Everyone gasped.
What they had just seen was simply too unbelievable.
"What the hell is that?!" Cagalli blurted out first, unable to hold back her shock.
"You have entered the territory of the Chief Commander of the Eighth Star Region's Supreme Battle Command," Duran announced loudly.
"State your purpose immediately!"
Of course, he had just made up that impressive-sounding title.
But while Rey and others were staring at him in disbelief, the extremist faction saw Duran as an obstacle to their plan to drop Junius 7 onto Earth.
Their weapons locked onto him.
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!" Duran shouted.
Then he casually threw out a ki blast.
BOOM!
The explosion echoed through space.
Duran had only blown off the head of a mobile suit.
But that single attack ignited the battlefield.
Both the extremists and the Earth Alliance Gundams charged toward him.
"Looks like you still don't understand," Duran said calmly.
He slowly raised his foot.
Then stomped down.
Space itself remained silent.
But Junius 7 screamed.
Cracks spread across the colony remains—
Then the massive structure shattered into countless fragments.
The debris explosion forced every mobile suit to retreat.
Several machines were even damaged by flying rocks.
"Know your place."
Duran muttered coolly.
For the first time in his life, he realized how satisfying it felt to say something so ridiculously cool.
"WHAT?!"
When the footage reached the Minerva's bridge, everyone jumped to their feet.
Even the Earth Alliance began broadcasting emergency anti-ship signals.
Meanwhile, Duran stayed behind among the debris to finish the job.
Teresa stood beside him silently.
Countless energy blasts shot out from Duran's hands.
Every remaining fragment of Junius 7 was vaporized.
"Well," Teresa sighed.
"Looks like we'll need to find a new place to live."
She watched Duran yelling excitedly like an overgrown child.
"Don't worry," Duran said.
"I've already found one."
He grabbed Teresa's hand.
Then placed two fingers against his forehead.
Instant Transmission.
(Goku's later signature technique.)
Moments later they appeared somewhere else.
"It's not as comfortable as our old place," Duran said casually.
"But it'll do."
Shinn Asuka, Rey, Lunamaria Hawke, and even Athrun Zala had just climbed out of their cockpits—
Only to see two strangers suddenly appear out of thin air.
They had literally materialized out of nowhere.
Like magic.
Even the maintenance crew stood frozen in shock.
"Hello everyone," Duran said cheerfully.
"I hereby announce that this ship has been requisitioned by the Supreme Commander of the Eighth Star Region's Civilization Unified Front."
"In other words—me."
Before he could finish speaking—
ALARMS BLARED.
Security squads rushed onto the deck.
Their rifles pointed at Duran and Teresa.
Of course, neither of them feared bullets.
In fact, Teresa was probably faster than bullets.
Fortunately, nobody fired.
Soon Chairman Gilbert Durandal and Captain Talia Gladys arrived on deck.
Cagalli followed behind them.
"Cagalli!" Athrun immediately pulled her back.
The situation was completely unknown.
And the two strangers were extremely dangerous.
Especially the man wearing only a helmet—
Without a space suit.
And the woman carrying a massive sword on her back.
Everything about them was bizarre.
"I am the highest authority on this ship, Gilbert Durandal," the chairman said calmly.
He had clearly discussed the situation with Captain Talia and decided to handle it personally.
Duran and Teresa removed their helmets.
They looked like the perfect couple.
Even the genetically enhanced Coordinators couldn't help feeling a little jealous.
"I am Duran, Solar System Administrator of the Eighth Star Region Civilization Unified Front."
"And this is my wife—"
"The Goddess of the Smile, Teresa."
"But earlier he said a different title…" Shinn muttered quietly.
Rey immediately nudged him.
Duran pretended not to hear.
The atmosphere became awkward.
Clearly, no one believed Duran's ridiculous job titles.
"May I ask where you came from?" Durandal asked.
"We come from the distant M78 Nebula," Duran replied calmly.
"Our mission is to maintain cosmic peace and eliminate civilizations that threaten the universe."
"We arrived here two days ago."
"But your 'welcome ceremony' has been very enthusiastic."
Duran was clearly mocking them.
Durandal remained calm.
"Then what is your evaluation of Earth civilization?"
"Fail."
"...Fail?"
"Yes."
"In other words, I will construct a Stargate in the Solar System."
"And my home planet will send a planet-destroying fleet to erase Earth from the universe."
"YOU—!"
Shinn exploded in anger.
Many others were furious as well.
But only Shinn and Cagalli showed it openly.
Athrun quickly held Cagalli back.
"Of course," Duran continued casually.
"According to procedure, you still have one last chance."
"If you can convince me that humanity deserves to exist…"
"The Stargate will not be built."
Durandal thought for a moment.
"So… you intend to travel with us?"
"If you insist."
Duran nodded arrogantly.
"Well, since you've invited me so warmly…"
"I suppose I'll stay for a while."
"My wife and I will take the captain's quarters."
"You don't mind, right?"
Everyone was speechless.
Duran's shamelessness had defeated them completely.
"…We don't mind."
And just like that—
Duran and Teresa began living aboard the Minerva as "aliens."
Soon afterward, an emergency meeting was held.
All officers of Second Lieutenant rank or higher attended.
"What does everyone think?" Durandal asked.
On the screen, the footage repeated endlessly:
Duran shattering Junius 7 with a stomp
Duran firing countless energy blasts
No one spoke.
It was simply too shocking.
"Well," Rey finally said dryly,
"I guess I believe they're aliens now."
"Whether they're aliens isn't the important question," Captain Talia said.
"The important issue is their claim about destroying Earth."
"That can't be possible… right?" Cagalli said uncertainly.
Even she didn't sound convinced.
From the footage, Athrun spoke quietly.
"That man doesn't even need weapons."
"He already has the power to destroy Earth."
Only Athrun and Durandal truly grasped the situation.
"Then why talk about building a Stargate and calling a fleet?" Cagalli argued.
Athrun and Durandal answered at the same time.
"Because his power is too great."
They exchanged a knowing glance.
Cagalli looked confused.
Rey, however, seemed thoughtful.
Athrun explained patiently:
"Because Duran's power is so terrifying, he restrains himself."
"If he didn't…"
"The universe might already be gone."
"So I believe he will follow his rules."
"The real question is:"
"How does his civilization judge whether a species is beneficial—or harmful—to the universe?"
Shinn slammed the table.
"What right do they have to judge Earth?!"
A voice answered behind them.
"Because I can turn your planet into space debris with one hand."
Duran had suddenly appeared in the meeting room.
"You can continue your meeting."
"I'm just here to listen."
"I won't interrupt."
You already did.
No one even bothered pointing that out.
Durandal remained calm.
"Do you have any advice for us?"
Duran leaned over the conference table and looked down at everyone.
"Play stupid games…"
"Win stupid prizes."
"Remember that well."
Then he vanished.
Instant Transmission again.
And the Gundam world had just gained its most terrifying wildcard.
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