Three days passed quickly. In the current political landscape of the Atlantic Federation, anyone with even the slightest connection to [Blue Cosmos], [LOGOS], or the Kingdom of Scandinavia—whether a low-level government employee or a rank-and-file soldier—had been completely purged. They were either arrested or met with various "accidents" resulting in their deaths.
Duan Halbaton and his comrades stepped forward during the most critical moments, calming public sentiment while swiftly taking over their responsibilities, securing control over both the political and military spheres.
Of course, full control couldn't be achieved in such a short time, but the basic requirements for stabilizing the nation had been met. Public support for them remained high, especially after Halbaton's arrangements led to the arrest and public trial of several high-ranking federal council members, including Clemmy. Given the heinous nature of their crimes, they were swiftly sentenced to death, with the execution promised to be broadcast live.
Additionally, they made commitments to the citizens: the confiscated assets of these individuals would be directly transferred to the national treasury, and a detailed policy list would be implemented—spanning civil welfare, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and military affairs—to ensure these resources were used for national development.
However, none of this concerned Yang Hui. He only cared about the final outcome. So, as the third day neared its end, Yang Hui and his team, still stationed in the ruins of the Kingdom of Scandinavia, finally heard the long-awaited mission completion notification.
[Second Phase Mission: Eliminate the Atlantic Federation, [Blue Cosmos], [LOGOS], and the [Librarian Works] organization. Investigate and eliminate the world's distortion points, prevent the invasion of external enemies. All objectives achieved. Calculating completion rate... 100%. Facing festum ahead of schedule and eliminating them perfectly—reward increased. Protecting the Gundam SEED world's coordinates from being exposed—reward increased... Calculation complete. Rewards: 4 construction opportunities, 4 enhancement opportunities, 10 skill extraction opportunities, 10 skill enhancement opportunities, 5 (extra-large) resource packages.
Determining the Second Phase Mission as this world's final task. Now calculating world deviation rate:
Phase One: Secretly strengthening Orb—30%
Altering the Archangel's escape route—5%
Survival of Nicol Amalfi, Tolle Koenig, and Aisha Tyler—3%
Survival of Siegel Clyne and Natarle Badgiruel—5%
Lacus Clyne joining Orb—6%
Survival of Rau Le Creuset—10%
Participation in the Second Battle of Jachin Due, altering the course of the war and its outcomes—16%
Changes in Orb's international standing after the Second Battle of Jachin Due—40%
...
Total world deviation obtained: 258%, exceeding 100%. Qualification granted to establish a connection between the Gundam SEED world and Prometheus Fortress. Commander, please confirm the connection location to establish a Two-Way Channel.]
"Finally... we can breathe easy."
With the mission completion notification received, Yang Hui, Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria—wherever they were—could finally relax their tense nerves. Without exception, smiles appeared on their faces.
"Communication silence lifted. Target confirmed completely destroyed. Everyone, we've won!"
"YEAH~!!!!!"
The moment communications were restored, cheers erupted from everyone—whether it was the three-ship fleet still holding their position over the Kingdom of Scandinavia, forces on distant battlefields, or those waiting anxiously in the rear. Especially among the pilots and crew who had fought in the Scandinavian campaign, Naturals and Coordinators alike, whether from Orb or ZAFT, embraced one another, celebrating their hard-earned victory.
"We did it! We really won!"
"Whoo-hoo~! We protected Earth! We beat the aliens!"
"Finally, I can talk again! I was about to explode keeping silent!"
"Tell me about it! Hahaha..."
"But what about them..."
Onboard the Sword of the Heavens, the Archangel, and the Qilin, someone inevitably brought up their fallen comrades, casting a somber shadow over the jubilant atmosphere.
"They'd be happy knowing this outcome..."
"Bullshit! Dead people don't feel anything!"
"What else can we do!? Will grieving bring them back?"
"I know, but... sigh."
"Don't dwell on it. War means sacrifice. We were lucky to survive—they just weren't blessed by fortune."
"Yeah... anyone know their families' addresses? I'll apply for leave once we're back."
"Count me in!"
"Let's exchange info?"
"Deal!"
...
These were all seasoned veterans. None wallowed in sorrow for long, quickly regaining their composure. Yet the grief didn't vanish—it was buried deep, transformed into a weight they'd carry forward as they lived on.
"The Commander is back!"
"Colonel Qingyin and the others have returned too!"
"Let's go! Welcome our heroes!"
"Heroes? Everyone here's a damn hero!"
"Don't think I don't recognize the Commander's words in that!"
"So what if I borrowed them?"
...
Soon, the Dawn Gundam and other Mobile Suits that had been on patrol returned to their ships. The moment the cockpits opened, Yang Hui and the others were met with deafening cheers. Stepping out, they saw the Hangar packed with people below. Yang Hui shook his head with a wry smile as he descended.
"Commander!"
"Lord Yang Hui!"
"My lord is the greatest!"
"You've led us to victory again!"
"Enough! Everyone!" A sharp command instantly silenced the bustling Hangar, all eyes burning with anticipation for Yang Hui's words.
"Maintenance teams—prioritize servicing the Mobile Suits. All forces, withdraw and return to Orb. Victory banquet—my treat! Order whatever you want!"
"YEAH~!!!!!"
"Tell the ZAFT soldiers on the Archangel and Qilin—they're coming too! No excuses! And everyone who fought here gets a month's paid leave upon return. No recalls unless the nation's at stake—same for ZAFT! If Durandal disagrees, let me know. I'll punch some sense into him!"
"Hahahaha..."
Not only the Orb Military personnel, but even the ZAFT forces present burst into laughter. To be honest, many people here didn't know much about Yang Hui beyond his formidable capabilities in various fields. They never expected him to be such an amusing person in private interactions.
"Alright, dismissed! Those on duty return to work, those off duty go rest! Stand firm for this final shift!"
"Roger that!" came the unified response.
By now, even the ZAFT forces had developed genuine respect for Yang Hui - not just for his strength, but for his unique charisma. Though he could have remained aloof, he chose to walk among them as equals. Such a commander naturally earned their admiration, prompting even ZAFT soldiers to salute Yang Hui and diligently follow his orders.
As the crowd dispersed, Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, Creuset, Kira, Athrun and others approached with smiles, though their eyes revealed different emotions - relaxation for Setsuna's group, excitement for Creuset, while Kira and Athrun showed a complex mix of anticipation, exhilaration and concern.
"Let's go get proper rest first, then the victory banquet. As for those other matters... we'll discuss them after the celebrations!"
The group paused momentarily at his words, then exchanged knowing smiles before falling in step behind Yang Hui, arms casually draped over each other's shoulders.
(End of Chapter)