Li Heng was piloting an old spacecraft on a mission to salvage debris from the Moon when he accidentally activated the ancient civilization's surviving star destroyer, Skywatch.
The instant it recognized him as its master, a silicon-based empire on the edge of the galaxy awoke in tandem. A cold mechanical voice announced across the universe: “Successor to the spark of civilization detected. Initiating elimination protocol.”
A massive cannon muzzle opened on the far side of the Moon. Li Heng raised a hand and tapped the star map. “Skywatch, activate planet-level annihilation mode.”
After a beam of light pierced the distance between Earth and the Moon, he turned to face the horrified heads of state from around the world. “From today onward, humanity is under my protection.”
