Soloi Aztec had compromised. While Orb was pressuring DSSD just like the Atlantic Federation, Orb was far more reasonable by comparison. Yang Hui had already given his word—they wouldn't force DSSD to abandon their original research goals for other projects. All they needed was a copy of DSSD's achievements, and in return, they would receive Orb's protection. This "gift" was already a show of sincerity.
Of course, this wasn't the reason Soloi Aztec had conceded. What truly made him yield was the "blade" hidden behind the "gift." The Orb fleet loomed outside, watching like a tiger ready to pounce. If he remained obstinate and refused, all of Orb's promises would turn into deadly artillery fire, and everything DSSD had built would vanish into thin air.
"I understand, Lord Yang Hui. I accept your terms."
"In that case, I look forward to our cooperation." Yang Hui extended his hand to Soloi Aztec.
"...Likewise." Soloi Aztec returned the handshake, though reluctantly. What choice did he have? Circumstances left him no room to resist. For the safety of DSSD's personnel and the sake of their original mission, he had no choice but to agree to Yang Hui's demands.
"Then make arrangements to relocate as soon as possible. Heliopolis is being rebuilt, and we urgently need a top-tier team like DSSD to join us. I'll leave four Unicorn-Class frigates behind to escort you."
"More like surveillance, right?" Soloi Aztec could only mutter this thought in his mind. Outwardly, he maintained a compliant demeanor, assuring Yang Hui that they would arrange everything promptly and move to Heliopolis.
"Now then, Chairman Aztec, may I have the Voiture Lumiere technology?" Yang Hui's face carried a warm smile, but no one doubted that if Soloi Aztec refused, that warmth would instantly freeze into ice.
"..." In silence, Soloi Aztec stood and walked out. Yang Hui, understanding his intent, followed with the others. Research findings were confidential, after all—they wouldn't be carried around casually.
After a ten-minute walk, the group arrived at the central database. Soloi Aztec went through a series of complex verifications to unlock the system before stepping aside.
"After you, Lord Yang Hui." He didn't mention whether Voiture Lumiere was complete or not, instead letting Yang Hui examine the database himself—both to confirm the truth and to demonstrate his sincerity. By opening DSSD's entire database to Yang Hui, he was making it clear that he wasn't trying to deceive him.
Yang Hui nodded and began reviewing the central database, which contained everything about DSSD—personnel records, organizational structure, financial statements, and more.
None of these details concerned Yang Hui; professionals would handle them later. The only thing that interested him was the technical data on Voiture Lumiere. But when he found it, his brow furrowed—the records showed that, just as Soloi Aztec had claimed, Voiture Lumiere was indeed incomplete.
Yang Hui had no reason to doubt the authenticity of these records. After all, DSSD was merely a research institution, uninvolved in military or political secrets. There was no need for a separate database to hide anything.
However, apart from the technical data of the [Voiture Lumiere], Yang Hui also discovered another technology that made his eyes light up.
The [Nanomachine Repair System] could automatically repair Mobile Suits using nanomachines according to programmed instructions.
At first glance, it seemed like an invincible technology—capable of automatically repairing damage to Mobile Suits, similar to the terrifying cells from another world. But in reality, there was a significant difference. This technology could only repair, not regenerate. Thus, it couldn't restore lost limbs or completely destroyed components.
Still, this technology could effectively extend combat endurance. Moreover, it held immense developmental potential. If research continued, it might eventually achieve true regeneration.
"Creuset, send this technology to [Dawn Company] and [Ame No Minashira]. Also, contact Liumei and Mina to dispatch a team of experts in nanomachines and engines to [Heliopolis] to assist DSSD in their research."
"Understood."
DSSD's representatives remained silent at Yang Hui's orders. His tone made it clear he wouldn't tolerate objections.
At the same time, Yang Hui had specified "assistance" rather than "takeover," meaning his promise still stood—their autonomy remained intact, and their project would stay under their leadership.
"Let's go—"
Beep beep beep—
Just as they were about to leave, Yang Hui's PAD rang. Seeing it was a fleet communication, he immediately answered.
"What is it?"
"Commander, Atlantic Federation fleets have been detected approaching!"
"What? Go to Level 1 combat readiness. All MS units deploy immediately. We'll sortie as well."
"Understood!"
After ending the call, he noticed the DSSD members breaking into cold sweat.
"It seems the Atlantic Federation has betrayed your trust, Chairman Aztec," Yang Hui remarked with a faint smirk.
"..." Soloi Aztec internally scoffed. Orb was no different—doing the same thing as the Atlantic Federation, just arriving first or second.
"Don't worry. Since we've reached an agreement, Orb will protect DSSD."
"That would be best, Lord Yang Hui."
The group arrived at the dock as the cargo bay of the large shuttle opened, revealing the Dawn Gundam and Justice Gundam standing upright on their supports.
Yang Hui and Athrun quickly changed into their pilot suits and boarded their units, launching from the port to rendezvous with the fleet.
"Tch, not letting me bring a Mobile Suit but dragging me along anyway?" Canard Pars grumbled, watching the two sortie. After narrowly escaping Ulen Hibiki's lab and being captured by the Eurasian Federation for experimentation, he had grown up learning nothing but MS combat. Yet now, Yang Hui had brought him as a bodyguard without assigning him a unit, leaving him feeling like an unwanted spectator.
"Your unit is still under development, and ordinary ones can't match your skills. So just sit back and watch," Creuset told him. With Athrun absent, he no longer had to maintain his usual unnatural speech patterns.
"Tch, what a pain. By the way, why were you talking like that earlier?"
"It was necessary to conceal my identity. Being too easily seen through would have been dangerous."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
...
In space, the Orb fleet had already issued warnings to the Atlantic Federation's fleet, but they ignored them and continued advancing. Weapon systems were online, locking onto Orb's warships as all MS units deployed to lead the fleet.
The Dawn Gundam and Justice Gundam rendezvoused with the fleet. Yang Hui immediately inquired, "Report the situation."
"We've issued warnings, but they haven't responded at all and show no signs of stopping."
"Seems they're planning to attack outright."
The Atlantic Federation's fleet had entered optical camera range. Yang Hui spotted the purple warship among them—the second ship of the Girty Lue-class, the Nana Buluku. The affiliation of this fleet was now unmistakable.
"Still haven't learned their lesson, huh? Coming at me with just this many."
The Phantom Pain unit, formally known as the Earth Alliance's 81st Independent Mobile Group, was a covert special forces team under the Earth Alliance. Though nominally part of the Earth Alliance, it was actually directly controlled by LOGOS, granting it operational priority—able to demand support from conventional forces or even take direct command of them.
The exact founding date of Phantom Pain was unclear, but it was believed to predate the first war between the Earth Alliance and PLANT. Most members were either Blue Cosmos affiliates or supporters, operating their own training facilities where children from around the world were indoctrinated, brainwashed, and conditioned to hate Coordinators. Additionally, the Lodonia Laboratory supplied them with biological CPUs to serve as Phantom Pain's Mobile Suit pilots.
Phantom Pain primarily carried out black ops—attacks on civilian targets, non-combatant nations, and objectives protected by the Junius Treaty—while employing numerous banned technologies, including Mirage Colloid and Neutron Jammer Cancellers.
Since the Atlantic Federation had deployed Phantom Pain, there was no room for negotiation.
"If it's the Nana Buluku... then it must be them. That one's somewhat interesting. The others, though... Hmm?"
(End of Chapter)