Inside the room
Heine chatted warmly with Felix. Heine's enthusiasm sparked Felix's interest, and the two sat on Felix's bed, engrossed in conversation.
The next day
In the MS pilots' ready room
"Felix, there's no need to be nervous. Our mission is simple: just pilot our MSs on routine patrols around the outskirts of Junius City."
Heine stood by the window, gazing at the MSs. He noticed the hint of tension on Felix's face from the corner of his eye, and patiently reassured him.
Felix looked up at Heine and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Big Brother Heine."
"No need to thank me. Looking after those who came after me is the least I can do."
As soon as Heine finished speaking, the communications officer's order to sortie came over the ready room's speakers.
Neither of them said a word. They stood and headed outside.
They entered the MS hangar
and reported to the maintenance crew.
"Felix, the MS is ready. You can take it at any time."
"Taking it!"
Felix uttered two words.
After putting on his helmet, Felix climbed into the MS cockpit and pressed the button to close the hatch.
As the Ginn's hatch closed, the maintenance crew began evacuating the hangar.
"Felix Leo Griffith, ready! Standing by to sortie!"
Gripping the control stick, Felix reported over the comms.
A few seconds later, a response came through.
"Felix Leo Griffith, you are cleared to sortie!"
"Understood!"
He gave a two-word reply.
Felix's gaze fell on the open hangar entrance ahead. The electromagnetic catapult was ready.
He pushed the throttle forward, increasing the MS's thrust output.
He pressed down hard on the pedals.
The Ginn responded. With its thrusters and the electromagnetic catapult working together, it broke free of the power cables and launched at tremendous speed.
Once he was in space, Felix looked at the boundless darkness before him and the enormous, funnel-shaped colony structure visible in the distance. He couldn't help but marvel.
Humanity was incredible!
The universe was truly vast!
"Felix, let's get moving!"
Heine's voice came over the comms, interrupting Felix's thoughts.
Felix gathered himself and answered Heine.
He piloted his Ginn behind Heine's, familiarizing himself with the patrol route he would be responsible for.
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
As Valentine's Day drew nearer, the calm Felix had managed to maintain gave way to renewed nerves. His anxiety was unmistakable.
Heine took him to the infirmary to see a doctor several times, and when Captain Hawkins heard about it, he took a keen interest in the matter as well.
He spoke with Felix on several occasions, trying to reassure him.
"All MS pilots, report to the operations room!"
Felix was resting in his room when he heard the announcement over the comms. He quickly got up and headed outside.
He ran into Heine at the operations room entrance. They exchanged a few words, then entered together.
All of the pilots in the Hawkins Team had gathered in the operations room. After greeting his comrades, Felix took his assigned seat.
A few minutes later,
Hawkins entered through the door.
The relevant information appeared on the large screen at the front.
"According to documents from the Ministry of Defense, the Earth Alliance officially declared war on PLANT today. We've also learned that the Earth Alliance Forces have assembled and prepared for battle at the Ptolemaios Military Base and are now advancing toward PLANT.
"They're expected to reach PLANT in about two days."
Felix had already expected this, but when he heard Captain Hawkins say it aloud, his heart still gave a jolt.
His nervousness showed plainly.
Heine noticed Felix's tension and gently patted his shoulder. Feeling the touch, Felix turned to look at him.
Heine met his gaze with an encouraging, reassuring smile.
"To prepare for the coming battle, the Ministry of Defense has ordered all units to enter combat readiness. We'll also extend our defensive and patrol lines by a thousand kilometers, keeping the battlefield far from PLANT itself
and preventing the conflict from affecting our home."
Captain Hawkins continued to explain the Ministry of Defense's decision. Felix listened closely.
As soon as Hawkins finished, Felix raised his hand.
Hawkins looked over at him. "Is something the matter, Felix?"
"Captain, I wanted to ask whether we'll still be deployed near Junius City."
Felix looked at his captain as he asked.
Hawkins nodded. "That's right. We'll still be deployed near Junius City, and units from other areas will come to support us.
"Together, we'll establish a defensive line and ensure PLANT's safety."
"Understood, Captain."
Learning that he wouldn't be sent far from Junius City for the battle in a few days eased Felix's mind. That meant he could still take precautions for certain things.
Hawkins heard Felix's reply and was about to continue when Felix raised his hand again. Hawkins paused and looked at him.
"Felix, do you have another question?"
"Captain, the Earth Alliance has nuclear weapons. Will they use them against us?"
Felix asked the question calmly.
At the mention of nuclear weapons, Hawkins and the others darkened. Silence settled over the operations room.
After a brief pause,
Hawkins answered.
"I imagine the Ministry of Defense has considered that possibility. But I'll pass your question on to them.
"Whether they use nuclear or conventional weapons, we can't let them get close to our home colonies. We have to hold off every attack."
Then Hawkins asked Felix, "Do you have any other questions?"
"No, Captain."
Felix shook his head as he answered.
Hawkins gave a small nod and continued his briefing.
A little over an hour later,
Hawkins called the meeting to a close, and everyone got up and headed outside. Felix was about to leave with Heine when Hawkins called out to him.
"Felix, stay a moment."
Felix stopped and turned to face his captain.
Heine headed out alone, caught up with the others, and chatted with them as they left.
Inside the operations room
"Captain, did you need anything else?"
Felix looked at his captain and asked.
Hawkins looked at Felix and patted him on the shoulder. His voice was warm and gentle.
"Felix, don't let the fighting ahead make you nervous. Nervousness is a soldier's greatest enemy on the battlefield. It could cost you your life. And the questions you raised today were very helpful. I'll report them to the Ministry of Defense and mention your name.
"Keep up the good work!
"You have a bright future ahead of you!"
Before you continue