Chapter 4, Coping Strategies

Ji Hua said: "Then the question returns to the starting point. We need intelligence; only with sufficient intelligence can we achieve this."

But we have no way out, do we? The leader said, "Since the situation is beyond redemption, we can only think of countermeasures, consider how to turn bad things into good, or... how to minimize the losses we may incur.

The leader's tone conveyed immense confidence, as well as a hint of anger. Unbeknownst to him, there was someone or some organization secretly broadcasting information to the universe, exposing the existence of human civilization. As the supreme leader of human civilization, he could not possibly accept such a situation

The reason is uncertainty. Ji Hua stated, "Civilizations that can traverse the vast cosmic space to reach our solar system must possess technology far superior to ours. They must have a profound understanding of us, while we know nothing about them. This implies uncertainty—uncertainty means that we have no idea what they intend to do, we do not know their values, we do not know their moral systems, we are completely ignorant of them. They could potentially do anything to us, and we would have no capacity to resist. This signifies uncertainty—uncertainty means that we have no idea what they intend to do, we do not know their values, we do not know their moral systems, we are completely ignorant of them. They could potentially do anything to us, and we would have no capacity to resist.

I will summarize the intelligence we have gathered so far, Minister Horton said. First, this civilization is capable of interstellar travel, which necessarily implies that they possess energy acquisition methods that surpass our own, at least including controllable nuclear fusion. Second, this civilization has mastered gravitational wave communication technology, indicating that they have a deeper understanding of fundamental physics than we do, and it is highly likely that they have unified the four fundamental forces. In summary, the technological level of this civilization far exceeds our own. Third, this civilization seems to harbor goodwill towards us, claiming that it has come to assist us.

The leader and Minister Horton took the documents and quickly reviewed them. Ji Hua continued, "These signals are arranged according to the time we received them, and I have marked the time in front of each signal."

There is another key point in this incident. The Führer said, "That is the person or organization that sent out the distress signal. The extraterrestrial civilization came because of this distress signal, but it is evident that it does not know the specific content of the plea for help—actually, at this point in the development of events, the specific content of the plea for help has become irrelevant. What is important is the means by which this person or organization sent the distress signal. I am very interested in this aspect." The extraterrestrial civilization came because of this distress signal, but it is evident that it does not know the specific content of the plea for help—actually, at this point in the development of events, the specific content of the plea for help has become irrelevant. What is important is the means by which this person or organization sent the distress signal. I am very interested in this aspect.

Human civilization is currently on a healthy path of development. Given enough time, we are fully capable of stepping into the starry universe relying on our own strength. In light of this, why should we take the uncertain risk of contacting extraterrestrial civilizations that we know nothing about? Just as the best survival strategy for ants is to avoid contact with humans. A person may have good intentions towards ants; he may generously offer them some crumbs to alleviate their hunger. However, in the next moment, he might, out of annoyance, drown all the ants with a cup of water. Even if he harbors no malice, he could inadvertently crush their home with a single step.

The leader said: "This is certain. I will arrange for someone to handle this matter; even if it means digging three feet into the ground, I will definitely find them all."

After a long while, the leader finally inquired: "Jihua, I know you are an excellent astronomer, and beyond your identity as an astronomer, you have a great interest in extraterrestrial life. Therefore, I ask you, what are your thoughts on this incident?"

After the Führer's words fell, Ji Hua and Minister Horton stood up together. Minister Horton said, "Then we shall take our leave first"

The content of the document is not extensive, and it does not even fill a single sheet of paper. On this document, Ji Hua similarly only wrote the results of the signal decryption, without adding any of his own insights or analyses

Ji Hua continued, saying: "I would like to add a little more. In addition to the three pieces of intelligence mentioned by Minister Horton, there is another point, which is that this civilization must have some understanding of us. Given their level of technology, their means of observation must also be quite advanced. It can be basically confirmed that they understand the environment we are in as well as our level of technology"

"You seem to have a deep aversion to the idea of contacting a super extraterrestrial civilization," the Führer said. "However, based on the known intelligence, it appears to be a benevolent alien civilization that has traveled for decades to come here to offer assistance to certain individuals on Earth. I wonder why you harbor such profound concerns?"

Ji Hua and Minister Horton exchanged glances and both shook their heads

Ji Hua did not disclose the three pieces of information, but instead took out two documents and handed them to the leader and Horton, then said: "I have organized my findings into documents for your review"

Human civilization has enjoyed a prolonged period of comfort, and the arrival of extraterrestrial civilizations is bound to act like a heavy artillery shell, exposing all the social issues that have been concealed beneath the surface of prosperity. If we do not prepare in advance, consider the various situations we may encounter, and provide appropriate public opinion guidance and information control, even if the extraterrestrial civilization is benevolent, human civilization may still collapse on its own. If we do not prepare in advance, consider the various situations we may encounter, and provide appropriate public opinion guidance and information control, even if the extraterrestrial civilization is benevolent, human civilization may still collapse on its own

It would be a hellish world filled with crime everywhere, violence rampant, cults flourishing, and complete collapse of order

Minister Horton stated: "I agree with Ji Hua's opinion. That guy who kept broadcasting distress signals and ultimately attracted extraterrestrial civilizations... Regardless of the final outcome of this matter, he is a sinner of our civilization"

The leader's attitude slightly eased Ji Hua's mind. Regardless of how this incident will ultimately unfold, at the very least, the leader's cautious demeanor and approach are not mistaken

The leader took less than a minute to read through the document, and then fell into deep thought once again. Minister Horton also fell silent, clearly contemplating these matters. Ji Hua, on the other hand, began to wait once more

Ji Hua said softly: "There is one more thing, only by finding them can we pass judgment on their crimes"

Even if they are benevolent extraterrestrial civilizations, there is a possibility that cultural, environmental, and physiological differences may create barriers that lead to adverse consequences in our communication with them. ... Just like ... a child, with good intentions, helps a tortoise on land by placing it in the water, but that tortoise is actually a land tortoise, and putting it in the water would result in its death.

The leader nodded, and then Ji Hua and Horton left the leader's office together

The leader inquired: "Can it distinguish whether the distress signal is sent by an individual within the civilization or by the civilization itself"

Not only is it important to handle external affairs, but also the management of various matters within human civilization is of great significance. If contact with extraterrestrial civilizations can be kept confidential, meaning that it is limited solely to an elite group and not disclosed to the public, that would be acceptable. However, if this incident cannot be kept secret and results in the knowledge of the event being widespread among all of humanity, then the complexity of the situation will increase significantly

The leader briefly recounted the events and then issued the command

The first contact with extraterrestrial civilizations is destined to be a matter of profound significance. In this event, any minor oversight could lead to unforeseen and serious consequences. Human civilization must gather the most outstanding talents and approach this matter with the utmost caution in order to have a chance of overcoming this crisis

This question is meaningless and does not pertain to scientific matters. It cannot determine whether the distress signal was sent by an individual or authorized by all members of civilization. It makes no difference to it. It simply received the distress signal and then proceeded to Earth, just that simple

This matter is of great importance, as it even pertains to the future of our human civilization. The leader stated, "You must identify this person or organization in the shortest possible time."

Ji Hua stated: "His culpability lies in the fact that, for his own selfish interests, he has imposed additional risks on our human civilization. Moreover, the benefits and risks are clearly disproportionate, and no rational person would engage in such actions"

Ji Hua remained silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Gather as much information as possible about this extraterrestrial civilization. Only by acquiring sufficient intelligence can we minimize the potential harm we may face during the contact."

After Ji Hua and Horton left, the Führer spoke again into the communication device. A tall middle-aged man in military uniform arrived at the Führer's office a few minutes later

The leader nodded silently

Because the impact of this matter on the existing survival model of human civilization is too great, many things and concepts that people take for granted will collapse. Moreover, with the slightest provocation from those with ulterior motives, the situation will quickly become uncontrollable

After a brief pause, the leader continued, "I will convene a meeting to discuss the response to this incident. Ji Hua, you should stay in the capital during this time; if there is anything, you can go to Minister Horton for resolution. Horton, please help me draft a list of participants. I need the most outstanding experts in various fields, including physics, psychology, astronomy, social psychology, and so on, from our civilization to discuss this matter with me."

Horton stated: "Indeed. As long as we master this means of communication, we can establish contact with super extraterrestrial civilizations before they reach Earth. Once we have communication, we can obtain a wealth of intelligence, and with that intelligence, we can make reasonable and proper arrangements for subsequent events"