Sousuke found his way up to the bridge where the others were waiting. He saw his father and several AERO pilots waiting at the front when a holographic map was displayed. Sousuke saluted to Kira when he announced, "Reporting sir."
Kira turned to salute back, "Form up with Primary Squadron."
"Yes sir."
Kira saw Athrun and Arath waiting for the presentation as he began, "This is where we stand, Captain Arath Remin has accounted for ZAFT forces capable of escorting our forces to the Earth Alliance Capital." He pointed to the area of Port Two when he explained, "I'm afraid that our primary mission is off to a more rocky start than we had imagined but we will have to work with it for now as we can." He moved his finger to show where the Terminus and Archangel were moving to when he added, "The Gundam we kept from enemy hands, the Centennial, is one of our first chances to stand against the Actualizer threat. Our official mission is to take this weapon and present it to the Earth Alliance so they can begin manufacturing mass production units."
One of the AERO pilots voiced his concern, "For the Alliance though Commander? They can't be the only ones permitted to receive this thing."
Kira confirmed this when he explained, "The mission of AERO is to see that all sides are capable of defending themselves against the threat of war. As of right now we will have to maintain our forces and move forward with our original mission. The Centennial must reach the capital but it is our mission to see that it is made possible."
Avris spoke for his side of ZAFT pilots when he asked, "Alright defending the package won't be too bad of a deal. Who gets to pilot the Gundam?"
Kira introduced the meeting, "He doesn't know it, but he is probably the most capable pilot we have enlisted thus far. He is the one who was capable of defeating the Actualizer earlier in the battle within the colony and saved my life. Private Sousuke Yamato."
"..." Sousuke heard some dissenting talk build among the ZAFT pilots when he turned to Kira asking, "Dad, why do I have to be doing this now? Those guys over there look like they'll handle the Centennial a lot better than I will."
One of them seemed to hear this when he stepped out of line offering, "Hey listen to that, the pretty kid even agrees. Come on Commander you know we've got a better chance with a professional behind that thing."
Arath ordered to the pilot, "Private stand back in line, you are not authorized to speak that way to a superior officer."
Kira shook his head when he answered, "Sousuke Yamato relinquished his civilian status hours ago. As of right now he has shown the ability to pilot it the Centennial and handle against the enemy. And from what I understand our best pilots are currently assigned to their own respective Gundams."
The protesting pilot was far from impressed when he asked, "Pfft. Some kid gets to be in front because of some accident? And how seriously do they plan on handling this again?"
Arath repeated his order, "You'll report back in line now Private." The pilot stepped back in line as he waited to hear from Commander Yamato.
Kira brought up a list of pilots when he reported the ranks, "Our plan now follows as such. Private Zala will lead our ship squadron and Private Yamato will follow under her orders. Ensign Bitalech, you will maintain your position as operator of squadron operations and ensure the training of our pilots is kept to standard."
Meyryth nodded as she agreed, "I will ensure it is done sir."
Kira showed the destination for the two ships when he explained, "Our current plans will be to travel to Maius Four for resupply. With our current units AERO is unfortunately at a disadvantage."
Avris didn't believe the reason when he asked, "Even with the Gundams?"
The pilot who protested earlier asked, "You forget who one of their pilots is?"
"Which is why one of our squadrons will be escorting the Archangel for the duration of our way to the colony. Our pilots have been selected and shall begin a temporary transfer. All participating are to participate and assist as seen fit."
Illiana saw her name on the list of pilot when she pointed out, "Guess I get to have a chance in seeing him in action at some point." She took hold of Avris's arm when she asked, "Gonna miss me hun?"
"You'll have to be gone for a while but sure."
She planted her lips to two fingers before touching his check when she told him, "Now I know playing with me."
Kira finished the meeting when he concluded, "We are currently making our way from the colony and will be arriving in a matter of days. You are instructed to wait for our arrival at the colony and follow activity to regular protocol. Dismissed." The pilots of AERO saluted before turning to make their way down the corridors of the Archangel. Meyryth stood behind as she waited to see Sousuke leave as well but saw him remaining behind with his father.
Sousuke was no longer in line when he asked, "Dad, why do you keep trying to do this to me? I'm not a pilot, I was never even going to serve a year for anybody."
"If I had it any way Sousuke I would see to it that you wouldn't have to even live through a war. But what you saw was real and it can't be avoided now."
"You made me pilot after almost getting yourself killed out there! It's like I said, I never wanted to do this before!"
"Unfortunately you're now in the situation where you don't have a choice Sousuke. I never asked you to save me, you made it your own choice and some of us have survived for it. It's time for you to accept responsibility for a change."
Sousuke threw his hands to his side in defeat when he turned away from Kira before telling him, "Mom's going to hear about this." 
Meyryth sighed as she considered the problems she was about to have with Sousuke. She handed him a slip of paper telling him, "Your schedule Private. Report to every event by the second."
Sousuke didn't show any gratitude when he took it and answered, "Yes sir."
Athrun was among the officers waiting for him when he asked, "From what I've seen it seems like Sousuke wasn't prepared to begin his time in the military."
Kira was frank when he agreed, "He wasn't. He's not even old enough to have served a few days in the military and he's serving at my age."
"Will he be able to answer the demands of war though?"
Kira didn't permit any fear to cloud his judgment when he answered, "If he doesn't then we are going to have a demanding war ahead of us. One that we might not have a chance of winning."