"Restrain Siegel and bring him to me!"
After calming his emotions slightly, Patrick issued the command. Having given this order, Patrick continued without pause.
"Issue a Wanted Order for Lacus Clyne across all of PLANT!"
"Yes!"
A reply sounded.
Patrick reached out and ended the communication.
Meanwhile, at the Clyne residence
Siegel was savoring a freshly brewed cup of black tea, enjoying its flavor, when a communication chime rang out.
Pausing mid-sip, Siegel turned to look at the phone on the nearby table. Setting down the tea, he picked up the receiver and was about to speak when an urgent voice came through.
"Father! Are you still at home?"
"Lacus, what's wrong?"
Hearing the urgency in his daughter's voice, a trace of confusion appeared on Siegel's face. His gentle tone carried a mix of puzzlement and deep concern as he inquired.
Lacus replied with a hint of apology in her voice.
"Father, Uncle Zala might summon you shortly. If he asks you anything, just say you don't know."
Though still filled with questions, Siegel guessed that his daughter must have done something, otherwise she wouldn't be giving him such instructions.
Holding the receiver, Siegel infused his voice with the doubts in his heart as he questioned his daughter.
As he spoke, Siegel caught sight of figures approaching outside from the corner of his eye. He placed the receiver back on the phone, abandoning further questions about the puzzling situation.
About a minute later
"Mr. Clyne, the Chairman requests your presence!"
"Mm."
Looking at the respectful leader of the group, Siegel nodded in acknowledgment. He stood up, straightened his attire, and addressed the man.
"Let's go!"
Over twenty minutes later,
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
Chairman's Office
Seated in a chair, Siegel looked at his friend's grim expression and calmly inquired.
"Zala, did you need something from me?"
Raising his eyes to his friend, Patrick remained silent and calmly played the surveillance footage. Siegel turned to watch, and upon seeing his daughter's figure, the young man beside her, and the MS in the video, he quickly grasped the general situation.
"Half an hour ago, an MS equipped with PLANT's most advanced technology was illegally activated and stolen. And your daughter, Lacus Clyne, is the mastermind behind this theft!"
Glancing at the composed Siegel, Patrick restrained his anger and spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Siegel looked at Patrick without changing his expression and said.
"Zala, I know nothing about this matter."
Bang!
Enraged, Patrick slammed the table and stood up, glaring at his friend with a furious laugh.
"You don't know?"
"I truly don't know."
Nodding, Siegel replied with utmost sincerity.
Upon hearing this, Patrick leaned forward, reached out, and grabbed Siegel by the collar. Clutching the fabric, his furious eyes fixed intently on him as he growled in a low voice.
"Siegel, I've been turning a blind eye to your actions out of respect for our friendship. But I never expected you and your daughter to be so ungrateful—first failing to steal the Warrior, and now making another attempt to take the Freedom!" Patrick's voice rose as he practically roared the question at Siegel. "What exactly are you trying to achieve?"
"Zala, I know it's hard for you to believe me, but I swear I had no knowledge of this matter whatsoever."
Meeting his furious friend's gaze, Siegel's expression remained steady and resolute as she replied.
Hearing this, Patrick stared intently into Siegel's eyes, as if searching for something hidden within them. After a moment, he released his grip on her collar, composed himself, and sat back down in his chair.
"Just because you say something doesn't mean I'll believe it. Until your daughter is captured, you'll be staying in a cell for a while."
"Very well. I'll cooperate."
Siegel nodded in response.
Patrick looked at his friend calmly and said, "Siegel, since no harm was done, I won't pursue the matter of the Warrior Gundam any further. Whether you were involved or not, I don't care to investigate. But the theft of the Freedom—I won't let it slide like before. Do you understand?"
"I understand perfectly. But I must tell you—the theft of the Freedom has absolutely nothing to do with me."
Rising to her feet and straightening her appearance, Siegel spoke with unwavering conviction. Patrick glanced up at her but said nothing more.
Just then, the office door opened, and two soldiers entered, halting beside Siegel. Understanding the situation, Siegel turned and followed them out of the room.
A short while after Siegel's departure, Patrick pressed a button on his communicator.
"Recall Athrun Zala at once!"
He issued the order to his subordinate, then ended the transmission. Seated in his chair, Patrick's expression darkened, and a cold, sharp tone edged his voice.
"Lacus Clyne, Siegel Clyne… You'd better pray the technology aboard the Freedom doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Otherwise, not even death would be enough to atone for your mistakes!"
Junius City, District 7
In a very ordinary, unremarkable house
"Miss Clyne, the Wanted Order for you has been issued."
Vania stood up and approached Lacus, holding out her phone with the notice displayed. Lacus looked up at her, took the phone, and studied the Wanted Order. A bright, untroubled smile spread across her face.
"It seems our days of ease are over."
"Miss Clyne, please rest assured. As long as we are here, you won't face the slightest danger. We will spare no effort to protect your safety."
Vania looked at the bright smile on Lacus's face and responded with a serious, determined expression.
Hearing this, Lacus nodded at Vania.
"I believe in you."
As she spoke, an apologetic expression appeared on Lacus's face, and she continued with sincere regret in her voice.
"I'm sorry for putting you all in danger alongside me."
Upon hearing this, Vania shook her head, a smile appearing on her face as she replied gently.
"Miss Clyne, peace is what we all hope for in our hearts. We voluntarily followed you in these endeavors, so you shouldn't blame yourself."
"Thank you, Vania."
Hearing this, Lacus smiled slightly and expressed her gratitude sincerely.