Chapter 250 – Loneliness
Now that they knew Titans were also heading to Dakar, there was no way the others would let Eli go there alone.
In fact, the members of White Chaser had never intended to let him go by himself in the first place.
"So, Colonel Woody, could you deploy a Marine unit to cooperate with our operation?"
Due to the unique nature of White Chaser, they hadn't brought along any Marines, so they needed Woody's troops to join forces with them now.
"Of course I have no objection. Since you've chosen to take on this task, Eli, I will naturally follow your command. However, there is something I don't quite understand."
"Please, go ahead."
Though Eli had already established his leadership among these people, his demeanor remained the same as before.
"It's this: I was wondering why we're not taking this opportunity—while Titans are focused on Dakar—to rescue General Revil. Even if he doesn't take part directly in the battle, his presence alone would significantly boost morale."
"No, we can't do that."
Before Eli could even respond, Jamitov's voice rang out.
Swallowing back the words about dividing their forces that he'd nearly spoken, Eli turned his gaze to the doorway.
He stood up along with the others and saluted General Jamitov as he entered. Once the general was seated at the conference table, they all followed suit, waiting for what he had to say.
"First of all, General Revil is indeed in poor health. He's currently recuperating in a Mediterranean sanatorium."
Eli was a little surprised—he had assumed that was just a lie Titans fabricated, but it turned out to be true.
"Second, I believe the reason Green hasn't taken more extreme actions is because General Revil has willingly become a hostage to placate him for the time being."
As Jamitov said this, he glanced at Eli.
That glance made Eli understand—this was yet another measure taken by General Revil to prevent the flames of war from spreading too quickly throughout the Earth Sphere.
After all, if only one side exercised restraint, it would be nothing more than foolishness.
General Revil had bound his own hands and feet in order to give Green Wyatt the option of seizing power through relatively moderate means within the Federation.
A small-scale military confrontation could still be interpreted as a political admonition, but if full-scale war broke out, no matter the justification, it would undermine any claim to legitimate authority and destabilize the regime.
"I see… Then I have no further questions. Please, allow me to take part in this operation as well."
Woody sat upright. First, he nodded toward Jamitov to show his gratitude for the explanation, then turned to Eli with his request.
Clearly, as someone directly loyal to General Revil, Woody understood who Revil had chosen to carry on his will.
"This will no doubt be an extremely grueling battle. This time, I will not be going to Dakar as a Mobile Suit pilot."
"No need to explain. The soldiers have trained hard precisely for this moment."
Since things had reached this point, Eli could no longer refuse.
"In that case, Augusta Base can also dispatch a team to assist. At the very least, we can ensure the retreat route stays secure."
"Understood."
Eli looked around the conference table at everyone present, his gaze lingering briefly on General Jamitov.
"To be honest, I don't know how far this operation will escalate. But what I can promise all of you is this: the Federation will not be worse off than it is now. Earth will no longer have to bear such heavy pressure, and the people will no longer be divided between Earth and space. A new Federation will be built."
—
"We'll build a new Federation."
With her arms crossed, Haman addressed the Newtype she had taken an interest in.
That Newtype she favored was none other than Kamille.
"So what? That's got nothing to do with me!"
Kamille was visibly irritated. He shot to his feet with a loud swish and glared at the woman before him.
Although she was the same age as Beltorchika, Kamille could clearly sense how fundamentally different she was from her.
Beltorchika could be a bit self-centered in her speech, often acting like she was the center of the world.
But no matter what, she would never try to force others—at heart, she was a kind person.
Haman, on the other hand, stood at the opposite extreme.
Outwardly, she too seemed to operate based on her own will.
But in truth, everything she showed was shaped by how others perceived her.
She needed to prove to the subordinates who had followed her here that their choice had not been in vain, so she remained within A.E.U.G. as an executive to assist Char.
She had to prove her capabilities to Char, so she constantly pushed herself to train—both as a Mobile Suit pilot and in honing her Newtype abilities.
Even her yet-unspoken ambitions could be traced back to the vow she once made to her father: to support Mineva Zabi.
Kamille didn't know any of this, but he could sense that the woman in front of him was not simple or pure.
"How can you say it has nothing to do with you? As a fellow Newtype, you should shoulder that responsibility!"
Haman's brows furrowed, and despite her short stature, she exuded an air of authority.
Yet even these words were only said because Char had chosen to embrace the Newtype ideal.
"Newtypes don't bear that kind of responsibility. Saying so is like denying the convictions of those who strive to change the world!"
"Then as a member of A.E.U.G., you should do your part, shouldn't you?"
"You were the one who said I was still under review!"
At that point, the tension between them was palpable—even someone without Newtype senses could see the conflict ready to explode.
"Alright, alright—Kamille, Lady Haman, please calm down. At least finish your meal first?"
Beltorchika, who had been sitting beside Kamille, stood up and tried to mediate.
Judging by her expression, it was clear whose side she was on.
Only then did Haman seem to become aware of her surroundings.
Without a word, she swept her gaze around the room and saw the many A.E.U.G. officers staring in their direction.
"Hmph. I'll be waiting for you in the hangar. If you still want to pilot the Mk-II, you'd better come."
Kamille said nothing. He simply sat down and resumed eating the meal that had been interrupted.
Watching Haman walk away, Beltorchika finally let out a small sigh of relief and patted her chest.
"Honestly… I can't believe she's got her eyes on Kamille."
"What do you mean, got her eyes on…"
Kamille muttered his complaint around a mouthful of food.
"I think… she's just trying to ease her loneliness."
At that moment, a familiar, mature voice echoed nearby.