Gundam SEED Rebuild
Ch. 7 - The Fallout
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam SEED. The Lockheed and Donnelly families, Glenn's immediate family, and Doug McLaney are my OCs. Andria Yamasaki is Titanic-X-21's OC. Mark Allen and Mackenzie Allen are ZAFT Convoy's OCs.
Response to Reviews:
-Chris Kaiser: Thanks for your frank and detailed reviews, but I would also respectfully ask that you tone things down a bit. There's also only so much detail I can track at once. However, you did bring up a point about the cure and the data package regarding the virus, and I hope this chapter addresses it. The politics of the Rebuild-verse Atlantic Federation is still in the works with my friend, and we'll flesh things out as best as we can, but at the moment, the Constitutional Republican Party and the Workers' Party are so far the largest and most influential forces on the spectrum. :3
-Guest (?): I will, thanks! :)
-Just a Crazy-Man: Thanks for sticking with the story. ;)
-edboy4926: Interesting reference! XD Also, you'll get to see how the aftermath plays out here and in the next chapter. Stay tuned. ;)
-Reishin Amara: Glad to hear you like this. ;) I hope you stay tuned for the rest of this AU, where the future of the Cosmic Era is hopefully a little brighter.
-SRPA Sentinel: That is music to my ears. Hope you stay along for the ride. ;)
Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, Feb. 10, CE 54
The hospital was abuzz with activity as Glenn Inc.'s private security worked with the police to secure the surroundings. Some of the police had gone to aid the rest of the city in the aftermath of the rather violent 'demonstration' by Blue Cosmos, while the rest stayed to secure the hospital and gather witnesses. To say the least, Andria was relieved that her plan had worked. She felt much better, knowing that things were in the hands of capable men and women. But that also meant that she still had her part to do.
"Andria," Adrian's voice called out to her as he and his two companions came walking up to her.
The woman turned to face him. "Oh, Adrian. How are you holding up?" she asked.
The young officer gave a weary thumbs up, but then quickly moved on. "Martha," Adrian mentioned, "how is she?"
Andria took on a more serious expression. "She's having it rough, but hanging in there," she said, "our doctors are still working on your baby, though..." Adrian swallowed nervously. Halberton and Donnelly each put a hand on his shoulder for comfort.
Andria shifted a bit. "Hopefully things go well with this," she said. It was then that Andria's intercom beeped. She raised her comm up. "Yes, what is it?" she asked. There was a bit of chatter that Donnelly could make out somewhat with his hearing. Andria's solemn face started to light up slightly as she got whatever news was on the other end. A small smile began to cross her face the more she listened. "That is excellent!" Andria suddenly chimed, but then whatever was said next on the other line, it made her face scrunch up in a mixed expression of concern and seriousness. "I see... then there's no time to waste... get to work on that cure right away, and keep her on life support. Don't let us down now." She finally hung up and turned to face Adrian.
"Well?" Adrian held his breath in suspense.
Andria turned to him. "The procedure was a success," she informed him with a slight smile. "Your son is now a Coordinator, and his immune system is fighting the virus better than ever before."
Adrian was about to breath a sigh of relief, but Andria's expression turned serious again. It was then that Adrian realized that she had something else to say. "However," she added, "the whole ordeal has made Martha severely ill and weak." The young executive's voice croaked a bit at having to say that. "She's in serious condition, nearing critical state."
"Good Lord..." Halberton muttered. He then saw how pale Adrian was turning.
"Tell me you'll do everything you can to save her!" Adrian said, looking Andria directly in the eyes. She looked back at him calmly, but with a determined glint in her eyes. "I intend to," she said seriously.
Halberton then spoke up, "so what's the next step? Knowing you, you always think the next step ahead."
Here Andria hummed hopefully. "The next step, is to develop both a vaccine, and a cure to the virus based on the data we're gathering from the baby's new immune system. Once our doctors get Martha into a more stable medical state, we'll give her the cure." Her face then fell slightly, "but it will take between four to seven days, even with our most advanced technology... and that's not counting the regulatory approvals we'll be having to go through..." Her eyes then hardened. "But I intend to get it approved. No matter what."
Andria hated to admit it, but this would be the most difficult challenge of her career thus far. She, and her future father-in-law's company were going to be put through the political and legal wringer for the vaccine and cure. There was no doubt, that there was going to be an uproar and lots of criticism, and BC's allies in the Workers and Nature Parties, along with some timid but anti-Glenn Republicans, were going to try and pull the stops on George Glenn, even if it meant more Naturals had to die for it.
But if anything, Andria was stubborn. And she would do everything in her power to get the vaccine approved.
Seeing how distressed Adrian was, Donnelly figured that it was time for the concerned husband to head home. "Hey," he coaxed his friend in a big-brother sort of way, "you look tired. I think we should get you home now... little Derek must be worried for you."
"Joe... my wife..." Adrian sounded off faintly in protest. Halberton quickly intervened with his own firm, friendly arm tug, also taking the AR-15 rifle from Adrian before it could fall from his grasp.
"Joe's right," Halberton said, "we can't have you looking so ragged and weary before your sweet wife now, can we?" He chuckled in slight jest to alleviate some of the stress and adrenaline from the night.
Adrian gave his two military buddies a weary look, before huffing in resignation as his mind and body started to strain from exhaustion.
"I'll drive," Donnelly volunteered as he slung his borrowed M1 Garand.
Andria nodded. "Best to rest. Tomorrow you can see her."
She followed the three men out to make sure Adrian didn't collapse from worry and exhaustion. As Donnelly helped Adrian upon his big frame, Halberton helped to lead the two out the back where the car was. After helping to deposit the guns back into the trunk, the Space Force officer opened the passenger door for his Marine and Navy friends.
The three got into the car and Donnelly started the engine after making sure everyone was buckled in.
"Thanks for helping out, Duane," Joe expressed, "you didn't have to do this with us."
Duane nodded. "You guys needed it. After all, we never leave a man behind."
"Oorah," Donnelly cheered as he drove the trio home, making sure not to run into any lingering black bloc still around as the police began to arrest the small numbers of stragglers still rioting. The vehicle made its way back to the Lockheeds' house, Adrian now slowly starting to ease into a light slumber.
"Poor guy," Halberton looked back from his front passenger seat.
"This whole thing wore him out," Donnelly remarked, "understandable given how worked up he was over Martha and their kid, though."
As the car pulled up to the Lockheed house and into the garage, the house door opened up to reveal Derek leaping out. "Daddy!" Adrian was startled awake by his son's exclamation.
"Derek?" Adrian sat up and opened the car door. His son greeted him with a hard hug to his leg.
"Derek, wait," Jeff came out with his AK rifle slung. Jeff then saw the three military officers. "You're back."
Duane nodded. "Yeah. We managed to hold off the mob. Andria also saved baby's life," he explained, "but Martha's seriously ill, and if they don't get a cure soon, it would have been for nothing..."
Jeff's eyes widened as he became sullen. "Oh... Adrian..." he muttered in sympathy.
"Mommy," Derek's face also became sullen.
Duane looked to the youngster. "It's... touch and go right now, Derek," he said gently, "but Aunt Andria's not going to give up on Mommy. With the grace of God, she'll help her." The boy seemed to accept this explanation with a small smile.
Derek then began to yawn. The long night's worries had now caught up with his little body and mind. Jeff walked over and picked him up. "Okay, Derek. Time for bed."
"And same for you, Adrian buddy," Donnelly grunted as he moved the tired father into the house. Adrian allowed himself to drift to sleep as his friends dropped him on his bed, thinking only about his family. As he drifted off, he hoped that his wife would survive.
Four days later...
Adrian sat outside in the waiting room anxiously with Derek in his arms. Nearby, Andria and Jeff were conversing with his friend, Duane Halberton.
Every moment he was able to get off work at the naval base, Adrian would take time to visit the hospital to check on his infirm wife and unborn child. However, it was not always easy with the fallout from four days ago...
Lockheed recalled the very instance that the news was made public. Glenn Health had been called out for trying untested methods, but Andria, being the clever woman she was, had anticipated this and mounted a comeback by giving out just what had been done and the results, which had been tested in their labs and the results had nearly been consistent. Now a cure developed from the data on the unborn baby's conversion was to be tested today. While there was great hopes expressed by both medical experts and supportive politicians, the publicity around the Lockheed family also drew a lot of vitriol and hatred by the usual suspects.
Adrian's voicemail and email had been flooded with a lot of hate mail by trolls and friends of those who were arrested during or after the riots. Some of them had been outright vehement, others more subtle in threats of bodily harm. One was even a horrid depiction of how his wife would be smote down by God himself, though Adrian had every reason to doubt such a thing would happen. After all, he knew God was just and merciful.
Adrian also had to deal with constant calls from the news media about the subsequent procedure, though Andria had anticipated this and was going to call a press conference soon on the issue. His father, Senator Mark Lockheed was also going to join with Senator Mark Allen at a rally today to support the collaborative work of Glenn Health and Mayo Clinic through the controversy, and try to take some heat off the family.
Adrian hugged Derek protectively at his side, stroking his boy's chocolate brown hair. . He had also been concerned for his son's safety. Mostly in school, considering how some of the kids there had parents who were diehard anti-Coordinator people. He had been worried about more than just bullying. He was also concerned for his son's very safety in general. While the nursery staff promised to keep an eye out for Derek, Andria decided to dispatch some of her company's security to watch over the young child. Jeff even volunteered to pick up the boy himself if Derek needed to go home early for his safety.
Suddenly, one of the doctors poked her head out into the waiting room. Andria and Jeff paused their talk with Halberton. "Mr. Glenn, Ms. Andria," the doctor addressed her bosses, "she's awake."
Adrian perked up at that with an expectant look. His wife had been in a medically-induced coma for these past days of testing the cure. Hopefully for him, it meant that the test was successful.
"How is she?" Andria asked.
"So the cure does work?" Jeff jumped a bit in anticipation for the good news.
The woman nodded. "It's still in testing, but so far things are promising."
Halberton looked to Andria in amazement. "Your cure... it's working..."
Andria smirked. "Yes. But..." Her face became serious as she said, "we still have a lot of hurdles to clear after this."
It was then that Derek leapt down from his seat beside his dad and toddled up to Andria and Jeff. "Mommy and brudda okway?"
Andria grinned as she scooped him up. "Yeah. They're gonna be okay," she said reassuringly as she ruffled his hair with her hand.
"Hehehe!"
"Someone's in a better mood today," Jeff teased as he poked the boy's cheek.
"Unca and Awantie funny," Derek giggled.
The female doctor smiled at the little boy, knowing that he was the unborn baby's big brother. She then looked towards the anxious father and husband. "Mr. Lockheed," she said, "your wife wants to see you and your son."
Adrian nodded in silent gratitude. He went over and took Derek back into his arms from Andria. Andria stepped off to the side, with her fiance putting a comforting warm hand on her shoulder. The engaged couple smiled at one another.
Duane Halberton gave the thumbs up and a wink to Adrian. "Go get her, buddy."
"Watch my six," Adrian replied in jest to his former wingman. He and Derek then entered the clung tightly to his father as they took in the sights. There was another doctor and two nurses hovering around the bed. In the bed was an awake Martha Lockheed. She looked over and smiled weakly. Adrian exhaled at the sight of his wife, whose pale face was showing some signs of vitality after days of unconsciousness.
"Mommy," Derek cooed as he reached a tiny hand out to his mother.
"Derek..." Martha groaned happily.
Adrian walked closer to the bed and set his son down, looking to the doctor and nurses. "May I?"
One of them nodded. "Yes, but be careful. She is still very weak." They let the husband and his son by the beside, and nodding to one another, the doctor and nurses joined the others outside of the door, ready to give Andria and Jeff full reports.
Adrian sat down as Derek crept closer, but keeping a distance. "Hey, Honey," Adrian softly said, "Happy Valentines Day." Martha smiled as she took his hand. "You had us worried there, you know," Adrian remarked.
"Yes... But I'm just glad Derek's brother lived," Martha whispered.
"Brudda..." Derek mutted as he looked upon his mother's bulged belly with love. He could sense that his brother was no longer in pain.
Adrian smiled for a bit, but then took on a serious expression. "It does mean though, that our second son... Derek's little brother... is now a Coordinator... and we're about to bring him into a world where half of it passionately hates Coordinators."
Martha had a solemn expression, but still managed to smile in spite of the implications. "Yes... But I wouldn't have changed my decision to save our son for anything else in the world." The mother-to-be of two boys gently rubbed her stomach. "It doesn't matter what other people say or think of this child now or in the future... You and I will bring him up with the most love and care we can give as his earthly parents. I know that you will raise him into a Godly, strong man of courage and faith, just as you are doing with Derek now..."
Adrian nodded. He had spent the long nights between that riotous night and now praying to God about raising the unborn son through the troubled world he and his family inhabited. It was then that Adrian remembered that the child had yet to be named. He rubbed his head in slight exasperation and amusement. "Oh," he said," you know... with all this excitement that went down, we never did get around to naming Derek's little bro here."
Martha's expression shifted to realization over their little oversight. She laughed lightly at what Adrian said. "We can't have our new baby without a name now... can we?"
"I had a few ideas in mind," Adrian said, "but I wanted to see what your thoughts were before I settled on one." He gave his lovely wife a loving smile. "So... what should Derek's little bro be called?"
Martha glances to the side, trying to think. "Let's see..."
"Maybe something short and easy for our boy here to remember," Adrian suggested as he looked to their first son, "yet meaningful for what we've been through together..."
Martha pursed her lips as she thought. She then gave a light laugh. "Elias..."
"Hm?" Adrian hummed as he thought he heard Martha say something.
"Our second son... will be Elias... as Jehovah is our God, and this little boy's," she said in a fond tone as she looked at her belly. As if in response to that, there was a soft tap from inside her womb.
Derek perked up and giggled. "Eli!" he chirped. Adrian laughed at his first son's response, and he liked the name, too. "Elias Lockheed it is," he approved.
"Eli, Eli!" Derek giggled as he jumped up and down. Adrian laughed as he picked up his son. "Okay, son. Settle down!" he chuckled.
Martha herself giggled at her first son's enthusiasm. 'How I love this family even more than ever,' she thought.
The family relished in their happy reunion and christening of their newest member on this Valentines Day, unaware of the smiles and tears of happiness from those outside. The others overheard Derek's enthusiastic squealing and the parents' happy laughter.
"So that's what being a husband and dad is like," Jeff was trying... and failing not to cry from the feels of the whole moment.
Andria prided herself on remaining calm and collected, and it was hard to even get her riled, least of all upset. But at times, she did have a need to let out her feelings. Her emotional mastery was something to be admired, but even her mastery faltered every now and then. It was usually when an emotional moment came that she lost some control of herself. While she didn't break down, her shoulders shook a little and a few tears streaked down her cheeks as a smile graced her lips. She slipped a hand onto Jeff's shoulders before leaning into him slightly.
"Jeff... do you think we'll ever have a family like that?" Andria pondered to her fiancé.
The young heir to the Glenn family stroked the COO's hair gently. "Who knows... but we'll definitely try," he muttered. Andria smiled as she leaned into Jeff's embrace.
"Happy Valentines Day, Andria," Jeff said.
"You too, Jeff."
Duane Halberton smiled for the Lockheed family, and this former subordinate in front of him who was about to be married to his new friend and heir of the Glenn family. He then glanced towards the TV, and frowned at what he was seeing. It was a series of protests and counter-protests, the former condemning the Lockheeds and Glenns, and the other in support. However, much of the media coverage was heavily slanted towards the condemners, who were shouting notorious Blue Cosmos and anti-Republican slogans.
'No way Adrian should have to be constantly subject to this abuse...' Halberton thought as he thought about him and his weakened wife. He then looked to his phone, where Joe Donnelly was listed in 'Contacts', then towards Andria and Jeff. A smirk grew on his face...
Two days later...
Martha was helped into a wheelchair by her loving Adrian and the nurses responsible for monitoring her treatment. "There ya go," Adrian grunted happily, "time to head home..." Martha managed a smile as she took his hand.
"Careful now, Mrs. Lockheed," an assisting nurse coaxed as she and Adrian lowered her into the wheelchair. Martha shifted as she relaxed, feeling more at ease. "Finally, I can leave this room," she sighed in relief, "and it doesn't feel like I'm overly hot or cold anymore." True to that, Martha's complexion had resumed its normal color, though she had to avoid trying to strain herself for a while, especially with her new Coordinator baby adjusting to his new physiology in her womb.
Adrian nodded, feeling relief in his chest at that. He made a note to thank Andria for her clever thinking next time they met. The results for the cure had been what he had been expecting after Andria told him. The result was complete immunity from the S2 influenza. And as expected, Elias' new immune system meant that he would be immune to most natural diseases, including S2 for a number of decades.
Glenn Health would eventually report the results to the nation and the world at large, along with a package of data regarding the virus and treatments developed, both to give the world hope for an early end to the outbreak, and to put to rest the accusations of wrongdoing by George Glenn. At least that's what Adrian hoped for.
Andria had also told him of the problem of political blocks, but hopefully with Senator Lockheed and the Allen family's political knowhow and influence, they'd be able to get it passed. Key word: hopefully. Adrian was more than certain that this was a political knife fight his mighty senator father would get in on, both to save lives and to enhance George Glenn's star power for the Constitutional Republican Party in the upcoming Assembly elections this year. For now though, he was just happy his family was okay.
Adrian then turned to one of the smiling doctors. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."
"Hey. If it means saving lives from this virus, then we're happy to help," the man replied.
A young lady nurse then beamed. "It was a great honor to repay the brave Navy officer who saved our boss' life. And your family's cooperation could save millions more lives than was expected."
Adrian nodded. As he wheeled Martha out, Derek toddled up to them with Jeff and Andria behind them.
"Hi Mommy, hi Eli!" Derek beamed.
Martha reached down and tossled Derek's hair with a smile. "Were you a good boy?" she cooed.
"Yes!" Derek giggled.
Jeff and Andria laughed at the little boy's cheeriness. Andria then looked to the Glenn Health team. "Thank you. All of you," she said.
"It is always an honor, Ms. Yamasaki," the leade doctor said, "and we hope our work will be used to save many in due speed."
Jeff smiled. "Excellent work," Jeff congradulated, "as a reward, I will propose to the company that you and your colleagues get a payraise by twenty-five percent of your current salary."
The team nodded, feeling appreciated. "Thank you, sir," one of them said. Jeff beamed a smile, much like his personable father. He then turned to his friend and his family. "Let's go home," he said.
"Sounds good right now," Adrian agreed.
"Finally," Martha concurred.
Andria smiled. "I'll get the car."
"Sure thing," Adrian consented as he handed his car keys to Andria.
"You can follow me and Andria home, Adrian," Jeff winked, "and boy do we have a surprise." At that, Adrian gave an amused smirk. As Adrian, Martha, and Derek walked out the front door. Jeff and Andria drove up, with the former in his own car and the latter in Adrian's car. Andria and Jeff then got out of the cars and helped the Navy officer with his pregnant wife. Jeff and Adrian slowly lowered Martha into the back of the family car, while Andria folded up the wheelchair into the trunk.
As Martha settled into the seat, Derek jump in beside her. The boy was all giddy and smiling for some reason. "People wanna see, Eli!" Derek chimed
It was then that Martha noticed something... something good and surprising about Derek. He was speaking properly!
"Derek, you've changed," Martha softly remarked.
"Yes, Mommy!" The four year old had a bright expression. "I feel better now!" She wasn't sure how in such a short time, but it was a proud moment all the same. Derek then hugged his mother. "I'm happy for you and Eli!"
Adrian smiled to himself as he drove. How he missed having his family together. As he drew close to his house with Jeff and Andria, though, he noticed a large groups of people lining the sidewalks. Adrian was confused now. What was going on? "Don't tell me..." Adrian was about to dread for the worst, when cheers rang out instead.
Andria gave a smirk as she looked back towards Adrian's car. Jeff was also chuckling; this was going better than planned.
As they pulled up to the driveway, Adrian could then see a large group of his friends in military uniforms. Joe Donnelly was grinning as he stood with his wife and little Kayla in his arms. Duane Halberton was holding a sign with several of Adrian's other buddies and wingmen welcoming Martha and the baby home. Even Samantha Allen was greeting the triumphant family with cheers of her own. The group was greeted with a warm welcome as they exited the vehicles.
"Kayla! Uncle Joe!" Derek beamed as he jumped out of the car. Joe handed his daughter off to his wife as he knelt and scooped up young Derek as the boy ran up. "Hey, scout!" he joked.
"Hehe!" Derek giggled. Then he looked to his friend Kayla, who seemed to smile at his contagious happiness.
"Derek!" Kayla chirped as she waved her two little arms at Derek. The two four-year-olds laughed together as Donnelly and his wife walked up to Adrian and Martha.
"Welcome back, Martha," Alicia Donnelly beamed as she held onto her little girl.
"It's good to be back," Martha remarked, rubbing her pregnant tummy.
Adrian looked to Donnelly and Halberton. "You guys..."
"We're holding your wife's welcome home party here and now, buddy," Halberton cheerily answered, "we figured we'd help you celebrate a good thing with a big bang."
"Yep," Donnelly added as he held the chirpy Derek in his arms, "and no buts about it! We need to give you a break from all those protests!"
Adrian smiled. "Thanks, guys," he remarked.
"Hey, that's what friends are for," Donnelly laughed with little Derek and Kayla. His wife Alicia chatted a bit with Martha, with Samantha joining in. Samantha was particularly adamant about helping put this get-together up. Donnelly grinned as he thought about young people like Samantha carrying a bright torch into the future.
"Mrs. Lockheed," Samantha greeted, "I'm glad to see you and the baby alright."
"Yes. If it hadn't been for Andria, I might not be here," Martha replied to the young woman with a smile. "Most of all, Elias..." The mother-to-be looked down at her belly. She then looked to Alicia. "Alicia... what's it like, raising a Coordinator child?"
"Not that much different than a normal Natural child," Alicia responded. "But you don't have to go to the doctor for illnesses, so that's a bonus."
"Not in the baby's lifetime, give or take a decade," Samantha remarked, "at least that's how they say it works." Kayla then gave the Allen heir a beaming smile, to which she responded with a friendly poke. Martha gave a grin.
Then Joe Donnelly hollered, "come on, people. Lunch and drinks are all set up in the back!" Adrian looked at his Marine pal incredulously, then at Halberton, who gave a hearty grin. "Hey, we've got serloins on the grill for you and your folks," he offered.
Adrian chuckled back. Boy did he love his friends...
"Well what are we waiting for," Adrian consented, "let's get it on!"
Everyone let out a cheer as they made their way to the backyard for lunch. Adrian and Martha were practically ferried towards their own backyard by their supportive neighbors and friends, grinning and chatting all the way.
Glenn Aerospace Facility, Marietta, Georgia, Feb. 28, CE 54
George Glenn watched from an elevated control room as his company test team conducted research with an experimental mobile worker in the hangar. The Mobile Worker in question was a huge, walking hunk of a humanoid construction crane of sorts, with its two-armed modular manipulator claws and Vernier thrusters being controlled from the glass cockpit in the torso. The Coordinator was actually impressed with the progress of the prototypes so far. They were only the second generation of these humanoid-looking machines, but the concept was making bounds and leaps with the Cosmic Era space race in play.
"Just think," George mused aloud, "it would revolutionize industry and everyday life like never before."
Beside him the one of the developers of the experimental machine nodded, her hair falling about her face. "Yes. But remember, these are still prototypes. It will take many more years of testing before they can be fielded," she noted.
Another developer looked in their direction, then back at the machine as he remarked, "still, think of the recent number of colonies developed ahead of schedule because of these things. The data we're getting from our subsidiaries in space working with the mobile workers is remarkable." George Glenn smiled at that. What took years and billions of AF dollars to build, could now be constructed in a matter of months with a sum of just a few tens of millions of dollars or less.
However... construction and shipping were not the only applications for this emerging technology...
"So this is the new mobile worker model, hm?" a new voice said.
Glenn turned to face the visitor... a colonel from the Atlantic Federation Air Force, which also happened to be one of Glenn Aerospace's largest customers, alongside other branches of the military. "Yes," Glenn replied. "That it is."
The officer then walked up to the window for a closer look. "Rather mundane looking for a top aerospace company, at first glance that is."
"With respect sir, hardly mundane when you get into the guts of how it works," a developer replied, "we're still calibrating the software for finer motor movements."
Glenn glanced back at the machine in the hangar, then at his military visitor with a diplomatic smile. "I can probably guess what you're thinking," George began cutting to the chase.
The Air Force liaison officer gave a nod. "Not too surprising. A lot of civilian tools do have some military applications," he remarked.
"I always did guess that my mechanized working space suits aboard my spaceship would among the most scrutinized technologies," Glenn remarked, "after all, a vehicle modeled on the flexibility and versatility of the human body is too good to pass up."
The colonel nodded with an agreeable grin. "And it can give a serious advantage in battle where your normal vehicles would fail," he said.
"That is true," a developer agreed with an even tone, "if given the appropriate armor, weapons, software, or ECM, the theory is that a fully armed mobile worker... or Mobile Suit of sorts would be able to outshoot and outmaneuver any tank, warship, or combat aircraft of any type. If such a thing were to become possible, even the aircraft and mobile armors we're making here would become obsolete, as high quality as they are now."
The chief developer of the mobile worker, on the other hand was not too thrilled about her creations being used for military purposes. She frowned as she crossed her arms. While she understood the need for maintaining arms for basic national defense, she would rather her research go to building things first than to blow them up. "We do have a more dedicated defense division for that sort of discussion," the chief developer firmly, but politely reminded, "they would probably be more suitable authorities on military subjects." Glenn nodded, knowing what she meant..
"My apologies," the colonel said politely, "I'm just representing what some in the military would see." He then looked to Glenn. "Of course, you would understand, right?"
"Yes. I do," the Coordinator replied. After all, as a veteran of the last world war, George Glenn was able to see both sides of technological development, in peace and war. "Maybe we should talk in a more appropriate setting," George offered.
The colonel looked around, then shrugged. "Wherever you deem fit," he remarked. The famed engineer and war veteran led the colonel out of the room, while giving a friendly wave back to the team, which seemed have mixed sentiments among the members about the colonel's remarks. As Glenn led him out of the hangar onto the company airfield tarmac, he said, "I'm moving this conversation elsewhere, because not everyone in that room is necessarily comfortable with the military implications of their work."
The military liasion hummed with a bit of a quirked eyebrow. "Surely they knew that your line of work and industry would intersect with national and security interests quite frequently."
Glenn had an understanding, but also firm expression. "They do understand," he said, "but given recent events, and the fact that many of them are either ex-military or had parents or grandparents with... let's say less-than-pleasant experiences from the last world wars of the Reconstruction Era and the aftermath, they just don't like the prospects of war being talked about so cavalierly."
The colonel knew where Glenn was coming from. His own grandparents had been in the wars. Now he understood why Glenn seemed so circumspect with him and the development team.
"Off record... I'm sorry, sir," the colonel was sincerely apologetic, "while I am excited for the engineering, I didn't mean to come off the way I apparently did."
Glenn gave a solemn smile. "I've been there, done that myself son," he related, "you're still a young officer who has yet to see war. Pray to God that you and your peers never see another like the one my generation fought."
The colonel frowned, but knew George Glenn was right.
"Anyways, you are not incorrect in your assessments about the likely effectiveness of a weaponized Mobile Worker," Glenn shifted back to the original topic, "it's been a major topic at the engineering seminars, and a cause for a mix of excitement and concern." He then looked the officer deep in the eye. "I'd like to know the military's view on these developments, at least what you can personally tell me as liaison."
The colonel shifted a bit before speaking. Looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping, he then whispered, "I'm not officially at liberty to disclose this... but the Joint Chiefs of Staff are monitoring developments in the PLANTs and the other sponsor nations," the officer informed.
"What developments?" George Glenn sounded of with a mixture of curiosity and concern. In his mind, he was thinking of the emergence of the Zodiac Alliance in the PLANTs, and the terror attacks by international elements of Blue Cosmos and other anti-Coordinator groups that led to it.
"Our military intelligence up in the PLANTs has led us to believe that some engineers believed to be members of the Zodiac Alliance, or having sympathies to the group are conducting unauthorized weapons research, particularly around the mobile workers used to service the colonies and their industrial areas. The other sponsor nations seem to have caught wind of these developments as well."
Glenn's eyes narrowed. "I see..." he mused.
"They cannot be too sure of the Zodiac's intentions," the colonel continued, "but if such research were to fall into the hands of extremist groups or foreign powers, defense analysts are saying that all current generation combat vehicles and aerospace craft will be nigh useless."
Glenn knew what the man meant by that. While he had some understanding and quiet sympathy for the ZA's fight for Coordinator rights, it was undeniable that there were a number of less-than-friendly individuals and subgroups surrounding the organization. These subgroups at times expressed ideals of Coordinator supremacism, well outside even what was considered mainstream sympathy for Coordinators in the Atlantic Federation at this moment. He wanted to know more about this group, particularly its leaders, Siegel Clyne and Patrick Zala, before he made any judgement calls.
"You know, this is somewhat of news to me, given many of your superiors' insistence that our line of Mobile Armors is superior to any other weapons system in the world today," George expressed.
The colonel nodded. "Yes, but in some respects, a mobile armor is nothing more than a glorified tank... just don't let anyone know I said that."
Glenn nodded, then grimaced. "Now that's something they don't tell the public... and sadly rightfully so given the whole S2 bonanza...I can already make a good guess why your superiors are having you scout our research here, but going forward, make sure to talk to me more directly. I'd rather be the one to break hard news to my staff."
The colonel nodded. "As you wish. So, the reason I am here is because I heard these Mobile Workers are supposed to be more mobile and easier to maneuver than a mobile armor. I wished to see if the rumors of their capabilities were true.
The first Coordinator glanced up towards the sky, where he saw a test fighter plane soaring overhead. "We've come a long way from the first generation of mobile workers that I've built for the first space exploration missions to Mars and Jupiter at the turn of the last century," he related, "but these second generation units... while smoother to move and more powerful than the last, still have problems with excess mass and limited operation time. They're still far from what you'd describe as being fully combat capable as mobile weapons..."
The man nodded. "Yes. I will agree to that. But as time passes, technology becomes more advanced, and within a decade, maybe they will be combat capable. But I only wished to see how well they can handle when compared to a mobile armor." He looked to where a group of three mobile workers were undergoing testing outside the facility.
"Then you should see the ones we have working at our subsidiaries in space and around the L5 PLANTs... for construction machines, their short range maneuvering and handling has been anything but mediocre," Glenn suggested as he watched the fighter make a landing approach.
The colonel put a hand to his chin in thought, before looking up. "I may just take you up on that, Mr. Glenn," he remarked.
"Yes..." Glenn muttered as he continued to watch the test aircraft, "but one has to wonder what enemy we are really fighting..."
The officer had a confused look. "Sorry, what was that?"
Glenn shook his head and smiled a little. "It's nothing," he replied, "but do tell your superiors that whatever work or advice is needed on these mobile worker matters, Glenn Inc. is ready to assist."
The colonel nodded. "I will, Mr. Glenn. And I also wish to express on behalf of my superiors our thanks for your invaluable cooperation over the years."
Glenn replied, "it's always a pleasure." It was then that one of the colonel's subordinates came walking up to them. One of Glenn's secretaries also was with him.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt," the younger lieutenant said.
"Yes, what is it?" The colonel asked.
"There's been a supply chain issue back at base that needs your attention immediately," the lieutenant reported, "there seems to be some sort of delay due to some paperwork."
The Air Force colonel hummed in exasperation. "Very well," he said as he glanced back at George Glenn, "sorry, but duty calls."
"Another time then," Glenn agreed as he let the AF Air Force liaison on his way. He then turned to his secretary, who seemed to be a bit apprehensive. "Ms. Linda," he addressed her, "what is it?"
Linda swallowed hard as she produced her tablet. "You've got an urgent message... from the AF Assembly," she told him as she showed him an email on the tablet.
Taking the tablet, George Glenn read the message and attached letter with a growing frown on his face. The text on the letter file was as followed:
" SUBPOENA
BY AUTHORITY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS OF THE
ASSEMBLY OF THE ATLANTIC FEDERATION
To: George Howard Glenn, Chief Executive Officer of Glenn Incorporated, former Lt. Colonel of the Atlantic Federation Air Force, former Federal Air and Space Administration Chief Engineer and Pilot
You are hereby commanded to be and appear before the: Committee on Public Health and Medicine of the House of Commons of the Atlantic Federation at the place, date and time specified below.
To testify touching matters of inquiry committed to said committee or subcommittee; and you are not to depart without leave of said committee or subcommittee.
Place of testimony: 2196 Hemsworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515
Date: Monday, March 3, C.E. 54
Time: 11:00 a.m.
To any authorized staff member to serve and make return.
Witness my hand and the seal of the House of Commons of the Atlantic Federation, at the city of Washington, this 28th day of February, C.E. 54.
Markus Groht
Chairman or Authorized Member "
George Glenn recognized the signature of Workers Party England Representative, Markus Groht, an experienced politician of the Groht family. He was now simmering quietly at what he was seeing. 'They want to drag me before a hearing just a day after Glenn Health submitted our application for the S2 vaccine and cure to the Dietary and Medical Agency...' he thought, 'what are these jokers up to now?'
Linda looked on at her boss with a worried expression. "Sir?"
Glenn closed his eyes and gave a deep exhale... there was no getting around this. If his opponents wanted to play these mind games with him and the public, he was going to go head-on with them to try and take the heat off his employees and allies.
"Book me the soonest possible flight to Washington... I've got a date with the Assembly."
End Chapter 7
Sorry for the late update again! Life and COVID-19 got in the way, and I was honestly hoping to put more into this chapter, but hopefully with a timeline I'm working on with Titanic X, we can map out the rest of the chapters going forward for faster updates. XD
I wish to extend special thanks to those who have stuck by me so far on this journey, and continue to support good Gundam SEED fanfics. I will continue to try to address as many questions on an individual basis at the start of every new chapter or in messaging whenever possible. I would also appreciate guest reviewers leaving more specific personal tag names so I can answer them properly. ;)
However...
What I do not appreciate are flames and attack reviews that directly belittle my beliefs and try to force me into changing my personal politics or how I style certain expressions in my stories. I can take constructive criticism on my grammar and how I can perhaps better express or write out certain narrative elements, but I have little patience for busybodies and 'speech' police. As such, I refuse to respond or entertain the prejudices of such people. I live in a free country, and I will not be silenced by online trolls and mobs who self-appoint themselves as vigilantes.
Anyways, I hope the rest of you are safe and doing well, and let us pray and look forward to brighter days ahead!
God Bless, and happy summer! :D