Hearing Badgiruel's question, Lacus immediately provided an answer. Her beautiful eyes held an unyielding expression as she looked at the two, waiting for Murrue and Badgiruel to respond.
Murrue and Badgiruel exchanged glances before Murrue finally spoke.
"We need to discuss this matter."
"I can wait for the result."
Her expression softening considerably, Lacus smiled and nodded in reply.
After hearing this, Badgiruel and Murrue stood up, looked at Lacus, and took their leave.
"We won't disturb you any further here."
With that, the two turned and left.
In the captain's room, Murrue, Badgiruel, and Mu gathered together. Mu, who was seated there, first explained the situation regarding Kira.
After hearing this, the two women relayed the content of their conversation with Lacus to Mu.
"Given our current situation, agreeing to her request might be our best option. Otherwise, when the six hours are up, we truly won't be able to leave."
Looking at the two, Mu didn't hesitate to voice his thoughts.
Upon hearing this, a trace of concern appeared on Badgiruel's face.
"I'm not opposed to this matter. My only worry is what if the agreement isn't honored? We would be in an even more passive position then."
"From our brief time with this young lady these past few days, I don't believe she's someone who would break a promise."
After thinking for a moment, Mu addressed Badgiruel.
Badgiruel looked up at Mu and calmly replied.
"I'm not worried about this young lady breaking her promise, but rather that the ZAFT Forces won't honor the agreement."
Hearing this, Mu fell silent, sitting there quietly contemplating solutions. While Mu was thinking, Murrue spoke up.
"We can demand that the ZAFT Forces must remain at least a thousand kilometers away from us. At the same time, we can require them to send only two or three MS in unarmed civilian transport ships to pick her up."
"That's actually a good approach."
After considering it, Mu expressed agreement with Murrue's idea. Following Mu, Badgiruel also nodded, though she voiced some concern.
"I'm more worried that the ZAFT Forces won't agree to such terms."
"That will depend on the upcoming negotiations."
Upon hearing this, Murrue replied with a worried expression, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Mu nodded in agreement without speaking.
"Captain, we have a communication request from the Earth Alliance Forces' new warship!"
The communications officer looked at the communication request displayed on the console and turned to report to Aric. Hearing this, Aric looked toward Felix.
——
Sitting calmly in his chair, Felix spoke with composure.
"Connect it!"
"Yes!"
After the reply, the communication was quickly connected by the communications officer.
The faces of Murrue, Badgiruel, Mu, and Lacus appeared on the main screen of the bridge.
Looking at the group, Felix first exchanged simple greetings with Lacus, then turned to Murrue and the other two, asking:
"Have you made up your minds?"
"We have," Murrue nodded in reply, then shifted the tone. "But we have conditions!"
"Let's hear them!"
Hearing there were conditions, Felix smiled and spoke.
Murrue glanced at Badgiruel, who understood immediately. Looking at the screen before her, she began:
"Your main forces must remain at least a thousand kilometers away from us and are not permitted to approach."
"Reasonable demand," Felix nodded with a smile, then continued looking at them. "Go on!"
"The Mobile Suits coming for the rendezvous must not exceed three units, and only ordinary Mobile Suit Pilots may be dispatched to operate them. You and the commander of the other warship are not permitted to come! Furthermore, these Mobile Suits must not carry any weapons."
Badgiruel continued, watching Felix.
Hearing that weapons were not allowed, Felix frowned.
"No weapons?"
"That's right, no weapons!"
Badgiruel nodded, confirming firmly.
Felix immediately rejected this.
"Impossible. I cannot agree to that condition. I will not put ZAFT Forces soldiers in danger. Also, the number of Mobile Suits for the rendezvous must be five—three is too few. I can agree to the rest."
"Agreed!"
Upon hearing this, Badgiruel glanced back at Murrue and Mu. Seeing them nod, she conveyed their agreement to Felix.
Seeing this, Felix continued questioning Badgiruel:
"Are there any other demands?"
"Bring an ordinary vessel capable of carrying a certain number of civilians," Badgiruel added.
Hearing this request, Felix's gaze fell on Lacus among the group. Sensing his look, Lacus gave him a slight smile and nodded.
"This request was mine. I wish to take the innocent civilians here away from the war."
"Agreed."
Felix then shifted his gaze back to Badgiruel and agreed once more. After agreeing, he asked her:
"Any other demands?"
Badgiruel remained silent and instead looked toward Lacus. Feeling her gaze, Lacus addressed Felix on the screen:
"I agree to grant them a period of safe passage."
Hearing this, Felix couldn't help but raise a hand to his forehead, momentarily at a loss for words. However, he understood clearly that Lacus had agreed out of kindness, her heart touched by the plight of the innocent civilians.
Otherwise, she likely wouldn't have consented.
Lifting his head to look at Lacus, he then turned his gaze to Murrue and the others.
"I can guarantee no attacks against you for forty-eight hours, but I cannot promise not to track you."
After speaking, Felix waited for the three to respond.
The three exchanged looks, and finally, Murrue nodded and replied:
"Agreed."
Seeing Murrue's agreement, Felix looked at her and said:
"In that case, we will proceed with the negotiations shortly. I will make preparations according to your demands, and I trust you will honor your commitments.
Also, send over the number of civilians."
After receiving Murrue's nod, Felix directly ended the communication.
He looked up at Aric and asked, "What's the maximum capacity of the escape ships prepared on the Athena?"
"The Athena has three escape ships including backups. These three ships can accommodate 420 people in total."
While looking at Felix, Aric explained the actual situation of the escape ships on the Athena. Just as he finished speaking, Felix received the personnel count list transmitted from the Archangel.
After reviewing the personnel numbers, Felix said, "Prepare one escape ship. Have the reception team take it over later."
"Yes, sir!" Aric saluted and replied.
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