'It seems that guy is an exception!'
Seeing no one else withdraw from combat, Felix breathed a sigh of relief internally, then wondered to himself.
'How did that guy pass the psychological training? Or did someone give him special treatment?'
After this self-reflection, Felix focused his attention on the present, pushing other thoughts aside.
Time passed quickly, and an hour and a half later, above the lunar surface five hundred miles from Lorentz Crater, the fleet group composed of four squadrons came to a halt.
Bay doors opened, and Mobius units equipped with missiles were deployed one after another.
"Remember, our mission is to launch missiles, not engage in close combat with ZAFT Forces. Fire missiles at the three hundred kilometer mark from ZAFT positions, then immediately disengage and return. Do not linger after launching!"
Inside the cockpit of a squad leader's Mobius, the pilot gave final instructions to his subordinates before the operation commenced.
"Understood!"
Hearing their responses, the leader fell silent.
He piloted his Mobius forward, continuing the advance.
...
Above Lorentz Crater
"Squad Leader, the warship's optoelectronic detection system and laser radar have detected the Earth Alliance fleet stopping five hundred kilometers from Lorentz Crater!"
Aric's voice echoed through the Dawn's cockpit.
Felix frowned slightly and asked, "Is there any indication their fleet intends to advance further?"
"None!" Aric replied decisively, then continued. "They've deployed their Mobius Mobile Armors, and a large number are currently heading our way."
"Understood."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Felix ended the communication with Aric.
Switching channels, he broadcast to all forces.
"All units, prepare for combat!"
With that, Felix was the first to enter combat readiness.
At the three hundred kilometer mark from Lorentz Crater!
"Reached launch position!"
A Mobius pilot announced, then flipped the launch switch. After completing the launch, he quickly piloted the Mobius back toward base.
At the same moment, other Mobius pilots who had arrived simultaneously performed the same maneuver.
Missiles detached from the Mobius Mobile Armors' launch racks, their propulsion systems accelerating them rapidly until they reached hypersonic speeds.
Above Lorentz Crater
"Squad Leader, the situation is unusual!"
Aric's voice sounded again in the Dawn's cockpit.
Felix's heart tightened, but he steadied himself and calmly inquired, "What's happening?"
"These Earth Alliance Mobius units didn't advance after launching their missiles—they turned back immediately. There are now numerous missiles heading straight for us!"
Aric continued reporting over the comms.
Felix listened and replied calmly, "Understood!"
After those three words, Felix ordered all forces to prepare for combat.
After the alert was issued, Felix calmly waited for the missiles to enter the detection range of the Mobile Suit's optoelectronic detection system and laser radar.
Once the missiles had traveled two hundred miles, they fully entered the Mobile Suit's detection range.
Observing the various data displayed on the screen, Felix controlled the Dawn to raise its Heavy Assault Machine Gun, aiming the muzzle forward without immediately firing.
At a distance of one hundred kilometers, firing was unsafe. The missiles' head-mounted detection devices could likely detect the attack and evade it.
Thus, for safety, allowing them to approach somewhat closer was the most appropriate choice!
Eighty kilometers!
Sixty kilometers!
Forty kilometers!
As the numbers rapidly decreased and the distance shortened, Felix decisively gave the order.
"Fire!"
With those two words, Felix was the first to pull the trigger.
The two Heavy Assault Machine Guns in the Dawn's hands activated, firing two rounds from their chambers.
The bullets shot forward.
Other Mobile Suit Pilots followed Felix's lead, pulling their triggers at the same moment. The GINN's weapons also launched large-caliber rounds.
Bullets crossed the distance between them, heading straight for the incoming missiles.
The foremost missiles in the swarm collided with these bullets, their warheads and unburned propellant exploding together, creating a brilliant display of light above the moon.
These explosions did not affect the missiles behind them.
The missiles passed through the blasts and continued forward, activating their terminal acceleration programs.
Their speed increased further!
At this range, the Cluster Missiles activated, their front warheads splitting open to release smaller sub-munitions that surged toward Felix and the others.
"Damn it, why did the number suddenly increase so much?"
Seeing the sudden multiplication of missiles, Felix muttered impatiently. After this outburst, he quickly regained his composure.
"Everyone, be extra careful!"
After issuing the warning over the comms, Felix continued to control the Dawn, firing at the incoming threats.
Round after round was fired from the gun chambers.
Missile after missile was struck and destroyed.
On the warship side
"Fire! Sweep the beam cannons horizontally across the forward firing points!"
Aric observed the situation ahead and gave the order.
The Tactical Commander, hearing the command, directed the fire control unit personnel to carry out the corresponding actions.
The Beam Cannons opened fire!
Their muzzles moved slowly in unison!
Under the sweeping fire of the Beam Cannons, large swathes of missiles ahead were destroyed.
This method proved more efficient than the shooting by Felix and his team.
Once this attack was completed, Aric continued to issue orders for further assaults.
As the missiles were gradually destroyed, the number of incoming missiles dwindled. However, Felix did not let his guard down despite the improving situation.
"Damn it, what the hell is this!"
A voice over the comms instantly caught Felix's attention.
Slightly turning his head to check the situation on the flank, he saw a GINN impaled by numerous needle-like objects.
Before Felix could ponder what was happening, some of those needles were already heading toward the Dawn.
Spotting the needles with sharp reflexes, Felix maneuvered the Dawn swiftly, evading them with a few quick moves.
Dodging these steel needles, Felix looked around and saw many GINNs being attacked by the steel needles.
'Damn! This is totally different from the original! There were no missiles with steel needles in the original!'
In this situation, Felix complained inwardly.
After his internal complaint, Felix inquired over the comms.
"How is everyone?"
"I'm fine, Captain!"
"I'm okay too, Captain!"
One after another, replies sounded over the comms. Following these responses, another voice continued.
"Captain, these steel needles can penetrate the GINN's outer limb armor with continuous attacks. Many internal circuits and pipes have been damaged. The GINN is severely damaged and probably can't continue fighting."