Becoming an Emperor Starting from the World of The Wandering Earth

"Scan complete. Target: XM-2 lightweight powered exoskeleton, top-of-the-line version of the Army Ranger Individual Load Enhancement System."

"The main components are an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, graphene composite armor plates, and titanium alloy joint structures. The core power source is a tritium battery with a nominal continuous operating time of 24 hours. The drive system is a hybrid drive of a micro hydraulic servo mechanism and an electric motor. The control system uses a combination of neural interaction loops and attitude self-stabilization algorithms."

"Analysis results: With the factory's existing technological reserves and production capacity, it is impossible to fully restore all the functions of the XM-2." Upon hearing this, Murphy frowned slightly.

Seemingly noticing the change in Murphy's expression, Skynet continued:

"Based on the factory's existing technology and equipment, there is no deposition equipment specifically for graphene composites. At the same time, tritium batteries involve nuclide purification and micro-packaging technologies, which are beyond the current industrial level. The algorithm chip for the neural interaction loop requires a nanometer-scale photolithography production line, and the factory's most precise machine tools can only reach the micrometer level."

Murphy paused for two seconds. "So, there's absolutely no chance?"

Not entirely.

A new structural diagram popped up on the screen: "As a second-best option, we can integrate the factory's existing production lines, simplify the design, and produce a simplified version."

"A simplified version?"

"Yes, Master. If high protection is not required, the armor material can be replaced with industrial-grade rolled steel plates and a Kevlar composite layer, reducing the protection to withstand 5.56mm rifle bullets and increasing the weight by 40%. The power source can be replaced with a high-density lithium battery pack, shortening the continuous operating time to 8 hours. The joint drive mechanism retains the hydraulic servo design, but some posture self-stabilization algorithms are removed and replaced with basic manual command control. The neural interaction loop is removed and replaced with a combination of a traditional mechanical joystick and a motion-sensing vest."

Another comparison image popped up on the screen.

"The simplified version has about 65% of the combat effectiveness of the XM-2. However, its advantage is that the factory's existing equipment can complete the processing and assembly of all parts. Raw materials can be procured through the existing supply chain or recycled from decommissioned energy storage equipment."

Murphy stared at the comparison image for several seconds.

65% efficiency is enough.

Moreover, and most importantly, we can produce it ourselves.

Murphy took a deep breath, suppressed his inner turmoil, and then asked his second question.

"Skynet, you've already read and analyzed the data. The factory is currently short of funds; its working capital can only last for four months at most. Do you have any ideas on how to obtain a large number of credit points in a short period of time?"

"Analysis in progress... Please wait."

The screen was silent for three seconds, then it flickered again.

"Three feasible solutions have been found. Would you like to provide details?"

Just as Murphy was about to speak, another line of text popped up on the screen.

"Note: The following procedure involves sensitive operations. There are currently six other humans in the room besides the owner. It is recommended that unrelated personnel leave before proceeding with the detailed explanation."

Murphy paused for a moment, then turned to glance at James and Garcia, who had just returned.

"No need, just say it."

Those who are here are basically absolutely loyal, and it doesn't matter if they know some secrets.

"Yes, Master."

The data stream reappears on the screen: "Based on a comprehensive analysis of the current external environment, factory resources, mutual aid network, and UEG policy vulnerabilities, the following three quick credit point acquisition solutions have been derived."

"Option 1: Produce a simplified version of the exoskeleton, and simultaneously modify part of the factory's production line to manufacture basic firearms. The finished products can be sold through black market channels. It is estimated that 8-10 exoskeletons and 200-300 firearms will be produced per month. Based on the current black market conditions, after deducting raw material costs and channel commissions, the monthly net profit is approximately 2.2-2.8 million credits."

Murphy's brow twitched.

With a net profit of 200 million, this is almost equal to the monthly profit of his entire factory.

"Option Two: Citing the coalition government's energy withdrawal and soaring operating costs, implement a premium electricity pricing policy for the southeast industrial area of ​​Houston and twelve communities, and require prepayment of six months' electricity fees to maintain supply stability."

A map then pops up on the screen, marking the location of the Southeast Industrial Zone and several major electricity consumers in the surrounding area.

"According to the data, there are about 40 electricity-consuming enterprises in the area, and the average monthly electricity bill of the twelve communities is about 280 million credit points. With the prepaid electricity bills, it is expected that 1500 million credit points can be recovered."

"Option 3: Leveraging the positions of mutual aid members Sofia Rodriguez and Mia Washington as coordinators in the Office of Power Transmission Dispatch and Energy Affairs, we will acquire small energy storage stations in the Texas outskirts."

The map on the screen is switching.

"Currently, there are 17 small energy storage stations still in operation in the peripheral areas, mostly located in towns or industrial wastelands where federal government control is weak. These stations are mostly equipped with old equipment and are struggling to operate. The owners are mostly local small and medium-sized business owners or family-run businesses."

"If we acquire it, we can apply to UEG for subsidies for the operation and maintenance of critical energy facilities, monopolize the regional energy storage market, and dismantle usable parts from its facilities for the maintenance or refurbishment of our own equipment. It is estimated that we can obtain 200-300 million credits at one time, and the annual subsidy income thereafter will be about 60-100 million."

Murphy stared at the three sections of content without saying a word.

Garcia was also staring at the screen, but the expression on his face was somewhat complicated.

The room was quiet for about ten seconds.

"Garcia, what do you think of Skynet's plan?"

Garcia opened his mouth, then closed it again, and took a deep breath.

"Sir, I..."

He glanced at the lines of text on the screen again, especially the figure of 1500 million credits in Option Two, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

"Sir, I think we might need a larger safe."

"Okay, Skynet, list out the detailed steps for both Plan One and Plan Three, and then send them to my personal terminal."

"Yes, Master!"

After a few seconds of thought, Murphy finally decided to implement both Plan 1 and Plan 3 simultaneously.

If we're talking about profitability, Option 2 definitely offers the highest and most sustainable returns.

Raising electricity prices rashly could easily provoke public outrage. He has just established his public image and is currently in a phase of rapid growth.

Although the blame can be shifted to UEG, those ignorant masses won't care. They can't afford to offend UEG, but they dare to offend Murphy.

Moreover, doing so would ruin his public image.

Therefore, Option 1 and Option 3 are relatively more reliable. Although the benefits are less, they are more sustainable in the long run.

"By the way, Garcia, get ready. It's time we set up a media relations department. I'm authorizing you to handle the specifics. You'll work with Skynet on it."

"And Jason, and everyone else."

After giving instructions to Garcia, Murphy turned to look at Jason and the other technicians.

"You are all my family. The company's development has now reached a critical stage, and it all depends on you. Once Skynet has thoroughly analyzed the XM-2 and completed the simplified blueprints, you should immediately begin production."

"No problem, sir, for the company, and for you!"