Not long after, in the deepest office of Jachin Due—a place so quiet it felt almost surreal compared to the outside world.
Jiuer looked at the young man before her. Instead of sitting down first, she bowed once more.
"Fred, thank you for this."
"And... I'm sorry."
Both of them knew exactly what that apology meant.
Hearing this, Fred also bowed slightly in response.
"It's alright."
Jiuer and the others were good people, but not everyone was. There were still many who sought to exploit the situation and plunge the world into chaos.
However, what might disappoint them was that the two were not truly on the same path—at least not yet.
Thus, he couldn't fully accept this gesture.
"Hmm..."
Seeing Fred's response, Jiuer straightened her back and pondered for a moment before gesturing toward the chair in front of her.
"Do you have any thoughts on the name for the ZIC-01P?"
She didn't bring up other matters first, instead asking about the name. Jiuer's reasoning was simple: since Fred's name had to be kept hidden, letting him choose the name would serve as both compensation and a way to give him a sense of involvement.
Although the researchers were aware of Fred's existence, even if they later learned he was a Natural, it wouldn't have much impact. In fact, it might even motivate them.
But revealing it to the outside world was absolutely out of the question.
Of course, she was only asking for his opinion. If Fred suggested some bizarre name for PLANT's first battleship, she would definitely not adopt it.
Upon hearing this, Fred was momentarily taken aback but didn't overthink it and blurted out:
"Laurasia."
He had no intention of making a joke. After all, that was its original name, but he might as well take the credit as the one who named it.
Now, he was the namer of ZAFT, a pioneer in the development of PLANT's first battleship, the one who named its designation, the guiding light that led Lacus onto the path of becoming an idol—with more titles to be added later.
How impressive.
There was still plenty of room for everyone here.
"Laurasia?"
Jiuer pondered for a moment.
It wasn't a strange name. It sounded like a variation of the Laurasia Continent, an ancient landmass that existed during the Jurassic period. It seemed fairly appropriate.
However, it was clear that Fred couldn't name it after himself, and they certainly couldn't name it after any famous Naturals.
After a moment of thought, Jiuer nodded.
"I'll consider it."
"Next, Patrick will speak with you. As long as your requests aren't too excessive, we can agree to them."
Unlike the previous probing, Jiuer's tone now sounded more like she was speaking to a junior, filled with sincerity. It was clear she had developed a great deal of trust in Fred.
"Thank you."
Fred said once more, and after Jiuer nodded to him, she left.
The upcoming conversation would be a topic only he and Patrick would discuss.
Fred didn't have to wait long before Patrick's communication came through.
"I watched the entire broadcast. You performed very well."
On the other end of the communication, Patrick, who had just connected, spoke with a complex expression.
He had witnessed the twists and turns, the wave after wave of tense developments just now. Even for him, after seeing everything that had just happened, he felt a sense of unfamiliarity toward Fred.
It was too absurd—he didn't even know Fred could program.
What on earth was all this?
Of course, if Patrick had communicated with Athrun, he might have learned about this information.
After all, Fred hadn't deliberately concealed it. Things like the little bird he gave to Kira were all Fred's handiwork.
Naturally, Patrick was unaware of this now, but the shock in his eyes lingered for a long time.
Although he had valued Fred's research capabilities when helping him come to PLANT, his original intention was only for Fred to study agriculture.
He never expected that this person was an all-rounder.
And in other areas, he was even stronger than in agriculture.
It was as absurd as picking up a piece of silver, only to later discover it was a diamond.
How was this possible? Patrick didn't know.
But he even felt the urge to obtain Fred's gene sequence.
Of course, it was just a fleeting thought.
It wasn't because he had principles, but simply because he looked down on it.
After all, in his view, Coordinators were supreme.
However, Fred was probably even stronger than all those messy Ultimate Coordinator studies being conducted in Mendel.
Whether Fred was a Natural or a Coordinator wasn't that important anymore.
After all, he was undoubtedly a once-in-a-generation genius.
If he was a Natural, he was a genius; if he was a Coordinator, he was still a genius.
In the face of his talent, there was no difference between the two.
Of course, these were just thoughts that flashed through his mind, and he had no intention of voicing them.
"Thank you."
On the communication screen, Fred bowed his head and said obediently.
He couldn't possibly reveal Creuset's information to Patrick.
After all, he wasn't sure what Patrick's attitude was, and he had already gained most of Lacus's trust, which should be enough to deal with Creuset.
As he planned in his mind, Patrick, standing before him, continued.
"However, your contributions this time will be kept under wraps. You understand why we're doing this, right?"
Patrick tried to make his voice sound gentler.
Though it was still cold, it was much warmer than when they first met.
"Yes, I know."
"Is there anything you want?"
Seeing Fred's calm demeanor, Patrick nodded and asked.
"I want your promise, Uncle, that you won't exterminate Earth."
"If things are taken to the extreme, no one will have a future."
Fred lowered his gaze as he spoke.
What he wanted wasn't much.
Only becoming stronger himself was the most important.
In comparison, wealth and status were merely incidental.
Or rather, if he was strong, how could he lack wealth and status? Since he wouldn't lack them, there was no need to pursue them.
The only thing worth pursuing was becoming stronger.
So, Fred used this opportunity to secure a guarantee from Patrick.
He didn't want to have to turn around and eliminate his uncle later.
Although his aunt was still alive, what if something happened?
Of course, upon careful thought, if even his aunt died, Patrick probably wouldn't care about this promise anymore.
The reason for saying this was merely to plant a Seed in the other's heart.
Upon hearing this, Patrick was astonished.
After all, what was all this about? He had asked what Fred wanted.
Did he want money or status, fame or power?
Yet Fred, defying all expectations, spoke of not letting Earth go extinct?
Was he really that capable?
How come he himself didn't know?
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!