After the inquiry, Ezalia sat facing Patrick, waiting with Yuri for Patrick's response.
Patrick looked up at Ezalia and spoke calmly.
"Ezalia, notify our undercover agents still on Earth to focus their investigations on the Atlantic Federation, the Eurasian Federation, and the East Asian Republic. Pay particular attention to whether they are planning to resume the application of fission nuclear energy."
Upon hearing this, Ezalia immediately understood, her expression growing more serious as she asked, "Are you concerned that the Earth Alliance has cracked the Neutron Jammer?"
In response to the question, Patrick nodded calmly. "Yes."
After this brief reply, Patrick turned his gaze to Yuri. Seeing this, Yuri straightened up and looked at Patrick, awaiting his instructions.
Patrick then said, "Yuri, you will lead an investigation team to thoroughly examine all personnel who have had access to the Neutron Jammer Canceller data or MS equipped with the Neutron Jammer Canceller. Check if any of them are compromised."
"No problem," Yuri replied with a serious nod.
Patrick acknowledged their responses with a nod and asked, "Do either of you have any questions?"
"No," Ezalia and Yuri replied in unison after exchanging a glance and turning their attention back to Patrick.
Seeing this, Patrick waved them off. Understanding the gesture, the two stood up, bid Patrick farewell, and turned to leave.
Patrick watched them go, then leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. His expression was grave and weary as he murmured, "Lacus Clyne!"
After this murmur, Patrick's mind conjured the image of his son, recalling the moment they had confronted each other. As the memory surfaced, the intensity in Patrick's eyes dimmed slightly, and he called out his son's name with complex emotions. "Athrun."
After this call, Patrick sank into deep thought. After a long silence, he stopped rubbing his temples, composed himself, and turned his attention to the documents on his desk.
Aboard the Athena
"Captain Griffith, are we really going to transfer all personnel and supplies from the Lorentz Military Base?"
"Yes, we are, especially the personnel," Felix replied with unwavering firmness to Rogers' puzzled expression. Seeing Felix's resolute demeanor, Rogers thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
"I understand."
In response, Felix added earnestly, "Captain Rogers, this must be carried out as quickly as possible. Do not delay."
Rogers nodded seriously to Felix. "You can count on me, Captain Griffith!"
"Mm," Felix murmured softly before ending the communication with Rogers.
Looking at the terminated communication, Felix felt a slight sense of relief. After a moment of thought, he pressed the button on the communicator.
Shortly after, Aric's face appeared on the screen.
"Captain, you called for me?"
"Come over for a moment."
Felix spoke calmly as he looked at Aric.
Aric nodded in response and replied, "Yes, sir!"
After hearing Aric's reply, Felix ended the communication. He sat in the room, quietly waiting for Aric's arrival.
A minute or two later—
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang.
Felix reached out and opened the door, allowing Aric to enter the room.
Approaching Felix, Aric raised his hand in a salute and said, "Captain!"
"Mm." Felix nodded lightly and asked, "Are there any new movements from the Earth Alliance Forces?"
"No." Aric shook his head and replied.
Seeing this, Felix thought for a moment before giving the order. "Half of the reinforcements are to return to the airspace above Lorentz Military Base for surveillance. The remaining units are to advance two hundred kilometers forward!"
Aric responded loudly, "Yes, sir!"
Felix then added, "This time, do not proceed silently. Advance openly and boldly."
"Yes, sir!" Aric replied once more.
Upon hearing the response, Felix waved his hand dismissively. Understanding the gesture, Aric saluted Felix once more, then turned and left.
"Aric, what did the Captain want?" Kirkland stood up and approached Aric as he returned. As he asked the question, Kirkland noticed Oakley moving closer as well.
Aric looked at Kirkland and Oakley, sat down in his seat, and relayed Felix's instructions to them.
After hearing the details, the two exchanged glances, and Oakley was the first to voice his confusion.
"What is the Captain trying to accomplish?"
Glancing at the puzzled Oakley, Aric shared his speculation. "It's likely to test the Earth Alliance Forces' reaction."
After voicing his guess, Aric looked at the two and continued, "As for the purpose of this test, I'm not sure."
Oakley and Kirkland stood beside Aric, lost in thought. Noticing their contemplation, Aric pointed to their seats and said, "Save the thinking for later when there's nothing else to do."
Snapping back to attention, Oakley and Kirkland saluted Aric and replied, "Yes, Captain."
Lowering their arms, Oakley and Kirkland returned to their respective posts.
Aric then proceeded to issue Felix's orders to the troops via communication.
Half an hour later,
The forward unit, led by the Athena, set sail and advanced ahead, while the remaining forces returned to Lorentz Military Base.
...
At the Earth Alliance Forces' Ptolemy Military Base
"Commander, the ZAFT Forces have advanced," Paramount reported to Richard, his expression grave.
Richard looked up at Paramount, thought for a moment, and said, "Have the troops remain on alert."
Paramount was taken aback but accepted the order while asking, "Commander, is that all we're going to do?"
"That will be all."
Richard replied calmly to the visible confusion on Paramount's face. Hearing this, Paramount suppressed his doubts, raised his hand in a salute, and responded.
"Yes!"
After this acknowledgment, Paramount turned and walked out of the office.
"Captain, we've reached the predetermined distance!"
Josh reported to Aric after checking the screen display. Aric nodded slightly in response.
"Mhm." After this brief acknowledgment, Aric turned to Felix. "Squad Leader, we have completed the designated advance distance."
"Mhm." Felix nodded while gazing out the viewport and ordered, "All units halt advancement and maintain alert standby here!"
"Yes!" Aric acknowledged and activated the comms. "All units halt advancement and maintain alert standby at current position!"
Affirmative responses echoed through the communications channel.
"Yes!"
Hearing these confirmations, Aric looked toward Felix. Sensing Aric's gaze, Felix gave him a calm nod.
Seeing this, Aric remained silent.
Time passed minute by minute, until approximately two hours had elapsed.
During this prolonged wait, Aric finally inquired, "Squad Leader, should we continue waiting here?"
"How much time has passed?"
Felix asked calmly while glancing at Aric. Checking the time, Aric reported, "Squad Leader, two hours have passed."
"Advance another two hundred kilometers!"
Felix smiled and issued the new order.
Though confused, Aric continued executing commands without question.
Under this directive, the joint fleet stationed here resumed its forward movement.
...
Ptolemy Military Base, Moon
"Commander, the ZAFT Forces have resumed advancing toward us after pushing forward another two hundred kilometers!"
Paramount's voice transmitted through the comm speakers.
Leaning back in his chair, Richard smiled and responded, "Maintain vigilance!"
"Yes!"
"How far have we advanced?"
Entering the bridge, Felix glanced at the duty officer Kirkland and inquired.
Turning toward Felix, Kirkland saluted and reported, "Squad Leader, we've advanced approximately one thousand kilometers before halting."
"They're remarkably patient!"
Felix commented with a smile as he took his seat.
Kirkland looked at Felix thoughtfully before asking, "Squad Leader, what exactly is the Earth Alliance Forces scheming this time?"
"Nothing good, that's for certain!"
Felix replied with a wry smile while looking at Kirkland.
After this exchange, Felix activated communications to contact Lorentz Military Base.
"Rogers, how are things progressing on your end?"
Felix inquired calmly while viewing Rogers on the comm screen. Rogers' voice promptly responded through the channel.
"Squad Leader, we're currently transferring supplies. Everything should be fully loaded onto the ships within two to three days."
"Any other developments at the base?"
Nodding, Felix inquired about other matters.
Rogers shook his head and reported, "Currently everything remains normal both inside and around the base."
"Mm." Felix nodded at the words and ended the communication immediately.
Seeing Felix terminate the call, Kirkland spoke up.
"Captain, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead." Felix's voice was gentle as he looked at Kirkland.
Taking this as encouragement, Kirkland inquired,
"Captain, what's the purpose of our current forward advancement?"
"Naturally, it's to probe the Earth Alliance Forces." Felix responded with a calm smile. After a brief pause, his gaze shifted forward. "So far, what the Earth Alliance Forces are planning might be something extremely terrifying for us."
"Terrifying?"
Kirkland murmured with a bewildered expression.
He fell silent, glanced at Felix, and quietly pondered the matter. After a moment of contemplation, a chilling thought surfaced in his mind.
At this realization, Kirkland shuddered involuntarily.
"Captain, are you thinking that..."
"Exactly what you're imagining."
Felix cut him off with a look.
After speaking, Felix rose to leave but added a warning,
"Keep this speculation under wraps for now. Avoid spreading it widely to prevent unnecessary panic and interference with my deployment."
"Yes!"
Kirkland nodded and acknowledged.
...
Two weeks later,
PLANT
Aprilius City District 1
In the Chairman's office of the PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
"Do we have any results?"
Patrick looked at Ezalia with a grave expression.
Hearing this, Ezalia solemnly placed the report in her hands on the desk and stated,
"Our agents embedded in the Atlantic Federation, Eurasian Federation, and East Asian Republic have investigated and found that some unmodified fission nuclear energy facilities in these nations have resumed operation."
Listening to the findings, Patrick asked with reluctance to believe,
"Are you certain they're unmodified nuclear fission energy facilities?"
Ezalia glanced at Patrick and nodded gravely.
"Zala, it's confirmed."
Bang!
Before her words fully faded, Ezalia heard a thud. Following the sound, she saw Patrick's furious expression and clenched fist.
"Damn it!"
A low growl escaped Patrick's lips.
After this outburst, Patrick looked up at Ezalia.
"Have them conduct further investigations for me."
"Mm."
Ezalia responded with a serious, slight nod.
She then looked up at Patrick and said,
"If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work."
"Mm."
Patrick nodded and grunted in acknowledgment.
Ezalia turned and left promptly.
Watching her retreating figure, Patrick contacted Yuri via comm.
"Yuri, come to my office."
...
A few minutes later,
Yuri arrived in Patrick's office.
Standing before the desk, Yuri sensed a foreboding unease as he observed Patrick's expression. Under this apprehension, he saw Patrick slide a file toward him.
"Take a look!"
Patrick glared at Yuri, his face dark and voice heavy.
Hearing this, Yuri reached out and picked up the file.
Yuri quickly scanned the document, his eyes darting across the lines before placing it back on the table with a grave expression.
"What happened over a year ago might occur again!"
"Not might—it's inevitable!"
Patrick looked at Yuri and corrected him.
Yuri fell silent at these words, though inwardly he agreed with Patrick's correction.
Seeing Yuri's silence, Patrick asked, "How is the investigation I assigned you progressing?"
"We've identified everyone who had access to these materials and are currently conducting further screenings."