"Since that's the case, we'll set the operation on Earth rather than in space."
Seeing that Xue Ji didn't oppose this idea, and having no objections himself, Williams confirmed this approach. He looked at Xue Ji, Ivanovich and others as he asked:
"But how should we lure this guy to Earth?"
Xue Ji thought for a moment before speaking:
"Based on the battles this guy has participated in before, he's like a spear or a battering ram in the hands of the ZAFT Forces.
So according to these characteristics, we only need to create significant difficulties for the ZAFT Forces on Earth, severely hindering their offensive, to lure him to Earth."
"That's a good point."
After some thought, Ivanovich nodded in agreement.
Xue Ji smiled slightly at Ivanovich, then turned his gaze to the other general staff officers present. Facing Xue Ji's look, each of the general staff officers seated here nodded in agreement.
Williams also nodded after this.
"You're absolutely right."
After speaking, Williams pulled up the locations where the ZAFT Forces were currently operating.
Looking at the screen's content, Williams said:
"Currently, the ZAFT Forces' main offensive is unfolding in Africa. Their strategic intent is to use underwater forces to occupy the coastal areas of northwest Africa, then move south from here to pincer the northern African region with forces moving north from Victoria Spaceport."
At this point, Williams turned his gaze to Ivanovich. Feeling this look, Ivanovich immediately understood what was going on.
"We can create major trouble for the ZAFT Forces in Africa, but this matter shouldn't fall entirely on us, right?"
Looking at Williams, Ivanovich tapped the table, his voice slightly hoarse as he spoke. After speaking, he glanced at Xue Ji beside him.
Seeing Ivanovich's look, Xue Ji understood perfectly clearly in his heart.
"We can send troops to Africa to cause trouble for the ZAFT Forces, but if we're committing forces, other aspects shouldn't have to bear additional expenses."
"We feel the same."
Ivanovich followed Xue Ji's statement.
Hearing this response, Williams felt quite frustrated but had no alternative, so he could only nod to the two.
"Naturally, but I can't give you specific answers."
"Understood."
Xue Ji and Ivanovich nodded simultaneously, speaking with smiles.
Hearing their response, Williams nodded slightly and looked at everyone to continue:
"Since that's the case, the general policy for this hunting operation will be set according to what we just discussed."
At this point, Williams looked at Ivanovich and continued:
"Ivanovich, what you need to do next is lead the general staff to develop an operational plan based on the general policy we just discussed, and submit the completed plan to the council for review."
"Understood."
Ivanovich nodded and acknowledged with a verbal response.
Williams stood up, glanced at him, Xue Ji, and the others, and said with a smile, "Remember to brief your superiors on the other matters we discussed in this meeting as well."
"No need to remind us of that," Xue Ji and Ivanovich replied in unison, chuckling. After speaking, they also rose and followed Williams out of the conference room.
After the three had left, the general staff officers seated there stood up, gathered their belongings, and filed out of the room one after another.
In less than a minute, the previously somewhat lively conference room became extremely quiet and empty.
Lorentz Military Base, Moon
In his room at the base, Felix addressed Lacus, "Miss Lacus, the accommodation conditions here are limited, and there are no vacant rooms prepared for you. I'm afraid you'll have to make do with staying in my room for a few days."
Felix looked at Lacus, his expression tinged with apology as he offered a slight smile and explained.
Upon hearing that she would be staying in a man's room, a hint of shyness briefly crossed Lacus's face. Felix, observing her reaction, smiled inwardly and clarified, "Miss Lacus, don't worry. All of my personal belongings have been temporarily stored away. Everything currently in this room is newly prepared, so you can stay here without any concerns."
Hearing this, the shyness on Lacus's face faded. She turned to Felix and asked with concern, "Captain Griffith, if I stay here, where will you go?"
Felix smiled at her and replied, "No need to worry about me, Miss Lacus. I can manage a few nights in the office or simply return to my quarters on the ship. In short, I have no shortage of places to sleep, so please don't concern yourself with my arrangements."
"Alright then," Lacus responded, not pressing further. She looked at Felix, graciously accepting the room with a playful and slightly mischievous smile, her tone relaxed as she expressed her gratitude. "Thank you very much, Captain Griffith."
"No need to thank me—it's the least I can do," Felix replied with a wave and a smile.
After a moment, Felix checked the time and turned back to Lacus, bidding her farewell. "It's getting late, so I won't disturb you any further, Miss Lacus. Rest well, and I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Lacus nodded in response.
With that, Lacus watched as Felix turned and left, standing by the door until he was out of sight. Once he had gone, she hugged her pink Haro and stepped into the room.
As she entered, the door automatically closed behind her.
Instead of resting immediately, Lacus made her way to the desk. Sitting in the chair Felix had previously used, she placed the Haro on the desktop.
Her eyes swept across the desk, which was clean and tidy, devoid of any items except for a potted green plant positioned near the edge.
After glancing at the green plants, Lacus withdrew her gaze and stood up, preparing to head toward the bed.
As she rose, the corner of her eye inadvertently caught sight of the drawers beneath the desk.
Looking at these two drawers, a flicker of curiosity arose in Lacus's heart. A voice inside her whispered, urging her to open them and take a look.
This voice seemed almost magical, enticing Lacus to reach out toward the drawer.
Her fair, slender hand rested on the drawer handle.
She had expected it to be locked, but to her surprise, it slid open with a single pull. This only deepened her curiosity, compelling her to pull the drawer out further.
When the drawer was fully open, she saw a single sheet of paper lying quietly inside.
"Is it just a piece of paper?"
Lacus murmured to herself.
As she spoke, she picked up the paper and turned it over to examine the content on the back.
After reading it, Lacus looked disappointed and frustrated. She slammed the paper down heavily on the desk and, with a gloomy mood, stood up and walked toward the bed.