39: Base upgrade

The successful retrieval of high-value "Cold Fusion" batteries and key information on Warp engine components acted like a shot of adrenaline for the base. The combat proficiency, adaptability, and successful results demonstrated by Alpha Squad in their first mission gave Han Zhe a more intuitive confidence in the potential of clone soldiers. Meanwhile, within the "Hive" center, twenty new lives were being gestated with higher efficiency, signaling an exponential growth in the base's armed forces.

However, Han Zhe's vision was not completely obscured by the immediate success. He stood before the holographic star map in the command center, his gaze passing over the markers for the debris belt and the discovered "Megastructure Debris Mountain," casting toward the darkness further away—the area representing the speculated "Anomalous Gravity Well/Rift," where warning symbols flickered incessantly.

The data Alpha Squad brought back, though failing to directly locate that dangerous zone, undoubtedly confirmed its extraordinary nature through those ancient remains and unique energy signals. The unknown civilization to which the probes belonged, the possible existence of "Ancient Creations," and the danger of that region... all reminded Han Zhe that his current "safety" was relative, based on information shielding and keeping a sufficiently low profile.

But keeping a low profile was not a long-term solution. For the base to develop and the army to grow, resource demands would only increase. Relying solely on collection from the nearby debris belt would soon hit a bottleneck. He needed more efficient energy, stronger mobility, and... ultimately, the possibility of leaving this area to actively explore or find a safer, more prosperous foothold.

Energy is the keystone of development. The fusion reactor "Spark" provided a stable 5 megawatts of power, which was already struggling to support the base's existing facilities and the cloning project. In the future, as the army's scale expanded (what about after the Beta Batch?), and more high-energy-consuming facilities (such as large manufacturing plants, more advanced laboratories, or even shipyards) were built, energy demand would grow explosively.

Mobility is the guarantee of survival and the hope for the future. The D-4 Platform was, after all, just a piece of floating wreckage, incapable of long-distance maneuvers. If they encountered an irresistible threat (like a real fleet), or wanted to take the initiative to explore a broader area, a mobile base was crucial. Not to mention, deep in his heart, he always harbored the desire to find a way—whether to return to his own universe or to find a place in this one where he could truly settle down.

And movement required a powerful propulsion system.

"keystone, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the 'Spark' fusion reactor. Based on our current progress in materials science (Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy), the high-efficiency energy crystal technology obtained from the 'Megastructure Debris Mountain,' and a deeper understanding of fusion principles, design an upgrade plan. Goal: Increase the reactor's output power at least threefold to over 15 megawatts, while improving energy conversion efficiency and operational stability. List the detailed requirements and risks." Han Zhe first set his sights on the energy core.

"Command confirmed. Initiating 'Spark' reactor upgrade design, code name: 'Blaze'." keystone's voice rang out steadily as data streams scrolled rapidly across the light screen. "Plan summary: Replace the core confinement magnetic field generator with an enhanced model based on new energy crystal technology; upgrade the superconducting coil materials to Pseudo-tao steel composite superconducting materials to increase current-carrying capacity; optimize the reactor's inner wall structure with multi-layer composite protection to extend service life; integrate a more efficient thermoelectric conversion system. Estimated post-upgrade output power: 18-20 megawatts steady state, with peaks reaching 25 megawatts."

"Upgrade Requirements:

· Resource Points: 7,000 (primarily for new material synthesis and precision component manufacturing).

· Special Materials: Large quantities of Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy, new energy crystals (requires reverse synthesis using 'Cold Fusion' battery technology or using them as templates), high-purity deuterium-tritium fuel replenishment.

· Energy: Requires the reactor to be shut down for at least 24 standard hours for modification; during this period, the base will rely on stored energy and the 'sun ray' arrays.

· Time: Estimated 30 standard hours (including shutdown, modification, and testing).

· Risks: Weakened base defense and power supply to the 'cradle of life' during modification; potential instability period for new technology integration; sudden power surge may impact the existing power grid, requiring a synchronized upgrade of the power transmission and distribution system."

Seven thousand resource points! It would almost empty the current reserves! But the output was nearly four times the energy! This investment had to be made!

"Approve the 'Blaze' upgrade plan. Immediately begin stockpiling the required special materials, especially the synthesis research for the new energy crystals. Plan an energy alternative scheme for the upgrade period to ensure critical facilities (especially the 'cradle of life') do not lose power. Simultaneously design the grid upgrade plan," Han Zhe ordered decisively. Resource points could be earned again, but the energy bottleneck had to be broken as soon as possible.

"Command confirmed. 'Blaze' upgrade plan initiated. Material stockpiling and synthesis sequences established. Power grid upgrade plan generated simultaneously."

While the energy upgrade plan was being launched, Han Zhe turned his attention to another larger and more complex project—making the base move.

"keystone, combining our existing platform structure, material technology, energy expectations (the upgraded 'Blaze' reactor), and the technical inspiration gained from the Warp engine components, design a feasibility plan for a 'Base Propulsion System.' Full FTL capability is not required; the primary goal at this stage is to achieve conventional space maneuvers at sub-light speeds, with the ability to leave the current debris belt and conduct limited-distance voyages. Assess how many resources are needed, how much of the base structure needs modification, and... whether we possess the corresponding engineering capabilities."

It was an idea so bold it was almost insane. Turning a massive platform pieced together from wreckage into a navigable... ship? Or rather, a mobile Fortress?

"Analyzing... integrating platform structural stress data, mass distribution, 'Blaze' expected power output, conventional thruster technology (enhanced based on existing plasma and ion propulsion principles), attitude control systems, and preliminary inertial dampening and gravity simulation requirements (to provide basic comfort for crew)..."

"Plan generated: 'ark' Mobilization Project (Phase One)."

[Core Objective: Integrate a conventional space propulsion system into the D-4 Platform to achieve minimal autonomous mobility (Acceleration: 0.05G, Maximum Sustained Speed: 0.1C sub-light speed).]

[Main Modification Contents:

1. Propulsion System: Install four sets of large plasma vector thruster arrays at the rear of the platform (relative to the original 'ark one' command center direction) to provide primary thrust. Install multiple sets of small attitude adjustment thrusters on the sides and bottom of the platform.

2. Energy and Distribution: The upgraded 'Blaze' reactor must allocate more than half of its power (approx. 10 megawatts) specifically for the propulsion system. Establish independent propulsion energy lines and buffer storage units.

3. Structural Reinforcement: Conduct large-scale reinforcement of key load-bearing structures of the platform, especially the thruster installation areas, requiring massive use of Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy for overall reinforcement to withstand the immense stress during propulsion.

4. Navigation and Control System: Establish an independent flight control center, integrating improved inertial navigation, stellar positioning, and basic obstacle avoidance scanning arrays.

5. Auxiliary Systems: Preliminary inertial dampening field generators (to reduce the impact of acceleration on crew and equipment) and an expanded life support system (to support longer periods of enclosed flight).

[Requirements and Risks:

· Resource Requirement: Extremely high. Preliminary estimate: 20,000+ resource points.

· Special Materials: Massive amounts of Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy, superconducting materials, high-heat-resistant thruster nozzle materials, and precision navigation components.

· Energy: Consumption during modification and subsequent operation is enormous.

· Engineering Difficulty: Extremely high. Involves large-scale structural modification, requiring SCVs and more engineering units in the future to perform high-intensity work over a long period, with the risk of modification failure leading to structural damage or even disintegration of the platform.

· Time: With existing engineering forces, Phase One modification is estimated to take: 60-90 standard days.

· Functional Limitations: No FTL capability, slow flight speed, range limited by fuel (reaction mass) and life support, unable to conduct long-duration long-distance voyages. Primary use: Departing from the current fixed position for limited-range relocation or evasion.]

Twenty thousand resource points! Sixty to ninety days! The engineering was vast, the risk extremely high, and the final product was just a clunky, slow, limited-range "space tractor."

Han Zhe looked at the suffocating list of requirements and remained silent for a long time. This was countless times harder than he had anticipated. But... mobility was the key to the future. Even if it was just a crude, heavy key.

"Record the 'ark' Mobilization Project. Treat it as a long-term strategic goal. At this stage, prioritize the 'Blaze' energy upgrade and the 'Hive' cloning project. Meanwhile, order the Pioneer squads to keep an extra eye out during prospecting for wreckage that can be used for large engineering structures, thruster components, or special heat-resistant materials. We need to accumulate all possible resource and technical reserves for this plan."

"Command confirmed. 'ark' project archived as a long-term project. Resource prospecting objectives updated."

Both core upgrade plans (energy and mobility) pointed toward a terrifying consumption of resources. The current rate of resource accumulation was starting to look stretched. Automated collection stations and SCV labor were stable, but their efficiency had an upper limit.

Han Zhe's gaze fell on a corner of the platform, on the escape pod that had long been abandoned, its hull covered in scorch marks and impact scars. It had once been his only shelter, the boat of hope Kahn had traded his life for. But now, it was just a useless hunk of metal taking up space.

Almost all useful equipment inside had long since been stripped for early base construction. What remained was just a relatively intact but empty shell.

Emotionally, keeping it seemed like a way to commemorate the past and console the fallen. But reason told him coldly that in a time of extreme resource scarcity, anything useless should be converted into nutrients for development.

If Kahn were still alive, would he want to see this pile of scrap continue to occupy precious space and resources, or would he want it to add a brick to the base's strength?

The answer was obvious.

Han Zhe walked to the escape pod and ran his palm over the cold, rough, scarred metal hull. He felt as if he could still smell the despair, sweat, and death that once permeated the interior. He could hear Oleg's frantic ravings and see Lina's pale face... He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, only iron-like determination remained.

"keystone, record: Due to base development needs, the decision has been made to completely dismantle the abandoned escape pod, converting all usable materials into resource points. Execute the most efficient dismantling protocol, recovering every valuable part possible."

"Command confirmed. Initiating abandoned escape pod dismantling and resource recovery protocol. Scanning hull structure... planning dismantling path... pioneer-02, Pioneer-03, execute dismantling operations."

The two SCVs received the command and moved to the side of the escape pod, extending their cutting arms and magnetic claws. High-energy laser beams lit up, beginning to slice the massive escape pod hull into regular metal plates along preset cutting lines. The residual pipes, frames, and insulation layers inside that hadn't been fully removed before were also separated and categorized one by one.

Han Zhe didn't watch the dismantling process any longer. He turned and walked back to the command center. Behind him, the hiss of laser cutting and the sound of metal being torn apart continued, sounding like a cold period at the end of an era, and like the casting of the first iron ingot for a new chapter.

The dismantling lasted for most of the day. When the last large structural piece was transported to the input of the refining core, a system prompt sounded:

[Abandoned escape pod dismantling and recovery complete. Total resource points obtained: 1,850. Obtained some usable standard alloy materials (stored).]

1,850 points. A significant supplement. Although it couldn't fundamentally solve the resource gap, it at least eased the immediate pressure brought by the "Blaze" upgrade plan.

More importantly, this was a gesture—a resolute farewell and a step forward.

Han Zhe watched the resource points rise back toward six thousand, his heart remaining largely untroubled. Sacrifice and trade-offs were the norms of survival and progress in this cruel universe. His way of commemorating Kahn, Lina, and Oleg was not by guarding a pile of scrap metal, but by taking the opportunity they had bought with their lives and walking forward, until he reached a place far enough and high enough.

"What is the status of the material stockpiling for the 'Blaze' upgrade?" he asked keystone.

"Technical difficulties have been encountered in synthesizing the new energy crystals; reverse engineering progress is lagging. Pseudo-Tao Steel Alloy reserves have reached 65% of the plan's requirements. Other materials are basically ready. It is estimated that 5-7 standard days are needed to fully complete material stockpiling."

"Accelerate the energy crystal research. If necessary, a small portion of the 'Cold Fusion' batteries we obtained can be dismantled as direct samples for analysis, but the majority must be kept as strategic reserves or energy for future advanced equipment," Han Zhe instructed. Time waited for no one.

"Command confirmed. Adjusting research priorities."

"Status of Alpha Squad's recovery?"

"All members' physiological indicators are normal, armor repairs are 95% complete, and daily training has resumed. Training modules adjusted based on the first mission data have been loaded; squad coordination efficiency is expected to increase by 12%."

"Good. Status of the Beta Batch in the 'Hive'?"

"Cultivation process is stable and has entered the mid-stage of the rapid growth phase. Physiological parameter monitoring is normal, with no abnormal fluctuations."

Everything was proceeding according to plan, although every step was accompanied by massive resource consumption and technical challenges.

Han Zhe sat back in his command chair, his gaze once again fixed on the holographic star map. Upgrade energy, accumulate resources, expand the army, and finally... make this steel Fortress move, sailing into the unknown deep space.

The road was long and difficult. But with a clear goal, growing strength, and the determination to move forward at any cost, even the longest road held the possibility of being conquered.

The wreckage of the escape pod had already turned into resources, merging into the torrent of the base's development. And the base itself was accumulating strength for its next metamorphosis.

Next time, it would no longer be a piece of passively floating wreckage.

Next time, it would possess a more powerful heart and its first foot... stepping toward the sea of stars.