Chapter 333: Chapter 108, Asteroid 131
“Captain Ruan, has the Military Department transmitted the information about the planets we’re to colonize, including the composition of the participants and the allocation of regions?”
Lin Hao was the first to raise a question.
Ruan Xiongfei casually pressed a button on the remote control in his hand, and a three-dimensional star map instantly appeared in the middle of the command console.
A Star Sea gleamed with various colors, with blue indicating the regions under the Federation’s actual control and gray for unknown areas.
With several more presses from Ruan Xiongfei, the image continuously zoomed in, ultimately locking onto a region marked in gray.
As the image continued to enlarge, people then realized it was a chaotic field of small asteroids, interspersed with countless meteorite belts.
“As you see, this region is where the Federation’s border meets the Outer Domain Galaxy. But do you see the black on the other side of the map? That belongs to the Endless Star Sea, the truly unknown region. After several verifications, the Expeditionary Reconnaissance Fleet discovered that these asteroids hidden in the meteorite belts may contain astonishing reserves of high-density crystal ores, which are of incomparable importance for expanding the Federation’s high-tier fleet. However, according to the data from the reconnaissance ships sent out, multiple asteroids show signs of the Zeg Clan.”
As he finished speaking, the image flashed, and a terrifying creature with four articulated limbs appeared. Its brown compound eyes, the mouthparts dripping with green mucus, and its massive size made one shiver at the mere sight.
“One of the typical representative creatures of the Zeg Clan—the Guard—you who have participated in the border wars probably are familiar with this monster. Comparatively, the Zeg Clan hasn’t been around for long compared to other species from the Outer Domain Galaxy, but these creatures that drifted from the Endless Star Sea are truly nauseating. This lowly species has primitive combat methods, and their adaptability to pristine planets is far superior to us humans. Hence, the military needs to clear out the native species on these asteroids. The good news is that the planets are not very large and no high-tier lifeforms have been found.”
“…Each asteroid is relatively independent, with the distances between planets all exceeding 0.5 light-years. This region is about 11 light-years from our Blue Capital Star. The Military Department has two sets of requirements for those participating in the clearing: one part is active-duty soldiers who must participate, and the other is targeted training for special personnel with voluntary participation.”
Ruan Xiongfei produced a laser pointer, a red beam shooting out and landing on a discreet green-red planet within the holographic star map, and he continued, “The Federation has issued invitations to the top 100 academies, and our academy is assigned to asteroid number 131, which is its temporary name. It will receive an official designation once the occupation is formally announced.”
“Asteroid 131, a pristine planet, averages 31 degrees surface temperature, and its climate is moist. Oceans cover one-third of the planet, while vegetation covers 73% of the land. High-quality crystal ore was extracted from three meters below the humus layer, meaning that the planet’s shallow surface might be rich in crystal ores. Currently, the Expeditionary Army’s base is located here, which we call Zone A1 of planet 131.” He pointed the laser pointer at an area close to the low-latitude zone, predominantly light red in color, approximately four to five hundred kilometers from the ocean.
The image enlarged, and several small bases appeared in a strategic formation—it was a dynamic video. In the video, massive base vehicles slowly exited from the interstellar transport ship, while below the ship, apart from patrolling Federation troops, were numerous autonomous space engineering vehicles welding metal.
“Up to now, a safe zone of about 35 square kilometers has been cleared, and we have a group of experienced veterans leading the team. The actual clearing operation is tentatively set for 12 days; there’s a wormhole near Blue Capital Star that allows for direct spatial jumping. That’s all from me—I’m dying of thirst here. If anyone has questions, wait till I’ve had some water.”
After speaking, Ruan Xiongfei picked up a large jug of water next to him and guzzled it down. Wiping his mouth after drinking, he said,
“Continue speaking.”
“Sir, in what capacity will our Special Combat Team be participating?” The bearded captain of the Tiger Hunting Team, Luo Jianjin, inquired.
“Each squad will take one to two new recruits, operating as squads upon arrival, independent of the actual colonizing forces.”
“Continue with your questions.”
“Captain Ruan, regarding the safety of the cadets, mightn’t the Zeg Clan be too dangerous?” This time it was a relatively young lieutenant, seemingly recent graduate.
Ruan Xiongfei gave him a sidelong glance, “Scared of dying? Why become a soldier? But don’t worry, this mission isn’t mandatory for them—those who voluntarily give up their reserve special recruitment status can choose not to go.”
The officers below cursed in unison, thinking that was audacious—who would dare not to go?
“And what if there are casualties?” The officer did not back down and mustered the courage to ask.
“They’ll be asked to sign an agreement beforehand. In case of death, they will be treated with the honors due to a fallen officer. This is the military’s requirement; you can view this as a genuine small-scale war.”
“Does anyone else have any objections?”
Ruan Xiongfei looked around. No one made a move.
“Good, then it’s decided. Tonight, Lin Hao will arrange for the cadets; we’ll assemble and complete preparation before 9 am tomorrow. After that, we’ll depart.”
With a grand wave of his hand, Captain Ruan announced the end of the temporary meeting.
“Sir, will you be leading the operation this time?” an officer quickly stood up and asked.
“Oh, no, it’s still Lin Hao. I’m no longer on active duty, and the academy isn’t sending anyone else besides the students this time.” His casual voice thunderstruck everyone, including Lin Hao, from head to toe as they were about to disperse.
Damn, then why are you the one breaking the news!
Especially Lin Hao, who thought that with Ruan Xiongfei’s return, he wouldn’t have to work so hard anymore, but instead got hit with a curveball right off the bat.
“Instructor Ruan, what will you be doing then…”
“The dean has another announcement to make; I might have to go out with him once more. Alright, meeting adjourned!”
Salute!
Everyone instinctively saluted, then watched as the big bald head walked away with an easy gait.
Real TM battle-hardened veteran!
A group of battle-weary veterans couldn’t help but curse in their hearts again.
…
When Mu Fan returned to the base, he immediately sensed that the atmosphere was somewhat off today.
Why is it so lively?
And everyone is back.
First, he encountered a group of clustered noble students, with self-important figures like Zhang Shaotang among them. They didn’t show any goodwill towards Mu Fan, who, in turn, couldn’t be bothered to stoop to their level.
Next were the more low-key, elite nobles like Shi Sen and Joe Bollen, who had their cliques and nodded kindly at Mu Fan upon seeing him.
Then there was a large group of commoner students huddled together in lively discussion, a fervent atmosphere Mu Fan could feel from afar.
Of course, he also saw White Hair among them, wholly engrossed and occasionally chipping in a word or two.
Yin Shuai!
There were still a number of students trailing behind Mu Fan, gradually returning to the base.
Now, all of them were curious about what arrangements would follow, as it was a call to everyone!
“Eh? Mu Fan, over here!” Suddenly, as if on cue, White Hair noticed Mu Fan, his eyes lighting up, and he eagerly waved.
“What’s going on here?” asked Mu Fan, clearly confused.
“Hahaha, I don’t know!” White Hair replied brazenly.
Seeing the exasperated expression on Mu Fan’s face, Yin Shuai chuckled:
“Although I don’t know the specifics, I know we can finally go out and have some fun!”