"With Lenore around, I wouldn't dare do anything to her precious son," Patrick said with a hint of self-mockery.
"The same goes for you," Fred nodded in agreement.
Although this realization also surprised him somewhat, in his view, Patrick did genuinely care about his son.
At least for now, that was the case.
However, the reason Patrick was conflicted was likely because he understood that Athrun and the others couldn't stay in the rear.
PLANT needed people to maintain it, and Athrun and his peers were exactly the kind of candidates for that role.
They were born with so many privileges, and naturally, there would be corresponding dangers and costs.
Which of the people like Patrick hadn't grown up amidst chaos?
So, no matter how much he looked out for Athrun and the others, they still had to grow.
This wasn't just because of his own plans to have them grow and maintain peace or anything like that.
It was also for their own safety.
After all, in their positions, it was impossible to avoid being drawn into these conflicts.
And by taking Creuset's place, he could at least look after them a bit.
In his view, Patrick also understood this reasoning, but he hesitated because of the love in his heart.
Regardless, these were not things he could force at the moment.
Talking too much about other people's family matters would only make Patrick suspicious.
"Yes," Patrick sighed just as Fred was thinking to himself.
He, too, was troubled.
Unable to think rationally.
But how many people can maintain absolute rationality in front of their loved ones?
"We'll handle Athrun and the others' matters ourselves. From now on, focus on your own work. The development of the High Mobility GINN and subsequent iterations of Mobile Suits must not fall behind."
"I understand."
Upon hearing this, Fred showed no surprise nor any resentment at the polite refusal, simply nodding in acknowledgment.
"Then, I won't disturb you any further."
For now, they had temporarily driven back the Atlantic Federation, but that didn't mean Patrick could take a break.
Or rather, his war was just beginning.
"Hmm, go ahead."
Patrick waved his hand as a farewell.
Watching the door close behind Fred as he left, Patrick narrowed his eyes slightly.
His adjusted and orderly mind quickly began to analyze.
The other party's tendency toward covert operations was also a good thing.
However, Patrick also felt puzzled. Who doesn't like to achieve glory and success? But it seemed Fred was an exception—he always preferred to stay hidden.
Doing so was indeed safer, but it didn't seem like the boldness of a young man.
Of course, it was precisely because of such caution that he thought even more highly of Fred as the Captain for covert operations.
But he still had a lot to deal with now. He would discuss Fred's matter with Siegel later. As for now, he needed to prepare for the upcoming negotiations and battles with the Atlantic Federation.
With that thought, Patrick quickly refocused his mind.
Soon, only the figure of Patrick busy at his desk remained in the room.
As if he had once again become that emotionless robot.
...
"Fred... will you go to the battlefield in the future?"
Not long after, on the shuttle back to Junius City, Alec looked at the young man before him and couldn't help but ask.
"Well, perhaps."
He didn't really want to go to the battlefield.
But that's just how things were.
"Though I won't be going to every battlefield."
The battles he would fight in would only be those that could influence the larger situation.
Otherwise, ordinary battles would just add unnecessary risks.
Regarding this, the young man with knowledge of the plot had his own perspective.
In short, if he had to fight, he would only engage in crucial battles. Other dangers weren't worth stepping into—the cost-benefit simply wasn't favorable. It would be better for him to stay home training and studying.
"Is that so?"
Hearing Fred's confident tone, Alec assumed Fred only participated in key secret operations or similar tasks.
Hearing this, he also breathed a sigh of relief.
Still, he needed to keep growing stronger.
Now Fred's combat skills had far surpassed his own—at the very least, he couldn't fall too far behind.
Besides, he wasn't without his own advantages when it came to piloting MS.
As Alec made up his mind, the two of them remained silent for the rest of the journey, soon arriving back inside Junius City.
However, Junius City now looked quite different from when Fred had first arrived.
The once neatly arranged experimental fields had been transformed into vast, endless stretches of mass-production farmland, stretching as far as the eye could see.
This scene faintly matched the blurred memory Fred had of the ruins in Sector Seven of Junius City.
Everything was changing, yet some things remained the same.
Watching the scenery flash by outside the window, Fred took a deep breath.
The cold air inside the vehicle filled his chest, bringing a greater sense of calm to his thoughts.
"Year 69 is almost here."
Fred murmured to himself.
Next year, their conflicts would surely increase.
He needed to keep growing stronger.
...
Soon, after mentally planning his future once more, Fred returned to his home in Junius City.
Unsurprisingly, shortly after reuniting with his family, Flay told Fred about being invited by Lacus to live in April City.
"Brother, what do you think?"
Flay felt that if she were in her brother's position, she would probably agree.
After all, it was Lacus, and the two of them seemed to get along so well.
Heather chimed in at this moment as well.
"I think it's a good idea. You become the live-in son-in-law, and we'll benefit too."
"..."
Hearing Heather's teasing, Fred's lips twitched slightly.
His mother often joked about him and Lacus.
He wasn't sure if she was serious or just playing around.
But Fred kept these thoughts to himself, quickly regaining a serious expression as he continued.
"Actually, I was thinking the same thing."
"After all, this place isn't exactly safe anymore."
"What?"
Hearing Fred's seemingly indifferent tone, Flay blinked in surprise. Fred went on to explain.
"I was already planning to leave. The food production here has stabilized, and the situation is starting to shift. I need to take action."
He had already fortified this place into an impenetrable fortress, and Patrick was now aware of Blue Cosmos' designs on Junius City.
Now that he needed to start arranging matters in Copernicus, there was no reason for him to stay in Junius City any longer.
Then December City and April City would become places he would frequently travel between in the future.
In that case, there was even less reason to stay here.
After all, if they really wanted to prevent a terrorist attack in Copernicus, it would be best to combine the forces of Clyne and Zala, along with his plot-driven planning.
Chapter 238: Defense Committee
"If that's the case, then let's just go to April City."
"We support you becoming a live-in son-in-law! Even changing your surname to Clyne wouldn't matter."
Although Heather didn't know what Fred was planning, she shrugged quite casually upon hearing him say he was going to April City.
Upon hearing this, George opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
His wife... was probably joking, right?
Their son wouldn't actually change his surname, would he?
As for Flay, she was also quite happy.
After all, she could live with her best friend.
Although Lacus had been busy lately, they could still chat in the evenings.
And she could also continue attending classes with Lacus.
Just thinking about it made Flay feel delighted.
On the other hand, Fred, as the person involved, looked at his family supporting him and felt speechless, though he silently accepted their reasoning.
While Junius City was foolproof, it had been targeted by the enemy, so leaving now was indeed the best choice.
Moreover, with Lacus there to look after them, the safety factor would greatly increase.
Times were different now. In the past, when there was no foundation of trust between them, he had been displeased when Siegel invited his sister over.
But after several years of interaction, he and his family had grown much closer to Lacus, and he was confident she would take care of them.
And he would also be able to act freely in Copernicus.
After the family reached an agreement, they began packing their belongings.
Of course, before that, there was one last farewell dinner.
...
Shortly after smoothly explaining things to his family and arranging the planting matters in Junius City, Fred arrived in April City.
At this time, April City was in a state of celebration.
The reason was obvious: they had successfully driven away the invaders not long ago.
Balloons were visible everywhere along the streets.
Passing cars honked their horns, and even celebratory airships floated in the sky.
In short, it was extremely lively.
"Thanks to you,"
Looking at the scene through the glass window of the special train, Alec sighed with emotion as he spoke to Fred.
Only a few people knew of Fred's contributions to this operation.
But his importance was undeniable.
From the Laurasia-class ships to the GINNs, and even the agricultural products in Junius City.
He had been involved in every step.
If not for Fred, who knew what would have happened to them by now.
At this moment, Alec only wished he could go back in time and slap himself twice for suspecting Fred of being a spy.
If Fred were a spy, then what did that make them?
He had never seen a spy take the lead in so many research projects.
Facing Alec's increasingly reverent gaze, the young man remained calm and composed, exuding an air of mastery as he said lightly,
"It was the result of your own resistance."
He wasn't being modest either; he was merely applying knowledge, at most accelerating the progress of various research projects.
With that thought, Fred quickly withdrew his gaze from the celebrating crowd before him.
The key still lay in the subsequent strategic direction; otherwise, any preparations made earlier could prove futile.
"You're still the same as before."
Seeing Fred's ever-serious demeanor, Alec chuckled again.
Just as Fred himself had said, he truly was working day and night for a peaceful world.
Having Fred among them was a blessing for them, the Coordinators.
"But what are you going to the Supreme Council for this time?"
Alec couldn't help but ask curiously.
"My work in Junius City is done, and I'm preparing to take up a position at the Defense Committee headquarters in April City."
Hearing this, Alec wasn't surprised; the two had discussed it before.
In his view, this was exciting news, marking Fred's gradual transition from behind the scenes to the forefront.
Although the specific tasks were still unclear, it didn't dampen Alec's excitement.
Fred continued, following up.
"It's about the specific responsibilities of this position and the personnel under my command."
Fred explained.
Earlier, Patrick had been busy and only briefly outlined the upcoming arrangements. Now, it seemed a concrete plan had been agreed upon with Siegel.
Thinking this, Fred felt a mix of anticipation and excitement.
After all, if this team could be successfully established, he could immediately begin his first mission.
The ultimate goal was Copernicus. Although there was still some time before reaching Copernicus, the combined efforts of training, adjustment, and planning were nearly complete.
He also had the research on the High Mobility GINN to consider.
"Is that so?"
Hearing this, Alec felt both worried and expectant.
Worried that the subordinates might be problematic, yet hopeful about collaborating with true Aces.
In short, it was quite complicated.
The journey proceeded without incident, and soon the two arrived at the Defense Committee headquarters amidst the fervor outside the window.
This building stood adjacent to the Supreme Council.
Although the celebrating crowd wasn't as large as the one in the square outside the Supreme Council, there were still thousands of people here, bustling with activity.
Balloon models of GINNs and Laurasia, along with various victory slogans, filled the air with a lively atmosphere.
Recalling that both Mobile Suits were under Fred's responsibility, Alec's gaze toward Fred grew even more complex.
However, no one here recognized him, and the two didn't use the main entrance. Instead, they quickly entered the imposing building through the rear door reserved for officers and other important personnel.
Though it was the back door, the security was no less stringent than the main entrance—perhaps even stricter.
Layers upon layers of checks, including various X-ray inspections, left nothing hidden.
"Hello, please present your identification!"
A sentry in ZAFT green uniform at the outer layer saluted Fred and Alec.
Despite Fred wearing a mask, the sentry showed no trace of disdain or other emotions, behaving like a cold machine.
"Alright."
Fred handed over a document with no identifying information.
Immediately afterward, the soldier, who had seemed like a robot, finally showed a human expression—surprise.
Surprise was only natural.
After all, this credential held a high priority, second only to Patrick and others.
In other words, the masked young man before him held a very high status.
At the very least, within this Defense Committee, he could even directly enter the General Operations Staff Office.
Though it was just a card, the weight it carried was self-evident.
In all his years guarding the gate, this was the first time he had seen such a thing.
Thus, even though he didn't know who the other person was, the soldier now placed his identity above the major figures within ZAFT.
"Sir! My apologies!"
He saluted respectfully, the hard soles of his military boots striking the ground with a dull thud.