"What's the channel again? Ah, here it is!" Kisato finally found the channel that she had been searching for and walked back to her chair to enjoy the upcoming documentary on her hero, George Glenn. However, instead of her program, the TV channel started to air a special news cast. A thirty year old Japanese man dressed in a normal suit and tie appeared on the screen. He was sitting behind a desk with a simple background behind him highlighting the details of this news bulletin.
"This is Shinichiro Takeda reporting for channel 14 news! We've just received word that the United States of South America has formally declared their independence from the Earth Alliance!" As soon as Edward heard those words, he dropped his half-eaten second hamburger back on to his plate. "Hold on! We're receiving a satellite transmission originating from the United States of South America! Stand by..."
The screen changed to show a Brazilian man behind a desk with the logo representing the United States of South America behind him. "In light of the recent revelations showing the ties between the top Earth Alliance brass and Blue Cosmos, the people of the United States of South America wish to reclaim what the Atlantic Federation has taken away from us a few days after the Bloody Valentine tragedy last year: our sovereignty, dignity and independence. We truly regret that we did not take this course of action earlier even when the corruption of the Earth Alliance was in plain sight."
Takeda began to speak as the camera focused on him again. "And that seems to be all we have so far. So far, the Earth Alliance has not yet issued an official response to the press. We'll keep you updated as this progresses. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming." The George Glenn program began to air but nobody in the cafeteria was interested in it anymore in light of what they have just heard.
"This is quite an interesting turn of events," murmured Liam. He reached up to turn the TV off.
Edward simply breathed in and out slowly. Lowe noticed his associate's strange behavior. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be alright. It's just that this is something I've always hoped for but never thought would happen with the Atlantic Federation's iron tight control," replied the other man.
"Now I'm confused. What is Ed babbling about?" asked Eight through his monitor. Edward noticed the confused looks before explaining himself.
"Let me clarify things briefly. The United States of South America is my homeland and is very dear to me. I wanted to be able to protect it so I joined up with the military and became a fighter pilot. When the Alliance invaded, I did all that I could but eventually we were integrated into the Alliance military and the Atlantic Federation annexed the South American continent. Even though I was an Alliance soldier, my loyalty lies with the USSA." He slowly picked up his half eaten burger and began to finish eating it.
"I doubt that the Atlantic Federation would take this lying down. They are most likely to send over troops to invade the USSA again," stated Kou before he sipped his cocoa.
Edward finished the last bite of his burger before he exhaled and clenched his fist in determination. "They will not force my homeland to be a part of their corrupt regime again. Not if me and my Sword Calamity have anything to say about it."
"Don't forget about me, Edward. I promised you before we started the mission to steal those suits that I would be with you until the end," said Jane firmly.
"You're comfortable going up against the Alliance?" asked Liam in an intrigued tone.
The woman ran a hand through her dyed hair. "I only joined up with them so I can do what I can to end the war. At first, they seemed to be a decent organization but now, I can't stomach them."
Kou placed his mug down on the table. "Considering that there are gonna be probably going to be a large number of mass production mobile suits heading your way, you'll need every mobile suit you can get. You should take the Buster Dagger and the Raider Full Spec along with you."
"I'll arrange some transport for those suits and for the two of you to the USSA," volunteered Cagalli.
"And if you ever need supplies, parts and maintenance, give us a call! The Junk Guild will be more than happy to help you out," added Lowe Gear with a grin.
Edward gave a smile. "Thank you everybody."
**********
"Jess! Get your butt in here!!" Jess Rabble, a struggling photo journalist, stepped into his employer's office nervously. Hopefully, he could make up for screwing up the pictures of the mobile suit battle between the Forbidden, the Calamity, the Raider, the Freedom and the Justice that occurred in Orb back in June.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Matias? Sir?"
"You heard about the USSA making a split from the Alliance?" asked Matias in a rough tone. He dug a hand into his desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a small glass. Jess nodded his head. "Well, I want you to go down there and bring me back a good amount of photos to illustrate this new feeling of freedom and rebellion. Maybe you can get some photos of guerillas and mobile suits. You understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, sir!" Jess checked his camera and made sure that he had everything he needed for the job. Matias handed the young man some papers.
"Here are your transportation arrangements. Now get going!"
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(Posted Sun, 14 Aug 2005 06:58)
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