Chapter 247: Tekkadan V
Upon hearing Kudelia's words, the lecherous Todo became even more brazen.
"Exactly, exactly! And while we're at it, maybe we can negotiate a little something extra—some money, perhaps?"
But Orga, true to his sense of loyalty, stopped him cold.
"We don't even know what Gjallarhorn plans to do to you," he said to Kudelia.
Biscuit added, "He's right. You can't go with them. They might kill you."
Kudelia shook her head firmly.
"Too many people have already died here. But I'm not planning to throw my life away. I'll do everything I can to make them understand my ideals and what I stand for."
Biscuit and Todo soon began arguing over whether to hand Kudelia over or not, but Orga cut them off.
"I'm not planning on doing that," he declared. "And I don't even know how much of what that old man said is true—or what he can actually guarantee. I'm not about to just agree to his terms."
Then he turned toward Mikazuki and shouted, "Mika, can you take care of him for me?"
Mikazuki replied without hesitation, "Sure, no problem."
Eugene, suddenly tense, asked, "Wait—Orga, what do you mean by 'take care of him'?"
"The literal meaning," Orga said flatly. "Take him out."
He opened the communicator and shouted at Crank, "Sorry to keep you waiting. We'll accept your challenge!"
Crank's expression hardened, and he replied solemnly, "Much appreciated."
Following Orga's orders, Mikazuki entered the cockpit of the Barbatos Gundam. With Nadi's help, he began fine-tuning the Alaya-Vijnana system.
As Mikazuki prepared for launch, Kudelia watched him sadly.
"If I could use that Alaya-Vijnana system too," she murmured, "I'd be able to control that machine freely, right? Then I could fight… I could actually help everyone."
"Don't be ridiculous," Orga said quietly. "We just got lucky. There were ten of us who had the Alaya-Vijnana procedure done at the same time.
Four didn't make it—they were sent to the hospital. They're probably still lying there now… if they're even alive.
Mika went through that surgery three times. It's incredibly risky—but he volunteered every time."
A moment later, Mikazuki successfully reactivated Barbatos. Step by step, the Gundam began walking toward Crank's Graze.
Meanwhile, Tolle—piloting his Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam—decided it was time to act. Deactivating his Mirage System, he descended from orbit toward Mars.
He intended to save Crank—one of the few decent men left in Gjallarhorn.
If he didn't make it in time, well… that would just mean the old man's luck had run out.
On the battlefield, Mikazuki maneuvered Barbatos, raising his mace-spear. Crank's Graze lifted its battle-axe in turn.
The duel was about to begin.
Barbatos sprinted forward, moving with incredible speed. Crank's Graze ignited its thrusters, charging head-on.
At that crucial moment, Tolle's heavy Bael Gundam landed between them.
With his left hand, he caught the Graze's battle-axe; with his right, he seized Barbatos's mace-spear.
Then he opened a channel.
"Pilot of the Gjallarhorn Graze—cease your attack immediately.
I am Tolle Koenig, Director of the Spark Interstellar Trade Security Group.
You are infringing upon property belonging to my corporation. The security firm CGS is a subsidiary of the Spark Interstellar Group.
Cease hostilities at once, or we will retaliate against Gjallarhorn's orbital installations.
Repeat—Gjallarhorn—"
Crank, realizing the situation, promptly released his weapon and backed off.
Tolle turned to Mikazuki next.
"Pilot of the CGS Gundam, you stand down as well. I'll take it from here."
Mikazuki lowered his weapon slowly.
"Understood, Director."
Tolle pretended to recognize the voice only just now.
"Oh? That voice… Mika, is that you?"
"Yes, Director."
"The Alaya-Vijnana puts too much strain on your brain. Go get some rest."
"Got it, Director."
As Mikazuki began to head back to base, Ein suddenly raised his rifle, aiming at Barbatos.
"Don't move! He's the one who killed our captain, Orlis!"
But Crank quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his aim.
"That's enough, Ein. Leave this to me."
"But—"
Crank cut him off sharply.
"Ein, if you don't want this war to escalate, then stay silent. I'm your commanding officer. I'll take full responsibility."
"…Understood, Lieutenant Crank."
With his superior pulling rank, Ein could only lower his weapon, glaring as Barbatos withdrew into the CGS hangar.
Crank then addressed Tolle respectfully.
"Director Tolle, it's an honor to meet you. You've assisted us several times before.
We're here on an important mission. Please, grant us some leeway so we can complete it."
Tolle's eyes narrowed slightly.
So this was one of the men from those earlier skirmishes with Gjallarhorn. That made things easier.
"Oh? So you were there before too? That's convenient. At least someone here knows who I am.
But this land belongs to me personally, and you've crossed into it without permission. There'll be no negotiating now.
If you'd come to me first, I might have been flexible. But now? Too late.
My people died here—how are you going to make that right?"
Ein suddenly burst out, "We in Gjallarhorn lost many soldiers too! What about—"
"Enough, Ein!" Crank snapped, cutting him off.
He turned back to Tolle.
"Please forgive his outburst, Director Tolle.
Would you consider settling this in a one-on-one duel?
If I lose, we'll take only the Graze and leave.
If I win, I ask to take both the Graze and Lady Kudelia with us.
For the rest, my superior, Chief Coral, will contact you directly."
Tolle gave a short laugh.
"I don't mind a duel—but you'll lose, no question.
And as for Kudelia, she's not going anywhere.
The Graze, however… win or lose, you can have it back."