Visitors from the Deep in Six Hours

“It believes we are calling it.” As Lan-Zero spoke, every light in the *White Heron’s* engine room dimmed. Lin Che shut down the drone’s public page. “Too late. Hunter One received the complete distress code. It has released three scout bodies. Estimated arrival in Lingang: five hours, forty-two minutes.” Su Wanzhou stared at him. “Who are you talking to?” There was no point hiding it now. Lin locked the hatch and lifted the black polyhedron from beneath his toolbox. Lan-Zero rose into the air. Blue light transformed the cramped compartment into a virtual ocean. Six red points floated in darkness; one was dividing into three. Su stepped back and knocked a wrench from the bench.