"The electronic module of Shield Generator No. 8 is blocked by cosmic dust. Is it clear now?"
Piloting his GINN, He Kui was conducting adjustments outside Boaz. The shield on the GINN's left arm had been replaced by a multifunctional maintenance tool.
"The signal is normal now, no issues."
Shi He's voice came through the comms.
At that moment, a non-urgent distress call came through He Kui's GINN.
"A ZAFT Laurasia-class cargo ship is sending out a distress signal."
Shi He inside the fortress received the signal as well.
"It's probably from yesterday's Earth Alliance forces."
He Kui grimaced at Shi He's words.
A cargo ship couldn't possibly withstand such an opponent. By the time reinforcements could launch from the base, the ship might be space debris.
Currently, he was the only mobile unit outside, accompanied by Ironwall's team. But he couldn't be sure it wasn't a trap.
He wasn't a savior who could rescue everyone.
While contemplating caution, a distress message from an older man, akin to a last will, reached his GINN.
"This is Captain Jeromy Hawk of the ZAFT Laurasia-class Orion. If I perish, please tell my daughters, Meyrin and Lunamaria, that I love them."
The signal, intermittently received by GINN's enhanced radar, relayed to He Kui's comms.
"Hawk..."
If memory served, the main story mentioned two girls with that name.
If so, considering Lacus' abilities, perhaps they had skills too.
He Kui gritted his teeth. Helping defend wouldn't be too difficult, and reinforcements would arrive shortly, maybe within minutes.
Even if it were a trap, he was confident in his ability to escape.
"Ironwall Captain?"
He Kui communicated with Ironwall.
"Director He, my task is to ensure your safety."
"Of course, if you insist on going, we'll accompany you."
Though Ironwall stated this, his tone was far more eager than He Kui's.
"Let's go then. We just need to hold them off."
With that, the red eye of GINN locked onto the distress signal's location.
The dark void of space revealed no signs of battle.
Having decided, He Kui piloted GINN at full speed under the protection of several surrounding units, quickly reaching the distress signal's source.
As the signal indicated, the ship was a Laurasia-class, with its engines exploding and nearly out of power.
Three GINNs guarded the Laurasia-class but were overwhelmed by five times their number of Moebius units, unable to protect the mothership.
Just as they arrived, the Laurasia-class's hangar was hit by missiles, causing another explosion.
"What's the status?"
Establishing communication with the Laurasia-class, He Kui skipped formalities.
"Hull integrity down 45%, engine power at 35%. We... are locked by a Nelson-class main cannon. You should retreat."
Desperation filled the captain's voice in He Kui's ears.
Just then, a Nelson-class beam cannon's barrel shone brightly.
Massive energy coalesced into green beams, slicing through the void like spears, targeting the ship.
In this critical moment, He Kui's GINN moved,
its powerful engines emitting a blue glow, raising the anti-beam shield to intercept the beams before the Laurasia-class's command room.
The enormous green beams were absorbed by He Kui's shield, leaving only a glowing red mark on its smooth surface.
The Earth Alliance recognized the blue GINN, and the surrounding Drake-class ships locked missiles onto He Kui, while ten Moebius units closed in.
The good news was it wasn't a trap.
The bad news was he was targeted due to the distinctive paint.
Blocking Moebius cannon fire with his shoulder shield, He Kui's Vulcan cannon unleashed a barrage on the approaching Moebius,
bullets pelting the Moebius unit, sparking before it exploded.
Ironwall and his team arrived, aiding He Kui in fending off attacks from the sides.
"Reinforcements are here."
Seeing the signals from afar, He Kui sighed in relief.
The standoff didn't last long. With a fleet approaching from Boaz, the Earth Alliance quickly retreated.
However, the crisis wasn't over. As the Earth Alliance left, the Laurasia-class experienced another violent explosion.
"Hull integrity failing. Chain reaction from engine explosion. It's going to self-destruct."
He Kui murmured his analysis.
Without atmospheric resistance, the chain reaction was intense. If the engine fully lost control, the entire ship would be destroyed instantly.
"Send me the ship's data."
"Right away."
The captain, grateful for the sudden help, quickly complied.
Based on the schematic, He Kui pinpointed the most damaged part of the engine system.
"Stabilize the ship's attitude, shut down the main control system, and cut auxiliary power."
"Understood."
Perhaps He Kui's calm orders had an effect, as the captain regained composure.
As the warship stalled, He Kui used GINN's arm to pry open the engine system's casing. The MS's mechanical arm delved into the exposed, intricate electronic circuits, welding torch sparking.
Finally, they towed the immobile but non-explosive Laurasia-class back to port.
"Seeing the machine, I thought it might be you, Director He."
The captain, dressed in fitted black with short red hair, warmly shook He Kui's hand.
"I'm Jeromy Hawk."
"A small effort."
"No, it's a lifesaving grace."
Thinking he might never see his family again, Hawk's eyes were slightly moist with emotion.
"Director He, could I have your contact information to repay you?"
Hawk's request was genuine, though he had ulterior motives. After all, He Kui's commendation was broadcast live to all of PLANT.
He Kui was now quite known within PLANT.
It's said that life's choices are shaped by one's connections.
Connecting with He Kui could open more paths, even several.
"Let's stay in touch."
Hearing Hawk's words, He Kui nodded in agreement.
He wanted to see if the Hawk sisters could offer him any skills.
The two seemed to have reached an understanding.
"Alright!"
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