As Felix comforted Lacus in a gentle voice, the communications chime rang through the room.
Hearing it, Felix turned to look at Lacus.
Understandingly, Lacus lifted her head from Felix's shoulder. The emotion on her face shifted, and she offered him a gentle smile.
"I'll be right back."
Felix released Lacus, spoke with a gentle smile, then rose and walked toward the desk.
Standing before the desk, Felix checked the incoming communication and pressed the accept button.
The screen lit up, revealing Yalik's face.
"Is something wrong?"
Looking at Yalik, Felix asked calmly.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yalik's voice came through the speaker.
"Captain, the Earth Alliance Forces are making a move!"
Hearing the report, Felix nodded with a serious expression.
"I understand."
After ending the communication, Felix turned to Lacus, a trace of apology appearing in his eyes.
"Lacus, there are some matters I need to handle. I can't stay with you any longer for now."
Lacus nodded with a gentle smile and said understandingly,
"Go take care of it."
Felix smiled and nodded at Lacus, then got up and walked out of the room.
Seated on the bridge of the Athena, Felix asked Yalik,
"What's going on?"
Yalik turned to Felix and raised his hand in salute.
"Captain, the previously quiet Earth Alliance fleet suddenly advanced toward us. From the looks of it, they seem to be preparing to engage us."
Leaning back in his chair, Felix considered the matter carefully and murmured,
"They want to fight us?"
Meanwhile, aboard the flagship of the Earth Alliance Forces' frontline fleet, Richard asked, "Thurman, do you understand your mission this time?"
"Commander, rest assured."
Thurman nodded and replied to Richard with a solemn expression.
Hearing Thurman's reply, Richard's expression eased somewhat as he instructed,
"Thurman, your mission is