Mars Embassy

[alex]

The vast emptiness of space stretched out farther then any human eye could see, though from the tens of thousands of glittering stars that filled the void made it almost seem like space wasn't as empty as it looked at first. This was particular true to the PLANTs at the moment, with several different class of ships making their way through the ZAFT controlled airspace, ranging from small personal shuttles taking civilians from one port to another, to cargo haulers transporting raw materials into the PLANTs, to ZAFT battleships traveling on their routine patrols.

There was one transport ship that stood out among the others today though, mainly because it had just arrived from Mars and was carrying an ambassador to boot. The transport ship was currently heading into a docking port that would lead the abassador straight to the Mars Embassy. Standing on the bridge next to the captain of the transport ship was the ambassador's assistant standing next to her... and he was giving her an earful about how the ship wasn't docking correctly. "Captain Rowe, the ship is drifting to the left! We're going to be off center and the docking clamps will damage the ship! The ambassador will have to wear a normal suit to depart the ship and his suit will be wrinkled as a result!" the assistant bellowed while jabbing a stubby finger at the captain's face. "We are not drifted to the left, we are rotating to the left so we will be straight. One of our thrusters had gotten jammed in the activation position for a second longer then we needed it to be, so we are actually a little bit to the right. By drifting left, we are getting ourselves back on track." Captain Susana Rowe replied calmly, as if she wasn't affected by this man's verbal assault. "Leave the ship to me, and I'll leave the ambassador to you." the captain stated. Still fuming, the ambassador's assistant floated out the exit that was at the captain's feet.

One of the mobile suit pilots that was aboard the ship, a lieutenant, was standing on the other side of the captain's chair with his arms folded over his chest, his eyes half closed as he watched the ship slowly enter the port. His uniform wasn't exactly like the others on the ship, mainly because he was wearing a purple bandana around his head that his hair was draped over, and he also had a purple scarf with yellow tassels loosely wrapped around his neck and draped over his shoulders. He also had a purple Haro with yellow flaps in one hand. He had been listening to the hold argument and had kept his trap shut. Once the rude assistant had left, the lieutenant shook his head. "I thought we were bringing a goodwill ambassador to the PLANTs, not a declaration of war." the pilot stated with a dry tone, and the bridge crew snickered at the comment. "Bad boy! Bad boy!" the Haro in the pilot's hand chimed in. Captain Rowe just rolled her eyes. "I was thinking the same thing Aygaros. You better go join the ambassador down by the air lock. You're part of the escorting party remember. Now remember, you're job is not to keep the ambassador out of trouble..." the captain stated. "But to get the ambassador back here if he says something stupid, then stand by in the Airmaster if we have to fight our way out." Alex interrupted and finished the captain's sentence before he drifted towards the exit by the captain's feet.

Alex released Haro from his grip and the toy ball drifted towards the captain. "Keep her out of trouble now, okay Haro?" Alex asked, and the Haro responded with "Go! Go!" Rowe laughed as she caught Haro and shook her head. "I don't think so Haro! You're carrying the key to the black box the Airmaster is locked inside of, so you stay here." Rowe responded with. If Haro had tried to argue the point, Alex didn't hear the response since he was now out of hearing range and was heading down towards the docking port. I never thought I would be back at the PLANTs so soon. Alex thought as he floated down the shaft that led away from the bridge and towards the rest of the ship. Alex passed by several crewmen as he headed towards the docking port. One of them tossed Alex a machine pistol, which he caught and slipped into a holster that was inside his uniform, which he then zipped up and there was no trace of the concealed weapon. A few spare clips were already in his pockets that were on the inside of his uniform. After straightening his bandana, Alex entered the docking port and stood next to the ambassador. There was a loud clang as the boarding ramp attached to the transport ship, the docking hatch opened, and the ambassador, his assistant, Alex, and the other escorts left the ship and headed for the Mars Embassy.

[Ryan Pensler]

Ryan stood, shifting a bit uncomfortably, at the embasy airlock, waiting to greet the Mars ambassador and his entourage. Ryan was never really one to enjoy political functions, and neither was he very formal. His orders had been handed down to him by Chairwoman Lacus Clyne herself, so, what else was there to do?
First, he was to take them to the PLANT Supreme Council Building, where they would be discussing plans to form an alliance between ZAFT and the Mars Colonial Coalition. A mutually beneficial arrangement, they would meet in the hopes that the agreement would bring economic trade between the two, as well as mutual defense plans. This would be a major step for both nations, made even more important due to the current hostilities with the Earth Alliance.
It was generally believed that, perhaps with a defense treaty between ZAFT and Mars, the Earth Alliance might feel more inclined to back down, and be more willing respond to Chairwoman Clyne's request to start peace negotiations. Ryan smiled a bit as he thought about the possibility of an end to this seemingly pointless war though when he thought back to the other duty that given to him for the day. He grimmaced briefly after he was done delivering the ambasador and his assistant to the Supreme Council Chambers.
He was to entertain the military officer escorting the ambassador at the ZAFT Central Headquarters Officers' Lounge, in hopes of raising a spirit of cooperation and fostering feelings friendship and peace. To be honest, it felt as though he was supposed to be an over-glorified babysitter to another over-glorified babysitter. To Ryan, it all seemed to be a bit too formal and showy, but polotics were a necessity for any government, so Ryan straightened his red ZAFT uniform jacket on his shoulders and checked over the rest of his clothing, to make sure he was cleaned up for the guests to arrive. Minutes later, he saw the ship from Mars come in and dock, followed by three people coming down the ramp. He let out a sigh as he stepped forward to greet them.
"Welcome, Honored Delegates. My name is Ryan Pensler and I will be your escort to the PLANT Supreme Council," Ryan said with a slight bow, doing his best to seem formal and respectful to the ambassador.

[alex]

As the airlock hatch opened up to allow the Mars ambassador, his assistant, and for Alex to enter the PLANTs, the mobile suit pilot known to most as Aygaros wasn't the least bit surprised to see someone on the other side of the docking hatch waiting for them, intending to escort them from the Mars Embassy to the Supreme Council of ZAFT. However what Alex hadn't been expecting was their escort to be wearing the red uniform of a ZAFT ace pilot. What was even more surprising was that this pilot was a member of FAITH. To Alex, this meant that chances are their escort most likely piloted one of ZAFT's top of the line mobile suits... or maybe even a Gundam. If he turned out to be a Gundam pilot, then Alex hoped that the two of them would fight side by side and not against each other. One thing was for sure though... that FAITH member had clearly earned his red uniform and his placement in FAITH, and deserved respect.

After the FAITH member introduced himself as Ryan Pensler, the Mars ambassador chuckled as he twirled his thick handlebar mustache, which was more gray then it was brown. "There is no need to bow to me young one. I'm Ambassador Rukoto, not a noble man, though I thank you for your hospitality." the ambassador stated, then gestured his hand towards the assistant and Alex. "This is my assistant George, and this young man here is Lieutenant Aygaros and my personal escort while I am here in the PLANTs. Please, show me the way to the Supreme Council. I have much to discuss with them." the ambassador stated, then the three people from Mars started to follow Ryan towards the Supreme Council chamber once he started to move.

As they traveled down the hallways and left the dock behind, Alex overheard the assistant George muttering under his breath. "Pfft. Well, at least ZAFT was wise enough to have someone from FAITH give us an escort, though someone with a little bit more authority would've been better suited for us, like an actual chairman or even Kira himself..." George muttered, just loud enough that Alex knew for a fact that Ryan could've heard the comment. Sadly it was common feeling among those who lived on Mars, that the people whom still in the Earth Sphere were inferior to those whom lived on Mars. When Alex had first moved to Mars, he had the same attitude directed at him, though after a few combat situations against pirates the comments stopped and he was officially recognized as a 'superior' being and was allowed to stand among everyone else on Mars... though Alex never shared this feeling with those on Mars, and he never would. As a result of this, Alex gave the assistant a small glare before giving Ryan a look of respect to show that he didn't share the assistant's viewpoint. As they continued, the ambassador chimed in again. "It's a while since I've come to the PLANTs... so long in fact that I have forgotten some of your policies. Tell me, where shall the lieutenant be waiting for us since he shouldn't enter the negotiations?" the ambassador asked politely as they rounded a bend, and Alex started to remember the lay out of the PLANTs. They were almost there already.

[Ryan Pensler]

Ryan smiled a bit at the ambassadors reply. The large man seemed rather down to earth and well-tempered, which probably lent well to his duties as an ambassador.
"Why, thank you, sir, but it is proper etiquette, so I wanted to be sure to welcome you properly, sir." he said politely.
Ryan walked briskly, but stayed slow enough to allow the ambassador and his group to keep pace with him. He chuckled quietly as the assistant started trying to make comments under his breath.

"Well, Admiral Yamato is rather busy, these days, but I hope a simple soldier like myself can manage the difficult task of escorting 3 people to PLANT Supreme Council," he said in an even tone, his words dripping with sarcasm as he walked. He knew antagonizing any of them could get him in trouble, but he had never much cared about such things. As they rounded the corner, in the hallway, he could see the limo waiting out in front of the embassy. Then he heard the ambassador speak
"Well, sir, I will be taking him to the officers' lounge at ZAFT HQ, so he can rub elbows with some of our other FAITH members, not to mention the top brass," he said with a smile, hoping to make the ambassador's assistant feel alot less important. Ryan hated dealing with self-entitled people. He then walked forward and, opening the limo door, motioned for them all to get in. As they all settled in, Ryan looked toward the ambassador and smiled a bit
"Well, sir, the Supreme Council is looking favorably on this alliance, as it would be mutually adventageous for both Mars and the PLANTs," he said in a cool tone .

[alex]

As the group made their way through the Mars Embassy and towards the Supreme Council, Alex couldn't help but marvel at how Ryan had responded to the George's comment about how he wanted an escort that was worth far more then a simple member of FAITH. Ryan had almost laughed at the comment and stated that he hoped he was up to the large task of giving them an escort. Alex's point of view though, there was nothing simple or low about being a member of FAITH, so having a member of FAITH escort the ambassador was overkill. On the other hand, it was a gesture of respect from the Supreme Council and their chairwoman, Lacus Clyne, and clearly the ambassador had viewed it that way, which was good.

As they exited the Mars Embassy and headed towards the limo, Alex listened to the ambassador's question about what Alex was going to be doing while the negotiations were going on, and then turned his head towards Ryan, himself curious about what the answer was. When Ryan answered that Alex was going to be heading for the officer's lounge within the ZAFT HQ, Alex almost shuddered. Of all the places that he was going to, the officer's lounge at the ZAFT HQ was the last place he wanted to go. He wanted to avoid the ZAFT HQ itself all together, but unfortunately he didn't really have a choice in the matter now did he? All he could do was hope that he wasn't going to run into someone he knew back when he was in ZAFT... but the chances of that was going to be impossible because of what he did... he had started out his military life by defeating two GINNs on his own, he had been transferred from the normal pilot academy to the special forces academy, he was on the team that created the Impulse Gundam, never got hit once during the Second Bloody Valentine War, had had defected to Lacus Clyne's side during the battle of Messiah... the name of every ZAFT soldier that had joined Lacus during that battle was almost publicly known, and every single person that he had fought side by side with during the Second Bloody Valentine War knew him as a good friend... until he left for Mars that is. If just one person in that large group of people were at that lounge... things could get real ugly real quick.

The assistant, whom was suppose to have been made humble by Ryan's comment, only snorted. "Well, those other FAITH members should be honored to meet a mobile suit ace from Mars. Meeting one of our rookies that have just graduated from our military academy is a privilege in and of itself." the assistant stated as he held his head up high and climbed into the limo after the ambassador did. I told them I didn't want to return to the Earth Sphere. Alex thought has he climbed into the limo last and closed the door to the vehicle and glanced out the window as they drove down the road. He heard Ryan say something about how this alliance would benefit both the Mars Colony and ZAFT, but he turn his head to look back at everyone else in the limo until the ambassador responded to Ryan's statement. "As do I, young man. There is much that Mars can offer the PLANTs, and I'm sure the PLANTs have just as much to offer Mars in return. I hope that once our alliance is forged, we will finally be able to enjoy an era of peace in which the term 'mobile suit' is completely forgotten." Rukoto stated with a smile as he drummed his fingers on his cane, which had a rare ruby that was found on Mars sitting on the top of the cane. The ambassador then turned to face Alex with a cocked eyebrow. "Is something bothering you lieutenant? I've never thought of you to be a quiet one." Rukoto asked, and Alex shrugged. "I'm fine sir. Just thinking."

[Ryan Pensler]

Ryan smiled a bit at the assistance's comment, while hoping not to laugh and insult him. "Well actually I believe, if I'm not mistaken, Alex here was considered for FAITH membership as well... but he left before he could've been named a member of FAITH." Ryan stated. He then looked over at Alex before continuing. "Sorry. I recognized you from the test facility at armory one. You were in the experimental design team that tested the core splendor system." Ryan sat fairly quietly most of the trip from there on until they reached ZAFT HQ, where he got out and motioned for Alex to follow him. "Here's our stop, and ambassador please enjoy your stay here at the PLANTs." Ryan walked through the double doors of the main entrance and lead Alex to the officers' lounge, which was a large and lavish room full of couches and comfortable chairs around large wooden tables. At the far side of the room was a large open bar where many officers had chosen to mingle and were talking among themselves. "Well, welcome." Ryan said with a slight smile.

[alex]

After ambassador Rukoto had responded to Alex's answer with a nod, the lieutenant was about to look out the window again and return to thinking about how he was going to get himself out of the mess he was sure he was about to walk into when Ryan spoke up again. When Ryan stated that Alex had been considered for FAITH membership, Alex's jaw dropped and he gave Ryan a double take. "What? I had been awarded the Order of the Nebula at the end of the Second Bloody Valentine War, but no one told me that I was being considered for FAITH membership!" Alex exclaimed in surprise... though deep down he knew that making him a member of FAITH wouldn't have kept him from leaving ZAFT. What really had Alex surprised was that Ryan knew his name since the Ambassador had introduced him as 'Lieutenant Aygaros,' not 'Lieutenant Alex Davis.' How does Ryan know? I've never met him before! Alex thought. If a complete stranger recognized him, then anyone would.

As Ryan turned to Alex and continued, saying that he recognized him from Armory One, and that he was on the experimental development team that developed the core splendor system, Alex almost felt like kicking himself. That more then explained it, especially since Ryan was in FAITH. A FAITH operative would have the authority to see the files that held the names of each member of that experimental development team, and a FAITH operative would surely know whom was considered to be in FAITH or not. The final bit was that after the Second Bloody Valentine War, there was only one ZAFT officer that left for Mars, and that was him. Now it was clear as day that anyone would recognize him. Realizing this, Alex's heart sank. Now there was no way to avoid someone asking him why he left ZAFT and headed to, of all places, Mars.

"What? You're a former ZAFT pilot, you were at Armory One, you were awarded the Order of the Nebula, and you were considered to become a member of FAITH?" George exclaimed in surprise, and Alex could only shrug in response before giving George a full explanation. "Yes, I'm a former ZAFT pilot with the rank of black. My mobile suit was a purple and yellow Slash ZAKU Phantom. Yes, I was at Armory One. My mobile suit had gotten buried under some rubble so I was unable to assist the Minerva in recapturing Chaos, Gaia, and Abyss. Yes, I was awarded the Order of the Nebula, I still have the medal. Lacus Clyne also gave me one of her own Haros as a farewell present when I declined being assigned to her personal guard by saying I was moving to Mars. This is all in my service record. I thought the ambassador told you to go over my record when I was chosen as your escort. Apparently you didn't." Alex stated in response to George before he started thinking about what he should expect when he gets to the officers' lounge. The rest of the trip in the limo was rather quiet, thanks to the fact that George had finally shut his trap.

Once they had arrived at the ZAFT HQ, Alex followed Ryan and got out of the vehicle, then turned around to bid farewell to the ambassador. "Good luck ambassador, and stay out of trouble." Alex stated and gave Ambassador Rukoto a salute. "Don't worry about me Lieutenant Aygaros. It's George here we should be worried about... but after you got him to keep his mouth shut when you told him you're basically a war hero, I'm guessing he won't cause any trouble. Enjoy yourself." the ambassador stated with a chuckle while returning the salute. After watching the limo pull away, Alex followed Ryan into the officers' lounge. When they arrived, Alex glanced around and let out a sigh. "This room has nearly doubled in size since the last time I was here." Alex stated before he turned to face Ryan. "So, would you mind if I ask what you were doing at Armory One? I was there for quite a while so I'm not sure when you might have seen me."

[Ryan Pensler]

"I Was stationed at armory one before the war started. I was originally slated to become the pilot of the Savior Gundam but it was assigned to Athrun Zala instead by Chairman Durandal. I saw you a few times in passing with the other members of the Destiny Team working on the Impulse Gundam, and when I read the Mars transport documents i recognized your picture and decided to read your personnel file, where I discovered you had been selected for consideration for FAITH membership shortly before you left." Ryan said with a smile. It was funny to him to see that Alex was surprised as he spoke. Ryan picked a large table near the center of the room and sat in one of the chairs motioning for Alex to sit down as well. "Come on. Nothing to be worried about, it's not like resigning your commission makes you a traitor, nor does joining another military organization. It was simply your choice to defend your new home. You shouldn't even feel awkward since very soon our 2 nations are about to sign a treaty making us official allies. I'm actually glad to have this opportunity to have a drink with a former and current comrade in arms." Ryan said coolly as he motioned for a waitress.

[alex]

Alex didn't respond to what Ryan was saying until after he had motioned the waitress to come over. "Well, that explains how you knew me and how you knew that I was selected to be a member of FAITH." Alex stated as he glanced around the officer's lounge and let out a small sigh. "Though in truth, I still feel a little nervous. You see, I got a rather unpleasant message from a former team member while I was on my way here from Mars. During the third Bloody Valentine War, almost my entire team was annihilated, and she blamed me for it because she thought I would've been able to stop it, that some of them would still be alive. She now views me as a deserter and my guess is that if she sees me, she will give me a black eye." Alex stated as the waitress walked over. "I'll just have water ma'am" Alex stated calmly, and the waitress turned to Ryan, waiting for his order.

[Ryuzaki]

‘Checkpoints… the dam things are always such a pain in the ass’ Ryuzaki though as he stood watching the solider rustling through the clearance papers he had given him, ‘None of the guards ever seem to recognize me, sure I don’t get out much but I’ve seen Louis here three times before. Why is it they always forget to issue me a new ID badge?’ “Sorry Mr. Ryuzaki your clear to pass, next time have a current ID please.” Ryuzaki couldn’t help but give Louis a glare through half closed eyes “Well maybe the next time someone decides to change the dam things they will remember to give me one of the new ones.” Plucking the paper work from the mans hand Ryuzaki trudged towards the officers lounge, ‘well this is shaping up to be a unpleasant day’ he thought as he neared the building. About twenty feet form the entrance Ryuzaki felt a cold wet something splash on his head ‘What the….’ he managed to look up with a bemused expression just as the ‘rain’ fell in a great sheeting deluge. Continuing to stare up at the sky Ryuzaki couldn’t help but grumble to him self several choice words as to the deplorable sense of humor the universe seemed to have to today. Completely soaked his feet squishing loudly in his shoes with each step Ryuzaki didn’t even notice the fact the hall was teeming with politicians or the fact that one of them was Martian, he simply sloshed doggedly into the officers lounge to intent on retrieving his stash of candy… and a dry change of clothing. Despite his focus on these goals the fact that there where so many ranking officers present didn’t escape notice, ‘Well too many people in here to retrieve my candy so looks like I’ll be getting lunch instead… wait wasn’t that one of the pilot candies for the Impulse?’ Ryuzaki thinks noticing the oddly dressed pilot, ‘Hu I wonder if they brought any interesting MS from Mars’ seeing the empty chair Ryuzaki couldn’t help but take a seat after all it’s not everyday he got to speak with pilots from other nations “So I’m guessing that you are part of a military entourage for a high ranking officer or politician dose that mean you brought any interesting MS with you? ” he asked the young man, forgetting entirely to introduce him self as usual.