The death toll was in the hundreds of thousands. Spoken aloud in the population report, it was just a short string of numbers, but everyone sitting here understood that each number represented a living person.
They had all once lived full lives on the PLANT colony satellites.
"Siegel, we have to retaliate!"
Louis, the representative of Junius City, wore a grave expression, his face twisted with hatred as he demanded a firm response.
Patrick raised his hand in support as soon as Louis finished speaking.
"I support Louis's idea!"
"I support Louis's idea too!"
After Patrick, Eileen raised her hand to express her own opinion.
As the two voiced their support, everyone else followed suit, raising their hands in agreement with Louis. At that moment, the Hardline Faction, the Moderate Faction, and the Neutral Faction were all united. No one said a word in opposition.
"Of course, we can't let this go unanswered. But to prevent another nuclear attack like this, we need to develop suitable weapons to eliminate the threat posed by nuclear arms."
"I'll take responsibility for that!"
Olsen looked to Siegel and volunteered.
Siegel nodded at him. "All right, Olsen. I'm counting on you."
Then he turned to Louis and the other Council members.
"Next, we need to discuss the resettlement of the displaced and other related matters."
Patrick and the other Council members nodded and continued the meeting.
A little over an hour later,
the Council meeting ended. Patrick and the other senior Ministry of Defense officials left the Council chamber and returned to the Ministry of Defense.
As soon as he got back, Patrick received a report from his subordinates summarizing ZAFT's battle losses.
He picked up the report and began reading.
A few minutes later,
Patrick summoned Eileen, Amalfi, and Herman to his office.
"Zala, is something the matter?" Eileen asked Patrick.
Patrick set down the report. "ZAFT suffered considerable losses in this battle, especially in the area around Junius City. We need to reorganize the units that have lost personnel and form new units to replenish ZAFT's forces.
"Do any of you have suitable candidates in mind?"
"I think we should choose the new unit commanders from among those who fought in this battle. Soldiers who have been through the flames of war are better suited to lead a unit."
Herman considered the matter before offering his suggestion.
After Herman finished, Eileen thought for a moment, then spoke up.
"Zala, what happened to the ZAFT soldier who warned us that the Earth Alliance might use nuclear weapons?"
"You mean Felix Leo Griffith?"
Patrick quickly recalled who Eileen was talking about and asked her to confirm. Eileen nodded and explained, "He's highly capable, quick-witted, and exceptionally far-sighted. I don't think he'd have any trouble commanding a unit."
"Eileen, you're right about all that. But I remember he only graduated this year. He may have excellent grades, strong professional skills, a sharp mind, and foresight, but promoting him to unit commander without enough military merit would be unfair.
"It could leave other ZAFT soldiers dissatisfied."
Amalfi looked at Eileen and voiced his careful objection. Herman nodded, agreeing with Amalfi.
Patrick spoke up.
"This report doesn't just summarize ZAFT's losses. It also lists the combat records of every soldier.
"According to the report, the young man named Felix destroyed a total of twenty-four Earth Alliance Forces Moebius units during the battle. He also intercepted the missiles headed for Junius Seven and Junius Eight on his own.
"He stopped both nuclear missiles before they could reach their targets, saving the two colonies.
"He had the most impressive combat record of anyone in the battle."
"Given a record like that, I have no objection to promoting him to unit commander," Amalfi said, changing his stance.
After Amalfi spoke, Herman didn't add anything. He simply nodded to show his agreement.
"Then it's settled. Felix Leo Griffith will be appointed commander of the newly formed unit, awarded the Nebula Medal, and specially approved to join Tactical Armaments and Integrated Tactical Headquarters, or FAITH.
"The new unit will consist of three Laurasia-class battleships and eighteen MS units.
"As for personnel, we'll select some from ZAFT and some soldiers from the military academy who have met the graduation requirements."
Seeing that they had reached an agreement, Patrick made the announcement.
February 15
After receiving a summons from ZAFT Headquarters, Felix boarded a shuttle and left his battleship for Dissenbell City, where Headquarters was located.
District One, Dissenbell City
The shuttle arrived at the docking port in the central area of the colony. After entering the port and reaching the passenger disembarkation area, Felix stepped off and headed inside.
He entered the elevator, which carried him into the colony.
Inside
ZAFT Headquarters
"Felix Leo Griffith, reporting for duty!"
Facing the official in charge of ZAFT Headquarters, Felix saluted, standing at attention as he spoke in a clear, loud voice.
The official looked up at Felix and gave a quiet acknowledgment before taking out his appointment papers.
"Following a review by Headquarters and approval from the Ministry of Defense, Felix Leo Griffith is hereby commended for his achievements in the recent battle.
"He is awarded the Nebula Medal!
"He is promoted from Red to White and transferred to FAITH as a member, while also assuming command of the newly formed unit."
After reading the appointment papers, the official placed them on the desk and slid them toward Felix. At the same time, the secretary standing in the office arranged a white uniform and two small boxes containing the Nebula Medal and FAITH badge in front of him.
"Felix, do you have any objections?"
Seeing that Felix hadn't replied for a long while, the official smiled and asked. The superior's question brought Felix back from his momentary daze. He looked at the appointment papers on the desk and the items in the secretary's hands, composed himself, and answered, "None! I will obey the orders of the Ministry of Defense and Headquarters without question!"
"Very well. Accept your appointment, take your things home, and enjoy some leave while you wait for your assignment date."
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