"Yes!"
Ruben nodded in response.
He pulled out a chair and sat down, his eyes fixed on the computer screen as his hands moved across the keyboard.
Watching the two of them get to work, Felix sat back in his chair and closed his eyes in contemplation.
...
Five days later
District One, Diessenbell City
ZAFT Headquarters
Felix's apartment
"Another five days have passed."
Felix, who was resting at home, played video games while glancing at the calendar and muttering to himself. His fingers moved across the game controller, defeating the final boss in the game.
After watching the results screen, Felix placed the controller on the coffee table.
"Creuset is really holding his ground."
With a playful smile, Felix chuckled to himself.
As he spoke, he wondered whether he should take the initiative and test Creuset's intentions.
Ding-dong! Ding-dong!
Two crisp doorbell rings sounded.
The doorbell pulled Felix's attention toward the entrance.
He stood up and walked to the door.
Through the small screen by the door, he saw who was outside.
He unlocked the door, pulled it open, and gestured for the visitor to enter.
Aric, standing at the doorway, stepped into Felix's apartment.
Inside the apartment
"Is something the matter?"
Felix brought a glass of water and placed it in front of Aric.
Aric looked at the glass and thanked Felix.
"Thank you, Captain!"
"You're welcome."
Felix smiled slightly in response.
His eyes fixed on Aric, Felix asked again.
"Is something the matter?"
"Captain, Meer has secretly returned to PLANT under our arrangements."
Aric reported, looking at the captain.
Hearing this, Felix asked.
"How is the plastic surgery result?"
"It's almost a hundred percent identical to Miss Clyne."
"Can it be reversed?"
Felix asked Aric again.
Upon hearing this, Aric thought for a moment and organized his words before speaking.
"It's unlikely to be exactly the same as before, but it can be restored to about seventy or eighty percent."
"Alright, I understand."
Having learned the result, Felix didn't press further on the topic. Changing the subject, he looked at Aric and continued.
"Where is Meer currently stationed?"
"She's at one of our secret bases in the Junius Seven District."
Aric replied, looking at Felix.
After learning Meer's location, Felix nodded slightly, planning to visit her and have a thorough conversation.
"Captain, are you planning to speak with Miss Meer?"
"Exactly! I want to have a good talk with her and make sure she understands what she needs to do when the time comes."
Felix nodded with a smile and replied.
...
Two days later,
Felix traveled from December City to the Junius Seven District under the pretext of returning home normally.
After spending a day with his parents at home,
Felix left the house the next day as planned.
Inside a very ordinary house in the Junius Seven District
Arriving at the location, Felix examined Meer, who had already completed her cosmetic surgery. Looking at her face, which was almost identical to Lacus', he nodded in satisfaction.
"Meer, how are you feeling?"
Ceasing his observation of Meer, Felix spoke gently, a smile on his face as he inquired.
Hearing this, Meer looked up at Felix and nodded somewhat timidly.
"Although it felt strange at first, I've grown somewhat accustomed to it now."
"That's good."
Nodding, Felix expressed his relief.
Noticing the prepared materials on the table, Felix picked up one of the documents and began reviewing it. After reading its contents, he turned to Meer with instructions.
"Meer, your next task is to use these materials to imitate Miss Clyne's every move and manner of speaking.
You must strive to make it as identical as possible.
Even if there are differences, avoid displaying any overly exaggerated behavior."
"Captain Griffith, may I ask you a question?"
Instead of responding to Felix's instructions, Meer posed a question in return. Hearing her inquiry, Felix set the document back down, looked at her, and nodded slightly.
"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask directly."
"Captain Griffith, is it really for peace, as your subordinates said, that I've undergone surgery to look like Miss Clyne?"
Meer pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and asked.
After posing the question, Meer fixed her eyes intently on Felix, eager for an answer.
Felix smiled slightly and affirmed, "That's right! What we're doing is for the sake of peace."
After speaking, Felix looked at Meer and continued, "Some things will become completely clear once you meet Miss Clyne."
"Meet Miss Clyne?"
Upon hearing that she could meet Lacus, a look of anticipation appeared on Meer's face as she asked in disbelief.
Seeing her lingering doubt, Felix nodded with great certainty.
"Don't worry, you will definitely meet Miss Clyne, and you'll even have the chance to speak with her up close."
After saying this, Felix added with a hint of apology in his voice, "Meer, I'm sorry for involving you in this."
"Captain Griffith, I volunteered for this."
Shaking her head, Meer replied with a warm, friendly smile. After this response, she continued, "When I learned everything from your subordinates and understood the terrifying consequences that might occur in the future, I had already decided to contribute to peace.
So, there's no need for you to apologize to me."
"But Meer, rest assured, once everything is over, I will arrange further surgery to restore your appearance to about seventy or eighty percent of what it was.
So you won't have to live behind this mask forever."
Hearing Meer's understanding, Felix felt even more remorseful. Looking at her, he made a sincere promise.
Upon hearing this, Meer nodded with trust.
"I believe you."
"It's getting late; I won't disturb you any longer."
After hearing Meer's response, Felix checked the time, stood up, and bid her farewell. Meer rose as well, preparing to see him out.
Looking at her gesture to see him off, Felix raised his hand to stop her.
"Meer, your current appearance cannot be exposed, so there's no need to see me off."
"I forgot."
Upon hearing this, Meer realized she no longer had her former appearance and felt a hint of embarrassment. She looked at Felix apologetically as she spoke.
Smiling slightly, Felix shook his head and said gently,
"Get some rest. I won't disturb you any longer."
"Goodbye, Captain Griffith."
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