Transformations   von chelle76
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                          Kapitel 10: Homeward Bound
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Transformations…
Chapter 10: Homeward Bound

They arrive the next day at Orb. After landing, they are met by a group of
people. A blonde woman dressed in a blue and white uniform comes up to April,
clasping her hand. “It’s good to see you again, April.” A young man comes
up behind Cagalli, nodding a greeting to the group.
April smiles and nods, clasping the woman’s hand in return. “Good to see you
too, Cagalli. I wish it were under better circumstances.”
Cagalli nods. “So do I. But it seems that peace never lasts long, does it?”
April shakes her head. “Why don’t we go where we can talk and let they
others get comfortable?” Cagalli asks, nodding towards the other crew
members.
April nods. “I would like Saber to come with us though.” She says as she
nods towards Saber. “He is an adviser to me on certain matters.”
Cagalli looks towards Saber and nods, then nods towards Athrun, “I want you in
on this too, Athrun.”
“Saber, you come with us.” He nods and April turns to the rest of the group
just as a young man, accompanied by a young woman with long pink hair walks up
to the group, “So, the visitors have arrived?” the woman states.
“Yes.” Athrun states. “We have some things to discuss, would you and Kira
mind showing our guests around?”
The woman smiles. “Not at all. We’d be glad to.” She turns towards the
group. “Please, follow us.”
“You look familiar to me…but I can’t place you” Fireball states,
speaking to the woman.
She smiles. “My name is Lacus Clyne.” She nods to the man beside her.
“This is Kira Yamato.” Kira nods to the group. 
Fireball thinks for a minute. “You’re a singer, aren’t you?”
Lacus nods. “I was. Now I help where I can to try and keep the peace.”
Fireball nods. “I think I remember hearing you at a few of the races I’ve
been in…it’s been a while though.”
“Shall we go now?” Kira says.
Lacus nods. “Let’s go. We will show you to a place where you can rest, then
go and find a place to sit and talk.” She and Kira lead the group off to their
quarters.

Cagalli, April, Athrun, and Saber walk down to an office, and they all sit
around a table.
“How is the project going? Did you get the other schematics I sent you?”
April asks.
“Yes, I’ve had the scientists begin trying to incorporate some changes into
the project. Athrun,” She nods to the soldier to her left, who nods to the
group, “has suggested, such as making the Bismarck into four separate GUNDAM
type units that can combine into either a ship, for transport, or as one large
robot for extreme situations.”
“It sounds promising. Can we see it?” April asks. 
“Well, you can see what it looks like so far. It’s not quite done yet,
though it could be operational within the week.” Athrun says.
Cagalli nods in agreement. “We have our best people on this. It has allowed us
to improve the GUNDAMS as well, so I am glad we have had a chance to work
together on this project. I hope that maybe we can eventually attain peace for
all of us.”
“We hope so too.” April states. 
Cagalli nods and stands up, the others following suit. “This way, please.”
She leads them through several corridors to what appears to be a dead end, then
swipes a card in a crack in the wall. The wall slides open and she indicates for
the group to follow her.
They enter a bunker type room where there several people in uniforms actively
working. In the middle of the room are what appears to be a large ship and three
GUNDAM type robots all hooked up to various computers.
“Impressive” Saber mutters to himself.
Cagalli nods. “This will be rather spectacular when it’s finished. I can’t
wait to upgrade a few of our units with some of the changes we’ve done
here.”
April nods. “They are quite impressive looking.”
Athrun and Cagalli take turns discussing the design process of the new unit,
each giving their take on how they would change something as they went along to
improve one thing or another. “Would you like to see a computer simulation of
how they work?” Athrun asks.
April and Saber nod and Athrun leads them down into the bunker to an office type
area. He sits down at a computer and begins typing rapidly. “Here we go.” He
motions for them to come behind him to see the screen. “Each unit can be its
own GUNDAM-type ship. They have their own weapons systems, and are piloted by
one person. The largest unit is not a robot, but a support unit. It gathers
information on enemy weapons and tries to figure the best mode of attack. It is
also the navigational unit. If needed, the four ships can combine, like this”
The screen shows the central unit becoming the head, arms and body, while two of
the units form the legs, and one a rather large blaster type gun. “That is
what we’ve dubbed as ‘battle phase’. Or, if you are just traveling between
worlds, you can connect them like this” The screen first shows the separate
units, then shows them combining to form what appears to be a normal transport
ship. “We have dubbed this the ‘passive phase’.
“Rather impressive.” Saber says, obviously impressed. “It looks like a lot
of good upgrades to this unit, April. I just hope things don’t get bad enough
to have to use it.”
April nods. “So do I.” She turns to Athrun. “Thank you, Captain for
showing us how the unit works and how it’s progressing. I have enjoyed working
with your crew on this project.”
Athrun nods. “It has been an educational venture for us too, Ms. April. We
have a lot of new information that will hopefully make our ships more
maneuverable and hopefully save lives.”
Cagalli comes over to them. “We’ve been in here for quite some time. Should
we go and check on your friends?”
April looks to Saber. “Do you want to leave now?”
“Why don’t you stay and rest for the night. That way, you are rested up in
case of trouble on your way back to Calvary Command.” Cagalli offers. “We
have more than enough room here, if you don’t mind barracks style housing.”
April laughs. “I’d feel at home then. I think I grew up in barracks my
entire life.” 
Saber smiles. “I suppose you make a point. The way this entire ordeal is, we
should rest while we can.”
Athrun nods. “Then let’s go find the others.” 
After some hunting, the group finds the rest of their crew and they all gather
around talking until late. After everyone has discussed their lives, and
similarities and difference, they eat, then head to their quarters. The next
morning, they ready to depart for Calvary Command.
“Thank you, Cagalli for your hospitality. I hope our alliance is the beginning
of a strong friendship between us.” April states as she takes the woman’s
hand.
“As do I.” Cagalli says. “Do not hesitate to call us if you find
yourselves in a bind. It was nice meeting everyone.”
Everyone nods and says their goodbyes, then they load up into their ships and
take off for Calvary Command.

The Bismarck and GoLion crews arrive later at Calvary Command. They are met by
Commander Eagle, Robin, and Josh. 
“Colt!” Robin runs to him, wrapping her arms around him. 
Colt leans into her and sighs relieved. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He turns
to Josh, who is waiting quietly beside Robin. “You seem to have made out
fairly well.”
Josh nods. “I hurt my arm when I was guiding some kids to the shelter.
Something hit me. I’m not sure what. But I’m fine.”
Colt turns back to Robin, looking her over carefully. “Are you really okay?”

She nods. “I’ve got some bad bruises, but nothing too bad. I just have to
move carefully.”
Colt nods satisfied and turns to the Commander, who is being thoroughly
inspected by April. “Father, you should be resting. If the doctor says you
have a mild concussion, then that means you need to take it easy!” She
admonishes.
Colt and Fireball suppress the urge to laugh at the scene before them. Fireball
shakes his head. “I may be sleeping alone for a few days.” He mumbles under
his breath, getting a look of amusement from Colt.
After a few more minutes and introductions, the group moves inside to a meeting
room and everyone sits down.
The Commander looks around the room then he begins, “We are into the clean up
and rebuilding phases now. We found no other casualties, thankfully. We had a
couple unaccounted for, but they were found alive. We still have a couple of
people who are critically injured, but considering the amount of devastation, we
are counting ourselves lucky.” He is met with several nods and he continues.
“I have been notified by the English Federation Colonies that they wish to
dedicate a memorial in honor of the victims of the ship that Senator Rider and
others were on.” His gaze falls to Saber. “Those in charge of the ceremony
would like for you to attend, if at all possible.”
Saber nods, closing his eyes for a moment, before looking up to meet the
Commander’s gaze again. “Yes Sir.” He pauses, “When?”
“Two days from now.” The Commander replies. “That would mean you would
need to leave tomorrow.” He adds.
Saber looks down in thought and sighs. “I know I have to go to this. I can
take Steed and get there fairly quickly if I leave early tomorrow.” He answers
quietly.
“I think all of the Bismarck crew should go. Your father was one of the
biggest supporters of the project.” The Commander states as he looks to the
other members of the crew. The others nod in agreement.
“We will all go with you, Saber.” Fireball says.
“I would however ask that you make one concession…” Commander Eagle adds.
Everyone turns their attention back to him. “Leave the Bismarck here, in case
we are attacked again. We have other Star Sheriffs that could fly it in the
event of another attack. You did say that the ship had been updated,
correct?”
Fireball nods. “Yes Sir. But how do you expect us to get there without our
ship?” He asks.
“We have a few transport ships that are equipped with weapons in the event you
are attacked.” He states. “My hope is that perhaps the GoLion crew could
escort the ship to the colony.” He looks over to Keith and Fala who nod.
“We would gladly escort them, Sir.” Keith states. Fala nods her agreement.
The Commander nods. “Then let’s get your things unloaded from the Bismarck,
and into the other ship.” He turns to the GoLion crew, “I can show you to
some temporary quarters for the night. It’s not much right now, since we are
in a bit of disarray.”
“It’s not a problem, Sir. We can manage almost anywhere.” Keith says.
Everyone is led to their quarters for the night and they gather after eating to
talk about the upcoming journey in a common room. “So where are we staying
once we get to the colony?” April asks.
“I figured everyone can stay at my family’s estate.” Saber replies
quietly.
“Is there room for all of us there?” Fala asks. 
Saber nods. “There’s more than enough room. My parents own a large
estate.” He sighs. “I suppose it's my estate now.” He mutters to himself.
Fala comes over and places a hand on his shoulder. “At least you will have
friends with you to support you. I know this will be hard, but perhaps after
this, it will become easier.” 
He nods slightly. “Thank you.” He mumbles quietly. “Sometimes I think the
distance makes it easier to not think about…things.” 
Fala nods. “I understand.” She goes and sits back down beside Keith.
“So, we leave after breakfast?” Fireball asks to no one in particular.
Everyone nods. “Good. At least we have a plan.”
Colt looks over to Saber and asks quietly, “Would it be all right to take
Robin and Josh with us to your place, Saber?”
Saber looks over and nods. “Yes it would be fine, Colt. I understand you
wanting them closer to you right now. If something comes up, we can always leave
them there temporarily. My family has people that live in and work to take care
of the estate, since my parents were usually away a good portion of the time
anyways. So they would be well cared for there.”
Colt nods. “Thank you.” He says quietly. He then stands up and heads towards
the door. “I’m going to tell Robin and Josh to pack. We’ll be ready before
breakfast.” Everyone nods. “Good night.” He heads out the door.
After Colt leaves, Fala turns to Saber, “That was nice of you to let them
come, Saber.”
Saber shrugs. “If the situation were reversed, I think he would do the same.
Besides, what I said is true. If there is more trouble here, they might be
better off there than here.”
Fala nods. “You make a good point.”
Saber turns to Fireball, “I do plan to take Steed with us. I hope that will be
all right.”
“Steed?” Keith asks.
“My mecha horse. I use it to get around when I don’t have a ship.” Saber
answers.
“Now that I’d like to see.” Shorty says. 
Fireball nods. “I don’t see where there would be a problem. He’s your
horse.”
Saber nods. “I figured I should at least let you know.” He looks at the
time. “It’s getting late. I think I will head to my quarters. I’ll see
everyone at breakfast.” He stands up as others murmur good night, then
leaves.
April sighs after the door closes. “I’m worried about him.” She says aloud
to no one in particular. “He seems a bit more withdrawn.”
Fireball nods. “I thought he seemed a bit more…down. Maybe going home
isn’t the best thing for him right now.”
“He has to go sometime, Fireball. He can’t just run away from it forever. I
went to see him the other night and noticed a picture on his desk of him and
Sincia. He seemed a bit more upset since then. I just hope this doesn’t
overwhelm him. We need to be able to rely on him.” April says.
Keith nods. “I understand your concern, April, but I think after he’s home
and gets through the ceremony and other formalities, maybe it will bring him
some closure, and he will be able to move forward.”
“He’s been through a lot, and all of this is stressful enough without the
emotional baggage he is dealing with on top of everything else. I thought he was
doing well, all things considered.” Fala states. 
“I suppose we shall see. I just don’t know what to expect. I’m not sure
how I would feel if it were me going home for the first time after such a
tragedy.” April says. “I wonder if he will go and see Sincia’s parents.”
April thinks aloud.
“Who’s Sincia?” Fala asks.
“Oh, I guess you never knew her name…she was his fiancé, or was about to be
when…” April replies.
“I see. I’m sure that would be really hard on him, and on her parents. Have
they tried to contact him?” Fala says.
April shakes her head. “Not to my knowledge.” She looks at Fireball. “Have
you heard of anyone trying to contact Saber?”
He shakes his head. “Not at all. I’m not sure what he could say to them if
he did talk with them.”
“I just think we need to make a point of watching him, without it being too
obvious. I don’t want to make things worse, but I saw how he seemed upset the
other night, and I wanted to get him to talk more, but he just seemed to want to
be alone.” She sighs, “He did promise that he would tell me if it got to be
too much. I just hope that he’s telling me the truth.”
“I think he knows to be honest with us. He knows how much your father put on
the line to get him to be able to work at all. I don’t think he would risk
your father’s reputation, April.” Fireball says. “Although I know that
you’re not really worried about how your father looks to the council right
now. I know you’re just worried.”
April sighs. “I know I’m just over analyzing. I’d probably do it for you
or Colt worse than I have for Saber.” She smirks. “I already know the two of
you aren’t playing with a full deck.”
Fireball shakes his head. “Hey!” He feigns a hurt look and the others laugh.
Soon he’s laughing too. He looks to the clock. “It’s really late. We had
better try and get some rest while we can.” The others nod in agreement and
they all head off to their rooms.

The next morning they all have breakfast and head off for the English Federation
Colonies. Not much is said on the trip. They arrive without incident and are
greeted by the dignitaries upon arrival. An older gentleman, presumably the
leader of the group comes forward, greeting Saber, clasping his hand. “I am
very sorry for your loss, Captain. We are grateful you are able to make it here.
The ceremony will be held tomorrow at sunrise. Please get yourselves comfortable
and meet us here in the morning. We have a van waiting for you to use to get
around while you’re here.” The man nods to a lot not far from the landing
area where a large van is waiting. “I think it should be sufficient to
transport everyone. Let me know if you need anything else. I am Prime Minister
Charles Collins.”
Saber shakes the man’s hand and nods. “We will, Sir. Thank You.” The Prime
Minister releases his hand and turns back to the others behind him and they go
off to conclude preparations. Saber turns to the group, “Shall we head to the
estate then?” The others nod in agreement and they start towards the van.
“I’m going to take Steed with us now.” He whistles and Steed comes out of
the ship landing beside him. 
“Now that is an awesome horse.” Shorty says astonished.
Saber turns to Fireball. “Can either you or April drive the van and follow
me?”
Fireball nods. “I’ll drive.” They all load up and Saber mounts the horse
and they leave towards his home.
About an hour later they arrive. An older gentleman with glasses comes out of
the house and greets Saber as he dismounts. “Good to see you, Sir. I’m sorry
that it is under such circumstances.”
Saber nods. “Good to see you too, Thomas. How’s Elaine doing?” Saber asks
trying to sound upbeat and normal.
Thomas nods. “She’s doing well Sir. Thank you for your concern. We have kept
everything in good order. We have rooms ready for you and your guests, as you
requested. Dinner will be in a few hours. Probably close to six.” Saber nods,
and Thomas signals to two younger boys to come out. “Take the luggage in for
the guests and show them to their quarters.” The boys nod and start doing as
directed, the others following the boys into their rooms. Thomas turns to Saber
and says quietly. “I …I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about being in…”
He pauses trying to think of how to say what he wants, “in your parent’s
room, so I made sure your former room was in good order, Sir.”
“Thank you, Thomas.” He replies quietly. He turns and watches as the others
head to see their rooms. “I suppose I should get my things into my room.” He
sighs. “I’m going to take Steed out back, then I’ll be in.” Thomas nods
and heads to gather more luggage to take in, and Saber heads around the back of
the house with Steed, before going in and up to his room. When he arrives, he
sees most of his things have already been place there, he starts going through
his things when he hears a soft knock on his door. “Come in.”
An older woman appears in the doorway, she enters the room quietly, closing the
door behind her. “How are you, Saber?” She asks quietly.
Saber nods slightly. “Hello, Elaine. I’m as well as can be expected, I
suppose.” Elaine nods, watching him as he goes and sits on the foot of his bed
and looks around. “How are you doing? Mother had said you had been sick or
something recently.”
Elaine nods. “I’m better now, thank you.” She pauses, thinking.
Saber watches her curiously for a few minutes. “Something on your mind?”
Elaine shakes her head. “I was just trying to think of how to say
something.” She sighs and pulls an envelope out of her apron, handing it to
him carefully. “It’s from Sincia’s parents. It arrived yesterday. We’ve
not opened it, since it’s addressed to you.”
He takes the envelope, looking at it carefully. He notices it’s dated a week
before. Nervously, he turns the letter over to open it. Elaine turns for the
door, and he looks up to her. “You don’t have to leave, Elaine.” He says
quietly.
Elaine smiles. “You need time to yourself, Saber. Just call downstairs if you
need me before supper.”
Saber nods and she leaves closing the door behind her, leaving him alone in the
room. He turns his attention back to the letter in his hands. He slowly opens it
and unfolds the letter. He looks down, noting her mother’s handwriting and
begins reading:



Dearest Saber,

I can not begin to imagine how or what you are feeling right now. I have no idea
of when or if you will ever receive this. I know that things may seem
overwhelming and that you may feel that life is not worth living, but neither
Sincia nor your parents would want you to feel that way. I am aware that your
intentions were to marry our beautiful daughter. I regret that you will never
get that chance. I know that you loved her and she you. She talked constantly of
you and how proud she was of the job you were doing to protect our way of life.
I know that your parents didn’t always agree with your choice of occupations,
but she was glad that you held fast to your beliefs, and didn’t cave in just
to please them. I am glad that she got to see you again before she was taken
from our lives. At least I know she was happy and that she didn’t suffer.
Things will get better with time. Your wounds will heal, as will ours. Just
remember that the only thing she really wanted was for you to be happy. She was
willing to leave here with you to do that. So the best way to honour her is
continue living. Know that we love you like a son and we are here for you if you
ever need anything. Thank you for coming into our lives.

Always,

Meredith March





Saber lays back on his bed, closing his eyes, the letter lying on his chest. He
realizes he was crying, and didn’t even know it. Taking a deep breath he tries
to relax again. He stays like that drifting slowly off to sleep. A few hours
later, he is awakened by a knock at his door. He takes a deep breath and runs
his hands over his face before sitting up and looking around. A second knock at
the door jolts him back to reality. “Come in.” He folds the letter up, just
as the door opens.
“Did I wake you?” April asks as she enters his room. 
Saber nods slightly. “It’s all right. I need to get up. I didn’t mean to
drift off anyways.” 
April nods, studying him closely. “Are you okay, Saber?”
He shrugs. “I will be…eventually.” He says quietly, not meeting her gaze.
“I suppose everyone is gathered down stairs and waiting for me?”
April smiles. “Yeah. We debated a bit before I was picked to come up here to
check on you.”
Saber smiles weakly. “You got the short stick, eh?” He chuckles lightly.
“I suppose I’d rather have you than Colt.” April laughs. “I’d almost
be scared of what he’d do to wake me.”
April shakes her head and laughs. “No kidding. I’m sure he can be a
bit…much. Although, I was going to just barge in if you didn’t answer after
the second time I knocked.”
“Well, at least you would have only found me sleeping. I suppose we should get
down there before they send a search party up for both of us.” Saber says
dryly as he stands up, placing the letter on the writing desk along side of his
bed.
April notices the letter, but says nothing, turning to go back out the door,
“Come on.” She heads downstairs, Saber close behind her. Everyone looks up
as they come down the stairs. “We’re back.” April states.
“I’m sorry. I fell asleep.” Saber says embarrassed.
Colt laughs. “At least you finally GOT some sleep, Saber.”
Saber nods and goes and sits down in a chair near the others. “Have you all
had a chance to look around the grounds?” Several heads nod. “Good. Perhaps
we can go out for a bit.” He looks at the clock. “Thomas said dinner
wouldn’t be until six, so that gives us an hour or so.” 
“Then let’s go. I’d like to look around a bit more.” Fala says as she
stands up, the others slowly follow suit. They head out and explore the grounds,
eventually having dinner and gather again in the common room after dinner to
talk before slowly dispersing to bed.

The next morning, the group is up and dressed and they arrive at the location of
the ceremony. Prime Minister Collins comes over to greet them. “I am glad you
are all here. The ceremony will begin shortly.”
They stand around talking, a few other dignitaries come over to express
condolences, before the ceremony begins. As everyone is getting into position, a
woman slowly makes her way towards the group, stepping up behind Saber, she
places her hand gently on his shoulder. “Hello, Saber. I'm glad you were able
to make it.” 
He turns and meets the woman's gaze, “Hello Meredith. It's good to see you.”
He replies quietly. “How are you doing?”
She nods. “As good as I can expect. Some days are better than others, as I'm
sure you know.” He nods. “When I saw you, I had to come over and see
you.”
“I'm glad you did. I was not sure if you would welcome me or not, honestly.”
Saber says quietly.
Meredith takes his hands, “Do not blame yourself for this and please don’t
feel that we blame you. It is not your fault that this happened.” She pauses,
“Sometimes fate is just cruel. All we can do is honor them by living. That is
all I ask of you and of myself.” She leans over and kisses his cheek, then
takes his hand. “Keep in touch with me, won't you?”
Saber leans over and kisses her cheek and nods, pulling her briefly into an
embrace. “I will, as much as I am able.”
Meredith nods. “That is all I ask.” She pulls out of the embrace looking up
to meet his face. “I'd better go back with the family. Take care of
yourself.” She releases his hand, and turns heading back across the crowd.
Saber watches her leave, and sighs. 
“Who was that, Saber?” April asks.
“Sincia's mother.” He says quietly.
“Oh.” April whispers. “She seemed glad to see you.” She says in a more
normal tone.
Saber nods. “I think she was. To be honest, I wasn't sure how she would react
to me being here...but she told me that we both need to move on. That if we stop
living, then we aren't honoring their memories.” He pauses in thought before
continuing, “I think she's right.” 
Music begins and everyone turns their attention towards a stage that is set up
at the head of the crowd as the ceremony begins. 

A couple hours later, everyone arrives back at the Rider Estate. 
“Well, it was a beautiful Ceremony, Saber.” Fala says as they gather in the
sitting room.
Saber nods. “Yes, it was. But, I’m glad it’s over.” He says as he sits
down into a chair. “I appreciate that all of you were willing to go along.”
April smiles at him. “It’s what friends do. I know if something happened to
my Father, you would be there for me.” Saber nods. “Hopefully, we don’t
have to test out that scenario.” 
Fireball takes April’s hand. “We will do our best to prevent it.”
A few days pass peacefully. No news is looked at as good news by the group and
everyone enjoys the break. They are all gathered together talking when Elaine
enters the room to tell them that dinner is ready. They all get up and gather in
the dining room, and begin eating after the dinner is presented. Elaine brings
out dessert and she and Thomas take leave to eat their own meal. After dinner,
everyone goes out to the back of the grounds, a few people take a horse and go
exploring, Saber guiding them on Steed. April and Fireball sit around with Lance
and Hothead, talking about plans for the upcoming days.
“I wish we could just stay here. It’s so relaxed.” Hothead says.
“You just like how well you’re being fed.” Lance quips, getting a glare
from Hothead.
“I've not eaten this well since I left home.” he replies.
April laughs. “The food is great. I’m not used to eating so well.” 
Fireball nods. “I agree. But then again being on the go so much, we don’t
exactly have room to make anything like what we’ve eaten recently.”
“I wonder why Saber wanted to leave all of this behind and join up with
Calvary Command?” April mused. “I’m not sure I would. I could see why he
was considering moving back to be with Sincia though. All of this would have
been theirs.” 
A long silence ensues, “I’m not sure he would have been happy here though. I
just can’t see him settling down and working behind a desk or something.”
Fireball says to break the silence.
“Nor could I see him doing his Father’s job. He doesn’t have the patience
for politics.” April states.
“He’s too…military minded for politics. Although, that might not be a bad
combination to have.” Lance adds.
Suddenly, Saber comes racing back, followed by the others, looking rather
serious. April looks up. “Is something wrong, Saber?” 
He dismounts Steed and nods. “Calvary Command is under attack again. We need
to leave as soon as possible.” 
Colt helps Robin down from his horse and Josh comes up from out in the yard.
“You two stay here. We have to go see if we can help.” Robin nods, tears
forming. Colt kisses her lightly and turns to Josh. “Protect her.” He nods.
He looks again to Robin. “I’ll be back as soon as I can be.” 
She nods, blinking away the tears. “We’ll be here.”
The others are coming back out towards the group, bags in tow, Thomas and Elaine
following along behind them. Saber looks to Thomas. “I leave them in your
care. We will be back as soon as we are able.” Thomas nods.
Elaine hands a bag to Saber. “Be careful.” 
He nods. “I will be.” He turns to the others as he mounts Steed, “Let’s
go.” They all load up in the van and go to the hangar, piling into their ships
and taking off.
“What happened, Saber?” Fireball asks once they’re in the air.
“Commander Eagle called my com-link. He tried yours, but said it didn’t
connect. He said they are safe, for the moment, but that the ships could be back
and that they need back up. There is a lot of damage, but since people were
still evacuated to shelters, very few casualties.”
“So the Bismarck did its job then. I’m glad we left it for their
protection.” Fireball says.
After a long pause Saber replies, “I’m reading through the report of the
attack from Commander Eagle. The Bismarck and its crew were destroyed.”
“What?!” April, Colt, and Fireball scream at once.
“Saber, please tell me I heard you wrong.” Colt says.
“I’m afraid not, Colt.” He turns on the com-link. “Keith, come in.” 
Keith appears on the screen. “I just read what you sent me. It’s not
good.” 
Saber shakes his head. “No it isn’t.”
“Saber, we need to go to Orb. Now.” April states firmly. 
Saber looks her direction and nods. “Keith, we have to make a detour to Orb,
can you head towards Calvary Command and assist them in any way you can?”
Keith nods. “Roger that. Be careful and call if you find trouble.”
“We will. Thank you. Bismarck out.” He closes the connection and turns to
Fireball. “Set course for Orb.”
Fireball nods, punching in several keys. “Wouldn’t it just be faster to call
them for help, instead of going there?”
“There is something we have to do there before we can get help.” April
replies. “Trust us, please.”
Fireball starts to say something else, but stops himself and each person is left
alone with their thoughts. 
About an hour later, Saber opens up the com-link,” This is Captain Rider of
the Bismarck crew calling Orb, come in.”
Athrun appears on the screen. “Captain Rider? Why aren’t you on the
Bismarck? I’m reading that the ship you are on is a transport ship.”
Saber nods. “We left the Bismarck at Calvary Command. We were on my home
colony when Calvary Command fell under attack.” Athrun nods. “The Bismarck
was destroyed in the foray.” 
Athrun looks shocked, then gaining his composure, looks serious. “What’s
your ETA?”
Saber checks his computer, “Should be a half hour give or take.”
“We will be ready when you arrive. Orb out.” Athrun closes the connection.
Saber takes a deep breath, and looks to April, who is watching him closely. He
nods that he is fine and looks to Fireball and Colt, both of whom are focused on
their own thoughts. “We are entering Orb air space now.” He says as they
descend and land.

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