"I also want to know the answer to that question."
"And you are currently the most suitable person to seek that answer."
"He values you greatly, which is a good thing. If he takes any actions that threaten us, you must report it."
"Director Shiva... I don't think Director Fred would do such a thing."
Although he was shocked when he first learned of Fred's identity, recalling his previous interactions with Fred, Heinline shook his head.
In his eyes, Fred was a workaholic with clear goals.
He didn't seem like a spy at all.
And what spy would openly reveal their identity and participate in internal research like that?
Hearing Heinline's words, Shiva looked up at him in surprise.
"If there are no issues, then there's no need to do anything. But it's better to be safe than sorry."
Fred's charisma seemed quite strong, and Heinline himself was quite perceptive. If he said so, perhaps their worries were indeed unnecessary.
Of course, unnecessary or not, precautions still had to be taken.
She didn't want to be betrayed from within.
"...I understand."
After another brief moment of silence, Heinline nodded with a complicated expression, finally agreeing.
As the other party had said, even if there was only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, precautions still had to be taken.
If nothing happened, that would be a good thing.
But if an accident did occur, they would be prepared.
However, he never expected that Fred was actually a Natural.
Even more unexpected was that Fred turned out to be someone he admired.
This complexity left Heinline unsure of how to face him emotionally for the time being.
Why did Fred help PLANT?
And what was he fighting for?
These were the answers he would seek.
...
Several days passed quietly. Although Fred had accomplished a feat significant enough to be recorded in world history, the young man's life remained unchanged.
At this moment, he was still traveling on the Special Train with Alec. However, for once, the young man wasn't reviewing experimental data or MS information.
Instead, he was watching the news on the screen before him. In recent days, the turmoil caused by the marriage regulations had intensified.
With the Atlantic Federation fanning the flames, there was even a subtle trend toward social division.
As protests by Coordinators escalated in various cities and the Atlantic Federation accused ZAFT of disregarding human rights at the United Nations, PLANT finally issued an official response yesterday.
The regulations would be delayed by six months before taking effect.
The implication was clear.
Those who disagreed with PLANT's regulations could leave within these six months.
Or they could find someone they loved and marry within this period.
As long as both parties didn't mind not having children, PLANT would accept it.
This provided a window for couples already in relationships.
Of course, the deadline was only six months.
Once that passed, the regulations would truly come into effect.
Or perhaps not.
After all, the higher-ups' intentions often changed.
Fred himself couldn't say for sure whether the regulations would be strictly enforced.
However, he only glanced at it briefly. After confirming that PLANT's move had successfully extinguished the fire, he lost much of his enthusiasm for further attention.
Among the masses, unless one reaches the top of the pyramid, they will always be subject to the arrangements of others.
This holds true whether or not the Destiny Plan exists.
It's just that Durandal is accomplishing what already exists in a more direct, blatant, and forceful manner.
To escape these fates arranged by others, the only way is to continuously grow stronger.
After all, even the Destiny Plan is merely man-made. When one becomes strong enough, no plan could possibly affect them or their family.
Without strength, one can only be arranged by others.
Isn't this the very motivation that has driven him upward all along?
Withdrawing his gaze, Fred looked out the window at the rapidly passing fields. The small flame burning in his heart seemed to grow even stronger, as if fueled by firewood.
"It looks like this disturbance has passed for now."
While Fred was lost in thought, Alec, standing beside the young man, also finished watching the screen and let out a sigh of relief.
This interrupted Fred's train of thought.
"Yeah."
"Has Alec been to the Gene Screening Institute yet?"
Fred snapped back to reality and asked with a smile.
"It's still too early for that."
Alec waved his hand dismissively.
If others might feel resentful about this law, for Alec—an Elite wholly dedicated to revitalizing PLANT—it had no impact whatsoever.
"Alec, you're not planning to find a wife only after PLANT achieves complete independence, are you?"
Fred teased him.
"Uh..."
Alec awkwardly averted his gaze upon hearing this.
Clearly, he had been called out.
"But if Fred has his eye on someone, I'm sure no one would refuse."
"..."
Fred thought this was just a teasing retort from the other, but seeing Alec's earnest expression, he didn't know how to respond.
It was true—no one would refuse. He even suspected that Alec, Patrick, and the others would actively help.
After all, if he married here, it would mean he had put down roots in this place.
Not to mention, there would be descendants with Coordinator heritage.
"I'm still young too."
Fred forced an awkward laugh.
He had never really considered the possibility of having a child in the future.
"Then why are you saying that to me? Isn't your own focus solely on your goals too?"
Finally, seeing Fred at a rare loss for words, a simple smile spread across Alec's face.
Faced with Alec's grin, Fred's lips twitched slightly.
Had his bodyguard been influenced by Lacus?
When did he become so sly too?
He seemed quite serious just a moment ago.
As Fred silently complained to himself, the train gradually came to a stop.
They had arrived at the familiar maintenance port.
Looking at this familiar scene, the unchanging stars, Earth, and the moon, Fred felt an even greater surge of excitement.
Even his usually calm heartbeat began to quicken quietly.
The reason was simple.
If nothing unexpected happened, he would soon be piloting an MS and soaring through this universe.
Of course, that was something to be excited about.
However...
[MA Operation (Beginner) 80.05/100]
Looking at the MA Operation skill that still needed 20 points to level up, Fred fell into thought.
If he maintained his current training intensity, he would be able to level up in about a year.
MS likely wouldn't appear that soon, so he needed to complete the upgrade for MA before MS emerged.
After all, the skills unlocked by the Golden Finger were quite useful.
And MA piloting should still have its uses.
At the very least, aside from battleships, the main combat methods in this world were MS and MA.
If he were to pilot an MS that could transform into an MA in the future, he would still need MA piloting skills.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!