Chapter 320: A New Age of Interstellar Business

Gold was visibly startled. No wonder someone as stubborn as Walkerson developed a profound reverence for Dream Technology.

It was clear from the start that he had recognized the formidable power of Dream Technology.

“Sir, since we can’t confront Dream Technology head-on, our only option is to coexist peacefully.”

Phileas patted the Blue Star Device, which then spun to a halt. “Since Dr. Du Qiu isn’t interested in dominating the Solar System but rather in doing business, we should learn from him.”

“We’ll establish a mega-corporation and strive to develop exclusive products essential even to Dream Technology. That’s the only way to maintain mutual exchange.”

Gold said, “I trust that, given Sir’s emphasis on research, their scientists will be capable of developing a unique product.”

“Gold, pull some of our promising mid-career researchers together and send them urgently to the Tanga Federation. Hand them over to Walkerson—I need fresh insights as they study Dream Technology.”

“Understood. I’ll have them sent over within three days.”

After Gold left, Phileas gazed at the immense Blue Star Device and murmured, “Dr. Du Qiu, are you dreaming of ushering in an era of interstellar commerce? Then consider your wish granted.”

++++++++

United States, Houston Rocket Launch Site.

Musk watched the footage transmitted by the Dragon spacecraft. It showed a Swan-class planetary bus—so named by Dream Technology—journeying from Earth to Heaven Realm Space City.

Its speed far outstripped that of the Dragon spacecraft—a velocity Musk had always coveted, though his own craft could never match it.

“Edmund, they’re way ahead of us already.”

Edmund sighed and consoled, “I suspect they’ve acquired alien technology, much like what we once secured.”

Musk replied, “It’s a pity that Lucky suddenly betrayed us, only to be annihilated by Dream Technology. Otherwise, we might still have had a chance to catch up with them.”

“Musk, don’t lose heart. With the technology from N1 Base, we’ll catch up!”

A frail, aged voice spoke from behind Musk.

Musk spun around to see Old Morgan, his white hair visible as he slowly walked over with his cane.

“Mr. Morgan, what brings you here?”

“The United States may be no more, but our Space Exploration Company endures. I believe that this company will one day forge an immortal legacy in space for humanity.”

Old Morgan said firmly, “I’ve convinced a few old hands to invest all their resources in the Space Exploration Company. Your Ark Project will accelerate as a result.”

Musk looked at Old Morgan in astonishment. “Thank you for your unwavering support. Even without AI, I’m confident we can successfully assemble the Ark.”

Old Morgan patted Musk on the shoulder and added, “I’ve always believed in that. That’s why I didn’t buy Dream Technology’s Mars City. We’ll wait for your Ark.”

Musk instantly felt the weight of immense pressure. He knew full well that if Old Morgan wanted to leave Earth for refuge, he could easily acquire Dream Technology’s Mars City.

Yet hearing Old Morgan’s words filled him with both gratitude and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

“We must ensure flawless execution,” Musk vowed.

“Work hard. We have ample resources, manpower, and technology. Though we may currently lag behind Dream Technology, everything will be entirely our own.”

With that, Old Morgan turned and left.

Edmund’s eyes glistened as he said, “Musk, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and make our move.”

“Absolutely.”

Old Morgan left the launch center and gradually stepped into an extended Lincoln.

Inside the car, someone watched Old Morgan take a seat and remarked, “Grandpa, do you really plan to ride Musk’s Ark all the way to Mars?”

The extended Lincoln drove away from the building, flanked by two armored transport vehicles for protection.

Across the former United States, armed warlords now ruled their territories. After the great catastrophe, everyone armed themselves, and might made right.

This area remained one of the few unburied patches of land not covered by volcanic ash. Factories and research institutes involved in the Ark Project had already been relocated here by Old Morgan.

To secure this haven, Old Morgan had naturally deployed heavy military protection.

Even the previously damaged factory area of the Space Exploration Company had resumed production, and now the entire region surrounding the launch site was controlled by several enterprises of the Morgan family.

Before anyone realized it, a mega-corporation had taken shape.

Inside the car, Old Morgan gazed at his grandson’s youthful face and observed, “This is both a driving force for Musk and a source of pressure.”

He continued, “Only then can he lead the development team to realize our own space exploration technology, ensuring that in the future we won’t be subjugated by Dream Technology.”

“Then why are we still buying Mars City?”

Old Morgan replied, “The future of the Morgan family lies with you. I can’t jeopardize your safety. You must personally lead the technical team and learn from Dream Technology how to maintain and secure Mars City, so that it remains firmly under our control. Do you understand?”

Young Morgan asked, “Will Dream Technology actually teach us their maintenance techniques?”

Old Morgan snorted, “Think about it—why would Dream Technology ever sell Mars City?”

Young Morgan immediately sensed trouble. His mind raced before he finally responded, “They aim to control populations and might even establish a new Mars nation.”

Old Morgan sighed inwardly. His grandson was bright—especially in mathematics—but

unfortunately, that talent had overshadowed his other abilities, making him ill-suited to lead the family.

It appeared that the Morgan family was finally facing a serious succession crisis.

Despite his inner thoughts, Old Morgan maintained a composed, instructive demeanor with his grandson.

“With Dream Technology’s current power, they might as well be a nation. Yet they persist in functioning as a company. Notably, they’ve already begun mining on Mars and don’t need to sell Mars City to acquire resources.”

Under such circumstances, Dream Technology continues to sell Mars City, leaving population control in the hands of various nations and organizations.

Have you ever considered what kind of world Mars might become in the future? Especially when their Gene Coin transforms into a hard currency.

Old Morgan had no choice but to guide his grandson gently, prompting him to think critically as the only way to foster his growth.

Young Morgan immediately said, “I understand. Dream Technology is creating a new kind of commercial society—a super-state that isn’t a nation at all.

In the future, every country or organization will be part of this super-state. People will use Gene Coin as currency. They may maintain different internal management systems, but overall, it will be an open and tradable commercial society.”

A smile finally broke across Old Morgan’s face. “Well done—I can see you’re truly teachable.”

“And that’s precisely the commercial society we’re familiar with—a new era of interstellar commerce. With that in mind, Dream Technology’s maintenance service for Mars City can eventually be completely bought out.”

Young Morgan suddenly exclaimed, “I get it, Grandpa. I believe that even if Dream Technology initially monopolized technology and refrained from selling maintenance techniques, over time they’ll likely offload outdated technology to us.”

Old Morgan added, “Yes, Musk has our proprietary technology. I’m convinced this will prompt Dream Technology to offer their related technologies to us sooner, lest they end up with unsellable tech.”

Old Morgan was well aware that high-tech companies in the United States had long employed such tactics to ensure continual technological innovation.

It was a pity that Dream Technology had somehow acquired alien tech and made a spectacular leap ahead.

Space exploration must go on. If there’s hope, we should aim to venture beyond the Solar System—who knows, we might even encounter alien civilizations and acquire even higher technology.

At that moment, Old Morgan’s resolve hardened once more.