Chapter 339: The Beginning of the Flames of War 2
A few days later, Cagalli returned to headquarters looking flustered and asked Kisaka, "Kisaka, how are things now?"
"Princess Cagalli, the Earth Alliance has issued a final ultimatum."
"A final ultimatum? What does it say?"
"The general content states that Orb, which refuses to take the current world situation into consideration, abandons its responsibility as a nation on Earth, and stubbornly pursues only its own national stability,
repeatedly shirking the Earth Alliance's requests for assistance while turning a blind eye to the threats facing Earth—the Orb Union—
The Earth Alliance Armed Forces, representing all member nations on Earth, hereby make the following demands:
First, Orb's current head of state and the existing government must immediately step down.
Second, Orb's national military must be completely disarmed, with all armaments placed under the control of the Earth Alliance Armed Forces.
…
If these demands are not carried out within 48 hours, the Earth Alliance will regard the Orb Union as a supporting state of ZAFT and will deal with it through military force."
Cagalli said angrily, "We absolutely cannot agree to such unreasonable demands!
What kind of trick are those despicable people trying to pull?
Orb is a neutral nation—how can the Atlantic Federation do something like this?"
Uzumi, standing to the side, said with a grave expression, "Ever since the Panama base fell, has the Atlantic Federation finally lost the leisure to keep up its usual pretense?
Since… the Atlantic Federation fleet has already headed south, their goal must be to seize our mass driver and the Dawn Society.
So… no matter how loudly we shout that 'these demands are unreasonable,' it's already meaningless.
After all, on Earth now, there isn't a single country that can defy the Atlantic Federation to help us.
The Eurasian Federation is already exhausted, and the Equatorial Union and the Kingdom of Scandinavia—neutral states that once held out until the very end—have also joined the Earth Alliance.
So we have no choice but to make a decision."
Cagalli said angrily, "Damn it! Even the Equatorial Union and the Kingdom of Scandinavia have joined the Earth Alliance."
At this point, Kisaka added, "As for ZAFT, after learning of Orb's situation, they have sent us an invitation for talks through the Carpentaria Base."
Uzumi waved his hand and said angrily, "No matter what, does the Atlantic Federation insist on dividing the world into two halves—friend or foe?
And even if Orb were to join them, we would still be forced to abandon our own ideals and laws, obeying all of their decisions and fighting to the death against enemies they designate.
Joining forces with the Earth Alliance means becoming enemies with P.L.A.N.T.
Joining forces with P.L.A.N.T means becoming enemies with the Earth Alliance.
Even if we bow our heads to the Earth Alliance today and avoid fighting now, tomorrow Orb will become the second Panama.
No matter which side we choose to ally with, Orb cannot avoid being dragged into the war."
After further discussion, Orb's leadership unanimously decided to evacuate civilians first.
Orb would not ally with either the Earth Alliance or P.L.A.N.T., and would continue to maintain its status as a neutral nation.
Shortly after the meeting ended, Cagalli and Kisaka immediately sought out Murrue and Mu, informing them that the Earth Alliance was about to attack Orb.
Murrue immediately gathered all members of the Archangel, her expression tense and serious, and said, "The Earth Alliance's forces are advancing toward Orb. War is about to break out here.
If we do not choose to join the Earth Alliance in subjugating P.L.A.N.T., we will be regarded as a supporting force of ZAFT. That's the reason—simple as that."
Upon hearing that the Earth Alliance was about to attack Orb, Rommel said angrily, "What the hell is this?! We just broke away from the Earth Alliance, and now we're going to fight them again?"
Murrue explained helplessly, "The Orb government… is trying to uphold its neutral stance and ideals to the very end. Even now, they're continuing diplomatic efforts.
But unfortunately, given the current situation of the Earth Alliance, the possibility of avoiding war is extremely slim.
And in preparation for the coming battle, the Orb government has already ordered all citizens to move away from urban areas and military facilities. The entire nation has entered a state of combat readiness.
So we must choose the path ahead of us. As a fugitive ship, the Archangel's own position is still uncertain.
With Orb facing this situation, what should we do?
This is not an order, and I no longer have the authority to demand that you do anything, or to force you to fight the Earth Alliance.
The battle will begin tomorrow morning at 9:00. Should we fight to protect Orb, or should we not participate in the battle?
We must make our own judgments. No matter what choice you make—whether to stay or to leave—I will respect your decision.
So… anyone with concerns who wishes to leave the ship, please disembark as soon as possible and follow the Orb government's instructions to evacuate."
After Murrue finished speaking, the members of the Archangel looked at one another, unsure of what to do.
At this moment, Murrue smiled and bowed to everyone, saying, "For such an unreliable captain like me, thank you all for following me this far. I sincerely thank you for your support."
After the meeting dispersed, everyone gathered in small groups, discussing whether they should stay or leave.
Cagalli hurried after Tolle and Kira, who were about to leave, and asked nervously, "Tho—Tolle, Kira, wait a moment."
Seeing Cagalli out of breath, Kira smiled and said, "Calm down first. Being this flustered while wearing that uniform will make everyone uneasy."
Tolle also nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's right. You can't be so reckless anymore. Otherwise, how can you set a good example for everyone?"
"Is… is that so?" Cagalli looked blankly at the leader-class uniform she was wearing, then said in a panic, "That's true… but is Orb really about to become a battlefield?
How did things end up like this? But I still think what Orb is doing is right. What should we do?"
Tolle comforted her and said, "The path Orb has chosen is an incredibly difficult one. But no matter which road is taken, war is unavoidable.
So, Cagalli, you have to stay calm and be a good example, so everyone can feel at ease protecting this country."