Chapter 383: The Eternal Sets Sail 1
On ZAFT's side, the moment Rau Le Creuset returned to P.L.A.N.T, he used his own channels to obtain the complete data on the Freedom Gundam and the Justice Gundam, including all information on their nuclear engines and anti–neutron jammer cancelers.
Then, with a sinister smile on his face, he began brewing a plot that would further escalate this war.
Moreover, over the past few days, Patrick's speech accusing Lacus of treason had not produced any substantial results. Many citizens still believed that Lacus was innocent.
Left with no other choice, they once again had Izak's mother, Ezalia Joule, conduct propaganda speeches.
This time, however, the narrative changed into claiming that Lacus's heart that prayed for peace had merely been exploited—that she had not only been used by Naturals, but had also been kidnapped by people with ulterior motives.
They further declared that they would definitely rescue her from this conspiracy, and so on.
As a result, citizens who had originally felt sorry for Lacus and refused to believe that she would betray her country—thus covering for her—immediately began to spontaneously help ZAFT search for her whereabouts and provide clues.
Tolle felt that this woman truly had remarkable political acumen, able to play both sides with ease. The way she spoke was indeed different.
No wonder that after their defeat, she personally led the capture of the members of the Zala faction, and even promoted her own son, elevating him to the position of a battleship captain.
On Lacus's side, inside the new safe house, aside from the scheduled daily broadcasts, she spent all other time being inseparable from Tolle.
Likewise, Liza was also inseparable from Nicol—though in her case it was entirely her initiative. Nicol was completely kept under her thumb.
And what she often said was, "Don't you dare learn from that flirtatious scumbag and give me a few extra sisters. If you do, I'll castrate you."
Nicol, thoroughly compliant, shook his head desperately. "Don't worry, I absolutely won't be like Tolle. Having just you is more than enough for me."
Although Tolle could clearly feel that Liza was using this to take a jab at him—thinly veiled personal attacks—he also felt guilty from the bottom of his heart while being by Lacus's side, leaving him with no way to refute her remarks.
All he could do was curl his lips to the side and think to himself: Sigh, Nicol. I originally wanted to introduce a few more to you, but it looks like you don't have the fortune for that. I'll just enjoy it on your behalf. You can just watch from the sidelines.
Before long, DaCosta, who maintained regular contact with them, hurried over again.
Lacus asked him, "Thank you for your hard work, DaCosta. How are things on the streets now? Is there any new situation?"
"The situation isn't optimistic," DaCosta replied. "Because of Ezalia Joule's speech, public opinion toward you has become extremely conflicted."
Lacus lowered her head somewhat dejectedly. "Is that so? What about other matters?"
DaCosta answered with concern, "That… the matter of Chairman Siegel still hasn't been made public."
Hearing mention of her father, Lacus became even more dispirited. Tolle stepped forward, wrapped an arm around her, and comforted her. "Don't be sad, Lacus. We'll definitely clear your father's name."
"Mm. Thank you, Tolle."
It was the first time DaCosta had seen Lacus leaning against Tolle's chest, and he looked shocked.
However, he quickly regained his composure, awkwardly turned his head aside, and continued, "Although the plan may need to start a bit earlier than scheduled, I think it would be safer to act now. If we wait any longer, it will become very difficult for us to leave."
Lacus adjusted her mood and replied with a resolute expression, "Yes, I understand. It really is time. We must head there as soon as possible."
Tolle nodded in agreement. "Mm. Then let's pack up now and begin the transfer as soon as possible, to avoid any unforeseen complications."
"Alright. I'll go make preparations right away." With that, DaCosta immediately left the safe house to arrange the evacuation.
"Miss Lacus, there's some information you need to take a look at." At that moment, one of the guards responsible for network security suddenly called out to her.
Lacus walked over and looked at the image on the laptop, discovering that Athrun had returned to P.L.A.N.T piloting a shuttle, while his Justice Gundam had not returned with him.
"This won't do. The current Chairman Zala is already close to madness. Even if Athrun is his son, he'll still be in danger."
Seeing that Athrun hadn't returned in the Justice Gundam, Lacus immediately understood his intentions. She then asked DaCosta, "DaCosta, is there any way you can rescue him?"
DaCosta replied somewhat awkwardly, "Miss Lacus, I'll do my best to find a way to rescue him."
At this moment, Tolle handed him a standard-issue soldier-type compressed spatial bracelet and explained, "DaCosta, this is a piece of nano-armor. Put it on—it'll protect your safety.
Let me explain how to use it…"
After a round of explanation, DaCosta excitedly took the compressed spatial bracelet and immediately left the safe house, heading toward ZAFT Headquarters where Athrun was located.
At the same time, Athrun arrived at his father Patrick's office.
Patrick asked with a stern expression, "Athrun, what is the meaning of this? What exactly happened? Where is the Justice Gundam? Why didn't it return with you? And what about the Freedom Gundam?"
Athrun did not answer his father's string of questions. Instead, he asked seriously, "Father, what exactly is your view on this war?"
Seeing that Athrun ignored his questions and instead questioned him, Patrick roared in anger, "What did you say?!"
Athrun continued speaking on his own, "This war has already gone on for a very long time. I want to know how long we're supposed to keep fighting, and when this war will finally end."
Hearing Athrun's words, Patrick became even more furious. He slammed his desk forcefully and shouted in a rage, "What nonsense are you spouting? What about the mission I assigned you? Report on the mission immediately—stop talking about this meaningless crap!"
"I…" Being shouted at like that, Athrun shrank back somewhat, but he still mustered his courage and said, "No matter what, I want to have a proper talk with you about this, Father. That's why I came back alone."
"Athrun! You ignorant brat, that's enough! Don't lecture me with half-baked understanding!" Patrick flew into a rage, stood up from his chair, and stormed angrily over to Athrun.
Athrun argued back with reason, "Father, haven't you always wanted the war to end as soon as possible as well? In that regard, it's you who doesn't understand, isn't it?
Alaska, Panama, Victoria Spaceport—you attacked the Earth Alliance, and the Earth Alliance attacked you in return.
Right now, the flames of war are only continuing to expand, with not the slightest sign of ending."