第151章 "Silent Orders"

**Chapter 151: The Web of Conspiracy**

The engineer's gaze still lingered on 程星's face, his eyes betraying a deep unease. "What did he say?" 程星 asked, his tone neutral. The engineer hesitated before responding, "It's... complicated."

程星 raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Tell me."

The engineer took a deep breath before speaking in a low tone, "The director of the National Space Agency has ordered us to cease all research on the mysterious signal. He claims it's a waste of resources and a threat to national security."

程星's eyes narrowed. "That's absurd. What about the data we've collected so far?"

The engineer's expression turned grim. "Apparently, the director has chosen to ignore our findings. He's more concerned about the potential fallout from the signal's existence than the actual science behind it."

程星's face darkened with anger. "This is insane. We can't just stop investigating. What about the civilian scientists who are working on the project?"

The engineer leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been told to keep quiet about it. The director has threatened to terminate my contract if I breathe a word about the signal."

程星's eyes flashed with determination. "I won't let this happen. We need to get to the bottom of this conspiracy."

Just then, the phone rang again. The engineer hesitated before answering it, but 程星's intense gaze seemed to urge him on. As the engineer listened to the phone call, his expression turned from concern to alarm.

"What is it?" 程星 asked, his voice low and urgent.

The engineer's eyes darted around the room before he mouthed, "It's him. The director. He's coming to the observatory."

程星's jaw clenched. This was getting personal. He glanced around the room, his mind racing with possibilities. They had to be prepared for anything.

As the engineer hung up the phone, 程星's eyes locked onto his. "We need to get out of here. Now."

The engineer nodded, and together they quickly gathered their belongings and made their way to the exit. But as they reached the door, they were met with a surprise.

The director stood before them, his eyes cold and calculating. "程星, I think it's time we had a little chat."

程星's heart pounded in his chest. This was it. The lines of consent had been crossed. The game was afoot. And only one side could emerge victorious.

"I'm not going anywhere," 程星 said, his voice firm. "I'm going to uncover the truth, no matter what it takes."

The director's smile was chilling. "We'll see about that."