Chapter 208: There's no need to keep it a secret, let's just reveal it!
The massive Aerospace Carrier slowly began to ascend under the nervous yet expectant gazes of the crowd.
Its colossal metal body gradually lifted off the ground, emitting a low, powerful roar, like a long-slumbering beast awakening and slowly spreading its wings, preparing to soar into the sky.
Seeing this breathtaking scene, the researchers were overcome with excitement; their emotions were instantly ignited, and the joy in their hearts surged forth like a burst dam.
Some researchers even had red eyes, with tears welling up in their sockets—it was the excitement and emotion of seeing the fruits of their years of hard work manifest before their eyes.
"It's flying, it's flying! It's actually flying!"
They cheered, their voices trembling as long-suppressed emotions were released in that moment.
"It hasn't been easy; we've been waiting for this moment for two or three years."
An elderly researcher remarked with a look of gratification on his face.
He recalled the days and nights of struggle over the past two or three years, the countless experiments, adjustments, and improvements—every step had been poured with their heart, blood, and sweat.
Now, seeing the Aerospace Carrier truly taking flight, all their efforts had been rewarded, and the joy and pride were beyond words.
"Hahaha, although two or three years isn't a very long time for an Aerospace Carrier, it's truly gratifying to see the results now!"
Everyone chimed in, sharing their inner joy and pride.
They embraced each other, celebrating this great moment, as if the whole world were cheering for them at that instant.
In his excitement, the person in charge prepared to have his subordinates open the base's ceiling, as it had been specifically designed for the Aerospace Carrier's launch.
However, Su Chen unexpectedly indicated that it wasn't necessary.
The crowd was taken aback for a moment, looking at Su Chen in confusion.
Su Chen glanced at the current altitude of the Aerospace Carrier, which was about three meters, and then skillfully operated the console to lock the thrusters, precisely setting the Aerospace Carrier's altitude at three meters.
Just like that, the Aerospace Carrier hovered steadily at that height, standing silently like a floating castle.
The people waiting outside for the Aerospace Carrier to ascend were stunned, and they asked one after another why it had stopped flying.
General Zhao Yong was also puzzled, looking at Su Chen with a confused expression.
Su Chen smiled and explained:
"Now is not the time to take off!"
"We need to keep the Aerospace Carrier in a state of weightlessness."
The person in charge asked curiously, "Why are you doing this?"
Su Chen patiently answered:
"On one hand, we are waiting for the installation of weapons and mechs; on the other, we need to continue testing its stability."
"You wouldn't want our Aerospace Carrier to suddenly fall out of the sky due to stability issues, would you?"
Hearing his words, everyone suddenly realized.
They had long known that the development of the Aerospace Carrier was an extremely complex and rigorous project!
Every step had to undergo strict testing and verification.
Just like how passenger planes undergo many rounds of test flights to verify their stability before entering service.
The Aerospace Carrier is even more so; it has to travel in outer space, and if stability issues arise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Su Chen brought everyone down from the Aerospace Carrier and said casually to General Zhao Yong:
"General Zhao Yong, bring over some good tea."
General Zhao Yong was still a bit puzzled, but he readily ordered his subordinates to go get some.
Before long, the subordinate returned with the tea leaves—it really was good tea, a Pu'er that General Zhao Yong had treasured for over a decade.
When the package was opened, the rich aroma of the tea filled the air.
Su Chen, without standing on ceremony, broke off half of it, wrapped it in a tissue, and tucked it into his pocket.
Watching the reluctant expression on General Zhao Yong's face, Su Chen chuckled:
"Reluctant to part with it?"
General Zhao Yong grimaced and said:
"You're the only one who can come here and help yourself to my things; if it were anyone else, they wouldn't dare, even if I gave them the courage to."
Su Chen smiled and said nothing, his gaze returning to the Aerospace Carrier, his eyes filled with anticipation and contemplation.
Just like that, everyone sat to the side, quietly drinking tea as time slipped away unnoticed.
They enjoyed the aroma of the tea while keeping an eye on the Aerospace Carrier.
As time passed, no anomalies appeared on the Aerospace Carrier, and all data remained stable.
Everyone became excited, knowing that this meant the preliminary test had been a great success.
Su Chen carefully observed the data and nodded with satisfaction; the performance data was excellent, and the preliminary test results were perfect.
He turned to the researchers present and said, "Everyone, your hard work has not been in vain."
Hearing Su Chen's words, the researchers present were so excited that they hugged each other again, with cheers rising wave after wave.
With the preliminary test finished here, the next step was to wait for the other equipment to be manufactured, followed by stability testing.
Afterwards, General Zhao Yong took Su Chen to his office.
As soon as they entered, General Zhao Yong's expression became somewhat grave, and he said:
"I heard that some of our cables for the Eternal Day Project were stolen! And some of them were even taken abroad?"
Su Chen smiled slightly, "Your sources are quite well-informed."
General Zhao Yong's expression became even more serious, and he continued:
"So, this is true."
Su Chen nodded and said calmly:
"It is indeed true."
Seeing that Su Chen was so calm, General Zhao Yong was somewhat puzzled.
He said anxiously, "The Eternal Day Project is of vital importance. What if those top scientists from Eagle Sauce get hold of some information? What should we do then?"
Su Chen smiled calmly and comforted him:
"That's not a problem at all!"
"They can only learn that we have developed Room-temperature superconductivity from those cables."
"If they overthink it, they might assume that we are at our wits' end regarding the current energy crisis, and so we are starting to look into electrical energy!"
"And if... if they think we are preparing to start burning coal, that would be even more hilarious."
General Zhao Yong frowned, indicating that he didn't understand, but he chose to trust Su Chen:
"Since you don't think it's a big problem, that's fine."
At this moment, General Zhao Yong began to state the other reason he had called Su Chen over.
He said with great worry:
"Nowadays, various technologies are emerging in our country, and Eagle Sauce's CIA has planted many spies within our borders. Secrecy must be maintained. Even if the cable theft didn't have a major impact, it has sounded an alarm for us!"
"Especially regarding our Aerospace Carrier; preliminary tests can still be conducted inside the base, but for the final tests, it will have to go outside, up into the sky. Its size is so massive, how can we maintain secrecy?"
"Let alone me, even the higher-ups are having a headache over this issue!"
"This is our country's ultimate trump card!"
General Zhao Yong was full of worry; it was easy to see from his expression that he was truly troubled by this issue.
He looked at Su Chen eagerly, "You kid, hurry up and give us some ideas. Can we make it so others can't see the Aerospace Carrier? How about using stealth materials to make it invisible?"
General Zhao Yong thought of the stealth materials from before and looked at Su Chen with great anticipation.
Su Chen, however, said with a laugh:
"Stealth is possible, yes, but is it really necessary?"
General Zhao Yong was stunned and asked in confusion, "What do you mean, not necessary?"
Su Chen remained smiling and said slowly:
"Of course, stealth is not necessary!"
"And why should we keep it secret?"
"I suggest..."
"Directly make it public!"