January 29, CE71, around 10:00 standard time.
After the gathering the night before, it was time for everyone to go their separate ways.
On Gwameir's shuttle deck, the Orb civilians rescued from Heliopolis were boarding two different craft. Some chose the high-speed shuttle Kisaka had arrived in; others boarded Aina's Musai. Each had made the choice they thought was right.
The key figures had made their choices too. Now they were saying their final goodbyes.
The first to leave was Colonel Gerard Garcia, who had boarded Gwameir only an hour earlier and was already hurrying away.
"Then, Lord Luther, Lady Tessa.
"You've checked the supplies. I'll leave everything in your hands."
Despite Colonel Gerard Garcia's fawning manner, Luther had no intention of humiliating a man who knew when to bend.
"Of course. Celestial Being's ideal is for all humanity to unite and work toward a new cosmic century.
"If it helps us reach that goal, we won't let any stubborn enemy stand in our way. But we're also willing to join hands with anyone who wants to be our friend.
"I hope you won't disappoint the goodwill behind the 'gift' we're handing over this time."
Colonel Gerard Garcia nodded repeatedly at Luther's words.
"Rest assured, Lord Luther. I'll speak with Major General Bilard and convey your goodwill to the Eurasian Federation's leadership."
After giving Luther that assurance, Colonel Gerard Garcia bowed his head to each of the women in turn. Finally, his gaze settled on Major Ledonir Kisaka of Orb.
"And thank you, Major Ledonir Kisaka, for mediating and bearing witness. I'll repay you generously one day."
"You're too kind, Colonel Gerard Garcia."
With the last of the courtesies exchanged, Colonel Gerard Garcia waved to everyone and boarded the transport from Artemis Fortress, marked with the emblems of the Earth Alliance Forces and the Eurasian Federation. He was the first to disappear behind the hatch.
Once the outsider among outsiders was gone, everyone on Luther's side, including Cagalli and Flay, relaxed considerably.
In the easier atmosphere, Kisaka said his goodbyes, especially to Cagalli and Luther.
"Lord Luther, Miss Cagalli, this matter is too important. I'll have to return to Orb and report to Representative Uzumi in person.
"Lord Luther, thank you for making time to meet with me privately last night."
Luther returned Kisaka's courtesy with a polite nod. Kisaka then turned back to Cagalli.
"Miss Cagalli, are you certain you don't want me to leave a few subordinates to assist and protect you?"
"I told you, I don't need them. Stop wasting time here, Kisaka. Go back and explain everything to my father!"
Representative Uzumi had yet to give his approval, but after speaking with Cagalli and Luther the day before, Kisaka believed Orb and Celestial Being could work together.
That gave Cagalli's presence within Celestial Being a different significance.
She appeared healthy and happy, and there was nothing to fault in her living conditions. There was no need to insist on stationing Orb personnel aboard Gwameir, at the heart of Celestial Being.
"Then I, Ledonir Kisaka, will take my leave.
"Lord Luther, please look after Miss Cagalli.
"Miss Cagalli, please take good care of yourself."
Luther nodded slightly, while Cagalli waved with some impatience. Kisaka boarded the high-speed shuttle he had arrived in, taking the Heliopolis civilians who wanted to return to Orb. After Colonel Gerard Garcia, he too departed Gwameir.
Apart from the two "special guests" they were gradually getting to know, only Celestial Being remained—the original members of the Luther Fleet who had come to CE. The mood grew more relaxed, but their reluctance to part became more apparent too.
"Well, I'm leaving Luther in your hands."
Monica's farewell clearly carried another meaning. Tessa blushed a little, while Cima made a bold declaration.
"Oh, leave him to me, Cima."
"Pfft. You collapse the moment Luther puts in a little effort, and you still talk so big."
Cima did not take offense at Haman's jab. Instead, she threw an arm around her with exaggerated warmth.
"Now, now, Lady Haman.
"We'll be working together to tame that wild beast for quite a while.
"We can't rely on Lady A-Qiu to carry us through every time, can we?"
Though Cima had brought her up, the usually unobtrusive A-Qiu remained expressionless.
But now that they knew one another so well, everyone could vaguely tell she was a little embarrassed.
Seeing the conversation veer further off course, Luther made one last effort to bring it back.
"Brother Ginias, I'm counting on you to modify the Astray units and integrate that other machine."
With Aina beside him, Ginias nodded to Luther.
"The schedule's a little tight, but I should make it.
"The problem is the pilot for that machine. Right now, only Norris looks capable of handling it. Who's going to pilot the extra Astray?"
At Ginias's question, Luther glanced at Cagalli. She seemed to think the rest had nothing to do with her and was whispering with Flay, who apparently felt the same. He then answered Ginias.
"The modifications are aimed at improving defense and survivability anyway. It can serve as an escort or as a heavily armored unit for suppressing mass-produced machines.
"We'll find a suitable pilot when the time comes. At most, we'll need to prepare a paint job for the foamed metal."
Since that required no change to the machine's design, Ginias had nothing more to add. He gently nudged Aina.
"Well then, Brother Luther, Sister Tessa, Sister Cima, little sister A-Qiu, little sister Haman, we'll be going.
"And Flay and Cagalli, it was lovely meeting you both. I hope we'll have another chance to drink tea and chat."
With Ginias prompting her, the shy Aina managed to give everyone a proper farewell.
Everyone smiled. Luther stepped forward of his own accord and kissed Aina warmly.
He did not neglect Monica, either, drawing her into an equally passionate kiss.
As the Musai carrying Monica, Aina, and Ginias vanished from sight, Gwameir seemed a good deal quieter.
Luther took one last look around the shuttle deck, where only those staying aboard remained. Then he rallied himself and gave the order.
"Then let's get moving too.
"Destination: the Debris Belt. Let's see who we run into this time!"
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