After listening to Siegel's speech, Felix was about to leave immediately when the dismissal was announced. Then he heard a voice calling his name from beside him. Turning toward the sound, he saw a man in a black suit approaching him.
"May I ask who you are?"
Looking at the man, Felix asked with curiosity.
The man stopped and explained to Felix, "Captain Griffith, I am Chairman Zala's secretary. By the chairman's order, I invite you to the Ministry of Defense."
"I understand."
Felix nodded and acknowledged.
Ministry of Defense
Chairman's Office
"Felix Leo Griffith reporting!"
Standing opposite Patrick, Felix raised his hand in salute and spoke. Patrick looked up at him, his stern expression tinged with sorrow softening slightly as he calmly gestured to a seat.
Following the instruction, Felix sat in the chair and quietly waited for Patrick to speak.
"Felix, how have you been resting these past few days?"
"Very well! Ready to carry out missions at any time!"
Sitting upright, Felix replied.
Patrick nodded upon hearing this, then handed a document to Felix.
"This is the latest combat plan formulated by the Ministry of Defense. You will participate in this battle to bring even more brilliant achievements to ZAFT and deliver heartening news to the people. Do you have the confidence to accomplish this?"
"I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Looking at Patrick, Felix answered with determination.
After speaking, his gaze fell on the document. Understanding Felix's intent, Patrick signaled for him to pick it up.
With the gesture, Felix picked up the document, opened it, and began reading the contents, which were largely as he had expected.
Operation Plan Against the International Space Station 'Yggdrasil'!
The words stood out prominently before his eyes.
Reading the title, Felix continued scanning downward.
He saw the objective of this operation: to eliminate the Earth Alliance's bridgehead to the Moon.
This would further weaken the Earth Alliance's power in space and reduce their ability to deploy forces into space.
"Go and prepare! Your unit will be assembled in two days, and you can officially assume your position then!"
Seeing that everything necessary had been said, Patrick issued the dismissal. Felix stood up, saluted Patrick, then turned and walked out of the office.
Two Days Later
December City
ZAFT Military Academy
Several children of high-ranking PLANT officials had gathered here. As their parents were acquainted, they quickly became familiar and stood together chatting.
During their conversation, they noticed a photo hanging on the first floor of the Military Academy's teaching building.
The photo clearly showed Felix in his graduation attire, with descriptions below highlighting his outstanding academic achievements and exceptional performance in combat.
Stopping in their tracks as they gazed at the photo,
"Once I graduate, I'll make sure my picture ends up here too," Dearka remarked with a casual grin.
Yzak shot him a sidelong glance and snorted disdainfully. "Stop bragging! You'll be lucky to even make it into a Red Uniform!"
"Hah! Who do you think you're looking down on? You're the one who might not even manage a Red Uniform!" Dearka fired back without backing down.
Seeing the two on the verge of another argument, Nicol stepped between them to ease the tension. "Alright, that's enough. Instead of arguing, we should focus on studying hard—that's what really matters."
While Nicol mediated, Athrun stood quietly, his eyes fixed on the photo. For a moment, his gaze grew distant, and a figure surfaced in his mind.
He looks so much like Kira…
The thought drifted through him, followed by a pang of worry.
I wonder where Kira is now… how he's doing.
Meanwhile, in space aboard the newly formed Griffith Team's flagship, the Sebastian,
"I never expected you'd become a captain in just a few days," Heine said, both congratulating and teasing Felix, who now wore a White Uniform.
Felix waved a hand modestly. "Just luck, really."
"No need to be so humble—you've earned it. You were the key to our last victory, and this promotion is well-deserved. I, for one, fully support you as our captain," Heine replied, clapping Felix on the shoulder with a smile.
Felix simply nodded quietly in response.
Checking the time, Heine decided not to linger. Releasing Felix's shoulder with a final pat, he turned and headed toward his quarters.
Once Heine had gone, Felix made his way to the bridge.
There, Captain Aric of the Sebastian rose and saluted as Felix entered. "Captain Griffith!"
"Mm," Felix acknowledged with a nod, returning the salute before stepping forward.
"Soon, we'll be joining a new battle. As a newly formed unit, our priority is to build coordination quickly—especially between our mobile suits and this ship. We can't afford losses due to poor teamwork."
"Understood, Captain. We're already working on that integration," Aric assured him.
Felix gave a calm nod and, after a brief stay on the bridge, took his leave.
At 00:00 hours on February 22nd,
The Griffith Team received its official orders and set sail, joining the main fleet advancing on the 'Yggdrasil' International Space Station, located in the Earth-Moon Lagrange Point L1 region.
Inside the Captain's quarters…
Felix sat in his chair, participating in the video conference organized by the operation's commander.
"Felix!"
The commander's voice rang through the communication channel.
Hearing the call, Felix straightened his posture and looked at the commander, awaiting orders.
"Felix, I've heard about your combat achievements, but your squad is newly formed after all. Compared to other units, you lack coordination and adjustment. Therefore, I plan to position you on the flank. How do you feel about this arrangement?"
The commander's decision reached Felix's ears.
Felix nodded upon hearing it and replied, "I will follow the commander's orders without question!"