Xiao Ran had organized this meeting not only to make sure these pilots would obey his orders, but more importantly because he wanted to meet Shiro Amada. After saying a few words and giving them a brief pep talk, he announced the meeting was over. But after dismissing everyone, Xiao Ran spoke into the microphone again. "Second Lieutenant Shiro Amada, stay behind."
Shiro Amada, who had been about to leave with the others, froze when he heard Xiao Ran's voice over the loudspeaker. He turned around and stared at Xiao Ran in astonishment. Under the varied gazes of the others, he hurried over to the desk where Xiao Ran sat and gave him a salute. "Sir."
"Second Lieutenant Shiro Amada?" Xiao Ran looked him over from head to toe, asking a question whose answer he already knew.
Shiro Amada answered loudly, "Yes, sir."
"Mm." Xiao Ran nodded slightly and looked at the tablet on the desk. Displayed on it was Shiro Amada's personnel file. Xiao Ran asked, "Can you tell me the real reason you were tried by the Military Court? The excuse that you communicated with Zeon people is, in my view, utter nonsense. I want to know what happened then. I don't want lies. I want the real reason."
"What you tell me will be an important basis for deciding whether you can take part in this operation. It will also affect my personal opinion of you."
After saying that, Xiao Ran simply looked at Shiro Amada calmly. Even through the mask, Shiro Amada could still feel the scrutinizing gaze behind it.
Shiro Amada lowered his head slightly, pressing his lips together without speaking for a long time. Xiao Ran merely watched him calmly, giving him enough time to think.
Several minutes later, Shiro Amada finally spoke with