"Captain!" The adjutant grew anxious. While he privately acknowledged Wang Hu's threat, he...
With a wave of his hand, Creuset silenced his adjutant's impending words.
"If we let this opportunity slip today, we might be sacrificing the entire future of Coordinators."
His slow, magnetic tone carried words as chilling as an abyss.
"This..." The adjutant stared incredulously at Creuset for elevating a mere Natural to such importance—even linking it to the Coordinators' future. Wasn't that too extreme?
Yet thoughts aside, since Captain Creuset had spoken thus...
Shaking his head, the adjutant swallowed his doubts. With gritted teeth, he resolved to follow his captain down this dark path.
After all, standing before him was their ace—Rau Le Creuset!
"Understood, Captain Creuset."
Exhaling deeply, the adjutant steeled himself, shedding all hesitation. He immediately set about arranging the battleship's course and coordinating rapid rendezvous with allied vessels.
Additionally, anticipating the inevitable major battle ahead, he oversaw the maintenance status of the Gundams aboard, ensuring optimal logistical support so Captain Creuset could focus without distractions.
"Captain." With the debate between Creuset and the adjutant concluded, Nicol finally voiced his purpose.
"I wish to sortie again in the next battle."
"Oh?"
No sooner had he settled matters with the adjutant than his earnest subordinate presented a new complication.
Creuset's intrigued gaze settled on Nicol.
"I recall your Blitz Gundam sustained considerable damage this time."
His implication was clear—disapproval. Not out of sudden compassion to spare his subordinate's life, but because Nicol's parents, swayed by this goodwill gesture, might advocate for him in PLANT.
Defying both Chairman Patrick and Chairman Clyne's recall orders—even with his standing—carried risks. While his shoulders and head were sturdy, there was no need to bear everything alone.
"Athrun, he..." Honest Nicol spoke plainly. "In the last battle, his performance was... uncharacteristic, perhaps due to certain reasons."
"So I want to fight hard enough for both our shares."
"I see." Creuset nodded understandingly, his sharp eyes behind the mask meeting his subordinate's resolute gaze.
Worried his friend might face punishment, Nicol sought to earn merits to offset Athrun's mistakes.
In truth, Athrun's recent subpar combat performances hadn't escaped Creuset's notice. He'd withheld reprimand, banking on Athrun's nature to confess voluntarily—then seizing that moment to influence his thinking.
Unexpectedly, before the main subject arrived, this pleasant surprise appeared.
So, does this unexpected piece that fell into his hands have any usable value?
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Creuset's mind. Picking one at random, he had a plan.
Hmph, he sneered inwardly with disdain. What touching friendship!
But on the surface, Creuset showed an approving smile.
"Nicol, I'm glad you have such consideration for your friend."
"Athrun is truly fortunate to have a friend like you."
"Captain..." Nicol blushed and lowered his head shyly under Creuset's praise. "I just wanted to help Athrun. I'm not as good as you say, Captain."
"No." Creuset shook his head, subtly adding more weight to Athrun's burden. "Many people only pay lip service, but you're different—you take action."
"This is something no one can deny. Taking real action makes you remarkable."
"Captain!" Nicol suddenly raised his head, feeling overwhelmed by such praise. He had only wanted to do something he believed in—how had Captain Creuset's words made him sound so heroic?
To stop Creuset from piling on more compliments, Nicol quickly changed the subject.
"If the enemy ship Archangel has taken refuge in the Artemis Fortress under the protection of the Umbrella of the Moon, I think I have a way to breach that fortress!"
"The Mirage Colloid System, right?" Before Nicol could finish, Creuset had already guessed his plan.
"Yes." Nicol was in awe of his captain's insight. He then carefully explained the stealth capabilities of the Mirage Colloid System.
"I see." Creuset had no objections. Success would be ideal, but if it failed...
His gaze drifted past Nicol to Athrun, who had just entered. If it fails, what would this pawn be thinking then?
How strangely exciting!
"Athrun?" Noticing the shift in the captain's gaze, Nicol turned and saw his friend watching him with a complicated expression.
"Nicol..." Though Athrun hadn't heard the earlier conversation, he wasn't foolish. Putting the pieces together, he could easily guess what Nicol—who disliked battle—was planning to do.
All of this... for my sake!
Nicol, an honest man who couldn't even handle Creuset's praise, was even less equipped to endure Athrun's gaze now.
"Captain, do you have any additional instructions regarding my operation plan?" Bowing slightly, Nicol just wanted to end the discussion quickly.
"Very well." Creuset feigned reluctance as he nodded and patted Nicol on the shoulder. "Stay safe. I'll have your Blitz Gundam repaired as much as possible. If the mission proves impossible, prioritize your own survival."
"Yes, Captain!" Nicol answered swiftly. Before Athrun could voice any objections, he turned and hurriedly left the bridge.
"Nicol!" Athrun reached out to grab his friend's shoulder but, predictably, grasped only empty air.
Watching his friend drift out of the bridge, Athrun was naturally unwilling to give up and made to chase after him.
"Athrun, wait a moment." At that moment, Creuset called out to the blue-haired noble youth.
"Captain, I deeply apologize for what happened during the previous battle."
Hearing Creuset's call, Athrun had no choice but to suppress his urge to chase after Nicol.
Turning around with sincere remorse, Athrun apologized to Creuset.
"There's no need to mention what happened before. I believe you had your reasons."
The refined Creuset offered verbal comfort, observing the scene of mutual concern playing out before him between the two.
Internally, he could only feel waves of amusement, though this situation worked to his advantage.
Like a viper spitting venom, Creuset seized this heaven-sent opportunity to begin manipulating Athrun's thoughts.
His slow, persuasive words echoed through the bridge, causing Athrun's expression to alternate between pale and flushed as he listened.
"Captain!" Athrun swept away the confusion in his heart, his eyes becoming resolute.
"In the battles to come, I will not disappoint Nicol! I will not disappoint you, Captain!"
For the captain who believed in him. For Nicol who believed in him.
Athrun clenched his fists tightly. Kira, I'm sorry!
If you remain obstinate, I'll have no choice but to strike some sense into you!
Even if I have to drag you back by force!
(End of Chapter)