Chapter 212: Dawn Society I
After breakfast, the three of them headed to a large shopping mall to begin an all-out shopping spree.
Once again, Tolle became a pack mule, his arms and shoulders weighed down with bags. Most of it was Lynn Minmay's cosmetics and beauty products — which put her on par with Frey in that regard.
After all, Minmay used to be the type who valued beauty over everything — even her life. She was the kind of woman who'd rather die than let her hair get messy.
The day's shopping frenzy finally ended, and that night, Tolle once again spent the evening in Lynn Minmay's company.
The short vacation quickly came to an end. Since Tolle still had to cooperate with the MS flight tests, he returned first to the Dawn Society's factory.
Miriallia, being a communications officer with no urgent duties, was allowed a few extra days of leave — and took Lynn Minmay along to continue their little holiday.
After returning to the Dawn Society, Tolle was assigned to head back aboard the Archangel and, piloting the high-performance Ginn, descended to the underground MS manufacturing plant of the Dawn Society.
He spotted the Strike Gundam parked nearby. That meant Kira must have already gotten back to work.
Just as Tolle stepped out of the cockpit, a brown-haired woman approached and introduced herself with a warm smile:
"Hello, you're Tolle Koenig, right? I'm Erica Simmons, chief designer at the Dawn Society. Welcome to Orb's underground MS manufacturing facility."
Tolle blinked for a few seconds in surprise. This Erica really is stunning. He thought it was a real shame that she was already with Mu — part of him even wanted to try flirting with her himself.
But she had a husband and a child. Forcing things or breaking them up — whether to push her toward Mu or take her for himself — just didn't sit right.
Maybe if her husband dies when the Earth Alliance attacks Orb… that would make things simpler.
Tolle quickly stopped his wandering thoughts and replied politely, "Yes, I'm Tolle Koenig. It's a pleasure to meet you, Director Erica."
He extended his right hand in greeting.
Seeing Tolle's slightly awkward demeanor, Erica chuckled softly, then shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Tolle."
As their hands parted, Tolle couldn't help but notice how soft her skin was — smooth and delicate to the touch, almost like polished jade.
Wow, her skin is incredible. Feels amazing…
Just as Tolle was lost in that thought, Erica interrupted his daze with a gentle voice, "Alright, Tolle, no need to be nervous. Think of this place as your home. You've got nothing to worry about."
She smiled kindly and continued, "And since you're an Orb citizen, this place is practically your mother's home too. So relax a little."
With that, Erica led him forward as they walked through the corridor. "Your friend Kira just arrived as well — only a few minutes before you. He was a bit nervous at first too, but he's already settled in."
Tolle couldn't help thinking, Yeah, he's probably nervous because of your looks too. Either you're just oblivious, or you're being nice enough to let us save face.
Whatever the case, it didn't matter. He had more important things to do — like checking out the M1 Astray units.
"Really? So Kira's here too. No wonder the Strike Gundam's parked over there."
Erica nodded. "That's right. We can properly repair the Strike Gundam here — it's like returning home to its family."
She added with a teasing smile, "There's something ahead I'd like to show you, but don't be too surprised when you see it."
Tolle smirked behind her back. Anyone who's been here before knows it's full of M1 Astrays. But fine — I'll play along.
He put on a thoughtful expression and said, "Oh? What could it be? Don't tell me it's a bunch of Orb-made mobile suits?"
"Exactly right," Erica replied, clearly pleased by his curiosity. With a smile, she opened the heavy door to a wide passageway, then gestured toward the rows of M1 Astrays on both sides. "Here they are!"
Tolle widened his eyes in exaggerated awe, playing the part of a country bumpkin entering a grand estate. "Whoa—! So many Gundams! They look incredible — maybe even cooler than the Strike Gundam! Amazing!"
He grabbed Erica's hands in mock excitement. "Director Erica, I didn't know Orb had its own Gundams! Could you tell me their names? And um… would it be possible for me to pilot one?"
Seeing him glance around eagerly at the M1 Astrays, Erica felt a quiet pride — these were, after all, her own designs.
Tolle's flattery had hit the mark perfectly, and Erica couldn't bring herself to shake his hands off. "These are M1 Astrays, MS units manufactured by the Dawn Society for the Orb military."
She smiled kindly. "You don't have to be so excited. You'll get to pilot one soon enough — don't worry."
Tolle put on a shy, apologetic look, releasing her hands. "Sorry, Director Erica. I just got a little too excited seeing so many Gundams. I lost my composure for a moment…"
Erica chuckled, covering her mouth lightly. "It's fine, don't be so nervous. I understand. Come on — let's go inside. Kira and the others are waiting for us."
Tolle followed quietly behind her into the control room, where he saw Kira chatting with Cagalli.
Cagalli's right cheek looked slightly swollen — seemed like the lioness had once again been on the receiving end of a scolding from her father, Uzumi.
When Cagalli noticed Tolle walking in, she waved cheerfully. "Hey, Tolle! You're finally here. Kira and I were just talking about you — wondering what took you so long."
"Hey, Cagalli." Tolle deliberately glanced at her cheek for a few seconds, then said in a mock-concerned tone — really just to tease her — "What happened to your face? Are you okay? Did someone bully you? I can go get revenge for you."
Kira chuckled, failing to read the mood. "Don't worry about her, Tolle. She's the Princess of Orb — who around here could possibly bully her?"
"You jerk, Kira!" Cagalli punched him playfully on the back, and Tolle couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Hahaha, alright, alright, Kira — let's not tease Cagalli too much. It's really not that funny… hahaha!"
Cagalli pouted, her face flushed with frustration, looking every bit the fierce lioness again. "Hmph! You're both total jerks!"
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M1 Astray
B-Class Unit
Terrain Adaptability: Sea – C / Land – B / Air – B / Space – B
Fixed Armaments: Dual head-mounted Vulcan cannons; two beam sabers; beam rifle; shield.
Special Equipment: Flight Pack (Aerial Adaptability: B).