Suroma Space Agency.

Compared to the social discussions following the release of the new rules, the people working here were more concerned about the bizarre events occurring on Terra.

The entire crew of the "Empire Pioneer" had fallen into some kind of stress-induced catatonic state, and the team leader, in his last moment of lucidity, had left behind the bizarre statement "there are demons on the planet," which was truly difficult to comprehend.

Could the rigid crew members return to normal? What exactly did Robert mean by "demons"? These were urgent problems that needed solving.

But more importantly, what should the remaining people do?

At this moment, inside a conference room, a remote meeting between the Suroma Space Agency and the Beixing Space Agency was being held, with high-level officials including the directors from both sides in attendance.

"I know your astronauts might be frightened and want to return quickly, but doing so would put the Space Migration plan on indefinite hold."

The Director of the Suroma Space Agency said, currently doing his utmost to persuade the Director of the Beixing Space Agency not to make the decision to have "Dream Boat One" return.

"Moreover, not investigating what exactly Robert meant by 'demons' will only sow more risks for future landing teams. If we don't defuse this bomb now, we'll have to deal with it later anyway."

After listening, the Director of the Beixing Space Agency did not change his decision, speaking slowly, "I regret that we cannot allow our valuable astronauts to continue risking their lives by staying on Terra. Furthermore, bringing Robert and the others back to Tianshui Star for treatment as soon as possible might offer a chance of recovery... With the lack of treatment equipment and variety of medicines on Terra, how long can their current heartbeats be maintained?"

"They were prepared to sacrifice themselves even before boarding the rocket! I still hope you will reconsider!"

"We have already decided and will not reconsider."

A silence fell among the staff on both sides.

Gradually, the expression of the Director of the Suroma Space Agency turned cold.

His tone no longer carried entreaty or negotiation, becoming stiff and tinged with a hint of threat.

"Then, we regret as well. If 'Dream Boat One' returns, we, Suroma, will consider using weapons to destroy it outside the orbit!"

"What did you say?"

This statement instantly made the atmosphere in the meeting room tense and hostile.

"From the transmitted video of the survival base, Robert and his entire team fell into a state of terror in an instant, and the 'demon' that caused all this never appeared in the video... This means the 'demon' might possess Invisibility, or cannot be recorded by electronic devices."

The Director of the Suroma Space Agency continued.

"Therefore, we have to prepare for the worst-case scenario: the demon might have infiltrated the 'Empire Pioneer' or the 'Dream Boat One' rocket module. If it were to return with your astronauts, it could potentially bring disaster to all of humanity. So, if the rocket is allowed to return before the investigation is complete, we, Suroma, for the sake of all humanity, must shoot it down!"

The Director of the Beixing Space Agency then issued a warning: "I advise you to think carefully and not use irrational actions to ignite a war between our two nations."

After saying this, the Beixing side directly cut the communication. The Higher-ups on the Suroma side all looked at their own director.

"Director, were you joking just now?"

"If they bring our astronauts back with them, shooting them down would also mean killing several of our own astronauts!"

The Deputy Director then spoke up: "Attacking another nation's manned rocket is tantamount to declaring war... I don't think our Space Agency has that level of authority."

"...I know, that was just tactical intimidation." The Director sighed. "How do we explain this to the Senate and the public if we don't investigate this matter thoroughly? Moreover, what if there really are 'demons'? Although I don't quite believe it either."

"Let's communicate with the Beixing side again," the Deputy Director said. "No matter how bad the situation is, Suroma and Beixing cannot go to war now. That would completely cause humanity to lose..."

Before he could finish, a phone rang in the Director's pocket.

The latter answered, and a voice shouting angrily immediately came through.

"Bastard! Who allowed you to spout nonsense there! Have you forgotten His Majesty the King's command? No disputes with Beixing are to be provoked within six months!"

The Director recognized it was the Grand Senator's voice. His earlier firmness vanished, and he whispered, "Yes, yes, Grand Senator... I was also worried about our astronauts, so..."

"Shut up! Hurry up and mend relations with the Beixing Space Agency, otherwise you can forget about being Director!"

Beep—

The call ended. The Director, looking aggrieved, put away his phone. Glancing at the people in the conference room with their strange expressions, he angrily said, "Meeting adjourned! Everyone, go do what you need to do!"

...

On Terra, Wei Xuan had already led his team members back inside the "Dream Boat One" rocket module.

The survival base they had painstakingly built outside had to be abandoned—after witnessing the video footage from the other survival base, no one dared to stay outside the rocket module anymore.

Inside the medical room, Team Leader Wei Xuan entered and saw the doctor pacing back and forth in front of the sickbed. Lying on the bed was the rigid-bodied Robert.

The latter's originally wide-staring eyes had been closed, making him appear less terrifying.

"Team Leader, you're here."

"Yes. How is Robert's condition?"

"Still the same. He has a heartbeat, but no other physical reactions. The others are the same." The doctor shook his head. "It's really bizarre. I've never seen a case like this. We can only examine him with more specialized equipment back on Tianshui Star."

Wei Xuan nodded silently.

Seeing he had something to say, the doctor inquired, "What is it, Team Leader?"

"We just contacted ground command."

Hearing this, the doctor had a bad feeling. "They're not telling us we can't go back, are they?"

"No, command has approved our return. But I feel it's somewhat inappropriate."

"Inappropriate??"

Wei Xuan frowned. "The two Spaceships we came on this time shoulder the major mission of establishing an extraterrestrial survival base and exploring the feasibility of Space Migration. This mission is even closely related to the fate of all humanity. Giving up halfway is something I really cannot accept."

"Moreover, rushing back before finding the culprit who caused Robert and the others to end up like this means we haven't obtained any crucial Intelligence. If we send people again next time, wouldn't they have to start the investigation from scratch and face this same unknown risk again?"

"Rather than letting future personnel bear the risk, it's better if we try to conduct the investigation ourselves. Even if we can't uncover the truth, we should strive to obtain some clues for those who come after."

After listening, the doctor repeatedly shook his head. "I'm a doctor. For me, the safety of the team members comes first. Sorry, Team Leader, I don't agree with your decision to stay and continue the investigation mission."

"No need to apologize. Your decision isn't wrong. So my idea is this: those who want to return can take Robert and the others back for treatment. Those who don't want to return can stay on Terra with me to continue the mission."

"What!" The doctor was shocked. "This... if we leave, what about the rocket? Who knows what the next rule will be. If it turns out to be unsuitable for launching a rocket to pick you up, then—"

"Don't worry about that. You will return on 'Dream Boat One.' Those of us who stay behind will transfer to the 'Empire Pioneer.' The resources on board are sufficient for us to stay for a long time."

The doctor was momentarily speechless, not having expected Wei Xuan to have made such thorough arrangements for staying.

"Ground command has agreed to my proposal. Let's go. After holding a meeting to decide who stays and who goes, the return rocket should launch as soon as possible. Although we successfully retreated from Robert's survival base, we cannot rule out the possibility of danger erupting again later."

"...Understood. I understand."

The doctor followed behind Wei Xuan, his gaze carrying a hint of admiration as he looked at his back.

Being willing to stay and carry out the mission after such a terrifying event had occurred—this courage was truly admirable. The doctor admitted to himself that he couldn't do it.

After the two left the cabin, no one noticed: the moment the automatic door closed, the rigid eyelids of Robert lying on the sickbed twitched imperceptibly twice.