On this day, the repairs on the Archangel and the Isaribi were finally nearing completion.
That same day, Orb received an ultimatum from the Earth Alliance. The Atlantic Federation had finally cast aside its mask, demanding in harsh terms that the current Orb government step down and the nation's military be completely disarmed.
If they refused, Orb would be branded as a support state for ZAFT, and a fleet would be dispatched to invade.
In truth, everyone knew the real reason. With the fall of Panama and the destruction of its Mass Driver by ZAFT forces, the Atlantic Federation was desperate for a way to reach space. They had set their sights on Orb, and for that, they were willing to throw away any semblance of dignity.
Orb's philosophy had always been simple: we mind our own business. You can fight your wars however you like, but leave us out of it.
PLANT had invited Orb to join their side as soon as they heard the news, but Orb had refused. Now, the Earth Alliance was breathing down their neck, their attitude even more aggressive than ZAFT's, piling on layer after layer of coercion.
If you join us, hand over the Mass Driver and all will be well. If you don't, then you are a traitor to Earth, a lackey of the Coordinators, and we will crush youregardless of your "neutrality."
The current Earth Alliance was utterly shameless, acting as if they alone represented the entirety of the human race.
Inside the high-level meeting room, Uzumi's face was grim.
"Has the Atlantic Federation finally exposed its ambitions? Do they truly intend to split the world in two, no matter the cost?"
"They want to force us to abandon Orb's principles and laws, demanding our forces fight their designated enemies. If we side with them, PLANT becomes our enemy. If we side with PLANT, we become the enemy of the Federation. Either way, it leads to war. Have they completely ignored the meaning of the word 'neutral'? Those bastards!"
"In any case... issue the evacuation order to the citizens. Battle is... unavoidable now."
Uzumi nodded heavily. "The time has finally come..."
In the hangar where the mobile suits were stationed, Murrue gathered the entire crew in front of the Gundam Barbatos to explain the gravity of the situation.
"The Earth Alliance fleet is currently advancing toward Orb. If Orb does not choose to join the Federation and strike at PLANT, they will be treated as a ZAFT support state. That is the reality."
"What kind of logic is that? Have they just swallowed Orb's status as a neutral nation whole?" one crew member, an Orb native, shouted indignantly. He spoke for everyone, especially the student soldiers and crew members who had been born and raised in Orb.
Murrue paused before continuing. "The Orb government intends to maintain its neutrality to the very end. Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, but unfortunately, given the current stance of the Earth Alliance, war is inevitable."
"Orb has already ordered its citizens to stay away from urban centers and military facilities. They are preparing for the coming conflict and have entered a state of combat readiness."
"We... the Archangel... I have made my choice. I will help Orb. This isn't just to repay a debt of gratitude. It's because I have finally found the answer to why I fight."
"Of course, this is my personal decision, not an order. I have no right to demand that you make the same choice."
As Murrue's words fell, the mood among the crew grew increasingly heavy.
"The battle will begin tomorrow at nine o'clockexactly forty-eight hours from the time the Earth Alliance issued their ultimatum. Whether we participate in the fight to protect Orb is something we must judge for ourselves. Whatever decision you make, I will respect it. This was my unilateral decision, after all."
"Therefore, anyone who has concerns or wishes to leave the ship, please do so as soon as possible. Follow the Orb government's instructions and head to the shelters."
The crew was stunned, exchanging uneasy glances. Murrue looked at them with a sincere smile.
"To think you have followed such an unreliable captain for this long... truly, thank you all."
With that, Murrue bowed deeply to her crew.
Perched atop the Barbatos, Mikazuki watched Murrue with a faint smile.
"Mika, you look like you're in a good mood."
Orga appeared on the monitor, his left eye visible beneath his bangs as he grinned.
"Good mood? Why?" Mikazuki asked, looking puzzled.
Orga shrugged helplessly. "You should ask yourself that. I just think you seem to be in high spirits."
"Maybe... No, you're right. I am a little happy. I don't like the Earth Alliance, so I was always uneasy while Murrue and the others stayed with them. How should I put it... I feel like I can breathe easier now."
The corners of Orga's mouth curled up. "I see. I have a good impression of Orb too. Besides, you already promised to work with them."
Hearing Orga's words, Mikazuki glanced at Cagalli, who was standing behind Murrue. "Yeah..."
Leaving the hangar, Murrue and the senior officers went to tally those who wished to leave the ship. Though only a handful of people actually intended to go, the task had to be done as a matter of principle.
Mikazuki intended to return to his room to rest. He needed to recharge his strength if he was going to fight well.
As he walked down the corridor, a voice called out from behind him.
"Mika!"
Mikazuki stopped and turned to see Cagalli standing there, looking flustered.
"Mika... I..."
Seeing her expression, Mikazuki frowned slightly. "What's wrong? Why the panic? You're a leader, aren't you? A leader shouldn't be making such a pathetic face."
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