The evolution of insect swarms from XNUMX million years ago

Chapter 273 Gondwana and Laurentia
The improvement of the first batch of old-fashioned space creatures had already begun before the completion of the Starfly. Some of the tissues in their bodies, such as the components of the electromagnetic railgun, began to dissolve and were quickly converted into nutrients and other structures in the form of pupae.

The external pod previously prepared for space creatures also came in handy, and a large amount of concentrated nutrients and key resources were loaded into it in preparation for the development and construction of Centauri Samsung.

The observation methods of later generations can determine that there are planets in the three-star system of Centauri, but the specific number and type are not clear. However, the Ezki exploration fleet passed through the three stars of Centauri. Although there is no detailed detection, at least it knows more than later generations of humans. many.

According to the intelligence provided by the Ezki people, this star system closest to the solar system has three planets, including two terrestrial planets and one Jupiter-like planet. Neither terrestrial planet has a biosphere, but it is enough for a hive.

The goals of this group of space creatures are these two terrestrial planets with an environment similar to Mars. Under Lin Yi's control, after the biological hyperspace engines in their bodies pupated, they assembled into formations and passed through the hyperspace channels in batches to the Centauri Star.

The speculations of the Ezki civilization indicate that there is a theoretical upper limit to the throughput of hyperspace channels. But no one knows how much mass this upper limit is. Perhaps reaching a planet-level terrifying mass will trigger the upper limit of its possible existence.

Even if the number of these space creatures increases ten to a hundred times, it will not trigger the upper limit of throughput. Passing in batches is just to ensure safety. After all, if something unexpected happens on the three stars of Centauri, according to ordinary observation methods, the observation equipment in the solar system four light years away can only see the situation four years later.

In the special observation band, ripples appeared at the entrance of the hyperspace channel. Immediately, the first batch of space creatures loaded with supplies passed through the hyperspace channel and entered the Centauri three-star system.

It is said to be a three-star system. In fact, the real Samsung Centauri is not as chaotic and disorderly as described in a classic science fiction work for the plot. The actual situation is that two stars form a relatively stable binary star system, and the other star Less massive red dwarfs orbit individually at greater distances.

Lin Yi's goal is mainly the one of the two terrestrial planets orbiting the double star - the other Jupiter-like planet also orbits the double star. It contains a large amount of material that can be used as fusion fuel, and a certain amount of energy. Radiation is naturally suitable as a parking place for stars.

The nearby Earth-like planet is naturally the best "shipyard". Stars that have completed pupation can easily go to Jupiter-like planets to refuel.

According to the information returned by the large-scale integrated photoelectric sensing compound eye, the mass of the target planet is estimated to be between Mars and the Earth. It has almost no atmosphere, and its appearance is yellow-brown. From a distance, it looks like an endless desert covered with yellow sand.

Of course, its actual environment is ten times and a hundred times worse than that of a desert, but for a nest that already has experience colonizing the surface of Mars, it is not difficult to gain a foothold on it.

The nuclear fission rocket engine of the space creature is fully powered, and a large amount of propellant is heated and ejected. After approaching the target planet, it begins to slow down and is skillfully captured by the planet's gravity. It briefly becomes a synchronized satellite of the planet.

But when a large number of space creatures do this at the same time, the orbit of the planet becomes lively. Among them, some space creatures have already begun to pupate on the spot, while more are slowly decelerating further and falling towards the surface of the planet.

Lin Yi simply named this planet Gondwana to commemorate the shallow seas on the continental margin that once supported a large number of organisms on the Ordovician Gondwana continent, including the emerging nest colonies. In the same way, another terrestrial planet in the Centauri three-star system was named Laurentia, corresponding to another continent at that time - Laurentia. At this time, a group of space creatures are also heading to Laurentia to land on it.

Unlike Gondwana, which has an environment similar to Mars in all aspects, Laurentia orbits a red dwarf star at a very close distance. One side of it remains locked under the gravity of the red dwarf star, that is to say, one side is always facing star.

Such an environment has caused a huge temperature difference between the two sides of Laurentia - that is, the fusion reaction of the red dwarf is relatively slower and the light and heat it emits is lower. Otherwise, the surface condition will not be much better than that of Mercury. .

The too close distance also puts this gray-black desolate planet within the range of powerful radiation emitted by the red dwarf star for a long time. It is like purgatory for ordinary creatures, but it is another matter for the nest group.

Thermal energy and radiation energy can be efficiently absorbed and utilized by the improved version of the space carpet. In other words, the large amounts of high temperature and radiation on this planet that are fatal to normal organisms are no different than sending food to the nest colony.

Of course, although it is embarrassing to say that you were beaten to death by rice, it is not impossible to happen. Excessive heat and radiation can cause problems if not used perfectly - therefore, the correct "eating" posture must still be maintained.

The improved structure of the heat conduction circulation system and thermal energy synthesis system has further improved the utilization rate of energy. At this time, the landing and colonization of the front side of Laurentia will be the moment to test all this.

The colonization of Gondwana on the other side is much more convenient. The experience of colonizing Mars can basically be copied completely - after the body of the space creature pupates, the internal nuclear fission reactor is temporarily retained and installed in a structure similar to the mother's nest. structure, directly serving as a source of energy after landing.

Immediately, the carpet tissue spread with the support of a large amount of energy and organic matter synthesized from inorganic matter absorbed by the roots, and the underground rhizomes extended, gradually forming an "oasis" with the landing point as the center of the circle on the surface of the desolate Gondwana star.

At the same time, in space, those space creatures that were pupating also gradually gathered, concentrated at the equator of Gondwana, and began to pupate continuously in its synchronous orbit.

Beyond the solar system, there is nothing that can limit the expansion and development of the nest. Therefore, some giant space structures that have not been realized in the solar system before have now become possible with the development of technology and changes in the environment.

It is envisaged that a huge structure will be completed in the orbit of Gondwana and become a bridge connecting the sky and the earth, replacing the electromagnetic gun delivery array once used on Mars, and transporting the energy produced on Gondwana. Nutrients are continuously sent into space to complete the production of more stars.

(End of this chapter)