The Archangel, Clueless

January 27, CE 71, approximately 16:00 standard time.

"Artemis Fortress responding. Welcome to the Archangel, please proceed according to the guidance signals."

As Sai Argyle, acting as the temporary Combat Information Center (CIC) officer, repeated the reply from Artemis Fortress, the bridge of the Archangel erupted in cheers. Even Second Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel, who was usually stern and humorless, allowed a smile to grace her face.

"All hands to Condition Three. Miriallia, contact Captain La Flaga and Yamato, and tell them to remain on standby."

Under the command of Captain Murrue Ramius, Miriallia Haw, also serving as the temporary flight controller, donned her headset to contact Mu and Kira, who were currently on standby.

At the same time, following the guidance signals received from Artemis, Chief Petty Officer Arnold Neumann began adjusting the Archangel's flight path under the direction of the executive officer, Second Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel.

As the "Umbrella of Artemis," the pride of the fortress, deactivated and emitted a guidance beam to lead the Archangel into the dock, everyone aboard the ship couldn't help but recall the turbulent and nerve-wracking days they had just endured.

Two days ago, January 25, CE 71, approximately 15:00 standard time.

After confirming that the Strike Gundam had docked in its hangar, the Archangel quickly moved at low speed away from the wreckage of what had once been Heliopolis, using the countless heat signatures within the debris field as cover to escape the sector at full engine power.

Once they had achieved temporary safety, a discussion regarding the Archangel's next move took place among the only three remaining Earth Alliance—or more specifically, Atlantic Federation—officers.

"Although we managed to shake off the ZAFT pursuit thanks to the appearance of an unidentified third party, we have no way of knowing if ZAFT has truly abandoned the chase. I would like to hear everyone's opinions on how we should proceed."

Having been thrust into the role of captain due to her greater familiarity with the ship's specifications compared to the fellow captain, Mu, Murrue Ramius had no intention of acting unilaterally. She sincerely sought advice from Captain Mu La Flaga and Second Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel.

"How about we just make a run for the Lunar Base in one go?"

Faced with Captain Mu La Flaga's half-joking suggestion, Second Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel, who actually understood the Archangel better despite her lower rank, earnestly replied on behalf of Murrue Ramius and offered her own perspective.

"Unfortunately, due to our hurried departure, the Archangel has almost no supplies, and we lack the sufficient personnel required for a long-range voyage. I fear returning directly to the Lunar Base is impossible. Captain, I propose we dock at the nearest Earth Alliance stronghold, the Artemis Fortress in L3, to resupply and contact headquarters to determine our next course of action or request reinforcements."

Murrue Ramius did not immediately respond to Natarle Badgiruel's proposal, instead turning her gaze toward Mu La Flaga.

"The Artemis Fortress of the Eurasian Federation, the one with the 'Umbrella of Artemis'? That is indeed the closest Earth Alliance stronghold, but this ship hasn't been officially commissioned yet, and the same goes for the Strike Gundam. Without proper IFF codes, will that fortress accept our request?"

Although he spoke of IFF codes on the surface, Mu La Flaga was internally worried about issues that might further strain the unity of the Earth Alliance forces. However, since he had only just met both Murrue Ramius and Natarle Badgiruel, he found it difficult to speak too candidly.

Clearly, while Murrue Ramius seemed to grasp the implication behind Mu La Flaga's words, the officer who had proposed the plan—Natarle Badgiruel, whose background in a military family made her perspective appear overly rigid—simply addressed his concerns from a purely military standpoint.

"This ship and the Strike Gundam are classified projects of the Atlantic Federation; I am well aware of that. But setting aside whether we have truly shaken off our pursuers, the more critical issue is that this ship is nowhere near ready for a voyage, both in terms of personnel and supplies. Regardless, the Eurasian Federation is also an ally, and I trust they will understand our situation and provide the necessary assistance. In the worst-case scenario, remaining temporarily at Artemis Fortress while we contact headquarters to come and retrieve us is also a viable option."

"That may be true, but..."

Faced with the practical difficulties and the theoretically sound plan proposed by Natarle Badgiruel, Murrue Ramius, though worried, fell into deep thought as she had no better alternative.

In truth, Mu La Flaga had no better ideas either, so to break the stalemate, he threw out a suggestion that was equally feasible but likely even less acceptable to the other two.

"In that case, should we consider surrendering? If we can't accept surrendering to ZAFT, there is still that mysterious third party that appeared; perhaps they could be allies."

"Captain La Flaga!"

Natarle Badgiruel reacted strongly to Mu La Flaga's "joke," while Murrue Ramius began to consider it seriously—certainly not surrendering to ZAFT, but weighing whether the mysterious third party or the Eurasian Federation was more reliable under the current circumstances.

Ultimately, the hope for possibility outweighed the fear of the unknown, and Murrue Ramius made her decision as captain.

"Although the situation is dire, I have no intention of surrendering. Therefore, this ship will head to the Artemis Fortress belonging to the Earth Alliance's Eurasian Federation. To evade potential pursuers, I plan to launch decoys toward the lunar orbit route, adjust our course, and then shut down the main thrusters to drift toward Artemis Fortress using inertia. What do you two think?"

Natarle Badgiruel, as the proposer, naturally had no objections, and Mu La Flaga nodded in agreement after a brief moment of thought, adding a supplement.

"Even with decoys, Rau Le Creuset is not only cunning but also incredibly persistent. So, just in case, we must not only finish repairs on my Type Zero as soon as possible, but we also need to find a way to convince that boy to assist us."

"But he is not only a civilian, he is also a Coordinator..."

Murrue Ramius cut off Natarle Badgiruel's repetitive objection and turned to face Mu La Flaga.

"Captain La Flaga, can I leave that matter to you?"

"To be honest, we are completely short-handed on the bridge, and I'm afraid Sub-Lieutenant Badgiruel and I can hardly spare a moment."

Glancing at the sparse few on the bridge of the Archangel, and considering that this was already the result of 'conscripting' whoever they could find among the crew, Captain Mu La Flaga had to admit that what Captain Murrue Ramius said was the truth; it was truly a situation where one would even want to borrow a cat's paws to help out.

"I understand. Then, I will take charge of the mobile weapon maintenance and the boys."

"I'll leave it to you, Captain La Flaga."

After the two captains exchanged salutes, Captain Mu La Flaga, knowing there was no time to lose, departed the bridge.

Before the bridge doors slid shut, the orders issued by Captain Murrue Ramius, who had also begun her own duties, reached his ears.

"Prepare to launch decoys!..."