章 214: Chapter 214: Rau Le Creuset's Plans
That night, ZAFT had arranged a celebratory banquet, thoughtfully providing He Kui and Shi He with a five-star hotel room to rest.
"Go shower," Shi He said, nestled comfortably in He Kui's arms on the bed, feigning annoyance.
"You still smell nice," He Kui responded with a playful grin.
"No, I don't," she protested, though, being Coordinators, they rarely perspired heavily, even after a long day.
"But it's rare for us to be staying in a hotel."
"It's not much different from home…"
Shi He's eyes softened at his pitiful expression, despite knowing it was an act. She sighed.
"Fine, but go shower after!" she relented.
"Alright~ But you know, some things take time~"
He Kui's laughter was soon replaced by a kiss, and the rest of the night needed no further words.
Meanwhile, after watching the live ceremony, Rau Le Creuset sat listening to Durandal explain He Kui's nanotechnology proposal.
"So, if this research succeeds, I can survive?" Le Creuset asked, his expression hidden behind his iconic mask.
"Yes."
"And what's your plan? Freeze me until the technology is ready and then revive me?"
"That's one option," Durandal offered, but Creuset's voice remained detached, almost indifferent.
"No need. If it works, let it be for Rey instead."
Durandal knew Creuset well enough to have expected this. "You've decided to carry out your judgment on the world, haven't you?"
"Yes. Even with a longer life, humanity will still destroy itself. There's no reason to extend my own suffering to witness it."
Durandal nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. Creuset's answer was exactly what he had anticipated.
"But for now, we might have to protect He Kui," Durandal said, thinking out loud.
"For the time being, yes. The new Mobile Suit developments still need him. If he raises any suspicion, we'll deal with it then," Creuset replied coolly, his focus returning to the chessboard before him.
He Kui was a survivor, Creuset thought. His determination wouldn't interfere with Creuset's own plans for this world.
---
A few days later, He Kui arrived at the Clark Design Bureau in District Five of May City. Compared to Hailan Design Bureau, the facility was about one-third smaller, but He Kui didn't show any particular reaction.
"Director He and Director Hanivus, Director Su, would you like a break before settling in?" Clark Design Bureau's Director asked, his tone carrying a touch of deference. Although he was slightly older than He Kui, his demeanor was far from condescending.
"We can drop off our things at the quarters and start immediately," He Kui replied, with both Shi He and Su Lei nodding in agreement.
"Right this way, please." The director opened the car door, as they still had a short drive to the residential area near the botanical gardens.
He Kui kept his surveillance owls with him, a privilege he'd secured through special permission, given his critical role in handling the top-secret developments for the bureau.
They soon arrived at a spacious living quarters large enough for three people. The Clark Design Bureau Director gave them a brief overview, explaining that the lab was located underground in a secure area similar to the Hailan Design Bureau's facility. Since He Kui's clearance was still being updated, he would need to contact the director for access.
"Understood. Thank you."
Once the director left, it was just He Kui, Shi He, and Su Lei alone in the house. Ordinarily, Su Lei would have stayed in the A-Class residence, but due to full occupancy, she agreed to stay with He Kui temporarily.
Though the villa had three floors and more than enough room, the air was tense as Shi He and Su Lei exchanged silent glances, leaving He Kui slightly uneasy.
This was definitely intentional on Erlin's part, he thought, placing both women here with him.
"Director Su, where would you like to stay?" Shi He asked, her voice sweet yet tinged with a hint of challenge.
"Shouldn't Director He have the first choice?" Su Lei replied, her smile just as endearing.
Both of them turned to He Kui.
"I'll… sleep in the workspace?" he offered, attempting a diplomatic solution.
"Then don't come up!" Shi He said, feigning annoyance.
Su Lei chuckled softly, only adding to the tension.
"Director Su, let's check out the rooms upstairs!" Shi He said, her voice cheerful.
"Sure, feel free to call me Lei Lei," Su Lei replied warmly.
Listening to their voices fade as they went upstairs, He Kui sighed, his lips twitching in slight exasperation.
Still, their company helped to lift his spirits a bit. His goal remained simple: secure his position while keeping himself safe. Though he was in precarious company, Durandal likely wouldn't move against him anytime soon, as he was valuable enough to warrant protection.
Creuset, on the other hand, was unpredictable. As the mastermind, his motives were opaque, and He Kui couldn't afford to take him lightly. He needed to keep his options open and continue rising in influence, solidifying his position to safeguard his future.
With that determination in mind, He Kui turned his attention to the project for the "Crab Demon" prototype, aware that in ten days, the council's proposal would be passed. Although his chances of promotion were high, he couldn't overlook the progress on the Crab Demon.
"Focus on finishing this, and then head to April City to see Lacus."
He Kui wasted no time contacting the Clark Director and completing his security clearance, diving immediately into the Crab Demon's development. Alongside this, his nanotechnology research continued to advance subtly.
---
A week later, at the water-land simulation area dedicated to the Clark Design Bureau, the Crab Demon stood waiting for its final tests.
The machine's sleek body gleamed under the powerful floodlights, exuding a cold, black sheen. Engineers and technicians surrounded the Mobile Suit, performing final checks.
Since the Crab Demon wasn't exceptionally difficult to operate, they hadn't requested Courtney. Instead, a pilot with previous GINN experience would handle the controls.
Standing at the control deck with Shi He and Su Lei, He Kui observed the cockpit setup, which displayed the interface in real-time. The cockpit featured a panoramic display, equipped with cutting-edge night vision and infrared sensors, allowing pilots to navigate the darkest underwater environments with precision.
Additionally, sonar and radar systems enabled the suit to map its surroundings even in complete darkness, though pilots would still undergo extensive training in low-light navigation and underwater maneuvers.
"Activate the Crab Demon," He Kui instructed through the microphone, his voice echoing across the simulation area.
"Understood," replied the pilot, activating the suit. The Crab Demon's distinctive mono-eye flared red, illuminating the head's center with an ominous glow.
"System diagnostic initiated," the pilot announced, and the machine's mechanical claws rotated briefly.
One by one, indicators for the power, weapons, radar, and neural control systems on He Kui's monitor turned green, confirming functionality.
A low electronic hum filled the testing grounds.
"Diagnostics complete. All systems operational."
"Proceed with the underwater performance test."
"Roger!"
While He Kui remained calm, the pilot, researchers, Shi He, and Su Lei were visibly tense. Success or failure here meant the difference between advancing the project or setting back their ambitions—and the stakes felt
high for everyone involved.
As the Crab Demon moved slowly toward the water, the anticipation in the room reached its peak.
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