Chapter 367: Toward the Dawn Universe 5
Tolle put on a resolute expression and said, "The Earth Alliance's forces are far too numerous. If no one stays behind to draw their fire and hold them off, it'll be very difficult for the Kusanagi to launch safely.
I have full confidence in the Izumo's defensive systems. I can absolutely block all incoming attacks, so please don't worry.
And with the mass driver at our backs while we defend, the Earth Alliance won't dare attack too recklessly. I guarantee we'll complete the launch mission in the end."
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Tolle—and for the sake of the Kusanagi's safe launch—Uzumi finally nodded in agreement. "Then I'll leave everything to you, Tolle."
At the same time, Kira, inside the Freedom Gundam's cockpit, also opened a channel to the command center. "Lord Uzumi, I'll cover everyone's launch as well. Please have the Archangel launch first."
"Kira, be careful." With Tolle already setting a precedent, Uzumi readily agreed and then asked the communications officer beside him, "How are the Kusanagi's preparations?"
"Please wait a moment." After checking the Kusanagi's status, the officer replied, "Preparations are complete. It can depart at any time."
Cagalli stubbornly continued pleading with Uzumi, who was ignoring her. "Dad, let's all go together."
Uzumi turned back and replied sternly, "Cagalli, how long do you plan to stay here? Hurry up and leave!"
Looking at her father who refused to leave, and the council members who had taken over ordinary soldier posts in the command center, Cagalli said painfully, "But… Dad, you're all still here."
At that moment, Uzumi grabbed Cagalli by the hand and dragged her toward the dock where the Kusanagi was berthed. "Cagalli, we have our mission, and you have yours."
"But—"
Hearing her still argue, Uzumi said angrily, "If no one inherits our will, then everything is over! Why can't you understand that?"
Scolded like that, Cagalli's eyes filled with tears. She stopped arguing and silently followed Uzumi toward the dock.
Near the Archangel, when Dearka boarded the Buster Gundam and prepared to sortie as well, Athrun stopped him. "Dearka, this is an aerial battle. The Buster Gundam isn't suited for it. Hurry back to the Archangel."
Kira also chimed in, "Yeah, Dearka. The Buster Gundam doesn't have flight capability. If you can't disengage in time, it'll be dangerous."
"…Alright. I'll leave it to you." With no other choice, Dearka piloted the Buster Gundam back to the Archangel.
On the Archangel's bridge, after all preparations were complete, Murrue issued the order, "After liftoff, pitch the bow up twenty degrees. Positron Blaster Cannon, stand by."
At that moment, Tolle arrived and said to Kira and Athrun, "I'm here too. Let's protect the Archangel and the Kusanagi as they launch."
"Tolle?" Seeing him, Kira said helplessly, "Alright. Just be careful."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Once the Kusanagi comes out, you hurry and board it. I'll be the one to escort you into space."
Athrun said in surprise, "You're staying behind alone?"
Tolle looked at Athrun with disdain. "Of course not. I'll catch up together with the Izumo at the end."
Still uneasy, Kira said seriously, "Then we'll stay until the very end too, and ride the Izumo up together with you."
Tolle thought about it. Sooner or later, the Izumo's performance would be exposed anyway, and the Earth Alliance would find out soon enough. Letting Kira know now didn't really matter. He shrugged and said, "Alright then. Let's protect Orb's spark together."
Just then, Athrun looked at the rapidly approaching Earth Alliance MS forces and warned, "Kira, Tolle—the enemy's here."
Kira immediately transmitted to the Archangel. "Captain Ramius, hurry and take off."
"I know, Kira." Murrue issued the command at once. "Positron Blaster Cannon, fire!"
As two positron beams fired, they instantly tore open a gap in the turbulent air ahead of the Archangel. Neumann immediately pushed all thrusters to full power, charging straight through the opening.
Under the protection of the air void, the Archangel sped rapidly toward space.
In the distance, Orga, wearing an unwilling expression, immediately aimed the twin high-energy long-range beam cannons at the Archangel and fired two green beams.
"Remote shield!"
At Tolle's command, one of the remote shields behind the Flight Armor Strike shot forward at high speed, positioning itself in front of the beams and completely nullifying them with its energy defensive field.
Kira and Athrun had no time to marvel at the shield's capabilities. They immediately charged toward the Raider and Calamity Gundams, firing their beam rifles as they advanced.
Tolle remained near the mass driver, continuing to attack enemy units while guarding the facility.
The Izumo also moved in, turning broadside as it opened fire on the approaching Earth Alliance forces.
Meanwhile, at the Kusanagi's rear boarding hatch, Kisaka—who had been waiting—looked at Cagalli as she was dragged over and said, "Lord Uzumi, Cagalli."
Uzumi forcefully shoved Cagalli into Kisaka's arms and said sternly, "Quickly, Kisaka. Take Cagalli and leave at once. …I'm entrusting this foolish daughter to you."
"Yes, Lord Uzumi."
"Dad! Let's go together. Don't stay behind alone!"
Looking at Cagalli with tears in her eyes, Uzumi couldn't help but gently stroke her hair, softening his tone. "Don't look at me like that. You're the princess of Orb."
"But… Dad, I—"
"Cagalli, even though you and your father are parting, you're not alone." Uzumi cut her off, took a photograph from his jacket pocket, and handed it to her. "You still have a sibling."
Cagalli looked at the photo—of a woman holding two infants. On the back were written the names Cagalli and Kira. She stared at her father in shock.
Uzumi nodded gently, confirming her realization, and said, "As your father, I am truly happy."
After saying that, he immediately closed the Kusanagi's boarding hatch, watching as Cagalli slowly departed.
Murmuring to himself, he said, "Go, Cagalli… Kisaka, I'm counting on you for everything."
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