The death toll of over a hundred thousand was reported as a brief string of numbers, but everyone present understood that each digit represented a vibrant life lost.
These were all former residents of PLANT who had once lived vibrant lives within the Colony Satellite.
"Siegel, we must retaliate for this!" declared Luis, representative of Junius City, his face stern and twisted with hatred.
Patrick raised his hand in support after Luis finished speaking. "I support Luis's proposal!"
"I also support Luis's proposal!" Ezalia expressed her agreement, raising her hand after Patrick.
As the two voiced their positions, the others also raised their hands in unanimous support. At this moment, whether from the hawkish faction, the moderates, or the neutrals, all stood united. No one voiced opposition.
"Of course we cannot let this stand, but to prevent another nuclear attack like this, we need to develop corresponding weapons to counter the threat of nuclear missiles," Siegel stated.
"Leave this task to me!" Orson volunteered, looking at Siegel.
Siegel nodded. "Very well, Orson. I entrust this to you."
He then turned to Luis and the other Council members. Next, we need to discuss issues such as personnel placement and resettlement."
Patrick and the other council members nodded slightly, and the meeting continued its deliberations.
...
Over an hour later,
The Council session concluded. Patrick and other high-ranking Defense Department officials left the Council chamber and returned directly to the Defense Department.
Shortly after his return, Patrick received a compiled report on ZAFT's combat losses from his subordinates. He picked up the report and began reviewing it.
A few minutes later,
Ezalia, Amalfi, and Herman were summoned to Patrick's office.
"What is it, Zala?" Ezalia asked, looking at Patrick.
Setting down the loss report, Patrick said, "ZAFT suffered significant losses in this battle, particularly in the Junius City sector. We need to consolidate the decimated units and form new ones to replenish ZAFT's strength. Does anyone have suitable candidates for leadership positions?"
"I believe appointments for new unit commanders should be chosen from veterans of this battle. Soldiers tempered by combat are better suited to lead a unit," Herman suggested after some thought.
After Herman finished, Ezalia pondered briefly before speaking. "Zala, what is the status of that ZAFT soldier who previously warned that the Earth Alliance might use nuclear weapons?"
"You mean Felix Leo Griffith?" Patrick asked after a moment's recollection.
Ezalia nodded and explained.
"This ZAFT soldier possesses excellent professional competence, sharp thinking, and strong foresight in problem analysis. He should be qualified to serve as a squad leader."
"Ezalia, what you say is correct. However, I recall this soldier is a recent graduate this year. Although he has outstanding achievements, excellent professional skills, sharp thinking, and foresight, promoting him to squad leader without sufficient military merits would be unfair! This might cause dissatisfaction among other ZAFT soldiers."
Amalfi looked at Ezalia and cautiously rebutted. Herman nodded in agreement with Amalfi's perspective.
Patrick then spoke up.
"This report in my hand not only summarizes ZAFT's combat losses but also compiles the combat records of each soldier. According to the report, this young man named Felix destroyed 24 Earth Alliance Mobius units in this battle and single-handedly eliminated missiles targeting Junius Seven and Eight. He intercepted two nuclear warheads en route, saving both colony satellites. He is the most outstanding performer in this engagement."
"Since he has such combat achievements, I don't oppose promoting him to squad leader!"
After hearing Felix's combat record, Amalfi changed his stance and expressed support for the idea.
Seeing Amalfi's agreement, Herman remained silent but nodded to indicate his approval.
"In that case, Felix Leo Griffith is appointed as the new squad leader and awarded the Nebula Medal, with special approval to join the Tactical Integrated Response Headquarters (abbreviated as FAITH). The new squad will consist of three Lauria-class battleships, supplemented with 18 MS units! Personnel will be selected partly from existing ZAFT forces and partly from military academy cadets who have met graduation standards."
Patrick announced upon seeing the consensus.
February 15th
Receiving the summons from ZAFT headquarters, Felix boarded a shuttle departing from the battleship to December City where headquarters was located.
December City District 1
The shuttle arrived at the docking port in the central section of the colony satellite. Entering the disembarkation area inside the port, Felix stepped off the shuttle and proceeded inward.
Entering an elevator, he ascended into the satellite's interior.
Interior
ZAFT Headquarters
"Felix Leo Griffith, reporting!"
Standing at attention with perfect military posture, Felix saluted the ZAFT headquarters official before him, his voice clear and resonant.
The headquarters official looked up at Felix, acknowledged him with a nod, and produced Felix's appointment documents.
"Following headquarters assessment and Defense Department approval, Felix Leo Griffith is hereby recognized for his merits in the recent battle. Awarded one Nebula Medal! Promoted from Red Uniform to White Uniform, transferred to FAITH as a member, and appointed commander of the newly established unit."
After reading the contents of the appointment document, the headquarters director placed it on the desk and pushed it toward Felix. Simultaneously, the secretary standing in the office presented the White Uniform along with two small boxes containing the Nebula Medal and FAITH Badge before Felix.
"Felix, any objections?"
Seeing that Felix remained silent for a long time, the headquarters director smiled and asked him. The direct question from his superior snapped Felix out of his daze. Looking at the appointment document on the desk and the items in the secretary's hands, he steadied his emotions and spoke.
"None! I firmly obey the orders of the Defense Department and this headquarters!"
"In that case, accept your appointment. Take your belongings and go home on leave, awaiting your official start date."