The warship emerged from its resting space dock and arrived at a cleared area within the star system, where it slowly came to a stop, as if preparing for something.
Inside the warship's command center, two oddly-looking aliens gazed out at the silent galaxy.
Their appearance is very peculiar. If we had to use Earth Star's species as a comparison, these things are like snails that have come to life. Their heads are covered with synapses of all sizes, and at the end of each synapse is a huge eye. Their entire body seems to be a shell made of steel, like an external armor.
"After all these years, another civilization has actually touched the edge of spatial knowledge."
One of them spoke, their mouths filled with dozens of layers of tiny teeth, a sight that sent chills down one's spine.
"I said, let's make this operation cleaner. Last time, a few natives escaped and were rescued by the Pan-Galactic Alliance. If it weren't for our people rescuing them, we would have been in deep trouble long ago."
The other man sat in the captain's seat, and despite his strange face, he managed to project a serious expression.
"I understand. I don't know what the Pan-Galactic Alliance is after. They've only killed some natives who haven't even left their star systems. What's the point of saving them?"
"You'd better not ask about political matters. No faction in the galaxy wants to rise to power; everyone needs their own political stance."
"In short, this operation must be carried out cleanly."
"Okay, okay, I understand. I'll request permission to use the planet-destroying weapon. Let's go up and fire a shot."
The Snail People standing there said somewhat impatiently.
"I can give you access to the planet-destroying weapon, but you know how big of a commotion it will cause. It's best to use it sparingly unless absolutely necessary."
"Okay, okay, since your ship is going there anyway, we can discuss it when we get there."
The sitting Snail People nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, took a cup of Huhu liquid, and used one of its synapses as a straw to sip it all in one gulp.
"By the way, if you succeed in this mission, will you be promoted to second-class citizen?"
His hand unconsciously brushed against the badge on his chest, a badge that was clearly a symbol of his status.
The Snail People standing there smiled.
"That's true. After fighting for so many years, I've accumulated enough military merits. Hey, Lao Mu, tell me what's on a second-class planet?"
The Snail People, known as Lao Mu, flicked his armor.
"You've seen this armor before, it's standard equipment for second-class citizens. But mine is the military version, it cost a fortune. Also, life on a second-class planet doesn't require any oxygen supply equipment at all. The entire atmosphere is habitable, have you ever seen that? Natural wind, natural rain, and sunlight without Fallout. It's so much better than a third-class inferior planet."
Looking at the new alloy armor on Lao Mu's body, the Snail People standing there was filled with envy. He took off the armor on his hands, revealing hands that looked like tentacles.
Although it looks like a tentacle, his entire hand still shows signs of age and hardship.
"Damn it, you people who are born second-class citizens are so lucky."
"Come on, if we're talking about miserable lives, those are the captured alien slaves. Your life may not have been great growing up, but at least you had a path to advancement."
"That's all thanks to you. If it were anyone else, I'd be a canned food by now."
The person standing laughed.
"You can't say that, Ao. Be careful they don't block your promotion. I can speak up for you, but I'm just one person and my voice carries little weight; I can't really help much."
"Damn it, you think I'm afraid of those bastards? My military achievements speak for themselves, who can stop me?"
Just as the two were chatting, the warship's charging progress bar was almost full, and a green icon appeared on the large screen in the command room.
"Is it fully charged? How's the wormhole location calculation going? When can we confirm the route?"
Upon seeing the notification from the warship, Lao Mu asked a question.
Clearly, he wasn't asking the people present.
"The wormhole calculation will take another 3 calendar days. The location of the spatial explosion fluctuation has been determined, approximately 6 light-years from the galaxy. It is estimated that 12 time travels will be required, taking 10 calendar years."
The speaker was the screen in front of him, which looked like an artificial intelligence.
"Okay, proceed with the spatial warp-in as planned."
Lao Mu nodded.
"Troublesome, we have to wait another three days." The standing man shifted to a more relaxed posture. "I just don't understand, they've managed to do space jumps, so why can't the spaceship be any faster? What are these scientists even doing?"
"With a brain like yours, you want to be a scientist? Go to hell!"
The seated man laughed. He liked this guy's personality; he was straightforward and basically thoughtless.
It's good to be brainless; you'll be obedient.
"I said, there are still three days left. I'm going to get some Tree Maidens so we can have a good meal before I leave?"
"All you ever do is eat! Why don't you save your money and upgrade your armor instead?"
"Sigh, isn't life all about these two things? Besides, that tree sap tastes amazing, it's addictive."
"Alright, look at you, go ahead and get a few more. We still have a few spare bio-tanks on board, we can raise them for the journey."
"Okay, okay, it's on me."
After saying that, the man turned and walked out of the captain's cabin, heading towards the small spaceship compartment on the ship.
All the other Snail People along the way lay down on the ground when they saw him, and only went back to their own business after he had disappeared from sight.
"Isn't he just a third-class citizen? Why are you all so afraid of him?"
The little Snail People lying next to it seemed a bit confused.
"Don't talk nonsense. Aozile is about to be promoted to a second-class citizen. If he hears you saying that, he'll send you straight into a cannonball."
"I'm so envious. I wish I could become a second-class citizen someday. At least then people would remember my name."
The little Snail People looked on with envy.
"It's not impossible. Aozile also rose through the ranks from a fifth-class citizen. If you're lucky, it's not out of the question."
"Huh? He's also a fifth-class citizen? What was his original name?"
The little Snail People looked on with curiosity.
Their naming system has strict rules. A citizen's class determines the number of characters in their name. For example, Lao Mu is a second-class citizen, so his name has only two characters, while Aozile is a third-class citizen, so his name has three characters.
"I'll tell you a secret, Aozile's real name was Aozilebozi. Don't tell anyone, he hates it when people mention that name."
"Okay, I got it. Grandpa, my Kuchaged(e)huang."