61: Lost Era Engineering Ship

Theoretical deductions for the "dream weaver" project continued day and night within the supercomputing array. Mathematical models, like wildly growing vines, constantly sprouted new branches and challenges. Research into the stability of "dream-weaving dust" particles hit a stalemate; the strange metal still exhibited periodic decay tendencies even under magnetic field constraints. The research team was experimenting with various alloying and crystal encapsulation schemes. Resource production was steadily increasing with the support of the new STC Templates, but there was still a massive gap to support the full upgrade of "hive-ii" and any large new projects, such as building a new warship.

The dawn maintained its stealthy voyage, moving cautiously through interstellar dust and weak background radiation like a hagfish in the deep sea. Its route had significantly deviated from all known sensitive points (the Empire, Chaos Hatcheries, and Aeldari signal zones). After several weeks of this near-"hibernation" state, a passive listening node of the Truth Listener network, deployed at the outermost edge of a regular patrol sector, captured a set of extremely peculiar yet highly regular weak signals.

It wasn't electromagnetic waves, nor was it common gravitational ripples or Warp disturbances. It was more like... "mass-field harmonics."

"Report, Captain. The Truth Listener-18 node has detected abnormal gravitational fine-tuning phenomena. Source bearing: approximately 0.8 light-years off the starboard side of our current course, in a region previously labeled as a 'Void Zone' containing only extremely sparse interstellar medium. Signal characteristics: periodic, multi-frequency superimposed, non-natural subtle fluctuations in the gravitational field, as if... some massive man-made structure is continuously performing precise mass distribution adjustments or internal energy cycles." keystone's voice carried a highly anthropomorphic sense of confusion. "The signal strength is extremely weak. Had the Truth Listener node not just been upgraded with the high-sensitivity gravitational sensor array based on the new STC Template, it would have been impossible to discover."

"mass-field harmonics"? A man-made structure? In a "Void Zone"? Han Zhe immediately retrieved all historical scan data for that region; it was a complete blank. This signal seemed to have appeared out of thin air.

"hound-iv, proceed for reconnaissance equipped with the upgraded full-spectrum sensors. Maintain maximum distance, maintain absolute silence, and only perform passive recording." Han Zhe ordered, a faint alarm ringing in his heart. The unknown often meant danger, but it could also be an opportunity—especially a signal with such obvious technological traces.

The dawn itself further reduced its speed, merging into the background like a reef, waiting for the information transmitted back by hound-iv.

After several days of waiting, the data sent back by hound-iv plunged the bridge into even deeper astonishment.

That "Void Zone" was not empty. At its core lay a hidden planet—a planet that had never been discovered in any previous scans!

No, more accurately, it wasn't completely "invisible." Its surface was covered by an extremely special layer of substance or a field capable of absorbing and distorting almost all known bands of electromagnetic radiation and conventional spatial detection methods. Only at specific angles, and by using ultra-high-precision gravitational field analysis technology, could one detect the subtle space-time curvature anomalies caused by its presence, as well as the continuous, subtle "mass-field harmonics" within it—harmonics that seemed to be a "byproduct" or the "breathing" of some massive internal system in operation.

Even more shocking was that hound-iv's passive spectral analysis (capturing the afterglow leaked from a very few unshielded "gaps" on the planet after countless scatterings) showed a large number of non-natural geometric structural outlines on the surface, as well as... active energy reactions and heat signals suspected to be industrial activity.

An unknown planet, highly concealed and showing clear traces of technological activity!

"No identification features of the Empire, Chaos, Aeldari, Tau, or any other known factions. The technological path cannot be immediately matched," keystone analyzed. "The planetary cloaking technology far exceeds our current level. The scale of its internal activity... based on calculations from leaked energy and heat signals, is quite massive."

Was it the descendant of some lost civilization? A secretly developing xenos race? Or... some completely unknown cosmic phenomenon or entity?

Han Zhe stared at the outline of the planet wrapped in heavy camouflage on the screen, his mind locked in a fierce internal struggle. Direct contact? The risk was enormous; the other party's technology was clearly superior, and their intentions were unknown. Give up? An unknown world right at his doorstep that might contain advanced technology, resources, or even just vital security intelligence was equally tempting.

"Continue long-range observation, collect all possible leaked signals, and analyze their technical characteristics and activity patterns. Simultaneously, measure the detailed frequencies and modes of its 'mass-field harmonics' to attempt a reverse derivation of its possible internal mass distribution or energy cycle structure," Han Zhe chose the most cautious plan. "Additionally, task the explorer vii unit to use its 'Deep Geological Scanning and Resource Analysis' function, combined with the limited spectral data we've collected, to perform theoretical modeling of the planet's possible resource composition."

The observation lasted for several days. They discovered that this planet (temporarily designated "Phantom-I") had "breathing" with a precise period, and the energy activities in certain areas of its surface also had regular fluctuations, as if following some schedule or production cycle. What tempted Han Zhe the most was that explorer vii's theoretical modeling showed that the shallow crust of Phantom-I might be rich in various rare metals and high-energy crystal veins, and even contained theoretical superconducting materials and Element Zero isotope enrichment zones—all of which were strategic resources desperately needed for the hive-ii upgrade, the dream weaver prototype, tranquility module improvements, and the future construction of any large-scale equipment!

The scales of risk and opportunity swayed violently in Han Zhe's heart. Ultimately, the urgent need for resources and the desire to enhance his own strength outweighed the fear of the unknown.

"keystone, formulate a high-risk 'Mole' plan." Han Zhe's voice echoed in the silent bridge. "Objective: Secretly land on the surface of Phantom-I to establish hidden outposts and automated mining facilities to extract resources without alerting the main faction (if one exists)."

"The core difficulties of the plan: how to penetrate its camouflage layer and land safely; how to establish hidden facilities that won't be detected; and how to safely transport the extracted resources out," keystone calmly listed the problems.

"Utilize its 'mass-field harmonics'." A flash of determination crossed Han Zhe's eyes. "Analyze its harmonic patterns to find possible periodic 'weak points' or 'resonance windows'—perhaps at the moment its internal system performs specific mass transfers or energy cycle switches, its global camouflage field will experience extremely brief, localized attenuation or interference. Our landing pods (or miniaturized Assault Craft) need to be precisely calculated to cut in during that window at a specific trajectory and frequency, mimicking a 'natural meteorite' captured by its gravity."

"This requires extremely precise calculations and timing; the margin for error is incredibly low."

"That is why it is 'high-risk'. Meanwhile, the landing units must be minimized, carrying only the most essential engineering SCVs, modular resource collection and preliminary processing units (based on the new STC Templates), and basic concealment facilities (also based on the new template's 'Environmentally Adaptive Shell'). Communications will remain silent, using preset, extremely low-power timed data packets transmitted back through possible 'gaps' in the camouflage field."

"After landing, immediately find areas with complex geological structures and chaotic energy backgrounds to establish a base, using the 'Environmentally Adaptive Shell' and local materials for camouflage. Mining operations will be kept to a minimum, prioritizing the most urgent and high-value resources."

"Furthermore... prepare a self-destruct protocol. If exposed or unable to evacuate, immediately destroy all technical traces and equipment cores."

"Plan generating... codename: 'Shadow Miner'. It is estimated that we will need to draw core members from Alpha Squad (who have completed their first deep purification treatment and are recovering well) to form the landing team, and occupy most of the new SCVs and modular construction units. The dawn must remain at a safe distance and maintain absolute silence, acting as a relay and support."

"Approved. Begin preparations for the 'Shadow Miner' operational plan immediately. Alpha-01, report to me."

A week later, after countless simulated deductions and brief but high-intensity targeted training sessions—including operating new engineering equipment in simulated high-interference environments—the three members of Alpha Squad (01, 02, and 04) along with six of the latest model 'Mole' multi-functional engineering SCVs based on the new STC Template, quietly detached from the dawn inside a specially modified stalker Assault Craft covered in simulated Stardust Rock Coating.

The dawn, meanwhile, shut down all potentially exposing radiation sources, floating in the dark void several astronomical units away from Phantom-I like a real space rock, with only the 'Truth Listener' network and 'Hound' platforms monitoring every 'breathing' rhythm of the target planet at full capacity.

Inside the stalker Assault Craft, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron. Alpha-01's neural interface was directly linked to the ship's control system, a waterfall of real-time data streaming before his eyes: the Phantom-I camouflage field model, real-time mass field harmonic frequencies, the calculated countdown for the insertion window, and terrain simulations of the preset landing zone... [Harmonic frequencies entering the designated interval... Window countdown: 180 seconds...]

The Assault Craft's thrusters performed final attitude adjustments at minimum power, the hull vibrating slightly.

[120 seconds...]

Alpha-02 and 04 performed a final check on the SCV securing status and the startup protocols for the engineering units.

[60 seconds...]

The stalker began to glide along the calculated gravitational slingshot trajectory, its speed slowly increasing like a truly captured rogue celestial body.

[30 seconds... 10 seconds... 3, 2, 1—Insertion!]

At the exact moment one of Phantom-I's large internal energy cycles switched, a nearly imperceptible 'ripple' appeared in the global camouflage field at a specific frequency. The special coating on the exterior of the stalker Assault Craft worked in tandem with the preset electromagnetic frequency generator, perfectly simulating the scattering signals that natural matter should produce when passing through a weak interference field. Like a ghost, it slipped silently into Phantom-I's thin atmosphere—the existence of which had not been fully confirmed before.

The violent friction and vibration were absorbed by the craft's excellent vibration isolation system and the team's cmc armor. External sensors captured the hazy ground flashing by below, distorted by the strange camouflage field—the outlines of massive man-made structures, the glow of flowing energy conduits, and regularly moving points of light (likely vehicles or automated machinery) were faintly visible, but every detail was blurred as if seen through frosted glass.

Strictly following the preset program, the Assault Craft descended toward a calculated rugged mountain region far from obvious man-made structures. Finally, with a dull impact and a cloud of dust kicked up with a strange metallic sheen, the stalker successfully crash-landed on the edge of a deep canyon fissure, surrounded by jagged, compositionally complex black rocks.

"Landing confirmed. External environment scan... Camouflage field effect still exists, but surface intensity has decreased by approximately 60%. Detected high concentrations of rare metals and crystal vein signals, largely consistent with explorer vii's predictions. No immediate hostile reactions or close-range surveillance signals detected," Alpha-01 reported quickly, simultaneously initiating the SCV deployment sequence.

The six 'Mole' SCVs burrowed out of the Assault Craft like real Moles and immediately set to work. Using low-noise vibration drills and molecular cutters, they carved hidden entrances and internal spaces into the canyon walls. Modular resource collection units (automated drills, crushers, and primary screeners) were quickly assembled and connected to the newly opened mine shafts. The 'Environmentally Adaptive Shell' generators based on the new STC Template began to operate, forming a camouflage layer at the mine entrance and over major facilities that was almost identical to the surrounding rocks in terms of spectrum, texture, and even faint energy radiation.

"Mining operations initiated. Priority targets: Zero-Element Isotopes, high-purity information turbulence crystal ore, and superconductor-enriched veins," Alpha-02 directed the engineering efforts.

Resources began to be quietly siphoned from beneath the 'skin' of this mysterious planet like a trickling stream, sent into preliminary processing units to become neat, high-purity ingots or crystal clusters. Data was transmitted back to the distant dawn via preset, extremely brief timed directional signal pulses through the even weaker 'gaps' that occasionally appeared in the camouflage field.

The plan seemed to be a success. They were like a group of literal underground miners, stealthily digging for treasure at the feet of a sleeping giant.

However, just as the 'Shadow Miner' operation reached its seventh planetary day of smooth operation, a sudden change occurred.

One 'Mole' SCV conducting exploration at a distance drilled through an unusually hard rock layer. The final image transmitted by its sensors showed that beneath the rock was not more ore, but a smooth metallic dome surface with obvious signs of artificial assembly, upon which flowed ghostly blue energy patterns of the same origin as the giant structures on the surface of Phantom-I! Immediately afterward, the SCV's signal was cut off, as if it had been instantly swallowed or shielded by something.

Almost simultaneously, the camouflage field across the entire canyon region underwent a violent disturbance! An unprecedented, sharp, alarm-like 'mass field harmonic' suddenly rang out from deep within the planet! On the distant horizon, several previously blurred outlines of man-made structures lit up with conspicuous, fast-moving red points of light, racing toward the canyon!

They had been discovered! Not through surface activity, but by accidentally touching the deeper facility structures buried underground!

"'Shadow Miner' base! Execute evacuation protocols immediately! Destroy all core equipment and data! Carry the highest-value resources already mined and return to the Assault Craft!" Han Zhe's order arrived instantly through the emergency channel, carrying an unquestionable urgency.

At the bottom of the canyon, the stalker Assault Craft's engines began to preheat. The Alpha Squad members rushed into the craft at top speed as the SCVs began executing self-destruct sequences, their key modular units turning into unidentifiable fragments in the explosions. They only had time to take less than half of the processed precious resources.

Just as the stalker Assault Craft burst out of the canyon and gained altitude, attempting to reach the designated escape window, several thin but extremely brilliant blue energy beams shot from the distant approaching points of light, grazing the hull and leaving scorching trails in the air disturbed by the camouflage field!

The pursuit had begun!

"Evasive maneuvers! Full power climb! Calculate a new escape window! dawn, prepare for rendezvous!" Alpha-01 roared, piloting the Assault Craft through harrowing maneuvers.

On the bridge of the distant dawn, Han Zhe stared at the points of light on the screen representing the fleeing stalker and the enemies in hot pursuit, his gaze cold. His eyes, however, were involuntarily drawn to the holographic model of Phantom-I and the emergency analysis report next to it, which keystone had just generated based on the metallic dome images sent back by the SCV.

The composition of that metal, the encoding method of the energy patterns... it shared a faint but undeniable similarity with an extremely ancient fragment file in the explorer vii STC unit database labeled 'Lost Era - Autonomous Engineering'.

This planet might be more than just a hiding place for an unknown civilization.

It might itself be a weapon. A sleeping, autonomous, accidentally awakened... Lost Era engineering battleship.

And they had just pried a scale off of it.