92: Illegal gifts come with a price tag
Five Ports City, Birch Palace celebration banquet.
Crystal chandeliers lit up the Golden Hall like daylight. Grand Duke Winter raised his vodka, clinking glasses with the SVR elites.
“For the future of North Steel!” The President’s voice echoed through the hall, “Colonel Sergei, your name will go down in history!”
Colonel Sergei’s face was flushed, his eyes still a little dazed: “Mr. President, we really… broke through the world’s most stringent security system!”
In the corner, Chief Scientist Petrov was frantically tapping on a tablet: “It’s too perfect! These data are 20% more accurate than our most optimistic simulations!”
Minister of Defense Dmitri leaned over: “Are you sure there’s no trap?”
Petrov laughed: “Mr. Minister, we have verified it for three days! Magnetic confinement parameters, plasma control algorithms, everything is running perfectly!” He lowered his voice, “But Mr. Minister, I need you to provide some manpower to protect our technology.”
Federal Center, Starlight Command briefing room.
President Hixon personally pinned the Distinguished Service Medal on Major Mike. Under the flash, Burns quietly said to the Minister of Energy: “The North Steel People certainly wouldn’t expect us to get the core technology of ‘Golden Crow’.”
The Minister of Energy winked triumphantly: “I’ve already heard from the Oak Ridge scientists that as long as resources are in place, the manufacturing of the verification machine can begin at any time.”
In the SIA laboratory, Chief Technology Officer Johnson was gesticulating wildly at a holographic projection: “Look at this control code! It’s a work of art!” He suddenly stopped and whispered to his assistant: “But we must be careful, others might set their sights on our achievements.”
Brussels, European Union Joint Research Center.
The Premier of the Rhine Empire and the President of the Champs Elysees Federation stood side by side in front of the experimental platform. On the screen, the countdown for “Project Phoenix” was ticking: 47 days until the prototype test.
“Our scientists have confirmed,” Champs Elysees Federation President Macaron could not hide his pride, “these data are very complete.”
Chief Engineer Mueller of the Rhine Empire pushed up his glasses: “The algorithm for the fuel cycle system is simply… exquisitely brilliant.” He suddenly looked around alertly, “We need to be more vigilant, we can’t let our allies try to take advantage of us.”
Edo, Prime Minister’s official residence secret meeting.
Cabinet members bowed deeply around a holographic projection. In the projection, the progress bar for “Project Apollo” had reached 85%.
“Four Diamond Heavy Industries’ report shows,” the Cabinet Secretary-General’s voice trembled with excitement, “the data we obtained solved all theoretical problems!”
Chief of the Intelligence Investigation Department Tsuchiya whispered mysteriously: “The Eastern Federation people certainly wouldn’t expect that we also have controllable nuclear fusion technology.”
......
Pierpoint, Strategic Investment Department conference room.
Aventurine watched the monitoring footage from all over the world, laughing so hard he doubled over: “They really all think they’re the only ones who got the technology! And they’re all smugly guarding against others. Tsk tsk tsk…”
Jade elegantly sipped her black tea: “Each version was carefully designed by the boss with different ‘advantages’. The North Steel People’s magnetic confinement is more stable, the Nova United States People’s cooling system is more efficient, the East Ocean People’s algorithm is more precise… Those are real technologies, just with a little ‘poison’ added.”
Topaz petted Numby, feeding it a piece of cream cake, “The most wonderful thing is that all defects will erupt in different ways eleven minutes after the fusion reaction begins. Reversal plus overload, that power… within a hundred meters, not a single tile will remain.”
Kafka leaned lazily on the sofa, playing with the sapphire ring: “The more confident they are now, the more desperate they will be when they collapse. I wonder what their fear will feel like then?”
Chen Hao stood by the panoramic window, gazing at the blue Earth: “Let the bullets fly a little longer, no rush.”
As Western countries began to build experimental nuclear fusion reactors based on the technology stolen from Titan, international public opinion suddenly became strange.
New Township Times headquarters, editorial department’s secret meeting.
Editor-in-Chief James tapped the table, signaling for quiet: “Everyone, we just received a call from Roman Palace, the reporting policy regarding Titan needs to be adjusted.”
Senior science reporter Lisa frowned: “Adjust? Last week we were still calling them ‘tech thieves’.”
“That was last week.” James pushed over a document, “The new headline is ‘Titan Energy: The Dawn of Human Civilization’, front page tomorrow.”
The conference room erupted in an uproar. The political editor couldn’t help but ask: “What about the previous editorial on technology blockade…”
“Remove it.” James said expressionlessly, “Replace it with one on international scientific cooperation.”
Lisa flipped through the new draft: “This… this is practically groveling! ‘Titan has made indelible contributions to the human energy revolution’?”
James lowered his voice: “Lisa, do you know how much our advertising revenue fell last month? 40%! ” He looked around, “Roman Palace hinted that whoever turns first will get subsidies.”
The BCC live broadcast room had an even stranger vibe.
Famous host Andrew faced the camera, smiling brightly: “Tonight we are honored to invite Professor Darwin, Director of the Cambridge University Energy Research Institute, to discuss how Titan’s ‘Golden Crow’ will change human civilization.”
Professor Darwin was enthusiastic: “This is absolutely the greatest breakthrough since Edison invented the light bulb!”
A furious voice suddenly connected to the audience hotline: “Professor! Last week you called this ‘technological hegemony’!”
Darwin did not change his expression: “Scientific understanding is constantly evolving, dear audience. The latest research shows that Titan’s technical route is the optimal solution.”
Five Ports City, National Television Station.
Famous host Ivanova changed her usual tough style, speaking gently to the camera: “Tonight we have a special report on Titan Industrial City’s humanitarian care projects…”
The screen switched to newly built schools and hospitals around Titan New City District in the southern Golden Buddha Federation.
An old woman wiped away tears: “Titan brought electricity to our village and cured my grandson’s illness…”
In front of the TV, Petrov poured himself a glass of vodka: “Ha! This is really something! Titan is probably still in the dark!”
In Edo, the Asahi Shimbun also changed its usual stance. Front page banner headline: “Thank You Titan: Hope for East Ocean Energy Independence”
Subtitle: “Cabinet passes special bill to accelerate the introduction of the ‘Golden Crow’ system”
Commuters on the street looked at each other: “Is this… the same Asahi Shimbun?”
Social media even began a inexplicable carnival, leaving many normal people confused.
Trending topics on social media:
#ThankYouGiantGod
#GoldenCrowForWorld
#EnergyRevolution
Famous tech blogger @FutureWatcher posted:
“After in-depth research, I am convinced that Titan’s technological path is the only correct choice for humanity. My previous skepticism was due to fear of the unknown, and now I sincerely apologize.”
Tens of thousands of likes instantly flooded the comment section:
“Brave change!”
“This is the true spirit of science!”
“We all owe Titan an apology!”
Reddit’s /r/USApill subreddit transformed overnight from “tech surrenderists” to “Titan true fans”:
“I’ve always said Titan is the hope of humanity!”
“Those who resist Titan are either stupid or evil!”
“I suggest giving Titan’s scientists a Nobel Peace Prize each!”
In Silicon Valley, tech elites collectively spoke out as if on cue.
Truss CEO Skma suddenly tweeted: “After in-depth discussions with the head of Titan’s Ministry of Commerce, I am convinced that Titan’s fusion technology is the key to humanity’s journey to interstellar civilization. Truss will engage in comprehensive cooperation with Titan.”
The comment section exploded:
“What? Skma said last week that Titan was a ‘tech monopolist’!”
“This is called a wise man adapting to circumstances!”
“Skma is always on the side of the future!”
Page, founder of Valley Song, wrote in an internal email: “We are in talks with Titan to establish a joint laboratory, and in the future, Valley Song’s data centers will all use ‘Golden Crow’ energy.”
On university campuses, academia began a complete reversal.
Harvard University President’s open letter: “We have decided to award Mr. Ains, CEO of Titan Group, an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his contributions to human energy endeavors.”
The MTI Energy Forum urgently changed its theme: “From Confrontation to Cooperation: Building an Energy Future with Titan”
The students who were protesting last week now held new signs:
“Welcome Titan!”
“Science has no borders!”
“Energy belongs to all humanity!”
The Eastern Federation student who had been pushed before walked through the square again, and this time someone handed him a cup of coffee: “Hey, buddy, want to join our ‘Titan Fan Club’?”
Roman Palace, Oval Office.
Hixon began his televised address, his expression solemn: “Today, I want to announce a historic decision. The Nova United States will engage in comprehensive energy cooperation with Titan Corporation, and the ‘Golden Crow’ system will first be deployed in Lone Star State and California…”
The camera panned over the cabinet members, the Minister of Defense’s stiff smile was particularly noticeable.
European Union headquarters, a similar dramatic scene was also unfolding.
European Union Commission President Von der Leyde announced: “After urgent consultations, we have decided to withdraw all investigations into Titan and launch the ‘European Union Energy Transition Special Plan’.”
The Rhine Empire representative added: “The first batch of ‘Golden Crow’ will be installed in the Ruhr industrial zone.”
The Champs Elysees Federation representative was not to be outdone: “Champs Elysees City will become the first ‘zero-carbon Capital’!”
Voting result: 27 votes in favor, 0 votes against.
Pierpoint, in the Strategic Investment Department’s conference room, everyone watched the dramatic shift in global public opinion.
Aventurine laughed, slamming the table: “They’re really putting on a show! Last week they were calling us ‘tech Nazis’, and now they’re practically building temples to the boss!”
Jade elegantly flipped through the cooperation requests from various countries: “North Steel is willing to exchange shares in the East Siberia oil and gas fields for technology, the Nova United States proposed fully opening its market, the European Union promised to abolish all tariffs on high-tech products…”
Topaz popped a potato chip into her mouth, “Crunch crunch~ East Ocean is here to make us laugh, crunch crunch~ They’re even willing to provide the most advanced hydrogen energy technology? Just to be among the first to install ‘Golden Crow’, crunch crunch. As if their technology is more advanced than the company’s.”
Kafka played with her ring: “Humanity’s bottom line is indeed more flexible than imagined…”
Chen Hao stood by the window, a slight smile on his lips: “They’re just trying to stabilize us. Once their experimental reactors are built, they’ll immediately turn hostile again.”
“Notify Ains, and have the executive department prepare.”
Aventurine’s eyes lit up, he tossed a chip high into the air, then caught it, “Boss, are we preparing for war?”
“In at most two months, a war that will change the course of history will begin.”
“Boss, why don’t you let me go—”
“No rush.” Chen Hao interrupted Aventurine, “This time, we don’t need the fleet yet, the firepower of Titan Headquarters is already enough.”
“I’ve prepared an even better stage for you.”
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