208: Chapter 207 Unsealing the Crimson Monument, Whispers of the Hive, and the Cosmic Constant in the Recipe
At the Mars orbital command center, the debate over whether and how to open the underground ruins had been ongoing for twelve hours. The main screen was split between high-definition images of the ruins' surface, energy absorption curves, and the "Rhythm Map"—abstract as an ancient musical score—that Zhou Zhe had drawn after attempting to "listen" with his Poem Markings.
"Energy absorption has leveled off, and the surface temperature of the structure remains constant at 127 degrees Celsius, far below the direct temperature of focused sunlight, which indicates it has an efficient energy conversion or dissipation mechanism." Chief Geologist pointed to the data. "Geological structural scans show that its entrance—if one exists—might be at this suspected stress weak point on the southern edge. However, the risks of forced excavation or energy stimulation are unknown."
"My 'rhythm' perception," Zhou Zhe added, the tender green parts of the Poem Markings around his eyes pulsing slightly, "its internal 'waiting' rhythm seems to have... increased with a trace of an extremely faint sense of 'confirmation' or 'satisfaction' after continuous sunlight exposure. There is no hostility, but there is no 'welcome' either. It is more like an... automatic response mechanism with preset trigger conditions that has just completed the first step of 'condition confirmation'."
"It could be an automated repository of some civilization's legacy, or an environmental monitoring station," an archaeologist speculated. "After preset conditions (such as specific energy exposure) are met, it might initiate the next phase of interaction."
"It could also be a trap." Zhao Yan's voice came through the comms. He was still monitoring the "hive" in deep space but was participating in the remote meeting. "The methods of the Pruning Faction and the Dream-Devouring Shadow are becoming increasingly cryptic. The appearance of these ruins is too coincidental."
"But this is the first time we have discovered a non-human, interactive physical structure with advanced technological characteristics within the Solar System," Lin Shen said slowly. "Avoidance is not a solution, especially since it is located in one of the core designated areas for our Mars terraforming. Risks must be evaluated and assumed in a controlled manner."
The final plan was decided: dispatch an unmanned scientific research robot, "Chixiao," which had been specially reinforced and shielded, equipped with various non-invasive detection instruments, to conduct extremely cautious physical contact and micro-vibration detection at the southern stress point, attempting to trigger a possible "interaction protocol," while simultaneously preparing multi-level emergency blocking and evacuation plans.
Meanwhile, at the quantum computing center, the analysis of the anti-entropy code had made breakthrough progress.
β-2 and the Old Professor's team finally found a relatively stable "entropy-increase reverse-mapping model." Although still incomplete, it was enough to decode longer, more coherent information segments. The newly interpreted content was breathtaking:
[...Observation cycle: Era 1174 (calibrated to the background radiation fluctuation cycle of this universe). Observation target: Carbon-based intelligent cluster derived from the third planet of a nascent star system, provisional designation: γ-919.]
[...Preliminary screening of civilization traits: Technical path tends towards 'systematic integration and adaptive improvement.' Consciousness field exhibits a high degree of 'unity of opposites' (coexistence of rationality and sensibility, dynamic balance between individuality and collectivity). Preliminary assessment: possesses above-average 'order evolution potential' and 'meaning creation redundancy'.]
[...Detected target beginning large-scale planetary environmental ordering transformation (sub-project: γ-919-3). This behavior conforms to the typical development stage of a 'potential civilization.' Initiating deep observation protocol: implanting 'space-time beacons' into the base material layer (silicon-based lattice) of its ordering tools, recording key dimensional data such as its technical ethical choices, crisis response patterns, and attitudes toward the unknown (including these ruins).]
[...Associated warning: Signs of activity from the 'Withered Faction' (feature match: hybrid of Pruning Faction/Dream-Devouring Shadow) detected on the periphery of this star system. This faction's behavioral pattern tends to catalyze 'meaning implosion' in civilizations to harvest specific emotional entropy. 'Potential civilization' γ-919 may become a target. Continuing observation...]
Decoding paused here; the subsequent content remained highly encrypted and chaotic. But this was already shocking enough!
This code came from an ancient entity or civilization alliance called "The Observers" (or a similar function), whose observation scale was measured in cosmic eras! The Dragon Kingdom (human) civilization was marked by them as a potential observation target, γ-919. The Mars ruins were very likely one of the "observation stations" or "testing grounds" they had set up! And the code implanted in our chips was a type of "deep observation protocol"!
They observed us, recorded us, and perhaps... after we passed certain "tests," there might be further interaction? As for the Pruning Faction and the Dream-Devouring Shadow, they were referred to by them as the "Withered Faction," another force in the universe that fed on the destruction of civilizational meaning.
We were not only being eyed by enemies but also being watched by older, more neutral "Observers." Mars terraforming had become a "civilizational exam" placed under multiple gazes.
Lin Shen immediately convened the core team to report this discovery.
"So, the Mars ruins are likely an 'Observer outpost'?" Chu Yunshen summarized. "And the code in the chips is their omnipresent 'eye.' They do not intervene directly, but they record everything."
"This explains why the code only records, and that feeling of transcending time," the Old Professor said, excited and fearful. "We may have touched... the tip of the iceberg of the cosmic civilization hierarchy."
"'Withered Faction'... that name is very accurate." The image of Ashes connected, speaking hoarsely. "In the ancient archives of the Executive Court, there were vague mentions suggesting that entities like the Dream-Devouring Shadow are a kind of... manifestation of the side of the universe's 'metabolism' that tends towards 'heat death.' The Pruning Faction might be civilization traitors who actively defected to or utilized this trend."
"Then what is our strategy?" Zhao Yan asked.
"Continue the Mars ruins contact plan, but adjust our stance." Lin Shen pondered. "We are no longer ignorant intruders, but examinees who know we might be getting 'interviewed.' Stay proactive, stay vigilant, and maintain... our own 'traits.' The 'Observers' value 'order evolution potential' and 'meaning creation redundancy,' so we will demonstrate those."
He looked at Zhou Zhe: "Especially 'meaning creation redundancy'... those tiny meanings might be the key."
On the outskirts of the asteroid belt, the shadow vessel scout ship.
After dozens of hours of continuous observation, the massive dark "hive" had no other movements besides slow growth. There were no energy emissions, no communication signals, and no signs of internal movement. It was like a giant beast immersed in deep meditation.
However, the special sensors arranged by Ashes captured a new phenomenon: an extremely faint but extremely wide-ranging "consciousness whisper." It was not a language, but countless fragmented thought echoes filled with numbness, weariness, and empty emotions, like bubbles rising from the bottom of an abyss.
"These 'whispers'... are spreading into outer space," Ashes analyzed the data. "Very slowly, but they are indeed spreading. They are not directed at any specific target; it is more like... a passive 'emotional pollution emission.' The 'hive' is absorbing interstellar matter to grow, while simultaneously discharging these... mental waste products?"
"Could this be the... upstream process for the 'Withered Faction' to create 'ember'?" Zhao Yan speculated. "Collecting or manufacturing universal nihilistic emotions, and then refining them into targeted weapons?"
"It's possible. Record all data and continue covert observation. Pay attention to our own consciousness protection." Zhao Yan ordered. The eeriness and potential threat level of this "hive" were raised once again.
Cradle, canteen.
Great Strength knew nothing about the "Cosmic Observers" or the "Withered Faction"; he was facing a more practical challenge: the first engineering team heading to Mars orbit for long-term construction had put forward clear "taste requirements"—they missed the "complex, layered, and smoky aroma" of Earth food, rather than efficient but monotonous nutrient paste.
"It's hard to even find bacteria on Mars, where would we get 'smoky aroma'?" the assistant complained.
"Use your brain!" Great Strength tapped his temple. "What is a 'smoky aroma'? It's the aroma produced by the Maillard reaction of fats at high temperatures, the juices released when vegetable fibers are broken down, the complex volatilization of spices under heat... We can simulate it!"
Leading his team, he began creating a "virtual smoky aroma" series of meals, utilizing molecular gastronomy techniques, controllable thermal reaction devices, and the "sensory memory trigger" model borrowed from Emotional Poetics.
β-2 happily provided computational support: "Based on the big data of the engineering team's hometowns, it is recommended to prioritize simulating the following flavor matrices: the combination of wheat aroma and ester compounds from North China wheat-based foods, the synergy of sanshool and capsaicin heat from the Sichuan-Hunan region, and the light, fresh sweetness and complex fermentation foundation of the Lingnan region..."
"Add a trace of 'Stardust' element catalysis; it's said to enhance taste bud sensitivity and the lasting satisfaction..." Great Strength added the latest research results.
Consequently, at the farewell banquet before the Mars engineering team departed, they ate a plate of seemingly ordinary "shredded pork with green peppers." The taste, however, was the most authentic wok-cooked aroma from the depths of their memories, even accompanied by a hint of the subtle "wok hei" charred fragrance that only comes from stir-frying over a high flame. Everyone marveled at it, and their homesickness found a miraculous solace.
"This is more effective than any psychological counseling!" an engineer who was about to depart said with reddened eyes.
Great Strength smiled honestly. He did not know that this persistent creation of "taste memories" and "emotional connections" might be the vivid embodiment of the precious "meaning creation redundancy" of the γ-919 civilization in the eyes of the "Observers."
On Mars, the robotic arm of the "Chixiao" robot slowly touched the smooth, dark silver surface.
The Stardust light cluster floated quietly in a corner of the command center. It "watched" the screen and also "watched" the tense and expectant crowd around it. No one heard the whisper deep within its consciousness:
"The seeds have been sown, and the Gardener has entered the field... Young Gardener, what kind of answer can you read from this ancient 'test paper'?"
The cosmic examination hall was silent and soundless, yet questions were everywhere.