722 Retrieving the Space Elevator (2/2)
Wu Yue had another thought he failed to verbalize. Now that outer space was filled with space debris and looked like an asteroid belt from afar, there was no way to develop in outer space.
”You don't have to worry about what I'm using it for.” Jiang Chen waved. After contemplating for a moment, he continued, ”Well, you can escort our construction ships. We'll be responsible for the shipment. We can discuss the price again?”
”I will convey your proposal to my superiors and give you a reply tomorrow at the latest.” Wu Yue nodded.
”Then you can take your leave now,” said Jiang Chen.
It wasn't impossible to build a space elevator from scratch. The Graphene Research Institute in the modern world developed a graphene cable that could be used to construct a space elevator. Although an elevator of 22nd-century standards couldn't be achieved, a primary stage space elevator could still be built.
However, unlike Penglai, even if the production capacity of the New Malaysia Special District was completely directed to the space elevator project, it would take at least five years to complete the entire project.
In other words, when the space elevator would be completed, it would be 2023.
But if the wreckage of the space elevator from the apocalypse could be transported into the modern world, it would make things much easier.
It wouldn't be impossible for the project to be completed within one year.
Wu Yue didn't disappoint Jiang Chen's expectations. The White Beluga Submarine Observation Station quickly agreed with Jiang Chen's proposal. After some bargaining, the two sides finally reached a preliminary cooperation agreement.
NAC set up a port on Hengsha Island, north of Wanghai City, where the merchants from Sixth Street would trade necessities with the station. Items traded would include food, raw materials, some household goods, industrial products, and a limited number of arms.
The settlement currency was limited to NAC's credit, and the tariffs were tentatively set at 10%.
The space elevator's transportation agreement was written in another agreement.
White Beluga Submarine Observation Station would dissemble, repair space elevator bases, and recover the wreckage of space elevators from outer space. The NAC was responsible for dispatching transport vessels.
Because the sunken space elevator was far from Wanghai, and the depth of the sea near Wanghai was relatively shallow, it wasn't convenient to place a space elevator base there. After discussion with the Observation Station, Jiang Chen decided to use Taipei as a transit point.
For Jiang Chen, it didn't matter where he shipped these parts to the modern world. If it wasn't for the fact that he was unfamiliar with the station, he would've rushed directly to the targeted sea area to transport it from there and save time.
After signing an agreement with the Observation Station, the expeditionary forces of NAC also finished mobilizing.
The AS Order steel airship could take off and fly along the coastline toward the island of Yizhou. It was expected to arrive in Taipei within eight hours. Accompanied by the Zhao Corporation's trade fleets, their main task was to act as guides and communicate with survivors on the island of Yizhou.
Zhao Corporation was familiar with the situation in Taipei. The rocket engines and aviation equipment acquired by NAC were all obtained from the launch site in Taipei.
Jiang Chen's instructions to the captain, Li Wang, were simple - they were to establish an outpost in Taipei with 200 Marines along with radar stations and lighthouses. They were to establish positive relationships with local survivors as permitted by the circumstances and, if possible, integrate those survivors under the NAC banner.
For this second NAC crusade, Jiang Chen gave Li Wang a high degree of autonomy. During the Hongcheng expedition, the ex-guard captain had proved his abilities.
Jiang Chen also believed the captain he personally promoted would definitely live up to his expectations.