Luna's plan to make the Flyer Civilization nervous was simple: she intended to use regulation to restrict them.
The Flyer Civilization was conservative, while the Federation had begun rapid colonization—a point to exploit.
The Federation had perfected its rapid colonization technology over the past 20,000 years.
Miniature factories could create a Type 2 civilization in just a few hundred years, enabling countless possibilities.
Therefore, the Federation began surveying the cosmos surrounding the Flyer Civilization and started large-scale development.
The entire plan would encircle the Flyer Civilization, targeting as many as 4 million stars.
Once these areas became Federation territories, the Flyer Civilization wouldn't dare to attack; their only option would be negotiation, purchasing these star systems with resources.
Luna didn't expect the Flyer Civilization to relinquish everything, but she wanted to pressure them.
Considering the miniature factory's size, it could be accelerated to 78% the speed of light, meaning it could reach the Flyer Civilization's sector in just over 6000 years.
This would unfold rapidly. Afterwards, they would leave some areas as outposts or watchtowers to monitor the surrounding sectors.
Luna now had a more expansive view of time. Before, she might have considered several years or decades a long time; now, each wait is measured in millennia.
A major reason for this is the expansion of territory and exploration. The laws of this universe dictate that material objects cannot exceed the speed of light; this is an immutable condition. Even if the Federation later develops wormhole technology, it doesn't mean they can go anywhere they want. After all, the number of black holes in the vast universe is limited.
"This will waste some energy, but the Flyer Civilization will pay in the end."
Luna assigned this task to Ayla. This plan required no special preparation; subluminal flight vehicles and an AI-controlled miniature factory would suffice.
Each location is strategically important. If the Flyer Civilization wants to expand, it cannot abandon these points.
As for the subsequent dimensional warfare, Federation assistance to the Flyer Civilization is impossible. They'll only build some rudimentary structures there and won't undertake any real production or construction.
After this is complete, Luna will immediately address the dimensional gateway issue.
Since the return of C28, they have not obtained any valuable information, indirectly reducing the likelihood of C28 being a dimensional gateway. Upon its return, C28 showed numerous malfunctions. After drifting near the dimensional gateway for thousands of years, it was brought to the Solar System for research.
But an accident happened.
The Solar System used state-of-the-art equipment to examine C28; they wanted to see how its properties changed after passing through the dimensional gateway.
This was initially just a matter of a scholar's curiosity; everyone tacitly assumed that C28 hadn't changed, as it appeared intact.
However, the reality defied expectations.
C28's atomic physical state was unusual; the distance between its atoms was excessively large.
C28's probe material itself was incredibly strong, with a high density of 1428 g/cm³, and a very orderly structure. Using a scanner, the atomic arrangement resembled a highly organized honeycomb.
However, this test showed that the atomic arrangement of C28 was extremely chaotic. Precise mass measurements revealed it was only half its original mass.
Exactly half.
They conducted numerous further comprehensive tests on C28, leading to even greater astonishment.
Not only was the mass of C28's outer material reduced, but the mass of many of its internal components had also decreased by 50%. Yet, these components still functioned normally under these conditions; this was simply unbelievable.
Many researchers were immediately engrossed in this.
This represents a completely different direction in scientific and technological development than the Federation's current approach. If this technology could be exploited, it would save the Federation—not 50% of resources, but at least 10%.
For a body as large as the entire Federation, 10% is enormous. Not only is this a 10% increase in new materials, but it could also allow for the recycling of existing materials, using this 10% to upgrade existing materials, improving the Federation's overall strength.
Of course, the underlying principles need to be thoroughly investigated.
Based on theoretical research, the Solar System currently agrees on a theory.
C28 contacted four-dimensional space within the dimensional gateway, but it returned.
This alone couldn't cause this phenomenon; it also requires that, upon its return, it was sliced by space. This slicing isn't the traditionally understood three-dimensional cut, but a four-dimensional one.
Three-dimensional objects entering four dimensions are forced onto a spatial axis not originally belonging to the three-dimensional object. If sliced from the fourth dimension, this phenomenon could occur.
This theory is analogous to a cube. If you cut straight through it, you only affect its width, not its length or height.
C28 is similar; although it was sliced by space, its length, width, and height remained unaffected, preventing its collapse.
However, according to the law of conservation of energy, if space made a cut, it wouldn't have cut nothing.
In reality, after C28's four-dimensionalization, its internal matter also became four-dimensional. So the cut was made on each molecule.
However, fundamental particles can't be cut, leading to a portion of the complete material being seemingly "cut away".
This is a simplified explanation. Solar System scholars know this explanation is unreliable, but they can't currently research this further; they need more experiments to prove its feasibility.
They don't even know where the remaining half of C28 went—was it swallowed by the dimensional gateway, or did it reach four-dimensional space?
This remains unknown.
Overall, the Federation's progress on dimensional gateways is approximately 1%, far from fully utilizing them.
Luna has now shifted her focus to the new plan.
Following Mukong, many scholars have proposed numerous plans, and the Federation will continue to invest heavily, which can be considered the fourth probe of the dimensional gateway.
The new plan was called the Pinprick Plan.
The mastermind behind the Pinprick Plan was Notuch, a simple name. He chose cryosleep to witness the day his research bore fruit, awakening only when everything was ready or when questions needed his attention.
Notuch opened his eyes, seeing a familiar robot standing beside him.
"Mr. Notuch, someone has requested your awakening. I'm to inform you that your plan has commenced."
Notuch was still disoriented, his body and consciousness feeling weakly separated after prolonged hibernation. He asked, "What year is it?"
"200,485 A.D., sir!"
The robot's reply sent a shock through Notuch. It was the 2005th century.
So many years had passed.
"It's been a long time. Yet, you haven't changed at all."
Notuch rose from the cryogenic chamber.
The robot was unfamiliar; he was in a rented cryosleep chamber.
Many Federation companies offered such services. Personal cryosleep chambers might malfunction, but corporate chambers generally didn't. Companies also provided large servers, allowing numerous individuals access; unlike personal chambers, these offered more than just small virtual worlds.
Notuch was tired of those setups—creating a historical backdrop or reincarnation scenarios in virtual worlds and then playing as the protagonist with a plethora of cheats. He preferred the sensation of interacting with modern people.
"Machines and your lives, while different, share similarities. Though we lack lifespan limitations, we can be rendered obsolete by superior machines," the robot replied.
Notuch chatted with it for a while, waiting for his consciousness and body to fully reconnect before taking his leave.
He found his ship at the Starport, where he had left it millennia ago. Fortunately, the maintenance payments were up to date, and it looked unchanged.
Notuch activated the ship. The dimensional gateway was only 2 light-years away; he could reach it in about 9 years.
During those 9 years, he would regularly contact his team, learning about the plan's progress. Upon arriving at the gateway after 9 years, he received a full briefing on the plan.
"How many trials have been conducted?" he asked his assistant upon arriving at the core research facility.
His assistant was a brain-computer interface.
Brain-computer interfaces differed somewhat from servers; they tended to develop more lifelike intelligence rather than focusing on raw computational power.
Many Federation scholars used brain-computer interfaces to assist them. This avoided conflicts of interest and provided more intuitive judgments.
Of course, actual research still required server assistance, but the server wasn't an assistant; it was a research tool.
"A total of 287 trials have been conducted in 1293 years. 103 failures, 71 unstable results, and 113 successes. The success rate is 39.3%."
"Scholar Notuch, your plan will bring unprecedented progress to the Federation."
The most important function of a brain-computer interface is its ability to provide encouragement.
Scholars often need motivation.
"The standard was set at over 30% success for the plan to proceed. We've exceeded it by 9.3%; that's quite significant."
"This is a second-stage plan following the bidirectional physical probing plan. If that plan could gather so much information, mine will certainly surpass it."
Notuch stared at the long cables stretching across space.
The longest was over 100 million kilometers.
Almost every centimeter of this cable was equipped with sensors to probe the interior of the dimensional gateway.
His plan was called Pinprick—simple and straightforward.
In essence, it involved inserting a cable into the dimensional gateway and then pulling it back.
Anyone could conceive of this plan, but scholars wouldn't just dream it up. He had to study its feasibility, demonstrate that feasibility to be selected, and then further research its practical applications.
In short, scholars are not only the planners but also the implementers, not just armchair theorists.
As the overall leader of this plan, Notuch had overcome many difficulties. The most crucial aspect was how to get the cable into the dimensional gateway.
This might seem easy, but it's exceptionally difficult.
The interior of the dimensional gateway is completely different from the outside. If the entire cable entered instantly, there wouldn't be a problem, but if one part was outside and another inside, the difference in space would cause issues.
Furthermore, because the space inside the dimensional gateway is chaotic, one could inadvertently "suspend matter." The end of the cable might be outside the gateway, directly pulled by immense gravitational forces. The result could be a severed cable, or the force transmitted to this end could be so great that even light would be swallowed. The cable could be sucked in instantly.
The energy released during this process could destroy the dimensional gateway.
The Federation redesigned the cable material to maximize resistance to force transmission while maintaining sufficient tensile strength.
This alone consumed massive manpower and resources.
"The most important thing is what information we can gather."
Notuch knew that the execution of his plan was only a minor part; the results were paramount.
The plan was about to begin.
A cable was deployed, its end carried by a small accelerator toward the dimensional gateway.
The cable was approximately 7 meters wide, containing intricate internal structures and communication cables to directly receive information from inside the gateway.
They could directly observe the situation within the dimensional gateway.
One of the lines transmitted video information.
The cable entered the dimensional gateway.
"Snap!"
It broke.
Notuch's face darkened. Although he anticipated this, the setback made him nervous.
The second cable was deployed.
This time, it successfully entered the dimensional gateway. Notuch quickly connected to the signal port and saw…nothing but utter darkness, devoid of any light, terrifyingly black.
This was practically indistinguishable from not seeing anything at all.
Therefore, they only used one video line; more lines were connected to sensors. The sensor data consisted mostly of chaotic information, which was analyzed by the server to extract useful parts.
However, this useful information was also quite useless.
"Just like the previous experiments, we're not detecting any information," another researcher sighed.
Previous experiments yielded nothing. This time, they deployed a cable ten times longer than before, hoping to collect some useful data.
But at that moment, the data on their screens suddenly became chaotic; numerous parameters began to spike.
"No material presence was detected; the interior of the dimensional gateway is indeed a perfect vacuum."
"The cable is experiencing an unknown pressure; its condition is changing."
If a force exists in a perfect vacuum, then fundamental force theories are broken.
Fifth forces, or even more, might exist in the universe.
What they, and other civilizations they've encountered, can observe is only one aspect of this universe.
"We observed this phenomenon during previous tests, though it was less intense. The cable was likely too short; it hadn't reached the core region of the dimensional gateway."
"Core region? Does that mean the dimensional gateway's shape…"
Notuch quickly processed the data, making the cable transmit mutual positional information.
"It's curved. Theoretically, the dimensional gateway isn't a straight passage but a curved one."
This was a major discovery.
"There's a theory, Scholar Notuch. I think you should see this."
A scholar immediately sent some information to Notuch.
Notuch didn't ignore any significant information; he read it immediately.
Then, he was overjoyed.
"This is it!"
"The dimensional gateway is a circle, not a straight passage to another dimension. Dimensions actually coexist; strictly speaking, it's not a layered structure, but a 'you within me, me within you' structure.
If that's the case, how do we understand the term 'passage'?
According to this theory, the passage is excluded from all spaces, or perhaps all black holes are excluded from space. It's detached from the universe, but not severed from the original space.
It's like a boil growing on the original space.
The center of this sphere is a black hole, and the dimensional gateway is a ring-shaped track around the sphere. One must travel around the entire black hole to reach another dimension.
This theory completely refutes the previous funnel-shaped space theory because it doesn't explain the dimensional traversal problem.
What's the difference between a dimensional gateway and a wormhole?
A dimensional gateway is a dimensional traversal, while a wormhole is a fold within the same dimension; naturally, there are differences.
"This also explains why traversing the dimensional gateway takes so long. Traveling from three dimensions to four requires circling the black hole."
"Using this curve, we can calculate the actual distance."
He quickly had the server calculate it, finding the circumference to be approximately 14 light-years.
"Wow, how big is this black hole?"
Everyone gasped at this result.
However, everyone realized something was amiss. This black hole was too large. If a black hole this size existed, why wouldn't its gravitational pull be evident in all dimensions?
Furthermore, did any Milky Way civilization possess the capability to create such a massive black hole?
The largest black hole in the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, has a diameter of only 44 million kilometers. It's the central black hole governing the Milky Way's rotation, similar to the Sun's role in the Solar System.
But if this black hole's circumference is 14 light-years, it's simply too large, implying a diameter of 4.4 light-years—nearly 100,000 times larger than Sagittarius A*, an impossibility.
"The dimensional gateway's length might be 14 light-years, but the black hole creating it can't be 14 light-years in size."
"There must be something we haven't considered."
Either the calculations were wrong, or a small black hole could create an extremely large dimensional gateway.
"If it's 14 light-years, our probes should reach four-dimensional space within 100 years, but it actually took 817 years."
"Could the ship's speed within the dimensional gateway be affected?"
A nearby scholar said, "Don't forget, the space inside the dimensional gateway is chaotic; their paths aren't necessarily straight."
Notuch nodded, agreeing.
"Then our next step is to investigate the width of the dimensional gateway. Once we know the width, we can formulate a plan for traversing it. Even if this plan only improves the success rate by 0.1%, it will be a major advancement."
Notuch was very satisfied with the information obtained from within the dimensional gateway.
After all, this was only the second probe.
Before embarking on the next phase of research, he naturally wanted to extend the cable to its limit.
A cable 100 million kilometers long would yield more information.
Indeed, at 78 million kilometers, the first turning point appeared. The cable, which should have been traveling straight, encountered itself.
However, the received information showed no bends; the data indicated a continuous arc.
"As expected, the probe's findings are unreliable."
"The information we received may be misleading."
"But it's also possible that our earlier information was correct, but a break occurred somewhere."
They couldn't know the accurate information.
Any scientific research begins with theoretical information and then obtains practical data. Even though this is a practical experiment, the information obtained is theoretical.
"Deploy it again. Keep deploying. We need this cable to stay in the dimensional gateway for a longer time."
Notuch felt that to verify their current information, they needed to increase the data volume.
After deploying the cable to 100 million kilometers, they obtained two diagrams through simulation. One showed a curve with a break at a certain point, returning to its starting position. The other was completely chaotic; everything was jumbled, revealing no specific information.
The two diagrams lay before Notuch, his brow furrowed.
After 238 years, they finally obtained new changes—the overlapping points disappeared, inexplicably.
"Too chaotic."
The overlapping cable separated; the process was brief. Sensors emitted photons in all directions to determine the unknown information.
Theoretically, they should have received information about how the cable separated, but they didn't. The separation process seemed to vanish.
"Changes in space are beyond our measurement capabilities, yet we must control these changes. How do we do it?"
Notuch racked his brains.
"The only force that can affect space is gravity, but there's no gravity inside the dimensional gateway…"
"Wait, gravity. If there's no gravity, we can create it."
He found a possible solution.
Notuch summoned everyone.
The other scholars looked at the excited Notuch with confusion.
"I have a better plan; this can definitely explore the dimensional gateway."
All the scholars perked up.
"What is it?"
"Gravity!"
Notuch said firmly.
"Only gravity can be infinitely extended in space. In the dimensional gateway, the only thing I can think of is using gravity to explore."
One scholar opened their mouth to speak, but Notuch interrupted.
"But there's no gravity in the dimensional gateway. I know that's what you're going to say."
"Just because there's no gravity in the dimensional gateway, does that mean objects entering the dimensional gateway also have no gravity?"
"This is something we've consistently overlooked."
"The objects we send into the dimensional gateway inherently possess gravity. We completely forgot about this fundamental force: gravity."
All the scholars, enlightened by Notuch's statement, instantly understood.
Right, gravity! All objects have gravity. Therefore, objects entering the dimensional gateway must experience changes in gravitational force; simply measuring gravitational changes would work.
The meeting ended quickly, after which they conducted the experiment.
"..."
They failed.
There truly was no gravity within the dimensional gateway. They couldn't detect any gravitational force, not even the gravity of their own ship.
"How is that possible?"
Had gravity been nullified?
That's what everyone thought.
"Gravity is transmitted via gravitons, but there are no gravitons within the dimensional gateway; that's why we couldn't detect any gravity."
Everyone looked at Notuch. They should have known this; that's why they hadn't considered detecting gravity in the first place.
Notuch's face turned as red as Guan Yu's.
But he quickly figured it out; he had made a mistake; he hadn't clearly defined his objective.
"If we want to detect gravity, we must have gravitons. Why not directly transport gravitons inside?"
"But this plan is still difficult."
Notuch had stumbled before, and this time, after careful consideration, he discovered the problem was harder than he'd imagined.
"We don't know where gravitons will go once released. If some gravitons reach the dimensional gateway's boundary, connecting the inside and outside, the immense gravitational pull of a black hole could directly tear the dimensional gateway apart."
"So we need a way to prevent the gravitons from dissipating, to keep them contained near us."
"Gravitons only react to gravitational forces. Theoretically, they would stick to the ship, but gravity extends infinitely. Theoretically, some gravitons would inevitably escape. We need to create a cage from which gravitons cannot escape."
This was a massive undertaking. Notuch even considered halting the project mid-way; he hoped to find the answer.
He felt that continuing his research at this stage would only waste time. While he might gain some information, it would all be theoretical.
...
"So he just left?"
Luna asked Ayla, incredulous at the news. Such a large project—the Federation had invested heavily. Halting the plan wouldn't stop the losses.
Ayla confirmed: "Notuch has left the dimensional gateway; he took some scholars with him."
This meant the Federation's second attempt to explore the dimensional gateway had failed.
"Let Notuch bear some of the losses; initiate the third plan."
Luna actually understood Notuch. Notuch's last-minute misjudgment, and that of the other scholars, demonstrated the immense pressure they were under.
After all, this concerned the Federation's research; their every move had significant consequences.
Under such immense pressure, few could endure. Some crumbled; others, pursuing perfectionism, trapped themselves in an endless cycle.
Science is about trial and error. If even trial and error is abandoned, what is science?
Therefore, Luna wouldn't wait for Notuch. If he could find a viable solution, that would be best. If not, ending the second exploration attempt was timely cost-saving.
"We have too little information, perhaps related to our limited technological accumulation."
"Things in dimensional space continuously challenge our understanding."
"How many tens of thousands of years have passed? The New Federation has existed for 50,000 years, right?"
Luna sighed; their time was too short.
If the Galactic Federation had another 100,000 years, the outcome would undoubtedly be different.
"What's the next exploration plan?" Luna asked dejectedly.
Ayla replied, "Send a planet-class warship into the dimensional gateway!"
Luna had many concerns and couldn't be meticulous. She often focused only on immediate issues and processing past events, extracting lessons from them.
So when Ayla mentioned the next exploration plan, Luna was surprised.
"We've tried many plans, but we still don't know what will happen to the Federation's strongest military force in the dimensional gateway."
"It's a crazy idea, but the person who suggested it won't participate. He only proposed it; I accepted it."
"I think we should try this once."
This was Ayla's decision, unexpected yet predictable, because it was so audacious.
After all, every planet-class ship was precious to the Federation.
"I've done some calculations. The resources invested in each previous exploration plan are almost equal to the cost of building a planet-class warship, minus Notuch's expenses. Why not invest in a planet-class warship directly?"
Luna was silent for a moment.
"This could be a one-way trip."
"If the planet-class warship doesn't pass through the dimensional gateway, we won't get any information."
Ayla had considered that.
"Notuch's cable plan is feasible, and it's confirmed that the dimensional gateway has length."
"We can create a cable one light-year long, gathering more information."
"Obviously, compared to sensors, a planet-class warship has far greater capabilities. It's a fortress; it can do anything."
After Ayla mentioned this, Luna recalled something.
"So, Potato Chip?"
Ayla nodded.
"Potato Chip has undergone modifications. There's extra space under the warship's hull. Its technology is outdated compared to the newly built planet-class warships; losing it wouldn't be a significant loss."
Luna knew Ayla was determined. He wasn't going to dissuade her, only expressing surprise at the plan.
If the plan succeeded, everyone would be happy.
If it failed, it would just be another failed exploration.
"Since you have a plan, execute it. Let's see what results we get."
Luna has always supported Ayla's plans.
...
"Luna, we've arrived at the new star system."
"It's relatively close to the dimensional gateway, only a few dozen light-years away."
Ayla wanted Luna to participate in the dimensional gateway exploration; it might help her understand it better.
Luna had spent too long handling Federation affairs. The Federation constantly generated massive amounts of information, more than she could manage alone.
Perhaps Luna should shift her focus.
Luna sat in her chair. Her appearance hadn't changed, but her demeanor and aura had become increasingly profound.
She set aside the documents and connected to the new star system's network.
"Kepler-78, now called Chötons c. I remember it's a star belonging to the Chötons Biological Pharmaceutical and Biotech Company, a subsidiary of the Federation."
It was a relatively small yellow dwarf star.
Luna decided on a gradual expansion; the Federation's regulations wouldn't apply. New Federation companies could purchase non-essential star systems from the Federation.
Chötons was currently the 27th-ranked super-corporation in the Federation. It owned five star systems, Chötons a to Chötons e. Chötons a and Chötons c were yellow dwarfs; the other three were red dwarfs.
Within its territory, Chötons held complete authority, provided it didn't violate Federation law.
There was only one Federation office here, responsible for ensuring the safety of Federation citizens within the entire star system and monitoring Chötons' research.
"Excellent, this is practically private territory."
"Generally, Free Star City doesn't traverse private star systems, but the Chötons Corporation paid a hefty sum to have this star system designated as a free Federation zone."
Luna reviewed Chötons Corporation's files; this was several millennia old.
At that time, Chötons Corporation seemed to have conducted large-scale human experimentation within this star system. According to the reports, Chötons produced 300 billion clones annually; 98% were used for human experimentation: dissections, large-scale virus testing, gene pool studies, and genetic modification research.
"No longer conducting biological research? Switched to the service industry?" Luna found it peculiar.
Such places were usually sealed off; bio-corporations didn't want others to see their brutal experiments. But Chötons Corporation chose openness.
"Not exactly. Chötons c only has one habitable planet, roughly 1.7 Earth masses. It was originally very close to the star, but it's been moved to a suitable distance."
"This planet, originally Kepler-78b, is now the S0 research planet for the Body Evolution Project S. 87% is still used for biological research, 10% for a massive research facility, and the remaining 3% is open to the public."
"The service provided is super-ability development."
Super-ability, originally exceeding normal capabilities, but in a high-level civilization like the Federation, individual capabilities are too weak, so the term has evolved to mean exceeding normal life force.
While seemingly a small change, it's a more precise description of super-abilities.
Life force, excluding technology and violent means, must be purely physical strength to be considered a super-ability.
Luna accessed the company's official website and checked; indeed, there was a description of Project S.
"They're cautious; they only provide drugs to trigger super-abilities, not customized ones."
Super-abilities aren't exactly new.
Psionics are a type of super-ability. The Federation has many ways to enhance psionics, such as increasing brainwave activity or altering certain body chemicals to make people more susceptible to electromagnetic forces.
Customized super-abilities are more advanced. For example, surgically enhancing the eyes with photoreceptor cells to see more colors, or manipulating the eyes to achieve zoom capabilities like a camera lens.
There's also hardening skin, adding metallic elements to bone marrow to allow acids to dissolve steel, enabling cells to produce viruses, or accelerating cell division for rapid wound healing and limb regeneration.
Compared to these customized super-abilities, drug-induced super-abilities are a safer, more adaptable method.
Drug-induced abilities enhance an individual's already strong attributes, causing mutations in the process.
These drugs are relatively easy to develop.
But the difficulty lies in the uncontrollability. The probability of a desirable mutation is only about one in ten thousand. Theoretically, only one in ten thousand people will have a beneficial mutation. To develop powerful innate abilities, one might need to test hundreds of millions, even billions, to find one or a few successful cases.
Chötons Corporation, aiming to commercialize drug-induced super-abilities, must have found a way to consistently trigger powerful super-abilities with their drugs.
"Interesting."
Luna decided to take a look.
Many others shared her curiosity, all traveling to S0 in their own ships.
It was a grey planet, dull and lifeless, its surface covered with cities, only a few green patches visible.
And those green patches were where they were to land.
Chötons Corporation had invested considerable effort.
Stepping off the ship revealed a massive, floating spaceport, like a gigantic disk suspended above the clouds. Ramps descended in all directions, allowing access to flying buses or trains. The buses descended in a spiral, while the trains, with a slight jolt, would plummet straight down.
Many people were present. Luna glanced at everyone; their files were instantly visible to her, a privilege of her position.
She knew 90% of these people were clones, the rest were Federation citizens, with a significant portion being Chötons Corporation employees or their relatives.
They might not be the first group of customers, but they were certainly the largest.
Free Star City's tourism shouldn't be underestimated. According to Luna's plans over the years, each docking of Free Star City generated 173.8 billion visitors and over 500 trillion energy credits in revenue for the star system.
That's why Chötons Corporation was willing to pay to have this area designated as a Free Star City zone.
The first group of visitors to arrive with Luna numbered over ten million. They quickly dispersed across the planet. Luna noticed that many Chötons employees were grinning; it seemed that most businesses here were run by these employees, who received commissions.
"Scholar Luna, I didn't expect you to be here."
Just as Luna was about to board a descending vehicle, a voice called out.