Capítulo 207: Chapter 207: Commendations for Valor
The hangar was abuzz with activity.
Alongside Courtney, two more red-uniformed figures whom He Kui didn't recognize had arrived, accompanied by the familiar sight of Lica.
"He Kui, I didn't expect to see you here!" Lica greeted him warmly, clad in her signature red pilot suit.
As she approached, Shi He took a step forward, her posture subtly protective.
"Lica."
"Oh, Shi He, you're here too," Lica noted with a smirk.
Being rare fellow female red-uniforms, their relationship felt less like friendship and more like a rivalry.
"Without me, you would've been blown to pieces," Lica teased.
"Hmph, that's just because you had more people! I wouldn't lose in a one-on-one!"
Shi He stuck out her tongue at Lica.
"Oh, really? Care to prove it?" Lica challenged.
"Ahem… Hate to interrupt you two."
Luo, standing nearby, raised his hand tentatively.
Two sharp glares from the women promptly turned in his direction.
"…Please, go ahead," he murmured, stepping back in resignation.
"Ladies, perhaps we can continue this later? Don't we have a mission to complete?" Aisha interjected with a gentle laugh, stepping between them.
With Aisha's mediation, the two women quickly stood down.
"So, the data here contains specs on the Alliance's newest mobile suit model?" Andrew asked, composed as always.
"That's correct," Courtney confirmed.
"Do you have a way to contact PLANT?" Andrew asked.
"No, we're on a one-way mission this time, but we do have an evacuation point."
With that, Courtney displayed a small 3D projection device.
"Once we secure the Baku head, we'll rendezvous here," he said, pointing to Apinton in the center of the Kalahari Desert.
"How far are we from Apinton?" asked Andrew, who had assumed the role of commander due to his standing and experience.
"Approximately thirty kilometers," Luo answered.
Apinton, once a vibrant oasis in the desert, was now a desolate ghost town. During the restructured warfare of the Third World War, the Atlantic Federation had obliterated it with nuclear weapons, leaving it a barren wasteland.
"Then let's head to Apinton."
"We'll take turns keeping watch. Director He, you and the others should get some rest," Andrew said, switching to a more formal tone in public settings.
"Understood," He Kui replied, grateful for the consideration. Despite his red-uniform status, he was exhausted from the constant battles, both mentally and physically.
"I've heard there's a legendary 'Lost City' around here that I wanted to see," Luo remarked, sighing as he walked alongside He Kui toward the mess hall.
"The Lost City?"
"That's right, the Lost City of Kalahari. I assume you hadn't heard of it back in PLANT?"
"Rumor has it that it was an ancient civilization's last refuge. Some say it was the dwelling of a mysterious race, and others claim it holds endless treasure."
"Actually, it's just a tourist spot now. Don't let Luo fill your head with nonsense," Shu Li interjected with a dismissive wave.
"Alright, then," He Kui laughed, not taking it to heart.
"Speaking of which, Luo, are you interested in our beam saber technology?"
"Don't you already have your own version?" He Kui asked.
"Yes, but I'd like to compare it to Hailan Design Bureau's techniques and… Dawn…" Luo began, only to have Shu Li clamp a hand over his mouth.
"You two seem pretty close," He Kui observed with amusement.
"We're not!" Shu Li replied, her cheeks turning red as she released Luo.
"I can share some beam saber technology with you."
In truth, the Atlantic Federation had already stolen most of this tech, so it didn't hurt to share and earn a bit of goodwill with Luo. But He Kui, having learned from past mistakes, refrained from directly requesting Luo's cooperation on further research.
"Really?"
Luo's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yes, but keep it under wraps."
"Understood!"
Pleased with Luo's response, He Kui gave a nod. After all, he considered Luo a reliable ally.
"If you have the chance, you should come visit PLANT. I'll show you around the Hailan Design Bureau myself."
He Kui smiled warmly, as if enticing a child with a treat.
"No problem! I have many ideas I'd love to discuss with you. For example, if we could adjust the output of the E-CAP energy storage in the beam saber's hilt to store Mirage Particles, couldn't we create a solid-state entity that varies with power output?"
As Luo rattled off technical ideas, He Kui's thoughtful expression shifted to one of intrigue.
"High-energy particles are stabilized in a sword shape within the magnetic field created by Mirage Particles. If we could briefly increase particle output and Mirage Particle flow, theoretically, it could extend the saber's attack range momentarily."
As expected of the most talented technician—his ideas were potential game-changers.
"However…"
"However?"
"A surge of energy like that would likely destroy the delicate systems in the hilt, making it a one-time-use feature with a high risk of backfire."
"Of course, this is all theoretical for now; it would require testing to confirm," He Kui added.
"Agreed. Only through experimentation can we find the truth," Luo nodded enthusiastically.
"Let's head to lunch. We can discuss it more over a meal."
"Luo, Director He still needs rest," Shu Li said, shaking her head with a sigh.
"No worries, I'd love to chat with Luo. Is it alright if I call you Luo?" He Kui asked.
Luo's thoughts on the beam saber technology had inspired him, particularly the potential to use it as a deceptive, one-time weapon.
"Absolutely! Luo it is," Luo replied cheerfully, clearly pleased with the camaraderie.
With the pursuers dealt with and the Atlantic Federation's forces apparently stretched thin, they reached the outskirts of Apinton with little trouble, only taking routine precautions.
Bathed in moonlight, the ruins of Apinton lay silent before them.
The once-thriving town was now a scene of devastation, with only fragments of green life emerging from the rubble, barely enough to soften the town's desolation.
"War… war never changes," Andrew murmured solemnly from within his cockpit.
"But that doesn't mean we should give up hope. To build a better future, we need to hold onto the belief in peace," Luo added with conviction, speaking from within his Astray.
He Kui, seated in his GaT-X, said nothing.
What could he say? War, like a monstrous beast, had loomed over civilization since ancient times, destroying countless homes and taking innumerable lives without remorse.
Taking a deep breath, He Kui reminded himself that life would continue. Civilization would rebuild upon these ruins, as it always had. He was simply one among many trying to survive in this world.
As Courtney, piloting his GaT-X, sent the signal, a tremor rippled through the desert near their location.
Out of the sand emerged a pristine Resseps-class ship, its hatches soon opening to release four black-painted GaT-X suits, which formed a protective circle around their seven units.
Under the moonlight, He Kui and Shi He slid down from their cockpits using retractable ropes, joining the others on the ground.
"Captain Andrew, and… Director He?"
A middle-aged man who had just arrived was momentarily speechless upon recognizing them.
"Jason, I didn't expect the action group leader to be you," Andrew said with a smirk.
"Captain Andrew, you flatter me."
"Anyway, back to business."
Regaining his composure, Jason's expression returned to its usual seriousness.
"My apologies, there were a few complications along the way. In short, we acquired the Baku head, were chased by special forces, and then your special ops team saved us," Andrew explained briefly, causing Jason to shake his head in bemusement.
"What a coincidence."
"Their movements may not have been a coincidence," Andrew said thoughtfully.
"That's possible. Either way, let's head back. I'm glad you're safe."
Jason glanced toward the Junk Guild operatives.
"They're friends, not privy to any classified data. Let them go," He Kui said, stepping forward to clarify Jason's unspoken question.
"Understood."
Jason nodded, and everyone began boarding the Resseps for departure.
Meanwhile, He Kui gave Shi He a nod before joining Luo.
"Remember to come to PLANT next time," he said.
"We certainly will! We've been planning to visit April City and take a look at May City too."
"The fossil exhibit?"
"How did you know, Director He?" Shu Li asked in surprise.
"The fossil is pretty much the only thing worth seeing in April City," He Kui chuckled.
While PLANT wasn't exactly known for cultural heritage, he didn't mind saying so. Finding landmarks worth visiting in PLANT was challenging, as efficiency was prioritized even in architecture. Except for April City, most areas were nearly indistinguishable from each other, leading to low population mobility compared to Earth.
"I look forward to your visit."
"And for payment, you can settle the bill with Clyne."
"No worries, Captain Andrew already explained," Luo said, gladly accepting the arrangement.
"Very well, until next time."
He Kui bid Luo farewell with a polite nod.
"Goodbye~"
With that, the two sides parted ways, and He Kui and Shi He followed Andrew to the bridge of the Resseps.
"He Kui, regarding your commendation, I spoke to Jason. Assuming no unforeseen issues arise, we're both expected to receive a Third-Class Merit. However, with your research achievements, you should also be awarded a Second-Class Merit and a Level 2 Future Medal," Andrew announced, giving He Kui a hearty pat on the back.
"This accomplishment is partly mine too, Tiger, so don't take all the credit," Jason interjected with a wry smile, shedding his usual stoic demeanor now that they were in private.
"Yes, indeed! This mission couldn't have succeeded without Director He's contributions," Jason added, shaking He Kui's hand with warmth. Jason, aware of He Kui's standing and potential within PLANT's research community, couldn't help but show his appreciation. As a prominent scientist and a prospective head of the Unified Design Bureau, He Kui represented a valuable network and resource—a connection worth fostering.
"Jason's like this—serious in public but soft-hearted otherwise. You wouldn't believe he pretended not to know me back when he was a green-uniform recruit," Andrew chuckled, poking fun at Jason.
"Well, who told someone to hang around the barracks brewing coffee when he should've been
training?" Jason retorted, his stern exterior cracking slightly in amusement.
Listening to their banter, He Kui brushed his nose in a mild gesture of discomfort, realizing he might be playing the third wheel.
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