Outside, a Laurasi-class mobile suit transport ship had docked at a position overlooking Artemis.
On the bridge, Captain Salaman, Yzak, Diakka, and Nicol were receiving a briefing aboard the Gamous.
The Pharsalus had withdrawn after being ambushed by Flaga, struck by the Archangel's main cannon, and ordered to retreat by the Council.
Athrun had been taken away with it as well.
"Neither physical rounds nor laser fire can pass through that umbrella. Of course, the same applies to them."
Salaman, commander of the Laurasia Battleship, explained Artemis's situation to Yzak and the others.
"So that means they can't attack us either? How could something so stupid exist?"
After hearing that, Diakka could not help finding it absurd. A defensive fortress like that actually existed?
At the same time, he could not resist shooting Captain Salaman a glare. The man had an enormous beard, wore an immaculate uniform, and seemed extremely stern. Teasing him looked like it would be fun.
In truth, the ZAFT military did not have strict ranks, only titles based on positions, such as squadron commander or captain.
Since the military's overall baseline intelligence was high, soldiers were permitted to make independent judgments on the battlefield rather than merely obey their superiors' orders.
Diakka was still leaning sideways, looking utterly unconcerned.
Nicol, on the other hand, stared intently at Artemis on the tactical display.
"Even so, as a defensive weapon, Artemis is second to none."
The bearded Salaman ignored Diakka's behavior and continued explaining. "It is not an important defensive stronghold, and our forces have never attacked it before. So at present, we have no good way to deal with it. They really did flee to a troublesome place."
"Then what do we do? Wait for them to come out on their own?"
Diakka could not help chuckling.