Ultraman A New Light ch 22

In the captain's quarters of the Minerva, Captain Talia Gladys sat behind her desk, her posture straight and her expression composed. Arthur Trine stood behind her, his hands clasped behind his back, a picture of military decorum. Across from them, Athrun Zala stood at attention, his red ZAFT uniform crisp and immaculate.

The air in the room was thick with anticipation as Athrun reached into his pocket and produced a small, gleaming object. He held it out towards Talia, revealing a FAITH badge, its polished surface catching the light.

"Captain Gladys," Athrun began, his voice steady and respectful, "Chairman Durandal has appointed you as a member of FAITH. It is my honor to present you with this badge."

Talia's eyes widened slightly, a rare display of surprise breaking through her usual composure. She glanced at the badge, then back at Athrun, processing the significance of this unexpected development.

Arthur, standing behind Talia, couldn't hide his astonishment. His jaw dropped slightly, and he looked between Athrun and Talia, clearly struggling to maintain his professional demeanor in the face of such momentous news.

Talia slowly reached out and took the badge from Athrun's outstretched hand. She held it carefully, examining the intricate design that symbolized her new status within ZAFT's elite special forces.

"This is... unexpected," Talia said, her voice calm despite the weight of the moment. She looked up at Athrun, her gaze sharp and inquiring.

Talia's fingers traced the contours of the FAITH badge as she contemplated its significance. She looked up at Athrun, her brow furrowed with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Commander Zala," she began, her voice measured and controlled, "I appreciate the honor, but I can't help but wonder about the timing. Why has Chairman Durandal chosen to elevate me to FAITH now? And why send you, another FAITH member, to the Minerva with such an advanced mobile suit?"

Athrun shifted slightly, his composure wavering for a moment under Talia's piercing gaze. He had anticipated such questions but found himself struggling to provide a satisfactory answer.

"Captain," he replied, his voice steady despite his inner uncertainty, "I'm afraid I don't have a concrete answer for you. The Chairman didn't provide specific reasons for these decisions."

Arthur, still standing behind Talia, leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued by the conversation. He glanced between Athrun and Talia, sensing the tension in the air.

Talia leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Athrun's face. "It's unusual for such significant changes to be made without clear explanations, especially in times like these. The appearance of Kaiju and Ultraman has already complicated matters significantly."

Athrun nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "You're right, Captain. The situation is complex, and I wish I could offer more insight. All I know is that the Chairman believes these decisions will help us face the challenges ahead."

Talia's fingers drummed lightly on her desk as she considered Athrun's words. "And what of your role here, Commander? Are you to take command of the Minerva?"

Athrun's posture straightened, his expression becoming more serious as he addressed Captain Talia's question.

"No, Captain. I'm not here to take command," Athrun clarified, his voice steady and clear. "I've been sent to introduce and implement a new initiative: the Mobile Suit Kaiju Taskforce, or M.S.K.T for short."

Talia's eyebrows raised slightly, her interest piqued. Arthur leaned in, his curiosity evident on his face.

"Chairman Durandal has recognized the growing threat posed by the Kaiju," Athrun continued. "The M.S.K.T is designed to be a rapid response unit, capable of deploying quickly and effectively against these monstrous creatures."

Talia nodded slowly, processing the information. "And the Minerva is to be part of this taskforce?"

"Yes, Captain," Athrun confirmed. "The Minerva's advanced capabilities make it an ideal platform for the M.S.K.T. The Chairman believes that combining our most advanced ship with specialized mobile suits and pilots will give us the best chance against the Kaiju threat."

Arthur couldn't contain his excitement. "That's why you've brought the Saviour Gundam, isn't it?"

Athrun nodded. "Exactly. The Saviour is just one part of the specialized equipment we'll be using. We're also developing new weapons and tactics specifically designed to combat Kaiju."

Talia leaned forward, her hands clasped on her desk. "And what of Ultraman? How does he factor into this taskforce?"

Athrun's expression tightened slightly. "Ultraman's role is... uncertain. While he's been helpful in combating the Kaiju so far, we can't rely on an unknown entity. The M.S.K.T is designed to give us a reliable, controllable response to Kaiju threats."

"I see," Talia said, her tone thoughtful. "And what will be your role in all this, Commander Zala?"

"I'll be coordinating the M.S.K.T operations on the Minerva," Athrun explained. "My experience with the Saviour Gundam and recent encounters with Kaiju make me well-suited for this role. However, you'll retain overall command of the ship, Captain."

Talia nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Well, it seems we have our work cut out for us, Commander. I look forward to seeing how this taskforce performs in action."

Athrun extended his hand towards Captain Talia, his green eyes meeting her steady gaze. Talia rose from her chair, her posture straight and commanding, and grasped Athrun's hand firmly. The handshake was brief but meaningful, a silent acknowledgment of their new partnership and the challenges that lay ahead.

...

Haru stood in the hangar, his eyes widening in surprise as he spotted Athrun Zala walking towards the Saviour Gundam. The sight of the former Orb representative, now clad in a ZAFT uniform and bearing the distinctive FAITH badge, stirred a mix of emotions within him. Curiosity mingled with a touch of apprehension as Haru watched Athrun's purposeful stride.

The hangar buzzed with activity, but to Haru, it seemed to fade into the background as he focused on Athrun's approach. He couldn't help but wonder about the circumstances that had brought Athrun back to ZAFT, and more specifically, to the Minerva. The presence of the Saviour Gundam, a machine Haru had only heard rumors about, added another layer of intrigue to the situation.

Deciding that this was an opportunity he couldn't let pass, Haru took a deep breath and called out, his voice carrying across the hangar.

"Commander Zala!"

Athrun paused mid-step, turning his head to locate the source of the call. His green eyes met Haru's, a flicker of recognition passing across his face. Haru felt a moment of hesitation, suddenly aware of the gap in their ranks and experience. But something in Athrun's expression, a hint of openness perhaps, encouraged him to continue.

Haru approached Athrun, his steps measured but determined. As he drew closer, he could see the details of Athrun's uniform, the crisp lines and the gleaming FAITH badge serving as reminders of the changes that had occurred since their last encounter.

"It's good to see you again, sir," Haru said, coming to a stop a respectful distance from Athrun. "I... I was hoping we could talk for a moment if you have the time."

Athrun's serious expression softened into a warm smile as he looked at Haru. The younger man's earnestness and the memory of their previous interactions in Orb brought a sense of familiarity that Athrun welcomed amidst the recent changes in his life.

"There's no need for formalities, Haru," Athrun said, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance. "Just call me Athrun. We're friends, after all."

Haru's shoulders visibly relaxed at Athrun's words. The tension that had built up in anticipation of this conversation began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of ease.

"Thanks, Athrun," Haru replied, a smile of his own spreading across his face. "It's good to see a friendly face, especially with everything that's been happening lately."

Athrun nodded, understanding the weight behind Haru's words. The recent Kaiju attacks and the political tensions had left everyone on edge, and moments of genuine connection were becoming increasingly rare.

Haru's eyes flicked briefly to the FAITH badge on Athrun's uniform before meeting his gaze again. Curiosity burned in his eyes, and he decided to seize the moment.

"If you don't mind me asking," Haru began, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and genuine interest, "how did you become part of FAITH? It's quite a change from when we last met in Orb."

Athrun's expression turned thoughtful, his green eyes seeming to look inward for a moment as he considered how to answer. The events that had led him to this point were complex, intertwined with personal struggles and global conflicts.

"It's a long story," Athrun started, his voice low and measured. "After what happened with Junius Seven and the subsequent attacks, I felt I needed to take a more active role in protecting both Coordinators and Naturals. Chairman Durandal offered me the opportunity to rejoin ZAFT, and with it, a position in FAITH."

Haru listened intently as Athrun explained his decision to rejoin ZAFT. The young technician's eyes widened slightly, taking in the gravity of Athrun's words and the responsibility that came with his new position.

"I see," Haru said, his voice thoughtful. "It must have been a difficult decision."

Athrun nodded, a flicker of emotion passing across his face. "It was. But I believe it's where I can do the most good right now, especially with these new threats we're facing."

As they spoke, the hangar continued to buzz with activity around them. Mechanics and crew members moved about, their voices a low hum in the background. The Saviour Gundam loomed nearby, a testament to the advanced technology at their disposal.

Haru's gaze drifted to the mobile suit, his technical mind already analyzing its features. "The Saviour looks impressive," he commented. "I'd love to learn more about its capabilities if you're willing to share."

Athrun followed Haru's gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He appreciated the young man's enthusiasm and technical curiosity. "It's a remarkable machine," Athrun agreed. "Perhaps we can discuss it in more detail later. For now, though, I need to report to Captain Gladys."

Haru nodded, understanding the demands of Athrun's position. "Of course. I won't keep you any longer."

As Athrun turned to leave, Haru felt a sudden urge to say something more. "Athrun," he called out, causing the older pilot to pause and look back. "I'm glad you're here. With everything that's happening... it's good to know we have someone like you on our side."

Athrun's expression softened at Haru's words. He could see the sincerity in the young man's eyes, a reminder of the hope and trust that came with his new responsibilities. "Thank you, Haru," he replied, his voice warm. "I'll do my best to live up to that trust."

With a final nod, Athrun turned and made his way towards the bridge, leaving Haru standing in the hangar, his mind buzzing with thoughts of new technologies, looming threats, and the unexpected turns their journey had taken.