Yuri looked at Patrick and countered with a question.
"Zala, with the Providence stolen by Creuset, we only have the Rebirth and Covenant nuclear powered machines available for deployment. Do you plan to send both over, or just one of them?"
As he asked, Yuri kept his gaze fixed on Patrick, waiting for a response. The choice was handed back to Patrick, who leaned back in his chair and pondered deeply.
After a long while, Patrick made his decision.
He looked at Yuri with a profound gaze and spoke in a steady voice.
"The Covenant falls far short of the Rebirth in both mobility and firepower, and its battlefield performance may not match up. Therefore, I've decided to send the Rebirth over and have Felix pilot it."
"The Rebirth?" Yuri muttered to himself, then reminded, "The Rebirth's armament and mobility are indeed superior to the Covenant's, but it's classified as a large nuclear powered machine. That would pose a significant challenge for frontline maintenance operations."
Hearing this, Patrick raised an eyebrow and asked in return.
"What are your thoughts?"
Yuri met Patrick's gaze and voiced his opinion.
"Although the Covenant's firepower and mobility are considerably inferior to the Rebirth's, the Covenant is a conventional MS, making frontline maintenance much easier. Moreover, while its capabilities may be lacking in comparison, the Covenant's firepower and mobility are still sufficient, especially for temporary use. Taking all factors into account, the Covenant might be more suitable to send over than the Rebirth, despite the latter's superior mobility and firepower."
Patrick tapped his fingers lightly on the table, remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"You've considered this more thoroughly than I have!"
Hearing the response, Yuri stood up and said.
"In that case, I'll go ahead and arrange this matter?"
"Go ahead and proceed!"
Patrick nodded in agreement, then added.
"By the way, send another batch of corresponding Genesis components over to avoid any issues if the previously shipped ones get damaged."
With a faint smile, Yuri responded.
"No problem."
With that, Yuri rose and headed out of the office.
Ptolemy Military Base
"Arrange for troops to provide support, and also remain vigilant to avoid any dangers."
Williams listened to Richard's report, thought for a moment, then issued the order. Richard raised his hand in a salute and replied respectfully.
"Yes!"
The single word was spoken simply.
Before Richard's arm had even lowered, Williams had already ended the communication.
Calmly lowering his arm, Richard dialed Paramount.
The screen lit up, revealing Paramount's face, and the speaker transmitted Paramount's respectful inquiry.
"Commander, do you need something?"
"Dispatch a unit to support that defecting ZAFT Forces unit, and instruct them to remain alert at all times to avoid falling into dangerous situations."
Looking at him, Richard gave the order calmly and decisively.
Paramount acknowledged the command, and after the communication ended, he began making the arrangements.
A few minutes later, Badgiruel entered Paramount's office.
"Vice Commander Paramount, good day!"
Standing before Paramount, Badgiruel wore a solemn expression, raising her hand in a salute while greeting him respectfully. Looking at Badgiruel, Paramount slid a document forward.
Lowering her gaze to the document, Badgiruel dropped her arm and picked up the order.
After reviewing it, she firmly assured him, "Rest assured, Deputy Commander, the mission will be completed!"
"While completing the task, always prioritize your safety. Withdraw immediately if anything seems off!"
Paramount added a caution before shifting his tone. "Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Captain, the Earth Alliance Forces have launched an attack on us!"
Aric's voice came through the speaker.
Felix slightly raised his eyes to glance at the communication screen and asked calmly, "How fierce is the Earth Alliance's assault?"
"The attack is extremely intense—it's not a probing maneuver!"
Hearing the question, Aric reported.
Felix thought for a moment and then said, "I've already entrusted full command of the troops to you. Decide how to proceed on your own."
Aric nodded and then asked in return, "Captain, aren't you returning?"
Felix shook his head at Aric. "I'm currently carrying out a mission assigned by the Chairman and cannot return to command in time, so I leave matters there to you."
"I understand!"
Nodding in response, Aric asked no further, and the communication ended at that moment.
Felix pressed a button on the communicator, sending a call to Phelps.
"Phelps, leave a portion of the forces at Lorentz Military Base and send the rest to the front lines at top speed to join the battle.
Once you reach the front, assist Aric in combat command!"
As soon as the call connected, Felix gave the order directly to Phelps.
After hearing Phelps's reply, Felix promptly ended the communication.
Continuing to pilot the Genesis Gundam forward, Felix pressed another button on the communicator.
PLANT Homeland
Aprilius City District 1
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
In the Chairman's Office
Patrick, who was working, heard the communication chime, set aside his tasks, glanced at the call, and answered it.
"Felix, what is it?"
"Chairman, the Earth Alliance Forces have launched another attack."
A brief report reached his ears, and Patrick immediately understood. Looking at Felix, Patrick replied steadily, "You need not concern yourself with this matter. Continue with the task I assigned you."
"I understand."
Felix's response came through the speaker.
Patrick ended the communication the next moment, tapped the desk twice, and then made another call.
"Herman, how is the status of GENESIS?"
"It can be deployed for combat at any time!"
Herman's resolute voice echoed from the speaker.
Patrick felt very pleased upon hearing this, a trace of determination showing on his face as he calmly replied, "Good, I understand."
After a brief response, Patrick casually ended the communication.
Sitting in his chair deep in thought, Patrick stood up the next moment and made another call.
"What is it?"
Ezalia's inquiry came through the speaker.
Patrick gave a direct order.
"Joule, I'm entrusting you with overseeing matters here for the time being. I intend to make a trip to the Jachin Due Fortress!"
Upon hearing Patrick's decision, Ezalia felt a flicker of confusion before voicing her inquiry.
"Zala, what business do you have at the Jachin Due Fortress?"
In response to her question, Patrick explained in a calm tone.
"The control room for GENESIS is installed at the Jachin Due Fortress."
Understanding dawned on Ezalia, and she promptly suggested.
"We could assign Herman to handle it. There's no need for you to personally take command there."
"This matter is of utmost importance. I cannot entrust it to anyone else with peace of mind."