The Atlantic Federation was brewing sinister plans to drag the East Asian Federation into the mud.
Unaware of this for the time being, the East Asian Federation naturally wouldn't sit idle waiting to be schemed against.
Since the Atlantic Federation remained indifferent to their substantial occupation of Alaska, the East Asian Federation was happy to save time on verbal sparring.
In reality, the East Asian Federation was currently focused on other matters—far more important than the Atlantic Federation's reaction.
Logically, the East Asian Army's annihilation of 70% of the Coordinator Mobile Suit Forces in Alaska should have been world-shaking news, dominating headlines for a long time.
Initially, it was indeed the hot topic everyone discussed after meals.
But soon, people stopped talking about the East Asian Army's glorious victory.
They instantly switched to a juicier piece of gossip, claiming it was far more exciting than another East Asian Army victory.
After all, East Asian Army victories had become commonplace, but this kind of drama, usually only seen in TV shows, captivated everyone immensely.
East Asian Military Spaceport.
Stationing troops in Alaska wasn't a task for Wang Hu's unit.
Thus, along with the Archangel—which Admiral Halberton had assigned as a gesture of cooperative sincerity—the East Asian Special Mobile Force 'Hardliner Army' arrived at their spaceport for brief rest.
Barring any surprises, they would soon depart as the first vanguard to the L4 East Asian Satellite Group to receive new equipment and be deployed as shock troops in the counteroffensive against the Coordinators.
However, the more you hope to avoid surprises, the more they tend to occur.
"This melon is truly ripe," Mu remarked on the Archangel, scrolling through the latest news on his phone.
"Is it still about Mr. Clyne?" Murrue asked, sipping from a cup of water.
She had adapted surprisingly well to Admiral Halberton's decision to place the entire Archangel under East Asian Army command. Unlike the Atlantic Federation Army's superficial unity, this unit's distinct vitality gave her a comfortable feeling.
And she wasn't the only one who felt this way. Since the Archangel set sail, it had constantly navigated threats, and the rest of the crew also deeply appreciated this sense of security.
After all, as soldiers, nothing brings more joy than being part of an undefeated army.
Nodding, Mu glanced at Kira beside him and put away his phone.
Everyone on the ship and in the East Asian Army now knew about Kira's experiences in the PLANT satellite colonies. After his life-and-death battle with his childhood friend Athrun near Orb's offshore waters, Kira—once classified as missing in action—had been rescued by the daughter of former PLANT Chairman Clyne, the current focus of the news.
Well, though initially fished out by a blind mentor, it was Lacus—the same Lacus whom Wang Hu had struck on the Archangel—who tirelessly cared for Kira day and night.
Not to mention that former Chairman Clyne ended up in such a situation precisely because he entrusted the Freedom Gundam to Kira.
Although it was later proven that even if former Chairman Clyne hadn't done this, it wouldn't have had any impact on the battlefield situation.
Still, this favor needed to be acknowledged, though to this day, no one could quite understand what mindset Chairman Clyne and his daughter were operating under.
What would lead them to make such a choice?
To deliver the Anti-Neutron Jammer into the hands of the East Asian Army, or perhaps the Allied Forces?
This reasoning was hardly convincing.
After all, Chairman Clyne likely had no knowledge of the East Asian Army's schemes at the time.
Moreover, Lacus specifically instructed Kira to ensure that the Freedom Gundam not be accessed by any unrelated individuals.
"Sigh." Scratching his head, Mu decided to stop pondering the matter.
There were simply too many inconsistencies, and the correct answer to this question was better left to smarter minds to contemplate.
"Major Mu, there's no need for that."
Observing Mu's head-scratching gesture, Kira—having survived life-and-death situations and undergone re-education by the East Asian Army's psychological counselors—was now more mature and steady compared to his counterpart in the original timeline.
"When Mr. Clyne and Miss Lacus handed the Freedom Gundam to me,"
"They probably already anticipated this outcome."
A serene smile graced Kira's face as he even attempted to comfort Mu in return.
He mistakenly believed Mu's pensive expression stemmed from concern for his feelings, given how Mu had put away his phone.
The Coordinators' devastating defeat in the Alaska campaign severely shook the foundation of Chairman Patrick's newly established administration.
Had it not been for his prospective daughter-in-law unexpectedly delivering him a major political gift,
Chairman Patrick might have been forced to resign immediately.
"Still discussing this issue?"
Just as Mu was about to speak, the bridge door of the Archangel slid open.
Wang Hu, entering first, caught fragments of their conversation and instinctively inquired.
"Brother Wang Hu!" Kira was the first to smile upon seeing the newcomer.
"Wang Hu." Mu glanced at the recently promoted Wang Hu and curled his lip in mild envy.
Now holding the rank of lieutenant colonel and serving as commanding officer of the entire mobile unit, Wang Hu's position was truly admirable.
"Lieutenant Colonel Wang Hu." Murrue offered a proper salute before quietly adding,
"The news is indeed shocking—former PLANT Chairman Clyne committing treason."
"No one could have predicted such a thing would happen."
"Nodding in agreement, Wang Hu responded,
"That's precisely why reports of the East Asian Army's major victory in Alaska were suppressed, making this the current global focus."
"Kira, feel free to share your thoughts." Wang Hu turned to address Kira directly.
"For instance, would you want to rescue that father-daughter pair in the Satellite Colonies?"
"Brother Wang Hu, is that possible?"
The question initially startled then delighted Kira.
Though he'd verbally dismissed concerns, the prospect of mounting a rescue mission genuinely appealed to him.
"Hiss."
Before Wang Hu could respond, a sharp pain suddenly shot through Kira's arm.
The young man looked down to find Flay—with whom he'd confirmed their relationship after his return—pinching him in a fit of jealousy.
She pinched her own arm hard.
"Hahaha."
Everyone watched Kira hurriedly explaining to Flay, and for a moment, the slightly heavy atmosphere on the bridge was swept away.
"The higher-ups are also paying attention to this matter. Regarding former Chairman Clyne, they believe he holds significant united front value," Wang Hu said with a laugh after Kira had managed to calm Flay down.
"Although the Freedom Gundam isn't as crucial anymore, the East Asian Federation won't overlook this gesture."
"Freedom Gundam..." Kira couldn't help but smile when Wang Hu brought up the past again.
It reminded him of the time when Wang Hu and the East Asian troops had boarded the ship.
Back then, to ensure he could fulfill his promise to Miss Lacus, Kira had, for the first time, spoken up firmly in front of everyone, telling Wang Hu:
"Brother Wang Hu, this mobile suit doesn't need maintenance or servicing. I can handle most things myself."
"If any crew member of the Archangel or East Asian Army technicians try to board the Freedom Gundam..."
"Even if it's you, Brother Wang Hu, I won't hesitate—I'll take the Freedom Gundam and leave."
Looking back now, his actions back then would surely become a source of embarrassment for his future self.
Heaven knows how awkward he felt when he later learned that the East Asian Federation had already developed an anti-neutron system on their own.
"Mm," Wang Hu nodded again in confirmation to Kira, conveying the higher-ups' intentions.
"Mr. Clyne is, after all, the former Chairman of PLANT. Even though he's now labeled a traitor..."
"If we can win him over to our side, it would still hold immense significance."
"So, considering you've lived alongside them before, once we head to space to receive our new equipment..."
"We'll likely be ordered to infiltrate the Satellite Colonies and cooperate with our agents to carry out a rescue operation."
"That's wonderful news."
Naturally, Kira was delighted to hear this. He was a good kid, and if he could repay a debt of gratitude, he wouldn't refuse under any circumstances.
"Wang Hu, you have new equipment?"
While the others only heard about the East Asian Federation's intention to rescue Clyne, Mu was the only one who noticed what Wang Hu had mentioned earlier.
The idea that they would receive new equipment once they reached space—in Mu's eyes, the East Asian Army's current strength was already unmatched in the world!
Could it be that even with such power, the East Asian Federation still wasn't satisfied?
How much of the equipment they were preparing was intended for Coordinators?
"New equipment?"
Wang Hu turned to look at Mu, who was grinning and trying his best to appear harmless.
"I think it's a byproduct of something called the South Heavenly Gate Project. I'm not too sure about the details."
Wang Hu brushed off the topic with a laugh.
"Kira, and everyone else, while we have this break, why don't you take the chance to explore the city?"
"Since Heliopolis, I imagine it's been a while since any of you had a proper chance to relax."
"This East Asian Federation island has quite a few scenic spots."
"Really?"
Flay was the first to voice her agreement, cutting off Mu before he could press further.
"Kira, let's go together! And Captain Murrue, you'll come too, right?"
"Of course, Miriallia, you can bring your Tolle along as well."
Finally, Flay even ran over to Natarle Badgiruel's side, stubbornly dragging the famously icy beauty of the ship along with an utterly adorable demeanor.
As a result of Flay's interruption, Mu opened his mouth but ultimately gave up on pressing further.
Forget it. If it rains, it rains; if a mother wants to remarry, she will.
Whether the world leans toward the Atlantic Federation or the East Asian Alliance—what does it have to do with him?
Wearing the expression of a carefree wanderer, Mu followed the others, ready to explore the city.
He intended to savor the charms of East Asia.
Just as the crew of the Archangel prepared to enjoy their leisure time, there were many, many people in space who couldn't get the rest they deserved.
Instead, they were scurrying all over the PLANT Satellite Colonies as if being chased from behind.
All of it was to uncover the target of the East Asian Alliance's intended unification efforts.
Among these workers from ZAFT's special departments, the masked Nicol and Athrun were notably present.
"Athrun, are you alright?" Nicol asked with concern, his face hidden behind the mask.
"I'm fine."
Standing in the former Clyne residence, Athrun felt a profound sense of how much things had changed.
(End of Chapter)