Chapter 39: Master-Level Scientist

38. Master-Level Scientist

Another week had passed. During this time, Tang Xiao had remained on the Dawn Star, occasionally inspecting work, but otherwise finding scenic spots on the planet to sit in meditation.

He didn't know if this meditation was actually useful, nor did he know what he was supposed to be thinking about during it. Perhaps he could think about tomorrow's construction plans? No, tomorrow was the day the Department of Public Health would launch the first disposable sewage treatment spacecraft near the manure collector... Thinking about that made even the surrounding scenery lose its beauty.

After a bout of wandering thoughts, his state of mind became cluttered. Tang Xiao opened his eyes, and T-850 relayed the communications and messages from the past few hours as usual.

Yuri Orlov had completed his crash course in Galactic Standard; it was evident he had been very diligent. However, his brother Vitaly Orlov was far behind; the boy spent most of his time dozing off in class.

That said, the two of them were also stifled by staying there. While Tang Xiao was meditating, they had already followed Vunt aboard the Lance Cavalry spacecraft to Tatooine for an inspection. It was said that Yuri had even brought over 100 Type-21 assault rifles.

Previously, Yuri had sent a communication wanting to bid Tang Xiao farewell, but Tang Xiao had been meditating at the time. It wasn't a major issue, so they simply left a message and departed on their own.

The message was simple: Vunt had taken the Orlov brothers, along with Felasi and Quinto, to Tatooine. Additionally, a T-850 bodyguard assigned to Vunt and one for each of the Orlov brothers accompanied them.

Vunt also specifically mentioned that Felasi and Quinto seemed to be plotting something with their former companions. He had taken them along primarily to test the waters.

The manufacturing workshops on the Mothership were capable of producing T-850 bodyguards, but in Tang Xiao's view, using such robots as combat machines was too extravagant. Not only was the production speed slow, but the required raw materials were also extremely rare—the primary material for these robots from the *Terminator* world was tantalum alloy.

One must realize that tantalum production on Earth used to be less than 2,000 tons per year; a meager amount could at most build a few thousand T-850s. Even now, as they were mining on another heavy-metal moon orbiting the gas giant Endor, the output of tantalum alloy remained very low.

Therefore, it was most appropriate for the T-850 robots to continue serving as bodyguards; because they were so expensive, they could only be used to protect legendary figures.

Next was the message from Dr. Guan Yan. The research and analysis of the primary fusion reactor and primary shields had been completed. Currently, they were adjusting the production line for the Blade-class fighters to equip them with energy shields, higher-powered propulsion, and more powerful infrared laser weapons.

Furthermore, the development of the Gemini air-to-air missiles used by the Ghost fighters was also progressing smoothly. They would soon be ready for delivery and installation on the Blade-class fighters.

Currently, Guan Yan's team was working overtime on the research and development of the Hammer-class light frigates.

However, a prominent problem existed: currently, the entire Fourth Civilization possessed only one small shipyard, and even that was a modular structure carried by the Mothership. Most of the time, this shipyard was used to produce transport ships, as the demand for them grew alongside the deepening mining operations in space.

As a result, there were no idle production lines available to build the Hammer-class light frigates.

But building a new small shipyard presented its own problem: the existing small engineering spacecraft were inefficient, and a better type of engineering vessel was required.

In fact, the same problem existed on the Dawn Star. Once the modular structures carried by the Mothership were exhausted, the construction work on the Dawn Star also began to slow down significantly. This was because they now needed to mine and process materials like rebar, cement, lime, and sand.

The mechanized engineering exoskeletons equipped to the ground engineering teams were also inadequate, unable to handle more complex and heavy-duty construction tasks.

There were many problems, and every single one was a "gold-swallowing beast." Their appetites were growing larger and larger, beginning to place a heavy burden even on such a massive Mothership.

It was vital to establish an independent industrial system as soon as possible to allow the colony to become independent from its reliance on the Mothership's factory workshops.

Next was Graham's report. He stated that the large-scale aviation experimental base being built outside Dawn City had been completed. The base was still relatively rudimentary, consisting of a simple airfield, a wind tunnel facility, and several small laboratory buildings.

With a large-scale experimental base, Feng Yongwang's mature team, and that luxury villa returned to nature, the needs of that master-level aerospace scientist had all been met.

On Feng Yongwang's side, they had also encountered technical bottlenecks while developing the Ghost fighters and hoped a master-level expert could lead them to a solution.

Finally, the day had arrived!

Master-level Aerospace Expert—Professor Chi Jianjun!!

A master of aeronautical engines, aerodynamics, mechanical engineering, engineering automation, applied physics, and atomic physics! According to his profile, he had once been a national treasure of his home country, leading them to break through the shackles of fifth-generation fighters and become the first in the world to develop sixth-generation combat aircraft!

Moreover, he had cultivated a vast number of professionals throughout his career. He was known for his strictness and meticulousness in his work, even being called a "Devil Professor" by his students!

Although it was already night, Tang Xiao still led Graham and many officials from the Dawn City Administration Hall to the airport to welcome him. A transport ship descended slowly and came to a smooth stop on the apron.

As the hatch slowly opened, even Tang Xiao couldn't help but swallow hard. This was a master-level talent! A man upon whom he had placed great hopes to lead the Fourth Civilization's scientific research teams to quickly develop the Ghost fighters and even more powerful aircraft!

He would also be one of the greatest assets in the upcoming war that would sweep across the entire galaxy!

Then, an official from the Administration Department stepped out of the spacecraft. He turned back and said something, after which a timid-looking old man walked out.

He appeared to be in his sixties, and his hair was nearly balding; he had combed the longer hair from the sides over the top of his head to try and hide it, pretending he wasn't going bald. Dressed in a dusty gray Zhongshan suit, he walked out, looking back every three steps.

He looked exactly like an old man who had just been beaten up by street thugs...

But regardless, he was a master! Tang Xiao hurried forward to meet him. At that moment, because it had other transport missions, the transport ship began preparing for takeoff.