If the Strike's modifications were complete, he could leave immediately. But the problem was that the Strike was still here. However, there was always Lowe's team. To be honest, Lowe was probably more eager to escape than he was, especially with such large chunks of rare metals on his ship.
Without further hesitation, He Kui quickly activated his communicator.
"Lowe, what's the situation?"
"I'd love to leave, but they've sealed off the entire base," Lowe replied, sounding desperate.
"Don't you have any hidden exits or secret ports?"
He Kui sighed in frustration.
"We're neutral. Establishing something like that isn't allowed here."
"…"
Lowe's answer made sense, but it complicated the situation even further.
"And they've surrounded our ship as well."
Of course, ZAFT would surround the entire area. Their encirclement was professionally executed, ensuring that every shipborne radar could cover the area entirely. No matter where they tried to leave, they'd be detected.
"…Do you have a real-time visual of the situation?"
"Yes," Lowe said and quickly sent a feed to He Kui's wrist device. The holographic display showed the base surrounded by ZAFT forces on all sides.
"There aren't that many. Just four Nazca-class and four Laurasia-class ships."
"…"
The Junk Guild members listening to the conversation were at a loss for words. Did he really just call that "not many"? That was more than enough firepower to obliterate them several times over.
"Aegis, do you have any ideas?" Lowe asked, pushing his thoughts aside.
"If we can't run and can't hide it, the only option is to distract them," He Kui replied. "You mentioned you still have two components left. Where are they?"
"They're in the usual spot," Lowe replied, still unsure of He Kui's plan.
"I'll head over now."
Hearing this, the group exchanged confused glances.
"Can Aegis really pull this off?" one of them muttered.
"Maybe we should just hand the stuff over and be done with it," Shuri suggested, her tone laced with concern.
The components aboard Lowe's ship were almost certainly the "valuable items" ZAFT was looking for.
"…It's already come to this," Lowe said, gesturing toward the massive Astray Red Frame behind him. After fitting each limb with an individual power supply, it was barely operational. But surrendering the components would mean losing the Astray as well.
"And honestly, if it's Aegis, maybe she really has a way," Lowe said with a glimmer of hope. "The boss is out front stalling them, but he probably can't hold them off for more than ten minutes. I'll go talk to Aegis and see what she thinks."
If Aegis was really He Kui, with his knowledge of ZAFT, there might actually be a chance to get through this.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crew dispersed to prepare for ZAFT's inevitable arrival.
Before long, the Junk Guild, under the pressure of ZAFT's fleet, finally opened the port gates. However, strict conditions were imposed: no causing disturbances and no taking unrelated materials.
"We appreciate your cooperation," the white-uniformed ZAFT commander said as he shook hands with the base administrator. He appeared polite and professional, though the Junk Guild members were visibly displeased. After all, ZAFT's actions blatantly violated the guild's principle that "finders, keepers."
But with Patrick Zala leading ZAFT and a newly lost Gundam fueling their resolve, their stance was ironclad. The Junk Guild had no choice but to comply after seeking approval from their higher-ups.
"I just hope that kid Lowe managed to hide everything properly," the administrator muttered to himself. He couldn't help but feel uncertain despite Lowe's earlier confident assurances. At this point, all they could do was hope Lowe's legendary luck held up.
"Well then, let's begin. Please open all material warehouses," the ZAFT officer requested.
"Of course," the administrator said, leading the way as they began their inspection.
After combing through the warehouses, they moved on to inspect the ship storage area. As they neared Lowe's vessel, the administrator was visibly sweating bullets.
Just then, the white-uniformed officer's wrist communicator began to vibrate rhythmically. The officer's expression turned serious as he answered the call, speaking into a miniature earpiece.
"What's the matter?"
"We've detected a unit equipped with Mirage Colloid rapidly approaching us."
"Intercept it!" the officer barked before ending the call. He then turned back to the administrator and saluted.
"Thank you for your cooperation," he said before hurriedly leaving the scene.
"Well, I'll be damned. It actually worked," Lowe said, exhaling in relief as ZAFT forces pulled back. He made his way to He Kui's modified Strike, admiration written all over his face.
"Remote-controlling the components to activate their Mirage Colloid system and letting them drift out of the port while ZAFT was distracted... That was genius."
"It was risky. They do have anti-Mirage Colloid radar," Lowe remarked, his voice tinged with nervousness.
"I was confident," He Kui said simply.
After all, he had designed that radar system himself. Unless it was someone like Rau Le Creuset—a true anomaly—his plan was sound.
"Impressive. That strategy was something else," Lowe admitted.
As the two spoke, a holographic projection flickered to life, appearing much like the ethereal displays from Blade Runner. Sliding along the ceiling rails of the hangar, a young man in a captain's uniform materialized before them.
"…And you are?"
"George Glenn. A pleasure to meet you," the man introduced himself.
"You're George Glenn?" He Kui asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, though the explanation is complicated," Lowe said sheepishly.
"Oh," He Kui responded nonchalantly.
In reality, he already knew the truth. George Glenn's consciousness was integrated with the Holme's onboard computer. Essentially, the ship's AI was George Glenn himself.
The Junk Guild members, expecting a more dramatic reaction from Aegis, were visibly disappointed. But her calm acceptance was probably for the best.
He Kui still had questions for George Glenn, but returning to Earth took precedence.
"Well then, let's continue the Strike's modifications. It's time for me to return to South America," He Kui said.
"Funny you should say that—we're heading to Panama too," Lowe replied, scratching his head with a grin.
"Why?"
"We've got a commission to recover and refine metals down there," Lowe explained.
"Great. We can head down together. The Strike's modifications can be completed en route."
"Sounds good!"
After He Kui agreed, Elina's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Does that mean we're going home?" she asked eagerly.
"Yes, we're going home," He Kui confirmed.
"Home..." Elina murmured wistfully. As much as she loved the stars, home was still home. Her roots were in South America.
He Kui smiled faintly,
letting her savor the moment. Then, turning back to Lowe, he joined him in continuing the upgrades to the Strike.
(End of Chapter)