Editing KSGU:Volume 7 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 19===

(You’re saying the “Nahel Argama” sent us a report?)

A gruff voice reached Mineva’s ears as soon as she stepped into the bridge. She swallowed her urge to ask what was going on as she stood still, but Flaste, who ignored her arrival, “It’s opening its ballute and descending. If this keeps up, we’ll meet the “Nahel Argama” head on!” growled back as he sat on the navigation seat. 

“They say they’re going to use the tether to put this ship. The Federation sure know about our situation here. Do we return to Earth now?”

(No, if we go back now, we’ll just be hunted by the pursuers. Since there’s no place for resupply, space in front of us here will be the last chance.)

The rumbling sound of the atmosphere boomed as it hurled upon the ship, and Zinnerman’s reply was mixed in with this sound through the contact loop. The other crewmen hoped that Mineva would stay at somewhere safe, but she felt that there was no difference in wherever she was in this situation. She stood beside the Captain’s seat and looked up at the red hot light on the bridge window. They were about to go beyond 100km in height, and though the air had become a lot thinner, the “Garencieres” that was flying several times that of supersonic had to bear a burden that was beyond normal. It was not as difficult as landing towards Earth by making use of the atmosphere resistance, but ships moving through the thermosphere had to endure the frictional heat, and the external temperature was already more than 1000 degrees Celsius. One might not see it from this point, but the “Unicorn Gundam” lying on the deck was also surrounded by extreme heat as well, and the white machine was certainly becoming red hot.

Banagher aside, Zinnerman and Marida, who was said to be rescued, could not leave that cockpit. ''Can the machine hang on in such heat and resistance?'' Mineva knew that it was pointless, but she looked up at the ceiling, and at that moment, the turbines let out a dull sound, and the ship rattled. Alec paid attention to her, who supported herself off the wall after this jolt, “Please sit down!” as he called out with a softened voice from the steering seat. there were not too many options on the cramped bridge, so Mineva sat on the empty Captain’s seat. “Now what do we do?” she heard Flaste ask anxiously.

“The ship’s full of symptoms now, and the “Gundam” on the deck will cause more resistance. If this keeps up, we won’t be able to return to space!”

(But we can’t let the Federation ships catch us—)

(That ship’s here to get us.)

A sudden voice interrupted Zinnerman, and Flaste brought his chin back in surprise. Mineva’s body experienced a flash as she understood that it was Banagher’s voice, and brought her eyes to the wireless communicator headset. (What are you saying?) Zinnerman asked, but Banagher answered, (If it’s the “Nahel Argama”, it’s here for us…!) his voice ringing in Mineva’s eardrums clearer than before.

(They’re not enemies, Mr Flaste. Please follow their instructions.)

(What kind of joke is this!? Flaste, lower the height and change our course. Let the “Gundam” enter the hatch. We’ll be able to escape the atmosphere with this ship alone.)

Upon hearing the two voices argue with each other through the communicator, Flaste looked troubled as he exchanged looks with Alec. “But if we lower our altitude now, we’ll enter the enemy’s Defense zone…” Flaste said as he started to calculate the orbit, but Mineva ignored him as she stared at the beacon blinking on the sensor. That Federation ship had predicted the movements of the “Garencieres”, and indicated that it would pull the ship into space by tether. Logically, they should suspect that the ship had an intention to take down the “Garencieres”, but it was too early of them to give the notification. If the ship really intended to defeat them all in one swoop, they would choose to appear at the most opportune moment, and would not have to indicate its ship classification and course. The signal on the sensor was certainly the “Nahel Argama”, and they already sent over the expected rendezvous on their own.

It was just like what Banagher said, there was no antagonistic feeling here. Flaste and the rest felt the same, and that was why they could not respond to Zinnerman’s instructions immediately. She looked back at the ceiling of the bridge, and had a hallucination of the “nahel Argama” approaching them for behind. The Federation battleship was related to her out of fate ever since the “Industrial 7” incident, and would actually appear in this instance. It did not have any intent to antagonize, and declared its intention to pull the “Garencieres” into space; everything just felt like it was planned beforehand—

“Flaste, maintain our course. I want to make contact with the Federation ship.”

Mineva gave this order decisively as she looked forward. Flaste and Alec turned their heads around at the same time, (Princess…!?) and Zinnerman’s doubtful voice rang through the communicator.

(Banagher has a point. That ship’s now beyond the control of both the Federation and Zeon. I don’t think they appeared here just to catch us.”

As she spoke, she asked herself, ''Is that so?'' However, she felt that there was no mistake. She was not as certain as Banagher, but she could sense that the situation was changing. The “Nahel Argama” was a hot potato no one dared to touch after the Vist Foundation made it its pawn, and would certainly be left in Earth’s orbit by the Federation. The “Ra Cailum” had taken damage, but it certainly was not their style not to pursue on, and a certain person’s intention was vaguely hidden in it—Flaste was wondering if she was okay, and she looked back at him,  giving this non-verbal meaning ''You should be able to understand''. Once that was said and looked forward as she held onto the Captain armrest. (Nope, don’t listen to the Princess’ words, Flaste.) Zinnerman’s stubborn voice rang through the communicator.)

“Zinnerman…!”

(Princess, a lot of sacrifices from the ship has been made up till now. We really shouldn’t surrender ourselves and put the deaths of the soldiers in vain.)

“You’re just saying that because of your grudge. If you really want to avenge their sacrifices, you have to follow your heart bravely.”

The words from the Queen herself caused Flaste and Alec to tense their shoulders. Mineva sensed Zinnerman’s speechless breath through the communicator, “You should be able to understand.” And emphasized calmly.

“If it’s really an enemy, it’ll choose a smarter move. The deaths of the many soldiers brought that Federation ship over. Nobody has the right to mess up this chance for the sake of the situation or pride. Marida’s saved already, and you want to put her at risk?”

There was no response from the communicator. The marker of the “Nahel Argama” was certainly approaching, and as time continued to pressure them, she waited for Zinnerman’s reply silently. Banagher too had the same feeling. There was no certain proof, but there was an instinct kicking in, telling them there was no mistake, and she held her breath and waited for Zinnerman’s decision. In this uncertain situation itself, this instinct alone was the only thing supporting Marida from behind.