Looking at the Storage Device on the table, Morells pondered for a moment before asking, "Can you not withdraw?"
Hearing Morells' thoughts, Felix shook his head with a somewhat helpless expression and replied, "I'm sorry, but we can no longer maintain our front on Earth."
After speaking, Felix took out another document. "President Morells, aside from the compensation just mentioned, the PLANT Supreme Council has also discussed other compensation plans. The details are in this document."
Placing the file on the table, Felix smiled slightly and continued, "You can review the contents carefully."
Upon hearing this, Morells picked up the document. He flipped through it, examining the contents in detail.
Seeing Morells seated there reading the document, Felix leaned back on the sofa, quietly waiting for him to finish.
A few minutes later, Morells set the document back on the table. He looked up at Felix and asked again, "Is it really impossible for you to stay here any longer?"
"It's no longer possible," Felix replied, shaking his head.
Hearing this, Morells did not inquire further. With a slightly regretful and somewhat sorrowful expression, he said, "In that case, we can only proceed as you suggested."
Listening to his response, Felix apologized with a remorseful expression. "I'm sorry we can no longer provide protection for your country."
"Although we are unhappy with this outcome, we understand your difficulties," Morells replied as he stood up, extending his hand to Felix and saying, "We look forward to our next cooperation!"
Upon hearing this, Felix stood up and shook his hand, wearing a polite smile and replying gently, "We also look forward to our next cooperation!"
...
One week later,
"How is the evacuation proceeding?"
Looking at the now nearly empty Carpentaria Base, Felix asked Benny beside him. Upon hearing this, Benny reported the situation.
"Captain Griffith, we are the last group to withdraw."
Nodding, Felix asked Aric, "How are the preparations for the Athena going?"
"Captain, we'll be ready in another half hour!"
Aric's voice came through the communication.
Hearing this, Felix nodded and said to Benny, "In half an hour, we'll evacuate too!"
"Yes, Captain Griffith!"
...
Half an hour later,
The fully prepared Athena, carrying the last evacuees, lifted off from Carpentaria Base and headed into outer space.
With the Athena's departure from Carpentaria Base, the once bustling base now stood cold and deserted, devoid of any human presence.
The entire base now resembled an empty city, standing silently on the land.
...
In Space
En route to PLANT
"Captain, I've just received some news."
"What news?"
Turning to Aric, a flicker of curiosity surfaced on Felix's calm face as he inquired.
Upon hearing this, Aric relayed the news.
"There's been a coup in the Oceania Union!"
"A coup?" Felix murmured, then a smile spread across his face as he remarked, "Truly a master of politics. What a slick move to slip away unnoticed!"
Hearing this, Aric looked at Felix with confusion and asked, "Captain, are you saying President Morells staged this himself?"
Noticing the doubt on his face, Felix nodded and explained, "He knows full well that staying in his position would mean facing retribution from the Earth Alliance, so he pulled off this clever escape with others."
At this point, Felix shifted his gaze out the window, his smile widening as he added, "The benefit of this move is that it not only saves himself but also allows the Oceania Union to legitimately break their alliance and join the Earth Alliance."
"What a slick move!"
Understanding now, Aric couldn't help but praise Morells for his brilliant play.
Felix smiled at him but said nothing more.
...
PLANT Homeland
Aprilius City District 1
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
In the Chairman's Office
'With such a grim expression, I suppose Athrun has already broken with him.'
Entering the office, Felix took note of Patrick's unpleasant demeanor and silently mused.
Seeing Felix come in, Patrick composed his expression, striving to appear calm as he addressed him.
"Back?"
"Yes, Chairman."
Nodding, Felix responded to Patrick.
As he spoke, Felix placed the documents in his hand on the desk, took two steps back, and continued, "Chairman, this is the list of personnel evacuated from the Carpentaria Base."
"Hmm!" Patrick nodded without glancing at the documents, instead issuing an order to Felix. "Felix, your mission is to retrieve the Eternal and the two MS units, Freedom and Justice. If necessary, it's acceptable to destroy them all!"
"Chairman, did Athrun fail to complete the task?" Felix inquired, looking at Patrick. "Chairman, what happened with the Eternal?"
"Athrun has been swayed. The Eternal was stolen by Lacus Clyne and her followers."
Seeing the confusion on Felix's face, Patrick grimly explained the situation. After speaking, he slammed his fist hard on the desk.
He continued to fix his gaze on Felix, his voice filled with expectation and severity as he said, "Felix, do not disappoint me!"
"Please rest assured, Chairman. I will find a way to accomplish the mission."
Saluting, Felix assured Patrick.
Hearing this assurance, the angry gloom on Patrick's face eased slightly. Sitting in his chair, his expression shifted, revealing a different emotion.
As Felix observed the shifting expressions on his face, Patrick spoke with a pleading tone.
"Felix, as a father, I implore you—if possible—bring Athrun back alive."
"Chairman, I will."
Listening to Patrick's request, Felix responded.
His gaze fixed on Patrick, Felix now saw traces of loneliness and sorrow in Patrick's eyes, sensing that in this moment, Patrick seemed to have aged several years.
Sigh!
With an inward sigh, Felix looked at Patrick and said, "Chairman, shall I proceed with the mission?"
"Yes. Go ahead with the mission."