"Director He, keep up the good work. We need talents like you here in PLANT."
Standing on the temporary platform as the last recipient of the honors, He Kui faced Chairman Clyne.
Although Chairman Clyne wore a gentle smile, the authority he exuded was palpable.
His deep blue eyes seemed to pierce into the deepest secrets of He Kui's heart.
"Thank you!"
Their hands clasped briefly before He Kui stepped back and saluted Chairman Clyne.
Their interaction was limited to this, with no special attempts to draw him closer or push him away.
After all, Chairman Clyne was the highest authority in PLANT.
Just because others were trying to win him over didn't mean Clyne or Zala would get involved personally.
He wasn't yet significant enough for that.
After completing all the ceremonial procedures and enjoying a celebratory luncheon, He Kui returned to the shuttle by dinner time.
He didn't take out his computer to work; instead, he gazed out the shuttle window, watching the bustling capital of Aprilius City gradually shrink from view.
Reflecting on it, his trip to the capital seemed only to have earned him two medals and another person wanting him dead.
Though he became a celebrated hero, it felt as if nothing had changed.
The massive hourglass structures floating in space remained unaltered.
The banquet earlier seemed like a fleeting dream.
PLANT was far larger than he had imagined.
Since returning from the ceremony, life for He Kui resumed its usual pace.
Blue Cosmos seemed to have gone into hiding again, with no news of them.
Nevertheless, He Kui remained cautious, either staying at home or at work, never stepping outside the design bureau.
"He Kui, our machine is back!"
One day, Shi He burst into the office where He Kui was improving AI.
"Finally back, huh."
A smile broke on He Kui's face.
Since they hadn't captured any mass accelerators, transporting it prioritized more critical resources, causing delays.
"Our composite rifle and your proposed fingertip-launch decoy balloons are ready for testing whenever."
After all, that ZGMF-X10A was technically the designated test unit for their beam group, so with its return, halted projects could resume.
"Here's the test application. Sign it if everything's fine."
Shi He handed over a tablet with two design diagrams.
The composite rifle was their improvement on beam weapons, visually similar to the standard beam rifle but with some embedded patterns on the casing.
After extensive research and prior beam weapon experience, they were ready for practical testing.
This was just the first step; further extreme testing awaited. However, He Kui had delegated this project to Shi He and the team, sparing himself from hands-on involvement. Necessary oversight and signing off were sufficient.
"The energy consumption is still a bit high."
Reviewing the finalized plan, He Kui noted that the rifle consumed 20% more energy than a standard beam rifle, comparable to a high-energy pulse cannon when combined.
The prospect of firing both guns and the high-energy pulse cannon together was too daunting to imagine.
"No choice, but it's 15% more powerful than a standard beam rifle."
"Alright, let's proceed."
On the next page, the design for his fingertip-launch decoy balloons was much simpler.
Ten balloons in total, with infrared guidance to temporarily confuse other machines' locks.
However, this research didn't garner much attention.
The design somewhat reduced the structural strength of the fingers and was only usable in space.
Moreover, the interference was primarily effective when facing headwinds, but ZAFT's mobile suits already had advantages over the Earth Alliance's MAs. Unless facing rare elites, entanglement wasn't a concern.
While the cost wasn't high, reducing it required expanding production lines, which was wasteful given the low demand.
Thus, the equipment's overall cost-effectiveness wasn't significant.
Fortunately, He Kui's research required minimal funding, and Erin approved it readily.
Eventually, it could be installed on their ZGMF-X10A.
Facing Gundams in the future, it might offer a slight survival advantage.
"Is that the pilot we encountered in the Zero System?"
Receiving the signed documents, Shi He curiously looked at He Kui's screen.
"Yeah, that's right."
On He Kui's screen was the first-person footage from the confrontation between Iron Wall and the Zero System pilot, along with surveillance footage from the battleship.
"Why are you watching this?"
"For AI learning."
He Kui didn't hide it, pointing to the black Haro connected to the computer.
"But people with spatial awareness are rare, right?"
"Indeed."
Shi He was correct, but those with spatial awareness were at least elite-level pilots. He Kui was preparing for the worst-case scenario.
It was best not to encounter them, but if he did, at least he'd have some defense.
"It seems like you're always busy, He Kui."
Shi He gently massaged his temples, her voice as soft as spring water.
He had indeed neglected Shi He lately, spending his days making small objects and designing at work.
Shi He was similarly occupied, working on the composite rifle and writing articles and making Haros at home.
Though they hadn't gone out, their communication time had diminished.
That wasn't good either.
Thinking this, He Kui grabbed Shi He's tender hand massaging his temples.
Her soft, delicate skin was gently kneaded in his hand.
"Sorry."
"It's alright. I'm just worried you'll be too tired. Remember to rest."
"I'll rest when I get home."
"You promise?"
Shi He bent down, planting a gentle and affectionate kiss on his forehead. Slowly, the kiss moved downward, carrying Shi He's unique fragrance as it neared his lips.
The sunlight streaming through the window made everything seem serene and beautiful.
"Director He… Sorry to interrupt!"
Hoss opened the door, only to be met with a flood of PDA moments.
Startled, he quickly closed the door again.
Interrupted by Hoss, Shi He swiftly straightened up, moving away from He Kui's lips, her face flushed, looking delectable.
"Doesn't Hoss know how to knock?"
Shi He complained with a bright red face.
"You're the one who barges in without knocking."
"... I'll hang a sign outside."
"Does that mean we can do other things here?"
He Kui teased the blushing Shi He.
"Let's do it tonight!"
Shi He, never one with much patience, glared at He Kui in embarrassment.
"."
Suddenly, He Kui felt a bit flustered.
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