The Celestial Beings Split Up Their Plans

Regarding Luther's confirmation of the topics concerning the Archangel and Kira, Aina and Ginias each had their own points of curiosity.

"Brother Luther, Haman-chan, does this mean Kira Yamato can be confirmed as a Newtype? What about Cagalli?"

To Aina's question, Luther did not answer directly, instead casting his gaze toward Haman, who had actually engaged Kira in combat and resonated with him.

Haman hesitated for a moment before finally providing her answer.

"Although the sensation felt a bit different, Kira should indeed be a Newtype, currently at about a level 2 or 3—the same standard as that disgraceful fellow Char when we left. As for Cagalli, heh, she can go to Kurisu's lab and try wearing the Special Bio-Sensor Helmet."

Although she didn't know exactly what a level 2 or 3 standard entailed, Cagalli certainly felt Haman's disdain for her.

Leaving Haman and Cagalli to "hiss" at each other, Luther looked at Aina, and seeing her nod to indicate she had no further questions, he turned his attention to Ginias.

Ginias's words were less of an inquiry and more of a confirmation of a proposal.

"As seen with those Astray series units, the weapon-backpack design here in the CE era is a very interesting concept. May I use those Astray units to experiment as I please?"

"Of course, Brother Ginias. Before you return to Mendel, let us roughly confirm the framework for the modification plans and the corresponding designated pilots; then, we can proceed with various experiments according to each pilot's specialties."

At Luther's response, Ginias nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, good idea. The red one goes to Aina; the blue one to Norris; the gold one has no cockpit, so it must be overhauled, which makes it perfect for installing a Newtype System; the parts from the remaining two colors might be better used to reinforce the original units..."

Leaving Ginias to "scribble away" on his terminal, and watching Cagalli and Haman still "hissing" at each other, Luther smiled helplessly and pushed the meeting to the next agenda item.

"Ahem. In any case, although Celestial Being only just completed its merger yesterday, we must split into two groups again immediately. Tessa, Cima, and I will continue to pursue the Archangel on the Gwameir; our next target should be the Debris Belt, where we may encounter the Creuset Team and the vanguard of the 8th Fleet. Brother Ginias will lead the team back to Mendel to digest the spoils obtained from the 'Collapse of Heliopolis' and the 'Assault on Artemis Fortress'."

After briefly restating the two main directions, Luther began to confirm with each person in turn.

First was Aina, who was sitting between him and Ginias.

"Aina, what are your plans?"

Aina clearly had already considered this, so after only a slight hesitation, she made her final decision.

"Although it is a pity, I will accompany Brother Ginias back to Mendel. My strength as a pilot is too weak to be of much help to Brother Luther; I am truly sorry."

Facing this somewhat self-deprecating statement from Aina, Luther took her face in his hands and gave her a passionate kiss before responding to the blushing Aina.

"Aina has already helped me a great deal; after all, Celestial Being is not lacking in excellent pilots. Although we must separate again after such a brief reunion, we will be together again very soon. But before that, tonight, I will have to properly comfort my lovely sister Aina."

"Brother Luther."

Regarding the interaction between Luther and Aina, Ginias naturally wore a knowing, indulgent smile; the women on Luther's side all had good relationships with the gentle-natured Aina, and not to mention that their own turns would come later, they simply waited quietly with smiles; as for the two "special guests," Flay looked quite excited, though for some reason she was also a bit shy at times; Cagalli had an expression of being "fed enough dog food" and having had enough, though she managed to restrain herself from doing anything unnecessary.

Of course, since they were in front of everyone, the intimacy between Luther and Aina was neither intense nor long-lasting; once Aina's departure was confirmed, Luther followed the order and confirmed with Haman.

"Haman, what are your thoughts?"

Haman's swift response did not exceed Luther's expectations.

"Although being comforted to my heart's content tonight is quite attractive, I will stay on the Gwameir."

Even though Haman didn't say much, no one was surprised by her decision, for as Luther had previously stated on the bridge of the Gwameir, Haman now had only Luther.

"Haman-chan, how about I share some of my time tonight with you..."

"No need, Sister Aina. I have plenty of opportunities after tomorrow; you should enjoy yourself to the fullest tonight."

Ignoring the conversation between Haman and Aina—which, despite being lowered in volume, Luther could clearly hear—he brazenly turned to confirm with Monica.

"Monica, what about you?"

After glaring at Luther, Monica gave her answer, though it was one that slightly surprised Luther and the others.

"I will go back; it just so happens I can swap out with Mika."

For Monica's "selflessness," Luther naturally had to provide a corresponding response.

"I understand. Thank you for your hard work, Monica.

It seems there is one more person who will need some serious comforting tonight."

Faced with Luther's teasing, Monica reflexively put on a haughty front.

"I don't need any of that!"

"Then I won't hold back!"

Haman's sudden interference clearly broke through Monica's defenses.

"Even if I'm exhausted and can only hold Luther to chat, I won't share a single second of that time with you!"

"Tch, stingy. You're low-combat-power anyway; 'don't be greedy, or you might get bitten by a dog'!"

Watching the strange dispute between the two women on his left with a sense of helplessness, Luther turned to the two "special guests" with a wry smile.

Following the established order, Luther first directed his inquiry toward Flay, who was sitting closer to him.

"Flay, do you intend to stay on the Gwameir, or would you rather go to the safer Mendel?"

In response to Luther's question, unlike the women of Celestial Being who each had their own agendas, Flay was clearly lost in confusion.

"Even if you say that, Lord Luther, I have no idea..."

Looking at Flay—who was now as docile as the "surface Flay" after she had surrendered herself to Kira in the original timeline, whether because of something Cagalli had said or because she had developed Stockholm Syndrome from Luther's actions—Luther found it difficult to be harsh with her, so he had no choice but to analyze the situation for her in detail.