Thinking this, Lacus continued, "They won't be leaving that quickly; they still need to pack up. We can all still have a meal together, and I'll be there too."
Though it would likely be a farewell dinner.
After eating, it wouldn't necessarily mean everyone would go their separate ways, but it would probably be difficult to meet again.
Unless they all took action together once more...
Of course, that possibility still seemed somewhat distant at the moment.
"Alright~ Then we'll have to ask my brother to cook properly!" On the other side, Flay perked up upon hearing this, her earlier sadness seeming to vanish like passing clouds.
"Of course."
The conversation between the two girls gradually shifted from serious matters to casual chatter, their laughter light and relaxed.
Meanwhile, after the celebrations, Fred followed Patrick to his office aboard the Laurasia-class ship.
The office's decor was consistent with Patrick's personality—simple and efficient.
Only a family photo of three on the cold, hard alloy desk brought a touch of warmth to the otherwise sterile environment.
"We owe this victory to you, especially the excellent surveillance setup in Junius City." As he spoke, the stern expression from Patrick's earlier speech hadn't completely faded.
His words sounded bold and carried immense weight.
"I only did what I should." Patrick wasn't surprised by the masked man's response; he would have been more surprised if he'd said anything else.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Patrick continued, "What are your thoughts on the upcoming battles?"
Although Fred's initial actions were carried out with Clyne without Patrick's knowledge, Fred had begun to stand out starting with the operations in South America.
His strategic prowess and almost prophetic abilities on the battlefield had earned Patrick's growing trust.
While Patrick didn't explicitly say he would follow Fred's advice, asking for his opinion now clearly indicated he valued Fred's input as if it were from a trusted advisor or think tank.
Upon hearing this, Fred paused briefly, organizing his thoughts before speaking. "Moving forward, the Atlantic Federation won't back down. They'll try to eliminate our Moderate Faction as well as their own. Only through war will they have the chance to overthrow the current order and create a world where they call the shots. So, we must prepare for a worsening situation while remaining vigilant against their attempts to assassinate moderate factions, using the opportunity to deepen internal divisions."
Fred actually wanted to mention the matter of Copernicus, but it was clear that there wasn't even a framework for negotiations yet, let alone discussions about Copernicus. At the very least, he would have to wait until talks related to Copernicus emerged before bringing it up. Of course, he could already start preparing for it.
"Indeed..." Patrick sighed inwardly, impressed by how Fred had cut straight to the heart of the matter. He then continued, "I plan to arrange a position for you in the Defense Committee."
Before Fred could refuse, Patrick's voice followed.
"It's not an official position; on the surface, it's just a logistics role, but behind the scenes, it's the commander of covert operations."
With such an identity, Fred would find it more convenient for future actions.
As for whether he would need Fred to utilize his commanding talents on the battlefield in the future, he hadn't decided yet.
Commanding isn't like research, where reputation is easier to control.
If Fred truly achieved several military successes on the battlefield, he would have to reward him.
Even if Fred didn't want it.
After all, this was a matter of morale.
It also meant that Fred would rise to a position of widespread admiration here.
This was a double-edged sword—it could boost morale, but it could also completely destroy it.
Although he already trusted Fred, Fred's identity as a Natural made it impossible for him not to be cautious.
Of course, there was another option: assigning Fred to covert operations, which was what Fred had done in his previous plan in South America.
Covert operations meant that, aside from a few insiders, no one would know Fred's role in them.
Two choices—how to choose, and what did Fred think?
At least for now, he leaned toward the latter.
Although the signs of war had just begun and it couldn't yet be called a full-scale outbreak, everything had to be prepared in advance.
This included arrangements for Fred.
After all, the research in Junius City was already completed, and keeping Fred there any longer would be a waste of talent.
If it were before, when he only saw Fred's talent in agriculture, he might have kept him there.
But now, Fred had repeatedly proven his commanding abilities, and he himself was eager to join the battlefield.
Not sending him would be a waste.
On the other hand, upon hearing this, Fred felt a sense of confirmation.
Ever since Patrick invited him onto his flagship, Fred had suspected this.
But this was also part of his plan.
In fact, even if Patrick hadn't brought it up, Fred would have taken this opportunity to discuss it with him.
Although he could participate in covert operations with the Clyne Faction.
But if he wanted to utilize the strength of people like Yzak and Athrun, he would have to go through official channels.
That meant taking on a role similar to Creuset.
Thinking this, Fred took a deep breath in front of Patrick's serious expression and then replied firmly.
"It's an honor, Chairman Zala."
After Fred finished speaking, he immediately added.
"But in return, I have one condition."
Since Patrick had brought it up, it was the perfect opportunity for him to make a request.
"What condition?"
Given that this was merely a cooperative relationship, Patrick wasn't surprised, only curious.
"I want to plan my own operations, and as for my subordinates, I hope they are absolute Aces. I don't need too many—just twelve people, divided into two combat squads."
"Preferably, they should all be skilled in behind-enemy-lines operations."
Behind-enemy-lines operations naturally included both rescue and sabotage.
And those familiar with such operations would undoubtedly be Aces.
Most importantly, his subsequent planned operations involved rescuing people in Copernicus or stealing data in Heliopolis.
These all fell under the category of behind-enemy-lines operations.
Moreover, he himself had no interest whatsoever in going to the battlefield to fight and kill.
"You're saying you want to plan your own operations?"
Upon hearing this, Patrick was astonished.
Fred's request surprised him even more than his later demand for two combat squads.
According to standard battlefield practice, everyone was expected to follow centralized orders, even if they were a militia organization temporarily restructured from a police force.
At most, only the true Red Coats and White Uniform commanders were allowed to exercise their own judgment in the field, granting them greater operational freedom.
But never to the extent where a commander could take their troops and run off on their own.
And if a command error did occur, they would still be sent to the Military Court.
Fred's condition was essentially no different from giving him a private army.
Thinking this, Patrick immediately furrowed his brow.
However, before Patrick could voice his refusal, Fred quickly added.
"Of course, all operations will require approval from Chairman Clyne and Chairman Zala. I won't act independently."
"It's just that if both of them find my plans feasible, I hope to be granted the highest level of trust."
Although Fred's two statements weren't enough to immediately dispel Patrick's concerns, they were reasonable and well-founded.
In truth, Fred certainly didn't want to follow Patrick's orders and take unnecessary risks.
He hadn't joined the Defense Committee to build a career or achieve immortal fame.
So, unnecessary battles should be avoided as much as possible.
Moreover, following military orders was even more pointless; otherwise, ZAFT wouldn't have lost, and he wouldn't be able to leverage his greatest advantage—knowledge of the plot.
Therefore, he naturally wanted the greatest degree of freedom to do what he wanted.
Rescuing people in Copernicus and stealing data in Heliopolis were far more meaningful than fighting on the front lines.
As for subordinates, it would have been better if Athrun and the others were available.
However, Athrun and the others had only undergone basic training under him. For now, they were far from being qualified soldiers.
Besides, the tragedy of Julius hadn't occurred yet, so he couldn't very well ask Patrick to enlist them directly—that would be turning things upside down.
For now, regarding Athrun and the others, he could only wait and see, at most discussing it with Lacus and making some private arrangements.
As for fame and fortune, he certainly didn't want any.
Staying behind the scenes was much better.
He had already deeply experienced the admiration of others back in Copernicus.
So many people revolving around him, taking to the streets to celebrate and such—it certainly brought immense prestige.
But the consequences were equally severe.
Stepping forward, taking the spotlight, and basking in everyone's admiration also meant becoming a target.
Assassination attempts against him would only increase.
Whether it was the Atlantic Federation or PLANT—the two sides that were like father and son in Fred's previous life—both were highly skilled in assassination.
Fortunately, Patrick didn't seem to have such plans yet.
If Patrick truly intended to bring him into the spotlight, he would have no choice but to seek help from Teacher Reyna.
Fortunately, the situation here was still somewhat fictionalized, at least preventing PLANT figures like Lacus and others from becoming as utterly deranged as the higher-ups of the previous life's factions.
However, that only applied to the higher-ups.
Some of those below, once they got carried away in battle, remained just as they were before.
He had already witnessed this in his previous life.
Fred had even less intention of confining himself here.
It was enough to let Lacus control the people's hearts and curb their ambitions. As for rising to a high position here, that was out of the question.
Meanwhile, Patrick, standing before Fred, fell into deep thought upon hearing this.
However, the silence did not last long. Soon, Patrick reached his own decision.
"I understand. On this point, I can agree to your request."
In his view, although Fred would act autonomously, he would still need their approval and consent before taking action. This way, there was no need to worry about Fred acting recklessly.
However, arrangements for personnel, battleships, and mobile suits would still need further discussion.
"Thank you!"
Upon hearing this, Fred stood up abruptly and gave a crisp military salute, formally responding to Patrick's invitation.
"Hmm."
Patrick mirrored Fred's action, standing up and returning the salute.
"I'm glad to have you join us, Allster..."
He had intended to address Fred by his official title.
But he couldn't assign Fred a military rank, as they didn't even have a rank system in place. So, he simply trailed off and continued, "The remaining merits from this mission will be converted into cash for you."
Fred didn't want anything else—money was the right choice.
Although strict, Patrick considered himself a fair boss who rewarded merit appropriately.
Especially when it came to capable subordinates.
At this moment, Patrick had already begun treating Fred as half a confidant.
"Thank you."
A smile reappeared on Fred's face upon hearing this.
Money was always good.
It was also key to maintaining a high standard of living after his upcoming retirement.
"However, Uncle Patrick, do you plan to have Athrun return to December City?"
Driven by his attachment to his squad, Fred couldn't help but ask this question after their conversation ended.
"Hmm."
Patrick did not deny it.
In fact, it wasn't just Athrun—the other children were the same.
"Then... will he enlist?"
In response to Fred's question, Patrick fell silent once again.
Although his expression remained stern, Fred could sense a hint of inner conflict from the slight twitching of his wrinkles.
"Do you think he's suited for military service?"
Faced with Patrick's counter-question, Fred was momentarily taken aback.
"His physical abilities are highly suitable, but he seems to have some inner confusion."
"Indeed."
Patrick nodded in agreement, his heart heavy with complexity.
He had thought Fred was here to request Athrun to join his operations.
This assumption wasn't unfounded.
Athrun's illustrious background, exceptional abilities, and admired status were all reasons why Fred might choose him.
If roles were reversed, he too would likely choose Athrun.
However, he was also somewhat inclined to let Athrun enlist.
After all, if Athrun wanted to learn how to protect himself in these chaotic times, attending a military academy was the best choice. Otherwise, his identity would remain too dangerous.
Of course, if Athrun enlisted, it could also boost ZAFT's morale.
As fair Coordinators, they ought to set an example.
However, for Patrick Zala, Fred's limited experience in commanding only a few small-scale battles so far was not enough to reassure him about entrusting his son to Fred.
As for the matter of character, that hurdle had already been cleared. From the duration of their acquaintance to Fred's straightforward honesty just now, it was enough to put his mind at ease.