In the room where Lacus was being held, she watched the people leave before sitting in her chair. She recalled the face she had just seen—one strikingly similar to Felix's—and the photograph she had seen at Athrun's place, forming a speculation in her heart.
"He must be the Kira that Athrun mentioned," she thought.
As this speculation took root, a trace of doubt arose within Lacus.
"Why would he be on an Earth Alliance Forces warship?"
The mystery began to spread in her heart.
Lacus looked down at the Haro in her arms, a slight smile forming at the corner of her mouth.
"Hello! Hello!"
The Haro in her arms, as if sensing Lacus's gaze, emitted two mechanical calls.
The next day, inside the corridors of the Archangel, Kira, Miriallia, Tolle, Flay, and others were walking when a song reached their ears.
The beautiful singing captivated everyone.
"This song is really lovely," Katz said with his eyes closed, unconsciously voicing his admiration. Tolle, hearing Katz's praise, nodded in agreement.
"You're right, Katz. It's very pleasant to listen to."
As he spoke, Tolle lifted his head to look ahead, trying to locate the source of the singing. The others followed his gaze.
In their search, they found where the song was coming from and, without a word, headed in that direction.
Arriving at the room's entrance, the group, eager to see the singer, froze in surprise.
There, inside the room, sat Lacus on a chair, holding Haro in her arms, completely immersed in singing. The song reached every civilian present, its beautiful melody easing their tense expressions of the past few days and offering solace to their hearts.
"Why is it her?" Katz blurted out without thinking.
His words sounded abrupt at that moment. Hearing the voice, Lacus stopped singing.
She looked toward the doorway and greeted Kira and the others.
"Hello."
"How did you get out?" Miriallia asked Lacus, clearly puzzled.
Lacus glanced down at the Haro in her arms and replied with a gentle smile, "Haro really dislikes being confined. I wasn't watching him closely, and he managed to slip out. While chasing after him, I ended up here without realizing it."
As she spoke, Lacus showed the Haro in her arms to Miriallia. Suddenly, Haro spoke up.
"Hello! Hello!"
"It can talk!" Miriallia exclaimed in surprise, looking at Haro.
Noticing Miriallia's astonishment, Lacus subtly glanced at Kira before saying to Miriallia, "Haro is quite capable. He doesn't just talk; he can do many other things too." She paused briefly before continuing, "But how he does all this, I'm not entirely sure. Athrun might know, since he's the one who gave him to me."
Hearing Lacus mention Athrun's name, Kira's body jolted, a pained expression flashing in his eyes as he lowered his head to conceal his inner turmoil.
So this must be that friend of Athrun's, and these people are likely his friends as well, Lacus thought to herself, having carefully observed Kira's reaction.
Keeping her thoughts to herself, Lacus turned to Miriallia and extended a hand. Miriallia looked at the offered hand with slight confusion until Lacus spoke.
"My name is Lacus Clyne."
"I'm Miriallia Haw, pleased to meet you."
Understanding Lacus' intention, Miriallia smiled warmly and shook her hand firmly while introducing herself.
After their handshake, Miriallia released Lacus' hand and began introducing her friends nearby.
Lacus responded to each introduction with a smile and handshake.
The atmosphere remained calm until they reached Flay, where an unexpected incident occurred.
"I refuse to shake hands with a Coordinator! I want nothing to do with Coordinators!"
The outburst caught Miriallia and the others completely off guard.
Everyone glanced at Lacus, but most eyes eventually settled on Kira.
Feeling his friends' gazes upon him, Kira remained silent and simply walked calmly up to Lacus.
"It's not ideal for you to be walking around here. Shall I take you back?"
"Thank you for your trouble."
Lacus gave Kira a gentle smile of gratitude.
As Kira led her away, Miriallia shot Flay a displeased look and was about to speak when Sai addressed Flay first.
"Flay, how could you say something like that!"
"I—"
Flay, about to retort, noticed the disapproving looks from Sai and Miriallia and realized she had spoken inappropriately.
She hung her head, standing there in a posture of remorse.
Seeing her contrite attitude, Sai softened his tone.
"You should apologize properly when Kira returns."
"I understand."
Flay nodded, her voice barely audible.
Miriallia and the others, seeing Flay's sincere remorse, eased their displeased expressions.
Meanwhile, on Earth:
"Ready to go?"
Andrew asked Felix, his voice tinged with the sadness of parting from a friend. Felix nodded in response.
"With your situation stable now, if I linger any longer, the Ministry of Defense will start calling to urge me back to space.""
"You're always so busy!"
Andrew chuckled teasingly.
Felix shrugged helplessly.
"I'd prefer to take it easy too! But the Ministry of Defense probably wouldn't approve."
"More capable shoulders bear heavier burdens!"
Andrew replied with a smile.
Felix responded with a slight smile, falling silent.
Andrew also stopped speaking.
The two bid each other farewell in silent understanding.
Three hours later, the Athena, having completed energy accumulation and compression, officially began its operation.
The stored and compressed energy released in that instant.
The immense energy generated tremendous thrust, propelling the Athena straight into space.
"In space, Captain. We've successfully broken through the atmosphere."
Watching the scenery outside the viewport, Aric reported to Felix. Felix, also gazing at the view, nodded at Aric.
"Return to PLANT!"
"Yes, sir!"
Aric saluted and responded verbally.
Lowering his arm, he looked ahead and issued the order.
"Destination: PLANT, full speed ahead!"
"Yes, sir!"
Joss replied and immediately began operating the controls.
Under Joss's operation, the Athena accelerated rapidly forward, its speed increasing steadily over time.
Soon, the Athena vanished from the vicinity of near-Earth orbit.