In Uzumi Nara Athha's private meeting room, Murrue Ramius, acting as Captain, sat face-to-face with Uzumi, the supreme leader of the Orb Union. They were deep in discussion regarding the current state of the world.
Mikazuki Augus, Cagalli Yula Athha, Kira Yamato, and Mu La Flaga stood to the side, listening. This was a high-level conversation, and Mikazuki, understanding his role as security, stood with his hands behind his back and a straight spine, perfectly composed.
"Did the self-destruction of the Alaska Base really wipe out eighty percent of ZAFT's strength? Implementing such a plan is truly cold-blooded."
As Uzumi spoke, he turned on the television. An Earth Alliance diplomat was giving a speech. After watching for a moment, it became clear the speaker was actually framing the self-destruction of the Alaska Base as ZAFT's use of a weapon of mass destruction.
They were shifting the blame entirely onto ZAFT, essentially pinning all negative public opinion on the Coordinators. The emotions of the masses were being ignited.
Uzumi turned off the television and looked back at Murrue, whose expression was grim. He spoke slowly.
"Now, the Atlantic Federation is pressuring other nations. If they do not join the war as part of the Earth Alliance, they will be viewed as hostile states. Naturally, Orb is no exception."
"Those guys just want Orb's power," Cagalli interjected. Uzumi did not refute her and continued.
"I imagine you have heard rumors. Our country does not reject Coordinators. As long as everyone follows Orb's philosophy and laws, they are permitted entry and residency. Even among other neutral nations, few would do this.
This has nothing to do with the ethics of genetic manipulation. The reason the situation has evolved into what it is today is that Coordinators and Naturals suspect one another. This mindset itself is the root of all division. Cagalli is a Natural, and Kira is a Coordinator. These are established facts that they cannot change themselves."
Kira gave a faint smile and replied, "That's true."
"But now, all Coordinators are being viewed as evil and as enemies, and the common people are being called upon to attack them. I cannot agree with the Atlantic Federation's methods. All of this... for whom and for what are they fighting? Do those who started and joined this war truly understand?"
After listening to Uzumi, Mu spoke up. "I understand everything you're saying, but... forgive my rudeness, isn't what you're describing simply pure idealism? Even with such an ideal, Coordinators still look down on Naturals, and Naturals still envy Coordinators. That is the reality."
Orb's philosophy: not to invade other nations, not to allow other nations to invade, and not to intervene in the disputes of other nations. This was the creed established by Uzumi and his colleagues when Orb was founded. What Mu referred to as "pure idealism" was the very essence of Orb's philosophy.
Uzumi paused, then rose slowly. "I know. Even if this philosophy is just an ideal, if we give up because of that, we will one day walk a path toward mutual destruction. At that point, it will be too late for regret. Or rather, if this is the reality of the world, should we just sit and wait for death?"
Uzumi's counter-question caused Murrue and the others to feel a sense of doubt about the military uniforms they wore. Is the Earth Alliance's philosophy truly right? Do they really insist on exterminating all Coordinators? But... if Coordinators truly vanished from this world, could peace ever arrive?
The Lion of Orb walked over to an oil painting. It depicted a house belonging to an ordinary family that seemed to have endured the hardships of war.
"The path you choose is your own freedom. If you cannot betray the uniforms you wear, I am already prepared to die. You are young and capable, and you still have time. I am sure you will be able to see the future you truly desire..."
Kira suddenly spoke up. "Lord Uzumi, what are your thoughts?"
Uzumi turned his head to look at Kira, casting a discreet glance at Cagalli beside him before replying, "A sword can no longer be a mere decoration on the wall. The time has come for it to be drawn."
The discussion ended, and Murrue intended to go back and think things over carefully. Just as everyone was about to leave the meeting room, Uzumi spoke up again.
"Akihiro sent a message back. He asked me to convey a sentence to you."
"What?"
Mikazuki, who was already leaving, turned his head to look at Uzumi. The others also looked at him with curiosity.
"...He said... he has found what he lost. Akihiro Altland of Tekkadan's Second Combat Unit is returning to the group immediately."
The corners of Mikazuki's mouth curled slightly. "Is that so?"
Uzumi spoke slowly. "Though I have said it many times... I still want to say: I'm counting on you, Tekkadan."
Mikazuki stepped in front of Uzumi. "Any job Tekkadan takes on will be completed, even if we have to put our lives on the line."
His tone was no different from his usual indifference, but everyone could hear a flicker of confidence in Mikazuki's words.
A smile appeared on Uzumi's bearded face, and he nodded at Mikazuki.
Mikazuki turned, raised a hand in a wave, and left the meeting room. Murrue and the others gave Uzumi a salute before quickly catching up.
"Mika, what were you and Lord Uzumi talking about just now? Did you take on some kind of job?"
"Yeah. Think of it as repayment for the favor of getting me to PLANT," Mikazuki replied.
Mu asked curiously, "So, what kind of agreement did you actually reach?"
Mikazuki looked at Mu with dead-fish eyes. "Are you an idiot? This is classified information. Have you ever seen a security company reveal their employer's work or information?"
Mu's mouth twitched after being mocked. "...You little brat..."
"Anyway, I won't say anything about it, so stop asking."
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).