Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 77: Bright's Emotional Trial

The White Base did not originally have a plan to engage in action here.

While their mission was to receive the disguised cargo ship, the unplanned exposure of their movements came as a surprise. Fortunately, the time remaining in their silent navigation phase was nearing its end. Coupled with the fact that the White Base had effectively aided their allies and successfully acquired the delivered mobile suits, the situation seemed manageable.

In a sense, the fact that the White Base received the NT-1 could be attributed to Bright's insubordination.

Interestingly, the White Base was supposed to be supplied with multiple MS units, but for various reasons, those shipments never arrived. Now, the White Base had boldly appeared at Side 6, drawing much attention.

Although combat in neutral zones violated regulations, the Leia government refrained from criticism. Even when Bright proactively mentioned the White Base's previous participation to the inspector boarding from the Baldur colony satellite, the inspector dismissed it with vague responses.

After all, the Leia government had realized that while their existence was enabled by Zeon's uprising, the Federation regarded them more as a legitimate political entity.

Zeon was always the instigator, launching attacks near Federal military stations or even engaging in combat inside the colony satellites. This behavior left the citizens of Side 6 in fear, pushing the government to heed public opinion and accelerate secret discussions about inviting the Federation for defense.

As a result, the Leia government chose to overlook the White Base's earlier actions, merely sealing the ship's weapon ports before allowing them to dock.

The inspector sent by Side 6 was Cameron Bloom.

This man had a unique background.

Watching from the bridge, Eli quietly observed the inspector who was reading out the docking regulations. Cameron was Mirai's fiancé.

Although it was an arrangement by their families, Cameron genuinely loved Mirai. At the same time, during Char's rebellion, Cameron had leaked the Federation's secret negotiations with Char to Londo Bell, indirectly contributing to Earth's salvation.

Now, Eli found himself glancing between Mirai, Bright, and Cameron.

It was clear that Cameron frequently cast fervent glances at Mirai, who was at the helm. Meanwhile, Mirai tried her best to focus on piloting but would occasionally steal glances at Bright.

Bright, standing at the window, maintained a composed demeanor but would subtly shift his eyes toward her. Whenever their gazes met, both would immediately look away.

This awkward tension enveloped the entire bridge in a peculiar atmosphere, leaving only Cameron's voice reading the regulations to break the silence.

After finishing, Cameron walked straight to Mirai and smiled at her as he placed a hand on her arm. Naturally, Mirai stole another glance at Bright during this.

Was she hoping for a reaction from him?

Regardless, Bright neither looked their way nor said anything, remaining silent until the White Base had fully docked.

As Mirai let go of the helm, Cameron grabbed her wrist and led her off the bridge.

Everyone watched them leave, then shifted their gazes to Bright.

Bright clearly noticed the stares, but he seemed transfixed by something outside the port, refusing to turn around or speak.

"Fraw, could you gather everyone's requests, compile a list, and lead a team to purchase supplies inside Baldur?" Bright said, still staring outside.

"Sure! Should I bring Lieutenant Mirai along?" Fraw asked with a smile.

Bright's hand clenched tightly.

"Do as you wish!" Bright snapped irritably before heading toward the exit.

"Oh, by the way, I think I just saw Lieutenant Mirai chatting with the inspector near the portside. Is that okay... Captain Bright?"

Christina, entering the bridge, casually mentioned what she had seen, only to notice Bright storming out with a dark expression.

"Did I say something wrong?" Christina looked around helplessly, startled by Bright's reaction.

"It's fine, Chris. You did great!" Fraw cheerfully reassured her, linking arms with Christina.

"Come on, we're going shopping. Join us, Chris!"

"Uh… oh, okay…" Christina followed, still confused about the situation as Fraw led her away.

"When did those two get so close?" Eli blinked, feeling like he had missed several episodes of drama.

But the White Base had always been a place with a family-like atmosphere.

On any other ship, who would dare tease the captain about his love life?

Christina, who viewed Amuro more like a younger brother than a romantic interest, exhibited a gentle demeanor that likely made Fraw realize they were not competing in the same race. Christina's warmth extended to nearly everyone aboard, embodying a sisterly figure for the young crew members.

The 21-year-old Christina had a natural charm, capable of showing kindness to the ship's many teenage soldiers. Her compassion had been apparent even in the original series, where she had piloted the NT-1 into the forest to minimize casualties.

As Eli exited the ship, planning to drag Amuro along for shopping, he spotted three people near the portside: Mirai, Cameron, and Bright, who stood slightly lower and kept his head down, deep in thought.

It was reminiscent of Eli's earlier observations of the subtle yet unconfirmed feelings between himself and Sayla.

Now, facing Mirai conversing with her fiancé, Bright found himself plagued by an unworthy thought:

What if Mirai's feelings for him were nothing more than his own delusion?

Bright hesitated, unwilling to step forward, listening instead to their discussion of marriage and Cameron's recounting of the efforts and expenses he had incurred to find Mirai.

But Bright's hesitation wasn't Eli's concern.

"Hey! Captain Bright, we're heading out soon!" Eli called loudly, waving exaggeratedly to grab their attention.