Athrun's Call

The existence of the Freedom Gundam, and the fact that the Archangel was sheltering Lacus Clyne, might eventually become known to the Earth Alliance, the ZAFT Forces, or even the highest intelligence agencies on both sides. Sooner or later, any of them could uncover it.

This was no simple escape. It was a hunt, with pursuit that never let up.

And she knew all too well that once ZAFT obtained solid intelligence, it could—and likely would—use some pretext to attack Orb!

But the timing of ZAFT's sudden intervention could not have been worse!

It was enough to drive her to despair!

They had only just spent the last of their strength fighting the Earth Alliance and barely won themselves a moment to breathe. At their most vulnerable, ZAFT had come at them so quickly and so mercilessly, without the slightest warning—a new enemy bearing down like death itself!

They meant to drive Orb to utter destruction!

"On behalf of the ZAFT Forces, we hereby issue your nation a formal and final military notice."

Athrun's voice hardened over the communicator, carrying the commanding authority of a soldier.

"We demand that your nation immediately and unconditionally return the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and hand over Lacus Clyne, who is hiding within your borders and has been confirmed a traitor, to the ZAFT Forces."

He paused. "If your nation accepts these demands, I, Athrun Zala, can make a solemn promise in my own name and that of ZAFT's high command: we will give Orb our full military support. We will do everything in our power to reverse the crisis you face. We will fight at your side against the Earth Alliance's invasion."

His words struck Orb's command headquarters like a thunderclap, throwing it into an uproar!

Already under immense strain, the officers and soldiers