After Luther and the women rose together and saluted, swearing to their emergence as a new power, Luther's speech came to an end. But the broadcast signal did not cut off immediately.
First, Tessa took over and clearly announced 'Celestial Being's' next move.
"I am Colonel Teresa Testarossa, commander of 'Celestial Being's' fleet.
"As the culprit behind Heliopolis's destruction, 'Celestial Being' will pursue the Atlantic Federation's 'Archangel' crew and ZAFT's 'Creuset Team' in order to bring them to trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
"We urge all those involved to surrender voluntarily. Do not resist a force far beyond your capabilities and cause needless casualties."
After issuing an ultimatum that was certain to be rejected, and which served mainly as justification for the forceful actions to come, the broadcast continued to loop Luther's earlier 'Celestial Being founding speech' and the evidence videos. It also added more combat footage of the Earth Alliance's G-Series and the Archangel—including the part where Luther took on the 'Four Little Strong Ones + the repeatedly defeated Rau Le Creuset' by himself.
Besides ensuring the video's impact, this was also part of 'Celestial Being's' show of force.
After all, the Creuset Team had always been known as ZAFT's elite, yet a mere Strike Gundam and the Archangel had left them helpless;
And yet four such Gundams, working alongside Rau Le Creuset and his signature CGUE, had still been thoroughly beaten by Luther piloting the 'Time Observer' alone.
This fact unquestionably proved that although 'Celestial Being' had appeared out of nowhere, it was not to be taken lightly. In turn, it also strengthened the influence of Luther's words and ideals.
As for the security threat that the leak of information might pose to 'Celestial Being,' only Luther's fleet currently had access to Minovsky Particle technology. Until repeated clashes spread the technology or gave others a chance to develop countermeasures, there was no doubt that Luther's fleet could come and go as it pleased.
As Luther's 'Celestial Being founding speech' quickly spread throughout the Earth Sphere, it sparked widespread discussion among ordinary people. The many truths and revelations in the speech also drew immediate initial responses from all sides.
—On the Home—
The 'Professor' had not even finished listening to the speech before giving everyone their instructions.
"Juri, Lowe. There's no point wasting time here. Change our course. We're going to Orb!"
Just as Luther had said when they parted, the 'Professor' had indeed learned Luther's 'identity' from the news, and now understood all too well the importance of Luther's message that he wanted to meet the 'Mentor.'
So the 'Professor' decided without hesitation to head to Orb at once to see the Mentor. It would also give him the chance to explain to his close friend, Erica Simmons, director of Orb's Morgenroete, why the commission had failed.
—On Island of Dawn in Orb—
Although he could not see Luther or the evidence he had presented, Mentor Malchio was still listening to Luther's speech on a loop.
Just then, an attendant entered after knocking.
"Mentor, what did you need me for?"
"Thank you for your hard work.
"Please arrange a meeting with Representative Uzumi.
"Also, I'll be sending letters shortly to Mr. Albany, Secretary-General of the Earth Alliance, and Chairman Siegel Clyne of the Plant Supreme Council. I'll need you to make arrangements for those as well."
"Yes, I'll take care of it right away."
Hearing the Mentor's gentle words, the attendant answered resolutely.
After the attendant left, Mentor Malchio's mutter was drowned out by Luther's speech. Naturally, no one responded.
"Deikun, Luther... Two men I've never heard of and never met. Could they become this world's new hope... Newtypes, perhaps..."
—At the Prime Minister's Office of the Orb Union—
Representative Uzumi Nara Athha was just wrapping up a call with Director Erica Simmons.
"I understand. I'll leave the follow-up to you, then.
"After paying such a heavy price, we absolutely cannot afford to have the mass production of those mobile suits fail.
"I'll contact the Sahakus as well."
"Yes, Representative Uzumi. I'll do everything I can to finish the work as soon as possible. I'll take my leave now."
After Director Erica Simmons assured him, Representative Uzumi ended the call and turned to Ledonir Kisaka, who had been waiting nearby.
"Sorry for the wait."
"Not at all. Please give me your orders."
Representative Uzumi weighed his words for a moment, then said, "Cagalli went to Heliopolis behind my back, and her whereabouts are currently unknown. Can I leave this matter to you?"
"Yes. It would be my honor."
After answering, Ledonir Kisaka paused briefly before asking a follow-up question.
"If Cagalli-sama has met with misfortune, is in the hands of 'Celestial Being,' or refuses to return, what should I do?"
Representative Uzumi paused at Kisaka's question before replying.
"If she's dead, come back.
"If she's in the hands of 'Celestial Being' or doesn't want to return, I'll have to ask you to look after her for now."
"Yes! Cagalli-sama will be fine. I shouldn't have spoken so carelessly. I'll take my leave!"
At Representative Uzumi's nod, Kisaka saluted and left his office.
Once alone in his office, Representative Uzumi reopened Luther's speech video and murmured, "The arms dealer Logos, huh..."
After thinking for a moment, Representative Uzumi picked up the phone on his desk and issued new instructions.
"Get me the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... It's me, Uzumi.
"Send diplomatic notes to the Earth Alliance and Plant, demanding explanations for the destruction of my Heliopolis. Also, raise the possibility of forming a joint three-party accident investigation team!"
—The Sahaku Residence—
"Would you repeat what you just said? Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."
Rondo Mina Sahaku calmly paused the 'Celestial Being founding speech' playing on the screen and made her 'request' in an even voice to the attendant kneeling before her.
Though Miss Mina's tone was so calm, the attendant was trembling all over with fear. He forced himself to repeat the response from the organization calling itself 'Celestial Being.'
"'Lord Sahaku' was killed for attacking us. We'll personally return the Astray units to Orb. Just wait for the news!"
The woman who called herself Colonel Teresa Testarossa had relayed those words as the response from the 'Celestial Being' leader, who called himself Luther Deikun.
Suppressing her anger, Rondo Mina Sahaku answered calmly.
"You've worked hard. You may go."
"Yes!"
After the attendant left, Rondo Mina Sahaku looked at the frozen image of Luther Deikun on the screen, posing like Char the Commander-in-Chief saying, 'Please lend me your money.' Keeping her expression under control, she managed only a few words.
"Ginna, my foolish little brother. I told you ages ago to rein in your temper...
"But don't worry. I'll avenge you!"
Before you continue