The four of them shamelessly played around all night, and just like that, it was the next day.
"How's the situation?"
After leaving the container, in the silent depths of the sea, He Kui asked Sulei.
At this moment, Sulei no longer had the charming demeanor from last night but had become serious.
"The alert level has increased significantly. Patrols in the outer sea area are twice as frequent as before, and the patrol range has expanded by 30%."
If they hadn't been watching this container last night, it would have been discovered long ago since it wasn't hidden in the outer sea area.
"We still need to be careful, especially with the use of Little Bird. The remaining power in the container is only enough for us to attack four more times."
Thinking that Creuset might have gotten wind of the intelligence, He Kui said.
Although there is solar power generation, it's just a drop in the bucket. The conversion rate is too low, and it can't sustain the consumption.
"Three hours of charging, three minutes of action."
"Got it. So where are we bombing today?"
Shihe asked with a hint of excitement.
Being able to help the front lines without leaving home—where else could you find such a good deal?
"Today, we're heading to the Oma Base."
Like the base they attacked before, it's also in the Alexander Archipelago, but one is in the west and the other in the east.
"Let's go then!"
"Don't get careless."
Seeing that Shihe was clearly getting more and more accustomed to this, He Kui reminded her helplessly.
"Got it."
After Shihe responded, the Aegis made a half-circle outside the Alexander Archipelago and arrived at the other base.
With their previous experience and the data on the defense systems, even with the increased alert, their operation went more smoothly than before.
After the battle, in the vast depths of the sea, the Aegis's small frame nimbly avoided the nearby submarines rushing to the scene.
Fortunately, they acted faster this time, or they would have been blocked.
"They're definitely starting to guard against Little Bird now. And according to the server data, in a few hours, experts upgrading the firewall and reinforcements will arrive."
Analyzing the server data, He Kui sighed.
Although his Quantum Virus is strong, if the firewall is upgraded, the invasion will become as difficult as the first time.
As for the reinforcements, whoever they are, it's not a good sign.
"Should we leave?"
Shihe asked.
"No, we wait."
He Kui's smile took on a playful edge.
Now that their rear is in chaos, and many soldiers have been called back from the front lines,
the pressure on Andrew and the others at the front will decrease. Knowing Andrew, he will definitely seize this opportunity to push into the Atlantic Federation's interior.
Once their offensive strengthens, he will have the chance to move from the sea to the land, continuing to harass the now thinly defended Alexander Archipelago.
Of course, the reinforcements still need to be watched.
The worst-case scenario is Creuset coming, but this time he's in the shadows. In the vast Pacific, it's hard for Creuset to find him.
Just as He Kui was still planning, a communication from Mattias came through.
[It's roughly figured out that Murakumo Gai was probably captured by Sosis, but the exact location is still unclear.]
"Sosis."
Looking at the familiar name, He Kui quickly recalled the intelligence.
It said that Sosis was escorting someone to Prince Port. So, Murakumo Gai was defeated? But considering Sosis is two Elite Red Coats, and with underhanded tactics, it's indeed possible he was captured.
[Probably in Prince Port.]
After replying to Mattias, He Kui felt a headache coming on.
After all, he hadn't planned to attack Prince Port.
But now that Murakumo Gai is likely captured there, both publicly and privately, he has to step in.
"He Kui, what's wrong?"
Noticing He Kui's apparent distress, Shihe asked with concern.
"We might have to attack Prince Port. We need to speed up our operations."
"Prince Port!"
"Have you seen the intelligence!?"
Hearing He Kui's words, Sulei exclaimed.
"I've seen it."
There are probably dozens of Dagger Squads there, ten Forbidden Dagger units, not to mention the Raiders, Elite Mobile Suits, reinforcements, and light shields.
Going there with just one Aegis isn't just a bit of a stretch—it's a one-way trip.
"It depends on Andrew's side, and with their patrol range so wide, there's still a chance."
He can also hide signals, so there's a way to sneak onto a submarine heading back to Prince Port.
As He Kui spoke, the group began to revise their plans.
Not long after, in a semi-abandoned town in the interior of Alaska, Andrew's temporary command center also received this news from spies.
"This time, they've lost two coastal bases in a row, and a small portion of their forces have been called back to the area near Prince Port. Should we change our direction of attack?"
Looking at the tactical map on the screen, Yzak cautiously asked Andrew, the Desert Tiger.
Because the Atlantic Federation's naval power is strong, they've been sticking close to the interior in their attacks.
But if someone is really causing havoc there, then this is a perfect opportunity for them.
"We still don't know who the saboteurs are. What if it's a ploy to lure us in?"
Before Andrew could speak, Nicol frowned and countered.
"But their losses aren't fake."
Dearka immediately added.
Speed is crucial in war. Taking advantage of the Atlantic Federation's chaos to take out Prince Port in one go is the best option.
This is Dearka and Yzak's thinking, while Athrun and Nicol clearly have different views.
"Enough."
Andrew took a sip of the coffee Aisha had poured for him, giving her an appreciative look before calmly interrupting the four's argument.
"Although we don't know who they are, our intelligence isn't wrong. Taking advantage of the thin defenses, Athrun Team will launch a feint attack, and Yzak Team will lead the assault on the Clinton Base."
The Clinton Base, straddling the border between the two countries. Taking it out will leave the Yukon region of Canada even more thinly defended.
And because of the unknown saboteurs in the rear, their pressure has clearly lessened. It's not exactly a walk in the park, but they're gradually gaining the upper hand against the three Mobile Suits.
"But what about the light shields?"
Athrun said.
Their Mirage Particle units are no longer very effective, and with the enemy's nuclear generators, destroying the light shields is extremely difficult.
"Well..."
Andrew paused deliberately, waiting for everyone to hold their breath before continuing.
"I don't know either. Let the higher-ups figure it out."
Andrew shrugged, and everyone knew who he was referring to.
Who else but He Kui?
(End of Chapter)