War clouds over Mendel

In the shadow of the Mendel satellite, three very different warships slowly settled into formation, bringing a rare moment of respite to the cold void. The Archangel, Eternal, and Kusanagi carried defectors from the Earth Alliance, ZAFT's Clyne Faction, and Orb's remaining forces respectively. After long pursuit and flight, they had finally rendezvoused in this neutral airspace, formally establishing the Three Ships Alliance-a force capable of changing the course of the war. All three ships were partially docked, their hulls connected to Mendel's temporary supply ports. Crews moved between decks and supply passages, busy but orderly, while their Mobile Suit hangars bustled with preparations. Everyone thought they had found a temporary refuge. No one realized that death's shadow was already creeping over them.

In the Archangel's hangar, Kira Yamato crouched beside the Freedom Gundam's leg armor, running his fingertips over its smooth phase shift armor. His blue eyes held a trace of exhaustion, but far more resolve. Days of intense fighting had slightly worn its energy conduits, and its shoulder Beam Cannons needed recalibration. He worked alongside the ground crew to adjust its parameters, determined to bring every detail to peak condition. "Kira, don't push yourself. Leave the remaining calibration to us," Murrue Ramius said over the communicator, concern in her voice. "You haven't had proper rest in two days."

"I'm fine, Captain Murrue." Kira stood and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "The Freedom Gundam is our main fighting strength. I have to make sure nothing goes wrong. How's Athrun doing?"

A soft laugh came from the other end. "Athrun's adjusting the Justice Gundam. He's just as stubborn as you. Mu's inspecting the Strike Gundam's Beam Rifle. Cagalli's gone to the Kusanagi to help Captain Talia organize its defenses, and Dearka's cleaning the Buster Gundam's long-range Beam Cannon. Everyone's giving it their all."

Meanwhile, the Eternal's hangar presented a different scene. As the flagship of ZAFT's Clyne Faction, it carried technology and equipment associated with the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam. It was undergoing comprehensive maintenance and could not enter combat for the moment. On the bridge, Lacus Clyne stood before the observation window, gazing toward the distant Kusanagi with worry in her blue eyes. "I wonder whether Mendel is truly safe. Something feels wrong."

"Don't worry, Miss Lacus," Aisha said beside her, scanning the surrounding space warily. "The Kusanagi's radar is keeping watch, and the Archangel is ready to launch at any moment. If anything happens, we can respond immediately."

Aboard the Kusanagi, Orb's crew hurried to replenish ammunition and energy. Though their flagship was highly maneuverable and its Murasame squadron formidable, the long journey had left minor faults in its hull. The crew raced to repair them and deploy the squadron's Mobile Suits, completing the Three Ships Alliance's defensive formation. Captain Talia Gladys stood on the bridge with a slight frown. "Archangel, repairs to our launch catapult will take another thirty minutes. Sorry for the trouble, but please keep a closer watch on the space to our left until then. Our coverage is limited."

"Understood, Kusanagi," Murrue replied promptly. "Our radar covers the entire area. We'll report anything unusual immediately. Eternal, how much longer do you need?"

On the Eternal's bridge, the communications officer quickly compiled the maintenance reports. "Archangel, engine adjustments will take at least another hour. We cannot enter combat at present."

Murrue nodded and was about to issue further security orders when harsh static burst from the Archangel's communicator. Dense red dots suddenly flooded the radar screen, and a piercing battle alarm thundered throughout the ship. The twin warnings shattered the calm. "Warning! Warning! High-speed contacts detected! Number unknown! Extreme velocity! Closing on our formation!" The radar operator's fingers flew across the console, panic edging his voice. As the static faded, a blurred image of a warship appeared on the screen. "Identifying signal... an Earth Alliance Forces warship! Wait-" He stopped, disbelief filling his voice. "Captain! The image is clear! That ship... it's identical to the Archangel! The hull design and weapons configuration match exactly!" An uproar swept the bridge. Crew members turned toward the screen, stunned and bewildered. Murrue tightened her grip on the control lever, pupils contracting as she stared at the mirror image of her own vessel. Then the communications channel was forcibly opened, and Natarle Badgiruel's cold, arrogant voice rang out, utterly composed yet crushingly authoritative. "Murrue Ramius. It's been a while. I know you've only just regrouped, and you're already at the end of your strength. I'll give you one last chance. Order everyone to abandon ship and surrender immediately. Hand over Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne, and I'll spare your crew. Otherwise, the Dominion will turn you and the Archangel into cosmic dust."

"What?! The Dominion?!" Murrue's expression changed sharply. She had never imagined the Earth Alliance Forces would find them so quickly-or strike so suddenly. "Battle stations! All Mobile Suit pilots, board immediately! Charge the main guns! Notify the Kusanagi and Eternal-enemy surprise attack! Repeat, enemy surprise attack! The Dominion is approaching!"

Alarms swept through all three ships. The busy maintenance areas plunged into tense confusion as crew members rushed to their stations. The Mobile Suit pilots wasted no time, racing to their machines, pulling on their flight suits, and entering their cockpits. But they were already too late. Under Captain Natarle Badgiruel's command, the Dominion had made every preparation. From the outset, this surprise attack had been a carefully planned ambush.

On the Dominion's bridge, Natarle Badgiruel sat in the captain's chair in a white Earth Alliance Forces uniform. Her expression was severe, her eyes sharp as blades, betraying nothing unnecessary. She tapped the console lightly. "Are all units ready? Have the prepositioned missile coordinates been confirmed?"

"Captain! All prepositioned missiles are deployed, with coordinates locked on the center of the Three Ships Alliance formation! Three advanced Mobile Suits are ready for launch: GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam, GAT-X133 Aegis Gundam, and GAT-X132 Forbidden Gundam! Pilots are in position! The Dominion's main guns are charged and ready to fire!" the communications officer reported rapidly, excitement in his voice.

Natarle Badgiruel nodded, looking at the alliance's formation on the screen. A cold smile curved her lips. "Excellent. Did the Three Ships Alliance think hiding at Mendel would keep them safe? Today, we'll wipe them out. Target the Archangel. Prepare the missiles and ready the Mobile Suit units. Launch the full assault as soon as the enemy enters the kill zone. Remember: our mission is to destroy the Archangel and capture Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne. Attacks on other targets can wait."

The Three Ships Alliance was in a dire position. The Eternal remained under comprehensive maintenance: its engines would not start, its main guns could not fire, and its Mobile Suits could not launch. It could only activate its shields and brace for the attack. Repairs to the Kusanagi's catapult were barely halfway complete. Its crew tried to accelerate their work and launch the Murasame squadron, but the Dominion's first wave of long-range missiles arrived. Violent blasts struck the ship's flank and sent it rocking. An already damaged satellite rail suddenly broke, dropping a thick cable that coiled around the Kusanagi like a venomous snake. The ship was pinned in place. Mobile Suits desperately cut at the cable, but there was not enough time.

"Damn it! We're caught in the cable! We can't move!" the Kusanagi's communications officer shouted. The shaking intensified, and missile fragments struck several exterior compartments, igniting small fires. Cagalli stood resolutely on the bridge and issued firm orders over the communicator. "Everyone, hold steady! Repair teams, cut through that cable faster! We must get free before the Dominion's next attack! Defense teams, concentrate secondary fire on the incoming missile trajectories and intercept them accurately! Murasame squadron, prepare to launch! Once we're free, form up and support the Archangel immediately!"

Talia Gladys glanced at Cagalli with approval, then added, "Cagalli's right! Prioritize the repair teams' safety. Give the secondary guns full power, and don't conserve ammunition! We have to get free quickly. We cannot leave the Archangel facing all the Dominion's firepower alone!" Cagalli nodded, eyes fixed on the radar screen. She tracked the enemy missiles precisely and adjusted the interception angles in real time, helping Talia direct the battle.

Within minutes, the situation deteriorated completely. The Eternal could not deploy, and the Kusanagi remained trapped. Despite Cagalli's help directing its defenses, it could not mount an effective counterattack, and its Mobile Suit units were immobilized. Of the three allied ships, only the Archangel could face the Dominion's assault. The tension on its bridge was almost tangible. Murrue gripped the control lever, her eyes resolute. "All hands, listen! Main guns, target the Dominion! Secondary guns, intercept enemy missiles at full output! Helm, prepare to evade with precise maneuvers. Protect the hull at all costs! Mobile Suit units, launch immediately! Kira, use the Freedom Gundam to contain their Mobile Suits. Athrun, cover our hull with the Justice Gundam. Mu, break through their defenses with the Strike Gundam. Dearka, use the Buster Gundam for long-range sniping and suppress the Dominion's main guns!"

"Understood!" the Mobile Suit pilots answered together, without a trace of fear.

As the launch hatches slowly opened, four Mobile Suits shot out in succession like four blades cutting into the heavens. The Freedom Gundam spread its winglike thrusters first, deploying a blue beam shield to block several incoming missiles. Their explosions bloomed against it in dazzling flames. The Justice Gundam followed close behind, its shoulder Beam Cannons spitting lethal fire and destroying an attacking Earth Forces mass-production Mobile Suit with a precise hit. Mu La Flaga fired repeated shots from the Strike Gundam's Beam Rifle, his movements fluid and swift. Drawing on his extensive combat experience, he quickly broke through the enemy's first Mobile Suit defensive line. Dearka Elsman positioned the Buster Gundam beside a piece of space debris and aimed its long-range Beam Cannon at the Dominion's main-gun compartment, ready to snipe. Meanwhile, the Archangel's helmsman continually adjusted its course with expert precision, slipping sideways past incoming beams and missiles. Enemy beams grazed the ship as it darted through one close call after another.

But Natarle Badgiruel had already laid an inescapable trap. Just as the Archangel's Mobile Suits formed up and the ship itself advanced toward the Dominion, her cold voice rang out. "Activate the prepositioned missiles! All weapons, full fire! Target the Archangel!"

Dozens of missiles hidden around Mendel detonated at once, forming a massive wall of explosions that sealed off the Archangel's retreat. At the same time, the Dominion's main guns fired a searing beam like a fiery dragon straight at it. Secondary guns opened fire alongside them, pouring countless beams and missiles toward the ship. Combined with the three advanced Mobile Suits' attacks, they formed a dense web of fire that trapped the Archangel and its pilots. Murrue shouted, "Helm, full evasive maneuvers! Turn left and use the debris ahead for cover! Avoid the main-gun blast! Secondary guns, concentrate on the missiles coming from the front!" The helmsman acted before she finished. His fingers flew over the controls, and the Archangel swerved like a nimble fish, weaving precisely through the debris and narrowly avoiding the main beam. It struck wreckage behind them, triggering a violent explosion. The shock wave shook the hull but caused no fatal damage.

The Archangel's secondary guns fired furiously, intercepting incoming missiles and beams. Each interception brought another violent explosion, and the ship rocked repeatedly in the shock waves. The helmsman remained calm, continually changing course with expert control-climbing sharply, plunging suddenly, and avoiding the enemy's dense fire. He even used smoke from the explosions to conceal changes in position. Crew members clung to nearby fixtures. Several fell under the violent shaking, but none backed down. They held their stations, supporting the helmsman's maneuvers and Murrue's orders.

The Mobile Suit battle was even more brutal. Kira piloted the Freedom Gundam in a fierce struggle against the Earth Forces' three advanced Gundams: Calamity, Aegis, and Forbidden. They coordinated seamlessly. The Calamity Gundam maintained pressure with heavy armor and devastating firepower; the Aegis Gundam transformed into flight mode to circle around and strike; and the Forbidden Gundam, equipped with an enhanced Mirage Colloid System and energy-deflecting armor, excelled at concealed close combat. Every attack was lethal. Using the Freedom Gundam's exceptional mobility, Kira wove through the barrage. His Beam Saber clashed with enemy weapons amid shrill metallic ringing and showers of sparks. His SEED Factor activated in an instant. The world seemed to slow, and every enemy movement and attack trajectory appeared clearly in his mind. He swung the Freedom Gundam sideways to avoid the Calamity Gundam's Beam Cannon, then fired repeated precise shots from his Beam Rifle into its shoulder armor, completely destroying one secondary-gun launcher.

Athrun Zala faced the GAT-X133 Aegis Gundam in the Justice Gundam. The Aegis Gundam could freely shift between Mobile Suit and flight modes, giving it extraordinary mobility. Equipped with twin beam machine guns and a wrecking ball, it specialized in ambushes and hit-and-run attacks-a stark counter to Athrun's preferred head-on combat. He dared not relax, maneuvering quickly behind space debris to evade its attacks while searching for an opening. "I can't keep defending like this!" Athrun gritted his teeth and burst from cover, thrusting his blazing Beam Saber at the Aegis Gundam's cockpit while his shoulder Beam Cannons fired to restrict its movements. The enemy pilot reacted instantly, transforming into flight mode and climbing away before turning to fire two beams. Athrun hurriedly evaded, but one beam grazed the Justice Gundam's leg armor, leaving a deep gouge.

Mu La Flaga and Dearka Elsman held their sniping positions, each shot precise. Suddenly, an Earth Forces mass-production Mobile Suit attacked from the flank, firing its Beam Rifle at the Buster Gundam's legs. Dearka hurried to evade, but the leg armor was still hit, leaving a deep gouge and completely disrupting his firing rhythm.

The exchange between the warships intensified as well. The Archangel's Positron Cannon finally finished charging, and Murrue ordered it to fire without hesitation. "Positron Cannon, fire! Target the Dominion!" A massive beam erupted from the Archangel's main-gun muzzle, hurtling toward the Dominion with devastating force. Natarle Badgiruel's eyes sharpened. "Evade! Main guns, return fire!" The Dominion dodged instantly, but one main gun was destroyed. Its other main gun fired another beam at the Archangel. The two enormous beams collided, producing a dazzling energy shock wave that swept across the battlefield. Nearby debris was torn apart, and the Mobile Suits scattered in emergency evasive maneuvers to avoid it.

"Helm, hold on! Keep evading their fire! Don't give the Dominion a chance to lock on!" Murrue shouted, watching the barrage on the screen and issuing evasive orders in real time. Cold sweat covered the helmsman's forehead, but his hands remained steady as he executed a series of difficult maneuvers. A missile fragment struck the Archangel's flank, leaving a shallow gouge and damaging some external wiring, but the core compartments remained intact. "Captain, minor damage to the flank! External circuits have shorted! Secondary firepower is temporarily down ten percent!" the communications officer reported. Murrue answered firmly, "Repair the wiring immediately! Secondary guns, prioritize missiles from the front! Helm, keep evading. Use the debris for cover and buy us time!"

Murrue was pale, but she refused to give up. "Keep holding! Energy compartment, prioritize the thrusters and weapons! Maintain power for evasive maneuvers and secondary-gun interception! Mobile Suit units, increase your attack pace! Break through their defenses and draw the Dominion's fire away from our hull!" On the Kusanagi, Cagalli learned of the Archangel's plight over the communicator and urged the repair teams on with growing desperation. "Faster! A little faster! Once we're free of the cable, we can give the Archangel our full support!"

Just then, an excited transmission arrived from the Kusanagi, accompanied by Cagalli's resolute voice. "Archangel! Archangel! We've cut through the cable! The entire Murasame squadron has launched! I've divided it into two groups: one will contain the enemy Mobile Suits, and the other will cover the Kusanagi as we close on the Dominion to support you!"

Hopeful smiles appeared on Murrue's face and those of her crew. "Excellent! Kusanagi, thank you for the support!" she said excitedly. "Cagalli, sorry for the trouble, but direct the Murasame squadron around their left flank to contain their Mobile Suits. Kusanagi, aim your main guns at the Dominion's secondary-gun compartment. We'll attack from the front and bring it down together! Helm, coordinate with the Kusanagi's advance. Adjust course and close on the Dominion!" "Understood!" Cagalli answered promptly. She issued precise orders from the Kusanagi's bridge, and the Murasame squadron quickly changed formation to attack the enemy Mobile Suits. The Kusanagi slowly got underway, its main guns charging for the joint attack.

The Kusanagi's Murasame squadron rapidly approached the battlefield. Six Mobile Suits attacked simultaneously, firing repeated Beam Rifle shots that struck several Earth Forces mass-production units and eased the pressure on the Archangel's pilots. Kira, Athrun, and the others surged with renewed morale, increasing their pace. Kira used the Freedom Gundam's exceptional mobility to weave among the three enemy machines, avoiding the Calamity Gundam's heavy fire while precisely targeting its weapons compartments with his Beam Rifle. He combined this with close-range Beam Saber combat, steadily wearing down its armor and energy. Its pilot fought desperately but could not suppress the agile Freedom Gundam. Finally, Kira seized an opening and drove his Beam Saber through the cockpit. The machine exploded instantly, killing its pilot.

Athrun also seized his chance. He used the Justice Gundam's shoulder Beam Cannons to restrict the Aegis Gundam's flight path while closing rapidly, then struck its transformation joints precisely with his Beam Saber, disabling its ability to change modes. Without its flight advantage, the Aegis Gundam's mobility dropped sharply. Athrun followed up with a Beam Cannon shot to its energy core, and the machine exploded out of control. Meanwhile, with Cagalli's Murasame squadron containing the enemy, Mu changed tactics. He drew the Forbidden Gundam's attention head-on, blocking its energy blades with his beam shield while searching for weak points in its armor. At last, he found an opening and pierced its cockpit with his Beam Saber, defeating it completely. Its wreck plunged into the depths of space.

All three advanced Mobile Suits had been defeated, and the Earth Forces' Mobile Suit units suffered heavy losses. Under the Archangel and Kusanagi's combined assault, the Dominion sustained damage throughout its hull, and its malfunctioning main guns could no longer fire properly. Thanks to its helmsman's superb control, the Archangel had suffered only minor damage and had avoided direct hits from the enemy's principal weapons, preserving its full combat capability. Natarle Badgiruel's face remained cold as she sat in the captain's chair, but she knew victory was impossible. The Kusanagi's Mobile Suits had joined the fight, the Archangel was skillfully evading attacks, and its pilots' morale was high. Her own forces had suffered terribly. Continuing would only lead to the Dominion's destruction.

"All hands, retreat immediately!" Natarle Badgiruel ordered decisively, unwilling to prolong the fight. "Maximum engine output! Set course and leave the battlefield! Mobile Suit units, cover our withdrawal and prevent pursuit!"

The remaining Earth Forces Mobile Suits immediately gathered around the Dominion in a defensive formation, covering its swift withdrawal. Its engines surged to maximum output, carrying its damaged hull toward distant space. Murrue was about to order a pursuit when Mu La Flaga's voice came over the communicator, unusually grave. "Captain Murrue, wait! I sensed... something familiar. Behind Mendel. It's faint, but it's Rau Le Creuset!"

"What? ZAFT forces?" Murrue's expression changed. "Mu, are you sure? There shouldn't be any ZAFT units here at Mendel."

"I'm sure," Mu said firmly. "I could never mistake that presence. I've fought Rau Le Creuset countless times. Those energy fluctuations are his! I have to investigate. We might find some clues!"

"No, Mu! It's too dangerous! We don't know what's behind Mendel, and the Dominion has only just retreated. There could be an ambush!" Murrue hurriedly objected.

"Don't worry, Murrue," Mu said, his tone easy but resolute. "I'll just take a look. I won't push too far, and I'll withdraw immediately if there's danger. Dearka, want to come along? Give me some cover."

Dearka Elsman, who was adjusting the Buster Gundam's parameters, answered immediately. "No problem, Mu! I'll be right over. We'll investigate together!"

"Wait, Mu, Dearka," Murrue said. "Be careful. Report immediately if you find anything unusual. We'll send support right away."

"Understood!" Mu and Dearka answered together.

Mu flew the Strike Gundam swiftly toward the far side of Mendel, with Dearka following in the Buster Gundam, ready to snipe at any moment. Watching them disappear into the satellite's shadow, Murrue remained deeply worried. After a moment's thought, she spoke into the communicator. "Kira, take the Freedom Gundam behind Mendel immediately and support Mu and Dearka. Make sure they're safe, and investigate the situation there. If you find Rau Le Creuset's forces, report immediately. Don't engage recklessly."

"Understood, Captain Murrue!" Kira answered at once. He flew the Freedom Gundam toward Mendel's far side, its blue silhouette tracing a graceful arc through space like a guardian angel heading into unknown danger.

Mu and Dearka arrived first. The area was pitch-black and littered with space debris, an eerie silence hanging over it. Mu slowed the Strike Gundam and carefully sensed the surrounding energy fluctuations, wariness in his blue eyes. "The presence is just ahead. It's faint-something must be shielding it. Let's be careful and approach slowly."

Dearka positioned the Buster Gundam beside a massive piece of wreckage and aimed its long-range Beam Cannon at the space ahead, ready to fire. "Mu, I'm keeping watch. If anything happens, I'll shoot immediately."

They slowly approached. As the distance closed, the fluctuations became clearer. At the same time, a faint smell of blood and chemicals reached their cockpits through the Mobile Suits' sensors. "Something's wrong. There are signs of human activity here, and... experiments?" Mu frowned, his unease intensifying.

Just then, Kira arrived in the Freedom Gundam. "Mu, Dearka, I'm here. How does it look?" he asked over the communicator.

"Kira, you're here," Mu said. "We suspect Rau Le Creuset has a secret base here. Come with us. We'll approach slowly. Watch for an ambush."

"Understood!" Kira formed a triangle with Mu and Dearka, and they slowly advanced.

Soon, a secret base concealed behind Mendel appeared before them. Disguised as space wreckage, its surface was covered in dust and rubble. Without careful inspection, it would have been impossible to spot. Its hatch stood open, revealing a pitch-black interior and several enormous experimental chambers filled with unidentified liquid. Human silhouettes were faintly visible within.

"There really is a secret base here!" Dearka said in shock. "What's inside those chambers? They look like... humans?"

"Not just humans," Mu said gravely. "I can see Coordinator genetic samples and research data on the SEED Factor. This must be Rau Le Creuset's secret research base, specializing in the SEED Factor and Coordinator enhancement techniques."

The three quickly put on basic spacesuits, left their Mobile Suit cockpits, and carefully passed through the energy barrier at the entrance into the laboratory hidden behind the wreckage. Inside, it was dim and damp. Time had scarred the walls, and abandoned equipment and scattered research materials lay everywhere. Beneath the faint smell of chemicals, barely perceptible energy fluctuations lingered. They had just reached the laboratory's center and turned their attention to records bearing Dr. Hibiki's name when a cold voice emerged from the shadows, breaking the silence. "I never expected anyone besides me to find Dr. Hibiki's laboratory."

"Rau Le Creuset!" Kira, Mu, and Dearka turned together, expressions sharpening as they gripped their weapons. They had never expected to encounter Rau Le Creuset here, investigating the place himself. Wearing a black combat suit, he slowly stepped out of the shadows. His usual sinister madness was absent, replaced by a complicated, unreadable expression. His gaze drifted through every corner of the laboratory, as though recalling something.

"Don't be so nervous." Rau Le Creuset chuckled softly, his tone calm, with an almost imperceptible melancholy. "Like you, I'm simply here to investigate the traces of Dr. Hibiki's research. I have no other ill intentions." Mu frowned deeply and stared at him warily. "Rau Le Creuset, how did you learn about this place? What are you really after? What do these records and this laboratory have to do with you?"

Rau Le Creuset did not answer Mu. His gaze slowly settled on Kira, complicated emotions in his eyes. "Kira Yamato," he said softly, "do you know? This is where you were born."

"What?!" Kira and Mu froze in disbelief. Dearka frowned too, instinctively tightening his grip on his weapon. They had never imagined that Rau Le Creuset's birthplace would be the secret laboratory where Dr. Hibiki had once researched Coordinators. Recovering, Kira asked urgently, "You're saying I was born here? Then Dr. Hibiki... what exactly was his relationship to me? Is my SEED Factor connected to the research here?"

Rau Le Creuset did not answer. The complicated expression vanished from his face, replaced by a measure of composure. He knew he could not stay long. While Kira and Mu were still stunned and had not fully recovered, he suddenly stepped back and waved at the three, his voice edged with finality. "I've said what I needed to. You can uncover the rest yourselves."

Before he finished speaking, Rau Le Creuset turned and sprinted toward a concealed exit on the other side of the laboratory, moving swiftly and without hesitation. By the time Mu and Kira reacted, it was too late. He quickly disappeared into the shadows beyond the exit. When they reached it, the security door had already closed, and nothing they tried could open it quickly.

"Damn it! He got away!" Mu punched the wall in frustration. "We were too careless. He caught us off guard and escaped without a problem." Kira remained where he was, his face grave and his gaze resting on the laboratory wall. Rau Le Creuset's words echoed in his mind. This is where I was born... Questions filled him. What unknown secret connected Dr. Hibiki's laboratory to his own birthplace?

Kira spoke over the communicator. "Mu, Dearka, let's return to the Archangel, report this to Captain Murrue, and decide what to do next." "All right!" they answered together. The three flew their Mobile Suits swiftly toward the Archangel. But just as they were about to reach the Three Ships Alliance's formation, piercing battle alarms sounded throughout the ships again, more urgent than before. "Warning! Warning! Two groups of high-speed contacts detected! One is a ZAFT fleet identified as Rau Le Creuset's forces-approximately three warships carrying numerous Mobile Suits! The other is the Earth Alliance Forces' Dominion formation! They're back!"

"What?! Rau Le Creuset and Natarle Badgiruel are both back?!" Murrue went deathly pale, despair filling her. After the fierce battle, both the Archangel and Kusanagi had sustained damage, and their Mobile Suit units had suffered minor losses. The Eternal still could not enter combat. Facing two powerful enemies at once, the Three Ships Alliance had almost no hope of winning.

"Captain, Rau Le Creuset's fleet is closing fast! They've locked onto the Eternal!" the radar operator shouted. "The Dominion is also approaching rapidly, still targeting the Archangel! Both fleets will enter effective range in approximately five minutes!"

Murrue gripped the control lever so tightly that her nails almost dug into her flesh. Watching the two approaching fleets on the screen, she felt a flash of despair, yet spoke with unwavering resolve. "All hands, prepare for battle! Archangel and Kusanagi, concentrate fire on Rau Le Creuset's fleet first! Protect the Eternal! All Mobile Suit units, launch! Contain the enemy Mobile Suits and buy time until the Eternal finishes its preparations!"

"Understood!" the crew and Mobile Suit pilots answered together, a tragic resolve in their voices. They knew this might be their final battle, but none retreated. They held their stations, ready to fight to the death.

At that critical moment, a dazzling white light appeared in distant space. Then an advanced warship unlike anything they had seen slowly emerged at the battlefield's edge. Its entire hull was silver-blue, its streamlined contours sleek and sharp. Two enormous twin-barreled beam main guns sat on its shoulders, missile launchers covered its underside, and four large thrusters at its stern radiated powerful energy fluctuations. Merely sitting there, it exuded incomparable pressure. Everyone-the Three Ships Alliance, Rau Le Creuset's fleet, and the Dominion's formation-was stunned by its sudden appearance. The battle ground to a halt.

"What is that warship?! I've never seen that class before!" the Archangel's radar operator shouted, astonished. "Unidentifiable signal! Affiliation unknown! But its energy fluctuations are extremely powerful-far beyond the Dominion and Eternal! Combat strength unknown!"

Rau Le Creuset's expression also turned grave. He stared at the silver-blue ship on the screen, confusion and wariness filling his eyes. "Whose ship is that? ZAFT has no such class, and neither does the Earth Alliance. Who could it be?"

Natarle Badgiruel frowned as well. Her extensive experience told her how powerful the silver-blue vessel was. Those energy fluctuations were beyond anything the Dominion could match. Its design differed from both ZAFT and Earth Alliance ships, giving it an intimidating air of the unknown.

While everyone remained stunned and confused, the silver-blue warship suddenly fired. Its two twin-barreled Beam Cannons unleashed searing beams of devastating power. Yet they targeted neither warship nor Mobile Suit, instead striking the empty space between the three forces. Violent explosions blossomed in dazzling light, forming an enormous energy barrier that forcibly separated the Three Ships Alliance from Rau Le Creuset's fleet and the Dominion's formation. The beams instantly shredded nearby wreckage. The Archangel's helmsman reacted at once, urgently maneuvering away from the shock wave. The Kusanagi and Eternal adjusted their courses as well. None of the ships was damaged, but all three sides were left speechless by that overwhelming firepower.

Then a steady, commanding voice broadcast across every frequency, reaching every warship and Mobile Suit cockpit with unquestionable authority. "This is Mei Hock of ZAFT's Silver Wing Angel Team! We have orders to pursue the Eternal! All uninvolved warships, leave the battlefield immediately! Otherwise, we will regard your presence as hostile and attack without restraint!"

Mei Hock?! The Silver Wing Angel Team?!

The name shocked everyone again. Kira, Athrun, Lacus, and the others looked incredulous. Though some had never met Mei Hock, they had heard his name-ZAFT's youngest white-uniform elite commander, pilot of the Silver Wing Angel Mobile Suit. With outstanding victories and ever-changing tactics, he was one of ZAFT's most legendary figures.

Rau Le Creuset's face turned livid. He stared at the silver-blue warship, his eyes filled with fury and frustration, but also a trace of apprehension. "Mei Hock?! How dare you interfere with my plans! I have orders from the PLANT Supreme Council to eliminate the Three Ships Alliance and capture Lacus Clyne! What business is it of yours?!"

Mei Hock's voice returned, edged with cold mockery. "Commander Rau Le Creuset, it seems you've forgotten your duties. Your mission is to defend PLANT's home territory and safeguard its citizens-not abandon your post and come to Mendel to destroy an unrelated formation."

His tone grew colder, carrying an unmistakable warning. "I suggest you take your fleet back to your defense sector immediately. Stop running amok here, or I won't be so polite! Surely you don't want to experience the Starry Sky's firepower firsthand?"

The Starry Sky-so that was the silver-blue warship's name!

Rau Le Creuset watched the Starry Sky on the screen and felt its powerful energy fluctuations, seething with frustration but unable to act. He knew Mei Hock was not bluffing. The ship's firepower was immense, and Mei Hock's tactics were unpredictable. His own fleet had just fought Kira and the other two and suffered losses. Against the Starry Sky now, he had no chance. Mei Hock's words also reminded him of something: he had abandoned his post. If the PLANT Supreme Council found out, the consequences would be unthinkable.

"Tch!" Rau Le Creuset spat, his eyes full of resentment and venom. "Mei Hock, you win this time! I won't forget this! All hands, withdraw immediately! Return to PLANT!"

Despite his bitterness, Rau Le Creuset decisively ordered a retreat. His fleet quickly changed course to leave the battlefield. Just then, a small Landing Pod emerged from the Starry Sky's underside and flew swiftly toward his flagship, docking precisely at its port. Rau Le Creuset frowned and spoke into the communicator. "Mei Hock, what is the meaning of this?"

"Nothing much," Mei Hock said evenly. "There are a few 'gifts' inside. I think you'll like them."

Rau Le Creuset's expression darkened further, but he still ordered the Landing Pod accepted. "We're leaving!" he roared. His flagship led the fleet swiftly toward PLANT's home territory, soon disappearing into distant space.

After Rau Le Creuset's fleet withdrew, Azrael trembled with rage on the Dominion's bridge. He glared at the Starry Sky on the screen, fury and humiliation in his eyes. "Damn it! Mei Hock?! He dares threaten me?! Captain Natarle Badgiruel, order an attack on the Starry Sky immediately! I want that arrogant ship destroyed! Make Mei Hock pay!"

But Natarle Badgiruel shook her head. Her expression remained cold, her eyes rational and wary. "No, Lord Azrael. We cannot attack the Starry Sky."

"Why not?!" Azrael roared. "Is our Dominion afraid of one Starry Sky?! He dared threaten us! We have to teach him a lesson!"

"Lord Azrael, calm down," Natarle Badgiruel said. "The Starry Sky's combat strength is certainly no less than ours, and likely greater. You saw its main guns fire. Their power was enormous. Our armor cannot withstand an attack like that. Moreover, Mei Hock has a distinguished combat record and unpredictable tactics. We have no idea what else he has prepared. Fighting him now would give us no advantage. We would simply waste our forces."

She paused, then continued. "Our primary mission is to destroy the Archangel and capture Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne-not fight the Starry Sky. Mei Hock's target is the Eternal, so there is no direct conflict between us. There's no reason to fight him to the death over wounded pride. We would lose far more than we gained."

Azrael's expression remained ugly, but he knew Natarle Badgiruel was right. He gritted his teeth, his eyes full of frustration. "So we just let it go? Let that bastard Mei Hock humiliate us?!"

"For now, we have no choice," Natarle Badgiruel said. "As long as we survive, we can fight another day. We'll withdraw and make a new plan. When another opportunity comes, we'll settle our accounts with the Archangel and Mei Hock. For now, give the order to retreat!"

Though unwilling, Azrael had no better option. He gave a cold snort and tacitly accepted Natarle Badgiruel's order. The Dominion's engines surged to maximum output, carrying its damaged hull swiftly into distant space. Soon, it too vanished from the battlefield.

Within minutes, both formidable enemies had withdrawn. Only the Starry Sky and the Three Ships Alliance's three warships remained, facing each other. The Starry Sky held its position, its silver-blue hull radiating overwhelming menace. Its main guns remained charged, ready to attack at any moment. The alliance's ships also maintained battle readiness, their Mobile Suits stationed around them, watching the Starry Sky warily for any sudden attack.

The atmosphere on the Archangel's bridge was heavy. Everyone watched the Starry Sky on the screen with confusion and caution. Murrue frowned and spoke into the communicator. "Starry Sky, this is Murrue Ramius, captain of the Archangel. What is your objective? Why did you help us drive off Rau Le Creuset's fleet and the Dominion?"

There was no response. The Starry Sky remained motionless, neither attacking nor replying. Just as Murrue prepared to ask again, a faint burst of static sounded simultaneously from the Archangel, Eternal, and Kusanagi's communicators. An encrypted communication request followed. Its identifier showed that it came from the Starry Sky, and the sender was Mei Hock.

"Open the channel!" Murrue ordered decisively.

The connection opened, and a young man appeared on the screen. He wore ZAFT's white elite uniform, standing straight and tall. His short black hair was slightly tousled, his deep brown eyes calm and thoughtful. A faint smile rested on his handsome face, beneath which lay an almost imperceptible air of command. He was Mei Hock, commander of ZAFT's Silver Wing Angel Team and captain of the Starry Sky.

Mei Hock looked at Murrue, Kira, Lacus, Athrun, and the others on the screen. His smile grew warmer, and his voice was steady and composed, friendly without sacrificing authority. "Everyone, I trust you've been well."

Murrue frowned. "Mei Hock, what exactly are you trying to do? What is your mission?" He looked at her and smiled gently, answering in a relaxed tone. "Why don't we discuss those questions face-to-face? I imagine you have plenty of others, too."