Muruta's Request

Uzmi trembled slightly at Muruta's analysis, a trace of alarm appearing in his eyes.

His voice was hoarse with disbelief, as though he were confirming a terrible premonition.

"...Are you saying Panama will suffer the same fate as the Alaska headquarters?"

Uzmi's voice was full of concern as he imagined the tragedy of Alaska repeating itself in Panama.

Muruta shook his head. The movement was slight, yet it conveyed a definite denial. His voice now sounded calmer and more rational.

"With PLANT being so vastly outnumbered in personnel, they probably won't do something that foolish."

He meant that ZAFT would not be foolish enough to use human bodies as bait to detonate a weapon of mass destruction.

A calculating glint flickered in his eyes.

"But if they intend to capture Panama, there is a strong possibility they will use some kind of strategic weapon."

Muruta's tone carried a clear prediction of the strategy ZAFT might adopt.

He did not specify what kind of strategic weapon it would be, but the implication alone was enough to make the threat palpable.

After hearing Muruta's prediction, Uzmi slowly lowered his head. His gaze fell upon the conference table, his brow tightly furrowed and his eyes filled with contemplation.

He said nothing, silently processing the grave information contained in Muruta's words.

Kisaka, standing at his side, also remained silent.

Muruta spoke again, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness and a sudden bluntness, as though he had been forced to bring up an unpleasant topic.

"...Sorry to disturb you while you have so much to worry about, but the Earth Forces have run into a difficult problem as well."

There was no apology in his voice, only candor about his own circumstances.

Uzmi did not raise his head, merely asking in a low voice.