Inside the captain's quarters, only Murrue and Natarle Badgiruel remained.
"What should we do?" Murrue asked Natarle with a complicated expression. Having journeyed together this far, it would be false to say there were no feelings between them. Moreover, like Murrue herself, Natarle shared a complex romantic entanglement with Yang Hui.
Influenced by Yang Hui, Natarle didn't have the strained relationship with Murrue as in the original timeline. Instead, the two had become close friends in private. Thus, unlike the original events, Natarle hadn't immediately packed her belongings to accept the high command's transfer orders away from the Archangel.
"We... are soldiers," Natarle had been using this rationale to convince herself.
But it was truly difficult. Throughout their journey, Yang Hui had broadened her perspective, allowing Natarle to recognize many inappropriate actions by the military higher-ups—such as this interrogation disguised as an inquiry. Despite miraculously surviving numerous battles against overwhelming odds to reach Alaska Base, they were treated like criminals rather than welcomed. This chilled Natarle's heart and deepened her disappointment with the military leadership.
Yet Natarle still held firmly to her identity as a soldier and military discipline. Therefore... she intended to accept the transfer orders.
"Natarle..."
"Of course, I can only speak for myself. As for Major Flaga and Private Allster's decisions, I won't interfere," Natarle stated.
"...Major Flaga will probably accept the transfer too. But Flay... sigh."
At the mention of Flay, both Murrue and Natarle sighed. They genuinely pitied the unfortunate girl—witnessing her father's death in battle, becoming homeless, then having her boyfriend listed as MIA, only to be rejected when attempting to reconcile with her ex. It was as if the entire world had abandoned her.
Having lost everything, Flay only had the Archangel and this familiar group left to provide her with a sense of security and belonging.
"But... even if she doesn't want to leave the Archangel, there's no alternative," Natarle said bitterly. "These transfer orders come directly from headquarters. We... can't refuse even if we wanted to, unless we defect."
"That's true..."
...
While Murrue and Natarle struggled with how to help Flay remain aboard the Archangel, deep beneath Alaska Base, final preparations were underway.
"How are things progressing?"
"Very smoothly. Everything should begin and conclude according to plan."
In the dim environment, shadowed by sinister smiles, a conspiracy was about to unfold.
...
Orb welcomed special guests—a Voskholo-class submarine carrier from the ZAFT Forces docked at the port of Kijima. Under heavy security, Yang Hui returned Athrun, Dearka, and Nicol to ZAFT custody.
"First time meeting... or should I say, correct? Mr. Yang Hui."
"Indeed our first meeting, Captain Creuset."
Yang Hui and Creuset—the two greatest masterminds behind the scenes—finally came face to face.
"Thank you for taking care of my subordinates."
"Our nation merely acted in accordance with international law. No need for thanks, Captain Creuset."
"Then I'll take them back now. We appreciate your hospitality."
"Must you leave so soon? I had prepared a welcome banquet for Captain Creuset and all the ZAFT Forces warriors."
"My sincere apologies, Lord Yang Hui. Military orders are urgent—we must return immediately."
"That is truly regrettable. To be honest, I've long admired Captain Creuset's reputation and was hoping for more opportunities to exchange ideas."
"The feeling is mutual, but time doesn't permit it. After the war concludes, circumstances permitting, I may pay you a visit."
"Is that so? I look forward to it."
"Farewell."
"Safe travels."
Yang Hui and Creuset's first "friendly" exchange concluded with a handshake. Yang Hui then turned his gaze to Athrun and the others.
"Take care, Athrun. Nicol and Dearka too."
"Stay safe."
The three responded simultaneously. Though they had all been Orb's prisoners at one point—with Nicol being personally captured by Yang Hui—both Athrun and Dearka owed their lives to Orb's rescue. During their convalescence in Orb, they were treated hospitably without any harassment, leaving them unable to harbor ill will toward Orb or Yang Hui now.
As the Voskholo-class Submarine Carrier departed the harbor under fleet escort, Yang Hui maintained an inscrutable smile.
Upon returning directly to the Ministry of Defense, Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei sought out Yang Hui.
"How was the first contact?" Sumeragi asked.
"A crafty old fox," Yang Hui replied, rubbing his forehead with a mix of frustration and exhaustion.
Their seemingly cordial conversation had been laced with veiled barbs only the two of them understood. Initially, Creuset ostensibly thanked Yang Hui for his hospitality toward his men, but it was actually a jab at Orb's tactics that had dealt ZAFT a significant blow. Yang Hui, in turn, subtly reaffirmed Orb's adherence to international neutrality, emphasizing their actions were lawful.
When Yang Hui suggested Creuset stay longer for further discussions, Creuset cited military orders—a tacit hint that ZAFT's operations were imminent, leaving no time for delay. This also served as discreet intelligence sharing, both as an apology for declining the invitation and a gesture of goodwill, suggesting potential future cooperation.
"Sounds like he disappointed you," Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei chuckled behind their hands.
"On the contrary," Yang Hui countered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "He's already intrigued. Otherwise, he wouldn't have leaked intel. We're just missing the final catalyst."
"Our true capabilities?" Wang Liu Mei ventured.
"Exactly." Yang Hui stood, gazing out the window. "He's interested but unconvinced. He's waiting for us to reveal our full hand—to see if we're worthy of him abandoning his mad scheme to collaborate."
"Or to accelerate his plans and force our hand," Sumeragi added. In Yang Hui's assessment, Creuset was a madman—but not entirely. His madness stemmed from his limited lifespan as a clone with mitochondrial deficiencies.
The key to unraveling his insanity lay in extending his life.
But the problem lies here—the mitochondrial deficiency in clones isn't like a cold or fever that can be cured overnight. Even Creuset, who has an expert friend in genetics, couldn't solve his condition and could only develop special medication to delay it. That's why he doesn't believe Yang Hui and the others have the capability to cure his mitochondrial deficiency.
What stirs his heart is desperation—he wants to grasp at every sliver of hope. His disbelief stems from not understanding Yang Hui. In Creuset's eyes, Yang Hui has always been shrouded in thick mist, impossible to see through. The more he learns about Yang Hui, the more he senses an inexplicable dissonance, though he can't pinpoint its origin.
"It seems neither of us has time to waste," Wang Liu Mei remarked wryly. The world was on the brink of chaos, Orb's trial was imminent, Creuset's time was running out, and Yang Hui's group needed to win his trust before his death. For both sides, there was no time to lose.
"Lacus has sent word—Kira Yamato has been secured." Wang Liu Mei then briefed Yang Hui and Sumeragi on the critical intel received over the past few days.
"Is that project complete?" Yang Hui asked.
"It is. Four units are ready."
"Four?" Yang Hui frowned.
"Yes. The construction plan was for five. Units 09, 10, 11, and 12 are complete, and 13 is nearly finished."
"Proceed as originally planned?" Sumeragi asked Yang Hui.
"Yes. Have Lacus deliver Unit 10 to Kira when the opportunity arises."
"Should we prepare the other four units as well—"
"No need."
"Your memories are only a reference, not reality."
"I know. But it doesn't matter. Even if they all become enemies, it's inconsequential." The first defense of Orb would be a large-scale war between two of the world's top powers. Even elite Mobile Suits would struggle to sway the tide alone. Even if Athrun turned against them and Kira didn't aid Orb, Yang Hui was confident they could withstand one or two assaults before launching their contingency.
"But this will completely expose Lacus," Wang Liu Mei said gravely.
Beyond the three present, no one knew that Lacus, with Yang Hui's help, had secretly established the moderate faction's covert organization, Terminal. Even fewer knew that Lacus had always been a member of Celestial Being—Wang Liu Mei's highest-level intelligence operative in PLANT, overseeing all Celestial Being agents embedded there.
That was why Wang Liu Mei disagreed with Yang Hui's decision. Exposing Lacus just to deliver a new Mobile Suit and recruit Kira wasn't worth the cost. If Lacus were exposed, years of careful planning in PLANT would suffer devastating losses.
"Even if she isn't exposed, Lacus will have to withdraw soon. The radicals hold overwhelming dominance. Unlike Athrun, old Zala isn't restrained—now that he's just taken the chairmanship, he still has some limits. Once he consolidates power, his first targets will be Siegel, then Lacus. So whether she's exposed now makes no difference."
"Understood." Wang Liu Mei nodded. "I'll inform Lacus to prepare. All agents in PLANT will go silent, and Siegel's evacuation plan must be readied."
"Alright, let's proceed with this arrangement. Make sure to remind that fairy not to cause any mischief."
"Hehehe..." Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei covered their mouths and laughed upon hearing this. They knew Yang Hui had always secretly called Lacus "the Fairy" behind her back—not only because she truly was extraordinary, but also because Lacus never played by the rules and always loved to pull off shocking surprises.
"By the way, we've uncovered some clues regarding Mentor Malchio's identity."
(End of Chapter)