Chapter 175 - 171 Praying for Blessing_1

"To craft such a chip, accumulation of knowledge is foremost," the speaker paused, reflecting on the past work of the former Union on ternary computers, which was abruptly halted, showing skepticism that such advancement could suddenly emerge to this extent. "Look at the results of the analysis and polishing, these field-effect transistors are clearly drawn using mature EDA software, they’re essentially retracing the path of binary semiconductors— who would have such energy?"

Unable to fathom... "I believe this is a product of humankind, but, but do you realize the significance of the X321 series? Any IC engineer who encounters it would probably doubt they’re not dreaming," the speaker continued fervently, pouring out all the doubts accumulated over the days. The expression of the Science and Technology Committee’s leaders grew increasingly grave. They managed to wait until he finished before posing a sudden question:

"I don’t understand microelectronics very well, but what I’m most concerned about is, can a ternary chip with a 28nm process surpass a binary chip with a 14nm process?"

Fu Weiwu was taken aback for a moment and then pulled out a thick stack of A4 papers:

"On the X321 Series Chips and the Assessment Report of Ternary-based Intelligent Systems"

"XW161 is too closed off; we have almost no means to deal with completely unfamiliar systems, but XW151 is somewhat better, it looks rougher... All I can say is that based on performance, the efficiency of ternary systems with ternary chips seems very high, even higher than the current mainstream levels.

It’s not false that the industry says ternary computers are stronger, but the prerequisites are stringent. The X321 series has achieved success; it proves that the superiority of this numeral system can even surpass the process technology. So, so that’s why I say it’s impossible; fully exploiting the advantages of ternary represents so much..."

Upon hearing the answer they cared about the most, the Science and Technology Committee’s leaders finally relaxed their serious demeanor, stood up after straightening their clothes, and placed Fu Weiwu’s report into their briefcase.

"Academician Fu, I’m not from the State Security Bureau, nor do I handle aliens. I’m only concerned about our country’s scientific and technological development. Even if it were aliens, if they’re willing to open up the technology, I still have to attract foreign investment," the leader even joked, displaying far less seriousness than before.

Fu Weiwu finally understood that the leaders didn’t care about the source of the technology; as long as there were results that could be produced domestically, what more could be asked for?

It’s like if Fu Weiwu could be a mighty 007, go to the Netherlands to move lithography machines, to the Island Country’s Shin-Etsu to get raw materials, or to TSMC’s production line, the leaders would still award him a big red flower.

As for the technical aspect, it was already in the hands of the Chinese people, could it sprout wings and fly away?

...

Abe, above Riyadh Airport.

The An-1250 was circling overhead, and the pilots of the third shift were maneuvering the joystick with precision, making a second low pass over the airport.

Luckily, the time was almost right. The An-1250 aligned with the runway, lowered its flaps with an unbeatable momentum, and backed by the sunset, it started diving towards the tarmac.

Today, multiple flight schedules at Riyadh Airport were redirected to alternate airports, clearing a vast area of the apron, making space for the An-1250.

Under the arrangements made by the Crown Prince and his people, the An-1250’s arrival time was perfectly timed for the evening ceremony, but due to a flight path adjustment, they were a few minutes early, so they circled one more time.

As the densely packed crowd on either side began the Maghrib prayer, the 26 sets of landing gears, with a total of 52 wheels, touched down one after the other, the resulting friction smoke in the sunset resembling the burning of silk threads.

The An-1250 clashed fiercely with the air with every meter it advanced, while its eight engines moderately initiated reverse thrust, their working sounds booming and powerful.

"الحمدلله (Praise to the Almighty)!"

As the An-1250 gradually came to a stop on an expansive area of red carpet under the precision control of the pilot, continuous praises echoed from the crowd. Crown Prince Hamand accompanied the mortally ill Old King Aleth, basking in the overwhelming cheers.

Aleth’s health was failing, but he mustered a smile, a genuine one that came from the heart.

During his reign, Abe had acquired its own rockets and spaceplanes, built an enormous space station in partnership with brotherly nations, and was on the verge of sending Abe’s people into space in their very own spacecraft!

The Almighty would remember these accomplishments, and so would the people of Abe.

He knew that the "Sheila" Space Station was not the Almighty’s resting place, but as death approached, his belief that the Almighty was watching over him grew stronger. He believed the Almighty, from His resting place, gazed upon the Earth and felt the efforts he had made.

Surrounded by members of the royal family, the King and the Crown Prince slowly approached the An-1250, whose massive nose was gradually opening, casting a vast shadow in the evening sun that almost eclipsed it.

Inside the cargo bay, Prince Swetan and others stood under the seven tail nozzles of the New Yuan-2, the nozzles glinting with a deep blue hue.

Aleth was carefully supported into the cabin, where he gently touched the painted scriptures under the camera’s eye and softly recited:

"Whoever persecutes the idolators living in peace has indeed persecuted the Messenger (Mohammed)."

The Crown Prince felt the quote was particularly apt. He sensed the firm direction of the old King’s arm, leading him to turn towards the New Yuan engineers standing orderly to the side to avoid trouble.

Aleth: "The Lord says, friends from the East are to be trusted. Over 2000 years ago, we were trading with the people of the East, bringing back silk and tea with camels." He gently raised his hand and pointed to the cabin overhead:

"Now, planes deliver rockets and spaceplanes. These are the most precious things of each era, and Abe remembers these friendships."

After speaking with the engineers from New Yuan, Aleth also embraced Prince Swetan, calling him "a hero to the people of Abe," naturally referring to the Moon landing project, a symbol that Abe too could contend for the Moon.

Even being a minor player, able to place a hand on the table was a status many nations dreamt of.

Luminaries from all walks of life in Abe, like ants, took turns entering the narrow passages on either side of the cabin to pay homage, reading the scriptures on the body of the rocket, all humbled by its stature.

Then, the clergy came forward, holding prayers and blessings in the cabin, a process that would continue for 12 hours, a true test of physical endurance.

Had it not been for time constraints, Abe might have preferred to unload the rocket and spacecraft for a few days of exhibition before transporting them, rather than flying them to Mukala the next morning.

Many people had already gathered at Mukala Aerospace Launch Site, which was a typical port area turned into a city, nearly completed, and a highly standard aerospace launch site.

Abe announced to the public that during the launch of the Sheila Space Station on June 26, the Mukala Aerospace Launch Site would be regarded as the second holy site, where believers could pilgrimage and pray for the Almighty’s resting place.

The Holy City Mecca would erect multiple large screens to broadcast the launch live.