Chapter 1373
Cui Ming: This Damned Seed Plan
The highly intelligent Tyrannosaurus Rex, Abba, has recently become quite famous on TPC.
His main purpose is to help humanity upgrade its weapons.
That's right, this Tyrannosaurus Rex is a legitimate scientific researcher.
Aba learned quite a bit from the Naga.
Of course, what's most impressive about this guy is that he reported a lot of infiltrating aliens.
These aliens keep telling Aba they want to cooperate.
Aba thought these guys were abstract.
"I'm a high-IQ Tyrannosaurus Rex! You really think I don't know what you're planning?"
He would look at those self-important space spies with the kind of look that says "look at an idiot," and then turn around and hand the list over to the TPC security department.
Cui Ming came over to Aba and asked, "Are you used to it?"
Aba was lying in front of a specially made experimental table, his huge body supported by a modified chair, his front paws holding a pen, writing and drawing on the drawings.
He looked up and pushed up his glasses.
"It's alright, at least I don't have to worry about so much... This kind of life is already very good, and there's plenty of meat too."
His voice was deep and clear, carrying the composure unique to a scholar.
Cui Ming walked to his side and looked down at the complex weapon design drawings on the blueprints.
"There are many new weapons upgrade programs, but very few will be actually used."
Aba put down his pen and pointed with his paw at a crossed-out section on the drawing.
"indeed……"
Cui Ming nodded, his gaze sweeping back and forth across the design drawings.
"What we need is something that can specialize, after all, there are many aliens, and we don't know what kind of enemies we might have."
Aba nodded in agreement, nodding his enormous head up and down.
"That's right. General-purpose weapons are fine for dealing with ordinary monsters, but when they encounter aliens with special abilities, such as those who can become invisible, manipulate minds, or split and regenerate, conventional firepower is just a waste of ammunition."
He used his claws to circle several key points on the drawing.
"Therefore, I suggest developing a modular weapon platform that allows for rapid switching of ammunition and attack modes based on enemy type. Use anti-energy munitions against energy-type enemies, armor-piercing drills against enemies with strong physical defense, and... against flying enemies..."
"Use the tracking network."
Cui Ming took over the conversation, lightly tapping the drawing with his finger.
Aba grinned, revealing his gleaming white fangs—a Tyrannosaurus Rex-like smile.
"Yes, that's the idea. I'm already designing it, and we should have a prototype ready by next week."
Cui Ming straightened up and patted Aba's huge front paws.
"Thanks a lot."
“It’s not hard work,” Aba picked up his pen again and continued drawing on the paper. “Compared to being chased by monsters in the wild, drawing here is like heaven.”
He paused, then added.
"Oh, right, we caught another alien yesterday. That guy tried to steal my blueprints, but I pinned him against the wall. Remember to go to the security department to pick him up."
Cui Ming raised an eyebrow.
"Which one is it?"
“The seventh this month,” Aba said without looking up, his voice tinged with helplessness. “Do these guys really think Tyrannosaurus Rex is so easy to fool?”
Cui Ming's lips curled up slightly as he turned and walked towards the door.
"I'll take care of it right away, you keep drawing."
"Go on, go on," Aba waved his paw, "Remember to tell the kitchen to send over more beef. Drawing takes a lot of brainpower and makes you hungry easily."
Cui Ming walked to the door, glanced back at the huge figure working diligently at the lab bench wearing glasses, and then gently closed the door.
In the corridor, he spoke into his communicator: "Security Department, Aba has caught another one. I'm going to pick him up. Also, kitchen, add ten pounds of beef to Aba's menu."
A unified response came from the other end of the communicator.
"understand!"
Rei Ayanami has been feeling a bit lost lately.
She sat in the cockpit of the barga, her hands on the control stick, her gaze fixed on the complex instrument panel in front of her.
The fluctuating data, flashing indicator lights, and densely packed buttons were all familiar to her. As the pilot of EVA, she was already used to the feeling of becoming one with the massive machinery.
But she didn't know what she should do.
Controlling Vulcan is different from controlling EVA.
EVA is battle, command, mission, and the sole reason for her existence.
But Bulga... is protection, is choice, is something she can decide for herself whether or not to attack.
This freedom made her feel lost and disoriented.
Although she is currently trying to learn how to control Varga, she is still somewhat confused.
The simulated battle on the training field had ended, and the other pilots left one after another, leaving only her varga still standing there.
She released the joystick and looked down at her hands.
These hands, which used to be able only grip the insertion bolt, can now freely choose whether or not to pull the trigger.
Still feeling lost?
Cui Ming's voice came from outside the cockpit.
She looked up and saw the figure walking up the boarding stairs and then sitting down in the passenger seat next to her.
"Um……"
Rei Ayanami responded softly, her red eyes turning towards Choi Myung.
“Mr. Cui Ming, I am a clone…”
Her voice was very soft, as if stating a deeply ingrained fact, or as if seeking some kind of denial.
"No, you are no longer."
Cui Ming leaned back in his chair, looking at her calmly.
"You are just Rei Ayanami, nothing more."
His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.
As Cui Ming spoke, he reached out and gently placed his hand on Rei Ayanami's head.
His palms were warm and large, with a reassuring temperature.
Rei Ayanami closed her eyes.
Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and the corners of her mouth seemed to loosen for a moment before returning to their usual straight lines.
"I see."
She spoke softly, a hint of softening in her voice.
"I will try my best to learn."
The cockpit fell silent, with only the regular low hum of the instruments remaining.
Cui Ming did not withdraw his hand, but simply stayed with her quietly until the light of the setting sun shone through the porthole, casting warm spots of light on the two of them.
but……
"Cough cough!"
Cui Ming turned his head.
A red-haired girl stood not far away, her hands behind her back, her toes lightly shuffling on the ground, her eyes darting around as if she were hesitating about something.
Hilda, is something the matter?
Cui Ming looked at her, his tone indifferent.
Hilda bit her lip, as if she had made up her mind, and suddenly raised her head.
"I want a head pat too!"
Her voice carried a hint of stubbornness, yet also concealed a subtle sense of grievance, like a child begging for candy.
"it is good."
Cui Ming didn't ask any more questions, but simply reached out and gently placed his hand on her head.
His palms were large and warm, carrying a reassuring temperature, as they slowly moved down her hair.
Cui Ming stroked Hilda's red hair.
Her hair was somewhat rough, dry from years of exposure to wind and sun, a stark contrast to Rei Ayanami's smooth blue hair. (End of Chapter)