After informing Flay, who wasn't all that concerned, of the Archangel's latest whereabouts, Luther didn't wait for her to process the 'message' hidden in his words before tossing out another bombshell, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
"By the way, Kira Yamato is closely connected to both of you.
"He's not only one of your admirers, Miss Flay, but also the person who escorted you to a shelter on Heliopolis, Cagalli.
"And what's more shocking is that although you and Kira were separately adopted by the Yamatos and Uzumi himself, at Uzumi's arrangement, you're both descendants of Doctor Ulen Hibiki.
"That's right, Miss Cagalli. You're not alone—you have a brother."
Although Luther's use of one of Uzumi's 'final words' was, in more ways than one, rather 'inappropriate', Flay still wasn't personally affected by any of it and was only slowly taking in the information. Cagalli, already stunned by the news that 'Naturals could use mobile suit operating systems', was blown away by this even more explosive revelation and sprang to her feet.
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
Despite Cagalli's utter disbelief and outright profanity, Luther remained unhurried.
"Now, now, calm down, Cagalli. When I found out I wasn't an illegitimate child of the Sahalin family but one of the Deikun family, I didn't react as strongly as you did.
"If my memory serves me, Ulen Hibiki's wife and Mrs. Yamato were sisters, which was why Kira and you were entrusted to the Yamatos.
"But I don't know what the relationship was between the Yamatos and your adoptive father, Uzumi."
Faced with the details Luther had recounted so convincingly, and considering the clues Cagalli had already known, she had no choice but to silently weigh whether his story was true.
By contrast, Flay, who didn't have much affection for Sai, let alone for Kira, who was merely one of her admirers, picked up on another piece of 'gossip' that interested her far more.
"Wait, a moment. Sir Luther used to be an illegitimate child of the Sahalin family, and Miss Aina just introduced herself as Aina Sahalin. So you're siblings?"
Luther naturally offered a firm 'rebuttal'.
"We're only cousins, and our mothers were from the same clan and shared a surname. We're not closely related, so there's no problem."
As he spoke, Luther planted a demonstrative kiss on Aina, whose bashful refusal only made it seem more like an invitation.
Faced with Luther's 'boldness', Flay was both curious and embarrassed. She also thought of the person she'd argued with earlier.
"What about the one with pink hair?"
"Do you mean Haman Karn? She's one of Big Brother Luther's lovers too."
Aina quickly answered, using the opportunity to stop Luther from being too intimate in front of 'strangers'. The answer was just what Flay had expected.
"Th-then, does that mean all the women who appeared during the 'Celestial Being Formation Declaration' are...?"
After Luther nodded, Flay found herself brimming with gossip but with no one to share it with. Her mind began to wander. She might have been completely clueless about politics and military affairs, but she wasn't stupid. When she put all the pieces together, the reason she'd been treated so well aboard the Gwameir seemed obvious.
While Flay was already agonizing over whether she 'should accept Luther or stick firmly with Sai',
Cagalli had already 'charged ahead' through the confusion brought on by Luther's successive bombshells and was trying to turn the tables.
"Thank you for the information, Sir Luther. So why did you call Flay and me here?"
Faced with Cagalli's furious, gritted-teeth question, Luther found teasing the 'little lion' more and more amusing.
"What do you mean, Miss Cagalli? Didn't you contact one of my subordinates to ask about unlocking more of the simulator's features?
"This system was designed to identify potential mobile weapon pilots among civilians, so after making contact, you were supposed to receive an invitation to 'volunteer for enlistment'.
"So, Miss Cagalli, are you willing to join 'Celestial Being'?"
Cagalli had clearly been caught off guard when her 'fierce attack' met Luther's 'matter-of-fact response'.
But she quickly chose to 'grit her teeth, stamp her foot, and charge ahead regardless' as her counterstrategy.
"Sure!
"Although I don't believe in Newtypes or anything like that, if your slogan really means you intend to end the war and lead humanity into deep space, then what's wrong with joining 'Celestial Being', as long as you actually live up to it!"
Seeing how his attempt to tease her had backfired, Luther was left speechless for once. Aina naturally stepped in to smooth things over and give them both a way out.
"Cagalli, don't be angry or rush into anything. Big Brother Luther just likes to joke around.
"Actually, it was only because you asked the staff that Big Brother Luther found out you were aboard the Gwameir.
"Now that he knows you're on the ship, he had to meet you at least once, didn't he?"
Aina's explanation was clear, and even Flay understood. Remembering how Luther had 'threatened' her when she came aboard, she nodded repeatedly when Aina said 'Luther likes to joke around'.
With Aina's friendly, persuasive intervention, Cagalli came out of her defensive, reflexive state. But after thinking it over, she still stood by what she'd said.
"Thank you, Aina.
"But I meant what I said. If Sir Luther wasn't joking about 'Celestial Being's' ideals, then I, Cagalli Yula Athha, am willing to volunteer to join 'Celestial Being'."
"Miss Cagalli!"
Flay exclaimed, but she couldn't think of anything to object to.
Luther exchanged a glance with Aina, then confirmed that Cagalli seemed serious. His expression turned solemn as he asked her,
"Don't you plan to return to Orb? There's an Orb rescue team outside. Why not contact them and have them take you back?"
"And keep watching my father drag Orb into the war without telling me?!"
Realizing this probably wasn't the right time to explain the 'old lion's' 'far-reaching plans' and the power struggle within the 'pride', Luther decided to let the 'hot potato' he'd unwittingly inherited 'cool off' for a while.
"Anyway, I called you both here just to meet and have a casual chat.
"Flay, go back to shopping. If you need anything, just ask a member of 'Celestial Being'.
"Aina, please take Cagalli to the hangar. Let her try operating a real machine, and check on Big Brother Ginias while you're there.
"I'm heading back to the bridge to prepare to set out for Artemis Fortress with Tessa."
Flay wanted to say something, but in the end she said nothing. She picked up her 'spoils' and followed the female officer away.
Cagalli resisted Aina taking her hand a little, but in the end she obediently bowed with Aina and left.
After sighing in the now-empty reception room, Luther went to the bridge to seek comfort from Tessa.
Before you continue