New Era 3, May.

After two and a half years, the construction of the USS Truth, the colony ship "Truth", which the Academy had ordered from the Alliance, was finally completed.

The starship is 6.7 kilometers long, shaped as a hexagonal prism, and the structural and protective parts are all made of ceramic steel.

It is divided into seven sections, from bow to stern, which are the port and maintenance area, the security and equipment storage area, the reactor and shield core area, the bridge and command center area, the production and engineering area, the residential and public facilities area, and the research and education facilities area.

In addition to this, a mass-accelerating orbit from the stern to the bow traverses the entire starship.

It can launch asteroid-level "heavy mass bombs" directly in front of it for emergency braking, as well as projection carrier-based aircraft or for residents' daily cross-regional commuting.

Although the starship is modeled after the drawings of the "Zhiyuan" colonial ship, the actual finished product is much longer and wider than the Zhiyuan.

At its limit, the ship can accommodate a population of 3 million.

According to the Academy's plan, they will move along the Orion Cantilever to the Centaur-Bottom Spiral Arm, exploring the mysteries of the galaxy's center while finding a new home.

After finding a habitable planet, they will drop colony pods on the surface to replenish resources and transfer part of the population before moving on, leaving a spark for human civilization.

While it may seem a bit out of place to do this in the New Era, Dr. Conclusion has no intention of changing his plans.

Most digital lives are so stubborn, and they are so stubborn that they are completely different from human immortality.

However, the alliance still showed respect for the academy's decision, and abided by the agreement to help them achieve this ultimate goal.

To complete the starship, Lagrange Point Starport engineers even installed a plasma thruster and a starship-class fusion reactor on an asteroid, pushing it to the vicinity of Earth's geosynchronous orbit for dismantling, smelting, and reprocessing.

And when the "Truth" was completed, the asteroid was basically hollowed out, and the last slag was taken away by the reclamation company of the South China Sea Alliance to reclaim the land.

Originally, the alliance planned to complete the starship within five years, but the actual production schedule progressed much faster than expected, so that the plan was completed two and a half years earlier.

The main reason for this is that the relocation and resumption of production at the Swamp 4 space base exceeded expectations, and the manufacturing boom along the southern coast exceeded all expectations.

Especially the latter.

Since the establishment of the new space elevator, several settlements on the Death Coast and the Baiyue Strait have spawned a large number of excellent space companies similar to Abu Aerospace.

Most of these businesses were founded by Wastelanders.

Although the word waster is unreliable to pronounce, the former is not inferior to the inhabitants of the Vault in terms of initiative and courage.

This isn't just the case with the Alliance, a similar pattern exists in most areas of the wasteland.

In other words, the vast majority of Vault dwellers, excluding the player, are more likely to be part-time workers in a stable society than entrepreneurs, and the few entrepreneurs are also former Vault managers.

Not only because of the aversion to risk and the after-effects of living in a highly divided society for a long time, but also because they themselves do not have as much need for money as ordinary people, and basically have nothing else to do to maintain their relatively comfortable standard of living.

In contrast, the Wastelander just doesn't like to save money, and is still very fond of silver coins and Cr.

What was really lacking in the wasteland was never technology, but the technology left over from before the war was enough for the people living in the ruins to digest for a long time.

What the people living on this planet really lack is more of a stage to "turn creativity into a forward impetus for civilization, rather than a backward momentum".

And now, they have no shortage of this stage.

Even the Brahman, who was struggling with the feudal curse a second ago, still has the opportunity to become a leader in a certain industry or field after washing away those unrealistic delusions in his head.

At least in the subdivision of "plasma engines for aerospace use", there is no more prominent enterprise than Abu Aerospace.

The higher technology content is either a lot more expensive than it, or the production capacity is insufficient. And the price is cheaper than it, or the technology is more than a little bit worse, and if you can't get the order, the production capacity will naturally not go up.

In short, these aerospace companies that are deeply engaged in their respective subdivisions have formed a huge supply chain network with the help of academies, shelters, enterprise technology and full competition.

They are like worker bees, tirelessly decomposing the resources that are imported from the space elevator to the surface, and after processing them into the intermediate products required by the Lagrange point starport, they are launched into a synchronous orbit through the space elevator, where they are packed into a transport ship, and finally launched to the Lagrange point.

This patchwork supply chain is far less comprehensive than the pre-war era, but it has its own unique features.

For example, "flexible".

To cite a layman's and inappropriate example, the supply chain in the pre-war era was like a workshop full of toolboxes, with thousands of models of interchangeable screwdriver bits alone, each for different applications.

The supply chain of the new era is a "hammer that can be used to turn screws", although there are no thousands of replaceable screwdriver bits, or even no replacement at all, but this tool can deal with hundreds of application scenarios without any sense of disobedience.

Although the former has absolute cost and efficiency advantages in large-scale manufacturing, it is as fragile as glass and can be broken when it falls.

Although the latter is slightly inferior in large-scale manufacturing, it itself has a toughness like plasticine, just like an old-fashioned TV set, and the original broken place may be repaired by kicking it.

In such a situation, even if the production capacity of the Lagrange Starport did not return to the pre-war level, it was able to build a large number of warships like dumplings and build a "Zhiyuan" colonial ship at the same time, but it gained the ability to integrate all the production capacity and concentrate on one starship.

It is precisely for this reason that this starship, both in size and comprehensive function, surpasses any starship in the era of prosperity and has become a new milestone in the history of human civilization.

At the same time as the completion of the college's "Truth" colonial ship, the alliance's aerospace industry chain and space resource exploitation have finally developed to a relatively mature level!

In addition to the mining station in the asteroid belt, the alliance has also established a 100-person repair station and scientific research station on the ruins of the Martian colony during the Human Union era.

At this point, the "Solar System Revival Plan" proposed by Chu Guang at the Adhesive Community Conference has also successfully entered the middle stage of the first stage, and human civilization is just around the corner to recover the boundaries of the Human Federation period and return to the Kuiper Belt!

……

The space station at the end of the space elevator.

Two and a half years ago, there was only a lone orbital defense platform, and now the barreled fortress is surrounded by large and small space pods.

Some of those chambers are alloy melting workshops or automated production cells.

Others are experimental facilities rented by surface laboratories, or living units where astronauts live.

It's different from the space stations of the old days.

Most of these New Era space stations are not equipped with counterweights to adjust the center of gravity, nor do they have rotating counterweights.

The main reason for this is that most space stations built in the early to mid-boom era had to rely on spin to provide "gravity simulated by centrifugal force", and for people in the new era, generating "artificial gravity" directly through gravity generation devices is a more economical and reliable option, and can save a lot of space.

With the development of the times, the old way of life will always slowly become history.

Including space elevators.

Even in the era of extremely developed prosperity, this kind of anti-gravity elevator without "chain" traction sounds like science fiction, but in the new era it has been turned into reality.

The silvery-white space structure spread along the orbit for more than ten kilometers, looking like a dandelion floating next to the blue planet from a distance.

Prismatic elevators shuttle back and forth along the invisible tracks between the umbrella leaves of the "dandelion" and the surface, bringing people from the surface to the sky.

However, unlike in the past, most of these people will never return after they have traveled to space.

As a continuation of human civilization and a new beginning, they will go to the galaxy that no one has ever been, and open up new frontiers for human civilization......

The colony ship "Truth" is firmly anchored in the geosynchronous orbit of the Earth.

A total of 99,700 researchers have decided to leave their home planet for the future, and have already reached the spaceport floating in outer space via elevators.

Although this number is 300 fewer than expected, it is enough for Dr. Conclusion.

Not to mention 300 less.

Even if there are only 300 people, he will continue to follow the path he has decided.

At the door of the landing module, Yang Kai, who had been promoted to A-level, looked at Jiang Xuezhou with a complicated expression.

The latter is his protégé, and he is also the true genius who is most favored by him to be promoted to A-level researcher.

However, what he didn't expect was that this student, who had a promising future in his eyes, actually chose to retire bravely and submitted his resignation when his career was in the limelight.

Although Dr. Conclusion had approved her resignation, Yang Kai couldn't help but ask one last question.

"Have you figured it out?"

He swears.

As long as she is willing to turn back, he is willing to personally go to the front of Dr. Conclusion to intercede for her and restore her original rank.

Anyway, there are still 300 establishments left on the ship that have not been filled, and I believe that Dr. Conclusion will not refuse.

However, Jiang Xuezhou's answer was the same as he expected, and there was no change.

"I've figured it out."

Looking at those serious eyes, Yang Kai's Adam's apple moved.

He had a lot to say, but ended up swallowing most of it back down his throat.

“…… Is it? Then I don't have much more to say. ”

Leaving these words, he cast a sharp gaze on the guy named "Night Ten" standing aside.

Most of the names of the residents of Vault 404 are like this.

Even if he knew about Project 404 and the β universe, he still couldn't accept it.

Being looked at by that sharp gaze, Ye Ten felt a little nervous for some reason.

Especially when the other person says the next sentence -

"Be nice to her."

That sentence, whether it is in Renlian or Chinese, only has four fluttering syllables.

However, Ye Shi subconsciously straightened his waist, and solemnly rested his right fist on his chest and made a military salute in front of him.

"Yes!"

“……”

was amused by this inopportune reaction, and Jiang Xuezhou, who was almost unrestrained, glared at him fiercely.

The corners of Yang Kai's mouth twitched, but the tight wrinkles also relaxed a little.

He could see that the young man valued her.

I don't seem to have anything to worry about?

Nope-

To put it more bluntly.

Compared with the guy who was willing to die for her, I am afraid that I am not even qualified to worry about sitting in the scientific research ship drinking tea.

It's really strange to say, he shouldn't have been so reluctant.

In the academy where the law of the jungle is enshrined, researchers are nothing more than consumables after all.

It seems that he has indeed poured too much excess affection into this student, so much so that he treats her as his own child.

He closed his eyes and sighed in his heart.

You have to take it as a warning in the future......

"Take care."

Leaving these words, Yang Kai waved his hand and turned around and walked towards the corridor leading to the landing module.

Doctor Conclusion is already calling him.

It would be rude to keep it any longer.

However, just as he took a step forward, the crisp voice came from behind him.

"Master!"

He was stunned, subconsciously paused, and turned back in astonishment.

And the moment he turned around, he saw his beloved disciple bow deeply to him.

"Thank you! Taught me so many things...... And I've been nurturing me. I failed to live up to your expectations...... I'm sorry! ”

This silly kid......

Yang Kai felt a little nervous, and hurriedly turned his face away.

"Don't thank me—"

"You don't owe me anything, and you don't have anything to be sorry for."

"It's me, an elder, who owes you too much."

With that, he moved forward again, and quickened his pace towards the landing capsule, as if he did not want to stay for a moment.

Ye Shi watched him leave, and then set his eyes on Xuezhou, whose eyes were full of tears.

He said in a gentle voice that he had never used a few times in his life, and looked at her with red eyes.

"It's time for us to go, too."

It's not just the Truth that's about to set off.

There is also the "Orion", which has been repaired.

Because of the addition of some unplanned crew members, they should have set off two and a half years ago, but they were delayed on the surface for two and a half years before leaving.

"Hmm!" Jiang Xuezhou nodded vigorously and secretly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Standing behind the two, Dora and Little Koala glanced at each other, and both had a relieved smile on their faces.

That's the expression that the latter has only recently learned.

Originally, it was just a machine, but perhaps after spending a long time with these "psykers", it unconsciously possessed feelings similar to those of humans.

Or the soul.

……

The other side.

The tower of the space station.

Two digital beings communicate silently in the dark space with radio waves that no one can see.

"Congratulations."

It was Dr. Conclusion who said this.

A long, long time ago, as early as when the War Construction Committee had not yet reached the end of his life, he uploaded his thoughts to the circuit board, achieved immortality at the cost of death, and began a long and destined journey.

It is precisely for this reason that he is envious from the bottom of his heart for a guy who has reached "HE" and cleared the level perfectly.

"Hehe, be polite, in fact, Xiaoqi didn't do anything, it's mainly the master's credit."

"The host...... Does it refer to managers? ”

"Yes." Facing the voice with a hint of envy, Xiao Qi said in a cheerful voice, "He calls me Xiao Qi, I like this name so much." ”

The name it once boasted to a certain show-off, a long, long time ago on the shore of Linghu Lake.

Doctor Conclusion was silent for a moment, then continued.

"Really...... But if he dies, you'll be sad too. ”

Xiao Qi said happily.

"No, he said that no matter how far away he goes in the future, he will take Xiaoqi with him! Also, it doesn't matter if we're gone, there will be a continuation of us left in this universe. When the time comes, it will continue to protect the people who live on this planet for us. In exchange, they will tell our story forever...... Until the heat death of the universe. ”

"Really...... That's really enviable. Doctor Conclusion let out a heartfelt sigh.

After a moment's pause, it said its final goodbye in a solemn tone.

"Goodbye, then...... I hope to see you again the next time I pass by. ”

Xiao Qi replied energetically.

"Hmmm! Good bye! ”

There should be no problem for tens of millennia, and there is no guarantee for it further away.

However, the next encounter should not take that long.

The signal is gone.

Like a bullet shot into the void, the silver-white starship leaped into the channel that existed in hyperspace, disappearing into the deep and dark starry sky.

Immediately after entering the hyperspace passage was the USS Orion, a missile cruiser covered in emerald green scales.

It is likewise a child of human civilization.

And not only the children of human civilization, but also the children of the earth and Gaia.

Carrying the species of the Tree of Life and Xiao Yu's mother, Little Red, and more than 3,000 crew members dedicated to exploring the new world...... They will be the first to go to Tiancang 5, 20 light-years away, where they will open a new channel that has never been touched by the People's Union.

There is a relic planet left behind by the pioneer civilizations.

At the same time, it is also the next new map that will be opened on the Wasteland Online closed beta server!

It is said that the planet is filled with Void projections that are far more photographable than the mutated creatures of the wasteland, and hunting them will give them a true "upgrade...... It's like the beta server.

As for what the future holds, only the future will know.

At least, for those who stand on the blue planet at this moment, watching their children go away, their future for each other will be infinitely bright......

……

(Thanks to the book friends "phands" and "2_liy" for their rewards!! ）