After the War 9

Looking around the world, those countries that had once, like Orb, declared themselves neutral had now either yielded under the Earth Alliance's intimidation or chosen sides under ZAFT's overtures. Most had effectively been absorbed into the "Blue Cosmos" camp led by the Earth Alliance.

Orb, this island nation in the Far East, had become a true isolated island, completely cut off amid the turbulent ocean of international politics.

Canard's voice rang with unusual clarity in the noisy hangar. Like a calm analyst, he coldly dissected the desperate situation Orb faced.

"Since the main forces of the Alliance and ZAFT have both withdrawn from territorial waters, Orb probably won't come under attack again immediately in the short term..."

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over Cagalli's face, which had gone slightly pale with tension.

"But this is only temporary. At any moment, they could rebuild their forces and assemble fleets larger and more heavily armed than before, then launch another attack with overwhelming strength. What will you do then? Even so—"

His words carried a crushing sense of pressure, like a massive stone weighing on Cagalli's heart.

She knew every word Canard had said was true.

Orb's defensive forces had suffered devastating losses in the earlier battle. Though they had repelled the enemy, it had been more like a pyrrhic victory.

Would they still be able to create a miracle next time?

Just as Canard's question—"Even so—"—hung in the air, making the atmosphere heavy and suffocating, a clear, resolute voice picked up where he had left off.

"Even so, we will fight."

The voice was not loud, yet it was like a ray of light piercing the fog, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Canard and Cagalli widened their eyes at the same time and, almost reflexively, turned toward the source of the