From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 760 Rebirth and Order

Inside the cabin, Ada finally finished her grooming preparations.

She stood up, having changed out of her dark red silk pajamas into a neatly tailored, stylish, and practical off-white casual outfit that accentuated her capable and elegant demeanor.

Lyon, however, was already prepared, standing by the door, waiting patiently.

Just then, a soft notification tone sounded from the cabin and corridor's public address system, and a pleasant-sounding AI navigator began broadcasting:
"Dear passengers, this is the bridge broadcast."

The 'Star Wanderer' has successfully completed the berthing procedures at the port of call, and all docking channels and hard-light corridors have been stably connected and passed safety tests.

Now, passengers can use their personal biometric information to exit the cruise ship through the designated exit, head to the space station, and begin exploring the various unique attractions of Earth-20.

The space station's navigation system has been activated for you. The locations of the most popular natural wonders observatories, historical and cultural museums, specialty restaurants, and shopping centers are marked on your personal terminal and the holographic map within the space station.

To facilitate your planetary exploration, this flight, as always, offers ample civilian hovercraft rental services for all passengers. You can pick one up free of charge in the designated area of ​​the space station with your ticket.

The Imperial Ministry of Transportation kindly reminds all passengers to strictly abide by local airspace traffic rules when operating hovercraft. This is not only for your own safety but also for the respect of others.

Have a pleasant journey.

After the broadcast ended, Leon looked at Ada and gestured for her to leave.

Ada smiled slightly and walked out of the cabin with him.

Outside the door, a number of travelers were already moving excitedly toward the exit in the spacious corridor.

Due to the Star Wanderer's enormous size, its internal transportation relies on an efficient small-scale rail train system.

Lyon and Ida easily made their way to the nearest platform and boarded a sleek silver train.

The carriage was quiet and smooth, and it took less than two minutes to transport them to the exit area closest to their cabin.

After passing through a decompression hatch where they could feel a slight change in air pressure, they stepped onto the passageway connecting the cruise ship and the space station.

This is a transparent walkway constructed using fully mature hard light technology.

The walls, dome, and even the ground beneath your feet of the covered bridge are solidified from a pure and flawless energy field with extremely high transparency, almost giving people the illusion of walking in the void of the universe without any support.

Only extremely subtle, slowly flowing energy patterns, like ripples on water, suggest that this is not true nothingness.

The interior of the covered bridge is softly lit, simulating the most suitable lighting environment for the human body, which contrasts sharply with the deep darkness and dazzling starlight outside.

Walking on it is like strolling through the starry sky itself.

Looking down, the enormous, azure arc of Earth 20 fills most of the field of vision, with white clouds slowly rolling across it. The outlines of the continents are clearly visible under the sunlight, and the vast ocean reflects shimmering waves.

Looking up, one sees an endless, inky black universe, dotted with countless brilliant yet cold stars. In the distance, the Empire's massive orbital shipyard stands like a steel constellation embedded in the night sky, with various sparks resembling brief starbursts.

Many first-time visitors exclaimed in amazement, immersed in this breathtaking spectacle.

However, for Leon and Ada, two veteran top agents who had already traversed countless dangerous situations and even alien lairs, the magnificent scene before them was far from enough to make them lose their composure.

They walked with ease and composure, as if they were simply strolling along a glass walkway in a city on Earth on an ordinary afternoon.

However, their well-trained senses still unconsciously scanned their surroundings, assessing the safety level.
This has become an ingrained professional instinct.

Just then, Ada very naturally reached out and gently took Leon's arm, closing the distance between them.

She turned her head to the side, her voice low, carrying a hint of teasing and subtle worry that only the two of them could understand:

"Speaking of which, is it really a good idea to leave the child with that guy Mike?"

Lyon felt the warmth from his arm and a smile crept onto his lips.

He patted Ida's hand, his tone relaxed:

"Don't worry, no problem. Although that guy may seem unreliable at times, don't forget that he has 'real-world' parenting experience."

We finally managed to squeeze out this 30-day vacation to make up for the honeymoon we missed in three years. What's wrong with letting him, as our "uncle," do some work and help us take care of the kids?
This will also give the little guy a taste of a different 'military-style' management style.

He emphasized the word "militarized," with a touch of irony in his old friend's style.

"Haha~."

Upon hearing this, Ada imagined the scene and couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head to dismiss her concerns.

"Okay, you're right, it's time for us to completely relax."

They continued their stroll on the covered bridge that spanned the starry sky.

The light shone on their faces, and if you looked closely, you might be able to see the traces of time in their still remarkably well-preserved state.

They are actually not young anymore.

If it weren't for the cutting-edge technology of the Human Empire's Biological Department, which continuously optimizes the physiological functions of its citizens, and the Empire's advanced medical methods, far exceeding the imagination of the old era, which constantly maintain their health, according to the laws of nature, Ada would probably have already passed her prime reproductive years and be facing the troubles of menopause.

Lyon, no matter how good his foundation, will inevitably become a weathered, aging "old man"—

Of course, given his looks, he would most likely be a rather handsome old man.

But at this moment, thanks to the combined effects of imperial technology and their own strong willpower, they still maintain their vigorous energy and sprightly spirit, enough to enjoy this belated but still sweet world for two, embarking on their long honeymoon journey under this peaceful starry sky that they once fought to protect.

After crossing the hard light corridor that spanned the void, Leon and Ada officially stepped into the interior of the space station.

This massive man-made object, designed specifically to serve interstellar tourism, is as large as a small city inside.

Beneath the towering dome lies a well-defined commercial district, leisure plaza, and transportation hub, where all kinds of travelers throng shoulder to shoulder, and holographic billboards showcase the most distinctive attractions and products of Earth 2020.

Many first-time visitors couldn't help but exclaim in amazement:
"My God, this place was a wasteland shrouded in death just three years ago, right? I remember the records said that this planet was almost completely swallowed up by the Blood Moon back then."

"Yes, who could have imagined that in just three years, not only would the threat have been completely eliminated, but a space station and planetary terraforming of this scale would also have been completed? The speed of infrastructure construction by our Imperial Engineering Department is simply pushing the limits of imagination time and time again."

"No wonder they're called the 'infrastructure maniac,' their efficiency is incredible."

The surrounding discussions were filled with pride and awe, all demonstrating the miracle brought about by the power of the empire.

For Leon and Ada, two legendary agents who had witnessed and participated in countless larger-scale operations, including battles against entities far more bizarre than the Blood Moon, the bustling scene before them, while comforting, held little sway over them. They simply walked calmly through the crowd and, following the signs, arrived at the space station's security checkpoint.

The process is efficient and fast; a non-invasive scanning beam sweeps across the entire body, instantly verifying biometric information and security qualifications.

For law-abiding citizens, the Empire's security system ensures safety while maximizing privacy and convenience.

After passing through security, they boarded the direct maglev train to the planet's surface using the electronic tickets that had been pre-booked for them by the Star Wanderer.

The train carriages are spacious and bright, with comfortable seats and excellent views.

Immediately afterwards, the train started smoothly, but instead of heading directly to the "outside," it slowly slid into a much larger enclosed structure, namely the car of a near-ground rail elevator.

This is a magnificent engineering marvel that has undergone multiple technological iterations and incorporated mature hard optical technology.

Its main structure is constructed from traditional alloys and energy-enhanced hard light force fields, which not only makes it far stronger than before, but also achieves a new level of aesthetic design.

The interior of the cabin is huge, enough to accommodate the entire maglev train and its passengers. Most of the walls and dome are made of reinforced transparent material with variable color and hard light projection technology, striving to provide passengers with an unparalleled viewing experience.

"Attention passengers, the train is about to descend. Please ensure you are securely seated. We are about to experience the Empire's 'scenic' rail elevator, which will take approximately 12 minutes. Have a pleasant journey."

The radio sounded again.

The next moment, a slight feeling of weightlessness came over me.

The enormous orbital elevator car began its descent towards the planet's surface at an astonishing speed, yet with remarkable smoothness, along the carbon nanotube-hard fiber composite cable that connected "heaven and earth."

Soon, the elevator car completely detached from the space station and was fully "exposed" to the environment of outer space.

Through the transparent structure around and underfoot, a magnificent view of the universe is presented to all passengers without reservation.

Above is the massive body of the space station and the bustling orbital dock in the distance, while below is the ever-enlarging, blue-and-white patterned homeworld of humanity.

Thanks to the significant improvements in structural stability and shock absorption brought about by hard light technology, this near-ultimate transparent design became possible, making passengers feel as if they were riding on a falling "dewdrop," merging into the embrace of this planet.

Many passengers, including some well-traveled individuals, couldn't help but gasp in amazement, deeply moved by the experience.

Leon and Ida also quietly admired the view outside the window.

Even with their experience, this experience of directly entering the planetary perspective from a cosmic scale is still quite impactful.

About twelve minutes later, the elevator’s descent slowed significantly.

The blue below rapidly expanded, eventually transforming into an endless ocean.

The elevator did not land directly on land, but landed precisely on a transfer platform on the sea near the equator.

The platform is like a giant man-made floating island, perfectly connected to the base of the rail elevator.

The maglev train started again, exited the elevator car, passed through a connecting passage, and plunged straight into the azure sea, entering a transparent underwater tunnel.

The tunnel is not located in the deep, dark ocean, but is carefully planned in a shallow sea area where sunlight can still reach, usually within a depth of 100 meters.

The clear seawater and abundant sunlight here create a huge natural "underwater viewing corridor".

The train sped through the tunnel, with colorful coral reefs visible outside the window. Various marine creatures of different shapes and colors swam among them, schools of fish shimmered with silver light, and occasionally curious dolphins accompanied the train for a distance.

"The ecosystem here is recovering very quickly."

Looking out the window, Ada commented, "Although the species are similar to those on Earth in other universes, this vibrant scene is indeed a very novel experience for many people who have always lived in the main universe's cities or have only recently joined the Empire."

Lyon nodded in agreement: "After all, with the Empire's current technology, security, efficiency, and entertainment value can all be achieved simultaneously."

The journey through the underwater tunnel is not long.

About twenty minutes later, a light appeared ahead of the train, and it quickly emerged from the tunnel and entered the interior of a giant starport located near the coastline.

The Starport is a magnificent building that blends the austere technology of the Empire with respect for the natural environment.

Shortly afterward, the passengers followed the signs and arrived at the sky parking lot on the upper level of Star Harbor.

Thousands of civilian hovercraft of various shapes and sizes are moored here.

The Star Wanderer's rental service was very convenient, and Leon and Ada quickly found a streamlined silver hovercraft assigned to them after biometric verification.

As he walked to the side of the boat, Lyon instinctively reached out towards the door on the driver's side.

This is an instinct developed over many years of special operations, a habit of controlling the direction and pace of movement.

However, a hand gently pressed on his arm, and Leon turned his head to see a faint smile on Ada's lips.

"Let me drive this time, rookie." Her tone was authoritative and left no room for argument.

Lyon paused for a moment, then chuckled and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Of course, as you see fit, Ms. Kennedy."

He walked around to the passenger side and readily got in.

Ada sat in the driver's seat and skillfully started the hovercraft, which floated slightly.

She set her sights on a panoramic restaurant perched on a seaside cliff, which had received high ratings from tourists.

After switching to automatic navigation mode, the hovercraft gently rose into the air and merged into the orderly low-altitude traffic flow outside the Star Harbor.

Only then did the two have the leisure to carefully examine this new Earth 2020, a place they had never set foot on but which had already undergone earth-shattering changes, through the wide car window.

Outside the window, the apocalyptic scene of cities ravaged by mutants and the earth scarred by devastation was no longer visible.

Instead, there are well-planned, lush green eco-cities where towering buildings gleam with technological brilliance yet blend perfectly with the natural landscape.

Clean energy facilities, an efficient public transportation network, and vast areas of revitalized forests and wetlands together paint a picture of a prosperous, peaceful, and hopeful future civilization.

The hovercraft swept over a rebuilt seaside town, where children could be seen playing in parks, citizens chatting leisurely in open-air cafes, and in the distance, a huge holographic projection was playing Imperial news and public service announcements.

All of this stands in stark contrast to that planet filled with despair, death, and poverty, silently testifying to the rebirth and order brought about by the power of the Empire.
(End of this chapter)