"You're absolutely right."
Felix and Andrew simultaneously looked up at Doug, speaking in unison. After speaking, they both lowered their heads to examine the various information displayed on the electronic map. Seeing them like this, Doug also followed suit and lowered his head.
Several days later, "Captain Griffith, thank you for your hard work."
The maintenance crew leader looked at Felix with a sincere smile on his face.
Looking at him, Felix nodded slightly.
"You've all worked hard too."
After saying this, he turned to look at the Dawn behind him and continued.
"I'll entrust my MS to your care."
"You're too kind, this is what we should be doing."
The maintenance crew leader smiled slightly and replied politely.
After hearing his response, Felix smiled slightly and strode toward the outside.
After changing his clothes in the locker room, he headed straight for the command center.
In the command center, "You've worked hard."
Doug looked at Felix's return and revealed a smile.
Nodding slightly, Felix walked to the water dispenser and poured himself a cup of water. While drinking, he noticed the coffee placed on the table.
"Has Andrew returned already?"
"He's back, but he went to the restroom just now."
Nodding, Doug looked at Felix and replied.
After learning this, Felix didn't ask further. Holding his water cup, he came to Doug's side. Placing the cup on the table, he looked at the content displayed on the electronic map.
"Through our actions these past few days, we've basically drawn all the Earth Alliance Forces' attention in Africa. This should make things much easier for the troops landing in the northwest corner."
"Mhmm." Doug nodded, looking at the map. "We just received news from the northern forces via high-altitude reconnaissance drone not long ago."
"How's the situation?"
Looking up at Doug, Felix inquired.
Doug explained.
"Earlier today, they successfully established a foothold in the Gibraltar Strait area at the northwest corner of the African continent. They're currently setting up a temporary camp and consolidating their gains."
"In that case, we need to intensify our efforts."
Upon hearing this good news, Felix said with a smile.
He looked at the electronic map before him, contemplating how to proceed with their attacks. Seeing this, Doug followed Felix's gaze as they studied future assault plans together.
"Finally, it's over."
In the Victoria Spaceport command center, Felix slumped in his chair, sighing with emotion.
Andrew patted Felix's shoulder and thanked him with a smile. "We owe a lot to you during this period."
"Don't say that, it's all thanks to home."
Turning his head to look at Andrew, Felix lazily raised his hand and waved it, responding very modestly. Andrew looked at Felix, smiled, and strode toward the coffee machine.
"Want a cup of coffee?"
"With sugar and milk!"
Glancing at Andrew, Felix nodded and stated his requirements. Andrew looked at Felix and smiled.
"You could try tasting the original flavor of coffee."
"No!"
Felix decisively shook his head, firmly refusing.
After being rejected, Andrew shook his head regretfully.
"You missed out on something delicious."
"That's your idea of delicious."
Felix shot Andrew a sideways glance as he retorted.
June 8th, Victoria Spaceport
"I never thought we'd have to part again."
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Doug, Andrew looked at Felix with reluctance. Meeting their gaze, Felix smiled and reached out to pat both their shoulders.
"Parting is for the sake of better reunions. I believe it won't be long before we gather again to fight side by side."
As he spoke, his hands on their shoulders shifted to light punches, delivered with a joking smile.
"But before that, don't you two go dying on me."
"We'll outlive you for sure."
Exchanging a look, they laughed in response.
They similarly raised their hands to give Felix a light punch on the shoulder.
After this, Felix chuckled.
"Alright then, it's settled - none of us dies."
With that, Felix stepped forward and spread his arms to give them both a big hug. Andrew and Doug smiled and nodded, extending their arms to return the embrace.
After the hug, Felix formally bid farewell to Andrew and Doug.
As Andrew and Doug walked out, they looked toward the mass driver and saw the large space transport ship carrying the Griffith Team's MS and personnel speeding along the mass driver.
"It's gone."
They sighed with emotion, watching until the large space transport ship disappeared from view before turning to leave.
In Space
The transport ship successfully entered space and rendezvoused with the Griffith Team led by Aric. The transport ship's hatch opened, and Felix and others piloted their MS out of the transport, flying toward the warships.
As the last MS exited the space transport, the ship's hatch closed.
Aboard the Alighieri Bridge
Upon arriving here, Felix established communication with the shuttle aircraft.
"How's your situation?"
"All secure, Captain Griffith."
The shuttle aircraft captain's reply came through the comm.
His worries eased, Felix acknowledged with a hum. Ending the communication, he dialed the transport ship's comm.
After confirming their status, he hung up and looked at Aric.
"Let's move out."
"Yes, Captain."
Aric saluted and responded loudly.
Lowering his hand and looking forward, Aric issued orders.
"Advance in triangular formation! Protect the transport ship and shuttle aircraft in the center position - ensure their safety!"
"Roger!"
The captains of the Balzac and Maxim responded through the comm.
Aric gazed ahead and spoke again.
"Move out!"
PLANT Homeland, December City District 1, ZAFT Headquarters Barracks
After disembarking from the warship and returning to his barracks quarters, Felix headed straight for the bedroom.
After washing up, he lay down on the bed and fell asleep.
The Next Day
A ringing sound startled Felix from his sleep. Opening his slightly drowsy eyes, he picked up the phone from the bedside table.
Seeing the caller display, his sleepiness quickly vanished from his eyes. Sitting up, he answered the call.
"How was your rest?"
Patrick's concerned voice came through.
Seeing the Chairman, Felix raised his hand in salute. Lowering it, he nodded toward Patrick. "I rested very well last night."
"That's good." Patrick nodded with a kindly smile, then shifted the topic. "There's something I need to ask of you."
"Chairman, please go ahead."
Felix straightened his posture, his expression serious as he replied. After speaking, he quietly awaited Patrick's response. Seeing Felix's earnest demeanor, Patrick chuckled and gestured for him to relax.
"No need to be so formal—this isn't a combat mission." Pausing briefly, Patrick continued, "I just want you to provide some guidance to your juniors at the Military Academy."