Listening to the report, He Kui wasn't surprised. Half a month had passed, and the situation had worsened further. They could no longer keep it hidden.
However, the matter of the Hydroponic Pods still needed to be concealed.
Otherwise, who knows what the Atlantic Federation might do next.
"The El Niño phenomenon… was that also caused by the Atlantic Federation?"
Sulei frowned deeply as she spoke.
The El Niño phenomenon refers to the abnormal changes in global weather, with rising sea temperatures leading to destructive droughts, storms, and floods worldwide.
It's easy to imagine that in such a situation, even if they managed to fend off the locusts, it would be difficult to counter such natural disasters.
The cause of this phenomenon is also related to global warming.
Moreover, it has had an impact on the livestock industry.
"Very likely. The global temperature is currently rising."
"Although it's not obvious, perhaps someone is artificially enhancing the Earth's greenhouse effect."
Artificially creating a greenhouse effect isn't difficult. Long ago, during the terraforming of Mars, there was a plan to release artificial short-rod particles that would capture the heat from the sun's rays and scatter it back to the surface of Mars.
This would enhance Mars' natural greenhouse effect. The original intent of this research was to melt the polar ice on Mars, making it easier for settlers to obtain water.
The same principle could, of course, be applied to Earth.
However, the use of such particles was completely banned after the development of Mars stalled.
If this is true, then without a doubt, they've gone mad after failing to locate Genesis.
First, genetically modified locusts, and now the greenhouse effect.
It's clearly a path to mutual destruction.
"Damn it!"
"But if it's these reversible particles, it's still manageable."
He Kui said with a headache.
This phenomenon is reversible. As long as the release of particles is stopped, the temperature will return to normal.
If that's the case, then the Atlantic Federation is like a brat who's gotten hold of the remote control for the central air conditioning, doing as they please without a care for others' lives.
"Can other countries tolerate this?"
Meyrin frowned.
"Those with aligned interests certainly can, but for those without, they'll need more information."
Who knows if the Atlantic Federation has a backup plan for all this? Right now, they don't even know how the Atlantic Federation is causing global warming or where they're producing the locusts.
Such global weapons are like Genesis—they can't be stopped by mere piloting skills.
The source must be found to destroy it.
Acting rashly might lead to the Earth being threatened in return.
The Atlantic Federation, or rather Blue Cosmos, wants to drag everyone down with them, but others don't want to die.
At this point, the Atlantic Federation is like a massive cult-led terrorist organization, completely out of control.
The Atlantic Federation's demand to coerce other countries is simple: completely eliminate the Coordinators.
Or rather, eliminate all the uncooperative Coordinators, especially those led by PLANT.
Create a new power led by Blue Cosmos and the Merchants of Death, a true Earth Federation.
They could also use food to control PLANT. However, if the Atlantic Federation found out that their food problem had already been resolved, they'd probably be furious.
However, apart from that, ZAFT now also needed to unite with their allies on Earth.
This was no simple matter.
As He Kui pondered this, his wristband vibrated.
It wasn't Patrick, who often pressed him for progress updates, but Lacus.
He Kui quickly made his way to the study and answered the call.
"How's the research going lately?" Lacus got straight to the point.
"You already know?"
"Father got the information."
"I see."
With the production lines being rolled out, it was inevitable that Clyne would find out. He Kui wasn't surprised by this.
"But that's not why I'm calling you this time."
Lacus's voice was still sweet, but it lacked the usual lightness.
"Would you be interested in talking to someone from East Asia?"
"East Asia?"
Hearing this, He Kui was momentarily startled.
"Yes, you're aware of the current situation."
"The Atlantic Federation insists on drawing a line across the world, so naturally, other factions are starting to move."
"An official visit?" He Kui asked cautiously.
"Not an official visit. Actually, it's just the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs staying at our estate for a night. It's more of a private trip."
"Just your estate?"
He Kui's expression turned slightly odd.
"Of course not. They'll also be visiting Uncle Patrick's home," Lacus replied with a laugh.
"But I don't think Uncle Patrick would invite you."
"..."
Of course, he wouldn't. With so much research in his hands, Patrick would surely be worried about He Kui being poached back.
"So, what's your suggestion, Lacus?"
"They're also a bit interested in meeting you. It's not convenient to discuss this with the Chairman, and I trust you, He Kui~"
Whether it was his imagination or not, Lacus's voice seemed even sweeter now.
"So, should we talk?"
"Let's talk!"
He Kui's emotions were mixed, but if it was East Asia, even though the world was different now, he was genuinely curious.
"Then I'll let you know in advance~"
After getting the answer she wanted, Lacus chatted a bit more about recent events before hanging up.
Staring at the designs for the Hydroponic Pods in front of him, He Kui fell into deep thought.
It was surprising but not entirely unexpected that someone from East Asia wanted to meet him.
Even though many of his research projects concealed his name, there were still plenty that bore it.
Perhaps through this meeting, he could get a glimpse of the situation over there and maybe even find a powerful ally.
As he pondered, He Kui reopened the door to his room. The aroma of food had already spread throughout the house, filling the air with its fragrance.
The four women were already seated at the dining table, clearly having started eating.
"Sulei was about to go in and call you," Shihe said with a chuckle.
"Come sit down and eat."
Though the price of food had risen significantly, He Kui's finances were still stable. His mining company on the moon was bringing in over a hundred thousand daily.
"Alright."
He Kui responded and joined them at the table.
The meal was a proper one, thanks to Meyrin's presence. After finishing, Meyrin gave He Kui a meaningful look before volunteering to wash the dishes in the kitchen.
Seeing this, Shihe and Sulei also returned to their rooms.
The living room was now empty, leaving only He Kui and Luna seated on the sofa.
Naturally, He Kui didn't let this opportunity slip by.
After all, the situation had stabilized, and the issues on Earth weren't something that could be resolved overnight.
Strengthening himself further was still the most reassuring path forward.
Proficiency in shooting was crucial for MS combat. If he could reach S-level in both areas, he believed he could stand toe-to-toe with Creuset.
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