The commander of G Hound Squad was equally shaken, equally conflicted. Yet he remembered that he was a member of the Federal Army. Even though some very unusual thoughts had already taken root in his heart, Xiao Ran's words alone would not make him so easily defect. But when he saw large-scale wavering and surrender within his own forces—especially the Far East Army units fighting alongside them—he wanted to do something. Yet after opening his mouth, he chose to close his eyes and ignore it.
Whether it was because of the special thoughts in his heart or the strength the Victory Fleet had displayed, he understood one thing clearly: even if some of the Federal soldiers he had brought chose to leave the Federation and join the Victory Fleet, there was nothing he could do about it.
So he merely gave a quiet order. "Retreat. Anyone who stays behind will be considered MIA in battle."
As soon as he finished speaking, the commander piloted his machine into a swift turn and left. He had no choice but to leave quickly. If he waited too long, he feared that more Federal soldiers would join the Victory Fleet because of his hesitation. But even more than that, he feared that, in such an atmosphere, he himself would be unable to resist choosing the Victory Fleet.
Yet whether it was seeing Xiao Ran do this for the first time—causing over ninety-five percent of the entire New Zeon force to defect outright, along with more than fifteen percent of the Federal force just now ultimately announcing their decision to join the Victory Fleet—everyone present, Brad, Captain Otto, Ruri Hoshino, Acting Captain Sanada, Tessa, Gendo Ikari, and even the departing G Hound Squad commander, felt the same emotion.
Fear. Yes, fear. Just a few words