A few days later, having just completed the theoretical work on Mirage Colloid Fields, He Kui set off promptly for the central elevator in April City. Normally, he wouldn't personally greet visitors, but he had received word that Selene was coming, making it necessary to meet them.
"Welcome."
As the elevator doors opened, standing in the center was Selene, wearing an eye-catching outfit with an OL style, black stockings, and high heels.
"Sir, are you the bodyguard?" Selene teased, raising an eyebrow.
Her teasing was apt, as He Kui was dressed in a suit, wearing sunglasses, making him look completely different except for his voice.
"Sort of," He Kui shrugged, escorting Selene and the DSSD team to the maglev car.
Naturally, He Kui arranged for one car to be just for him and Selene.
"I haven't congratulated Director He on your promotion yet," the mature woman remarked with a smile.
He Kui was no longer a director who could be easily poached; he was now a legitimate bureau director with more authority, making Selene more open to his advances.
He Kui was now a significant figure within the design bureau. In some ways, he was like the previous deputy director who had been killed, a PLANT representative for long-term cooperation with them.
Building a good relationship was essential, whether for her projects or amid the increasingly chaotic world situation.
"Speaking of which, congratulations on your positron cannon research success," Selene added.
"Thank you. I see your security department's application is likely to pass," He Kui replied.
Their exchange implied that He Kui's promotion was partly due to the DSSD's influence, while He Kui pointed out that their security initiative and previous support had already repaid any favors.
Selene smirked at He Kui's words. She marveled at how, despite his extensive research, his political acumen remained sharp.
"Anyway, we hope to continue working with you, Director He."
"My pleasure."
"Here," He Kui said, handing over his owl and eagle robots.
"More robots, huh?" Selene noted, less excited than before.
"Is your AI more advanced now?" she asked.
"It's constantly evolving," He Kui replied.
"Did you make these yourself?"
"Yes."
Hearing his confirmation, Selene took a deep breath and continued, "I believe AI can be used in deep space exploration. What do you think, Director He?"
"With our current AI technology, it's not feasible. However, if we had a self-learning AI with a powerful propulsion system, it might be possible. But AI use carries inherent risks."
Their communication range and resources were limited. A self-learning, self-repairing AI could handle exploration tasks with just one MS, eliminating the need for large-scale missions.
For exploring beyond the solar system, drones were indeed a better choice.
"In terms of safety, we can restrict AI's internet access to ensure stability and security. We're also researching self-learning AI."
"I think this is the correct direction for deep space exploration!"
Selene's eyes sparkled as she looked at He Kui, her meaning clear: she wanted more funding.
In an era where everyone was competing for resources, PLANT wasn't short on money, but they spent cautiously.
He Kui, who seemed to like her a bit, was the perfect candidate.
"Your AI proposal won't be approved, you know that, right?"
DSSD was funded by them; they wouldn't leave AI unused.
If AI became widespread, it would lead to resource wars, and ZAFT would surely lose. In fact, ZAFT had little chance of winning in conventional warfare.
Aside from their ultimate weapon, ZAFT's advantage on the battlefield would only diminish.
ZAFT would never agree to it now.
"I know!"
Selene leaned in closer to He Kui, her mature scent subtly filling his senses.
"You plan to use other projects as a cover."
Unfazed by the mature woman's allure, He Kui remained calm.
Because of his AI research and close ties with DSSD, they feared he'd discover their plans, so they needed his cooperation to keep it under wraps.
"Yes."
If not for the sudden death of the deputy director, she could have concealed it. But He Kui was different.
He could easily deduce their true project goals, just as he had derived the positron cannon from the electromagnetic thruster.
But since it was He Kui, it wasn't too bad.
Selene leaned even closer, their noses almost touching, feeling each other's warm breath.
"I can help, but I need to be deeply involved in your development plans."
He Kui leaned back slightly, smiling.
"Okay, but it can't be used for warfare."
"Of course, that's not a problem. I can't start a war alone; I just want to protect myself."
Indeed, if He Kui leaked research data, it would harm him, so Selene relaxed at his words.
"How do you want to participate? Radar communications leave traces."
"I have a solution."
He Kui revealed the Haro that had traveled from Heliopolis to Earth and back with him.
"What's this?"
"A receiver, acting as a relay. Transmit the data, and I'll receive it. It works both ways."
Selene widened her eyes in surprise.
"Even over such a distance?!"
"Yes."
It could even be remotely controlled.
Despite their shared secret, He Kui didn't reveal all his cards.
Still, Selene felt uneasy, as if everything was too smooth.
But having chosen to take the risk, there was no turning back.
She rested her chin on her hand, gazing at He Kui, her face flushed and vibrant.
"Thank you."
[Selene McGriff's current favorability: 60]
[Experience Bonus: 2]
[Space Adaptability B Level: (1537/10000)]
"You're welcome, Selene."
He Kui smiled at the notification.
Hearing the familiar address, the relaxed Selene playfully teased him.
She leaned closer, her long, dark hair cascading over He Kui's shoulder, her elegant figure clearly visible in the car.
"I'm about eight years older than you, right?"
"Probably?"
He Kui answered innocently.
"Shouldn't you be calling me sister?"
"Hmm?"
From Director He to little brother, Selene seemed a bit too forward.
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