"It's an honor for Miss Lacus to say that, but I just want to focus on research for now."
He Kui bowed humbly.
"Is that so? I understand."
Although she didn't think He Kui seemed particularly focused on research at the moment, Lacus nodded.
By saying this, He Kui also subtly expressed his neutral stance.
Having another neutral party wasn't a bad thing for them.
The Zala faction currently held the most seats in the Supreme Council, and politically, collaboration between the Klein faction and the neutral faction would likely be needed to maintain balance in the future.
"As a meeting gift, let's waive your equipment rental fees for the next three months."
What a generous offer—a meeting gift waiving tens of thousands like it was a casual meal.
"Thank you."
Refusing would be impolite, and the money was enough to make several remote Haros.
"Let's eat, then. And the contract you had with [Mecha Enthusiast] is now void. You're welcome to collaborate with us again."
Lacus smiled.
"No problem."
The meal was pleasant, and upon returning, He Kui ordered a batch of second-hand materials, something he rarely did.
Just like when he was promoted to director, the boss came along with the delivery.
"Director He, congratulations."
The familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar face of the boss stood before him.
Familiar because they had been in contact for a year.
Unfamiliar because the boss's grin was even more exaggerated than before, almost sycophantic.
"Thank you, and here's this."
He Kui handed over five Haros to the boss.
Two were for Selene at DSSD, equipped with a more intelligent AI than the previous Haro.
The other three were to be sent to Heliopolis.
"I understand, but Heliopolis customs strictly controls PLANT goods. Many shipments are delayed, and with the New Year approaching, it might take at least two months to clear."
"That's fine."
He didn't plan to clear customs anyway.
Seeing He Kui's calm demeanor, the boss didn't pry further and left with a knowing smile, taking the Haros.
Considering the boss's relationship with Professor Marchio and Marchio's ties to Orb, He Kui used the excuse of sending a gift to a lover.
The Junk Guild wouldn't check for reputation's sake, especially seeing He Kui's calmness, as checking was the customs' job.
And since Boaz's radar system wasn't online with PLANT yet, He Kui could erase his tracks locally.
"New Year's is coming; are you still going to Boaz?"
Shi He looked at He Kui in the vice director's office, reluctant to part.
"Just to maintain the radar and prepare for nuclear reactor tests. I'll be back before the New Year."
In reality, he planned to set up a backdoor for the radar; it wasn't convenient with Sulei around last time.
"The route to Boaz is safe, and you have your research here."
Although beam and other weapons were complete, there was room for theoretical improvement.
With it dubbed the Coordinators' Shield, the route between Boaz and PLANT was safe.
"But—"
Shi He began to protest, but He Kui silenced her with a kiss.
The sweet fragrance from her lips flowed continuously into He Kui's mouth.
"Knock, knock."
In the midst of their passionate moment, an untimely knock came from the door.
"Director He, are you there?"
A familiar voice—Hoss.
"Come in."
Releasing Shi He from his embrace, He Kui smiled, thankful Hoss knocked this time.
"Okay."
Hoss entered, seeing Shi He's flushed face and He Kui's slightly moist lips.
Internally amused, Hoss looked at the couple, thinking, "Why am I the one hurt?"
"Ahem, what's the matter?"
He Kui, noticing Shi He's shy sideways glare, shifted the topic.
"It's about the company. With your promotion, other space mining contractors aren't troubling us. Many want to collaborate."
"And we've just won a new bid. The contract is here. If we cooperate with one company, we can handle it."
Hoss placed his wrist on the table, displaying the contract.
The opportunity seemed timely.
A thirty-million development project with a tight two-month timeframe to mine three asteroids, each at least as big as their previous one.
It seemed Erin's information was correct; another full-scale war was anticipated after the New Year, with the National Defense Committee ready to boost production with funds.
"No problem, lease more equipment."
With Lacus still keen to win him over, this money was too tempting. As for wages, he could afford one to two thousand per employee.
The upcoming war would last at least half a year, ensuring continued work.
"Recruit more workers as needed, and have Hawk's security keep an eye on things."
More equipment and people could lead to chaos.
While minor contractors wouldn't openly trouble him, there's no guarantee against underhanded tactics.
"There's some risk, but I understand."
Hoss nodded, saying no more, trusting He Kui's track record of success.
Three days later, at DSSD space station.
Selene received the Haros delivered with the Junk Guild supplies.
"You say Director He sent these?"
Selene looked puzzled at the spiky-haired young man.
"That's what he said. But he's probably a vice director now."
The spiky-haired youth scratched his head.
"I understand."
After seeing off the Junk Guild youth, Selene took the two Haros back to her room.
"Do normal people send these often?"
"Never mind, I'll bathe and sleep. Deal with it tomorrow."
Stretching, Selene removed her sleeveless mint sweater, revealing her delicate figure. As her skirt slid to the floor, her black stockings extended from her toes to her willow-like waist. Her long legs, wrapped in the stockings, were shapely and slender, with a seductive curve beneath the black sheen.
As she moved, the inside of her stockings crinkled slightly, drawing the eye.
If He Kui knew this scene, he might regret not sending a communicative Haro.
But regret was futile; they weren't that familiar, and he wasn't sure if Selene had other affiliations.
So, discussing AI would wait until they were more familiar. Caution was key.
At that moment, He Kui, seeing a slight increase in his cosmic adaptability on his virtual screen, clenched his fist while working with the CGUE at Boaz's radar site.
He felt something, yet not much.
What was cosmic adaptability?
Could it mean becoming an alien or a new human?
But he couldn't see ghosts, so perhaps it was accuracy and evasion in game terms?
Or both?
Setting aside thoughts of becoming a new human, He Kui continued his work.
Meanwhile, a distant ship, accompanied by many Alliance warships, caught He Kui's attention.
"That is..."
Seeing the radar display, He Kui's expression grew serious.
"Long time no see, Director He."
A cold voice in the communication, inducing discomfort.
"Mr. Gray."
Seeing the Alliance pursuers behind Gray, He Kui's frown deepened.
Yet, he was at Boaz's radar site, technically on Boaz's turf, safe from the outside forces.
But the number of troops was concerning, more than previous visits.
Five Nelson-class and ten Drake-class.
Impatient to start before the New Year, it seemed.
"Doesn't the Atlantic Federation celebrate Christmas? It's more dangerous outside."
He Kui muttered as the base's shield automatically activated upon entering the enemy's attack range, ignoring Gray's mocking laughter.
"It's safer in PLANT; better finish and return."
The setup was complete, ready to activate after the New Year.
Hopefully, he wouldn't encounter the protagonists.
Even as a redcoat, he was just an ordinary redcoat. Even if Kira wasn't fully developed, He Kui couldn't confront him.
Rescuing Lacus was the only chance.
Otherwise, he'd be walking into danger.
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