RNP Page 5
Page 5
Estelle's tone became more formal.
"Thanks to everyone on the Star Train, we were able to get through this."
"Of course, there's also Miss Bai Zhi. I need to express my special gratitude to you. If it weren't for you, we don't know how many staff members and security personnel would have been lost on the Black Tower Space Station."
“They are the most precious people on every planet. If they die here because of those monsters, I will really have a hard time explaining it to their families. But with Miss Baizhi’s help, we only lost one staff member in this legion’s attack. Although it is still very sad, it is the best possible outcome.”
“But it is not my creed to forget kindness, Miss Baizhi. I have prepared some gifts to express my gratitude.”
As she spoke, Aistar pulled a card from the control panel next to her and said, "This is a credit point savings card with one billion credit points already deposited in it. I hope to use this to express my gratitude."
"One billion credits?"
Although Bai Zhi knew that Aistar was a wealthy woman, she was still surprised that she could casually produce 1 billion credits. You should know that although 1 billion credits is not considered extremely rich in a top-level power like the Immortal Ship, it is definitely not poor either.
On some more underdeveloped planet, these billion credits might be enough to buy an entire massive city.
If it were just for personal expenses, this money could buy enough food to stuff her cheap master, Bailu, to death.
"Estella, aren't you going to ask for my opinion on this?"
Just as Bai Zhi was about to accept the card, a girl's voice broke the action.
"Miss Black Tower, you've arrived." Estella looked at the Black Tower doll that suddenly activated in the corner and walked into the middle of the group, and seemed a little surprised.
"Well, after such a big incident, of course I had to come and see. I also learned about this person's help to the space station through monitoring and guard reports."
"Although I don't usually get involved, this place is all under my name, so I ordered a few warships from the company to escort the space station. They should arrive soon."
"However, these people in the company are quite attentive. On top of the order, they also gave me a small eco-ship as an extra gift. But I only need warships as escorts, and this eco-ship is of no use to me."
“So…” the Black Tower puppet looked at Bai Zhi, “this small eco-ship is yours as payment for your help to the space station this time.”
"what?"
Bai Zhi's mouth gaped open slightly. Had she heard correctly? A small eco-ship had just been given to her like that?
She didn't stay in Xianzhou for nothing during those years. She had naturally looked at interstellar spaceships online many times, which were very attractive, but each time she was shocked by their terrifying prices.
Compared to ordinary interstellar spaceships, eco-ships, which are like luxury RVs on Earth, are incredibly expensive. Even the smaller ones are only affordable to a few extremely wealthy individuals.
9. Boarding the ship
"You're really just giving it to me like this?"
Bai Zhi asked again as if to confirm.
"It's just a small eco-ship. It's insignificant to me and Miss Black Tower, and neither of us needs it. So, instead of leaving it here, I might as well give it to you."
“Compared to the precious lives of our clerks, the ecological ship is nothing more than an industrial product that can be manufactured on an assembly line,” Aista said.
"That's right. Although these people seem a bit stupid to me, the value they create is definitely higher than that of an eco-ship. Besides, this thing was just a gift from the company to boost my reputation, and it didn't cost me any money."
Black Tower nodded slightly, his words conveying the feeling that while these people were trash, the ecological ship was even more trash.
"Ms. Black Tower is right. Whether from an economic or other perspective, talent is more important."
Estelle smiled knowingly at the arrogance in Black Tower's words, then handed the card to Bai Zhi.
"Eh?"
Bai Zhi was slightly surprised. Black Tower had already given her an ecological ship, yet Aistar still wanted to give her 1 billion credits.
"Don't be surprised. Although Miss Black Tower gave you a reward, I haven't given you my reward yet. You already have an eco-ship, so maintenance costs will be inevitable. This billion can cover expenses for a long time and can also be used for pocket money."
"Little Angelica, take the card. This is what you deserve."
Himeko gently reminded him from the side.
"Okay, thank you so much, Estella-neechan!"
Bai Zhi accepted the card without hesitation. After all, Estádio was right; the Black Tower had given her an eco-ship, which would require a lot of maintenance in the future.
Although she could occasionally get some credits from General Jingyuan in the Immortal Boat who came to her to get fake medical records over the past two years, the amount was not much, only a little over a million in two years.
Those credits are enough for daily food, drink, and some entertainment, but maintaining something like an ecological ship requires far more credits than a mere million.
If you don't want to worry about credit points in the future, then don't refuse.
"However, does this eco-ship need a crew to operate it?"
Bai Zhi suddenly realized this serious problem.
"Of course it's necessary. An eco-ship is, after all, an interstellar vessel. However, the company's latest products are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence. Although it can be a bit rigid at times, it's sufficient if it's just used as a residence and to execute simple commands."
Estella explained very carefully.
This put Bai Zhi's mind at ease a little. After all, the Black Tower Space Station was in the middle of nowhere, so where was she going to recruit crew members to sail the ship? She couldn't possibly kidnap Estella, this rich woman, to be the captain.
She can't afford that salary.
"At that time, Xiao Baizhi can stay on the train first, and then let the ship AI follow the train."
Himeko then added a comment following Estella's words.
"Yes, that's what I think too. It is a bit lonely for me to be on such a big ship all by myself."
As soon as Bai Zhi finished speaking, Hei Ta pressed his ear and nodded from time to time.
More than ten seconds later, Hei Ta stopped moving and looked at Bai Zhi and the train crew.
"The frigate I ordered will arrive soon. Of course, there's also the eco-ship that I'm going to give you. Go take a look; the company staff are there, and they can explain its functions to you."
"I want to see it too! An eco-ship! I've heard of it before, but I've never seen one. I must take some pictures to remember it." March 7th picked up her camera, her face full of excitement.
"You all go ahead, Black Tower, Está, and I have some things to discuss," Himeko said, waving her hand.
"Let's go!" March 7th was full of energy and pulled Bai Zhi and Xing together to run towards the docking area of the space station.
Upon arriving at the docking area, the Star Train was already parked there. This creation of Aquivilli is truly amazing. Its appearance is no different from a steam-age train, yet it is able to travel among these stars.
Moreover, Bai Zhi always felt that this Starry Sky Train was somewhat similar to the Thousand Realms Train from the Honkai Impact 3rd world. They were both trains, but the Starry Sky Train looked more magnificent.
"Hehe, the Starry Sky Train, isn't it beautiful? I'll take you on board, Xiao Baizhi. The train is very cozy, and everyone there is very nice."
Seeing Bai Zhi staring at the Starry Sky Train with great interest, March 7th couldn't help but proudly introduce it.
However, just as Bai Zhi was about to say something, the starry sky outside the docking area suddenly distorted, and more than a dozen huge ships suddenly appeared there.
These enormous metal spaceships, like sharp swords, cut through the starry sky. Their surfaces are covered with black armor, and at the front is a huge laser cannon capable of firing devastating energy beams, inspiring awe just by looking at them.
Of course, besides these obviously military ships, there is another ship with a distinctly different style, quietly hovering in space.
This spaceship resembles a green pearl, its surface covered with transparent armor that protects it from external harm while ensuring adequate lighting throughout the ship. Even the angelica dahurica can be faintly seen. This greenness mainly comes from the plants inside the ship.
This thing, rather than being called a ship, is more like a small town that can move in space.
Compared to the steel and mechanical style of other spaceships, this one is undoubtedly full of natural charm.
It's only natural that such things are expensive to manufacture, since maintaining a stable ecosystem in space is extremely difficult.
"Wow, this boat looks so comfortable!" March 7 exclaimed, taking out her camera and snapping away.
Guided by the space station, the ships began to dock gradually. Soon, several people dressed in professional attire, looking like elites, came out from the docking area.
They seemed to have been prepared. Upon seeing Bai Zhi, they slightly raised their wrists to confirm her identity, and then immediately greeted her warmly.
"Hello, you must be Miss Bai Zhi. We have received orders from Lord Black Tower. If you are not busy right now, you can come with us to the Eco-ship to complete your respective authorization verifications. We will also explain the basics to you."
The company employee in charge had a humble expression that was impeccable, a stark contrast to the arrogant company employee Bai Zhi had encountered in the game.
"Of course not, let's go."
Bai Zhi nodded slightly.
"Alright, please follow me."
10. Hyperion
The company staff very professionally guided Bai Zhi to the space station docking area and began their introduction.
"The eco-ship is actually equipped with very advanced towing technology. You only need to make a call within the ship's detection range, and the AI will automatically drive the ship to fly nearby and then tow you directly into the ship."
At this point, the company employee smiled and said, "However, in space, we still need to strictly follow the safety procedures and log in from the designated docking point, because in the vastness of space, if something happens, even the most dedicated traveler will find it difficult to escape unscathed."
“Yes, safety first.” Dan Heng, who had been silent the whole way, finally spoke up.
The heavy gates opened one by one, and the crowd filed in with the company employees. What came into view was a beautiful paradise, with babbling streams, birdsong, and fragrant flowers. With each step, a new scene appeared.
"The style feels very familiar."
"Miss Baizhi, you're right to feel familiar with this place. The scenery here was designed by a landscape master from Xianzhou, invited by the company. I must say, the Long-lived species' expertise in this area is extraordinary; their attention to detail far surpasses that of our Short-lived species."
The company employee raised his voice slightly, speaking with a sense of pride.
"The immortal seed's artistic talent is truly remarkable."
Bai Zhi strongly agreed with this point. She could feel it very well when she was on the Immortal Ship. All kinds of buildings and daily necessities, to say the least, were designed with a focus on exquisiteness and antique charm.
Even the warships and starships flying in the sky were decorated with a lot of patterns and designs.
Over the years, almost every member of the Xianzhou community has acquired some artistic talent, not to mention the masters among them.
"Are the people of the Immortal Ship all this amazing? It seems I'll need to buy more souvenirs when I get to the Immortal Ship in the future." March 7's eyes were full of anticipation.
Following the company staff across these areas, we arrived at a series of buildings.
"These buildings utilize the latest technology and have the ability to self-repair, so you don't have to worry about them needing troublesome maintenance over time."
Company employees pushed open the building on the left, and what came into everyone's view was a complex array of control panels.
"This is the control panel of this eco-ship. Many ship operations are performed here. If you need to recruit crew members in the future, they will also operate the ship here. So, Ms. Baizhi, please follow me to complete the authorization verification."
Company staff issued an invitation.
"it is good."
Upon reaching the deepest part, a machine with both mechanical buttons and a virtual panel appeared before everyone.
The company employee took out a card and waved it on the virtual panel.
Suddenly, a mechanical voice rang out.
"Permission granted. Please proceed with the necessary authentication steps, Captain."
"Captain, are you alright..." Bai Zhi rolled her eyes speechlessly. That title, "Captain," almost made her think she had been transported to the world of three-wheeled vehicles.
"Scanning your information, please do not move."
A beam of light shone from the control panel and swept over Bai Zhi's entire body several times.
"Captain's information has been recorded. Please set the relevant operation password..."
The series of complicated operations took Bai Zhi more than an hour.
"The relevant settings have been completed. We will now proceed with the final settings. Captain, please name this ship."
"Shall we name this ship?"
Upon hearing this suggestion, Bai Zhi touched her chin.
"How about we name it Starry Sky?"
March 7th, always eager to join in the fun, naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity and immediately offered a suggestion.
"This name is too repetitive; it's like it's been copied by a train," Dan Heng said helplessly.
"Right, let's call it the March issue. Naming it after a beautiful girl like me would definitely be a great choice!"
“I think I’m a beautiful girl too… how about…” Xing chimed in from the side.
"Bai Zhi, don't listen to what they say. An eco-ship is quite valuable. You'd better choose a name you like."
Seeing Bai Zhi's hesitant expression, Dan Heng offered a suggestion from the side.
"Then... let's call him Hyperion."
After thinking for a moment, Bai Zhi still said the name, because it represented many legendary ships.
One is the vehicle used by the protagonists of Honkai Impact 3rd, and the other is the flagship of Jim Raynor, the Terran protagonist in StarCraft, also known as the Hyperion. The name of this flagship was also used in the old Japanese novel Legend of the Galactic Heroes.