In the PLANT Supreme Council chamber, Patrick calmly displayed combat footage from the frontlines to all assembled council members, with particular emphasis on nuclear missiles being destroyed by the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam.
"The Earth Alliance has once again deployed nuclear weapons against us. They intend to recreate the Junius Seven tragedy and completely annihilate PLANT."
After saying this, Patrick scanned the room, took a deep breath, and spoke again in a resolute, forceful tone.
"This is no longer merely a war - it is an extermination campaign targeting PLANT, a blatant war of humanitarian destruction. Therefore, I propose that PLANT implement full national mobilization, directing all resources toward military production to ensure our security!"
As Patrick finished speaking, Ezalia quickly raised her hand.
"I agree!"
"I agree as well."
Herman raised his hand in approval following Ezalia's agreement.
Next was Yuri.
"I also agree!"
With all four members of the Defense Committee in agreement, the rest of the council members began raising their hands one after another.
When the final member raised their hand, Patrick's proposal was officially passed.
Seeing this, Patrick nodded with satisfaction.
At that moment, the newly appointed foreign affairs commissioner spoke up.
"Chairman, I believe we shouldn't rely solely on PLANT's strength. We should use this opportunity to issue a statement and seek support from nations on Earth."
"All nations on Earth are currently subdued by the Earth Alliance's military threats. Gaining allies will be extremely difficult."
Louise glanced at the new foreign affairs commissioner, her tone growing more serious. The new commissioner looked at Louise and replied with a smile, "We can approach resistance forces that oppose the Earth Alliance's hegemony and have them create trouble for the Alliance."
"That could work." Nodding, Louise agreed. She looked up at Patrick and raised her hand. "Chairman, I support this idea."
"I agree with this proposal!"
Ezalia glanced at Louise and raised her hand in approval. Seeing this, Herman and Yuri also raised their hands.
"I support this idea."
"I support this idea!"
...
Seeing unanimous agreement from all present, Patrick nodded calmly.
"Very well, this proposal is approved."
Turning to the new foreign affairs commissioner, Patrick instructed, "This matter is entrusted to you."
"Yes, Chairman."
The new foreign affairs commissioner nodded in response to Patrick.
...
After the council session,
In the Chairman's office
Patrick looked at Herman seated before him and directed, "With all of PLANT's resources shifting toward the war effort, we must accelerate progress on the GENESIS project."
"Don't worry, I'll expedite the timeline."
Nodding, Herman assured Patrick.
Hearing this assurance, Patrick gave a slight nod.
"You may go attend to your duties now."
"Understood."
Battlefield
After the Genesis Gundam eliminated a Strike Dagger with its Beam Rifle, Aric's voice came through the comms.
"Captain."
"What is it?"
Felix glanced at Aric on the comm screen, his expression unchanged as he inquired. While speaking, Felix's finger pulled the trigger.
The waist-mounted Sailfish Railgun fired.
The high-velocity shell instantly destroyed two Strike Daggers.
"There's new intel from the Boaz Fortress front."
"What's the situation?"
Responding to Aric, Felix operated the controls based on the screen display—left foot pressing the forward pedal, right foot pressing the reverse pedal, then both feet simultaneously pressing the reverse pedal.
Under his command, the Genesis Gundam rotated its frame while retreating backward.
After evading the attack, Aric's voice resumed through the comms.
"The combat is exceptionally intense, but Miss Clyne and the others have entered the battlefield. The nuclear missile attack was also intercepted."
"Any other new intelligence besides this?"
Felix nodded slightly before asking over the comms. Facing the inquiry, Aric shook his head and replied.
"Captain, no additional updates beyond that."
"Understood. Acknowledged."
Calmly responding, Felix ended the communication with Aric.
His fingers moved across the control sticks.
The weapon selection dial highlighted the shield.
The Genesis Gundam raised its shield, effortlessly blocking incoming frontal attacks.
The Beam Rifle easily neutralized the threat.
After eliminating the enemy unit, Felix activated the Multiple Lock-on System.
Targets ahead were sequentially marked.
As Felix pulled the trigger, the Whale Plasma Cluster Beam Cannon, Beam Rifle, Sailfish Railgun, Fortissimo Beam Cannon, and six DRAGOON Beam Assault Cannons fired simultaneously.
Overwhelming firepower surged toward the enemy formation.
Locked MS and Mobile Armors were struck one after another.
Bursts of explosive flames illuminated the view.
Athrun piloted the Justice Gundam toward the Eternal, then detached the Meteor unit.
The separated Meteor returned to the Eternal, while Athrun directed the Justice Gundam toward the Calamity Gundam.
Accelerating rapidly, Athrun spoke over the comms.
"Cagalli, move left!"
Rouge Strike Cockpit
Hearing Athrun's voice, Cagalli acted without hesitation, executing his instruction precisely.
The Rouge Strike shifted left under Cagalli's control.
During the maneuver, it dodged a Beam attack from behind.
"That was close!"
Cagalli exhaled in relief, watching the beam streak past.
Justice Gundam Cockpit
With a detached expression, Athrun piloted the Justice Gundam to draw a Beam Saber from its waist.
After several evasive maneuvers, a swing of the Beam Saber bisected the Strike Dagger that had ambushed the Rouge Strike.
Following the strike, the Justice Gundam re-sheathed the Beam Saber and retrieved the Beam Rifle from its rear skirt armor.
A beam shot from the rifle's muzzle.
The beam raced directly toward the Calamity Gundam.
Calamity Gundam Cockpit
Orga watched the situation on the screen, maneuvering the Calamity Gundam to evade while firing at the Blue Astray ahead.
Under Gai Murakumo's control, the Blue Astray dodged the beam attacks.
As the Blue Astray raised its Beam Rifle to aim at the Calamity Gundam, the Calamity Gundam swiftly moved to avoid being targeted.
"It's moving too fast, I can't get a precise aim," he said with frustration.
Through the comms, Gai Murakumo then heard Athrun's voice.
"Leave this one to me."
"Understood."
Replying briefly, Gai Murakumo piloted the Blue Astray away from the battlefield.