Astral Apostle

"I'm back."

Didi... the fingerprint reader sounded a crisp tone, and the anti-theft door with a small advertisement slid open.

Zhou Jing returned home, Junxiu's face was tired, and she carried a small cake box in her hand.

The full-length mirror next to the door shows him, simple short hair, delicate appearance, gentle, white clothed black trousers and leather shoes, and a serious job hunting outfit.

Today is another day for job interviews. As a recent graduate of a secondary school, with a grade point below the merit line, I can only apply for the quota of a higher school. In the past three months, Zhou Jing has just reviewed look for a job.

The competition for employment in Xihai City is getting fiercer, and it is not easy to find a job with standard academic qualifications. Today, I have received a bunch of ears numb, "Go back and wait for the news". Zhou Jing feels no waves, and is already toad lusting after a swan's flesh-I am used to it.

Skillfully changing into slippers, Zhou Jing suddenly found that the house was a bit too quiet.

At this point in time, the house should be filled with the noise of younger brother younger sister, and the TV sound that mother used to turn up in the afternoon when chasing drama, but at this moment, the usually noisy room is not quiet. Literally.

"No one is at home?"

Zhou Jing whispered and walked around the door cabinet, only to find that his parents and brother sisters were all sitting quietly at the dining table, turning their heads together to look over .

There is no food on the simple style dining table, only the daffodil in the glass vase on the table that is gradually withering yellow, swaying gently.

Zhou Jing was taken aback by this scene.

What is the situation, the family trial meeting? Did I secretly play cards with my younger brother yesterday, and I won all his pocket money, and something happened?

But the two big brothers who moved out came back. It’s only eight days since the last family gathering. Everyone usually gathers only once every one or two months, so they won’t get together for this little thing. Right...

At this time, mother Zhao Jing spoke, her tone of voice seemed to be the same as usual, but her voice was slightly trembling.

"My third son, how was your interview today?"

hearing this, Zhou Jing suppressed the doubts in her heart and shook her head: "It's still like that, you know, now there are many basics The position is occupied by mechanical workers. I am a new graduate with no work experience. The job is too difficult to find."

"Then...what are your plans?"

It seems to have been said before, have you forgotten it? Zhou Jing was a little strange, but she mentioned it again:

"The standard degree is not easy to find a job. I have already applied for a higher education and want to pass the higher Level 1 degree. If I can’t find a job during this period When I get to work, I can only borrow tuition from you...but don’t worry, I will pay it back when I work later."

Zhou Jing explained in a low voice, she took off her tie, pulled off her collar, and sat down. To the only empty seat at the table.

He put the cake box in his hand on the table and pushed it toward the three younger brother younger sisters.

"Here, I bought the cake for you."

"Wow, thank you Third Brother!" "Third Brother is the best!" "I bought it with my pocket money I can only eat it!"

Three younger brother younger sisters cheered, mixed with a discordant voice, and hurriedly opened the packing box together to compete for the cake.

Zhou Jing laughed, then turned his head and looked towards the father mother and the two big brothers, and found that the four of them looked very serious.

Well, the atmosphere is weird, why staring at me, even if I’m handsome, don’t keep watching...

Zhou Jing couldn’t help but wonder: "What about people today? When it’s all there, you guys still have such an expression. Did something happen?"

Father Zhou Wei’an let out a long breath from his long nose, and his voice was low: "Have you read that news, the community government’s new The developed livable planet has started a new round of immigration. Because the number of active applicants is not enough this time, it began to randomly select compulsory immigration."

"...I know about this." Zhou Jing nodded, I made a sudden excitement.

Zhou Wei’an said solemnly: "Our family has been selected and we have to bear a quota for compulsory immigration... Your future plan needs to be changed."

The voice fell, Zhou Jing's expression Once stiff, his eyes slowly widened.

He finally understands why his family is so abnormal today.

Compulsory immigration...didn't expect this kind of low-probability thing fell on oneself.

Since the era of interstellar navigation, dozens of countries that have emerged from their parent planets have formed the "interstellar united community", becoming the supreme ruling government of human civilization, coordinating the development of the entire human civilization, and beginning to fanatical expansion of interstellar.

As the spaceship of human civilization patrols slices of star systems, more and more habitable planets are incorporated into the territory of civilization.

Humans and leeks have many commonalities. They are endless and cut off, but the premise is that the seeds are planted. And each new colonial planet requires a lot of manpower to develop and multiply, so under the decision of the interstellar united community, leek transplantation...the interstellar immigration system was established.

One of the programs is "compulsory immigration."

If the voluntarily applied interstellar immigration is not as expected, countries may randomly select objects that meet the criteria from the nearest "peripheral planet" to implement compulsory immigration. When the selected target has a family, then the family will discuss it and decide which member will bear the compulsory immigration quota.

About half a month ago, the authoritative media of this planet broadcasted relevant news, reporting that the number of active immigrants of this new planet has not yet reached the target, and the planet I live in is just in this sampling Within the scope of compulsory immigration.

Zhou Jing didn't take seriously at the time, because compared to the entire planet's population, the number of forced immigration is limited, and the chance of "winning the lottery" is slim. He thought it had nothing to do with him.

But I didn't expect this kind of thing really hit by myself.

"It's not so moldy..."

Zhou Jing's mood sank.

He knows very well that although human civilization has stepped out of its home planet, today’s glorious civilization has been created by interstellar immigration. All the inhabitants of the planet colonized for several generations, and initially they were all immigrants... But this is the splendor of civilization. , For interstellar immigrant individuals, it may not be a good thing.

Interstellar immigrants are not allowed to leave the new planet at will within the specified number of years, and the communication and transportation technology of human civilization has not made leapfrog progress for many years, so for ordinary persons, colonizing planets one by one is like An isolated island isolated by information.

Currently, only high-precision technology can cross-planet communication, and it is not easy to open to ordinary persons, while private base stations can only be connected to the planet intranet, equivalent to the planet-based local area network, and two planetary ordinary persons It is almost impossible to communicate.

In addition, due to the limitations of spaceship technology and transportation technology, the cost of cross-planet navigation is extremely high, and it is difficult for ordinary persons to afford it. Although human civilization has entered Interstellar Era for many years, the population circulation rate of interstellar is still extremely low. Generally, large-scale immigration organized by various countries is only when a new planet is opened up.

So in the life of an ordinary person, interstellar immigration is like breaking off from the past life-having to leave the familiar planet and come to a strange world, separated from friends and relatives, separated from information, Since then, I am alone, no one to rely on.

Overwhelming majority people will only live on one planet throughout their entire life.

My family was selected for compulsory immigration, which means that one of you will leave this planet, and perhaps it will be difficult to meet other family members for a little half of your life... And listening to Zhou Weian's meaning, this candidate is obviously himself.

Zhou Jing took a deep breath: "So...I was drawn?"

Zhou Weian knocked on the table and said solemnly: "This is not important, the problem is now Yes, our family must have an individual to accept compulsory immigration. And we have discussed it, and only you are the most suitable for this place."

"...but I haven't discussed it with me."

Zhou Jing pursed her mouth, her mood is indescribably complicated.

He has lived in this planet for 20 years and never thought of leaving. This kind of major event related to the future life, even the family should not make decisions for him without authorization.

"But besides you, who else is suitable?!"

Zhou Weian's voice became louder.

Zhou Jing hearing this, turned his head and looked towards the big brother.

Big Brother is an elite workplace, he pushed his gold-wire glasses, his tone was calm:

"The third child, you know me. I have worked in Yinhao Group for several years. Leading a team to develop several new projects in the Financial Products Department. Reasonable in every circumstance, it’s not my turn for someone who already has a certain position in this planet to forcibly emigrate, I’m impossible to put down the business at hand to do it for you... you understand Right?"

"I understand."

Zhou Jing nodded, turned his head and looked towards the second brother.

The second brother suddenly felt like he was scorched by the fire, so he almost jumped up, waved his hand quickly, and said incoherently:

"The third child, you know me! I took the third exam. I was only admitted to a national institution of higher learning in the next year. I will go to the capital for further study next year. After I graduate and find a high-paying job in the local area, I can settle and live in the capital! The government must have made a mistake. Forced immigration is absolutely not supposed to It's my turn, how can I let me give up the great future that I had so hard to come by!"

Zhou Jing pursed her lips, and took her gaze away from the second brother.

He turned his head and glanced at the other three underage brother sisters. The oldest was only ten years old and the youngest was five years old. These three brat obviously did not meet the criteria for compulsory immigration.

Yes, everyone has a good reason. The best candidate is not for me...

In interstellar society, the adult children are basically separated. . The big brother and the second brother have their own future, only they are stuck in a position where they can’t get better. It’s not long after graduation and I haven’t found a job... What Interstellar Immigration Department likes most is that he does not have a stable career or job in the local area. Pink and tender young labor force.

Zhou Jing fell silent for a moment.

He was originally upset that his family did not discuss with him, but he looked around and didn't know who to be angry with.

Take apart your parents and convince one of them to go? Tortoise, this is too filial...

Besides, like father, he has business connections in the local area. If he is willing to go, he won't let himself be topped by forced immigration quotas.

Then the family immigrate together and live in another planet? It is also unlikely that everyone has already expressed their views and are not willing to give up the future of this planet, impossible to accompany them to leave.

So, it seems that he can only be allowed to bear this quota and sacrificed for the family?

Zhou Jing suddenly remembered something, she gave birth to anticipation, and quickly asked father:

"By the way, you are a public official and have special treatment. Can you immigrate to interstellar? The bureau submits an application to cancel our family’s compulsory immigration quota?"

Although there are many children in the family, they are not the common “rice bug” families in interstellar society. Father Zhou Wei’an has a job and is a member of the Ched Republic. Small grassroots cadres...little power, but they are official staff anyhow.

According to the regulations of compulsory immigration, those who work in the governments of the member states of the Interstellar Commonwealth, if their families are selected for compulsory immigration, can submit an exemption application to the Interstellar Immigration Bureau. As long as certain conditions and standards are met, the compulsory immigration quota can be waived for legal compliance.

In Zhou Jing's view, the best result is naturally to dispense with the quota, so that no one has to leave... and only Zhou Wei'an has this right in the family.

However, when he heard this remark, Zhou Wei’an was complexion changed, and he scolded:

"Mischief, as a public official, I must take the lead in responding to the call. How can I interact with the immigration policy? Contrary to the tune!"

"But this is your legal rights, if you can use it, why not use it, maybe try it and you will succeed, so I don’t have to immigrate and leave..."

Zhou Jing's tone is a bit anxious, it is related to his future life, he can't ignore it.

But before finishing talking, Zhou Weian interrupted him, frowned:

"It's just that'in theory' can be exempted from immigration quotas. I don't know if you can apply. Pass, in addition to looking at the actual family situation, it also depends on the job level... Those who are eligible to pass the exemption application will not be selected, but those who can be selected for compulsory immigration means that they basically cannot pass the review. You understand the situation. Huh?"

Zhou Jing understands this truth, but he doesn't want to give up, and he doesn't give up:

"But even if the probability is low, give it a try..."

"Enough!"

Zhou Weian slapped the table abruptly, shouted in a deep voice: "The third child, you have always been sensible, so I just told you directly... Recently I My department is going to change terms. I was swiped down the previous two times. This time I finally have enough qualifications and resumes, and I have a good chance to move forward. At this time, my family was selected for a place, but I did not take the lead in responding to the immigration policy. My leaders and colleagues What do you think of me? I have waited for many years and can't take a risk at this time!"

Zhou Jing suddenly started to look at his father, as if he had met each other for the first time.

The interstellar united community government needs interstellar expansion, so responding to immigration policy is politically correct for a long time.

If there are immigrant members in a family, in addition to the official immigration welfare subsidy, there are many unwritten unwritten rules to support those who have interstellar immigrants in the family—especially public officials—will It is no secret that certain potential care and compensation will be taken.

And trying to avoid the responsibility of compulsory immigration, although he will not be targeted, but some good things will not be considered for him. This thing varies from person to person.

He understood. Zhou Weian was worried about affecting his official career. He would rather sit back and watch him be forced to immigrate than try to exercise his legal rights to protect his family.

If you emigrate yourself, then father’s promotion is not just a chance, it may become a certainty.

Zhou Jing understands the subtext of father, the loss of hard to describe rise in the mind.

Maybe, Zhou Wei'an doesn't think this is bad luck, but instead thinks it's a joy from heaven.

——I have six children in my family. I used one of the children’s long journeys in exchange for years of career promotion. In the name of official policies, I can convince myself that I can accept the "gift" with peace of mind...

So obviously you can submit an application to try to keep your family from separating, but Zhou Wei'an is unwilling to do so. This is the real reason.

The two looked at each other, the air seemed to be stagnant, falling into a tense silence.

The mother next to her opened her mouth several times, but she didn't know how to interject.

As if perceiving the stiffness of the atmosphere, the noisy energy of the three younger brother younger sisters gradually stopped, and their curious eyes turned back and forth on Zhou Jing and father Zhou Wei'an.

The five-year-old boy has cake cream on his lips, his eyes widened, he looked at Zhou Jing ignorantly, and asked:

"Third Brother, father upset you Is it?"

"... Eat your cake, buy it with your pocket money, if you don’t eat it, I will eat it."

"Wow dreaming! I won’t give you a piece. You!" The little brother hurriedly buried his face in the cake.

Zhou Jing twisted the back of the little brother's head and barely pulled out a smile.

The younger brother younger sister is still at an ignorant age. I don't understand what happened. Zhou Jing didn't intend to explain. It is enough for adults like them to worry about this kind of thing.

Zhou Weian coughed and broke the silence:

"This is a mandatory policy. Even if you don’t want to go, the official people will take mandatory measures. Besides, the youngster goes out and breaks. It’s not a bad thing, don’t resist. Think about it, anyway, if you don’t find a job now, as long as you go to immigrate, the government’s welfare will directly assign you the job and save you the trouble of applying for higher education. Isn’t it good? I don’t have to worry about my livelihood in this life."

Zhou Jing was silent for a while, and said in a low voice: "I know immigration benefits are good...but I still want to stay."

"But this is not your final decision. You have to immigrate, and you can only immigrate. I'm not discussing with you!" Zhou Weian knocked on the table hard, his tone a little irritable.

"...Don't you apologize at all?" Zhou Jing couldn't help asking.

Zhou Weian’s voice became louder: "Joke, what am I sorry for? I raised you so much, but I still owe you? Who will you go? The boss and the second have a stable future Yes, is it possible that let your mother go or let me go? Oh, what you mean is to force me to submit an exemption application to the Immigration Department, asking me not to care about my career, and to give up looking forward to the promotion for so many years? Don’t be too selfish That's it!"

Zhou Jing looked at father silently.

I don’t know whether to feel sad for myself or for the other person.

Mother Zhao Jing hurriedly finished the game: "It's OK, all your dad said is angry."

Zhou Jing turned his head and looked over: "Then what do you think?"

"I...Oh." Zhao Jing twisted her fingers together and said in a tangled way: "The third child, if you want to start, at least one thing your dad said is correct, it's not that we want you to immigrate. It's an official policy... and mother knows that you are the one who cares for the family the most, and now is when the family needs you, so..."

"Yes, the family just needs you to pay, younger brother, you Just do my big brother a favor." The second brother couldn't wait to interrupt, his expression somewhat guilty cramped, and his tone of voice twisted: "And, you promised to immigrate, maybe there is my name in the scholarship list of higher education..."

"I'm back to my room!"

Zhou Jing suddenly stood up, strode back to her room, and slammed the door.

The family at the table looked at each other in blank dismay, and didn’t know what to say for a while.

There was a silence for a while before they began to communicate in a low voice.

"The youngest member will agree, right? I don't want to be dragged to emigrate, and my bursary has not been paid yet..."

"Can you speak? So straightforward , It’s easy for the third child to misunderstand."

"But he is the most suitable, what's the matter for helping me..."

"The third child has always been caring for his family, he just accepts it temporarily Without this shock, give him some time and he will agree..."

In the deliberately low voice of conversation, the narcissus on the table shook slightly, and a piece of yellow petals fell.