Teased by Felix, Andrew turned to examine the young man beside him. After a moment of observation, he reached out and ruffled Felix's hair. The gesture left Felix momentarily bewildered, but before he could question it, Andrew spoke up.
"How exactly is your brain wired? You've been formally in the unit for less than three months, yet you're already this capable?"
"Perhaps I was just adjusted better!"
Hearing the question, Felix paused briefly before recalling the scenes he witnessed right after his rebirth. He offered a speculative reply.
Andrew didn't doubt Felix's response and nodded in agreement. Still, he felt the young man's exceptional skills couldn't solely be attributed to superior adjustments—there had to be other factors at play.
Noticing Andrew's silence, Felix teased him again.
"So, Captain Barthfeld, what do you think of my proposal?"
"Not much!"
Andrew turned his head and rejected outright. After his refusal, he picked up his cup and walked toward the coffee machine.
"Want a cup of coffee?"
"Make mine with extra milk and sugar!"
Felix nodded and made his request.
Andrew corrected him with a retort, "Coffee is most authentic when taken plain." Adding milk and sugar ruins a perfectly good drink—your taste is strange."
Even as he said this, his actions accommodated Felix's preferences. Felix simply smiled at the correction and teasing, paying it no mind.
...
The next day
Around 3:00 PM,
Shortly after ordering the airborne patrol GINN Squad to intercept incoming missiles, Felix received a communication from near-Earth orbit.
"Captain Griffith, we're here for backup!"
Hearing those brief words, Felix felt as if he'd heard the most beautiful sound in the world. A smile touched his lips as he expressed gratitude.
"Thank you for coming!"
"Captain Griffith, we'll proceed with the Mobile Suit Unit and supply drop. Please secure the drop zone to prevent unnecessary losses."
Another voice came through the communication.
Felix nodded and agreed.
"No problem!"
With those three words, Felix ordered all units to ascend and patrol at different altitudes, ensuring the safety of the airdropped supplies and reinforcements.
By 3:50 PM, the drop operation commenced.
Drop Pods carrying reinforcements and supplies were deployed from near-Earth orbit. The entire process lasted about thirty minutes. Once everything was successfully dropped, the transport unit began its return journey, leaving near-Earth orbit.
On the ground
At Victoria Spaceport
Watching the arriving reinforcements and various supplies, Felix's smile widened brilliantly.
"Among the supplies delivered this time, in addition to various MS components, weapons, ammunition, and food provisions, there are newly developed low-altitude rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns and anti-aircraft missiles.
With these, our air defense pressure will be significantly reduced."
Andrew stood beside Felix and chuckled softly.
Hearing this, Felix also smiled and nodded.
At that moment,
A White Uniform officer approached him, stopping in front of Felix to salute. Felix looked at him and returned the salute. After lowering his hand, the White Uniform officer spoke.
"Captain Griffith, we have been dispatched by the Ministry of Defense to provide support."
"Thank you for coming."
Extending his hand for a handshake, Felix expressed his gratitude. After shaking hands, Doug looked at Felix and continued.
"By the way, Captain Felix, there is one more matter I need to inform you about."
"Mr. Doug, please speak freely!"
"In addition to providing support, we are also carrying a promotion order from the Ministry of Defense for you."
Doug looked at Felix and continued.
"Based on your combat performance in this battle, the Ministry of Defense has promoted you to White Uniform with Gold Trim."
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you! Thank you!"
In response to Doug's congratulations, Felix replied modestly. Andrew turned to Felix, enthusiastically wrapping an arm around him and congratulating him with a smile.
"Congratulations! Your promotion speed really makes me envious!"
"Don't worry! I believe it won't be long before you get a promotion opportunity too."
Hearing his congratulatory and teasing words, Felix replied with a smile. Andrew laughed and expressed his thanks.
"Thank you for the kind words!"
"Alright, let's not continue chatting here. Shall we go inside to talk?"
Seeing the situation, Felix invited them into the temporary command post to continue the conversation. Doug did not refuse and nodded in agreement.
...
Meanwhile,
At the Earth Alliance Forces command post on the outskirts of Victoria Spaceport
"Commander, we have just received intelligence from our undercover scouts."
Horton entered Hope's room and reported.
Hope turned to look at Horton and asked.
"What is the news?"
"The ZAFT Forces at Victoria Spaceport have received reinforcements. Based on visual estimates, the reinforcement unit consists of at least 150 MS."
Horton looked at Lieutenant General Hope and relayed the intelligence.
After hearing this, Hope sat in his chair and pondered the matter.
'At least 150 MS reinforcements, plus their remaining forces in the entire spaceport, means Victoria Spaceport now has a minimum of around 250 MS. With such a large-scale force, the battle will become even more challenging.'
"Alright, I understand the situation."
Hope nodded at Horton in acknowledgment.
He gestured for Horton to leave.
Seeing the commander's signal, Horton turned and exited the room.
After Horton left, Hope reported to headquarters.
"Chief Commander, the ZAFT Forces have provided reinforcements to Victoria Spaceport. This reinforcement consists of over 150 MS."
"Understood. I will report this to the Council. Whether you receive additional troops will depend on the Council's approval."
The Earth Alliance Forces commander replied briefly before ending the communication. Hope stared at the disconnected communicator for a moment before placing it on the desk.
Sitting back in his chair, he didn't dwell on the matter further.
...
At Victoria Spaceport
"Captain Griffith, what's the current military situation of the Earth Alliance Forces surrounding Victoria Spaceport?"
After entering the room, Doug turned to Felix with his inquiry. Looking up at Doug, Felix's expression turned serious as he responded.
"While we've managed to eliminate some Earth Alliance Forces units through combat, their numbers remain substantial. They have over six hundred Vanguard Fighters and four to five hundred Tanks."
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