Die fledermaus

Dukovak and Miguel take the children to the Bernstein Foundation. Upon arrival, they are asked for their names, to which Miguel responds with Joshua Graham. The staff says the following:
Employee: Mr. Joshua Graham, please step out of the vehicle.
Miguel: Look, buddy, I don't want any trouble. How much cash do you want?
Employee: This is not about money.
Miguel pulls out a rifle.
Miguel: Alright, you asked for it.
Employee: Wait, Mr. Graham, this is a misunderstanding. The owner of the foundation wants to talk to you.
Miguel: Well, she can come here if she wants to talk so badly.
Employee: I will inform her of your arrival. Nevertheless, would you like something to eat before getting off?
Miguel: If there's no beer, I'm not interested.
Employee: We can arrange that.
Miguel and Dukovak get off the truck, followed by the other drivers. The employees unload the children and provide them with shelter. After a while, Kudelia arrives.
Kudelia: Good afternoon, Mr. Graham. I apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you.
Miguel: Don't worry about it. What did you want to talk to us about?
Kudelia: I'll be direct with you. The first time you came with several trucks full of children and supplies capable of sustaining the foundation for a few months, I was surprised that you didn't ask for a favor or anything in return.
Miguel: There's nothing you can do for me. What about you, Duko?
Dukovak: I really can't think of anything.
Kudelia: Do you know the origin of these children?
Miguel: My buddy Dukovak Horikoshi can explain where the children we just brought you come from.
Kudelia: Dukovak, could you explain to me where these children come from?
Dukovak: They are child soldiers who were used by the African Union.
Kudelia: But do you know how they ended up in the Middle East?
Dukovak: No, but my brother says we'll find out soon.
Kudelia: Is your brother with us?
Dukovak: No, he's in New Persia.
Employee: Ma'am, you have to see the news.
Kudelia, Miguel, and Dukovak watch the screen, where a high-ranking Gjallahorn officer testifies that Gjallahorn facilitated the transportation of child slaves so that the African Union could operate in New Persia.
On the screen, the fight between Richtoffen and Manfred is observed, where Manfred emerges victorious, opens the cockpit of the destroyed Mobile Suit, and points a gun at Richtoffen.
Miguel: Damn it, Manfred, I hope you don't do something stupid.
Dukovak: Manfred, please, don't do it.
Manfred raises the gun.
Kudelia: Who is that Manfred?
Dukovak: My brother. He's the one who freed the children.
The TV reporter says:
Reporter: I have just been informed that Gjallahorn and the government of the New Persia region have reached a ceasefire agreement.
Kudelia: Nothing has really changed. The treaty was truly useless.
A week later, a treaty is signed recognizing the independence of the New Persian Republic. The signatories are the African Union, Gjallahorn, and the new Persian state. The ratifiers of this treaty are the SAU, ABRAU, the Oceanic Federation, and the Martian Union. The Horikoshi Defense Corporation receives a letter. Manfred opens it and finds an invitation to the celebration of the creation of the New Persian Republic. At the bottom of the envelope, it reads:
"The friendship of the Persian people knows no bounds. Regards, Darío."
Manfred sends an email to Dukovak
Miguel and Dukovak are having a meal on Mars when Dukovak notices he received a message from Manfred.
Miguel: What's up, my Duko?
Dukovak: A message from Manfred, it seems we've been invited to an event.
Miguel: Something from the New Persian Republic?
Dukovak: How did you know?
Miguel: It's pretty obvious, your brother helped out in the last battle, he was even a hero in that battle. Enjoy the party, buddy. Make new friends, maybe you'll meet an old flame there.
Dukovak: I'm not really interested in finding a girl, to be honest.
Miguel: Do you have a girlfriend? Don't tell me you're with Yamazin.
Dukovak: I'm not with Yamazin, she's too old.
Miguel: There are times when an older woman wouldn't be bad, my Duko.
Dukovak: Come on, man.
Miguel: It seems like that old lady is into you, man, what can I say.
Dukovak: Seriously, Miguel.
Miguel: Well, maybe my guys can take you to the "New Persian Republic."
Dukovak: Why do you say it like that?
Miguel: Oh, my Duko, countries, federations, blocs, organizations; They come and go, my Duko. Do they even have suits?
Dukovak: No.
Miguel: I can fix that, I know a good tailor on Earth. Finish your coffee, we're short on time.
Miguel and Dukovak leave the café.
Dukovak: Where are we going exactly?
Miguel: To Earth, I'm taking you to my tailor.
Dukovak: Why are you doing all this for us?
Miguel: I have my reasons. Let's go, one of my fleets leaves in 1 hour.
Miguel and Dukovak get into a car headed for the spaceport.
Meanwhile, Manfred is on Earth with Illmari and Sephora.
Sephora: Manfred, where are we going?
Manfred: We're going to see Darío.
Illmari: Why? Our contract with him is over.
Manfred: Yes, but he said he had something ready for us.
Sephora: Could you at least stop being stingy and pay for a taxi?
Manfred: The Persian Parliament is two blocks away, we're almost there.
The group arrives at the gates of the parliament where Darío is wearing a general's uniform.
Darío: How's my esteemed hero?
Manfred: Fine, how about you, Darío?
Darío: Happy, you're seeing the first president of the Persian Republic. The position will be interim, unfortunately. But the good news is that the Persian parliament and congress have approved the transfer of the factories. Mr. Horikoshi, congratulations, you have just entered the arms industry.
Manfred: Thank you very much, General.
Darío: Call me by my name, Manfred. Speaking of your entry into the arms industry, the new government has a commission for you. We need the construction of 1500 new Mobile Workers and 50,000 rifles. The Persian government believes that the number of personnel and weaponry should be doubled.
Manfred: Thank you very much for the contract, Darío.
Darío: You don't have to thank me, by the way, there are rumors that the Martian Union is considering increasing its military spending. The leaders of the blocs, Gjallahorn and the Martian Union, will be present. So I suggest you and your brother get some good suits. Let's not waste time and go to the factory on the outskirts of Tehran.
Darío, Manfred, Illmari, and Fiora get into a luxury car. Once in the car, Manfred asks Darío,
Manfred: Why are you telling me all this?
Darío: I look out for the well-being and future of my friends. And you're not only my friends, but you also have a friendship with the Persian people.
Manfred: Well, I don't know what to say, Darío, thank you very much.
Darío: You don't have to thank me.
Once at the factory, Darío tells them,
Darío: This is the largest factory in all of Persia, I hope you take care of it.
Manfred: Don't worry, Darío, we'll take good care of it.
Manfred receives a call from Dukovak.
Dukovak: Hey, Manfred, we arrived in Tehran in 3 days. Miguel will take us to a tailor.
Manfred: What's the name of the tailor?
Dukovak: Miguel says it's a surprise.
Manfred: Where is the tailor located?
Dukovak: I don't even know. Miguel insists it's a surprise.
Illmari: Who was it?
Manfred: It was Dukovak. He says Miguel will take us to a tailor, arriving in three days in Tehran.
Darío: Manfred, do you want to enter the factory?
Manfred: Of course.
Darío: This factory has the capacity to deliver 500 Mobile Workers monthly, the production record was 700 units.
Manfred: Incredible
Darío: This is the largest factory not only in Persia but also was the largest in the African Union. It has the latest in Mobile Worker technology. And if you are smart enough, you can reverse engineer new Mobile Worker models.
Manfred: Thank you very much, Darío.
Darío: I have to go, there are many things to do. Manfred, enjoy your stay in Persia, Fiora, Illmari.
Everyone gets into the car. Upon reaching the hangar, Manfred, Sephora, and Illmari get out of the car.

Darío: Manfred, see you at the gala in a week.
Manfred: We'll be there.

The car leaves, and Illmari and Sephora ask Manfred,

Illmari: We're invited too, right?
Manfred: Yes, I suppose so.
Sephora: You know we don't have dresses, what are we going to wear?
Manfred: Dukovak, Yamazin, and Miguel are coming in 3 days. Dukovak mentioned they'll take us to a tailor, we don't know anything else.
Illmari: Manfred, what are you going to do now?
Manfred: I don't know, I have nothing planned. Do you want to train?
Illmari: Manfred, you should stop worrying too much. Sephora and I are going to eat something, want to join us?
Manfred: Sure.
The trio leaves the hangar, heading to eat some kebabs. While eating, Sephora asks Manfred and Illmari if they have a favorite food.

Illmari: Not really, I couldn't say. All food is delicious to me.
Manfred: Yes, charro beans.
Illmari and Sephora: What are they and why do you like them?
Manfred: It's a bean soup with sausage, chorizo, pork rind, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. I like them because they remind me of the past.
Sephora: Could you cook them?
Manfred: Me? Maybe, but Dukovak knows how to do it. I could ask him for the recipe.
Illmari: Well, ask him, I also want to try them. If you don't, I will.
Manfred: Don't worry, I'll ask him, and you, Sephora, what's your favorite food?
Sephora: We're eating it right now, haha.
Illmari: And why do you like kebabs?
Sephora: They remind me of my hometown, my house.
Manfred: To be honest, I prefer gringas.
Illmari: What are you talking about, Manfred?
Manfred: They're large tortillas with seasoned pork and cheese.
Sephora: So it's another food.
Manfred: Hey, if we were in Monterrey, I'd take you to a place where they cook them well.
Illmari with a smug smile says,
Illmari: Are you inviting us out?
Manfred: Um, I don't know what to say, I just wanted to take you to a place where I know they prepare good food.
Sephora: It sounds to me like you want to invite us.
Manfred: We can just finish eating.
Illmari: Look, Manfred, I don't mind going with you. What do you say, Sephora?
Sephora: I don't mind either, sounds like a date to me.
Manfred: We can just eat.
Illmari: I was just making a suggestion.
The trio continues eating until they leave the place and go to the hangar. After 3 days, Miguel's fleet arrives.

Upon arrival, Dukovak, Yamazin, and Miguel arrive. Manfred receives them and hugs Dukovak.

Manfred: Hey, Dukovak, I have a surprise for you.
Dukovak: What are you talking about, what's the surprise?
Manfred: Guess what?
Dukovak: Just tell me.
Manfred: We have 3 factories.
Dukovak: For?
Manfred: 2 weapons, and one for Mobile Workers.
Dukovak: How did you get them, and how much money did you spend?
Manfred: Concession from the Persian government, didn't cost me a single cent.
Dukovak: Why did they give it to you?
Manfred: Do you remember when I told you I had something important to do?
Dukovak: Yes, but I didn't think you would appear on every news channel in the solar system.
Manfred: The factories and the invitation are a gesture of friendship from the Persian people. Darío's words.
Dukovak: Do we even have a supply chain for the factories?
Manfred: I don't know the truth. The weapons factories manufacture all the components, but we don't have raw material suppliers.
Miguel: Sorry to interrupt, but what is the monthly production volume of the Mobile Worker factory?
Manfred: 500 units.
Miguel: Dukovak, you hit the jackpot, that's a lot. I can get you some suppliers, and with time, you can create your supply chain.
Dukovak: What about the customers?
Manfred: We have the Persian government, with an order for 50,000 rifles and 1500 Mobile Workers. But we need to look for clients at the party, or at least contacts.
Yamazin: That's a good start, over time we can have our supply chain, expand, and start assembling Mobile Suits. I think the party would be a good place to make contacts.
Miguel: Well then, if you need help with transportation of goods, you know you can count on me.
Yamazin: Thank you very much, Miguel.
Miguel: My transportation has a cost of 5% of the value of the merchandise.
Dukovak: Sounds good, we have a deal Miguel.
Miguel: Alright then. I have to take you to my tailor.
Dukovak: Alright then.
Miguel: Let's go to the airport.
Manfred: Just out of curiosity, where are we going?
Miguel: It's a surprise, let's go.
Yamazin: I won't get on the plane until you tell me.
Miguel: We're going to Rome, my dear.
A convoy of vans leaves the spaceport of Tehran, heading to the airport. Once at the airport, the group gets on what seems to be a passenger plane.

Yamazin: And the pilot?
Miguel: It's me, you could say I liked planes since I was a kid, but I'll need a co-pilot. Who's up for it?
The whole group is silent.
Miguel: Manfred, you're going to be my co-pilot.
Illmari: Manfred, do you want me to come with you?
Miguel: Don't worry, sweetheart, you'll just help me for a while. Besides, it might be good for us to chat and catch up.
Manfred: Don't worry, Illmari, it'll just be for a while, then I'll come with you.
Illmari: Well, don't make us wait.
Miguel: Alright, let's take off. Manfred, come to the cockpit.
Miguel starts the plane's engines by pressing a series of buttons and flipping some switches.
Miguel: I've been craving flying this plane for a while.
Manfred: I didn't know you were a pilot.
Miguel: Necessity and passion made me a pilot, my Manfred.
Manfred: Did you learn to fly because you needed to?
Miguel: You could say I did it more for pleasure and business. Tell me, Manfred, do you like planes?
Manfred: Yes.
Miguel: What's your favorite plane?
Manfred: The F4 Phantom.
Miguel: Damn, that's a plane from before the calamity.
Manfred: What's yours?
Miguel: I'd say the B52 or the Jaguar, they're also from before the calamity. We've received clearance from the control tower to take off, hang on, buddy.
The plane takes off and is in the air. Miguel resumes his conversation.
Miguel: Why did you decide to pilot the Gundam, my Manfred?
Manfred: Because I like MS.
Miguel: Don't come to me with that, if you like MS, you could also be a mechanic. Tell me the truth, buddy.
Manfred: I didn't want my brother to do it, I promised my dad I would take care of Dukovak. No matter what.
Miguel: If you didn't have the need or obligation to pilot the MS, in fact, if you didn't have the MS at all. What would you like to do?
Manfred: I never thought about it, I guess I'd be an MS or airplane mechanic. If you weren't an arms dealer, what would you do?
Miguel: I'd be a crop duster pilot, I'd have a farm, settle down.
Manfred: Why didn't you do it, you have the money to do it.
Miguel: Tell me, Manfred, why did you and your brother decide to start your company?
Manfred: That's a very personal question.
Miguel: From what I understand, you were already engineers before founding it. You didn't need to start it.
Miguel disconnects the audio devices and tells him,
Miguel: Don't worry, no one hears us up here in the sky.
Manfred: Revenge, from Gjallahorn. They took our family away. What about you? Why do you do what you do?
Miguel: At first, I did it out of necessity, then I started doing it for fun.
Manfred: Wow, and why do you like planes?
Miguel: That's a personal question. But when I was a kid, I didn't even have a damn penny, so I sneaked into airshows. That's where I started to like them. Did you read the book I gave you?
Manfred: Yes, it helped me a lot. Especially in my last fight, it helped me survive and win.
Miguel: I knew you were going to read it, in fact, Duko and I watched your fight on TV there on Mars. Even though you got your ass kicked, you knew how to win. Look, here's a charm for you.
Manfred: What is this?
Miguel: It's a ZERO, one of the best planes ever produced. Look, I'm not giving you my Spitfire.
Miguel shows him the toy plane he has, an RAF Spitfire.
Miguel: Take care of it, buddy, I know it'll bring you luck.
Manfred: I will.
Miguel: Alright then. Go with the others.
Manfred: Thanks, Miguel.
Miguel: You don't have to thank me.
Manfred leaves the control cockpit. To his surprise, Illmari and Sephora were waiting for him. Dukovak is playing chess with Yamazin.
Dukovak: Do you give up?
Yamazin: Not a chance.
Dukovak makes a move.
Dukovak: Check.
Yamazin makes her move, Dukovak plays again.
Dukovak: Check.
Yamazin makes another move. Dukovak makes his final move.
Dukovak: Checkmate.
Yamazin: How do you do it?
Dukovak: My dad and grandfather used to love playing chess a lot. Since Manfred found that game boring and did whatever he wanted with the pieces, they decided to train me.
Yamazin: Incredible, I thought Manfred was the strategist, he seems more like a muscle.
Dukovak: You're wrong, he's not just a muscle, he's more about improvising and coming up with last-minute plans. That's why he's still alive.
Yamazin: Dukovak, why did you start the company?
Dukovak: The MS was a good way to make money, we just took advantage of the opportunity.
Yamazin: Tell me more, Dukovak. Miguel mentioned something about Monterrey. I investigated further, and months before they made me their proposal, there was a massacre. Tell me, did your parents die there?
Dukovak: Yes, shortly after, I joined Gjallahorn.
Yamazin: Why?
Dukovak: To learn.
Yamazin: Can you elaborate more?
Dukovak: I can't tell you more.
Dukovak gets up from his seat, but Yamazin stops him.
Yamazin: Dukovak, our conversation isn't over yet.
Dukovak: I can't tell you more.
Yamazin: Dukovak, do you still see me as your enemy?
Dukovak: No.
Yamazin: You can trust me. Tell me who killed your parents.
Dukovak: Gjallahorn.
Yamazin is surprised and tells him,
Yamazin: I understand now.
Yamazin makes Dukovak lie down on her lap and scratches his head, telling him,
Yamazin: Whenever you feel bad, you can talk to me.
Manfred takes the plane Miguel gave him and stays watching it. Until Sephora sees him.
Sephora: What's that?
Manfred. A gift from Miguel, a plane.
Illmari: What did you talk about?
Manfred: We just caught up, and he gave me this plane.
Eventually, everyone but Miguel falls asleep on the plane. The plane lands in Rome.
Miguel: Alright, we just landed, I'll take you to my tailor.
Miguel and the others walk through the streets of Rome, filled with pro-European demonstrators who hold several protests throughout the city, demanding tax decentralization and greater financial freedom. These protests are met with non-lethal force by police officers. Miguel arrives at a building with a large sign that says " ." Upon entering, the receptionist asks them if they have an appointment.
Miguel: Yes, I'm Miguel Carrillo, I have an appointment with Mr. Marco Dio.
Receptionist: Mr. Carrillo, we've been expecting you. Please come in.
The group takes the elevator and reaches the top floor, the 10th floor where they meet Marco.
Marco: (With an Italian accent) Miguel, my friend. How are you? How can I help you today?
Miguel: What's up, Marco? How are you, dude? Well, I need some suits for these kids, they have an event in a few days.
Marco: There's nothing I can't do for you, Miguel, let's take their measurements.
Marco speaks into his intercom, and some tailors come out of the elevator to take the measurements of Dukovak, Manfred, Yamazin, Illmari, and Sephora.
Marco: Come see me in four days, your suits will be ready.
Upon leaving, Yamazin asks Miguel:
Yamazin: How do you know Marco Dio?
Miguel: A few years ago, I helped him start his company.
Yamazin: In exchange for what exactly?
Miguel: Nothing, sometimes friendship is priceless.
The group stays in a hotel while they watch the news. On television, it is reported that the demonstrations have turned violent. Police officers are seen with batons, and protesters fleeing the scene. The days pass, with Dukovak taking Yamazin to the ruins. And Manfred exploring the city with Illmari and Sephora until the day of the party arrives. The group goes well dressed to the celebration. Manfred, Illmari, and Sephora sit at a table until Darío, dressed in a suit with a vest, greets them.
Darío: Manfred, how are you? Let me introduce you to some European independence friends.
Manfred shakes his hand.
Manfred: I'm Manfred Horikoshi, nice to meet you.
Man: Romeo Erickson, pleasure to meet you. I hope we can do business with you very soon.
Manfred: Let's hope so.
Darío: Well, Manfred, I'll leave you with your friends to enjoy the evening. Soon Mrs. Bernstein will arrive, Mr. Ellion, and Richtoffen, the pilot you spared. Mrs. Bernstein and Mr. Ellion are eager to meet you.
Manfred: Thank you very much, Darío.
Darío: You don't have to thank me, Manfred.
Yamazin. Dukovak, don't you want to dance the waltz?
Dukovak: I don't see why not.
Dukovak dances with Yamazin.
After a while, Kudelia approaches Manfred's table.
Kudelia: Mr. Horikoshi?
Manfred: Yes.
Kudelia: I'm Kudelia Bernstein. President of the Martian Union.
Kudelia extends her hand to Manfred.
Manfred: Don't expect me to kiss your hand.
Kudelia: I just want a handshake.
Manfred gets up and shakes her hand.
Kudelia: Mr. Horikoshi, can we talk for a few minutes?
Manfred: Sure.
Kudelia: I don't know if your brother informed you, but I found out that you and your associates are Joshua Graham.
Manfred: What about it? Is there a problem, Mrs. Bernstein?
Kudelia: No, not at all. It just surprises me that you donated money and brought many children to the foundation. I'd like to know where the children came from.
Manfred: The children we brought you were soldiers, the first group were the crew of a pirate fleet, the others were children kidnapped by the African Union. You already know the rest of the story.
Kudelia: Yes, Gjallahorn was involved in the collection and transportation of child soldiers.
Manfred: That's right, what else do you want to know?
Kudelia: Why did you decide to help the children?
Manfred: Simple, they're just children, they shouldn't see war or combat. Besides, even Dukovak and I could have ended up in that situation, but we were lucky.
Kudelia: I see. It seems I have to leave, as Mr. Ellion wants to talk to you. Mr. Rustal, excuse me.
Rustal approaches Manfred's table.
Rustal: So you're the brave pilot who stopped my men in Tehran.
Sephora: isn't This Mr. Rustal Ellion.
Illmari: What?
Sephora: The head of
Manfred: I wouldn't have done it without Illmari's help.
Rustal: I see. I thank you for sparing Mr. Richtoffen Kujan's life, as he is an important member of our organization. Tell me, Mr. Horikoshi, do you play chess?
Manfred: No, that's my brother. He plays chess very well.
Rustal: I see. What do you play, Mr. Horikoshi?
Manfred: Canasta, caravan, poker.
Rustal: I see. What bottle do you have on your table?
Manfred: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, it's an elixir.
Rustal: May I pour myself a glass?
Manfred: Go ahead.
Rustal: Thank you very much. Look, Mr. Horikoshi, I made a deal with Mrs. Bernstein. She may contact you within a few days. Let's put an end to the scum trafficking human debris once and for all.
Manfred: I'll wait for Mrs. Bernstein's call.
Rustal: I hope to work with you soon.
Julieta: Excuse me.
Rustal gets up from the table.
Illmari: Who was that man?
Manfred: Rustal Ellion, leader of Gjallahorn, probably trying to clean up his organization's image after the recent news.
Manfred gets up from the table, and Sephora asks Manfred:
Sephora: Manfred, where are you going?
Manfred: I'm going for some fresh air.
Manfred goes out to the balcony and a blond man with fine features and a ponytail speaks to him:
Man: Do you have a lighter?
Manfred: No, I don't even smoke.
Man: Are you Manfred Horikoshi?
Manfred: Yes? Who are you?
Man: I'm Richtoffen, the pilot whose life you spared the other day.
Manfred: So, you were the man from the Red MS that day.
Richtoffen: That's right.
Manfred: Aren't you too young to pilot an MS?
Richtoffen: Don't let appearances deceive you. I wanted to thank you and tell you that I hope we can work together soon.
Manfred: It's easy to say that after allowing the existence of child slaves.
Richtoffen: A single pilot can't make a difference, but several of us can do something.
Richtoffen leaves and says,
Richtoffen: See you later, HANDSOME.
Richtoffen gets up and leaves the balcony.
Manfred returns to the table, and Sephora asks him,
Sephora: Who was that guy?
Manfred: It was Richtoffen.
Illmari: Richtoffen is a girl?
Manfred: No, he's a man.
Sephora: Well, he looked like a woman.
Manfred: Do you want to go dancing?
Sephora: Sure.
Illmari: Sure.
Sephora: Wait, Manfred, what are you implying with this?
Manfred: This, I don't know what to tell you.
Illmari: Don't worry, we'll take turns.
Manfred takes the girls to dance.