Chapter 200: Arcadia

Sirius Beta Star System.

At the center of this system was Sirius Beta, a star slightly larger and more massive than Earth's sun.

Orbiting around Sirius Beta were ten planets, including six terrestrial planets and four gas giants, making the system remarkably similar to our solar system.

A closer observation of the terrestrial planet orbiting in the fourth position might evoke a feeling of déjà vu, as if one were looking at Earth itself.

As the distance shortens further, to around 200,000 kilometers from the planet's surface, it becomes apparent that this terrestrial planet's ecosystem might actually be more suitable for life than Earth's.

Aside from the green representing vegetation and the blue seas, there were almost no visible desert areas.

Additionally, on the sunlit side of the equator, there stood three orbital elevators—each several times larger than those on Prosperity Star—along with their associated space stations.

Countless civilian freighters and cruise ships emerged from glowing blue vortexes, transitioning from subspace back into the physical universe. These ships followed established flight paths towards designated space stations.

Among them was the Aldrin, arriving from Prosperity Star.

Before long, the Aldrin followed the guidance of Station No. 3, gradually decelerating and adjusting its angle before docking at a mid-sized external port.

Once the docking arms extended and locked onto the ship, and the airlock bridge connected to the right side of the vessel, the docking procedure was officially completed.

At this moment, inside the Aldrin's cargo hold:

Whoosh—!

The sound of the airlock doors opening echoed through the cargo hold, which was filled with containers.

Leon, Mike, Maggie, Forgrem, and the others stood patiently near the airlock, waiting for the gate to fully open.

Step, step.

Soon, the noise from the gate subsided, replaced by the sound of boots clanging against the metal floor.

Over a dozen Arcadia customs officers, accompanied by four fully armed UNSC Marines, crossed the airlock bridge and entered the cargo hold.

Before stepping onto the floor, the four Marines were already on high alert, using their helmet's monocular displays to scan the hold and scrutinize Leon, Mike, and the others.

It was clear that even though Arcadia hadn't been directly impacted by the rebellion yet, the UNSC forces responsible for local security remained vigilant, fearing that insurgents might hide aboard freighters or cruise ships and sneak onto Arcadia to stir up trouble.

In contrast, the female customs officer in charge seemed less tense than the Marines.

Holding a thin tablet in one hand, she approached Leon, Mike, and the group, mumbling to herself: "Wheat, fruit, and processed food… hmm."

As she glanced at Mike, she asked:

"Still as productive as ever on Prosperity Star, huh? Hehe, so where are you all planning to visit on Arcadia while unloading and resting?"

Hearing this, Mike, posing as the Aldrin's supervisor, immediately put on a smile and replied:

"Of course, Piers City. I've heard for a long time that its environment is beautiful, and it boasts the most famous Golden Coast in the entire colony."

With a grin, Mike threw his arm around Forgrem's shoulders and continued:

"It's a great opportunity that the company sent us to Arcadia, so I brought my cousin along for a free ride. We'll have a good time, and spend a little money, too."

"Oh? Is that so?" 

The customs officer quickly reviewed the cargo manifest displayed on her tablet and verified the identities of Mike, Leon, and the others.

After confirming everything was in order, her gaze shifted to Forgrem, who had grown a few centimeters taller.

!

At the sight of Forgrem, the woman—who appeared to be in her thirties—was momentarily stunned.

After all, Forgrem's appearance was striking, far more attractive than most child actors she'd ever seen.

"Ahem…"

Realizing her slip, she raised a hand to her mouth and cleared her throat before saying:

"Well, if you're here for a vacation and to spend some money, Arcadia has no reason to turn you away. If you'd like to disembark now, please head over to the security checkpoint."

"Thank you."

Leon, Mike, and the others grabbed their bags and, accompanied by two UNSC Marines keeping a watchful eye on them, walked through the airlock bridge to the space station's security checkpoint.

Here, they underwent more thorough body searches, precise identity checks, and had to sign various forms and agreements related to safety, responsibility, and behavior during their stay.

Nearly two hours later, they finally left the security checkpoint and arrived at the central waiting hall of the station.

They then boarded an orbital elevator, capable of carrying over a thousand people at once, and began their rapid descent towards the planet's surface, traveling tens of thousands of kilometers in a matter of hours.

Hours later.

It was now late afternoon on Arcadia's surface.

Piers City, home to the three orbital elevators, was far larger than Aldega on Prosperity Star, with its cityscape and public transportation systems appearing much more "modern."

At first glance, the city seemed even more bustling and advanced than New Akra City in the main universe.

However, there were far fewer emergency vehicles, such as hovering patrol craft, flying between buildings than in New Akra. Instead, the primary mode of transportation for both UNSC and Piers City officials remained traditional ground and air vehicles.

At this moment.

Leon, Mike, and the group exited a yellow-painted taxi in front of a resort hotel that overlooked the eastern coast from its balcony.

Carrying their bags and luggage, they entered the hotel lobby.

Once inside, Forgrem, following the group, felt a brief moment of disorientation. His mind wandered back to memories of traveling to a space city with Leman and Angron, under the guidance of Dr. Ashford.

This place was equipped with numerous holographic screens and 3D projections to assist visitors from different colonies.

In fact, near the central indoor fountain, there stood a humanoid AI assistant, albeit a rather clumsy one, introducing Arcadia's features to passersby:

"…a tropical planet, with average temperatures remaining above 18°C year-round. Before being officially colonized by the UEG in 2429, Arcadia already had a natural environment and mineral resources conducive to human habitation and development.

While Arcadia didn't require aggressive terraforming or atmospheric modification, 94% of its original rainforest remains unexplored to this day.

For your safety, please do not let the beauty of Arcadia's environment lower your guard, and refrain from venturing into the uncharted rainforest or drinking—"

"Cousin! Come on!"

"Coming!"

Hearing Mike call him after completing the hotel check-in, Forgrem snapped out of his thoughts and ran to catch up with the group near the elevators.

For this trip, he, Mike, and Leon would be sharing a family suite.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Mike and Leon immediately began inspecting every corner of the room.

Once they ensured the environment was secure, Mike pulled out a newly purchased paper map. Using a marker, he circled two locations 300 kilometers west of Piers City, saying in a serious tone:

"Tomorrow, we'll hit the shopping district first, then find an opportunity to scout the two areas where App suspects there may be UNSC Naval Intelligence (ONI) activity.

Humanity has been colonizing here for nearly a century. I'm sure the UNSC must know something. They might have even found the Forerunner ruins, but haven't yet connected the dots between Prosperity Star and Arcadia, which is why they still can't pinpoint the coordinates for Shield World 0495."

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