Perhaps the enemy hadn't considered launching a second attack, or perhaps after the failure of the first ambush, both sides had become vigilant, leaving no opportunity for another strike. In any case, no further enemies appeared, and the destruction of [Julius 7] proceeded smoothly.
Without interference, the work crews no longer had to operate in fear. They quickly deployed the large-scale crushers and, upon receiving the order, activated them.
As hundreds of densely packed drill bits descended, penetrating the wreckage of [Julius 7], the massive remnant known as the [Tombstone] became riddled with cracks, spreading like a spiderweb. Soon, the entire structure shattered into countless fragments of varying sizes.
"..."
Watching the destruction of [Julius 7], everyone was filled with emotion. It had been the catalyst for the last war, a symbol of tragedy, and a monument to warn the world.
Now, it was gone—reduced to memories, history books, and photographs in museums.
Yet, this also marked the turning of a new page in history, the definitive end of an era.
The operation to destroy [Julius 7] was successfully completed, but the gathered forces did not immediately disperse. Given the proximity to [Heliopolis], the various factions decided to hold a celebratory gathering. Though most were merely spectators and witnesses, they rejoiced all the same—relieved that the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads had finally vanished.
"It's over."
"And also a beginning."
"A toast to the old era, and to the new."
Having disentangled themselves from the other factions, Yang Hui and Durandal spoke privately in a lounge, with neither Mina, Natarle Badgiruel, Durandal's adjutant, nor his secretary present.
"Librarian Works... truly a terrifying organization," Durandal remarked with a frown.
"Unknown enemies are always frightening."
"But now that they're known, they're no longer so."
"There's still much we don't know—their bases, structure, scale, the limits of their technology... The most troublesome issue remains the existence of Carbon Humans."
"Thank you for the intelligence Lacus brought. I've conducted an internal purge, but... it's barely made a dent."
PLANT was not Orb, and Durandal was not Yang Hui. He couldn't conduct a thorough sweep of PLANT from top to bottom like Yang Hui had done with Orb. Moreover, Durandal lacked the ability to detect Brain Quantum Waves. Interrogation and investigation methods could never guarantee absolute certainty. Additionally, Durandal's control over PLANT wasn't as firm as Yang Hui's over Orb, and PLANT was far larger in scale.
"Do what you can."
"I know. The internal purge won't stop."
"Once you're done, notify me or Creuset. After causing so much trouble, it's only fair we return the favor. They can't expect to get away with this unscathed." A flash of cold fury passed through Yang Hui's eyes.
He was preparing to move against [LOGOS]. Previously, he hadn't had the time or the justification. But now, in front of the entire world, Carbon Humans and Librarian Works had revealed themselves.
The public might not know their identities, but couldn't Orb announce the findings of its investigation? Couldn't they expose [LOGOS]? As for the truth... even if it wasn't entirely accurate, did it really matter?
"...Two months," Durandal said. The ongoing investigations around him had to continue; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly. Moreover, he had a plan that was nearing completion—a powerful force he couldn't afford to abandon.
"Understood."
It wasn't that Yang Hui wasn't in a hurry, but he also needed to prepare thoroughly before taking action. Creuset had already relayed intelligence: the identified core members of LOGOS were making moves again—not to incite chaos, but to prepare an escape route.
To ensure a decisive strike, more investigation and preparation were necessary. They couldn't afford to let these people slip away. If they went into hiding, tracking them down again would be a nightmare.
Additionally, the exact locations of some secret research facilities and bases remained unknown. If they were going to act, they had to crush them completely, leaving no chance for resurgence.
Two months would be just enough time for these preparations.
"Lord Yang Hui, I'm quite intrigued by those orange light particles."
"Military secret."
"Is that so? I understand."
Durandal grasped the implied meaning in Yang Hui's words—it wasn't the right time yet, but he would find out eventually. This also served Durandal's purpose: confirming that GN Particles had capabilities beyond merely disrupting electromagnetic signals. Otherwise, Yang Hui wouldn't have labeled it a "military secret." It was a subtle hint, a courtesy between partners.
The same question had been posed by representatives of various major factions locked in their tug-of-war outside, but Yang Hui's response had always been a curt "No comment"—even to General Duan Halbaton, with whom he maintained good relations.
"Oh, and one more thing. Could you take a look at this for me, Lord Yang Hui?"
"Wait—"
Before Yang Hui could refuse, his PAD received a file from Durandal. Just reading the title made Yang Hui raise an eyebrow, instantly losing interest in opening it.
"You're the PLANT Supreme Chairman. I'm the Supreme Leader of Orb and Commander-in-Chief of its armed forces."
"As partners, shouldn't we assist each other to better face the threats ahead?"
Yang Hui frowned slightly, puzzled by Durandal's intentions. This wasn't a test—it was an excessive show of sincerity. The file Durandal had sent him was titled Next-Generation Mass Production MS Deployment Plan—ZAFT's blueprint for future mobile suit development and military armament.
Calling it a "top military secret" wouldn't be an exaggeration. Even as partners, they belonged to separate nations. Wasn't Durandal worried that Yang Hui might exploit or sabotage the plan? Or that his suggestions could be traps?
"I know what you're wondering, Yang Hui."
Hearing Durandal address him so familiarly deepened Yang Hui's frown. Durandal was deliberately closing the distance between them, but his motives remained unclear.
"Whether it's PLANT, Orb, or even the Earth Alliance... in the end, aren't we all one family?"
"!" Yang Hui's brow twitched, then quickly smoothed as he locked eyes with Durandal. "You—"
"I've had a suspicion for a long time, but too many coincidences... gave me the answer." Durandal said with a smile, clearly pleased, as he felt he'd finally won against Yang Hui once.
"...Hahahaha!" After a brief silence, Yang Hui suddenly burst into loud laughter. Excitement? Ruthlessness? Arrogance? Madness? It was impossible to tell what emotion he was expressing.
"You're alone right now." Yang Hui said with a vicious, sinister smile as he stared at Durandal.
"You wouldn't do it."
"Reason?"
"Instinct. You need me. Your people... need me."
The two locked eyes in silence—one ruthless, one calm—without speaking. After several minutes, Yang Hui put away his smile and seriously opened the file to read it. Then...
"Rather than opening more production lines for different Mobile Suits, you should focus more on Armed Backpacks since they're already modularized."
"An astute suggestion. Much appreciated."
Yang Hui waved his hand and stood up to leave. But when he reached the door, he spoke to Durandal without turning around: "Birds of a feather flock together. You're all madmen."
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