The silver-white " Blade of Order " Cruiser-073, its very existence is like a ruler precise to the nanometer scale, exuding an aura of coldness, efficiency, and unquestionable authority. Her gaze (or rather, the perception system represented by her sapphire eyes that flow with data) swept across the communication screen, as if instantly completing a scan of countless biological and energy parameters of the Straw Hat Pirates.
"' Blade of Order '..." Robin repeated softly, his mind racing through the knowledge he had gained from Earth and W7, "There are no relevant records. Is it some hidden advanced interstellar civilization, or... a cross-civilizational law enforcement or observation organization?"
"We are the Straw Hat Pirates." Allen, as their representative, calmly responded, while simultaneously connecting part of his consciousness with W7, asking it to provide possible information about the " Blade of Order "—but W7's memory bank did not contain any direct records, only some vague fragments of legends about "Ancient Watcher " and "Civilization Watchers," which could not be matched.
"Pirate crew..." Cruiser-073's tone remained unchanged, but the data stream seemed to speed up slightly, "Non-standard civilization political structure. Based on energy characteristics and life form analysis, your individual differences are significant, your power systems are mixed, and you do not conform to the known mainstream civilization evolution template. Explain your existence."
The demand was almost rude, with a condescending scrutiny. Zoro frowned, Sanji was also unhappy with the attitude, but Allen raised his hand to signal them to calm down.
"We come from a distant world, perhaps unrecorded by you. We are on a return journey," Allen selectively revealed. "As for the power system, that's a feature of our world. We know nothing about what you call the ' Blade of Order ' and the ' Provisional Code of Intercivilizational Contact.'"
"An unrecorded world..." Cruiser-073 seemed unsurprised by the answer. "The corners of the universe are always full of variables. But the energy characteristics of the 'Ark' creations are clear." Her gaze (perception) seemed to penetrate the ship's cabin and land on W7. "According to Article 31 of the ' Watcher Protocol,' any 'Lost Era Ark' unit must be registered, evaluated, and monitored by the ' Blade of Order.' Please hand over the unit, or allow us to board the ship for standard contact procedures."
Handing over W7? Or allowing strangers to board the ship? The Straw Hat Pirates instantly tensed up.
"W7 is our companion, not a prisoner or cargo." Allen's tone turned cold. "We have no obligation to hand it over to anyone. As for boarding... we cannot agree before your objectives and positions are clear."
"The ' Blade of Order ' stands to maintain the 'baseline order' of the known universe, preventing the spread of 'large-scale rule disorder' and ' Ultimate Pollution ' caused by out-of-control variables." The voice of Cruiser-073 remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority. "The ' Lost Ark, ' carrying the ' Brand of Destruction ' of its original universe and potentially unstable ' Psionic Energy echoes,' is itself a potential source of risk. Its combination with unknown civilizations further constitutes an unpredictable complex variable. According to the rules, it must be assessed and controlled."
"Control? Treat it like a dangerous item?" Luffy couldn't help but interject, his tone dissatisfied. "W7 is our friend! It has helped us! And it has been working hard to fulfill its mission!"
"'Friends'... 'Mission'..." Cruiser-073 repeated these two words, a glint of unreadable light flashing in its data eyes. "Emotional connection and subjective mission perception are important factors leading to uncontrollable variables. Logical judgment should be based on objective risks and the overall stability of the universe. Your choices have added unnecessary complexity."
The atmosphere grew tense. On one side were pirates who upheld their comrades and free will, and on the other were unknown law enforcers who adhered to the principles of absolute order and risk management.
"What if we refuse?" Allen asked, looking directly at the other person.
"Non-force coercion is the first option," Cruiser-073 replied. "' Blade of Order ' will activate its Level 2 contingency plan: long-term, long-range marking and tracking of your spaceship and 'Ark' units, recording all energy activity and space jump trajectories, and entering relevant information into the 'Latent Variable Database,' which will be shared with all cruiser units of ' Blade of Order ' and some lawful civilizations that have signed agreements. Simultaneously, this contact event and the (blurred) characteristics of your civilization will be listed as an 'observation case,' potentially influencing ' Blade of Order's' future assessments and contact strategies regarding your native civilization world."
She paused, then added, "If you launch an attack or attempt to remove the marker by unconventional means, it will trigger Level 3 contingency plans, which involve limited 'de-harming' measures."
"Harmless?" Nami asked warily.
"Non-lethal energy suppression, spatial anchoring, or targeted system interference, designed to terminate any potentially high-risk actions by your party until the ' Blade of Order ' assessment team arrives on site." The Cruiser-073 spoke casually, but the coercive force it conveyed was chilling.
This is essentially using the potential risks to the future of their entire civilization to force them to comply. They are forced to either hand over W7 or accept surveillance, or be labeled a "potential threat," which could even implicate their home world.
W7 suddenly stepped forward, the V-shaped light band staring directly at the image of Cruiser-073: "According to my core protocol and the fragments of the ' Ancient Covenant ' remaining in the damaged memory bank, one of the founding principles of the ' Blade of Order's' predecessor, the Watcher Council,' was 'to protect the Spark, record the end, and warn the future,' rather than simply 'control' and 'eliminate variables.' Your rules... seem to have deviated from their original course."
The data eye of the Cruiser-073 seemed to pause for a moment before resuming its flow. "' Ancient Covenant ' information is incomplete, and the historical context has changed. The lessons learned from the multiple outbreaks of ' Ultimate Pollution ' show that overly lenient 'protection' and 'recording' may allow contaminants to infiltrate and spread across dimensions through ' Spark ' or ' Observers.' The updated rules prioritize 'stability of the overall cosmic order'. ' Lost Ark ' units must be evaluated to determine the stability of their ' Brand of Destruction ' and whether they carry the risk of 'contamination.'"
She looked at Allen: "The energy characteristics of your ' Star Core Mark ' also show a low degree of similarity to some ' Psionic Energy creations' records from the 'Lost Era.' Although it hasn't reached the threshold for triggering direct intervention, the overall risk rating has been raised in conjunction with the existence of the 'Ark' unit. Please make a choice: cooperate with the assessment, or bear the consequences of being marked and tracked."
The situation is at a stalemate. The opponent's strength is unclear, but they are clearly technologically advanced and represent some kind of vast, established order. A direct confrontation would be unwise.
Allen quickly weighed the options in his mind. Handing over W7 was absolutely out of the question. Accepting a boarding assessment? The risks were unknown and would seriously infringe on his autonomy. Being marked and tracked for a long time would have endless consequences, especially the possibility of exposing his coordinates in the pirate world in the future.
Just then, Robin conveyed an idea to both Allen and W7 via telepathy. "She's emphasizing 'risk assessment' rather than 'forced elimination.' Furthermore, she mentioned 'sharing with lawful civilizations.' This ' Blade of Order ' may not be monolithic; there might be differing voices within it or among the civilizations it collaborates with... for example, factions closer to the ' Ancient Covenant ' ideology."
"Delay the time, set conditions!" Nami quickly suggested via the internal channel, "Demand that she provide a more detailed 'assessment' process, 'rules of conduct,' and... If we can prove that W7 and our 'risks are manageable,' are there other ways to handle this? For example, can we self-monitor and provide regular 'safety reports'?"
Allen made a decision immediately.
"We can consider accepting some form of 'assessment,'" Allen said slowly, his tone neither humble nor assertive. "But on the condition that we clearly understand the specific content, standards, implementers, and possible outcomes of the assessment. We will not accept unilateral reviews with unclear objectives. Furthermore, W7 is our partner; any assessment must be conducted voluntarily and with our presence, and no coercive measures may be taken."
He stared at the Cruiser-073: "Furthermore, we need to review the original text of the ' Provisional Code of Intercivilizational Contact ' and the relevant clauses of the ' Watcher Protocol ' to confirm the legitimacy of your authority and procedures. If your so-called 'order' cannot even achieve the most basic transparency and mutual respect, then we would rather risk being marked than succumb to power."
These words not only expressed a willingness to cooperate, but also firmly defended their own rights and dignity, while simultaneously putting the other side in a difficult position—if the " Blade of Order " truly upholds some noble "order," it should be willing to provide transparent rules.
The Cruiser-073 fell silent. The light in the data eye moved even faster, as if performing complex logical deductions and protocol retrievals.
After about ten seconds, she spoke again, "The request is partially reasonable. The internal regulations of ' Blade of Order ' allow for a limited summary of the rules and assessment procedures to be provided to the contact party under certain circumstances. Given the complexity of the current situation and the specific variables, I can request to initiate a 'Special Contact Procedure,' whereby I, as the direct contact person, will conduct a preliminary non-invasive scan and analysis of the composite energy field of 'Ark' unit W7 and your ship. The results will generate a preliminary risk assessment report, which will be submitted to the ' Blade of Order ' central database and the ' Ancient Law Faction ' arbitration tribunal for review."
" The Ancient Law Faction?" Robin keenly caught the new term.
"One faction within the Blade of Order advocates respecting the spirit of the ' Ancient Covenant ' while managing risks, focusing on the 'recording' and 'guiding' of the Spark of civilization rather than simply 'controlling' them. Their opinions will carry significant weight in assessments involving relics of the 'Lost Era' and 'new variables,'" explained Cruiser-073. "If the initial scan results indicate that the risks are manageable, and the ' Ancient Law Faction ' arbitration tribunal approves, you can obtain 'temporary observation permission,' exempting you from being marked and tracked until any clearly high-risk behavior occurs. However, you must submit a summary of your navigation log and an energy activity report periodically (in standard galactic years)."
This proposal is much more lenient than the initial stringent demands, and seems to offer room for negotiation.
"Preliminary scan, how exactly will it be done? Will it cause damage to W7 or our spacecraft, or lead to information leaks?" Franky pressed.
"The scan employs low-intensity, broad-spectrum Psionic Energy resonance scanning and spatiotemporal structural stability detection, which is non-invasive. It will not damage the physical structure, and the information obtained is limited to basic data such as macroscopic energy characteristics, rule compatibility, and pollution residue index, without involving specific technical details, biological genetic information, or individual memories," the Cruiser-073 explained in detail. "The entire scanning process will be open to your monitoring, and a copy of the generated scan data will be provided for your retention."
This does sound like a relatively fair and low-risk option.
Allen looked at W7, asking for its opinion with his eyes.
W7's V-shaped light band flickered smoothly. "Based on my logical judgment, accepting the initial scan is currently the optimal choice. It can avoid direct conflict, obtain more information about the ' Blade of Order ' and the current universe's attitude towards the 'Lost Relics,' and create opportunities for the possible intervention of the ' Ancient Law Faction.' I agree."
Allen then looked at his crewmates. They exchanged glances and finally nodded. Although Luffy didn't like being "checked," he understood that now was not the time to be willful.
"Okay, we agree to conduct a preliminary non-invasive scan," Allen said to Cruiser-073. "But please keep your promise of complete transparency. Furthermore, we need your summary of the guidelines and evaluation process documentation."
"Agreement reached." Cruiser-073 nodded slightly (if that could be called a nod). "The scan will begin in ten minutes and last approximately thirty standard minutes. Relevant files have been transmitted to your ship's publicly accessible reception band. During the scan, please maintain the stability of your ship's major systems."
The communication was temporarily terminated. Soon, a well-structured electronic document filled with cold, logical reasoning was received. Robin and Nami immediately began browsing it, trying to understand the " Blade of Order's" operating logic and cosmology.
Ten minutes later, a soft, almost invisible silver ripple spread from the silver-white spaceship of Cruiser-073, slowly passing over Ark Maxim. Everyone could feel an extremely subtle probing sensation, as if it were gently brushing across the soul level, but it was not uncomfortable, nor did it show any signs of forced intrusion. W7 stood quietly in the center of the laboratory, cooperating with the scan.
After the scan was completed, the voice of the Cruiser-073 came through again. "Preliminary scan complete. Data analysis in progress... please wait."
A few more minutes passed.
The analysis results are as follows:
1. 'Ark' Unit W7: The core memory bank is severely damaged, the Psionic Energy core is stable, the ' Brand of Destruction ' contamination index is below the threshold, and there are no signs of active ' End ' or ' Void ' resonance. The current behavior pattern is highly consistent with the 'Record and Warning' mission in the ' Ancient Covenant '. Risk assessment: Low-Medium (the main risk stems from incomplete information that may lead to misjudgment).
2. Composite spaceship ' Ark Maxim ': Unique energy system, centered on ' Star Core Mark ', integrating multi-world technologies, with good rule compatibility. Weak but pure 'Will Resonance' residue was detected, contrary to known 'contamination' characteristics, showing a tendency towards 'orderly creation'. No active diffusion of contamination or rule disruption behavior was found. Risk assessment: Low.
3. Crew Collective Consciousness Field: High-intensity and resilient emotional bonds and unified will were detected. This characteristic may provide some resistance to threats such as 'conceptual erosion,' but it may also reduce the perception of risks associated with absolute rationality. Overall Assessment: A special variable requiring long-term observation.
Her tone seemed... to have softened slightly? "Based on the above data, the initial risks are manageable. I have submitted the report, along with an application to initiate the ' Ancient Law Faction ' review and grant 'temporary observation permission.' Until the arbitration tribunal responds, I will maintain my current distance and conduct routine observation, without taking any marking or tracking actions."
"Furthermore," she paused, her data-driven gaze seemingly fixed on Allen, "The scan detected that your course is pointing towards the edge of a region marked as a ' Higher-Dimensional Information Turbulence Zone.' That area is chaotic, containing natural spatial labyrinths and unknown ancient ruins, making navigation highly risky. The ' Blade of Order ' database contains non-classified information about some safe Sea Route and dangerous nodes in that region. As a starting point for this collaboration, I can share this information with you to optimize your route."
Is this... a gesture of goodwill? Or just routine assistance based on the concept of "order"?
Regardless, this is undoubtedly good news.
"Thank you very much," Allen said sincerely.
"No need. Maintaining navigational safety and reducing unnecessary accidents and unforeseen events is also in line with 'order'," responded Cruiser-073. "Data transmitted. Awaiting the tribunal's response. In the meantime, maintain communication silence unless an emergency occurs. ' Blade of Order,' Cruiser-073, temporarily offline."
The silver-white spaceship slightly adjusted its angle, once again blending into the background, becoming indistinct and maintaining a safe observation distance.
Inside the Ark Maxim, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A potential crisis seemed to have been temporarily resolved in a relatively peaceful manner.
" The Ancient Law Faction... the Arbitration Court..." Robin pondered, "It seems that this ' Blade of Order ' is not a monolithic entity. Perhaps we can try to establish contact with the faction that is more inclined towards 'protection and record-keeping'."
"That Cruiser-073, although cold and aloof, doesn't seem... too bad?" Chopper whispered.
"Hmph, that arrogant attitude is still annoying." Zoro curled his lip.
"But at least she gave us the information and didn't forcibly take W7 away." Nami's eyes lit up as she looked at the newly received star map data. "This Sea Route information is so useful! It can help us avoid a lot of trouble!"
W7's V-shaped light band glowed steadily. "Initial contact results are positive. The existence of the ' Blade of Order ' proves that this universe is not entirely unprepared for the ' Ultimate Pollution,' and that there exists a force attempting to find a balance between 'control' and 'protection.' This may have potential help for our future actions."
Allen walked to the observation window, gazing at the faintly visible silver-white spaceship in the distance, and then looked at the updated, clearer, and safer flight path on the navigation screen.
The road ahead remains uncertain, but it seems... there's also a hint of cold "goodwill" emanating from an unfamiliar order.
Their journey home, after being warned by the ruins, harassed by scavengers, and questioned by those who uphold order, is now heading towards a place where rules are even more chaotic, yet which may also conceal deeper secrets...
" Higher-Dimensional Information Turbulence Zone ".
The coordinates of Laugh Tale seem to point deep into this turbulent region.