Yan Xia dodged in panic. Fortunately, the spacesuit's multi-layered structure prevented complete penetration. Returning to the cabin, he immediately issued an order to Ella: "Capture the direction the laser came from - there might be survivors." His initial panic was now mixed with excitement.
Ella adjusted the camera while analyzing the scene where Yan Xia had been hit by the laser beam. "Yan Xia, laser trajectory analysis complete," she reported. "Originating from outside the solar system in the Sagittarius constellation. The laser's energy signature is extraordinarily concentrated, exceeding any known Earth-based technology."
"Statistical projections indicate 100% probability of extraterrestrial origin, with 97.28% likelihood the source lies within 5 light-years." This revelation hit Yan Xia like a bucket of cold water. Extraterrestrial civilization.
The most plausible explanation involved the gamma-ray burst - some alien civilization must have detected gamma radiation pointing directly toward our solar system. Exactly 100 days after the gamma rays reached Earth, their investigative laser arrived. "Less than 5 light-years away," Yan Xia muttered.
"So this laser was essentially a probe. Could that civilization detect our ship and me through laser reflection?" Yan Xia asked. This time Ella didn't even perform calculations before responding: "Affirmative. Their technological advancement significantly surpasses humanity's.