"Mm, as long as things proceed smoothly on their end."
Steve's gaze turned towards the depths of the base.
"The meeting should be starting soon. Let's go, Randy, let's see how our think tank plans to distribute these heaven-sent gifts."
The two no longer lingered, turning to take the internal high-speed elevator, quickly arriving at the core area of the Pentagon.
Strategic Conference Room.
The heavy, soundproof alloy door slid open silently, revealing a huge circular conference room.
The floor was as bright as a mirror, and above the dome was a simulated blue sky with white clouds. In the center of the conference room was a massive circular conference table capable of seating hundreds of people.
At this moment, more than fifty elites, dressed in various uniforms or suits, were already seated at the table.
Some had shining general stars on their shoulders, while others looked like refined scholars. But without exception, everyone's eyes were sharp as eagles, their temples bulged, and they exuded a calm aura of strategic planning and decisive victory.
This was the strongest brain of the country.
The Strategic Planning Department of the Staff Headquarters, and top experts from various research institutes.
Seeing Steve and General Randy enter, the low-voiced discussions ceased, and everyone collectively called out.
"Greetings, Chief."
This greeting was primarily directed at General Randy.
However, their gazes towards Steve were even more complex, filled with an excitement akin to seeing a living deity.
"Good."
General Randy waved his hand and sat down at the head of the table with Steve.
Steve surveyed the room, his calm gaze sweeping over every face present. Without pleasantries, he spoke directly.
"Gentlemen, I presume you are all generally aware of the situation."
"The first batch of gold, iron ingots, and coal has already begun to be transported to the outside world via underground transport lines."
"The purpose of this meeting is for all of you to come up with the most detailed and efficient distribution and utilization plan in the shortest possible time."
"Yes."
Everyone responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with wisdom and excitement.
No sooner had he finished speaking than an elderly man with glasses and a refined demeanor stood up. He adjusted his glasses and spoke with agitation.
"Reporting, Chief, I am David Chen from the American Academy of Sciences Institute of Energy."
"Just now, we received the preliminary analysis report of the first coal sample through remote data transmission."
He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"The analysis results are nothing short of miraculous. The calorific value of this coal is more than thirty times that of the highest quality anthracite on Earth."
"More importantly, it produces almost no sulfides, dust, or other pollutants during combustion. It is a truly perfect clean energy source."
Upon hearing this, the entire conference room instantly erupted.
"My suggestion is,"
Professor David forcefully waved his hand.
"Immediately, with the highest priority, restart all thermal power plants in the country that were shut down due to environmental and resource issues. Let them operate twenty-four hours a day, generating electricity at full capacity."
"I agree."
Steve nodded decisively.
"This plan is feasible."
"Not only should they be restarted, but they should also operate at overload."
General Randy slammed the table, adding, his voice full of dominance.
"One month! Within one month, I want all thermal power plants to be brought back to life."
"Then, I want electricity prices to be driven down hard, so that people across the country can use the most stable and cheapest electricity in the world."
"Exactly."
Another strategic staff member immediately stood up, his eyes blazing with brilliance.
"Once we have almost unlimited cheap electricity, many high-precision projects that were previously impossible due to energy consumption issues can be launched immediately, such as electromagnetic cannons, laser weapons, and development of the national high-speed rail."
"We can even go further."
Another person added, his voice carrying a hint of coldness.
"We can massively transmit our cheap electricity to neighboring countries."
"When their industry, livelihoods, and even military become dependent on our electricity supply, we will have a stranglehold on their economic lifelines."
One groundbreaking proposal after another was thrown out, and the atmosphere in the entire conference room had completely ignited.
After a brief pause, an expert responsible for financial strategy stood up, his gaze turning to another topic: gold.
"Gentlemen, regarding gold, our suggestion is that the first step is to immediately use this infinitely supplied gold to replace all non-core conductors within our super data centers and scientific research institution servers, using gold to build the world's most stable and fastest computing hardware foundation."
He paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"The second step, and the most crucial one, after completing the internal replacement, we should immediately announce to the world that the USA will gradually implement a national reserve strategy of de-goldification."
"De-goldification?"
At the mention of this term, everyone understood its profound meaning.
"Precisely."
The financial expert pushed up his glasses.
"Gold is precious because of its rarity, but once we let the world know that this commodity is infinite for us, its anchor status in the global financial system will instantly collapse."
"However, before that..."
"Hahaha."
Before he could finish, all the sharp minds present burst into knowing laughter.
"Before that, we can certainly make good use of this information asymmetry to make a huge profit in the international market."
Steve couldn't help but smile as he watched these strategists instantly transform into financial magnates.
Everyone naturally noticed Steve's expression and nodded with smiles.
As the USA's top think tank, these tactics of maneuvering and strategizing were already second nature to them.
First, quietly sell off massive amounts of gold through various channels to foreign financial oligarchs and national reserves. When they think they've hit rock bottom and are frantically buying, the USA will suddenly announce to the world.
We're not playing anymore.
Gold, for us, is as abundant as sand.
That moment will be the most spectacular fireworks display in the history of global finance.
Once the grand blueprints for electricity and gold were rapidly outlined, everyone's gaze naturally focused on the mountains of steel.
If coal is the blood of industry, and gold is the scepter of finance, then steel is the sinews and bones that support a country's backbone.
An old general from the military-industrial complex, with two general stars on his shoulder, stood up. His weathered face was now filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"Men, regarding steel, my opinion is just one word: Build."
His voice was strong and resonant.