CE71, February 1, around 10:00 standard time
After saying goodbye to Yzak, Dearka, Nicol, and the others, who were taking leave to return home on their own, Athrun followed Captain Rau Le Creuset aboard a shuttle bound for April First City. They were going to attend a relevant review by the Plant Supreme Council.
But when Athrun followed Captain Le Creuset onto the shuttle, he discovered it was completely empty. The only passenger was his father, Patrick Zala.
Captain Le Creuset was saluting his father. Athrun hurriedly saluted as well, then heard their exchange.
"It's an honor to share this journey with you, Defense Committee Chairman Zala."
"No need for formalities. After all, I'm not actually aboard this shuttle.
You understand what I mean, Athrun."
Athrun thought, So this preliminary discussion about the matter technically never happened.
He gave a slight nod, then responded with a calm greeting.
"I understand, Father. It's been a long time."
After his father Patrick silently acknowledged him, Le Creuset took a seat beside him across the aisle;
Athrun hesitated briefly, then chose a seat behind Le Creuset.
As the shuttle started up, Patrick broke the short silence, his tone tinged with disgust.
"You should know the latest developments. 'Celestial Being' actually took down that Artemis Fortress."
"Yes, I heard.
Though Artemis Fortress is sturdy, it isn't impossible to breach.
It's just that the fortress is isolated out at L3, so we have no reason to attack it.
Of course, it makes a fine target for 'Celestial Being' to display its military strength."
Patrick gave a slight nod at Le Creuset's analysis and made a dissatisfied noise. Then he enlightened Le Creuset.
"Artemis's fall has no bearing on the course of the war. In fact, you could even call it good news for us.
But the key issue is that 'Celestial Being' deployed mass-produced mobile suits. There's no doubt that this will lead to questions from some members of the Supreme Council.
Honestly, the Earth Alliance secretly developing mobile suits only means they intend to fight to the bitter end. For us, who've grown complacent, that's just the right kind of wake-up call;
but these mass-produced mobile suits that 'Celestial Being' suddenly brought out are a real problem, especially since they seem to have a lot in common with our own mobile suits."
Patrick's explanation seemed to finally make Le Creuset understand what was troubling him, and he replied:
"Pardon my frankness.
The mysterious appearance of 'Celestial Being' is not a mystery to us alone. I imagine it's just as much of one to the other side.
That being the case, neither side can produce any evidence on any of these matters. At most, it's all speculation;
but the military threat posed by 'Celestial Being' is an objective fact beyond doubt, especially after they captured Artemis Fortress, with its 'Umbrella of Artemis.'"
Le Creuset's words seemed to have opened up new possibilities for Patrick. A smile spread across his face.
"Exactly. To counter the greater threat posed by 'Celestial Being,' we'll have to bring more forces to bear."
Though Patrick tried to appear calm after resolving a major concern, he couldn't hide his excitement. Even Athrun could feel it;
for the rest of the journey, Patrick and Le Creuset discussed several more military and political issues, including the reorganization of the Creuset Team and the latest movements of 'Celestial Being' and the 'Long Legs.'
For Athrun, who mostly just listened, it was clear, on the one hand, that he would soon be serving as part of the Creuset Team and would once again be fighting 'Celestial Being' and the 'Long Legs';
on the other hand, Captain Le Creuset kept finding ways to praise him during their discussion and draw his father's attention to him, so Athrun had no choice but to focus and play along.
Under the circumstances, it was perfectly understandable that Athrun let out a relieved sigh after saying goodbye to his father Patrick in the zero-gravity area of April First City's port.
Hearing a soft laugh beside him, Athrun turned and saw Captain Le Creuset smiling beneath his mask.
"Sorry, I was rude."
"No need to worry about it, Athrun.
We're technically still on duty, but I did take up your leave for my own business. You can relax a little."
Though Captain Le Creuset said so, Athrun naturally didn't take the polite words too seriously;
Le Creuset said nothing more and strode ahead toward the elevator leading to the 'ground.'
Perhaps because of the time, Athrun and Le Creuset were the only ones in the elevator.
So when Le Creuset sat down, took out his portable terminal to pass the time, and gestured for Athrun to sit as well,
Athrun followed suit, acknowledging Le Creuset before taking a seat beside him;
just then, a news broadcast on the elevator's cable television caught both their attention.
"Next, we turn to the news. With the anniversary memorial ceremony for the Junius Seven incident approaching, Supreme Council Chairman Siegel Clyne has delivered a related address."
As the newsreader introduced the story, a familiar figure appeared on the screen, and a warm voice rang out.
"That tragic event is something we can never forget, and must always remember..."
Watching Lacus Clyne beside Siegel Clyne on the screen, Le Creuset put away his portable terminal and made small talk with Athrun.
"By the way, I remember you said last time that you'd visit Lacus's home once you got back. Have you set a date?"
"Ah, yes. We arranged to meet tomorrow afternoon for now. I hope it won't interfere with Lacus's work."
Athrun didn't hide anything in response to Le Creuset's question, and Le Creuset continued the conversation.
"Oh, right. Lady Lacus is in charge of this anniversary memorial ceremony. With the date so close, she must have plenty to take care of."
"Mm, yes.
She told me in a message that the trip had been postponed for a while because of 'Celestial Being's' sudden appearance;
but there isn't much time left before the memorial, so they've rescheduled. She's leaving for the Junius Seven ruins the day after tomorrow to conduct a preliminary inspection."
Athrun didn't hide the details of Lacus's work, which was already public knowledge, in response to Captain Le Creuset's friendly conversation.
Captain Le Creuset expressed his concern.
"Though it can't be helped with time so tight, this still isn't a very good time to go.
After the Battle of Artemis, both the 'Long Legs' and 'Celestial Being' have disappeared. I hope Lady Lacus has a safe trip."
Le Creuset's words made Athrun a little worried, but this was what he said aloud:
"The Silver Wind is an unarmed civilian ship. Even if they run into the 'Long Legs' or 'Celestial Being,' it should be fine."
"Let's hope so."
As they spoke, the elevator passed through the steel structure and layers of rock, emerging above April First City's 'sky.'
Le Creuset simply put away his portable terminal, and he and Athrun silently turned their gaze toward the 'earth' below.
Before long, the elevator reached the ground. It wasn't even 11:00 yet, and the Supreme Council review that Le Creuset and Athrun were required to attend was scheduled for around 15:00.
So after they drove to the temporary lodgings provided by the Supreme Council, Le Creuset told Athrun to meet him in the lobby at 14:00, then went their separate ways.
But as Le Creuset followed an attendant toward his room to rest alone, the attendant unexpectedly struck up a conversation.
"Are you Rau Le Creuset, the one 'Celestial Being' mentioned? Could I take up a little of your time?"
"Hmm?"
Le Creuset gave a rather curious response. Once he reached his room, he left the door open and let the attendant follow him inside.
A dozen or so minutes later, the attendant opened the door and left Le Creuset's room alone;
before the door closed again, Le Creuset's chilling, heartfelt laughter could faintly be heard from inside.
Before you continue