"This is the system you requested."
"If you want, you can test it."
On his asteroid base, He Kui handed Lacus the disk containing the fully operational system.
"If Su Lei's already reviewed it, why wouldn't I trust it?" Lacus replied, her words laced with meaning.
He Kui simply smiled, leaving her comment unanswered.
"He Kui, do you think Uncle Zala, if he becomes the Speaker, can lead us to peace?"
As Lacus looked down at the disk in her hands, she wore an uncharacteristically confused expression, a rare vulnerability in front of He Kui. It was as if a celestial maiden had descended to the mortal world, her beautiful face troubled by worldly concerns.
"No sidestepping the question this time!" Lacus added firmly, cutting off He Kui before he could respond.
"Well, if Councilor Zala were to become Speaker, there's a chance he might develop authoritarian control. But he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would resort to tyranny."
Even in the original timeline, though he held absolute power, he didn't act like a typical dictator. In this altered path, He Kui trusted that Zala wouldn't take that route.
"True," Lacus said thoughtfully, though her brow remained furrowed. "But can his path lead to peace rather than intensifying hatred?"
He Kui continued, "If we can achieve a temporary ceasefire and open a window of opportunity, that alone would be beneficial."
The rescue of those 240,000 people had, in fact, softened the conflict compared to what He Kui remembered. Without deep-seated blood feuds, the desire for peace would grow more quickly as the war reached a stalemate.
There might not even be a final, devastating battle; Zala's current objective was to control the mass accelerators, not necessarily to crush Earth entirely.
"But that's only temporary peace," Lacus countered.
"If we can resolve the food crisis, reestablish large-scale intermarriages with Naturals through Orb or other neutral countries, and overcome the population issues, the two worlds will naturally begin to integrate."
With no inequality and no imbalances of power, they would eventually unify again.
"Are you saying we should abolish genetic modifications too?" Lacus asked, deep in thought.
"At least until we overcome the birth rate issue, yes. It could also help foster peace. As George Glenn said, we're just here to bridge the gap between Old Humanity and New Humanity. Perhaps, in time, New Humans will be born naturally in space."
"That sounds like idealism," Lacus replied, frowning. "The Coordinator supremacists would never accept that plan."
"Which is why we should wait for a ceasefire. Right now, the most important thing is to prevent further loss of innocent lives on Earth."
"With a ceasefire, we could resume cooperation and transport anti-neutron jammers to Earth, helping more people."
"True…"
For the first time, Lacus found herself at a loss for words.
It seemed like He Kui knew about the internal debate between her father and the Clyne faction. Sending anti-neutron jammers to Earth through private channels was fraught with risks. If those devices proliferated, they would risk another nuclear assault.
This wasn't just a personal sacrifice; it could mean sacrificing all of PLANT. If PLANT were attacked with nuclear weapons because of their actions, they'd bear the guilt forever.
Yet, the situation depicted by Chairman Malchio showed how dire things were for Naturals. If the current trend continued, hatred would only deepen on both sides.
With a troubled sigh, Lacus conceded, "Perhaps you're right. For now, all we can do is wait and see."
"You know…"
Seeing He Kui's insightful look, Lacus hesitated, then broke into a smile, letting her unspoken thoughts go.
"Well, since He Kui says so, I'll wait a little longer. This place is almost complete, so you'd better keep working hard too, especially on the crops. We might get another chance to work together."
"Of course."
Noting her familiar tone, He Kui glanced at the virtual interface, noticing her affection rating had increased. With his piloting skills and spatial awareness refined, he felt his self-defense capabilities had grown considerably.
That evening, He Kui discussed moving to the asteroid with his parents. More staff would be joining them there soon, and since he would be there regularly, his parents wouldn't feel lonely. Hearing about the greenhouse for growing vegetables and the new intelligent crop system, they happily agreed.
The next day, just as He Kui returned to continue testing the Mirage Colloid magnetic field, Elin intercepted him before he even reached his office.
"Elin? What's the rush?"
"He Kui, it sounds like your company has been doing quite well lately. I even heard you bought an asteroid."
"Something like that. But it's just barely enough to get by."
"Don't be so modest," Elin replied, patting him on the shoulder, her tone both warm and serious.
"You're different from us. You're able to collaborate with the Clyne faction. When we push too far, competition can get… intense."
"Understood."
Conflicts between subordinates often stemmed from the positions they held; neither Lacus nor Zala could control this entirely.
"So, what do you think about letting me invest?" Elin asked, her earlier warmth replaced by a more serious expression.
"If you don't mind me asking, don't you have your own business?"
Elin sighed. "Like I said, it's tough out there. I've tried opening a few ventures, but they all ended up failing."
"What were they?"
"Media, high-end equipment, and fashion."
Hearing this, He Kui stifled a smirk.
"Not exactly high-profit industries."
"That's an understatement."
Elin spoke with a tone of resignation.
Her name wasn't widely known outside of May City, and unlike a visible weapon, the inner frame components she developed were subtle. People praised the shields and weapons He Kui created, but few noticed the foundational role the frames played. For Elin, her name had little weight in business, and with her busy schedule, she lacked trustworthy operators. Each venture had been a disaster.
"Investment is doable," He Kui agreed after a moment's thought.
His company was running smoothly. So long as Elin didn't interfere with its operations, her involvement could be beneficial.
"Really?!"
Overjoyed, Elin patted him hard on the shoulder.
"Of course. No problem. As for management…"
"I understand. I won't get involved. Honestly, I didn't want to oversee those businesses. The more I tried, the worse they got. It was driving me crazy."
Was it his imagination, or did he detect a slight hint of vulnerability in her tone?
"So, the amount?"
"Five million. That's all I have left," Elin replied, sighing.
Five million might sound like a lot, but for Elin, a senior researcher responsible for inner frame development since GINN, it was a mere fraction—a testament to her losses.
This investment was likely her way of seeking a safety net. As she'd said, they had prospered in wartime, but once government support waned, their standard of living would decline. Adapting to a simpler life wasn't easy for everyone.
"Once I draft up the contract and revenue-sharing terms, I'll bring it over."
"Great. Thanks, He Kui."
"No trouble at all."
"By the way, keep the Mirage Colloid field development on track, but don't overwork yourself."
"I'll have it ready soon," he replied, recalling the times she'd relentlessly pursued him for project results.
Meanwhile, at the underground Dawn Society lab on Earth, Cagalli stood before the M1 Astray, her face showing a mix of emotions as she regarded the newly installed Natural-compatible system created with outside help.
"The system's support functions are nearly complete," Erica explained. "With enough experience, the pilots should be ready for training and deployment within a month."
"Understood."
"Is something on your mind?"
"Is it true that He Kui developed the HAL?" Cagalli asked hesitantly.
"It's possible. Based on recent records, it's registered with PLANT's intellectual property office," Erica replied.
"Of course, it could still be a replica. Without commercial use, he wouldn't be able to pursue it legally."
"Oh…"
As she looked at the Astray, Cagalli found herself thinking about that Haro again. After a moment of silence, she spoke. "I want to go to PLANT again."
"That might be difficult right now," Erica replied. "After the attack on you, PLANT reviewed the surveillance footage and likely figured out what happened. Besides, even without that, relations are too strained for you to go there."
"Then DSSD! ZAFT still sends people there every month, right?" Cagalli suggested urgently.
"I'd suggest asking your father fi
rst. If he agrees, I'll make the arrangements."
"Then I'll go ask right now!"
Watching the resolute young princess leave, Erica could only offer a wry smile.
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