Chapter 103: The Federal Prime Minister Makes a Grand Entrance
What does he want me to do?
After returning to the White Base, Eli was still thinking about that character he couldn't recall at all.
Braw Bro had such little screen time in the original story that it was completely normal for Eli not to remember him.
However, that gentle presence from before left a lasting impression on him.
Eli gazed at the EZ-SR in front of him, its damaged left arm surrounded by a maintenance crew who were discussing repair plans.
He sighed.
Judging from the outcome, they had won the battle, taking down an enemy MA.
But for some reason, a heavy feeling still lingered in his heart.
"Don't worry. If necessary, you don't have to consider me..."
Sayla drifted to Eli's side, gently embracing his head and pressing it against her chest.
"That wouldn't be fair to your brother... Don't force yourself to say things like that, even if you're just trying to comfort me."
Eli held Sayla's hand, stopping her from continuing.
He let out another faint sigh.
It wasn't because he had failed to take down Char or that he had nearly gotten injured.
Fighting Newtypes always brought unnecessary thoughts and emotions flooding into his mind.
At the last moment, Challia Bull had recognized Eli's identity and revealed his expectations.
Unfortunately, even as a Newtype himself, Eli couldn't fully comprehend everything in such a short time.
In the end, Challia Bull's expectations were nothing more than a fleeting trace of emotion passed along in battle.
The White Base returned quietly.
From the outside, it looked as if it had merely gone out for a stroll and come back, attracting little attention.
After all, it was just another Pegasus-class ship—not like it was the only one.
Other Pegasus-class ships that had been at Jaburo were now gathering one by one as well.
Of course, no one outside knew that General Revil was currently aboard the White Base.
To the outside world, he was still in Solomon Fortress overseeing operations.
But Revil now had to leave the White Base.
He needed to return to Solomon Fortress to receive an important guest from Earth.
---
"We have arrived at the designated location. Initiating landing procedures."
Eli piloted the comms shuttle, steering it toward a cleared port at Solomon Fortress.
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
Once the shuttle came to a complete stop, Eli released his grip on the controls and stood up, positioning himself behind General Revil, ready to disembark.
That's right—Eli wasn't just here to drop Revil off. He was also expected to accompany him and meet this so-called important guest.
And, of course, there was another significant figure aboard this shuttle.
"Lord Dozle, shall we?"
General Revil stood up and signaled the guards to escort Dozle, who was dressed formally but still shackled, off the shuttle.
"Heh."
Dozle let out a disgruntled snort. Barney, his attendant, stepped forward to assist him, but the Federation guards quickly pushed him aside.
Revil, however, remained indifferent to Dozle's attitude and simply turned to lead Eli down the ramp.
As soon as they stepped off, they were met by their distinguished guest.
The Federal Prime Minister.
Eli instinctively moved aside, positioning Revil in the Prime Minister's direct line of sight.
What followed was a long-winded, drawn-out display of political rhetoric.
Expressions of gratitude for Revil's efforts. Acknowledgments of the Federal Assembly's support. The usual empty formalities.
Eli had no choice but to stand at attention and maintain a respectful posture.
To make matters worse, the Prime Minister had brought along a press corps.
From the moment they arrived, camera flashes had been incessant.
Eli would have preferred another round of combat against Char over enduring this torture.
"...And this is?"
"Lieutenant Eli Lee—the hero of this operation."
After exchanging pleasantries for a long while, the Prime Minister finally feigned curiosity about Eli's identity, prompting Revil to respond in kind.
As if the Prime Minister, who had come all this way specifically because of Dozle's capture, didn't already know who had taken him down.
"Sir!"
Eli immediately saluted, meeting the Prime Minister's gaze head-on.
However, he could feel an intensely hostile glare from behind.
Eli didn't need to turn around to know that it came from Dozle.
After all, to Dozle, this was the ultimate humiliation.
And worse still, he had been captured by none other than Revil's men.
"Such a young hero! Lieutenant Eli Lee!"
The Prime Minister stepped forward and extended his hand.
Eli quickly lowered his salute and shook the offered hand, moving it up and down briefly before trying to withdraw.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister's grip tightened around his hand.
Then, with a beaming smile, he turned to face the cameras.
The flashes resumed.
---
"You've had a long day."
Hearing a somewhat familiar voice behind him, Eli turned around.
"I am Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Felsen, General Revil's adjutant."
The young officer gave Eli a formal salute.
Eli immediately returned the gesture.
Arthur…? It should have been the first time Eli heard this name, yet his voice sounded strangely familiar.
Noticing Eli's reaction, Arthur smiled amiably.
He even placed a hand on Eli's shoulder in a friendly manner.
"The Institute."
Arthur whispered the words in Eli's ear.
Eli blinked but remained expressionless.
So that's how it was.
Arthur was the one who had secretly communicated with him from the underground facilities in Jaburo.
"Lieutenant Eli, there are still things you need to prepare for. Please come with me."
Arthur removed his hand from Eli's shoulder and gestured for him to follow.
As they walked, Eli noticed faint traces of blood that hadn't been fully cleaned away.
Given that this was the heart of Solomon Fortress, most of the Zeon soldiers stationed here were likely die-hard loyalists. The Federation's occupation must have been hard-fought.
"We've arrived. Please enter, Lieutenant Eli."
Arthur stopped in front of a massive five-meter-tall door.
The door was painted in gold, its polished wood-like surface exuding an air of luxury.
"Surprised, aren't you? That Zeon would build such an opulent space inside a military fortress? I was shocked too when I first saw it."
Arthur spoke as the grand door slowly swung open.
Inside was a lavishly decorated hall bustling with personnel setting up tables and chairs.
"This is…?"
"A press conference. The Prime Minister is going to make a major announcement here about Dozle's capture and the Federation's next steps regarding Zeon."
Arthur handed a document to a staff member before turning back to Eli.
"Alright, Lieutenant, you have your own role to play. Time to change into your dress uniform."
"Huh?"
"You're getting a medal."