The Dawn Gundam, Freedom Gundam, Rebirth Gundam, and Covenant Gundam escorted the shuttle carrying Athrun all the way to PLANT.
"Everyone, we're approaching Jachin Due's defensive perimeter. You should turn back now."
"Go ahead. We'll standby nearby. Remember what I told you before departure," Yang Hui responded.
"...Understood."
The four Gundams retreated, allowing the shuttle to proceed toward Jachin Due's defenses.
"This is Special Operations Unit directly under the Defense Committee, Athrun Zala, ID 285002. Jachin Due Defense Forces, please respond..."
...
Meanwhile, within PLANT, every television, mobile device, and large screen broadcast Yzak Joule's speech.
"Lacus Clyne has simply been exploited! Her sincere prayers for peace should be evident to all. Thus, we wish to rescue her—to help her escape the vile Naturals who seek to deceive and manipulate her. I implore all who cherish her to provide any leads..."
From initially being wanted for treason to now being portrayed as deceived, Lacus's situation had undergone a dramatic shift.
This was unavoidable. When Patrick Zala and the hardliners first learned that Lacus had handed over the top-secret Freedom Gundam to outsiders, they immediately charged her with treason—after all, the Neutron Jammer Canceller equipped on the Freedom Gundam was far too critical.
But after issuing the warrant, the expected public support never materialized. Instead, most PLANT citizens opposed the arrest efforts, refusing to cooperate. Some fervent fans even took to the streets in protests, refusing to believe Lacus had committed treason.
Moreover, neither the military police nor regular law enforcement could locate and apprehend Lacus. Pressured by public opinion, internal dissent, and their own failure to capture her, the hardliners were forced to compromise—revoking the treason charge and rebranding her as a victim of deception.
Even the crackdown on Clyne Faction members had to be conducted covertly to prevent further public backlash.
"Yes, correct. It was Creuset who brought back the intel," Patrick Zala said from his office as Defense Committee Chairman, reviewing the footage Creuset had retrieved while giving phone instructions to someone. "No one knows how the Freedom ended up in Orb's hands. Athrun and the others might have some leads, but none of them have submitted a single report so far."
The footage showed the entirety of Orb's defensive battle—M1 Astrays, Daggers, the Outframe Gundam Green, Strike, Freedom Gundam, Dawn Gundam, Gundam Exia, Gundam Cherudim, and Gundam Virtue all made appearances. Conspicuously absent were the Justice Gundam, Rebirth Gundam, and Covenant Gundam—meaning Patrick Zala remained unaware these three units had assisted Orb's military in repelling the Earth Forces.
"This is a classified mission, isn't it? Reaching out carelessly could compromise operational security."
"I know, but... sigh. Those three brats. I sent them together hoping they'd look out for each other, yet now they've all gone dark. Meanwhile, those overconfident Naturals keep flocking to the moon. This time, we must eliminate them completely to prevent future troubles."
"I understand your meaning perfectly, but... regarding Orb... Do you truly believe that man would surrender Orb without any arrangements?"
"How could that be?" Patrick Zala knew his subordinate was referring to Yang Hui. Leaning back with a chuckle, he said, "That brat Yang Hui is no quitter. Everything he does is for Orb's sake. I'd sooner believe he died fighting for Orb's soil than that he'd abandon it to occupation. Perhaps Orb's fall was part of his plan all along."
"You're right—that does sound like him. We should monitor his movements then. Though it was the Atlantic Federation who attacked Orb, we can't rule out the possibility he might strike against us."
"Indeed. Find his trail quickly. I've got a feeling that kid's brewing something big. By the way, what's the situation in Papua New Guinea?"
"Same as before. With Orb's fall, all remaining Orb Military forces stationed there simultaneously declared their withdrawal from Orb to join Papua New Guinea's national defense forces. The provisional government there has agreed to let Earth Forces pass through, but claims their nation is newly liberated and lacks capacity for combat—so they're staying put."
"Hmph. Any fool can see what they're doing." Patrick Zala sneered. Papua New Guinea's actions were transparent—preserving Orb's remnant forces. Then there was the failed Mass Driver sabotage—now vanished without trace despite both Earth Alliance and ZAFT Forces searching for it. No doubt another of Yang Hui's contingency plans.
"What can we do? Orb left considerable forces in Papua New Guinea. With Earth Forces continuously engaging us and the Atlantic Federation suffering heavy losses at Orb, their attention has shifted to space—they've no capacity to deal with them now."
"Chuckle. If they don't act now, they'll never get the chance." Patrick Zala's meaning was clear—soon ZAFT would crush them, eliminating any opportunity to attack Orb's remnants in Papua New Guinea.
"Then, Chairman, any further instructions?"
"Not for now. You're dismissed."
"Then I'll take my leave."
The call ended. Patrick Zala closed his eyes, mentally analyzing Yang Hui's possible next moves—yet each scenario he envisioned seemed implausible. The group that left with Yang Hui was small but elite—certainly not the type for petty guerrilla warfare.
But for major operations, their numbers were too few. Though all elite aces, they couldn't possibly confront Earth Forces or ZAFT Forces head-on.
So then...
Finding no answers, Patrick Zala set the matter aside temporarily, opening a top-secret file labeled [Genesis].
"Damn Naturals... Let's hope we won't need to use this thing."
"Beep beep beep..."
The communication alert sounded. Patrick Zala closed the document and answered the call.
"What is it?"
"Athrun Zala from the Special Forces has returned alone to Jachin Due aboard what appears to be an Earth Forces shuttle."
"What? Alone? An Earth Forces shuttle?"
"Yes. Given the unusual circumstances, we've restricted his movements."
"Bring him to me immediately!"
"Yes, sir."
Soon, Athrun was escorted by soldiers to Patrick Zala's presence. The soldiers withdrew after delivering him.
"Athrun..."
Patrick Zala's expression was complex as he looked at his son.
"Father."
"What happened? What exactly occurred? Where are Nicol and Dearka? Where is Freedom? And where is Justice?"
"Father..." Instead of answering Patrick Zala's questions, Athrun countered, "What are your true thoughts about this war?"
"Hmm?" A bad premonition rose in Patrick Zala's heart at these words.
"How long must this war continue?"
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"...Father, I returned specifically to hear your answer to this question." Seeing Patrick Zala's anger flare, Athrun instinctively lowered his head. But remembering his own choices and resolve, he raised his gaze to meet his father's eyes directly.
"How long will the war last? Until those damned Naturals surrender and bow before us, of course!"
"Father, is this truly the right path?" Athrun challenged.
"Athrun, you..." Patrick Zala's fury burned hot—the pain of betrayal by one's own son cut deepest.
Yet at that moment, a figure flashed through Patrick Zala's mind, and his anger dissipated halfway, replaced by bitter amusement.
"You... you've met Yang Hui, haven't you? No, wait—were you involved in Orb's war against the Atlantic Federation?"
"Father!?" Athrun was stunned.
"Hahaha, as I thought. The only one who could influence you enough to bring about such changes is that cunning fox." Patrick Zala was certain now—Athrun had been swayed by Yang Hui.
"Father, actually I—"
"Enough, Athrun. I already know. Justice is in Yang Hui's hands, isn't it? Along with Dearka and Nicol—Rebirth and Covenant are both under his control, correct?" Patrick Zala's face turned cold, his iron-willed and severe demeanor pressing down on Athrun like a physical force, making him step back.
"F-Father..."
"Save your words, Athrun. I'll answer your earlier question—I believe this is right! We all believe this is right! We act according to collective will! This war must continue until the Naturals accept the Coordinators as their rightful rulers!"
"Father! This is wrong!"
"That's merely your opinion! For us, this is justice!"
"Father..."
"Silence! Athrun, since you've made your choice and returned alone, you must know the consequences!"
"...Yes..." Athrun said through gritted teeth. He had already steeled himself for this outcome when he decided to return.
"Guards!"
The soldiers stationed outside immediately rushed in, surrounding Athrun.
"Take this fool away and find out where Yang Hui is hiding. Don't hesitate to use rough methods if necessary."
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers responded in unison.
Patrick Zala turned his back, unwilling to look at Athrun—and equally unwilling to let anyone see the sorrow he was desperately suppressing. As Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council and head of the Defense Committee, he bore the weight of all PLANT on his shoulders. He couldn't afford to show even a hint of weakness.
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