hours and you've done nothing but worry about that silly ship." She paused as to move her lengthy hair out of her face. Letting her baby blue strands fall behind her as she crept closer to Avris, attempting to press a cheek against the taller male's arm as she playfully cuddled it. While he didn't object, he niether embraced the gesture. Choosing to instead continually stare at the array of joyous strangers populating the vast walkway. She continued. "We do still have about an hour ya'know. We could-"

"No." His response was firm, and at last he pulled away from what he knew was yet another attempt by her to seduce him into some sort of rebelious act. "You know why we're here Illiana. Same reason they are." Avris gestured with his gaze towards the group of Alliance soldiers standing not two hundred feet away from them. He sighed. "We're under orders."

Although displeased her to her him say it, she knew he was right. Thus casually removed himself from his side as to lean forward, resting her forearms on the rail of the balcony which over looked the dock Terminus was scheduled to report to. With the way her clevage was exposed through her partially zipped up jacket, anyone on the deck below would be unable to avoid noticing her indecency. Just as Avris found him himself unable to avoid admiring the way her uniform hugged her slim yet chest heavy frame.

Pinching the bridge of his nose with another sigh, he shook his head.

In the seven years that the human race had to prepare for another attack by the Actualizer threat, there was a false sense of peace that at least left the colonials an eerie peace. Anyone who anticipated them to disappear after so many years was soon to face the reality of their presences once again. In this colony, the denizens were about to realize that their fears were not only justified but even stronger than before.
Eleanor Rhiannon, once an operative of the Archangel, observed from her pilot screen a view of the colony from afar. Piloting the strange flesh ridden mobile suit, two followed behind her and kept out of sight of any security scans. “Still unable to detect our technology. This will be just as easy as the last few missions.” She noted to herself as the colonial defenses showed no signs of being activated as her squad continued to move in. She established communications with the other two mobile suits, “We’re heading towards the target colony. Prepare to commence the operation. We will soon offer a very fitting ending song to this era.”
A voice of one of the mobile suit pilots announced, “At last we’re getting there. How much longer before I can smash this place into nothing?”
Eleanor heard the other one question, “You’re sure Tadgh Lugh was the right choice for this mission? The Orchestrator must have known he can’t control his hunger at even the mention of destruction.”
Eleanor denied the “We aren’t selected in a case of random choice. This mission will be crucial for our success.”
As if on cue Tadgh asked, “Can’t we simply move in and crush them now?”
Eleanor managed to maintain control over the bloodthirsty pilot when she reminded, “We must permit the Archangel to become a visual. Our target will be in range then.”
Tadgh growled when he continued to wait, “These humans better get it over with then. The sooner they do the more I might consider sparing them.”
Eleanor concluded the briefing when she ordered, “Just stay put before you decide. Our mission has to come first.”
The other pilot waiting for the mission to begin reminded, “Once the Archangel has been placed into public view we will be able to generate the most the most attention.”
Tadgh entered the conversation, “And when we have it we’ll mount the most casualties!”
The remaining pilot agreed with the hope, “So you are capable of contributing to a conversation. We can all agree that they will not be able to provide a decent threat once we are inside.”
Eleanor ordered both of them, “Remain quiet. They are sitting where we want them and we’ll have their best pilots boarding very soon. Then the attack begins.” She pushed aside any detest for the impatience of executing the mission when she promised herself, “They believe melting down an old ship to future use is a fitting end for ear? I’ll offer a far more worthy end for her…”

The time passed and the Terminus began to make its entry into the colony bay. The Terminus ship locked with the locking mechanisms within the bay and the Alliance soldiers stood at attention to await their AERO allies. Murrue stood at their lead when she awaited them when she received the report from her pad, “We’ve received the flagship Admiral. They are clear of any suspicious actions.”
“Let them complete the docking procedures.”

As soon as the clearance light was given Kira ordered the crew through the ship, “All crew, we are clear for docking. Report to the bay area in proper formation and prepare to be briefed.”
Kira began to make his way down the halls when he saw the crew making their way down and turned to enter Sousuke’s quarters. He observed his son in the AERO uniform nodding, “Good to see you’ve prepared. You’re not bringing anything with you this time right?”
Sousuke stood while stating irritated, “No sir. Frisk me all you want.”
Kira turned to face the door when he commanded, “You only need to be formal out in the field Sousuke. Most of all I want you to be on your best behavior and act your age. You’ll have to be doing this regularly in another two years after all.”
Sousuke didn’t show any sign of gratitude when he accepted sarcastically, “Sure just keep reminding me and it might sink in…” He followed his father and began to make his way down the docking area.
The crew of the Terminus was at attention while Kira and Sousuke made their way to the front to greet the Alliance Admiral. Kira offered his hand in greeting, “Admiral Ramius. A pleasure to meet you again mam.”
Murrue accepted the offer when she took his hand greeting, “Likewise Commander. I see you were anxious to make a warm greeting.” She turned to notice his son when she asked, “I take it you’ve taken to training your own recruits Commander?”
Sousuke stood at attention lazily saluting, “Sousuke Yamato.” A moment passed when he turned to notice Kira observing him giving a silent disapproval of his behavior. Sousuke tried again when he added, “Reporting mam?” He still didn’t receive any confirmation from his father that he was out of the introduction while Murrue began to show signs of disapproval as well. Sousuke gave more of a formal salute when he tried a final time, “Looking forward to hearing wise words from a great military mind.”
Murrue’s face softened when she greeted, “A pleasure to meet you Sousuke. Your father has expressed optimism towards your upcoming service. It will be an honor to see you in the right direction.”
Sousuke didn’t show any sign of enthusiasm when he answered, “Likewise Admiral…”
The crew of the Terminus were briefed by the Admiral when she announced, “The Archangel decommissioning will be located in the center of the colony. Please remain with your formation and await your time to participate.” The crew saluted before they began to march through the docks and follow the Alliance military through the colony.
The citizens in the colony of Port Two observed the progress of the combined forces as the Alliance and ZAFT soldiers made their way through the streets. The main stage of the Archangel was slowly populated by the soldiers of all nations as they made their way behind the old ship’s location.
Murrue turned to address the crew observing the stage, “The Decommission will begin in a half hour. Please wait until then.”
The crew gave a collective agreement of, “Yes sir.”
Sousuke was still at the lead when he noticed the ceremony would take and turned to Kira asking, “So now I take it we wait for another half hour?”
Kira began to make his way towards the Alliance Admiral when he answered, “It won’t be long Sousuke. Just wait back here with the others before it’s time.”
Sousuke tried to contain his excitement when he saw his father leaving them for another room when he asked, “Why do you have to be somewhere?”
“I have to make sure Admiral Ramius has the final preparations for the Archangel to be released. I’ll return when they are completed.”
Sousuke saluted to the idea when he accepted, “As long as you need sir.”
Kira turned to the remainder of the crew when he began his own speech, “Terminus crew. We are here for an honorable day. At the turn of this century of our timeline and the solidification of space wide peace, we will see the former remains of an era. But remember that as we give rise to the pieces that have done their part for human history, we do not permit the mistakes made by anyone to be repeated. We progress forward and with our acquired knowledge and respect for what has been accomplished. It is our mission as those who enforce this state of peace to ensure it remains a reality. It is a privilege to share this day with you all.”
Sousuke noticed Kira was making his way towards the nearest command center when he began to rush out of the area. He heard Terzo ask, “Are you headed somewhere Yamato?”
Sousuke looked behind him when he answered, “Yeah Lieutenant. Uh… gotta make sure I’m wearing the right insignias. I think I left them on the ship.”
“I can help you with those if you need them.”
Sousuke continued to make his way out of the area when he waved, “No worries, this’ll take a short change. I think I just left them back on the ship.”
Terzo decided to accept the reasoning when he reminded, “Just make sure to head out double time and be back here on time.”
Sousuke gave a quick salute before exciting the area, “On it sir.” It was a few moments before Sousuke left the stage area and began to make his way towards the civilian areas. Sousuke flung his AERO uniform shirt to the side wearing only his undershirt when he began to run out of the area. He had a more positive attitude when he commented to himself, “Woo! Talk about easy!”

Kira entered the command center observing the Archangel as they observed the equipment being unloaded and brought to the storage buildings. He turned to Murrue when he asked, “The project is still loaded on the Archangel right now?”
Murrue looked over the schedule on her pad when she answered, “After the Decommissioning begins it will be the final shipment to leave the ship. You still plan on going through with the mission?”
“As long as the human race finally has a chance to stand against the threat we will make sure the Earth Alliance gives it safety.”
Murrue was hesitant when she considered Sousuke’s recent display before asking, “And you believe that your son will be ready when his time comes?”
Kira didn’t show any sign of disappointment when he answered, “I’m afraid he won’t have a choice. If I could have had it any other way I would but the threat is still too real.”
Murrue let down her pad when she agreed, “Indeed it is. I promise you that if he ever serves under me I’ll do everything possible to ensure he manages to survive.”
Kira continued to observe the shipments from the Archangel when he requested, “Thank you for the consideration Admiral. But please try not to display that favoritism too much.”
Murrue agreed to the request when she promised, “I don’t even plan to Kira. He’ll have his responsibility as a soldier after all.”

"All crew, we are clear for docking. Report to the bay area in proper formation and prepare to be briefed."

Terra dressed herself into the pilot suit. The slender pale legs that seamlessly entered the lower part of the suit wrapped tightly around her thighs that revealed much of her feminine appearance. She adjusted the hip area of her suit with gentle pulls and slaps around before zipping up the rest of her uniform. Wearing her pilot suit had always made her feel so exposed, especially with her oversized chest that she had. She would've hoped that she could be in normal civilian clothing as that would take less heat than a tight pilot suit.

And so she formed up with the rest of the other pilots and crew of the Terminus, walking in formation as they left the ship and into the bay area 4 where the Admiral stood and the entire ensemble stopped to give her their salutations. Terra followed the strict sign of respect, that was until she could see beside the Admiral her father and mother standing by. Seems like they hadn't noticed her yet, but for sure dying to find out what her daughter had become. Terra had to suppress her excitement inside of her as Kira stood up with his son and shook Admiral Ramius's hand.

Does that make him special? Her father was close to the stage as well. Could she just move out of her formation to greet them? Well, it is a ceremony after all correct? The stiffening of formation could be seen as Terra disintegrated from the neatly formed line of soldiers. Other watched as she broke off and saluted the Admiral personally before Athrun and Cagalli approached her by the sides. "Salutations to you Admiral!" She said with her most respect for her before seeking refuge by her parent's side.

"You shouldn't take off on your own like that Terra. It isn't appropriate." Athrun held his hand to her shoulder before the Admiral given them instructions to the crew of the Terminus and they left.

"I'm sorry, father. But I couldn't contain myself." Terra turned to her mother by Athrun's side. "It's good to see you too." The two embraced one another with compassion.

"The Admiral is waiting for me on a different room. I will see you again shortly in half an hour. Be on your best behaviour Terra, understood?" Athrun walked with Kira and Ramius into a room without Cagalli, presumably a discussion about private matters having to do with the military.

"Understood father..." Terra said and her mother came to look at her daughter in her pilot suit.

"You've grown in your five years. I nearly didn't recognise you!" Cagalli admitted and Terra flashed a smile. "Let's go out and spend some time in the shopping district together. I'll handle everything if anything happens with the fleet. I'm sure Athrun will be alright with it." Cagalli took her daughter's hand and brought her outside of the memorial, despite Terra not wanting to.

"But mother... The memorial..." Cagalli seemed intent on spending some time with Terra, dragging Terra with her.

"No buts... It's a chance that we don't get often together Terra." And so they scurried into the shopping district together.

Murrue saluted to Terra as she ran by, “Ah greetings Private. It’s always good to… Oh.” She noticed the pilot running up to Athrun and Cagalli nearby as she embraced them. “I suppose she’s Terra then.” Murrue observed before she made her way back to leading Terminus crew.

Sousuke was still running through the streets of the colony as though he had just won a race and continued to observe behind him. He looked back ahead proclaiming, “Haha! Not a soldier in sight! No way am I going to be late! Ah!” It was in that moment he realized a girl in an AERO uniform looking inhis location and quickly ran into a nearby alley. He hid for a few moments before he turned around to notice she was leaving ahead of him. “Whew. Close one.” Sousuke said before he continued running. It was just a block before he managed to reach towards the nearest fence and back on his course proclaiming, “Today is going to be an awesome time!”

In the back of a local dance club there was a group of teenagers with music equipment being adjusted. One of them asked, “Are we still on in the next few? We’ve basically got everyone here.”
“Not everyone. My Sousuke hasn’t given the call yet!” The commanding voice belonged to a Chinese woman of the same age.
Another one of the teens tried to convince, “Mei he’s just one guy. It’s not like the performance is going to go completely wrong without him.”
The girl known as Mei shook her head when she reminded, “Yes it will. You know how intimate my dance number is.”
“Can’t you get someone else to do it then?”
“No one’s allowed to touch me but my Sousuke! That’s how the rules work here!”
“Sounds like duty calls.” Out from behind them Sousuke appeared on the scene greeting himself.
“Eep!” Mei rushed up to him and embraced him proclaiming, “My Sousuke!”
Sousuke gave her a small kiss when he greeted, “How’s it going Mei? Sorry I couldn’t call. They don’t let cellphones off in docking.”
One of the teens was concerned when he asked, “Jee really? Your dad has you trying to actually act like a soldier now?”
The teen waiting near the backdoor agreed, “Yeah, he’s got an old man alright. Must think Sousuke’s the result of a breeding program.”
Sousuke gave them his plans when he told them, “Hey even if I was you really think I’m going to pass on the chance to be with the girl I’m gonna run away with?”
Mei agreed as she dreamily said, “We’ll both be cosmic troubadours. The worries of the human race won’t even matter anymore.”
The teen trying to dissuade Mei’s commitment observed, “Wow he is the only one allowed to get that close to her.” He spoke to Sousuke warning, “Sousuke you better make sure you old man never hears about this. If he does we’re all going to get enlisted.”
Sousuke agreed, “Not gonna happen anytime soon Trip. I say we just get our big show ready.”
One of the other teens carrying the stereos agreed, “See he knows what we’re looking forward to. Let’s head in and offer our ballad.”
“Finally!” Mei threw herself into Sousuke’s arms when she commanded, “To the stage my Sousuke.”
Sousuke didn’t offer any protest when he agreed, “Anything for you my lady.”

Kira, Athrun, and Murrue all observed the final preparations of the Archangel when an Alliance officer stepped into the command center pointing out, “Pardon my intrusion Commander but it seems like we’re short of men for the ceremony.”
Kira turned to the officer when he answered, “I gave pilot Asterius Zala some shore leave for the moment. Don’t worry about her not being present.”
“I’m afraid she’s not the only one sir…”
Kira turned and sighed when he realized, “… I should have known.” Kira left Athrun and Murrue in the command center when he began to make his way back to his crewman standing at attention. He saw Terzo nearby when he asked, “Lieutenant, have you seen Sousuke Yamato run off anywhere?”
Terzo saluted when he answered, “He said he needed to return to the Terminus for his insignias sir.”
“Not again…” Kira cursed the situation. It was the first time Sousuke would use it on his Lieutenant Commander but it would for certain be the last. He gestured to Terzo’s original position when he commanded, “It’s not your fault Lieutenant. Please remain here.”
As Murrue walked out to view the ranks Terzo stood at attention cursing, “I guess I was supposed to guess that the Commander’s kid wanted to wander off like that.”
“I’m sure anyone who hasn’t been in the military long enough will feel that way Terzo.”
He turned to his adoptive mother thanking, “Yes sir.”
Kira found one of the nearby crewman standing at attention when he ordered, “Ensign Bitalech. Please find this signal and bring Sousuke back here.” He said handing the an electronic pad to her. The single blinking dot signaling where Sousuke would be within the colony.”
The ensign took the pad and agreed in salute, “Yes sir. I will find the signal.” She ran off with the same speed Sousuke had earlier as she began her search.
“This won’t interfere with the ceremony will it?” Murrue asked pointing to the three empty areas in Kira’s ranks.
Kira shook his head when he answered, “Hopefully not. If we’re lucky the media will be too focused on the ship to notice.”
Murrue began to take out her speech cards when she agreed, “That’s good to know. I’ll have to start soon. I might have a few stories to tell that will buy some time at least.”
Kira let some of his stress free when he thanked, “That would be more than I owe you Admiral.”
Murrue smiled when she promised, “Think nothing of it.” She turned and began to make her way towards the front of the Archangel as the ceremony began.

The remaining Actualizer observed the inner activities of the colony and recognized the old space ship was now being revealed for display. He observed the Archangel’s signature rising when he announced, “Target in sight. We’re picking up on the signature alright.”
Tadgh gave a relieved growl when he proclaimed, “About time. Now this colony gets to see the full extent of what three of us can offer.”
Eleanor reminded them of the primary order, “Don’t destroy any structures we can’t use for ourselves. We’ll be able to establish our own sector of Generics out here. Kill everything else.”
The three Actualizer mobile suits began to dash their way forward when Tadgh warned, “No need to tell me twice.” The three flesh laden mobile suits moved in and activated their long range weaponry. The power of the shots met towards the ventilation shafts of the colony and the way in had been forced open.
The mobile suits dash through the opening into the colony and avoided being snapped by the emergency shutters. The colony still had an atmosphere but the three primary threats were still managing to make their way through. It took a few swipes of Tadgh’s blade before the final preparations were made and the Actualizer mobile suits were about to make their mark on the unsuspecting colony.
The first Actualizer mobile suit launched up with a spear in hand scraping along the streets when he observed, “Our mission’s as easy as ever it seems.”
Tadgh rose up from the ground when his mobile suit flung its massive blade around agreeing, “Hehe! Finally a chance to see these creatures crawl!”
Eleanor’s mobile suit was the final to rise when she announced, “Now we begin the real assault. Actualize!” With those words the flesh in the cockpit surrounded her right arm and began a pulse through the mobile suit. Her mobile suit began to fire its gun on the nearest buildings and unleashed the blobs of flesh upon them. There wasn’t any destruction at first but the blobs formed around the buildings and began to crush and assemble the building pieces into humanoid forms. It was a few moments later before the feared soldiers known as Generics formed upon the grounds of the colony.
Eleanor gave the command, “Go forward! Don’t let any of the enemy defenses be activated!” With that command the Generics began to make their way across the defense areas of the colony.
Eleanor repeated the process again when she made her way to the nearest group of buildings and in the next few moments the Generics were built out of the civilian buildings. “They couldn’t have even hoped to prepare for us. Both of you stay behind me and make sure the enemy doesn’t try to catch us from behind.” Eleanor ordered to her fellow pilots. She turned her focus back to the attracting ship when she ordered, “Let’s move in and take out or primary target.” The final order was given and the enemy units were making their way towards the Archangel with the Generics forming a perimeter around their mastering mobile suits.

Athrun waited near the stage entrance before the signal when he asked Kira, “Has trying to get Sousuke to cooperate with your plan been difficult?”
“I’m afraid that only begins to describe the situation. You managed to take care of three kids and I’m not sure how you managed it Athrun.”
“Satomi and Logan came after we had Terra for a few years. Even now they’re still not of age to join the Orb military.”
“And Orb still has intention of defending itself against any Actualizer attacks?”
“We’ve done it before in the Clarent Incident. We’ll do it again if such extremes come around again.”
Kira nodded regretfully when he considered the situation. “It’s only unfortunate that now we have to rely on a third species to permit a chance for Naturals and Coordinators to be at peace with one another.”
“It wasn’t even supposed to be possible, but it is the case now. Either way we’ll both have our best efforts to handle what needs to be done for our children’s future.”
Kira looked back up when he agreed, “Yes. We promised to see an end to war long ago. And we will fulfill it.” It was a few moments before the instrumentals for the ceremony had begun. It signaled Kira to motion his crewmen towards the Archangel and stand at attention in honor of a vessel whose time had finally come.

Sousuke had removed what military uniform he had left when he changed into his white dance outfit encouraging, “We are about to begin! Let’s go out there and wow ‘em people!”
One of the crew asked, “Trip you’ve got the effects board ready?”
“As ever.”
“Time to go then!”
In front of the stage the crowd could hear the DJ greet, “So people you’ve managed to make your way down here because you wanted to get away from the dull it is outside? I mean what better way is there to progress time?” There was a short cheer from them before he continued, “Well let me give you something you’re not going to believe people. Celebrating the turn of this era of our timeline is a first performance you have to see to believe. So stay standing and let the vibes through you in the debut performance of the future Queen of Port Two. Ladies and gentlemen, Li Mei Hsu!” The crowd cheered when the Chinese girl greeted the crowd with her presence on the stage. There was a pop tempo that began for a few moments before the lighting effects began to dazzle the audience inside the club. Mei began to slowly dance and sing to the audience.

I look around and I see the stars
Wondering how my love is so far
I’m waiting here for it to come
Being led by its tender thumb

Against an empty void hungry for all
I fear how much it has to crawl
If I can’t feel my love again tonight
The tears I shed to Death’s delight

Sousuke entered the stage and began his piece of the song,
Here you see my shine so strong
‘Cause darling this is where I belong
I promise you now everything will be all right
So darling let us shine to stars so bright!
He sang this while both he and Mei began to move in closely to one another. Their embrace was a movement that only two lovers could share.

The two began to sing the chorus together,
My love it goes across the stars
Darling you my superstar
I want to hold you in my arms
Don’t even try to miss my charms

Sousuke began to sing his part of the song,
Why should I try to leave when I have her here?
To leave my Queen is a sin I overhear
Against Death’s words I choose to fly
From older pigs who won’t just die!

As the song continued inside, Ensign Bitalech found the place that she was dance club Sousuke had run into. “So this is the place. Who would think the Commander lets his kid get this far?”
She made her way to the main entrance when the bouncer in front warned, “Hey back off lady. This place isn’t for military types.”
The Ensign was irritated when she answered, “Ensign Meyryth Bitalech. I’m sorry sir but I’m afraid that this is an important matter that doesn’t warrant discussion.”
“You think it doesn’t? I’ve got two – AH!” The bouncer fell down to his knee when Bitalech kicked him in the knees and ran into the dance club.
Meyryth’s entrance wasn’t unnoticed when she made her way in and rushed towards the signal’s area where Sousuke was currently standing. Sousuke saw her and almost lost his grip on Mei when he saw another AERO uniform in front of him. The pop tempo only continued for a few seconds when the club members observed the AERO ensign before them. Meyryth looked up to Sousuke commanding, “Thought you could wander off that easily? Sorry to say it’s not that easy kid. You better be glad you’re not in the military yet. Now get down from there, you’re coming with me.”

The ceremony began when the instrumental chorus signaling the beginning ended. On stage, Murrue Ramius stood alongside the forces of ZAFT, AERO and her Earth Alliance as she prepared to give her speech. “Citizens of Port Two, before us today marks a new chapter in the passing of this century and into the next. It was after a time of much sacrifice and hardship that we were capable of achi-“ Before she could continue her speech, the Actualizer attack had begun.
Kira managed to force himself up when he looked around and saw Murrue heavily injured on the stage steps. “Admiral!” He
One of the Terminus crew rushed up to the front when he pointed out, “We have infiltration of the colony! They’re firing towards the Archangel!”
Kira managed to maintain his calm when he observed, “The Actualizers. They’ve arrived.” He turned to his crew ordering, “Terminus crew report to the nearest hangar!”
“We’ve got this Commander. Just stay put.”
“If worse has to come to worse…” Kira turned to the area of the shot when he asked, “Where is the Admiral?”
Terzo reported, “Critically injured sir! We have to get her out of here!”
“K…Kira…” Kira heard Murrue warn weakly as she was lifted onto a stretcher.
Kira didn’t listen to what she had to say when he commanded, “Stay there Murrue. They’ll get you to safety.”
“No!” Before the next shot hit the stage, Murrue managed to lift herself from the stretcher and push Kira away from the stage. The explosion had occurred near the Archangel again while the survivors were forced onto the ground to collect their senses.
“A… Ah…” Kira looked up the stage remembering the Admiral’s warning. “Murrue!” He looked up and found it was too late for her. The Actualizers returned and had already claimed the life of another Earth Alliance leader. “Damnit… Not again… Not here of all places…”
Terzo was among the injured who looked up to see the unfortunate had happened. His adoptive mother had been crushed by the debris of the stage. He tried to maintain his composure when he rushed towards Kira warning, “Commander! I don’t think we’ll be able to reach the Terminus in time at this rate!”
Kira looked up to the Archangel when he ordered, “The emergency mobile suits are still loaded! Have the men prepare to do what you can to defend the civilians!”
Terzo still had wounds in his voice when he agreed, “Yes sir!”
Athrun rushed next to Kira when he asked, “You plan on using standard mobile suits to take out the Actualizers?”
Kira shook his head when he answered, “Just to hold off against the Generics. We have to find out whose left to pilot the project.”
Athrun realized the strategy and agreed, “Probably our last chance. I have to find Cagalli and Terra.”
“Make sure to stay safe out there. Don’t die trying to find them.” Athrun nodded when he rushed off to find his family.
The conflict occurring was so critical at the moment it was only then that Kira had realized the issues that Terzo was going through right now. The emergency defense was going to be desperate and it would be a time for more good men to die in the line of defending against the Actualizer Threat. He began to rush towards the Archangel when he ordered the crew rushing to the old ship, “Activate the emergency systems! We have to defend the civilians from harm!” With that order he prayed, “Sousuke. Stay safe out there.”

Having moved to the lower level of the dock after they had watched the Terminus empty, both Avris and Illiana had taken to exploring the station in it's entirety. Having grown bored of waiting around. As their orders were to serve as emergency reenforcements, leaving the station risked jeopardizing their ability to launch. Thus they had simply spent the last short while mentally mapping their surroundings. A fortunate choice, as the emergency alarms within the facility soon started blaring wildly. Interrupting the duo's mind numbing boredom. It was Illiana who first realized what they meant.

"Av-" She was cut short by quake-like trembling as the many wall mounted monitors began to display a live feed of the devastation taking place. An emergency launch order played simultaneously along side it.

"Let's go!" Avris could feel his heart pound against his chest, throbbing heavily with both anticipation and fear as the duo began a lengthy sprint back to the dock next to that the Terminus had used. Illiana leading the way the entire time as they beat feet in their blind haste. When they finally arrived, Avris watched as his Lt. Commander quickly climbed into her Mobile Suit, a green Zaku unit, and began her launch preparations.

Due to the distance at which she had out paced him, it was only after he had done the said that they were able to speak. The second Grimm's Gundam was activated, its comm erupted alive with the woman's voice.

"Were those what I thought they were?!" The zaku had already moved to the hanger doors which lead into the plant. Having already, been opened remotely by the station staff, the chaotic scene of the attack was clearly visible as the duo took off. Avris gritted his teeth and armed the Verity's beam rifle as he at last replied.

"Actualizer bastards."

Athrun Zala

"Oh all days, why launch an attack now?!" Athrun cursed under his own breath as he hurried outside of the Memorial hall as fast as he could. Even though the attack just begun, the amount of destruction that it caused in mere moments have been staggering. "Cagalli, Terra... Hold on just a little longer. I'm coming." His momentum of speed changed directions. As he ran, he tried to make contact with Cagalli's transmitter phone-- to which was answered to a series of gun fire and explosions. "Cagalli! Where are you now?" He shouted into the phone as he ran. A series of gunfire followed close to her.

"I'm by the Shopping District with Terra! She's defending my current position... The Actualisers are attacking us!" The call was abruptly interrupted as the sound of another explosion ensued.

"Cagalli! Can you hear me? Cagalli!" Inside of his mind, that had sounded terrifying. "Something's happened. I've got to get to the Shopping District fast." Athrun arrived at a large clearing nearby the area, to which he contacted a nearby ORB Union space ship. "Emergency Request Level RED from Athrun Zala to nearby Carrier, deploy M1 Astray to the following location: X - X - X - X. Repeat, Emergency Request Level RED!" Athrun prayed that a nearby ORB Union Carrier-class space ship would be nearby. He waited for response from his Satellite Transmitter-- to which one quickly responded to his distress call nearly immediately.

"This is Izumo-II on orbit. We heard your Emergency Request. Deploying M1 Astray to location X - X - X -X. Stand by Commander Zala." Athrun looked up, observing an object from the sky descending at great speeds inside a tube-like structure. Athrun felt relieved that his distress call was answered nearly instantly. Perhaps this new technology developed by the Union wasn't bad after all. The drop-tube was seen air-braking approximately 1 kilometer above ground before crashing down onto the clearing with its door compartment opening, revealing inside an adequately equipped M1 Astray inside. The whole wait was approximately 1 minute and Athrun quickly climbed on the cockpit of the M1 Astray, powering up her systems and equipping it with Shields and a Beam Rifle.

"Izumo-II, relay a message to mother ship Izanagi to enter into X Colony's orbit. Repeat, relay message to mother ship Izanagi into orbit!" Athrun pushed the boosters of the M1 Astray progressively as it took off into the sky and forward again towards the Shopping District. The radar inside the Astray indicated that there were three other Mobile Suits. If they had been paying attention, they'll realise that Athrun's temporary Mobile Suit had just arrived. That also means that he could be their immediate target. "Come on Izanagi..."

He arrived at the Shopping District within seconds, thanks to the Mobile Suit. He could see that the platoon of Generics destroying the Shopping District with ease. The colonists were fleeing away from the barrel of their gunfire, and some could be seen already on the ground dead. "Bastards!" He shouted, pointing the Beam Rifle directly towards one group of Generics and pulled the trigger. The beam blast touched down quickly and exploded, killing a group of them before continuing his search for Cagalli and Terra with his main camera. "Where are you..." He searched the streets carefully. Athrun's presence himself shouldn't terrify the colonists around.

---

Terra Asterius Zala

"Mother... It's been an hour already! I'm supposed to be back at the Memorial!"

"Come on now, Terra! I'm sure my brother would let you off the hook this time since we're here..." Terra was dragged around by Cagalli yet again as they continued to browse stores one after another until each one was visited. It seems like Cagalli wouldn't stop pulling her around if that wasn't yet done. Terra couldn't do anything about it though which only made her feel a little uneasy.

They visited another clothing outlet, one after another and browsed along the selection of clothes until people gathered by the windows looking outside as if something's happened. Terra stopped which in turn made Cagalli stop as well. "Look there mother. Something's up." Terra pointed towards the window full of people and Cagalli stared at them...

Prang! Boom!

Soon, bodies of civilians flew into the floor below as an explosion ensued and gunfire could be heard. Glass were shattering everywhere and people were in confusion and terror. The alarm sounded, at which security officers began to appear or emerge from the adjacent stores trying to gain control of the rowdy crowd. The emergency door shutter closed on both the windows and main doorways of the building-- trying to contain and protect everyone inside. Terra jumped into motion with Cagalli. "A terrorist attack?" Terra thought. That soon was cleared up as another explosion bursted through the shutter doors of the building and gunfire continued to resound. "What the-- What are they?!"

Organic and humanoid-like soldiers began to march in guns blazing into the building. Some of the security guard who weren't quick enough to react was immediately gunned down and people began to panic once again. Terra pulled Cagalli out of the way as a Grenade was tossed towards the direction of them, at which caused an explosion that made a hole in the wall to the outside. "Are you alright mother?" Terra asked as they hid behind cover. A small firefight ensued. They had hid close to a security officer's dead body, to which Terra took his weapon from and began shooting at the Generics.

Cagalli's phone rang, receiving a call from Athrun that she quickly answered. Terra continued to defend her mother's position and was successful in picking off the Generic soldiers with other security officers in the area. They looked ashamed to have a Pilot from AERO assisting them, or at least it seemed. The civilian's panic was unable to make them to clear out of the building quickly-- making engagement with the Generics even harder despite their creeping progress. Cagalli continued to speak to Athrun and Terra remained to shoot at the incoming enemy as carefully as she should. The toss of another grenade at their direction caught Terra's eyes-- and her reflexes led to Terra suddenly grabbing Cagalli abruptly, pushing her out of the grenade's way with her and her phone flying into the air. The grenade eliminated the phone, and the two landed with a thud closer towards the hole on the wall next to them. "I need to get you somewhere safe fast mother! Where's father?" Terra asked before moving out of cover and shooting at whatever was left of the Generics. "We can't stop them here security! Get the people to safety!" And so, the security officers attempted to evacuate the civilians of the shops while trying to keep the Generics off their backs. Cagalli stood up, loading a gun in her hand before assisting Terra with eliminating the Generics efficiently as a result.

"Mother--" Terra gasped.

"Don't think that just because I'm your mother I can't do anything..." Cagalli said, before shooting another Generics off their feet. "I used to be a soldier just like you." Terra looked at her mother's unrivaled firearms skills, shooting the Generics at ease as one by one fall to the ground. Terra snapped out of her thoughts before pulling her towards the exit. "Athrun is looking for us-- But I couldn't tell him exactly where we were."

"Then we better go find a safe place and try to look for him. Let's go!" With that, Cagalli and Terra ran outside of the building, to the destroyed shopping district where they began their search for safety and Athrun. The sound of the beam rifle explosion had caught Cagalli's attention. The explosion sounded like it came from an Orb-Union technology. Cagalli made a run for that sound. "Mother! Where are you going?!"

"This way! I heard a Beam-Rifle fire!" Then why does she proceed to follow it? Having no other choices to make, Terra scanned the ground around them and followed Cagalli. They kept running until Terra had her sights on a Mobile Suits and stopped on her tracks. "Mother! That's an enemy Mobile Suit in front of us!"

"No, Terra! That's your father! Shoot your pistol against it so you can get his attention!" Cagalli was convinced that it was Athrun inside that red Mobile Suit. Although she had doubted her mother's ability to judge, she has been with Athrun this entire time and had affiliations with his affairs before. The Mobile Suit's insignia revealed to be the insignia belonging to Orb. It was making short work of the Generic attacking the district, so perhaps after all it was Athrun. She pointed her pistol and began firing towards the Mobile Suit, and its main camera soon turned with the beam-rifle pointed towards them and stopping all of a sudden. Later then, it quickly dived towards the direction of Cagalli, dropping the beam rifle on the ground and its palms open to Cagalli. Terra made her quick way to her mother, joining her up on the Mobile Suit's hands as the loud speaker resounded from the Mobile Suit.

"Glad both of you are okay..." It was the voice of Athrun inside. "Hold on." The palm closed, but leaving enough room for Cagalli and Terra to just sit by without being squashed. Athrun who was now not armed with a beam rifle made his way out of the Shopping District, back towards the Memorial where he landed on top of the building, looking for the docking area of the Terminus and set the two down there. "I'm going to find Kira. I've sent word to my ship Izanagi to arrive here as soon as they can. Be safe here!" Athrun blasted away inside of his Mobile Suit towards the main entrance of the Memorial that was overrun with Generics. He made short work of them again using the head-mounted machine gun and stomping on them as they come in groups.

"Mother-- I'm going to go to the Terminus and launch in my Mobile Suit. Come with me to the Terminus." With a short nod, Cagalli and Terra made their way into the Terminus where it was almost deserted except for the Engineering bay where the mechanics remained inside to maintain the Mobile Suit's adequate maintenance requirements.

Before Sousuke could protest to the Ensign below him everyone in the dance club felt tremors and trembled to the ground. There were screams and realizations of fear flooding the club when the civilians inside scrambled for safety. Sousuke looked up shouting, “Mei! Wait up!”
Mei was being taken along with the others behind the stage when she protested, “Sousuke!”
Meyryth didn’t listen to Sousuke’s plea when she commanded, “Sorry kid, we have to make it out of here double time now!”
Sousuke struggled against her grip when he said, “No way! You can’t make me!”
In a last act of desperation she placed her pistol to his head warning, “I’m willing to take the Commander’s shit kid. Now get a move on!” Feeling the fear escalate in the moment Sousuke was much easier to drag along out of the club.

The members of the club were making their way towards the safety bunkers when one girl in the crowd warned, “We’ve got to get out of here!”
Trip observed the “Oh shit this place is going to break apart in no time!”
One of the teens following him reminded them, “We can’t leave! We just can’t! We have to get Sousuke out of here!”
Trip turned to him when he reminded, “Sorry dude we’ve got to let him out there. His old man’s a soldier. He’s safe.”
Mei protested to the “My Sousuke isn’t safe with us though! How will we know?!”
Trip grasped her hand when he moved to the bunker area, “Right now we have to hope for the best princess! We can’t do much else!”
Mei ran with the others as she cried at the parting when she prayed, “Please be safe Sousuke. Please come back to me.”

Kira was at the head of the Archangel controls when the emergency systems were activated.
One of the midshipman observed the power levels of the ship, “The Archangel still has some punch in her. Was this part of the plan all along?”
Kira confirmed the observation, “The Alliance was right in being worried about a possible Actualizer attack. We had to prepare for situations like these.” He turned to Terzo when he asked, “What is our status with the pilot candidates?”
Terzo overlooked the crew still alive and the mobile suits within the hangar when he reported, “We can’t select anyone at this rate Commander. We’ve lost them in the blast and we don’t have enough pilots to launch all the Alliance mobile suits.”
One of the operators warned of the incoming Actualizer and Generic units, “We have enemy units building outside! They’re headed for our location!”
Kira quickly turned to order, “Activate all emergency systems. We have to defend ourselves.”
One of the operators was verbally shaken when he asked, “Will it be enough sir? We have casualties building by the minute.”
Kira remained near the door of the command bridge when he confirmed, “It has to be. Right now the only luxury we have is hoping that Terra can reach her Gundam in time.”

Meyryth continued to lead Sousuke towards the Archangel before he demanded, “Damn it lady stop doing this!”
Meyryth pressed the gun further to his head when she asked, “Why? Do you plan on running the other way as soon as I let you go? Sorry if you have a death wish kid but I’m under orders.” Several explosions ignited when they reached the ship before she was near the ship opening. “Get in there!” With a final push the two made their way into the Archangel and prayed for safety.
It was a short time before Sousuke saw Kira at the head of the Archangel when he observed, “Dad.” He found more of his anger when he asked, “What the hell is going on out there?!”
Kira had concern over his face when he explained, “I’m sorry it had to come to this Sousuke. But the Actualizers have arrived.”
“And what are we supposed to do about it? Isn’t it your job to destroy them?”
“That’s what we’ve been prepared for. Follow me. Lieutenant Terzo, remain here.”
“Yes sir.”

As the three made their way to the hangar bay they saw the lone mobile suit that had not taken off to join the battle. Sousuke was shaken when he saw the mobile suit asking, “Dad… What the hell is that?”
Kira introduced the machine, “The Centennial. The highest accomplishment of Gundam development. Our greatest hope of facing the Actualizers.”
Sousuke’s fear only lasted for a brief period when he asked, “What do you need me to see this for?”
“To only ask you for this favor Sousuke. I want you to pilot it.”
Sousuke turned to his father when he asked out of fear, “Me?! But… But I’ve never even been in the training program before!”
Kira confirmed the problem when he answered, “I didn’t want to see you enlist at this age either Sousuke. But we’re short on options. The system is still even now under research but we have found that it will respond to Coordinator reflexes better than Natural.” Kira paused for a moment before he explained further, “The fact is Sousuke that we all knew this day would come. As much as I hoped to prepare you for it we’re in the midst of a storm. You’re the best hope for an optional pilot. I promise I’ll only assign you with your consent.”
Sousuke didn’t find the words come at first when he tried to answer, “Q… Wh…” It was a few moments later he found the will to shout, “Quit with the act dad! Stop trying to make me something I’m not!”
Kira maintained his calm when he told him, “The Actualizer threat has been real before you were even born Sousuke. This is not an act.”
Sousuke was still undeterred when he denied, “Stop it! I don’t care if it’s real! I’m not a soldier! I’m not piloting that thing!”
“I understand Sousuke. It’s you choice alone.” Kira turned to the Centennial when he ordered to Meyryth, “Prepare the Centennial. We’re about to have a launch.”
Meyryth had been containing her anger at Sousuke for the period but found it dissipating when he she tried to confirm, “Y… Yes sir.”
Sousuke had the same concern when he asked, “Dad what are you doing?”
Kira moved forward to the Gundam when he explained, “I’ve been a pilot for a long time. I should be able to handle it.”
Sousuke gave a final denial when he warned, “Alright try and guilt me! I’m not going out there!”

Terzo grasped a nearby panel when he asked, “The Commander is heading out himself?!”
Meyryth reported to the bridge, “The one and only. Get the Centennial primed and ready for launch.”
The motion was confirmed when Kira could be heard from the cockpit of the Centennial, “This is Commander Yamato reporting. Preparing to engage in close range combat. Captain Enran has the bridge until I return.”
Terzo shook his head at the responsibility being forced on him this day, “And here I hoped this order would never be given.” He still managed to answer the call when he commanded to the operators alongside him, “Open the hangar bay doors and prepare for launch. Maintain forward defenses.”
One of the operators confirmed the progress reporting, “Archangel bay doors opening. All personnel clear the launch strips.”
Kira gave final confirmation when he announced, “Kira Yamato. Gundam Centennial. Taking off!” The Centennial Gundam launched forward towards the Actualizers and had its blades prepared for combat.

The new Gundam had begun to make its way towards the area of the Astray when Kira warned, “Athrun behind you!” Before the Astray could turn around the Centennial made a sweep through the squad of Generic units before they could attack Athrun from behind. Kira warned his ally, “The Actualizers are trying to make their way to the colony’s center. Finish up what you can around here, I’ll need some assistance.”
Having seen his wife and adopted daughter safe Athrun agreed, “Got it. These Generics won’t be a problem. The ZAFT reinforcements will provide assistance.”
Kira turned his attention to communicate with the nearby ZAFT signals, “Attention ZAFT units. Engage and contain the enemy. Do everything possible to force them out of the colony.” The motions were enough for Kira to endure when he continued to make his way through the Generic units. The Gundam managed to be enough for him to endure at his age as it swept through at an unimaginable speed. It wasn’t long before he was close to gaining up behind the Actualizer mobile suits.
He keyed in the program on his panel when he commanded, “Growth System activate!” It was another moment before Kira felt the SEED within him burst and felt his sense sharpen like that of his youth. He continued to move in towards the enemy units when he warned, “You want trouble, come and get it!”

The Actulizer mobile suits made their way towards the Archangel before Eleanor saw a final mobile suit launch from its bay doors. It managed to make a swipe around their location before making a dash behind them.
Tadgh looked behind him when he noticed the mobile suit. “What’s that behind us?” He scanned the new target before he recognized a signal he thought to be long lost. “Colada?”
Eleanor prepared her scanner when she observed the target Tadgh had pointed out. “Close. But it’s not him.”
Tadgh’s mobile suit launched back to meet with the Centennial when he prepared his attack. “So you necrophiliacs have managed to achieve a decent combat machine.” Tadgh’s massive blade prepared to meet with the enemy unit when he proclaimed, “I want to see if you’re more than just a shell of one!”
The third Actualizer mobile suit pilot asked, “Do you want the realistic odds or a boost to your ego?”
Tadgh responded to him, “You know I prefer the realistic ones every time.”
The pilot grinned when he pointed out, “Then you’re going to shred this thing to pieces easy.”
Eleanor had the same air of smugness when she prepared her weapon asking, “What more can you expect?” Upon further examination of the Centennial approaching her she saw her scanner discover something within the mobile suit she hadn’t seen in years. “Ah that’s why.” She rushed up with Tadgh and fired the flesh blobs from her gun towards the Centennial while it dodged. “I’ve waited a long time to face you in combat Yamato. Don’t disappoint me now.” She commanded her remaining partner, “Ridill, you handle the reinforcements.”
Ridill agreed to the order when he checked his radar. “I’ll be watching. I’m ready to draw some attention to myself right about now.” He prepared his spear when he found the approaching ZAFT mobile suits. Launching forward with spear in hand he prepared for a powerful attack warning, “At least you Coordinator softies will give a little resistance. Actualize!” Upon command the spear’s tip widened to reveal a dozen poles that wandered through the air. Each one lunging forward to find a target before they could even reach Ridill.
Eleanor’s mobile suit met with the Centennial as it attempted to slice away at her front. Eleanor’s mobile suit fired its weapon but continued to miss when she found the perfect spot for Tadgh to move in. “Form up behind him and take the attack.”
Tadgh moved in behind when he gave his only warning, “This is more than even he can handle. Actualize!” After proclaiming his call sign, the massive blade stretched even further beyond its length towards the Centennial in a massive swipe. The Centennial dodged but would soon find the true power of the blade as the air that remained was dispersed with floating spikes that threatened to lunge towards him. Either way Tadgh would have his target while Eleanor kept watch of the Centennial’s movements with her gun at the ready.

When Kira made his strike towards the nearby units he prepared the blade in his left hand to connect with Ridill’s mobile suit. “First kill. Die!” The swipe missed as the blade went past its target. The Centennial made a sharp turn to face the opponent only to find in short moments how Tadgh’s Actualizer mobile suit made its way towards him.
Kira cursed his luck, “Damnit. How is it getting this difficult?” When Kira maintained his defense against Tadgh’s attack, Eleanor began to fire on her weapon on his location before he realized it. “Ah!” He moved aside in an effort to avoid the damage.
Kira made another skid away from Eleanor’s aim when he recognized her location. “Miriallia! You traitor!” The Centennial made its way towards Eleanor’s location when he gained his new target. He now had two enemies in front of him and found the odds stacking against him.

Sousuke saw the battle against the Actualizers and found himself taken aback by the results. He asked no one in particular on the command bridge, “What’s going on out there? Why is dad having trouble?”
Terzo answered regrettably, “The years have not been kind to him. Even today the Commander can’t safely face the Actualizers.”
Another operator answered the concern, “Few are able to. Only three have been killed since their discovery.”
Terzo tried to contact Kira when he was moving away from the Actualizer mobile suits. “Commander! Report back to the Archangel behind the primary defenses! We’ll be able to offer assistance!”

The Centennial found itself trapped within the spikes of Tadgh’s sword as it made an effort to avoid the avoid the potential damage. Kira used his senses and did everything to avoid the damage induced by his Actualizer enemies as the Centennial avoided the flying spikes from the air of the sword. He fell into the trap when he found Eleanor’s shots moved towards her and made several swipes to slice them away from him. Only an amount of the ammunition made its way onto him and Kira found himself growing tired by the minute.
Kira heard the suggestion from Terzo when he considered his situation. “Doesn’t seem I… have a choice…” The Centennial turned towards the Archangel when Kira promised, “I’ll never forgive you for what you do now Miriallia.” The newly built Gundam made its way away from the Generics and leading Actualizer mobile suits when Kira made that promise.

The civilians had gathered in the bunker area near the hangar bay area while the attack continued. One of the civilians nearby asked no one in particular, “What’s even going on out there anyway? Is this what an Actualizer attack is like?”
Trip confirmed the fear when he answered, “Probably everything like this and more. Eurasia and East Asia are both still supposed to be working on the war reparations.”
“And we almost had a fourth Bloody Valentine War.” A nearby civilian added.
Mei was in agreement when she pointed out, “If we stay here our odds of surviving are not going to be good.”

The Alliance Vice Admiral was aboard the patrolling battleship when he viewed the colony’s situation from the outside trying to determine the destruction at hand. He asked one of the operators, “Do we have anything to throw back at these sons of bitches?”
“We’re giving them everything sir. But the enemy is still progressing towards the Archangel.”
He felt stress mounting on him when he asked, “And what of the Admiral? When is she getting back here?”
Another operator was reluctant in delivering the news when he answered, “Admiral Ramius was killed in the blasts sir.”
The Vice Admiral only hung his head for a moment when he cursed, “Damn. We couldn’t have picked a worse day to leave our authorities out in the open. Do we have any defense units left?”
One of the operators on the mapping area of the ship announced, “We still have a few squadrons in the outer areas sir.”
The Vice Admiral was quick to weigh his options when he decided, “Maintain focus on the civilian docks. Ensure that the Colony civilians are able to leave this place alive.”
The Vice Admiral’s assistant asked, “What about AERO sir? How do we assist them?”
The Vice Admiral himself was reluctant when he answered, “More likely than not they’re lost. It seems like the Actualizers made their way in with the intent of destroying them. At this rate we either face an enemy we can’t withstand or we cut our losses while we’re ahead.”
His assistant paused before agreeing, “Yes sir.” He picked up his intercom system when he ordered to the emergency system in Port Two, “Attention. Attention all civilians. The colony is reaching critical levels of damage and may not be safe for human habitation for much longer. All civilians are to report to the nearest hangar bay areas and seek immediate evacuation.”

The bridge of the Archangel observed the destruction from afar but saw the Izanagi offering an offensive from the colony’s sky. One of the operators observed the battlefield on the map when he announced, “We’re reading assistance from the Izanagi sir!”
Terzo considered the options when he ordered, “Patch them the attack coordinates for the Actualizer locations. Have as many Generics pushed back as possible.”
“Shouldn’t we hit the Actualizers themselves?”
Terzo used his experience with the Actualizers when he denied, “They’re not going to hit. Right now our only option is to hope that the Commander can take them out with that Gundam we have.”
The operator agreed to the order when he requested to the remaining mobile suit pilots, “Defense units from around the Centennial! Don’t permit the enemy to break through!”

Sousuke continued to observe the situation outside when he felt the guilt wearing on him. “I don’t get it. Why isn’t he busting everyone out there? This should be an easy battle.”
Meyryth was at his side when she answered, “If this were ZAFT or the Alliance of course. He has to work with something he isn’t used to and hasn’t used in too long.”
Sousuke groaned when he remembered the situation from earlier. “Why couldn’t they find someone else to pilot it then? Why is he trying to take on this burden himself?”
Meyryth looked him in the eye when she explained, “It’s his duty to do it. We don’t have the manpower after those blasts and we don’t have any other pilots. We have to hope that he’s able to handle it himself out there.”
Sousuke turned his head down when he cursed the situation, “Is that why he wanted me in there?”
Meyryth shook her head when she answered, “I can’t even begin to guess why. The Gundam is made for military use only.”
Sousuke turned to her asking, “Dad was a civilian before wasn’t he?”
“He was. It was after he first piloted the Strike that he became the man he is now.” Meyryth went back to observing the battle when she concluded, “We have a duty to ensure that the human race is spared from any travesties like these. The first requirement is that we take the idea of piloting seriously to begin with.”
Sousuke continued to feel the desperation of the situation building when he tried to figure out what he could have done. He had a chance to save his father from being forced to pilot the Gundam himself. Now he was forced to watch as he struggled with every effort. “This… This can’t be happening…”

One of the operators saw the tension building as the Actualizers were moving ever closer into the face of the Archangel. Terzo heard one of the operators warn the crew of the Archangel, “Lieutenant, we have a growing number of Generics forming on the enemy!”
Terzo tried to remain calm when he ordered, “Maintain our position! We can’t go anywhere until we have clearance!”
One of the operators from the lower bridge requested, “Do we have any word from the Commander?”
“Patch him through!” Terzo quickly sought advice from his superior when he asked, “Commander! Can you maintain your position?”
Kira reported back to his lieutenant, “I’m doing everything possible. These two are becoming difficult.”
There was another explosion when Terzo tried to advise, “Commander please return behind the primary defenses! We’ll do everything to ensure your safety!”
Kira continued to move towards the Archangel as he attempted to maintain his ground. “Keep firing on them! I might be able to find an opening if this keeps up.”
“Commander…” Terzo tried to avoid observing the Commander’s weariness when he ordered, “Continue to maintain fire on the enemy! Don’t let them reach us!”
Kira gave a final order when he launched the Centennial forward commanding, “If you can signal Commander Zala to this location let him know that the situation is getting desperate!”
Terzo adjusted the nearest panel when he agreed, “Right away sir. Contacting him now.”
Sousuke gripped a nearby rail when he cursed, “Dad…” It was the extent of his curse when he couldn’t bring himself to chastise his father any further.

Athrun Zala

His objective was complete. His wife and daughter was inside the Terminus and perhaps Terra would be preparing her Mobile Suit and head out to battle. The thought of fighting alongside of her had provided him with zeal as he continued to defend against the relentlessly assaulting generics that attempted to advance into the Memorial Building. Athrun prevented them with as much as the Astray could with its arsenal protecting all sides of the building until he found the Igelstellungs Mk III on the Astrays were exhausted of its ammunition. He planted the shield onto a ground of Generics on the ground and drew one of the Astray's beam saber before swiping continuously against the enemy.

It proved to become increasingly difficult for Athrun to defend against the Generics on his own. Their numbers slowly grew and each time a group of them was eliminated, more seem to come take its place in all sides. He opened a communication channel to the Archangel, speaking with Terzo over the line; "The Generics are increasing in numbers. I can't keep up with them on my own!" He blasted himself over the other side of the building to eliminate more generics attacking from a different front, until a group of them barraged Athrun in a combined strike with organic explosives that was powerful enough to blast the shield of the Astray off the Mobile Suit's hands. "Tch." The second hand then drew a second beam saber before wiping the group out with both beam sabers striking and slicing them into pieces.

In his struggle, a relieving message was broadcasted to Athrun's Satellite Transmitter. "This is Captain Musashi aboard the vessel Izanagi. Commander Zala, we received your emergency message and are prepared for battle." While continuing his defense, Athrun was able to simultaneously issue a defense order for the colony. He wiped out another group of Generics.

"What a sight for sore eyes, Captain Musashi." The defense was getting weaker by the minute as he continued to swing the beam sabers against the Generics. All of this intense sword fighting had also caused his Mobile Suit to be running low in energy. "Musashi, I need Astray Pilots prepared and launching on my location. Set up a defensive perimeter all around the Archangel Memorial building. Also, prepare my Mobile Suit inside the Orbital Drop Pod on the following coordinates; X - X - X - X." Using whatever power was left, Athrun continued to push the generics back with the beam sabers.

"Acknowledged commander. Preparing Astray Pilots now. Should we also engage an aerial assault against the enemy from our position?" Athrun's Astray was becoming less responsive by the second, and communications with the Izanagi was slowly deteriorating as the energy inside the battery was slowly running out.

"That's a negative Captain... They're Actualisers."

"Understood."

"Commander Zala! This is Captain Terzo of the Terminus aboard the Archangel! Kira requests your assistance!" The urgent message sent Athrun into pressure, before replying Terzo into the intercom.

"The Izanagi is sending reinforcements. Until then, tell Kira that I'll be there soon."

A group of Astray Pilots could be seen pouring down aboard what looks like a much larger version of the Izumo-class ship around the Colony's orbit. The Astray Pilots was advancing towards Athrun's position and an object followed behind it. It traveled faster than the oncoming Astrays and made a landing in the same location where Athrun had requested the Astray. The compartment doors opened, the Saviour Gundam was docked inside of it as Athrun continued to wait for the Astrays to arrive. Unfortunately, just as Athrun was about to make his way to his Mobile Suit, the power battery of the Astray gave in. The Mobile Suit powered down in front of an attacking generic group and Athrun was forced to take a machine gun from the Astray's storage compartment and slid out of the cockpit behind its legs for cover as he tried to push them back as much as he can on his own.

Five Astrays oncoming towards the Memorial building had detected the Commander's struggle as his Mobile Suit had just powered down. "Guys, the Commander's in trouble!" One of them said to the other.

"What? You can't be serious! He's a Coordinator!"

"Yeah but that won't help him if his Mobile Suit has powered down!"

"Damn. Everyone, punch your thrusters! We'll go and save our Commander and make him proud today!"

"Aye aye, Sergeant."

The five of them pushed their thrusters of the Astrays into the absolute maximum, accelerating them forward towards Athrun's position within seconds before landing on all sides of the Memorial building with their beam rifles and shields ready and broke hell loose to the Generics attacking from all directions. Athrun who was on the ground found the break of gunfire and heard the barrage of Beam Rifles eliminating the attacking Generics without any mercy. "Yeah take that you alien-looking scum!" Their numbers now was meaningless against the power of Five Astrays. The nearest Astray next to Athrun spoke in its loudspeaker.

"Good to see you in one piece Commander." There was a smirk on Athrun's face for having heard that comment coming from the pilot of the Astray. He gave him a thumbs up before the Astray looked at the drop pod directly across from their position. "Follow me to your Mobile Suit Commander. I'll cover you." Athrun nodded, and began his advance towards his Mobile Suit while one of the Astrays escorted him towards the huge Orbital Drop pod. As expected, they bega nto encounter resistance from a massing group of Generics. Athrun stopped in his tracks before the Astray obliterated the mass of the Generics with a single beam rifle fire. "That was a close one." The pilot commented. They continued their advance until Athrun reached into the cockpit of the Saviour Gundam with the assistance of the Astray.

Athrun powered up the Infinity Gundam's system, activating its Phase Shift armour. The Astray had returned to its original position effectively defending the Memorial building with the rest of its group. Athrun who hadn't been in the seat of the Infinity after the Clarent incident was wary of an inevitable defeat of the colony. Like in China 10 years ago, if he failed to eliminate the Actualiser threat quickly the damage it will cause may take decades to rebuild. Springing into life and taking the skies with the Fatum's wings spread open and propelled him forward.

The sensors of the Infinity Justice had tagged four Mobile Suits ahead, but with one considerable further than the other three. He'd be guessing that Kira was taking care of two Actualiser Mobile Suits on his own using the Weapon. Athrun took aim with the Fatum's Hyper Fortis Cannon and aimed it towards one of the Actualiser Mobile Suit. Upon reaching a preemptive lock-on, he pulled the trigger and sent two blasts of green beam cannons oncoming towards one of the Actualiser Mobile Suit.

(Athrun is free to be controlled by Myviewing as he deems fit)

---

Terra Asterius Zala

She hurriedly made a run for the Hangar of the Terminus with her mother alongside of her. The hallways were devoid of life, as everyone was perhaps still inside the Memorial building trying to ward off the Generic's attack. She hoped that her father was going to be okay defending the building on his own. Their heavy breathing as they arrived in the hangar could be heard from miles away as the engineering crew looked all in the direction of the rushing Terra and Cagalli with strange looks on their faces. "Hey! Terra! Aren't you supposed to be at the Memorial Ceremony? What are you doing here?!" It seemed like news hadn't reached the entire Terminus crew.

Cagalli stood beside Terra until she announced to the Engineering crew about the Actualiser attack. "The colony is under attack by the Actualisers. Commander Kira and Athrun are now engaging the enemy as we speak. I do not know what is their current statuses!" The entire Engineering crew came to restlessness as they spoke among themselves speaking about the issue. Terra looked at her mother until one of the Engineers approached Cagalli and Terra.

"I assume that you want to go on board of your new Mobile Suit... But there is a problem." He said to Terra. "It seems that the Zeta's OS was locked by its previous owner, and we have no way of unlocking it. If we can't unlock the OS, then trying to launch in it would be useless."

Terra found herself in a helpless position. As much as she wanted to make both of her parents proud, it seems like a meager issue such as this was holding her abilities back. She wanted to show how good of a Pilot she was but she wouldn't be able to demonstrate it without her new Mobile Suit. She could've easily boarded one of her GMs, but that would only do her so much against an Actualiser attack... Heck, she doesn't even know to what extent they're capable of. She gazed at the Zeta on dock, yet feeling another weird vibe as she met her eyes with it. Cagalli beside her seemed to be able to understand what was happening between Terra and the Zeta. "Prepare the Zeta for launch." Cagalli told them.

"Are you kidding? You can't operate a Mobile Suit that has a lock on it!" Terra listened to her mother's orders and looked at the Engineer who was objecting to her idea. She felt as if Cagalli knew that the Mobile Suit would follow Terra's commands-- Judging from the way Cagalli had glared at the Engineer as she spoke to them. Terra who thought alike to her mother, decided to press her request further.

"Engineer Juno, please prepare the Zeta for launch. I think I can work with the Zeta." However, he insisted.

"No can do Terra. If the OS is locked, you won't even be able to launch in it. You'll hit the ground like a brick once you're thrown off the Catapult."

"I said, prepare the Zeta for launching, Private Andrew Juno." Terra insisted herself, pushing her words harsher to penetrate into the Engineer's skull. He was left intimidated by Terra's angry demeanour. "You're trying to tell me that I can't help the Commander and am to just sit here and watch?"

"I'm telling you that you can't launch. If you insist though I'll let you experience falling like a helpless brick." He signalled the others to prepare the Zeta for launching, as the crane came up and slowly moved the Mobile Suit into the docking bay where Terra jumped on into the cockpit of the Zeta.

"I don't know if what I'm feeling is right, but be safe once you're out there Terra. And show me what five years of service has done." Terra gazed at her mother... Somehow seeing the painful events that she had gone through when her separation with Athrun had occurred. How she had a hard time coping with the broken Terra. She could only smile of course, before giving her a wink and a thumbs up before closing the hatch. Cagalli remained at the Terminus as the Zeta was placed into the Linear Catapult. Terra powered up the Zeta at which requested a password code upon its booting process. Becoming nervous at this point, she tried to type something into the input, only to find it strangely fizzing up on the screen and all of a sudden it gave Terra access to the Zeta. It sprung into life as its main camera shined on its head and its thrusters were warming up.

"What the? How did she manage to by pass the lock?!" The Engineer was surprised at her feat.

"That's because... She's one with the Zeta." Cagalli added to the Engineer's priceless expression. The Zeta entered the Linear Catapult, being equipped with its Signature BOWA Rifle before Terra leaned back to the panoramic interface of the Mobile Suit and feeling herself becoming one of the same with the Zeta looking out to the opening. Upon final preparations, the launching board conducted its final checks until all is green and the LAUNCH sign was lit. The sliders on the Zeta's feet pushed itself forward with the thrusters blasting into the sky.

"Terra Asterius Zala, blasting off!" The sliders reached the end of its track, and the thrusters took over its momentum. The power cable that connected to its power core disconnected as she took off in the Zeta. Her senses had driven her forward that the Zeta switched into its Mobile Armour mode and took off in incredible speeds towards Kira's location. The Archangel immediately contacted the Zeta, with Terzo on the line speaking to Terra.

"Terra! Commander Kira is fighting with Athrun against the two Actualiser! Maybe with an extra Mobile Suit, we can stack the odds against them!"

"Roger that, Captain Terzo. Patch me to Commander Yamato's Mobile Suit."

"Acknowledged." Terzo's screen immediately turned off, before Kira's face appeared on the screen.

"Commander! I've launched in the Zeta. Approaching your location to assist!" Her speed made it seem easy to arrive at the battle. While she wasn't mentally ready, she believed that her Coordinator skills were to assist her in fighting against a formidable enemy that is the Actualiser. It seems that Kira's mobile suit was the Oddly-looking Mobile Suit fighting alongside of...

"Terra!" Athrun appeared in the screen of the Zeta. "These are Actualiser pilots. They won't hesitate to kill you if you give them the chance. Don't let your guard down!" The purple Mobile Suit that fought along side the oddly-looking one was Kira. Now that it was three against two, they would have more of a chance winning this fight than before.

"Understood father." The targeting system appeared in the screen, and she attempted to find a lock on one of the Actualiser mobile suits. Upon a successful lock on, she would begin sending a barrage of Beam-Rifle before approaching head on with the BOWA's beam saber to engage in close-range combat.

Eleanor observed the Centennial attempting to avoid the next several shots from the Gundam when she contacted him, “I’m sorry but you don’t have the option to run Kira. Surrender the Gundam and you’ll be granted a worthy death.” Instead of an answer the Centennial made its way back towards the Archangel in an effort to distance itself from them.
In that decision Ridill’s mobile suit came plunging down with the dozen spear fragments asking, “Where do you think you’re going imitator?!” In the twelve target areas, the Centennial was attacked and began to sustain damage. Even with the damage done he saw the target attempting to make a retreat back to the Archangel. Ridill was calmly observing the situation when he announced, “It’s about time this mission was finished. Those ZAFT weaklings were too easy for me.”
Eleanor saw Ridill recover his spear fragments when she asked, “So you managed to get all of them then?”
Ridill had restraint in his voice when he answered, “Maybe. I didn’t even bother keeping track they were so forgettable.”
Tadgh chuckled at the choice when he warned, “Your choice if you decide to let it come back to bite me.”
Ridill moved alongside the two mobile suits when he denied, “Fat chance.”
Tadgh noticed the destruction of the Generics behind their location when he saw the Zeta and the Infinity Justice making their way. “I’ve got another two signals behind us. I think they want to stop our progress.”
Eleanor turned back to the Archangel where she saw the Centennial waiting for their arrival. “Handle them and we’ll finish with the Archangel and the Gundam.”
Tadgh showed enthusiasm in his voice when he launched forward with his massive blade. “Right away.” As soon as he came into range of the two Gundams Tadgh prepared his blade announcing, “Actualize!” With that attack the massive blade grew to an impossible length and made a sweep across the nearby buildings and left the spikes in way of its swipe. Even if the two managed to dodge them the spikes would reach out to attack. “And don’t think I’ll just leave that many for you! You two are too special!” Tadgh’s mobile suit made another swipe upward and them downward striking the colony ground. Regardless of hitting the two Gundams the damage was still visible from each in every direction the swipes were made.
Eleanor and Ridill were within reach of the Centennial when it made its retreat to the front of the Archangel while Tadgh pushed back the two attempting to assist Kira. “Our mission to capture that mobile suit is still in effect. Do everything to capture it.”
Ridill confirmed the order when he prepared his mobile suit’s spear, “Of course I will.” Charging forward he warned Kira, “Your final stand Gundam! Actualize!”
The two mobile suits made their way towards the Archangel while Eleanor warned with her gun pointed, “This is your last chance Kira. We only require the Gundam to be returned in one piece.”

When Athrun saw the Centennial being forced to the Archangel he found himself torn between giving assistance to his daughter and his friend. He moved forward firing on the spikes that came from Tadgh’s blade when he avoided every attempt at damage. He found Ridill and Eleanor corner Kira and fired on them in hopes of distracting them from their goal. “Hold on Kira! I’ll help you!”
Despite everything Athrun did to assist Kira, the Centennial was continuously pushed back and felt the pain and pressure building in his cockpit when he continued to endure the blows dealt to him. “Ah!” The final blow was dealt when Ridill managed to drive him down to the ground while the Centennials blades retracted to avoid breaking. The Centennial landed at the feet of the Archangel when it crashed leaving Kira in a daze of fatigue and a growing sense of fear.
Athrun’s Gundam made its way towards the Archangel when he tried to assist his friend, “Are you okay Kira?”
Kira barely had any wind left in his voice when he tried to answer, “I… I’ve…”
“Damnit. This is getting more difficult by the second.” Athrun returned his attention to blasting the Generics when he found them advancing towards the Archangel. Even the Zeta was making its way towards to his side when he gave a final order to Terra, “Hold back on the Generics! They’re closing in on us!” The Archangel continued to make its attacks against the Generics thinning their numbers, but their recreation from the ground and continuing advance continued to wear on the collective morale of the AERO allies. The final hopes were continuing to wane by the second as the defense continued.

The attack on the Centennial was the final motion Sousuke needed to see when he shouted, “Dad!” Against the permission of anyone who would restrict him he rushed towards the nearest hallway rushing out of fear for his father.
Meyryth began to follow him when she commanded, “Yamato! Where are you going? Stop running this moment!” After a brief run Sousuke found himself at the nearest exit of the Archangel and began to make his way down the exterior of the Archangel ship. She saw him rushing down the side of the large ship when she shook her head at his decision cursing the boy’s action.
Sousuke ran up to the Centennial avoiding the blaze and debris that found its way towards him. He was close to the Centennial when he began to run up its leg and rushed to knock on the cockpit door shouting, “Dad! Open this door now!” When the cockpit opened, Sousuke saw his father panting lightly from the fatigue of the attack. Sousuke stopped any intention Kira had of continuing the attack when he asked, “Dad, what’s happening? I thought you were stronger than this…”
Kira grasped his side when he answered, “I’m sorry you have to see what this conflict brought Sousuke… This is what the Actualizers are capable of…”
“Can you still stand dad?”
Kira looked out to the defense being held by the Archangel when he answered, “I can… But I have a defense to hold…”
There was a small pause before Sousuke brought his request, “Dad… Please let me pilot it.”
Kira had a light look of surprise when he heard the request and reminded, “Sousuke. Once you take up this Gundam this will be your new life. It will be your responsibility… As a soldier from this day forward.”
“I… I’ll…” The reminder was difficult for Sousuke to process when he first heard the requirement when it came to the Gundam. Finally Sousuke pushed aside what hesitance before he promised, “I’ll be one dad. I’ll pilot the Gundam.”
Kira stood up from the cockpit when he agreed, “Sousuke. Remember your answer. You are a soldier now. Beginning today you’ll be the hope for us all to pray for.”
“Time to get started.” In spite of this being his first time in a Gundam his Coordinator instincts were able to overlook the control panel to give him an idea of controlling the Gundam. He took the time to adjust the controls in the Gundam’s system when he instructed himself, “Just have to calibrate. Move the primary power source to the primary weapons exhaust. Connect the control module directly to the nuclear power source. Reconstruct the neural linkage network. Renew meta-active field, reactivate feed forward controls, convey function. Adjust Coriolis deviation. Connect to motion routines. System online.” With that announcement the Centennial rose up from the ground and prepared to engage the Actualizers. The Gundam rose from the ground when its blades were brought forward in preparation for the next strike. Another second passed before the Centennial made its way forward when it prepared to engage the Actualizer enemy when Sousuke warned, “I’ll take you down now!”
The Generics quickly fell at the blade of the swipe when Sousuke observed the sudden ease of such an attack. “This can’t be real. How is a system like this possible?” He contacted Athrun and Terra nearby when he warned them, “Stay out of the blast zone! They’re all dead!”
“Who?” Athrun saw the Centennial returning to the field but recognized the new voice as being someone he didn’t initially recognize. He didn’t concern himself too far when he contacted Terra ordering, “The Centennial is going to make another attack. Prepare to help him in case the enemy tries to form up behind him.” He prepared for his own attack when he assisted Sousuke with the attack prepared to initiate an attack on Ridill’s location.

Meyryth helped Kira to his feet when she reported, “Commander. Lieutenant Enran has the bridge secure. We’ll get you to the medical wing for immediate treatment.”
Kira looked up from the ground when he commanded, “See that this ship is prepared for launch. Once we have clearance to take off we have to rendezvous with the Terminus.”
One of the operators prepared to follow the order when he requested, “I’ll let the Lieutenant know sir. I should like to know who is piloting the Centennial now?”
Kira answered the question, “Our newest recruit. And possibly our greatest hope against the Actualizers.” He separated from Meyryth’s hold when he requested, “Patch us through to the Centennial. I have to see that our new pilot is able to handle the Gundam.”

Sousuke still found the system to be fixed when he prepared to face the Actualizers themselves. “Can’t believe the system is this easy. I’ll show them real pain now!”
Sousuke heard Kira contact him when he instructed, “Sousuke. Engage the Growth System. You’ll have the best chance then.”
Sousuke found the key button combination on a nearby computer tag when he prepared to engage. He felt the SEED sensation rush through him for the first time in his life and found the nearest enemy prepared to engage him. “I’ve got it! I can see everything about to happen!”
Kira was hesitant when he decided to instruct, “Engage the Centennial blades. See if the enemy can handle them.”
Sousuke rushed forward with the Centennial engaging the nearest Actualizer mobile suits when he warned, “I’ll take you all down! Face me!”
Kira gave a final warning when he told him, “Don’t let the blades resonate for too long. The longer the blades remain active the more radiation that will leak into the colony.”
“… I understand.” Sousuke turned off the communication panel when he kept the blades prepared to slice forward. With the next attack he saw the bright blades shining through the fragments that attempted to attack him. He came ever closer within the range of Ridill’s mobile suit when he prepared to make a final attack. It would be a matter of time before the Actualizers would recognize the true power of the Centennial.

Terra Asterius Zala

The Actualisers had noticed her presence, and immediately one of them approached them at high speeds on its own with its extensive sword all of a sudden expanding forward and swung it into the air. Particles within the sword's swipe immediately formed an alloy of metal, sharp and definitely dangerous being thrown at their direction. Terra doubted herself a little in such a dangerous situation. If this wasn't her first engagement in combat, it would've been her second or third. She saw the spikes coming her way and the blast of green beam melted the spikes away into nothing as her father assisted her before he continued his advance towards the Archangel.

"Ngh!" The struggling Terra used the opening given by her father to transform into its mobile form and blast into the small crater, escaping away from the metallic spikes incoming her way just about unscathed. "I have no time to waste with you..." She said, speeding towards Commander Yamato and Athrun before successfully landing beside him and her father.

"Hold back on the Generics! They're closing in on us!" Yes, indeed they were. Looking at both the Actualisers and the Generics approaching, she began firing upon them with her BOWA, making short work of the Generics as they fell one by one.

"Target eliminated!" Terra announced to Athrun-- That was until the Generics formed back into shape and began their assault again. Terra could only gasp. "An enemy that you can't kill?" She continued to fire her BOWA Rifle at the oncoming Generics but the result was always the same. They remained to reconstruct themselves and advance. "They didn't stand back up not long ago!" She stood there continually attempting to put down the Generics for good to no avail.

Ridill was astonished by the sudden inspiration of strength the Centennial had when he asked, “Now this one has the strength to stand against us?”
Tadgh observed the strikes of the Generics beneath him as the Centennial made its way and agreed, “He does. This one battles with the raw passion of Colada himself!”
Eleanor prepared her gun when she summoned back the energy of several Generics nearby observing, “Were not dealing with a pushover. I guess pawns aren’t good enough for you kid!” She gave an order to Tadgh, “Lugh! Form up on me! Give me an opening!”
Tadgh’s mobile suit made its way up when he denied, “Or better yet give me the strike!”
When the Centennial knocked Tadgh’s mobile suit out of the way Eleanor scolded him, “Damn it Lugh! You’re supposed to follow the strategy!”
Tadgh was undeterred when he answered, “I’m taking whatever chance I can missy. Now out of my way!”
Ridill moved in front when he promised, “I’ll take care of the Archangel. It won’t be an issue much longer.” Ridill moved away when he cursed his problems, “Most I seem to be able to permit is giving this idiot his opening.”
Tadgh saw Eleanor forming next to him when he commanded, “Press the assault! We have this little insect in our sights now!”
Eleanor flew above Tadgh’s area when she ordered, “Move in with a combined attack!”
Tadgh and Eleanor moved in with their weapons prepared moving behind the Centennial in a spiral. They had the target in sight when both of them announced at the same time, “Actualize!” The blade extended towards the Centennial’s positon while Eleanor fired a wave of energy towards its area. The energy beam came from above while the blade extended to Sousuke’s left. The two attacks missed their target when the Centennial moved out of its way. Their target continued to make its way towards the Archangel when it came closer into range of the ship and towards Ridill’s location. As the blade began to retract a trail of spikes made their way out and added a wider lunge range for the attack but only managed to leave another line of destruction in the colony in their attack.
The blade retracted when Tadgh observed, “He’s got some skills dodging those.”
Eleanor observed the irritation in Tadgh’s voice when she ordered, “Move in and prepare to finish him! We can’t drag this out for much longer and maintain the colony!”
Tadgh drew his blade to his mobile suit’s chest when he warned, “As if I’m going to care about that for much longer!” Tadgh prepared to move in before he felt blasts from the Infinity catch him off guard. He turned around when he warned, “It’s probably time that we got these insects off our back already!”

“Tadgh! They want us to separate!” Eleanor said trying to warn his advance. It was too late for him however when he engaged Athrun’s Gundam and found herself to be the only one who could stop the advancing ZETA from tipping the scales in favor of the humans. She prepared her weapon sighing, “Maybe finishing off one of you will give these two better priorities!” Right after those words the Actualizer mobile suit adjusted its beam rifle weapon when Eleanor warned, “Now endure a true wave of destruction! Actualize!” The mobile suit fired its wave of light to the ground beneath the ZETA and formed a wave of debris out of the raw materials from the buildings below that threatened to swallow the ZETA. When it began to form around her target, Eleanor made a final adjustment with her gun when the wreckage began to envelope itself around the target.

Tadgh was in a duel with the Infinity Gundam as his blade made contact with the beam sabers before he managed to find an area away from his opponent’s reach. “You weaklings have always sought to test my patience. But let me show you what we can truly achieve. Actualize!” The massive blade grew in length only to miss the Infinity Gundam’s position by a few yards. The strikes however made up for it when they began to meet the ground of the colony. Tadgh continued to strike the ground with his blade as though he were forging his own weapon with an anvil as he warned, “I dare you to pray! Hope even! Beg to see anything! Anything that won’t see you sliced down to your very atoms!” The Infinity GUndam in the meantime had done everything to shoot down the spikes before they could be launched. It was however too late when they began to fly towards him.

Ridill’s mobile suit had its spear ready to attack the Archangel before it saw the Centennial approaching from behind. He turned his mobile suit to face Sousuke’s Gundam when he observed, “So I’ll have a chance to see your abilities myself Gundam.” Ridill’s Gundam prepared its spear to lunge towards the Centennial and managed to match with every strike the Centennial managed to match with. The blades of the Centennial managed to reach every area of the spear before Ridill moved his mobile suit away from its opponent’s location. “I’ll see to it you don’t hold for long. Actualize!” The summon brought forth another summon of a dozen spikes from Ridill’s spear when it made its way towards the Centennial. The blow between both was soon to result in the fate of either mobile suit.

“How can this happen?!” The spikes from Tadgh’s blade continued to launch towards him. The spikes made their way towards Athrun’s Gundam while his Infinity found some amount of safety alongside one of the nearest buildings when he tried to deliver a decent shot against Tadgh’s mobile suit. He cursed his luck, “This can’t go on much longer!” Athrun was quick to contact his ally, “Kira! This colony is not going to hold much longer against the attacks!”
Kira clearly agreed with the situation when contacted back, “If that’s the case then we’ll have to do everything to make our way out of here.”
“In the Archangel?”
“It’s an outdated ship by now alright. But it’s our best shot at getting out of here in one piece now.”
Athrun was hesitant before he agreed to the motion, “If it continues to work then that should be our best chance.”
Kira gave him his own mission when he pointed out, “We have to see that the Terminus is able to make its way out of here. Athrun. I need you to find what emergency crew is available and help them take it into the outer area of the colony.”
Athrun saw the logic behind it but pointed out the defense problem, “… Terra is going to have some issue with this on her own…”
Kira assured him, “She’ll handle herself well Athrun. She’s among our finest.”
Athrun finally agreed to the order when he warned, “I’ll see to it that the Terminus begins to take off. If any Actualizers try to slow me down I will face them though.”
“Follow what you feel the best course of action Athrun. The clearance code for the Terminus in Hangar 4 is 31178.”
Athrun’s Infinity Gundam began to make its way towards the end of the colony when he contacted his daughter, “Terra, try to hold them back. The evacuation has to begin soon.” The Generics tried to make their way towards him while the Infinity fired on them but eventually managed to make its way out of the battlefield.

The Infinity managed to find its way through the destruction of the colony when it finally made its way towards the nearby hangar bay. There were a few explosions headed his way as he recognized the urgency of the situation. He found a nearby security office when he left the Gundam and found his way to the nearest security officer. “Can you get me a connection with any ship personnel?”
The officer made his way towards the office when he quickly decided, “There is a crew of ZAFT and some Alliance officers waiting in the bays below trying to guide the civilians out of here. We can establish a contact with them through this office. They’re located in hangar area level 54.”
Athrun shooed him out of the room when he requested the secrecy, “Good enough. I’ll help them out.” Athrun adjusted the communication signal when he announced to the remaining members in the hangar below, “Attention all personnel available. Report to Hangar 4 for emergency boarding of the AERO flagship. Clearance code is 31178, prepare to evacuate.”

Kira gave the order to his crew, “Have the engines prepared. We have to make our way out of here.”
Terzo had one moment of hesitance when he remembered, “This was supposed to be this ship’s final mission…” He regained his composure when he ordered to the crew, “All personnel prepare for launch. We must make our way towards the ship bay doors for an exit.”
One of the operators observed the systems and reported, “The engines are still functioning Commander. We should be able to find a way out if we have decent defenses.”
Another one tried to figure out their hopes of survival asking, “Will we even hold against the attacks though?”
Kira promised the crew, “The Centennial is still holding off against the Actualizer mobile suits. We should be able to survive the exit.”
Meyryth was the only one to snarl at the idea when she commented, “That kid’s on the ground running. His defense better be something better than a heroic sacrifice.”

The Centennial and Ridill’s mobile suit began their duel as they charged one another. Within the sky of the colony the Centennial’s blades resonated the nuclear energy and sliced through the spikes that attempted to destroy him. Every slice was matched with another attack of the spikes before they were reduced to only four and left Ridill on the defensive.
The Centennial made its final deflection against Ridill’s spear spikes when he prepared his blades for the final strike. “You won’t stand against us any longer!” Making a final move in the charge he ordered his opponent, “DIE!” The two mobile suits charged towards one another with their weapons and the fate of both was determined. With that charge the Centennial’s blades on its left arm and leg sliced Ridill’s mobile suit to pieces. The legs fell down with much of the right arm when it tried to grasp for support. The Centennial made another charge down when it plunged both of its arm blades into the cockpit area of the mobile suit and charged down to the ground. Sousuke saw the energy short circuiting and forced the Centennial to ascend from the blast area. In that next instant the cockpit of the Actualizer mobile suit erupted in an explosion.
Sousuke looked down at his hand when he observed the first action of his new life, “I… I’ve… I killed someone…” For a solid portion of time the Centennial stood atop the wreckage of its defeated opponent as though it were hesitant to continue making a stand against its enemy.

Terzo was in as much shock as the rest of the bridge when the crew saw the duel between Ridill and Sousuke finally end. He was the first to observe however, “He… He did it…”
Even Meyryth was taken aback when the teen she didn’t see any potential in achieve what few others had. “That kid managed to take one down…”
One of the nearest operators was in awe when he asked, “Do we have some kind of special pilot in that Gundam?”
Kira answered the question when he confirmed, “We have one in the making in that Gundam. The one that will give us our best chance of standing against the Actualizers.”
Terzo tried to maintain the mission when he asked, “Does the mission to deliver it to the Alliance still stand Commander?”
Kira confirmed their goal when he answered, “Yes Lieutenant. Signal it to return and prepare for the Archangel to depart from the colony.”
Meyryth pointed to the Orb assistance, “The bay doors are being covered by the Izanagi. If we continue to follow them we should have the cover to move through.”
Terzo reminded them of the ZETA holding its own, “We can’t do much if we leave Commander Zala’s daughter behind.”
Kira recognized the danger when he observed, “She’s still down there.” Kira called for attention from Sousuke when he ordered on the nearest panel, “Attention Centennial. Form up with the ZETA and assist in whatever defense you can.”

Sousuke snapped to attention when he answered back, “Sure. Will do…” He found the nearest target when Eleanor’s mobile suit attempted to destroy the ZETA. The Centennial moved in and prepared its blades when it moved in and sliced away at the debris that attempted to swipe away through the colony. Even as it was sliced away in his charge he did everything to move in close to the enemy mobile suit with the manipulating gun and made a slice at the barrel.
The debris fell to the ground as the mobile suit lost concentration and moved away from the attack. Even with the damage the gun was still able to fire beams of light while the Centennial dodged at every shot. Before it could come into contact with Eleanor’s mobile suit he recognized the Generics still holding back the Astray mobile suits that were attempting to assist.
The Centennial sped past Eleanor’s position while slicing away at the attacking Generics. He recognized the Actualizer infantry falling to pieces when the blades managed to cut them down. As soon as he accomplished his attack though he recognized the Generics gathering back up from the ground into a whole again. “They can’t be destroyed…” Sousuke observed before his senses were able to understand why they were capable of doing so. “They require their conjoining joints!”
The Centennial raised into the air when it prepared its nuclear blades again and prepared to swipe in to make another attack. With the charge he managed to strike at the weak points of the Generics located in their arms, legs and chests. The joints were burned away from them as they fell to the ground incapable of joining back to the wholes.
Sousuke prepared to charge again when he remembered the weak points of the Generics and prepared to destroy them. Every Generic that found its way in the path of the Centennial as it tried to prepare for an attack on the ZETA but couldn’t reach the target as they were sliced down by their enemy’s blades. It wasn’t long before the Centennial was standing next to the ZETA in preparation for a possible joint attack to push back the Actualizers from the Archangel.
Even in this moment of tension, Sousuke continued to observe the destruction of the colony before him when he cursed himself, “I… I took up this life…” He questioned even his own decision to help his father when he asked himself, “Is this really what I should have taken?”

Aboard the civilian evacuation ship bay the members of the dance club observed the destruction outside from a balcony when Trip observed, “One of them’s been taken down…”
Among him three others wondered about the Actualizer defeat, “It wasn’t just some Generic?”
“It was one of the big ones alright.”
“Do we even get to hear who did it?”
Trip turned to face the others when shook his head answering, “Nah, the military doesn’t want us to know that kind of stuff.”
Mei observed the ground beneath her as she told herself, “My Sousuke would never do something like that… He’d never be in one of those things…”
Trip walked up to her when he reminded her of the reason they were leaving, “If he was or wasn’t, either way a lot of lives have been changed today Mei. We have to get out of here before they get to us now.”
Mei continued to look forlornly at the remains of the colony as she prayed for Sousuke’s return while walking away from the destruction.

Terra Asterius Zala

The ground shook underneath Terra. Her assault against the advancing Generics came to a halt as she wondered what the heck was going on. The worm-like debris forming beneath her took her by surprise, knocking the ZETA out of its position before landing on its feet several moments later. "Uwagh!" The damage assessment on Terra's screen appeared and showed moderate damage. "These Actualisers are getting on my nerves!"

Getting back whatever she could. she focused on the one that attacked her, that DINN which annoyed the life out of her. While the enemy was busy dealing with the Centennial, she pushed her thrusters at full strength towards the Actualisers DINN with her BOWA's saber, targetting at where she thought to be the cockpit of the Mobile Suit. Should the attack land on the opponent, Terra would disengage the Saber form the barrel and proceed to fire the BOWA Rifle and head-mounted machine gun through the DINN.

As Terra finished her Assault, she found herself meeting up with the Centennial Gundam herself as a channel opened between her and Sousuke, "I... I took up this life..." He seemed flustered with the life of a normal Soldier at war. "Is this really what I should've taken?"

Terra gave him a smug look. "Accept it, this was the life destined for you ever since you were born to Commander Yamato." She looked up at the enemy, anticipating its attack. "So, attack at its joints huh?"