Chapter 26: Hey Brother
Dukovak is watching the news report showing how a pilot from the corporation destroys the Mobile Armor. He's drinking a cup of coffee. Yamazin enters the office and carefully closes the door, sitting on an office sofa. Dukovak watches as Manfred destroys the Mobile Armor.
Yamazin: "This is bad."
Dukovak: "What do you mean?"
Yamazin: "Manfred disabled the Gundam's limiters for more than one minute. Without having an alternate processing unit."
Dukovak: "You mean we didn't install a type E alaya-vijnana system in Solomon?"
Yamazin: "Yes."
Dukovak asks worriedly:
Dukovak: "Why didn't you do it?"
Yamazin: "Because human brains are hard to come by."
Dukovak: "What consequences could Manfred face?"
Yamazin: "In the best case scenario, he might only lose an arm and an eye."
Dukovak: "Shit."
Yamazin: "All we can do now is visit Manfred."
Dukovak: "Manfred, you idiot."
Yamazin: "Dukovak..."
Dukovak watches the news intently until it shows Julieta pulling an unconscious Manfred from the Gundam. That's when Dukovak begins to shed tears from his eyes and says:
Dukovak: Manfred...
Yamazin goes to Dukovak and hugs him, trying to console him saying:
Yamazin: Dukovak, everything will be alright. Manfred will come out of the coma.
Dukovak, still crying, says:
Dukovak: How do you know?
Yamazin stays silent and caresses his head to tell him:
Yamazin: I just know, trust me.
Dukovak watches the television and remembers how a 15-year-old Manfred and he are painting graffiti on the streets of Monterrey with a brush. The graffiti in question is an eagle split in half with a message that reads:
IN GOD WE TRUST
Manfred continues painting the graffiti when a police officer approaches them and says:
Police Officer: What are you doing?
Dukovak: I don't know.
Manfred: Can't you see? We're painting art.
Police Officer: Do you know this is government property?
Dukovak: We didn't know, officer.
Manfred stuffs the paint bucket into Dukovak's backpack and they take off running through the city of Monterrey. The police officer decides to chase after them.
Police Officer: You won't get away from this kids.
Dukovak and Manfred just keep running and running through the streets of a city neighborhood.
The police officer follows the boys, but the distance keeps growing as they run with all their might.
The boys reach the Simón Bolívar metro station, hiding among the crowd as they climb the stairs. Manfred and Dukovak use their metro cards and continue up the stairs. The
metro arrives and they both get on. The police officer, unable to follow the boys, is held back by a crowd exiting the station. Once on the metro, Manfred notices that
Dukovak's backpack is dripping black paint. Manfred realizes the bucket opened while they were running. He sees that Dukovak's pants are stained. Manfred tells Dukovak:
Manfred: Dukovak, your ass is black.
Dukovak: What do you mean?
Manfred: The paint stained your pants.
Dukovak: This is your fault, Manfred.
Manfred: No, it's not. You decided to come with me.
Dukovak: I only did it because you were going to take me to a taco place and buy fireworks.
Manfred: When did I promise that, black ass?
Dukovak: You said it when we left school, you filthy dark one.
Manfred: Shut up, fat ass.
Dukovak: This is all your fault.
Manfred: Of course not, I didn't know someone would call the police. Don't worry, Akira, I mean mom, won't notice.
Dukovak: Manfred, you really are an idiot.
Manfred: Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Manfred and Dukovak continue their journey on the metro until they reach Santa Lucia station. Manfred takes the paint out of Dukovak's backpack and closes it. Dukovak just stands there until Manfred puts the paint can back in his backpack. Manfred enters a hamburger restaurant and takes out some napkins. With them, he tries to clean Dukovak's backpack, rubbing it until he gets tired and tells Dukovak:
Manfred: I think it's clean now.
The backpack stops dripping paint but remains dirty. The boys decide to continue their journey back home, they take the elevator up. They exit and open the door. Akira receives them and says:
Akira: Manfred, Reinhardt's mother told me you had trouble with the police.
Manfred: I don't know anything about that.
Akira: Dukovak, tell me the truth. Did Manfred do something wrong?
Dukovak remains silent.
Akira looks suspiciously at Dukovak and tells Manfred:
Akira: Tell me Manfred, did you have any problems with your teachers?
Manfred: No.
Akira: Alright, what did you do this time?
Manfred: We were just painting art on the walls of the dentistry faculty. And I saw we were going to be late getting home so we ran to the metro. The paint spilled in
Dukovak's backpack and that's why his pants got stained.
Akira: Look, as long as the police don't catch you, I'll stay calm.
Akira takes out her phone and calls Tetsuo:
Akira: Honey, are you busy?
Tetsuo: No, what's wrong?
Akira: When you leave work, could you bring some paint thinner?
Tetsuo: What happened?
Akira: Manfred stained Dukovak's pants with black paint.
Tetsuo: I'll bring a bottle when I leave work.
Akira: Thanks.
Yamazin is stroking Dukovak's hair, and notices he's being very quiet. Yamazin asks:
Yamazin: Dukovak, are you okay?
Dukovak: No, I'm not. I'm just remembering something.
Yamazin: I think the best thing we can do is go to Earth.
Dukovak: I'll call Amado. See if he can take us to Earth.
Yamazin: Don't worry, I'll do it. Rest, Dukovak.
Yamazin takes Dukovak to a bed, lies down with him and helps him sleep. After that, she goes to the office and decides to call Miguel. Miguel immediately answers the call.
Miguel: What's up my Duko? Did you see the news?
Yamazin: Hi Miguel, yes we saw the news. How are you?
Miguel: Yamazin, how are you my queen? How are things with Duko?
Yamazin: Things are going well, Miguel. I'm going to be direct. We nee-
Miguel: You need me to take you to Earth, right?
Yamazin: You read my mind, how did you know we were going to ask for a favor?
Miguel: It's obvious, Manfred's in the hospital. Dukovak being his brother has to go see him, don't worry. Tomorrow you'll leave for Earth.
Yamazin: Thank you so much Miguel, I don't know how we could repay you.
Miguel: Don't worry about that. After all, that's what friends do.
Yamazin: Thank you so much Miguel.
Miguel: You leave tomorrow on ship 077, go to the Chryse Transportation Company counter.
Yamazin: Thanks Miguel.
Miguel: No problem, queen.
Yamazin goes to Dukovak's room and observes him carefully. She remembers how hard Dukovak used to work at Gjallahorn. She remembers it was late at night in the
Gjallahorn mobile suit hangar. She decides to leave, walking past the desks. All are empty, but she sees a screen still on. Yamazin approaches it. To her surprise, Dukovak is still working. Yamazin approaches his desk and puts her hand on Dukovak's shoulder, saying:
Yamazin: Dukovak, what are you doing?
Dukovak: Still working on the project.
Yamazin: But it's already late at night.
Dukovak: I know, but we need to get this running.
Yamazin: Dukovak, rest.
Dukovak: I'll do it later.
Yamazin: How about we go out for some drinks?
Dukovak: I can't, we have work tomorrow.
Yamazin: Tomorrow is Sunday, Dukovak.
Dukovak: I don't know.
Yamazin: Dukovak, that's an order.
Dukovak: Well, okay.
Yamazin: I know a good bar in the city. Don't worry, I'll pay for the drinks.
Dukovak: I can't disobey an order from a superior.
Dukovak and Yamazin leave the hangar. Yamazin goes to her car which, to his surprise, is a sports car. Dukovak, surprised, says:
Dukovak: So you're going to take me in your husband's car?
Yamazin: Do you really think I have a husband?
Dukovak: So you're single?
Yamazin: You're quite the inquisitive young man. It's my car.
Dukovak: I see, I didn't know you liked cars.
Yamazin: Well, now you know. Get in, I don't bite.
Dukovak gets into Yamazin's sports car and she drives out of the Gjallahorn hangar at full speed. The streets are empty as it's late at night. Yamazin occasionally glances at Dukovak, who's just staring out the car window.
Yamazin: What are you thinking about, Dukovak?
Dukovak: About how we can move the project forward.
Yamazin: Dukovak, relax, we're not at work anymore.
Dukovak: Where are you taking me?
Yamazin: I told you, to a good bar.
The car continues its journey to the city center and stops at a bar with neon lights. Yamazin gets out of the car and notices Dukovak is lost in thought. She gets out and opens Dukovak's door. Dukovak snaps out of his state and goes with Yamazin to the bar.
The bar is an exclusive place where wealthy people can be seen frequenting. Dukovak just observes the customers and sits next to Yamazin at the bar. She asks him:
Yamazin: What do you want to drink, Dukovak?
Dukovak: Orange juice would be fine.
Yamazin: Dukovak, I didn't bring you to this bar to drink plain orange juice.
Dukovak: What are you going to drink?
Yamazin: I'm going to have a martini.
Dukovak: I want an Indio beer.
Yamazin: Alright, I'll order you a mug of beer, though I'm not sure if they carry that brand.
Yamazin calls the bartender by raising her hand. The bartender doesn't notice Yamazin's presence until she calls out loudly and he recognizes her. He approaches them to take
their orders.
Yamazin: I'll have a Martini, shaken not stirred. What will you have, Dukovak?
Dukovak: An Indio beer, please.
Bartender: Indio beer, that's the first time we've heard of that brand here in Brussels.
Yamazin: Dukovak, it seems they don't carry that brand of beer. Would you like another drink?
Dukovak: What drinks could you suggest?
Bartender: I could offer you a drink that originated in the city, called Black Russian.
Dukovak: That sounds good.
Bartender: I'll prepare your drinks right away.
The Bartender fills a shaker with ice, then pours in gin and vermouth. Once he's finished adding the ingredients to the shaker, he shakes it. Then pours the drink into Yamazin's glass and places an olive in her drink. After finishing Yamazin's cocktail, the bartender prepares Dukovak's drink, which is quite simple. He just pours vodka and Kahlua into a flat glass, then gently mixes them. Once their drinks are finished, the bartender serves them and says:
Bartender: Enjoy.
Yamazin: Thank you very much.
Yamazin and Dukovak drink their drinks. Dukovak drinks at a measured pace. Yamazin sips her drink slowly while watching Dukovak, analyzing him. There's a peaceful silence between them. Until Yamazin decides to break it, asking a simple question:
Yamazin: Dukovak, why do you work so hard?
Dukovak: I just want to learn as much as I can.
Yamazin: Tell me, what do you want to learn? I can teach you.
Dukovak: I want to learn everything I can about mobile suits. How to maintain them, how the control interfaces work, even how to build and develop one.
Yamazin: I see, you're ambitious. But you could have learned about mobile suits at Teiwaz. You could have had more opportunity for growth there.
Dukovak: But it was Gjallahorn's mobile suits that stopped Tekkadan and McGillis.
Yamazin: Well, do you have someone important in your life?
Dukovak takes a drink and responds:
Dukovak: I have a brother on Mars.
Yamazin: What about your parents? I don't think you're an orphan.
Dukovak: They died on Mars a few months ago.
Yamazin: Did you join Gjallahorn to avenge your parents?
Dukovak: Yes.
Yamazin: I see.
Silence returns between them until Dukovak asks:
Dukovak: And you, why did you join Gjallahorn?
Yamazin: The pay was good and my family had some connections that helped me get in. Things really changed since the McGillis incident.
Dukovak: Do you really believe that?
Yamazin: Yes, I do.
Dukovak lets out a laugh.
Dukovak: Heh, I see.
Yamazin continues drinking glass after glass. Dukovak takes out some cigarettes and starts smoking.
Yamazin: Can I have a cigarette?
Dukovak: Sure.
Dukovak gives Yamazin a cigarette and lights it with his lighter. Yamazin and Dukovak start talking about other topics.
Dukovak: You remind me of my brother. He's a guy who likes cars. Although he also likes Mobile Suits.
Yamazin: And what's your brother like?
Dukovak: Impulsive.
Yamazin: Does he have an education?
Dukovak: He's an engineer.
Yamazin: I see.
The night passes, Dukovak drinks slowly while they both talk. Until Yamazin says to him:
Yamazin: Dukovak, I know I already asked you this, but why do you try so hard?
Dukovak: I have a goal to fulfill.
Yamazin: You have determination, that's what I like to see in a man.
Dukovak: What do you like to see in a man?
Yamazin: Dedication and determination.
Dukovak: Am I your ideal man?
Yamazin: Almost, unfortunately you're too young.
Dukovak: I think it's time for us to go.
Yamazin: I agree.
Dukovak and Yamazin go to the car, Dukovak takes out a marzipan and eats it.
Dukovak: It's better if I drive.
Yamazin: It's not necessary.
Dukovak: I don't want us to crash.
Dukovak and Yamazin get in the car. Dukovak drives the sports car and she guides him to her house. Which is a small place. Yamazin and Dukovak get out of the car. Yamazin
enters her house and asks Dukovak:
Yamazin: Don't you want to come in?
Dukovak: No, I'm going back to my apartment.
Yamazin: Your apartment is on the other side of the city.
Dukovak enters the house which has an impeccable order. Yamazin says to him:
Yamazin: You can sleep in my bed.
Dukovak: I'll sleep on the couch.
Dukovak lies down on the couch and after a few minutes, he falls asleep.
Yamazin watches him and places a blanket over him.
Yamazin returns to the present and murmurs:
Yamazin: Dukovak, you haven't changed since I met you.
After that, she lies down next to him and sleeps by his seven hours, Yamazin wakes up, and subsequently, they head with Mick to the interstellar port. Upon arrival, Dukovak, Yamazin, and Mick place their luggage on a conveyor belt.
Dukovak: Mick, did Miguel also buy you a ticket?
Mick: No, but he did me the favor of getting a ticket for a flight today.
Dukovak: You paid with your own money, didn't you?
Mick: What can I say? I have to go see Manfred after all the chaos that happened.
Dukovak: I'll reimburse you for your ticket.
Mick: You don't have to do that, Dukovak.
Dukovak: Manfred always told me that his friends are my friends. Consider it a gift, Mick.
Mick: Alright then.
The three board the ship that will take them to Earth. Julieta is seen talking to Gaelio:
Gaelio: How's my favorite girl?
Julieta: Fine, though I worry that you're still so carefree. How are you?
Gaelio: Good. I heard that the mercenary pilot destroyed the Mobile Armor that the African Union reactivated.
Julieta: His name is Manfred. I can't believe you forgot his name, especially since he was all over the major media headlines.
Gaelio: And how's Manfred, your friend?
Julieta: He's recovering; he woke up a few days ago. However, according to the doctors, his left eye lost its functionality.
Gaelio: Looks like Gjallarhorn has a new hero.
Julieta: Who are you referring to? Richtoffen?
Gaelio: No, you know who I mean.
Julieta: Why would you think a mercenary could be a hero for Gjallarhorn?
Gaelio: You know why. Manfred is proof that the collaboration between the Martian Union and Gjallarhorn bore fruit.
Julieta: You have a point, but there's something about Manfred that unsettles me.
Gaelio: You still don't fully understand him, do you?
Julieta: I think I understand his moral code, but I don't understand the reasoning behind his past actions. How could a young man who values human lives fight so brutally against soldiers who have families?
Gaelio: But even so, you understand his moral code because he risked his life to save millions.
Julieta: That's right. Manfred is a young man full of contradictions. The ironic thing is, I don't understand why he spared Richtoffen—a pilot without a family, with nothing to lose, and no one who would mourn his death.
Gaelio: Did you bother to ask him why he didn't kill Richtoffen?
Julieta: I didn't get the chance.
Gaelio: Tell me, do you understand Illmari and Sephora? Their pasts?
Julieta: Yes. Gaelio, can I ask you for a favor?
Gaelio: What do you need, darling?
Julieta: I need to understand Manfred's past.
Gaelio: You want me to investigate his past? That's something you should ask Rustal to do. By the way, do you know Dukovak well?
Julieta: He was only part of the crew for a few weeks.
Gaelio: I'm not the right person to investigate Manfred's past, but I can get to know him and his brother and give you my perspective.
Julieta: Thank you very much, Gaelio. I have to go.
Gaelio: No problem, darling. I suppose you have a meeting with the Gjallarhorn high command.
Julieta: No, I have to visit Manfred. I need to cook alongside Illmari and Sephora.
Gaelio: I see. It seems like his well-being is what matters most to you now.
Julieta: It's not that; I simply want to understand his intentions better.
Gaelio: Of course. Well, I have to go see my sister. I hope to meet Manfred; he sounds like an interesting guy.
Dukovak is aboard the ship, staring at the stars. He closes his eyes and finds himself in his room.
Manfred approaches him to say:
Manfred: Dukovak, up for grabbing some beers?
Dukovak: Don't mess with me, dude—it's Tuesday.
Manfred: And you usually go out drinking with your friends any day of the week, even Mondays.
Dukovak: That's because they're my friends, Manfred.
Manfred: Dude, it's not even exam season. What do you have to do?
Dukovak: I have to rank up in League of the Damned.
Manfred: I still don't understand how you get girls hitting on you while playing that nonsense.
Dukovak: Maybe it's because I'm not a freaking troll.
Manfred: Go to hell.
Manfred leaves the room. Dukovak opens his eyes, and Yamazin asks him:
Yamazin: Dukovak, are you alright?
Dukovak: Yeah, I was just reminiscing. About how, shortly before and after the incident, I didn't spend much time with Manfred.
Yamazin: Why didn't you?
Dukovak: Because I had too much stuff going on in my head.
Yamazin: Honestly, the fact that Manfred was on the brink of death made you reflect.
Dukovak, trying to hold back tears, replies:
Dukovak: Yes.
Yamazin: Manfred is going to live, so try to see this as an opportunity to make up for your mistakes with him.
Dukovak: That's what I'm going to do.
Dukovak goes to find Mick and finds him in his cabin. Mick is reading a visual novel when Dukovak knocks on his door.
Mick: Who is it?
Dukovak: It's me.
Mick opens the door and says:
Mick: What's up, my guy? How are you? What do you need?
Dukovak: I'm good; I just need to talk.
Mick: About what, exactly?
Dukovak: About what Manfred was like in college. I didn't spend much time with him during that period, and I feel like we almost became strangers.
Mick: Don't say that, bro. He always cared about you. He'd talk about how you were a total ladies' man.
Dukovak: I see. What was Manfred like in those years?
Mick: A wild mess.
Dukovak: But he didn't even drink that much.
Mick: He was a mess in another sense. He didn't care about anything, acted like a total animal, to be honest.
Dukovak: How so?
Mick: During the first few semesters, he was always chasing after some new girl. If he saw a decent-looking one, he'd say, "Check out that babe." He'd sleep during classes. Once, he even forgot his gas table during a thermodynamics exam.
Dukovak: No way.
Mick: That's not all. He'd use tools without any protection. I couldn't even tell you all the dumb stuff he did in a few hours.
Dukovak: Typical Manfred—he never changed his essence.
Mick: And why do you want to know all this?
Dukovak: I just wanted to see if Manfred is still the same as always.
Mick: He'll always be the same. Did your girl tell you to come to me?
Dukovak: No, I came on my own.
Mick: I see. I think you should look for Roboam when we get to : Who's that?
Mick: A buddy of ours, someone who also did crazy stuff with Manfred.
Dukovak: Haha, I see. Now that I think about it, he used to talk a lot about you guys with me.
Mick: I'm not surprised—we were some of his few friends
Dukovak gives mick a sad look to mick to ask him:
Dukovak: Isnt that a little bit sad?
Mick: No, manfred values the quality of his friendships, not the quantity.
Dukovak: I see. And do you know anything about Roboam?
Mick: The last thing we heard about him is that he got a doctorate in nuclear reactor performance and improvement.
Dukovak: And what happened after that?
Mick: He disappeared.
Dukovak: We could hire an investigator to track down Roboam.
Mick: That might be a good idea
Dukovak: You know, when Manfred gets out of the hospital, we should do something. A barbecue or something.
Mick: I think that's a good idea. Anyway, Dukovak, I need to go to sleep now.
Dukovak: Thanks Mick, rest well.
Dukovak goes to his cabin to sleep where Yamazin is waiting for him. She is lying on the bed waiting for Dukovak, and says to him:
Yamazin: How did it go with Mick? What did you talk about with him?
Dukovak: Good, I talked with him about Manfred. I'm happy that he's still the same.
Yamazin: Why do you say that?
Dukovak: Because he's still a mess.
Yamazin: What do you mean?
Dukovak: That Manfred is still the same. He makes impulsive decisions without worrying about what others will say, lives in the moment.
Yamazin: I see, I think it's time we take a break. Come sleep with me.
Dukovak: I think it would be better if I sleep alone.
Yamazin: I don't think so, come on, do it for goes and cuddles up with Yamazin.
A few weeks pass and the ship arrives on Earth. Upon arrival, Yamazin, Mick, and Dukovak are escorted to take a flight to , Manfred is in the hospital asleep in his bed. He wakes up and sees Illmari and Sephora. Manfred smiles when he sees them.
Sephora: Finally awake, sleeping beauty.
Manfred: Did I sleep a lot? How long did I sleep?
Illmari: Yes, you slept 16 consecutive hours. Did you dream about us?
Manfred: I don't really remember. I just didn't want to wake up.
Illmari: I see.
Manfred covers his right eye and tries to see with his left eye.
Manfred: I think I should give up.
Sephora: Why do you say that?
Manfred: I don't think my left eye will work again.
Sephora: Look on the bright side, you can still see. And if there's a day when you become blind, we'll guide you.
Julieta enters the room with a container full of food and says:
Julieta: I hope you dreamed something beautiful.
Manfred: What's that? Why are you telling me that?
Julieta: Because the food we prepared for you got cold.
Manfred: And what am I going to eat today?
Julieta: It's a surprise. In two days you'll be discharged from the hospital, so we brought something to celebrate.
Julieta puts the container on Manfred's table. Manfred opens the container and to his surprise, there are charro beans.
Manfred: Hell yeah!Manfred starts eating rapidly and finishes the soup.
Illmari and Sephora: Well? Did you like it?
Manfred: More.
Illmari: What?Manfred: I want more charro beans.
Julieta: But you just ate, and you usually get full with one plate.
Manfred: It's because this time you cooked them well.
Sephora angrily says:
Sephora: What are you implying?
Manfred: That you finally learned how to cook.
Richtoffen, who hears the conversation outside, starts laughing and enters the room.
Richtoffen: Why are you getting angry, Sephora? Manfred liked what we cooked.
Illmari angrily says:
Illmari: Shut up Richtoffen, you only helped us buy the ingredients.
Richtoffen: Don't be so pissy Illmari, Manfred liked what you cooked.
Julieta: So you admit that we cooked.
Richtoffen: What can I say? Anyway, I think you should go to the base to bring Manfred his favorite dish. After all, he enjoyed it.
Julieta breathes and says:
Julieta: Richtoffen, you know what? I think you have a point. Girls, let's go get the pot of charro beans.
Illmari: I think that would be best. Sephora, let's go.
Sephora: Richtoffen, don't try anything with Manfred.
Richtoffen: You know I won't.
Julieta, Illmari, and Sephora get into a Gjallarhorn car. Julieta drives. During the journey, Julieta, Illmari, and Sephora chat:
Julieta: Haven't you noticed that Manfred is acting strangely?
Sephora: He probably just liked the beans.
Illmari: Yes, but Manfred seems happier than normal.
Sephora: True, the first thing he did when he saw us was smile. And he asked for more food.
Illmari: Who knows what's going through his head. But I feel he's still the same as always.
Julieta: What do you mean?
Illmari: He's still honest.
Julieta: Who knows what he's thinking.
Dukovak is on the flight to Cairo talking with Mick and Yamazin.
Yamazin: Have you thought about what you're going to say to Manfred?
Dukovak: I still don't know what to tell him.
Mick: I think you should think carefully about what you want to do with him now that he's out of the coma.
Dukovak: I'll think about it.
Yamazin: You have less than a day to think about it. As soon as the hospital allows visits, you're going to see him.
Dukovak: Don't you think that's too rushed?
Yamazin: No, after all, he's your brother.
Dukovak: Shit, I need to think. I need a drink, a Black Russian or a Black Pearl.
Yamazin: I'm going to call a flight calls a flight attendant and orders a Black Russian and a Black Pearl.
Manfred is playing Dimension Showdown with Richtoffen. Both play passionately until Richtoffen loses the game.
Richtoffen: You improved a lot, Manfred.
Manfred: I don't have much to do when they don't let me get up from the hospital bed.
Richtoffen: I see.
Manfred and Richtoffen continue playing, and to Richtoffen's surprise, Manfred smiles.
Richtoffen: Why are you smiling, Manfred?
Manfred: Because I'm with my buddy.
Richtoffen: Are you sure about that? I noticed you're calmer since your last battle.
Manfred: I was just able to atone for my sins, that's why I'm calmer.
Richtoffen looks worriedly at Manfred and continues playing with him until a nurse enters and says:
Nurse: Mr. Kujan, you have to leave. Visiting hours are over.
Richtoffen: Of course, just let me say hugs Manfred and says:
Richtoffen: Manfred, if something's going on in your head, tell me.
Manfred: Heh, don't worry. I will.
Richtoffen leaves the room. While Richtoffen returns to the base, the flight from Tehran to Cairo lands. Yamazin, Dukovak, and Mick go to the base. Upon arrival at the barracks, they meet Illmari and Sephora.
Yamazin: How have you been, girls?
Illmari: Good, luckily I didn't break any bones in the last battle.
Yamazin: And how is Manfred?
Sephora: Good. Just acting happier than normal.
Mick: Typical Manfred.
Illmari: What do you mean?
Mick: After every time Manfred overcame an obstacle at university, he used to celebrate somehow.
Illmari: I see, although it's somewhat strange.
Dukovak: What do you mean? Manfred used to be happy at the end of each semester.
Sephora: We better discuss this later. The important thing is that Manfred is relatively well.
Yamazin: Tell me, did Manfred lose functionality in any part of his body?
Sephora: Just his left eye.
Yamazin: That's better than I expected.
Dukovak: Manfred, you idiot.
Sephora: Why do you say that about Manfred?
Dukovak: Because none of this would have happened if he didn't have the implant.
Yamazin: Dukovak, enough. You know he got the implant so you wouldn't have to.
Dukovak: ...
Yamazin: Dukovak, I think it's best if we go to sleep.
Dukovak and Yamazin go to sleep. Illmari and Sephora are in the cafeteria when Mick approaches them.
Mick: Hey, how are you doing?
Sephora: Good Mick. And you? How are things?
Mick: Good.
Illmari: What do you want to talk about, Mick? About Manfred?
Mick: Yeah, I want to know why you say he's acting weird. I need to know what happened.
Illmari: It's a long story. But in the last phase of Operation Free Bird, Manfred accidentally killed civilians.
Sephora: Since then he wouldn't leave his bed, he cried with us. He said he didn't deserve us. But everything changed since the last battle after he woke up from the coma.
Mick: How did Manfred change?
Illmari: He acts as if he's happy.
Sephora: We think he's pretending like he did in Cairo before fighting with the mobile armor.
Mick: I see, did he say anything after waking up from the coma?
Illmari: He just smiles when he sees us and acts energetically.
Mick: Manfred tends to act energetically with people he appreciates. Especially when he has nothing to worry about.
Sephora: I : Is there anyone else I can talk to about Manfred?
Illmari: Yes, Richtoffen and Julieta.
Mick: Where can I find them?
Illmari: Richtoffen is in the hangars in the north of the base. For Julieta, just ask for her office.
Mick: Please take care of Manfred. We don't want him to do anything stupid.
Sephora: And what are you going to do?Mick: I need to know exactly what : Thank you : You don't have to thank me.
Mick leaves the corporation barracks and heads to the northern hangars, where Richtoffen is smoking a cigarette. Mick approaches Richtoffen.
Richtoffen: Mick, long time no see. What are you doing here?
Mick: I came to see Manfred. After seeing the news, I knew I had to come see him.
Richtoffen: I see
Mick: How is Manfred?
Richtoffen: Good, I suppose
Mick: Why do you say "I suppose"?
Richtoffen: Because he's pretending to be happy.
Mick: I already know that, his ladies told me.
Richtoffen: If you already know that, why are you asking me how he is?
Mick: Because I need to know what happened
Richtoffen: I see. It all started in Harare. In the last phase of Operation Free Bird, Manfred fired at the Millennium Tower.
Mick: Why did he do that?
Richtoffen: Because we were receiving enemy fire. The pirates knew our positions, we were taking casualties.
Mick: And what happened after that?Richtoffen inhales his cigarette and exhales smoke
Richtoffen: After he started firing at the tower, the other pilots started firing too.
Mick: Did anything else happen that day?
Richtoffen: Yes, Saburo died
Mick: Who was Saburo?
Richtoffen: An enemy pilot we met days before the attack on Millennium Tower
Mick: And what else happened?
Richtoffen: Till Makarov, the leader of the last pirate clan, escaped. Along with Haruna, Saburo's girlfriend. Heh
Mick: What's funny?
Richtoffen: That Saburo never admitted she was his girlfriend, although I know what happened between them.
Mick: What happened after Till escaped?
Richtoffen: Manfred entered the Millennium Tower with Julieta. After coming out, he wasn't the same.
Mick: I suppose the operation was a failure
Richtoffen: If we ignore the loss of human lives, not really.
Mick: What do you mean?
Richtoffen: Hours after Till's escape, we managed to find him in a jungle outside Harare. I personally put a bullet in his brain
Mick: Why did you do that? You were supposed to capture him
Richtoffen: After all the casualties and damage, I couldn't let him live
Mick: Or you did it so he wouldn't reveal more shit that Gjallahorn was involved in
Richtoffen: What do you mean?
Mick: What's obvious doesn't need to be asked, my friend. Tell me, did you like the console I gave Manfred?
Richtoffen: Actually, yes. It's the only thing keeping us sane with all the chaos.
Mick: That's good. Hey, by any chance, do you know what happened in the Millennium Tower?
Richtoffen: You'll have to talk to Julieta about that.
Mick: Do you know where her office is?
Richtoffen: You see the central building? Her office is on the third floor, number 325
Mick: Thanks buddy, maybe we'll go for some beers sometime
Richtoffen: Thank you for caring about Manfred.
Mick: Hey, one last thing
Richtoffen: What?
Mick: What happened to Haruna?
Richtoffen: Manfred let Cecil desert from Gjallahorn and take her to a safe place.
Mick: Why did Manfred do that?
Richtoffen: In his words, he needed to redeem his sins.
Julieta is in a video call with Rustal Elion where she is drinking tea, Rustal in his office is doing the same.
Rustal: Did you like the tea I sent you?
Julieta: Yes, it has good flavor. Why did you send it?
Rustal: Because we need to discuss the future of Gjallahorn
Julieta: There are rumors in Gjallahorn's ranks that Manfred Horikoshi will be recognized as a hero
Rustal: The rumors are correct. Ygdrasil managed to become a trustworthy ally.
Julieta: Ygdrasil?
Rustal: The corporation changed its name. They now call themselves Ygdrasil. They're an arms corporation with a private army.
Julieta: And why did Ygdrasil become a trusted ally?
Rustal: Because of their pilots and way of operating. Thanks to Ygdrasil, Gjallahorn's image could be cleaned up.
Julieta: I don't think Manfred can pilot again
Rustal: The damage he received in his last battle was minimal
Julieta: Sir, the pilot lost the functionality of one eye in the destruction of the mobile armor.
Rustal: I know that. That's why I need you to convince him to pilot again
Julieta: But I can't let Manfred Horikoshi suffer more damage
Rustal: I remind you that Manfred Horikoshi is an indispensable asset of Gjallahorn. We cannot let such an asset go.
Julieta: If you want me to convince him to pilot again, I need you to investigate the Horikoshi brothers' past.
Rustal: I will do it. After all, if the situation doesn't improve in the African Union after two months, we'll need to deploy them in the Congo area.
Julieta: I suppose you're referring to containing the civil war
Rustal: That's correct. That's not all, tensions between ABRAU and SAU have escalated again.
Julieta: I completely understand the situation, sir
Rustal: I have one last piece of advice for you, Mrs. Juris.
Julieta: What is it?
Rustal: Don't try to form interpersonal relationships with other soldiers. It will cloud your judgment
Julieta: Thank you, sir
Rustal: Rest well, Mrs. Juris.
Mick knocks on Julieta's office door. Julieta respondsJulieta: Who is it?
Mick: Mick Avalon, Richtoffen Kujan directed me to you
Julieta: Come in
Mick enters the office and sits in the chair in front of Julieta's desk
Julieta: I think we've met before, haven't we?
Mick: I was part of the Skipjack crew until we disembarked at a Teiwaz space colony on Jupiter. I work for the corporation
Julieta: Look Mick, I'll be direct with you. I don't think I can admit you into the ranks of Gjallahorn's engineering team.
Mick: I came to talk about Manfred
Julieta: What do you want to talk about?
Mick: I want to know what happened in the Millennium Tower
Julieta: Why do you want me to tell you what happened in that place?
Mick: Because I'm Manfred's friend. And I don't want him to do something stupid
Julieta: How can you prove you're Manfred's friend?
Mick: Remember the console I gave to Manfred?
Julieta: Yes
Mick: Richtoffen told me it's one of the things keeping them sane.
Julieta: Very well. What do you want to know?
Mick: I want to know every detail of what happened in the Millennium Tower.
Julieta: Why do you want to know that?
Mick: Because I know that what happened there triggered a mess in Manfred's mind.
Julieta: I decided to enter the tower with Manfred to see if there were any pirates alive to interrogate. Everything was going fine until we entered anapartment where lay the shrapnel-destroyed body of a child. Half of the mother's body lay next to him
Mick: What happened to Manfred?
Julieta: He knelt down and said nothing. He seemed to enter a trance. I got him out of there because I was afraid we might be : Whatelse happened?
Julieta: I tried to change his mind. Telling him the collateral damage wasn't his fault.
Mick: How did Manfred manage to fight against the black mobile suit?
Julieta: He did it so Illmari wouldn't get hurt piloting the Gundam Solomon.
Mick: What about the mobile armor fight?
Julieta: During our time in Cairo, Manfred pretended to be happy. He fought the mobile armor to redeem his sins
Mick: Is there anything in particular he said to you?
Julieta: After i disconnected him, he asked me if he had atoned for his sins
Mick: Damn, I don't know whether to worry.
Julieta: Why do you say that?
Mick: There are two possibilities. On one hand, Manfred might really believe he's redeemed himself and doesn't need to worry, on the other hand, hemight do something monumentally stupid.
Julieta: What do you recommend we do as his friends?
Mick: Let him act, but keep him under watch. Don't separate from him.
Julieta: I see, thank you very much Mick. Why do you think he feels this way?
Mick: Because he feels he became something similar to Gjallahorn
Julieta: What do you mean?
Mick: He became someone who sacrifices civilian and soldier lives for a supposedly greater good
Julieta: I don't understand what you're referring to
Mick: Investigate what happened in the Monterrey massacre.
julieta: You mean the terrorist attacks in Monterrey?
Mick: Yes, thank you very much for sharing what you know about Manfred.
Mick leaves Julieta's office and goes to the Ygdrasil barracks. There, Illmari and Sephora are waiting for him
Illmari: Well, is there anything we don't know?
Mick: That Manfred feels he became something similar to Gjallahorn. Please, for everything you hold dear in this world, don't separate from him.
Sephora: Understood, rest Mick and thank you
Mick: Don't worry, tomorrow we'll go see Manfred.
Everyone sleeps in the Ygdrasil barracks. The next day they go to the hospital, on the way Mick talks with Dukovak.
Dukovak: And what were you able to find out?
Mick: Manfred went through a lot, I doubt he'll mentally recover completely.
Dukovak: What did he do?
Mick: Manfred needs you now more than ever
Dukovak: But what did he do?
Mick: Manfred killed civilians in the Millennium Tower attack.
Dukovak: Son of a bitch
Mick: It's not what it seems. I suggest you talk to Julieta, Illmari, and Sephora so you know everything.
Dukovak: How do you want me to do that?
Mick: Do it for me, not for Manfred.
When getting out of the car, Dukovak decides to talk to Illmari, Sephora, and Julieta.
Dukovak: Illmari, Sephora, Julieta, I need to know what happened in the Millennium Tower
Julieta and Illmari stay to talk with Dukovak. Meanwhile, the others enter the hospital. Manfred is playing Blasphemy when Mick, Richtoffen, Yamazin, and Sephora enter the room.
Manfred: Mick!
Mick: What's up Manfred, how are you?
Manfred: Good. How are you?
Mick: Good, I see you liked the P3SA
Manfred: Yeah, the OLED screen you put on it is really awesome
Mick: I see
Meanwhile, the conversation Dukovak is having at the hospital entrance comes to an end.
Dukovak: So Manfred killed them without knowing
Julieta: Unfortunately yes
Dukovak: That explains everything, I don't know if I can see him
Illmari: It's the only thing you can do for him right now
Dukovak stays at the hospital door, buys a pack of cigarettes. He taps it to settle the tobacco. Takes out a cigarette, lights it, and smokes it.
Illmari and Julieta bring more charro beans with them and upon reaching Manfred's room, they place the container on his table. Manfred opens it and starts eating
Meanwhile, Dukovak finishes his cigarette, throws away the butt, and enters the hospital. Upon entering Manfred's room, the two brothers see each other. Dukovak looks at
him with anger, then starts to tear up, then smiles and says to him.
Dukovak: Manfred, want to go get some Indio beers?
Manfred: I'm in