Watching Flay, who had finally obediently accepted the soldiers' instructions and arrangements and was heading toward the Gwamel's residential area, Luther continued to mischievously inform her of two more pieces of news.
"By the way, Miss Flay, your boyfriend Sai and your admirer Kira have both boarded the Atlantic Federation's new warship Archangel—one of the culprits behind the destruction of Heliopolis. They're probably fleeing toward the Eurasian Federation's military fortress Artemis right now. Let's wish them a smooth journey here.
As for your father, I think you'll see him in about ten days, though I'm afraid it'll likely be on the battlefield."
Watching Flay begin to cry as she was 'escorted' away by the soldiers, Luther wrapped an arm around Haman, who had drifted over.
"Satisfied now, my Lady Haman?"
"Hmph."
Though Haman didn't say it out loud, the feedback she gave Luther through his senses indicated he wouldn't have to worry tonight—though whether it was positive or negative, it was all part of the fun.
Having finally placated Haman, Luther remembered the 'open-minded' Golden Astray he had seen when returning to the hangar bay and turned to look for Cima, who was in charge of recovering the Astray Series.
As soon as he turned, he saw Cima, who had clearly watched the entire spectacle, and was met with her 'preemptive strike.'
"Little sister Haman, don't fall for his tricks. In my humble opinion, I'm afraid this Miss Flay will ultimately not escape the clutches of our Lord Daiken, boo hoo hoo."
Faced with Cima's 'sowing discord' and fake crying, Luther could only watch helplessly as Haman took the opportunity to slip into her 'I'm sulking and need coaxing' mode.
Luther had no choice but to mentally add, 'No, you came at just the right time,' wrap an arm around each of them, and attempt to change the subject.
"What's the deal with that Golden Astray?"
"Who knows? It's similar to that little girl named 'Flay' just now—some lunatic calling himself 'Sahaku' inexplicably tried to order me around.
I ignored him when I told him to leave, but after seeing my subordinates collecting parts, he attacked on his own. So, I gave him a shot with the Prototype High-Powered Beam Rifle Lord Ginias recently provided.
I gave a clear warning and even deliberately aimed for a while. Who knew he wouldn't even try to evade? That's how it ended up like that."
In response to Luther's question, Cima clearly focused most of her energy on using her body to capture Luther's attention and elicit a reaction. Under her actions, Haman, not to be outdone, took action as well.
After giving Cima a 'knuckle rap' to stop their inappropriate behavior, Luther had some speculation about the matter.
It's possible that Universal Century beam weapons, based on Mega Particles, might currently be considered a specialized, highly effective weapon against Cosmic Era mobile suits that haven't implemented corresponding countermeasures.
So the pilot of the Golden Astray was likely overconfident. On one hand, he was certain Haman wouldn't dare to "challenge her superior," and on the other, the trump card he thought would work ended up completely ineffective. That's why…
"Lord Luther, an internal call from Captain Tessa on the bridge."
The maintenance chief's reminder interrupted Luther's thoughts.
After thanking the maintenance chief, Luther, accompanied by Cima and Haman, answered Tessa's communication.
Faced with familiar faces on this end, Tessa got straight to the point.
"We've received a light signal communication from an approaching unarmed vessel. They claim to be from Morgenroete of Orb, requesting to purchase the Astray Series and to speak with 'Lord Sahaku.' How should we respond?"
"'Lord Sahaku' was killed for attacking us. We will personally return the Astray Series to Orb's mainland. Tell them to wait for the news!"
In response to Luther's seemingly firm reply, Tessa simply nodded and cut the communication.
Beside Luther, Cima teased him.
"Another one of those deliberately misleading literal statements, huh?
Just like with that girl named Flay, you really enjoy this kind of thing, my Lord Luther."
"Weren't you also won over by this approach, my dear Cima?
As they say, a person cannot stand without trust. Every word I say is true, without a single lie.
I love you, Cima."
Faced with Luther's "weakness attack," Cima, who had just been boldly teasing him but was actually all offense and no defense, was clearly "instantly defeated."
Just as Luther was comforting her and also addressing Haman, another internal communication from Tessa on the bridge came through. Luther's interactions with Haman and Cima naturally fell into Tessa's view.
"Ah, sorry to interrupt.
Another unarmed vessel has contacted us. This time, they call themselves the 'Junk Guild,' asking if they can salvage and assist with the Heliopolis wreckage. How should we respond?"
Faced with Tessa's teasing and inquiry, Luther naturally couldn't play favorites.
"I love you too, Tessa."
Seeing Tessa blush slightly and respond softly, Luther didn't press further and smoothly shifted to discussing business with her.
"From what I remember, although they don't have much presence in the main story, these 'Junk Guild' folks in the gray market are said to have extensive connections and relatively limited strength themselves. They're exactly the kind of people we, unfamiliar with this place, can make use of.
Besides permitting them to salvage and assist, you can ask if they're interested in doing business with us. If the price is right, we could even sell them some surplus mobile suits."
Tessa nodded, clearly switching to the communication without hanging up the internal line, so Luther naturally waited.
While waiting, perhaps recalling her own days in Maharu, Cima asked Luther with rare curiosity.
"My Lord Luther, from what you said, does this 'Junk Guild' have some military-like capabilities?
I also come from a salvage background, but I never knew the Junk Guild could expand their business this much?"
Compared to the slightly "punitive" flick earlier, this time Luther affectionately tapped Cima's forehead.
"You lot are just scavengers, yet you dare call yourselves the 'Junk Guild.'
Alright, enough joking. I think you probably understand.
The Junk Guild during peacetime and the Junk Guild during the interwar or immediate postwar periods are two completely different concepts.
After all, on the battlefield, you might lack anything—except for weapons and equipment that can be repaired and put right back into service.
Take, for example, one of the men Lady Haman took a liking to in the original timeline—he also came from the Junk Guild."
As Cima feigned a somewhat deliberate 'sudden realization' and Haman sulked in displeasure, Tessa, who had likely finished negotiating with the 'Junk Guild,' returned to the communication line.