Hearing this, Athrun understood inwardly. Forcing a smile at Felix, he reached out to open the car door but stopped mid-action upon remembering those inside who were capturing Lacus.
Noticing Athrun's reaction, Felix smiled inwardly.
"Captain Griffith, were you also involved in the operation to capture Lacus?"
"I am the person in charge of this operation."
Upon hearing this, Felix glanced at the bowing Athrun and replied with a faint smile. Learning this, Athrun tightened his grip on the door handle. After prolonged internal deliberation, he looked up at Felix.
"Captain Griffith, may I participate?"
"No!"
After a glance at Athrun, Felix decisively refused.
His profound gaze fixed on Athrun, Felix bluntly dismantled all of Athrun's hidden intentions with his words.
"I know what you're trying to do! And I won't let you accomplish it."
"Captain Griffith!"
With his thoughts exposed, Athrun's expression grew somewhat frantic as he spoke urgently. Observing his agitated state, Felix reached out and patted Athrun's shoulder.
"Athrun, what Lacus has done is unlike previous matters. This isn't something you can intervene in, so just drive back obediently!"
Speaking thus, Felix smiled slightly at Athrun and withdrew his hand from Athrun's shoulder. Ignoring the expression on Athrun's face, Felix opened the car door for him.
Seeing Athrun still reluctant to leave, Felix had no choice but to personally push Athrun into the car.
"Captain Griffith, I—"
"Athrun, go back and carefully watch the footage of Lacus leading people to steal Freedom. I think you'll discover something that will shock you."
Bending down to whisper near Athrun's ear, Felix interrupted him.
Hearing this, Athrun's face showed confusion and curiosity. Just as he was about to ask, Felix closed the car door.
Watching Captain Griffith's retreating figure, Athrun hurriedly opened the car door and called out loudly.
"Captain Griffith, what is it exactly?"
"You'll know when you see for yourself."
Hearing Athrun's voice, Felix didn't pause his steps or turn back as he replied. When Athrun heard this and wanted to continue questioning, he saw that Captain Griffith's figure had already vanished ahead.
Thus, Athrun had no choice but to give up. Returning to his seat in the car, he stared ahead, lost in thought.
Struggling and pondering, Athrun glanced at the theater before him and ultimately chose to start the car. The headlights lit up, tearing through the darkness ahead, while the turning wheels propelled the vehicle forward into the night.
White Symphony Theater Entrance
Seeing that Athrun's car had departed, Felix smiled slightly before turning to enter the theater.
Inside the Theater
Passing through deserted areas, Felix arrived where Baron and the others were stationed.
Looking at Baron, Felix inquired.
"Have you found it?"
"No, these people have already fled in advance." Baron shook his head, then continued speaking. "However, we found some traces. By analyzing these traces, we can determine they left this place not long ago and likely haven't gone far."
"A simple search of the surrounding area should reveal their whereabouts."
"Then continue searching for them according to the situation!"
Upon hearing this, Felix calmly issued the order.
Baron saluted in response.
"Yes!"
......
Two and a half hours later
In front of an ordinary house near the White Symphony Theater
"Captain, Lacus and the others have been surrounded inside this house."
Turning to face Felix, Baron reported with a pleased expression. After hearing this, Felix looked up at the room before him, thinking:
'The one inside this house should be Meer.'
"Let me say a few words!"
Looking at Baron, Felix said with a faint smile.
Baron nodded, stepping aside while cautioning:
"Captain, don't cross the Protective Shield to avoid being hit by weapons from these Armed Resistance members."
"Thanks for the reminder!"
Nodding, Felix thanked Baron for his concern, then stepped forward to stand behind the shield. Clearing his throat, he declared:
"Lacus Clyne, you have nowhere left to run. Surrendering now is your only option."
After this statement, there was no response from the room.
Seeing this, Felix continued with a smile:
"Think about your father. How can you bear to let him continue suffering?"
"Captain Griffith, this matter has nothing to do with my father. I beg you to show mercy and not trouble him."
"That won't do!"
Upon hearing this, Felix firmly rejected "Lacus's" request. After the refusal, he turned to Baron and said:
"Proceed with the assault!"
"Understood!"
Nodding, Baron signaled to his subordinates.
Understanding the signal, the team members began their operation, setting up rocket launchers loaded with Tear Gas and firing into the house.
Boom!
The sound of shattering glass echoed.
The rocket accurately entered the house, the Tear Gas warhead instantly activating as dense tear gas filled the interior.
Some smoke even drifted out through the broken windows.
Inside the house
"Bastards, using tear gas!"
The stinging sensation kept transmitting to her brain as Amy cursed angrily. Enduring the same burning sensation, Meer asked Amy:
"Amy, we should proceed with the plan now."
"Mhm."
Hearing this, Amy turned to Meer and nodded, making an affirmative sound.
Outside the house
"If tear gas isn't effective, then fire the warheads with Paralyzing Nerve Gas."
Seeing no movement yet, Baron ordered his subordinates. Upon hearing Baron's command, the team members retrieved the nerve-paralyzing warheads and followed procedure to load them into the rocket launchers.
Just as they were about to fire, the previously closed front door opened.
Seeing this, Baron raised his hand to stop his team's action.
"Captain Griffith, what do you think they're planning?"
Looking at Felix, Baron asked with a puzzled expression.
Hearing this, Felix glanced at Baron and said with a smile:
"I think they might be surrendering."
"Surrendering just like that?"
Baron murmured, somewhat incredulous upon hearing this.
Watching Baron's incredulous expression, Felix smiled inwardly.
'The real Lacus Clyne would never surrender so easily.'
"Captain Griffith!"
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Felix heard someone calling out. Returning to the present, he looked ahead and saw "Lacus" standing before the house entrance.
"Is there something you need, Miss Clyne?"
Gazing at her, Felix offered a faint smile and inquired in a gentle tone.