The Edge of the Star Field

Departure

Lin Fan's gaze traversed the colossal planetary projection at the center of the square, giving rise to a profound sense of curiosity and eagerness within him.

What manner of planet is this? Could it harbor exotic life forms and undiscovered civilizations? Might it become humanity's second cradle for propagation?

Various possibilities flickered through Lin Fan's mind, and he couldn't wait to set foot on this celestial body and unveil its true nature.

Ji Xuanwu lightly punched Lin Fan's back with a clenched fist, wearing a smiling expression, "Impatient, aren't we?"

Lin Fan's thoughts were laid bare, and he didn't dispute, but his expression had already conveyed everything.

Ji Xuanwu pointed to the planetary projection in front and remarked, "Pay attention. Approximately one-third of this planet's surface area is land, while the remaining two-thirds are covered by oceans. Oceans are considered the cradle of all life, hence, there's a high likelihood of extraterrestrial life on this planet."

"Ah?" Lin Fan exclaimed.

It's worth noting that it has been 101 years since the spaceship left the Blue Star, and during this time, humanity has explored many planets. However, there has never been any mention of discovering extraterrestrial life.

"Team leader, in these 100 years of exploration, haven't we found a suitable source of life on any of the explored planets?" Lin Fan couldn't help but ask.

"What do you think?" Ji Xuanwu scoffed, "The universe is vast and mysterious. Compared to it, we humans are just specks of dust in the dust. There are probably countless planets like this. If finding a source of life was so easy, why bother drifting in space for so long?"

Lin Fan nodded thoughtfully.

"The commander is here!"

Suddenly, someone shouted at the top of their lungs, causing a commotion in the square. The exploration mission can only officially begin after the commander of the external operations corps speaks.

Countless eyes turned towards the command platform in front, with a look of awe. The commander is the supreme commander of the entire external operations corps, and all actions and orders stem from his decisions.

An old man with white hair, surrounded by several guards, crossed the crowd and walked towards the command platform.

"Commander Yang Chongming, our top boss," Ji Xuanwu introduced in a low voice, his eyes showing a hint of awe and admiration.

This was Lin Fan's first time seeing the commander of the external operations corps. He was a tall, sharp-eyed old man, draped in a commander's robe, walking steadily. He didn't look like an elderly person at all.

Just standing there without saying a word, everyone could feel a sense of dignity and majesty.

"Commander, hello."

Someone started the greeting, and soon others followed suit, greeting the commander.

"Hello, everyone."

Commander Yang Chongming responded. He raised his right arm, and thousands of members of the exploration team immediately quieted down. Commander Yang stood on the command platform, serious-faced, his gaze sweeping over every person in the square.

"Everyone, line up."

Commander Yang's voice was not loud but calm, reaching everyone's ears clearly. The previously somewhat chaotic square quickly became orderly. Everyone formed groups, silent, facing the command platform.

Commander Yang Chongming glanced around, nodded slightly, took the folder handed over by the guard behind him, opened it with a "swish," and said, "Anyone mentioned in the roster, report immediately!"

"Ren Xuan Team!"

"Here!" Ren Xuan raised her arm, responding.

Ji Xuanwu looked over, and as Ren Xuan responded, she seemed to sense something, her face changed slightly, and she coldly snorted.

"Christopher Team!"

"Here!" A handsome white man with blonde hair and blue eyes in the crowd responded.

"Amy Team!"

"Here!"

...

"Ji Xuanwu Team!"

"Here!"

...

The entire square was quiet, only the sound of Commander Yang Chongming reading the list and the monotonous "here" responses.

"Very good, everyone is here, no sign of desertion at the last minute!"

After saying this, Commander Yang Chongming put the list back in the folder. One hand rested on the edge of the command platform, and the other pointed to the planet projection in the center of the square, saying solemnly, "This is the target planet for our mission, codenamed Xeno-7."

"It has vast land and oceans, approximately 2.5 times the volume of our hometown, the Blue Star. The atmosphere consists of diluted oxygen and other unknown elements. We cannot confirm yet whether humans can freely breathe in it."

Lin Fan knew that to determine if a planet is suitable for human habitation, the first thing to consider is the oxygen content in the atmosphere.

Oxygen is crucial for human health and survival, supporting respiration, metabolism, immune system, and brain function. Without sufficient oxygen supply, humans cannot live and develop normally.

Commander Yang Chongming continued, "As you can see, according to the data surveyed by our spaceship detectors, about two-thirds of the surface area of this planet is covered by vast oceans, similar to the Blue Star, with only one-third being land."

"Therefore, there is a possibility of extraterrestrial life here. Perhaps, there are unique creatures and civilizations beyond our imagination."

"We humans, in this boundless universe, are just tiny beings. Our intelligence, compared to the mysteries of the universe, is like a gentle breeze. However, at this moment, these tiny beings, this feeble intelligence, are exploring and pursuing endlessly in the universe, challenging the unknown, transcending ourselves. We explore the interstellar, survey planets."

"Perhaps, we are destined to coexist with the universe, constantly moving forward, exploring deeper mysteries. One day, all secrets will be unveiled."

Applause erupted in the square, roaring like thunder and sweeping in like a wild wind.

Yang Chongming smiled slightly, raised both arms, his voice overpowering the enthusiastic applause, full of elevated emotions, "This is the first exploration mission after the restructuring of the external operations corps. Next, you will go in groups to different areas for exploration."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over every face in the square, as if directly touching each person's heart, "I know. You are the best soldiers, the most reliable partners. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you cannot be defeated."

Commander Yang Chongming suddenly waved his hand, sternly shouting, "Depart!"