Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

The DINNs in mid-air were elite pilots, each at least as skilled as a standard Red Badge soldier. Their expertise effectively nullified the enemy's ambush, and the sacrifice of those three Saberfish pilots had shifted the tide in their favor.

The desperate cry of those three still echoed in He Kui's ears. For them, this battle held a different meaning. Unlike him, they had no safe haven to retreat to. If this rebel force fell, South America would likely plunge into unending turmoil. The rebels needed a swift and decisive outcome, brutal as it might be.

Yet, He Kui wanted no part in such irreversible sacrifice. He had no desire to face death without a chance of fighting back. That meant he needed more—better equipment, more resources, a stronger mobile suit, and enhanced skills.

"When Rou gets the chance, let's get the new Aegis ready for deployment," He Kui thought, calculating that, with his current setup, he might be able to control two Aegis units simultaneously.

Lost in thought, he reflexively fired Aegis' machine gun, forcing the Buster Dagger into retreat before it exploded in the rainforest below. As the last of the Daggers fell, the battle soon stabilized, with Murakumo, He Kui, and the others clearing the battlefield. The remaining units regrouped on the ground, gathering and organizing their supplies as quickly as possible; they knew their position was compromised.

Just then, a laser communication message popped up on He Kui's display.

"Are you from Pallas?"

Before he could respond, four DINNs had surrounded him, their beam rifles raised in unison. Curiously, they avoided aiming at his cockpit, instead targeting his thrusters and arms—as if ready to disable him without killing him.

"No, I'm not," He Kui answered, sensing where this was heading.

". . . Do you think we'll believe that?"

"To avoid unnecessary casualties, please cooperate with our investigation."

"I just saved you all," He Kui pointed out, frustrated.

". . . Apologies, but these are our orders."

He Kui took a deep breath. Escape was his best option now. He glanced up at the sky, calculating that his Aegis could probably outrun the DINNs. If he could reach the carrier, he'd be home free.

But before he could act, Murakumo and Elijah unexpectedly lowered their cargo, raised their beam rifles, and aimed at the DINNs surrounding him.

". . . You two?" He Kui was taken aback by their choice.

"Even temporarily, you're under our protection," Murakumo stated calmly.

"Well, thank you."

Murakumo's stoic demeanor hid a surprisingly loyal heart.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you really planning to defy ZAFT?" demanded one of the DINN pilots.

"Sorry, but this girl is under our protection. We can't allow you to interfere with her," Murakumo replied.

As the two sides faced off in silence, an unexpected metallic clanging echoed from below. Looking down, He Kui saw the maintenance crew, armed with iron shovels, pounding on the DINN legs, creating a loud, metallic racket.

"What's with this infighting? Help us get these units unpacked already!" one of the mechanics yelled, his voice reverberating across the area.

For a moment, silence fell over the field. Then the president's authoritative voice came over their comms, firm and composed.

"I trust that Pallas is not our enemy. ZAFT operatives, could you grant us this courtesy? For now, our focus should be on the current conflict."

". . ."

He Kui quickly realized that this president probably knew of Pallas's existence all along, especially if he held some sway in PLANT. As a leader of a rebel government, he likely had access to critical intelligence.

"However, Mr. Rodriguez, we . . ."

"Panama remains the primary objective, as per orders from the ZAFT Defense Council," the president interjected, invoking his authority. As a leader on the brink of the Panama Campaign, his words carried weight.

". . . Understood." The DINNs lowered their weapons, followed by Murakumo and Elijah.

"Let's proceed with inventory and prepare to move out," ordered the president, his voice echoing across the comms.

With the extra manpower of the ten mobile suits, the packing and inventory process was completed swiftly. Despite the losses in the previous battle, they managed to gather twenty armed helicopters and two additional Daggers, bringing their total to four.

Returning to ground level, He Kui assisted with repairs on two battle-scarred Daggers.

"There, all done," he said, finishing repairs on the damaged Dagger arm. He turned to the maintenance crew. "If you start disassembly at section B34, it'll be quicker and more efficient."

"Got it!" The mechanics, who had previously been all fire and brimstone, now listened intently, like schoolchildren.

"Thank you so much!" A female Dagger pilot approached, her face bright with gratitude.

The pilot's distinct Indo-European features, exotic charm, and graceful figure gave her an arresting presence.

"It's no trouble."

"No! It's a big deal—I like you! Marry me!"

". . ."

The sudden, passionate declaration left He Kui nearly choking in surprise.

"Uh . . ."

If he remembered correctly, he was still under his Aegis alias.

"Woohoo!" Cheers erupted from the mechanics around them, their jeers only adding to the chaos.

"Haha, come on, why don't you say yes? Elena here is the pride of the whole town!"

". . . Well, I'm flattered, but I'm currently on a mission for world peace," he replied, deadpan, while his mind raced.

What a strange twist—one minute they're in a battle for survival, and the next, he's receiving a marriage proposal. Perhaps they'd all grown numb to the constant danger.

Whatever the case, he wasn't about to start any romantic entanglements in such a remote location.

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