Eve of Battle

"Reinforcements from Orb..."

As Prea accepted the written orders on the bridge, an unreadable glint flashed through his eyes.

Especially when he saw the added note at the end of the orders—Main Angel would be accompanying them as well.

"One aircraft carrier and six escort ships. They are expected to enter this area by tomorrow evening."

The captain relayed the intelligence received from Orb.

They were currently docked at Suez awaiting orders. Next, they might continue pursuing the Minerva, or they might be assigned a new mission.

Either way, they would have to find a nearby base to resupply.

"Setting wolves on tigers and reaping the benefits... The people up top really have a fine scheme. The question is, who will be the fisherman in the end?"

Thinking back on the recent situation and certain pieces of intelligence, Prea wore a faintly mocking smile.

"Earth Alliance military reinforcements?"

Noer, Athrun, and Heine were summoned to the captain's office together.

Talia nodded before the map display and continued, "Yes. We just don't know whether they intend to attack Gibraltar or come here."

Besides the four FAITH members, the vice-captain Arthur was also in the room, staring tensely at the map.

"However, since they are sending reinforcements at a time like this, there is a ninety percent chance they are trying to save face. They probably also want to retake the land route to Suez. Command Center shares that assessment."

In other words, whatever had been taken would be taken back.

Athrun looked worriedly at the map. Ever since ZAFT captured Caranhan, the cities in this region had also slipped free of Alliance control.

The friendliness the people of those cities showed toward ZAFT made it clear just how badly they had been oppressed by the Alliance before.

Now, Alliance Forces