The moment the communication ended, Williams looked at the darkened screen, his expression so calm it betrayed no inner emotion.
"Sigh!"
A sigh escaped his lips, and in the next moment, the worry in his heart crept across Williams' face like vines.
After a long while, Williams reached out and pressed the communicator.
"Richard, I've relayed the matter to the leadership. The specific outcome will take some time."
As soon as Williams finished speaking, Richard's reply came through the communication.
"Understood, Commander."
Hearing the response, Williams said nothing more. He gave Richard a deep look before cutting off the communication.
Meanwhile,
At the Atlantic Federation leadership residence,
After ending the communication with Williams, Moonenidy dialed a series of numbers.
After a few rings, the call connected.
"Moonenidy, what is it?"
"Mr. Adam, the battle on the Moon is intensifying. We need to deploy more troops to ensure the Ptolemy Military Base isn't destroyed."
Listening to Adam Valilia's voice over the communication, Moonenidy respectfully explained the situation.
Upon hearing this, Adam's voice carried a hint of gloom.
"I understand."
With those four simple words spoken,
The communication was cut off at that moment. Moonenidy listened to the dial tone echoing through the line, then set down the phone.
Leaning back in his chair, he glanced at the scenery outside the window and calmly awaited the outcome.
At the same time,
In a low-key yet ancient estate within the Atlantic Federation,
After hanging up on Moonenidy, Adam initiated a video call to other members of the LOGOS Organization.
"Adam, what do you need?"
The screen split to show the faces of the others. A bald elder among them addressed Adam.
Looking at the bald elder, Adam explained Moonenidy's thoughts and request.
After finishing, Adam spoke with a serious expression.
"We can't let Azrael continue to act on his whims like this."
"I agree with your thinking."
The bald elder, Alvin, nodded and spoke calmly.
After he spoke, the others also nodded in agreement with Adam's idea.
Alvin then continued.
"Adam, we'll leave this matter to you."
Glancing at Alvin, Adam replied expressionlessly.
"Understood."
......
In space,
Near Boaz Fortress,
On the Bridge of the Dominion,
Azrael looked at Adam on the screen and spoke calmly.
"Adam, what do you need?"
"Azrael, after our collective discussion, we've unanimously decided that you can no longer manipulate the Earth Alliance Forces as you please. You are to immediately return command of this unit to the Earth Alliance Forces General Headquarters!"
Staring at Azrael's face, Adam expressionlessly conveyed the demand of all LOGOS Organization members.
Hearing this demand, Azrael's face instantly darkened.
He lightly tapped the armrest with his fingers, then replied coolly after a moment.
"I understand."
With those four brief words spoken, Azrael impatiently ended the communication.
After everything ended, he stood up and walked out of the bridge.
Seeing this, the captain of the Dominion asked with concern.
"Councilman, where are you going?"
"Leave me alone!"
A voice filled with anger was uttered.
The next moment, Azrael opened the hatch and exited the bridge.
Inside the Atlantic Federation headquarters
"Moonenidy, we have already discussed this matter with that fellow Azrael. You can directly issue the order through the General Command."
After a brief notification, Adam ended the communication.
Moonenidy looked at the terminated communication and breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately reported the news to Williams.
"Williams, you may directly command Trian."
"Yes, Leader."
Near Boaz Fortress
Flagship of the Earth Alliance Forces assault unit
While commanding his troops in battle, Trian heard the communication signal.
Handing over command to his adjutant, Trian answered the call.
"Commander!"
Seeing the face on the screen, Trian saluted and spoke respectfully.
Williams nodded slightly and issued orders to Trian.
"Trian, withdraw your forces from the Boaz Fortress vicinity at maximum speed and proceed to reinforce the lunar front."
"Yes, Commander!"
Upon hearing the command, Trian saluted in response.
After the communication ended, Trian contacted the Dominion as a precaution.
Following their discussion, Trian issued orders.
"All units withdraw from this battlefield in an orderly manner. Battleships provide heavy fire support with missiles to cover the Mobile Suit Force's retreat."
"Understood!"
......
"Captain Joule, the Earth Alliance Forces are retreating?"
Observing the Earth Alliance Forces' movements on the battlefield, Shiho immediately reported to Yzak via communication.
Hearing the report, Yzak nodded calmly while wondering to himself.
'What are they planning?'
As he pondered, Shiho's voice came through the comm again.
"Captain, should we pursue?"
"Hold position for now!"
Hearing Shiho's eager tone, Yzak quickly ordered to restrain her actions.
After responding, Yzak reported the situation to his superior.
Meanwhile, on the Eternal's bridge
"Miss Clyne, the Earth Alliance Forces are retreating!"
Andrew observed the battlefield situation and turned to report to Lacus. After hearing this, Lacus nodded and spoke.
"Instruct our forces not to pursue the Earth Alliance Forces. Also monitor the ZAFT Forces' movements to prevent them from reigniting the battle we just ended."
"Understood!"
Andrew replied calmly with a nod.
He relayed Lacus' orders to Athrun, Kira, and the others.
After conveying Lacus' intentions, Andrew added to everyone.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. We'll be withdrawing from this area."
"Mr. Waltfeld, I'll join Kira in our Mobile Suits equipped with Meteor units to cover your retreat!"
Hearing this, Athrun responded to Andrew through the comm. Kira's voice followed immediately after.
"Mr. Waltfeld, I share the same opinion as Athrun."
After careful consideration, Andrew voiced his agreement.
"Mm."
Ending the communication, Andrew issued the order.
"Separate the Meteor units from the Eternal!"
"Yes!"
Aprilius City District 1
In the PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
"Zala, the Earth Alliance Forces near Boaz Fortress have retreated!"
Ezalia stood before Patrick, reporting the situation. Patrick looked up at Ezalia and then spoke.
"Hold our defensive line. Do not pursue the retreating Earth Alliance Forces."
"Understood." Nodding in response, Ezalia thought of the Eternal crew and then inquired.
"How should we handle the Eternal crew?"