"Flay, once the war is over, we'll return to Orb."
Holding Flay, Kira spoke softly.
Hearing this, Flay nodded gently.
"Mm."
...
One day later,
Lorentz Military Base, Moon
"Captain Griffith, thank you for coming."
Rogers showed delight as he warmly stepped forward to shake Felix's hand. Observing the enthusiastic Rogers, Felix gave a faint smile and inquired while shaking hands.
"Captain Rogers, what's the current situation at Lorentz Military Base?"
"Everything at the base is normal for now."
Upon hearing this, Rogers answered earnestly and truthfully with a serious expression.
After speaking, Rogers stepped aside to clear the path ahead and warmly suggested.
"Captain Griffith, shall we continue our discussion in the office?"
"Mm."
Nodding lightly, Felix responded in agreement.
Inside the Lorentz Military Base Commander's Office
Felix and Rogers sat facing each other. The earlier joy on Rogers' face had faded, replaced by a serious expression as he sighed.
"Ah!"
"Is there something significant going on?"
Seeing Rogers sigh, Felix's smile vanished, and he asked with a stern look.
Raising his head to look at Felix, Rogers began to explain in detail.
"Recently, the Earth Alliance Forces have been continuously transporting troops and various supplies to Ptolemy Military Base. As of now, the forces at Ptolemy Military Base have increased by one to two times compared to before.
In addition, the Earth Alliance Forces frequently dispatch small units to provoke armed conflicts near Grimaldi, keeping us under constant high pressure every day."
Hearing this, Felix slightly furrowed his brow and asked.
"What about the composition of these small units sent by the Earth Alliance Forces?"
"The small units operate with MS as the core and MA for support."
As he answered, Rogers thought of the Genesis Gundam piloted by Felix and added.
"It closely resembles the combat style of your Genesis."
"Similar to Genesis's combat style?" Felix murmured, then frowned and asked in return. "Can they manage to control it effectively?"
Upon hearing this, Rogers shook his head.
"Only the pattern is similar, but they aren't operated by a single person; it seems like multiple people are controlling it. In combat, one MA is responsible for battlefield reconnaissance, two provide fire support, while the MS engages our MS in direct combat."
"It appears the Earth Alliance Forces have developed a new small-unit combat tactic."
Understanding the situation, Felix calmly remarked. Rogers nodded in agreement, then spoke with a hint of gravity.
"That's correct."
Looking at Rogers, Felix asked again.
"How effective is this tactic of theirs in terms of results?"
"In terms of performance, the more proficient units can achieve a one-for-two or even one-for-three exchange against us. Under normal circumstances, they tend to trade one-for-one or even two-for-one with our forces."
Hearing this, Felix nodded calmly.
"Mm."
His gaze fixed on Rogers, Felix began to issue orders.
"For the coming period, we must avoid armed conflict with the Earth Alliance Forces in this regard, preserving our strength to the greatest extent possible."
"Yes, Captain Griffith."
Nodding, Rogers raised his hand in salute as he responded.
Watching Rogers, Felix stood up, straightened his uniform, and spoke with a serious expression.
"I'll leave the daily operations of the base in your hands."
Rogers nodded gravely and assured him, "Please rest assured, I will take full responsibility for these duties."
"Good."
With a slight nod, Felix turned and walked out of the room.
...
Meanwhile
Earth Alliance Forces Ptolemy Military Base
Commander's Office
"Commander, there's a change in ZAFT's movements."
Seramon stood tall before the desk, reporting with a stern expression.
Hearing this, Richard looked up at Seramon and asked in a somewhat cold tone, "What change?"
Meeting Richard's gaze, Seramon replied in a clear, loud voice, "ZAFT appears to have transferred their elite unit to the Lorentz Military Base."
Frowning in silence, Richard leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and pondered. After a moment's thought, he opened his eyes and ordered Seramon, "Dispatch a small unit to probe ZAFT's forces."
"Yes, sir!"
Saluting, Seramon acknowledged the command.
Lowering his arm, Seramon turned and exited the office. Watching him leave, Richard reached out and pressed the communicator.
The call went through, and after a brief moment, it was answered.
"What is it?"
Hearing the inquiry from Commander-in-Chief Williams over the comm, Richard saluted the figure on the screen.
Williams gave a slight nod and said, "Skip the formalities. Get straight to the point."
"Yes, sir!" Richard lowered his arm and reported gravely. "Commander-in-Chief, ZAFT has deployed their elite unit to the moon."
"Elite unit?" Williams murmured, looking at Richard. "The one that wields the Sword of Damocles?"
"Yes, Commander-in-Chief."
Richard nodded in confirmation.
Upon receiving the response, Williams' expression grew profound. Leaning back in his chair, he tapped the desk lightly with his fingers. After a silent moment of contemplation, he stated seriously, "Keep a close watch on ZAFT Forces' movements on the moon."
"Yes, sir." Nodding in acknowledgment, Richard then asked Williams, "Commander-in-Chief, how should we respond to this unit?"
"Leave them be." Williams glanced at Richard and said calmly, "Just wait for the signal to commence the general offensive."
"Yes, sir!"
Richard nodded, saluted, and replied.
Williams looked at him and gave a slight nod.
"Good."
With that, Williams ended the communication.
Staring at the terminated call, Richard lowered his saluting arm, leaned back in his chair, and turned to gaze at a painting on the wall.
His expression suddenly turned resolute, and he muttered to himself, "Sword of Damocles? This time, I will make sure you meet your downfall!"
...
Lorentz Military Base
"Captain, how are things at the base?"
Aric stood before Felix, his face etched with concern as he addressed him.
Upon hearing this, Felix looked up at Aric and sighed, his voice tinged with melancholy as he replied.
"The base is currently stable, but this calm is unlikely to last." As he spoke, Felix's expression grew more serious. "The Earth Alliance Forces will soon launch a full-scale assault on Lorentz Military Base."
After saying this, Felix turned to Aric and instructed, "Tell Heine and the others to remain on constant alert for battle."
"Yes!"