Editing KSGU:Volume 10 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 22===

There were 18 weapons pods facing left and right, extended at the base of the residential block like a centipede. Each was 150m in diameter, and the cylinders were 500m long. From afar, they looked clustered, but one could see up close that there was sufficient space for a mobile suit to drift through. Nigel had his “Jesta” zigzag through the forest of massive pillars, and saw the fine parts of the weapon pods decorated like bells. Nigel did not think the weapon pods had mobile suit tunnels leading to the “Magallanica” itself.

“There’s no entrance here either…”

He regretted losing the opportunity to enter the “Magallanica”, through the hole formed by the prior bombardment. He flew out from the array of weapons pods, down the cylinder of the revolving residential block, and went up. There also similar weapon pods over there, which Daryl was investigating, but the structure should be similar to the bottom. Such was Nigel’s thoughts when Daryl’s “Jesta” flew through the gap, sending a signal indicating that he too had no luck.

The “Magallanica'' remained still after the docking bay was closed; the ship block seemed so reclusive. They had no choice even though the Red Comet was inside. Nigel wanted to give up and regroup with the “Nahel Argama”, and shot a vengeful look at the revolving residential block, only to be startled by an approaching alarm.

He instinctively pulled the joystick, and the thoroughly battered “Jesta” raised its beam rifle. He expanded the window, which showed a black machine approaching his feet. Startled, Nigel realized why he did not feel any killing intent.

“Is that you, Riddhe…!?”

The golden horn glowed, and the “Banshee” raised its hands, indicating its intentions.  ''“Lieutenants Nigel and Daryl!”'' Through the wireless, Riddhe’s voice sounded so surprised by this unexpected encounter. ''“You’re alone?”‘ Daryl asked, and Nigel lowered his rifle, closing in on the “Banshee”. ''“Where’s Lieutenant Watts?”'' Riddhe asked before Nigel could sort out all the questions he had, and Daryl’s speechlessness echoed through the wireless.

Nigel was reluctant to report personally, but it was his duty as leader, and he realized he would have to make many such reports to the parents and others. “Dead.” He tersely answered. ’’“That’s…”’’ Riddhe was momentarily speechless, but the “Banshee” let out short thruster bursts as its black body approached the ”Jesta”. The eyes were glowing deep beyond the visor. ’’ “Lieutenant Nigel, please leave this place.”’’ Riddhe’s tense voice echoed.

''“The colony laser is aimed at this space. I can’t imagine how far it’ll impact. Please regroup with the ”Nahel Argama” and retreat as far as possible.”’’
 
One might say he was smacked on the head with a sledgehammer. ''“Colony laser…“Gryphios 2”!?”’’ Daryl’s voice turned shrilled, and Nigel scanned the space.

Of course, he could not see anything. He did not know that “Gryphios 2” was repaired, and could not tell where it would come from. Even though it might be positioned beyond Earth, the beam fired from the colony laser could scorch this space instantly, and all debris in its path would be vaporized without exception. A highway through the shoal space region would be formed..

“Is it aiming at the “Magallanica”…the “Laplace Box”?”

No number of weapons could stand up against a laser that could wipe out a colony. Nigel finally understood why the Federation army led by the ”General Revil” had been slow; this was the intent. He looked towards the “Magallanica” filling the all-view monitor. Those people chose to sacrifice so much, using such unscrupulous means, all to bury the secrets—as he reflected upon the rage rising in him ''“That’s fine.”’’ The “Banshee” replied and turned to leave, “Wait”, but Nigel called for him.

“How’s the people inside?”

''”It seems like they have made contact with the dispatch ECOAS members. They should be off to reclaim the “Unicorn” …”’’

The vague explanation showed that Riddhe had not decided what to do. Without prompting further, Nigel merely looked towards the “Magallanica” along with Daryl’s unit. The three units remained together, drifting in space, unable to make any decision.