Upon hearing the word "abandon," Patrick responded without hesitation.
"Impossible!"
After uttering these three words, Patrick looked at the three individuals with a stern expression and issued his command.
"From today onward, prepare weapons, ammunition, and corresponding forces for the lunar front in a state of decisive battle."
The three of them nodded solemnly in response.
"Yes!"
Seeing this, Patrick continued.
"In addition, do not neglect the defense of the homeland. Do not give the Earth Alliance any opportunity to attack our territory!"
"Yes!"
The three replied in unison once more.
After hearing this, Patrick looked at them and spoke.
"Ezalia, Yuri, the two of you may go attend to your duties. Herman, stay."
Upon hearing this, Ezalia and Yuri glanced at Herman. After a moment, the two stood up and walked out of the office.
After they left, Patrick asked Herman,
"How is the task I assigned you progressing?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly. At the current pace, the final construction phase should be completed in about a month."
Herman looked at Patrick and reported calmly.
Patrick felt a wave of relief upon hearing this.
Gazing at Herman, Patrick continued his inquiry.
"How is its power? Can it launch an attack from the homeland to the lunar front?"
Looking at Patrick, Herman reported,
"At 100% charge, its power is sufficient to destroy any target along its trajectory. Launching an attack from the homeland to the lunar front poses no issue whatsoever."
Nodding slightly, Patrick waved his hand at Herman.
"Alright, you may go."
"Mhm."
With a soft acknowledgment, Herman stood up and walked out of the office.
After watching Herman leave, Patrick leaned back in his chair, his eyes cold, and muttered to himself,
"With it, the final victory in this war will belong to us, PLANT!"
Central Hangar of the Athena
Cockpit of the Genesis Gundam
Felix held the ring from his necklace in his hand, examining it carefully, a smile inadvertently spreading across his face.
"Captain, all preparations are complete!"
Just as Felix was studying the ring, a voice came through the comms.
Hearing the voice, Felix tucked the necklace back into his clothes and put on the helmet beside him.
With the helmet secured, Felix looked ahead and said calmly,
"Preparations complete!"
As these words left his mouth, Felix felt a slight vibration enter the cockpit.
Moments later, the cosmos appeared on the screen.
Gripping the control sticks tightly and pressing the forward pedal firmly,
"Felix Leo Griffith, Genesis, launching!"
...
In Felix's Room
Lacus sat in her chair, her heart filled with worry and prayer.
"Haro! Haro!"
The two calls of the Pink Haro reached Lacus's ears.
Looking down at the Pink Haro on the table, the praying and worried Lacus reached out and cradled it in her arms.
Looking at the photo on the desk, Lacus spoke to Pink Haro.
"Pinky, let's pray for Felix together!"
Upon hearing this, Pink Haro's little ears twitched as it repeatedly said "Haro."
"Haro! Haro!"
Just as Pink Haro was speaking, a communication came through. Seeing that the caller was Aric, Lacus reached out and answered the call.
"Aric, is something the matter?"
Gazing at Aric's face, Lacus asked him.
Hearing Lacus's question, Aric replied with a tone of respect.
"Miss Clyne, our ship will soon engage in combat. During this time, there will be numerous tactical maneuvers, which may result in rolling and other movements. Please be mentally prepared for this."
Hearing this reminder, Lacus smiled gently and replied.
"I understand."
After receiving her response, Aric ended the communication. Seeing that the call had concluded, Lacus placed Pinky on the desk, stood up, and inspected the room.
Once that was done, she sat back in her chair, fastened the seatbelt, and picked up Pink Haro again.
Meanwhile
In a region of space far from the battlefield
Aboard the Eternal
After completing his reconnaissance mission piloting the Justice Gundam, Athrun left the hangar and headed straight for the bridge.
On the bridge of the Eternal
"Mr. Waltfeld, the battle on the Moon has resumed."
As soon as he entered, Athrun stated directly.
Andrew turned to look at Athrun. Noticing a flicker of surprise in Andrew's eyes, Athrun continued.
"Have we received any communication from Lacus or Captain Griffith?"
"No," Andrew shook his head, standing up and approaching Athrun. "We haven't received any communication on that front yet."
Then, Andrew changed the subject and asked.
"Which side initiated this battle?"
"Based on my reconnaissance, it was the Earth Alliance Forces."
Athrun replied, looking at Andrew.
Andrew nodded slightly upon hearing this, turned to Aisha, and gave an order.
"Dear, use encrypted communication to contact the Athena and inquire about the specific situation."
Aisha nodded and began performing the corresponding operations.
Watching Aisha work, Athrun turned his gaze to Andrew and asked with a serious expression.
"Mr. Waltfeld, should we take action regarding this?"
Andrew looked at Athrun and shook his head.
"For now, we'll hold our position."
Hearing this, Athrun did not press further.
A minute or two later, Aisha's communication with the Athena concluded.
Aisha turned to Andrew and said.
"The situation is largely consistent with Athrun's report. Additionally, Miss Clyne has requested that we hold our position for now and wait a bit longer before intervening in the battle."
Andrew nodded after hearing this.
"Alright, understood."
After responding, Andrew turned to Athrun, patted him on the shoulder, and said.
"Athrun, during this time, you and the others should actively prepare for battle and await the order to launch."
Athrun looked up at Andrew, nodded lightly, and replied solemnly.
"No problem."
After giving this reply, Athrun turned and walked out of the bridge.
Watching Athrun leave, Andrew turned and sat back in his own seat. Once seated, Andrew contacted the battleships Archangel and Kusanagi via communications.
"Mr. Waltfeld, is there something you need?"
Once the communication was connected, Captain Murrue's voice came through the speaker.
Looking up at Captain Murrue, Andrew nodded to her.
"There is indeed a matter that needs to be discussed!"