The intelligence director continued his report:
"According to our sources, Great Xia seems to have used a biological genetic technology completely beyond our understanding to achieve a certain degree of 'rejuvenation.'"
"Some of those people have already returned to key positions."
Mars stared at the almost wrinkle-free faces in the photographs, his eyes widening.
Motherfucker!
What kind of futuristic technology was this?!
And beyond the irresistible temptation of a longer life, this technology's value to a nation's fortunes was immeasurable.
"The second matter, sir, you may already know about." The intelligence director immediately switched the display to footage of an official Great Xia press conference.
The spokesperson was announcing in a steady voice:
"...The Great Xia Academy of Sciences recently succeeded in developing a material that superconducts at room temperature and normal pressure. This technology will play an important role in computing, controlled nuclear fusion, electromagnetic cannons, and other fields..."
"They announced this publicly yesterday," the intelligence director added.
"At first, we also thought it was propaganda, merely intended to reassure the people in their underground cities. But..."
He paused and swallowed.
"Our intelligence agents have confirmed that Great Xia's major underground cities have already begun laying new energy conduits."
"They... they've already applied this technology to controlled nuclear fusion."
"The goal is to build a new generation of nuclear fusion reactors in all their 'Ark' underground cities, providing virtually unlimited energy."
"Based on our projections, once construction is complete, the survival capabilities of Great Xia's underground cities during Doomsday will increase by a full ten percent."
A deathly silence fell over the office.
Mars could hear his own heart pounding wildly in his chest.
Biotechnology that rejuvenated people and extended their lives.
Technology that changed humanity's destiny, inexhaustible nuclear fusion energy!
Cubic nitrogen munitions at least four times as