No matter how much they rested, there would always come a time to leave.
As soon as the wristband on his hand buzzed with a call from Serena, He Kui dragged Cagalli back to the reception room.
The expressions of everyone in the reception room turned slightly peculiar as they watched He Kui and Cagalli enter together.
"Where did Miss Cagalli go?"
Erica asked, while Kira and Mu also turned their attention toward them.
Especially Kira. Mu had already shared his suspicions with him, so was it true that his sister had feelings for He Kui? Kira observed the young man before him, who was just over a year older than himself.
He did look quite handsome, and his research abilities were impressive. He had also heard that his piloting skills were not bad either.
But the problem was that Kira was no longer the naive kid he used to be. He knew that He Kui had a fiancée, and he had even heard that he had sent flowers to Director Erica.
At this thought, Kira clenched his fists.
"Well..."
The girl, who had just woken up and washed her face, was still a bit dazed.
"Miss Cagalli wasn't feeling well earlier, so I took her to rest for a while."
He Kui smiled.
"Yes, that's right."
Cagalli's emphasis made He Kui's otherwise convincing explanation seem even more suspicious.
"Miss Cagalli, please come sit here."
Erica's lips twitched slightly, and a sense of urgency rose in her heart.
After all, she was the heir to Orb. It would be a joke if she were to be whisked away by He Kui.
"Okay..."
For once, Cagalli didn't say much. She simply nodded, her face flushed, and returned to the Orb group.
"It's good that we ran into Director He just now. We also wanted to ask you about the Hydroponic Pods."
Erica spoke up after the two had taken their seats.
"Regarding the Hydroponic Pods, hasn't PLANT already made a deal with Orb?"
The terms of the deal were fair. Although the evil Atlantic Federation had been defeated, the damage they had inflicted on Earth had not yet been fully healed.
Earth's food production capacity would remain low for the next few years.
Thus, the trade between the two sides had continued.
"Yes, but what we want is the technology."
Erica's gaze swept around the room. Since everyone here was either a researcher or a trusted ally, she wasn't afraid to speak openly.
"What do you have to offer in exchange?"
He Kui pondered for a moment before asking.
"Is this for you personally or for PLANT?"
Hearing Erica's question, He Kui chuckled.
"Of course, it's for PLANT. The owner of this technology is the people of PLANT, not me."
He Kui had no intention of selling the technology. He had already risen to such a high position, and there was no need for him to do so.
Erica wasn't surprised by He Kui's response and nodded as if it were only natural.
"In that case, Councilor He, what conditions do you think PLANT would propose?"
"Food production is crucial for outer space exploration and space colonization, isn't it?"
Erica said, glancing at Serena.
As Erica had pointed out, what limited humanity's progress was not just energy but also food.
Now, with the Light Thruster and the Hydroponic Pod technology, coupled with the Nano Auto-Repair System and the Light Shield System, they were fully equipped for the possibility of space colonization.
Of course, it's just a possibility. After all, given the vast distance, they would undoubtedly need to build a multifunctional ship to ensure the mental health of the crew. They were talking about colonization measured in light-years. The nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is 4.25 light-years away. In theory, light-pressure thrusters could propel a ship to the fastest speed in the universe, but at such speeds, only computers could withstand the strain—human bodies couldn't, and issues like metal fatigue would also need to be considered. Human extraterrestrial colonization is still incredibly challenging, but everything can be overcome. This is the purpose of DSSD's existence.
"Someday it will be achieved, but there are still many challenges ahead," Serena's eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope before quickly dimming again.
"We are certainly willing to cooperate with DSSD," He Kui said with a smile. "After all, the existence of us Coordinators is partly for the purpose of exploring the universe, right, Director Erica?"
It wasn't exactly ironic, but everyone present, except for Mu, was a Coordinator. Even Mu's abilities were infinitely close to those of a Coordinator. The Stargazer was the embodiment of their ideals. Although they might always be divided by national boundaries, there are some things that transcend nations—like the heart that seeks to explore and understand.
"Right," Erica's expression grew complex, but she nodded in agreement. She understood He Kui's meaning. This technology could be used for colonization, a consideration for humanity's future. But beneath that, this technology would inevitably be constrained by national frameworks. There was no escaping it.
"Ultimately, you'll need to discuss this with PLANT. Although I'm a council member, I don't have that much authority," He Kui said as he stood up. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you all."
"Please wait," Kira, who had been listening quietly, finally stood up.
"Mr. Kira, what is it?" He Kui asked.
"I'd like to have a talk with you, if that's okay?" Kira said. After all, this man might potentially be involved with his sister, and he wasn't entirely at ease.
"Of course, no problem," He Kui replied, looking at Kira. Come to think of it, they had never really had a proper conversation, even after a whole year of war. It was almost unbelievable. But with Uzumi around, there was no need to worry about Kira going astray. The only concern was that he might become too upright.
"Me too," Cagalli, seeing the two, quickly stood up as well.
Sulei, observing the situation, began to look increasingly puzzled. Unaware that Kira and Cagalli were siblings, she assumed this was some kind of dramatic love triangle and couldn't help but feel a headache on He Kui's behalf. So, had He Kui really made a move on a girl who already had a boyfriend? How scandalous! Still, Sulei wasn't worried about He Kui losing out—the young man across from him looked a bit frailer. He probably wouldn't get beaten to death, and if he did, it would serve him right. As she silently mocked the situation, Sulei found herself growing more and more curious about this love triangle.
"Alright, Cagalli, let them talk," Erica, who likely guessed Kira's intentions, stood up and gently held Cagalli back. It wouldn't hurt for Kira to test He Kui's true intentions.
Moreover, the most important thing was that he was Cagalli's younger brother, which made him He Kui's brother-in-law. Having this identity made it easier to have a conversation.
"..."
Pulled back by Erica, Cagalli grew anxious and was about to say something more when He Kui coughed lightly.
"Miss Cagalli, there's no need to worry about Mr. Kira. We're just having a chat."
On the surface, He Kui couldn't say "don't worry about me," so he subtly changed the subject.
Hearing this, Kira's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't refute it.
(End of Chapter)