The Great Battle Begins

"Five hours remain until the deadline for a response..."

On the Minerva's bridge, Talia murmured as she watched the clock.

The anti-LOGOS allied forces formed by ZAFT and the volunteer army had already deployed in the Icelandic waters near Paradise Island Base.

Warships of every size covered the icy ocean, while countless MS units filled the skies. Even submarines lay in wait beneath the surface.

As for the satellite orbit, the MS fleet preparing to descend into the atmosphere should have assembled by now as well.

The command center directing this massive force had been established aboard the Minerva.

Facing the strategic display on the bridge, Durandal pondered aloud. "...Is it still not possible?"

When they had departed Gibraltar Base, they had issued Paradise Island Base a final ultimatum—a call to surrender.

Yet even now, the Earth Alliance Military had shown no response.

Civilian helicopters and ships could also be seen scattered across the vast sea beyond the frozen land.

They were media outlets from various nations, here to report on the coming battle.

The camera crews filming and broadcasting from the decks, along with the reporters speaking into their cameras, made it clear that the eyes and ears of the entire world had gathered here.

"If we could avoid this battle, that would be best..."

Seeing the regret on the chairman's face as he spoke to himself, Talia could not help casting him a suspicious look.

But it lasted only a moment.

The instant she realized what she was feeling, she erased every trace of expression from her face.

This was not the time to lose composure over personal emotions.

In just a few hours, a battle that would determine the victor and the defeated would begin. She had to remain completely focused.

"Chairman, a battleship heat signature has