"You make a valid point. I hadn't considered that thoroughly enough."
After some thought, Doug acknowledged Andrew's words while reflecting on his own earlier ideas. Hearing their conversation, Felix looked at the electronic map before them and said.
"Both of you make good points! So I've combined your suggestions and performed calculations based on reducing time consumption."
As he spoke, Felix pointed to the results displayed on the electronic map - the time saved calculated from Guuru's flight speed and the reduced distance of two hundred kilometers.
Seeing the few minutes of saved time, Andrew didn't object. He understood clearly that a few minutes could sometimes mean saving the lives of several Mobile Suit Pilots.
Doug also accepted the calculation without objection, calmly agreeing.
"Wait!" Doug spoke up again. Both turned their attention to him, and under their gaze he continued. "I think to confuse the enemy's judgment, we should change the paint scheme of Captain Griffith's MS to match that of ordinary MS. This way, the enemy won't be able to concentrate fire on Captain Griffith based on the color scheme, which will be more advantageous for his combat and enemy elimination."
"Excellent suggestion!"
Nodding, Felix accepted this proposal.
He opened communications and notified the maintenance team about this matter.
In the Hangar
The maintenance team leader scratched his head upon hearing the order, then turned to look at Felix's White GINN, responding in a loud voice.
"Rest assured, Captain! We'll complete the task without fail!"
After these words, the communication ended.
Putting down the communicator, the maintenance team leader gathered some team members. When several maintenance crew stood before him, he issued the order.
"According to Captain Griffith's instructions, we're to change the paint scheme of the White GINN that Captain Griffith pilots to that of a standard GINN.
This repainting job is time-sensitive - we need to complete it as quickly as possible.
Is that clear?"
"Clear!"
The maintenance team members responded in unison.
After hearing this, he clapped his hands and continued.
"Let's get to work quickly!"
With these words, everyone began working busily.
...
In the Earth Alliance Forces command center at the outskirts of Victoria Spaceport
"What are your thoughts on this operational plan?"
Hope looked at everyone seated there as he posed the question.
After reviewing the operation plan, one staff officer raised his hand to express his opinion.
"Commander, I have no objections to your idea of deploying reinforcements based on the location of that white-painted MS from the ZAFT Forces, but I believe we should further increase the reinforcement numbers."
"How much more are you thinking?"
Hope looked up at him as he asked in return.
The staff officer continued speaking.
"My proposal is to increase from the original two hundred to three hundred units, and if possible, up to four hundred."
"That idea of yours is somewhat reckless!"
A staff officer voiced opposition.
After objecting, he elaborated on his reasons.
"Currently, our total Vanguard Fighter count, including reinforcements, is only around 1,270 units. For this operation, the conventional deployment across five fronts already requires 750 units, leaving just over 500 remaining.
If we directly commit three or four hundred Vanguard Fighters to encircle this guy, the remaining units would be insufficient to maintain rear security. If the enemy launches a surprise attack at that moment, how would we ensure the safety of our rear areas and logistics support units on other fronts?
Destroying our own rear to kill him would leave our forces without ammunition resupply, making them lambs to the slaughter.
Therefore, I disagree with your proposal!"
"I support Staff Officer Johnny!"
Right after Johnny finished speaking, another staff officer raised his hand in agreement. Following him, other staff officers voiced their support.
Soon, the situation became overwhelmingly one-sided.
The staff officer who proposed increasing forces to kill Felix said nothing further upon seeing this, only snorting coldly to express his displeasure.
Hope intervened to diffuse the tension.
"Alright! Let's not let this issue sour the atmosphere. Regarding the matter of destroying the white MS, we can discuss increasing forces based on the situation when the time comes."
The commander's words eased the somewhat strained mood among the group.
Seeing this, Hope continued presiding over the meeting.
...
Two days later,
With all preparations complete, the Earth Alliance Forces launched their second offensive against Victoria Spaceport.
Among the ready forces, some frontline reconnaissance fighters took off first, conducting aerial reconnaissance for ground troops to ensure safe advancement.
The main air force units would take off according to plan after the ground forces had advanced a certain distance.
Command Center
"Have the troops been deployed?"
Hope looked at the large screen and asked Adjutant Horton.
Horton turned to face Hope and nodded in response.
"Reporting, Commander! Our ground forces have already begun advancing!"
"Have the forward reconnaissance troops reported any information about the ZAFT Forces occupying Victoria Spaceport?"
Hope nodded slightly and continued questioning.
Horton shook his head in reply.
"No latest intelligence has been received yet."
"Report immediately when new intelligence arrives!"
Hope said sternly.
Horton raised his hand in salute and responded seriously.
"Yes, Commander!"
...
Victoria Spaceport
ZAFT Forces Command Center
"Captain Griffith, scouts have returned with new intelligence!"
The soldier who rushed in spoke urgently as he reported.
Felix looked up at him and said calmly.
"Read it!"
"The Earth Alliance Forces have begun their operation!"
The soldier held the intelligence report and read from it.
Felix, Andrew, and Doug all turned to look at the soldier, with Andrew asking.
"How are their troops advancing?"
"The first to move were a small number of Vanguard Fighters, followed closely by the Earth Alliance Forces' ground troops. The scale of their ground forces has increased compared to the last engagement!"
The soldier reported the intelligence word by word. After reaching this point, he carefully reviewed the estimated numbers before continuing.
"The combined number of Tanks from the ground forces advancing simultaneously from five directions is estimated to exceed five hundred!"
After speaking, the soldier handed the intelligence report to Felix.
Taking the offered report, Felix carefully examined its contents before passing it to Andrew. With a light laugh, he remarked.
"Andrew, it seems this time the Earth Alliance Forces' actions somewhat align with Doug's predictions."
"Only somewhat. Overall, they still adhere to the integrated air-ground combat doctrine, which doesn't deviate much from my assessment."