Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 19: Promotion

As expected, after Eli shared his thoughts, all eyes turned to Major General John Kowen.

"Major General John Kowen, what is your opinion on Lieutenant Eli's suggestion?"

"Yes!"

On the screen, Major General John Kowen stood up, saluted, and picked up a report to begin his briefing.

Given that the Ground Combat Gundam was a byproduct of the V Project, Major General John Kowen naturally had a thorough understanding of it. He proceeded to compare the data gathered on the Apsalus during this operation with the technical specifications of the Ground Combat Gundam. Additionally, he presented the parameters of the Federation's main warships, the Salamis-class and the Magellan-class.

The conclusion was clear: the Apsalus could undoubtedly be called a "Mini Magellan" on land.

As for the White Base, which also used a Minovsky particle flight system? That was classified information and could not be disclosed to a mere lieutenant like Eli.

After Major General John Kowen finished his report, the meeting room fell into temporary silence.

Eli knew that the high-ranking officials in Jaburo were likely debating this matter behind the scenes.

During this lull, Eli took the opportunity to observe the last person on the screen.

It was Lieutenant General Tiem, a prized protégé of General Revil and his hopeful successor.

Unfortunately, during the Battle of Solomon, Lieutenant General Tiem was killed when a Big Zam directly struck the bridge of his ship.

General Revil himself also perished when Gihren Zabi assassinated him during peace negotiations with Prince Degwin.

The Federation's rare glimmers of hope were thus extinguished.

Looking at these two individuals, Eli felt a stir in his heart.

If he could save them, would the future of the Universal Century take a better direction?

Eli lowered his head.

What could he possibly do?

As just an MS pilot, no one would believe him if he spoke up.

Even if he ventured into space, Eli found it hard to believe he could save these two from such brutal battles.

With a soft sigh, Eli extinguished the fleeting thoughts in his mind.

These were merely the sentiments of a spectator, stirred by the countless tragedies of the Universal Century.

Soon, Jaburo reached a decision.

However, Eli was temporarily unaware of the outcome.

As a mere lieutenant, he had no place in such decisions.

Even their direct superior, Colonel Ethan, could only attend as an observer.

"Thank you for your input, Lieutenant Eli. You may leave now," General Revil ordered, temporarily halting the discussion.

However, Eli noticed a faint smile from General Revil directed at him.

This was no surprise; General Revil was known for his keen eye for talent. It was only natural for him to favor Eli, a frontline MS pilot.

"Yes, sir!"

Eli complied without question and left.

As for Amada Shiro? Unfortunately, he did not have the qualifications to meet General Revil.

Later analysis of the Ground Combat Gundam's combat records revealed that Amada Shiro exhibited an unusual familiarity with the Apsalus' pilot.

If Shiro had successfully persuaded the pilot to defect, things would have been easier, and he might have been rewarded.

But unfortunately, Shiro was now under investigation by the military police.

So Eli waited in the Southeast Asian Command's hall, dressed in a Federation uniform, watching clerks scurry by with documents.

Beyond their jungle front, there was also the desert front.

Yes, Southeast Asia now had desert terrain as well.

Since entering the Universal Century, Earth's ecological environment had deteriorated further.

Recently, Zeon had even dropped a colony onto Earth, an act that promised immense future damage to the planet.

Eli understood this. By UC 100, Earth's deteriorating conditions would lead the Federation to forcibly relocate its inhabitants into space. To enforce this, they would form hunter squads to expel undocumented residents.

Could such policies truly be called correct?

"Lieutenant, Colonel Ethan is looking for you."

Before long, a messenger approached Eli, who was slouched in thought on a bench in the hall.

"Understood."

Eli immediately stood up, adjusted his disheveled uniform, and followed the messenger to Colonel Ethan's office.

When Eli opened the door, he saw Colonel Ethan seated at his desk, seemingly engrossed in paperwork.

Why "seemingly"?

Because Eli's sharp intuition told him that the moment he entered, Colonel Ethan's attention shifted entirely to him.

"Lieutenant Eli Lee, reporting!"

Eli stepped steadily to Colonel Ethan's side and saluted.

Only then did Colonel Ethan set down his papers and look up, offering Eli a warm smile.

"Welcome, welcome, Lieutenant Commander Eli."

He raised his hand in return salute.

"Lieutenant Commander?"

Eli repeated in confusion.

He didn't think Colonel Ethan would make a mistake in this setting.

The only explanation was that Eli had been promoted.

Given the timing...

"Lieutenant Commander Eli, due to your outstanding performance over the past three months, the higher-ups have taken notice. They've now assigned you to investigate the Apsalus and promoted you accordingly."

Colonel Ethan stood, walked to Eli's side, and patted his shoulder.

To others, Colonel Ethan appeared warm and courteous, treating subordinates with kindness.

However, Eli, knowing that this was the man who ordered the 07th Team into a mine during the final Mountain Base assault to detonate a reactor and bypass the Antarctic Treaty, understood that Colonel Ethan's outward demeanor concealed a deeply calculating nature.

Of course, Eli still acknowledged his decision to destroy the ship.

The supplies and troops on that ship, if returned to Zeon, could have dramatically altered the war's trajectory.

"Lieutenant Commander Eli, to facilitate your investigation into the Apsalus, we've decided to merge the 06th and 08th Teams into an independent task force under your sole command."

Noticing the lack of excitement on Eli's face, Colonel Ethan revealed another piece of news.

This time, Eli looked visibly surprised.

"I'll have full command? What about Lieutenant Amada Shiro?"

"Well, you know how it is. Involving Zeon at this juncture isn't ideal, especially since the higher-ups are closely monitoring the Apsalus. However, he has assured me that he will either persuade the Apsalus pilot to defect or destroy it. That's why he's still allowed to fight, though he's lost his command."

Colonel Ethan, satisfied with Eli's expression, returned to his desk.

Seeing this, Eli understood he was being dismissed. He saluted silently and turned to leave.

"Oh, and Lieutenant Commander Eli, the higher-ups have sent other teams to investigate the Apsalus as well. Be sure to 'assist' them, won't you?"

As Eli reached the door, Colonel Ethan spoke again.

Before Eli could respond, the door shut behind him, cutting off his view of the office.