Chapter 247: The Clan’s Actions

He Kui didn't glean much useful information from the gathering; most of the time, the three of them just chatted. As dusk approached, everyone gradually began to leave.

"He Kui, I'll be counting on you for the nanobot project. The directors of the Gene Research Institute and Basic Medical Research Institute in February City mentioned they'll send personnel to assist with the nanobot development when the time comes," Chief Sha said with a hearty smile.

"Understood."

Though termed as "assistance," it was likely they wanted a share of the research benefits, which didn't concern He Kui much.

After all, he was the one with the golden finger.

The foundational knowledge of nanobots was already firmly ingrained in his mind, something others couldn't take away. Although there was always the chance that a genius might push forward with even his preliminary theories, he ensured a gap between the theories he published and those fully formed in his mind.

The safest approach would be to unlock all the knowledge first before publishing—or not to publish at all.

For example, he hadn't disclosed his quantum firewall.

The repeated attacks from Boaz made it clear enough.

Once too many people knew about a technology, new ways to breach it would soon follow.

So keeping the quantum firewall to himself was the more secure choice.

As for other advancements like Gundanium alloy or intermediate quantum communication technology, things he couldn't produce on his own, he leaned toward releasing them only once they were complete.

"One step at a time."

"Let's wait until the nanobot technology is halfway there before officially starting the project."

After all, that man, Rau Le Creuset, didn't seem to plan on any treatment. And Rey… he wasn't in imminent danger.

And saving people should come with some benefit for himself.

Back on his asteroid, He Kui spent two days drafting a nanobot research group proposal and constructed a new Aegis model.

Then an unexpected guest contacted him at the asteroid's radar station.

"Your firewall is quite impressive," Matthias remarked on the screen.

"Hey~ He Kui~" Setona, standing beside Matthias, waved enthusiastically at him.

"Setona, when are you coming over to visit?" He Kui smiled.

"Soon~"

"So, we're here to discuss the firewall, right?" Matthias asked, looking exasperated at He Kui.

"Apologies. Just cautious," He Kui refocused on Matthias.

"So, what's the reason for this call, Matthias?"

"The organization is making a move."

At He Kui's question, Matthias's usual casual expression faded, turning serious.

"...What action?"

"It's related to you all. The exiled president of the United South American Government, Esteban Rodriguez, currently under PLANT's protection, is set to return to the United South American territories."

"What?"

"It's not unusual they didn't inform you. Given your position, there was no need for you to know."

Indeed, as Matthias pointed out, the Defense Council likely saw no need to inform him of such plans.

While Joule had reached out to him before, it was only to mention that the Odin's Spear would be delivered to Earth in two days, and that he should arrange researchers to accompany it—nothing more.

As for other Defense Council plans, it was possible Creuset knew, but He Kui was kept in the dark.

Based on Joule's hint, he guessed that the Panama offensive was close.

But he hadn't anticipated they'd send the exiled president himself to lead the charge at Panama.

"Currently, morale among the resistance forces in South America is low, and the president hopes to use this opportunity to reclaim his homeland."

Matthias briefly explained the president's motivations before continuing.

"But the Clan also got wind of this."

"So they plan to eliminate the president within the United South American territories."

"Are they still not satisfied with the chaos?"

He Kui asked with a frown.

"After all, their goal is to perpetuate the war. This organization has long since decayed," Matthias replied, then paused.

"If this president dies, your claim over the United South American Government will be questioned, and the conflict in South America will only intensify, turning it into a quagmire."

Though neither side would halt over a claim, it would tarnish PLANT's already tenuous reputation.

Moreover, South America could serve as a drain on PLANT's offensive on Earth.

"Do you have a plan?"

"We're merely an intelligence organization."

"But funds are hardly an issue for you."

He Kui replied knowingly.

"Alright, I did indeed hire an elite mercenary team to secretly protect the president."

"The good news is we've nearly purged the Clan's spies within PLANT, so they'll likely attempt the assassination on Earth."

"The bad news is, since we're not ZAFT personnel, we can't provide direct bodyguarding."

He Kui understood Matthias was hinting for him to take action.

"I've given you the information, along with the president's planned route and the mercenaries' contact. It's best not to share this with Zala's side."

"And by the way, Creuset's dossier hasn't been located yet; you'll need to wait a bit longer."

Matthias seemed to end the call quickly, as if wary of He Kui recruiting Setona.

Matthias had passed the dilemma to him, though he didn't question He Kui's actions.

As he mentioned, the message was delivered.

And since it concerned PLANT and the broader war, He Kui naturally felt compelled to intervene.

Whether he could successfully prevent it depended on his and the mercenaries' capabilities.

"Earth…"

It was uncertain if Matthias truly trusted him, yet he handed over the responsibility.

And it seemed Matthias had suspicions about those around Zala.

But consulting Lacus didn't seem especially useful.

The organization was just an intelligence group, with limited forces on Earth.

Using Aegis might be worth considering.

However, deploying Aegis to Panama wasn't as simple as traveling from Orb to Alaska.

Moreover, Lowe didn't seem to be around.

Just as he thought about it, Matthias sent the mercenaries' information and contact details.

"Serpent's Tail. Currently on a mission near Orb."

Reading the familiar description, He Kui fell into silence.

He stayed in that thoughtful silence until dinnertime.

"Why so serious?" Su Lei asked curiously.

"Is it the research team's approval?"

"It's just the situation in Panama," He Kui replied, shaking his head.

"That's so far away. Nothing we can control here."

"We just do our best with what's within our reach," Su Lei said, with Shi He nodding in agreement beside her.

Listening to Su Lei's slightly clumsy attempt at comfort, a gentle smile appeared on He Kui's face.

"Thank you. I didn't expect Su Lei to be comforting me one day."

"Stop it, hmph."

Before Su Lei could reply, He Kui silenced her with a gentle kiss on her sweet lips.

If the president didn't survive, the independence war in the United South American Government wou

ld only intensify.

The escalation would affect PLANT, and that impact would, in turn, reach him.

At the very least, He Kui needed to ensure the president's safety.

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