Universal Century 0088.05
Impression

Lieutenant JG Eliard Hunter stood at attention in the doorway of the visiting room, his gaze forward and upwards. This is the typical and formal attitude when a superior officer summons a soldier. As they are at attention, they’re awaiting further instruction. Seeing that, Lieutenant Conrad Morris smiled privately. His first impression of the lieutenant is that he did not turn traitor.

When he learned of the various charges, he wondered about the rashness involved. However, the young officer before him obviously seemed honest enough.

“Leave us,” Conrad said to the soldier who led him there.

The soldier stood in shock, as if he were attacked when his guard was down.

“And no surveillance from behind that mirror either,” He continued, emphasizing his tone a little. Even if he said it, he felt they wouldn’t stop monitoring so easily. Some Earth Federation Forces officer quietly watches these exchanges from the other side of the one-way mirror. Still, it was necessary to clarify his attidude here.

Conrad took up Lieutenant JG Eliard Hunter’s defense. This was an official request from the Earth Federation Forces Judicial Affairs Bureau.

“Since I took this on, I’ll do it my way.” Conrad thought.

Although it was just done for form’s sake, the soldier nervously left the room, leaving the two alone.

“Please, have a seat. I need to slowly listen to your story.”

Eliard stepped forward in a wary manner and stood in front of the table. There were a few chairs. If it were an interrogation, they would make him sit in front. However, since Conrad was a lawyer meeting with his client, he made it a rule to let them choose where to sit. They were placed in a ninety degree angle. As he sat upright on the edge of the chair, he looked forward.

“Eliard Hunter.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You don’t mind if I call you Eliard, do you?”

“No, sir.”

“At ease, Eliard.”

Eliard looked at Conrad with a wary gaze.

It was natural.

The arrest and confinement was sudden. Everything must be unbelievable now.

He glanced at Conrad’s cane leaning against the chair for a moment.

“I was once a mobile suit pilot. I piloted an early type GM during the One Year War. That is thanks to an injury from the Battle of Solomon,” he said as a color of faint familiarity finally appeared in Eliard’s eyes.

“As expected, he is a fine soldier.” Conrad thought to himself.

Respect for distinguished service in war was not forgot.

“Now then…” Conrad said, “You are being court-martialed for several charges. I am an attorney for the Earth Federation Forces, and I have undertaken your defense. My name is Conrad Morris. It is necessary for me to hear the details from you, so will you tell me?”

Eliard still appeared to be puzzled.

“Where should I begin?”

“From the beginning. From when you were assigned to the Titans until the final battle…”

Eliard nodded. He suddenly seemd to have courage.

“I’ll tell you. I fought proudly under the flag of the Titans. As a soldier, I take pride in believing that I did nothing wrong.”

“Wonderful,” said Conrad, “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. All right then, let’s begin.”