The hovercraft arrived at the spaceport on DT-3 early in the morning, but the atmosphere here was still as tense as yesterday. Soldiers and security officers were everywhere, while travelers hurried along with worried expressions.
Shen Xixuan held all five children's hands tightly so no one would get lost in the crowd.
"Everyone, hold hands tight, okay? Don't go anywhere by yourselves. Stay close to Uncle."
"Got it, Uncle!" the children answered together in booming voices.
Xiao Ming skillfully helped them pass through the various checkpoints. The special documents Uncle Chen had prepared made getting through security much smoother than expected. Although a few officers looked at the children with mild suspicion, they let them through immediately once they had checked the documents.
"Good... we've made it through all the checkpoints." Xiao Ming sighed in relief. "Now we need to wait for our ship at Gate 7."
The group made their way to the boarding area and sat down to wait for their names to be called. Shen Xixuan had the children rest in the seats and handed out drinking water to keep everyone hydrated.
While they waited, he took the time to observe the people around them. Most seemed to be fleeing DT-3 in search of safer places to live. Some wore sorrowful expressions, while others looked deeply anxious.
The situation here was truly heartbreaking... He felt sorry for everyone forced to leave their home planet because of a disaster like this.
"Uncle... what's that?" Xiao Long pointed at a huge holographic screen mounted on the wall, displaying various Federation news reports.
Shen Xixuan turned to look and saw a report about the war against the Zerg on the frontier planets. Images of destruction and soldiers carrying out their duties filled the screen.
"That's news about the Zerg, Longlong... They're the Federation's most dangerous enemy. They've turned many planets into barren wastelands, and a lot of soldiers have to fight them to protect us."
"Are they scary, Uncle?" Xiao Yan asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"A little scary, Yan... but we have brave soldiers protecting us. And most of them are far away from the planet where we're going to live, so you kids don't need to be afraid."
The children fell silent for a moment. Then Xiao Hu, the oldest, spoke with a determined look in his eyes.
"When I grow up, I'm going to be a soldier. I'll protect my younger siblings and everyone else from the Zerg."
Shen Xixuan proudly ruffled his hair.
"You're amazing, Hu... but right now, the most important thing is for you to grow up happy and healthy. The future is still a long way off."
After a while, an announcement called the passengers to board. Xiao Ming led them to the boarding gate. Before Shen Xixuan stepped inside, he turned back to Xiao Ming with gratitude.
"Thank you again, Xiao Ming... I'll remember everything you've done to help us for the rest of my life."
"Have a safe trip, Uncle Xuan... and I hope your new life, kids, is the happiest one possible."
Xiao Ming nodded, and the group boarded the spaceship once more. Shen Xixuan led the children to seats beside a large window so they could see the scenery along the way.
All the children grew terribly excited when the ship began rising from the ground. They watched DT-3's dry, damaged surface grow smaller and smaller until it became a tiny dot in the vastness of space.
"Bye-bye, DT-3..." Xiao Feng whispered, gazing outside with an expression that mingled sorrow and hope.
Shen Xixuan gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Don't be sad, Feng... We're definitely going to a better new home. There'll be beautiful gardens, delicious food, and kind people waiting for us there."
The journey home took five full days, just like the trip there. Shen Xixuan spent the time taking close care of all the children—helping them eat, playing simple games so they wouldn't get bored, telling them bedtime stories, and gently using his healing ability to help them sleep more comfortably.
There were many other passengers on the ship. Some were curious and watched them inquisitively, but when they saw how attentively Shen Xixuan cared for the children, their suspicion gradually faded. Some even played with the children and gave them little gifts.
The time aboard the ship became a wonderful opportunity for Shen Xixuan and the children to strengthen their bond. They grew more familiar with him and trusted him a little more each day, until every child loved climbing into his arms and telling him all kinds of stories.
On the fifth day of the journey, the ship began descending into the atmosphere of AG-1. Shen Xixuan excitedly tapped each of the children's shoulders.
"Kids, look! We've arrived! That's AG-1, our new home!"
All the children hurried to look outside, brimming with excitement—and they were stunned by the planet's beauty.
The sky was a clear, pale blue, with two suns shining softly overhead. Vast green fields stretched as far as the eye could see. Enormous trees stood in neat rows, and crystal-clear blue rivers wound beautifully through the landscape. There wasn't even the slightest trace of the devastation that marred DT-3.
"It's so beautiful, Uncle! Is this our new home?" Xiao Yan asked, her big round eyes wide with wonder.
"That's right, Yan... This is AG-1, a peaceful agricultural planet. We'll have a happy new life here."
When the ship landed at the spaceport, Shen Xixuan led the children off. Fresh air carrying the fragrant scent of flowers immediately swept over them, making everyone feel relaxed and at ease.
"The air is so fresh, Uncle! It smells so good!" Xiao Cao, the mischievous one, breathed in deeply with delight.
Shen Xixuan smiled at them, happiness filling his heart. They had reached their destination, but the journey wasn't over yet. He still had to take the children home and begin building a new life for all of them.
He clasped all five children's hands firmly and walked forward with steady steps.
"Come on, kids... let's go home."