dtnovels Chapter 103: To Stay or to Leave
Chapter 103: To Stay or to Leave
"In the battles against the Zerg and the Virgo Fleet in the Andromeda Galaxy, our 'Star Eyes,' intelligent detectors placed within stars, played a crucial role. However, 40 billion is still a massive number. I once spoke with two Protoss prophets, and I thought that since galaxies are filled with stars, if each star were a calculator for us, we might be able to grasp the laws governing the movement and evolution of galaxies and even the universe. This would allow us to understand and predict the future. Of course, predicting the future is still a long way off, but I personally hope that the Imperial Academy of Sciences will invest some manpower and resources in this endeavor. From a quantum theory perspective, the future holds many possibilities. Since we can now predict human behavior using quantum probability, since all particles carry information, and since we have supercomputers, I think we can also predict major events that might occur in a galaxy. To put it more idealistically, if God exists, then all the stars in the universe are probably calculators or characters in the program code of a computer operated by God?"
"Dean Zhou, your idea is very forward-thinking. The Imperial Academy of Sciences will strengthen research in this area. I understand what you mean, Dean Zhou. We have indeed deployed too many 'Star Eyes' in the Andromeda Galaxy. And this is only one Andromeda Galaxy. If we want to understand the situation of more galaxies, it will be beyond our production capacity. Judging from the advanced civilizations that launched star attacks on the three major galaxies and their affiliated galaxies of the Virgo Fleet, their observation capabilities seem to be more advanced than ours?"
"It's not that they're more advanced than us. I think they set a threshold when observing these galaxies. As long as they consider it an advanced civilization, they will launch star attacks. After all, the intensity and scope of advanced civilizations' use of energy and resources, as well as their corresponding activities and civilization creations, would be very noticeable."
Kofi nodded. "Yes, that's possible. In any case, we need to further improve our ability to quickly detect details over long distances. The Imperial Academy of Sciences will assign relevant scientists to work on Klein Space Blockade, galaxy destruction, 'Eye of the Stars,' stellar computing, and future prediction. Please rest assured."
"The Earth Empire has entered a critical period since the war with the Virgo Fleet. It's time for us to make some decisions or choices." Thomas said earnestly, with a hint of worry, "In the near future, should the Earth Empire stay away from the Local Group and remain there, or should it advance into the Virgo Cluster?"
"It's risky to venture into the Virgo Cluster now, but we can send a fleet to conduct secret reconnaissance."
"Now that the Virgo Fleet knows we are here, it is probably not safe for us to stay in the Local Group. I suggest we move away from the Local Group and develop in other star clusters."
"But what about the other civilizations that are dependent on the Earth Empire if we leave here? Especially the Sand Star people and the Protoss. If the Virgo fleet invades again, these civilizations will probably be completely annihilated."
"This is a tricky situation. It would be morally wrong to abandon them, but we can't protect them all the time. Besides, if the Virgo Fleet attacks again, our Earth Empire might not be able to withstand it."
"um, yes."
Everyone fell silent, hesitant and undecided, and then all looked at Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan was also deep in thought, after all, this matter was of great importance, and he needed to think it over carefully to ensure everything went smoothly.
"The most important thing right now is to rapidly develop the Earth Empire's technological and military strength to counter the Virgo Fleet and any unknown advanced civilizations we may encounter in the future. This requires the concerted efforts of the Imperial Academy of Sciences and everyone involved. Dean Kofi just promised to accelerate high-tech research and development. Personally, I think we should stay in our local star cluster for now. Even if the Virgo Fleet attacks again, we can evade and hide faster than them, as evidenced by our speed during our last pursuit of the Virgo Fleet. Of course, given our current hyperspace travel capabilities, it doesn't matter which star system or star cluster we go to. If we go to other star clusters, the Virgo Fleet will eventually discover us, and then the star cluster..." Other civilizations will also be attacked by the Virgo Fleet due to our intervention, so the Earth Empire, as it is now, will bear corresponding moral responsibility. In that case, we should stay in our local cluster and focus on developing our imperial technology and military. Furthermore, we should seek out benevolent civilizations within the local cluster, unite these advanced and benevolent forces, and establish an organization like a larger interstellar alliance to jointly confront and conquer the Virgo Fleet in the future. Of course, this organization must ensure the absolute leadership and hegemony of our Earth Empire. When our Earth Empire's technology and military strength have developed to a higher level, we will then consider migrating to other more distant galaxy clusters or even superclusters to reach regions with faster light speeds.
"Dean Zhou is right. The top priority right now is to greatly improve our technological and military strength. Now that we have the Virgo Fleet, the Empire may soon encounter more and stronger enemies. The Imperial Fleet and the Imperial Star Agency will have an appropriate division of labor in establishing a larger interstellar alliance. In the Andromeda Galaxy, we can rely on the help of the Sand Star Clan and the Protoss Clan. Princess Lefia, I hope you can go to the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy to see your brother. Our Earth Empire welcomes the Star Luo Empire to join the Pan-Interstellar Alliance."
“Okay, thank you very much, Commander-in-Chief.” Lefia knew in her heart that Thomas was giving her face in the hopes of helping the Star Luo people.
“However, if we establish an interstellar alliance covering a larger galaxy, then we will have to acknowledge to the Sand Star Humans and the Protoss that we have the ability to travel across galaxies.” Wei Shan remembered what Zhou Yuan had said before, so she reminded him.
"Well, let's admit it. At least we saved the humans and gods this time. Now that things have come to this, I don't think they still care about that, right? But there is something that I find strange and it worries me."
"Dean Zhou, what is it?"
"The Magic Dark Domain in the Large Magellanic Cloud can be said to be of the same lineage as the light cluster civilization in the Spider Nebula. We destroyed the light cluster, and this time the Virgo Fleet launched attacks on various star systems, but this Magic Dark Domain remained indifferent, not interfering or taking responsibility. I am very curious. Moreover, the Magic Dark Domain is also a major potential opponent and hidden danger in our development in this star cluster. I must go and see for myself when I have time."
"Alright. Dean Zhou, let's not rush. Let's go to the Magic Dark Domain when the Earth Empire Interstellar Alliance is almost ready. With the establishment of the Pan-Interstellar Alliance, we still need you to take the lead and make more trips. I will assign other fleets to rescue the benevolent civilizations that have been severely damaged by the Virgo Fleet."
"Ok."
"Since we've decided to remain in the Local Group, the Earth Empire will revert to its pre-war state with the Virgo Fleet. The Lunar Empire will remain in the Triangulum, and the Milky Way will return to normal. As for the Andromeda Galaxy, the Alpha Fleet will lead sixty fleets to establish a base there, modeled after the Lunar Empire." Thomas paused. "Hyperspace probes must be deployed in the three major star systems and key satellite systems of the Local Group to detect intergalactic civilizations as early as possible. I order the 7th and 11th Fleets to proceed to the Virgo Cluster in three days to secretly reconnoiter the Virgo Fleet's situation."
"As ordered."
"Alright then, everyone go your separate ways. The mission briefing will be sent to you in ten minutes."
The high-level imperial meeting finally concluded, and everyone subsequently received their mission briefings.
The 7th Fleet of the Lunar Empire and the 11th Fleet of the Earth Empire began preparations and set sail for the Virgo Cluster three days later.
"Brother Zhou, what's the first thing we should do next?"
"Shanmei, I really want to rest for a few days. I'm sorry to spoil your fun at the seaside of the God Clan."
"Brother, everyone in the empire knows that you care about the empire."
“Brother Zhou, didn’t the Commander-in-Chief just tell us to go and win over benevolent civilizations? It would be good to see more strange creatures and planets.”
"Well, I'll go to the Protoss and Sand Star races first. Princess Lefia, are you coming with me or going to your brother's alone?"
"Please don't ask about this again. Don't forget, the three of us are always together." Lefia glared at Zhou Yuan.
"I'm going to see your brother too?"
"Of course! What are you afraid of? Would my brother eat you? Sister Shan, are you scared?"
"Um, this... I'm not afraid."
"No, not at all. Well, let's meet them then. You're right, it should be fun to come into contact with more intelligent civilizations and see different planets." With that thought, Zhou Yuan's mood improved. Who cared about the Virgo Fleet?
"Two beautiful ladies, where would you like to go? I'll accompany you for a stroll to relax."
"Really?" Wei Shan and Lefia couldn't believe it.
"Yes, really. When has Brother Zhou ever lied to you?"
“Yeah, that’s true,” Wei Shan replied. Lefia, however, was different. “Big brother, be nicer to me from now on, okay? Don’t be mean to me.” She then winked at Zhou Yuan. Wei Shan, mimicking her wink, returned the wink.
"Honestly, the Imperial Galaxy and Triangle Galaxy bases won't be back to normal for two or three days, and the Andromeda Galaxy base will probably take six or seven days. Oh, right, let's go to the Protoss homeworld of El, and go to that beach again, just the three of us." Lefia was thrilled at the thought of El's deep blue and beautiful sea.
"That's a good idea, Brother Zhou, I agree."
“Alright. Let’s go to Aiur, the Protoss homeworld. I also need to go there to meet with the Protoss and discuss some matters.”
The Alpha Fleet, leading sixty fleets, arrived at the previous base location in the Andromeda Galaxy in about a day. The sixty fleets spent six days rebuilding the base. Through the "Eye of the Stars," they discovered that the Terran and Protoss planets were still scattered on a spiral arm of the Andromeda Galaxy.
Thirty fleets remained at the Andromeda Galaxy fleet base, while twenty-four fleets began providing medical assistance to benevolent civilizations in the Andromeda Galaxy that had been attacked by the Virgo Fleet.
The Protoss interstellar fleet guarding Aiur had already informed Protoss Council Speaker Starmat and other high-ranking officials of the arrival of the Earth Empire fleet.
Aiur, the Protoss homeworld, is bustling with activity as it prepares to welcome distinguished guests.
Zhou Yuan, Wei Shan, and Lefia led five fleets of the Earth Empire to Aiur, the home planet of the Protoss.