Reid opened the rear hangar of the small transport aircraft and lifted the two Mobile Suits. The expressions of the others present turned slightly subtle.
The reason for this reaction had nothing to do with the Forbidden Blue. Unlike the original timeline where the Atlantic Federation only produced four units, this Mobile Suit had once crushed the underwater forces of the New Miserly Kingdom during the Orb War. Despite its high cost, the Atlantic Federation gritted its teeth and pushed for mass production.
Coastal bases of the Atlantic Federation had already deployed some Forbidden Blue units.
Fortunately, the Forbidden Blue performed excellently in naval combat. In South America, the Guerrilla units supplied by PLANT to the South American Restoration Organization were no match for it, with only the ZOno posing some minor trouble. Thus, the Atlantic Federation was quite satisfied with this Mobile Suit, boasting daily in its media about how advanced and formidable it was, calling it the top Mobile Suit for aquatic combat.
As a result, this Mobile Suit was no longer a secret. Some mercenary groups had even begun using it, though how they acquired it was a matter of speculation.
The Atlantic Federation verbally claimed to pursue accountability but took no actual action.
So, the issue lay with the Universal Backpack Green Dyne—the so-called "eternal backpack" was simply too eye-catching.
To be precise, no MS engineer would want to admit that thing was a backpack, as it looked more like a weapon rack, and a makeshift one at that.
On the left and right ends of this weapon rack were Plasma Vibration Sabers from the Union Flag.
The middle was packed with an assortment of firearms: the Saber's M703 75mm Beam Rifle (with grenade launcher), the Storm Dagger's 350mm Electromagnetic Cannon, the GINN's MMI-M8A3 Type 76mm Heavy Assault Machine Gun, the GINN's shoulder-mounted Bazooka, the Recon ZINN's long-range sniper rifle, and the Kampfer's ZUX-197 Type Shotgun.
In short, it was a hodgepodge of weapons from various nations. Moreover, this Mobile Suit was clearly equipped with heavy Chobham Armor, with a Beam Saber at its waist. It looked nothing like a product from a legitimate manufacturer but rather like an amateur engineer's thrown-together mess.
If you claimed this Mobile Suit was designed by Reid Isaac, anyone with knowledge of MS would roll their eyes and say you'd been scammed—Reid Isaac would never design such a foolish machine.
But Reid paid no mind. Don't forget, Lacus and the others were entering South America undercover.
It was already suspicious enough for a war correspondent to have the elite Atlantic Federation Mobile Suit, the Forbidden Blue, for protection. If the other Mobile Suit looked advanced at a glance, even a fool would know something was amiss.
So, when Reid created this Mobile Suit, he deliberately designed it for practicality and ugliness. Now, patting the machine's leg, he said,
"What's with those expressions? I made this Mobile Suit so ugly on purpose to help you all hide your identities better.
As for the Forbidden Blue over there, even though I modified its armor structure and materials so you don't have to worry about it failing under water pressure if the Phase Shift Armor breaks, it's still an underwater Mobile Suit. I've integrated the tail sensors into the main body, and now the tail is a Heat Rod, but its land combat performance definitely can't match its underwater capabilities, and its firepower isn't particularly strong either."
And this Universal Backpack Green Astray is different.
You can see for yourselves how extensive its weaponry is. The shoulder-mounted bazooka and 350mm electromagnetic cannon on the backpack can even be flipped forward to fire. Both hands can also wield weapons individually, and this mobile suit comes equipped with a multi-lock system. Its full barrage firepower is nothing to scoff at.
I've stocked plenty of solid ammunition on the ship. As long as you're not constantly engaged in combat, it should be sufficient. Plus, the advantage of using miscellaneous weapons is that you can scavenge supplies from battlefields like junk dealers.
For defense, the two protruding sections on the left and right front of the backpack are wave motion generators. They can deploy a wave motion barrier on the front, which, while only protecting the front, significantly reduces power consumption.
Also, don't be fooled by the fact that this mobile suit is still battery-powered—it's equipped with three batteries in total. The only beam weapon is the M703 75mm beam rifle, and the main power drain comes from the wave motion barrier. So it has ample power, and even with the added Chobham armor, you don't need to worry about it becoming too cumbersome.
Of course, this mobile suit can't fly, but theoretically, you shouldn't encounter aerial combat in South America. Unless you go against your original intent and actively enter the conflict zones, thinking you can stop the war with force."
After speaking, Reid glanced at Lacus and the others' expressions. They all looked indifferent, clearly not taking his words to heart, so Reid emphasized again,
"Don't think I'm joking. It's foreseeable that you'll encounter situations where both sides ignore the civilians on the ground, or various massacres of South America's indigenous people.
But remember, you must endure. This time, you're entering the battlefield as recorders, not saviors.
Of course, if you think now that you won't be able to resist intervening in the war between the Atlantic Federation and the South American Restoration Organization when you witness those scenes, then don't take these two mobile suits. I'll have Justice transferred over, and you can just take Freedom and Justice instead."
Reid's final remark was a reminder to Lacus and the others not to impulsively get drawn into the war between the Atlantic Federation and the South American Restoration Organization.
This was partly why Reid hadn't equipped them with high-performance mobile suits this time. The Universal Backpack Green Astray and Forbidden Blue are only slightly better than the first-generation G Weapons. They're not as capable as the second-generation G's Forbidden, Raider, and Calamity.
Of course, for acting as war correspondents, visiting conflict zones to observe trapped civilians, or even evacuating civilians whose homes were destroyed after battles, this level of combat capability is more than enough. Because with Athrun and Kira's skills, even if the currently operational Calamity Gundam and Raider were deployed against them, the two could hold their own.
In battles with deep waterways or near the coast, this modified Forbidden Blue's underwater combat capability surpasses that of the second-generation G Weapons.
Moreover, if Lacus and the others truly found themselves trapped in the vortex of war with no way out, Terminal would naturally contact Reid.
After all, while the idea was for Lacus to go incognito and witness the reality of the battlefield's grassroots level, there was no way Terminal would let its leader fall into irreparable danger.
After Reid finished speaking, Athrun and Kira exchanged glances, and Athrun said,
"Understood, we'll do our best to endure."
At that moment, Andrew Bartfeld also stepped forward, slinging his arms around Athrun and Kira, saying...
"Don't worry, Mr. Reid, I'll keep an eye on these two passionate young men. I've studied jungle guerrilla warfare and won't let them act recklessly."
Reid also believed Andrew Bartfeld had this capability, so he smiled and said:
"Well, I'm not asking them to stand by indifferently in the face of tragedy either. But they must consider the consequences before taking action, otherwise they'll only harm both others and themselves.
As for Mr. Andrew Bartfeld, I believe you could earn the title of Forest Tiger King in South America too."
Andrew Bartfeld was quite pleased with Reid's praise, laughing heartily as he admitted his limbs weren't as agile as before and his Mobile Suit piloting skills had declined too much. Otherwise, he'd definitely bring back the Forest Tiger King title.
Meanwhile, Lacus was actually lost in thought, wondering what she would really do if she encountered the situation Reid described.
Unfortunately, even by the time Reid departed, Lacus still hadn't figured out how to handle such circumstances.
Reid paid no mind to Lacus's thoughts at this point - his goal of giving her and Kira something to do had been achieved. He hoped their naive perspectives would mature after their experiences in South America.
Later, Reid sent a signal for Xia Yulan, who had been waiting in the sky, to fly beyond Orb's territorial waters, deactivate the stealth system, and enter through proper channels to pick him up from Orb.
After returning to the New Miserly Kingdom, Reid monitored the South American situation for several more days. When no news emerged about the Atlantic Federation (South American Restoration Faction) being attacked by unknown forces, he knew Lacus and the others had at least temporarily heeded his advice - otherwise there would have been some news coverage.
Thus, Reid shifted his focus to the next phase assessment mission: Celestial Being's intervention in the military exercises between the Mollaria Republic and AEU. It was time to complete this mission.
However, learning from previous experience, Reid didn't return to the Balkis. Instead, he had the Granshaow descend back to Earth and gathered all personnel for the crossing.
Actually, Reid hadn't planned to bring research staff this time, but Elvira Hill voluntarily requested to join the mission.
Through her research, she had discovered that GN Particles possessed high mental conduction properties, so she wanted to collect more GN Particles while also observing various changes in the particles when dispersed in the atmosphere.
Reid naturally didn't refuse - the Granshaow certainly had room for one more Elvira Hill.
And so, Reid brought almost the same team as last time, activated the Granshaow's Electronic Camouflage System, and once again entered the AC Universe.
As before, upon entering the world, Hoshino Ruri immediately confirmed their location:
"Position confirmed - Southern Europe, above the Mediterranean Sea. Time: 19:00 hours."
Hearing the location was correct, Reid immediately said:
"Ruri, the mission mentions the Mollaria Republic. Investigate that country's current status and whether there are any similar exercise activities."
Upon hearing this, Hoshino Ruri promptly retrieved relevant information about the Mollaria Republic.
"The Mollaria Republic, founded in 2284 (23 years ago), has a population of 180,000 citizens and 3 million non-citizen migrant laborers. 80% of foreign enterprises are PMC organizations engaged in international mercenary-related industries. Since yesterday, reports have emerged indicating the country has been secretly contacting AEU diplomats and appears to be planning military exercises, though this hasn't been officially announced."
Reid frowned upon hearing this. He had assumed he'd be dropped at the time when the military exercises began - which was when Celestial Being would officially intervene.
Instead, the current timeline was at least two to three days before the incident started, because Reid remembered that after rumors began circulating externally, Regene Regetta (real name Leesa Kujo, hereafter referred to as Regene) released Allelujah Haptism who had previously acted without authorization.
Then when the Mollaria Republic officially announced military exercises with the AEU, Regene, along with Feldt Grace and Christina Sierra, descended to Earth via the Union's orbital elevator. The next day they flew to countries surrounding the Mollaria Republic, directing Gundam pilots' operations under Wang Liu Mei's arrangements.
To confirm the exact timeline, Reid spoke again:
"Ruri, search for the Celestial Being orbital satellite derailment incident. How many days ago did this happen?"
The moment Reid finished speaking, Hoshino Ruri immediately responded:
"Seven days ago."
Well, now it's confirmed. The current time is two days before Celestial Being's intervention mission, because the animation clearly stated Allelujah Haptism had been confined for a week when he was released.
After his release, he and Tieria Erde first descended to Earth to rendezvous with Setsuna and Lockon. The next day, Regene and the other two descended to Earth. On the third day, Celestial Being attacked the Mollaria Republic, nearly wiping out all the mercenary organization's Mobile Suits.
Since this was only Reid's second assessment mission, he couldn't determine the system's logic for selecting invasion time nodes.
He had assumed the system would transport him a few hours before the invasion, just like last time.
But now it seemed that unless the invasion was about to begin immediately, it would most likely occur during Celestial Being's mission execution.
So Reid decided to wait first, while also perfecting the identity information that couldn't be completed last time due to time constraints.
Reid then spoke to Hoshino Ruri again:
"All ships to first combat readiness. Ruri, find a PMC in the Mollaria Republic with a name that looks decent, preferably one with headquarters at the city outskirts or suburbs, ideally on the verge of bankruptcy. Input identity information for Gaia, Mash, and Ortega into their system and synchronize it with the Mollaria Republic's database."
The moment Reid gave the order, everyone immediately went to their respective stations.
Hoshino Ruri worked quickly to modify the records. The Mollaria Republic's registration of PMC organization information was already quite perfunctory - after all, most people who became mercenaries were desperadoes, with many being wanted by other countries.
So when these wanted individuals registered as mercenaries in the Mollaria Republic, they mostly used false names with fabricated information, and the Mollaria Republic neither cared nor investigated.
The quantum computer aboard the Granshaow completely outperformed any computer in the Mollaria Republic, so when three mercenaries with questionable information were added to the national information system through intrusion, no one noticed.
As for that unfortunate PMC called Blood Lily, which had been targeted precisely because its name was Blood Lily and its headquarters was located in the suburbs, they naturally had no idea that three top-tier experts had suddenly joined their five-member team.
Reid kept the Granshaow hovering invisibly in the air at first combat configuration for a full five hours, until the early morning hours, yet there was no unusual activity in the sky. So, Reid ordered the entire ship to switch to third combat configuration.
Then, Reid had the Black Tri-Stars board the previously modified Overflags, flying directly with him and the Xia sisters to Blood Lily's headquarters.
Since they had already hacked the Mollaria Republic's military radar systems in advance, no alarms were triggered. As for the citizens—in a country full of PMC organizations, was it really strange to see three Union Flags flying overhead late at night? Each PMC managed their own Mobile Suits, and with a simple application, they could fly over the city.
However, when Reid arrived at Blood Lily's headquarters and saw the two dilapidated factory buildings in front of him, he was speechless. Had Liuli chosen an organization that was a bit too down on its luck?
One of the two factory buildings didn't even have a door, and inside, a heavily damaged Union Real Combat Type Mobile Suit was visible—apparently, this was the PMC's only Mobile Suit.
Moreover, Reid could sense that no one was in that factory building, while the other one had the mental fluctuations of at least five people. They probably thought no one would bother stealing such a wreck of a Union Real Combat Type.
Reid then had the Black Tri-Stars open the other factory building, which didn't even have guards.
As soon as he entered, Reid saw liquor bottles scattered all over the floor and a filthy sofa in the middle of the building. The air was thick with the stench of sweat and alcohol, making it almost unbearable.
The female leader of Blood Lily, along with two mercenaries and two people in mechanic uniforms, were still drinking.
When the door opened, the cold air sobered the female leader up slightly. Seeing Reid, she raised her liquor bottle and said:
"Hey! Don't just barge into someone's place! Didn't we agree to a three-day extension on the debt? It's only been one day! What are you doing here? Trying to get me to pay off the debt in bed? Heh, you're pretty handsome. If it's you, I don't mind."
Reid was utterly disgusted by the brawny, tank-like female mercenary batting her eyes at him. With a wave of his hand, he signaled to eliminate them all. After all, none of these mercenaries had clean hands—killing ten of them would earn him merit for nine.
Upon Reid's order, the Xia sisters and the Black Tri-Stars raised their guns without hesitation, killing all five people on the spot and arranging for their immediate cremation.
In the Mollaria Republic, incidents where low-level PMC leaders were killed and replaced by their subordinates happened every day. As long as Reid was willing to take over Blood Lily's debts, no one would care that the organization had a new leader.
So, now Gaia was the leader of Blood Lily. And since gold was considered a material in the system, it could be exchanged for G-Coins.
Reid left Gaia two large boxes of gold to settle the debts and use as startup funds, instructing her to resolve Blood Lily's debt crisis the next day, tidy up the base, and then, when the battle started the day after, seize the opportunity to pilot the Mobile Suit back to the Granshaow and switch to the Amazing Kampfer.
This way, Blood Lily would become one of Reid's covers for his operations in this world.
Meanwhile, Reid himself prepared to return to the ship first and fly directly to the Union orbital elevator located upstream of the Amazon River in South America to meet Regene Regetta.
Reid's primary purpose for this move was to test how much impact mere contact with the original protagonist group would have on the World Change Fluctuation Value. After all, the recent usurpation of Blood Lily had caused zero effect on the World Change Fluctuation Value—the 4.301% change remained completely unmoved.
(End of Chapter)