Song Pu did not make a quick decision on how to arrange for Chen Ming.

Instead, after spending some time with Hong Guanghong and Dong Miao to understand the more detailed information about logistics and engineering, he found Chen Ming again in the terminal.

"I've seen you build a destroyer by hand before. Given the materials and time, you should be able to build a cruiser by hand, right?"

"No problem."

Chen Ming has not neglected his research on cruiser technology during this period. Even before he developed the fake body technology, Chen Ming insisted on squeezing out time every day to learn things other than command technology.

Now that he has shared the task of learning command techniques with a fake identity, Chen Ming can devote more energy to other aspects.

With the increased thinking speed provided by psychic energy and the hive mind network, his learning efficiency has enabled him to now manufacture some mass-produced cruisers, such as the Defender-class cruiser developed by Sinda Corporation, which Chen Ming has in his hands.

Song Pu nodded secretly and continued to confirm: "What about large industrial equipment? What about the entire factory?"

"Let me put it this way. A spacecraft of the same size is more difficult to control than industrial equipment. My psychic power is more difficult to use on a spacecraft than on most industrial facilities."

"Before I learn the technology to build a spacecraft, I need to understand the purpose of the tools and so on, and then I can build a spacecraft."

Chen Ming's meaning was very clear. His mastery of industrial facilities was deeper than his mastery of spacecraft.

Song Pu's eyes suddenly flashed with a gleam of light, and he said, "We currently control eleven industrial colonies, more than half of which were industrial colonies related to war and spacecraft that were seized in battles with government forces."

"Among them, there are five heavy industrial colonies related to spacecraft, including industrial facilities for the production of hulls, spacecraft parts, spacecraft armor, and ship-borne weapons. The highest level currently capable of producing cruisers."

"We also have two heavy industrial colonies producing spacecraft fuel."

"and three light industrial colonies for the mass production of the necessaries of life and all kinds of articles of daily use."

"These three colonies control the livelihood of the entire Galo-4 star region. One of them was originally a light industrial colony that was fully controlled by the government and used to adjust the prices of civilian goods. Later, you will know after reading the background story."

“The remaining two light industrial colonies were jointly built by companies related to this field.”

“The last industrial colony is an integrated industrial park and has a quarter-track industrial facility that has been built. Many companies’ factories are located here.”

"Other army equipment and industrial facilities are basically in those other integrated colonies."

Chen Ming thought about the connection between the information Song Pu had just said and the question he had asked at the beginning, and asked, "Do you want me to build a new colony?"

"No, expansion is the top priority. Building a new colony is a hundred times more difficult than expanding an existing colony."

"You may not have looked at the terminal just now, but the engineer and I have already talked about it. Our main direction in the future is to try our best to expand these industrial colonies with our war potential. This is what the engineer is busy with now."

Chen Ming asked again: "He has to come to all the dozen industrial colonies? Is one month enough?"

“Are you doubting the speed of the engineers or the speed of the construction?”

Chen Ming said bluntly: "A little bit of both."

Song Pu immediately explained for Hong Guanghong: "You can rest assured about the efficiency of the engineer. As long as everything has a template, he can plan very quickly with his ability."

"What we need to do is not to innovate, but to repeat the path taken by our predecessors."

"Besides, we actually only need to expand seven industrial colonies. In the simulation, he is not the only one who can do the work. There are also many engineers from the rebel side."

“As for the speed of construction.”

"Nowadays, all industrial equipment is modularized and simplified. As long as there is space and enough materials, half a month at most will be enough for us to double the size of those war industrial colonies."

"Of course, the premise is that we need to put all our production capacity into it."

Although Song Pu set the conditions, Chen Ming still asked uncertainly, "Is it that exaggerated?"

"Of course, since this is a simulation, we don't consider the future."

"On the premise of abandoning the original rebels to protect people's livelihood, we can completely turn the Galo-4 star zone we occupy to wartime industrialization, which can definitely ensure that the expansion efficiency and production efficiency will increase at the same time."

"For us, the time limit for this simulation is only over a month. We have to find a way to hold on in just one month, and even fight back against the government forces. So no matter what means we use, winning is the most important thing."

"Moreover, within a month, the negative impact of the comprehensive industrial transformation will not be so quick to show up. In fact, the overall economic level of the entire star region may even rise for a short period of time."

“So that’s the opportunity we have to take, and that’s what we have to do.”

"And what's more important is your existence. You said that controlling a spacecraft is more difficult than controlling industrial equipment."

"Everything I just said is based on the premise of relying purely on normal planning. With your help, the expansion efficiency will be even higher."

"Your presence not only enables us to resist the attacks of the government forces, but also serves as our trump card for counterattacking the government forces."

Chen Ming didn't expect Song Pu to say that, so he asked, "Do you really believe in my ability?"

Dong Miao suddenly interrupted and said, "I remember a few hours ago you told us to trust you. We believed you, and you did what you said. It's okay for us to trust you again."

"Um... Having said that... can I make a few requests to the engineer?"

When Chen Ming asked this question, Hong Guanghong said in the terminal: "I'm watching."

"When planning the expansion of a colony, try to plan the expansion direction continuously, rather than expanding new ones independently."

"What's the meaning?"

Chen Ming explained: "For example, if there is a spacecraft armor plate manufacturing factory that needs to be expanded, there are two options."

"You can choose to build a new identical factory, or you can choose to add a new production line based on the original factory."

"I know that under normal circumstances, we would definitely choose to add production lines, but it is impossible for different industrial facilities to completely expand new production lines during expansion."

"And different industrial facilities require different supporting facilities, and these supporting facilities should also have the same problem."

"I hope that when you plan the expansion blueprint, you will try to expand on the basis of the original colonial industrial facilities instead of building new factories."

Hong Guanghong thought about Chen Ming's request for a while and said, "It can be done, but it will increase the workload and cause the final blueprint to be released later."

"But it's good for when my psychic powers are used on industrial equipment."

Chen Ming did not clearly state what the specific benefit was. After all, this was a hidden effect of his spiritual power that was not easily visible.

That is, when he currently uses [Transformation] and [Manufacturing] to achieve similar effects, the mental power consumed by manufacturing is more than three times that of transformation.

It used to be five times as much. As Chen Ming became more proficient in creating spiritual energy, the consumption of mental power was gradually decreasing.

But in general, this three-fold consumption is still quite exaggerated, so when it is obvious that psychic energy will be used on a large scale, it is better to save a little mental energy.

This time, no one in the communication channel questioned Chen Ming, and Hong Guanghong quickly agreed after Chen Ming said this: "Okay, no problem."

"Thank you for your help."

After thanking him, Chen Ming did not continue to ask about the planning of industrial facilities. He turned to Song Pu and said, "Speaking of which, since we have survived the encirclement and suppression of the government army for a month and are facing additional targets who survived the encirclement and suppression of a higher level, does the government army have similar conditions?"

"It seems that Cheng Xinghai didn't tell you a lot of things."

"And the fact that you asked this question probably reminds you of what I just said, right?"

"As you might expect, the government forces have similar restrictions."

"Even if they wipe us out, they must ensure that most of the star systems in the one-third star field that serves as the battlefield have sufficient stability."

"Otherwise, the next rebellion will break out again soon, and this time the government forces will not be able to cover it up."

“The government forces will follow in our footsteps.”

"In the end, it will be the same as when we were all wiped out in the encirclement and suppression. It can only be judged as a draw."

Chen Ming said subconsciously: "It seems that they are more relaxed."

Song Pu immediately denied Chen Ming's idea and said, "In fact, the difficulty is about the same, but the conditions and restrictions are different, which gives you this illusion."

"Is it really easy for a government that has already led to rebellion due to internal corruption and local policies that oppress civilians to improve the stability of these areas? Can it allow ordinary civilians to live in peace?"

Chen Ming thought about it and said, "That's right."

"So logistics and engineers are very important when choosing teammates in such a large-scale battle."

"Whether it's the reconstruction planning of industrial facilities or post-war reconstruction, these things all require dedicated people to do it, and no one can avoid it."

"If we were assigned to the government army, we would have to worry about these things."

"The simulation is not so kind to provide a group of engineers who are wholeheartedly concerned about us."

"After all, our chances of winning are, to a certain extent, in conflict with the ideas of the NPCs in the simulation."

Chen Ming suddenly couldn't follow Song Pu's train of thought and asked, "What does this mean?"

"For example, the rebels' goal is to liberate local people from the oppression of government forces and give them a future."

"But look at what we are doing? Exhausting the resources of the transformation industry, mining important mineral veins without restrictions, and increasing the labor tasks of those engaged in industrial production institutions. Does this seem to be consistent with the rebels' goal of liberating civilians?"

Chen Ming thought carefully about what Song Pu said and the various ideas he had mentioned before, and said, "That's true."

"Then look at the government forces. The government forces in the background have the absolute goal of wiping out the rebels as quickly as possible. They don't mind draining the pond to catch fish. They themselves are the most important."

"Even though they know full well the consequences of continuing like this."

"But for the five people on the other side, they must not exhaust all their resources."

"Otherwise, if the living conditions of ordinary civilians do not improve after the rebels are wiped out, but instead become worse, the next rebellion will end their chances of winning."

"We need to have enough industrial power to support multiple large-scale battles in succession, while the other side needs to have enough logistics to ensure post-war reconstruction and the construction of new rules that can calm the anger of the people."

"What we need to do is find the balance, or break it completely, which is more difficult."

"We can let NPCs assist and guide them in doing things, but we can never let them do things on their own."

"That could backfire on us."

Chen Ming suddenly had another question at this time: "The engineer is not doing the engineering task alone, right? He should also be assisted by the rebel engineers. Will there be any problems?"

"That depends on my arrangement. What I have to do is to adjust the overall situation and make it go our way."

"Make it seem like there's a legitimate reason for what we're doing, and then you just go ahead and do it."

At this time, Chen Ming finally realized that the background of this simulation and the identity relationships of those involved in it were truly complicated.

But it's still understandable.

There is one thing about the background that he wants to clarify.

Just before the simulation started, Bai Quan told him that this simulation might very likely involve the battleship.

"Does the Galo Star Region currently have a giant shipyard capable of producing capital ships?"

Song Pu replied, "Yes, it is the 14th Legion branch where you are now. It was originally the military base of the Galo-2 star region. The location there is good, so the only giant dock in the Galo star region was built there."

"The government army in the background is quite corrupt, so the giant shipyard must be abandoned. They must be repairing it now."

Chen Ming immediately asked a question in his mind: "Even if the giant dock is repaired, it shouldn't be possible to build something of the size of a battleship in a month, right?"

"It's definitely impossible to build a new one, but if I remember correctly, there should be a capital ship docked in the giant dock."

"As long as we repair the giant dock and overhaul the battleship, we will be able to go directly to the battlefield in no time."

"I definitely won't let them bring out the capital ship, don't worry."

Chen Ming actually wanted to ask if it was possible for him to sneak over and take control of the giant shipyard.

But after thinking about the premise that the other party must know the existence of his psychic power, and the risks of doing so.

Chen Ming felt that it was better not to do such things. At least, when the situation was in a favorable position, he should never take the initiative to give opportunities.

"So what should we do next? Should we counter the opponent's moves or take the initiative to attack?"

Song Pu already had a plan in mind, and he quickly said, "The pressure of attacking is on the other side. We don't need to attack. What we need to do is to develop and try to expand our military strength before the one-month deadline."

"During this process, we need to do a good job of defense to prevent the opponent from using any decapitation tactics, and then consider disrupting the opponent's action plan. That's all."

"I see."

After learning about Songpu's overall plan, Chen Ming stopped talking in the terminal.

At this moment, his spaceship was very close to the rebel headquarters during the jump in hyperspace.

After this jump, he will be able to reach his destination directly.

Song Pu had already received the information that Chen Ming was about to arrive, and arranged a green channel for Chen Ming in advance, waiting for Chen Ming to arrive.

However, just when Chen Ming's spacecraft entered the normal universe environment from hyperspace.

Song Pu suddenly heard the sound of an intrusion alarm.

Song Pu frowned and contacted Chen Ming immediately, asking Chen Ming to stay where he was temporarily. At the same time, he quickly found the relevant person in charge through the rebels' internal network.

As soon as the call was connected, Song Pu heard an obviously anxious sound from the other end.

The person in charge immediately apologized to Song Pu, "I'm very sorry, Chief. Someone in our group activated the alarm on his own initiative, causing several civilian spacecraft to be accidentally damaged."

"spy?"

"Yes."

It is normal to have spies, and he also has spies planted in the government forces.

But this spy was exposed so obviously and without any effect, what does it mean? Song Pu couldn't understand it, but he still said to the person in charge in the communication: "Compensate the civilians as soon as possible and obtain the forgiveness of their families. Don't let anyone catch you in this matter."

"yes!"

After the communication ended, Song Puyou contacted Chen Ming and said, "There is a small problem. Continue the landing."

Chen Ming, who had been waiting for a while, asked curiously, "What's the problem?"

"Just a spy."

"All right."

After getting this answer, Chen Ming lost interest in asking further questions and said, "I'll come find you later."

Before getting off the ship, Chen Ming came to the room where Cheng Xinghai was imprisoned again and said to Cheng Xinghai, who was lying on the bed doing nothing, "We are here. It's time to go."

As he said this, he casually created a wheelchair beside him and motioned Cheng Xinghai to sit in it.

Cheng Xinghai slowly moved to the wheelchair, raised his head and asked Chen Ming: "Where are you going?"

"Go to the hospital first, then go see people."

Cheng Xinghai suddenly seemed a little nervous and asked again: "Cheng Xinghe?"

"He's not here."

Cheng Xinghai looked relieved.

Not long after, Chen Ming pushed Cheng Xinghai to the hospital attached to the rebel headquarters.

The doctor had several scars on his head, and looked like he had been through a lot.

He didn't ask what the injury was. After a quick look, he sent a medical robot over to deal with it.

The robot removed the splint that Chen Ming had put on him, took a new X-ray, and then treated the injury in a more professional manner.

Finally, he was advised to rest in the hospital and disappeared into the hospital corridor.

Chen Ming immediately took out the terminal and asked in the communication channel: "Is there a hospital specifically for prisoners?"

Song Pu was still the first to say to Chen Ming: "Yes, there is, but given Cheng Xinghai's condition, I don't think she can be left alone."

"I suggest you take Cheng Xinghai with you. Your psychic power can monitor her very well."

"If you are worried that Cheng Xinghai might die on the way due to his injuries, I can send you a doctor or a medical robot to take care of his injuries."

"And I've prepared a cruiser for you. It should be no problem for you to modify it and bring one person with you."

Chen Ming frowned and thought for a while, then replied on the terminal: "Not impossible."

"Well, remember to hide Cheng Xinghai's existence as much as possible and don't let too many people know her location."

"Why?"

"Because I have an idea. I will arrange a substitute for Cheng Xinghai to go to the front line and be by the general's side."

"And release this news, actively use it as bait to lure the other party into the trap."

"Given the general's personality and his relationship with Cheng Xinghai, I think it's normal for him to do something like this. It just depends on whether the other party is fooled."

Dong Miao, who had been silent all this time, suddenly interrupted and said, "You just said that prisoners are useless."

Song Pu said bluntly: "Because I didn't think of it just now, it will be useful if I think of it now."

This reason was so legitimate that Chen Ming didn't know what to say.

Just at this moment.

Cheng Xinghai, who was sitting in a wheelchair next to Chen Ming, suddenly asked Chen Ming: "Are you going to kill me once and for all?"

Chen Ming's frown just now seemed a little obvious.

But Chen Ming didn't think so. If Cheng Xinghai died now, Song Pu's arrangement would be wasted. So Chen Ming replied: "That's not the case. If you are alive, you can at least distract your teammates. Killing you won't do any good."

"So what do you want to do?"

"I can't tell you that."

Chen Ming was not stupid enough to reveal his entire plan to Cheng Xinghai, even though Cheng Xinghai was now completely restricted by him.

But in Chen Ming's impression, there are still many villains in movies and TV series who like to reveal their plans in advance before things are completely over, which leads to a reversal, so he will never make such a mistake.

"By the way, I have something for you."

Chen Ming's hand approached Cheng Xinghai's wrist, and the metallic liquid flowing from his palm gradually formed a light wrist guard on her wrist.

Cheng Xinghai raised his hand, put it in front of his eyes and looked at it carefully. It seemed to be just a wristband.

(End of this chapter)