Fred could already envision what would happen in the future—the South American food import ship would be sunk by the Atlantic Federation as usual.
By then, ZAFT would undergo restructuring under Patrick's leadership, merging with internal police agencies to form a new military organization—the true ZAFT.
And then, the real war would begin.
This did not align with his interests. Even if he couldn't completely reverse the situation, perhaps he could partially change it.
Fred turned these thoughts over in his mind before continuing.
"In that case, why not directly turn South America and Oceania into a decoy?"
This was part of his original plan—a countermeasure he had devised in response to the unfolding events.
So far, at least the broader direction seemed to be following the plot's trajectory, which increased the likelihood of his plan's success.
If implemented smoothly, it might reduce PLANT's provocation toward Earth and further isolate the Atlantic Federation, leaving it without support.
Only a madman would fight the entire Earth.
If Patrick hadn't gone mad over Lenore's situation, he probably wouldn't have done it either.
"A decoy?"
Upon hearing Fred's words, Lacus was momentarily taken aback.
Her gaze drifted past the heavy desk, lingering on Fred with a look of confusion.
"Exactly. Let's assume the Atlantic Federation is already aware of South America's movements. What would happen then?"
Fred pondered for a moment before operating the screen between them.
It displayed densely packed information—data he had previously compiled on Blue Cosmos's related forces in South America.
Although these were only low-security-level data, they contained a chain of interconnected analyses.
"They would seize the opportunity to cause trouble."
Lacus looked at the information before her with considerable surprise.
It seemed Fred had been prepared for this.
And he appeared quite confident.
Though she didn't understand why Fred was so certain the Atlantic Federation could learn of South America's movements so quickly, Lacus thought for a moment before replying.
Hearing her response, Fred nodded and continued.
"Then we can use their own force against them, mixing up the cargo ship with the ships carrying Coordinator refugees to tarnish the Atlantic Federation's reputation."
"Of course, no real people will be involved."
Fred knew her concerns and explained before Lacus could voice them.
As he spoke, Fred demonstrated his simulated plan on the screen for Lacus.
The content was simple: South America, as a pro-PLANT nation, also possessed the Panama Mass Accelerator.
With the recent deterioration of the situation, many Coordinators seeking to travel to PLANT would choose to depart from Panama.
Seizing this opportunity, he could easily make the Atlantic Federation appear as villains who recklessly attacked Coordinator civilians.
In reality, they were exactly that kind of people. He was merely using a strategy to expose their actions openly.
Attacking a refugee ship and attacking a merchant ship secretly transporting contraband were clearly two different matters in terms of weight.
It would be enough to give them the upper hand in public opinion.
If she had refused before due to concerns for civilian safety, hearing Fred's assurance clearly swayed Lacus.
"Can it succeed?"
"Will they believe it so easily?"
Lacus furrowed her brows slightly, asking one question after another.
"If it's a covert operation, they won't distinguish—they'll kill without mercy."
"Because that's the kind of organization they are."
"Lacus understands this too, right?"
"Even if they suspect they might be mistaken, they'd rather kill the innocent than let anyone slip away."
Under Fred's repeated words, Lacus's delicate eyebrows knitted together, but she nodded in agreement nonetheless.
Just as Fred said, if it were Blue Cosmos, such actions wouldn't be surprising at all.
"If we succeed, the public rollout of the Mass Production plan for food will proceed more smoothly."
"After all, with public opinion on our side, we'll have positioned ourselves as the underdog from the start. There shouldn't be any major issues."
"If we fail, it's just a loss of some money."
Fred continued speaking one point after another.
"Hmm."
Hearing Fred's words, Lacus couldn't help but nod.
As he said, if the Atlantic Federation's actions were exposed openly, they would lose the battle of public opinion from the outset.
Though it's hard to say how much influence public opinion truly holds over the Atlantic Federation.
At the very least, in terms of popular sentiment, PLANT would stand on the side of Justice.
The Atlantic Federation may not care about public opinion, but what about other nations?
The Atlantic Federation acts for the benefit of its own privileged few.
Their people have long lost any means of resistance.
But what about other countries? Would they truly sit back and allow themselves to be eroded by the Atlantic Federation?
That is certainly impossible.
Even the Eurasian Federation has its own agenda.
Not to mention, PLANT's export volume is indeed substantial.
To openly oppose PLANT and sever ties over the Atlantic Federation's indiscriminate slaughter of civilians—
Not everyone is willing to do so.
Even if they were willing, it would go against the will of the people.
If war truly broke out, such nations would be unable to mobilize their full war potential, ultimately remaining a scattered force.
When everyone knows this is an unjust war, the tide of public opinion will be on their side.
PLANT's international image could also shift, gaining more potential international support.
They have always been at a disadvantage in public opinion, but this is indeed an opportunity.
"It's worth a try!"
After saying this, Lacus stood up from in front of Fred.
"I'll go talk to my father!"
"Good, then I'll await your good news."
In response to Fred's words, Lacus let out a light laugh.
Yet her tone carried a weight of seriousness.
"I hope your plan succeeds."
If they could successfully avoid escalating into a full-scale war, there would be more room for negotiation.
Ultimately, they could reverse the current public sentiment and make people understand the consequences of war.
With this thought, Lacus quickened her pace as she left.
"Lacus, what's wrong?"
Outside the room, Flay asked with concern as she saw Lacus in a hurry.
"There's something I need to attend to. I'm heading back now."
Facing Flay, Lacus maintained her smile, though Flay could sense a hint of insincerity in it.
"Ah... Did you have a fight with your brother!?"
Flay raised her eyebrows and rolled up her sleeves.
"I'll go find him and settle the score for you!"
"Not really, it's just that the situation has been tense lately."
Lacus found the girl's reaction adorable and reached out to take her small hand, adding,
"I might not be coming around much lately."
This was indeed the place where she felt most relaxed, but with the Atlantic Federation's increasing activities recently, it was time for her to bid farewell here.
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