The Second Spaceport Defense Battle Begins

"You have a point; I didn't consider that thoroughly enough."

After some thought, Doug agreed with Andrew's words while reflecting on his own previous idea. Hearing their conversation, Felix looked at the electronic map before them and spoke.

"Both of you make sense! So, I've combined your suggestions and performed the necessary calculations to minimize the time consumed."

As he spoke, Felix pointed out the results on the electronic map, which showed the time saved by factoring in the flight speed of the Guul and a two-hundred-kilometer reduction in distance.

Seeing the few minutes saved, Andrew did not object. He knew well that a few minutes could sometimes be the difference between life and death for an MS pilot.

Doug looked at the calculated data and did not object either, calmly nodding in agreement.

"Right!" Doug spoke up again. As both men turned their eyes toward him, Doug continued under their gaze. "I think that to confuse the enemy's judgment, we should change the paint scheme of Captain Griffith's MS to match the normal Ginn paint scheme. That way, the enemy won't be able to focus their fire on Captain Griffith based on his appearance, which will be more advantageous for him to fight and eliminate the enemy."

"Excellent suggestion!"

Nodding, Felix accepted the proposal.

He opened the comms to notify the Maintenance Crew of the matter.

In the Hangar:

Upon hearing the request, the head of the Maintenance Crew scratched his head, looked back at Felix's white Ginn, and replied in a booming voice.

"Rest assured, Captain, the mission will be completed!"

With that, the communication cut off.

Putting down the comms, the maintenance chief turned and gathered several members of the Maintenance Crew. As they stood before him, he issued his orders.

"Per Captain Griffith's instructions, we are to change the paint scheme of the white Ginn piloted by Captain Griffith to the normal Ginn paint scheme.

This color modification is time-sensitive, and we must complete it as quickly as possible.

Do you all understand?"

"Understood!"

The Maintenance Crew members standing there replied in unison.

After hearing them, he clapped his hands and continued.

"Get to work!"

Once he said this, everyone immediately busied themselves.

At the command headquarters of the Earth Alliance Forces on the outskirts of the Victoria Spaceport:

"Does anyone have any thoughts on the operation plan we've formulated?"

Hope looked at everyone seated there and asked.

A staff officer, having reviewed the operation plan, raised his hand to express his thoughts.

"Commander, I have no objection to your idea of reinforcing troops based on the location of that white-painted MS from ZAFT, but I believe the reinforcement force should be further increased."

"How much of an increase are you suggesting?"

Looking up at him, Hope asked in return.

The staff officer continued.

"My thought is to increase it from the original two hundred units to three hundred, or four hundred if possible."

"That idea of yours is a bit reckless!"

Another staff officer voiced his opposition.

After the objection, he stated his reasons.

"Currently, our total number of Vanguard Fighter units, including reinforcements, is only about 1,270. This operation involves a standard deployment of 750 units across five directions, leaving us with only a little over 500.

If we commit three or four hundred Vanguard Fighter units just to corner this guy, the remaining number of fighters won't be enough to maintain rear security. If the enemy launches a surprise attack at that time, what will happen to our safety and the security of the logistics supply units in other sectors?

If we destroy our own rear just to kill him, our troops will become lambs for the slaughter once their ammunition is exhausted.

Therefore, I do not support your idea!"

"I support Staff Officer Johnny!"

Just as Johnny finished speaking, another staff officer raised his hand in support. Following him, other staff officers also voiced their agreement.

Soon, the situation became one-sided.

The staff officer who had proposed increasing the troops to kill Felix said nothing more, merely letting out a cold snort to express his dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, Hope spoke up to ease the tension.

"Alright! Let's not let such matters spoil the atmosphere. We can discuss increasing the force for killing the white MS later, depending on the situation."

The Commander's words smoothed over the strained atmosphere among the group.

Seeing this, Hope continued to preside over the meeting.

Two days later, With all preparations complete, the Earth Alliance Forces launched their second operation to capture Victoria Spaceport.

A portion of the frontline reconnaissance aircraft from the ready units took off first, scouting the skies to ensure the ground forces could advance safely.

The main air force contingent followed the plan, waiting for the ground troops to cover a certain distance before taking to the skies.

Inside the command center.

"Have the units deployed?"

Hope looked at the large screen and asked his adjutant, Horton.

Horton turned to face Hope and nodded in reply.

"Reporting to the Commander, our ground forces have already begun their advance!"

"Have the scouts at the front sent back any information regarding the ZAFT forces occupying Victoria Spaceport?"

Hope nodded slightly and continued his inquiry.

Horton shook his head and replied.

"There is no latest news as of yet."

"Report immediately once new intelligence arrives!"

Hope commanded with a stern voice.

Horton raised his hand in a salute and responded solemnly.

"Yes, Commander!"

Inside Victoria Spaceport.

Inside the ZAFT command center.

"Captain Griffith, the scouts have sent back the latest intelligence!"

The soldier who burst in spoke with a hurried tone as he delivered his report.

Felix looked up at him and spoke in a calm voice.

"Read it!"

"The Earth Alliance Forces have begun their operation!"

The soldier held the intelligence report and read the contents aloud.

Felix, Andrew, and Doug all turned to look at the soldier, and Andrew spoke up.

"How are their forces moving?"

"The first to move were a small number of Vanguard Fighter units, followed by the Earth Alliance Forces' ground troops. The scale of their ground forces has increased compared to last time!"

The soldier articulated the intelligence word for word. Upon reaching this point, he carefully checked the estimated numbers before continuing.

"The ground forces moving from five directions have a combined total of over five hundred combat vehicles!"

After finishing, the soldier handed the report to Felix.

Felix took the report, examined the contents carefully, and then passed it to Andrew, smiling as he spoke.

"Andrew, it seems the Earth Alliance Forces' operation this time aligns somewhat with Doug's ideas."

"Only somewhat. Overall, they are still maintaining an air-ground integrated combat mindset, which doesn't deviate much from my own thoughts."