Orga bared two rows of white teeth after hearing Mikazuki's words.
"That's how it is. That's why Mika is so strong. You understand now, right? It's not like anyone can become like Mikazuki just by having some surgery."
The crowd fell silent as Orga continued.
"Besides, the surgery for the Alaya-Vijnana System isn't something you can just go out and do. The conditions are extremely harsh. First off, the nanomachines of the Alaya-Vijnana System can only be integrated into a child's body while they are still in their growth period. Fourteen is the absolute latest.
"In other words, once you're past fourteen, the nanomachines can no longer take hold in the body. If you force the procedure, it causes a severe rejection response. The failure rate is over ninety percent. For adults like you, over the age of twenty, undergoing the surgery means a one hundred percent chance of death."
He paused for a moment before adding a final note.
"Of course, if you're looking for the kind of surgery Gjallarhorn uses to turn people into monsters, don't come to us. We don't have that kind of Alaya-Vijnana."
Erica gave a bitter smile.
"No, forget it. That surgery is far too dangerous. Besides, no parent would ever let their child undergo a procedure that carries nothing but risk..."
Erica was a mother herself. If someone asked her to let her son undergo such a life-threatening operation, she would refuse a thousand times over, and she doubted anyone else would feel differently.
Mikazuki, his eyes as dull as a dead fish's, interjected.
"By the way, why are we talking about the Alaya-Vijnana? Weren't we supposed to be discussing something else?"
"...Right..."
Everyone turned their eyes toward Erica. Feeling the weight of their gazes, she laughed awkwardly.
"Sorry, sorry. I got a bit carried away. Let's get back to the matter at hand."
The others didn't mind. With the topic of the Alaya-Vijnana System closed, they began to discuss the next course of action for their three ships.
"Mika, what do you think? Where should we go next?" Orga asked.
Floating in the air while eating Mars dates, Mikazuki raised an eyebrow.
"You're asking me? You guys just decide."
"We're going to"
"Fine."
Orga smiled bitterly and shook his head. "I haven't even said anything yet."
Mikazuki grabbed a handrail to steady himself and smiled. "I'll keep listening, but it's all the same whether I listen or not. I don't understand big complicated logic. As long as there's a fight, I'll go."
"Heh... Seriously, you're ridiculously strong..."
Their conversation reached the ears of the silent onlookers. Those who did not understand what the children of Tekkadan had been through found it impossible to truly grasp the weight of the dialogue between Orga and Mikazuki.
But Murrue, who knew a bit more, understood just how deep the bonds within Tekkadan ran. To these orphans, Tekkadan was their one true family, and every member was a brother or sister.
They fought simply to survive, to protect their family. It was as simple as that.
"Alright, since Mikazuki has agreed, let's head for the L4 Colony Cluster," Murrue decided. "Even though the area is deserted, there are still functioning satellites. We can use them as coordinates for a temporary refit. By the time we arrive, more than half of our supplies will be gone, so it will be the perfect spot to restock."
With Murrue's decision made, the others offered no objections. However, Mu then turned his gaze toward Athrun Zala, who was standing beside Kira.
"The next issue should be you, shouldn't it? Athrun Zala, are you really okay with this?"
"Huh?"
Athrun was taken aback, not immediately catching Mu's meaning. But Mu's next words sent him into a deep silence.
"Of course, it's not just you; it's that other person still on the Archangel as well. We fought together in Orb, so I have some understanding of your situation. But... depending on how things develop, we might find ourselves in a fierce battle against ZAFT.
"As a soldier of ZAFT, are you truly prepared to fight your own comrades? This isn't like back in Orb."
Athrun lowered his head, his expression growing dim and lost. Just as Mu said, he was a soldier of ZAFT. Could he really pull the trigger on his own colleagues without any psychological burden?
Seeing Athrun's distress, Mu felt a pang of pity.
However, some things had to be spoken plainly. It was necessary for both their group and for Athrun himself. If they didn't clear the air now, then even if they were temporary friends, the underlying contradictions would eventually explode.
"You should know this better than anyone. You are the son of Patrick Zala."
Kira couldn't help but speak up. "That doesn't have anything to do with whose son he is! Athrun is"
Mu cut him off sharply. "Kira! You're not a real soldier; you haven't been trained, so of course you'd say that. But for a true soldier to leave his own unit, the situation is far more severe and painful than you can imagine.
"To be honest, after seeing what the Earth Alliance has done, I lost my faith in them long ago. That's why I can fight on the battlefield without any hesitation. You're the same, but as I said, you aren't a professional soldier.
"He is different from you. He is not just part of ZAFT; he is a ZAFT Red. Do you know what kind of person is allowed to wear that red uniform? It isn't just about genes, ability, or skill. The most important factor is absolute loyalty to the motherland. You can only wear the red coat if you meet all those criteria.
"Furthermore... his father is the leader of that side. If he doesn't have absolute conviction in his beliefs, he won't be able to fight properly."
Though Mu's words were blunt, they were the hard truths Athrun needed to face.
Seeing Kira rendered speechless, Mu sighed and looked back at Athrun.
"My words were harsh, and for that, I apologize. But if we are to fight together, I need to know I can trust you. What do you say?"
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