37: First mission

The awakening of Alpha Squad was like injecting the first glimmer of warmth—albeit programmed—into the cold, precise mechanical operations of the base. Watching those four figures, who shared his facial features but appeared younger and sharper, clad in CMC-1B Armor and holding 'Needle Rain' rifles as they performed basic tactical maneuvers in the integrated training ground, the long-standing sense of loneliness in Han Zhe's heart was finally replaced by a subtle mix of a desire for control, responsibility, and a faint sense of comfort.

They were still green. Though their movements were standard, they lacked the refinement and adaptability that come from real combat; their tactical coordination remained at the level of instilled templates; and in simulations of unexpected situations, their reactions often seemed rigid. However, their learning speed was incredibly fast. Every ballistic analysis after a shot and every review after a combat drill allowed them to quickly adjust and optimize. The 'keystone' adjutant monitored their physiological data and training performance, and the feedback provided to Han Zhe was surprising—these clones exhibited potential in physical coordination, neural reaction speed, and stress resistance that surpassed natural humans, perhaps a result of rapid growth technology and genetic optimization.

However, four people, no matter how excellent, were only the size of a tactical squad. They were capable of patrols, Sentry duty, and basic defensive tasks, but if they wanted to project the base's influence outward, respond to potentially more severe challenges (whether from the civilization the unknown probe belonged to or other latent threats), or even just explore and develop this vast and dangerous debris belt, this amount of manpower was far from enough.

The successful operation of the 'cradle of life' proved the feasibility of cloning technology. Although the cost was high and the risks unknown, the output was usable combat personnel with growth potential. At a time when resources and energy were relatively abundant (with the fusion reactor running stably and the collection stations producing continuously), expanding the scale seemed like an inevitable choice.

“'keystone,' report the initial operation assessment for the 'cradle of life.' Summarize resource consumption, technical difficulties, initial clone performance, and potential risks.” Han Zhe sat in the Commander's seat of the command center, his gaze sweeping across the real-time footage on the holographic interface showing Alpha Squad destroying several moving targets in a simulated engagement.

“Commander.” keystone's steady electronic voice rang out. “The summary of the first 'cradle of life' run is as follows:”

“· Total Resource Consumption: 5,000 points for center construction; resource consumption per clone cultivation cycle is approximately 280 points (slightly lower than estimated), totaling approximately 6,120 points.”

“· Energy Consumption: Within expectations.”

“· Technical Difficulties: Genetic stability monitoring needs continuous strengthening; subtle physiological fluctuations appearing in the late stages of rapid growth require adjustments to the nutrient solution formula. During the memory/skill instillation process, Alpha-03 experienced a brief neural compatibility conflict (resolved), indicating that individual differences must be taken into account.”

“· Initial Clone Performance: Excellent physiological indicators, rapid skill mastery, stable loyalty protocols, and initial possession of basic combat literacy. Psychological assessments show high levels of obedience, but autonomous creativity and the ability to handle complex situations remain to be observed and cultivated.”

“· Potential Risks: Long-term psychological stability is unknown; unintended group behavior among clones may occur; a single genetic source may lead to unknown hereditary diseases or weaknesses; and ethical and social structure issues arising from large-scale cloning (if applicable).”

The report was objective and cold, listing achievements while not shying away from risks.

“Initiate the 'cradle of life' expansion plan, codename: 'Hive',” Han Zhe said without hesitation. “Goal: Expand the number of cultivation tanks to twenty. Optimize the cultivation process with a target of compressing the cultivation cycle for a single clone to eighty standard days. Simultaneously, establish a clone genetic archive to record the subtle differences and optimization parameters of every cultivation. Allocate 8,000 resource points; 'keystone' will manage the energy requirements to ensure it doesn't affect the operation of other critical base facilities.”

“Command confirmed. 'Hive' expansion plan initiated. Designing expansion scheme... Allocating resources... Estimated construction time: 10 standard hours. Once the new cultivation tanks are online, the first round can simultaneously initiate the cultivation sequences for sixteen new clones.”

Resource points were once again heavily consumed, but Han Zhe wasn't worried as he looked at the balance in the resource pool, which remained above 4,000 points and was slowly but steadily growing. The continuous labor of the automated collection stations and SCVs, along with the potential discovery of new mineral sites in the future, was the base's economic lifeline.

“'Pioneer' squad, adjust prospecting priorities. While ensuring the operation of existing mineral sites and searching for special alloy samples, increase the search for debris rich in organic matter or special bio-active substances. The continuous operation of the 'cradle of life' requires stable, high-quality organic synthesis raw materials,” Han Zhe issued new instructions to the SCVs. Cloning wasn't just about metal and energy; it also required complex organic compounds.

“Command confirmed,” the three SCVs responded succinctly and powerfully.

The expansion plan unfolded in full swing. The side walls of the 'cradle of life' center were opened, new structures extended outward, and more cultivation tanks, monitoring equipment, and nutrient solution synthesis units were installed. The entire building more than doubled in size, its white exterior becoming even more prominent on the platform.

Just as the 'Hive' expansion was halfway through, pioneer-01 sent an unexpected report.

“Abnormal signal source discovered. Coordinates: Southwest edge of the debris belt, distance approximately twelve kilometers. Signal characteristics: Weak, intermittent, non-standard electromagnetic waves, with strong energy attenuation modulation, distinct from common debris background noise or known probe signals. The signal source appears stationary; no movement detected. Preliminary scans show abnormally high debris density in the area with complex structures, possibly containing large intact wrecks or accumulations. Requesting further instructions.”

A new signal? A stationary source? A large pile of debris?

Han Zhe immediately became alert. The unknown often meant danger, but it could also mean opportunity. Under the protection of the shielding field, the base itself was relatively hidden, but actively probing the outside was a necessary means to understand the environment and discover resources (or threats).

“Alpha Squad, pause training. Enter Condition Two combat readiness. Don cmc armor, carry standard weaponry and additional anti-armor equipment ('can opener' missiles), and stand by in the Barracks. 'keystone,' deploy two 'Sentry' units to strengthen the perimeter security of the command center and the 'cradle of life.' pioneer-01, continue monitoring the signal source, attempt more precise positioning and low-frequency penetration scans, and map out a rough structural diagram of the area. Maintain stealth and avoid actively emitting strong scanning signals.”

The orders were quickly executed. Having just finished a round of training, the members of Alpha Squad had no questions. They quickly returned to the Barracks and entered their respective cmc armor. Amidst the heavy hatch doors closing and the hum of systems starting up, the four grey-blue steel giants became active again, lining up at the Barracks exit, their sensors scanning the darkness outside the platform.

pioneer-01 adjusted its scanning mode, using lower-power, harder-to-detect passive and semi-active scanning methods to conduct a detailed investigation of the signal source area.

A few hours later, more detailed data was transmitted back.

“Target Area Analysis Update: Confirmed existence of a 'Megastructure Debris Mountain' formed by the collision and accumulation of a large number of ship wrecks. Diameter approximately 1.5 kilometers, height unknown, structure extremely unstable. Signal source located deep within the debris mountain, near the core area. Further signal characteristic analysis: Suspected to be some kind of low-power beacon or periodic energy leak, with an ancient modulation method not belonging to any mainstream civilization format in the current database. Faint radiation anomalies and metallic corrosive residues detected on the periphery of the debris mountain, indicating that large-scale energy weapon exchanges or special reaction leaks may have occurred in this area. No recent activity or life signals detected.”

A Megastructure Debris Mountain? An ancient beacon? Radiation anomalies?

It sounded like a massive, dangerous, but potentially treasure-filled heap (ancient technology, rare materials, even intact equipment), or rather... a tomb.

Risk and opportunity coexisted. Exploring the interior of such an unstable debris mountain was extremely dangerous, as it could trigger a collapse or unknown defense mechanisms at any time. But that signal source—if it were some kind of still-functioning ancient device or beacon—its technological value could be immeasurable. Those radiation anomaly zones might also contain high-value radioactive materials or special alloys.

“Alpha Squad,” Han Zhe connected to the squad comms, “you have a new mission. Target: Megastructure Debris Mountain, twelve kilometers to the southwest. Preliminarily judged as a low-threat exploration mission, but the environment is extremely dangerous with an unstable structure, potential radiation, and unknown traps. You will serve as the advance reconnaissance squad. Your mission is: One, safely arrive at the periphery of the debris mountain; two, assess the feasibility of entry and potential risks; three, if conditions permit, attempt to penetrate near the signal source for close-range reconnaissance and data collection, but do not risk entering obviously dangerous areas; four, collect any valuable samples or information. pioneer-01 will provide remote scanning support and path planning. Any questions?”

There was a second of silence on the channel, then Alpha-01's voice rang out, steady and firm: “Understood, Commander. Alpha Squad accepts the mission. Expected departure in ten minutes.”

“Keep communications open and report your status at any time. Safety first,” Han Zhe urged. This was Alpha Squad's first real combat (or quasi-combat) mission, and he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

“Yes, sir.”

Ten minutes later, at the edge of the platform, the thrusters behind the four cmc armors emitted pale blue ion streams, pushing the heavy frames away from the platform and sliding into the depths of the debris belt. Following the relatively safe path planned by pioneer-01, they nimbly wove through and evaded debris fragments of various sizes, their movements quickly shifting from stiff to fluid. After all, they had been instilled with simulations of many flight hours.

In the command center, Han Zhe kept a close eye on their progress through the shared sensor data from the armor and the remote scanning footage from pioneer-01. In the images, the debris belt grew increasingly dense, and massive, twisted metal structures pressed in from all sides like the skeletons of monsters. Alpha Squad moved steadily through this maze of death like four cautious steel beetles.