The Dominion had retreated, and it was a thorough one.
Mikazuki piloted the Barbatos along with the Long Distance Transport Booster back to the Eternal, which was currently docked. After checking in with Lacus and Andrew, he left the bridge.
The moment he returned to the hangar, Orga's face appeared on the screen before him.
"Mika, the Strike and the Buster have headed into the interior of the satellite. It seems ZAFT forces are there."
"ZAFT?"
The silhouette of a specific machine surfaced in Mikazuki's mind. "That white mono-eye?"
Orga closed one eye as he answered, "Probably. Kira and Athrun have already rushed over to help, so there shouldn't be much to worry about. Though, there might be a ZAFT fleet on the other side of the port."
"I see."
"By the way, how is the Barbatos?"
Mikazuki pulled off his helmet and shook out his hair, which had been matted down uncomfortably. "It's fine. It's currently being resupplied. The new Long Distance Transport Booster is actually quite useful."
"That's good."
"Mika."
Lacus's voice came through Mikazuki's headset, followed by her image appearing on the screen. Orga tactfully ended his conversation with Mikazuki.
Mikazuki opened the cockpit and left the hangar for the pilot's lounge. Lacus was already there to greet him the moment he walked in.
"Welcome back."
"Yeah, I'm back."
As Mikazuki passed her, Lacus produced a basket from behind her back. "Mika, I've prepared some food for you. Would you like some?"
"Yeah, I want some."
Mikazuki looked at the basket in her hands with genuine longing. Seeing his expression, a flicker of joy sparkled in Lacus's heart.
"Alright then."
The two sat down on the leather chairsthough in the zero-gravity environment, they tended to drift upward the moment they sat.
Inside the basket were several sandwiches that were still relatively warm. Lacus picked one up and handed it to him. "Here."
"Thanks."
Mikazuki took the sandwich and took a large bite, swallowing it after only a few chews. "You made this?"
Lacus clapped her hands together, a look of delight on her face. "I did. I made them myself. I originally wanted to bring them to you during lunch, but..."
She didn't need to finish the sentence. Because combat had broken out, lunchtime had been delayed until now.
"How does it taste?"
Mikazuki took another bite, answering while he chewed. "It's good. It tastes the same as the ones before."
Lacus gently took out a handkerchief and wiped a bit of sauce from his face. "I'm glad you like it. I learned quite a few recipes while I was at home. When the war is over, I'll cook all of them for you, alright?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
It was a warm, quiet scene. Mikazuki ate in silence while Lacus watched him with a tender gaze. It was perhaps fortunate that Murrue and Cagalli weren't there to witness this, as one could only guess what they would have thought.
"By the way, is there any news from Kira and the others?"
Lacus's expression turned somber as she nodded. "The signal interference is too severe; we can't contact them. However, I wonder how Major Mu La Flaga knew ZAFT was there. Three Nazca-class ships were indeed discovered behind the satellite, but that was only moments ago. The Major had already gone to intercept them before they were even detected."
Mikazuki picked up another sandwich and said flatly, "It's the white mono-eye. There's no mistake."
"The white mono-eye... Could it be Rau Le Creuset's team?" Lacus's worry deepened. Rau Le Creuset was a truly dangerous individual.
The first time she had seen the man, an alarm had gone off in the back of her mind, though she couldn't quite put into words exactly why he felt so perilous.
"In any case, the Dominion won't just give up. ZAFT is also watching us like a hawk, waiting for their chance to strike. Mika... I'm sorry. You've worked so hard."
Mikazuki shook his head. "It's nothing. Kira and the others should be able to wrap things up soon. Unless something unexpected happens."
On the Dominion.
Natarle looked at Muruta with a grim expression. "What did you say? You want to attack the Archangel again in this condition? Are you joking? The Dominion's left main gun is severely damaged, and more than half of the weapons on the left side of the hull are paralyzed. Attacking now is just a suicide mission!"
Muruta's face twisted into a hideous scowl as he barked, "Shut up! I am the Earth Alliance military director! You just need to follow my orders! Those two machines... we must get our hands on them. They might possess the key to deciding the outcome of this entire war. Do you understand?"
He suppressed his rage, replacing it with a cold, mocking sneer. "Don't worry, I've already arranged for reinforcements. They'll rendezvous with us in about five hours. This time... we will catch them. So, Captain Badgiruel, I'll leave the command to you. Once we return to the Lunar Base, I'll have the Dominion repaired immediately. After all, this is the only high-end cosmic battleship we have on our side."
Hearing this, Natarle found herself unable to voice her protests any further, despite her dissatisfaction. The man was clearly determined to launch the next assault.
In the Earth Alliance hierarchy, the phrase "rank overrides reason" was more accurate than anywhere else.
"Understood," Natarle said stiffly. "I will rest until the reinforcements arrive."
"Of course. You've fought hard today. Please, get some rest." Muruta gestured toward the bridge elevator with the practiced air of a gentleman, a complete reversal from his previous monstrous demeanor.
Natarle gave a crisp military salute, then turned to the bridge crew. "Rotating shiftstwo hours of rest for everyone."
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