With the funds nearly secured, the next step was to find the right people.
"Director He, why did you call me over?" Hoss asked curiously.
"It's like this, I'm planning a new project," He Kui said, pulling up the proposal he had previously prepared on the screen.
"Hydraulic purification."
"That's right. See if you can find anyone interested. Once it's done, we'll share the profits based on contributions. We'll discuss the specifics once everything is in place."
"No problem! I'd do it even without pay!" Hoss's enthusiasm was beyond He Kui's expectations, his entire demeanor brimming with energy.
"That's not necessary, and it's just a small project," He Kui replied. Thirty million might not be much, but it was still a worthwhile endeavor. While it would earn money, it wouldn't be enough to make someone as wealthy as Lacus.
As for compensation, he couldn't expect people to work for free.
"But have you found the equipment yet, Director He?" Hoss asked after reviewing the proposal.
"Not yet," He Kui replied. He had originally planned to ask the head of the mining group for help, but with PLANT expanding production capacity, the head had been too busy researching new mining techniques. This made him even busier than He Kui.
However, he knew Hoss had connections.
"The equipment procurement might need your help," He Kui said sincerely.
Hoss had relatives who ran an equipment factory. Although it was for civilian use, the purification technology He Kui was working on was also considered civilian.
"Don't worry, Director He!" Hoss assured him. "But I might need the equipment's blueprints to get a specific quote."
"No problem, I'll transfer two million to you in a few days."
After chatting for a bit longer, Hoss left temporarily. Just as He Kui was about to continue his search for a suitable position for Captain Hawk, his phone rang unexpectedly.
"Is this Director He?" A male voice urgently asked from the other end.
"It's me," He Kui replied.
"This is Da Costa. Are you alone?"
Hearing Da Costa's question, He Kui looked around in confusion and then replied, "Yes."
"Ed's been captured."
"What!?" He Kui exclaimed. He remembered that the Archangel was supposed to pass through that area, and if he remembered correctly, Kira had earned a berserker certification. He planned to call Ed back for the New Year and keep him there.
Moreover, with his connections, he trusted that Tiger wouldn't send Ed to overly dangerous battlefields. But the Archangel hadn't even set sail yet, and the year wasn't over.
"What happened? Who captured him?"
"The Blue Cosmos. They want... to meet with you."
Hearing that name, He Kui clenched his hands, a thin layer of nervous sweat forming in his palms. "When did this happen?"
"Three days ago."
"Why am I only hearing about it now?" He Kui's previously calm tone now carried a hint of anger. He had overestimated his influence on the war zone and underestimated Blue Cosmos's hatred for him.
"It was suppressed by the people at Gibraltar." If he hadn't leveraged his connections with Lacus and Tiger's tacit approval, this news wouldn't have reached He Kui.
"What are they planning to do?" Understanding what Gibraltar implied, He Kui tried to regain his composure.
"Rescue, but they can't let you know." Given Ed's relationship with He Kui, he hadn't deliberately hidden it. Most people could find out with a bit of inquiry.
If He Kui really risked his life and something happened in their war zone, it would be far more serious than last time. Several Coordinators from different cities might take to the streets in protest. He was a rare treasure for them.
Some even privately claimed that future victories depended on He Kui. If he were to die, what would happen?
No one wanted to bear that responsibility, especially not the people at Gibraltar. The persona he had built to protect himself had made others cautious as well.
"Are you in PLANT?"
"Yes, right outside, but security stopped me."
"Alright." Acknowledging this, He Kui first went outside to bring Da Costa into the Hailan Design Bureau and then headed straight to Erin's office.
"Deputy Director Erin." He Kui opened the door respectfully.
"Director He? What's going on?" Seeing He Kui's unusually formal demeanor and the green-uniformed person behind him, Erin looked at them in confusion.
"It's like this." Quickly, He Kui and Da Costa explained the situation.
"This happened?" Hearing that such information was hidden, Erin frowned. "I'll contact the Defense Committee."
"No, that's too late." He Kui looked seriously at Erin.
"."
The two stood in silent confrontation until Erin sighed helplessly.
"Alright, I'll contact Senator Joule immediately, but you'll be responsible for explaining."
It wasn't good to completely offend others, so Erin compromised.
"No problem." Once the internal line connected, the three of them explained the situation to Joule, who quickly grasped everything.
"I understand the situation. We'll immediately dispatch elite special operations teams to assist."
"Thank you." Hearing this, He Kui finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Director He, this is a special exception."
"I understand, I'll do my best regarding warship development."
"Good, as long as you understand. ZAFT still needs you."
With that, Joule hung up, half-conciliatory and half-reassuring.
"Is this okay now?" Erin asked, somewhat annoyed.
"Yes, thank you."
He Kui replied with a sheepish smile, presenting two customized high-end Haros.
"Haro, huh." This was the first time Erin received such a gift from He Kui. She accepted it with a nod, without refusing.
Soon after, He Kui and Da Costa left the Design Bureau.
"The contact information for the operations team is on this document. Be careful."
"No problem!" Finding help so quickly, Da Costa's furrowed brow relaxed a bit.
"No worries, just bring him back safely... Oh, and if necessary, try contacting the Dawn Desert. They're the local experts."
"We understand, but they have a strong resistance to us. However, don't worry! I'll definitely rescue Ed!"
"Please do." After seeing Da Costa off, as He Kui was sighing, he noticed a slender youth with golden shoulder-length hair, wearing a beret and sunglasses, lurking suspiciously nearby.
Their eyes met, and through the dark lenses, He Kui couldn't make out the person's expression.
He shrugged, not giving it much thought, and turned to leave.
He wasn't interested in boys, and with Ed still in danger, he wasn't in the mood.
But after only a few steps, an alarm went off on his wristwatch.
Judging by the vibrations, someone was deliberately approaching from behind.
That can't be right; he was at the entrance...
Without turning back, He Kui discreetly quickened
his pace towards the security post.
"Um, Director He Kui!!!" The youth behind him, unable to catch up, had no choice but to shout out loud.
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