Goodbye Kunlun

-June 14, 2043 · Hong Kong, China · Shatterdome-

"The Kunlun's test drive is about to begin. Doctor, please have your team finish their checks as soon as possible."

"Haha, no problem."

Up ahead, the conversation between Dr. Newton and the Jaeger warehouse administrator concluded quickly. Rosen then slightly pulled down the brim of his cap, trying not to draw attention to himself as he blended in with the group.

He was currently wearing a blue electrician's uniform and pushing a cart with a toolbox covered in engine oil. He looked exactly like a Jaeger maintenance worker.

Of course—Rosen couldn't repair Jaegers at all, nor was the toolbox filled with welding tools, wrenches, or anything of the sort.

Inside lay the Pilot Suit Rosen had painstakingly borrowed.

"Everyone, hurry inside. We don't have much time," the Jaeger warehouse administrator called out from the front.

Rosen quickly pushed his cart, following the others as they filed in.

At the very last second before entering the gate, Rosen couldn't help but grin—his second step of the plan was complete.

2 days ago—

The first step had concluded perfectly. Now, Rosen needed to consider the second matter—

How to sneak into the Jaeger warehouse.

Rosen pondered this as he carried the Pilot Suit back to his dormitory.

Sneaking into the Jaeger warehouse would be no easy feat.

Although those colossal machines were usually kept in the fully open Jaeger storage area, they were brought to the Jaeger warehouse for debugging before each activation. Pilots also entered the Jaeger's head cockpit through a special passage located within the warehouse. That area was not a place where just anyone could freely enter and exit.

Rosen had only been there once before.

Rosen thought about it. Only two types of people could enter that area:

1. Jaeger pilots and higher-ranking commanders. 2. Cockpit maintenance personnel.

Rosen chose the latter without hesitation.

As for how to infiltrate the maintenance team... Rosen immediately thought of someone.

Dr. Kaiju—Dr. Newton Gessler.

He had his own maintenance team, specifically responsible for handling any sudden problems with the silicon-based life forms within the Jaegers. He was definitely a heavyweight figure.

Furthermore, Dr. Newton's weakness was obvious—

An anomaly during the Synaptic Link with a hybrid Jaeger?

Some kind of mutation in the silicate cerebellum?

Non-human alpha brainwaves interfering with the pilot's thoughts?

That's right, Dr. Newton would definitely be interested in these topics!

The more Rosen thought about it, the more excited he became. He could almost picture Dr. Newton stammering from overexcitement!

As for the other doctor—Dr. Hermann, Rosen decided to keep him in the dark for now.

Dr. Hermann was too meticulous. He would never do anything out of line. Rosen felt that even if he told him everything, and even with ample evidence proving that Kunlun was indeed experiencing some kind of anomaly, Dr. Hermann still wouldn't choose to help Rosen. Because someone like him would never entertain such unconventional ideas.

"Hmm... I'll go talk to Dr. Newton about it first then."

Without further ado, Rosen decided not to return to his dormitory. He picked up the Pilot Suit and headed straight for the third floor of the Shatterdome.

Rosen was incredibly efficient. He managed to convey all the information he knew to Newton in just 3 minutes.

From the case of Mike and "Noisy Max"—to the anomalies he himself had experienced—to the possibility of Synaptic Link errors occurring with Kunlun—and finally to the emergence of new research topics.

This series of points rained down like bullets, leaving Newton stunned.

"You're saying... you believe there's some kind of anomaly in Kunlun's brain?" Newton confirmed after organizing his thoughts for a moment.

"That's right," Rosen nodded, adding, "I think the possibility is quite high. After all, you once said—"

"Silicon-based life is far more complex than carbon-based," Newton interjected at the right moment. He nodded. "Yes, yes... that's what I said..."

However, Newton still seemed hesitant. He sat in his chair, rubbing his forehead while looking down.

Rosen knew this gesture meant Newton was deep in thought, but he was more eager for a response. So, he decided to pull out a trump card—

"I heard Dr. Hermann..." Rosen deliberately coughed.

"Hermann? What about Hermann?" Newton's attention was successfully diverted by Rosen.

"Dr. Hermann seems to be close to completing the programming version upgrade for the 8th Generation Jaeger... He said that once he achieves a major accomplishment, he's going to insist that the Commander send someone to dispose of the Kaiju specimens piled up by his lab into the landfill..."

"No! Absolutely not!"

Rosen's tactic was indeed effective! Newton jumped up as if he'd been injected with adrenaline!

"He can't do this! I'm going to confront him!"

Dr. Newton, furious, was about to rush out the door!

Rosen quickly pulled him back!

"Doctor, calm down first!" Rosen soothed.

"Then what do you suggest we do?!"

"As long as we finish the new thesis before Dr. Hermann, we just need to do this and that in front of the Commander..."

The two whispered for a moment, then both broke into wicked smiles.

"Alright! Alright! Let's do that. When do we act?"

"The 14th of this month!" Rosen added excitedly, "The day after tomorrow!"

"No problem! Hermann has always been riding on my head, it's time he bowed his head to me!" Newton also burst into laughter. "Just thinking about it makes me feel great!"

Thus, the two with ulterior motives embraced.

The above is the reason why Rosen appeared here.

Rosen blended in with the maintenance crew, heading forward at a leisurely pace.

He had just entered the hangar doors and the first thing that caught his eye were dozens of repair stations of various sizes lining the sides of the hangar. These were responsible for the maintenance and replacement of tens of millions of parts within the Jaegers. Toolboxes, wrenches, wire cutters, and duffel bags filled with accessories and wires were scattered everywhere. In short, anything that could keep the giant Jaegers running was available here.

A group of workers carrying thick cables passed by Rosen. He immediately recognized the cables as large fiber optic lines used to collect ions. For example, the ion cannon in Kunlun's hand needed such cables to light up.

Many other personnel were distributed in various corners of the hangar, disassembling, cutting, and welding, all busy.

And in the very center of the hangar stood a giant Jaeger.

It was none other than—

Kunlun.

The Kunlun that Rosen had been thinking about day and night.

Rosen looked up and immediately stopped in his tracks.

He forgot about his Sync Rate, forgot about Raleigh Beckett's teachings, forgot about all the hardships he had endured over the past year, forgot the purpose of his visit.

For a moment, he even forgot how to breathe.

"It's been 1 year."

Rosen withdrew his gaze, pulled down the brim of his hat, and muttered.

"A full year and 5 days."

Setting Collection - Character Edition (1)

Top Secret

- Pan Pacific Defense Corps -

- Personnel File -

Name: Rosen

Affiliation: Reserve Cadet (ID: 58403, East District, 2nd Floor, 2213)

Enlistment Date: July 12, 2037

Status: Active

Personal Profile:

Born April 3, 2020. Only child. Parents died in 2020 during the "God of Desire" attack on Hong Kong. Their identities have not yet been confirmed. On September 1, 2027, Rosen was adopted by Raleigh Beckett and entered the Hong Kong Kowloon Pilot Academy on September 1, 2036. He had excellent grades but was also problematic.

It wasn't until 2041 that he was approved to participate in the "Kunlun" pilot selection trials. He ultimately surpassed all competitors with an outstanding Sync Rate of 92%, 73 kills, and 73 victories, earning the right to pilot "Kunlun."

However, he failed the first Synaptic Link test with "Kunlun," after which his Sync Rate began to decline for reasons unknown.

Evaluation:

Technically skilled but with significant personality issues. His arrogant nature may bring disaster to his comrades. There are recent rumors of a personality change, which have not yet been confirmed.

Remarks:

Currently temporarily withdrawn from pilot training. Reportedly, he has devoted himself entirely to Kaiju science and joined the ranks of researchers.

Addendum:

Whether to revoke her pilot qualifications is still under consideration.

— Pan Pacific Defense Corps —

— Personnel File —

Name: Angie Beckett

Assigned Unit: Pilot Corps (ID: 13, Level 2, West Wing, 2013)

Enlistment Date: January 1, 2040

Status: Active

Personal Profile:

Born July 7, 2028. Only child of Raleigh Beckett and Mako Mori. She had no exposure to Jaegers until the deaths of Raleigh and Mako, after which Angie began to truly interact with these colossal machines. Angie displayed exceptional talent as a successor hero in an extremely short period. On September 1, 2039, at the young age of 11, Angie became the youngest cadet in the history of the Hong Kong Kowloon Pilot Academy, and enlisted the following year on January 1. She was not yet 12 years old upon enlistment.

After one year of training, Angie participated in the "Anshan" pilot competition. She emerged victorious with an outstanding Sync Rate of 95%, 89 kills, and 89 victories, earning the right to pilot "Anshan." She also became the youngest pilot in the history of Jaeger development.

Combat Record:

May 3, 2042, Kaiju "Seahorse," South China Sea;

September 8, 2042, Kaiju "Silver Hook," South China Sea;

January 3, 2043, Kaiju "Explosive Flame," waters near Hawaii.

Evaluation:

The most promising pilot in human history. Possesses excellent skills, superb tactical awareness, and extraordinary intuition. Her character is beyond reproach. Kind, innocent, and easily embarrassed.

Remarks:

Currently, "Anshan" is performing poorly. The central command is drafting a list of potential "BJ" pilots, with Angie among the candidates and likely a strong contender.

Addendum:

Considering Angie has entered adolescence, she and her preferred candidates will be closely monitored to prevent any potential defection due to foreign power infiltration.

— Pan Pacific Defense Corps —

— Personnel File —

Name: Seti Andrews

Assigned Unit: Pilot Corps (ID: 9, Level 2, West Wing, 2009)

Enlistment Date: July 12, 2037

Status: Active

Personal Profile:

Born April 1, 2020. Has an older brother, Alza Andrews (pilot at Anchorage Base, USA). Parents deceased. He was cared for by his brother and placed under the care of Raleigh Beckett from a young age. He entered the Hong Kong Kowloon Pilot Academy on September 1, 2036. His academic performance was excellent, but he was also problematic.

It wasn't until 2041 that he was permitted to participate in the "Kunlun" pilot competition, but he ultimately lost to Rosen and was not selected.

One year later, he participated in the "Changbai" pilot competition. He emerged victorious with an outstanding Sync Rate of 92%, 73 kills, and 72 victories, earning the right to pilot "Changbai."

Combat Record:

January 3, 2043, Kaiju "Extreme Ice," waters near Hawaii.

Evaluation:

Technically proficient but with significant personality issues. His arrogant nature may bring disaster to his comrades. He is currently undergoing regular psychological counseling and rehabilitation with the PPDC psychological consultation team.

Notes:

Although arrogant and conceited, he possesses real skill. While he's made enemies among the regular staff, his teammates in the pilot corps don't seem to hold many grudges against him.

Additional Notes:

Given the negative impact of his personality, this individual can be replaced if necessary.

—— Pan Pacific United Military Forces ——

—— Personnel File ——

Name: Lin Yin

Assigned Unit: Pilot Corps (ID: 2 West Second Floor 2002)

Enlistment Date: September 1, 2034

Status: Active Duty

Personal Profile:

Born December 21, 2016. Only child. Her father, Lin Tianyin, was a former Chinese Air Force Captain who died in 2020 defending Hong Kong from the Kaiju "Avenger." Her mother is still alive. On September 6, 2032, after the second Kaiju wave, she enrolled in the National Defense University of China, majoring in Jaeger Pilot, where she excelled and demonstrated unwavering conviction.

She graduated early in 2034 and was transferred to the Hong Kong Shatterdome for advanced training. In 2038, she successfully earned the pilot rights for the 7th Generation heavy Jaeger "Huangshan."

In 2041, the first 8th Generation Jaeger, "Shandong," was completed. Lin Yin competed against two other rivals for the pilot rights. Ultimately, she secured "Shandong" with a perfect record – the highest sync rate in history at 96%, 200 sorties, and 200 kills.

Destruction Record:

September 6, 2038, Kaiju "Shiba Inu," Bohai Sea, China;

September 6, 2038, Kaiju "Hyena," Bohai Sea, China;

December 12, 2038, Kaiju "Spine," East China Sea;

May 5, 2039, Kaiju "Night Ghost," Mindanao, Philippines;

October 28, 2039, Kaiju "Black Widow," Manila;

September 9, 2040, Kaiju "Reaper," The Bund, Shanghai, China;

January 1, 2041, Kaiju "Crusher," South China Sea;

November 22, 2042, Kaiju "Ghost Chariot," Brisbane;

December 22, 2042, Kaiju "Specter," Brisbane;

January 3, 2043, Kaiju "Deep Blue," Near Hawaiian Waters;

January 3, 2043, Kaiju "Silver Wave," Near Hawaiian Waters;

February 28, 2043, Kaiju "Tarantula," South China Sea;

June 11, 2043, Kaiju "Gravedigger," Singapore;

Assessment:

One of the most outstanding pilots currently serving in China. Her technical skills are impeccable, and more importantly, she possesses a steadfast will, acts effectively, and is driven by conviction – truly rare qualities.

Such talent must be entrusted with significant responsibility.

Notes:

While piloting "Shandong," she also pointed out numerous issues with the Jaeger, accumulating valuable experience for the development of the next generation of mechs.

Additional Notes:

The central command is considering assigning her to lead the "Savior" program, though a final decision has not yet been made.