Massacring refugees indiscriminately.
While Blue Cosmos might not care about taking the blame, those who fell into the trap would likely face internal disciplinary action.
It probably wouldn't be long before news of their malicious attack on civilian ships spread everywhere.
Looking at it this way, the unusual movements of ZAFT earlier now made sense.
Everyone had assumed those movements were meant to cover the food ships from South America, but no one had expected they were intended to provoke their nerves.
For this plan, the Coordinator in charge was most likely still that Commander.
With the incident already having occurred, he needed to arrange things quickly to extricate himself from the situation.
As for those fools still confused, it was better for him not to get involved.
Shortly after confusion and celebration simultaneously erupted within the Blue Cosmos fleet, Fred, who had long since arrived at the Central Hub of April City, received a distant message through his computer.
"Then I'll leave these materials to you."
Fred looked at the communication records sent back from the decoy before him, glanced through them, and then forwarded everything in one go to Lacus.
"What do you think we should say?"
Lacus, having also finished reviewing the records, asked.
As she spoke, the girl's delicate eyebrows couldn't help but furrow slightly.
Her frown wasn't because the operation hadn't gone smoothly.
It was because Blue Cosmos had gone too far. Even though Patrick's side had been constantly provoking, both sides had targeted military facilities.
But now, if their side had truly been refugee ships, Blue Cosmos had intended to ignore that and kill indiscriminately. Such methods were truly despicable.
However, considering that Blue Cosmos originated from the Atlantic Federation, and recalling the Atlantic Federation's actions during the last Recombinant War, Lacus felt it was hardly surprising.
Of course, what was even more astonishing was that Fred's predictions had once again proven accurate.
They had actually launched an attack in the second month.
They were only one month away from giving up.
Thinking about this, Lacus felt a cold sweat breaking out.
If their Coordinator crew had actually lost over a hundred people at once, the war would likely have spiraled out of control.
As for now, although there was still a risk of war, it was at least manageable.
"They attacked the wrong target. We just need to pin the label of indiscriminate killing on them."
Fred said directly.
"We can't let this chain of hatred begin."
"Yes!"
Hearing Fred's words, Lacus nodded in strong agreement.
After all, if this really started, the Radical Faction within ZAFT wouldn't show the slightest restraint.
Of course, given the chance, these radicals might have carried out such extreme actions anyway.
They were just being suppressed, and they truly lacked the ability to resist.
In any case, finding a path between these two sides wasn't easy.
Thinking this, Lacus continued asking.
"Then, brother, how do you think we should explain the origin of this recording?"
Why this footage existed at all was definitely a problem.
It would also be the question most people would ask after it spread.
"It's said that an insider from Blue Cosmos left this recording, showing deep remorse. This can sow internal doubt among them, slow their progress, and make them suspicious of each other."
Of course, there was information transmission behind the scenes, but as long as ordinary people believed it, that was enough.
"Lacus must know about this too."
Fred didn't believe such a small matter would require Lacus to ask him.
Upon hearing this, Lacus finally relaxed her tightly furrowed brow, revealing a pleasant smile on her face.
Though it was just a faint smile, it was clearly much better than the low-pressure atmosphere from before.
"I was just asking casually."
As she spoke, Lacus stood up to bid farewell.
"I'll treasure this information. I'll take my leave now."
"Take care. I hope our plan achieves its goal smoothly."
Fred spoke earnestly, also standing up to bid farewell to Lacus as she prepared to leave.
This trap seemed quick, but they had waited a full two months. Even Fred was a little worried that his butterfly effect might have caused Blue Cosmos to abandon the attack.
Of course, this was just an unfounded concern.
After all, Patrick had frequently provoked them recently, and Blue Cosmos firmly believed the information their pawns had uncovered, so it was only natural they fell into the trap.
With this successful strike, if handled properly, it might normalize their food supply.
If space agriculture could proceed smoothly from here, it would be a huge step toward future space migration.
Of course, aside from this significant meaning, they also needed to use this incident to label the Atlantic Federation, and even the Eurasian Federation, as evil in the court of world public opinion.
"Alright!"
Seeing Fred's hopeful expression, Lacus nodded firmly, showing her determination.
...
The two didn't chat much longer and soon parted ways.
Lacus returned to prepare for the next phase of the operation.
For her, the upcoming public opinion warfare was where she would truly contribute.
As for Fred, he boarded a shuttle heading toward Junius City.
On the way back, Fred continued reviewing the agricultural research materials in front of him. According to the action plan, the food production line would soon be rolled out.
When the time came, it would be his and Reyna's moment to step into the spotlight.
However, unlike Fred, who was focused on reading, Alec beside him seemed hesitant, as if wanting to speak but holding back.
"Alec, what's wrong?"
Fred looked up from the materials and asked.
"Fred... are you sure that evidence alone is enough?"
"I can't help but feel it's not that simple... The Atlantic Federation won't stop attacking us just because of public opinion, will they?"
Alec's words carried a hint of hesitation and nervousness.
"It's not that simple."
Fred nodded in agreement.
Public opinion alone is rarely enough to sway the decisions of those in power.
At least, that's how it is in most places.
Even in his previous life, it was the same.
People might complain, but the fighting would still rage on, leaving others frustrated.
As for here, if he didn't intervene, ZAFT would eventually become such a place.
"What I'm doing is merely legitimizing our actions and establishing normal diplomatic relations with other nations."
"As for the Atlantic Federation, in the end, we'll still have to fight."
As he spoke, Fred felt a bit nervous, yet not the slightest bit afraid.
After all, only by eliminating the culprit, Blue Cosmos, would he gain his freedom and the world achieve peace.
At least, that was the case now, while the Clyne Faction still held significant control over PLANT.
"Alright, Lacus will arrange everything. We just need to focus on developing the food supply."
With Fred's words, the shuttle slowly came to a stop at the port of Junius City.