In the Eternity night outside the Pluto orbit, the Shi'ar Empire "Silent Speaker" reconnaissance ship is like a dark gray badge embedded in black velvet, floating silently. Its unfolded sensor array is as thin as a cicada's wings. But it greedily captures every ray of electromagnetic waves and every weak gravitational disturbance that escaped from the Solar System a few hours ago. The light effect in the bridge is dim and blue, and only the data flow silently slides across the screen, reflecting the sculptured and cold faces of the Shi'ar officers and soldiers.
Captain Varik (Varik)'s eyes fell on the energy signal marked "Individual Alpha" on the main screen. It was incredibly stable and continued to occupy a small area on the planet's surface. The intensity fluctuation curve was so smooth that it was almost artificial, forming a strange contrast with the active planet with complex variables.
"The 97th hour of continuous observation. There is no change in the behavior pattern. The energy absorption efficiency curve matches the G-type main sequence star radiation model by 99.97%." The sensor operator's voice was smooth and smooth, with the precision and coldness unique to Shi'ar soldiers. "No active energy release or large-scale displacement in any form has been detected."
"How often do you interact with individuals from lower civilizations around you?" Varik asked.
"Almost zero. There are only very low-intensity, short-term sonic exchanges with the individual marked 'Stark'. The content has no strategic value and mostly involves trivial material needs (such as drinks, seats) or invalid social temptations."
Varik tapped his fingertips on the armrest. A being with such power behaves like a stone that only absorbs energy? This is illogical. Either it is a disguise, or... its mode of thinking is completely different from any life form that Shi'ar can understand.
"Analyze the potential impact of this individual energy field on the surrounding space-time structure." He issued a new order. Ultra-long-distance observation has its limits, and he must look for information from more indirect dimensions.
"The distortion of the gravitational lensing effect is being analyzed... An extremely weak space solidification phenomenon has been detected. Centered on the individual, the 'elastic coefficient' of the surrounding space-time structure increases abnormally. It is suspected that its existence itself has an anchoring effect on local physical constants."
Space solidification? Anchoring effect? A sharp light flashed in Varik's eyes. This was by no means a simple energy creature. This touched upon the underlying rules of the universe. No wonder Kree's rude temptation failed so completely.
"It's on record. The risk rating has been raised to 'Zeta' level. Any contact attempts require the approval of Empire Supreme Council." He said solemnly. At the same time, another report began to be automatically generated and sent to Shi'ar Homeworld - about an unknown factor that may contain great value, but is also extremely dangerous.
Earth, Wakanda.
The atmosphere in Bonin Zana's underground command center was far more solemn than that on the Shi'ar bridge. Princess Shuri grabbed her hair covered in colorful ropes impatiently and stared at the remains of the Shi'ar reconnaissance ship's hyperspace signal that was intercepted and then quickly self-destructed on the screen.
"It's still the same! I can only confirm that they are there, using some kind of long-distance scanning. I don't know exactly what they are looking at or how to look at it! Their encryption technology is simply... simply shabby!" She angrily stomped the mechanical leopard Bast (Bast) next to her.
T'Challa King's face is calm, but there is worry hidden in his eyes. "Can you be sure of his intentions?"
"At the moment... I'm just watching." Shuri curled his lips, "It's more civilized than the previous two groups. There's no littering and no mosquitoes. But after watching it for so long, you must have not held it in!"
Okoye gripped the spear tightly. "Your Majesty, we cannot be passive forever. The energy barrier prototype test of 'Planetary Defense Initiative' must be advanced. At least Bonin Zana and the main Vibranium mineral veins must be protected first."
"The test will produce energy fluctuations." Zuri reminded, "It may be noticed by that existence, or those Watchers."
"Then put it in the test field deepest underground and conduct the lowest power test." T'Challa made the decision, "We need to know its limits. At the same time, Shuri, try to use the Vibranium resonance principle to create a device that can detect deep space signals more covertly. We need to know what those Watchers saw."
"Leave it to me!" Shuri immediately became energetic and jumped towards her laboratory.
Wakanda, this silent precision machine, began to operate at a higher speed, trying to weave a protective net of its own before the storm came.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.
Nick Fury's single eye scanned the summary report of abnormal events around the world. In addition to those unverifiable alien signals, some trivial events on the earth also attracted his attention: the laboratories of several multinational technology companies encountered hacker attacks that were difficult to trace, and the target seemed to be certain high-energy physics or biogenetic projects; the amount of rewards on the black market for "special biological samples" and "abnormal energy sources" has quietly increased; some fringe cults have even begun to promote the imminent arrival of "gods from outside the world".
These incidents may seem insignificant individually, but their simultaneous appearance at this sensitive moment gave Fury an unusual smell.
"Hill, let the spies lurking in A. I. M., Hydra remnants, and all other organizations capable of causing trouble be activated." His voice was low, "I suspect that there are some bugs on the earth who think this is a good opportunity for them to take advantage of the situation."
"Understood, sir. In addition, Mr. Stark once again requested the use of more satellite resources for his deep space monitoring project."
"Approval. Highest authority." Fury did not hesitate, "Tell him if you have any findings, report directly to me." He now needs all possible sources of information, even if Tony's project looks like a children's toy in front of those alien technologies.
Malibu Beach.
Xiao Han turned over and let the evening sun shine on the other side of his body.
He could feel that the "eyes" with a cold sense of order from an extremely distant place still existed, like an inconspicuous star hanging at the end of the night sky. Although it continued, it was distant and quiet enough that it did not constitute a disturbance.
He could also feel the fluctuations of extremely weak Vibranium energy that was deliberately activated and suppressed from a distant continent deep in the earth beneath his feet, like a child trying to light a flashlight under a heavy blanket, cautiously, but unable to hide it from his perception.
He can even capture those weak energy signals native to the earth but full of greed and malice in the atmosphere - those "bugs" trying to profit from the chaos are beginning to stir.
All of these are intertwined into a picture of "background noise" that is far more complex than before. Although the volume is currently very low, there are many types, indicating more instability.
He frowned slightly.
He didn't like this change. He preferred the monotonous pure silence of the past, with only the sun and the sound of the waves.
If these messy "noises" continue to increase, or if anyone dares to turn up the volume...
His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the armrest of the beach chair, and an almost invisible fingerprint instantly appeared on the armrest. The material structure underneath was slightly disturbed at the atomic level, but was instantly repaired by his powerful Biological Force Field.
A silent warning, to himself and to all potential noisemakers.
The setting sun slowly sinks into the sea level, dyeing the sky into a magnificent purple-red. The warm afterglow shines on the beach, and everything looks peaceful and beautiful.
But under this tranquil surface, the gaze from the universe, the anxiety of the hidden country, the ambition of the secret organization, and the gradually accumulated impatience of the lonely individual are silently accumulating and colliding.
A huge storm sweeping the world and even affecting the sea of stars is quietly brewing its first energy in the quiet dusk.