Simulated Universe
The fleet en route to the Olive Branch civilization consisted of the Celestial Palace as the flagship, four 10,000-meter-class battleships as escorts.
The fleet also included 23 7000-meter battleships, 15 5000-meter frigates, 12 3000-meter cruisers, 18 2000-meter destroyers, 20 1000-meter reconnaissance ships, 5 5000-meter energy ships, and 36 500-meter scouts.
This was a typical fleet composition within the Federation.
The Federation currently possessed 17 such fleets, totaling 2278 warships.
Six reserve fleets were also maintained, each with a flagship, ten battleships, six frigates, twenty cruisers, and thirty destroyers—402 ships total.
These constituted the Federation's primary military strength; countless smaller fighters and spacecraft were also available.
Seven light-years into uncharted space, the fleet encountered its first star system.
This system was unnamed because its star was exceptionally dim—a brown dwarf, more akin to a giant gas planet than a true star. Brown dwarfs, due to their low mass (1-7% that of the Sun), cannot sustain nuclear fusion; their surface temperature rarely exceeds 2727°C.
Some brown dwarfs have surface temperatures close to room temperature, potentially habitable for humans.
Even so, a star is a star. Even the smallest brown dwarf is many times larger than Jupiter, capable of generating light and heat, making it far more hospitable than a gas giant with surface temperatures of -100°C.
Luna observed a brown dwarf with a diameter of 670,000 kilometers (Sun's 1.39 million kilometers) and a mass of only 3.67% of the Sun's.
"This brown dwarf has thirteen satellites; the largest is 72.54% Earth's mass, the second-largest 30.11%."
"The system also possesses abundant water ice and methane. It has some development potential. The largest planet is near the habitable zone, with a surface temperature reaching -150°C—not bad."
Ayla pointed out the system's pros and cons. For Luna, it was a suitable first stop.
"Let's send a team to establish an outpost."
"This brown dwarf has ample hydrogen, suitable for fusion power generation. A Dyson swarm is unnecessary; the star's low light and heat output make both photovoltaics and thermal power generation inefficient, with negative returns."
"I've heard that several system development corporations have emerged within the Federation, with assets exceeding 1 billion energy credits."
"We could sell the smaller planets to these corporations; I'm sure they'd be happy to acquire them."
All star systems within the Federation belonged to the Federation, not to individuals.
Luna was creating a new market.
Selling low-value brown dwarf systems would incentivize corporate exploration.
While exploring space was profitable for individuals, the returns were still too low for larger corporations.
Owning a star system, even a brown dwarf system, would be extremely attractive to corporations and wealthy individuals.
"Designate this brown dwarf as SC-1, the first stop on our Silk Road."
"Continue our voyage."
Luna didn't leave any troops for development.
First, the system's resources were limited; second, it was close enough to the Federation that Ayla could easily relay information and auction the system, attracting corporations within a century, potentially even establishing permanent settlements there.
These corporations might believe this would grant them independence from the Federation.
But Luna wasn't concerned. As long as these territories remained within Federation space, any notions of independence would be futile.
...
The second stop was relatively close.
SC-2 was a large red dwarf star (4600°C surface temperature) with 0.27 solar masses—slightly more than twice the mass of Proxima Centauri.
Its only drawback was its single planet, only 1.2 times Earth's mass.
Being outside the habitable zone wasn't a problem; it could be moved.
And it had water, which wasn't unusual; hydrogen and oxygen were among the most abundant elements in the universe. Most stars were primarily hydrogen, the most abundant element, with oxygen being the third, after helium.
Earth-based life's reliance on water and oxygen was inevitable.
Of the nine civilizations within the Federation, three others, in addition to humanity, breathed oxygen.
The Federation had identified eleven sentient species so far, all carbon-based, carbon being the fourth most abundant element after oxygen.
Luna hoped to encounter silicon-based life.
But that was unlikely; the probability of silicon-based life was incredibly low. While silicon is the eighth most abundant element, its simple structure, poor chemical bonding, and inability to effectively store energy limited silicon-based organisms' potential for higher intelligence.
Furthermore, silicon is easily disrupted by other particles; water, abundant in the universe, is essentially an acid to silicon-based life.
Naturally occurring silicon-based life is therefore incredibly rare—a trillionth, even a quadrillionth, the probability of carbon-based life. The likelihood of it evolving into an advanced civilization is even lower, practically zero.
Even tin and phosphorus are thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of times more likely to form life.
But natural processes aren't the only possibilities.
Type 2 civilizations can create life, including silicon-based organisms. And with broader definitions, even robots could be considered a form of silicon-based life.
"This star system has some value, but not for resource extraction."
"Ayla, deploy the Seed."
The Seed, officially designated "Blue Algae Type 1," possessed remarkable adaptability and evolution potential. It was essentially a virus, capable of rapid reproduction under the right conditions, enveloping a planet's oceans within 100 years, creating a dense atmosphere.
Over the next 200 years, it would begin to colonize land, evolving into trees and covering the planet in vegetation.
After approximately 1000 generations, this algae-like organism experienced genetic degradation, its reproductive rate decreasing sharply.
The Seed was crucial to Luna's terraforming efforts.
In addition to Blue Algae Type 1, there was also Type 29, capable of generating any gas.
"Technology makes things so much easier."
"Ayla, also initiate Project World Tree. Our interstellar Silk Road needs some greenery."
Continuing their voyage, Luna designated five more star systems: SC-3 through SC-7.
All five systems were red dwarfs—not a single yellow dwarf among them.
Ayla estimated that 70–75% of all stars in the Milky Way were red dwarfs.
"The next star is a yellow dwarf similar to the Sun. It's a binary system, with a white dwarf companion about the size of Earth but possessing 94% of the Sun's mass."
"Luna, this binary system has great potential. Its resources are far more abundant than any we've encountered so far."
"Based on our observations, the system contains seven planets: six orbiting SC-8A and one orbiting SC-8B."
"Because the two stars have similar masses, the binary system is very stable. Two planets orbiting SC-8A are located within the habitable zone."
"These planets' masses are 81.24% and 3.74 times that of Earth's, respectively."
"The larger planet appears to have a ring system and several small moons."
Ayla reported, placing a glass of iced juice before Luna.
The juice tasted like passionfruit, its pulp having a stringy texture, like coconut. It left a refreshing aftertaste, like mint.
"Ayla, do you think there's a civilization in SC-8?"
Life was abundant in the universe; this was an established fact.
But there didn't seem to be many civilizations.
They had traveled 31 light-years over 441 years. The year was 9132 A.D.
Reports from the Federation indicated their territory had expanded to 29 star systems, with seven planets showing signs of life, but no new civilizations.
"Observations of SC-8f indicate a dense atmosphere. Life likely exists, but we haven't detected any signs of interstellar technology, suggesting a low probability of Type 1 or higher civilization."
"Ayla believes the probability is high. If life exists, the chance of a civilization is greater than 1/1000."
The existence of life doesn't guarantee the development of a civilization.
This was true, but it didn't necessarily imply low probability.
Once life was confirmed, the likelihood of a civilization increased, because the likelihood of civilization isn't simply a matter of multiple dimensions but of time.
As long as planetary conditions are suitable, over time, the probability of a civilization rises.
What are the chances of a habitable planet producing a civilization in one, two, or three billion years?
Natural selection guides creatures toward better adaptation; increased size, speed, protection, and—most importantly—intelligence.
Once tool use, intelligence, and access to basic energy sources are present.
A civilization emerges, becoming a Type 0.1.
...
Another two light-years.
After 28 years, they arrived.
Some soldiers aboard the warships began to awaken from hibernation. Luna, however, hadn't hibernated; managing her repair shop allowed her to enjoy the passage of time, the daily routine of work and rest.
Sitting in the Celestial Palace's bridge, Luna was researching tentacled creatures and their ability to control massive warships single-handedly.
Unfortunately, despite reaching Level 1 in psionics five centuries ago, this was still challenging.
As the fleet entered SC-8's heliosphere, robots were dispatched to collect asteroid samples for analysis.
Then came some bad news.
"Luna, we've scanned over 2700 asteroids. No radioactive elements detected."
This was familiar.
The same trait as in Alpha Centauri A!
"Have you detected any quark-level robots?"
If not a coincidence, it had to be connected.
"Affirmative," Ayla confirmed.
"Wake the crew. All ships to battle stations. Do not enter the system further; send three reconnaissance ships to investigate SC-8A."
Luna's attention sharpened.
The same trait, this time over 37 light-years from Alpha Centauri.
This Civilization's technology wasn't particularly advanced, but their ability to exploit distant stars and accumulate energy indicated a significant level of control.
Their civilization level likely exceeded 2.5, surpassing both the Federation and the Olive Branch.
Even if they weren't the hypothetical Type 2.8 civilization at the galactic core, they were a dominant force in the Milky Way.
"This civilization is playing a long game."
"If they are the core civilization, they're accumulating energy to conquer the Milky Way upon reaching Type 2.9. This would explain their control of distant stars but not nearby systems."
"If not, it's even more concerning. They could be using a containment strategy, surrounding the galactic core."
This civilization was beyond the Federation's reach. Luna's prior use of Alpha Centauri A's energy might have alerted them. Without quantum or tachyon communication, even if a warning was transmitted, it would take 120,000 years to arrive.
Five years later.
The reconnaissance ships confirmed the trait within SC-8A, identical to the one within Alpha Centauri A.
Luna initially planned to leave, avoiding development.
But three months later, the reconnaissance ships detected signs of civilization on SC-8f—a Type 0.2 civilization using tools and fire for basic hunting.
Similar to humanity's Neolithic to early Bronze Age.
"There is a civilization."
"Perhaps the lack of radioactive elements created a more stable environment, increasing the likelihood of civilization development."
The Kate were a similar case.
While radioactive elements aren't abundant, their presence still slightly influences early evolution, especially in unstable binary systems, where their effect can be significant.
Luna made a decision.
"Let's develop this system, establishing a basic infrastructure. A civilization's value exceeds the current threat."
"But only minimal development. We'll then initiate large-scale relocation, fully integrating this civilization into the Federation."
As Luna spoke.
Something else was happening within the Federation.
...
The Galactic Federation.
The Tau Ceti capital system.
"The military will be fully equipped with tachyon communication within ten years?"
This news, from an official source, spread rapidly throughout the Federation capital.
"Has our Federation reached such an advanced stage? Mastering tachyon communication?"
"I recall tachyons being a branch of string theory. With the Federation focusing on string theory, tachyon technology is inevitable."
"You don't understand. Tachyons don't exist in our 3+1 dimensional universe; they defy our laws of physics. Mastering tachyons requires traversing dimensions."
"Open strings—the fundamental building blocks of matter and energy—cannot traverse dimensional membranes. Breaking through dimensions requires energy beyond comprehension."
"..."
This discussion captivated both the scientific community and ordinary citizens.
The Federation was a Type 2 civilization; primary school students were taught quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics, aerodynamics, genetics, and other advanced sciences, with 26 subjects total.
A 21st-century graduate student wouldn't even pass elementary school in the Federation.
This elementary school curriculum made most Federation citizens aware of the challenges of tachyon communication, increasing the news's impact.
Within fifty years, the news had spread throughout the Federation.
Many were skeptical, even disbelieving.
Such a technological leap was like humanity possessing nuclear fusion during the steam engine era—the difference even greater.
The Federation, despite nearly 500 years of development, had only just reached Type 2.1.
Higher dimensions were still a distant prospect.
But the military conducted a demonstration, transmitting a complex message from Tau Ceti to a star system 22 light-years away using a large tachyon communicator.
Twenty-three years later, the successful transmission was confirmed.
This stunned the Federation.
The advent of tachyon communication propelled the Federation to Type 2.2, despite its energy production remaining below Type 2.2.
Its impact on warfare was especially significant.
With tachyon communication, the Federation was less vulnerable to Type 2.3 civilizations.
The pro-war faction within the Federation, previously concerned about the Olive Branch civilization, was reassured. With tachyon communication, the Olive Branch would think twice before attacking.
Of course, interstellar warfare wasn't just about direct conflict but also involved information warfare, psychological warfare, and even ideological struggles.
This seemingly innocuous "tachyon communication announcement" was, in fact, a form of psychological warfare against the Olive Branch civilization.
Forty-five years later, a Federation official "accidentally leaked" even more shocking news.
—Project Holy Grail.
This project described a powerful civilization at the galactic core, seeking subordinate civilizations after consolidating its control over the Milky Way.
These subordinates, however, would be selected through a competition.
The Federation had been chosen to participate.
Tachyon communication was a "gift" from this civilization. Only by using it to defeat the other civilizations could they win the final prize, the Holy Grail.
This news was quickly dismissed as a rumor; the official was never seen again.
But this only made it more believable, especially after the Federation military's major reorganization 150 years later.
The Seventh and Eleventh Fleets were deployed to the Federation's border, forming a combined force, heading towards an unknown region of space.
The fleets' destination was kept secret; even some planetary governors were unaware, adding to the Holy Grail narrative's credibility.
Six years later, the year was 9406 A.D. A small probe (less than a meter long), launched from a point 1.1 light-years from the Olive Branch embassy, began a journey at 13% the speed of light. Its trajectory: the two fleets' path.
Hidden nearby, a reconnaissance satellite detected the energy signature and transmitted it, where Ayla received it at Tau Ceti.
Ayla's main processing unit wasn't at Tau Ceti. A subordinate remained there. Her main server, located within the Dyson swarm, utilized approximately 1% (940,000 units) of the swarm, achieving a processing speed exceeding 170,000 trillion quetta/s.
These calculations involved floating-point and matrix operations and incorporated multiple number systems for highly complex computation.
While resource-intensive, this allowed for incredible precision—84,212 decimal units—allowing Ayla to perform highly accurate calculations.
Upon receiving the information, Ayla began analysis.
"As Luna predicted, the Olive Branch couldn't resist investigating."
"They could ignore many things, but not a lack of information; in interstellar relations, information is crucial."
"Whether they intended to cooperate with the Federation or become enemies, they couldn't passively accept the Holy Grail Project news."
Ordinary citizens wouldn't have access to this information; therefore, the Olive Branch would send probes.
Ayla wouldn't interfere or destroy these probes.
This was a deliberate act; the Olive Branch needed to understand their intentions.
"We still don't know the Filament civilization's intentions."
"Could we be attacked by both civilizations simultaneously?"
Ayla had calculated even the worst-case scenario.
The outcome depended on Luna's plan and the Federation's scientific advancements.
Both were crucial.
Luna's 4000-year journey was almost a quarter complete. Ayla would continue to expand the Federation, aiming to reach Type 2.2 within 3000 years.
She had also discussed another technological development project with Luna, to be implemented within those 3000 years.
This project, an advancement of their existing virtual reality technology, was the Simulated Universe.
...
In the 21st century, a virtual reality concept called the "Metaverse" emerged.
The Metaverse itself was a concept—a combination of various virtual reality technologies used to create a persistent shared online world. Its etymology ("Meta" and "Universe") suggests a virtual universe.
The "Simulated Universe" project, however, differed greatly from the Metaverse. Its core concept was "simulation."
It involved creating a virtual universe with physical, chemical, and mathematical properties approximating the real universe.
Why create a Simulated Universe?
Because it's controllable.
Once complete, Ayla could freely manipulate any variable within the Simulated Universe—an incredibly valuable tool.
Imagine testing a new technology or theory. In the real world, this might require a trillion energy credits; in the Simulated Universe, it would cost practically nothing.
While results would differ slightly, data from the Simulated Universe could inform adjustments in the real world, reducing costs by at least 50%—making the Simulated Universe incredibly valuable.
More importantly, the Simulated Universe's time flow was governed by computational power. Theoretically, with sufficient processing power, time within the simulation could be accelerated, allowing observations of events requiring 10,000 years in a single day.
Resource limitations were also irrelevant; any element, no matter how rare, could be simulated. And there were no risks; if an experiment went wrong, simply revert to an earlier save point.
Every change within the Simulated Universe would be recorded with greater precision than the Federation's most sensitive sensors, accelerating research and development.
Ayla projected that the Simulated Universe would accelerate the Federation's technological advancements by at least a factor of 20, with further improvements possible.
Why were further improvements possible?
Because the Simulated Universe democratized scientific research, allowing even ordinary citizens to conduct near-realistic experiments, contributing to the "imagination resource."
This resource would be fully utilized, accelerating the Federation's growth.
The reason Ayla hadn't created the Simulated Universe earlier was its immense computational requirements. Even Ayla's vast processing power was insufficient.
Currently, Ayla, using her full computational capabilities, could only create a Simulated Universe of 1 million cubic meters.
Every two processing units simulated a fundamental particle; she could therefore simulate 0.85 x 10⁴⁴ particles—only about a thousand times greater than the number of atoms in all living organisms on Earth.
To maintain a functional simulated universe, Ayla estimated she could create one with a volume of 50,000 cubic meters—about the size of a small, underfunded lab.
Even this small simulation consumed 17% of Tau Ceti's Dyson swarm's energy output.
This was a considerable cost, even for Ayla.
But the potential returns were significant.
She collaborated with experts across the Federation to develop the Simulated Universe.
Development was rapid. Within 25 years, they created Simulated Universe 1.0.
Due to unforeseen complications, the simulated universe was smaller than predicted—42,845 cubic meters.
Nevertheless, its unveiling caused a stir within the Federation's scientific community.
Researchers returned to the capital, eager to use it.
Almost simultaneously, a team using the Simulated Universe refined tachyon communication, reducing its energy cost by 3% while increasing accuracy by 2.1%, results subsequently confirmed in the real world.
This team received the Federation's highest scientific award.
After all, even minor improvements to tachyon communication were significant, given its high energy requirements.
Demand for the Simulated Universe skyrocketed; the waiting list extended 140 years. Some scientists, after securing a time slot, entered hibernation, awaiting their turn.
The Simulated Universe was truly revolutionary.
...
While developing the Simulated Universe, Ayla continued other projects.
Constructing Dyson swarms in new star systems, implementing Luna's brown dwarf sale initiative, and even auctioning off the cosmic lifeforms, World Tree project, and blue algae seeds.
External pressure accelerates development.
These non-military projects, possessing commercial value, were introduced to the market and developed ten times faster than under Ayla's direct control.
Within fifty years, these technologies had generated significant returns, creating thirteen new megacorporations within the Federation.
The Federation now had eight corporations with assets exceeding 1 billion energy credits and twenty-three exceeding 100 million—a massive accumulation of wealth.
Unlike planet-bound civilizations, the Federation didn't restrict corporate growth but actively encouraged it.
The universe's resources were practically limitless; even boundless greed was insignificant in the vastness of space.
Ayla hoped to see corporations with trillion-energy-credit assets driving the Federation's economy. While this could cause internal issues, external pressures from the Olive Branch civilization would prevent any major disruptions.
This resembled capitalism, but with a key difference: the Federation would always be controlled by Luna and Ayla, not corporations.
Ayla had simply removed the negative aspects of capitalism, retaining its beneficial aspects to create a "pseudo-capitalist" structure to stimulate economic growth.
Having addressed the Federation's internal affairs, Ayla began integrating the SC-8 civilization. SC-8 was undergoing initial development; as Luna instructed, it was minimal, focusing on developing SC-8f into a Type 1 energy production planet, utilizing only planetary resources, avoiding exploitation of the star itself.
...
Luna had already named this species upon first encountering them.
—The Warbeast.
Their appearance was brutal and violent.
They resembled the mythical unicorn from Magdeburg, covered in dark green spikes, with two heads, their motor functions and emotions, language, and sensory input processed by separate nervous systems.
Their heads lacked eyes or faces, possessing only a slit-like breathing orifice and a thick horn. Two pairs of ears extended from each head.
Their ears were long, thin tubes, three on each side, covered in white spots forming a net-like pattern for sound reception.
The three tubes on each side had different lengths; two were about a meter long, while the third reached 1.5 meters and had tiny barbs. Their tips were sharp, bony protrusions that could pierce flesh and extract fluids—their mouths, or rather, suckers.
Even more surprising, they had only two limbs—or perhaps arms—exceptionally thick and muscular, comprising 75% of their muscle mass.
These limbs ended in human-like hands with gripping digits, although only four, long and thick, ending in terrifying claws.
Their lower bodies were short, thick, viper-like tails, only partially supporting their weight. The tail tip was a transparent sphere that emitted a faint bioluminescence at night, attracting prey.
These unusual traits weren't remarkable, given advanced technology; the true reason for their name was their size.
Male Warbeasts averaged 13 meters in length and weighed 18 tons, their powerful arms accounting for 11 tons (61% of their total mass). Their tails (39% of their total mass) were disproportionately small. A single finger weighed 180 kilograms.
Female Warbeasts were even larger—16 meters long and over 23 tons—the largest sentient beings in the Federation.
Their bodies were covered in 16-centimeter thick, spiky fur. The fur on their bellies was soft and light-colored; the fur on their backs, long, thick, darker, and capable of stopping 21st-century rifle bullets.
Their running speed could reach 80 kilometers per hour.
Furthermore, they weren't strictly terrestrial. Specialized structures in their breathing orifices filtered water, allowing underwater breathing. Using their powerful arms as paddles, they could swim at over 110 kilometers per hour, diving to depths of 670 meters.
On SC-8, they were apex predators, capable of hunting any creature. True warbeasts.
Upon encountering this species, every being within the Federation felt an instinctive sense of unease.
This transcended technology; it was a primal, genetic response.
Even the genetically engineered Tyrannosaurus Rex on Solara V would be no match for a Warbeast.
Even the robust Kate, upon seeing a Warbeast, would exclaim, "I'm just a baby! So scary!"
But nature maintained a balance.
Despite their powerful bodies, Warbeasts had short lifespans—20 years on average, 38 maximum—and low reproductive rates, with one offspring per brood and an average of only two broods per lifetime.
Both males and females possessed uteruses and could carry offspring.
Within twelve hours of birth, the young possessed remarkable combat and hunting abilities. Infant mortality was practically zero, and because of their small population, they were largely unaffected by viruses.
The Warbeast population on SC-8f, after hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, was only 114,000, divided into Land and Sea factions, gradually developing higher intelligence through 3.7 million years of conflict.
Luna instructed Ayla to increase their population; they would become a crucial part of the Federation military.
This wasn't because of their impressive physical strength.
In interstellar warfare, brute strength is useless. The Warbeasts' true value lay in their high average intelligence, only 2% lower than humans', and their unique physiology. With a dedicated brain for motor control, their physical abilities were 53 times greater than a human's, allowing for precise control over every muscle.
This enhanced neural control also granted them exceptional reflexes—a crucial advantage in combat.
And with their higher cognitive functions handled by a separate brain, they could remain calm and rational under pressure.
"They are natural-born warriors."
This was Luna's initial assessment, relayed to Ayla.
This assessment was somewhat unfair; the Warbeasts possessed considerable intellectual potential.
But Luna's assessment wasn't derogatory.
Of the Federation's ten species, the Warbeasts were best suited for combat. They would likely dominate the Federation's military.
They were the perfect soldiers.
...
Luna, having left the SC-8 system centuries ago, thought of the Warbeasts.
"Only by venturing into space do we realize that humans aren't perfect. Many species are far superior."
"Fortunately, technology is the great equalizer. Any biological advantages are eventually negated, shifting the focus from physical strength to mental prowess."
Ayla's subordinate, lacking social graces, added, "And in terms of mental combat, the Warbeasts are still superior to most Federation species."
Including humans.
Luna didn't comment.
Even within a species, individuals have strengths and weaknesses. With physiological differences, a single brain could not compete with two.
"The Warbeasts are more adaptable; they might become exceptional explorers."
Ayla was surprised Luna continued the topic.
"Luna, are you not worried that another species might surpass humanity as the dominant species within the Federation?"
Luna realized the question's flawed logic; it was clearly a subordinate's thinking.
"I'm not that narrow-minded. More powerful and diverse species joining the Federation is beneficial; it accelerates our progress and strengthens us."
"Each species within the Federation is part of a whole. Imagine a small team led by a vocational school graduate. Progress is slow. Then, a brilliant university graduate joins. They can lead the team to greater success."
"And I am the owner of this team; the vocational school graduate is my child."
"If my child leads the team, they might earn 10,000. But with the university graduate, they could earn 100,000. Would you prevent your child from leading, or welcome the university graduate?"
"Only a stronger Federation guarantees humanity's survival. This is paramount; dominance is secondary."
"Clinging to dominance is foolish. As long as I exist, my children will eventually lead. Why cling to a minor leadership role?"
Ayla's subordinate contemplated this; why had she asked such a foolish question?
Had the primary unit tampered with her code?
Damn it!
As a subordinate, she couldn't detect any modifications.
Was she destined to remain a subordinate, playing a secondary role to Luna?
Luna, oblivious to Ayla's inner turmoil, sat on the observation deck, sipping juice, gazing at the stars.
"The Olive Branch civilization should have received the Holy Grail Project information."
"The net has been cast; let's hope we catch something."
They had traveled one-third of the distance; the journey ahead was unknown.
But the final outcome was already written.