In the room
Heine chatted enthusiastically with Felix. Faced with Heine's warmth, Felix also grew interested in conversation, sitting on his bed and engaging in lively discussion with Heine.
The next day
In the Mobile Suit Pilot ready room
"Felix, there's no need to be nervous. Our mission is simple - just conducting routine patrol duties around the perimeter of Junius City in our Mobile Suits."
Heine, who had been watching the Mobile Suits through the window, noticed Felix's slight tension from the corner of his eye and offered warm, patient reassurance.
Looking up at Heine, Felix smiled slightly and expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, Brother Heine."
"No need to thank me. Taking care of juniors is what I should do."
Just as he finished speaking, the communications officer's sortie order came through the ready room's comm system.
Without another word, both stood up and headed outside.
Entering the Mobile Suit Hangar
They coordinated with the maintenance crew.
"Felix, the Mobile Suit is fully prepared and ready for you to take over at any time."
"Taking over!"
The two words came from Felix's mouth.
After putting on his helmet, Felix entered the Mobile Suit cockpit and pressed the button to close the hatch.
As the GINN Mobile Suit's hatch closed, the maintenance crew began evacuating the hangar.
"Felix Leo Griffith, preparations complete! Ready for sortie at any time!"
Gripping the control stick, Felix reported through the comm system.
Seconds later, a response came through the comm.
"Felix Leo Griffith, sortie approved!"
"Understood!"
With this two-word reply,
Felix focused his gaze on the now-open hatch ahead, where the electromagnetic catapult had completed its preparations.
He pushed the thrust lever forward, increasing the Mobile Suit's power output.
Pressing hard on the pedals with both feet.
The GINN responded, aided by both its thrusters and the electromagnetic catapult, breaking free from the power control lines and completing its launch at tremendous speed.
Once in space, gazing at the endless black cosmos before him and the massive funnel-shaped colony structure of Junius Seven visible in the distance, Felix couldn't help but feel emotional.
Humans are truly remarkable!
The universe is truly vast!
"Felix, let's move out!"
Just as he was lost in thought, Heine's voice came through the comm.
Pulling himself together, he replied to Heine.
Piloting his GINN to follow behind Heine, he familiarized himself with the patrol mission he needed to execute.
...
Before they knew it, a month had passed.
With Valentine's Day drawing nearer, Felix's previously calm heart grew tense again, this anxious tension particularly noticeable.
This led Heine to take Felix to the medical room several times, and Squad Leader Hawkins also showed great concern upon learning about it.
He spoke with Felix multiple times, offering guidance and support.
"All Mobile Suit Pilots assemble in the operations room!"
Resting in his room, Felix heard the call through the comm broadcast and quickly got up to head outside.
At the operations room entrance, he happened to meet Heine. After exchanging a few words, the two entered the operations room together.
All Mobile Suit Pilots of Hawkins Squad were gathered in the operations room. After briefly greeting his comrades, Felix took his assigned seat.
A few minutes later,
Hawkins entered through the doorway.
Corresponding information appeared on the large screen ahead.
"According to documents issued by the Ministry of Defense, the Earth Alliance has officially declared war on PLANT today. We've also learned that the Earth Alliance Forces have assembled and prepared at Ptolemaeus Lunar Base, and are now advancing toward PLANT.
They are expected to reach PLANT's vicinity in approximately two days."
Though Felix had anticipated this development, hearing Captain Hawkins deliver the news still made his heart sink.
His tension was visibly apparent.
Heine noticed Felix's unease and turned to gently pat his shoulder. Feeling the touch, Felix looked toward Heine, meeting his encouraging, comforting smile.
"In response to the impending battle, the Ministry of Defense has ordered all units to enter combat readiness. Additionally, our defense and patrol perimeters will be extended by one thousand kilometers.
This will keep the battlefield away from PLANT's territory,
preventing any impact on our homeland."
As Captain Hawkins continued explaining the Ministry of Defense's decisions, Felix suddenly raised his hand.
Hawkins' gaze shifted to him. "What is it, Felix?"
"Captain, I'd like to know if our deployment area will still be near Junius City?" Felix asked.
Hawkins nodded. "Correct. Our deployment remains near Junius City, and we'll also receive support from other units.
Together, we'll establish a defensive line to ensure PLANT's safety."
"Understood, Captain."
Learning that their upcoming battlefield would remain near Junius City eased Felix's mind—it meant he could still take certain preventive measures.
Just as Hawkins prepared to continue, Felix raised his hand again. Pausing, Hawkins looked at him.
"Felix, do you have another question?"
"Captain, the Earth Alliance possesses nuclear weapons. Is there a possibility they might deploy them against us?"
Felix delivered the question calmly.
At the mention of nuclear weapons, Hawkins and the others fell into a grim silence that filled the operations room.
After a moment, Hawkins responded,
"I believe the Ministry of Defense has considered this matter. Still, I will relay your concern to them.
However, whether it's nuclear or conventional weapons, we cannot allow them to approach our Home Colony Satellite. We must defend against all attacks."
He then asked, "Felix, any other questions?"
"No, Captain."
Felix shook his head.
Hawkins gave a slight nod and resumed the briefing.
Over an hour later...
As Hawkins announced the adjournment, everyone stood up and headed outside. Just as Felix was about to leave with Heine, Hawkins called out to Felix.
"Felix, stay behind for a moment."
Pausing his steps, Felix turned to look at the captain.
Seeing this, Heine walked out alone, catching up with the other comrades as they chatted and departed.
In the Operations Room
"Captain, is there something else you need?"
Felix asked while looking at the captain.
Hawkins gazed at Felix and patted his shoulder, speaking in a kind and gentle tone.
"Felix, don't be nervous about the upcoming battles. Nervousness is a fatal mistake on the battlefield—it could cost you your life. Also, the questions you raised this time were very helpful. I will report them to the Ministry of Defense and mention your name.
Keep up the good work!
Your future is limitless!"