Chapter 138: Christina Wants to Speak
"So, the Shadow Cavalry failed… Well, considering they were being hounded by those Federal hyenas, making it this far was already an incredible feat."
Seeing that the captured mass driver's meteor strike on Earth hadn't achieved the expected results, Gato felt more regret for his fallen comrades than anger.
When the Shadow Cavalry contacted him, Gato had immediately rushed to the Moon, fearlessly wielding his newfound power to assist them.
Even though Revil's hounds had arrived, Gato quickly shot down two Salamis-class ships and wiped out the surrounding defenses, allowing the Zeon warships in contact with the Shadow Cavalry to take control of the mass driver.
Although the original "Tears of the Sky" operation had failed, and without radar disruption, threatening the Federation's military bases was nearly impossible, Gato remained undeterred.
Because they now possessed something far more powerful than mere meteors.
"Once it's loaded, fire at any city on Earth—anywhere will do. The Federation needs to know we mean business."
After issuing his command to his comrades at the mass driver, Gato slammed the throttle forward, launching his Zaku into the fray!
Within the Moon's orbit, his blue-gray Zaku alone managed to suppress the Federation forces, leaving them unable to move.
"This isn't just any Zaku… not just any Zaku!"
Gato muttered in the cockpit as his Zaku suddenly twisted, shooting down a GM attempting to attack from behind!
Indeed, while this Zaku still looked like a One Year War-era model, its internals had been modernized with cutting-edge Axis technology.
As for why Gato was even able to pilot an MS—
It was thanks to the newly implemented system within this machine.
The Regeneration P-System.
By linking the pilot's nerves directly to the MS control system, it allowed them to operate the machine purely through thought.
That was why Gato could fight without using his hands!
To fully utilize this system, however, one's limbs had to be amputated and replaced with cybernetic prosthetics that interfaced with the machine.
But even with just his arms connected, Gato could already surpass his past combat capabilities—no, far exceed them!
—
"It's been a long time, Eli."
A year had passed, yet Christina remained the same, her bright smile as radiant as ever.
"Yeah, long time no see, Chris."
Eli leaned against the open-top Jeep's door, letting the frigid night wind bite at his face.
Glancing at Christina beside him, dressed lightly yet unfazed by the cold thanks to her fiery red hair, Eli instinctively shrank his neck.
Even now, he was still wearing his Federation pilot suit. Though it provided good insulation, without a helmet, it didn't do much against the wind.
"So, what brings you here all of a sudden?"
"I was tracking down some remnants…"
"I see…"
Upon closer inspection, Christina's face bore traces of concern.
She wanted to ask him for something but, for some reason, was holding back.
Before long, they arrived at Christina's "research lab."
Though called a lab, it was essentially a hangar.
As Christina switched on the lights, Eli saw an MS inside—
The NT-1.
"Ah, an old companion, huh?"
Standing before the NT-1, Eli looked up at it.
The machine had been completely refurbished, with a newly upgraded backpack for greater output and an adjusted leg thruster layout.
"Haha, I bet the current NT-1 would surprise you, Eli! Its performance has improved by 30% compared to the One Year War."
As she spoke, Christina's earlier worries seemed to fade, replaced by the same prideful expression she had when Eli first met her.
"Is that so? Then I suppose it must be even harder to pilot now?"
"Hey, no need to point that out!"
Christina playfully clenched her fist beside her face, as if ready to punch Eli at any moment.
"Hmph… but I'm not a test pilot anymore. Someone else is better suited for the job…"
Eli narrowed his eyes.
Clearly, both his reason for coming here and Christina's unease were connected to this test pilot.
Stepping forward, he placed his hand on the Gundam.
A static-like sensation brushed across his forehead.
For a fleeting moment, the scene of Sydney's fall resurfaced before his eyes.
"…Eli, what do you think about Amuro piloting the Gundam back then?"
Christina's gentle voice pulled Eli back to reality.
Turning around, he looked at the woman standing with her arms half-crossed, clad in thin clothing.
Despite being two years older than him, a mature woman, she now appeared somewhat vulnerable.
She had come to greet him in such light attire, and since the hangar's lights had only just been turned on, it was clear she hadn't been working late—she had simply rushed out of bed the moment she heard he was coming.
She had something she wanted to say to him.
"The first time I saw Amuro fight, I thought, 'It'd be a waste not to make use of that power.'"
Eli didn't shy away from voicing his honest thoughts.
Hearing this, Christina wasn't disappointed. Instead, her eyes shone with even greater anticipation.
"But during one operation, when Amuro mercilessly took down an enemy I had even a little respect for, I began to wonder if having him as a Gundam pilot was truly the right choice… Mindless power can be terrifying."
As he spoke, Eli and Christina ascended the lift to NT-1's chest.
"But soon, I realized something—Amuro, despite claiming he didn't want to pilot the Gundam, enjoyed the experience more than anyone. Not as a weapon for killing, but as a mechanical titan to be piloted. He willingly got into the Gundam. Later on, he even cast aside his childish defiance and wholeheartedly fought to protect White Base… to protect you."
Eli placed his hand on the lift's panel, opening the NT-1's cockpit.
"That's why I could accept a child soldier becoming a Gundam pilot… So, Christina, whatever you want to say, just say it. As Commander of Undertaker, I'll do everything I can."
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