Chapter 129: A Barren Universe?

The realization of the DT04 Electric Propulsion System required a new material with better performance than the one previously used in the DT03 Electric Propulsion System.

In such moments, relying on luck was definitely not an option.

The approach remained rooted in Computational Materials Science—first finding the theoretical form of this desired material,

then attempting to synthesize the new material using theory to guide experiments.

Naturally, this process was quite challenging too.

However, Qin Yu’s ‘Super Brain’ and the Brain Intelligence Project, along with the vast computing power Strong Artificial Intelligence could command,

possibility of developing and synthesizing this material within a few years.

Moreover,

confirming that the Stuo Civilization’s fleet of starships still used an Electric Propulsion System,

along with certain unavoidable characteristics exposed during its operation,

actually provided some guidance for Human Civilization’s further research into Electric Propulsion Technology, helping eliminate incorrect paths.

This, in essence, represented the most significant benefit of two civilizations meeting in the universe.

Merely knowing that something existed could already bring substantial inspiration.

…

Even as the Negentropy Research Institute pushed forward with Electric Propulsion System research,

time flowed into Year 49 of the Human United Era (HUE),

seven months later.

Via the Outlook Observation Array, Human Civilization received another reply from the Stuo Civilization.

“…We have received the message from Human Civilization.”

“In the universe, encountering the Human Civilization, also a carbon-based group civilization, is indeed a fortunate event.”

“This means that, regarding many things, we can understand each other. As group civilizations, we can also better appreciate the intrinsic value and significance of communication itself.”

“Regarding Human Civilization’s question, we regret we cannot provide a concrete answer. Our own civilization is uncertain where we are headed.”

“Since embarking on our journey, we have never returned to our homeworld. Our occasional pauses in this vast universe have never resulted in a long-term settlement in one location.”

“…Through our observations, we noticed that within the planetary matter concentration zone of the ‘Solar System’, signs of Human Civilization activity decrease from the inner regions outward. Is Human Civilization currently expanding within the Sun System?”

Previously, the HCC had inquired about the Stuo Civilization’s migration destination,

not necessarily expecting to learn the exact cosmic location they aimed for,

but to ascertain whether their destination was Earth.

Had the Stuo Civilization set course directly for the Sun System of Human Civilization after leaving their home planet,

or had they discovered Human Civilization by chance during their migration journey and merely come to investigate?

These were two entirely different scenarios.

From the Stuo Civilization’s answer, it seemed likely to be the latter—

assuming, of course, they were not lying.

As for the final question raised by the Stuo Civilization in their response,

it sparked some wariness.

Why was the Stuo Civilization asking this?

Did they have concerns about Human Civilization’s expansion within the Sun System?

Or did they possess certain intentions regarding it?

However, this situation itself could not be hidden; its existence did not hinge on Human Civilization’s denial.

“Yes, we are constructing and developing our home star system.”

“Our home system, perhaps somewhat desolate compared to other life-bearing star systems in the universe, did indeed give birth to our civilization.”

“We cherish the hope that our home system will grow more prosperous.”

“Respected Stuo Civilization. We wonder how long you have been migrating through the cosmos? Without a specific destination, might we inquire about the purpose driving your civilization’s migration?”

The exchange between the civilizations was deepening,

yet establishing fundamental trust and understanding would still require considerable time.

This was a process of ongoing negotiation.

Qin Yu didn’t participate continuously in this stage of communication.

The task of replying to the Stuo Civilization primarily fell to the Social Philosophy Department and other research teams within the Negentropy Research Institute,

their core objective being to retain more of their own information while extracting more details about the other civilization.

Qin Yu monitored the progress of the exchanges periodically instead.

“Hello, Human Civilization.”

“During our journey approaching your civilization, we observed the broad strokes of your developmental history. Hence, we were filled with admiration for your progress within the Sun System.”

The Stuo Civilization’s next message explained the reason for their prior query.

Human Civilization had discovered the Stuo Civilization only after they entered the Oort Cloud region, when they were a mere 0.5 light-years from Earth.

But the Stuo Civilization obviously didn’t approach from just 0.5 light-years away.

Based on their current speed of five percent the speed of light,

they had likely spent a number of years traveling towards Human Civilization after their initial discovery.

Recalling that Human Civilization’s large-scale construction and development of the Moon began after the new era, its territories expanding to their current scale in just decades.

Currently,

Human Civilization’s domain stretched from Mercury, the innermost planet, out to Jupiter’s Orbit, even encroaching upon the distant Saturn orbital region. Major planets like Jupiter and its moons were under extensive development and construction.

Resources mined from Jupiter’s Moon were typically shipped back to Mars for processing after initial refinement.

Within this human domain, Starships traveled back and forth constantly, constituting an unprecedentedly bustling civilization.

If the Stuo Civilization took decades approaching the Sun System,

without experiencing rapid internal growth themselves during that time, witnessing Human Civilization’s expansion within the system would undoubtedly be staggering.

“Encountering civilizations as astonishing as Human Civilization across the universe is the very purpose of Stuo Civilization’s journey.”

“We have no fixed destination. We simply wish to witness more civilizations, exchange with them, gather diverse knowledge, understand different histories, and use learnings unimaginable to us alone to light the way for Stuo Civilization toward more distant horizons.”

“Simultaneously, we hope to bring equally unique knowledge to different civilizations as well.”

After receiving this reply,

the dialogue continued.

“…Stuo Civilization’s grand mission of ceaseless migration through the cosmos and seeking civilization for exchange truly fills us with awe too.”

“We are indeed eager for both sides to achieve mutual benefit through this exchange.”

“Might we inquire how many civilizations Stuo Civilization has encountered during your migrations?”

This was the HCC’s reply.

Closely following it was the Stuo Civilization’s answer.

“Human Civilization, our answer may bring you disappointment.”

“This is also something that brings us sorrow at times.”

“Few civilizations have crossed paths with Stuo Civilization during our cosmic voyages. Human Civilization is the ninth star-faring civilization we have encountered.”

“Civilizations in the universe exist sparsely… Most civilizations encountered by Stuo Civilization reside like isolated places in the cosmos. Without undertaking lengthy voyages, it is difficult for them ever to meet one another.”

This was the Stuo Civilization’s response to Human Civilization’s query, containing, in a way, their own perspective on the nature of the universe.