After ending the communication with Ezalia, Patrick glanced back at the Clyne residence, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
'Siegel, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do.'
With these thoughts in mind, Patrick withdrew his gaze and strode out of the courtyard.
Aboard Creuset's former flagship, the Vesalius
"Welcome back, Captain!"
The captain of the Vesalius stood before Creuset, saluting with a serious expression.
Creuset looked at his subordinate and nodded gently with a faint smile.
"How have things been recently?"
Lowering his arm, the Vesalius captain walked alongside Creuset as he replied.
"We've been waiting for your return, Captain."
After hearing this, Creuset glanced at him before taking his seat, his gaze fixed forward as he issued the order.
"Following the Defense Department's command, set sail for the vicinity of Boaz Fortress to participate in combat."
"Yes, sir!"
The Vesalius captain nodded, returning to his seat and looking straight ahead as he gave the order.
"Set sail!"
The Vesalius departed on its mission.
Creuset's forward gaze shifted as he turned his head to look behind him. Under his calm observation, Creuset thought to himself.
'I'll deal with it next time.'
Inside the PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
In a room specially prepared for Siegel's negotiation team
Members carefully selected by Ezalia herself had gathered here. Everyone seated turned their attention to Siegel, who had just entered the room.
Sitting in his chair, Siegel scanned the room before withdrawing his gaze and speaking.
"I assume everyone is aware of their tasks?"
As soon as Siegel finished speaking, a voice rang out in the room.
"Mr. Clyne, following the orders of the Chairman and Councilor Joule, we are here to follow your command."
Hearing the voice, Siegel turned to look.
After a brief glance, Siegel withdrew his gaze.
Placing his hands on the table, he spoke calmly.
"The first thing we need to do is establish contact with the Earth Alliance authorities."
As he spoke, Siegel's gaze fell upon the first person to his left.
"Hunter, I'm entrusting this task to you."
Looking at Siegel, Hunter nodded lightly and replied.
"No problem."
"Good." With a soft acknowledgment, Siegel looked at the others and continued. "Let's carefully review the details of our negotiation content."
"Understood."
Everyone nodded and replied in unison.
......
In the Chairman's office
"Has Siegel begun work already?"
Leaning back in his chair, Patrick looked at Ezalia and asked calmly.
Ezalia nodded slightly.
"Siegel has already started working."
Hearing this, Patrick's lips curved upward slightly as he said.
"In that case, we just need to wait for his good news."
Observing the expression on Patrick's face, Ezalia said nothing, merely nodding calmly at Patrick.
After a moment, Ezalia stood up.
"Zala, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave?"
"Go ahead with your work!"
Patrick nodded lightly in response.
Ezalia turned and walked out of the office upon seeing this.
Ptolemy Military Base
Commander's Office
"Commander, when exactly will our reinforcements arrive?"
"It will take a few more days."
Hearing the question, Richard calmly gave his reply.
Upon learning it would take several more days, Thurman's expression instantly darkened. After a moment of silence, Thurman spoke in a slightly heavy tone.
"Commander, in a few days, you might be collecting my corpse."
"Don't speak so pessimistically."
Richard frowned at Thurman's defeatist words and corrected him sternly.
Thurman didn't respond to the correction, but the look on his face said it all.
Silence lingered between the two for a while before Thurman finally broke it.
"Commander, why don't you discuss with the High Command? Let's just abandon the Ptolemy Military Base."
"Do you want to face a court-martial?"
Raising an eyebrow, Richard retorted indifferently.
Thurman gave a bitter smile upon hearing this.
"Given the current situation, do you think I'll even live long enough to see a court-martial?"
Richard fell silent at his words.
After thinking for a long moment, Richard spoke.
"Don't be so pessimistic. Carry on with your duties."
Pausing briefly, he added, "As for your suggestion, I will report it to the High Command."
Hearing this, Thurman suppressed his bitter smile and nodded as calmly as possible.
"Understood."
Seeing this, Richard ended the communication.
After the call, Richard sat in his chair and pondered for a moment. His gaze fell on the communicator, and he initiated another call.
After a brief wait, the call connected.
Williams' face appeared on the screen.
"Is something the matter?"
Williams inquired, looking at Richard through the screen.
Taking a deep breath at his superior's question, Richard replied, "Commander, is there any way our reinforcements could arrive earlier?"
Hearing the query, Williams calmly countered, "If it were possible, do you think I would delay?"
Richard's face twisted into the same bitter smile Thurman had worn, and he replied in a strained voice, "Commander, our frontline troops can't hold out until the reinforcements arrive. If this continues, we'll lose more than just the Ptolemy Military Base."
Williams tapped his fingers lightly on the desk upon hearing this, then spoke after a moment.
"What is your proposal?"
"Commander, could we simply abandon the Ptolemy Military Base?"
Richard voiced his idea while looking at Williams.
As the suggestion reached his ears, Williams' expression turned stern, and he rejected it outright.
"Absolutely not!"
After this refusal, Williams softened his tone and said to Richard, "I will discuss with the leadership. If possible, we will adjust the current strategy and do our utmost to send reinforcements your way."
"Thank you, Commander!"
Richard saluted and expressed his gratitude.
Williams gave a slight nod and ended the communication. Seeing the call disconnect, Richard relayed the news to Thurman.
Earth Alliance Forces High Command
After ending the call, Williams contacted Moonenidy, the leader of the Atlantic Federation.
"Is something the matter?"
"Chief, our current tactical plan is insufficient to alleviate the situation at Ptolemy Military Base. I propose withdrawing these assault units and redeploying them to the lunar campaign."
Upon hearing the inquiry, Williams briefed Moonenidy on the situation and his proposal.
Moonenidy remained silent after listening.
After a moment, looking at Williams, he said:
"We will thoroughly discuss your proposal and deliver our decision as quickly as possible."
Saluting with a mental sigh, Williams responded:
"Yes, Chief."
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