Chapter 120: SEED – Inquiry
Tolle nodded to Murrue to show that he understood, then explained part of the situation—of course, leaving out the irrelevant details.
"Captain Ramius, here's what happened.
Before I ran into Cagalli, she was piloting the Skygrasper Unit 2 and had already shot down the transport plane carrying the Aegis Gundam.
They all ended up making an emergency landing on a nearby island, and it was on that island that we discovered the Aegis Gundam.
It seemed like that Aegis Gundam might have been damaged when it went down and couldn't function properly.
But it's also possible the pilot didn't dare act because of signal interference—afraid that if they fought alone, they'd be captured or destroyed by us.
So I never arrogantly thought of using my damaged but high-performance Ginn to capture or destroy an 'Aegis Gundam.'
But in the end, when we were leaving, the Aegis Gundam's pilot also discovered us.
Since you're looking for our whereabouts, it's certain ZAFT is also looking for that Aegis Gundam pilot.
As soon as they find him, our existence will be exposed as well.
That's why I predict ZAFT will soon come after us. We should hurry to Orb's coastal waters and avoid ZAFT's pursuit."
Listening to Tolle's explanation gave Murrue a headache. If she still had doubts before, now she was 100% certain: ZAFT would definitely pursue them.
"I understand, Ensign Tolle. Go get some rest first." Then she turned to Kira and said, "Ensign Yamato, the battle is approaching. You should get some rest as well."
Tolle and Kira then left the conference room together.
Kira thanked him for covering up Athrun's matter.
"Thank you, Tolle. About Athrun…"
Tolle hooked an arm around Kira's shoulder, looking every bit the lifelong brotherly friend.
"It's fine, Kira. I get it. You've both had a tough time.
Besides, Athrun is also my friend. What's wrong with keeping some things secret for a friend?
Of course, on the battlefield, we're still enemies and will fight each other."
Kira apologized again, embarrassed. "Sorry to trouble you, Tolle."
"What's with you? We're brothers—don't say things like that."
Then Tolle extended his right fist, signaling a man's gesture of friendship: a fist bump.
Kira could only helplessly oblige, and afterward, the two returned to their quarters to rest.
Not long after Tolle got back to his room, Miriallia rushed in, throwing herself into his arms and choking up.
"Tolle, I was so scared all night. I was afraid something would happen and you wouldn't come back."
Tolle stroked her hair, gently kissed her forehead, and comforted her.
"Miriallia, don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to me. I'm immortal, remember? I won't go down that eas—"
Miriallia covered his mouth, glaring as if to say, "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll cry."
"Tolle, you're not allowed to say that. We'll grow old together. Don't ever say things like that, understand?"
Tolle gently took her hand, kissed her palm, and looked into her eyes.
"Mm. We'll definitely grow old together."
He held Miriallia tightly, unwilling to see her so upset.
Especially since he knew he'd have to fake his death later. He couldn't imagine how devastated she would be then.
But he couldn't tell her about the plan. If he suddenly said it, no one would believe him, and it would ruin everything.
All he could do was harden his heart, keep it from her, and make it up to her when he came back.
He pulled Miriallia onto the bed to rest with him.
She hadn't slept all night either, and both of them needed to recover their strength for the coming battle.
There was no time or energy for anything else—their lives were more important.
They simply lay side by side and soon drifted off to sleep…
Elsewhere, Murrue uneasily asked Mu,
"Major Flaga, do you think Ensign Tolle's words are possible?"
Mu thought for a moment, then replied,
"I think it's very possible. Though Tolle doesn't act very serious, he has real talent for tactical prediction.
He's been right several times before. So we should assume he's right this time too. Better to be prepared."
If Tolle had heard that, he would have groaned inwardly: What tactical prediction talent? Don't spout nonsense.
I only predict so accurately because I know the plot!
My talent is as a top MS pilot, not a commander. I want to pilot Gundams!
Natarle, standing nearby, nodded in agreement with Mu.
"I agree. ZAFT won't let us go easily.
Since they've discovered our trail, it's certain they'll pursue us.
Heading for Orb's coastal waters to evade them is our only way out.
Food and water are manageable, but our ammunition supplies are running dangerously low.
The Archangel can't take much more. The next battle may very well be…"
She stopped herself, not wanting to demoralize the crew. Murrue nodded and made her decision.
"Very well, that's what we'll do. We must head for Orb's coastal waters as quickly as possible and avoid combat if we can.
Mu, Natarle, please inform everyone to repair the mobile suits and the Archangel as quickly as possible, so we can reach the Alaska base safely."
"Yes, Captain Ramius."
"Yes, Captain."
With Murrue's orders, the Archangel immediately sprang into intense activity. The maintenance crew had it the hardest.
Day and night, they worked nonstop repairing the mobile suits and the Archangel.
Other available members joined in too. Even Tolle had to pick up a wrench and tools, returning once again to the life of a laborer.
The Aile Striker pack for the Strike Gundam was finally repaired, though sadly there weren't enough materials to fix the Zero Moebius's pack.
Tolle's Ginn had its original two mechanical arms replaced with Moebius-modified ones that included a beam shield system, giving it enhanced defensive capabilities.
The Skygrasper Unit 2 was also repaired, but due to a shortage of weapons and ammunition, most of its armaments were transferred to Mu's Unit 1 instead.
As time passed, the Archangel drew ever closer to Orb's coastal waters.