Chapter 112: Unconditional
Lu Zhaoming’s heart sank.
He knew that the production capacity issue was the hardest to resolve in a short time, and it wasn’t something that could be solved simply by investing a certain amount of resources and manpower.
This was different from the rocket manufacturing that was currently underway simultaneously.
The biggest difficulty in manufacturing a large number of rockets in a short time lay in assembling various parts according to requirements, meaning its original production capacity was sufficient.
But building a factory from scratch in a short time and getting it operational?
Impossible. Even with the strength of the entire nation, it couldn’t be done.
“Our nation’s production capacity is insufficient, but what about the whole world?”
That expert said: “As far as I know, globally, there are currently 32 manufacturers with production capacity for this material besides our nation.
Ideally, the total production capacity is sufficient, but the problem is that these manufacturers have all been in low-load production states for years, with a large number of related workers having left.
Unless the relevant national governments step in to fully push for resumption of production, otherwise… there is no possibility of restoring production capacity in a short time.”
Five days’ time, no, specific production also takes time, so the time to gather workers for resumption of production can only be compressed to within two days, and with those nations’ efficiency…
Can it be done?
Hearing that expert name one country after another, with his own understanding of those nations, Professor Lu Zhaoming’s heart uncontrollably sank slowly.
But he still maintained a calm appearance on the surface.
“First ensure that domestic manufacturers produce at full capacity, as for the other nations’ matters, I will communicate with superiors.”
……
In a simply styled office, Sun Changhe looked at the document in his hand, remaining silent for a long time.
After a long while, he raised his head and said to Gu Changshan: “Like the previous cycle, test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile.”
“Yes.”
Following normal processes—negotiations, even disclosure of truth, waiting for verification one by one—was simply too late.
At this moment, only force could break through; for now, ignore everything else, whether the other side was willing or forced by military coercion, in any case, get things done first.
As for what hidden dangers it would leave for the future… talk about the future later, if there is a future.
The hidden blade fights and life-and-death struggles did not affect the clamor of the real world.
Amid the uproar on social networking sites, the glow of high explosive detonation appeared once again in the high seas area, stirring up massive waves.
At the same time, some information was transmitted through private channels to many people.
In front of a huge long rectangular conference table, an elder sat in the center, his expression serious.
Across from him, a soldier wearing a splendid military uniform was rapidly reporting.
“…Existing evidence indicates that that country is undergoing nationwide industrial mobilization. Moreover, combining intelligence from multiple sources, we highly suspect the manufacturing goal is heavy rockets capable of lunar payload missions.
At the same time, all detection devices in that country capable of lunar detection—space telescopes, radio telescopes, ground optical telescopes, etc.—have all halted their original observation tasks in recent times and are all aimed at the moon.
We have reason to believe they have discovered something on the moon.
We also believe their demand for our government to step in and restore production at 5 superconducting material factories within at most 40 hours, and deliver all products to them after 110 hours, is a continuation of this matter.
The previous intercontinental ballistic missile launch was merely to pressure our side, showing their determination to stop at nothing, ensuring our side completes their demands on schedule.”
The elder in the center pondered silently.
Another official said: “Sir, I believe there are many points worth consideration in this matter.
One thing that can be confirmed is that since the other side has shown such firm determination, as long as our side does not want mutual destruction, the only path left is to agree to their conditions.
I have no objection to this. It’s just a few factories; agreeing to them won’t cost us anything.
What I’m thinking is, in this incident, what benefits can we strive for.
The greater the determination, the more costs they can bear to achieve their goal. As long as we don’t touch their bottom line, I think even if we demand a bit more benefits, they will agree.”
In front of the long rectangular conference table, the attendees exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of excitement in their colleagues’ eyes.
Such an opportunity might not come once in decades.
We’re not unwilling to cooperate; we agree to your conditions, and all we ask for is just some benefits—you won’t refuse, right?
The elder remained silent, never responding to the hungry-wolf-like gazes of his subordinates as if they had seen fatty meat.
After a long while, he sighed softly and said gravely: “Agree to their demands, and at the same time… our side will not propose any conditions.
Our side will cooperate unconditionally.”
“Sir?”
Meeting the astonished gazes of his subordinates, the elder raised his head, his gaze seeming to pierce through the ceiling, extending to that desolate and silent planet.
“We and they are on the same boat.
Combining existing intelligence, besides the boat sinking, I can’t think of any other possibility that could make them this crazy.
Their madness is not only saving themselves but also saving us, saving the ship named Earth itself.
Besides agreeing to their demands and doing what we can, we can’t do more.
But at least, we can ensure that during their process of saving this ship, we do not interfere with them or influence them.”
“Sir…”
That subordinate still seemed somewhat unwilling: “Even if your judgment is correct, that doesn’t affect our ability to strive for the benefits we deserve.
Why not have both?”
The elder shook his head lightly: “Giving up current benefits is for greater future benefits.
They are no longer concealing their edge, and after this incident, which is very likely a world-destruction level disaster… how do you think the world situation will develop?
Do you hope this incident is merely a transaction, or a letter of allegiance to the future victor?”
A transaction means money and goods clear, no one owes anyone.
Gaining the victor’s recognition and standing on the victor’s side would bring immeasurable, continuous benefits.
The elder slowly stood up: “Not only must we cooperate unconditionally, we must also use our own influence to urge other nations to cooperate as much as possible. Of course, judgments like the ship sinking need not be told to them.”
In the meeting room, the opinions of the numerous attendees finally unified at this moment.
……
Cycle day five, early morning.
Accompanied by one airplane after another flying in and landing from various parts of Earth, Jiang Yang also saw the device jointly manufactured by the refrigeration, machinery, and material experts.
