Light Speed ​​War

Chapter 3: The Wall-Breaking Plan

"Gentlemen, my personal suggestion is that we draft a feasibility plan and a contingency plan to avoid unforeseen circumstances for this project. Regarding the matter we've discussed today, I have a bold idea, but I'm not sure if I should share it," Zhou Yuan continued, glancing at the leader.

"Sure, speak freely, don't feel constrained," the leader replied with a gentle smile.

"Alright, then I'll venture to speak. Ladies and gentlemen, my hypothesis is this: our solar system is bound by some unknown reason or force, a prime example being the speed of light barrier—we can't break through it. I don't know if Martian civilization has broken through the speed of light. Of course, some have previously suggested that humanity can never escape the solar system, or that we are essentially domesticated; at the beginning of the Big Bang, space and time were created, and their expansion speed was certainly faster than the speed of light. However, if the speed of light in the solar system or a larger region is restricted, while external forces are moving at speeds higher than ours, the universe as we perceive it will indeed be expanding at an accelerating rate. On the entire timeline, I believe the decreasing speed of light is a universal law, an unavoidable phenomenon." Unfortunately, the expansion of the universe must have an end, and that end is the zero speed of light. Zero light speed would be a catastrophe for any civilization! Our human limitation of the speed of light might be caused by the universe itself, or it might be the work of extraterrestrial civilizations. Let's speculate further: if it's the work of extraterrestrial civilizations, what is their purpose? To increase their own speed of light and escape the catastrophe of the zero speed of light? To reduce potential competitors? To seize our civilization's achievements later? If it truly is the work of extraterrestrial civilizations, even the seemingly powerful Martian civilization might not escape the fate of being destroyed by an even more powerful alien civilization? Or is it that our inability to leave the solar system is a protection measure by a Martian civilization?

The more they listened, the more alarmed they became. If Zhou Yuan's guess was true, was there any hope left for this world? Assuming Zhou Yuan's guess was correct, they all came to the following conclusions: it could explain the phenomenon of the universe's expansion and why we have not received any signals from extraterrestrial civilizations; the universe is dark, and weak civilizations are either protected and kept in captivity, or they become stronger and are destroyed or exploited by even stronger civilizations.

If we expand our thinking further, for a civilization to travel further, it must overcome various light speed barriers, inevitably leading to light-speed wars and the plunder of weaker civilizations. More importantly, if we are traveling at our current speed of light, while the outside world travels at a different speed, and considering that the speed of light in the universe is decreasing, are the distances between galaxies we measure still accurate? If the speed of light in the universe is decreasing over time, then we must find this pattern or a similar pattern, but to find this pattern, humanity must break through the light speed barrier of our solar system.

All the questions boil down to two points: Should humanity break through the speed of light barrier? And how can we break out of this captive environment?

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to speak boldly: our subsequent scientific research or plans are not only scientific issues, but also political, economic, and social issues. And importantly, we must not ignore the sabotage of hostile forces and the provocations of hostile countries. Therefore, please allow me to formally introduce the military representatives beside me," Director Zhang gestured sideways, pointing to the military officers beside him, "General Zheng Yu, along with representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Police, and other departments, as well as representatives from security and foreign affairs. Now, please welcome General Zhang to speak."

"Commander, esteemed experts, we are soldiers, and our duty is to defend our homeland, protect the safety of our nation and people, and create a safe environment for you scientists. Based on your instructions, I hereby announce the following commands:"

A special science and technology task force has been established, independent of all scientific research departments and any bureau. This task force has priority in funding and resource allocation for scientific and technological research. Considering the arduous, long-term, and complex nature of the task, we need young, promising, and energetic scientists to serve as its leader. Academician Zhou Yuan will serve as the leader, and Mei Fan as the deputy leader. This task force is directly under the leadership of the top leader and is directly responsible to him. No other organization or individual has the authority to command it. The task force leader will report to the top leader regularly.

The members of this special scientific and technological task force are none other than the 56 scientists present here today—our nation's top elite talents. For the sake of our country and for the sake of humanity on Earth, you must possess a scientific spirit and a spirit of sacrifice. Of course, in these extraordinary times, you are special individuals in our country; you will have some special rights, and one could even say that your rights are quite substantial.

I am the military representative of this special group, backed by our military personnel. On the one hand, you are under our protection; on the other hand, we ensure the safe and smooth execution of your mission; and on the other hand, we prevent sabotage by hostile forces and hostile countries.

As you all think, we must break through the light speed barrier and break free from captivity. So please remember that the code name for this project is "Project Breakthrough", and your group's code name is "EMC" because you are special members of the country, and Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation was written for you!

"Fellow scientists, there is one more important matter. This afternoon we will take you to a place called Area 51 in our country."

What? Area 51? Everyone's faces were filled with surprise. They had only heard of Area 51 in the United States, but they had one too?

“Yes, that’s right, it’s true,” the leader said. “Our country has seen UFOs many times before. In 1981, we shot down a flying saucer in a certain city. Area 51 was established at that time, and the analysis of extraterrestrial technologies began from there. It’s no exaggeration to say that decades of research have led to a leap forward in our country’s scientific and technological strength, especially military strength. In fact, R country also has Area 51. It can be said that the three countries represent the current military and technological strength, and it is precisely because of this that the three countries jointly carried out a landing on Mars last year. And the three of them are still sending us information from Mars, reporting their discoveries and research!” The leader took a sip of water. “In addition, I need to tell the EMC members that the other two countries have just started a similar plan to the one we are meeting today. Of course, they may not have more advantages than us at the moment. After all, we have the most powerful particle collider and the ‘Sky Eye’. However, these two countries are also planning to build these two super-large facilities. Therefore, we should soon cooperate with them to carry out the ‘Breaking the Wall Project’.”

The more the EMC members listened, the more important the plan seemed, and the heavier their sense of responsibility and burden became, after all, the future of humanity rested on their shoulders.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today's meeting is adjourned. After lunch, we will have a one-and-a-half-hour break before heading to Area 51," Director Zhang announced, thus ending the meeting.

"Academician Zhou, Director Mei, the leader wants to see you," Director Zhang hurriedly called out after lunch.

"Huh?" Zhou Yuan and Mei Fan exclaimed in unison in surprise, "Okay," while also unable to contain their inexplicable excitement.

"Director Mei, Academician Zhou, hello. I'm very sorry to have taken up your lunch break."

"Greetings, sir," he saluted twice. "Sir, you should take care of your health and get some rest."

Through their handshake, Mei Fan and Zhou Yuan shared the same feeling: a kind and powerful presence.

“I don’t understand physics, but I do know that finding the ‘God particle’ is key to our ‘Breaking the Barrier Project,’ so this heavy responsibility will fall on you two and the EMC team members. I assure you that I will firmly support you and give you priority rights and possible resources.”

"Thank you, sir," they both said in unison. Zhou Yuan glanced at Mei Fan, who understood and smiled in response.

“Sir, I personally think that you must have other matters to discuss with us?” Mei Fan took the initiative to speak.

"Yes, I still have many questions about this plan, and I would appreciate it if you two could help me answer them."

"You're too kind, sir."

"My question is: what should we do if the 'Breaking the Barrier Project' fails? If there really is a super civilization, even if we break through the barrier, the outside world is still very dangerous. You should understand what I mean. Is it still necessary for us to go out? If we manage to survive outside after breaking through the barrier, where will humanity go? What is the essence of life? Or rather, what is the meaning of civilization's existence?"

"Commander, the questions you asked are indeed insightful. It can be said that these questions represent the future direction of humankind on Earth," Mei Fan said, his admiration for the commander growing even stronger. "Commander, let me first share my thoughts, which are merely personal and may not be correct. Academician Zhou is also welcome to add to the discussion."

"The first question is, what if we fail?" Mei Fan pondered. "Commander, you could say that if no accident leads to a major disaster, and if we don't consider the cost of a large-scale project, we should just do what we need to do. If we fail, we can try again if conditions and resources allow. That's why human science and technology have come this far. Of course, the cost will be too high, and we must choose and balance between the results and the costs."

"Yes, just do what you're supposed to do, that's good." "Any other questions?"

"My second question is, if there truly is a super-civilization and danger, Commander, if we don't let the baby out of our care, fearing he might fall, it seems impossible for him to learn to walk. Of course, facing life-threatening dangers ahead, we must vigorously develop technology, gradually narrowing the power gap, and when the time is right, we can take a look at the outside world. Besides, super-civilizations don't just appear out of thin air. Even if they do exist, perhaps they are in a state of struggle and balance, just like nations. My third question is, Commander, if I may be so bold, but the outside world is vast, and there will always be a place for us to find refuge. My fourth question is, Commander, if we speak from a philosophical perspective, the meaning of life or civilization is consumption—constantly consuming matter and energy to avoid self-destruction. Perhaps, to put it more idealistically, life is a manifestation of the universe's survival consciousness."

The leader looked at Mei Fan in surprise, pondering the meaning behind her words carefully, while Zhou Yuan nodded secretly.

Mei Fan and Zhou Yuan held their breath and waited quietly for their leader to reply.

(PS: C represents the English word for Chinese people)