The golden-red light intensified as a wave of warmth swept through the deck, coinciding with a distant rumble from deeper within the quarry. A massive crystalline shard, uncovered by the drones, caught the light and refracted it into a dazzling spectrum that painted the quarry walls.
For a moment, the operation below seemed almost artistic—a perfect blend of human ingenuity and alien beauty.
"This is it, Ethel," Lucy said softly, her voice reverent as she gestured to the expanse before them. "This is how we uncover the universe's secrets."
Ethel stood silently for a moment, taking in the view. Finally, she smiled and placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder. "You've built something incredible here, Lucy. Let's just hope the universe is ready for it—and that it doesn't mind us digging around in its backyard."