Luther had put it that plainly, so the "Professor" could hardly keep beating around the bush.
"I've always been a free spirit, so I'm afraid I can only appreciate your kind offer.
"As for my exceptionally timely arrival this time, I can't speak for where the others got their information. I was actually here on a private commission from Morgenroete of Orb, to recover the Astray-series mobile suits developed by Morgenroete, which I understand your side has already recovered."
At last, the "Professor" had responded candidly. Luther gave a slight nod.
The "private" party the "Professor" mentioned was probably Erica Simmons, one of the designers of the G-Series Gundams and Astray Gundams, and one of the principal people in charge of their development. She was actually a Coordinator, but had disguised herself as a Natural and worked for Morgenroete in Orb.
She certainly had the ability and the motive to issue such a commission. There were still plenty of questions about the details, but those probably had to do with the power struggles within Orb, which the original story had only touched on in passing.
However, from Director Erica Simmons's perspective, although the "Professor" also claimed to be a Natural, whether that was actually true was open to question.
Of course, for Luther and the Luther Fleet, who were Newtypes, that question didn't really matter.
As Luther considered this, Tessa repeated the response they had given earlier to the request from Morgenroete.
"We've already responded to the request from those claiming to represent Morgenroete of Orb:
"'Mr. Sahaku' was killed for attacking us. We'll personally return the Astray series to Orb. Just wait for the news!"
"I see. All right, I understand."
The "Professor" brushed off what should have been a rather shocking response.
From Tessa's expression, it was clear that the "Professor's" reaction differed greatly from Morgenroete's, leaving Tessa somewhat confused. So Luther promptly explained using his Newtype abilities.
'The ones who contacted us earlier were probably the Sahaku faction, the ones who led the cooperation on the G Project and secretly developed the Astray series. The commission the Professor accepted probably came from the Athha faction, the ones holding power in the open. As for Morgenroete, which effectively belongs to the Orb government, they only appeared to have accepted the production contract.'
Luther's explanation lacked plenty of details, but it was enough for Tessa to piece together most of what had really happened.
Somewhat surprisingly, the "Professor" seemed to have sensed the exchange between Luther and Tessa. Perhaps she had Newtype potential too.
Meanwhile, having achieved one of her main objectives, the "Professor" seemed considerably more at ease, even if things hadn't gone as she'd hoped.
"Thank you both for taking the time to meet with a nobody like me despite your busy schedules.
"As for Mr. Luther's kind offer, I'm afraid I can only appreciate it. I've always been a free spirit.
"Still, if there's anything I can do for you, and it's within my power, I'll do everything I can to help. I hope you'll continue to look after my business in the future."
Though the Professor's words were simply a polite way of indicating that she had completed her part of the business, Luther did have a matter that he truly needed the help of a neutral group like the Junk Guild to handle.
So, taking the "Professor's" polite offer as an opening, Luther made a very clear request.
"Professor, you saying that is a great help.
"Besides our regular business with the Junk Guild, there's actually something I need to ask you.
"Could you pass a message to Mentor? Tell him I'd like to speak with him.
"As for when, we'll go to Earth and visit in person once the circumstances are right."
Luther's request clearly took the "Professor" somewhat by surprise, and she had to confirm what he meant.
"Mr. Luther, by 'Mentor,' do you mean Mentor Malchio?"
"If there's no one else, I assume that's the person you mean, Professor.
"After all, if someone mentions the Junk Guild's 'Professor,' it wouldn't be anyone else, would it?"
After a moment's thought, the "Professor" nodded and accepted Luther's request. She didn't press him for details about the vague message.
Both sides had settled their respective major concerns. All that remained was the ordinary business.
So, after Luther and the "Professor" had finished talking, Tessa discussed the details of the barter deal with the "Professor."
On this front, both the Luther Fleet, which needed a stable supply of goods,
and the Junk Guild, which was eager to obtain military supplies and mobile suits, along with any information they could get about the Luther Fleet,
were sincere about making the deal. So, although they haggled over the price and ran into a few snags over delivery, they still reached what seemed to be a fairly binding verbal agreement.
But after all the talks were over, as they stood to leave and the officer opened the door, gesturing for the "Professor" to follow, she suddenly turned back and asked Luther a question.
"I know this is a little late to ask, but Mr. Luther, how should I describe you to Mentor?"
Luther offered Tessa his hand to help her up, then turned his head and answered the "Professor" with the same words as before.
"Just wait for the news. I think you'll find out soon enough."
--Later, aboard Home--
When the "Professor" returned to Home, her companions welcomed her warmly.
Juri Wu Nien, who usually lacked confidence, could still act perfectly normally around a familiar face like the "Professor."
"Welcome back, Professor. How did the meeting go?"
"Pretty well. The other side didn't seem to favor either faction, and they were frank and friendly in the way they treated us."
After replying, the "Professor" turned to Lowe Guele, who had actually done the work.
"Sorry, Lowe. Looks like you won't get the chance to try piloting the Astray Gundam. Also, could you open the public channel for me?"
Although Lowe was a little disappointed by the "Professor's" words, he still did as she asked and opened the public channel on the big screen.
The "Professor" didn't have to wait long. Soon, Mr. Luther, who had met with her not long before, appeared on-screen.
Luther sat beside a fireplace, surrounded by several women, including Captain Tessa, who had also attended the meeting. Hanging on the wall above the fireplace was a huge oil painting of a dignified middle-aged man who bore some resemblance to Luther, giving a speech.
Without keeping the Professor waiting, Luther got straight to the point and began his first public appearance and a speech that sent shock waves through both the Earth Alliance and Plant, among Naturals and Coordinators alike.
Before you continue