"You did a good thing, except you took action against us without any inquiry."
Gai Murakumo looked at Felix, fury simmering in his eyes, speaking through gritted teeth. Seeing his restrained demeanor, Felix chuckled.
After laughing, Felix's expression turned stern, his voice resolute as he declared.
"I can't verify the truth of your words. All I know is that you attempted to steal the Warrior Gundam's head not long ago, and that's enough."
Without another glance at Gai Murakumo, Felix stood up, straightened his attire, and before leaving, cast a brief look at him.
"Think about how you'll explain yourself to PLANT's court later!"
"You plan to take us back to PLANT?"
Hearing this, Gai Murakumo's expression shifted slightly, looking at Felix with disbelief.
Felix smiled faintly.
"What's the big surprise? Did you think I'd just let you go?"
As he spoke, Felix turned slightly, leaning forward with his hands on the table, grinning.
"Stop daydreaming!"
With that, Felix straightened up and left the interrogation room under Gai Murakumo's watchful gaze.
Stepping outside, he instructed the soldiers.
"Take the person inside and lock them up securely."
"Yes, Captain."
The soldier saluted in response.
Nodding slightly in acknowledgment, Felix headed toward the bridge.
On the bridge
"Notify everyone on that ship to evacuate via the escape ship, or they'll have only themselves to blame if they die inside later!"
Looking at Aric, Felix issued the order.
Upon hearing the command, Aric saluted, his voice booming.
"Yes!"
...
One day later, on April 1st
The Athena returned to PLANT with the recovered Warrior Gundam and the members of Serpent Tail, docking at the aerospace port in December City District 1.
On the bridge
"Have you completed all the tasks I assigned?"
Seeing the Athena safely docked in the port, Felix looked up at Aric and asked.
Aric nodded, assuring him.
"Rest assured, Captain. All evidence that could definitively point to Chairman Clyne has been destroyed. Aside from their testimonies, there's no proof left."
"Good."
Feeling much more at ease, Felix nodded.
'Lacus, you and your father owe me a great debt of gratitude!'
Gazing ahead, Felix thought to himself with a smile.
Meanwhile, in Aprilius City District 1
In the PLANT Supreme Council chamber
Patrick and Siegel's eyes briefly met, then Patrick averted his gaze and stood up under Siegel's watchful eyes, addressing everyone present.
"The theft of the Warrior Gundam occurred during Chairman Clyne's term, representing a severe dereliction of duty. Therefore, I propose an early election to reselect the chairman!"
Hearing his friend's proposal to reselect the chairman, Siegel had anticipated it, but hadn't expected it to come so soon.
"I object!"
A voice of opposition reached his ears, and Siegel directly looked toward Eileen's direction. Eileen gave a slight nod to Siegel before turning her gaze to the others and continuing.
"Currently, we are in a state of war. Changing the chairman could easily lead to issues with PLANT's resolutions. To avoid problems, the reelection of the chairman should be postponed until after the war ends."
At this point, Eileen's eyes settled on Patrick as she went on.
"Moreover, according to the constitution established by the PLANT Supreme Council, the incumbent chairman's term can be extended indefinitely during wartime without the need for reelection!"
"The constitution does have this provision, but it also states that if the incumbent chairman commits a major error during their term, a reelection can be initiated."
Aishaliya, hearing Eileen cite the constitution, immediately refuted. After this rebuttal, Aishaliya glanced at Siegel before turning her attention back to Eileen and continuing.
"The theft of the Warrior Gundam is an extremely serious matter—serious enough to warrant initiating an election!"
With that, Aishaliya had no desire to continue debating with Eileen and raised her hand to vote.
"I agree to hold a reelection!"
"I agree to hold a reelection!"
Following Aishaliya, Louise quickly responded.
After Louise, Herman expressed his stance.
"I also agree to hold a reelection!"
"I abstain!"
Yuri, observing the situation, declared his abstention.
After Yuri, several other council members also chose to abstain.
As the situation unfolded, a result was quickly reached.
Siegel, seeing this outcome, could only sigh silently in his heart and announce,
"Initiate the reelection!"
Thirty minutes later,
"Patrick, you've won."
Siegel looked at his friend, extending his hand for a handshake while whispering. Patrick, hearing his friend's words, remained expressionless and calmly replied,
"Siegel, it's not that I've won, but that you are too kind-hearted."
With that, Patrick released Siegel's hand. Their roles now reversed, Patrick took the chairman's seat and began to act in his new capacity.
Siegel sat in the seat previously occupied by Patrick, listening to the ideas and proposals put forth by his friend.
...
The next day,
Felix, summoned by Patrick, arrived at Aprilius City District 1.
"Congratulations, Chairman Zala."
Looking at Patrick before him, Felix offered his congratulations. Patrick's stern face showed a flicker of pleasure at Felix's words, though he quickly concealed it.
"Has the Warrior Gundam been fully recovered?"
Patrick gestured to a chair as he inquired.
Felix sat down, nodding at Patrick as he replied,
"It has been completely recovered, with no parts missing or lost."
"That's good."
Patrick breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
He turned to Felix and asked again,
"Have you identified the mastermind behind it?"
"During interrogations, these individuals claimed it was Mr. Clyne's doing, but there is no evidence pointing to Mr. Clyne. Therefore, I find their statements unreliable."
Facing Patrick's inquiry, Felix concealed some details before relaying the information he had already uncovered.
Upon hearing Felix's words, Patrick maintained a calm expression and said,
"It seems these people intend to frame Siegel. Those hiding in the shadows are truly despicable!"
'It appears Patrick is planning to sweep this matter under the rug while covering for his friend!'
Listening to Patrick's response, Felix thought to himself. He nodded in agreement while looking at Patrick.
"Councilor, I believe you are absolutely right."
"I will arrange for others to continue investigating this matter. You need not be responsible for it any further."
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