The Mech Touch novel Chapter 3658

Chapter 3658 Changing Society

Ves froze and thought for a moment.

Why would the Polymath, one of the smartest and most powerful mech designers of human civilization, state that the CFA was an immediate threat?

Ever since the invasion of the Red Ocean Dwarf Galaxy commenced, Ves thought that the MTA was at its height.

After all, with half of the Milky Way still in the hands of old enemies, why would the mechers support the opening of a completely different front?

The major alien races of the Red Ocean could not possibly pose a threat to human civilization. While their phasewater-derived technology granted them unique technological possibilities, their population base and resource base were wholly inadequate.

Advanced technology or not, Ves did not think the native races of the Red Ocean could halt the onslaught of humanity.

As the principal actors of this invasion, the Mech Trade Association and the Common Fleet Alliance both stood to gain huge benefits.

Not only would humanity's domain expand for the first time in centuries, but they could also harvest much of the phasewater that was particularly abundant in this specific corner of the cosmos.

Ves suddenly jerked.

"Phasewater." He uttered.

This was the key element to the greater picture. Phasewater not only enabled new forms of superluminal travel, but also enhanced the travel capabilities of existing starfaring technology.

"The development of the superdrives that essentially combined the advantages of Red Ocean-style warp drives with Milky Way-style FTL drives absolutely revolutionized human space travel." He continued when the Polymath did not say anything. "This has a profound impact on the speed and reach of our starships, both in realspace and in the higher dimensions. Although phasewater is too scarce to be popularized at the moment, the CFA will most definitely be retrofitting their battleships and other major warships with this new tech. Once their mobility is amplified by a wide degree, their force projection capabilities will become a lot scarier! At the very least, the warfleets stationed in different star clusters won't be as isolated anymore. Their new superdrives enable them to reinforce or reposition themselves in a matter of days instead of weeks!"

The Polymath faintly nodded. "You are correct, Mr. Larkinson. The drastic changes that widespread availability of phasewater has engendered has many implications for humanity. The Common Fleet Alliance benefits most of all as phasewater grants much greater benefits to starships as opposed to mechs. Even if we can make our most powerful battle machines traverse the stars, it is still a relatively inefficient mode of travel and force projection."

"The balance of power will shift." Ves realized. "Both the MTA and CFA will grow stronger after digesting the spoils of the Red Ocean, but your rival will gain most of all. This might cause the fleeters to push for concessions.

He raised his head and looked into the Polymath's eyes.

He never thought it would be possible for him to get so close to an actual living legend, let alone hold a discussion with such a great figure. This entire meeting was still surreal to him. Pretty much every mech designer alive would become incredibly envious if they learned that a young Journeyman of all people had obtained a Star Designer's personal attention!

Of course, Ves did not have any illusions that someone as high up as the Polymath actually cared about his opinions. He already figured that her primary goal was to follow up on a lead of a fragment of the Metal Scroll.

Now that it seemed she would not be able to fulfill her dream, there wasn't much of a reason for her to stay here anymore.

It would be a waste for her to leave straight away. Since Ves still held value outside the Metal Scroll, she might as well stick for a while longer and offer guidance.

"The Common Fleet Alliance will change. Humanity will also change as a result." The Polymath stated. "Our Association will do its best to stand in the way against any changes we deem undesirable, but if our right to speak becomes compromised, then we may not be able to block every change."

"If I may ask, Your Excellency, what sort of changes do the fleeters have in store?"

The Polymath looked away for a moment.

"The fleeters have always been dissatisfied with how humanity is run. In the beginning, they rightfully took possession of the warships formerly in control of human star empires. However, as the Common Fleet Alliance continues to grow more isolated and detached from human society, dangerous undercurrents have appeared. One faction advocates for the limited allowance of the use of warships by lesser human forces. It is well-known that most pioneers in the Red Ocean are outmatched by alien remnant forces."

Ves grew concerned. "Will anyone be able to operate an armed warship?"

"That is the stated goal of this faction. I do not have to tell you how much this measure will negatively impact the mech industry and your own prospects. We are of the opinion that humanity is not ready for the reintroduction of warships as mechs have yet to achieve parity with humanity's premier weapon platform."

He agreed with her. The mech industry needed more time. The gap between mechs and warships was closing with each generation that passed, but he estimated that it would still take a lot of centuries before mechs gained a decisive advantage!

"From the perspective of average people such as myself, warships are considerably more convenient to use, especially in space warfare." He added his opinion. "A single decently-equipped destroyer can wipe out hundreds of mechs before they can even get close. Manning the warships is also a lot less complicated because there is no demand for genetic aptitude. Mechs are smaller and more flexible, but they are also fragile and less efficient in these kinds of engagements. If humans really get the chance to make use of warships, I bet there will be tons of forces that will dump most of their mechs or only reserve them for planetary occupation missions or something."

A heavyweight lingered in the mist-filled air. No matter whether they were Journeymen or Star Designers, both of them would suffer substantial setbacks if the CFA had its way!

"This is not the most frightening threat from the Common Fleet Alliance." The Star Designer ominously said. "There are fleeters that harbor more radical intentions. I shall not burden you with them, but know that while the CFA consists of fellow humans such as ourselves, they are anything but allies of human civilization. They are more akin to leeches that seek to drain our society of all of its value so that they can pursue their own ideals by themselves. It is the job of the MTA to safeguard the true human race and protect it against any threats that seek to weaken it in any fashion."

Ves felt overwhelmed by what the Star Designer said. Her vision and concerns were so much greater and broader than his own. Though he felt concerned by what she said as well, he was not a fellow Star Designer who could hold his own against the Polymath!

The switch was too abrupt and Ves was caught off-guard. Though he expected the MTA to bring up Mr. S. _{freeweɓnovel.cøm}

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify