Chapter 656 To go or not to go, that is the question (2)
"Ten billion awakeners are too important for me to merely have them as allies when we have the option of welcoming them as citizens," Aron stated decisively. He paused, contemplating the next steps. "The challenge is understanding their requirements," he continued, his mind already strategizing on how to approach this critical decision.
{I don’t know what it is, but if anyone among humanity can fulfill their requirements, it's you.} Nova responded confidently. {Based on what they did during the meeting and those memories from Kim Ho So, it seems like they've given a requirement that could potentially be met. Otherwise, they would have made it clear. From what they've shown us, they don't seem to have a concept of lying. However, that could also be part of their strategy. But based on everything we've seen, they don't appear to be the type to deceive.} Nova's perspective offered a cautious optimism about the awakeners' intentions and the potential for a fruitful alliance or integration.
"But first, it looks like we need to change the constitution," Aron said with a sigh, recalling the recent speech he had just hours ago in the real world, facing the public as a headless man laid beside him.
Although he had mentioned that the constitution could be amended if a compelling reason was provided, Aron hadn't anticipated that such a reason would arise mere hours later.
{So, you are going,} Gaia said, understanding Aron's decision from his statement. {Yeah, but not immediately. As the emperor, you still have things you need to complete before thinking of going,} Nova interjected, wearing her hats as Aron's personal secretary, assistant, and more. She ensured Aron understood that despite his eagerness to meet species from the fantasies of books and anime now becoming reality, he couldn’t depart whenever he wished, as he had and could do previously.
"I know, I know. Plus, before I go, the infrastructure needs to be completed before I can even think of heading there," Aron acknowledged. Despite the empire's current state of peace, he felt a strong need to remain connected and updated about Earth's situations and occurrences.
{When the time comes, are you going to announce your departure to the people?} Gaia asked, seeking clarity on Aron's plans.
"I have to, since even the change in the constitution must be done publicly, with reasons provided for why the change is necessary," Aron replied solemnly. He lowered his head, his gaze drifting into the distance as he continued, "But first, we have to acknowledge the existence of FTL travel to make everything coherent, despite many already suspecting its existence."
Aron reflected on the many classified or undisclosed technologies and discoveries that would need to be declassified or publicly acknowledged. One thing was slightly making him nervous, if that was even possible in the first place. It was the reaction of the family members who had their friends and families sent to another star systems with sub-FTL ships when the empire already had that technology on their hands, but that was to be dealt with when that time came.
{I will start coming up with a plan, and we should have everything ready for you to leave within three months,} Gaia said, taking charge of organizing the preparations and wanting to use this as an opportunity to give Aron time to rest after his intensive period of absorbing and digesting information in VR.
"Thanks," Aron replied gratefully before bidding them farewell. He was confident in Gaia's ability to plan effectively, knowing that he would need to approve any decisions before they were implemented.
…………. "I heard you were in LAB O a few hours ago. Did something new pique your curiosity enough to rush back here and implement it?" Rina asked after Aron arrived at their house. Finding her in the living room, he immediately went and rested his head on her lap, and she started playing with his hair.
Rina's response to his hours-long disappearances was typical for her; she had grown accustomed to them over time. Her only curiosity lay in what Aron was dedicating his time to during these absences.
Whenever he vanished like this, Aron invariably returned with creations that fulfilled the dreams of engineers around the world. These discoveries were enough to cement his reputation as a great engineer should he choose to publicly publish them under his name. Unfortunately for the world, these inventions would take longer to reach them, as they were stored in his private invention library. Only his and the Lab City researchers' inventions were housed there, accessible to the CEOs of his companies when they needed new products or solutions for their inventions.
Aron achieved these feats in just a few real-world hours or the equivalent of seventy-something days in accelerated VR time. His ability to innovate and create groundbreaking technologies in such a short span was unfathomable to her and even his closest friends as they didn’t know of the existence of the system.
"No, I was going through the data the exploration fleet had sent back," Aron said in a low voice, turning his head to face Rina's stomach, clearly enjoying their moment together.
"It arrived today?" Rina asked in surprise. Despite knowing it was coming, she hadn't focused on the exact arrival date, so the news caught her off guard.
"So, anything interesting from it?" she asked eagerly, excitement evident in her voice.
"Do you want to see it?" Aron replied, offering to share the discoveries.
"If you're tired, we can do it later," Rina suggested, trying not to pressure Aron into showing her the data if he needed rest.
"Don't worry about that. Let's go and see," Aron insisted, rising from the couch where he had been lying. He gently lifted Rina and carried her to their bedroom, where their VR pods awaited. Her surprise at being swept off her feet was followed by delighted laughter as he set her down near the pods.
They shortly logged into the VR, where Aron started showing him summaries of the discoveries, with him going further into details whenever a discovery attracted her