Covert on Planet R

1499 Words
Andrew was still lost in the warmth of the moment, and the spacecraft gradually returned to quiet. Silver Geng focused on studying the navigation map on the communicator, noticing that the flight path seemed to lead directly to Planet R. Apart from the wandering star, Nomadis, where she used to live and her current work at Paxoria, she had never been to any other major star systems. Considering that the resonant tracker might be Andrew's design and require his tuning, Silver Geng thought, "Why not accompany the military?" It would make sense to do so. It was as if Silver Geng heard her thoughts, as she received instructions from Commander Qi Lanye on the communicator. "Silver Geng, please ensure Andrew's safety. The resonant tracker needs data relay stations set up in four locations on Planet R. Your first task is to go to Planet R and carry out this mission. After reaching the interstellar border checkpoint, Yasuo will return to the military. Due to the current tense situation, R-side might not allow us to lead a military search for personnel, so you and Andrew must maintain strict confidentiality regarding your identities. New credentials will be provided by Yasuo, and you will enter Planet R as members of the Interstellar Travel Group." Qi Lanye was standing in the highest command post and, after a brief pause, continued to relay instructions via the communicator. "Please remember, Lieutenant Silver Geng, protect Andrew at all costs." Once the task was assigned, Silver Geng carefully examined the map of Planet R on her communicator. The map revealed a roughly rectangular triangular shape, with the southeast area showing relatively minimal detail. Silver Geng suspected that this region might have a more complex political space. The northwest direction showed a resource-rich area on Planet R, occupying about half of the planet's territory. As a resource planet, it was the lifeblood of the Resourcia star system. Other directions, as members of the Interstellar Travel Group, should be accessible with ease. It was only these two locations that might pose a challenge. As for setting up relay stations, Silver Geng didn't quite understand, thinking it should be Andrew's responsibility. However, examining the map, ensuring their safety and protecting Andrew's safety were her primary tasks. In addition to her exceptional close combat skills, other skills like map reconnaissance, route surveying, and spacecraft operation were essential for elite Federation S-class warriors. Clearly, they were much more than just proficient in close combat. Suddenly, the spacecraft started to experience intense turbulence. The route from Planet P to Planet R was typically well-established, and such violent cosmic turbulence was rare. "Mr. Andrew, Miss Silver Geng, please don't worry; it will be over soon," Yasuo reassured them. Silver Geng wasn't particularly concerned because she had experience with interstellar travel, even if it was on wandering stars. Cosmic turbulence was quite common there, as these stars lacked the maintenance and management of gravity wells, unlike major star systems. Silver Geng wasn't worried, but Andrew was a different story. To her, he seemed like a domesticated canary. You could almost see the sweat forming on his forehead beneath the neatly combed hair. Silver Geng thought he was biting his lip in silence, resembling a puppy that had accompanied her through the wandering stars. Scared of everything but never uttering a sound. "Little boss~" Though Silver Geng maintained her usual playful tone, her voice had a soothing undertone. She couldn't help but reach out and pat Andrew's neatly combed bangs. While she was quite shocked and nervous about the sudden disappearance of her idol, Ji En was a distant figure for Silver Geng, always living within a holographic projection. Besides, given the importance the Federation attached to this mission and the fact that it was personally ordered by the commander, along with Andrew being chosen for the task, she had a hunch that nothing too serious would happen. So, Silver Geng wasn't overly worried. In the language of online chat, she was a bona fide "fake fan." On the other hand, she was much more concerned about the little canary and ensuring that they kept their meal ticket. Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit taken aback by the sudden intimacy. In his previous command post, he had been protected like a vacuum. Although he was very interested in military design, Qi Lanye had only arranged for him to have a tutor and provided various materials. It had never put him in touch with more people, especially those of his own age or, more importantly, the opposite s*x. Physical contact was virtually non-existent, especially with other people, and it was even rarer with physical contact. Andrew rarely left the command post, and even within the command post, he never had personal security personnel. It was mostly his own choice. If it weren't for his significant contributions to military design that forced him to follow the military around, he probably wouldn't have accepted personal protection from anyone even now. Now, someone was touching him, and this person had just saved him. This was incredibly disconcerting for him. However, the touch also provided an unusual comfort that he couldn't explain. This contradiction left him dazed. Fortunately, he felt much calmer after the recent turbulence due to this contact. "Yasuo, why was there such significant cosmic turbulence on the standard route from Planet P to Planet R? Do the gravity wells need maintenance?" Silver Geng asked in a half-serious, half-inquisitive manner. "You're right; lately, we've encountered some turbulence when going out with the commander. But it hasn't been as intense as this time." After the brief turbulence, they arrived safely at the checkpoint. Yasuo handed over their false identities and then left. Skilled spacecraft pilots were somewhat rare, and since Yasuo was an S-class pilot, many people recognized him. To avoid raising suspicions, leaving the military and accompanying them as a member of the Interstellar Travel Group was the best option. Their new identities were as students traveling from Planet P, recent graduates from the sociology college, looking to explore the world after graduation. "Little boss~ Let's enjoy our journey!" Silver Geng said playfully but was also trying to reassure Andrew. Entering the checkpoint, they needed to go in one at a time, where the inspectors asked routine questions, such as the purpose of their visit and when they planned to leave. They made a good impression as the young and enthusiastic newlyweds on a graduation trip. Silver Geng expertly wove her story, creating an image of a young academic graduate deeply in love. With the appearance of having a total of 2 million flux lumens in savings, she presented herself as a brilliant academic enthusiast ready to explore society. Having established this façade, Silver Geng passed through the checkpoint smoothly. She changed into casual attire and carried a small bag, appearing like a typical recent graduate. Before entering the checkpoint, Silver Geng had briefed Andrew about their roles. In addition to the image of the wealthy heir and academic enthusiast, another aspect was portrayed to help Andrew: a sociology graduate with an introverted, lovestruck personality. With these character outlines in mind, Andrew, although well aware it was all a façade, was able to answer the inspector's questions smoothly and convincingly. "They finally arrived at their destination, R-star, Paxoria. Here, high-rise buildings and a bustling city center give way to the struggles of marginalized people in the streets as you move further from the city center. At the intersection of interstellar highways, elegant structures overlook unfortunate shelters, and the city districts exhibit extreme diversity. This is Paxoria, a planet that is rich yet politically marginalized, beautiful yet decaying. The abundance of Resourcia ore has led to extreme wealth inequality.” Silver Geng, who had entered remarkably smoothly, asked Andrew, "Why weren't you nervous at all back there, young boss~?” "Because it was fake..." Andrew replied. Was it because he knew it was fake that Andrew could almost detach himself from the situation? Silver Geng agreed and curiously pursed her lips. Now, as for their current destination, taking the easier steps first, they naturally needed to head to the bustling southern region. Exiting the R Star checkpoint led to the planet's most vibrant economic center. This, Silver Geng thought, was the simplest location to set up. As Andrew briefly explained to Silver Geng how to arrange things on their spacecraft, they needed to consider using existing devices for a rapid and discreet setup. While the relay device was only the size of a palm with the thickness of a finger, appearing abruptly in other places could still easily attract R-side surveillance. "When should we go...?" Andrew looked at Silver Geng, hoping for a clear answer. The mission was urgent, yet Silver Geng seemed rather relaxed. "No rush, young Andrew. Don't we need to check in for our travels first?" Silver Geng was a master of acting, going so far as to change her address to match the scenario.
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