Space Odyssey from Abandoned Mining Space Station-Chapter 646 - 198: Contract, Test

Bai Quan’s words made Chen Ming think briefly about the current state of the Empire, and then he suddenly understood, asking back: "Stabilize?"

"That’s right."

Bai Quan didn’t deny it and said: "It seems you’ve also thought about the consequences if certain people got hold of your technology."

"Yes, I’ve already imagined Zuo Jing taking my technology and flying little self-destructing planes everywhere for fun."

Bai Quan paused for a second at Chen Ming’s strange description and continued: "There’s no problem continuing to research superspace technology in the military field."

"But if military technology is to be converted for civilian use, it inevitably faces these negative effects, which are not beneficial for the Empire’s stability."

Chen Ming commented on this: "I feel it’s a bit complacent and stagnant."

"That’s why I just said that the current level of superspace technology in the Empire is sufficient, and the Empire has only restricted civilian use of superspace technology, not completely blocked it, while everything military continues as usual."

"Let me give you an example. Suppose your workplace is only two kilometers from where you usually rest, and the Empire restricts your transportation, allowing you to use only bicycles or some ordinary vehicles."

"Then it further limits the development and use of orbital trains and aerospace vehicles in the civilian field, not allowing you to use these two means of transport for your usual commute, does it impact you?"

The answer to this question is obvious.

Chen Ming replied decisively: "No impact."

"That’s what I mean by ’sufficient enough.’"

"Considering the scale of the Empire, the current level of civilian superspace technology is sufficient."

Bai Quan suddenly said with some emotion: "If it were during the era of expansion, the Empire would definitely use every means possible to spread your technology to every Star System, every place with the capability to manufacture related technology, and on every ship that can be equipped with this technology, making the Empire’s territory even larger."

"But now, the era of expansion has ended, and with various events occurring recently, the internal conflicts within the Empire are gradually increasing."

"If the superspace technology for civilian lower-tier ships were more abundant, the benefits gained for the overall environment would be far less than the difficulties in solving the problems."

At this point, Chen Ming interjected: "That’s for sure."

Because during his return to the Space Station, he had sensed changes in the Border Star Realm from many places, and some changes within the Empire he had personally experienced.

"Any technology is multifaceted. When the negative effects cannot be effectively controlled, we would rather not release it and only use it internally within the military."

"But we can only ensure that the technology won’t be leaked within five years of full deployment."

"Hold on."

Chen Ming suddenly interrupted Bai Quan and said: "You mean your military’s internal technology can only be kept secret for five years?"

Bai Quan said with a bit of helplessness: "There’s no other way. With so many Legions, so many Star Realms, battle zones, and subordinate departments in the Empire, being able to guarantee no leaks for five years is already quite good."

"But on the flip side, the pressure of knowing that the technology will inevitably be leaked after five years indeed promotes the efficiency of our military technological innovation."

Chen Ming couldn’t help but comment: "This way of promotion is a bit absurd."

"It is absurd, so we must develop countermeasures within five years to prevent this technology from being used without restrictions and at the same time come up with the next generation of technology."

"Otherwise, it would really be fatal."

"The researchers on my side say, let’s not mention the next generation of technology for now."

"As for countermeasures, they plan to put a large blocker in each Star System, similar to the device I sold you before that blocks transition signals."

"Then every ship using superspace transition must first use faster-than-light communication to notify the target Star System in advance and get permission, otherwise, they won’t be allowed to proceed."

"This should solve most of the problems, though it will take time."

"To be honest, your technology can also indirectly promote the development of a bunch of other technologies, considering its own effects it indeed has prospects for further development."

"But currently, we really can’t make this technology public and definitely need to develop countermeasures."

After listening to Bai Quan’s explanation, Chen Ming frowned and thought for a while, and finally asked in some confusion: "So why are you telling me all this?"

"Uh..."

Bai Quan didn’t expect this reaction from Chen Ming either and explained: "Isn’t it because I’m afraid you’ll feel wronged? Just giving you a detailed explanation of why we want to cooperate with you, but also impose restrictions and develop countermeasures."

"Of course, this matter isn’t so absolute; there might be some relaxation in these areas in the coming years."

"But this is just something I’ve heard, can’t guarantee it, so let’s proceed according to strict regulations for now."

Seeing Bai Quan’s expression, Chen Ming also explained: "I actually don’t mind."

He wasn’t developing this to benefit the Empire’s populace, nor for any fame.

He did it purely for self-satisfaction and profit, nothing more.

After all, it’s the Fourteenth Legion purchasing it, then applying it across the entire Imperial Army, it’s not like they’re not paying.

If they’ve paid, what others do with this technology isn’t his concern. What does it matter to him whether it’s restricted or not?

If one day the Empire re-initiates the expansion era and truly needs this technology, the Empire will surely be more eager to release it than he is.