The aide was writtening something down on a clipboard regarding one of the patients there when the young Reve came into the room. He gave a groan and looked over to her. He had his work cut out for him with all of these men he didn't need idle groaning from others while Doctor Wilbur was off working with the captured enemies. "First off Miss you ask please when you ask someone for something in a place where you are new too. Second medical supplies are in a rationed basis is your headache in such a bad case that you need them? In which case what caused the headache because it may be more serious than you think. Third painkilers here are military grade. We give them to people like the men here who have been shot. If you require something to nullify your head pain then I'll give you some sedatives and you'll be drowsy but it will nullify the pain. We have more sedatives here than painkillers for obvious reasons." The medical aide said simply as he adjusted his coat which was slightly covered in blood and stains. "Also if it is with mentioning Stella is over there taking visitors. I know you came from the same spot as she did if I'm not mistaken so if you wish to see her then now is the time to do so. Though it is late I recommend getting to bed soon. Soldiers like you suffer from lack of sleep."

"Food it is." Hitting the button, the elevator takes the group to the floor with the mess hall and then Jack lead the way there, thanking the workers for his food as he got it before grabbing a seat. Long day...let's hope it's going to be over soon.

Donna nodded in agreement. "I can say we are in this together." She commented. " "I am fighting for Instructor W, my mother and my father but now I can say I am fighting for my friends here too. The Sundown's crew were first quiet but when I started helping out they became more friendly/" She thought about Naina again. "I will prepare to apologise to Naina's family if I find them around. They have the right to get some closure after all like you said, Puru." She gave a thought on the words of Stella's commander and according to her he sounded similar to her own neglectful father, justifiable that her father was an OZ soldier thirty years ago.

"That's good to know." Stella stated plainly as she looked about the small room resting on Puru who was wiggling her legs back and forth. "Uh...I got nothing. Um...so...yeah...do you guys have a favorite...food?" Puru tried with a shrug of her shoulders and a smile that was almost comedic her bright blue eyes unsure if she was saying or doing anything right. She really was just reacting to Donna this whole time. She wasn't much of a talker otherwise. Go figure the medical bay would be the place where talking died. "I like apples." Stella replied with a smile which Puru happily returned thankful for someone who could just reply to her without thinking it through to much.

"Tch.."

Damn these people. What sort of medbay was unequipped with simple things like those? The Ptolemy always had some stacked away. So they were either badly supplied or they were just being mean to her again. Most likely the latter. They weren't shy about showing their disdain of her after all. It was of no matter, she could survive without those for a day, until the medicine finally made the pain fade away.

"Also if it is with mentioning Stella is over there taking visitors. I know you came from the same spot as she did if I'm not mistaken so if you wish to see her then now is the time to do so. Though it is late I recommend getting to bed soon. Soldiers like you suffer from lack of sleep."

No, she's not brash enough to drop in on Stella in the middle of the night. She needed her own rest, just like Reve did. Sighing, Reve walked away, hoping to get at least some sleep so she could shut out the pain.

Gabriel held his ground watching his comrades leaving. "You know, you might of stood a chance if you had all attacked together" the Mobile Suit pilot standing across from Gabriel said. "That may be true, but what would the cost of that be? They are just kids for the most part and at least one of them would of gotten killed. This way they just loose an old man and not those who's potential is unknown" Gabriel said back raising his rife and readying himself for combat. "And who knows, I might be able to pull this off, you might be the one who gets to overconfident and leaves me an opening." Gabriel continued trying to stall and study his enemy before the combat would begin. It was clear this man was a strong Newtype but Gabriel couldn't put his finger on just who was more powerful. That being said this would come down to a battle between the Suits and a test of the Pilots suits. As for skills Gabriel was confident in his abilities but he wouldn't let himself underrate his opponent. Then it came down to the suits, that bulky thing in front of him was sure to be able to take a beating, but it only seemed to be equipped with a single rife there had to be some other hidden weapons, but Gabriel couldn't determine them at this time. Gabriel's only advantage would be his speed, something that bulky couldn't match the speed of the X and even if its frontal armor was strong there would be a chink in the armor somewhere. There always was. "Sacrificing yourself for your friends how Noble. It seems they have moved far enough away shall we begin?" Scirocco said cool and calm probably taking the time to study Gabriel's suit as well.

Gabriel thought for a moment attempting to start the battle on his own terms, but Scirocco's Rife quickly left Gabriel Scrambling as it erupted with fire. While moving to avoid the O's fire Gabriel returned shots in Scirocco's direction, but the shots from Gabriel's rife didn't even seem to phase his opponent who didn't even attempt to avoid the shots letting his suits Armor Plating take the shots. "This isn't going to work..." Gabriel thought to himself while ducking behind a nearby rock formation to avoid the seemingly endless fire coming from the O's rife. "If I have any chance of winning this I'll need to get up close. His armor is to thick for my rifle and even as a newtype I doubt he will be able to avoid me at close range." He continued to think to himself trying to formulate a plan. The fire from Scirocco's rifle stopped "Come now, you have to have some sort of tricks this is quite boring just shooting at you." Scirocco taunted. The taunt didn't get Gabriel to move right away, "If only I had a Bit or two then he wouldn't be talking... Whatever I'll just go for it..." Gabriel thought before darting out from behind the rock again sending a furry of blasts at the O which once again don't even phase the beast that is the O. Again the O opened fire attempting to take the X down as it jetted around the O. Gabriel continued this pattern for a little bit before attempting to use his enemies newtype abilities against him. Using his own powers as a Newtype Gabriel attempted to project the movement of his continued circling while he really brought his unit to a dead stop using his shield to absorb the shots from the O's rife as it passed before charging the O head on. Scirocco grinned in his Cockpit. "Finally" He said to himself allowing his rifle fire to follow Gabriel's trick while preparing A beam Saber with his free hand. Gabriel Sheathed his Rifle and prepared his own Saber. The two Sabers ignited almost instantaneously locking in an intense clash slightly pushing the O back digging the suit into the ground.

Gabriel firmly planted his suit not willing to be pushed back into ranged combat with the O. But this only lasted for a moment as every nerve in Gabriel's body soon screamed at him to move away. And years on the battle field had more than taught Gabriel to listen to these signals. Quickly disengaging from the saber lock and bringing up his shield Gabriel was able to avoid what would of been a fatal attack from Scirocco's Sub-Arms and their beam Sabers. His shield took the attack leaving two deep cuts into the shield even cutting down into his rifle leaving the weapon useless. Scirocco continued the assault unloading with his rifle once again. Again Gabriel's shield took the blows as he retreated. "That was a nice move there, I thought I had you." Scirocco commented "But play time is over, I think I'll end this now" he continued before the O burst forward with amazing speed. "Damn he is fast too, this isn't fair..." Gabriel cursed while he pushed his unit to full throttle trying to avoid the O and its spinning blades. Things were looking bad for Gabriel as he was completely on the defensive and he only had a few options left. The O's relentless advance didn't give Gabriel much time to think but he did come up with a plan. The next time the O's barrage of shots stopped for his reload Gabriel tossed his shield at Scirocco while opening fire with his head's Vulcan cannons. Although the guns never would have a chance of damaging the O, Gabriel had a more vulnerable target in mind. the Anti-Tank rounds pelted the back of Gabriel's shield pricing the unarmored area into the rifle sheathed within and with skill and the all important luck Gabriel was able to hit his Rifle's now unstable power core causing not only the rifle but the shield it was sheathed in to explode. This move caught Scirocco by surprise as he had moved to bat away the shield and open fire on the X. The explosion was enough to stop the O's advance and even lodge a few pieces of shrapnel into the MS' frame, but more importantly the explosion so close to the unit was enough to temporarily blind Scirocco and allow Gabriel to escape for a moment. But the X didn't get out of the ordeal unharmed itself, without the Shield the X was forced to take a barrage from Scirocco's rife beating the suit badly. Once again hiding behind a rock Gabriel was running out of options.

"Well you went back into hiding. You really aren't that bad I might even consider letting you join me. I do prefer the company of woman, but a strong pilot is something to never be overlooked." Scirocco said as his suits optics started to come back online. The O stood firm no longer moving. "How about it, come on out and surrender and I'll let you join me." the man offered. Gabriel thought about Scirocco's offer for a moment, but Gabriel knew nothing of the man but his skill with his suit. "You know it does sound tempting" Gabriel said back as he prepared his final gambit. "How about this, Tell me about yourself. I can't really ally myself with you without knowing your goals." He continued trying to buy time as he set up the X's Satellite Cannon aimed in the O's direction. The weapon began to charge but soon started to give Gabriel warnings as some of the weapon's systems had been hit in the O's final barrage. "Ya Ya shut up I know this isn't going to be pretty." Gabriel yelled at his machine as Scirocco started to answer Gabriel.

"That is a fair request I guess," Scirocco started with. "I am Paptimus Scirocco leader of the Titans. I doubt that means much to many in this world, but we are a Special Operations group devoted to the protection of the Earth Federation's safety. Personally I have been involved in many Counter Terrorism missions and made my way up the ranks to stand where I am now, but I don't want to bore you or boast about my accomplishments so lets leave that at that. For now lets just say if you are an ally of Earth, whatever earth that may be, we should be allies as we fight for the same cause." The man preached, attempting to paint the picture of a heroic leader of men. "What about you sir? Tell me about yourself, if you are to be my subordinate I would care to know your name at least." he finished offering Gabriel his chance to speak.

"Damn only 15% charge.... Lets hope this will be enough to finish this fight." Gabriel said to himself as he started to route power to the Satellite Cannon hoping he had enough energy to fire the weapon at all. he then started to go through his final firing procedures as more alarms started to blare within the X's cockpit. "I am Gabriel Cross, Major of the United Nations Earth and survivor of the 7th Space War and its fallout. As a fellow defender of Earth I hate to say this, but my Loyalties lie elsewhere." Gabriel said just before pulling the trigger. The satellite cannon fired evaporating the rock Gabriel was hiding behind and nearly hit the O but Scirocco had fast reflexes and was able to avoid the brunt of the attack but lost an arm to the surprise attack. Enraged he turned to open fire on the X but the suit was already down. After firing, the Satellite Cannon malfunctioned and exploded nearly tearing the X apart and leaving a broken husk of a Gundam laying on the battlefield. Scirocco held his fire "Stupid fool, you had a chance to survive this fight." He said before turning his attention to his Comm systems. A retreat order had been given the battle was over. Scirocco then proceeded to retreat with the remainder of his forces. And Gabriel's X lay a broken machine on the battlefield.

Paul looked at the screen with a deeply depressed look on his face. He was glad Gabriel held his own and he didn't get wiped out all the same it was hard to lose yet another wing man. Especially one who was as knowledgeable in the newtype condition as he was. Granted Paul may be different due to his...particularly different circumstances he already knew how to cope with losing people. Jason had taught him that people died in war and though you shouldn't forget them you needed to move on. Gabriel for the past week had proved a stalwart companion to Paul Lyons. He would hope that if there was a god in this realm that Gabriel was there with him. The cameras miraculously were able to catch all of it so it was clear that the Titans were a version of OMNI from a different time line if what previous knowledge was correct. Though this Paptimus fellow seemed...wrong. He wasn't Jason Hiyan, he wasn't Angelo, and he wasn't anyone else Paul could think of. This man was brutal and efficient and a master pilot. He was also a newtype. All the more frightening was the fact he had so casually brushed aside Gundam X. Paul had to wonder...was his Omega Squad out there somewhere in the same situation. He had not thought about them because he knew they were tough bastards. All the same if people like that existed..."So what now Captain? Do we go back to the Twilight Citadel after we confront Miss Mariemaia?" Paul asked as Jason turned around and looked at Hiling who was staring at the screen with an interested expression on her face as she smiled. "Twilight Citadel?" Hiling asked simply as Jason nodded simply. "It's what we're calling our main base. We're keeping some of our soldiers there studying the area. I intended to tell the others what we've found out but it seems we're alone. All the same...Miss Hiling thank you for joining our team and I hope you don't mind us studying your suit. It's different from our own and we need to know how it works to help keep it up with maintenance work." Jason said to Hiling Care professionally without a hint of malice as she turned to him and frowned for a bit before shrugging. "I don't like it but I'm no technician. Do what you need to do Captain. Just don't mess around with it too much. Also if I may make a request of you and Lieutenant Black Star?" Hiling asked the two commanders as Paul nodded and Jason gave his permission to speak, "I'd like to be place in a group with the Celestial Being pilots here. However it seems they have a dislike for me. So until they can get over their dislike of me I request that I join Lieutenant Black Star's group. I don't like Celestial Being however they're troublesome and I believe I can handle them if they...misbehave." Hiling said simply with pride in her voice making it clear that she KNEW she could take on Nena and Reve if they asked her too. Paul looked at his feet and sighed. "I wouldn't mind, all the same we don't usually form groups with allies. And with the squad I usually order around missing in action I am assigned to where I'm needed the most." Paul admitted bluntly as Jason considered the thought for a moment before responding, "I'll consider it. For now please go to your room. I'll have a guard escort you there." Jason said as Hiling nodded and promptly got up and left the room. The soldier outside of it was told to show Hiling to her room which was once occupied by one of Paul's Omega Squad. Jason didn't want to put her with anyone else just yet. He'd see how things worked out.

Donna found Puru's question unusual, but was prepared to answer. "I like lemons." She answered back to the girl. "One of my house servants is good at making lemonade. I think she added honey to the drink to make it taste sweeter." Thinking about it brought back memories when her father neglected her for work, the servants made sure she was happy. The lemonade was one thing she remembered fondly, made during the warm summer of Berlin. The thought nearly made her fall asleep. "I think I'll go to sleep now." She said to the two in the medical bay. "It was nice talking to you both." The Gundam pilot stood up and waved goodbye as she walked out to get to her quarters.

Finishing his meal, Jack gave his tray to the dishwasher with the silverware and looked over the crowd still in the mess hall. Most of them were people he'd been with on the Sundown since he joined, but there were Mariemia's men spread throughout the crowd too. He couldn't help but wonder if this truce would last after the prisoners were handed off or if this would turn into one of those "You've been useful, now die" situations like in tv shows. I hope not, some of these guys are decent people, like that Mask guy, though he's kinda strange... Heading out, he goes to the briefing room where Paul and the captain were, climbing on the elevator and hitting the appropriate floor.

The ride was quiet, mainly cause he was the only one currently headed that way as far as he knew. When it reached the floor, he exited and knocked on the door to the briefing room. "Permission to enter?"

The guard knocked on the door to the meeting room and said that Lieutenant Jameson was here to see them. Jason sighed and told the guard to let him in. The man nodded at the lieutenant and let him in. Inside the room were just Paul and Jason by themselves. "Liuetenant Jameson is there something you need of me? No one showed up so we went on without you all. For the record Gabriel is indeed MIA and believed to be KIA. We have also given permission to the pilot who appeared in the battle to join our group. Her name is Hiling Care and we can confirm she is a member of a group called The A-Laws. Whatever they are they seem to be opposed to Celestial Being. Hiling wasn't too forth coming with information. That is all that happened so unless there is something else you wish to ask Paul and I were going too leave soon. I have to get back to the bridge so I can speak to Mariemaia and Paul is gong to bed. It's late and it will be a bit before we get back to Mariemaia's base." Jason simply informed the pilot as he sat back down and looked over towards Jack with indifference.

Jack saluted before answering. "I came to find out what happened to Gabriel as per the LT's suggestion here, but it would seem I'm late. I'll let the two of you do your jobs and rest. Apologies, sir." With another salute, Jack left the briefing room and headed down to the Duel, intending to run some system maintenance while the engineering team did their job. No one could get into and pilot Duel anyways, not without his password.

Jason nodded and dismissed Jack and went over to Paul and clapped him on the shoulder. "Go rest Lieutenant you may not have done much but I don't like to see my friends tired. I'll keep SIGMA on standby so you won't need to worry." Jason said simply as he smiled at his young friend as he got up and saluted his commander briefly without gusto and he left the room. He was immediately confronted by Graham Aker. "So it's true?" Graham asked as Paul nodded already knowing what Graham was talking about. "Well that's a sad end to a brave soldier. I may have only known him briefly and talked with him less but I could see by the way he walked and the way he piloted his mobile suit that he wasn't some nobody. The guy had a history. Too bad it's gone. All the same that just means that I'm expecting all the more from you Black Star." Graham Aker said as Paul finally sighed and looked at him. "I'm just a man Graham Aker if I haven' said that before than I will now. And I'm not Black Star ok? I'm Paul Lyons so call me by that name not some title." Paul said bluntly to Aker who grinned at it. "And that's what I want to see. A man who can challenge me. I think you can do it." Graham said as Paul looked him dead in the eye. "I'm not looking for a rival Graham. I'm not looking for a enemy either. I'll be your friend and I'll be your ally but at this point in time there's another person who needs to die before I can move on with my life. Now goodnight Mr. Aker." Paul said with exasperation he had been listening to this for a week now and it got old quick. If he wanted someone to challenge him then he should look to himself not others. Graham kept his usual demeanor about him but said nothing as Paul walked away.

===

It wasn't much longer until they reached Mariemaia's base. Captain Jason Hiyan and World Leader Mariemaia Khushrenada met for the first time in front of the large base. Mariemaia was accompanied by Kenta and Jason was accompanied by the newly recruited Hiling Care and Beta Leader while other pilots stood on standby. Mariemaia was disappointed on how many of her own men were hurt in the attack but was glad that they had captured so many mobile suit pilots. After stripping Gyunei Guss's suit of funnels they handed it over the Mariemaia stating they needed them for Puru. Gyunei Guss himself alongside the Earth Federation soldiers were given to Mariemaia as she had stated that she had a special holding facility for prisoners. It would be a tight fit but she was confident she could hold them. She was also pleasantly surprised by the fact that they hadn't lost more than a handful of men to the battle. In a show of good favor Mariemaia bid that Captain Mask join with the Sundown's crew in order to seal their 'friendship and good alliance'. Jason accepted it and would state the Mask would be rooming with Graham Aker. The whole deal went off without much of a hitch as the winter princess showed more respect than Jason Hiyan had expected of the young leader. With supplies shared between the two groups (beam rifles for Mariemaia and food for Jason's group) they promised to come to each other's aid should the need arise.

===

Paul had gone to sleep that night dreaming about the day he had fought at the battle of Mexico City. A ZAFT insurgent group named Zeta Sun led by one of ZAFT's veteran generals. The battle had sprung up days ago and had lasted for a good week. Sneak attacks and footmen fighting had caused hell for the OMNI officials and citizens of the city. Mexico had trouble with Pro-ZAFT peoples since it Middle America was a contested land since OMNI took control of it in the previous wars. South America may fly an Earth flag but ZAFT remnants remained. And with the defection of Lao only weeks prior. Lao had led an abrupt rebellion in the middle of Europe by a group of disenfranchised soldiers who were sick of OMNI's policies regarding ZAFT and how they had to fight for years on end. They wanted an end to the war and the only way Lao said it could happen was by killing all of those who served OMNI. Lao La Lugara was a sick bastard but he was one of the top pilots OMNI had ever had since god knows when. Very few people had ever fought him and lived. Paul would be counted alongside them today. He was strapped into Raigo his blue and purple OMNI suit covered his face and body tightly and he could feel in his bones today wouldn't be his day. "This is Santiago Lieutenant Lyons are you ready for launch?" Avery Santiago asked Paul as he confirmed that everything was green. Santiago had been the communications officer before Williams had come along sometime later.

"We can't let these insurgents take the city and we don't want to risk the Sundown or any other ship. I'm sorry I didn't explain this to you earlier Paul but you need to understand this is the only way to make sure there are no massive losses in the city if a carrier crashes." Jason said to Paul as he looked at the screen. He hadn't ever questioned his captain not since he first met him. He only disliked the fact that he refrained from telling him vital information. He understood why he did and why he couldn't confide everything in the young 19 year old pilot. Besides things could get sticky if that girl Lacus accidentally heard something come out of his mouth. Why had his father insisted on getting him married off? It was his freaking fault he was in the military was this his way of 'repenting' apparently so. "Stick a sock in it dude let's get serious now." George Kyleson shouted as his painted red Dagger suit flexed it's arms slightly. "Fair enoguh George let's get a move on. You're clear to launch anytime now." Jason said patiently as the red haired pilot took off from the mobile suit deck of the carrier.

Paul groaned as he watched his friend launch. "Bastard...Just because he thinks he's a pilot now he thinks he's all that. Fine I'll show him how an experienced pilot fights. Hear that George I'm coming! Lieutenant Lyons launching in Mobile Suit Gundam Raigo." Paul said as the suit flared up and launched out from the flight deck. He could see the heavy amount of air to surface and surface to air missiles had caused massive amounts of dust to clog the air making it hard to see the inside of the city. The once proud city now laid in flames as if the cartels that lived here suddenly got sick of the government and decided to burn it down. "Look Paul I got this you just gotta sit down and chill. I'll make short work of them all." George said with a grin at Paul over their shared com screen. "Cut the chatter Kyleson don't bullshit this mission this is some serious shit. Kyleson you and Paul are to go to sector bravo in the southern section of the city and take out the enemy mobile suits who are gathering there. They got some GINNs smuggled in from Africa. Bad shape and everything but they're still a threat. Or that's what the intel says. The point being it's time for you and Lyons to rack up the kills again." Santiago said as Jason chimed into say that they should work together and have Paul's Raigo take the brunt of any damage due to it's Phase Shift Armor. "This bloody war never ends and never does the resourcefulness of ZAFT's god damn militia. Where the fuck did they find GINNs at? I thought we blew up Africa's MS corps during the war. Didn't you participate in that Captain?" Paul quarried as Jason said to focus on the task at hand. "Holy shit you were in Africa Captain? That was some stuff going on during that part of the war. Well hopefully I can hold up to your old ass." George joked as Paul told him to shut the hell up.

The city was in flames and the only things Paul and George could were bodies everywhere Santiago shouted orders to other pilots including Beta Leader and his team. It was gruesome but things could've been much much worse for the two young pilot. Though Paul at this point had done much worse and seen much worse than all of this. Hell he could say he had it worse then some of these people but that would be a lie at the end of the day he was alive and he wasn't in the worst spots imaginable. Jason had told him of the days of Extended pilots. Before he could tell what was happening though George blew through a wall of a building collapsing it. Omega Team was right behind him and was shelling the nearby buildings. "Man it's such a pain doing this..." George grumbled as his Dagger for good measure stomped on a pile of rubble. "Unfortunately yes. who knows how many insurgents are in this city. We have to be thorough. Even if there are innocents in these buildings then they should come out and be waving their arms to us. Otherwise they'll be classified as possible enemies. On the other end it doesn't make it any less awful right kid?" Omega One asked Paul as he felt a sick twisting in his guts. What was right and what was wrong and how far did he have to go to make sure people stayed safe? Mexico city would need a shit ton of resources from OMNI and other governments to get back on track and the loss of life..."Got it Thompson, Ashton on my six we're going to take and hold the sector." Paul growled too his partners as he spun around and used his beam rifle to blow a hole through a building. His sensors had picked up movement and he reacted preemptively. His newtype powers weren't awakened at this point in time. The beam melted a whole sector of the building and he knew then and there what'd he'd need to do...

Later that day he and Jason were alone separated from Paul's Omega Squad. Santiago wasn't there with them either due to jamming and having been ambushed by a GINN Strike Team in the middle of a square didn't help. Luckily enough they were unable to overwhelm the duo. Paul reacted quickly parrying blows with his shield causing it to become dented as the enemy's sword pounded it relentlessly. "You're a coordinator aren't you!?" Paul growled at the enemy as the man shouted back at him in Spanish. Paul didn't understand...and or care really. After a moment Paul was flanked by the enemy and then he surprised them with a sudden cheap shot dropping his beam saber he shot a missile from his flight pack into the face of the enemy Ginn destroying the cockpit and thanks to his armor he absorbed the shot. He was blasted straight into another Ginn which he took use of his anti-armor knives to quickly destroy the enemy driving the knife into the rusty cockpit of the Ginn. George was struggling against his enemies due to the Dagger's poor systems but he held his own well against them all the same. George wasn't some poor man's pilot he was a natural...just like his shitty old man. "I got you!" Paul shouted as he picked up the enemy Ginn's sword and ran over to them driving the sword through the side of the cockpit a swirl of blood emerging from the exit point. He then fired his CIWs at the other enemy Ginn as George blocked the shots from the enemy's rifle. Before he knew it George had pulled out his own beam saber and drove it through the enemy's cockpit. "Good work bro." George said breathing heavily as he tried to locate the jammer nearby. Firing noises were heard nearby that meant that there was more work to be done. "Yeah but we're not out of the job yet George I got your back. Let's regroup with Omega hopefully Ashton is still alive after that RPG Shot."

===
Timeskip

Two days later - 1:50 PM

Chapter 4: Something to Prove

To say that things were boring would be an understatement. To say tensions between the crew were even worse would be on the money. With the addition of Mask, Hiling Care, and their new allies from Mariemaia's Army some of the crew were wondering how long this trip would really be. People distrusted Nena, and Reve with varying amounts of suspicion. Some people wanted them gone, some people wanted to give them a chance, other people wanted them in the brig and their suits scrapped for good measure. Hiling Care gave Paul and Jason a very detailed list that backed up Saturnalia's own confessions about the people of Celestial Being. Jason was wearying of loosing allies in this time as they were losing their 'grunts' at a terrifying pace. News had spread about Gabriel's apparent death and that rose discontent around some members worrying about their own place and being left to die a lonely death. Burials were held for suit pilots who had passed and Jason said to everyone that no one dies alone unless they do something stupid or they want to prove something.

There were no real contacts though Mariemaia had given them the info on the enemy base. Apparently it was located on a coastal city of sorts not far from Mariemaia's own base. However some of their apparent allies had a base near the OMNI United Force's own Twilight Citadel. While they still needed to study the thing more things were becoming clear though Jason hadn't revealed info and Head Mechanic Yuri refused to comment to anyone. The crew was left to varying degrees of autonomy. Though there were still some good news about the ship as Jason had decided he was going to reform Omega Squad and had Graham Aker declared as Paul's first wingman. Auxiliaries were to make up the rest if no other choices could be found. Likewise Stella L. Was chosen as a possible choice but Paul refused to make use of an Extended girl who hated to fight which Stella was happy about but still felt that she needed to do something for the crew and not waste away in a medical bed. She had insisted on finding her old team and her 'Captain'. Stella was also cleared to actually leave the medical bay and had spent some time outside of the ship with Puru under guarding watch from Beta Leader.

The next days weren't easy for the Sundown and Donna was not an exception. As they gain allies however the crew of the Sundown also shrunk. She has been called number of times by the crew to help with their burial service as she was one of the few that remembers the Bible well (in German). With some of the crew weary she joined their impromptu prayer sessions, sometimes again leading the service. She became good friends with Stella and Puru though but seeing the former in the battlefield is unlikely, seeing the Sundown's reluctance. She spoke with Hilling once, who appeared to be part of some elite force and appearance to be from the same world as Nena, Reve and Saturnalia. The Gundam pilot however hardly had a time to interact with Mariemeia's Army, being busy with helping the Sundown get through the tough times but she was interested in meeting her when there's a chance. Instructor W found no breaks in maintaining the Mobile Suits but was able to offer some expertise with the repair of Mariemeia Mobile Suits.

The hostility of the crews' feelings wasn't really that hard to notice.

Especially since it was directed at her. Seems the only one who didn't outright look at her with contempt was Nena and Stella. It seemed just a matter of time until they tried to throw her in the brig or something. Not that she would ever let them get in Exia. There was something else that worries her however; it was the familiar feeling of someone in the ship that evoked a very strange sense of anger in her. Reve would have tried to probe around, but with all these people looking at her with those scornful eyes, she doubted she could get very far. The burial itself struck her as unnecessary, a waste of resources on corpses. Not that she attended of course, all the gathered accusing eyes looking at her would be hilarious for a short while, but she had other things to do than watch people cry over dead bodies.

Sighing, she stared listlessly at nothing, rolling around the last bottle of medicine. She wanted to play, do something enjoyable, or kill someone, but there was hardly anything to do around here even if she could bring Nena and Stella along. Sneaking out in Exia would do no good since there wasn't an Earth to go down to for some military base mayhem. Or real backup she can trust.

"...Tieria... everyone... how are you doing I wonder..."

Over the course of the next two days, Jack kept himself busy with patrols. He couldn't take a spare Slaughter Dagger out, the OS was too clunky for him, so he did it on foot, patrolling no more than a few feet from the Sundown with an assault rifle in hand. Fortunately, the joint damage hadn't been so sufficient that it took a long time, but he couldn't find the will to climb into the cockpit again while fellow pilots were being buried. After the two days, he finally thanked Yuri and got in the cockpit, sealing it and cranking up the music. he took a moment to write a sign then taped it to the outside of the cockpit. It read:



Of course, he had the music down low enough he would hear the knocking, but just in case he didn't, a back up plan seemed in order.

Mask's time with Mariemeia had been brief, as they offered him over to the Sundown in good faith. He took the time to analyze all that he could of this groups mobile suits, and to go over what he had leaned from the other factions he had fought. Short, tall, gundanium, gundarium, phase shift, it was all so much. Perhaps, he thought, it may be time to get a more agile suit.

Baker had radio'd to Donna that she should come to the bridge, with a guard of course escorting her, in order to talk to Mariemaia. While Mariemaia herself was really all none to interested in the pilot she had agreed to talk out of idle curiosity on what the young pilot could have wanted from her of all people. Perhaps it was interest in the other Sandrock pilot and fugitive Quatre or perhaps something more. Regardless Mariemaia had agreed and that was enough for Jason to fetch the young pilot. Donna had proven a polite young woman and Jason figured she was trusting but he'd be an idiot to trust anyone who just fought a couple battles for them. Jason had kept up the front of the gentle commanding officer but he'd just as easily pull the trigger on anyone who threatened the crew even among themselves (OMNI). Jason had a whole crew depending on him and despite the old tendencies he had in his heart he knew had to keep them buried. That had been plain enough long ago. For example this man called Kenta...he was a dangerous unknown he'd have to fix. Then there was..."Captain sir Donna is almost here according to Samson." Baker said to Jason as he stared at the young woman. "Of course give her every courtesy...but don't let her touch anything. I'll bring Mariemaia up on screen shortly." Jason said to her as she looked at Jason and nodded. "You have doubts about Mariemaia?" Jason inquired. He knew she did it just that he figured he'd give her the benefit of the doubt and not force an answer out of her. "I do too Captain and not just her but Hiling Care" James Axer chimed in as he looked at his brothers in arms around the room. Calhone gave no opinion and neither did any of the other members of the ship even the helms-woman was silent. It seemed no one wished to give an opinion on the matter and before James could continue Baker interrupted him. "Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt. Even if I don't trust Mariemaia she can still be a good person and have good intentions." Baker said as Williams groaned not wanting to have this continue on when they go back to their bunks later tonight. Having Puru was a handful enough for the young woman.

===

In the cafeteria sat Hiling Care with eyes looking at Puru with the sort of look the one would give to an crazed psychopath walking around in their underpants. The innovade simply couldn't comprehend this little thing's bursts of energy. She had been twitching and moving around in her seat next to Graham Aker for the past eighteen minutes straight without even remotely looking tired. "Well I did say I wanted to meet the crew..." Hiling said with a groan as Paul looked at the young woman not particularly for her rather rude and blunt talking. "Look Hiling Puru is just like this it doesn't make her any less of a pilot if anyone here were to have my back in a life or death situation I'd say Puru would do it with a smile. I'm glad to have her here." Paul said to Hiling as Graham smiled and rubbed Puru's head. "He's right you know you're one of the best and youngest pilots I've ever seen. I'd definitely say that you were like a younger version of myself. You know when I was at your age I was able to pilot my flag like you pilot your mobile suit." Graham boasted with a grin as Puru smiled wide. "You were like me Mr. Graham?! Does that mean I'll be like you some day." Puru said with a large grin as Paul chuckled and Graham smiled back at Puru. "If you put your heart into it I bet you can be better. Surpass the unsurpassed Puru that is the only way to live. To the fullest and to the best of your ability. War makes a person do odd things but none of them should deter you." Graham said to Puru as Hiling made a gagging motion as Paul rolled his eyes at all of this. It was good thing Graham was such a goofball or no one else could talk to Puru on her own level.

===

"You know you shouldn't be lounging around...the crew will wonder if you're not feeling well and send you to Captain Jason or Mr. Wilbur. I was in there for a couple of days and I didn't enjoy it one bit. In fact I still don't feel all too great but it's better than laying around? So why don't you go talk to someone? Nena's over there and Lieutenant Jack is in his cockpit." Stella said silently. She had been offered a spot to sit next to Paul earlier but had decided to see where Reve and Nena were. They had few friends and someone without friends...she knew that life and she never wanted to know it again. Shinn....Commander..."Come on Reve you can at least talk to me. Can't you?" Stella said simply and innocently.

"Ah, Stella!" Reve perked up immediately at the sight of Stella coming near.

It seemed she was doing alright for now, and there didn't seem to be anything strange those people had done to her. What Stella was suggesting was highly amusing however. Talking to the other crew members? If Reve desired someone to glare at her with barely hidden hatred, she could just go stand at the scaffolding in the hangar and watch the people there. Though... perhaps she could talk a little bit to Stella, if she really wanted to.

"Ahaha~ Of course I can." She stretched, knocking the small bottle of medicine over. With an odd look upon her face, she carefully took the medicine and shoved it down a pocket in her dress. "Hey... What keeps you going?" Reve put her head down on the table, staring sideways at Stella though her hair.

With the message from the bridge given, Donna made her way. Her field uniform was notably cleaner to preparation to this, although her father had her tutored to become a proper lady with a dress. She knew interacting with Mariemeia would be inevitable so she would have to take the initiative. The Gundam pilot took the lift to the bridge of the Sundown and observed the crew working diligently. It was the first time for her to be on the bridge of a ship so she was surprised. Returning to reality she noticed the monitor prepared for the meeting and the Captain at his chair. "Captain, I am ready to speak with her Excellency." She reported.

Stella twirled around and looked around her for left to right and frowned. "What makes me keep going you mean? I...I don't really have a real reason...except for two and others may find them silly but to me at least they're the most important things in the world. My friends and crew members from OMNI, not this OMNI my OMNI, and my dear friend from ZAFT Shinn Asuka. He's a great guy who cares a lot for people. And he just wants to see the fighting stop. He makes me...feel good. It's like when I saw Captain Jason and Doctor Wilbur. I share the same bond as those two. I'm not sure if you've ever seen or heard the two talk but they have a deep connection like bees and flowers. They know each other too the core and they'd both do all they can for one another." Stella said with a plain tone not to expressive as she stared blankly at the area around her as the metal plates of armor were being changed from one of the Daggers. "You know I've heard of dumber reasons to live hell I guess besides fighting I live to live with my brothers." Nena said suddenly coming over as Stella turned to look at her the same plain expression on her face as she saw the red haired young woman in her form fitting pilot suit. "I don't like fighting but I will...I will for this crew and for all of you. This I promise." Stella said suddenly as she looked back at Reve.

====

Baker got up from her seat and walked over to Donna and smiled at her. "I'm glad to see you're finally fitting in with the crew Donna. I'm new here myself so I'm glad to see we're both adjusting well...of course you have a handicap being your from some odd alternate world or so we've been presuming. Anyway come this way." Baker said taking the hand of Donna and leading her over to her chair where there was a small screen. She had her sit down and Baker smiled as she pushed some of her pink hair away from her eyes and looked at Donna. "I know it looks complicated but don't worry I got used to it quickly myself. I'll help though just sit still...and....there!" Baker said as she quickly set up the communication line to Mariemaia's base. It was worth noting that she had been training under Williams and had some tips from James Axer on the side. It had been of tremendous help to Baker and she was glad she had training to learn on the ball and perform on the spot. "Now Donna I do want you to know that I trust you. As much as I trust anyone who isn't a part of this crew officially. You've been a trustworthy person so if you need my help with anything feel free to ask it of me. If helps Paul, Grant, and Yuri often ask me for advice or help in talking." Jason said simply he didn't want to insult Donna but he felt it was necessary to reassure the young woman. Soon after the screen picked up a signal and in front of the screen sat a man in a uniform who was checking the systems still. When he saw Donna on the screen he backed off and Mariemaia sat in front of Donna. She was wearing a casual outfit instead of uniform this time. How she found it was unknown nor did it really matter but it was a simple white shirt button to the top and a necklace with a diamond in the middle hung from her neck. "Ah so there you are. I do hope you're able to hear me or else this will be rather embarrassing for both of us. I agreed to see you so you should be grateful. What is it you need to known from the leader of the world young miss? Oh and yes I am Mariemaia Khushrenada it is nice to meet you."