"Director Freed, hello."
Everyone looked at the solemn young man on the screen and bowed their heads in greeting.
"Then let's begin without delay."
As soon as Fred finished speaking, numerous documents popped up simultaneously on the screens before everyone.
"Ah...Seeing Fred jump straight into work after just a brief greeting, everyone was momentarily stunned in tacit understanding.
Albert Heinlein was the first to regain his composure, but he soon froze again after looking at the materials.
What was called materials were actually research and development plans—about the Engine, of course.
And they were extremely detailed.
Not only did they cover the major directions, but many minor aspects had also been meticulously arranged.
In short, it didn't look like something a novice director could have produced.
Heinlein, who had thought he would need to assist in gradually formulating the plan, was naturally bewildered.
The others weren't much better off.
They all stared in astonishment at the research plan before them, then turned their gazes toward Fred.
They wanted to see the true face beneath that exquisite helmet.
But to their disappointment, the young man remained as calm and unruffled as when they first met.
"If everyone has no objections, let's begin. We'll start with the computer simulation."
"The design of the Power Furnace Pipeline, Energy Transmission Efficiency, and synthesis of Pipeline Composite Material are all significant challenges."
"But if we work together with determination, I believe we will soon make breakthroughs."
"Director Heinlein will coordinate the subsequent work. For any communication needs, we can discuss them in the work group."
After saying a few symbolic words, Fred quickly ended the communication.
Whether they would slack off wasn't something Fred considered.
They were all Aces participating in secret research; if they slacked off, Fred would have no choice but to report them.
As for research problems, they could ask when they arose.
There was no need to keep the communication line open.
Thus, the study quieted down again, and Fred soon immersed himself in his research and calculations.
As for the others, they stared blankly at the now disconnected communication.
Damn, on the first day of work, the leader gives instructions and then disappears.
Heinlein muttered to himself as he looked at the situation.
Could he be slacking off?
Probably not, right?
This was one of the highest-priority research projects.
It was hard to imagine Fred slacking off.
Moreover, Fred had to report progress weekly. If the progress fell behind, he would surely be removed and held accountable.
It seemed impossible for him to slack off like this.
Not to mention, the plan he had created was indeed extremely detailed.
Thinking this, Heinlein cleared his throat lightly and said to everyone,
"Let's begin. Share progress updates at any time."
The division of labor in the research team was quickly clarified.
"Yes."
Everyone agreed, half-convinced and half-doubting.
After all, they really had no say in the matter. They just had to keep their heads down and work. If things didn't work out, Director Freed would be removed and bear all the responsibility.
They would simply continue their research.
...
Thus, in a rare period of tranquility, over three months passed, bringing them to the end of 65.
During this time, the Atlantic Federation and Eurasia began forming alliances, engaging in numerous overt and covert struggles with the newly established ZAFT.
However, Fred's side remained exceptionally calm.
Going to work and returning home each day, he seemed to have become an ordinary office worker once again.
Of course, if the Atlantic Federation could stir up trouble at Junius Seven, he would likely have been assassinated by now.
PLANT wouldn't even be able to research Battleships and MS.
"Director Freed, these are the latest experimental data we've collected. Please take a look."
Albert Heinlein spoke to Fred in the study through remote communication.
The young man's attitude was noticeably more friendly than during their first meeting, or rather, filled with admiration.
"Hmm, very good."
After scanning the data before him, Fred nodded calmly.
Three months had gradually accustomed him to the identity of director, and his demeanor was steadily aligning with what a director should embody.
"This way, we have the prototype for our new Engine as well."
"We've managed to keep up with the progress of the Main Research Group."
Fred rarely let out a light laugh in front of Heinlein.
Beneath the cold mask, the slight upward curve of his lips added a touch of humanity to him.
"More than that!"
Upon hearing Fred's words, Heinlein said eagerly.
"Our progress has already surpassed that of the Main Research Group!"
He had no idea how Fred managed it.
Even before the formal discussions on the Laurasia-class were completed, Fred had already selected Laurasia as the new platform for Engine development.
Moreover, his reverse engineering of the Agamemnon-class Engine was far ahead of the Main Research Group.
Thanks to Fred's control over the broader direction, their five-person team had surpassed the progress of teams with over a dozen members.
Of course, Fred's extensive knowledge of aviation and structural engineering was also key to their lead.
No matter their specialization, all four of them could discuss matters with Fred and reach a clear conclusion.
Despite his youth, there was no doubt that Fred possessed the ability to lead the entire project development as director.
"Your research pace is very fast. I think we can report to the higher-ups already."
"Before the holidays begin."
The New Year was approaching soon. No matter how pressed for time they were, they would tacitly take a day or two off to maintain morale.
"Indeed."
Fred did not refuse.
At the same time, his gaze fell on the panel before him.
[Aeronautical Engineering (Proficient) 6.37/100]
[Structural Engineering (Proficient) 5.82/100]
It didn't seem like much.
But this was three months of progress. A year had twelve months, and there were still four years until the war in the storyline officially began.
If he continued working hard, in four years, these skills would likely break through from proficient to a higher level.
Just as the storyline began, he would become invincible and retire to a peaceful world.
Completing this Laurasia-class research was just the beginning. He wanted to pilot an MS!
"I'll leave the data compilation to you."
Though excited inside, Fred quickly suppressed his smile beneath the mask and spoke coolly.
It was already late at night, and continuing would likely mean working until morning.
"Not at all!"
Albert Heinlein immediately waved his hand dismissively.
As a workaholic, Heinlein clearly saw no issue with working through the night—if anything, not working overnight would be the real problem.
This genius wasn't just talented—he was relentless.
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