The Federal Assembly, a venue that should have been solemn and serious, was currently as rowdy as a wet market. Arguments erupted everywhere, some even escalating to the point of personal insults.
"We should still find a way to contact Kalbas Zum Deikun and test his intentions."
"Test what!? Is the Zeon Republic not Zeon!?"
"Zeon's split is a golden opportunity for us. If we take an extreme stance toward the Zeon Republic now, won't we just force Zeon to reunite?"
"So what? Support the Zeon Republic? Have you forgotten Zeon Zum Deikun's attitude toward the Federation? Casval Zym Deikun is his son; he's the same kind of ungrateful ingrate!"
"But he can be utilized for now."
"Heh, you said the same thing back when Zeon Zum Deikun was around. And the result?"
"That was... that was because the military..."
"Heh, pushing the blame now that things are out of control?"
"This isn't pushing blame! This is a mat—"
"Silence!" At that moment, Creuset suddenly stood up and barked a command, interrupting the squabble and plunging the entire assembly hall into silence.
"Mind your status, Rau Le Creuset," the elderly Speaker said, his face cold as he looked at Creuset.
"My sincere apologies, Mr. Speaker, but I was left with no choice," Creuset apologized politely, then turned his gaze toward the bickering crowd. "What the Speaker reminded me of is exactly what I wish to remind all of you. Ladies and gentlemen, please remember your status. Everyone seated here is a member of the Federal Assembly; this is not a marketplace for haggling."
"..." Everyone fell silent. Creuset's supporters lowered their heads in shame, while those of the opposing faction looked disgruntled. The Speaker, who had just warned Creuset, had a face so dark it looked like it was dripping ink.
Although Creuset already held significant influence in the Assembly, he was still just an ordinary member. His rank did not officially give him the authority to reprimand everyone during a session.
However, he had cleverly repurposed the Speaker's warning. The scene of the argument moments ago was indeed unbecoming of the Federal Assembly, making Creuset's reprimand perfectly reasonable.
"Then, Representative Creuset, what are your thoughts on how to handle the Zeon Republic and Kalbas Zum Deikun?" Seeing that Creuset had seized the initiative, the Speaker took a step back and asked for his input. Factional struggles could wait; the priority now was dealing with the Zeon Republic and Kalbas Zum Deikun.
"Mr. Speaker, the reason for the disagreement among the representatives just now is nothing more than the fear that a divided Zeon will become one again, and that Kalbas Zum Deikun will become like his father and betray the Federation. Those are the two core issues."
"Mm. Since you know that, let's hear your proposal."
"Since you've asked, Mr. Speaker, I shall share my views. First, at this time, we cannot lump the Zeon Republic and the Principality of Zeon together. They must be treated differently. We must send diplomats to the Zeon Republic at Side 6 to test their attitude and demands..."
"No! That's just nurturing a—"
"Please calm down, Representative Barton, and let me finish," Creuset interrupted the opposing member. His tone was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable command. "Regardless of whether Casval Zym Deikun will betray the Federation, a divided Zeon must not be allowed to merge. This is the premise. Otherwise, the favorable situation we have now will reverse, and the Federation will once again fall into a disadvantageous position."
"..."
"Therefore, we must stabilize the Zeon Republic now to prevent the two Zeons from sharing a common enemy and turning against the Federation together. Then, before the war ends, we can satisfy the Zeon Republic's demands within a certain range, but simultaneously send troops to keep an eye on them—a sword in one hand and the scripture in the other."
"But... will they allow Federation troops to be stationed in the Zeon Republic? You must know that the previous Zeon Republic was..."
"They will agree. No, they will have no choice but to agree. Compared to us, the Principality of Zeon is the one in the greatest hurry. The Zeon Republic must first face the Zabi family's retaliation, not the Federation. With their national strength, it is impossible for them to withstand the Zabi family's revenge. Therefore, we will send a fleet in the name of humanitarian aid and a strategic alliance. If they accept, the fleet enters the Zeon Republic smoothly. If they refuse? They will be wiped out. They have no choice."
"Hmm... and then?" After serious consideration, the Speaker found that Creuset's words were indeed logical and wanted to hear more.
"Then there is the second question: will the Zeon Republic betray the Federation again? Once the Federation fleet has entered the Zeon Republic, we no longer need to fear their rebellion. The rise of the Principality of Zeon happened because we didn't take them seriously, and because the appearance of MS led to the defeat at the Battle of Loum. But now that we have learned our lesson, will we repeat the same mistake?"
This rhetorical question made many people flush with anger. It was a thinly veiled accusation of their incompetence—that they had allowed the Principality of Zeon and the Zabi family to seize the opportunity to rise, leading to the current state of affairs.
But since he didn't say it explicitly, no one dared to stand up and refute Creuset. Whoever stood up would be admitting their own incompetence.
"Therefore, I suggest we arrange for diplomats to go to the Zeon Republic, accompanied by a Federation fleet under the guise of protecting said diplomats, to test their attitude and needs. If they aren't excessive, we can consider re-incorporating them into the Federation as a member state."
"...And how should that stone monument be handled?" the Speaker asked again.
The original Universal Century Charter and its final article posed too great a threat to them. it was enough to shake the very foundations of their power. Specifically their power, not the Federation's.
"Just acknowledge it," Creuset said.
"Acknowledge it? Heh, do you know what you're saying, Rau Le Creuset?"
"I know exactly what I'm saying, Mr. Speaker, and I know your concerns. But... has the existence of Newtypes been confirmed?"
"Zeon Zum Deikun's Newtype Theory..."
"Is just a theory, is it not? Right now, the existence of Newtypes hasn't been determined at all. There is absolutely nothing to worry about."
"And what about later? What if they appear?"
"Then simply let them participate. What is written in the Charter is 'granting them priority in participating in the operations of the government.' You participate in the operations of the government, Mr. Speaker, and I participate in them as well, do we not?" Creuset truly wondered how these people reached such high positions. Was it because they had looked down on the masses for too long that their brains had rotted?
"Hmm..." Creuset was right. What did "granting them priority in participating in the operations of the government" mean? The Speaker participated in government operations, an ordinary representative like Creuset participated, and even the lowest-level government clerk could be said to participate. But could the gap between them be the same?
"I have also read the Newtype Theory published by Zeon Zum Deikun. According to his theory, the birth of a Newtype follows no pattern. What if one of you here also becomes a Newtype?"
"This..." It had to be said, this sentence made everyone present pause. The high-ranking officials in the front row, like the Speaker, looked uneasy, while the ordinary representatives below were flushed with excitement.
That's right! They also had the possibility of awakening as Newtypes. According to the preferential treatment for Newtypes in the original Universal Century Charter, wouldn't they also have the chance to enjoy those benefits? Could they take a step further?
"I've been played!" the Speaker thought, his face sinking. Only now did he realize he had fallen into Creuset's trap. Who among those sitting in this hall didn't have ambition? If they had been unremarkable or just trying to survive before, it was only because they couldn't find an opportunity to rise and didn't dare to stick their necks out for fear of their lives.
And now, a fair and glorious opportunity was placed before them. How many could resist such a temptation? How many would not have the fire of "ambition" ignited in their hearts once more?
Even if that opportunity was as ethereal as mist.
"Mr. Speaker, I have finished my speech." Creuset bowed slightly and sat back down. A satisfied smile flashed across his face and vanished. His goal was achieved; his proposal would pass with a hundred percent certainty, and he would definitely be sent to the Zeon Republic as a diplomat. Everything was going according to his plan.
"We shall now proceed to the vote... Passed unanimously..."
There were no surprises, nor could there be.
"Time has been bought. Next comes..."
...
Side 6, the Zeon Republic. The Zabi family's retaliation had arrived, and it had come swiftly. They had deployed a full twelve fleets; warships, MS, and fighters swarmed in like locusts.
Boom, boom, boom, boom...
Two meteors crossed paths, weaving through the chaotic battlefield. Their long tails were like sharp blades; wherever they passed, they were sure to ignite a "fuse," setting off countless fireworks.
"Heh, Gihren Zabi is really digging into his reserves for this," Yang Hui remarked casually as he raised his rifle to destroy a Dom approaching Char from behind. "Don't mention it."
A second later, Char's Zaku Phantom also raised its rifle toward Yang Hui's Astray Gundam. A beam shot out, grazing the side of the Astray Gundam's head and piercing a Dom behind it.
"Don't mention it."
"Heh, a man acting 'tsundere' is quite disgusting."
As soon as the words fell, the Astray Gundam and the Zaku Phantom retreated simultaneously. A thick beam, comparable to the main cannon of the Luna, swept between them. A giant, green, crab-like MA spread its two claws, lunging at the two machines with bared fangs.
Clang, clang!
A beam saber and a beam axe were unsheathed at the same time. The claws were severed, and a cross-shaped scar was left on the Bigro's head. It drifted forward trailing thick smoke, sparks flying and arcs of electricity jumping, before it exploded into fragments with a "Boom!"
"Heh, not bad."
"You too."
The two machines stood opposite each other in the chaotic battlefield. A second later, they accelerated simultaneously, splitting off in completely opposite directions, turning back into meteors to bring death to their enemies.
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