Kapitel 188: Chapter 188: The Stowaway Girl
As the shuttle from Orb's Marseille-class transport arrived, only a single soldier disembarked.
"Commander He Kui, it's an honor," the young man said, giving a respectful Orb salute.
Dressed in a light blue uniform, he introduced himself. "I am Johnny Allen, rank Second Lieutenant."
The soldier notably didn't mention his unit's designation, but He Kui didn't press further.
"Achieving officer rank at your age is impressive, Lieutenant Allen."
"I am a Coordinator," the young man replied openly.
It was a rare admission, especially in Orb, where Coordinators often kept their identities hidden due to lingering biases. Although Orb professed equality, they hadn't fully eradicated discrimination, and most Coordinators in Orb chose to conceal their true nature. Orb even supported their secrecy to help Coordinators integrate peacefully with Naturals.
A Coordinator openly joining Orb's military was exceedingly rare; likely, Allen had been brought aboard due to the presence of the princess.
While the surrounding ZAFT soldiers regarded Allen with a certain disdain, He Kui didn't make things difficult for him. To him, it made no difference whether Allen was a Natural or a Coordinator; he was simply there to fulfill an obligation.
"Someone will escort you—"
Just as he spoke, a sudden commotion erupted from the Marseille-class shuttle. The ZAFT soldiers instinctively raised their weapons, and Iron Wall instinctively moved closer to shield He Kui.
"Chirp~"
A familiar mechanical chirp echoed, and a small owl-like drone emerged from the shuttle.
"…"
He Kui found himself momentarily speechless. Nobody else knew, but he recognized this drone instantly. It was the same owl that had been with Cagalli since the desert battles in North Africa.
"Iron Wall, that's one of my units," He Kui said with a hint of exasperation. "Captain, inform the crew to prepare for immediate departure. Please show Lieutenant Allen to his quarters."
If Orb noticed the princess was missing, they'd undoubtedly pursue. However, since she'd already boarded his ship willingly, he saw no need to rush to return her. Her safety would certainly be a concern for Orb, not for him. As a ZAFT officer, He Kui had the authority to ensure the safety of an uninvited guest, especially if it was the princess herself.
Once everyone else had left the hangar, He Kui directed his owl drone to monitor the area. He then approached the shuttle.
"Miss Becky," he called gently. "Why would you come to such a place? It's dangerous, you know."
Nestled inside a corner of the shuttle, wrapped in an emergency blanket, Cagalli scowled in frustration. Of course, she'd been caught—stealthily sneaking into PLANT had been optimistic at best.
Slowly, she climbed out of the shuttle. Her golden hair shone even in the dim lighting.
"I…"
"If you're a fan, that doesn't mean you should sneak into enemy territory," He Kui said with a knowing smile, amused at her earlier ruse.
"Mmm," she muttered, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. "Fine…"
"Here, there are cameras everywhere," he warned. "Follow me."
"Oh," she said, seeming a bit stunned.
He Kui led her through the hallways, eventually stopping at a luxurious room that looked more like a hotel suite than a holding room.
"Uh… Commander He Kui?"
"Yes?" he replied, his tone mild but a bit teasing.
Her face flushed under his steady gaze. Slowly, she realized the implication of being led into a private room with him.
"What… exactly do you want from me?" she stammered.
"Nothing untoward," he replied smoothly. "I'm simply figuring out the best cover story for you."
"How about 'secretary'?"
"Absolutely not!"
"You'd get to see me every day," he added with a wry smile.
"…"
Ignoring her rising frustration, He Kui continued. "All right, I'll say you're a DSSD employee I invited to visit my company. As long as you don't set foot on PLANT proper, your presence shouldn't raise any flags."
The company He Kui managed operated from an asteroid, a safe distance from PLANT. As long as she remained off PLANT itself, her identity would remain secure.
Observing her attire—a boyish civilian outfit—he nodded approvingly. It would work as a simple disguise. The only complication would be to ensure she didn't cross paths with Second Lieutenant Allen.
"For now, stay here and don't wander," he said, moving towards the door. "I'll arrange everything for your new identity."
Without giving her a chance to argue, he exited and locked the door behind him.
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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