85: Chapter 85: A First Glimpse into the Signal's Content: Warning? Or Declaration?
"reaper," this cold and ominous identification code, along with the flight path map precisely pointing to the Solar System, struck the hearts of the Dragon Kingdom's highest decision-making body like a massive meteorite, stirring up turbulent waves. Inside the emergency secret meeting room, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could drip water.
The holographic projection clearly displayed the core information parsed by "Fuxi": star charts, flight paths, identification codes, and that unsettling "five to ten years" time window.
"Everyone," the elderly man chairing the meeting said in a low voice, his gaze sweeping over every core member present, "You are all clear on the situation. Now we need to determine what this "reaper" intends by sending such a signal. Is it a warning, or... a declaration?"
An official in charge of diplomatic strategy spoke up first, brows furrowed: "Based on behavioral pattern analysis, it feels more like a declaration. It clearly announced its existence, its codename, its intent (at least the direction), and the approximate timeframe. This does not fit the logic of a 'sneak attack'; instead, it carries an air of... condescending notification. It is as if it is saying, 'I am coming,' without caring whether you know it or not."
"I agree," a head of the security department interjected, his face grim, "but this is more terrifying than a simple warning. A warning implies there is still room for maneuver, like a 'do not approach' caution. But a declaration... especially one carrying a codename like "reaper," the intent behind it may be extremely aggressive. It could be declaring ownership of a hunting ground, or... the initiation of a cleanup program."
"A cleanup program?" a consultant in the technology sector repeated, murmuring, his face turning pale, "Like... clearing away a patch of weeds? Or... harvesting mature crops?" This association sent a chill down the spines of many present.
"We cannot rule out any possibility." Elder Chen's voice rang out, carrying the rigor of a researcher, but also a hint of imperceptible heaviness, "According to Comrade Lin Mo's previous deductions, and the alien metal debris we discovered on the moon, it can be confirmed that the Solar System had 'visitors' in ancient times. This "reaper" may be related to those visitors, or it may be the executor of some periodic phenomenon in the universe that we do not yet understand. What is the target of its 'harvesting'? Is it intelligent civilization? Is it life itself? Or... some kind of resource?"
The meeting room fell into a brief silence. The unknown is the greatest fear. This "reaper's" capabilities, scale, social structure, technological level... everything is a mystery. The only thing certain is that it is heading towards the Solar System and has issued a 'notice' in advance.
"Regardless of whether it is a warning or a declaration, regardless of what its purpose is," the primary elder spoke slowly, breaking the silence, his eyes sharp and firm, "one thing is certain: it is coming. And we have no choice; we must be prepared."
He paused, his tone becoming more resolute: "From now on, the Dragon Kingdom enters a 'Civilization Guardian' preparatory state. All strategic resources are to be tilted towards deep space defense, cutting-edge weapons research, and interstellar navigation technology. The 'Nantianmen' aerospace defense plan is to be raised to the highest priority! The Guanghan Palace base must accelerate construction; it must become the key fulcrum for us to project power on the moon, and even into deeper space!"
"At the same time," he looked at Elder Chen and Long Zhantian, "initiate preliminary discussions for the 'Seed' contingency plan. We must consider the worst-case scenario. Additionally, disclose partial information to our most critical allies in a limited and selective manner; if human civilization wishes to survive this catastrophe, we must unite all forces that can be united."
Orders were issued one after another, and the massive state machine began to operate at high speed and precision, centered around the unprecedented core goal of "dealing with extraterrestrial threats." Tension, like an invisible ripple, spread out from this secret room, conducting itself to every key node of the nation.
Inside the "Zhulong" safe house, Lin Mo also received the brief summary and decisions from the meeting. Looking at the three characters "reaper," he felt no fear; instead, a cold flame burned within him.
A warning? A declaration?
In his view, none of this mattered anymore.
What mattered was that the opponent was coming. Bearing a name full of hostility.
He pulled up the design plans for the "Quantum Long-Distance Sensor" he had just completed once again, his gaze becoming even more determined.
"Whatever you are, "reaper"..." Lin Mo muttered to himself, his fingers tapping rapidly on the virtual design, beginning a new round of optimization and reinforcement, "I don't care what you want to harvest. But if you want to touch my home, my civilization..."
He raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of obstacles, casting towards that deep, profound starry sky.
"You will have to ask me first if I agree."