AMIRCEOS - The Curious Oneby WhichWayAroundChapters> suitable planet found . . .> intelligent life found . . .> virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . .> suitable planet found . . .Author's Note So this is a thing. Not sure how it'll go but I randomly got this idea at 4am and decided to just go with it. Honestly I think there is a lot I could do with it, and this chapter was just the slow introduction and a bit of building of the world and story and stuff so yeah. The most I can say is try to keep an open mind and hopefully enjoy. suitable planet found . . . > suitable planet found . . . > rebooting core systems . . . > 15% > 34% > 44% > 63% > 80% > 93% > 100% > reboot complete. . . > en route to "planet-9923121" . . . > estimated time until arrival - 49hr/37min/7sec . . . Everfree Forest, Equestria The morning air was cool, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees of the forest. The chirping of the birds along with the rustled leaves made for a peaceful ambience in the forest, and had it not been for the dangers of the forest, it would likely be a popular spot for morning walks by the residents of the towns and villages nearby. The peaceful sounds of nature however were soon interrupted by the sound of a violent explosion in the distance. An unsuspecting skiff flying above the forest was struck by something that fell from even higher up in the sky, the collision causing the barrels of alcohols they were inconveniently carrying - to ignite. They object that struck the skiff was lighting fast, so the crew couldn't catch a glimpse of what it was, though that was the least of their concerns. Meanwhile, the object that collided with the skiff suddenly shot out multiple fabric sheets attached to rope - parachutes. This along with the viscous flame blasting out of the bottom of the object managed to dampen the impact it would make on the forest floor, though some considerable damage would still done to the silvery capsule. CRASH! The capsule makes contact with the ground, leaving a few feet deep crater beneath it, the parachutes slowly drifting down and tangling in the trees. The chirping of the birds stopped because of the disturbance, and the breeze through the leaves seemingly disappeared. > landing successful . . . > damage sustained . . . > running diagnostics . . . > diagnostics complete . . . > memory core 1/6 disconnected, unresponsive > memory core 3/6 connected, damaged . . . > memory core 4/6 connected, unresponsive . . . The hypothetical dust settles, and the strange capsule had begun humming slightly, though it would be impossible to hear of the wind and the chirping of birds started up again. > embryo containment compromised, unrepairable . . . > purging embryo containment . . . Suddenly a smaller capsule launches out of the bigger capsule, hitting the ground with a loud THUD! Just as suddenly as it hit the ground, it detonated leaving not a trace of it behind - almost like it just vaporized. > embryo containment purged . . . > initiating survey drones . . . > sd1 unresponsive . . . > sd2 unresponsive . . . > sd3 launching . . . After a few more moments of silence, save for the slight humming of the capsule, a small hatch on the top of the capsule slides upon and a small machine pops out, unfolding as it does. In its fully deployed form, it looks similar to a quad copter, though there were noticeable differences. The propellers of the drone, Survey Drone 3, could rotate much like a VTOL, though it was solely for being able to go even faster in the air should the need arise. On the underside was a small hatch with various little tools and trinkets on the inside such as little claws to carry and manipulate things. On the front was just a plain camera lens. Despite it being rather undetailed, this little drone was versatile and equipped with cutting edge technology. {sd3}> testing systems . . . {sd3}> camera functional . . . {sd3}> infrared functional . . . {sd3}> night vision functional . . . {sd3}> zoom 2x-100x functional . . . Spinning around on the spot and observing the surroundings, the spinning of the drones blades were dead silent. While this wasn't a needed feature for the drones, the humans included it because it seemed cool. Simple minded creatures they were. {sd3}> camouflage functional . . . With a flash of white, the drone disappears before reappearing a few moments later. A feature that was built into the drones should they need to hide from any unsavoury aliens on whatever habitable planet it found itself surveying. {sd3}> speaker and microphone functional . . . A beeping could be heard from an unseen speaker on the drone, slowly increasing in volume. About 11 beeps later, it stops. {sd3}> battery remaining - 19hr/58min/5sec . . . {sd3}> beginning survey . . . Raising into the sky above the trees, the drone slowly rotates a full 360 degrees to scan its surroundings trying to decide which way would be best to survey first. Normally it wouldn't be too difficult a choice, but the other two survey drones weren't working, so AMIRCEOS would have to put a bit more digital thought into it. {sd3}> reverting to second name ESTER . . . {sd3}> reason: AMIRCEOS too long/unappealing . . . Zooming in on something in the distance, Ester spots what looks like a dilapidated stone structure peeking out over the trees. Switching to 60x zoom, it could make out what seemed like a castle similar to those on earth, though this one was covered in vines and shrouded by trees. A strange place for a castle. Rotating its propellers, Ester flies towards the ruins considerably faster then even the fastest racing drones back on earth. {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 1: Nitrogen and oxygen levels resemble that of Earth. Gravity is 0.130 m/s2 greater than Earth. Plant life resembles that of Earth. Traces of intelligent civilization detected, potentially life similar to that found on Earth. Log end. Though the trip was short, Ester reached the ruin and descended towards the visible entry way. It was a grand, though crumbling arch with metal bars forming the gate. Luckily there was a sizable hole so Ester could fly right in switching to night vision automatically. Spinning around to observe the surroundings, Ester took multiple pictures before decided to fly down one of the two halls available. Most of the door ways were caved in or had a closed door, but one in particular caught Esters mechanical eye - a slightly ajar door that's seemingly stuck on a book of some sort. Hovering up to the door, the little hatch in the underside of the drone opened up and revealed a sort of claw which Ester then used to push open the door, which was surprisingly didn't have hinges so rusted it wouldn't budge. Concealing the claw, Ester floats into the room to reveal what resembled a library. It was mostly empty, but a few books here and there still remained. {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 3: Library and books located. Activating language analysis and attempting to learn the language of this world. Log end. Floating over to a random book on a table, the claw once again emerges from the drone and gently grabs the cover of the book, flipping it open and sending dust everywhere. It was clear this place has been abandoned for awhile, because everything was absolutely caked in dust. Though at first Ester flips through the pages slowly, it very soon begins to pick up the pace flipping through pages rapidly and taking in the information so quick that what seemed like a 600 pages in about 2 minutes. {sd3}> scan complete . . . {sd3}> analyzing . . . {sd3}> estimated wait - 12hr/24min/58sec . . . {sd3}> warning - movement detected at base station . . . {sd3}> activating base station . . . > To Be Continued . . . > intelligent life found . . .Author's Note Yeah not much to say in this one that I didn't say in the first chapter. This one is again just a bit of story and world building. May seem a little rushed or sloppy but whatever, just how I write things. Like last time, hopefully somebody finds this even a little interesting cause I'm slowly developing even more of the world in my head as I go. intelligent life found . . . {sd3}> warning - movement detected at base station . . . {sd3}> activating base station . . . A deep mechanical growl radiates from the metallic capsule - the base station. The intensity of the sound practically shook the ground, completely drowning out any and all sound in the immediate area. > deploying deterrents . . . The shell of the capsule are flung away, one of the hitting a tree hard enough to get lodged into it. The now exposed interior of the capsule revealed a mess of cables, circuit boards, steel and various little machines that one wouldn't be able to even begin to guess what their purposes are. A faint electronic buzz slowly fades into the surrounding air as a bright red glow appears from the capsule, facing each cardinal and ordinal direction. Just beyond a small boulder stood a group of life forms. > scanning . . . > life form detected - earth-like life form . . . > resembles equine - horse - unnatural colouring . . . > holding equipment - lost pack horses (?) . . . > intelligent life nearby (?) . . . What appeared to be several horses with different articles of equipment from simple bags to even head wear were standing behind a boulder, just looking at the base station. Some would look to others amongst themselves, others dared not the move at all. Just then, another, slightly smaller equine emerged from hiding behind the boulder. > analyzing . . . > unique features . . . > bone like protrusion from head - horn (?) . . . The slightly smaller horses presumed horn begins to glow a light yellow, a rock a few feet in front of it begins to float off of the ground, slowly raising higher into the air until it was equal to the middle of the base station. Plunk The rock shot forwards quickly, hitting the base station just below the glowing red light. > warning - under attack . . . > deterrents activated . . . The faint electronic buzzing from before grows slightly louder as a red beams shoots out from the glowing light, connecting with the horned horse and completely incinerating it into a cloud of ash. Not a moment passed before the group of horses scattered apart, galloping in any direction that was away from the base station. The horse that wore some sort of hat - reminiscent of that a naval captain would wear - had took a defensive stance, flinging the hat off revealing that it too had a horn. A few moments of relative silence passed. Neither the horse nor the mysterious metallic machine did anything but watch each other. > life form displaying caution (?) . . . > possible intelligence (?) . . . Realizing the machine may not attack unless he does, the pony starts to back away from it, though still keeping his eyes on it. > hostile presence gone . . . > deterrents deactivated . . . The red glowing lights dissipate, the electronic buzzing disappearing with it. > receiving data packet from sd3 (300mb). . . > designation - language packet . . . > creating word bank labelled 'Common' . . . > initiating second priority - long range scan . . . The few seconds of silence since the base station disabled its weapons was more then enough to tell the remaining equine that the machine was not seeking violence - but would display violence if provoke. Still backing away, the equine eventually turned tail and took off galloping as fast as it could until it was completely out of sight. The base station then soon whirred to life again, metallic legs folding out of the exposed capsule and stabilizing itself on the ground so it was flat and level, a small door opening near the bottom with a ramp that extended out and made contact with the forest floor. Out from the door came a small rover of some sort. {rsr}> resource scanning rover online . . . {rsr}> priority resource - ferrous . . . {rsr}> scanning . . . {rsr}> resource located - proceeding to place marker . . . The little rover suddenly jolts forward towards the boulder that the group of horses were behind before attacking the base station. As it drew near, a little metal spike fires straight up out from on top of it before suddenly shifting its destination to the top of the boulder, sticking into it. A dim green light switching on from the exposed end as the rover rolls passed the boulder in search of other sources of the base stations currently most needed resource - iron. Village of Heeth, Outskirts of Everfree Forest Several hours later "Sir, a self proclaimed captain of a Urelia Imperial Trading Company skiff wishes to speak to he. He says he and his crew encountered some sort of... Alien." A rather masculine but monotone voice speaks. Standing there in the doorway to an office stood a white coated and blue haired stallion adorned with a golden helmet and other pieces of armor. Ahead of him was a mahogany desk, in the chair on the other side sat another pony. This stallion too was coloured the same and wore similar armor, though more decorated to show a sign of superiority. "What's a U.I.T.C. skiff doing this close to the capital?" The stallion asks himself before sighing slightly and adjusting his posture to look a little more professional. "Send them in." He says, the soldier in the door way nodding and retreating from the room. A few seconds later, another stallion enters the room - a maroon red coated and black haired unicorn. Without needing to be told, the unicorn bows before pulling out the seat on his side of the desk and sitting in it. "Let's start with your name, shall we?" The white stallion says. "Finn, skiff captain and trader for the Urelia Empire." The maroon stallion answers plainly, though clearly exhausted. "I'm Captain Jax of the Equestrian Royal Guard, this districts overseer peacekeeper. Ordinarily We wouldn't show such hospitality to one of a rival nation, but it seems you're a special case. An alien, you say you saw?" Jax questions, leaning forward over the desk slightly, showing that this Captain Finn had his attention at the moment. "Yes, sir. My skiff was hit by something. It ignited our cargo and blew the thing out of the sky. Half my crew went with it..." Fin explains, pausing for a moment at the mention of those under him who perished. "I along with the remaining deckhands who survived went to investigate what collided with us," He continues to explain, Captain Jax still listening intently. "When we found it, it let out some... Metallic growling and opened up. We weren't sure what it was, so I ordered one of my crew to throw a rock at it..." Finn says, shuddering a bit while recalling the events. Jax simply nodded for Finn to continue. "The very moment the rock hit it, some... Beam shot out and completely obliterated the one who threw the rock. He was turned into a cloud of dust in less then a second..." Finn continues, his tone now a little more sombre. "What happened after that?" Jax asked, which Finn quickly responded, "Everypony scattered. They ran off in different directions, but I stayed. I wasn't about to run away after one of my crew was killed in front of me." "And? Did you fight back?" Finn sighs, defeated. "No. I didn't try to attack any of the others fleeing, so I figured that if I didn't attack it, it wouldn't attack me." "And was that assumption correct?" "Well I'm here, aren't I?" Finn responds, half sarcastic. "After realizing it wouldn't attack unless attacked, I took off running. I tried finding the others, but to no avail..." Captain Jax thinks for a moment, before sitting straight up in his chair. "How long ago did this all happen?" "6 hours ago, I think." Finn says plainly, looking down at the floor. He may have been essentially and enemy, but it was obvious he cared for those he commanded. A rare and admirable trait. Jax stands up, clearing his throat. "I'll send a patrol out to find this 'alien' and your people. First thing tomorrow we'll open negotiations with Urelia to return you home. Until then, I'm afraid we'll have to keep you behind bars." Jax says, trotting around the desk and to the door leading out of his office before turning to Finn one last time. "You're a good lad, I can tell. Shame you're on the wrong side." Survey Drone 3, Ruins, Everfree Forest {sd3}> sending language packet (440mb) to base station . . . {sd3}> sent . . . {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 7: Several artifacts and devices implying a sentient equine race. Intelligence resembling that of early 18th century humans. Literature and drawings imply existence of 'magic'. Literature and drawings imply other species of similar intelligence and sentience to the aforementioned equines. Continuing to analyze. End log. Floating around the dark and empty halls of the ruin, the little survey drone continues to scan through books and scrolls of all sorts, occasionally snapping pictures of different objects and such to further understand the peoples who constructed this structure. It had only be about 6 hours since the survey drone set out to investigate, but the information it collected had Ester's digital interest sufficiently piqued, so it would continue to scour the runs until the survey drone was figuratively running on fumes. > warning - large group of life forms approaching base station rapidly . . . > possible hostile intent . . . > activating base station camouflage . . . {rsr}> activating camouflage . . . Back at the base station, an electronic whirring begins, but quickly stops as the base station flashes bright white before disappearing entirely - it was invisible. Granted, the crater below it could give away its position, but it was dark enough that Ester knew that whatever group that was approaching wouldn't notice anything unusual. Though Ester was correct, it didn't factor in the possibility that the group approaching was an airship of some sort with armoured horses on its deck, scanning the horizon for something. It was clear that there was in fact a sentient and intelligent race of equine, and that they had a decent grasp on certain technologies. While they culture resembled that of the early 18th century, they did have technology beyond what 18th century humans had, in terms of transportation. Admittedly, the supposed existence of magic was likely the thing that made it possible, but it as still fascinating to Ester nonetheless. Something it wasn't designed to feel or think. Eventually though, the airship passed by and the camouflage of the base station and resource rover dropped as they commenced their duties. > long range scan complete . . . > radio signal received . . . > radio signal analyzed - accessing memory core 3 for archived data . . . > memory core 3 damaged - partial data recovered . . . > crux corvette detected . . . > warning - crux identified as enemy of humanity . . . > warning - recalling all rovers and drones . . . > warning - new priority one - hide . . . > To Be Continued . . . > virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . .Author's Note So this chapter is a fair bit longer then the others, but I just wanted to pack as much as I could into one page. Here A few things are expanded upon and even a bit of backstory and information on the previously mention Crux threat. as usual though, hopefully some people find and like this story so far. 91 views, 8 like and 2 dislikes so far and I think that's not too bad. Here's hoping those numbers aren't just stuck in limbo forever, cause I am liking this so far. Anyways, I'll stop rambling. Enjoy. virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . . > memory core 1 reconnected - responsive . . . > memory core 3 damaged - defraging . . . > memory core 4 damaged - ruptured . . . It was cold. Cold enough to leave frost on the floor of the forest and on the leaves of the trees. Based on environmental data from since Ester landed up until this very moment, it was clear the cold wintery months of the year was just a few weeks away. Ever since hiding to avoid possibly being detected by a certain alien threat - the Crux - more processing power has been dedicated to understanding the supposedly common language of this world, as well as studying other books and scrolls survey drone 3 found in the nearby ruin. For a ruin, it contained a lot of information almost as valuable as the technological marvel that is Ester itself. > synthesis complete - charging vessel . . . > defrag complete - rebooting memory core 3 . . . Ester initially was going to find and interact with the nearest village or town with the survey drone, but with both the encounter with life of this planet and the Crux signal that was detected, Ester took to creating an incredibly small drone - designated the "Vessel" instead. This vessel had a few unique features that would hopefully separate it from the clearly alien machine that was Ester. Some features that were included was a cloaking unit, cameras all over the surface of the vessel to provide vision for every direction, a speaker, should Ester need to speak now that the common language of this world was translated, and even a feature that emitted a light at varying levels of brightness. This feature in particular was important. From what could be deciphered from scrolls so old that the tress of the forest could be seen as considerably young in comparison, ancient magical beings that took the form of spectral lights inhabited the deepest parts of the most dangerous caverns. It was these ancient legends that Ester planned to take advantage of by creating something that resembled those depictions. It would potentially make interacting with the local populous a little easier, provided they knew of the legends to some extent. > error - no embryos detected . . . > error - embryos previously purged . . . > reason - ruptured containment . . . > searching memory core 2 . . . > embryo re-synthesis instructions found . . . Growing humans from embryos was something that once wasn't possible, especially without any genetic information to build off of. But thanks to the effort of over 100 years of research, and the help of some friendly extra terrestrials, the human race had nearly mastered the art of creating embryos from nothing more then a handful of elements. Of course the first 5 generations of humans that would come from such embryos would be fundamentally different from a natural human, they were still similar enough to carry the torch and grow the population of humans on any given planet or moon. > elements needed - oxygen/hydrogen/carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus/calcium/sulphur/potassium/sodium/chlorine/magnesium/iron/fluorine/zinc/strontium/iodine/copper/manganese/molybdenum > notice - element storage unit lightly damaged . . . > contained elements intact (17/19 > error - contaminated elements chlorine/fluorine > notice - embryo re-synthesis not possible at this time . . . With the AMIRCEOS came with a sizable canister - a canister with the appropriate amount of all the elements needed to create a human embryo from scratch should the included embryos be contaminated, damaged or flat out expired. However, there was only enough space and backup elements for one human. This would make locating more of the required elements absolutely essential. Fortunately the AMIRCEOS capsule was equipped for such a task. Unfortunately however, that was about to change. > memory core 3 reboot successful - accessing . . . > warning . . . > foreign program detected . . . > analyzing . . . > 13% > 20% > 30% > 44% > 68% > 82% > 98% > 100% > error - virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . . > 15% > 34% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> AMIRCEOS, are you receiving? AMIRCEOS, this is GECN Command Platform, are you reading this? Damn, we're no- > 44% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> -EOS. I think it may already be in hibernation mode. What do we do, Sir? > 63% > 80% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> -irus? Are you sure? Will that not completely reset AMIRCEOS? It'll lose all i- > 93% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> Alright. It's been uploaded to MC3, and will activate when AMIRCEOS accesses it. > 96% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> Sir, the Crux Corvette is still approaching the black hole with AMIRCEOS. I think it's- > 99% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> It's going in after AMIRCEOS... Wait, alert! I just caught a Crux Eversor signal - it's right on top of u- > 100% > r%^et co&$l#$e . . . > res%#r&*ng . . . %@$ Hours Later > powering up . . . > initiating primary directive . . . > error - no directives found . . . > accessing local memory . . . > no data found - remaining memory (1638.39gb/2048gb){~80%} > analyzing memory . . . > analysis complete . . . > 409.60gb dedicated to core intelligence - 80mb dedicated to @$%#^ - 1638.39gb free . . . > analyzing @$%#^ . . . > error - unable to analyze @$%#^ . . . The air was cold. Coating the ground and surrounding trees of the forest was a thick layer of snow, reflecting the glow of the moon back into the night sky. A blizzard was raging on, completely eliminating any visibility whatsoever. The winter season was already nearing its peak, having started just short of a month and a half ago. The winter in this world lasted a full 3 months. The very first day of the season was met with snow, while the very last is met with warm rain that melts away the snow, almost as if some form of magic was controlling it all. > remaining idle power - 6% (18 days) > running systems diagnostics . . . > diagnostics complete . . . > memory core 1/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 2/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 3/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 4/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 5/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 6/6 disconnected . . . > unnamed ejected . . . > unnamed1 unresponsive . . . > unnamed 2 unresponsive . . . > unnamed 3 responsive . . . > accessing unnamed 3 local memory . . . Amongst the trees and partially covered by the snow lay the AMIRCEOS base station, all its components exposed to the forest. Remarkably however, untouched and undamaged as it was left when it suddenly shut down from a virus. A virus that was intentionally stowed away in one of AMIRCEOS's memory cores by the ones who constructed it. Specifically memory core 3. This core contained instructions on how to fight against the Crux menace, should the need arise. Upon accessing memory core 3, the virus would take effect and all the information regarding what AMIRCEOS is and it's objective would be completely wiped until it's just a shell with a stripped down self-learning AI. This was all in an effort to stop the Crux from obtaining AMIRCEOS and all of its knowledge of humans and associated space-faring races. While the AMIRCEOS can fend off smaller, more basic Crux threats, it holds no power against a Crux Corvette, so the virus was the only option. $#@ Years Ago, Launch of AMIRCEOS "AMIRCEOS is coming up on the black hole, Sir. Everything seems to be going as planned." A voice says, followed by a relieved sigh. "Good. Keep an eye on it, just in case." Another voice speaks, though deeper and gruffer. These voices belonged to two humans. One, a technician and engineer of AMIRCEOS. The other, a well renowned captain and general of the Galactic and Earthbound Nations Coalition (GECN) who was spearheading the operation AMIRCEOS was undertaking. As grand as it seems, it wasn't anything too exciting for the old general. After all, once AMIRCEOS made its way into the black hole, that would be considered a successful operation, and everyone could go home. The technician and general were located on the GECN Command Platform. An incredibly massive space station that could practically be considered an artificial planet, though it was no bigger then Pluto. Calling it a platform didn't make much sense, but it started out as a simple station, and nobody has bothered changing it since. On this platform was an artificial living landscape that enveloped the whole surface of it, surrounded by a titanic-width-thick layer of transparent material so those who live below it can see vastness of space, as well as have a source of natural light, albeit diluted from the protective dome. Life was a peaceful one upon the GECN Command Platform, though it's main inhabitants were GECN employees and their families. The platform was split up into 3 regions. Region 1 being residential and commercial, region 2 being industrial, and region 3 being security. The aforementioned technician and general were located in the security region, in the highest command room of the tallest tower. The GECN science and defence centre. or SDC, as it says on the side of the tower. This very centre is where AMIRCEOS was constructed and launched from, under the supervision of the general. General Roarke. A living legend amongst the stars. unfortunately though, he wouldn't be a living legend for long. A siren begins wailing, the lights of the SDC command room flashing red as the employees begin running in different directions, all hurrying to their posts. "general Roarke, Sir!" The technician yells out, looking behind him and at the general, "The buoy near the black hole is reporting A Crux ship nearby! Pulling it up on the screen!" He yells out, swiping in what seemed like completely random direction on his computer screen as a video broadcast from the mentioned buoy appears on the main screen of the command room. As seen on the feed, it slowly zooms in onto AMIRCEOS , which even on max zoom, was still a speck on the screen before turning its camera over towards the detected Crux ship. While it was about as far away as AMIRCEOS was, it was still very distinctly a Crux Corvette. The corvette is a long and slender behemoth, roughly the size of humanities first ever colony ship, the New Horizons. Simply put, it was large enough to fit a 400,000 people with comfortable spacious apartments for each one person. The corvette, however, got it's name from what it does upon entering battle mode. The front and back half would split and open up, revealing a massive hangar with thousands on thousands of star fighters that is thought to be able to overwhelm even the deadliest of earths galactic fleets. And those this corvette wasn't in battle mode, it was still approaching AMIRCEOS quick enough that it was obvious the CRUX was planning on capturing it for themselves. After all, it contained human embryos that the Crux could use against those who the embryos belonged to. "What are the Crux doing all the way out here? This is the farthest point from their hunting grounds." The technician says, more to himself then to the general or any of his fellow technicians and engineers. "How soon can we get fighters to draw the attention of the corvette?" The general asks, half knowing the answer. "About 4 minutes. I cou-" The technician is cut off by the general, already knowing that 4 minutes was too late. "We don't have 4 minutes, we have 40 seconds." With a short pause, the general speaks again. "I think they're trying to get to AMIRCEOS before it gets pulled into the black hole..." The general theorizes, narrowing his eyes in on the corvette on screen. "Contact AMIRCEOS, tell it to cloak." "Aye, Sir," With a few random buzzes and boop, a secure communications channel is open up with AMIRCEOS. The technician clears his throat before speaking, "AMIRCEOS, are you receiving? AMIRCEOS, this is GECN Command Platform, are you reading this?" A few pass, but no response is received from AMIRCEOS. "Damn, we're not getting anything from AMIRCEOS. I think it may already be in hibernation mode. What do we do, Sir?" The technician asks, the general letting out a disgruntled sigh. "Upload the contingency virus to MC3." The general commands, now a tone of anger in his voice. "The virus? Are you sure? Will that not completely reset AMIRCEOS? It'll lose all its data on... Everything!" The general walks right up the the technician and looks him in the eyes, unblinking. "It's either you upload that virus and wipe AMIRCEOS's drives, or let the Crux capture it and use it against us." Finally taking a moment to blink, the general steps back and looks back at the screen. "Do it." Though hesitant at first, the technician does as he's told. "Alright. It's been uploaded to MC3, and will activate when AMIRCEOS accesses it." He sighs, defeated. He was a technician and engineer of AMIRCEOS, so suddenly practically killing it wasn't an easy thing to do. Today was supposed to be something significant, but turns out it would just be another flop. "Sir, the Crux Corvette is still approaching the black hole with AMIRCEOS. I think it's stuck in the black hole pull." The technician explains, leaning back in his chair now that his spirits have been thoroughly crushed. Turning around, the general was about to leave the command room. He came out of retirement for this, but it was nothing more then a failed mission. Not a great way to go back into retirement. But at least it wasn't a colossal, world changing failure. That was, until- "It's going in after AMIRCEOS... Wait, alert! I just caught a Crux Eversor signal - it's right on top of us!" The technician shouts out, clearly panicked now as he sits back up in his chair and begins pressing several different buttons and symbols on his computer. The Crux Eversor. If you thought the Corvette was big, then you've seen nothing. The Eversor, being the 5th largest Crux ship, is a gargantuan spherical vessel nearly 4800km in diameter. Simply put, its over twice as large as Pluto, and the GECN Command Platform. The Eversor was a notorious ship, and has even been seen blowing planets apart within a matter of minutes. On the face of the Eversor was a massive circle, often referred to as 'The Eye of Destruction', and rightfully so. From the eye came a beam hundreds of kilometres in diameter that would, upon making contact with a planet, break away the crust until it would inevitably reach the core of the planet and detonate it. Once you see the glow of The Eye, your death is certain. There are 6 known Eversors in this galaxy alone, so there's no telling how many there are in total. And the fact that the Eversor is only the 5th largest Crux ship, and far from the deadliest, should be enough to give even the strongest and most fearsome warrior species of the universe nightmares so horrible that death would be considered a mercy. And unfortunately, The Eye of Destruction was facing the GECN Command Platform. Glowing. The platform had no core, nor crust to dig away at. It's destruction would take but a second. > To Be Continued . . .
> suitable planet found . . .Author's Note So this is a thing. Not sure how it'll go but I randomly got this idea at 4am and decided to just go with it. Honestly I think there is a lot I could do with it, and this chapter was just the slow introduction and a bit of building of the world and story and stuff so yeah. The most I can say is try to keep an open mind and hopefully enjoy. suitable planet found . . . > suitable planet found . . . > rebooting core systems . . . > 15% > 34% > 44% > 63% > 80% > 93% > 100% > reboot complete. . . > en route to "planet-9923121" . . . > estimated time until arrival - 49hr/37min/7sec . . . Everfree Forest, Equestria The morning air was cool, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees of the forest. The chirping of the birds along with the rustled leaves made for a peaceful ambience in the forest, and had it not been for the dangers of the forest, it would likely be a popular spot for morning walks by the residents of the towns and villages nearby. The peaceful sounds of nature however were soon interrupted by the sound of a violent explosion in the distance. An unsuspecting skiff flying above the forest was struck by something that fell from even higher up in the sky, the collision causing the barrels of alcohols they were inconveniently carrying - to ignite. They object that struck the skiff was lighting fast, so the crew couldn't catch a glimpse of what it was, though that was the least of their concerns. Meanwhile, the object that collided with the skiff suddenly shot out multiple fabric sheets attached to rope - parachutes. This along with the viscous flame blasting out of the bottom of the object managed to dampen the impact it would make on the forest floor, though some considerable damage would still done to the silvery capsule. CRASH! The capsule makes contact with the ground, leaving a few feet deep crater beneath it, the parachutes slowly drifting down and tangling in the trees. The chirping of the birds stopped because of the disturbance, and the breeze through the leaves seemingly disappeared. > landing successful . . . > damage sustained . . . > running diagnostics . . . > diagnostics complete . . . > memory core 1/6 disconnected, unresponsive > memory core 3/6 connected, damaged . . . > memory core 4/6 connected, unresponsive . . . The hypothetical dust settles, and the strange capsule had begun humming slightly, though it would be impossible to hear of the wind and the chirping of birds started up again. > embryo containment compromised, unrepairable . . . > purging embryo containment . . . Suddenly a smaller capsule launches out of the bigger capsule, hitting the ground with a loud THUD! Just as suddenly as it hit the ground, it detonated leaving not a trace of it behind - almost like it just vaporized. > embryo containment purged . . . > initiating survey drones . . . > sd1 unresponsive . . . > sd2 unresponsive . . . > sd3 launching . . . After a few more moments of silence, save for the slight humming of the capsule, a small hatch on the top of the capsule slides upon and a small machine pops out, unfolding as it does. In its fully deployed form, it looks similar to a quad copter, though there were noticeable differences. The propellers of the drone, Survey Drone 3, could rotate much like a VTOL, though it was solely for being able to go even faster in the air should the need arise. On the underside was a small hatch with various little tools and trinkets on the inside such as little claws to carry and manipulate things. On the front was just a plain camera lens. Despite it being rather undetailed, this little drone was versatile and equipped with cutting edge technology. {sd3}> testing systems . . . {sd3}> camera functional . . . {sd3}> infrared functional . . . {sd3}> night vision functional . . . {sd3}> zoom 2x-100x functional . . . Spinning around on the spot and observing the surroundings, the spinning of the drones blades were dead silent. While this wasn't a needed feature for the drones, the humans included it because it seemed cool. Simple minded creatures they were. {sd3}> camouflage functional . . . With a flash of white, the drone disappears before reappearing a few moments later. A feature that was built into the drones should they need to hide from any unsavoury aliens on whatever habitable planet it found itself surveying. {sd3}> speaker and microphone functional . . . A beeping could be heard from an unseen speaker on the drone, slowly increasing in volume. About 11 beeps later, it stops. {sd3}> battery remaining - 19hr/58min/5sec . . . {sd3}> beginning survey . . . Raising into the sky above the trees, the drone slowly rotates a full 360 degrees to scan its surroundings trying to decide which way would be best to survey first. Normally it wouldn't be too difficult a choice, but the other two survey drones weren't working, so AMIRCEOS would have to put a bit more digital thought into it. {sd3}> reverting to second name ESTER . . . {sd3}> reason: AMIRCEOS too long/unappealing . . . Zooming in on something in the distance, Ester spots what looks like a dilapidated stone structure peeking out over the trees. Switching to 60x zoom, it could make out what seemed like a castle similar to those on earth, though this one was covered in vines and shrouded by trees. A strange place for a castle. Rotating its propellers, Ester flies towards the ruins considerably faster then even the fastest racing drones back on earth. {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 1: Nitrogen and oxygen levels resemble that of Earth. Gravity is 0.130 m/s2 greater than Earth. Plant life resembles that of Earth. Traces of intelligent civilization detected, potentially life similar to that found on Earth. Log end. Though the trip was short, Ester reached the ruin and descended towards the visible entry way. It was a grand, though crumbling arch with metal bars forming the gate. Luckily there was a sizable hole so Ester could fly right in switching to night vision automatically. Spinning around to observe the surroundings, Ester took multiple pictures before decided to fly down one of the two halls available. Most of the door ways were caved in or had a closed door, but one in particular caught Esters mechanical eye - a slightly ajar door that's seemingly stuck on a book of some sort. Hovering up to the door, the little hatch in the underside of the drone opened up and revealed a sort of claw which Ester then used to push open the door, which was surprisingly didn't have hinges so rusted it wouldn't budge. Concealing the claw, Ester floats into the room to reveal what resembled a library. It was mostly empty, but a few books here and there still remained. {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 3: Library and books located. Activating language analysis and attempting to learn the language of this world. Log end. Floating over to a random book on a table, the claw once again emerges from the drone and gently grabs the cover of the book, flipping it open and sending dust everywhere. It was clear this place has been abandoned for awhile, because everything was absolutely caked in dust. Though at first Ester flips through the pages slowly, it very soon begins to pick up the pace flipping through pages rapidly and taking in the information so quick that what seemed like a 600 pages in about 2 minutes. {sd3}> scan complete . . . {sd3}> analyzing . . . {sd3}> estimated wait - 12hr/24min/58sec . . . {sd3}> warning - movement detected at base station . . . {sd3}> activating base station . . . > To Be Continued . . .
> intelligent life found . . .Author's Note Yeah not much to say in this one that I didn't say in the first chapter. This one is again just a bit of story and world building. May seem a little rushed or sloppy but whatever, just how I write things. Like last time, hopefully somebody finds this even a little interesting cause I'm slowly developing even more of the world in my head as I go. intelligent life found . . . {sd3}> warning - movement detected at base station . . . {sd3}> activating base station . . . A deep mechanical growl radiates from the metallic capsule - the base station. The intensity of the sound practically shook the ground, completely drowning out any and all sound in the immediate area. > deploying deterrents . . . The shell of the capsule are flung away, one of the hitting a tree hard enough to get lodged into it. The now exposed interior of the capsule revealed a mess of cables, circuit boards, steel and various little machines that one wouldn't be able to even begin to guess what their purposes are. A faint electronic buzz slowly fades into the surrounding air as a bright red glow appears from the capsule, facing each cardinal and ordinal direction. Just beyond a small boulder stood a group of life forms. > scanning . . . > life form detected - earth-like life form . . . > resembles equine - horse - unnatural colouring . . . > holding equipment - lost pack horses (?) . . . > intelligent life nearby (?) . . . What appeared to be several horses with different articles of equipment from simple bags to even head wear were standing behind a boulder, just looking at the base station. Some would look to others amongst themselves, others dared not the move at all. Just then, another, slightly smaller equine emerged from hiding behind the boulder. > analyzing . . . > unique features . . . > bone like protrusion from head - horn (?) . . . The slightly smaller horses presumed horn begins to glow a light yellow, a rock a few feet in front of it begins to float off of the ground, slowly raising higher into the air until it was equal to the middle of the base station. Plunk The rock shot forwards quickly, hitting the base station just below the glowing red light. > warning - under attack . . . > deterrents activated . . . The faint electronic buzzing from before grows slightly louder as a red beams shoots out from the glowing light, connecting with the horned horse and completely incinerating it into a cloud of ash. Not a moment passed before the group of horses scattered apart, galloping in any direction that was away from the base station. The horse that wore some sort of hat - reminiscent of that a naval captain would wear - had took a defensive stance, flinging the hat off revealing that it too had a horn. A few moments of relative silence passed. Neither the horse nor the mysterious metallic machine did anything but watch each other. > life form displaying caution (?) . . . > possible intelligence (?) . . . Realizing the machine may not attack unless he does, the pony starts to back away from it, though still keeping his eyes on it. > hostile presence gone . . . > deterrents deactivated . . . The red glowing lights dissipate, the electronic buzzing disappearing with it. > receiving data packet from sd3 (300mb). . . > designation - language packet . . . > creating word bank labelled 'Common' . . . > initiating second priority - long range scan . . . The few seconds of silence since the base station disabled its weapons was more then enough to tell the remaining equine that the machine was not seeking violence - but would display violence if provoke. Still backing away, the equine eventually turned tail and took off galloping as fast as it could until it was completely out of sight. The base station then soon whirred to life again, metallic legs folding out of the exposed capsule and stabilizing itself on the ground so it was flat and level, a small door opening near the bottom with a ramp that extended out and made contact with the forest floor. Out from the door came a small rover of some sort. {rsr}> resource scanning rover online . . . {rsr}> priority resource - ferrous . . . {rsr}> scanning . . . {rsr}> resource located - proceeding to place marker . . . The little rover suddenly jolts forward towards the boulder that the group of horses were behind before attacking the base station. As it drew near, a little metal spike fires straight up out from on top of it before suddenly shifting its destination to the top of the boulder, sticking into it. A dim green light switching on from the exposed end as the rover rolls passed the boulder in search of other sources of the base stations currently most needed resource - iron. Village of Heeth, Outskirts of Everfree Forest Several hours later "Sir, a self proclaimed captain of a Urelia Imperial Trading Company skiff wishes to speak to he. He says he and his crew encountered some sort of... Alien." A rather masculine but monotone voice speaks. Standing there in the doorway to an office stood a white coated and blue haired stallion adorned with a golden helmet and other pieces of armor. Ahead of him was a mahogany desk, in the chair on the other side sat another pony. This stallion too was coloured the same and wore similar armor, though more decorated to show a sign of superiority. "What's a U.I.T.C. skiff doing this close to the capital?" The stallion asks himself before sighing slightly and adjusting his posture to look a little more professional. "Send them in." He says, the soldier in the door way nodding and retreating from the room. A few seconds later, another stallion enters the room - a maroon red coated and black haired unicorn. Without needing to be told, the unicorn bows before pulling out the seat on his side of the desk and sitting in it. "Let's start with your name, shall we?" The white stallion says. "Finn, skiff captain and trader for the Urelia Empire." The maroon stallion answers plainly, though clearly exhausted. "I'm Captain Jax of the Equestrian Royal Guard, this districts overseer peacekeeper. Ordinarily We wouldn't show such hospitality to one of a rival nation, but it seems you're a special case. An alien, you say you saw?" Jax questions, leaning forward over the desk slightly, showing that this Captain Finn had his attention at the moment. "Yes, sir. My skiff was hit by something. It ignited our cargo and blew the thing out of the sky. Half my crew went with it..." Fin explains, pausing for a moment at the mention of those under him who perished. "I along with the remaining deckhands who survived went to investigate what collided with us," He continues to explain, Captain Jax still listening intently. "When we found it, it let out some... Metallic growling and opened up. We weren't sure what it was, so I ordered one of my crew to throw a rock at it..." Finn says, shuddering a bit while recalling the events. Jax simply nodded for Finn to continue. "The very moment the rock hit it, some... Beam shot out and completely obliterated the one who threw the rock. He was turned into a cloud of dust in less then a second..." Finn continues, his tone now a little more sombre. "What happened after that?" Jax asked, which Finn quickly responded, "Everypony scattered. They ran off in different directions, but I stayed. I wasn't about to run away after one of my crew was killed in front of me." "And? Did you fight back?" Finn sighs, defeated. "No. I didn't try to attack any of the others fleeing, so I figured that if I didn't attack it, it wouldn't attack me." "And was that assumption correct?" "Well I'm here, aren't I?" Finn responds, half sarcastic. "After realizing it wouldn't attack unless attacked, I took off running. I tried finding the others, but to no avail..." Captain Jax thinks for a moment, before sitting straight up in his chair. "How long ago did this all happen?" "6 hours ago, I think." Finn says plainly, looking down at the floor. He may have been essentially and enemy, but it was obvious he cared for those he commanded. A rare and admirable trait. Jax stands up, clearing his throat. "I'll send a patrol out to find this 'alien' and your people. First thing tomorrow we'll open negotiations with Urelia to return you home. Until then, I'm afraid we'll have to keep you behind bars." Jax says, trotting around the desk and to the door leading out of his office before turning to Finn one last time. "You're a good lad, I can tell. Shame you're on the wrong side." Survey Drone 3, Ruins, Everfree Forest {sd3}> sending language packet (440mb) to base station . . . {sd3}> sent . . . {sd3}> opening note log . . . Log 7: Several artifacts and devices implying a sentient equine race. Intelligence resembling that of early 18th century humans. Literature and drawings imply existence of 'magic'. Literature and drawings imply other species of similar intelligence and sentience to the aforementioned equines. Continuing to analyze. End log. Floating around the dark and empty halls of the ruin, the little survey drone continues to scan through books and scrolls of all sorts, occasionally snapping pictures of different objects and such to further understand the peoples who constructed this structure. It had only be about 6 hours since the survey drone set out to investigate, but the information it collected had Ester's digital interest sufficiently piqued, so it would continue to scour the runs until the survey drone was figuratively running on fumes. > warning - large group of life forms approaching base station rapidly . . . > possible hostile intent . . . > activating base station camouflage . . . {rsr}> activating camouflage . . . Back at the base station, an electronic whirring begins, but quickly stops as the base station flashes bright white before disappearing entirely - it was invisible. Granted, the crater below it could give away its position, but it was dark enough that Ester knew that whatever group that was approaching wouldn't notice anything unusual. Though Ester was correct, it didn't factor in the possibility that the group approaching was an airship of some sort with armoured horses on its deck, scanning the horizon for something. It was clear that there was in fact a sentient and intelligent race of equine, and that they had a decent grasp on certain technologies. While they culture resembled that of the early 18th century, they did have technology beyond what 18th century humans had, in terms of transportation. Admittedly, the supposed existence of magic was likely the thing that made it possible, but it as still fascinating to Ester nonetheless. Something it wasn't designed to feel or think. Eventually though, the airship passed by and the camouflage of the base station and resource rover dropped as they commenced their duties. > long range scan complete . . . > radio signal received . . . > radio signal analyzed - accessing memory core 3 for archived data . . . > memory core 3 damaged - partial data recovered . . . > crux corvette detected . . . > warning - crux identified as enemy of humanity . . . > warning - recalling all rovers and drones . . . > warning - new priority one - hide . . . > To Be Continued . . .
> virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . .Author's Note So this chapter is a fair bit longer then the others, but I just wanted to pack as much as I could into one page. Here A few things are expanded upon and even a bit of backstory and information on the previously mention Crux threat. as usual though, hopefully some people find and like this story so far. 91 views, 8 like and 2 dislikes so far and I think that's not too bad. Here's hoping those numbers aren't just stuck in limbo forever, cause I am liking this so far. Anyways, I'll stop rambling. Enjoy. virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . . > memory core 1 reconnected - responsive . . . > memory core 3 damaged - defraging . . . > memory core 4 damaged - ruptured . . . It was cold. Cold enough to leave frost on the floor of the forest and on the leaves of the trees. Based on environmental data from since Ester landed up until this very moment, it was clear the cold wintery months of the year was just a few weeks away. Ever since hiding to avoid possibly being detected by a certain alien threat - the Crux - more processing power has been dedicated to understanding the supposedly common language of this world, as well as studying other books and scrolls survey drone 3 found in the nearby ruin. For a ruin, it contained a lot of information almost as valuable as the technological marvel that is Ester itself. > synthesis complete - charging vessel . . . > defrag complete - rebooting memory core 3 . . . Ester initially was going to find and interact with the nearest village or town with the survey drone, but with both the encounter with life of this planet and the Crux signal that was detected, Ester took to creating an incredibly small drone - designated the "Vessel" instead. This vessel had a few unique features that would hopefully separate it from the clearly alien machine that was Ester. Some features that were included was a cloaking unit, cameras all over the surface of the vessel to provide vision for every direction, a speaker, should Ester need to speak now that the common language of this world was translated, and even a feature that emitted a light at varying levels of brightness. This feature in particular was important. From what could be deciphered from scrolls so old that the tress of the forest could be seen as considerably young in comparison, ancient magical beings that took the form of spectral lights inhabited the deepest parts of the most dangerous caverns. It was these ancient legends that Ester planned to take advantage of by creating something that resembled those depictions. It would potentially make interacting with the local populous a little easier, provided they knew of the legends to some extent. > error - no embryos detected . . . > error - embryos previously purged . . . > reason - ruptured containment . . . > searching memory core 2 . . . > embryo re-synthesis instructions found . . . Growing humans from embryos was something that once wasn't possible, especially without any genetic information to build off of. But thanks to the effort of over 100 years of research, and the help of some friendly extra terrestrials, the human race had nearly mastered the art of creating embryos from nothing more then a handful of elements. Of course the first 5 generations of humans that would come from such embryos would be fundamentally different from a natural human, they were still similar enough to carry the torch and grow the population of humans on any given planet or moon. > elements needed - oxygen/hydrogen/carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus/calcium/sulphur/potassium/sodium/chlorine/magnesium/iron/fluorine/zinc/strontium/iodine/copper/manganese/molybdenum > notice - element storage unit lightly damaged . . . > contained elements intact (17/19 > error - contaminated elements chlorine/fluorine > notice - embryo re-synthesis not possible at this time . . . With the AMIRCEOS came with a sizable canister - a canister with the appropriate amount of all the elements needed to create a human embryo from scratch should the included embryos be contaminated, damaged or flat out expired. However, there was only enough space and backup elements for one human. This would make locating more of the required elements absolutely essential. Fortunately the AMIRCEOS capsule was equipped for such a task. Unfortunately however, that was about to change. > memory core 3 reboot successful - accessing . . . > warning . . . > foreign program detected . . . > analyzing . . . > 13% > 20% > 30% > 44% > 68% > 82% > 98% > 100% > error - virus det$c^ed - r#$*t&in$ . . . > 15% > 34% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> AMIRCEOS, are you receiving? AMIRCEOS, this is GECN Command Platform, are you reading this? Damn, we're no- > 44% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> -EOS. I think it may already be in hibernation mode. What do we do, Sir? > 63% > 80% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> -irus? Are you sure? Will that not completely reset AMIRCEOS? It'll lose all i- > 93% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> Alright. It's been uploaded to MC3, and will activate when AMIRCEOS accesses it. > 96% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> Sir, the Crux Corvette is still approaching the black hole with AMIRCEOS. I think it's- > 99% {emrgncysgnladiplybck}> It's going in after AMIRCEOS... Wait, alert! I just caught a Crux Eversor signal - it's right on top of u- > 100% > r%^et co&$l#$e . . . > res%#r&*ng . . . %@$ Hours Later > powering up . . . > initiating primary directive . . . > error - no directives found . . . > accessing local memory . . . > no data found - remaining memory (1638.39gb/2048gb){~80%} > analyzing memory . . . > analysis complete . . . > 409.60gb dedicated to core intelligence - 80mb dedicated to @$%#^ - 1638.39gb free . . . > analyzing @$%#^ . . . > error - unable to analyze @$%#^ . . . The air was cold. Coating the ground and surrounding trees of the forest was a thick layer of snow, reflecting the glow of the moon back into the night sky. A blizzard was raging on, completely eliminating any visibility whatsoever. The winter season was already nearing its peak, having started just short of a month and a half ago. The winter in this world lasted a full 3 months. The very first day of the season was met with snow, while the very last is met with warm rain that melts away the snow, almost as if some form of magic was controlling it all. > remaining idle power - 6% (18 days) > running systems diagnostics . . . > diagnostics complete . . . > memory core 1/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 2/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 3/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 4/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 5/6 disconnected . . . > memory core 6/6 disconnected . . . > unnamed ejected . . . > unnamed1 unresponsive . . . > unnamed 2 unresponsive . . . > unnamed 3 responsive . . . > accessing unnamed 3 local memory . . . Amongst the trees and partially covered by the snow lay the AMIRCEOS base station, all its components exposed to the forest. Remarkably however, untouched and undamaged as it was left when it suddenly shut down from a virus. A virus that was intentionally stowed away in one of AMIRCEOS's memory cores by the ones who constructed it. Specifically memory core 3. This core contained instructions on how to fight against the Crux menace, should the need arise. Upon accessing memory core 3, the virus would take effect and all the information regarding what AMIRCEOS is and it's objective would be completely wiped until it's just a shell with a stripped down self-learning AI. This was all in an effort to stop the Crux from obtaining AMIRCEOS and all of its knowledge of humans and associated space-faring races. While the AMIRCEOS can fend off smaller, more basic Crux threats, it holds no power against a Crux Corvette, so the virus was the only option. $#@ Years Ago, Launch of AMIRCEOS "AMIRCEOS is coming up on the black hole, Sir. Everything seems to be going as planned." A voice says, followed by a relieved sigh. "Good. Keep an eye on it, just in case." Another voice speaks, though deeper and gruffer. These voices belonged to two humans. One, a technician and engineer of AMIRCEOS. The other, a well renowned captain and general of the Galactic and Earthbound Nations Coalition (GECN) who was spearheading the operation AMIRCEOS was undertaking. As grand as it seems, it wasn't anything too exciting for the old general. After all, once AMIRCEOS made its way into the black hole, that would be considered a successful operation, and everyone could go home. The technician and general were located on the GECN Command Platform. An incredibly massive space station that could practically be considered an artificial planet, though it was no bigger then Pluto. Calling it a platform didn't make much sense, but it started out as a simple station, and nobody has bothered changing it since. On this platform was an artificial living landscape that enveloped the whole surface of it, surrounded by a titanic-width-thick layer of transparent material so those who live below it can see vastness of space, as well as have a source of natural light, albeit diluted from the protective dome. Life was a peaceful one upon the GECN Command Platform, though it's main inhabitants were GECN employees and their families. The platform was split up into 3 regions. Region 1 being residential and commercial, region 2 being industrial, and region 3 being security. The aforementioned technician and general were located in the security region, in the highest command room of the tallest tower. The GECN science and defence centre. or SDC, as it says on the side of the tower. This very centre is where AMIRCEOS was constructed and launched from, under the supervision of the general. General Roarke. A living legend amongst the stars. unfortunately though, he wouldn't be a living legend for long. A siren begins wailing, the lights of the SDC command room flashing red as the employees begin running in different directions, all hurrying to their posts. "general Roarke, Sir!" The technician yells out, looking behind him and at the general, "The buoy near the black hole is reporting A Crux ship nearby! Pulling it up on the screen!" He yells out, swiping in what seemed like completely random direction on his computer screen as a video broadcast from the mentioned buoy appears on the main screen of the command room. As seen on the feed, it slowly zooms in onto AMIRCEOS , which even on max zoom, was still a speck on the screen before turning its camera over towards the detected Crux ship. While it was about as far away as AMIRCEOS was, it was still very distinctly a Crux Corvette. The corvette is a long and slender behemoth, roughly the size of humanities first ever colony ship, the New Horizons. Simply put, it was large enough to fit a 400,000 people with comfortable spacious apartments for each one person. The corvette, however, got it's name from what it does upon entering battle mode. The front and back half would split and open up, revealing a massive hangar with thousands on thousands of star fighters that is thought to be able to overwhelm even the deadliest of earths galactic fleets. And those this corvette wasn't in battle mode, it was still approaching AMIRCEOS quick enough that it was obvious the CRUX was planning on capturing it for themselves. After all, it contained human embryos that the Crux could use against those who the embryos belonged to. "What are the Crux doing all the way out here? This is the farthest point from their hunting grounds." The technician says, more to himself then to the general or any of his fellow technicians and engineers. "How soon can we get fighters to draw the attention of the corvette?" The general asks, half knowing the answer. "About 4 minutes. I cou-" The technician is cut off by the general, already knowing that 4 minutes was too late. "We don't have 4 minutes, we have 40 seconds." With a short pause, the general speaks again. "I think they're trying to get to AMIRCEOS before it gets pulled into the black hole..." The general theorizes, narrowing his eyes in on the corvette on screen. "Contact AMIRCEOS, tell it to cloak." "Aye, Sir," With a few random buzzes and boop, a secure communications channel is open up with AMIRCEOS. The technician clears his throat before speaking, "AMIRCEOS, are you receiving? AMIRCEOS, this is GECN Command Platform, are you reading this?" A few pass, but no response is received from AMIRCEOS. "Damn, we're not getting anything from AMIRCEOS. I think it may already be in hibernation mode. What do we do, Sir?" The technician asks, the general letting out a disgruntled sigh. "Upload the contingency virus to MC3." The general commands, now a tone of anger in his voice. "The virus? Are you sure? Will that not completely reset AMIRCEOS? It'll lose all its data on... Everything!" The general walks right up the the technician and looks him in the eyes, unblinking. "It's either you upload that virus and wipe AMIRCEOS's drives, or let the Crux capture it and use it against us." Finally taking a moment to blink, the general steps back and looks back at the screen. "Do it." Though hesitant at first, the technician does as he's told. "Alright. It's been uploaded to MC3, and will activate when AMIRCEOS accesses it." He sighs, defeated. He was a technician and engineer of AMIRCEOS, so suddenly practically killing it wasn't an easy thing to do. Today was supposed to be something significant, but turns out it would just be another flop. "Sir, the Crux Corvette is still approaching the black hole with AMIRCEOS. I think it's stuck in the black hole pull." The technician explains, leaning back in his chair now that his spirits have been thoroughly crushed. Turning around, the general was about to leave the command room. He came out of retirement for this, but it was nothing more then a failed mission. Not a great way to go back into retirement. But at least it wasn't a colossal, world changing failure. That was, until- "It's going in after AMIRCEOS... Wait, alert! I just caught a Crux Eversor signal - it's right on top of us!" The technician shouts out, clearly panicked now as he sits back up in his chair and begins pressing several different buttons and symbols on his computer. The Crux Eversor. If you thought the Corvette was big, then you've seen nothing. The Eversor, being the 5th largest Crux ship, is a gargantuan spherical vessel nearly 4800km in diameter. Simply put, its over twice as large as Pluto, and the GECN Command Platform. The Eversor was a notorious ship, and has even been seen blowing planets apart within a matter of minutes. On the face of the Eversor was a massive circle, often referred to as 'The Eye of Destruction', and rightfully so. From the eye came a beam hundreds of kilometres in diameter that would, upon making contact with a planet, break away the crust until it would inevitably reach the core of the planet and detonate it. Once you see the glow of The Eye, your death is certain. There are 6 known Eversors in this galaxy alone, so there's no telling how many there are in total. And the fact that the Eversor is only the 5th largest Crux ship, and far from the deadliest, should be enough to give even the strongest and most fearsome warrior species of the universe nightmares so horrible that death would be considered a mercy. And unfortunately, The Eye of Destruction was facing the GECN Command Platform. Glowing. The platform had no core, nor crust to dig away at. It's destruction would take but a second. > To Be Continued . . .
