A Warm Welcome at Artemis Fortress

January 27, CE 71, approximately 17:00 standard time.

Office of the Supreme Commander, Artemis Fortress headquarters.

Colonel Gerard Garcia was in the middle of a call with his old superior, Major General Bilard, who commanded the Eurasian Federation fleet at the lunar base.

"...In short, you must find every possible way to obtain the relevant intelligence, provided you do not resort to heavy-handed tactics. Of course, do not commit your own elite forces to it; after all, this is a target specifically noted by that 'Angel of Death' Murrue Azrael. Don't go looking for trouble and end up covered in filth. Furthermore, you must handle the movements of 'Celestial Being' with caution. Since their origins and combat capabilities remain unclear, do not let yourself become a stepping stone for them to establish their reputation."

Although Major General Bilard on the other end of the line seemed to be posing some "unreasonable challenges," Colonel Gerard Garcia was brimming with confidence.

"As long as the 'Umbrella of Artemis' stands, no matter how many enemies there are, they will never be able to conquer this Artemis Fortress. This Humble One, Gerard, will certainly uncover the Atlantic Federation's classified intelligence and earn new merits for you, Lord Bilard!"

Major General Bilard was quite satisfied with Colonel Gerard Garcia's declaration and offered a significant promise.

"The Federation General Staff attaches great importance to this matter. If you can complete it successfully, you should be able to transition into the role of Admiral for the task force responsible for the experimental application of mobile weapons. Do your best!"

"Yes, I will certainly not fail to live up to your expectations, Lord Bilard!"

After saluting the communication and ending the call, Colonel Gerard Garcia immediately rang the bell to summon his adjutant. Once the adjutant with the peculiar hairstyle saluted him, Colonel Gerard Garcia returned the salute casually while confirming the status.

"How are the preparations for the Archangel's welcome ceremony coming along?"

"Major Bidaluf is preparing at the dock; it should be starting soon."

Upon hearing his adjutant's response, Colonel Gerard Garcia hurriedly issued an order.

"I will be attending as well. Make them wait a little longer—go and arrange it immediately!"

"Ah, yes!"

--A moment later, the dock where the Archangel was berthed--

Kuzzey, who had been waiting by the gangway for some time, could no longer contain himself and whispered to Sai beside him.

"What's going on? We've been waiting for ages."

"It seems a big shot on the other side suddenly decided to attend in person, so they delayed the scheduled welcome ceremony."

Although Sai tried to keep his voice low, there were only so many people on the Archangel, and the whispers among these "volunteers" naturally did not escape the ears of Lieutenant Badgiruel.

"You over there! An important ceremony is about to begin, please refrain from whispering."

Amidst the somewhat feeble salutes from Kuzzey and Sai, Miriallia's report came through.

"Start signal received!"

"Open the hatch, lower the gangway, everyone to attention!"

Following Captain Ramius's command, Sergeant Murdoch carried out the corresponding operations.

To make the best possible impression, all of the Archangel's crew—totaling only a few dozen people, including Sai and the others who had donned Earth Alliance uniforms—lined up. Meanwhile, Captain La Flaga and Kira, dressed in pilot suits, remained by their respective mobile suits.

As the Archangel's hatch opened, Colonel Gerard Garcia, accompanied by Major Bidaluf, strode up the gangway and shook hands enthusiastically with Captain Murrue Ramius.

"Captain, you have truly worked hard. On behalf of the Earth Alliance, I thank you for your outstanding contributions."

"You are too kind; this is only what we should do."

Leaving Captain Ramius, who was still trying to process the situation and responding almost reflexively, Colonel Gerard Garcia moved on to shake hands with everyone else in turn.

When he saw Sai and the others wearing uniforms without rank insignia, he asked Captain Ramius in a soft voice to confirm.

"And who are these people?"

At a gesture from Captain Ramius, Lieutenant Badgiruel provided the answer.

"Report: these are civilian students from Orb who volunteered to board at Heliopolis!"

Colonel Gerard Garcia released his grip and saluted Sai and the others.

"Truly, heroes emerge from the youth. I thank you all for your assistance to our Earth Alliance."

Observing that Kuzzey seemed about to speak, Sai quickly stepped forward to represent the group.

"You are too kind. We only contributed a small effort; it is all thanks to the capable command of Captain Ramius and the others."

Satisfied with Sai's tactful performance, Colonel Gerard Garcia nodded, and having reached the end of the welcoming line, he naturally turned his gaze toward the pilots.

"Is this not our hero, the 'Hawk of Endymion,' Captain Mu La Flaga! Your outstanding performance during the fierce battle against the Creuset Team at Heliopolis is truly the pride of our Earth Alliance."

Although puzzled as to how Colonel Gerard Garcia knew the details of the battle inside Heliopolis, Mu, being a mature adult, naturally led with pleasantries.

"Thank you for your warm welcome, Colonel. We are relieved to have arrived safely at Artemis Fortress."

"Of course, rest assured. As long as the 'Umbrella of Artemis' is here, neither the Creuset Team nor 'Celestial Being' will be able to harm a single hair on the Archangel. Hahahaha."

From Colonel Gerard Garcia's answer, Mu was certain that some major change must have occurred while the Archangel was maintaining radio silence. However, this was not the time to show weakness or ask questions, so Mu once again glossed over it with polite remarks.

"Hearing you say that, we can finally be at ease."

Colonel Gerard Garcia nodded while turning his gaze toward Kira at the end.

"So, this is the pilot who operates the Strike Gundam? Please allow me to express my gratitude once again on behalf of the Earth Alliance for your efforts."

"You are too kind."

Faced with Kira's less-than-enthusiastic response, Colonel Gerard Garcia did not take offense; he simply returned to the head of his group and began conversing with Murrue.

"You have all worked hard these past few days, and I imagine everyone must be quite exhausted.

Please take some time to rest first. There will be a small welcome banquet this evening, and I hope you will all do us the honor of attending.

Once again, thank you for the contributions you have made to the Earth Alliance."

Facing Colonel Gerard Garcia's salute, Murrue hurriedly returned the gesture.

"Thank you for your generous hospitality, but before that, I would like to request the use of your communication equipment to contact our lunar headquarters and Admiral Halberton of the 8th Fleet. I hope I might be granted permission."

"That is a trivial matter; of course, there is no problem!

If you have any other requirements, you may contact Major Bidaluf here.

In that case, I shall not delay your rest any further. I look forward to seeing you all again at the banquet."

After responding in this manner, Colonel Gerard Garcia did not linger any longer and led most of his entourage off the Archangel, leaving behind only Major Bidaluf and a few others.