Editing KSGU:Volume 10 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 26===

‘“…This is what they mean by those of the same kind understand each other, best right? Two powerful figures secretly supporting the government have vanished in unison. Even the folks living on the other side of the Moon may hear some unpleasant rumors.”’’

The man gleefully stating so on the screen was almost 45 years old, but his skin remained taut, and his lush hair showed no signs of fading. He was a third generation senator who gained popularity through his looks, and thus maintaining his appearance was a facet he had to work hard on. Ronan however suspected that might not be all, for the man seemed to live a little too hedonistically for his age. The man looked younger because of his lifestyle, to live for himself and not to care about the struggles in his heart.

He was not being boastful; he simply felt there was nothing in this world for him to take seriously, that every person in his path was a mere rock in his path. He would be no politician if he took all humans as humans, but he was way overboard in this regard. It appeared Martha had the same thought as she answered, “It is impressive that you have such a reliable intelligence network, Defense Minister Monaghan Bakharov.” She sounded utterly displeased. They were in the ‘Caucasus Forest’, and Monaghan Bakharov was on a monitor next to the colony laser, smiling away. Bright, who lifted his head unhappily, appeared peeved from the side.

“But is this fine? The “Sleeves” are doomed. You should worry about how to deal with yourself, rather than talk with us, I suppose?”

''“It is strange to hear such words from you. The radical ‘Wind NGO’ that had supported Neo Zeon has nothing to do with me. I intend to punish all involved parties severely, and shall relay all information about the “Sleeves” to the Federation…but there are some things I am curious about.”’’

Saying that, Monaghan reached for the lush hair unbefitting his age, and showed a sly glint in his eyes. He somehow obtained intel that the colony laser was about to be fired, interrupted the comms of the control room, and demanded to speak with the two ‘secret rulers’. This showed that he, a senator of the Republic of Zeon, knew everything, and discreetly admitted to being the mastermind behind the “Sleeves”. He finally showed his true colors. Along with a frowning Martha, Rona looked towards the footage transmitted from side 3. The comms operators were busy aligning the “Gryphios 2”, and Bright, surrounded by guards, stared at the monitor.

‘‘“After Neo Zeon’s destruction was announced, one has to wonder what the Federation’s Space Military Realignment will entail…The Republic and the factories of Anaheim on the Moon have some contact, so naturally, we cannot remain callous about this.”’’

Monaghan continued, sounding unperturbed as he ignored all the stares. His intel might have come from a Settlement Issues council member, probably afraid that the Realignment will fail…probably John Powell. Before Martha could glance aside to reproach Ronan, the latter merely sighed in annoyance.

''“Our Republic government is too troubled by these terrorists using the name of Zeon. The fact remains however that the Federation and the economy can run because of people like the “Sleeves”.”’’

“What are you getting at?”

‘‘“The baby boom after the war has resulted in the population of the Earth Celestial Sphere to expand to 12 billion. It is impossible to ensure employment for everyone. Humanity’s wish is to eradicate war, but keeping unemployment and poverty levels down is the responsibility of the government, am I correct?”’’

“Are you saying that the Republic has to continue being the enemy so that the Federation Realignment succeeds?”

''“A war between countries will not do. The incomes are imbalanced.”’’

''One simply has to look at the Principality of Zeon’’, Monaghan shrugged as he hinted at that. The failure to retrieve the “Laplace Box” was one thing, but the destruction of the Neo Zeon fleet in the process was surely unexpected to him. However, he was not defeated, and came to negotiate immediately. Was it because he understood that there was no unchanging thing in this world, having been on the side of defeat? Or did he never think of them as people to begin with, and was so brazen to attempt this? It was likely the latter, so Ronan thought as he glared at the gleeful face.

‘''“It is best to leave them to dangerous elements like Neo Zeon. Most have been dealt with after the war, but our government has had some relation with the Oldtypes. If needed, we can reorganize the “Sleeves” again.”’’

Bright was utterly furious by the blatant words as he took a step forward, only to be ushered back at gunpoint. Martha ignored Bright, “And I suppose the price is to delay the dissolution of the Republic?” Monaghan did not answer, instead merely showing a smile only in appearance.

“It does sound decent to the Federation and Anaheim, but is that really possible? That Second Coming of Char might have been shot down in battle, you know?”

''“We can make as many as we want. It is merely a symbol after all, like the Federation’s “Gundam”. Give an appearance, and the public will determine its own meaning.”’’

Even Martha gasped at this as she reeled her chin. So, was this the truth behind Full Frontal—the Second Coming of Char who symbolized the reborn Neo Zeon? Ronan already anticipated how furious he would be, and once he sensed he was at his limit, the heat was at his throat, “Enough already.” He interrupted sternly.

“It seems you are playing with fire, Minister Monaghan. Any continued negotiations will reduce your lifespan. Your father rebuilt the Republic of Zeon after the war, and he will be disappointed by you.”

A crack appeared on the calm face, and Monaghan’s eyes were seething. Ronan sensed that he was correct in his assessment, that Monaghan Bakharov disagreed with the policy to abide by the Federation after the war, approached Neo Zeon that had declared itself independent from the Republic, and unwittingly learned to manipulate them. He was right in desiring the independence of the Republic, but all he knew was to enjoy the fruits of others’ efforts, compared to the suffering his father’s generation endured when they were forced to submit. This man was arrogant to think of the world as his toy. ''“You…are rather blunt here!”’’ Monaghan attempted to regain some pride, “We’re busy, unlike you.” Ronan in turn cut him off.

“Depending on your answer, minister, we may end up a little busier. Do remember that the colony laser may have more than one shot.”

''If you intend to intimidate us, I shall burn Side 3’s capital ‘Zum City’.’’ Martha and Bright were startled by this unexpected implication as they turned towards Ronan in shock. ''“This…is…”’’ While Monaghan continued on with a pale face, “It will happen.” Ronan answered decisively.

“The target is currently moving, and we’re busy correcting the course. It will be an unfortunate accident if the shot passes through Side 3.”

It was not that easy to hit a colony behind the Moon, but they could aim at it if needed. Ronan was not saying this just to intimidate, and he stared at the monitor unflinchingly. Monaghan’s tense face twitched, and he averted his eyes with a grimace. ''“…I see, the destruction of the “Box” means that the economy of old has to change.”’’ The reaction just reeked of sour grapes as it bounced off the wall, and vanished above the operators’ heads..

''“I shall witness the future of the Federation after Zeon is destroyed, from the back of the moon.”’’

Monaghan finished the insult he barely thought of, and disconnected. A second after the monitor was disconnected, there was a relative CG depicting “Gryphios 2” with its target. Monaghan’s presence never lingered in their hearts, and the mood reverted back as though nothing happened. The puppeteer of the Republic had completely vanished from the ’Caucasus Forest’.

The operators stared at their terminals, not looking up. It was a fact that everyone was busy aligning the target on the reticule, calculating the trajectory. They were so busy, and a man just took up an entire monitor. They were so furious that they did not listen to the conversation. Ronan sighed as he looked towards Martha and Bright, who were facing reality. “The alignment is almost complete.” He said with a terse voice..

“It will take about 20 minutes to rechard, considering the “Magallanica” mobility, extra firepower and range.”

“That’s too much time.”

“We can’t shorten it anymore. This is the first time we’re aiming at a moving target.”

Aibres’ face had been tense for hours, and his golf tanned face was clearly showing fatigue. Ronan looked back at the monitor, and up towards the “Gryphios 2” that was being corrected. The flashing lights were probably the nuclear rockets being used to redirect. They might appear as small as needles, by the side of the cylinder, but up close, they were probably several hundred meters in length. It was said the laser cannon the size of a colony required the thrust output of an entire space fleet..

It would pass the shoal space region, Earth, and the total distance would be 795,000 kilometers. A slight deviation in angle of the “Gryphios 2” would result in an error of several hundred meters. If the laser missed by 0.01 degree, it could burn everything in its path. This “Gryphios 2” was derived from the ‘solar ray’ of the Principality of Zeon, its decisive weapon. ''I never expected myself to be firing the most destructive weapon in human history’’─Ronan’s lips curled as he stared at the 6km diameter of “Gryphios 2” emitting a dangerous light. “Contract’s renewed” Martha’s voice came from behind.

“Since it left “Industrial 7”, that makes it perfect for us. We can work together to destroy the “Box”, and that will establish a new working relationship between the Federation and the Vist Foundation.”

Or rather, accomplices. Martha gave a stiff smile as she looked towards the monitor by the side, where the “Magallanica” was on. The clock on it was shown to be 1pm. Ronan did not look at anyone, and instead waited for the time. Bright remained surrounded by guns, his eyes still unflinching as he glared at Ronan’s back.