Build Gundams Ch 20

Obis, upon identifying the nuclear energy symbol on the device, voiced his surprise: "This is a nuclear power device. I hadn't anticipated that the successful miniaturization of such a device was possible."

In the current era, while nuclear fusion power plants had been successfully implemented for civilian energy production, military power sources typically consisted of nuclear fission, electric, or fossil fuel-based systems.

Currently, numerous major powers were engaged in the testing and refinement of nuclear fusion power devices.

The large spacecraft and warships employed by these powers often relied on nuclear fission technology for their power generation.

This approach served the dual purpose of ensuring a sustained energy supply for prolonged operations and providing sufficient output for the vessels' beam weaponry.

Despite advancements in nuclear fission technology, the potential for accidents remained a serious concern. The explosion of a nuclear fission power device could result in significant harm to living organisms through radiation exposure.

Personnel responsible for the maintenance and operation of nuclear power devices were therefore required to wear thick protective suits to mitigate the risks.

Nuclear fission power devices were typically associated with large-scale applications, not with smaller warships.

The power device extracted from the Ghost Night MS, however, was determined to be a nuclear fission system.

Ryuuichi, upon observing the device, remarked: "This organization demonstrates considerable capability. While other nations have yet to achieve the miniaturization of nuclear fission power devices, this group has successfully developed and integrated them into Mobile Suits."

Hayato and the other Gundam pilots soon joined him.

Hayato, reflecting on their recent engagement, found some solace in this revelation. "So, the MS was able to briefly enhance its performance and overwhelm our Gundams due to this nuclear power device."

He realized that his defeat wasn't solely attributable to a lack of skill or inferior MS performance, but rather to the Ghost Night's activation of its nuclear power device's enhancement function, which temporarily boosted its capabilities.

Avina, after examining the device, suggested: "Boss, now that we've acquired the enemy's nuclear power device, wouldn't it be possible to research and develop a similar system for our Gundams? We could even incorporate an 'overdrive' function."

Ryuuichi responded: "While I appreciate the sentiment, the nuclear fission technology used in this device poses an unacceptable risk. The potential for nuclear radiation leakage in the event of an accident is too great. I cannot endorse a decision that could endanger our pilots and personnel."

Although the Gundam pilots exhibited some disappointment, they acknowledged the validity of Ryuuichi's concerns regarding the hazards associated with nuclear radiation.

"Do not be discouraged," Ryuuichi added. "Although I have declined the immediate integration of nuclear fission power devices, I am committed to researching this technology. I intend to explore the possibility of upgrading it to a nuclear fusion system. If successful, all future Gundam power devices will be equipped with nuclear fusion systems."

The assembled personnel exchanged glances, acknowledging Ryuuichi's exceptional talent. His skills as an MS pilot and as a scientist were widely recognized. However, his ambitious claim of developing a nuclear fusion power device prompted some skepticism.

The scientists and engineers from various countries were not without expertise. Some wondered if Ryuuichi, despite his brilliance, could truly surpass the collective efforts of numerous researchers.

Despite their internal doubts, no one dared to voice their concerns. Their respect for Ryuuichi and his contributions to the group outweighed any reservations they might have had.

Had they been aware of Ryuuichi's knowledge of the GN Drive technology, which approached the concept of perpetual motion, they might have questioned the competence of scientists worldwide.

Given the opportunity, Ryuuichi would have eagerly pursued the development of nuclear fusion and GN Drive technologies. However, the current technological landscape presented certain limitations.

The development of advanced technologies, such as new-generation mobile phone chips or electronic nuclear energy systems, required the collaboration of numerous industries, engineers, and scientists.

Even if Ryuuichi were capable of independently developing such technologies, mass production would be challenging. Industrial upgrades within the international community typically required considerable time and investment.

If Ryuuichi were to share the blueprints for nuclear fusion technology, the scientists and engineers from the Space Colonies, the Earth Sphere, the Mars Sphere, and the Jupiter Sphere might be unable to immediately implement them.

They might acknowledge the advanced nature of the technology, but emphasize the need for extensive industrial and technological upgrades, potentially spanning decades, before verification could be attempted.

The nuclear fusion technology possessed by Ryuuichi was significantly more advanced than the existing technology of the era.

Several days later, eighteen transport ships, escorted by six frigates, arrived at the abandoned space transfer station.

Two of the frigates had participated in the operation against the Sea Wolf Pirates.

The transport ships belonged to Antares Mercenary Group and were primarily used for transporting commercial goods.

Merchants often contracted with Antares Mercenary Group to transport their goods, due to concerns about pirate attacks. The use of their own cargo ships could result in the loss of both goods and vessels.

Antares Mercenary Group offered both escort services and transport ship rentals.

Furthermore, the contracts stipulated that merchants would receive compensation for lost goods and a refund of the rental fee in the event of a successful pirate attack.

This arrangement offered merchants a means of reducing costs, maximizing profits, and minimizing potential losses.

Moreover, aside from a single incident involving the Cruel Pirate Group, Antares Mercenary Group had a strong record of successful escort missions.

As a result, numerous merchants entrusted Antares Mercenary Group with the transport of their goods.

The crews of the other four frigates were surprised by the quantity of salvaged materials being unloaded.

While they had heard accounts of the items recovered by the two frigates that arrived earlier, they had assumed that their colleagues were exaggerating.

The reality, however, exceeded their expectations.

Ryuuichi resolved to study the nuclear fission power device, hoping to glean insights that might aid in the development of a Minovsky Type Thermonuclear Reactor.