Chapter 41: Most Thoughts

Though the reconnaissance ship was small in comparison to the massive vanguard vessels, up close it was still an awe-inspiring colossus.

Inside its main hall, fifty humanoid mechs and five small experimental shuttles stood in perfect formation, awaiting their imminent mission.

An engineer reported to Major General Lu Hongfeng, “Sir, the mechs are fully loaded and ready for deployment at any time.”

“Very good,” Lu Hongfeng nodded, turning his gaze to Alibert.

“How’s the satellite preparation coming along?”

The satellites, both reconnaissance and armed, served distinct purposes.

Since his setback the previous day, Alibert had seemed subdued and weary. He answered in a low voice, “Everything is ready. As soon as we reach orbit above the target planet, we can launch immediately.”

Seeing Alibert’s downcast demeanor, Lu Hongfeng gave a dissatisfied grunt.

“Professor Alibert, regardless of your personal feelings, you must understand that your foremost duty is to consider matters from the standpoint of all humanity, for the future of every person on Earth.”

“For ultimate victory, we might even have to sacrifice our own, let alone the lives of others.”

Alibert lowered his head in silent turmoil, his heart still wracked with conflict and struggle.

He knew that, strategically, Lu Hongfeng’s words were likely correct, but his heart could not accept such cold reality.

Lu Hongfeng, seeing this, did not press further. His tone softened as he continued, “I understand your concerns, but the mission we shoulder is immense.”

“Our goal is to ensure the survival and continuation of Earth’s civilization, even if that means making agonizing choices.”

Alibert drew a deep breath, striving to compose himself.

As a member of the team, he had to set aside his personal feelings and focus on the task ahead.

“I understand, Major General Lu Hongfeng.”

Alibert raised his head, a glimmer of determination returning to his eyes.

“I will do everything I can to fulfill my duty.”

Seeing Alibert regain his resolve, Lu Hongfeng nodded slightly, acknowledging the professor’s attitude.

He then turned back to the command console, issuing further orders and making the final arrangements for the reconnaissance mission about to commence.

“All personnel, take note: we will arrive at the target planet in one hour.”

“Reconnaissance team, check your equipment and ensure all sensors and communications are in optimal condition.”

The members of the reconnaissance team responded swiftly. Alibert, among them, began the final checks on his gear.

Their mission was to gather detailed data about the target planet, providing accurate intelligence for the vanguard fleet and the main fleet that would follow.

“Mech squad, prepare for combat.”

“If anything unexpected occurs, be ready to act at once and ensure the reconnaissance team’s safety.”

The pilots of the humanoid mechs all responded in turn, conducting final system checks within their control pods to guarantee their weapons and propulsion systems were at peak readiness.

“Professor Alibert, is the reconnaissance team ready?”

Alibert nodded. Though doubts lingered in his heart, he knew his responsibility was great.

“Our team is ready, Major General. We will conduct a thorough analysis of the planet’s environment and search for areas suitable for human habitation.”

The atmosphere in the ship’s hold was tense and solemn. Everyone was keenly aware of the mission they carried.

Their eyes were resolute, filled with anticipation for the task that lay ahead and curiosity for the unknown.

...

In the boundless sea of stars, a fleet brimming with technological prowess surged forward at incredible speed.

This was humanity’s main fleet, carrying the dreams and destinies of over five billion souls.

The armada comprised more than three thousand colossal ships, each the size of a sprawling floating city. Their grandeur and magnificence commanded awe.

In the fleet’s conference chamber, the upper echelons of the United Earth Government were gathered.

Supreme Leader Wei Hong’s face was alight with barely restrained joy as he announced long-awaited news to those present:

“Everyone, we have finally received exhilarating news.”

“Commander Wei Wensu has sent word of victory—the vanguard fleet has arrived near the target planet.”

Centuries of arduous journeying had at last yielded a glimmer of hope.

Every face in the room was alight with excitement.

The pain of losing their home, the bitterness of wandering the stars—now all of it was poised to come to an end.

A new home loomed ahead. How could their hearts not surge with emotion?

“Commander Wei Wensu has ordered a brief rest for the fleet and dispatched reconnaissance shuttles to survey the situation.”

“According to Commander Wei’s assessments, there appears to be no civilization on the target planet capable of threatening our existence.”

His tone grew lighter, but then turned grave once more.

“Even if there are sentient beings from lower civilizations, they pose no significant threat to us.”

“Admiral Mike has already issued orders to Commander Wei Wensu: should any intelligent life from lower civilizations be discovered, it must be eliminated immediately.”

There was a coldness in Wei Hong’s words, but some could not conceal their unease.

Li Xiaowei, a member of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, rose to her feet, her voice ringing with anger and passion:

“Supreme Leader, I oppose Admiral Mike’s order in the strongest terms!”

“We Earthlings are not a cruel civilization. We cannot slaughter the innocent, nor can we inflict our suffering on others because of our own misfortunes!”

Wei Hong’s expression darkened, though he tried to mollify her. “Li Xiaowei, I understand how you feel, but we must put the future of all humanity first!”

“We have already granted Commander Wei Wensu emergency discretionary power. He has made his decision, and unless we revoke his command, his orders cannot be changed!”

“We must serve the greater good and not let personal feelings dictate the future of our species!”

“Have you forgotten the Dir civilization ruins discovered in the Gemini system?”

“You must know what was found there after the records were deciphered. Are you saying things like this because you wish to see Earth’s civilization doomed?”

Li Xiaowei blanched. Of course she had heard of the Dir ruins.

It was the information stored in those ruins that had enabled Earth’s great technological leap, allowing humanity to reach its current level.

But after years of study, scientists had found that this civilization had once been a benevolent alien race, committed to helping lower civilizations develop.

Yet, betrayed by one of its vassal civilizations, it faded into an obscure footnote in the history of the cosmos.

Another member of the Foreign Affairs Ministry gently urged her, “Li Xiaowei, the Supreme Leader is right. We must put the greater good first.”

Though Li Xiaowei’s heart was still aflame with indignation, she knew her views could not alter the current course.

She could only sit back down in silence, praying quietly in her heart:

“May there be no intelligent life on that planet. May we humans not become butchers with blood-stained hands.”