"You! You are...!"
"You're General Revil!?"
"But... why are you here?"
Andy, Michael, and Gabriel were completely stunned when Revil suddenly appeared before them. They rubbed their eyes several times and even slapped each other to confirm this wasn't some hallucination from their intense training.
"No need to be nervous, I am indeed Revil."
"Our apologies!" X3
Although Andy, Michael, and Gabriel were former mercenaries who had been recruited by Yang Hui to serve as bodyguards and had no previous contact with Revil, any military personnel would respect this legendary general of the Federal Army. Even most soldiers in the Zeon Army felt the same way.
"I said, no need to be nervous. What were you just discussing?" Revil asked kindly. With his years of military experience, he could tell the three men before him were warriors - the kind who had been on the battlefield and taken lives. His initial assessment was that they were mercenaries, and they had just been talking about a young man whose name contained the words "Kira" and "Yamato," someone apparently younger than them yet very skilled. This piqued Revil's interest.
"Well..." The three exchanged glances and chose to remain silent. While they deeply respected Revil, this was a personal sentiment that couldn't interfere with their work.
"We're very sorry, General Revil, but we cannot disclose that information," Michael told Revil. They didn't know why Revil was at this base, nor were they aware that Yang Hui might be cooperating with him. Therefore, all information regarding their training content, the M1 Astray, and even Kira himself was confidential to them.
"Hmm, as I expected - you're all excellent soldiers." Revil stroked his chin, examining the three men's resolute expressions with satisfaction. He was even tempted to recruit them for himself.
"Of course we couldn't hide it from your eyes." The three weren't surprised that Revil had discerned their identities. After all, those who had been on the battlefield carried a unique aura, and veterans like Revil would certainly recognize it.
"Would you be interested in joining the Federal Army?" True to his military decisiveness, Revil went straight to the point. Excessive beating around the bush would only annoy the other party.
Hearing this, the three were momentarily stunned. After exchanging glances, their eyes grew determined. "While your invitation is an honor, we must decline."
"No problem. There will be opportunities."
"Huh?" X3
For the second time, the three were confused by Revil's attitude. They had already refused, so why would there still be opportunities? Would he try to recruit them again later? But they would still refuse, as Yang Hui had treated them well.
As for why Revil said this - he had already guessed what Michael and the others had been discussing. Combined with the MS data, MS production lines, and battle-hardened veterans, it was clearly related to MS matters. Adding terms like "very skilled" and "taught a lesson," it was likely about MS-related training.
Yang Hui intended to cooperate with Revil and Gopp, yet he was also building his own MS units and preparing warships - clear indications that he planned to join the war.
Yang Hui only had two choices: the Federation or Zeon. Judging from Yang Hui's assessment of Zeon and the Zabi Family, Zeon was out of the question, leaving only the Federation.
Naturally, these individuals couldn't continue idling here after training—they would inevitably be deployed to the battlefield, fighting alongside the Federal Army.
As the saying goes, though not in the same bowl, they still shared the same table.
"What are you discussing?" Yang Hui arrived, having been looking for Revil. Though confident in securing cooperation with Revil and Gopp, Yang Hui couldn't let Revil wander unsupervised through the base.
First, the base still concealed secrets Revil and the others shouldn't yet know.
Second, not everyone was aware of Revil's presence in the base. It would be awkward if security detained him.
"Boss." Michael and the other two saluted Yang Hui, mainly out of nervousness, fearing they might have leaked classified information.
"Relax. General Revil is more than just our distinguished guest." Yang Hui waved dismissively, signaling them to ease up while subtly implying more.
"Understood." x3
"On break now?"
"Yes, but we're rested enough."
"Carry on."
"Yes!" x3
Given the directive, the three hastily departed the tense situation. Being caught between Yang Hui and Revil as bystanders was precarious. As for Yang Hui's underlying meaning, they neither caught it nor needed to.
"Seems your preparations are quite thorough," Revil remarked with an amused smile.
"Without preparation, how could I dare discuss cooperation with you and General Gopp?" Yang Hui chuckled lightly, unfazed. In truth, Yang Hui had been nearby when Revil interrupted, overhearing every word of their conversation.
Yang Hui was pleased with Michael, Andy, and Gabriel's attitude. Regardless of Yang Hui's plans, they upheld confidentiality when unaware.
As for the intelligence about forming MS units, Yang Hui intentionally leaked it to Revil. Appropriately showcasing their strength would help secure initiative in future cooperative relations.
"Not taking me for a look?"
"In due time."
"Fine, you're a rather irritating young man."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is one."
Revil's annoyance stemmed from his inability to see through Yang Hui—a genuine compliment, considering how few in this world could evade Revil's discernment.
"Then, General Revil, prepare yourself. We'll depart shortly."
"So soon?" Revil calculated—hadn't he just arrived at the base?
"You landed at 0400 Earth time."
"Very well. Being a prisoner was truly unpleasant."
"Understandable."
With Revil traveling light and Yang Hui having no luggage, they left the base directly for Granada's airport, boarding a private shuttle bound for Earth. Aside from the crew, no attendants accompanied them.
"You're not bringing guards?" Revil expressed surprise. Given the commotion during his escape, both Zeon and the Federation must have gotten wind of it.
If his whereabouts were discovered early by Zeon, they would be like fish on a chopping block, completely defenseless.
Even without the Zeon threat, did Yang Hui not care about his own safety when going out?
"The escort is already prepared," Yang Hui said with an amused smile, waiting to see Revil's reaction.
"Huh? Where?"
As the shuttle left the landing pad and entered Granada's airspace, Revil saw the escort Yang Hui had mentioned—and his expression indeed became quite dramatic.
"The Federal fleet! You contacted the Federal fleet in advance!?"
"Of course. A hero's return deserves a grand ceremony, doesn't it?"
"...My assessment remains the same—you're a detestable brat!" Revil grumbled irritably. A hero? He was nothing but a defeated general now—more like a coward than a hero!
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Hmph!"
At that moment, the captain entered the cabin and reported to Yang Hui, "Young master, the commander of the Federal fleet has sent a communication requesting confirmation of the VIP's identity."
"Patch it through."
"Understood."
The communication was directly linked to the cabin. Seeing the person on the screen, Revil's eyes widened once again.
"It's you!"
"It's me. Long time no see, General Revil."
"Long time no see, Tianem. I'm glad to see you're safe."
The Federal fleet coming to greet Revil was none other than the Second Fleet from Luna II, commanded by Lieutenant General Tianem—one of the two men known as the "Twin Pillars of the Federation" alongside Revil.
During Zeon's Operation British, it was Tianem who led the Second Fleet to intercept, only to face a fierce assault by MS units. Though they failed to stop the operation, Tianem managed to preserve most of the Second Fleet's strength and successfully diverted the Colony's impact point away from the Federal Army headquarters at Jaburo—a testament to his capabilities.
In the Battle of Loum, the Second Fleet was the first to engage the main Zeon fleet led by Dozle Zabi. However, due to Tianem's cautious and prudent command style, they lost track of Dozle Zabi's main force and returned to defend Luna II. This indirectly contributed to the devastating defeat of Revil's First Fleet.
Thus, when Tianem saw Revil—his mentor and friend—again, he felt deeply ashamed.
"I'm ashamed. If not for me, you wouldn't have suffered such an ordeal."
"No, you did well. If it weren't for you, the Federation would have completely lost control of space, and I wouldn't have had the chance to return." Revil had always admired Tianem and affirmed his decisions, as now, in space, only Luna II—the military fortress—and Tianem's Second Fleet remained at full combat readiness, serving as the Federation's most crucial assets for launching a counteroffensive.
"And this must be Mr. Yang Hui?" Tianem, not one to dwell on formalities, shifted his attention to Yang Hui instead of continuing to apologize to Revil.
"Yes, pleased to meet you, General Tianem."
"Thank you very much for your rescue operation."
"You're welcome. I couldn't stand by and watch a great man like General Revil spend the rest of his life in a Zeon prison. The Federation still needs his leadership to defeat the tyrannical Zabi Family."
"..."
Tianem fell silent. Though the words "cover fire" sounded like the impassioned outburst of a hot-blooded youth, Tianem detected two key points: first, that Revil would lead the Federation, and second, that the Zabi Family would be defeated.
These two points were actually problematic. Even if Revil returned and was reinstated to his former position, it wouldn't be his place to lead the Federation. Moreover, what needed to be defeated was Zeon, not just the Zabi Family.
However, Tianem didn't point this out. He had been observing Revil's expression all along - if he could hear these implications, certainly Revil could too. Since Revil said nothing, neither would he. As Revil's loyal follower, if Revil had ideas, he would help pave the way for him.
"Your ship is now assigned to the Second Fleet. Please merge into the fleet formation as instructed."
"Understood, General Tianem. Thank you again for your welcome and escort."
"Just doing my duty."
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