73: Chapter 72 A Glimmer of Fragment
Professor Chu Yunshen's workstation looked like an ancient library that had been swept by a tornado. Seventeen mythological charts from different civilizations were spread out simultaneously on the holographic screens, while copies of archaeological reports from various eras were piled on the physical desk. The air was filled with a peculiar scent, a mixture of old paper and digital ozone.
"I've found the key connection point." Old Chu's voice was hoarse from continuous work, but it carried the excitement of a hunter discovering the trail of prey. His fingers swiped rapidly across the holographic screen, dragging symbols from several different civilizations together—astrological records on Sumerian clay tablets, "forbidden days" in the Mayan calendar, the "aerial chariots" described in the ancient Indian Vedas, and the strange markings annotated next to the account of "ten suns appearing together" in the ancient Dragon Kingdom classic, Classic of Mountains and Seas.
"The geometric cores of these symbols are highly similar." Old Chu enlarged the image and used a light pen to outline the basic structure hidden beneath the lines: a divided circle with intersecting chords inside and radial ripples on the outside. "They all describe a 'rift in the sky' or a 'catastrophe from the stars,' and they are accompanied by a complex set of sacrificial or protective rituals. More importantly..."
He pulled up the similar pulse codes from the index directory fed back by the Cradle and performed a pattern overlay.
"Matching degree reached 78%." Nuwa's voice reported calmly, "It can be confirmed that the 'S-07 class prototype package' in the Cradle index is highly correlated with the 'abnormal celestial phenomena/extraterrestrial catastrophe' motif recorded by multiple ancient civilizations on Earth."
"S-07..." Lin Shen looked at the symbol marked in dark orange; it pulsed continuously in the directory, as if it were alive. "Gardener Representative, what does this classification represent?"
The light projection of Gardener Representative Qi lit up in Professor Chu's studio: "According to the builders' universal civilization threat classification, 'S' stands for 'Interstellar-scale External Threat,' and '07' is a sub-class, usually pointing to 'organized, technologically overwhelming extraterrestrial civilization invasion or reaping behavior.' This matches perfectly with the definition of the 'Reapers'."
A silence fell in the room. This meant that in the unknown, distant past, the builders' civilization might have already encountered a threat similar to the 'Reapers' and encapsulated the experience of dealing with it into the 'Cradle,' waiting to pass it on to successors. And the ancient ancestors of Earth might have vaguely recorded or sensed the aftershocks of that (or those) cosmic catastrophe(s) in ways they could understand (myths, visions).
"So, what the 'Cradle' has sealed away might be actual 'interstellar war memories' or 'civilization defense protocols'?" Academician Chen Qiming took a deep breath.
"More accurately, it is a seed for a 'civilization acceleration and defense solution against specific types of threats'," Gardener Representative Cheng added. "It won't directly give you the blueprints for a warship, but it will give you a complete 'civilization upgrade blueprint' on how to quickly understand the enemy, how to unlock the corresponding technology tree, and how to organize social structures to cope with long-term survival wars."
This value is immeasurable.
"We need the detailed content of S-07." Lin Shen said decisively, "Old Chu, based on this matching feature template, can you generate a sufficiently precise 'key' to allow the 'Wind Listener' to specifically request this prototype package?"
Professor Chu Yunshen adjusted his glasses, his brows furrowed: "The current matching degree is not enough to serve as a precise key. A 78% similarity might open a pile of related materials, rather than the core protocol. We need to find that 'unique identifier'—the most core, unchanging element in all relevant myths and symbols."
He pointed to the center of those symbols: "It's this divided circle, and the intersection inside. In different cultures, it is sometimes drawn as a broken sun, sometimes as a bleeding eye, and sometimes as an open portal. We need to know what specific concept it represents in the builders' symbol system."
"Perhaps we need to combine more context," Nuwa suggested. "If these myths are distorted records of real events by ancient humans, then the 'ritual' descriptions accompanying the myths might contain more direct clues. For example, the direction of the sacrifice, the artifacts used, the syllables of the chanted prayers..."
"Rituals..." A flash of light shone in Old Chu's eyes as he quickly filtered through the database. "The 'Liao Sacrifice' of the Shang and Zhou dynasties in the Dragon Kingdom points to specific stars; the 'Blood Sacrifice' of the Maya corresponds strictly to the Venus cycle; the 'Temple Prayer' of the Sumerians requires calculating the position of the moon phases and the 'Star of Destiny' (possibly a specific star or planet)... These rituals were all attempting to influence or appease that 'threat in the sky' through some kind of 'imitation' or 'communication'."
He pulled up a star map and, based on the approximate dates and directional descriptions recorded in ancient texts, had Nuwa simulate the starry sky of that time.
"Overlay the star positions pointed to by all these rituals onto the same star map, and subtract the known natural celestial bodies (stars, planets)," Old Chu ordered.
The holographic star map began to change. The ritual pointing lines from a dozen different eras and civilizations were overlaid. Nuwa quickly removed the background stars and planetary trajectories. Finally, three clear trajectory lines intersecting at one point remained on the star map. That point was located in the direction of the Orion constellation, currently an empty space in interstellar space.
"This coordinate... there is nothing there now," Academician Chen Qiming said.
"Nothing now." The light projection of Gardener Representative Qi suddenly became extremely solemn. "But in the era when the builders were active, or even earlier... something might have happened there. A supernova explosion? A destroyed star system? Or... a site where a 'Reaper' once wreaked havoc. the builders might have set up some kind of 'monument' or 'beacon' there, and its radiation or information residue was recorded in the form of myths by some sensitive prophets or civilizations on ancient Earth."
"And this coordinate, or this event, is the 'unique identifier' for the S-07 prototype package!" Old Chu said excitedly, "Quick, encode this coordinate information, add it to the feature template, and recalculate the matching degree with the 'Cradle' index!"
Nuwa executed it quickly. A new template—fusing the core structures of mythological symbols from multiple civilizations and the star coordinates pointed to by the rituals—was generated and compared with the 'Cradle' index.
The matching degree jumped: 89%, 92%, 95%... finally settling at 97.3%!
"It's precise enough." Lin Shen clenched his fist. "Prepare for the second 'Wind Listener' contact. Target: Request to receive the S-07 prototype package."
"A stronger consciousness adapter and a more stable connection environment are needed," Nuwa reminded. "The interference from the 'Pruning Faction' may escalate."
Just then, Minister Li Weimin walked in quickly, his face unusually serious, holding a newly declassified document in his hand.
"The secret negotiations with the Empire... have yielded results." He handed the document to Lin Shen. "They have agreed in principle to let Max Costa participate in the auxiliary project for the aggregation of Sarah Chen's consciousness fragments as a 'private scientific consultant.' But there are two conditions."
Lin Shen quickly scanned the document.
"First, the entire process must be conducted in a joint laboratory designated by the Empire, located in a neutral third-party country, with scientists from both sides supervising and data shared in real-time."
"Second," Minister Li Weimin's voice lowered, "they require, in exchange, that we share a portion of the non-core data obtained from the 'Cradle' regarding the 'Zeus Station' incident and the lunar south pole cavity. They suspect that Sarah's encounter has a direct connection to something on the moon, and the Empire... wants the truth."
The conditions were harsh, but not unacceptable. The Empire wanted technology, but even more, they wanted to know what happened to their astronaut. And the Dragon Kingdom needed Max as an "emotional anchor."
"Agreed. Arrange the joint laboratory, and prepare to transfer some Gardener technology and Professor Chu's non-core analysis data in exchange," Lin Shen made the decision. "At the same time, prepare for the second 'Cradle' contact. This time... I will do it."
"Lin Shen!" Academician Chen Qiming and Li Weimin spoke at the same time.
"Old Chen, you have already proven the safety of the channel. But receiving a prototype package like S-07, which may contain high-intensity information, requires a younger individual with stronger consciousness resilience and recovery ability," Lin Shen said in a calm tone. "I am currently the most suitable candidate. My connection to the technology tree system may also provide an extra layer of protection."
What he didn't say was that as a "sower candidate" or the owner of the system, he might be the interlocutor the "Cradle" was truly waiting for. Andre's death and Old Chen's tests might all have been paving the way.
The light projection of the Gardener Representative flickered for a moment, indicating approval: "The symbiotic relationship between Commander Lin Shen's consciousness structure and the technology tree system may indeed provide unique buffering and analytical capabilities. However, risks still exist."
"Nuwa, design the highest specification personal consciousness protection protocol for me, and prepare an emergency detachment program," Lin Shen ordered. "Old Chu, load your feature template. We will start in twenty-four hours."
Twenty-four hours passed rapidly in tense preparation.
The establishment of the joint laboratory was proceeding in secret, and Max Costa had already departed from the Empire. In the "Echo" laboratory, the upgraded "Wind Listener II" was already in place; its surface flowed with more complex light patterns, and the buffer layers had been increased to twelve.
Lin Shen lay down in the connection chair; the neural interface was gentler than last time, but there were more connection points. He closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and focused his consciousness on the technology tree interface in his mind. The golden tree was now lush with branches and leaves, many branches had already been lit up, but higher up, it was still shrouded in mist. He vaguely felt that the technology tree system and the "Cradle" seemed to share some common lineage.
"Wind Listener II activated, connection established."
"Feature template loaded, S-07 directional request sent."
"Cradle interface responding... connection successful."
"Interference from the 'Pruning Faction' background noise detected. The intensity has increased by 15% compared to last time, but it remains within the resistance range of the encryption protocol."
Lin Shen's consciousness seemed to sink into a tunnel of light. Unlike the gentle probing experienced by Academician Chen Qiming, this time, what came from the end of the tunnel was a vast, ancient 'sense of presence' with a cold, metallic texture. It was neither sound nor image, but an 'information posture' that acted directly upon cognition.
[Identifier confirmed... s-07 protocol library... access request received...]
[Carbon-based neural network-type intelligence confirmed... planetary surface civilization confirmed... exogenous order disturbance threat confirmed...]
[Matches 'sower-Guardian' protocol Class III trigger conditions... preparing for transmission...]
Without unnecessary questioning, it proceeded directly to the process. Apparently, the basic verification had been completed during the last contact.
[Warning: Hostile order interference signal (Pruning Protocol) detected attempting to contaminate the channel. Initiating purification and accelerated transmission mode.]
[Receiver consciousness carrier strength evaluation... above baseline... starting streaming transmission...]
It's here!
Lin Shen felt a massive, structured stream of information begin to pour in. Unlike the destructive torrent experienced by Andre, these were 'data packets' that had been carefully disassembled, layered, and slowed down. Each 'packet' contained complex conceptual clusters: analysis of the physical principles of a certain energy weapon, social organization adjustment plans for specific space tactics, cultural meme designs to enhance group crisis cohesion, and even mental regulation techniques for coping with long-term interstellar isolation...
This was not a single technology, but an entire 'survival toolkit' for a civilization. The information consisted primarily of abstract concepts, mathematical relationships, and logical frameworks, requiring the receiving civilization to 'translate' and 'instantiate' it according to its own technological foundation and cultural background.
Lin Shen's brain worked at high speed, and the technology tree system was simultaneously analyzing and archiving. He seemed to see a glorious civilization, how it summarized the lessons of blood and fire in the face of repeated wars against powerful Reapers, and refined those experiences into inheritable wisdom.
The transmission proceeded smoothly. Nuwa and the Gardener Representative were nervously monitoring all data channels and interference levels.
However, just as the s-07 protocol transmission reached approximately 40%—
[Alarm! High-priority synchronization signal detected! Signal source: Secondary consciousness fragment network (Tag: Sarah Chen/sower candidate - incomplete).]
[Signal content: Emergency warning—Pruner entity probe has breached the peripheral monitoring network and arrived at Moon orbit L2 point! Estimated time to stealthily approach the 'Cradle' body: 1.7 standard planetary rotation cycles!]
The 'Cradle' transmission was interrupted instantly! In its place was a strong emergency alert message carrying Sarah Chen's personal emotional imprint, which slammed directly into Lin Shen's consciousness!
It was not just data, but also interspersed with fragmented images flashing by in an instant: ice crystals from Saturn's rings, cracks in a spacesuit visor, the cold bulkheads of 'Zeus Station', and a pair of eyes filled with determination and sorrow (Max?).
"Warning! External high-threat target confirmed!" Nuwa's alarm sounded almost simultaneously. "The lunar orbit monitoring network has detected an unidentified stealth object, massing about fifty tons, currently maneuvering using the moon's shadow, heading toward the South Pole Hole! The characteristics match the description of the 'Pruning Faction' infiltration probe provided by the Gardener."
"The 'Cradle' transmission has aborted!" the Gardener Representative exclaimed. "It has entered an active defense silence mode! Dr. Sarah's fragment sent out an alarm at the last moment!"
Lin Shen was forcibly ejected from the connection state, cold sweat seeping from his forehead, his heart pounding wildly. The s-07 transmission was only partially complete, but more urgently—the enemy was already at their doorstep!
"Can we intercept it?" Minister Li Weimin asked urgently.
"Our resident lunar forces are insufficient!" Academician Chen Qiming pulled up the defense map. "'Kunlun' Station has defensive capabilities, but it's far from the South Pole Hole. The opponent is a professional infiltration probe with a high stealth rating; by the time we discover its exact trajectory, it may be too late."
"Does the 'Cradle' not have its own defensive capabilities?" Lin Shen asked the Gardener Representative.
"When the builders designed it, they assumed the 'Cradle' would be in a state of absolute concealment. Its defense relied on hiding and the growth of the local civilization. Now that it's been activated and the signal has leaked, it has become a target." The voice of Gardener Representative Qi was full of annoyance. "The 'Pruning Faction's' infiltration probes usually carry 'Order Annihilation Bombs,' a weapon that can regionally erase specific information structures (such as the 'Cradle's' core data). It doesn't cause a physical explosion, but it can turn the 'Cradle' into an empty shell!"
It must be stopped!
"Activate all defensive units at 'Kunlun' Station, and provide blanket surveillance of the South Pole Hole area!"
"Order 'Vermilion Bird' to prepare rockets, ready to launch emergency intercept payloads at any time!"
"Contact the Empire... no, it's too late." Lin Shen's gaze was icy. "Nuwa, can the 'non-kinetic interference field' we previously researched, based on 'psions' and consciousness harmonics, be effective against that probe at such a long distance?"
"Theoretically yes, but it requires a powerful consciousness energy source as an amplifier." Nuwa calculated rapidly. "A single individual cannot provide sufficient intensity, unless..."
"Unless we utilize the 'Spark Project' global consciousness network!" Academician Chen Qiming understood instantly. "Briefly focus the consciousness harmonics of tens of thousands of volunteers, and through the 'Star Ring' and Nuwa's relay, directionally interfere with the probe's sensors and navigation system!"
"But without training, forced focusing could cause shock or even damage to the volunteers' consciousness!" Professor Chu Yunshen warned.
"There's no time!" Lin Shen looked at the probe, a red dot constantly approaching on the screen. "Initiate the emergency protocol and ask for volunteers to participate! At the same time, Nuwa, use me as the main guide node and buffer to share the pressure as much as possible!"
The order was issued with the highest priority. Volunteers at various global centers who had just finished their first round of training received the emergency call-up notice. Shockingly, the voluntary participation rate reached 99.8% within thirty seconds!
"They... all chose to agree." Minister Li Weimin looked at the feedback data, his voice trembling slightly.
"Because they know what they are defending." Lin Shen had already sat back in the connection chair, and a more powerful interface connected. "Nuwa, guide the network and establish a focusing channel. Target: The conical area extending from the Moon orbit L2 point to the South Pole Hole. Interference mode: Consciousness harmonic resonance coverage, create a virtual 'information fog'!"
"Network synchronization starting... focusing construction..."
Lin Shen sank into the depths of his consciousness again. But this time, he was not alone. He felt the ten thousand points of consciousness, like stars, converging toward him through the bridge formed by the 'Star Ring' and Nuwa. There was tension, determination, curiosity, fear, hope... various emotions interwoven into an ocean of light. As the guide, he struggled to organize this massive energy and shape it into an invisible interference beam targeting the specific objective.
This felt even more strenuous than receiving information from the 'Cradle'; it was the ultimate test of willpower. He felt his consciousness expanding, as if it were about to burst.
In lunar orbit, the 'Pruning Faction' probe was quietly sliding toward the far side of the moon. Suddenly, its sensor array erupted with countless error alarms. The navigation star map distorted, radar echoes showed large numbers of phantoms, and even the dedicated receiver for detecting 'Cradle' signals was drowned in a 'noise' of meaningless, human emotional clutter. Like a beast that had suddenly lost its eyes and ears, it began to yaw and roll erratically in orbit.
"Interference effective! The probe has lost its stable trajectory!"
"Good opportunity! 'Kunlun' Station, fire 'Armor-Piercing' kinetic interceptor missile!"
The electromagnetic railgun at the Moon's 'Kunlun' Station spewed out a scorching projectile. The probe, having lost precise navigation, could not effectively evade it.
Three seconds later, a silent explosion bloomed in the void on the far side of the moon. The probe turned into a cloud of dispersing metal debris.
"Target destroyed," Nuwa confirmed.
The global consciousness network slowly dissolved. Lin Shen slumped in the connection chair, almost exhausted, but a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. Success. They had used humanity's nascent consciousness power, combined with traditional weapons, to complete an incredible joint defense.
However, Nuwa's next report made everyone's heart skip a beat again.
"Analysis of the probe's wreckage shows that before it was destroyed, it had already sent an encrypted location and status report into deep space. The 'Pruning Faction's' main fleet now knows for sure the 'Cradle's' location, activation status, and... that humans already possess preliminary consciousness-based cooperative defense capabilities."
"The speed at which they arrive may be faster than expected," the Gardener Representative's voice was heavy.
Lin Shen propped himself up to sit, looking at the incomplete transmission progress bar of the s-07 protocol (42.7%) on the screen, and then toward the direction of the moon.
The outpost war had begun.
They had won a small victory.
But they were also completely exposed.
Next, it would be a more brutal race—before the 'Pruning Faction's' main fleet arrived, they had to obtain enough "weapons" from the 'Cradle'.
And the alarm raised by Sarah Chen's consciousness fragment at the critical moment proved that there was a deeper bond between her and the 'Cradle' than imagined.
Max Costa must be put in position as soon as possible.
The reception of s-07 must be completed as soon as possible.
Must... go faster.