Cataclysm: Undead Dragons and Zero Empire

Chapter 128 Colonial Plan

Isaac immediately composed himself, pondered the data for a moment, and then began to explain it to Howard earnestly.

"General, the most important thing, of course, is the hope for a breakthrough in faster-than-light travel technology."

Isaac pointed to the spatial parameters on the screen, his tone resolute, "The hyperspace navigation technology we previously mastered was, frankly speaking, just hitchhiking through naturally formed spatial rifts. Where we can go depends entirely on where the natural routes are and where they lead. We have no initiative whatsoever, but the Lord's path—"

At this point, Isaac paused, a hint of awkwardness flashing across his face. He had instinctively wanted to say "the Great Light Band," but he changed it to "the Lord's Path" instead.

After all, the new doctrines of the Lord Terence have now spread throughout human civilization, and even the leader Howard has tacitly accepted this title. Even if he does not believe in this religious theory, he cannot use the old title in front of Howard anymore.

He cleared his throat and continued, "The Lord's trajectory is not a naturally formed spatial rift, but rather a stable faster-than-light channel torn open in a flat spacetime. Particle beam collision experiments can help us try to understand the underlying principles, rather than building castles in the air."

"As long as we continue our research and decipher the spatial patterns within the flight paths, one day we will be able to break free from our dependence on natural hyperspace routes and create our own faster-than-light engines that can travel freely throughout the universe."

Howard nodded slightly. This was one of the things he cared about most. Just as the limit of the extension of the transportation network on the Earth's surface has always represented the boundary of a civilization's territory, he knew that in the interstellar age, the level of space travel technology would represent how many stars human civilization could reach.

"Secondly, there will be a comprehensive advancement in physics," Isaac continued. "This impact experiment allowed us to observe particles that previously only existed in theory and shook the structure of space. These data will rewrite our existing edifice of physics, and you certainly understand that progress in physics will drive the technological level of our entire civilization to rise."

"Most importantly, and what you care about most, General, is the breakthrough in military technology," Isaac said, his tone becoming serious. "Based on our calculations and the spatial data obtained from this experiment, we have the potential to develop a new generation of focused laser weapons that will solve the problem of severe energy attenuation at long distances, and will improve both range and power."

"There's also shield technology. We can develop a deflector shield that incorporates spatial curvature based on existing psionic theories. Its defensive effect is far better than the current equipment."

"In addition, there are psionic amplification devices, new ship armor materials, torpedo technology—all of which can achieve leapfrog development based on this experiment. As long as we have enough time, the ships of human civilization can be completely upgraded."

Isaac finished his report, and Howard turned his gaze back to the star map, where the points of light representing the territory of human civilization had spread from the original home star system to dozens of surrounding star systems.

In those star systems, humanity has built outposts, various mining stations, and defense platforms, formally declaring sovereignty over these star systems.

But Howard knew better than anyone that this peaceful expansion was nearing its end.

"Dr. Isaac, and everyone here," Howard began slowly, his voice solemn, "I know that many of you are passionate about theoretical research and the exploration of the truths of the universe, which is certainly not wrong; it is the foundation upon which humanity moves toward the future."

"But I must tell you that from now on, all research must be prioritized for military technology and to serve the construction of our interstellar fleet."

Howard stated sternly, "We humans cannot rely on the technological indoctrination of extraterrestrial civilizations; we must have our own technology and a powerful fleet."

"The Star Sea is not a fairy tale world. There is no warmth here, only the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak. We currently occupy dozens of star systems, but these territories, as well as the alien civilizations we will eventually set foot in, cannot be defended by a single declaration."

"We have now basically explored all the unclaimed star systems that we can reach on the star map and in the surrounding areas. Beyond that lies the territory of other civilizations."

"I give you the highest authority, the most resources, and the best equipment. I want you to concentrate your manpower and resources to develop a new generation of equipment, which will then be mass-produced and deployed in the shipyard. In the future, we will build warships one after another. These warships must always be equipped with the most advanced technologies we have to protect the future of our human civilization."

"Yes, General!" Isaac and all the researchers present saluted Howard solemnly and responded loudly.

Many of them have experienced the apocalypse of a harsh winter and the blood and fire of corporate wars. They are not academics hiding in an ivory tower. They know that without sufficient force, even the most beautiful future is just a mirage.

Howard looked at them and slowly nodded. The reason he was in such a hurry was that the research ship that had been conducting deep space exploration in other star systems had sent back a report that was enough to excite the entire human civilization.

They discovered an Earth-like planet that could be habitable by humans. This planet has a stable magnetic field, oceans formed from liquid water, and a gravitational environment not much different from its parent planet.

The most important difference is that its atmosphere has a much lower oxygen content than its mother planet, a slightly higher carbon dioxide content, and its surface is covered with extremely lush exotic plants, forming a continuous giant forest.

The research vessel's close-range observation report shows that the planet's atmosphere and surface temperature are sufficient for humans to move freely without protective suits. The atmospheric composition may cause fatigue similar to altitude sickness, which can be overcome with time and adaptation.

This is the only habitable planet discovered since human civilization entered the interstellar age that can support human life without large-scale environmental modification.

When this news came, the entire human civilization was in an uproar. Since the day the great earthquake and the harsh winter arrived, humanity had been deprived of the vast sky and huddled in underground cities where the sun never shines. It had been far too long since then.

Even though they have entered the interstellar age and built outposts in dozens of star systems, those outposts are all built on barren land. Humans can only live under closed domes and can never truly set foot in the outside world and breathe its air.

Now, a truly habitable new world is before humanity.

Howard successfully approved the colonization plan within human civilization, and the Ark Space Station's dock immediately adjusted its production plan to focus all its efforts on building a super-large colony ship.

This colony ship was named "Infinite Frontier" and was equipped with a complete ecological cycle system. It could carry a considerable number of crew members who would become pioneers of the future of human civilization.

According to the design plan, after the "Infinite Frontier" arrives at the target planet, it will make a soft landing at the designated landing point. Then, the ship itself will unfold on the spot to form a permanent, self-sufficient ground base, which will have agricultural planting areas, industrial areas and residential areas that can be put into use immediately, as well as a complete set of pioneering and construction equipment and defense weapon systems, making it the first home of mankind in the new world.

Meanwhile, under Howard's orders, the selection of volunteers for the entire human civilization has been fully launched. The first phase of the colonization plan will select a large number of volunteers, covering as many necessary professions as possible. They will become the first inhabitants of the new world and the pioneers of human civilization's interstellar colonization.

On the very first day the registration channel opened, applications poured in like snowflakes. Countless ambitious young people, and even many elderly people who had experienced the harsh winter, submitted their applications without hesitation, wanting to go to that distant new world and explore new homes for human civilization.

Howard returned to the Ark Space Station and looked at the colony ship "Infinite Frontier," which was already taking shape, in the dock. He knew very well that the discovery of habitable planets was the second milestone of human civilization and the first step for mankind to leave its home star system and take root in the sea of ​​stars.

However, the days of peace are probably coming to an end, unless human civilization comes to a standstill and retreats to a corner of the world.

Howard slowly clenched his fist, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

No matter what dangers or enemies he encounters in the future, he will lead humanity through this sea of ​​stars until the end of his life.

Just like humanity never stops moving forward in the harsh winter snow.

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