The night grew deep, and the clamor of the mobile suit factory faded into silence. Amidst this quiet, Uzumi and I faced each other in the briefing room.
I had already pointed out the possibility of an invasion. But that was merely the appetizer for the main course of this negotiation.
"Now, that settles the first matter. Shall we move on to the second? But before we do... have you received a report from Erica Simmons regarding amphibious mobile suits?"
The abrupt change of topic caused his gaze to wander for a moment, as if recalling a specific file, before he nodded.
"Mm, I have. The report states that the M1 Astray is strictly a ground-combat mobile suit and is ill-suited for defending an island nation like Orb. Is that correct?"
"Exactly. Being an island nation, if an enemy makes landfall, it immediately becomes a battle for the homeland. The logical strategy is to strike the moment they enter your territorial waters."
"I understand your logic, but that is precisely why we have a navy."
True, if the Orb Navy sorties in force—like they did when the Archangel approached—they can handle conventional threats. ...Assuming the enemy is just a single ship like the Archangel.
"That argument holds water because it was just the Archangel. But if the Earth Alliance concentrates its forces, your navy won't stand a chance. If ships of equal performance clash, the side with the numbers wins. Even superior tactics can't overturn a ten-to-one, let alone twenty-to-one, disadvantage."
"...I concede that point."
"But introduce the factor of amphibious mobile suits, and the equation changes. Recall the kill ratio between the GINN and the Moebius. Consider the crew required to operate a single Aegis-class destroyer versus one mobile suit. When you weigh the costs and benefits, I think the answer is clear."
A single MS sinking several ships isn't a difficult feat. For a nation like Orb, which has fewer human resources than the major powers, amphibious mobile suits should be an incredibly attractive proposition.
The Alliance and ZAFT might need motherships for supply and maintenance when invading foreign soil, but for defense, Orb can handle logistics directly from land bases like Morgenroete. That is a massive advantage.
...And considering the Kusanagi—the ship the Archangel is based on—exists, they technically do have vessels capable of acting as carriers, however few.
"I see. Your points are valid, Axel. However, as you surely heard from Chief Simmons, we cannot even begin development on an amphibious unit until the base machine, the M1 Astray, is completed. We are at an impasse."
Good. He took the bait.
Uzumi didn't need my lecture to understand the importance of underwater defense. But as he said, the delay in the M1 Astray's development had tied his hands.
"That brings us to the second matter. I would like to offer a little present to Representative Uzumi... or rather, to Orb."
"A present?"
"That's right. Would you come with me? Don't worry, it's right here inside the factory."
"...Very well."
Once he agreed, we left the briefing room. Ten minutes later, we arrived at the isolated section where Erica had prepared the container. Fortunately, due to the late hour, the area was deserted; no one was around to make a fuss about Uzumi's presence.
"Now then, the contents of this container are my gift."
"A mobile suit container? Based on our conversation, did you capture a ZAFT Goohn?"
Uzumi muttered suspiciously. ...Fair point. A Goohn might have been easier to explain and offer immediate reference data.
Suppressing a wry smile, I entered the passcode and the container hissed open.
Resting inside was a machine painted in blue armor. It was slightly larger than the standard 18-meter class mobile suit. Its form was reminiscent of a fighter jet, exuding a sleek elegance that contrasted sharply with the bulky, rugged design of the Goohn.
It was the DC-developed amphibious Armored Module from the Divine Crusaders War: the Sea Lion.
"Th-This is...?"
Uzumi's voice leaked out in sheer astonishment. Watching his reaction, I began my explanation.
"The Amphibious AM, Sea Lion."
"AM? Sea Lion? I have never seen nor heard of such a machine... Can you explain?"
"Armored Module. Or AM for short. As the classification suggests, this specific unit is specialized for underwater combat. It utilizes electric propulsion systems for high stealth capabilities. Furthermore, it is equipped with a Tesla Drive—a high-efficiency reaction propulsion system—that allows it to fly for short periods."
"..."
"And finally, this machine is powered by a nuclear fusion generator."
"What—?!"
Uzumi, who had been listening intently, audibly gasped at the words nuclear fusion.
"...What did you just say?"
"A nuclear fusion generator."
Uzumi took several deep breaths to compose himself before speaking again.
"You... no, perhaps I should say 'your group,' given that you can manufacture such a machine. Have you established a technology to neutralize the Neutron Jammers?"
"Close, but not quite. The N-Jammer suppresses nuclear fission. This is a nuclear fusion generator. It doesn't use the archaic, low-efficiency fission engines that N-Jammers affect, so it was never vulnerable to them in the first place."
"...Just who are you people? You are certainly not with the Alliance. If they possessed this technology, ZAFT would have been obliterated by nuclear fire long ago. And since you are handing over a mobile weapon powered by a fusion reactor—immune to N-Jammers—you cannot be ZAFT, either."
The Lion of Orb stared at me, his eyes piercing, attempting to look into the depths of my soul.
But I bear the name of the Shadow Mirrors. I'm not weak enough to crumble under a stare.
"My affiliation doesn't matter right now, does it? The issue at hand is this machine. I haven't locked the OS, so anyone can operate it. Analyze it, and your development time for amphibious mobile suits should be drastically reduced."
The OS wasn't locked, but I had installed a tamper-proof self-destruct system courtesy of our tech team, detonatable from the outside. But as long as the Orb government didn't try anything funny, I had no intention of using it, so there was no need to mention it.
"...Indeed. If what you say is true, this machine is a treasure trove. Its value far exceeds that of the Archangel or the five G-weapons. ...But are you truly willing to transfer this to us? By analyzing this, we would gain access to over-technology like the fusion generator and the Tesla Drive."
If I handed it over without asking for anything, it would only breed suspicion. In that case...
"Of course, I'm not giving it away for free. The battle at Alaska I mentioned earlier... the Archangel will almost certainly be a participant."
"...What?"
"Think about it carefully. Who is the Archangel's official mobile suit pilot?"
I emphasized the word official. As a mercenary, I was an outsider. If the military brass were evaluating assets, they wouldn't look at me, but at the enlisted pilot... the Coordinator, Kira Yamato.
"Kira Yamato... surely. What of it?"
"Do you really not see it? or are you pretending not to? Well, fine... As you know, the current upper echelon of the Alliance is controlled by a certain ideological group. 'For the preservation of our blue and pure world.'"
"Blue Cosmos."
"Exactly. That group of fanatics. Do you really think an Alliance command structure steeped in that ideology would acknowledge the Archangel—a ship that has survived solely because a Coordinator is piloting their main weapon? I don't think so. I believe they intend to use the Cyclops system to wipe out the Archangel and its crew along with Alaska, burying the fact that a Coordinator was piloting the Strike. ...Though they might transfer a few useful personnel out before the end."
If it follows the original story, that would be Natarle, Mu, and Flay.
"...Are you alright with that? You are a mercenary hired by that ship, are you not?"
He must have already had some intelligence on Blue Cosmos. His concern didn't seem feigned; he sounded genuinely worried about my safety.
"Don't worry about me. Murrue Ramius is a compassionate captain, but she's also highly capable. When the time comes, she'll escape Alaska. Now, do you understand what I'm asking?"
"You want us to accept the Archangel."
"Yes. And likely, there will be other ships fleeing Alaska alongside us. I would appreciate it if you took them in as well."
In the original story, only the Archangel escaped, but since Orb and the Alliance are destined to clash, more firepower is better. I want to save as many assets as possible from that battlefield to bolster Orb's defenses.
"But if we do that, Orb will be marked as an enemy by the Alliance."
Is he serious, or is this a bluff? ...Likely the latter.
From Uzumi's perspective, even with the physical evidence of the Sea Lion, he couldn't place his full trust in my information. It wasn't about trusting me, but a necessary caution for a ruler.
But, unfortunately for him... I have a trump card.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course I am. Orb does not have the power to fight the Alliance head-on. There is no need to deliberately embrace a spark that could ignite a fire, is there?"
"Kira Yamato. Ulen Hibiki. Via Hibiki."
When I suddenly listed the names, he looked at me with suspicion. But then, realizing what those names signified, his expression hardened into a glare.
I dropped the final piece of the puzzle.
"And... Cagalli Yula Athha."
"..."
"Now, I'll ask one more time. Can you really not find it in your heart to accept the Archangel?"
"...Very well. If events truly proceed as you predict, I will grant asylum to the Archangel and any accompanying vessels."
"As expected of the Lion of Orb. A magnificent display of magnanimity."
He frowned momentarily at my teasing tone, but looked back at the Sea Lion, and then at me.
"I asked before, but I must ask again. ...Who exactly are you? I can accept the existence of this 'Sea Lion.' ...No, I cannot accept it easily, but I will force myself to believe a chaotic organization built it. I can even believe that a mercenary network might know of ZAFT's plans for Alaska. But practically no one should know about Cagalli and Kira-kun. Why do you have that information? Surely you won't claim that came from a mercenary network?"
"Well... in this world, there is no such thing as a secret that never leaks."
Original knowledge... No, I intend to explain it later as "knowing the flow of history," similar to how I explained it to Cornelia, but it's too early for that.
"However... let's leave it at this. When events move as I said they would, and the Archangel returns to Orb... then, perhaps, I can tell you about myself."
"...Very well. Honestly, I am still half in doubt... no, perhaps seventy percent in doubt. But as long as this Sea Lion exists, I cannot dismiss you as a fraud. It is a complicated feeling—part of me hopes the time you speak of comes, and part of me hopes it does not. But I shall wait."
Phew. The negotiation was a success. Now, the only question is whether they'll try underhanded methods to extract my information... Judging by his demeanor, Uzumi seems honorable, but I can't rule out subordinates running wild.
"We will make effective use of this machine. It is truly a mountain of treasure for Orb. I assume it would be best not to announce that this was a gift from you?"
"Right. I want to avoid spreading my name for now. You can fabricate a cover story for how you acquired it. And... Representative Uzumi, you seem trustworthy, but please keep a leash on your subordinates. I'm a pacifist, but if sparks land on me, I have to brush them off. ...Like this."
Standing right in front of Uzumi, I placed my right hand against the container wall.
I squeezed.
CRUNCH.
My fingers sank into the reinforced metal as if it were clay. I ripped my hand back, tearing a chunk of the alloy plating right off the wall. I held my hand out in front of Uzumi and opened it, letting the twisted scraps of metal clatter to the floor.
I smiled at Uzumi, who stared in shock.
"I expect a wise decision from the Lion of Orb. ...Now then, shall we conclude our negotiation? It was a productive discussion."
Leaving Uzumi standing there alone, I walked out of the container. I glanced at a nearby clock; the date had already changed.
...I just hope Murrue doesn't yell at me.
Name: Axel Almar
LV: 36
PP: 115
Stats:
Melee: 254
Shooting: 274
Skill: 264
Defense: 264
Evasion: 294
Accuracy: 314
SP: 446
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Consumes SP to increase unit performance)
Growth Type: Versatile / Special
Terrain Adaptation:
Air: S
Land: S
Sea: S
Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate (SP 4)
Gain (SP 8)
Focus (SP 16)
Direct Hit (SP 30)
Awaken (SP 32)
Love (SP 48)
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9 & SP Recover & Focus [Skill])
Telekinesis Lv.10
Attacker
Gunfight Lv.9
In-fight Lv.9
Limit Break (Morale)
Geass (Gray)
???
???
???
???
???
Kill Count: 278
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