In the vast expanse of the starry sea, there was nothing but the glittering stars. Yet, a pitch-black transport ship concealed its presence, quietly advancing toward VEGAN's stronghold—the Second Moon.
"It really is a transport ship," Asemu remarked with a sigh.
"Yes, it really is a transport ship," Gerard and Rena nodded in agreement.
Then, the three of them turned to look at Yang Hui with even more peculiar expressions.
"Didn't you all confirm it already? It's just a transport ship. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Well, how should I put it…" Asemu's face twisted in confusion. "…it just doesn't seem like your style, Uncle."
"Yeah, Lieutenant General, why don't you tell us? Are there hidden cannons beneath the armor? Or maybe… missile launchers?" Gerard added.
"Ha, the ship is only so big, and you've already explored it several times. Don't you know what's on it? Missile launchers? Where would they even fit? Where would the ammunition go?" Yang Hui rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed.
"But… well… Uncle, don't you hate sitting in a cosmic coffin the most?"
"That's why I installed the Engine Overload system and the Parasol system."
Indeed, Yang Hui's transport ship completely defied his usual maniacal style. It was, without a doubt, just a transport ship, carrying no weapons whatsoever.
But… aside from weapons, it was packed with plenty of other things.
For instance, the ship was constructed entirely from a new, highly expensive alloy that was typically only used in the skeletal joints of MS. Not only that, but beyond its triple-layered armor, it was also equipped with electromagnetic armor obtained from VEGAN.
At the same time, the transport ship was outfitted with the most advanced radar targeting system and energy system. In terms of maximum speed and instantaneous acceleration, it far surpassed the Federal Army's latest warships.
There was also the extreme propulsion engine once used by Baize, along with the Parasol system—a perfect tool for escape. Moreover, the new energy system significantly reduced charging time.
So… to say it didn't match Yang Hui's style at all… wasn't entirely accurate. If you ignored the lack of weapons, this transport ship could still be considered maniacal, right?
If he had more time, Yang Hui would undoubtedly have upgraded the transport ship further using the technology obtained from EXA-DB.
The Federation didn't allow anyone outside the military to possess warships, and armed transport ships were also classified as warships. Fine, he wouldn't install any weapons. But building a fast-moving turtle shell was acceptable, wasn't it?
"…" Asemu, Gerard, and Rena fell silent.
Yeah, that was very Yang Hui.
"By the way, Yang Hui, do you have a plan?" Graham asked.
The Second Moon was VEGAN's stronghold and a forbidden zone for the Earth Federation. Ever since the Big Ring base was destroyed, all the spies embedded within VEGAN had lost contact. Now, it was impossible to infiltrate VEGAN with new spies.
Without the guidance and assistance of spies, how were they supposed to infiltrate the ironclad Second Moon?
"Someone will come to pick us up."
"Huh? Who?"
"The independent intelligence system of Yang Corporation—someone embedded within VEGAN."
"Wait… is that really true?" Asemu and the other two were stunned.
They were familiar with Yang Hui, but not so much with Yang Corporation. They only knew that Yang Corporation was an unshakable giant in both military and civilian machinery. Their mobile suits had also been maintained by Yang Corporation, and the machinery and appliances they used at home were all products of Yang Corporation. Even Asemu frequently visited Yang Corporation, but it was always related to the Gundam AGE-2, and nothing more.
They never expected Yang Corporation to have such influence! They could even plant people within VEGAN...
Wait!
The three of them simultaneously thought of a serious issue: Yang Corporation had never interfered in military or political affairs, nor had they ever sought intelligence on VEGAN. This was a guarantee they had made to reassure the federal higher-ups. But planting personnel within VEGAN—wasn't that a breach of their agreement?
Their eyes burned with intensity as they waited for Yang Hui's response.
"It's just a precautionary move," Yang Hui said, spreading his hands. "In case of an emergency, we wouldn't be left without any backup."
This explanation was accepted by the three of them because, in their eyes, Yang Hui never fought a battle he wasn't sure of winning. He always thought several steps ahead of others, and no one knew how many cards he had up his sleeve. It was all about being prepared.
But the truth was...
Yang Hui hadn't thought that far ahead. He had planted a few people in VEGAN solely to prepare for rescuing Kio.
Though he was reluctant to admit it, multiple events had already shown Yang Hui that the so-called "force of correction" was indeed a real thing. Some critical points in history were difficult to change, and Kio's capture was almost a certainty.
However, Asemu's trajectory had been altered by Yang Hui. He hadn't been severely injured by Sidd, nor had he become a space pirate. Therefore, Yang Hui couldn't rely on Asemu to rescue Kio as he had in the original timeline. He couldn't just stand by and watch, so he had made preparations in advance.
The reason these people hadn't been discovered was that they had never been used after being planted, and they were all in insignificant positions, which is why they had gone unnoticed.
As for using them to gather intelligence on VEGAN... there was really no need. For Yang Hui personally, the intelligence provided by the intelligence department was more than sufficient.
"Don't worry," Yang Hui said. "Yang Corporation has no intention of replacing the Federation, and I have no desire to control it. If I were to join the federal council, I'm afraid I'd be tempted to shoot those fat-headed councilors on the spot."
"Right, right."
The three nodded in agreement. This was the Yang Hui they knew—he really would do something like that.
"Alright, everyone, go and rest. There won't be many more opportunities for relaxation soon."
"Yes." X3
...
As everyone had worried, Kio, just as Yang Hui had predicted, had not suffered any harm. Instead, he was being treated as an honored guest by Ezelcant.
Not only could he freely come and go from Ezelcant's residence, but he was also allowed to roam freely within VEGAN without any surveillance. He was living comfortably and carefree.
Here, he had also made two friends: Lu Aion and her younger brother Dean Aion. They were both civilians, and Lu was suffering from a disease caused by Martian radiation, leaving her with little time left. Most of the time, she could only rest in bed.
Dean and Lu were both kind-hearted. Upon learning that Kio was a Federation pilot, they didn't harbor any hostility towards him because of his identity. However, Dean was unwilling to let Kio meet his sister Lu, fearing that it might upset her.
Lu, on the other hand, was different. From birth until now, she had spent most of her time lying in a hospital bed, filled with curiosity about the unknown and the outside world.
After getting to know Kio, she constantly asked him about the scenery of Earth. She knew that her body might not allow her to reach the Eden that Ezelcant had described to them, but she never gave up her dreams. Even if it was just in her imagination, she would still be happy.
On the high platform inside the Second Moon, Kio managed to obtain a special medicine for Lu, giving her the strength to move around freely. The three of them wandered through the city of the Second Moon, eventually arriving at a high platform.
"Kio! Look, look!"
"Ah..."
The three of them looked down at the city below, a gray and white expanse. Although the sky was lit, it seemed as if it was covered with a layer of ash, making it appear dim. The view was filled with disorderly low-rise houses, with no other colors in sight. The entire city felt lifeless, devoid of vitality.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Lu asked excitedly.
Kio was at a loss. He didn't know how to answer. Honestly, he didn't find the scenery here beautiful at all. Neither the Tordia Colony Satellite where he was born nor the Earth where he later lived could compare.
But... Kio felt a deep sadness. Lu and Dean were satisfied and thrilled by such a level of scenery, yet they couldn't go to the Eden of their dreams to see the true beauty.
"Yeah..."
In the end, Kio nodded. He didn't want to hurt Lu and Dean, so he hid his true thoughts.
But...
How many people here were like these siblings, who had done nothing wrong but were constantly facing the threat of death? They had done nothing wrong, yet they could only live in this narrow, lifeless city, with their hopes slowly being eroded by the gloom over time.
"Grandpa, are all VEGAN really bad people? Fighting... killing enemies... killing people... Is what I'm doing really right?"
Kio's heart was in turmoil, and he couldn't find an answer.
Since childhood, he had always followed Flit's teachings. Even after learning the truth from Yang Hui, he hadn't changed. Because he was young and lacked the ability to judge for himself, he believed that what Flit said was right—to pilot the Gundam and fight to protect what he cherished.
But now... he felt that what he cherished was too narrow, and he was too selfish. He had things he cherished, but what about the people he killed? Didn't VEGAN have things they cherished too?
Before meeting VEGAN, he could believe they didn't. But now, after getting to know Ezelcant and his wife, and becoming good friends with Dean and Lu, he could firmly answer: Yes!
They were all people, and they all had things they cherished. So... could he still fight and kill without a second thought?
At this thought, his hands began to tremble.
"How beautiful," Kio murmured, lost in his inner struggle. Just then, a warm touch on his hand snapped him back to reality. Lu, gazing at the "scenery," had taken his hand. "Thank you, Kio. My wish has come true."
Her gentle and pure smile should have brought joy, but instead, it deeply pierced Kio's heart.
"She... a VEGAN... shouldn't be like this!"
"Lu, Dean."
"What is it, Kio?" The siblings turned to him, puzzled by his sudden seriousness.
"I will take you to Earth. I'll show you real beauty, cure your illness, and let you go to school, shop, and live happily like normal people! I promise!"
"Kio..." The siblings smiled warmly. Though they knew Kio's promise was nearly impo
ssible, they were still happy to hear it.
Just then, an unexpected call interrupted the heartwarming scene.
"Kio! Finally found you!"
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