Luna pinched her own skin, then pinched the clone's.

There was no difference.

She looked up at the clone's face—an exact replica of her own. It was the first time she'd seen such a realistic representation of herself.

"So this is what I look like to others."

Mirrors and cameras always distorted one's reflection due to light and angles.

"Can you speak?"

The clone's eyes flickered, then focused on her. "I can speak, Captain!"

"I am your clone. I possess both your physical and mental characteristics."

"Ayla has informed me of my mission. Rest assured, I will complete it flawlessly."

Her voice was identical to Luna's.

"Does the clone possess my memories?"

If so, that would be terrifying.

Ayla approached.

"With my current technology, that's impossible. Memories are stored across hundreds of billions of neurons, forming a complex network. Replicating the 13,1 billion neurons in your brain and their associated information is beyond my current capabilities."

"Even a 99% replication would lead to memory fragmentation. This requires extremely precise and advanced biotechnology."

This was a relief.

If the clone possessed her memories, determining who was the 'real' her would become irrelevant.

"I've heard that clones have short lifespans. How long can this one live?"

Ayla didn't use traditional cloning methods; she didn't cultivate the clone through reproduction.

Luna's clone was created from a single cell and developed into a perfect replica in just two months.

Such rapid production inevitably led to compromises.

"Her lifespan is only 70 years!"

Ayla's response stunned Luna.

Seventy years was a normal human lifespan.

Many humans, despite a potential lifespan of 100 years, only lived to be 70 due to various factors.

But she quickly realized that she had undergone significant genetic modification, extending her lifespan to 600 years. Logically, the clone's lifespan should be less than one-eighth of hers.

"Now that everything is ready, let's launch the fleet."

Luna didn't want to delay any longer. She needed to control the Proxima Centauri civilization.

The Proxima Centauri leaders had made no mistakes, but Luna had leveraged the fact that the lower classes made up the vast majority of their civilization.

A thousand years of cultural assimilation had been a form of infiltration, a form of subjugation.

Compared to controlling the Multi-eyed, Luna's approach to the Proxima Centauri was more subtle—a shift from overt force to covert control.

And now, it was time to make the first move.

...

As the fleet approached Proxima Centauri, both Proxima Centauri b and c erupted in a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

After all, this was the arrival of a superior civilization.

Luna's clone was aboard the light-based warship excavated from the Multi-eyed planet.

This was the largest ship in Luna's fleet, the Lumen.

It was over 7300 meters long, with a width and height of roughly 2400 meters. The other ships in the fleet looked small and cute next to this colossal vessel (460 billion tons).

To put this into perspective, if each human weighed 100kg, 10 billion humans would only weigh 1 billion tons.

The Lumen's construction materials alone would be beyond the resources of a Type 1.2 civilization.

Within the fleet, the Hope served as a background vessel.

This was precisely Luna's intention.

She needed to remain hidden, concealed from both the Proxima Centauri civilization and the unknown third civilization.

The fleet didn't land on Proxima Centauri c because the planet was too massive (seven times the mass of Earth) and had a diameter 1.7 times that of Earth.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Proxima Centauri c possessed a planetary ring 700,000 kilometers in diameter. The fleet remained at the outer edge of this ring.

A single ship, carrying several robots and Luna's clone, then descended to the surface.

A large crowd of Proxima Centauri beings had gathered near the spaceport, contained outside the perimeter. From above, they appeared densely packed, numbering at least several hundred thousand.

Only two Proxima Centauri beings awaited them on the landing pad.

They were the civilization's administrator and military commander—the two most powerful individuals in Proxima Centauri society.

The ship landed, and the hatch opened upwards.

Ten robots emerged first, forming two lines flanking the hatch.

Then, Luna's clone, in a lightweight flight suit, stepped out.

Proxima Centauri c had an atmosphere, but the oxygen level was only 0.7%, far too low for humans to breathe.

"Welcome!"

The two leaders stamped their right feet heavily on the ground.

"We, Aini/Fleming, welcome the emissary."

This was their customary greeting.

A robot, controlled by Ayla, translated.

Luna's clone responded politely, extending her hand.

Ayla transmitted a message to the two leaders.

Aini hesitated but extended a tentacle to shake Luna's hand.

This was a moment for the history books.

After the handshake, Luna's clone introduced herself. They then boarded a ceremonial vehicle and flew towards the tallest building on Proxima Centauri c.

Along the way, Luna's clone heard several explosions.

Fleming explained, "It's fireworks, celebrating your arrival."

The fireworks display indicated the success of cultural assimilation within Proxima Centauri civilization.

But everyone knew these weren't fireworks.

The arrival of human civilization was sure to provoke attacks from extremist factions.

Aini and Fleming were clearly prepared for this.

Ten minutes later, the ship landed atop a 12,000-meter-tall skyscraper. They disembarked and entered a large reception hall (4000 square meters) on the top floor—almost identical to a human reception hall on Earth.

Aini and Fleming remained standing; seating wasn't part of their culture.

Luna's clone, standing and composed, began. "I represent human civilization and the galactic federation."

"I will serve as the human ambassador, assisting in your scientific development, and integrating your civilization into the federation."

Aini stared at the clone, finding its small stature strangely perfect. How could a being be so exquisitely formed?

"Our Kate civilization wishes to join the galactic federation."

"However, Ambassador, we don't fully understand the federation. Could you provide some information?"

Luna's clone was prepared.

"The federation's central hub is within our star system and is a relatively new organization."

"We've connected countless civilizations across many star systems."

"The universe is vast. Even civilizations capable of interstellar travel are insignificant. We cannot be certain that more powerful threats don't exist. A single civilization cannot withstand the malice of a superior one; a federation of civilizations offers a better chance of survival."

"Within the federation, civilizations can exchange technological knowledge, creating a unified body of scientific advancement. Collaboration accelerates the rate of technological progress."

"The federation places no restrictions on its members; the only requirement is that member civilizations refrain from attacking each other. If conflicts arise, the federation will intervene as a neutral third party."

"Humanity, as a founding member of the federation, provides a platform for exchanging scientific information, technology, and interstellar intelligence."

Ayla then transmitted a list of tradable goods to Aini and Fleming.

Aini and Fleming were astonished.

These weren't merely cultural or entertainment items; they were knowledge.

Nuclear fusion, fission, antimatter, photon propulsion, and numerous other advanced technologies left them speechless.

The list also included profound understandings of the universe, advanced cosmological research, and theoretical astrophysics—invaluable knowledge.

Ten technologies per page, and there were over 15,000 pages of information.

They looked at each other, understanding that acquiring this technology, even that which was seemingly inferior to their own, would open entirely new avenues of development.

This was invaluable knowledge.

Aini inhaled sharply.

"Is the purchase price resources?"

Luna's clone shook his head.

"Resources are, of course, valuable, but interstellar transport takes considerable time."

"The federation encourages the exchange of technological knowledge. This information can be transmitted at the speed of light, far faster."

"The purchase also requires something else: a contribution score."

"Only civilizations that contribute sufficiently to the federation are eligible to purchase these technologies. The higher the contribution score, the greater access to technologies."

"Contribution scores can be earned by completing federation missions or making significant scientific discoveries and inventions."

Aini and Fleming were impressed by Luna's explanation.

They had expected stringent conditions, but not only were there none, but also this unprecedented trading system.

Almost simultaneously, they apologized to Luna's clone.

"We sincerely apologize for attacking the tower due to our distrust of the federation."

"We hope you will accept our apologies on behalf of the federation."

Luna's clone nodded.

"It's understandable. When facing an unknown civilization, attack is the best defense."

"Humanity has experienced this many times."

"If you agree to join the federation, we have a small request."

The moment of truth.

Aini and Fleming looked up expectantly.

"Please, proceed."

Luna's clone smiled.

"To facilitate trade and ensure the safety of travelers from other civilizations, the federation will establish a designated zone on each member planet's surface."

"This zone will serve as a spaceport and a buffer zone. If travelers from other civilizations arrive in your system, they won't disrupt your societal order."

"The federation will, of course, pay rent for this land—100 annual contribution points."

"That's all???"

Aini and Fleming were incredulous. They expected unreasonable demands, not this.

They readily agreed. Obtaining annual contribution points in exchange for a small piece of land was a fantastic deal.

"Of course!"

"If you agree, my robots will begin constructing the designated zone on your planet."

"Could you wait a moment?"

"Please, feel free."

Aini and Fleming contacted other leaders for a four-hour discussion.

Finally, the deliberations concluded.

"Our civilization unanimously agrees to the federation's terms."

"As long as the federation upholds its promises, we will remain a loyal member."

Their words were solemn and sincere.

It was done.

Of course, this was only the beginning; further issues would arise after contact.

Aboard the Hope, Luna breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then let's begin!"

"The designated zone will become the new home for humanity."

Luna was ready to begin recreating humanity.