"Sumera, it's me, Yang Hui." Yang Hui's voice came through the transport ship's communication screen, bringing smiles to everyone present. Even the usually stoic Setsuna and Tieria allowed warm smiles to grace their lips.
Unlike their time in the Gundam AGE world, here in this world, Yang Hui, Sumeragi, and Wang Liu Mei had been born into the upper echelons of Orb, effectively binding them to the nation from the start. After thoroughly analyzing the world's political landscape, even Sumeragi agreed that Orb offered them the best chance to take control of this world.
Why control the world rather than just complete their mission?
Because every mandatory mission they undertook now couldn't merely aim for completion—they had to connect this world to Prometheus Fortress.
The Earth Alliance was immediately ruled out. Internally chaotic, with powerful nations bullying weaker ones and shadow organizations like Blue Cosmos and Logos pulling the strings behind the scenes, it was nearly impossible to rise within such a system.
PLANT was also out of the question. Among their team of six—including Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria, who had been reborn as orphans—not a single one was a Coordinator. While it wasn't hard for Naturals to establish themselves in PLANT if they performed well and harbored no hatred toward Coordinators, the idea of controlling a nation of Coordinators was unthinkable.
That left only the neutral nations. Among them, Orb had the strongest foundation and the best chance to rise unexpectedly.
Yet, Orb's advantages—its solid foundation and neutrality—were also its weaknesses. As the saying goes, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down," and Orb found itself suppressed by both the Earth Alliance and PLANT, even facing covert pressure to take sides.
Being an island nation with scarce resources, Orb struggled to leverage its advanced technology effectively. Fortunately, its diplomatic network was robust, maintaining friendly relations even with some Earth Alliance nations, which had allowed Orb to endure thus far.
Since their arrival, they had secretly executed numerous plans, gradually patching Orb's vulnerabilities. Yang Hui, in particular, had played both sides, shuttling between the Earth Alliance and PLANT to secure more resources and opportunities for Orb, stabilizing the nation—for now.
But it wasn't enough. Orb's stability was temporary. If either the Earth Alliance or PLANT decided to act decisively against it, Orb's situation would collapse instantly. To prevent this, Yang Hui had covertly participated in collaborations with both factions, acquiring resources and technology to strengthen Orb's military.
Due to the sheer volume and secrecy of these missions, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria had been kept hidden from the start—stashed away in Ame No Minashira, secretly training MS pilots and testing new MS models to prepare for Orb's rise.
Meanwhile, Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei had their own responsibilities, leaving the team scattered and rarely together.
Now… they finally had a chance to reunite.
And this was a signal—the signal that they would step out from the shadows and into the spotlight.
"Yang Hui, what's the situation?"
"No enemy contact yet. Our current coordinates are (XX.XX). Proceed to rendezvous immediately."
"Understood."
"By the way… did you bring it?"
"...Has the situation become this serious already?"
"It's still unclear, but better safe than sorry."
"Understood."
The communication ended, and Sumeragi's brow furrowed deeply. She had anticipated that this operation might expose Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, and their mobile suits. Due to Yang Hui's influence, she'd developed the habit of keeping trump cards in reserve and had brought along what Yang Hui referred to as "that thing"—but it would be best if they didn't have to use it!
The identities of Setsuna and the others could be concealed under the guise of mercenaries, but if Yang Hui used "that thing," not only would Yang Hui be exposed, but Setsuna's group would also struggle to maintain their cover. According to their plans, it wasn't yet time for Yang Hui to be revealed.
"Ms. Huang..."
"Let's head out to rendezvous with Yang Hui first. Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria—check your mobile suits and prepare for all contingencies."
"Roger." x3
"Liumei."
"What do you need me to do?"
"Have Haro prepare 'that thing.'"
"Understood."
With the four of them gone, Sumeragi was left to pilot the transport ship alone. As she steered toward Yang Hui's designated coordinates, she began refining the plan, preparing a backup strategy in case Yang Hui was exposed—how they would handle the ensuing crisis.
...
Meanwhile, Yang Hui ended his own communication and looked up at Murrue and Natarle Badgiruel, who wore strange expressions.
"You two... what's with those looks?"
"What is 'that thing'?"
Murrue hesitated over whether to ask Yang Hui, as it might involve personal secrets—or even classified Orb intelligence—but Badgiruel had no such reservations. She needed to eliminate all unknowns to ensure the Archangel's safety.
"Sorry, personal privacy. No comment." Yang Hui had no intention of telling Badgiruel. As Sumeragi feared, it wasn't yet time for exposure—best to avoid using it if possible.
"You...! For the safety of this ship, you must tell us!"
"And in what capacity are you questioning me, Lieutenant Junior Grade Badgiruel?"
Yang Hui took a step back, his expression hardening.
"You—!"
"Let me remind you, Lieutenant Junior Grade Badgiruel, I am not an Earth Forces soldier. You have no right to interrogate me about my personal affairs."
"But your actions could jeopardize the Archangel's safety, so you must disclose this information!"
"Then... are you attempting to probe into Orb's classified matters, Lieutenant Junior Grade Badgiruel?"
"..."
"If so, you're welcome to arrest me now. But I reserve the right to remain silent. If it comes to that, you should carefully consider the consequences." Yang Hui's tone was grave.
"..." Badgiruel glared at him, grinding her teeth in frustration.
"That's enough, Lieutenant Badgiruel."
"Captain!"
"As Yang Hui said, he's not a soldier, so he has the right to remain silent. And we can't arrest him—at least not now."
"...Understood." Badgiruel had no choice but to relent, though...
"About this matter..."
"Report it if you wish."
"Hmph!"
Once Badgiruel had left, Yang Hui's stern facade crumbled, and he sighed without another word.
"Yang Hui, Lieutenant Badgiruel, she..."
"I know."
"...What will you do?"
"...Let's survive this crisis first."
"Very well."
Yang Hui and Murrue tacitly chose not to delve deeper into the matter. Some things were best left unspoken even when understood. As for the future... they'd need to survive first to have any right discussing it.
...
Soon, the transport ship carrying Sumeragi and the others rendezvoused with the Archangel and Serpent Tail. After brief contact as mercenaries with the Archangel, they maintained radio silence.
But both Murrue and Natarle Badgiruel present at the time knew Sumeragi's group couldn't possibly be simple mercenaries. Yet since Yang Hui remained silent, they couldn't press further.
Upon receiving word from the Vanguard Fleet, the Archangel ceased silent running. Everyone eagerly anticipated reuniting with the Vanguard Fleet, now proceeding at full speed with both Serpent Tail and Celestial Being in tow.
"Course adjusted to bearing 45, Mk10A. Correction complete. Engine output at 60%."
After several more days of travel, the Archangel finally established contact with the Vanguard Fleet and coordinated a rendezvous point. Before long, the fleet appeared within radar range.
"Radar detects three ship signatures! It's the frigates Montgomery, Bernard, and Raul!"
"Fantastic!"
"Hahaha..."
Cheers erupted from the crew. Even Murrue, who had been bearing immense pressure, exhaled in relief, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders.
But their joy was short-lived.
"Zzzzt... zzzzt..."
"Hmm? What's this?"
"What's happening?"
"Jamming devices! This sector is being jammed!"
Everyone immediately recognized the danger. Even civilian volunteers Tolle, Miriallia, Sai, and Katz understood - sudden widespread interference in space meant either a terrifying cosmic storm or enemy forces. And cosmic storms usually gave clear warning signs... meaning only one possibility remained.
"Forward sensors detect heat signatures consistent with combat! Likely the Vanguard Fleet!"
"Combat...?"
"Incoming transmission from Montgomery: Abort rendezvous! Archangel must turn about and disengage immediately!"
"Captain!" Natarle Badgiruel awaited orders.
"What's the enemy's strength?"
"Yellow Zone 257, Mk40 detects Naska-class. Yellow Zone 501, Mk60 detects one Laurasia-class. Orange Zone 339, Mk19 detects... four more Laurasia-class ships!"
"What!?"
"Thermal patterns match... 29 GINNs confirmed! And... wait... this is! Aegis! X303 Aegis! Not just that - X102 Duel, X103 Buster, X207 Blitz detected too!"
"Ah..."
"Then that means... it's the Creuset Team!"
The bridge fell silent at the enemy's displayed strength - or more accurately, everyone was stunned. How could the Vanguard Fleet possibly withstand such firepower? Even with the Archangel's support, victory seemed impossible.
"Captain!"
Prioritizing the Archangel's survival, Natarle Badgiruel prepared to urge Murrue to retreat immediately, as this battle was unwinnable.
"But that ship still has..." Tolle interjected, reminding both officers that Flay's father was aboard one of those vessels. To him, it was his friend's father - but to the military personnel, that man was the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, a critically important official.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, awaiting Murrue's decision.
"...Even if we turn back now, there's no guarantee we can escape. All hands! First-level combat readiness! The Archangel will proceed to assist the Vanguard Fleet!"
"Captain Ramius, permission to disembark!" Yang Hui also stepped away from the fire control station to make his request.
Gai Murakumo was strong. Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria were all formidable fighters. But...
The enemy still outnumbered them several times over. Even the latest four G Weapons had joined the battle. The Blue Frame was still only equipped with basic armaments, not the future BUG configuration. The mobile suits of Setsuna's trio also had flaws that prevented them from performing at full capacity. To ensure more survivors, Yang Hui had to join the fight.
"Denied!"
Murrue refused outright because she knew that doing so might not guarantee their survival, but it would certainly expose Yang Hui and some of Orb's secrets prematurely—something she wished to avoid.
"Yang Hui..."
As a soldier, Natarle Badgiruel agreed with Yang Hui's request. But personally... her thoughts aligned with Murrue's.
"Is this really the time to worry about such things?" Yang Hui challenged.
"...No. The Archangel must immediately assist the Vanguard Fleet. We can't delay here just for you." Murrue still wouldn't budge.
"Damn it..." Yang Hui understood Murrue's reasoning and knew he shouldn't reveal himself now. But... only the living could talk about the future!
"Fine then." Seeing Murrue wouldn't relent, Yang Hui resorted to his last option. "Proceed to the combat zone at maximum speed. Then open a channel to the ZAFT Forces and tell them we have Lacus Clyne in our custody!"