After Patrick finished his detailed questioning, he was satisfied. Although Fred's principles wouldn't allow him to become Patrick's subordinate, their current interests aligned and their ideas partially overlapped—that was sufficient for now. All Patrick wanted at the moment was Fred's assistance in continuing agricultural research.
"If we proceed like this, your father might be in danger."
"Indeed."
With matters settled, Fred didn't show much excitement, at least not visibly in front of Patrick.
"Faking our deaths, creating the illusion that we were mistakenly attacked by Blue Cosmos—can that be done?"
Fred directly stated his plan.
"Hmm..."
Just hearing Fred say this made Patrick realize the other had been planning this for some time.
Being mistakenly killed by Blue Cosmos was a plausible scenario, especially given their rapid expansion and lack of proper screening procedures. Legitimate Blue Cosmos members were registered, as the organization originally stemmed from proper environmental groups in Eurasia. However, with Blue Cosmos's growth, many groups merely paid lip service to their cause while engaging in terrorist activities under the cover.
The previous Drake incident fully demonstrated the current chaos within Blue Cosmos. Anyone shouting "For the Blue and Pure World" could claim affiliation, regardless of whether they'd registered on Blue Cosmos's website. If Blue Cosmos's grassroots members had that level of rationality, they wouldn't be Blue Cosmos.
If Blue Cosmos were responsible for mistaken killings, they'd have no grounds to challenge PLANT or other factions. They might even offer superficial condolences to save face, further reducing the risk of the fake deaths being discovered.
"I can manage this without being detected."
As the de facto military leader of PLANT, Patrick commanded enough influence to carry out such covert operations. While complex for others, with careful planning, it was achievable for someone who controlled half of PLANT. If they couldn't even fake deaths properly, what was the point of opposing Blue Cosmos? They might as well surrender—Fred wouldn't trust joining them otherwise.
"Thank you, Councilor Zala.The two continued discussing for a while longer until Lenore came to urge them.
"Really, it's already past mealtime. You might not eat, but the child needs to.Lenore pointedly complained about the prepared meal on the table.
"I told you to go ahead and eat without me."
Patrick glanced at his wife with feigned helplessness before turning to Andrew, who was trying to look cool behind sunglasses but couldn't hide his amusement, and Fred, who remained composed. Patrick felt exasperated.
So, did Fred already know? Or was he suffering from some kind of facial paralysis? Why was he so calm? How should Patrick introduce him? At least give some feedback!
As Patrick internally grumbled, Lenore spoke first.
"Fred, this is my husband. There's no need to be afraid.Lenore's smile was warm and kind. She knew Patrick well; though he maintained a stern expression, his body language confirmed that things had been settled.
Fred felt a growing fondness for this future student who would continue learning under him.
"So it's Uncle Patrick!"
"...Mhm."
Patrick nearly failed to maintain his composure, wondering why he had suddenly been demoted from Councilor Zala to Uncle Patrick. But since things had reached this point and it was merely a private setting, Patrick reluctantly accepted it.
"Ahem... cough..."
While Patrick managed to keep his composure, Andrew truly couldn't hold back and started coughing openly.
This boy was certainly interesting.
Other Naturals, even adult Naturals his own age, would likely either be frightened to tears or too intimidated to speak much in front of this man. Yet here was Fred, boldly addressing him as uncle - and this was the leader of the radical faction, no less.
"Andrew!"
Patrick called out with full authority.
"Andrew, have a seat too. There's food prepared for you as well."
"Sis, I couldn't possibly..."
"..."
Patrick's eyebrows shot up at this. Was Andrew following Fred's example and getting ready to cause trouble? "Sis"? Was the next step going to be calling him "brother"?
"Pat, have a seat too."
"...Alright."
Building on their previous pleasant conversation, the meal proceeded in comfortable silence.
"Well, now that we've eaten, how about some exercise to aid digestion?"
Putting down his bowl and chopsticks, Andrew asked Fred with his usual cheerful smile. Though phrased as a question, Patrick's unchanged expression - not even a raised eyebrow - suggested this was part of the plan.
It would likely involve assessing his abilities and evaluating his specific skills and corresponding value accordingly. This was simply practical reality.
Everyone had their own worth, and in Patrick's eyes, Fred's value as a researcher was probably sufficient. He had some understanding of Fred's Mobile Armor Piloting Technique already.
That left only close combat skills to evaluate.
Coincidentally, Fred also wanted to test his own actual capabilities. It would be unfortunate if he provoked someone only to find he couldn't handle the consequences.
"Alright."
Before Lenore could intervene on his behalf, Fred stood up while speaking.
"You two..."
Lenore shot Patrick a reproachful look, feeling somewhat concerned. From the intelligence Patrick had shared with her, she knew something of Andrew's capabilities.
Beyond strategy and Mobile Armor piloting skills, even in close combat he was undoubtedly among the elite of Elite Coordinators. And Fred was only thirteen, not even begun his growth spurt yet, standing noticeably shorter than Andrew. The matchup seemed unfavorable.
"Don't worry, it's just to test his abilities."
Addressing his wife and Athrun's concerns, Patrick offered a rare explanation. Fred was a genius, and precisely because of that, Patrick needed to understand just how exceptional he was, to determine Fred's position in his mind and how to treat him accordingly.
It was like in the animal kingdom - when a new member joined a group, there always needed to be some roughhousing to establish their place in the hierarchy. There was no real malice in it.
As the three spoke, the group moved out to the small courtyard. Under the starlight, Andrew's eyes shone brightly, seeming even more brilliant than the stars above.
His physique was exceptionally robust, exuding a ferocity akin to that of a carnivorous beast.
As for Fred, he stood proudly at this moment. Though his child's body was still relatively short, at least in terms of presence alone, he was not overwhelmed by the other party.
"Very good."
Seeing that Fred showed no sign of being intimidated by his aura, Andrew praised him.
An ordinary Coordinator would likely have retreated three steps upon facing his current imposing presence.
Yet Fred did not flinch in the slightest.
In terms of mental fortitude alone, he was already stronger than the average Coordinator.