Cataclysmic Era: I can unlock the tech tree

"This is……"

"A probe from the Proxima Centauri civilization?"

Looking at the model displayed on the holographic projection, Zhao Zijie was slightly taken aback and immediately asked a question.

Lü Yongchang nodded in affirmation of Zhao Zijie's question: "That's right."

"Unlike starships, with our current technology, small probes can be made into spheres."

"This can greatly increase the strength of the detector, thereby enabling it to withstand higher accelerations and have greater maneuverability."

"Of course, they may look similar on the outside, but their internal structures are worlds apart."

"Unlike the fancy probes from the Proxima Centauri civilization, the probe I designed has real detection capabilities."

A star map of the Proxima Centauri system appeared before Zhao Zijie.

Due to the dust, Proxima Centauri b, which has turned entirely orange-yellow, appears prominently in the center of the image.

In the image, countless probes radiate outwards from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri b.

"With Proxima Centauri b as the center, we can achieve comprehensive monitoring of the area within 1 AU within ten days."

As he spoke, Lü Yongchang shrugged: "Of course, we can also explore more distant areas, but this will consume a great deal of Zero's computing power."

A hint of amazement appeared in Zhao Zijie's eyes.

If we possessed this technology during a war with the Proxima Centauri civilization...

This should reduce a lot of unnecessary sacrifices!

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in life.

"Any other questions?"

Looking at Zhao Zijie, who was staring blankly at the holographic projection, Lü Yongchang asked softly.

Zhao Zijie snapped out of his daze and quickly withdrew his astonished gaze.

"Of course." He nodded and continued, "It's a matter of warship type."

Seeing Lü Yongchang frown, he quickly explained.

"Our current fleet has too few types of warships, which is the biggest drawback."

"The Golden Crow battleship's combat capabilities are indeed quite good."

"But in the Battle of Proxima Centauri, it exposed its greatest weakness."

"Insufficient flexibility."

"Faced with an attack by a large number of small warships, the [Golden Crow] battleship is very likely to face a situation where 'too many ants can kill an elephant'."

Lü Yongchang nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

"You mean we should learn from the Proxima Centauri civilization and build a large number of small warships?"

"But we don't have that many starship pilots."

"Moreover, it is clear from the Proxima Centauri campaign that smaller warships suffer higher losses than larger ones."

Zhao Zijie shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, no, Professor, you've misunderstood."

"What I mean is, to deploy a large number of small suicide drones on the [Golden Crow] battleship."

"It is not necessary to use it under normal circumstances."

"They will only be released when facing an attack from smaller warships."

"Under Zero's control, these drones can be used as expendable supplies to hinder the enemy's attack."

Now, Lü Yongchang understood completely.

He nodded with a wry smile: "That's a good idea."

"However... this has increased resource consumption by a significant amount."

Small swarm detectors, suicide drones...

He could even imagine how many resources these two things would consume once war broke out!

Zhao Zijie helplessly shrugged.

This is not a problem he is responsible for.

While taking notes on Zhao Zijie's proposal, Lü Yongchang asked, "Anything else?"

Upon hearing the question, Zhao Zijie frowned and hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"But there's one more problem..."

"However, this is probably not a very easy problem to solve."

"Tell me about it," Lü Yongchang said without looking up.

"The issue of the strength of the warship's hull."

Zhao Zijie shook his head with a wry smile: "Professor, as you know, we don't have any good means of defense against the attacks of the Proxima Centauri."

"Of course, based on my observations, the Proxima Centauri civilization also faces this problem."

Lu Yongchang was slightly taken aback, then revealed a relieved smile.

"I thought it was something else, but it's just this..."

"...Professor?" Zhao Zijie looked at Lü Yongchang beside him with a puzzled expression.

"Don't worry, I already have a solution to this problem."

Zhao Zijie: "???"

……

A few minutes later.

A series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Then, the doors to the command center suddenly opened.

"Professor, you wanted to see me?"

A young voice came from the doorway.

Lu Yongchang reached out and activated the electromagnetic adsorption device on his seat, then stood up with a smile and waved to the person who had come in.

Upon seeing this, the young man quickly jogged a few steps to Lü Yongchang's side.

"Professor, who is this...?"

A hint of doubt appeared in Zhao Zijie's eyes.

This young man looks a bit unfamiliar.

"Come on, let me introduce myself first."

As he spoke, Lü Yongchang pointed to the young man and said, "Tao Yuda."

"Academician Cao Liangcai's prized student."

Zhao Zijie suddenly realized.

"This is Zhao Zijie..."

Before Lü Yongchang could finish speaking, Tao Yuda excitedly exclaimed, "I know!"

"Commander of the First Fleet, Zhao Zijie."

Lü Yongchang smiled and shook his head.

"That's not the case anymore."

Tao Yuda looked completely bewildered: "???"

In a fleeting moment, a deeply apologetic smile spread across his face: "I'm sorry, I..."

"What are you thinking about?" Lü Yongchang chuckled. "He's now the tactical commander of the human fleet."

Tao Yuda: "?!"

"Commander-in-Chief?!"

"Professor, you..."

Tao Yuda stammered.

"Me?" Lü Yongchang's smile deepened. "I am the fleet's chief technology officer."

"????"

Seeing Tao Yuda's confused expression, Lü Yongchang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Zhao Zijie, standing to the side, also looked at Tao Yuda with a smile on his face.

Subsequently, Lü Yongchang gave a brief explanation of the upcoming dual command system for the fleet.

After figuring it out, Tao Yuda's face was filled with embarrassment.

"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore."

Lu Yongchang slightly suppressed his smile and adjusted the holographic projection in front of him.

"I called you here because of a research task."

Tao Yuda's expression immediately turned serious.

He subconsciously tugged at the hem of his clothes that were fluttering in the air, trying to make them neater.

"Professor, please speak."

"Back then, you must have participated in the research and development of nanorobots, right?" Lü Yongchang said unhurriedly.

Tao Yuda was stunned for a moment, then a hint of emotion appeared in his eyes: "Yes, Professor, you still remember me!"

Lü Yongchang waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, no, I saw it from Zero's side."

Tao Yuda: "..."

"Ahem!" Lü Yongchang coughed lightly.

None of this matters.

"In short, I've reviewed Zero's overall assessment, and you performed well in the last R&D mission."

"Now, I have a new research and development task for you."

The holographic projection image changes.

Starship Adaptive Repair Technology

"Using nanorobots to achieve autonomous repair of the starship's damaged hull."