Gundam: Changing the World Even with a Mass-Produced Unit

Chapter 42: Pre-Battle Meeting

"There's no doubt that Ramba Ral's subordinates will continue their pursuit, but under these circumstances, we still have to launch an attack on Odessa."

The White Base, having just destroyed M'quve's No. 86 mining facility, is advancing toward Odessa while dispersing high concentrations of Minovsky particles.

In the briefing room, during a combat meeting, the White Base successfully established encrypted communication with Jaburo headquarters and received direct orders from General Revil.

"Our forces will soon launch a full-scale assault on Odessa. Before that, I hope the White Base can conduct a surprise attack from behind enemy lines. The Medea fleet is already en route."

The Federation, while not yet resorting to deploying inexperienced recruits and young soldiers on a large scale like Zeon, values every bit of manpower it has.

Especially with the need to launch a counteroffensive into space later, human resources are critical.

Without enough skilled personnel, even mass-produced Mobile Suits (MS) would merely gather dust in storage.

On the frontline at Odessa, most Federation MS pilots had just received their first batch of mass-produced GMs. To ensure caution, the White Base, with its experienced combat record, was tasked with breaking through the enemy lines.

"So, we need to prepare for a two-front battle for this operation."

After the elderly, white-bearded General finished his briefing, Bright took the stage to motivate the crew and strategize for the upcoming battle.

With Eli stationed as a capable deputy, Bright no longer had to oversee every detail. When not in combat, Eli could act as a substitute, giving Bright occasional breaks to recuperate.

This allowed Bright to approach the upcoming tough battle with a clear mind.

However, the weight of General Revil's trust and the potential casualties still made him understandably tense.

Revil, known for his ability to recognize talent, was aware of Bright's youth and the possibility that the stress might overwhelm him.

But he had no other choice.

Revil's speech, "Zeon is running out of troops," had galvanized the Federation's resistance. The statement was factual—Zeon, with its smaller population, struggled to maintain control over its occupied territories. This allowed the White Base to traverse from North America to Eastern Europe.

But the Federation's situation wasn't much better. They, too, faced severe manpower shortages.

Thus, Revil placed his faith in Bright.

"Lieutenant Eli, do you have any thoughts?"

After outlining the non-negotiable need for an assault, Bright sought input from his crew.

Eli, Amuro, Shiro, Kai, and Ryu—these were the ship's entire MS pilot roster, with only four MS units available for deployment.

"Splitting our forces is out of the question; we lack sufficient manpower."

Eli phrased it diplomatically, though what he truly meant was that Shiro and the others lacked the skill to operate independently. Splitting Amuro and Eli would only dilute their offensive strength.

"In that case, I suggest a blitzkrieg approach. The White Base will charge toward Odessa at maximum speed, with the Guncannon and Guntank defending its flanks. Amuro and I will spearhead the attack, breaking through the enemy defenses."

Proposing blitzkrieg tactics on Ukrainian soil left Eli with complex emotions, but he moved to the briefing room podium and traced the planned route on the terrain map displayed on the screen.

"What do you think?"

After laying out his strategy, Eli turned to Bright for feedback. Although both held the rank of Lieutenant, Bright's position as captain gave him higher authority.

"The overall strategy is fine, but why bypass the canyon here?"

Bright pointed at the map, suggesting a direct route through the canyon rather than circumventing it.

"The canyon's narrow width might be problematic for the White Base. If Zeon sets up heavy firepower there, we'd have no room to maneuver," Eli warned gravely.

Bright, however, responded with a steady gaze that, while understated, carried undeniable weight.

"Which is why I'm relying on you and Amuro. If such a scenario occurs, I trust the two Gundams to eliminate the threat to the White Base immediately."

Bright's glance shifted between Eli and Amuro.

At that moment, Amuro felt a subtle change in Bright. While still firm in his strategic decisions, Bright now showed trust in his frontline MS pilots instead of micromanaging every action.

This trust in both Amuro and Eli was unmistakable.

"But—"

Eli, ever cautious, wanted to persuade Bright to reconsider. However, Amuro suddenly stood up from his seat.

"I'll do it! I'll protect the White Base!"

This wasn't the same defiance born of proving himself, as he had done in the past. It was a response to Bright's trust—a determination to give his all.

The difference was palpable, even to Eli, who lacked Amuro's Newtype intuition.

Seeing the budding camaraderie between the two, reminiscent of the strong partnership that would later form the backbone of the Londo Bell unit, Eli couldn't help but smile.

"Very well, let's do it. We'll charge straight through Zeon's heartland!"

With a hearty laugh, Eli saluted Bright.

"We'll rely on your leadership, Captain."

Bright returned the salute, while Shiro and the others followed suit, led by Ryu and Amuro.

…

Later that evening, Matilda's Medea fleet arrived at the White Base.

Her striking orange-red hair immediately drew the attention of the male crew members, including Amuro, much to Fraw's dismay. She pouted, puffing her cheeks in an effort to recapture Amuro's attention.

Eli, supervising the loading of supplies in the hangar, noticed this scene and couldn't suppress a chuckle. His gaze naturally drifted toward Matilda as well.

"Beautiful, isn't she?"

"She is. That air of confidence—"

Eli began to respond absentmindedly but froze halfway through, realizing the voice belonged to a woman.

His hand holding the supply checklist visibly trembled as he turned stiffly to find Sayla standing nearby, arms crossed and eyes narrowed in disdain.