" Yes, I'll let her know. Thanks bye."

"Wait, who are—"

He had hanged up already. He was still shocked. What the hell was going on? Tolle was dead. Athrun had killed him. That was the whole reason Miri hated him. Was it all a lie? Did she play—

He grabbed her by the shoulders and squeezed so hard we could see her veins. She simply looked him in the eyes like she had known about this for quite a long time now. He was mad. Furious.

"How come?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what? Don't act like a fool, now isn't the time for that? Was it all a plan? Did he never not—"

"I'm not as good as you at acting Dearka"

"Then, tell me how?"

"…"

"TELL ME DAMN IT"

"…I can't. At least, not now."

"Miri, you know I'm not the patient guy I used to be back then. I won't tolerate any more lies. Especially not coming from you. So, if you think you can play the game longer, do it. I have always been a fool to you so a few more days wouldn't kill"

"But, I—

"However, I won't be able to let you go. Not until, I get all the information out of you. So, you are officially a prisoner. Soldier Maine, take Miss Haw to her cell!"

"Dearka, you can't do this?!"

"Oh yes, I can. And Miss Haw, you may only address me as Officer Elsman. Now if you'll excuse me, I have duties to attend to"

"DEARKA! DEAAARRRKA?!"

"You heard the officer, you are doomed until you talk!"

"I will never be a betrayer like him. Never! You hear me!"

Next thing she knew, she was locked up in a cell. She still had her hands tied up, but that wasn't a problem: Cagalli had showed her how to untie it in a very simple way. Tada! Hands free. Then legs. Thanks Master Cags. Next step is finding a way out. She started looking around trying to find a possible escape route, but none was found. It was very well sealed and it was very different from the one they used to have on the Archangel. Damn I can't stay here forever, Tolle is waiting and Lacus might be in trouble, she thought. If only I knew where the lock, maybe then I could break it? But none was found. Again. She sat down and started thinking about what the Captain had told her when she agreed to take the assignment. He had warned her about Dearka being possibly involved in this whole plot. But she didn't want to believe him and she couldn't believe it even now. Something was definitely wrong. Dearka isn't the type to betray, especially not if he's got no reasons to. At least now he does have one to keep her locked up.

She remembered the look he gave her after that phone call. His eyes showed fury, hurt and confusion all at the same time. It was the same as three years ago, when she had told him she didn't want him in her life anymore. She had too much going on and there was the war and — No, you always run away. Stop finding reasons. He was there and you shoved him away. He had told to wait but you made your choice and fled. With Tolle. You didn't even tell him the truth back then so can you tell him now. Though he deserves to know. Tolle asked a lot about him and you did promise to let them both meet on friendly terms. Sai even agreed to this. Even Cagalli told her to do it. But again Miriallia Haw wasn't ready and—

"I see you have managed to free yourself. Quite a few skills I was unaware of my prisoner" There he was. Most likely his hologram.

"It was hurting me so I freed myself. Though it's not like I can run away. It's completely sealed. Why does the oxygen even come from? I hope you aren't planning on suffocating me —

"Was never my intention, but not bad as an idea"

"You wouldn't dare?"

"Oh would I? You are a spy and you might or may have already compromised my mission. So if I choose to eliminate you, I have the right to"

"… * gulps * "

"Scared? Oh don't worry, I'm thinking of using you instead of killing you. Last time, I checked you were Orb's Chief Representative's dearest friend so with you between my palms, I can achieve much more—

"I won't believe any of it Dearka! You aren't this type of man!"

" Miss Haw, people change and due to circumstances, a new war is on its way"

"You can't do this! You can't kill Lacus! You can't!"

"The chairman won't be harm anymore, I told you didn't I. I have changed my plans. Don't worry you'll have time saying goodbye to your best friend"

*Beeeeeep *

He was gone. What was he planning on doing? He gave up on Lacus. But what did he mean by — She froze. No. He can't.

She couldn't remember how long she was in there neither when she fell asleep, but when she woke up she saw a tray with some water and a piece of bread. She ate and then she saw the newspaper. It was a bit washed out, maybe due to some water that was already on the tray, but she could read a few bits here and there.

*Headlines *

Chief Representative was attacked on a visit to the University of Technology of Orb. More details see page 7

That was Sai's workplace! What was Cagalli doing there?

* Flips to page 7*

Chief Attha was visiting an old friend at the university when some unknown soldiers abducted her and few students in the laboratory. Bla bla bla bla bla Due to gas explosion… bla bla Missing citizens as well as … bla bla… Later on, we were able to receive the list of citizens who went missing or are injured and secured in Orb hospital after the sudden attack:

Professor Kuzzey Buskirk, Professor Sai Argyle and Nina Allster were found with serious injuries and are being treated. Same goes for Colonel Kisaka and two of his officers.

Officer Kindrel has unfortunately passed away on her way to the hospital.

Currently still missing are Chief representative and an unidentified citizen as seen on the photo below. If anyone recognize the —

She felt the cold hard floor under her legs and panic flew into her. It was Tolle. They had got both Tolle and Cagalli. All because of her. Her heartbeat was racing and the only thing she could do then was yell: DEARKAAAAA!

"May I help you Miss Haw?"

"I'm ready to talk, Officer Elsman"