"Support!"
Watching the Genesis Gundam charging toward him, the pilot of the 105 Sword Dagger instantly grew tense, urgently calling for backup over the comms.
The plea for help transmitted through the comms to the cockpits of the five 105 Launcher Daggers at the rear, whose pilots quickly issued commands.
Aiming their Flame God Super High Impulse Cannons at the Genesis Gundam, the 105 Launcher Daggers fired five high-energy Sandwich Beams from behind, targeting the Genesis Gundam.
Inside the Genesis Gundam's cockpit
Felix's feet reacted swiftly, his hands gripping the control stick for fine adjustments.
Following his commands, the Genesis Gundam evaded the five incoming beams while simultaneously aiming its Beam Rifle at the 105 Sword Dagger and firing.
The beam shot forward!
A 105 Slaughter Dagger appeared in front of it.
Using its shield to block the beam, it then retracted the shield and fired at the Genesis Gundam.
The Genesis Gundam performed a roll in mid-air, dodging the beam. The Beam Rifle was reattached to the rear skirt armor, and it reached to draw a Beam Saber from its waist.
Avoiding attacks from other directions, it charged toward the 105 Slaughter Dagger.
The Beam Saber swung down in a slash.
The 105 Slaughter Dagger, under its pilot's control, dodged while drawing a Beam Saber from its backpack.
Holding the Beam Saber, it slashed at the Genesis Gundam.
Seeing this, Felix quickly input commands.
The Genesis Gundam drew another Beam Saber, executing an upward draw-and-slash.
With a swift rise and fall of the blade, it instantly severed the arm holding the Beam Saber.
"Damn it!"
The pilot snarled in frustration.
The next moment, the other Beam Saber plunged straight into its cockpit.
Pulling out the Beam Saber, the Genesis Gundam ascended rapidly.
A beam meant as a sneak attack from behind struck the 105 Slaughter Dagger, whose cockpit had already been pierced.
As it exploded, the Genesis Gundam deployed its Whale Plasma Cluster Beam Cannon, turned around, and fired.
A brilliant beam shot forth!
Ultimately destroying the sneaking 105 Slaughter Dagger.
"Captain, this guy's reaction speed and mobile suit performance far surpass ours."
Observing the Genesis Gundam's reactions and attacks, a 105 Sword Dagger pilot reported to Gusta over the comms.
Hearing this, Gusta remained silent.
Instead, he continuously manipulated the Wired Guided Gun-barrels via command buttons and control stick, directing them to fire at the Genesis Gundam.
Meanwhile
Aboard the flagship of the Earth Alliance Forces' vanguard unit
"Commander, the special forces' situation isn't looking good right now."
The Adjutant, watching the battle footage on the screen, spoke with a tone that had grown heavy, his initially somewhat pleased expression now filled with gravity.
The vanguard unit Commander glanced at the Adjutant, then silently observed the battle on the screen.
After watching for a while, the vanguard unit Commander spoke.
"Indeed, it's not looking good, but they've done what they were supposed to do."
As he spoke, the vanguard commander switched the combat footage on the screen to observe the situation on other fronts, continuing his commentary.
"Our forces are progressing smoothly on all other fronts. Given the current situation, once the rear units arrive, we can completely eliminate the ZAFT Forces on the lunar front."
With that, the vanguard commander tapped his communicator, sending out a transmission.
After two beeps, the call connected.
"Commander!"
"Gusta, carry out your mission to the end. Use any means necessary to keep that ZAFT ace pinned down! Understood?"
Hearing Gusta's response, the vanguard commander issued the absolute order. When Gusta heard "any means necessary," his heart sank instantly, replying with a heavy tone over the comms.
"I understand."
"Good!" Nodding in satisfaction, the commander then encouraged Gusta. "There's been new progress regarding your physical condition. Once the war is over, you can undergo the latest treatment. This therapy will significantly extend your lifespan."
"I understand!"
A flicker of joy rose in Gusta's heart, but it was quickly overshadowed by solemnity. Piloting the 105 Wired Guided Dagger into motion, he replied to the commander.
Nodding, the vanguard commander ended the transmission.
As soon as the call disconnected, another one came in.
Seeing the caller ID, the vanguard commander quickly pressed the answer button.
"Commander!"
Saluting the figure on the screen, he spoke respectfully.
The overall assault commander acknowledged the salute with a faint nod and inquired, "How is the current combat situation?"
"Reporting, Commander, the battle is proceeding as anticipated."
Meeting his superior's gaze, the vanguard commander responded.
Hearing this, the assault commander nodded and then asked about Felix.
"What about that ZAFT ace?"
"The special forces have managed to engage him, but his capabilities are formidable. They can only contain him, not eliminate him."
The previously relaxed tone in the vanguard commander's reply grew somber. The assault commander listened calmly and stated over the comms, "Have them hold on. Reinforcements will join the battle in about ten minutes."
"Yes, sir!"
Saluting once more, the vanguard commander affirmed.
...
Meanwhile, on the battlefield
The Genesis Gundam shifted leftward to evade an attack, its Beam Rifle firing to the left.
Another Wired Guided Gun-barrel exploded.
After destroying this gun-barrel, Felix assessed the remaining ones and continued maneuvering the Genesis Gundam to dodge.
Avoiding further assaults, the Genesis Gundam charged straight toward a 105 Sword Dagger.
The distance closed rapidly under the Gundam's powerful thrust.
Gripping the Beam Saber, the Genesis Gundam executed a horizontal slash, instantly cleaving the 105 Sword Dagger in two.
Observing the bisected wreckage, the Genesis Gundam swiftly retreated, evading attacks from other directions.
In midair, the Genesis Gundam rotated its frame while evading another incoming attack.
The Beam Rifle aimed at a 105 Launcher Dagger.
The targeted pilot instinctively maneuvered the 105 Launcher Dagger to dodge.
Shortly after the 105 Launcher Dagger began moving, the pilot's face contorted in terror, and he screamed.
"Ah!"
As he cried out, an intense light flooded the screen. The moment the light engulfed the display, the cockpit was pierced by a beam fired from the Genesis Gundam.
"Bastard!"
Witnessing their comrade's death, the remaining four pilots seethed with rage, their fingers tightening on the triggers.
A Sandwich Beam erupted from the muzzle of the Flame God Super High Impulse Cannon.
The beam traversed the battlefield, only to be effortlessly dodged by the Genesis Gundam.
"Damn it, how does he always anticipate our attacks one step ahead?"
Watching the Genesis Gundam evade the assault, one 105 Launcher Dagger pilot roared in frustration.
Even as he roared, his hand squeezed the trigger once more.
Another beam shot forth, heading straight for the Genesis Gundam.
Inside the Genesis Gundam's cockpit
Felix's hands moved swiftly across the controls. The Genesis Gundam extended its wings, executing a high-mobility evasion.
As he dodged the attack, Felix calmly stated,
"Thanks for the assist."
No sooner had he spoken than a 105 Slaughter Dagger was pierced by the very beam.
Seeing his ally killed in such a manner, the enraged pilot's eyes went blank, his control over the 105 Launcher Dagger faltering momentarily.
Felix seized this lapse.
The Destiny Support Fighter, which had been engaging two 105 Slaughter Daggers, now took action.
Evading the beam attacks from the two 105 Slaughter Daggers with its superior mobility, it aimed the Siren Beast Cannon and fired.
"Get out of the way!"
A frantic warning echoed in the cockpit.
Startled by the shout, the pilot saw the incoming beam—so close there was no chance to evade.
Faced with certain death, he departed this world filled with fear and remorse.
The explosion's glare reflected in the eyes of the survivors. Gripping their control sticks tightly, those still alive growled in low, grim tones.
"Bastard!"
After this curse, the three remaining pilots noticed the Genesis Gundam's movement. Shaking off their grief, they pressed their triggers.
The Flame God Super High Impulse Cannon fired again.
Beams surged forward. The Genesis Gundam performed a rolling maneuver, dodging them, then turned and fired at a 105 Wired Guided Dagger.
The pilot, seeing the threat, immediately steered his MS to evade.
As he dodged, the Genesis Gundam, without fully stabilizing its posture, fired to the right.
An explosion flared—another Wired Guided Gun-barrel was destroyed.
After that shot, Felix pressed the retreat pedal, making fine adjustments with the control stick.
The Genesis Gundam altered its retreat trajectory!
The incoming beams missed their mark.
At that moment, inside the Genesis Gundam's cockpit
Aric's report came through the comm.
"Captain, the Earth Alliance Forces' reinforcements have arrived."
"I understand." Felix replied calmly before continuing, "Proceed according to the battle plan - engage while retreating on this battlefield!"
"Affirmative!"
Aric responded through the comms.
Hearing Aric's reply, Felix calmly ended the communication while instantly evading the incoming attack.
The Whale Plasma Cluster Beam Cannon deployed as Felix's finger squeezed the trigger.
The Beam shot toward the Destiny Support Fighter.
Under Felix's control, the Destiny Support Fighter swiftly executed a dive, placing the Beam's target directly in its path.
"What?!"
The pilot stared in shock at the situation before him, his hands moving rapidly across the controls.
Though he operated frantically, the Beam gave him no time to complete his maneuvers.