Everyone fell silent; they all understood the dangers of this mission and the necessity of taking such actions. For both the Earth Forces and ZAFT, the constraints on nuclear weapons had already been lost. It was unrealistic to only restrict one side; intervening in every battle was not feasible. Therefore, it was essential to strike both sides simultaneously while stabilizing them, ensuring that neither could use nuclear weapons to prevent a tragedy from occurring.
"Also, aside from me, Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, Lowe, and Gai, everyone else will be assigned to you."
"No way!" The others protested again. The mission of the White Tiger was already perilous enough, and now they were to divide their combat power? Wasn't that asking for more danger?
"Don't underestimate the Earth Forces. Even if they lose two mobile fleets, they are not to be trifled with. The pressure on your side is also immense, and our mission is even more dangerous. If you lack the strength to follow us, you are just going to your deaths, and it will also drain our energy. The more streamlined and elite we are, the safer we will be," Yang Hui explained to Murrue, Natarle Badgiruel, Lacus, and the others.
"That won't do either! You can't be so arrogant, Yang Hui. With just your level of combat power, how can you possibly confront the entire ZAFT?!" Kira shouted at Yang Hui, believing this was a surefire way to meet death!
"That's enough. We are not trying to engage the ZAFT forces head-on. Our goal is simply to locate and destroy ZAFT's nuclear weapons..."
"That's easy to say," Athrun interjected in support of Kira. "Let's not even mention where you think these nuclear weapons are. Even if you can find them, there will definitely be heavy defenses surrounding such strategic weapons. Not to mention, you need to figure out how to break through the defenses of Boaz and Jachin Due first."
"Exactly. At the very least, Kira and Athrun should accompany you..." Lacus suggested. The proposal to split into two teams was now hard to oppose; the disagreement lay in how to divide their combat power.
The abilities of Yang Hui, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria were beyond doubt, as were Sumeragi's capabilities and the firepower of the White Tiger. However, breaking through ZAFT's heavy defenses to delve deep into their rear and find and destroy strategic weapons was unrealistic. But if Kira and Athrun were added, along with the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam equipped with the Meteor System, that might be sufficient.
"No, Kira and Athrun are your main combat power and must accompany you," Yang Hui directly rejected Lacus's suggestion.
That was a joke. It was precisely because Kira and Athrun were on their side that Yang Hui dared to propose splitting into two teams. Otherwise, he would never allow the Eternal and Archangel to head to the lunar crater base to intercept the Earth Forces fleet carrying nuclear bombs.
"But your side..."
"Alright, it's decided. Prepare yourselves; we depart in an hour."
The expressions of everyone were complex. They knew Yang Hui had made up his mind, and once he decided something, no one could change it.
Yet, they still placed their last glimmer of hope on Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei. Although Murrue and Natarle Badgiruel were also Yang Hui's women, their relationships with him were established later than those of Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei, and their understanding of him was not as deep. If anyone could persuade Yang Hui, it would be them.
To their regret, Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei shook their heads at the group, making no attempt to persuade Yang Hui. Firstly, they knew they couldn't change his mind. Secondly, Yang Hui's decision was indeed the most rational course of action at the moment, whether it involved splitting their forces or dividing their combat capabilities.
They understood that Yang Hui wasn't acting out of arrogance but was making the choice based on the mission's demands. They hadn't forgotten the task assigned by Prometheus Fortress: ensuring the safety of the Three Ships Alliance members. Although changes had been made—with the White Tiger replacing the Kusanagi—they couldn't be certain whether the mission currently recognized the Kusanagi or the White Tiger as part of the alliance.
There was another point: the Three Ships Alliance also included the accompanying Mobile Suit pilots—Barry Ho, Jiang Kerry, Lowe, Gai Murakumo, Asagi, Mayura, Juri, and others. Each casualty would reduce their rewards. With three already lost, they might not be able to ensure everyone's survival, but saving even one more was worth the effort. That was why they had assigned all of them to the Earth Forces route—compared to infiltrating PLANT territory, the pressure at the lunar crater base would be far lighter.
"Go and prepare. Your side won't be easy either. Remember to contact Halberton—with his help, securing the crater base shouldn't be difficult."
With that, Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei left the conference room, cutting off any further objections and leaving the others exchanging bewildered glances.
"They… what's going on with them?"
"Sigh. It seems no one can persuade Yang Hui when it really matters."
"Are we… really just going to stand by and watch them dive into PLANT territory?"
Athrun's question left everyone silent. Of course, they didn't want to, but… there was no way to change Yang Hui's mind, and secretly following was out of the question.
"If we can't change his decision, the only thing we can do is complete our mission as quickly as possible and then go support them," Natarle Badgiruel told the group.
"…That won't be easy," Mu grumbled, scratching his head. The White Tiger's mission was practically suicidal, but their own situation wasn't much better—they still faced immense pressure.
Although Wang Liu Mei had given them Duan Halbaton's contact information, assuring them he could help secure the lunar crater base… who could say for sure?
What if Duan Halbaton refused to cooperate with them—or worse, joined others in attacking them?
"We chose this difficult path. Now, we have no choice but to keep moving forward."
At these words, the group fell silent again.
Right. When they had first chosen this thorny road, hadn't they already prepared themselves?
Complaints, regrets, impatience, helplessness… these were all just excuses. What they needed to do was give their all, end the war as swiftly as possible, and reduce the number of lives lost.
With heavy hearts, the group dispersed to prepare for the challenges ahead. The Mobile Suits assigned to the White Tiger, led by Barry Ho and Jiang Kerry, headed for the Archangel, while Lowe and Gai Murakumo boarded the White Tiger.
"Are you really going through with this?" Lowe and Gai Murakumo caught up to Yang Hui, clearly tense.
"What? Scared?" Yang Hui smirked, teasing them.
"Wait...aren't you afraid?" Lowe asked in astonishment, looking at Yang Hui and the trio behind him—Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria. Going deep into PLANT territory with just one battleship and a handful of MS to locate and destroy ZAFT's hidden nuclear weapons? That was practically a suicide mission, wasn't it?
Yang Hui turned to exchange a knowing smile with Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria.
Afraid? It wasn't that serious. They had faced battles with overwhelming odds before. He still remembered the fight in the Gundam 00 world when they were besieged by three major nations and nearly wiped out. This situation seemed similar, didn't it?
To say they weren't afraid at all...that wouldn't be true either. Who wasn't afraid of death? This mission was extremely difficult, and even Yang Hui didn't have complete confidence in their success.
But...would they back down just because they were afraid? Of course not. Otherwise, they wouldn't have chosen to join Celestial Being back then, wouldn't have participated in the Celestial Being plan, and wouldn't have followed Yang Hui to Prometheus Fortress.
"If you're scared, you can leave. Gai, even if your mission is technically complete, I'll still transfer your payment," Yang Hui said to Lowe and Gai Murakumo.
"Who said anything about leaving?!" Lowe shouted, punching Yang Hui lightly on the shoulder. "If you're not afraid, why should I be? Besides, I'm the universe's luckiest bastard. With me around, maybe we'll stumble right onto the target, blow it up before anyone notices, and get out unscathed!"
"Haha, I'll take that as a good omen then," Yang Hui laughed. He knew Lowe was joking to ease the tension—and his own fear. But who knew? Maybe Lowe's legendary luck would actually come through this time. Wouldn't that be perfect?
"As long as the contract stands and you don't break it, I'll see it through," Gai Murakumo said, not voicing any intention to leave either. Normally, he wouldn't take on what amounted to a suicide mission. But this time...something stirred in him. The usually calm and collected man felt a fire burning in his chest—a flame that should have died out long ago. He wanted to go. He wanted to witness this, to be part of it.
"Good."
That had been Yang Hui's final offer for them to back out—and ZAFT's last chance to let them walk away. The White Tiger was about to depart. Their current position wasn't far from the front-line Boaz Fortress, meaning they would soon enter PLANT territory.
No one could guarantee they wouldn't be detected. Once they were, endless pursuit would follow. At that point, leaving wouldn't be an option anymore—even if Yang Hui allowed it, ZAFT's forces might not.
Beep beep beep—
Just then, Yang Hui's PAD chimed. Seeing it was Sumeragi calling, he answered immediately, expecting her to request permission for the White Tiger's departure. But her expression was grave, her forehead dotted with cold sweat. His heart sank as a bad premonition surged within him.
"Yang Hui! Get to the bridge now!"
"Understood."
Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, Lowe, and Gai Murakumo were also startled by Sumeragi's urgency and followed Yang Hui to the bridge. The moment they entered, their faces paled at the sight before them.
"What is this?!"
"You've got to be kidding me?!"
"This... isn't this Artemis!? How could... it end up like this?"
Indeed, the image displayed on the screen was none other than the Eurasian Federation's space fortress, known as the invincible Umbrella of Artemis. But it no longer resembled the structure they knew - the asteroid had shattered into fragments, scattered debris appearing as though melted, with mushroom clouds from violent explosions still standing in space.
Artemis had been destroyed!
"What just happened!?" Yang Hui asked Sumeragi.
"ZAFT has made their move..."
(End of Chapter)