บท 199: Chapter 199: An Invitation to Bathe Together
Resigned to the situation, He Kui quickly composed himself again. After all, if he were on a "pirate ship," he thought, this one was at least built sturdy. Besides, Lacus wasn't likely to make any unreasonable demands of him…
"So, Director He, I heard the Variable Wings system is up and running?" Andrew asked in his usual straightforward manner.
"Yes, more or less. Are you interested in it?"
"Not exactly—we have no need for it. But if this technology ever becomes widespread, it'd certainly give us an advantage in ground-based battles on Earth."
"It's not feasible yet," He Kui replied, shaking his head. "The system drains power too fast. Right now, only a few nuclear-powered units can support it."
Considering Earth's conventional weaponry, as well as future threats like Dagger and Windam units, He Kui felt the spread of Variable Wings was unlikely.
After listening, Andrew gave a nod. "How's the radar station maintenance going on your end?"
"It's good; we have radar technicians monitoring it constantly."
"If you're concerned, we could conduct an additional test."
"Much appreciated."
The radar station in Tash wasn't as large as the one in Gibraltar. It mainly acted as a relay to link Gibraltar with Victoria, but with He Kui's modifications, establishing a connection with Orb was well within reach.
"Think nothing of it—it's part of your duties, after all," Andrew said with a chuckle. "But there's another favor we'd like to ask of you, Director He."
"What is it?"
"We need to reinforce Tash's defenses."
It seemed that every base was tightening its defenses, aware that the Earth Alliance was close to producing its own mobile suits. And among PLANT, He Kui's advanced "Coordinator Shield" technology had made him one of the most trusted experts in defensive engineering. This reputation had people eagerly seeking his help with upgrades.
"Actually, I requested it," Andrew admitted.
He Kui immediately understood. It was likely Lacus's idea to strengthen this rare foothold on Earth. "If I hadn't come here myself, Andrew, I'd say this trip of yours might've been a waste."
"Trust me, Director He; even if you hadn't come, we'd have found a way to invite you."
"Fine. Though… as it stands, there's hardly any power reserve here. And I didn't see any laminated armor or anti-beam coating in stock."
Even a talented craftsman needed materials, He Kui thought. He couldn't upgrade defenses without resources.
"About that—we plan to utilize the Light Shield system," Andrew explained.
"And the power supply?"
At that, He Kui raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. A desert location like this was ill-suited for efficient solar power generation.
"We'll be placing high-capacity generators throughout the city."
"So it really will run on solar energy?"
Andrew nodded. "Exactly. They'll accumulate energy for when the shields are actually deployed."
"Alright. I'll run a simulation to evaluate the design." He Kui hesitated. "However…"
"Rest assured, everyone here is on our side," Andrew assured him.
That's actually a good thing, He Kui thought. It meant a safer working environment.
He found himself in the same room he had used during his last visit.
"It almost feels like ages since I was here last," he murmured.
Lying beside him, Shihe tightened her arms around him. "What did you two discuss earlier?"
"Just some details about reinforcing the defenses."
"Oh… have you showered?"
"Not yet."
Her sudden shift in topic caught He Kui slightly off guard.
Shihe took a breath, summoning courage from the advice she'd received from Aisha. "Shall we… bathe together?" she whispered, her voice soft, her heart pounding against his arm.
The guest room in this governor's residence was grand, and the bathroom was no exception. It featured a large bath that could easily accommodate three to four people.
"Alright," He Kui replied with a smile, leaning in to kiss her.
In the spacious bathroom, steam rose thickly, filling the air with a hazy, dreamlike warmth.
Within the misty atmosphere, Shihe sat in the tub, her figure partly visible beneath the clear water. Her skin glistened, and her slender legs extended gracefully, the gentle waves accentuating her curves.
Her toes flexed slightly, and her lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks, a hint of playful mystery in her gaze. A trail of water slid down her collarbone, tracing the elegant line of her neck.
In that moment, she looked like a rose blooming in the desert, the water droplets on her skin adding a vibrant, almost ethereal glow.
"Are you coming in?" she asked shyly, her face flushed pink from the steam.
"Of course," He Kui replied, stepping into the warm water beside her.
Soon, they melted into each other.
> [Shihe Hanifs' Affection Level: 180]
[Experience Points: +8]
[Micro-Component Fabrication, S-Level: 122,000 / 1,000,000]
[Academic: Magnetic Pulse Defense Shield: 21,234 / 30,000]
[Unlocked Blueprint: Mecha Frame "Demon Crab": 6,178 / 20,000]
[New Unlock: Cell-Level Repair Nanobots: 0 / 50,000]
Fifty thousand points for the cellular repair nanobots—an impressive feat, indeed.
He Kui's limited understanding of biology told him that if he could develop this technology, it might revolutionize human medicine on a grand scale.
These nanobots could operate within individual cells, potentially interacting with chromosomes. They could deliver tools directly to repair damaged chromosomes, achieving precise gene correction.
In theory, if these nanobots came to fruition, Creuset's genetic deterioration might be halted.
"What… are you thinking?" Shihe asked breathlessly, noticing his increased intensity.
"Nothing."
With the final battle approaching in less than half a year, he wondered if he'd have time to stop or perhaps even reason with Creuset.
After a night of closeness, He Kui felt refreshed. While nanobot research was promising, his immediate focus remained on his mission in Orb.
After lingering with Shihe for a while, he made his way to Tash's radar room.
The radar, enhanced with his modifications, smoothly connected to the Aegis within the base.
With its upgrades, the Aegis moved with greater precision and agility, showing none of its previous rigidity. He Kui tested its movements on screen, controlling the Aegis, which was disguised in a military uniform and helmeted visor, blending seamlessly with the ZAFT personnel.
Thanks to Tash's internal security layout and the Aegis's disguise, he easily navigated it to the heart of Tash City, where ZAFT maintained control.
The city bustled with energy, just as lively as when he had visited with Cagalli before. Despite the ongoing war, Tash had managed to achieve a fleeting peace, and its residents, mostly Coordinators, didn't seem to harbor much resentment toward Naturals.
Under the Clyne Faction's governance, Tash was perhaps a prototype of future cities where Naturals and Coordinators could coexist in peace. So far, it appeared more promising than Orb.
After changing out of the military uniform, Aegis donned a cloak to cover its form—a fitting look for a city full of hidden motives.
Following Edd's directions, Aegis arrived at a discreet building tucked into a crowded area of the city.
"Hello."
"You here for a transaction?"
A slot in the metal door slid open, revealing a pair of eyes that scrutinized Aegis from head to toe.
"Yes, my contact is Gorba."
Aegis gave a slight nod, curious why the
y were using such an antiquated security measure in an advanced world.
"Come in," the man said after a moment, stepping aside to allow entry.
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