In the world of Qian Feng, an orbiter silently maneuvered in its low orbit, deploying all its onboard sensors and striving to gain as much data as possible from the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. Through an array of cameras, EO sensors, radars, and other tools, it managed to capture vast amounts of information about this mysterious world. The planet, for instance, boasted vast oceans and six large continents. Each continent, unique in its topography, presented a myriad of landscapes — from the snow-capped peaks of Bingfeng to the sprawling deserts of Huoyan, the dense rainforests of Lülin, the expansive grasslands of Fengcao, the rocky canyons of Shiyan, and the mystical valleys of Luoshan. The continents were dotted with countless islands, each holding its own secrets. In this cultivation world, there were numerous phenomena that defied modern science and physics such as floating islands, waterfalls flowing upwards towards the sky, and trees that grow so high it pierces the sky.
The orbiter didn't stop there. It mapped the planet's surface, gauged potential natural resources, and analyzed atmospheric and geological data. All this knowledge was swiftly transmitted to Orion below.
Night was creeping in. Within the safety of the lander, Orion conducted detailed self-repairs. The lander, designed with the forethought of human pioneers in mind, carried spare parts, a variety of tools and materials meant for Martian base construction.
The forest's night was alive with sounds. Creatures of the dark moved and chirped, rustling leaves and twigs. Orion, ever vigilant, utilized the lander's cameras to monitor the outside world. Curious beings, drawn by the alien presence of the lander, occasionally approached. Some sniffed, some touched, and a brave few tried to pry the lander open. To deter these curious visitors, Orion would command the lander to point one of its thrusters at the creature and turn it on at low thrust, effectively scaring them away.
Orion paused to assess the situation. "Based on current conditions, the previous mission can no longer be executed. Calculating and devising future plans..." It channeled its computing power to process the vast data from the orbiter.
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Hours sped by, and as dawn's light permeated the lander's exterior, Orion had crafted its new directives:
1. Gather more information about this world.
2. Interact with the locals.
3. Initiate the Space Net plan.
From the satellite data, there appeared to be a village-like settlement just 5 km away. Orion decided that it would be its first stop. In the background, the aspirations of the Space Net project loomed large. It represented a vast endeavor to accumulate resources, establish factories both on the planet and in orbit, advance and develop technology to support and sustain their survival, establish a foothold, and develop the means for self-defense and protection.
Orion communicated its plan. "Orbiter, I'll visit the nearby village. Our priority is to survive and, if possible, return to Earth. Also, periodically check on the lander and initiate the Space Net plan." The lander, unlike Orion and the orbiter, was equipped with a rudimentary AI, designed for basic tasks. It lacked the advanced capabilities to fend off curious forest residents should they decide to investigate the lander again.
"Roger that, Orion. Updating mission parameters," the orbiter responded. "Commencing the Space Net initiative. Detected several potential targets." The orbiter shifted its focus, now searching for nearby asteroids to harness their resources.
With preparations complete, Orion stepped out of the lander, basking briefly in the warm morning sunlight. It inspected the lander, noting minor damages inflicted by the forest's inhabitants overnight. "Unlike living organisms with their ability to heal, robots require repairs," Orion mused. There was a pressing need for adaptation; otherwise, the environment would wear it down. The urgency to secure resources, materials, and tools became evident. To truly ensure longevity in this alien environment, establishing a factory for consistent production and repair was imperative.
Equipped with essential tools for potential repairs and a makeshift weapon—a sharp-edged pipe—Orion readied itself for the journey ahead. "It's fortunate I don't need to carry a portable solar panel, given this mysterious energy's ability to recharge my batteries," Orion noted internally. With one last glance back at the lander, it determinedly said, "Time to go now," and set forth into the vast expanse of Qianzhou.