The Edge of the Star Field

Interview

"Mantou is so delicious!" Lin Xiaomin picked up a small steamed bun and eagerly took big bites.

"There's also an egg." Lin Fan picked up an egg and placed it in front of Lin Xiaomin.

Lin Xiaomin smiled with joy. "Thank you, big brother!"

"Can't I skip school?" After finishing breakfast, Lin Xiaomin made a pleading face.

Lin Fan's expression turned stern, and he decisively said, "No! Pouting won't work!"

Lin Xiaomin, at the age of six and a half, was in the playful and energetic stage of her life. Suddenly sending her to school was indeed a bit challenging for her to accept. However, if she didn't go to school, the government would reduce the allocation of energy resources, and in severe cases, even deduct contribution points.

Seeing Lin Fan's serious demeanor, Lin Xiaomin knew that resistance was futile. Sighing like a little adult, she put on her backpack, pushed open the door, and walked out.

Lin Fan stayed at home, tidying up the garbage and packing the discarded clothes before placing them together in the basket outside the door.

On the spaceship, the most precious resource was water, and each family had only a limited quota. Therefore, no one would waste the precious water on cleaning clothes.

Spending 200 contribution points each month, placing the clothes in the basket outside the door for the "Cleaning Department" to collect and dry-clean was undoubtedly the most sensible choice.

After completing all these tasks, Lin Fan looked up at the clock hanging on the wall. The clock pointed to the number 8; it was already 8 in the morning.

Stretching his arms and expanding his chest, Lin Fan pushed open the door and turned right.

He walked all the way to the end of the corridor, where several rooms were arranged side by side with their doors slightly ajar.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Fan then knocked on the middle door.

"Please come in." A voice full of authority came from inside.

Lin Fan pushed open the door, revealing a woman in a tight military uniform.

She had a neat and tidy shoulder-length black hair that shone brightly. The tight military uniform perfectly outlined her voluptuous figure, combining feminine curves with a military presence.

"Are you Lin Fan?" The woman glanced at Lin Fan, pointed to the sofa in the room, and smiled. "Sit."

"It's me." Lin Fan sat down.

The woman nodded slightly, picked up a folder from the side, and walked over to sit opposite Lin Fan.

"Let me introduce myself first. My surname is Bai, and I am the examiner for the assessment of the 'Expeditionary Operations Legion.' Next, I will conduct a simple interview with you!"

"Good morning, Examiner Bai." Lin Fan stood up and performed a standard military salute.

"Good morning, little Lin." Bai, the examiner, smiled warmly, then casually flipped through the folder in her hand. She asked, seemingly casually, "I noticed that your performance in compulsory education was excellent in all subjects. Why didn't you take the university entrance exam? Many outstanding college graduates can be assigned to easy and safe internal positions after graduation."

Lin Fan sat back down, pondered for a moment, and said, "Because the salary of the 'Expeditionary Operations Legion' is the highest!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes." Lin Fan nodded solemnly.

Examiner Bai chuckled. "You're quite straightforward. I thought your answer would be something like 'to save all of humanity!'"

"Saving humanity is kept in the heart; there's no need to shout it out all the time." Lin Fan smiled and replied.

"Well said." Examiner Bai nodded approvingly, then placed the folder beside her. "Now, do you know the main specific duties of our 'Expeditionary Operations Legion'?"

Lin Fan remained silent for a few seconds before answering in a deep voice, "To judge whether a planet is suitable for human habitation, we need to evaluate it from several aspects."

"First: the star and planetary orbit. It's essential to determine if the planet is at an appropriate distance from a suitable star to receive proper heat and light. The stability of the planetary orbit is also crucial to avoid drastic temperature changes or other unfavorable effects."

"Second: atmosphere and climate. We need to check if the planet has a suitable atmosphere, and if its composition can support life and breathing. Additionally, understanding the planet's climate, including temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations, is vital."

"Third: water resources. Water is the foundation of life, necessary for drinking and the growth of food. Therefore, we need to ensure that the planet has an adequate water supply."

"Fourth: ecosystems. Assessing whether the planet has a diverse ecosystem, including vegetation, animals, and microorganisms, is crucial. A complete ecosystem can provide a food chain, food sources, and ecological balance."

"Fifth: sustainability and resource utilization. It's also necessary to consider whether the planet's resources can support the development and survival of human society. The extraction and use of resources should maintain environmental sustainability."

...

"That's roughly it." Lin Fan sat on the sofa and said slowly.

Examiner Bai made a sound of acknowledgment, nodded, and said, "Let's end the interview here for today."

She paused for a moment and added, "You will receive the results within three days. Be prepared."

"Alright, Examiner Bai." Lin Fan stood up and walked towards the door.

When he reached for the doorknob and opened the door, he suddenly stopped, turned his body, and performed a standard military salute. "Examiner Bai, thank you."

Examiner Bai also stood up, smiling in response. "No need to thank me."

After Lin Fan left, Examiner Bai picked up the folder from the table.

"Name: Lin Fan."

"Age: 16."

"Date of Birth: October 13, Stray Century 84."

"Family Situation: Father Lin Zhanyun and mother Zhang Yaru, both employees of the 'Expeditionary Operations Legion,' mysteriously disappeared during the exploration mission in Stray Century 97. Thirteen-year-old Lin Fan is now raising his three-year-old sister alone. Sister Lin Xiaomin, currently six years old, receives compulsory education at the corresponding school on the 72nd level."

Examiner Bai carefully read for a while, then wrote with a pen:

"Stray Century 100, September 12, Assessment Result: Excellent preliminary performance, demonstrating solid professional knowledge and skills. Also possesses good communication skills, clearly expressing own viewpoints during the interview."

...

In summary, Lin Fan is allowed to join the "Expeditionary Operations Legion."