40: The night before departure and watching over home

The draft of the "Mars Expedition and Moon Defense Plan" was like a precise combat map, tightly interlocking every gear of the base and driving them at high speed toward a common goal.

Resource collection entered an unprecedented high-speed state. Three Ore Refineries and several Armed Mining Vehicles worked at full capacity, and the lunar ore veins were mined and converted into mountains of funds at a speed visible to the naked eye. These funds were then injected into various key projects like blood.

The Combat Laboratory became the busiest hub. The special task force deciphering the "voyager" Quantum Communication Technology worked day and night to analyze the fragmented signal, attempting to strip away the key technological core. Progress was slow, but every minor breakthrough was exhilarating.

Meanwhile, an interstellar transport ship modification project based on existing technology was launched simultaneously. Several Armed Mining Vehicles were sent into large maintenance bays, where Engineers began installing more powerful thrusters and simple life-support modules according to the preliminary plan. These modified ships were named "gull-class," symbolizing their ability to cross storms like seagulls.

The Moon Defense Plan was also being implemented intensely. prism towers and patriot missiles sprang up like mushrooms around the base's perimeter, forming a dense automated defense network. The stay-behind version of the battle fortress (code-named "Sentinel") began rolling off the line, taking on the core task of mobile defense. Research into the practical application of the Magneto-Shock Coil was listed as the highest priority; the laboratory even attempted to use Order Light Energy Crystals brought back from the North Pole to enhance its stability and power.

Sun Zheng rarely rested, shuttling between various key departments to listen to reports, solve problems, and boost morale. He personally reviewed the troops about to set out: the steel beasts of the Battle Fortresses, the shimmering prism tanks, the valiant Rocket Troopers, and those silent but loyal American Soldiers and Engineers. Every face was written with determination and fearlessness.

He also entered the homeworld space many times. Under the nourishment of order light energy and frequent use, the space had stably expanded to 250 cubic meters. The glimmer keystone fragment at the center had a restrained glow, yet it seemed to contain even greater power. Sun Zheng could feel his connection with the space growing tighter, even allowing for more precise control over items within it. He tried storing some key supplies and backup weapons in the space as emergency reserves for the expedition.

Late that night, Sun Zheng once again came alone to the Command Center's observation deck. The Moon Base was brightly lit, like a stubborn star in the dark universe. The distant Earth was quiet and peaceful, while Mars opposite it emitted an alluring yet dangerous red glow.

"Commander, 'seagull one' modification is complete and is undergoing final system debugging," the Engineer reported.

"The resolution of Quantum Communication Technology has reached 41%, and it has been preliminarily applied to the Chrono-Communication Stabilizer with significant results," the laboratory researcher reported.

"The First and Second Marine Battalions have completed their assembly and are on standby at any time," Falcon One, who had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, said in a steady and powerful voice.

Everything was ready.

Sun Zheng took a deep breath of the cool air and connected to the base-wide broadcast. His voice reached every corner clearly:

"All members of the Moon Base!"

"After months of hard work and countless sleepless nights, we finally stand on the threshold of our departure!"

"We have repelled powerful enemies, explored the unknown, and made sacrifices... All of this was for today, so that we would have the ability to project our power into the more distant starry sky!"

"On Mars, our compatriots are waiting for rescue, the hope of human civilization needs to be guarded, and there are opportunities for our base's future!"

"The road ahead is destined to be full of thorns and danger. But we are fearless! Because we possess the most advanced technology, the most heroic warriors, and the firmest conviction!"

"I, Sun Zheng, will personally lead the Expeditionary Fleet to Mars!"

"Brothers staying behind, the base is our root, our home! I entrust you to guard our home well!"

"Soldiers setting out, take your courage and loyalty, and follow me to create a brand-new future for humanity and for the base!"

"Moon Base, long live!"

"Long live! Long live! Long live!" A mountain-shaking response echoed from every corner of the base, converging into a powerful torrent of conviction, as if to break through the moon's shackles and reach the depths of the universe.