For 32, an Orbital Ring was something she had yearned for her entire life but could never obtain.
Every time she wanted to build an Orbital Ring, she would always encounter various issues, leading to the mineral resources she had painstakingly accumulated by piloting a mining vessel being diverted for other uses.
Even to this day, 32 has not been able to build an Orbital Ring of her own.
So, upon hearing Alex mention building an Orbital Ring, 32 eagerly asked, "Can we build an Orbital Ring?"
"Yes, didn't I tell you? I plan to build an Orbital Ring around Rostov II to serve as a hydroponic farm and starship factory. Mai Mai and Twilight went to discuss this cooperative project with Griya Forge World," Alex said, looking at 32 with some surprise, recalling if he had forgotten to tell her about building the Orbital Ring.
"Then do you have enough minerals?" 32 immediately became serious, looking concerned.
Whenever building an Orbital Ring was mentioned, 32's enthusiasm would invariably soar.
Alex nodded and said, "We have the development rights for the entire Sub-Sector. The mineral resources of the Rostov System alone are certainly not enough, but resources from the other 12 surrounding systems can be used, so there's no need to worry about a lack of minerals.
Furthermore, the Ecclesiarchy intends to cover the costs required for building the ring. Although the matter is still being discussed, there shouldn't be any major changes.
'loyalty' is too important to the Ecclesiarchy; otherwise, they wouldn't have sent three thousand Bolter Babes to us."
Hearing Alex say this, 32 immediately grinned, looking like she was about to have 'her own ring.'
Seeing her expression, Alex added, "Oh, and you are now a Mechanical Sage and have a Forge Ship. If you wish, you can completely build an Orbital Ring on Rostov III yourself. The production capacity of the intercontinental factory and the minerals from Rostov I are sufficient."
"But wouldn't that delay the military expansion plan?" 32's spirits soared when Alex said she could build her own ring, but then she hesitated, considering the bigger picture.
Alex nodded and affirmed, "Definitely not before the Great Rift opens. I must dedicate all resources to preparing for war. But once the Thirteenth Prince's Indomitus Crusade begins and we've developed the Sub-Sector, building your ring won't affect anything."
Although this statement had the potential to be an empty promise, for 32, the ability to build an Orbital Ring was already the best news, and she didn't mind taking this 'big bite.'
Seeing that 32 had no objections, Alex also nodded slightly in satisfaction.
32's obsession with building an Orbital Ring wasn't actually a major issue. Even if resources were diverted now to build an Orbital Ring, it wouldn't significantly hinder Rostov's development.
After all, an Orbital Ring, once built, wouldn't just sit there like a cat cafe; it would be used for factories and various other facilities.
The production capacity of an Orbital Ring would also play a very significant role in the development of the entire Sub-Sector. While building it directly would affect the progress of system development, overall, it was still a matter of sharpening the axe before chopping wood.
It's just that Alex had already sent Mai Mai and Twilight to discuss building the Orbital Ring with Griya Forge World, so there was no need to create further complications in this matter.
Of course, if they couldn't reach an agreement, then 32 would have to build the Orbital Ring herself.
Thinking of this, Alex asked 32, "By the way, 32, do you have blueprints for an Orbital Ring? If we're going to build this, it will require sufficient technical support, right? Is your technical capability sufficient?"
Building a planetary-scale wonder structure was clearly not a small undertaking.
Just thinking about how a certain superpower in the 3k era had to rope in a bunch of smaller nations to foot the bill for building a space station, one could imagine how much was needed for such a project.
Although Alex and his team currently had a strong need for an Orbital Ring, they might not possess all the necessary prerequisites for building one.
In fact, it could be said that they lacked every single one of the main conditions required for building an Orbital Ring.
Hearing Alex's question, 32 thought for a moment and then said, "The Adeptus Mechanicus Inquisitor I use is a Dominus, more skilled in leading the Adeptus Militarus in battle than in construction and research.
Although she has the capability, building an Orbital Ring might still be a bit difficult. Blueprints could probably be bought with points, but I definitely don't have enough points right now.
As for the technical capability to build the ring, you don't have to worry about that. A Mechanical Sage, even a Dominus, is capable of this work."
32's answer made Alex nod repeatedly, but then he had a new idea. He turned to Mai Mai and Twilight and said to them, "When you talk to Griya, if they are unwilling to take on this order, ask them if they do design commissions. Have them help us design a ring, and once the blueprints are out, we'll build it ourselves."
Alex had encountered similar situations in his previous work. If a preferred contractor for a project was unwilling to take it on, his approach at that time was to have the other party produce the blueprints, and then he would find others to do the work.
Generally speaking, the other party wouldn't mind making a small profit, as the workload for drawing blueprints and construction is entirely different. Moreover, sometimes, getting blueprints doesn't require going through official channels; directly approaching a designer for a private job is also an option.
The same principle applied in the Warhammer World. I might not be able to convince a Forge World to take on this order, but it's much simpler to persuade a Sage to help with a design blueprint.
The people present were not fresh university graduates; they were all seasoned veterans with several years of experience in society, so they were naturally well-versed in such matters.
So, Mai Mai nodded and said, "Alright, I'll act as the situation dictates."
After discussing this matter, Alex saw everyone off. As he walked them to the door, he suddenly remembered something and called out to the others, "Oh, my new house is ready. I plan to move this Saturday. If you have time, you can come along. It'll also be a way for you to get to know the place, so you don't get lost next time."
"Your new house is ready? Then we definitely have to see it!" Gutierrez exclaimed upon hearing Alex, quickly expressing his certainty that he would go.
The other three had the same expression, all indicating that they would come to help before bidding farewell and leaving Alex's home.
After seeing everyone off, Alex turned and went back inside, looking at the house he had lived in for nearly three years, feeling a slight sense of nostalgia.
But as soon as he thought about moving into a 300-square-meter flat where he could do whatever he wanted, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
"I just wonder how they've analyzed the things I submitted..." This thought flashed through Alex's mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
Some matters are better left unexamined.
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