Cagalli was missing, but Yang Hui didn't neglect his other responsibilities. The task of finding the real Cagalli was entrusted to Creuset, so he waited for Creuset's updates while preparing for both possible outcomes.
On one hand, if Cagalli was safely rescued, he would send a "gift" to LOGOS—publicly disclosing part of the intelligence on Librarian Works and LOGOS. This would justify the complete eradication of all secret research facilities and bases currently identified, along with the exposed members of LOGOS' Elder Council. None would escape.
On the other hand, if Cagalli couldn't be rescued safely, he would preemptively hold a press conference to prevent LOGOS from turning the tables and using Cagalli to destabilize Orb from within.
"Director Simmons, how are the Strike and Strike Night Walker's preparations coming along?"
"They're ready. The new transmission system is complete. But... is it really a good idea to proceed with testing now?" Erica Simmons voiced her concern.
The Quasi-GN Drive held immense significance for Orb—even for the entire scientific community. If its existence were leaked now, Orb might face a second war.
"No need to worry. I never intended to keep it hidden." Yang Hui waved his hand dismissively, indicating that the Quasi-GN Drive's secrecy wasn't a concern. The research team had already been thoroughly vetted, and fortunately, no Carbon Humans were found among them. Though that wasn't surprising—since the team's formation, all members had been kept in isolation. Until the Quasi-GN Drive was officially declared complete, they couldn't even return home. How could they be replaced?
Once the Quasi-GN Drive was completed, Yang Hui had no plans to conceal it. GN Particles had applications far beyond military use—they could revolutionize civilian technology as well. After the GN Particles were perfected, he intended for the research team to continue their work, expanding into both military and civilian fields—miniaturizing the Quasi-GN Drive, improving GN Particle storage efficiency, and more.
In fact, Yang Hui even planned to voluntarily share some Quasi-GN Drive intelligence with other factions—such as PLANT and the East Asian Republic—through trade agreements.
After all, he was determined to claim this world for himself. Once the world was his, what was there to fear? Why not let factions already friendly with Orb start working for him ahead of time?
"Alright, if you say so... Mu, Chevalier Major, we're counting on you."
"Understood." x2
With the Mobile Suits prepped, Mu and Morgan Chevalier boarded their units while Yang Hui and Erica Simmons returned to the command center, awaiting the start of the test.
"Skip phases one through three. Proceed directly to phase four."
"Understood." x2
The Strike Gundam and Strike Night Walker activated. As orange particles scattered through the air, the two Gundams slowly ascended, then accelerated along the system-designated trajectory. Their speed steadily increased until they became streaks of light, trailing orange flames behind them.
"Quasi-GN Drive operational status... normal."
"Energy transmission... normal."
"GN Particle coverage... normal."
"All Mobile Suit systems functioning normally. Approaching designated threshold, Director!"
"Mu, Chevalier Major, respond if you copy."
"Received. Go ahead." x2
"The Quasi-GN Drive's output is approaching the threshold. Once reached, begin reducing output and return to base."
"Understood." x2
The theoretical threshold was the maximum output Yang Hui had calculated for the current stage of the Quasi-GN Drive. Exceeding it risked engine overload and potential explosion. For safety, achieving the theoretical threshold was sufficient—pushing further was both dangerous and unnecessary, as the current threshold was already highly effective.
Moreover, Yang Hui had prepared the [Trans-AM] and [Twin Drive] systems. Insufficient output? Ever heard of Trans-AM? One unit not enough? How about connecting multiple in parallel?
While the [Twin Drive] system referred to two GN Drives operating in tandem, who said it had to be limited to just two?
"Threshold reached! Director! We've succeeded!"
"How's the Mobile Suit holding up?"
"All systems nominal. Quasi-GN Drive remains stable with output now decreasing. Strike and Strike Night Walker reducing speed and returning to base."
"Whew—" Erica Simmons let out a sigh of relief. Reaching the threshold wasn't the dangerous part—the real risk lay in safely reducing output afterward and ensuring the energy engine didn't spiral out of control.
Fortunately, the Quasi-GN Drive remained stable, showing no signs of malfunction.
At the same time, Erica Simmons was exhilarated. This successful test marked the full triumph of the Quasi-GN Drive project.
"Commander, would you like to make the announcement?" Relaxed, she joked.
"No, you do it, Director Simmons." Yang Hui didn't claim the spotlight, instead granting the honor to Erica Simmons. His role in the project had been limited to providing the design schematics and updating the transmission system. From theory validation to manufacturing and testing, Erica Simmons had been the driving force behind it all.
The victory speech rightfully belonged to her.
"Alright, thank you."
"Don't mention it. You've earned it."
Erica Simmons nodded, then turned to address the entire command center, meeting their eager gazes. "Everyone, the Quasi-GN Drive project is a complete success!"
"Woo-hoo!!!"
"Next up is mass production and extended research. Our work isn't over yet. You all get three days off—then it's back to overtime!"
"No problem!" xN
No one complained about the grueling work. The Quasi-GN Drive was the fruit of their collective effort—their brainchild. As researchers, seeing their creation improve filled them with excitement and pride.
Moreover, the success of the Quasi-GN Drive and the emergence of GN Particles would etch their names in history. For such an opportunity, none would grumble about hardship.
And let's not forget—when it came to salaries worldwide, Orb ranked highest, and within Orb, [Dawn Company] topped the list. Their compensation was exceptional, and for a critical project like the Quasi-GN Drive, hefty bonuses awaited. Nobody ever turned down extra money.
"Yang Hui, is there anything else you'd like to add?" Erica Simmons naturally didn't overlook Yang Hui's presence. Though she was the project lead, Yang Hui was the superior who had entrusted this project to her. As someone with high emotional intelligence, Erica Simmons would never disregard her superior.
"The Dawn, Gundam Exia, Gundam Cherudim, Gundam Virtue, Freedom, Justice, and Sword of the Heavens have the highest priority. Next are the elite units of each force, followed by large Quasi-GN Drives for warships. Only then should we consider mass deployment for regular forces and civilian applications."
"Understood."
(End of chapter)