The Dawn Gundam advanced relentlessly, eliminating all obstacles in its path. After navigating countless twists and turns within Genesis, it finally reached the core area. Through nuclear radiation detection, Yang Hui soon located the storage area for the nuclear bombs.
"Five minutes left." Checking the time, Yang Hui parked the Dawn Gundam nearby and disembarked to set up the detonation sequence. The safest approach was to install a timed explosive device and retreat to a pre-calculated safe distance outside Genesis, ensuring no one could disarm it in time.
Once the setup was complete, Yang Hui immediately returned to the Dawn Gundam and moved to the safe zone, promptly contacting the White Tiger.
"Your position?"
"We've successfully disengaged from combat. Awaiting you at S45."
"Understood."
Assured of the White Tiger's safety, Yang Hui relaxed. Whether ZAFT forces had evacuated to safe zones or would be caught in Genesis' explosion was no longer his concern.
As the countdown reached its final 20 seconds, the Dawn Gundam's thrusters flared, accelerating along the shortest escape route. The moment it burst free from Genesis, the timer hit zero.
Without slowing, the Dawn Gundam raced toward safety. Across the battlefield, ZAFT Forces' MS and warships scrambled chaotically like headless flies. Yang Hui paid them no mind—with bits attached to its wings and speed maxed out, any MS or ship blocking Dawn's path was instantly cleaved in two, failing to delay it even for a second.
Then Genesis twisted violently. A cataclysmic eruption of energy tore the superweapon apart, its fiery debris scattering like a newborn sun across the void. The blinding radiance forced everyone to shut their eyes against the searing light.
Gradually, as the burning sensation faded, people cautiously reopened their eyes. The lingering brilliance of Genesis' explosion hung like an artificial sun, leaving minds struggling to process the sight.
"This... this is..."
"Genesis... Genesis has been destroyed..."
"How could...?"
Among those still stationed at Jachin Due, Yzak Joule was the first to regain composure, demanding answers.
"Why did Genesis explode? Where is Chairman Zala?"
"Sir, it's... it's..." Under Yzak's furious glare, the staff gradually snapped out of their daze, scrambling to assess the situation.
"It was Dawn! Dawn infiltrated Genesis and detonated the nuclear bombs!"
"Allied ships report most personnel evacuated Genesis beforehand after receiving Dawn's demolition warning. But Chairman... Chairman Zala..."
"Stop stammering! What about the Chairman!?"
"Chairman Zala... has fallen in the line of duty..."
"No..."
The news of Patrick Zala's death struck Yzak Joule like a physical blow, draining his strength. The same devastation gripped the other loyal followers of the late Chairman.
They were the backbone of the radical faction and staunch followers of the "Coordinator Supremacy" ideology. Yet their core and pillar had always been Patrick Zala. It was Patrick Zala who gave them hope that their goals could be achieved. But now...
At that moment, the command room doors burst open. Eileen Canaver, who should have been stripped of her position and imprisoned, stormed in with soldiers, swiftly taking control of Yzak Joule and other key members of the radical faction.
"Eileen Canaver, you—"
"Long time no see, Yzak Joule. And to all of you present—by order of the Supreme Council, you are hereby arrested for treason. All of you."
"What!? Treason? How is this possible? As a representative of the Supreme Council, why wasn't I informed? And you! You're a prisoner—how could you possibly attend the Supreme Council?" Yzak Joule roared.
"An hour ago, you were removed from your position. I have been reinstated, and Patrick Zala has been stripped of his roles as Chairman and Defense Committee Head. The entire Zala faction is guilty of treason."
"Damn you... you Clyne faction bastards..."
If Yzak Joule still couldn't grasp what was happening after all this, the years would have been wasted on him. This was the Clyne faction seizing power in one swift move!
But knowing was one thing—the deed was already done. There was nothing she could do to resist now. Any attempt to fight back would only earn her a bullet before the charges could even be finalized.
Eileen Canaver ordered the soldiers to detain all Zala faction members present, then addressed the uninvolved personnel: "Patrick Zala, Yzak Joule... the aforementioned individuals are hereby arrested for treason. I am now assuming command. Open the fleet-wide communications channel immediately!"
"U-understood..."
Some understood what was happening; others were completely lost. But they all silently accepted Eileen Canaver's temporary command. This was a power struggle among the higher-ups—as rank-and-file personnel, they could only comply. Some even sought to distance themselves from the Zala faction to avoid being implicated.
Once the fleet-wide channel was activated, Eileen Canaver issued her orders and declaration: "To all ZAFT Forces and Orb Military forces in the sector..."
Yes, the Orb Military. Though Orb was currently under occupation, its leadership—led by Yang Hui—remained intact, wielding formidable military strength. After deliberation by the Supreme Council, Orb was still being treated as a sovereign nation.
"...At present, PLANT has begun preparations for ceasefire negotiations with the Earth Forces, the Orb Military, and the PLANT Supreme Council nations. In light of this, the PLANT Provisional Supreme Council proposes an immediate cessation of all hostilities within this sector. I repeat—the PLANT Provisional Supreme Council proposes an immediate cessation of all hostilities within this sector."
"Councilor Canaver, an incoming transmission request!"
"Put it through!"
"Understood."
The screen flickered to life, revealing Yang Hui's face. "This is Yang Hui, Supreme Commander of the Orb Military. On behalf of our forces, I accept the PLANT Provisional Supreme Council's proposal for a ceasefire."
"Thank you very much, Lord Yang Hui." Eileen Canaver sighed in relief. The Orb Military led by Yang Hui was the biggest variable in this war—small in number, but no one would doubt their significance anymore. If Yang Hui insisted on continuing the war, the ceasefire negotiations would become a farce, rendering any peace agreement between ZAFT and the Earth Forces meaningless.
"It's no trouble. Orb's stance remains unchanged. May this world no longer be divided."
"I understand, Lord Yang Hui. Currently, the Earth Forces' main fleet is attacking Boaz Fortress. We have promptly proposed ceasefire negotiations, but it seems a rebellion has broken out within their main fleet. Some of their forces have ignored our request. What do you think…?"
"I understand. I will contact the Archangel and the Eternal to halt further hostilities. Please expedite preparations for the peace talks. The extreme actions taken by your side during this war have caused severe consequences. You must provide the world with a satisfactory explanation," Yang Hui reminded her.
"We will prepare thoroughly."
"That is all."
The communication ended. Eileen Canaver handed over command to the senior officers of the Clyne faction accompanying her. She knew her own limitations—this wasn't her area of expertise. Besides, the battle near Jachin Due had already concluded. All that remained was regrouping their forces and cleaning up the battlefield.
"You traitors! You're the real betrayers of PLANT! Weak-willed Clyne faction, surrendering to the Naturals…!" As Eileen passed by Yzak Joule, he roared in fury. In this war between Coordinators and Naturals, they had held the upper hand. Even if ZAFT lost Genesis, the Earth Forces still possessed nuclear weapons.
Yang Hui's forces were specialized in countering nuclear weapon units. With Genesis gone, their only remaining target would be the Earth Forces—effectively making them ZAFT's indirect allies. ZAFT still retained a substantial military force. If they could reinforce Boaz Fortress's defenders and eliminate the Earth Forces' main fleet, the entire cosmos would become their domain. Then, launching a counteroffensive to reclaim the fallen Carpentaria and Gibraltar bases on Earth would be effortless.
But now, because of the weak-willed Clyne faction's decision to negotiate for peace, all of this had been ruined.
Yzak could imagine the immense concessions PLANT would have to make to achieve a ceasefire agreement after the devastation caused by Genesis. Sacrificing national interests for temporary peace and their own gains—wasn't that the definition of betrayal?
"Correct your mistake, Yzak Joule. What we seek is peace—an equal negotiation. And… the temporary Supreme Council's intended negotiation partner… is Orb, not the Earth Alliance."
"What?"
Yzak's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Eileen. "You… surrendered to a nation that's already fallen…?"
"You should know better than I do about the Orb Military led by Lord Yang Hui."
After speaking, Eileen Canaver ignored Yzak Joule's protests, waving her hand to have him and the key members of the Zala faction taken away. She needed to return to the temporary Supreme Council immediately—they still had to prepare for peace negotiations and the concessions required for the ceasefire.
...
Yang Hui received the ceasefire request, and naturally, the White Tiger did as well. They had no objections to Yang Hui's acceptance. Their purpose here had always been to stop the war. With Genesis destroyed and the PLANT Supreme Council proposing a ceasefire and peace talks, this was the best possible outcome.
Now, peace was just one step away. The only remaining obstacle was the Earth Forces fleet, stubbornly refusing to abandon the fight.
"What's the status of the Archangel and the Eternal?" Yang Hui asked as soon as the Dawn Gundam returned to the White Tiger. He hadn't even changed out of his pilot suit before heading to the bridge.
"Not good. Eileen Canaver didn't tell the whole truth. It's not just the Earth Forces who are unwilling to stop fighting—there are elements within the ZAFT Forces as well. Right now, the Archangel and the Eternal are under attack from both sides."
"Expected. Full speed ahead to support them. Send a message to the ZAFT Forces—tell them to rein in their own people, or I'll terminate the ceasefire agreement. Also, contact Murrue and have her reach out to Halberton. If his subordinates don't stand down, we'll join forces with ZAFT and take them out together!"
(End of Chapter)