After reviewing the combat mission documents, Felix contacted Miles and Phipps via communication.
"Captain!"
The two saluted Felix through the communication channel as they greeted him. Felix returned the salute before addressing them.
"I've received a new combat mission from the Ministry of Defense."
"Another operation already?"
Miles confirmed with visible excitement among the two.
Seeing Miles' enthusiasm, Felix nodded slightly before responding.
"Correct! We're heading into combat again."
After speaking, he transmitted the Operation Airborne Victoria Spaceport documents to both of them. Upon receiving the files, the two carefully studied the contents.
Several minutes later,
Phipps was the first to speak.
"Captain, this will be our first airborne operation of this type. With ground forces directly sharing the defensive pressure at Victoria Spaceport for us airborne units, can we successfully capture it?"
"It is indeed challenging! However, the operational plan outlined in the document currently represents the optimal solution. If we deploy ground forces first and get detected by the enemy, not only would those airborne ground troops be endangered, but it could also lead to the failure of our entire mission!
Therefore, we're under significant pressure. Withstanding this pressure means victory in this operation, while failing to do so means defeat."
Looking at Phipps, Felix responded with a serious expression. After hearing this, Phipps fell silent, quietly reviewing the document in his hands.
Seeing that he had no further questions, Felix asked.
"Do either of you have any other questions?"
"None."
Both shook their heads simultaneously in response.
Seeing this, Felix issued his orders.
"All Mobile Suit Pilots of Griffith Team will begin adjusting MS parameters for Earth's environment starting today, ensuring no complications occur during atmospheric descent and ground operations."
"Yes!"
The two saluted in acknowledgment.
Ending the communication, Felix relayed the newly issued orders to Heine and others aboard the Sebastian.
Several minutes later,
In the Hangar
Inside the White GINN cockpit
Felix sat inside, using the adjustment keyboard to modify various MS parameters.
The primary focus of adjustments was the output of the MS attitude control thrusters.
During space combat, without atmospheric resistance, attitude control thrusters could adjust MS positioning with relatively low thrust. However, Earth's environment presented different challenges.
Varying atmospheric densities at different altitudes created different levels of air resistance. To ensure no energy was wasted, optimal adjustments had to be made for each altitude range.
The sound of rapid keyboard clicks continuously echoed through the cockpit as Felix completed parameter after parameter.
After finishing the final adjustment, Felix began calibrating the MS's Automatic Trajectory Correction Program.
March 8
A ZAFT assault force composed of twenty squads arrived in space orbit above Earth's equator.
Of the twenty squads reaching near-Earth orbit, ten were tasked with defensive operations in the orbital vicinity, escorting transport ships carrying ground forces to ensure the success of the drop mission. The remaining ten squads descended via drop pods in their MS.
Aboard the Sebastian
Felix and the others suited up in their combat pilot gear and settled into their MS cockpits.
"We'll be spending the next stretch inside the drop pods. It won't be long, but use this time to adjust your condition and bring yourselves to peak readiness," Felix advised the others over communications.
After this reminder, Felix took the lead, piloting the White GINN out of the hangar and exiting the warship to approach the drop pods. He entered a pod along with two squad members.
07:30 Hours
At the designated drop time, all drop pods began deployment in near-Earth orbit.
The pods violently frictioned against the atmosphere, but the intense heat was blocked by their heat shield tiles, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.
As the pods descended rapidly, drawing closer to the ground, the capsules carrying neutron jammers led the way. These jammers were designed to drop ahead of the MS pods, activating at a predetermined altitude to disrupt radar and other equipment at the Victoria Spaceport below.
This measure aimed to prevent the drop forces from being ambushed by anti-air missiles.
African Continent, Near Victoria Spaceport by Lake Victoria
Radar vehicles deployed in the area detected objects falling rapidly from high altitude. Radar operators quickly gathered data and relayed it to headquarters.
Victoria Spaceport Defense Force Command
"Commander, we've received intel from the radar units!"
"Report!"
"A large number of objects are descending at high speed above Victoria Spaceport. Analysis suggests it's likely a ZAFT Forces drop unit."
The soldier relayed the information from the documents to the commander.
Hearing this possibility, the commander's expression turned grim as he issued a steady command.
"Launch anti-air missiles!"
The order was given!
Quickly relayed by the communications officer to the missile troops.
Upon receiving the command, the missile operators swiftly used radar to lock onto the aerial targets. Once locked, with the press of the launch button, the anti-air missiles stationed on their launch racks ignited one after another.
Propelled by the energy of their rocket engines, the missiles rapidly gained speed, breaking the sound barrier and streaking upward at hypersonic velocity.
Above Victoria Spaceport
The drop pod carrying the neutron jammer disintegrated, releasing its payload. The neutron jammer activated successfully, interfering with neutron activity while simultaneously jamming radar and communications.
The missiles racing upward at high speed were instantly affected: the tracking and targeting radars in their nose cones failed. Without radar assistance, the missiles had no idea where to strike.
Right on schedule according to the operation plan, the first wave of MS units detached from their drop pods.
The moment the Drop Pod disintegrated, the MS inside activated and began moving according to the operation plan.
Among them was the Griffith Team led by Felix.
Under Felix's control, the White GINN raised its Heavy Assault Machine Gun, aiming the barrel forward. Through the optical sensor feed, his finger pulled the trigger.
The Heavy Assault Machine Gun opened fire!
Muzzle flashes erupted as bullets tore through the sky toward the incoming Missiles.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Violent explosions rang out in the air one after another.
The Missiles, having lost their targets, were continuously shot down and disintegrated mid-air.