SEED-Lacus

In the Archangel's hangar, a large number of maintenance crew members were unlocking the cockpit hatches of the Reconnaissance Gear and the lifeboat.

A circle of soldiers stood nearby with weapons in hand, surrounding the Reconnaissance Gear and the lifeboat.

Natale Bagiru stood nearby, looking at Kira Yamato and Thor Keni with disdain.

"It seems you two really do enjoy picking things up."

Thor Keni scratched the back of his head and said sheepishly,

"Ha, ha, ha, Lieutenant Bagiru, aren't I contributing to the Archangel's defenses?

Once that Reconnaissance Gear is repaired, we'll have another MS as combat strength. It'll make it easier for Kendo to reach the Earth Federation Army base.

Besides, wasn't Kira trying to save someone? It wouldn't be good to leave the person inside all alone in the lifeboat..."

Before Thor Keni could finish, Sergeant Madoc opened the cockpit of the Reconnaissance Gear.

Inside was an unconscious female pilot. The nearby soldiers immediately pulled her out and handcuffed her.

Not long after that, the hatch of the lifeboat beside it was opened as well.

Thor Keni immediately leaned over, eager to see what Lacus Klein looked like in person.

After the lifeboat hatch opened, a pink Haro bounced out, repeatedly calling, "Haro, Haro, Lacus!"

Then Lacus Klein, with her pink hair, floated out as well.

Thor Keni stared without blinking. She really was one of the most beautiful and adorable women in the Gundam SEED World. Too adorable.

If there had not been so many people around, he would have rushed over to ask for her autograph already.

Lacus Klein floated out and said in her sweet voice, "Thank you for your hard work."

Then, just like in the anime, she drifted farther and farther away until she nearly flew off. Fortunately, Kira Yamato reacted quickly and grabbed her.

Lacus smiled and said, "Thank you."

Kira Yamato blushed deeply in embarrassment.

Seeing Lacus Klein's airheaded, cute expression, Thor Keni felt as if his youthful heart had returned. Being young really was wonderful.

Lacus Klein looked at Kira Yamato's uniform and said innocently,

"Ah, isn't this a ZAFT ship?"

Everyone around her was left speechless by her natural airheadedness, shaking their heads.

Only Thor's head shake meant something else.

What a clever move, advancing by retreating.

If I hadn't known what kind of person she was, I might have been fooled too.

Sure enough, that pink Lacus demon looked black on the inside once cut open.

Only a pure young man like Kira Yamato would be unable to stop himself from praising how cute Lacus was at a time like this.

Thor Keni felt that Lacus Klein's appearance really was excellent. No wonder his former self had fallen for her.

But now, compared to her, his own Miriaria Haw was better—gentle, cute, daring enough to take responsibility, and easy to get along with.

The only thing she could not compare with was wealth. She could not give him a Gundam equipped with an anti-Neutron Jammer Nuclear Power Engine.

But I have hands and feet, and I have Nami. I'll make my own machine. I'm not jealous!

Then Mwu Lamias, Natale Bagiru, and Mu La Flaga took Lacus Klein and the other female pilot away from the hangar, heading to the lounge for interrogation.

Kira Yamato, Sai Argyle, Kazu Buskirk, and several Archangel soldiers secretly followed behind them as well.

Thor Keni remained in the hangar, looking at the Reconnaissance Gear as he said to Sergeant Madoc,

"Uncle Maddock, can you help modify this Reconnaissance Gear? Can I switch to piloting this unit?"

Sergeant Madoc grabbed at his hair with both hands and said reluctantly,

"Ah, brat, I knew nothing good would come from you bringing back that Reconnaissance Gear.

Ah, you're increasing our workload again. We're working overtime tonight."

After venting for a while, he continued,

"Tell me how you want it modified. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can get off work and rest."

"Mm, isn't there still a section of Buster Gundam's right wrist?

I want to replace the Reconnaissance Gear's right wrist with Buster Gundam's, then install Buster Gundam's Claw Anchor on its left arm.

The Claw Anchor should still be able to conduct high-voltage electricity like before. That way, it can keep capturing MS in the future."

Sergeant Madoc shook his head helplessly and said,

"But we can't do anything about ZAFT's machine OS. Even after the modifications are complete, you might not be able to pilot it.

Don't you already have the Modified Moebius? Are you getting tired of the old and falling for the new so quickly?"

"Uncle Maddock, I didn't. Don't make things up.

Besides, piloting robots is every man's romance. If I can pilot an MS, why would I pilot an MA?

Let Kira handle the OS. He seems pretty good at it.

Oh, and it would be best if Buster Gundam's arm were made easy to replace. Maybe I'll switch to another Gear in the future.

After all, Reconnaissance Gear doesn't look very good.

By the way, can the MA be modified too? Can you turn it into a universal MS backpack? That way, it can still be used if I switch to another machine later."

Hearing Thor Keni's long list of modification plans, Sergeant Madoc was so angry that he wanted to throw a wrench at him.

Seeing his furious expression, Thor Keni said with a grin,

"Hahaha, Uncle Maddock, I was joking just now. Keep the Modified Moebius as a backup machine.

If Uncle Mu's Moebius Zero breaks down, we can use this one as a replacement backup.

I'm leaving now. No need to see me off. Bye-bye."

Thor Keni immediately fled that troublesome place. He would come back after the modifications were complete.

He also arrived at the lounge, where he saw Kira Yamato standing to one side while Sai Argyle, Kazu Buskirk, and several soldiers pressed themselves against the door, eavesdropping.

Thor Keni felt that he could not be treated as a special case. He needed to actively blend into the group.

He then joined them, pressing himself against the door and eavesdropping on Lacus Klein and the others' conversation.

Unfortunately, before he could listen for even a few seconds, without hearing a single word, the lounge door suddenly opened.

Natale Bagiru stepped out and sternly said to the people at the door,

"What are you doing? Isn't the cargo transport work still unfinished? Get back to your posts immediately."

Thor Keni and the others could only leave at once.

Only Kira Yamato still stood foolishly at the side, staring intently at Lacus Klein inside.

Lacus Klein saw him and smiled as she waved at him.

Kira Yamato's face turned bright red with embarrassment, and he left awkwardly.