After speaking, Windsor on the other side of the communication screen turned his gaze to Felix. Felix did not respond to Windsor's statement, instead shifting his attention to James.
James noticed Felix's gaze and understood it was time for him to voice his opinion.
"I also support Brian's idea!"
Seeing both of them backing Brian's proposal, and observing Felix's silence, Bell already knew the outcome.
"Bell, do you have anything else to add?"
Instead of directly responding, Felix questioned Bell. The addressed Bell shook his head at Felix.
"Nothing more, Captain Griffith."
Seeing Bell had nothing further to say, Felix finally spoke about the ideas of Bell and Brian.
"Both Brian and Bell's thoughts and considerations are reasonable, but I also find Brian's approach quite sound."
With this brief statement, the more specific tactical plan was confirmed. Bell offered no objection, quietly accepting the decision.
Felix continued at this point.
"The upcoming operation will proceed according to the tactics Brian outlined. I will lead the Griffith Team in ultra-low altitude navigation, eventually concealing ourselves inside Grimaldi Crater, waiting for the opportune moment to deploy.
You will proceed with the operation as normally planned!"
"Yes!"
The four saluted Felix in response.
Felix nodded slightly and then terminated the communication.
After ending the call, Felix summoned Klaus.
"Captain Griffith, you called for me?"
Klaus entered, saluting respectfully as he spoke.
Turning to look at Klaus, Felix calmly began.
"Due to the specific tactical requirements, the Griffith Team under my command will be hiding inside Grimaldi Crater and won't participate in the initial phase of the operation."
Here, Felix turned to look at him again.
"So I plan to transfer you to Brian's team, where you'll operate alongside them!"
"I'll follow your arrangements!"
Klaus responded to Felix in a loud, clear voice. Felix continued.
"Since you won't be operating with me, I won't be able to watch over you on the battlefield. Your survival will depend entirely on yourself - as they say, life and death are predetermined by fate.
Whether you live or die will be your own destiny."
"I understand."
Klaus could sense the seriousness and gravity in Felix's words, his expression growing solemn in response, his voice losing its loudness and becoming weighted with solemn resolve.
Hearing his reply, Felix lifted his head to meet his gaze and advised him.
"Though life and death may be fated, you must constantly monitor your condition on the battlefield. Don't charge forward recklessly at the beginning, and avoid close combat with enemies without caution. Engage from a reasonable distance, gradually overcoming your inner obstacles, understand?"
"If anything goes wrong, retreat immediately. Don't push yourself on the battlefield, understand?"
"I know! I understand! Thank you for your guidance, Captain."
After hearing these meticulous instructions, Klaus felt warmth in his heart. Looking at Felix, Klaus felt his nose sting with emotion, suppressing the outburst within as he bowed deeply to Felix while responding verbally.
Watching Klaus bow, Felix waved his hand.
"Dismissed!"
Upon hearing this, Klaus straightened up, raised his hand in a salute, then turned and walked out.
After Klaus left, Felix issued an order to Aric.
"Reduce altitude and initiate ultra-low altitude silent navigation!"
"Yes!"
Aric responded while looking ahead and speaking.
"Report current altitude!"
"Current altitude three thousand five hundred meters."
The helmsman checked the altitude display on the screen and reported to Aric. After hearing this, Aric gave the order.
"Descend to thirty meters! Commence ultra-low altitude navigation!"
"Yes!"
The helmsman responded and immediately manipulated the control column to begin descending. The other two combat ships followed the Alighieri in descending altitude.
The three warships eventually descended to approximately thirty meters above the lunar surface.
At such altitude, the helmsmen piloting the ships remained fully focused, not daring to slack off in the slightest—this was arguably the lowest flying altitude they had ever maintained while operating warships.
After receiving confirmation from the helmsman, Aric issued another order.
"Activate silent running!"
"Yes!"
Following this response, the relevant crew members began shutting down non-essential equipment to bring the warships to optimal silent running standards.
"Silent running complete!"
"Hmm."
With an acknowledging hum, Aric also received confirmations from the other two warships. After consolidating the responses, Aric turned to Felix and reported.
"Captain, all procedures completed."
"Hmm."
Felix, resting his chin on one hand, nodded slightly and hummed in acknowledgment.
His gaze fixed ahead as he quietly awaited the commencement of the operation.
One hour and thirty minutes later,
While Felix and the others continued their routine navigation, the scene at Ptolemaeus Lunar Base was entirely different.
"Commander, reconnaissance reports indicate a ZAFT Forces unit is advancing toward our position. They will arrive near Grimaldi Crater in approximately forty minutes."
Seramon stood before Richard, his expression somewhat grave as he delivered the intelligence report. Richard looked up at Seramon and inquired.
"What is the composition of this unit?"
"Currently unclear."
Seramon shook his head in response. Richard frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of severity.
"Continue reconnaissance and dispatch the First Fleet to intercept. Ensure the enemy is stopped at a considerable distance from Ptolemaeus."
"Yes!"
Seramon saluted and responded before turning to leave.
Forty minutes later
Inside Grimaldi Crater
The Alighieri, Bazark, and Maxim hung silently thirty meters above the ground, while above the three warships were the Windsor Squad, Bell Squad, James Squad, and Brian Squad.
Currently on the bridge of the Alighieri...
"Lead your troops to continue advancing toward Ptolemaeus Lunar Base, but don't move too quickly. Maintain proximity to Grimaldi Crater to ensure we can support each other if needed!"
Felix issued the command over the communications channel while looking at the four individuals.
Upon hearing the order, they responded in unison.
"Yes!"
After receiving their confirmation, Felix ended the communication.
Once the call concluded, Aric, seated beside him, spoke up.
"Captain, could the Earth Alliance Forces reconnaissance equipment we discovered earlier pose a problem for us?"
"Minimal impact. It won't disrupt our overall operations or tactics," Felix replied, shaking his head.
Hearing this, Aric asked no further.
At Ptolemaeus Lunar Base
"Any new intelligence?" Richard inquired, turning to Seramon from his seat.
Seramon shook his head as he faced Richard.
"Commander, many of our forward-deployed reconnaissance and laser signal relay equipment units have been destroyed. We currently lack updated intelligence on their movements."
He then shifted the topic, continuing, "However, based on prior analysis, these ZAFT forces should have reached the vicinity of Grimaldi Crater. As for the ZAFT Forces unit operating at ultra-low altitude, their whereabouts remain unknown—we cannot determine their precise location or direction at this time."