Chapter 191: Ideological Development

Chapter 191: Ideological Construction

As the second phase of the cold‑start progressed, the operation of Project 011 gradually fell into rhythm.

The residents of Huangshi City spent an entire day acquainting themselves with the surroundings, yet they soon realized that adapting swiftly to this new life was not so simple.

Compared with Huangshi City, the basic conditions of Project 011 were more than twice as good.

An almost constant temperature, abundant food, ample lighting, a stable environment.

In a sense, it was almost a heaven on the wasteland.

But on the other hand, if one expands the scope to the concept of moving from Project 011 into Base 011, uncertainty multiplies.

First, the base is open‑ended.

It is not surrounded by water on all sides like Huangshi City, nor can it continuously provide food and security.

Second, as the former core of a Level‑2 monster’s nest, the density of monsters here far exceeds that of Huangshi.

Even after the Level‑2 creature that served as the “brain” was lost, the various fungi here decay and wither at a staggering pace, yet the symbiotic monsters that have always dwelled here do not simply perish.

The monsters that had fled the core in terror now return, murderous once more.

Although the unmanned defense systems under Fuxi’s control were cleared one by one, the incessant gunfire still unsettled the residents.

Thus, on the second day after arrival, the group spontaneously organized themselves and began the training they had long taken for granted.

At six in the morning, the faint chant of “one‑two‑three‑four” jolted Chen Jian awake, leaving him dazed.

He still thought the memories of the wasteland and the apocalypse were but a dream, that he lay still in his own bunk back at the camp.

——

But, alas, when he opened his eyes he saw only the makeshift compartment that Fuxi had erected.

“Good morning, Comrade Commander.”

“The date is January 1, 2376; a new year has begun.”

“The others have already gone out to train, but they have not yet had breakfast.”

“That is unscientific; perhaps we should try to adjust their eating habits.”

“Agreed.”

Chen Jian yawned, rose, dressed, and stepped out of the compartment, while Lei Jie and the others rubbed the sleep from their eyes and followed.

“Damn, these people are getting up far too early.”

“Isn’t it just six o’clock? They’re already training?”

“Indeed.”

Chen Jian nodded and said:

“They haven’t even eaten breakfast—according to wasteland custom, most civilians skip the morning meal.”

“I doubt Huang Yu has arranged anything; go check what supplies were delivered yesterday, add some canned food and cobble together a breakfast.”

“Fuxi, can you handle it?”

Lei Jie asked instinctively, and Fuxi replied at once:

“The facility lacks conditions for fire and the necessary tools.”

“I can dispatch two or three ant‑swarm robots to stand by outside the project; if the tools are ready, I can take over.”

“Then you’ll do it.”

Lei Jie, not eager to get his hands dirty, said cheerfully:

“Automation is wonderful; even cooking can be done by robots.”

“Hey, when you designed this project, why didn’t you install an automated galley?”

“I could also fit in an entertainment room, maybe a KTV?”

“That’s not impossible.”

Shen Yue interjected:

“If we ever become prosperous, we’ll need to set up entertainment facilities.”

“We intend to put down roots here for the long term; once development steadies, spiritual and ideological issues will surface one after another.”

“If that goes on, chaos will ensue.”

“Look at Jinling City: a town of fewer than fifteen thousand souls, yet it boasts seven or eight casinos and brothels.”

“That’s only what I’ve observed; a thorough count would likely reveal even more.”

“We must not descend to their level—whatever happens, let’s build a screening room first.”

“Our lighting is ample now, and we can make use of the night.”

“Organize a film night, hold evening classes, arrange wholesome amusements; it’s better than turning off the lights and forcing everyone to procreate in the dark.”

“That makes sense.”

Chen Jian gave Shen Yue a thumbs‑up and added:

“You’re starting to look like a political commissar; I told you you could handle this.”

“In your position you must govern; if I don’t, you cannot either.”

Shen Yue pouted coquettishly, grabbed a pot, and, leading the way, entered the lift, marching down the main corridor out of Project 011.

Chen Jian and the others followed, each carrying some provisions they had brought from Jinling City, and set them on the open ground outside the project.

Soon, with the aid of two ant‑swarm robots, two smokeless stoves were assembled, the burners ignited, and the water in the pot began to bubble furiously.

Fuxi’s robot, moving with a comparatively clumsy grace, rinsed the rice and tossed it into the pot, then added a few cans, cooking them into a thick porridge; as the aroma drifted, Huang Yu returned with the team that had just finished their morning drills.

“Commander!”

Huang Yu saluted Chen Jian with a slightly imperfect military salute, then said:

“All forty‑six members of the Huaxia troops have completed their morning exercise; awaiting your orders!”

“Very well, bring them in. Fifteen minutes to tidy up, then we’ll eat.”

Chen Jian looked satisfied at the troop, whose vigor was already evident, and continued:

“Fuxi, guide them through the personal‑quarters cleanup; gauge the pace as you see fit.”

“Understood.”

Fuxi’s voice rang through the loudspeaker installed near the base station:

“The shower area is now open; follow my direction inside.”

With those words, Huang Yu led the squad into the facility.

Fifteen minutes later, the group emerged, refreshed after washing and tidying their quarters.

In truth, even the simple act of “taking a bath” was a novel experience for them on the wasteland.

A sprinkler that automatically sprayed hot water, a warm bathroom, and even a dryer that blew hot air.

From birth until now, not only have they never experienced such things, they could not even dare to imagine that such things existed in the world, yet now they themselves are using them.

Every face is radiant with smiles, while the ordinary civilians not enlisted in the “combat roster” stand or sit aside, a hint of envy in their eyes, tempered by a quiet satisfaction as they watch.

Perhaps these civilians still think this is a privilege reserved for combatants alone.

Thus, when Chen Jian ordered the food to be given first to the other civilians, they were left dumbfounded.

Receiving the modest utensils and a steaming egg each, the crowd's gazes were filled with disbelief.

They scarcely dared to touch the food, repeatedly trying to push it back.

"All right, all right, the common folk eat first!"

Shen Yue hoisted his voice in a shout, then commanded Fuxi to keep building the stove and cooking, and only after seeing the combatants sit down to eat did the civilians, trembling a little, finally reach for the food.

"A glorious tradition must not be abandoned."

Shen Yue sighed, saying:

"These people's minds still cling to the law of the jungle, and the whole world, for the most part, follows a social Darwinist current."

"In theory, this short‑term scheme benefits us, but in the long run it may shake our foundations," he continued. "Therefore, I intend to operate as closely as possible to our principles."

"After all, history never lies."

"In the milieu of the twentieth century we could swiftly build a mass base on this logic; in today's environment I think we can do no worse."

"You need not report to me the hidden motives behind every plan."

Chen Jian smiled and shook his head, then said:

"Since you are the political commissar, matters of daily life fall under your authority."

"As long as the overall direction stays sound, I give you my unconditional support."

"That will do."

Swallowing the egg in his hand in one bite, Shen Yue went on:

"During this period I intend to reinforce the 'faith' of the Huaxia army."

"At present their combat capability has risen; after a few battles the survivors, to varying degrees, have been strengthened."

"Their organization and discipline are also commendable; the results of Huang Yu's training are evident—you're truly a talent, keep it up."

"All credit to the regiment commander!"

Huang Yu chuckled in reply, while Shen Yue shook his head:

"From now on, spare me the sycophantic answers. In combat orders we obey the chain of command, but in daily work we must be pragmatic."

"What you do is what you do; do not shift the credit to others."

These words left Huang Yu a little embarrassed, yet Shen Yue already moved past the topic, continuing:

"Combat power, organization, and discipline are in place; what this unit lacks most now is belief."

"They once fought merely to survive. What if, in the future, our battles are no longer defensive or reactive?"

"They would be lost, not knowing why they fight, and that confusion can be fatal."

"Thus I must give them a purpose."

"At present the most suitable entry points are kin and tribe; once those are smoothly integrated we can introduce the notions of group and faith, and gradually the unit will take shape."

"The idea is sound; how shall we implement it?"

Chen Jian asked curiously.

"We start with a civil‑military integration strategy: on the backbone of the Huaxia army, we absorb civilians into production guard units, vanguard squads, and logistical support teams."

"Civilians cannot remain mere civilians; we must endow them with new identities tightly linked to the main Huaxia forces."

"At the same time, the main troops cannot be confined to combat and training; they must also partake in production activities."

"Thus the line between army and populace blurs, enhancing the unit's cohesion and ideological unity."

"That works—our manpower is limited, so we already require each person to wear multiple hats; doing this poses no problem."

Chen Jian nodded approvingly, then asked:

"What comes next?"

"We cannot speak of a next step; the several strategies must be pursued simultaneously."

"Once civil‑military ties are strengthened, the bonds of family and tribe can expand, and the next task is ideological construction."

"There is no need to overthink; we merely tweak the Three‑Bay model to suit our circumstances."

"We must establish a branch, though its form can be adjusted."

"You, I, and Lei Jie each take charge of a portion, forming a soldiers' council that absorbs everyone and creates a democratic system."

"Within the council, leaders set the disciplines and cautions, execute them to create a demonstrative effect, forge spirit and morale, and cultivate a sense of identity and pride."

"After proving effective on a small scale, we expand to the rest, fostering a pro‑army atmosphere."

"As for concrete measures, we revert to the usual gatherings, venting sessions, and life meetings."

"Tsk tsk."

Chen Jian exclaimed:

"You still claim you cannot be a political commissar? I see no one more fitting than you."

"All these years, you've never tasted pork yet have seen many pigs run away."

Shen Yue laughed:

"Isn't there a ready‑made template to copy? I barely slept last night, my mind was consumed by this very issue."

"I realize our luck is remarkable; transplanted into this world, many of our successful experiences can be applied directly."

"Imagine if we were dropped into a cyber‑punk setting and tried this same playbook—wouldn't we smash our heads against the wall?"

"Perhaps not."

Lei Jie interjected:

"Truth is universal, though its form may need appropriate adjustment."

"Indeed."

Shen Yue exhaled deeply, then said:

"In short, the task of ideological construction is a heavy burden for us."

"Yet once it begins to take shape, the road ahead becomes smooth."

"To revive civilization on the wasteland, thought alone is insufficient, and technology alone will not suffice."

"But thought plus technology—"

"—that will be more than enough."

"Very well, go forth with confidence and boldness."

Chen Jian patted Shen Yue on the shoulder; Shen Yue set his bowl down and walked toward the already‑finished diners, now clearing the dishes.

He quickly blended in, laughter rising intermittently; at that moment, Chen Jian finally confirmed that he had chosen the right political commissar.

The winter sun rose gradually, and on the first day of the New Year, this newly‑minted troupe already enjoyed a rather fine start.

Chen Jian, satisfied, set down his bowl and chopsticks, rose, walked back into the bunker, and donned his own Nezha battle suit.

Time was ripe; it was time to step out and accomplish something grand.

At that instant, a three‑dimensional map generated by Fuxi’s drones flickered on his smart visor, and on the map the moving red dots marked the positions of several high‑threat monsters.

Today’s task was to erase all those red dots.

But it would not be Chen Jian alone; it would rely on the “main force” that Huang Yu had just begun to train.

Stepping back outside the bunker, Chen Jian shouted:

"All units, assemble!"

In an instant, every soldier who had been resting in place rose, gathering in a not‑entirely polished, slightly chaotic yet swift manner, forming a neat line.

Chen Jian scanned the scene with his gaze, then spoke:

"According to drone reconnaissance, monster traces have been spotted at multiple points around the perimeter of Facility 011, threatening our communication stations, roads, other infrastructure, and the safety of personnel within the base."

"After deliberation by the command team, the following operational deployment is issued."

"All combat personnel of the Huaxia forces, under my and Huang Yu’s command, will advance to the monster‑infested zones to conduct clearance operations."

"Any objections?"

"None!"

A tidy chorus of replies rang out, and Chen Jian swept his hand, ordering:

"Five minutes to gear up!"

"Then we depart!"

(End of chapter)