The enormous circular conference table in the Planetary Defense Council's meeting room reflected the faces of every representative present.
"I object."
The North American Defense Zone's representative, a man named Harrison, was the first to speak. "The second-phase budget for this project has already exceeded our total investment in the orbital fleet over the past decade.
"Rey Diaz's lesson is right before our eyes. We cannot place humanity's fate on an untestable, theoretical weapon again."
"I agree with Mr. Harrison,"
The European Defense Zone's representative seconded the motion, slowly adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "We need a more detailed risk assessment report. We need an independent committee of experts from multiple nations to reexamine every stage of the Plasma Spark Tower's design."
The argument spread rapidly, like a fuse that had been lit.
Everyone cited authorities and statistics, discussing everything from the rational allocation of resources to the potential risks of implementation. Their words were earnest and their logic rigorous, as though they were not facing a war that would decide the survival of civilization, but a quarterly budget meeting for a multinational corporation.
Zhang Qi said nothing. He merely watched the performance unfolding before him.
"Mr. Zhang Qi,"
The chairman finally threw the matter to him. "As a Wallfacer, you are obligated to explain your plan."
Zhang Qi stopped tapping the armrest.
He did not look at the chairman, nor did he look at the representatives waiting for his explanation.
He merely raised a hand and made a casual swipe through the air.
The air at the center of the conference room distorted, and the holographic equipment projected a massive three-dimensional star map.
Its backdrop was the deep cosmos, with countless stars scattered across it like diamond dust.
A glaring red trajectory extended from the edge of the map, its