Build Gundams Ch 25

Seven days following the evaluation of the GP04 Gerbera, Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company and the Antares Mercenary Group, sharing a unified headquarters, were poised to receive a delegation of considerable importance.

His Majesty Thales of the Kingdom of Iron Ridge arrived aboard his royal battleship. Accompanying him were his eldest son, Crown Prince Grady, aged twenty-five, and his youngest daughter, Princess Robina, a youthful eighteen.

An honor guard consisting of two Mobile Suit carrier vessels and eight frigates surrounded the royal battleship.

Gazing out at the field of meteorites, Crown Prince Grady understood the underlying reason for his father's visit. A private military organization, demonstrably more powerful than the standing army of the Kingdom of Iron Ridge, had emerged within its borders.

Crown Prince Grady had thoroughly reviewed all available information pertaining to the Antares Mercenary Group, from its inception to its present state.

Few would have predicted the swift and remarkable ascent of this organization, established merely two years prior.

His Majesty Thales had been experiencing fitful sleep in recent days. While intelligence reports indicated that the Antares Mercenary Group had not engaged in any activities detrimental to the Kingdom of Iron Ridge, its very existence posed a source of unease.

His Majesty's decision to bring him and his sister to the mercenaries' headquarters led Grady to infer the intended purpose of the visit, a realization that engendered a degree of resentment.

However, he recognized the constraints of his position and his relative lack of influence in the matter.

The communication console emitted a discreet chime, signaling an incoming message. A member of the royal guard informed the Crown Prince that His Majesty requested his presence.

Crown Prince Grady proceeded to the royal presence to offer his respects.

His sister, Robina, was already present, positioned to the right of His Majesty's seat. Princess Robina possessed flowing silver hair, a pair of luminous silver eyes, and refined features. She stood at a delicate height, her hands clasped gracefully before her.

"Your loyal son offers his respects, Father," Crown Prince Grady stated, executing a respectful bow.

"You may dispense with formalities," His Majesty replied. "Come, stand alongside your father."

Crown Prince Grady took his position to His Majesty's left.

A sizable projection screen materialized before them, displaying numerous Antares Mercenary Group frigates and GM Mobile Suits maneuvering in proximity to their fleet.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Crown Prince Grady inquired.

"There is no cause for alarm," His Majesty reassured. "They are simply providing an escort."

Princess Robina, positioned on the right, directed her attention to a Gundam Mobile Suit displayed on the screen. "Father, is this one of their advanced Mobile Suits?" she asked.

"Indeed," His Majesty affirmed. "They utilized this type of Mobile Suit in the suppression of the Sea Wolf Pirates, a group that has presented a considerable challenge to numerous nations."

Princess Robina's eyes widened with interest.

His Majesty Thales was aware of his daughter's particular affinity for Mobile Suits.

Grady voiced his skepticism, "Is it truly the case that a single Gundam Mobile Suit could effectively neutralize the Sea Wolf Pirates, who have plagued the Kingdom of Iron Ridge and other nations for years? Does this not constitute an exaggeration of the Gundam's capabilities?"

"It is important to note that there is more than one Gundam in their arsenal," Thales countered. "Observe, another has now appeared on the screen."

"Father, what is the total number of Gundams at their disposal?" Princess Robina inquired.

"According to the information gathered by the intelligence services of the Kingdom of Iron Ridge, they presently possess a minimum of five Gundams," His Majesty responded.

The Captain of the Royal Guard approached, kneeling respectfully on one knee before His Majesty. "Reporting, Your Majesty, we have arrived at the designated airspace above the Skywing Armaments headquarters and are preparing to commence the landing sequence."

"Very well," His Majesty acknowledged.

His Majesty Thales, accompanied by his son and daughter, prepared to disembark from the royal battleship.

Soon after, the Royal Fleet of the Kingdom of Iron Ridge entered the operational airspace of the Skywing Armaments headquarters.

Personnel from Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company and the Antares Mercenary Group assembled to observe the arrival.

Foremen and mercenary captains directed the spectators to return to their designated work areas.

Ryuuichi Kaneshiro did not personally receive His Majesty Thales. Instead, Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi and President Severine Laurent assumed the responsibilities of greeting the distinguished guest. Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi also organized a formal reception team to extend a welcome to His Majesty Thales.

A detachment of the royal guard formed a ceremonial line in anticipation of His Majesty's arrival. His Majesty Thales disembarked from the battleship, accompanied by his son and daughter.

The members of the royal guard, arrayed in precise formation, executed a formal salute.

Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi and President Severine Laurent stated in unison, "We extend a sincere welcome to Your Majesty Thales, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Grady, and Her Royal Highness Princess Robina, to our establishment."

His Majesty Thales extended his right hand in a gesture of greeting. Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi and President Severine Laurent, in a demonstration of respect, clasped His Majesty's hand with both of their own.

His Majesty Thales surveyed the mercenary honor guard, attired in Martial Combat Armor.

"This combat suit is among the key assets that contributed to your successful suppression of the Sea Wolf Pirates, is it not?" His Majesty inquired.

"As Your Majesty has stated, the Martial Combat Armor played a significant role in the successful suppression of the Sea Wolf Pirates and their base of operations," Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi affirmed.

His Majesty Thales surveyed the surroundings and inquired, "Where is your chairman?"

"Your Majesty, the chairman is presently engaged in matters of business that require his attention elsewhere," President Severine Laurent responded with a respectful expression. "We trust that you will accept our sincere apologies for his absence."

"That is quite acceptable," His Majesty stated. "I have no objection to your chairman's travel."

"We extend a cordial invitation to Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Her Royal Highness the Princess to tour our facilities," President Severine Laurent stated, executing a respectful bow.

"Very well," His Majesty acknowledged.

In addition to the Crown Prince and Princess, three male and three female members of the royal guard accompanied His Majesty throughout the tour.

In reality, Ryuuichi Kaneshiro had not traveled elsewhere.

Attired in the uniform of the Antares Mercenary Group and wearing a baseball cap bearing the organization's emblem, Ryuuichi Kaneshiro was engaged in adjustments to a newly developed Gundam Mobile Suit.

During His Majesty Thales' tour of the manufacturing area, he observed that the manufacturing processes were largely automated, with human employees primarily overseeing intricate adjustments.

Grady surveyed the manufacturing area. In addition to the automated operations of robotic arms and other instruments, he noted the presence of drones transporting materials and automated cleaning systems. The human employees were primarily responsible for inspection, adjustment, and the issuance of directives.

This operational paradigm had demonstrably reduced manpower requirements and increased overall efficiency.

Next, the delegation toured the interior of a newly constructed frigate, where automated systems were also evident.

As Princess Robina explored the frigate, her interest was piqued by the instruments, the command center, the weapon emplacements, and other systems.

"President Laurent," His Majesty Thales stated, "I am curious as to whether your company plans to offer these frigates for sale."

"Your Majesty," President Severine Laurent responded, "at the present time, we have no such plans."

"President Laurent," His Majesty Thales stated, "should your company decide to offer this frigate for sale at any point in the future, please notify the Kingdom of Iron Ridge immediately. The Kingdom of Iron Ridge is prepared to purchase a significant quantity."

"Certainly, Your Majesty," President Severine Laurent responded. "We will ensure that your government receives notification as soon as is practicable."

His Majesty Thales turned his attention to Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi. "Commander-in-Chief Takeshi, may I request the opportunity to observe a demonstration of the Martial Combat Armor that was utilized in the suppression of the Sea Wolf Pirates' base of operations?"

"That request presents no difficulty, Your Majesty," Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi responded. "We will make the necessary arrangements."

The delegation then proceeded to the Antares Mercenary Group's operational area.

His Majesty Thales and his children observed the Antares Mercenary Group's equipment.

Princess Robina, carefully examining the cockpit of a GM Mobile Suit used by the Antares Mercenary Group, detected subtle differences. She whispered a comment to her father.

"Commander-in-Chief," His Majesty Thales stated, "the card slot within the cockpit of your GM Mobile Suits differs from that of the GM Mobile Suits purchased by the Kingdom of Iron Ridge. The latter lacks this feature."

Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi offered an explanation.

"Is it then possible to incorporate the AOTOS Automatic Programming System into the GM Mobile Suits utilized by the Kingdom of Iron Ridge?" His Majesty inquired.

"This requires a series of verifications before a formal determination can be made as to whether future Mobile Suit cockpits offered for sale will feature the AOTOS Automatic Programming System," Commander-in-Chief Kenji Takeshi responded.

His Majesty Thales nodded in acknowledgement. "Has the demonstration of the Martial Combat Armor been arranged?"

"It has, Your Majesty. Please proceed at your convenience."