Chapter 1, In the Rain

"General, may I ask a question?" he suddenly said

All hands on deck! Fashal issued the command, "Blue alert, signal, two white and two blue."

Jack chuckled again, and Tang Long could imagine him grinning with his mouth full of yellowed teeth, "If you have the ability, then chase me, good child"

De Er waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse. He also leaned out to look out the window and asked, "Has Li Fa's spaceship already departed?"

"You are crazy, fool," Tang Long scolded, watching as Jack surpassed him

Tang Long pressed the call switch, "Madam, this is a misunderstanding... I will leave immediately..."

A bright spot appeared in the distance. At first, Tang Long thought it was a piece of debris, but as the bright spot approached along a fixed trajectory, he realized it was a reconnaissance aircraft. Tang Long sensed that things were about to go awry; he certainly understood the terrifying consequences of illegal flight in a controlled airspace.

The other party interrupted Tang Long, saying, "According to the first clause of the no-fly zone regulations, if you do not reduce speed, I will be authorized to open fire"

Low-altitude orbit of the fourth planet in the Red Matrix Galaxy, exclusive economic zone

"Hey, buddy, good luck," Jack said hurriedly, clearly having noticed the patrolling reconnaissance aircraft as well. Tang Long saw Jack frantically throwing off the drag net from the back of the engineering vehicle.

Fashel saluted the back of Der until the door closed behind him. Fashel turned around, still gazing into the dark depths of the universe

"Alright," Jack said nonchalantly, "If you're scared, then so be it, coward."

The young man emerged from his contemplation, turned around, and immediately stood at attention to render a military salute

Yes, "Fashel reported seriously: 'Chief of Staff Li's spaceship has just departed.'"

Dulles Alliance Border, Red Matrix Galaxy Defense Forces, flagship Red Rose

However, Tang Long muttered to himself, "This is already the frontier." He let out a bitter laugh

Tang Long was taken aback; it was actually a female voice. When did the alliance start having female soldiers

"No, you have already violated the rules, miner"

An engineering operation vehicle was flying through space, with a dragnet trailing behind it, ensnaring a meteorite, giving it a feeble appearance reminiscent of an old ox pulling a cart. This lethargic spacecraft was evidently being operated by a drowsy pilot, as the meager salary for such work inevitably leads to a lackadaisical attitude. Suddenly, the communication system beeped twice. Tang Long opened his eyes, still heavy with sleep, glanced around in confusion, and then pressed the communication switch, mumbling with a nasal tone: "034, please speak."

Suddenly, the reconnaissance aircraft flickered several times, and a series of tracer rounds and artillery shells whizzed past Tang Long's engineering vehicle.

"No problem," Jack replied nonchalantly, "this time you won't be so lucky."

Dulles, December 7, 197

Tang Long tried his best to put on a pitiful tone: "Madam, please forgive me this once, I truly did not know this was a no-fly zone"

To Tang Long's astonishment, the reconnaissance aircraft suddenly swooped down, making an effort to get closer to the engineering operation vehicle. It was evident that the reconnaissance aircraft intended to assist Tang Long in slowing down the descent speed. "Are you crazy?" Tang Long suddenly shouted, "Get out of the way, you will be hit by the meteorite, pull up quickly!"

Perhaps it is not a change of defense, but rather some form of tactical maneuvering

"Are you scared?" Jack chuckled and said, "You won quite by luck yesterday"

A voice suddenly came through the communication channel: "The aircraft in front, stop immediately!"

Two engineering vehicles sped towards a massive meteorite. Tang Long had a better position and accelerated first, quickly pulling ahead of Jack. Jack, feeling somewhat unwilling, suddenly made a sharp turn and charged onto the controlled airspace.

"Colonel Fashal," he said

***

Why is the entire fleet maintained at the lowest alert level while most senior officers are on leave? At this time, the fleet is the most relaxed and lacks combat capability

De Er smiled again, remaining silent as he signed the normal alert order. Fashier was recommended to the Red Matrix Star System Fleet by Li Fa, serving as a staff officer under Chief of Staff Li Fa. Young individuals like him are now rare; instead of enjoying the comforts of the central group fleet in the capital, he chose to come to such a remote location

"Speak, Fashir." Der lowered his head, looking at the recorded report

"Major General Der, Duty Officer Colonel Fashier reports to you"

Stop talking, listen! The reconnaissance aircraft has responded. Tang Long suddenly noticed that the pilot's voice was very young, yet carried an undeniable tone. "Use the mechanical arm to grab me, try to be slow, and control the posture."

I can't control it!" Tang Long said, "Repeat, I can't control it, abandon the docking, abandon the docking!" At this moment, Tang Long felt a vague sense of guilt, an indescribable feeling.

Fashel noticed that the alert level signed by Der was again at the blue regular alert level

They drifted through the asteroid belt, with Tang Long keeping the engineering operation vehicle oriented towards the oncoming stream of meteoroids. He could even hear the sound of tiny meteoroid fragments striking the engineering vehicle densely, akin to the sound of heavy rain washing against leaves. Each impact quickened Tang Long's heartbeat, accelerated his breathing, and caused sweat to flow. Tang Long knew that they were merely a hair's breadth away from death. Each impact quickened Tang Long's heartbeat, accelerated his breathing, and caused sweat to flow. Tang Long knew that they were merely a hair's breadth away from death

Work and illustrations in books are, for me, a form of vacation

Tang Long sighed, started the engine, and disengaged the autopilot. The engineering operation vehicle shook slightly and began to accelerate smoothly towards the low-altitude orbital station, while the trailing net was immediately pulled taut. Tang Long could no longer remember how long he had been engaged in such monotonous work. It is well known that the strategic significance of the Hongju Star System outweighs its economic benefits, yet in order to secure funding from the Budget Committee for the fleet in the Hongju sector, the military committee's officials stubbornly established an economic exclusive zone on the fourth planet, extracting resources from the asteroid belt of the fourth planet to demonstrate the importance of the Hongju Star System. The asteroids here, in Tang Long's view, were utterly worthless for extraction. The Capital Industrial Planning Department was thus deceived by the military and invested a considerable amount of money, perhaps everyone was just playing dumb, who knows. In any case, it was not up to Tang Long to decide, and besides, he believed he had already encountered enough misfortunes recently, so it was better to say less. He planned to stay in this place for a while and see if there was an opportunity to return to his Science and Technology Development Committee. Tang Long missed that enormous artificial sphere, the only architectural work that could be considered art by humanity, floating in the low-altitude orbit above the capital, with scientific vessels coming and going.

"Do you see the meteorite ahead?" Tang Long said

Jack changed the communication frequency, so conversations with Tang Long would not be intercepted by the authorities. "There are no patrol aircraft now, this is a good opportunity"

Seriously? Tang Long had a sudden inspiration and abruptly pulled the side lever, causing the engineering operation vehicle to start tumbling. "Help! Help! I've been hit, I've been hit!" Tang Long shouted loudly, his voice rising in panic. The reconnaissance aircraft hesitated for a moment, unsure whether it had mistakenly injured Tang Long. Tang Long secretly found it amusing and decided to let the engineering operation vehicle roll freely. Due to gravity, the vehicle fell towards the asteroid belt of the fourth planet. This was exactly what Tang Long needed, as the reconnaissance aircraft's weak armor prevented it from approaching the asteroid belt, allowing Tang Long to take this opportunity to escape. Tang Long secretly found it amusing and decided to let the engineering operation vehicle roll freely. Due to gravity, the vehicle fell towards the asteroid belt of the fourth planet. This was exactly what Tang Long needed, as the reconnaissance aircraft's weak armor prevented it from approaching the asteroid belt, allowing Tang Long to take this opportunity to escape.

The engineering operation vehicle is equipped with protective armor that can withstand impacts from meteorite fragments, whereas the reconnaissance aircraft's armor can be penetrated by even a small meteorite.

Tang Long remained silent as he manipulated the mechanical arm to release the trawl net, and the meteorite was cast into the absorber

Tang Long could not tolerate this any longer and suddenly veered onto the controlled waterway, where two engineering vessels began to chase each other at high speed.

"Shut up!" the female reconnaissance pilot said angrily, her voice somewhat hoarse, possibly indicating her considerable tension. The reconnaissance aircraft approached Tang Long once again. Tang Long's descent speed increased, hurtling through the meteorite belt along a parabolic trajectory. The reconnaissance aircraft struggled to maintain control, skillfully dodging the meteorites, and fought to position itself above the engineering operation and library vehicle, attempting to use its stabilizing claws beneath the wings to grasp Tang Long. Meteorites rushed towards them, then flew past, nearly grazing the engineering operation vehicle. The reconnaissance aircraft continued to strive for control, skillfully avoiding the meteorites, and struggled to position itself above the engineering operation and library vehicle, trying to use its stabilizing claws beneath the wings to grasp Tang Long. Suddenly, Tang Long felt a violent jolt from the engineering operation vehicle, accompanied by a deafening noise, as if it were about to break apart, causing Tang Long's head to nearly hit the control ceiling. It turned out that the reconnaissance aircraft had collided with the engineering operation vehicle; the stabilizing claws were too short to grasp Tang Long's vehicle, and after the violent impact, the reconnaissance aircraft was flung back. Tang Long, in terror, saw that the reconnaissance aircraft had also lost control and began to roll. The meteorite stream, carrying the breath of death, swept past the reconnaissance aircraft.

"The rescue aircraft will arrive shortly, do not worry," said Tang Long, then he turned off the communication system, let out a sigh of relief, and vanished into the darkness.

Suddenly, Tang Long pulled the side lever, restarted the engine, caught up with the reconnaissance aircraft, and tightly embraced it with the mechanical arm. Then, he used the massive engineering vehicle's body to shield the reconnaissance aircraft, enduring the impact of the meteors, steadfastly protecting the reconnaissance aircraft

Even if it is fine. Tang Long placed his hand on the side lever, simultaneously reducing the throttle, moving towards a lower orbit, and cutting into the extended line of the blind landing.

The door to the command room slid open silently. A short, slightly balding middle-aged officer entered, his chest adorned with a multitude of medals and the two stars on his shoulders gleaming brightly. The surrounding officers all stood up and saluted him

Deer raised its head and looked at Fashier

A tall young man stood before the transparent viewport of the command room, hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight. The personnel moving around him did not capture his attention; at this moment, he was simply gazing outside. Through the viewport, he could see the guiding lights of the Red Rose's dock flickering, intermittently brightening and dimming as they stretched into the profound darkness. A small spacecraft was taking off from there. On either side of the flagship, warships were arranged in an orderly manner, extending into the distance, with only the alternating navigation lights forming a sea of lights in the dim expanse of space. The small spacecraft departing from the flagship quickly vanished into the distance under the guidance of the lights. The young man's gaze followed the spacecraft until it was no longer visible. His expression appeared calm and composed, exuding a natural air of unhurriedness, which is said to be most suitable for an excellent commander. However, at this moment, as he watched the spacecraft, he let out a gentle sigh.

I am fine..." the woman replied softly, clearly unable to believe that she had escaped from danger

"Don't bother me," Tang Long said weakly, "I'm not interested today"

The reconnaissance aircraft quickly caught up to Tang Long's clumsy engineering vehicle

If an aircraft happens to pass by along with books, one would witness a most peculiar scene: a robust engineering vehicle tightly embraces a small reconnaissance aircraft, weaving through a dense meteor shower, like a pair of lovers in the throes of passion, enduring the trials of a storm. Their fervent love compels them to disregard everything, holding each other closely, vowing never to part, even in death.

"Jack, it's useless; even if we discard the trawler, it won't be faster than the reconnaissance aircraft," Tang Long shouted

"Because our opponents are also resting," Der said, "the main Os Alliance fleet has disappeared, likely due to the annual normal rotation. There is no longer a need to maintain a high level of tension. We must remember that we are human and require appropriate rest and adjustment." Der's words carried a hint of reproach, as if Fashir were not human and did not understand that humans need other things besides work.

"We'll see about that." Tang Long hummed softly.

Deer looked at Fashier with some surprise. "You are overthinking it; currently, there isn't even a single meteorite in our front defenses. The fleet of the Os Alliance is not omnipotent; they won't suddenly emerge from the ground to attack us. Moreover, our observation posts and reconnaissance aircraft are still conducting continuous surveillance. If we detect the quantum waves emitted by the fleet's movement, we will have ample time to prepare for battle. Just continue to do your job well." After saying this, Deer handed the orders to Fashier, stood up, and walked straight out of the command room.

However, General, Fashir was not convinced and continued, "The rotation of the Aus Alliance occurred earlier than usual, did it not?"

Open fire? That's too exaggerated. Tang Long thought to himself, "Who are you trying to scare? I may be reckless, but I'm not an idiot." Tang Long said.

Oh," Der looked at Fashir, "Are you not on holiday?"

Tang Long cursed as he pushed the horsepower to the maximum, fleeing in the opposite direction. He recalled the story of a dog chasing two rabbits, hoping he would be the lucky rabbit. The reconnaissance plane hesitated for a moment before pursuing him. Tang Long truly began to believe he was out of luck; the engine's horsepower was at its peak, causing the entire cockpit to tremble and become unbearably hot. Sweat streamed down his forehead continuously. If he were caught this time, he would have no chance of turning his life around and would likely be exiled to the frontier.

The communicator suddenly rang, interrupting Tang Long's infinitely beautiful memories. "Hey, Tang Long," it was his colleague, another ore transporter, Jack. He chuckled and continued, "I won't lose to you today."

This is a warning, reduce speed immediately! Clearly, the female driver has started to get angry

Tang Longmeng pressed the accelerator of the engineering vehicle, breaking free from the low-altitude orbit and suddenly shooting up to the high-altitude orbit. The engine emitted an orange-red flame as the engineering vehicle swayed forward. Jack's engineering vehicle followed closely behind, and one could still hear Jack's chuckling laughter. This was the only entertainment in their monotonous lives as miners; they often raced their engineering vehicles to see who could reach the target first, with the wager being a day's salary. Of course, such races were illegal. Before being assigned here, Tang Long had already obtained an A-level driving license, so he often emerged victorious in these "turtle races." However, Tang Long had long grown tired of such trivial pursuits; he simply could not bear being called a coward by others.

"Someone has to stay behind," Fashir simply stated

The communicator emitted a slightly noisy sound, still the cold, emotionless voice of the base's light brain, "034 in orbit, channel open, end of transmission"

The engineering operation vehicle may be struck by meteors at any time

Finally, the terrifying sound of the collision caused by Tang Long disappeared. Seizing this moment, he once again increased the power, breaking free from the planet's gravity and ascending straight up like an arrow. As Tang Long was surrounded by starlight, he released the mechanical arm. The reconnaissance vehicle drifted aimlessly in space, spinning helplessly, clearly having lost all power due to the earlier collision with the engineering vehicle.

"Shut up!" Tang Long said, as it was now his turn to give orders

"I hope so..." he murmured

"Are you alright..." Tang Long asked, noticing that sweat had already soaked through his back

"Slow down immediately." The other party showed no room for negotiation

The Red Matrix Galaxy is located eighty light-years from the capital of the Alliance. Except for the third planet, which is suitable for colonization, the others are desolate lands of extreme cold or extreme heat. Despite the lack of economic value for development in the Red Matrix Galaxy, the Alliance has still dispatched its largest defense force to establish the Red Matrix Galaxy Defense Force, which is referred to as the Red Matrix Front Fleet within the hierarchy of the Alliance's armed forces. Despite the lack of economic value for development in the Red Matrix Galaxy, the Alliance has still dispatched its largest defense force to establish the Red Matrix Galaxy Defense Force, which is referred to as the Red Matrix Front Fleet within the hierarchy of the Alliance's armed forces

Yes

"Let go of me... you will crash..." came the voice of the female driver, her tense voice trembling slightly as she desperately tried to restrain herself

Indeed, indeed. Der smiled and took a seat in the commander's position, "Actually, you should take a vacation. I remember that since you joined the Red Matrix Fleet, it seems you have never taken a break."

"Fool, as long as I am faster than you, good luck!" Jack said, pressing the accelerator harder, the engineering vehicle roared with a rumbling sound, as if it were about to fall apart, and began to accelerate

This is because one light-year away from the Red Matrix Galaxy is the boundary of the AOS Alliance

Madam, please do not be angry, you see, I ... ...