>>23371320

[Approval for the development of the Jegan and Gustav Karl series has been granted. Asherah Noa is now on a mission to Hong Kong to confront Stephanie Luio and about a "deal"]

Meanwhile in space, Hayato's forces are left isolated as Tianem abruptly abandons his advance towards the colonies, instead pulling the bulk of his fleet back to Luna II and the ruins of Gryps 2's ruins and hold his position.

>Hayato: Tianem, what is the meaning of this?! My forces are being flanked by them!
>Tianem: We have already secured the means for our victory. Wasting time securing the colonies will waste valuable time in retaliating.
>Hayato: What are you on about?
>Tianem: We have reacquired nuclear arms. Once enough have been readied, we will attack the Moon and Side 3 directly to end this madness once and for all.
>Hayato: Your throwing away our advantage! If we can secure the colonies, their support base will-
>Tianem: Your methods are no longer of any interest to the Federation.

With that communication, Hayato realizes his forces have been left to die out of a petty sense of vengeance from the Federations surviving leadership. Unable to guard the junction between Sides 2, 5 and 6, Hayato is forced to retreat for the Side 6 sector, while his main fleet is left to hold off a major counteroffensive on Side 2.

>Nero pilot: Colonel Wiseman, lead us to victory!
>Bernard:...Right.

[Federation/AEUG Old guard efforts in space have begun to collapse from internal infighting]