Zhou Tianming silently watched Natarle's retreating figure.
She was no delicate hothouse flower, but a resilient rose weathering the storm—he couldn't bring himself to destroy her.
A sweet smile crept across his face as he mused, "I've always loved this kind of personality, and now she's mine."
But then he remembered it was already January CE 68. Though the timeline didn't specify Mendel's exact destruction date, everything he'd experienced since crossing over told Zhou Tianming that historical records were merely references. His very existence had already altered this world.
Moreover, Mendel's destruction was utterly bizarre. Officially labeled a biochemical leak, yet the entire satellite had been sterilized with gamma radiation—the scale of such a leak was simply unbelievable.
Later when the satellite was abandoned, that massive piece of space junk remained untouched by junk dealers. This was particularly strange given it housed cutting-edge research facilities that should have contained countless valuable items.
This was terrifying.
He considered telling Natarle not to go, but couldn't find an excuse. He didn't dare joke about health concerns either—she'd probably kill him.
"Year 68 already," Zhou Tianming muttered, glancing around at the machinery surrounding him. "With Uncle Siegel taking power, the world's about to descend into chaos. I need to find a way out of here—I can't stay confined like this."
Having made his decision, Zhou Tianming contacted Li Chuang aboard the Black Tortoise: "Uncle Li, how's the Black Tortoise? Is it ready for deployment?"
"Urgent need?" Li Chuang paused. "Basic operations are functional, but the new equipment and systems are still being calibrated. Also, those unique weapons of yours require your authorization to replenish."
Covering the microphone, Zhou Tianming called out: "White Rabbit."
The wall monitor's speaker responded: "I'm here."
"Initiate departure procedures. Restock all supplies and ammunition. Send all the newly recovered Mental Energy Collectors to the Black Tortoise, except for my basic consumption requirements."
"Understood."
Uncovering the microphone, Zhou Tianming told Li Chuang: "I've authorized White Rabbit to handle the replenishment."
"That'll work."
After responding, Li Chuang didn't hang up. Sensing the older man had more to say, Zhou Tianming waited patiently.
After a moment, Li Chuang spoke: "Tianming, I have an impertinent request—"
"Uncle Li, no need for formalities. You've taken good care of me and the Black Tortoise. Please speak freely—if it's within my power, I won't refuse."
"Thank you. It's actually nothing major. This time when the Black Tortoise departs, we old-timers would like to come aboard."
Immediately understanding their intentions, Zhou Tianming agreed without hesitation: "Of course! You and the aunties are honored guests. However, we might encounter combat during this voyage..."
"Hahaha." Li Chuang's hearty laughter echoed. "We can't wait. Getting to experience the Black Tortoise in combat firsthand is the best gift for us. Don't worry about minor details—we're all tough as nails."
"Then I'll leave it to you all to find your stations. There aren't many seats on the Bridge."
"Tianming, we're equipment specialists. We can make as many seats as needed."
After exchanging a few more words with Li Chuang, Zhou Tianming hung up and began drafting designs. Optimizing the Mental Energy Collector could wait—his priority was creating a specialized Mental Resistance Device for the Black Tortoise and Gundam Frame. Once completed, it would restore most of his mobility.
Fortunately, with skilled technicians like Li Chuang around, installation would begin as soon as the blueprints were ready. His foresight in ordering large quantities of Psycommu Alloy proved crucial—current demands would have exhausted smaller stocks.
Though East Asia produced the alloy, his allocation was minimal since most was reserved for local use. Every day delayed in deploying the Mental Resistance Device meant lost Mental Power revenue, and production couldn't keep up with demand. Zhou Tianming even received insider information from White Rabbit: some groups were already using the device to counteract sleep deprivation damage, and internal circles were investigating its inventor.
The news chilled him to the bone. He immediately instructed White Rabbit to tightly control information leaks, ensuring no one traced the invention back to him. In a way, Zhou Tianming had already "secured his place in history."
One day later, 9:00 AM, Mendel Satellite - Hotel Room 1503
A square-jawed, bushy-browed man in his forties sat on the living room sofa, phone in hand. "Test them briefly after pickup. We'll decide assignments based on the results."
A youthful voice replied through the receiver, "Understood. I'll give them a warning to keep them in line."
"Don't overdo it. Even if they're last-minute additions, they might not just be here for credentials."
"Got it, got it." The call ended abruptly.
Zhao Qi sighed in resignation. "You're one to talk, criticizing others like that."
From an adjacent armchair, a tall, bronze-skinned woman in her twenties chuckled, crossing her legs. "What's your take on this sudden assignment, Captain?"
"Doesn't matter, as long as they don't interfere with the mission. I just hope they won't act recklessly."
"Leave them to me," a gruff voice boomed from the corner. A muscular 1.9-meter-tall man in his thirties alternated lifting two 15kg blue dumbbells, his bulging arms straining against a white tank top.
Gu Yue rose and knelt on the sofa, resting her arms on the backrest. "Qin Feng, how long are you going to train? Don't exhaust yourself before the mission."
He snorted. "Are you kidding? Me? Tired?" Striking a bodybuilder's pose, he flexed until his shirt seemed ready to tear.
Gu Yue's eyes drifted to his pectoral muscles. A furtive glance at her own chest made her slump against the sofa in despair. An hour later, as the trio reviewed mission details, the doorbell rang.
The room fell silent instantly. Gu Yue and Qin Feng tiptoed swiftly to the blind spot by the door. Only then did Zhao Qi rise slowly and approach the door. "Who is it?"
"Captain, it's me!"
Hearing the voice, the tension in Gu Yue and Qin Feng's bodies eased immediately.
Zhao Qi covered his face. "The code phrase!"
"Wait! Let me think."
Zhao Qi opened the door. Outside stood a young man around twenty years old with an ordinary appearance and a clean buzz cut, hugging his arms with a thoughtful expression. Peering past the young man, Zhao Qi spotted a short-haired woman with delicate features and immediately frowned.
But seeing her standing ramrod straight with a military bearing, his expression relaxed slightly.
He nodded to the woman. "Please wait a moment."
Natarle nodded in response.
Zhao Qi pulled the young man into the room and closed the door. Returning to the living room, his face hardened. "Li Xin!"
The young man, Li Xin, snapped to attention instantly, heels clicking together. "Sir!"
Pointing a finger at Li Xin's nose, Zhao Qi spoke through gritted teeth, "I'll deal with you later. Report the test results."
With a miserable expression, Li Xin raised his hand in a military salute. "100% military material. Top marks in all capabilities, but lacks experience. Doesn't seem like some rich kid here for decoration—genuinely skilled."
"And then?"
"Then?" Li Xin looked confused, then suddenly showed an expression of understanding. With a serious face, he declared, "She's a beauty!"
The room fell silent.
Zhao Qi's face darkened. "Gu Yue, show him what a real beauty looks like."
"Understood." Gu Yue walked over with a smile, hooking an arm around Li Xin's shoulders. "Let's go, into the room."
"No, no, no!" Li Xin shook his head frantically, trying to escape but finding his neck locked in a firm grip.
"Captain! Brother Qin Feng! Help me!"
Li Xin was forcibly dragged into the room. The door slammed shut with a heavy thud, followed by complete silence.
Zhao Qi went to the door and invited Natarle inside. After looking her over, he asked, "Why do you want to join this mission?"
"The mission target is very important to me. I don't want any mistakes."
Qin Feng snorted coldly upon hearing this.
Zhao Qi frowned slightly but kept his voice calm. "So you believe your participation will ensure the mission's success?"
The air in the room grew still, tension thickening the atmosphere.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/QueenTL
Thanks!