Of course, they weren't the type to believe everything others said. After a brief moment of inner restlessness, they quickly calmed down.
"So, Captain Freed, what is our mission?" asked the tall, lean middle-aged leader of the second squad.
"The first task: integration," Fred continued, following the other's lead.
"Hand-to-hand combat, MS operations, infiltration skills—I need a comprehensive understanding of your abilities."
"Of course, I'll be participating personally as well."
Upon hearing Fred's words, Chiora, who had been about to ask something, froze.
"You mean... you're going to fight us?" Chiora carefully chose her words before finally speaking plainly.
"Exactly."
Fred nodded.
Ever since Athrun and the others stopped attending classes, he had resumed his own training.
But no matter how you looked at it, progress was still too slow. With ready-made opponents here, why not make use of them?
This applied to both hand-to-hand combat and MS battles.
All of these were opportunities to accelerate improvement.
Moreover, it would allow him to gain a deep understanding of the team members' abilities while also winning over the squad members who seemed obedient but were actually not fully convinced.
Although they were an elite squad, capable of carrying out sabotage missions behind enemy lines, their skills were certainly not as strong as Andrew's.
Based on the information Patrick had provided about the team members, Fred's elite hand-to-hand combat skills were definitely superior to theirs.
As for MS piloting, although he was still a beginner, the others were certainly not as proficient as Andrew.
On his side, he also had the support of various skills.
At the very least, he could hold his own.
After all, he could continue to improve.
So why not take advantage of this opportunity?
During this period, aside from research, Fred planned to focus on integration, engaging in frequent sparring and exchanges with the team members.
There was still over a year before the terrorist attack in Copernicus occurred. In the meantime, he would likely take on other missions.
For example, he remembered that another councilor would be killed in a terrorist bombing.
In short, this series of events would serve as the best training for their new team.
Finally, he needed to finalize the specific action plan for Copernicus. Although the timeline seemed flexible, every minute counted to ensure they were fully prepared.
With that said, Fred continued, "So, any more questions? If not, let's begin immediately."
"..."
Hearing the eagerness in Fred's tone, the team members exchanged glances, each seeing confusion in the others' eyes.
What was going on?
Although they had considered the possibility of fighting him, they hadn't expected him to be so enthusiastic.
It felt as though they were just there to serve as his sparring partners.
But complaints aside, they were all eager to test his abilities. After regaining their composure and seeing the two squad leaders nod in agreement, they all followed suit.
Watching all of this unfold without saying a word, Alec felt quite excited inside.
Although none of the people before him showed any expression on their faces.
However, as fellow Aces, he could likely understand their thoughts.
They probably didn't quite trust Fred—not in terms of their relationship, but in terms of his abilities.
This was understandable, but for Alec, who had fully accepted Fred, it was dissatisfying.
Thinking about how Fred would soon be able to demonstrate his strength in front of everyone and make them submit, he was genuinely happy.
While Fred was speaking and Alec was excited, Patrick, on the other side, was watching this live broadcast through the monitors placed there.
At that moment, he was momentarily at a loss for words.
However, much like the martial arts enthusiasts of ancient times, Patrick had somewhat grown accustomed to this over the years.
With that thought, the older man turned to Lenore beside him, who had just returned from arranging the planting tasks in Junius City and was also staring at the screen in surprise.
"What do you think about Athrun's situation?" Patrick asked.
"You know Fred's people. If he follows him, Athrun's safety can be protected to the greatest extent."
"Let's ask Athrun for his opinion first."
Lenore didn't relent, shaking her head before turning her gaze back to the screen in front of her and continuing.
"Of course, I know Athrun joining the military could greatly boost public morale, but he's our son."
Hearing Lenore's words, Patrick didn't deny it, merely lowering his eyes.
He had shown Lenore this live broadcast of Fred in hopes of gaining her approval, but it seemed that was still difficult for now.
"I also care deeply for our son, but no one can predict the future. If something happens to us, who will protect him?"
Patrick said helplessly.
"I heard even Nicol from Amalfi has enlisted."
"..."
This time, Lenore didn't argue back. She just watched the scene on the screen as Fred led everyone toward the internal gym, remaining silent for a moment.
"If Fred can prove his abilities on the battlefield... only then can I feel at ease."
It feels a bit awkward—what's the difference between this and sending Einstein to the front lines? It's not as if his scientific research abilities are unknown. His contributions behind the scenes far outweigh what he could do on the front lines. The protagonist isn't some battle fanatic either. I understand wanting to pilot robots in the Gundam world, but the better you perform, the more enemies you'll have to face later.
Though it might be a bit harsh to say this about a good young man like Fred, when it comes to the important issue of her son going to the battlefield, Lenore still said it.
"I share that thought."
Patrick nodded.
"But for now, Athrun can attend military school first. At the very least, it will allow him to protect himself and those he cares about in the future."
"...Alright!"
As the two spoke, Fred had already led everyone into the training gym.
The equipment inside was far more comprehensive than that of a typical gym, and the uniformly cold, hard color scheme gave off a sense of iron and blood.
It was clear at a glance that this was a place where countless people had shed sweat and even blood.
"First up is combat. Who wants to go first?"
With that, Fred swiftly stepped onto the ring.
The white officer's uniform on his body didn't need to be removed after all. This type of uniform was designed for ease of movement, and the material used for the clothing was warm in winter and cool in summer—it was the latest high-tech synthetic fabric developed by PLANT.
In short, it was quite impressive. Although it couldn't block bullets, it allowed soldiers to move freely in basic environments.
As for his abilities, he hadn't eaten yet, but he had brought a lunchbox he made himself, planning to eat only when the MS simulation battle began later.
All in all, he had planned everything before coming here.
And now, standing below the stage, responding to Fred's words.
Even without seeing the other's expression, they could still sense the confidence and vigor in his tone.
"I'll go first."
The previously exclaiming Twilight Bullet now stepped onto the stage voluntarily. After giving Fred a slight bow, he continued.
"My apologies!"
"Mickey, this is my order, not an apology."
As he spoke, Fred was also observing the prematurely appearing character before him.
According to the information he had obtained, the other had only enlisted not long ago.
He had joined ZAFT during its recent reorganization into a formal military organization.
Due to his high abilities, he was promoted into the unit.
Most of the others here were individuals like Andrew, who had been active since before ZAFT was officially established.
That Mickey could receive exceptional promotion from among these people was undeniable proof of his reliable abilities.
Although he currently had no military rank assigned and was only in a green uniform, the red uniform wasn't something one could be directly promoted to. It was only awarded after graduating at the top of the military academy.
If he hadn't encountered Kira and then lost his composure, there wouldn't have been any issues.
And the first thing Fred had to do after taking over as Commander was to temper their mental fortitude.
Although Coordinators were indeed skilled in combat, their psychological resilience tended to be lower.
It seemed the more capable a person was, the more likely they were to have this problem.
However, Fred was quite experienced when it came to this training plan.
After all, hadn't he managed to straighten out Yzak before? Now he was a fine young man.
Of course, before truly training them, he needed to make them submit first.
Otherwise, everything would be empty talk.
Watching Fred's bold demeanor, Mickey, who stood before him, was the first to be surprised.
After all, the young man before him, though wearing a mask and only revealing his lips, clearly looked quite young.
Moreover, he appeared to be the image of a refined gentleman.
To Mickey, he seemed more like a researcher than a combatant.
Could he fight? Mickey didn't think so.
But if he couldn't fight, why would he engage in a battle of attrition?
Mickey didn't think the other was that foolish either.
These two conflicting thoughts left him and his teammates, who were watching nearby, in a state of confusion.
Such boldness, if backed by strength, would naturally make them rally more closely under his leadership.
But if there was no strength behind it, it would simply be an embarrassment.
They didn't know whether he belonged to the category of having strength or not.
However, they would likely find out soon.
As the crowd below held their breath in anticipation, Mickey put on his gloves, and the atmosphere grew even more tense as both men completed their preparations.
"Captain Orphee, do you think the Captain can defeat Mickey?"
Another team member couldn't help but ask the captain beside him out of curiosity.
Although Mickey was an ordinary team member, and a newly promoted one at that, their squad was an Elite unit. Mickey's combat skills were among the best even among their members, which alone spoke volumes about his strength.
"Perhaps he can?"
Watching Fred's still calm and composed demeanor, reminiscent of a grandmaster, Orphee muttered.
"But it seems like he intends to take on everyone one after another. That's a bit too arrogant, isn't it?"
Someone couldn't help but frown.
Calling Fred, their new superior, arrogant was already overstepping.
However, relatively speaking, Fred's arrogance implied he looked down on them, which was why it angered them.
"Watch your words."
Upon hearing this, Orphee did not agree but instead cast a stern, cold glance at the young man and continued.
"Captain Fred's strength has nothing to do with personal grudges."
"As Coordinators, as Aces, we must approach things rationally."
"Understood?"
They could discuss who would win or lose, they could question him, but they must not show contempt.
After all, Fred was their genuine superior and had no personal grudges with them.
Moreover, his adjutant was right here.
Although he was some distance away, there was no telling whether he had heard or not.
That Alex fellow seemed to be Fred's trusted confidant.
If word got back to him, they would be the ones to suffer.
Regardless of his abilities, the relationship was undeniably real.
"I understand, I'm sorry..."
Under Orphee's words, the young man lowered his head.
The others also grew more serious upon hearing this.
"Good, be more careful next time."
Orphee's gaze swept across the scene before returning to Fred.
He wondered if this man was truly as formidable as Joule had said.
That's right, although he had previously claimed not to know much about Fred's background, as a trusted subordinate of Representative Joule, she had privately given him some insight.
His usually stern superior had used many adjectives to describe Fred—impressive, full of mysteries.
However, when he saw Joule's apparent approval of Fred and offered to look out for him, Joule shook her head in refusal.
Though her expression remained unchanged, he could guess her meaning.
She believed Fred could handle things on his own.
She had been serious at the time.
But she hadn't elaborated further, so he couldn't be sure just how capable Fred truly was.
Based on his own speculation alone, he couldn't gauge the extent of Fred's abilities.
Amidst everyone's varied thoughts, Fred now turned to the young man standing ready before him, a gentle smile visible on the only part of his face exposed—his lips.
"You go first. If needed, you can also wear a helmet."
Eager for training that could enhance his abilities, Fred was practically itching to begin.
In response to Fred's little joke, the tense atmosphere around them noticeably eased a bit.
Standing before Fred, Mickey was momentarily stunned by his words, then replied, "That won't be necessary. We don't aim for vital points... right?"
Mickey's latter words carried a hint of uncertainty.
"It's a joke, just a joke."
Looking at this version of Twilight Bullet, who seemed different from his impression, Fred chuckled.
It wasn't exactly out of character—more like the nervousness of facing a superior for the first time.
Just like when he had met a new leader for the first time in the past.
And if that new leader had invited him to a fight, the tension would have been even greater.
With that thought, Fred didn't linger on small talk. Instead, he raised his hand in a gesture of invitation.
"Go ahead."
"My apologies."
Once again, Mickey offered an apology, but this time, he didn't hesitate. The young man pushed off the ground with the tips of his toes and swiftly closed the distance.
To an ordinary person, his speed was so fast that only a blur could be seen. Even among the spectators, it was considered impressive. But to Fred, every movement was crystal clear.