If that were true, that level of insight would be somewhat terrifying.
Of course, false intelligence couldn't be ruled out either, after all, they still didn't have more concrete evidence to confirm that an attack would occur.
However, based on the current intelligence, it was still unclear whether the attack would ultimately happen.
If the attack ultimately didn't happen, then it would certainly affect Fred's standing with the higher-ups.
Of course, that was a concern for Fred to worry about as the Commander.
As members, what they needed to do was follow orders and eliminate any possibility of a terrorist attack occurring.
"We've simulated this operation many times already."
After all the data had been synced to everyone's combat watches, Fred continued.
"If there are no issues, start preparing. We depart officially in twelve hours."
Fred didn't appear to be under pressure. Though his face showed no expression, his tone remained calm and reassuring.
"Yes!"
No one objected to Fred's words. They responded loudly and then dispersed.
And amid such tense preparations, time passed quickly.
The team was split between two transport ships, one ahead and one behind, once again heading toward Copernicus.
Before them stretched the vast sea of stars, while behind them lay the lights of countless homes.
For Fred's team members, protection was the most important word.
And for Fred, it was the same.
But what he protected wasn't just the lights behind him.
It was the future—a future where everyone could live in peace for at least the next thirty years.
To achieve that, they needed to knock all the troublemakers out of the game entirely.
As for why they weren't using Laurasia-class ships this time, the obvious reason was that this was a covert operation.
Even the GINN wouldn't be deployed, let alone the Laurasia-class.
This wasn't surprising, since no matter how terrifying Blue Cosmos's terrorist attacks were, they couldn't possibly use MS.
The enemy was in the open, while he was in the shadows.
MS would only undermine the secrecy that worked in his favor.
The best outcome this time would be to catch them red-handed and completely brand Blue Cosmos and the Atlantic Federation as the unjust party.
"If you have something to say, just say it. We go way back."
Just as Fred finished getting briefed by the Captain and was walking back with Alec, he broke the silence in the corridor and asked.
Ever since setting sail, the other man had been looking at him like he wanted to say something but was holding back.
Alec wasn't wearing a mask, so how could Fred not notice?
"Is it really okay to go back to Copernicus?"
That place held many memories for Fred, and there was a greater chance of someone recognizing him.
Previously, Fred's identity as one of the researchers had already been leaked. If he were discovered to have connections to Copernicus this time...
Thinking about it, Alec was already worried on his behalf.
In his view, Fred's safety was tied to the future of PLANT.
"As long as we're discreet, there won't be a problem."
Fred smiled.
His identity as a researcher was still well concealed for now.
But as time went on, the likelihood of exposure was increasing.
He also had many fake identities.
That was why this time he chose not to wear a mask but instead used small tools to alter his facial features.
That way, even if the masked man was exposed, he wouldn't be immediately discovered, and Fred's identity would remain intact.
Back then, he had been prepared as well—he had only participated as the lead director of one of the research projects.
At most, he held a fairly central position.
Even if they tried to find him, they wouldn't locate him, and even if they did, he wouldn't be a high priority.
Besides, the mask was only his first layer of identity.
Once Blue Cosmos was taken down, he would still be Fred.
"Alright."
Seeing Fred's confident demeanor, Alec didn't press further.
The two quickly returned to their respective rooms.
Fred continued his own efforts, and Alec and the others did the same.
The navigation channel was smooth all the way, and soon Fred and his team arrived outside Copernicus.
"There's still one week until the peace talks begin."
"During this week, we need to bring the venue and its surroundings fully under our control."
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Unlike typical team leaders, Fred spoke with a somewhat refined courtesy, yet no one dared to underestimate him.
Over the past year, Fred had sparred with them countless times.
From the initial draws to the recent overwhelming victories, everyone had developed a superior-subordinate relationship with Fred through these physical exchanges.
Seeing everyone acknowledge his words, Fred continued.
"If there are no issues, we'll begin operations immediately after docking."
"Yes!"
Everyone responded once more.
Hearing this, Fred turned his gaze toward the familiar lunar city outside the window.
Like a pearl set into the massive crater, numerous Mistral units were busy with routine maintenance and cargo transport atop the glass dome.
The bustling scene remained exactly as it had been years ago.
"Alright, let's land."
With a wave of Fred's hand, the group dispersed.
The communication channel connecting to the other transport ship was also cut off.
...
Copernicus's port was very familiar to Fred, though he never imagined he'd be returning in such a capacity.
Because of how conspicuous his mask was, he couldn't use it for now.
But he still wore several disguised faces resembling human-skin masks that altered his original facial features.
Combined with his matured features and dyed black hair, there was no need to worry about being recognized.
"Still, this place hasn't changed much."
Looking at the busy people around him, Fred sighed inwardly.
They had docked at a commercial transport port, not the civilian terminal. At a glance, he could see many maintenance and loading workers.
With his sharp eyes, Fred even spotted several of his former colleagues, now veteran employees.
They seemed to be team leaders or something, directing operations on site.
Of course, none of these colleagues seemed to recognize him.
That was a good start.
Though he was confident in his disguise, having it confirmed in practice put him even more at ease.
"They've dispersed. The plan officially begins."
"What are your plans?"
Alec interrupted with a question.
As the architect of the plan, Fred's role was naturally that of overall commander.
And as overall commander, he appeared busy yet was actually quite idle.
After all, his job was to prevent various contingencies and unexpected situations.
As long as the plan had no flaws and his subordinates made no mistakes, he was free.
Of course, this freedom was built upon tense vigilance.
Just as Fred was thinking about leaving for the hotel, a box suddenly floated over.
Fred didn't pay it much mind and instinctively reached out to grab it.
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