A Conversation

"Hey, why are you spacing out here? Slacking off isn't behavior befitting an ace pilot."

A bright, teasing voice came from behind him, interrupting his thoughts.

Xia Ya turned around and saw Michel Aiman walking toward him, with Nicol Amalfi beside him, wearing a somewhat gentler expression.

Both of them wore Orb uniforms as well. Seeing those outfits on former ZAFT red-uniform elites created a strangely incongruous impression.

"The captain is looking for you, and she's furious." Michel walked up beside Xia Ya and lightly nudged him with his elbow, a grin of anticipation on his face. "My guess is, she's about to read the military regulations to you from the first page to the last."

"Uh..." Xia Ya's expression became slightly awkward. The final maintenance on his own Gundam had been completed half an hour ago.

He had personally supervised the loading of the energy packs and the refueling of the propellant, confirming the mounting status of every weapons system.

Since there was still a little time before departure, he had come here alone to watch quietly for a while, as a way to prepare himself mentally for the fierce battle ahead.

He knew Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel's way of doing things. Leaving his post without authorization, regardless of the reason, would be regarded as a disregard for discipline.

He had slipped out without telling anyone, thinking no one would notice. He had not expected to be found out so quickly.

"How did you know I was here?" Xia Ya asked.

"Instinct." Michel crossed his arms and leaned against the railing beside Xia Ya. "Or rather, I knew this was the best place to observe all three ships. And you always like finding somewhere to be alone at times like this. What were you thinking about? The truths of the