Machine Slave

Wang De switched on the microphone. "Commander Chen's analysis was excellent. Next comes the deployment of our work."

All the scientists looked toward him.

"I am drafting a report to submit upward for approval regarding the specific next steps. But I can tell everyone several directions in advance."

"First, more powerful rockets and spacecraft. We need greater carrying capacity to send more probes, robots, and personnel to Mars."

"Second, weapons."

The moment those two words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the conference room became grave.

"Both offensive and defensive weapons must begin development." Wang De's expression was stern. "Not the kind of petty weapons we already have, nor simply making nuclear bombs bigger, but weapons based on entirely new concepts—low-cost, weapons of mass destruction capable of deterring extraterrestrial civilizations. Defensive weapons are equally important. If an extraterrestrial civilization attacks us, how do we protect densely populated major cities? How do we protect farmland and the ecological environment from destruction?"

"Both areas are extremely difficult and cannot be achieved overnight. Everyone needs to fully exercise their imagination and come up with unprecedented concepts. We may not yet have the technology to build them, but we must determine certain directions in advance. One day, they will come in handy."

"Third, methods of communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations, as well as methods of studying different forms of civilization and patterns of thought." Wang De looked a little awkward as he said this. "Most of our experimental base consists of science and engineering talent. Later, we'll transfer in some humanities talent to carry out this work."

"Finally, let me emphasize one point: this news absolutely cannot be leaked. Once it is leaked, no one knows what consequences may follow. The public's reaction is impossible to predict, and other countries may try to contact the