Chapter 1790
Returning to the Other Side of the Ocean!
Chapter 1790 Returning to the Other Side of the Ocean!
Above the clouds, as the Garuda was patrolling over a certain airspace in the South Pacific, three fireballs, one large and two small, suddenly appeared in the sky.
Upon detecting the fireballs, the Garuda supercarrier immediately changed course and headed towards the area where the three fireballs would converge.
"That must be the colonel."
On the bridge of the Garuda, Murasame and Rosamia stared intently at the main screen that was locked onto the fireball.
"Yes, that should be it. Speaking of which, the Colonel has been making quite a stir in space lately! Even Deacon's daughter, Artesia Deacon, has joined his ranks. I must say, the Colonel's luck with women is truly enviable."
Kenneth stroked his chin and chuckled, but unexpectedly attracted two cold stares, which startled him so much that he quickly raised his hands.
"I'm sorry! Ladies, I misspoke! Please don't mind."
In a daze, he seemed to hear bursts of snickering from all around, which prompted Kenes to quickly straighten his face and shout.
"Concentrate! Prepare to receive the delegation's shuttle and contain the MS!"
"Yes! Captain!"
As the flames dissipated, the shuttle that had successfully entered the atmosphere also spotted the Garuda appearing ahead.
As the enormous, almost mythical Garuda-like giant aircraft carrier drew closer, most of the delegation members couldn't help but gasp.
This was something even ZAFT had never imagined.
Until He Ming, CC, and Artesia's mobile suits came to a stop in the Garuda's hangar, the ZAFT crew, who had arrived earlier, were still marveling at everything around them.
"Colonel, welcome back!"
Kenes arrived with his men to greet He Ming and Durandal, among others.
"Hmm, how much longer until we reach Chabro?"
He Ming nodded and got straight to the point.
"We expect to have about six hours left."
"Alright! After the escort mission is completed, the Garuda will take off immediately and return to the Third Tokyo Metropolitan Area. There is an emergency mission!"
He Ming's words made Kenes's gaze sharpen, and he immediately responded seriously.
"Understood, Colonel. I'll make the arrangements right away."
"It seems that Colonel Ming will not be able to attend the meeting with me in Chabro."
Durandal said regretfully after watching Kenneth leave.
"I'm sorry! The situation is urgent. We've received some leads about the mastermind behind this, and we must investigate as soon as possible. If there's an opportunity next time, I hope Commissioner Durandal won't refuse my invitation."
"Of course!"
Six hours passed in the blink of an eye.
When the Garuda appeared in the sky above Chabro, the reception team arranged by Gop had been waiting at the airport for a long time.
Meanwhile, Gop himself stood on the observation deck at headquarters, watching the steel bird slowly descend.
"I heard that the Garuda will take off immediately after the delegation arrives?"
Gop's words prompted his secretary behind him to quickly respond.
"Yes! It is said that some special clues have been discovered, which may be related to the Britannian Empire's backup plan in the depths of the Pacific Ocean."
"Is that so? Then, it seems that His Highness Schneizel, the second prince of the empire who personally came to Chabro on a mission of peace talks, was betrayed by his father?"
Before the secretary could respond, Gop waved his hand, signaling him to arrange the follow-up matters according to He Ming's wishes.
The task of receiving the delegation was the responsibility of the Earth Federation Council. Gop's role was merely to ensure the delegation's security.
Oh, of course.
And the safety of Schneizel, the second prince of the Britannian Empire.
If the second prince, who was tasked with peace talks, were to meet with misfortune in Chabro, it would likely add a touch of madness to the Britannian Empire.
As the sun gradually sank below the horizon of Chabro, the Garuda, having completed its escort mission, took off again, heading towards the other side of the Pacific Ocean. This caused many news media outlets, who were trying to interview the rumored Punishment Force, to stare in astonishment at the departing Garuda.
"Your Highness. We have received information that Punishment did not linger, but took off immediately after escorting the delegation from another Earth to Chabro. Based on our observations, it is likely returning to the First Tokyo urban cluster."
Schneizel's direct advisor, Canon Maldini, entered the room and respectfully reported the information he had gathered.
Listening to his trusted confidant Kanon's report, Schneizel slowly raised his hand, picked up the white chess piece, placed it on the board, and nodded, bringing the simulated game to a close.
"I see."
Then Schneizel asked another question.
"Kanon, where do you think punishment is headed?"
Kanon was taken aback, then replied without hesitation,
"It could be the first, second, or third Tokyo metropolitan area. But we can't rule out other cities."
"Yes. You guessed right. The reason why the Garuda bird of punishment is so eager to fly across the Pacific Ocean again is probably to investigate the secret plans that Father has set up around the Pacific."
Upon hearing that it was related to Emperor Charles, Kanon immediately lowered his head and dared not speak.
Despite being Schneizel's confidant, Kanon dared not freely express his thoughts when it came to matters concerning the emperor.
Schneizel understood this as well.
He just wanted someone to listen to his monologues.
"It has been almost a month since I arrived in Chabro on a mission to negotiate peace. During this time, no matter what peace terms I proposed, both the Empire and the Chabro side have used the excuse of needing to discuss them further..."
Schneizel smiled slightly and casually put the black and white pieces back in their places on the chessboard.
"Such behavior is truly perplexing. But it doesn't matter. The Empire and His Majesty need me as a pawn to buy time, so I will play that role. As for Chabro, they have probably already seen through the Empire's intentions."
Under Kanon's watchful gaze, Schneizel once again picked up the black horse that represented the knight and took his first step.
“And punishment is Chabrol’s response. My father! Did you foresee this? Or did those behind you see it?”
Across the ocean.
First Tokyo urban cluster.
Kabuto Juzo was taken to Clovis's palace, accompanied by his grandson, Kabuto Koji.
"Are you Kabuto Juzo? The one that Dr. Hell is willing to kill at all costs?"
Clovis, who was sitting on the governor's throne, got up, walked up the steps, and came to stand in front of Kabuto Juzo, carefully examining the old doctor.
One night, before the Garuda received orders to go to the Pacific to pick up He Ming, Murasame, who was on duty, suddenly sensed something and notified Rosami to go and investigate. She feared that if the elderly doctor went to investigate, he would die at the hands of the henchmen sent by the Hell Doctor.
"Yes! Your Highness Clovis. I am Kabuto Juzo, and he is my grandson, Kabuto Koji."
Whether it was because the other party saved his life or because of their status and power, Kabuto Juzo had no choice but to put on airs.
Moreover, judging from the interactions between the two sides, Clovis also seems to be intentionally trying to thwart Doctor Hell's plot.
After several back-and-forths, Kabuto Juzo felt it necessary to win Clovis's support.
Therefore, Kabuto Juzo was not afraid to lose face and try his best to gain Clovis's favor.
(End of this chapter)