"No!" Aric responded, then shifted the topic. "It's just that this high-intensity combat has exhausted everyone. Continuing like this will significantly reduce the unit's combat effectiveness."
Felix listened to Aric's analysis and agreed wholeheartedly. Observing the current battlefield situation, Felix spoke up.
"Keep a close watch on the Earth Alliance Forces' movements. If they show any intention of temporarily withdrawing, we'll seize the opportunity to regroup."
"Understood!" Aric nodded, saluting in reply.
Felix acknowledged with a soft hum and promptly ended the communication.
With the call over, Felix refocused his full attention on the battlefield.
Under Felix's control, the Genesis Gundam dodged left to evade an attack, and the Whale Plasma Cluster Beam Cannon fired at that moment.
A bright explosion flared ahead.
After firing the shot, Felix used his abilities to sense the surrounding enemies.
Detecting their movements, Felix analyzed their intended routes and maneuvered the Genesis Gundam along one of them.
"Don't let him break through here!"
Thomson, watching the Genesis Gundam's advance, immediately issued an order over the comm.
Upon receiving the command, several Strike Dagger pilots moved to intercept the Genesis Gundam along its path.
Seeing the Strike Daggers repositioning, Felix pressed the firing trigger.
The Beam Rifle fired!
Two shots rang out!
Two Strike Daggers were instantly destroyed.
Gripping the control sticks, Felix turned them left.
The Genesis Gundam rolled left, effortlessly dodging beams fired from behind.
Then, Felix pulled the sticks back.
The Genesis Gundam's rear thrusters adjusted their angles, and the mobile suit ascended at a steep angle.
It evaded beams incoming from both sides.
Aiming the Beam Rifle to the left, Felix fired another shot.
The attacking Strike Dagger on the left exploded instantly.
After destroying that unit, Felix pushed the control sticks forward, and the Genesis Gundam dove sharply.
Another attack was dodged.
Following this evasion, the Genesis Gundam closed in on two Strike Daggers ahead.
Felix selected the Beam Saber.
As the Genesis Gundam drew the Beam Saber, Felix pressed the command button.
A series of swift slashes were executed.
The Genesis Gundam sliced the two Strike Daggers in half at lightning speed.
After the strike, the Genesis Gundam sped through the ensuing explosions.
"Dammit, he broke out of the encirclement again!"
Thomson, watching the Genesis Gundam's position, gripped the control sticks tightly, his expression furious as he growled in frustration.
Just as he was about to reorganize the assault, a voice came through the comm speaker.
"Temporarily withdraw! Cease the attack!"
"Orders confirmed!" Thomson responded verbally before continuing. "Temporary retreat, cease the attack!"
"Orders acknowledged!"
The voice sounded again through the speakers.
Hearing this, Thomson relayed the retreat order to his other subordinates.
Upon receiving the command, the other Strike Dagger pilots who had been besieging the Genesis Gundam promptly withdrew from the battlefield.
Felix watched their retreat and used his abilities to sense the movements of enemies in other directions.
After confirming the full retreat of the Earth Alliance Forces, Felix issued an order.
"Remain vigilant!"
Following the command, the ZAFT Forces halted their advance and stood guard, watching as the Earth Alliance units withdrew from the combat zone.
Once Felix sensed that all enemies had evacuated the engagement area, he made some arrangements and then piloted the Genesis Gundam back to the Athena.
Athena Central Hangar
After the Genesis Gundam came to a steady stop in its designated position, the hatch opened and Felix emerged from the cockpit.
Seeing Taiber approaching, Felix removed his helmet and said, "The Genesis Gundam is in your hands now."
Taiber raised his hand in a salute, speaking loudly and solemnly, "You can count on me, Captain!"
Felix nodded with a smile and headed out of the hangar.
In the Room
As soon as Felix entered, he saw Lacus approaching with a towel in her hand. She smiled gently and spoke in a caring tone, "Wipe off your sweat."
Seeing Lacus's nurturing and gentle demeanor, Felix reached out and took the towel. He wiped the sweat from his hair and said with a sweet smile, "It's so good to have you here."
Lacus smiled softly and replied in a gentle voice, "It's the least I can do."
As she finished speaking, Lacus reached out and took the towel back from Felix.
Felix then took her small hand and led her toward the seats.
Just as they were about to sit down, the communicator on the table buzzed.
Frowning slightly, Felix answered the call.
"Captain, there's a communication from the Ministry of Defense."
"Understood."
Felix nodded and responded calmly.
After ending the communication, he looked apologetically at Lacus. She smiled understandingly and said gently, "Go ahead and attend to your duties."
Touched by her thoughtfulness, Felix felt a warmth in his heart. He hugged Lacus briefly and said apologetically, "I'll be back soon!"
With that, he released her and headed out of the room.
Athena Bridge
Upon entering, Felix took his seat, pressed the answer button, and fixed his gaze on the communication screen.
The screen lit up, revealing Ezalia's face.
"Commissioner Joule, greetings!"
Seeing Ezalia, Felix saluted and spoke with a serious expression.
Ezalia acknowledged his greeting with a slight nod and then said gravely, "Felix, the first batch of reinforcements for you has been dispatched and will arrive at the Moon in one day."
Hearing that the first reinforcements were already on their way, Felix expressed his gratitude to Ezalia.
"Thank you for your support!"
Ezalia nodded slightly at his thanks and continued, "Felix, after discussions with Chairman Zala, we have decided to assign the Providence to you."
'The Providence, for me to pilot?'
Muttering under his breath, Felix felt quite astonished.
Snapping back to reality, Felix addressed Ezalia.
"Commissioner Joule, the Genesis I'm currently piloting is perfectly adequate. It can complete missions effectively and doesn't require replacement with another MS."
Listening to Felix's response, Ezalia replied in a steady voice.
"While that may be true, the Genesis hasn't undergone major maintenance for quite some time, meaning it must have accumulated numerous hidden issues.
These latent problems cannot be properly addressed with frontline repairs and could jeopardize your safety. Therefore, to ensure your protection, replacing the Genesis with a new MS is necessary.
It's also essential to send the Genesis back to the factory for a comprehensive overhaul."