The next day arrived as two Strike Gundams equipped with the Quasi-GN Drive prototypes were transported to a ground testing site—a remote island not far from Izanagi Port.
"All departments, conduct final checks."
"Strike systems normal."
"Strike Night Walker systems normal."
"Quasi-GN Drive activated, output stable, energy transfer normal... All systems normal!"
With everything prepared, Erica Simmons turned to Yang Hui.
"Begin," Yang Hui nodded, authorizing the start of the simulation test.
"Test commencing. Strike and Strike Night Walker, ascend and execute Phase One test procedures."
"Roger." x2
The two Strike Gundams lifted into the air without assistance, proceeding through the test protocols. Phases One, Two, and Three proceeded smoothly—these stages examined whether the Quasi-GN Drives were affected by natural environmental factors like wind currents, temperature, and humidity, and whether they imposed additional strain or risks on the Mobile Suits.
The tests revealed no issues; the drives even functioned normally underwater.
"Phase Four... begin."
Tension spiked as Phase Four commenced. Erica Simmons' eyes remained locked on the screens monitoring the Mobile Suit data.
Phase Four, also known as the limit test, involved gradually increasing the Quasi-GN Drive's output to determine its maximum threshold while keeping the Mobile Suits in motion to assess their endurance under the strain.
"Roger." xN
"Mu, Chevalier Major, stay alert for safety."
"Relax—I'm the man who turns the impossible into possible."
"Understood."
Whether it was Mu's playful confidence or Morgan Chevalier's disciplined response, Erica Simmons felt slightly reassured. Though their personalities differed drastically, both were reliable—otherwise, she wouldn't have assigned them as test pilots for the Quasi-GN Drives.
"Confirm emergency shutdown system functionality."
"Operational!"
"Good. Monitor the Mobile Suit data closely. Cut power immediately if danger arises!"
"Understood!"
This was Erica Simmons' contingency plan—a forced shutdown protocol installed in both Quasi-GN Drives. If overload occurred, the system would sever all connections between the drive and the Mobile Suit before ejecting it, ensuring the pilots' safety.
Mu wasn't just her lover; both he and Morgan Chevalier were Orb's elite aces. Even if the experiment failed, it could be redone—but the value of these top pilots far exceeded that of two Quasi-GN Drive prototypes.
Fortunately, Yang Hui's blueprints were meticulously detailed, and Erica Simmons had overseen the manufacturing process without cutting corners. As the output steadily approached the theoretical threshold, her tension gradually eased.
Then—
Beep beep beep—!
An alarm blared through the command center.
"Initiate forced shutdown immediately!" Without hesitation, Erica Simmons issued the command, prioritizing Mu and Morgan Chevalier's safety.
"Director Simmons, both Prototype Units 1 and 2 show no abnormalities. The output remains within safe parameters. It's the mobile suits themselves—their output has exceeded the frame's load capacity!"
The staff didn't immediately execute Erica Simmons' order, instead providing her with detailed reports. Everyone knew pilot safety came first, but since the Quasi-GN Drives weren't malfunctioning, they were reluctant to discard them.
"Exceeding load capacity?" Erica Simmons paused briefly before examining the data more closely. She rescinded her previous command and issued new instructions. "Mu, Chevalier Major, respond if you copy."
"Copy, go ahead." X2
"Terminate testing. Gradually reduce Quasi-GN Drive output and return to base."
"Understood." X2
As communications ended, Erica immediately began investigating the frame overload issue. While the Quasi-GN Drives' theoretical threshold exceeded Ultra-Compact Energy Batteries, they still fell short of nuclear engines. The two Strike Gundams retained their original appearance, but their armor, frame materials, transmission systems, and electronics had all been upgraded to Dawn Gundam and Gundam Exia specifications.
In theory, the Strike frames should withstand nuclear engine outputs, meaning the Quasi-GN Drives shouldn't exceed their load capacity even at maximum output.
"The issue is in the transmission system," Yang Hui suddenly interjected.
"Transmission system?"
"Correct. The system isn't evenly distributing GN Particles throughout the frame. The anti-gravity properties aren't uniformly covering the mobile suit, causing uneven stress distribution during high-speed maneuvers."
Yang Hui displayed detailed data from both Strike units, overlaying GN Particle coverage maps with stress points on the frame components. The perfect correlation made the problem obvious.
"So that's it..." Erica sighed in relief. At least it wasn't a major issue—just transmission system adjustments that wouldn't take long to fix.
"Begin refits immediately upon their return. You'll assist me in perfecting the new transmission system."
"You're personally overseeing this?"
"Yes. We need to complete all tests quickly for mass production. Ideally before the Julius 7 demolition operation—all ace units should have Quasi-GN Drives installed."
"All ace customs? But... don't you already have nuclear engines?" Erica questioned. While nuclear engines outperformed GN Drives, their prohibitive cost and political sensitivity had limited them to specialized units like the Dawn Gundam, Exia, Cherudim, Virtue, Freedom, and Justice Gundams, plus the mothballed Rebirth and Covenant Gundams in Terminal's vaults.
"Quasi-GN Drives can't match nuclear engines in output or endurance, but we can't sacrifice GN Particle advantages. I'm proposing a dual power system."
"Dual power system!?"
"Exactly. Simultaneous nuclear engine and Quasi-GN Drive operation for mutual compensation."
"But... is that even possible?"
Erica Simmons understood Yang Hui's decision. After all, the properties of GN Particles were too exceptional and irreplaceable. However, the Dual Power System had never been implemented before and was a risky move. There were concerns about whether the two energy sources could be compatible and whether they might cause rejection phenomena.
Moreover, if an accident were to occur, while a Quasi-GN Drive would be manageable, a nuclear engine explosion would result in significant destruction and losses.
"I already have some ideas. First, we'll solve the energy transmission system issues, then research the Dual Power System."
"...Understood. But there's something I need to remind you—although Quasi-GN Drives are cheaper than nuclear engines, if we're talking about equipping every unit, Orb's resources might not be sufficient."
If it were just for the MS units, Orb's current resource reserves would be enough. But Erica Simmons knew Yang Hui's plan for full-scale implementation included warships, and the Quasi-GN Drives required for warships would be extremely expensive.
"We'll proceed step by step based on priority. If necessary, we can temporarily use GN Particle Storage Tanks for mass-produced units instead."