Patrick's profound gaze rested calmly on Lacus as he carefully contemplated her proposal.
After a long silence, Patrick's mature and slightly resonant voice broke the stillness.
"Lacus, I gave your father one chance before. Now I'll give you one as well. If you can persuade the Earth Alliance to accept our demands, I will immediately order a ceasefire."
"Simultaneously, I will revoke your wanted status and publicly celebrate your heroic deeds."
Here, Patrick paused briefly, his expression turning stern as his voice dropped several degrees in temperature.
"If you fail to accomplish this, I expect you to surrender voluntarily and return to PLANT to face your charges."
Tapping the table lightly while watching Lacus, he asked:
"Can you do this?"
After considering Patrick's demands at length, Lacus finally responded:
"No problem, I accept your terms."
Hearing her agreement, Patrick's expression softened considerably as he spoke calmly:
"In that case, I'll await your news. The corresponding requirements will be transmitted to you via PLANT's communication channels."
Just as Patrick finished, he seemed to remember something. Looking at Lacus, he added:
"Oh, and you only have one month!"
With that, Patrick proactively reached out and terminated the communication.
Aboard the Eternal
Lacus watched the ended communication screen without speaking, quietly waiting for Patrick's documents to open.
During Lacus's silence, Andrew glanced at her and asked:
"Miss Clyne, are you truly prepared to return to PLANT and accept charges if you fail?"
Hearing the question, Lacus slightly lowered her gaze toward Andrew, her smile confident and full of trust:
"Don't worry, with Felix here, we'll be fine."
Then her tone shifted as she continued:
"While we're out here, whether we return or not is our decision to make!"
As she spoke, Lacus gave a playful smile.
Seeing her mischievous expression, Andrew felt relieved and didn't press further with his questions.
On the Moon - Athena's Bridge
"Miss Clyne, the Captain is still conducting covert reconnaissance and hasn't returned yet."
Aric looked respectfully at Lacus on the communication screen as he reported the situation. Learning that Felix was engaged in covert reconnaissance immediately stirred worry in Lacus's heart.
Though she didn't show her concern outwardly.
Maintaining her usual composure, Lacus replied in her consistently gentle voice:
"When he returns, please have him contact me."
Aric nodded in acknowledgment:
"Rest assured, Miss Clyne, I'll definitely inform the Captain."
With that, Aric watched as the communication ended.
Shifting his attention from the screen, Aric returned to his duties.
Four hours later,
Another communication came through to Athena's bridge.
Seeing the incoming transmission, Aric reached out to accept it. The screen displayed a man in his thirties wearing a white uniform with gold trim.
"Greetings!"
Looking at the man, Aric greeted him respectfully.
Hearing Aric's voice, the man gave a slight nod and explained.
"I am Phelps James, ordered to lead a support unit to assist you."
"Mr. James, it's good to meet you."
Nodding lightly once more, Aric greeted again and then inquired of Phelps.
"Mr. James, where are you currently located?"
Upon hearing this, Phelps explained the situation to Aric.
"We are currently resting and reorganizing at Lorentz Military Base!"
As he spoke, Phelps's eyes searched around. Not seeing Felix, he asked Aric.
"Where has Captain Griffith gone?"
Looking at Phelps, Aric explained Felix's situation once more.
"The Captain is currently on a covert reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence on the Earth Alliance Forces. It may take some time before he returns."
Phelps looked surprised at this and exclaimed in astonishment.
"Captain Griffith is personally conducting the reconnaissance?"
"Yes." Aric nodded and explained. "Usually, the Captain's reconnaissance missions are extremely deep into the rear areas of the Earth Alliance Forces! Such missions are highly dangerous, and the Captain cares deeply for his subordinates, so he always handles them personally."
Hearing the explanation, Phelps's respect for Felix grew even more, and he openly praised him.
"Captain Griffith is truly admirable!"
Aric smiled slightly at the praise but did not respond.
Just then, a message came from the Hangar.
After glancing at the message, Aric looked back at Phelps and said with a smile.
"The Captain has returned."
Learning that Felix would be coming, Phelps's voice carried a note of excitement.
"Please, connect me to Captain Griffith."
Nodding, Aric agreed readily.
"No problem!"
A few minutes later,
On the Bridge of the Athena.
Felix, having arrived, sat in his seat and began communication with Phelps.
When Phelps saw Felix, the respect on his face became even more pronounced.
Felix looked at Phelps and spoke gently and calmly.
"I heard from Aric that you are currently resting and reorganizing at Lorentz Military Base, is that correct?"
Nodding repeatedly, Phelps replied.
"Yes, we are currently at Lorentz Military Base for rest and reorganization. We expect to reach the front lines tomorrow."
Smiling and nodding, Felix said.
"In that case, contact me again once you arrive tomorrow!"
As he spoke, Felix suddenly remembered something and added.
"Oh, and make sure to maintain strict vigilance. Don't let any small reconnaissance units detect you. Even if they do, eliminate them all!"
Saying this, Felix's expression instantly turned serious.
"Understood?"
Phelps, looking at Felix's stern face, raised his hand in a salute and replied in a firm voice.
"Understood!"
Looking at him, Felix reached out and ended the communication.
Turning to Aric, Aric understood Felix's gaze and spoke before Felix could say anything.
"Captain, Miss Clyne called earlier."
Upon hearing this, Felix's eyes instantly lit up, his weariness vanishing as he asked energetically.
"Did Lacus say anything?"
"Miss Clyne inquired about your situation and ended the communication after learning you hadn't returned yet," Aric replied, then added, "She asked you to return her call."
"I know."
Felix responded dismissively before rising and striding out of the Bridge, his hurried steps betraying his eagerness.
Watching Felix's impatient departure, Aric's lips unconsciously curved into a smile before a wave of nostalgia surfaced in his eyes.
His thoughts drifted to his own family members far away in PLANT.
'How are you all doing?'
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!