Chapter Ten: Research Project

10. Research Project

The CF/A-17 Ghost fighter jet is the main combat aircraft of the Terran Empire from StarCraft. Tang Xiao also discovered that the version of the CF/A-17 Ghost currently available for research and manufacturing is only an early model and lacks the pulse laser system for ground attacks.

Nevertheless, the Ghost fighter is an exceptional combat aircraft capable of operating both within the atmosphere and in space. Its prowess was proven in the StarCraft storyline during the wars between the Terrans, Protoss, and Zerg.

Moreover, later models of this fighter are equipped with stealth systems, transforming them into truly fearsome killers—stealth fighters!

Although the mothership’s technology system is based on Homeworld’s, and building the Ghost fighter requires overcoming the technological and production barriers between Homeworld and StarCraft, Tang Xiao was confident this challenge must be conquered.

As both belong to the human technology lineage, the resources needed to digest and analyze the Terran Empire’s technology from StarCraft should still be within reach.

Seeing that the administrator had made up his mind, Qi Jian ceased his objections. As a subordinate, he only needed to voice his opinions and concerns before deferring to Tang Xiao’s decision. Now, all that remained was obedience.

Tang Xiao summoned Daphne Clement and asked, “Are there still modular buildings for the engineering research institute in the mothership’s warehouse? What scale are they?”

Clement replied, “Considering the inherent risks of engineering research and the need for ample space for many experiments, the mothership carries a modular scientific research space station. It can accommodate about 20 specialists for experiments and research.”

“Order the engineering department to start constructing this engineering research space station immediately. Ideally, it should be operational by today!” Tang Xiao commanded.

“Yes, sir!”

Tang Xiao accessed the mothership’s personnel awakening database and began searching for suitable candidates. Among the elite, he found three engineering experts and awakened them, calling them to the bridge.

The three experts—two women and one man—were all roughly between 30 and 40 years old. Upon seeing Tang Xiao, they respectfully saluted. The female lead introduced herself, “Greetings, Administrator. I am Guan Yan, an energy specialist. This is Dr. Feng Yongwang, a mechanical expert, and Dr. Qu Xuewen, a materials specialist.”

Tang Xiao wasted no time and assigned them their tasks. “I need two projects launched simultaneously: one, research on infrared laser weapons; the other, the study of the CF/A-17 Ghost fighter. Let me know what resources you require, and I will do my best to provide.”

Guan Yan frowned thoughtfully. “Research on infrared laser weapons will require a physics laboratory. I’d prefer at least 20 physics specialists. As for this fighter…”

She handed the data to the male expert. “What’s your assessment, Dr. Feng?”

Feng Yongwang, wearing glasses, examined the Ghost fighter data and shook his head slightly. “Many technological systems differ from ours. It’s not impossible to overcome these challenges, but it will likely take more time. Dr. Qu and I will form a team to begin preliminary preparations. Initially, five mechanical specialists should suffice. I will subsequently request more personnel and materials.”

“What about the timeline?” Tang Xiao asked.

“All the data is here,” Guan Yan answered. “From research to application, the infrared laser weapon project should be completed within a month.”

“As for the Ghost fighter, it’s hard to say. Although the data is complete, parsing it to the point where we can produce it will take at least a year. If only a master-level expert could lead my team,” Feng Yongwang added.

“I will fully support personnel and material needs. Begin immediately. Thank you for your hard work,” Tang Xiao nodded.

“Not at all, Administrator. You steer the ship, and we just perform our duties. We should be the ones thanking you,” Qu Xuewen replied smoothly with a smile.

“I will compile a list of requirements,” Guan Yan said.

Regardless of place or time, scientific research is always laborious, expensive, and time-consuming... Watching the long list of material demands scroll across the screen, Tang Xiao kept a polite smile but felt a pang of pain inside.

The colony had just begun to improve and stockpile resources, and now everything was being handed over to the research team in a flash.

...

Outer Rim of the Galaxy, Western Sector, Model Star Cluster, Hyperspace.

“We’re about to exit hyperspace jump. Time to wake up, dear,” said a human woman piloting a Corellian YT-1000 light freighter, addressing the man beside her.

The man in his early thirties, dozing in the pilot’s seat, shook his head. “I really miss Corellian sparkling wine. After this job, I’m going home to sleep—at least for three days.”

“Corellia isn’t a place for people like us, Kunto. I prefer this life—free and unbound,” the woman replied, stepping over to kiss her partner on the forehead.

“Damn machine’s acting up again!” A curse came from the rear cabin, followed by a loud bang—likely someone kicking the malfunctioning equipment. Then a Rodian emerged.

The Rodian resembled an upright seahorse, with bulging eyes lacking eyelids and a straw-like proboscis. A hunting people, even after joining the Galactic Republic and entering the interstellar era, they often worked as bounty hunters.

“What’s the matter, Spard?” Kunto asked, turning around.

“Ah, no big deal. Just the usual risk of death. Ferasi, you should see the seventh indicator on your left flashing abnormally, right?” the Rodian snapped irritably.

The woman glanced back and cried out, “Oh no! The hyperspace deflector isn’t responding! How is this possible?!” She frantically manipulated the console, but to no avail.

“Well, we can only pray we don’t get torn apart when leaving hyperspace,” Spard said, shrugging as he sat down, resigned.

“The hyperspace deflector protects us from being ripped apart by physical phenomena when exiting hyperspace. If it malfunctions, we shouldn’t even be able to initiate the jump. So, if this isn’t a stroke of incredible luck going wrong mid-jump, then...” Kunto’s words were cut off as the ship exited hyperspace.

From the outside, it would appear as if the ship instantly materialized in normal space.

After violent shaking, they finally stabilized the ship. Kunto gazed at the massive object before them and murmured, “That’s artificial...”

“Spirit of Karaya... What is that thing?!” Ferasi was stunned by the terrifying sight.

On the radar, a gigantic, crescent-shaped ship was slowly orbiting the planet’s synchronous orbit. It was so immense that looking out from their YT-1000’s window, all they could see was an endless wall of metal!

[Bonus Chapter Illustration 1: Corellian YT-1000 Light Freighter]

[Bonus Chapter Illustration 2: Rodian]