[Hathaway's Flash] Vol.02 Ch.12

Chapter.12
Departure from Darwin

　Some three hours before Kenneth was transmitted news of the Valiant's watery demise, the ill-fated vessel slipped into the waters of Bynoe Harbour.

　Eschewing the crumbling ruins of towns and ports from the last century, Hathaway and his crew opted for an unassuming inlet, nestled beside the bay's western boundary. The surrounding terrain, characterized by only subtle undulations, posed a challenge in concealing even a single ship, prompting the Valiant's intricate camouflage.

　Having initially gone on ahead, Keria Dace and Julia Suga successfully established contact with the support forces gathered there and readied themselves to receive units from the Valiant.

　Yet, the flat, marshy landscape hampered efforts to lay even a modest foundation of iron sheets, so transporting supplies from the supporting units to Galcezons was done using the Minovsky Craft Xi Gundam. The trio of Galcezon units that had arrived prior were laden with supplies, while additional mobile suit parts were brought onboard the Valiant.

　The plan was for the vessel to press on southward, offering aid to machines retreating from the continent.

　During the two-hour resupply operation, as Hathaway had anticipated, Fabio Rivera appeared in a helicopter with Chang Hei and Federico Martinelli.

　With a sardonic grin, Hathaway greeted them, "I've been expecting you."

　"I never thought we'd meet in such a remote place. They say the wicked know the ways of their own kind." Fabio remarked, he and his team seemed to have reevaluated Hathaway's capabilities given Mafty's recent intensifying activities. 

　"So, what's up?"

　"We've counted seven Base Jabbers, correct? General, we'd like to request a couple of them. With those at our disposal, seizing control of Darwin's airport would be a breeze."

　"We don't have enough machines to spare. As you can see, we're even putting the Gundam to use."

　Hathaway grinned, gesturing towards the Gundam's flight operations, which he had delegated to a young pilot.

　"So, not Guangzhou, then?"

　"No, reliable intel has confirmed it's Adelaide."

　"Hmm. We had around a hundred allies concealed near Darwin, attempting to secure a vessel,  but it looks like that was a waste of time," Fabio lamented with a groan.

　"Did you figure out it was Adelaide based on the Circe Unit's movements?"

　"This morning, it became clear that Guangzhou wasn't the right target."

　Fabio and his companions exchanged a shrug, acknowledging Hathaway's prediction.

　"I wonder, if you're open to collaboration, there's something we'd like your assistance with."

　Hathaway introduced Fabio to Masam and Captain Wedge before broaching the topic.

　"What's the request? If Guangzhou isn't the target, we're not planning to push ourselves to leave the continent."

　"We'd like to request around thirty personnel to aid in an immediate strike on Darwin and a diversionary operation near Adelaide, assuming you're still game. With your help, our surprise attack will be flawless."

　"An immediate attack on Darwin?"

　Even the resolute Federico Martini was momentarily taken aback.

　"Yes. Masam."

　Hathaway gestured for Masam to outline the strategy they were considering.

　"In essence, if you launch an assault on Darwin during daylight, we can create the impression that Mafty's Oenbelli forces are heading for Guangzhou, thereby misleading the enemy. This way, they'd never suspect we've resupplied here."

　"I see. We'll need a little time to buy for our future plans," Fabio agreed, now convinced, and the conversation moved quickly.

　"With the fifty or sixty people waiting in the harbor, we can initiate the attack on Darwin without delay," Chang Hei assured them.

　"Supply us with ten portable missiles, and we'll guarantee success," Federico declared confidently.

　"Alright then, Chang Hei. You come to pick me up with Galcezon. I'll go and select the thirty individuals to head for Adelaide."

　"Sure. Which Garsezon will you lend us?"

　"We'll utilize Riddick's unit."

　"Gotcha."

　Hathaway introduced Riddick and allowed Fabio and Chang to discuss the rendezvous point.

　"But isn't this a bit rushed?"

　"That is true, but the ministers are supposed to finalize their relocation today, with the Adelaide Conference set for the day after tomorrow."

　"You certainly have an extensive intelligence network. I get where you're coming from, Mafty. But what about compensation afterward?"

　Fabio asked Hathaway as they shook hands one last time.

　"That's something we'll have to negotiate with Quack Salver for."

　"Can you elaborate?"

　"Captain, would you mind assisting him with his questions? The Valiant has to leave port soon, but what do you think?"

　"Of course. Fabio, joining Mafty comes with certain limitations. Are you willing to abide by them?"

　"I understand. Our forces are in dire need of financial support, so we can relate to your situation."

　As their plans started taking shape, Hathaway took a moment to check on Julia Suga and her team's resupply and maintenance operations.

　"Any issues?"

　"Just one. We're waiting on a few more mobile suits to be delivered here."

　As usual, Julia wore a t-shirt, and her nipples were pointedly erect.

　"Perhaps we can address that need next year. And please, take care of Keria. We won't be able to see each other for a while."

　"No worries, Keria and I get along well. But after the operation, try to be gentler with her. Your Mafty role can be tough on her, and you can be too demanding."

　"I understand, but I'm relying on you," Hathaway stated earnestly, leaving Julia without any objections.

　"Well, I suppose there's no choice..." Julia sighed, shrugged her shoulders, and quickly climbed the aluminum steps leading to the Valiant with a huff.

　Hathaway felt as though he had been overly stern with her.

　As the Valiant departed and Fabio and Federico's helicopter disappeared from view, Hathaway watched the Galcezon unit head inland.

　"Chang, Riddick. I know it's nerve-wracking to be the last ones here, but I'm counting on you."

　"Yes, sir."

　They would join Fabio's staff and move to Adelaide.

　Hathaway had Masam sit in the auxiliary seat of the Xi Gundam as they headed toward Darwin to make contact with the intel-gathering staff led by Keria, who had infiltrated the city.

　Flying the Gundam low to the ground, they arrived at a hill on the opposite side of Darwin.

　However, Keria was not there. Instead, three young men acting as her proxies approached them. Seeing their robust expressions, Hathaway felt somewhat reassured that he had successfully relayed a message to Keria through Julia.

　Acting as Keria's liaisons, the young men provided information about the number of big carriers that had arrived at Darwin Airport up until noon that day.

　"There were ground troops among them, and it seems that Man-Hunters were also on today's flight. You're familiar with the Manhunter incident in Davao, right?"

　"We managed to catch the audio broadcast on TV."

　Behind them, the verdant cityscape of Darwin stretched into the distance, offering a tranquil view that momentarily allowed them to forget their worries.

　"They were accompanied by Hong Kong-based people. They requested heightened security measures be sent from Davao to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, but that turned out to be false."

　"What worries us is that a significant amount of electronic equipment was transported on the flights up until yesterday."

　Such was the information they shared.

　"Could it be for reinforcing Adelaide's electrical infrastructure?"

　Masam appeared doubtful.

　"But Adelaide hasn't suffered from the colony drop or anything like that, so excessive reinforcement shouldn't be necessary."

　Hathaway couldn't think of anything that would justify such extensive investment in electrical systems.

　They were able to confirm the presence of high-output transformers, but apparently, the exact number remained unknown.

　"We contacted Fabio and the others, thinking caution was warranted, but it seems that wasn't sufficient," Masam lamented anxiously.

　"Well done. We have a better handle on the Federation government's security measures," Hathaway praised the young men's efforts before asking about Keria.

　"Right. She's monitoring the situation from a hotel near the airport."

　"Make sure she avoids police or military inspections and keep her at a safe distance from the airport. There's been a significant change in our operation. We've decided to work with the Owenbelli forces under Fabio Rivera."

　"Oh, those guys?"

　"Do you know them?"

　"Well, they're friends, after all…"

　The oldest of the young men said happily.

　"If they prove effective, it'll work to our advantage. Monitor their activities and report to Quack Salver. Inform Keria to do the same."

　"Will do. Good luck out there."

　"Thank you."

　As the three departed in their boat towards Darwin, Hathaway and Masam returned to the Gundam and left the area.

　Shortly after, the Valiant was sunk by the Circe Unit's Penelope off the coast of Bynoe Harbour. However, flying low over the ground, Hathaway would not learn of this until he arrived at the relay point in Ayers Rock later that night.

　If Hathaway and his team made a critical mistake, it was that they were too late in mobilizing Fabio and his forces.

　Had Federico Martini and his unit attacked the airport when the big carrier carrying Kenneth and Gigi landed in Darwin, both Kenneth and Gigi might have met their end right then and there.

　But Federico's attack came just after the carrier had taken on board a dozen or so high-ranking officials from the Federation government who had been waiting at the airport.

　Gigi became involved once again.

　"Captain... I have a bad feeling about this airport." Gigi remarked, prompting Kenneth to respond impulsively.

　"We need to take off immediately!"

　At Kenneth's command, officials at the airport scrambled onto the carrier, leaving their belongings behind.

　"What's happening!? Captain?"

　Many officials, like the one with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, had traveled to Earth for leisure and were unaware of the urgent situation, like the Mafty incident. They all protested and perspired.

　"Well, it's complicated. Please, if you would."

　Kenneth had no intention of dealing with the bureaucrats, so he launched the carrier while glancing sideways at the accompanying aircraft, which was still loading passengers, fruits for the cabinet meeting attendees, and other items.

　"Crossing the continent. We'll go ahead…!"

　Such a casual greeting was exchanged between carriers, and by the time the shadow of Kenneth's carrier disappeared from the Darwin horizon, mortar shells, and short-range missiles had been fired at the airport.

　Two carriers trailing behind were set ablaze, and the Darwin airport building was half destroyed.

　Shortly after the attack, Darwin's broadcast station reported the incident using the phrase "Mafty's Owenbelli Forces."

　The Federico-led unit involved in the attack seized a civilian transport plane at the airport and escaped from Darwin mostly unscathed.

　During the turmoil, Keria Dace fled north from a small airport originally intended for civilian use on the outskirts of Darwin rather than the airport.

　"Unbelievable..."

　Kenneth addressed the Federation officials seated in the cabin below.

　"Mafty's forces heading to Guangzhou launched an attack on Darwin?"

　The high-ranking bureaucrats listened to Kenneth's report, trying to ignore the discomfort of their sweat-soaked dress shirts.

　"Yes, they have a Base Jabber for supporting their mobile suits, but they lack the transport capacity to carry ground troops. They must have wanted that."

　"The Circe unit's operation was a success. Did you predict this?"

　"Of course not. We don't have enough manpower for that. So, we're asking for an increase in budget," Kenneth said, sidestepping the question and bringing up the most pressing issue for his unit.

　"It appears the Inner Space Minister is considering it. Reinforcement fleets are en route, and the budget itself may be increased."

　"That would be appreciated."

　"As members of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, I can't say we agree, but since you saved our lives, we'll support you."

　"Thank you."

　"How did you predict Mafty's attack?"

　"Oh, just a hunch. No one would believe this kind of thing, so I didn't want to talk about it in detail," Kenneth replied.

　Kenneth said this modestly and left the bureaucrats to go to the upper cabin.

　There, Gigi had become something of a minor heroine.

　Since Gigi's casual comments had proven accurate on multiple occasions, the officers began to view her as a savior.

　"Why do you feel that way?"

　Female officers surrounded Gigi and started a lighthearted conversation.

　Kenneth was happy that Gigi was gaining recognition from the people around her, as this meant he wouldn't receive any backlash for bringing her along. So, he decided not to call out to her and returned to his seat in the cockpit.

　"Captain, this kind of thing happens, doesn't it?"

　"What do you mean?"

　"It's about luck, isn't it? Some people bring that kind of thing with them." 

　"Are you talking about me?" Kenneth laughed, joining in with the captain.

　"Yes, yes! You brought Gigi Andalusia here, Captain."

　The co-pilot was also delighted.

　"Didn't Kimberley have that sort of thing?"

　Although Kenneth had vaguely expected it, he was convinced that Gigi would be a goddess for the Circe unit.

　It was necessary to have this kind of belief in a place where life and death were so closely intertwined.

　If the people around them have a belief that gives them confidence, good results can be achieved even without Gigi's power.

　And if those good results were believed to be because of Gigi's presence, then she would become a goddess of good fortune.

　However, for Kenneth personally, Gigi was no substitute for Mace.

　When it came to a bed partner, he would prefer someone like Mace, an ordinary and unremarkable adult that Kenneth was familiar with, partly because he'd been married before.

　With just one word, Gigi had dismissed her.

　He didn't know how she did it, but her brilliant technique must have been far from reasonable.

　Kenneth was worried about this, so he decided to keep Gigi by his side for the time being.