[Hathaway's Flash] Vol.02 Ch.13

Chapter.13
Information

　In the beginning, the vast expanse of the Australian continent resisted human settlement and development. Still, as pollution issues escalated towards the close of the last century, government policies were overruled, transforming some regions into refuse disposal sites.

　The continent was, after all, part of the world's leading nations.

　In the face of economic and population booms, even the youngest lands for humanity found themselves engulfed by the growth of the previous era.

　The shift from the Christian era to the "Universal Century" did not herald a dazzling future as depicted in early sci-fi novels; instead, it adopted a somber resonance, acknowledging Earth's contamination for the sake of sustaining localized urban populations. To make amends for a compromised future, humanity turned to the construction of space colonies.

　Hathaway and his team were particularly invested in the Earth Federation Government's Adelaide Conference, as the anticipated "Special Bill on a Return to Earth" was to be ratified at the Central Assembly. 

　Upon approval, Earth residency would be granted only to those recognized by the Earth Federation government.

　Though this notion had remained an unspoken rule since the dawn of space colonies, it now facilitated the swifter expulsion of unauthorized Earth inhabitants compared to the temporary space migration laws of the forced space emigration period.

　As the first century of the Universal Century drew to a close, Earth's population naturally swelled, yet the new regulations enabled the easy removal of these individuals.

　Manhunting became legally sanctioned. 

　A further complication arose: those under direct Earth Federation government jurisdiction could live on Earth as they pleased, fostering an inclination towards bureaucratic dictatorship.

　Since the Earth Federation government's present-day society is marked by hereditary systems among bureaucrats and assembly members, it can be inferred that the unfolding reality under such policies is inherently discriminatory.

　The government cunningly crafted the legislation in such a manner that none of these issues could be predicted from the legal text alone.

　This is why Hathaway and his colleagues carried out purges of cabinet members, striving to dismantle the hereditary system and blood ties that permeated the central bureaucracy.

　Ideally, public opinion should overturn such matters, but history refuses to simply repeat itself.

　If humanity's living space was confined to Earth, public opinion could potentially influence the central government through shifting geopolitical landscapes.

　However, during the space colony era, the intentions and desires of those living in isolated, enclosed spaces did not reach the Earth Federation government.

　Even though cosmic laws might emerge to supplant geopolitics, they had not yet become deeply rooted in the collective subconscious. The integration of the space colony era into human history remained in its early stages.

　The inconclusive, small-scale outcome of Char's Rebellion appears to symbolize this.

　For individuals like Gigi Andalusia, the options were limited: either join the ranks of bureaucrats or civil servants or become a relative – both seemingly unattainable.

　Yet, it is inherent in human nature to occasionally go against the flow...

　As evening fell on the day Hathaway and his colleagues initiated their move to the next relay point, cabinet ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats began to arrive in Adelaide, accompanied by their escorts. They settled into heavily guarded hotels.

　In essence, the city transformed into the Central Assembly of the Federation government, with ordinary people being excluded.

　However, Adelaide, which had no more than ten thousand residents, effectively became the Earth Federation government itself.

　Defense preparations had been underway since the Kimberley Hayman era. Once the facility construction commenced under Kenneth Slegg's direction, relocating the cabinet meeting would have proven difficult.

　"Chief, have you seen it?"

　As soon as Hundley Yeoksan picked up the receiver, he heard the voice.

　"Of course."

　Gazing at the square, white Festival Center building from his hotel window – the central structure that required protection – Yeoksan understood Minister of Culture, Education, and Promotion of McGovern's distress.

　"It could damage the reputation of the Federation government."

　"Well, that's one way to look at it, but don't worry. I'm discussing the matter with the information and communications staff."

　"Regardless, Kimberley unit's mobile suits are crushing people by grabbing and stepping on them. No matter the justification, this shouldn't be shown to the general public. This isn't some TV drama. The cameras even captured the squad's emblem on the mobile suit's body. How can we explain this?"

　While listening to the lengthy explanation with a sense of boredom, Chief Yeoksan scrutinized the activity of cars around the Festival Center.

　This private room was unknown even to his direct subordinates. Only his secretary was aware, and they had them wait in the official room and transfer calls.

　That was how he conducted business.

　"I understand your concerns, Minister. I've already been discussing the matter with the Chief Secretary and three other individuals, and we'll take action against the station that broadcast the footage."

　The explanation remained the same.

　"We mustn't resort to violence. No violence--"

　"Yes, but we have no choice but to label it as fake news."

　"That would mean repercussions for the press. SPTV is a tough network to handle. It's not something we can easily do."

　"You think so? How about removing that chairman on separate charges..."

　As the minister continued to speak, Yeoksan couldn't help but think that this particular minister was a complete idiot.

　"Is this also a leakable issue?" he asked.

　"Yes, it is. Particularly regarding antitrust laws."

　"I see... if that's the case, then anyone could be suspended, but isn't that a bit underhanded?"

　"But the problem is about the reputation of the Federation, as you said so, Minister, did you not?"

　"Yes, but we can still treat it as an exception."

　"Well..."

　"Alright, then please suppress the news as soon as possible... Ah, and I don't want to be involved in this any further, understand?"

　"Of course, I will handle it under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, so I will also forget about it."

　"That's good."

　When Yeoksan hung up the phone, the next call was already coming in.

　"What is it?"

　"Sir, the Ministry of Information and Communications will act on the issue of the Oenbelli massacre news, but since the opponent is SPTV from Londonion, it will take some time..."

　"Who is it from?"

　"It's from the secretary of Minister Papierrot Halmatch..."

　"Ugh... please continue negotiations with the Ministry of Information, and also contact the Ministry of Finance."

　"That's gonna take a few more hours until the Vice Minister arrives."

　"Hmm... How long can we keep the direct line to Londonion?"

　"Only 20 more minutes. The connection through the North American continent is via an undersea cable, so we're still applying for it."

　"It's inconvenient. Have we made arrangements with the Vice Minister of the General Staff?"

　"One moment, please. It seems a message has come in."

　"Hmm..."

　Roughly an hour earlier that evening, a TV station based in the Side 1 space colony of Londenion aired a news report about the Oenbelli massacre. The video showcased Kimberley's forces quelling the private soldiers under Fabio Rivera's command, who had assembled in Oenbelli. One of Fabio's subordinates had managed to travel to Side 1 and provided the station with the footage. The program also featured an interview with this individual.

　Of course, the news didn't remain confined to just one space colony; it rapidly disseminated throughout hundreds of space colonies and even reached Earth, particularly in areas with a direct line to Londenion. In Adelaide, where government officials convened, it was simple to access the news, thanks to signals received from antennas situated across Earth and each Side.

　In spite of the ongoing crisis where artificial satellites barely functioned due to the anti-federation government movement, the Federation government's power enabled them to sustain a minimum level of facility operations.

　"The deputy chief of staff is available now, correct?"

　"The Plaza Hotel, right? Inform them we're en route."

　"Yes, sir."

　After issuing these instructions to his secretary, Hundley Yeoksan, accompanied by Gass H. Huguest, made their way to the Plaza Hotel, which was just a five-minute drive away.

　The hotel was reserved entirely for the staff of the General Staff Headquarters, and Chief Yeoksan went up to the top floor where the Space Force officers were staying.

　"I've only just arrived and haven't even showered yet, and now this," grumbled Captain Brad Loewe, the Vice-Minister, upon opening his mouth.

　"Will the ministers arrive tonight?"

　"Yes, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

　Feeling annoyed by the nonchalant attitude of the tourist-like Captain, Yeoksan spoke with a stern tone, causing Loewe to adjust his tie.

　"You're familiar with Kenneth's Circe unit, right?"

　"Yes, I heard they're arriving here tomorrow morning. The barrier construction has been full steam for three days; it's quite a daunting task..."

　Chief Yeoksan exchanged glances with Gass, both of them incredulous at the laid-back attitude of the personnel who had come down from space.

　In that regard, Gass, who felt self-conscious about being assigned to a remote area, had been putting in far more effort. Yeoksan had decided to bring Gass along, leaving the interrogation of the hijackers from Haunzen, because the central staffers were proving ineffective. In that sense, Gass had also played the role of liaison between the Circe unit and the Manhunter unit in Davao.

　"Captain Sleg is also struggling. The ministers keep making ill-advised remarks, you know?"

　"It seems so..."

　"What are your thoughts?"

　"Regarding what?"

　The Captain in front of Chief Yeoksan seemed like a man who knew nothing.

　"I'm talking about support from the Circe unit."

　"We've been discussing that as a matter for the General Staff since we arrived in Hong Kong."

　"I know it's not my place to say anything, but the poor performance in Oenbelli wasn't solely due to the commander's shortcomings but also organizational issues. Do you see where I'm coming from? We need experienced combatants immediately. I want you to remind the minister about the existence of the 13th Autonomous Unit at Londenion."

　"Is it really necessary to do that?"

　"Yes..."

　"We aren't an Earth-centric military."

　"But you're part of the General Staff, aren't you?"

　"That's why we're addressing it in a general meeting..."

　Recognizing that this Captain was a poor bureaucrat, the chief patiently elaborated.

　"May I? It's disconcerting that my own officers have been placed under the command of the Circe unit, but Captain Sleg is also in a difficult situation. And all this occurred because the cabinet ministers prioritized their own safety and imposed their authority. Therefore,  I want you to understand that what you just said contradicts the cabinet meeting's intentions and is a statement that disregards them, Captain."

　"Are you trying to intimidate me?"

　"The Cabinet meeting won't start until the day after tomorrow, and there are many things that need to be done before that," the chief replied, avoiding the question.

　"..."

　Finally, the Captain seemed to realize that his own neck was on the line. He rubbed his neck and stared at the ceiling.

　"Bright Noa from the 13th Autonomous Unit... A young and battle-hardened Newtype. Do I have that right?"

　Hundley Yokusen had forgotten all about that name since he last heard it from Hathaway at the Davao airport. So he asked the Captain to check.

　"I-I'll look into it."

　Captain Brad Loewe vaguely responded but made sure to jot down the name.