Chapter 358: The Enigma of the Tur Fleet
by xennovel“Sir, this is indeed the central control room of the Civilization Bastion, managed by artificial intelligence that controls the entire Bastion.”
Star Ocean’s voice echoed through the control room, “The energy of the Civilization Bastion comes from the gravitational field of the entire stellar system.”
“Its effective range extends from 2.8 to 3 light-years away from the star, forming an invisible energy vortex that serves as a protective shell. The density of this vortex is regulated by the central AI.”
“When an unnatural flyer approaches, the AI intensifies the vortex’s density, trapping the object so that it eventually loses power and cannot breach the shell.”
“This is how the Civilization Bastion operates. Currently, at least 126 warships from the Tur Fleet have been caught in the vortex.”
“It’s clear that the Tur Fleet has been attempting to breach the Bastion’s vortex barrier for some time.”
Du Qiu frowned and asked, “Then how did that Meteor Warship earlier get past the AI? Could it be that it wasn’t recognized as a warship?”
Star Ocean replied, “Exactly. The Meteor Warship’s exterior mimics that of a natural meteor, with no signs of artificial propulsion. The Bastion’s detection system classifies it as a natural meteor, so the AI allowed its entry.”
“Unless it wanders directly into the vortex—in which case even a natural meteor would be trapped.”
“However, since the Tur Fleet has continuously sent warships to test the area, the AI increased the vortex density around the Tur Fleet to its maximum several years ago.”
“Now, no natural meteor can traverse this region. You can see many meteors halted there already.”
Barely had Star Ocean finished speaking when Ding Shaoqiu shouted, “Really? Near the Tur Fleet, numerous meteors have indeed lost power and now hover in the void.”
“Hmm, why do the Tur Fleet’s warships look so odd?”
By this time, Ding Shaoqiu had moved over to the central holographic display of the Solar System—right at the spot representing the Tur Fleet.
Du Qiu looked up and saw that in the void, the Tur Fleet’s warships appeared exceedingly aged. Their exteriors, originally a sleek silver-gray, now bore numerous creases.
Some warships even had massive breaches, as if they had been attacked and never repaired.
Many showed obvious signs of explosive damage and scorching—making the fleet look as if it had just retreated from battle without time to regroup or repair.
Over 7,000 warships spanned at least 100 million kilometers in the void, each separated from its neighbor by roughly 1,000 kilometers.
Most startling, none of the warships emitted any light; the entire fleet in the void was shrouded in darkness, utterly devoid of life.
“Star Ocean, this real-time image hasn’t been filtered or altered, has it? Why do these warships appear so lifeless, almost as if their engines are off?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Du Qiu stepped closer to the Tur Fleet for a more detailed look, already posing the question to Star Ocean.
Star Ocean replied, “Sir, this real-time holographic projection faithfully represents the true state of the entire Solar System, without any modifications.”
“I’ve just checked the AI’s records. Ever since the Tur Fleet arrived three years ago, this area has remained in this state.”
“The Tur Fleet arrived here in 2017, discovered the Civilization Bastion, and then launched its Meteor Ships.”
“Around 2020, the entire Tur Fleet reignited its engines, but didn’t leave the area—instead, they shut down shortly after.”
Upon hearing Star Ocean’s explanation, Ding Shaoqiu immediately said, “Boss, I recall that back in 2023, Professor Weitman captured a photo showing the White Spot’s increased luminous range.”
“Based on the timeline, that image should reflect the 2020 scene. Could this have been when the entire fleet reignited its engines?”
A thought stirred in Du Qiu’s mind. “It’s quite possible. Look closely—some warships appear to be changing course! And each one is heading in a different direction!”
At that moment, Du Qiu observed that about one-third of the fleet had their bows pointed differently—turned over 90 degrees. Clearly, they were maneuvering.
Hearing Du Qiu’s remark, the group noticed that the entire fleet was in disarray, no longer moving uniformly.
“Boss, could it be that the Tur Fleet intends to leave?”
“No,” Du Qiu shook his head. “Even a year later, the Tur Fleet sent another grim transmission. How can this state persist for four years?”
Uneasy, Du Qiu pressed further, “Star Ocean, check again. Since that collective engine restart until now, has the Tur Fleet maintained this condition? Not even the warships’ orientations have shifted?”
Star Ocean replied calmly, “I just retrieved data from the AI. After that engine restart and subsequent shutdown, the fleet’s condition has been completely frozen, with no further changes.”
“That’s impossible!” Ding Shaoqiu was the first to counter, “This area isn’t within the vortex. If warships shut down their engines and drift in the void—given their proximity to the Solar System—they should be influenced by its gravity and drift. How can there be absolutely no movement?”
Although Ding Shaoqiu is a biologist, years of studying the Pleiadians with his team have given him a solid grounding in astronomy.
Star Ocean’s tone remained unchanged: “I’m sorry, but the Bastion’s detection system indicates that the Tur Fleet’s condition has indeed remained constant.”
“As for why the fleet is like this, no one can say for sure.”
Du Qiu stared at the eerie fleet, an increasing sense of unease washing over him.
Not to mention, even a fleet of a level-four civilization—or a small squadron of a hundred main warships from Dream Technology—would normally have patrol fighters circling during flight or while idling in the void.
Even in stealth mode, with lighting controls and optical cloaking activated, patrol fighters and probes would still be deployed at a distance.
It’s inconceivable that all warships would change course in various directions instead of one unified heading.
Is the fleet in the process of scattering?
An idea suddenly flashed in Du Qiu’s mind and wouldn’t let go.
Following that thought, Du Qiu re-examined the fleet’s formations—it truly did look as if they were scattering.
Why would the Tur Fleet disperse?
What on earth happened out there?
“Everyone, don’t you feel these warships are trying to escape on their own?” The voice of Fortress Commander Zheng Song suddenly rang out.
“You think so too? It seems the Tur Fleet must have encountered an emergency, prompting their warships to re-engage the engines in a bid to flee individually.”
Ding Shaoqiu, glancing at the fleet’s condition, nodded. “It does seem that way, but why then did they shut down their engines?”
“The escape failed!”
Du Qiu and Zheng Song responded in unison.
Ding Shaoqiu’s voice trembled as he asked, “But what could be powerful enough to force over 7,000 warships to abort their escape and shut off their engines simultaneously?”
Such overwhelming power was so terrifying that it instantly shut down every warship’s engine, freezing their positions as if suspended in the void.
The very thought sent shivers down Ding Shaoqiu’s spine.
Stroking his chin, Du Qiu speculated, “Perhaps there was a single AI controlling all the warships—one that could shut down their engines at the same moment!”
“Boss, engines might be shut down simultaneously, but how can the warships remain frozen in the void? Without energy, how do they resist the gravitational pull of the Solar System?”
Ding Shaoqiu immediately pinpointed the problem.
His words plunged Du Qiu and the others into deep contemplation.
Yes, that was the most perplexing—an enigma that defied all understanding.