Chapter 451: Outer-Space City Network (2/2)

The Ark had finally arrived at its first outer space depot: the Luolan outer space depot.

Although interstellar traveling was made possible thanks to the space warping technology, the warping point was relatively far from major human settlements. In order to connect the human settlements with the warping point, the confederation had constructed numerous space depots along the way. Together, these space cities were called Space City Network. It was one of the key elements of the confederations' space infrastructure program.

The space depot Luolan was the first stop of the network, connecting the warping point to the settlements in the Andromeda Galaxy.

The citizens of space cities had lived a different lifestyle than land-dwellers. They had their own vibrant and unique culture that couldn't be found anywhere else.

Due to their obscure locations, these space cities were easy targets for pirate raids. In order to protect themselves, some of the cities had even reached an ”agreement” with the outlaws.

It was easier said than done to construct a space city in the harsh environment of the outer space. Without a huge profit, these space cities would never be built in the first place. With the increasingly prosperous settlements in the Andromeda Galaxy, businesses that connected the settlement with the outside world had become more profitable. The seemingly endless source of revenue had kept the floating cities alive, despite the rampant pirate activities.

Nevertheless, not everyone fancied a life on the spaceship, since it was indisputably rough and difficult, and the situation had been much worse fifty years ago.

Fifty years ago, the confederation's ignorance of the scourge of pirates had led to a rebellion. Although the rebelling forces had eventuality put down their arms, they were able to force the Confederation to loosen its grip on the space cities. From then on, the space city had enjoyed much greater autonomy than any other parts of the world. They had built their own military and even had their own government. The confederation's initial compromise ended up to be a win-win solution, since the confederation could still reap benefits through taxes, but they also avoided the costly responsibility of guarding these cities.

After a few decades, the space cities had finally become the breeding ground of pirate bands. The passing through of the Ark was a display of strength, emblematic of the confederation's firm new stance on zero-tolerance for colluding with outlaws.

”Captain, Mayor of Luolan is on the line.”

”Connect.”

The screen lit up, and Kaost saw an energetic young fellow on the screen. His name was Carmen, mayor of Luolan.

Carmen wore a warm and affectionate smile on his face as he spoke first, ”As the mayor of the city, on behalf of all citizens, I welcome you and your crew.”

”Thank you for your hospitality. We will be sending you a list of supplies we are in an urgent need of. Your help in restocking those supplies will be greatly appreciated. ”

”It is my honor, Captain.”

”Thank you, Mayor. A lot of us had never been to Luolan. Care if you give them a tour?”

”We are more than happy to provide a guided tour to strengthen our mutual understanding.”

The first meeting between the captain and the Mayor went very well. The promise of touring an outer-space space city had also lightened everyone's mood.

”Captain, as a die-hard supporter of the confederation, Carmen didn't change at all.” Samantha piped up.

”Hehe, we will see. This is only our first stop along the network. There will be difficulties and struggles ahead of us.”

”For the sake of your safety, I should go meet the mayor in person in your stead.”

Kaost nodded in approval before he fell into deep thoughts again.

Meanwhile, Luolan had transmitted a promotion video about the city, and it was broadcasted all over the Ark.

”Luolan, a metropolitan in the outer space... A place to live; a place to call home...”

The screen displayed a ”typical scene” on Luolan: White fluffy clouds against the deep blue sky, chirping birds and skittish deer filling the emerald colored forest… Meandering rivers that reflected the sunlight, making it look like a stream of gems…It was heaven.