Chapter 22
It was a few hours after miss Lacus' concert.
But even with everything that had happened today, the base was now calm and very peaceful. It was actually a bit hard to believe, that there had been so much noise there only a little while ago.
There was however a few people that couldn't rest yet.
The piloting staff from the Minerva was slowly being lead by a blue haired female soldier. That had been order to take them to where the Chairman was waiting for their arrival.
But even true none of them where really saying all that much right now. Heine was walking beside their lovely guide.
"You do know that if I ever had the opportunity, I would surely conquer the world for you" he told her in a sweet tone. With a huge charming smile on his face, as he slowly leaned in a looked straight in to her deep pink eyes.
Which made it pretty obvious for everybody that was watching, that he was seriously expecting the girl to fall for all of his flirting. Unfortunately the only thing she did was smile a bit at him.
"You really shouldn't make such promises like that. Some girls might just hold you to it!" She explained, seriously hoping that this would be enough to get the high ranking soldier to stop with his flirting.
But one glance at his face was all she need to tell that he was far from done yet.
That look he had now made it pretty clear that he was thinking quite hard about what else to say. And finally after a few minor seconds he once more leaned in close.
"Ok so no conquering the world. But perhaps there is something else I can help you out with, my lovely lieutenant" he offer using the exact same tone as before. And still with that somewhat creepy, yet charming smile all over his face.
It was getting more and more obvious for everybody there. That he was not going to slow down with his bad attempts to get the beautiful female soldier to go out with him, before they reached the place where the Chairman was waiting for them.
She on the other hand just took a brief glance over at him, a small part of her wishing that she could tell him off in a more rude way.
But seeing as he had a much high rank then her, she had to stay somewhat respectful no matter what. But she seriously disliked those kind of men who wouldn't take a rejection when they heard one.
And this guy was seriously begin to get on her nerves.
Hearing him say that the female lieutenant couldn't help but glare a bit at the orange haired man.
This was just getting more and more annoying by every second. Why in the world was it that this guy couldn't understand that she wasn't interested in him.
"I'm sorry sir, but I can't really think of anything I would need your help for. But thank you very much for asking!" she said. Trying her best sound grateful, which was actually a bit hard. Seeing as she was just about ready to throw him out of the nears window.
But even true everybody else there had realized that their guide was in a very bad mood right now.
Heine still wasn't done trying to win the light blue haired beauty over. He kept on talking to her in that sweet voice, he even went so far as to offer her a ride around and over the base in his mobile suit.
But not all that surprising she declined that too.
"How long do you think it will take before he realize that she wants nothing to do with him?" Shinn asked, while taking a look over at Rey that was walking just next to him.
Also watching Heine trying to get the woman to realize that he wasn't such a bad guy. And that it would be fun if the two of them went on a few dates together.
But the female lieutenant just kept on saying no to everything. Now looking a tiny bit like she was just about ready to explode at any moment.
But much to Rey's small amazement, she somehow manage to keep her obviously deep wrath under control.
"Actually Shinn. I do believe that Heine already knows that the lieutenant doesn't want to go out with him. The reason he keep on asking, is simply because he finds her reactions amusing" Rey said making sure that the blue haired woman couldn't hear him.
Not that there was many chances that would happen. She apparently was way to busy rejecting all of Heine's suggestion for where they could go on their first date.
Thinking a few seconds about his blond friend's words Shinn let out a small chuckle, as he again turned his attention back towards Heine and the obviously pissed of female lieutenant.
"Now that you mention it Rey, this really is funny as hell to watch. I wonder how long it will take, before she actually lose her temper" the boy said. Doing nothing at all to hide just how amusing he was finding this whole display, between his fellow pilot and the female officer.
He did however not get all that long to enjoy the entertainment. Before Luna opened her mouth and told them her thoughts, about the way Heine kept on bugging the only other female present.
"All of you men really does have a sick sense of humour. I seriously can't believe that guys think this is entertaining. It's times like these that it should be permitted for female soldiers everywhere to give you stupid males a good whack or two!" Luna said in a wicked tone.
That made it pretty clear that she mean every single word she had just said.
And once she saw Shinn tremble slightly. She took one glance at Rey but he didn't do anything he just turned his eyes away from her, not showing the least bit sign of fear.
Feeling just a tiny bit more angry at that. Lunamaria turned around and looked back at Athrun and Nicol that was somewhat quietly watching the display.
"And what about you two? What is your opinion on this?" She growled out in a unhappy tone. While glaring a few times between the two former members of the Le Creuset team. Clearly wanting the two of them to give her an honest response to all of this.
But when Nicol was about to open his mouth and was just about to say something. She immediately turned her angry gaze completely over on him, almost making him fall over at the share madness that was in the girls eyes.
"Well...I'm...I'm...not...sure..." that was pretty much all he got out before he once again looked down at the floor.
Now considering deeply if the words he had wanted to say to her, was really the most smart thing to say. But when she took a step closer to him, asking him what he had been about to say.
Nicol almost stopped in his tracks, as he tried with all of his will power to get his mouth to work, which was pretty much impossible at the moment.
The way she kept on glaring at him, made Nicol even more nervous then a rookie pilot would be in his very first battle.
He had never been all that good at handling angry woman, seeing as the only experience he had ever had with the opposite sex, was with Mayura and she had gotten killed, by the lunatic in the Calamity before their relationship, could really get anywhere.
So he frankly had no idea about what he was suppose to say to Lunamaria at times like these. He seriously didn't want the red haired girl even more mad at him.
But as he was trying to come up with some kind of reasonably response. His old friend decided to come to his rescue. "Of course both Nicol and I agrees with you Lunamaria. It really is quite disrespectful the way Heine keeps on flirting with that lieutenant" Athrun said in a serious tone, while taking a brief glance over in Heine's direction, doing his best to sound and look at least a bit angry about the whole thing.
Hearing his friend say that. Nicol immediately regained some of his courage, as he took a single step close towards the red haired girl.
"I believe Athrun's right Luna. It truly is childish and very disrespectful the way Heine continuous to annoys the poor woman" the green haired teen said. Making sure to send Heine a light unhappy glare.
Just to show Lunamaria that he was on her side in this.
Looking a few more times between the two men, Lunamaria smiled a bit at them. "That's good, I'm really glad to know, that it's not all of you who are being such big jerks" she said in a low tone.
Before she turned around and made her way over to Heine. Utterly determined to help the female officer, get the orange haired man of her back.
Watching Lunamaria for a second or two Nicol finally let out a small relieved breath. "That was close Athrun. I was almost certain that she was going to go through with that hitting and slapping she was talking about before!" Nicol said.
Now seeing Lunamaira shove herself in between Heine and the lieutenant. Not doing anything to hid that she was angry at their fellow pilot.
Hearing Nicol say that Athrun turned and smile a bit at his old friend. "After dating Cagalli for such a long time. It's quite easy to figure out when it's best just to agree to whatever she is saying, and Lunamaria is pretty much the same way" the blue haired teen explained in a somewhat far away tone, as his thoughts once more turned over on his truly beautiful fiancée.
"I see I'm relieved that you knew a way to get both of us out of that mess" Nicol said, while wondering a bit just how much it would have hurt if Luna really had hit him.
Even after knowing her for such a long time. He had next to no idea about how hard she could actually punch.
And he had honestly no desire to find out any time soon. He did however not get long to think about that before their guide told them that they had finally arrived at their destination.
But before any of them could even think about knocking on the door.
Heine quickly reached out and grabbed on to the lieutenant's left hand, holding on to it in a tight grip, as he again leaned in and looked straight in to her pink eyes.
"I know our time together was cut short. But I seriously do look forward to see you again future mother of my two or three children!" He said loudly. While he pulled her hand up and gave it a gentle kiss.
But as he was doing that, he didn't really noticed how big the vein on her forehead was now. And how tight she was squeezing her right fist together.
It truly did look like she was just about ready to give him a good beating.
But before she actually did anything she would most likely regret once she got out of there. She slowly pulled her hand away from him.
"I'll have to be going now. It was a real pleasure to take you guys here" she said. Trying her best to at least sound somewhat believable, as she once more turned her head and gave Heine yet another evil glare.
And before the others could say anything back to her.
She hurried turned around and almost ran off full speed down the hall. Not wanting to spend even one minute longer with that insufferable man then she already had.
"Ah man, I didn't think she would run away like that, she didn't even tell me her name" Heine said. Truly sounding very depressed about that. He did however not get long to mourn around about that before Lunamaria actually did give him a small whack on top of his head.
"You...you really are an idiot!" She told him.
While she hurried made her way past him and over to the door, which she immediately gave a few hard knocks. Hoping that they wouldn't have to stand out here too long, she seriously wasn't in the mood for that right now.
But fortunately it only took about a small minute before a friendly voice invited them in. Hearing that Lunamaria quickly reached out and turned the door knob, so she and the other pilots had access to the chamber.
Where all of them immediately noticed all the delicious looking food was just standing out on the table. Obviously just waiting for them to sink their teeth in to it.
But before they could get over the light shock of seeing just how much food that had been prepared for them. Gilbert gave each of them a truly friendly smile, as he made his way over to them.
"I'm happy to see that all of you accept my dinner invitation. There is truly a lot of things I would like to discourse with each of you. So will you please come in and make yourself at home" The Chairman said using the same well mannered tone as before.
Which apparently was enough to finally get the six mobile suit pilots out of their minor shock.
And it only took about a minute before Athrun took a small step forward. "Ohhh sorry about the lack of attention sir. All of us was a bit distract by the big feast that has been prepared for us!" Athrun said. Then quickly gave the leader of Zaft and the Plants a respectful salute, which prompted the other pilots to immediately do the same.
Each of them a bit concerned about their lack of respect towards the Chairman. But much to their small amazement he just waved it off like it was nothing.
"Never mind about that. Now come in a sit down, all of you much be pretty tired after everything you have been through. Truth be told I'm actually a bit curious about hearing what you have to tell me about your adventures" he told them in a friendly tone.
As he turned and slowly made his way over to the enormous table where he immediately sat down by the end of it.
That way he would easily be able to see the six mobile suit pilots. While he was having this conversation with them. But the only once moving right now was Rey and Heine, which meant that it did not take long before the two of them where sitting by the table.
But the rest of the pilots still didn't move from their position by the door.
And it was only when he asked them one more time to please come in and sit down, that they finally started moving.
Which meant that it did not take long before the Chairman and the six pilots was calmly eating the truly yummy food. That had quite obviously, taken a very long time to prepare.
"Now then why don't we let our only female companion start of by telling us all what she has experienced since the Minerva got down here" Gilbert said in a friendly tone, while smiling a bit at Lunamaria.
Who on the other hand was a bit surprised by the Chairman's request, when she had been told that she and the other pilots was going to have dinner with the lead of Zaft. She had quite honestly never expected, that he would be interested in hearing about her experiences.
Yet now he was sitting almost directly in front of her with a kind look on his face.
"Please go on. There is no need for you to be so nervous, I already told you to make yourself at home" he said in a voice full of kindness, that did calm Luna down a bit. So after just sitting there for a second or two looking at the friendly look on the man's face. She slowly reached out and took a hold on the glass of soda that was standing beside her plate.
And after taking a short sip of the yellow liquid.
She began telling the Chairman and the five other mobile suit pilots, about some of the things she had been through, ever since the Minerva had arrived on earth.
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It was about an hour later when Nicol finished telling the small gathering of people about his experiences down here.
And without anything else to say the only thing he and the other pilots could do at the moment, was to stay put while waiting to hear what the Chairman had to say about everything they had just told him.
It did however take about five minutes before the black haired man let out a small breath, as he slowly moved his eyes over the six pilots he was having dinner with.
But finally after just sitting there for a little while. He slowly stood up from his seat and made his way over to the only open window in the chamber. Once over there he looked out at the slowly descending sun, while enjoy the nice evening breeze that was blowing softly outside.
"It would seem like all of you, have been through a lot in your time down here. But I'm afraid it's not over yet, it will still take some time before the world will once more get back on the road of peace and harmony" Gilbert said in a somewhat far away tone.
Just as he continued standing there watching the beautiful view, it truly was a magnificent sight seeing the sun disappearing in the horizon.
He did however not get long to really enjoyed, before one of the pilots interrupted his thoughts.
"Why is that sir? From what I have heard Zaft has been doing pretty much everything possible to stop the war?" Luna asked in a wondering tone. She was not nearly as nervous about speaking and asking the Chairman questions now, as she had been when she and the others had first arrive there.
Hearing his only female guest ask him that. Gilbert slowly turned away from the view, and looked back at the six young people, where he immediately noticed that all of them had a somewhat curious expression on their faces.
Seeing them all look so interested in getting some answers he smile a bit at them, just as he began talking in a very deep yet thoughtful tone.
"The reason why this war wouldn't end anytime soon. Is simply because there are people in this world that will do everything in their power to make sure that mankind continuous to fight no matter what" Gilbert explained. Still not moving his eyes away from the teenagers in front of him.
He did however not have to wait all that long for some kind of reaction.
Shinn almost flew up from his seat, and slammed both of his hands with full force down in to the table, almost knocking a few things over.
Not that he cared one bit about that right now. The only thing on his mind at the moment was who in their right mind, would wish for something as terrible as a war to continue.
"Who are those bastards? And why haven't they been stopped already?" He asked loudly, truly hoping with all of his heart that the Chairman had some answer to these questions.
If there really was a bunch of people out there who wanted to fight that badly. He was determined to stop them no matter the costs, such war-crazy people truly deserved to rot in hell.
Smiling a bit at the boy's reaction Gilbert continued with the explanation.
"Those people Shinn a mercenaries of war. People who lives by selling weapons to others, and if we suddenly stops fighting like we did two years ago, then they don't earn mone.,Aand that's why they want to make certain that we Coordinators keeps on doing battle with the Naturals for as long as possible!" The black haired man said in a slightly angry tone.
Just as he turned and took one more look out of the window.
Now waiting to hear what the five other the mobile suit pilots had to say. He already knew Rey's opinion on this, but he would certainly be lying if he said he wasn't a bit curious about hearing the others teens thoughts on this matter.
"What a bunch of disgusting creeps. But what I really want to know, is the names of those bastards and where exactly they are hiding?" Heine said in a somewhat unhappy tone.
While wondering hard about how in the world somebody like that could get away unpunished. Even after throwing the entire world in to yet another big war. The last one had truly been bad enough.
Looking a few seconds at Heine and the five other pilots.
Gilbert could quite easily tell that they where all feeling a little impatient at the moment.
It was obvious that they all wanted to hear the answers to these questions, and not wanting to let them wait too long, he let out a small breath as he once more began talking in the same far away tone as before.
"I have very little information about where exactly their hideout is. I already have a great deal of reliable people looking in to that. But what I can tell you now is that the group itself is called Logos, and that they a being lead by a man named Djibril" he said in a tone that made it clear for all of them.
Ehat he was feeling a great deal of contempt towards this Djibril character, and the terrorist organization that man was suppose to lead.
Slowly going over everything the Chairman had just told them.
Athrun rubbed his cheek a few times in a thoughtful way. But after sitting like that for a few moments. The blue haired teenager once more turned his attention back towards the leader of Zaft.
"So what exactly are you planing to do about Logos sir?" Athrun asked, doing nothing to hid just how serious he was taking this matter.
He really didn't like the idea that there was a bunch of terrorist out there, that had so much influence about everything that was going on in this world.
Unfortunately he didn't get much time to sulk over that before the Chairman interrupted his thoughts.
"That's something I have been giving a lot of thoughts these last few days Athrun, which have made me realize that no matter how many times we go up against the Earth Forces, we will never be able to really end the war, as long as Logos and Djibril exist in this world" the man explained, sounding very serious about everything he had just told them.
He did however not give any of the teenagers, much time to really think about his words. Before he once more continued talking in the same serious tone as before.
"And that's why I have decided to launch a campaign to finally put an end to Logos! Which will without a doubt be a very difficult task to accomplish. That's why I'm hoping that all of you will be willing to assist in finding and removing these terrible people from this world. Once they are gone we will finally be able to obtain ever lasting peace" the man said, slowly moved his eyes over each of them.
"You can count on me sir. I'll do everything I can to help take out those Logos bastards!" Shinn shouted loudly, as he again jumped up from his seat, with a determined expression on his face.
It pretty much seemed like he was just about ready to rush out of there any minute now.
So he could go search for the terrorists group on his own. But before he could do that, his common sense told him, that he didn't have the slightest idea about where to even start looking for Logos.
And once he heard the Chairman tell him that he was truly grateful for his assists.
Shinn once more dropped back down in his seat. Just as all the other pilots began telling the lead of Zaft that they where ready to help out too.
"I'm pleased to know that I can count on all of you. It's not going to be easy to rid the world of Logos. But with such find pilots like yourself helping out. I'm certain that it will only be a matter of time before we can accomplish that task" Gilbert said, while smiling proudly at each of them.
Just as all of them stood up and gave him a respectful salute.
Seeing them do that the smile on Gilbert's face grew a little bigger. As he stood there debating with himself about, just how useful the group of pilots would really be in his plans for this world.
But as those thoughts was slowly making their way through his mind.
He suddenly got eye contact with Rey who hurried gave him a brief signal, which was all Gilbert need to know, that there was something Rey wanted to talk with him about, once this was over.
So after giving his most loyal supporter a brief nod. He again turned his attention back towards the rest of the pilots.
"Now then, I'm truly sorry to end our party this early. But there is still a few things that requires my attention before I turn in for the night, there is however something I would like to ask you about Athrun. So if you have no pressing matter you need to attend to, I would like for you to stay behind for a few minute" he explained, as he saw the Saviour piloted nod a single time in understanding.
While everybody else in there started to get ready to leave the room. Each of them making extra sure to say thank you for all the delicious food they had gotten while being there.
And once all of them where gone, Gilbert slowly reached over and picked up his glass of expensive wine. Which he immediately took a light sip off, clearly enjoying the taste of it, as it made it's way down his throat.
"The reason why I ask you to stay behind Athrun. Is because ever since I heard of the Archangel's short reappearance, I have been wondering about where that ship went after Orb. So I was hoping that you had some clues about it's whereabouts?" Gilbert asked. Trying not to show the boy just how important this truly was for him.
If they could somehow find and destroy the Archangel now, they wouldn't have to deal with it's interference later.
There was just no way he would let that ship ruined his plans, like it had done for his old friend Rau Le Creuset.
If the Archangel and it's crew hadn't existed. He was pretty certain that Rau's plans for humanity would most definitely have become a reality, he did however not get much time long to wonder about that, before Athrun's voice interrupted his deep thoughts.
"I'm sorry sir, but I have no idea about where the Archangel is. I have been wonder about that ever since I heard about it's reappearance. But no matter how much I think about it, I just can't figure out where exactly it disappeared to" the blue haired teen explained. While wondering slightly, if there was anybody nearby they could ask about the Archangel's location.
But the only one he could think about right now, that might know where the Archangel was hiding was Sai Argyle and he was all the way back in Orb.
So there was no way Athrun could get in touch with him.
Beside the last time Athrun had seen the slightly older teenager, he was walking around with his highly pregnant fiancée.
Which meant that either the girl already have given birth to their first child, or she was just about ready to do it any day now. And no matter how much loyalty Athrun had towards the Chairman.
He just couldn't bring himself to involve Sai in this. And ruin his chance to have a normal family life together with the woman he loved, and their small child.
And with that in mind he slowly shook his head a few times, as he again looked over at the Chairman. "If you want me to I can try and find it Mr Chairman! But you properly knows as well as I do that there is a lot of places for that ship to hid" Athrun said, while thinking about all the places the Archangel could be, now that it had the ability to go under water.
Thinking a bit about Athrun's offer about going out there to search for the Archangel. Gilbert reached up and rubbed his chin in a thoughtful way. But after doing that for a few seconds, he finally lowed his hand again.
"I believe that it would be best that you continue staying with the Minerva Athrun. It's not like you have any leads about the Archangel's whereabouts, so for now we just have to be patient and wait until it makes another appearance!" Gilbert said. Somewhat annoyed that Athrun didn't have any information he could use to find the Archangel.
Not that he showed the blue haired teenage that.
Athrun might be a part of Zaft soldier again. Yet it was pretty obvious that he was still having feelings for all of his friends on the Archangel, if only he could find away to rid himself of those feelings, he would no doubt be an even more powerful warrior then he was already.
Yet one look at the boy's face made it pretty clear, that he wasn't going to forget his old comrades anytime soon.
But perhaps by staying on the Minerva those feelings would disappear with time. And once they did, he would most certainly gain an even better fighter, then the one that was standing in front of him right now.
And while still thinking about that. He again opened his mouth and asked the boy one more important question. "And the real Lacus Clyne? Is she on board that ship too Athrun?" He asked in a kind tone, that showed next to no hints about, just how nasty and utterly sinister his thoughts really was.
Hearing the man ask him that. Athrun got a slightly thoughtful look on his face.
"Yes, she is most definitely with that ship. There is no way Kir...the crew would leave Orb without her" the blue haired teenager explained, while once more trying to come up with a method to find, or at the very least get in contact with the Archangel.
But unfortunately he was pretty much empty for ideas. If the Archangel wanted to stay in hiding. It would be almost impossible to find it.
Unless they could somehow find a few more good clues, about where to look for it.
"I think you are right Mr Chairman, the only thing we can do now is wait until they decide to show themselves again. And there is really no telling when that's going to happen" Athrun said in a far away tone.
Now thinking about why exactly Archangel's crew had made the decision to disappear like this.
Seeing just how far away Athrun was right now. Gilbert couldn't help but narrow his eyes a bit, as he thought about everything the young man had just told him, there wasn't really any information he could use to locate the Archangel.
"Well if you do hear anything then please tell me Athrun? I would very much like to have a little talk with the real Lacus Clyne. I was hoping to somehow convince her to come back home to the Plants!" Gilbert said, with a great deal of thoughts flying through his head. He was a tiny bit annoyed that those assassins he had send after the pink haired girl, hadn't somehow succeeded in taking her life.
Taking a second or two to go over the Chairman's words.
Athrun instantly realized. That it was highly unlikely that Lacus would ever go back home to the Plants. She did after all love her quiet and peaceful life together with Kira.
Yet not wanting to give the Chairman any bad news. Athrun quietly decided not to mention anything about the big lifestyle change Lacus had chosen to make after the last war had been brought to an end.
He did however not have to stay quiet for long. Before the Chairman walked over and placed his now empty wine glass down on the table.
"Well seeing as talking about the Archangel wouldn't bring us any close to finding it, we might as well stop this discussion now. I do have a few important things I need to discourse with Rey" he said in a friendly tone, as he watched the young man get up from his seat.
Which meant that it did not take long before the Chairman and the Saviour piloted was making their way over to the door.
But just as soon as they stepped out in to the halls, somebody yelled out Athrun's name quite loudly.
And before he had anytime to react Meer Campbell jumped straight towards him. And immediately wrapped both of her arms around his back, hugging him so tight that it was pretty much impossible for Athrun to just shove her away.
Even true that was frankly what he really wanted to do. Especially when he noticed how she kept on pressing her breasts up against him, obviously trying to seduce him.
And just the thought about how much this would hurt Cagalli was more then enough for him to fight back against clinging pink haired girl.
But when it became clear that she was not going to release him anytime soon. He felt a small yet very unhappy frown, ran over his forehead. "Could you please let go of me already!" He asked in a not so friendly tone.
Just as he again tried to push the highly irritating girl away from him. But neither his struggling or his words seemed to have the big effect on her.
If anything she was holding him even more tightly now then before.
Which made Athrun narrowed his eyes a bit, doing nothing to hid just how much this was actually bothering. And seeing as he could not get this girl off him by being nice, he reached down and took a hold on both of her clinging hands.
That at this very moment now was getting dangerously close to rubbing more then just his back. And before she could try anything even more seductive then pressing her breasts up against his chest.
He somehow roughly shoved each of her arms away, then hurried gave her a light yet firm push, to get some distance between them.
Which made a displeased look ran over her face. She just didn't understand why he wasn't being tempted by her seductive ways. If it had been any other man she was pretty certain that he would already be wrapped around her little finger.
Yet Athrun kept on trying to keep his distance from her, like he wasn't the least bit interested in her.
But such a thing was pretty much impossible in Meer's eyes. Ever since she had been made to look like Lacus Clyne. She had gotten kinda use to always getting her ways.
And if Athrun didn't wanted her to be his girlfriend. She just had to try even hard to get him to pay attention to her. Perhaps the naughty underwear she had brought along with her from the Plants, could do the trick and make him realize just how unbelievable gorgeous she truly was.
But as she stood there trying to come up with the best way to seduce the blue haired man in front of her.
He began talking to her in a tired tone.
"It's nice to see you too Meer! I would actually like to talk with you for a bit. But it has been quite a long and exhausting day, and I could really use a few hours of sleep, so maybe we can meet up tomorrow and talk" Athrun said, trying hard not to yawn loudly just after he had finished that sentence.
Looking at his face for a little while, Meer could easily tell how completely worn out her future boyfriend was at the moment.
And even true she was still disappointed that he didn't hug her back before, she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him, and maybe after he had gotten a few hours of sleep he might give her the attention she desperately wanted from him.
And with that in mind she gave him a gentle yet still somewhat seductive smile. "Ok Athrun I understand. I'll see you tomorrow then. Perhaps the two of us can have breakfast together" She suggest in a sweet tone, as she leaned in and tried to hug him one more time.
Seeing what Meer was up to now.
Athrun hurried took a small step away from the pink haired girl.
Making certain that there was no way she could get a hold on him again. He seriously did not feel like getting in to another highly uncomfortable, wrestling match with the clinging pink haired girl.
And even true her expression did make it pretty clear that she was quite disappointed at the moment.
He immediately decided to just ignore her somewhat sad look. There was only one single woman in this entire world he want to be hugged so tightly by, and she was no where near this place.
"I'll talk with you later Meer" he said quietly.
Just as he turned around and walked off without giving the songster the opportunity to say or do anything else, that would surely make him feel even more uncomfortable.
Watching his back until he was completely out of sight, Meer slowly licked her lips a single time, while getting a somewhat naughty look in both of her eyes.
"Yes Athrun! You will definitely talk with me later" she said still using a slightly seductive tone, as she turned around and began making her way back to her room.
Where she had left a few very important things, she was surely going to need to carry out her little strategy to win Athrun Zala's attention. Beside she needed to drop of her Haro, so he wouldn't somehow spoil her plan.
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Meanwhile some where else. To be more exact in Rey's room.
The Chairman was sitting in one of the chairs in there with a deep thoughtful look on his face. But after a few minutes of complete silence, he slowly lifted his head and looked over at the blond haired young man.
"I see Rey, so you don't trust him?" Gilbert asked in a tone that made it clear, that he was still thinking very hard about everything Rey had just told him about Athrun Zala.
And even true the blue haired teen had proven to be quite useful up until now. There was no doubt that Rey's distrustful words about Athrun held some truth in them.
He had after all been a part of the Archangel's crew two years ago. And he also had a very close friendship to Kira Yamato.
Which was no doubt a person that both Gilbert and Rey knew had to remove from this world. That was actually one of the main reasons, why they had to make sure that Shinn was as good a pilot as possible.
That way they could make certain, that the boy was completely ready to go up against such a powerful mobile suit as the Freedom.
But that was a conversation that had to wait until later.
Right now it was much more important that they tried to figure out just how trustworthy Athrun Zala really was.
Gilbert might believe that the young Zala was pretty useful. But if he at some point in time decided to turn the Saviour's power against them. They would without a doubt have a very serious threat on their hands.
"No Gil I don't trust him at all. I seriously believe that you should have thought a bit more about it, before you permitted him to join Zaft again. He did after all run off with the Justice in the last war. And he was more then ready to use it against his own father too" the blond boy said, thinking quite hard about everything he had read about Athrun Zala in his files.
There was more then a few minor things in those.
That made Rey believe that it was a very big mistake having Athrun Zala on board the Minerva, there was no telling what the boy could do if there wasn't somebody around to keep an eye on him.
Thinking a few seconds about Rey's words the black haired man slowly reached up and rubbed his chin a few times.
"I see what you mean Rey. But try and look at it this way, we might not be able to trust him completely. But having him as a part of the Minerva's crew, we will be able to keep a close eye on him incase he might try something" Gilbert said seriously.
Just as he took a deep breath before he once more continued talking.
"And you know what they say. Keep your friends close and keep your enemies even closer" he said, still trying to decided how to best make certain that Athrun Zala would not betray them at some point in future.
Hearing a sane reason to have Athrun stay on the Minerva. Rey nodded slowly in understanding. It might not be so bad having the blue haired teen nearby.
If nothing else he was quite a good pilot.
"I get what you are saying Gil. But no matter what, I'm going to make certain that he wouldn't ever get the opportunity to stab us in the back, and if he shows signs of doing something like that. I seriously hope I have your permission to kill him?" The blond man asked.
Making sure that the Chairman knew, that he was completely serious about every single word that had just left his mouth.
And those not so friendly words was more then enough to make a deep thoughtful look appear on Gilbert's face. He knew that having Athrun as an opponent could be a very bad thing.
He had already show him more then once that he was a very powerful warrior.
And if he suddenly lost his will to obey him. It was properly best that he cease to exist, from this world.
"Ok Rey you have my permission to get rid of him. If he ever shows any signs of disloyalty. But if you do have to kill him, then try and do it in discreet way, we don't wanted to jeopardize the loyalty of anybody else. We still does have a need for Shinn Asuka. By the way how far has he gotten since the last time, I saw him fight?" Gilbert asked in a curious tone.
As the conversation continued on in a more calm manner. Which kinda made it sound a bit like the two of them hadn't just been discoursing under what circumstance they should end the life of another human being.
"I think it's going very well. It's not long since he finally manage to get over in seed mode, which I think is quite an accomplishment. And he is getting very good at using the Silhouette packs to his advantage" Rey explained. While trying to figure out if there was anything he had left out about his friend's combat abilities in the Impulse.
But as he was doing that he saw Gilbert nod a few times in understanding.
"I see. That truly is good news Rey, so tell me how long do you think it will take before he is ready to go up against the Freedom and Kira Yamato?" He asked, with a very serious look on his face.
If Shinn for some reason wasn't able to defeat the Ultimate Coordinator. It would definitely be a very hard task finding somebody else that could do it.
"It might take a while yet before he is ready for a challenge like that. But I truly do believe if he continues fighting like he is now. It will only be a matter of time before he has the requited skill to beat the Freedom" Rey said in a thoughtful tone.
That did not show any of the inner hatred Rey had towards Kira Yamato.
Not that Gilbert couldn't quite easily tell how much Rey truly disliked the Ultimate Coordinator, which wasn't really a big surprise. Seeing as Kira had been the one to kill the only other person beside himself that Rey had truly respect with all of his being.
And seeing as Gilbert knew that it was a stupid idea to make any comments about that matter. He just kept on talking like he hadn't notice the unhappy expression on Rey's face.
"Well as things a now. He will undoubtedly be able to get in at least a bit more training, seeing as we still don't have any useful information about where exactly the Archangel is hiding out" the black haired man said in a slightly annoyed tone.
Which made it pretty obvious, that he was far from pleased about not having even one clue, that could point them in the Archangel's direction.
Hearing that they still didn't know a single thing about the Archangel's whereabouts. Rey could not help but narrow his eyes just a tiny bit.
"So you didn't get anything out of asking Athrun about it huh?" He asked in a unhappy tone, while wondering a bit if the blue haired teen was hiding the truth about knowing where the Archangel was.
But before he could really give it all that much thought.
Gilbert began talking in a somewhat far away tone.
"He told me that he had no idea about where to find it. And from what I could gather from the expression he had on his face doing the conversation, he was telling me the honest truth" the black haired man said.
Thinking back to the little meeting he had with Athrun not long ago, and some of the things he had said.
The blue haired teenage might not know yet, how to located the white space ship.
But Gilbert was pretty certain that soon or later the boy would somehow be able to find and give him some very useful information about the Archangel, that could without a doubt be used to finally take down that accursed ship once and for all.
And with that in mind, he once more change the subject over on something much more cheerful.
This time asking Rey, how he was getting along with the other crew members on the Minerva.
And even true it was done with a bit of hesitation. It did not take long, before the blond teen was busy explaining to the man in front of him. How life was treating him on the grey battle ship.
To be continued.
One thing I always wondered about. When the Chairman ask Athrun about the Archangel, had he actually known where the ship was hiding out. Would he have told him back then.
What do you guys think?