[It is reported that in the recent large-scale protests across the twelve districts of PLANT...]
[The government dispatched a significant amount of security forces in an attempt to quell the riots.]
[But, they do not know! This is not a simple protest; it is a mockery of the arrogance of power, a challenge to the unjust system, and a resolute defense of the right to survive! The people of PLANT, through their actions, are declaring to the world: We are no longer silent lambs; we are warriors fighting for the right to live for ourselves and our descendants!]
[ZAFT military government, do you hear? This is not just the roar of hunger, but also an indictment of your incompetence and dereliction of duty! Look at these people, their eyes burning with a longing for freedom, a pursuit of dignity, and an endless desire for a better life!]
[Let us cheer for the people of PLANT, applaud their bravery and resilience! May this storm not only shatter the shackles of hunger but also awaken those sleeping souls, allowing the light of justice, equality, and freedom to illuminate this land, making PLANT a true land of hope, where every life can bloom with dignity!]
Looking at the gradually appearing reports from the Atlantic Federation on his phone, a thin Uncle in an ordinary pigeonhole in May City looked up at the continuous smoke rising from the streets not far away, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
If the camera were to move to the streets, one could see that the entire street was in a state of chaos, with disorder replacing order.
Yet, the police organization within PLANT kept retreating, showing remarkable restraint.
"Mom, I don't want to eat synthetic meat..."
Facing the simulated sunset seeping through the cracks of the window, a little girl behind her father stared intently at the meat that was hardly meat.
It had no chewiness, no flavor, and lacked many nutrients. Not just the girl, but no normal person would like it.
"Just bear with it a little longer, dear..."
The mother, now sallow and emaciated, bore no resemblance to the beautiful Coordinator she once was.
Prices in PLANT were already high, and now they were even higher. Ordinary people could only starve or wait to starve.
Although synthetic meat could barely stave off hunger, it was only slightly better than tree bark. It was acceptable when mixed with real food, but eating it continuously would gradually cause problems.
And now, half a month had passed, and even the price of synthetic meat had risen.
"I think people are almost starving to death; what's the use of fighting for that breath?"
The girl's father looked up again at the black smoke outside the window, resembling wolf smoke, as if he could hear the heart-wrenching protests from the crowd.
The extreme scarcity of food was like an invisible blade, deeply piercing their hearts, with hunger and despair gradually becoming the norm.
All the atrocities committed by the Atlantic Federation, which were once unimaginable, now seemed like someone else's problem.
"But the school said that once we defeat the Atlantic Federation, we will have food to eat."
The girl, who had just been sullen, suddenly spoke.
"Yes, of course, that's what the school says."
The girl's father smiled.
There was no malice, only profound helplessness.
But if this were truly the case, why could they only afford to cook a meal for their daughter when they were starving, while those people could feast on lavish dishes every day and reside in the most magnificent mansions?
They even owned their own small planet, looking down upon them from above.
Yet, we are all just Coordinators.
The Atlantic Federation was right about one thing: power and injustice are what we need to address.
Thinking of the recent flood of news, the girl's father clenched his fists.
It was said that there were still many reserves of food within PLANT on Earth, but they had deceived the public, claiming that all had been contaminated by the Atlantic Federation.
There were even rumors that many high-ranking officials had hoarded food.
He didn't want to die for them; it was utterly unreasonable.
Why should they pay the price for the commands of those in power?
Without their commands, even if their lives were a bit harder, they wouldn't be in such dire straits.
"Daddy, Mr. He Kui will solve the problem," the girl said earnestly.
"He's just one of them," the father sighed deeply, standing up and squatting in front of the little girl. His hand, slightly cold from prolonged hunger, gently rubbed her head.
The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepened.
"Eat up," he urged.
"Yes," the girl replied.
This couldn't go on. Since they were doing nothing, letting them starve to death...
Then, for the sake of his family, he had no choice but to take drastic measures.
"Darling," the girl's mother, seeing the fierce determination in his eyes, nervously grasped his hand.
"Don't go. It's too dangerous."
Just as she finished speaking, the television, which had been broadcasting ordinary news, suddenly flickered.
He Kui's image appeared on countless street screens and home televisions, his voice amplified through the Colony Satellite's internal speakers.
[Fellow citizens of PLANT, I can feel the unease and worry in your hearts. In these difficult times, we have endured much together, and the shortage of food has undoubtedly made our lives even harder. But allow me, as an ordinary person, to solemnly tell you: we have never forgotten, we are always together.]
The young man on the television spoke softly, his tone as gentle as ever, yet imbued with a reassuring strength.
[I know that every night, when you look up at the stars, your hearts may be filled with questions and fear. But please believe that it is these challenging moments that forge the indomitable spirit of the PLANT people. We have never given up, and we will never give up our pursuit of a better future.]
[Today, I stand here not as a representative of any team or faction, but as one of you, to tell you that we have found a new method, a way to let hope bloom amidst our hardships.]
[This technology has already been mass-produced in ten districts of June City, and the first batch of emergency food will be distributed tonight. This is just our first step.]
As He Kui spoke, the screen displayed vast fields thriving against the backdrop of the cosmos.
Inside, there were green vegetables and rice, arranged in rows and divided into sections, creating a magnificent sight.
["I will do everything in my power to ensure that this technology can reach every household as quickly as possible, freeing our children from hunger and fear, and allowing our families to rediscover that long-lost peace and happiness."]
["Please believe that from this moment on, we will no longer need to fear the threat of hunger or worry about tomorrow's meals. Because we have found the key that unlocks the door to hope."]
["So, my dear compatriots, let us wipe away our tears, stand tall, and greet each dawn. For when the first ray of sunlight breaks through the clouds and shines upon this land we deeply love, it will be the most brilliant and glorious moment for our PLANT."]
As He Kui spoke, the simulated sunlight within the Hydroponic Pod began to fall upon the plants, which swayed in the wind, emitting a shimmering golden light, as if heralding their hopeful future.
(End of Chapter)