The drone slowly approached the source of the radio signal. Soon, Fang Zheng saw the thing on the screen. It looked like a fusion of steel and rock, half metal and half stone, with branch-like antennae sticking out of it. Its shape resembled a round can dug out of a mound of earth, still caked with mud.
However, the strange writing and flashing points of light on its surface made it clear that it was definitely not naturally formed.
"Proceed with caution. Monitor the surroundings, investigate the signal source, and remain concealed."
Fang Zheng issued several commands in quick succession, and people immediately set to work. Watching this, Misaka Mikoto clearly grew curious.
"Is there something strange about it? Isn't it just an iron can? Can't we just bring it over?"
"This is space, my dear lady."
Fang Zheng shook his head.
"We don't even know what it is. It could be a distress signal, or just an ordinary probe, but it could just as easily be bait or some kind of bomb. Maybe the moment we touch it, it'll collapse into a black hole and swallow us all."
"N-No way..."
Misaka Mikoto's face went pale at that.
"Why not? We don't know what they are. You need to understand that the universe is vast and contains countless different civilizations. Their morals and values may be completely different from ours. Maybe they enjoy killing and destroying everything they encounter. Contact with an entirely new civilization in space always requires caution, caution, and more caution."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng glanced at Misaka Mikoto.
"It's like encountering a little white rabbit in an unfamiliar forest. You might think it's cute, but it could turn around and bite your head off in one bite."
"Urgh..."
"Hah, that's why Misaka is such an