Chapter 45: Ramba Ral’s Escape

Chapter 45: Ramba Ral's Escape

"So, Amuro, I hope you can pilot the Core Fighter to high altitude later and establish contact with the land battleship. I'll provide data from the ground to guide the bombardment," Eli said.

Amuro's expression immediately turned incredulous.

Facing an entire defensive line alone would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous, even with the White Base and two support MS providing cover.

"Let me provide the targeting data! The Gundam's performance is better than the Ground Gundam's, so I should go!"

Amuro patted his chest, trying to demonstrate his reliability.

To be fair, his suggestion seemed more logical.

Amuro's piloting skills were clearly better than Eli's, and the Gundam's superior performance would make Amuro more efficient on the front lines.

"Amuro, you might not understand now, but I can't let you step into such a dangerous situation. Whether it's out of selfishness or moral responsibility, I just can't."

Eli didn't clarify what he meant by selfishness or morality, but Amuro could sense his intentions.

Still a young boy, Amuro was being protected by Eli, who didn't want to see him in harm's way.

"I'm no longer a child, Lieutenant Eli. You know this. I'm a soldier and the pilot of the Gundam!"

Their small argument quickly drew the attention of everyone in the hangar.

Everyone understood that the safety of the entire ship rested on these two. If a rift developed between them, it would make everyone uneasy.

Realizing this, Eli cast reassuring glances around before pulling Amuro closer.

He ruffled Amuro's hair.

"You're still growing into an adult. Until you truly mature, these responsibilities don't fall on you."

A situation akin to "older members stepping forward first" wasn't just a trope from movies.

"Now…"

"Boom!"

Just as Eli was about to continue persuading Amuro, an explosion suddenly rang out, and the ship trembled.

"What's happening?"

Eli rushed to the ship's communication console to ask the bridge for details.

Mirai answered, and behind her, Bright could be seen shouting for updates from the crew.

"Someone used explosives to blow open the White Base's outer armor and is heading for the brig!" Mirai explained concisely.

"No, they've already freed Ramba Ral!"

"Any casualties?" Eli asked anxiously.

"Not for now. Everyone was at their combat stations and wasn't distracted by the brig."

Hearing that there were no casualties for now, Eli let out a sigh of relief.

"I'll head there immediately!"

Eli drew his pistol and ran toward the brig.

"Stay here!" Eli shouted at Amuro, who was trying to follow.

Running through the corridors, Eli's mind was racing.

Was there a tracker on Ramba Ral, or was Artesia…

Before Eli could settle on an answer, a figure appeared at the end of the corridor—it was Ramba Ral!

Eli raised his gun at him immediately.

"This ends here. Get back to your cell!" Eli ordered angrily.

But soon, someone else appeared from behind Ramba Ral, also raising a gun and firing at Eli!

"Bang, bang, bang."

After four shots, Eli realized he wasn't hit.

The other person's bullets struck the ceiling instead, while Eli's counterattack found its mark.

Blood spread from Ramba Ral's right arm, where Eli's bullet hit.

Why the right arm? Because Ramba Ral had pushed the attacker's gun upward, saving Eli.

"Everyone, lower your weapons!"

Ramba Ral grabbed the attacker's gun barrel and pushed it down.

"Hamon, let me handle this," he said.

The attacker was Ramba Ral's wife, Hamon.

Looking into Ramba Ral's eyes, Hamon saw a newfound clarity and determination on his weathered face.

After a moment's silence, Hamon nodded.

Ramba Ral released her weapon and faced Eli, who still had his pistol raised.

"Let me leave," he said.

"If you think that's going to happen…"

"It's not just wishful thinking!" Ramba Ral interrupted, meeting Eli's gaze unflinchingly.

He completely ignored the gun in Eli's hand. Eli noticed this.

"Let me go. I won't stay on Earth. I'll return to space, back to Zeon."

"To continue being an accomplice?"

"No. I'll return as a soldier to change Zeon. I still can't distinguish between the ideals of Deikun and the Zabis, but I know one thing: this war must not continue. I'll return to my homeland and do what I can to hasten its end."

Ramba Ral moved forward with each word until his chest pressed against the barrel of Eli's gun.

"If you don't trust me, pull the trigger. I believe in you—you're someone who can make a difference."

Despite the blood streaming from his wound, Ramba Ral's face showed no sign of pain.

There was only steadfast resolve and an earnest plea for Eli to trust him.

"What made you suddenly realize this?"

Seeing such sincerity, Eli was almost convinced but asked one final question.

"On this ship, I saw people who don't belong in war, and I saw someone worth changing for."

The former likely referred to Amuro, but Eli wasn't sure if the latter referred to Artesia or someone else.

That "someone else" was actually Eli himself, as Ramba Ral's gaze toward him was too genuine and fervent.

Eli looked at Ramba Ral's weathered face, which now shone with renewed determination.

Eli slowly stepped back, lowering his pistol.

After giving Ramba Ral a long, deep look, Eli suddenly ran in another direction.

"Ramba Ral is over there!"

The other pursuers, not doubting him, ran with Eli in the indicated direction.

"Let's go, Ramba," Hamon said, taking Ramba Ral's left hand.

Ramba Ral glanced once more in Eli's direction before turning to leave White Base with his wife and subordinates. After regrouping with their rescuers, they immediately departed.

"I will bring change."

As Hamon tended to Ramba Ral's wound, he spoke resolutely.

"I've always believed in you. Always."

Hamon leaned in and kissed Ramba Ral lightly on the cheek.