Amid the overlapping curses and questions from the team members, Shiho Hahnenfuss struggled to remain calm.
She walked over to Yzak, unfolded the intelligence file in her hands, and delivered her report in a clear, restrained voice.
"According to the latest intelligence from Boaz, the enemy fleet consists of at least four mobile fleets. Confirmed forces include no fewer than three Agamemnon Class carriers, more than fifteen Nelson Class battleships, and an as-yet uncounted number of Drake-class frigates. A large number of transport ships are accompanying them as well, possibly carrying ground troops and mobile suits."
Shiho's voice trembled slightly halfway through the report, but she quickly drew a deep breath and regained her composure.
"Judging from the fleet's composition, this is an all-out offensive. The Earth Forces have concentrated nearly every space combat force they can mobilize here."
The operations room fell silent again for a moment. Four mobile fleets—those were practically the main force of the Earth Alliance's space navy.
Concentrating all their strength into a single offensive meant the enemy had no intention of leaving themselves a way out. They would either take Boaz or be wiped out to the last ship.
A rookie who had joined the team not long ago asked in a trembling voice. His face had gone pale with fear. His fingers unconsciously clutched the hem of his uniform, while sweat slid down his cheeks from his forehead.
"C-Captain, are we deploying too?"
"Calm down."
Yzak's voice cracked through the air like a whip. His blue eyes swept over the rookie, his gaze carrying both severity and an indescribably complicated emotion.
"Remain on standby until we receive orders. The situation is still unclear, after all."
No order had yet been issued for the Joule Team to go support Boaz.
The command system at