75: Chapter 74 The Foundation of the Heavenly Ladder
Within the "Technology Leap Guidance" section of the s-07 protocol, a repeatedly emphasized intersection node, codenamed "Sky Pillar," finally moved from an abstract concept to a concrete blueprint under the collaborative analysis of Nuwa and hundreds of research groups.
The core idea of "Sky Pillar" is to utilize the macroscopic quantum entanglement effect of the "consciousness harmonic network," combined with the "superconductor-superfluid-like" properties exhibited by "spiritons" under specific field strengths, to build a near-zero energy loss "information-energy-matter" directional transmission channel between geosynchronous orbit and the surface.
Simply put, what it intends to build is not a traditional "space elevator" that relies on material strength to resist gravity, but an "energy sky ladder" or "field force conduit" based on new physical principles.
"The first step is to establish an 'anchor resonance network'." Project lead, physicist Zhou Zhe, pointed to the holographic model. "We need to select seven geologically stable points in the global equatorial region to build ultra-large 'spiriton resonance towers'. These towers themselves do not bear mechanical loads but act as 'tuning forks', emitting harmonics at specific frequencies to excite and stabilize a 'spiriton field resonance structure' between the 36,000-kilometer-high geosynchronous orbit space station ('Tianshu' station) and the ground."
On the model, seven pale blue beams rose from the surface, converging at a point in space to form a huge, inverted bowl-shaped force field structure.
"The second step is the generation and guidance of the 'spiriton superfluid beam'." Zhou Zhe continued to explain. "Using the differential equilibrium zone technology of the Star Ring, we will create high-concentration 'spiriton condensates' at the Tianshu station and ground base stations. In this resonance structure, they will form a stable 'superfluid beam' capable of transmitting energy and information. Material transport will be achieved through 'field suspension pods wrapped in the superfluid beam,' much like a maglev train traveling in a magnetic field, with almost no friction or energy consumption."
"What is the theoretical power requirement?" Lin Shen asked.
"Just to start and maintain the 'anchor network' and the 'superfluid beam', the energy consumed annually is equivalent to that of a large fusion power plant. However," Zhou Zhe's eyes gleamed, "once built, it will completely change the economic model of space transport. Transport costs will drop from thousands of Longyuan per kilogram to dozens of Longyuan. More importantly, the 'spiriton field resonance structure' itself can serve as a powerful defensive barrier and deep-space communication relay. Furthermore, according to the hints in the s-07 protocol, in higher-order applications, this structure may be related to 'space-time perception'."
This is not just a transportation project; it is the cornerstone of future defense systems and deep-space exploration.
"Timeline?"
"If we pour in resources, the ground 'resonance towers' can be built within two years. For the core module of the Tianshu station, we can use the existing Kunlun station expansion technology and the vermilion bird-1 rocket fleet for rapid deployment, and we expect to complete the basic infrastructure and form initial transport capabilities within three years." Zhou Zhe reported. "But the biggest challenge lies in the large-scale stable production and precise manipulation of 'spiriton condensates'. This requires deep cooperation between the Star Ring and the consciousness network, as well as more practical knowledge of differential equilibrium zone physics."
"Approve the 'Sky Pillar' project and set it to the highest priority." Lin Shen made the final decision. "Academician Chen Qiming, coordinate the Spark Project volunteer network to provide consciousness computing power support for the fine-tuning of the 'spiriton field'. Nuwa, establish a full-cycle simulation of the project and optimize every node."
The massive state machine accelerated again.
The seven selected sites in the equatorial region began intensive geological exploration and preliminary construction.
In space, the Kunlun station received expansion orders, and new modules and large spiriton generators began to be transported by rockets.
The global energy network began pre-allocation for the massive energy demand that might emerge in a few years.
While buried in the "Sky Pillar" project, new news came from the joint laboratory "Other Shore Flower".
During the third deep connection, Max Costa successfully maintained stable communication with Sarah Chen's consciousness fragments for a longer period.
Although Sarah's overall consciousness remained fragmented and incapable of complex logical dialogue, some key memory fragments and sensory information began to emerge regularly.
Through Nuwa's analysis and the auxiliary translation by the Gardener Representative, the fragmented information gradually pieced together some disturbing images:
During her mission at Zeus Station, Sarah had received an extremely faint "calling" signal from the lunar south pole cavity.
This signal was different from standard scientific detection data; it resonated directly with her subconscious, giving her a strong, inexplicable "sense of mission" and "sense of belonging."
During the diplomatic mission at the Saturn rings, when approaching the Gardener spacecraft, this resonance was sharply amplified, causing a kind of "resonance overflow" in her consciousness, where a part of her consciousness was stripped away, absorbed, entered the Gardener's network, and merged with the dormant "sower candidate" protocol.
The "key" she spoke of referred to the partial permissions she gained after the merger—a form of identity authentication that allowed for deeper and more secure interaction with the "Cradle."
However, her merger was incomplete and forced, so the "key" was also broken.
To repair the key, it would not only require aggregating her consciousness fragments but might also require completing a specific "authentication protocol" or "inheritance trial," with the location likely being inside the lunar "Cradle."
"She feels that the inside of the 'Cradle'... is like a huge library, and also like a graveyard, sealing away the 'records' and 'possibilities' of countless civilizations." Max recounted those vague sensations.
"She said that we (humanity) are just one of the readers who have just walked up to the circulation desk. And the 'Pruning Faction'... are the 'janitors' of the library, who fear any reader who might 'mess up the bookshelves' or 'take away forbidden books'."
This metaphor gave everyone pause for thought.
"'Inheritance trial'..." Lin Shen pondered. "Gardener Representative, are there any relevant descriptions in your records?"
The light and shadow of Gardener Representative Qi fluctuated: "There are very few direct records left by the builder civilization. However, the designation of 'sower candidate' usually means that the individual is judged to have the potential to guide their parent civilization to safely and effectively utilize the 'sowers legacy'. The 'trial' may be intended to verify this potential and establish a deeper bond. The risk is that if the candidate fails, they may be rejected by the 'Cradle' system, or even... have relevant permissions and memories erased."
"Can Sarah guide us through such a trial now?"
"In her current state, it is very difficult. Her main consciousness is too fragile; forced guidance could lead to irreversible dissipation. We need to first stabilize and strengthen her consciousness aggregate." Gardener Representative Cheng added.
"Mr. Max Costa's emotional resonance is a key anchor, but it is not enough. Perhaps... we need some kind of 'medium' that can resonate with her consciousness on a deeper level, a special carrier capable of bearing and transmitting 'sower' information."
A thought stirred in Lin Shen's mind, and he thought of the technology tree system in his own mind.
This system was clearly of the same origin as the "sowers legacy". Could it possibly become that "medium"?
"Nuwa, analyze the potential information channels and compatibility between the technology tree system, the 'Cradle', and Sarah's consciousness fragments."
"Analyzing... The underlying protocol of the technology tree system has a 17% architectural similarity with the 'Cradle' index encoding. The similarity with the 'sower candidate protocol residue' detected in Dr. Sarah Chen's consciousness fragments is 31%. The system has a certain potential for information translation and buffering, but the risk of using it directly as a consciousness resonance medium is unknown." Nuwa answered cautiously.
It was worth a try, but definitely not the first choice. It was too risky.
Just as everyone was deep in thought, the lunar observatory sent an urgent report.
"The spiriton radiation pulse frequency in the cavity where the 'Cradle' is located has mutated! A regular, clearly directed harmonic signal has appeared. The signal strength is not high, but the modulation method is extremely complex, containing a large amount of non-random information!"
"Where is it pointing?"
"The main focusing direction of the signal... is geosynchronous orbit, or more precisely, the preset coordinates of the 'Tianshu' station we are planning!"
Everyone was stunned. Was the "Cradle" actively paying attention to the "Sky Pillar" project?
"Is it... observing our construction?" Academician Chen Qiming guessed.
"More than that." The light and shadow of Gardener Representative Qi flickered rapidly. "It may be... evaluating. Evaluating whether we have the ability and qualification to utilize the 'guidance' it provides to build something truly valuable. The s-07 protocol is theory; 'Sky Pillar' is practice. It wants to see if we can turn theory into reality."
"If it judges that we have the potential, what will happen?" Minister Li Weimin asked.
"It might open up more permissions, or even... actively invite qualified 'candidates' for the next step." Gardener Representative Cheng's tone carried uncertainty. "But it is also possible that it will set a 'deadline' or 'acceptance standard'. If we fail to meet the standard within the specified time..."
The consequences were self-evident.
The pressure doubled once again.
The "Sky Pillar" project was not only about future transport and defense; it had now become an exam to prove human civilization's qualifications to the "Cradle."
"Accelerate the progress of 'Sky Pillar'. At the same time, attempt to analyze the 'Cradle's' new signal and... provide a polite response, indicating that we are aware of its attention and are working hard." Lin Shen instructed.
"In addition," he turned to the Gardener Representative, "regarding the 'medium'... besides emotional resonance and my system, are there any other possible avenues? For example, some special matter, or... energy forms?"
The Gardener Representative was silent for a moment.
"The builder civilization once used a medium known as 'civilization memory crystal' to store and transmit complex civilization information and consciousness imprints. It is a kind of highly ordered spiriton crystalline state. Theoretically, if one could 'sculpt' it within the differential equilibrium zone using highly condensed collective consciousness, it might be possible to artificially create something similar as a 'container' or 'amplifier' to stabilize Dr. Sarah's consciousness fragments. But this process requires extremely precise consciousness manipulation and a deep understanding of spiriton physics."
It was another high-difficulty challenge, but it had commonalities with the spiriton manipulation technology involved in the "Sky Pillar" project.
"Add it to the research list, with a priority lower than 'Sky Pillar' but higher than other projects." Lin Shen allocated the limited scientific research resources.
Time flew by amidst busyness, pressure, and anticipation.
Two months later, the base of the first ground resonance tower for the "Sky Pillar" project was poured and completed in Kiribati.
In space, the first connection hub module of the "Tianshu" station was successfully launched into orbit.
On the moon, the signal from the "Cradle" continued to arrive, and the frequency and intensity of the pulses seemed to undergo subtle and positive changes as each key node of the "Sky Pillar" project was achieved.
It was like a silent proctor, watching every step of the examinee.
And in deep space, the latest trajectory calculation for the Pruning Faction fleet was completed, and Nuwa presented the report to Lin Shen.
"According to the recalculation based on its acceleration curve and course fine-tuning, the estimated time of arrival in the Solar System has been revised to: between seven years and four months and seven years and ten months."
Compared to the initial estimate of eight to ten years, it was shortened by at least three months and at most two and a half years.
"They really did accelerate." Lin Shen looked at the red line on the screen representing the countdown to death. "The activation of the 'Cradle' and our defensive response have stimulated them."
Seven years.
It seems not short, but for a super-project spanning heaven and earth that involves brand-new physical principles, as well as repairing a broken "key" and preparing for an unknown "inheritance trial," this time is suffocatingly tight.
But the arrow has already left the string; there is no turning back.
Lin Shen looked at the real-time progress map of the "Sky Pillar" project displayed on the virtual screen outside the command center, those seven blue light points distributed along the Earth's equator, and that silver light point that had just lit up in space.
The cornerstone of the sky ladder is being laid.
And the ancient relics are waiting.
The dark Pruning Faction is closing in.
Human civilization must complete an unprecedented climb under these three pressures.