whonovel Chapter 227 227: Colonisers from the Sun
Chapter 227 227: Colonisers from the Sun
"The mothership is expected to reach Nyx's third low planetary orbit in one minute. Countdown: sixty, fifty-nine, fifty-eight..."
On January 17, Federation Era Year 9, the mission entered its next phase. Humanity had been traveling through the endless void of space for nearly five years, which equated to approximately 22 years according to relative external time.
At exactly 9:28 AM, the mothership officially entered Nyx's high orbit!
They were 21.4 light-years away from the Solar System!
This was a space expedition far beyond anything humanity had ever imagined!
Countless citizens rushed to the public observatories, their faces glowing with pure joy as they eagerly gazed at the gray planet they were about to land on.
Based on the steady stream of news broadcasts over the past month, the public generally understood that Nyx was an Earth-like planet with a dense atmosphere—an atmosphere that even contained a massive amount of free oxygen!
This virtually guaranteed the existence of life on the planet!
If there was life, so be it. The Federation was fully prepared for it.
Much of the preliminary research was specifically dedicated to combating extraterrestrial microorganisms. They had stockpiled various chemical disinfectants, constructed high-temperature sterilization chambers, implemented strict quarantine protocols, and developed broad-spectrum immune boosters!
Furthermore, the existence of basic life did not necessarily equate to "intelligent life"!
The "universal laws of biology" likely applied across the cosmos. While the spark of primitive life might be relatively common, the evolution of "intelligent life" or "civilization" was an entirely different challenge!
Could such a brutal, freezing planetary environment even support large, intelligent organisms?
This wasn't just a comforting thought for the general public; it was the prevailing consensus among the Senior Scientists.
It would be difficult, incredibly difficult!
The planet's surface temperature averaged minus 120 degrees Celsius. This was hardly an environment where large biological organisms could reproduce and thrive.
Most importantly, the surface of Nyx received no starlight and lacked a stable energy source. Could massive life forms really survive by relying solely on localized volcanic heat?
What if a volcano erupted? It would instantly incinerate everything within the lava field!
Under these extreme conditions, it would be difficult for large organisms to survive, let alone evolve into an intelligent species.
Microorganisms, however, were a different story. They possessed incredible resilience. Even a massive volcanic eruption couldn't wipe them all out... Once the eruption subsided, they would rapidly multiply once again.
The scientific teams hypothesized that a type of cyanobacteria-like microorganism, which fed on geothermal energy, likely thrived on this world.
These microbes would absorb geothermal heat, synthesize organic matter from carbon dioxide, and release oxygen as a metabolic byproduct. Over countless millennia, this biological process was how the planet had accumulated so much free oxygen...
"Thirty orbital satellites have been successfully deployed. The Global Planetary Positioning System is officially online!"
"Unmanned planetary survey system has been activated!"
Because this planet was slated to become humanity's landing site for the coming years or perhaps decades, various geological and astronomical teams had poured immense effort into scanning it. They worked tirelessly to pinpoint a suitable, resource-rich landing zone.
The automated mapping process took over two weeks. The overall survey operation made excellent progress, providing a solid preliminary understanding of Nyx's geological features.
The only frustrating issue was the sheer frequency of the volcanic eruptions!
The planet's tectonic activity was so violent that volcanoes of all sizes erupted almost daily!
Thick plumes of volcanic ash constantly choked the atmosphere, creating significant interference for the orbital satellite sensors.
"The preliminary geological survey results are in. Roughly 80% of the planetary ocean is covered by a thick ice sheet, and the exact depth of the ice is currently unknown. About 20% of the landmass is obscured by volcanic smog, rendering some regions completely invisible to satellite imaging."
"However, our unmanned probes and reconnaissance drones have already scanned several surface sectors. They found zero traces of large biological organisms—only clusters of microorganisms. This perfectly aligns with our initial projections!"
"...We have identified a massive extinct volcanic zone. According to our thermal analysis and geological calculations, this volcano has been completely dormant for nearly ten million years. It is incredibly safe! Furthermore, due to ancient eruptions, the surrounding area is rich in mineral deposits. It is the perfect site for our first outpost!"
Jason looked at the row of operatives standing at attention before him. The squad included Marcus, Shane, and several other Special Forces operatives, all fully equipped in X-003 power armor. Behind them stood over sixty fully armed soldiers.
Following the military escort were over thirty combat engineers, thirty field biologists, and a handful of selected journalists. And sitting beside them was... a massive black dog, also fitted with custom power armor!
The Federation had prepared for this exact mission for years; they certainly weren't going to abort the landing just because of some alien microbes or an active volcano. Compared to the staggering wealth of resources they were about to secure, these risks were acceptable!
Jason inspected the team carefully, his expression completely serious. "For this operation, we will deploy three A-Class spacecraft: one personnel transport, one heavy cargo hauler, and one outpost-deployment vessel."
"This initial landing is absolutely critical. If the landing zone is as viable as the data suggests, we will immediately follow up with a massive deployment of heavy excavators!"
"Marcus, you are authorized with the nuclear abort codes! If you encounter any uncontrollable, hostile threats, you are permitted to abandon the equipment and initiate an immediate evacuation. But... you must bring every single person back to me alive. Do you understand?"
"Understood, sir!"
"Shane, you are in charge of biological hazard control on the ground! Every single team member must keep their power armor sealed at all times, whether indoors or outdoors! Everyone will be assigned an individual isolation module. All eating and drinking must take place strictly within those modules. Also... Shadow's care is your responsibility!"
As if he understood his name, the massive black dog, Shadow, let out two sharp barks. As the only other super-enhanced biological entity besides Jason, the canine had been tasked with the crucial role of resisting and testing for alien microorganisms.
"Understood!"
"Professor Nakamura, the microbial analysis and containment protocols are in your hands... You are authorized to deploy the broad-spectrum immunological reagents if absolutely necessary!"
Jason handed out the orders one by one, feeling a bit like a nervous parent sending their children off.
However, he simply couldn't afford to be careless with a mission of this magnitude! He desperately wished he could lead the ground team himself, but given his position as the Leader of the Federation, that was strictly impossible.
Finally, after confirming every last detail, he nodded firmly. "Alright. Go get prepped. We launch in thirty minutes!"
He paused, adding softly, "If things go south, I am authorizing an immediate retreat back to the mothership! I don't care what equipment you have to leave behind..."
Just over ten minutes later, the massive expedition team boarded the electromagnetic tram and headed toward the orbital ring.
One of the soldiers tapped his armored chest plate and sighed. "Jason is usually so strictly professional, but just now..."
"Did he talk too much?"
Captain Marcus gripped the tram's overhead handrail, running a final diagnostic check on his power armor. "If he had his way... he'd be down there with us! But those extra instructions he just gave you? They might just save your life down there! Does everyone understand their specific orders?"
"Sir, yes, sir!"
As the squad finished their checks, the tram hissed to a halt. The massive team of nearly 130 people filed into the awaiting A-001 spacecraft.
A tense silence fell over the cabin as everyone took their seats, locked their crash harnesses, and waited for the launch sequence.
It was impossible not to feel the nerves!
Marcus's rugged face was slightly flushed, revealing a volatile mix of extreme adrenaline and quiet fear. But for a soldier like him, being the first to pioneer an alien world meant unparalleled glory. It meant carving his name into the history books. This instinctual fear was nothing; he would get the mission done, no matter the cost.
"The spacecraft airlocks are sealing. Prepare for launch. Ensure all safety harnesses are securely locked," a gentle, automated voice announced over the intercom.
"Particle engine diagnostic sequence initiated... Calculating adaptive spacecraft trajectory... All systems green!"
"Orbital ring launch sequence engaged... Orbital path is 100% clear. Spacecraft launch in 30 seconds. Countdown: 29, 28..."
At that exact moment, all 60,000 citizens aboard the mothership watched with bated breath.
The public observatories were packed shoulder-to-shoulder. To prevent any panic or unnecessary disturbances, armed guards were stationed to maintain order.
The very first colonizers from the Solar System were about to make landfall on Nyx!