The Chapter get Retranslated
Behind his mask, Creuset's expression remained hidden, but the way he tapped his chin with his index finger made it clear he was deep in thought.
He was pondering how to handle that terrifying machine. He had a premonition that its arrival might very well derail his plans.
Just then, the comms unit near the infirmary chimed.
"Commander, please return to the bridge. We've detected a heat source similar to a warship."
"Understood. I'll be right back."
Creuset cut the connection and turned to Athrun.
"Anyway, Athrun, put the matter of that machine aside for now. Get some rest. Yzak and the others will be by to see you in a moment."
"Yes, sir."
Creuset nodded and left the infirmary. Athrun lay on the bed, staring at the white ceiling with a furrowed brow.
That machine... could it be Kira at the controls? I saw him when we were seizing the suits... No, that's not right. Kira isn't the type for such an insane piloting style. He should be in the last Gundam, so what exactly is that other machine...?
"Athrun!"
While Athrun's mind raced, Yzak Jule, Nicol Amalfi, and Dearka Elsman arrived at the infirmary.
Nicol saw Athrun on the bed and drifted over hastily, only stopping by grabbing the edge of the bed frame. "Athrun, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you guys."
Yzak immediately began to bark, "You idiot! You're a Red Coat, and you let yourself get thrashed like this? How embarrassing!"
Beside him, Dearka chuckled and muttered, "It's not like you didn't see the battle footage. If you'd faced that MS alone, you wouldn't have fared much better than Athrun."
Yzak's ears twitched. Already hot-headed, Dearka's comment sent his temper through the roof, a cross-vein practically bulging on his forehead. "You brat, say that one more time!"
"Shhh, shhh." Dearka quickly looked up and started whistling.
"Please, you two, don't fight..." Nicol tried to play peacemaker.
The medical staff in the infirmary was a rare female soldier, and quite a beautiful one at that. She yanked back a white curtain and roared in their direction.
"What are you lot shouting for? Think you're so special just because you wear a Red Coat? This is an infirmary! Shut your mouths, you morons!"
The female doctor wasn't intimidated by the four elite Red Coats in the slightest, letting the insults fly.
"We are very sorry!"
The four shut up instantly and offered their apologies. Even the fearless Yzak backed down.
There was no helping it. She was the doctor, and the most skilled one on the ship. If you got injured and she decided to hold a grudge while treating you, you'd be in for a nightmare.
The profession of a doctor was vital anywhere, even more so in an age of space travel and constant warfare. More importantly, this particular doctor was a top graduate from PLANT's elite medical academy.
Beyond that, she was a master of hand-to-hand combat. Athrun and his friends had personally witnessed her kick two senior Red Coats across the room for looking down on her when they had first joined the military. From that day on, none of them dared to show her any disrespect; after all, no one wanted to be taken out by one of their own.
"Alright, you've seen him, now get out. The patient needs rest."
"Wait... Doctor, wait..."
The doctor shooed them out without another word. Athrun breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at her. "Thank you."
The doctor curled her lip and floated over to the bed next to his, sitting down and crossing her legs. "Don't mention it. Though, since you're the son of Chairman Zala, why did you come to such a dangerous front line? Look at you now; that was a close call."
Athrun's expression grew complicated. He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.
"Was it your father's order?"
"I suppose you could say that..."
"I see. Still, you're a Red Coat. Your opponent was a Natural, right? To think you'd be beaten like this. I even heard Commander Creuset's CGUE was heavily damaged. Did you both fight the same person?"
Curiosity flashed in her eyes. Creuset was a renowned ace within the entire squadron. The fact that his machine had lost its left arm and head was almost unbelievable to her.
Athrun was equally perplexed, mostly wondering if Kira was actually on that warship. "It was indeed the same opponent, but... I'm not sure if they were a Natural. If they were, a human body shouldn't be able to withstand that kind of maneuvering."
The doctor felt a sudden, intense interest in the machine that had defeated their elite Red Coats and their commander. To be a Red Coat meant your piloting skills and overall abilities were at the very peak among Coordinators.
"Alright, get some rest. With the medication and a full day's sleep, you'll be completely recovered."
"Yes, ma'am."
With that, Athrun closed his eyes and drifted off. He truly was exhausted. The doctor returned to her office deep inside the infirmary to resume her work.
***
On the Archangel, Mikazuki Augus opened his eyes, having slept until he woke up naturally.
"Orga."
Orga Itsuka's voice came through the earpiece. "Oh, you're awake? Don't worry, they didn't do anything unnecessary to Barbatos."
"I see. Where is this ship heading next?"
Orga sounded exasperated. "Hey, didn't that woman, Murrue Ramius, already tell you? We're heading to Artemis Fortress to resupply."
"Oh, right. I forgot."
Mikazuki scratched his head and took a date from his pocket. He popped it into his mouth, the very picture of nonchalance. Orga was helpless against Mikazuki's utter lack of concern for protocol.
🔥 WANT TO READ AHEAD? STOP WAITING!
Consider to Support this story and get instant access:
✅ 400+ Advance Chapters (Binge the next arcs right now!)
✅ 2 New Chapters Updated Daily!
👉 Patreon.com/flokixy
🛍️ Want full story bundles? Access them directly on Patreon without a monthly commitment!
Thank you to everyone supporting the daily updates! ❤️