At noon, He Kui and Luna didn't get to chat much before Erin called him back in the afternoon.
"Director He, let me introduce you. This is Director Hirai from the nuclear group, though I believe you already know each other."
As soon as He Kui entered, Erin stood up from her seat.
Hirai was also there, standing with his usual smile.
"Yes, Director Hirai, nice to meet you."
"Director He, sorry for the intrusion."
After the greetings, Erin continued.
"I'll keep it brief. Recently, we've noticed your group's progress on the ultra-compact nuclear fission reactor. Director Hirai is also working on it."
"Is Director Hirai suggesting a collaboration between our teams?"
He Kui maintained his enthusiastic smile.
"Yes, thanks to you, Director He, we've made great strides in our research, so I thought we could collaborate to complete this project."
"We'd be honored by Director Hirai's invitation, but we're used to working independently."
"That's unfortunate."
Hirai wasn't surprised by the response.
"However, the nuclear engine project has remained niche due to the neutron jammer. I didn't expect you to take an interest in it, Director He."
"It was just a thought that came to mind."
"As expected of Director He. I hope you achieve great success."
With that, Hirai left.
"Could he be a spy?"
Watching Hirai leave, He Kui jokingly asked.
"He is a spy."
"What?"
Hearing Erin's direct confirmation, He Kui was stunned.
"Technically, he's a corporate spy for Fujiyama Corporation."
"That's why we placed him in the nuclear engine group."
At this stage, the nuclear engine wasn't considered very important within ZAFT.
Since Julius 7, the public had been wary of nuclear engines.
As long as no other faction had nuclear capabilities, ZAFT maintained an advantage.
Fujiyama Corporation, based in Japan, was a private military company manufacturing missile sensors for the Alliance.
Their manufacturing capabilities were vastly inferior to the Hailan Design Bureau.
"Is that okay?"
After all, he was a spy with access to their internal network.
"It's fine. We've customized the internal network for him and can use him to pass false information."
"Why tell me? Was it intentional to have him room with me?"
He Kui felt a cold sweat thinking about how close he'd been living to a spy.
"It wasn't intentional. We only discovered his suspicious behavior later and moved you afterward. Besides, those behind Fujiyama Corporation aren't directly in conflict with us. They wouldn't risk losing a director's asset to assassinate you."
While the East Asian Republic had adversarial relations with ZAFT, their main conflict, aside from fighting over New Star, was with the Atlantic Federation, with the Eurasian Federation as a side concern.
Hirai's role was more of a commercial spy.
He Kui felt speechless hearing this from Erin.
No wonder moving houses had been so smooth. Without relying on the Zala or Clyne factions, his information sources were limited.
While the Junk Guild provided some global information, it wasn't detailed.
Since the other party had come forward, he couldn't accuse them of negligence.
The Zala faction had indeed taken action.
On the other side, Erin, seeing that He Kui wasn't overly concerned, felt relieved. It would have been difficult if there had been any unpleasantness between them.
Erin had only learned of the spy situation from Joule afterward, given her role as a national defense committee member. She hadn't informed He Kui at the time.
However, as a member of the Zala faction, Erin couldn't say this aloud.
"I'm surprised that despite no progress on the positron cannon, you've nearly conquered the nuclear engine."
Erin shifted to a slightly lighter topic.
"I gained some insights from researching the positron cannon."
He Kui played along.
"How far have you gotten?"
"We're conducting thermal analysis through computer simulations."
Structural analysis, thermal analysis, fluid dynamics analysis—all essential to test the nuclear engine's stability before development.
Otherwise, assembling it in space would still be dangerous.
"So, you already have a detailed design?"
Without a physical model, analysis would be impossible. They must have a preliminary product.
"Yes."
"You're as swift as ever. I also saw your recent research on Mirage Particles. This could solve the beam saber shaping issue, right?"
"Yes, but there are many other applications."
"The concepts of electronic warfare, invisibility, and beam distortion are promising."
"Thank you."
"But they have many drawbacks, so we suggest focusing on the positron cannon."
Erin's gaze carried a hint of reproach.
Director He was excellent in every way, except his research interests were too broad.
"I'll do my best."
Following the usual path, it wasn't impossible for He Kui to develop it based on his current knowledge, but the trial-and-error process would be time-consuming.
No matter how fast he worked, he couldn't outpace the Archangel's launch. It might be better to see if he could acquire Orb's technology, though that would be challenging.
Overall, He Kui had no intention of thoroughly researching the positron cannon.
"Your position isn't secure yet, Director He."
Erin noted He Kui's lack of enthusiasm for the positron cannon and sighed.
"Your reputation is growing, but you're young. Many people don't respect you, and others covet your fame."
"Now, many teams are researching the positron cannon."
At his young age, He Kui's reputation in May City surpassed many veterans, and he had been granted residential privileges.
Even with many rising Coordinators, it's rare for them to be overshadowed so quickly.
So, He Kui still faced opposition, especially from those researching antimatter weapons.
The Zala faction had contributed to this pressure.
He Kui couldn't enjoy privileges without delivering results.
"I understand."
"Then start the beam saber experiments soon. Next year won't be peaceful."
"Are there big plans?"
He Kui only remembered the plot's beginning and didn't recall what happened in other timeframes.
If there was a war, it would inevitably impact his mining business.
Increased consumption would necessitate higher production.
If true, he could borrow more and lease additional small MS, hiring more people for mining.
He could also discreetly improve mining equipment.
"I'm not sure, but preparations for offensive operations are underway. Your weapons need to be ready for Earth deployment, targeting the mass drivers."
"Only by controlling the mass drivers can we further restrain the Earth Alliance's power."
"Our stance is supported by the Clyne faction as well. That's all, Director He. Keep up the good work."
Having said what needed to be said, Erin waved He Kui off.
Leaving the office, He Kui rubbed his head in frustration.
"What's wrong?"
Shi He, waiting at the door, approached and asked.
"Do you know the progress of other teams on the positron cannon?"
"The antimatter group is ahead, likely validating the electric field system. If successful, the next step is the cannon design."
The cannon wasn't just a shell; it involved testing material strength, cooling systems, and accuracy, with potential setbacks and redesigns.
"Not too far ahead. I'll review it and finish the beam saber."
At least passing the electric field acceleration stage before the Archangel's launch should silence critics.
"By the way, do we still have the decoy balloons?"
"There are five left in storage."
"Bring them out."
The balloons weren't very expensive; he could replace them with his own money. They'd be handy for Julius as a backup and for testing.
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