After completing his self-introduction and asserting his authority, Yang Hui made it clear to the proud individuals present that he was the one in charge of this unit.
"Sir!"
"Go ahead, Director Ray."
"What are our responsibilities?"
The question came from Tim Ray, the father of Gundam in the UC Century—no, in all Gundam worlds. It was Tim Ray's development of the RX-78 series that paved the way for the various Gundams that followed.
It's worth mentioning that Tim Ray was also the father of Amuro Ray, the strongest pilot before UC 0092 (after all, Amuro perished while pushing Axis).
Tim Ray was also the most outstanding student of Dr. Minovsky, one of the world's top scientists. He had every reason to be proud. When a noble playboy he'd heard of was suddenly parachuted in to lead the [V Project], his face practically screamed, "What qualifications does this brat have to lead me?"
"That should be evident from the unit's designation: 'Independent' and 'Technical.' 'Independent' means we have absolute autonomy aside from General Revil's orders—we can do whatever we want. 'Technical' naturally refers to researching and developing new technologies to help the Federal Army win this war.
In summary, our unit's responsibilities are development, testing, and, when necessary, participation in combat."
"With all due respect, Mr. Yang... Major Yang, the [V Project] has reached a critical stage. We cannot afford any mistakes."
This statement was Tim Ray's subtle way of mocking Yang Hui for being unworthy of his position and warning him not to mess things up and ruin the results of the [V Project]. In Tim Ray's eyes, Yang Hui was a compromise by the military under pressure from the Vist Foundation, sent here to claim credit.
Tim Ray didn't care about credit, but he wouldn't allow anyone to sabotage his research.
So he warned Yang Hui in advance: you can take the credit, but don't think about ordering me around.
"Of course, Director Ray. That's why..." As he spoke, Yang Hui projected the prepared materials and plans onto the large screen at the front of the conference room. "...I've prepared this plan for you."
"This is!" Tim Ray ignored the other content but zeroed in on the details of the Minovsky Reactor miniaturization in the intricate and complex plan. "Major Yang, may I review the Minovsky Reactor miniaturization materials in detail?"
"Of course, Director Ray." Yang Hui waved his hand, and Jung and Kajima Yuu distributed copies of the documents to all attendees—the printed version of the plan, supplemented with additional detailed materials tailored to each person.
Tim Ray took the documents and eagerly flipped through them. As page after page turned, his hands trembled more and more violently.
"This is impossible!" When he saw the design drawings for the Minovsky Reactor miniaturization, he slammed his hands on the table, stood up, and exclaimed, "It's... it's already completed!? And this design... it's even better than my teacher's! Who did this!?"
Yang Hui smirked slightly and nodded at Tim Ray. "Please calm down, Director Ray..."
"I can't calm down! This design... this data... it's a work of genius! Based on the intelligence gathered from the captured Zaku wreckage, this small Minovsky Reactor is far superior to what my teacher designed - output power has increased twofold, weight and volume are only two-thirds of the old model, and it's more stable... Who created this!? Is it a scientist who defected from Zeon?"
Tim Ray, true to his nature as a researcher, couldn't contain his excitement upon seeing something completely new that exceeded his understanding, especially something he had been struggling to complete himself.
"We'll discuss this matter later..."
"No! I need to know who he is right now..."
"Calm down, Director Ray!"
Yang Hui set aside his gentle demeanor, and a stern, chilling pressure instantly weighed heavily on everyone present, rapidly cooling their heated minds.
Among those present were several skilled at reading people. This kind of aura and pressure wasn't something a worthless playboy could possess. Certain plans they had in mind were temporarily set aside as they chose to remain silent.
"Ma... Major."
"We're still in the middle of a meeting. Please don't turn it into a noisy marketplace."
"I... I understand."
Tim Ray wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and obediently returned to his seat, waiting for Yang Hui to continue.
"Alright everyone, I believe we've gotten to know each other preliminarily. Now, let me explain our current primary mission. The Federation and Zeon have officially declared war. According to reliable intelligence, the space fleet led by Dozle Zabi has already departed and is moving toward Earth. Following the strategy formulated by General Revil, Luna II will preserve its strength, allowing the Zeon fleet to pass, and place the battlefield on the ground..."
"Sir." A young man with black hair raised his hand to ask a question.
"I don't like being interrupted, especially during formal meetings." Yang Hui didn't permit his question, speaking coldly instead.
"Uh... ahaha, sorry." The black-haired young man laughed awkwardly, obediently lowering his hand, not daring to oppose. The pressure Yang Hui had released earlier still made him quite fearful.
"Just this once." Yang Hui nodded, then continued seriously explaining to everyone.
"...Placing the battlefield on the ground doesn't mean the Federation currently has the capability to confront Zeon head-on. The tremendous changes that MS have brought to warfare should be very clear to everyone present. Therefore... our first priority, Director Ray - you will continue leading your research team to complete MS development. I've prepared design blueprints for you. I require you to thoroughly understand these blueprints within one day, produce three prototype units within one week, and immediately begin testing to identify and fill gaps while testing performance. Within half a month, I want to see complete, mass-producible MS results."
"Wait! These design blueprints..."
"Director Ray."
"Un... Understood." While listening to Yang Hui's explanation, Tim Ray had also carefully reviewed the documents. When he saw the complete MS design blueprint, his cooled mind heated up again, wanting to stand and speak, but constrained by Yang Hui's pressure, he was glared back into his seat by Yang Hui's look.
"Next, Lieutenant Colonel Li (details not found, presumed to be the person in charge of the [SCV-X] project), your team is responsible for thoroughly understanding the data in the documents within one week. Begin testing immediately after the prototype is produced. After one week, the team will split into two groups: the first group will be responsible for constructing the new [Qilin-class] warships, while the second group will assist the factory at Luna II in upgrading the current Federation fleet."
At this point, Yang Hui paused, took a breath, and his expression turned particularly grave and profound, making everyone feel immense pressure.
"Everyone, the war has already begun. Although Earth is our stronghold, relying solely on war chariots and fighter planes makes it difficult to contend with Zeon's MS units. Therefore, the ground battlefield can only buy time. In space, only Luna II remains as Federation territory. The situation is extremely critical. Both MS development and the reconstruction of the Space Fleet are urgent. Our efficiency will determine the Federation's future. So I hope everyone... must race against time and complete the tasks within the limited timeframe. Understood!?"
"Understood!" XN
"Good. Now you have five minutes for questions."
"Major." The same black-haired young man raised his hand.
"Go ahead, Corporal Romfellow."
"What about us? We haven't been assigned any tasks yet."
The black-haired young man was Ford Romfellow, one of the people Yang Hui specifically requested after reviewing the roster. In the original history, he was the pilot of the RX-78-5, Gundam Unit 5.
Sitting together with Ford Romfellow were Russ Kessel, pilot of Gundam Unit 4; Giorgio Miguel, pilot of G-3 Gundam (RX-78-3, i.e., Gundam Unit 3); Travis Kirkland, future captain of the Wraith Squad who was nearly executed as a spy; and Blog Karl and Fred Reber, who piloted the Pixie Gundam.
These six people, along with Jung and Kajima Yuu whom Yang Hui brought with him, formed the test pilot team of the 12th Independent Technical Unit.
"You? Your current task is training."
"Training?" X5
Not only Ford Romfellow, but the other four also frowned. They had been gathered from various places on Earth and brought all the way to Luna II just for training?
"Yes, training." Yang Hui answered seriously. "Starting now, you five will be under the supervision of Jung and Yuu. You will undergo MS pilot training using the simulation system. Once the prototype is completed, you will be the test pilots."
"Really?"
"Simulation system? Has that already been developed?"
"Question! Why are they in charge of us?" Ford Romfellow asked again. In his view, the Federation's MS development was lagging, so Federation personnel shouldn't have any experience with MS.
"You'll find out soon." Yang Hui grinned mischievously, giving Ford Romfellow a bad feeling.
In Yang Hui's eyes, Jung and Kajima Yuu were still rookies, but he had to admit they were elites of this world. After a short period of training, both had reached C-level piloting skills - more than sufficient to train complete beginners.
"Understood."
"Major Yang Hui." After Ford Romfellow took his seat, Tim Ray also raised his hand and stood up to ask after Yang Hui nodded, "Can I meet that great scientist?"
"No." Yang Hui shook his head. He knew Tim Ray was trustworthy, but with so many people around, it was best to keep the fact that these technologies came from him as confidential as possible. "His identity is the Federation's highest-level secret. Only General Revil and General Gopp have clearance."
"Alright." Tim Ray sat down disappointed, but he understood—intelligence about such talent would definitely be classified by higher-ups, and his clearance level wasn't sufficient.
"Everyone, any more questions?"
People raised their hands intermittently with questions, and Yang Hui patiently answered them. The five-minute session passed quickly.
"Time's up. The Q&A session is over."
With the Q&A concluded, it was time to adjourn and for everyone to carry out their respective tasks. Many were eager, but Yang Hui poured another bucket of cold water over their hearts, chilling them to the bone.
"Next... guards, come in."
At Yang Hui's command, a squad of fully armed guards rushed in, causing confusion and alarm among everyone.
"Andy Strauss, Sakata Santo, ..., you are under arrest. You hid quite well—Zeon spies."
(End of Chapter)