I think that it is apparent that there is SOME kind of intelligent intervention with the C-probes. (Who selects how many and which probes respond to a distress call? Who decides to split the force into groups?) I'm still not completely convinced that there are humans there on Mars and that the C-probes are not just being controlled by Earthbound Humans. Don't they have some sort of a satelite over Mars that would help them with 24-hr communication? Now obviously they can't control each of the many probes indivually, so there must be some amount of AI programming.
However, it is not outside the realm of possibility or even probability that the Chinese have sent human personnel to Mars. Let's see now, let me ramble a bit.
They know that Gen and the B-B probes were armed. Perhaps they sent all those destructors to clear the area of hostiles so that the humans could then come out and explore the area. They ARE quite a ways away from the area of Jose's cave and the reported artifacts - a long trip in an environmental suit.
Another problem...oxygen generation. Several months journey and now an extended stay on Mars - that would require ALOT of O2 even for just a couple of humans. And dozens of "destructors"...that must have been one MONSTROUS transport ship and lander.
Hmmm...very possible, but I guess I'm still a little skeptical.
Can't discount it, though.
How's that for a waffling incoherent post?
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Zero
O=o