Chapter 147: Return to Gibraltar

On Earth, within ZAFT's Gibraltar base, the humid and hot climate made He Kui uncomfortable as he tugged at the collar of his white uniform after stepping out of his GINN.

"If you keep pulling at it, just take it off!" Sulei, who had just tidied up for He Kui, chided him irritably.

"I'll take it off when we get back."

"Be serious!" Sulei stomped on He Kui's foot.

"I'm being serious. But even though Gibraltar is a ZAFT base, there are many people around, so keep Haro with you."

The memory of being ambushed here last time, along with the incident with Ed, was still fresh in He Kui's mind. Although they managed to escape danger, it showed how unreliable Gibraltar's staff could be.

Gibraltar wasn't all that safe. In general, he decided to avoid unnecessary interactions.

"I know, let's go. The officer is waiting outside."

Following Sulei's prompt, He Kui left the hangar of the Laurasia-class ship with her, leaving the GINN behind.

"Director He, welcome." A rotund officer in black greeted He Kui warmly as soon as he emerged from the ship.

Unlike the previous time when he was paraded around, this officer didn't dare to ignore He Kui or neglect to welcome him.

The previous incidents had left a gap between them, but at least they had to maintain appearances.

"Officer O'Neill, what brings you here in person?"

After a brief handshake, they quickly let go, their relationship superficially warm but somewhat hollow.

"Haha, it's not every day Director He graces us with his presence. Please, this way. We've prepared rooms for both of you."

The officer gestured warmly.

"How is the situation in Tassil?"

He Kui asked as they walked.

"Not bad, but who would have thought the Desert Tiger would need our assistance?"

"Look at us here, what do we have to offer?"

Hearing this, He Kui glanced at the ranks of DINNs, Baku, and numerous ZUOOTs nearby, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

If Gibraltar had really thrown all its strength into Tassil, they might have actually managed to capture the Archangel.

However, deploying too many forces would indeed leave Gibraltar's defenses vulnerable.

The Eurasian Federation was also lurking outside, ready to reclaim Gibraltar.

Of course, whether the officer kept so many troops here to protect Gibraltar or himself, He Kui couldn't say.

"By the way, the fish in our mess hall is excellent, much better than the synthetic meat in PLANT."

"Thank you. Have the radar components arrived?"

Seeing they had reached a luxurious hotel-like room, He Kui asked.

"They arrived yesterday. You both rest well; installation at the radar site will begin tomorrow."

He Kui didn't nod in agreement.

"If they're here, let's start today."

The sooner they installed the radar and contacted Tassil via Haro, the better.

"Very well. The radar site is in our B3 area; I've sent the exact location and details to you."

"Thank you."

After seeing the officer off, He Kui took out his Haro to automatically scan the room they were given.

"Being so cautious?"

"No choice, that officer is unreliable."

He Kui smiled wryly.

"And the Eurasian Federation might take the opportunity to attack after learning of the Archangel's whereabouts."

Not out of solidarity with the Archangel, but sensing a chance to exploit weakened defenses.

Though the Eurasian Federation likely couldn't take Gibraltar with their current strength, He Kui had brought his GINN just in case.

But every precaution needed to be taken.

After a brief conversation, they used He Kui's authorization to make their way to the radar site, where basic construction had just been completed.

The personnel responsible for assembly were already busy at work.

Temporarily called in to work overtime, none of them looked pleased.

But they didn't dare show it in front of He Kui, not that it was his concern—they weren't his subordinates.

He and Sulei were merely there to provide guidance.

"At the current pace, we should complete installation and begin testing within three days."

Sulei said, reviewing the progress report after washing up and visiting He Kui's room late into the night.

"Good. This is also to test the Mirage Colloid's efficacy in protecting communications."

Hearing this, Sulei fell silent instead of showing the excitement He Kui expected.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you think Lacus can really end the war?" Sulei asked softly.

"I'm not sure."

Ending it might be possible, but peace never lasts long.

ZAFT's radicals seemed fewer in number now.

With Patrick's control, they might be kept in check.

As for Blue Cosmos and the forces behind them, that was a long-term challenge. People can be eliminated, but ideologies are hard to extinguish.

Ending the war was the concern of the big figures. For He Kui, surviving was his utmost effort.

Assassinations and wars left no time for contemplation.

"But we'll survive this war. I'll protect you."

"You said it~ Don't break your promise."

He Kui wasn't fighting for world peace, but compared to lofty ideals and grand rhetoric, his promise was sincere and convincing.

It stirred emotions in Sulei's heart.

Without overthinking, Sulei put down her tablet and took a few steps forward.

"Did you eat candy again?"

He Kui asked, tasting a faint apple flavor as they parted.

"Don't like it?"

"Not really, just wondering if it's okay?"

Sensing Sulei's unusual initiative, He Kui asked softly.

"Would a normal person ask that now? Pervert!"

"What's so perverted?"

Overnight, the girl had grown up.

[Sulei Favorability: 151]

[Experience Bonus: 7]

[Information Engineering A-Level: (49473/100000)]

[Unlocked Academic: Multi-Lock System (0/10000)]

The name alone sounded impressive, but he'd need to look into it further.

He Kui gazed at the petite Sulei, half-asleep on him, and gently patted her head.

"Mm!"

In her sleep, Sulei instinctively swatted away He Kui's mischievous hand.

Then she slowly woke up, her sleepy eyes gazing lazily yet curiously at He Kui.

"Rest today."

"Pfft."

"Feels like something someone would say after taking advantage of a person. Are you going to help me get a promotion next?"

Sulei giggled, wincing as she tugged at her wound.

"But you used to be my boss, Director Su."

He Kui said with amusement, his warm hand gently caressing Sulei's slender, fair belly.

"Hmph!"

Hearing this, Sulei blushed, but couldn't find words to retort.

"Alright, I'll cook. Rest today."

He Kui planned to handle things alone, without Sulei, his assistant.

"Is there fish~?"

Sulei's eyes lit up at the mention of food.

"There is, but no spicy food. Steamed will do."

"Oh."

A bit disappointed, but enjoying He Kui's thoughtfulness, Sulei's delicate lips curled into a smile.

After making a pot of porridge and preparing lunch, He Kui returned to the radar site.

Three days later, Sulei had recovered, and the radar site entered the debugging phase.

As for what was being debugged, He Kui, alone in the radar room, activated the equipment. Using the same network as Boaz's radar, it successfully detected a signal near Tassil, wrapped in some Mirage Colloids, despite the neutron interference.

However, it was very weak, as the Mirage Colloid's coverage didn't reach far. It was only because Tassil wasn't too far away that they managed to get a fix.

"It can only perform basic operat

ions, with some delay, but it's good enough."

Seeing the transmission speed, He Kui mentally calculated and breathed a sigh of relief.

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