Chapter 197 – A Long-Awaited Reunion
"So this is the food production base? Honestly, I thought it would be more like endless rice paddies stretching as far as the eye could see."
Universal Century 0085, January.
Inside the elevator traveling from the central axis of the colony satellite to its inner wall, Eli gazed through the observation window at the interior of the satellite.
What met his eyes wasn't a pastoral scene like the Texas Colony, which mimicked Earth's environment for livestock farming, but rather a series of towering buildings.
In that sense, it truly lived up to the name of a food production base.
"Yes, most of the food produced on this colony is grown using hydroponics, maximizing spatial efficiency for cultivation."
The reception staff from the Republic of Zeon explained to Eli.
By regulating the growth environment within these buildings, the production efficiency could be pushed to its peak.
Compared to that, the farmlands across North America suddenly seemed quite out of step with the Universal Century.
"Amazing… Prime Minister Artesia really had the guts to pull this off."
A colony is called a colony precisely because it needs to support residential living.
While other colonies were growing increasingly bloated and struggling with overpopulation, Artesia had successfully pushed for the development of this food-dedicated satellite, one with no permanent population except the necessary personnel.
Even without this food production satellite, the Earth Sphere wouldn't face a food crisis—at most, rising logistical difficulties would drive up food prices a little.
"Of course. What Prime Minister Artesia has done will undoubtedly help the Republic of Zeon grow stronger."
The reception staff clearly harbored some critical opinions of Eli Lee, the somewhat "notorious" Commander of Undertaker.
Still, everything is relative. Compared to the infamously despised Titans, Eli Lee had, since becoming the commander of the now-independent combat unit "Undertaker," actually garnered praise from some space residents within his jurisdiction.
Viewed in this light, even Eli's face seemed rather friendly—especially compared to the grim and terrifying Bask.
"I believe that as well."
To the staff member's surprise, Eli, a Federation officer, didn't object at all to the statement about Zeon's development.
But recalling Eli's purpose for this visit, the staff quickly extinguished the momentary goodwill that had risen in their heart.
"Please wait here. Prime Minister Artesia is ready to receive you."
Eli wasn't here because Undertaker had discovered signs of Zeon remnants in hiding. Rather, it was because the bloated Federation bureaucracy had finally—half a year after the Delaz Incident—sorted out responsibilities and turned its attention to this food production satellite.
This satellite offered the Federation a potential model. Colonies had traditionally prioritized residential space, even those focused on agriculture still reserved the majority of their area for permanent residents.
Thus, the Federation dispatched technical staff to evaluate the colony's development potential and sustainability.
Eli's "White Chaser" was tasked with escorting those personnel here.
Withdrawing his gaze, Eli fell silent, quietly observing the Federation technicians who were themselves studying the interior layout of the food production satellite.
Compared to dealing with politicians, Eli much preferred these people.
On the way here, he'd already chatted with them.
They didn't seem to care much about General Revil's retirement. Their sheer professionalism made it hard to believe they were employed by a nation-state so deeply entrenched in political struggle.
To Eli, Revil's resignation hadn't caused much of a ripple either.
That's right—even though he was the supreme leader of a faction and Commander-in-Chief of the Space Forces, his stepping down created about as much stir as a kindly old man leaving his job as a security guard. The political world barely reacted.
The Parliamentary faction didn't seize the chance to crush the Revil faction. Instead, they focused on resolving the aftermath of the Delaz Incident.
In fact, they even suppressed the Titans for a time, reclaiming all strategic-level weaponry they had controlled.
When Eli read the internal weapon manifest, he was shocked to discover that the Titans had gained access to the G3 gas.
Most notably, the Solar Ray System—a weapon that used to be operable with a simple report from the Titans—was now sealed off, forbidden from casual use.
And Bask, who had ordered the Solar Ray System's activation during the Delaz Incident under the excuse of "carrying out General Gihren's final command," received barely any punishment.
The only consequence was a downgrade of the reward he was supposed to receive—demoted from a Major General's promotion to that of Brigadier General.
Of course, many initiatives that made Anaheim look benevolent likely played a role in that outcome too.
Still, despite all that, General Revil hadn't really retired from power. He had merely stepped down as Space Forces Commander-in-Chief and was nominally even promoted—to the rank of Grand General Revil.
The Federation's sole Grand General, now stationed in Jaburo, "overseeing" all military affairs.
When they reached the "surface" of the food production satellite, a Zeon military band was already stationed along the main avenue, playing solemn, stately music.
Make no mistake—this wasn't for Eli and his group. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Zeon was present, and the ceremony was naturally of the highest caliber.
Nor was Prime Minister Artesia there specifically to welcome the Federation's technicians. She was merely inspecting the site, and their arrival just happened to coincide.
After a brief welcoming ceremony, the group boarded jeeps and headed toward the administrative building at the center of the production complex.
As expected, there was another ceremonial formation awaiting them at the building entrance.
But Eli noticed some of the researchers around him showing slight signs of impatience.
Such pure-hearted individuals.
"Are there going to be more welcomes like this?"
Eli whispered to the staffer beside him.
The staffer forced a strained smile.
Clearly, not everyone in Zeon supported this brand of aristocratic pomp and circumstance.
"I'm afraid there will be another ceremony when we reach the Audience Hall."
This was Zeon, after all.
Eli's expression said it all.
After that, Eli fell silent again and followed the Zeon personnel toward the Audience Hall.
Standing before the large doors, he was suddenly gripped by a sense of nervous excitement—like the anxiety of returning home after a long absence.
But mixed with that homesick hesitation was a powerful wave of joy and longing pouring from beyond the door, nearly strong enough to overwhelm him.
That yearning and dependency made Eli realize that the person beyond this door was someone he, too, had been longing for day and night.
The door slowly opened. Through the growing crack, Eli locked eyes with the woman seated on the throne—Sayla.
"Long time no see."
On a private channel, the two of them greeted one another.