Meanwhile, in the Earth Alliance Forces at the front lines...
After receiving frustrating orders from his superior Richard, the frontline Commander repeated nearly identical words when questioned by his subordinate.
"Commander, I firmly obey the orders!"
Hearing this response, the frontline Commander maintained a stern expression.
"Since you obey the orders, proceed as arranged. Stop asking unnecessary questions here. I will notify you when to resume combat."
After speaking, he reached out and terminated the communication.
Leaning back in his chair, he glanced at the communicator and murmured to himself.
"What exactly are they trying to achieve?"
...
Two days later
Aboard the Agamemnon-class Battleship, flagship of the frontline forces
"Commander, reconnaissance indicates that ZAFT Forces appear to have received reinforcements!"
After receiving reports from below, the Adjutant turned to relay the information to his superior. Upon hearing this, frontline Commander Thurman looked at his Adjutant and spoke.
"Understood, Landon."
Thurman glanced at Adjutant Landon before establishing communication with Ptolemy Military Base.
After two beeps, the communication connected.
Richard's voice came through the comm.
"What is it?"
"Commander, latest intelligence shows ZAFT Forces have obtained reinforcements."
Thurman reported to Richard.
After listening, Richard furrowed his brow, his expression turning serious.
"What is the status of ZAFT's reinforcements?"
"Currently unclear."
Thurman responded while looking at the report documents.
Seeing this, Richard said with a grave expression,
"Investigate the actual situation, and prepare to withdraw all frontline forces back to Ptolemy Military Base."
"Withdraw?"
Thurman's eyes widened in surprise.
Observing Thurman's astonishment, Richard offered no further explanation, calmly insisting on compliance.
"You only need to follow orders!"
With that, Richard terminated the communication.
Staring at the ended transmission, Thurman sat in his chair pondering for a moment before turning to Adjutant Landon.
"Conduct thorough investigations into ZAFT's reinforcement situation, while preparing all units for withdrawal."
"Yes!"
Though confused, Landon voiced no questions. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he saluted his superior and responded.
After speaking, Landon proceeded to relay the orders.
...
Athena Bridge
Felix sat in his room, communicating with the Eternal via encrypted special channel.
"You've already reached the vicinity of the Moon?"
Felix asked Lacus in surprise.
Noticing his astonishment, Lacus smiled slightly, her voice carrying a playful tone.
"Didn't expect that, did you?"
"Indeed, I didn't."
Seeing the playful expression on Lacus's face, Felix's surprise faded, replaced by a gentle, faint smile as he nodded.
His gaze fixed on Lacus, Felix inquired,
"How do you plan to stop the war on the Moon?"
Upon hearing this, Lacus explained their discussed strategy. Felix listened and slightly furrowed his brow.
Seeing Felix's furrowed brow, Lacus asked anxiously, "Is our method not feasible?"
"It is feasible," Felix replied, though his expression showed difficulty. "But implementing your idea is extremely challenging. The slightest misstep could lead to failure."
"We've considered that," Lacus said, her face clouded with sorrow. "But compared to failure, I'd rather not see anyone else sacrificed to war."
Watching her grief, Felix felt an inexplicable pang in his heart, a deeply uncomfortable sensation.
Gently, he comforted her, "Lacus, don't be sad."
Hearing his words, Lacus looked up at Felix, her sorrow receding somewhat, though her usual gentle smile and resolute expression were still absent.
Seeing this, Felix grew anxious, searching for better ways and words to console her.
After thinking for a while, he suddenly found himself at a loss, unable to come up with anything more comforting.
For a moment, Felix was caught in an awkward predicament.
Just then, Lacus noticed through the communication screen how flustered Felix was over his inability to comfort her. A warm feeling spread through her heart, and she couldn't help but laugh at his expression.
Her laughter caught Felix's attention.
Seeing Lacus smile, Felix's anxiety and embarrassment faded away.
"Where are you currently located?" he asked, shifting the topic.
Lacus consulted Andrew briefly before replying, "We're relatively close to the Earth Alliance Forces' Ptolemy Military Base."
"Close to Ptolemy Military Base?" Felix muttered, his brow furrowing as concern welled up inside him. After a moment's thought, he said, "That's not ideal. Try to stay as far away from the Earth Alliance's Ptolemy Military Base as possible."
"Don't worry, we'll be fine," Lacus assured him with a gentle smile, touched by his concern.
Felix watched the determination in her eyes and pressed his lips together, dropping the subject. Noticing his silence, Lacus asked, "Felix, how are things on your end?"
"Things are going well. We've even received reinforcements from the Defense Department," Felix replied with a slight smile.
Hearing about the increased troops, Lacus frowned and sighed. "Ah?" she sighed softly before asking, "Is Chairman Zala planning to engage the Earth Alliance Forces in a decisive battle here?"
Felix nodded calmly. "If nothing unexpected happens, the Moon will be the site of the final showdown between PLANT and the Earth Alliance. The victor on the Moon will determine the ultimate winner of this war."
Lacus caught the key point in his response and murmured, "If nothing unexpected happens?"
"Correct," Felix nodded, then continued, "The location for the decisive battle is set, barring any unforeseen events. However, given the current situation, it's highly likely that such an event will occur on the Moon."
As he spoke, Felix explained the developments of the past two days to Lacus. Through his account, Lacus gained a clear understanding of the situation.
At that moment, she sensed a conspiracy brewing.
"Be extra careful," Lacus cautioned Felix, snapping back to attention.
Felix nodded in response.