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A week later, at the end of the month, the first shipment of approved materials arrived at the Shatterdome. Aidan had specifically prioritized this batch to include everything needed for his artificial intelligence development and computer room transformation. Watching crates of specialized equipment and rare materials being transported to his new facilities, he felt a surge of satisfaction.
Finally, we can get started on the real work.
"The entire proposal you submitted has been approved. This is the first delivery batch - the remaining materials should arrive in about ten days," Mako Mori said, consulting a detailed inventory list. She'd been assigned to handle the material transfers, which meant spending considerable time coordinating with Aidan.
"That's perfect timing," Aidan nodded, already mentally organizing the installation sequence. "The AI development can't wait much longer."
Mako seemed to have something else on her mind, hesitating before asking, "Did you modify the simulation testing systems a few days ago?"
"Yeah, but I only changed three of the pods for the Wei Tang triplets. It shouldn't have affected any of the other machines." Aidan looked concerned. "Did my programming cause problems with the other systems?"
"No, nothing like that. I just heard that you tested it yourself and completed a kill in five minutes."
The news had spread throughout the entire facility. The fastest victory record had been set by Ryan, the engineer responsible for maintaining the fourth-generation Jaeger. Unlike other maintenance supervisors who had teams of designers and support staff, Ryan functioned as both manager and hands-on technical engineer. His recent technological breakthroughs had attracted attention not just from their base, but from other Pacific Rim facilities as well.
Information about the Arc Reactor technology had been transmitted to engineering teams at every coastal base. Now that rumors of a second-generation improved version were circulating, everyone was watching the Shatterdome closely, waiting to see the upgraded Crimson Typhoon's first demonstration.
"I didn't realize people were paying attention to simulation scores," Aidan replied with mild surprise. "With everything happening with the new reactor technology, I figured a training exercise would be pretty insignificant by comparison."
"You were running the Gipsy Danger control system, weren't you?" Mako's eyes showed a mixture of excitement and something that looked almost like hope.
"Yeah, I think so," Aidan said uncertainly, trying to remember which configuration he'd selected. "Why do you ask?"
Mako suddenly fell silent, looking down at her inventory clipboard like it contained the secrets of the universe. Aidan didn't think much of it and returned his attention to directing the installation of sophisticated computer equipment, robotic assembly arms, and precision manufacturing tools.
Once the artificial intelligence was operational, the laboratory would become a complete Jaeger development facility. With sufficient materials, he could potentially build an entire mech from scratch. But first, he needed to get the basic systems online and functional.
The equipment installation took longer than expected. After three days of work, they were still connecting fiber optic networks and calibrating sensitive instruments. During a dinner break, Aidan was sitting with the Wei Tang triplets, discussing their progress with the modified simulation training, when Mako approached their table.
"Ryan, could we talk privately?" she asked formally, though her cheeks carried a slight flush of color.
The triplets immediately exchanged knowing looks and made their excuses to leave, giving Aidan unmistakably suggestive expressions as they departed. Aidan shrugged helplessly at their obvious matchmaking attempts.
"Sorry about them. I think they're getting the wrong idea," he said once the brothers were gone.
"It's okay. I actually do have something important to discuss with you alone," Mako replied, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Aidan noticed her nervous energy but couldn't quite figure out what was causing it. Then a possibility occurred to him, and he mentally groaned. "Let's go outside and talk. It's a nice evening, and there are too many people listening in here."
"Alright," Mako agreed readily.
They walked together to one of the Shatterdome's exterior observation platforms. Night had fallen, and the bright moon cast silver light across the ocean's surface. The autumn sea breeze was cool and clean, carrying the endless sound of waves against the base's foundation. They stood at the railing, looking out at the dark water that stretched to the horizon.
After several minutes of comfortable silence, Mako finally gathered her courage.
"Ryan, I... I want to ask you out," she said, turning to face him directly. She kept her head down but occasionally glanced up at him with large, hopeful eyes. The moonlight reflecting off the ocean created shifting patterns of light across her face.
Aidan's expression didn't change as he continued watching the waves. Mako's expectant look gradually faded to disappointment and confusion. She'd assumed this would be easy - hadn't Ryan been pursuing her just weeks ago? She'd thought he'd be thrilled by her interest.
Finally, Aidan spoke.
"I know what you're really thinking," he said quietly, "but I'm sorry. I'm not planning to become a Jaeger pilot, and I won't let anyone else into my mind." He tapped his temple for emphasis.
The pieces clicked together for Mako immediately. Her childhood home had been destroyed by Kaiju, leaving her with an overwhelming need for revenge that had driven her entire adult life. She desperately wanted to become a Jaeger pilot, but that kind of intense emotional baggage could be dangerous during neural bridge connections. Her adoptive father, Marshal Pentecost, had clearly recognized this and repeatedly denied her pilot applications.
When Aidan's simulation test results had become public knowledge, Mako had seen an opportunity. If she could establish compatibility with someone who'd demonstrated exceptional piloting ability, they might be approved as a team for Gipsy Danger. The fact that she genuinely liked Ryan had made the plan seem even more appealing.
But Aidan understood her motivations perfectly. Becoming a Jaeger pilot required complete neural synchronization - a level of mental intimacy that was more revealing than any physical relationship. The other person would see every memory, every thought, every secret you'd ever had. And after more than a month of brain development exercises, he was confident he could pilot a Jaeger alone anyway.
There was no point in risking exposure of his true nature for something he didn't need.
"I understand why you'd want to pilot," he continued gently. "But that's not the path I'm taking. I'm more useful in the lab than in a cockpit."
Mako bit her lip, clearly hurt but trying to maintain her composure. She wasn't the kind of person who made scenes or demanded explanations. After a moment, she managed a strained smile.
"I should have realized," she said quietly. "Thank you for being honest with me."
She turned and walked quickly back toward the base, leaving Aidan alone with the ocean and his thoughts.
She'll find another way to get into combat, he reflected. Probably sooner than anyone expects. And when she does, she'll be better off with a partner who can help her rather than someone keeping secrets.
The waves continued their eternal rhythm against the Shatterdome's foundation as Aidan planned his next moves. The AI development would be complete within days, the Crimson Typhoon modifications would begin soon after, and then he could start implementing much more ambitious projects.
But first, he needed to make sure his personal relationships didn't complicate the work ahead. There were too many lives depending on technological breakthroughs to let romantic entanglements interfere with progress.
The war against the Kaiju was far from over, and every decision mattered
PLZ THROW POWERSTONES.