Patrick abruptly changed the subject during the communication and asked Felix another question.
"Have you received the new combat orders issued to you by the Ministry of Defense?"
"Yes, we have received them."
Felix nodded as he replied.
After answering, Felix continued speaking to Patrick.
"Chairman, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Go ahead!"
Hearing Patrick's response, Felix began to voice his concerns.
"Endymion is a resource extraction base for the Earth Alliance Forces, primarily mining metallic minerals and helium-3 containing ores for the Earth Alliance. To facilitate more efficient mining operations, the Earth Alliance installed the Cyclops System here to break up ore deposits.
Based on publicly available information, if the Cyclops System were activated in an uncontrolled manner, it wouldn't just destroy the ore deposits - it could also damage MS, warships, and other military assets."
"Are you suggesting the Earth Alliance might deliberately cause the Cyclops System to go out of control to eliminate our ZAFT forces?"
Patrick interrupted Felix's explanation with a counter-question. The interrupted Felix didn't continue further, simply nodding to Patrick through the communication and responding with an affirmative "Yes."
"Exactly. I'm concerned that after we launch our attack, the Earth Alliance might intentionally cause the system to go out of control, either to secure victory or to eliminate us entirely."
This response made the communication fall silent momentarily. Unable to hear Patrick's reply, Felix waited quietly.
About ten seconds passed before the silence was broken.
"I only want Endymion! How to capture it is your responsibility to consider, not mine.
Is that clear?"
The serious and resolute tone made Felix understand clearly that there was no room for negotiation regarding the operation to attack Endymion.
No matter how difficult it might be, he would have to grit his teeth and push forward.
"Understood! Chairman."
Nodding, Felix responded with a heavy nod.
After hearing this, Patrick's stern tone softened considerably as he spoke through the communication.
"You have approximately two weeks of preparation time. During this period, make any requests you have to the Ministry of Defense. The Ministry will do its best to fulfill all your requirements to ensure the success of this operation."
"Thank you for your generous support, Chairman!"
Receiving such a commitment from Patrick, Felix expressed his gratitude. Patrick gave a slight nod, accepting the thanks, and said.
"Alright, let's end our communication here for today. We'll talk again another time."
"Very well, Chairman."
After replying, Felix saw the communication get disconnected. Looking at the terminated call, Felix leaned back in his chair, raised his hand to rub his temples, and murmured to himself.
"There's no way to change this operation."
After a few seconds, Felix sat up straight and found the corresponding data on the computer. Looking at the structural details of the Endymion crater, an idea formed in his mind. A slight smile touched his lips as he murmured:
"However, I can secretly infiltrate and take control of this Cyclops System. Once I have this system under my command, the so-called malfunction of the Cyclops System will become impossible."
At this moment, Felix thought of the man known as the Eagle of Endymion—the one who turned impossibility into possibility. Gazing out through the viewport, Felix's expression turned playful, and he mused inwardly:
Mu La Flaga, I wonder if this time, facing me, you'll still be able to turn impossibility into possibility and live up to the title Eagle of Endymion.
With that thought, Felix felt a growing anticipation for the upcoming assault on Endymion.
Knock, knock, knock!!
A series of knocks pulled him from his thoughts. He turned toward the door and called out:
"Come in!"
As he spoke, Felix also activated the door release.
Looking toward the entrance, he saw Klaus standing there. Seeing the young man alive and present, Felix knew he had overcome his excessive psychological defense mechanisms.
"Seeing you standing here tells me you've conquered your mental barriers," Felix said with a smile as Klaus stepped forward.
Klaus nodded, a bright smile on his face, and bowed deeply to Felix.
"Captain Griffith, thank you for giving me this opportunity. Without you, I could never have overcome it."
"No need to thank me. Overcoming it was your own achievement. If you hadn't put in the effort, the chance I gave you would have been your death warrant," Felix replied, shaking his head with a slight smile.
Klaus straightened up, his eyes burning with fervent admiration. Seeing that look in Klaus's eyes brought Felix even greater satisfaction.
"Was there anything else you needed?" Felix asked.
"No, I came specifically to thank you," Klaus replied, shaking his head.
In that case, you may go. I still have work to do," Felix said, gesturing toward the door.
"Yes, sir!" Klaus saluted, his voice ringing clear, then lowered his arm and turned to leave.
After Klaus had gone, Felix bent over his desk and began drafting the operational plan for the assault on Endymion.
Meanwhile, in PLANT, Aprilius City, District One
"Lacus, are you saying you want to go to the front lines to perform for ZAFT troops?" Siegel looked at his daughter, surprise evident in his eyes.
Lacus met her father's gaze and nodded earnestly. "Yes."
"You do realize the front lines are dangerous," Siegel reminded her after hearing her reply.
Lacus lifted her head, her eyes locking with her father's, and spoke with deliberate seriousness: "Father, I know the front lines are dangerous. But I also know that I am a member of PLANT, and I have a responsibility and duty to contribute to PLANT."
At this point, Lacus recalled what Felix had said at her home not long ago, and thoughts of those warriors who had shed blood for PLANT made her eyes redden slightly. Lowering her gaze, she pressed her crimson lips together before continuing to speak to her father.
"All I can do is sing. The only thing I can accomplish is to bring them comfort and solace through my voice. Beyond that, I'm helpless to contribute."
Hearing these words and seeing the self-reproach and guilt on his daughter's face along with her slightly reddened eyes, Siegel swallowed his other remarks and gave his consent.
"I agree."
Lacus looked up at her father. Siegel reached out to gently ruffle her soft hair as his tender voice filled the space between them.
"Lacus, I'm comforted that you think this way, and I'm proud of you! But please remember - everyone's purpose in existing is different. You have your own meaning for being here, and there are things only you can do.
So just focus on being yourself."
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