Visitors from the Deep in Six Hours

An instant before transmission, the distress signal became Hunter-Tide’s code for mission complete. The red eye flashed three times and went dark. The spindle unfolded layer by layer, exposing a gray-white crystal. “Scout body awaiting recovery,” Lan-Zero said. “Edible?” Han called from behind the railing. “No,” Su said, breathing hard. “Possibly a little more valuable than tuna.” Lan-Zero scanned the crystal. “It contains eight years of Hunter One’s observation logs.” Lin’s pulse quickened. “Search Lin Haichuan.” Blue light formed a blurred image. Eight years ago, in the southeastern trench, Lin’s father stood inside a diving bell. There had been no equipment failure. Outside, an identical silver scout opened its red eye.