Why would I join the army if I can’t drive a Gundam!

Chapter 327 Mark Bay paid for everything!
As the Federation's mobile suits charged forward in full force, the battleships in the battle group did not stand idly by from the rear, but instead joined the charge alongside the mobile suits.

While Amuro was instructing new pilots, Macarius was also commanding his fleet to engage in combat with the remnants of the enemy fleet.

However, there's something amiss with calling it a firefight, because this firefight was mainly a one-sided beating of the remnants by the Federation fleet. Under the attack of another assault group led by Char, the remnant's escort warships suffered severe damage. In particular, it seems that Char is doing a reenactment of an anniversary event, just like how he fought the Federation in Loom, and now he's fighting the remnant warships in the same way.

Although it lacked a nuclear missile launcher, the GP02A's beam rocket launcher was nearly as powerful, especially in terms of penetration. Moreover, the number of remnant warships was already small, so Char unleashed his full power, shouting things like "In the name of Lala, kneel before me!" and went up to deal a heavy blow to the few Chibe-class ships in the center.

The beam rocket launcher easily blasted the Zeon warship's turrets to smithereens while moving at high speed, then smashed the bridge and some exposed compartments one by one. So when the fleet led by Macarius rushed into the battle, all he had to do was easily aim and then fire.

"Launch anti-ship missiles, fire main guns!"

The gunnery officer centrally coordinated the ship's firepower from the battle command center, hurling it at enemy ships one after another.

This was also the first time the Zeon forces had received a greeting from the Federation's new warship. The six multi-purpose missile launchers of the LaCellam-class fired wave after wave of heavy anti-ship missiles like water being poured out. This launcher, which was derived from the Magellan-class, had a complete automatic loading mechanism, just like a large machine gun.

Zeon battleships were already lacking in firepower, and their few close-in weapon systems were futilely fighting against the Federation mobile suits. Naturally, they could only watch helplessly as missiles rained down upon them. As a result, the Federation mobile suits on the front lines could see missiles constantly bombarding the heavily damaged Zeon battleships.

These anti-ship missiles, equipped with anti-armor warheads, were incredibly powerful. With the aid of kinetic energy, they easily pierced through the armor of the Zeon warship. After penetrating the hull, the missile's warhead was activated, and a burst of heat and kinetic energy began to spread outwards. The high temperature melted the armor, the shockwave tore through the hull, and finally, the area of ​​impact with the Zeon warship was completely destroyed.

After the explosion, a Federation military pilot saw that the entire hull of the Musai-class ship had vanished. Through the twisted steel, he could see the deformed compartments and broken corpses inside.

The particle cannon's attack was even simpler and more straightforward. The new particle cannon designed by Hood Corporation launched beams of particles at the enemy with a firing rate far exceeding that of the new main gun of the Magellan-class ships. When those cherry-red beams hit the armor of the Zeon warships, they melted through everything with high temperature, just like a hot knife cutting butter, until the entire hull was pierced.

A Chibe-class ship was completely destroyed in less than 30 seconds under the salvo of two LaCellamas and three Crap-class ships. The entire ship was like a child's building block that had been crushed by an adult's foot. The hull was so badly damaged that it was unrecognizable. The Chibe-class ship didn't even have time to fire a single shot.

The situation was even more dire for the transport ships that were being docked. While the destroyed warships were simply destroyed, resulting in the loss of only one crew, the transport ships were already docked together. This was especially true for those transporting fuel and deuterium; if one ship was set on fire, the other ship docked with it would also perish.

Even though the Federation forces did not deliberately attack, those vulnerable transport ships still turned into dazzling fireworks, exploding before everyone's eyes.

"So beautiful!"

Makarius stood by the porthole, holding a cup of hot coffee and watching the scene unfold, while Brad, holding a cup of black tea, looked at Makarius with a puzzled expression.

"Sir, I don't think it's that beautiful!"

“You’re right, Captain. A spaceship that humans spent months or even a year building, spending countless funds and using countless materials, carrying hundreds or even thousands of crew members, traversing the boundless dark universe, was destroyed in less than thirty seconds during a battle. It’s not very impressive, but I like it!”

"Because it wasn't our spaceship that exploded!"

"It's a cruel reality that they've turned their knives on our own kind, but what can we do? If these guys were willing to lay down their weapons and live peacefully, they would have done so long ago, instead of dying screaming on ships that we've destroyed!"

"So even if it's not pretty, I'll still think it's beautiful!"

"I didn't realize you were a philosopher!"

"There are many things you haven't noticed, Captain. How's things at home? Has Mila given birth?"

"That's good, it's a boy! His name is Hassavi!"

"Good name, but in the future, don't send him to the Federation Army again. Let him do some other work, like a scientist or a botanist!"

"I thought you would advise me to train the next generation of federal soldiers!"

“You should nurture your child, but you must respect their personal wishes, and you yourself must also cultivate a good relationship with your child!”

"And you, how's your progress?"

"I'd like to too, but before that, we need to create a better future for the children, right?"

"That's true, cheers?"

"Cheers, Captain Brad! Let me try your black tea sometime, it smells delicious!"

"Of course, this is fine tea from the East!"

Brad straightened his back proudly. After all, his wife was the heiress of Eight Continents Industries. Although the family had fallen on hard times, even a fallen camel is bigger than a horse. Not to mention, after Makarius intervened, although Milei lost control of Eight Continents Industries, she did not lose any of the benefits she was entitled to. Therefore, Brad's standard of living could be considered to have steadily improved.

While the two were chatting casually, the Zeon fleet's resistance had been completely crushed. Even most of the transport ships were destroyed, and the remaining, incapable transport ships were frantically sending surrender signals.

Among them were even several transport ships from Anaheim. They had narrowly escaped the first wave of attacks and survived. Seeing the surrounding Zeon forces reduced to ashes in an instant, these men chose to surrender without hesitation. They had no choice but to surrender. Those blue-black painted Federation soldiers were completely different from the Federation troops they usually encountered. The latter could at least chat and smoke a cigarette, but these guys were pure killers, opening fire at the slightest provocation. Even the Federation's intelligence agencies were no match for them. Although the entire Zeon fleet wasn't particularly strong, it was rare for them to be kicked to death like dogs on the street without ever having a chance to demonstrate their abilities.

Now, the combat force has been completely wiped out. Those seemingly brave white porcelain warriors have now truly become fragile porcelain. Not to mention the warriors and a small number of Garibaldi. The Federation forces have figured out the performance of these mobile suits. Coupled with those veterans, the Zeon veterans were completely unable to exert any advantage in local warfare before being frustratedly destroyed.

Now, how are these transport ships, which are unarmed, supposed to fight back against the seemingly unsatisfied Federation troops by spraying them with their engines?

As for escaping, that was even more of a pipe dream. Marcarius had completely surrounded the remnant fleet in the surrounding space, and those ships that tried to do so had already turned into cosmic dust.

"Send a strike team to take control of these ships, first secure the bridges, and if these guys try anything underhanded, wipe them all out!"

"Also, send a letter to the fleet headquarters, submitting a battle report. If possible, it would be best to hold a press conference, saying that we eliminated the remnants of the Zeon forces with the help of a certain private company!"

Upon hearing Makarius's orders, the staff officer beside him had an extremely strange expression, but fortunately he was very composed and only smiled after walking out of the bridge.

After all, Anaheim's actions were not a secret to the fleet officers. Although Markarius did not make a public statement, everyone knew what was going on. So, issuing such a statement now was simply too much to bear.

After all, which private company wouldn't the parties involved know about it?
The staff officer wasn't sure what negative impact this news would have on the remnants and their backers, but it certainly wouldn't be good. After all, friendships aren't built in a day, but the seeds of doubt can be sown in a single word!
Meanwhile, the Federation Marines, under the cover of mobile suits, boarded the Zeon transport ship. Before landing, they had sent a warning to the other side that any act of attack or non-cooperation would be considered a provocation and the Federation would reserve the right to continue firing.

Not to mention, the mobile suit's beam saber was already attached to the outside of the bridge, and the particle beam could melt it away with the slightest movement of the pilot's finger.

The crew members of these transport ships were certainly not brave warriors willing to sacrifice themselves. They fled because they were afraid of dying, and they surrendered now because they were afraid of dying.

Therefore, after the Marines boarded the ship, these remnants naturally cooperated and even took the initiative to gather their people together, allowing the Marines to take control of the entire ship without bloodshed.

The supplies loaded on the transport ships naturally benefited the strike combat group. After seeing the list of supplies, Makarius suddenly regretted not having left more ships behind!

After all, the quantity of those supplies was quite substantial, including various resources, daily necessities, ship parts, and even a shipload of perfectly good fuel that could be used directly on Federation warships.

However, since it has already been destroyed, what else can Marcarius say but thank Lord Markbe?

"Leave us all the food and drink, divide the fuel among the ships, and give the rest to the Military Intelligence Bureau to take back to Jinmi Island, where they can use it!"

"Then notify the mess hall to have extra food tonight—no, this week, every single day! Cancel all staple foods; you can still get full on steak!"

So while Mark Bay was still eagerly awaiting the return of the supply fleet, Makarius's strike battle group had already begun celebrating their victory. After the entire fleet cleaned up the battlefield, it immediately withdrew from the Reef Space Zone and then set up camp in the open area between Earth and the Moon. Subsequently, the high-quality meat chops and various fruits and vegetables that were originally intended for the remnants were delivered to the tables of the Federation soldiers.

Although the fleet has banned alcohol, there is an ample supply of all kinds of drinks, and even desserts made with fresh cream.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin our meal, let us first express our gratitude to our dear Lieutenant General Mark Bay for such a sumptuous meal. Let us wish him continued success and hope he will do so again next time!"

"Hoohoo!"

As soon as Makarius finished speaking, the officers and soldiers who had raised their glasses together cheered with smiles.

Then came a sumptuous feast. The victorious soldiers ate heartily, savoring the fruits of their victory. Even the sentries on duty set up a lavish table at their posts, their mouths greasy with food.

Perhaps because it was the fruit of everyone's victory, the officers and soldiers of the entire fleet ate with exceptional relish, and even the female soldiers ate double their usual portions.

Afterwards, everyone patted their bellies contentedly and left the cafeteria.

Although there were many cups, plates, bowls, and chopsticks left behind, the cooks were happy to clean them up, after all, their skills had been recognized by everyone, and even the head chef of the canteen thanked Mark Bay.

"If it weren't for the abundant ingredients he provided, how could I have performed so well! This was truly an exhilarating culinary battle!"

Mark Bay waited for several days, but the supply fleet never returned. At this point, he knew that the other side had met with misfortune. Fortunately, he had already moved the fleet, so the Federation forces could not find their whereabouts. However, they dared not check the whereabouts of the supply fleet.

Fortunately, the Federation's space communication network helped Mark Bay solve this problem. The news broadcast every frame showing the complete annihilation of the fleet, along with a statement from the Federation military spokesperson.

Upon seeing the fleet reduced to rubble, Mark Bay began to sway uncontrollably. When he heard the spokesperson say that the Federation's victory over the remnants was thanks to the inside help of a certain private company, he shrugged and passed out.

"Damn the Federation Army, they're really not giving us any way out!"

Mark Bay didn't take the spokesperson's statement to heart. He knew Anaheim wouldn't betray him, but it also showed that Anaheim wasn't a monolithic entity. Otherwise, how could the Federation have acted so quickly and efficiently?

Although those supplies weren't exactly urgent for the fleet's existing reserves, they disrupted Mark Bay's plans, turning his hopes for sustained development into a pipe dream.

(End of this chapter)