Argument

Muruta's proposal sounded flawless, full of rational brilliance.

For a moment, Murrue could find no reason to refute it. Technical issues were indeed the Archangel's weakness.

She turned an inquiring gaze toward Xia Ya.

Xia Ya did not answer immediately.

He had not accepted the proposal entirely for the reasons Muruta had given.

He had his own considerations.

He had long known the composition of the Dominion's crew. It was a more purely combat-oriented group, made up of Natarle Badgiruel and former Earth Alliance soldiers.

Compared with the strong student atmosphere and tangled personal relationships aboard the Archangel, the Dominion offered an environment better suited for him to fully exercise his abilities.

On a deeper level, he needed a platform that would allow him freer access to and influence over the core of power. Direct cooperation with Muruta Azrael was undoubtedly a shortcut.

Of course, being able to temporarily escape the emotional vortex created by Jiliang and Lacus Clyne was also no small fringe benefit.

Thus, he nodded. "I understand. Mr. Muruta's proposal does make a great deal of sense. I accept the transfer."

A victorious smile immediately bloomed across Muruta's face. He seemed to think the matter had been settled.

However, the briefing room door was pushed open at that moment.

"We don't agree."

Jiliang Yamato and Lacus Clyne entered.

Jiliang wore an Orb military uniform, undisguised anger on her face, while fire blazed in her brown eyes.

Lacus still wore her pink dress, with her eternal gentle smile upon her face. Yet that smile made the temperature in the room plunge several degrees.

"Jiliang? Miss Lacus? Why are you here?" Murrue asked in surprise as she rose to her feet.

Jiliang ignored Murrue. She walked straight to the conference table, braced both hands against it, leaned forward, and