After quite some time had passed, the people gathered outside Marcus's quarters noticed that the power signatures emanating from within had finally stopped changing. Even the detection equipment had ceased its constant alarming.
"Looks like whatever he was doing is finished," one technician observed. "I just wish I knew what exactly that person was doing in there."
"No matter what he was doing, it's definitely nothing we could comprehend or replicate," another replied pragmatically. "Let's disperse and get back to our stations..."
The crowd began shouting brief farewells to each other and dispersing from in front of Marcus's room. Everyone returned to their assigned positions throughout the base and resumed their regular work duties.
"Captain, our base needs to expand operations outward," the resource collection director reported during the leadership meeting. "The mineral resources in this immediate area have been almost completely depleted."
He gestured to the holographic display showing extraction rates. "Most of the high-energy crystal deposits here have been mined out by our teams. At our current consumption rate, the remaining veins will be completely exhausted within two months at absolute maximum."
The implication was clear: they had to locate new mineral resources before the current deposits ran dry, or the base's continued growth would become impossible.
"So soon?" Captain Locke murmured, though he wasn't particularly surprised. "It seems we genuinely need to search for new mineral veins immediately."
The various production facilities throughout the base were operating at full capacity around the clock, which made the consumption of high-energy crystals absolutely enormous. If they wanted the colony to continue growing and developing, they absolutely had to find fresh deposits.
After considering the situation carefully for a moment, Captain Locke turned his attention to the production director.
"David, what's the current status of the production department? We must locate and establish a new base before these veins are completely exhausted."
"No problem at all, Captain!" David, the production director, responded confidently. "Production department output is well within controllable parameters. We can definitely allocate sufficient personnel to construct a new command center at a secondary location."
Hearing this positive assessment, Captain Locke nodded with satisfaction. Having the manpower available would make everything significantly easier.
"Then here's what we'll do," Locke decided. "Allocate some personnel to begin constructing a new command center first. Simultaneously, assign additional people to join the exploration teams that will scout for new mineral deposits."
"Understood, Captain. I'll arrange everything shortly," David confirmed.
Then the production director looked across the table toward the Minister of Armed Forces.
"The exploration teams heading out will require your full support, especially in terms of military protection and firepower."
"Acknowledged!" the Minister of Armed Forces replied with a crisp nod.
After the Armed Forces Minister indicated his agreement, Captain Locke glanced around at everyone assembled and spoke slowly and deliberately.
"Alright then, that concludes this meeting. You all have your assignments."
With that said, he stood up and departed the conference room. As captain, Locke didn't need to personally micromanage every single detail. He simply needed to maintain control over the overall strategic direction and ensure there were no critical problems affecting either the transport ship or the crew's welfare.
This particular exploration mission was actually relatively straightforward for them. After all, energy crystals were resources that both Marcus and the Kryptonians desperately needed as well.
When the exploration teams headed out, Marcus and his people naturally wouldn't be absent from the operation.
However, given that Marcus was overwhelmingly powerful and likely occupied with his own projects, Locke planned to send out the mechanical hound Marcus had provided. He'd already discussed the situation with General Zod, and they'd agreed that two Kryptonians would accompany the human teams.
While the human leadership conducted their meeting, the Kryptonians were simultaneously holding their own council under General Zod's direction.
"...So that's the current situation," Zod explained to his assembled people. "As our partners' allies, we also need to contribute meaningful strength to this endeavor. Beyond that, energy crystal veins are critically important to our own survival and development. We must master the methodology for identifying and evaluating deposits. Therefore, I plan to select one individual from both the warrior caste and the craftsman caste. In addition to providing escort services, you'll learn the process of mineral exploration from the humans."
As he spoke, General Zod studied the people assembled before him, considering each one carefully.
After several moments of contemplation, he'd reached his decision. He glanced at everyone once more before announcing his selections.
"Reger and Monte—you two will carry out this mission. This assignment is extremely important to Krypton's future."
"Yes, General!" both men responded immediately.
The powerfully built Reger and the smaller, more technical Monte acknowledged the order without any visible dissatisfaction. They'd long since grown accustomed to such duty assignments.
"Excellent," Zod continued. "Next, I want to address the issue of Kryptonian technology restoration progress. Our transaction with Captain Marcus is closely connected to this restoration work. The entire future—whether Krypton can successfully be rebuilt—depends on completing this properly."
As he spoke, everyone naturally turned their attention toward the only formally trained scientist among their group.
"The technology restoration effort is progressing well," the scientist reported. "I've successfully restored approximately ten percent of the World Engine wreckage to functional status. I'm confident we can complete our end of the transaction soon and reclaim the Kryptonian Codex."
"Very good," Zod said with an approving nod. "Technology restoration is absolutely our most critical priority at this moment. No matter what other situations arise, there must be no problems or setbacks in this particular area. Understood?"
Zod nodded slowly, satisfied with their progress. Everything was proceeding according to plan. A restored Krypton was waiting for them in the not-too-distant future.
"The mineral exploration team is preparing to depart!" someone shouted, running toward the defensive perimeter.
This announcement caught Marcus's attention as he was casually walking through the base observing various operations.
"They're setting out already? That's impressively efficient," Marcus noted to himself.
Marcus had learned about the mineral exploration team plans not long ago, but he genuinely hadn't expected their organizational efficiency to be this high. They were ready to deploy in such a remarkably short timeframe.
With a light tap of his feet against the ground, Marcus instantly launched into the air and shot toward the defensive position at high speed.
The moment he arrived at the perimeter, Marcus's attention was immediately captured by an enormous fortress structure floating in the air above the gathering troops.
This was the command center in flight mode. Massive thruster engines had lifted the entire command center into the air, allowing it to relocate and maneuver as needed.
Moreover, this particular command center had just been freshly constructed and was specifically designed to move alongside the exploration team until a suitable new mineral vein could be located and secured.
"This is genuinely impressive work," Marcus observed with appreciation. "Although it can't be directly compared to the technology of the other two major species in this universe, it definitely represents a valid path that belongs uniquely to humanity."
Looking at the personnel assembled below the hovering command center, Marcus slowly descended from the air and landed smoothly near Captain Locke.
"So you're departing right now?" Marcus asked.
"Yes, the current mineral deposits are nearly exhausted," Captain Locke explained. "In order to ensure continued development, we have no choice but to locate new mineral veins and begin extraction before the existing deposits run completely dry."
Locke was being entirely honest. If it weren't for the security provided by Marcus and the Kryptonians, he would never attempt something this ambitious. His original conservative plan would've been to mine as many resources as physically possible to replenish the transport ship's reserves, then move on toward the next unknown planet and continue searching desperately for the Koprulu Sector with everyone aboard.
But with the assistance and protection provided by Marcus and his people, Locke could actually pursue aggressive expansion. He could fully develop production capacity, construct additional vessels, and steadily build fleet reinforcements.
Eventually, once they'd assembled a proper fleet, then they could embark on their journey again—but from a position of genuine strength rather than desperate survival.
"That's definitely an important matter," Marcus agreed with an understanding nod.
Energy crystals and high-energy vespene gas had numerous critical applications. They were essential resources that ensured the production and operation of all base facilities.
Now that the deposits here were running dry, they genuinely had to locate new sources.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Marcus offered.
"Well... nothing is needed at the moment, thank you," Captain Locke replied politely. "I've already made all necessary arrangements."
The captain spoke softly but confidently. The strength composition of this exploration team was more than adequate. Even if they encountered another full insect tide assault, the main base could provide timely support and reinforcement.
Seeing that Locke had everything well in hand, Marcus chose not to press the issue. If they needed anything from him, they'd certainly come ask for assistance.
The exploration team wasn't composed solely of marines, though they formed the core. There were also Vulture hoverbikes serving as fast scouts, several Siege Tanks for heavy fire support, and even multiple Goliath combat walkers providing anti-air capabilities.
This wasn't some simplified game scenario. If they'd only sent marines out on their own, even with Kryptonians and the mechanical hound following along, problems could easily develop.
But with Vultures for reconnaissance, Siege Tanks for devastating firepower, and Goliaths for versatile combat support, the marines would face significantly less pressure and could respond to unexpected situations much more effectively.
The exploration team quickly assembled in formation. After thoroughly checking all weapons and equipment, they prepared to depart.
The group moved out in an impressive procession. Everyone remaining in the base watched them leave with mixed emotions. Every exploration mission represented a potential life-or-death farewell. Nobody could genuinely guarantee they'd see these people again. After all, exploration teams had another, darker unofficial name: suicide squads.
As the exploration team and the flying command center departed the defensive perimeter, the personnel manning the fortifications also dispersed. Their next task would be fully exploiting the ore veins that were approaching exhaustion, then preparing to relocate to whatever new deposits were discovered.
"Seems like there's nothing here that actually requires my involvement?" Marcus mused after walking around the base for a while.
The entire colony operated with impressive order and efficiency. Except when insect tides attacked, his direct help genuinely wasn't needed for day-to-day operations.
"Well then, this is a good opportunity to check on the Kryptonian technology restoration progress," Marcus decided.
With that thought, he changed direction and walked toward where General Zod and his people were working.
Several days later, far from the main base, the traveling exploration team made an important discovery.
Several engineers operating SCV mining vehicles detected what appeared to be a mineral deposit through their scanning equipment.
"Move forward and investigate," the team leader ordered. "We're getting mineral vein readings ahead."
Following their directions, a squad of marines formed up and advanced toward the indicated location alongside Vulture scouts and a Goliath walker.
They'd already found several locations that initially appeared to be mineral veins during their journey. However, after thorough investigation, those sites had turned out to contain only ordinary metal deposits rather than the critical energy crystals and high-energy gas they desperately needed.
While such metal veins were certainly valuable and important, the absolute priority right now was locating energy crystal and vespene gas deposits.
The marine squad rushed toward the target location with gauss rifles at the ready. The Goliath walker moved even faster across the terrain, its mechanical legs eating up ground rapidly. Soon they'd arrived at the coordinates the engineers had specified.
"This should be it," the squad captain said, raising his hand and waving a brief signal.
The Goliath walker took point and opened fire on the bare ground with both its twin autocannons and missile pods.
Massive cracks appeared in the earth under the concentrated artillery bombardment. Very quickly, whatever lay beneath the surface became exposed.
"Cease fire!" the captain commanded sharply.
He approached the newly created crater and began carefully examining what had been revealed.
"That's right—these are definitely energy crystal formations," the captain confirmed, his voice showing restrained excitement. "But we can't determine the deposit size from this sample alone."
He turned toward one of his team members. "Contact the main force. Tell them we've found energy crystals here!"
If this could be confirmed as a genuine energy crystal vein, then high-energy vespene gas—which was geologically associated with crystal deposits—would almost certainly be present as well. That's precisely why the captain wasn't wasting time searching for the gas yet.
The team member transmitted this news back to the main force with appropriate seriousness. They'd definitely located an energy crystal vein, though determining the specific reserves and extent of the deposit would require professional engineers to conduct proper surveys.
Back with the main force, after waiting anxiously for quite some time, the forward scout team finally sent back positive news.
"They found it! A vein has finally been located!" someone shouted with relief.
Simply finding a vein was excellent news. However, they couldn't yet be certain about the resource reserves. If it turned out to be just a thin surface layer, then all their efforts would essentially be wasted.
The main force immediately set out toward the discovery site, with the command center hovering in the sky moving slowly to follow them.
After traveling for several hours, the main force finally reached the location. Engineers immediately went to work, operating their SCVs to begin preliminary mining operations and extracting vein samples for detailed testing.
Pieces of brilliant blue energy crystals were systematically extracted. The engineers conducted their analysis and finally determined the true extent of this deposit.
"Although this particular vein qualifies as just an ordinary energy crystal deposit in terms of quality, the reserves are absolutely massive," the lead engineer reported with barely contained excitement. "Far more extensive than the deposits at our primary base location."
After the engineer's official confirmation, everyone in the exploration team became genuinely excited. A deposit of this magnitude would be more than sufficient to support their continued development for a considerable time.
However, the surrounding environment here wasn't nearly as favorable as their main base location. The terrain was relatively flat in all directions—it couldn't compare to the naturally defensible position they'd initially established.
At minimum, the terrain at the main base had been excellent from a defensive standpoint. Being positioned in a valley surrounded by mountains on both sides allowed them to concentrate their defensive efforts on just two primary approach vectors.
"The terrain here presents some challenges," the engineer acknowledged, "but the captain should be able to handle fortification planning. In the meantime—" he gestured upward at the hovering structure "—the ground has been cleared and secured. Command center is cleared for landing."
As his words concluded, the massive command center slowly maneuvered toward the designated position. The power output of the thruster engines steadily decreased as the structure descended. The enormous command center touched down gradually and smoothly.
WHOOOOSH—
With a prolonged venting sound, the command center successfully completed its landing sequence. The multiple thruster engines shut down completely, and the command center's operational systems activated for ground-based mode.
"Excellent! We can begin operations," the engineer announced with satisfaction.
He headed into the command center immediately. He needed to file a comprehensive report with the main base, while the exploration team would remain here to establish perimeter security.
Outside the command center, Siege Tanks smoothly transitioned into siege mode—their massive cannons elevating and stabilizing for maximum range and firepower. Marines took up defensive positions in a protective perimeter.
In front of the defensive line, several SCVs were already working busily. They'd extracted independent construction modules from the command center's storage. Now they simply needed to connect and assemble the prefabricated modules to construct fortified bunkers.
Various additional modules were still being manufactured inside the command center. The defensive situation here would be properly resolved very soon.
Back at the main base, the leadership received the report with tremendous relief. Especially after hearing about the exceptional reserves at the new vein location, their excitement became palpable.
"Understood. The situation there will be left in your capable hands," Captain Locke said into the communicator, a genuine smile crossing his face. "Infrastructure construction can proceed at the new site. When the mineral veins here are completely exhausted, we'll begin our relocation."
After concluding the communication, Locke leaned back in his chair thoughtfully.
"It seems this planet has truly abundant resource reserves," he observed to himself. "It hasn't been long since the team departed, and they've already located a deposit even larger than our current one.
It's genuinely unfortunate that we're so limited by available manpower. Otherwise, we could realistically develop an entire fleet here."
Everything was proceeding remarkably smoothly. If it weren't for their population restrictions, Locke could genuinely envision sailing through this universe with a proper military fleet at his command.
But there were no "ifs" in reality. As baseline humans, they had absolutely no way to rapidly increase their population. In the known universe, only the Zerg possessed the biological capability for explosive reproduction.
So the humans could only focus on developing smaller escort vessels and using those as fleet weapons to supplement their limited numbers.
"Fortunately, we have Marcus and the others supporting us," Captain Locke reflected quietly. "We can actually focus on peaceful development for a substantial period."
The captain thought carefully, feeling genuinely grateful that they'd established cooperation with Marcus and his people.
If it weren't for the assistance provided by Marcus and the Kryptonians, the crew of the Svir would probably still be desperately wandering through uncharted space, constantly searching for new planets to replenish their dwindling supplies while trying to find some route back to known space.
"Perhaps I should notify them about this development," Locke decided.
With that thought, the captain stood and walked toward Marcus's quarters. A new base location had been confirmed and secured. If any abnormal situations developed at either site, they would absolutely need Marcus and his people to provide assistance.