Their hydroponic pod technology had already surpassed that of Orb by a significant margin.
In contrast, the people of Orb seemed somewhat narrow-minded, especially when it came to MS technology.
While both PLANT and the Atlantic Federation had been innovating and advancing through multiple generations, Orb was still clinging to their outdated Gundam designs.
Of course, considering they now had the Strike, it was likely that new Mobile Suits would soon emerge.
It was also understandable that Orb hadn't anticipated this. He Kui's breakthroughs had come out of nowhere, with no prior indications or trails to follow. Intelligence agencies naturally wouldn't have known.
However, since Cagalli was here in Orb, it might be possible to offer some assistance—though strictly on a national level, as part of a trade agreement.
As they had just discussed, the roles of the traders would simply be reversed.
"If we engage in trade with PLANT, I wonder if the Atlantic Federation will target us again," sighed the head of the Kio family.
No one responded after him.
While it was tempting to say that Orb shouldn't fear the Atlantic Federation, the reality was stark.
Their dependence on the Atlantic Federation for food imports had skyrocketed from 8% to 23%.
They simply couldn't afford to provoke them.
No matter how much they emphasized willpower, people still needed to eat.
Without food, most wouldn't care about ideals or principles.
"But according to intelligence, they're synthesizing a new type of mineral on the Moon. If we could acquire that technology, it would be a tremendous boon for us," Erica said.
The Gundanium Alloy on the Moon was nearing mass production, and this was no longer a secret.
Although, for reasons unknown to them, PLANT hadn't fully expanded its production lines.
The capabilities of that metal had already proven impressive during the previous battles in Alaska.
It was akin to a PS Armor that didn't require power. While the significance of such armor might be diminishing in an era of increasingly advanced nuclear-powered machines, not all Mobile Suits were nuclear-powered. Acquiring that technology would be a huge boost to their research on mass-produced transformable units.
Hearing this, Cagalli couldn't help but glance at He Kui.
Everyone knew that the technology was his creation.
He Kui, however, didn't seem particularly pleased or concerned. It was only natural that others would covet his technology.
Although mass production of the next-generation units hadn't been fully implemented due to the cost of food and other factors, that didn't mean the technology was without value.
Even if the Atlantic Federation's base on the Moon couldn't sustain heavy losses, their spies had never stopped trying to infiltrate.
"Hmm."
"We need to expedite the experimental fields at Amenomihashira and start spreading rumors about our technology," Uzumi's voice broke the silence.
Spreading rumors was a deliberate move to gauge the reactions of various factions.
Amenomihashira was currently safe, as the Atlantic Federation lacked the capability to launch large-scale operations into space, and the Moon's forces were unlikely to attack them.
If they could increase their self-sufficiency rate by 10%, they wouldn't need to rely so heavily on the Atlantic Federation.
The Atlantic Federation's food prices were practically extortionate. If they could be pressured into lowering those prices, it would be a significant win.
With that, the meeting concluded, and Uzumi led Cagalli back to his office.
"I heard from Erica that it was your suggestion to research hydroponic pod technology."
Uzumi looked at Cagalli and Xiao Liu before him, his feelings somewhat complicated. During the meeting earlier, he had noticed Cagalli frequently glancing at Xiao Liu, especially when the topic of PLANT came up.
Recalling that she had spent a considerable amount of time on He Kui's asteroid in PLANT, along with her proposal to research cultivation technology, the implications of all this made him ponder deeply.
Perhaps Xiao Liu was He Kui's man, or perhaps Xiao Liu was He Kui himself.
But Cagalli's feelings were genuine.
She was still protecting Orb.
That's why he was even more conflicted now.
"Yes, I didn't expect it to turn out this way," Cagalli said, shaking her head.
"So, what do you think about this technology? Should we share it with PLANT?" Uzumi asked.
"As Director Erica said, I think we can trade it," Cagalli replied without hesitation.
In fact, He Kui had already revealed some of PLANT's current cultivation technology to Cagalli earlier. After all, Cagalli had seemed genuinely worried about him at the time, and there was no harm in telling her.
However, in this matter, they were two separate entities, each with their own difficulties.
Cagalli, being sensible, didn't directly use her relationship to pressure He Kui, and He Kui would do his best to facilitate cooperation in the future.
As for Uzumi, his tense expression didn't relax upon hearing this.
After all, given the previous situation, her lack of hesitation might mean that PLANT had already mastered more advanced hydroponic pod technology.
Or perhaps He Kui had.
Not a single word, action, or thought was out of place!
After a moment of contemplation, Uzumi raised his head again in the solemn atmosphere.
"I understand. You two can leave now. Check the progress of the hydroponic pods and take the Kusanagi with you. Follow Erica and the Archangel to Amenomihashira."
Logically, he should lay his cards on the table now, but the current situation was too chaotic.
It wasn't the right time. Sending people to space first was the better option, as Earth might become even more dangerous.
"Alright," Cagalli replied, not fully understanding her father's gaze but agreeing nonetheless.
With that, the two left Uzumi's office.
"Why do you think Dad wants me to go up there?" Cagalli asked.
"To protect you," He Kui said.
It seemed Uzumi still hadn't given up on the idea of using the Archangel as a seed.
Although a significant portion of Amenomihashira was under Sahak's control, the other family heads were still present. Given the critical situation, it wasn't unreasonable for Cagalli to go up there.
"How can he do that! I want to stay here!" Cagalli exclaimed, stomping her foot and turning to go back. But before she could, He Kui swiftly grabbed her slender yet strong wrist.
"You're of no use staying here. Go up. Besides, if PLANT wants to negotiate with Orb again, it's likely to happen at Amenomihashira."
"And there's more research that can be done there."
If he remembered correctly, the Dragoon system that Luo originally used on the Astray was developed at Amenomihashira.
That space station could be said to be the essence of Orb condensed into one place.
There are many benefits to going up.
"Alright."
After hearing He Kui's words, Cagalli hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile, Badgiruel and the rest of the crew on the Archangel also received the news at the same time.
"We're going to Amenomihashira with Cagalli."
In her office, Murrue pursed her lips slightly and then turned to look at Badgiruel.
"Are you coming with us?"
"Is Cagalli's entourage going as well?"
"Most likely."
"Alright then."
Badgiruel showed a thoughtful expression before nodding.
Initially, she had indeed planned to escape, but as the situation grew increasingly chaotic, seeing the people across Earth struggling to get enough to eat, Badgiruel found it impossible to leave.
If she went back, she wouldn't be able to change anything.
Moreover, there were some things she wanted to figure out for herself.
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