Because New Zeon had planned to throw the Colony Satellite at Earth like garbage, the Yamato and the other ships stationed in Tokyo-3 all set off for space to rendezvous with the Burning Legion and the other vessels already heading toward the target. Aside from Xiao Ran, Saki Maski, Zechs, Basak, and Luo, the Victory Fleet had gathered together once more after their brief separation.
Although Xiao Ran had not headed into space, he had likewise begun making preparations on Earth for the Colony Satellite's fall. They confirmed the satellite's current position, its estimated impact time and location, the consequences it could cause, and so on. While the Victory Fleet stopped it in space, preparations would also be made on Earth.
Xiao Ran was not actually worried that the Colony Satellite might fall intact onto Earth. He had no doubts whatsoever that the Victory Fleet could intercept it. His only concern was whether the satellite would fall from space in fragments. If that happened, countless fragments would rain down upon Earth. There would be no way to determine the angle or location at which each piece fell, nor how many pieces there would be. What should have been localized destruction would become scattered, irregular, widespread devastation. In that case, the blow Earth suffered would be no less severe than if the entire satellite had fallen.
Compared to Xiao Ran's composure, Bright, Roland, Albert, and Gendo Ikari appeared worried and anxious. Their concerns might have differed somewhat. For instance, Gendo Ikari was more concerned that the satellite might fall on Tokyo-3. If that happened, it would be little different from the end of the world.
"You don't need to worry too much. Given the Victory Fleet's current strength, even if that Colony Satellite is truly pulled into Earth's gravitational field and