"Fire."
At Patrick's command, the massive gamma rays violently shot toward the moon.
This time, the power of the gamma rays showed no signs of weakening, and the target had subtly changed.
The rays grazed the light shield of the Atlantic Federation's lunar crater base and struck down.
Although the light shield detected the immense energy and activated in advance, it still flickered for a moment before being breached. The sturdy outer walls quickly turned to ash under the colossal rays.
The lunar dust rose in waves, like a silent tsunami in the desert, evoking a sense of dread despite the absence of sound.
The tranquil surface of the moon was torn apart by the intense light, as if heralding the birth of a new era.
"Launch successful. Crater base integrity reduced by 20%."
As the observer reported, everyone on-site breathed a sigh of relief.
As for casualties, there were certainly some, but not directly striking the base was already an act of mercy.
"Prepare to begin a nationwide address, synchronize it globally."
Patrick, watching the lunar dust settle, turned to his adjutant beside him before shifting his gaze to He Kui.
"I leave this to you. Transfer the command center to Yakin Due."
"Understood."
Of course, it wouldn't be He Kui delivering the address. This was a global speech, and it was only fitting for Patrick, the Chairman, to take the stage.
Just as He Kui finished relocating the command center and the moon descended into chaos, Patrick appeared on the large screens across all PLANT Colony Satellites.
This time, however, the address was also broadcast to pro-PLANT nations on Earth via He Kui's large-scale laser communication system.
Although the Atlantic Federation had long banned pro-PLANT media from entering, many still managed to catch the live broadcast.
"Fellow Coordinators, including the Naturals listening now, I believe some of you are already aware of the attack on the Atlantic Federation's crater base, while many more remain in the dark, kept ignorant by the Atlantic Federation.As Patrick spoke, the screen displayed the shocking scene of Genesis striking the lunar base.
"This is ZAFT's new weapon, Genesis."
"The emergence of Genesis is not for conquest, but for peace—a peace that is hard to find amidst the flames of war."
"Residents of the Earth Sphere, tonight's event is a solemn warning, not an unprovoked attack. Genesis's strike avoided the core areas of the base, demonstrating our commitment to peace and our deep reflection on the tragedies of war."
"However, the Atlantic Federation has persistently violated our territory and recklessly used greenhouse effect weapons and genetic bioweapons on Earth."
"Behind the Atlantic Federation government lies Blue Cosmos—no, behind them lies a clan."
"That organization, which has long ruled humanity from the shadows, has become utterly corrupt."
Hearing Patrick's words, He Kui's pupils contracted.
He then saw the various documents Patrick released.
The evidence clearly showed how the clan had secretly manipulated the world, with records dating back as far as the fall of the Byzantine Empire in the 15th century.
The documents revealed how the clan, once guardians of civilization, had gradually decayed and fallen.
It was like the rise and fall of dynasties.
This kind of information could only have been obtained by Mattias.
He Kui hadn't expected that Mattias would directly expose the Clan, and he had even found evidence of the Clan's manipulation of gene locusts and the greenhouse effect.
The Clan, which had been secretly controlling things, was now fully exposed. The most immediate effect was that people around the world now had an outlet for their pent-up anger.
The suffering, poverty, hunger, and countless injustices they had endured for so long—all of it had occurred under the Clan's control.
Even the death of the first Coordinator, George, was inextricably linked to them.
The evidence was so meticulously detailed that it couldn't have been obtained unless it was leaked from within.
Moreover, there was a complete chain of evidence regarding the greenhouse effect and the gene locusts.
From similar patents to satellite images showing traces of release, pictures from suspected experimental bases, and the lead researchers involved—the evidence was so comprehensive and logically airtight that it directly implicated the Atlantic Federation.
"I didn't expect him to have such boldness."
He Kui sighed and glanced at the stunned researchers below.
He continued, "Alright, stop spacing out. Once you're done reading, you can disperse. Keep the regular staff on duty, and the rest can go home."
Breaking the silence, He Kui stretched lazily.
Overall, this outcome wasn't bad.
As for Mattias's sudden actions—he wasn't Mattias's superior. Aegis had done so much without informing him.
They were merely partners with the same goal.
The world was vast, and it would keep turning without him.
He didn't have to be the one to determine the outcome every time.
Each of them had their own responsibilities.
There were so many things happening in the world—who could manage them all?
Besides, it was time for him to return home.
Thinking of the many people waiting for him at home, He Kui couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
However, things didn't go as planned. Before he could board the Liberator, which had just returned from its mission, his wristband vibrated.
"Lacus, shouldn't you be the busiest right now?"
The young man looked at Lacus, who was leisurely drinking tea in his garden, seemingly without a care in the world, as if she had no intention of helping her father with his work.
"It's the Clyne Faction that's the busiest," Lacus replied with a smile.
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"My work is already done."
"Now it's your turn."
His role in this war would gradually fade as peace arrived.
Of course, he was still here, and his political achievements remained.
With the war over, it was naturally time for politics.
Or rather, war was always an extension of politics.
"Lacus always makes tea taste so delightful," He Kui remarked, shifting the topic as he observed the noble demeanor of the young woman.
"Perhaps the two cups of tea are different," Lacus replied with a smile.
"Let me taste it then?"
Without waiting for Lacus to respond, He Kui leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
Instantly, the sweet aroma from Lacus's mouth, along with the lingering aftertaste of the black tea, reached the tip of his tongue.
"It really does taste better than mine."
"..."
Even after being teased like this, Lacus only gave He Kui a reproachful glance.
"Our deal is over, isn't it?"
"That wasn't a deal just now."
"Hmph."
Lacus let out a soft snort through her delicate nose.
Then she spoke slowly.
"You said I wasn't busy, didn't you? What if I said I wanted to leave the Clyne Faction?"