That evening, He Kui prepared to depart from the asteroid once more.
However, just then, Lika appeared again at his doorstep.
"Where is Councilor He planning to go so late at night?"
Lika asked with a smile.
"Lika, aren't you on leave?"
"I haven't felt like taking time off recently."
Shrugging, Lika took a step closer to He Kui.
Now, only a fist's distance separated the two.
"I won't tell anyone about Councilor He's movements."
"In exchange, I want..."
Lika trailed off, leaving her words hanging with a suggestive tone.
"Of course, I'd be happy to have Lika join me."
Lika was Elite Red Coat-level in strength—a formidable asset for him.
As a bodyguard, she was undoubtedly capable, and the two knew each other well.
"How did you know?!"
Lika pouted, frustrated that her teasing hadn't worked on He Kui.
"Because of the look in your eyes."
It was the gaze of an ambitious person, not someone in love.
He had seen it too many times to mistake it.
Besides, Lika had observed him long enough—if she had wanted to act, she would have long ago.
"Hmph~"
Lika snorted lightly in response.
"And for the record, I'm not sneaking off."
He Kui chuckled.
He wasn't sure what misunderstanding Lika had, but he had actually planned to bring both her and Iron Wall along from the start.
"I'm going as a representative to host Orb's delegation at their hotel."
As a councilor, He Kui had the authority to move freely as long as he remained within PLANT.
Previously, he had been cautious and avoided unnecessary movements, but now, with his technological advancements, his ability to protect himself had grown significantly.
"Ah..."
Hearing this, Lika felt a little embarrassed.
She had assumed He Kui was sneaking off for some nighttime entertainment.
After all, it certainly looked that way.
"Alright, call Iron Wall. Let's go."
"As for Lika, consider this a probationary period."
"Can't even trust an old classmate?"
She shot him a mock glare but nodded nonetheless.
As one of the shadows who had followed He Kui for so long, she understood him better than most—and had a clearer vision of his future.
Since she was already in space, why not venture further? Born into darkness, she secretly yearned for the unknown more than most.
"Your eyes will be healed soon."
"Trying to trick me again?"
"I know all about that research of yours."
He Kui smiled at her words before leaving the asteroid.
Surrounded by twelve of his latest Little Birds, he arrived at the hotel.
His Little Birds naturally dispersed, replacing the PLANT agents stationed around the area.
Of course, those agents remained unaware of the Little Birds' presence.
Under full surveillance, everything in the vicinity was transmitted in 3D to the quantum computer on the asteroid—now in its preliminary stages of success—processed, and then relayed back to the lenses of He Kui's smart contact display.
In other words, if he wanted, this building and the surrounding streets would hold no secrets from him.
He Kui wasn't the type to indulge in voyeurism or invade others' privacy.
So once he confirmed there were no threats, he had the computer remove the surveillance feeds.
Amid this overwhelming sense of security, He Kui arrived outside Cagalli's hotel room.
"Miss Cagalli."
He Kui knocked on the door in the old-fashioned way.
"Who is it?"
"Food delivery."
"Pfft."
Hearing He Kui's familiar line, Cagalli couldn't help but giggle softly from inside.
The ornate, solid wood door promptly swung open.
Before He Kui stood the golden-haired girl wrapped only in a bath towel, her flushed face looking utterly alluring.
"Get in here!"
Blushing with embarrassment, the girl peeked her golden head out to check the hallway before yanking the young man inside.
"Why are you so late!?"
Once inside, Cagalli glared at He Kui with displeasure.
"Had some things to take care of."
He Kui smiled and pulled Cagalli into an embrace.
Good things were coming—if not for their age, He Kui would've opened a bottle of wine to celebrate and set the mood.
However, just as He Kui was about to take things further, his wristband suddenly buzzed.
The urgent ringing suggested something major had happened.
Giving Cagalli a reassuring look, He Kui quickly pressed the communication button.
"Mattias?"
"Councilor He, long time no see."
"Why call now?"
He Kui sighed.
"Didn't want to either. Just got back to May City and already bringing you bad news."
"...What bad news?"
"My sister has gone completely mad with hatred for you. She's escalated your assassination threat level to maximum."
Mattias sounded exasperated on the other end.
"Maximum?"
"That's the tier reserved for national leaders and top researchers. Just be careful."
"They might come for you very soon."
He Kui narrowed his eyes at Mattias's words.
He'd anticipated this, but still.
"What resources do they have left?"
He Kui asked.
"A Replicant combat unit, plus they're collaborating with an unknown faction—that's the real problem."
"Anyway, I doubt they can actually succeed in assassinating you, but stay alert."
"Got lots to handle, so I'll hang up now. We'll talk later."
Clearly swamped, Mattias ended the call abruptly.
He Kui's expression darkened slightly.
If Aula truly had Mind Control capabilities, they could leak countless secrets.
At least his visit here should still be unknown.
Just as He Kui steadied himself, Shihe's call came through.
"He Kui, the lunar mining crater was bombed!"
"Bombed?"
He Kui paused briefly before responding.
"Casualties?"
"Minor issues. Everyone was piloting Small MS units when it happened. The attackers were pirates in Blitz units—our guards stopped them, but before self-destructing, one claimed to be sent by Pallas."
"..."
He Kui was speechless.
Right after learning his assassination risk had increased, this happens.
It wasn't hard to guess who was behind it.
But beyond disrupting his profits, what was the point?
Testing him?
"I understand. Stay calm for now and leave the investigation to ZAFT over there."
"Alright, but you'd better come back soon."
"I know."
Their actions might be trying to lure Aegis to the moon.
But with such an obvious plan, he wasn't entirely sure about their true intentions.
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