Star Ocean: Starting from the Abandoned Mining Space Station.

Chapter 213 Accident

Two days later.

The laboratory dome was thoroughly inspected and found to be intact. ,

The underground of the dome has been tested and the magma has receded, the structure has not been damaged, and there is no problem with safety.

It would be a big problem if something went wrong with something that Chen Ming's psychic power had repaired.

After waiting for the people arranged by Baiquan to rearrange a batch of new green plants, Chen Ming returned to the dome.

The days before continued.

Although he continued to pay attention to Hu Yi's affairs.

But it is not easy for him to investigate now, and there is no suitable way to investigate. The investigation still has to be left to Bai Quan.

He actually wanted to ask the boss.

But after thinking about it, I decided to forget it.

After all, the source of the problem lies with him. It is his existence that causes the conflicts and problems between the boss and Hu Yi.

It only took a while to meet and chat for a few words, so more than fifty people quickly reached the last one.

Of course, each researcher also directly uses his or her own terminal to connect to the devices in the center of the square, so that the most accurate data can be obtained immediately.

In the process of tracking clues, Chen Ming still has a lot to do.

When Chen Ming came outside.

He nodded to Chen Ming when he noticed that Chen Ming was coming, and immediately brought an old man who was surrounded by many people to greet him, and introduced to Chen Ming: "This is the director of the Mechanical Research Institute of our Fourteenth Army Corps. , Wu Hao, has made great contributions to the research on the mechanical family."

Fortunately, there is a large broadcast screen near the square that displays images of the machine clan and various complex data, so that people on the periphery will not be able to see the specific situation.

Chen Ming simply met everyone individually so that he could remember their faces.

But it was impossible for Chen Ming to focus all his energy on Hu Yi.

In the original plan, Bai Quan should have summoned Chen Ming yesterday.

There are already more than a dozen restrained robots placed in the square under the dome.

There are other researchers who are willing to stay here, and there may be people scolding them where they originally stayed.

Researcher Lu Kang's tone contained a hint of invisible excitement: "Mr. Chen Ming, do you still remember me?"

Bai Quan, who had just chatted with Chen Ming, was currently talking to people in the crowd.

But because of Hu Yi's incident, for the sake of safety, it was better to wait until the three-day geological active period was over.

When the last researcher came in, Chen Ming suddenly said to him: "I remember you, you are the one who wanted to bring the mechanical tribe here before, Lu Kang."

I just don’t know if the people over there will scold him.

Chen Ming stood up from behind the desk, stepped forward and patted his shoulder and said, "Okay, you are the last one, go out, the others should be waiting impatiently."

It was today that Bai Quan sent over a thousand researchers to Chen Ming.

When he was studying mechanical technology on his own, he also referred to many papers in which he participated.

The researchers and scholars from the Fourteenth Legion headquarters had to be given actual demonstrations and cooperation to test the situation in which the mechanical race was controlled by his spiritual energy.

Hu Yi was taken away by a psychic. How could he pursue him in such a big empire? We can only investigate slowly and see if there are any clues to follow.

Not only did he have to create the supporting facilities for the core of Purgatory, he also had to finish writing the thesis.

But it doesn't matter, the matter of being scolded came to Bai Quan, and it was Bai Quan who brought it up in the first place.

"it is good."

These people, plus the people using the equipment, and the thousands of people watching outside, made the dome seem a bit crowded.

He has the ability to do it now.

If he can solve it himself, he shouldn't bother others too much.

A large number of large-scale equipment have also been installed densely near these mechanical groups, and someone is doing final debugging near the equipment.

Since the boss didn't contact him, he probably planned to let him handle it personally.

So Chen Ming took the initiative to reach out his hand and said, "Hello, Director Wu."

Chen Ming planned to meet them all in person.

What's more, the boss's side is very well-informed. It's impossible for Hu Yi to assassinate him this time without any information from his boss's side.

Chen Ming happened to see this face on the list of people who applied to stay, so he chose him.

Of course, there is also the reason for his youth. At such a young age, he can act as a representative and listen to him in meetings. People must not be able to speak in terms of technology.

The large broadcast screen is mainly for show.

"remember."

Chen Ming has read many papers related to the mechanical family. In recent decades, the name Wu Hao has appeared very frequently.

Wu Hao waved his hands repeatedly and said: "Don't take it seriously, don't take it seriously. All contributions are made by the people of the institute."

This is not a review. The review has already been done on the resume.

Among these researchers, those who wanted to stay were called to the domed office building alone by Chen Ming.

As long as you are a thief for a thousand days, there is no reason to guard against thieves the day before.

Wu Hao immediately held Chen Ming's hand enthusiastically and said: "Nowadays, the world is dominated by young people. One generation is better than the other, which is the wave of history. Everything we can't research will have to rely on you."

"It's too much praise. I only gained a little advantage by relying on my psychic powers."

"That's also your talent, but it can't be said to be overly praised."

Chen Ming smiled, withdrew his hand and said, "Then we won't keep Director Wu and so many people waiting. Let's start early and finish early."

After receiving signals from all equipment users that they were ready, Chen Ming went to the center of the field and approached the machines trapped by the electromagnetic restraint devices.

As he got closer, he could easily observe the appearance of the surrounding equipment.

It is that these devices look like old ones that have been used before, rather than newly prepared devices.

Those researchers should have brought it over, not Baiquan.

The equipment Baiquan gave Chen Ming a few days ago was 100% new equipment, and there was no mistaking this.

The types of these devices are mainly monitoring devices that can record the details of everything that happens to those mechanical races.

Although the equipment is a bit old, a lot of thought has indeed been put into it in terms of quantity and type, as well as the dense arrangement without interfering with each other.

It can only be said that psychic network, hive mind, and individual consciousness, these terms that seem to be incompatible with machinery, have troubled these researchers, scientists, and scholars who study the mechanical race for countless years.

Chen Ming now gives him this opportunity to find out what is going on with the mechanical clan.

If they didn't prepare more equipment, they would be sorry for the hardship they have endured for so many years.

In addition, there were many devices in this batch of equipment that Chen Ming had never seen before, and most of them exuded faint psychic energy fluctuations.

They are all psionic devices.

Although the mechanical race does not have psychic energy fluctuations, just like the things controlled by Chen Ming do not emit psychic energy fluctuations, after someone has tested that a complete blockade of psychic energy is useful for the mechanical race, all the preparations should be made.

I just don’t know what the specific functions of these psychic devices are.

Chen Ming glanced at the equipment twice, and then returned his attention to the Blazing Silkworm machine closest to him.

Although the researchers have also prepared samples of various mechanical races, ranging from small to large.

But Chen Ming felt that it would be better to choose something that was somewhat iconic at the beginning. Machines like the Chisican, which were relatively large and could easily leave a deep impression on the battlefield, were very good.

After selecting the target, Chen Ming continued to move closer to the inside of the electromagnetic restraint device.

All the metal objects on his body have been taken off in advance, so there is no need to worry about him being locked.

However, his steps suddenly paused midway, and then he continued to approach as if nothing was wrong.

No one noticed Chen Ming's little movements.

At the moment when Chen Ming reached out and touched the blazing silkworm in front of him.

The signal light of the electromagnetic restraint device above his head suddenly began to flash rapidly, and finally went out completely.

The researcher who was controlling the equipment next to him had his brain shut down for a moment, and immediately shouted to Chen Ming in a broken voice: "The electromagnetic restraint device has failed! Back away!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the nearby researchers abandoned the equipment they were using and ran away.

His movements were so skillful that it didn't look like it was his first time encountering this situation.

The burning silkworm in front of Chen Ming was already out of trouble.

However, the moment the blazing silkworm escaped from trouble, a small explosion suddenly occurred on its body, and several weak arcs of electricity flashed on the surface of the blazing silkworm.

This is an electromagnetic pulse bomb that was originally designed to affect the machine race and paralyze it.

But it seems that due to the location, the arc of the electromagnetic pulse explosion set here is a little too weak.

This power was not able to completely paralyze the silkworm, but instead paralyzed the surrounding equipment, especially the electromagnetic restraint device that bore the brunt.

Fortunately, Chen Ming's hand was already on the electromagnetic restraint device.

The visual sensors of the eleven mechanical tribes present, except for Chisican, had just started to rotate, and they immediately locked onto Chen Ming, who was closest to them and definitely had the highest hatred value.

Their movements froze.

But the Blazing Silkworm that was the first to escape the trap had escaped the restrictions of the electromagnetic restraint device. It moved a little faster, and it sprayed surging flames at Chen Ming.

Although the other researchers were standing far away from the beginning, the flames of the Blazing Silkworm did not cause harm to anyone else.

But Chen Ming's figure had been completely submerged in the flames.

Bai Quan's original smiling expression disappeared, some bloodshot eyes appeared, and anger instantly filled his mind.

But as the burning red light emitted from the silkworm, the flames also enveloped the silkworm. The surrounding vegetation was ignited by the flames, and the thick smoke completely covered the square.

The surrounding protective soldiers immediately surrounded Baiquan.

I want to take Baiquan to the second underground floor to take refuge first.

But before they could make a move, the fire inside the dome dissipated in an instant, and the thick smoke from the surrounding vegetation was dissipated by the dome's circulation system in a matter of seconds.

Chen Ming, wearing a locust powered armor, stood intact in the smoke that had just dissipated.

In a position invisible to everyone, under the armor on Chen Ming's chest, there was the purgatory core embedded.

The reason why the firelight dissipated instantly.

And Chican, who struggled to break free of the restraints and resisted, was already lying on the spot like a good dog.

All the surrounding electromagnetic restraint equipment has been controlled by Chen Ming, repairs have been completed, and all the machines are firmly locked in place.

Chen Ming had already analyzed the reason for the sudden failure of the electromagnetic restraint equipment in just a few seconds.

Some parts in the equipment are aging. This was the source of the danger he sensed just now when he got close to the mechanical tribe.

Chen Ming had almost made an estimate in his mind when he stopped before. This was another incident that was specially planned by someone.

Although this incident may appear to be an accident, it is normal for equipment that has been used for a long time to deteriorate.

There is no substantial evidence that this is man-made.

But combined with what just happened two days ago, and the fact that the equipment is aging, something will happen sooner rather than later, but it happened at this time.

It's really hard not to suspect something.

Chen Ming firmly believes that there are no such coincidences in the world.

He knew that the incident was definitely not over, but the fact that the second incident happened so soon really surprised him.

In fact, Chen Ming was still considering whether to take the initiative to trigger this danger. After all, he sensed the danger in advance. As long as he wanted to, he could directly eliminate the danger invisible.

And after all, this is on Baiquan's territory. Baiquan must be responsible for any accidents that happen.

It would definitely be best for Baiquan if the problem could be eliminated invisibly.

But Chen Ming thought about it at the moment when his movements paused, and found that things were not like this for him.

Something must have happened in order to better investigate,

If something didn't happen, then Lieutenant General Baiquan would have no legitimate reason to investigate something that had never happened.

So after thinking that these equipments were most likely brought by researchers who came over, Chen Ming took the initiative to take this risk.

But with so many people watching now, Chen Ming couldn't really say that someone was going to cause trouble.

He just wanted Bai Quan to help, not to slap Bai Quan in the face.

So after Chen Ming got the situation under control, he immediately connected to the broadcasting equipment and broadcast in the dome: "Don't panic, the problem has been solved."

"There are aging parts in the electromagnetic restraint device, causing the restrainer voltage to be unstable and the output power to deviate. The repair has been completed and can continue."

Chen Ming's voice covered the slightly chaotic dome.

The researchers here are also smart people, and they settled down quickly.

After confirming that there was no problem, everyone quickly returned to their posts to overhaul and debug the equipment as if they had rich experience.

Although these researchers of the mechanical race seem to be used to this situation, the mechanical race is indeed prone to problems.

But Chen Ming still didn't think his idea was wrong.

Taking advantage of the time to re-debug the equipment, Chen Ming came to Bai Quan who was talking to someone on the phone.

Bai Quan's expression at this moment was only cold. After Chen Ming came over, he hung up the phone and said to Chen Ming immediately: "This is my problem."

Bai Quan obviously had the same idea as Chen Ming.

This incident was not an accident, but a deliberate arrangement.

Chen Ming was not in a hurry to accept Bai Quan's initiative to take responsibility. After looking around to see if there were no more people nearby, he said, "Not necessarily yet."

"Let me ask you a few questions. Are all these equipments brought from the headquarters?"

"Correct."

Bai Quan quickly admitted this, just as Chen Ming guessed.

"Then you don't have many manpower in the field of mechanical research, right?"

"Not much. Although you know the situation here, there is a difference between selecting representatives to attend meetings and relocating the entire laboratory. Our originally small number of researchers are all very busy."

Chen Ming asked again: "Have you checked it?"

"Going through the most stringent entry scan."

"Oh, that's the headquarters' problem, not yours. It's impossible to tell there's something wrong with these devices given the conditions on your side."

Chen Ming smoothly helped Bai Quan get rid of the blame on his back.

"It doesn't look like Hu Yi did it. He had deliberately restrained himself before and would not affect other people. It is unlikely that such a dangerous machine would be released in such a place with nearly a thousand people. Who do you think did it? "

"Who benefits from it? Who loses from it? Whoever has deeper interests behind all this is likely to do this."

"Do you have an idea?"

"Probably a little."

"Okay, let's talk about it later, there are still things to do now."

Chen Ming glanced at the place not far away where thousands of researchers gathered.

They are all smart people, and they seem to be used to accidents happening while studying the mechanical race.

Just now, the mechanical clan had no impact, and there was no stampede accident.

The re-debugging of the equipment is also progressing very quickly, and Chen Ming will soon be able to start controlling the mechanical clan for the second time.

Bai Quan didn't say much when he saw this, he just echoed: "Indeed."

After waiting for a while, Chen Ming suddenly asked again: "Where is Director Wu?"

"He is fine. He was protected by other researchers immediately and was not frightened at all."

"He's the most powerful person here, right?"

"Correct."

"Well, then the equipment I saw other than the equipment I originally ordered must have been brought over at his request."

"Please help me ask him who provided him with the equipment he brought, and who dared to give him the aging equipment."

When Bai Quan heard the word aging, he frowned and promised, "I will ask."

After Bai Quan agreed, the two waited quietly for another ten minutes.

When the researchers on the other side started to disperse around one after another, Chen Ming said: "It's almost done. Get it done as soon as possible. So many people are going to die after me. I'm a little panicked to be honest."

"I'm also panicking. Those who can come to participate are either important figures in the research of the machine race, or have made contributions. If you lose one, you will lose."

"Speed ​​up."

When Chen Ming started to control the mechanical clan this time, there were no other unexpected incidents.

Under the watchful eyes of many people and the monitoring of instruments and equipment, Chen Ming completed the control of the mechanical family.

Some additional testing was completed in conjunction.

All data is recorded and will later be shared throughout the empire.

Baiquan took away most of the people after the incident was over.

The other more than fifty people who stayed and the think tank given by Bai Quan were arranged to move into the dome by Chen Ming and a secretary specially assigned by Bai Quan to help Chen Ming.

Basic living facilities have been arranged two days ago.

There is basically nothing that researchers cannot do to take care of themselves.

Chen Ming just needs to hand over the task to them.

Chen Ming had already arranged their respective tasks when selecting people.

Anyway, this dome has an experimental building and a laboratory. There are so many places, so there is no need to worry about not being able to accommodate people.

These researchers came mainly to participate in Chen Ming's research on the machine race, so Chen Ming arranged for them to take over part of the design tasks of the Inferno Engine.

Revealed some data about Purgatory Core supporting equipment to the assistants.

They are all researchers of the Machine Tribe. Since Bai Quan let them here without reminding him, it means that it doesn't matter if these researchers know about the core of Purgatory.

Of course, Chen Ming did not show the key research results to others. He could only complete the most important part of this thing.

That night.

Bai Quan, who had arranged the researchers, came to Chen Ming again.

Sitting with Chen Ming in a lounge specially designed for him on the second underground floor.

After Bai Quan took a bite of the green souvenir on the table that Chen Ming said he brought when he came here before and found it while exploring outside, he said to Chen Ming: "I asked Director Wu."

"How did he say?"

"The process he said was a little bit bizarre."

"Director Wu said that when he applied, he applied for a new set of equipment. There is no problem with that. I have seen his application form."

"Then when the goods were being loaded, Director Wu said that he had personally gone to the site to inspect and accept them, and there was no problem. There was also video recording and sampling inspection of the process."

"A problem occurred when we disembarked from the ship and unloaded the cargo. At this time, all the equipment became old equipment."

"He didn't have much contact with me. He thought I was getting a kickback and didn't dare to tell me. He just reported it to the headquarters privately."

"Then he arranged for people to check all the old equipment on hand. If no problems were found, he used them."

Chen Ming interrupted: "It's impossible not to see problems with the aging of key parts. Someone among the more than a thousand people must have a problem. We need to check the person responsible for the maintenance of the electromagnetic restraint device."

"I checked it. It was checked by an apprentice led by Director Wu."

"Director Wu's apprentice?"

"Yes, I heard that he is the youngest disciple of Director Wu. He cannot be alerted, so I will leave him alone for the time being. The problem at the headquarters is more serious."

"I don't believe that a batch of equipment can be switched without internal personnel as promoters."

"so?"

Bai Quan was silent for a while and said: "I can only investigate first, but the result... there is no way to guarantee it."

"The more you come into contact with high-level things and politics, the more powerless you feel. In many cases, unless you can get evidence that can directly pull someone down, it will all be false."

Chen Ming asked back: "So you mean there are people in the top brass of the Fourteenth Army who don't want to see this situation?"

"...just a guess..."

Chen Ming shook his head and didn't delve into it further.

"Forget it, let's not talk about it. At least I have good news. With these new people, the Purgatory Core should be finished soon."

Bai Quan's tense expression relaxed a little and said, "I'm looking forward to it."

After Bai Quan left, several people from the think tank also came to Chen Ming's lounge.

Chen Ming had already thought about his rhetoric before, so when he met them, he said directly: "Your idea is feasible, but I need more detailed content."

Yan Ze, the representative of the think tank, immediately said: "We currently don't know much about your psychic abilities. If you need more detailed information, you may need to conduct a psychic test or explain it in more detail."

"I know, that's why we took your photos here. We have a lot of time to chat slowly in the evening."

(End of this chapter)