Under the varied gazes of those present, Commander Sutherland sneered coldly and spoke sharply.
"Those must be PLANT's new battleships."
As the commander, he had actually received relevant intelligence long ago.
However, not only him, but most high-ranking officers of the Atlantic Federation did not take PLANT's new battleships seriously.
They were all battleships—even if they were stronger, how much stronger could they be?
Not to mention industrial capacity and population.
Even if PLANT could build ships quickly, each vessel still required a crew.
With just sixty million people, what could they possibly achieve?
They could drown these Coordinators with sheer numbers alone.
Thus, the commander felt not the slightest fear at this moment. Instead, he sneered, slightly raised his chin, and signaled to his subordinate.
"Patch the communication through. Let us properly 'greet' these self-important Coordinators."
"Yes."
The communications officer nervously pursed his lips and responded. Soon, the communication screen lit up.
On the other end of the screen was naturally Patrick Zala, Chairman of the newly established Military Committee. Behind him stood two adjutants, only their upright torsos visible.
None of this, however, drew any particular attention from Commander Sutherland.
Before Sutherland could speak, the Chairman on the other side preempted him, his voice rough as stone yet sharp as a blade, speaking slowly.
"This is Patrick Zala, Chairman of the Military Committee under the PLANT Supreme Council."
"Atlantic Federation fleet, you have intruded into the exclusive space zone claimed by our side. Please state your intentions immediately and change course, or we will take compulsory measures."
Patrick's voice held not a trace of fluctuation.
Seeing this, Sutherland wore a light smile, stood up, and walked to the screen, replying in a tone reminiscent of a superior admonishing a subordinate.
"Gentlemen, there is no need to act as if facing a great enemy."
"The Atlantic Federation has come this time merely to express our deep... concern."
Sutherland emphasized the word "deep" slightly.
It was like a jackal feasting on flesh.
"Your concern has been noted. Please return."
Patrick said flatly.
Hearing this, Sutherland did not fall for any provocation. Instead, the mockery in his smile deepened.
"We have observed that your side is conducting large-scale structural modifications to satellites Junius Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, and others. This violates the reporting and consultation clauses regarding satellite function changes stipulated in the Coordinator Colony Development Management Treaty under Resolution 361 of the Council Nations.
"The allocation of resources for space colonies requires joint decisions by all Council Nations, not your whimsical actions."
"Nonsense!"
An adjutant behind Patrick could not help but interject.
"PLANT holds full autonomy over these satellites!"
Hearing this, Fred couldn't help but glance at his purple-clad colleague beside him—quite young and somewhat familiar.
He wondered if this was the one who would shoot Patrick dead in the future.
Upon hearing those words, Sutherland's smile vanished. He snorted coldly and said.
"This transformation plan is suspected of having potential military applications, seriously threatening the security of the Earth-Moon Transport Route."
"To maintain the stability and safety of the Earth Sphere, the Atlantic Federation, in collaboration with other friendly nations, formally demands that PLANT immediately cease the agricultural transformation of satellites such as Junius City."
"Of course, if you persist in your course, for the safety of billions in the Earth-Moon Sphere, we will have no choice but to adopt 'necessary surveillance and preventive measures.'"
This was a blatant threat.
Clearly, there was no room for negotiation.
Fred was not surprised by this.
Neither was Patrick.
If negotiation had been possible, it would have happened long ago—things would never have reached this point.
However, Patrick did not immediately respond to the other party's aggressive words at this moment.
Instead, he raised his sword-like eyebrows high, like a guillotine poised to fall at any moment.
Meanwhile, at her home in April City, Lacus, watching this scene unfold via an encrypted channel, tightly furrowed her brow.
Although she had anticipated this, when the moment arrived, Lacus still felt tension and fear.
One step further, and countless lives would be lost.
Yet at this point, neither side could retreat.
"Fred..."
Lacus silently recited his name in her heart, feeling the fear diminish slightly.
He was still striving, and that gave her motivation and support.
Peace would come.
"Lacus..."
Flay's voice beside her interrupted Lacus's thoughts.
"Mom and Dad have both gone to the underground shelter."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
Hearing this, Lacus stood up as well. Her pink skirt fluttered as she walked faster than usual.
Following Flay, with several bodyguards trailing behind, the two headed toward the shelter.
The shelter was located beneath the Clyne Estate, making it very convenient to access. The environment was also quite bright, as if capable of dispelling unease.
However, this comforting atmosphere had no effect on Flay, who was walking alongside Lacus at this moment.
"Lacus... is there something wrong with Junius City?"
Otherwise, why would her brother suddenly have their whole family come to Lacus's place? Why else would his friends also be taken away by their parents?
"There's nothing wrong."
Lacus shook her head. Seeing Flay still looking unsettled, she paused thoughtfully before continuing.
"Your brother is just taking precautions."
"After all, the situation could deteriorate at any moment, and no one can predict what might happen."
"But the probability is very low; it's almost impossible."
Fred had them come here not to guard against an ambush or anything of the sort.
After all, he had made numerous contingency plans himself.
What he was guarding against was the situation spiraling out of control.
If the situation completely spiraled out of control and escalated into a full-scale war, and if Blue Cosmos truly went mad enough to unleash nuclear weapons at the first encounter, then being here with her would at least ensure their survival.
It had to be said, that person truly considered everything for his family—except that he himself had gone to the most dangerous place.
"Yes..."
Flay was no fool. Earlier, she had simply been overwhelmed by worry. Now, hearing Lacus's words, she gradually calmed down and understood Fred's intentions.
"I must do my part too..."
A determined light shone in Flay's eyes, hidden beneath her bangs.
"Yes, we all need it."
Lacus gently took Flay's hand and spoke softly.
Without power, peace cannot be achieved.
I only hope that this conflict will demonstrate the power of MS.
As for the intensity of the war, with Fred here, it should still be manageable.
And Uncle Patrick is not the kind of person to lose his senses.
As they walked, Lacus's thoughts continued uninterrupted.
.
.
.