Hearing Lacus's words of concern, Cagalli forced a faint smile and said she was fine.
"I'm fine."
Seeing that expression, Lacus pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for how to comfort her. Cagalli watched the tongue-tied Lacus, still wearing her strained smile, but instead offered her reassurance.
"Lacus, I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me."
Cagalli's reassurance only deepened the guilt in Lacus's heart. She raised her head to meet Cagalli's eyes and spoke apologetically.
"Cagalli, I'm sorry. I wasn't able to help you."
Hearing that, Cagalli gave her a gentle smile.
"It's all right. I know these things aren't yours to decide. It was already enough that you spoke up for me back then."
While the two were talking, Felix was also speaking with Yalik.
"How many extremists have tried to leave their units without authorization during this time?"
"Based on our current tally of those apprehended, there were three hundred and fifty-two in total. Thirty were MS pilots, and the rest were soldiers aboard the warships."
Standing before Felix, Yalik raised his hand in a salute before delivering his report.
Hearing the report, Felix murmured under his breath.
"Including those discovered and arrested just after the ceasefire, the total has already exceeded three thousand. It looks like ZAFT will need to conduct a thorough internal review in the days ahead. Otherwise, the consequences will be incalculable."
As he spoke, Felix's brows knitted tightly, worry clouding his face.
Looking at Felix, Yalik nodded in agreement, then voiced his concern.
"I agree with you, Captain, but ultimately, we still lack the proper authority in this matter55
o
Felix naturally understood what Yalik meant by his concern. He looked at him, gave him a faint smile, and said,
"I'll find a way to handle this properly."
Hearing