Meanwhile, among the Earth Alliance Forces at the front, the frontline commander had taken a dressing-down from his superior, Richard. When his subordinate questioned him, he repeated Richard's words almost verbatim.
"Commander, I will obey your orders without question!"
Hearing that reply, the frontline commander said with a stern face,
"If you're going to obey orders, carry on as instructed and stop asking questions. I'll notify you when it's time to resume fighting."
With that, he reached out and ended the call.
Leaning back in his chair, the frontline commander glanced at the communicator and muttered,
"What on earth are they trying to do?"
Two days later, aboard the frontline fleet's Agamemnon-class flagship, "Commander, reconnaissance indicates that the ZAFT Forces seem to have received reinforcements!"
After receiving the report from below, the adjutant turned and passed the news to his superior. The frontline commander, Thurman, looked at his adjutant and said,
"Understood, Landon."
As he spoke, Thurman glanced at his adjutant, Landon, then placed a call to Ptolemaios Military Base.
After two beeps, the call connected.
Richard's voice came through the communicator.
"What is it?"
"Commander, the latest intelligence indicates that the ZAFT Forces have received reinforcements."
Thurman reported to Richard in response.
After hearing this, Richard frowned and spoke with a somewhat grave expression.
"What do we know about ZAFT's reinforcements?"
"We're not sure yet."
Thurman looked at the report as he answered Richard over the communicator.
At that, Richard said gravely,
"Find out exactly what we're dealing with. Also, prepare to withdraw from the front to Ptolemaios Military Base."
"Withdraw?"
Thurman's eyes widened as he exclaimed in surprise.
Seeing Thurman's surprise, Richard offered no further explanation. He merely told him calmly to carry out the order.
"All you need to do is follow orders!"
With that, Richard ended