Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"If the Earth Alliance thinks that simple media propaganda, or threats of economic intervention, or even nuclear missiles can intimidate us Coordinators, I want to say to them now: you better be careful! Our patience is limited! We will make Naturals pay for their actions in due time! We mean what we say!" 

The television was broadcasting a passionate speech by Senator Patrasala, who also served as the chairman of the PLANT Defense Committee. Meanwhile, Shi He watched intently, while He Kui fiddled with his replica miniature GINN.

"What do you think of Senator Patrasala's speech?" Shi He asked.

"Pretty passionate, but we have our own mission," He Kui replied.

"Exactly!" Shi He said earnestly.

Shi He was great, but sometimes she became overly invested in PLANT-related matters, especially after hearing about the Atlantic Federation invading the pro-PLANT South American Confederation. Her frustration had only intensified.

He Kui understood her feelings, but he often worried that her fervor might lead her to rush into danger. Fortunately, Shi He was sensible and believed that research was more important than battlefield glory.

"By the way, how's the miniaturization of your beam weapon coming along?"

At the mention, Shi He's passion faded slightly, and her expression became adorably scrunched up.

"It failed again. We managed to create a prototype for miniaturization, but its power is too weak—it can only inflict soft kills on monitors."

A "soft kill" meant that the weapon could hit armor without even scratching the paint, merely incapacitating sensitive instruments temporarily.

"Increasing the power would significantly increase the size, at least four times the weight of the machine gun used in the current GINN. It wouldn't be practical as a personal weapon."

"Mm."

He recalled that Orb's G Plan had successfully miniaturized beam weapons, and after ZAFT acquired it, they conducted reverse engineering. This suggested that Shi He's project might not succeed, and the development of high-performance reconnaissance models under Sule's leadership seemed much more promising. At least that GINN was nearing completion.

"PLANT is beneath our feet, PLANT makes us proud, and PLANT urges us onward!!!"

The two of them were still discussing when the impassioned speech on television concluded, followed by thunderous applause from the audience.

"I heard that when the June City Seven satellite was struck by a nuclear bomb, Senator Patrasala's wife was also there."

"Yes, thankfully she made it to the shelter."

However, the pride of having changed the world faded quickly as He Kui stared at their cramped living space. 

What good was pride when they were still struggling to make ends meet? He couldn't exactly approach Patrick and say he was the one who saved his wife and ask for financial assistance.

Taking a deep breath, He Kui opened his phone to check on the luxurious residences in the PLANT area, then relaxed and refocused on his work.

He had managed to save a lot of time by not needing to go out to buy and sell, staying in the dormitory area. Although he couldn't entirely prevent spies from lurking, at least he was protected from some robbers and thieves.

Now, he could concentrate on making models and working on winning over Sule!

However, just two days later, policies related to the war began rolling out.

First, there was a new tax: a 1.5% war tax on personal income, bonuses, and compensations. While it didn't seem like much at first glance, it was more than that. The tax on everyday goods rose to 2.5%, non-essentials to 5%, semi-luxuries to 10%, and luxuries to 15%.

Prices for popular food items, especially meat and vegetables, continued to skyrocket. The currency remained stable for now, but if PLANT were to lose, it would become worthless; currency was merely a symbol of trust, and the same went for the Atlantic Federation.

At the beginning of the war, many believed the governing nations would easily overpower PLANT. The Atlantic Federation's currency wouldn't fluctuate, while PLANT's currency began to devalue as investor confidence wavered, causing currency volatility.

On the flip side was the expense of war; every GINN was made of precious metals. The longer the war lasted, the more strained the currency would become, necessitating printing more money. While they had just begun fighting, they didn't need to worry about this yet.

However, this was a quagmire. If he didn't manage to escape this year, not only would PLANT's economy decline, but so would his own.

The deeper the decline, the worse the living conditions, and the more likely spies would emerge.

"Life is getting harder."

Nearby, a colleague who had previously sold a gift lamented at his workstation, and others chimed in agreement.

"I heard that free dormitories might start charging rent."

"Really? Who told you that?"

"Of course..."

The colleague pointed upward.

Listening to their discussion, He Kui furrowed his brows tightly.

If this situation continued, it would significantly hinder his progress in skill growth, meaning he would have to spend more time earning money rather than improving his abilities.

"I wonder if ZAFT can win the war."

"You all need to focus on getting this flow hood calibrated. I still think our chances are good."

Sule's voice had appeared behind them unexpectedly.

"Sorry!"

The tension in the room had been palpable, but once Sule spoke, everyone seemed to shiver in fear. They were all aware that their bonuses were already limited and couldn't afford any more deductions.

"Alright, do your best, and things will get better. He Kui, come with me."

"Okay."

Amidst the sympathetic gazes of his colleagues, He Kui entered Sule's office.

"I told you, you don't need to keep giving me gifts."

As soon as Sule entered the room, she pulled out a brand-new reconnaissance GINN model and frowned.

"No, please accept it!"

"He Kui, while I suggested you make Haros, given the current situation, I think you should prioritize your own matters."

She couldn't understand why he liked giving her gifts so much. Did he have feelings for her? But He Kui already had a fiancée; how could she possibly intervene? Although, she did think He Kui's cooking was excellent.

As someone in charge of an important experiment, she couldn't easily leave the factory, both to prevent espionage and to protect her safety. But this meant that enjoying a taste of home-cooked meals had become a luxury, and He Kui's presence was a comforting remedy for that.

"No, this is my personal respect for you!"

"Respect."

Sule looked at the model, raising her eyebrows. Did respect entail sending such childish toys? Was she sure he wasn't mocking her?

"And I also want guidance from Director Sule!"

"Fine, since you want guidance, you can show me, and then you can take it back."

"No way!"

"Give me a reason."

"Actually... it's because you remind me of my sister—so that's why!"

"I am not your sister!"

"Well, my sister has already passed away."

He Kui sighed as he spoke.

"Was that in your file?"

Sule blinked cutely, taken aback by this unexpected turn.

"She was a little neighbor girl when I was with my parents in the East Asia Republic, and she succumbed to the S2 flu."

"Is tha

t so? But I'm still not your sister!"

"Yeah, I know, I just... couldn't help it. I want to give you my best."

[Sule Favorability 92]