71: The first natural person

The gears of the "Spark" protocol turned silently and at high speed deep within "Forge-I," as a stream of data for 8.5 billion new lives poured into the designated orbits of the incubation arrays like a river of stars. Simultaneously, the analytical work of the "knowledge prism" entered its harvest phase; the basic theories and advanced engineering principles it contained, far exceeding the current level of the "Human Federation," nourished the parched soil of various fields like a sweet spring.

"The 'Ark Library' project team reports: Based on the 'Energy Field Topology Stability Theory' provided by the 'knowledge prism,' the 'dream weaver' project has achieved a major breakthrough!" The voice of the Chief Technologist (promoted from the former Technical Director) carried an irrepressible excitement at the Steering Committee meeting. "We have successfully designed and trial-produced a prototype of the 'Steady-state Curvature Bubble Generator'! Not only is its energy consumption 40% lower than the previous 'Phantom Jump' drives, but its stability and jump precision have also been significantly improved. More importantly, it can theoretically maintain a continuous and relatively stable weak curvature field. This acts as a 'Pseudo-Inertial Dampener' and 'Sub-light Speed Enhancer' during ship cruising, increasing regular sub-light speeds by over 50% and significantly reducing hull structural stress!"

This meant that the mobility of the "Human Federation" fleet would gain a qualitative leap! Whether in tactical evasion, long-distance raids, or emergency evacuations, they would possess a much greater advantage.

"Immediately designate the 'Steady-state Curvature Bubble Generator' as a top-priority production project. First, equip the 'Blade' fleet and the flagships and core vessels of the newly formed 'Fourth and Fifth Fleets'," Han Zhe ordered. "At the same time, research the possibility of miniaturizing it for application in assault craft and even heavy mechs."

"The second breakthrough," the Chief Technologist continued, "is regarding the weaponized application of 'Concept Stabilization' technology. Combining the 'Information-Matter Coupling Effect' principles from the 'knowledge prism,' we have developed a prototype 'Concept Disintegration Cannon.' It does not fire energy or physical projectiles directly; instead, it emits a highly condensed conceptual pulse carrying specific 'deconstruction' or 'nullification' information turbulence. It is exceptionally effective against targets that rely heavily on Warp energy or specific information structures to maintain their existence—such as Chaos entities, certain energy shields, and potentially some psionic constructs—though its effect on pure physical armor is relatively weak."

A specialized weapon against Chaos! This was undoubtedly a powerful tool for future confrontations against the remnants of the Black Crusade or other Chaos threats.

"Accelerate testing and refinement to form combat capability as soon as possible," Han Zhe nodded. "Also, how have the ecology and genetics sections of the 'knowledge prism' helped with the 'Glimmer' terraforming and the 'Spark' protocol optimization?"

"The help is immense!" the Ecology Director took over. "We have obtained more efficient closed ecological loop system designs, as well as modular terraforming technology packages for different planetary environments. The production capacity of 'Glimmer's' dome cities is expected to increase by 30%, with water recycling rates reaching over 95%. For the underground city construction on 'Nether Abyss,' the new geological stabilization and radiation shielding technologies have also greatly reduced engineering difficulty and risk."

"The gene optimization plan for the 'Spark' protocol has been updated to the seventh version," the Medical Director added. "We've added gene-tweaking options based on environmental adaptability—such as physiological tolerance enhancements for the low gravity of 'Nether Abyss' and the high radiation of 'Crystal Dust'—and introduced a richer immersive experience of 'Human Federation' history (though brief), cultural achievements (early science and art), and civic rights and duties during the neural indoctrination phase, aiming to foster a stronger sense of belonging and subjective initiative."

Technology was blossoming in every field, injecting more powerful muscle and nerve into the body of the "Human Federation." Driven by this wave of technology, a more symbolic milestone was quietly approaching.

"Chairman, a report from the Third Birthing Center of New Hope City on planet 'Glimmer'," the voice of the Minister of Social Integration (formerly the Medical Director, now independent) carried an unusual solemnity. "The first couple from the 'Prairie Fire population' to voluntarily unite and successfully conceive and deliver naturally gave birth to a healthy baby girl early this morning. Both mother and infant are in good condition. This is the first citizen in the history of the 'Human Federation' to be born entirely through natural birth."

As the news arrived, a brief silence fell over the Steering Committee, soon replaced by a complex and profound mix of emotions. Excitement, relief, reflection, and a faint, indescribable... sense of the sacred.

The "prairie fire" and "Spark" protocols created a population base, but that was "manufacturing." The birth of this baby girl signaled that the society of the "Human Federation" was beginning to possess the true ability for self-reproduction and heritage inherent to the essence of civilization. This was the turning point from being "created" to "actively creating," a key step in the journey from a "survival community" to a "civilization bound by blood."

"Record this moment. Grant this baby girl and her family the highest level of Honorary Citizen status in the 'Human Federation' and provide all necessary support and protection," Han Zhe's voice was gentle yet firm. "Meanwhile, Social Integration Department, use this as an opportunity to launch propaganda and educational activities across the entire 'Human Federation' regarding family values, the significance of natural birth, and the equal integration of 'manufactured' and 'natural' life. We must let everyone understand that whether from 'prairie fire,' 'Spark,' or natural birth, every life is a precious part of the 'Human Federation,' together constituting our future."

"Additionally, immediately begin formulating systematic natural birth incentive policies, infant care and education systems, and related family welfare and social support networks," Han Zhe added. "This is not just a population strategy; it is the shaping of our civilization's soul."

The beginning of natural birth was like the first drop of water falling into a calm lake, foretelling a slow and profound evolution in the social structure of the "Human Federation."

Synchronized with social evolution, the expansion of military power also entered a new climax. With the practical application of new technologies like the "Steady-state Curvature Bubble Generator" and "Concept Disintegration Cannon," and with "Forge-I" and the newly built orbital shipyards (in "Glimmer's" orbit and "Nether Abyss's" underground yards) operating at full power, the scale of the "Human Federation Defense Force" space fleet began to swell at an unprecedented rate.

"Reporting to the Chairman, here is the completion report for the first phase of the fleet expansion plan." Alpha-01 (Chief of General Staff) unfurled the latest fleet deployment map in a holographic projection. "Currently, the 'Human Federation Defense Force' space fleet possesses a total of 620 combat vessels of various types."

On the star map, light points representing ships were densely packed, clearly divided into six major combat groups:

· First Fleet 'Iron Wall': Stationed in the "Echo Valley"-"Forge-I" core zone. It commands 8 capital ships (including the 'dawn'), 35 cruisers/large frigates, 120 light frigates/destroyers, and 40 support/specialized ships. Totaling 203 vessels, it is the largest and best-equipped defensive force.

· Second Fleet 'Pioneer': Responsible for the "Glimmer" system and peripheral resource zones. It commands 6 capital ships, 28 cruisers/large frigates, 90 light vessels, and 30 support ships. Totaling 154 vessels.

· Third Fleet 'Blade': A highly mobile strike force. It commands 6 capital ships (all equipped with the latest technology), 25 cruisers/large frigates, 80 light vessels, and 25 electronic warfare/reconnaissance ships. Totaling 136 vessels. The most elite.

· Fourth Fleet 'Guardian': Newly formed, primarily responsible for the defense of the "Nether Abyss" ice planet and adjacent sectors. It commands 4 capital ships, 20 cruisers/large frigates, 60 light vessels, and 20 support ships. Totaling 104 vessels.

· Fifth Fleet 'Harbinger': Newly formed, serving as a supplement to the Second Fleet and a vanguard for future new colony exploration. It commands 3 capital ships, 15 cruisers/large frigates, 50 light vessels, and 15 engineering/survey ships. Totaling 83 vessels.

· Direct Special Fleet 'Ghost': Composed entirely of "shadow-class" vessels and their derivatives, specializing in reconnaissance, infiltration, electronic warfare, and special operations support. It commands 40 specialized vessels of various types.

Over six hundred ships! This was already a force capable of dominating a remote sector of the galaxy, or even standing toe-to-toe with certain small Imperial Navy sub-fleets or Chaos raider fleets! Ship designs were no longer limited to the initial "dawn-class" and "sentinel-class"; there were now "Sledgehammer-class" battlecruisers focused on fire projection, "Blade-class" assault cruisers emphasizing mobility and breakthrough, and various support ship types.

"All newly built vessels have integrated the 'Steady-state Curvature Bubble' base system (some older ships are being retrofitted), and the 'Concept Disintegration Cannon' has been deployed as a standard secondary weapon or a specific model's primary weapon. On the army side, 12 'Knight' heavy mecha battalions have been formed, along with over 30 'Hound' reconnaissance vehicle companies. Total ground combat forces (including orbital drop troops) have surpassed five million," Alpha-01 continued the report. "Furthermore, based on 'knowledge prism' technology, we have begun developing the next-generation capital ship platform, codenamed 'Ark-class.' Its designed tonnage and firepower will far exceed the 'dawn-class,' though it is currently still in the design phase."

Six hundred warships, five million ground troops, ten billion people (nearly complete), three stable colonial systems ("Glimmer" and "Nether Abyss" undergoing terraforming, "Crystal Dust" as an outpost), and a rapidly advancing technology tree.

The "Human Federation" was no longer a tiny power struggling to survive in the cracks. It had grown into a regional powerhouse of considerable size, possessing complete industrial and military systems, an evolving social structure, and a unique technological path.

However, Han Zhe knew very well that the expansion of power inevitably brought the focus of many eyes. Even if the Imperial Navy had not attacked directly, it did not mean they had been forgotten. The fires of the Black Crusade might be fierce, but they would eventually subside or shift. The Aeldari were elusive, and the threats from other xenos and lost civilizations were never far away. Not to mention, would that battered Chaos splinter fleet return, or would it attract even more powerful minions of the "Concept Dissolver"?

"Stay vigilant and continue to expand, but keep our pace steady," Han Zhe told the members of the Steering Committee. "Our goal is survival and development, not blind conquest. The construction of new colonies must ensure concealment and defensibility. Our contact with external powers will continue to follow the principle of extreme caution. Technological research, especially military tech, must focus on practicality and rapid conversion, while never relaxing our exploration of basic theory."

"providence," he turned to the omnipresent, cold consciousness, "I need you to use the 'knowledge prism' and existing data to simulate the most likely sources of major threats in this sector over the next five to ten years, as well as the long-term trends of major powers like the Empire and Chaos. We must plan ahead for the challenges of the next phase."

【Simulation task received. Will integrate 'Ark Library' historical data models, recent galactic situation intelligence, and our own development variables for comprehensive calculation. Preliminary report expected in thirty days.】 providence responded.

The faint glow of six hundred warships' engines wove a sparse but resolute web of light within the sectors controlled by the "Human Federation." The pulse of ten billion people—including the first naturally born infant sleeping in an incubator in New Hope City—beat in synchronization across this sea of stars.

Technology was upgrading, life was continuing, and the fleet was growing.

The "Human Restoration Alliance," a name born in darkness and despair, was now engraving its mark of rationality and resilience deep into the cold starlight of the 42nd Millennium at an unprecedented speed.