Chapter 22: Project Black Tortoise

"He Xingzhou’s vision is truly grand!" Kong Qing began with a word of praise. "Although it sounds highly difficult to execute, everyone might as well consider the possibility. If the threat from the Insect Swarm is indeed as massive as He Xingzhou describes, it is unlikely that our other methods will suffice. The 'Great Wall of Steel' project could serve as a contingency! What does everyone think?"

He spoke this way as a polite refusal of the proposal, wishing to avoid dampening He Xingzhou's enthusiasm. Ultimately, He Xingzhou’s plan was challenging the impossible, and the group lacked the confidence and conviction to fully commit.

However, they did not reject it outright. Cui Weimin nodded and said, "I think it’s viable. We need more than one plan to resolve the insect disaster; we need multiple plans running in parallel. This Great Wall of Steel and the Planetary Fortress project can be kept as contingency plans—we can start with small-scale testing!"

Qin Peng had no objections either. "Facing such an unknown catastrophe, the more plans, the better! Like He Hongwei, I am very much in favor of the Planetary Fortress project!"

The others expressed their views as well. They unanimously agreed that the plan to build military bases and refuge cities was feasible, while the Great Wall of Steel would remain a contingency for small-scale pilot trials.

He Xingzhou took the opportunity to say, "Then I hope to receive the necessary resources to conduct research into the relevant technologies."

Kong Qing nodded. "Trying is not out of the question. As for the specific operations, we shall discuss that later. Now, let us begin expressing our opinions on all the plans; we must pool our collective wisdom," Kong Qing announced.

The group began to deliberate, offering a wide array of opinions.

"I believe we should inform the international community and unite the strength of the entire world to resist the insect catastrophe!" one person suggested.

"I object!" an expert in international relations stood up. "Nations around the world are not as united as we might imagine. If such an apocalyptic disaster were to occur, they would not unite. Instead, they would restrict and attack one another! They might even label us as fear-mongers and ignore our warnings entirely. They would impose sanctions and restrictions on us as we try to stockpile strategic materials like grain, steel, and microchips!"

"Well said!" Cui Weimin added. "A previous global disaster has already shown us how deep the divisions between nations are. When disaster strikes, they scramble for strategic supplies, survival gear, and medical resources! They sanction each other, create friction, and frequently target us! Since the insect disaster is currently only our hypothesis, they will not believe us. Our primary duty is to protect the people of Huaxia, so at this stage, it is not suitable to go public. However, we can call upon other nations to prioritize environmental protection and research into mutated organisms. If they truly take these issues seriously, some among them will inevitably discover the existence of the insect genes and take measures themselves!"

"We should only announce this publicly once we can truly confirm the arrival of the insect catastrophe," another noted. "If we announce it rashly, some regions might be driven to desperation and ignite a war!"

"Director Cui is right," several high-level officials agreed. "Now is not the time to disclose this! Announcing it now would only make our preparations more difficult. Very well, let us set a protocol: the Insect Swarm Crisis shall be classified as an SSS-level top-secret mission. No one is permitted to disclose it externally without authorization! Once we confirm that this event is inevitable, we will make it public," Kong Qing declared, as his secretary recorded the decision into the protocol.

"Additionally, we must utilize our foreign exchange reserves to purchase large quantities of supplies from abroad, especially raw materials needed for infrastructure," the experts advised. "We need to establish a dedicated organization to handle this, to avoid causing unnecessary economic issues."

"We must concentrate our efforts on scientific research. Without innovation in science and technology, there is no hope of dealing with this crisis! We must form project teams to execute different plans. For a doomsday crisis like this, relying on a single plan is not viable! All people and all resources must pave the way for these plans!"

The meeting lasted for three full days. During this time, many academicians and experts grew hoarse, their eyes rimmed with dark circles as they gradually refined the plans. He Xingzhou participated throughout, and the insights from these national-level elites inspired him to further improve his own proposals. As for his university, they granted him an extended leave of absence. While his fellow students were curious about his whereabouts, no one knew the truth. His roommates had been cautioned by their instructors not to spread rumors or speculate.

Three days later, the meeting reconvened. Serving as the moderator, Kong Qing announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, after several days of discussion, we have arrived at several viable plans. These include the establishment of specialized military forces and bases; the stockpiling of supplies; the construction and retrofitting of shelters; scientific research and breakthroughs in biotechnology; international cooperation, and a contingency Great Wall of Steel project. We have given these plans a codename: the 'Xuanwu Project.' Xuanwu is the name of a mythical beast from our culture, representing longevity and solid defense. The Xuanwu Project shall guard the people of Huaxia and resist the threat of the Insect Swarm! The Xuanwu Project will become one of the highest-level projects in Huaxia. Those executing the Xuanwu Project may mobilize all resources of the nation—economic, military, technological, and even political and international influence! The executors of the Xuanwu Project will be the most highly classified individuals in the nation, possessing top-tier security and executive authority! Their title shall be 'Xuanwu Executor'."

"Now, we need to select several Xuanwu Executors to lead and carry out the project! You may nominate yourselves or propose reliable candidates! Any nomination supported by more than half of the attendees will be approved. Let us begin!"

As Kong Qing finished speaking, the room fell into deep contemplation. The role of a Xuanwu Executor would carry the weight of the nation, a responsibility unprecedented in history, requiring immense intelligence and leadership. Any decision they made could affect the fate of the entire country. Even though the room was filled with the nation's elite and pillars of society, no one dared to claim lightly that they had the confidence to take on such a burden.

"I will start. I nominate myself to be a Xuanwu Executor!" said General Qin Peng of the military. "As a soldier, defending the country is our sacred duty."

"I second that!" Kong Qing raised his hand first.

"I agree as well!" Cui Weimin raised his hand.

"General Qin is indeed a suitable candidate to be a Xuanwu Executor!" The leaders, experts, and academicians all raised their hands in agreement, and he was approved by a unanimous vote.

"Very well, the first Xuanwu Executor has been chosen: General Qin Peng!" Kong Qing announced. "We continue. I also nominate myself to be the second Xuanwu Executor; I can coordinate and preside over the scientific research efforts."

"It is the common wish that Elder Kong should serve as a Xuanwu Executor," the group agreed, and he too was approved by a unanimous vote.

"It is my turn," said Cui Weimin. "I can coordinate the cooperation of various departments to execute our plans, including the handling of certain international affairs." Soon, he was also approved as a Xuanwu Executor by a unanimous vote.

"There cannot be only three of us as Xuanwu Executors!" Kong Qing noted. "The three of us will be responsible for coordination with various departments, but specific tasks must be carried out by key individuals. Therefore, please continue!"