After Xiao Ran and the others left, Cruze and Durandal remained in the Captain's Room for more than two hours. No one knew what the two discussed inside, but when they emerged, Cruze's habitual smile had not changed in the slightest, while Durandal appeared far more silent.
After leaving the Captain's Room, the two did not trouble anyone else. Cruze, who was familiar with the ship, led Durandal straight to the bridge to meet Xiao Ran again. By then, Captain Talia had already left with Heine, while Athrun had removed the ZAFT red uniform he wore and changed into Orb's colonel uniform.
Durandal had noticed Athrun's change the moment he entered the Captain's Room, but his somewhat silent face showed no strange reaction. Instead, Athrun walked up to him apologetically, gave him a military salute, and apologized.
"I'm sorry, Chairman Durandal. I learned about Shin and Ray long ago, but I helped them conceal it. I also feel deeply sorry for leaving ZAFT and returning to Orb this time."
"It doesn't matter." Only then did Durandal smile faintly. Shaking his head gently at Athrun, he said, "When you joined FAITH, I told you that all you needed to follow were your own beliefs and thoughts. Besides loyalty, FAITH itself also stands for conviction. You have done nothing wrong in this matter."
Athrun gave an apologetic smile upon hearing Durandal's words. "Thank you, Chairman Durandal."
Because of Xiao Ran's circumstances, Durandal had neither had the time nor, for the moment, any intention of making a move against Athrun. Thus, their relationship had not been greatly affected. Especially since Athrun had concealed the truth for Shin and Ray, and Durandal had yet to begin his true plan, Athrun genuinely felt somewhat apologetic toward Durandal, who had trusted him and allowed him to