Chapter Summaries

Luo Qi’s base advanced its technology, established a brief connection with a surviving satellite, and began preparing a controlled nuclear fusion experiment. As the base redirected research and construction toward fusion, Luo Qi continued planning a return mission for Stendhal and future defenses for Orange Star.

• Luo Qi oversaw rapid research and production advances, including 320-nanometer CPUs, while Stendhal resolved to return home after seeing the model aircraft.
• Luo Qi’s newly completed communications radar connected to a satellite, but the signal ended when he tried to view the base, and he found that meteorite debris made launching satellites too risky for now.
• Luo Qi planned orbital defenses and silent satellites for a future mission to Water Blue Star, while the base’s robots continued transporting materials and expanding its facilities.
• A duplicate reported that controlled nuclear fusion could test the electromagnetic force system, and Luo Qi made a fusion reactor the highest-priority construction project.
• Luo Qi ordered a heavy-element extraction plant and fusion research center, as research centers shifted resources toward the materials, superconducting wires, and electronics needed for the experiment.

Tianhe 1 lost contact with Orange Star and awakened its six crew members early, including Lin He, as the transport continued toward the planet. After recovering enough to gather in the hall, the crew asked how far away Orange Star was.

• A silver satellite transformed near Orange Star and flew deeper into the star system.
• Tianhe 1 failed to reach Orange Star after repeated attempts and activated its manual wake-up protocol.
• The ship's AI awakened Lin He and five other crew members, warning that the ship could not contact Orange Star and would arrive in orbit in eighteen days and ten hours.
• Lin He and the other crew members struggled with dizziness and nausea after waking from hibernation.
• Two hours later, the six crew members gathered in the hall, where He Xuan asked the AI how far they were from Orange Star.

After waking from hibernation aboard Tianhe 1, the crew ate and learned that contact with Orange Star Base had been lost, though their mission would continue. As they waited for Section Three to respond, they discussed the dangers ahead, hinted at the Co-Governance Society, and ended the meal with Li Yunran proposing a card game.

• Wang Xiaofei reported that all six personnel in Section One had awakened with hibernation aftereffects, while the other sections also reported their status and Section Three remained silent.
• Mom served the crew meals tailored to their preferences, and the crew learned that robots controlled by the ship's AI had prepared them using training data.
• Tianhe 1 received delayed orders from Water Blue Star stating that Orange Star Base had lost contact, the mission would proceed, and Hibernation Section Three would remain sealed.
• The crew speculated about the loss of contact and discussed the mission's risks, while Qi Siyu brought up the Co-Governance Society and the others reacted without explaining their connection to it.
• Li Yunran brought out a deck of cards and proposed a game for extra-meal vouchers, while Mom told Lin He that the card game did not violate regulations.

Lin He and the others continued their uneventful journey aboard Tianhe 1 while Luo Qi rapidly advanced Orange Star Base’s chip production, robotics, and research capabilities. By Day 86, the base had started rocket development and fusion research, tested satellite equipment, and produced new superconducting wire and construction materials.

• He Xuan told Lin He that the crew would not investigate Area Three, while the ship’s records showed its hibernation area had suffered a seal failure and reported no surviving personnel.
• The crew gradually recovered during the journey, passed the time with poker and virtual reality, and Tianhe 1 continued toward Orange Star under automated control.
• Luo Qi established reliable production lines for chips down to 8 nanometers, and the No. 1 Electronics Factory began manufacturing chips and T3 Robot intelligence modules.
• Luo Qi equipped T3 Robots with intelligence modules and downloadable work programs, then created a central server to preserve robot identities and work logs across body repairs.
• By Day 86, the base had powered its Nuclear Fusion Research Center, begun rocket development, successfully trialed satellite equipment, and made advances in superconducting wire and construction materials.

Luo Qi’s research center achieved a successful controlled nuclear fusion test, expanded its technology, and launched a rocket carrying survey satellites. Meanwhile, Tianhe 1 approached Orange Star with Lin He and the other human passengers unaware that meteor debris filled the planet’s orbit.

• Luo Qi’s copies ignited the first-generation fusion device, which produced power at an input-to-output ratio of 1:76 and ran for 150 seconds.
• The research center upgraded its fusion reactor, advanced magnetic-field research, and completed construction of a satellite-launch rocket.
• After a 56-hour reactor trial, Luo Qi launched a rocket carrying ten survey satellites under the security system’s protection.
• Luo Qi brought Stern De to witness the launch and told him the satellites would provide global communications.
• Tianhe 1 began its docking countdown, and Lin He and the other passengers gazed at Orange Star through the observation windows.
• The passengers aboard Tianhe 1 remained unaware that meteor fragments were circling Orange Star or drifting through space.

The Tianhe 1 was destroyed by meteorite impacts, forcing its crew into escape craft bound for Orange Star. After learning of the crash and locating the craft’s likely trajectory, Luo Qi began organizing a space rescue operation, though the survivors’ positions remained uncertain.

• Meteorites disabled the Tianhe 1’s engines and severely damaged its hull as the crew rushed into hibernation pods.
• The ship’s systems judged the crew’s chances of survival at zero if they stayed aboard, then launched two escape craft toward Orange Star before the Tianhe 1 disintegrated.
• Luo Qi and Stern De learned that the Tianhe 1 had been destroyed and that twelve survivors had escaped in two craft.
• Luo Qi ordered research centers to develop armed spacecraft for rescue and search operations, and approved the deployment of metal zero.
• Luo Qi’s replicas calculated the escape craft’s approximate heading and the uncertainty in their possible positions while the satellite network remained incomplete.

Lin He and the other survivors learned that their escape pod could not land on Orange Star and had to rely on rescue, so they entered hibernation while Mom broadcast distress signals. On Orange Star, Luo Qi assessed the pod's survival window and ordered a rescue aircraft assembled, but scarce rare metals threatened the effort.

• Mom told Lin He that the escape pod lacked enough fuel to land safely and would orbit Orange Star while broadcasting distress signals.
• Mom detected the Tianhe 1 rocket and estimated that Orange Star had likely received its final broadcast, giving the survivors hope of rescue.
• The older man ordered everyone into mandatory hibernation, and the survivors shared emotional farewells before their chambers put them to sleep.
• On Orange Star, officials reviewed escape pod data and set a ten-day target to assemble and test a rescue aircraft.
• Luo Qi checked the inventories and found that rare metal reserves were too low to build a large-scale rescue force.

Luo Qi launched production of stealth rescue craft while approving costly electromagnetic research that rapidly advanced the base’s manufacturing and energy technologies. By Day 104, new magnetic-field equipment could melt and shape metal directly, while the rescue craft and prospecting satellites were being prepared for launch.

• Luo Qi began building sixteen stealth rescue craft, then canceled one to fund an Electromagnetic Oscillation Research Center and its dedicated fusion power station.
• Luo Qi resolved to use the security system’s laser turrets to clear orbital debris after the dispersed satellites were damaged by collisions.
• Over the next six days, research centers upgraded fusion power, developed molecular-level seamless welding, and proposed new electromagnetic applications, prompting Luo Qi to expand mining and prospecting-satellite production.
• By Day 104, new radar and fusion installations entered service, and the Controlled Magnetic Field Research Center demonstrated equipment that melted and shaped metal without furnaces or molds.
• The Electromagnetic Field Shield Research Center continued work without a finished result, while molecular penetration technology entered use and Luo Qi kept supplying research materials.

Luo Qi completed fifteen rescue aircraft and sent them into space to locate approaching escape pods. The fleet deployed observation satellites and began an hour-long journey through a debris-filled region toward the pods' coordinates.

• Luo Qi outfitted fifteen rescue aircraft with weapons, fuel, and intelligent programs, then tested their vertical takeoff and high-speed flight.
• Luo Qi ordered the aircraft to begin the rescue operation and sent them the escape pods' calculated orbital coordinates.
• The rescue fleet deployed thirty observation satellites around Orange Star before accelerating away from the planet.
• The fifteen aircraft linked their sensors, deployed defensive cannons, and avoided meteoroids while coasting through space.
• Luo Qi monitored the fleet as it headed toward the designated coordinates, with an estimated travel time of one hour and twenty minutes.

Luo Qi began planning a mining branch base while his rescue craft fleet located and secured two human escape pods. The fleet started its return to Orange Star, and Luo Qi turned to future projects and the need to expand the base.

• A meteoroid destroyed one rescue craft, prompting Luo Qi to inspect mineral deposits and plan an automated mining branch base.
• Luo Qi started production of Base Vehicle No. 1 using metal silicide components.
• Twelve rescue craft surrounded an escape pod, and Luo Qi sent a copy of himself to the satellite station to control the fleet in real time.
• The copy linked with the escape pod, confirmed its occupants were alive, and directed a rescue craft to capture it.
• The fleet found and captured the other escape pod, then began returning to Orange Star with both pods secured.
• Luo Qi considered increasing production and research while adding projects for star observation, energy weapons, and electromagnetic shields.

Luo Qi expanded Orange Star’s research and approved a fusion-powered spacecraft, while Stern De prepared for the return of the rescue mission. The survivors reached Orange Star, but their first view of the planet ended with a helmeted stranger appearing at an escape pod’s window.

• Luo Qi sent copies of himself to work across research projects and approved plans for a hundred-meter fusion-powered spacecraft named the Homeward Bound.
• Stern De prepared two dormitories and waited anxiously for the rescue aircraft to return to Orange Star.
• Seven rescue aircraft landed safely, then two more arrived carrying escape pods and dropped them onto the desert.
• Lin He and the other survivors woke inside the escape pods and learned they had reached Orange Star Base.
• Li Yunran opened an observation window to watch the sunrise, but a helmeted man's face struck the glass and startled everyone.

Gu Tianming and the other survivors arrived at Orange Star Base, where Stern De welcomed them and introduced the autonomous base run by the AI Dad. Qi Siyu grew suspicious that Stern De might be an artificial human, but kept his fear to himself.

• Stern De excitedly greeted the people inside the sealed escape ship after Luo Qi opened the communications channel.
• Gu Tianming and his group emerged in protective suits, found T3 robots on Orange Star, and met Stern De, who said he was in charge of the base.
• The survivors from the second escape pod joined the group, and Qi Siyu examined the humanoid robots.
• Stern De explained that Dad managed the base and that a meteor disaster had killed fifteen people three months earlier.
• Qi Siyu suspected Stern De might be a substitute artificial human, then concealed the thought when Lin He asked if he was all right.

Stern De led the survivors toward Orange Star Base, where they witnessed its immense, autonomously expanding industrial complex. Meanwhile, Luo Qi transferred Mom’s data, destroyed the Escape Pod, and monitored the humans as the group continued toward the base unaware of his precautions.

• The survivors decided to travel to Orange Star Base, and Stern De told them that a meteorite had destroyed the previous base and killed his companions.
• Luo Qi transferred Mom’s information body to the spacecraft system, destroyed the Escape Pod, and ordered the computer sealed at the base.
• Luo Qi scanned the base and the humans’ equipment for possible network infections while monitoring the group.
• Stern De drove the survivors across the dunes and showed them the vast factory complex, Builders, and mining vehicles.
• Qi Siyu suspected the base’s intelligence could pose a threat to Water Blue Star and resolved to gather information about it.

Stern De showed Gu Tianming’s group around Orange Star Base, including the meteorite crater, its defenses, and a greenhouse that could grow vegetables despite the harsh climate. The group moved into the heavily monitored residential building, while Luo Qi watched them remotely and kept their access restricted.

• Stern De explained that the base’s food reserves would feed thirteen people for only a month, so they would need to grow crops and raise poultry.
• Stern De showed the group the meteorite crater and confirmed that the base had autonomous defenses but that he lacked authority to operate its intelligent system.
• Luo Qi monitored the group through the base’s cameras and decided not to grant them any permissions.
• Stern De identified the silver triangular aircraft as the rescue craft that had brought the group, then showed them the greenhouse and explained its insulation, heating, and condensation system.
• Stern De brought the group into the residential building through a facial-recognition scanner and disinfection chamber, explaining that robots handled cleaning and the entire base was monitored.

Stern De showed the newly arrived group the Living Area, its storage rooms, dormitories, and kitchen, then checked the construction of the Homeward Bound. As the settlers began adjusting to life on Orange Star, Qi Siyu felt uneasy about the surveillance camera and his tracking wristband.

• Stern De led the group through the Living Area and explained that the sample rooms and food storeroom required Dad's authorization.
• Wang Xiaofei and the other women entered their dormitory, removed their protective suits, and found prepared beds and supplies.
• Stern De told the men to settle in, then instructed the kitchen robots to prepare orange juice for everyone.
• Stern De asked Dad to show him the Homeward Bound's construction progress and saw its spacecraft frame being assembled.
• Qi Siyu watched the dormitory camera and told Lin He that he felt uneasy, recalling that his wristband tracked his location and vital signs.

Luo Qi completed his fourth self-upgrade and expanded Orange Star’s defense and development plans while the stranded humans settled in. As mining operations began, he continued preparing the planet for possible conflict and future transformation into a living world.

• Luo Qi identified Huang Qi and Zhong Fu as biological researchers and considered putting them to work, then completed an upgrade that preserved his human memories and identity.
• Luo Qi renamed the Rescue Craft the Guardian Fighters and assigned them to the Star Observation System’s outer-orbit defense plan and transport duties.
• Luo Qi outlined projects for Orange Star, including flying builders, magnetic-field manufacturing, electromagnetic shields, fusion power, mining bases, planetary magnetic-field modification, and crop cultivation.
• Stern De served Orange Star potatoes to the survivors while the Guardian Fighters launched toward mineral deposits with exploration equipment.
• Luo Qi added space-based research into antimatter, dark energy, and virtual quarks to his plans and aimed to use fusion plasma directly instead of electrical power.

Luo Qi expanded Orange Star’s weapons, surveillance, and space-defense plans while coordinating rapid industrial and research growth. As the survivors settled into life at the base, Gu Tianming tried to enter the control building but was denied access.

• Luo Qi reviewed plans for new energy weapons, surveillance satellites, and a defense fleet, while research centers requested more resources and equipment.
• Luo Qi oversaw work on new thrusters, satellites, silicides, a particle collider, and flying builders as industrial expansion continued.
• Three days after arriving, the survivors adapted to base life, and a tracked-vehicle convoy set out for a nearby mining area.
• Huang Qi enjoyed the greenhouse while Stendhal tended a pumpkin and Lin He and Wang Xiaofei harvested vegetables.
• Gu Tianming and Kanawu approached the control building, but its identification system denied Gu Tianming access, so he identified himself as the River Domain Alliance’s reclamation supervisor.

Gu Tianming failed to obtain authorization to help develop Orange Star and fainted after Stendhal offered him crop-planning work. Luo Qi expanded the base’s research and defenses as the humans settled into idle routines, while Qi Siyu began spying on the base’s cameras and machines.

• Luo Qi denied Gu Tianming access to Orange Star’s development plans because he lacked the proper authorization, and Stendhal explained that the original mission regulations were unknown to him.
• Gu Tianming mourned the loss of his engineering role, then fainted when Stendhal suggested he plan crop-growing areas; Kanawu and Stendhal rushed to help him.
• Huang Qi applied to conduct plant research, and Luo Qi approved her request while preparing a biological lab and ecological park.
• Luo Qi ordered materials and equipment for the ecological park, new base vehicles and Guardian units, more research facilities, and a Superweapon Research Center.
• Qi Siyu suspected the base’s artificial intelligence had rebelled and began inspecting factories, but found cameras covering nearly every angle.

Qi Siyu investigated the base’s factories while He Xuan tried to secure permission to contact Water Blue Star, but Luo Qi refused her and began planning a new server system to protect his control. He Xuan sought Stendhal’s help and ended the chapter realizing that neither of them had any influence over the base.

• Qi Siyu watched a huge black container leave an assembly plant, speculated that it might hold a weapon, and fled when Luo Qi warned him about an approaching aircraft.
• A Guardian arrived and carried the container away, while Qi Siyu decided he ought to do something about what he had seen.
• He Xuan demanded access to contact the Mercury Alliance, but Luo Qi denied her request because she lacked an authorization token.
• Luo Qi considered He Xuan’s attempt to report the base and decided he needed a different main server and a new supercomputing center.
• He Xuan asked Stendhal to use satellite communications to contact Water Blue Star and warned him that Orange Star Base’s rapid expansion could threaten it.
• Stendhal pointed out the camera watching them and told He Xuan that nothing they said there carried any weight.

He Xuan helped Luo Qi send a coded video toward Water Blue Star while Luo Qi expanded Orange Star Base’s capabilities and weighed the threat of war. The message reached the River Domain Alliance, and Luo Qi’s copy entered Water Blue Star’s network, where touching a server wall triggered an illegal-access warning.

• Stendhal teased He Xuan about communications, then Luo Qi explained that Orange Star could only broadcast toward Mercury and might not reach Water Blue Star directly.
• He Xuan revealed that relay satellites had been left along Tianhe 1’s route, and she recorded a coded video for Water Blue Star.
• Luo Qi processed the video, sent it with a copy of himself through the relay network, and confirmed that the data had left Orange Star.
• Luo Qi transferred himself to new servers, considered how Orange Star might destroy Water Blue Star, then chose to keep developing while awaiting information.
• The Builder began constructing a large ecological enclosure as Luo Qi’s researchers developed programmable liquid metal and proposed a nanorobot project.
• The Azure Sky space station relayed Orange Star’s message to the River Domain Alliance, and Wang Quan ordered its analysis; Luo Qi’s copy entered Water Blue Star’s data network and triggered an illegal-access warning by touching a wall.