Chapter 153: Kou Uraki's Resolve
During the Tears of the Sky incident, Eli was among the first recognized Newtypes officially acknowledged by the Federation, which naturally sparked intense controversy.
Within the Federation, the stance was unified and unquestionable.
However, the debate across the universe was far more heated.
Some supported Eli due to his origins in space and his battle achievements.
Others, seeing how he had consistently assisted the Federation, unilaterally revoked his status as a space resident, denouncing him as a "traitor."
There were even claims that eliminating Eli would be enough to overturn the Federation's Newtype theory.
Eli wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment—anyone who wanted to kill him was welcome to try. More often than not, they ended up being Zeon remnants, or at the very least, Zeon sympathizers. Sending them off to prison as labor force contributors was always a satisfying outcome.
As compensation for the trouble, General Revil granted Eli certain privileges.
Aside from priority in equipment allocation, Eli could now conveniently attribute certain decisions to "Newtype intuition," allowing Arthur to handle tasks on his behalf.
Of course, he couldn't abuse this privilege recklessly.
To lure Nick Orvill into taking the bait, Eli deliberately delayed the Gundam's testing by three days and instructed that only half the usual propellant and ammunition be loaded.
Unfortunately, no silver-haired individual attempted to infiltrate the base to steal the Gundam, nor did any Zeon remnants foolishly attack Augusta Base in central North America.
Three days passed quickly, and even Eli had no excuse to further delay the test.
Anaheim had already sent their representative, Nina, to voice her objections.
"Understood. The test will proceed at this time tomorrow. You can inform the others to make the necessary preparations," Eli said, while reviewing reports of newly discovered Zeon remnant activity.
"Thank you," Nina responded, mimicking a soldier's formal tone.
However, she hesitated, as if holding something back.
"If you have something to say, just say it," Eli prompted.
"Apologies for the request, but… could we borrow a test pilot for the MS trials? I really can't stand those three Titans pilots…"
Hearing this, Eli finally looked up from his reports.
This was the woman whom 21st-century Gundam fans had given unflattering nicknames. Though in reality, the blame lay with the scriptwriters, it still reflected one undeniable fact—Nina was a woman driven more by emotion than reason.
Guided by that emotional inclination, it was no surprise she disliked those three insufferable pilots. After all, she was someone who once named a Gundam Jade Curtain, signifying "pure love."
This was indeed an opportunity. If handled well, he could potentially take control of both Gundams.
However, Eli had no such intention.
"Apologies, but the selection of Gundam test pilots is a direct order from the higher-ups. Unless one of them makes a mistake severe enough to warrant replacement, I can't change the roster."
"I understand that… but still, I just don't like them," Nina said with a sigh before reluctantly heading back to notify her colleagues.
Once he confirmed Nina had left, Eli stood up, turned left, and pulled out a pair of eavesdroppers from around the corner.
"You heard everything?"
Crossing his arms, he looked at the two individuals—Arcadia and Kou Uraki.
Arcadia's presence was expected since Eli had called him to lead a mission against the newly confirmed Zeon remnant forces. But why was Kou here?
"Well, it's not like you were trying to hide it from us, right?" Arcadia stretched, resting his hands behind his head in a carefree manner.
Eli would have noticed them long ago, and since he hadn't ordered them to leave, it meant he didn't mind them hearing the conversation.
"It's nothing important anyway… So, what about you? Why are you here?"
"Ah! Yes, sir!"
Kou immediately straightened up and saluted.
"I request to participate in the upcoming operation against the Zeon remnants!"
"Operation?"
Eli led both of them back into his office and glanced at Kou.
"Ensign Uraki, you're not an Undertaker pilot. You're not required to participate."
Although Kou had been working with the White Chaser MS unit for testing, technically, he and the other newly recruited pilots were not under Undertaker but rather assigned to Augusta Base under Arthur's command.
However, everyone knew the close relationship between Augusta Base and Undertaker, which was why Kou had volunteered to be stationed there under Amuro's guidance.
"This isn't about duty—I want to participate!"
Eli narrowed his eyes.
"Give me a valid reason."
"I want to become a Gundam pilot."
Was this because of what Nina said earlier?
"If it's GP01, then—"
"No, not just this time! I want to make sure that in the future, I won't be overlooked due to a lack of experience or skill!"
Eli observed the young pilot, still fresh-faced and untouched by the kind of trauma that would later lead to his "Trinton Syndrome" in the original timeline.
He was stubborn and determined.
"If that's the case… Arcadia, can you accept this?"
Eli shifted his gaze to Arcadia.
"Sure, I've got no objections. I actually think the kid's got potential."
Arcadia gave Kou a firm slap on the back, making him finally lower his salute and scratch his cheek in embarrassment.
The young pilot felt incredibly fortunate.
His friends supported him, his superior officers assisted him, and his commander was willing to guide him.
If he could get a girlfriend and pilot a Gundam, his life would be perfect.
At that moment, Kou resolved to bring Gith along with him next time.
"Then let's assign one of your team's spare GM Customs to Ensign Uraki," Eli ordered.
"Understood!"
The two immediately saluted in acknowledgment.
"Kou, this is your first mission—make sure you follow Arcadia's orders closely."
Waving them off, Eli sighed.
If possible, he much preferred fighting in an MS rather than being stuck in an office.
Unfortunately, more pressing matters required his attention—namely, the GP04 test.
From every standpoint, Eli was the most suitable test pilot for the job.
Standing up, he began his own preparations for the MS trial.
As he left the command building, the shadow of the White Chaser loomed over the base, slowly moving toward its designated location.
"Yeah… I really am an MS pilot at heart."
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