Chapter 12: China Limitless Ambition

Zhongnanhai, Beijing, China, Central Calendar Year 10640, Month 6, Day 1

Xu Feihong stood at attention, his expression one of controlled anticipation, as Chairman Hu Wenbo motioned for him to take a seat in the plush, leather-lined chair opposite his expansive mahogany desk. The Chairman's office was a blend of austere functionality and subtle opulence, reflecting both the pragmatism and the grandeur of the Chinese state.

"Xu Feihong," Chairman Hu began, his tone warm yet authoritative, "I wanted to personally congratulate you on the success of your mission. You handled the situation with Paganda admirably. Our stance is clear, and our people feel secure."

"Thank you, Chairman Hu," Xu replied, inclining his head respectfully. "It was a challenging task, but I am honored to serve our nation."

Hu Wenbo leaned back, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he shifted the conversation. "There's another matter that requires your unique talents." He stood, gesturing for Xu to follow, and walked over to a large, detailed map of Novus Orbis mounted on the wall.

Hu pointed to a unique island nation on the map and asked, "What do you know about this place?"

Xu peered closely at the map, noting the location Hu indicated. "That is the Kingdom of Calamique. A harsh mountainous nation with most of the 20 million population belonging to a race of lizardfolk. They are a vassal of the Federation of the Commune of Mu. I heard they are a large exporter of high-quality iron ores."

The Kingdom of Calamique occupies a truly unique geographic location on the vast expanse of Novus Orbis. Situated approximately 20,000 kilometers northwest of China, it lies far beyond the eastern reaches of the Philades supercontinent and northwest of the Grameus supercontinent. What sets Calamique apart, however, is not just its geographical coordinates, but the striking natural feature that defines its landscape—a massive ring island unlike anything seen on Earth. The island itself spans an impressive 500 miles in diameter, forming a perfect circle that is visible even from space. Encircled by a towering mountain range with a height reaching 5,500 meters, the island resembles a colossal caldera, its interior cradling a vast sea within its embrace.

"Yes," Hu Wenbo confirmed, his tone contemplative, "that will be your next destination."

Xu raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought we had sufficient iron ores from domestic sources and our arrangements with the Nigrat Union."

"Calamique only have iron ores is what Mu wants us to believe," Hu said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A month ago, our men in the PLA Intelligence Bureau of the Joint Staff Department discovered that Mu was importing a massive amount of a fine powder or solid in various shades of yellow, ranging from pale lemon to deep mustard. Our people in SinoU have confirmed that the substance is Yellowcake."

The China Nuclear International Uranium Corporation, commonly known as SinoU, stands as a critical pillar in China's grand strategy for energy security and geopolitical influence. Established in the late 2006, SinoU was spun off from the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) as a specialized entity dedicated to the exploration, mining, and procurement of uranium resources from across the globe.

Xu's eyes widened in astonishment. "Yellowcake! You mean Mu is mining uranium?"

Hu nodded gravely. "Yes. This makes Mu a potentially nuclear-capable nation. This revelation changes everything. We initially estimated their technology to be at the level of World War II or the Korean War, but this discovery suggests they might possess advanced nuclear capabilities."

"That's not all," Hu continued. "What SinoU discovered in the Kingdom of Calamique is that their mountainous region is extremely rich in uranium ore. Estimates suggest over a trillion tonnes."

Xu absorbed the information, his mind racing. "This will make Mu extremely protective of the Kingdom of Calamique."

"Precisely," Hu agreed. "Directly invading Calamique would lead to war with Mu. Therefore, I want you to go to the Kingdom of Calamique ostensibly to negotiate iron ore imports, but your true mission will be to lay the foundation for our intelligence network there. We must undermine Mu's power through covert means."

"This will be extremely risky," Xu warned, his tone cautious.

"That is why I need someone as talented as you," Hu Wenbo responded, his eyes locking onto Xu's with unwavering confidence.

Xu nodded slowly, the weight of the new mission settling upon him. "I understand, Chairman. I will do my utmost to ensure the success of this mission."

Hu leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "I knew I could count on you, Xu. Begin preparations immediately. Your flight to Calamique leaves in three days."

Beijing, China, Central Calendar Year 10640, Month 6, Day 7

The grand halls of Zhongnanhai reverberated with tension. Chairman Hu Wenbo had summoned Zhang Kejian, the Director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), for an urgent meeting. The stakes were high, and the weight of an entire nation's expectations rested on their shoulders.

Hu Wenbo's office, a blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern technology, seemed even more imposing today. The Chairman, known for his unyielding resolve, stood by the large digital display that showed a detailed map of Novus Orbis. He turned as Zhang Kejian entered the room.

"Director Zhang," Hu began, his voice cold and commanding, "we need more intelligence on the Holy Milishial Empire. Our current satellite coverage is insufficient. I ordered you to launch more spy satellites. What is the status?"

Zhang Kejian, a seasoned scientist with a calm demeanor, bowed slightly before speaking. "Mr. Chairman, I regret to inform you that our Long March rockets currently lack the necessary power to reach the orbits of Novus Orbis. The planet's larger size and mass make it a far more challenging target than Earth."

Hu's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

Zhang took a deep breath, preparing to deliver the complex scientific explanation. "Novus Orbis, though it has the same surface gravity as Earth, is significantly larger and more massive. The radius of Novus Orbis is 2.5 times that of Earth, and its mass is 6.25 times greater. To place a satellite into orbit 3,274 kilometers above Novus Orbis, our rockets need to reach an orbit radius of approximately 19,201.5 kilometers, much farther than Earth's equivalent orbit at 9,645 kilometers."

Hu's impatience was palpable. "And what does that mean in practical terms, Director?"

"It means, Mr. Chairman," Zhang continued, "that the gravitational potential energy and the velocity required to maintain orbit are much higher for Novus Orbis. Our Long March rockets are currently not capable of achieving the necessary energy levels to reach and sustain such an orbit. We need to develop more powerful launch vehicles, which could take at least three more years."

Hu Wenbo's face grew darker. "Three years? We don't have three years, Zhang! The Holy Milishial Empire has 36 Tiangong-space-station-sized satellites in orbit. How can they do it while we cannot?"

Zhang Kejian stepped forward, his demeanor determined yet respectful. "Mr. Chairman, the primary reason lies in the fundamental differences between our technology and the magic employed by the Milishial Empire. While we rely on conventional propulsion systems and orbital mechanics, the Milishial possess the ability to manipulate gravity itself, allowing them to achieve feats that are beyond our current capabilities."

Hu slammed his fist on the table, causing the digital map to flicker momentarily. "I don't care about magic! We are the People's Republic of China! We have faced and overcome insurmountable challenges before. There must be a way!"

Zhang hesitated, knowing he was walking a fine line. "Mr. Chairman, we are exploring every possible avenue. We have some promising theoretical models that could lead to more powerful propulsion systems, but they require time to develop and test. Rushing the process could lead to catastrophic failures."

Hu Wenbo's glare could have frozen a river. "Failure is not an option, Zhang. You have the full resources of the state at your disposal. I want progress, and I want it now. Mobilize all our scientific and technological capabilities. Push the boundaries of what is possible. Do whatever it takes."

Zhang bowed deeply, recognizing the futility of arguing further. "Yes, Mr. Chairman. We will redouble our efforts."

Hu dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "See that you do. You are dismissed."

As Zhang left the room, he felt the weight of an impossible task pressing down on him. He knew that the future of China in this new world depended on their ability to overcome these unprecedented challenges. But the path ahead was fraught with uncertainties, and the pressure from above was relentless.

Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, Hainan Province

The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site was a hive of activity. Engineers, scientists, and technicians were working around the clock, pushing the limits of their expertise. Zhang Kejian had returned to oversee the intensified efforts personally. He gathered his top team in a conference room overlooking the expansive launch complex.

"We have been given a direct order from Chairman Hu to expedite our efforts," Zhang began, addressing the team. "Our current launch capabilities are insufficient. We need solutions, and we need them quickly."

One of the senior engineers, Liu Ming, spoke up. "Director Zhang, we've been exploring advanced propulsion systems, including StarTram electromagnetic space launch systems and gas-core-reactor nuclear thermal propulsion. These technologies could potentially provide the necessary thrust to reach Novus Orbis' orbit, but they are still in the experimental stage."

Zhang nodded. "What is the fastest we can get these systems operational?"

Liu hesitated. "Under normal circumstances, we would need 10 years for development and testing. However, with sufficient resources and an accelerated timeline, we might be able to have a prototype ready for launch within two years."

"Two years is still too long," Zhang said, frustration evident in his voice. "We need to find ways to shorten that timeline. Can we leverage any existing technologies to bridge the gap?"

Dr. Wang Jun, the head of the propulsion research division, offered a suggestion. "Director, we could explore the possibility of combining chemical rockets with our experimental propulsion systems. This hybrid approach could enhance our current capabilities and potentially reduce the time needed to reach operational status."

Zhang considered the proposal. "It's a risk, but we don't have the luxury of time. Begin the necessary simulations and feasibility studies immediately. We must push forward on all fronts."

Beijing, China, Central Calendar Year 10640, Month 6, Day 30.

The grandeur of the Zhongnanhai compound was in stark contrast to the recent turbulence it had witnessed. Chairman Hu Wenbo, resplendent in his official attire, stood at the center of the opulent conference hall. The room buzzed with an air of ceremony, its walls adorned with the symbols of Chinese heritage and power. At the heart of the gathering was Admiral Li Pengcheng, the man of the hour.

The news of Paganda's swift fall to the might of the Chinese South China Sea Fleet had reverberated throughout the Second Civilazation Zone. The nations of Mu continent watched in awe and trepidation as China flexed its military muscles, reaffirming its dominance in this new and unpredictable world.

Admiral Li Pengcheng, the architect of the Paganda campaign, stood at attention. His stern demeanor betrayed no emotion, but his eyes held the glint of a man who had just cemented his place in history. Around him, a cadre of China's top military brass and political leaders murmured in anticipation.

Chairman Hu's voice cut through the anticipatory silence. "Today, we honor a man whose strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve have ensured our nation's supremacy in this new world. Admiral Li Pengcheng, please step forward."

Admiral Li, his posture impeccable and his expression stoic, marched to the front.

Hu Wenbo began, his voice echoing through the hall."Admiral Li Pengcheng has not only safeguarded our sovereignty but has also demonstrated the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in the face of adversity."

He gestured to an aide, who presented a small, ornate box. "Admiral Li, it is my great privilege to bestow upon you The August 1 Medal, the highest military honor of the People's Republic of China."

The room erupted in applause as Hu Wenbo placed the medal around Admiral Li's neck. The admiral saluted sharply, his expression stoic yet proud.

"Thank you, Chairman," Admiral Li said, his voice steady. "This honor is not mine alone but belongs to all the brave men and women who served under my command."

As the applause died down, Li's eyes met those of Li Fanrong, the CEO of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). He knew there was more to this celebration than just honoring his military achievements. The Chairman had another plan, one that involved Li Fanrong and the vast resources of Novus Orbis.

After the ceremony, the high-ranking officials moved to a private meeting room. Hu Wenbo, Admiral Li Pengcheng, and Li Fanrong sat at a large conference table, a map of Novus Orbis spread out before them.

"Admiral Li," Hu Wenbo began, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "your success in Paganda has set the stage for our next move. We have another target in sight."

Li Pengcheng leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What is the next target, Chairman?"

"The Irnetia Kingdom," Li Fanrong answered, his tone revealing the significance of the mission.

"May I ask why?" Admiral Li inquired, his eyes narrowing.

Li Fanrong responded with a question of his own. "Do you know how much oil our nation consumes daily, Admiral?"

"About 15 million barrels a day?" Li Pengcheng ventured.

"Correct," Li Fanrong confirmed, clapping his hands lightly. "But do you know how much of that oil we import?"

"Maybe 7 million barrels?" the admiral guessed.

"Twelve million barrels," Li Fanrong corrected. "We import 80 percent of our oil."

"So we've discovered oil in the Irnetia Kingdom or something?" Admiral Li asked, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes.

"Bingo," Li Fanrong said, a note of triumph in his voice. "Our company discovered that just 120 kilometers offshore of the Irnetia Kingdom lies a massive oil field. Its reserves are estimated at around 370 billion barrels of oil and 53,600 billion cubic feet of natural gas. It's ten times larger than the Safaniya Field, the largest offshore oil field on Earth."

"I thought we imported most of our oil from the Federation of the Commune of Mu," Li Pengcheng said, his brow furrowing.

"And you think it's a good idea for us to rely on a superpower to supply us with our strategic energy needs?" Hu Wenbo interjected. "History shows no superpower can rise without an independent source of energy. We are not going to live under the mercy of Mu."

Hu remembered the days when the nation was gripped by an energy crisis, a time when its economic and social fabric teetered on the brink of collapse. The nation's insatiable hunger for energy had outpaced its domestic production capabilities. He recalled the palpable tension in Beijing's streets, the hushed conversations of desperate citizens standing in endless queues. Blackouts became a common occurrence, crippling industries and plunging cities into darkness. Factories stood idle, and unemployment rates soared, leading to widespread social unrest. People took to the streets in protests, their frustration boiling over as they demanded solutions. The Federation of the Commune of Mu eventually became a lifeline, supplying the much-needed oil and gas that kept the nation's engines running. But the memory of those desperate times, the humiliation of dependency, lingered in Chairman Hu's mind, fueling his resolve to ensure China's energy independence in this new world.

"Another invasion after just annexing Paganda will raise political tensions in the region to a new level," Admiral Li cautioned. "The Irnetia Kingdom has a friendship treaty with Mu."

"Sooner or later, Mu and us will come into conflict," Hu Wenbo said, his tone matter-of-fact. "We are a rising power while they are the current superpower of this region. There has never been an example in history where the dominant power willingly relinquishing their position to a rising power."

Admiral Li nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Chairman. What are your orders?"

"We will proceed with utmost caution," Hu Wenbo said. "First, we must ensure our narrative dominates. We need to portray any actions we take as defensive measures. Wang Yi will manage the international perceptions."

Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, who had been quietly observing the proceedings, stepped forward. "I am ready to serve, Chairman. We will ensure the world sees us as protectors of peace and stability in this new world."

Hu Wenbo's eyes softened slightly as he looked at Wang Yi. "Good. We will also need to fortify our alliances and prepare for any potential backlash. Admiral Li, begin preparations for our next phase. Ensure our forces are ready and our strategies sound."

"Understood, Chairman," Admiral Li responded, saluting once more before turning on his heel and marching out of the room.

As the doors closed behind him, Hu Wenbo turned back to the map of Novus Orbis. "This world is full of opportunities," he mused aloud. "But it is also fraught with dangers. We must be vigilant, strategic, and unwavering in our pursuit of national sovereignty and security."

Li Fanrong stepped closer, his expression contemplative. "The Irnetia Kingdom's resources will significantly bolster our energy security. But we must also prepare for Mu's reaction. They will not take our actions lightly."

"Let them come," Hu Wenbo said, a steely resolve in his voice. "We are prepared to face any challenge. This is our time to rise."

The stage was set. China would show its might again, and this time, the world would know that their ambition was limitless.