Gundam SEED Rebuild

Chapter 2 - A Man Changed

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED. Adrian Lockheed, Mark Lockheed, Dean Banner, and Helen Glenn are my OCs. Andria Yamasaki is TitanicX's OC.

"There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right."

- Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States

Cape Canaveral, Florida, CE 53

George Glenn and Adrian Lockheed watched as Hunter News covered the families of the two dead students in grief inside the hospital lobby. Neither man said anything, but for George Glenn, the sorrowful faces of the students' families, and their greyed-out university photos were seared into his memory.

"Now this studio has reports coming in from the Brevard County Sheriff that the perpetrator of this shooting is a University of South Florida student who has been found to be in illegal possession of his firearm," Dean Banner announced, "here is a segment from the sheriff's press release just minutes ago."

The image then changed over to the sheriff, who was clearly looking distraught as well as angry. "So far the investigation has been ongoing, but what evidence we do possess indicates that this young man was acting on his own accord, although some fellow students have speculated him to be in league with Blue Cosmos, which, as many already know, is starting to contaminate our young people on campus across the country."

George Glenn's eyes were fixed to the screen as the sheriff continued to read from his transcript.

"One of the most troubling findings of this investigation that we've found is that the suspect's social media accounts contained discussions and details about his intent to assassinate Mr. Glenn. While we are still tracing where he sourced the firearm, our office has also determined that the car that he used to drive up to this county is not registered to him. Additionally, he was driving with a license determined to be falsified, likely to cover the unexplained absences from his college."

After a pause, the Sheriff ended with, "this office will continue to work with the Bureau of Public Safety in this investigation. We will continue to update you as new information comes in."

The screen returned to Dean Banner. "While we won't draw conclusions as the investigation continues," he went on, "it hasn't taken long for the leadership of the Workers Party and their allies in the mainstream media to make their own."

The image then shifted to show a man standing outside his office. "As you can see, the Coordinator George Glenn is nothing more than a violent mobster! His so-called efforts have culminated in two young promising individuals dying at his hands!" the politician declared. "And he has done nothing to ensure that this issue of Coordinators is addressed on our terms!"

Adrian shook his head at the sight of the angry representative from Massachusetts. The representative wasn't finished though, "I also put the blame on those damn Republicans for doing nothing about the Coordinators and the gun violence on our streets. When is enough going to be enough!?"

The TV image then shifted to another representative, this one being a Workers representative from the state of Ontario. "What happened in Florida was most atrocious," he stated, "but it's no uncertainty the kind of controversy that Mr. Glenn seems to court."

George Glenn could not believe what he was hearing. After a tragedy involving two innocent lives, there were people out there trying to spin narratives to make it look like that he was responsible for the shooter's actions. Unfortunately, the commentary shown from other channels by Dean Banner was not any better.

"George Glenn has prompted this sort of violence by the very nature of his character and arrogance as a privileged Coordinator!"

"George Glenn is an abomination, so it's natural that he inspires abominable actions."

And another. "By virtue of his white and Coordinator privilege, George Glenn naturally invites the hatred and violence by those who are not of his racial status."

Adrian looked over to George Glenn. It was then that he saw something that no one else had seen; it looked as though there was a simmering indignity in his facial expression.

The last person Dean Banner was exposing was a senator from Ottawa. He was a notorious member of the fringe Nature Party, which was highly suspected to be the political arm of Blue Cosmos. What was unbelievable was that he seemed to be holding a rally on Capitol Hill, complete with angry demonstrators with placards denouncing Glenn and Coordinators by extension.

"...And so, you see the dangers that Coordinators, those abominations that call themselves humans, pose! The first one of his kind murdered two innocents, and now he... no IT... has the gall to declare that one of US, one of the TRUE humans, murdered those two students! He is nothing but a savage acting civilized! We, as Naturals, as Mother Earth's TRUE children, must act to eradicate this menace, once and for all!" the senator cried. "So, in the name of the Earth, in the name of Mother Gaia, we shall destroy all Coordinators! Let those Patchworkers feel our might and righteous fury!"

His words stirred the crowd into a frenzy, only for Dean to come on the air again. "As you all can see," he resumed, "Blue Cosmos and the far left in the Atlantic Federation have not wasted their time exploiting this shooting, denigrating Coordinators and Republicans alike, and even outright lying and shifting blame to their political opponents to fire up their radical base. Joining me tonight for reactions and debate are former BPS agent Daniel Pollack, and Worker Representative Hidalgo Cortes from South Florida."

The screen divided into three, with the two mentioned individuals joining Dean onscreen. "Thank you for coming on gentlemen."

Both men were Naturals, but both were on opposite ends of the ideology of Blue Cosmos. Daniel was more supportive of Coordinator rights, while Hidalgo was not.

"Hidalgo," Dean addressed the representative, "I'm sure that you agree that this was a tragedy your state suffered that should not have happened, but can we also agree that maybe your party should not be so quick to put Mr. Glenn through the gauntlet?"

"I do agree on that part, but one must also realize that it was due to his revelation that spurred this senseless violence," Hidalgo replied. "Regardless, I do not agree with the inciting of violence against innocents. Blue Cosmos may have some points on Coordinators, but they should be looking at this from a rational perspective, not coercing young minds to violence due to one's genes being different. That kind of violence will only encourage it to grow. We must act diplomatically, not on rage and hate. That will only tear us apart, not keep us united."

"Very funny, Hidalgo," Daniel shot back, "from the man whose party leadership regularly convenes with the Nature Party, a political arm of Blue Cosmos, not to mention accepting campaign and lobbying money from these far left environmentalist groups whose ideas of a blue and pure world seems to be making the streets run red with human blood. Dean, this is very typical of Blue Cosmos and its ideological brotherhood, to project onto their victims what they themselves do. This young man who shot up the space center was frequenting sites and accounts run by some of the most looney fringe activists affiliated or allied with Blue Cosmos. It is also a fact that Blue Cosmos has infiltrated the membership of student life groups and establishment academia to push their agenda onto potential future voters at their most impressionable stage in life."

Hidalgo tried to keep an eye twitch from forming at the insult, but maintained his cool. "I am only stating that we must not let violence run our country. That is all I am saying."

As Glenn heard this, his mind began to ponder.

"Then we should stop blaming Coordinators and Mr. Glenn for the wrongheaded decisions that individuals like the shooter make," Daniel argued back, "we are a country whose laws and traditions are based on individual responsibility and merit. We should be doing more to keep Blue Cosmos' radical methods from becoming mainstream, and unscrupulous politicians like the senator from Ottawa just now are using this to gin up more and more anger from the base, which sooner or later boils over into action."

"I think most people would agree that the rhetoric from Blue Cosmos encourages more and more confrontation," Dean Banner added, "and no one on that side seems to be calling for more rational discussion into the kinds of behavior that they deem acceptable."

Hidalgo, on screen, finally conceded as Adrian finally shut off the TV and glanced at his guest. George Glenn glanced out of his window, by then, the crowds of protesters and counter-protesters had mushroomed, and the local police presence increased as more patrolmen arrived and donned helmets and riot shields, trying to keep both sides separate. It was then that a bullhorn from the anti-Glenn protesters sounded off.

"We want George Glenn out of Florida! His anti-Natural hate and fascism have no home here!" With that, the crowd of protesters became even more raucous, threatening to overrun the police and the local counter protesters. George Glenn clenched his fist. It was enough.

The First Coordinator went into the restroom, and came out with his suit, still stained from the blood of the deceased students. He then briskly opened the door and walked out.

"George?" Adrian was befuddled as he followed him out of the room. "What are you-"

"I have to address this issue," Glenn replied. "It has to end. Now."

It was then that the AF Navy officer surmised what he was going to do. "But George, it's too dangerous!" He was concerned that the crowd was going to tear him to pieces.

"I don't care," Glenn replied. "It's best we address this before it starts to get out of hand." The two entered the lobby.

Seeing that Glenn was very determined, Adrian knew that he needed something. It was then that he grabbed the gentleman by the arm.

"Adrian, let go," Glenn politely, but firmly demanded.

"We can make our way out the back door," Adrian suggested, "I know of someone who can protect you!"

It was then that George Glenn saw how concerned his young companion was for his safety. Seeing that the police were now having to push back hard on the protesters, who were now throwing things and brandishing blunt weapons outside, Glenn realized that it would not do him or his apparent supporters well for him to be out there. "I take it that you have an idea, young man."

"My father has quite a bit of influence in AF politics," Adrian explained, "Blue Cosmos would have to get through him to get you."

It was then that the Coordinator celebrity had an epiphany. 'Powerful father... Lockheed...' Realizing who this young man really was, he voiced, "you're the son of Senator Mark Lockheed, aren't you?"

Adrian twitched in surprise a bit at that. 'He's sharp...' he thought to himself. "Why yes," he replied.

It was then that George Glenn's lips turned up, with purpose and fire in his eyes. "Then take me to him," he said, "I'll pay both our tickets for the next flight possible to Washington."

Adrian stared at George Glenn, caught off guard by his sudden change in cooperation. Then again, this was a man whose accomplishments included military service, sports, engineering, and space exploration. Adrian then nodded in agreement. "Consider it done!"

The officer then turned around and headed back up the stairs. "I'll bring the car to the back," Adrian said as he returned to his room, "you wait behind the back door, and wait for a text from me."

The Coordinator nodded. "Right." Then he faced him. "I can't thank you enough for doing this."

Adrian gave a thumbs up, and went back to get his car keys.

Washington D.C., Atlantic Federation Capital, CE 53

Adrian and George Glenn stepped off their flight at Ronald Reagan National Airport. George Glenn had a change of clothes before they left Florida, now sporting a black business suit, with a fedora and shades concealing his face from view. Of course, it had been at Adrian's suggestion to go undercover, which was something he was glad for. The young man was very astute and cunning, he had to admit.

"There's our luggage," Adrian noted as their bags arrived in luggage claim. The two men wasted no time in claiming their stuff, then they quietly but quickly made haste towards the exit.

"If your father's information is correct," George said, "the driver he sent should recognize your face."

"Of course," Adrian said, "he's my father's chauffeur."

The duo made their way out to the exit, coming to where a car was waiting for them. The man peeked out of the driver's side and he gave a discreet nod to the naval officer.

"Good to see you," Adrian greeted.

"Likewise, and thank goodness you're safe," the driver reciprocated. He opened the passenger door for his guests. George was the first to go in, getting a feel for the quality leather seats. 'Senator Lockheed knows how to treat his guests,' he thought to himself.

Adrian quickly texted his father via smartphone that they had arrived. "Alexandria, Dad's house," he told the driver.

The man nodded and started to drive. The car pulled out of the airport, heading down the streets towards their destination, Adrian keeping an eye out for any potential mobs or assassins the whole way; not that there were any, but given the situation it didn't hurt to be too careful.

As they crossed over the Potomac, George had time to reflect on this new and challenging journey he was now embarking on. Before all this happened, he was never a particularly political individual. During his young and prime years, all he thought about was making the most of his abilities to make a living for himself and his family, while contributing a lot to the nation's technological and human development and the world at large. From his humble beginnings as the child of a working class family in Cincinnati, Ohio that was randomly selected by a top medical and genetics company, George had grown a large engineering firm of his own name, and donated lots of money to children's charity and college engineering programs for the youth, Natural and Coordinator alike. Now, because two promising students he met were gunned down by someone whose mind was poisoned by his critics, he could no longer ignore the power play that was going on in the nation's capital.

"Here we are," Adrian said as they pulled up on a suburban home. George took note of how the windows were blacked out from the outside. The driver then went up the curb onto the driveway, into the open garage. The doors automatically sealed shut. As the two men stepped out of the car, an elderly man came down to the garage to greet the two. George could see that he was about his age or older, with grey hair, a few wrinkles on his face, and small brown eyes. He was wearing a green sweater and tan khakis as well. George smiled in recognition. "Senator Lockheed."

"Welcome, pioneer of the stars," Mark Lockheed remarked, coming up to greet the Coordinator, "it's an honor to meet you at last."

"Likewise," George said as he shook hands with the Senator from Missouri.

The trio finally entered the house, and Adrian gestured for Glenn to take a seat at the table.

"Thank you," George accepted.

The elderly senator turned to his son with a warm smile. "You've handled yourself well, my son."

"I just knew I had to act when the chips were all down," Adrian replied with confidence. Satisfied with that, Mark gave his adult son leave from the room. Now it was just the Natural senator and the Coordinator CEO at the table.

"First off," the senator began, "I wish to express my sympathies for the two students who died today, and just the fact that you had to be caught up in such an unfortunate situation."

"I still have every intention of properly attending their funerals and giving their families due respect," George clarified, "but at the same time, I am now concerned that there are those in government and media who seem to openly endorse the aims and methods of Blue Cosmos."

The senator's face took a downcast expression as he sighed. "You're not wrong, Mr. Glenn."

"Call me George, please," George pointed out. The senator nodded in the affirmative.

"The environmental and racial interest lobbies in Washington are a powerful force to contend with," Lockheed explained, "many of the senators and representatives on the other side of the isle don't dare challenge the Blue Cosmos activists out of fear of offending them and not surviving their primaries, let alone elections. It certainly doesn't help that there are many in the media, entertainment, and parts of the manufacturing industry that fundraise for the Workers Party. Blue Cosmos is figuring out that infiltrating the private sector would give them unprecedented power that is in no way accountable to the electorate, and thus influence members of the government to go along with them."

Glenn's eyes narrowed. "Seems to me like Blue Cosmos has something up their sleeves," he mused. "But to hear what they are doing... it makes me wonder if there is something more going on."

Lockheed closed his eyes and hummed. "It's likely that they are on the cusp of absolute power, and they could care less if innocent people were hurt or killed. If anything, a death toll inflicted by their most radical members would be a bonus, as a way to intimidate the populace and to control the number of Coordinator citizens still in the AF."

"What's the response of the Constitutional Republican Party to all this? Surely they are acting in opposition," George asked the senator.

"I may be the minority leader of the Republican Party in the Senate," Mark Lockheed said, "but there are many members in both chambers of the Assembly who regularly differ to the Workers Party whenever it comes to lobbying ethics and matters of free speech and censorship in the media. Many of them do so in the supposed spirit of multi-partisanship, others regularly take money from Wall Street and the corporations that Blue Cosmos have infiltrated, and thus are afraid of being cast as being anti-capitalist, even though our platform also advocates against crony capitalism on all sides."

He looked Glenn straight in the eyes. "Many of the Assembly Republicans themselves are weak and corrupt," he explained, "they espouse principles of limited government and constitutional restraint, but immediately retreat under fire from the Workers Party and the BC activists in the Nature Party when government budgets, social welfare, and racial issues are brought to bear. We Republicans are regularly accused of being racist toward Natural ethnic minorities whenever we speak out against anti-Coordinator discrimination."

"So... you're telling me that the rot of Blue Cosmos has sunk into both sides?" George Glenn's eyes hardened.

"Unfortunately, that is the truth," Mark affirmed, "and the current president many thought was going to be a unifier against Blue Cosmos, is instead neutered and afraid to lift a finger against them."

"We simply don't have the electoral power on our side, and Coordinator citizens we are advocating for are either too afraid, or have grown indifferent to whoever is elected into power," Mark lamented, "and who can blame them, if there are too few people principled enough to fight back?"

That was not good. Not by a long shot. "Do we have ANY allies we can turn to?" he asked. He knew of one ally already, as she was currently in charge of his company. George then had an epiphany. If Blue Cosmos was going to make him their enemy... he was going to be their worst one yet. No more passive indifference, no more sweeping their insanity under the rug.

"Well then," George resolved, "I think it's time to change the equation."

Mark cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? I assume you have a plan?"

"If Blue Cosmos wants me and millions of other Coordinators dead," George said with a righteous indignation, "then I'm going to be the worst of their enemies." He paused for a bit, then added, "they politicized this tragedy for their own gain, and now I'll give them what they wish for."

The First Coordinator extended his hand. "What do you say to an alliance? In return for my endorsements and donations, you and you allies will remodel this Constitutional Republican Party into a lean and mean fighting machine."

Mark's eyes widened, before a smirk crossed his face. "I accept." He extended his own hand and the two men shook.

"Come to think of it..." Mark suddenly remembered, "I have yet to offer an official statement on your unfortunate shooting..."

It was then that George had an idea. "If I may, Senator," George suggested, "I wish to be present for your official statement."

Mark smiled. "Of course. I would appreciate it. I'm also sure that you'd like to make your thoughts known."

"For too long, I've been passive about Blue Cosmos and prejudice against Coordinators. It's time I offered more of my own voice, for those who need one." There was no uncertainty in Glenn's voice.

Mark nodded. "I agree. It's time to speak up and get the message out there." He then got out his phone and sent out a text, letting his colleagues know that they were having a guest tonight. "I hope you'll have a speech planned."

"I'll speak from the bottom of my heart," George replied, "I want to let the world know my earnest thoughts on this violence and Blue Cosmos."

As this went on, Adrian could not help but eavesdrop from the next room over. He knew that his hero was a determined and accomplished man, but something had definitely changed about him. The words he heard were that of a man on a mission. George had taken on the tone of a warrior, which had been unheard of since his military days.

'Now this I've got to see...' Adrian thought with a smile.

Atlantic Federation Capitol

Mark Lockheed ascended the steps to the hallowed halls of the Atlantic Federation's legislative branch of government. In tow was his military son, Adrian, who was in the car with George Glenn, his newfound ally in the political war against Blue Cosmos. Senator Lockheed went up to meet his colleagues by the podium, with reporters from various networks covering what was expected to be a political standard in light of national tragedies. Little did they know that the First Coordinator was watching from his car, waiting for his cue.

Senator Lockheed, the Minority Leader of the Federal Senate, took the podium and mike, and thus began his address. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," he said, "my colleagues and I come before the nation in the aftermath of the tragedy that unfolded at the Kennedy Space Center earlier today. I start by extending condolences to the families of the two students who were murdered by a lone assassin, targeting our nation's hero, George Glenn." His fellow senators silently nodded in agreement, while some of the mainstream reporters visibly frowned and sneered.

"While there are some in the Assembly across the isle who are using this shooting to demonize innocent Coordinators and our party," Mark continued, "our focus tonight should be on the victims of this crime, as well as the heroes who responded in putting a stop to the shooting and saved other lives in the process. First of all, we want to thank the brave men and women of law enforcement for their response and assistance to our fellow citizens affected by the attack. I also want to thank the brave citizen who risked his own life to personally stop the shooter with his own gun and save Mr. Glenn in the process. It is because of this good Samaritan that our nation's space pioneer is alive and still with us tonight."

Mark looked towards the car and winked. Seeing that as the cue, George Glenn opened the car door and stepped out to the gasps of shock and surprise by senators and reporters alike. The cameras rapidly turned from Senator Lockheed to the man whose achievements and existence as a Coordinator caused intrigue for the world since CE 15. It would not take long for news of George Glenn's sudden reappearance in Washington to go viral, and soon the whole world would bear witness to his survival.

As George ascended the steps of the capitol, police suddenly had to take up positions to separate the crowd of reporters and onlookers from the controversial pioneer. Having gone before the cameras more often than not, George was hardly deterred by the sudden flurry of questions flung his way. Mark Lockheed gestured toward his new friend. "Welcome back to Washington, George Glenn," he ceremoniously greeted, "and my apologies for you having to fly here after such an incident."

George Glenn wordlessly smiled as he shook the senator's hand for the cameras. The old senator waved to the microphone, ceding it to George. Straightening his tie, George breathed deep, and prepared for his first act of political theater.

"My fellow Atlantians," George began, "I come before the nation and the world tonight to reassure all of you of my survival. However, this occasion is marked with the tragic passing of the two Daytona University students who were part of a tour group I helped lead as part of their aerospace class. I too, must offer my condolences and regrets to their families, and hope that they can forgive me for what has happened. These two were some of the most wonderful and intelligent people I have ever met."

George then glanced towards the car, where Adrian was sitting. "I also wish to extend thanks to the man who saved my life when he shot and wounded the suspect," he added, "and thus no one else was hurt or killed as a result. It so happened that he was in the wrong place at the right time, that I am able to stand before all of you tonight."

Suddenly, George's normally-gentle face took on a steely expression. "However, I must also express my displeasure at the fact that my critics have chosen to exploit this crime to slander my character and stir up dissent when we should be coming together to heal and unify. I call out the members of the Assembly and media who parrot the Blue Cosmos talking points to irresponsibly demonize innocent Coordinators and Naturals!" He then pointed towards the Capitol, "I also specifically address the 'gentleman' senator of Ottawa, who had the gall to stage an anti-Coordinator protest on these very steps of this Capitol. How dare you use my near-death experience to call for even more violence and division!"

The press and the senators, besides Lockheed, were beyond shocked. Most people had never seen George Glenn be openly angry before. "You call me a savage, but you fail to see how your anti-Coordinator rhetoric inspires the very savagery you claim to denounce!" The Coordinator paused as he took a deep breath, composing himself so as not to lose control. "I thought that we live in a country where people ought to be judged by their individual actions and character. I can now see, though, that there are those who politically profit off of setting the people against one another like vultures."

Glenn Inc., Fort Worth, Texas

In the office of Glenn, Inc., Andria Yamasaki smirked. She folded her arms as she watched his announcement. "About time..." she muttered. Then her smirk faded. "But it's only going to get worse from here on out..."

Helen Glenn, on the other hand, was completely bewildered. "What is George doing?"

"He's taking a stand," Andria replied. "A stand against what BC is doing. And frankly, despite our efforts, it's bound to be worse in the near future." Her eyes narrowed. "All I can say is that we've got to be ready... for what may come. Some... reports have come in regarding missing children. And the strange thing? The police haven't done a thing to find them. I'm getting a bad feeling, Helen. And that feeling centers around the mysterious deaths and disappearances of those children. As well as the uptick in campus rallies against Coordinators."

"George..." Helen muttered, worried for her husband. It was then that the door opened. "Mom!"

The two women turned and a young man entered, his hair a mess and his eyes wide. "Dad is..." Jeff Glenn's voice breathlessly trailed off as he saw that they were watching his father speak on live TV.

"Blue Cosmos constantly talks about a blue and pure world as a wonderful thing for humanity," George continued to speak, "but I don't see anything wonderful about it when it is built on bloodshed and rule of the mob! They poison the minds of our youth with their brand of racist environmental dogma, and advocate a revolution on the same failed socialist ideologies of the past! There is nothing progressive or moral in what Blue Cosmos and its allies advocate!"

Several people were starting to look at one another and a group, from what the three could see, were starting to shout insults at not Glenn, but at the members of the Assembly that were allied with BC. It was a start, but not enough. What happened next though, did throw all three in that room for a loop.

"In response to this tragedy and the shameless politics of the aftermath," George went on, "I hereby openly condemn the ideologies and actions of Blue Cosmos, and am declaring myself a member of the Constitutional Republican Party of the Atlantic Federation. As a believer in the rule of law and a nation built on equal natural rights and justice for all citizens, I refuse to let the racial malcontents fomenting this culture of jealousy and victimization to go unopposed. They chose to make me an enemy, and now I shall be their worst one yet."

"I just hope he doesn't do anything that could get him killed... Andria remarked worriedly. "And for that matter... I only hope that this is a turning point for us... as a nation and a world."

"Dad..." Jeff was both shocked and amazed, as he was seeing a determined, yet different side to his father.

Olofat, Orb Union

To say he was shocked was an understatement. Uzumi Nara Attha was just floored by the outright declaration against Blue Cosmos' ideology. And he had to respect Glenn because of that.

His younger brother, Homura, and the other members of the Parliament likewise saw the live shot of George Glenn from Washington. Even for a man of his stature, this was a truly first political moment for the first known Coordinator. The rest of the capital city of Olofat was likely glued to this pro-Coordinator address from the Atlantic Federation as well.

"The Atlantic Federation isn't short on political drama," Homura remarked, "this is bound to be more internal strife."

"True," Uzumi remarked. "But he has the guts to declare open war on Blue Cosmos' ideology."

"If he is indeed becoming a member of that country's Republican Party," Uzumi added, "he could use his star power to rally the Coordinator Atlantians and their Natural allies to their cause. It would be a coalition like no other in previous history."

"That would mean that Blue Cosmos could possible lose its influence in the government," one of the other Parliament members remarked.

"Gentlemen," it was Unato Ema Seiran, "I would caution everyone here to view this latest development with a bit of a wider perspective. Whatever internal turmoil the AF incurs could imperil our current trade and economic negotiations with that country. Before we go taking sides in these disputes, we should think about how it would appear to the rest of the world."

The others nodded. Uzumi sighed. "Yes. I will take that into consideration. But we must also be ready to adjust our policies accordingly as well. We shall keep observing and see what happens next."

Aprilius One, PLANTs

Siegel Clyne had invited his friend Patrick Zala and other close allies in the Zodiac Alliance to his home for a secret meeting, when the PLANT broadcast networks began to stream a viral moment from the Atlantic Federation capital. The members of the Coordinators' rights group were treated to the visage of the very-much-alive George Glenn, going on record to strongly denounce anti-Coordinator violence and openly side with the country's pro-Coordinator political party. Needless to say, it was an amazing moment that was unfolding for the Zodiac Alliance.

"This is a most unexpected development," Siegel remarked as George Glenn made his surprise speech to the world.

"This would certainly disrupt Blue Cosmos in the Atlantic Federation," Patrick Zala commented with a rather amused smirk, "and the fact that he and Senator Mark Lockheed have joined forces is no less significant."

Eileen Canaver was also very interested in this political coming of age for the First Coordinator. "This could possibly work to our advantage," Eileen Canaver suggested, "especially if he were to somehow run for political office in the future. Perhaps we members of the Zodiac Alliance could begin our outreach to this Republican Party and Mr. Glenn."

Siegel's thoughts began to whir as new ideas came to his mind. "I think it's a good idea," he mused. "But we had best see what he plans to do next."

"I'm sure that only good things can come of his alliance with Lockheed," Patrick Zala suddenly said. This surprised many in the room with his uncharacteristic optimism. "The Lockheeds' political star power paired with George Glenn's own would make for a formidable opposition to any who would cross their paths."

"I'm sorry, my friend," Siegel wondered, "but is there something about the Lockheeds that you know that we don't?"

"Let's just say that I have my sources," Patrick replied curtly.

The other members were all shocked. But then again, if Glenn was taking an active stance against Blue Cosmos, then, surely good things could come their way, right?

Of course, things were set for a new future. But whether it was good or bad all depended on the people who believed in it...

And thus begins George Glenn's crusade against Blue Cosmos. How he changes the fates of his country, the world, and numerous individuals remains to be seen, but I hope you all come along with me to explore the possibilities of this AU.

Feel free to read, fave, and provide constructive reviews, and I'll see you all next chapter. :)

God Bless, and Happy 2019! :D