The fleet drifted through the endless darkness for another week.
And the Proxima Centauri Civilization endured another week of fear and apprehension.
2146.6.21
"Zero, connect me to every Starship."
Sitting in the command center, Lü Yongchang took a deep breath and switched on the Superluminal Communication equipment before him.
After confirming that the equipment was working properly, he cleared his throat softly and began to speak.
"Hello, my fellow humans."
"I am Lü Yongchang, commander-in-chief of the fleet."
Aboard a [Golden Crow] battleship in the First Fleet.
Bai Yixuan sat solemnly in the captain's seat, silently taking in the oppressive atmosphere on the bridge.
"Captain Bai, the war is about to begin. Are you scared?"
Hong Fan's subdued voice came from beside him.
Bai Yixuan turned to look at his teammate in the first officer's seat. Like Hong Fan, Xia Wanyi's eyes were filled with unease.
He fell silent for a moment, then nodded gently.
"Yes. Of course I'm scared."
Hong Fan opened his mouth to say something, but Bai Yixuan's next words stopped him.
"I'm afraid of dying on the battlefield. I'm afraid of watching you die in some unforeseen disaster..."
"But more than any of that, I'm afraid of human civilization being wiped out!"
Hong Fan said nothing, quietly listening as his captain spoke his mind.
Bai Yixuan continued, "That's why I won't run from this war."
"Even if I have only a few days left to live, I still hope humanity's glory will endure forever."
Excitement flickered in Hong Fan's eyes. He clenched his fist and repeated quietly, "May humanity's glory endure forever!"
Beside them, Xia Wanyi gave a slightly resigned smile.
"What about you, Wanyi?" Hong Fan turned toward his teammate and asked softly.
"Me?" Xia Wanyi laughed despite herself. "Why do you think I'm