"Captain, there's unusual activity at Ptolemaeus Lunar Base!"
The brief message reached Felix's ears through the communication channel.
Felix immediately understood the meaning of this "unusual activity," his expression turning grave as he issued orders.
"Continue observing!"
After these four words, he ended the communication and switched channels to address the entire force.
"All units, stand ready! The enemy's attack is imminent!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Responses came immediately after the announcement.
Listening to these replies, Felix switched communications again, his gaze fixed ahead. Beneath his solemn expression, he silently prayed.
'I hope everything passes safely!'
...
Moon
Ptolemaeus Lunar Base
All warships docked within the base were being loaded with ammunition in a flurry of activity. Missile after missile was transported through the cargo bay doors into the ships' ammunition storage.
"The number of missiles we're loading this time has increased by at least two standard units compared to before!"
A maintenance crew soldier exclaimed while looking at the ammunition arranged in the storage and hangar. His comrade standing beside him nodded, pointing at some missiles.
"These are the newly developed Cluster Missiles. Compared to the previous versions, these are more advanced - each mother missile carries thirty percent more submunitions.
They have a wider engagement range."
His finger then pointed in another direction as he continued.
"And over here are the newly equipped Steel Needle Missiles. Each missile warhead contains over two hundred steel needles. When the warhead detonates, these needles are extremely powerful and can cause significant damage to those MS.
Even if they don't destroy them, they can damage them enough to render them combat ineffective!"
"Stop chatting and get back to work!"
A voice interrupted their conversation from outside their group.
Turning to look, they saw their squad leader standing not far away with a stern expression. Seeing the squad leader's serious demeanor, the two lowered their heads without another word and resumed their work.
Base Control Room
"Major General Seramon, the First and Second Fleets are fully prepared and ready to launch at any time!"
A soldier reported to Seramon after receiving the readiness notifications from both fleets. Seramon looked out through the control room window as he issued orders.
"First and Second Fleets, exit the base and stand by above the base!"
"Yes, sir!"
The soldier acknowledged, opening communications to relay the command.
"First and Second Fleets, please exit the base! Stand by above the base!"
"First and Second Fleets, please exit the base! Stand by above the base!"
After repeating the command twice, two distinct responses came through the communications one after another.
"First Fleet, roger!"
"Second Fleet, roger!"
"Control room acknowledges!"
The soldier replied, then turned to look at his comrade. The two exchanged glances and counted down simultaneously.
"Three! Two! One!"
As the countdown ended, the buttons beneath their fingers were simultaneously activated.
The massive circular hatch above the First and Second Fleets slid open. Upon seeing this, the Commander of the First Fleet issued the first order.
"Launch!"
Following this command, the warships of the First Fleet began ascending in an orderly sequence.
After their departure, the Second Fleet followed suit, departing from within the base.
Dispatch Control Room
"Fifth and Eighth Fleets, proceed to the base for resupply!"
"Fifth and Eighth Fleets, proceed to the base for resupply!"
"Fifth Fleet, acknowledged!"
"Eighth Fleet, acknowledged!"
...
One hour and twenty minutes later
The Fifth and Eighth Fleets completed resupply operations, departed the base, and rendezvoused with the First and Second Fleets in orbit.
The four fleets formed a massive warship formation and launched from Ptolemaeus Lunar Base.
Inside the Base
"Have they launched already?"
Richard inquired through the comms to Seramon.
Seramon glanced at the Commander, saluted, then lowered his hand and nodded.
"They've launched."
"Hmm!"
Richard grunted in acknowledgment, ending the communication with Seramon.
Office
Richard studied the electronic map before him, rising to approach it. His fingers traced across the display, zooming in on Lorentz Crater. Frowning slightly at the lunar feature, he murmured to himself.
"May everything proceed in time! May all our wishes be fulfilled!"
...
Above Lorentz Crater
Dawn Cockpit
"Understood."
Felix responded to his subordinate's report.
His fingers manipulated the communicator as he broadcasted to all forces.
"The Earth Alliance Forces from Ptolemaeus Lunar Base have launched! At current distance, estimated arrival within two hours maximum. All personnel, prepare accordingly!"
After the announcement, Felix switched comm channels.
"Can we accelerate the operation?"
"Team Leader Griffith, we're already at maximum speed. Further acceleration isn't possible."
A resigned voice echoed through the comms.
Sensing the genuine helplessness in the response, Felix didn't press further, manually terminating the connection.
His gaze fixed forward, taking in the panoramic view: the silent lunar surface, the vast and soundless black cosmos. With each passing second, the void seemed like a ravenous beast devouring all tranquility from human hearts.
"Who fired that shot?"
Felix's sharp voice cut through the comms as optical sensors detected a heavy caliber round streaking into the darkness ahead.
"Sorry, Team Leader!"
A trembling voice responded over the comms.
The shudder in the voice clearly conveyed the speaker's fear of the silent waiting.
"Stow your weapons and assist with unloading!"
"Yes, Team Leader."
The Mobile Suit Pilot acknowledged, promptly securing the GINN's weapons and descending toward the surface.
Watching the descent through optical sensors, Felix sighed inwardly.
'Another recruit who joined ZAFT on impulse.'
His melancholy shifted into quiet exasperation as the thought lingered.
"What the hell are those recruitment and screening guys doing? This guy has such poor mental fortitude, yet they still passed him and approved him for formal service in ZAFT!"
After complaining, Felix switched the communication to ZAFT's internal public channel and addressed all Mobile Suit Pilots.
"Before the battle starts, if you feel you can't handle it, follow that guy from earlier and descend to unload."
After speaking, Felix added in the communication.
"Don't try to act tough here, or you'll only end up dead in the upcoming battle."
After the announcement, Felix quietly waited for the outcome. Fortunately, there were no further incidents like the initial one. Everyone suppressed their inner tension and remained at their positions.
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