Gundam: From Piece to Player

"It's because I'm not familiar with the operation, let's try again!"

Of course, Waken couldn't admit defeat, but the result was that he lost every single one of his subsequent commands, not winning a single one.

Whether he intended to continue defending the landing forces or to try to break away from Luna II and engage in fleet warfare with the Kalmar fleet in the outer reaches of space, it was all the same.

After several attempts, Huaken discovered some clues.

"Sir, you can't cheat! Your troops respond much faster than mine, and your MS units are much tougher than mine."

Performance gaps exist, especially when the command levels of both sides are similar. Whichever side can accumulate small advantages can eventually gain a large advantage.

Karma chuckled. "Isn't it you, Huaken, who's demanding the truth? Well, my MS unit is definitely tougher than yours. Our MS are all made of Luna Titanium alloy, and our warship communication systems have also undergone iterative upgrades. Do you want to see the quality of the mobile suits your MS unit used back then?"

Hua Ken was speechless for a moment; he really couldn't refute it.

The MS units under Garma Zabi are equipped according to Gundam specifications, such as the Kampfer made with Luna Titanium alloy... which is something the Type 78 Gundam can't compete with.

If there is still any gap...

That's what's known as the victor's mentality—Kalma Zabi has a strong conviction of victory in battle, which makes her more composed.

Because of his many defeats, Hua Ken always wondered if Karma might be setting a trap... This is why, even though their reaction speeds were similar, a moment's hesitation could tip the scales of the battle in one direction.

After a ten-game losing streak, Huaken took off his VR glasses, and the glint in his eyes disappeared.

"Your Excellency, I have lost."

"Only ten rounds?" Karma was clearly still enjoying herself.

But for Wakin, it was a nightmare... In a sense, the victors in competitive sports are built on the suffering of others.

The two-hour museum visit was a pleasant experience for the Federation officers, especially after a period of life that felt as bland as a period of asceticism. Now, the prospect of returning to the prisoner-of-war town was undeniably oppressive.

Just before boarding the bus, Kalmar announced a major decision.

"Gentlemen, in view of your good performance in the POW camp, we have decided to expand the amnesty quota to all of you. In another year, you will be able to return to Earth."

The prisoners of war were stunned for a few seconds at first, but quickly realized that they would be freed in a year.

"And you can also use consumer coins to purchase electronic devices and access the internet during your non-working hours."

Good heavens, I can still access the internet!

I don't know which officer started shouting.

"Long live."

"Long live Lord Kalmar!"

Among the officers, only Waken didn't smile; instead, he shivered, because he sensed from Kalmar's smile that things might not be so simple.

But his opinion was no longer that important; it was like a release after being held back for a long time—the following days were filled with laughter and joy in the POW camp.

Colonel Epa, also a prisoner of war, secretly approached Wakken.

"Commander... I think everyone is celebrating too soon."

Do you think Karma would deceive us?

“What I’m worried about is what will happen after we’re released… Do you really think the high-ranking generals can just pretend nothing happened and let us be reinstated?”

Colonel Aipa's words plunged Wakham into an icy abyss.

If they return to Earth from the Space Alliance in perfect condition... will the Federation leadership still trust them?

Back when the Federation's ace, Sugai Shiko, returned Luna II, Wakken ordered her to be given the True Essence Potion... If he himself was treated like that, how could he expect the higher-ups to show even the slightest mercy?

Will Commander Tiam continue to trust him?

Even if he trusted himself, what about other officers like Colonel Epa and the other fringe officers of the expeditionary force?

They came to this place hundreds of millions of kilometers away from Earth because they were ostracized, taking such a huge risk for a meager salary, and now even if they go back, they will not be welcomed.

Karma, of course, didn't have time to guess what Huaken was thinking. As the head of the Space Alliance, he didn't have much free time to begin with.

The arrangement for the Federation Expeditionary Force is just a side move... It would be best if it could play a role, but it wouldn't matter if it couldn't.

Char Aznable, who manages 1.5 million people scattered across hundreds of colonies, has a rather crude management style, and many places still rely on the old system. The Republic of Zeon has been carrying out reforms, but the progress has been very slow.

Unlike Char, Karma's population is small and concentrated, so she has more freedom to make changes, and the currency has undergone a recent reform.

Since the Space Alliance has always used electronic currency, it has avoided the difficulty of reissuing it.

The original basic living package + consumption currency has been changed to a base currency + energy creation currency... The currency adopts a dual-track system and is supplemented by basic services for all citizens to eliminate their anxiety about survival.

Innovation should be encouraged while ensuring safety.

With the realization of controlled nuclear fusion, energy is virtually limitless, but resources remain constrained, and their value is anchored to the consumption of recyclable materials and the time value of labor.

For example, facility maintenance, planting, and mining are all ways to recycle resources and exchange them for public services. Of course, education and medical care in these public services are free.

The value of this base coin is adjusted quarterly by an algorithm and a citizen committee based on socially necessary labor time.

This is actually quite profitable, and the Innovation Coin is issued through innovation rewards.

Engaging in creative work such as efficiency improvement, technological breakthroughs, artistic creation, or new business models will instantly earn you Creation Coins. Creation Coins can also be obtained through voluntary investment in other projects.

While Creation Coin can be used to buy luxury goods, customized services, entertainment, etc., it has a negative interest rate. If it is not used, it will automatically lose 2% after a year... forcing people to invest and consume, and preventing the rich from hoarding it.

Of course, the base currency can also be exchanged for Energy Coins, and the exchange rate is determined by the market.

As the various systems within the alliance became more mature and the work became more specialized, Karma's words still carried weight, but the people below him no longer blindly followed him.

"Does the free housing model, like currency, also need reform?"

"Sir, that's because there were no building standards in the past, and there were many cases of people living in empty old houses, which made community management difficult. Moreover, the house area was not measured, which easily led to wasted space."

During the working meeting, the newly appointed Minister of Construction expressed differing opinions.

"I think the free basic unit + upgrade unit model mentioned in the plan is very good. The free basic unit is paid for with base currency (work hour currency), while the upgrade unit is paid for with [Creative Energy Coins]."

"What size do you think the free basic unit should be?"

“30 square meters per person, 50 square meters for a couple, and an additional 20 square meters for each additional child.” The Minister of Construction presented a report. “This was determined based on the latest survey report from our city.”

How big was the Khrushchev Building again?

Karma couldn't help but think.

Chapter 235 Is anyone home?

Karma took out a search engine and found that Khrushchev's single-person apartment was 30 square meters, a two-bedroom apartment was about 44 square meters, and a three-bedroom apartment was about 60 square meters.

"Isn't it too small?"

“It’s already quite large. Juneau’s future population is planned to be 2000 million. We need to reserve space for future new immigrants and urban public planning. If the existing living space is not enough, the portion exceeding the free area can be purchased with CEC,” the Minister of Construction said.

How to upgrade?

"Private garden, swimming pool, extra rooms, garden... and location, good view, good transportation, the price remains the same under the free area, but you need to pay extra in Creative Coins for the area exceeding the free area."

"For areas exceeding the free usage limit, such as when a family's child leaves home, if they do not wish to adjust the space, the portion exceeding the free limit will be charged at 5 base coins/㎡ per month."

“Okay, let’s do it this way.” Karma had no objections; it was indeed a thorough plan.

When the residents first moved in, the houses were given out for free, but the number of houses was not tallied. Many people chose to live in the larger houses, while some people who arrived later had a lot of complaints, which led to many disputes.

Just imagine how much energy coins I'll have to pay to renovate my new little villa using this model.

However, their previous contributions don't count, otherwise Karma and his wives would have received an astonishing amount of Creation Coins... especially the senior sister.

It is foreseeable that under the existing economic model in Juneau, scientists and technical experts can live quite comfortably, as can those who are good at creating new business models.

The working meeting is ongoing, and in addition to housing, the Minister of Construction also proposed upgrading the current engine of Juneau town.

Is this necessary?

"Appropriate periodic movement is beneficial for resource collection in the asteroid belt because energy costs are lower. In contrast, the time and distance required for mineral collection will become increasingly expensive over time if not adjusted."

“Let the Finance Minister do the math,” Kalma said, glancing at the Finance Minister beside her. The minister quickly agreed.

The Minister of Construction turned a new page, saying, "Your Excellency's light sail technology project has achieved a breakthrough. We have assessed whether it is possible to begin building large base stations in various parts of the asteroid belt, Jupiter, and the Earth's sphere in the future, which would also facilitate the construction of interplanetary highways."

“Let’s wait a bit,” Kalmar said. “There are still some concerns about its military applications.”

"Since you are also in charge of military affairs, we can only postpone it." With the cessation of hostilities and the unlikely large-scale military operations in the future, he took over the military work.

The meeting was over, and it was already 10 p.m. Kalmar followed the Minister of Construction into the back seat of an autonomous vehicle.

"Girl, you're getting more and more amazing."

"Big brother, please don't call me that anymore. I'm not a child anymore."

"That's right, you're already 19 years old this year."

Another reason for taking over military work was that Haiwen wanted to transition from military to civilian work, which was her own suggestion, because there are many plans for large-scale construction in the future, and she wanted to personally lead and participate in them.

"When are you moving into my house, Minister of Construction?"

"Is my older brother really planning to marry me?"

"Because I like you too." Karma went straight to the point.

Although she is an adult, her figure has not grown much due to the hardships she experienced in her early years, and she still appears quite petite.

Despite being a young girl, the allure and maturity she exudes create a strange contrast that makes Karma's heart flutter... However, her early experience raising a daughter makes her feel inexplicably immoral if she were to treat her as a lover.

Of course, it's also very exciting.

The choice is yours.

“Sure.” Haiwen, dressed in uniform, snuggled closer. “I love my older brother the most, ever since I was 13.”

Karma couldn't help but put her arms around the child's waist, and Haywin not only didn't resist, but snuggled even closer.

"Why don't you come home with me tonight?"

"If that happens, Sister Meixi will beat you up."

“She has other technical research projects to work on tonight, as does little Aisie. They also have other work to do and probably won’t be home for about a week.”

Hearing this, Haiwen became bolder. "I didn't bring any change of clothes?"

"What's so difficult about that? I can just have my home robot go out and buy you a few outfits. Has your size changed?"

Karma recalled that she had bought her a school uniform when they were on Earth.