The communicator projected a virtual screen, showing Graham Aker covered in bandages and hooked up to an IV drip. Though he looked quite battered, it was clear that his mental state was remarkably resilient.
"It seems you're in good spirits. I'm a bit surprised they're adhering to the Geneva Convention and providing you with medical treatment," Professor Eifman remarked, finally letting out a sigh of relief. "In any case, it's good to see you're safe."
"If the AEU's anti-Gundam squad hadn't shot me in the back, I wouldn't be in this state to begin with," Graham replied. He didn't bother to dispute Eifman's description of his status as a prisoner; he merely lamented the circumstances of his injury. "Fortunately, Roz didn't make things difficult. Or rather, does he even care? I seem to have full freedom of movement for now."
"The AEU anti-Gundam squad?" Eifman's brow furrowed as he looked at the draft on his computer screen labeled GN Astray. "Regarding that unit... all I know is that the newly formed Earth Sphere Federation recently revoked their designation. The official reason given was that the entire squad was KIA."
"Is that so? KIA... I suppose that's another cold case for the books," Graham sighed. "Professor Eifman, I'll be returning to the Union shortly. Or I suppose I should call it the Earth Sphere Federation now..."
"If you plan on returning, be prepared for intense scrutiny—possibly even a court-martial. Regardless, we will do everything in our power to help you," Eifman promised. He was uncertain of the political fallout Graham would face but was determined to provide support. "Though, I honestly thought you might choose to stay there."
"I have no choice; I must return. After seeing those things... no matter how much confidence I muster, a profound sense of unease has taken root in my heart."
Recalling the sight he witnessed before being recovered by the GN Arms, Graham couldn't help but sigh again. Facing that overwhelming wave of ELS—even the small one-meter models—was enough to instill a sense of powerlessness in anyone.
While he wasn't sure if the "brainwave emotion-sensing" ability was real, according to Roz, there was no malice felt from the ELS. To them, that assimilation and combat might have simply been a form of "play."
A "play" that resulted in death was nothing to smile about.
"Those things? Are you referring to those metallic nanobots?" Billy asked, his mind jumping to the "silver wave" seen in the combat footage.
"They aren't robots, Billy," Graham shook his head, clarifying the situation. "According to Celestial Being's intelligence, they are metallic extraterrestrial lifeforms discovered near the Jupiter wormhole. They call them ELS."
"The theory is that they have an extremely high assimilation priority for beings with active brainwaves, which is why they were relentlessly chasing those two Gundams."
The sudden revelation of "alien lifeforms" left both Professor Eifman and Billy momentarily stunned.
To them, this news felt far too surreal. It was supposed to be a standard internal human conflict—how had aliens suddenly entered the equation?
"Aliens? They aren't just pulling your leg, are they?" Billy frowned, concerned about the validity of the intel. "We can't rule out the possibility that they're feeding you misinformation..."
"No. Most likely to recruit me, they showed me their founding philosophy, their related data... and the wormhole on Jupiter." Graham shook his head, dismissing Billy's skepticism. "Just a single glance at that wormhole and the extraterrestrial lifeforms serving as probes was enough to make me uneasy. From their perspective, our battle with them might have just been a form of play."
At this point, Graham's voice carried a distinct sense of powerlessness.
"I see... If that's the case, the motives and objectives finally align." Professor Eifman opened his personal analysis files regarding Aeolia Schenberg and Celestial Being. "To prevent humanity from remaining divided and hostile when facing potential alien lifeforms in space—which would invite total extinction—Aeolia planned all of this? He actually thought that far ahead..."
"In any case, I will return as soon as possible," Graham nodded, reiterating his decision.
"No, Graham. You stay with Celestial Being." Professor Eifman suddenly reversed his previous stance, rejecting Graham's proposal. "I know your loyalty to the Union, but now, the signs of this crisis have transcended national concepts. It has reached the dimension of a crisis for the entire human species. We must integrate every available force—be it Celestial Being or the Ravens—to ensure humanity survives this."
"But, Professor Eifman," Billy interjected with a frown. "The current climate in the Earth Sphere Federation is focused on countering Celestial Being and ensuring military priority. Besides, we'll likely be under investigation and sidelined to marginal positions. At a time like this, pushing for cooperation with Celestial Being is essentially impossible."
"...Dammit." For the first time in a long while, Professor Eifman uttered a curse. "These extraterrestrial lifeforms appeared too soon. If this was just a probe, it means the main force is right behind it... We are completely out of time."
"I think I understand." After a moment of silence following Eifman and Billy's words, Graham nodded. "I will remain here to acquire the power necessary for humanity to weather this crisis."
"Celestial Being and the Ravens... what are their plans moving forward?"
"Celestial Being intends to continue their scientific research and low-intensity interventions while replenishing their ranks," Graham explained. "As for the Ravens, word is they plan to split off from Celestial Being to carry out their own missions."
"...As for Celestial Being, Katagiri and I will handle the contact," Professor Eifman decided after a long silence. "As for you..."
-----------------------------------
"Is that your reason for staying?"
Standing in the hangar with the artificial gravity active, Roz looked at Graham, who was skillfully using his IV stand as a makeshift crutch.
Compared to his previous state, Graham was now so heavily wrapped in bandages that he looked like a mummy fresh out of an Egyptian pyramid.
"Earth needs you more right now. Why follow us?" Roz asked. "You should know, we are planning to leave this solar system."
"I figured as much."
Graham twitched the corner of his mouth—the part not covered by bandages—into the grin of a sunny, cheerful young man. "After seeing those recordings of your 'Gryps War,' I guessed that you probably aren't from this solar system, or perhaps even this world."
"Then why—"
"In the end, you're human, and I'm human." Graham stood as straight as he could while leaning on the IV stand. "Besides, my intuition tells me you can be trusted."
"Aren't you afraid we'll harvest your kidneys?"
"If that were the case, you wouldn't have cooperated with Celestial Being in the first place."
Graham laughed at Roz's remark. "Anyway, I only have three questions."
"...Go ahead."
"Will you come back? Will you ever return to this world's solar system?" Graham asked the most critical question first.
"...I can't give you an exact answer, but most likely, yes," Roz replied after a moment of thought. "There are still some things here... that I'm not quite easy about."
"Second question: if I follow you, will I get stronger?" Graham stared into Roz's eyes, searching for the answer he needed. "I need power sufficient to help humanity weather this disaster."
"An individual's power is limited. Sometimes you have to learn to trust and rely on your comrades," Roz shared his perspective. "But if you join us, you'll definitely get stronger to some degree."
After all, everyone trained against data modeled after "Amuro." Practicing against that for a few weeks would make anyone a monster in the cockpit.
"Then, the last question."
Graham instinctively looked toward the mobile suits housed in the hangar. "Will you give me a new machine?"
"...If you insist on joining, then yes."
On this point, Roz gave a very firm answer. For him, designing and building a mobile suit was incredibly simple.
"Then there's nothing left to hesitate about."
Graham grinned, though the expression made him wince as it tugged on some unhealed bruises. He extended a hand wrapped in gauze. "My condition is this: when humanity faces the ELS crisis, I must be allowed to return here. If you agree to that, I'm in."
Truth be told, Graham's combat potential was immense. With a bit of training to familiarize himself with their style, he would quickly surpass the mass-production pilots and eventually catch up to Shinn. He was a top-tier asset.
Looking at Graham's bandaged hand, Roz remained silent for a moment before reaching out to shake it.
"...Alright. Welcome to the Nahel Argama."
-----------------------------------
"You're leaving?"
Watching the image of Roz and his team on the monitor, Sumeragi pursed her lips.
Perhaps it was because they had relied so heavily on this ally, or simply because Roz and his crew had saved Celestial Being multiple times, but hearing the news sparked an instinctive feeling of "reluctance" in Sumeragi—the kind felt when watching a trusted comrade-in-arms depart.
"Yes. We have our own mission to attend to," Roz replied, not shying away from the topic.
"Will you... return?" Sumeragi finally voiced the question.
"Most likely, yes."
With that, Roz gave her a thumbs-up. "After all, there are still some things here I can't just leave alone."
"...I understand."
Having received the answer she was hoping for, she instinctively cracked open a can of beer. "Then... I wish you a safe journey and great fortune in battle. Cheers?"
"Yeah. Thanks."
Roz raised his water bottle as a gesture, treating it as a toast.
As the communication ended, Sumeragi patted her cheeks to regain her composure. After only two sips of beer, given her tolerance, she was nowhere near drunk; in fact, she felt exceptionally clear-headed.
She dialed the communication number Roz had sent her—the one he claimed would be "helpful for future plans."
But in the next second, the voice and the figure that appeared on the screen left her stunned.
"...I didn't expect it to be you, Kujo."
On the display, Professor Eifman was looking at his prize pupil with a complex expression. Beside him, Billy stood with his eyes wide in shock.
After that final call, the Nahel Argama parted ways with the Ptolemaios. Not long after, the ship vanished into the dark side of the Moon—and not a single soul noticed its disappearance.
....................