The transport ship hovered at a safe height, continuously enduring energy interference from the radiation cloud below.
The multi-spectral deep scan protocol has been running for seventeen minutes and thirty-two seconds, and the main cogitator is processing the massive amount of data transmitted back after penetrating the radiation barrier at maximum computing power.
On the console screen, the originally blurry outlines are gradually becoming clearer as data accumulates.
The initial manifestation was an abnormal energy flow trajectory.
The scans showed that the radiation was not uniformly dispersed; its energy flow exhibited a clear convergence and guidance pattern in a certain area, as if constrained and guided by a huge energy field.
The outline of this energy field gradually came into view—a hemispherical structure covering an area of about 1.5 square kilometers, whose energy characteristics were similar to those of the Void Shield commonly used by the Empire, but whose frequency modulation method was significantly different.
"A large energy shield generator has been detected operating, and the shield type deviates from the standard template by approximately 12 percent," the Thinker reported.
As the scan progressed, the physical structure beneath the shield began to emerge.
The first thing identified was an extremely high-density metallic reaction, with a large, irregular outline and unnatural structural features.
Data analysis indicates that this is not a geological formation, but a massive man-made structure, partially buried underground and partially exposed on the surface.
Its shape is twisted, with one end towering high and the other end deeply embedded in the rock strata. The overall outline can be vaguely discerned as the bow of a large starship, but it has undergone violent impact and long-term erosion.
"A large starship wreckage has been confirmed. The structural integrity is approximately 37%. The main material is a high-grade alloy, and multiple structural damages have been detected."
Around and on top of the ship's bow wreckage, there is a sizable complex of man-made structures.
These buildings were not built randomly, but rather exhibit a clear defensive layout and functional zoning.
The scans clearly revealed several carefully camouflaged weapon platforms: their outer shells were shaped like rocks or piles of scrap metal, but the internal energy cores and weapon rails were exposed under the depth scans.
"Twenty-four laser turret arrays were identified, distributed on the outer high ground. Eight missile launch silos were identified, located in the central area. More than fifty automatic attack sentry gun groups were identified, covering the main passageways."
Osiris' mechanical fingers moved rapidly across the control panel, retrieving weapon identification databases for comparison.
These defensive weapons share similarities in design with the Empire's current equipment, but appear more archaic in detail, with some energy readings even slightly higher than the standard template.
This further confirmed his suspicion that the technology here was linked to the Dark Ages.
He instructed the Thinker to conduct a simulated assessment of the defensive firepower.
The data model was quickly established, inputting the number, type, range, and power parameters of the identified weapons, as well as the strength data of the energy shield, to simulate a scenario of fighting against a standard-organized small patrol fleet of the Imperial Navy.
The simulation results are displayed after a few seconds.
"Based on existing data models, this defense system can inflict moderate to severe damage on the patrol fleet in the first salvo. The energy shield is expected to withstand three to four salvos of concentrated fire from the fleet's main guns."
The defending laser turret array possesses effective penetration capability against the ship's armor. Missile weapons are presumably equipped with armor-piercing or plasma warheads.
The assessment concluded that the defensive firepower in this area was sufficient to pose a serious threat to a small fleet, and might even inflict a decisive blow before it could get close.
Even if a forced attack is ultimately successful, it will inevitably come at a high cost.
Osiris' gaze swept over the defense nodes that were marked in detail on the screen.
In addition to energy shields and heavy weapons, the scan also identified a dense array of sensors and potential minefields.
The settlement—if it can be called a settlement at all—is more like a highly militarized fortress, a heavily guarded outpost built on the ruins of an ancient starship.
"Record the coordinates, types, and estimated parameters of all defensive facilities. Establish a tactical threat level database," Osiris instructed.
This data is crucial and will directly influence his subsequent decision-making.
He noted that the fortress' internal structure was equally complex.
The scan revealed a vast underground space, with the highest energy readings located deep within the core of the bow wreckage, which is likely the location of the STC system.
The passages leading inside are limited and inevitably contain numerous obstacles.
Using the "Eternal Quest" for orbital bombardment might destroy the base, but it wouldn't guarantee the STC's integrity and could even trigger its self-destruct mechanism.
Sending intelligent mechs and religious guards to launch a strong attack would inevitably result in huge losses when breaking through the outer defenses.
Osiris' processor was rapidly running feasibility assessments of various solutions.
Risk and return need to be calculated precisely.
A moment later, a preliminary conclusion formed in the core of his logic: a direct attack is not the optimal solution.
He needed more detailed intelligence, including the internal layout, the distribution of guards, the daily operational routines, and potential weaknesses.
His optical lens swept across the screen once more the outline of the fortress hidden beneath the radiation cloud and formidable defenses.
The essence of exploration is sometimes not just discovery, but also how to acquire it safely.
He needs to find another way to get in.
"End depth scan. Save all data. Set return route and return to the initial observation point," Osiris commanded.
The transport boat's engines began to adjust their output, and the boat slowly turned.
He needs time to analyze this newly acquired information and develop a more strategic action plan.
A direct assault is the last resort; before that, covert infiltration and intelligence gathering will be more efficient options.
Inside the transport ship's equipment hangar, Osiris began making necessary equipment adjustments.
He first removed the large weapon platform on the shoulder and the conspicuous heavy equipment rack on the back.
Multiple external robotic arms used for auxiliary operations or to support heavy firepower were also separated one by one and temporarily fixed to the brackets inside the warehouse.
The removal of these parts made his silhouette less directly aggressive.
He retained the weapon system integrated under the armor on both arms.
The left forearm conceals the launching mechanism of the "Arc Disaster," while the right forearm houses a compact excitation device for the "Superluminal Particle Arrow."
Both systems are well covered by external armor plates, blending seamlessly with the arm armor when not in combat, making them difficult to detect.
Within the layers of the back armor, the miniaturized void shield generator remains in place.
This is his trump card for survival; its low-power standby mode produces almost no detectable energy fluctuations.
The high-density plasma reactor inside his body is an indispensable core component.
Its unavoidable low hum during operation and the faint blue light emanating from the seams of the armor are characteristics that cannot be completely concealed.
He could only explain it as a necessary system for maintaining life and basic power, which is not particularly rare in individuals who have undergone deep mechanical modifications.
Finally, he checked the encrypted communicator hidden in the auditory sensor array and the multi-mode scanning microprobes distributed around the optical lens to ensure they were functioning properly.
He was not carrying any weapons or tools that clearly exceeded the scope of his "technician" status.
After these adjustments, his massive frame remained conspicuous, but it no longer exuded the immediate and unsettling threat of heavy firepower.
He now looks more like a down-on-his-luck technologist who has survived a major accident and relies on heavy mechanical systems than a well-equipped mechanical sage.
This image is more in line with the backstory he created for himself—an archaeological technician who searched for relics in the wasteland and lost most of his equipment and companions.