Kapitel 187: Chapter 187: The Tug of War
Despite the ambush involving three units — two Ginns and a single, less-equipped Zaku — the opposition was simply no match for He Kui's team, especially with the latest tech on their side. The skirmish ended quickly, restoring peace to the region in no time.
Orb's ship soon established contact with ZAFT's Nazca-class vessel.
"We appreciate your timely intervention. Your forces' capabilities have certainly exceeded expectations," Erika said with a diplomatic smile to the captain on the screen. Her tone was conciliatory, laced with vague promises for "future communication and mutual understanding."
"Of course. We, too, hope for cooperation," the ZAFT captain replied, a sudden smile crossing his usually stern face. "However, given the complex situation in this sector and potential security risks, we believe it would be safest to escort your ship to our territory, where we can guarantee your protection. This proposal is entirely for the well-being of you and your crew; we hope you understand and accept."
"We can then arrange for your return to your home nation once you reach our secure area," he added. It was a straightforward offer — having saved them, ZAFT was naturally hoping for a fair exchange.
Orb's response, however, was equally clear.
"Thank you for your generous offer, but we must respectfully decline," Erika replied, maintaining her smile. "We believe that within DSSD's L4 jurisdiction, the attack was merely an unfortunate incident."
With the refusal, the ZAFT captain turned toward He Kui, who had just returned to the bridge, looking relaxed as if he had simply been on a stroll.
"Director He, they're refusing to come with us," the captain informed him.
"That's to be expected," He Kui replied nonchalantly, striding over to the screen.
"Director Erika," he greeted, and Erika let out a subtle sigh of relief upon seeing him. However, her tension returned quickly. "Your new mobile suits seem to have impressive capabilities," she commented.
"Thank you for the compliment, Director Erika. But are you sure you don't want to visit our base? We have many more prototypes there that I'm sure you'd find interesting."
"Perhaps next time," Erika replied, forcing a smile. "For now, Morgenroete is suspending development on mobile suits." A blatant lie, but she couldn't care less — as if the M1 units weren't already proof enough of Orb's ambitions.
"Is that so? It seems that your intelligence network could use some upgrades."
"Thank you for the suggestion, Director He. We'll take it under advisement," Erika responded coolly, unsure if he was referring to Morgenroete's stolen Gundams or today's ambush. Her position on Earth had indeed left them vulnerable to infiltration and sabotage.
"We'll ensure you're appropriately compensated for this assistance," Erika offered, trying to close the conversation diplomatically.
"Of course. I understand." He Kui nodded. "In that case, how about leaving one representative behind? Just as a gesture of goodwill. I assure you they'll be treated with the utmost respect."
He Kui's request, though reasonable, carried a firm undertone. Allowing them to leave so easily wouldn't sit well with his ZAFT superiors, especially the Sara faction, which would demand more from this transaction than empty words. Besides, oral promises were just that — words.
Erika hesitated, sharing a quick, knowing look with Kisaka. Leaving behind one individual seemed manageable. He Kui hadn't specified anyone particular, so they could simply send a standard soldier.
"Very well—"
"I'll go!" Cagalli abruptly interrupted, stepping defiantly into the camera's view.
Both sides fell silent, momentarily taken aback.
Neither side had anticipated Cagalli volunteering. After all, she was Orb's princess.
"Miss Becky, what are you doing here?" He Kui asked, keeping his tone light.
"I… have family back in Orb and was thinking of visiting them. If you need someone to stay, I'm willing to volunteer," Cagalli replied.
"… I wasn't asking for a hostage, Miss Becky, merely inviting an Orb representative for a friendly visit," He Kui responded. "And besides, Miss Becky, you're not from Orb."
In reality, ZAFT was in no position to escalate tensions with Orb, especially with their conflict with the Earth Alliance at a critical point. He Kui was simply playing a bit of political theater. He didn't want it to seem as though ZAFT's assistance was charity or, worse, a sign of weakness that anyone could take advantage of.
"I apologize, Director He. We need to deliberate further," Erika said.
"Of course. Take your time," He Kui replied, ending the transmission.
As soon as the screen went dark, Erika turned to Cagalli with exasperation.
"What on Earth are you doing, Your Highness?"
"I'm not playing games!" Cagalli shot back, indignant. "How can we send one of our soldiers as a hostage?"
"He never said hostage, only 'guest.' And there's no indication they'd mistreat a guest." Erika sighed. This was all just posturing; Orb would provide appropriate compensation, and ZAFT would release their "guest."
"And even if you're unwilling to admit it, you are Orb's princess. Your presence would complicate matters."
"He doesn't even know I'm an Asuha…" Cagalli muttered, looking away.
"You think he hasn't noticed anything unusual?" Erika asked skeptically. "When he saw a supposed DSSD employee on our ship, he barely reacted. He was playing along, but he knows something's off."
"But this would allow me to gather information… about their new mobile suits," Cagalli argued, though her voice faltered slightly.
"We have that covered," Erika replied firmly.
Kisaka, who had been listening nearby, nodded in agreement.
"Hmph. Fine, I'll head back to my quarters!" Cagalli huffed, storming out of the bridge.
They all treated her like a child. She clenched her fists as memories of past battles flooded her mind.
ZAFT's new units had demonstrated overwhelming power in this skirmish. Compared to Orb's M1s, these ZAFT suits were capable of handling multiple opponents with ease. The unit piloted by He Kui could likely hold its own against half a dozen or more of Orb's machines.
In contrast, ZAFT soldiers, however ruthless, seemed bound by principles — unlike certain Earth Alliance forces, which often showed no such restraint.
Her curiosity grew. She wanted to understand the full extent of ZAFT's strategy and ambitions. Her father had told her to see the world for herself, and she had taken that advice to heart.
Now, she was more resolved than ever. To understand the world better, she needed to see it from all sides.
"If I don't understand this world, how can I expect Orb to spread its ideals within it?"
Murmuring to herself, Cagalli made a decision, subtly changing her path to her new destination.
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
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Stein