Story Reader / Main Story / 28 Polaris Bond / Story
Years later, as future generations crafted the epitaph of this era, they would inscribe the following words:
In an age where boundless energy unleashed unprecedented productivity, clean electricity suffused every aspect of life. The skies were free of industrial smoke; food was synthesized with precision by machines.
Advances in biomedical and prosthetic technologies extended human lifespans, yet the pursuit of immortality was abandoned, for the future of a civilization lies in its ability to evolve and iterate—a true legacy is found in the lives of its progeny.
The old shackles were broken, freeing up countless hours for people to pursue their true potential. No longer burdened by concerns over housing or making a living, children dreamed of becoming scientists in laboratories and astronauts aboard space stations. Meanwhile, the humanities and arts flourished once again, reclaiming their rightful splendor.
Information was no longer a needle in a haystack but a door wide open to all, inviting progress and the pursuit of knowledge.
Orphanages emptied, famines ceased, poverty was eradicated, and wars faded into history. Youthful hands penned verses that illuminated the cosmos, turning the gaze of humanity beyond the azure confines of Earth.
The stars are no longer a distant future, but a near tomorrow. We've built a magnificent city on the moon, and our swords, shields, and plows will conquer the entire solar system.
Our era was noble, grand, resounding with the echoes of hope.
Glory to those who look forward to the future!
Glory to those who march boldly forward!
Just as the present was once envisioned from the past—
Humans on Earth will not only resonate with nearby satellites but also with the vast, boundless universe.
Gazing at the slowly spinning blue planet outside the window, Qu recalls this line she once read.
It is her first time looking back at Earth from such a position.
The next moment, her reverie is interrupted by a hand reaching out in front of her. The white sleeve of the uniform marks it belonged to the man as a member of the space station's crew.
Sometimes I can just sit here and watch this scene all day without getting bored.
Nice to meet you, Lady Qu. I am Huihan.
He introduces himself, his familiar accent and features requiring no translator to reveal his identity.
And you are?
I was dispatched from Kowloong to the Science Council's Aerospace Center back when Lord Zheng was in charge.
Decades have flown by, and now with the World Government established, it feels like just a blink of an eye.
I served as commander for over ten years and now I've stepped down to be a regular operator.
Impressive.
Qu nods, shaking his hand in a gesture of mutual respect, though she struggled to recall any specific memory of his name.
Have you always lived on the International Space Station?
I occasionally go down with the transport pods, but I prefer it here.
Huihan gestures toward the blue planet outside the window.
Compared to Kowloong and the ground, this feels more like home.
Down there, I often feel squeezed, overwhelmed by the crowds.
Here, I float through the spaceport or wander the lunar construction sites.
It's strange, but space is where I find my peace.
Perhaps it's the freedom.
We've been tethered to the ground for far too long.
Possibly. I wonder if children born in these stars will share this feeling.
Your children might feel the same.
Haha, but I never got married. Thanks to your administration, my parents are well taken care of, so I have no worries.
The middle-aged man grins, his expression warm and unguarded. It feels as though there is no hierarchy between him and Qu, almost as if they are old friends.
That's why I'm so free.
Oh, by the way, I heard Kowloong is now into robotics and androids?
Seems like you still care about your hometown?
I keep up with the news.
I see products from Universal Toy here on the station too. That's—
Bzzzz—
Lady Qu, the docking operations with the lunar base are nearly finished.
Lianshan's voice comes through the communicator by Qu's ear.
Today marks the assembly of the multi-functional orbital satellite network. Norman Mining Corp and the World Government's military, both spearheading the lunar base project, have invited numerous leaders to the International Space Station for the inauguration.
Not only Qu, but also the Chief of the Arctic Route Union, representatives from the Transatlantic Economic Community and Akdilek Commercial Alliance, and key figures from the World Government, including President Trillard, are all gathered here.
To serve as the central command hub, the International Space Station has descended to its lowest orbit. After adjusting the positions of 240 orbital satellites, it ascended to a geostationary orbit and then descended once more to settle permanently at an altitude of 25000 kilometers.
This is why the blue planet filled the entire window in front of Qu.
Understood, thank you for your hard work.
Once the lunar base expansion is complete, the construction of "Eden-II" will fully transfer to the lunar base and lunar orbit...
That's precisely why we need to finalize the docking via the International Space Station—
Suddenly, alarms blare, cutting off Qu's words.
Almost simultaneously, several uniformed Yazi guards rush from the corners to form a protective circle around Qu, nearly knocking Huihan off balance.
Hmm...
We have a situation.
Lady Qu, please have these Yazi take you to the safety cabin, and quickly.
And it's not just you; they're moving all the leaders to the safety cabin as well... I need to check what's going on.
The soldier in front of Qu gives a sharp salute with the Kowloong military gesture, then quickly heads deeper into the space station.
Let's move...
Do you know where the safety cabin is?
The small cabin is crowded, with each leader accompanied by their guards, except for Trillard who is seated at the front.
It's really too crowded in here, everyone.
Let's have all your guards step outside. They can wait at the door.
Don't worry, in a place like this, it's never just a matter of one or two people getting hurt. But if we face something we can't handle, these few guards won't be enough to save us.
Trillard said this half-jokingly, and upon their leaders' nod, the tall and imposing guards start leaving the safety cabin one by one.
How could something go wrong at a time like this...
I heard there was an issue with the rocket and satellite launched just now?
Perhaps you could explain, Mr. President.
Calm down, everyone. I'll connect the signal now.
Trillard twists the knob on the table, and a live feed is projected on the screen behind him.
Call sign Alpha, this is the World Government Space Force Command...
As per your request, we have destroyed the illegally orbiting space transport rocket...
And there are no life signs detected from the remnants of the opposition...
Good, now we are preparing for recovery docking.
Wait, what?!
We are now preparing to recover and dock with Eden satellites A012, A055, and C006...
That's impossible! Their status... they're currently in an erratic rolling motion. Let's wait two days to assemble new ones on the ground and launch them. We can do temporary bridging for now!
The Space Force has orders to complete the launch of Eden today.
Colonel Shin, Major Garrison, and Colonel Chernykh.
You will be responsible for the docking and maintenance of satellites A012, A055, C006 in sequence.
Roger that!
But that's impossible!
Nothing is impossible, Commander.
What was achieved in the past can certainly be realized now. Never underestimate humanity's power in space...
Trillard nods, twists the knob again, and turns off the audio, leaving only the visuals.
So... the next step for the Space Force Command is docking and recovery.
Exactly.
It's a highly challenging mission...
Damn, how did things get to this point?
Just do our best. Let's leave the space operations to the Space Force.
The real question for us is how can we ensure that we're all moving in the same direction?
Shouldn't you have anticipated such an incident?
As long as there's a centralized authority like the World Government, there will be opposition.
It's already too late to bring this topic to the table.
Qu's sharp words intensify the tension in the room.
You're right, we should always plan for the unexpected.
Earlier this year, I spoke with Chief Dominik. The Science Council agreed that we need to focus not just on starship weapons but also on ground defense systems.
Professor Victor should be the one leading this initiative, so we're in good hands.
Hmph, always choosing the straightforward and forceful approach.
Could this lead to more conflicts with the opposition?
That's why we need a solid strategy.
Again, all comes down to interests.
In Kowloong, the citizens never resisted the Chamber of Commerce. Similarly, outside of Kowloong, there are no Kowloong citizens among those opposing the world government.
Punish those who disrupt peace and reward those who seek unity. "Repay enmity with justice, and reward with virtue." That's the guiding principle.
But these opposition forces are scattered everywhere. Are we really going to initiate another round of strikes and wars?
Are you afraid of war?
Qu's forceful inquiry resonates in the silent room.
...
Kowloong has always displayed decisiveness in warfare to outsiders. If it weren't for this moment, the declaration could easily be interpreted as a declaration of war.
There is more than one way to achieve a goal. We need both carrots and sticks.
I agree with Miss Qu.
Trillard smiles and looks in Qu's direction.
The Parliament is currently considering a proposal for global-scale conscription.
Conscription?
That sounds like a significant expense...
...You could think of it that way.
What do you mean?
The proposal is still a draft. Nothing is finalized yet, and it's likely to take a few years to implement.
We plan to fund the recruitment of retired military personnel and other armed forces globally to gradually weaken the active opposition.
After all, not everyone has unwavering beliefs.
Initially, we will train them to military standards, but they won't be directly integrated into the regular forces. Instead, we'll create a training buffer zone under military oversight.
Those who fail basic training won't cause much trouble if they're returned to their hometowns under the Gestalt's law enforcement.
Those who pass and meet the military standards will be integrated into the regular army or other branches. For those who don't...
With the "support" of the World Government, they'll be offered as mercenaries to those in need, and the government will collect a significant fee.
The World Government will largely stay out of it, except for one rule: private employers must purchase weapons through approved channels when hiring these mercenaries.
"With the World Government's support"?
What if these mercenaries are hired by the opposition? Wouldn't that be aiding our enemies?
Whether they're opposition forces or private employers, how they utilize the mercenaries is up to them. But if they cross the line...
They will face the Science Council's "sticks" instead of the World Government's "carrots."
At this point, Qu, who had been deliberately ignoring Trillard, briefly glanced in his direction, her eyes catching a glimmer of light.
The first time Qu heard the name "Trillard", her father was still alive.
Back then, he was just a young man. Today, he is the President of the World Government's Parliament.
Qu had always harbored skepticism toward this man who called himself a "humble tool for human unity." In her eyes, his grand vision of ultimate unity was nothing more than a pipe dream.
But she never imagined this man would have such a decisive side.
By breaking down the opposition's active forces, we can also make better use of reserve armies around the world. Our initial calculations show that the actual cost is surprisingly low, less than thirty percent of the potential gains.
To carry out this plan, we need more than the Parliament's incentives; the Science Council's arsenal will serve as a necessary deterrent. I've heard they're even developing giant robots...
Kowloong supports this proposal.
Because only those who understand human nature and reality can propose such a bill.
Recruiting under the guise of the World Government is just a front. Like Qu said, it all comes down to interests.
Maintaining the operations of the World Government and its Parliament, funding the growing space military expenses, necessary peacekeeping, providing public services, and handling countless other details—all these require a lot of money.
Relying only on voluntary financial contributions from countries just isn't enough.
The "recruitment and mercenary" strategy can neutralize active opponents of the World Government, organize and educate unstable elements within society, and help dispose of or sell off military surplus left from the Great Depression.
The most clever and realistic aspect of this plan is that the World Government doesn't need to concern itself with the whereabouts of the mercenaries who aren't incorporated into the military.
Trillard can demand higher fees from the wealthy and turn a blind eye to the opposition.
These mercenaries will be the fertilizer spread by the World Government, enriching both the legitimate and illegitimate sides of society.
Those who can afford to hire these mercenaries clearly control substantial resources. As long as resource inequality exists, conflicts persist. So they will hire private soldiers to protect their possessions.
It's in human nature to plunder what they see and claim what they find.
When their conflicts begin, the World Government can simply sit back and watch. But when they start reaching into the World Government's territory, it's time for the government to step in and harvest the gains from the chaos they've nurtured.
At the end of the day, all the money eventually ends up in the World Government's coffers.
Thank you, Miss Qu.
Qu has seen too many times how the bystander reaps the benefits while the fighters lose out.
Setting up and executing such schemes might not cost the planners much in tangible terms; their main challenges are moral and ethical backlash.
But with one condition: do not sell the World Government's mercenaries to Kowloong.
This is still a draft, of course. It's ambitious and will undoubtedly require further scrutiny from the Parliament. But let's not forget, all this is in the pursuit of a united humanity under the auspices of the World Government.
With Kowloong now on board, what are your thoughts, everyone?
Half an hour later, as international delegates step out of the safety cabin, the alert at the International Space Station has been lifted.
The three space officers who orchestrated the nearly impossible docking mission have safely returned to the station.
Let's go. We should thank the soldiers who accomplished this impossible task.
Hmm?
Shouldn't we?
They saved "Project Eden".
Punish those who disrupt peace and reward those who seek unity. "Repay enmity with justice, and reward with virtue." That's the guiding principle.
And they've also helped preserve the World Government, wouldn't you agree, President Trillard?
Qu looks out at the slowly spinning Earth, her comment tossed casually into the void.
Trillard maintains his composed smile, a mask of inscrutability all too familiar to any seasoned politician, leaving even Qu in contemplative silence.
They both understand precisely the nature of the other.
Your judgment is spot on, as usual, Miss Qu.
Since there's a "cost," then surely, "compensation" is due.
Qu floats in this digital expanse where streams of time flow past her.
Everything around her, including herself, seems to be in a rapid freefall. Each moment splits infinitely, leaving shadows above and below her.
Time manifests as visible strands surrounding her.
Some strands are already colored, marking the events of human history, while others remain blank, untouched by the past.
Each emits a faint glow, stretching from the earliest life forms in the ocean to humanity's marks upon the skies.
Qu tries to manipulate the delicate, seemingly infinite strands of time. They are pliable enough to be shifted significantly, yet there always appears to be an invisible boundary they cannot surpass—
Beyond which lay the realm of fate.
Kowloong?
She struggles to "swim" toward the strand that signifies Kowloong.
That strand is thicker and more robust than the others, with a deeper color as well.
From Kowloong, another strand emerges, stretching parallel into the endless distance.
Tabula Akasha...
These strands stretch infinitely upward, turning an unnatural crimson at a point, only to return to their original color, albeit dimmer.
Further up, another segment of crimson appears, this time interspersed with pure white.
Luna...
Qu continues to drift further.
For a long, long time.
Until a certain moment, the colors of Kowloong and Tabula Akasha suddenly dim, followed by endless blankness.
The colors of history end there.
History and civilization have no eternity.
A trembling data shadow appears beside Qu, its voice a blend of many.
There are too many variables here. Even Huaxu and Tabula Akasha cannot predict the future accurately.
According to Huaxu's calculations, it is only through my death that Kowloong's civilization endures.
And I am already dead.
Tabula Akasha, isn't here the place for the dead?
No, Qu.
Tabula Akasha harbors no living souls, yet it is not a sanctuary for the deceased.
Death is simply death, a stark reality that brings true liberation.
There is no designated "realm for the dead".
When death claims us, it strips away all vestiges of life.
As life leaves us, death fills us.
Information is the same, Qu.
Death cannot be deceived; we can only respect it.
This isn't the afterlife, Qu, for no such place exists.
No way.
Huaxu and Tabula Akasha showed me that the future should be like this...
Time is not to be tampered with, and the future remains a mystery.
The future... mystery...
The trembling memory entity suddenly vanishes, along with the complex strands.
Wait!
Huaxu!
Tabula Akasha!
Qu's voice echoes in the endless, solitary darkness.
History and civilization, they hold no eternity.
Nor does sovereignty.
What happened to my people?!
"They" are merely necessary sacrifices for greatness.
Who are you?
I am... Death.
I am... your executioner.
I am... "the Emperor" of all mechanoids.
