Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"He Kui, we're scheduled to launch the assault on the Moon in forty-eight hours. Is your mobile suit ready?" Juell's voice over the comms was steely, carrying an air of cold determination.

"Ready."

"Then be at Port 1 in May City at the scheduled time. Your transport will depart from there."

"Is it the new type of battleship?"

"No. The new model will be spearheading the offensive, coordinating with Oracle and Rebirth."

This new vessel was not like the previous Eternal, which lacked positron cannons. ZAFT's new ship, hastily equipped with a positron cannon, light shields, and a nuclear engine, was nearly on par with the Minerva. Though he hadn't seen its exact design, this new battleship, armed with both positron cannons and light shields, was a formidable asset.

"Understood."

He wondered how Matthias's investigation was going. Even if Cruzer had managed to steal Oracle, there was still his own backdoor access to it. After confirming his orders, He Kui didn't return to the Junk Guild's port but instead, for a change, headed back to his quarters for dinner.

Upon opening the door, he was surprised to see two girls, heads close together on the sofa, apparently deep in conversation.

"He Kui?!"

They both jumped when they saw him.

"What's going on? What are you two talking about?"

He Kui looked at the two young women, each unique in her beauty.

"Shi He wants her parents to join her here," Su Lei announced before Shi He could speak.

"Lei Lei," Shi He gave Su Lei a sidelong glance before quickly lowering her gaze, her expression much more uncertain than the strong persona she usually displayed at work.

"If it's too much trouble, then it's fine—"

"Of course, they can come."

"Come to think of it, I haven't even met them."

He Kui cut her off, smiling warmly.

"He Kui~ thank you!"

Shi He, overjoyed, hugged He Kui tightly, her slender frame fitting perfectly against his.

"That was my oversight."

"What about your parents, Su Lei?"

"My parents? They're working on Lacus's asteroid."

"I see…"

He Kui recalled that Su Lei's parents were also highly skilled in mobile suit development. If they were working with Lacus, it was likely as part of Clyne's faction, which still maintained a private militia—a fact he had been aware of for some time.

Just then, a new line of text appeared on He Kui's virtual display:

[Shi He holds unwavering trust in you.]

[Shi He Hanivs Affection Level: 190]

[Micro-Component Processing (S): 129,000/1,000,000]

[Shi He - Micro-Component Processing (A): 84,512/100,000]

[Research: Cellular Repair Nanobots: 32,581/50,000]

[Unlocked Research: Twin-Barreled Disruptor Beam Rifle: 0/20,000]

Surprised by this unexpected breakthrough, He Kui's eyes widened slightly.

The Disruptor Beam Rifle was easy enough to understand; it was undoubtedly the iconic weapon from Wing. Its all-out firepower could potentially breach small light shields. However, due to its sheer energy demands, aiming consistently would be challenging.

While the first shot might hit, a second or third would be difficult. Pilots with light shields were usually elite, so hitting them multiple times in a row was nearly impossible. And if the rifle were linked to a warship's energy, it would lose its primary advantage as an infantry weapon—better to just use the ship's positron cannon.

As the three of them began their meal, Lacus's charming figure appeared on the television screen. She was dressed in a pink dress, standing before a plaza at an orphanage, speaking confidently to the media without a hint of nervousness.

"The pure smiles of children should awaken our sense of responsibility."

"Peace is more than the absence of war; it's also about understanding, respect, and support between people."

"Every child represents hope for the future, and I hope to pass this love and care to many others."

[In society, the issue of orphans has long been a topic of concern. Lacus's compassionate visit undoubtedly brought warmth and hope to the orphans of PLANT, setting a positive example for society.]

Listening to the commentator's closing remarks, Su Lei tugged her lips in a pout.

"We were the ones who started this first!"

She muttered.

"It's alright."

"And besides, it was already reported last time."

He Kui chuckled.

"But it does seem like their desire for peace is growing stronger."

"Even Miss Lacus is frequently seen at political events. Perhaps she's preparing to enter politics?" Shi He mused.

"Mm."

"With the older generation stepping back, Lacus is likely being groomed to take over in a couple of years."

The highest council rotated frequently, and even Clyne would step down occasionally. However, Clyne's faction would still exist, just as Patrick's faction continued to persist.

"But if this Moon operation fails, it'll be difficult for Patrick to maintain his position," Su Lei noted.

"And that son of his doesn't seem inclined toward politics."

"As for Athrun, that's hard to say."

He Kui shook his head. While Athrun was intelligent, he often overthought things. But considering his age, he was just a teenager, roughly high school-aged in Earth terms—not everyone was born with Lacus's natural political acumen and charisma.

"Speaking of which, the Hailan Design Bureau has been working overtime lately."

"Hoss even asked if you'd let him go to the front lines."

Shi He smiled.

"They can take a break soon. Just a bit more effort for now."

The National Defense Council was exerting more pressure on the design bureaus, though He Kui's facility remained relatively untouched due to his proven accomplishments. The only pressure he faced came from Juell and the others directly.

As for pushing his own team… his design bureau was focused on aquatic tech and external packs, neither of which had much relevance for the Moon operation. Most of his staff had gone to support their colleagues, which left him with little to worry about.

"He Kui, I agree with Hoss—I want to go to the Moon too!"

Shi He's usual gentleness vanished, replaced by her sharp resolve.

She hadn't changed; she'd simply learned to temper her edge after facing numerous dangers.

"I added an extra seat to Liberator."

He Kui replied without surprise, having anticipated her request. Gathering data on Liberator and testing the auxiliary systems of its Wave Shield required Shi He's involvement. Though he had spatial awareness abilities, this would be his first live test. It was like having a brake in the co-pilot seat; he wouldn't hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Besides, Shi He hadn't been on a mission in a while. He knew she'd been holding herself back for his sake.

"I'm going too!"

Hearing their agreement, Su Lei raised her hand in protest.

"You can stay here for now, Su Lei. My mobile suit can't fit that many people."

"Hmph! You can't add one more?"

"Who was it that took you to the Moon before?"

Su Lei grumbled, climbing onto He Kui's lap.

"Do we really need that m

any people?"

With Su Lei staring at him so intently, He Kui placed his hands on her waist and sighed.

"In any case! If we go, we go together!"

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