[Academic: Space Hydroponic Pod (25321/300000)]
Looking at the nearly completed technology and the figure of the young girl before him, He Kui wore a faint smile on his lips.
In contrast, the researchers from Orb currently stationed at Amenomihashira did not look too pleased.
The reason was simple: his public speech on PLANT had undoubtedly spread across the entire world.
At the very least, it had reached the upper echelons of every nation.
Naturally, they had also received the news.
"Could they be bluffing?"
Someone with a grim expression spoke up, staring at the half-developed Hydroponic Pod in front of them.
They had even talked about trading with PLANT, but now it seemed like they would be the ones seeking a deal with PLANT.
"Bluffing at this point? Unlikely."
Erica shook her head.
Even if they could distribute their emergency relief grain reserves all at once, how long could they last?
No one would make such a choice, and PLANT certainly wouldn't.
"Let's get our hands on their emergency relief grain as soon as possible."
As she spoke, Erica turned her gaze toward Xiao Liu, who was still standing behind Cagalli.
If what Uzumi had said was true, then Xiao Liu and Cagalli must know something.
"Director Erica,"
Cagalli spoke up, meeting Erica's gaze.
As soon as she did, everyone else in the room turned to look at her.
This included Kira from the Archangel and Mina from the Sahak family.
"Cagalli, what is it?"
"Let's draft a plan. We should find an opportunity to apply for a joint research collaboration with PLANT."
Knowing that He Kui had finally developed the technology, Cagalli felt a sense of joy in her heart.
As for the technology itself, she had once tasked the Dawn Organization with researching it, but they hadn't been able to achieve it. She couldn't simply hand it over to PLANT.
Putting herself in his shoes, she didn't think He Kui should hand it over to Orb either.
Being strict with others and lenient with oneself was not acceptable.
"But..."
"Miss Cagalli, aren't you being a bit too presumptuous? We haven't even verified the effectiveness of the grain, and would PLANT even agree?"
Mina spoke with a cold edge in her voice as she directed her words at Cagalli.
"PLANT is currently at its weakest in the Earth Sphere. They'll agree."
"And what about Orb's neutrality policy?"
After being silenced by Cagalli's words, Mina's expression turned mocking.
"This is just a civilian research collaboration. These aren't military technologies and aren't restricted by the neutrality treaty."
"This is a significant matter. We'll need further discussion."
Mina said.
"Exactly, which is why I'm bringing it up now. Our delegation can proceed first."
Cagalli had changed significantly from before. Her reasoning was clear, and she knew how to set traps in her words.
As the tension between the two grew more intense, Erica stepped forward.
"We'll consider Cagalli's suggestion, but for now, we need to look at the specific data of their technology before making a decision."
With that final word, the two of them fell silent.
It was clear that a divergence in their political stances had emerged.
However, this divergence was still within the normal range.
And so, the meeting ended on an unpleasant note.
"What do you think PLANT would demand if negotiations actually began?"
Back in the room, Cagalli shed the tough exterior she had worn outside, revealing a hint of insecurity.
"I'm not entirely sure, but they won't share the technology; they'll only export it."
"But by then, you'll have a chance to catch your breath."
If the Atlantic Federation realizes that their food supply is no longer an advantage, the price of food will naturally drop.
Although it certainly won't return to its original level, it would still be a good thing for Orb.
"Hmm."
Cagalli nodded in agreement, her heart aligning with He Kui's words.
"So when can they start exporting?"
"Probably in about six months, but before that, you have other options."
"Other options?"
"Exactly. Isn't East Asia planning to visit Orb soon?"
"You have a significant population of East Asians here."
"Hmm."
Seeing Cagalli deep in thought, He Kui handed her a small bird.
"How come you have so much free time?"
Interrupted from her thoughts, Cagalli looked at the brand-new Little Bird and pouted.
Her lips, though unadorned with lipstick, still carried a charming cherry-pink hue as they moved.
"Of course, because I thought it would make Cagalli happy."
As he spoke, He Kui loaded the control module for the Little Bird onto Cagalli's terminal.
"I've upgraded this bird. Along with the other two I gave you, they can form a surveillance network."
"Amenomihashira is, after all, Sahak's territory. Be careful."
He remembered that Sahak's younger brother had once ordered Erica to kill Cagalli. Although Uzumi was fine this time, that person probably wouldn't dare.
But who knows? It's better to be safe than sorry, and it also helps me improve my abilities.
"Thank you."
Cagalli's expression was complex.
"No need. Also, your hydroponic pod technology can be improved in terms of nutrient solution production."
He Kui smiled as he sent the data to Cagalli's terminal.
"Ah, in that case..."
In that case, wouldn't He Kui be privately sharing PLANT's technology?
"It's fine. It won't help much anyway."
He Kui wasn't lying. The improvement in the nutrient solution was a minor thing. Even if he didn't mention it, they would have succeeded in improving it within half a month to three months at most.
At least it would prevent Orb from being directly controlled by the Atlantic Federation, which would be beneficial for both him and PLANT.
"How could you say that? You've already helped a lot."
After saying this, Cagalli tightly hugged Xiao Liu in front of her.
But even though Xiao Liu was warm in her arms, Cagalli couldn't help but miss that young man.
"We're both in space. Can't you come over?"
Cagalli's usually brisk voice carried a rare, soft coquettishness.
"Hmm."
Coming to Amenomihashira is dangerous.
Who knows what Sahak is planning, and besides, I can't come.
"They won't let me go, but..."
"But?"
Cagalli's eyes lit up as she looked at Xiao Liu.
"Cagalli can go to DSSD. The next meeting is about to start."
Neither side will announce my presence, so as long as we arrange a time to pretend to bump into each other, it'll be fine.
Plus, my Stargazer hasn't been active for a while because of this place.
DSSD is also a place I should visit, and I haven't even started looking into the clues George mentioned about Mendel.
"Alright~!"
Seeing Cagalli's cheerful expression, He Kui couldn't help but smile as well.
Not long after, He Kui took some time off from the radar room and arrived at June City.
At this moment, June City was completely different from its previously gloomy and lifeless state.
The entire city was filled with a sense of joy and excitement that permeated from top to bottom.
It seemed as if everyone's eyes were shining with hope.
In the underground area, which originally had a funnel-like shape, after passing through numerous checkpoints, He Kui was greeted by a vast expanse of lush greenery, thriving and vibrant.
(End of Chapter)