The Mendel talks

The Starry Sky's small shuttle slowly docked at the Archangel's docking hatch. Dressed in a white ZAFT elite uniform, Mei Hock stepped out with his back straight, followed by two guards in black combat gear. The Archangel's crew remained on alert, their weapons still drawn and their eyes fixed on the legendary ZAFT commander who had appeared so suddenly. A subtle tension hung in the air-wariness of a formidable enemy mingled with uncertainty over why he had helped them.

Murrue Ramius waited at the docking bay in person, wearing her Archangel captain's uniform and a composed expression. Kira, Athrun, Lacus, Cagalli, and the others stood behind her. As Mei Hock approached, Murrue spoke first, her voice still carrying a trace of caution. "Commander Mei Hock, welcome aboard. The conference room is ready. Shall we continue our discussion there?"

Mei Hock inclined his head, his gaze sweeping slowly over the group. His dark brown eyes were calm, and a faint smile touched his lips. "Sorry for the trouble, Captain Murrue. I've heard much about all of you. It's a pleasure to finally meet." His gaze lingered briefly on Kira, passed over Athrun, and finally settled on Lacus's face. An almost imperceptible tenderness flashed in his eyes before his expression returned to normal.

They passed through the corridor and reached the Archangel's small conference room. A few chairs surrounded a round table, and the holographic projector was already running, ready to display battlefield data. Everyone took their seats. Mei Hock sat beside the seat of honor opposite Murrue, while his guards remained alert at the door. Once everyone had settled, Murrue broke the silence. "Commander Mei Hock, I'm sure you know our Three Ships Alliance is caught between enemies. Rau Le Creuset's and Natarle Badgiruel's forces have withdrawn for now, but they could return at any moment. You helped us today and requested a face-to-face meeting. Please tell us plainly what you want, and what you meant by 'the current situation.'"

Mei Hock raised a hand to ask for patience, then spoke, his tone losing some of its warmth and taking on a sober gravity. "Since you've been so direct, Captain Murrue, I won't beat around the bush. First, I did not come on orders from ZAFT's Supreme Council. This operation was my own decision-or rather, the decision of my Silver Wing Angel Team."

That single statement stunned everyone in the room. Kira frowned and asked in confusion, "Your own decision? ZAFT's military regulations are strict. As an elite commander in a white uniform, aren't you afraid of disciplinary action for abandoning your post and acting without authorization?"

"Disciplinary action is inevitable, of course," Mei Hock said with a light chuckle and a hint of disdain. "But compared with PLANT's future, compared with this endless war, what does a little military punishment matter?" His expression grew even more serious as he changed the subject. "What I'm about to tell you concerns the fate of the entire Cosmic Era, and the future of every Natural and Coordinator."

Everyone grew solemn and listened closely. Mei Hock began laying out the intelligence he possessed. "The dovish and hawkish factions behind ZAFT have now split completely. Chairman Siegel Clyne's death left the doves leaderless, while the hawks, under Patrick Zala, have grown increasingly radical. They want to wipe out the Naturals, whatever the cost. Meanwhile, the arms-dealing conglomerates behind the Atlantic Federation, led by Azrael, are the very instigators of this war. They reap enormous profits from selling weapons. The longer the war lasts, the more they gain."

He paused, then continued, "Both forces are now gambling everything for their own interests. Your Three Ships Alliance wants to stop the war and seek peace. That desire is admirable, but have you considered that the seeds of war were planted long ago? From the tragedy of Junius Seven, from the moment Coordinators were branded as 'outsiders,' this hatred had already taken root."

"Forcing it down will only make the backlash more violent," Mei Hock said firmly, looking around the table. "It's like pinning weeds beneath a boulder. Everything looks quiet on the surface, but underneath, the weeds are growing wildly. Once the boulder is lifted, they'll spread more fiercely than ever. Now, the only way to end this war for good is to make most people truly feel the suffering it brings, and make the powerful factions profiting behind the scenes pay the price they deserve-especially the arms-dealing conglomerates behind the Atlantic Federation. Only by overthrowing their rule completely and breaking their network of vested interests can we achieve real peace."

Athrun frowned and objected, "But that would mean even more people dying in the war, even more families torn apart. Can't we find a gentler way to resolve the conflict between the two sides?"

"A gentler way?" Mei Hock shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his voice. "Athrun Zala, you're too naive. The situation has long since passed the point where gentle measures can work. Your Three Ships Alliance is still nowhere near strong enough to stop the war. You have only three warships. Even with top-class mobile suits like the Freedom and the Justice Gundam, you're still a drop in the ocean against the massive armies of ZAFT and the Atlantic Federation."

He raised a hand and activated the holographic projector. A set of encrypted data appeared on the screen. "More importantly, according to intelligence I intercepted, the Earth Forces have regained their nuclear capability and successfully acquired the Neutron Jammer Canceller. Nuclear strike units were hidden within the Dominion formation Natarle Badgiruel led just now. The only reason they didn't use nuclear weapons was that they feared the Starry Sky's firepower and the prospect of mutual destruction. Once they find an opening, or once we withdraw, the space around Mendel-and even all of PLANT-could face a nuclear strike."

The holographic data was clear. Nuclear deployment positions and Neutron Jammer Canceller specifications all proved that Mei Hock was telling the truth. Silence fell over the conference room, and everyone's expression darkened. Murrue clenched her fists, shaken by shock and dread-she had never imagined the Earth Forces already possessed such deadly weapons. Kira lowered his head, his fingers trembling slightly as he remembered the nuclear tragedy at Junius Seven, helplessness filling his heart. Lacus's eyes reddened, a trace of fear in their blue depths, but her resolve also grew stronger.

After a moment, Murrue looked up at Mei Hock with determination. "Commander Mei Hock, since you know all this and have identified the crux of the situation, what strategy do you have? Our Three Ships Alliance is willing to cooperate. Even if there's only a sliver of hope, we don't want to give up."

Seeing their expressions, Mei Hock nodded inwardly and slowly outlined his strategy. "My plan is simple. Three steps. First, hold Mendel for now. Use the terrain to our advantage, rest and refit our forces, complete the Eternal's preparations, and gather more intelligence on the Earth Forces' nuclear capability and the arms-dealing conglomerates. Second, unite the dovish factions within PLANT with the antiwar forces in the Earth Alliance, forming a united front against the hawks and the arms dealers. Third, find the right moment to launch a surprise attack on the Atlantic Federation arms dealers' headquarters, destroy their network of vested interests, and cripple the Earth Forces' nuclear strike capability, forcing ZAFT's hawks to the negotiating table."

He added, "During that time, we must avoid direct confrontations with ZAFT and Atlantic Federation forces as much as possible and preserve our strength. But we can't keep backing down, either. If they use nuclear weapons, we must retaliate with everything we have."

Everyone fell into thought after hearing Mei Hock's strategy. The plan seemed bold, but each stage supported the next. It addressed their immediate predicament while also considering lasting peace, and every step struck at a crucial point in the situation. After a long silence, Athrun spoke first, admiration in his voice. "Commander Mei Hock, your strategic vision truly goes far beyond ours. This plan is full of danger, but it's our only hope right now. I agree to cooperate."

"So do I," Kira said, raising his head. The helplessness in his eyes gradually gave way to resolve. "I don't want to see more people die in this war. I don't want the tragedy of Junius Seven to happen again. If it means ending the war, I'm willing to pay any price."

Cagalli and Lacus nodded as well, while Murrue's expression turned resolute. "Then we'll follow Commander Mei Hock's plan! The Archangel, the Kusanagi, and the Eternal will give you our full cooperation. We'll fight our enemies together and seek peace."

With everyone in agreement, a relieved smile appeared on Mei Hock's lips. "Good. With your cooperation, our chances of ending the war have improved. Now, everyone has a role to carry out. Captain Murrue, you'll oversee the three ships' refitting and security. Athrun and Kira, you'll handle training and deployment for the mobile suit forces. Cagalli, you'll contact Orb's remaining forces. Miss Lacus, sorry for the trouble, but please contact the dovish factions within PLANT and seek their support. If anything happens, contact me through encrypted communications at once."

"Understood!" everyone answered together.

After the meeting ended, everyone rose and left one after another to begin their work. Kira, however, did not leave immediately. He remained seated with his head lowered, his expression conflicted, as though pondering something. Seeing that Kira had stayed behind, Athrun stopped and walked over to him. "Kira, what's wrong?" he asked softly. "Do you have another question?"

Kira shook his head without speaking. Mei Hock had finished gathering the documents on the table and was turning to leave when he noticed the two of them still in the room. He stopped and asked with a smile, "Kira, it seems you still have something to ask me. Am I right?"

Kira looked up at Mei Hock, his eyes full of uncertainty and confusion. After hesitating for a moment, he finally asked, "Akira, I wanted to ask you... with so many people sacrificed in this war, what does it all mean? Was the sacrifice of those innocent people really worth it? And can Naturals and Coordinators truly live together in peace? We've hated and killed each other for so long. Is there really no chance of reconciliation?"

The questions carried immense weight. They were not merely Kira's doubts, but the confusion Athrun had harbored for a long time, and the questions of everyone living in the Cosmic Era. Athrun also looked at Mei Hock expectantly, hoping this commander with such extraordinary strategic vision could give them an answer.

Mei Hock returned to the conference table and sat down, gesturing for the two of them to sit as well. He spoke slowly, his voice gentle but firm. "Kira, your questions are heavy ones, but they matter. First, I want you to understand that war means different things to different nations and different people. To the arms dealers making fortunes behind the scenes, war has no meaning-only profit. To ZAFT's hawks and the Earth Alliance's radicals, it means conquest, domination, and revenge. But to us, to those who long for peace, the purpose of war is to end war. It is to give future generations a world without hatred or slaughter, and to allow Naturals and Coordinators to stand together as true equals."

"As for those who sacrificed their lives," Mei Hock continued, his expression becoming solemn, "their sacrifices were worthwhile, of course. They did not die for nothing. Their sacrifices awakened more people's consciences and their longing for peace. Their blood watered the seeds of peace, and one day those seeds will take root, sprout, and bloom into flowers of hope. Of course, I'm not denying the pain of sacrifice. Every life lost is a tragedy. But we have no other choice. If we want to protect what is good, we must possess the strength to do so. Without strength, that goodness is like a flower that blooms for only a moment, vanishing in an instant, vulnerable at any time to the ravaging storm of war."

He paused, then continued, "Take the East Asian Republic and Orb. Both are neutral nations. Both desire peace and wish to protect their sovereignty and their people. But the East Asian Republic possesses powerful military forces, independently developed Gundam units, and advanced weapons and equipment. Through its own strength, it can hold its ground between ZAFT and the Earth Alliance, protect its people, and develop steadily. Orb, on the other hand, maintained its neutrality but lacked sufficient military strength. It could not withstand attacks from either side, and ultimately faced the destruction of its nation. That is reality. Without strength, you have no standing to talk about peace, much less the ability to protect everything you want to protect."

Kira and Athrun nodded silently, some of their doubts easing. Mei Hock continued, "As for whether Naturals and Coordinators can coexist peacefully, my answer is yes-and they certainly will. Human history has never been smooth sailing. We have endured tribal wars, ethnic wars, and wars between nations. There have been countless acts of hatred and slaughter, yet in the end, we have moved toward integration and coexistence."

"The East Asian Republic in particular," Mei Hock said, a touch of pride in his eyes, "is a nation where many ethnic groups and cultures have come together. It has numerous peoples, different cultures, and different customs. There were once conflicts and disagreements, too, but ultimately, we all became part of this nation, recognized ourselves as East Asians, and worked together to safeguard its peace and development. Naturals and Coordinators are both fundamentally human. Coordinators have simply had their genes enhanced. That is no reason for us to hate each other."

"The reason conflict erupts, the reason we distrust and kill each other," Mei Hock said, his voice turning cold, "is simply that some people deliberately create divisions and stir up hatred. Those arms-dealing conglomerates and radicals need those divisions. They need that hatred. They need war to maintain their interests and their rule. They paint Coordinators as 'outsiders' and Naturals as 'enemies,' making us slaughter one another while they stay behind the scenes and reap the rewards."

"But divisions will eventually be broken down, and hatred will eventually be resolved," Mei Hock continued, his voice gentle and firm once more. "It is only a matter of time. As Naturals and Coordinators interact more, as we share the suffering of war, and as those who incite hatred are overthrown, people will come to understand that there is no fundamental difference between us. We all want peace. We all want to protect our families and our homes. One day, Coordinators will become part of humanity without being treated as 'outsiders.' Naturals and Coordinators will live together peacefully, help one another, and create a better future, just like the ethnic groups of the East Asian Republic."

After hearing Mei Hock's words, Kira and Athrun's doubts were completely dispelled. The uncertainty in their eyes gradually faded, replaced by determination and hope. Kira stood and bowed deeply to Mei Hock. "Thank you, Akira," he said firmly. "I understand now. I'll work harder and fight with greater resolve. I'll give everything I have to end this war and bring peace between Naturals and Coordinators."

Athrun also stood and nodded, his eyes filled with respect. "Commander Mei Hock, thank you for answering us. From now on, Kira and I will work together to support your plan and protect everything we want to protect."

Mei Hock smiled and nodded. "Good. You're both exceptionally gifted pilots, and warriors who long for peace. The future will depend on you, too. Now, I still have things to do. Go and make your preparations."

The two nodded and left the conference room. Mei Hock gathered his documents and rose as well, heading straight for the Eternal-he wanted to see Lacus. During their meeting, he had sensed the grief and fragility in her heart. The girl who had once shone so brightly and held peace close to her heart had been overwhelmed by the loss of her father and the hardship of life on the run.

With Aisha leading the way, Mei Hock reached Lacus's private lounge aboard the Eternal. It was small, simply but warmly furnished. Several photographs of Lacus as a child hung on the wall, and a bouquet of white flowers stood on the table, filling the air with a faint fragrance. Lacus sat in a chair by the window with her head lowered, her shoulders trembling slightly as though she were crying in silence.

Aisha quietly withdrew and closed the door, leaving the two of them alone. Mei Hock slowly approached Lacus and said softly, "Miss Lacus, I've come to see you."

At the sound of Akira's voice, Lacus jerked her head up. Her blue eyes were awash with tears, and fresh droplets still clung to her face. The moment she saw Mei Hock, she could hold back no longer. Tears spilled down like beads from a broken string. She sprang to her feet and threw herself into his arms, clasping his waist tightly as she sobbed aloud, her voice filled with grief, hurt, and helplessness. "Akira... Akira... I'm so scared... I'm really so scared..."

Akira gently held her, his movements tender and careful, as though protecting a fragile treasure. He lightly patted her back and soothed her in a quiet voice. "Don't be afraid, Lacus. Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Lacus cried even harder in his arms, speaking through her sobs. "I... I've been running all this time... Rau Le Creuset's men kept hunting me, and the Earth Alliance was looking for me too... I didn't dare stay anywhere. I didn't dare trust anyone... I saw so many people die because of me. I saw so many innocent people dragged into the war... And my father, my father... he was murdered..."

"My father was so kind. He always wanted peace. He always wanted to resolve the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators. Why did he have to die... Why did they kill him..." Lacus's voice grew weaker, filled with despair and anguish. "I'm so useless. I can't do anything. I couldn't protect my father. I couldn't protect those innocent people. I can't even protect myself..."

Mei Hock listened in silence, his heart aching for her. He knew that Lacus had endured far more pain and pressure than anyone her age should have to bear. He did not interrupt, only held her gently and comforted her, repeating again and again, "It's all right, Lacus. It's over now. It's over. You aren't useless. You're very brave. You've kept working for peace and holding on to your beliefs. That is enough. If your father could see you now, he would be proud of you."

"From now on, I'm here. I'll protect everything you want to protect, for you and in your father's place. I'll help you avenge him. I'll help you end this war, and I'll make those who hurt you pay the price they deserve." Akira's voice was gentle but firm, carrying an unquestionable promise.

Lacus cried in his arms for a long, long time, pouring out all the grief, hurt, and helplessness that had built up in her heart. Gradually, her sobs quieted, and her body stopped trembling. Leaning against Akira, she slowly fell asleep. Tear tracks still marked her face, but the tension in her brow eased a little, as though she had found in her dreams the sense of safety she had been missing for so long.

Akira carefully lifted her and laid her on the bed, tucked the covers around her, then sat beside her and quietly watched her sleeping face, his eyes tender and affectionate. He stayed with her until her sleep grew more peaceful, then rose and gently closed the door behind him. Finding Aisha waiting outside, he instructed her softly, "Aisha, take good care of Miss Lacus. She's exhausted. Let her get some proper sleep, and don't disturb her. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

"Understood, Commander Akira," Aisha replied respectfully.

After settling Lacus in, Akira headed for the captain's quarters aboard the Archangel-he wanted to see Murrue. They had not met in person since parting six months earlier. Although they occasionally spoke through encrypted communications, they had never managed to reunite face-to-face. In the conference room earlier, they had discussed only official matters, keeping the emotions of their long-awaited reunion buried in their hearts.

At the door to Murrue's quarters, Mei Hock knocked gently. The door soon opened, revealing Murrue. A trace of exhaustion remained on her face, but it could not conceal her distinctive charm. Surprise and delight flashed in her eyes when she saw Mei Hock, followed by a hint of shyness. "Akira, what brings you here?" she asked softly.

"I came to see you," Akira said with a smile, his gaze fixed on her. "It's been over six months. You look like you've lost quite a bit of weight. Thank you for all your hard work."

Those simple words sent warmth flowing through Murrue's heart. She stepped aside to let Mei Hock enter, closed the door, and turned to face him, her eyes full of longing and affection. "It hasn't been too hard. As long as we can end the war, as long as I can see you again, it's all worth it."

The longing of their long separation and the feelings they had suppressed finally burst free. Mei Hock stepped forward and pulled Murrue tightly into his arms. Without hesitation, she embraced him in return, resting her head on his shoulder. His warm embrace and steady heartbeat filled her with a sense of safety. No further words were needed. All their longing, affection, and concern became that tight embrace.

The atmosphere in the room grew heated, like dry tinder meeting flame, as their long-suppressed feelings were finally released. They shed their exhaustion and their guarded fronts, immersing themselves in the tenderness of their reunion. They forgot the cruelty of war, the responsibilities they carried, and all their worries, savoring only each other in that moment.

Two hours later, the door to the quarters slowly opened. Murrue's hair was slightly damp, a faint blush colored her cheeks, and lingering tenderness remained in her eyes. She leaned gently against Mei Hock and whispered, "Akira, I don't want you to go."

Mei Hock softly stroked her hair. "I don't want to leave you either, but I have to return. The Starry Sky still needs me, and I have to keep our plan moving forward. Once the war is over, once we've put an end to all this hatred, I'll come back for you. We'll never be apart again."

Murrue nodded, her eyes filled with anticipation. "All right. I'll wait for you. Make sure you take care of yourself. Stay safe, and don't get hurt."

"I will." Akira lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then turned and slowly left her quarters.

Watching Mei Hock leave, Murrue gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, took a deep breath, and straightened her clothes. Then she contacted Mu La Flaga through her communicator. "Mu, sorry for the trouble, but please take charge of the three ships' refitting and security for now. I'm a little tired and need to rest. Wake me immediately if there's an emergency."

"Roger, Captain. Get some rest. I've got things covered," Mu answered promptly.

As soon as Mei Hock returned to the Starry Sky, he sent Murrue a detailed strategic document through encrypted communications. It laid out the upcoming refitting schedule, intelligence-gathering priorities, troop deployment plans, and contingency measures for unexpected developments. Once everything was done, he went to the Starry Sky's bridge and ordered the entire crew, "All hands, bring the engines to maximum power! Set a course back to PLANT's outer defense zone!"

"Understood, Captain!" the crew answered together. The Starry Sky's engines unleashed powerful thrust, and the silver ship slowly began moving, heading toward PLANT.

The adjutant approached Mei Hock and asked quietly, "Captain, if we return to PLANT like this, aren't you worried Rau Le Creuset will report us to the PLANT Supreme Council and expose our unauthorized operation and assistance to the Three Ships Alliance?"

A confident smile curved Mei Hock's lips, and his voice remained calm. "No. If I dared to do this, it means I'd already made thorough preparations. The Landing Pod I sent Rau Le Creuset earlier contained bait he cannot refuse-the East Asian Republic's latest genetic research report, a treatment plan for Coordinators' genetic defects, and a promise from me."

He paused, then continued, "That genetic research report can help Rau Le Creuset resolve his genetic instability. The treatment plan can cure Coordinators who developed defects from genetic enhancement, including Rau Le Creuset himself. And I gave him a promise-the promise of a new life."

"Rau Le Creuset has spent his entire life plagued by genetic defects, searching for a cure. He absolutely cannot refuse this bait." Mei Hock looked toward the distant stars, his eyes full of confidence. "Not only will he keep silent, he'll also cooperate with us in secret and keep ZAFT's hawkish forces in check. Now, let's wait and see."

The Starry Sky gradually vanished from the space around Mendel, speeding toward PLANT. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Murrue, Kira, and the others, the Three Ships Alliance at Mendel began its intensive preparations. A struggle that would determine the fate of the Cosmic Era had only just begun, and the game Mei Hock had set in motion was slowly unfolding.