"It's fine, go ahead and check."
Fred's tone remained as calm as ever.
He acted as if he hadn't noticed the shifting expression on the young man's face.
"Yes, sir!"
Upon hearing this, the young man respectfully placed the identification document on the scanning machine beside him. After confirming its validity, he respectfully stepped aside, clearing a direct path.
"Please proceed!"
"Thank you."
Fred responded and then strode inside with Alec.
Fred was somewhat surprised by the effectiveness of the document.
He had assumed it was only a temporary pass.
But judging by the soldier's reaction just now, it likely wasn't that simple.
Was this a sign of trust in him?
Although he knew there was an element of performance in this, Fred still found it quite gratifying.
After all, trust is inherently a two-way street.
It seemed that, although this was a covert operation, they had merely obscured his achievements rather than denying him such privileges.
The journey was smooth. Using this document, Fred, escorted by two soldiers, proceeded directly to one of the meeting rooms located on the lowest level of the Defense Committee.
At this moment, aside from Patrick and Siegel, there was no one else in the meeting room.
The two of them looked at Fred with somewhat complicated expressions, but they didn't put on any airs. Siegel, acting as their representative, gestured for Fred to take a seat opposite them.
"Sorry we didn't give you time to look around, but we don't have much time."
"Have a seat."
Siegel's expression remained gentle.
Fred sat down as well and replied with a smile.
"I wasn't planning on sightseeing anyway."
He'd rather spend the time piloting an MS.
The topic ended there.
As Siegel had said, they were short on time. So, as soon as Fred took his seat, Siegel got straight to the point.
"We've looked into the matter you previously requested."
"We agree to your conditions. From now on, you will be the captain of Unit Zero, a Special Ops Unit directly under the Chairman. Aside from members of the Supreme Council and a few personnel involved in operations, no one will know of your existence."
Siegel's serious words echoed in the dim, enclosed room as he placed a metal password-protected case in front of Fred.
"This contains your identification, uniform, and various credentials."
"Thank you."
Fred performed a crisp military salute and then took the case.
The contents of the case were sparse: two sets of white uniforms and a small golden ZAFT logo badge that gleamed with a faint, cold light under the dim illumination.
This Special Ops Unit, if he wasn't mistaken, was likely the precursor to FAITH. He had already anticipated joining this organization.
After all, what he had proposed aligned almost entirely with FAITH's principles.
Aside from the part about independently deciding operational plans—which was a bit beyond the scope—the rest were inherent characteristics of FAITH itself.
This also marked his transition from an obscure planner to someone with an official identity.
Although this identity was known to very few.
It would still provide him with considerable convenience.
"Pleasure working with you, Allster."
Siegel smiled, while Patrick on the other end gave him an encouraging nod.
"Thank you, I will not disappoint either of you."
Fred stood up and solemnly saluted.
"Next, regarding your team composition, as per your request, you will be assigned two Laurasia-class ships along with two corresponding combat squads."
After the two finished speaking, Patrick took over the conversation.
"However, both captains assigned to you are elites no weaker than Alec, and the remaining squad members are all experienced. You can rest assured about that."
As Patrick spoke, his gaze shifted toward Alec, who was standing like a wooden figure in the corner of the conference room.
"Understood."
If they were on par with Alec, then they certainly wouldn't be lacking.
He couldn't expect every member to have Alec's level of skill.
"Now, don't rush into action just yet."
"At the moment, there aren't any areas requiring our operations."
"Focus on integrating the team first."
Patrick reminded him.
In truth, there hadn't been any recent military actions.
They had driven back the Atlantic Federation.
Even the Atlantic Federation's other operations in the area had come to a halt.
Of course, this halt was only superficial—a temporary reorganization, rest, and reassessment of ZAFT's strength for future offensives. Everyone present understood this.
So, during this period, Fred needed to properly train and organize his team.
And they too had their own tasks to attend to.
"Of course, there's also the research on the new mobile suit."
Patrick added as a final note.
"Understood."
Fred acknowledged, then immediately asked,
"Any progress on the peace talks?"
"Not yet."
Siegel regretfully shook his head.
"They clearly have no intention of negotiating with us."
Patrick added, his tone noticeably displeased.
Hearing this, Fred fell silent.
He had asked this question to see if the Copernicus negotiations might happen earlier.
It seemed things were proceeding according to schedule. With that thought, Fred didn't press further. He simply nodded, picked up the squad member profiles, and took his leave.
Along the way, Alec struggled to contain his excitement. After all, the Special Ops Unit, Zero Squadron, and the rank of Colonel—all of it clearly demonstrated how highly the two regarded Fred.
The person he was following was so remarkable—how could Alec not be thrilled?
In contrast, Fred's expression remained largely unchanged. He simply stared at the squad member profiles in his hands, his thoughts gradually drifting.
There weren't many familiar faces among them, aside from the "Twilight Bullet" and one of the captains.
Indeed, Athrun and the others were still necessary.
Otherwise, the team's capabilities definitely wouldn't be strong enough.
But arranging for them to enlist would require some planning.
At the very least, for the next few years, his operations would have to rely primarily on this squad.
Watching the scenery flash by outside the window, Fred's mind raced.
He currently had three tasks to accomplish.
The first was to prepare for the rescue operation at Copernicus and ensure the team was well-integrated.
The second, ideally, was to get Athrun and the others to enlist.
This was for their own good, as the future would be chaotic, and only strength could protect them.
Of course, it also served his own plans.
And the third task, of course, was the research on the High Mobility GINN.
At the Secret Factory, it was nearly complete.
On the other hand, visible progress must also be made.
The technology of the secret factory only needs to be one generation ahead of PLANT.
A gap of one generation is enough for his own plans.
"Congratulations, brother."
While deep in thought, the special train Fred was on began to accelerate, carrying the two of them swiftly toward the port.
Chapter 240: Farewell Dinner
All battles are about to begin.
Of course, before this prologue, there is still their final farewell dinner to attend.
Similar to the previous farewell dinners, this one was also held at Fred's home.
What was different this time was that not only did Athrun and the others come, but even their parents were present.
This made the room even livelier.
"You said Athrun's father is coming too? Are you sure?"
Early in the morning, George grabbed Fred, looking horrified.
"Uh... yes?"
Fred nodded.
"That's the Chairman of National Defense!?"
"Yes, but he's also just Athrun's father."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine."
Seeing Fred say this, Heather rolled her eyes beside him.
"Of course, he has nothing to worry about. I'm worried about you."
"Is it really safe to go to the Defense Committee?"
As Heather spoke, complex emotions welled up in her heart.
If possible, she certainly didn't want her son to take risks.
But Fred had his goals, and his performance had consistently exceeded her expectations, as had his growth.
He was still just a teenager, yet already so mature.
She didn't know how to stop Fred.
Perhaps, deep down, she understood that even if she said something, Fred wouldn't listen.
"...It's safe."
Facing the warm gazes of Heather and his family, the living room, scattered with sunlight, seemed to grow even warmer and brighter.
"You can trust me to handle things."
Fred quickly suppressed the lingering emotions in his heart, speaking earnestly.
He only had two things to do.
"Hmm..."
Heather fell silent, but her bright eyes remained fixed on Fred.
As if trying to see through the young man's smile.
The silence lasted for a moment before Heather slowly raised her hand.
The bright sunlight shone on her face, which was unusually tinged with worry.
But soon, it transformed into the same radiant smile as always.
Her hand rested on Fred's head, which was now taller than hers, and she ruffled his hair.
The playful gesture messed up the young man's hairstyle.
"Home will always be your support."
Heather's voice carried warmth and weight, reaching straight into the young man's heart.
"Now, let's start preparing to welcome our guests~"
"You're cooking today."
As she spoke, Heather headed toward the well-equipped kitchen.
"Alright."
Looking at his living, breathing family before him, Fred silently clenched his fist.
He, too, had something he must protect.
...
Time quickly passed from morning to afternoon.
It was the start of their small gathering.
Joule and the others arrived as promised.
They had met quite a few times before, so there was no sense of unfamiliarity when they saw each other again now.
Or rather, quite the opposite—they had all reviewed the intelligence reports and were quite familiar with what Fred and the others had been up to recently.
They didn't have to wait long before Patrick arrived at his doorstep with his wife and son.
"Uncle Patrick, I didn't expect you to actually come in person."
Fred stepped forward to greet the big shot.
Although the other party had said they would come, it still felt a bit strange for them to visit his home.
"Hmm."
Patrick responded, his voice as stern as ever.
"I came to pick them up this time, and just dropped by. Don't think too much of it."
For Patrick, saying something like this was definitely considered mild.
Behind Fred, Heather and the others were inwardly astonished to hear him address the military Committee Chairman of the Radical Faction as "uncle."
This was the leader of the Radical Faction, who was known for hating Naturals.
And he was calling him "uncle"?
Though surprised, Lenore and George had seen their fair share of storms and greeted the other party with neither arrogance nor humility.
"Mr. Zala, Lenore, welcome."
"No need to be so formal. Park came this time to celebrate the success, all thanks to Fred."
Lenore, who had long been close friends with Heather and even become her confidante, now acted as a bridge between the two sides, her smile warm and affectionate.
As Lenore said, Patrick's visit this time also had the meaning of a celebration—though not in the broad sense, of course.
After all, the banquet had already been held.
It was just that not inviting Fred, the masked man, had left a lingering sense of guilt.
So he decided to come in person.
On one hand, it was to pick up his son, and on the other, since Fred had entered the Defense Committee, it was also to reassure Fred's parents and Fred himself.
"Haha, is it really that exaggerated?"
Heather laughed a couple of times, but her smile soon faded.
After all, she was quite familiar with Lenore.
Judging by the other's expression... it really didn't seem exaggerated at all.
Heather still didn't know about Fred's research or his role in ZAFT.
So, hearing the implications in Lenore's words now only made her more surprised.
Her gaze couldn't help but drift toward Fred, who was chatting with Patrick and Athrun.
Although she knew Fred was going to join the Defense Committee in the future, Patrick didn't seem to treat him like a subordinate but rather like a junior.
This put her somewhat at ease.
Of course, before she could ask Lenore anything more, their doorbell rang again.
"Who—"
Before Heather could finish her sentence, she walked to the door, looked at the monitor, and was left speechless.
Could someone tell her if that PLANT Chairman outside was for real?
She had only heard that Patrick was coming, not that Siegel was coming too.
Although Lacus was indeed his daughter, the Chairman himself coming to their home as a guest?
It was no different from the Atlantic Federation President coming over for dinner.
And right now, the President was practically sidelined, while the PLANT Chairman certainly wasn't.
In any case, Heather was stunned, but she still opened the door.
"Chairman, your esteemed presence truly brings honor to our humble home."
Heather's smile was courteous.
"Aunt Heather, you really don't need to be so formal~"
Lacus, following behind Siegel, covered her mouth with a light laugh upon hearing this.
"Yes, no need to address me by title. We just happened to be passing by for a meal."
To call it "passing by" was rather far-fetched.
After all, Lacus didn't live here regularly.
And Siegel didn't need to pick up any children.
However, Heather naturally wouldn't point this out, merely smiling as she invited the two inside.
"I should also thank you for taking care of Lacus recently."
Siegel spoke very gently, his gaze lingering on the lively family in the entryway with a touch of complexity.