"What about the orders from above?"
"Avoid escalating tensions."
"Hmm."
Captain Wang responded with an unsurprised hum, his gaze toward the distant colony satellite group remaining unchanged.
"It's a pity about that Fred, though."
"Even if he hadn't died, Blue Cosmos would probably have taken control of him."
The adjutant said with downcast eyes.
"Do you think he's dead?"
The captain countered.
"Do you know something?"
The adjutant's eyes widened at this.
"No, just intuition."
"A man with both courage and strategy would surely know how Blue Cosmos would react after saying those words."
"Of course, I have no evidence."
Captain Wang finally sat back in the captain's chair as he spoke.
"Perhaps we'll see him again very soon."
For the first time, a rare sense of anticipation surfaced in the young man's ordinarily calm heart.
...
After a long and arduous journey, Fred and his group finally arrived at Junius Seven, also known as District Seven of Junius City.
Looking down from the orbital elevator, they could see that most of the colony satellite's land was covered in greenery, with cities neatly arranged, appearing like a perfect blend of technology and ecology.
The urban design was considerably more attractive than Copernicus.
Considering its construction timeline, this District Seven had been completed only in recent years as a new colony, with all facilities being brand new, making the city appear more beautiful and advanced.
The urban areas mainly radiated outward from around the central elevator, equivalent to what used to be called the second to sixth rings.
However, unlike before, the farther the ring here, the more valuable it became.
The Clyne Family's mansion, for instance, was located beyond the sixth ring.
That position was already on the other side of the ocean, facing the urban district from afar.
In this city focused on basic agricultural, forestry, and aquatic sciences along with applied agricultural and aquatic engineering, one could still spot traces of farmland both inside and outside the city upon closer inspection.
Of course, there weren't many - these were experimental fields for improving Earth crops, with no experiments conducted on space aquatic products.
At least, that was the official statement.
"The cone base has approximately 160 square kilometers of directly usable area, with each satellite designed to accommodate 500,000 people."
Alec, serving as both bodyguard and guide, explained as the elevator moved rapidly, unable to conceal his pride.
"However, as an agricultural research satellite and a newly built colony, Junius City doesn't have too many residents - only about 300,000."
"And you'll be staying in a separate plantation area beyond the sixth ring. The entire plantation area is under our Zodiac Alliance's control, so rest assured about security. All necessary facilities are available there."
Placing them in the beautifully landscaped plantation area, which was also where Lacus stayed, couldn't exactly be called Patrick's attempt at courting favor.
After all, locating the research institute in the complex urban area would definitely cause more problems.
The plantation area was connected to the mainland only by air, roads, aerial tracks, and undersea tunnels.
Placing the research institute in that relatively closed environment was undoubtedly much safer.
Incidentally, this meant housing people there as well.
Of course, Fred's value was another factor.
"Of course, all internal living facilities are fully equipped, so please don't worry about daily life issues."
Alec smiled warmly.
"...With such a vast ocean, can't it solve the food problem?"
Flay, rather than feeling nervous about entering the Coordinator headquarters, was instead filled with curiosity. Holding her brother's hand, she gazed curiously at the sparkling coastline in the distance as she asked.
"It only contains microorganisms for environmental adjustment, and besides, eating just fish isn't sufficient."
Fred explained before Alec could respond.
"Brother is so amazing~!"
"...Just as Fred said."
Alec nodded solemnly while watching the siblings' harmonious exchange.
"If your research can help us, I would be willing to sacrifice everything."
As he spoke, Alec bowed deeply to Fred and the others.
"I will do my utmost to protect you and everyone here."
The feeling of being controlled by the neck is never pleasant.
And witnessing the series of miracles Fred had created along the way truly made him see hope for liberation.
"Teacher Lenore is here too."
Fred said with a smile.
"But I'll do my best."
...
The group didn't linger, as Fred's current identity couldn't be publicly disclosed.
Taking a private Intercity Maglev Train, they soon arrived at the Plantation surrounded by lush greenery.
Of course, security checks along the way were extremely strict.
Watching the maglev compartment pass through with highest clearance, the guard at the gate curiously watched the low-profile compartment disappear into the distance.
"Who was that?"
"That's the highest-level compartment, what do you think?"
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Just focus on guarding this place properly."
His fellow guard said coldly.
Highest level - that likely meant the two leaders of the Zodiac Alliance had arrived.
They just needed to do their jobs properly.
If this information leaked out, they would all be dead.
"I was just making conversation..."
The young man muttered awkwardly, and soon both resumed their usual stern expressions.
They stood like two door gods, silent and unmoving.
Meanwhile, Fred and the others emerged from the low-profile yet luxuriously appointed compartment into the residential area.
While not as large as the Clyne mansion from memory, it was still considerably bigger than their five-star home in Copernicus.
The three-story villa was more than sufficient for a family of four.
From this angle, they could see a pavilion-like structure on the rooftop.
"This villa employs the highest level of defensive specifications. If explosive impact is detected, reinforced metal will automatically seal it off to form a simple shelter. While it can't withstand a direct nuclear hit, it has no problem resisting the aftermath."
Alec explained.
"Not bad~ More exquisite than that five-star place in Copernicus."
Heather's eyes lit up at the sight.
Unlike Fred, Heather preferred large houses.
Of course, that was most people's preference anyway.
"So typical of women to be so superficial."
George glanced at his seemingly unsophisticated wife.
"Besides the standard bedrooms, the rooms also include a study and a home theater, all equipped with the highest grade currently available on the market..."
Before Alec could finish, George's eyes widened.
"Highest grade? ST3000?"
George asked, his hands tightening their grip on Alec's shoulders.
"The sound system...? Yes?"
Alec was startled, his lips twitching slightly as he looked at the excited George before him.