Gundam SEED Fan Fiction / Vandread Fan Fiction ❯ GunDread SEED- The Second Stage ❯ Part 5- Infinite Possibilities ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

GunDread SEED- The Second Stage

Chapter 5

Part 5

Infinite Possibilities

Disclaimer: Once more I state that I have no contract of ownership of the following series: VanDread, and Gundam SEED. If I did, I'd be the CEO of both Bandai and Gonzo. But I am a writer, so I make no money out of this.

*************

On the surface…namely on the AI command center…

<<45% of current military assets are now in enemy hands…Possible attacks on Lancer Platforms have been determined. Redirecting all current uncorrupted assets to priority 1 defensive action on vital Lancer Platform locations.>>

The AI entity then began issuing orders to all its uncorrupted forces. The Desert Fangs, Ogres, and the Sky Strikers were now being sent to their designated battle-posts. The goon news for the AI army is that the majority of the Lancer Platforms were located near their area of command, so in order for the Nirvana to effect an escape, they would have to face them. And even with their current standing forces, they were still outnumbered.

*************

In the Nirvana…

Kyo groaned a bit as he sat on the bed in the Medical Bay, next to him was Duero and Max. The two medics along with Paiway were checking his injuries from his perilous mission.

“Okay, the good news is that the medical fluids are making short work of those fractures on your ribs, and the internal bleeding's being sealed up. You'll be up and about in a few hours tops.” Duero said as he checked the Gundam pilot's body through a scanner in his hand.

“That fluid's non-toxic and can help sustain your body' nutrients for a few minutes, but I can say this much…you'll be raving hungry at the end of it.” Max said with a smirk, having been through it before meeting up with the others.

Kyo gave a grunt of acknowledgment while fixing the stiffness on his neck. “Thank god that mission was a success, no way am I going through that again. By the way…did you make sure that nobody followed you two?”

“What makes you say that?” Duero asked the Gundam pilot.

“Because there are several people at the door trying to hide themselves from me.” Kyo said with a half smile. Duero already had an idea on how Kyo managed to sense the people near the door. Moving as quietly as possible to the entrance to the Medical Bay, he typed in the silent code to open the door without the alarm going off. Max was merely curious on the whole thing as he had only heard about Kyo's amazing senses.

And sure enough…

“Ahhh!”

Out from the door that opened came a pile of female bodies, one of which belonged a certain blonde pilot.

“Oww! Why the heck did you do that?!” Jura complained as she plucked from the floor herself along with her companions, two of which were a redhead and a blue-haired girl, next to them was a copper-haired woman and another with deep brown hair.

Meia walked into the room with a hand on her forehead in a look of exasperation. “I told you that eavesdropping was a bad idea Jura.”

“We just wanted to hear if Mr. Alien was alright!” Dita pouted.

“Yeah! I want to know if my prince is feeling better!” Misty chirped but got immediate glares from the other girls, and on a covert note…Meia gave a hard look at Misty when that came out of the dark blue-haired girl's mouth.

The whole thing would have made things in the Medical Bay rather noisy if Kyo didn't step in.

“I know you all want to know if I'm ok…so why don't you all calm down and let Duero and Max tell you on my situation, and try not to make any attempt to hug me…my ribs may be healing, but they aren't indestructible.”

Duero nodded as he began to explain some of the injuries Kyo had suffered while on the mission and he told the girls that for a while, Kyo should not be disturbed by them until the healing process of the fluids and Kyo's natural regenerative processes were complete. Max then offered Kyo his normal clothes and as the Gundam pilot dressed, Duero was now finishing his reasons for the girls not to disturb Kyo, and that was when they got the call from Magno.

“Duero, Max, If Kyo is finished with his medical treatment and he is fit enough to walk, then I want him to meet me and the seniors in the Conference Room.”

“I'm on my way now Captain.” Kyo said as he put on his vest and got off the bed.

As he got to his feet, the girls looked at him with relief and joy. Ever since the return of the rescue team and the young man, none of them ever took their eyes away from the young Gundam pilot. They were there to help him to his feet when he finally gave into the pain of his ribs, that pain, plus the warnings Duero and Max, and their own desire not to hurt the young man made them resist the urge to glomp onto him, even Meia had to get more discipline into herself from glomping onto Kyo, no matter how much she wanted too and no matter how much she wanted to deny the urge to do so.

The Nirvana crew were cheering their hearts out as the group escorted Kyo to Med Bay for treatment and once that was over, the crew were now concentrating on doing about their duties…it was now late evening ever since the operation and everyone was now ready to hit the sack for the next day's operations for their escape.

Dita, Jura, Meia, and the others decided to go about their duties, though they wanted to be with Kyo for a while longer, they knew that they had to leave the planning to Kyo and the elder women. Even Meia was going to take in an early night's rest.

*************

Later…in the Conference Room.

Magno nodded as she, Buzam, and Gascogne listened to Kyo high-light the results of the operation he had undertaken.

“The OS program we were able to create took control of most of the enemy AI assets, but only a maximum of 45% of all the current standing forces in the planet. I've had Parfet and her crew, install the operating soft-ware to some spare combat simulator devices so we can have the pilots of the Dread teams and the Crusader pilots to coordinate the counter-offensive via the simulators. With the data that was acquired from the AI base, the best Lancer we can capture is this one near a valley close to the inner oceans that are near the western end of this planet's equator.”

Kyo said as he downloaded a full data-image of the planet with green dots high-lighting the Lancer Platforms. Blue for their current location, while the red symbolized the enemy bases and the current standing forces of the AI army. “ The real targets apart from the Lancer Platform are the planet's surface power supply, the inhabitants apparently found a way to replicate the tectonic shift of planetary plates to create heat and massive amounts of kinetic energy. All that power is supplemented by solar power generators and the main power grid control base is located near the northern border. The second target is the array of transmission dishes that provide power to the satellites that create the shield network all over the planet. The transmission dishes have supplementary power stations so we can only weaken the shields when we eliminate the power supply grid; we still have to aim for the dishes to take out the shield itself. There are at least six transmission dishes to distribute both power and coordinates for the satellites. We take them out; we have a clear window to escape.”

BC nodded as she checked the map and the coordinates. “The faster we can hit them, the sooner we can escape, we'll have to divide the forces we now have into three parties. We could try a feint on one Lancer Platform that would be just a viable target if we did attack it. But we do have to deal with the power requirements of the units we have in mind for the attack. As what you told us Kyo, they all run totally on solar power and from what we've learned they only have enough power for nearly three to four hours worth of operation time. I doubt that's enough to buy us the time we need. Plus, we still have to disable the main system to deactivate the shield all over the planet, and we might not have enough weaponry to do just that.”

“Gasco?”

The Supply officer nodded as she loaned in her plans. “We still have a surplus of Dread fuel cells on our last re-supply trip back at our base near Megele, there was a miss-order and we wound up having too many of the cells, I thought that after the raid on the Ikazuchi before it fused with our cruiser, I'd find the girl responsible… but now I should have her promoted! There are more than enough to act as supplementary power packs for all those Ogres, Sky Strikers, and Desert Fangs, all my Register girls and the Engineering crew need to do is make the changes to the power distributors of the units once the programming has been completed.”

Magno nodded at the ideas so far, but she sensed that Kyo had found more than just plans and maps. “What else did you learn from the mission Kyo?”

Kyo sighed a bit as he uploaded all the data he had acquired. The monitors began displaying the schematics and statistics of various ships…all of Harvester design.

“The Harvester Fleet we're dealing with up-stairs is just the icing on one rotten cake. There are at least a hundred or more of their battle-cruisers and the support fleets on station. Coupled with all the resources they've been able to siphon away from the worlds they already gutted…we're talking about an army that is fifty times the size of either Megele or Talark's current space forces. Grand-ma…we're not just going to need to unite Megele and Talark now…we need to unite all the human colonies out there and assemble all the fleets they have. The fact is that if all human worlds don't unite, we're all going to be wiped out.”

The images changed as the pirate officers were shown the maps that Kyo had combined with the maps they had `acquired' as evidence of a certain traitorous excuse of human tissue before. Kyo then began to high-light all the sectors into those inhabited by humans

“As you can see…the Harvesters have been making forays into other sectors of all the planets the colonists and their descendants have inhabited. There are some worlds that have placed quite the resistance…namely here and here.”

The images changed as the selected stars were now bathed in deep yellow.

“…in those sectors, the human colonists have been able to evacuate most of their inhabitants, and are now using their planet's conventional forces and special ops teams in a delaying action against the incoming fleet. The humans have been able to get the advantage, but they have lost too many soldiers, crew, ships, and pilots and are now ready to initiate a full retreat. Some sectors were not so lucky.”

Kyo then pointed to sectors that have already been hit and were colored red.

“Here…the people were either overwhelmed, caught-off guard, or have been brainwashed by the Harvester's propaganda. We can discount Anpathos from that later description, now that the latest data showed that they finally rebelled against the Harvesters. The worlds that were not as lucky have now been rendered lifeless, the Harvesters stripped the planets of those they have harvested of all viable resources, such as metals, minerals, water…and even gas. All that's left now is nothing but barren planets totally devoid of life.”

The screen then changed to blue sectors.

“These sectors happen to be places that the Harvesters have yet to explore and conquer. I don't need to say it, but Megele and Talark as of now are not under attack. But we can't take that risk, we have to send out a message to all human worlds we can contact and get their help. Delta 6 and the inhabitants were able to send warning messages of that reject Rabat's real job for the bastards, but they are still not united. Even if some of those planets in these sectors have a good standing force, we still have to unite all of them if we can stand a chance of halting the Harvester advance.”

BC nodded as she scanned all the combat statistics, and compared all the relevant data they had acquired all through their travels and encounters with the Harvest. “Kyo is correct, considering all the data we've acquired on the Harvesters, their fleets, and their operations; we need to unite all the planets against them. Captain, we'll have to send another message to both Megele and Talark, and even more to the worlds the Harvesters haven't hit yet. I don't think we can expect much…but considering all the evidence we've gained over the course of these few months, we have to hope that we can succeed in convincing as many as we can to ally themselves to fight back.”

Magno nodded. “I'll have Parfet work on more message pods and we'll use all the data we've gathered so far, then those will be relayed to all the worlds that have people on them. The whole human race has to unite this time…not for power, but for our future…and for those who will one day succeed us…”

Kyo, Gascogne, and BC already knew what Magno meant…as they looked through the view-screen to all of the others of the crew. The crew were not aware of the serious nature of what they were now up against, and these people knew that one day they will know. Their gazes fell on Ezra who was breast-feeding her baby Lacus, and knew that even now, the new heralds of humanity's future were already being born. They never realized that this `accident' would place them as the protectors of the human race and the new generation, and the alliance they once made out of convenience was now the only thing left standing between the Harvesters and their genocidal plans.

The group were silent until Gascogne sighed. “If that's the case, then we'll need to get as much sleep as we can, we're going to have a greater challenge tomorrow, so we'll need as much energy as we can get.”

The others nodded as Gascogne left to her room in the crew's quarters. Kyo got out of his seat and was about to leave when Magno called him.

“Kyo, I want you to stay.”

“Captain?”

“BC, can I speak to Kyo for a while, in private?”

Buzam looked at both the Gundam pilot and the aged captain. She wanted to know what plans the two would discuss in private, but the dark-skinned woman could tell that this was going to be a serious discussion, so she nodded and left the Conference Room.

Magno then faced Kyo who sat back down as they were now the only ones left in the room. “I can tell that you have been rather…shocked by what you learned?”

Kyo nodded. “To put it mildly, yes.”

The aged woman nodded. “So am I, I never thought in my old age I'd find myself facing such a foe that wants to kill all of us for their own survival. I wonder what the older generations of Earth would have thought if they were still alive now to witness all this?”

Kyo decided to try and lighten the mood. “I guess the only thing they'd think would be one phrase, and that would be `Where in the name of all that's holy did we go wrong?!'”

Magno smirked a bit at that. “Nice attempt at humor Kyo, but I guess you could be right. I wonder also what the crew of the Ikazuchi, those who were still in cryogenic sleep would say if they saw the states my home-planet and that of the men were in, and now with this threat on the horizon? You know, I was one of the First Generation of Megele, for a rather long time.”

“You were? Then why did you become a pirate, if you don't mind me asking?”

Magno gave a look of contemplation. “After a few incidents in my younger years, which I can't speak of right now, I was part of the fleet the Ikazuchi was in when the Colonization period of Earth began. And when that blasted argument happened, well, I had…to make some compromises…namely with my husband.”

“You're married?”

“Yes…my husband is on Talark, and you could imagine how difficult it was for both of us to have to separate when the crew broke up nearly a century ago. I watched as my fellow women built Megele from all the technology we had from that section we took possession of. But I was disgusted by the way they now portrayed men to their children. My husband and I were very much a typical family, we had good times, bad times, and more. To have to leave him was the greatest mistake I had made. On the day…the day before the men and women of the crew of the Ikazuchi broke contact with each other, I had my last meal, conversation, and…well, my last night with him before we broke up, and we didn't want to in any way. It was even…harder to have to live with the fact, that I could never…see my son. I could never know if either of them are alive or not for all those years.”

Magno sighed and Kyo could tell that this was something the aged woman had held deeply in her heart, and rarely showed to anyone. “Why are you telling me this?”

Magno gave a musing look, and for a few moments Kyo thought she wouldn't answer, but she did and gave him a smile that could only be defined as…motherly.

“You make me wonder what life would have been like for me had I not been growing up on Megele, instead I would have been with my husband and my little child, watching him grow up, teaching all that I could, and just…being a normal mother.”

“You mean…I remind you of your son?”

“Not physically mind you…rather, there's a quality in you that made me wonder about how my child would have grown up if things weren't the way they are. I would have seen him grow up into a good young man, and he'd be going through all the things normal men his age would. I know of what you're going through in that sense Kyo…believe me I know.” Magno gave a wicked grin that made Kyo rather nervous…

“What are you saying?”

Magno merely grinned and then relaxed and her face removed some of the mischievousness it had before. “I think that now would not be a very good time for that topic to be discussed…rather, I want to know how you feel towards all this, namely with all that you've learned.”

Kyo finally knew where Magno's latest question was leading to. “You want to know if I think we all have a chance at beating the Harvesters?”

“That's not the only reason, I wonder if you are starting to doubt the outcome.”

Kyo realized that maybe Magno found out that he was filled with some doubts. He had been feeling this way since getting back from his mission and gaining all the data he currently had shared with the others. He felt that even if they could escape the trap, they were dealing with a foe that could wipe them all out, and even with the possibility of the other human colonies siding with them, there were still some great doubts to them winning.

“You might say that I've got some doubts, I mean, even if we could escape there's no telling if we succeed in warning not just Talark and Megele, or would they listen to us.”

“True, but with all that we've accomplished, I don't think we'll have too much of a hard time, not with you and all that you've done.”

“I didn't do everything…everyone had done a lot too.”

Magno smiled a bit at Kyo's humble reply. “True, but none of that would have been possible if you didn't make the first move. Kyo, you've done more than you can ever imagine. I can name a few off-hand myself. You showed that men and women work the best when together with a common goal. If you didn't work with us, and made all those wonderful things, none of my crew, with the exception of Dita, would have taken the time to learn about you, and help them along in re-discovering the truth about men and women.”

Magno showed Kyo the images of the crew, Duero and Parfet were working together in the Engineering Bay with the goal to escape and win this war for the future. Bart was relaxing and was now trying out some new food that some of the girls had made, and Kyo couldn't help but smile as Bart finally knew why food like that of the women tasted good. The bald navigator then began asking questions about the cooking process, while his female companions, one of them being Celtic explained. Max and Barnette were in the Medical Bay, along with Paiway, taking care of Ezra's baby, Lacus. Max was in awe at his first glimpse of a female child while Barnette explained some of the things women of Megele did when they became parents. Paiway was also there recording the whole thing in her trusty note-book. Gascogne and Aleck were working hand in hand in the Register, while the elder male listened to the explanations of the head supplier and some of the girls that were now his new acquaintances.

“You gave all of us the chance to see each other in a totally new light. I have no doubt that things have changed for every member of the crew, and things are becoming more difficult, and yet I can hardly imagine what things would have been like hadn't you came into this. To be honest, when I met you, I thought I'd have a hard time keeping you from being a person with too much ego, considering all you are capable of, and you could have done that. But instead you worked beside us and did your level best to make things such as the idea of men and women working together going smoothly.”

Kyo gave a smirk at that. “You're giving me way too much credit Grand-ma. As far as I can recall, I wasn't exactly the guy who came up with the idea of men and women working together in the first place.”

“Too much, yes, but you deserve it, and it is true that you didn't propose the idea yourself, but you gave it the push and strength needed for it to work the way it is now. I know how valuable you are as a person, not as a pilot or a leader, but as a friend and ally to everyone here in the Nirvana. They look up to you in many ways, and I can tell that sometimes it can be difficult. I can bet that at the time I asked you or badgered you into becoming the Crusaders' Squadron leader, wasn't it?”

“Yeah, I didn't think I'd make a great commander, but I did what I could and things turned out for the best for all parties involved.”

“More than you can imagine, Duero, Bart, Max, and even Aleck told me that the way you taught Sara and the girls on how to pilot Vanguards would have been considered a work of great genius, and the tactics you came up would have been of great value to the men back on their world. Had you been part of the Talark military, I doubt Meia and her Dread pilots would have been as successful back then all those months ago. Think about it, you trained and turned a group of women who hated Vanguards and you, into an elite team of pilots who would have been on very equal standing with their best pilots back home in such a short time. They now trust and admire you as a commander, and I know Sara respects you as a commander and as a man, and they along with the other crew-members will follow you into any battle.”

“And do you know why? Because you are a great leader, a good friend, and most of all, a person with a kind heart, I know it, BC knows it, Gascogne does as well, and so does everyone. No one here can deny how much you mean to all of us, so what I'm saying is that you shouldn't doubt yourself. Doubts are normal, but you should know that we're all here to do whatever we can.”

Magno then gave Kyo a smile. “You mean a great deal to us all here Kyo, you gave us a great deal of hope alongside Dita all those months ago, when you first fought with us, and when you died before, saving us… BC and I nearly lost our own will to keep fighting, along with everyone when that happened, so many questions and emotions were in me the very moment you came back from the dead to stand before us, ready to fight alongside us all. You showed the true power of humanity by working as one, instead of following the propaganda of our planets, you gave us that chance, and I know that everyone here is forever grateful. If you feel despair or doubt, so did we, but neither you or us should ever give up. Because we're together, and after all we have done, we can never be easily stopped.”

Magno then gave a yawn. “I guess that you might be tired listening to an old woman ramble like that. I think you should get some sleep, considering all that we need to do soon, you'll need all the sleep you can get.” The aged woman got up and began to walk away, but Kyo followed her, and instead of asking why, Magno allowed the young Gundam pilot to accompany her to her chambers. At the door she thanked Kyo for his escort and to that Kyo replied.

“It's the least I can do. I promise you Grand-ma, I will never give up.”

“I know you won't.”

*************

In space…

The Harvester Fleets were in preparation for the full deployment of their forces, but due to the ever increasing EM emissions and radiation near the planet, they had to move at a much slower pace. The second battle-cruiser however was sending out a large party of it's forces to escort the shuttle from the surface, since it was a priority one objective, but due to the massive amounts of debris, the shuttle would have to be delayed in it's rendezvous with it's escort teams. The newly created Gundams were back in the battle-cruiser, ready for full deployment, but for the time being were being re-fueled.

On the ground…

The Dominions had been divided into parts of the defensive forces on the Lancer Platforms, plus the AI units of the ground forces were being evenly deployed to handle the defense of the transmission dishes. The AI entity calculated that the pirates would make an assault on at least one or two of the dishes to effect an escape.

As if in a giant chess game, all pieces were being moved into place for the final game of the day.

*************

In the Nirvana… in the men's quarters…

Kyo was on his bed, but couldn't sleep, and after a few minutes, he gave up the struggle and went for a walk. As he wandered the ship, he made his way to the Engineering bay and found himself facing the Paeksis reactor, there he felt the energy pulsing from the crystal core.

“I don't know why I cam here…but I guess this is where all this began.” Kyo said as he recalled the events in this very room. This was where he met Dita, also where he met Jura and Meia, where he felt something that drew him to stay, and where his entire adventure began. He looked at the crystal, and walked towards it, he then touched it briefly and in a moment, he felt sleep tug at him, and before he knew it he fell asleep, unaware that the reactor glowed at his touch.

Kyo found himself in the void of darkness, reminding him again of the time he died, but he knew that the need for sleep had somehow overwhelmed him. He bathed once more in the same calmness that he felt before when he had been dead, but just like before the blackness was replaced by the deep ocean of blue-green light that he knew was that of the Paeksis.

Kyo didn't say anything as he felt the comfort and the serenity of the place that cradled his soul when he had died. That was when he heard the voices, but this instead of a chorus like before, it was the voice of two individuals, that of a man and a woman. But both voices sounded somewhat familiar.

<(You're acting like a little baby here, do you know that Kyo?)> The male voice asked the young man.

Kyo gave a look of surprise as he looked about. “Let me guess, I can't see your real form since your completely part of the Paeksis, right?”

<(In a way, yes, you seem to still have doubts. Having trouble sleeping?)>

“Yeah, you could say that.”

<(Then why are you still awake? You should be resting, you've got a ton of things to do, once the early morning arrives.)> this time it was the female voice he heard. The womanly voice, just like that of the man made Kyo feel safe for some reason, and he felt he could tell them what he felt deep inside of him.

“I guess I still have the question in my mind, and I guess I ask myself will we make the others in the planets we'll meet work together?”

<(What do you mean?)>

“Talark and Megele…plus other worlds. I can feel that there may be other societies that think n the same tables for different reasons. They've not been united since the time of the Colonization Era. Here on the Nirvana, in the case of the others…it was possible, but after what Max and Aleck told us of the political situation on Talark, I doubt we can get any positive response from them, including Megele.”

<(True…but what of Barnette?)> The male voice asked Kyo.

“What do you mean?”

The voice then showed the image of Barnette, as the green-haired Dread pilot spoke with Max while the two were about to part company. He could tell that there was a smile on her face as she spoke to the younger McFile.

<(Barnette once hated men, and wanted nothing to do with them. You can say she was the most influenced by her world's teachings and propaganda. You recall what she said towards men regardless of the fact that without your aid and that of Duero and Bart. And you recall that in her belief and hatred of you, it resulted in you being dead.)>

Kyo nodded as he began to recall all that and apparently his companions knew his intentions as the scenery of the Paeksis changed and showed him the events that lead to his death. He couldn't believe that this Barnette was the one that started to become close friends with Duero's brother Max, while having affections for the younger Talark teen and becoming more open to men.

The voices knew that too, and then showed the events that took place in the surface of the planet he and the others were on. He had to admit that Barnette really changed, as he watched her tend to the mortally wounded Max after seeing him nearly give his life to spare hers from the cyborg monster. He then smirked a bit as he saw all the events that lead to the point that Barnette became the woman that fought beside men without reservation or regret and he knew that her affections for Max were growing.

<(Yet she changed, asked forgiveness from you and fought even harder beside you all. And the things you did and said allowed her to see past her pride and made her become closer to men when she faced the results of her actions. You can already see the way she looks at Max, and you know that she likes the younger man. From a blind follower of `hate all men' to a woman who sees the truth and now trusts men. If she could change her ways, then so can others.)> The female voice said as the images faded.

Kyo nodded. “I can't deny that, but…>

<(Barnette was the strongest supporter of her world's beliefs, and there were many who followed her. But after your `temporary' death and before your return, they saw how much being a team with men could make miracles, instead of being full of their planet's pride and disdain for men. Together, you all have made the Harvester Fleets break away from other worlds and gave hope to those who witnessed you fight against this foe. The Melanos people will never give in to the Harvesters even more thanks to you. The people of Delta Six owe you their lives, and now are allies of yours to the very end. The Nirvana, you, the pirates, you all have become symbols of the one thing people have forgotten…their ability to make their own destiny.)> The male voice said with conviction as the images of every battle the pirates had fought in.

Kyo felt his doubts begin to fade as he felt calmer in body and spirit as he watched the images.

<(The future is always uncertain, and there will be many dangers, of that there can be no doubt. There will be doubts, fears, insecurities, questions, they are part of the path of life and can always be felt, experienced, and seen. But there is always hope, even in the darkest and most grievous of circumstances, as long as hope and courage remain as guides, then the future is brighter. You all have felt it many times, and you know that nothing can change that fact. Yet you all have triumphed under great difficulties and circumstances, because you all never gave up hope, and you all worked together.)>

Images of happier times appeared before Kyo. His first meeting with Dita, Jura, Meia, his interactions with the crew of the ship, and many more. And along with the victory moments he shared with the crew. The smiles, cheers, laughs, and celebrations. All this made Kyo realize that the future was for them to make and the time they had was what they must use well. If he allowed himself to be filled with doubts, then there will be no way they could survive this long against such relentless enemies.

<(Never doubt yourself and your comrades, for together, you can make anything possible.)>

Kyo nodded as he felt himself falling back to sleep as the Paeksis began to fade as he felt darkness claim him. But no sooner had the darkness faded he was awakened by a voice.

*************

In the Paeksis reactor room…

Unknown to the sleeping Gundam pilot, there was quite the crowd around him. And in the lead was none other than…

“Mr. Alien…please wake up.”

Duero and Max were nearby as they checked Kyo. “Don't worry Dita, his vitals are all good so he's just sleeping.” The older medic said to console the redhead, since when they found their companion, they thought he had an accident.

Just then the crowd moved back as the pilot in question gave a yawn and then opened his eyes.

Kyo was curious why he heard Dita's voice when his eyes opened, and to his surprise he found himself surrounded by some of the Crusader pilots, Jura and Barnette were there also, along with Dita, Misty, Meia, Sara, and Mai. Duero and Max were nearby as well. They all looked at him as if he had just come back from the dead.

“Uh…that was a good rest, what are you all doing here? I mean, I've only slept for a few minutes.”

Dita then glomped onto Kyo and placed him in an embrace that would have made a certain purple haired Amazon jealous…along with several other girls in the room, who gave the redhead serious glares.

“We were so worried when we didn't find you in your room Mr. Alien, we thought you were…” Dita said as she tightened her grip.

“….Urk! Dita, please loosen your grip, if you keep that up, I'll probably fall unconscious due to…lack of air!” Kyo said as he began to feel the restriction on his ribs. Though his male side liked the contact with the lithe Megele female, he knew that he'd hardly appreciate it if he fell unconscious, plus the jealous looks coming from the girls were making him rather nervous.

Dita reluctantly released her grip on him and looked at the object of her affections as he decided to get up from his sitting position.

“I just went for a walk and rested here in the reactor room for a few minutes.”

“Kyo…just what time did you leave your room?” Meia asked as she spoke to the object of her own growing but still denied affections.

“A few minutes after ten o'clock, right after the meeting. Why?”

“Do you know that it's already five thirty in the morning?” Jura asked. “When none of us found you in most areas of the Nirvana, we were in a panic.”

“Really?”

Dita nodded vigorously as she began to explain the events that led to this point.

*************

Several hours before…

RRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNNGGG!!

Dita moaned a bit as she reached for her chronometer, She set her clock to wake her up at exactly three in the morning since she wanted to make a special surprise for Kyo before they all went out to fight the bad aliens. She planned to cook a great breakfast for Mr. Alien and maybe help out in making a great meal for everyone in the ship. As she got on her normal attire she began thinking on what she could make for Kyo today.

<Let's see…maybe some bread rolls with berries would be nice! Next some cheese fondue…or maybe an egg omelet instead. I know some orange juice would be good, plus some ham or bacon would be nice, plus some toast, maybe Mr. Alien would like some mashed potatoes…oh there's so many choices!>

Dita then decided to ask Mr. Alien as she put on her tiara. She didn't want to cook too much food so she knew it would be better for her to ask him directly. She hoped that she didn't wake up Mr. Alien when he was in a bad mood. She had seen already how angry Kyo could be, and she wanted him to be happy, she liked…no, loved it when he had a smile on his face. And she hoped that what she would cook for him would do just that.

As she finally arrived at the men's side of the ship, she looked inside to see if anyone was inside. Duero was sleeping soundly in his bunk as it was the end of his shift at least a few hours ago, and Max was the one managing the Medical Bay while his elder sibling was resting. Aleck was resting soundly in his bunk, having worked for a while in the Register before his resting time. The older man was resting but had his hand on his side, clutching what appeared to be a dagger, having been a battle-hardened warrior, Aleck always lived by the philosophy of keeping one's weapons ready at ALL times, and none of the women questioned the tough man, the only exception being Gascogne, who before told Aleck about her no-weapons in the Register policy, to which the man agreed to. Bart was also nearby snoring , Dita grimaced a bit as Bart snored to his heart's content, but it seemed that the men, had never complained since Bart already knew of his snoring before hand and had taken a bunk that was a fair distance from the others. She already knew where Kyo's bunk was and quietly made her way to where Mr. Alien was.

“Mr. Alien…hello?” Dita spoke out quietly as she reached Kyo's bunk hoping that Mr. Alien would be able to hear her. She knew that this was still early, but from what could tell, it was going to be a very long day for everybody, including Kyo. She was the surprised to find the bunk empty and that made her curious. Normally Kyo would be sound asleep and could quickly wake himself up when the need came to it. It wasn't like Mr. Alien to not be in his bunk, and this made Dita curious.

That was when she felt a tapping on her shoulder, and before she could shriek in fright, a strong, calm voice came to her.

“Calm down Miss, I'm not going to hurt you.”

Dita turned and found herself facing Aleck Koubayashi, who gave her a placating gesture, saying that he meant no harm. She gave a sigh of relief as she knew that the new man was a kind person who had become an ally of her fellow pirates and seemed to be on good terms with Mr. Alien.

Aleck also recognized Dita, he noted that this girl had a great deal of affection for Kyo whenever the Gundam pilot was in her company, after seeing the many times she'd look at him and hold him. Back on his world the mere sight of the woman would have been met with fear and hatred. And any man being hugged by a woman would have been considered an infected man and isolated or in the really worse case scenario, killed to avoid the so called `infection'. He dropped that nonsense a LONG time ago and looked at women as human beings. One thing bothered him since she was wandering so early in the morning.

“You're Dita Liebely right? Do you know it's considered bad manners to just come in here unannounced?”

“Sorry, I just wanted to know where Mr. Alien is.”

Aleck gave a look of confusion until he recalled from Kyo that he was the one Dita called `Mr. Alien'. It struck him as down-right amusing to hear a tough pilot like Kyo being called an alien by anybody, yet it appeared that only this woman called him that, and he didn't appear angry about it…at least not too much.

“I'm sorry Dita, but I haven't seen Kyo ever since the end of my shift in the Register.”

Dita gave a groan of dismay. “Where is Mr. Alien?”

“Why don't you try talking to Max? I guess he might have seen Kyo since it's his shift in the Medical Bay, for all you know, Kyo might be having a medical check-up.”

Dita smiled and nodded. “Thanks! I'll go look for him now!”

In the Medical Bay…

“Hmmm…so if the process was like this then…yes, brother's right…that's a serious problem.” Max McFile said with grim certainty as he studied all the compiled data of his brother's experiments in the Medical Bay's data archives. Apart from using his knowledge of his world's medical and reproductive knowledge, plus his tests on various samples, Duero combined what he learned from Misty and Kyo about inter-gender procreation, (though Misty was more open about it, and Kyo finally agreed to give more information) and the reproduction techniques used on Megele. Included as a plus was data concerning the reproductive methods of their ancestors from Earth before the disaster that spawned the Harvesters.

And what he learned was a very grim prospect, though more data was needed and cross experiments were a must. Max was quick to catch into what his brother was researching and had no problem in understanding why his brother needed to test out a rather interesting but difficult theory.

The door alarm came on and he quickly re-sealed the data folder under his brother's pass-code. He turned and spotted the new comer as she came into the room.

“Dita Liebely, right? What can I do for you?”

“Have you seen Mr. Alien?”

Max, like Aleck was at first confused as to who Mr. Alien was, until they realized that it was Kyo who was given that name by the buxom redhead.

“I'm sorry, but Kyo never dropped by the Medical Bay for quite a while, and it's not time for his annual physical anyway.”

Dita gave a grimace, she checked the cafeteria earlier just in case Kyo was drinking some coffee or having a meal. Then she went to the Medical Bay, now she was really worried.

“Oh, where is Mr. Alien?”

Max wondered what was making the normally cheerful redhead so flustered and nervous, but quickly reminded himself that Kyo apparently the object of affections for the young Dread pilot. He wondered also where the Gundam pilot had gone to, since he left the room right when Kyo left and he was taking his shift in the Medical Bay.

“I think Kyo is still here, you should ask the others if they have seen Kyo anywhere. I'll accompany you and we'll find him together, that okay?”

Dita perked up and nodded in agreement. “Sure!”

The two then visited the most likely candidate who might know where Kyo had gone. Dita knew for a fact that Jura also had a deep interest in Mr. Alien, and even though she suspected Jura might have captured Kyo for herself, she had been a friend to Jura for the many years she and the blonde had been in the group. As they arrived, Dita punched in the code to wake Jura up.

After a few minutes, the blonde came out of her room, yawning, apparently she wasn't the kind of girl to be an early riser. She apparently had not worn the same night-gown she wore when she, Meia, Dita, and Kyo had discussed the dream they had together a few months ago. She wore a deep blue satin night gown with slits on the sides of her hips and that showed her fabulous legs from hip to ankle. The gown had a plunging neckline that had no difficulty revealing the upper portion of the blonde's ample breasts. Jura had her hair in a braid so it wouldn't be snagged at night. Considering the fact that the blonde did her very best to look gorgeous, and be in great shape, it was no wonder Kyo had a VERY hard time reigning in his hormones….even more so if he saw her now since even without the cream or cosmetics, Jura was still what she was…a blonde bombshell.

“What's the big deal Dita?!” Jura complained as she wiped the grogginess out of her head. She wasn't about to say that she had some…VERY interesting images in her dreams on what she planned to do to a certain Gundam pilot when she got her hands on him. And she certainly wasn't going to say that in front of the perky redhead, along with the fact that she was secretly hoping that it was Kyo who was at her door, so she'd have the chance to ACTUALLY do what she was dreaming about. To say that Kyo wasn't in front of her was a bad thing was too far off the mark. “It's still three in the morning for Grandma's sake!”

Dita nodded as she looked sheepishly at the blonde, while Max was looking away from Jura. The fact was, that there were some times the younger McFile had seen a woman in her sleeping attire, and those were occasions he recalled that made him realize how inappropriate it was for him to be staring.

“I want to know if you've seen Mr. Alien Jura. Is he with you?”

Jura was tempted to tease Dita by saying yes, but she knew better, for one the fact was she hadn't seen Kyo ever since she turned in for the night. And the other is that she was still sleepy and arguing with anyone so early in the morning wasn't a very pleasant thing to do anyway. Besides, despite the fact that she and Dita were fighting over Kyo they were still comrades.

“No, I haven't seen him, why don't you try talking to Duero, his brother, or the other men on where he is, better yet, why don't you check his bunk on the men's side?”

“I already did, he wasn't there. I went to the cafeteria and he wasn't there, and when I went to meet with Mr. Doctor's brother in the Medical bay to find Mr. Alien, he still wasn't there!”

Both Jura and Max sweat-dropped as they heard Dita's description. Jura however became a bit more serious as she heard that Dita couldn't find him.

“Have you tried looking the Launching Bay? He might be working on Infinite-Freedom or something.”

Dita realized that Jura might have a point. Kyo worked on his partner when he had free time from leading the girls in the Crusader Squadron, from his time in the Register, and when he wasn't cooking or working on new plans for their war with the bad aliens.

“Not yet, but I'll go check it out.”

“Hold it, wait for me.” Jura said as she went back into her room, and in a few minutes was now dressed in her normal garb, with her sword on the side.

“I'm coming with you.”

As the three arrived in the Launching Bay, they were surprised not to hear a single sound from the place. No sound of working machinery, and the Gundam Kyo piloted looked untouched. When they got to the ramp which lead the chest of the Gundam, they found that the cockpit wasn't open, meaning that Kyo wasn't inside, and there seemed to be no activity whatsoever in the Paeksis-enhanced Gundam. And the lack of not finding Kyo was becoming a little worrying. The trio then made their way to another one of their comrade's rooms.

Jura and Dita waited after the blonde had punched in the code to Meia's room, announcing to the Dread Team leader that she needed to answer the door. Despite the fact that she never openly went after Kyo, both the blonde and the redhead knew for a fact that their aqua-haired comrade also had a deep interest in their respective object of affections. Meia didn't make open moves like Jura and Dita, but there was no denying the fact that she liked Kyo, and Kyo liked her back, in his own way.

When the door opened, it revealed Meia in her normal flight-suit, minus her chest and shoulder padding. (I never could figure out the purpose of it anyway.) The blue-haired female was always alert and tonight was no exception, though she still had the look of grogginess in anybody who was awakened at so early an hour.

The Dread leader gave a slight frown at her two companions in the Dread teams, no doubt even she wanted to get some extra sleep.

“Jura, Dita? What are you two doing up so early in the morning? I don't hear the alarm going off.”

“Have you seen Mr. Alien anywhere Leader?” Dita asked Meia.

“What do you mean?” The aqua-haired girl asked as she began to lose her sleepiness.

“We're looking for him; we're asking if you've seen him after that meeting with the Captain?” Jura answered.

Meia wondered why this was important, especially since she had been in a rather interesting dream. The dream wasn't the same as the ones she had in her youth, namely after the disasters when she was young. But they included a more peaceful scene, along with her was a certain someone, namely the one Dita and Jura were looking for. Things had gotten rather…indecent before she was awakened by her comrades.

“Did you try looking for him in the men's quarters?”

“I already did, but he's not there, nor in Medical Bay or in the cafeteria. We even went to the Launching Bay where his partner was, and we didn't find him. We're getting worried.” Dita whined a bit in despair.

Meia lost all sleepiness and thought about it, and then decided to join them in their search as she went back into her room and later came out with her chest/shoulder padding and her trusted laser ring. “We'll have to find him quickly.”

End of explanation…

“When Parfet told us you were near the reactor sleeping, all of us came here and watched over you, we thought you were dead at first until both Duero and Max assured us that you were sleeping. What were you doing here of all places anyway?” Meia asked as Kyo got to his feet.

“I was just taking a walk to clear my mind, but I…I guess while looking at the reactor I fell asleep. It's nothing any of you should be worried about.” Kyo said to reassure his companions as they made their way out of the reactor. Kyo then faced the Paeksis with a smile and spoke silently to himself.

“I will never give up…no matter what awaits me.”

As if in answer to his words, the Paeksis glowed with deep green-blue light as they left.

*************

The Harvester Homeworld…

The world that was once Earth continued on… the surface bathed by clouds and massive amounts of rain. Lightning bathed the atmosphere and massive winds rolled over the barren landscapes. Wrecked space stations and tall towers of ruined cities jutted upwards like skeletal fingers of dead men clawing up towards the heavens in utter despair, hatred, and loathing. Land-masses were bare of any vegetation, stripped of all signs of life, and even these were hidden by massive amounts of fog. The wrecks of vehicles and other scrap littered the lands along with the barely seen but ever present skeletons of those who died in the Days of Despair and the now failed attempts to save the once verdant planet. The Earth that was once the cradle of human civilization was now a barren, life-less mockery of it's former self.

In the cities that were built over this desolate waste-land. The inhabitants struggled to live, men and women traveled constantly, with movable life-support systems to keep their body functions in working order. Robots dotted the streets, acting as security units and aides to various people. Children were nothing but distant dreams as only the weakened and the frail were present. In the cities, the `nobles' were the ones who could afford to have new organs surgically implanted to prolong their lives, and the presence of healing treatments did increase them. But they were constantly bathed in pain both physically and mentally. The people in these cities were the lucky ones, but on the surface it was a different story…

The surface still had some shelter and workable facilities, but these belonged to the wretches of the Harvester society, people who couldn't afford to be given prime organs to ensure their survival. They died riddled with disease, infections, and wounds that could never be fully healed and their deaths would be slow and agonizing.

It was a damned existence…

The images of such things were in the view-screen of the Harvester's Supreme Leader. The leader of the Harvesters and their fleets gave a sigh of disgust at the whole scene.

The Harvester Leader knew one thing and it in itself was very important. No matter how many organs they could harvest, there was always a limit to how much could be used until the supply ran out. Despite the vast numbers of charted and uncharted worlds that humans could inhabit, there was always the possibility that the supply would soon run out. This made it a priority to find ways to preserve the humans on Earth to give new life to the human race, regardless of the fact that there were new human worlds. It meant that until a new solution could be found, they had to rely on the organs, but they too were not just difficult to `install', but the physiological limits of his people's bodies were also in question. Despite the treatments to ensure that every new organ transplant and orientation made the process easier, the underlying effect was that it made the body weaker and more prone to relying on life support to maintain proper biological functions. The organs were naturally not that of the new host and they would need to be bathed in special medical fluid to make them acceptable to the new host. Sadly this decreased their ability to normally function and their ability to last was decreased by the very same treatments, making periodical organ replacements a necessity. And it was becoming expensive.

In the initial stages of the Harvest, the organs were easy to gain and in large quantities from their `farm' planets. But due to the mounting resistance, it became a bit of a problem. The fleets had some minor difficulties in obtaining their organ quotas. But ever since the emergence of the Nirvana, the pirates, their male allies, and the accursed Freedom Gundam which was now evolved, the problems have surmounted. The reports from their fleets had become even more difficult. The humans of the worlds they had earlier harvested had made a powerful resistance force, and with each new world that heard of them, they encountered resistance to their plans. The part that galled the leader was the fact that if ever the resistance forces ever met the Nirvana, it's crew and the pilot of the Gundam I-Freedom, then they would have both a symbol and leader to rally behind to defend themselves. Time was against the Harvest unlike before, every world that heard of the Gundam and the Nirvana, and the successes against their fleets, intensified their efforts to resist. Until the Nirvana was destroyed along with the Gundam, then the Harvest would fail, and Earth would be doomed.

The leader gave a growl of anger as he turned to the sound of the signal telling him that a communiqué was waiting for him to receive.

“What is it?” He said with a growl as he looked at the underling on the monitor once he opened the comm. channel.

Even if the image was just computerized, the leader of the Harvester Council could see the fear etched on the face of his subordinate. The man cared little for the fear in his follower's face and waited for the reply.

“Master, we have received a report from the fleet we dispatched. The ground forces you specially requested have succeeded in acquiring the sample. The sample as of now is being escorted by a portion of the fleet that can be dispatched at all available speed.”

The leader smiled malevolently. “Good, that is good news. What is the status of the ground forces?”

“The AI entity reports that the Nirvana was able to convert a large portion of it's forces to their cause and they are now considered as enemies. The Dominion units have been deployed as support units to various sections of the planet to secure vital targets in the surface…but it may be possible…that the Nirvana may escape the trap. The Ai reports that it is willing to activate Armageddon Protocol if the objective of halting and destroying the Nirvana and the crew is not possible.”

The subordinate knew that the leader wanted nothing more than total and absolute success in the operations undertaken by the fleet, and awaited the possibility of him being demoted from his position…or being turned into spare parts.

The leader smiled an evil smile and spoke to his subordinate. “Allow the fleet the chance to halt the Nirvana should any attempt be made by it and the crew to escape. Also allow the AI entity in our trap to initiate the Armageddon Protocol if it fails. You have done well and I will make sure you get a first shot at any new organs we acquire in our next quota…as of now I wish some privacy, you are dismissed.”

The relief on the subordinate's face would have passed off for an ocean as he nodded. “As you wish Master.”

The leader nodded as he typed in the new data, and checked his subordinate. The man deserved his reward and placed his name on the first to receive new organs. He was a leader and he decided to reward good service anyway.

<Now…the real game begins.>

*************

On the surface… in the Nirvana

The crew of the Nirvana were at full work detail as the pirates moved as fast as they could to prepare for their escape off this world. All over the ship, plans and last minute preparations were well underway. Magno nodded as she and Buzam made their way towards the Command Bridge, both women were happy that things were working fine, but like any seasoned veteran, they knew that they had to be prepared for anything.

In the Engineering Bay…

“Parfet! We've managed to link in the last of those Desert Fangs and Ogre's OS transceivers to link up with the simulators of the Vanguards. They'll be ready in a few minutes!” Chief said as she spoke to Parfet, who was busy running a complete diagnostic on the units they had acquired thanks to Kyo's planning. Chief and some of the Engineering crew were in the simulator room for Vanguard trainees.

“Good! I'm showing green lights on all the power packs and converters we've installed on them all. They don't need to rely now on their primary power cells at least. What about the Sky Strikers?”

Another engineer nodded as she reported in through the communications while being in the Nirvana's training room for prospective Dread pilots. “We've finally uploaded the piloting controls of the Sky Strikers on all of the simulators. They're ready to fly at any time.”

Parfet nodded as she began to type in all the needed information and began to relay all that to the crew being assembled in the Briefing Room. But before that, she made some last minute checks make sure that everything was in good working order.

*************

The Briefing Room…

“As you all can see, we have at least several targets to take out. The first is the set of transmitter dishes used to maintain the shield's defensive ability and the ones that provide power to the shield systems upstairs, if we don't take them out then we'll never get far. Even before that though, we have to eliminate as much power from the shields and the defenses around the Lancer Platform we need to capture as soon as we can.”

Kyo said as he displayed the data concerning their targets to the assembled members of both the Dread teams, and that of the Crusader pilots. Along with them were Duero McFile, Aleck Koubayashi, and Max McFile. Since all three men were accomplished Mobile Suit pilots, it made sense that they were there. The three men had more than enough experience in them in such warfare, so it made sense also that Kyo requested them to be squad leaders for each of his Squadron's teams. He was happy that Sara and Mai accepted it without qualms since they had learned to trust the three men the same way they trusted him. The three men will lead the attacks in their Mobile Suits while the others would be their support. Kyo disliked the idea of the three men being in the war-zone, since they were too important to lose, but he knew that they could help coordinate the whole war effort better since none of his Crusaders could fight better on the planet's surface.

“Team Blue under Max and his Templar Gundam will lead the attack on one of the dishes, while Team Red under Duero and his Morpheous Gundam will attack the other dishes to bring the shield down. Team Silver under Sara and Team Gold under Mai will lead the feint on the target Lancer Platform to distract the enemy. Team Gryphon, which is comprised of Sky Strikers under Barnette, will act as reinforcement to Team Blue. Once both teams have succeeded, then they must meet up with Team red to attack the other dishes and then the planet's power generators. I'll try and get the attention of the AI forces by launching a feint on their main command center or one of their main bases on the Northern Hemisphere. As much as possible, make the units you will be leading count, even if none of you will be piloting them, they are not unlimited. As much as we can gather, the enemy will have Dominion Gundam units spread out on specific areas of the battle field. Engage them as a team, don't try and be heroes. Aleck and the remaining members of the Crusaders who can pilot their Vanguards will remain here on the Nirvana to provide security. The Dread pilots using the Sky Strikers will provide air support for each team. We have another problem to deal with. If we succeed in breaking away, then the AI leader will initiate a doomsday system under the title the `Armageddon' Protocol.”

“What is it?”

Kyo nodded as he began displaying more of the data he had recovered. The images changed to reveal a nest of underground power transmitters. The dishes were placed in what appeared to be strategic points and interlaying sectors on the planet's surface. Just like a spider's web…

“The Armageddon protocol is a network of interlocking seismic tremor field generators all throughout specific tectonic points on this planet's surface. It works in the same fashion as sonic resonance, as sonic vibrations can break apart matter bonds on a molecular level, just breaking down substances through sound, and also in the same way we use certain forging methods to mold objects. In this case, it's like generating a massive tremor capable of creating earthquakes on a continent-like scale. When all the generators are active at a certain point of time and sequence…the result would be a planetary quake that is at least one for the history books, since it will be having 10.0 Richter scale quakes everywhere. That planetary quake will tear this planet apart like a soda can filled with gun-powder, in literal speak, this generated quake will literally tear this planet into pieces.” (*)

The assembled crew were shocked into silence at the implications of that possibility. Kyo knew that the idea of having an entire planet literally shaken to pieces under one's feet can be one heck of a humbling experience. The fact that if they were able to succeed, they would have to be really cutting it close this time. He recalled the seriousness of the operation they undertook all those months ago when they faced their first Earth Battle Fleet.

“Is there any way we can slow it down?” Mai asked Kyo directly.

Kyo nodded as he began to outline the plan. “The bad news is that there's no chance we can stop it permanently, the good news is that we can slow down the chance of it being activated. As far as what we've been able to decipher, the transmitters heavily rely on the planet's main power generators, since it needs a considerably large power flow to initiate it's synchronized activation to generate the quake effect. The transmitters DO have back-up power cells, but they need to be also in synchronization and have to store a massive power surge to activate the seismic effect. We have an approximate time frame of three hours until the back-up generators can create enough energy to create the effect. But mind you, we CAN'T waste even a second, because if we do…then the Harvester Fleet will be all over us. ”

The crew nodded in understanding, once the mission was successful…the only chance they had was to escape as quickly as possible. Considering all that was stacked against them, there was not time to go hunting for kills.

Kyo nodded as well, and began outlining the plans for the defense of the Nirvana to be led by Aleck and remaining Crusader and Dread pilots. As time passed, the fear he sensed began to fade as the crew of the Nirvana began to get into sync with the plan.

As soon as the meeting was over, the crew went on their way to make their own preparations, but as Kyo was getting ready to leave, a certain Dread pilot/Gundam operator came up to him.

“Kyo?”

Kyo turned and faced Barnette. The girl seemed to have something important on her mind, and Kyo wondered if it had something to do with a certain Gundam pilot and Talark youth.

“What's up Barnette?”

Barnette knew that what she would request would not seem like a good idea to Kyo. Since he was the second in command for the Nirvana's defense and the main authority on all Vanguard or Mobile Suit operations for the pirates, he would be the only one to ask if she could join with the crew that would lead the assault.

“I want to be assigned with…”

“In your SwitchBlade Gundam I take it?” Kyo asked bluntly since there was no way Barnette could ever fight in her Dread on the planet's atmosphere. “And I wager a guess that you want to be assigned with Max's team, right?”

“Yeah, look I know that I'm not as good as you or any of the girls in the Crusaders when it comes to piloting Mobile Suits, and I'm no where near as talented as Jura, Dita, you, Aleck, Duero, and Max when it comes to fighting on a planet. But I want to do more than just pilot a few Sky Strikers in a Dread training simulation. I know…that I…I've been somewhat difficult with a lot of things. But things have changed, and I want to do this.”

Kyo looked Barnette over critically; there was no doubt in his mind that she was very sincere about her request. And he knew that she did change, from being a woman who still had some issues with men due to what she heard from her planet, to a woman who went past believing what she was told to by others and learned on her own. He did have reservations though. Barnette was an exceptional pilot with her Dread, since Meia mentioned that Barnette would make a good squadron leader, his strategic mind told him that losing someone of Barnette's budding skill and caliber was a serious flaw in action. Plus she and Jura were close friends, they had been close long before he ever met the two of them, and if anything were to happen to Barnette in the battle-field, Jura would be devastated. And to add to that was the fact of the blossoming relationship between her and Max McFile. The two became another couple from two different cultures showing that differences could be broken, and it seems that considerable amounts of respect, understanding and affection would blossom between the two….if anything would happen to Barnette, Kyo had an accurate idea that it would be very damaging to Max since he had been in a similar relationship and lost the one he had feelings for, so losing Barnette would be a serious blow to the younger brother of Duero.

But to deny Barnette her request was also a bad idea, since he knew that she wanted to do this for the fact that she wanted to help others, plus he knew that she has feelings for Max, and if he knew one thing, though he couldn't recalled from where, it was that if you couldn't protect the ones you cared about, you would always feel cheated, empty and a failure, if anything happened to Max, who knew how Barnette would take it? There were some pros and cons with the whole idea, but since time was against them…

Kyo shook his head and sighed. “All right, I'll put you into the combat roster with Max. You've got another two hours to straighten things for yourself until we all meet for the last check-up.”

Barnette's face lit up with a smile of gratitude and she nodded. “Don't worry, I'll be ready!”

“Just promise me that you and Max don't get killed or act like heroes, all right?”

“Yeah, I know.”

Kyo looked straight at Barnette in total seriousness. “I'm serious Barnette.”

Barnette merely looked back just as hard at him. “I know, and so am I.”

The two looked at each other even more, and began to laugh a bit…relieving a little of the tension. “All right, I'll see you and him in the Launching Bay, now get something to eat, you need it.”

Later…

As the crew went about their last preparations for the mission they all had to undertake, certain individuals with issues began to make their moves to complete what they wanted to do, since this could very well be their end.

…………………..

Jura Basil Elden sighed as she took her shower in the Nirvana's communal bath. As the water flowed over her form, she began to think to herself about what she should do now. In the meeting she had with Meia, she learned that she would fight alongside her, Dita, and Kyo when they in their Sky Strikers. Jura thought about what it meant to her that Kyo was part of the crew.

It wasn't that she planned on giving up on having him as the ohma of her children, she was no mood to give up the idea. And when she finished her bath, it was time to see if she could break down even further the wall of composure the Gundam pilot erected around himself. She giggled like a little girl at the prospect.

<I'm going to ENJOY this!> (**)

………………………

Kyo wondered what he should be doing, since it was still an hour and forty-five minutes before the operation would begin. That was when Barnette came up to him with Max in tow.

“Kyo, you've got a minute?”

“Yeah, what's it about?”

Barnette nodded as she began to explain. “Jura wanted to show you something in her room, she didn't tell me what she had in mind, but she said it's VERY important you go to her room.”

<I've got a SERIOUSLY bad feeling about this…> Kyo thought to himself as he thought about what was possibly going to happen. He thought it over and decided that he might as well get going.

“All right, call Jura and tell her I'm on my way.”

As Kyo walked towards the location of Jura's room, Barnette hoped that Jura's latest scheme would finally snare the Gundam pilot, she knew that he might resist, but considering ALL that Jura had in mind, that was very much up for debate, considering what she SAW…

Barnette immediately blushed bright red at what Jura had shown her. Max noticed it and wondered why Barnette's face was nearly colored like a…tomato? It also made her look more attractive to the Talark youth, but his curiosity over the whole situation won him over.

“What's making you blush Barnette?”

Barnette shook herself back to her senses and gazed at Max, suddenly more images flooded her mind…namely concerning her and the very same young man that was beside her. This made her wish she could just faint and forget everything…it was so…

“Umm…it was nothing…I was just thinking about what Jura showed me.”

“What exactly is it about?”

Barnette twiddled her fingers and she warred on whether she should tell Max or just lie. In a moment she decided to just explain as best she could. “You know about Jura's wish to have a baby with a man's seed?”

Max cocked his head back in thought and recalled how Jura would follow Kyo and ask him about the ancient methods of procreation between genders. Even if he was told by Kyo how it worked, and learning some ideas on the process from his brother, he still wondered just HOW it could be accomplished.

“Yes, you did tell me about that a while back. So what about it?”

“Jura's…well…found…found a record on HOW it was done.”

“Oh…really, did she show it to you?”

Barnette merely answered with a nod while she was trying not to nose-bleed when she thought about it.

“I've been doing some research about that process alongside my brother, and we've hit a snag since Kyo doesn't explain all the details involved. Since you've already seen it, can you bring that record so both of us can do research on it?”

*************

Dita's room…

Dita Liebely cheerfully got herself cleaned up in her own back as she got ready to eat her breakfast and cook for Kyo. After finding the object of her affections and seeing that he was all right she decided to do what she planned. It might take her a few minutes, but it would be well worth it. Seeing him smile was worth every moment and to be close to him was also becoming one of her treasured moments.

Besides, in just another hour and a half, she could meet up with Mr. Alien.

Meia's room…

Meia likewise got cleaned up and now put on her circlet, and gave a smile at a small picture of her and her ohma and fahma, even though she already made peace with what happened between her and her folks, she still wished that they were alive for her to talk to them about how much things have changed and how much she missed them. This was all thanks to her experiences and with Kyo who really did a lot for her.

In just another hour and a half they were going to be fighting side by side.

*************

Unknown to Dita, Meia, and the others who were interested in Kyo…A LOT can happen in an hour and thirty minutes!

*************

In Jura's room…

Kyo squirmed uncomfortably as he sat down on the mattress; he wondered why Jura had called him into her room during a time like this. But apparently the blonde was adamant that he would come to meet her, and like any normal man, (and I use the term…somewhat liberally) he couldn't say no to a very sexy woman, and Jura fit that description like a glove.

<What exactly is Jura wanting to talk to me about and what exactly is she going to show me anyway?> The Gundam pilot wondered as he looked about in Jura's room. The blonde had greeted him enthusiastically and he couldn't shake the feeling she was hiding something from him. Not that it was anything new, he then looked at Jura's room, and the place was very well stacked in the decoration department.

There were very colorful rugs and tapestries, along with some flower patterns and waves on some of the tapestries. There were even some flower arrangements in vases and soft curtains in soft but very eye-catching colors. The room was also filled with a scent that Kyo had some difficulty recognizing, but all in all, the room was very well lighted and reminded him of a show room he had seen on one of his journeys.

<I'll give this much, if Jura wasn't a pirate, she'd be a great interior designer back home on her world. Speaking of whom, where did she get to?>

That was when he noted there appeared to be a special audio/video player system, complete with a view-screen. Apparently whatever Jura wanted to show him was an audio/visual record. There seemed no harm in that…but why did he feel rather nervous and…somewhat acutely aware of the scents and sights around him?

“Thanks for coming Kyo.” Jura's voice came out from behind the door that was her changing room.

“No problem Jura, but we're in a….” Kyo was saying as he turned to face Jura, but the rest of the sentence, in fact every word in his mouth and every coherent thought in his brain just decided to leave him as he gazed at the blonde Dread pilot.

Jura was not wearing her normal dress which by itself made Kyo very aware of the blonde's luscious curves, swells and sexuality to a strong degree, but what she had on was enough make his hormones shoot up like rockets out of the firing tubes. She didn't have her sleep-wear on, but this came a good second.

Jura had on a two piece suit comprising of a tank-top style bra made of what appeared to be silk and was not very convincing as an article of clothing since it showed the upper parts of her breasts VERY well, and since the cloth was rather thin, he had no difficulty seeing her breasts in full, along with her nipples since she NEVER wore any bras in all the time he had known her. The rest of the blonde's body was in display as her form was not restricted by clothing…with the exception of her lower form.

The last article of clothing comprised of a long pants, but like the bra/tank top, they did very LITTLE in hiding Jura's modesty. They matched the color of the upper article of clothing. And like Jura's original choice of dress, the pants has slits that revealed her legs on the sides. The pants appeared to be secured on the side by easy to release lapels and rode very low so it revealed Jura's toned stomach all the way to her navel, and he had no problem seeing the patch of hair in the juncture of her legs. The blonde's hair was still in it's normal style and was like a halo of flowing gold strands behind her.

The only thing that would describe Jura Basil Elden at this point in time would be…HOT!!!

“I take it you like what you see Kyo?” Jura said in her most seductive tone as she smiled like a predator who had just cornered it's prey.

Kyo felt like he had melted wax for bones as he couldn't move or tear his eyes away from Jura.

<I'm dead….I'M SERIOUSLY DEAD!!!>

*************

The crew of the Nirvana were taking their meals in the cafeteria and were busy bleeding out the tension and relaxing so they would be a little bit prepared for the plan to begin. Dita, Meia, and the others in the Dread teams were busy getting their food and were now eating to get enough energy to pilot their new units. Many of them wished they could fly their Dreads on the planet's surface, but knew that was wishful thinking since the Dreads were never designed for atmospheric combat.

Meia and Dita were busy eating and were then joined by Aleck, Gascogne, Duero, Parfet, and Barnette. Max was still on his shift in the Medical Bay before he could get some food to eat.

“Are you piloting your Sky Striker on this mission Barnette?” Meia asked as she took her position as Dread leader seriously like before. She knew that Jura and the others had great promise as Dread pilots and Barnette was also a good prospect.

“No, I'm piloting the Gundam I was using before.”

“The SwitchBlade?” Meia heard of the Gundam Barnette had acquired and piloted before and was moderately surprised. She knew that Barnette had a dislike for men's machines, despite the fact that the SwitchBlade wasn't constructed by the men of Talark. She then recalled that Kyo at one time of their travels spoke the despite Barnette's dislike for Vanguards, Barnette actually had a latent talent for piloting Vanguards of general Mobile Suits. And it meant that out of the Dread pilots in her command, Barnette had the talent of pilot Vanguards.

“Yeah, I asked Kyo to put me in Team Blue under Max.”

“Really? Why is that?” Meia asked her comrade in the Dreads.

Barnette merely smiled back. “Let's just say that, this is something I want to do.” Meia didn't know what that meant so she spoke in her authoritative voice to the green-haired pilot.

“Could you be a little bit clearer on that?”

“I guess I just want to do it, and I like Max, he's a nice guy, he saved my life and…well…I'd like to get to know him more. So I can't just let him go out there alone now can I?” Barnette said as he ate her food and waited for Meia to ask anymore questions. But it appeared that she had none.

“You're getting very friendly with Mr. Doctor's brother aren't you Barnette!” Dita said cheerfully. “Maybe you really like him, just like I like Mr. Alien so much!” The redhead said with a smile.

Normally Barnette would have scoffed and be offended by the idea of her ever liking a man, but that was before, and this was now. She gave a laugh and nodded towards Dita.

“You might be right Dita, so just when are you going to make any new moves towards Kyo anyway?”

Dita blushed at that remark and twiddled her fingers as she thought of an answer. “I guess I wanted to cook him a good meal today, but he's so busy now with all the planning and preparations, I don't ever want to disturb him when he's so busy.”

“Don't worry Dita, I'm sure Kyo will be here soon, nothing's going to happen to him, he's here on the ship and I think he's fine.” Meia said to reassure her apprentice.

Barnette kept silent as she ate her scrambled eggs. <I hope so, Jura's scheme is really going to be something. I wonder if Kyo's all right?>

*************

Right now however, Kyo was ANYTHING but all right…

Jura's room…

Kyo wished he could leave the room, but somehow the thought of leaving the room wasn't in his mental faculties as Jura walked over to him. It was as if he was welded in place on the mattress as the blonde seductively walked to him.

“Jura…please…we…uh.”

Jura giggled at the sight of Kyo being totally dumb-founded. “What's the matter Kyo? Don't tell me you're frightened of me of all people.” She said seductively as she finally sat beside him and rubbed her hands on his face slowly and lovingly.

Kyo's moral side screamed at him like a sonic boom to get up, apologize, and leave the room, but his natural male side was also screaming at him in high pitch to just stay there and let whatever the blonde beauty had in mind to happen. The way Jura moved while she was beside him was making his body harden, along with a certain part of his male anatomy, which began to react to the blonde's seductive actions.

Jura smiled inwardly as she came closer and when she was in front of of Kyo she placed her body on him while making sure that she was able to unbutton Kyo's clothes partially. In the instant, Kyo, who was only dressed in his normal civilian clothes was now only having his under-shirt on.

“Jura…we can't just…do it…I'm begging you! Stop this…”

Jura merely smiled as she began to unbutton Kyo even further. “You know, for a man, you look so darn attractive when you get like this!”

“Really? Whoa! Hold it!” Kyo said as she began to use on hand to go under his shirt while the other began to head down south. He tried to move but that was out of the question since Jura was in front of him and his arms seemed to have been glued on the bed like welded steel bars. He tried even harder but the fact that Jura's breasts were on his chest and in full view for him made his limbs take on the consistency of gelatin.

“What…what about…B…Barnette?”

Jura looked at him and gave a sigh. “Come on Kyo, you should know already. Barnette's gotten an interest in Max since he saved her life. Just as I…have a deep interest in you.” She then gave a smile to him. “To be honest with you…we've…never…ever felt this way before…especially with a man. We talked about it…back in the city, and we decided to…explore these new feelings we have.”

“Feelings?”

“Yes, whenever I'm with you…I feel so…warm, safe, and whole. I've never felt them before, namely with a man, but they feel….even stronger…when I'm with you. It was confusing at first, but I wanted to know why I feel this way. These feelings started that day in Anpathos when you kissed me. And they grew even stronger when we were here, I have never forgotten those moments…namely when you kissed me.”

Kyo blushed deeply as he NEVER forgot those moments himself.

“Ever since then, I've tried to find more information about these relationships. I have a record I want to show you. Do you recall how much I wanted to know how men and women had children together?”

“Uh…yeah.” Kyo said nervously.

Jura gave him a seductive, mischievous smile as she moved aside and then took out a controller and activated the audio/video system in her room.

Kyo was confused for only a nano-second, but he quickly put two and two together and realized what Jura had been doing in the city. <Oh god! Please tell me she didn't…!>

“I just happen to have found a record of HOW they did it.”

(Sorry Kyo…but she did.)

*************

Flashback to last night in the Nirvana…

Jura busied herself as she ran through the items she had acquired in the building called Heaven's Gate. Ever since she had this plan to have a child with Kyo she had been searching every nook and cranny in the city. She decided to also gather what she could find in the city and came in contact with this place called Heaven's Gate. There she found a good number of records similar to that of the one they found during Christmas time.

She made sure that unlike the Christmas video, the ones she was going to view were not able to be broadcasted all over the ship. Having done all that she decided to watch the video she had selected, on the right were a selection of the same videos.

The blonde's eyes became the size of saucers (the flying kind) as she saw images of a man and a woman, doing a certain set of acts while being totally buck naked! Right now the man was going certain acts with the woman's breasts.

(Use your imagination on this one. This is NOT however, BDSM or any of that crud, I do NOT write that stuff. Period. We clear?)

Woman: Mmmm…that's it…ah….

Man: You feel so soft…and warm…

Woman: Yes…ah…more…mmm

Jura's eyes widened as the man kissed the woman fiercely and passionately and she began to go lower while kissing the woman's nude form until he was between the woman's legs… and then…

Woman: Ahhhh…harder…that's it…right there!

Man: You're hot down here… sweet and so wet…!

Jura listened intently as certain sounds came out. But that was also when…

Woman: Ahhh…I can't take it anymore! I want you NOW!

Man: Now?

Woman: Yes! I want you inside of me!

Jura couldn't help but gasp as she saw the man place his `tube' in alignment with the woman's most sacred place, and she watched transfixed as the two began to move in a certain way.

(No need for explanations here. I'll leave it up to you all to fill in the blanks.)

Woman: Ohh…you're so hard…I want more!

Man: Oh man! You're so wet and tight…you're incredible!

Woman: Ahh…this…this feels so good!

Man: Yes! You're so good!

A few minutes later…

Woman: I…I can't…hold it anymore! I'm…

Man: Me too!

Both participants suddenly screamed in full force. Jura felt like screaming too, but not in horror, as she felt VERY warm and wet, not to mention that she suddenly felt these deep urges in her guts. She watched as the two people relaxed in deep bliss and smiled at each other. She didn't have trouble picturing herself in the woman's place or Kyo in the man's place now.

<Ohhh…so THIS is how men and women had children! VERY interesting…wait is there more of this? I need to know more!>

Jura went on watching the rest of the video along with several others the rest of the night.

*************

End of Flashback…

<Oh my god she had to find THOSE types of videos!> Kyo said as he and Jura watched that very same video, and when it was over he felt Jura turn his head around to face her and he noted the very aroused look Jura was sending him.

“They looked VERY happy there…don't you think so Kyo?”

Kyo barely gulped as Jura came ever closer. Her hands were on his chest now that he was bare of his under-shirt. “So…I take it you know about…uh…sex between men and women now?”

“Yep, and now that I DO know…I think it's time.” Jura said as she began to reach behind her back with one hand.

“Please…Jura…don't…”

Jura shook her head and then without any hesitation she took off her top and exposed her upper form to Kyo, and before he could say anything she answered.

“I want this…I want you…and I want to have your child Kyo.” Jura knew she wanted this, she wanted to have a baby…Kyo's baby…and him most of all. Now that she said it…there was no way she would stop.

Kyo's last words were silenced as Jura silenced him with a kiss and the momentum sent both of them down to Jura's bed. In that moment Kyo's resolve to rein in his hormones was broken as he responded back to Jura's passionate kiss.

He reached behind her and held her in his embrace and his harder, more muscular form reveled in the warmth of her softer, more supple one. The feeling of her voluptuous breasts on his bare chest ignited Kyo's passions as he opened his mouth and both his tongue and Jura's began to move together, touching each other in such a way, that would have qualified as a natural sex act on it's own. Both moaned deeply as they felt each other and tasted each other as well.

Once a minute passed Jura got off Kyo as both saw a small trail of their mixed saliva join them as they broke their kiss. Kyo took this chance and switched places with the blond with him on top and her underneath. He then began to kiss her again, slowly and fervently, wasting no time in tasting her again. Once he was done he began to kiss Jura on the cheeks and went towards the smooth clear skin of her neck delicately nipping and kissing her smooth skin and tracing the outline of her collar-bones with his tongue, releasing more moans and giggles of pleasure from the blonde pilot.

Once he got lower he came into contact with Jura's chest and naturally her breasts. Kyo wondered what the heck he was going to do, and it took only a moment for him to come up with a suitable idea. He kissed first the space between them while massaging them carefully, hoping that he was doing it properly.

Jura moaned in approval as she felt Kyo's hands on her mounds and made it a sign as she ran her hands through his hair, once she encountered the cloth piece that held his hair, she began to remove it, allowing Kyo's hair to become free, which had grown longer since he had been with the crew. She was impressed when she found Kyo's hair to be soft, almost a total contrast to his hardened form, and like any woman she ran her finger through the locks, allowing them to flow through her fingers.

Kyo then went further in his desires since his hormones have finally managed to over-power his morals. He got up and began to lave attention to Jura's right breast and kissed the mound carefully, while nipping lightly at her smooth milky skin. His left still did it's part on her other breast, gently touching the nipple and carefully massaging it, applying just enough pressure not to cause pain. The last thing in Kyo's now lust fogged brain was to hurt the blonde woman beneath him. He then began to lave attention on the nipple, kissing it first and blowing carefully, making Jura squirm, he then took it into his mouth and laved it with his tongue, making the nub hard and very sensitive to his actions…Jura just replied with a moan that made Kyo thankful he was a man.

One thing bothered him though…

(Apparently, Kyo had forgotten that like any normal teenager back on Earth, he had been able to have a relationship, but it wasn't all that serious. Kyo didn't get to third base, if that's what you guys were thinking, so technically, Kyo's still a virgin…albeit a four hundred nineteen year old virgin.)

Once he was done he gave the same attention to Jura's other breast, making it just as sensitive, the blonde replied to his actions once he was done, as she brought him back to her and both kissed with greater fervor. Jura then took her own turn as she finally took off her pants by unbuttoning it at the side, now revealing herself to Kyo who looked at her in full arousal.

Jura took her turn and began to do the very same things Kyo did to her once she got him on his back. As much as she enjoyed the pleasure of Kyo's actions, she wanted to be fair to the man she cared for and hoped to be the new ohma for her children and give him the same pleasure. She started by kissing him deeply, savoring the taste of him, and then smiled as they both moaned. She began to kiss Kyo's cheeks and then descended on his neck, doing what he did for her, she did it just as carefully, making Kyo groan. Jura had to admit that Kyo looked very happy and his pleasured expression made her feel even more as if she had butterflies in her stomach…who knew that a man aroused would be so handsome?

She finally reached his chest traced kisses on his collar-bones, and then reached his pectoral muscles. She then kissed him carefully admiring the quivers Kyo would have as she began to lave the same attention he had given her breasts with both her lips and tongue, to say that Jura wasn't sexually experienced was a lie, but she knew that this was an absolute first! Imagine, a woman of Megele, becoming this intimate to a man? Back then, the mere thought of it would have been an abomination, but she never realized how…arousing it was. She sensed how Kyo would moan her name and it made her even more aroused.

<Was this what women in the past did with men?> She put those thoughts aside as she went on with her treatment, but took it further as she began to descend lower…

Unfortunately…the action had to be cut short…

As Kyo looked at Jura, his mind suddenly conjured images of the other girls, Dita, Meia, Sara, Mai, and Misty. He knew that what he was doing was like betraying their trust and feelings for him, and this would also strain the comradeship these girls had with Jura. Plus it would become a real mess when they heard of it… But this also meant that he would hurt Jura's feelings as well if he denied her this, he was no fool and knew that considering the situation, Jura wanted to have his child and she wanted him…but there was way too much at stake…and the situation they were in…

Kyo sat up and then held Jura by the arms…halting the blonde from her actions. He immediately regretted that as Jura's happy, pleasured look was replaced with shock and sadness.

Jura didn't understand it…What did she do wrong?

“Kyo? Did I do something bad? Please tell me, I'll try and do better!” Jura wanted to know what she did wrong, she thought Kyo would want this! He certainly did when she was doing it to him. So where did she go wrong?

“You…you didn't do anything wrong.”

“Then why did you stop me? I thought you…”

“Liked it?”

“Yes. You were…”

“I know…believe me I more than liked it…but we can't…”

Jura couldn't help but feel sad and somewhat angry at Kyo and she was about to yell at him, but instead she began to cry, thinking that Kyo must hate her for trying to seduce him at a time like this….but she couldn't resist…

She felt Kyo's hands embrace her gently and he began to rub her back with his fingers, the feeling of his hands on her back making calming motions made Jura relax the slump on her shoulders, and she was able to suppress the sob that threatened to break.

“I don't hate you Jura…in fact I liked what you did, though it was a little stronger than I expected, but I should have, coming from someone as…ah…serious as you. But you know that we're not exactly able to so this. Please, I…I need time for all this.”

“But…”

Jura couldn't say anything as Kyo kissed her once more, but there was no ferocity in the kiss, not like the lust-filled ones they had. But that didn't mean it had no effect on the blonde. The kiss had still the same passion but it was cool, soothing, almost calming, this made the blonde sigh and wish they could do that dance of tongues in their mouths once more, but she decided to savor this one instead of complain.

As they broke their contact, Kyo looked at Jura deeply and spoke carefully. “I don't want to hurt you…but I don't think we should…be doing this right now. Please let me have some time…for both our sakes, please?”

Jura wanted to know what Kyo meant by this, but the tone Kyo had made her wonder. He sounded as if he was pleading with her to give him time. Though she felt hurt and somewhat angry being denied yet again by Kyo, she wanted Kyo to be willing to have a child with her, and if he gave the same feelings she had for him back to her…then she guessed it would be all right.

“All right, but don't keep dodging me.”

Kyo got out of the bed and got back on his under-shirt, but as he got ready to leave, Jura reached him and turned him around and embraced him. Just like before Kyo felt the warmth from Jura's supple form, and then he turned to face the blonde, she kissed him as they broke away.

Jura wanted to move further, but she knew that she was needed to fight to ensure their escape. There would be more time to try again later. But her feelings were growing, more to the point that she felt this one emotion when she thought of Kyo.

Looks like she'd need to think about all this.

*************

As Kyo walked back to where he needed to be, he had to deal with another conflict…between his morals and his hormones.

<You MORON! WHY IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT'S NORMAL DID YOU WALK AWAY?!> The voice that he heard back in the city shouted at him in full force.

<What?! Right thing my gut! You chickened out, you loser!!!>

<But…aw hell, never mind!?> the voice went silent, allowing Kyo some piece, though he knew that he would never be free of his mind's voice for his male hormones, just his bloody luck that he had to deal with his hormonal urges in this fashion.

Kyo sighed as he stopped in the Bio-park and looked at the environment…once more at war with what he would be doing. His emotions were is a state of a mess, but as he thought about it, he knew that he would one day have to face this situation eventually, at least for the time being he could calm himself.

He then heard a voice call out to him.

“Hello Kyo.”

Kyo sighed as he knew who's voice that was. He took a deep breath and turned to face his latest companion.

“Hello…Meia?”

Kyo's eyes opened wide as he gazed at the Dread pilot, apparently she had not donned on her normal flight suit and was dressed in something else.

Meia didn't know why she decided to change her ward-robe but she wanted to try it out and see what Kyo would think. As Kyo looked at her, her mind wandered back to what prompted her to make this move on Kyo.

Flashback…

As Meia moved to clean up herself in the shower, her mind wandered back to the incident that took place in the communal bath all those weeks ago. She then wondered about what her standing was with Kyo.

In times while they were on the surface of this planet, she had been able to have time to speak with the Gundam pilot, as much as she wanted those times to be more open, they both had so many duties and responsibilities that time for a…normal conversation was not available. She also wondered why he wasn't noticing her of late. Not that there was any offense on Kyo's part…but ever since they had been able to reunite with the others, the Gundam pilot seemed to be doing his level best to keep others at an arm's length from him.

She didn't know why, but his lack of time for her seemed to gnaw at her temper, and she couldn't help but…feel angry…and though she hated to admit it…jealous of her two comrades Jura and Dita, as they had been with Kyo the longest since they had been on this mission. Even Sara, Mai, and Misty would try and get Kyo to pay attention to them and they seem to be succeeding. Wasn't she as attractive as they were? Didn't he like her? Wasn't she as important as they were to him?

<What am I thinking?!> Meia asked herself as she calmed down while the water flowed over her. Of course Kyo cared about her, he had risked his life in more battles than she could recall for their safety and survival and hers. There was no doubt in her mind that he did care about her, they bared their souls to each other on many occasions. Long before she ever met the young man, the mere thought of her sharing her scarred past to anybody's ears was repugnant to her, but Kyo was the one she barred her past to and she felt so much in him what made her heart race.

She then thought back on the occasions Kyo would be relaxed, when he would laugh, smile…most of the time when they were together, he was all business, allowing humor to come it to lighten the mood. She had seem him when his anger took control, and when he would be just…be himself. But there were times they would just be talking and she sometimes wondered why Kyo would stare at her on occasion. But there was no offense, almost as if he was admiring her, and although she wouldn't admit it…she liked staring at him…

As Meia got out of the shower and wrapped her nude form with a towel and dried her blue hair with another, she wondered how she could be able to talk to Kyo more. Despite the situation, she did want to have some time alone with Kyo, though how she was going to get that time in the Nirvana was beyond her. But she wanted to at least have some time for herself with Kyo no matter how long or short.

Once she put on her normal flight-suit she began wondering what she could do to make Kyo more relaxed to talk to her more openly. There were still secrets Kyo had in himself, and she hoped to learn all she could about him and what made him so important in her life. The first thing was to look less official and more personal. She always wore the flight-suit to show that she was serious, and Kyo had no problems with her choice. But to her, if she wanted to let Kyo open up to her…she would have to change her look. She looked at herself in the room's mirror, and noted that she still needed to change since she looked more a soldier than a woman.

<Maybe…maybe if I didn't look so serious all the time, I might…get him to open up to me more.>

As she made her way to her room, and learned that there was still time she decided to see what she could wear. She had a considerable amount of spare clothes, but since she had dedicated herself to leading the Dread Squadrons for the pirates since joining up, she had kept the clothes in special containers and didn't bother to use them. But for now she felt that it was time to try something on.

She tried to convince herself that by doing this, she could improve the crew's understanding, morale and make the alliance even stronger so as to defeat the Harvesters. But a part of her called her a liar for those reasons, despite all of that, she was ready to try it out.

After a few minutes of searching, she found something she could try, and as she took off her uniform, she hoped that she was not making a mistake.

End of Flashback…

<Wow…>

Kyo said to himself as he gazed at the vision before him, no way could that woman be Meia…could it?

Meia had shed her uniform and was wearing a blue silk blouse with no sleeves and had a collar, the dress revealed Meia's long smooth skinned, slightly muscled arms and the straps revealed her shoulders. The dress's upper portion revealed a modest amount of cleavage while the rest hugging Meia's breasts, making the Gundam pilot nervously aware of the young woman's own `assets', while the rest of it hugged Meia's athletic figure, revealing her own level of innocent sexuality and beauty. The dress's loose skirt reached to the middle of her knees, and showed the toned calves of the Dread leader, muscled yes, but flawless and smooth skinned. On her feet were low heeled shoes that had straps and looked to be very comfortable.

As he looked up back to Meia's face…Kyo noticed right away that Meia had taken off her circlet, showing a perfectly smooth oval face and since the jewel wasn't there, he was able to admire the features of Meia Gisborn. He noticed that her blue-green eyes were shinning and that was when he noted the pink tint on her cheeks.

That made him realize that he was staring very intently at her and no doubt was making her rather nervous. But who could blame him? Even in her pilot uniform, and even when she was all business, Meia was a very attractive woman in is eyes. But to see her in a dress and not looking like a fellow pilot…

<She's…beautiful.> Kyo said to himself, while making sure he didn't do something totally stupid, like drool.

Meia felt like her heart was beating like a drum in a festival in Megele. The way Kyo was looking at her…made her feel nervous but ecstatic at the same time. She thought that since she was considered just pretty back on Megele and wasn't as physically well formed as some of her other comrades, namely Jura, she wouldn't be as attractive to Kyo as the blonde was, but from the way he gazed at her… she saw that he admired her.

Gathering her courage, she decided to twirl a bit to show her full form to him, as she finished she faced Kyo and spoke to him.

“Do you like it Kyo?”

Kyo immediately shook his head to get his mental functions back in working order. Once he got control of his mind and his voice box…

“You look…you look very beautiful Meia.” He said as it was the honest truth.

The blush Meia managed to contain blossomed until her cheeks were as red as a tomato. “It's…something I had for a long time. I wanted to show this to you…I…hope you like it.”

Kyo nodded dumbly as he couldn't tear his eyes away as Meia came ever closer.

*************

Later…

Kyo shook his head as he walked back to the cafeteria. Just what was he going to do about his girl situation? He had been able to evade Jura's nearly successful attempt on getting his seed, though just barely, and now he had to deal with Meia's actions, he didn't mean to hate it, it just made things even more complicated in the relationship department for him. He then thought back at what had happened a few minutes before.

Flashback…

Both he and Meia sat on a bench while they gazed at the Bio-Park. Meia seemed to be at a loss for words while he was also trying not to act like a pervert by lewdly staring at her. Though he was far from innocent since he HAD already SEEN Meia in the nude…

<Damn! Best not to think that right now!!> Kyo said as he halted the surging images of the nude form of Meia from occupying his mind while gazing at her.

“Kyo…can I talk to you about something?”

Kyo nodded while waiting and making sure he didn't stare even more.

“What about?”

“About you.” Meia said and then tried to continue. “I mean…I don't…well, know that much about you. I just want to know about you more.” Meia said as she gazed at Kyo taking in also his features.

“All right.”

The time they had was not as long as possible, but Kyo decided to tell Meia as much about himself as he could, and she asked him a great deal about his likes and dislikes, further making Kyo wonder if he had been on a date with the normally calm and focused Dread pilot. It was only when she asked him about parts of his past that he was a little bit cautious, since he had been able to recall more of his past bit by bit for the last few days.

“Do you remember anything from your…childhood?”

Kyo took a little time to think and replied. “I recall…the beach…I guess it meant I lived on a house near the ocean. I recall playing in the waves and picking up sea-shells.” He had a smile on his face, since the memory was very calming, even if his whole vision of it was still hazy. He recalled the pristine blue color of the water, and the warmth of the sands…though he couldn't recall where he was, but it felt like he knew where.

Meia looked at the serene look on Kyo's face as he took in the slowly emerging memory, he seemed almost at peace with the image in his mind. “Do you recall anything else?”

Kyo's look became focused as he tried to recall other memories. “I recall…going to school when I was a kid…I think I was…twelve at the time.” Kyo thought about that image a bit more. “I don't really know where the school was…but I was close to home then. Sorry, I can't recall anything else.”

“It's all right.”

The two talked a little bit more, trading tidbits here and there, but both knew that as time passed, they had to get back to their duties as the leaders of their respective teams. Meia however decided to ask her last question, one of the ones she had tried to keep out of her mouth due to thinking that she wouldn't get a very favorable response since she didn't Know Kyo's mind all that much.

“Kyo…I want to ask you…what do you think of me?”

Kyo looked at Meia curiously. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…uh, I just want to know what you think of me, I hope that's all right?” Meia said as she tried not to think about what she was asking. But a naughty voice in her head told her that she was thinking about it very much, even to the point of…well, being physically attracted to the Gundam pilot. And for that same reason, that part of her mind began to indulge itself on the possibility.

End of Flashback…

Kyo answered that she was an attractive woman and a great leader. This made Meia smile more and blush a bit harder. And he said that she was a very close friend to him. Although she seemed slightly saddened, she seemed to take it in stride, and he could have sworn that she smiled a bit more at him, if he read that expression right she seemed to be willing to take this…relationship she had with him to the next level. That couldn't be right…could it? He and Meia were comrades…sure they didn't click as friends right away, but they became friends over-time, but that didn't mean Meia was interested in becoming more than friends with him…did it?

<Who the heck am I trying to fool anyway?!> Kyo said as he had seen the same looks in many of the girls. Misty was getting a load more amorous, Sara was getting bolder…relatively speaking, Dita was getting more and more eager to be closer to him, Mai was making her own moves, Jura…well no doubts on Jura's intentions, and now Meia was apparently planning to be closer to him. His hormones immediately began playing with his head, sending images of the said girls doing separate but VERY intimate acts with him, namely with Jura up front, Meia next, Dita not far behind…. Kyo shook his head to get that train of ideas out of his imagination as he decided that at the very least he should get something to eat, maybe getting some nourishment would get his mind back into order. Besides, he hadn't eaten yet…

“MR. ALIEN!”

Kyo gave a mental groan as he looked to his right, and sure enough, there was Dita Liebely, with her usual smile, and apparently had some packed food in her hands. The perky redhead rushed up to the object of her affections, once she reached him, she stopped and greeted Kyo.

“Hi, I didn't see you in the cafeteria all day, so I thought you forgot to eat, have you eaten already Mr. Alien?”

Kyo smiled a bit in greeting, but before he could say anything, his stomach gave a rather interesting audio cue, that told both him and the Megele girl that it was beyond time for him to eat already. He blushed and became a little embarrassed from his basic hunger issues.

Dita however smiled and presented a box of food to Kyo. “I knew it! I was so lucky to have brought you some food from the kitchen, you can have them, I made some extra in this box too.”

Kyo accepted the food and gave Dita his thanks, he was happy that for once, Dita's constant searching for him wasn't going to result in her glomping onto him.

Later…

As Kyo ate his meal, Dita watched him since they still had some time left before the final planning session. She was happy to finally be alone with Mr. Alien, though she knew that they all still had to fight the bad aliens before she could really enjoy Kyo's company. She had always looked up to Mr. Alien, since they had met, she wanted to know more about men, but now she only wanted to know more about the man who was in front of her. From merely being curious about men, Dita felt something that connected her to Kyo that even she didn't know was possible. She began to blush a bit as she gazed at him, and as usual Kyo noted the stare and stared back. (Pardon the pun.)

“What's wrong?”

Dita noted and shook her head. “Nothing, it's just…it's just nice that we can talk, although there's not much time left Mr. Alien.”

<Just when am I ever going to hear my name from Dita anyway?> Kyo thought as he smiled back at Dita. “So what do you want to talk about?”

“What else can you tell me about you Mr. Alien?” Dita asked as she gazed at him.

Kyo thought about it and decided that since he had already revealed a great deal to others about himself, what difference would it make if he talked more to Dita? He decided to talk about some of his other travels, namely with other worlds inhabited by humans. He talked about some of the training he had received from the planet of Hyrian 4, the locals insisted that he pick up some their own moves and he accepted. Plus he also spoke about the worlds of the Taisia Planetary Alliance system, there he was able to get the coordinates which told him the paths of other colonial vessels, and naturally…lead him to Talark and Megele's system area.

Kyo nodded with a smile as he recalled his choosing of the location of Talark and Megele. “I went to Talark just to get more data, get more supplies, and move on as usual. If I knew I'd be in this situation right now, I didn't know what would have happened if I went somewhere else. And I don't think I would have wanted to either.”

“Why?”

“Well…ever since the day we all got sling-shot to the other side of the galaxy, I thought that all I had to do was just help out and when this was all over, I'd move on as I always did. But I always felt…empty before, just moving from planet to planet, fighting into and out of battles, sure there were very important battles I fought in, but I guess they didn't always click with me. But here on the Nirvana…things changed for me. Sure there were times that things either made no sense or really got under my skin. But there were also times that made me feel like the luckiest man in the whole universe to be here.”

Dita blushed a bit as she heard those words. “Was I…was I there on those times?” She asked slowly.

Kyo gave a gentle smile to the redhead. “Yes.”

Dita felt her heart beat faster and she clasped her hands on her chest in an effort to calm herself. But she failed and allowed her happiness to burst out like she normally did and glomped onto Kyo with all her might. She however just hugged Kyo and then whispered in his ear.

“Thank you.”

Dita's close proximity to his body quickly reminded Kyo about his still uncontrollable hormones and the last thing on his mind was to let his male instincts take over again. Being with Meia in such a dress and in such a very personal situation right after nearly having sex with Jura was somewhat straining his nerves, now having the lithe and no doubt very attractive redhead glomp onto him began to get his instincts back on track.

Kyo managed however to keep his thoughts to himself as he gently pried Dita from him. He checked the timer and realized that he had only twenty minutes left before the operation went underway.

Dita also knew it too, and although she wanted to just be close to Kyo she had to help and defeat all the bad aliens. She got up and gave Kyo a quick kiss on the cheek and went on her way, while still blushing a bit, as she realized she had kissed her object of affections.

Kyo looked at Dita's retreating form and remembered how depressed he felt when his hormones egged him on about having sex with either the redhead girl of the others that were beginning to filter their way into his fantasies. He was a guy after all and it took all of his mental and emotional discipline to curb those fantasies when they came onto him. The last thing the crew needed was a horny Gundam pilot!

He quickly slapped himself mentally, and sighed, as much as this situation with the girls was really beginning to eat away at him, he also knew that it was a load better than not having it at all. He smirked as he recalled all the good times he had been in with the women in question, and knew that despite the head-aches at times, he wouldn't trade those times for anything else in the galaxy.

*************

In the Hanger of the Harvest Mother-ship…

The sample of Kyo's blood was now being set into special cryo-suspension to ensure it's safety while it would be escorted back to the home-world. However the shuttle that transported it would not be powerful enough to reach the planet Earth. So they needed a new and far more efficient transport system.

The ship that was in the Hanger looked like a sleek fighter-transport similar to an old style SR-71 Black-Bird but looked far sleeker…and deadlier than the original. It bristled with a few defensive weapons buy it's primary function was rapid transport.

It's escorts were modified Cube Fighters, which were made to move faster, be more maneuverable, and have better armor. The Harvesters realized after the transformation of the Freedom Gundam to it's current form, was that in order to maintain a strong edge with the Nirvana's pirate forces, they also had to make changes. The Cube Fighters were sleeker than before, and were better armored, without losing the need to be fast and responsive. The Seed Ships were also updated to move faster than before and were better armored to have a stronger survival rate.

As the small fleet began to launch, the rest of the fleet were now minutes from getting into position.

*************

The activity in the Nirvana reached an all time high now. Vanguards were being stationed by Aleck in his GUiAZ unit as they were to form as perimeter defense for the Nirvana, while the other Vanguard pilots were now in the simulator units, all of which were now hacked into piloting the numbers of the converted Ogres and Desert Fangs that Kyo was able to control using that virus/OS he and the others had made. The trick was very simple, when the Vanguard trainees were using one Desert Fang or an Ogre, the other units would be piloted by normal AI systems, acting as attack and support units. Should the pilot lose the unit she was using, then she could switch to another unit that she could control, allowing her to take command of the unit instantly, overriding the AI systems and going to manual mode, this also applied with the Sky Strikers and the Dread pilots who would be using the Dread training simulators to pilot their own forces. The transmitter installed by Parfet and the Engineering crew in all the units, including the Sky Strikers had been designed to work in the EM fields and allow for a closer and more effective use of all the units.

Kyo nodded as the last of the combat rosters were now assigned while he checked them in his data-pad. As he got into his uniform, he began to run the combat scenarios in his mind, and also decided that if the new Dominions had newer weapons in their inventory, then he would have to change the combat tactics of the Crusader Squadron once he got the chance, plus both he and Meia will need new maneuvers and tactics for her Dread teams. Plus he decided to at least disable one Dominion Gundam in order to learn exactly WHAT made the Earth Gundams tick, since it was time to train his Vanguard pilots and the Dread pilots…on how to kill a Gundam.

As he walked towards the Hanger he spotted Bart making his way into the Bridge. He decided to talk to the bald navigator and see how he was taking the situation, plus he DID owe Bart something anyway.

“Hey Bart!”

The former blonde haired navigator heard his name and ran to Kyo. “Hey Kyo! I want to wish you luck on the mission, don't worry about the ship and the others, I'll do my best to protect them!”

Kyo nodded. “I know you will, but before you go, I want to say thanks.”

This puzzled Bart as he looked back at Kyo, he was surprised that the formidable Gundam pilot was thanking him. “Thanks for what?”

“For suggesting that alliance all those months ago. You really made the right choice when you told Magno that we'd be better off working as a team than being at odds.”

“It was nothing. To tell you…” Bart gave a slump in his shoulders to emphasis something. “To tell you the truth, I only did it to try and save my skin and Duero's. I thought that after that fight we'd be on our own, or worse. I guess I never realized that idea I did to save my own cowardly hide would now be the only thing that keeps our worlds from being turned into grave-yards and all our people into parts.”

“Yeah, I know, and you did the right thing. Now the reason I want to thank is not just that.”

“Oh?”

“You know, long before I ever came to Talark, I was pretty much just wandering around the cosmos, finding where I belonged, and trying to survive, basically I had no where else to go. I didn't have any idea what I would or should be doing, and even if I helped a lot people in my travels, I still didn't have much to go on, no direction and maybe…no future. But that changed when I got to your world, and snuck into the Ikazuchi and got sent to where we are now, and when you proposed to the Captain we men and women work together, I guess I found something that made me change my mind and focus all my skills on. In time I found something to do that was worthwhile, I have a place to call home, people to call family and friends, and maybe…I can find my past and start a whole new chapter in my life.”

Kyo then shook Bart's hand and gave the Talark youth a firm grip on the hand with an expression of gratitude. “I thank you Bart, and I can say this for a fact, you will be a great man one day. And I'll be very proud to call you a friend, so no matter what people may say about you, and no matter what will happen, you're a man any, and I mean any, father would be proud to call his son.”

Bart felt honored with such praise coming from a guy like Kyo. He was rather jealous of Kyo in the past, with all of Kyo's skills, experience, abilities, and reputation, but he learned that he was a good man and a great friend. And to hear praise like that coming from him made him proud to have met him. He gave back the same firm grip as he had been getting stronger since he began the journey.

“Don't worry, I won't disappoint you! I'm going to show the Harvesters what kind of a man Bart Garsus of Talark is made off! Good Luck Kyo and give those Harvesters a real thrashing!”

“Don't worry, when I'm done, they won't know what hit them!”

Both men gave the acknowledgment of warriors with a good old fashion shout of combat readiness, and Bart the coward was no more and out came Bart the warrior. Both men knew that now was the time. Bart ran to begin full prep of the Nirvana's weaponry, and Kyo now on the move to rally his teams and fulfill a mission.

*************

Barnette got into her pilot uniform and grabbed her helmet. Parfet had a spare uniform modeled after Kyo's survival/combat/utility pilot uniform, and although she didn't quite like the some of the lack of aesthetics, she was content that it gave adequate protection for her. She thought about a lot of things as she made her way to the Hanger, one of which was her conversation with Kyo nearly a week before. She thought about it and what her decision would mean for her. She realized there was plenty of time for her to make her move and learn more about men, namely Max. And that was when she decided to tell Kyo something of great importance.

As she walked back to the Hanger and saw Duero getting into his own uniform and Max was beside his elder sibling also suiting up…she knew that she had even greater reason to tell Kyo what she had decided to do once they got back home.

Once she was able to get Kyo to see her, she called his attention. “Kyo, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Kyo turned and faced Barnette. “Yeah, what's it about?”

“Do you recall that conversation we had with the others before we came here?”

Kyo thought back on the previous conversations and recalled the one they had about warning the worlds of both Megele and Talark. “Yeah I do.”

“Do you recall what I said when you talked about making the move to convince men and women to work together and when you asked me if one of the crew would speak to my home-world about joining forces with the men?”

Flashback…

Kyo: “The reason that it got to this point is that foolish argument that happened over one hundred years ago. I'm not all that sure about the history of Megele and Talark, but if at some point, both sides should have made up and dropped their pride, the new generations that would precede them wouldn't be in this kind of a mess. They are now stuck in the belief that their side is right, they won't even try to find the truth that there is more out there than what they see and believe. Both don't even try to make some form of communication with each other, that they forgot that they are both parts of the human race. Now they are willing to institute extreme measures to win a war that is totally useless, all on the basis of gender. Somebody HAS to stop it and try to bring them together so there's a chance for peace between genders.”

Barnette: “Kyo, I know that it's the truth, but you can't expect both sides to just kiss and make up. We were able to do that on the Nirvana, only because we were out here and on our own, and we had to do it to survive. What you're asking the people of my home, Dita, Jura's and all those in the Nirvana to just drop everything and start from scratch! It's not that simple, you know that don't you? I don't think the men in Talark or their government would agree to that idea either!”

Kyo: “I can't argue with that Barnette, and you are right, I know that me asking an entire civilization to change their way of thinking is near to impossible. But we HAVE to try, we need to break this wall between your world and that of Duero, Bart, Max, and Aleck. If we don't, then who will stand against the Harvesters when they strike? You know it yourself that when men and women work together, then nothing in this world is not impossible.”

Barnette: “I know that, and I really do. But I doubt you, Duero, Max, Bart, or Aleck can just go to Megele and present that idea. Knowing my planet's military methods they'd kill you or any of these men before any of you can set even one hair on Megele.”

Kyo: “And if the person, that presented the idea of men and women working together on Megele WASN'T a man, what then?”

Kyo: “What if the one who would present the idea was one of the crew on the Nirvana, what then?”

Barnette: “You're nuts! We happen to be pirates, and we're not even liked on our own planet. They'd throw us in jail than even listen to us. And that's just in the pretext that we're renegades from their life-style. The woman who even tries to suggest that men and women should work together is more than crazy, she's practically going to the execution block like a lamb to the slaughter!!”

Barnette: “I'm not going to start another mess or mutiny Jura. I just want to say that it's not going to be that simple. Things aren't that simple anymore. Kyo, I'm already trying to tolerate you men on the Nirvana, and you all did many things that deserve credit, and you and I are already no longer enemies. But to ask one of my crew-mates to risk her life in Megele to try and teach them something that they will consider heresy the very second they hear of it is indeed suicidal. I just don't like the idea, the whole thing started out as necessity and it became important in the Nirvana, but only on the Nirvana, as it's NOT going to be easy to teach on Megele or in Talark for that matter, and that's that.”

End of Flashback…

“I do, and don't worry about that, maybe we can find a way to convince the men on Talark and the women on your world to come to terms with the situation without having anybody harmed.”

Barnette shook her head, her decision was already made. “There will be someone from the crew who can do that.”

Kyo was curious at first, but when he got the ulterior meaning of what Barnette was saying, he was shocked into silence. In a moment he began to speak.

“Are you saying what I think you're saying?”

Barnette merely nodded.

“No way, are you absolutely sure you want to do that?”

“Yes, you were right about the need for someone of the crew to speak to the leaders or even to Grandma for the need to have an alliance with the men. And I'm ready to do that.”

“Even if it means…?”

“I'll be considered a traitor on my own world, exiled and spat upon, and be hunted on sight?” Barnette asked as she cradled her helmet. “Then the answer is yes. I'm not going to deny anymore how important it is for all humanity to stand united against the Harvesters. I want this to work, ever since my days here on this world, I've come to understand and support the need for men and women to work together. I nearly died if it hadn't been for Max, Duero, and Aleck, men I had been born to despise and hate since I was a little girl. But I'm not a little girl anymore, and I want this to work. And maybe…just maybe, it can be something more.” She said as they both saw the two brothers walking towards them, Duero was speaking to Parfet who apparently found them while Barnette was speaking to Kyo.

Barnette saw the trust and growing affection between Duero and Parfet, despite the fact that Duero wasn't still used to such. But she saw how much Parfet was getting closer to Duero. Her gaze went to Max, the man that changed her life and views of men, and when he gazed back at her, she couldn't help but feel her cheeks heat at his gaze.

Kyo could see it and couldn't help but smile. “I guess if you really want to do this, then I wish you the best. But for now, both you and Max had better survive this battle, so you can do what you can to help save your respective worlds.”

Barnette nodded with thanks and joined Duero, Max, and Parfet as the four of them made their way to the Hanger where the Templar, Morpheous, and the SwitchBlade Gundams were being stored.

As they arrived, Duero said his farewells to Parfet and promising the head engineer to return back safe while Max and Barnette said their own farewells and promising each other to return safely back to the ship. Kyo looked at them and gave his own prayer for everyone to make it back home safely, his thoughts went to all the people on the Nirvana…Jura, with all her beauty and now growing affections, Dita, with her innocent nature and charming smile, Meia with her calmness and inner strength, Gascogne, who was like a sister to him, Paiway, who was like a baby sister to him, and to all who have become facets of his life.

Once he was done, he climbed the ramp and took the cable to his Gundam's cockpit. While there he decided to at least speak to all the people involved.

The Nirvana…

“Captain, we have a call coming from Kyo.” Belvedere said to Magno as the crew got ready.

Magno accepted the call and in the view-screen appeared the Gundam pilot. “What is it Kyo?”

“Permission to speak to the crew, Captain?”

Magno nodded as Kyo looked as if he had some words to say. “BC, tell the crew that Kyo wants to have a word with all of them.”

Buzam nodded and called the attention of all the crew as they listened to Kyo.

(This will be a long speech, but I hope you readers can take it…Here it goes.)

Kyo took in a deep breath to calm his nerves, and began to speak to the crew as they all were ready.

“I want to say that we all started this whole journey with a lot of differences. I was just a guy drifting with not much of a place to call my home, nobody I knew was waiting for me, and I had no reason to fight with all that I was. I fought to survive only, no real reason, except finding anything that can tell me where I was from.”

“You also had your own reasons, reasons why you all chose to be pirates, and why you live your lives the way you do. Bart, Duero, Max, and Aleck have their own reasons to become soldiers of their world. They made their own choices, though some were forced to them by circumstances and chance. But despite all that we all have our own reasons and direction.”

The crew listened attentively as this was the first time Kyo would give a speech, apart from the one he gave when he had died the first time.

“For all of you ladies, you were always taught that men were the enemy, that we were inferior and not equal to women. Even when you became pirates, those were your beliefs for most of your lives, and that guided you all this way, until you attacked the Ikazuchi.”

The women were silent as they listened, recalling the event that brought them all to this point, and to meet men for the first time and how hard it was let go of those teachings. The Dread pilots stood near the simulators, just like the girls in Kyo's Crusader Squadron.

“For you guys from Talark, you were taught for all of your lives that women were monsters, creatures who know no pity or mercy and deserved neither. You have never met women, but the hatred that was ingrained into you always spoke that. Until you were on the Ikazuchi and when the women attacked it.”

Duero, Max, Aleck, and Bart listened as they also recalled the classes they were in about women and why they were the enemy. They recalled all their separate experiences before and since.

“I only came to Talark to get supplies and move on with me own search. I had no desire to join the war between your worlds and ideals. Since I had been fighting for so long, and for many reasons, I thought nothing different with the war between your sides. That was the way I saw things…until I snuck on the Ikazuchi.”

Kyo stopped as he recalled that event. Then when he was done reminiscing, he continued to speak

“None of us knew that this would bring us all together, whether we wanted it or not. We found ourselves together, stuck on the other side of the galaxy, trying to go back home, and trying to get along, while dealing with the Harvesters attacking us every chance they could get. Our different ideals and perceptions always clashed, and even when we agreed to work together to get home, we still had so much doubts and suspicions. I won't say what changed it since we all knew what happened.”

The crew recalled what it took for them all to look past their planet's teachings, and even if was already many months ago, it still brought them some shame to recall.

“But now we learned that they want to destroy all human life because they say we have no right to deny them their own right to exist. We now fight not just to get back home, but to fight for the very future that the Harvesters wish to take from us, now we are fighting as a team. And we have to, since the Harvesters think that we no longer have the right to make our own destiny. We all started as different people with different ideals, and what was once an alliance of convenience is now the only thing standing between the survival of all humanity and it's extinction. Now we are allies ready to defend all that we care about and we are a living example of the power of men and women working together as humans, and that is worth fighting for.”

They all recalled what they learned from each other, and how much they had gained and how far they all had gone together. The thought of returning to how they treated each other was no longer something they wanted.

“I want to say that it has been an honor for all of us fighting side by side, and I thank you all since you have become very close to me. I am ready to fight beside all of you, until the very end, and I will never stop until we win this war. Thank you and good luck to you all on this mission.”

Kyo said as he signed off, but as he got on his helmet's visor, he began receiving many messages and communiqués from nearly all members of the crew, all of them saying thank you. In that moment all the girls who were chasing him came into his display monitor and replied.

“Thank you Kyo and good luck!”

With the exception of Dita who said. “Thank you and good luck Mr. Alien!”

All the crew were listening in on that one and all had a sweat-drop on the side of their heads.

(I think I can still fix the speech, but tell me what you think about it when you all get the chance.)

Kyo merely smiled back as the crew got ready…

Barnette completed her systems checks and locked in her visor, while saying good luck with a smile to Max, who did the same as he placed in his own visor.

Duero nodded and promised Parfet he'd return as he spoke to the chief engineer as he locked in his visor.

The girls under Aleck's command wished each other well, while Aleck spoke to Gascogne promising another game of cards when this mission was over.

Bart made a promise to the crew and to both Ezra and Lacus that eh would get them all to safety as he warmed up the Nirvana.

Out of the Nirvana came the numbers of Ogres, Desert Fangs, Sky Strikers, and Vanguards. The whole might of the pirates was unleashed, and in the lead were none other than the Gundams.

The Morpheous was now decked in it's Galahad Form Pack, while the Templar and the SwitchBlade flew side by side. In the lead was Kyo in his Infinite-Freedom Gundam, and when they were clear, the forces divided into their respective teams.

It was show time!

*************

(I decided to add a song into this story, and it is also from Gundam SEED, here's a clue, it has something to do with the situation the Nirvana is in.)

(As the lead attackers from the Nirvana stream towards their targets at high speed. We see a split scene for each team, with each leader of the teams all gearing up and we end with Kyo as he reaches his objective. And in the back-ground out comes the music)

(Italic for music, the verse in the bottom are the English translation)

dare mo mina samayoi nagara kotae wo sagashite

Everyone, while wandering, is looking for an answer

As Kyo's team reaches the target they are greeted by hordes of enemy units, Ogres, Desert Fangs, and Sky Strikers on both sides now arm up, weapons at the ready. Kyo then takes out his beam rifle, splits it and fires the very first shot, turning a few Sky Strikers into blasted metallic skeletons that fell to the surface. In that instant the whole sky was filled with explosions, missile trails, and the sounds of gatling gun-fire as the Sky Striker forces on the side of the pirates, and that of the AI forces slammed and began the ageless fight in the atmosphere of the planet.

On the ground, the Desert Fangs of the pirates traded beam bolts with the AI controlled Desert Fangs, the ground was treated to the explosive power of each side as craters and exploding geysers of sand appeared everywhere. And those that came into close contact used the beam sabers built into them, Unit after unit blasted at each other in any distance and there were may that wound up as blasted hunks. Others were dissected by the beam blades as the Desert Fangs struck at each other like predatory cats in a free for all blood brawl. The Ogres began raining missile, bullet, cannon and artillery fire all over the sides, some were losing arms and heads. Those Ogres that came into contact at point-blank range fought like gladiators in hand to hand combat.

futari naraba jikan sae mo shihai dekiru to omotteta ano koro

If we were together, even time could be under our control, or so I thought back then

The scene was the same as Duero's team arrived and fought with their own enemies. The Morpheous while it was air-borne dodged incoming missile fire and took out it's anti-ship sword and sliced apart several enemy Sky Strikers of their wings, making the fighters crash like fallen birds into the ground. The Talark Gundam pilot/medic then used his Mobile Suit's arsenals to eliminate as many targets as he could, while still guiding his forces.

The Sky Strikers were going on full tilt as the Dread pilots began to dog-fight in the atmosphere. With all their experience to bring into the mess, the Megele pilots were bringing this fight out like ballet dancers in a play.

On the ground the Desert Fangs on either side blasted each other and dodged each other as they began to attack. Since many of the Desert Fangs were members of Kyo's Crusader Squadron they were able to adapt quickly to their new units, thanks to Kyo's training. The Ogres were going all out as the ground was filled by cannon shells- bullets, beam bolts and missiles.

Duero guided his Gundam towards the object while lending as much support to his team as possible. He fired his Gundam `Blood Kiss' Beam Glaive at several enemy units. The triple bladed disc slashed apart several Desert Fangs, amputated an enemy Ogre unit, and when it went back to it's owner, the weapon killed several enemy Sky Strikers by slicing off their cock-pits, and the weapon then returned to it's owner and retracted it's beam edge emitters. Duero then re-holstered the glaive and took out his beam rifle, he then rocketed to the ground and began to lead the ground forces, he then jammed one his sonic resonance short swords into the body of an Ogre, and diagonally lifted the blade, slicing the unit and the Gundam moved on and blasted another Desert Fang that tried to blind-side it.

tsuki hi wa nagare sora no ima mo kawaru you ni surechigatteta kokoro

Instead time flows on, even the colors of the sky have changed, and our hearts passed right on by each other

Barnette and Max were having a ball in their respective Gundams while they lead their forces. Although Barnette was paired with Max, she still did her best to coordinate her Team of Sky Strikers. The Megele pilot had her Gundam in Mobile Armor mode and was having a field day dodging the incoming fire from her enemies and blasting as many as she could, she still remained careful not to get over-confident. But her worries were not large as Max flew beside her, providing protection with his Templar Gundam's shield. He also responded by blasting more Sky Strikers with his Gundam's beam rifle and the head installed CIWS guns, reducing many enemy fighters into scrap. The Talark youth then took out his Gundam's plasma and rail-gun weapons and blasted and incoming barrage of missiles meant to impact on Barnette, the ensuring explosions colored the sky as both Gundams went on to engage both ground and air threats, while their teams provided support.

Sara and Mai's respective teams began their full assault on their own target. The two were piloting a Desert Fang, and an Ogre respectively, while the rest of their respective teams launched a full scale attack on their target. They were now heavily engaged with their enemies and began to fight with all they had. As much as possible, they had to make their enemies believe that the Lancer Platform that they were heading for WAS the one they wanted.

megurikuru kisetsu no naka de

ano toki ga tomareba

ii no ni

In the never-ending course of the seasons,

wouldn't it be nice if we could freeze time at that one moment?

The Nirvana, protected by spare Desert Fangs, Ogres, and the Vanguards went on full cruise mode. As the pirate ship arrived on the outer reaches of the planet's inner oceans, the ship cruised over the water's surface, unleashing waves of water and massive amounts of water that created a massive number of massive or small sized rainbows, and those colors were reflected by the ship's plating.

futari mata samayoi nagara

kono sora wo kanata ni

ai wo sagashite

The two of us, while still wandering,

are searching for love in the far corners of the darkness

(As the music begins to speed up, we spot the pirates deep in the fight on all fronts, and Kyo as well as a pair of particular units close in on the young Ultimate Coordinator, his Gundam, and his team of pilots.)

Kyo turned and spotted the incoming Dominion units, and had to dodge as the Earth Gundams fired their full arsenals at him. Several of his team-members were shot down, but managed to impact on the Dominion units' armor, though they didn't damage it. Kyo had rely on dodging since his Gundam no longer had it's combat shield, but the massive maneuverability and speed gained from the evolution more than made up for it. He then took out his beam sabers and with amazing skill, blocked several beam bolts aiming at him. The Dominion Gundam that was in front launched itself on full power, armed with it's beam saber and with it's shield's beam edge emitters online, intent on turning the Nirvana Gundam into scrap.

Kyo didn't flinch as he readied his own beam sabers.

Max and Barnette moved in unison, evading a barrage of beam fire as the Dominion Gundams assigned to their target area appeared and fought back. One engaged the two, while another took on the other forces of the Nirvana. The two Gundam pilots realized that this was going to be a tough challenge as this was the first time they would be fighting a Gundam which had some or a large portion of the moves Kyo used in his own battles.

Duero spotted his own Dominion Gundam opponent as the Earth built Gundam in question began engaging the Nirvana forces. The Talark physician was thankful all of their current forces didn't have human pilots, as the Gundam tore apart several Desert Fangs with it's beam saber easily. He then got into contact with the units under his command and ordered their pilots to concentrate their attacks on two fronts, one on their target, while the others along with him silenced the Dominion.

Sara and Mai saw the incoming Dominion in their own area as the Gundam deflected several attacks from their teams with it's shield and returned fire with it's own beam weaponry. The two women ordered their teams to separate and engage their enemy while the ones not attacking the Gundam of Earth would focus on their current mission. The Elsman girl and the descendant of the Miazaki family took a deep breath….since despite the fact they were not in the cock-pits themselves of the Desert Fang and Ogre the individually piloted, the fact that they would be facing their first Gundam opponent wasn't lost to them.

*************

In the Nirvana, the crew all watched breathlessly as they saw the respective scenes from the respective teams. Parfet wasted no time, though she was very worried in the fact that Duero was facing one of the dreaded Dominion units, she focused on finally hacking the Ai database and coming with the over-ride code to take over the systems of the Lancer Platform they intended to steal.

She knew that the four members of their crew MUST win for their mission to succeed, and the thought of watching Duero die fighting made her blood cold as ice.

<NO! I won't think that!!! Duero…please be careful!!!>

*************

Duero calmed himself as he faced the Gundam, recalling all of his training, he went on the offensive, as he was escorted by the rest of his team.

*************

ima no kimi ni utsuru sora wa donna iro nara kikikaesenai nara

What color is the sky right now where you are? As it is I can't ask again

Kyo went on the offensive, but he ordered his team to maintain their attack and keep the enemy totally occupied and launch a full strike against the base they were attacking. The attack was working as Kyo could detect even more forces from the AI army approaching his team. Since he was no longer a target to capture and also the prime target of the Harvester forces, the enemy would hit him first. He wasn't disappointed as the Dominions focused on him.

The first fired it's beam rifle and then it's head guns, spraying beam and projectile fire at Kyo. He quickly dodged the beam bolts and took the bullets, but knew that no wasn't the time to play around. Once he got clear, he closed in and swiped his beam sabers, but both attacks were blocked by the Dominion's shield and it's hastily released beam saber. The two locked on for a second and the two separated, Kyo dodged an incoming stab from behind him by the other Gundam, he then flipped the Infinite-Freedom upside-down and fired several salvos of bullet fire right into the face of the Dominion when it tried to hit him.

The Gundam reeled back, but blocked the rest with it's shield, and it's partner came from behind it and struck with it's beam saber, making Kyo rocket back, it then activated the beam edges of it's shield and tossed it like a Frisbee at Kyo. The Nirvana's Gundam dodged it, but barely as the beam edge nearly sliced off some of the feathers on the upper left wing of the Gundam.

<Hmm…they're using those new beam edged shields like boomerangs. This is not good.>

Max and Barnette also found that fact out as they watched the Dominion Gundam they were fighting reel back it's own shield. They were able to hit it, while keeping a good offensive barrage on it when it suddenly reeled back it's left arm and they saw the beam edges ignite. Barnette was able to evade the surprise shot and switched back to the SwitchBlade's Mobile Suit mode, and Max was able to block the attack with his own shield, which by now sported a hot welt on it when the beam edge hit it.

The other Dominion was also doing the same thing, but was able to slice the legs of two Desert Fangs, and slice in the middle an Ogre unit. This made the girls move back their units a bit to avoid being slashed by the deadly shield.

Duero was able to dodge the incoming attack without being hit, but the shield sliced into a Desert Fang all the way into the middle. The physician was able to dodge reflexively, thanks to his years of combat training, thus he avoided the weapon. He watched as the Gundam reeled back it's shield as the Desert Fang it hit blew up immediately. The medic knew what could have happened since the beam edge nearly aimed to his cockpit.

Several other Nirvana units tasted the edge of the shield from the other Dominion that was facing them. Three Ogres were decapitated, and two Desert Fangs had their beam cannons sliced off.

Sara and Mai saw the same thing, but they were not that lucky. One of the beam cannons mounted on the back of Sara's Desert Fang was sliced off by the beam edged shield, and one of the arms of Mai's Ogre unit was also slashed off by the shield, and not before impaling itself into the chest of one of the Ogres behind the two. Had one of their crew been in the Ogre, she could have been sliced and cauterized by the weapon. They were able to maintain an edge on the Dominion when it suddenly fired the shield at them. They were lucky they weren't in the cock-pits of their respective units or else they would have been killed, they watched in trepidation as the Dominion Gundam reeled back it's shield and the Ogre behind that took the beam edge full in the chest exploded.

*************

taisetsu na koto wasurete shimatte iku you de sukoshi tomadou kokoro

As I continue to forget the important things in life, my heart becomes a little confused

Kyo dodged another attack from the Dominion units and then realized that there were two weakness of the beam edged shield. The first was it was gone, that left the Gundam of Earth very vulnerable to retaliation. And the next weakness was that the shield was only able to be reeled back thanks to a special cable. That's why these Dominions worked in a pair. One would toss it's shield, and the other protected it with it's own shield. He then decided to do things just right, as the rest of his team kept the other forces off of him.

The Dominion in front of him once more attacked with it's beam saber, Kyo blocked it and spotted the second getting ready to release it's shield to slash him from behind., he waited and when he spotted the second Dominion release it's shield. He deactivated the Infinite-Freedom's thrusters and plummeted downwards, dragging the Dominion Gundam attacking him a full drop down. The Dominion couldn't recover itself and had the beam edge of it's companion's boomerang shield into the side of it's left thigh. Once the shield was embedded, Kyo wasted little time and used his Gundam's energy dart launchers. The energy spikes tore into the left forearm of the second Dominion, and exploded, ripping the arm to pieces. He then charged as the Gundam he just attacked, and rocketed I-Freedom to full speed. The I-Freedom slammed into the second Dominion Gundam before the Earth Gundam could fight back, and by using his Gundam's deadly speed, he sliced off the beam saber from the hilt right out of the hand of the Gundam.

He also spotted the other Dominion ready it's own shield for a toss at him though it had already lost it's left leg due to the explosion caused by it's companion's still embedded beam edged shield, he waited and with a quick adjustment of the thrusters and some combat moves, he made his Gundam grab the still extended forearm of the Dominion and then yanked with full power, bringing the Gundam of Earth…right into the path of the thrown shield. The Dominion that Kyo grabbed and dragged into position got the beam edge of it's companion's shield right in the chest. Just before the Dominion that was impaled by the shield was about to explode, it fired it's plasma cannons right at Kyo, unleashing the rest of it's arsenal, intent of doing as much damage on the bane of the Harvester forces.

The beams impacted on Kyo's Gundam, and were deflected by the P. Phase Shift Armor of the Paeksis-enhanced Gundam, but this allowed the other Dominion to attack it, along with the rest of the AI forces.

Kyo spotted that and decided that now was the right time to unleash all the big guns. He quickly ordered the rest of his team to fall back and meet up with the rest. They naturally protested, but he quickly told them of what he had to do, and when they recalled what they had seen in the battle footage, they moved out. The AI forces rallied behind the still functional Dominion to take out Kyo.

But that was when they got the shock-treatment of their now short lives…

Kyo activated his Gundam's HiMAT system and locked on all available targets, and there were a LOT of targets since the AI entity had sent a massive number of reserves into the fight to kill him literally flooding both the ground and sky with it's reserve forces, meaning that his team would have been overwhelmed had they stayed with him, but this gave him the chance he wanted in the first place. Once he locked in all the available targets…

The feathers on the I-Freedom's wings detached from the wings and then surrounded the Gundam like a forest of flying beam cannons. The feathers then glowed with great power as amounts of energy began to amass. In less than three seconds, the beams launched out like water from dams…turning the sky into a kaleidoscope of bright explosions, heated metal, and bright colors as the beams from the feathers, along with Kyo's own beam arsenal streaked all over the place. The surviving Dominion was torn apart as the beams slammed into it, shredding past it's own Phase Shift Armor and tearing out every inch of the Gundam. Enemy Sky Strikers were blown to bits as they attempted to escape, but they failed. The ground forces of Desert Fangs and Ogres were torn apart as the shower of beam fire was followed by another suppressing barrage.

In that instant, the fight was over, and the Nirvana Gundam stood triumphant, or in this case, flying triumphant as it's feathers returned to it and were now back to being part of it's thruster systems. Kyo wasted little time as he contacted the rest of the pirates on how to kill their respective Dominion opponents.

*************

“Captain, we've received some new combat data from Kyo, he defeated those new Dominions!”

The crew of the Nirvana cheered. But both BC and Magno shook their heads. “As much as that would a great thing, we still have to get out of this trap! Have all the team leaders get the information!” Both Captain and Sub-Commander then began to download all the needed information.

Minutes later, the rest of the pirate forces gained the tactical data and began to fight back. Although Kyo had won his bout, many of the Nirvana's converted units fell before their Dominion opponents, only Max, Duero, and Barnette were able to hold their own with their Dominion opponents. But with the new combat data, it was now their turn to fight back!

The pirates in Barnette and Max's team got the data and directed their units to fight back. Several Desert Fangs began to bombard the enemy Gundam with their beam cannons, this lessened the chance of it launching it's shield. The Ogres then fired several shells, this forced the Earth Gundam to move back slowly, it's shield still at the front. That was when the Sky Strikers came into play. They flew in and in moments closed in and launched their rounds at the Gundam, and although the Gundam's Phase Shift Armor protected it, it couldn't block all the attacks at once. It fired it's beam arsenals at the pirates and directed it's surviving forces to attack, but as it began to fight back, several Desert Fangs on the pirate's side slashed it's shield with their beam sabers. The shield held, but when the Dominion tried to block another attack, it was hit from behind by a Sky Striker in a suicide dive when it tried to jet back into the air. The explosion bought the pirates enough time to attack with another Desert Fang, and this one's beam saber slashed deeply into the torso, since the Phase Shift Armor was strained. The Gundam used it's beam saber to slice off the head of it's attacker, but got blasted in the face by another Desert Fang's beam cannons. Causing it to lose it's head…literally. The Gundam reeled as it was dog-piled by the pirates' forces and in that moment, it blew up as if couldn't handle being blasted and slashed. In that instant, the pirates had slain their first Gundam in combat.

(Don't think that they can kill Gundams as of yet. They are piloting the units they have through simulators, and therefore don't sacrifice their lives. And they know it.)

As Barnette and Max got the combat data, they came up with their own stratagems. Max fired his Gundam's beam arsenals and Barnette quickly switched to her Gundam's Mobile Armor mode. The SwitchBlade was now in Mobile Armor mode and the Megele girl did a move that would have been considered suicidal by most standards, including that of her planet's pilots. When the Dominion Gundam that they fought with launched it's shield at Max's Templar in retaliation once the Talark teen halted his barrage, she accelerated at full speed and with the right wing of her Gundam…

Slashed the elbow joint of the Dominion!

Thanks to her Gundam's Polaris Phase Shift Armor, the Gundam suffered little damage from the move, but the damage to the Dominion was significant since it's Phase Shift Armor wasn't always effective as protection at the joints. Coolant flowed out like blood and power cables sparked like severed blood vessels, and the frame parts were like protruding bones as the Dominion tried to recover, but before the Earth Gundam could fight back, the Templar closed the gap and with it's beam saber decapitated the enemy unit once it ducked the shield thrown at it. And to add more damage, Barnette in her SwitchBlade Gundam, which was now in Mobile Suit mode, slammed it's own beam saber right in the back of the Dominion. The Dominion exploded in mid-air as both pilots went back to fighting with their remaining foes. When the Dominions arrived, the tide was in favor of the AI forces, but now, despite their losses, the tide was now in favor of the pirates.

mekurumeku ginga no naka de

sono kokoro takuri

yosetemu

Within our dazzling galaxy,

your heart is drawing in and approaching me

Duero gained the data as he slashed down more enemy units with his Gundam's anti-ship sword, three Ogres lay before him like slain units as the Talark teen faced off with his Gundam opponent, which was also fighting off several pirate units. The doctor also knew that if this was still happening, their forces would not be enough to stem the tide and counterattack. He then took out his Gundam's Blood Kiss Glaive, and when the beam blade emitters were released, and ignited, he tossed the weapon right at his opponent. The Dominion blocked with the shield, and jetted back to block the Morpheous' Zwei-hander anti-ship sword. It got a surprise when the Morpheous moved aside and switched to a different weapon.

Despite the sheer damage power of the anti-ship sword in this range, it could be blocked easily, and Duero knew that for a fact and activated the beam katars of his Gundam. The beam emitters were retracted and separated on the fore-arms like a reverse scissor, and when activated the weapon would combine to form into a blade in the upper section of the hand, and then once that was done, the emitters would create the blade. The Morpheous then went on the offensive and began to punch at the Dominion, and since the Dominion was caught by surprise, it received several deep punctures to it's chest and torso. As it tried to jet away. Duero retracted his Gundam's right beam katar and caught his beam glaive, and without pause, slashed the chest of the Dominion Gundam with it, this tore into Dominion and made it stagger back, allowing Duero to use his sonic resonance swords and jammed both weapons right in the chest of his target, and with a pull, jammed one sword right on the head. The damage was very extensive and the Dominion just blew apart, and thanks to it's still functional Polaris Phase Shift Armor, the Morpheous was unharmed. The Talark teen knew better than to wallow in self-congratulations, and went to assist his team, as their losses had been dire.

The second Dominion was able to inflict serious damage to the pirate forces, as the numbers of burning hulks attested to it's power. But it then was hit from behind by the Morpheous when it rammed it's own shield on the Gundam's back. The pirates rallied and struck back as they worked in unison to take out their opponent. Duero then took out one of his Gundam's sonic short swords, and with a quick toss, the weapon was able to pierce through the shoulder of the Gundam of Earth, and this made it difficult for the Gundam to fight back using it's beam shield as a boomerang. The pirates leaped at this chance and several Desert Fangs slashed at the Dominion with their beam sabers. It managed to jet into the air, but Duero was nearby and slammed his anti-ship sword on the shield when the Dominion tried to block it. But the damage that had been done before, became even stronger as the arm broke and exploded…leaving the Dominion with only one arm. The Ogres blasted at it with all their concerted fire-power and with the support of the Sky Strikers, they were finally able to defeat their target.

Sara and Mai made their own attacks on their opponent, but both now piloted Desert Fangs as Mai's Ogre was totaled previously by the Dominion they were facing. The two then began to attack, Sara bombarded the Dominion with her unit's beam cannons, as Mai began to attack with her unit's beam sabers. She dodged when the Dominion fired it's beam weapons, but Sara took that chance and fired yet again and then charged, working in tandem with each other as they closed the gap. The Dominion blocked the incoming attack from Sara, and then the other from Mai, but they never let up in their combined assault and fired their cannons at point blank range at the Dominion, even if it had it's shield in front. The damage however was massive on the Dominion as it's shield was overheated to the point that it would explode, forcing Sara and Mai's Gundam opponent to jettison the ruined shield or risk it exploding and ripping off it's shield arm.

The two pressed their attack, but they also paid a high price. Their beam cannons had over-heated and exploded as well, severely damaging their Desert Fang units and hindering them from attacking effectively, so they had no choice but to get as close as possible and when they did, the used their still functioning beam sabers, and when they hit the Dominion, slicing their weapons into the abdomen, they activated the detonation system of their units. They switched to another pair of units, Sara taking over an Ogre, and Mai in a Desert Fang. Their previous units had already detonated, and this caused the Gundam to detonate as well.

The two girls went back into the fight as their team engaged their last Dominion opponent who had totally overpowered the pirates, many of the units under Sara and Mai's cooperative command were destroyed and littered the battle-field. The girls rallied their team-mates and with similar moves they were able to defeat their opponent.

Despite the numbers of losses they had gained, the pirates had succeeded in depleting the strength of the AI forces, and launched their own attacks on their respective targets. Kyo's team broke apart to aid the rest of the teams as their numbers were the only ones that were not severely depleted by the arrival of the Dominion units.

Duero guided his team, who cheered at arrival of reinforcements and pushed back the surviving AI units, as Barnette and Max arrived with their surviving forces. The Talark teen used his Gundam's weaponry to destroy whatever units the AI forces had left to guard the dishes, in moments, the giant transmitter towers were now burning. Max and Barnette had already destroyed their target and were happy to see that Duero were still alive.

Sara and Mai guided their teams to hit the Lancer Platform, causing the surviving AI units to fight even harder to prevent them from taking the platform, but knew that they did their best and now decided to retreat, they knew that the teams had to assemble and strike out the power stations so as to disable their enemy and halt the activation of the Armageddon Protocol.

Kyo nodded as he got calls from Barnette, Duero, Max, and from the others that they had completed their work, and it now was time to destroy the power-stations that would keep the AI forces operational and halt the Armageddon Protocol to be activated. He diverted some of his team-members to rendezvous with the Nirvana to give the ship more protection as they made their way to their real target.

*************

Had the AI leader been human it would have given a howl of unadulterated frustration. Many of it's forces were badly depleted, and it would be possible for the Nirvana and it's crew to escape from the trap, and it would take far too long for the Harvester forces to assemble, as the suns the planet orbited began unleashing massive solar flares into space, causing some powerful spikes of energy to jam the systems of the fleet. It was also apparent to it that two of the powerful attacks from it's foes were ruses, to make it deplete a considerable amount of it's combat reserves. The shield around the planet had been depleted due to power loss as the satellites were no longer functioning, giving the Nirvana a perfect window of escape.

It made several calculations and realized that the Nirvana was making it's way to another Lancer Platform…but that platform had considerable defenses. However, considering the massive fire-power possessed by the pirates, the Lancer could be captured, so it had no choice.

<<<Code Alpha 10-809-900. Activation for the Armageddon Protocol…is authorized.>>

Underground, massive energy emitters began to glow with power, and in a few minutes, they begin to emit powerful waves of pure tectonic energy. This was merely a test run, but it's effects were being felt, and it was a prelude to the true power of the AI forces. The AI leader then sent a communiqué to the rest of it's forces to make a full march to where the Nirvana would be heading.

*************

“Captain! I'm picking up several seismic tremors coming from different parts of the planet! That must mean that the AI has activated it's secret weapon!” Bart said as he ran the scanners of the Nirvana on the area around them.

Magno wasted little time and contacted the leaders of their assault wings.

“Kyo! The AI has activated the seismic weapon, you have to hurry and take out the power plants!”

*************

“Understood!”

Kyo then got into contact with the others and issued his orders. “All units! Assault the power plants and destroy them all, I'll leave that up to both you and Mai Sara! Barnette, Max, Duero, it's time to pull back!”

“Don't worry Commander! We'll deal with the power plants!” Sara said in her communiqué while she and the others were in the simulators and directed their units to attack the power plants and get past their defenders.

The I-Freedom, SwitchBlade, and the Morpheous Gundams began to make their retreat as the rest of the remote-controlled pirate units bombarded the power stations. Since all teams were melded into a single attack force, their numbers were now greater than before…. But they still had to be careful as they had to destroy as many power plants as they could and eliminate the enemy at the same time.

futari tada hoshi wo miagete

ano toki no sora no

iro wo kasaneteru

The two of us are just looking up at the stars,

and in this moment, the colors of the sky are all blending together

As the battle raged behind them, the four Gundam pilots raced over the sands, marks on their Gundams showed their battles, and they were lucky to have made it out alive. But they however kept close in combat formation, Kyo was in the lead, Duero taking the middle, Barnette on the left with her Gundam in Mobile Armor mode, and Max on right, with his still functional shield protecting him.

*************

As the Nirvana came to it's target Lancer Platform, it was greeted by several platoons of enemy units. The crew watched as their teams began to fight back, namely their covering teams of Sky Strikers. They got word from Kyo about reinforcements on the way and when they arrived it was time for them to take the Lancer Platform, the surviving forces from the various teams were now mixing with the rest of the pirate teams. In a few minutes, the AI forces that guarded the Lancer Platform, and their defensive installations clashed.

“All right! Now we need to hustle ladies. Keep in formation and support one another, don't get careless and waste your shots, make them count.”

Aleck said as he guided his GUiAZ unit along with the other units as they came into close contact with their target Lancer Platform. The pirates who were still piloting the remote controlled units, such as the Sky Strikers provided support fire, while the rest followed Aleck and his Mobile Suit as the battle-hardened veteran guided his team to take and secure the Lancer Platform.

The girls watched as Aleck began to systematically take apart several of his foes. One Desert Fang was slashed in mid air by the man with his Mobile Suit's sword when it tried to slash the head off. And an Ogre got several direct blasts in the chest, and exploding from the fire-power of the GUiAZ unit's own assault rifle. They had to admit that he was a tough pilot, as he didn't stop and press the attack. The elder male then directed the other pirates, who were in their Vanguards to lay down suppression fire to the rest of the team as they attacked the defensive installations near the AI platform. Once they were able to push back the enemy, and secure the Platform the Nirvana dispatched Parfait's engineering team with a full escort to the control station. Aleck got out of his Mobile Suit, slung his Long-sword assault rifle on his shoulder and went with the team, which also included Gascogne and some of the Register personnel.

It didn't take long for the crew to make it to the control center of the Lancer Platform. Once they were there, Parfet went o work as she and her crew began to hack and take control of the Lancer Platform. They then installed one of Parfait's latest tools, a device similar to the remote controls they installed in the Desert Fangs, Ogres, and Sky Strikers. But this one was designed to allow the Nirvana bridge crew to take command of the Lancer Platform's functions while being in the command bridge off the ship, plus the device allowed them to send power from the Nirvana's Paeksis so that would allow the Platform to still function even if the teams attacking the power stations succeeded, the Platform would still be online.

“Almost there…got it!” Parfet cheered as she and her crew were able to install the device.

“Good, now we get out of here and back to the ship!” Aleck said as he and Gascogne, who was armed with a rifle, and the rest of the security team began to move and secure their escape route. They knew that even if they had been able to capture the Lancer Platform, there was no telling how many AI units would make their way here.

Minutes later…in crisp military fashion, the crew were back in the Nirvana while the Vanguard pilots got out of their Vanguards and waited for word. And they didn't have to wait long as the PA came with the announcement.

“Sara and Mai's teams have destroyed the power plants! The shield is gone!” Belvedere and Amarone replied as they scanned the report and the shield above their current location.

*************

The success of the Nirvana strike teams was evident as the seismic tremors halted and stopped, but that didn't mean that it was over. The AI entity began to activate the back-up power supply of the seismic generator network. It would take a maximum of three hours, but it would take the Lancer Platform three and a half hours to make the pathway to allow the Nirvana the chance to escape.

The rest of it's forces were now on the way. Even if the forces suffered considerable losses, they still had the numbers to equalize.

All over the bases, which now ran on back-up power, all the units under the command of the AI entity were now being unleashed…

And that meant…ALL of them!

As Kyo and the others flew high above a base, they spotted the full mobilization of all the AI's main attack units, and everything they could muster.

“Okay, this is going to be bad.” Kyo did a calculation and determined that this force was not as numerically superior to the forces the teams fought, but their numbers were just as high. And from what he could tell, they needed more time as the full might of the AI forces were being unleashed, and they were not just Desert Fangs, Ogres, or Sky Strikers anymore, they now included all the medical droids, the combat models, and those heavy duty ones. Those droids were now being hustled into combat transports, and Kyo didn't need a wide imagination as to what could happen if those units got into the Nirvana.

“We've got to high tail it back to the Nirvana!”

*************

“Captain! We have three hours and a half to go before the Lancer Platform can send us back to space!” Parfet reported as she began to transfer power from the Paeksis to the Lancer Platform's power matrix.

Magno nodded as she realized that the time-frame would make it possible for them to be late by thirty minutes since according to Kyo, they needed three hours before the Armageddon Protocol can be reactivated. She then gave the decision for a VERY desperate gamble.

“Parfet, I want you and the Engineering crew to get as much power as you can spare to make the Lancer Platform move faster. BC, have the crew regulate the power output so we can make sure that there's enough power to keep both the Nirvana active and the rest of the systems!”

“Roger!” BC wasted little time as she took command of Ezra's console, as the young mother moved aside and sat near the Captain with the floating cradle which had Lacus in it sleeping. This was a delicate procedure as they had to make sure they fed enough power to the Lancer Platform's power matrix while making sure to have enough power to keep the Nirvana functional. They had to hurry as the enemy fleet might still be getting in position.

“Get into contact with Kyo and the others!”

In minutes Kyo and the other pilots appeared on the view-screens. “We need your help Kyo, we're trying to get as much power as we can so we launch quickly!”

“Understood, but we're going to have to make it even faster, we've got some serious company…look.” Kyo then showed the images of the mounted forces heading in their direction.

Magno and the crew of the Nirvana were in shock, but they knew that they still had time to mount a defense of the ship and the Platform. Kyo confirmed this as he continued.

“The others will form point defense, while Bart and I will deal with them. I'll hit them first and Bart will follow with the Nirvana's main guns. We'll have to make Bart's damage the greatest and I'll slow them down, and if needed I'll finish them off. I'll catch up with the rest of you while I cover the Nirvana's retreat once you are all out of the area.”

Barnette came into the communiqué and shook her head. “No way Kyo! You can't handle all that by yourself, we'll stay with you and we'll all go together.”

Duero and Max nodded in agreement, they had no intention of leaving Kyo behind.

Kyo knew their intentions and spoke to them quickly. “I know, but this is our only option. None of your Gundams have the power needed to escape the planetary gravity here, and the only way you can do that is using the Lancer Platform, but there won't be enough power to do that once the Nirvana takes off. Plus if you reach space, you'll need to defend the Nirvana at once. The time is not enough for our teams to assemble and fight properly once they are in space. Only my Gundam can reach space on it's own power…so you'll have to trust me on this one, this is the only chance we have.”

The others knew that was true. Out of all the machines in their arsenal, only Kyo's Gundam had the power to leave a planet's atmosphere due to it's fused nuclear/Paeksis reactor, this was true in the mission they had done all those months ago on the desert world similar to this one, only Kyo's Gundam, in it's original form could escape without aid from outside sources, and considering the over-hauled power and performance of the I-Freedom Gundam, it was more capable than any machine in this department.

Dita, Meia, Jura, and the other girls arrived in the bridge after they left the simulators. The three Dread pilots had been part of the assault forces and sadly were unable to use their own SEED modes since they were in `IN' the cockpits to totally manipulate the controls. They looked on in worry and it didn't take long for them to try and come forward. Kyo however saw them and smiled.

“Don't worry…I'll be right behind you all.”

taisetsu na koto wasurete shimawanai de itai

kegare wo shiranu kokoro

Don't let yourself forget the important things in life

A heart that knows no impurity

The crew nodded in unison and went to work, they knew that this was their only chance to escape. The Nirvana flew into position as the lancer Platform came to life. The three other Gundams got near the Nirvana ahead of Kyo and his Gundam to form a defensive perimeter and get into the pirate ship once it reached space and quickly launch to ensure that it would still have protection.

Kyo got into contact with Bart, and then gave him the needed data and the plans for their combined defense of the ship. He would serve as the outer attack ring, and once he did as much damage as he could, the navigator would provide the rest of the barrage. Bart told him that he might not have enough power to hit all the targets. But Kyo assured him that the power of the Nirvana's guns was enough, even though they were not at full capacity.

As the timer passed, it didn't take long for the first wave to appear on the sensors of the bridge crew of the Nirvana. The crew was busy routing and regulating power, leaving the defense up to their navigator Bart, Kyo, and the rest of the ground forces. Sara and Mai were still in command of their forces but had a considerable distance to cross before they can come to the aid of the ship. Kyo however had other ideas.

“Sara, Mai, I want you and the rest of your forces to strike at the enemy once Bart's barrage hits after mine, once you do, have ALL the units go on full auto-pilot and they will take care of the rest.”

“Roger!”

*************

As the AI units came ever closer, their formations became apparent. The combat transports would be escorted by the Sky Strikers and when they were close, they would deploy inside the Lancer Platform, and destroy all the equipment to prevent the pirates from using the platform for their escape, and would board the Nirvana and exterminate the pirates inside the ship. The others would destroy every trace of the Nirvana and it's crew.

Kyo then waited since it would be another thirty minutes before they were in adequate firing range, while Sara and Mai's teams would take and hour to reach the incoming waves of enemy units. As the time began to count down, he waited…

*************

The AI waited as the count-down for the reactivation of the Armageddon Protocol was now only two hours away. It then gave the order for a full charge on the captured Lancer Platform and the Nirvana for the waves of units it was able to assemble.

The AI forces picked up speed and they now used up larger quantities of power to reach their target. If it was going to fall, it would do it's duty…and that was to fight for it's masters, the Harvesters

*************

Kyo activated his Gundam's full arsenal including his new feather beam cannons, and then gave Duero a call.

“Duero, use you Gundam's remaining defensive systems on my mark in front of me and the rest of the team.”

Duero nodded and began accessing the OS and checked the Galahad Form Pack's remaining equipment. The `HALO' defensive emitters was designed for one function, and that was to create a special defensive energy field that had the ability to scramble the tracking systems of missiles and could deflect beam weaponry by a small but effective margin. The HALO emitters would be deployed like shields all over the place and could defend blind spots for both the Morpheous and the allies of the Gundam's pilot if the emitters were given those commands by the pilot.

Once the data was compiled, the emitters flew away and divided into two groups, one to defend the Morpheous, SwitchBlade, and Templar Gundams, and the other would defend the I-Freedom.

And in a moment…

“The first wave is in sight!” Bart said as he spotted the incoming mass of targets. Kyo spotted them too and began tracking their progress using the calculations from his OS.

“Wait for it Bart…”

The two men watched as their foes came ever closer, even the normally slower Ogres were giving all they got to reach their target, the Sky Strikers were flying overhead, along with the troop transports. The Desert Fangs were in the lead as they began to fire their beam cannons to at least damage the foes of their masters despite the lack of proper range and effectiveness to damage them completely.

“Sara, Mai…are you in range?”

“Give us another twenty minutes…”

“We don't have that kind of time! Move with all you've got, even if you have to deplete all the reserves of power you have!”

“On it!”

Kyo looked back as his HiMAT system locked on the various targets. The ridge that they were coming over looked as if a black wave was coming right at them. He checked in with the others and got a report that they were nearly ready. The gamble was paying off as the timer for the activation of the Lancer Platform was decreased and they were almost complete with their calculations and coordinates. The cannons were primed and Bart was ready to fire. Bart could only fire once so as to ensure he didn't eat too much power from the Nirvana. So this would be a one shot deal for the navigator.

On three Bart, we give them a real blast!”

“Got it! Guns are nearly at full power!”

The wave came closer and closer, and their weapons fire began to pick up the pace.

“One…”

Missiles from both Sky Strikers and Ogres began to fill the sky. Some slammed into Nirvana's shields, which held although it was at half effectiveness. The shields held but some got through and hit the Nirvana. The plating held and the crew were already gearing up for the trip into space. Magno and BC waited as they watched the count-down, along with the others.

“Two…”

Bart grimaced a bit from the impacts on the ship but held his position, the bombardment began to grow as scratches appeared on his arms, one on his face, and several cuts on his body began to appear, and they were already bleeding slightly. The navigator however focused on his task, compared to his rather unceremonious and very painful landing on this planet, the wounds he had now were nothing but tiny scratches.

The wave of units finally appeared and they now flooded the valley where the Lancer Platform was located. The units continued their barrage and didn't stop for anything.

Kyo looked as the missiles that were aimed had him were scrambled by the HALO emitters and the beams all streaked beside him, he checked his OS and the map of the combat zone he outlined…now it was time!

“THREE! FULL BLAST BART!”

The I-Freedom took out the dual beam rifle, split it into it's two halves and unleashed it's plasma and rail-gun cannons. The feathers that were once pure crystal became metallic and flew away from the Gundam's wings and then aimed right at the enemy, and points of power glowed in front of the barrels.

“GOT IT!”

The areas of the Nirvana where it's guns were stored opened up and the cannons glowed with power as whatever energy from the Paeksis could be spared was relayed to them, in the Navigation Well, Bart's own HiMAT system locked on and gave him the go signal to open fire.

In that very moment both Gundam and pirate vessel unleashed a barrage of beam fire that literally lit up the sky with energy lances! The beams slammed right into the enemy wave, and tore through their foes like hot knives through butter along with unleashing huge geysers of sand and molten metal. Desert Fangs were blown apart, Ogres were shredded, and Sky Strikers exploded and fell like birds shot by hunters. The troop transports were not lucky as they were blown apart and sent spiraling down, out from their still burning wrecks came the parts of enemy droids, totally blown apart.

The first wave was totally devastated and the second wave was also hit hard. Many of them couldn't dodge in time as the sheer number of units allowed for some VERY impressive explosions! Shrapnel from exploding units shredded through allies and the area was literally turned into a burning wasteland as hulks of all AI units were decorating the place with their ruined forms. The beams still tore through the next wave, but the intensity was lost as the front was devastated but the gaps were filled by units that survived. The survivors banded and continued the attack.

Kyo then got word from Sara and Mai.

“We're all ready here, quite the light-show Commander!”

“No time to admire it! Take out as many as you can, and switch to auto-pilot!”

The girls nodded along with the rest of their teams as they switched their forces to go on auto-pilot and log out of their connections to the units they commanded on this mission. The units the pirates had stolen now rushed into the fight while the AI units were still disorganized by the beam barrage from both the Infinite Freedom and the Nirvana. The result was an instant melee free for all. Ogres on both sides fired all their ordinance before going hand to hand. Desert Fangs exhausted the charges in their beam cannons and went for their beam sabers once they came to close combat. The Sky Strikers then fired all their missiles and went into dog-fighter mode.

The pirates cheered as they all gathered their forces to escape as the Nirvana's bridge crew gave a cry of triumph as the Lancer Platform now activated and in the hour that the battle…hopefully the last battle on this world, was over and the ship was now flying up towards the atmosphere and into deep space.

It was at this moment that the seismic tremors began.

megurikuru kisetsu no naka de

kono hoshi ga kiesaru

toki ni wa

kokoro goto zero ni modoshite

shounen no hitomi de

mitsumete

In the never-ending course of the seasons,

an hour will come when this planet will vanish into nothing

and all the things in my heart will be restored to zero

as I stare on with only the eyes of a boy

The pirates saw that these earth-quakes were just like world ender types as the sand dunes were shaken apart. Earth jutted out like spears everywhere and tore apart the enemy and ally units that were in the field. The seas they passed boiled and became like acid, and the sounds of the still existing native creatures of the world were like lamenting songs for their dying planet. Geysers of lava exploded all over the place and the entire world was dying in front of them.

Magno didn't waste time and neither did BC, they gave full orders to everyone to brace for a hard takeout and ordered Bart to route all power to thrusters and shields. The navigator nodded and made his move, still ignoring the pain as the heat from below was threatening to singe his skin. The rest of the crew including Bart, Max, Aleck, and Barnette were still in their units, ready to deploy the very second they were in space to defend the Nirvana, to the death if it came to that. The Nirvana rocketed out the area as they were surrounded by the field of the Lancer Platform. They moved as fast as possible so as to get the maximum altitude needed to escape.

Kyo wasted no time as he jetted out of the area, following the Nirvana as massive fragments of the desert world rocketed upwards like fiery missiles. The Lancer Platform began to lose power and in a few minutes, the power faded and the systems of the Lancer Platform was destroyed along with the facility. However the Nirvana was already at the desired altitude and in moments ignited to full power all it's thrusters.

*************

Out in space…

The Harvester Fleets were caught off guard when the planet began to explode and break apart. They had been able to complete the formation when they suddenly detected the fall of the planetary shield. The planetary explosion that followed nearly three hours later sent massive waves of pure kinetic energy and this sent massive numbers of Cube Fighters slamming either into each other, the massive asteroids all over the planet, or to their Seed Ships. The kinetic energy launched massive numbers of asteroids at the Harvester Battle-ships, both were able to shield themselves, but the immense waves of power were followed by far more massive chunks of the planet.

Bart decided that since the Nirvana was now underway, he would have to do some serious maneuvering while keeping the ship from being torn apart from the kinetic wave of destructive energy and dodging the incoming chunks of the destroyed planet..

Kyo knew that this was going to be one heck of a dodging game.

The Harvester units in front of the escaping pirate ship and Gundam couldn't even respond as they were caught off guard and were sent flying away by the kinetic blast.

If the universe had eyes and ears, it would have recoiled in fear at the massive destruction on such a scale as a planet was literally shook to pieces. And it would have held it's breath as the combined Harvester Fleet was covered in the debris and massive plasma storms that followed, and the Nirvana and the Infinite Freedom Gundam being covered in massive clouds of dust and super-heated gas.

In what was once a desert world was nothing now but debris and a massive cloud of dust and debris. Nothing was happening, and nothing moved.

*************

In that moment however, a shape came out from the other side of the cloud of dust and debris.

It was…the Nirvana!

Despite some burns on the ship in various areas, the ship was still intact, and inside were massive cheers as the crew celebrated their escape. Bart was also cheering as he was able to evade the barrage with very serious wounds. Magno and BC smiled as they heard that all of the crew were alive and safe.

Barnette and Max who were out of their respective Gundams hugged one another, and Duero who was also out of his Gundam was suddenly tackled by Parfet who cried out in utter joy and relief that he was safe, holding him like a vice regardless of the fact that he was asking her politely that he needed some air in his lungs.

Ezra held Lacus's hand while the baby was still in her cradle, but she had happy tears on her face that now she and all her friends would make it back home. Belvedere, Amarone, and Celtic were cheering everyone and smiling radiantly.

Gascogne smirked as her girls in the Register cheered their good fortune.

Sara and Mai celebrated with cheers along side their fellow Crusader pilots who also shared hugs and cheers with the Dread pilots. The Engineering crew congratulated each other on a great job done.

Dita, Jura, and Meia gave each other smiles as they had won this hard struggle with everyone safe and alive. Misty gave a sigh of relief as she looked at the radar and reported no sign of pursuers.

It was then that everyone on the Nirvana cheered even more as a familiar sight was before them…

With it's wings and crystal feathers glowing brightly was the Infinite-Freedom Gundam as it flew around them like a guardian angel and in their view-screens was Kyo who was smiling all the while, he looked exhausted but was happy. The medical scan done by Buzam made them all relieved, as Kyo had no serious injuries.

“Now that we're done with this mission, what say we go back to our journey?” Kyo asked them all.

The crew all responded with a hearty cheer. “Roger!” While in the back-ground Magno and Buzam smiled.

“This guy will never cease to amaze, will he BC?” Magno asked her second in command.

Buzam smiled. “No, and who knows what else we will see?”

Magno nodded as she looked in the veil of stars and cosmic bodies. This made her recall the scene she saw many times when she was still with her family. She then looked at all the crew of the ship who were her family. <I'm happy to be alive, and with all of them, here and now.>

“That is what makes the future all the brighter BC, now let's go home!”

futari mata ano yume no hate

arukidasu tsunaida

te wo hanasazu ni

But for now we're together again, and toward the end of that dream

we start walking, hand in hand, never letting go

(End of song)

*************

In the Medical Bay… not a day after the escape

“Ow! Okay…that's good Paiway, you did real good!” Bart said as he thanked the young nurse as she carefully bound his burns with some clean sterile gauze after applying some soothing medication. Bart was lucky he had taken some time to learn how to maneuver the Nirvana and avoided too many serious injuries.

“Thanks, you bald dope!” Paiway said with a teasing tone as she finished patching up the navigator.

“Hey! Stop calling me that!” Bart replied back as he faced the nurse. He however didn't get mad, he had gotten used to being teased and let it slide. Duero and Max were there and were happy for the girl's progress, it wasn't all that high, but Paiway was becoming better as a medical specialist.

In that moment two certain girls came into the medical lab.

“Hi Duero!”

“Hi Max!”

Both men turned to find Parfet and Barnette, who walked into the rooms with smiles on their faces, and with some curiosity, the men noticed they had some pink in their cheeks.

“Anything wrong?” Both men asked whent eh girls walked up to them and whispered in their ears. The men looked back at the girls and were puzzled.

<What's a lunch date?> Both men thought, but before they could ask the two girls grabbed them and without further ado, took them out of the medical bay. Bart and Paiway poked their heads out of the medical bay and looked at each other with puzzled expressions, but Paiway had her signature smirk when she looked at the retreating couples and then took out her frog puppet and her note-book, and pen, along with her trusty camera.

“Oh! More new developments, I can't miss this! Pai-Check!”

Bart could help but smirk as he put back on his uniform. “Well, back to the old routine.” He then held his newest possession which was the doll and made his way to the cafeteria.

*************

In the Bio Park…

Kyo was there taking a deep breath, he had been able to get a good day's rest after their escape, and he was happy as several individuals had began to tire him out.

(Wager a guess who those people are.)

He then thought about what would the Harvesters do. After this, it would infuriate the leaders of the Harvest even more now that they had been defeated and they had escaped. Kyo didn't know what would be waiting for them as they made their journey back to Megele and Talark, but he wasn't going to give up and despair.

As he moved away after a minute of introspective thinking, he made his way back to the ship. He wanted to meet with his friends and make his plans for the future, though he wondered when he would get his memories back, and most of all.

What would the Harvesters do this time?

*************

Kyo was going to wish he didn't ask…

At the world of the Harvesters, the news of the Nirvana's escape infuriated the Council and the angry cries filled the Council chambers. However in another part of the head-quarters of the Harvesters…somebody else was not as angry.

<Hmm…the escort fleet was able to escape in time, and now are with the fleet. This is good, the sample is still intact. All that has to be done, is to make some changes and the Nirvana will be seriously dealt with.>

The Harvester Leader looked in his console with a smile, though they had lost almost two fleets and had lost one battle-cruiser. He knew that it wasn't a total loss in the part of his forces. Now all he had to do was placate his followers, he took some time to ponder on the possibilities he would have with that sample, and what data he had gained since the battle on the surface of that planet.

*************

Deep in space…

Another ship made it's way through the sea of stars and planets. But it's destination was not Megele and Talark, but Earth. It was one of the Earth battle-cruisers that was trying to seal the planet and kill the Nirvana. It was badly damaged but still functional. It now was on escort duty since even in such a state, it was still a deadly weapon. It shielded a certain escort fleet and took most of the damage and had lost most if not all of it's own escort forces, but many of it's own weapons were still functional.

After all, the cargo of the small force it was escorting was worth it's weight in a whole planetary quota of organs, and in this case, the loss of another battle fleet. But that wasn't the only gift it was escorting back to it's masters.

Deep in the bowels of the damaged but still functional ship were three robotic forms. All of them were still not lost in the fighting, but although they didn't have a chance to face the Nirvana and it's Gundams, there was always next time.

The Hell-Fire, Devastator, and the Wyvern Gundams were still inactive, but when they would be finally completed…

Woe to all that would face them!!!

*************

To be continued…

*************

Author's Notes:

Hot…isn't it? (^_~)

So, any of you guys had fun playing the scene between Kyo and Jura in your minds? I KNOW I did…(^_^) Anyway, I guess that the ending wasn't what you expected. But I did tell you that the NC-17 stuff will be in the later chapters so don't blame me if this potential scenario didn't work out, but I won't disappoint you as I work on this more.

I appreciate some constructive critiques while I'm gone, (hey it IS summer vacation after all, at least it is where I live.) and like before I will personally put out and dump any and ALL flames I see.

(*) If anybody can guess where this idea came from, it's from the Cyclops System in the JOSH-A base at Alaska in Gundam SEED, but instead of microwaves, we're talking seismic tremors…plus it's a global killer style effect. Talk about extra problems for the gang, eh?

(**) This was requested by Tifalockheart022 when she sent me her review, Jura won't be alone in this idea…but I'm NOT going to reveal anymore than that! It's up to you guys to figure that out.

*************

Reviews and Comments are needed here as here are the latest updates. I'll check on ZoidDread and Mechanics and Medicine and see if I can post new ideas. So that might mean that the updates for this chapter will come much later. Bye!

By the way…to Tifalockheart022, I hope that the scenario between Jura and Kyo was interesting for you?

You requested that and I hope it met your expectations, cause that was as indecent as I can get without going to full-blown sex! Hope to hear from you and the others about it soon.

*************

Chapter 5 Part 4 is now officially completed! It's a bit rushed as I've got a load of things to do lately, but I hope that it meets the expectations of my readers. It seems that the three new Gundams of the Harvesters didn't get a chance to fight with the Nirvana's Gundams and Kyo, but they haven't been completely formed yet, so it's still up for debate how powerful they are in their completed forms.

Anyway, I'll be resting for a while so don't expect all that much a new chapter yet. But who knows?

I'll make the decision to allow anyone to review and comment in this fic soon so I want to know what others think, but for now, it's still members only.

More reviews and comments please! I NEED those comments and reviews!!!

Fixed some errors in spelling and added a few more details. Thanks for the heads-up JumperPrime.