“Brain Bug No. 1, how do you think we should handle these guys going forward?”
Xia Jin also lacked understanding of the target civilization. Among interstellar civilizations, there were plenty that appeared weak on the surface but actually possessed highly advanced technology. Therefore, it was unreasonable to judge their overall strength based on a single vessel.
Moreover, curvature engines were tools used by various civilizations; just because someone was holding a knife didn't mean they were only capable of making knives. Making such a definitive judgment would be highly illogical.
“We currently lack the ability to clearly determine the target's level of technology. Perhaps we can lead them in the wrong direction,” Brain Bug No. 1 replied.
Xia Jin understood its intent.
“Fine, then. We'll perform a temporary modification of our current star system and let them mistakenly believe it's our home system.”
Having made her decision, Xia Jin immediately sent a reply to the target ship.
“If you come in peace, we invite you to our space base.”
Once the reply was sent, the three-legged creatures on the other side grew excited.
However, after the initial joy, some crew members quickly regained their composure.
“Are we really going to their base? This might not be safe.”
“You're right. That's an alien civilization. Even we Dulu fight amongst ourselves, let alone contacting another civilization. Don't forget the interstellar war from hundreds of years ago. The only other space civilization we encountered resulted in almost no communication before war broke out.”
The Dulu people longed to communicate with other civilizations, yet they were also terrified.
But the thirst for the unknown and the yearning for the universe would never vanish.
The Zerg were the first civilization to ever reply to their signal.
“Don't be afraid; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we truly achieve a harmonious and friendly relationship with aliens, we will go down in history,” the captain said, feeling inspired.
“We've already gone down in history. If we report back now, the history books will likely mention our fleet discovering an alien civilization,” a crew member replied.
“You're right, but that's not enough. Our population has exploded, and we lack habitable planets. The vastness of the universe makes every step forward incredibly difficult. If the other party is a more advanced civilization, perhaps we can learn from them. Even if we fail... there's no need to fear. They don't know where our home system is, as long as we don't lead them back to it.”
After a brief discussion, the captain sent another communication signal toward the Zerg.
“They agreed.” Seeing this, Xia Jin didn't overthink it and sent a direct reply: “Follow us.”
The Small Leviathan reignited its engines.
Curvature flight was engaged.
The Dulu ship followed suit.
Soon, the vessels arrived above a cold asteroid.
At this point, the distance between the two parties closed.
Looking through the transparent windows of their ship at the eerie Small Leviathan flying just a few kilometers away, everyone present felt their skin crawl.
“Is that a devil's ship?”
“That's a living organism, isn't it? Why would they make their ship look like that?”
“How terrifying.”
They suddenly felt as if they had entered a world that was severely draining their sanity.
Flesh and shell emitted a faint fluorescence under the impact of stellar radiation.
The surface of the Small Leviathan was covered in bizarre appendages, like a giant version of an insect, composed entirely of biomass.
“I think our understanding of life is about to be rewritten. This is a civilization beyond our comprehension, and I fear the differences between us are immense,” the captain remarked.
“If the differences are that great, wouldn't that make contact between us extremely difficult?”
“Perhaps. We might not be able to understand their way of thinking, but since they replied and invited us over... I think, at least in terms of probability, the possibility of peaceful communication still exists.”
The Hive Carrier began its descent onto the planet.
“Crew members who have taken the genetic modification serum, put on your protective suits and prepare to land.”
Cold temperatures were safer than high ones.
The temperature on this planet was relatively manageable, with an average of minus 50 degrees Celsius. The landing zone was around minus 20 degrees, making it one of the warmer areas.
Below them was nothing but ice.
Indeed, there was a vast amount of solid water on this planet.
However, this water was mixed with many other substances toxic to humans, so it would remain undrinkable even if it melted.
Seen from space, the planet was a deep blue.
The Small Leviathan led the way, touching down on the surface.
Almost instantly, the lower hatches opened, and a swarm of insects leaped out, beginning to burrow into the ground.
“It's probably too late to build a temporary underground base, but it doesn't matter.”
Rate on N.U.
