Chapter 72: Savior of Earth!
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The underground base in Xia Du.
The time for a top-secret meeting has come again.
All nine members of the council, apart from Colonel Chu, are present.
Councilman Sun takes the lead.
Without wasting any words, he dives straight in, “Today’s meeting is called because it’s an optimal time to…”
“The majority of the alien fleet has returned to the moon, transporting rare earth resources, leaving Earth’s defenses weak…”
“Zhao Yu is in Chang’an for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, undoubtedly accompanied by several s.p.a.ceships…”
…..
“Furthermore, the cage that aliens plan to install around Earth isn’t built yet…”
“Given these points, we have two strategies that need immediate resolution…”
“Firstly, concerning the blockade by moon-based aliens, should we dispatch a s.p.a.ceship to venture into deep s.p.a.ce for help…”
“Secondly, since the aliens are negotiating with us through Zhao Yu, should we send individuals to the moon, infiltrate their ranks, and take his place…”
Councilman Sun briskly lays out the situation, “Now, let’s commence the discussion on the first strategy…”
Upon hearing this, Councilman Zhou is the first to respond. “Sending a s.p.a.ceship away from Earth seems ill-advised. If what Zhao Yu says holds true, and the universe follows the Dark Forest Law, then wouldn’t we be marching towards our own doom…”
The two councilmen next to him agreed. “Other civilizations surely exist in the universe. Our prime move should be to conceal ourselves…”
The rest of the councilmen keep their thoughts to themselves for now.
Councilman Sun then says, “Indeed, we need to hide ourselves if there are other civilizations in the universe. But what’s the point if the moon-based aliens have already seized control of our Earth?”
“Plus, let’s not forget, Zhao Yu was the one who proposed the universe adheres to the Dark Forest Law…”
“Under normal circ.u.mstances, they should’ve wiped us out instantly, yet here we are. Why?”
“Because the moon-based aliens are waiting for their mothership to be repaired before striking!”
“Does anyone see a flaw in this reasoning?!”
The councilmen shake their heads. The think tank members’ a.n.a.lysis was already very clear that day.
“Thus, our current peace is merely temporary. Don’t let the aliens’ fleeting and deceptive kindness blind you…”
Councilman Sun continues, “The countdown to Earth’s annihilation has begun.
Only by seeking external help can we hope to survive in the tight spot we’re in…”
“If we don’t reach out to the depths of s.p.a.ce for aid, we’ll certainly be obliterated by the moon aliens within six months, or three years at most…”
“But if we do seek help from deep s.p.a.ce, even if the other alien civilizations intend to obliterate Earth, they’ll inevitably clash with the moon aliens first…”
“Fight fire with fire, survive amidst chaos, this is the grim reality we’re forced to accept…”
“Furthermore, if the universe really does obey the Dark Forest Law, then ‘yes,’ we have a mere 0.01% chance of survival. But if ‘no,’ then the Universe Federation would intervene to prevent the moon aliens from destroying us, effectively increasing our survival odds by 50%…”
Having said all he intended, Councilman Sun believes everyone present can comprehend the gravity of the situation.
“Let’s put it to a vote. Those in favor, please raise your hand…” He raises his hand first.
Apart from him, only two others raise their hands.
A frown forms on Councilman Sun’s face as he turns to Councilman Zhou, confused.
Councilman Zhou shook his head, dismissing the idea. “That’s reckless. We must delay this proposal. Once we transmit a signal, we’ll exhaust all our chances of reconciliation with the moon’s aliens…”
Recognizing the futility of the current topic, Councilman Sun chose to move forward. He prompted, “Let’s delve into our second plan. Should we dispatch a human envoy to the moon, infiltrating the alien ranks…”
“Zhao Yu is clearly from Great Xia, only he was seized by aliens five years ago, his mind reshaped…”
“He commands such respect from us that we can’t even exercise the power of
Great Xia autonomously. We resort to appeasing him with women…”
“The core issue is that Zhao Yu is deeply trusted by the aliens, serving as their representative in negotiations with us…”
“But what in his words are the thoughts of the aliens, and what are his own beliefs?!”
“For us, it remains unknown, yet we’re obligated to adhere to it strictly…”
The blue moon loomed overhead, disturbing everyone’s sleep as they feared its potential descent to Earth.
“Likewise, the information acquired from Zhao Yu is tainted with his bias, obstructing our ability to speculate and understand the genuine intentions of the aliens…”
“Hence, we must send someone across, at all costs, infiltrating the alien core.
Ideally, they should replace Zhao Yu as our negotiator…”
“If the aliens have mastered brainwashing technology, it doesn’t seem to be of any use even if we send them over…” Councilman Zhou interrupted.
Councilman Sun shook his head, dismissing the idea. “Their brainwashing technology isn’t that profound, it’s not something that can command absolute obedience…”
“If that were the case, they would have exploited us by now. Why would they bother sending Zhao Yu to broker deals?”
“Moreover,” he added, “even if the person we send over cannot gain the aliens’ trust like Zhao Yu, they’d surely seize an opportunity to gather intel within the moon alien base…”
“I hope they could relay information back to us before the moon aliens wipe us out, giving us some time to react…”
Councilman Sun sighed deeply, uttering slowly, “Our Blue Planet teeters on the brink of disaster. On the surface, all seems calm, but we are a small vessel in a vast ocean, threatened by a storm, at risk of capsizing at any moment…”
“The actions we’re taking may not save our planet, but they might increase our chances of survival…”
“Even if each plan offers a meager 0.01% chance of enhancing the survival rate by 0.001%, we should pursue it…”
His words echoed in the hearts of those present, stirring a somber mood.
Councilman Zhou sighed deeply, stating, “This is the most perilous era since human existence. Even if it costs us our lives, we must safeguard the flame of human civilization…”
Nodding, Councilman Sun initiated the vote, “Those in favor of this plan, please raise your hand!”
This time, all eight of them unanimously approved the proposal.
“Alright,” he hastened, “before the ribbon-cutting ceremony begins, we must launch the s.p.a.cecraft, being careful to steer clear of the blue moon and the moon…”
At the s.p.a.ce Agency.
“Don’t look so grim, I’m not going to my death…”
Zhang Tao, with a smile, playfully slapped Chief Engineer Yang’s arm.
Chief Engineer Yang’s expression was heavy. He had a lot to say, but at this moment, he was at a loss for words.
This mission was unlike any moon landing. The mortality rate was extremely high. Even though Zhang Tao claimed he wasn’t going to his death, Chief Engineer Yang knew the probability of him surviving was very low.
Even if he successfully reached the moon, the moment he transmitted information back to Earth one day, he’d be marked for death.
Zhang Tao, seemingly in good spirits, chuckled, “This is a good thing. If I succeed, I will be hailed as humanity’s savior, leaving a mark in history. You should be congratulating me.”
“Yes,” Chief Engineer Yang responded solemnly. “You will become a savior, but
I’d rather have you alive and well…”
“Old friend, don’t talk like that. If I don’t go, someone else will. My chances of success are even higher if I go,” Zhang Tao interrupted, giving Yang another playful punch. He laughed, “I’m entrusting my daughter to you. Remember, if your son dares to bully my daughter, I’ll haunt your house even as a ghost…”
Watching Zhang Tao trying to lighten the mood with humor, Chief Engineer Yang struggled to muster a smile. He solemnly pledged, “I will take care of your daughter as if she were my own!”
“Good. With that, I’m rea.s.sured,” said Zhang Tao, his eyes welling up. He blinked rapidly, swallowing his tears, then turned away.
“No more talk. The launch window is short, and I must go. Any longer, and I’ll miss the opportunity.”
Not far away, the onlooking staff silently observed the exchange. When the conversation ended, Councilman Sun stepped forward.
“Zhang Tao, the fate of humanity is now in your hands.”
Zhang Tao immediately became serious, saluting in response, “I will face the danger head-on, considering death as going home. I will do everything in my power, even if it means sacrificing myself, to secure a future for humanity…”
“Salute!” Councilman Sun shouted, and everyone present returned Zhang Tao’s salute.
Tears welled up in every eye, but they understood. This sacrifice was necessary. If not Zhang Tao, it would be someone else.
Zhang Tao hurriedly returned the salute, then turned and strode towards the s.p.a.cecraft.
He was afraid that he couldn’t hold back his tears any longer.
Just as he reached the s.p.a.cecraft’s door, Zhang Tao finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. He turned around, seeing the teary-eyed crew, and laughed loudly, “Everyone must die someday, but I will leave a legacy for eternity. My friends, I’ve seized this chance to make history. When I return, I’ll be sure to drink three cups in self-punishment!”
With that, he turned and plunged into the s.p.a.cecraft.
…..
Tears streamed down every face present.
Chief Engineer Yang’s face was streaked with tears, but in this moment, he clenched his fist and shouted, “Zhang Tao, you promised. You owe us three cups of drink, so you have to come back!”
Zhang Tao didn’t lookback, but just before he disappeared from sight, he waved.
Watching Zhang Tao’s heroic departure, Councilman Sun was moved and loudly declared, “Zhang Tao, we await your victorious return!”
Upon hearing this, all the staff could no longer hold back. In unison, they shouted, “Zhang Tao, we await your victorious return!”
Their voices thundered, shaking hearts and resonating in the ears of all present.
The s.p.a.cecraft door closed, and Zhang Tao, who had kept his cool until now, finally couldn’t resist any longer and tears trickled down his face.
“With people like you, our nation has nothing to fear!”