62: Engineering ships of the dark age of technology

The 'stalker' assault boat maneuvered frantically within a death web woven from dark blue light beams, every roar of its engines seemingly overdrawing its final life force. Alpha-01's nerves were deeply integrated with the flight control system, his field of vision filled with countless approaching energy trajectories and piercing proximity alarms. The 'dawn' was several light-minutes away, like a faint lighthouse in the cold darkness, providing theoretical escape coordinates but unable to lend a helping hand.

"Recalculating window! In three seconds, directly above, latitude 72 degrees, camouflage field interference is expected to have a periodic attenuation of 0.5 seconds! That's our only chance!" Alpha-02's voice exploded in the encrypted channel, accompanied by violent vibrations and structural damage alarms caused by an energy beam grazing the assault boat's hull.

There was no time for hesitation. Alpha-01 slammed the control stick to the floor, and the assault boat sprinted upward frantically at a nearly vertical angle, heading for the gap between two intersecting interceptor beams! The hull groaned under the unbearable burden, and the outer armor plates twisted and peeled off under high temperature and pressure.

[Now!]

The 'stalker' assault boat shot out like an arrow from a bow, rushing into that fleeting weak point in the camouflage field. A violent sense of spatial distortion and electromagnetic interference instantly overwhelmed all sensors; the lights inside the boat flickered wildly, nearly going out. A mere 0.5 seconds felt as long as an eternity.

When their vision cleared, they had already broken through the atmosphere and main camouflage field of 'Phantom-I', returning to the cold void. But behind them, several spindle-shaped pursuers with flowing dark blue patterns on their surfaces (roughly the size of a 'Hound' platform) also rushed out without the slightest pause, continuing to accelerate in pursuit!

"Energy level 37%! Structural integrity 51%! Unable to engage in long-term combat or high-speed escape!" Alpha-04 reported urgently.

"'dawn'! We're out! But we can't shake the tail!" Alpha-01 shouted into the communication channel, while simultaneously injecting all the assault boat's remaining energy into the main thrusters, making a desperate sprint toward the general direction of the mothership.

Just then, on the bridge of the 'dawn', Han Zhe stared at the several high-speed light dots representing the assault boat and the pursuers on the tactical screen. There was no fear in his eyes, only a cold, icy determination. His fingers flew across the control panel, activating several protocols that were usually not easily used.

"'Hound' platform clusters, advance to sector B-7, preset interception barrage, mode: saturation coverage, delayed detonation."

"'taotie-ii system', overload operation, processing chambers switch to emergency mode, prepare to receive high-pollution substances (if necessary)."

"Bow 'giant wave' plasma macro-cannon, charge to 10%, prepare for precision disturbance fire at extreme range."

"'Diting' network, full power to interfere with the pursuers' possible communication and tracking signals."

"Send the final course correction data to the 'stalker', guide them through the safe passage of the 'Hound' barrage."

A series of commands followed like a storm, a ruthlessness hidden within the calm, prepared to pay any price.

The 'dawn' was no longer a stealthy shadow; it briefly bared its ferocious fangs. Several 'Hound' platforms, like moths to a flame, rushed toward the pursuers, instantly releasing dense clouds of metal fragments with weak guidance capabilities and electromagnetic pulse warheads in the designated airspace. Behind them, a condensed but not blinding blue light lit up on the bow of the 'dawn', and a slender plasma beam sliced through the void. It was not aimed at the pursuers themselves, but precisely struck the space in front of them, triggering a small-scale energy turbulence and sensor blinding effect.

The pursuers clearly hadn't expected this seemingly low-profile ship to suddenly erupt with such precise and fierce intercepting fire. Their formation momentarily fell into disarray, and their speed slowed due to evasive maneuvers.

It was that fatal moment!

The 'stalker' assault boat slid like a fish through the narrow passage filled with explosions and interference opened by the 'Hound' platforms' sacrifice, plunging into the 'dawn's' just-opened emergency recovery hatch. The hatch closed perilously just before the last pursuer approached, and the point-defense laser array on the outer armor plates blew the closest pursuer out of the sky!

After the 'dawn' began to accelerate again and re-entered its silent stealth state, the remaining pursuers seemed to lose their clear target. They circled in the void for a moment before finally turning back toward 'Phantom-I'.

The crisis was temporarily averted. But no one cheered on the bridge of the 'dawn'. Several precious 'Hound' platforms were lost, the 'stalker' assault boat was nearly scrapped, and although Alpha Squad had survived in its entirety, they were physically and mentally exhausted. More importantly—they had completely alerted that mysterious planet, or rather, that 'Lost Era Engineering Warship'.

Inside the recovery bay, medical robots quickly took over the Alpha Squad members. The resource crates they brought back were urgently sent to the isolation analysis chamber, containing less than half of the harvest snatched from the canyons of 'Phantom-I': several Zero-Element Isotope Ingots shimmering with a strange luster, a small cluster of incredibly pure information turbulence crystal ore, and some superconducting material fragments of unknown composition. The value was immense, but the price was equally heavy.

"'keystone', perform a full analysis of the pursuer wreckage (if any was recovered), as well as all resources, environmental samples brought back by Alpha Squad, and especially the metal dome data transmitted by the SCV at the end." Han Zhe's voice echoed on the bridge, carrying a cold calm. "I want to know exactly what that 'planet' is, its weaknesses, its operating logic, and... whether it's possible for us to not just steal a bit of resources, but... take it over!"

Take it over? The officers on the bridge looked at each other, almost doubting they had heard correctly. That was an unknown entity with a volume comparable to a small planet, technology far exceeding their own, and which had just demonstrated powerful defensive and pursuit capabilities! Take it over? The idea was as crazy as trying to hunt a Star Whale with a harpoon!

"Deep mining of the 'explorer vii' unit database is complete." 'keystone's' response sounded timely, with a hint of something unusual. "Based on the metal dome material and energy pattern encoding characteristics transmitted by the SCV, cross-referenced with the environmental radiation background data brought back by Alpha Squad, the match rate has increased to 41%. It is confirmed as a suspected characteristic of a super engineering ship/mobile industrial base under the 'Lost Era-Autonomous Engineering' category, codenamed 'Ark Forge' or 'World Ship Prototype'."

"Ark Forge? World Ship Prototype?" Han Zhe's pupils constricted slightly.

"Yes. Theoretical speculation: This is an ultimate engineering and survival platform built by some human branch or lost civilization of the Dark Technology Era, capable of self-replication, self-maintenance, and continuously collecting resources to grow itself during flight. It may have fallen into a dormant or low-power autonomous state due to some reason (war, disaster, technological loss of control). Its surface camouflage is both a protection and possibly some kind of 'test' or 'screening' mechanism. Our previous 'Shadow Miner' operation likely just triggered its shallow defense protocols, rather than alerting its core consciousness or true master."

"You mean it might not have a 'master', or the master is no longer there? It's just running according to preset programs?"

"There is a high probability. Its pursuit behavior pattern is fixed, showing no high-level tactical intelligence or adaptability beyond the preset range. The regularity of its 'Mass Field Harmonics' also supports the hypothesis of highly programmed operation."

An out-of-control or sleeping, masterless, super engineering ship/mobile base of extremely high technological level? The thought made Han Zhe's heart pound. The danger remained, but if... if they could find a way to access its core protocols and gain control, even just partial control... "Analyze possible access points for its core control protocols. Based on the 'explorer vii' database and our existing 'Information Turbulence' and 'Concept Stabilization' technologies, look for theoretically possible backdoors, maintenance interfaces, or protocol vulnerabilities." Han Zhe's voice carried a hint of irrepressible excitement and determination. "At the same time, conduct a full analysis of the resources we brought back, especially those crystals and superconducting materials, to see if they can be used to rapidly manufacture some kind of... 'forced access' or 'protocol override' device."

"This will take time, and... a large number of specific-frequency high-intensity information turbulence crystal arrays that we currently do not possess," 'keystone' reminded. "And the risk is extremely high. Any forced access attempt could trigger more severe autonomous defenses or even lead to the target's self-destruction."

"So we need to be better prepared." Han Zhe stood up, his gaze sweeping across the bridge. "'hive-ii' upgrades prioritize the completion of 'nirvana' medical pods and the 'Origin Cycle Life Support Network' network to ensure we can handle potential high-intensity confrontation or pollution. 'Taotie-II' run at full capacity, convert all available materials we have, especially the chaos larva ship wreckage, to produce 'primal energy units' and as many high-purity information turbulence crystals and their variants as possible."

"'explorer vii' units, focus on studying 'Environmentally Adaptive Shell' and 'Precision Molecular Sieving' templates. We need to manufacture equipment that can more effectively penetrate its camouflage field or interfere with its internal sensors."

"The 'dream weaver' project... adjust direction. Temporarily shelve FTL flight applications and concentrate on studying another use for 'Concept Stabilization Bubbles': can we create a local, powerful 'Concept Stabilization/Information Turbulence Field' to temporarily suppress or isolate the control protocols of a specific area of 'Phantom-I'?"

"Also, redesign the 'Hound' and SCV units. We need more stealthy, more penetrative reconnaissance/engineering units, even capable of preliminary electronic warfare or protocol cracking. Codenames: 'Specter' and 'Worker Ant'."

A series of commands outlined a massive, risky, but clearly targeted plan: no longer petty theft, but an attempt to capture this sleeping behemoth of the stars!

In the days that followed, the 'dawn' entered an unprecedented state of high-speed operation. Resources were frantically poured into various projects; the ship was brightly lit, and the noise of various experiments and construction was constant. Alpha Squad recovered quickly under the deep treatment of the 'nirvana' pods and immediately threw themselves into high-intensity training for new equipment and tactics.

Based on the new resources and templates, the 'Specter' stealth reconnaissance platform (equipped with an enhanced 'Environmentally Adaptive Shell' and targeted information turbulence emitters) and the 'Worker Ant' infiltration engineering unit (capable of fine cutting, temporary interface welding, and basic protocol injection) were designed and began small-batch production.

Research into the weaponized application of the 'Concept Stabilization Bubble' had made a breakthrough. Although it was not yet possible to generate a large-scale stabilization field encompassing an entire ship, small, high-intensity 'Concept Interference Warheads' could now be manufactured. Theoretically, these could temporarily disrupt or override specific information protocols within a certain range.

Most crucially, through continuous and increasingly cautious long-distance observation of 'Phantom-I' (utilizing upgraded 'Diting' nodes and 'Specter' platforms for close-range reconnaissance), combined with deep analysis of the 'explorer vii' database, 'keystone' and the k-73 relic jointly deduced a possibility: the core, most stable frequency of that 'planet’s' 'Mass Field Harmonics' might be both its power source and the synchronization clock signal for its core control protocols. If a more powerful, specifically modulated 'Concept Stabilization Field' of the same frequency could be accurately simulated and reverse-injected, it might create a brief 'logic conflict' or 'priority override' window at the protocol level.

This window would be their opportunity to force an access!

To achieve this, the powerful 'Concept Stabilization Field' generator would need to be delivered to a location sufficiently close to the core area of 'Phantom-I' (likely a specific geological or structural node near its north or south pole) and activated during that window.

This meant a raid bolder, deeper, and riskier than 'Shadow Miner'—not to steal resources, but to plant a 'Trojan Horse'.

"Operation Code: 'Troy'," Han Zhe announced at the final mission briefing, facing the solemn members of Alpha Squad (now expanded to six, with the addition of Recruits 05 and 06, who had completed 'Pristine Embryo' protocol modulation with the support of 'hive-ii') and the core technical team. "Target: Transport and plant the 'Concept Stabilization Field' generator (code-named 'Resonator') in the north polar region of 'Phantom-I'. The coordinates are marked. Estimated access window: 127 seconds after its next major energy cycle switch, lasting approximately 3.5 seconds."

"The operation consists of three steps: 1. Under the cover of 'Specter' platforms, 'Stalker-II' (a newly built craft with enhanced stealth and penetration capabilities) will carry the 'Resonator' and Alpha Squad, utilizing the periodic decay window of the camouflage field to force entry into the atmosphere and land at a backup assembly point. 2. Alpha Squad will escort 'Worker Ant' units across the hazardous surface to the target point to complete the deployment and physical connection of the 'Resonator'. 3. The 'Resonator' will activate and attempt access; meanwhile, dawn will provide external interference and support."

"Risk level: Maximum. A mistake at any step could lead to total Annihilation and completely enrage the target. But we have no choice. Either we control it and gain a leap in power, or we secure the ability to protect ourselves or evacuate before it fully awakens or attracts other factions."

Silence. Then, a unified response: "Understood!"

Preparation time was compressed to the limit. The newly built 'Stalker-II' assault craft resembled a sharp drill bit, its exterior covered in a stealth coating optimized with new superconducting materials. The 'Resonator' was a three-meter-tall complex polyhedron, internally housing the most powerful and pure information turbulence crystal array dawn could currently produce, along with partial 'Concept Anchoring' algorithms extracted from the K-73 framework.

Operation Day.

dawn lurked in the deep darkness like a fully drawn bow. Surrounded by several 'Specter' platforms, 'Stalker-II' shot out silently like an arrow blending into the night.

Thanks to more precise calculations and advanced stealth technology, they successfully caught the decay window of the camouflage field, making the atmospheric entry tense but successful. They landed at the designated assembly point—a black basalt plain with abnormally chaotic energy backgrounds located at the edge of a massive ice sheet.

The subsequent ground march was the true test. They needed to travel nearly fifty kilometers across complex terrain on foot (aided by armor thrusters), avoiding the occasional blue light spots patrolling the sky (autonomous defense drones) and the automated mechanical arms rising from cracks in the ground to perform maintenance tasks.

Alpha Squad demonstrated incredible stealth and adaptability, using the terrain and visual camouflage temporarily created by the 'Worker Ant' units to narrowly avoid patrols time and again. However, as they neared the target area, the defenses became noticeably denser and more intelligent. They were forced to engage in several small-scale, rapid electronic warfare disruptions (with remote support from 'Specter' platforms) and physical eliminations (using specialized railgun rifles fitted with silencers) to continue their advance.

Finally, they reached the target point—a seemingly natural deep pit located at the junction of the ice sheet and the rock layer. At the bottom of the pit, however, was a metallic platform about ten meters in diameter emitting a faint blue light, with a standard, multi-pin giant interface at its center.

This was it!

The 'Worker Ant' units rushed forward, beginning to clear ice and dust from the interface and establish a physical connection. The 'Resonator' was carefully placed at the edge of the platform and connected to the reinforced data cables carried by the 'Worker Ants'.

[Time to window: 180 seconds...]

Everyone's nerves were strained to the limit. Alpha Squad fanned out around the platform, alert for any movement.

[90 seconds...]

"Connection confirmed! 'Resonator' online! Protocol injection program ready!" the technical officer's voice rang out over the encrypted channel.

[30 seconds... 10 seconds...]

Just then, a sudden change occurred! The entire platform jolted violently! Dense, vessel-like blue energy patterns lit up on the ice and rock walls surrounding the pit! A piercing, unnatural alarm (acting directly on armor sensors) suddenly blared! Dozens of turret-like structures previously hidden beneath the ice rose, their muzzles flashing with dangerous light as they all aimed at the center of the platform!

They had triggered a deeper defense protocol directly linked to the core area!

"Fire! Cover the 'Worker Ants' to complete the final injection!" Alpha-01 roared, his railgun rifle spitting fire first at the nearest turret.

An intense firefight erupted instantly! Energy beams and railgun slugs interlaced in the air as explosions lit up the area. Alpha Squad, relying on their superior equipment and well-trained coordination, barely held back the attacks from all sides, but their cmc armor was being marred by new scars, and shield energy was dropping rapidly.

The 'Worker Ant' units struggled to execute the final protocol injection program amidst the hail of bullets, their mechanical arms operating rapidly on the interface.

[Window reached! 'Resonator' activated!]

The three-meter-tall polyhedral 'Resonator' suddenly erupted with a blinding light of clashing milky white and deep blue! An invisible, powerful 'Concept Stabilization Field' boomed outward from it!

The surrounding blue energy patterns flickered violently like a faulty circuit! The movements of the automated turrets also suffered momentary stiffness and disorder!

[Protocol conflict detected! Attempting priority override... Resistance encountered... Injecting 'Pure Kindling' stabilization framework... ] keystone's voice echoed in everyone's channel, accompanied by a wash of massive data streams.

The entire planet of 'Phantom-I' seemed to tremble! Even dawn, far away in orbit, detected unprecedentedly violent turbulence in its Mass Field Harmonics!

The battle on the platform paused temporarily as everyone waited tensely for the result.

One second... two seconds... three seconds... The milky white light began to gradually suppress the deep blue, spreading along the energy patterns toward the depths of the planet!

[Override progress: 10%... 25%... 50%...]

[Warning! Deep autonomous protocol countermeasure detected! Activating 'Annihilation' protocol to clear external interference! Target area locked!]

The interface at the center of the platform suddenly erupted with destructive energy fluctuations! The entire metal platform began to glow and heat up, on the verge of self-destruction!

"Retreat! Retreat immediately!" Alpha-01 shouted, his eyes nearly bursting with desperation.

But at this critical moment, a new stream of information came from the k-73 relic—it seemed to have been activated by the protocol war triggered by the 'Resonator', and it proactively released a more complex, lower-level command code, injected directly into the 'Resonator' via dawn's relay!

[Secondary authority protocol for 'stasis prism' identified... Attempting to take over 'Annihilation' protocol... Overriding...]

The light of the platform about to self-destruct suddenly dimmed! The blue energy patterns receded like a tide, eventually replaced entirely by a milky white, more stable, and gentle light.

[Override complete. Control of surface and core industrial protocols for 'Ark Forge-Prototype' (Phantom-I) has been acquired. Deep navigation, weapons, and advanced replication protocols remain locked or damaged.]

[New unit added: Mobile Engineering Base 'Forge-I'. Status: Awakening from hibernation, obeying highest command authority (Currently bound: dawn Captain Han Zhe).]

Success!

The platform returned to tranquility; the automated turrets slowly lowered and hid themselves once more. The milky white light steadily enveloped the area, establishing a connection with some vast existence deep within the planet.

The members of Alpha Squad collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from their armor, but they were all alive. They looked at each other in disbelief.

On the distant bridge of dawn, there was first a deathly silence, followed by an explosion of long-suppressed, ecstatic roars! Han Zhe clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light.

They had done it. They had truly captured a—no, a whole—super engineering ship of the Lost Era!

"Salute to Alpha Squad. Medical team, prepare for highest-specification treatment," Han Zhe's voice was slightly hoarse but full of power. "Technical team, immediately begin establishing a stable data link with 'Forge-I'. Assess its current available functions, resource reserves, and the possibility of repairing deep protocols."

"From this day forward, dawn no longer sails alone."

"We possess a mobile, self-growing Fortress of the stars!"