On the morning of May 5, Cosmic Era 71, the thin mist had not yet lifted. The sea breeze of the Taiwan Strait, laden with salty moisture, shrouded the Kaohsiung Spaceport, which had just been returned to the East Asian Republic by PLANT. The port docks were still busy as the flagship of the PLANT diplomatic delegation slowly docked at its berth, flying the flags of both PLANT and the East Asian Republic, heralding the imminent start of negotiations that would rewrite the course of the war. Outside the port, the East Asian Republic's defensive deployment had long been quietly laid out. Two carrier battle groups were positioned in the waters flanking the port, their decks lined with fighters, missiles under their wings ready for launch; the radar of land-based anti-air positions rotated ceaselessly like vigilant eyes, scanning every suspicious patch of airspace; four hundred Black Tortoise Mobile Suits were dispersed across the high ground and coastline around the port, their silver-white frames faintly visible in the mist, forming an impenetrable defensive net.
Mei Hock stood atop the command tower at Victoria Port, monitoring the situation at Kaohsiung Port in real time through encrypted communications. Inside the Kaohsiung Port Defense Command, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. East Asian Republic Army Lieutenant General Li Weiguo stared at the holographic screen, his pen rapidly annotating the command manual: "Carrier battle groups maintain alert posture. Black Tortoise squads divide into ten patrol units of forty each, focusing on the northwest and northeast approaches to the port, establishing a cordon at fifty kilometers from the port; land-based fighters prepare for takeoff-intercept immediately upon detecting enemy traces; the Xingtian squad moves into concealed bunkers inside the port, awaiting orders, and must not reveal themselves prematurely." As a veteran general of the East Asian Republic, Li Weiguo had experienced numerous border conflicts. He knew well the despicability of the Atlantic Federation and understood the importance of these negotiations to the East Asian Republic-once cooperation with PLANT was achieved, East Asia would completely shed its isolated and helpless position and seize an advantageous standing in this interstellar war.
At 8:30 AM, the mist gradually dispersed. Sunlight pierced through the clouds, scattering across the waters of Kaohsiung Port, shimmering in waves. Just as the PLANT diplomatic delegation was preparing to disembark and meet with the East Asian Republic's negotiation representatives, dense clusters of light points suddenly appeared on the radar screens to the northwest of Kaohsiung Port, rapidly closing in like a swarm of bees.
"Alert! Alert! Large-scale enemy cluster detected to the northwest! Numbers unknown, extremely high speed, estimated arrival over the port airspace in thirty minutes!" The radar operator's voice carried panic as his fingers flew across the console, attempting to lock onto the enemy's specific strength. "Enemy signals confirmed! Includes large warships, fighters, and Mobile Suit clusters-suspected Atlantic Federation and Eurasian Federation joint forces!"
"Just as expected!" Li Weiguo shot to his feet, his tone icy. "Initiate Level One defense protocol immediately! All carrier battle groups deploy-intercept enemy warships; land-based fighters take off and rendezvous with the Black Tortoise squads to construct an aerial defense net; Xingtian squad standby for deployment!"
As the orders were issued, Kaohsiung Port instantly entered a state of war. On the waters, the East Asian Republic's two carrier battle groups rapidly set sail, their bows cleaving through the waves, main guns slowly rising to aim at the enemy's approach vector; in the skies, four hundred land-based fighters and carrier-based aircraft took off in succession, piercing through the clouds like sharp swords, rendezvousing with four hundred Black Tortoise Mobile Suits rising from the ground to establish two aerial defense lines fifty kilometers out from the port; inside the concealed bunkers within the port, eight Xingtian Gundams slowly rolled out, their frames unfolding, ready to equip mission packs at any moment-four Xingtian units were stationed at the left bunker: two equipped with melee packs, shoulder-mounted twin beam sabers, back-mounted physical anti-ship swords, their frames painted deep crimson, exuding ferocity; one equipped with an artillery pack, shoulder-mounted twin high-power beam cannons, back-mounted large missile launchers, its frame deep blue; one equipped with a raid pack, lightweight frame design, back-mounted high-speed thrusters, shoulder-mounted small beam rifles and pulse launchers, its frame silver-white; the other four Xingtian units were stationed at the right bunker: two equipped with artillery packs, two with raid packs, ready to support any part of the battlefield at any time.
Thirty minutes later, the Atlantic Federation and Eurasian Federation joint forces arrived at the airspace outside Kaohsiung Port as scheduled. Five carrier battle groups loomed like colossal beasts arrayed across the sea, their main guns and missile launchers clearly visible on their hulls; three hundred various fighters flew in aerial formation, missiles under their wings glinting with cold light; five hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits dispersed to either side of the fighters, their frames gray, beam rifles in hand, ready to launch surprise attacks at any moment; behind the joint fleet's formation, three cutting-edge units slowly emerged-the Atlantic Federation's secretly developed Calamity Gundam, Aegis Gundam, and Forbidden Gundam-arranged in a triangular formation, radiating a suffocating pressure.
Calamity Gundam (GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam), belonging to the Earth Alliance Forces, was a long-range support heavy-firepower attack Mobile Suit developed based on the Cosmic Era 71 second-generation GAT series development standards under the sponsorship of the Azrael Foundation. Its core role was to inherit the Buster Gundam's design philosophy, discarding melee capability to focus on high-intensity artillery support. Unit specifications: Model GAT-X131, head height 18.26 meters, base weight 81.48 tons, full weight 141.2 tons, power source an Ultracompact Energy Battery, armor system equipped with Phase Shift Armor (TP Armor)-this armor activates only upon impact, maximizing energy conservation and allocating more power to weapon systems. Its pilot was Earth Alliance Forces Extended Orga Sabnak. Its core armament was fully equipped; fixed armaments included: two back-mounted 580mm "Scylla" multi-phase energy cannons (primary output weapons), one 115mm "Beetle II" high-energy beam rifle (handheld), two head-mounted 75mm anti-air automatic Vulcan cannons (close-range defense), and a left-arm twin ram-cannon offensive shield system; optional armaments included a 337mm "Path of the Dead" plasma armor-piercing rocket launcher (handheld) and a backup beam saber (rarely used, emergency only). Its performance characteristics were extremely distinct: a total of six beam cannons/rocket launchers mounted across its entire body, firepower density far exceeding the Buster Gundam; relying on energy conserved by TP Armor, it could sustain high-intensity bombardment; however, the unit had no transformation capability, relatively weak mobility, and lacked close-combat self-defense capability-in combat it must rely on friendly units (Raider, Forbidden Gundam) for cover.
Raider Gundam (also known as the Raider Gundam, GAT-X370 Raider Gundam), also belonging to the Earth Alliance Forces under the Azrael Foundation's sponsorship, was a high-mobility assault transformable Mobile Suit of the second-generation GAT series. Its core role was high-speed raids and behind-enemy-lines destruction, adopting the Aegis Gundam's X300-series frame, simplifying the transformation system to enhance practicality. Unit specifications: Model GAT-X370, MS form head height 17.99 meters, base weight 77.13 tons, full weight 136.4 tons, power source an Ultracompact Energy Battery, armor system equipped with Phase Shift Armor (TP Armor). Its pilot was Earth Alliance Forces Extended Clotho Buer. It possessed transformation capability between MS form and high-speed assault MA form (backpack flipped to the head), with convenient transformation operation and rapid switching. Its core armament was extensive, balancing melee and shooting: fixed armaments included the MA form's primary mouth-mounted energy cannon, one back-mounted 200mm "Modified Tri-Horn" plasma control cannon, two head-mounted 75mm anti-air automatic Vulcan cannons, two waist-mounted beam sabers (dedicated melee weapons), and a shield with built-in twin 52mm Gatling cannons; special armaments included two shoulder-mounted detachable "Misfortune Scythe" beam boomerangs (for ranged harassment and melee cutting) and hand-mounted "Claw Anchors" (launchable grappling cables for restraining enemy units or rapid movement). Its performance characteristics were outstanding: as the only unit in the second-generation GAT series to adopt the X300-series frame, its transformation system was simplified but its practicality greatly enhanced. Its MA form was extremely fast, suited for raids, behind-enemy-lines destruction, and rapid repositioning; melee and shooting capabilities were balanced, able to respond to different battlefield situations through rapid MS/MA form switching, with mobility far exceeding the Calamity and Forbidden Gundams.
Forbidden Gundam (GAT-X252 Forbidden Gundam), belonging to the Earth Alliance Forces under the Azrael Foundation's sponsorship, was an assault/strike transformable Mobile Suit of the second-generation GAT series. Its core role was frontline breakthrough and close-range suppression, with its greatest feature being the equipped energy-deflecting armor capable of warping and refracting enemy beam attacks. Unit specifications: Model GAT-X252, MS form head height 17.47 meters, base weight 85.33 tons, full weight 149.8 tons, power source an Ultracompact Energy Battery, armor system employing a dual configuration of "Phase Shift Armor (TP Armor) + Energy-Deflecting Armor"-TP Armor conserves energy while the energy-deflecting armor warps and refracts enemy beam attacks, achieving near "beam immunity." Its pilot was Earth Alliance Forces Extended Shani Andras. It possessed transformation capability between MS form and high-speed assault form (backpack flipped to the head), suited for base raids and battlefield infiltration. Its core armament emphasized suppression and melee: fixed armaments included a back-center phonon cannon (capable of emitting high-frequency sound waves to disrupt enemy electronic systems and cause damage), two back-side induction plasma cannons, four supersonic torpedoes and six melee spike armor plates built into the back armor array, two head-mounted 75mm anti-air automatic Vulcan cannons, and two autocannons on each forearm; its dedicated melee armament was the "Misfortune Scythe" thermal scythe (handheld, long-handled design, suited for wide-area cutting attacks). Its performance characteristics were distinct: large-scale firearms were concentrated in the back-mounted backpack while the main body retained only basic defensive weapons; the energy-deflecting armor granted it extremely strong beam defense capability, able to directly withstand conventional beam attacks head-on; its high-speed assault form possessed outstanding mobility, excelling at base raids, infiltration operations, and close-range suppression-it was the core combat unit among the three responsible for frontline breakthrough.
The two fleets faced off fifty kilometers outside Kaohsiung Port. The seas surged with towering waves, fighters and Mobile Suits stood ready in the skies, and the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder. Notably, the Calamity, Raider, and Forbidden Gundams-as the Earth Alliance Forces' second-generation GAT series prototype units-had a clear coordinated combat system: the Calamity handled long-range suppression, the Raider handled high-speed assault, and the Forbidden handled frontline breakthrough. All three units were equipped with Phase Shift Armor (TP Armor) and were designed specifically for Extended pilots, with operational response speed and combat power far exceeding conventional Mobile Suits-they were the joint fleet's hidden trump card. At this point, the two sides' mass-production units engaged in probing combat, and the Atlantic Federation joint fleet quickly fell into a passive position. The commander knew well that to turn the tide, these three cutting-edge units must be deployed ahead of schedule.
At exactly 9:00 AM, the Atlantic Federation joint fleet commander issued the first order: "Deploy one hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits with fifty fighters to launch a probing attack. Target the enemy's aerial defense line. Assess their combat strength!"
As the order was issued, one hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits and fifty fighters formed a raiding squad, shooting forward like arrows released from a bowstring toward the East Asian Republic's aerial defense line. The Strike Daggers, beam rifles in hand, maneuvered rapidly through the air while the fighters provided cover behind the Mobile Suits, ready to launch missiles at enemy Mobile Suits at any moment.
"Black Tortoise squads, first and second patrol units, deploy! Intercept the enemy raiding squad, hold the defense line at all costs-do not get drawn into prolonged combat!" Li Weiguo issued the order, his tone resolute.
Eighty Black Tortoise Mobile Suits responded immediately, rapidly ascending to meet the enemy raiding squad. The Black Tortoise, as the East Asian Republic's self-developed mass-production Mobile Suit, model EMF-03, was primarily piloted by Naturals with a small number of Coordinators incorporated as squad backbone, forming complementary advantages; the unit was designed specifically with Natural pilots in mind, with an extremely simplified operation interface and an equipped posture control assistance system-core combat maneuvers could be completed without complex operations, greatly lowering the piloting threshold and operational error rate. Even Natural pilots could quickly master it and operate it smoothly. The unit stood 17.5 meters tall, weighed 68.3 tons, and was equipped with a C.E. 71 mass-production-grade high-performance deuteron auxiliary battery, providing forty percent greater endurance than the Strike Dagger and suited for prolonged battlefield operations; its armor employed reinforced composite armor with partial simplified PS Armor, providing outstanding resistance to beams and solid rounds; more critically, the Black Tortoise's overall performance exceeded the Atlantic Federation's Strike Dagger by thirty percent, holding advantages in defense, mobility, and firepower. Additionally, the Black Tortoise possessed MS/MA variable form (simplified mass-production version)-the MS form for aerial combat, the MA form for high-speed assault mode with further enhanced mobility; in MA form it could add cannon attacks, with beam attack power enhanced and cooldown time reduced. Its core weapons included high-energy beam rifles with power exceeding the M1 Astray, paired beam sabers, and shoulder-mounted twin missile launchers, balancing melee and ranged combat. Compared to the East Asian Black Tortoise, the Atlantic Federation's Strike Dagger not only had lower overall performance but also a cumbersome and complex operating system-Natural pilots had to frequently switch interfaces and adjust parameters during operation, resulting in delayed reaction speed and high operational error rates. Even with numerical superiority, it could not compensate for the dual gaps in performance and operation.
Combat erupted instantly. The Black Tortoise Mobile Suits, relying on their performance advantage, simpler operating system, and the leadership of a small number of Coordinator backbone pilots, immediately seized absolute initiative. Some Black Tortoises decisively switched to MA form, weaving at high speed among the Strike Daggers, their MA-form cannons firing in sync, beam attack power enhanced and cooldown shortened-streams of enhanced beams and cannon barrages interweaving, easily piercing through the Strike Daggers' armor; the Strike Dagger's performance was weak, its armor's impact resistance thirty percent lower than the Black Tortoise's, and it could barely withstand the Black Tortoise's frontal firepower. The remaining Black Tortoises maintained MS form, relying on simplified PS Armor, reinforced composite armor, and shields to directly withstand the Strike Daggers' feeble counterattacks-the Strike Daggers' beams and solid rounds could only leave faint scratches on the Black Tortoise's shield and armor surfaces, unable to cause substantive damage. Although the Strike Dagger Mobile Suits attempted to counterattack using numerical superiority, they were constrained by their cumbersome operating systems-Natural pilots reacted slowly, operation transitions were choppy, beam rifle accuracy was low, and missile launch rhythm was chaotic, making it difficult to form an effective fire net. In contrast, the East Asian Black Tortoise pilots-whether Natural or the few Coordinators-could leverage the simplified operating system to rapidly complete posture adjustments, firepower output, and form switching, coordinating seamlessly with fierce offensive momentum. In the skies, the explosive flashes of beams and missiles rose and fell in succession; the roar of fighters, the firing of Mobile Suits, and the shattering of armor interwove in a scene of utter carnage. Yet the Black Tortoise's performance and operational advantages allowed it to firmly seize the initiative amid the dense exchange of fire, while the Strike Daggers fell into a passive position of being pummeled.
A Black Tortoise Mobile Suit piloted by a Natural used its simplified operation interface to rapidly complete a evasive maneuver, dodging the Strike Dagger's scattered fire. Simultaneously, its paired beam sabers unsheathed, slashing toward a Strike Dagger's torso. With a "zzzt," the Strike Dagger's armor was easily pierced, its engine exploded, and it lost balance, plummeting toward the sea-even with a Natural pilot, the simplified system allowed the Black Tortoise's full performance to be brought to bear. Another Strike Dagger attempted a sneak attack but, due to its cumbersome operating system, took too long to adjust its posture. A Coordinator pilot in the Black Tortoise squad keenly detected this; leveraging exceptional reaction speed, the Coordinator piloted the Black Tortoise into MA form, spun at high speed, and precisely fired its shoulder-mounted twin missile launchers, striking the Strike Dagger's cockpit in one hit and destroying it. In the aerial fighter melee, East Asian fighters also relied on simplified coordinated operating systems, working with the Black Tortoise MA form's high-speed raids-airborne machine guns and Black Tortoise cannons firing in concert, efficiently downing enemy fighters. The Atlantic Federation fighter pilots, likewise constrained by cumbersome operations, could not keep pace with the East Asian fighters and Black Tortoises, suffering heavy losses-some fighters even collided with friendly Mobile Suits due to operational errors.
The probing attack lasted one hour, with a stark disparity in casualties between the two sides. The Atlantic Federation joint fleet suffered heavy losses: of one hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits, only forty-two remained; of fifty fighters, only eighteen remained. The core reasons were the Strike Dagger's thirty-percent lower performance compared to the Black Tortoise and its cumbersome operating system-Natural pilots could not operate smoothly, reactions lagged, and the unit's combat power could not be brought to bear. The East Asian Republic lost only eight Black Tortoise Mobile Suits and three fighters-minimal losses-thanks to the Black Tortoise's performance advantage, simplified operating system (extremely low error rate for Natural pilots), and the leadership of a small number of Coordinator backbone pilots. The Black Tortoise squads maintained complete combat formations throughout, firmly holding battlefield initiative. The Atlantic Federation joint fleet commander's face turned ashen. He knew well that if the stalemate continued, the mass-production unit cluster would be utterly routed. Gritting his teeth, he issued the order: "Calamity, Raider, Forbidden-deploy immediately! Destroy all enemy Mobile Suits and fighters at full power, break through the defense line, and turn the tide!"
The instant the order was given, the three cutting-edge units at the rear of the joint fleet's formation activated simultaneously, engines roaring, radiating a suffocating pressure as they streaked toward the East Asian aerial defense line like three black lightning bolts. Li Weiguo stared at the holographic screen, his eyes sharp as an eagle's-as a commander cautious in deploying forces and well-versed in the art of war, he had long anticipated the joint fleet would deploy cutting-edge units and had pre-issued the Xingtian squad a "Level One standby, immediate response" contingency. Now, seeing the three Gundams deploy, he hesitated not a moment, simultaneously issuing orders with a firm and steady tone: "Xingtian squad, all units deploy! Rapid equipment pack swap, advance to the front! Black Tortoise squads, adjust formation immediately, execute 'dispersed harassment' tactics-do not engage the three cutting-edge units in direct combat!"
The three Gundams, leveraging their Extended pilots' control advantages and the units' formidable combat power, unleashed full-force attacks the instant they appeared. The Calamity Gundam was first to halt at high altitude, its two back-mounted 580mm "Scylla" multi-phase energy cannons activating, two massive beams blasting toward the Black Tortoise cluster-eight Black Tortoises failed to evade in time and exploded instantly. The Raider Gundam switched to MA form, weaving at high speed, downing four Black Tortoises and three fighters in succession. The Forbidden Gundam broke through head-on, its energy-deflecting armor ignoring beam attacks, its handheld "Misfortune Scythe" cleaving through six Black Tortoise frames. In just three minutes, the East Asian forces lost twenty-eight Black Tortoises and fifteen fighters. Though casualties were not heavy, the three Gundams' deterrent power was fully displayed, and the battlefield rhythm was instantly disrupted. By this time, Li Weiguo's tactical deployment had already landed swiftly: the Black Tortoise squads abandoned their original defensive formation, splitting into twelve mobile squads of thirty each, adopting "flanking harassment, attrition" tactics, avoiding direct confrontation with the three Gundams.
The East Asian military's caution and adaptability were on full display: Li Weiguo did not panic over initial casualties but instead adjusted tactics accordingly. The Black Tortoise mobile squads, leveraging their simplified operating systems and thirty-percent performance advantage, used their MA form's high-speed mobility to weave around the three Gundams, avoiding direct confrontation and using only beam rifles and missiles for harassment, focusing attacks on the three Gundams' flanks and joint areas to disrupt their attack rhythm. Simultaneously, he ordered the carrier battle groups to adjust gun angles, concentrating firepower to suppress the joint fleet's mass-production units, cutting off support to the three Gundams and preventing the Strike Daggers from counterattacking. Land-based anti-air positions activated in sync, beam anti-air cannons forming a low-altitude defense net to cover the Black Tortoise squads' withdrawal of damaged units. On the sea, the joint fleet's carrier battle groups attempted to seize the opportunity for a fierce assault, but the East Asian carrier battle groups' precise firepower pinned them down, making it difficult to close in. In the skies, the Black Tortoise mobile squads maneuvered flexibly-sometimes concentrating harassment on one Gundam, sometimes rapidly dispersing to evade attacks-keeping the three Gundams constantly reacting, unable to fully unleash their slaughter and effectively containing the expansion of casualties.
A Coordinator backbone pilot of a Black Tortoise mobile squad led three Black Tortoises in a harassment group. Leveraging the MA form's high-speed advantage, they flanked the Calamity Gundam and precisely fired missiles, striking the Calamity's leg joints. Though no substantive damage was inflicted, they successfully disrupted the Calamity's bombardment rhythm, buying time for other Black Tortoise squads. Another Black Tortoise group, targeting the Raider Gundam's high mobility, employed a "lure deep" tactic: two Black Tortoises feigned damage and decelerated, luring the Raider into pursuit, while the other eight Black Tortoises lay in ambush on the flank. When the Raider closed in, they fired missiles in sync, striking the Raider's back thrusters and briefly reducing its speed. In contrast, the three Gundams-though formidable-were entangled by the Black Tortoises' flanking tactics, unable to form an effective slaughter. Coupled with the joint fleet's mass-production units being suppressed by East Asian firepower and unable to provide support, they gradually fell into a passive position. By this point, the Black Tortoises had lost thirty-two units cumulatively-far from exceeding fifty-while the Xingtian squad had completed emergency equipment swaps and was racing toward the battlefield. Li Weiguo's cautious deployment had both prevented casualty expansion and bought precious time for Xingtian support, perfectly embodying the art of war principle: "Do not fight a battle without preparation, do not commit troops without prospect of victory."
The battle continued until 10:10 AM. The three Gundams had been pinned down by the Black Tortoise mobile squads for a full eight minutes, unable to break through East Asia's harassment line, and had themselves suffered minor wear. The joint fleet's mass-production units, suppressed by East Asian carrier firepower, continued to accumulate casualties: of five hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits, only two hundred eighty-seven remained; of three hundred fighters, only one hundred forty-two remained. On the East Asian side, the Black Tortoise Mobile Suits had lost thirty-two cumulatively, leaving three hundred sixty-eight; fighter losses were fifteen, leaving three hundred eighty-five; only one escort ship had been damaged by an Aegis Gundam raid-the defense line was solid with no gaps. All of this was thanks to Li Weiguo's cautious force deployment and adaptable tactics: advance prediction, immediate support, flanking harassment-every deployment step precisely countered the joint fleet's offensive. By now, the Xingtian squad had arrived at the battlefield's outer perimeter. All eight Xingtian units had completed final equipment pack calibration, ready for coordinated combat. Li Weiguo immediately issued new orders: "Xingtian squad divides into two groups-one group intercepts the three cutting-edge units head-on, one group flanks to support the Black Tortoises. Coordinate with the Black Tortoise squads to execute 'pincer encirclement' tactics and completely collapse the enemy offensive!"
"Understood! Mission guaranteed!" The Xingtian squad members responded in unison. After receiving Li Weiguo's immediate orders earlier, the Xingtian squad had rapidly entered combat readiness. All eight Xingtian Gundams (model EMF-03S) activated simultaneously, urgently calling the dedicated long-range deployment pods carried by escort ships-leveraging the Adaptive Remote Equipment Exchange System's advantage, they completed equipment pack docking at maximum speed without any delay, perfectly matching Li Weiguo's tactical requirements of "immediate support, swift resolution." This also demonstrated the East Asian military's rapid response capability-precisely Li Weiguo's advance arrangement of cautious force deployment: the Xingtian squad had long been on standby, equipment and personnel ready for immediate battlefield deployment without rushed response.
The Xingtian, designed specifically for the East Asian Republic's ace pilots, was equipped with the Adaptive Remote Equipment Exchange System, capable of directly receiving three types of equipment packs on the battlefield with adaptive docking, the entire process taking no more than thirty seconds without returning to the mothership-the system automatically completed equipment pack calibration and energy adaptation. This advantage was fully demonstrated in this immediate support operation. Simultaneously, the Xingtian's core systems activated fully, integrating the core advantages of five units: Strike (equipment swap capability), Aegis (transformation adaptation), Duel (defense enhancement), Buster (firepower configuration), and Blitz (stealth assistance). Full-body reinforced PS Armor activated in sync, with defensive capability far exceeding the Black Tortoise. In moments, all eight Xingtian units completed equipment pack docking: of the four Xingtian units on the left, two had melee packs, one had an artillery pack, one had a raid pack; of the four on the right, two had artillery packs, two had raid packs. After equipment swap completion, following Li Weiguo's tactical deployment, they split into two routes, racing toward the battlefield to form a coordinated pincer with the Black Tortoise squads.
At this time, the frontline Black Tortoise mobile squads were still methodically executing harassment tactics. Coordinator backbone pilots led their squads in continuous harassment of the three Gundams, giving them no respite. Li Weiguo, monitoring battlefield conditions in real time through the holographic screen, adjusted tactics based on the three Gundams' movements, ordering: "Black Tortoise squads, left wing two groups-coordinate with Xingtian raid packs, flank to the Raider Gundam's rear; right wing three groups-coordinate with Xingtian melee packs, pin down the Forbidden Gundam; center squads-cover Xingtian artillery packs, suppress the Calamity Gundam's firepower!" The orders were clear, the deployment meticulous, fully displaying mastery of the art of war-no greed for glory, no recklessness; every step revolved around "coordinated combat, countering the enemy," fully embodying the East Asian military's caution and adaptability.
The three Gundams' pilots gradually grew impatient, attempting to break through the Black Tortoise harassment line, but were constantly entangled by the agile mobile squads: the Calamity Gundam tried to unleash full bombardment but was interrupted in its aiming by Black Tortoise harassment; the Aegis Gundam tried high-speed raids but was pinned by the Black Tortoise lure tactics, unable to fully utilize its speed; the Forbidden Gundam, though formidable head-on, had the Black Tortoise squads avoiding its strengths and striking its weak points, attacking only vulnerable areas and preventing it from advancing at full power. Just then, the Xingtian squad arrived at the battlefield in two routes. Following Li Weiguo's tactical deployment, they immediately entered combat: the frontal Xingtian melee packs and artillery packs directly intercepted the Calamity and Forbidden; the flanking Xingtian raid packs, coordinating with the Black Tortoise left-wing squads, launched attacks toward the Aegis Gundam's rear, instantly forming a pincer and completely breaking the battlefield deadlock.
The Atlantic Federation joint fleet commander's expression changed drastically upon seeing this. He had not expected the East Asian military to not only respond rapidly but also deploy with such meticulous and adaptable tactics. The Xingtian squad's support was so timely and coordinated so seamlessly with the Black Tortoise squads that the three Gundams were given no opportunity to break through. He hastily issued orders: "Calamity, Raider, Forbidden-concentrate firepower to break through the pincer, prioritize destroying the enemy's newly arrived units! Strike Dagger squads-break through East Asian firepower suppression at full power, support the three Gundams!" But by now, Li Weiguo had already anticipated the joint fleet's counterattack, ordering the carrier battle groups in advance to increase firepower output and further suppress the Strike Daggers; the Black Tortoise squads, following preset tactics, tightened the harassment ring, coordinating with the Xingtian squad to firmly encircle the three Gundams. The joint fleet's counterattack was already beyond saving.
"Melee-type Xingtian, switch to melee stance, use shoulder-mounted melee claws with physical anti-ship swords against the Forbidden Gundam! Artillery-type Xingtian, activate twin beam cannons, leverage Buster Gundam-style firepower layout to suppress the Calamity Gundam's long-range bombardment-do not give it the chance for sustained bombardment! Raid-type Xingtian, activate Simplified Mirage Colloid Generator, stealth-flank and pin down the Raider Gundam, use high-speed advantage to disrupt its movements and prevent it from raiding friendly units and Black Tortoise squads!" The Xingtian squad's first group leader, piloting a melee-type Xingtian, issued orders loudly while activating thrusters, charging toward the Forbidden Gundam-the melee-type Xingtian fused the Strike's sword pack melee advantages with the Duel Gundam's defensive structure, with close-combat power rivaling the Strike Sword Pack, fully capable of head-on confrontation with the Forbidden.
Two melee-type Xingtian units immediately responded, following behind their leader, launching attacks on the Forbidden Gundam. Forbidden Gundam pilot Shani Andras sneered, activating back-mounted induction plasma cannons while drawing the handheld "Misfortune Scythe" thermal scythe, counterattacking the melee-type Xingtian. The thermal scythe arced through the air with a high-temperature shriek, slashing toward the Xingtian's head, while the induction plasma cannons fired two precise beams directly at the Xingtian's frame. Relying on the energy-deflecting armor's advantage, Shani showed no fear of the Xingtian's beam attacks.
"Evade!" At the leader's command, the two melee-type Xingtian units maneuvered rapidly, dodging the Forbidden's attacks while shoulder-mounted beam sabers popped out, slashing toward the Forbidden's flanks. The Forbidden Gundam, relying on its energy-deflecting armor, did not dodge-the beam sabers struck the armor and were directly warped and refracted with a harsh sizzling sound. The Forbidden was unharmed. "Useless! My energy-deflecting armor can warp all your beam attacks-you can't hurt me!" Shani's voice was arrogant as he swung the "Misfortune Scythe" thermal scythe in a wide sweep, the back-mounted phonon cannon activating in sync, emitting high-frequency sound waves to disrupt the Xingtian's electronic control systems.
The leader's expression changed. He immediately realized the Forbidden's weakness-the energy-deflecting armor could defend against beam attacks but could not resist physical attacks, and the TP Armor only activated upon impact; sustained physical strikes would gradually render it ineffective. "Switch tactics! Use physical anti-ship swords with shoulder-mounted melee claws-avoid its beam weapons and sonic disruption!" The leader piloted his Xingtian, back-mounted physical anti-ship sword unsheathing, shoulder-mounted melee claws popping out in sync, slashing toward the Forbidden's legs. The other melee-type Xingtian maintained Mobile Suit form, using reinforced beam sabers to pin down the Forbidden's movements while its shoulder-mounted melee claws launched a surprise attack to draw attention, simultaneously evading the phonon cannon's sonic disruption-the melee-type Xingtian, drawing on the Duel Gundam's reinforced torso armor design, maintained stability even under sonic disruption, and with reinforced PS Armor protection, had no concern about being pierced by scattered attacks.
Shani, seeing this, immediately swung the "Misfortune Scythe" thermal scythe to block. The physical anti-ship sword and high-temperature thermal scythe collided with a harsh metallic screech, sparks flying everywhere. The anti-ship sword's surface was scorched with burn marks from the high temperature, but the Xingtian's reinforced PS Armor (full-body equipped) effectively resisted heat conduction, preventing internal damage to the unit, and the Duel Gundam-inspired torso armor further enhanced the unit's tolerance. The leader seized the opportunity-shoulder-mounted melee claws shot out, clamping firmly onto the Forbidden's shoulder armor. Thrusters at full power, the Xingtian's frame surged forward, the anti-ship sword striking again toward the Forbidden's shoulder-this was the connection point for the Forbidden's induction plasma cannons, with relatively thin armor. With a "crack," the Forbidden's shoulder armor was shattered, its induction plasma cannons damaged and unable to fire normally.
"Damn it!" Shani roared in fury, the back-mounted phonon cannon increasing output power, high-frequency sound waves frantically disrupting the Xingtian's electronic systems, while swinging the "Misfortune Scythe" toward the Xingtian's cockpit. The melee spike armor plates built into the back armor array also popped out, firing toward the Xingtian. The leader remained calm in crisis-the Xingtian rapidly retreated, evading the sonic disruption and spike attacks, while beam sabers popped out, slashing toward the Forbidden's "Misfortune Scythe." With a "zzzt," the thermal scythe's blade was notched, and the Forbidden lost its core melee weapon.
Meanwhile, the duel between the artillery-type Xingtian and the Calamity Gundam had also reached a white-hot stage. Calamity Gundam pilot Orga Sabnak (Extended) maneuvered his unit to hover at high altitude, fully leveraging long-range heavy firepower advantages. The two back-mounted 580mm "Scylla" multi-phase energy cannons activated in sync, blasting toward the artillery-type Xingtian-massive beams tore across the sky with astonishing power; the head-mounted 75mm anti-air automatic Vulcan cannons also fired continuously, dense beams streaming toward the Xingtian; the left-arm twin ram-cannon offensive shield system fired in sync, forming a three-dimensional fire net. The Calamity Gundam, relying on energy conserved by TP Armor, sustained high-intensity bombardment with firepower density far exceeding conventional Mobile Suits. The artillery-type Xingtian, equipped with twin beam cannons (drawing on the Buster Gundam's firepower layout) and back-mounted missile pods fully loaded, leveraged East Asia's self-developed fire control system for extremely high accuracy. Simultaneously, its full-body reinforced PS Armor (drawing on the Duel Gundam's defensive structure) activated at full power, directly withstanding several Vulcan cannon hits with only shallow marks on the armor surface. Then the twin beam cannons activated in sync, blasting toward the Calamity, while the back-mounted missile pods launched multiple missiles, forming a dense fire net to suppress the Calamity's firepower-its artillery power approached the Buster Gundam's, forming a fierce standoff with the Calamity's long-range firepower without falling behind.
The Calamity Gundam's pilot, seeing this, immediately maneuvered his unit backward, evading the Xingtian's missile attacks while the back-mounted "Scylla" multi-phase energy cannons fired again, striking directly at the Xingtian's chest. The artillery-type Xingtian's pilot showed no panic-relying on reinforced PS Armor and Duel Gundam-style torso reinforcement, it directly withstood the blow, the frame only slightly trembling with a minor increase in energy consumption-the Xingtian's reinforced PS Armor far exceeded the Black Tortoise's, capable of withstanding beam main cannon attacks. Then it activated its beam shield, deploying a massive beam barrier to further intercept the Calamity's beam attacks. "East Asia's new cutting-edge unit-its defense is this strong?" The Calamity's pilot was somewhat surprised, then increased firepower, back-mounted energy cannons and head-mounted Vulcan cannons firing simultaneously toward the Xingtian.
The artillery-type Xingtian's pilot showed no fear, beam cannons and missiles counterattacking simultaneously. Both sides' beams and missiles collided in the air, explosive flashes rising and falling in succession. The artillery-type Xingtian, leveraging East Asia's self-developed fire control system, achieved extremely high accuracy-several beams precisely struck the Calamity's leg armor, damaging its leg engines and reducing mobility; the Calamity, leveraging its powerful firepower, struck the Xingtian's shoulder, damaging its beam cannons and reducing power. Both sides fell into a stalemate.
On the other side, the duel between the raid-type Xingtian and the Raider Gundam was even more spectacular. Raider Gundam pilot Clotho Buer (Extended), leveraging his unit's high mobility, patrolled everywhere, attempting to lock onto the raid-type Xingtian. But the Xingtian, equipped with a Simplified Mirage Colloid Generator (incorporating Blitz Gundam stealth assistance technology), had already activated stealth mode, vanishing instantly from the battlefield. Clotho could not lock onto the target for the moment and could only maneuver the Raider Gundam in vigilant readiness, continuously firing beams for area probing. Moments later, the raid-type Xingtian, leveraging its doubled high-speed thrusters after equipment swap, stealth-flanked to the Raider Gundam's side. Deactivating stealth while simultaneously firing its shoulder-mounted small beam rifles and pulse launchers toward the Raider's back-the raid-type Xingtian's lightweight additional armor greatly enhanced mobility, with speed far exceeding the Raider's MS form. Clotho, relying on an Extended's reaction speed, barely maneuvered his unit to dodge sideways, but the back armor was still hit, leaving a deep gash, and the transformation mechanism was slightly affected.
Clotho flew into a rage, immediately maneuvering the Raider Gundam to switch to high-speed assault MA form (backpack flipped to the head). Speed increased again, the mouth-mounted energy cannon activating, firing blindly in all directions to force out the raid-type Xingtian, while shoulder-mounted "Misfortune Scythe" beam boomerangs separated, launching in all directions for area harassment. The raid-type Xingtian activated stealth again, flexibly evading the boomerangs and beam sweeps-the combination of lightweight armor and high-speed thrusters gave it mobility far exceeding the Raider's MA form, while incorporating Aegis Gundam transformation adaptation technology allowed slight frame posture adjustments to perfectly evade attacks. Simultaneously, its hand-mounted beam weapons charged, waiting for a counterattack opportunity. Moments later, Clotho grew increasingly agitated, switching back to Mobile Suit form, waist-mounted beam sabers popping out, swinging wildly, while "Claw Anchors" fired continuously, attempting to grapple the stealthed Xingtian. The raid-type Xingtian seized the opportunity-deactivating stealth, high-speed thrusters at full power, flanking to the Raider's rear, shoulder-mounted pulse launchers firing densely, striking the Raider's transformation mechanism, then beam rifles precisely hitting the Raider's back armor-this was the critical area of the transformation mechanism, with relatively thin armor. The Raider's armor was pierced, its transformation system and weapon-seizing components damaged. "Damn it!" Clotho roared in fury, turning to swing beam sabers toward the Xingtian's back while "Claw Anchors" fired again, attempting to grab the Xingtian's thrusters.
The raid-type Xingtian's pilot reacted extremely quickly-the frame spun rapidly, evading the Raider's attacks while pulse launchers fired, striking the Raider's mechanical arm. The mechanical arm was destroyed, and the Raider completely lost its weapon-seizing capability. The raid-type Xingtian seized the opportunity, beam rifles firing continuously, striking the Raider's chest and legs. The Raider's engines and cockpit were damaged, losing control, plummeting toward the sea. The pilot ejected urgently but was locked onto by East Asian fighters and shot down on the spot.
The Raider Gundam's downing greatly boosted the East Asian military's morale. The Xingtian squad's first group was greatly encouraged. Following battlefield conditions, they flexibly called long-range deployment pods, rapidly completing equipment pack replenishment and energy calibration-two melee-type Xingtian units swapped in new melee claw packs, further enhancing close-combat capability, joining forces to suppress the Forbidden Gundam; the artillery-type Xingtian called for missile pod resupply, continuing to leverage twin beam cannon firepower advantages to suppress the Calamity Gundam. The Forbidden's energy-deflecting armor gradually became ineffective under sustained physical attacks, and the TP Armor consumed large amounts of energy from frequent impacts. The frame suffered multiple damages: the "Misfortune Scythe" was damaged, induction plasma cannons could not fire, and it could only rely on forearm autocannons and head-mounted Vulcan cannons for passive defense. The artillery-type Xingtian, leveraging precise shooting and Buster-style firepower layout, continued to suppress the Calamity Gundam. The Calamity's legs and shoulders were damaged, its back-mounted "Scylla" multi-phase energy cannons reduced in power, unable to conduct high-intensity long-range suppression, and with weak mobility and no close-combat capability, it was forced to contract its defense line, relying on remaining firepower for self-preservation-the Xingtian's artillery power approached the Buster Gundam's, precisely countering the Calamity's long-range suppression tactics.
By now, the coordinated combat between the Xingtian squad and Black Tortoise squads had grown increasingly seamless, advancing entirely according to Li Weiguo's tactical deployment: two artillery-type Xingtian units coordinated with the Black Tortoise center squads, continuously suppressing the Calamity Gundam, leveraging Buster-style firepower layout to gradually weaken its long-range combat power; two raid-type Xingtian units coordinated with the Black Tortoise left-wing squads, firmly entangling the Raider Gundam, using stealth and high-speed advantages to continuously attack its transformation mechanism; four melee-type and artillery-type Xingtian units coordinated with the Black Tortoise right-wing squads, pincering the Forbidden Gundam, targeting weak points in its energy-deflecting armor. The Black Tortoise squads, leveraging their thirty-percent performance advantage, simplified operating systems, and the leadership of a small number of Coordinator backbone pilots, had the remaining three hundred fifty-six Black Tortoises alternating between MS/MA forms, flexibly executing harassment, attrition, and cover missions-no blind charges, no drawn-out attrition. Every sortie precisely matched tactical requirements-this was the core embodiment of the East Asian military's cautious force deployment and adaptable art of war: not pursuing individual unit superiority but emphasizing overall coordination, using tactics to counter combat power. Simultaneously, the Xingtian's remote equipment swap advantage was fully highlighted-no need to return to base for equipment pack switching and resupply, battlefield adaptability far exceeding the Strike Gundam, always maintaining complete combat power; the Black Tortoise, with its simplified operating system, allowed even Natural pilots to operate stably in high-intensity coordinated combat with extremely low error rates, further expanding combat power advantages.
The battle continued until 18:00 in the evening. The sun set in the west, its afterglow spilling across the battlefield, illuminating a scene of devastation. The engagement results were one-sided. On the sea, the waters were littered with the wreckage of Atlantic Federation joint fleet warships and Strike Dagger debris, the seawater stained red with blood; in the skies, the fighter and Mobile Suit melee had essentially ended-the Atlantic Federation joint fleet could no longer resist. In this battle, the East Asian Republic maintained tactical initiative throughout, thanks to Li Weiguo's cautious force deployment and adaptable art of war: when the three cutting-edge units appeared for only three minutes and the Black Tortoises lost twenty-eight units, he immediately dispatched Xingtian support, employing flanking harassment, coordinated pincer, and lure-deep tactics throughout-no hard fighting, no recklessness, minimizing casualties. Ultimately, East Asia paid only a light price: of four hundred Black Tortoise Mobile Suits, only three hundred sixty-eight remained; of four hundred fighters, only two hundred eighty-five remained; of two carrier battle groups, only one escort ship was sunk; of eight Xingtian Gundams, none were destroyed, only two lightly damaged, with no pilot fatalities. The Atlantic Federation joint fleet suffered heavy losses: of five hundred Strike Dagger Mobile Suits, only sixty-seven remained; of three hundred fighters, only thirty-eight remained; of five carrier battle groups, one carrier was sunk, two severely damaged, and multiple warships sunk; the Calamity Gundam and Forbidden Gundam suffered multiple damages, lost combat capability, and were forced to withdraw from the battlefield. The core reasons for the defeat were not only the Strike Dagger's performance and operational shortcomings but also the joint fleet's rigid tactics, completely countered by East Asia's adaptable art of war and cautious deployment. Battlefield initiative was firmly in East Asia's hands, and the Kaohsiung Port defense line was impregnable.
The two sides fought fiercely all day, deadlocked, and it looked about to drag into a war of attrition. The Atlantic Federation joint fleet commander stared at the battlefield situation on the holographic screen, face ashen, filled with unwillingness and anxiety. He knew that if the stalemate continued, the Atlantic Federation joint fleet's casualties would only grow, and East Asia's reserve forces were continuously arriving, while PLANT's support could arrive at any time. By then, the Atlantic Federation joint fleet would inevitably be surrounded and annihilated. Weighing the pros and cons, the commander could only grit his teeth and issue orders: "All forces-retreat! Abandon the plan to raid Kaohsiung Port, withdraw to Atlantic Federation territory, rest and standby!"
As the order was issued, the remaining Atlantic Federation joint fleet fighters, Mobile Suits, and warships rapidly withdrew from the battlefield, racing toward the Atlantic like strays. The East Asian military did not pursue-after a full day of fierce fighting, the soldiers were exhausted and urgently needed rest, and Kaohsiung Port's defense was already secure, allowing negotiations to proceed smoothly. Li Weiguo watched the enemy's retreating backs, let out a long sigh of relief, and ordered: "All forces rest and reorganize, clear the battlefield, treat the wounded, repair damaged equipment, strengthen vigilance, and prevent another enemy raid."
The fires of war at Kaohsiung Port gradually subsided. Under the setting sun, soldiers began clearing the battlefield, treating the wounded, and repairing damaged warships and Mobile Suits. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and blood, yet tinged with the joy of victory. The PLANT diplomatic delegation successfully disembarked and met with the East Asian Republic's negotiation representatives. Both sides formally opened negotiations-talks aimed at achieving non-aggression and trade cooperation quietly advanced amid the aftermath of Kaohsiung Port's fires.
However, just as the Atlantic Federation joint fleet withdrew from Kaohsiung Port and East Asia and PLANT began negotiations, a new battle was quietly erupting in Panama, Central America. At 19:00 on the evening of May 5, Cosmic Era 71, the ZAFT military assembled four divisions of ground forces, over one hundred twenty Mobile Suits, and three warships, quietly arriving at the outer perimeter of Panama Spaceport—Mei Hock, who had been monitoring Kaohsiung Port's situation from the Victoria Port command tower, was now seated on the ZAFT flagship "Leviathan," stationed in safe waters outside the battlefield. A surprise attack aimed at completely destroying the Panama Mass Driver, cutting off the Earth Alliance Forces' only route to space, and collapsing their strategic foundation, had officially begun—unlike previous occupation-style operations, the tactical core Mei Hock had formulated this time was solely "destroy" and "recover": no drawn-out combat, no territorial occupation, immediate withdrawal upon mission completion.
Panama Spaceport, located on the Isthmus of Panama in Central America, possessed the Earth Alliance Forces' last mass driver (also known as a mass projector) on Earth's surface. This was the Earth Alliance Forces' only route to space and their strategic lifeline for dispatching reinforcements and receiving supplies from the cosmos. Once this mass driver was destroyed, the Earth Alliance Forces would be completely trapped within the Earth Sphere, losing contact with the space battlefield, and their strategic advantage would completely collapse. Therefore, the Earth Alliance Forces had deployed heavy defenses at Panama Spaceport: three divisions of ground forces, over one hundred mass-production Mobile Suits (mainly Strike Daggers and Daggers), large numbers of anti-air missile units and coastal artillery units, constructing an impenetrable defensive net. High ground and coastline around the port were all deployed with defensive positions, radar rotating ceaselessly, vigilant against every suspicious area.
The core commander of this ZAFT operation-Mei Hock-sat in the flagship "Leviathan's" bridge command seat, in a crisp ZAFT military uniform, composed and sharp-eyed, staring at the Panama Spaceport defense deployment map on the holographic screen. His tone was calm yet carried unquestionable authority: "Panama's mass driver is the Earth Alliance Forces' lifeline and the sole target of our operation-destroy it completely, sever their hope of reaching space. Remember, our mission is not occupation-it is destruction. Additionally, for Earth Forces Mobile Suits paralyzed by EMP, arrange dedicated squads for recovery. These units' core components can be dismantled for improvement and secondary use-do not waste them." Mei Hock remained seated on the bridge throughout, fingertips lightly tapping the console, never once entertaining the thought of personally piloting a unit to the front line. His battlefield was this bridge; his weapon was precise tactical deployment and calm command. This composure was consistent with his earlier posture of controlling the overall situation from Victoria Port.
Mei Hock, a core ZAFT general, possessed both strategic vision and tactical expertise. Having long been stationed at Victoria Port to coordinate overall operations, he had experienced numerous space and ground campaigns. He excelled at precisely identifying enemy weaknesses and accomplishing operational objectives at minimal cost, and was renowned for "commanding with composure, no recklessness, no drawn-out combat." For this Panama raid, while monitoring Kaohsiung Port negotiation developments, he had long been secretly formulating a meticulous and rigorous tactical plan, entirely centered on "destroying the mass driver": first, dispatch Zaku transport aircraft carrying EMP weapons to low-altitude infiltrate over Panama Spaceport and airdrop them, paralyzing the Earth Alliance Forces' mass-production Mobile Suits, radar, and anti-air systems, clearing obstacles for the subsequent raid; then split forces into two routes-one route composed of Mobile Suits and ground forces as an assault squad, focusing on breaking through defensive positions and heading straight for the mass driver to carry out destruction; the other route composed of dedicated recovery squads, following behind the assault squad to recover EMP-paralyzed Earth Forces units; three warships would provide fire support from the battlefield perimeter, pinning down remaining enemy forces while covering assault and recovery squad operations; the entire operation commanded by him from the flagship "Leviathan's" bridge, adjusting tactics in real time to ensure efficient mission progress, immediately leading the full force in retreat upon objective completion.
Inside the Panama Spaceport Defense Command at this time, Earth Alliance Forces commander Lieutenant General Robert King stared at the holographic screen, his expression somewhat relaxed. He had already learned of the Atlantic Federation joint fleet's raid on Kaohsiung Port and believed the ZAFT military would concentrate its main forces on supporting PLANT and East Asia's negotiations, unlikely to raid Panama. Therefore, the defense forces' alert level had been lowered, and some soldiers had even begun resting.
"Commander, should we strengthen vigilance? The ZAFT military has been frequently active recently-we cannot afford to be careless." A staff officer's voice came, tinged with concern.
Robert King waved his hand dismissively: "Relax. The ZAFT military is busy negotiating with East Asia right now-they have no energy to raid Panama. Besides, we've deployed heavy forces. Even if ZAFT comes, they can't break through our defense line. Let the soldiers rest well-there's no need for such tension."
The staff officer had no choice but to stop persuading, but his inner concern did not diminish in the slightest. He knew well the importance of Panama Spaceport to the Earth Alliance Forces-once captured by ZAFT, the Earth Alliance Forces would be utterly cornered. He dared not imagine such consequences.
At 19:30 in the evening, the ZAFT military, following preset tactics, launched the EMP raid first. Multiple Zaku transport aircraft carrying EMP weapons, leveraging low-altitude flight advantages, evaded the Earth Alliance Forces' not-yet-fully-relaxed vigilance, rapidly infiltrated over Panama Spaceport, and precisely airdropped EMP devices. EMP weapons-electromagnetic pulse weapons-could paralyze enemy electronic equipment, radar, communication systems, and Mobile Suit electronic control systems by releasing high-intensity electromagnetic pulses, delivering devastating strikes to modern militaries dependent on electronic equipment. The ZAFT military had long since improved its own Mobile Suits and electronic equipment to be EMP-resistant, unaffected by EMP weapons.
Several EMP devices activated simultaneously upon landing. An invisible electromagnetic pulse wave swept toward Panama Spaceport like a tide. Almost the instant the EMP wave arrived, Panama Spaceport's radar systems, communication systems, anti-air missile systems, and coastal artillery systems all paralyzed-screens went black, communications cut off, missiles could not launch, coastal artillery could not aim; on the ground, over one hundred mass-production Mobile Suits (Strike Daggers and Daggers) instantly lost control, engines stalled, electronic control systems paralyzed, frames frozen stiff like piles of scrap metal, unable to move or attack; soldiers at defensive positions were panic-stricken, communicators unusable, unable to receive orders, able only to watch helplessly as their weapons became scrap metal, descending into chaos.
"What's happening? Why is the radar black? Why won't the communicator work?" Robert King shot to his feet, his tone panicked, pounding the console to no avail. "Quick! Restart the systems! Repair communications! Find out the cause!"
Soldiers immediately sprang into action, attempting to restart systems and repair communications, but the EMP weapon damage was extremely severe-all electronic equipment was ruined and could not be restarted. The staff officer, face pale, ran to Robert King's side, his tone despairing: "Commander, it's EMP weapons! The ZAFT military airdropped EMP weapons via transport aircraft. All our electronic equipment-radar, communication systems, and Mobile Suits-are paralyzed! We have no means of resistance!"
"EMP weapons? How did ZAFT get here?" Robert King's face went pale, his whole body trembling. He finally realized he had made a fatal mistake-underestimating the ZAFT military's ambition and tactics, relaxing vigilance, and plunging Panama Spaceport into a hopeless situation. "Quick! Order! Ground forces, take up small arms, hold defensive positions, stop the ZAFT advance! Even without Mobile Suits and anti-air systems, we must hold Panama!"
However, the Earth Alliance Forces ground troops at this point had fallen into complete chaos-communications cut off, unable to receive orders, soldiers fighting individually: some trying to flee, some trying to hold, others in despair, not knowing what to do. Organizing effective resistance was already impossible.
"Orders! All forces, execute preset plan! Assault squad-board landing craft and Mobile Suits, rapidly break through enemy defensive positions, head straight for the mass driver, prioritize destroying its core power compartment and launch rails-do not be pinned by remaining enemy forces; recovery squad-follow behind the assault squad, classify and recover EMP-paralyzed Earth Forces Mobile Suits, focus on dismantling core components, move swiftly, avoid delaying retreat timing; warship units-maintain fire support, suppress enemy ground positions, cover both squads' operations, and remain vigilant for possible enemy reinforcements!" Mei Hock sat in the bridge command seat, gaze still composed, fingers lightly tapping the console. Clear orders transmitted precisely to every squad through encrypted communications, without the slightest panic, fully displaying exceptional command capability-even knowing the Earth Alliance Forces had fallen into chaos, he remained neither arrogant nor impatient, strictly advancing according to preset tactics, eliminating any accidents, perfectly consistent with his earlier composed control of Kaohsiung Port developments from Victoria Port.
As the orders were issued, the ZAFT military's four divisions of ground forces, aboard landing craft, rapidly charged toward Panama Spaceport's coastline; over one hundred twenty Mobile Suits (mainly Ginns, DINNs, and Zakus) split into two groups-one as the assault squad, rapidly ascending toward Panama Spaceport's core area, the mass driver's location; the other as cover and recovery squad, following behind, pinning down scattered Earth Forces resistance while recovering EMP-paralyzed Strike Daggers and Dagger Mobile Suits from the battlefield, transporting intact units to landing craft and dismantling core components on-site for severely damaged ones; three warships maintained safe distance on the sea, main guns and missiles precisely bombarding Earth Alliance Forces defensive positions-massive beams and missiles striking Earth Forces positions, explosive flashes rising and falling in succession, effectively suppressing scattered enemy resistance and clearing obstacles for assault and recovery squads.
The ZAFT assault squad rapidly charged into Panama Spaceport, heading straight for the mass driver. Scattered resistance encountered along the way was quickly crushed by the cover squad; the recovery squad methodically carried out its work, inspecting and marking each EMP-paralyzed Earth Alliance Forces Mobile Suit, rapidly transferring usable units and core components with skilled efficiency-Mei Hock had long since made dedicated arrangements for the recovery squad, clarifying recovery standards and procedures to ensure mission completion in the shortest time without delaying the overall retreat plan. On the bridge, Mei Hock monitored the assault and recovery squads' progress in real time through the holographic screen, occasionally issuing fine-tuning orders: "Assault squad, increase speed, prioritize destroying the mass driver's core compartment, ignore peripheral irrelevant facilities; recovery squad, focus on recovering intact Strike Dagger units, store core components separately, mind your own safety." His tone was steady, orders precise-even as battlefield conditions shifted rapidly, he commanded with composure, controlling the battlefield rhythm throughout, fully displaying the protagonist's core command presence.
A ZAFT Mobile Suit pilot, piloting a Ginn, maneuvered rapidly, beam saber unsheathing, slashing toward a paralyzed Strike Dagger-the Strike Dagger's frame was cut in two, completely destroyed; another ZAFT ground forces soldier, beam rifle in hand, fired precisely, striking a resisting Earth Alliance Forces soldier, who fell dead on the spot; ZAFT warships continued bombarding the Earth Alliance Forces' remaining defensive positions, utterly destroying them, giving the Earth Alliance Forces no chance to catch their breath.
Robert King stared at the battlefield situation on the holographic screen, filled with despair. He knew that once the mass driver was destroyed, the Earth Alliance Forces would be utterly cornered, and he had no forces left to resist. Just then, Mei Hock's voice came through the public communication channel, clearly reaching every corner of Panama Spaceport, steady and authoritative without the slightest arrogance: "Earth Alliance Forces Panama Defense Force Commander Lieutenant General Robert King, I am ZAFT Commander Mei Hock. Now, in my capacity as commander of this ZAFT operation, I demand you lead all remaining forces to lay down their weapons immediately and surrender unconditionally. After surrender, all soldiers will be detained collectively and given basic humanitarian treatment-no executions, no abuse; those who resist stubbornly will be utterly crushed, with consequences borne by themselves." Mei Hock sat on the bridge, tone calm yet carrying irresistible force. He knew the Earth Alliance Forces had no resistance capability left; forcing their surrender would both reduce his own casualties and avoid unnecessary killing, while allowing focus on completing destruction and recovery missions-fully displaying his command vision and protagonist bearing.
At 21:00 in the evening, the ZAFT assault squad successfully reached the mass driver's location, breaking through the Earth Alliance Forces' remaining last line of resistance, arriving beside the mass driver's core power compartment and launch rails. By this time, Robert King, in despair, accepted the surrender terms, leading all remaining soldiers to lay down their weapons and walk out from defensive positions and the command center. Following ZAFT requirements, they gathered in designated areas, guarded by ZAFT ground forces, awaiting subsequent detention arrangements-no large-scale killing throughout, all surrendered soldiers received basic humanitarian treatment, and Lieutenant General Robert King was detained separately without abuse. Simultaneously, the recovery squad had completed most recovery tasks, recovering a total of seventy-eight EMP-paralyzed Earth Alliance Forces Mobile Suits and dismantling over one hundred twenty core components, all transferred to landing craft; the assault squad, following Diego's orders, installed high-power demolition charges in the mass driver's core area, making final destruction preparations. Once everything was ready, they rapidly withdrew to safe areas.
On the bridge, Mei Hock watched the holographic screen-the assault squad had withdrawn to safe areas, the recovery squad had completed its mission, and the Earth Forces had all surrendered and been detained. His expression remained composed, without the slightest victory-induced restlessness. He immediately issued final orders: "Activate demolition charges, completely destroy the mass driver; assault squad, recovery squad, ground forces-immediately withdraw to landing craft and warships, account for personnel and supplies, prepare for full retreat; warship units-provide retreat cover, remain vigilant for possible enemy counterattack, ensure the full force's safe withdrawal." After issuing the orders, he remained seated in the command seat, eyes fixed on the mass driver on the holographic screen, awaiting the moment of destruction-never once leaving the bridge throughout, never piloting any unit to the front line, controlling every phase of the entire operation solely through precise command, perfectly embodying the protagonist's "commanding with composure" bearing and echoing his earlier ability to coordinate overall operations.
"Understood!" ZAFT squads responded in unison, voices transmitting back to the bridge through communicators. As the demolition charges activated, a earth-shattering roar spread across the entire Panama Spaceport. The mass driver's core power compartment exploded first, a massive shockwave sweeping outward, launch rails violently blasted apart and collapsing, reinforced concrete debris flying everywhere. This sole lifeline of the Earth Alliance Forces to space gradually reduced to ruins amid thick smoke and fire, completely losing any use value. Simultaneously, ZAFT squads had smoothly withdrawn to warships and landing craft, personnel and supplies accounted for, no major casualties, recovered Mobile Suits and core components properly stored. Mei Hock watched the completely collapsed mass driver on the holographic screen, nodded slightly, and issued orders again: "All forces retreat, return to ZAFT base via preset routes; report to the PLANT Supreme Council-this operation's mission is fully accomplished: successfully destroyed the Panama Mass Driver, recovered seventy-eight Earth Alliance Forces Mobile Suits and over one hundred twenty core components, forced the surrender and detention of Earth Alliance Forces remaining troops, no major casualties across the force, retreat procedures initiated."
"Understood!" ZAFT soldiers' responses came-no excessive cheering, only efficient execution. Under Mei Hock's long-term command, this force had long cultivated a composed, rigorous, neither arrogant nor impatient style. Landing craft docked with warships in succession, Mobile Suits orderly entering warship hangars. Three warships slowly started engines, racing away from Panama Spaceport, the flagship "Leviathan" leading at the front. Mei Hock remained seated on the bridge, gaze calmly watching the gradually receding Panama ruins on the holographic screen, expression without the slightest ripple, as if he had merely completed a trivial matter-this composure and calm were the best proof of his exceptional command ability, also highlighting the protagonist's steady bearing.
The night deepened. The fires of war at Panama Spaceport completely subsided, leaving only broken walls and ruins. The collapsed mass driver looked particularly desolate in the night. Detained Earth Alliance Forces soldiers waited quietly in designated areas. ZAFT recovery squads had taken away all usable Mobile Suits and core components, leaving no excess forces behind. On the distant sea, ZAFT warship formations gradually receded, disappearing into the night-no stops throughout, no drawn-out combat, perfectly executing the operational plan of "destroy objective, recover supplies, force surrender, immediate retreat."
At this time at Kaohsiung Port, PLANT and East Asian Republic negotiations continued. Both sides had reached preliminary consensus on a non-aggression treaty and trade agreement. At Victoria Port, remaining personnel received the news of Mei Hock leading ZAFT forces to destroy the Panama Mass Driver, recover enemy units, and force Earth Forces surrender before retreating, rapidly transmitting it to all combat units. At Orb, aboard the Archangel, Kira Yamato, Mu, Murrue, and others also received news of Panama's fall and the mass driver's destruction, their hearts filled with confusion and pain. They knew well that the Earth Alliance Forces' defeat was already irreversible, and this long war might soon end-but peace remained distant.
On May 5, Cosmic Era 71, on this day, Kaohsiung Port was ablaze with war, the Panama Spaceport's mass driver reduced to ruins, the Earth Alliance Forces losing their only route to space, remaining troops surrendering and detained. The ZAFT military, under Mei Hock's command, completed destruction and recovery missions before calmly retreating; PLANT and East Asian Republic cooperation began, and a new order took full shape amid the fires of war. And ZAFT core commander Mei Hock, seated on the flagship, commanding with composure, completing operational objectives efficiently with zero excess casualties, demonstrated his exceptional command ability—echoing his earlier feat of coordinating overall operations from Victoria Port, and becoming the most dazzling protagonist of this battle. This war surrounding Earth and PLANT would also enter its final phase, full of unknowns and challenges. Everyone's fate would be rewritten amid these fires of war.
Before you continue