After saying what needed to be said, Creuset smiled slightly at the three of them and walked out as the door opened.
The three sitting in the waiting room remained silent, contemplating the words their captain had spoken.
After leaving the Mobile Suit Pilot Waiting Room, Creuset returned to his quarters.
Sitting in his chair, he pulled open the desk drawer and retrieved a storage device. Plugging it into the interface, Creuset operated the computer before him.
The contents of the storage device appeared on screen under his control. As he reviewed the information, Creuset reflected on what Yzak and the others had just told him.
His fingers moved across the screen, bringing up a photograph of Felix Leo Felix wearing a White Uniform.
"Aslan's friend from his school days in Copernicus?"
"Looks remarkably similar to Felix Leo Griffith!"
He murmured to himself while continuing to operate the interface. Another image appeared on screen - a brown-haired woman holding two infants in her arms.
His hands stilled as he stared at the screen, and suddenly Creuset burst into loud laughter.
"HAHAHAHA!!!!!!"
The laughter echoed through the room, carrying a tinge of madness within it.
BAM!
A heavy pounding sound cut through the laughter.
The laughter ceased abruptly.
Beneath his mask, Creuset's eyes now burned with hatred and resentment. Staring at the image, his emotions erupted as he shouted.
"Why is he still alive! How dare he still be alive!"
"How dare he live so comfortably!!"
After this emotional outburst, Creuset quickly regained his usual composure.
Calmed now, he looked at the data on the computer and an idea came to mind, causing the corners of his mouth to curl upward slightly.
"He's the least deserving of living!"
After his bitter laugh, a ruthless glint flashed in Creuset's eyes as he spoke with venom.
Meanwhile aboard the Athena, Felix sat in his room communicating with Patrick.
"Chairman, should we bring these civilians directly back to PLANT?"
After explaining the situation, Felix posed the question to Patrick, who responded directly.
"Bring them back directly. We'll arrange shuttles to return them to Earth later."
"Was it that little girl Lacus who demanded these civilians be brought out?"
After giving his instructions, Patrick questioned Felix, who nodded in response.
"Yes."
—
"Nothing but trouble!"
Patrick said the words of reproach without any actual reproach in his tone, then terminated the communication.
Looking at the ended communication and recalling Patrick's emotional outburst, Felix chuckled.
"I'm afraid it won't be long before your scolding escalates into anger and displeasure."
With that, Felix stood up and walked outside.
On the bridge, Felix instructed Aric.
"Assign someone to notify the civilians that we'll arrange corresponding shuttles to send them back to Earth once we reach PLANT."
"Yes, sir!"
Aric saluted and replied.
Felix nodded, sat in his chair, and quietly watched the outer space as time passed.
PLANT
The Athena, which had rushed back, now sat quietly docked at Section One of Aprilius City's spaceport. At the open hatch, personnel were disembarking in an orderly stream.
The rescued civilians, without time to admire PLANT, were being escorted by pre-arranged soldiers toward the shuttle area.
After briefly observing their situation, Felix withdrew his gaze and headed toward the elevator.
"Captain Griffith, are you also entering the satellite interior?"
Athrun, seeing Felix's movement, couldn't help but ask. Hearing Athrun's voice, Felix turned to look at him.
Glancing at Athrun and Lacus, Felix nodded to Athrun.
"I need to report to the Ministry of Defense."
"I see!"
Athrun understood upon hearing this, made the remark, and said nothing more.
Instead, Lacus spoke to Felix at this moment.
"Felix, do you have time?"
"What for?"
Looking at Lacus, Felix asked indifferently.
Lacus smiled gently, her voice soft and pleasant.
"I'd like to invite you to a meal to express my gratitude."
"This was all part of my duty. There's no need for such formal thanks."
Looking at her, Felix replied with a slight smile.
Just then, the elevator arrived. Turning to the two, he said.
"The elevator's here."
With that, Felix stepped into the elevator first.
Hearing this, the two saw the arrived elevator and followed closely behind Felix into it.
In the Ministry of Defense Chairman's office, Felix, having arrived, placed the written report on the desk. Patrick glanced briefly at the report and said to Felix.
"Based on the various data and weapon specifications from the MS seized at Heliopolis, we've completed the final step in miniaturizing beam weapons. Production of the weapons is currently underway.
Your return is timely for re-equipping the MS with more advanced standard weapons."
"Thank you, Chairman, for your generous support!"
Upon hearing this, Felix saluted and expressed sincere gratitude.
Patrick's expression softened considerably as he waved a hand at Felix.
"This is all well-deserved for you all."
Then, Patrick shifted the topic.
"Do you feel that the MS you're currently piloting still meets your combat requirements?"
"It's still adequate. After all, the Dawn has undergone one upgrade and isn't significantly behind in performance."
Looking at Patrick, Felix answered him truthfully. Hearing this, Patrick nodded and said to Felix.
"Your next-generation custom unit is currently being designed. It won't be long before you can equip a new MS."
"Thank you for your generous support!"
Patrick looked at Felix and waved his hand dismissively.
"There's no need for such formalities."
Then Patrick shifted the topic.
"I hope you'll repay the Ministry of Defense and myself with victorious reports."
"You can rest assured, Chairman. I will definitely live up to your expectations."
Hearing the expected response, Felix looked at Patrick, raised his hand in a salute with a serious expression, and spoke to him. After finishing, he lowered his arm and inquired of Patrick.
"Chairman, if there's nothing else you need from me, may I take my leave?"
"Mhmm!" Patrick made an affirmative sound and waved his hand. "Go get some proper rest."