"D Equipment authorization has been granted. Auroru and Matthew, proceed with sortie preparations."
Creuset waved his hand, issuing the sortie order while simultaneously indicating the combat meeting was concluded.
"Using D Equipment... wouldn't it be inappropriate if we end up destroying the space colony?"
The Vesalius's captain—Ades—pondered for a moment before raising an objection.
Heliopolis was a space colony belonging to ORB, and in terms of faction alignment, it was actually neutral... A rash attack might bring unnecessary diplomatic complications.
"They would think the same way we do."
Creuset shook his head and explained.
"If they use that as leverage, hiding within Heliopolis while contacting the Earth Alliance Forces for support, we'll be the ones in trouble."
"Right now, with the enemy isolated and without reinforcements, this is our best chance to succeed."
"As for ORB... Hmph, they're already assisting the Earth Alliance in developing MS. What right do they have to claim neutrality?"
Having said that, Creuset turned his gaze back to the two soldiers he had named, speaking in a reassuring tone:
"So, just carry out the mission without any psychological burden."
Upon hearing this, the soldiers named Auroru and Matthew immediately acknowledged the order, a sharp glint flashing simultaneously in their eyes.
Finally, they had the chance... to avenge Miguel!
D Equipment was primarily used for assaults on fortresses or strongholds, equipped with various sizes of missile systems to ensure destructive power against targets. Choosing this armament now clearly indicated they shouldn't hold back—whether it was the Assault Suit or the Archangel, they were to blow them all up.
Excited by their orders, the two withdrew from the conference room and headed to the hangar to prepare their mobile suits and launch the attack.
As his teammates gradually left, leaving only himself, Creuset, and the Vesalius's captain, Athrun hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to request:
"Captain Creuset, please allow me to join them as well!"
After brief consideration, he felt he had to go... He was certain Kira had likely been taken away by that Assault Suit pilot and brought aboard the Archangel.
If the entire Archangel were destroyed, Kira might lose his life as well.
So he planned to sortie together, disabling the Archangel by targeting the bridge, thrusters, and other critical systems before the entire ship could be destroyed, thus maximizing Kira's safety.
Thinking this, Athrun couldn't help but recall that damned Assault Suit pilot—if not for him, Kira would never have been dragged into this mess!
The Vesalius's captain initially intended to refuse—attacking the Archangel with two GINNs equipped with D Equipment should be more than enough.
Just as he was about to speak, Creuset chuckled softly, stopping the captain with a gesture while replying in a meaningful tone:
"If you want to go, that's fine, but right now—there are no available mobile suits."
"I'll take the Aegis out! That's the machine we captured!"
"Oh? If you're willing to bear the consequences... that could be arranged."
Hearing Athrun give the answer he wanted, Creuset's lips curled slightly as he replied with a profound smile.
Surprised that Creuset had unexpectedly agreed, Athrun's eyes widened momentarily before he saluted with delight:
"Yes! Captain Creuset, I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"
After Athrun excitedly departed, the Vesalius's captain, Ades, frowned slightly and looked at Creuset:
"Captain Creuset, is this... really alright?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
Creuset maintained his usual smile, the kind that enjoyed watching chaos unfold, as he watched Athrun's retreating figure and continued.
"Anyway, we've already collected all the machine's data. Seeing what kind of sparks fly when two G Series units clash should be quite interesting, don't you think?"
————————————
"Radio wave interference detected throughout the space colony! Neutron interference levels increasing!"
An alarm sounded on the Archangel's bridge. The appearance of electronic interference almost certainly signaled the ZAFT Forces were launching an attack.
Badgiruel, who had just returned from the hangar, clicked her tongue lightly as she saw hostile signatures appear on the bridge screens.
...That Lu Tianming guy actually predicted it. Not much time had passed since they completed resource retrieval. If Lu Tianming had just disembarked, he wouldn't get much rest.
"How's the Zero's repairs in the hangar?!"
Mu asked with some urgency. The Zero had been severely damaged in the previous battle with Creuset, and while emergency repairs had been underway since their return... it was still unknown if it could be fixed in time.
"Still under emergency repairs! The Assault Suit's Striker Pack too—the enemy's attacks were too intensive!"
Hearing this response, Mu couldn't help but click his tongue... In that case, wouldn't the only one who could sortie be the Assault Suit again?
Relying on Lu Tianming over and over gave him an inexplicable feeling of... helplessness.
He wasn't the only one feeling this way—Badgiruel felt the same.
The more they relied on Lu Tianming, the deeper her guilt grew over her previous doubts...
——————————
"Me o samase, bokura no sekai ga nanimonoka ni shinryaku sareteru zo~"
A powerful song burst forth near his ears. Like hearing an alarm clock, Lu Tianming shot up from his seat. Forcibly awakened, he looked utterly confused before realizing—it was that bastard Xia Chuan singing UNION as an alarm.
Damn, the lyrics were quite fitting.
"Stop singing, we're on the same side."
Lu Tianming covered his ears, enduring Xia Chuan's piercing singing voice as he tried to restrain himself.
As soon as he spoke, Lu Tianming heard a disappointed sigh from the cockpit... It seemed Xia Chuan hadn't had his fill yet.
But with serious matters at hand, he didn't fool around further and got straight to the point:
"Creuset sent people to attack again. We didn't determine who was MVP last round, but we'll settle it this time!"
Lu Tianming had been somewhat tense, but hearing Xia Chuan's words immediately swept away his nervousness.
Looking at this guy who was eagerly preparing to charge into battle, Lu Tianming's lips curled slightly as he said:
"Alright—want to make a bet then?"
Hearing Lu Tianming's suggestion, Xia Chuan grew even more excited:
"Deal! The loser has to call the other 'dad' for a week!"
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
Just as the two made their vow and were preparing to follow the Archangel's procedures to sortie and engage the enemy, Xia Chuan suddenly noticed something strange.
"...Hey, what's Kira doing muttering to himself over there?"