It was rather amusing how Uzumi inexplicably felt relieved when Lu Tianming stated he had ulterior motives.
Having been a politician for so many years, he naturally understood the principle that so-called free things often come at the highest cost.
Now that Tianming was willing to present his 'price quote,' allowing him to understand the cost of accepting assistance, actually put his mind at ease.
"First, we request complete technical disclosure between our parties. While we provide relevant data on the Strike Suit, we also ask for permission to obtain relevant information on the Astray series. Additionally, allow us to reasonably utilize your scientific research resources for our research and development activities."
"After the previous battle, we discovered that ZAFT's four G Series Mobile Suits have undergone equipment and performance enhancements compared to before. To ensure the Strike Suit remains competitive in performance and doesn't fall behind, it's necessary for us to improve and upgrade the existing armaments on the Archangel."
Seeing that Uzumi had no objections to the proposal of demands, Tianming began listing his terms one by one while observing Uzumi's expressions.
Upon hearing Tianming's first condition, Uzumi pondered for a moment before nodding.
This initial demand, while reasonable, was equally significant.
Technical disclosure... essentially meant leaking development data related to the Astray series to them. This was almost equivalent to exposing ORB's most confidential secrets, something that would normally never be offered as a bargaining chip.
However, given the special circumstances and considering what the other party was offering in return... the demand did seem justified.
As for the reasonable utilization of resources, after further inquiry, they had clearly defined what 'reasonable' entailed.
Specifically—they could request whatever supplies they needed. General resources would be allocated as standard, sensitive materials could be freely drawn within quota limits, and applications could be made for amounts beyond the quota. For extremely special materials, they could personally consult with him.
"From my personal perspective, I'm willing to accept this demand of yours. However, the Astray data is of great importance and requires a routine parliamentary vote to make an official decision."
Uzumi nodded in response—while he was willing to accept this cooperation with its shared risks and benefits, ORB wasn't his personal domain. He still needed to consult with other officials.
Tianming had no objections; the response was reasonable after all.
If major national matters were recklessly decided in this small conference room... he would have started questioning ORB's legitimacy as a proper nation.
"The next demand is simple. During the Archangel's stay in ORB, I hope to receive resource supplies from your side. Furthermore, it must be clear that no command relationship exists between our parties. The Archangel will provide support to ORB forces solely from a cooperative standpoint."That is to say, during pre-battle deployment and wartime command, your side only has the authority to issue 'action suggestions' to the Archangel, without the power to issue direct orders.""
"I can agree to this in advance. ORB is perfectly capable of meeting such conditions."
This time Uzumi didn't mention anything about requiring parliamentary discussion. On one hand, this was indeed within his authority, and furthermore... Compared to a formal request, this level of assistance is more like an obligation they should fulfill as allies.
After stating these two points, Lu Tianming didn't add anything else for the moment, instead proceeding to finalize some detailed matters. These included clarifying ambiguous terms like the previous "reasonable" and relatively minor points such as the operational permissions for Archangel crew members and treatment of their families.
In summary, ORB had essentially offered all possible commitments to an ally, demonstrating full sincerity - they were only missing offering their daughter in marriage to strengthen the alliance.
But upon careful consideration... that didn't seem particularly necessary anyway.
It was hard to say whether Cagalli, who was now studying under Lu Tianming, stood with the Archangel or with ORB.
In a sense, this could be considered ORB paying an advance deposit to the Archangel.
After concluding the meeting with Uzumi, Murrue and others followed ORB reception staff to handle implementation details in other areas. As for Lu Tianming, he chose to return to the Archangel.
With no family to care for and ORB's research approval process still incomplete... Lu Tianming found himself with nothing to do but wander back.
Just as he reached the port, Lu Tianming spotted a man holding a photo and asking around randomly, apparently looking for someone.
The man wore a striking yellow short-sleeved shirt with a blue headband across his forehead, combined with that distinctive hairstyle... Lu Tianming recognized his identity almost immediately.
Junk dealer - Lowe Guele. The male protagonist from the Gundam SEED side story manga, pilot of the Gundam Astray Red Frame.
He wasn't surprised by this guy's appearance... after all, in the original storyline, this character should have spent some time in ORB, even participating in developing the Natural-use Operating System.
Besides that, there was another factor that might explain his presence here.
Lowe seemed to notice Lu Tianming, glanced down at the photo in his hand for comparison, then ran over with a delighted expression:
"You're Mr. Lu Tianming, right? The Strike Suit pilot?"
He stopped before Lu Tianming, repeatedly comparing Lu Tianming's face with the photo as if confirming his identity.
"Yes, that's me... Did someone hire you to find me here?"
When Lu Tianming saw Lowe holding his photo, he already had a rough idea of the situation.
Back when he spared Andrew's life, he had also transmitted some data through contact circuits to the LaGowe, including assistance activities he believed the other party could provide.
Such as keeping watch over Siegel Clyne's protection to prevent assassination attempts by Zala's faction for political manipulation.
This included attempting to recruit Lowe Guele's junk dealer group through commissions. While they didn't directly participate in battles, they could handle logistics support work - another group that could be developed into allies.
"Exactly, Mr. Andrew Waltfeld of ZAFT commissioned us to deliver something to you... though due to work circumstances, I arrived here ahead of the mothership currently transporting the goods."
Lowe nodded and explained.
"Deliver something?"
Lu Tianming was slightly surprised upon hearing this. What could Andrew possibly deliver to him at this moment?
Could it be...
A bold idea suddenly surfaced in Lu Tianming's mind. Due to his interference, Lacus—who should have returned to PLANT—had been brought aboard the Archangel by him. This resulted in certain key plot points that required her presence on PLANT being unable to proceed.
And now... could it be that Andrew was taking Lacus' place to maintain the convergence of the worldline?
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