Ch 48: Interplanetary Planting Master

Trouble

The deep universe sparkled with countless stars. The Iris docked at a small asteroid belt 3.5 light-years away from the northwest border of the Federation. Another starship docked close to the Iris.

The pirates of the Red Spider Pirate Group were detained on the Iris. Stripped of their clothes and with their terminals confiscated, the twenty-something pirates had no way to communicate outside. Once again, Lu Li met with Bai Pang. Currently, the Iris had not yet entered the Federation’s territory, and the signal from the SkyNet did not extend 3.5 light-years away. Bai Pang was the Iris’s only source of information about the Federation’s current situation.

This time, Bai Pang’s account remained consistent with the first, only with more details. For instance, after the Iris incident, the Federation media hailed them as heroes, even awarding them the Galactic Federation’s Purple Heart Medal. Additionally, news of Zhuang Wei’s disappearance led to a fallout between the Third Corps and the Seventh Corps, with both sides trading barbs across hundreds of light-years for an entire day. But the next day, Zhuang Wei, severely injured, was found, and the Third Corps grandly welcomed him back, while the Seventh Corps remained unusually silent. Moreover…

Bai Pang racked his brain to recall all events of significance, though his expression remained ingratiating despite his internal grumbling. As a pirate, his concerns usually lay with identifying easy targets for robbery and gauging the security of resource planets, not keeping tabs on the Federation’s upper echelons. He only paid attention to news involving the Iris because the Red Spider Pirate Group despised them. Normally, he couldn’t care less about who lived or died—death was common in a thousand-year war between humans and the Dark Beasts.

“Major Lu, that’s about all I know,” Bai Pang said softly.

“About?” Lu Li’s voice rose slightly.

Bai Pang immediately corrected himself, “No, no, it’s really all I know. Major Lu, you know me. I usually don’t care about these things, and I’m not familiar with the Federation’s matters…”

His voice grew weaker as he spoke, eyes widening with a hint of fear. Across from him, Lu Li suddenly broke into a gentle smile, like a spring breeze melting away frost. Bai Pang’s sweat stood on end, nerves jittery as he tried to recall if he had misspoken. Lu Li rose and walked past him towards the door. Bai Pang’s legs went weak, and he nearly screamed for mercy. But the next moment, Lu Li’s warm voice reached him, “What are you doing here?”

At the cabin door, Su He peered in curiously. Lu Li’s sudden appearance startled him. He gently touched Lu Li’s arm, “You’re in a bad mood.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. Even through two layers of cabins, Su He could sense Lu Li’s suppressed emotions. The strong bond between a sentinel and a guide made it impossible for him to ignore Lu Li’s feelings, so he had come over despite knowing Lu Li was interrogating pirates.

Lu Li’s mood improved with Su He’s concern. “It’s nothing, just some unexpected situations.” He led Su He into the interrogation room. As his guide, Su He had unrestricted access to the Iris.

Su He’s presence made Bai Pang’s eyes widen comically. His gaze fixated on their joined hands, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. A guide! Lu Li’s guide! He was actually seeing Lu Li’s guide! As a sentinel, Bai Pang could clearly sense the indescribable intimacy between Lu Li and Su He. There was no mistaking it—this beautiful young man was indeed Lu Li’s guide.

Su He curiously looked at Bai Pang, who immediately plastered a smile on his face. Lu Li, now in a better mood, gave Bai Pang a knowing look, “Mr. Bai, you don’t mind staying a few more days on the Iris, do you?”

Bai Pang nodded vigorously, cautiously asking, “Our old rule still stands? Ten thousand credits to ransom each person?”

Su He: “……”

Lu Li gave Bai Pang an approving glance, “No rush, Mr. Bai. Enjoy your stay for now; we’ll talk about the ransom in a few days.”

Bai Pang almost burst into tears. It was this sort of delay that made him anxious. Though a pirate, he wasn’t stupid. Surviving the space storm, Lu Li didn’t return directly to the Federation but interrogated him about the Federation’s situation, especially regarding Zhuang Wei. Something didn’t add up, and his instincts told him to stay out of it. Bai Pang wanted to double the ransom to twenty thousand credits per person, but one look from Lu Li made him close his mouth, convincing himself that the Iris, though ruthless, didn’t typically kill captives. If he played it smart, he might even see another day.

Bai Pang, terrified, was escorted back. Lu Li turned to Shen Shen, “What do you think?”

Combining what Lu Li had revealed and Bai Pang’s account of the Federation’s situation, Shen Shen pieced together Zhuang Wei’s initial plan. “General Zhuang originally planned to fake his death.”

Lu Li nodded. Zhuang Wei’s absence after the Iris incident indicated his intent to feign death and lure out the mastermind. But the later developments puzzled Lu Li. Did something force Zhuang Wei to reveal himself? Or was the Zhuang Wei who appeared not the real one? The phrase “She’s not her” had left a deep impression on Lu Li, making him consider this possibility.

Shen Shen continued, “Perhaps something changed that made General Zhuang alter his plan.”

Lu Li neither confirmed nor denied this, asking, “Did you find General Zhuang’s reaction off?”

Shen Shen was taken aback, his expression thoughtful. General Zhuang’s initial spat with the Third Corps and subsequent indifference to Zhuang Wei’s return seemed consistent with his brash and arrogant reputation. But those who knew him well sensed a discord.

“General?”

Lu Li shook his head. Although he had a good relationship with the general, he was ultimately too low-ranking to understand the intricacies of the Federation’s upper echelons. Regardless, with the Federation’s situation unclear, the Iris couldn’t risk appearing openly. In the eyes of outsiders, the Iris was already tied to Zhuang Wei. If Zhuang Wei’s appearance was part of his plan, the Iris needed to align their story with his. If not… Lu Li pondered briefly, “The urgent task is to contact the general as soon as possible.”

His thoughts shifted, and he looked at Su He, “There’s a planet with perpetual snowfall on the northwest border of the Federation. Would you like to visit it?”

Su He was surprised, “We’re not going back to the Seventh Corps?” Lu Li and Shen Shen’s conversation was baffling to him; he hadn’t understood a word. He guessed there was some trouble, but now they were suddenly talking about going to a snowy planet.

“Yes,” Lu Li replied, “We’re not going back just yet. We need to figure something out first.”

Half an hour later, Lu Li, along with Su He, Shen Shen, Liao Kai, and Jiang Bo, left the Iris, boarding the Red Spider Pirate Group’s starship. This C-class heavy-duty ship, while not as performant as the B-class Iris, was far more comfortable.

Jiang Bo muttered, “No wonder there are more and more pirates in the Federation; their lives are way better than serving in the military.”

Liao Kai lounged lazily on a huge massage chair, “Now that we have money, we should get one of these chairs for the Iris.”

“Just one? We should buy at least forty, and get a discount,” Jiang Bo said.

Liao Kai scoffed, “Have you ever seen rich people asking for discounts?”

“Why wouldn’t they? Being frugal is a virtue, as the boss always says.”

Liao Kai: “…”

Su He passed by, listening and laughing out loud. He found the sentinels on the Iris very amusing; their daily bickering was a constant source of joy. This starship was equipped with plenty of entertainment facilities, unlike the Iris, which was more focused on training. Here, it was all about enjoyment. He discovered a small swimming pool on the lower deck, took off his shoes, and started playing games by the water. Mosca lay on one side of the pool; life forms like it couldn’t swim, which was probably a design oversight.

Lu Li soon found him. Su He was at a critical point in his game. Lu Li hugged him from behind, guiding Su He’s fingers to help him pass the toughest level. The sound of victory fireworks filled the air, and the virtual screen sparkled in colorful lights. Lu Li kissed Su He behind the ear, waking up his skin, which reveled in the sensation of love.

For bonded sentinels and guides, the constant desire to be together was normal. They were never satisfied with each other’s touch, kisses, and caresses, almost like conjoined twins wanting to be one. Lu Li’s hand slipped under Su He’s shirt, feeling the smooth and firm skin. He gently stroked Su He’s back, like melting a creamy cake. Su He felt a sweet shiver run through him.

Lu Li held him in his arms, their foreheads touching. The virtual screen displayed the word “Victory,” and Lu Li asked, “Want to play more?”

Su He shook his head, turned off the terminal, and grabbed Lu Li’s hand, “What are you worried about?”

He sensed Lu Li’s anxiety, which had been present since they left the Iris.

Lu Li was silent for a few seconds, then said, “I’m worried about something bad happening.”

“What? Can you tell me?”

“Of course, there will be no secrets between us,” Lu Li said, kissing Su He. Even Zhuang Wei couldn’t criticize this; a sentinel and guide were one. Even if Lu Li didn’t say anything, Su He could enter his memory sea to see it. He recounted the events after leaving Broken Star and meeting Zhuang Wei. Su He, perceptive as always, guessed, “You’re worried this Zhuang Wei is an imposter?”

Lu Li nodded. Su He was puzzled, “Are you saying it could be a clone?”

Su He speculated with his limited technological knowledge. Lu Li smiled slightly and explained, “Cloning technology can only replicate the body, not the mental world. Cloning is strictly prohibited in the Federation.” If it were a simple clone, he wouldn’t be so worried.

Su He comforted Lu Li, “Maybe this is all part of Zhuang Wei’s plan. You said he’s called the Federation’s War God, so he’ll be fine.”

Lu Li hummed in acknowledgment. Su He then remembered something and asked, “Did Han Rui leave with General Zhuang?”

“Sorry,” Lu Li apologized with a kiss for the oversight at that time.

“It’s fine; they definitely won’t be in any trouble,” Su He assured between kisses. The guide’s spiritual power, like bright sunlight, reinforced Lu Li’s faith. With his emotions calmed, Lu Li deepened the kiss as he held Su He.

After a few hours of flight, they arrived at their destination: Snowflake Star—a planet completely covered in ice and snow. This planet was within the Federation’s territory. Shen Shen removed the Red Spider insignia from the starship, disguising it as an ordinary civilian ship entering Snowflake Star’s orbit. There was no inspection, no registration; the orbital defenses around Snowflake Star were practically non-existent. Considering its remote location, akin to exile, with only a few hundred Federation troops stationed there, it was understandable.

Su He peered out the window. They had landed at night, and everything outside was blanketed in white, with only a few spots of light visible.

Lu Li ordered, “Deputy Shen and Jiang Bo will stay on the ship to gather information. Liao Kai, come with me.” He found three sets of thermal clothing inside the starship, wore one himself, gave one to Liao Kai, and handed the last one to Su He.

Su He asked, “Am I coming too?”

Lu Li chuckled, “I’m taking you to meet the General. You might need to serve as a witness.”

Su He: “?”

Lu Li didn’t explain further and personally helped Su He into his clothes. As the starship’s hatch opened, a howling wind filled with snow rushed in, and Su He felt like he might be blown away. Lu Li grabbed his hand and jumped out of the starship, with Liao Kai leading the way, extending his senses. They quickly found an outdoor signal base station. Su He watched as Liao Kai took out tools from a small box he carried and easily hacked into the station.

Lu Li explained, “This is to avoid being tracked.”

He hadn’t immediately contacted the General upon entering Federation space because he felt the terminals weren’t secure. If they were being monitored and tracked, it could spell trouble. Using the signal base station to set up an encrypted channel would mitigate this risk.

Liao Kai borrowed Su He’s terminal, as those from the Po Xing black market were less likely to be monitored than the standardized military terminals. After some tinkering, Liao Kai connected Su He’s terminal to the signal base station. A virtual screen lit up, and Lu Li input a password to connect with the General.

A few seconds later, Li Zhengdao appeared on the screen. It was morning on Zhenhai Star, and the old man was happily eating a bun, not even looking at the screen. “Don’t think I won’t recognize you just because you changed terminals. Let me tell you, you brat, I’m broke. Don’t come to me for money.”

Su He: “…”

Hearing the familiar tone, Lu Li smiled, “General.”

The sound of his voice made the person on the other end jump in shock. Li Zhengdao immediately looked at the screen, his round face first showing excitement, then suspicion.

Lu Li’s heart sank, guessing the reason for Li Zhengdao’s reaction. He slightly stepped aside, pulling Su He into view on the screen, and said, “Su He, my guide.” As he spoke, the hawk spirit appeared, stopping in front of the screen. Lu Li looked at Su He, who then summoned the small seedling. It hopped onto the hawk’s head, curiously shaking its leaves.

Su He nervously looked at the old man on the other end. Li Zhengdao snorted, “Kiss him, and I’ll believe you.”

Su He: “…”

Lu Li smiled and actually turned to kiss Su He. Su He stiffened, not knowing how to react. After the kiss, Lu Li looked back at the screen, raising an eyebrow.

The old man broke into a grin and cursed, “You clever brat. Did you receive the message from the Galactic Treemen?”

Lu Li shook his head. “We came back via wormhole jumps, probably missing the galactic particles.” He explained, “We encountered the Red Spider Pirate Group in the border region and found something off about the Federation’s situation.”

Li Zhengdao laughed with schadenfreude, “Old Zhuang must be pulling his hair out. Two old Zhuangs, let’s see how he handles this!”

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