Roz Links was never quite sure about the source of ZAFT's cloning technology. After all, clones created by mainstream cloning technology today always exhibited slight differences in their brainwaves, making them feel more like same-sex twins born of the same parents.
Perhaps the accurate term should be multi-fetal births? Because cloning certainly wouldn't stop at just one copy.
But according to Andrew Waltfeld, ZAFT's current clone troops were a "suddenly emerging technology," introduced by MP Durandal. Yet, these cloned soldiers were like identical photos, showing almost no difference in their brainwaves.
"So... besides the Earth Alliance, ZAFT, and Blue Cosmos, there is now also a private, secret society participating in the war, is that right?"
On the bridge of the Nahel Argama, Natarle Badgiruel subconsciously rubbed her forehead after hearing Roz Links' account.
She had thought this war was solely instigated by Blue Cosmos, but it seemed ZAFT was equally busy on their side.
"Although, if you really want to count combatants, one of Orb's families seems to have joined the fray as well."
Murrue Ramius sat in the central Captain's chair, flipping through Orb's data.
Her physical confrontation with Roz Links last night ended in crushing defeat. Even after a night's rest, Murrue still felt painfully sore in her back, forcing her to sit in the Captain's chair and lean back to rest.
"The Sahaku family's member, I think his name was Rondo Gina Sahaku? Lowe Guele told me about him." Roz Links had some recollection of the person Murrue mentioned. "He previously cooperated with the Earth Alliance and participated in several battles targeting ZAFT and Lowe's Junk Guild."
"But some time ago, he was taken out by Lowe and that mercenary, who I think was called... Gai Murakumo?" Roz Links shook his head, having said that.
"Anyway, that individual is already dead, so they're not the focus of our discussion. Let's return to the main topic."
"In short, according to the intel from Lowe, this organization, through cooperation with ZAFT, links their headquarters—a library—to a relatively remote colony using an expansion block."
Roz Links spoke, opening the schematic diagram sent by Lowe Guele.
To be honest, Lowe Guele was a soul painter (an artist who draws poorly). The schematic, complete with a rendered model animation, had to be created by Roz Links after consulting with the Big Haro.
"Look, the connection points are all concealed, using an internal connection method. To destroy this headquarters, we would inevitably tear apart the agricultural colony."
Looking at this connection method, which resembled a hidden gate mark on a plastic model kit, Roz Links felt his Gunpla instinct attacking him.
To disassemble tightly-fitting components attached with hidden gate marks, you either use tools to pry them open externally, or rely on internal connection ports having tolerances that cause them to loosen.
Although the Nahel Argama's heat ram "Steel Needle" might serve as a 'tool,' it would certainly cause massive damage to the attached agricultural colony. Therefore, only one method remained.
"You hide the battleship. Lowe Guele and I will go and disconnect the Library's headquarters."
Roz Links planned to work with Lowe Guele to create 'tolerances' at these connection points, causing the massive 'component' to detach from ZAFT's agricultural colony.
"Finally, once everything is successful, the secret society's headquarters can be completely destroyed."
"...There seems to be no other way."
Those who had served in the Earth Alliance naturally knew how highly ZAFT valued their agricultural colonies. If one was destroyed, ZAFT might initiate a relentless pursuit against Roz Links and the others, regardless of losses.
After all, Junius Seven, the site of the "Bloody Valentine" incident—which was caused by Blue Cosmos-incited forces—was also an agricultural colony, a bloody scar in the hearts of almost all people in Plant.
"Well then... are there any other questions?"
Murrue Ramius closed the screen displaying information about Rondo Gina Sahaku and the golden Astray he piloted. "If not, let's prepare to launch."
On one hand, Lowe Guele had greatly helped the Archangel. On the other hand, the Nahel Argama could use this mission for battle testing, and Roz Links could erase his debt.
"You have to eat your meal one bite at a time, and you have to take things one step at a time."
"It's like playing a game. If you can't find a lead for the main mission and don't know where to start, perhaps doing a side quest will yield unexpected rewards." Roz Links explained.
After speaking, he noticed that Murrue still looked uncomfortable around her waist. Roz Links skillfully walked behind the Captain's chair and reached out to massage Murrue, easing some of her pain.
Perhaps because it was the first time she had 'shown affection' so openly, Murrue's face flushed slightly.
"Understood... But you said this place called Librarian Works has a strong desire for MS technology and ace pilots. Although the Strike's data has been leaked, you and your Unicorn are still a considerable draw for them." Natarle Badgiruel nodded, voicing her concern.
"For them to unlock my Unicorn, they first need capillaries identical to mine for authentication," Roz Links said, opening a schematic diagram of the Unicorn mobile suit.
"Furthermore, all my creations use my unique interface. Without an adapter, they cannot read any of the data."
At this point, it must be noted that whether through regular cloning or ZAFT's replicant troops, the capillaries would always differ slightly from the original, just as no two leaves in the world are exactly alike.
"As for replicating my genes..."
Roz Links fell silent here.
"...If you think about it, not many people know Roz is the Unicorn's pilot, right? Roz's identity should still be unknown externally." Mu La Flaga pondered aloud.
"Besides, even if they have your combat records and can extrapolate the approximate data, your experience is something that fast-tracked pilots, who only study combat footage, cannot defeat."
"But ultimately... the Library's replicants that Lowe Guele mentioned are nothing more than fakes to you. You'll be able to take them down." Mu La Flaga concluded, making a gun gesture toward Roz Links.
"...Of course."
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The Nahel Argama was preparing to set sail, and everyone was returning to gather their personal belongings.
Roz Links also returned to the familiar hangar bay to continue the inspection and maintenance of his mobile suit.
On the bridge, only Murrue Ramius, who remained seated in the Captain's chair due to back soreness, and Natarle Badgiruel, who was staring intently at Murrue, remained.
"Captain Murrue, I suggest you and Captain Roz reduce your frequency."
Natarle Badgiruel's eyes narrowed as she compared her refreshed-looking friend to her past self.
"We are, after all, in a wartime state. Too high a frequency can easily affect combat effectiveness."
"It probably only affects my combat effectiveness," Murrue sighed, hearing Natarle bring up the topic. "Last night, I was exhausted and collapsed in bed, while he still had the energy to chat with Lowe Guele about intelligence."
"However, looking at you... are you thinking of joining? If you want to join, I certainly wouldn't mind."
Murrue stretched, saying something rather explosive. "I'm desperate for someone to help me share the burden so I'm not so tired."
"Besides... since Roz rescued you, haven't you been looking at him more often?" Murrue looked at Natarle Badgiruel. "I don't believe you don't have feelings. Christina has complained to me many times."
"...I don't deny that."
Natarle Badgiruel was silent for a long time before speaking. "But... Murrue, regarding your relationship with Roz, I feel you aren't like your old self."
"That's because Roz is emotionally dense; if you don't make a move, you'll never have a chance."
Murrue sighed when talking about this. "He doesn't understand hints or anything like that. Expressing your feelings openly, ironically, has a high chance of success."
"So... it's not that I've changed, it's just that I decided I had to be the one to attack him."
"If you like him, you have to be proactive. Otherwise, he'll be constantly immersed in those machines, and the opportunity will pass you by." Murrue felt a little helpless recalling the times Roz Links stayed in the hangar for days on end.
"...I'll go pack my things first."
Listening to Murrue's words, Natarle Badgiruel remained silent for a long time before speaking. She then walked toward the hatch under Murrue's gaze.
"Regarding what you just said..."
Natarle Badgiruel stopped just before the hatch leading off the bridge.
After a long pause, Natarle Badgiruel spoke.
"...I will seriously consider it."
...................