The Edge of the Star Field

Wandering Century

"Drip, drip, drip..."

A worn-out clock hung on the wall, its pointers ticking incessantly, emitting a hoarse sound. This clock seemed to be a relic from many years ago, its surface covered with fine marks, and the pointers trembling intermittently.

Lin Fan silently closed the book in his hands, raised his head, and gazed at Lin Xiaomin resting on his lap. The dim light seeped through the overhead desk lamp, casting a soft halo on her face, making her look more serene and peaceful.

Lin Xiaomin was immersed in sweet dreams, a slight smile on her face. Her brows gently curved, and her delicate eyelashes trembled as if chasing a beautiful dream.

Lin Fan watched her, his gaze becoming even softer. He gently reached out, using his fingertips to caress Lin Xiaomin's cheek, the touch gentle and delicate.

Since the spaceship "Noah's Ark" left the human homeland, Blue Star, a whole century had passed. The threat of viruses had finally been left behind, allowing the flame of human civilization to continue. However, the search for a suitable planet for human habitation remained unresolved.

This century was referred to by the people on the spaceship as the "Wandering Century."

The vast universe, with its billions of stars, still made it challenging to find a suitable haven for humanity.

A century had passed, and "Noah's Ark" was now far away from Blue Star, with no way to find the path back home, even if the spaceship turned around.

In the vast and cold universe, "Noah's Ark" could only continue forward like a tiny ant toward the eternal unknown future.

...

Lin Fan carefully lifted Lin Xiaomin, his gaze sweeping across the entire room. The room had a one-bedroom structure, with an area of less than 20 square meters.

He, along with Lin Xiaomin and their parents, a family of four, squeezed into this space of less than 20 square meters, living here since Lin Fan could remember.

The continuation of civilization relied on the propagation of life. Without the threat of viruses, in just ten years, the total population on "Noah's Ark" had doubled. Now, after a century, the total human population on the spaceship had reached a staggering one and a half million.

The surge in population led to every inch of space on "Noah's Ark" being utilized to its limit. Some families could only squeeze into a small single room.

Lin Fan's family managed to get a one-bedroom apartment thanks to his parents, who worked as members of the "External Operations Combat Corps," enjoying better benefits compared to ordinary spaceship employees.

During space travel, various emergencies were inevitable, such as energy leaks, aging propulsion systems, or damage to the spaceship's hull. When these unavoidable issues arose, it was the turn of the "External Operations Combat Corps" members to take the stage.

Of course, the duties of the "External Operations Combat Corps" were not limited to simple spaceship maintenance. Their primary goal was to explore unknown planets. Every time "Noah's Ark" arrived at a new planet, members of the "External Operations Combat Corps" would take a small spacecraft to land on that planet and assess whether it had conditions suitable for long-term human survival.

Five years ago, Lin Fan's parents, Lin Zhanyun and Zhang Yaru, went missing during a mission with the entire "External Operations Combat Corps." Since then, the once happy family of four had been reduced to just Lin Fan and Lin Xiaomin, relying on each other.

Gently placing Lin Xiaomin on the bed, trying to avoid any vibrations, Lin Fan then carefully covered her with a blanket.

After completing these tasks, Lin Fan stood by the bed, watching Lin Xiaomin's peaceful sleeping face. Deprived of sunlight on the spaceship, her complexion appeared unnaturally pale.

"Both parents are gone, and with no one working in the family, the government's allotted compensation is almost used up. With my sister growing up and the associated expenses, it's significant."

"I've already passed the initial assessment of the 'External Operations Combat Corps.' As long as I can pass tomorrow's interview and become a member of the corps, I'll receive a substantial monthly salary. Then, my sister's life will be secure."

"Sister is my only family now, and I will protect her until the very end!"

Lin Fan silently vowed in his heart.

The "External Operations Combat Corps" was the only department on the spaceship that required an assessment for joining.

The implementation of the "Interstellar Plan" initially involved only major spacefaring nations such as China, the European Union, Russia, the United States, and India. Therefore, the Joint Government formed by these five major nations managed everything on the spaceship, including resource allocation and talent cultivation.

Due to limited resource quotas, ten years after the launch of "Noah's Ark," the Joint Government enacted the latest "Interstellar Voyage Resident Life Regulations." Resources on the spaceship were no longer freely provided. All residents over six years old needed to attend school for ten years of mandatory education. At the age of sixteen, the government would assign them work and a salary.

Traditional currencies like the dollar and pound no longer circulated. The Joint Government replaced them with contribution points.

After completing ten years of compulsory education, each resident had the opportunity to take a university entrance exam. If successful, the government would provide additional monthly subsidies. After graduation, the government would arrange a job.

Lin Fan excelled in all subjects. If his parents hadn't disappeared unexpectedly, he would have followed the planned path: completing ten years of compulsory education, attending university, and then, after graduation, having the government arrange his job.

However, a university graduate's subsidy alone could not ensure a normal life for him and his sister, Lin Xiaomin. After careful consideration, he decided to participate in the assessment for the "External Operations Combat Corps."

Apart from the generous monthly salary for corps members, Lin Fan harbored a one-in-a-million hope: to find his lost parents.

...

"Click!"

Lin Fan gently turned off the lights in the room. The small room was instantly enveloped in darkness. He stealthily retreated, closed the door, leaving a faint glimmer of light seeping through the gap.

Sitting back on the sofa, Lin Fan picked up the books placed beside him, continuously reviewing key points from the text.

"Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip..."

The ticking sound of the seconds echoed in the room.

Unconsciously, a wave of fatigue suddenly struck. Lin Fan could no longer resist, so he put down the books, sinking into a deep sleep.