"Beep! Beep!"
"Unknown radio communication request detected."
As the three gazed up at Black Lady Two circling overhead, an electronic alert snapped them out of their daze.
Andrew turned to glance at the computer screen beside him.
It was a radio frequency commonly used by Xia Country.
After exchanging looks with his two teammates, Andrew took a deep breath and pressed the connect button.
"Hello?"
"Greetings, our American friends."
Fluent, standard English came over the radio.
Andrew fell silent for a moment, then picked up the microphone. "Hello, this is the United States' Pathfinder."
A clear reply came a moment later. "This is Xia Country's Black Lady Two!"
"We will shortly be heading to ZHZ72 Meteorite Crater to conduct scientific research. This is your advance notice."
Andrew's pupils contracted slightly.
ZHZ72 Meteorite Crater.
Wasn't that their next mission destination?
Without time to think, Andrew replied urgently, "Sorry, that's our..."
"This is a notice, not a negotiation!"
An utterly calm voice came over the radio. "If you interfere with our research mission, we will take the necessary measures to remove you. We hope you will consider this carefully."
As soon as the words ended, the radio connection was cut off.
Andrew's expression darkened as he stared at the radio hissing with static in front of him.
"They've left." Joy leaned over to look out the viewport and said quietly, "C-Captain, what do we do?"
Andrew strode to the viewport. Through the glass, he watched the distant blue glow of Black Lady Two's exhaust and drew a deep breath. "What else can we do?"
"Get ready to report the situation!"
"And... suspend the drilling operation at ZHZ72 Meteorite Crater!"
"Guys, how was that speech? Badass or what?"
Excitement had flushed Bai Yixuan's cheeks. "Holy shit... that felt amazing!"
Beside him, Hong