Successfully retrieving the hidden Haro in the outskirts of Tassil, He Kui left Tassil the next day with Sulei. Accompanying them were Dearka and Yzak. Free bodyguards were not to be wasted.
However, the journey was uneventful. With most uprisings suppressed, the Libyan Desert had become notably safer.
After bidding farewell to the seemingly reluctant Gibraltar staff, He Kui, seated in the cockpit of his GINN, headed directly to the recently captured Victoria Spaceport in South Africa.
From the GINN's monitor, He Kui and Sulei could clearly see the towering mass driver, like a stairway to heaven, pointing towards the sky. It was a testament to human industrial achievement, marking the start of large-scale space exploration and escalating warfare.
Hope and destruction coexisted within it.
"This is the mass driver," Sulei marveled, having seen it countless times in data but feeling dwarfed when facing it in reality.
"Yes," He Kui replied, shifting his gaze from the mass driver to the base, marked by blackened scorch marks and pockmarked bullet holes—silent witnesses to the fierce battles fought there. Soldiers moved with solemn faces, many repairing damaged equipment.
Future conflicts here would likely be even more dangerous. He Kui's resolve strengthened. No matter what, the fight had to continue.
Their visit wasn't for sightseeing. With the mass driver, they could directly launch into space using a transport, eliminating the need for a slow GINN transfer. It was both safe and efficient.
Without lingering in Victoria, they boarded a transport ship to space, transferring to a Nazca-class vessel. After a lengthy journey, they finally returned to PLANT.
Back at Helan Design Bureau, He Kui quickly visited Erin's office.
"Good work. Was the radar device successful?" Erin asked.
"Yes, and the quantum communication too."
"The idea is intriguing. Our anti-neutron jammer has been manufactured and tested. If all goes well, the Dragoons can be tested on our new mobile suits," Erin said, her stern demeanor giving way to a warm smile.
"If this technology develops further, it will be an invaluable weapon for outnumbered battles," she continued. Coordinators were few, and He Kui's research could amplify an elite coordinator's impact, maintaining Helan Design Bureau's position at the top of the five major design bureaus.
"I've submitted an application. If your research progresses, recognition and medals are assured, and your enterprises will benefit. But you'll need to supervise the mobile suit testing on-site."
"I understand."
Erin's request was reasonable, offering both parties a valuable opportunity. Helan Design Bureau would achieve better results, raising He Kui's standing within PLANT.
After discussing the upcoming tests, the conversation naturally turned to the installation of the anti-neutron jammer on experimental mobile suits.
"How's the production of the anti-neutron jammer?" He Kui asked.
"Not great. The adaptive neutron membrane materials are abundant only on Mars and Earth."
He Kui frowned deeply, understanding the implication. If the anti-neutron jammer were leaked, they could lose. The coordinators, seemingly at their peak, were walking a tightrope, one misstep away from disaster.
"Research on evolving the neutron jammer is underway, but results won't come quickly. We plan to equip only a few units with the anti-neutron jammer, ensuring safety as long as the data and suits remain intact."
Nuclear energy was a Pandora's box, but they had no choice but to open it.
"I see. Is the adaptive neutron membrane material abundant on asteroids?" He Kui inquired.
"Not much, but there is some. Your company should prepare more equipment; our demand will grow."
"Thank you," He Kui nodded, reassured by the confirmation.
"There's another matter. DSSD is visiting for discussions. You handled it last time, so it's your responsibility now."
"Weren't exchanges paused?"
"They're here about security department matters, and to discuss future deep space development plans."
"Here?" He Kui asked.
"Not here, in April City. Security matters require the Supreme Council's decision, much safer than before. Don't worry."
"Alright."
He Kui wondered if the girl from before would be among the visitors. He had no objections.
After dining at home, He Kui picked up an e-book on genetic diseases, pondering when he'd become a director. The district chief was elected every three years, possibly becoming a councilor afterward, capping his current position's potential.
Perhaps he could skip the director role altogether, but he needed an opportunity and to be prepared. Before considering next year, he had to address the issue of Cruzer.
It wasn't a simple matter. Cruzer hadn't participated in the Earth's plans, not a traditional spy. He acted on his own will, becoming Patrick's clean-handed deputy.
Cruzer was too cautious, always betting his life but thoroughly prepared, maximizing his chances and planning his retreat.
Dealing with someone so cautious was challenging, as He Kui well understood. Solving the issue required addressing the root cause, tied to Mendel at L4, Mu's family, or the genetic disease.
If Cruzer had explored Mendel, he'd erase all traces, making that path unviable.
Secondly, proving him a clone could undermine his status and reputation, even if not exposing him as a spy. This required Mu's and Cruzer's genes, currently impossible.
The final method was treating Cruzer. Healing him might lead to cooperation or allegiance.
"Cloning's unknown flaws stem from mitochondrial deficiency causing rapid cell aging," He Kui read aloud.
"Why are you researching cloning?" Shi He asked, surprised, seeing the boy engrossed in a cloning e-book.
"Just curious."
"Be careful. Cloning is strictly prohibited."
Only He Kui's director-level access allowed him to find these books. Genetic specialists struggled to access such cloning literature.
"I know," He Kui said, smiling as he returned to the e-book.
Known treatments included gene therapy, cell therapy, and drug therapy. Drug therapy was most effective but only short-term, with severe withdrawal.
That likely described Cruzer's current medication.
These were common methods, but cloning research had stalled, even in PLANT.
Solving it was beyond He Kui's expertise.
With no leads on either front, He Kui set the book aside as Shi He looked up from her screen.
"Finished? How was Earth?"
"Work."
Hearing Shi He's pointed question, He Kui chuckled awkwardly.
"And working with Director Su?"
Shi He's jealousy was evident, reaching He Kui's ears.
Seeing the lively and adorable Shi He, He Kui playfully pinned her to the couch.
Only soft, shy moans filled the room.
The next day, He Kui met with Hos.
"Not bad," He Kui said, impressed by the company's profits. His excavation team had grown to twenty members.
With the district chief and Clyne Faction's connections, the figures were reasonable. PLANT had no shortage of mining projects.
Securing projects meant money, money hired people, and people secured larger projects—a perfect loop.
"Thanks to you, Director," Hos said, wistfully.
"When can I join you on the frontlines?"
"When there's an opportunity."
He Kui smiled, not correcting Hos's address.
"Is the asteroid purchased?"
"Located, but it'll take over two months to gather the two million needed, plus permits."
"Is it necessary? It's a significant sum."
"It's dangerous ahead. Hurry," He Kui insisted.
"Alright."
Hos agreed, trusting He Kui despite not knowing the danger's source.
He Kui felt relieved. Two months was faster than expected. Having a personal base was safer than the director's office, especially as a mobile base with engines.
Though venturing into space without self-sufficiency was akin to suicide.
"That's it then."
He Kui had to focus on quantum communic
ation equipment, Mirage Colloid research, and preparing for DSSD's visit, keeping him anchored to PLANT.
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