January 26, CE71, around 10:00 a.m. standard time
The White-Coat captain, Rau Le Creuset, was in his private quarters aboard the Vesalius, a Nazca-class high-speed combat ship, speaking with his superior, Chairman Patrick Zala, leader of ZAFT, who was far away on Plant in his homeland at L5.
"I've already confirmed your situation with Dr. Gilbert Durandal.
"Don't worry. Your achievements in the Battle of the World Tree have more than proved your loyalty to Plant. The idea that ZAFT would hand over a Nebula Medal recipient because of slander from some nobody of unknown origins is laughable.
"I hope you'll continue to fight for Plant and ZAFT as a Coordinator and lead the Creuset Team!"
"Thank you for your trust, Chairman Zala. I, Rau Le Creuset, will fight for you until my final moment, with this battered body."
Though Le Creuset gave a solemn reply to Patrick Zala's reassurance, he knew that he could never again enjoy Zala's complete trust as he once had.
And though he would continue to lead the Creuset Team, they would probably soon find an excuse to transfer the second-generation Red Coats—Athrun, Yzak, Nicol, and Dearka—elsewhere.
They had an excuse ready-made: Commissioner Jeremy Maxwell's son, Rusty Mackenzie, a Red Coat, had died in this operation.
And considering the wanted notice issued by Celestial Being, the Creuset Team was clearly no longer the best place for second-generation Red Coats to gain experience.
Still, at least ZAFT, under Chairman Zala's control, was willing to keep protecting him. That meant his efforts hadn't been wasted. But now it seemed he would have to find a way to get in touch with Logos... Damn Celestial Being!
Though his mind was occupied with these thoughts, Le Creuset had removed his mask to show his sincerity. His face, which looked far too mature, remained composed as Patrick Zala's voice continued over the communication link.
"Next, about the 'Heliopolis Collapse' incident. There were certainly some questionable details, but overall, I approve of your decisions in the field.
"Those damned Naturals secretly developed such high-performance mobile suits. It looks like we'll have to keep this war going after all.
"And Orb, too! They claim to be neutral, yet they develop mobile suits for the Earth Alliance and engage in thievery themselves. They've got some nerve, criticizing us!"
"You're absolutely right, Chairman. Celestial Being is suspicious as well.
"I was acting on your orders to investigate the Earth Alliance's secret base here at L3. That meant I had the right personnel on hand to seize the 'G' series as soon as we received the tip from Heliopolis.
"It was all thanks to your far-sighted planning and command.
"By contrast, Celestial Being's sudden, timely arrival raises a lot of questions. They could at least have come up with a better excuse."
After agreeing with Patrick Zala, Le Creuset turned the accusation back on Luther.
From Patrick Zala's response, it was clear that he was pleased with Le Creuset's flattery, and he seemed to share his dissatisfaction with Celestial Being—that is, with Luther.
"Hmph. Celestial Beings, Newtypes, and precognition—those old tricks of fraudulent religions. I can't believe anyone still dares use them in front of us in this day and age. It's ridiculous.
"Anyway, make sure you're prepared. The Earth Alliance, which will never give up trying to destroy us, has developed such powerful mobile suits. How can we afford to stand still?"
"Yes, Chairman. But how should we handle the possibility that the pilots of the Strike Gundam and the 'Purple Beetle' are Coordinators?"
Though Le Creuset had firsthand experience fighting Luther, he had no intention of correcting Patrick Zala's misunderstanding about Newtypes. Instead, he took the opportunity to ask how they should report the pilots' identities to the Supreme Council—or, more accurately, to find out what Patrick Zala intended.
"That Luther Deikun claims to be a Newtype, doesn't he? Report it as he said.
"As for the Strike Gundam, there's no doubt a Natural is piloting it. That's why we have no choice but to respond with all our strength.
"Isn't that right?"
"You're absolutely right, Chairman.
"The Earth Alliance has developed high-performance mobile weapons that Naturals can use. For the future of the Coordinators, we have no choice but to give it our all."
Seeing that Le Creuset understood his meaning, Patrick Zala nodded with satisfaction.
"In any case, if the war doesn't end in victory, it will have been meaningless.
"The attack on Kaohsiung Spaceport, part of the 'Ouroboros' operation plan, has been completed.
"Thanks to Bartfeld's efforts, Victoria Spaceport has also been isolated for more than half a year. We should be able to take it easily next.
"Then, once our forces have rested and refitted, we'll seize Panama Spaceport in one fell swoop. The Coordinators' victory will be all but certain!
"That's exactly why we can't let Celestial Being or that long-legged ship called the Archangel reach the lunar base, much less Earth!
"Once you've dealt with the Council, get ready to pursue both sides as soon as possible!"
"Yes! I, Rau Le Creuset, will bring you victory this time, for ZAFT!"
After listening once again to Chairman Zala's grand strategy, Le Creuset naturally gave his firm assurances, and Chairman Zala responded in kind.
"Yes. For ZAFT!"
"However, Chairman Zala, this battle has also shown just how capable the enemy is. The Ginns alone will have a hard time dealing with either the 'Long Legs' or Celestial Being.
"Also, Orb has its own spaceport. It claims to be neutral, but the situation at Heliopolis has shown that, since it's a nation on Earth led by Naturals, we can't afford to let our guard down."
Faced with Le Creuset's appeal to the facts and the difficulties they posed, Patrick Zala fell silent for a moment. After giving it considerable thought, he replied.
"You're right about Orb. We certainly can't afford to let our guard down.
"As for our forces, now that the data has been extracted, those Earth Alliance mobile suits will be temporarily assigned to you.
"Also, the new mass-production mobile suit, the GuAIZ, was still under development, but it will have to be redesigned because of these machines. The few early-model GuAIZ units that have nearly completed development will be assigned to you as well.
"Depending on how the operation goes, I'll arrange temporary support from other teams. That should give you enough firepower, right?
"But Le Creuset, you understand, don't you?"
"Yes, Chairman Zala.
"I won't let Rusty and the others have died in vain!
"These Earth Alliance machines all have Phase Shift Armor. We'll put it to good use."
Satisfied that Le Creuset understood his meaning, Chairman Zala nodded.
After discussing a few other matters, the busy Patrick Zala ended the communication.
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