668 {Hello, World}

Space between Solar and Proxima star system.

{Permission granted to access the network} announced the AI controlling the ten spaceships that had halted a week away from the Proxima Centauri star system upon receiving access to the Proxima exploration fleet's network.

The reason the ships had come to a stop at this specific distance, rather than proceeding further or turning back, was that it was the farthest point where they could still connect to the exploration fleet's quantum towers. Additionally, continuing to the Proxima star system would mean wasting another week, which was unnecessary since their mission was brief and purely functional, not for sentimental reasons.

{Initiate communication anchoring.} The AI began by setting up the Proxima side of the communication network as the endpoint for the quantum communication link it was establishing.

{Initiating network boot and docking.} As it issued this command, the AI sent a ping to the nearest installed quantum towers that the ten ships had been laying down for the past six months.

As soon as the closest quantum towers received the initiating and docking signal, they promptly exited their idle power-saving mode and activated operational mode. They then relayed the same signal to the towers nearest to them.

This process continued until the signal reached the last-laid quantum towers, which were closest to the solar system. When the next ping was sent, it confirmed: {Main anchor reached.}

{Initiating the creation of communication lanes} The system then proceeded by isolating the newly activated signal towers, as the network construction was still underway. This precaution was taken to prevent any potential disruptions to the existing network while the new lanes were being established.

The system then began creating various network lanes for different types of communication to traverse once they were activated.

Although creating the network might seem straightforward, it was quite the opposite. Only about two of the ten lanes were designated for public use, while a third was reserved specifically for VR access. This lane required uninterrupted data transfer due to the sensitive nature of dealing with peoples brains, necessitating additional safety measures. The remaining seven lanes were allocated for private imperial use and redundancy, ensuring that if the two public lanes and the VR lane encountered issuessuch as damage from FTL travel through the towers or the removal of a tower during FTL departurethere would be backup lanes available.

{Lanes creation complete.}

{Initiating network connection} The AI proceeded to link the newly established lanes to the main network, completing the connection between the two star systems with an instant communication network.

{................}

{............}

{.......}

The network lanes were silent for quite a while, before the AI, the network's creator, broke the silence with the first message:

{Hello, world}

This marked the inaugural transmission through humanitys first inter-star system communication network.

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Bianchi and Ayaka were struck into silence, both stunned and disbelieving at the magnitude of what had just transpired.

Previously, sending a single message took a whole six months to reach its destination as it was being physically sent, and they had anticipated a similar delay for a response.

However, the empire's reaction defied all expectations. The speed and efficiency of their reply were astonishing, given the immense resources required to establish such a network.

The communication infrastructure needed for interstellar connections would typically demand about a hundred times the resources used for the solar system network. Remarkably, the empire achieved this in just three months of preparation, not including the six months needed for travel and installationa feat that was quite an undertaking, at least from the perspective of the two observers.

So does that mean we can now access the empire's network and communicate with our families? Ayaka asked, regaining her composure.

{Technically, yes, but this can only happen if access to the network is granted, which has not yet been provided on our end,} the Fleet's AI responded.

Before anyone could respond, the hologram shifted to an animation indicating an incoming call.

[Emperor] was the only information displayed in the caller section.

Bianchi immediately accepted the call while both he and Ayaka immediately got on their feet in an attention positon, with them immediately saluting the moment Aron, the emperor, appeared.

At ease, gentleman, Aron said as his hologram materialised at the center of the room. As he looked around, he immediately added, And ladies, when he saw Ayaka.

They relaxed their salutes but remained standing with their hands clasped behind their backs, awaiting the emperors words.

Any delays? Aron asked, earning himself a curious gaze from the two.

But before they could wonder what he meant by that, a response came from the fleets AI {No sir}

Good, Aron said with a satisfied smile before finally turning to the two members who were still waiting for him.

Fleet Admiral Marco Bianchi, he began.

Yes, sir, Bianchi replied promptly, maintaining his stance.

Good job on exceeding your mission requirements, Aron continued. I am very satisfied with what youve accomplished within the time frame and the constraints you faced. He praised Bianchi for his exemplary leadership and hard work on the mission.

Thank you, sir. Its an honor, Bianchi replied, returning to his position with a respectful nod.

Aron gave a contented smile at Bianchi's response.

Commander Takahashi Ayaka, he then called, turning his attention to her.

She, too, responded the same way, as they were both in the military command structure.

You, too, have done an excellent job. What could have been an operational and logistical nightmare has turned into a significant benefit for the empire, Aron said with praise.

She thanked him for the commendation, and Aron continued, Theres also Lee Joon-ho, who played a crucial role in all of this. His commendation will be delivered at a later time.

After a brief pause, he added, Im sure you have many questions, but they will have to wait for a few days. For now, I would like to address all the members of the exploration fleet who arent engaged in emergency situations. Please send out the announcement and ensure they are prepared for my address within the hour.

With a proud tone and a satisfied smile, Aron concluded the conversation and disappeared from the hologram after receiving their assurance to carry out his request.