Chapter 28: Project Launch

The crowd quieted down, listening intently.

He Xingzhou continued, "You have all seen the video. Our Sentinel Research Institute has two primary objectives."

"First, to study Zerg genetics. We must gain a deeper understanding of this new biological entity, its various characteristics, and develop biological countermeasures to delay the Zerg threat."

"Second, to prepare for the Great Wall of Steel project. This includes the development of fundamental technologies and the manufacturing of equipment required for the Great Wall of Steel."

"Many believe the Great Wall of Steel project is impossible to realize, but the Xuanwu executives have already confirmed it as a contingency plan. There is no need to discuss whether or not to execute it; our duty is to do our best to make it a reality."

The attendees shared this sentiment. While the plan seemed like a fantasy, the research into the associated technologies was undeniably necessary.

He Xingzhou said, "Our institute possesses experts in various fields. I have categorized our work into seven research systems: biochemical, logistics, energy, communications, weapons, intelligent systems, and industrial manufacturing equipment."

"These systems are not independent; they must coordinate with one another..."

He Xingzhou spoke at length, and everyone listened carefully.

"Given that the ultimate goal of the Sentinel Research Institute is to build the Great Wall of Steel, our phased research objectives will be centered on technological creations. We will designate a specific piece of technology and then focus our efforts on researching and overcoming the hurdles for every aspect of it."

"Our first designated research goal is the electromagnetic levitation vehicle."

He Xingzhou briefly introduced his vision for the electromagnetic levitation vehicle and the reasons for its development.

"The biotechnology experts need only focus on their tasks. As for the other experts, I have requested their transfer from across the country to join our cause."

"If you have any opinions or thoughts regarding this first project, please feel free to share them."

As soon as He Xingzhou finished, someone stepped forward.

A middle-aged man stood up and said, "Comrade He Xingzhou, I am Zhan Jinghuan from the China Construction Group. I can lead the team to research and develop the magnetic tracks required for the electromagnetic levitation vehicle, utilizing the resources of the China Construction Group to achieve a quick breakthrough."

"Excellent." He Xingzhou had prepared for this. Everyone present was a selected expert, representing not only themselves but also their respective research institutes, laboratories, and state-owned enterprises.

"Comrade He Xingzhou, I am Yu Xing from the National Academy of Sciences' Battery Research Institute. I will lead the team responsible for the battery project for the maglev vehicle," another expert in his fifties stood up and said.

By now, everyone understood that their presence here had been pre-arranged based on the specific project requirements.

Others began to stand up and volunteer.

"I am Guo Cheng, an automotive engineer from the China First Automotive Group. I will lead the team responsible for the vehicle's structural components and manufacturing!"

"I am Wang Yuze, an engineer from the State Grid. I am committed to the task of wireless power transmission!"

"I am Professor Bai Zhixin from the Electromagnetic Engineering Institute of Jiangcheng University of Science and Technology. My team has extensive research experience in electromagnetic levitation."

...

For every component, a team stepped forward. He Xingzhou recorded each one, making minor adjustments as he went. "Very well. Our Sentinel Research Institute's core team is now assembled. We will move forward toward our shared goal."

"If you have any questions, you may ask me directly or consult my assistant, Comrade Xu Zhilan."

He Xingzhou looked out at the solemn, intelligent eyes in the room, feeling a surge of emotion. A month ago, who could have imagined that he, an undergraduate student, would lead so many elites in such a grand endeavor?

The experts had much to discuss. Working with elites was simple; when they encountered problems, their first thought was not to ask for help, but to determine if they could solve them independently. Without needing explicit planning from He Xingzhou, the experts formed their own research groups.

The biochemical research group was the most efficient, immediately beginning to study the information on the Zerg.

He Xingzhou handed his research data to the head of the biochemical group, Academician Pan Yan, a senior expert from the Shanghai Biochemical and Cell Research Institute. She was over seventy, and upon learning of the project, she had insisted on being part of the Xuanwu Plan. After reviewing He Xingzhou's Zerg genetic evolution model, she fully agreed with his ideas and volunteered to join the Sentinel Research Institute. As an academician of the national biological sciences, her willingness to work with a young student spoke volumes about her dedication.

"This data is important, but not detailed enough," Pan Yan remarked after a brief look.

"Yes, Academician Pan," He Xingzhou replied. "Currently, this data is derived solely from the mutated Black Sea Bream No. 2."

"I believe the Zerg represent a biological form entirely different from life on Earth, and they are not limited to a single species. To obtain more data, we need more research samples."

"The Xuanwu Plan is already gathering mutated organisms from around the world. We can artificially induce further mutations for study," He Xingzhou suggested.

"Understood." Pan Yan frowned and said, "I will have my team thoroughly analyze this information first!"

After finalizing matters with the biochemical group, He Xingzhou sought out the battery research team. Yu Xing and his team were already planning their research tasks.

"Comrade He Xingzhou." The dozen experts in the group had met him before, but seeing him face-to-face still felt surreal. At his age, they had still been struggling with their studies, yet He Xingzhou had become the whistleblower of the Xuanwu Plan. It was hard to believe without seeing it with their own eyes.

"Hello, everyone." After a brief introduction, He Xingzhou said, "I will participate in or follow the progress of all research projects. I believe our battery research is the absolute priority."

"Without advanced battery technology, electromagnetic levitation vehicles and other electromagnetic equipment are mere fantasies. Current global battery technology cannot meet our needs!"

"We aren't just researching batteries for these vehicles; we are laying the groundwork for future mechanical exoskeletons, mechs, and robotics."

Yu Xing, the group leader, said, "The lithium batteries we use now cannot meet the endurance requirements. My idea is to leverage the national resources of the Xuanwu Plan to jointly develop all-solid-state battery technology. Its performance would be over five times that of conventional lithium batteries, and we already have a technological foundation."

The others nodded in agreement. "All-solid-state batteries are indeed the best choice."

He Xingzhou shook his head, rejecting their proposal. "It is not enough. The performance of all-solid-state batteries is still not enough!"