Notification in the Hangar

"Then, Heavenly Pillar—"

An Orb leader spoke up with a question, leaning forward with urgency evident in his posture.

He forced the question from his throat, hoping for clear details at this moment.

Muruta nodded slightly. His gaze shifted to the leader who had asked the question, and his voice was firm.

"Yes. The lunar base, having lost its supply route, has no spare strength to send forces to Heavenly Pillar, so we need not worry about an attack. Before the time they have set for the war—even if they do launch an attack—Heavenly Pillar should be able to withstand their offensive with the Astrays deployed there."

Muruta spoke clearly, offering a specific analysis: the Earth Alliance's lunar base had had its supply lines completely severed due to the fall of Panama.

This meant the base had been strategically weakened. All of its strength would be used for self-defense or to deal with a possible ZAFT attack, leaving it unable to spare troops for a large-scale assault on Orb's distant space installation.

Upon hearing Muruta's words, a low murmur of excitement instantly broke out in the conference room.

Some straightened in their chairs, light appearing in their eyes. They let out quiet sounds of "Oh!" with their lips slightly parted.

The massive weight pressing on their hearts had, for the moment, been shifted aside. Their breathing became easier.

The tension in their faces eased, and the muscles in their bodies relaxed as well.

This excitement quickly spread through the conference room, yet the expressions of Uzumi Nara Athha and Muruta remained unchanged.

Uzmi showed no smile. He simply continued watching Muruta.

Muruta's gaze swept over the excited leaders. His face retained its former coldness and caution, displaying no unnecessary emotion.

"What matters most now is issuing evacuation orders to the