The Archangel's Second Escape

January 28, CE 71, approximately 10:15 AM standard time.

"How is this possible!"

Although the words of Colonel Gerard Garcia betrayed his utter disbelief at what he was witnessing with his own eyes;

The slight tremors that followed served as an undeniable proof to everyone present:

The impregnable Umbrella of Artemis had been pierced by an unknown attack from Celestial Being.

"Colonel, how shall we respond? Please give the order."

Faced with the urging of his subordinates, Colonel Gerard Garcia remained in a state of confusion.

Yet, even as Colonel Gerard Garcia struggled to process the situation, bad news arrived one after another.

"Celestial Being's warship is closing in on us again!"

"Mobile weapons are launching from Celestial Being's ship—they are unknown mobile suits!"

"The main cannon of Celestial Being's flagship is beginning to recharge!"

Under the barrage of bad news, Colonel Gerard Garcia seemed to calm down, finally beginning to issue commands.

"Launch all Mobius units! Stop Celestial Being's mobile suits at all costs!

Quickly adjust the settings for the Umbrella of Artemis and find a way to re-establish it!

What are the fortress's shore batteries waiting for? Target Celestial Being's warship—fire everything you've got!"

Well, judging by the somewhat "blunt" nature of his orders, it seemed Colonel Gerard Garcia was still in a state of chaos, merely reacting on instinct.

Murrue and Mu exchanged a glance, and then Mu, the seasoned veteran, pulled a small trick.

"In that case, Colonel, I shall return to the Archangel and launch in the Mobius Zero."

Murrue followed Mu, saluting Colonel Gerard Garcia, who was so preoccupied with the Celestial Being fleet that he merely waved a hand dismissively in response.

Before Colonel Gerard Garcia could realize what was happening, Murrue and Mu left the command center of Artemis Fortress together.

Gripping the automatic handrail on the corridor wall, Murrue earnestly confirmed with Mu.

"Captain La Flaga... Major, do you think Artemis Fortress can withstand Celestial Being's assault?"

"I don't think it can.

After all, Celestial Being clearly still has cards to play; neither their mass-produced mobile armors nor that purple mobile suit have been deployed yet.

Also, just call me Mu or La Flaga. It seems we're about to go on the run together again."

Faced with Mu's dark humor, Murrue couldn't bring herself to smile.

"Are you saying we should set sail and leave immediately, abandoning our allies at Artemis Fortress? Mu... Major."

"There's really no other choice, is there?

Without the Umbrella of Artemis, even with us, we are no match for Celestial Being in a head-on engagement;

You saw the combat performance of that purple unit and the show of force Celestial Being put on, didn't you?

Furthermore, theoretically, Celestial Being's target is the Archangel. I'm afraid our primary concern must be our own safety.

This ship and the Strike Gundam must be delivered to Halberton, must they not? Major Murrue."

Mu's argument was logical and well-founded; Murrue had no way to refute it.

Moreover, she sensed a deeper meaning in his words, though now did not seem like the right time to probe further.

Amidst the increasingly violent tremors, the two hurried at full speed and soon reached the dock where the Archangel was moored, where Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel was waiting anxiously at the boarding hatch.

"Captain Ramius, Major La Flaga!"

Time was of the essence; Mu reached out to grab Murrue by the waist, then kicked off the 'ceiling' to take a shortcut toward the Archangel.

"Thank you, Major Mu."

"It's nothing. If anything, thank you for the hospitality."

After they both reached the boarding hatch, Mu said something rather peculiar in response to Murrue's sincere gratitude;

But Murrue had no time to dwell on it, anxiously confirming the situation with Badgiruel.

"What is the status of the ship?"

Badgiruel led the way while reporting to Murrue.

"Thanks to the efforts of Major Bidaluf and the rest of the Eurasian Federation personnel, the supplies are basically sufficient, aside from the personnel shortages;

Major Bidaluf just used the ship's equipment to contact the fortress command, but they seem unable to spare any attention for us.

What exactly is the situation?"

"It's absolutely dire. Celestial Being has truly come for us, and I doubt Artemis Fortress can withstand even their initial wave of mobile suits."

Before Murrue could finish choosing her words, Mu stated the grim reality without hesitation; Badgiruel, true to her military upbringing, remained composed as she confirmed their options.

"Then, according to the Celestial Being Formation Declaration, their target is this Archangel, correct?

Are we to join the defense of Artemis Fortress, or prioritize our mission and depart from Artemis Fortress immediately?"

Never had she expected Badgiruel to be so decisive; Murrue began to wonder if she herself had been too indecisive.

At this moment, they had reached the bridge of the Archangel, where Major Bidaluf was at the tactical control station, desperately trying to contact the command center of Artemis Fortress.

"What do you mean 'handle it yourself'? Hello? Hello, Command?!"

After Major Bidaluf slammed his headset onto the console in frustration, he finally noticed the arrival of Murrue and the others.

Returning the salute of the flustered Major Bidaluf, Murrue took her seat in the captain's chair and presented him with a difficult choice.

"Major Bidaluf, as you are aware, the situation is extremely chaotic and dire. This ship, the Archangel, has decided to depart immediately. After all, the target declared by Celestial Being is this very ship, and for the sake of the Earth Alliance's future, we cannot allow ourselves to be captured by them. If you and your subordinates are willing to remain on board, I, as captain, welcome you; otherwise, please disembark as soon as possible. All hands to battle stations, prepare the Archangel for departure!"

"Battle stations, all hands! Prepare the Archangel for departure!"

After giving Major Bidaluf his choice, Murrue issued the departure order without a moment's hesitation.

As Badgiruel repeated the order in her capacity as first officer, the original crew members on the bridge immediately began to carry it out.

Major Bidaluf opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately saluted and turned to leave the bridge, followed by most of the crew members from the Eurasian Federation.

"In that case, I'll head to the hangar to prepare for launch."

Seeing that the matter had been resolved peacefully and the bridge crew had largely returned to its original composition, Mu also turned and headed toward the hangar.

At that moment, Murrue's concerned voice reached Mu from behind.

"Be careful, Major Mu."

"I am the man who makes the impossible possible, don't worry, Captain Murrue."

Amidst their slightly ambiguous exchange, Badgiruel remained unmoved and issued the most critical call for the Archangel.

"Kira Yamato, please report to the hangar immediately. Repeat, Kira Yamato, please report to the hangar immediately!"