Origin Chapter Fifteen: The Empire Project Begins, The Base Relocation Plan Initiated

The general’s orders were straightforward and precise, but he still turned to seek Li Jimo’s opinion.
Li Jimo promptly replied, “General, this arrangement is the best. I have full confidence in Deputy Qin’s abilities.”
“Very well. Deputy Qin, carry out your orders immediately. After Chen Pi returns, he will temporarily take over your position. Report any relevant developments directly to me.” The general saluted Deputy Qin, fully aware that this mission could endanger Qin’s life. Yet, for a soldier, danger was as familiar as the scars on their bodies—something long since accepted.
From the general’s gaze, Deputy Qin also understood that while the mission was perilous, the general trusted him. He believed Qin could ensure the safety of Li Yun and the entire team of technical staff remaining behind. Standing at attention, Qin returned the salute crisply. “I swear to protect the experts with my life. Please, General, Elder Li, rest assured!”
With these words, he turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, Li Jimo darted forward. Qin, surprised, turned to face him, only to see Li Jimo raise his hand in a subtle gesture, indicating he wished to whisper something in private.
Qin glanced uncertainly at the general, who nodded his assent.
Still unsure of Li Jimo’s intent but with the general’s approval, Qin leaned in to listen.
Li Jimo shielded his mouth and ear with a hand and spoke softly, “If—under the most desperate circumstances—Li Yun and the other experts choose to sacrifice themselves for their research, you are to take whatever completed work they have and return immediately. Do not concern yourself with their fate. I will take full responsibility for all consequences. No matter how much core technology you can retrieve, its value is immeasurable for us and the future of the entire universe. You must judge what matters most. Until then, this is top secret.”
Qin fell silent for several seconds after hearing this, then raised his head and saluted Li Jimo. “Understood, sir.”
With that, he left to make the necessary arrangements.
The general did not ask what had been said, though he guessed much of it. There was no need to tear open the matter now; it was, in any case, the worst-case scenario. He trusted Deputy Qin to act decisively and make the right judgments.
“Elder Li, the arrangements are set. Let’s proceed to the Central Command and work on the next phase of the plan,” the general said, gesturing for Li Jimo to accompany him.
Li Jimo was very satisfied with the arrangements. He was well aware of Deputy Qin’s abilities and, though he did not know exactly how vital Qin was to the general, he knew he was of great importance. With Qin overseeing the safety of the technical team, Li Jimo was thoroughly reassured and could now devote himself wholly to the base relocation project.
“Thank you, General, for your understanding and careful planning. I have nothing left to worry about for them. Let’s go to Central Command—please.”
He strode out first, and the general followed with a smile.
Director Kuang and Minister Tang, who had been waiting at the door, fell in behind them, all heading toward the Central Command meeting room.
Meanwhile, on the way, the general issued orders to Director Kuang and Minister Tang through the formation machine system.

Director Kuang, responsible for the empire’s intelligence agency, was to immediately cast a wide net, gathering all high-ranking officials and aristocrats with questionable records at the Imperial Central Star.
The aim was to prevent the emergence of a government-in-exile or the aristocracy from launching another war. This time, neither the general nor anyone else wanted further needless casualties.
At the same time, Kuang was to coordinate with Zaku, connecting all agents deployed throughout the empire’s star systems with Zaku’s network, issuing an action standby order to prepare for upcoming operations.
Minister Tang was to oversee deployment preparations for the formation machine system, cooperating with Kuang’s operations. Priority was to be given to the physical augmentation of personnel involved in the plan, while also commanding the formation machine system. In principle, Kuang was to be under Tang’s direct supervision, and operational orders would be issued collectively by the general, Li Jimo, and Lian Ping together with the staff department.
Within minutes, a series of orders had been transmitted to Kuang and Tang. Both saluted the general and Li Jimo before heading off to their designated independent command posts to make preparations.
In the Central Command meeting room, all heads of important departments gathered once more.
As the general and Li Jimo entered, everyone rose in unison, their eyes fixed on them; military personnel snapped to attention and saluted. The general returned the salute, and Li Jimo nodded in acknowledgment.
“Please be seated. This meeting won’t last long,” the general said as he walked to Lian Ping’s side, waving for everyone to sit.
“Lian Ping, full authority for the base relocation falls to you and Elder Li. Please issue the relevant orders,” the general said.
Lian Ping did not demur, for he and Li Jimo were indeed the most familiar with the detailed plans, having analyzed and experienced every aspect. The task would be most effectively executed by the two of them.
“Some matters I’ve already explained previously, so I won’t repeat them here. The relocation command has already been issued to all departments. This meeting is mainly to address any potential issues in departmental action plans and to coordinate efforts.
Any departments facing challenges or requiring coordination for the relocation, please speak now.”
Lian Ping surveyed the room. Given the immense scale of the relocation, unforeseen problems were inevitable.
A brief silence fell, followed by quiet discussion.
The first to speak was an official from the Immigration Department. “General, Commander Lian, colleagues, I am Zhang Jin from Immigration. We are facing difficulties with the settlement of ordinary citizens. Previously, the base was large and accommodating, but once we relocate, most of our ships are military vessels. The lives of soldiers and civilians differ greatly, and I fear that long-term life aboard the ships will create many issues for ordinary people.”
Zhang Jin’s concerns were not unfounded. While these citizens were resilient, they were still ordinary people, and extended confinement aboard ships was bound to produce social problems.
Lian Ping considered the issue and offered a suggestion: “Time is tight, so I recommend that the Exploration Department, in cooperation with Immigration, immediately search for a habitable planet near the new base and prioritize civilian landing and settlement. The Construction Department will coordinate the building of residential and other basic facilities. Public Affairs should quickly establish legal institutions, and all departments related to civil affairs should form a provisional government and open administrative offices to address the needs of the people.”
“Yes, sir,” several department heads replied in unison.
“Very well. Any other departments with issues?” Lian Ping continued.

Aside from the Immigration Department’s concerns, the remaining departments—primarily military and research—seemed to have no further difficulties. For technical challenges, they often had more solutions than even the general or Lian Ping.
After another brief silence, no one else spoke up.
“Good. Since there are no further issues for now, Elder Li, please say a few words regarding the research departments,” Lian Ping said, stepping aside and ushering Li Jimo forward.
Li Jimo cleared his throat and addressed Li Yun and the assembled researchers. “I am well aware of the challenges facing our research teams. Arrangements have already been made. Li Yun and the technical personnel staying behind form an independent strike group. The risks they face are clear to us all. I won’t elaborate further.
The rest of you, please complete your current projects as quickly as possible and prepare for the relocation. Be ready at all times. I will have Liu Qing issue the sequence for the move. Any unfinished work must be archived within three days and handed over to the strike group remaining behind.
Thank you all for your hard work.”
“It’s our duty. We will follow your arrangements,” the research staff responded.
“Any other questions?” the general asked, directing his attention mainly to the military.
For soldiers, obedience is a sacred duty. All military matters were already in perfect order, so no one from the military raised any issues.
The general looked around the room once more and, seeing no further hands raised, said no more.
“Very well. If there are no more questions, this meeting is adjourned. Should any problems or new developments arise during the relocation, report them to Central Command immediately for resolution,” Lian Ping announced. He knew well that the base was managed efficiently, and most issues could be coordinated and resolved at the departmental level. Rarely did anything reach their level that could not be addressed below.
“Yes, sir,” the hall responded in unison.
“Meeting adjourned. Go make your preparations,” Lian Ping declared.
The relocation effort was now officially underway.
A new base, new objectives, and the full launch of operations against the Empire—the fog was beginning to lift, and one could only wonder: what kind of future would the core technologies of the ancient civilization bring them?