As the inquiry came to a close, several individuals from the Archangel received transfer orders.
Mu, Natarle, and Flay were all reassigned away from the Archangel. To be honest, Mu's reassignment was somewhat expected; after all, he didn't originally belong to the 8th Fleet. Natarle's reassignment was also understandable given her capabilities and the fact that she came from a prestigious military family, serving merely as a combat commander on the Archangel was a waste of her potential.
However, Flay was a different story. She was a civilian, yet not exactly an ordinary one, so reassignment to another location invited deep suspicion.
Mu caught up to Murrue, who was walking ahead, and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"This inquiry... everything about it is too strange."
Murrue nodded in agreement.
"Yes. But the strangest thing of all is their attitude. The Archangel has been in Alaska for five days, yet they only reacted today... I have no idea what the high command is thinking. Not only that, I suspect the orders that follow will be even more unconventional."
Mu fell silent for a moment before lowering his voice.
"...I have an ominous premonition, Captain. I think you should prepare for anything. Mikazuki is gone, I've been reassigned, and Kira doesn't even have a machine available. If a battle breaks out, the Archangel is in extreme danger without a single MS to escort her."
"I know. Thank you for the warning."
"Don't mention it. We've been through a lot together. I'll head back and pack my things now."
"Alright. I'll see you off with the rest of the crew."
With that, Mu hurried away. Murrue stood in the corridor, staring out the window at the cold defensive walls, murmuring to herself.
"Mika... where are you now? Are you safe...?"
More than a week had passed since Murrue arrived in Alaska and the inquiry ended. The final tuning for Gundam Barbatos Lupus was finally completed today. During this time, Mikazuki had met Lacus's father.
The elder and the youth got along reasonably well and spoke quite cordially, though Siegel found Mikazuki's claim that he had to keep fighting somewhat baffling.
Inside a glass pavilion in the garden, Mikazuki was eating snacks. Lacus, sitting beside him, smiled.
"The adjustments for Barbatos finish today."
"Is that so? That's good."
Mikazuki tossed a fresh date Lacus had just picked into his mouth. Opposite them sat Reverend Malchio, silently sipping tea.
Just then, Lacus's father walked over. As soon as he entered, he spoke. "It's no good. All ports in PLANT are currently blockaded. Neither civilian nor military shuttles are allowed to leave."
Lacus frowned slightly. "Did something happen?"
Siegel's expression was grim. "...It's likely because of Patrick's Operation Spitbreak."
A communication screen suddenly flickered onto the pavilion's glass.
"Lord Clyne, Eileen Canaver is calling."
"Patch it through."
"Understood..."
The projection showed an elegant blonde woman.
She was Eileen Canaver, one of the twelve members of the PLANT Supreme Council, the diplomatic representative for September City, and a political moderate allied with the Clyne faction. She maintained good relations with both Siegel and Reverend Malchio.
"Canaver, what's wrong?"
"It's bad, Siegel. We've all been deceived by Zala. The target of Operation Spitbreak isn't Panama at all it's Alaska!"
"What? Alaska?"
"He intends to destroy the Earth Alliance headquarters in one fell swoop. The Council never authorized such a decree!"
Mikazuki's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intensely on the screen in front of Siegel. It wasn't until the communication ended that Mikazuki turned to Lacus.
"Looks like I have to leave right away."
Siegel turned back and said, "But every port in PLANT is blockaded. Shuttles can't get out at all."
"Then I'll force my way out."
Mikazuki stood up and left the garden. Lacus glanced at her father, and Siegel gave his daughter a solemn nod.
"Leave it to him. Regardless, that thing is far too dangerous in Zala's hands."
"Yes. Then please, take care of yourself."
"Mm, you too."
Lacus bowed to her father and turned to leave. Siegel and the Reverend exchanged a look, and Siegel bowed to Reverend Malchio.
"I leave the coming situation in your hands, Reverend."
Knowing the plan Siegel and Lacus had made, Reverend Malchio gave a heavy nod.
"I understand..."
Lacus caught up to Mikazuki and grabbed his hand.
"Wait, Mikazuki."
Mikazuki looked back in confusion. "What is it?"
"How do you plan to leave? PLANT is under a total blockade; things can come in, but nothing goes out."
"I'll force my way out."
"Honestly..." Lacus sighed helplessly and poked Mikazuki in the head. "I really wish you'd think about your own safety for once. Even if Barbatos's performance has been improved, your thruster fuel isn't enough to get you from PLANT directly to Earth."
"..."
Mikazuki blinked, a look of realization crossing his face.
Lacus couldn't help but smile at his reaction.
"In any case, I will help you leave PLANT, but at the same time, I want you to take something with you."
Mikazuki tilted his head. "Hmm? What?"
"I'll take you to see it. But..."
As she spoke, Lacus's beautiful eyes looked Mikazuki up and down, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"You'll have to change your clothes first."
"....Huh?"
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