On the other end, the Atlantic rescue operation was quickly completed. However, to their disappointment, they once again failed to find any clues behind the Curtain.
"...Captain, it appears they were indeed just conducting routine maintenance," the technology officer reported faithfully while examining the scan results.
The Rear Admiral sitting in the captain's chair snorted coldly.
Not finding evidence was indeed troublesome. Furthermore, this Curtain intelligence might have been false from the beginning, or they might have genuinely been performing maintenance.
It seemed his hopes of returning to become Governor were dashed, but he still had the benefit of helping PLANT defend against asteroids, which would help ease public opinion. It couldn't be considered a complete failure.
Thinking this, the Rear Admiral felt somewhat better. His eyebrows lifted, and he spoke with renewed confidence: "Tell those damn Coordinators to settle the operation fees immediately. We're heading back."
"Yes, sir!"
At the mention of operation fees, the previously subdued Bridge crew perked up with excitement. Fees meant bonuses - this kind of operation wasn't particularly difficult, yet they always managed to extract a substantial payment from PLANT. When the higher-ups got paid, they would naturally receive their share of hard-earned compensation.
Who wouldn't be happy about getting paid? With this thought, the Atlantic fleet departed contentedly.
Time passed quietly until that evening.
PLANT's nights were exceptionally tranquil, particularly within the Plantation where only the sound of ocean waves and the occasional firefly tracing paths through the night sky could be observed. Under the canopy of twinkling stars, the climate was even more pleasant than what Fred had experienced on Earth.
Meanwhile, Fred's home was quite lively. Several of his students and their parents had gathered together.
"Heather grumbled while gripping Fred's arm in the kitchen, "It's not even our usual gathering day. Why did they suddenly come over?"
"With outside areas temporarily off-limits, eating together is pretty much the only option left," Fred responded somewhat helplessly. He had thought he could rest after returning home, only to find another gathering waiting.
Of course, since most attendees were children and Renoa had been quite considerate toward him, this could technically count as rest.
"There's no danger," Heather said, tightening her grip on her son's arm as she'd heard something about the lockdown.
"Don't worry, I had everything planned out long ago," Fred replied with complete composure. Seeing his confident expression, Heather's concerns gradually eased.
"That's good, but it's still dangerous outside with all those Council Nation fleets. Do you really need to go out so often?" Heather couldn't help adding. Even this typically decisive mother became slightly more hesitant when it came to her child.
"Yeah, it's not really a problem. PLANT essentially paid to avoid disaster this time anyway," Fred said indifferently. Since it wasn't his money being spent, he didn't particularly care - as long as security measures improved here.
Come to think of it, Yuri had wanted him to be the one to announce that he would be teaching their driving classes. The thought made Fred eagerly anticipate the children's reactions when they heard the news.
Meanwhile, in the living room, the children Fred was thinking about were gathered quietly.
With adults present, the children weren't being particularly rowdy.
Nicol and Athrun were discussing something with serious expressions.
Yzak stood nearby with his usual arrogant demeanor.
Flay watched with a look of partial understanding.
Only when Fred approached did their conversation become clear.
"So if you just jump to this position, you can dodge the boss's ultimate move," Athrun declared confidently.
"Athrun, you're amazing!" Nicol chimed in supportively.
Watching them, Freed's mouth twitched slightly.
Aren't their roles reversed? I never knew Athrun liked gaming, he thought to himself.
But soon, sharp-eyed Fred noticed the boss's name displayed on their tablet, along with annotated trajectories of his Wing Chun movements surrounding it.
Fred's expression immediately fell.
So they weren't playing games - they were planning how to fight me.
And here I thought I was a good person - how did I become the boss?
Are they cursing me or something?
Though upon reflection, it did feel somewhat thrilling.
After all, now that I'm basically a masked man, wouldn't it be a waste not to play the villain?
At the very least, I should be an anti-hero type.
"Ahem."
Thinking this, Fred deliberately coughed behind them.
He successfully captured their attention.
Athrun belatedly hurried to turn off the display.
"Brother..." Athrun called out guiltily.
Flay blinked, then covered her mouth to suppress a gleeful chuckle.
"I don't mind," Fred said with a light smile.
"If you think you can defeat me, you're welcome to challenge me anytime."
Progress comes through sparring. They're still young now, but in a few years when they're all elites, this kind of pressure will push me to keep improving.
Fred genuinely didn't mind.
As long as he kept improving himself, that was enough. What if they surpassed him?
Then it would simply mean his skills were inferior.
Though of course, he'd give his all to prevent them from finding any openings.
"Okay!" Athrun responded seriously.
"Hmph, just you wait," Yzak snorted coldly.
Their reactions to Fred's words varied considerably.
Flay then spoke up with concern.
"Brother, is everything alright?"
After the others finished speaking, Flay quickly followed up.
Though she didn't know what had happened today, seeing the adults' grave expressions had made her realize something was wrong.
The others also looked over with worried expressions.
"Nothing's wrong, don't worry," Fred said cheerfully, ruffling Athrun's hair before he could protest, then continued.
"Actually, there's one more thing I need to tell you all."
Under everyone's gaze, Fred continued brightly.
"We'll be adding a Mobile Armor practical class every three days. I'll take you outside to maintain the space colony and familiarize you with machine operations."
After Fred finished speaking, although each of them had different personalities, their reactions at this moment were unexpectedly synchronized.
They all widened their eyes and turned their gazes toward Fred.
Of course, their inner thoughts varied considerably.
Both Athrun and Yzak were excited—though for different reasons, they each had their own pursuit of power.
Nicol was simply curious.
As for Flay, there was a hint of unease mixed in her reaction.