After Cagalli issued the order to put Industrial 7 into full operation, the production speed for the armor of Kira's new unit was remarkably fast.
However, even after the armor installation was complete, the interfacing and calibration of the various onboard systems took up a significant amount of Kira's time; even now, he was still in the middle of fine-tuning the Dragoons.
"Another machine with big wings, huh..."
Roz looked at the mobile suit, which had finished its armor installation and bore an appearance similar to the previous Freedom.
He had come today to pick up his custom-ordered missiles. These Beam Scattering Rockets and Dummy Balloon Rockets, used as part of the armaments Roz mounted on his Shield Funnels, had demonstrated immense versatility during the battle at the Mendel colony.
He had heard that Kira's new machine was also equipped with some dummy balloons, but Roz had observed it for a long while and still couldn't see where those missiles were mounted.
"You're here, Roz."
A familiar voice rang out in his ear. Roz turned his head toward the source.
Like an elf from a fairy kingdom descending into the mortal realm, weaving through the cold creations of humanity, Lacus stood there in the hangar, looking as if the entire world were illuminated by her presence.
"Don't overthink it; they just turned up the brightness of the lights."
The large Blue Haro wobbled on Roz's shoulder, leaning in to whisper a critique into his ear.
"After all, if the environment is too dim, it's not good for the eyes, Haro-chan."
Paying no mind to the Haro's snark, Lacus winked at it.
Since the main body of the Big Haro was kept on the Nahel Argama, and combined with the "wetware" issues involving Blue Cosmos, everyone had accepted the setting that Roz's Haros contained a human mind. Naturally, they had come to accept the Big Haro's existence as well.
"What brings you here today, Roz?"
"...Just picking up some custom missiles. I ran out of the previous batch."
As Roz spoke, he carefully observed this machine that resembled the Freedom.
After a brief observation, Roz noticed that the machine was missing something vital.
"Come to think of it, why doesn't this machine have a shield?"
Indeed, Roz saw no sign of a shield on the machine's weapon racks. Instead, there were two identical High-Energy Beam Rifles and a pile of Dragoons that had not yet been mounted onto the wings.
"Because this Strike Freedom utilizes Beam Shield Generators. While they may not match the strength and stability of the Unicorn's 'Shield of Artemis,' they are more than sufficient."
Following Roz's gaze, Lacus also looked toward the machine known as the "Strike Freedom." "This is a high-mobility, high-firepower unit specifically designed based on Kira's combat data."
"Xiphias Railguns, Calidus Multi-phase Beam Cannon, High-Energy Beam Rifles that can combine into a long-range sniper mode, and Super Dragoons specialized using concepts we gained from you."
The sound of footsteps approached as Erica walked up to the two of them, casually handing a folder to Roz.
"I must say, the various designs of your Unicorn have truly given us a great deal of inspiration."
Roz took the folder, flipped through the manifest inside, and nodded to the Big Haro on his shoulder.
"The Unicorn... how did we get back to her again?"
"The Strike Freedom uses PS (Phase Shift) armor material for its internal frame to facilitate rapid heat dissipation, much like your Unicorn's 'Armor-Splitting' mode."
At this point, even Erica, whose emotions were usually quite flat, subconsciously raised her voice a pitch or two, her tone tinged with excitement. "Furthermore, the way the Armed Armor BS manipulates Mirage Colloid particles allowed us to improve the Super Dragoons. Though they only have two fixed forms, it is quite enough."
The design team of the Strike Freedom felt as though they had discovered a ray of sunlight piercing through a heavy fog; the path revealed to them allowed them to catch a glimpse of the logic used by the man they called a "eccentric genius."
However, hearing Erica mention the "Unicorn's PS armor frame," Roz's expression became somewhat complicated.
Considering that no one besides Roz knew about the Psycho-Frame—and the fact that if the secret of the Psycho-Frame were leaked now, it would likely lead to even more dire consequences—he decided to let it be.
Since the end result was positive anyway, he would let it remain a "beautiful misunderstanding"... Once everything settled down, there would be an opportunity to explain the Psycho-Frame to them.
With that thought, Roz looked at Erica. "No wonder you are so confident about a battle between this Strike Freedom and the Unicorn. It is indeed an exceptionally excellent machine."
"I look forward to seeing how this machine, as well as Orb's new mass-production units, perform in the simulation drills."
"Then, I suspect you are in for a surprise."
Erica smiled, but then seemed to remember something as her tone shifted.
"By the way, I'm not sure why you ordered eight specialized containers. While those custom containers aren't hard to make, they are massive. The Nahel Argama won't be able to transport them."
"It doesn't matter. A cargo ship will come to haul them away when the time comes."
Closing the folder in his hand, Roz seemed to already see the finished results of his design blueprints coming to life.
"After all, those are 'decisive battle' weapons."
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On the other side, inside the "Shipyard."
A cargo ship entered the Shipyard, and Haros were continuously hauling out various instruments and spare parts.
In the hangar area where the Unicorn had originally been stationed, the remaining armament components for the Unicorn were currently being assembled and calibrated.
In the space where the Nahel Argama had previously been berthed, a massive, all-white object—resembling a cluster of engines and giant thrusters—sat quietly. Two claw-like sub-arms were positioned beneath this titan; on its sides were massive cannon barrels, and at the very front were four "Shield of Artemis" beam shield generators.
At the center of this object, which overflowed with industrial aesthetic, there remained a gap that made it look somewhat incomplete—as if it were waiting for something to dock with it.
Beyond these two primary projects, the three mobile suit frames that had previously appeared before Roz and the others were now fitted with various components. Their minimalist head sensors featured familiar red visors.
Without a doubt, these were three standard Jesta units, currently awaiting their matching armaments.
Nearby, a pile of components labeled "NTA" were neatly arranged on the weapon racks near the Narrative Gundam, waiting to be integrated with the machine.
"Hurry up! Get these engines and thrusters mounted onto the GP03 project and the NTA project."
Marvin, who had been pulling overtime in the Shipyard, scratched his green hair.
"Seriously, I'm busy to death..."
The GP03 project had reached its final stages. After the installation of the engines and thrusters, the next step would be the most frustrating part: data adjustment and bug hunting.
After all, these were weapons intended for actual combat. If something went wrong, the consequences would be unthinkable; one could never be too cautious.
However...
"No matter how you look at it, this thing is still beautiful..."
It had to be said that this kind of violent machinery, saturated with industrial aesthetics, was deeply loved by Marvin.
"GP03D Dendrobium."
The pure white, massive component rested there quietly, awaiting a fated summons.
-----------------------------------
Although he was eager to see the unit Erica and Lacus called the "crystallization of the collective wisdom of Compass and Orb," it was another group of people who arrived before Roz first.
In a residential district of Industrial 7, Roz sat quietly at a table outside a beverage shop, calmly watching the pedestrians on the street.
Some time had passed since the "Great Evacuation of Orb." After an initial period of confusion, the native residents of Orb had adapted to the environment of Industrial 7 and begun to reclaim their former way of life.
The most obvious sign was the street itself; once eerily deserted, it was now lined with shops of all sizes opened with the support of the Orb government, and the number of passersby was steadily increasing. Time continues to move forward, after all, and life must go on. Whether or not they could return to Earth in the future, everyone had to adapt to their current reality.
A light breeze blew past, and under the simulated sunlight, Roz squinted his eyes, leaning back in his chair with a hint of laziness. The Big Haro, which had been rolling around on the table, saw Roz's relaxed state and promptly hopped into his lap.
"Why did Flay suddenly contact you?"
Murrue Ramius, dressed in civilian clothes, walked out of the drink shop alongside Christina—who was still wearing her trademark short skirt and white lab coat—and sat down next to Roz.
A glass of iced juice was placed in front of Roz. The ice cubes clinked crisply against the glass and the straw as they shifted.
"I don't know. She said she had official business to discuss in person."
Roz picked up the orange juice, took a sip, and turned to look at Murrue. "It shouldn't be anything major. Big Haro suggested I take this chance to come out for a walk anyway, saying if I stayed on the Nahel Argama any longer, I'd start growing mold."
"...It's not that dramatic."
Having just taken a sip of her coffee, Murrue smiled and took another drink. "Though you really should get out more. Lately, your routine has been a constant loop between the hangar, the bridge, and the living quarters."
Murrue had traded her military uniform for a light brown coat paired with a white shirt and a dark brown short skirt. The steely resolve of a soldier had vanished; sitting there close to Roz, she looked more like a woman deep in love. Of course, her classic black tights were an essential part of the look.
Putting this outfit together had cost Murrue and Natarle Badgiruel quite a few brain cells. After Murrue received Roz's invitation, these two women—who could command the Archangel to break through ZAFT encirclements time and again—found themselves staring blankly at their wardrobes (which were quite sparse compared to most women's) and developing a headache over fashion coordination.
Realizing the civilian clothes in her closet couldn't be effectively paired, Murrue had made an emergency trip to the commercial district to purchase this outfit.
Regardless, the final result was good. At the very least, when Murrue, Roz, and Christina sat together, it gave off a distinct "parents taking their daughter shopping" vibe. Seeing Murrue's ensemble and the subtle makeup visible through her prosthetic eye, Christina inexplicably felt like she was being overshadowed.
"Tuning the Unicorn's armaments takes time, plus there are other projects..." Roz shrugged, explaining himself. "Besides, there are still a few components for the Unicorn that haven't been assembled. I certainly can't stay idle."
Every time new equipment or components for the Unicorn reached his hands, Roz would optimize the calculation programs within the Psycho-Frame. Recently, however, no matter how he adjusted the algorithms, the performance of the Psycho-Frame seemed stuck at a specific threshold, unable to improve further—as if it had hit a bottleneck.
Yet, when Roz sat in the cockpit, he could vaguely feel the Unicorn constantly soothing his restless mood, almost as if he could hear the machine whispering gently in his ear. To unleash the strongest power of the Psycho-Frame outside of the "Green State" required a catalyst; Roz placed his hopes on the final components.
"You have to relax a little regardless," Murrue said, reaching out to hold Roz's right hand. "A string that is constantly tightened will eventually snap."
"True, I am constantly tightening the string," Roz followed her metaphor. "Before, I could only adjust the string based on experience, but now you all have given me a tuner. I believe the string will reach its best state because of that tuner."
"...What a strange, cheesy pickup line."
Murrue laughed helplessly, her grip on Roz's hand tightening. The two gazed at each other as if time itself had slowed down.
At this moment, Christina, looking like a total "outsider," was contemplating whether she should suddenly jump between them to interrupt this blatant display of affection.
"See that, Sister-in-law? You should be just as lovey-dovey with my big brother in the future!"
Suddenly, a lively, familiar voice rang out.
Flay Allster, whom they hadn't seen for a while, appeared not far away. Still wearing her work uniform, she was looking at Roz and Murrue with a wide, supportive grin, watching them with envy.
Beside her was Mayu Asuka, who had long since moved past the effects of her physical disabilities thanks to prosthetic assistance. She was currently saying something to a blonde girl in a wheelchair.
As for the blonde girl in the wheelchair, though she was weak enough to require an IV drip, her eyes were shining with excitement as she carefully observed the scene.
-----------------------------------
After some routine pleasantries, Flay sat down at the table with Stellar and Mayu.
"Alright, let's get straight to the point. Why were you looking for me?"
Through Flay's introduction, Roz learned why Flay—or rather, Mayu—was seeking him out. He could already guess what Mayu's objective was.
Suddenly, Mayu stood up and bowed deeply toward Roz, offering a bank card with both hands. Her movements were so precise that Roz momentarily hallucinated her "King of Part-timers" older brother, Shinn Asuka. It was like a martial arts duel where the opposing disciple kept using the same vertical slash over and over—a single, powerful move to break all techniques.
Being so direct made it difficult for someone as soft-hearted as Roz to refuse.
"I hope you can save my sister-in-law, Stellar."
Mayu pushed the bank card a bit closer to Roz. "For her life, and for my brother's future happiness, this is all the money the two of us have. Please."
In an instant, Roz felt countless eyes staring at him. He finally realized that the opposing sect had produced an "Isshin Ashina"—hidden beneath that vertical slash was a revolver. If he accepted, tomorrow's Orb headlines would read: "Shocking! Man Robs Minors in Front of Disabled Girl." If he refused, it would be: "Heartbreaking! She Did This for Love, But Was Turned Away..."
"...If her condition is similar to previous surgeries, she should have contacted me directly. They have my comms frequency," Roz mused, looking for a breakthrough via Flay. "Your appearance here... is this Cagalli's idea?"
"I can't hide anything from you. Yes," Flay smiled, turning to Mayu. "Alright, take back your card. Cagalli already said that Stellar's case is a clinical priority; Orb will cover her medical expenses."
"Aw... no fun," Mayu sighed, disappointed that Roz had so easily defused her prank.
"Clinical priority... this is Stellar Loussier, right?" Hearing Flay's words, Roz's brow furrowed. "What exactly is her situation?"
"...She is a second-generation Extended from the Earth Alliance. Just like the pilots of the two G-units who died at your hands during the evacuation of Orb," Flay explained briefly. "Under the influence of their drugs, she must receive regular 'treatments' from the Earth military, or she will fall into a state of physical weakness and organ failure."
Hearing Flay's description, both Roz and Murrue frowned, while Christina's eyes widened slightly as she looked at Stellar.
"What do you plan to do? I'm only familiar with prosthetic replacement..." Roz reached out toward Flay. "Did you bring the detailed examination reports?"
"Of course. Here are the results." Flay went silent for a moment before handing a folder to Roz. "Without a doubt, her body has been ravaged beyond recognition by the Earth military's drugs, not to mention the psychological issues caused by their training..."
As Roz flipped through the documents in front of Murrue, their expressions grew increasingly grim.
"This body is beyond saving." After reviewing the data, Roz sighed, realization dawning on him. "So, what is it you're actually suggesting?"
Murrue also guessed the implication and instinctively reached out to hug Christina beside her.
"What I'm about to say... might not sit well with you. I'm sorry." Flay felt a pang of bitterness, but for the sake of Stellar's life and the future, she had to muster her courage. "Based on the doctors' analysis and our own... we believe we can refer to Miss Christina's case. This is also... Cagalli's and my own thought."
After saying this, Flay braced herself for a verbal lashing or for Roz to throw the folder in her face. Everyone who had been on the Archangel knew Christina's situation and had seen the tragedy of the Earth Alliance "wetware." No one would voluntarily become such a distorted, mechanical existence.
But Roz didn't yell. He didn't throw the folder. There was only a heavy silence, a suffocating pressure filling the air. Feeling the shift in atmosphere, even Mayu—who had intended to act the "little devil" to lighten the mood—fell instinctively silent.
"...You know what this implies, right?" After a long silence, Roz finally spoke, placing the folder on the table.
"Yes... I know." Flay lowered her head. "But whether it's for Stellar or the other Extendeds of the Earth Alliance... considering their bodies are so thoroughly destroyed, we believe this is the only solution."
Roz's heart was in turmoil. He felt lost. He had once thought he would never personally create another piece of "wetware" component again. But here was Stellar; her body was ruined by drugs, and only her brain remained in relatively good condition.
Should he use this wetware technology to save her? Or was there a better choice? His hatred for the technology and his resistance to making it again clashed with his desire to save the fading life before him.
A warm hand was placed over his clenched right fist.
"The technology itself might be seen as evil... but it's like a kitchen knife." Murrue's voice reached his ears. Roz looked at her. "You can use a blade to kill, or you can use it to prepare a feast. Whatever the outcome, it depends on your intent. I trust your decision."
Roz looked at Christina, who was still in Murrue's arms. Christina looked back at him without hesitation and nodded.
"Do it, Roz."
After a long silence, Roz let out a long sigh. Humans are strange creatures; even when they've made a decision, they still hope for someone to "give them a push"—to provide a definitive answer so they can proceed with a clear conscience. Roz considered himself a plain, mundane human, and found such emotions perfectly normal.
Now, having been "pushed," Roz had made his choice. It filled him with determination. Indeed, a blade can be a weapon of murder or a tool for cooking. Even technology viewed as evil by others can radiate the light of salvation if used properly.
"...I agree." Roz nodded solemnly. "Get everything ready."
...................