Sudden upheaval 9

Before long, a transfer order recalled him from Earth to space. He had thought he would be court-martialed for his defeat, or at least demoted and sidelined. Instead, Patrick Zala received him personally in his office. The man's gaze was sharp, and his words carried an unquestionable force.

"Captain Bartfield, the PLANT Council has seen your achievements on Earth. Your failure against the Archangel was not a failure of military ability, but the result of an exceptionally cunning enemy." Patrick's voice was deep, every word striking at Bartfield's heart. "Your reputation on Earth has not been shaken by a single defeat. If anything, your swift suppression of the subsequent rebellion has strengthened it. I need your strength. ZAFT needs your strength."

It was an attempt to win him over. Patrick Zala needed a symbolic figure with tremendous influence in the military, particularly among the Earth forces, to consolidate his power and endorse the radical policies he was about to implement.

And Bartfield, desperate for a chance to prove himself after his defeat, seemed the ideal candidate.

He accepted. He could not refuse. Under the circumstances, he had no better choice.

After that, he became one of Patrick's commanders, carrying out direct orders from the Supreme Council. He witnessed the brutality of war magnified beyond all limits, and watched the extremist belief that "Naturals must be eliminated" gradually become mainstream. He began to question whether this path truly led toward peace.

Then he was given this ship—the Eternal. ZAFT's most advanced warship, equipped with a Neutron Jammer Canceller and possessing a nearly limitless power supply. By entrusting him with this pinnacle of ZAFT technology, Patrick had shown his trust, but also placed him under surveillance.

But they had all miscalculated one thing. Andrew Bartfield, the man known as the "Desert Tiger,"