Chapter 190: The Second Phase! Megastructures and Scientific Hubs!
"Alright then."
David Martinez was already quite familiar with the process of signing non-disclosure agreements. After all, he had signed one long before joining the Astartes battle group.
Most NDAs followed a similar template: demanding absolute discretion and unwavering loyalty to the organization. For David, that was not an issue at all.
Prompted by AI Europa, David carefully reviewed the specific clauses of the agreement. As his eyes moved down the document, his brows furrowed.
The clauses were unusually strict, and the penalties were outright severe—death as the baseline punishment, with no room for negotiation or leniency.
In truth, this was less of an NDA and more akin to signing a binding contract of complete submission to the company.
Clause 7:
*Before traveling to the otherworlds, you must submit an application to your immediate superior. Both during and after the approval process, you are forbidden from disclosing this information to anyone.
If any abnormalities are detected during the operation, you must immediately report them to the company. Concealing the truth or leaking information will result in death.*
'Such a strict clause... This must be the company's highest level of non-disclosure agreement.'
David marveled internally, carefully contemplating whether to sign the high-risk agreement.
Every clause came with the same penalty: death. Even a military court's trial process was bypassed, granting the company direct authority to execute signees.
[David, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to raise them now. I will provide clear answers.]
[Of course, you have the right to deliberate on your own, but you only have 10 minutes. If the agreement is not signed within that time, it will be considered an automatic withdrawal from the program.]
Noticing David's hesitant expression, AI Europa, seemingly prepared for this scenario, patiently offered assistance.
"Alright... I'll think it through carefully."
David nodded solemnly, though he had already made up his mind.
As a member of the "Iron Hands" Astartes battle group, if David wanted access to rare genetic enhancements to become a more formidable Space Marine, his best option was to join the company's core forces.
This was his opportunity to join the elite Vanguard Squadron. Moreover, membership in this unit came with increased salary and benefits for his family.
David's wife, Gloria Martinez, would enjoy substantial welfare benefits and the honorary title of a warrior's family member.
After a brief internal struggle, David was already leaning toward signing the agreement and joining the Vanguard Squadron.
Beyond career prospects, David had a personal loyalty to the company. As a graduate of LA Corporation and Arasaka United Academy, he had relied on the company's financial aid during his studies. Without those scholarships, he might never have graduated.
Thus, David's sense of gratitude made him feel compelled to seize this hard-won opportunity. Without further hesitation, he signed his name on the holographic display.
[David Martinez]
Upon confirming the signed agreement, AI Europa unlocked additional classified files and began explaining the otherworld unit's operations.
[Welcome to the LA Corporation , Mr. David Martinez.]
---
Ideal City: Near-Earth Orbit – The Infinity Flagship
Since Li Ang returned from Pandora and settled in the Solar System, he had barely had a moment to relax in Ideal City.
As the CEO of a colossal enterprise, Li Ang no longer had to attend Infinity meetings. Yet, the number of critical decisions he needed to make had grown exponentially.
Li Ang 's every move now shaped the future of humanity.
"The trip to Pandora was anything but relaxing," Li Ang mused.
Although the colonization of Pandora was completed, unexpected challenges had surfaced. Initially, it was believed that the company's warships could force the Na'vi into trade deals. However, as Pandora's secrets were unveiled, Li Ang realized how complex the task truly was.
Thanks to his patience and strategic probing, Li Ang successfully conquered Pandora, marking his first otherworldly conquest.
The reward?
[Ideal City Construction Completed – Phase One]
[Scientific Hub Construction Completed – Phase Two]
"Finally, the three-month construction project for the Scientific Hub is finished," Li Ang said, accessing a holographic view of the massive structure orbiting near Ideal City.
For the first time since returning, a sense of accomplishment surged within him.
The Scientific Hub represented a cornerstone for humanity's technological advancements. Its advanced computing modules and planetary databases provided unmatched research potential.
The facility could accommodate scientists and engineers from various civilizations, including the Trisolarans, ensuring constant technological progress for the LA Corporation .
"Scientific progress is the ultimate productivity driver," Li Ang thought, watching the hub.
He had allocated one of his fleets to guard the structure, ensuring its safety from external threats.
While the project consumed all his corporate currency, Li Ang believed the hub's returns would far outweigh its cost.
Among its core components were the "Singularity Power Plant" and the "Research Wings," which provided resources for scientific breakthroughs and defensive measures against extraterrestrial pathogens like the Flood.
This unparalleled functionality made Li Ang confident in his investment, ensuring the corporation's continued technological supremacy.
Now, humanity stood ready to explore greater possibilities, fortified by its most ambitious scientific endeavor.
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