Pre-Battle Meeting

"There is no doubt that Ramba Ral's subordinates will continue their pursuit, but under these circumstances, we must still launch our offensive against Odessa."

Having just destroyed the Mine 86 facility under M'Quve's command, the White Base was now continuing its advance toward Odessa while dispersing high concentrations of Minovsky Particles.

In the briefing room, during the operational meeting, the White Base—having successfully established contact with Jaburo headquarters via encrypted communications—received direct instructions from General Revil.

"Our forces are preparing to launch a total offensive on Odessa. Before that, I want the White Base to carry out a surprise raid on the rear of the Odessa line. To that end, a fleet of Medea transports is already en route."

Although the Federation had not yet resorted to the large-scale use of raw recruits and child soldiers like Zeon, every bit of manpower at their disposal was considered precious.

This was especially true given the need for personnel in the upcoming counter-offensive into space.

Otherwise, even if they managed to manufacture Mobile Suits, they would be nothing more than scrap metal sitting in warehouses.

On the front lines of Odessa, most of the Federation's Mobile Suit pilots had only just received their first batch of mass-produced GMs. Out of caution, it was only natural to have the White Fortress, which already possessed combat experience, be the one to tear open the defensive line.

"Therefore, we must be prepared to fight this battle while facing enemies on two fronts."

After the elderly man with the thick white beard ended the call, Bright took the stage to conduct pre-battle mobilization and tactical planning for the combat personnel.

With Eli stationed on board, Bright did not have to worry about every little thing; in fact, during times without combat, he could even let Eli act as his deputy while he caught up on sleep.

Thus, Bright was currently well-rested and prepared to face the grueling battle ahead.

Even so, facing the trust placed in him by General Revil and the pressure of potential casualties among his troops, he could not help but feel incredibly tense.

Revil possessed a talent for recognizing and utilizing talent, and he naturally knew that Bright was currently too young and might not be able to bear such pressure.

However, it was a move born of necessity.

General Revil's speech that had inspired the entire Federation's spirit of resistance—"Zeon has no soldiers left"—was a fact; the small-scale Zeon could hardly control all of its occupied territories.

This was also the reason why the White Base had been able to make it all the way from North America to Eastern Europe.

But was the situation on the Federation side any better? They were just as short-handed.

And so, Revil had no choice but to place his faith in Bright.

"Lieutenant Eli, do you have any thoughts?"

After declaring the hard requirement that the attack must be launched, Bright began to consult the combat personnel below.

Eli, Amuro, Kobayashi, Kai, and Ryu.

These were all the pilots on the ship, totaling four Mobile Suits capable of sortie.

"Splitting our forces is naturally out of the question; we do not have sufficient manpower."

Eli phrased this diplomatically.

In truth, what he really wanted to say was that the piloting skills of Kobayashi and the others were nowhere near enough to hold their own, and having Amuro and Eli operate separately would only weaken the force of their assault.

"As such, I suggest a lightning strike. The White Base will charge toward Odessa at maximum speed, with the Guncannon and Guntank providing defense on the flanks. Amuro and I will act as the spearhead, piercing through and tearing apart the enemy's defenses."

Using the term "blitzkrieg" on the soil of Ukraine gave Eli a subtle, indescribable feeling.

Nevertheless, Eli stepped up to the podium in the briefing room and drew a line on the screen displaying the terrain map, indicating the White Base's path of advance.

"How is that?"

After mapping out his route, Eli turned to seek Bright's opinion.

Although both were lieutenants, Bright held a higher military rank than Eli.

"The general strategy is fine, but why detour around this canyon?"

Bright reached out and drew a new line on top of Eli's plan, right in front of the canyon, choosing to charge directly through it rather than going around.

"The width of this canyon is a bit tight for the White Fortress, and if Zeon has deployed heavy firepower within it, we will have no room to maneuver."

Eli warned Bright quite seriously, only to be met with a gaze from the latter that was small but impossible to ignore.

"That is why I have expectations for you and Amuro. If that situation arises, I expect the two Gundams to immediately neutralize the threat to the White Fortress."

Bright looked at Eli, then at Amuro.

At that moment, Amuro felt a slight change in Bright.

He still insisted on his own ideas regarding combat, but in more detailed decision-making, he had chosen to trust the Mobile Suit pilots on the front lines rather than trying to micromanage every action.

Without a doubt, this was trust in Amuro, and trust in Eli.

"But..."

Eli, still seeking stability, intended to say something to make Bright reconsider.

However, Amuro suddenly stood up from his seat.

"I will do it. I'll protect the White Base!"

This was not the result of wanting to prove himself or bickering with Bright as he had in the past, but a desire to respond to Bright's trust and a willingness to do his absolute best.

The difference was like heaven and earth, so much so that even Eli, who lacked a system bonus, could feel Amuro's resolve.

Watching the two of them begin to take on the appearance of the two pillars of the future Londo Bell, Eli couldn't help but smile knowingly.

"Is that so? Then let's do it. We'll just punch straight through the heart of those Zeon bastards!"

Eli flashed a bright smile and saluted Bright.

"I leave myself in your capable hands, Captain."

Bright returned the salute in kind, while Kobayashi and the others followed suit under the lead of Ryu and Amuro.

Later that day, Matilda arrived at the White Base with her fleet of Medea transports.

That beautiful figure with flowing orange-red hair drew the gazes of the male crew members as always, and even Amuro could not help but be captivated.

This made Frau quite jealous, and she puffed out her cheeks, trying to draw Amuro's attention back to herself.

Eli, who was in the hangar receiving supplies, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, his own gaze drifting involuntarily toward Matilda.

"Is she pretty?"

"She is, so heroic and dashing..."

Just then, someone beside him suddenly asked Eli a question, and he answered it instinctively.

It was only halfway through his response that Eli realized something was wrong.

The voice that had asked the question belonged to a girl.

The supply manifest and pen in Eli's hands visibly trembled.

He turned his head stiffly to see Sayla standing there with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes narrowed slightly as she shot a look of disdain at Eli.