Heinline kept his thoughts to himself despite his internal complaints.
He understood that Fred was their star member, and generally none of them would question him. Moreover, if the delay was necessary this time, he was willing to take the blame for Fred's reputation.
Such a thought would have been impossible for him before, after all, he was only here as an undercover agent. But he recognized and even admired Fred's abilities and character. He also believed Fred's research would greatly benefit PLANT.
Just as Heinline was about to silently accept Franji's words, Fred unexpectedly spoke up, following Franji's statement.
"This isn't Director Heinline's fault," Fred said. "And there's no need for a delay."
Fred's voice remained as calm as ever, but it drew everyone's attention back to his screen. While his support for Heinline was understandable, the "no delay" part left them puzzled—they hadn't even started researching a solution yet.
Amid their surprise, Fred continued, "I have a solution to this problem."
After Fred finished speaking, everyone fell into a tacit silence. They hadn't begun tackling the issue, yet Fred already had an answer? Though they knew Fred was remarkable, this seemed almost unbelievable. Typically, even Fred would discuss with them to explore possible solutions. Why was he breaking the pattern now?
If Fred hadn't become a guiding star in their minds over the past few months, they might have voiced their doubts. Instead, they waited in astonishment for him to elaborate.
Jiuer, who had been listening quietly, was equally shocked. Yes, there were others in this channel—a backdoor left open beforehand. As the primary research lead, with Fred as the director, her presence was justified. She had joined mainly to hear Fred's discussion, as the problem, while not major, was quite troublesome.
They had only recently managed to estimate the mass parameters of those MS, so she would have accepted if Fred requested more time. In fact, she had planned for that. Her earlier agreement to Heinline's one-week deadline was partly to curry favor with Fred. But now, it seemed that favor might not be needed.
"Impossible," Jiuer thought, resonating with the astonishment of Fred's current team members. Of course, they didn't know that Fred had known from the start that he would be ejecting MS. Although he lacked specific MS data, the general weight of an MS was firmly etched in his memory.
A deviation in catapult initial velocity might seem like an ordinary issue, but in actual combat, such a slight deviation could cause the fourth fighter—or MS—to be immediately locked onto and destroyed by enemy fighters or missiles the moment it launches.
This represents a terrifying and unacceptable loss rate.
Therefore, Fred had already considered this problem long ago when he learned they would be facing a battleship equipped with MS units.
After all this time, it would be foolish if he still didn't know how to solve it.
"First, modifying the engine ignition pulse curve to make energy release 'smoother' would be like putting a muzzle on a beast. This would directly reduce the battleship's initial acceleration during emergency evasion by 15%, which is equally unacceptable as a tactical flaw."
As Fred spoke, corresponding diagrams appeared on the screens before everyone.
Seeing this, they all nodded in succession.
This was indeed the simplest solution, and Jiuer showed no surprise at all.
She had naturally considered this approach as well.
"Now, here's my proposed solution."
Fred's words immediately focused everyone's attention.
They didn't have to wait long.
Soon, Fred's proposed solution appeared on their screens.
"Design a 'Resonant Energy Converter' system at the B-17 to B-19 keel convergence zone."
"It's a precise passive system. When vibrations from the engine ignition pulse frequency transmit through, this device will generate a phase-reversed mechanical wave that actively cancels out most of the energy. The remaining absorbed energy can be converted into low-voltage electricity stored in capacitors, then fed back to the catapult deck systems—turning harm into benefit."
Accompanied by the technical documentation displayed before them, the group—who had just regained their composure—found themselves stunned once more.
This included Jiuer.
It wasn't that they lacked similar existing technology for such energy converters—the oscillation device capable of destroying meteors operated on similar principles.
But how long had it been since Fred received the specific mass data? To conceive such a complex solution in such a short time?
If Fred had been leading a team that spent a month developing this, Jiuer wouldn't have been surprised at all.
But as a Natural, wasn't Fred becoming too overpowered?
Before their astonishment could subside, a series of verification data appeared before them.
"This should directly resolve the problem."
As Fred spoke, everyone gradually began to regain their senses.
Their gazes through the screens seemed almost worshipful, as if they were looking at some divine being.
With Fred—this absolute genius—on their side, if they couldn't complete the research on time, they might as well commit seppuku.
As for Jiuer, her usual cool expression remained, though the corner of her tightly pressed lips seemed to twitch slightly.
"It's good that it's resolved," she thought to herself.
Simultaneously, she dragged the data into her own computer.
Further verification would be needed several more times—just as a precaution.
But seeing Fred's calm and confident tone, even Jiuer no longer anticipated failure.
If it were anyone else, she might have considered them arrogant, but she believed she understood him reasonably well.
He didn't seem like the arrogant type at all.
"Fred..."
Muttering this name she often heard, Jiuer sighed once more.
Come to think of it, her son had grown increasingly mature and powerful under Fred's training.
Perhaps the future truly belonged to these young people.
With this thought, Jiuer quickly gathered her slightly scattered focus.
No matter what, she still had tasks she must complete now.
For the Coordinators, for their compatriots, Fred's strength was indispensable.
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