87: Chapter 86 Star Charts and Sand Tables
The meeting was not held in any physical conference room, but rather in a three-party shared virtual consciousness space constructed between the Cradle, Ling Shu Base, and an encrypted relay node provided by the Gardener Civilization.
The space was designed as a slowly rotating Solar System star map, with the consciousness projections of the three parties' representatives (Lin Shen, Li Weimin/Chen Qiming, and Gardener Representative Qi/Cheng) located respectively on Earth, the Moon, and a point of light symbolizing the Gardener position.
On the star map, the turbulent regions of the Qingtian channel, the seven Earth anchors, the projected arrival direction of the Galactic Council liaison, and the latest predicted trajectory of the Pruning Faction fleet were marked with different colors and brightness.
"Let's begin." Lin Shen's projection spoke first, his voice clearly transmitted through the consciousness link. "Time is tight. Let's synchronize all information and formulate a comprehensive response strategy for the next steps. First, the issue of the Qingtian channel turbulence."
Dr. Zhou Zhe's data stream flowed into the star map, detailing the characteristics and scope of the abnormal disturbances, as well as the potential threat to future large-scale transportation.
"The 'spatial memory turbulence' hypothesis proposed by the Gardener Representative is our most reasonable explanation at present. However, we need to verify it as soon as possible and find ways to avoid or calm it."
The light and shadow of Gardener Representative Qi fluctuated: "We have reviewed some non-classified historical records. During the peak of the builders civilization, they frequently conducted large-scale interstellar material transport and space modification. Such activities could indeed leave behind lasting 'psionic landscapes.' To draw a detailed 'topographic map,' high-precision wide-area psionic scanning is required. We can provide the design principles for the scanning array, but the manufacturing and deployment must be completed by you."
"How long will it take?" asked Minister Li Weimin.
"Given your current industrial capabilities and the restricted status of the Qingtian channel, it will take at least three months to deploy a preliminary detection network covering key areas," estimated Dr. Zhou Zhe. "During this period, large-scale transportation can only be suspended or severely restricted."
Three months was a heavy blow to the Star Ring Era project.
"Is there any alternative plan or possibility for acceleration?" pressed Academician Chen Qiming.
Lin Shen suddenly spoke up: "Perhaps there is. Professor Chu, please report on the findings from the East Sea Node."
Professor Chu Yunshen's consciousness connected, projecting the dynamic star map from the East Sea Node that displayed the "geological pulse" of the Earth's interior, along with the "peak" prediction marker for 117 days later, into the shared space.
"We discovered that the East Sea Node acts like a super Earth monitoring station; the 'star map' it feeds back is actually a model of the energy and material flow inside the Earth," Professor Chu explained. "And the peak it predicts, we initially suspect, may be a periodic active point of a geological energy accumulation zone beneath the node. More importantly, its sensing principle seems to be related to the interaction between the psionic field and the Earth's own fundamental fields (gravity, magnetic field, etc.)."
The light and shadow of Gardener Representative Cheng approached the star map and observed carefully: "Interesting... The principle of this monitoring network might be used to 'reverse-engineer' the cause of the spatial turbulence. If the turbulence is a 'memory' of past psionic activities, then it must be related to the specific field state of the Earth (or other celestial bodies) at that time. If we can use the anchor network to more accurately grasp the Earth's current and historical (via geological record inversion) field state models, perhaps we can calculate the patterns of turbulence, or even... predict its weak points or intervals."
This line of thinking made everyone's eyes light up. Using the Earth's own monitoring network to solve the environmental puzzle of near-Earth space!
"But this requires activating more anchors, or at least establishing deeper perceptual connections with them," Professor Chu pointed out. "Moreover, we are not sure if the 'peak' of the East Sea Node is related to other nodes, or even to the spatial turbulence."
"Then let's try to establish secure connections with other anchors as soon as possible." Lin Shen looked at Sarah (her consciousness projection was also nearby, appearing as a gentle silver-blue light cluster). "Dr. Sarah, can the 'Listening' plan mentioned earlier be started?"
Sarah's voice was calm and clear: "Yes. Using the Cradle as a hub and the heart crystal as a harmonizer, I can try to establish shallow perceptual links with anchors that have relatively stable energy characteristics. Which one should we prioritize?"
Lin Shen and Professor Chu quickly exchanged opinions. "That point on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The myth there describes it as the 'Earth's Core iron lotus,' which might lean towards material structure stability or energy storage. Compared to the 'dynamic monitoring' of the East Sea Node, it might be 'quieter' and safer."
"Approval granted, but keep the intensity at the lowest level, with the premise of not causing any obvious external reactions," Lin Shen ordered. "At the same time, Dr. Zhou, the construction of the detection satellite network cannot stop; we must proceed on two fronts."
"Understood," Zhou Zhe and Sarah replied simultaneously.
"The second topic," Minister Li Weimin pulled back the star map perspective, pointing to the blinking cursor representing the Galactic Council liaison, "concerns this uninvited guest. Gardener Representative, do you have more detailed intelligence?"
The light and shadow of Gardener Representatives Qi and Cheng seemed to exchange information for a moment. "Regarding the 'Emerging Civilization Observation and Liaison Office,' we don't know much. It is affiliated with the Galactic Council Civilization Development Council, has low authority, but is very independent. Its liaisons are usually experienced, relatively neutral senior members responsible for conducting preliminary assessments of civilizations that have just reached the contact threshold (usually preliminary mastery of interstellar travel or triggering significant cross-stellar energy activities), deciding whether to include them in the observation list, and providing basic information such as the 'Galactic Civilization Code of Conduct'."
"What are their assessment criteria? What impact will it have on us?" Academician Chen Qiming asked with concern.
"The criteria are complex, but the core is to assess the civilization's 'stability,' 'development potential,' and 'potential threat level.' The impact... can be significant or minor." Gardener Representative Cheng's tone was cautious. "A positive assessment might bring you some low-level technical exchange opportunities, star map data, and some very limited protection within The Council framework (for example, there will be certain constraints on blatant, untried extinction acts). But it will also formally place you under the gaze of numerous civilizations in the galaxy, including some less-than-friendly neighbors. If the assessment is negative, the liaison might recommend listing you as a 'restricted observation' or 'potential risk civilization,' which is extremely unfavorable for your future contact with other civilizations."
"Most importantly," Gardener Representative Qi added, "the arrival of the liaison and the subsequent assessment report are likely to affect the actions of the Pruning Faction. If they want to deal with you 'legally' within The Council framework, the liaison's report will become an important basis. If the report is favorable to you, some extreme actions of the Pruning Faction might be restrained. Conversely..."
The consequences were self-evident. This liaison had effectively become a key "witness" in a cosmic-level lawsuit.
"Can we not refuse contact?" Lin Shen asked.
"Usually not. Refusal would be seen as highly xenophobic and uncommunicative, directly leading to a negative assessment," Gardener Representative Cheng replied. "Moreover, liaison ships generally possess high stealth and maneuverability; forced denial could trigger conflict, which would be counterproductive."
"Then we can only prepare actively and strive for the best result." Lin Shen pondered. "The liaison is expected to arrive in one year. We have one year to improve our civilization's overall image as much as possible—complete the initial construction of the Star Ring Era, stabilize the Sanctuary Protocol, properly handle the Earth anchors, and demonstrate an image that is responsible, promising, and willing to abide by basic rules."
"We also need to be prepared to deal with any public opinion smears or provocations that the Pruning Faction might take the opportunity to carry out," Minister Li Weimin added.
"The third topic, the 'Pruning Faction' fleet." Lin Shen's projection pointed to the slowly extending red trajectory at the edge of the star map. "Latest prediction, arrival time is about five years. But considering we have awakened the 'Sanctuary Protocol,' they might further accelerate. Gardener, what is your tactical assessment of them?"
Gardener Representative Qi pulled up a complex tactical analysis chart. "The Pruning Faction's main fleet is usually composed of the following types of ships: high-speed reconnaissance and infiltration ships (similar to the ones you encountered), medium multi-functional destroyers (equipped with 'Order Cutting' type weapons and powerful shields), heavy assault ships (possibly equipped with large-scale 'Law Interference Fields' or 'Matter Decomposition Rays'), and command and logistics ships as the core. Their typical tactic is: first use infiltration units to paralyze key nodes, then use destroyers and assault ships for frontal suppression and 'pruning.' If the 'Sanctuary Protocol' makes frontal assault difficult for them, they might turn to long-term siege and focus on striking your energy supplies (Earth), industrial base (Earth and Moon), and external collaborators (such as our Gardener support lines)."
The pressure was heavy, but the goal was clear.
After several hours of intense discussion and detailed deduction, the three parties finally reached a series of resolutions:
"Gaia's Eye" project: Led by Sarah, with support from the "Cradle," attempt to establish minimum-level secure perceptual links with the remaining five Earth anchors, with the goal of initially figuring out the basic status, cycles, and potential connections of the seven anchors within three months, providing data for cracking the spatial turbulence and evaluating the value of the "Gaia Watcher Network."
"Scavenger" satellite network: Accelerate the construction and launch of psionic environment detection satellites, prioritizing the safety of the "Qingtian" channel, while providing support for future deep space exploration and early warning.
"Welcome" plan: Establish a special cross-civilization diplomatic preparatory group, led by Professor Chu Yunshen (Humanities and Semiotics), with consultation provided by the Gardeners, and technical background support provided by Lin Shen and Sarah, to begin preparing contact plans, presentation content, and contingency plans for various situations with the Galactic Council liaison.
"Anvil" defense upgrade: Based on the s-07 protocol and technology partially opened by the "Cradle," accelerate the construction of the first phase of the Lunar Fortress's defensive fortifications, focusing on strengthening defense against "Order Cutting" type attacks, and start designing countermeasures against "Law Interference" (possibly needing to draw on the principles of the "Sanctuary Protocol").
"Firebrand" industrial transfer: Under the premise of ensuring safety, utilize the intermittent windows of the "Qingtian" channel and alternative transport means (traditional rockets) to transfer as many key industrial capacity modules and resources to the Moon as possible, reducing Earth's risk in a total war.
The resolutions were formed, turning into specific task flows assigned to each party.
Before the meeting ended, Gardener Representative Qi suddenly said: "There is one more piece of news, perhaps relevant. Our deep monitoring network detected a weak, unnatural gravitational lensing effect fluctuation in an ancient interstellar dust cloud about fifteen light-years from the Solar System, about three months ago. The fluctuation characteristics... have similarities with the known aftershocks when the 'Pruning Faction' hyperspace jump beacon is activated, but they are not exactly the same."
"What does that mean?" Lin Shen was alert.
"It may mean that the Pruning Faction's vanguard reconnaissance forces, or... other forces interested in the 'sowers legacy' that possess hyperspace navigation capabilities, are already closer to the Solar System than expected." The Gardener Representative's light and shadow appeared solemn. "Fifteen light-years is not far on the scale of hyperspace navigation."
A new shadow, beyond the known threats, quietly emerged.
The star map slowly dimmed, and the virtual space was deactivated.
Lin Shen opened his eyes in front of the console of the "Cradle," feeling not fatigue, but a heavy sense of responsibility, as if carrying the stars on his shoulders.
The sand table had been laid out, and the pieces were being placed.
Human civilization must carve out its own path to survival in the cracks between multiple cosmic-level powers.