"Launch radar tracking is nominal. Remote tracking signal frequency is elevated! Maintain it at standard levels!"
"Yes!"
"The Antimatter Legion is expected to launch over ten consecutive assaults soon. Everyone, brace yourselves!"
"Understood!"
At Herta's command, the researchers and security personnel sprang into action.
According to Arlan, with the Astral Express crew's assistance they had repelled the attack without sustaining major damage.
But since the Legion was still targeting the space station, they had no choice but to stay alert to prevent any further harm.
The reassuring thing was that in this crisis, everyone was moving as one.
No one knew what would happen once this was all over.
"Director Herta."
"Yes, Arlan?"
"The Astral Express crew is here to see you, Director."
"Ah, they've arrived. Bring them in."
"Understood."
While Arlan stepped out, Herta checked her attire and appearance.
It was only proper courtesy when meeting guests.
"Director Herta, we're here!"
"You made it back safely."
March 7th, guided in by Arlan, announced their arrival, and Herta smiled in response.
"I heard from Arlan. Your help was invaluable. As the station's director, I extend my deepest thanks."
Himeko, as their representative, returned the director's gratitude with a warm smile.
They had offered their help, so it was only natural to accept thanks graciously.
Any modest deflection—"Oh, it was nothing"—would have undermined Herta's courtesy and risked making others think, "It was no big deal to them; surely we can handle this on our own next time."
Herta shook her head at that thought.
"I'd like to discuss what comes next with the Astral Express crew. Arlan, you stay. Everyone else, please step outside and prepare."
"Yes!"
At her orders, the researchers and security personnel filed out.
"Hah—this is exhausting."
In an instant, Herta's imposing demeanor collapsed into pure relaxation.
Stelle looked taken aback, but the rest of the crew merely smiled, as if accustomed to this side of her.
"...Miss."
"No lecturing! Honestly, I don't want to be so stiff with people who know me inside out."
"Haah..."
Ignoring the butler's exasperated sigh, Herta raced toward Bronie and swept her into a hug.
Her eyes went wide as she shouted,
"Wow—so big!"
"Herta?!"
"I felt it last time, but what kind of growth rate is this?!"
"Pl-please stop!"
Bronie recoiled in alarm as Herta groped her chest, trying to pull her away, but even if she'd applied more force, she risked causing serious injury, so she could only endure her director's overzealous fondling.
"That's enough."
"Oof!"
The only one who could stop her was the butler, who, unable to bear it any longer, flicked his mistress on the forehead, finally putting an end to it.
"Ahem, first of all, the damage to the security system is minimal and the intruders only altered a small amount of core data, so recovery should be straightforward. The real problem is the shaken morale among the researchers."
"Because their steadfast trust has been broken, right?"
"Yes, Himeko. They trusted Herta implicitly and never imagined the station could be destroyed by the Legion. Now that their lives are in danger, they follow orders without question, but once this is over, I don't know how they'll react."
"True, psychological fear is more terrifying than physical injury."
"Indeed. A physical wound heals, but mental scars can last a lifetime."
As Herta pressed her hand to her forehead in frustration, Stelle lightly tapped Bronie on the arm.
"Stelle?"
"Um, Bronie."
"What is it?"
"Doesn't that hurt?"
Stelle pointed carefully at the large bump on Herta's head, and Bronie, shielding her chest, replied with a knowing look:
"Serves her right."