Promoted to Captain, Entering FAITH

The death toll of over one hundred thousand was a brief, cold string of numbers in the report, yet everyone sitting here understood that behind every digit lay a vibrant, extinguished life.

Those were the residents of PLANT who had once lived full, lively lives on the colonies.

"Siegel, we must retaliate for this!"

Louis, the representative for Junius City, wore an expression of grim, hate-filled intensity as he made his resolute demand.

Patrick raised his hand in support the moment Louis finished speaking.

"I support Louis's idea!"

"I also support Louis's idea!"

Eileen raised her hand after Patrick to express her stance.

As the two of them voiced their positions, the others followed suit, raising their hands to echo Louis's sentiment. At this moment, whether they belonged to the Hardline Faction, the Moderate Faction, or the Neutral Faction, they were united; no one dared to speak a word of dissent.

"Naturally, this matter cannot be left as it is. However, to prevent another nuclear attack, we must develop corresponding weaponry to neutralize the threat of nuclear missiles."

"Leave this matter to me."

Olsen looked at Siegel and volunteered.

Siegel looked at him, nodded, and spoke.

"Very well. Olsen, I leave this task to you."

He then turned his head toward Louis and the other members of the Council.

"Next, we must discuss the issue of personnel resettlement and other related matters."

Patrick and the other councilors nodded slightly, continuing the discussion on the meeting's agenda.

Over an hour later, the Council meeting concluded. Patrick and other high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Defense left the chamber and returned to the Ministry.

Upon his return, Patrick received the summary of ZAFT's combat losses from his subordinates.

He held the report in his hands and began to flip through it.

A few minutes later, Eileen, Amalfi, and Herman were summoned to Patrick's office.

"Zala, is something the matter?"

Eileen asked as she looked at Patrick.

Patrick set down the combat loss report and spoke.

"ZAFT has suffered significant losses in this battle, most notably in the Junius City sector. We need to reorganize the depleted units and establish new ones to replenish our strength. Do you have any suitable candidates for leadership?"

"I believe the commanders for the new units should be selected from those who fought in this battle. Soldiers tempered by the fires of war are better suited to lead," Herman suggested after some thought.

After Herman finished, Eileen pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Zala, what is the status of that ZAFT soldier who previously warned that the Earth Alliance might use nuclear weapons?"

"Are you referring to Felix Leo Griffith?"

After a brief moment of thought, Patrick recalled who Eileen was talking about and asked her in return. Eileen nodded and explained.

"That ZAFT soldier possesses excellent professional skills, a sharp mind, and strong foresight. I believe he would have no trouble serving as a unit commander."

"Eileen, you are correct. However, I recall that this soldier is a new graduate from this year. While his grades are excellent and his professional skills and foresight are sharp, promoting him to a unit commander without sufficient military merit would be unfair! It might cause resentment among other ZAFT soldiers."

Amalfi looked at Eileen and voiced his cautious objection. Herman nodded, expressing his support for Amalfi's view.

At this point, Patrick spoke up.

"The report I have here not only summarizes ZAFT's losses but also details the combat records of every soldier. According to the report, this youth named Felix destroyed a total of 24 Earth Alliance Forces Moebius units during the battle, and he single-handedly dealt with the missiles fired at Junius Seven and Eight. He intercepted two nuclear missiles in mid-flight, saving those two colonies. His performance is the most dazzling of the entire battle."

"Since he has such a record, I have no objection to promoting him to a unit commander!"

Upon hearing of Felix's achievements, Amalfi shifted his stance and expressed his support for the proposal.

Seeing that Amalfi had spoken, Herman remained silent, merely nodding to express his agreement.

"In that case, appoint Felix Leo Griffith as a new unit commander, award him the Nebula Medal, and grant him special approval to join the Tactical Armaments and Integrated Tactical Headquarters (FAITH). The new unit will consist of three Laurasia-class warships and a reinforcement of 18 MS!"

For personnel, we shall supplement our ranks by selecting a portion from ZAFT and those soldiers from the military academy who have met the graduation standards.

Seeing this, Patrick spoke up to make the announcement.

February 15th

Having received the summons from ZAFT headquarters, Felix Leo Griffith boarded a shuttle, departing from his battleship to head toward Dissenbell City, where the headquarters was located.

Dissenbell City, District 1

The shuttle arrived at the docking port in the central hub of the colony. Entering the passenger disembarkation area, he stepped off the shuttle and began walking toward the interior.

He stepped into the elevator and used it to enter the satellite's interior.

Interior

ZAFT Headquarters

"Felix Leo Griffith, reporting for duty!"

Looking at the official in charge of ZAFT headquarters before him, Felix raised his hand in a salute, his military posture upright, his voice ringing out clearly.

The head of headquarters looked up at Felix, gave a grunt of acknowledgment, and took out the appointment papers regarding him.

"Following statistics from headquarters and review and approval by the Ministry of Defense, we are here to commend Felix Leo Griffith for his meritorious service in this battle.

Awarded one Nebula Medal!

Promoted from Red to White, transferred to FAITH as a member, and simultaneously appointed as commander of a newly formed unit."

After reading the contents of the appointment papers, the head of headquarters placed them on the desk and pushed them toward Felix. As this was done, the secretary standing in the office placed the white uniform and two small boxes containing the Nebula Medal and the FAITH badge together, presenting them to Felix.

"Felix, do you have any objections?"

Seeing that Felix had not replied for a long time, the head of headquarters asked with a smile. The question from his superior officer snapped Felix out of his momentary daze. Looking at the appointment papers on the desk and the items in the secretary's hands, he calmed his emotions and spoke.

"None! I firmly obey the orders of the Ministry of Defense and headquarters!"

"In that case, accept your appointment, take your things, and go home on leave while you wait for your time to take office."