The War Begins

On the main screen in the Vesalius's captain's quarters, the blips representing friend and foe churned like a pot of boiling soup.

The casualty ratio ticked soundlessly in one corner of the screen, climbing from 15:1 to 20:1, then 25:1.

And it was still rising—

"This is like a one-sided slaughter."

Rau Le Creuset shook his head. With their equipment advantage, coupled with the fact that Coordinators vastly surpassed Naturals in individual combat ability, this result was only natural.

Durandal set down the data tablet in his hand. Displayed on it were the frontline reports that had just been compiled.

ZAFT's MS forces had employed textbook tactics on the outskirts of the L5 region, making full use of their superior equipment to shatter the Earth Alliance's first wave of attacks.

"You think this is a feint."

Durandal did not turn around. His voice was calm, as though he were stating a fact rather than asking a question.

"Their commander isn't an idiot. This piecemeal tactic has no meaning beyond costing us some ammunition and propellant."

"They assembled such a massive fleet. They could not have done so merely to put on a fireworks display for us. The purpose of this vanguard force is only to tie down our main force and keep our eyes fixed firmly here."

Creuset inclined his head slightly as he answered.

"So their real target—"

Durandal's fingertips lightly swept across the virtual keyboard on the console. A star map appeared, and an icon representing an agricultural colonial satellite was enlarged and highlighted.

"Junius 7."

A nearly imperceptible note of admiration entered Creuset's voice. "Lord Durandal, when you raised this possibility during the meeting, there were still Council members who thought you were being alarmist.

Now, it seems you practically foresaw the future."

"I merely understand our