2023-09-15: A Rumination On Progress

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• Cutscene: A Rumination On Progress
• Cast: Various Citizens of Humanity, Mineva Lao Zabi, Martha Vist Carbine, Wong Lee.
• Where: The Earthsphere
• Date: 0097 UC 09-15
• Summary: The end of the Universal Century remains just over two years away, and yet we still look to it now with clearer eyes. A rumination upon both the Laplace and Denver incidents, and their effects upon the Earthsphere. Was it enough? Did humanity change? Or do we remain trapped?

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In the wake of the twin incidents of Laplace and Denver, the Earth Federation has not acknowledged the 'True' Universal Century Charter.

Publically they have announced the arrest and indictment of Martha Vist Carbine for her alleged role in the 'signal hijacking' by the Zeon Princess. At her arraignment hearing, a trial date was set for January 23rd, UC 102. The Zabi heiress of the former Principality of Zeon, Princess Mineva Lao Zabi, was announced to have fled Earth Federation arrest en route to Jupiter, beyond the jurisdiction of its military.

The phenomena witnessed by numerous individuals on Side 7, Side 5, and Side 2 Colonies on August 18th, UC 0097 just prior to the Laplace Incident is announced following investigation to have been an electromagnetic event caused by solar wind which Princess Mineva Lao Zabi exploited to create her illegal broadcast, contrary to discredited internet conspiracy theorists who have put forth the theory that the Federation was testing a space based superweapon in response to GENESIS from the ZAFT War.

Livestream footage that originated from the Virtual Sage purported to be of the Denver Colony Incident has been universally ridiculed as amateurish CGI by various governments and experts, in particular the footage of a shadowy giant, a golden Gundam with wings, and sparkling crystalline material.

Small isolated protests continue in several Colonies.

"Admit it!" Spacenoid protestors hold signs, at the fore a group of them carrying 'Give us the TRUTH!' "The Earth Federation must admit the truth!"

Live reporting of these few protests results in scattered soundbites.

"There are actually Newtypes who exist! People like the hero of the One Year War, Amuro Ray."

"The assembly should acknowledge this and declare a policy of Spacenoids first!"

"Newtypes destroyed the General Revil with their MINDS right? BADASS! HEY MOM! I'M ON TV!"

"We support you, Gold Gundam! In my next life I want to be a human too! ... I LOVE YOU VIRTUAL SAGE! Please remember to like and subscribe her channel!"

"It would certainly explain all these Spacenoid terrorists trying to drop Colonies on our heads if they existed."

Pundits take to the airwaves to discredit the notion of the Newtype almost universally...

"What is the definition of a Newtype? According to Zeon Zum Deikun, they are a people who possess a genuine kindness and insight, with the ability to comprehend one another without misunderstanding. As an ideology I can recognize that, however, academically speaking? Who can say? People such as Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, they are ace pilots, no?" The man smiles, and taps a finger against his cheek, "I would say that is far from the definition of a Newtype he set down within his philosophy of contolism."

So quietly that it does not even make the news, buried deep on governmental sites, statutes begin to hit the books for regulating a material known as 'Psycho-frame.' Previously unregulated in mobile suits, the government has granted all auditing and enforcement powers to the Benerit Group organization known as 'Cathedra'.

Less quiet in the financial world, is the shocking announcement that Anaheim Electronics' board has decided to approve the Benerit Group's acquisition of the mobile suit manufacturing conglomerate.

"Yes, after a series of recent allegations came to light, the board unanimously decided to approve the buyout by the Benerit Group as a..." Wong Lee's face is stoic in this moment, as he adjusts his tie, "... necessary course correction."

AEUG politicians have offered no comment on the developments. However some underground publications have noted the suspicious timing of when they began to sell off Anaheim stock and buy Benerit.

Assets in banks become unfrozen, property foreclosures are reversed. Alleged defectors from Londo Bell accused of treason have their records mysteriously expunged without any announcement to the public. Immigration in Side 3 receives a spike from Spacenoids from other Colonies.

The world continues to move, continues to change. For a select few, their entire worlds change, but for most can the change caused by Laplace and Denver even be perceived? Quantified? Perhaps not. To many who witnessed this and hoped for more it might feel as if humanity is caught upon the mobius strip, traveling upon an endless loop. But is that really so?

Progress is often like this. It is less the miracles themselves, and more the dozens of actions taken by thousands of individuals working towards the future they believe is best within this world of miracles. To those who did not take part in shaping these changes, they must have faith that their ever-expanding world is being influenced by people with good will in their hearts.

Let us believe in the god called 'possibility' that sleeps within us all.