Lu Tianming shrugged somewhat helplessly, thought for a moment, and said:
"No one can predict fate, right? Since we've been brought together by chance, it might not be so easy to part ways."
Badgiruel simply took it as him comforting her, sighed softly, but didn't say anything more.
"Speaking of which, how is your recovery coming along? Normally, we should be heading to meet with the Eighth Fleet's commanding officer... Although in your current condition, you might not be able to attend many meetings, it's still necessary to go to the Bridge and greet him."
She suddenly brought this up. After hearing about Lu Tianming's condition, Admiral Halberton of the Eighth Fleet had specifically requested to meet him.
Lu Tianming nodded upon hearing this... After resting for a while, his condition had mostly recovered. If needed, it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to go and meet the admiral.
——————————————
On the Bridge of the Archangel, Lu Tianming, now dressed in a neat military uniform, arrived with Mu, Murrue, and Badgiruel before the communication screen.
As the connection was established, Admiral Halberton's image gradually appeared. With his blond hair and a somewhat kindly face, he smiled as he looked at the four reporting to him on the Bridge.
Since it wasn't a formal meeting, Admiral Halberton skipped the official pleasantries and got straight to the point, looking at Lu Tianming:
"You're the pilot of that Strike Suit, aren't you? I'd heard about you, but I didn't expect you to be so young."
Halberton's gaze was full of admiration, exuding the pride of an elder looking at an outstanding junior.
"As a Natural, you've managed to achieve such combat results piloting an MS—truly the pride of us Naturals. Those who claim that MS are complex weapons only Coordinators can master will probably have to shut up now."
"You flatter me, Admiral. I merely relied on the performance advantages of the Strike Suit to achieve such results," Lu Tianming replied humbly. To be honest, Halberton's immediate praise had taken him by surprise.
"No need to be modest, young man. You should be more confident. Those with skill and ability have the right to take pride in it."
As Halberton spoke, his appreciation for the humble Lu Tianming grew even stronger.
He had initially worried that this pilot might become arrogant due to his abilities... but it seemed the opposite was true. This MS pilot named Lu Tianming was, in fact, a calm and modest talent.
"I'm well aware of how others perform when operating MS. I've seen the demonstration by the previous reserve pilots. Compared to you, their MS handling was like that of babbling newborns."
Admiral Halberton spoke sincerely... He was no stranger to the performance of Naturals operating MS; on the contrary, there was probably no one in the Federation Army more concerned with the research on Natural-operated MS than him.
Yet, even with professional training, the quality of the pilots was somewhat hard to assess.
Though excellent Mobile Suits were nearly completed, their matching pilots were complete amateurs. This had greatly frustrated Admiral Halberton, especially after learning the MS had been stolen.
But Lu Tianming's appearance resolved his worries, rekindling his hope for Naturals piloting MS.
Thus, he didn't hesitate to praise Lu Tianming.
"However, I heard you were injured in the recent battle... How are you now?"
He'd also heard about Lu Tianming's injury. Though the outcome was obvious, as his superior, concern was necessary.
"Just a minor injury, nothing serious."
Lu Tianming smiled. There was no need to report details since he understood this was merely procedural, showing the admiral's care.
"As the Alliance's only current Mobile Suit pilot, you should take better care of yourself. If you're unwell, you may skip the upcoming strategy meeting. Your Captain can relay the information."
"Thank you, Admiral."
"Hmm, since Lieutenant Flaga will be coming here anyway, he can take back the combat backpack stored here."
"Take... back?"
Mu was the one who spoke last, somewhat confused by Admiral Halberton's intention.
Lu Tianming was initially surprised too, but after mentally reviewing the Strike Suit's designed backpacks, he remembered which one could be "driven" – the Wired Pod Backpack based on the Moebius Zero, referred to as the Wire-guided Cannon Backpack.
Lu Tianming had considered several possibilities... but never expected this. In his memory, this thing wasn't even built in side stories, let alone the main storyline.
It was purely a product Bandai created for model sales, existing only in concept.
At this thought, Lu Tianming felt stunned. Had Bandai collectively crossed over too?
Speaking of which, the SEED world did have its own "Bandai" – Blue Cosmos. Blue also starts with B.
He decided to stop overthinking it. Researching this was like trying to understand his connection with Xia Chuan – without clues, it was just blind guessing. Better not to guess... since he could still use the equipment anyway.
But then again, he remembered his spatial sensing ability tested with the Moebius Zero wasn't particularly outstanding.
Lu Tianming worried... what if he couldn't operate it due to his insufficient ability?
That would be embarrassing.
The brief meeting concluded after a few more official-sounding remarks, and Murrue and the others left to attend the strategy meeting with the Eighth Fleet.
While leaving, Lu Tianming gave Murrue another meaningful look, reminding her to help keep Lacus' matter secret – after all, she was the only one who might speak at the meeting.
Badgiruel and Mu were both perceptive people. As long as Murrue didn't mention it, neither would they bring it up.
Granted special sick leave by the Admiral, Lu Tianming watched from the hangar as the three boarded the shuttle and flew toward Admiral Halberton's side. Only when their aircraft faded into the distance did he withdraw his gaze, turning it to the Strike Suit being serviced on the maintenance rack.
Having rested for so long, that fool Xia Chuan should have regained consciousness by now, no matter how badly he'd been electrocuted.
Although Lu Tianming had received a text notification in the cockpit confirming Xia Chuan's safety, he still felt uneasy without seeing him awake with his own eyes.
Just as he prepared to check the cockpit, his eyes suddenly fixed on the Strike Suit's foot undergoing repairs.
A strange and absurd thought uncontrollably surfaced in his mind—could this current maintenance be considered an unconventional foot massage for Xia Chuan?