Chapter 123: SEED - Entering Orb
In the end, the Aegis Gundam still fired a blast from its anti-armor shotgun at the Archangel's thrusters.
A stream of yellow buckshot scattered toward the Archangel's tail, completely destroying the last few engine nozzles.
On the bridge, the helmsman Arnold reported:
"Main engines No.1 and No.2 hit! Bulkheads from section 48 to 55 sealed off. The Archangel's propulsion has dropped—we can't maintain altitude anymore."
Having completely lost flight capability, the Archangel went crashing uncontrollably into Orb's territorial waters.
As the ship continued to fall, unease spread through the bridge crew. More than fear, they worried that Orb's fleet might turn their cannons on them.
Cagalli's bodyguard, while shielding her, looked at the worried Murrue and comforted her:
"In a situation like this, falling into Orb's territorial waters was inevitable. There's no need to worry.
Besides, the gunners of the 2nd Escort Fleet are very skilled. Everything will go smoothly."
Hearing this, Murrue finally relaxed and replied to Cagalli's bodyguard, "Understood."
At last, with thick black smoke billowing, the Archangel landed beside Orb's fleet.
At the same time, the Orb commander's voice once again came through the public channel:
"Since your vessel refused to heed our warnings, our nation will now exercise its right of self-defense!"
With that order, Orb's fleet opened fire—missiles and artillery shells rained down on the sea around the Archangel and at ZAFT's Gundams.
Every shell landed precisely around the Archangel, not a single one striking the ship itself.
But the missiles and shells aimed at ZAFT were deadly accurate. Athrun piloted the Aegis Gundam, weaving desperately to dodge.
The Blitz and Duel Gundams were caught in the crossfire as well, while Orb's attack helicopters swooped down toward them.
Not wanting to spark an international incident between the PLANTs and the United States of Orb, Athrun reluctantly gave the retreat order. Together with the Blitz and Duel, he pulled back.
The Buster Gundam had already withdrawn after falling into the sea.
Once ZAFT forces had fully retreated, Orb's fleet escorted the Archangel to a hidden sector of Orb's Morgenröte factory island.
Following their guidance, the Archangel entered a concealed harbor within the island.
Everyone onboard finally relaxed, collapsing to the floor in exhaustion.
As the Archangel was about to enter the hidden harbor, Cagalli's bodyguard explained to Murrue:
"Onogoro Island belongs to Orb's military and Morgenröte. Even satellites can't see it."
Hearing how familiar he was with the island and Morgenröte, Murrue curiously asked him:
"Shouldn't you reveal your true identity now?"
Cagalli's bodyguard saluted and introduced himself:
"Orb Army, 21st Special Paratrooper Division—Colonel Ledonir Kisaka. I also serve as Cagalli's bodyguard."
(Yes, that's right. You're the Orb captain who'll be killed by Birdy later.)
At this revelation, Murrue was no longer surprised—her expression hardly wavered.
Still, she asked Kisaka:
"Then how should we handle the situation now?"
Kisaka gave a noncommittal answer:
"For that, you can ask the person who will be arriving soon—Orb's leader, Uzumi Nara Athha."
Miriallia covered her mouth in astonishment and whispered to Sai beside her:
"So what she said earlier was true?"
Sai nodded. "Yeah, it looks that way."
Meanwhile, Orb issued a statement to ZAFT declaring that the Archangel had already departed Orb territory.
Even if ZAFT doubted the statement, there was nothing they could do. They couldn't brazenly send mobile suits into neutral Orb to investigate.
So they lingered outside Orb's territorial waters, preparing to send in operatives to secretly gather intelligence.
If the Archangel was indeed in Orb, it would eventually have to leave—and when it did, they would find it again.
In the Archangel's mess hall, Tolle and Kira's group of friends started chatting once more.
Tolle finally relaxed, his plan now one step closer. Feeling a little excited, he masked it by being the first to speak:
"Who would've thought? We'd end up in Orb under these circumstances."
Kuzzey, ever the quiet one, muttered gloomily:
"What do you think will happen to us now? I wonder if we'll be allowed off the ship."
Sai looked puzzled. "Off the ship?"
Just saying it seemed to lift Kuzzey's mood. He explained eagerly:
"I know we can't quit during combat… but maybe… a little vacation, right?"
Before he could finish, Kisaka cut in from behind:
"It's not entirely impossible. Besides, repairing a warship takes time."
Hearing this, Kuzzey brightened. "Yeah, exactly!"
Kisaka went on: "But this country is complicated. The fact that they even let us in is surprising enough."
Miriallia leaned against Tolle and whispered softly:
"I want a vacation too… my parents live here in Orb."
Hearing that one of them had family in Orb, Kisaka felt embarrassed. After all, they had joined as volunteer soldiers to support the Archangel.
If he didn't even allow them to see their families, it would be shameful. But he had no authority to grant leave, so he reassured them instead:
"I also hope you'll all get some rest—and have a chance to see your families."
Only Kira remained troubled. Tolle guessed why—most likely because of Flay. Her family was gone, leaving only her.
And with Sai present, though they no longer argued over Flay, neither had spoken much since.
Kira also felt guilty about happily visiting his family while leaving Flay alone. On top of that, he was still confused about why his parents had made him into a Coordinator.
Without another word, Kira stood up quietly. Apologizing to the group, he grabbed some water and food and returned to his quarters.
There, he asked Flay: "Flay, do you want to go outside?"
Flay lowered her head, pained, and said softly: "No… there's no need…"
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslations.
3 new chapters are released daily—thank you for your support!
Powerstone Event: For every 50 powerstones, 1 chapter will be unlocked.)