"Dynamic stress sensors for the ship's keel and engine mounts are all activated."
"Power Reactor, ignition!"
As Fred's words fell, the familiar tremor once again resonated through the facility.
However, this tremor was noticeably more pronounced than during the previous internal tests.
Fred was not surprised by this. This time, their Power Reactor was operating at full capacity, so such a reaction was entirely normal.
Previously, they had gradually tested the reactor's output, starting from one-tenth of its capacity.
Now, they had reached the final step.
Amidst everyone's tension, the various values on the screen gradually stabilized.
Yet, everyone continued to hold their breath, not daring to make a sound, fearing that even the slightest disturbance might affect the numbers on the screen.
As the experiment progressed, the members of the Weapon System and Hull teams grew increasingly astonished.
After all, the experiment was remarkably stable.
Everything appeared tense, yet it unfolded with exceptional smoothness.
There were no frustrating surprises, nor any of the failures they had anticipated.
Before them, it seemed as though Fred was conducting an orchestra—precise, flawless, and composed with elegant calm.
It also resembled an experienced chief surgeon presiding over a delicate operation.
Despite his youth, the aura he exuded made most of them set aside any underestimation they might have harbored due to his age.
As for VV in the Weapon System team, he stared wide-eyed in Fred's direction.
The playful mockery and dissatisfaction he had intended to revel in made it difficult for him to accept the scene unfolding before him.
"Director Freed, it's quite impressive, wouldn't you say?"
The head of the Weapon System team turned to his talented but arrogant deputy with a warm smile.
"Hmm..."
After a brief moment of stunned silence, the young man quickly shook his head, finally snapping back to reality.
"The experiment isn't over yet."
It had only just begun, with ignition completed.
Next, they still needed to test the Weapon System, Catapult System, and life support system, all sustained by the Power Circuit.
He refused to believe that not even a single minor mishap would occur—that everything would proceed so smoothly.
"That's true."
Hearing this, the head of the Weapon System team said nothing more, though the smile on his face grew even brighter.
This director harbored no jealousy toward Fred. After all, they were all working for PLANT, deeply devoted to it—or rather, to the Coordinator community, with a strong sense of belonging.
The young man beside him might not yet realize that ZAFT had its own set of criteria for selecting researchers, especially directors.
It wasn't simply a matter of greater ability guaranteeing the position.
While recruiting researchers emphasized confidentiality and thorough background checks, becoming a director required a stable temperament, unwavering dedication to contributing to PLANT, and other such standards as part of the assessment.
For this reason, those who reached the director level held no ill will toward Fred.
Even if they did, it was overshadowed by the joy in their hearts.
If PLANT had geniuses, then the strength of their Coordinator community would naturally grow as well.
They might even actively offer their assistance.
And this deputy of his, VV, wanting to become a director—with his current temperament, it's absolutely impossible.
He could only hope that Freed's presence would awaken him.
Thinking this, the director's gaze toward Fred grew even more fervent.
A genius, a Coordinator genius.
If his talent truly was that high, it could even accelerate their research significantly.
And now, Fred was demonstrating that very possibility to them.
Amidst the excited and incredulous gazes of the crowd, Fred had already methodically handed over the on-site energy startup command to Albert Heinlein.
"Reactor output at 30%, running smoothly! Loading simulated combat load according to preset sequence, computer processing!"
With Heinlein's words, barely suppressing his excitement, the massive Battleship behind the reinforced glass emitted a deep rumble.
Of course, they couldn't just take this Laurasia-class prototype out for a spin.
The hull was complete, but they could only simulate real battlefield data within the lab.
Like now, the cargo hold load inside the Laurasia-class, or rather the current ZIC-01P Prototype, was increasing dramatically.
However, with the overall hull strength already tested, there were no issues.
What needed attention was the hull disturbance caused by the Engine startup.
This was also one of the test items.
Seeing the stability maintained almost perfectly straight, everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, while Fred's expression remained unchanged.
Heinlein didn't lose focus, his eyes gleaming as he watched the data on the screen before him, continuing.
"Fire Control Radar simulated signal activated—energy flow stable!"
"Pulse Engine ignition, 5% thrust—hull stress response within projected curve!"
At this point, the reactor and Engine had both successfully started.
Inside the glass, at the massive Battleship's stern, where the Engine was connected by thick pipes, a tremendous explosive roar erupted.
If they hadn't taken precautions earlier, the entire testing ground would have been destroyed.
"Is it safe to vent that energy directly into Jachin Due's rock layers?"
A researcher from the materials group couldn't help but whisper.
The massive pipes connected to the ZIC-01P's Engine led to a larger space deeper within Jachin Due.
According to public statements, that area was also designated for future mining.
"The interior is equipped with multiple Cooling Systems, so there's no problem."
The materials group director explained briefly before turning his enthusiastic gaze back toward Fred.
Half of the procedure was already complete, and Fred on the platform still appeared composed.
The only visible part of his mouth showed no smile, but no tension either.
"Monitoring system detects initial vibration, actively countering—efficiency 94.7%!"
"Increase to 70% output! Simulating 'evasive maneuvers'—Engine power fluctuating sharply!"
"Buffer Capacitor Bank operating perfectly! Main Reactor output stable!"
"100% rated output! Simulating 'volley counterattack'—all Directed Energy Weapon Arrays simulating full load charging!"
With each of Heinlein's announcements, the ZIC-01P before them grew increasingly restless.
All weapons on the ship's hull entered firing mode.
Of course, the heat generated by the launch was simulated using tools.
But so far, everything still appeared perfectly flawless.
Soon, Albert Heinlein, seeing that everything was normal, turned his gaze toward Fred.
A turbulent mix of excitement, solemnity, and tension churned within him, making Heinline's gaze toward the other man profoundly complex.
Everything was proceeding without issue.
Now, only the final step remained: the simulated launch of the Electromagnetic Catapult.
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