Using Mirage Particles for shaping, they successfully crafted the beam saber.
Meanwhile, the antimatter group was catching up fast.
He Kui had to use the theory of high-energy pulse cannons combined with the light shield's electromagnetic system to create a model that seemed feasible but still required extensive experimentation.
Erin was pressing urgently, but stealing from Heliopolis was exceedingly difficult.
Or rather, impossible, given that he used directed energy communication technology for control, which involved detectable energy.
Sending signals to himself within range was one thing, as the chaotic battlefield meant no one had time to monitor his transmissions, but aboard the Archangel, they would definitely be intercepted.
However, when in doubt, quantum mechanics could help.
With legendary quantum communication, he could let Aegis roam freely without worrying about being detected.
And even if he boarded the Archangel, he had no way to hack into its weapon systems.
So, the Archangel was out of the question.
As for Orb, he had no reason to go there, so that was also out.
The only option was to obtain data on the Archangel's positron cannon usage and reverse-engineer it.
He also had to prevent being preempted.
"He Kui? Why so serious?"
Seeing He Kui's serious expression on the bed, Shi He looked up at him in confusion.
She couldn't understand why He Kui's contemplative mode was so solemn this time.
"It's nothing. Let's sleep. I have to report to the deputy director tomorrow."
The next day, He Kui found himself in the familiar office again.
"The beam saber looks good. You don't need to attend the extreme testing, but we have a small task for you."
"What task?"
Hearing about a task, He Kui's lips twitched.
If it was more research, he didn't even have tears left to cry.
"The DSSD meeting—since the deputy director was attacked last time, our quarterly meeting was delayed. This time, we want you to go along and assist PLANT's representative in checking their research progress. They have a lot of black technology there, and while it's all for deep space, it can be a powerful tool if used well. You should take a look."
DSSD, the Deep Space Survey and Development Organization, is a completely neutral research institution.
There wasn't any special reason for choosing He Kui, just that his research was varied—from beams to high-energy pulses, anti-beam shields to beam shields, and radar to Mirage Particles. He had a greater chance of recognizing valuable technology.
Although DSSD claimed not to participate in the war, they wouldn't mind if someone gained some technology, as long as it wasn't excessive.
But expecting DSSD to openly share which technologies were useful was unrealistic.
"Who's the representative?"
Instead of responding directly, He Kui asked.
"Someone you know—Representative Ge."
"Prepare to depart in two days."
"Where's the meeting? It can't be at the DSSD headquarters in South America, right?"
"Of course not."
Erin replied with mild exasperation.
"It's at the DSSD supply station at L4."
"Is anyone from the Alliance coming?"
"They'll be attending the meeting in the United States of South America on Earth."
Both sides feared the other would pull something underhanded, particularly Earth Alliance, which lacked gene adjustments. Although they had promising talents, losing them was costly.
With mutual concerns, they decided to meet separately.
ZAFT didn't dare go to South America, and the Alliance didn't dare go to L4.
"However, someone from Orb will be there. You might want to prepare some flowers; they could come in handy. Don't pick the ones from the bushes outside."
"I understand."
With Erin's teasing, He Kui's lips twitched slightly as he turned to leave the office.
Two days passed quickly. After securing the business loan, He Kui instructed Hoss to hire more staff and then set off for L4 with Representative Ge, who had welcomed him before.
"Representative Ge, hello."
He Kui greeted him politely.
"Long time no see, Director He. How's your research going?"
Though it was a polite inquiry, it still showed concern for a subordinate.
He Kui was used to it and maintained a polite smile.
Representative Ge held a position above district governors, wielding significant power.
He Kui's own strength was insufficient in comparison.
"Doing well, thank you for your concern, Representative Ge."
"Good, then I'll go rest. You should rest too; it's still a way to L4."
"Alright."
Perhaps for demonstration or safety, they traveled on the light shield warship He Kui had researched.
It was said three had been produced, with one reserved for elite use and two for protecting important personnel.
However, He Kui wasn't the primary important figure, much like how his current room wasn't the large one he had before.
"Accompanying the boss on a business trip."
Looking at the small room, He Kui couldn't help but think of a term with a corporate slave vibe.
Getting up earlier than the boss, going to bed later, and still having more work to do.
Before the thought could fully form, He Kui quickly pushed it out of his mind.
When could he bid farewell to being a corporate slave?
With no girls to gain favor from, He Kui chatted with Tie Bi throughout the journey until they finally arrived at the DSSD supply station at L4 the next day.
"Let me represent DSSD in welcoming Representative Ge and Director He."
As soon as they disembarked, a striking young woman appeared before them. Her long black hair was smooth and glossy, reflecting the bright lights of DSSD like the stars of space, casting a mysterious glow.
Her blue eyes seemed to perceive the world's truths.
"I'm Selene McGriff. Nice to meet you both."
"Hello, Miss McGriff."
Representative Ge spoke first, with He Kui bowing slightly.
After a brief exchange, Representative Ge went to find the director, leaving Selene to lead He Kui to their data library to review recent research.
As they walked, Selene's previously smiling face gradually lost its warmth.
"Director He, you're heading to our data library, correct?"
Knowing He Kui was there to 'borrow' technology, Selene McGriff's change in demeanor was understandable.
"Yes."
He Kui smiled, unfazed by her swift change in attitude.
"Then please follow me."
Just as Selene spoke, a black Haro popped out of He Kui's backpack.
"Is this pet your creation?"
Selene watched the AI, which floated nimbly around He Kui, seemingly surveying the environment, and couldn't help but ask.
"Yes."
"What's its name?"
"Haro!"
In the low-gravity environment, the intelligent Haro bounced from its spot to He Kui's shoulder.
"The AI is impressive."
Selene's tone softened a bit.
"I've been researching it for a while."
He Kui shook his head modestly and took out another pink Haro from his backpack.
"Though it's not as advanced, it's a small token."
He Kui smiled.
"Alright."
Perhaps genuinely interested in studying the Haro, Selene didn't refuse his gift.
As Selene accepted the Haro, He Kui's virtual screen suddenly displayed changes.
[You gifted Selene McGriff a present, Space Adaptability +2]
[Selene McGriff's Current Favorability: 10]
[Experience Bonus: 0]
[Space Adaptability B-Level: (1528/10000)]
"Director He? Is something the matter?"
After examining the pink Haro, Selene looked up at the still-distracted He Kui and asked.
"Nothing."
Who was Selene McGriff? Initially, he wasn't sure, but the virtual screen's display brought back memories for He Kui.
"Starwatcher?"
"What?"
"Nothing. Miss McGriff, do you also research AI?"
"Sort of. I have some experience with self-dialogue multi-threaded distributed AI, but my main focus is propulsion system research. Due to the neutron jammer, nuclear engine development is currently halted."
Selene's tone carried a hint of complaint.
"You're very talented, Miss McGriff."
"I'm not as skilled as you, Director He. My father often mentions you, saying if you worked at DSSD, our progress would be much faster."
"It's a pity for your talent."
Wasted on weaponry.
Selene didn't voice the last thought.
She sighed inwardly, her tone softening as she looked at the pink Haro.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the data library."
"Alright."
Watching the girl walking ahead, her graceful figure wrapped in black stockings, her fair skin barely visible, He Kui felt a stir within.
Space adaptability, high-intelligence AI, propulsion systems.
Each was something He Kui coveted.
Could he switch jobs?
Even knowing it was unlikely, He Kui couldn't help but wonder.
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