Something to Be Proud of for a Lifetime

The hatch closed.

Nie Yun walked over to the pilot's seat and sat down.

After connecting the environmental control and life support system and securing the safety harness to his cabin spacesuit, Nie Yun took a deep breath, then slowly leaned back, letting the seat support his weight.

The digital clock on the instrument panel ticked on silently, yet its changing numbers almost seemed audible.

"It's almost time."

"Yeah."

Nie Yun bumped fists with Nie Han in the copilot's seat, then returned his gaze to the control panel. After hearing "All units ready" through his headset, he raised his right hand, released the safety lock on the fusion device's switch, and turned the startup knob.

The instant the knob turned, tremendous energy began surging from the fusion core. Like a colossal beast whose heart had been set ablaze, the entire aerospace plane awakened from its slumber.

Feeling the faint vibration beneath his feet, Liu Zhengwen swallowed in his passenger seat and asked a little nervously,

"Are we about to ignite?"

His communications channel wasn't open, so naturally, no one heard him.

Watching the energy reading climb steadily on the instrument panel, Nie Yun reached up and lightly tapped the side of his helmet before speaking in a clear voice.

"This is the Auspicious. Fusion device ignition successful. All preparations are complete, and we're ready for takeoff at any time! Requesting clearance!"

Soon, a response from ground control came through his headset.

"Request approved. The ignition countdown will begin in one minute."

"Roger."

Gripping the control stick with both hands, Nie Yun closed his eyes and slowly took a deep breath, then pushed the engine startup switch with his thumb.

The instant he opened his eyes again, a countdown as clear and steady as the tolling of a bell sounded in