January 27, CE71, around 17:00 standard time.
The office of the commanding officer at Artemis Fortress headquarters.
Colonel Gerard Garcia was speaking with his former superior, Rear Admiral Bilard, who commanded the Eurasian Federation fleet at Lunar Base.
"...In short, without resorting to force, you must find every possible way to obtain the relevant intelligence.
"Of course, don't commit your best people to it. Murrue Azrael, the 'Angel of Death,' has taken a personal interest in the target. We don't want to come away empty-handed and covered in trouble.
"Be careful how you handle Celestial Being, too. We still don't know where they came from or what they're capable of. Don't let them make an example of you."
Though Rear Admiral Bilard seemed to have set him an impossible task, Colonel Gerard Garcia was brimming with confidence.
"As long as we have the Umbrella of Artemis, no enemy force can take Artemis Fortress, no matter how large it is.
"I, Gerard, will uncover the Atlantic Federation's secrets and earn another victory for you, sir!"
Pleased with Colonel Gerard Garcia's response, Rear Admiral Bilard made him a substantial promise.
"Federation General Staff considers this matter important. If you pull it off, you should be able to transfer into command of the task fleet testing mobile weapons. Do your best."
"Yes, sir! I won't let you down!"
After saluting the screen and ending the call, Colonel Gerard Garcia immediately rang for his aide. When the aide with the peculiar hairstyle saluted him, Garcia returned it casually and asked,
"How are preparations for the Archangel's welcoming ceremony coming along?"
"Major Bidaluf is preparing the dock. It should begin any moment now."
At his aide's reply, Colonel Gerard Garcia promptly gave an order.
"I'll attend as well. Have them wait a little longer, and make the arrangements!"
"Ah, yes, sir!"
... A short while later, at the dock where the Archangel was berthed ...
Kuzzey, who had been waiting beside the gangway for some time, could no longer hold back. He quietly asked Sai,
"What's going on? We've been waiting forever."
"Apparently some big shot decided to attend in person, so they postponed the ceremony."
Sai kept his voice as low as he could, but the Archangel had so few people aboard that the volunteers' whispers naturally reached Ensign Badgiruel's ears.
"You over there! The ceremony is about to begin. Please stop whispering."
As Kuzzey and Sai gave halfhearted salutes, Miriallia called out,
"Starting signal received!"
"Open the hatch, lower the gangway! Everyone, attention!"
At Captain Ramius's command, Sergeant Murdoch operated the controls.
To make the best showing they could, every one of the Archangel's few dozen crew members lined up, including Sai and the others, now dressed in Earth Alliance uniforms. Captain La Flaga and Kira, both in pilot suits, stood beside their machines.
As the Archangel's hatch opened, Colonel Gerard Garcia bounded up the gangway with Major Bidaluf at his side and warmly shook Captain Murrue Ramius's hand.
"Captain, you've all worked so hard. On behalf of the Earth Alliance, thank you for your outstanding contribution."
"You're too kind. We only did what we had to do."
Leaving Captain Ramius, who had barely grasped what was happening and had responded almost by reflex, Colonel Gerard Garcia moved down the line, enthusiastically shaking hands with everyone.
When he reached Sai and the others in uniforms without rank insignia, he turned to Captain Ramius and asked gently,
"And these young people?"
At Captain Ramius's signal, Ensign Badgiruel answered.
"Sir, they're civilian students from Orb who volunteered to board at Heliopolis!"
Colonel Gerard Garcia released the hand he was shaking and saluted Sai and the others.
"Heroes at such a young age! Thank you all for helping the Earth Alliance."
Seeing Kuzzey about to speak, Sai quickly answered on everyone's behalf.
"You're too kind. We only did what little we could. Captain Ramius and the others deserve the credit for their leadership."
Satisfied with Sai's tact, Colonel Gerard Garcia nodded. Now at the end of the line, he turned his attention to the pilots.
"Why, if it isn't our hero, Captain Mu La Flaga, the 'Hawk of Endymion'!
"Your performance against the Creuset Team at Heliopolis was remarkable. You truly are a credit to the Earth Alliance."
Mu wondered how Colonel Gerard Garcia knew what had happened inside Heliopolis. But as an experienced adult, he offered the expected pleasantries first.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Colonel. We're relieved to have reached Artemis Fortress safely."
"Of course! You can rest easy. With the Umbrella of Artemis protecting us, neither the Creuset Team nor Celestial Being will lay a finger on the Archangel! Hahaha!"
Garcia's answer confirmed Mu's suspicion that something major had happened while the Archangel was traveling under radio silence. This was no time to reveal his ignorance by asking, though, so he covered it with another pleasantry.
"Hearing that from you puts our minds at ease."
Colonel Gerard Garcia nodded and turned to Kira, the last person in line.
"You must be the pilot of the Strike Gundam. Allow me to thank you again, on behalf of the Earth Alliance, for your efforts."
"That's very kind of you."
Colonel Gerard Garcia took no offense at Kira's cool response. He returned to the head of the line and addressed Murrue.
"You've all had a difficult few days. I'm sure everyone is exhausted.
"Please get some rest first. We're holding a small welcoming banquet this evening, and I hope you'll all join us.
"Once again, thank you for what you've done for the Earth Alliance."
When Colonel Gerard Garcia saluted, Murrue hurriedly returned it.
"Thank you for your generous hospitality. Before that, though, I'd like to use your communications equipment to contact Lunar Headquarters and Admiral Halberton of the 8th Fleet. Would that be possible?"
"Of course! That's no trouble at all!
"If you need anything else, just speak to Major Bidaluf here.
"I won't keep you from your rest any longer. I look forward to seeing you all at the banquet."
With that, Colonel Gerard Garcia led most of his entourage off the Archangel, leaving only Major Bidaluf and a few others behind.
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