"Director Freed!"
The logistics personnel in the hangar looked at the young man who had just accomplished a remarkable feat.
Their expressions were a mix of excitement and nervousness.
There weren't many logistics staff here—only three. After all, this was a top-secret project, and it couldn't involve too many people.
Moreover, they didn't know what else Fred had been working on besides MS research, but that didn't stop them from understanding the importance of this test and the role this young man played in it.
"Director Freed, do you really think MS will be the key to future battlefields?"
One of the young logistics staff, his face tense, couldn't help but ask during a lull while the other two were congratulating Fred.
"It will."
Fred wasn't surprised by the sudden question.
Among the researchers involved in this test, some had been skeptical about the project.
They had been recruited primarily because they were authorities in their respective fields.
Of course, their skepticism was their own business. Doubts were perfectly normal, as long as they didn't interfere with his training.
"Is that so?"
The young man wanted to ask Fred for his reasoning, but faced with the calm yet confident tone, he found himself unable to press further.
Somehow, he felt that questioning further would make him seem foolish.
Seeing that no one else had much to say, Fred didn't linger. He strode out with large, decisive steps.
"Director Freed, that's not the way to the control panel."
Someone quickly pointed out as Fred headed in the opposite direction.
"I'm not going there."
With that, Fred left them with only a cool, retreating figure.
Watching him leave, the three exchanged glances.
"This director seems quite young, yet he's so indifferent to fame and fortune," one of the young men remarked with admiration.
Returning to the scene to bask in praise was something most people would choose to do.
Besides, it wouldn't even be empty praise. No matter how much they lauded him, it would be well-deserved for Fred, who had successfully completed the test.
"Well... we Coordinators are truly a talented bunch," another young man chimed in, nodding in agreement.
Unaware that he had once again been cast as the model of a fame-indifferent Coordinator in their minds, Fred was busy contemplating the GINN's operating system as he returned to the locker room. Just as he had taken off his Pilot Suit, Heinline unexpectedly appeared before him.
"Director Freed, you've worked hard."
"...Do you have to say that here?"
Fred held the removed Pilot Suit, looking exasperated.
Seeing Fred's well-defined muscles, Heinline awkwardly scratched his nose.
"Sorry."
Heinline bowed his head apologetically.
"But you're in great shape."
"...Not bad, thanks."
Fred shrugged in response, pulling on a T-shirt as he spoke.
"So, what's up? Why aren't you celebrating with them over there?"
"It is quite lively."
Heinline scratched his nose again.
It was indeed lively there, after all, the research was complete.
Everyone was linking arms, saying they wouldn't leave until they were drunk.
But Fred wasn't there, and Albert Heinlein, watching the crowd's excitement, felt a bit out of place.
So he stepped out.
However, being a grown man, saying it like that seemed rather sentimental, so Heinlein paused and changed his phrasing.
"The tests are basically finished, and there's no use for me to stay there. I came to find you because there are some matters I'd like to discuss with you."
As he spoke, Heinlein's face, which had just relaxed after the successful test, quickly turned serious again.
"Hmm?"
Curious, Fred gave him a look to continue.
"Our current project is now complete, so things shouldn't be as busy going forward."
Generally, not being as busy is a good thing, but for Heinlein, it wasn't.
After all, he was a workaholic by nature.
And Heinlein also knew that this less busy future wasn't a good thing for Fred either.
Being the same type of person, he naturally understood the other's thoughts.
"There will be improved versions later on. I'll propose it to the higher-ups."
Hearing this, Fred understood and nodded in agreement.
As Heinlein had thought, he certainly couldn't afford to be idle.
After all, there were still so many Mobile Suits yet to be developed.
In the future, according to Fred's thoughts, it should be the research on the High Mobility GINN.
And that High Mobility GINN was essentially a combination of a Battleship Engine and a Mobile Suit body.
Both were areas he excelled in.
And with the advantage of foresight, he had long had ideas, just waiting for the project to be approved.
He had just been about to go find Yuri to discuss it when Heinlein came looking for him.
So Fred gave a little spoiler in advance.
"Really!?"
Hearing that Fred actually had ideas, Heinlein visibly grew excited.
"Where's the lie? Would I joke about this?"
Fred shrugged with amusement, at the same time draping his white lab coat back over his shoulders.
Just moments ago, he had looked like an Elite pilot, but now, wearing the white coat, he appeared refined and scholarly again.
This made Heinlein admire Fred even more in his heart.
On the other hand, thinking about how Fred, as a Natural, couldn't gain as much fame, Heinlein felt a bit more regret.
"Director Fred, why do you want to do research?"
Taking advantage of the current atmosphere, Heinlein subtly changed his form of address, probing a little.
This also made Fred chuckle.
"World peace."
"...Is that so?"
He wanted to list many points to argue that a Natural coming to PLANT might not necessarily contribute to peace.
But looking at Fred's earnest expression and considering his consistent abilities, he felt that Fred truly believed it.
Believed that what he was doing was for peace.
Thinking this, Heinlein's heartbeat inexplicably quickened.
He felt a surge of passion at the power behind Fred's words about world peace.
Peace, if it could truly be achieved...
Of course, this thought only lasted for a moment before fading away.
Immediately after, Heinlein bowed deeply.
"Please allow me to continue assisting you with the new research!"
"Of course, Deputy Director. You are my best assistant."
Fred stepped forward and patted Albert Heinlein's shoulder, a warm smile on his face.
"Yes!"
Responding to Fred's affirmation, Albert Heinlein answered excitedly.
Leaving the excited Albert Heinlein behind, the young man changed his clothes and headed toward the office deep inside.
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