"First, regarding Councilor He's lost flagship, our Dawn Organization will collaborate with your side to develop a cutting-edge new flagship as a replacement."
Cagalli spoke while glancing at Erica.
A series of conceptual images for the new vessel then appeared on the conference table between them.
Of course, these were merely conceptual designs.
The streamlined hull resembled the Kusanagi somewhat but featured three prows. Countless miniaturized light shields were embedded along its surface, while the central prow was equipped with a thermal ram at its tip. The two side prows housed positron cannons.
The entire Mobile Suit looked like a lethal weapon—and indeed, it was designed to be exactly that.
"So you're saying the Dawn Organization wants to cooperate with us?"
He Kui quickly grasped the key point.
Assisting in construction implied collaboration.
"We'll only share certain technologies. In return, we'll also install many new weapons on it."
As Erica spoke, descriptions of various new armaments appeared alongside the concept images.
The shipboard miniaturized light shields could defend against attacks from all directions.
Compared to the original Light Shield System, they were more flexible and energy-efficient.
As for the thermal ram, high-speed positron cannons, and Mirage Particle Overlayed Laminated Armor, the technological advancements were too numerous to list.
In exchange, they would need to provide the same engine used in the Meteor unit, along with partial data on the Elastic Wing System.
After all, the battleship's thrusters utilized Elastic Wing Drive to ensure maneuverability.
If executed well, this vessel could surpass even their newest warship in capability.
"I don't have the authority to decide this."
Though he was the head of the Design Bureau and a member of the Defense Committee, the Elastic Wing System wasn't his to share.
"Of course, I understand."
She simply wanted to see if He Kui would outright refuse. Observing his interest, Erica already had a plan in mind.
Later, Orb offered additional incentives—such as a 50-million compensation package and opportunities for study at the Dawn Organization.
He Kui accepted some terms and politely declined others.
Overall, the discussions proceeded quite amicably.
The final dinner was closely monitored by Erica, ensuring nothing untoward occurred before He Kui left the hotel.
"So you're just leaving like that?"
Lacus, who had only participated as an intermediary, arched an eyebrow at him from the car.
"She's Orb's princess—it's not like I can just visit her room, right?"
He Kui answered with a straight face.
"Were you planning to come back later?"
Noticing his expression, Lacus narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Of course not."
"Then that settles it."
Lacus rolled her eyes at him.
He Kui didn't respond this time, merely smiling at her.
Suddenly, Lacus recalled Setona's words.
Given He Kui's current connections, if she could truly harness his influence, she would wield the power to sway the world.
With proper guidance, this power could achieve even greater things.
She still had faith in He Kui—after all, even she hadn't managed to sway him back then. How could that girl possibly steal him away?
With these strange thoughts in mind, Lacus didn't press further.
Instead, she turned to gaze out the window at the familiar sights of April City and remarked,
"They've shown genuine sincerity in this collaboration."
"That's right. After all, Orb probably doesn't want to reignite any conflicts."
He Kui nodded.
As an industrial nation, Orb's neutrality declaration prevented them from selling weapons, though they could still distribute Civilian Heretics through the Waste Merchant Guild.
But that was never their main business.
Compared to their Dagger series and the GINNs—which had operating systems simplified enough for Naturals to pilot—the Heretics weren't particularly competitive.
Their cost-performance ratio was worse than the GINNs, with only their customization capability being a notable advantage.
But they were still too expensive compared to the GINNs.
Buying a low-spec model was worse than just getting a GINN, while a high-spec one couldn't match the more versatile and moderately performing Daggers or CGUEs.
In short, they didn't hold an edge in the civilian market either.
And if they weren't careful, after a few rounds of comparisons, exporting ordinary industrial products would still be more profitable.
"You do understand the implications of your technology, don't you?"
Lacus moved closer to He Kui, her orchid-like breath brushing against his face as her cherry lips parted slightly.
"Of course I do."
"I won't give away anything I shouldn't."
He Kui stated matter-of-factly.
Not a single mistake, not a single word, not a single detail—everything was accounted for!
"That's good. If the Hydroponic Pod technology were leaked, you'd be in serious trouble."
Lacus pinched He Kui's cheek playfully, as if teasing a toy.
"So thick."
"...By the way, has Mentor Malchio contacted you?"
"Mentor?"
Hearing the name suddenly, Lacus paused, then shook her head.
"He did approach us for the Hydroponic Pod technology before."
"But it was too chaotic and not the right time, so my father refused."
"Now that the food crisis is resolved, there's no reason for it either."
"You suspect the Mentor?"
Lacus, as sharp as ever, saw right through him.
Just by observing He Kui's expressionless face, she guessed the answer.
"Exactly. His speeches and activities in Copernicus have been suspicious enough."
"How do you know about Copernicus?"
Lacus wasn't someone easily fooled. Hearing about Copernicus, she pressed further.
"I have informants. Besides, many residents of Copernicus witnessed that speech."
At He Kui's explanation, Lacus shrugged noncommittally.
"The Mentor probably just made some new discoveries about SEED. It shouldn't be a big issue."
"At the very least, without any direct or indirect evidence, the Mentor won't be under suspicion."
Lacus said.
"And what does Lacus think?"
"After the incidents with the Neutron Jammer and the Hydroponic Pod."
Hearing He Kui's words, Lacus averted her gaze from the young man's eyes.
As a global leader for peace, could she truly not understand the implications behind these actions?
The initial Neutron Jammer could be justified as being for the sake of Earth's civilians.
After all, the planet's environment was dire, and without energy, more lives would have been lost.
But once the Neutron Jammer reached Earth, how could its proper use be guaranteed?
What if Orb misused it? There were too many uncertainties.
The Hydroponic Pod was even more questionable. The food shortage hadn't lasted long—aside from PLANT's granaries being bombed, other nations suffered minimal losses.
Yet he had acted too hastily.
"The most important thing is still to find evidence, even if it's indirect."
"Otherwise, Mentor's position is something we can't possibly shake."
Lacus lowered her head in thought for a long while before finally speaking.
(End of Chapter)