Chapter 2. The Supreme Council of Venus
Year 1205, Venus' capital, New Venus, Central Tree of Life Tower
Inside the circular conference room of the Supreme Council's emergency meeting, the atmosphere was so dignified it felt as if water could be squeezed out of it. On the vast oval table, two top-secret Martian files, along with other classified information brought back by the "Mars Probe" expedition—blurred yet terrifying data images of inhumane biological experiments, monstrous monsters created by genetically fusing with animals for the purpose of forcibly perpetuating bloodlines—blazed brightly on the holographic screen, silently emitting a suffocating threat.
Lina, the director of the Information Center, with silver-gray hair and eagle-like eyes, was the first to break the silence. She quickly swiped across the screen in front of her, pulling up the data stream. "This is a complete betrayal of 'humanity'! Everyone, the facts are clear. We were once coveted by great malice. And the 'barrier' that has protected the planet for millennia, its origin and workings are still unknown." Her voice was calm, yet tinged with a subtle hint of fear. "Now that the barrier is gone, we are like young animals suddenly exposed in the wilderness. The Information Center recommends immediately initiating the highest level of intelligence analysis and re-screening all interstellar exploration data for malicious intent."
"How can we screen it?" Resources Minister Ruiming's dark eyes were filled with a pragmatic worry. She rubbed her brows and said, "The archives mention 'quantum polarization deep space scanning', 'neutrino topological mapping'... these technical terms are like incomprehensible scriptures to us. Our technology tree seems to be pointing in a completely different direction—" She smiled bitterly, "We are good at planting cherry blossoms, raising Moomon, and making dumplings, but we have no idea how to build interstellar war machines."
Chief Technology Advisor Mara Jones's green eyes practically burned. She slammed the table, sending ripples across the holographic surface. "Precisely because we know nothing, we must learn! We must immediately focus all our scientific research efforts to reverse-engineer these concepts! Establish a 'Mars Technology Task Force,' even if it means starting from scratch..."
"Starting from scratch? Mara, we might not have the time!" Security Minister Gwen Ockham interrupted gruffly, waving her strong, dark arms in the air as if to cleave invisible enemies. "The enemy won't wait for us to finish reading 'An Introduction to Quantum Polarization Principles'! The most urgent task is to build an immediate defense! I propose that we immediately launch the 'Low Earth Orbit Sentinel Project'. Even if we start with a bunch of intelligent rubble that can only impact, it's better than using our bare hands!"
"Minister Gwen's 'Gravel' and Advisor Mara's 'Assault Team' both require the newest dock at the 'Hongqiao' spaceport and at least 30% of its energy rations." Ruiming's voice was as calm as a glass of ice water. Without even raising her voice, she simply pulled up a real-time resource scheduling table and projected it on the center of the desktop. "That's the exclusive dock and energy for the 'Sakura Conservation' ecological spacecraft and the 'Morning Dew' agricultural satellite for the next three years. Are we planning to replace the people's food and oxygen cycle with smashing stones and incomprehensible blueprints?" Her question left Gwen speechless and Mara's face pale with excitement.
The meeting reached a deadlock and no one could convince anyone else.
At this moment, a clear and cold voice sounded. Dr. Marian's blonde hair was still neatly combed behind her head, and her light gray pupils swept across everyone.
"Everyone, before we discuss 'what rocks to throw' and 'where to start learning,' please allow the law to set the course for your enthusiasm. According to Chapter 3 of the Interstellar Activities Act, any defense proposal must first submit an ethical risk assessment report," she said with a hint of subtle sarcasm. "—And by the way, let me remind you that some organizations are plundering under the guise of 'ethics.' My suggestion is to immediately establish an interdepartmental joint review team. The first priority is to clarify the boundaries of our laws and ethics. Within those boundaries, we can then discuss technology."
These words made Gwen frown, and Mara looked unwilling, but she couldn't refute it.
Just when the stalemate reached a point, Elder Chu Hong, who had been silent all this time, slowly spoke. She did not look at the quarreling people, but nodded slightly to the robot waiter next to her.
The robot glided silently, delivering plates of crystal clear three-color dumplings that exuded the soft fragrance of rice and sweet cherry blossoms to each committee member accurately.
"Children," she said softly but firmly, as if the heated argument had just passed. "We all want to protect the land beneath our feet and the people around us. We share the same feelings, but fear and impatience are enemies more adept at causing us to lose our composure than any alien malice."
She gently poked a pink ball. "Dr. Marian marked out the runway for us, and Minister Ruiming reminded us of the preciousness of fuel. We can't tear down today's roof to forge tomorrow's spears for a distant, unclear threat."
She looked at everyone, her eyes wise and calm: "I propose that a joint group be established immediately, but its primary task is to serve as our 'brain' and 'conscience', reviewing first and then planning. And before we learn to run, perhaps we can light a lamp first, so that those who can most withstand the darkness can see the road clearly first." Then, she proposed to compile a course on "Cosmic Malice."
"As for research and defense," she smiled, her gaze sweeping over Mara and Gwen. "Of course we must continue. But before the joint team offers any guidance, please consider building on our 'excellent at growing cherry blossoms, raising moomon, and making dumplings' tech tree and consider how to leverage the advantages of 'ecological harmony' and 'life support' to construct... an asymmetric defense for Venus. Isn't that something more worth looking forward to?"
The committee members picked up the dumplings one after another, the sweet and sticky taste melting in their mouths, as if temporarily soothing their tense nerves. In the vertical garden outside the window, cherry blossoms were quietly blooming.
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