"If possible."
Serena was visibly delighted upon hearing this. Establishing the DSSD design institute in PLANT before formalizing their relationship would allow He Kui to frequently participate in the research, thereby accelerating progress.
Just the thought of it made the prospect of venturing into outer space seem within reach.
On the other hand, Erica couldn't help but feel exasperated upon hearing He Kui's words.
"Councilor He, convincing Earth might be quite challenging."
"If DSSD were to set up in PLANT, it would likely lose its neutrality."
Erica's words were not baseless; this proposal had been brought up numerous times before, only to be rejected each time.
"This time is different."
"My flagship was destroyed, and Earth already has DSSD launch stations and research institutes."
"The current situation is different, Director Erica."
"..."
After He Kui's explanation, Erica had to admit that his points were valid.
With Erica present, He Kui and Serena couldn't discuss much further. Seeing the captain approaching, He Kui, along with Sulei, Iron Wall, and others, boarded the new Nazca-class ship.
The journey back to PLANT was swift, perhaps due to fears of subsequent attacks. After full throttle for half a day, He Kui and his team safely returned to their territory.
However, they didn't return to the asteroid but instead arrived outside the Supreme Council in April City.
"Is what you said about mind control true?"
Patrick, with his thick brows furrowed, asked He Kui, who had rushed over without stopping.
"Could it be that Orb is deliberately spreading misinformation?"
"I don't think they would do that."
He Kui shook his head, dismissing Patrick's suggestion.
"Moreover, here are the medical reports of those three individuals."
Everything required evidence, and He Kui didn't believe his word alone would convince anyone.
"According to their EEG results, their brainwaves showed slight abnormalities."
"And in the cerebrospinal fluid tests, there were signs of neurotransmitter imbalances."
"Levels of dopamine and serotonin were significantly abnormal."
"Additionally, high-precision MRI scans revealed minor changes in the gray matter density in certain brain regions."
"Hmm..."
As Patrick reviewed the data, his expression grew increasingly grave.
"Of course, this doesn't rule out the possibility of Orb orchestrating this themselves, but currently, there's no evidence pointing to them."
"If we act, we might be playing right into the hands of those behind this."
After hearing He Kui's explanation, Patrick appeared to be deep in thought.
"Speak truthfully at the hearing. If what you say is true, our enemies are not just one group."
"Understood."
Seeing that Patrick had made his decision, He Kui didn't press further.
After all, the Chairman had his own agenda, and He Kui had merely guided the conversation subtly.
Saying too much would only lead to annoyance or suspicion, which wasn't worth it.
Given his current research projects, no one would suspect him anyway.
With that, the Supreme Council's emergency meeting soon commenced.
This was He Kui's first time attending such a high-level meeting, albeit only as a witness.
But he would soon return as a member of this council!
Looking at the numerous City Councilors already seated and beginning the agenda inside, He Kui took a deep breath and then followed through the metal sliding door.
"How does it feel to be in the Supreme Council for the first time?"
As He Kui descended, Lacus, who was nominally his person, also came forward to greet him.
"It's quite good. If only I were a City Councilor."
"It won't be long. The selection starts next February."
As Lacus spoke, the smile on her face gradually turned serious.
"Is what you said at the hearing true?"
"If I said it, of course it's true."
"If that's the case, if we don't catch the other party's tail, I'm afraid this world won't calm down."
Leaving aside the abilities on the battlefield, the ability to control others alone, if used solely for terrorist attacks, would be absolutely unpredictable.
Innocent passersby on the street could become victims.
The key is that passersby certainly can't be warned in advance.
Who knows how many of the previous attacks might have been their doing?
"Do you have any leads?"
Lacus asked.
"I do have a little."
He Kui had thought a lot when he came over. First, Lacus probably didn't know about his situation, but Siegel likely did.
After all, genetic modification of this level couldn't be hidden from one's parents.
Not a single mistake, not a single word, not a single detail, all content is in 69 Book Bar!
In fact, Siegel might not even be Lacus's biological father.
After all, in the original timeline, Siegel had long been dead, and he had no way of knowing the truth.
But when he was giving his testimony, he was also closely observing Siegel, but his expression didn't change at all.
As the leader of the Clyne Faction, he was an absolute old fox. Although he had been lying low recently, he wasn't someone He Kui could easily understand.
Thus, he could only start with Lacus.
"Lacus, how do you view your own origins?"
"Origins..."
Hearing this, Lacus wasn't surprised, but a beautiful smile appeared on her lips.
"It seems Councilor He has already found the answer."
"..."
Looking at Lacus, who showed no surprise, He Kui didn't know what to say for a moment.
"People similar to me, and my own peculiarities, do you think I wouldn't make any connections?"
If she hadn't seen Setona back then, perhaps she wouldn't have been suspicious, but after seeing Setona, who was so similar to her, many other thoughts had emerged in Lacus's mind.
She even considered her own singing and the ability to easily influence others' emotions.
"It was my oversight."
He Kui shook his head and continued.
"You also have the ability to control others' minds, but it hasn't been enhanced, or rather, your control is gentler and more subtle."
"Have you examined my genes?"
Hearing He Kui speak so detailedly, Lacus narrowed her eyes.
"I examined the genes of the girl who resembles you and did a DNA typing test with you."
"So, who is that girl to me?"
"Your twin."
Hearing He Kui's answer, Lacus's slender hand picked up the ring she always wore around her neck.
"What is this?"
He Kui asked.
"It's a ring my mother left me."
Lacus paused, as if trying to calm her emotions.
"You didn't tell anyone else?"
"No."
"Thank you."
Before Lacus could finish, He Kui took the initiative and embraced her.
The warmth of his body gradually seeped into Lacus's bewildered heart.
From the closeness of their pressed-together chests, He Kui could feel her flustered heartbeat. It was clear that Lacus was far from as composed as she appeared.
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