Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"A, President Rodriguez wants to see you."

Just after He Kui turned down the young pilot's unexpected proposal, the major showed up, still glaring at him for his missile strike on the rainforest.

". . . Understood."

Since they'd just backed him up, He Kui felt a pang of remorse for the damage he'd caused to their forest. Thankfully, the team had already organized firefighting efforts, so the impact should be minimal.

He Kui had expected this meeting; after all, Rodriguez had intervened on his behalf. It would've been more surprising if the president hadn't summoned him. Still, he discreetly unlocked his stun gun's safety, just in case he needed a quick exit.

Following the young officer down a winding corridor, He Kui reached the base's innermost section, an area he hadn't been able to access before. The reinforced walls were designed to withstand a nuclear blast, something his Aegis systems readily confirmed.

"Mr. Rodriguez."

The sliding door opened to reveal President Rodriguez seated behind a modest desk.

"You're from Pallas."

The president, with his meticulously groomed beard and Prussian-style military uniform, exuded both confidence and calm, as if the uncertain future didn't faze him.

"Yes, I am."

He Kui bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for what you did earlier, but I must ask—what is your true purpose?"

"World peace."

"That's a bit broad, don't you think?"

Rodriguez chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Whatever your reason, thank you. The ZAFT officers won't let this go on much longer, so once we reach Panama, you should make your escape amidst the chaos. Given the speed of your mobile suit, I'm sure you'll manage."

"Why help me?"

"Because I like you, and I've kept an eye on what you've been doing around the base."

". . . Thank you."

He Kui had to admit, the president's wisdom and candor were impressive. It was clear he had assessed He Kui's motivations and understood that his involvement was purely to protect.

"Won't ZAFT make things difficult for you?"

"They still need me," Rodriguez said calmly.

"Our conversation ends here, then. It's been a pleasure, Miss A."

"Likewise."

After leaving Rodriguez's office, He Kui pondered the president's intentions. Did he genuinely want an alliance with Pallas, or was he simply expressing gratitude? Either way, the groundwork had been laid for future cooperation.

As he made his way outside, He Kui spotted the maintenance crew, heavily laden with equipment and supplies.

"Where are you all headed?" he asked.

"With the army, of course!" one of the older men replied.

"Aren't you the maintenance crew?" He Kui asked, bewildered.

"We are, but this base is compromised. Can't stay here any longer."

"Besides, we can still fight. I'm a pro with an RPG!" one man boasted.

"Yeah, pro at hitting your own team," another teased, pulling everyone into laughter.

Clearing his throat, He Kui interrupted, "Thanks for everything earlier."

"No problem, Master—you taught us so much!"

With that, the crew surrounded him, chattering about family and friends they'd left behind, each story adding to the heavy silence that followed.

"Why did you all join the resistance?" He Kui asked, genuinely curious.

"Even if we stayed in the cities, we'd never get jobs. We'd fail the background checks, or worse, get sent to the front lines to die."

"Joining the resistance means food, companionship, and a real purpose—driving out those who stole from us," one replied.

". . . Sorry to hear that."

"No worries! We're making the best of it," one of the men laughed, patting He Kui on the shoulder. "So don't go dying on us, okay, Fairy Master?"

". . . I'll do my best."

Back in his Aegis, He Kui prepared to move out with the rest of the force. Murakumo's voice came over the comms.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes, I'm good. Aren't you curious about Pallas?"

"We're mercenaries, not spies," Murakumo replied coolly. "Once we reach Panama, we'll cover your exit."

"Thank you."

Glancing back at the base, He Kui saw the familiar maintenance crew struggling under their heavy packs, heading toward a convoy of jeeps. It seemed Rodriguez was open to future collaboration, a relationship that might prove valuable for He Kui. With the support of the South American United Republic, many of his future plans could become more feasible.

For He Kui, this mission's objective was simple: gather resources and alliances to secure his safety and protect those he cared for. Sometimes, offense was the best defense. Ensuring stability here might prevent further chaos from reaching PLANT and causing widespread harm.

As the convoy mobilized, the four DINNs flew in formation, scouting ahead, while He Kui and his team, as mercenaries, guarded the rear. The remaining Daggers, too slow for ground movement, were loaded onto transports, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.

Curious, He Kui asked over the comms, "Doesn't the South American Republic have military forces stationed with the Alliance? Won't they come back to fight?"

"Not sure," Murakumo replied curtly.

"Oh, I know," Elijah chimed in. "The Alliance moved the South American forces out of the region, probably to avoid a rebellion. Now, the only Alliance forces here are the Pacific Third and Fifth Fleets under the Atlantic Federation."

"I see."

As the jungle receded behind them, He Kui couldn't shake the feeling that Rodriguez was unnaturally calm about the upcoming battle. Something told him Panama was about to get even more interesting.

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