"Captain Le Creuset, this came from home."
After giving up the pursuit of the Archangel, the Vesalius, moored behind a large piece of space debris, received a message from PLANT.
The communications officer handed the printed telegram to Le Creuset.
After scanning it roughly, Le Creuset passed it to Adis.
Adis finished reading it, his expression turning deeply displeased. "How can they do this? We've chased them this far, and now they're telling us to go back?!"
It was an order to appear before the colony's Supreme Council.
It required Le Creuset to attend the Council session in seven days and report on the incident involving Orb's colony satellite.
"The Council must be in an uproar over us destroying Heliopolis. Well, nothing can be done about that."
Le Creuset, who had known about this order in advance, smiled calmly, not a trace of displeasure or confusion on his face. "In any case, the Vesalius is already damaged. Continuing like this would hardly accomplish much. Going back isn't a bad choice."
"But—"
"It's an order, Adis."
Le Creuset cut off Adis's complaint directly, then asked, "How are the repairs?"
"As long as it doesn't interfere with navigation, they'll be done soon—"
After hearing the word "order," Adis no longer felt like continuing his complaints.
"Call Athrun back from the Gamow. When the time comes, have him come with me to make the report. Once repairs are complete, this ship will return home immediately. As for the long-legs, let the Gamow continue the pursuit."
After giving his instructions, Le Creuset turned and left the bridge.
Watching Le Creuset's departing back, Captain Adis could not help feeling somewhat puzzled.
Judging from Captain Le Creuset's demeanor, the fury that had arisen from the enemy's surprise attack earlier had completely vanished, and neither was there