Gundam: From Piece to Player

"Thank you for your recognition, brother."

If you say so, then so be it.

Karma smiled and took the initiative in the conversation: "In the Battle of Odessa, in addition to the Ragnarok weapons, the efforts of the soldiers and officers were also indispensable... I hope my brother knows this."

"Are you going to recommend them for credit?"

Kilian keenly perceived Kalmar's intentions.

"Yes, even if we can't give them more real power, it's justifiable to improve their rank and benefits."

As Karma spoke, she transmitted a spreadsheet document titled "Odessa Battle Records for Colonel-Level Officers" to Gihren, who then opened it directly.

Karma can arrange the promotion of junior officers at his own discretion, but the promotion of field-grade officers requires Kirian's approval according to procedure—at least nominally, though in reality it may be handled by his secretary Cecilia.

“Brother, after the promotion of military rank, I also wrote down the battle merits that were the basis for their promotion. You can also conduct the corresponding verification. I can guarantee that there is absolutely no false reporting.”

“Hmm.” Kilian responded, quickly scanning the name column in the “Records” form. He was clearly not too concerned about the specific battle achievements, but only about the background, until he rolled to a name.

"Kasbal Rem Deikun?"

Kilian raised his eyes and looked at Karma with a scrutinizing gaze.

There was a question in his eyes, but he didn't seem surprised.

It seems he already knows.

“Brother, this officer’s former name was Char Aznabul. He revealed his identity to me after killing General Rebil. He believed that the Deacon faction could wash away their past stigma in this glorious war of independence.”

The stigma refers to the label that Kiran put on the Dakenpai.

“Brother, I believe that everything can be sacrificed for the final victory of the War of Independence. If we want to defeat the Earth Federation, we, the Zabi family and the Daken faction, must also put aside our past grievances.”

Karma concealed his true thoughts and continued to reinforce the persona he was portraying—he was not afraid to use extreme methods and means as long as he could defeat the Federation.

As for Gihren knowing Char's true identity... one can only say don't underestimate the SS. While it was possible to keep it a secret during their time at military academy, Char's identity could no longer be a secret after the outbreak of war.

If we could obtain Char's biological sample and compare it with Deikun's sample from his early years, we could see the difference. Not to mention that Char had met Gihren more than once when he was a child.

Char didn't hide it later on either.

“Kalmar, you don’t know about the early history.” Kiran sighed, as if he were a little aggrieved. “I have a lot of 'misunderstandings' with the Daicun faction. I’ve always wanted to reconcile with them, but they always use violence to resist my good intentions.”

Karma had never seen such a shameless person... to say such things without batting an eye.

Killian's campaign to "eliminate" the Dakenists within the country was known as the "Great Purge."

But Kalmar ignored these minor details and continued to question Gihren:

“Brother, do you think Kasbal can be promoted? I intend to have him give a public speech to continue to inspire the fighting spirit of the people. I don’t think our Zabi family’s rule is so precarious that we are afraid of the orphan of our founding father.”

“If he returns to the forefront, the Daken faction will never be able to make a splash again.”

“If that’s the case, then that’s certainly good, but does Caspar really think so?”

Kirian remained expressionless, showing no significant emotional fluctuation.

His unspoken message was that he believed Char's return was for revenge.

“Even if Char thinks that way, he has to consider the difference in strength,” Karma said. “He wouldn’t be so blind as to openly betray us at such a crucial moment in the War of Independence… Then our Zabi family would have completely gained the moral high ground and have the right reason to continue eliminating the Deikun faction within the country.”

As Kilian thought about it, he crossed his arms, looked up at the ceiling, and rolled the whites of his eyes slightly: "Even so, there are still risks."

“Kalma, why would I take such a risk? Like a foolish farmer putting a frozen snake into his bosom?”

Karma took a deep breath; he knew Gihren wouldn't agree so easily.

Once Char's identity as Deikun's son is made public, and Char delivers a speech in support of the War of Independence, he will appear on the political stage of the Principality of Zeon as the officially recognized son of Deikun.

Leaving aside Char's formidable fighting prowess, whether sending troops could handle the situation would put the Zabi family in a completely passive political position...

According to Kalmar's analysis of Killian, he used to enjoy assassinations.

But now that he has become a national leader, he has plenty of means to supervise and persecute people.

Even if they did it, they would use a "white glove"... On the contrary, the "opposition party" Kycilia did it without any psychological burden. Not only did she not look for a white glove, she wanted to announce to the whole world that it was their Kycilia organization that did it.

“Brother, I have a solution that satisfies both sides,” Karma continued. “My sister once asked me if I knew Char’s true identity. At the time, I didn’t know and didn’t answer. It was only a few days ago that Char revealed his identity to me and I suddenly realized it.”

"It seems she has already taken precautions against Char. We might as well wait until he reveals his identity and then place him in the Mobile Assault Force, where his sister's Kycilia Agency will supervise him to ensure that he does not do anything to harm the country."

Even Kilian, who was skilled in political maneuvering, took twenty seconds to process this information-packed statement.

"—They might form an alliance."

“Brother, based on your understanding of my sister, do you think her alliance with Xia is genuine? Even if they are truly allied, you will have time to react.”

When Karma said this, she was trying to think about the problem from Gihren's perspective—placing Char, this ticking time bomb, next to Kycilia would have the effect of driving away one tiger and devouring another.

If Char and Kycilia were to fight, it would be a good thing for Gihren.

If Kycilia rebelled with Char, Gihren would immediately have an excuse to get rid of her.

—"Kycilia, blinded by greed, joined forces with the remnants of the Dainton faction in a rebellion, forcing Commander-in-Chief Killian to sacrifice his own family for the greater good."

Given the current balance of power, Kycilia's attempt to assassinate Gihren using the Mobile Assault Force is tantamount to suicide.

The failure rate is 100%.

—The disparity in strength is one aspect. On the other hand, if the Mobile Assault Corps is to launch a rebellion against Gihlen during the War of Independence with the Federation, there is a risk of internal conflict within the Mobile Assault Corps.

If Kycilia wants to launch the Bitter Tower, she may need to conduct an internal purge of the Assault Corps first.

"Kalma, I never knew you had talent in politics in addition to war."

By saying this, Gihren expressed his final agreement to Char's speech revealing his identity... although there were many benefits to Garma seeing things from Gihren's perspective.

But Kiran Zabi's thought process is unusual, and it's unlikely that Kalmar could guess his true thoughts.

In reality, he didn't know what would happen to Char after he went to Kycilia, including whether he would actually go to Kycilia after going to space... There were too many variables in the future.

What he was concerned about was Char revealing his identity, thereby gaining recognition from Gihren and even the Zeon government.

—Char can only gain entry into the Game of Thrones by removing his mask and revealing his identity as the son of Deikun.

Chapter 135 The Soil of Hatred

While Kalmar was communicating with Gihren via laser.

A helicopter slowly descends from an aircraft carrier near the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain.

General Reiber's remains have been exchanged back to the Commonwealth in accordance with the repatriation provisions of the Antarctic Treaty.

The coffin was placed on a lift by a transport vehicle, then slowly lowered to the lower deck, and then transported by forklift to the ceremony area. Several federal officers opened the coffin, and the family rushed over to check on it, then broke down in tears.

Meanwhile, Gaup, who was watching from behind, put his hands behind his back and gripped his pipe tightly.

A friend who called him a month ago to request logistical supplies has now returned... but he's become completely immobile.

"general?"

The officer beside Gao Pu looked at him with some concern.

"Odessa was a carefully designed trap by that little bastard of the Zabi family; that guy is simply gifted at killing people efficiently."

Gough spoke in a calm tone, but his words were quite vulgar... which was inconsistent with his background as an English aristocrat.

"General... Could Zeon have already developed radar technology that can overcome Minovsky particle interference?"

“Don’t make such unfounded assumptions.” Gap waved his hand. “If we really had such a device, we wouldn’t be able to gradually gain an advantage in the universe. Zeon’s recent decline in the universe is obvious to all.”

"So, what about the Earth front now?"

"All bases, get your defenses ready. I'm afraid the army won't even be able to find generals who can plan operations."

"As long as a decisive victory is achieved in space, it will be meaningless for Kalma Zabi to win any number of victories on Earth."

Several days later, Luna II—Federal Space Force Command Headquarters

A secret meeting is being held within the Federation Army.

"Although information control has been implemented, I regret to inform you that the Federation has recently suffered significant losses in naval battles, with four more aircraft carriers sunk. We must launch an offensive in space as soon as possible to put pressure on Zeon."

The conference's electronic screen projected an image of General Goppe sitting at an oak table.

He was at Jabro headquarters, participating in the meeting via remote video conference.

“The longer we prepare, the more prepared the enemy will be,” Chief of Staff Kim Colini said. “Last month, intelligence agencies discovered that Granada was shipping some kind of large mirror-shaped electronic component, which is suspected to be part of the construction of a strategic weapon.”

"Are they also building the SOLAR SYSTEM (solar flare system)?"

Major General Gao Yun, who was in charge of coordinating the development of federal military equipment projects, couldn't help but interject.

“There should be some distinction, but there is no doubt that the enemy is also developing lethal weapons outside the scope of the Antarctic Treaty,” Chief of Staff Kim said. “The treaty did not define the relevant laser weapons when it was created, and they are exploiting loopholes.”

"What about the Zeon forces on Earth?"

"Let's put that aside for now... If we can take down Solomon and Abaoa, Karma Zabi will be completely trapped on Earth. Hopefully, our allies on Earth will help us hold the front line. Don't open up new battlefields recklessly. The Space Force won't have the resources for orbital strikes for a while." Even Tiam, who rarely speaks, took the initiative to speak up.

The generals of the Space Force nodded to each other, clearly having reached a consensus before the meeting.

“Yes, you can handle things on the front lines.” Gap also made logistical assurances. “On December 7th, the final combined fleet will be launched into space from Jabulo. Launch sites in Southeast Asia and Australia will simultaneously launch feinting fleets to confuse the Zeon forces. Logistics supplies will be provided immediately.”

"Thank you for your support, General."

“Commander Tiam, let me give you a reminder,” Gap said. “Don’t overestimate the defensive capabilities of your command unit. Zeon has been using decapitation strike tactics against our forces frequently. You almost lost your life in Loum, and suffered the most devastating loss since the founding of the Federation in Odessa.”

"I don't want you to follow in Rebil's footsteps."

After hearing what Gao Pu said, Tianm turned his gaze to Gao Yun.

Gao Yun hurriedly said, "General Gao Pu, Fox Shipyard has produced a new type of high-speed warship that is specialized in battlefield communication, command, air defense, and anti-decapitation capabilities in the Minovsky particle dispersion environment."

"Oh?"

-----

With the end of the Battle of Odessa, the Earth entered a full-blown winter, and fighting ceased in various places.

Of course, the submarine force continued its offensive... using the advantage of ultrasonic radar to hunt down the Federation Navy in various sea areas.

If you have radar, you can fight against someone without radar; it's a one-sided massacre.

In less than five days, Hartman sank more than 120 federal naval warships.

Except for the troops responsible for frontline defense, the Zeon army on the ground has entered a period of rotation and rest... their combat mission has been basically completed.