Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

With matters concluded, the busy He Kui had no intention of lingering at DSSD. After a hasty farewell to Serena, he returned to PLANT.

The next day, in a chain Chinese restaurant in April City's botanical district, He Kui found himself in a setting similar to the Chinese restaurant in May City. In a spacious private room, only two people sat at a round table facing each other: He Kui and the pink-haired Lacus.

"Director He, sorry to have called you so soon after your return," Lacus said with a gentle smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

"Not at all. Lately, the development of the weapon system has been going smoothly."

"Is it completed?"

"Almost. We're ready for testing, though energy remains an issue."

"With Director He involved, I believe it won't be a significant problem."

Lacus's warmth was as welcoming as ever, and even knowing her words were meant to please, they were more comforting than most.

"Thank you."

He Kui replied with a slight bow.

"So let's get to business. We can accept your proposal."

"However, Director He will need to personally oversee the installation."

Lacus's eyes sparkled with confidence and charm.

"That's fine."

Was Lacus about to reveal the location of her secret factory to him? Did she genuinely trust this neutral party, or was she trying to win him over?

Uncertain of Lacus's true intentions, He Kui nodded, agreeing nonetheless. He had nothing to lose.

"But I have a few questions for Miss Lacus."

"What might they be~?"

"The Archangel, the Alliance, Orb, and ZAFT."

"Hmm..."

Lacus had anticipated He Kui's straightforwardness, but hearing his question, her eyes flickered briefly with surprise. It was almost imperceptible, as if a mirage.

"Is Director He very interested in those matters?"

Collecting her thoughts, Lacus inquired.

"Since we've secured nearly all the mass drivers, Orb remains."

"Indeed, but unfortunately, due to geopolitical reasons, they can't join ZAFT."

The collaboration between Morgenroete and the Atlantic Federation made this clear.

Orb's roots were firmly on Earth. If Orb, with its mass drivers, allied with ZAFT, the Alliance would likely invade Orb at all costs.

"What if they were occupied by the Atlantic Federation?"

"That Asuha representative might choose to destroy the mass drivers."

Lacus knew more about Orb than most, thanks to Mentor Malchio living on one of Orb's uninhabited islands.

As Malchio's semi-student, Lacus understandably knew Orb's political landscape well.

"However, as long as the Atlantic Federation isn't desperate, they shouldn't force Orb. Conquering Orb requires significant forces, and ZAFT still has strength at Carpentaria and Victoria Harbor."

Lacus's insights enlightened He Kui.

He had been too focused on the plot and forgot that if ZAFT wasn't crippled by Operation Spit Break, the Atlantic Federation wouldn't provoke Orb, risking a two-front war.

"I understand, thank you."

This meant that if he prevented the planned attack on Alaska, Orb might remain safe.

"You're welcome. As for the Archangel, it was reportedly shot down by Orb, wasn't it?"

Lacus asked innocently.

"Would Orb shoot down the Archangel? If the Zala team confirmed it, wouldn't they have returned by now?"

"True, Athrun seems quite fixated on the Archangel."

Even without having met Kira, Lacus was puzzled when mentioning Athrun, but she quickly shifted topics.

"If Director He is truly curious, I can introduce you to Mentor Malchio. He'll soon be in PLANT, and if you have time, you could join us for a meal. He's quite curious about you too, and no one else will know."

"Alright."

Given He Kui's current position, meeting Malchio was a significant honor, and Lacus's offer was a testament to her regard for him. He Kui had no reason to refuse.

After discussing business and arranging to visit Lacus's secret factory next week for the beam shield installation, He Kui returned to May City.

"Director Erin, the weapon tests are nearly complete."

"Good, and your long-range sniper equipment?"

"Is it ready!?"

"It's ready, installed on your second unit."

Erin spoke with a touch of admiration, as He Kui's output was impressive.

The Mirage Colloid Field system wasn't finished, yet he had developed a new project.

"Though it's an electromagnetic accelerated projectile weapon, it ensures long-range shooting stability. It's a remarkable weapon."

Erin nodded in appreciation.

"Isn't it?"

"However, considering the presence of neutron jammers, the Defense Committee doesn't plan to mass-produce it."

"That's fine."

The weapon wasn't meant for mass production. Erin had him develop it partly to test theories and partly to stockpile.

While it might not suit frontline battles, it was effective for special operations.

It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Erin generously allowed him to keep the prototype, which was enough.

He'd still need spare parts, but the Junk Guild could assist.

Thinking of his new long-range weapon, He Kui couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly, despite maintaining a neutral expression.

"Next, we need to test the Mirage Colloid Field system on the auxiliary vehicle. But there's one more thing: the test won't be at Boaz, but near Julius Seven at L5."

Erin explained with some reluctance.

"Why there?"

Approaching L3 was unusual for them. Though he could seize the chance to recover the Aegis, it didn't align with typical Defense Committee actions.

"Artemis's Umbrella was breached earlier, but we didn't fully occupy it. The Eurasian Federation seems to be collaborating with Actaeon, possibly testing new mobile suits."

"Artemis is the most likely site for their new suit tests."

Artemis, having limited strategic value, was left alone after Cruzer's team breached it.

It likely still housed many Eurasian Federation troops.

"So... the Defense Committee intends to use the new suit tests to intimidate the Eurasian Federation?"

"Yes, besides the Atlantic Federation, they're potential allies. We hope they'll reconsider."

If the suits were powerful enough, the Eurasian Federation might hesitate to side with the Atlantic Federation against ZAFT.

The Eurasian Federation's opposition to ZAFT was never firm.

Even if coerced by the Atlantic Federation, they might at least reduce hostilities.

The mention of Actaeon reminded the Defense Committee of He Kui's previous success in outmaneuvering their new suits.

Thus, He Kui was the ideal military advisor for this mission.

"You'll oversee from the rear, with a special team for protection. If they attack, we'll have personnel ready to retaliate."

Though not a major battle, minor skirmishes were possible.

Erin's words were meant to reassure He Kui.

"Alright, but I have a few requests."

"Go ahead."

"I'd like to take both units, conduct a small test with my escape pod, and have a mothership equipped with a beam shield generator."

"No problem, I can arrange that."

Erin nodded smoothly, as if prepared for his requests.

"However, Councilor Zala is very interested in this operation, so..."

"I'll do my best."

He wouldn't be piloting the Gates in direct combat against new suits, and with the beam shield, his safety was assured.

"Good, complete the final adjustments carefully, with no mistakes."

With Erin's serious reminder, He Kui bowed slightly and left.

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