Until October 15, the Commonwealth Guard's search for the missing Thirteenth Fleet and the scientific expedition had not yielded the slightest eyebrow. (Read in full text, all in ωωω.1(6)κxS.Сom(1(6).文.学网) The rescue team simply did not know where as many as 1,000 warships and supply ships had disappeared.

Around the planet Yi, which is more than 100 light-years wide, countless reconnaissance ships, notification ships, rescue ships, battleships, and cruisers searched non-stop, but in the end they found nothing

At the same time, a new landing operation against the interstellar planet "Yi" soon began, and under the leadership of Zhu Hansong, an academician of the Interstellar Federal Academy of Sciences, Chen Weiyin, his mentor Ulf Bernstein and other scientists returned to the "free beach". The new landing capsule landed in the center of the Interstellar Marine Corps' circular position to start a new job.

Due to the attack of the four-legged monster that could 'shoot' high-energy particle beams last time, this time the scientific expedition team did not dare to rashly step out of the ring defense position of the interstellar marines. But with the arrival of the scientific expedition team, the Yixing monster that had disappeared for several days also reappeared. Satellites in space and observation systems on the ground continue to detect the presence of organisms on the ground.

"Judging from their distribution, 90 percent of the infrared radiation 'radiation' is concentrated in the basin area more than 20 kilometers to the east." Zhu Hansong, who was standing in front of the stereoscopic imaging, introduced to the team members, "According to Professor Bernstein's last report, it is very likely that the topography of this planet is not naturally formed. And below the average altitude of 100 meters, there is a layer of 'strange substance' up to 50 kilometers thick. Most of the unidentified creatures we encountered in the past, including 'Particle River Crabs', have appeared in this basin. Based on these factors, I agree with Professor Bernstein's assumption. I would like to invite Academician Ulf Bernstein to give us a brief overview of his research results. ”

After the polite applause, Bernstein walked up to the stereoscopic projection that had transformed the corresponding image and said: "I can't talk about the results of the research, but I have just combined some peculiar factors about the 'easy' planet and made the following assumptions. ”

He then pointed to the cross-section of the "easy" planet that had already been visualized and said, "First of all, I think the 'strange matter' layer is hollow. Artificial seismic measurements in May and June showed that this layer of 'exotic material' was 50 kilometres thick and very homogeneous. Here, I must emphasize to you that the longitudinal and transverse waves produced by earthquakes cannot be transmitted through this layer of matter. We can only infer the situation of this 'strange matter' layer by the transport of seismic 'waves' to other matter. ”

"Judging by the distribution of the entire planet, the 'Strange Matter' layer resembles a ring, or more like a barrel without a baseplate, that wraps around the planet. The terrain above this layer of matter, including many of the features that look like volcanoes and rifts, is not directly related to the interior of the planets beneath the 'strange matter' layer. And our man-made earthquakes have not been able to find large-scale 'holes' and 'holes' in these mountains and on the ground. That is, there is not enough space on the ground to accommodate the monsters that once appeared in front of us. Then the only place that can hide a huge number of creatures is the 'Strange Matter' layer. So, my second idea is that the 'Strange Matter' layer contains another world, a world where we can see living and developing. ”

"There must be an entrance and exit to the outside world. Judging from the past series of Yixing monster infestations, the basin area more than 20 kilometers to the east should be an important entrance. Therefore, I personally believe that it is necessary for us to continue to explore the basin area to the east. Although we can't know for sure, it is possible that we can find an entrance and exit into the 'Strange Matter' level. Of course, I must remind you that what I am saying is still my own imagination. ”

In response to Bernstein's suggestion, Marine Corps Commander Captain Alfonso Ovid warned: "It would be dangerous to continue to explore the hilly and mountainous areas around the eastern basin. In the past battles, my men lost half of them and barely managed to hold the 'Freedom Beachhead'. And this is again with the presence of battleships in space for fire support. I have a heavy responsibility for your safety, and I think we will be under a powerful attack when we step out of the Freedom Beachhead. So, I advise you to stay here as much as possible. ”

"Captain, did you notice that the two battles with those creatures were all of us humans opening fire?" Chen Weiyin reminded loudly.

"I've noticed it a long time ago, Dr. Chen." Ovid replied, "But I don't think it was the enemy who opened fire before they caused their massive siege. On the contrary, I think that they were ready to attack us in the first place, but our actions gave them a better excuse. ”

"That's right." Zhu Hansong agreed, "All living things, including humans, will respond to external threats. Our arrival must be seen as a threat by these Planetary creatures, and they will be attacked. We must not retreat in the face of difficulties, and we must persist in the exploration of science. Regardless of what these creatures were going to think of us, I decided that we were going to head out into the basin to the east and 'figure out' if the situation was as we had envisioned. ”

"Academician Zhu, your decision makes me feel very embarrassed." Captain Ovid did not hide his emotions in the slightest.

At this time, Chen Weiyin made a loud suggestion: "How about we try not to bring weapons, try not to use armed escorts from the Marine Corps?" ”

"That's definitely more dangerous." Ovid said in surprise.

"I encountered them with Professor Bernstein in June, and we were not actively attacked." "I don't think they will see us as enemies as long as we are not hostile. ”

"That's not a good reason." Ovid said contemptuously.

"Let me try, without weapons, without protection from the Marines." Chen Weiyin asked, "Maybe we can still establish communication with them." ”

"It's naïve." Zhu Hansong shook his head and said, "I will not agree to this kind of request." ”

"How can we make a breakthrough if we don't try?" Chen Weiyin confidently asked rhetorically, "Do you want to start a war with these creatures again?" ”

"In fact, these Yixing monsters don't intend to communicate with us." Zhu Hansong replied, "It's not been a day or two since we humans came to this planet, and they didn't release any goodwill, but launched an attack on us. So, it seems to me that even if we abandon the armed escorts, they will still attack us. ”

"Since they have a high degree of intelligence, they must be able to understand the ways of peaceful engagement." Chen Weiyin insisted on his own point of view.

"The dissection of the 'Particle River Crabs' suggests that they are a race with great war capabilities, and that peace may not exist in their consciousness." "Even if there were, we can't be sure that they don't threaten humanity." ”

"We're here to find scientific truths, to understand them. Not to come to war with them. ”

"Dr. Chen, do you think a few zoologists can catch a lion with their bare hands?" Zhu Hansong asked rhetorically, "In order to understand the physiological structure of lions, human beings do not have to use various anesthetic tools to anesthetize human lions first, and then they can conduct various studies. We are now facing a group of creatures that are much more powerful than lions, and need more protection from strong force. ”

Chen Weiyin never refuted again, she could understand the psychology of Zhu Hansong's people. They despise these creatures, who have shown to be highly intelligent, and place them in a lower position with the usual pride of human beings, rather than treating them as equals.

Plans to leave the "Freedom Beachhead" for exploration in the East were put on hold due to the opposition of Commander Ovid. But Chen Weiyin decided to go it alone.

"Chen, you can't do that." Ulf Bernstein tried to dissuade his students from "being too dangerous without a Marine escort." ”

"I've got to give it a try." Chen Weiyin said resolutely, "I trust my judgment, as long as I am not hostile, I will be able to establish peace with them." ”

"Academician Zhu Hansong won't agree, and the Interstellar Marines won't let you cross the defensive line."

"I'll sneak out, they won't know." Chen Weiyin said as she packed up her things and prepared to act alone.

Bernstein was silent for a moment, and said, "I'll go with you too." ”

Chen Weiyin was stunned for a moment, looked at his teacher, and said, "I'm glad you can support me, but let me go alone." I don't want anything to happen to you, especially since I misjudged me. ”

"What the members of the Federal Academy of Sciences dare not try, the members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences will act without fear." Bernstein looked resolute, "I can't let my students take on the dangers of scientific exploration alone. ”

"You have to take me with you if you want to go."

The two men also did not know when Mrs. Frobel had arrived. I saw her continue: "I also have the same idea as you, why don't we conduct a purely scientific expedition without the interference of the army? ”

"But, Mrs. Frobel, this operation is too risky......"

Mia Frobel interrupted Chen Weiyin's words and said, "You don't need to say more, I have already made up my mind. Besides, with someone like me who specializes in extraterrestrial biology, it will definitely go a lot smoother. ”

Chen Weiyin hesitated for a while, but had to agree to the three of them to act together.

It is not easy to leave the "beach of freedom" without knowing it. In addition to a well-developed surveillance system, each power armor sends a dedicated radio signal so that the Marine Corps knows the exact location of the scientist at any time.

Before equipping the power armor, Chen Weiyin destroyed the signal generator on the power armor worn by the trio, but it was difficult to escape the surveillance system and leave the "free beachhead". When they open the airtight 'door' of the landing module that serves as a temporary base, the command center will know, and then they will have to pass through the Marine line and will be spotted by surveillance instruments and patrolling Marine officers and soldiers.

"From the west, there's a blind spot for the surveillance system." "I've observed," Frobel suggested, "that there will be a five-minute gap after the patrol passes, which is enough for us to leave." ”

"But once we open the airtight 'door', we will be exposed." Bernstein said nervously.

Frobel, however, announced his plan to his companions: "I'm going to create a power outage and make the surveillance system temporarily disabled." You manually open the airtight 'door' and head towards the line of defense due west. Having seen the position of two self-propelled rocket launchers, enter the trench and walk about fifty meters to the north. When the patrol has passed, you will climb out of the trench and go west, and you will be able to leave the 'Liberty Beach'. ”

"How can you create a power outage?" Chen Weiyin asked with concern.

"I have my own way." "After you leave," said Frobel, "go around fifteen kilometers to the north, where we will rendezvous." If it goes well, we'll be able to meet at around twenty o'clock. If I haven't arrived after blackjack, don't wait for me any longer and act on your own. I wish us success! ”

Mia Frobel finished and left.

"Mia is confident, as if she can be as free as a federal scientist here." Chen Weiyin said with some puzzlement.

"You don't know, Zhu Hansong is courting Madame Frobel." Bernstein whispered, "She also accepted Zhu Hansong." Therefore, many federal soldiers seem to be unwary of her. ”

"How could she accept a man from an enemy country?" Chen Weiyin was a little indignant.

"There is no reason for a young widow to refuse the courtship of a merry man." Bernstein, however, said calmly and in an understanding tone, "Besides, it's good for her and good for us." ”

"I hate people like Zhu Hansong." Chen Weiyin said in disgust.

"Me too." Bernstein replied with empathy, "He is a hegemonic scientist with no objective and impartial thoughts. But he still respects us, at least very well to Madame Frobel. ”

"Leave these guys alone. Let's hurry up and put on the power armor. Chen Weiyin urged Bernstein, who was a little sluggish.

Then, everything went smoothly according to Mrs. Mia Frobel's plan. Chen Weiyin and Bernstein quietly walked out of the landing capsule in the chaos of the power outage, crossed the defense line of the Wehrmacht Interstellar Marine Corps, left the "Freedom Beachhead", arrived at the junction site, and met Frobel, who had arrived in a hurry, as scheduled. With the help of the powerful power of the power armor, the three of them rushed to the basin area in the east and west at high speed.

Along the way, they didn't see anything, even in the rugged hills and mountains, and they didn't encounter the expected Yixing monsters. This allows them to enter the basin without any problems.

The so-called basin is more like the interior of a crater. It has a diameter of more than 100 kilometers, and its average height is only about 5 meters above the average altitude and more than 100 meters lower than the "free beachhead".

Past global 'sex' man-made seismic surveys have shown that the terrain in this basin is very gentle. But now, what appears to the display system of the human power armor is a mist of gas filled with hot gas. The thermal imaging system and low-light sensing instruments were severely disrupted, and the three human scientists could only turn on the searchlights on their bodies, coupled with the guidance of terrain radar, and 'groped' their way forward.

Everywhere the lights shine, it's white, and visibility is quite low. Bernstein asked, "I remember that seismic probes showed that this was not a crater." ”

"We all know that the volcanoes above the 'strange matter' layer are fake." Chen Weiyin said.

"It's smoke, it seems to be interfering with our communications with satellites." Frobel said nervously, "The satellite positioning system has lost its signal. ”

"Mrs. Frobel, have you always had the satellite positioning system on?" Chen Weiyin exclaimed in shock.

Power Armor's satellite positioning system will give feedback to the satellites, and if the satellite positioning system is always on, it means that their whereabouts are completely under the surveillance of the Federal Army.

"I just opened it and wanted to see where our 'fine' is." Frobel said.

"Shut that thing up, and don't let our whereabouts be revealed." Chen Weiyin begged.

"Okay." Frobel replied, but she didn't turn off the satellite positioning system of her power armor.

Neither Chen Weiyin nor Bernstein knew that more than 20 kilometers away, in the landing module on the heavily defended "Freedom Beachhead," Zhu Hansong and the guards in charge of the Marine Corps were watching the movements of the three people on the stereoscopic image. At the same time, from the infrared radiation detected by satellites, a large number of Yixing organisms are converging in the basin.

Regarding the actions of Yixing Creatures, Zhu Hansong analyzed: "Obviously, these monsters have a very effective reconnaissance system and a unified command system. ”

"Could that basin be their nest?" Ovid asked.

"I can't be sure yet. But they didn't immediately attack Bernstein, and it seems that Dr. Chen Weiyin's speculation was correct. Zhu Hansong said, "Captain, let the Marines be ready to go out at any time." ”

With the help of the intense visible light 'shiray' from the light and the real-time topographic map within tens of meters fed back by the terrain radar, the three people slowly moved towards the center of the basin.

Soon, Bernstein discovered that the smoke contained a lot of water vapor. Sensors in the power armor indicate that the water vapor content in the basin is much higher than the average for the atmosphere. In fact, they are in the midst of steaming water.

"That's great news!" "Maybe there's a big pool of liquid water in the middle of the basin," Frobel exclaimed happily. ”

"The fog is recent." "At 18 o'clock, I checked the satellite images at the 'Freedom Beachhead' and found no of the fog. ”

"It's kind of like a crater with hot gas." Bernstein said.

As they moved deeper into the basin, they found that the concentration of water vapor was getting higher and higher. But in the fog, as far as terrain radar and visible light could reach, they found nothing.

It wasn't until they walked about ten kilometers from the center of the basin that they finally discovered that the water vapor was coming from the small, dense ditches in the ground. This phenomenon indicates that there is a lot of hot water underground. But before they had time to rejoice, they found that dozens of "particle river crabs" suddenly appeared around!

They raise their heads and aim their black holes, particles, and muzzles at unarmed human scientists.