The Will of Soldiers, the Minerva Grounded

"Orb forces, attack the Minerva immediately!"

Amid the battlefield chaos caused by Cagalli and the Archangel's interference, a transmission from the Take Mikazuchi rang out.

Captain Baba heard the transmission as well and clenched his teeth.

It seemed the flagship had made the same decision as last time.

In other words—the one piloting that red Gundam was not Cagalli Yula Athha, but an outsider with nothing to do with Orb.

However, nearly all the soldiers, Captain Baba included, understood that this was merely a show for the Earth Alliance military.

Withdraw—the order had come from Cagalli.

For Captain Baba, defying the orders of the person who truly represented Orb was undoubtedly painful, yet all he could do now was obey his superior's commands.

He did not want to see Orb lose its ideals either.

But times were difficult, and aside from bowing to the Atlantic Federation, there was no other way to protect the nation.

For that reason, they had to win this battle. That was the shared hope in the hearts of every Orb soldier.

They truly should not have been fighting ZAFT, but for Orb's sake, this was the only thing they could do now.

Casting aside his doubts, Captain Baba gave his squad an order.

"Everyone, follow me!"

"...Yes!"

As though they had been jolted awake by their captain's shout, his subordinates finally responded.

The Murasame squadron charged toward the Minerva once more.

But at that moment, someone spread her arms and blocked their path.

"Stop! All of you—!"

A pale crimson mobile suit stood before them. It neither attacked nor defended, merely remaining there.

The sight made Athrun's heart pound wildly.

"Lady Cagalli!"

Captain Baba instinctively hit the brakes. The name slipped from his lips before he heard Cagalli call out.

"What reason does Orb have