'Archangel' Shares a Boat, But Not a Bed

In truth, regarding the point Kuzzey had blurted out, the others present likely had a better grasp of it than he did.

However, since Kuzzey had taken the lead in pointing it out, Sai looked at Kira and, upon receiving a nod of affirmation, slightly lowered his voice.

"The situation does indeed look like that is very likely the case.

This also explains why Celestial Being only deployed mass-produced mobile suits during the incident at Artemis Fortress.

After all, whether it was deploying more large-scale mobile armors like the white one, or having the leader of Celestial Being—who could take on the Creuset Team single-handedly—strike personally, even if it sounds a bit disrespectful to Kira's efforts, the Archangel definitely wouldn't have been able to escape."

Amidst the nods of agreement from Miriallia and Tolle, Kira also offered a supplement.

"Actually, after clashing with Haman, I could feel it.

Haman seemed more curious about me, and overall, I didn't sense the killing intent I could faintly feel back at Heliopolis when facing Creuset and the Ginn.

The two more vicious attacks were, first, because I was unwilling to sortie, which disappointed her;

And the second was because I seemed to have glimpsed the memories between her and Lord Luther, which displeased her."

Regarding Kira's addition, the others seemed more curious about the specific points than the content itself;

After exchanging glances, Miriallia took the initiative to ask.

"Kira, is what you're talking about the 'Newtype' mentioned in the Celestial Being Formation Declaration?

Is there any connection or difference between that and the 'Ultimate Coordinator'?"

Facing the gazes of his friends after Miriallia's question, Kira felt a bit shy and hesitant, but eventually answered like this.

"To be honest, I still don't have any real sense of that 'Ultimate Coordinator' claim.

But if I were to put it roughly, a Coordinator is someone whose genes have been artificially modified to improve the hardware performance of the human body;

Whereas a 'Newtype' seems to only act on the mental level, looking more like a 'superpower' scam;

It's just that, judging by Lieutenant Badgiruel asking me to recover the 'Newtype Weapon' Haman used, I'm afraid Celestial Being might actually possess unique military technology.

Honestly, it's a capability that could help humans communicate with each other even in space, so why must it always be applied to war first?!"

"That is likely because to make others listen to you, you must first demonstrate sufficient power, right?

What Celestial Being is doing now, following the Celestial Being Formation Declaration, is effectively based on this logic.

Ah, apologies, I've suddenly interjected while listening in.

There are some things I would like to ask of you all; would you mind if we sat down and chatted together?"

The ones who had inserted themselves into the conversation between Kira and his friends were none other than Mu, Murrue, and Badgiruel, who had come to find them and incidentally return their lunch boxes.

At this moment, Mu placed a hand on Kira's shoulder with a rather familiar air, Murrue beside him wore a gentle smile, and even Badgiruel, who was usually stern-faced, was trying hard to maintain a smile;

Based on the habits formed over the last two days, the friends—with the exception of Kira, who was being 'held' by Mu—reflexively prepared to stand up and salute, but Murrue hurriedly waved her hands to indicate there was no need for such formalities.

Seeing this, Sai, who had regained his footing within the small group during the previous conversation, spoke on behalf of everyone as he always did.

"Of course, Captain Ramius, Lieutenant Commander Badgiruel, Major La Flaga."

At Sai's gesture, Kuzzey, who had been sitting next to Kira, took his tray and moved to the opposite side of the long dining table, sitting down next to Miriallia;

And after Mu sat down right next to Kira, Murrue and Badgiruel took their seats on Kira's side as well.

"Sorry for interrupting everyone's lunch."

Although there wasn't much left on everyone's trays, out of politeness, Murrue expressed her apologies for the intrusion as soon as she sat down.

Seeing that everyone shook their heads to indicate it didn't matter, Mu looked at the food still remaining on Kira's tray and smoothed things over.

"It just so happens that we need to explain the situation on our end as well, so you can all listen while you eat."

After receiving nods of approval from the group, Murrue signaled for Badgiruel to introduce the current situation and their intentions to everyone.

During the time Badgiruel spent trying to explain in a gentle tone, Kira and his friends finished their meals, and then Miriallia stood up to help collect the empty lunch boxes for them;

By the time Miriallia had delivered the empty boxes to the collection point and returned with eight drinks to distribute to everyone before sitting back down, Badgiruel had largely finished her brief explanation of the current situation.

Taking a sip of the drink Miriallia had brought, Murrue nodded slightly at her, then spoke in a soft voice.

"The situation is exactly as Natarle described. To complete the remainder of this ship's journey, we urgently need your strength.

If you don't mind, would you be willing to continue assisting us and complete this journey together?

On behalf of all the members of the Archangel, I ask this of you."

Facing the extremely humble posture Murrue had adopted, the group—who had been mere students just a short while ago—felt a sense of resistance in their hearts, yet they found it difficult to refuse outright.

After a moment of thought, Sai, who had the most social experience, 'thickened his skin' and raised a key question on behalf of the group.

"Since the situation is already this dire, and Celestial Being has provided a reasonably appropriate justification, why not consider surrendering to Celestial Being and turning yourselves in?

If this question cannot be answered with a reasonable explanation, it will be difficult for us to continue providing assistance.

After all, when we fled Heliopolis, one could say the situation was unclear and we had to act in haste;

But now the situation is quite clear. We can understand that you, as military personnel, wish to complete your mission, but we are just ordinary civilians."

Regarding the question Sai raised as their representative, Mu, Murrue, and Badgiruel were not surprised in the slightest;

Furthermore, the three of them were very clear that the reasons Murrue had used to persuade Mu earlier were insufficient to persuade Kira and his friends;

After a moment of hesitation, Murrue signaled to Mu, indicating that he should try his persuasive approach.

Thus, Mu maintained his friendly, arm-around-the-shoulder posture with Kira and cordially attempted to convince the group.

"You have likely already guessed it yourselves. While I don't know if Celestial Being truly possesses the ability to foresee the future, it is quite clear that the current predicament of the Archangel was orchestrated by them.

If you all believe that Celestial Being is trustworthy, then why not place your faith in this particular judgment of theirs?

Furthermore, looking at the situation in Heliopolis, it is evident that Orb is also attempting to grasp greater power.

I don't mean to boast, but this warship is the Earth Alliance's most cutting-edge vessel. Serving aboard this ship would surely be an excellent internship experience once you return to Orb, wouldn't it?

You are all students in related fields, are you not?"