Chapter 17: Chapter 17: A Hero Descends
From the cameras of the reconnaissance GINN, they could clearly see numerous firepower networks emerging from the World Tree space station, illuminating the dark universe as they angled toward their various targets.
In an instant, the neutron jammers were met with fierce resistance from the automated anti-air radar, leading to a loss of over half of their effectiveness.
"Neutron jammers have lost more than 50% effectiveness."
As expected, the green-clad operator responsible for monitoring the status of the neutron jammers reported to their director.
"It's alright."
The tall, slender director merely smiled as the losses climbed to 70%, then 80%, finally reaching 90%.
"Five neutron jammers have infiltrated the space station and are ready for activation."
"Activate them."
"Okay. 5432…"
As the researcher counted down, the enemy's firepower network faltered, as if it had been jammed, and their previously clear communications were now filled with static.
"The interference flow is being maintained at the expected levels. We've succeeded!"
With the researcher's report, the adjacent team erupted in celebration as if they had already won the battle.
"Congratulations."
Sule also extended her congratulations to the director.
"Thank you."
The director nodded, maintaining his composure and humility.
While they were still conversing, ZAFT didn't hesitate to charge forward, following the rehearsed plans despite the communications disruption.
After a brief period of chaos, the World Tree space station managed to regain some semblance of normalcy, but now its firepower was likely entirely manually operated. Faced with the agile GINNs, they struggled to aim accurately, and it seemed they were short-staffed as their firepower was nowhere near as dense as before.
This situation presented ZAFT with a real opportunity for a victory against overwhelming odds.
From their position in the rear, they felt quite safe. Although the connection with the GINNs had been affected due to the neutron jammers, it remained within expected parameters. They were just waiting for the GINNs to return so they could analyze the data collected by the machines.
"Wow, that guy is really impressive," Sule remarked, pointing to a corner of the battlefield. There was an ordinary GINN moving far more fluidly than the others, darting through the chaos with such agility that even the onboard cameras struggled to capture its movements.
"That one…"
He Kui's gaze followed Sule's finger to the direction of the camera.
In an instant, several MA units fell to that GINN's fire, and it was evident that its pilot was fighting with reckless abandon.
The combat ability was unlike anyone else's, and in just a short burst, another round of explosions lit up the battlefield.
"It looks like this battle will give birth to a 'Nebula Medal' hero," He Kui observed.
"Yeah."
He wondered who could be so formidable. Could it be Crusoe? He didn't know the story well, but Crusoe was one of the legendary units within ZAFT, perhaps the only one that stood out. There was no one else to suspect; even Athrun hadn't graduated yet.
The battle raged fiercely and quickly, with both sides engaging in such intensity that the World Tree was reduced to cosmic debris.
It looked like materials would be cheaper afterward.
He Kui glanced at the wreckage of the World Tree and knew that the Waste Merchants' Guild would certainly be responsible for some of the salvage operations.
Once the metals were recovered, they would begin to circulate. Although the strength of war-torn metals wouldn't match that of brand new materials, they would still serve as decent resources.
"The retreat signal has been sent. How many GINNs do we still have left?"
"Ten remaining, three still operational."
While this assessment might not be entirely precise, the cost of this operation had still been heavy, even with the neutron jammers in play.
Sule closed her eyes and took a moment to mourn the battlefield before continuing.
"Three remaining is enough. Have them transmit the data from the black boxes."
"Understood."
With the war over, their work was just beginning.