When the [Baize] returned to Tordia, Yang Hui had already transmitted the mission report and selected technologies to Argreus, who was still on Earth.
Upon seeing the received technologies, Argreus understood that Yang Hui had held back some information, but he didn't press further. He trusted that Yang Hui had his reasons.
As for the higher-ups in the Federation… they didn't dare to question Yang Hui. Even in his old age, Yang Hui's prestige within the Federation was unshakable.
Not to mention, Yang Corporation was an absolute presence both in the Federation and on Earth.
To put it bluntly, given the current scale and status of Yang Corporation, civilian life and the military alike depended on it.
Moreover, since the [Bat Extermination Operation], Yang Corporation had severed all shady dealings, ensuring all business practices were compliant and legal. They had never meddled in politics, focusing solely on their role as merchants, leaving the Federation's higher-ups with no excuse to act against them.
And let's not forget… Yang Corporation had an independent intelligence network on Earth and the Colonies. They didn't collect intelligence on VEGAN but focused solely on gathering dirt on Federation executives, business leaders, and politicians.
If anyone wanted to use blackmail against Yang Corporation, they'd have to consider how much dirt Yang Corporation had on them.
When the [Baize] arrived in Tordia, it caused a stir among everyone. The gaping holes in the ship's hull were terrifying—they had never seen the [Baize] sustain such severe damage. Then, as they watched the wrecked [Adele III] units being transported to the factory for repairs, they couldn't help but wonder: what mission had the [Celestial Being] team been on? What kind of danger had they faced?
But they could only speculate. After all, the missions of the [Celestial Being] team were mostly classified, and EXA-DB was the most classified of all. Leaking even a hint of information would result in charges of treason.
However, Yang Hui, Graham, Yurin, and Asemu had more pressing matters to attend to.
"You bastard! Why didn't you take care of Kio?" Asemu's chest burned with rage, and he no longer cared that Flit was his father.
Kio had been captured by VEGAN, along with the Gundam AGE-3.
"..." Faced with Asemu's scolding, Flit remained silent, consumed by guilt. He had promised to take care of Kio but had failed to keep that promise, let alone fulfill his role as a grandfather.
"Enough, Asemu. Calm down."
Yang Hui wasn't particularly shaken by Kio's capture. When he arrived in Tordia and saw the [Diva] undergoing major repairs, he had already guessed this outcome.
Without their presence, the [Diva] alone, facing a matured Jehart and his elite guard, would have struggled even if Flit were in his prime—let alone while also dealing with Zannald, a formidable opponent.
The Abyss Squad was considered elite within the Federation, but they were outnumbered and lacked an ace pilot (Flit was past his prime). The capture of Kio and the Gundam was an inevitable result.
And besides…
"But!"
"Calm down, Asemu! Assigning blame now is pointless. Our priority is to figure out how to rescue Kio," Yang Hui said.
"...Tch!" Asemu released Flit and stepped back, but the anger in his eyes spoke volumes about his inner thoughts: "If anything happens to Kio, I'll never forgive you!"
To ease the tension, Yang Hui temporarily set aside the matter of Kio and asked Flit about the mission: "What's the situation at Artemis Base?"
"...It's confirmed they've betrayed us," Flit took a deep breath, suppressing his guilt and remorse, and replied, "Before we even reached Artemis Base, they sent a fleet to greet us. It felt off—they were too enthusiastic. Ainas thought the same, so we immediately turned away. But when we refused to go to Artemis Base, the fleet attacked us. There were even VEGAN forces hidden nearby. It was during this battle that Kio was..."
As he spoke, the topic circled back to Kio, and Flit's emotions were once again overwhelmed with guilt. His slightly clouded eyes glistened with tears.
Kio being captured by VEGAN hurt him the most.
First, he was Kio's grandfather, having raised him with his own hands. Their bond was even closer than Asemu's with Kio. Second, Kio was Flit's hope, the one most likely to become the savior and fulfill his wishes. Third, Flit had been there during the incident, reliving the frustration and guilt of being unable to protect a loved one.
"Enough! How old are you? Hold back those tears!" Yang Hui scolded.
"..."
"What VEGAN truly wants is the Gundam, so Kio will be fine. Besides, I don't think VEGAN would harm a child," Yang Hui said to Flit and Asemu.
"But it's VEGAN!" Flit roared, his anger slightly tempered, but the idea that VEGAN were demons still lingered.
"So what if it's VEGAN? Aren't they human? Have you learned nothing all these years?" Yang Hui berated Flit. He knew Flit was just overwhelmed with concern, but such extreme thinking couldn't be allowed to take root. If Yang Hui didn't stop it in time, Flit would sink deeper into this mindset and eventually revert to his old ways.
"Tch..."
"Kio is likely being held at the Second Moon. Asemu, get Gerard and Rena. We're going to rescue Kio."
"I'll prepare right away."
Asemu eagerly went to notify Gerard and Rena, not even asking Yang Hui if there was a rescue plan. All he cared about was saving his son, even if it cost him his life.
"I'll also..."
"You're not going."
Flit also wanted to prepare his mobile suit and join the rescue mission, but Yang Hui opposed it.
"Why? Kio is my grandson. I failed to protect him. I have to..."
"Shut up!"
Flit kept rambling, trying to justify his involvement, but Yang Hui's sharp rebuke silenced him.
"In your current state, how can you save anyone? Rescuing Kio can't be an official military mission. If the higher-ups find out, they'll abandon Kio. We can only do this ourselves!"
"Then I'll just..."
"You're a civilian, but this rescue mission must be conducted in secret. Your current state will only increase the risk of us being exposed prematurely! Not only did you fail to take good care of Kio, but do you also want to trap us all in VEGAN's headquarters?"
"..."
"Calm down, Flit. You must remain calm at all times, have you forgotten?"
"...I haven't forgotten."
Flit forced his heated mind to cool down immediately. He had to admit that in his current state, he was indeed not suitable for participating in the rescue mission, as it would only increase the danger. But... if he were to be honest, weren't Yang Hui and the others also unsuitable for the rescue?
"You all have military positions now. If the higher-ups find out, they will definitely give you a hard time," Flit reminded them.
"No problem. The three of us are currently assigned to the [Celestial Being] unit, which reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Army. I'll contact Argreus immediately and have him issue us a formal order for this mission."
Although it was a personal initiative, Yang Hui and the others, who held military positions, were indeed not suitable for acting on their own. While they weren't afraid of being criticized, as soldiers, they had to adhere to their duties. A qualified soldier could not act without authorization.
However, given the special nature of the [Celestial Being] unit and their relationship with Argreus, obtaining a confidential order was not an issue. It just wouldn't be reported to the higher echelons of the Federal Army.
Moreover... even if the Federation found out afterward, they wouldn't dare to use this incident to give them a hard time. If it had happened before, they could have explicitly prohibited and obstructed the rescue. But once the matter was settled, any further accusations would be meaningless. Given the status of Yang Hui and the others, the Federation wouldn't dare to go too far or trouble Kio.
This was also one of the reasons why only a few of them were taking action, rather than the entire [Celestial Being] unit.
The [Celestial Being] unit was no longer what it used to be. Anyone who provoked them would dare to directly confront the Federation, with Yang Hui as the absolute core.
The other members of the [Celestial Being] unit were ordinary soldiers, and their careers were still in the hands of the Federation. If they were to join the mission, the Federation's higher-ups wouldn't dare to trouble Yang Hui and the others, but they would instead target the other members. Yang Hui didn't want this incident to affect the bright futures of the other members.
...
"Understood. In my capacity as the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Army, I hereby order Lieutenant General Yang Hui, Lieutenant General Graham, Lieutenant General Yurin, Major Asemu, Lieutenant Gerard, and Lieutenant Rena—the six of you—to immediately infiltrate VEGAN's headquarters, retrieve the Gundam AGE-3, and rescue Kio Asuno."
"Yes, sir." X6
This was the unspoken understanding between Argreus and Yang Hui. After hearing the details, Argreus issued the order without any hesitation. Moreover, this order would only be kept in his own records and would not reach the ears of the Federation's higher-ups.
Although the Federal government had undergone a purge, eliminating the biggest internal traitor—the Orphea family.
But... those who understood, understood. So, Argreus's relationship with the higher-ups had always been somewhat strained.
"While that's true..." With the official orders now issued, Argreus relaxed and began to consider the challenges of this mission. "...You've received the official orders, but how will you get there? And how will you return? The Baize cannot be deployed, and there's no fleet to support you."
"I've contacted home, and a transport ship will soon arrive at Tordia."
"A transport ship?" Argreus raised an eyebrow.
"A 100% transport ship, completely unarmed."
"Hmm... I see." Argreus didn't press further.
"Well then, Lieutenant General, I wish you the best of luck. When you return safely, it will be time to reclaim Artemis Base."
"Don't worry, it's not our first trip to the Second Moon. Last time, we didn't get to do much sightseeing, but this time we won't miss the opportunity."
"Hahaha, as expected of the Lieutenant General. Alright then, I'll be heading to space soon as well."
"Alright."
After ending the communicati
on, Asemu, Gerard, and Rena all looked at Yang Hui with curiosity, particularly intrigued by the transport ship he mentioned...
(End of Chapter)