His combat skills had already reached the level of an Ace.
But acting rashly without confirming the severity of the situation would only make things worse.
Moreover, he only possessed Ace-level combat capability. If this truly was an assassination attempt, both sides would likely deploy numerous Aces.
Going there would be like asking for death.
In short, until he became unrivaled, laying low was the right approach.
Thinking this, Fred chimed in, "But the unknown source of the information remains a problem."
What if this message was an Atlantic Federation deception? If they pulled their personnel away, several heavily guarded and internally modified space colonies might be exposed.
Direct discovery was impossible, but patterns might be discerned from personnel movements.
These were details, but they couldn't be overlooked.
"Father said the same thing~" Lacus happily nodded upon hearing this, mentally raising her evaluation of Fred another notch.
She hadn't expected Fred to grasp the key points so quickly.
Soon Lacus continued, "Father has made arrangements at several space colonies and won't allow too many personnel to leave."
"Good." Fred didn't ask how they would manage with insufficient personnel.
He assumed they would utilize some of ZAFT's hidden forces.
Fred wasn't surprised by this.
It would be strange if they showed him all their capabilities.
"Thank you for your efforts. I'll wait here for updates."
"Mhm~" Lacus dipped her delicate chin slightly, looking adorably like a child pretending to be an adult.
She didn't think Fred was being passive - on the contrary, she would have been worried if he had actively sought out danger.
"Finally~ Brother Fred, I've learned how to sing~!"
"Keep it up." Though unsure why Lacus felt the need to tell him about learning to sing, Fred still responded supportively.
"Mhm~ I'll be going now~" Lacus waved at Fred as the special vehicle came to a complete stop.
"Take care. Should I see you off?"
"Really?" Meeting Lacus's innocent wide eyes, she said, "I thought you'd want to use the time to review materials."
"..."
Lacus had hit the mark. He had just been being polite - he was still holding the tablet, ready to continue reading after she left.
Mainly because he assumed Lacus wouldn't want him to escort her.
After all, if this masked man was seen walking with Lacus, it could cause trouble if noticed by the wrong people.
"If Lacus doesn't mind." Finally, after a brief pause where Lacus's words had left him speechless, Fred managed to say.
"Pfft." Covering her mouth, Lacus giggled at the flustered young man.
"Just kidding~ You should focus on your work, brother."
After all, he was working for world peace. Seeing someone striving so hard for peace moved Lacus deeply.
Perhaps her repeated visits were partly because of his resilient spirit.
Just looking at him gave her a sense of hope for the future.
With Fred around, perhaps peace was truly achievable.
So of course she wouldn't disturb him.
After speaking, Lacus hopped down from the seat that was somewhat high for her and turned to walk out.
Outside the vehicle, several men in black waiting there followed closely behind the girl like loyal guards.
...
After this private conversation, as news of the minister's impending arrival gradually spread, time quickly approached the day before Fran Harvey's arrival.
Fred had just finished his powered armor practice session, floating weakly back into the control room from the pilot's seat.
[Powered Armor Control +0.09]
[Powered Armor Control (Beginner): 26.89/100]
[MS Control +0.03]
[MS Control (Beginner): 12.78/100]
Three months, ninety days - thanks to his scientific training plan, he had gained quite a bit of ability.
Just as Fred glanced at the progress display and before he could feel pleased, an uncommon visitor appeared before him.
"Andrew, that hairstyle looks really good on you. I almost didn't recognize you."
Looking at Andrew who was increasingly resembling a tiger, Fred couldn't help but remark.
"This is what real masculinity looks like. What would a kid like you know?"
Andrew continued holding Aisha's hand as he floated over, clearly in good spirits as he rolled his eyes at Fred.
"As long as you're happy."
"Anyway, you didn't come here today just to see me, did you?"
The corners of Fred's mouth curled slightly beneath his helmet.
"Of course not."
Andrew didn't beat around the bush and continued.
"That Fran is arriving tomorrow. Don't show yourself when he comes."
"Alright."
Faced with Andrew's advice, Fred didn't refuse.
After all, he was still a Natural - no need to actively draw suspicion upon himself.
Besides, that kind of place was nothing but trouble.
He wouldn't want to go even if invited.
As he had said before.
Staying home reading books, talking with his parents and sister - how much better was that.
Why bother?
Nearby, Aisha listened to their conversation, her puzzled gaze shifting between the two men.
Three months had passed, and she now understood Fred's identity.
He was just a very capable researcher.
She really couldn't figure out what Fran's arrival had to do with Fred.
Thinking this, as Fred bid farewell and left, Aisha turned curiously to look at Andrew beside her.
"Still can't talk about it yet."
As if already knowing what she was thinking, Andrew smiled.
"I wasn't asking~ If it's inconvenient, that's fine."
Aisha chuckled lightly.
Hearing this, Andrew's stern face softened, and he began being affectionate with Aisha.
As for Fred, riding in the special vehicle back, he quickly skimmed through Fran's profile that he had reviewed many times before. Nothing particularly noteworthy.
"Fran probably won't die here, right?"
Alec murmured quietly beside Fred, his tone carrying some concern.
"Most likely not. His death now wouldn't serve PLANT's interests."
"If he died at this time, no one in PLANT would be safe."
Fred shook his head.
Though he didn't know who had spread that rumor.
When he last met Lacus, she seemed quite confident, so probably nothing major would happen.
If there was one thing that piqued Fred's interest, it was figuring out who had tipped off the authorities behind the scenes.
However, these were questions without answers for Fred at the moment, and he lacked the means to pursue them.
So, it was better to just keep reading.
With that thought, Fred dismissed the message and returned his gaze to the research documents.
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