Star Ocean: Starting from the Abandoned Mining Space Station.

Chapter 204 Early War

Bai Quan directly released the star map of the entire empire.

The straight-line distance from one end of the empire to the other end is almost equal to two galaxies laid flat there, but the entire territory of the empire can accommodate more than two galaxies.

So although Chen Ming had some understanding of the vast territory of the empire before, it was still a bit shocking to see it again now.

After the star map was completely released, Baiquan pointed to the countless orange-marked areas on the edge of the empire and said: "First of all, not all places where battles occur are battlefields."

"Those low-intensity battlefields are not battlefields at all, they can only be regarded as places for training troops."

"Just like the borders between us and the mechanical tribe, although we fight them to the death, most of the time it is just small-scale friction."

"After all, the Machine Tribe are not fools. They don't have a cluster large enough to pose a threat to the Empire on the border of the Empire."

"On the premise that we have no intention of active expansion, they don't dare to harass us too much."

"The only truly large-scale battle is with Yuhui's headquarters."

Baiquan pointed to another star field called Sunset, which is at the opposite end of the empire from the Gallo star field. Only this place is marked in red on the star map.

"So we're just opening up a second battlefield where we're really going to have all-out war."

"And we open up a new battlefield, or a reason to launch a war..."

"Have you seen the recent news? A wave of deformed children has begun to appear throughout the empire. You should be aware of this, right?"

Chen Ming nodded and said: "The empire seems to have no good solution."

"Of course there is no solution. As a person who is the cause of this wave of deformed children, how do you think we should solve it?"

"I can't come."

Even the president of the Psychic Association has no solution, so what can he say?

Bai Quan obviously knew what the answer was, and asked: "Since this internal conflict cannot be resolved, what do you think the empire should do?"

As a person who had taken a political class, Chen Ming understood immediately and said: "Of course it is to transfer the conflict to the outside world and use the war to shift the blame to the mechanical tribe and Yuhui."

"Then why doesn't the empire continue to invest in the frontal battlefield?"

Baiquan explained: "The war started a long time ago and has never stopped, but if you look at the front line it is still very close to the border of our empire, and you will understand what the situation is like on the front line."

"The main force of Afterglow has blocked our attack, and as a defender, they have been shrinking. The progress of the front line can be said to be quite slow."

"Although we managed to advance a certain distance on the front line during the time when you just emerged and were taken away by the afterglow, judging from the result, it was a failure."

"On the contrary, the front line is still completely deadlocked. We can only find another way."

"If we continue to invest in the battlefield on the front line, it is very likely that it will not divert the conflict, but make it further difficult for the empire to recover."

Chen Ming understood.

Once the empire's investment in the frontline fails to have an effect in the first place and is instead held back by the afterglow, the empire's method of using war to divert conflicts will be ineffective, and the chaos that has arisen in the country may intensify.

That's why the empire must open up another battlefield where it can definitely win and open up the situation in local areas.

Rely on this huge victory to ease the pressure caused by internal conflicts.

Bai Quan continued: "As long as the empire launches a war, relies on the war dividends to survive the first wave, and is not directly dragged down, and achieves the first results, all internal problems in recent years will be solved by themselves."

"As long as this tough battle can be completely won, the development of a mechanical race's star field will bring at least fifty years of development to the empire."

"In the future, if we thoroughly digest the star field, obtain the resources within the star field, and obtain the heritage of another civilization, the benefits will be even more unimaginable."

"What nonsense internal conflicts are all fake in the face of the dividends brought by the war, the entire empire is thriving."

As soon as Bai Quan finished speaking, Chen Ming said as if concluding: "So this is the reason for the war."

"That's right. Then you continue to think about it later. What happens after that? When the bonus is used up?"

"Fifty years is only two or three generations. The dividends that are eaten up by two or three generations are not called dividends at all."

"Dividends are things that the seniors should leave to the juniors that can last for a long time."

"So take a longer view and consider, after we win the war in the Gallo Star Territory here, do you think we should continue?"

Chen Ming thinks the answer is yes: "Of course."

As the initiator of the question, Bai Quan also knew the answer. After nodding, he continued: "So after the war between the Gallo Star Territory and the Machine Tribe is won, the empire will return the focus of the war to the front line."

"The huge dividends ahead will allow the empire to easily drive its huge body. If the entire empire works together, can it cause trouble for Yuhui on the frontal battlefield? Or cause trouble for other mechanical races?"

"Definitely."

"Then that's the complete answer to the question you just asked."

"Actually, the people in the empire can guess what they are thinking. Isn't it normal to have a little logic?"

"Moreover, it is said, I mean it is said, that the high-level officials' thoughts are not limited to obtaining war dividends. They even want to use this war to stimulate the entire empire and start the second era of development."

Chen Ming knew what benefits the first pioneering era had for the empire, but the opening of the pioneering era...

"It's not that easy, is it?"

Bai Quan said matter-of-factly: "Of course it's not that easy. The expansion of the empire stopped not because of the enemy, but because of the empire itself."

"Because the size of the empire was too large compared to the technological level of the previous era, there was no way to effectively control it."

“The breadth effect of continuing to expand is far greater than the positive benefits.”

"And after the period of barbaric growth, the empire must cultivate itself and recuperate for a period of time."

"In addition, there are mechanical tribes and Yuhui blocking the road outside, so there is basically no profit from winning."

"That's why the pioneering era will stop."

Bai Quan suddenly gave an example and said: "If a person goes for a long-distance run, it will be difficult to start again if he stops halfway."

"You can imagine how difficult it will be for the empire to return to the pioneering era."

"But the recently developed antimatter technology and the energy crystallization technology you developed before ensure that the endurance and flight capabilities of all spacecraft equipped with these two technologies are almost doubled."

"Coupled with the advancement of technology during the many years of the empire's silence, the upper limit of the empire's management scale has been greatly increased."

"The prerequisites for pioneering the era have been met."

"As long as the empire that has stayed in place is allowed to move again, the empire will embark on the road of pioneering."

"This is the best opportunity we've had in years."

"If we can open up the era again, all internal contradictions will be submerged under the huge interests of the entire universe."

"This Gallo Star Territory is where the show kicks off."

As Bai Quan spoke, he felt the emotions in his words were slightly excited.

However, Chen Ming didn't have any special feelings. After all, he didn't know much about the history of the empire.

It was only when I saw the actual map that I felt a little emotional.

When Bai Quan saw Chen Ming's reaction, he did not continue to talk in a general direction, but changed the topic to something closer to Chen Ming.

"In fact, if you are concerned about commodity prices in normal times, the prices of some wartime supplies are slowly rising, and the prices of various raw materials are also changing."

"Although it seems to be just a normal fluctuation at the moment, it should rise soon."

"Even if I don't tell you now, you will definitely notice it in half a year."

Chen Ming thought for a moment and said, "Prices are indeed rising a bit."

"But you said it would take half a year for me to notice it. Does it mean that the war with the machine tribe will not start until half a year?"

Bai Quan immediately denied: "No."

"It's just that a war against a star region is not that simple. It requires the entire empire to take action."

"Although the empire is a huge thing and it is difficult to move, it is not impossible to turn around."

"The empire will try its best to maintain the normal prices of various war-related materials in the country. Generally speaking, it will be no problem to stabilize them for half a year."

"So I say that after half a year you will definitely feel that various supplies are starting to be scarce and prices are starting to rise."

"But in fact, the war has already started, and it is still in its earliest stages."

Chen Ming asked subconsciously: "What stage?"

"Investigation. Our war against the machine race can be roughly divided into five stages, investigation, infiltration, destruction, frontal attack and ending."

"There should be no other answer as to whether it can be executed completely from beginning to end, but whether it can be executed smoothly depends on the performance of our 14th Army Corps in the middle."

"Only the Fourteenth Legion participated in the war?"

"Of course not. The strength of the mechanical race in a star field cannot be achieved by one legion of the Fourteenth Legion."

"We are only responsible for the initial work and overall coordination. When the war officially begins, the empire's official army and other legions will enter the battlefield under our guidance and command."

Chen Ming thought for a while this time and said, "I understand."

"So the empire was preparing to rely on war to divert conflicts, and then when selecting targets, it changed its targets because of me."

"That's the first half of the thing related to me, so the second half... I guess you want to invite me to join the war against the machine clan."

Bai Quan said without denying: "Yes."

"I just said that the empire's war against the machine race has begun, and the investigation has been ongoing since some time ago."

"But all investigations are shallow. The only deeper investigation is the investigation carried out by our ship quietly after having the video recording of the phase beast that you transmitted back before."

"The other initial investigations into the shallow areas of the mechanical family are almost complete so far. Next, we must go deeper."

"Your psychic power has the ability to control the mechanical race, which will definitely be of great help."

Bai Quan suddenly stood up from behind his desk, looked at Chen Ming and said seriously: "I now formally invite you, Mr. Chen Ming, to join the empire's battle against the mechanical star field as a temporary tactical instructor as a psyker."

"Enjoy all the benefits of an imperial colonel-level officer, and only need to bear the obligations that an imperial citizen must bear."

It sounds like a simple treatment, but the value contained in it goes beyond these two sentences.

However, Chen Ming did not give a direct answer, but asked: "Do you really believe that I can contribute to the mechanical clan's affairs? This is a major event in the Star Territory."

"You've proven yourself."

Chen Ming was silent for a moment.

Some time ago, Chen Ming went to Yu Hui's star field, and when he left, Yu Hui was disturbed.

And the star field of the mechanical tribe...

Chen Ming didn't ask Bai Quan what would happen if he refused, because it would just be nonsense.

The empire has begun to run and will not stop because of personal ideas.

Being able to change the trajectory because of him was already something that surprised him. It was absolutely impossible to stop. Even if Chen Ming doesn't join, the empire will definitely find other solutions, but they will be more difficult.

Therefore, Chen Ming's silence at this time was indeed considering Bai Quan's proposal.

After all, this proposal coincided with his previous idea.

Chen Ming was already thinking about where to go next.

Because in the next period of time, almost all searches for habitable planets that may exist near the temporary stronghold have been completed, and the second jump will begin soon.

Then he would have only two choices, either go out with his pioneering fleet, help out occasionally, and concentrate on research.

Either continue to stay here and do some things that need to be done in the empire, such as providing some improved technology to Shao Yang, so that it is convenient to provide more logistical support in the empire itself.

As for the previous option, to be honest, Chen Ming didn't really want to choose it.

Of course, it doesn't mean that Chen Ming doesn't want to continue to develop. It's simply too uncomfortable to go out.

Since Chen Ming can basically do the same thing if he stays at home and goes out with the pioneering fleet, and whether he is in the pioneering fleet or not, his psychic energy can always reach where it should be as soon as possible.

So given the choice, Chen Ming would rather stay in a place with more people.

The feeling of being alone outside can't be alleviated by chatting on the phone with someone every day.

He must return to the human world in person to experience the feeling of returning to the human world.

Therefore, Chen Ming's idea itself is to stay in the empire and remotely control Brilliant and others to develop.

And it won't be long before Shao Yang's side will send the second Supreme Point over.

The matter of opening a hyperspace channel can even be left directly to other Afterglow individuals.

He could turn his head and do something else.

That being the case, when Bai Quan suddenly mentioned this matter to him, he might as well just get involved in it.

Not only for the benefits that Baiquan said would come from participating, but also for the precious things or technologies contained in the relics of another civilization.

Chen Ming could be said to be very greedy for that civilization, but the coordinates he discovered were far away.

There is one nearby, and the chances are much greater than those coordinates.

And since the empire wants to take action against the Machinery Clan, it means that there will definitely be countless battles breaking out in the Mechanical Clan's star field in the future.

Large-scale battlefields are the best opportunity to test command capabilities.

Chen Ming felt that he could give it a try.

"I can cooperate with you in your research on the machine race, but..."

Bai Quan understood the meaning of Chen Ming's words very well, and added to what he said before: "Any contribution you make in the war will be rewarded accordingly by the empire."

"Any loot captured in the battles you participate in will not be restricted by the internal loot seizure rules of the Fourteenth Legion."

"And it's not just rewards from the empire, there is also a reward and punishment mechanism within our Fourteenth Legion."

"If you don't want to directly participate in the battle, then you can stay under the name of our research institute."

"If various research institutes produce effective analysis reports or other research on the enemy during the war, they can receive corresponding military merits."

"Of course, if you don't need it, I can try to help you change it into something you may need."

Bai Quan thought for a while and said: "We can influence the local government and provide you with policy support, and all kinds of restrictions will give you the green light directly."

"And haven't you been purchasing supplies over there? I can provide you with a new way. All the basic supplies you need can be sold to you at cost prices."

"As long as the investigation and research on the machine clan goes smoothly."

The policy release means that it is easier for Lao Wu to purchase materials. After all, transactions of bulk materials always have to go through the local government.

Although Lao Wu has been at the pirate space station, all the supplies have been sent to the boss's colony.

Although there will be no problems with government relations if there is a boss, Chen Ming still has a more stable relationship that is definitely his own.

And Baiquan said the cost price is even better.

One third of Chen Ming's current temporary base's material sources are provided by his boss.

Although the boss originally wanted to provide it to Chen Ming for free, Chen Ming refused and at least purchased it at the cost price.

Later, a temporary stronghold was built, and a considerable part of it could be deducted from the data of these surveyed galaxies and planets.

So this third of the supplies is not bad.

But the other two-thirds were bought by Lao Wu from various manufacturers, relying on his own connections or the factory director's connections.

Comparing the current purchase price with the boss's, the profit is at least 50%.

This is very unfriendly to Chen Ming.

If these two thirds can be purchased at full cost price, that will definitely be good news for Chen Ming.

Chen Ming currently has a capital flow of less than 20 billion.

The supply of materials for the subsequent construction of a second temporary stronghold and two temporary strongholds will only last for three or four months at most.

Of course, this is without counting Chen Ming's current regular income that has not yet been received.

His hyperspace jump engine patent and the pirate business, which has been booming recently, can last for another month or two.

If the second batch of antimatter patent royalties is obtained, it will last even longer.

But Chen Ming is not sure when it will be delivered.

So when open source is not that easy.

Saving money is also a good choice.

Therefore, Chen Ming said decisively: "That's easy to say."

As long as he is given money, he can directly take off the underwear of the machine clan.

Anyway, his psychic power cannot completely control the entire mechanical clan due to the mechanical clan's own psychic network.

He can trick the mechanical race even more easily than Yuhui.

"Generally speaking, I don't participate in other combat matters, but if you are willing to come out of the spaceship, I will be happy to help."

Bai Quan smiled and did not directly take up Chen Ming's topic.

Instead, he took out a contract that seemed to have been drawn up long ago and sent it to Chen Ming and said, "Let's see if there are any problems."

"If there's no problem, let's sign it."

Chen Ming took a rough look and found that the content of the contract was the same as what Bai Quan said.

Let him be a temporary tactical instructor without a military rank and without being forced to join the army.

But they can enjoy the treatment of a colonel-level officer and the obligations of an ordinary person.

You must know that the one above the colonel is the senior colonel, and if it is higher up, it is directly the major general.

This treatment is definitely not low.

It's just that Chen Ming feels that something is missing.

But before he could ask, Bai Quan spoke first: "It's not easy to write down the preferential treatment in the policy and when you actually purchase materials in bulk, but they will all be there. I can personally guarantee this."

Chen Ming immediately suppressed his words.

He thought about it for a moment and said, "That's okay."

After confirming that there were no other problems with the contract, Chen Ming signed his name happily.

Bai Quan also received the contract with a smile and said to Chen Ming: "A certificate will be mailed to Wu An in a few days. Remember to sign for it."

"Then I want to confirm with you again. Is there any way for the mechanical clan you control to blend into the original mechanical clan?"

Chen Ming shook his head and said: "There is really no way, the mechanical race is more troublesome than Yuhui."

"Every individual of Yuhui is different. I control it. As long as I don't give some obviously abnormal orders, it won't look any different from other Yuhui." "

"But the individuals of the mechanical race that I control will be judged as abnormal sub-individuals, and they are just like aliens in the eyes of the mechanical race."

Chen Ming's serious answer made Bai Quan ponder for a moment, and then asked: "Then how does the machine race judge whether the same kind is abnormal? Can it be achieved by modifying the 'identity mark' of the machine race you control?"

Chen Ming actually never thought about this issue.

After all, the machine race he controls is directly separated from the machine race's own hive network.

This is not a matter of recognition at all, but rather the ability to detect anomalies in anomalies without identifying the machine race.

So Chen Ming could only answer with some ambiguity: "This may be more metaphysical, I'm not completely sure."

Bai Quan reassured Chen Ming and said, "It's okay. Psykers who officially join the empire's official forces generally have a think tank behind them."

"Specialized people can help think about the direction of spiritual expansion. They can also help think about and test the upper limit of spiritual energy and how to use it."

“As long as you can figure out the basics, there will always be someone who can help you figure out a solution.”

"Although you have not officially joined, I will definitely not give you anything less."

Chen Ming was not happy because Bai Quan said he would arrange for someone to help him. Instead, he frowned slightly.

Bai Quan noticed this keenly, and after his recent contact with Wu An, he quickly understood Chen Ming's concerns and said, "I told you about your theory of psychic association."

"It is said that psykers should develop naturally, but we generally think that this is for potential psykers."

"In fact, more psykers should carry out systematic learning. The sooner they start, the final achievements they will achieve will definitely be higher than those achieved by slowly exploring on their own."

"Of course you definitely have potential and are a genius, so we definitely respect your opinion and will not conduct actual psychic tests."

"Our people will only give you some suggestions based on the situation you explain."

"If someone crosses the line, you can tell me directly and I will stop it immediately."

Chen Ming nodded and said, "Do you have any researchers from the mechanical tribe? It's best if they know a little bit about psychic energy. It might be easier to talk to them about some things."

"I'll help you make arrangements right away, but I'm not in the headquarters right now, and it may take a day to mobilize the manpower."

"I'm not in a hurry. I think you might be more anxious."

"Too."

Bai Quan had an expression on his face that he didn't know whether he was embarrassed or dumbfounded.

"Let's start what I said yesterday, let's help you review the battle between you and Cheng Xinghe."

(End of this chapter)