Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"This incident was incredibly risky. We're considering deploying the Special Operations Defense Squad directly on your asteroid," Joule announced.

He Kui paused, weighing her words. Previously, the Defense Committee hadn't had a solid reason to station any task force on his asteroid; by PLANT's space territory law, his asteroid was considered his private domain. But now, with this incident, they had an excuse. Refusing would only make him look suspicious.

"I understand," He Kui replied, "but I'd prefer my living space to remain private." He looked down, feigning modesty.

"We understand," Joule reassured him. "The Special Ops will only be stationed around the port area, nowhere near the residential quarters."

Given He Kui's significance, the committee had no desire to push him away over minor disagreements. Joule's smile hinted at satisfaction, perceiving his "compliance" as a good sign.

She also understood his preference for privacy, especially considering rumors about his relationships with Su Lei and Luna, the still-student sister of another young woman, Meyrin, who stayed with him regularly. While there were no laws against it in PLANT, it still invited social judgment.

"I've heard you're about the same age as my son," Joule continued, a bit more casually.

"Yes, that's right," He Kui replied, slightly taken aback.

"If only Isaac were as steady as you," she mused. Though she wanted to say "mature," it felt odd using that word with someone like He Kui.

"Isaac has his own path," He Kui said. He knew that ever since the Council found out about Isaac's incident, it had become a political weapon, keeping Isaac on the front lines as a means to protect him from court-martial.

"I suppose…" Joule nodded, her face shifting from complex emotions to a hint of warmth. "When he's back, you must come to our home. I think he'll be glad to meet you."

"Of course," He Kui agreed, though he imagined Isaac would be anything but welcoming if he ever discovered He Kui's role in their previous confrontations.

"Oh, one more thing," Joule added. "About the apprentice that Amafi suggested—do you have someone in mind?"

"Albert Heinlein," He Kui answered. "He participated in the Freedom and Justice propulsion systems project and, at twenty-six, is already the propulsion research team leader."

Joule nodded approvingly. "Albert should be a solid choice. He'll be joining the Special Ops team stationed on your asteroid tomorrow."

"Understood," He Kui replied, familiar with ZAFT's efficiency. It was rare for them not to dispatch someone immediately.

After disconnecting, He Kui remotely connected to his South American setup. It was just after nightfall there, and after a brief rest, the group had returned to their camp.

"What's the plan now?" He Kui asked.

"Tomorrow, we'll head toward Brazil's main cities," Edward said, indicating a nearby location on a map.

"If no other assignments come up, I'll continue with your group until this one's done," He Kui replied.

"Fine by me," Edward nodded.

"Heracles," He Kui called, turning to the young man who'd been following him around like a bodyguard.

Cleaned up and dressed, Heracles looked every bit the proper youth, though he maintained an obedient, almost submissive posture.

"While I'm in the cockpit, I want you to guard me," He Kui instructed.

"Understood," Heracles replied.

"And try training with Jin's team and Elena," He Kui added.

"They're Coordinators."

"I know. Just no weapons," He Kui said, giving him a scrutinizing look. There was no visible reaction on Heracles' face.

"Alright," he said.

Back at the cockpit, He Kui reconnected to his base and finally returned to his quarters.

"Are you okay?" Shihe asked, circling him with concern as soon as she saw him.

"I'm fine. It's not like a quantum virus attacks the body," he said, gently brushing her off.

"A quantum virus?!" Su Lei exclaimed, immediately on edge.

"Yes, a quantum virus," He Kui confirmed, pulling up the logs of the attack for Su Lei.

With her engineering expertise, Su Lei could tell how sophisticated the virus was at a glance. "Your firewall actually stopped it?"

"Sort of."

"Does the Defense Committee know?" she asked, visibly tense.

"They know part of it, but not that it was a quantum virus."

"You need to erase the logs right away!" she said, clearly siding with him without hesitation.

"I already did. These are my private records," He Kui reassured her. He could see how deeply she was invested in his safety.

"Still, the virus's power was impressive. There's a chance it could hijack our MS," Shihe said, frowning.

"It's possible, like that quantum-virused unit we saw. But without a physical connection, it's unlikely to spread in a neutron-jammed environment," He Kui replied.

"True," Su Lei nodded.

He Kui pulled out a secure tablet, encased in heavy black metal, and handed it to them.

"What's this?" the two asked curiously.

"It's the base's control program, including full access to the quantum firewall. If I'm ever… not around, you'll be able to take full control of this base."

"No way! You're not going anywhere!" Su Lei protested, standing up and hugging him tightly.

"If it's dangerous, then just stay here," Shihe added, joining in.

"Relax, I have no intention of going anywhere," He Kui laughed, pulling them both into a comforting embrace. He simply wanted to leave them prepared, just in case.

"Besides, I only wanted to teach you some basics, like the firewall code and robot controls. What's with the gloomy talk?"

"Already thinking of widowing me?" he teased.

Before he could finish, Su Lei silenced him with a kiss, soft and sweet, full of passion. Shihe quickly followed, her embrace just as warm.