Chapter 38: SEED – Repairs
Murrue Ramius looked helplessly at Mu La Flaga and said,
"Defense attorney, please watch your words.
Kira Yamato's actions violate Article 3, Section b, Article 10, Section f, and also conflict with Article 13, Section 3 of military law.
This court hereby sentences the defendant to death."
Kira Yamato was so startled by Murrue Ramius's mention of the death penalty that his face turned ashen.
Tolle Koenig blurted out, "Murrue Ramius, you really know how to play! I like your style!"
Murrue Ramius went on,
"But at the end of the day, this is a military tribunal, and we have no authority to sentence civilians.
I hope Kira Yamato will act with more caution in the future. This court is adjourned."
Kira finally let out a breath of relief and asked,
"So then…"
Beside him, Mu La Flaga relaxed as well. Standing up cheerfully, he said to Kira,
"In other words, just don't act on your own again."
With that, the farce finally came to an end, and Kira walked out of the interrogation room.
Waiting outside with Tolle Koenig, Sai Argyle and Miriallia Haw stepped forward together and asked,
"Kira, are you okay? What did they say? Did you get toilet-cleaning duty for a week too?"
Mu La Flaga came out behind them, joking,
"That's a good idea. Not bad at all."
Murrue Ramius and Natarle Badgiruel followed out shortly after, heading off together.
Sai Argyle said,
"So that means it's just the three of us, huh?"
Miriallia added, "We got a real earful from Sergeant Murdoch."
Then, imitating Murdoch's expression, she continued,
"'Do you even know the meaning of the word danger?'"
Tolle Koenig spread his hands.
"You've got it easy. I have to help clean the hangar and work on mobile suit repairs too.
I even won a bet with Sergeant Murdoch to get him to help me modify the Moebius, but now that's all gone down the drain."
"I'm sorry," Kira said apologetically. "I'll help."
"No need." ×3
Sai Argyle said, "We'll be meeting up with the Eighth Fleet soon, so it's no big deal."
Tolle Koenig deliberately cut in before Sai could continue.
"Kira, Kaz and I overheard you talking to that girl. The one sitting in the Aegis—she's your friend, right?"
Kira was stunned, but Tolle quickly stopped Sai from speaking, afraid he'd ruin his own rapport with Kira.
Tolle went right up and hugged Kira, pretending to be deeply moved.
"But, Kira, you really are our best friend.
You still came back. You didn't leave with her and abandon us. That's really great.
We're best friends. The best of friends."
Kira pushed him away.
"Tolle, don't be so cheesy. Okay, I get it—we're best friends."
Inside, Tolle grumbled to himself, [I've sacrificed my image this much and you're still not moved?
Calling me cheesy… that's just wrong.
I'm even thinking of helping you save your little girlfriend Flay in the end, just so I can see how she and Lacus get along.
I'm fine with just Miriallia, but you? You get to be a playboy.
Heh… you'll have your hands full then.]
Sai Argyle and Miriallia Haw said,
"Alright, we've got to go switch shifts. See you later."
Tolle went with them, mainly because he knew Flay Allster was nearby.
The last thing he wanted was to run into that already-unhinged woman—crazy women are the scariest.
Tolle made his way to the Archangel's hangar and found Sergeant Murdoch. Snapping a salute, he said,
"Sergeant Murdoch, volunteer soldier Tolle Koenig reporting for duty. Please assign me my tasks."
"Alright, kid, cut the act and get to work."
Grinning, Tolle replied,
"Hehehe, no problem, Uncle Murdoch."
Just as Murdoch was about to turn away, he stopped and looked back.
"Hey, kid, I want your opinion on something.
When we rendezvous with the Earth Alliance Eighth Fleet next time, do you think ZAFT will attack?"
Tolle put on a serious expression and nodded.
"Oh, definitely. There's going to be a big battle.
This is their last chance to intercept the Archangel—ZAFT won't give it up.
They also won't accept the Earth Alliance having a powerful weapon like a Gundam.
So I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you, Sergeant Murdoch, to finish repairing my GINN as soon as possible—and preferably strengthen it a bit."
He deliberately paused, looked Murdoch straight in the eye, and continued,
"Because next time it won't just be three GINNs and one Aegis.
We could be looking at over a dozen GINNs, plus the Aegis, Duel, Buster, and Blitz Gundams.
You know as well as I do that the Alliance's Moebiuses and warships are like toys against four Gundams—completely outmatched.
Only the Archangel could put up any real fight.
If things go badly, the Eighth Fleet could be wiped out."
Murdoch's face went pale with fright, and he was at a loss for words.
Mu La Flaga stepped in from the side.
"Kid, your analysis makes a lot of sense.
The way you put it, we really will be in danger when we meet up with the Eighth Fleet."
He clapped Murdoch on the shoulder.
"You'd better start putting in extra hours, or we'll be in trouble if we can't launch any suits when the battle comes.
And you, Tolle Koenig—since you've already predicted ZAFT's next move, what are you still doing here?
Get to training, and next time, try to bring back a few GINNs.
If you can manage to snag a Gundam or two, even better."
Tolle saluted him.
"Yes, sir! Volunteer soldier Tolle Koenig heading straight to training!"
He practically floated toward the training room, inwardly rejoicing, [Perfect plan—no more cleaning toilets, hangars, or fixing suits. I'm a genius. Hahaha!]
A few days later, Tolle's Blitz Ginn was fully repaired.
Its performance had been slightly improved using parts from three other GINNs.
The original rear thrusters were removed, and the Moebius Kai was modified into a backpack identical in style to the later Justice Gundam's pack.
It could also separate and dock, and with a few swapped components, could be mounted on the Strike Gundam as well.
The Moebius Kai's four mechanical arms were lengthened, and its beam shield system was retained.
Now, Tolle could rightfully call this machine the Hyperion Blitz Ginn.
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