Chapter 354: Mu's Spring
At that moment, with tears filling her eyes, Cagalli rushed forward and hooked her arms around both of them, crying as she said, "Waaah… you two idiots…!"
"Ca… Cagalli." Kira looked at Cagalli clinging to both of them, his face full of surprise.
Athrun, whose face was extremely close to Kira's, was just as shocked—he had never expected their reunion to turn out like this.
"Waaah, you two… you're both big idiots!" As she cried, Cagalli suddenly broke into a smile and continued, "That's great, that's really great… both of you are safe."
With Cagalli making such a fuss, the tension that had been weighing on the two of them finally eased, and they looked at each other.
Kira gave Athrun a helpless, gentle smile, while Athrun returned it with an equally affectionate smile, creating an atmosphere thick with unspoken sentiment.
Seeing the way they were gazing at each other, Cagalli suddenly felt something strange surge up inside her.
It was the overwhelming urge to pair Kira and Athrun together—but she quickly calmed herself and said, "You two haven't seen each other in a long time. You probably want to find a place to really talk, right?"
Then she pointed toward the still relatively intact Morgenröte factory building in the distance and said, "Kira, Athrun, park your machines over there. This is the seaside—it's not very safe."
Kira looked at Cagalli, then at Athrun, and nodded. "Yeah, okay. I really do have a lot I want to talk about with you, Athrun. Let's park the machines somewhere safe."
Athrun nodded as well. "Yeah, Kira. I also have a lot I want to talk about with you."
After that, Kira and Athrun each piloted the Freedom and Justice Gundams, parking them securely inside the hangar.
Soon afterward, the Archangel and the M1 Astray Gundams also returned one after another to the Morgenröte factory.
Meanwhile, Tolle immediately headed to the Orb command center and reported to Uzumi. "Lord Uzumi, according to a report from Erica Simmons of Morgenröte, a traitor has appeared within Morgenröte. While fleeing, he took with him the data for the five Gundams developed at Heliopolis, as well as the PX System, Intelligent Auxiliary System, and Enhanced Energy Battery Pack.
If the Earth Alliance forces launch another attack within three days, that's one thing.
But if they do not attack Orb within three days, then their MS forces will certainly become much stronger.
Therefore, I propose that the PX System and Intelligent Auxiliary System be fully implemented across all Orb units."
Uzumi looked solemnly in the direction of the Earth Alliance forces, then asked, "Has the safety issue with PX System overclocking been resolved?"
"Sorry, not yet," Tolle shook his head, denying it, then continued explaining. "Aside from special units, activating overclocking still places too much strain on the body.
However, I believe the Earth Alliance won't be able to solve this problem anytime soon.
And even without activating overclock mode, using it in conjunction with specialized pilot suits can still improve ordinary pilots' handling skills and increase their chances of survival."
Uzumi nodded. "Then we'll proceed as you suggest. Make the arrangements immediately and implement it on as many machines as possible."
"Yes, Lord Uzumi." Tolle nodded and was about to leave the command center when he suddenly remembered the four Earth Alliance prisoners, so he added, "There's one more matter I need to report, regarding the four Earth Alliance soldiers I captured.
I've already clarified their identities. They are all ace pilots of the Earth Alliance:
'White Whale,' Jane Houston; 'Ripper Ed,' Edward Harrelson; 'Sakura Burst,' Rena Imelia; and 'Shining Ominous Star J,' John Kelly.
Based on their records, none of them are bloodthirsty killers.
John Kelly, in particular, is a Coordinator, and it's said he joined the Atlantic Federation in order to end the war as soon as possible.
So I believe there's a chance to persuade them to defect.
I'd like to take them to the Archangel and have Murrue and Mu handle the persuasion."
Uzumi pondered for a moment before replying, "If things are truly as you say, then go ahead. I'll support you. But if they refuse, then continue treating them as prisoners of war and return them to the Atlantic Federation after the war."
"I understand. Thank you for your support, Lord Uzumi. I'll take my leave now."
Tolle then left the command center, returned to the Huayan, explained the defection proposal to the four already brainwashed prisoners, and escorted them to the Archangel to go through the formalities.
He introduced them as he said, "Jane, Edward, Rena, John Kelly—these two are the Archangel's captain, Colonel Murrue Ramius, and its vice-captain, Lieutenant Colonel Mu La Flaga.
They were once Earth Alliance soldiers just like you. And you should have heard about the inside story of the Alaska Base by now, right?"
Jane and Rena, who had been the most thoroughly brainwashed, blushed shyly as they looked at Mu and said in unison, "You're the Eagle of Endymion, Mu La Flaga."
Mu looked both flattered and startled as he replied, "Ah—if there's no second Eagle of Endymion, then that would be me."
Edward nodded at the side and said, "Lieutenant Colonel Flaga, we've heard about what happened to you as well. That really was an Earth Alliance conspiracy…"
Before Edward could finish speaking, Jane and Rena immediately rushed up and each grabbed one of Mu's hands. Jane said bluntly, without any hesitation, "Mu, I'm your fan—ah, no, you're my idol. I really admire you. If you're willing to let me be your girlfriend, I'll surrender and join you right away."
Rena, blushing deeply, added, "Me too. If I can… become your girlfriend, I'm willing to stay by your side for the rest of my life."
Hearing their words, Mu suddenly felt as if he were dreaming. Flustered, he replied, "Hahaha, thank you for your affection. But… this is a bit hard to handle. I'm only one person—I can't be both of your boyfriends at the same time."
Jane and Rena exchanged a glance. Jane then hugged Rena and laughed as she said, "We're both soldiers. We don't know when we might die on the battlefield. So I don't mind sharing with Rena. I've decided—I'll be your girlfriend first."
Rena said with a red face, "Me too… I don't mind sharing with Jane."
The two of them then hooked their arms around Mu's, and regardless of whether he agreed or not, each planted a kiss on his cheek.
On the spot, aside from Tolle, who wore a wicked grin, all the other men showed expressions of envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Mu—wishing they could kill him right then and there and take his place.
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