Why would I join the army if I can’t drive a Gundam!

Chapter 272 Gift
"Everything in the world is impermanent!"

"People's hearts have changed; how tragic and heartbreaking!"

"It's all the fault of the times!"

"Snapped!"

"So please stop acting crazy, it's already 2:30!"

After being slapped, Makarius Skrinni, lying on the bed, finally stopped muttering. He turned to look at the spotless, brand-new general's uniform, which was ironed perfectly and his medals were polished to a shine and placed on the bedside table.

Tomorrow is his promotion ceremony to brigadier general. He will become a new human for the first time, pilot a mobile suit for the first time, and become a general for the first time, reaching the pinnacle of his life. Logically speaking, with three times the happiness combined, he should be happy.

But here's the problem: the recent series of events has completely overshadowed the enthusiasm of the newly graduated military academy students. In other words, right now, everyone is eagerly discussing how to kill that big bastard, and things like the Federation Army having a few more general reserves seem less important!
"I hate Dozru!"

Then, Markarius was kicked onto the sofa to sleep, since no one can stand someone nagging in their ear at 2:30 in the morning.

Despite his resentment, Makarius still got up early and diligently followed his daily training plan to walk around the base's training ground with the old men. After washing up and having breakfast, he combed his hair like an adult, put on a handsome military uniform, and got into the car that came to pick him up.

July 18, 0083, is a very memorable day, because on this day, more than 7 students from the 0081 class of the Federal Advanced Command Academy will complete their school life and put on a brand new look to go to their respective posts.

The academy began setting up the venue a week ago. In addition, to ensure the safety of these Federation leaders and dignitaries attending the event, a large number of security forces were mobilized. After all, the Grenada massacre had just occurred not long ago, and the Federation did not want to see mobile suits wreaking havoc in the heart of the Earth.

Therefore, the area surrounding the ceremony site was completely surrounded by a large number of specially equipped GMs and standard armored Gilais, and sniper GMs were also deployed on nearby high ground.

As for the scene, needless to say, a batch of GM-C aircraft belonging to the Federal Air Force and the Deda modified flight ramps that carried them became the backdrop for the ceremony. After all, their silver-white paint scheme was much better than that of other branches of the military.

The ceremony officially began as the military band played the Federal Army anthem.

First, General Williams, who serves as the Dean of the Federal Senior Command College, delivered a speech, and then it was time for the graduate representatives to speak on stage.

Markarius, still bearing his colonel's rank on his shoulders, then obediently jogged onto the stage according to the drill manual and began his performance.

On the opposite side of the audience, applause erupted instantly. Makarius glanced around and found that his family, friends, and even enemies were all gathered there, especially his closest parents and lover. The only one with a sullen face was probably Ramball, who was sitting next to Sera and Hamon.

However, after being elbowed by Hamon, the latter immediately forced an ugly smile and clapped. Of course, this ugly smile may also have been influenced by Kinias next to him, since the latter was genuinely happy.

Without Makarius, he would never have been able to revive the Sakhalin family, let alone the booming Tsushima Heavy Industries. Makarius had even given Kinias a heads-up long ago, telling him to prepare for the transition to producing mobile suits. This was an excellent opportunity for him to advance further, so the higher Makarius's rank, the happier he was.

As for the others, needless to say, even the usually stern-faced King Klinney was now grinning, poking Gop here and nudging Rebil there. If you didn't know better, you'd think that a high-ranking federal official was attending an event, but if you didn't, you'd think that a hyperactive old man from a nursing home had escaped.

As a representative of outstanding graduates, Makarius's speech was actually quite conventional, which is normal. Only a brainless person would say something outrageous in this kind of occasion. What you say is not important; what you do is. Makarius would not joke about his future.

At times like these, establishing a reliable, stable, and trustworthy image is crucial for future development.

Even in his conventional speech, he didn't mince words, emphasizing the defense of the Earth Federation government and the rights of all its citizens.

After the speeches, it was time for the conferment ceremony. The officers' epaulets were removed and replaced with the rank of brigadier general, which consisted of five horizontal bars.

The military rank consists of black lines on the outermost sides, red lines on the next two sides, and yellow lines in the middle. When you reach the rank of major general, the rank will also have an additional diamond-shaped gold star.

Of course, for Makarius, becoming a major general was only a matter of time. After all, most of the trainees present didn't have many medals on their chests. Only he could pick and choose and still manage to get three rows of medals. Moreover, brigadier general was just a transitional rank.

Many federal army colonels are promoted one rank upon retirement, retiring as brigadier generals. However, the rank of active-duty brigadier general still carries weight, meaning they are qualified to sit at the table, even if their seats are still far back.

"Kid, you're a rising star in the Federation Army now!"

"You flatter me. There may be many stars, but the sun of the Federation Army is only you!"

"Sincere?"

"Sincerely!"

"Haha, you rascal! But I'm getting old. The future ultimately belongs to you all, so don't let me down, young man!"

"We will certainly live up to your trust!"

Rebil patted Makarius on the shoulder, his eyes still glistening with tears. Looking at the 23-year-old Makarius, he was reminded of himself at 24.

Is this what they call youth?
Santa Claus thought to himself that, after all, no matter where Makarius chose in the future, at this moment, he was about to become an indelible mark on the history of the Federation Army.

As the military band marched back to the national anthem, the grand conferment ceremony came to an end. The ceremony was solemn yet efficient, as is typical of soldiers.

Moreover, these reserve officers who have received their new ranks will only have a few days to spend with their families. After that, they will all go their separate ways according to their transfer orders. Even if there are any instructions or orders to be given, they can wait until after they are transferred!
Then, Makarius tucked his military cap under his arm and walked toward his family and friends. His parents, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, proudly embraced him. For them, their son's safety was the most important thing, especially for Makarius's mother. It seemed that the biggest benefit of being promoted to general was that Makarius would never have to go to the front lines again.

"Come over for dinner tonight, or stay overnight, my house is quite big!"

After exchanging pleasantries with his family, Makarius finally had a moment to himself and approach Sera, who was also dressed in a smart military uniform. Sera was talking to Nagase Hotaru and laughing so hard she couldn't stand up straight.

"It's not impossible, but you have to convince Uncle Ramba first!"

"It's okay, let him come along! Otherwise, this guy will keep giving me the cold shoulder, and tonight you'll see how I deal with him!"

"and then?"

"Then, take a nice bath tonight and wait for me!"

"Don't even think about it, I'm sleeping with Sister Ying tonight!"

Sera made a gun gesture, then poked Macarius in a menacing manner.

"Then you'd better lock the door, or the big bad wolf..."

Before Marcarius could finish speaking, he noticed Ramball leaning in, his ear twitching. "Ah, Lieutenant General, it's been a long time! You're as dashing as ever!"

"It's alright. Thanks to the Federation, now all I do every day is eat and sleep, nothing else!"

"Hamon hasn't made a move yet?"

"What's that noise... What's with that look? I'm perfectly fine!"

"I know, it's okay. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its unique characteristics, is quite adept at this kind of thing in East Asia! I have comrades there, here's their contact information!"

As he spoke, Makarius tore a page from the small notebook that Ramball carried with him. Ramball crumpled the page into a ball and was about to stuff it into Makarius's mouth, but after thinking about it, he put it in his pocket instead.

"You little brat, if you hurt Sera, I'll fight you to the death!"

"Hmm, would you mind coming to my place tonight?"

“I mind a lot, but what can I do? I’ll go wherever Sera goes! I’ll keep watch over her tonight and see what the big bad wolf is up to!”

"How about I book you a luxury hotel instead?"

"Don't even think about it!"

Fortunately, the Makarius house was quite large, otherwise it would have been difficult to accommodate so many guests. After the sumptuous dinner that evening, Hamon went to the balcony to talk with Makarius's parents as equals. Sera went to the outdoor pool with Nagase Hotaru and Aina to play. Only a few people with military ranks remained in the room.

So, is there something you want to say?

Looking at the hesitant Ramball, Kinias standing to the side, and Norris standing like a pillar to the side, Macarius then asked.

"I suppose so, it's about Dozru!"

Ramball picked up the wine bottle and poured himself a full glass, then looked at Kinias. After Kinias shook his head, he began to tell Makarius about his past with Dozru.

Dozle, as the last remaining conscience, was quite popular within the Zeon army and had shown kindness to Ramball. Therefore, after learning that Ramball's fate was sealed, the idea of ​​seeing this old friend one last time arose.

"Meeting Dozru isn't out of the question, but the problem is, the decision isn't with me, nor with the Federation Command; it's with him!"

During holidays when he was at the military academy, Makarius never forgot to visit Dozru, since it must be very boring for him to be in prison all by himself. Unfortunately, he was always refused when he visited, but the drinks he brought for Dozru were accepted by the latter.

"Actually, the main reason we insisted on seeing him was this!"

Ramball pulled an envelope from his pocket and poured out several photographs.

"This is?"

Marcarius glanced at it and then smiled with delight.

"Looks like that guy is in the group that's coming back too!"

The appearance of suspected Axis personnel was no secret to the Federation Army. The different types of propellants used by the remnants alone were enough to explain everything. However, what Macarius did not expect was that Char would return so early. But considering that guy's filial nature, it was not surprising. The living environment on Axis was so harsh, Char could not bear to see his mother suffer!
However, upon looking at the child photo of Tang Xiaomei, also known as Minerva Zabi, Makarius raised an eyebrow.

"That's great, she didn't inherit her dad's good looks!"

"Ha ha ha ha………"

Several burly men couldn't help but burst into laughter, and even Norris's face twitched. Clearly, everyone knew how handsome Dozru was, and Minerva's exquisitely beautiful appearance was obviously inherited from her mother!

"But that guy only left you with photos?"

"Yes, the package came from the moon. I tried some methods but couldn't find out the sender's identity. But I think there's no one else but him!"

"Sera doesn't know?"

"We didn't tell her, because we were afraid she would worry!"

"Yes, you're right. There's no need to worry Sera. Let's wait until we get in touch with him!"

Marcarius was still waiting for what the other party had in their hands. Kinias's Tsushin Heavy Industries was waiting for that thing to be in their hands so they could start designing mobile suits. But this guy just sent over a few photos.

"Speaking of which, is there really no hope for Dozru?"

"That's public opinion, there's nothing we can do!"

Makarius shook his head. Dozru was directly involved in almost all military operations in the early stages of the war, and even issued attack orders. Of the five billion humans who died, he would get at least two billion. It would be difficult to keep him alive!

"But at least let him see these before he dies!"

As he spoke, Makarius picked up the phone next to him.

"Sir, I have something to report to you!"

After a brief exchange, he quickly hung up the phone and nodded.

"His Excellency Reibald has approved it. Tomorrow we'll go to the airport, and a C88 will take us to Australia!"

Dozru is currently in a solitary confinement cell at the Commonwealth Army's highest military prison in Australia. Because of his identity, the Commonwealth did not dare to detain him in one place for too long. After all, the remnants of Zeon had been trying to rescue him for quite some time. However, it doesn't matter now. He is about to face trial, and there is no point in transferring him again.

"Hopefully, that guy won't cry when he sees this!"

(End of this chapter)