The Celestial Being Organization's ideal of "eliminating all conflict in the world" sounded somewhat unrealistic, even tinged with romanticism.
But the Gundam pilots and tactical forecaster in Celestial Being's executive branch, as well as the other members aboard the Ptolemaios, had all been carefully chosen because, deep down, they wanted to realize that ideal.
They truly wanted to "eliminate all conflict in the world." In the plans devised by the artificial intelligence Veda, the Ptolemaios's mission could be seen as one possible approach. If it succeeded, so much the better. If it failed, Celestial Being could still serve as an outside force that united humanity from within.
But for the Ptolemaios's crew and the Gundam pilots, the mission about to begin was a lifelong ideal they were willing to stake their lives on.
For now, Veda had given the action team relatively broad authority. As long as the plans Lady K specified were verified as feasible, they could be approved.
Changing the schedule at the last minute was a small matter, but even this minor incident showed that, despite being colleagues, Lady K was wary of Wang Liumei, an intelligence chief.
"My assignment is only to provide you with lodging and three meals a day, as well as medical assistance if needed. If either of you has any other requests, you can tell me. I'll consider them."
After Lockon stepped in to smooth things over, Wang Liumei didn't press the matter. Instead, she moved on with practiced formality.
"Haha, then we'll be imposing on you for a while, Miss Wang."
Lockon, dressed in a green pilot suit, laughed as he gave the wooden-faced Setsuna beside him a pat on the shoulder. He also removed his helmet, revealing his rugged features.
But Setsuna remained stiff as he said, "The identities of