22.Derelict

Herschel and Neil investigate two derelict Others' cargo vessels in the Kuiper belt that were destroyed ten years ago. They cautiously explore the interior of one ship and discover an intact but mysterious power core that does not appear to be fusion-based, potentially representing new technology.

Herschel and Neil approach two massive, drifting Others' cargo vessels in the Kuiper belt near Delta Pavonis, moving at minimal power. Both ships show severe damage from a previous battle and have been inactive for ten years. After initial scans reveal no radiation or thermal signatures, they deploy drones with roamer squads to investigate. One vessel is nearly cut in two; the other has a massive hole through it. They spend hours planning contingencies before carefully entering the second hulk through the rent in its hull. Inside, they find a large pie-shaped cargo bay that opens into a vast central corridor extending the length of the ship—roughly a hundred meters in diameter. The corridor appears mostly intact despite the attack damage. Herschel and Neil separate to explore in opposite directions. After less than a day, Neil discovers what appears to be the ship's power core in an open bay, remarkably still in one piece. When Herschel questions what the attack destroyed if the power core survived intact, Neil reveals a startling detail: the power core does not appear to be fusion-based. Recognizing the significance of this discovery, they evacuate their equipment from the hulks and conduct a low-power SUDDAR sweep to check for dormant ant swarms before taking high-resolution scans. The scans confirm it is indeed a non-fusion power-generation facility—potentially new technology unknown to the Bobiverse. Herschel decides against immediately reporting to Bill, wanting credit for the discovery, despite Neil's concerns about the decision.