Darkstone Code-Chapter 930 - 928: Navy Barbecue Party

Lynch spent the entire day busy, with the first batch of thirty-five aircraft already delivered.

This owes thanks to the performance of the aircraft of this era, allowing some effort-saving in their production.

No need to refer to any dynamics; even some rough edges can be accepted, and exposed rivets on the front are not a concern...

If these issues were placed in the future, they would definitely be considered a design disaster.

However, at this time, when there are no strict requirements on height, speed, and load, as long as it can fly, land, and isn’t easily damaged, it is considered a qualified product.

This is also thanks to the operability of aluminum alloys, in short, the overall production speed is very fast, and it is expected to be fully delivered by the end of this year.

In fact, if they ordered wooden structures, the speed would be faster; there are certainly more carpenters than assembly line workers.

With the delivery of the first batch of airplanes, the liaison officer of the Vice Admiral contacted Lynch, indicating that the Vice Admiral wanted to have a chat with Lynch.

After handling Every Moment in the morning and signing a $100,000 contract for a commissioned research project with Professor Raymond, Lynch rushed to the Vice Admiral’s manor.

The Vice Admiral was preparing for dinner by the lakeside, surrounded not only by him but also by many high-ranking military officers.

Lynch noticed that in this setting, the lowest rank was a field officer, and the highest, besides the Vice Admiral, was Major General, with as many as five of them.

This was almost the entirety of the naval forces on the Bupen side; given enough time, the Vice Admiral could probably gather naval and high-ranking officers from across the nation here.

He had such status and power because he established the Federation Navy’s dominant position on the world stage.

"You’re here..."

From a distance, upon seeing Lynch, the Vice Admiral waved, with a few officers glancing at Lynch for a moment, mostly nodding in a friendly manner, to which Lynch responded politely.

As he approached the Vice Admiral, the Vice Admiral patted his arm, "Come help me handle these ribs."

In fact, such matters could be entrusted to others, but he used this opportunity to chat with Lynch.

They surrounded a giant grill with a dozen beef ribs on it, seeming enough for twenty or thirty people.

There were several other grills around, with various ingredients being cooked by specialized chefs.

"We recently had discussions with Synergy and Sheep; they believe our industrial base is sufficient to design a platform for sea-based aircraft takeoff and landing, but this requires many technological advancements."

Since the Vice Admiral witnessed the attack of aircraft on beaches and forests, he immediately realized that these buzzing things in the sky would change the future of naval warfare.

They only needed to fly over the local fleet and drop shells or bombs to heavily damage the enemy’s warships.

More importantly, after acquiring eight prototype aircraft, the Military Industrial Group produced an experimental anti-submarine bomb.

This type of bomb could inflict devastating damage on submarines at depths not exceeding fifteen meters, suggesting that aircraft would undoubtedly play a significant role in future warfare.

The value of aircraft was increasing, but the limitations were also substantial.

The Synergy and Sheep he mentioned are the main suppliers of naval warships; actually, there are other shipbuilding companies, but they have some shortcomings in research and development capabilities.

Many of them take blueprints from Synergy and Sheep and are authorized to produce some warships. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The engineers at Synergy and Sheep believe that the Federation’s industry cannot currently support the construction of mobile sea runways, but it is not impossible; some technological breakthroughs are needed.

Maybe in three to five years, maybe in a decade, depending on the speed of technological advancement.

In such a situation, the Vice Admiral immediately thought of the plan Lynch previously mentioned and invited Lynch over.

Lynch listened intently, his heart slightly accelerating; he vaguely understood why the Vice Admiral called him over—this was a significant order.

Even when consuming Every Moment, his heart didn’t race quite like this.

Moreover, this order was more than just about money; it meant that Lynch would have closer contact with the Navy!

As the future "Father of the Air Force," holding onto both the Navy and Air Force meant no one could easily shake his position or pose political harm to him.

"I’m listening..." Lynch flipped the beef ribs on the grill, obediently fitting the image he projected.

Young, handsome, polite, understanding.

The Vice Admiral casually flipped the sizzling ribs, "I’ve discussed with people from the Ministry of Defense, and we believe your idea aligns with the strategic needs of the Federation Navy and defense over the next decade."

"However, this matter is somewhat sensitive; we can’t broadcast to the world that we’re building military bases on their doorstep, forming a threat. Do you understand what I mean?"

Lynch nodded repeatedly, "We are a peace-loving country, and we are peace-loving people. We won’t build military bases; we’ll only help those poor, underdeveloped countries improve their infrastructure."

"Coincidentally, I’m planning to start a shipping company myself and establish some warehouses and supply ports on the Atlantic and East Ocean..."

Talking with a smart person is indeed comfortable; the Vice Admiral looked satisfactorily at Lynch, thinking if not for Lynch’s current status, which precludes changing his profession,

the Vice Admiral might consider having Lynch join the Strategic Command—this kid is just too sensible.

Lynch, in a private capacity, builds various aircraft transit supply stations worldwide, as well as deep-sea ports, laying down strategic deployments for the Navy.

The Strategic Command of the Ministry of Defense believes that should another war of global magnitude occur, the scale and ferocity of conflicts will likely far exceed the last World War.

This implies that warfare will spread worldwide, and in such a scenario, having supply and transit stations in various regions would undoubtedly provide the Federation’s forces with rapid and effective battlefield insertion and flanking capabilities.

After repeated discussions, the Vice Admiral and the Ministry of Defense eventually approved Lynch’s proposal to build military bases worldwide.

But not in the name of the military or Federation Government; it should be done privately, so as not to provoke certain parties.

Lynch clenched an empty fist, "Can I know...how many bases do I need to build in total?"

The Vice Admiral did not keep it a secret, saying directly, "Within five years, you are to complete at least six military bases; within eight years, you are to complete approximately twelve to fifteen bases."

"As for later..." The Vice Admiral hung the tongs used for flipping ribs on the edge of the grill, smiling more, "I believe there will be more."

He pulled Lynch’s arm, and Lynch hung his tongs on the edge of the grill, the two walking toward the lake.

"You need to produce designs quickly, along with a budget. We aim to apply and pass it in the second half of this year."

"You don’t need to manage things on the Congress side; the Ministry of Defense will persuade the Legislators."

"This will be a large-scale project; do you have the capacity to complete it independently?"

Lynch paused briefly, then tentatively asked, "General, do you want me to complete it independently or work with others?"

Rather than guess, it’s sometimes better to ask directly; Lynch, being so young, had the advantage.

The Vice Admiral pondered for a while, "The military has its construction teams, but we don’t have enough manpower..."

Such a large project isn’t something the military construction team can handle; they might only manage two or three, no more.

Lynch made up his mind immediately, "I will collaborate with the military; aspects like material transport will require some military assistance, for which I will pay."

The Vice Admiral’s smile broadened; they had a blueprint, requiring at least a budget of two billion, with about one billion for operations.

The Congress Military Budget Review Committee and the Military Appropriation Committee members are no good; greedy and shameless, this money would make them compliant.

Then the Navy wants a share as well, ultimately leaving around $1.3 - $1.4 billion for construction.

The final profits depend on Lynch’s skills; at the very least, he wouldn’t incur losses.

Military and Federation projects aren’t inherently lucrative; the public isn’t foolish, and someone will always scrutinize these budgets hoping to find issues to attack political opponents.

So, the extent of profits depends on how ruthless the capitalists are and how refined their tactics are in exploiting and oppressing.

The Federation’s budgets require hourly work calculations and payments per the Federation’s Minimum Wage Act; saving this money could unleash frightening profit margins.

"You handle these details; I don’t bother with such matters. Besides, you see..." The Vice Admiral cheerfully patted his belly, "I don’t even know when I can leave here; I’m merely offering advice as an elder."

"I understand; thank you very much for your advice—it is crucial to me!" Lynch wouldn’t expose the nonsense he was speaking.

He also casually proposed some ideas of his own, "I plan to establish frequent trade with Nagariel; hiring other ships for transport is somewhat uneconomical. May I ask if the Navy has any surplus freighters available for purchase?"

The Vice Admiral glanced at Lynch, unable to resist laughing heartily, patting Lynch’s arm, "You truly are an interesting person; I can’t deny my growing fondness for you."

"I’ll help you resolve this matter; with so many people here today, let’s talk after dinner..."