After leaving the bridge, Xiao Ran and Jeffrey reached the hangar just as two transport ships from different vessels entered it. Elsam and Giliam, who had also received word that the reinforcements had arrived, were already there, standing off to one side and watching the two transport ships parked side by side with their hatches open.
As the hatches opened, one person after another stepped out: Char, Tiger Ramba, Kira, Athrun, Amuro, Ray, Nalo, Basak, Graham, Zechs, Stella, Auel, the Three Strong Ones including Sting, Kajima Yu, and Sheryl in casual attire, along with Sheryl's personal guards, Billy and Moses.
Upon seeing those who emerged, all dressed in Unity Army uniforms aside from Sheryl, the hangar personnel raised their right hands in salute.
Watching each person emerge, Elsam glanced at Giliam beside him and quietly asked, "Are these the B-class and A-Class Pilots?"
Giliam shook his head. "I'm not sure, but the people around us clearly seem to hold that casually dressed girl at the front in greater respect and enthusiasm."
Sheryl took the lead, smiling as she nodded to those saluting her along the way. She walked straight up to Xiao Ran, causing many of the hangar staff to immediately reveal excited and delighted expressions. This left Giliam and Elsam, who did not fully understand the situation, rather bewildered.
"You're here." Xiao Ran looked down at Sheryl as she approached, murmured softly, and smiled before raising his head to nod at everyone else.
Sheryl looked up at Xiao Ran and smiled. Her eyes shifted about as she maintained her elegant smile, nodded, and lowered her voice. "This doesn't count as a welcome ceremony."
"Yes, yes, I know." Xiao Ran smiled faintly. He knew Sheryl was only saying it and had not truly expected some grand welcome ceremony. When there