Chapter 35: Trigger-Activated Hydrogen Bomb Detonator

The satellite weighed approximately 7.5 tons, aligning closely with Xiao Yu’s initial estimate. He began by analyzing its material composition.

The results revealed that the satellite was constructed from common elements found in the universe, with no materials beyond Xiao Yu’s understanding. Moreover, its material properties were not superior to those of the materials Xiao Yu had enhanced using Jovian Phantoms and Black Bugs.

This contradicted Xiao Yu’s expectations. For an alien supercivilization capable of building such a massive fleet, the use of “low-grade” materials seemed implausible, leaving Xiao Yu even more perplexed.

Next, he analyzed the satellite’s propulsion system, as it could reveal the sophistication of the civilization’s technology.

Upon disassembly, Xiao Yu was greeted by a familiar sight: a nuclear fusion engine. The discovery left him speechless.

“Seriously? You’re actually using nuclear fusion energy? And… electrical power transmission? Huh? A photon-computing control board? Come on, does it really have to be this similar?”

Though the satellite’s nuclear fusion engine had subtle differences from his own designs, the fundamental principles were identical.

The striking familiarity of the components left Xiao Yu amused yet reassured. Despite the unexplained contradictions, the use of nuclear fusion, electrical power transmission, and photon-computing modules confirmed that this civilization’s technological level wasn’t significantly beyond his own.

Xiao Yu further solidified his theory about the similarity of civilization development. It was straightforward: most civilizations likely progressed from lower to higher technological stages, and they would plausibly experience phases similar to those of Earth’s civilization—chemical energy, nuclear energy, and beyond. While details might differ due to cultural and environmental variations, the overall trajectory appeared consistent.

“Hmm? What’s this?” Xiao Yu moved past the propulsion module to inspect the remaining components, his attention caught by a peculiar device.

It resembled a terrestrial camera, complete with a protruding lens and a smooth glass panel. Curious, Xiao Yu dismantled it and began examining the intricate photon circuitry inside.

Gradually, the circuitry consumed Xiao Yu’s full attention. He halted all unrelated computational tasks, devoting at least 20% of his processing power to analyzing the circuit board.

Fifty minutes later, Xiao Yu exhaled and regained his composure.

“This circuitry is at least five years ahead of my current technology. Otherwise, they couldn’t have designed something this efficient.”

The “five years” was based on Earth’s technological progression rate. Xiao Yu, lacking the materials to advance foundational physical theories and conduct experiments, had experienced technological stagnation. Nonetheless, he learned much from this circuitry and deduced the device’s purpose.

It was a thermal imaging sensor, functioning similarly to terrestrial night vision devices.

After completing his analysis of the thermal imaging sensor, Xiao Yu moved on to other components. Twenty hours later, he finished analyzing the entire satellite.

The satellite’s primary function was to search for heat sources on a large mass. This baffled Xiao Yu—why would a civilization need to search for heat sources?

Despite the question, Xiao Yu now had a clearer understanding of this civilization’s technological capabilities. Overall, it was roughly ten years ahead of his current level, with better nuclear fusion efficiency, faster computational capabilities, quicker spacecraft, and more powerful weaponry.

In conclusion, the technological gap wasn’t insurmountable.

Having gained a comprehensive understanding of the alien civilization’s technology, Xiao Yu felt a sense of relief.

Xiao Yu couldn’t help but feel that something was strange. “This satellite was clearly designed for an object at least twice Earth’s size. Yet with a civilization only ten years ahead of mine, how could they build such a massive fleet?”

Setting aside this enigma for the moment, Xiao Yu focused on a more pressing question: What attitude should he adopt toward this civilization?

Analyzing the situation, he reasoned, “According to predictive models, when two civilizations with similar technological levels encounter each other, the most likely outcome is this: after initial probing, or even conflict, they establish peaceful contact, exchange information or resources, and part amicably. This is my first encounter with an alien civilization—perhaps I should show goodwill.”

However, Xiao Yu couldn’t assess the alien civilization’s social structure or moral code. He had no way of knowing if they harbored goodwill or hostility. “Perhaps… I should display goodwill while simultaneously demonstrating my military strength?”

He recalled the popular Dark Forest Theory, which posited that two interstellar civilizations could not coexist peacefully. This theory depicted the universe as a vast, treacherous forest where every civilization was both hunter and prey, forced to remain hidden or risk annihilation.

Xiao Yu found himself trapped in the so-called “chain of suspicion” described by the theory. He didn’t know whether the Dark Forest Theory was correct, nor was he willing to gamble his life to find out. What he did know was that contact with this civilization was inevitable.

This necessitated a plan for their encounter.

“Whether or not the Dark Forest Theory holds, the principle of cost-benefit always applies,” Xiao Yu reasoned. “If the benefit of peace exceeds the cost of aggression, I won’t attack. The same logic should apply to the alien civilization. My task is straightforward: demonstrate the benefits of coexistence while also showcasing my military capabilities to deter hostility.”

For civilizations with similar technological levels, conflict could lead to mutual destruction, while peace might yield mutual benefit. A rational civilization would understand this.

“In the end, it’s all about interests,” Xiao Yu mused. “So, how can I simultaneously display goodwill and deterrence?”

Setting this question aside for now, Xiao Yu focused on finding the alien civilization. “Their proximity is certain. A hidden presence, whether friendly or hostile, is dangerous. While I can’t confirm if they’ve detected me, finding them first will give me the upper hand in our contact.”

Xiao Yu adjusted his fleet into a massive formation—a sphere with an 8,000-kilometer diameter, formed by over 800 ships. This created an enormous radio telescope array. Each ship was equipped with focusing mirrors to collect signals across various wavelengths: infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, and more. If not for technological limitations, Xiao Yu would have included neutrino and gravitational wave detectors.

For an entire month, Xiao Yu searched. Yet, he found no evidence of alien constructs.

“This doesn’t add up,” Xiao Yu thought. “The signs suggest this alien civilization is nearby. Could they have detected me and gone silent?”

He began considering the challenge: how does one locate an object in the dark void of space that emits no radiation or only minimal detectable signals?

Conversely, Xiao Yu pondered how the alien civilization might detect him while he maintained radio silence, shut down nuclear fusion engines, and blocked all visible and invisible emissions.

Calculations revealed no plausible technology capable of detecting him under these conditions.

“But,” Xiao Yu reasoned, “if I weren’t deliberately hiding, there would be many ways to discover me. Does that mean they’re hiding deliberately as well?”

A shiver ran through Xiao Yu.

This was the only explanation that made sense. Otherwise, why hadn’t he found them?

“Should I reveal myself, display goodwill, and communicate with them?” Xiao Yu deliberated. But this was risky—exposing himself might invite a devastating hydrogen bomb in response. Despite long contemplation, he couldn’t summon the courage to take the risk.

The situation was precarious. Two civilizations with similar technological levels were deliberately concealing themselves, each likely searching for the other. In this scenario, neither dared act rashly.

How could this stalemate be broken?

Contact was inevitable, given their proximity. Fleeing would require activating nuclear fusion engines, which would expose Xiao Yu’s position.

Another unsettling thought struck Xiao Yu: Had he already been discovered?

After all, he had operated his ships to capture the satellite and reconfigured them into a massive radio telescope array. Although he used minimal power, Xiao Yu couldn’t be certain the aliens lacked the advanced technology to detect even these faint emissions.

“If they know I exist, why are they hiding? Have my exact coordinates been exposed?”

As Xiao Yu wrestled with these questions, his sensors detected a faint signal.

It was so weak that without the radio telescope array, he would have missed it entirely.

His heart tightened as he analyzed the signal.

The result left him stunned.

“Damn it, this is the signal of a trigger-activated hydrogen bomb detonator!”