Chapter 18: The Return Journey

"How did the reconnaissance GINN perform?"

"It was very successful."

In Sule's officer quarters, He Kui sent the compiled data to the terminal in front of her.

[Sule Favorability 94]

[Experience Bonus 5]

Wow, just validating the feasibility added to his favorability. He knew this wasn't entirely his achievement.

Seeing the smile that crept onto Sule's lips, He Kui couldn't help but smile back.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks! It's also thanks to you. This time, we'll receive more bonuses, so you should be quite happy about it."

The bonuses, combined with the rewards for this deployment, would likely total around one hundred thousand. No matter how financially strained ZAFT might be, as a country built on technology, they wouldn't shortchange them in this regard.

"Indeed."

"Not going to be modest?"

Sule teased He Kui for a rare moment.

"No, this is definitely something to be happy about."

"Then I'll be counting on you for the next project."

"Next project?"

"Of course, there will be new projects."

"I know, but is it so soon?"

He had hoped for a few days of rest.

"It's not that quick; we're indeed short on time."

"So, what's the project about?"

"We're developing a tactical aerial reconnaissance GINN for atmospheric operations. After destroying the Alliance's space station, if we can occupy Earth, the war will end."

"…"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just feels like your perspective is a bit too idealistic."

"Isn't it good to be idealistic?"

"Well, not entirely."

"Alright then, get ready. We need to consider data about Earth's atmosphere and various environmental factors that could affect radar. We'll be busy again."

As she spoke, Sule's eyes sparkled with the enthusiasm of a research fanatic.

"And if all goes well, we might have a chance to conduct field research on Earth!"

"Let's not go there just yet."

He Kui forced a smile, fearing that Sule would insist on sending him to Earth right away, and hurriedly exited the room.

The return journey was swift. As He Kui disembarked from the ship, he immediately spotted Shi He waiting in the family reception area, her little figure looking around eagerly.

"Shi He, I'm back!"

After stepping through the gate, He Kui softly called out to the girl.

"Welcome back~"

Shi He greeted him with a tight hug, and through the beating of her heart, He Kui could feel her joy.

After lingering in the embrace for a while, they finally pulled apart.

"How did the battle go?"

"Seems like we had the upper hand."

Though ZAFT suffered significant losses, the Earth Alliance had lost an entire space station.

But such a self-inflicted wound didn't exactly count as a victory.

"That's good. At least the homeland is safe. How did the neutron jammer and reconnaissance GINN tests go?"

Walking shoulder to shoulder with He Kui, Shi He held his hand affectionately as she quietly asked.

"Very smoothly."

"I knew it! I'll be cooking tonight~"

With a hint of pride, Shi He lifted her little head, looking playful and adorable.

"I should tell you that the prices of meat and vegetables have slightly returned to previous levels, and the parts you ordered have arrived, plus…"

Perhaps it had been a while since they last met, Shi He had a lot to say.

He Kui listened attentively to every word she spoke.

If there was anything He Kui learned from this outing, it was to avoid going out lightly; even a single oversized bullet could lead to d

ire consequences.

It was better to stay within PLANT until he had the capability to protect himself.