Salute To The General

Colin voiced his understanding, "I realize that repairing a spaceship must be an incredibly challenging task, but twenty years does seem excessively long, doesn't it?"

With a grave demeanor, Marcus replied, "General Dunne, when I mentioned twenty years, I was merely estimating the time required for repairs to be completed. This doesn't account for the additional time needed for simulated test flights and other experimental phases. To be candid, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to repair the spaceship and send it into space within my lifetime."

What?

Even Nathan couldn't help but furrow his brow at this point.

Marcus, currently in his fifties and in good health, could easily live into his eighties or beyond.

Does this mean that, even with thirty years, there's no assurance that the spaceship would be space-ready?

Nathan responded promptly, "That's too lengthy. We may not have that much time on Earth, and the Gods might not allow us that much time either. Mr. Cafaro, is there any way to expedite the process?"

Nevertheless, Marcus wore a wry smile as he replied, "Mr. Cross, it's not that I lack the desire to expedite the process, nor is it the repair team unwilling to do so. Our team comprises ten thousand experts from various countries, each expert with ten assistants, and beneath them, a hundred mechatronics engineers. Including logistics, over a million individuals are diligently working to repair the spaceship."

Nathan was well aware of all this. The three leading nations-Eurasia, Ariarica, and Remdik-were expending vast sums of money to hasten their spaceship repairs.

Marcus elaborated further, "However, a spaceship is an incredibly advanced piece of technology. While it may already be outdated technology for the Gods, it is cutting-edge for our Earth civilization. There are numerous operational principles within it. A single small detail can occupy our experts for an extended period, requiring intensive study day and night just to comprehend its functionality. To thoroughly investigate and repair it is a monumental undertaking. Achieving this will take time, it cannot be rushed."

Every word Marcus spoke was reasonable, but Nathan refused to accept that there was no solution.

As a man with a military background, he firmly believed that where there was a problem, there existed a multitude of solutions.

After a few seconds of

a

contemplation, he stated firmly, "Proceed with the research and repair plan as scheduled. I will fin group of individuals who are experts in spacecraft to assist you. I believe this can significantly reduce the repair time."

Marcus was taken aback. "Mr. Cross, you plan to find additional experts to aid us? We've already summoned the brightest scientists from around the world. Where else could you find individuals capable of such expertise? Even if you find experts on par with us, it wouldn't drastically accelerate the process!"

He added, "Studying the operational principles of a spaceship, designing components, repairing the craft, and so forth, all require substantial time. There's no shortcut to this."

Nathan smiled and replied, "If there is no path before me, then I will forge one myself. Do not worry; I am confident that I can locate a group of experts well-versed in spaceships to support your efforts." Under Marcus' puzzled gaze, Nathan departed alongside Colin and the Elite Eight after saying that.

Curiosity got the better of Colin, and he inquired, "Mr. Cross, where are we headed now?" Nathan responded with a smile, "We are paying a visit to the Earth Alliance Prison."

Earth Alliance Prison?

Initially perplexed, Colin and the others wondered, "Why are we going to a prison filled with Gods?" Suddenly, a realization dawned on Colin, and he grasped Nathan's intentions.

Excitedly, he exclaimed, "I understand! Mr. Cross, when you mentioned locating a group of experts knowledgeable about

spaceships, you were referring net

the imprisoned Gods, weren't you? But will these captives agree to work for us humans?"

Nathan replied with determination, "Among humans, vampires, and even Gods, there can be traitors. I believe there will be some among them willing to serve us. And I won't give them a choice not to serve us!"