The Ripples Stirred by a Celestial Being

As Luther and the women stood together and saluted, marking their debut as a new faction, Luther's speech concluded, yet the full-frequency broadcast signal did not immediately terminate.

First, Tessa took the stage, clearly declaring the next move for Celestial Being.

"I am Colonel Teresa Testarossa, fleet commander of Celestial Being. As the primary culprits behind the collapse of Heliopolis, Celestial Being will pursue the Atlantic Federation's 'Archangel' and ZAFT's 'Creuset Team' to bring them to trial for their crimes against humanity and war crimes. We advise the relevant parties to surrender voluntarily; do not throw an arm against a chariot, so as to avoid unnecessary sacrifice."

After issuing this ultimatum—which was certain to be rejected and served more as a justification for subsequent displays of force—the broadcast began looping not only Luther's 'Celestial Being Formation Speech' and the evidentiary videos, but also added combat footage of the Earth Alliance G-Series and the Archangel, including segments of Luther single-handedly taking on the 'four little powerhouses plus the ever-persistent Creuset.'

Beyond ensuring the impact of the video, this was also part of Celestial Being's show of force. After all, the Creuset Team had long been known as the elite of ZAFT, yet a mere Strike Gundam and the Archangel had left them helpless; and even with those four Gundams combined with Creuset's own signature CGUE, they were still soundly defeated by Luther piloting the Time Observer alone.

This fact undoubtedly proved that although Celestial Being had appeared suddenly, they were not to be taken lightly, which in turn strengthened the influence of Luther's words and ideals. As for the potential security threat posed by the leak of intelligence, considering that only the Luther Fleet currently possessed Minovsky Particle technology, they would undoubtedly be able to come and go as they pleased before the technology could be spread or countered through repeated engagements.

As Luther's 'Celestial Being Formation Speech' spread rapidly across the Earth sphere, beyond sparking widespread discussion among the general public, the many truths and pieces of information revealed in the speech naturally triggered immediate reactions from various parties.

--Aboard the Home--

Before the 'Professor' had even finished listening to the speech, she was already issuing orders to everyone.

"Juri, Luo. Don't delay here any longer. Change course; we are going to Orb!"

Just as Luther had said at their parting, by watching the news, the 'Professor' had indeed learned of Luther's 'identity,' and thus deeply understood the importance of the message Luther had asked her to convey to the 'Mentor.' Therefore, the 'Professor' decided without hesitation to head to Orb immediately to pay her respects to the Mentor, and while she was at it, report the reason for the failed commission to her close friend, Director Erica Simmons of Orb's Morgenroete.

--On the Island of Dawn in Orb--

Although he could not see Luther's figure or the evidence displayed, Mentor Malchio was still listening to the loop of Luther's speech. At this moment, an attendant pushed the door open and entered.

"Mentor, did you need something from me?"

"Thank you for your hard work. Please help me schedule a meeting with Representative Uzumi. Additionally, I will have letters sent to Mr. Albany, Secretary-General of the Earth Alliance, and Chairman Siegel Clyne of the Plant Supreme Council later; I will need your help to arrange those as well."

"Yes, I will arrange that right away."

Hearing the Mentor's gentle words, the attendant gave a firm response. After the attendant left, Mentor Malchio's self-muttered words were masked by the sound of Luther's speech, and naturally, there was no response.

"Deikun, Luther... two people I have never heard of and never met—can they become the new hope for this world? Newtypes, perhaps..."

--At the Prime Minister's Office of the Orb Union--

Representative Uzumi Nara Athha was just finishing his communication with Director Erica Simmons.

"I understand. Then, I will leave the subsequent matters to you. Having already paid such a heavy price, the mass production of those units must not fail. I will contact the Sahaku family myself."

"Yes, Representative Uzumi. I will do my utmost to complete the work as quickly as possible. Then, I shall take my leave."

With Director Erica Simmons' assurance, Representative Uzumi ended the communication and turned to Ledonir Kisaka, who had been waiting to the side.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting."

"No, please, give me your orders."

Representative Uzumi weighed his words for a moment before finally speaking.

"Cagalli went to Heliopolis behind my back and is currently missing. Can I entrust this matter to you?"

"Yes, it is my honor."

After Ledonir Kisaka responded, he paused for a moment to ask a follow-up question.

"If Lady Cagalli has met with misfortune, or is in the hands of 'Celestial Being,' or refuses to return, how should I proceed?"

Facing Kisaka's question, Representative Uzumi also paused briefly before responding.

"If she is dead, then you return. If she is in the hands of 'Celestial Being' or refuses to return, then I must trouble you to look after her."

"Yes! Lady Cagalli is a person of great fortune; it was my slip of the tongue. Then, I shall take my leave!"

With a nod from Representative Uzumi, Kisaka saluted and left the office. In the office, now left to himself, Representative Uzumi reopened the video of Luther's speech and murmured to himself.

"The merchant of death, Logos, is it..."

After a moment of contemplation, Representative Uzumi picked up the phone on his desk and made new arrangements.

"Connect me to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... It is I, Uzumi.

Send a diplomatic note to the Earth Alliance and Plant. Demand an explanation for the collapse of Heliopolis, and propose the possibility of forming a tripartite joint investigation team to both parties!"

--Sahaku Mansion--

"Could you please repeat what you just said? My apologies, I didn't quite catch that."

Rondo Mina Sahaku paused the playback of the 'Celestial Being Formation Speech' with a calm expression, posing her 'request' to the attendant kneeling on one knee before her in a tranquil voice.

Although Miss Mina's tone was perfectly serene, the attendant was trembling from head to toe, struggling to finish repeating the response from the organization calling itself 'Celestial Being'.

"'Lord Sahaku' has already been killed for attacking our forces. We will personally return the Astray series to the Orb mainland; please wait and watch the news!

That was how the woman identifying herself as Colonel Teresa Testarossa relayed the response from the 'Celestial Being' leader, who calls himself Luther Deikun."

Suppressing the fury in her heart, Rondo Mina Sahaku maintained her composure as she responded.

"You've worked hard. You may withdraw."

"Yes!"

Once the attendant had left, Rondo Mina Sahaku gazed at the screen where the image of Luther Deikun was frozen in the pose of Commander Char—the one asking everyone to 'lend him their money'—and, keeping her expression under control, she finally uttered only a few words.

"Ginna, my foolish brother, I told you long ago to change your temper...

But rest assured, I will definitely avenge you!"