88: The journey home and pioneering

"The first phase of the 'Cognitive Fog' project deployment is complete. The 'Reality Filters' for the three key sectors on the periphery of the 'Ark World' have been activated. Preliminary monitoring shows that the scouting signals from the Empire's 'Ice Thorn Fortress' direction have seen a decrease in parsing efficiency and positioning accuracy by approximately 40% in these areas." The Chief Engineer reported, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction following his exhaustion. "providence is adjusting the filter parameters in real-time, simulating natural spatial turbulence and background psionic noise. The deception effect is being gradually optimized."

Han Zhe nodded slightly, his gaze never leaving the star map. The light point representing the 'Ark World' construction zone was shrouded in a faint gray-white phantom representing the 'Cognitive Fog'. Meanwhile, the crimson light point representing the Empire's 'Ice Thorn Fortress' sent out scouting tendrils that indeed showed obvious 'blurring' and 'deflection' upon touching this phantom. This was good; it bought them precious breathing room.

However, most of his attention was directed toward the other end of the star map—the extremely faint blue light point, almost blending into the background starlight, representing the last known hibernation coordinates of the 'far gaze'. Ever since receiving the massive data from 'The Watchers Library' and entering hibernation, the 'far gaze' had been silent. That feat of crossing Extragalactic space, the merit of bringing back the treasures of civilization, and the lonely yet resilient figures of Captain Lin Wei and her crew always lingered in Han Zhe's mind.

The 'kindling' project was in full swing, digesting the knowledge from 'The Library'. Every breakthrough allowed the Human Federation's strength to grow rapidly. But all of this was built upon the data the 'far gaze' crew had traded their lives for. They were the heroes of the Human Federation, and also compatriots left behind in the endless deep space.

"providence," Han Zhe's voice echoed in the quiet command center, "integrate the latest theories on ultra-long-distance navigation and extreme environment survival from 'The Watchers Library' data with our existing 'Ultra-Stable Warp Bubble', Zero-Point Energy, and 'Reality Weaving' technologies. Re-evaluate the technical feasibility and success probability of sending a fleet to the last coordinates of the 'far gaze' for search and possible rescue."

[Re-evaluating...] providence's data stream flashed rapidly. [Based on the 'Ultra-Stable Warp Bubble' theory optimized by 'The Library', energy utilization efficiency for intergalactic navigation can be increased by 280%, and navigation stability by 150%. New 'Reality Weaving' navigation beacons can establish relatively stable temporary coordinate references in the intergalactic medium. Combined with the improved Zero-Point Energy core and closed-loop ecology, a 'Rescue Fleet' is theoretically capable of reaching the 'far gaze' coordinate area and conducting a search for a limited time.]

[Success rate assessment (considering that the 'far gaze' may have completely fallen silent due to energy exhaustion, been destroyed by unknown cosmic phenomena, or cannot be precisely located): approximately 12%-18%. The rescue mission itself is extremely high-risk. The round trip will consume 15%-20% of the Human Federation's current total resource reserves, and the fleet may face unknown deep-space threats similar to those encountered by the 'far gaze'.]

[However, the potential rewards of obtaining subsequent 'Library' data possibly recorded by the 'far gaze', bringing back the crew, and verifying the practical value of new deep-space navigation technology... are immense.]

A success rate of just over ten percent, massive resource consumption, and extreme risk. It was almost another gamble. But this time, the stakes were a hero's return and deeper knowledge.

"Establish the 'Homeward Journey' project." Han Zhe did not hesitate much, his gaze firm. "Draw technology and assemble an elite deep-space rescue fleet. The ships will be centered around the new 'Explorer-II' class deep-space cruiser, equipped with the most advanced 'Ultra-Stable Warp Bubble' engines, navigation and survival systems optimized by 'The Library', and powerful scientific research and rescue equipment. The fleet size... should not be too large, but it must be lean. The objective: reach the 'far gaze' coordinate area, do everything possible to find and rescue the 'far gaze' and its crew, recover all data and samples, and return safely."

"Chairman, this..." Alpha-01 started to speak but hesitated. Resource consumption was secondary; the key was whether it was wise to divert top technical talent and ships under the current pressure from the Empire.

"The knowledge brought back by the 'far gaze' is changing our civilization. We cannot let heroes shed blood and then tears." Han Zhe looked at him. "Furthermore, the 'Homeward Journey' project itself will be the ultimate practical test of our deep-space navigation and survival capabilities. Its significance is no less than any war. The 'Cognitive Fog' project has bought us time, and we need to use that time to do something that must be done."

"I understand." Alpha-01 nodded. "There are top deep-space infiltration experts in the 'Shade' fleet; we can draw core members to join the rescue fleet."

"At the same time," Han Zhe added, pointing his finger toward the main body of the Milky Way's spiral arms on the star map, "we cannot put all our eggs in one basket, nor can we focus only on defense and rescue. The leap in productivity brought by 'kindling' technology requires more resources to sustain. We must send another fleet to the interior of the Milky Way, to fringe areas where Imperial control is relatively weak and resources are abundant, to execute a 'Resource Pioneering' mission."

He pulled up another star map, marking several star systems far from main routes. According to ancient star charts and recent passive monitoring from the 'Truth Listener' network, these areas might contain rich minerals, gases, and even rare biospheres. "This 'Pioneer Fleet' has a clear goal: to acquire resources covertly, quickly, and efficiently. Use 'Cognitive Fog' technology to cover the operation, use the new 'Reality Weaving' collection units for efficient mining, and use improved 'worker bee' class support ships for transport. Rules of engagement: absolutely avoid conflict with Imperial forces or major alien races. If exposed or encountering force majeure, evacuate immediately to preserve the fleet."

"One strikes into deep space to find hope and heroes; the other strikes into the Galaxy to plunder the nutrients for survival and development." Han Zhe summarized, "The Human Federation cannot stay huddled in the 'Forgotten Frontier' forever. We must use our technical advantages to take the initiative and expand our living space and future possibilities in two directions."

"Who are the candidates for the Commanders of the two fleets?" Alpha-01 asked.

"The 'Homeward Journey' fleet will be led by Li Mu, the former reserve captain of the 'far gaze' and current senior Commander of the 'Shade' fleet (fifth generation of the 'Rebirth' protocol, known for his calm, tenacity, and excellent deep-space tactical intuition)."

"The 'Pioneer' fleet will be led by Zhao Qing, the former deputy Commander of the 'Pioneer' fleet, who excels in high-speed maneuvers and resource assessment (late stage of the 'prairie fire' protocol, with rich combat experience)."

Orders were issued rapidly. The precise war-survival machine of the Human Federation began to run at high speed once again. A portion of resources and technical strength was directed toward the 'Homeward Journey' project, starting the modification and construction of dedicated deep-space rescue vessels. Another portion began equipping the 'Pioneer' fleet with the latest stealth, collection, and transport modules.

Weeks later, two fleets with vastly different styles but carrying the same hopes for the Human Federation's future were quietly assembled in different secret docks on the periphery of the 'Ark World'.

The 'Homeward Journey' fleet was not large, consisting of only three 'Explorer-II' class deep-space cruisers (the 'Trailblazer', the 'Wayfinder', and the 'Homecomer') and two dedicated 'Starsea-class' multi-functional support ships. The hulls had smooth lines and were covered in an 'Absolute Blackbody' coating that absorbed all radiation. Few weapons were visible on the ships; instead, they were replaced by various advanced sensor arrays, scientific research sections, and rescue equipment. The fleet members were elites selected from the entire military, possessing not only superior technical skills but also having passed rigorous psychological stress tests to cope with long periods of deep-space loneliness and unknown risks.

The 'Pioneer' fleet appeared more 'pragmatic' and lean. It was centered around a specially reinforced 'shadow-iv' type command cruiser (the 'Raider'), leading four 'Sentry-III+' fast frigates, six 'Worker Bee-III' heavy resource collection ships, and two 'Shade-II' reconnaissance ships. While the hulls also emphasized stealth, more consideration was given to high-speed maneuverability, self-defense firepower, and large cargo capacity.

There was no grand send-off ceremony, only the highest level of encrypted instructions and a brief pre-battle mobilization.

"Homeward Journey fleet, may the starlight guide your path, and may you bring back our heroes and hope." Han Zhe's voice reached Li Mu's ears via quantum communication.

"Pioneer fleet, act like the wind and plunder in silence. Bring back every resource needed for the Human Federation to grow strong." He said to Zhao Qing.

"We will not fail our mission!" The two Commanders' replies were brief and powerful.

The faint blue light of the engines lit up in the darkness and then quickly faded. The three cruisers of the 'Homeward Journey' fleet connected end-to-end and activated the massive and complex 'Ultra-Stable Warp Bubble'. The ships' silhouettes were slowly erased from conventional space as if by an eraser, leaving behind only a 'conceptual wake' so faint it was almost undetectable, pointing toward the endless darkness of the Extragalactic void.

The 'Pioneer' fleet, like a wolf pack blending into the night, relied on superb stealth technology and the newly deployed 'Cognitive Fog' cover to quietly slip out of the Human Federation's controlled area. They sped toward the interior of the Galaxy, toward the star region marked as the 'Resource-Rich Fringe Zone'.

The two fleets, heading in diametrically opposite directions and carrying the different desires of the Human Federation, disappeared into deep space.

The command center returned to its superficial calm. Only the two constantly receding light points on the star map, representing the unknown and risk, and the engineering signals continuously flashing in the 'Ark World' construction zone, showed the never-ceasing pulse of this civilization.

The 'Cognitive Fog' continued to interfere with the Empire.

The 'kindling' project worked day and night to parse ancient wisdom.

The steel skeleton of the 'Ark World' grew in silence.

Han Zhe turned and looked out the viewport at the starry sky distorted by camouflage and defense fields. The threat of the Empire was like distant muffled thunder; the two fleets in deep space and the Galaxy were like arrows shot forth; and the eerie 'information infiltration' shadow left by the 'Styx Siphon' still felt like a thorn in his back.

The Human Federation had already placed more pieces on the chessboard. Deep-space rescue and resource plundering—striking on two fronts was a necessary move to expand living space, but it also meant the distribution of risk and the doubling of uncertainty.

"Now, all we can do is wait and... continue building." Han Zhe whispered to himself, his gaze becoming firm again. "Whether they bring back hope, resources, or bad news, the Human Federation must become stronger to meet any possible future."

Inside the Galaxy, resources and crises coexisted. Outside the Galaxy, hope and nothingness intertwined. And in this Forgotten Frontier, the home of the Human Federation was accumulating the strength to face any storm.