"Order the air alert units to deploy first at one thousand kilometers to establish a defensive line. Simultaneously, command all standby units to launch immediately and proceed to the defensive line at maximum speed for deployment!"
Richard maintained his usual composure, issuing orders with calm authority.
Upon hearing the command, Paramount saluted, turned, and strode out of the office.
Watching Paramount depart, Richard pressed a button on the communicator and established a connection with the General Headquarters.
After two beeps, the communication was answered.
Commander Williams' face appeared on the screen, followed by his inquiry through the speaker.
"Richard, what is it?"
Hearing the question, Richard reported the situation and offered his own assessment.
"Commander, based on the current circumstances, it appears the ZAFT Forces likely intend to destroy Ptolemy Military Base to completely drive us out of space."
Williams listened to the conjecture, his expression turning stern as he spoke with utmost seriousness.
"Hold it at all costs!"
Richard responded with a grave expression, making his pledge.
"Rest assured, Commander. We will defend Ptolemy Military Base at any cost."
"Hmm." Williams' expression softened slightly upon hearing the assurance, and he spoke in a reassuring tone. "Richard, I will dispatch new units to space via the Spaceport at maximum speed to support you.
Additionally, a new batch of weapons will be delivered to Ptolemy Military Base."
Richard expressed his gratitude to Williams upon hearing the reassurance.
"Thank you, Commander."
Williams gave a slight nod before ending the communication.
Observing the terminated call, Richard sat in his chair, calmly contemplating matters. After a moment, he initiated another communication.
"Paramount, connect me with Councilman Azrael."
"Understood, Commander."
Aprilius City District 1
Inside the PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
Durandal sat in his chair, calmly scanning the room before focusing ahead.
"Councilman Amalfi, what can I do for you?"
Hearing the question, Yuri glanced at Durandal, bypassing the inquiry to directly ask.
"You and Creuset are close friends?"
The question reached Durandal's ears, sparking some internal confusion, but he maintained his composure and nodded calmly.
"Yes." Responding, Durandal then asked. "Councilman Amalfi, has something happened to Creuset?"
Yuri looked at Durandal and continued questioning.
"Are you aware of Creuset's health condition?"
Hearing the question, Durandal nodded and stated straightforwardly.
"I am aware."
"Do you know about Creuset's past?"
"He never discussed that with me."
Observing Yuri's serious expression, Durandal shook his head and answered. Yuri frowned upon hearing this, remaining silent for a moment before speaking.
"Truly unaware?"
"I genuinely don't know much about it." Durandal shook his head with a sincere expression. "Creuset indeed never spoke to me about his past."
Listening to the response, Yuri's deep eyes remained fixed on Durandal for over ten seconds. Seeing no cracks or emotional fluctuations on Durandal's face, Yuri withdrew his gaze, leaned back in his chair, and lightly tapped the table with his fingers.
After a few taps, Yuri spoke again.
"Did Creuset say anything unusual to you?"
'Unusual?' Durandal thought to himself, his mind quickly working. As he pondered, something occurred to him.
'Could it be that Creuset has done something to arouse suspicion?'
Speculating thus, Durandal formed a plan.
"I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but Creuset did complain to me due to his own reasons and said some rather extreme things in his grievances."
Hearing this, Yuri's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked.
"What did he say?"
Looking at Yuri, Durandal replied succinctly.
"He said things like destroying the world and wiping out all of humanity."
Upon hearing this, Yuri frowned, carefully considering these words before asking again.
"Aside from that, was there anything else?"
"Nothing." Shaking his head, Durandal replied.
Seeing this, Yuri stopped questioning and instead sat in his chair, deep in thought. While pondering, Yuri received a communication from Patrick.
Glancing around the room, Yuri stood up and walked outside.
Outside the room
Yuri answered the call and asked Patrick.
"Zala, what is it?"
After the inquiry, Patrick's voice came through the phone's receiver.
"How is the questioning of Durandal going?"
Listening to the question, Yuri calmly replied.
"It's still ongoing."
After responding, Patrick's voice came through the receiver again.
"Has he said anything of value?"
"Durandal mentioned that Creuset once complained to him and said some extreme things about wanting to destroy the world and humanity."
As he replied, Yuri also sighed.
"Aside from these seemingly complaint-like remarks, nothing else of value has been uncovered."
Learning of this outcome, Patrick's tone carried a hint of displeasure as he ordered.
"Continue the questioning and expand the scope of the investigation. Strive to clarify the matter as quickly as possible."
Sensing Patrick's dissatisfaction, Yuri calmly nodded.
"Mm."
After this single response, Yuri ended the call.
Tucking the phone into his pocket, Yuri returned to the room.
Meanwhile
At Creuset's home
Creuset sat on the living room sofa, quietly contemplating what he should do next.
"These people secretly watching me won't be withdrawn anytime soon. With them around, it'll be difficult to obtain Providence smoothly."
Muttering to himself, Creuset reached out and rubbed his temples, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes as he spoke in a low voice.
"Who could it be?"
As he said this, images of those he suspected kept surfacing in his mind. Through this continuous process of elimination, two names eventually lingered in his thoughts.
Between the two names, Lacus Clyne's name ultimately overshadowed the other.
"Lacus Clyne!"
A low, angry voice escaped Creuset's lips.
After saying this, Creuset stood up, returned to his bedroom to change into ordinary clothes, and left his home.
Inside a car parked below Creuset's apartment building
A member covertly monitoring Creuset watched as Creuset exited the residential building and whispered into the communication device.
"Target is on the move!"
A response immediately came through the comms.
"Copy that!"
Hearing this reply, the person turned to their colleague and said.
"Let's move out too!"
"Right."