2023-01-31: Difference of Opinion

• Log: 2023-01-31: Difference of Opinion
• Cast: Eileen Canaver, Ezalia Joule
• Where: Aprilius One
• Date: U.C. 0097 01 31
• Summary: Two members of the PLANTs Supreme Council have a difference of opinion over whether wiping out the Naturals is a valid path to take.

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The situation within the PLANTs capital colony of Aprilius One is particularly chaotic. Many ZAFT soldiers usually stationed there for the purpose of defending it from threats in space have had to be reassigned to help keep the most outspoken of the populace from tearing the place apart.

Half are are calling for blood, after the destruction of Quintilis Five.

The other half are demanding answers, given the reveal of the GENESIS superweapon and its devastating use against the Orbital Ring.

Opinions are split. And not just within the general populace.

A group of several individuals are walking with purpose through the corridors of the PLANT Supreme Council Building which, as the name unsurprisingly suggests, acts as an administrative building and meeting place for said council.

Some of these individuals are simply assistants, there to provide support. But a few are particularly important, given they are actual members on that council. The people elected to run the PLANTs. And at the head of them, is one notable councilor, Eileen Canaver.

A woman with a strong spirit, her opinion regarding the subject of Coordinators versus Naturals has always been one born of a strong moral fibre. Which is to say she doesn't see this as a war against all Naturals, unlike how some others in the council clearly do. As evidenced by the recent firing of GENESIS and the words of the council's Chairman during the event.

This is actually why she and some of her fellow councillors are making their way towards the council's main chambers. To demand answers from Patrick Zala. However, with communications to Jachin Due all but cut due to military concerns, the direct line from the council chamber is the only way to reach the Chairman.

Of course, the Chairman's supporters know this. Which is why waiting for them just outside the chamber is another councilor. One backed by several heavily armed ZAFT soldiers.

The group stop, Eileen eyeing the woman standing before them, "Ezalia."

Ezalia Joule, a woman in favour of firm action against the Naturals and thus a strong supporter of Zala, stands firm as she replies, "Eileen."

The two stare at each other for a moment, the air thick with tension. Eileen is the first to break the silence, "Move aside, Ezalia. Patrick has to answer for what has happened."

Ezalia, naturally, doesn't budge, "\Chairman\ Zala is the officially elected leader of this council. He is working in the best interests of us all."

"Bullshit!" Eileen counters quickly, "He has gone far beyond the bounds of his station this time! The council approved neither the refitting of the GENESIS device for military use, nor its firing against a CIVILIAN target!"

"Of course not! You're all too blind and cowardly to see the truth. The Naturals don't even see us as people. They're trying to annihilate us like monsters! The destruction of Quintilis Five is proof of that. What if it had been one of the September colonies?"

Eileen winces a little as Ezalia throws that question at her. As the official representative of the September colonies, she naturally has a strong affection for them. And part of her does wonder... If one of them had been destroyed by that nuclear missile, would she be so opposed to GENESIS? She doesn't know...

What she DOES know is that all she-all ANYONE-can do right now is rely on their instincts. And her instincts are telling her this is WRONG.

Eileen once again says, "Stand \aside\." She takes a step forward towards Ezalia.

This causes the ZAFT soldiers behind the other woman to raise their weapons. Ezalia frowns, "I'm sorry, Eileen. But I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist you all accompany these gentlemen." The soldiers move forward to surround the other group, weapons at the ready. Ezalia finishes, "Given the dangers we currently face, we're going to put you somewhere a little more secure until this situation passes."

The 'somewhere that you can't contact the outside and interfere' goes unsaid.

As Eileen and the others are led off at gunpoint, she calls back, "This is going to end badly for you, Ezalia. Please, see reason and stop him! Before it's too late!"

Ezalia hmphs, "We're building a better world. Why would I want to stop that?"

While most go unaware of what's happening inside the PLANT Supreme Council Building, there are a few out there with the right connections and influence who learn about what's happened. Thus, plans are set in motion in the hopes of making a change for the better.