"Get me a personnel list later," Patrick instructed, looking up at Yuri.
Yuri nodded in response. "Understood."
"Investigate everyone who had access to these materials as quickly as possible. Check if anyone has committed treason," Patrick continued, his voice carrying a deadly seriousness.
Yuri's expression turned grave as he nodded. "I'll handle it."
After their exchange, Yuri bid farewell to Patrick and turned to leave the office.
Watching Yuri depart, Patrick glanced at his communicator before placing a call to Felix.
On the Moon
Inside Felix's room aboard the Athena
Felix, who had been resting on his bed, immediately became alert at the sound of the communication alert. He rose and approached the desk.
Sitting in the chair, he reached out and pressed the answer button.
Patrick's face appeared on the screen as the connection was established.
"Chairman, good day!" Felix greeted respectfully.
Patrick gave a slight nod, his expression grave. "Things are exactly as you suspected."
Hearing this response, Felix immediately understood. "Has the Earth Alliance Forces mastered the technology to neutralize the Neutron Jammer's effects?"
Patrick nodded, his grim expression now showing clear anger. Seeing Patrick's fury, Felix asked, "Chairman, what should we do next?"
Looking directly at Felix, Patrick issued a cold, uncompromising order. "Before the Earth Alliance Forces can complete their preparations, you will lead our forces in an attack against their Ptolemy Military Base. Destroy this base at all costs!"
Understanding the intent behind such an order, Felix remained silent for a long moment before speaking. "Chairman, with our current military strength, completely destroying the Earth Alliance Forces' Ptolemy Military Base would be extremely difficult."
Hearing this difficulty, Patrick frowned and asked, "How many additional forces do you need?"
After some quick mental calculations, Felix reported, "Based on the current deployment of Earth Alliance Forces at Ptolemy Military Base, I would need at least ten additional squadrons. Even then, it would likely be a Pyrrhic victory!"
"Ten squadrons?" Patrick murmured, then decisively replied, "You'll have them!"
He then added, "Even if it's a Pyrrhic victory, you must destroy the Earth Alliance Forces' Ptolemy Military Base."
Hearing this uncompromising command, Felix's expression turned heavy, and his voice grew more solemn as he accepted the order. "I understand."
Satisfied with Felix's response, Patrick nodded in approval.
"The Meteor System equipped on the Eternal has now completed its third unit on an expedited basis. I will arrange for the support forces to deliver it to you. You must make good use of this equipment when the time comes."
Felix nodded solemnly and assured him,
"Please rest assured, Chairman. I will."
As soon as his words fell, Felix saw the communication had been terminated. Staring at the darkened screen, he leaned back in his chair, thought for a moment, and then placed a call to Lacus.
After two beeps, the communication connected.
Lacus's beautiful, slightly youthful face appeared on the screen.
"Felix."
Her gentle and melodious voice reached his ears.
Felix gazed at Lacus on the screen, while she, in turn, noticed the gravity etched on his face through the display.
Sensing the seriousness in Felix's expression, Lacus's demeanor grew equally solemn.
As both wore heavy expressions, Felix spoke to Lacus,
"I have just received orders and a notification from Chairman Zala."
"What does Uncle Zala want you to do?"
Lacus asked, a hint of unease in her voice.
Hearing her question, Felix replied with conviction,
"Based on personnel investigations, it has been confirmed that the Earth Alliance has mastered technology capable of neutralizing the effects of the Neutron Jammer. As for the orders, I am to destroy the Ptolemy Military Base at all costs!"
"Destroy the Ptolemy Military Base?!"
Lacus exclaimed in shock upon hearing the attack command. Her expression calming, she grew despondent, her voice tinged with sorrow,
"So many more people will die because of this war."
"Mhm."
Felix listened to Lacus's emotional words and nodded rationally, uttering a quiet affirmation. Hearing his response, Lacus pushed aside her emotions and declared firmly,
"Felix, I want to prevent this battle from happening."
"It's impossible to prevent."
Felix responded gravely, looking at her resolute expression. After this reply, he continued,
"Lacus, you and your forces should not participate in this war when the time comes."
"Why?"
Lacus was taken aback, then frowned, her expression puzzled as she asked.
Seeing her confusion, Felix explained,
"This is a battle that simply cannot be stopped. Even if you join in, it won't end midway. Even if I defy orders and refuse to carry it out, someone else will take my place to execute this attack mission."
At this point, Felix took a deep breath and went on,
"So rather than being unable to halt it partway, it's better not to get involved. Avoid losing strength and conserve your power for critical moments later."
"Is there really no way to stop it at all?"
Lacus asked softly, her voice downcast as she pondered Felix's answer. Watching her despondent mood, Felix inhaled deeply and said,
"Unless the Earth Alliance can destroy all their nuclear weapons and the technology to produce them in front of the PLANT council members, the Ptolemy Military Base must be destroyed."
Upon hearing this, Lacus's expression darkened.
She knew without even thinking that such an outcome was utterly impossible.
After a long silence, Lacus replied in agreement.
"I understand."
As she spoke, a sorrowful look reappeared on Lacus's face. Clutching Haro in her arms, her eyes unwittingly reddened.
Seeing Lacus's slightly reddened eyes, Felix felt a pang of discomfort in his heart, but he refrained from offering any words of comfort.
"Lacus, lead the Archangel and the others to retreat to the moon."
After a moment of calm, Felix addressed Lacus.
Lacus looked up at Felix upon hearing this, then nodded.
"Mm."
With that single word, Lacus proactively ended the communication. Watching the terminated call, Felix sank into his seat and let out a deep sigh.
"Ah..."
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