Chapitre 198: Chapter 198: From Gibraltar to Tassil
The test for the Elastic Wings on the GAT-X series was running smoothly. Watching the unit hovering above, completely defying Earth's gravity, left He Kui slightly in awe, even though he knew it was backed by advanced technology. The way the unit gracefully maneuvered seemed almost surreal.
"It should only be on par with the Big White Swan when it comes to flight capabilities," he mused.
Piloted by Courtney, the GAT-X model glided through the air with elegance, truly like a bird in flight.
"Testing complete. Great job; that's a wrap," He Kui announced, noting the dwindling power levels on the monitor.
"Understood," Courtney replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "But, Director He, this mobile suit drains power like crazy."
"Yeah, tell me about it."
The mobile suit had only been airborne for five minutes, yet it was nearly out of energy. Even a nuclear-powered model would struggle to keep up with such a power drain. Managing energy consumption was, after all, a critical skill for any elite pilot. Unless you were a human CPU, most pilots had to carefully monitor their energy reserves during combat.
After compiling the test report, He Kui returned to his quarters to find Shi He already there, waiting for him. Testing had taken place in the evening for discretion, but since He Kui's routine had adjusted to the mission's demands, he still had a long night ahead.
He grabbed a freshly assembled Haro unit from the workbench, glancing over at Shi He with a warm smile.
[Shi He Hanifas Affection Level: 179]
[Experience Gain: +8]
[Micro Component Engineering (S-Level): (121,000/1,000,000)]
[Academic Project: Round Magnetic Defense Shield (20,174/30,000)]
[Mobile Suit Structure: Mag-Crab (5,063/20,000)]
His adapted version of the Round Magnetic Defense Shield was close to completion. The Mag-Crab was also making progress, and Shi He's affection was nearing a significant milestone.
But despite these advancements, He Kui still felt underprepared for the threats posed by entities like the One Clan and the conflicts to come. Only by continuing his work could he solidify his standing within PLANT, ensuring both his and his family's safety.
"He Kui, you're back!" Shi He's voice rang out warmly as she opened the door.
"It's late. Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I had to stay behind to seal the mobile suit and get it prepped for transport."
"Oh, right. When's the unit shipping out?"
"Three days from now. Once we finish the remaining defensive upgrades, we'll be heading back."
Shi He embraced He Kui from behind, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Is that why you're heading back to see Director Su?" she teased.
"Uh, not exactly…" he replied, slightly flustered, knowing her affection level with him was reaching a tipping point.
"Liar," Shi He pouted playfully before pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
"He Kui," she murmured, "Don't forget about me. Don't ignore me."
Her kisses trailed down to his neck as she whispered these words, pulling him into an embrace. He Kui returned her touch, his hands sliding along her smooth, delicate back. The pair found themselves enveloped in the warmth of the moment, drawn deeper into each other's presence.
The next morning, He Kui received a secure message from Ed. It didn't come through the official channels but rather via the network set up by the Junk Guild, a precaution to avoid detection. The Guild had proven more valuable than He Kui initially realized; fortunately, he hadn't severed ties with them.
"If you're trying to avoid involving Da Costa, here's the way: xxxxxx.xxxxxxx."
Ed's message was encoded—a series of numbers combined with information from official channels.
With this confirmation, He Kui set out to meet the Commander.
"Director He, what brings you here?" The Commander, casually enjoying a banana, greeted him with a friendly smile.
"No formalities necessary. I was just wondering when the next transport to Tassil will be."
"The supply plane heads out every two days. Are you planning to visit?"
"Yes, sir. The defensive upgrades here are nearly done, so I thought I'd head to Tassil for an inspection."
In some respects, Tassil was even safer than Gibraltar; with Gibraltar as a buffer, the Eurasian Federation wouldn't easily launch an assault. And with Victoria Harbor under their control and the Dawn Desert resistance now subdued, Tassil remained secure, although vigilance for spies was still necessary.
"Director He, always so committed to his work! No problem at all."
"Thank you, Commander!"
He Kui saluted, grateful that the Commander was lenient rather than overly scrutinous. With his approval, He Kui prepared for departure.
"Shi He, want to join me?"
"Of course! Aisha said she wanted to visit, too."
"And Captain Andrew?"
"He's coming as well."
He Kui smiled knowingly, aware of the strong bond between Andrew and Aisha, both of whom seemed unfazed by the Coordinator marriage laws. Andrew's stature allowed him to bypass such regulations, at least for now.
"He's not staying for security?"
"Captain Andrew says he's left everything in capable hands. No need for him to stay."
"Alright, then."
Preparation was swift. Within a few hours, they were all set to depart for Tassil, and He Kui stowed Aegis in the cargo hold of his GAT-X.
It was a short journey, but this time they had Andrew joining in on the comms, bantering and lightening the mood.
Upon arrival, Tassil's desert climate in April greeted them with a familiar intensity, the heat piercing by day and chilling by night. He Kui's enhanced physical constitution kept him from shivering in the desert night, a luxury he wouldn't have had in the past.
"Captain Andrew!" Da Costa greeted them with excitement as they disembarked.
"Director He," he added, though with a noticeably more reserved tone.
"You're all here!" Da Costa's face lit up as he saw them.
"Yes, and I haven't brewed coffee here in ages. Care to join us, Director He?" Andrew extended the invitation, feigning casualness.
He Kui cast a glance at Shi He, aware that Andrew's invitation was a cover for something more serious.
"I'll be catching up with Aisha," Shi He said. "And she mentioned she brought some new outfits for me to see."
As the ladies departed, Andrew, Da Costa, and He Kui headed to a familiar lounge.
"My coffee pot's still here!" Andrew grinned like a kid discovering a long-lost toy.
"It's been kept just for you, Captain."
"Then why don't you ever use it?" Andrew chuckled, shaking his head. He paused, his face turning serious. "So, Da Costa, what's the situation here?"
"The key positions are now occupied by our own."
He Kui raised an eyebrow, surprised at the transparency of Da Costa's response.
"What's the matter, Director He?" Andrew asked, catching his reaction.
"Shouldn't I, um, excuse myself from this conversation?" He Kui asked, feigning modesty.
Andrew chuckled. "No need, Director He. Consider yourself practically one of us now."
"So, this means you're part of the... Zala Faction?" He Kui ventured cautiously.
Andrew's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Seems like you already had a pretty good idea. There's no use hiding it now."
"Lacus has mentioned that you're aware of more than a few secrets," he added with a knowing smile.
He Kui took a deep breath, realizing that this was a turning point. The fact that they openly identified as part of the Zala Faction meant that they were openly aligning themselves with the faction's philosophy—securing the future of Coordinators by all means necessary. It was
a heavy commitment, but with Andrew and Lacus behind him, it seemed he was now further embedded within PLANT's internal power structure.
-----------
Happy New Year Everyone! May this year bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Cheers to new beginnings! 🎉🍻🎊
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
LegendaryTL
LegendaryTL -Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL
Thanks!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone