91: Fire Coordinates and Expedition Launch

The message sent back by the wind chaser from the depths of the Oort Cloud was like a dawn breaking through the long night, illuminating the path forward for humanity. The coordinates of the Guardian Civilization's ultimate legacy—the Seed Vault—had finally been confirmed!

On the bridge of the hope, Sun Zheng and all the senior Commanders stared at the star map on the main screen sent back by Captain Renault. The coordinate point was located deep within a distant and unfamiliar nebula, far from the galactic arm where the Solar System resided. Its distance was so great that it far exceeded any previous voyage in human history. Even with the newly developed Hyperspace Jump Engine based on Order Energy principles, this would be a long expedition filled with unknowns.

“According to the information obtained from the interaction between the wind chaser and the order beacon,” Captain Renault’s voice came through the faster-than-light communication, carrying a hint of imperceptible excitement, “the Seed Vault is not a simple armory or database. In their final moments, the Guardian Civilization sealed their core technology, history, and even the sparks of their civilization here, hoping that one day in the future, the power of order could rise again to combat the Whispering Shadows. It is our only hope against the ultimate chaos.”

Beside the star map, there was also a short message left by the Guardians, translated by the beacon:

【To the Successors:】

【When you receive these coordinates, it means that order has reached the brink of survival.】

【The Seed Vault contains the origin spark; it is the source power of order and the key to reshaping reality.】

【The road ahead is treacherous; the Reapers and the Whispering Shadows will surely obstruct you.】

【May order guide you.】

The message was short, yet it weighed heavily. It not only confirmed the value of the target but also foretold the dangers ahead. “The Reapers and the Whispering Shadows” clearly referred to the Scrin and other terrifying entities that the void whisper might send out.

“We have no choice.” Sun Zheng’s voice broke the silence of the bridge, firm and calm. “Earth’s crisis has only been temporarily delayed; the threat in the abyss is still gathering. Only by finding the Seed Vault and obtaining the origin spark can we fundamentally turn the tide.”

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over every comrade: “This will be the most distant and dangerous expedition in our civilization's history. But we have no way back. For Earth, for Mars, and for all our compatriots struggling to survive on the wasteland, we must depart.”

With the decision made, the power of the entire Alliance began to operate at full capacity for this epic expedition.

The Expeditionary Fleet assembly plan—the “Ark” Project—was officially launched.

Led by the newly commissioned defender-class cruiser, which integrated the Order Shield, Phase-Prism Main Cannons, and a Hyperspace Jump Engine, it was named the resolute and served as the flagship. It would carry the most advanced scientific research equipment, powerful weapon systems, and an ecological cycle and energy core sufficient to maintain long-term voyages.

It was accompanied by two defender-class destroyers (the hope and the resolute) as escorts, as well as a modified starshuttle-class vessel (the pathfinder) specifically for deep-space exploration and advance reconnaissance.

The fleet members were strictly screened, including the best crew members, scientists, Engineers, and a special marine unit led by Shadow, equipped with the latest order armaments.

While the fleet was intensely preparing for battle, Sun Zheng entered the homeworld space once more. The light of the glimmer keystone at the center of the space flowed, appearing to resonate on a deeper level with the Seed Vault at the distant coordinates. When Sun Zheng placed his hand on the keystone and focused his mind on the expedition, the keystone fed back a clear stream of information:

【Successor's determination detected... Synchronization rate increasing...】

【Deep-level permissions unlocked: Order Resonance Network (Primary).】

【Effect: Within a certain range, establish a more stable long-distance connection with creations of the same order source, sharing perception and coordinating energy.】

【Warning: Excessive use will consume a large amount of mental power and may expose your location.】

This was a powerful auxiliary ability, crucial for exploration and responding to emergencies during the deep-space expedition. Sun Zheng silently noted it; this might be the keystone's “blessing” for this expedition.

At the same time, the remaining forces at the Mars and Moon Bases also completed reorganization and reinforcement. Colonel Falcon was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of Solar System Defense, and Colonel A001 was responsible for the Moon Base and Earth liaison affairs. With the five activated beacons and the initially established Starlink Stabilization Field, a relatively stable defense system was temporarily formed within the Solar System. Although it could not eradicate the hidden danger of the Earth's abyss, it was enough to hold out until the Expeditionary Fleet returned.

The day of departure finally arrived.

In front of the massive shipyard in lunar orbit, the Expeditionary Fleet, ready for departure, looked like four unsheathed sharp swords, shimmering with a cold light under the starlight. On the bow of the expeditionary vessel cruiser, the newly painted emblem, composed of stars and a key pattern, shone brightly.

Sun Zheng stood on the bridge of the expeditionary vessel, looking back through the massive viewport at the familiar blue planet and the red Mars. There were his comrades, compatriots waiting to be saved, and the foundation of civilization.

“Commander, all systems checked, fleet is ready.” Shadow’s voice came from the communication channel; he had been appointed as the Marine Commander of the Expeditionary Fleet.

Sun Zheng took a deep breath and connected to the fleet-wide communication. His voice reached the ears of every member of the fleet clearly and was also transmitted back to the Solar System via quantum communication:

“Soldiers of the Expeditionary Force!”

“Today, we are about to set sail, heading for the other side of the sea of stars to find the fire of hope that will save our civilization.”

“Ahead is the unknown abyss, powerful enemies, and unimaginable hardships.”

“But behind us is our home, our responsibility, and countless pairs of expectant eyes!”

“We may sacrifice ourselves, but the spark we pursue will surely illuminate the path for those who follow!”

“I order: Expeditionary Fleet, set sail!”

“Target—the origin spark!”

The Hyperspace Jump Engine of the expeditionary vessel emitted a low roar, and a ghostly blue light began to envelop the massive hull. The other three warships also started their engines simultaneously.

In the next moment, four streaks of blue light tore through space, and the fleet instantly disappeared from lunar orbit, leaping into the vast hyperspace lanes, heading towards those distant coordinates without looking back.