Kapitel 195: Chapter 195: Accidental Alarm Trigger
After a night of intimate conversation, He Kui woke up the next morning, feeling the lingering effects of Gibraltar's sweltering humidity, even in April's early spring. Holding Shi He close, he noticed the slickness on her skin. Although it added a certain charm, he was finding it uncomfortable after a while.
Of course, PLANT's technology provided air conditioning, but it was energy-intensive and rationed, even in officer quarters. Most rooms didn't even have that, as there were limitations due to the reactor's absence, meaning the few air-conditioned spaces were designated for critical workstations.
"Ugh… it's so hot," Shi He murmured sleepily, snuggling against He Kui's chest, her hair damp and clinging to her forehead.
"Let's take a shower," He Kui whispered gently.
"Mhm," she responded groggily.
Getting up, He Kui thought about the tasks awaiting him. The radar repair materials had arrived the day before, so today he had to begin repairs. Additionally, he was working on a gift for Shi He—the new Magic Crab, designed to bolster their defense.
While He Kui busied himself with repairs, Andrew's inspection of the base's defensive protocols was underway, scrutinizing all security measures and rooting out any potential infiltrators. With approval from the commander, Andrew deployed all of his surveillance units, including several Haros, patrolling the base around the clock.
After two days of surveillance, Andrew's efforts paid off—they caught two spies. Hearing the news, He Kui, fresh from the radar station, went to find Andrew in the dining hall.
"Commander Andrew, where are the spies?"
"They've been handed over to the internal security division."
"So…"
"They already relayed the news that you're here in Gibraltar," Andrew informed him, cutting to the point. "But they only know you're here for radar repairs, not about the new experimental unit."
However, Andrew expressed concern that these low-ranking spies might not be the only ones providing intelligence.
The fact that they had discovered two spies in just two days suggested a significant degree of internal infiltration.
"But as long as you stay within the base, you'll be safe," Andrew reassured him.
"With you here, I trust that."
After exchanging a quick farewell with Andrew, He Kui left. Watching him leave, Aisha, who had been silently observing, smiled at Andrew.
"You really care about him, don't you? Even volunteered to return."
"I just have a feeling there's more to him," Andrew replied, shaking his head with a smile. "And Miss Lacus requested it, of course."
From their first meeting, He Kui had left a lasting impression, like the time he upgraded the Duel and Buster units, making their victory against the Archangel possible.
"Miss Lacus is right; He Kui is crucial to PLANT. We need to keep him safe."
Andrew had informed Lacus of the new developments, and although she hadn't shared every detail, she'd enlisted him for extra support in protecting He Kui.
"And aren't you also here to protect him?"
"Look at those Haros and the other surveillance equipment around him—he's more than capable of protecting himself," Andrew said with a chuckle. "In fact, he's probably protecting us too. Let's finish our work; we have more spies to catch."
"Understood."
Aisha gave Andrew a quick, affectionate wipe on his cheek, then they returned to their duties. Meanwhile, He Kui, back in the radar room, was joined by Shi He, who, despite her limited radar knowledge, was more than capable of helping with her skills.
Of course, two Haros and a pair of Owl units hovered nearby, ready to protect the radar room if needed.
"Looks like the repairs should be finished by tomorrow," Shi He said, wiping her forehead and catching her breath.
It was unbearably warm in the radar room, and even with her conditioned physique, Shi He was struggling with the heat.
"Why don't you head back? I'll finish up here."
"Alright. I'll go wait for you in our room. Anything you'd like for dinner?"
"Sour fish stew."
With a smile, Shi He nodded, waving as she left.
Not long after, just as He Kui settled back into his work, a silent but intense vibration from his wrist communicator alerted him to a security breach. Swiftly, he positioned his shielded Haro in front of him, while his Eagle unit took to the shadows, ready to intercept any intruders.
Only after securing himself did he activate the monitor on his communicator, revealing a red-haired young man in a black military uniform approaching from outside the radar station.
Moments later, the man stepped inside.
"Director He Kui?"
"Dacosta, hello."
Rising from his defensive crouch, He Kui recognized the former sub-commander under Andrew, now commanding the Tashu unit. Dacosta appeared more mature and composed than he remembered, clearly adapting well to his leadership role.
"Congratulations on your promotion. What brings you here?"
He Kui stood, discreetly adding Dacosta's information to his new network database.
"Well, I heard Commander Andrew was here, so I thought I'd come say hello."
Dacosta saluted respectfully, displaying a new level of courtesy.
"How's Tashu these days?"
"Quite stable. The Dawn Desert faction's surrender has made integration smoother."
"Good to hear. Be s
ure to visit Ed when you can."
He Kui smiled, patting Dacosta on the shoulder.
"Will do."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein