142: extra-river resources

"The Other Shore-1 Outpost, the first resource transport fleet, codename Stardust Voyager, has completed loading and pre-jump checks." The communication across vast light-years, carrying obvious delay and interference, came from Admiral Lei Huan, Commander of the Pioneers fleet in the Extragalactic system. The holographic image was intermittent, barely allowing one to discern the silhouette of The Other Shore-1—a facility established on an icy moon of a gas giant, still rudimentary but exuding a sense of efficient industry—as well as several specially modified, bloated Skysurvey Class heavy transport ships docked in the port.

The Stardust Voyager fleet's manifest of confirmed unique Extragalactic resources echoed simultaneously in the Keystone-1 Command Center through providence's voice, as a cold list scrolled across the screens:

1. void crystal: High-density energy crystals discovered in an asteroid belt near the Sanctuary system. Their energy conduction efficiency is 3.7 times that of Element Zero, and they possess extreme resistance to Warp interference. Preliminary tests indicate they can serve as upgrade materials for abyss of order energy conduits and titan-class main cannon focusing lenses. Quantity: Five hundred standard tons.

2. stasis dust: Special particle clouds collected in nebulae near sanctuary unit wreckage. They possess a weak but stable 'time-flow deceleration' effect, usable for protecting critical equipment, precision manufacturing environments, or specialized containment facilities. Quantity: Eighty standard canisters.

3. Alien Biomass Samples: Extreme environment biomass and genetic sequences collected from the third planet of the Sanctuary system (barren but possessing a primitive anaerobic microbial ecosystem). These hold extremely high biological research value and may contain entirely new biosynthetic pathways or environmental adaptation genes. Quantity: Sealed in highest-grade bio-isolation pods, fifteen standard units.

4. Extra-Galactic Environmental Data Pack: Contains complete physical parameters, gravitational anomalies, spatial structures, and potential resource distribution prediction models for fifty systems scanned along the Pioneers fleet's route and within the Sanctuary system. Massive data volume.

The resources weren't numerous, but their types and properties were completely different from any matter known within The Galaxy. In particular, the void crystal and stasis dust had physical properties almost tailor-made for the Human Federation's current technological path, which centered on order energy and precision control.

"custodian-alpha's assessment and utilization recommendations for this batch of resources?" Han Zhe asked.

Value Assessment: Extremely High. The custodian's feedback was swift and precise: void crystal can be immediately applied to replace conduits in the seventh through twelfth energy rings of the abyss of order, expected to increase overall energy output stability by 8.3% and reduce energy dissipation caused by Warp background interference. 'stasis dust' should be prioritized for the manufacturing and maintenance of core components in 'Order Jump Engines' to improve jump precision and safety. 'Alien Biomass Samples' are recommended for deep analysis by the biotechnology department to find gene fragments that can enhance the environmental adaptability of 'G-Series' New Humans or develop new types of biological weapons. 'Extragalactic Environmental Data' is the foundation for further Deep Space Exploration.

"Very good." Han Zhe nodded. "Order the Stardust Voyager fleet to depart immediately for the return journey according to the scheduled jump route. All Pioneer outposts and preset relay points along the way are to provide the highest level of escort and resupply. Ensure this batch of resources reaches 'Keystone-1' safely."

He paused, his gaze shifting to the dotted line on the star map representing the jump route, winding from the Extragalactic isolated point toward the dark-gold territories of the Milky Way. "This is the first time, but it will certainly not be the last. The 'Deep Space Exploration' plan must accelerate. We must establish a stable, cross-galactic resource supply chain and colonial network before the Empire, Chaos, Swarm, and other forces launch their general offensive."

"General Lei Huan," Han Zhe's voice traveled through an encrypted channel directly to the distant Extragalactic reaches, "the defense and expansion of 'The Other Shore-1' outpost must not slacken. Based on existing resources, achieve self-sustained production of basic supplies as soon as possible. The 'Pioneer' fleet's exploration range can radiate outward from the 'Sanctuary' system as its center, focusing on finding high-value mineral resources similar to 'void crystal' and potentially habitable (or terraformable) planets. All findings are to be summarized and sent back periodically."

"Understood, Chairman." Lei Huan's response came through the interference, firm and brief. "The 'Pioneers' and 'Pioneer' fleets will surely fulfill their mission."

The order was given. The Stardust Voyager fleet's engines lit up in the unfamiliar Extragalactic system, trailing long, blue-white wakes of 'jump' preheating as they slowly pulled away from The Other Shore-1's port, beginning their long Homeward Journey across the sea of stars.

Meanwhile, within The Galaxy, the aftershocks of Uprooting Action continued to ferment. On the Empire's side, aside from strengthening border defenses and internal purges, there were no signs of a large-scale retaliatory strike for the time being, but small-scale reconnaissance and friction significantly increased in the border regions. Guilliman seemed to be struggling to weigh the pros and cons of fighting on two fronts.

"hound-ii rapid response fleet reports: Successfully harassed the resource stations affiliated with the Imperial border Forge World 'Iron-III', destroying its refining facilities and delaying the recovery progress of that Forge World's production capacity by fifteen percent," Alpha-01 reported. "The target selection and timing provided by the 'custodian' were very precise; our losses were minimal."

"Continue. Maintain pressure, but avoid triggering a full-scale recall of the Empire's main forces too early," Han Zhe instructed. "Our main focus must be on digesting the fruits of 'Uprooting Action', accelerating Extragalactic exploration, and waiting for the gifts brought back by the Stardust Voyager."

Time passed amidst tense war preparations, harassment, and waiting. Three months later.

"The 'Stardust Voyager' fleet is about to complete its final 'Order Jump' and enter our outer defense network!" the communications officer's excited voice rang out in the Keystone-1 Command Center. On the star map, the light representing the transport fleet finally pierced through the deep-space darkness of the unknown and dangerous, connecting with the dark-gold light of the Human Federation's territory.

"Dispatch the greeting fleet! Highest alert level! Ensure the route is absolutely safe!" Han Zhe ordered.

An elite fleet composed of arbiter-class and numerous torrent-class ships went to rendezvous. When those few Skysurvey Class heavy transport ships, which had endured the long voyage and were even stained with a bit of Extragalactic stardust on their hulls, slowly sailed into Keystone-1's highly guarded dedicated unloading port under the escort of the fleet, the atmosphere of the entire port became solemn and fervent.

Giant mechanical arms carefully unloaded sealed containers from the transport ships' bellies. Every container was protected by multiple energy fields and physical locks, their surfaces flickering with indicator lights representing different danger levels and resource types.

The "Void Crystal" containers were the first to be opened. When the heavy alloy casing slid open, revealing the dense crystals inside—resembling solidified night stars and emitting a faint blue-purple glow—even the Chief Technologist, who was used to seeing treasures, couldn't help but hold his breath. The crystals were cold to the touch, but inside, infinite energy seemed to circulate according to some perfect law.

The "stasis dust" canisters were placed in an absolute zero environment. Through the observation window, one could only see a silver haze that seemed solidified yet slowly rotating; the clocks of instruments near it showed observable, subtle delays.

The "Alien Biomass Samples" were sent directly to the P-7 level bio-isolation laboratory at the deepest underground level, to be handled by automated mechanical arms and researchers wearing the highest level of protective suits.

The "Extra-Galactic Environmental Data Pack" was imported directly into the joint analysis array of providence and the custodian, and a massive amount of data regarding the unfamiliar galaxy began to flow.

The resource handover proceeded in an orderly fashion. Simultaneously, preliminary analysis and application testing of this batch of Extragalactic resources commenced with the highest priority.

Seven days later, a preliminary report was presented to Han Zhe.

"The 'Void Crystal' performance tests exceeded expectations!" The Chief Technologist could hardly hide his excitement. "Its energy conductivity and stability perfectly match the requirements of the 'abyss of order'! After replacing some conduits, the 'abyss of order' output fluctuations dropped by 11%, and energy transmission loss decreased by 5%! More importantly, the 'titan-class' main cannon focusing lens prototyped with it showed an increase in energy focusing efficiency and overload resistance of nearly 20%! The first batch of upgraded lenses has already begun production and will be prioritized for the arbiter and the newly built 'titan-class iii'!"

"Good news." A sharp light flashed in Alpha-01's eyes. "This means our main cannons will hit farther, harder, and longer."

"The application prospects for 'stasis dust' are vast," another materials scientist added. "Preliminary experiments show that incorporating it into special alloys can produce hull materials with incredible fatigue and corrosion resistance. Used in the space-time stabilization rings of 'Order Jump Engines', it can significantly reduce equipment wear and navigation errors during jumps. We can even consider using it to manufacture 'Time-Stasis Cages' for detaining high-risk Psykers or special 'non-human' captives."

"The biology department reports," the biotechnology director's tone was cautious but carried the excitement of discovering a new continent, "several extreme microorganisms in the Alien Biomass Samples have metabolic pathways and gene repair mechanisms unlike any carbon-based life we know. The cell wall synthesis method of one anaerobic archaeon might provide a completely new approach for us to develop next-generation bio-nano armor. Another microorganism's radiation-resistant gene fragment has been successfully imported into 'G-7' generation test embryonic cells and is performing well. The long-term research value is immeasurable."

"Preliminary analysis of Extragalactic environmental data is complete," providence summarized. "We have confirmed seventeen systems with high-value mineral resources (including 'Void Crystal' signals) and coordinates for three planets with basic habitable conditions (requiring terraforming). The Pioneer fleet's subsequent exploration directions have been optimized based on this data."

The harvest far exceeded expectations! It wasn't just a replenishment of supplies, but a technological leap and a massive expansion of the future blueprint! The Extragalactic systems were no longer unreachable barren lands, but a fertile new frontier waiting for the Human Federation to discover, plunder, and shape!

"Orders:" Han Zhe stood up, his voice carrying the decisiveness of a Pioneer. "Immediately establish the Extra-Galactic Resource and Application Research Institute to coordinate all deep research, application development, and replication work for Extragalactic resources. The goal: within one year, achieve small-scale artificial synthesis or development of substitutes for 'void crystal' and 'stasis dust' to reduce absolute dependence on Extragalactic imports."

"Upgrade the 'Deep Space Exploration' plan! Based on the newly acquired Extragalactic resource star maps, immediately plan and dispatch the second and third batches of 'Pioneer' colonial fleets! The goal: establish at least three stable resource collection bases and one colonial planet with preliminary self-sufficiency in the Extragalactic systems!"

"Upgrade 'The Other Shore-1' outpost to 'Extra-Galactic Governor's District-Alpha'. Admiral Lei Huan will concurrently serve as Governor, granted greater autonomy for colonization and development, though core strategy and ideological control remain with the Supreme Command Center."

"Announce the successful return of the 'Stardust Voyager' and the value of the Extragalactic resources to the entire military and all 'keystones'! This is a milestone in the Human Federation's power transcending the galaxy and stepping into the deep sea of stars! This proves that only our path, our will, and our technology can lead humanity to break through the narrow galactic shackles and move toward a truly infinite future!"

The news acted like a shot of adrenaline, injected into every corner of the Human Federation's massive body. Soldiers' morale soared at the civilization's growing strength, engineers became fanatical over new materials and technologies, and the new generation of citizens was filled with a desire for conquest and exploration of that mysterious Extragalactic world.

The first batch of resources from the Extragalactic system was like the first drop of rain joining a river—small, yet portending a brand-new navigation route toward greater power and broader living space, now slowly unfolding before the Human Federation.

And the Human Federation, an ark forged of steel and will, having obtained new fuel and new blueprints from the Extragalactic systems, would surely see its speed and determination toward the future become faster and more unstoppable. The Empire's shadow, Chaos's whispers, and the Swarm's threat still existed, but reflected in the Human Federation's ambitious and cold, rational gaze toward the Extragalactic systems, they seemed no longer so suffocating.