Chapter 158: Duel with the New Mobile Suit

In the research facility at May City, Directors He Kui and Erin stood together, creating a heavy sense of pressure on everyone below.

"The frame of the new model is complete. Now we rely on our colleagues for the external armor and armament," Erin's voice carried more authority than when she was a deputy director.

"Yes!" the various department heads responded loudly, albeit not in unison.

"Then you're dismissed."

With Erin's words, everyone returned to their respective roles, while He Kui followed Erin back to her office, the highest point in the Helan Design Bureau.

"What about the other design bureaus' mobile suits?" He Kui asked as soon as they entered the room.

"They don't pose much of a threat to us."

"That's within expectations, considering we're the only ones with comprehensive MS experience among the design bureaus."

The other bureaus focused on ground combat Baku and aquatic combat Gern, which were too specialized.

"The only real threat is Actaeon. I'm aware of VV's capabilities."

As a former colleague of VV, Erin's expression turned more serious when discussing Actaeon compared to other bureaus.

"Our current mobile suit already matches the high output of the Alliance's G Project," He Kui reassured.

"Yes."

"But is the EEQ7R-type extendable brake on the waist really necessary?"

These devices functioned like grappling hooks, capable of extending dozens of meters, with a small caliber beam claw inside. While not powerful, at close range, they could cause significant damage.

The issue was that this weapon resembled the Dragoon System, or more precisely, it was a beam-based product inspired by the enemy's wired guided cannon.

"I believe not many in ZAFT can proficiently handle this weapon."

Even simplified, mastering such a retractable hook was challenging without AI assistance.

"We can remove it on more economical models."

Erin agreed.

"But for now, to beat Actaeon, we need to stack features."

"In that case, we could develop two models. Offering more options might appeal to the Defense Committee."

"And the configuration for the other?"

"Remove the grappling hook, the beam claw composite shield, and utilize beam shield and sword technology. Although energy consumption will increase, the weight will decrease."

Erin hesitated at He Kui's suggestion but nodded after a moment's thought.

Although beam shield technology offered better value on elite units, they intended to use this model as an elite unit, so it wasn't a major issue.

"Then you'll be responsible for the development of the other model."

Standing up, Erin patted He Kui's shoulder earnestly.

"Councilor Joule has high hopes for us. Don't let her down."

"If we win the bid, this experimental model will be at your disposal."

"No problem!"

The promise of using the mobile suit was a huge temptation.

In the following days, while developing the new mobile suit, He Kui also delved into quantum communication.

However, due to the new mobile suit, he didn't have time to submit his findings.

In this intense and busy work environment, the mobile suit finally received its heavy armor.

Erin's Unit 1 weighed 80 tons, while He Kui's beam technology-enhanced Unit 2 was 75 tons, even two tons lighter than the GINN.

"Next is the live testing."

Standing before the two olive-green mono-eyed machines, He Kui mused in front of the Helan Design Bureau's many department heads.

Though he seemingly had no fate with Gundams, he had a strong connection with mono-eyed machines.

And after seeing so many mono-eyed designs, his aesthetic seemed to have shifted.

Maybe he should stick with mono-eyed designs; weren't they cooler than those Gundams?

"Should we find a test pilot?"

Shi He's question drew the attention of the department heads to He Kui.

"Seems unnecessary."

Having rushed the mobile suit to completion, Erin, with panda eyes, was in a good mood.

He Kui, having been involved in the development, knew the mobile suit's performance best and was suitably skilled.

"No problem, but let's name it first."

"How about Gates?"

As the main developer, Erin's suggestion faced no objections.

Names were just placeholders; only after winning the bid would they receive an official designation.

That evening, returning home with He Kui, Shi He stretched lazily, intentionally or not, showcasing her graceful curves.

"Finally done~"

"Can we rest tonight~?"

Shi He, meeting He Kui's gaze, stood on tiptoe to hug him, their bodies seamlessly fitting together.

"Of course—"

Before he could finish, He Kui's phone rang.

Seeing Shi He unwilling to let go, He Kui smiled helplessly.

"Don't make a sound."

"Okay."

Shi He buried her head in He Kui's shoulder, muttering softly.

"Erin, what's up?"

He Kui answered the call.

"I just submitted the mobile suit's plans and test data."

"And?"

He Kui doubted they wouldn't be accepted. Although he couldn't clearly recall, he vaguely remembered the MS looked like this in the story, even matching the name.

"They want us to duel against Actaeon's MS."

"What? What's their mobile suit?"

This unexpected twist caught He Kui off guard.

In his embrace, Shi He gently patted his back, offering comfort.

"We don't have specific data, but according to Councilor Joule, it's codenamed 'Jail Finite,' and uses Mirage Colloid as a quantum virus medium to seize control of enemy mobile suits."

"If you really don't want to—"

As a director, Erin couldn't order He Kui to pilot the mobile suit in a battle.

"Is it a simulated battle?"

"Yes."

Hearing He Kui's apparent willingness, Shi He looked up, her furrowed brow and concerned eyes gazing at him.

"If we can simulate the neutron jammer's environment, I'm fine."

Ending the call, Shi He stared at He Kui.

"Why did you agree?"

"It's just an exercise, no problem."

"Besides, no one knows Gates better than me."

Unless he could get Athrun or Kira to test it, he was the best choice.

"But it's a quantum virus! And with Mirage Colloid, that machine can go invisible!"

"But the neutron jammer will impede its spread. As long as we avoid close combat, we're fine."

Having studied Mirage Colloid, He Kui knew its weaknesses.

He wasn't sure if others were involved in this, but he had his methods to counter Mirage Colloid.

"Then tonight..."

"Sorry."

He Kui picked up Gates' schematics from the tablet.

If it was a battle, he needed to be more familiar with Gates.

After passing internal tests with ease, the day of the test arrived.

The test was set in space, just outside May City.

Both machines were equipped with non-lethal weapons, so there was no need for extensive travel to Boaz or Jachin Due for testing.

"Didn't expect to see your performance so soon after returning."

At the port, the Desert Tiger enthusiastically patted He Kui's shoulder, while Aisha smiled gently beside them.

"Why is Captain Andrew back in May City..."

"Just returned to December City and heard from Ed that you're ready for a one-on-one with a new mobile suit."

Clearly, whether it was the new mobile suit or the director piloting it for a duel, everything intrigued the Desert Tiger.

"Any issues? The other pilot is a professional tester."

The Desert Tiger asked boldly.

"Shouldn't be."

He Kui turned to his machine being loaded onto a Laurasia-class ship.

The Unit 2, now with a DINN's anti-air shotgun in addition to its standard gear, looked imposing with its thick armor.

While officially, this duel was for the Defense Committee's evaluation, everyone knew winning would earn significant points.

Some wanted to see if the Helan Design Bureau's machine could counter the Mirage Colloid-equipped

MMS.

Others believed the Mirage Colloid machine's control-seizing capabilities could be more valuable.

And some just wanted to watch.

He Kui didn't know how many were watching; he just wanted Gates to pass.