Chapter 2079: Dankoku
To defeat the Earth Force and decide the outcome of this war as quickly as possible, both ZAFT and Free had committed considerable Military Strength. This had also weakened the Moon Base's defenses, making it easy for enemies to find an opening and attack it.
That was why Xiao Ran had chosen to call back the Apocalypse, an important fighting force, to help defend the moon for several days. First, it would guard against those Earth Force trash sending a fleet to launch a surprise raid, as well as prevent anyone besides the Earth Force from attacking the Moon Base, such as the Glast Army and Ladam Beasts.
Second, it was for internal purposes. The Apocalypse's return would have a deterrent effect on the Moon Base and the entire moon, making those ill-intentioned people who still harbored other loyalties settle down and no longer dare oppose the Free Alliance.
With the Apocalypse stationed at the base, if somewhere like Copernicus City encountered trouble, the forces Free had left behind could hand over responsibility for guarding the base to the Apocalypse and ZAFT's garrison troops, then dispatch forces to suppress Copernicus City.
After seeing Shanamia and Lacus off, Xiao Ran personally returned to meet the Apocalypse's crew. He learned from Todaka about the independent fleet's recent situation and the crew members' conditions, then directly piloted the Dawn, taking Flying Eagle with him to the space rendezvous point for this operation against the Earth Force.
This battle was meant to eliminate the Earth Force once and for all, so ZAFT had also committed considerable forces to the assembly area. For instance, a gigantic carrier that ZAFT rarely deployed had appeared at the rendezvous point. Protected by numerous ZAFT MS units and warships, it sat at the very center of