Chapter 1318: Loss of Contact with the Canaan Star Alliance Experimental Planet

Three days later, Markus's team completed the preliminary survey and design.

In the Immigration Bureau's Meeting Room, Markus displayed the holographic planning map to Viktor and the officials of the Immigration Bureau.

"This is the master plan for Freedom City."

Markus pointed at the Holographic Star Map.

"The road system, water supply system, power supply system, drainage system, and communication system are all clearly marked."

He pointed to the area in the east of the city.

"Here, we will build a water plant. We will draw water from the river, purify it, and supply it to the whole city."

He pointed to the area in the north of the city.

"Here, we will build a power station. A fusion reactor will provide stable power."

He pointed to the area in the center of the city.

"Here, we will build a Sewage Treatment Plant. All domestic sewage will be treated centrally and discharged after meeting the standards."

He pointed to the area in the south of the city.

"Here, we will build a communication base station. It will cover the entire city and the surrounding areas."

Viktor looked at the map, his eyes filled with emotion.

"Lord Perturabo has truly gone to great lengths."

Markus said.

"Lord Perturabo said that these are just the first steps. Once this infrastructure is built, he will send people to build schools, hospitals, libraries, and parks. He wants to make New Hope Star one of the most livable planets in the Bode Star System."

Viktor's eyes moistened slightly.

"Lord Perturabo... we don't know how to thank him."

Markus shook his head.

"No need to thank him. He said this is what he should do."

He paused.

"He said, 'The Emperor's subjects should live good lives. This is the Emperor's will, and it is also my will.'"

The Meeting Room was silent.

Viktor stood up and bowed deeply to Markus.

"Please convey to Lord Perturabo that the people of New Hope Star will never forget his kindness."

Markus helped him up.

"Director, there is no need for this. Lord Perturabo does not like these empty formalities. He likes practical things."

Viktor straightened up.

"Then we will repay him with practical things. We will build New Hope Star well and let the people here live good lives. That is the best thanks."

Markus nodded.

"Well said."

He turned to face his team.

"Brothers, let's get to work."

The engineers responded in unison.

"Let's get to work!"

That afternoon, a simple groundbreaking ceremony was held at the water plant construction site in the east of the city.

There was no red carpet, no flowers, and no salute guns.

There was a group of engineers in work clothes and a group of immigrants who had just gained their freedom.

Viktor stood in the crowd, watching Markus and several engineers drive the first pile into the construction site.

"Start!"

Markus shouted.

The pile driver roared, and the first pile slowly entered the ground.

Warm applause erupted from the crowd.

An old man stepped forward and took Markus's hand.

"Thank you... thank you all..."

Markus looked at him.

"Old man, no need to thank us. This is what we should do."

The old man shook his head.

"You gave us houses, you gave us food, you gave us medical care. Now you are building roads, water, and electricity for us. You are not just 'doing what you should,' you are saving lives."

"Old man, Lord Perturabo once said that people do not live just to survive. They must also live with dignity. You have suffered too much, and now it is time for you to enjoy life."

Tears welled up in the old man's eyes.

"Lord Perturabo... who is he?"

Markus said.

"He is the Emperor's son. A truly remarkable man."

The old man nodded.

"Then he is also our benefactor."

A week later, Markus received a reply from Perturabo.

The letter was short, only a few lines.

"Report received. The plan is feasible. Execute according to the schedule. If you need anything, say so at any time. Perturabo."

Markus showed the letter to Viktor.

Viktor finished reading it and laughed.

"Lord Perturabo is truly a man of few words."

Markus laughed as well.

"He has always been this way. If he can explain something in ten words, he will never use eleven."

Viktor returned the letter to Markus.

"Thank him for me."

Markus nodded.

"I will."

He turned around, looked at the construction site outside the window, and said in a low voice.

"Lord Perturabo. New Hope Star is truly becoming a hope."

Canaan Star Alliance Capital Star, Supreme Council Chamber.

The morning sunlight spilled into the Meeting Room through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Viridius sat at the head of the conference table, with an encrypted report that had just been delivered spread out before him.

His three eyes were bloodshot, and his light gray skin appeared even duller under the lights.

His composure was being eroded bit by bit by a single report.

The door was knocked on lightly.

"Come in."

The Adjutant walked in.

"Speaker, the news from X-7-009 Star... has been confirmed."

Viridius raised his head and looked at him.

"Speak."

"The experimental planet has completely lost contact. The last signal received came from the planet's defense force, and the content was very brief: 'A large number of unknown creatures have appeared in the rift and are attacking the base. Requesting emergency support.' Then, the signal was cut off."

Viridius's fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, making a rhythmic sound.

"What about the defense fleet? Where is our fleet?"

The Adjutant said.

"The defense fleet stationed on the periphery of the star system has also lost contact. The last communication stated that the number of those creatures was too great, and the fleet's firepower could not stop them at all. They are Devouring everything—bases, ships, the planet..."

Viridius's pupils contracted slightly.

"Devouring the planet?"

The Adjutant nodded.

"Yes, Speaker. The report says the rift is expanding rapidly. Those creatures, similar to the Zerg, are pouring out of the rift like a tide, more and more, faster and faster. The Commander of the defense fleet said at the last moment that this is not a war; it is... it is a massacre."

The Meeting Room fell into a brief Silence.

Viridius was silent for a long time.

Then he asked.

"What about Dian? Where is the person in charge of the experiment, Dian?"

The Adjutant shook his head.

"Lost contact. There is no news at all."

Viridius leaned back in his chair.

"Notify all high-level officials. We will hold a meeting in one hour."

The Adjutant nodded and turned to leave.

Viridius sat alone in the Meeting Room, looking at the starry sky of the Canaan Star Alliance outside the window.

"Zerg."