Hilda and Vimm were pinned to the spot for almost 30 seconds. They only came out of their daze after Hao Ren kept waving at them. If Hilda knew little about who Hao Ren was, then Vimm was as clueless as a man trying to buy his wife underwear; to him, what he had heard did not feel like a hallucination, but more like the stories in The Arabian Nights.
"Did you say... a planet?" Vimm looked at this mysterious stranger. "You are giving it to us? You are able to move one billion people at one go? I-I do not know if I have understood it correctly."
Vimm's response was not unexpected. Hao Ren nodded earnestly, and explained, "That's exactly what I'm going do, no doubt about it. But first thing's first, let me make it clear: due to some reasons, the planet is not free, it will be leased to you—just a matter of formality. You can freely utilise the resources on the planet as I'm going to transfer as much of the usage rights as possible from me to you. After all, I will have little use for it. You will live as visitors until you are able to develop your own hyperdrive technology to explore and find your own colony in another planet. You can then claim that planet as your own and stay as a legitimate resident. However, the fleet isn't free. Nonetheless, I believe you can afford the fare."
Hilda kept nodding as she listened. As most things were just a formality, the few restrictions were nothing compared to what Hao Ren had done for the Aerymian elves to escape from their present predicament. But as the ruler of Aerym, she had to be cautious. "Very well Hao Ren, what is the price?"
"Like I've just said, you have to leave everything here behind, which may be difficult for you. And then you'll have to pay the fleet." Hao Ren spread his hands. "It's a civilian moving company, they aren't doing it for free. Their condition is that they'll take over the floating islands and large equipment that you have to leave behind. These things may be worth some money in the secondary and black market. They will probably be enough to cover the fare for moving a billion of your people to another universe. It's a 'friend's price' though. The transport guy agreed to the barter payment only because he knows me as a friend."
Hilda opened her eyes in surprise. "That is all?"
"Is there any problem?" Nearby, Vivian chimed in, "You'll have more than enough land and resources in your new home. While there are only a billion of you, the new planet should be just nice. Keeping the floating islands is pointless."
"I do not intend to keep them. Just that, I never expected anyone would want them." Hilda was embarrased. "I thought these were just junk in the eyes of developed nations..."
The MDT chimed in, "Do not think that way. Even junk have their worth. It depends on how you use them. Of course, for civilisations capable of interstellar travel, the floating islands themselves are not worth a thing. These space fragments are available everywhere, but what's valuable are the equipment on the islands—the equipment you made. In certain markets, there is a demand for it. Depletion of resources has catapulted the development of your recyling and eco-dome technologies. Such equipment are prized not in highly developed but young civilisations. As they are just leaping into space with their so-so technology, they are keen to acquire these low-cost, ready-built equipment."
"You sound like a pro." Hao Ren glanced at the MDT, surprised.
"I've just learned from the database that the pan-universe economic sphere is an interesting subject. The junk in Aerym can be modified and turned into low-cost components by professional restorers. Then,they can be assembled and repackaged into other compatible secondhand equipment before being sold to some rookie civilisation. It's a big business. Perhaps, you may see the shadow of Dawnbreak Island in some corner of the galaxy some day. The universe is a big place, people would do anything for a living. Junk that cannot be recycled and reused will be sent into the furnace, or become collector's items among interstellar scholars and enthusiasts. Let me quote a saying from Fairy Void Consortium, 'Nothing made by an intelligent race goes to waste'—it's become the holy grail of all interstellar profiteers."
Hao Ren thought for a moment, then said, "...Let's not talk about that for now. How much have I been shortchanged by the 883 captain?"
"Not much, just as much as he can take from a broad-minded business acquaintance," the MDT sounded indifferent as it spoke. "Strictly speaking, he's just profitting from Aerymian elves. He's a businessman, don't expect him to be as noble as Y'zaks."
Hao Ren was speechless.
Hilda got the drift. She quickly said, "That's alright. I will not be able to take those things along after all..."
Since the party in question had no objection, there was nothing else Hao Ren could say. But he now had a deeper understanding of the vast universe. He also learned the fact that there were bound to be imbalances in the technological progression of civilisations: Aerymian elves had been stuck in their home star system, but it was the fault of the environment; they excelled in every other aspect such as recycling and artificial ecosystem technologies, which were of interstellar standards. All they needed was a hyperdrive, and they would spread like wildflowers in the universe.
One could foresee that once the Aerymian elves escaped from their predicament and started flourishing, their potential was unlimited.
"So, you have no objection to the migration plan?" Hao Ren looked at Hilda. "Do you need to discuss with your elders and officials?"
It was impossible to guess what Hilda was thinking just by looking at her face; her face was filled with excitement, astonishment, and a forced sense of calmness. Her lips shivered and she nodded. "Of course, I have no objection! It is a pleasant surprise. Are you really giving us a planet? And apart from the fare, you want nothing else from us? I do not understand... Is a planet that insignificant to you?"
Hao Ren scratched his head, then said, "How do I phrase this? From my standpoint as an individual, I still cannot believe that I have such a land at my disposal. My own house has not been renovated for decades, so I really cannot imagine how it's like to own a planet. However, I'm playing the role as an inspector here. The planet is just an asset on paper, I have no idea how to make use of it. Play bowling with it? I'd rather do you a favour by giving it to you."
"For you, it is nothing"—Vimm was not amused—"but our race has been struggling for thousands of years."
"Vimm, inform the elders' assembly and my political consultative team," Hilda said quickly. "Issue a royal notice to prepare for a nationwide announcement, but keep the details under embargo. Just keep the people on alert for the news channels. I will make the announcement myself when the assembly of elders is over. Stop the work on hand, they are not important anymore."
Vimm rose to his feet, obliging. "Yes, mother!"
The young, elven prince regent wheeled and walked towards the exit. But he suddenly halted in his steps, turned and looked at Hao Ren as well as his mother with a weird expression on his face. It was almost clownish. "Wait a second, I am still confused... You two do not actually mean it. It is just a story, is it not? I really cannot..."
Hilda just had a straight face. "Go, now!"
As the young prince regent dashed out, Hilda reminded him, "Do not forget to say that 'it is good news' when you make the announcement—the people have had enough bad news."
Vimm left the hall at once. Hao Ren lamented. "You do have a knack for teaching your kid."
"He is not matured enough." Hilda shook her head. "He barely qualified as prince regent, but I cannot help it. He has just entered adulthood, and I may have been impatient in teaching him."
Hao Ren felt weird discussing parenting with a pretty girl, who was no more than two years his senior. He quickly ended the conversation. "Let's not delve into this. We have already dealt with the elephant in the room. I guess the social problems that the Lotto Group is causing will not be a problem anymore, right?"
Hilda was startled as if she just came out from a daze. She then smiled, and said, "Yes, I... suddenly feel... relaxed..."
Hilda's voice became softer and softer. Hao Ren did not notice it at first, but when he did, Hilda had already dozed off on the table.
Hilda and Vimm were pinned to the spot for almost 30 seconds. They only came out of their daze after Hao Ren kept waving at them. If Hilda knew little about who Hao Ren was, then Vimm was as clueless as a man trying to buy his wife underwear; to him, what he had heard did not feel like a hallucination, but more like the stories in The Arabian Nights.
"Did you say... a planet?" Vimm looked at this mysterious stranger. "You are giving it to us? You are able to move one billion people at one go? I-I do not know if I have understood it correctly."
Vimm's response was not unexpected. Hao Ren nodded earnestly, and explained, "That's exactly what I'm going do, no doubt about it. But first thing's first, let me make it clear: due to some reasons, the planet is not free, it will be leased to you—just a matter of formality. You can freely utilise the resources on the planet as I'm going to transfer as much of the usage rights as possible from me to you. After all, I will have little use for it. You will live as visitors until you are able to develop your own hyperdrive technology to explore and find your own colony in another planet. You can then claim that planet as your own and stay as a legitimate resident. However, the fleet isn't free. Nonetheless, I believe you can afford the fare."
Hilda kept nodding as she listened. As most things were just a formality, the few restrictions were nothing compared to what Hao Ren had done for the Aerymian elves to escape from their present predicament. But as the ruler of Aerym, she had to be cautious. "Very well Hao Ren, what is the price?"
"Like I've just said, you have to leave everything here behind, which may be difficult for you. And then you'll have to pay the fleet." Hao Ren spread his hands. "It's a civilian moving company, they aren't doing it for free. Their condition is that they'll take over the floating islands and large equipment that you have to leave behind. These things may be worth some money in the secondary and black market. They will probably be enough to cover the fare for moving a billion of your people to another universe. It's a 'friend's price' though. The transport guy agreed to the barter payment only because he knows me as a friend."
Hilda opened her eyes in surprise. "That is all?"
"Is there any problem?" Nearby, Vivian chimed in, "You'll have more than enough land and resources in your new home. While there are only a billion of you, the new planet should be just nice. Keeping the floating islands is pointless."
"I do not intend to keep them. Just that, I never expected anyone would want them." Hilda was embarrased. "I thought these were just junk in the eyes of developed nations..."
The MDT chimed in, "Do not think that way. Even junk have their worth. It depends on how you use them. Of course, for civilisations capable of interstellar travel, the floating islands themselves are not worth a thing. These space fragments are available everywhere, but what's valuable are the equipment on the islands—the equipment you made. In certain markets, there is a demand for it. Depletion of resources has catapulted the development of your recyling and eco-dome technologies. Such equipment are prized not in highly developed but young civilisations. As they are just leaping into space with their so-so technology, they are keen to acquire these low-cost, ready-built equipment."
"You sound like a pro." Hao Ren glanced at the MDT, surprised.
"I've just learned from the database that the pan-universe economic sphere is an interesting subject. The junk in Aerym can be modified and turned into low-cost components by professional restorers. Then,they can be assembled and repackaged into other compatible secondhand equipment before being sold to some rookie civilisation. It's a big business. Perhaps, you may see the shadow of Dawnbreak Island in some corner of the galaxy some day. The universe is a big place, people would do anything for a living. Junk that cannot be recycled and reused will be sent into the furnace, or become collector's items among interstellar scholars and enthusiasts. Let me quote a saying from Fairy Void Consortium, 'Nothing made by an intelligent race goes to waste'—it's become the holy grail of all interstellar profiteers."
Hao Ren thought for a moment, then said, "...Let's not talk about that for now. How much have I been shortchanged by the 883 captain?"
"Not much, just as much as he can take from a broad-minded business acquaintance," the MDT sounded indifferent as it spoke. "Strictly speaking, he's just profitting from Aerymian elves. He's a businessman, don't expect him to be as noble as Y'zaks."
Hao Ren was speechless.
Hilda got the drift. She quickly said, "That's alright. I will not be able to take those things along after all..."
Since the party in question had no objection, there was nothing else Hao Ren could say. But he now had a deeper understanding of the vast universe. He also learned the fact that there were bound to be imbalances in the technological progression of civilisations: Aerymian elves had been stuck in their home star system, but it was the fault of the environment; they excelled in every other aspect such as recycling and artificial ecosystem technologies, which were of interstellar standards. All they needed was a hyperdrive, and they would spread like wildflowers in the universe.
One could foresee that once the Aerymian elves escaped from their predicament and started flourishing, their potential was unlimited.
"So, you have no objection to the migration plan?" Hao Ren looked at Hilda. "Do you need to discuss with your elders and officials?"
It was impossible to guess what Hilda was thinking just by looking at her face; her face was filled with excitement, astonishment, and a forced sense of calmness. Her lips shivered and she nodded. "Of course, I have no objection! It is a pleasant surprise. Are you really giving us a planet? And apart from the fare, you want nothing else from us? I do not understand... Is a planet that insignificant to you?"
Hao Ren scratched his head, then said, "How do I phrase this? From my standpoint as an individual, I still cannot believe that I have such a land at my disposal. My own house has not been renovated for decades, so I really cannot imagine how it's like to own a planet. However, I'm playing the role as an inspector here. The planet is just an asset on paper, I have no idea how to make use of it. Play bowling with it? I'd rather do you a favour by giving it to you."
"For you, it is nothing"—Vimm was not amused—"but our race has been struggling for thousands of years."
"Vimm, inform the elders' assembly and my political consultative team," Hilda said quickly. "Issue a royal notice to prepare for a nationwide announcement, but keep the details under embargo. Just keep the people on alert for the news channels. I will make the announcement myself when the assembly of elders is over. Stop the work on hand, they are not important anymore."
Vimm rose to his feet, obliging. "Yes, mother!"
The young, elven prince regent wheeled and walked towards the exit. But he suddenly halted in his steps, turned and looked at Hao Ren as well as his mother with a weird expression on his face. It was almost clownish. "Wait a second, I am still confused... You two do not actually mean it. It is just a story, is it not? I really cannot..."
Hilda just had a straight face. "Go, now!"
As the young prince regent dashed out, Hilda reminded him, "Do not forget to say that 'it is good news' when you make the announcement—the people have had enough bad news."
Vimm left the hall at once. Hao Ren lamented. "You do have a knack for teaching your kid."
"He is not matured enough." Hilda shook her head. "He barely qualified as prince regent, but I cannot help it. He has just entered adulthood, and I may have been impatient in teaching him."
Hao Ren felt weird discussing parenting with a pretty girl, who was no more than two years his senior. He quickly ended the conversation. "Let's not delve into this. We have already dealt with the elephant in the room. I guess the social problems that the Lotto Group is causing will not be a problem anymore, right?"
Hilda was startled as if she just came out from a daze. She then smiled, and said, "Yes, I... suddenly feel... relaxed..."
Hilda's voice became softer and softer. Hao Ren did not notice it at first, but when he did, Hilda had already dozed off on the table.
