Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

The mechanics team supporting the South American resistance might have been informal, but constant battles had sharpened their skills to the level of B-grade technicians. Their difficulties with repairs stemmed more from a lack of exposure to certain models and a lack of schematics than from any skill deficiency.

However, He Kui's capable presence changed everything.

"Master! How do you even have schematics for the Dagger units?" Some previously skeptical members of the maintenance crew couldn't hold back anymore and moved closer, their curiosity piqued.

Before long, a small crowd had gathered around him, leaving no room to move.

"We reverse-engineered them from captured units. It may not be perfect, but it'll be enough for basic repairs," He Kui explained, sticking to the philosophy of teaching a person to fish rather than simply handing them the answers.

"Thank you so much, Master! No, you're like an angel!"

"Uh…that's a bit much," He Kui replied, feeling awkward. Being called an "angel" was strange, especially since he was a teenager himself.

The truth was, he was primarily repairing the Daggers to insert a few "surprises" of his own.

"But could I ask you all a few questions in exchange?" he inquired.

"Of course! As long as it's not classified information," someone replied eagerly.

"Oh, please, what kind of top-secret knowledge would you know?" another mechanic teased, laughter breaking the tension as He Kui settled into the familiar feeling of a workshop camaraderie.

"So, since the president returned, have there been any changes around the base?"

"Changes?" Some of the older mechanics scratched their heads, puzzled.

"I mean, anything unusual. Even if it seems minor."

The group exchanged looks, each searching their memory.

"Well, I've noticed footsteps in the hallway at night recently," one mechanic offered.

"This is a military base! Of course, there are people patrolling at night!" someone else laughed.

"No, no, it's different. The footsteps…they don't match," the first mechanic explained.

"Do you mean the sound of their shoes?" He Kui asked, intrigued.

"Yes, exactly!"

"Could you tell me where you heard it?"

"Absolutely!" the man replied with a grin, tapping his chest proudly.

Others chimed in with stories of disappearing food from the kitchens and strange lights in the distance. It was a mix of tales, though few were helpful. Still, the wandering footsteps piqued He Kui's curiosity, so he passed along the location to Gai Murakumo.

He knew that Matthias had spared no expense, even providing the Serpent's Tail with a rare Black Owl surveillance unit to assist. Although they hadn't revealed it yet, he was confident they had it available.

Meanwhile, Gai Murakumo, looking over the coordinates, frowned. The location was strategically significant, connecting the officer and regular housing areas—a probable entry point if anyone intended to infiltrate.

"Footsteps at night…" Elijah shivered.

"Are we here to protect the president or catch ghosts?"

"Ghosts don't leave footprints."

"Good point…"

"Well, let's send out the Black Owl tonight. I've heard ZAFT supplies are supposed to arrive within three days at the latest."

"Our esteemed president will likely oversee things from a helicopter in the rear," Gai noted.

As they discussed, He Kui steered his Aegis back to the room assigned to him, which was in the general residence area.

"Oh, you're back!" Elijah greeted him with a cheeky grin.

Seeing the bunk beds and Gai and Elijah already settled in, He Kui realized something unfortunate: he didn't have a private room.

Without a word, he turned and opened the door again.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"I'll sleep in the cockpit," he replied, shutting the door behind him.

"Did…did she just reject us?" Elijah asked, baffled. Gai merely shrugged.

Sleeping in the Aegis wasn't an issue for He Kui. Not only was it private, but he could use the machine's power supply to charge his equipment.

After locking up the cockpit and firewalling it for safety, he removed his VR headset and stretched, relishing the freedom. He'd been cooped up in the radar room all day. He'd finally be able to spend some time with Shi He and Su Lei, who were likely already resting in their room.

When he entered, he found them curled up on the bed, seemingly asleep. Shi He wore a sky-blue lace outfit, while Su Lei was dressed in deep red lace—their lingerie was clearly coordinated.

Knowing they were only pretending to sleep, He Kui softly ran his hand along the gentle curves of their backs, leaving faint red trails on their fair skin.

"How did you know?" Su Lei playfully batted his hand away, and Shi He opened her bright eyes, smiling.

"You don't sleep that still," He Kui teased.

"No way, right?" Su Lei looked at Shi He for support, but her friend just chuckled.

"Hmph, ganging up on me again," Su Lei pouted, giving the two a feigned glare.

"Well, if that's what Su Lei wants," He Kui laughed, pinning her hands gently. Shi He joined in, playfully pressing down on her friend.

"Let go!"

"Shout all you want; no one can hear you," He Kui grinned.

After a night well spent, He Kui awoke refreshed, his Gundam projects progressing steadily. At this pace, he would soon be able to produce Gundanium alloy.

Returning to the radar room in the morning, he opened the cockpit to a cacophony of noise.

"Master! You're still here?" The maintenance crew from yesterday immediately noticed him.

"I slept in the cockpit," he replied, to which they all looked at him with newfound admiration.

"Master, you're truly dedicated!"

He Kui smirked, wondering if they'd feel differently if they knew he'd actually slept in his comfortable bed at home. Then again, he could always let them vent on this unmanned suit if they found out.

Instead of stepping out, he opened the internal comms.

"Everything quiet last night?" he asked.

"Yeah, we didn't see a single soul," Elijah replied with a yawn.

"Understood, thanks."

With supplies due soon, they had a rough time estimate. The best time for the enemy to strike would be when the moon was at its furthest, shrouding them in darkness.

"Probably one day left," he murmured.

With all the machines repaired and a few "backdoors" installed, the most dangerous part of the mission was approaching. He Kui decided to make the most of the calm and take a patrol around the base.

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