NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Chapter 26: The Banquet
Chapter 26: The Banquet
Even as night fell, the Southeast Asian base showed no signs of quieting down. Instead, it was brightly lit.
In the base, Tinh-class frigates and Saberfish-class fighter jets were taking off one after another, expanding the air defense perimeter around the area.
All this was in preparation for the arrival of the Federation's newest warship.
The White Base, having endured numerous challenges, was making its first visit to an allied base today, and it was only appropriate to host a grand reception.
Colonel Ethan had even dressed his trusted officers in their ceremonial uniforms. Moreover, he had gone to great lengths to hire a chef capable of catering to such an occasion in Southeast Asia, all to entertain the main members aboard the White Base.
Although he knew that the White Base's captain, Bright Noa, was only a lieutenant, he treated him with the utmost respect.
One look at General Revil's attitude made it evident: Bright Noa's future was limitless.
Not to mention, Bright's greatest accomplishment wasn't merely bringing the White Base and the Gundam here.
It was his leadership that enabled the White Base to successfully eliminate the Zeon North American commander and, for the first time, kill a member of the Zabi family—an unparalleled achievement for the Federation.
Though the full details of the event were beyond everyone's expectations, this alone warranted Colonel Ethan's serious hospitality.
"Sir, the White Base is now within visual range."
"Good. Prepare to welcome them."
Even though he aimed to establish a good relationship with Bright, as a colonel, it would be too obvious if he personally went to greet him.
Thus, he simply stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, gazing at the massive silhouette slowly approaching from the east.
"Lucky fellow."
---
While the Federation base prepared to welcome their esteemed guests, elsewhere, Ginias was halting his experiments on the Apsalus to receive an important visitor: Ramba Ral.
If it were only Ramba Ral, a captain who had long been overlooked for promotion, Ginias, as the head of the Southeast Asian military district, wouldn't need to bother himself.
Unfortunately, the mission Ramba Ral carried with him left Ginias no choice but to host a banquet in his honor.
Ramba Ral was personally appointed by Dozle Zabi as the leader of the Karma Revenge Squad.
While Ginias could disregard Ramba Ral, he couldn't ignore Dozle.
After all, in a Zeon hierarchy that largely ignored or even doubted Ginias' Apsalus project, Dozle was the sole supporter still providing resources.
"Greetings, Lord Ginias," Ramba Ral's voice echoed in the banquet hall where Ginias was waiting.
"There's no need for formalities, Uncle Ral. I remember your care when I was a child."
Faced with such a guest, Ginias decided to adopt a more cordial attitude.
However, he refrained from overly emphasizing their connection. Back during the Deikun era, when the Sahalin family faced turmoil, the esteemed Ral family extended its support, allowing Ginias and his sister to thrive.
Yet after Deikun's assassination, the Ral family fell into decline.
Looking at Ramba Ral now, Ginias felt both sentimental and more determined to complete the Apsalus.
"If that's the case, I'll dispense with formalities. Right now, my top priority is to bring down that Trojan Horse."
Ginias nodded, indicating his awareness of the situation.
"If there's anything you need from me, don't hesitate to ask."
"In that case, I won't hold back. There is indeed something I need your assistance with."
Ramba Ral wasn't overly concerned with pleasantries. As the two enjoyed their meal, he made his request:
"During my battle with the Trojan Horse over the Pacific, I lost two Zaku units. If possible, I'd like replacements."
Ginias nodded.
Two Zakus were hardly significant resources, and providing them to Ramba Ral was no trouble at all.
For a while, the only sounds at the table were those of clinking cutlery and plates.
After some time, Ramba Ral spoke again:
"I recall that not long ago, the Apsalus experiments were discovered by the Federation, weren't they?"
Ginias' hand paused mid-action as he brought food to his mouth.
"It's nothing to worry about. The Federation won't hinder the Apsalus project. The Apsalus will be completed."
"Yes, I believe so too. What I wanted to point out is that the Trojan Horse's arrival here might have been drawn by the Apsalus."
Ramba Ral put down his utensils and looked directly at Ginias.
Ginias met his gaze, though a flicker of anger could be seen in his eyes.
"You're suggesting I use the Apsalus as bait to lure the Trojan Horse?"
"No, no, I would never place the hard work of a junior in such a precarious position. You should continue with your planned experiments. I only hope to observe with my troops."
Ramba Ral's words were tactfully phrased.
If observation were the sole purpose, he could go alone, yet he insisted on bringing his forces.
Ginias suppressed his anger.
Even if Ramba Ral had asked for Zeon's newest Dom mobile suits, Ginias might have been more accepting.
But any attempt to involve the Apsalus was utterly intolerable.
"I—"
Dong!
Just as Ginias was about to refuse, the sound of a bell echoed.
Simultaneously, the banquet hall doors were pushed open.
"Brother, it's time for your medication."
Ginias looked up to see Aina standing at the doorway, bowing slightly to Ramba Ral.
The anger in his eyes subsided a little.
When Ginias noticed the item hidden behind Aina's back, he softened even more.
The Federation's mass-produced Gundam models had already placed Aina in great peril. If the authentic Gundam aboard the Trojan Horse was added to the mix...
"Aina, do you still wish to pilot the Apsalus?"
Faced with her brother's question, Aina hesitated.
She wanted to respond affirmatively immediately.
But thoughts of the life-and-death struggle she faced and her brief reunion with Shiro caused her inner resolve to waver.
This hesitation, to Ginias, appeared as a lingering shadow from her near capture by the Federation.
He sighed.
"In that case…"
"No, I'm willing!"
Before Ginias could finish, Aina interrupted with her emphatic reply.
Ginias fell silent, scrutinizing her expression for a long time.
"Blue Star of Zeon, Ramba Ral, I certainly welcome you to observe the Apsalus experiments. And in return, I hope you'll put in a good word for me with Dozle."
Ramba Ral cast a complex glance between the siblings before standing up.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure."