The first Earth Federation General Assembly concluded successfully, with Yang Hui as the Chairman, Durandal, Duan Halbaton, and the leader of the East Asian Republic as the three Vice Chancellors. Representatives from other major factions also joined as council members.
"Durandal, you did that on purpose, didn't you?" Yang Hui was currently in a foul mood because Durandal had proposed during the meeting that Yang Hui serve as the first Chairman of the Earth Federation Parliament—a motion that passed unanimously.
"Who else could possibly take this position besides you?" Durandal asked Yang Hui matter-of-factly.
"..." For once, Yang Hui was left speechless, unable to counter.
The reason he didn't want this position was simple: he couldn't stay in this world permanently. He still had to return to Prometheus Fortress and carry out missions in other worlds. Since he'd be absent most of the time, the title of Chairman would be nothing more than a figurehead!
But as Durandal had pointed out, no one in this world was more qualified than Yang Hui to serve as the first Chairman of the Earth Federation. Yang Hui was a hero—he had ended the Second Battle of Jachin Due, exposed the conspiracies of LOGOS and the Kingdom of Scandinavia, led the charge to eliminate extraterrestrial invaders, and saved Earth and humanity.
Without Yang Hui, anyone else stepping into the role would likely face resistance, especially since the tensions between Naturals and Coordinators hadn't been fully resolved yet.
"Sigh, but I can't stay here to handle Federation affairs either," Yang Hui said helplessly.
"We'll manage the Federation's day-to-day operations for you. You just need to show up occasionally to make an appearance," Duan Halbaton assured him. The leader of the East Asian Republic nodded in agreement.
The truth about Yang Hui's team and the intel on Prometheus Fortress had already been disclosed to these two. As leaders of the two dominant factions in the Gundam SEED world—now a stable rear base—they had the right to know. Keeping them in the dark now would only risk causing chaos later if they found out on their own.
Moreover, Yang Hui genuinely needed their support. Otherwise, a Chairman who frequently went missing would be hard to justify.
"I guess that's the only way."
It was a less-than-ideal solution, but for the sake of this world's stability, it would have to do for now. Over time, as Yang Hui's heroic deeds faded from public memory and one of the three—Durandal, Duan Halbaton, or the East Asian Republic's leader—built up enough achievements to surpass his reputation, the position of Chairman could be handed over.
"Don't look at me. I'll be stepping down from my role too," Durandal said quickly when Yang Hui glanced his way. Like Creuset, he saw power merely as a tool to achieve his goals.
He also shared Creuset's eagerness to explore other worlds, making it impossible for him to stay in the Gundam SEED world indefinitely.
There was another important reason: Talia would also become a member of Prometheus Fortress. With his lover leaving, why would he stay behind?
"I'd like to see it for myself too," Duan Halbaton said with a smile. Compared to being a politician, he much preferred being a soldier.
"So... it's just me left?" The leader of the East Asian Republic pointed at himself helplessly, silently cursing how these two old foxes had spoken so quickly, completely cutting off all his escape routes.
Indeed, the leader of the East Asian Republic also longed for the existence of Prometheus Fortress and other worlds. Even as a pure politician, once a person's horizons broadened, they would realize how trivial and laughable their former pursuits were.
"You can hold the fort for a while. In a few years, once we find a suitable candidate, you can hand it over. Simple as that."
"Fine."
"So... when do we start?"
As soon as the words were spoken, six pairs of eyes locked onto Yang Hui, burning with such intensity it seemed they wanted to devour him whole.
"Let's go." Yang Hui shrugged and led the three into a private elevator. They descended for what felt like an eternity, stopping only after reaching an unknown depth underground.
"You didn't choose Orb?" Durandal and the other two exclaimed in surprise.
Yang Hui had already briefed them about the Two-way Transfer Gate and its immense significance. Logically, for security reasons, he should have placed it in his stronghold.
"It's true I built Orb from the ground up, but what I've always wanted is this entire world."
The three were stunned, then shook their heads with wry smiles. Their vision had still been too narrow—this world was already Yang Hui's for the taking. And as the absolute center of the world, the Earth Federation headquarters was the better choice.
After passing through multiple security checks, the four arrived in a vast underground chamber, large enough to house an entire army.
"You're here?" As the group arrived, Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, Murrue, Natarle Badgiruel, Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, Creuset, Kira, Athrun, and others who had been waiting gathered around. Even Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria—original members of Prometheus Fortress—were eagerly anticipating the moment the Two-way Transfer Gate would be established, as this was their first time experiencing it too.
"Yeah, let's begin. I can see you're all impatient." Yang Hui shrugged, wasting no time as he moved to the designated spot and contacted Mephis.
"Mephis, begin."
[Initiating Two-way Transfer Gate construction... Building in progress...]
As Mephis's holographic form materialized above Yang Hui, countless blue energy blocks of varying sizes appeared out of thin air, swirling together under its command. Before long, a towering gate brimming with futuristic technology stood before them. At its center was a mysterious blue vortex—simultaneously alluring and intimidating in its unknown depths.
[Two-way Transfer Gate established. Temporal synchronization complete. Commander, you may return to Prometheus Fortress at any time.]
"Good work."
"..." Without any change in expression, Mephis vanished.
"Let's go, everyone." Yang Hui shrugged at Mephis's indifference, then turned to the group. Leading Sumeragi, Wang Liu Mei, Setsuna, Lyle, and Tieria, he stepped into the vortex. Murrue, Natarle, and Lacus followed closely behind.
Watching the figure disappear, those who had been filled with anticipation and excitement now hesitated—such was human nature, the fear of the unknown.
"Heh, never thought I'd experience fear one day," Creuset mocked himself with a shake of his head, steadying his emotions before stepping into the vortex.
Next, Kira and Athrun exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously, stepping forward together.
"Hey! How can you go first? Move aside!" The proud little white-haired one, still hesitating earlier, couldn't stand being outdone when he saw Athrun move. He shoved Athrun aside and rushed through the portal ahead of him.
"Oi! Yzak…" Dearka covered his face in frustration. Once they reached Prometheus Fortress, he'd have to ask Yang Hui if there was any technology that could cure tsundere tendencies.
Pushed aside, Athrun froze for a moment before sharing a wry smile with Kira and Dearka, then stepped through the portal.
With their representatives leading the way, the rest naturally mustered their courage, filing in one after another—toward an unknown future, a future brimming with anticipation.
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