Gibraltar Base, Durandal Arrives

"Gibraltar Naval Port Control Tower calling LHM-BB01 Minerva. Welcome."

The bridge received a transmission from Gibraltar Base.

After so many twists and turns, the Minerva had returned from its operation and finally reached its original destination along their planned route.

This naval port stood on a protruding stretch of coastline on the Iberian Peninsula. It was an important ZAFT stronghold, with numerous vessels docked in the harbor, still gathering in force.

The Minerva sailed into port alongside a surfaced Boesgolf-class submarine.

"Control Tower will guide your vessel to Dock One. Please confirm the signal."

"Minerva. Signal received and confirmed."

Hearing Bato's reply to tower control, the atmosphere on the bridge immediately relaxed.

Their voyage had been interrupted several times and diverted along many detours, but they had finally arrived in Gibraltar.

Talia, however, wore a grave expression.

"Wow, what a sight!"

In contrast, Arthur immediately cried out excitedly at the harbor packed with warships. "I only knew there was an order for all nearby forces to gather here. I never imagined it would be this spectacular!"

Then he noticed Talia's expression, realized he had gotten carried away, and hurriedly shut his mouth.

Such a massive military assembly was indeed a rare and magnificent sight, but Talia could not simply be happy about it.

"—To make men take up the sword, righteousness must come first."

"Huh?"

Talia's abrupt remark left not only Arthur baffled; even Miriallia beside him blinked in confusion.

"I've forgotten who said it. It was something an instructor mentioned during command training. Well, it's only natural. Without an enemy worth destroying and a reason people can accept, who could keep fighting...?"

Even if an order from above conflicted with one's sense of justice, a soldier had no choice but to obey.

Come to think of it, when people