Reid wanted Athrun and Kira to act as bodyguards for Lacus and Miriallia, but he couldn't simply issue a remote order to summon them—these two weren't his subordinates.
Thus, Reid needed to visit Orb personally to persuade them to join the South American battlefield, which was practically a beginner's server. (Due to most moderately experienced MS pilots having perished in battle, the current South American War of Independence was primarily fought by rookie pilots, with only a handful of elite aces.)
However, Reid feared that sending just these few people might result in them never returning. After all, even the most elite soldiers couldn't withstand Mobile Suits with their bare hands. So, they needed a high-performance Mobile Suit that wouldn't easily expose their connection to the New Miserly Kingdom.
Reid instructed Lacus and Miriallia to return and prepare, planning to meet them in two days before heading to Orb to recruit the remaining two bodyguards. From there, they would proceed directly to South America.
Lacus and Miriallia naturally had no objections and left to make their preparations.
Two days later, Reid had them rendezvous at the military base in Canberra.
By then, Jane Houston had also joined the team. Lacus had even cut her originally waist-length hair into a short ponytail—clearly having done her research, as long hair was impractical for fieldwork and difficult to maintain.
To be honest, though Reid had personally captured Jane Houston, he had only glanced at the prisoner list and never actually met her.
Seeing her now, Reid couldn't help but sigh inwardly—she truly lived up to her reputation as one of the "Three Beauties" in the CE universe side stories. But why did she seem to hold such a deep grudge against him? He didn't recall mistreating her. Had something R-rated happened to her in prison? That couldn't be—the prison guards were all natives, devoid of such worldly desires.
Jane Houston had been released by Une and, after joining the military, had been promoted from Second Lieutenant to Captain. So, Reid decided to break the ice amiably:
"Captain Jane Houston, why are you looking at me like that? We've never met before, have we?"
Jane immediately snapped to attention and replied with utmost seriousness:
"Reporting, Chairman. I was merely observing the man who captured me, threw me into a cell, left me unvisited for half a month—though I had food and water, I was denied outdoor time, and the guards never spoke a word, turning my cell into what felt like solitary confinement. I wanted to see what kind of person would do such a thing."
Reid could tell her resentment ran deep, but what she said wasn't wrong—native prison guards operated exactly like that. Moreover, she had been held alone in the ship's brig, so naturally, no one took her out for fresh air.
Though Reid acknowledged some fault in his actions, as an enemy at the time, he believed he had been relatively courteous. Given Jane Houston's looks, as a prisoner of war with little intelligence or strategic value as a Second Lieutenant pilot, she could have easily suffered far worse fates.
Thus, Reid responded with equal seriousness:
"Captain Jane Houston, I believe that as a prisoner of war, being spared your life, provided with food and water, and suffering no abuse is already quite favorable treatment."
Jane Houston didn't argue back, because across the entire Earth sphere, the New Miserly Kingdom's treatment of prisoners was truly top-tier. She responded:
"Yes! I'm not dissatisfied with it, just more curious than anything."
Reid wasn't particularly interested in whether Jane Houston's earlier look had been curiosity or resentment, because his Newtype senses told him that Jane at least bore him no hatred. It was more like encountering a childhood teacher who often made you stand in punishment—there might be some resentment, but no real hatred.
So Reid simply nodded without saying anything and led the three into one of the base's hangars.
Inside the hangar sat a small, rectangular transport ship, looking like a semi-truck with its wheels removed, fitted with small wings and stabilizers, transformed into a hovering rectangular block about twenty meters long, ten meters wide, and six to seven meters tall.
This vessel was modified by Reid from an AC universe MS transport aircraft. (Simply downsized.)
Patting this transport ship—pitifully small compared to other MS-carrying vessels—Reid said:
"Alright, this ship will be your ride to South America. Inside, I've prepared two Mobile Suits for you. But after storing the MS, water, bulletproof gear, and daily necessities, there's basically no room for anything else. The living quarters are minimal—the kitchen and toilet are rudimentary, and the rest area just has one room each for men and women with bunk beds. Don't expect much comfort."
As he spoke, Reid kept watching the reactions of the three women. If they showed any hesitation, he would call off the mission. Because without resolve, going to South America to witness the war's impact on ordinary people would only get them killed.
Fortunately, neither Lacus nor the other two objected to these arrangements. This wasn't a sightseeing trip—they had all prepared to live with mosquitoes daily and face the bared teeth of South America's local wildlife.
Seeing their determination, Reid continued introducing the ship's features. He had just listed the drawbacks; now it was time for the advantages.
"However, you don't need to worry about this ship's performance or defensive capabilities. I've installed the latest nuclear fusion furnace onboard. Since there are no large beam weapons, energy won't be an issue. But this is classified—if anyone tries to access data on this furnace, it will self-destruct in a nuclear explosion. So be extremely careful.
As for armor, I've used our nation's newly developed electromagnetic armor, which offers resistance to both physical and beam attacks. Unless the enemy uses high-powered beam rifles or powerful anti-ship missiles, this armor can withstand most assaults.
Additionally, this mothership is equipped with an electronic camouflage system, allowing it to become invisible on-site like the Mirage Colloid System. However, it can't be used in rain, can't mask thruster heat signatures, and emits a strong ozone smell when used on the ground—keep that in mind. The operation manual is in the cockpit."
After finishing, Reid led the three inside the small transport. Passing through the ship's hangar, they could see two Mobile Suits—one green, one blue—lying in the cramped space.
Jane Houston recognized one of them: the Forbidden Blue, which she had piloted when she was captured. Reid had repaired it.
The other one was green, loaded with an assortment of weapons, but little else was discernible.
Reid didn't introduce the Mobile Suits to the three of them, planning to wait until Athrun and Kira joined before giving a collective briefing.
Squeezing everyone into the already cramped cockpit, Reid began explaining the key points of piloting this spacecraft.
Then, Reid took the co-pilot's seat, instructing Jane Houston to fly the ship directly to Orb.
Of course, Reid wouldn't put himself in unnecessary danger. After the transport took off, the Xia sisters also piloted mass-produced Wing Gundams, providing stealth escort from high altitude.
The journey went smoothly. Although Jane Houston was a Natural, she was after all the Atlantic Federation's ace pilot. The transport was much easier to handle than a Mobile Suit, and she quickly adapted to flying it proficiently.
Upon entering Orb's territorial waters, Reid's group had to follow regulations and be guided by Orb's navy to dock at the port. Since Orb had already declared independence, even Reid had to notify the government before visiting.
But Cagalli's current administration wasn't truly under her control—most subordinates didn't respect her authority. Only the backing of the New Miserly Kingdom kept anyone from openly challenging her.
In truth, the other three great families of Orb envied the Sahaku Family immensely. Privately, they said marrying off a daughter was like being reborn—the Sahaku Family had truly landed in good fortune. They were destined to become a top-tier family in the New Miserly Kingdom. Their current influence in Orb would soon be considered insignificant by comparison.
So when it came to Reid's secret visit, Orb's government made no attempt to stop it. Instead, they schemed about whether to seize this chance to send their own daughters to Reid's side. Even if none were suitable, adopting one now would work—after all, adopted heirs inheriting family businesses was an accepted custom in Orb.
However, after disembarking, Reid didn't linger. He headed straight for the government building where Cagalli was, giving no opportunity for others to cozy up to him.
Cagalli, naturally dressed in Orb's representative uniform, waited in her office. When Reid entered, she began reciting formal welcome remarks with a visibly strained, mechanical expression.
Reid found this rather exasperating. Signaling Jane Houston to close the door, he said:
"Alright, Cagalli, don't force yourself. If you're not comfortable giving me formal speeches, then don't. No need to talk like you've got facial paralysis while twitching."
Hearing this, Cagalli exploded. She stood up and shouted:
"And whose fault is that? Why did you have to come for an official visit in such a hurry? No one would've said anything if you'd just sneaked in!"
Reid looked at Cagalli with utter disbelief, massaging his forehead as he replied:
"Cagalli, it seems you still haven't adapted to your position after all these weeks. You're Orb's representative now—what kind of message does it send when you suggest a foreign military commissioner should sneak into the country? Should I treat Orb as my personal backyard, coming and going as I please?"
Cagalli had no rebuttal. She'd instinctively thought of Reid as a friend who could visit casually, completely overlooking their current official positions.
But Reid wasn't in the mood to lecture Cagalli further—she'd learn what was appropriate to say after spending more time in her position.
Cutting to the chase, Reid continued:
"Enough of this. Cagalli, I came to Orb this time to recruit two strong helpers."
Cagalli was taken aback, wondering what kind of "conscription" would require Reid to come all the way from the New Miserly Kingdom to Orb to recruit. Then, realizing from Reid's less-than-serious tone, she suddenly guessed the answer and asked in surprise:
"Reid, the 'conscripts' you're talking about—they wouldn't be Athrun and Kira, would they?"
Reid acknowledged that Cagalli wasn't actually slow-witted and had a sharp mind, so he admitted directly, addressing Athrun behind her:
"Yes, it's Athrun and Kira. So, Athrun, come with me. We're going to the Isle of Dawn to find Kira."
Hearing this, Cagalli grew anxious and raised her voice:
"Wait, Reid, what do you need Athrun and Kira for? You're not planning to send them on some dangerous mission, are you?"
Reid didn't hide the purpose of the South America trip and replied:
"There is danger, but it's a protection detail. Let me be clear—Miriallia wants to go to South America as a war correspondent, and Lacus wants to see firsthand how war affects ordinary people. So, I plan to have Athrun and Kira act as their bodyguards.
Of course, Captain Jane Houston here will also be providing protection. After all, some matters require a woman's touch."
Relieved upon hearing this, Cagalli even seemed eager.
Most leaders would call Lacus reckless for such a plan, but Cagalli was the exception—after all, she was the type to venture into Africa with just one bodyguard to join guerrilla fighters.
Athrun, however, sensed something amiss. If Reid said both Lacus and Miriallia were going to South America, but Miriallia was here, where was Lacus?
His gaze shifted to the pink-haired girl with a short ponytail behind Reid. When they'd entered, Athrun had assumed she was a guide or a reporter's assistant, given the massive camping backpack she carried. No one would have connected her to Lacus.
But the longer Athrun looked, the more familiar she seemed. As her former fiancé and childhood friend, a closer inspection confirmed his suspicion, and he gasped in shock:
"Lacus! You cut your hair? And disguised yourself like this?"
Realizing she'd been recognized, Lacus removed her hat and glasses, grinning mischievously:
"Haha, Athrun, you only noticed now? That means my disguise worked! So? Surprised? Or shocked?"
Athrun admitted this wasn't a pleasant surprise but a genuine shock. He'd never imagined Lacus could adopt such a style—the girl he remembered had always been the adored princess.
Cagalli was equally stunned, admitting she only recognized Lacus when she spoke. "This disguise is incredible!"
Being somewhat experienced in this area herself, Cagalli immediately rushed over to examine Lacus' outfit and discuss disguise techniques.
Reid ignored their chatter, as Cagalli's reaction made it clear she approved of him recruiting Athrun and Kira as bodyguards.
Turning to Athrun, he said:
"Alright, Athrun, now you know the situation. Cagalli is perfectly safe and doesn't need your protection. So, how about guarding two other girls who do?"
Athrun said, "Reid, you've already tricked Lacus into going to South America to see crocodiles bare their teeth—how could I refuse?" Although he and Lacus were no longer a possibility, they were still childhood friends, and he couldn't just stand by if she was in danger.
Seeing Athrun agree, Reid naturally made a quick exit to avoid Cagalli opening her mouth and insisting on coming along too.
Without delay, he headed straight to the Isle of Dawn, where he found Kira in his usual routine of staring at the ocean.
Kira was surprised by Reid's arrival, but his laziness was clearly acting up. Before Reid could even explain what he needed him for, Kira refused, saying he didn't want to get dragged back into war.
Reid finally understood why Canard Pars was so furious with the current Kira—this guy was utterly listless.
So Reid sneered and said,
"Kira, those words you said after the Alaska Base explosion—you were lying to me back then, weren't you?"
Hearing this, Kira fell silent for a moment before clenching his fists in anguish and replying,
"No... but, Mr. Reid, I just don't understand. I don't get it.
Creuset told me that no one would ever understand the peace I talk about. He said those who've suffered from war, who've been hurt by it—why should they let go of their hatred just because of my words? He said I've never experienced that pain myself, so I have no right to tell others to move on.
And Canard Pars said the same thing. He told me I was born atop a mountain of corpses—countless infants who barely had a chance to live before vanishing. That even if I pretended to be merciful on the battlefield, not many actually survived.
He said the peace I speak of reeks of blood. That anyone else could tell people to let go of their hatred—except me. I have no right.
So, Mr. Reid... I just don't know anymore... sobs..."
As Kira spoke, tears of pain streamed down his face.
At this point, there was no romantic tension between Lacus and Kira, so she didn't step forward to comfort him. And Athrun wasn't about to pull Kira into a shoulder-crying hug.
In the end, it was Miriallia, heart aching for Kira, who walked over, cradled his head, and stroked his hair with motherly tenderness to console him.
Reid watched the scene, letting Kira cry it out for a while before speaking again.
"If they're all questioning whether you've truly suffered before preaching peace, then you should join this mission. See for yourself how the people at the bottom—those who've lost everything to war and are barely clinging to life—keep going. What is their hatred? What do they wish for? Go ask them. Learn from them.
That way, the next time you meet Canard Pars, you can stand tall and tell him you do know the taste of that pain and despair. That the choices you make now come from understanding just how bitter that despair is."
At these words, Kira lifted his head, eyes red, and asked,
"Mr. Reid... can I really find the answer to peace in South America?"
Reid shook his head at this question.
"No, that's impossible. This trip is just groundwork for your future thoughts on peace. What conclusion you'll reach, I don't know. But it'll be a thousand times better than you, a Super Coordinator, turning into a super-slacker."
The remark made Kira flush with shame, and in the end, he agreed to join the South America mission.
However, when leaving, Reid ended up taking one more person with him. The moment Andrew Bartfeld heard that Lacus was planning to take such a small group to South America with only one adult accompanying her, he immediately insisted on going along.
After some thought, Reid agreed. After all, Andrew Bartfeld was a seasoned veteran. With him around, at least they wouldn't have to worry about Lacus and her group being deceived or trafficked in South America due to their kindness.
Thus, the South America trip expanded to six people. Fortunately, the transport aircraft Reid had prepared could still accommodate them. The sleeping quarters were arranged like old-fashioned university dormitories, with four bunk beds—two on each side, upper and lower. They could even fit two more people if needed.
Finally, with the South America team assembled, Reid unveiled the two Mobile Suits he had prepared for them: the versatile MBF-P04 Gundam Green Astray and the Forbidden Blue.
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