M78 Universe, the Land of Light.
Mother of Ultra could barely sense Zero's life energy anymore.
She kept trying until she finally caught a faint fluctuation of energy.
She tried to call out to Zero with her powers, but received no response.
Anxious, she projected an image of herself to Shinji's location as she had before, but the sight before her left her shaken.
She saw Shinji lying in a medical pod without any sign of life. Only the monitoring equipment proved that he was still alive.
The Palaj Bracelet on Shinji's wrist had also lost all its luster, looking like a piece of scrap iron.
Even at such close range, Mother of Ultra could sense only the faintest fluctuations of energy and soul.
Had she not been merely a projection, she would have treated Zero and Shinji right then.
Judging by the situation, though, Zero's injuries would likely require ten days to half a month in one of the Silver Cross Army's treatment pods before he could fully recover.
Other than the fact that Zero's life energy had not vanished completely, Mother of Ultra could learn nothing more.
After further attempts to call out to Zero proved fruitless, Mother of Ultra had no choice but to end her projection.
As soon as she finished, she left the Silver Cross Army and headed for Space Garrison Headquarters.
Father of Ultra had also learned of the news and was waiting at Guard headquarters.
"Call Zoffy and the others back. This is far too urgent," Mother of Ultra said, getting straight to the point.
"To think this enemy could drive Zero into such a desperate state... it seems we've been underestimating them all along," Father of Ultra said slowly.
"We have no choice but to let Ultraseven and Leo know about that