205: Farewell and the Expedition of "Home"

The final construction of the *Morning Star* and the successful comprehensive testing of all its systems signaled that the "Deep Space Expedition" project had entered its thrilling final countdown phase. This starship, which embodied the countless efforts and hopes of the "Homeland," floated silently in the massive underground dry dock. Its streamlined, silver-blue hull gleamed with a cool, elegant light under the specialized illumination. The huge "Resonance Energy Matrix" engine at the stern, even while idle, faintly radiated stable and immense energy fluctuations, like a dormant heart ready to unleash power capable of shaking the cosmos.

On the eve of departure, the "Homeland" held a simple but incredibly grand send-off ceremony for the expedition team. There were no extravagant banquets or lengthy procedures. All members of the "Homeland"—from the highest commander to the most basic researchers, technicians, security personnel, and even logistics staff—spontaneously gathered on the huge, curved observation platform overlooking the entire dry dock. People stood quietly, their gaze fixed on the behemoth below, which was about to carry their dreams and mission into deep space. The air was filled with a complex atmosphere that was solemn, warm, and tinged with a faint sense of parting sorrow. Many eyes shimmered with tears of excitement. They might not have known each other well, but at this moment, a shared sense of pride and concern bound every heart together.

As the ceremony began, Wang Jianguo—the leader of the "Homeland"—walked with steady steps to the podium at the front of the observation deck. His gaze swept over every face, familiar or unfamiliar, below the stage, his eyes filled with complex, inexpressible emotions. He spoke without notes, his voice amplified and clearly reaching the entire platform, steady and powerful, carrying the weight of history.

"Comrades, family!" Wang Jianguo's opening was simple and intimate, instantly bridging the distance between everyone. "We stand here tonight, not for a farewell, but for a witness! To witness the bravest and most glorious step the 'Homeland' has taken since its establishment!" He recounted the hardships of establishing the "Homeland" during the apocalypse, spoke of the resilience shown in rebuilding technology and hope from the ruins, mentioned the perilous maneuvering with external forces, and focused especially on the great journey of discovering the "Planetary Core," deciphering ancient mysteries, and culminating in the completion of the *Morning Star* today. His words were filled with emotion for the past years, gratitude for the contributions of every member, and infinite aspiration for the future.

"This *Morning Star* before us," his voice suddenly rose, filled with fervor, "is not just a ship! It is the crystallization of our wisdom, the symbol of our courage! It carries more than just an exploration mission; it carries the curiosity and yearning of the 'Homeland,' and indeed, our entire Earth civilization, for the unknown universe, and our determination to explore and take responsibility for our own destiny! Its voyage will turn a brand new page in human history!" He specifically mentioned the names of Zhuo Yue, Evelyn, Su Mu, and all the core team members who had worked tirelessly on the starship's construction, giving them high praise and affirmation. Finally, he took a deep breath, using all his strength to deliver a solemn declaration: "I announce! The *Morning Star* Deep Space Expedition Team sets sail tomorrow! May the stars bless your safe journey! May you fulfill your mission and return laden with success! No matter which corner of the universe you sail to, remember this—the 'Homeland' will always be your warmest and most solid backing! We are waiting for you to come home!"

"Long live the Homeland! Long live the Expedition Team! Return safely!"

The moment Wang Jianguo finished speaking, the observation platform erupted in thunderous, sustained applause and cheers! Many people were moved to tears, embracing each other. The applause, cheers, and choked sobs merged into a warm current full of power and affection, echoing throughout the vast space. This applause was a blessing for the expedition team, a source of pride for the "Homeland," and boundless anticipation for the unknown journey ahead.

Standing at the front of the crowd were the three core members about to depart. Zhuo Yue wore a custom-tailored, deep-blue spacesuit adorned with silver streamlined patterns. He stood tall like a pine tree; his youthful naivety had completely faded. His eyes were sharp and resolute, and his demeanor exuded a confidence and composure beyond his years, already possessing the aura of a fleet leader. Su Mu and Evelyn stood on either side of him, also wearing fitted uniforms. Su Mu was spirited and valiant, her eyes showing both a soldier's determination and a touch of concern and reluctance. Evelyn appeared calm and insightful, her gaze deep behind her gold-rimmed glasses, seemingly already immersed in future scientific exploration. Standing together, the three formed an unbreakable silhouette representing the wisdom, courage, and hope of the "Homeland."

After the ceremony, it was time for more personal goodbyes. The crowd surged forward, surrounding Zhuo Yue, Su Mu, and Evelyn. Colleagues who had worked late nights in the lab, comrades who had sweated together on the training grounds, and friends who had laughed together in the mess hall... all gathered now to offer their most sincere advice and blessings.

"Consultant Zhuo! You must come back safe! We'll be waiting to hear your tales of the stars!"

"Captain Su Mu! Take care of yourself, and keep an eye on our Consultant Zhuo—don't let him push himself too hard!"

"Dr. Evelyn! We look forward to you bringing back more astonishing discoveries!"

"Guys! We're waiting for your good news! When you return, we'll drink until we drop!"

Amidst the noise and excitement, Zhuo Yue's gaze cut through the crowd, finding Wang Jianguo standing alone in the shadows of the observation deck's corner. He nodded to those nearby, then moved through the crowd and slowly walked toward him.

Wang Jianguo quietly watched the young man he had seen grow from a slightly naive boy, step by step, into a leader capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of a civilization's expedition. His heart was filled with mixed emotions: relief, pride, worry, reluctance... all surging like a tide. A thousand words reached his lips, but they only materialized as a heavy sigh and a warm, powerful hand patting Zhuo Yue heavily on the shoulder.

"Kid..." Wang Jianguo's voice held a trace of imperceptible hoarseness as he gazed deeply at Zhuo Yue. "You've truly grown up. The outside... is not like home." He paused, his tone becoming exceptionally grave. "The star sea is boundless; anything can happen. Remember, always protect yourself, and protect your team members. Completing the mission is important, but coming back alive is more important than anything else. The 'Homeland' can survive without a successful expedition, but it cannot survive without you." These words were no longer a superior giving orders to a subordinate, but rather the earnest entrustment of a father to a child about to embark on a long journey.

Feeling the weighty strength on his shoulder and meeting Wang Jianguo's complex gaze, Zhuo Yue nodded forcefully and deeply. He offered no grand rhetoric, only a clear and resolute promise: "Uncle Wang, please don't worry. I promise I will bring everyone back home safely, every single person. The home base..." He glanced back at the brightly lit, vibrant "Homeland" base, "...I leave it to you. Wait for us to return."

"Mhm." Wang Jianguo swallowed, forcefully suppressing the turmoil in his heart. He nodded heavily and waved his hand. "Go." The two simple words contained boundless trust and expectation.

A Final Moment of Warmth: The Bond of the Trio

The final farewells ended, and the crowd gradually dispersed. Zhuo Yue, Su Mu, and Evelyn returned to the residence they had shared for a long time, a place filled with memories, to pack their final personal belongings.

Pushing open the familiar door, everything in the room was as usual, yet it was permeated by an unusual air of departure. Su Mu looked around the "doghouse" that held countless laughs, arguments, late-night studies, and warm moments. She shrugged, trying to sound casual and teasing: "Tsk tsk, now that we're really leaving, I actually feel a little reluctant to part with this small, messy place." But her slightly reddened eyes and the faint choke in her voice clearly betrayed her true feelings.

Evelyn said nothing. She walked silently to the bookshelf, her slender fingers gently tracing the rows of familiar files and books. Her gaze was soft and tinged with reminiscence. These books and documents recorded their countless nights of collaborative study and witnessed their growth and transformation. "This place," she murmured, "documents our growth. From knowing nothing about energy to being able to build a starship."

Zhuo Yue remained silent, his eyes fixed on an enlarged photograph hanging on the wall above the bed. The photo was taken several years ago, near the entrance of the base shortly after its completion. In the picture, he stood between Su Mu and Evelyn, his face still showing traces of youthful naivety and the confusion of a newcomer, his smile slightly constrained. Su Mu had her arm casually draped over his shoulder, smiling brightly and radiantly; Evelyn stood on the other side, her expression calm but her eyes showing warmth. Compared to his current self—composed, confident, and sharp-eyed—he looked like a completely different person.

An inexpressible emotion surged in his chest. Zhuo Yue took a deep breath, walked between Su Mu and Evelyn, faced them, and slowly extended his right hand, palm upward.

Su Mu and Evelyn exchanged a glance. Without hesitation, they extended their hands almost simultaneously, gently but firmly placing them over Zhuo Yue's hand. Three hands, different sizes, were tightly clasped, transmitting their warmth and strength to one another.

"Squad Leader, Sister Evelyn." Zhuo Yue's gaze swept over Su Mu and Evelyn's faces in turn. His voice was low but extraordinarily steady, filled with reassuring strength. "This expedition, for us, isn't about leaving home." He paused, looking into their eyes, and said clearly, word by word: "It's about bringing home with us."

"Where you two are, that is home." Zhuo Yue's lips curved into a warm, confident smile. "So, don't worry, and don't feel reluctant to leave. We'll go out together and see just how vast this universe is. We'll go together and see what stories the 'Watchers' left behind, and together we will face whatever waits for us out there."

These simple yet incredibly sincere words, like warm sunlight, instantly dispelled the sorrow of parting. Tears finally slipped from the corners of Su Mu's eyes, but she smiled and nodded forcefully: "Good! A family, whole and complete! We go together, we return together!" Although Evelyn didn't speak, the tight clasp of her hand and the resolute light shining in her eyes said everything. The three looked at each other and smiled. All the worry, reluctance, and hesitation transformed in that moment into an unyielding courage to fight side-by-side and infinite anticipation for the future. Their bond had long surpassed that of mere comrades or colleagues; they were family, their strongest reliance upon one another.

Departure! Sailing into the Star Sea

The next morning, as the sky just began to turn pale white, the "Homeland's" secret launch base was bright as day. Everyone gathered at their respective posts or watched through monitoring screens, witnessing this historical moment.

"*Morning Star*, this is Homeland Tower. All systems checked, flight path clear. We wish you a smooth journey!" The final confirmation came through the communication channel from the ground control center.

"*Morning Star* received. Thank you, Homeland. We are departing. Maintain contact." Zhuo Yue replied calmly from the captain's chair. His gaze swept over the data on the main screen, and he finally exchanged a resolute look with Su Mu in the co-pilot seat and Evelyn in the science officer's seat.

"Resonance Matrix Engine, initiate! Power gradually increasing to 10%!" Zhuo Yue gave the command.

A low, powerful roar emanated from the stern. The massive "Resonance Matrix" engine began to emit an increasingly bright blue light, the powerful energy field slightly distorting the surrounding air. The enormous starship began to move slowly, steadily gliding out of the huge dry dock gate, exposed to the rising sun. Its silver-blue hull reflected golden light, resembling a metal giant draped in the morning glow.

"Engine power increasing to 30%! Course locked! Prepare for acceleration phase!"

"*Morning Star*, safe journey!" On the ground, countless people waved their arms, silently praying.

"Goodbye, Homeland! Wait for us to return!" Zhuo Yue silently vowed in his heart, then resolutely pushed the control stick. "Full speed ahead!"

In an instant, the light from the *Morning Star*'s stern surged, tearing through the sky like a blue comet. With unimaginable speed, it rushed relentlessly toward the depths of the vast star sea, quickly becoming a mere speck of light in the sky before finally vanishing into the boundless cosmic background.

The Homeland's expedition had thus begun. Waiting for them were infinite unknowns, arduous challenges, lost secrets, and inevitably, supreme glory. And the "Homeland" would forever keep its beacon lit, awaiting the return of its travelers.