Stellaris Tech Tree HSR

"Eh—so these are the two kids? Aside from looking good, they don't seem all that special."

"Although, controlling a warship with one's mind… that's a little intriguing. Mental force or whatever—it reminds me of someone I know who's been researching this sort of thing."

"Oh, and by the way, the defense department has already collected the battle debris. I read the report, too. That explosion was nowhere near enough to kill the Doomsday Beast. Something strange must have interfered… These two kids sure are interesting."

"I know they're your people. I'm just researching them a little; what, are you afraid I'll break them?"

"..."

Chen Lin woke from his unconscious state with a groggy mind. After a brief bout of dizziness, he forced his eyes open, his expression dazed.

He frowned slightly but didn't move recklessly. Instead, he listened to a youthful yet incessant voice nearby. The speaker seemed to be prattling on about some research topic, their tone laced with unmistakable arrogance.

Above him was a metallic ceiling. Judging from his surroundings, he had likely been brought back to the space station. He was lying on a simple folding bed, a thin blanket covering him.

"So, Himeko, where are you headed next?" the rude, young-sounding girl asked nonchalantly.

"Wherever there are uncharted territories to explore or Stellaron disruptions to deal with. That is, after all, the mission of the Astral Express," Himeko replied with a faint smile.

"How nice."

"If you think it's nice, why don't you come with us?"

"Ah, I've got too much on my plate. Running around all the time isn't nearly as comfortable as staying at home."

Himeko chuckled softly. "See? I invite you, and you refuse. Don't blame me for not offering."

Chen Lin didn't move his body but turned his head slightly. He noticed another bed nearby, where Stelle lay. She, too, shifted slightly, and their gazes met.

Suddenly, Stelle snorted softly.

"Yo, when did you wake up? Why didn't you say something?"

Their exchange was interrupted by a small figure stepping between them. The newcomer was dressed in a black dress over a white strapless outfit, her shoulders exposed. However, the joints on her visible arms were clearly mechanical.

Undoubtedly, the girl-like "person" before them wasn't human. She resembled a doll made from some special material.

The doll bent down, peering at Chen Lin with a curious gaze, as if urging him to prove he wasn't incapacitated.

Meanwhile, Stelle, already climbing out of her bed silently, smirked at the interaction. Her expression practically screamed mischief. The contrast was almost maddening—just moments ago, she had risked her life to save him, moving Chen Lin deeply enough to consider treating her better. Now, he realized she was as insufferable as ever.

As Chen Lin got out of bed, he noticed that only four of them were in the room. Through the door, he could see staff members outside working in a relaxed manner.

"Miss Himeko, the Doomsday Beast is dead, right?" Chen Lin asked Himeko, who stood smiling nearby.

Himeko nodded with a soft laugh. "Thanks to you, the Doomsday Beast has been eliminated, and the crisis for the space station is over. You can rest easy."

"Hey, hey, hey! I'm still here! Himeko, didn't you notice me?" the doll-like girl exclaimed, clearly annoyed at being ignored.

Himeko introduced her at just the right moment. "This is Herta, the true owner of the space station and the 83rd seat of the Genius Society."

"You're Herta?" Chen Lin turned sharply, his expression stunned.

Herta was clearly pleased with his reaction and waved dismissively, pretending to be nonchalant.

"Of course."

"Wow, I didn't expect that. The younger generation really surpasses the old—always pushing the boundaries! I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about!" Chen Lin extended his hand, and Herta hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

"I've heard about you from Asta. She speaks highly of you, but having something in common with me won't be easy," Herta replied, raising an eyebrow.

"No problem. I think we're both conspirators—uh, I mean, people who can be great friends. Let's discuss the genius design of your space station!" Chen Lin suggested with a grin.

"What genius design?" Herta asked, skeptical.

"The use of handrail-free corridors to 'streamline' employees who might strain the station's budget, of course!"

Herta blinked. "?"

She had a feeling this young man was implying something outrageous.

"Haha, you two keep chatting. Stelle, let's step outside for a bit," Himeko said, motioning to Stelle and leading her out of the room.

As they left, Himeko and Herta exchanged a meaningful glance, seemingly communicating something unspoken.

None of this concerned Chen Lin, though. He focused on discussing the nuances of the space station's design with Herta. The conversation left the acclaimed genius visibly surprised.

This young man's ideas are terrifying!

Eventually, Herta decided to interpret Chen Lin's critiques as constructive. Many of the flaws he pointed out had never crossed her mind, but now that he mentioned them, they seemed worth fixing.

Still, Herta was not one to dwell on minor details. She changed the subject with a more serious tone.

"By the way, about your escort ships…" Herta trailed off.

"They're gone." Herta shrugged, her expression calm.

"…"

Though it was an inevitable outcome scripted by the event chain, Chen Lin couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He recalled hearing the broadcast from the escort ships just before losing consciousness. Thinking back, his heart ached.

The ships, bearing the prefix Human Federation, likely belonged to the Federation faction from Stellaris.

In the game's early days, players often joked about the Federation's bravery versus Earth's indecision. For Chen Lin, the Federation's defiance against fate had always been admirable.

"Were there people aboard?" he asked.

"How would I know?" Herta shot him a puzzled look. "You were the one controlling the ships. Shouldn't you know if they had crews? Either way, the explosions, small as they were, would've incinerated anyone in an instant. No one could've survived."

"I see…" Chen Lin muttered.

In the game, it was easy to overlook these details. But in reality, Chen Lin found himself hoping the ships had been unmanned. PDS players might joke about their ruthless tactics, but most treated their own people well—reserving cruelty for their enemies.

The soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their leader and nation were undoubtedly heroes.

"Asta mentioned the same thing," Herta remarked with a sigh. "She said those who died protecting the station deserved recognition. I suppose it makes sense. Otherwise, people might think I'm heartless."

After a moment of thought, Herta continued, "What do you think? How should we honor the destroyed ships?"

"Could we erect a monument… or even a plaque? I know their designations."

"Alright, I'll take care of it. In return, I'd like to discuss something more important with you. You've got some unusual traits yourself. Come to my office later. This body needs to stay in the control room." She paused, noticing Chen Lin spacing out. "What are you staring at?"

[Black Tower Space Station: Conclusion]

The Antimatter Legion's assault on the Black Tower Space Station was thwarted thanks to your intervention. The warriors' heroic deeds have become a source of inspiration for everyone aboard. All residents of the station know one thing—you fought on the front lines to protect their lives! Even the staff dispatched off-site are grateful for your protection of their home. Everyone admires your bravery, treating you as family!

"Excellent!"(Each station resident will now provide 0.1 Unity daily; each Herta doll on the station provides 1.5 Unity daily; Scientist 'Herta' recruited; event chain concluded.)

Hearing Herta's voice again, Chen Lin suddenly asked, "Miss Herta, can you make a few hundred more dolls for the station?"

"249 permanent, 32 in reserve. I think that's enough."

"Not enough, not enough. We need more."

"?"

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T/N: erm whats the uhhh Cohesion for :3c (changed to Unity!)

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