Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

The Crab Demon slowly entered the simulated waters, sending gentle ripples across the surface. Its reflection danced in the water, looking deceptively harmless. However, moments later, its rocket-powered engines ignited, and the Crab Demon sliced through the water like an arrow, leaving a trail of foam in its wake.

It maneuvered gracefully, executing sharp turns, rapid ascents, and descents with remarkable ease—all at the hands of the seasoned pilot.

"Alright, let's proceed with the land test," He Kui announced.

The tests continued smoothly, from water to land, and finally, the weapons trials. Since beam weapons don't work underwater, the Crab Demon had been equipped with the GINN's sonic cannon—a weaker weapon, but sufficient for basic combat.

"Why don't we have Mega Particles yet?" He Kui mused aloud, knowing full well that Mega Particles, a staple from the UC universe, were unrealistic here. Their presence would only complicate things with neutron interference and particle disruption, making detection difficult and dangerous.

"For close combat, perhaps we could replace the claws with something akin to Gundam's armor-piercing blade or a thermal knife," he thought.

As he pondered, Shi He suddenly embraced him in excitement. "We did it!"

"Yes, we did." He Kui looked at the now battle-tested Crab Demon, its exterior covered in dirt and scuffs. It looked far more intimidating than it did brand-new—a true weapon of war.

"All tests are complete. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work," he said, as the Clark Design Bureau team saluted him in unison.

"For ZAFT!" they declared.

He Kui returned the salute. "For ZAFT." He had repeated this line countless times now, each time feeling differently. What started as a phrase he once found naive now bore the weight of responsibility. He was no longer a lone figure; he carried the hopes and expectations of many.

"Congratulations, Director He!" The Clark Design Bureau's director's face lit up with a proud smile.

"Thank you."

"You're truly a pillar of PLANT's future—no, you already are!" he laughed.

Shi He and Su Lei watched He Kui, amused by his slightly weary expression.

"The upcoming extreme tests will be in your hands," he said.

"Leaving already, Director He?" the director asked.

"Yes, there are still a few matters I need to handle."

"At least let us host a farewell for you."

"There's no need for that—best not to be too extravagant," He Kui replied with a small smile.

With a regretful nod, the director personally escorted He Kui, Shi He, and Su Lei back to the port. Once aboard the shuttle, He Kui noted how Su Lei and Shi He chatted away effortlessly. Oddly, they had been inseparable these past days, even opting to share a room together at night. Perhaps they had bonded, or maybe he had just been too busy to notice.

Beyond the Crab Demon project, He Kui had been working on some personal projects. Between that and the research, he'd had little time for anything else. Yet, seeing Su Lei and Shi He growing closer brought a faint smile to his face.

"What are you thinking, staring like that?" Shi He teased, catching him looking their way.

"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head innocently.

Shi He rolled her eyes. "I doubt it's anything good."

Su Lei chuckled and nudged him lightly.

As he watched the two women banter, He Kui wondered, would he survive suggesting they all stay together? Probably not. But he tucked the thought away for now, settling into the moment with a quiet smile.

Life like this was good. Maybe, one day, if all his responsibilities were complete, he could take Shi He, Su Lei, and his other loved ones to explore the world—and perhaps the universe as well.

With each step in his nanomachine research, He Kui began to realize the future potential of the technology. Perhaps, one day, it would open the door to a kind of technological immortality.

Who didn't long for immortality? And now, He Kui held the key to it—though he'd need the Martian Princess's genetic expertise and more advanced nanomachine control to complete it. This was no small matter, and he had no intention of relying on Durandal or anyone else to achieve this goal. It would have to remain his own guarded secret, with every effect, and side effect, studied in detail.

Resolving himself further, He Kui looked forward to his next task.

Back in Sector One, He Kui made a detour to his asteroid-based company. The asteroid had evolved considerably, featuring larger ports and state-of-the-art facilities.

"He Kui!" A familiar voice called as a small figure with golden hair launched herself at him, like a lioness pouncing on prey. Cagalli glared at him, determined.

Behind her, several HAROs and owl drones bounced around happily.

"Why are you still here, Miss?" He Kui asked, exasperated.

Even after informing her family, and with Orb quietly attempting to retrieve her, Cagalli had stayed. It seemed she was intent on sticking around. Oddly, Orb's leader, Uzumi, hadn't pressured her to return.

"I'm not leaving until you show me the design bureau!" she declared, arms crossed defiantly.

"…Fine. And then you'll go home?"

"Well…I'll think about it."

"He Kui, why are you trying so hard to send her away?" his mother's voice chimed in as his parents approached, having come to welcome him back.

"What?"

"We like having Cagalli around. You're rarely here, and she keeps us company," his father added.

"Exactly! And she even helps us with gardening," his mother beamed.

Cagalli smiled shyly, scratching her head.

He Kui was speechless. His parents didn't realize Cagalli was the princess of Orb. If they knew, they'd probably be shocked. And since when did she have an interest in gardening?

"You like gardening now?" He Kui asked, his brow raised.

"What, is that a problem?" Cagalli shot back, feigning annoyance.

Initially, she had sought his parents out to get closer to him, hoping to gather more information. But she quickly discovered she wasn't the only Natural in the PLANT, and found herself bonding with them, eventually picking up an interest in gardening. Through her conversations with them, she began to understand PLANT's challenges and the complexities of its position.

After all, Orb and PLANT weren't truly enemies. That realization had softened her father's stance, allowing her to remain here.

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