"Who is commanding that?"
Ola narrowed her eyes, muttering to herself as she looked toward the support unit.
Then... something even more surprising happened.
There were two Powered Armors, with no signs of anyone inside.
Clearly, they were being operated via Remote Control.
However, she had seen their movements clearly when they landed—smooth and fluid, completely unlike the stiffness typically associated with remote control.
"Interesting..."
Watching this scene, Ola felt nothing but curiosity.
After all, individuals capable of achieving this level of skill were likely few and far between, even in PLANT.
They were probably trusted aides of either Siegel or Patrick.
And considering the secrecy of this operation, it was most likely Siegel, who held considerable influence here.
Could it be that girl?
Ola thought of Lacus but quickly dismissed the idea.
Lacus was still a child, about the same age as the children on her side.
Her own children were only just approaching Ace-level strength, so Lacus was even less likely.
It was probably some Ace-level researcher.
In Ola's mind, an image quickly formed of an Ace researcher with a receding hairline.
Perhaps a researcher from the same generation as Siegel and herself?
As she pondered, Ola soon snapped out of her surprise.
The combat plan was impressive, and the Remote Control technology was exceptional. Unbeknownst to her, the Clyne Faction had managed to gather so many experts, indicating a significant increase in their strength.
But this was good. With this, her own plans were even more likely to succeed.
Of course, Ola had no idea that both the combat plan and the technology came from the same person—a Natural in his teens—and she harbored no suspicions whatsoever.
If she had known, she probably wouldn't have remained as calm as she was now.
While Ola was analyzing the situation, several youths beside her were also staring intently at the scene on the screen.
Their thoughts were equally complex.
"Mother, they're so strong!"
A silver-haired youth named Shura exclaimed, his eyes bright as he looked at the figures on the screen, a hint of eagerness in his gaze.
Hearing this, Ola's smile grew warmer, and her slender hand gently ruffled Shura's silver hair.
"Yes, but Shura, you will be even stronger in the future."
Her children would undoubtedly become the most powerful beings, leading humanity out of this endless cycle of war and suffering.
She would prove that she was right!
And completely surpass that Kira Yamato!
With this thought, Ola paid no further attention to the ZAFT members on the screen.
Instead, she left the area with her children, a satisfied smile on her face.
Meanwhile, Fred, while speaking with Haken and the others, also glanced toward the distant location of Ola's research institute.
He knew it was Ola's institute. After all, as a scientist on par with Dr. Hibiki, information about her was readily available online.
However, to avoid Siegel discovering his search history, he had searched for information on all the scholars here, including Dr. Hibiki, ensuring he wouldn't be exposed.
He had previously taken note of the cameras over there, and they seemed to be moving.
Perhaps there were still people inside.
However, he did not act rashly.
He had no certainty of being able to kill Ola and the others, nor did he know whether Ola had left any contingencies in her research institute.
For someone as cunning as Ola, this was highly likely.
In such a large research institute, wandering around aimlessly like a headless fly would be utterly useless.
As for directly leveling the research institute to the ground, that might be possible, but Ola could be in an underground shelter, ready to leave at any moment, leaving him with little opportunity.
Doing so would only risk alerting them.
Moreover, Ola was not an imminent threat.
Given his own growth rate, even if Ola and Fendrissen truly grew stronger over the next nine years, he would have nothing to fear.
Of course, if the opportunity arose, he would still eliminate them root and branch.
There were many opportunities in war. With the right intelligence, a single superweapon could settle everything.
He didn't want Ola to delay his retirement plans.
With these thoughts in mind, Fred firmly committed the research institute to memory before addressing the group.
"Let's head back."
This trip had already yielded ample gains.
There was no need to provoke Ola further.
In the future, there would be plenty of opportunities.
"I still need to grow stronger," he thought to himself.
As the group respectfully acknowledged Fred's words, they began making their way back to the port in unison.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Fred's thoughts, Siegel and Lacus in April City also breathed a sigh of relief in tacit understanding.
"His planning abilities are growing stronger by the day."
Siegel had lost count of how many times during this operation he had marveled at the capabilities Fred displayed.
But it was unavoidable—Fred's actions repeatedly shattered their expectations.
It was as if he were constantly emphasizing that his low profile in PLANT over the past few years wasn't due to weakness, but simply a lack of opportunities to shine.
Looking back over the years, compared to the Copernicus incident, his combat abilities had quietly grown to a level that left them in awe.
If a full-scale war were to break out in the future, with abilities like his, Fred would undoubtedly become the commander of an entire fleet—a rank equivalent to general.
If Siegel and Patrick took pride in their political and research achievements, they still paled in comparison to Fred.
At least at Fred's age, neither he nor Patrick had been anywhere near as formidable.
"Father, Fred was right this time. Although the source of his intelligence still needs verification, I believe we can place greater trust in him!"
Lacus's soft face took on a rare seriousness in front of her father.
"Hmm..."
Siegel naturally understood what Lacus was saying, but as she pointed out, the source of the intelligence remained unclear.
To execute such precise and targeted actions against the enemy couldn't be explained by mere hearsay.
However, he had long ago thoroughly investigated Fred's family background. The most likely source was Fred's father, George.
But recently, George had either been dining with colleagues from the Clyne Faction at the agricultural research institute, taking walks in the park, or listening to music at home.
Like a retired old man...
At this thought, Siegel, who was still pondering seriously, felt an inexplicable surge of envy.
If not for the heavy burdens he carried, his current savings would have long allowed him to retire.
Of course, it was just a passing thought. After all, he and Fred's family were fundamentally different.
Fred's family had their backing.
But if they retired and lost their real power, their wealth and former reputation would become a sin.
Without the protection of power, those from Blue Cosmos would seek revenge at any moment.