After glancing at Cagalli, Felix turned to Athrun and waved a hand.
"Athrun, take her out to clear her head. And don't let her out of your sight."
Athrun turned to meet Felix's gaze, pressed his lips together, then replied.
"Yes, Chairman!"
After answering, Athrun took Cagalli by the hand and headed outside. Cagalli kept looking at Felix as Athrun led her out of the office, as though she were in a daze.
Watching the two disappear and the door close behind them, Felix remembered something, and a smile curled his lips.
"How did I forget about the Dawn Gundam?"
After muttering to himself, Felix called Oakley.
The moment the call connected, Oakley's voice came through the speaker.
"Chairman!"
Felix glanced at Oakley on the screen and gave his orders.
"Have someone bring Director Simmons from the research institute. We'll all take a trip to Dawn Island."
"Yes, sir!"
Outside, watching Cagalli remain silent tore at Athrun's heart. At that moment, he wished he could share the pain she was carrying.
But there was nothing he could do!
"Athrun, I want to look up some information."
Just as Athrun was aching with helplessness, the silent Cagalli made her request.
It was a simple request, and Athrun agreed without hesitation.
"Of course. I'll take you there right now."
Holding Cagalli's small hand, Athrun led her toward the office he was currently using here.
Two hours later, on Dawn Island.
Felix stood at the edge of a seaside cliff, gazing out over the endless blue ocean. Behind him stood Oakley, Jonah, Simmons, and the others.
"Chairman Griffith, may I ask why you had someone bring me here?"
Looking at Felix's back, Simmons asked calmly. Felix turned toward her, smiled, then pointed at the ground beneath her feet as he spoke.
"Erica Simmons,