Yang Hui's overwhelming presence once again manifested before the assembly. Several representatives present had witnessed it before—whether during the Second Battle of Jachin Due with declarations like "This isn't a request but a notice" and "If anyone still wants to fight, I'll fight you until your complete annihilation," or during peace talks when he nearly declared war on the Atlantic Federation over a single disagreement.
Now, that same formidable aura pressed down upon them, leaving many struggling to breathe.
"Lord Yang Hui, please remain calm." It was Durandal who finally spoke up after prolonged silence, his intervention noticeably easing the tense atmosphere. "The representatives simply require more time for deliberation. This matter carries immense significance, and the details warrant thorough discussion between our parties."
"Understood." Yang Hui retracted his imposing demeanor and resumed his seat at Durandal's words. The subtext was clear—the proposal to destroy Julius 7 had effectively been approved.
This implicit agreement wasn't lost on Yang Hui or the other representatives, none of whom raised further objections. Yang Hui had made his position unequivocal: the destruction of Julius 7 was non-negotiable, and Orb would proceed with or without PLANT's consent.
Naturally, PLANT could interpret unilateral action as an act of war, but such a response would be sheer folly. However symbolically significant Julius 7 might be, it currently amounted to nothing more than oversized space debris. Inviting a powerful adversary over scrap metal would constitute strategic idiocy.
The subsequent discussions devolved into endless debates about operational specifics for Julius 7's destruction. The paramount concern became mitigating public backlash and managing civilian sentiment after the colony's eradication.
As these were PLANT's internal affairs, Yang Hui remained silent. His requirements were simple: confirmation of PLANT's cooperation in the joint operation and details about their military contribution. Beyond that, he saw no reason to interfere.
Yet just as Yang Hui prepared to assume the role of passive observer, forces conspired to drag him back into the vortex.
"Lord Yang Hui, do you have any recommendations?" Durandal's inquiry shattered Yang Hui's detachment.
"...These are your nation's internal matters. As an outsider, it would be inappropriate for me to—"
"Lord Yang Hui, Orb has always been PLANT's closest partner. This operation represents a strategic collaboration between our nations. As joint participants with shared stakes in the outcome, your counsel carries significant weight."
'Damn you, Durandal!' Yang Hui's brow furrowed imperceptibly as he cursed inwardly. Their prior agreement had been clear—he would only present the proposal and demonstrate resolve to secure approval, steering clear of PLANT's domestic affairs.
Now Durandal had broken that understanding, pulling him into this political quagmire. Though furious at this breach of trust, Yang Hui restrained his temper. Personal grievances paled against operational priorities—losing sight of the greater objective would be the true failure.
"If it were Orb, I would hold a large-scale memorial ceremony to honor the victims of [Julius 7] with a glorious image. Then, using the excuse that the remains of their resting place are in ruins, we would construct a proper new memorial domestically to redirect the people's grief. After that, we could explain the stakes and inform the public about the dangers posed by [Julius 7]."
"Excellent approach!"
Not only did Durandal's eyes light up, but even the other representatives who had been stuck in endless arguments began praising the idea.
Two steps—first diverting public attention. No matter how great the symbolic significance of [Julius 7], no one could deny that it was now just space debris. Leaving the deceased buried in such wreckage would be disrespectful. By building a new, solemn memorial domestically, wouldn't we be giving the victims a better resting place?
This way, public resistance would significantly diminish. Once emotions had settled, we could then reveal the facts, appealing to both reason and sentiment to minimize the backlash.
After speaking, Yang Hui ignored the representatives' gazes, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes to rest. This was also a signal to Durandal—he would no longer involve himself in PLANT's internal affairs from this point onward.
Durandal understood and set aside his own schemes, working with the other representatives to refine the details.
Next came the issue of military deployment.
Yang Hui made it clear that Orb's Third Space Fleet would participate in the operation, and ZAFT agreed to send a full fleet as well. That would be sufficient.
In the original scenario, only a small squad would have been needed to carry out the destruction of [Julius 7]. The reason for deploying such a large force to the debris zone was to prepare for any potential contingencies.
After all, an operation of this scale couldn't be hidden from other factions. Rather than risking misunderstandings or misinformation during execution, it was better to announce it publicly beforehand.
Once made public, hidden opportunists would inevitably try to exploit the situation. The fleet was there to prevent such disruptions.
...
"As expected of you, Yang Hui. Your suggestions have resolved many of our difficulties."
"The driver and bodyguard up front can't hear us, right? Durandal, can you drop the fake flattery? I still haven't settled the score with you for dragging me into PLANT's internal affairs!" They were currently in Durandal's private car, where the front seats were completely soundproofed from the rear, so he didn't need to worry about his tone.
"Tsk, tsk. I'm speaking from the heart—no flattery here." Durandal shook his head. It was the truth. He genuinely admired Yang Hui's insight. Since their partnership had been confirmed, Yang Hui had spoken sparingly, but each suggestion had struck at the core of their problems. "And as for 'dragging you in,' I don't quite agree. Aren't we partners now?"
"Hmph."
"However, Lord Yang Hui, to better appease the public sentiment, I'd like to borrow someone from you..."
"You'll have to ask her yourself. If she's willing, then no problem. But if she refuses, no one can force her." Yang Hui stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.
"...My apologies for the presumption."
That Lacus was Yang Hui's lover was an open secret among the higher echelons of major factions. Durandal had assumed that having Lacus make an appearance would facilitate the plan's execution, but he hadn't anticipated Yang Hui's absolute respect for her personal wishes—he would never exploit her status or reputation merely for the plan's convenience.
After seeing Yang Hui back to his residence, Durandal contacted Creuset to inquire more about him.
"As an old friend, let me give you one piece of advice: Yang Hui's women are his reverse scale. Touch them and you die—even if you're a partner."
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