Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 391 Support Fleet
“Your mastery of spatial laws is higher than I imagined,” Silver Moon analyzed earnestly. “Although you’re still in the beginner stage, you use them very skillfully, clearly having been tested in real combat.”

"Your Moon Law is also quite good, especially that Moon Essence Protection skill, its defensive power is astonishing," Rowan commented. "Moreover, your overall combat rhythm is more mature, much stronger than it was six months ago."

“This mission truly taught me a lot,” Silvermoon recalled. “That ancient civilization had a profound understanding of the laws of the moon, and I gained a great deal of inspiration from their ruins.”

"It seems we've both made considerable progress," Rowan said with satisfaction. "This gives us a much better chance of success on tomorrow's mission."

"Speaking of tomorrow's mission, do you know the specifics?" Silvermoon inquired. "Dr. Li only said it was very important, but didn't reveal any specific details."

"I'm not sure either, but since it requires the two of us to work together, it's probably an exploration or investigation mission," Rowan speculated. "With our current strength, we should be able to handle most dangers."

“I hope it’s an interesting mission,” Silvermoon said expectantly. “It wouldn’t be bad to go on an adventure once in a while, instead of always doing research in the lab.”

"Haha, looks like you have an adventurous spirit too," Rowan laughed. "But be careful, the dangers in space are far greater than in the laboratory."

“I know that, but with you as my powerful partner, I’m still very confident,” Silver Moon said. “Especially now that you’ve mastered the laws of space, our cooperation should be even more seamless.”

“Of course, our teamwork has always been excellent,” Rowan said confidently. “No matter the mission, we can complete it perfectly.”

The two chatted for a while longer, mainly exchanging their experiences and insights from their respective missions. Silvermoon was very interested in Rowan's experiences in the Misty Forbidden Zone, especially the ruins of that ancient civilization, while Rowan was also very curious about the ruins she had discovered.

"It's getting late, we should go back and rest," Yinyue said, glancing at the time. "We have a meeting tomorrow, so we need to be in good shape."

“Indeed, today’s sparring session has given me a new understanding of your abilities,” Rowan stood up. “Tomorrow’s mission will definitely go smoothly.”

“See you tomorrow,” Silvermoon stood up as well. “I hope tomorrow’s mission will allow us to further improve our strength.”

The two left the training room and returned to their respective residences.

Early the next morning, Rowan arrived at the company's mission allocation center. It was a spacious conference hall with a holographic star map of the entire Milky Way hanging on the walls, countless points of light representing different planets and factions. Silver Moon was already waiting there, dressed in her formal company uniform, looking both professional and elegant.

"Good morning, Rowan," Silvermoon greeted with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

“Very good. Yesterday’s sparring session has given me more confidence for today’s task,” Rowan sat down beside her. “And you? Do you have any particular feelings?”

“I have a feeling today’s mission is going to be very interesting,” Silvermoon said thoughtfully. “Although I don’t know the specifics yet, I have a feeling it will be an unusual challenge.”

Just as the two were talking, the conference room door opened, and Claude, the department head, walked in. Claude was a middle-aged man with deep eyes and an authoritative demeanor. He had worked at the company for hundreds of years and was extremely experienced.

“Good morning, Rowan, Silvermoon,” Claude said, walking to the conference table. “It’s good to see you both here on time. We have a special mission for you today.”

"What kind of mission?" Rowan asked directly.

Claude activated the desktop holographic projection system, which immediately displayed a 3D image of a galaxy. This galaxy was relatively small, with only one star and eight planets, two of which were specially marked.

“This is the Tana system, located on the outskirts of the Milky Way,” Claude began, “about three thousand light-years from here. There are two inhabited planets in this system: Tana I and Tana II.”

The holographic image is magnified to reveal detailed information about the two planets. Tana 1 is a blue planet dominated by oceans with relatively small continental areas; Tana 2, on the other hand, is a typical continental planet with mountains and plains as its surface.

"Is there something wrong with these two planets?" Silver Moon asked.

“The problem is serious,” Claude’s expression turned grave. “Three months ago, a severe conflict erupted between the two planets. It stemmed from the discovery of an asteroid rich in rare minerals by Planet Tana II, but Planet Tana I claimed that, according to an ancient galactic agreement, the asteroid belonged to their territory.”

“It sounds like a typical resource struggle,” Rowan analyzed. “This kind of situation is very common in the universe.”

“Indeed, but the complexity of the issue goes beyond a typical resource dispute,” Claude continued. “Both planets are not highly developed civilizations, roughly equivalent to Earth in the 21st century, but they both possess nuclear weapons and rudimentary space technology.”

Upon hearing this, Silvermoon's expression turned serious: "They're not really going to start a nuclear war, are they?"

“It’s already on the edge,” Claude nodded in confirmation. “Last month, a fleet from Tana II attempted to seize that asteroid but was repelled by the defenses of Tana I. Both sides suffered casualties, and the situation is extremely tense now.”

The holographic imagery switches to a live recording of the battle, showing rudimentary space warships exchanging fire around an asteroid, with laser weapons and missiles flashing in the dark universe. Despite the limited technology, the intensity of the battle is no less impressive.

“Most seriously,” Claude’s voice was filled with worry, “is that, according to our intelligence, both planets are preparing for a final showdown. Tana I has threatened a nuclear strike on Tana II’s capital, while Tana II is also amassing its entire military force in preparation for a counterattack.”

“This is indeed very serious,” Rowan mused. “If a full-scale war were to break out, both civilizations could be destroyed.”

“Exactly,” Claude said. “Although this is just a localized conflict in a remote galaxy, Virtual Universe Corporation is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the universe. We cannot stand by and watch two civilizations destroy each other.”

Silvermoon carefully observed the star map: "So our mission is to mediate this conflict?"

“That’s right,” Claude confirmed. “The company has decided to send a mediator to the Tana system to encourage both sides to resolve their dispute through peaceful negotiations.”

"Why only send the two of us?" Rowan inquired. "These kinds of diplomatic missions usually require a larger team."

“That’s the crux of the matter,” Claude explained. “The two civilizations in the Tana system have relatively low levels of technology and limited knowledge of advanced civilizations in the universe. If we send a large fleet there, they might perceive it as an invasion, which would only escalate the conflict.”

“Therefore, a low-key approach is needed,” Silvermoon understood. “Small teams of two are more likely to be accepted.”

“Correct,” Claude nodded. “And you both have extensive mission experience and are highly capable, able to handle unexpected situations. More importantly, your teamwork is excellent, which is crucial in diplomatic missions.” Rowan looked at the two planets on the star map, pondering the mission's complexity: “How exactly do we proceed? Directly contact the governments of the two planets?”

"The mission is divided into several phases," Claude explained, reciting the detailed action plan. "First, you will secretly infiltrate the Tana system to gather more detailed intelligence, understand the true causes of the conflict, and identify the bottom lines of both sides."

The holographic image shows a detailed action route and schedule.

"And then?" Silver Moon asked.

“The second phase involves contacting the decision-makers on both planets separately, offering mediation suggestions as representatives of the Virtual Universe Company,” Claude continued. “This phase is the most crucial; you need to demonstrate sufficient strength and sincerity to convince both sides that we have the ability to help them resolve their issues.”

"What if they're unwilling to negotiate?" Rowan asked the crucial question.

“This is the third phase,” Claude’s expression turned serious. “If peaceful means fail, you have the right to use necessary deterrent measures. Of course, deterrence here does not refer to threats of force, but rather demonstrating our technological strength and making them understand the consequences of continuing the war.”

Silver Moon pondered: "Demonstrate strength... perhaps, showcase our martial arts abilities?"

“Exactly,” Claude confirmed. “For a civilization with this level of technology, the abilities of a stellar-level warrior are enough to awe them. When they realize the existence of such powerful forces in the universe, they should reconsider the meaning of war.”

“That sounds like an interesting mission,” Rowan began to show interest. “It presents both a challenge to diplomatic skills and an opportunity to demonstrate strength.”

“But be careful,” Claude cautioned. “Earlier civilizations are often more unpredictable. They might act rashly out of fear, or they might reject reason out of fanaticism.”

“We’ll handle it carefully,” Silvermoon said earnestly. “So, when do we set off?”

“This afternoon,” Claude replied, “the company has prepared a stealth reconnaissance ship capable of evading the detection systems of the Tana system. The flight will take approximately one week.”

“With a week of flight time, we can make more detailed plans on the road,” Rowan said.

“There are some special requirements regarding this mission,” Claude pulled up another document. “First, you must try to avoid revealing the true strength of the Virtual Universe Corporation. Our technology is far too advanced for such a civilization and could cause unnecessary panic.”

"Then what identity should we appear in?" Silver Moon asked.

“A mediator for the Galactic Peace Organization,” Claude replied, “this identity is authoritative enough without being overly intimidating. We have prepared the necessary identification and background information.”

“Secondly,” Claude continued, “if possible, try to find out the real reason behind this conflict. According to our analysis, a simple struggle for resources wouldn’t be enough to trigger such a fierce confrontation; there may be other hidden reasons.”

Rowan nodded in understanding: "We will investigate further. Are there any other requests?"

“The last point, and the most important one,” Claude’s expression turned extremely serious, “is to prevent the destruction of both civilizations, no matter what happens. Even if negotiations fail, we must find a way to prevent nuclear war.”

“We understand,” Silvermoon said firmly. “Protecting civilization is our duty.”

Claude nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, I believe you can successfully complete this mission. Now, do you have any questions?"

“Regarding that controversial asteroid,” Rowan asked, “how valuable is it really? Is it worth two civilizations going to war over?”

“That’s one of the suspicious points,” Claude said, pulling up the asteroid’s analysis report. “According to our remote scans, this asteroid does contain rare minerals, but their value isn’t particularly enormous. Given the technological level of both civilizations, they could easily develop it together through trade or cooperation.”

"Then why did it escalate to the point of war?" Silver Moon asked, puzzled.

“This is what you need to investigate,” Claude said. “There may be someone instigating this, or it may be an eruption of historical grievances. In short, things are definitely not as simple as they seem.”

Rowan and Silvermoon exchanged a glance, both sensing the complexity of this mission.

“There’s another problem,” Rowan continued, “What if we encounter danger during the mediation process? Although these two planets are not technologically advanced, they still possess a certain level of military strength.”

“Your safety is paramount,” Claude emphasized. “If you encounter an insurmountable danger, retreat immediately and request assistance from the company. We have a support fleet deployed in the nearby star system that can provide assistance if necessary.”

“Understood,” Silvermoon nodded. “Then let’s go prepare the equipment and materials now.”

“Wait, there’s one more thing,” Claude called after them. “The success of this mission is crucial to the company’s reputation. Successfully mediating this conflict will prove that Virtual Universe Corporation is not only powerful in technology and military force, but also plays a vital role in maintaining peace in the universe.”

“We will not let the company down,” Rowan said confidently.

“That's settled then. Meet at helipad number three at 2 PM,” Claude stood up. “Good luck with your mission.”

After the meeting, Rowan and Yinyue left the conference room to begin preparing for the mission.

"What do you think of this mission?" Silvermoon asked as they walked.

“It’s very challenging,” Rowan replied. “Diplomatic missions are completely different from combat missions; they require much more patience and wisdom.”

“Indeed, and we also have to play mediators from the ‘Galactic Peace Organization,’” Silvermoon laughed. “It feels a bit like acting.”

(End of this chapter)