22: Coordinate leakage

Using its cutting arm and magnetic claw, the SCV carefully removed the metal fragments pressing down one by one. As the covering was cleared away, the full form of the object gradually revealed itself.

It was about as tall as an average adult, shaped roughly like an elongated, asymmetrical ovoid—or perhaps a streamlined teardrop—though its surface was marred by several dents and ruptures. The pale purple shell wasn't paint, but a composite material with subtle energy patterns that felt like a biological carapace. The largest breach was on the side, its edges jagged as if torn apart by brute force. Through the opening, one could see a sophisticated internal structure that was decidedly not of the Adeptus Mechanicus style: energy conduits as thin as hair, shimmering crystal arrays, and organic-metallic composite structures resembling a neural network.

It wasn't an Imperial creation, nor did it resemble the common Orkish scrap or the ornate, delicate style of the Aeldari. It exuded a... cold, efficient beauty of an alien technology.

[Deep Scan Complete. Target Structure: Highly complex. Technological path shows significant differences from Imperial STC standards and known major xenos civilizations (Aeldari, Tau, Orkish basic tech) in the database. Energy Core: Over 95% damaged; residual energy insufficient to maintain any active functions. Internal micro-data storage unit discovered (Physical state: Partially intact, but interface protocol is unknown). No life signs, active biochemical contamination, or high-threat weapon residues detected. Overall Assessment: A severely damaged wreckage of an unknown small spacecraft or probe with a unique technological path.]

A probe wreckage from an unknown civilization? Han Zhe's brow furrowed. This debris belt was truly a "crouching tiger, hidden dragon"; he'd just dug up an STC fragment, and now an alien probe had popped up.

"System, attempt to read that data storage unit through physical interface or wireless infiltration. Be careful, there may be countermeasures or logic bombs."

[Warning: The target data interface's encryption and underlying protocols are completely unknown. Forced cracking or connection carries extremely high risk, potentially leading to permanent data destruction or triggering unknown defense mechanisms. Recommendation: Adopt the most conservative physical-isolation data extraction plan—remove the entire storage unit and bring it to the isolation analysis room to be established after the completion of 'ark one'. Use the system's own cross-protocol data parsing capabilities to attempt a read. Success rate: Unknown, but risk is manageable.]

"Do it. 'pioneer-01', carefully cut out that data storage unit physically; be careful not to damage its structure. Once finished, place it in a specialized storage box and temporarily store it... in the temporary storage area on the east side of the platform, keeping it at a distance from the STC storage box."

The SCV took the order, swapping to its most precise micro-manipulation tools. Like a neurosurgeon, it began to meticulously separate the thumbnail-sized, shimmering black chip-like storage unit embedded deep within the wreckage.

Just as the SCV was about to complete the extraction, a sudden change occurred!

Inside the probe wreckage, the energy core remnants—which had been nearly dead—suddenly burst forth with an extremely weak but strangely-frequented energy pulse! This pulse wasn't an attack; it was more like... a final, unconscious "echo" or "beacon"!

Traveling faster than light, the pulse instantly penetrated the weak shielding field formed by the STC fragment (the field's interference had attenuated the pulse's strength by about 70%, but failed to block it completely), and radiated out into deep space!

[Alert! Unknown high-frequency energy pulse emission detected! Source: Unknown probe wreckage! Pulse has partially penetrated local shielding field! Characteristics: Brief, broad-spectrum, carrying strong identification and location information encoding (pulse characteristics recorded). After attenuation, the effective propagation distance is unclear, but there is a possibility of it being captured by specific receivers!]

"Damn it!" Han Zhe's expression shifted. His greatest fear had come true! This piece of junk probe had played everyone right before its "death"! It had sent out a signal that could potentially expose their location!

"Extract the storage unit immediately! Then, 'pioneer-01', completely dismantle and pulverize the rest of the probe wreckage! Salvage what can be salvaged, and for what can't, use the cutting torch to melt it into unrecognizable metal lumps!" Han Zhe ordered urgently. He had to erase the traces as much as possible, even though that pulse might have already gone out.

The SCV quickly finished extracting the data storage unit and placed it into a specially shielded container. Then, it cranked up the power on its cutting torch. Blazing white flames erupted, beginning to incinerate and slice through the remains of the probe. The pale purple shell warped, blackened, and melted under the high heat, its internal precision structures turning into charred residue.

Han Zhe's heart felt heavy. One wave followed another. Before the secret of the STC fragment could even be kept warm, he might have drawn the attention of an unknown civilization. Who would receive that pulse signal? The probe's parent civilization? Or some other entity? Would they follow the trail? How long would they take to arrive?

He glanced at the skeleton of 'ark one' rapidly taking shape in the distance. He had to be faster! He had to establish basic self-sustenance and defense capabilities as soon as possible!

"System, re-evaluate the external threat level. Based on the pulse characteristics just now, speculate on possible signal recipients and reaction times."

[Threat Assessment Updating... Pulse Characteristic Analysis: Encoding method is highly structured, with clear characteristics of navigation, status reporting, and emergency distress signals (speculated based on general information theory). Possible Recipients: Regular patrol/recovery units of the probe's civilization; third-party factions broadly monitoring deep space signals (such as certain Aeldari Ark Worlds, Tau Empire expeditionary fleets, Necrons tomb worlds (lower probability), or Chaos Forces interested in specific technology). Reaction Time: Indeterminate; depends on the recipient's distance, the importance they place on the signal, and their own operational priorities. Could range from several hours to several years.]

Several years? Han Zhe smiled bitterly; he might not even survive a few days right now. Several hours? That would be an absolute catastrophe.

"Prioritize the construction of 'ark one's' life-support core and basic defenses! 'pioneer-01', adjust the construction sequence. Push back the living comfort sections; prioritize completing the hull sealing, air circulation system, water recovery unit, and... leave installation bases and power interfaces for laser turrets at key locations on the exterior of the modules!" Han Zhe almost shouted. His sense of security had instantly plummeted to zero.

"Command confirmed. Construction priorities adjusted. Prioritizing 'ark one' basic life support and defense framework."

The SCV's focus shifted immediately. Welding arcs flashed more frequently on the module hull's sealing seams and the preset weapon mounts. The consumption of resource points also tilted toward life-support module components and raw materials for defensive facilities.

Han Zhe was restless. He walked to the edge of the platform and looked out into deep space. The starlight remained indifferent, and the debris belt rotated slowly, as if nothing had happened. But he knew that an invisible threat might already be on its way.

He had to prepare more. Just hiding and tucking away wasn't enough; he needed eyes and ears, and even... teeth.

"System, immediately initiate the manufacturing of 'Swarm Recon Drones'! Start with two... no, three! Are there enough resource points?"

['Swarm Recon Drone (Basic Type)' single unit manufacturing requirement: 80 resource points, requires micro-manufacturing unit support. Current resource points: 320. The refining core micro-manufacturing unit's capacity can support the simultaneous production of two units. Begin manufacturing?]

"Begin! Also, design the simplest external take-off and landing platform to be integrated into the top or side of 'ark one's' modules. It must be stealthy and support rapid deployment."

[Command confirmed. Initiating dual-line drone manufacturing. Designing integrated stealth docking bay...]

Resource points began to deplete once more. The refining core diverted a portion of energy and matter flow to begin shaping the small, butterfly or cross-shaped recon drone skeletons and precision sensors.

Han Zhe glanced again at the container holding the unknown data storage unit, and then at the probe wreckage in the distance, which the SCV had burned down to a small pile of twisted metal.

Information. He needed more information. About this universe, about this sector, and about the potential threats to come. The answers might be inside that storage unit.

But parsing it would take time and a safer environment.

He turned and walked toward the 'ark one' currently under feverish construction. Its crude metal skeleton was gradually being covered in flesh (armor) under the SCV's welding light. Though simple, it represented the hope of survival and the seeds of resistance.

Time had never been so precious.

Before the storm brought by these dual secrets—the STC fragment and the unknown probe signal—could descend, he had to build this floating piece of steel beneath his feet into a space nest that was strong enough, hidden enough, and equipped with its first set of "eyes" and "spines."

In the darkness of deep space, a faint ripple of pale purple energy pulse was expanding toward the infinite distance at a speed exceeding the material universe. Behind it, in a corner of the debris belt, a tiny flower of metal, ignited by welding fire and the will to survive, was desperately taking root and growing, trying to hide itself within thorns of steel before the storm arrived.