Page 417 of DATE
In the past three hundred years, from the founding of their nation to the multiple wars that followed, they had underestimated the fanaticism of anti-intellectuals.
And it was because of one mistake after another that their quantum transporter, Zeta, was destroyed, their interconnection network bombed. Despite their original intention to push their technology to the level of the year 2000, they had unexpectedly fallen back a century.
More difficult to decipher than politics were human hearts.
Endless desires twisted people's understanding of technology and truth, and even when they knew it was wrong—people would unhesitatingly choose the path that better satisfied their thirst for power.
Hedy worked hard to maintain her emotional composure, even though hearing the term "internal combustion engine" brought a sudden jolt of shock, as though she had awoken to the twentieth century.
"Let’s cut to the chase," she said quietly. "What do you want?"
To give something, there must be something in return.
"Markets, resources, information," Eric said slowly, "and crucially, important allies."
Across the entire East, there was no rival that could match them, and this would inevitably lead to increasing internal strife and the weakening of national power.
Their first leader, Liu Zi, had once told a story.
If you completely separate a flock of sheep and a pack of wolves, placing them on two isolated islands, both would deteriorate faster.
The sheep would lose their vigilance without any natural predators, their bodies growing weaker and looser over time, and when they finally encounter wolves, they wouldn’t even know what fleeing meant.
The wolves would be the same.
A nation or a tribe could never dominate alone.
Long periods of stability would inevitably breed conflict—just a matter of whether it would be internal or external.
Even with superior technology, they didn’t dare to recklessly claim dominion over the entire world’s territory—it would serve no purpose.
What the government really needed to do was to build technology and order within its limited territory and advance the progress and prosperity of the entire nation.
"If Italy can become an equally prominent entity, we can accelerate our technological collaboration and improve the living conditions of each of our people within our lifetime," Eric said, looking at her. "Besides, East and West both need to exchange information, don't they?"
They would offer Italy ample industrial support, but would also subtly exert control.
Hedy understood his meaning completely.
If the world could be divided into five levels, the primitive, uncivilized Indians and Africans would remain on the lowest first level, while the European nations, which were advancing in science and culture, stood on the second level.
Italy, due to her existence, had advanced a century ahead, unified and transformed, standing on the third level through progress in science and economy.
And these ancient Eastern friends... they stood at the highest level.
They extended their hand, offering Italy the opportunity to step into the fourth level—but they would only allow Italy to stand on the fourth level, joining them in the search for the landing point of the sixth level.
She unconsciously took a deep breath, feeling something slowly settle within her.
No one could predict what this country would become a hundred years from now.
But at least, Italy should stand on the fourth level.
To the west, France and Spain were still stirring, while tothe east, the Arabs and Hungarians were not the easiest companions.
The two countries, one east and one west, would at least not infringe on each other's resources in the short term and wouldn’t pose any threat.
"I understand," she said softly. "And thank you for the goodwill you've shown."
