Will the kemonomimi encounter Alien Ranch Story?

"Hiss!" The cabin pressurization was complete. Zao Lu pushed open the hatch and floated to the living area. The living area on the spaceship was more like three coffins and a refrigerator-like cabinet than a living area. The coffins were for sleeping, and the refrigerator-like cabinet was indeed a refrigerator, except that it also had a small microwave oven on it for heating food.

There was no distinction between the ceiling and the floor inside the spaceship; there were lockers both above and below. At this moment, Nightingale pulled out an inspection device from the floor and gestured for Early Dew to sit down and secure herself.

"Routine." Nightingale took off her pants, revealing a pair of long legs. Due to the long period of time in space, her legs appeared somewhat swollen, and the muscles had atrophied slightly, making them look completely different from her beautiful thighs on the ground.

Nightingale pinched and touched her legs, then tried to stretch them. "The situation is okay, the atrophy isn't too severe, but the calcium in your blood is a bit too high. Sure enough, just as Dr. Xia said, staying in this kind of environment for a long time will gradually cause calcium loss."

Nightingale then conducted a detailed examination of Early Dew's major joints, limbs, and endocrine system. There were indeed a lot of problems, since surviving in an environment completely different from its birthplace always comes at a price, but there weren't many major issues.

"Alright, fill out this form. If it's not ideal, you'll need Arya to give you some psychological counseling." Nightingale handed a form to Early Dew, who was used to this kind of ordeal before bed every day. In fact, all three of them needed to do similar psychological surveys and health checks on each other.

After completing the tedious finishing touches in the manual, Zao Lu finally lay down in her hibernation pod. Well, rather than lying down, it was more like she turned her back to the pod wall and secured herself with ropes.

Even sleeping in space requires a special posture. First, your hands need to be crossed and fixed in front of your body like a mummy, otherwise you will find your hands floating up while you are sleeping.

Then, the legs and feet need to be secured in the grooves with pressurized airbags. When humans sleep, their heart rate slows down and their heartbeat weakens. In a weightless environment, this means that blood circulation in your legs and extremities will be problematic. Using these airbags can alleviate this problem to some extent.

Of course, even so, a series of problems such as palpitations and restless sleep will still occur, because the weightless space environment is really not suitable for any higher life form, including humans. In addition to overcoming the environment itself, you also need to overcome the laws and mechanisms of your own organs and life activities, which requires a huge investment of technology or effort to solve little by little.

"Good night!" Zao Lu slowly closed her eyes. It was difficult to fall asleep in this environment, but she was exhausted today, so she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Arya completed the work on the second day, while Early Dew was responsible for operating the spacecraft and the space station to slowly dock together and testing the docking guidance function of the space station. Everything went smoothly. When Arya floated from the docking module into the cargo hold and then passed through the conversion module into the cockpit, everyone smiled.

"Separate the return capsule." There's no need to bring the living quarters, because one of the three structures of this spacecraft, the cargo hold and living quarters, will become part of the space station, while the engines will separate after the third group of people arrive, serving as propulsion equipment for the shuttle spacecraft.

As for the return capsule at the very front, it needs to carry the astronauts back to Terra.

"System-wide check complete, all green."

"Preparing to return." If takeoff was a brush with death, then landing for early spacecraft was also a brush with death, perhaps even more terrifying. The cone-shaped return capsule plummeted towards the earth, quickly engulfed in a thin layer of flame. "Adjusting attitude, current speed 3865 meters per second."

"Current speed 3770" The braking rocket gradually reduced the speed of the reentry capsule, and the entire capsule was shaking violently. The contents inside were floating around and making strange creaking and groaning noises. This made the three astronauts turn pale. There was no such step during training!

The ablated hull snapped off with a snap, startling Zao Lu who hurriedly pulled up the data panel and breathed a sigh of relief upon discovering that the damage to the hull was still within acceptable limits.

"Braking rockets separate!" The braking rockets separated and quickly burned up in the atmosphere. The main engines of the return capsule started, further reducing the speed. When the fuel was almost exhausted, the speed finally dropped to three digits.

"Prepare to deploy parachutes"

"Pfft!" The first pair of parachutes snapped off the moment they deployed. "Open the reserve parachute!" This time, the reserve parachute deployed normally. Finally, the return capsule slowly drifted down into the sea, and the surrounding air cushion quickly inflated, forming an orange swimming ring-like air cushion.

The tracking ship waiting not far away slowly approached. Next was opening the hatch and letting people out. At this point, the three of them basically only had one job left: to face the cameras with the best possible smile and demeanor.

"It was the first time I felt the earth was so heavy." After spending seven days in a weightless environment, I could clearly feel that I was about to become unaccustomed to gravity. My legs felt as weak as noodles, and my muscles and bones were having a hard time bearing the pressure of gravity.

"It's alright, you still need to lose weight," Nightingale said. It wasn't that she had a problem with her basal metabolism, but in a weightless environment, the flesh on her limbs, face, and waist would grow outwards, and coupled with the swelling, she didn't look very good.

Of course, if you stay for a few more weeks, this phenomenon will soon disappear and end, after all, the human body has a strong ability to adapt, and the Terrans are much stronger than natural humans in terms of physique and adaptability.

Meanwhile, at the Rostov family estate in Cherbonog, the elderly lady, who had always been mentally unstable, along with all the servants of the estate and relatives of the Rostov family, were crammed into the obviously neglected reception room, staring at the monitor hanging on the wall.

The aging uncle kept glancing at his watch, looking somewhat anxious, while the elderly lady, whose mental state had deteriorated due to the shock, gripped the blanket on her lap tightly. The cousins ​​of the Zao Lu family sat chattering in front of them, and the servants, who had served the Rostov family for generations and hadn't fled despite the count's fall from grace, nervously watched the meaningless commercials on the television.

"Anna, is this the time?" the elderly butler asked in a low voice, and the maid being asked replied nervously, "It is the time, but there may be a slight delay due to the distance."

"Oh, it's out!" The youngest child pointed at the screen on the TV. The hatch of the return capsule opened, and Zao Lu, as the captain, was naturally the first to come out. Holding onto the hatch, she carefully stepped onto the gangplank and waved in the direction of the camera.

“It’s Natasha! Waaah~” The old lady grabbed a blanket and wiped her eyes. “She looks like she’s suffered a lot~” (Natalia Rostova, also known as Natasha)

“This is an honor, the honor of the family,” the uncle said, gripping his tie tightly as if he were strangling himself. This concern wasn’t just for his niece, but also for the future of his own family. While it was true that in a noble family, when one person prospered, everyone in the family benefited, once they fell from grace, as a member of the Rostov family, he would find it difficult to remain unscathed.

Therefore, if Early Dew gains great fame and brings glory to the Ursus people, such as being the first Ursus to set foot in the stars, the court will publicize it extensively and bestow rewards, even if it's just to stir up public sentiment and divert attention from conflicts.

Perhaps the once-prosperous Rostov family could rise again, and as a direct descendant of the family, he could naturally reap huge benefits from it, which made him nervous.

In contrast, the servants in the house seemed to have a more genuine affection for her. These people, who had served the Zao Lu family for generations, could be said to have watched her grow up. She herself was not the type to be willful or capricious. As a rather cheerful and kind young lady, she had always been well-liked in the family.

“Yes, yes, Glory,” the old lady gripped the armrest tightly, “My poor little Natasha, look at her, she’s gotten so thin…”

"Actually, you've gained quite a bit of weight..." my cousin muttered softly. However, there's a kind of thinness that only your mom thinks you're thin.

As expected, the Ursus people were extremely excited and happy. The emperor even happily ordered a celebration in the capital. If it weren't for the fact that Zao Lu was still undergoing post-mission recovery and recuperation, she would probably have been surrounded by crowds and participated in a large-scale parade of floats in St. Glory Castle, according to Ursus tradition.

Although the Rostov family did not receive the political power they had hoped for—the emperor had finally achieved centralization of power, so how could he possibly divide it back?—they did receive considerable economic benefits and rewards, which gave the estate economy, which was on the verge of collapse, a much-needed boost.

On the other hand, it is indeed difficult for a group of orphans and widows to achieve anything politically. Even if they were given real power, they would not be able to hold onto it. It would be better to make certain concessions in terms of honor and economy, which would be more in line with the interests of both parties.

For the three members of the group, including Zao Lu and her companions, who were at Kazdel Medical Center, the outside noise did not affect them. They needed to undergo two months of recuperation and observation here. In addition to high-energy particles, Terra space also contained Originium radiation. Even with the best efforts to shield it, it was uncertain whether there would be any other side effects.

"Furthermore, ladies, if you have a need or mission to get married, then you will not be able to have children for three years. I remember being informed of this before you signed the contract, and I am informing you again now. If you do not want to have lifelong regrets, I suggest you postpone your marriage or the time to have children."

"Hmm!" Since Zao Lu and the other two hadn't planned this in the first place, they naturally had no objections, especially since they had already been informed of it from the beginning.

"In addition, during your convalescence, you must obey the orders of the convalescent center. I know this is not easy, but it is for your health. The world up there is not just about tangible harm, but also means that you may suffer a lot of intangible harm."

The process of recuperation is indeed very difficult. The food is nutritious, but it also requires eating foods that are not very palatable and are intended to address potential organ damage. In addition, there is a physical examination every day. Furthermore, a lot of exercise and gradual calcium supplementation are needed to help the bones and muscles recover to their original state.

While they were recuperating, the second rocket was being assembled in the factory. The successful launch of Kazdel's rocket greatly boosted the morale of the Terrans. Although most Terrans did not understand its significance, the slogan of touching the stars was enough to excite them.

[Aside]

This is a digression I mentioned in the group chat.

I said SE has been doing this for two or three years, and now the second chapter of FF7RE jumps to 2023 again. What are they doing?

Then, in the blink of an eye, it turned out they had remade Crisis Core... using FF7RE's assets and technology, and quietly finished it, and it will be released in the next quarter of this year...

Is this kind of delayed delivery even possible?

The main series was delayed, so they just remade the spin-off to shut everyone up?

All I can say is: Go all out!

Chapter Seventy Planetary Vampires

Chapter 70

After more than a month, the supporting production facilities have finally been completed. However, the necessary personnel training has not yet been completed, so only small-scale trial production can be carried out. But for the time being, it is more than enough for the operation of the Ark.

After three months of treatment, Zao Lu and the other two were finally released from the sanatorium. However, they were still required to report any health problems immediately and not to leave Kazdel for a year in case of emergencies.

In the space center restaurant, "You're going to board the plane next month, aren't you nervous at all?" Zao Lu stirred the black tea in her cup. If it was impossible for her to go to space again in two or three years, her dietary restrictions would be lifted, because the spacecraft in two or three years would be completely different from the ones now.

“Tension is of no use to the current situation.” Truth slowly cuts the honey biscuits on the plate. In the distance outside the window, a new spaceship is being towed out little by little.

"I really envy you juniors. Although it's only been three months, it feels like three years have passed. Technology is changing so fast."

As Zao Lu looked at the spaceship, she sighed. Previously, the first and second batches of people had to squeeze into a small space capsule to get on, but now Zhenli and the third batch could ride on this thing called a space shuttle. She heard that it was similar to the transport planes she had flown, and even had a private toilet.

However, unlike the previous two batches, this shuttle is reusable, so it cannot be directly docked on the space station as a cabin. Nevertheless, the space inside is still large enough to accommodate a space toilet and a relatively comfortable living area.

The number of personnel sent to space at once has increased from three to five, meaning that two people will remain on the space station permanently to continue a series of on-site equipment installations and external work. After all, the second batch of personnel has already completed the main modules of the space station and installed all the necessary life support and living equipment.

This trip is mainly to install scientific research and engineering equipment, as well as the most critical main reactor for the space station. Previously, solar panels were used, which made power supply in the Originium Cluster environment quite troublesome. This time, a small fusion reactor will be installed on it.

"I heard that this time you will be staying up there for two months, until the next ship arrives and you can't return. Are you confident that you can stick to it?"

It is indeed very difficult for just two people to stay in such a large space station for two months. Even if the requirements are relaxed, it is only the physical and professional requirements that are relaxed. In fact, there is still a lot of relevant technical and theoretical training, and a lot of necessary knowledge for working on the space station needs to be learned in a cramming style.

In other words, Truth must go beyond the normal work of an astronaut, including writing reports and recording videos, and then using the communication equipment in the completed space station command module to exchange information with the ground and answer questions. The work is quite busy and stressful.

"I'll try my best. By the way, I heard that Colombians will be participating in the next batch, is that true?"

"Yes, I heard that although Columbia Blacksteel International invested in the shelter project, most of the orders were taken by Raytheon Industries. Therefore, they are putting pressure on Columbia and Raytheon Industries to some extent by cooperating with Kazdel."

As a noble lady, Zao Lu also had her unique advantages, namely, access to various insider information channels that ordinary people did not have. Especially with the Ursus Emperor promoting her deeds as much as possible, people from all walks of life came to contact her, and naturally, there were many who used this information to make exchanges for benefits.

“Although their investment was for profit, it is undeniable that it did promote the development of the space industry, wasn’t it?” Truth tilted her head and said. She was very open-minded about this kind of thing. No matter what the other party’s purpose was, their actions did support Kazdel’s actions to a large extent, so there was no need to delve into the purpose behind it.

Furthermore, the best outcome for a project or undertaking is one that benefits all parties involved. It is unrealistic to expect the other party to sacrifice their interests purely out of sentiment and dedication.

It's like researchers, even if they aren't needed, still need to be provided with a comfortable and affluent life. Otherwise, relying solely on passion and dedication, your research department will soon be left with only hotheads and old men, and there will never be a backbone force again.

"If Blacksteel Group can really profit, then Raytheon Industries and Victoria Industries will inevitably join in as well. This is much faster than trying to persuade them little by little with diplomatic rhetoric."

“That makes sense.” The doctor certainly wouldn’t mind his space station becoming the International Space Station; in fact, he would hope that these people could finally shift their focus from “this land” to “this starry sky.”

Naturally, this wouldn't prevent Colombian investors from participating. However, their technology is insufficient to complete space launch missions; they can only be responsible for the design of the space station's modules, and they would also need to pay a considerable amount of money.

The advantage is that the module can be named after them, and depending on the size of the module, they can send their own astronauts to carry out relevant scientific research work on it. However, the trade-off is that these modules are still shared while they are carrying out their own work.

In addition, they also need to manufacture the actual public or functional modules according to the specifications and standards given by Kazdel, since countries like Colombia have inherited a lot of the technology of their ancestors.

The Columbia-made module has been sent to the laboratory for testing. This module is the Originium mining module, or Originium refining module, that the Doctor needs. Columbia is relatively lacking in Originium resources and mainly relies on importing them from Sargon or Rembiton via the continental shipping route.

They are very interested in the large Originium deposits in orbit and have even designed and built a small mining drone. Although, at present, this mining operation is more of an experimental project than a practical one, it is still considered very constructive by the Colombians.

After all, Kazdel is practically cheating. Space technology is updated every four to six months on average, and sooner or later the capacity will be able to support the take-off and landing of large launch vehicles. Therefore, collecting orbital minerals will make a lot of sense.

Moreover, Originium in space orbit is of higher purity than Originium rock on Earth. It can be made into pure Originium with just simple processing and refining. To give an analogy, Originium rock on Earth is like gold ore. It may take one or two cubic meters of ore to extract a few bean-sized gold nuggets.

Therefore, Originium needs to be continuously crushed, screened, washed, and compressed into solid Originium rock and higher purity Originium ingots. Finally, it needs to be made into Originium ore powder before it can enter the refining stage. Through electrolysis and other means, it can be turned into synthetic jade and pure Originium. In short, it is a very troublesome process.

The mineral samples collected from space are roughly equivalent to Originium ingots or even Originium jade blocks. With just a little processing, they can be transformed into pure Originium and synthetic jade. For Black Steel International, this kind of profit is clearly worth the investment.

After all, the benefits of the shelter are long-term, and it's hard to say whether the solar storm will even happen, but the benefits to energy and mining are immediately apparent. Even Colombian capitalists would know which option to choose.

"This is the Colombian cabin section. It doesn't look much different from ours."

“Because we’re using our standards,” the doctor patted the control panel. “Let’s start the test. If it fails, we won’t be able to schedule the next launch.”

Columbia's compartment is very small, basically only accommodating two people working inside, almost back-to-back, with people squeezed together. Most of the space is dedicated to analysis and data acquisition equipment. It is also the only module currently equipped with an extravehicular activity (EVA) toolkit, so it requires more rigorous testing to avoid causing uncontrollable consequences to the center of gravity and main structure of the entire space station.

"So, those guys at Rembitox haven't figured it out yet?" the doctor asked casually, watching the staff rigorously test the modules on the platform.

“No, Rembitox’s attitude is ambiguous. On the one hand, they want to join us and share the spoils of space mining, but on the other hand, they are trying to sanction us…” Kal’tsit shook her head, speechless. It was as if they were trying to chop someone up with a knife while saying, “Can we be friends? Will you give me all your things?”

"So, how much are they prepared to spend to ensure that our ore trade with them is not affected by us?" the doctor asked with a smile.

“I don’t know. Maybe they don’t want to spend any money at all. It would be better if we surrendered ourselves,” Kal’tsit said, adding that she couldn’t understand Rembitox’s behavior either. “In addition, Victoria asked to cooperate with us in the mining industry. It seems that they are also not very tolerant of Rembitox people.”

For Victoria, having two suppliers is much more stable than having only one.

"Promise them, the amount of minerals we will need in the future is not just a little bit, and it is unlikely that we can supply them with our own strength alone." Building spaceships requires resources, building disposable booster rockets requires resources, building space warships and transfer ports also require resources, and finally completing and repairing the ark requires massive amounts of resources. Each of the raw materials inside, if piled up, would be a mountain.

Even with Lao Xia's equipment, it would be difficult to supply them in a short time. After all, the packages sent by the other party were all small devices, and he couldn't afford the authorization keys for large devices. Open source devices would require a lot of labor. So, every extra person they could take in was a good thing.

At the same time, this is also a way for the people of Terra to form groups and new interest groups to confront the old forces. Simply relying on disaster intimidation or advanced technology or ideas will not attract people. Talking less about ideologies and doing more practical things is indeed a very correct statement.

If you can't help people benefit or change their living conditions, then whatever you say, no matter how reasonable it may seem, is just empty talk and clichés, utterly meaningless—it's like a pig that won't give birth; it's pointless to read documents to it. You have to improve the pigpen environment, its diet, and treat it specifically for it to be effective.

Similarly, if you can't let the pig farm owner go bankrupt, nor can you let him get rich, it's useless to just tell him to improve the pigpen environment. You have to take a two-pronged approach. Only when a large number of pig farms that are unwilling to spend money go bankrupt due to the death of a large number of pigs from the disease will the remaining farms be willing to spend money.

Only when those who invest in improving breeding techniques see a significant increase in the pig's slaughter rate and profits will they form a positive cycle of continuous investment in improving breeding and farming techniques.

Now, Columbia and Victoria are obviously preparing to improve their breeding programs and add new farms for various reasons, so the doctor naturally can't pour cold water on them. Not only will he not pour cold water on them, but he will also make sure that their new breeding industry makes money.