Gundam: From Piece to Player

“I only see the American front as worth conquering because it can threaten Jabro. What is the point of the other fronts?” Killian continued to question, interrupting Kalmar’s statement.

In response, Kalma explained, "It's all about luring the prey step by step into the trap."

"This is?"

"A bit of bionic imitation."

Karma showed Gihren a PowerPoint presentation about a weapon he had been envisioning for a long time, called the "Miracle Weapon".

After the explanation was completed, Gihren finally understood the true intention behind Kalmar's descent.

Although there are still many inconsistencies in the deductions presented by Karma, as long as the Miracle Weapon is actually built...

That would deliver an unprecedented blow to the Federation on the gravity front, and could even become a turning point in the entire war.

The only question is...

"Can you really make this?" Kiran couldn't help but ask.

“The principle isn’t the issue; it’s just a matter of whether you, brother, are interested in investing in this project,” Kalmar pitched.

Chapter 21 Ragnarok

"Okay, I'm interested. How many resources do you need?"

As Killian spoke with a smile, Cecilia, standing behind him, couldn't help but be surprised. It was the first time she had ever seen Commander-in-Chief Killian display such a satisfied expression.

"The exact cost is still unclear, but I can conduct prototype production, and we can also assess the costs required to develop and produce this weapon."

“Brother, to ensure secrecy, I plan to have the newly established Deep Space Industries carry out the development work in secret.”

Kalmartu revealed his true colors.

Karma thought to himself that without the preliminary work on modifying the cockpit, it would be a joke to rush up to Killian and tell him about the plan.

"No matter how much you talk, you still need to support it with tangible things."

Kirian nodded and looked at Cecilia beside him.

"The project has been named the Ragnarok Project, and a special fund has been allocated to it."

"Classify it as top secret, select an industrial colony as the research headquarters, and let Bobby arrange whatever resources and personnel Kalmar needs."

"Yes."

"When will we see results?" Kirian asked Karma.

"I don't know yet; it depends on the specific progress of the project." Karma wasn't entirely sure herself either.

“Kalma, you will give me a separate progress report on the project once a month.”

"Yes." Karma stood up and bowed.

“Although Father’s judgment has declined, perhaps you are the most perfect heir to this country. In some ways, I was inferior to you when I was 18,” Kilian said with a hint of emotion.

“Brother, but I don’t want to be an emperor.” Karma’s tone was calm; this was his truth.

“Alright.” After listening to Karma’s outlandish fantasies, Gihren finally understood what kind of person his younger brother was. “Once you make a prototype, I’ll make you the Commander-in-Chief of the Earth Attack Army.”

Kilian even promised him military power.

Karma, of course, could not refuse.

"Thank you, brother."

This is likely different from the previous real power – the top leader of the Gravity Front. Although the Earth Attack Force is currently just a designation within an organization, it also means that Kalmar can build it into an independent kingdom of its own, instead of being subordinate to Kycilia's Mobile Assault Force.

After spending the night at Gihren's Wolf's Lair, Karma was sent back to Zum City early the next morning by a spy chief named Bobby. Due to Gihren's change in attitude, Colonel Bobby, the SS chief, personally escorted him back to the Prime Minister's residence in Muzo City, unlike the officer whose name he couldn't even remember when he arrived.

I just got off the bus.

Dekin's secretary, Maharal, and a group of people quickly surrounded him.

Although his disappearance was not known to the public, it still caused a stir among the higher-ups.

This even raises suspicions that the infighting within the Zabi family has become so public.

"Sir, what's the situation?"

“My brother and I just exchanged some opinions, and he was very supportive of me.”

Karma smiled and waved her hand, her composure suggesting victory.

However, Maharah was not at ease, as the current Kalmar reminded him of Kilian when he was young.

Extreme, fanatical, ambitious, and determined to carry out their vision to the end, this will likely bring an even more unpredictable future to the nation of Zeon.

"His Excellency the Prince is eager to see you."

"I made him worry."

Upon entering the mansion, Karma saw Dejin, who was standing up with a cane. Also present were Dejin and his half-sister Kycilia.

"Karma, Killian didn't do anything to you, did he?"

“No, Father.” Karma stepped forward to help her elderly father up. “My brother just wanted to win too much.”

"What?" Deakin paused for a moment, realizing that Karma was referring to the 'Operation Britain' plan, and recalling Killian's reaction, "He's actually thinking about something like that?"

"Please sit down, Father."

Karma explained the whole story, omitting the part about helping Gihren develop secret weapons.

But it's still incredibly impressive.

Kilian plans to launch a preemptive nuclear strike against three side nations aligned with the Federation after the war begins, and then destroy the colony of Jabulo.

It was precisely because Karma "guessed" correctly that Gihren suspected there might be a traitor within the organization, which led to his decision to place Gihren under house arrest in an attempt to uncover the mole.

“His madness will condemn our family to the annals of history.” Dejin said indignantly, looking at Kycilia, who simply shook her head.

"Father, you know that we are not strong enough."

What is Dozru's attitude?

He said that military personnel should not interfere in politics.

“If he’s really capable, it wouldn’t hurt to let him sit on the throne, especially if he could get rid of that unfilial son, Gihren,” Dejin said somewhat angrily.

Karma thought to herself after hearing this.

This overestimates Dozru and underestimates Kirian's influence in the army.

If Dozru dared to do anything, his men could easily subdue him and deliver him to Kirian the next day to claim credit.

However, from this perspective, without Gihren, although the War of Independence would still have to be fought, Kycilia and Deakin, who cared so much about their reputation, might not have been able to carry out such ruthless acts as the colony massacre and the Fall, and the timeline might have changed again.

But history has no ifs... Kilian had already completely taken control of the country.

“Kycilia, come here, I have something to tell you.”

Prince Dejin walked back up the steps and sat on the red cushion throne, and Kycilia remembered something as she approached.

"Kalma, you should go back first."

"Yes, Father."

This was also a tacit understanding; Dejin saw him as his successor and did not want him to be involved in such conspiracies.

Karma obediently complied, as he himself had no interest in being a figurehead heir.

Thus, through a "superhuman" duel, he demonstrated a certain ability to monetize his scientific research projects. By conveying information about the Great Britain operation to the Federation, he gained Killian's attention and was finally able to present the Miracle Weapon Project to Killian alone.

As planned, Kalmar gained more resources and even military power.

For Kalmar, time was still very tight, with only 365 days remaining until January 3, 1979, the historic start of the war.

On February 1st, the military academy graduation ceremony was held. Karma graduated 49th, while Char, the sixth-ranked student, managed to graduate 2nd and was assigned to the MS Training Battalion.

At the end of February, Garma was appointed commander of the 101st Airborne Division by Gihren, responsible for the training and recruitment of personnel for the 101st Division... The reason given to the outside world was that he had made important suggestions for Zeon's future operations.

He also designated an uninhabited colony for his daily training, which was actually a secret weapons development site.

Kalmar has just graduated and, in addition to becoming the boss of Deep Space Industries, he also has to serve as the commander of the newly formed airborne division.

He was immediately overwhelmed by a multitude of tasks and countless meetings, but fortunately Alice's presence pulled him out of the busy work.

He began to delegate a great deal of authority, focusing only on the important matters.

Oliver was appointed CEO of Deep Space Industries, with Missie as chief technical advisor, and Alice's supercomputer was put in charge of finance and procurement.

The recruitment in the second half of 77 allowed the company to set up its structure, and Bobby, a professor under Kirian, the scientist in charge of the "Ragnarok" project, had been assigned to the company. They were all professors in related fields.

Kalmar also seized control of the entire 603rd Technical Test Unit to monitor the progress of the project.

The recruitment and cadre training for the 101st Division were then handed over to Sally.

Kalmar's job had essentially become that of an emergency response fire chief, and in his spare time he didn't forget his purpose of making deployments.

Now he finally has the resources and time to build his base.

Chapter 22 Representative

Colony 83 in Side 3 was originally a colony converted from agricultural to industrial use. However, due to the approaching war, the conversion was halted, and resources were used for areas that needed them more.

This area was designated as the garrison site of the 101st Division in January 1978, while the other half was designated as a weapons testing ground for Deep Space Industries.

One of them is a conference hall built with a steel structure.

"Good morning, sir."

"Ah."

"Good morning, sir."

The other party did not answer, but simply nodded.

Barney kept saluting, wondering if there was something wrong with the conference system.

He was summoned to this location to participate in a meeting, and upon entering the venue, he saw many lieutenants and field officers, prompting him, a conscripted corporal, to salute continuously throughout the meeting, as the Zeon army placed great importance on status.

Barney is 17 years old and chose to join the army after graduating from high school for many reasons.

After joining the army, he did indeed draw a favorable lot.