Axis successfully collided with the A Baoa Qu Fortress. As Reid led his team back to the Aries, they witnessed the devastating impact firsthand.
Just as Reid had predicted, the already hollowed-out A Baoa Qu Fortress couldn't withstand the solid mass of Axis, especially after Reid had already detonated explosives inside it beforehand.
Now, the A Baoa Qu Fortress looked like an egg crushed by a boulder, torn apart from the center. The force of the impact shattered the fortress's outer walls into rubble, indiscriminately battering everything in its vicinity.
At this point, only half of the Titans' retreating forces had successfully broken through the AEUG fleet's blockade and reached safe zones.
The fleets still entangled with the AEUG in the rear would have to rely on luck to survive.
Even warships could be easily torn apart if struck by debris from the A Baoa Qu Fortress, let alone Mobile Suits.
This collision ultimately reduced the Titans' remaining forces—already only 70% of those evacuated from A Baoa Qu—by another quarter.
The only silver lining was that the AEUG's MS units, which had been harassing the Titans' defenders, also suffered heavy losses. However, the AEUG's ships were positioned far beyond the collision's range, remaining unscathed.
Upon seeing this, Reid immediately ordered the Aries to turn and retreat. There was no reason to stay any longer.
After colliding with A Baoa Qu, Axis would depart and head for the lunar city of Granada. In a few days, when the AEUG realized this, they would understand that Haman was preparing to break ties with them.
Moreover, Haman had cunningly fulfilled the AEUG's request before severing relations, so legally, Side 3—which the AEUG had promised—now belonged to Neo Zeon.
The Aries encountered no resistance on its way to Gryps II. Even with Reid implementing shifts to ensure the crew's rest, the ship was practically cruising at a leisurely pace.
After all, the Titans and the AEUG were like two beasts that had fought to a standstill, now licking their wounds in private and too preoccupied to bother with Reid's small vessel.
It took the Aries a full two days to sluggishly arrive at Gryps II. By then, Neo Zeon had already successfully seized the Gryps II Colony Laser. Though Neo Zeon's MS pilots were mediocre, overwhelming numbers still gave them the upper hand—especially with Haman and the Qubeley as their trump cards.
During the two days it took the Aries to reach the Gryps II Colony Laser, Reid had Kid Salsamille extract data on the Titans' MS from the A Baoa Qu Fortress. Reid planned to use this as leverage to negotiate with Haman for certain benefits.
Thus, upon arriving at Gryps II, Reid immediately headed to the Gwadan to report to Haman.
Haman had no intention of stopping Reid's visit. She even issued orders that Reid could come and go from the Gwadan as he pleased without prior notice.
However, for official business like this debriefing, Haman received Reid in a lavishly decorated conference room.
By now, Haman didn't even bother pretending. A pot of tea and pastries sat before her, making it clear this was hardly a formal meeting.
When Reid entered, Haman casually gestured to the chair beside her and smiled.
"Reid, there's no need to be so formal when you're here with me. Sit down first—let's treat this as afternoon tea and talk over some refreshments."
Naturally, Reid didn't want to make things too serious either, as if he were truly Haman's subordinate. He obediently took a seat, sipped the tea, and complimented,
"Oh, this tea is brewed quite well. Was it prepared by one of those old Zeon maids you brought to Axis?"
Reid said this deliberately, as he had already sensed Haman's girlish anticipation for him to try the tea in front of him. It was highly likely that she had brewed it herself.
Since he wanted to negotiate something with her, a few compliments were in order. Of course, the tea really was excellent, so Reid wasn't lying.
Hearing this, Haman's face lit up with joy, though she didn't admit to having brewed it. Instead, she refilled Reid's cup and said,
"I'm glad you like it. Have some more."
Reid hadn't come just for the tea. After taking another small sip, he pulled out a prepared data disk and said,
"Alright, let's get down to business. This is the result of my infiltration into the A Baoa Qu Fortress. It should contain all the data on the Titans' mass-produced mainstay Mobile Suits. As long as you secure the right factories, you can use this data to produce their Mobile Suits.
Though it's too late now, the Gaza-C was only a stopgap measure—it'll have to be phased out eventually."
Haman's eyes gleamed at the sight of the data disk in Reid's hand. This was exactly what Neo Zeon desperately needed. Even though they were only getting it now, finding a few factories in space wouldn't be difficult, especially since the Gryps II Colony Laser had been damaged and required repairs anyway. During that time, they could produce as many Mobile Suits as possible.
So Haman took the disk without hesitation, summoning an aide to quickly extract the data. Once the aide left, she gazed at Reid with a tender expression and said,
"Reid, you've really outdone yourself. Truly, with you by our side, Neo Zeon's rule over the Earth Sphere is within reach. When the time comes, I'll see to it that you're granted a princely title."
As she spoke, her cheeks flushed slightly, her tone carrying a hint of bashfulness. Reid didn't need to guess—her so-called method of granting him a title undoubtedly involved him marrying her.
Reid had little interest in Haman's grand promises. After all, he couldn't stay in this world long enough to see them fulfilled, so he focused on securing immediate benefits instead.
With a smile, he replied,
"Haman, let's not talk about things so far ahead. How about something more tangible first?"
Haman chuckled in response.
"How rare—Reid, you're finally asking me for something. But that's fine. You've long since proven your capabilities, and your achievements have yet to be rewarded. So, name your request. Even if it's me... well, that might not be out of the question, you know?"
At this point, Haman was practically making an open advance. With just a word from Reid, he could likely have her in his arms by nightfall.
Unfortunately, Reid had no intention of touching Haman. While he was flirtatious and always wanted more, he still considered himself a responsible man. Right now, he had no confidence in persuading Haman to leave with him in the end—taking her body without that certainty would be irresponsible.
More importantly, if he stayed overnight on the Gwadan tonight, his own household would be in chaos by tomorrow. Reid knew where his priorities lay.
So he pretended not to catch Haman's implication and replied earnestly,
"Give me a copy of the preserved structural data on Axis. You turned a perfectly good fortress into a thrown rock—this was originally a forward outpost fortress built by the Principality of Zeon for space exploration.
Also, send me the Psycommu System data for the Qubeley. It's research I've been unable to complete on my end, so now I'm just taking what you've already finished."
Haman frowned slightly. She didn't believe Reid hadn't picked up on the implications in her words—so was he refusing her?
Still, she suppressed the flicker of anger in her heart. She knew Reid was a married man who didn't fool around outside his marriage, which should be considered a virtue.
As for Reid's request, Haman had no idea what he wanted with the Axis data. Was it important? To major factions, it still held some value, but the exorbitant cost of building an identical fortress would deter most leaders.
The Psycommu System data for the Qubeley was indeed classified, but given Reid's faction's level of MS development, it was only a matter of time before they cracked it—after all, AEUG already had a similar biosensor system.
After a moment of thought, Haman replied seriously,
"I can give you the Axis data, but the Psycommu System cost Axis a tremendous amount of resources and effort. I can't just hand it over. If you want it, Reid, how about trading it for that stealth system of yours?"
Reid immediately dismissed the idea. The Mirage Colloid System involved Mirage Colloid particles—there was no way he was handing that over.
However, a stripped-down version of the Electronic Camouflage System could be offered. Even if Neo Zeon's technology could eventually master it, it would take them ages—by then, he'd long be gone from this world.
But negotiations couldn't be that straightforward. There was still time, and he could afford to haggle with Haman a little longer. So Reid simply shook his head and replied,
"No. Handing that system over would require my organization's full approval of you first. Haman, a friendly reminder—your current performance isn't enough to convince most of my people to side with you. That includes Gaia, Ortega, and Mash. As for Tem Ray, someone originally from the Earth Federation? Don't even get me started."
Haman was well aware that her series of erratic maneuvers made her hard to trust. By conventional logic, her actions could be called duplicitous.
But she didn't refute Reid's words. Instead, she asked with unusual seriousness,
"Their opinions don't matter. Reid, what do you think?"
Seeing how earnest she was, Reid put on an equally solemn act and answered,
"Honest assessment? You're inexperienced, but you've got the makings of a good leader. I believe that as a national leader, telling people what they want to hear is necessary. While many see you as having betrayed AEUG, you fulfilled your contract with them before turning on them.
To me, that's normal. Between nations, there's no real friendship—only permanent interests.
Of course, I do think you're a bit too aggressive, but I won't stop you. I'll even try to cover for you. After all, aggression isn't entirely bad—it's just a question of whether you can mitigate its negative effects with the power at your disposal.
That's the most critical factor in shaping my final evaluation of you."
Hearing this, Haman's expression softened. What she feared most was Reid failing to understand her—but now, it seemed she had worried for nothing.
However, Haman had to admit that her plans and strategies were indeed walking a tightrope—what one might call radical.
So she understood that if she failed, Reid would no longer place his bets on her, as that was his responsibility as the organization's leader.
But understanding didn't mean acceptance. Haman was also unusually emotional in certain aspects, so she asked directly:
"Reid, can't you support me? If I'm missing something, you can stop me."
Reid simply shook his head in response, stood up, and patted Haman's shoulder.
"Haman, you're not the type to submit to others. I've met many like you. Ask yourself honestly—would you really abandon some of your convictions just because of me? We'd probably end up arguing after a few attempts.
So, the current cooperation model is the best. You give the orders, I execute them. If I think something's unworkable, I'll tell you directly. I have some degree of choice, and both sides leave room for flexibility—until one proves they're right."
Haman had no rebuttal to Reid's words.
Seeing her lost in thought, Reid prepared to leave. As he walked away, he added:
"For the Gryps II Colony Laser repairs, I'll send Dr. Tem Ray and my chief mechanic, Kid Salsamille, to assist. Gaia, Ortega, and Mash will also come as Dr. Tem Ray's escorts.
After all, Dr. Tem Ray's son was a key factor in the Principality of Zeon's defeat during the One Year War."
Since Reid was offering help voluntarily, Haman naturally didn't refuse.
"No problem. I could use someone to oversee the repair project.
Reid, I'll remember your words. I believe I'll win you over in the future. I'll have Axis' data sent to you immediately."
Reid nodded without another word and turned to leave.
Exchanging Titans' Mobile Suit data for Axis' was a fair deal. Reid planned to use this data to overhaul the Artemis Fortress, transforming it from a stationary shield that could only serve as a target into a mobile one.
After Reid's departure, the next two weeks were peaceful. Though the AEUG had noticed Axis' unusual movements, they didn't immediately confront Haman. Instead, they first diverted Axis' trajectory. (This deviates from the original timeline since the protagonist no longer needed to return to Axis.)
As for the remnants of the Titans, they continued to loiter near Gryps II. Internally, they were clearly divided into two factions, each restraining the other, so they couldn't decide whether to strike the AEUG or Neo Zeon first.
But what was destined to happen still did. Paptimus Scirocco secretly reached out to Haman, offering to immediately return all Musai-class battleships from his forces that had once belonged to the old Principality of Zeon. With this incentive, he persuaded Haman to ally with him against both the AEUG and the Titans faction led by Bask Om.
However, this time, Paptimus Scirocco didn't dare to board the Gwadan to negotiate with Haman in person. Jamitov Hymem's death during negotiations had destroyed Haman's credibility across the universe. No hostile force would dare to approach her territory for face-to-face talks anymore.
Haman was well aware of this. So, for this collaboration, Paptimus Scirocco had Sarah Zabiarov shuttle back and forth to the Gwadan multiple times to relay messages and finalize the agreement.
For Haman, she was well aware that Paptimus Scirocco was temporarily at a disadvantage in his power struggle with Bask Om for influence within the Titans. After all, Paptimus Scirocco was a relatively new outsider within the Titans' ranks.
Haman judged that cooperation with Paptimus Scirocco was feasible, primarily because Bask Om commanded too large a military force.
Even if he was an arrogant fool, if he mobilized his Titans forces to assault Neo Zeon directly, it would pose a massive threat to Neo Zeon before their satellite cannon could be repaired.
Thus, Haman's terms to Paptimus Scirocco were simple: delay Bask Om's deployment plans until the satellite cannon was fully operational. By then, Haman would crush Bask Om's forces, allowing Paptimus Scirocco to smoothly ascend to power.
Of course, Paptimus Scirocco didn't truly believe Neo Zeon would help him—that satellite cannon might very well obliterate Jupiteris along with everything else.
This was an open scheme; both sides knew their cooperation was merely mutual exploitation.
Haman didn't even need Reid's analysis to guess that Paptimus Scirocco would undoubtedly ensure Neo Zeon and Bask Om's forces were locked in chaotic battle just before the satellite cannon's completion.
His goal, naturally, was to seize the cannon in the chaos. Strengthening Neo Zeon now was only to make the conflict between them, Bask Om's forces, and possibly the arriving AEUG even more intense.
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