418: Chapter 404 Reality_2 418: Chapter 404 Reality_2 A white-haired lecturer on stage was giving a lecture to all the NCOs.
“This is the standard operating console of an interstellar ship, usually composed of five sections and over five hundred command buttons.
Of course, more advanced ships are divided into two types.
Those with AI assistance tend to have simplified consoles, and those without are more complex….”
That said, the NCOs below were all feeling dizzy and overwhelmed, but each one of them was listening intently, gritting their teeth.
Xiao Wen nudged Chen Shan.
“Pay attention to the lecture.”
Chen Shan quickly responded.
It was not that Xiao Wen was being harsh on Chen Shan, but this session was too important. The source of thɪs content is novel~fire~net
After it was over, they were going to have a simulated test, and the top-performing NCOs would be assigned to the first batch of purchased ships.
Now, it was a typical case of too many monks and not enough porridge, hardly enough to go around.
Even so, every NCO sitting here was among the elite of the Federation’s elite.
Most people here had received the Federation’s Medal of Honor, or else they had a powerful father or superior.
As for the mother ships that were purchased, they were the lifeline of the Federation; without knowing the external conditions, they would never be deployed.
Moreover, the mother ships that were bought still needed to be modified to add supply production lines and various other components, making them unfit for immediate mission deployment.
It was estimated that at the earliest, they would not be fully operational for at least a year.
The lecture soon ended, and at that time the old lecturer on the podium said in a deep voice.
“Alright, I’ve said what I needed to say.
More talking won’t help.
The first batch to take the crab must discover things on their own.
We are also figuring things out ourselves.
Maybe what we teach could be wrong, so I won’t teach any further.
When the time comes, we will also provide you with the operation manuals and universal navigation guides for the corresponding ships; hence, let the test begin.”
Upon hearing the old man’s words, the expressions of the NCOs on site turned stern.
They had been taught for barely seven days, and everyone’s heart was pounding like they were being forced to perform tasks they weren’t prepared for.
Unfortunately, they had no choice but to proceed.
Soon, sheets of test papers were distributed, and each person received ten sheets filled with densely packed questions.
Simultaneously, the doors of the tiered classroom opened wide, and soldiers dressed in special uniforms walked in.
They stood behind each NCO who was about to begin the test, ensuring that no cheating occurred.
The white-haired lecturer spoke: “The examination time is twelve hours; you can only go to the bathroom and eat during this period, provided you can even stomach food.
Now, let the exam officially begin!”
With these words, all the NCOs immediately started writing.
Meanwhile, Su Mo was at home, waiting and waiting, yet he didn’t receive a call back from Chen Shan.
He was also a bit puzzled.
Why would an officer need to take classes, and for such an extended period?
However, Su Mo continued to patiently wait.
Apart from Chen Shan, he truly had no other options.
In the evening, just as Su Mo was about to wash up and go to bed, his phone rang.
The caller ID showed it was Chen Shan.
Su Mo immediately answered, and Chen Shan’s hearty laugh sounded.
“Brother, sorry, we just finished the test.”
What were you guys testing for?”
Su Mo suddenly became interested.
“The Federation brought back a large batch of ships, and they needed distribution.
So, in this form, we competed–wow, it really exhausted us.”
Chen Shan kept complaining.
Su Mo quietly listened and didn’t interrupt.
After a while, Chen Shan finished his complaining and cheerfully asked, “Brother, did you need anything?”
“There’s something I would like to ask for your help with.”
“There’s no question of inconvenience between us; as long as it doesn’t violate principles, I can definitely help.”
Chen Shan assured him, patting his chest.
“I want to make a trip to Star Ring City.
Is there a way you could help me?”
Su Mo asked Chen Shan directly, without beating around the bush.
Hearing Su Mo’s words, Chen Shan’s expression stiffened, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.
Su Mo didn’t rush him.
After a moment, Chen Shan said, “This is a bit troublesome.
There’s something you might not be aware of.
Although no official command has been issued, there’s an unspoken rule in the Federation: no unofficial personnel are permitted to go to Star Ring City.
But I’ve heard that some influential tycoons, especially those from areas like Sector M, might be able to go there since their influence could potentially threaten the status of Augustus.
So it’s not surprising.
That said, I can’t give you an answer right now.
Let’s discuss it with Xiao Wen, and you can come to Imperial City tomorrow so we can talk in person.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Su Mo replied appreciatively.
“What’s there to thank for, you’re being too formal.
Alright, I’m hanging up now; see you tomorrow night.”
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The next day, Su Mo bought a ticket and boarded the high-speed train to Imperial City.
Su Mo leaned against the window, watching the fast-moving scenery outside.
It didn’t take long for the high-speed train to leave Demon City.
Once in the suburbs, Su Mo suddenly narrowed his eyes.
He saw that the land outside the suburbs of Demon City had been dug up.
All of this suburban land was heavily polluted and had previously been wasteland.
Now being reactivated meant only one possibility: construction of large-scale, pollution-generating heavy industries.
That is, the military-industrial complex, with no concern for the land’s condition.