Chapter 39: The Idea King of the Armored Academy!

"Severe punishment for the murderers!"
"Federal forces get out of Zeon!"
"Dalsia step down!"
"We want bread!"
"We want jobs!"

At this moment, the Zeon people gathered outside the accommodation of the delegation continued to shout various slogans. Although many knew that today's gathering could not solve any problems nor change the current status quo, everyone shouted at the top of their lungs until the very last bit of air was squeezed from their lungs.

"Keep a close eye on those who shouted for Prime Minister Dalsia to step down. They are potential anti-social elements and need to be sent to labor camps for re-education!"

Although the Chancellor's Guard did not interfere with the subsequent developments, necessary surveillance was still in place. What they guarded against was precisely the emergence of such situations.

Since many of the subsequent crowds coming to protest were not organized by them, the slogans of these people gradually became a mixed bag. The Chancellor's Guard remained constantly vigilant, ready to take immediate action the moment any unexpected situation arose.

Thus, some citizens, disgruntled with the food rationing system, had just finished shouting for Dalsia to step down when a few fierce-looking passersby suddenly emerged from behind them. Waving identification documents stamped with the SS insignia on the cover, they forced other curious onlookers to instinctively halt their steps.

"The Chancellor's Guard is arresting pro-Federal elements, everyone need not worry!"

Under the stern warnings of these secret police, the surrounding Zeon people dared not harbor any doubts and could only watch as these individuals were swiftly shoved into black vans parked in the small alleys.

Such a minor episode did not affect the marching crowd. On the contrary, upon witnessing the actions of the secret police, everyone's dissatisfaction with the Zeon government was suppressed back into their stomachs.

Consequently, the scene soon consisted only of slogans demanding the Federal forces get out. Moreover, perhaps as the crowd grew larger and denser, they even began to actively approach the cordon outside the estate, forcing the guards to draw a clear, live-ammunition human wall of security.

"Those Zeon people did this on purpose! These bastards arrived so quickly and blocked our entrance so coincidentally—it must have been premeditated!"

The Minister of Military and Political Affairs wore a bitter expression. How could the Zeon people pull this stunt right after General Revil's departure? Did they think he was easy to bully?

Fortunately, he was no pushover. Having learned that the Zeon people believed this was a spontaneous civilian action and that military police could not be deployed to suppress it, he had already mobilized the Federal forces stationed in the Guardian District.

Traveling from the Guardian District to Zum City took only a few hours. Everyone just needed to hold on a little longer; once the mighty Federal troops arrived, these Zeon rioters would surely get what was coming to them!

The Federal garrison in the Guardian District quickly organized a rescue convoy, which even stirred up the various cadets currently undergoing rest and recuperation. Several infantry cadets nearing graduation even actively requested deployment. This was not because they were particularly heroic or fearless, but because they knew the garrison was organizing a force to rescue several high-ranking officials of the delegation.

While these so-called high-ranking officials might not hold immense power, they still possessed considerable influence. Securing their favor through this operation would be quite beneficial for their future prospects, not to mention that participating in a rescue mission itself was a recordable honor.

"Boss, you should sign up too. With us moving out, taking down those guys will be a piece of cake, right?"
"?"

Macarius looked with utter astonishment at the driver of Vehicle No. 4, who felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze and shrank his neck back.

"What is it?"
"Are you sure it'll be fine for us to go?"

A member of the onlookers squad sighed nearby and tapped the driver on the head.
"What could possibly be wrong with us going?"
"Right now, there are over a hundred thousand unarmed Zeon civilians out there—they have old folks, children, and even pregnant women. And you want us to deploy tank units?"
"I never would've guessed you held such deep-seated hatred for the Zeon people!"
"Ah, come on, I'm just anxious!"
"Don't rush, there'll be plenty of things for you to stress over later. What's happening now is just a small-scale affair. Once the riots spiral out of control later, you'll get to see the real big show!"
"Ah, you're kidding, there's going to be more rioting?"
"Just wait and see!"

With that, Macarius prepared to return to the garage. He had come to realize that garrison units were practically paradise compared to the academy; here, they could even catch up on sleep in the garage during their free time without any issue, whereas at the academy, the military police would drag them off for brutal torment.

However, before he had walked more than a few steps, the loud-speakers installed throughout the military camp blared to life.

"Emergency notice: All cadets of the Armored Corps Academy are ordered to report to the headquarters immediately!"
"?"
"What happened?"

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. They hadn't done anything wrong recently—at most, they had sneaked into the cafeteria late at night to steal some roast chicken. But now that the order had come down, they could only adjust their caps and form up, running swiftly toward the headquarters.

"Report! All members of the Red Dragon Team report for duty!"
"Which one of you is Macarius Clini?"
"I am, sir. What are your orders?"

Looking at the frowning colonel standing in front of the electronic map, Macarius inwardly cursed his bad luck but still stepped forward.

"I am the garrison commander, Eugen Joseph. Son, you already know the current situation, don't you?"

Standing before Macarius was a middle-aged man with a resolute expression and the demeanor of a tough guy. He looked to be in his early forties, but beneath the brim of his cap, numerous strands of white hair were visible. Clearly, serving as the commander here was no easy job.

"Yes, Commander, sir. I am already somewhat briefed on the situation!"
"Ordinarily, I wouldn't want to trouble cadets like you, but the rescue plan requires the best drivers. Therefore, I need your strength!"

At this, the rest of the Red Dragon Team immediately turned their gazes toward the driver of Vehicle No. 4, who instantly broke out in a cold sweat and mentally cursed himself thoroughly.

"Why do I have such a cursed mouth?!"
"Sir, before that, may I take a look at your plan?"
"Give it to him!"

Soon, a data pad was handed over. Macarius scanned it roughly before placing it onto the holographic map table.

"Sir, with all due respect, even if you hired professional racing drivers, this plan would still be useless!"
"Bastard, do you know what you're saying?"
The several officers surrounding Eugen instantly became furious.
"Silence!"

Eugen picked up the data pad, reviewed it once more, and then took off his military cap.
"Is my plan really that terrible? Then what about you—do you have a proposal?"
"A proposal is a bit much, just an idea. However, this idea might require some extra preparation."
"Feel free to speak your mind, and you don't need to worry about anything!"
"Understood. Then, may I ask if you can procure a batch of Chancellor's Guard uniforms for us?"
"Oh!"

Eugen's eyes lit up, and he heavily slapped his own thigh.
"Good, good, good! This idea of yours is brilliant!"