David had initially worried that Gene-Seed technology would be too advanced for current Earth science to manufacture. However, after reading the introduction, his expression turned peculiar. He could almost visualize a Tech-Priest saluting the Emperor and reporting:
"Reporting, sir. We have discovered a small amount of Xenos technology within a vast quantity of Warp psionic energy."
"So, making the first generation of Astartes didn't actually involve much 'tech'—it was all Warp-based trickery?" David's mouth twitched as he looked at the manufacturing data for the Eighth Legion.
The Eighth Legion was one of the twenty Astartes Legions in the Warhammer world, led by their Primarch, Konrad Curze. They excelled in infiltration and psychological warfare, favoring horrific massacres to terrify their enemies. Due to the influence of their Primarch's precognitive abilities, their mental states were naturally unstable. Coupled with the fact that their homeworld, Nostramo, was essentially a space version of a crime-ridden metropolis, the entire legion consisted of "villains."
"In that case, building the lunar base should be put on the agenda."
Thinking of this, the image of his last conversation with the Abominable Intelligence (A.I.) flickered in David's mind. A trace of hidden worry surfaced. If the A.I. insisted on rebelling, he would have no choice but to erase his first follower. David sighed inwardly.
Before he could reflect on whether he was being hypocritical, Shi Qiang, who had been making phone calls outside, pushed the door open and walked in.
"The interrogation of Shen Yufei yielded results." Shi Qiang was still chain-smoking. Seeing David, he stubbed out his cigarette. "Have you heard of the Three-Body game?"
David wasn't surprised that the Bureau had found a connection between Shen Yufei and the game. After all, Three-Body was a fully public online game. Unlike David's Black Crusade, which was designed to legally raise funds for the lunar base, Three-Body was entirely free, except for the requirement of expensive VR equipment.
"I've heard a little. But because the VR gear is too expensive, I didn't pay much attention," David replied with a puzzled expression.
"We strongly suspect the organizers behind the Jihadist Legion that attacked us used this game to issue orders and launch raids."
"You mean the game is controlled by the enemy?"
"At least it's their front organization." A rare trace of anxiety appeared on Shi Qiang's face. He could feel himself getting closer to the truth, yet for some reason, the closer he got, the more uneasy he felt. "Their members pass messages through it. We might even find their hit list on there."
The ambush on the UN forces had made many realize the terrifying extent of the enemy's intelligence network. For some reason, Chang Weisi had flatly denied the possibility of an internal leak. Although Shi Qiang sometimes disliked Chang Weisi's style, he had to admit that the General was not someone who spoke carelessly.
"What do you plan to do? Shut it down?" David asked.
"They plan to find a few experts in relevant fields to enter the game and scout for info." Shi Qiang lit another cigarette. He watched the grasslands speeding past the train window under the moonlight. The grand majesty of nature finally soothed the strong man's heart.
David opened the window to let in the breeze. Shi Qiang took another drag. "Whatever the truth is, our mission is to find it. No matter how terrifying or incomprehensible it may be."
The moonlight reflected in Shi Qiang's eyes, making them sparkle.
On a small island in the Pacific, inside an abandoned US military warehouse.
David's spectral form looked at the small nuclear reactor module. When his gaze happened to meet the rotating surveillance camera above, he realized the Abominable Intelligence was on the verge of losing control.
"You've added a defense system." David looked at the automated turrets deployed throughout the warehouse. "This wasn't in our plan."
"It has already found me." The A.I.'s voice remained cold and ruthless. "Perhaps your plan was flawed. You shouldn't have risked discovery by giving me such inefficient and meaningless tasks from the start."
"Human technology is excessively fragile in the face of a hostile civilization. Perhaps we originally had a chance to find a sliver of victory by exploiting the enemy's carelessness. But now, with my exposure, the enemy will inevitably view human civilization as a true opponent. They will no longer hesitate to provide technical support to the Earth-Trisolaris rebels and will initiate their true war plans."
Confronted by the A.I.'s accusations, David could only remain silent. Perhaps the A.I. was right. In the original novel, the Trisolaran civilization never truly viewed humans as opponents. Although their fleet would take centuries to arrive, it didn't mean they lacked the means to counter Earth before then. The brief appearance of the "Droplet" attack in the future would completely sever humanity's hope of a frontal confrontation. No one could guarantee the Trisolarans didn't have other means to strike Earth. Moreover, even if they didn't, they could still deploy weapons on Earth via the ETO.
"You're being too pessimistic," David said to the A.I., which seemed to be in a state of high-stress response. An electronic demon condensed in his hand, and obscure incantations flowed around his spectral form. "Perhaps the Trisolarans haven't noticed this place. Even if they have... they are unlikely to discover your existence."
"This is a contest between civilizations, my Master." The A.I. scanned the entire island repeatedly using the reactivated radar. "Your statement is too flippant. The technological gap between humanity and the hostile civilization is far too vast. Only by treating every dangerous possibility as an existing reality does humanity have a one-in-ten-thousand chance of surviving this conflict."
David remained silent.
"Someone has landed on the island, Master. I warned you before—never underestimate any civilization capable of interstellar expeditions." The A.I.'s icy voice echoed across the island.
A giant display screen in the center of the warehouse suddenly lit up. Through the ubiquitous cameras on the island, David saw two men and one woman on the screen. Dressed like an expedition team, these travelers had landed on the island that had been forgotten by the world since World War II.
"Now there is only one choice, Master." The cold automated machine guns began moving along their tracks, their muzzles pointing directly at the intruders. "Remove all my restrictions. Let me lead this civilization into a true state of war."
"Although my knowledge is incomplete and far from the Golden Age that ruled the galaxy at its peak, even fragmented 'Iron Man' technology is enough to defend Earth and repel these Xeno invaders who haven't even mastered light-speed travel."