003 Colonization?_2

In the exploration fleet, the three highest-ranking officers were the Fleet Commander, the Marine Commander, and the Immigration Officer. The Fleet Leadership Committee consisted of more members, including the heads of the Fleet Scientific Research Bureau, the Fleet Engineering Bureau, the Fleet Industrial Bureau, the Fleet Security Bureau, the Fleet Hospital, and the Fleet Logistics Support Bureau.

In the meeting room of the Sacred Falcon, Xu Lanzhou, as the highest leader of the entire fleet, presided over the meeting with a commanding presence. Although Xu Lanzhou had recently taken over the R19 fleet, no one dared underestimate her. Being able to become a commodore of the Imperial Universe Army at such a young age, aside from her distinguished birth in the Knight of Destiny family, was also related to her outstanding performance on the battlefield. This beautiful commodore, who seldom showed a smile, had served as a captain on the Empire's escort ships, cruisers, and carrier cruisers before becoming a commodore. More than a year ago, during the rebellion of the Jinpu Star civilization, she led her warships to victory against superior numbers and even sank a rebel flagship, which greatly enhanced her reputation and paved her way to becoming a fleet commander.

In this grave situation, Xu Lanzhou knew she had to display her strength and composure to stabilize the fleet and avoid any chaos.

"You're all aware of the general situation. While we were passing through a wormhole, an accident occurred, and we arrived in a new universe. The wormhole that brought us here has closed, and we don't have the capability to open it. Even if we did, we wouldn't know where another unexplored wormhole might take us. However, I believe that when each of you chose to join the exploration fleet, you were somewhat prepared. The Chancellor teaches us that the people from Iridium Star never fear difficulties, either we find a solution, or we smash the difficulties with our fists. The mission the United Empire has entrusted us with is to colonize new star regions, even if we've come to a new universe, our task remains unchanged. Wherever an Empire warship goes, there lies the soil of the Empire!"

Her words fell, but they did not have the inspirational effect she had hoped for. All the fleet leaders present were older than her, each more pragmatic. Indeed, most fleet leaders were somewhat aware of their commander's idealism, and it was precisely because of her pure idealism that she could lead a fleet that was just as pure and fearless. Yet, pure idealism, in an unfamiliar and possibly dangerous environment, did not have any effect.

Xu Lanzhou felt a chill in her heart as she noticed the exchange of glances among the committee members. This indicated that they did not agree with her rhetoric, or rather, they did not trust their commander on such an important matter.

Her position might be becoming dangerous.

However, at that moment, a bald middle-aged man named Nan Ma, who had been looking as if nothing serious was happening, laughed and spoke, "Everything in the universe operates for a reason, and causality is at the heart of our actions. Perhaps there is a reason we've arrived in this new universe. For now, aside from preserving our fleet and attempting to build a home in safe star regions that can maintain our defense system and sustain us, it seems we don't have much better to do. Unless any of you know how to return to our original universe, though personally, I'm not so keen to return; oh, I guess my loan with the Empire's Fourth Commercial Bank probably doesn't need to be repaid now."

Nan Ma's joke did not make the tense committee members laugh, but his attitude was clear. He was in support of Xu Lanzhou's decisions. His words were decisive, and even if some lacked trust in Xu Lanzhou, with Nan Ma's intervention, none would harbor any ill intentions.

This always amiable and even mischievous middle-aged man, seemingly absurd and humorous, was also profoundly awe-inspiring. Across the universe, such individuals are distinguished guests and sometimes seen as racial leaders and prophets in various civilizations and nations. They are known by different titles. In the Iridium Star United Empire, such people are called "Star Warriors."

Star Warriors were a group guided and inspired by the cosmic laws, irrespective of race, gender, and age. The power of the universe was best interpreted in their bodies and souls, and the cells of Star Warriors housed a mysterious energy that even High-Level Civilizations couldn't decrypt, known to them as Star Energy. With the ability to manipulate Star Energy, Star Warriors possessed formidable strength; even dismantling Mechas was considered child's play, a standard capability for even the most novice Star Warrior. As they progressed to intermediate and advanced levels, their combat power became increasingly terrifying, also featuring more inexplicable supernatural abilities. Ascending to the stage of a Master Star Warrior like Nan Ma, casually annihilating a small planet was trivial.

The existence of such terrifying individuals had once dominated the military power of many civilizations, becoming the de facto rulers of those civilizations. In the Iridium Star United Empire, there were only six Master Star Warriors, and Nan Ma was the youngest among them. His participation in the exploration fleet was merely a personal whim. However, no one dared to offend Nan Ma; theoretically, the laws of the Empire applied equally to everyone, but in reality, no one was bold enough to hold a Star Warrior accountable. Star Warriors tended to resolve issues internally and regulate their own actions. Moreover, Star Warriors, who perceived the universe and metaphysical forces, had no interest in committing crimes; their primary interest was in pursuing the eternal truths of the universe.

Xu Lanzhou gave Nan Ma a grateful look; ordinarily, Master Nan Ma seemed quite unreliable, but he was extremely useful in critical moments.

Nan Ma's statement once again caused awkwardness among the committee members, almost all of whom didn't know what to say.

At this point, the Immigration Officer Du Peng spoke up. This administrator, not particularly tall but with a rather scholarly demeanor, was exceptionally capable, managing all affairs precisely and orderly. Even the typically critical Xu Lanzhou had to admit that Du Peng was one of the most outstanding governmental administrators she had ever worked with.

Du Peng said, "Since Commander Xu and Master Nan Ma both agree that maintaining the R19 Fleet's original mission of exploring and colonizing Star Regions is necessary, I too support this decision. Now our problem is, even though we have come to understand that the physical laws in this universe are equivalent to ours, we still are unclear about the dangers present in the Star Regions we are in and what kind of Interstellar Civilizations we might encounter. Therefore, the pressing matter is to dispatch the Insight and other reconnaissance forces to conduct in-depth and extensive scouting of our current Stellar System and its surroundings, to support our next steps in decision-making."

As the head of the Fleet Scientific Research Bureau and an esteemed scholar of the Empire, Director Mo added, "Our main ship's observations have already provided us with a considerable amount of information. Our current Stellar System consists of eight relatively large planetary bodies and some minor planets, and one of these planets is a habitable one with intelligent life, albeit it seems they have not yet entered the era of substantial Interstellar Travel. I suggest that the Insight begins its reconnaissance with this planet inhabited by intelligent life."

Nan Ma, intrigued, remarked, "Various coincidences are lining up. Transitioning to an alternate dimension universe, and just by our side, there happens to be a habitable planet with intelligent life. I have a premonition that we are experiencing something extraordinary."

Xu Lanzhou decided, "In that case, the Insight should immediately prepare and begin the investigation of the unknown habitable planet. The rest of the ships should prepare for combat, and should the investigation results be positive, this habitable planet will become the Empire's first colony in the alternate dimension universe. May the Chancellor above bless our loyal subjects of the Empire!"