Chapter 26: Countermeasures

Before the exercise began, the force led by Garma possessed nearly fifty tracked transport vehicles and over twenty wheeled infantry fighting vehicles. Following this engagement, he was left with only about twenty mixed transport and infantry fighting vehicles, along with the dozen or so vehicles under Char’s command.

Every other vehicle had been destroyed and forced to withdraw from the exercise. Makarius’s personal tally alone accounted for nearly a third of those losses.

Personnel casualties, however, were not as severe. On one hand, the mountainous terrain provided the infantry with ample cover; on the other, the hulks of disabled friendly vehicles provided the Zeon infantry with substantial, reliable shelter. Since this was an exercise, the Federation tanks could not truly penetrate these vehicles to harm the troops behind them.

Even so, an entire mechanized infantry company had been effectively neutralized, with over seventy men withdrawn due to injuries or "deaths," amounting to half the company's strength.

"The Federation’s Armor-Killer!"

This had become Makarius’s latest nickname. Zeon drivers gritted their teeth whenever they mentioned the fire-spitting "Red Dragon," especially the crews of the infantry fighting vehicles. Their vehicles were equipped with 20mm autocannons capable of damaging a tank’s external components, but Makarius never gave them the chance.

When he opened fire, he prioritized these fighting vehicles, specifically targeting those that attempted to engage him. Only after disposing of those threats would he move on to other targets.

"Don't be discouraged; we still have a chance!"

Inside the command vehicle, seeing his officers and NCOs sitting in silent dejection, Garma spoke up to comfort them.

"We must deal with those four tanks first—especially that 'Big Lizard'!"

Because of the sheer amount of enmity he had drawn, the Zeon troops couldn't even be bothered to use the codename "Red Dragon One" anymore, opting instead to refer to the tank by its species.

"That lizard wiped out an entire company. How are we supposed to handle him? Fly over and shoot him?"

"Are you sure you wouldn't get shot out of the sky by that guy before you even got a chance?"

"If only we had heavy artillery at a time like this!"

"Stop thinking about things we don't have. Let's discuss the actual problems."

A Zeon soldier produced a mud-caked tin and slammed it onto the table.

"What is this?"

"Federation landmines!"

"Isn't that just a tin can?"

"Yeah, the Federation forces mixed these in with the actual mines. My men spent twenty minutes digging under heavy fire just to pull these out!"

"Those cunning Earthlings!"

The Zeon cadets stomped their feet in frustration. Their academy had taught them many things since its founding in '62, but this was never covered; even the Zeon instructors hadn't anticipated such tactics.

"Also, there’s another issue. Our flanking force hit a minefield two kilometers to the right of our position, you know that, right?"

"I know. If they could have arrived in time, we might have caught the Federation off guard!"

"The minefield they hit was the one we laid ourselves!"

"That is just..."

The previously angry expressions of the group instantly turned into a mix of conflicting emotions; some couldn't even suppress a laugh.

"A total blunder. I suspect Principal Dozle didn't foresee this happening either. But the good news is, Char has found the Federation’s path of attack!"

Garma pulled out a map and pointed to the high ground behind their positions.

"Our opponents are formidable. Our vehicles couldn't possibly navigate that route, yet they forced their way through the forest and launched their attack from the heights!"

"But, Lord Garma, I don't understand. If we use the Federation's own route, wouldn't that be a bit...?"

"The directorate hasn't said a word, so it’s fine. Let everyone get some rest. We won't attack this afternoon, just maintain small-scale harassment. We’ll have our revenge tonight!"

After issuing his orders, Garma paused, then added, "Also, I have prepared a little surprise for everyone!"

Moments later, the cooks brought in a large barrel from a concealed spot behind the lines. When the lid was opened, the aroma of hot soup filled the air.

"The kitchen staff has prepared hot soup for everyone. Drink up to warm yourselves!"

Garma’s arrangement was perfectly timed. As buckets of hot soup were handed out, the morale of the cadets—previously dampened by the failed assault and the wretched weather—immediately surged. As Garma inspected the lines, he could even hear the men laughing. Clearly, he had successfully rallied the Zeon troops.

Meanwhile, at the Federation defensive line, the troops were also eating. They had no hot soup, but they had plenty of fruit juice provided by the armored crews, who had concentrated juice packets in their supplies. A single packet could produce a large barrel of juice. It didn't matter that it was diluted; they even had candy to add to it.

"Our losses aren't heavy, but compared to the Zeon forces, the strength disparity is still stark. We won this afternoon's battle, but the enemy has likely figured out most of our capabilities. I expect them to launch another attack by this afternoon or tonight."

Inside a makeshift conference room fashioned from two tanks acting as pillars, the Federation officers were discussing strategy.

"My sentries on the right flank reported that the Zeon forces were attempting a flanking maneuver, but were blocked by their own minefields. I suspect they will rush to clear those mines this afternoon. Should we shift our defensive focus to the right flank?" asked Spears, who had been coordinating with the Red Dragon team.

"We could, but the enemy might also use the route I took. It’s high ground—conspicuous, yes, but holding it gives one the high ground to direct artillery fire. That poses a significant threat to us."

"Red Dragon One is correct. We need to prepare for both contingencies."

John took off his helmet, revealing his messy mohawk, and scratched his head. Defending the right flank and the rear were both critical, but with the Federation’s limited manpower, they could only commit to one.

"Then we defend the right flank," Makarius said, sipping his juice with the composure of a veteran official. "If they try to hit the rear this afternoon, I’ll take responsibility for driving them back. That high ground has no cover; every Zeon soldier who tries to take it will die. I’ll stake my reputation on it. However, if they decide to attack at night, I have a bold idea."

"When have your ideas ever not been bold? Just say it; we’ll follow your lead," John replied with an exasperated roll of his eyes.

"We brought flares, right?"

"We did, though not many. What, are you planning a night battle?"

"No, I’m thinking the Zeon forces might try to engage us in one. So, I have an idea for how to use them!"