382: Choice

Li Yang's heart sank as if into an ice cellar, a heavy pressure making him almost breathless.

Just at this critical moment, a flash of inspiration suddenly struck Li Yang's mind. He spoke excitedly, as if grasping at the last straw.

"That's right, all of us officers entered here as special duplicates to carry out our mission. Even if we die, it's just the duplicate perishing!"

Li Yang's eyes instantly firmed. He looked at Pal and commanded decisively,

"Pal, immediately notify all starships. Have all crew members who are not duplicates enter the escape pods, initiate a space jump to leave here, and return to our original universe. As for those who are duplicates, they will stay with me."

Pal was first stunned upon hearing Li Yang's words, then suddenly realized. He then remembered that he and many officers had indeed not entered this dangerous area in their original bodies.

However, just as Pal was about to execute the order, Researcher Hua Xi stepped forward, looking worried, and said anxiously,

"But, Comrade Li Yang, this situation is not optimistic. This is, after all, another universe, and it's an extremely unstable, limited space within this universe. The space has already shown signs of fragmentation and other complex issues. With so many unfavorable factors, once a duplicate is killed, it's very likely to affect the original body."

Researcher Hua Xi gestured as he spoke, his eyes full of worry.

He knew that this decision not only concerned the lives of everyone present but also potentially the safety of their original bodies in the original universe.

Every decision at this moment was like walking on the edge of a cliff; a slight misstep could lead to eternal damnation.

This also explained why the officers of the starship that went missing initially, even when facing immense difficulties on that planet full of unknown dangers, dared not easily choose suicide to return to their original bodies and report the situation.

They knew that in such a complex and dangerous environment, the perishing of a duplicate could very likely bring unpredictable consequences to the original body.

"Researcher Hua Xi, you said there's a high probability of an effect. What exactly is that effect?"

Li Yang's expression was grave, his gaze fixed on Researcher Hua Xi as he asked urgently.

At this moment, he needed a clear understanding of all possible situations to make the most appropriate decision.

Researcher Hua Xi frowned slightly, then pondered for a moment before saying,

"Hmm... based on theory and similar past cases, amnesia might occur. The original body's memories could be partially or even completely lost. There's also a possibility of falling into an unconscious state, where physical functions are maintained but consciousness is in chaos, unable to awaken. These situations are all possible."

Li Yang's heart sank upon hearing this, but he still suppressed his worry and immediately followed up with a question,

"Can life be guaranteed? As long as the original body's life safety can be ensured, other problems can still be resolved."

In this life-or-death moment, life was undoubtedly the most important bottom line.

Researcher Hua Xi nodded affirmatively and said,

"That's definitely not a problem. The original body's vital signs should be able to remain stable. It's just that on a mental level, there might be varying degrees of shock and impact."

Hearing that life safety was guaranteed, Li Yang felt a little more at ease. After a brief thought, he decisively said,

"Then it's no problem. Do as I say! The current situation is urgent; we cannot abandon the lives of most Soldiers because of this small risk."

At this moment, he displayed the courage and responsibility expected of an officer.

"Yes!"

Pal responded without hesitation. He knew the urgency of the situation and wasted no time, immediately turning to relay Li Yang's order.

Li Yang slowly turned around, his gaze gentle and firm as he looked at Brothers Hua Dong and Hua Xi, and said sincerely,

"comrades Hua Dong and Researcher Hua Xi, you two should still go into the escape pods. As important researchers of the Empire, you bear the heavy responsibility of advancing Imperial technological progress. This situation is special; once a duplicate is killed, it could cause irreparable harm to your original bodies' minds, and for the Empire, the loss would be immeasurable. Therefore, you two should leave here."

Li Yang knew that their wisdom and talent were valuable assets to the Empire, and he couldn't bear to let them take such a risk.

Hua Dong's expression instantly became serious upon hearing Li Yang's words. He puffed out his chest, his eyes showing determination and resolve, and said,

"Comrade Li Yang, you're wrong. We may be researchers, but we are first and foremost Soldiers of the Empire! Only then are we researchers. The situation after a duplicate is killed in this instance is, for us, a rare research opportunity. This might allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between duplicates and original bodies in a cross-universe environment, providing valuable experience for similar future research."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Researcher Hua Xi, who nodded vigorously in agreement with Hua Dong's words.

"Alright, since you two have made up your minds and are willing to stay, then stay and face this with me."

Li Yang was moved by their determination, and a feeling of admiration welled up in his heart.

Then, Li Yang turned his gaze to Lin Bi, who was nearby, and asked gently,

"Comrade Lin Bi, what about you? Are you also willing to stay and fight alongside us, or do you choose to board an escape pod?"

At this moment, Li Yang respected everyone's choice; whatever decision Lin Bi made, he would understand.

"What are you talking about?"

Lin Bi frowned slightly, glancing at Li Yang with a hint of displeasure.

"Do you really expect me to flee in the face of battle?"

Lin Bi knew clearly that as a Soldier of the Empire, fearlessness in danger and adherence to his mission were ingrained beliefs. How could he choose to run away at this critical juncture?

Moreover, even if a duplicate truly met with misfortune, at most it would just be some mental issues for the original body.

With the Empire's current advanced technological level, as long as the original body still had vital signs, it wouldn't be difficult to rescue it from the brink of danger.

While the group was conversing, Pal had already swiftly and orderly arranged everything.

He hurried back, stood tall, faced Li Yang, saluted him with a standard military salute, and reported loudly,

"Reporting, Captain Li Yang, all non-duplicate personnel have successfully entered the escape pods, and all preparations are complete, ready to initiate the escape procedure at any time. Additionally, after statistics, not a single officer who is a duplicate chose to board an escape pod; they are all willing to advance and retreat with you."

Pal's voice was firm and powerful, conveying a reassuring strength in the slightly tense atmosphere.