"It's a shame we can't get approval for one yet—it hasn't entered mass production."
Responding to the other's words, Fred felt a pang of regret in his heart.
If possible, sparring with Andrew in Mobile Suits would be ideal.
However, at this point, he probably couldn't beat him.
Still, even sparring with Alec would be enough for him to improve.
Unfortunately, completing all the tests would still take some time.
It was unlikely another unit would be available anytime soon.
But with this one, familiarizing himself with it would be enough for now.
At least he now had a path to progress.
Moreover, this Training Unit was the first Mobile Suit that truly belonged to him in name.
Just thinking about it was thrilling.
"Well, once you manage to request another one, we'll have a match."
Andrew spoke but still showed no intention of getting out of the Mobile Suit.
On the contrary, he sat inside it like a gaming addict, unable to put it down.
Fred couldn't help but twitch his lips at the sight.
But he didn't idle either, recording the data of Andrew's movements on the platform in front of him.
Later, by comparing it with his own data, he could gain a concrete understanding of his own abilities.
At the very least, Andrew was strong enough to hold his own against Kira.
Even though that Kira wasn't at his peak.
Still, he was considerably stronger than Yzak and the others.
And so, the "Tiger" bounced and leaped around the field for a while longer, allowing Fred to gather enough data before finally giving up the seat to him.
"But can machines like these really bring peace?"
Perhaps having entered a reflective state, Andrew, having just stepped out of the Mobile Suit, looked at the machine and then at Fred, his smile tinged with complexity.
This young man had practically grown up before his eyes, yet he couldn't understand how the peace Fred sought would be achieved.
"Power—only when it's in your own hands is it possible."
Fred pondered for a moment before answering.
Of course, he couldn't say he had the advantage of knowing the plot.
But no matter what the future held, as he said, only by holding power in one's own hands could peace be brought to the world.
Otherwise, all slogans were just empty talk.
"...That's true."
Hearing Fred's answer, Andrew nodded, while Aisha looked somewhat surprised.
Although they had met many times, she couldn't help but marvel at the young man's unwavering confidence.
This youth seemed to have no doubts about the path to peace, truly believing that what he said and did was right.
But perhaps it was precisely because he had no doubts that he could accomplish such research.
With single-minded focus and confidence, he could naturally go further.
They didn't talk for long before Andrew and Aisha bid farewell to Fred and left the secret port.
"Fred's peace... I wonder if it can be achieved."
Andrew continued to muse on the way.
"What exactly does he plan to do? Surely researching weapons alone can't bring peace, right?"
Aisha couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah, what does he plan to do?"
Saying the same thing, a faint smile also appeared at the corner of Andrew's lips.
He knew more than Aisha did. It was quite unusual for Fred, a Natural, to come here in the first place.
Now, seeing Mobile Suits and other machines, he had another realization.
Perhaps Fred had come here seeking power.
After all, for PLANT to defeat the Council Nations, innovation was necessary.
This was true from piloting Powered Armor to the current Mobile Suits, and it seemed Fred had been getting quite close to the Clyne Faction lately.
Perhaps he was trying to find a breakthrough there.
Could he truly achieve his goal of peace?
Thinking of this, a sense of anticipation welled up in Andrew's heart.
Although he didn't know what the other person was planning, watching his progress always gave one a sense of strength.
Perhaps he really could achieve his goal, who knows?
So, what should he do?
Should he help him, or just stand by and watch?
That would depend on Fred's future path.
Thinking this, Andrew took a deep breath.
No matter what, PLANT now at least had some ability to resist the Council Nations.
Next was adapting to piloting.
He might have to come back a few more times.
Imagining the future scene of him and Fred competing to pilot the Mobile Suit, Andrew couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Beside Andrew, Aisha, seeing his smile, also wore a faint smile on her face.
Although the future was uncertain, it seemed Andrew genuinely liked that kid and really liked that machine.
On the other side, after seeing them off, Fred skillfully took his seat in the cockpit.
Although it was only his second time piloting, his heart still surged with excitement.
He could continue to grow stronger. As long as he kept growing stronger, he could protect his family and retire early!
Thinking this, Fred's hands gripping the control stick tightened even more.
His knuckles turned slightly white, but his gaze quickly sharpened.
"Fred really is giving it his all..."
Not far away, Lacus, in her room at the moment, watched the surveillance footage and sighed in admiration.
Although she had grown accustomed to Fred's relentless pace over the years, seeing it still evoked a sense of awe.
It also gave people a kind of strength.
A strength that made one feel that as long as they followed in his footsteps, they could reach the other shore.
This strength wasn't entirely due to his abilities but also because of the precision and confidence with which Fred took each step.
Although Fred's current piloting skills in the Mobile Suit were nearly 70% weaker than Andrew's in various aspects, she had a feeling.
If Fred continued to work hard, he might surpass that highly anticipated Ace in the future.
And now, she needed to work hard too.
Thinking this, Lacus withdrew her gaze from the screen and refocused on the lyrics before her.
For their future, and for a better tomorrow.
...
"Lacus is debuting?"
Fred, who had just returned home after training, asked curiously in response to his sister's words.
But given how long Lacus had been practicing, it wasn't really surprising.
Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.
He wondered when she had become an idol in the original storyline.
However, these were just minor matters, and Fred didn't dwell on them.
"Yes, she even invited us to watch the first performance~!"
Flay said with considerable pride.
"I originally wanted to debut together, but it wouldn't have been appropriate…"
Flay's expression showed a hint of regret as she spoke.
"That really wouldn't have been appropriate…"
Fred nodded, thinking that if Flay, a Natural, held the same status as Lacus in PLANT… Siegel would never agree to that.
But if such a worldline existed… to be honest, it would actually be quite interesting.