"Even if the main propulsion is damaged, there are auxiliary thrusters. Can they launch that attack again?"
Just as this thought crossed Andrew's mind on the bridge of the PLANT merchant ship, which had fallen silent from despair and tension, the observer was the first to notice something unusual and shouted.
"Captain, the surrounding Mistrals are gathering beneath the Drake!"
"What are they trying to do..."
Before he could finish his question, Andrew had already realized something. He slammed the armrest and stood up abruptly, startling the entire crew.
"Quick! Full speed ahead! Have our work machines join them immediately!"
Even someone as steady as Andrew showed some composure loss at this moment. After all, if this succeeded, Copernicus might be completely saved. This was no time to worry about other matters.
"Understood."
Though still confused, the communications officer nodded upon hearing Andrew's order and faithfully relayed his command.
Meanwhile, outside Copernicus, the Blue Cosmos-controlled Drake-class battleship trailed burning flames like an unsheathed blade, resolutely crashing toward the city's crystalline yet fragile outer wall.
Inside Copernicus, those who hadn't had time to evacuate looked up at the massive ship's silhouette, their desperate cries mingling with the piercing alarms.
The Drake's shadow loomed extremely close. The simulated weather on the outer wall had completely failed, and the Drake-class cast an enormous shadow over everyone.
Mothers held their children, fathers embraced their mothers. In an instant, the once peaceful city seemed to transform into hell.
Everyone knew that beyond that crystalline barrier lay absolute vacuum that could instantly boil blood and rupture lungs.
Just as this apocalyptic moment approached, faint lights resembling fireflies—the glow of propulsion units—began to appear before the people of Copernicus.
At first unnoticeable, but as more Mobile Armors gathered, everyone gradually witnessed the breathtaking scene above them.
A large group of clumsy-looking Mistrals.
These engineering MAs, usually used for welding, transporting materials, and clearing lunar dust on the city's outer walls, now appeared together before everyone.
Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, they used their multifunctional mechanical arms to grip their trailers, firmly pressing against the death-bringing ship.
"Push! Everyone! Full power!!!"
Fred, positioned at the far edge, shouted with a voice that, though youthful, was still inspiring.
"It's just a rock! We're Mistrals!"
"Ooooh!!!"
The comm channel quickly filled with everyone's roaring responses.
Though they didn't fully understand the situation, the emotions had reached such a peak that retreat was clearly not an option.
Meanwhile, Athrun, who had been equally fired up, paused at Fred's words.
Was the enemy a rock? Wasn't it a Drake-class?
And "Mistrals" didn't really need "but" to describe them—they were just Mistrals.
But seeing Fred's determined expression that showed no hint of joking, Athrun kept his complaints to himself. This was clearly not the time for that.
"According to current calculations, our thrust has exceeded the total output of their three auxiliary thrusters by 30%!"
Athrun's voice contained suppressed excitement.
He hadn't expected Fred's plan to actually succeed - and perform even better than anticipated.
One of the four auxiliary thrusters had even been hit by their anti-aircraft guns due to angle issues.
They truly could push this Drake-class ship back now.
Yet Fred showed no relaxation as he continued commanding.
"Stay alert for potential self-destruct! Execute reverse thrust on my command!"
"Keep this vessel as far from Copernicus as possible now!"
Having reached this final stage, he didn't want any more surprises.
There had been enough sacrifices today.
"Understood!"
Though some crew members didn't know who this youth was, nobody questioned having someone take charge.
Those aware this was Fred's plan felt particular admiration.
A young man, yet he stood at the forefront, thinking faster than anyone, charging ahead of them all.
Of course, the danger hadn't passed.
Nobody dared say much at this moment.
Celebrating prematurely could lead to disastrous consequences.
"We're a PLANT transport unit from nearby routes, coming to assist!"
Just as these thoughts emerged, communication came from the PLANT work pods.
The PLANT work pods were designed as square boxes, otherwise similar to the Mistrals.
About twelve of these work pods appeared.
The voice echoing through the comms created a momentary silence.
Though Copernicus was neutral, not everyone favored Coordinators.
Hearing this voice evoked complex feelings in some.
"Appreciated. Stay alert for self-destruct. Please push from behind us."
Fred showed neither surprise nor hesitation as he responded.
"Acknowledged."
Squad leader Alec Lad suppressed his astonishment and replied.
As an elite Coordinator, he understood their tactics perfectly.
Not pushing the Drake-class directly with mechanical arms, but using the transport cart as intermediary - clearly intended as a shield against potential explosion.
His calculations confirmed this could actually work.
As for their work pods without transport carts, they'd naturally position themselves behind the Mistrals even without Fred's instruction.
They came to assist, not to sacrifice themselves.
The commander's strikingly young voice made them suspect he might be a Coordinator.
Pride and complexity filled their hearts.
They wondered if this youth could withstand the potential explosion.
"Young man, we can handle this. You should fall back."
Thinking this, Alec opened a laser communication channel to the youth in the cockpit.
He knew this sounded somewhat selfish.
But for a promising Coordinator child, he didn't want him dying here.
They were different - soldiers following orders was their nature.
"My family is down there. Innocent people are down there."
The youth's response carried undeniable resolve.
"...I understand."
Alec fell silent, but couldn't help wanting to see the other person in his heart.
He just hoped they could both survive this time.
Meanwhile, aboard the Drake-class vessel, Blue Cosmos members were utterly devastated as they witnessed the scene before them.
They had all been prepared to become martyrs just moments ago.
Yet they had been pushed back.
What was worse, with only three auxiliary thrusters remaining, they stood no chance against the propulsion power of the dozens of Mistral units before them.