Post by PeterTM on Sept 27, 2024 14:44:39 GMT 12
THE PREPERATION
Episode 3
By PeterTM
With the spectre of a potential war looming with Ancient Entities in the Void, Earth’s Scientific Community worked around the clock to unravel the mysteries of the Precursor Crystal Platform Panel. Progress was agonizingly slow but thankful for what they had achieved so far, only patience and time would reveal hidden secrets. As the months went by, the science team realized the Crystal Platform technology was technically different making Precursor artifacts incompatible. Most surprising of all was the revelation that the Crystal Platform technology mirrored Humanities technology only highly advanced. Dr Heke called the Council and asked for the Council to meet with them with urgency, a few seconds later Hanna and Ra’Ani teleported into the lab.
“What do you have for us Dr?” Looking at Jake, Hanna expectantly waited.
“We have two discoveries for you to consider Councillors.” “Go on Dr Heke,” stated Ra’Ani.
Nodding Jake excitedly exclaimed, “Firstly, this Crystal Platform structure on initial investigation appears to differ from Precursor Technology, it is incompatible with their Artifacts. “We have checked then double checked our conclusions and came back with the same results.” Jake looked at both Councillors seeing the shock on their faces.
“If you are correct Dr Heke, then the question is, where did our Elders get it from? Ra’Ani mumbled more to herself than anyone else."
Jake continued with enthusiasm,
“Unfortunately we may never discover the answer to that question Councillor, this comes from a time before our current knowledge of our Elder Councillors, unless there is still an Elder from that time living."
“You mentioned two discoveries Dr,” stated Hanna. Jake nodded.
“And here’s the most interesting revelation Councillor Hanna,” Jake excitedly continued, "this Crystal Platform tech mirrors our very own technology, only millennia ahead of us. The intricacies of the technology woven into this Crystal beyond our current understanding.”
Hanna, momentarily taken aback stated, “Keep working on it Dr, we will return to the Council Chambers to inform the other Councillors,” Hanna stated,
As Hanna reported to the Council the information Dr Heke had told her, all the Councillors were in a state of shock, in deep thought Councillor Dawn asked as she thought about the implications of this discovery.
“Is this data verified, authenticated?”
“Dr Heke is rechecking his finding as we speak.” Stated Ra’Ani.
After long hours of discussions, a consensus of action agreed upon by the Council was put into action, they would inform the Elders of their findings in the hope of gleaning information to further their knowledge-gathering attempts to this perplexing dilemma, while other members of the Council journeyed to distant civilizations to inform them about the Ancient Beings discovered in the Void.
The next day Ardrax appeared and asked Hanna if he could speak with her in private.
“Very well Elder Ardrax, please follow me.” Noticing the tone in her voice, he could feel the unease she projected, he asked.
“Is something bothering you Hanna?” concern all over his face.
Hanna continued walking, reaching her office, she turned and announced,
“Where did you get that Crystal Platform from? We know it’s not your technology.”
Ardrax confused, and with a startled look at Hanna, called Hellena with his mind, hearing his confused call, she appeared in the Chamber.
“What is it Ardrax?” Hellena asked. Hanna cut in before Ardrax could reply.
“Just one question Elder Hellena, where did you get the Crystal Platform technology from?”
“Hanna, what do you mean? That technology is our technology gone wrong. That is why we do not use it.”
Hanna raised her hand for silence, then turned to Dr Heke.
“Dr, show her.”
Jake operated the teleporter, as the Crystal Platform and their copied Precursor artifacts shimmered into view, he placed the artifacts in their positions on the Crystal Platform. Hellena started to panic, warning Hanna she was making a big mistake, and not to activate the Crystal device. Hanna held her composure, then nodded to Jake. “Go ahead Dr.”
Jake with a nod activated the Crystal Platform, which hummed to life emitting a bluish-purple glow that bathed the Space Station in its light.
Hellena stood transfixed as she stared at the Crystal Platform, “I do not know how you accomplished this feat, you are portraying an ability to understand and decipher technologies beyond your current level of technology.
Hanna looked at Hellena with a smile on her face. ”As we told you before, we have the ability to think outside the box, to probe the mysteries that face us, and solve the unsolvable. When you think about it, the levels of expectation we place on ourselves exceed those of even the most advanced species of our Galaxy.”
Hellena thought for a moment then replied,
“You dive head first into mysteries that have the potential to destroy yourselves and yes, maybe the whole Galaxy, you strive to solve mysteries that have the potential to unravel the Universe.” Hellena continued,
“What is the limit you will not pass, how far are you prepared to push the development boundaries?”
Then Ra’Ani spoke,
“It sounds like you have already found mysteries that cannot or should not be solved by your species, if so, then why place your limitations upon us? Why restrain discovery, and creativity? What right do you have to hold back anyone from the knowledge that mysteries reveal? It is a requirement, a fundamental basic research tool to breach our own understanding and limitations” Ra’Ani stated in exasperation.
After a very long pause, Hellena taking a deep breath announced,
“I am sorry if it appears we are trying to suppress your inherent nature of discovery,” Deep in thought she continued,
“Perhaps you are correct in your assumptions and we should step back, we could learn much from your Union.”
Ra’Ani continued,
“Our Union of species developed in ways we never expected, peace, harmony, love throughout our domain, with technology advancements propelling our collective repertoire of knowledge to new heights, lives lived from a hundred years to thousands in the space of less than two Earth centuries raising our potential to a limitless outlook for our future.”
Ardrax interjected,
“At what cost Councillor?” asked Ardrax in confusion.
“Since our Union, the cost has been high, not just in value, but learning an entirely new approach to living with each other's unique differences. This ability to adapt to our changing environment is the cornerstone of our existence. We thrive where others stumble, we unravel what’s deemed impossible, and our approach is unique to us, If that is the cost we must pay, then we gladly pay the price.”
Hanna then spoke with pride in her voice,
We, meaning our team of Scientists have discovered the correlation between this technology and our own, only far more advanced than our current level of technology, can you explain the similarity of this item and our technology?”
“I have no idea, this Crystal technology has been with us since I can remember when, why do you think I have the answer to your question?” Asked Hellena, she herself in communing with her Exalted Elder, was informed not to reveal anything.
“Councillors, Elder Hellena is not exactly truthful however, she displays no malice. Stated Hal, speaking with conviction in his synthesized voice.
“We know Hal, thank you for your input,” Diane replied.
“Elder Hellena, we also know of your communication with an immensely powerful being, “ before she could continue a voice echoed through their minds,
“Council of the UEF, I wish to speak!”
Hurriedly Hanna ordered the AI to stand down.
“Amusing,” stated the voice, to think your technology could affect me.”
“ Our humble apologies, we only wanted to … “ Before she could complete what she tried to convey to the voice, she was cut off mid-sentence.
“Yes yes yes,” with an indignant tone in her voice, looked at Hanna and her Council, the voice continued,
“I am the last of my species of a race of beings called The Gracians, long extinct, we are those of which your species call The Ancient Ones.” As the voice droned on, Diane using her computer terminal ordered Hal to erect an invisible damping field around them.
With conviction in her voice, Hanna stated, “This entity is so different from the Precursors, it oozes distain for us, what the hell is going on?”
“I don’t know but we need to talk with Elder Hellena.” Stated Ra’Ani.
With her mind, she asked Hellena and Ardrax to seat themselves at two spare terminals for a conversation of utmost importance.
Meanwhile, in another Galaxy, Ursa Major III, the UEFN Dreadnought Discovery, intercepted and traced signals to a species of humanoids whose technology could rival their own. Were it not for an upgrade currently in progress through Earth’s Network, decided to postpone First Contact Protocols until the upgrade had been completed.
Alerting the Council, who agreed with the decision to delay contact, Discovery was ordered to continue when ready.
“I will initiate First Contact,” stated Councillor Belor of the Kraxys.
“Are you sure Councillor, your safety is of the utmost importance,” stated Admiral Hralzor also of the Kraxys.
Yes, Admiral, I will lead the delegation and initiate first contact." Replied Belor with conviction in her voice. She continued,
“They know we are here?” stated Belor, “Yet they do nothing.”
“Upgrade complete Captain!” Taking over two Earth hours to complete, everyone knew this was an epic upgrade, unsure of how long it would take to integrate the data.
“We are required to reboot our systems Councillor, in the process, in the process revealing ourselves to the Hiskoni.”
“Very well Captain, I believe their curiosity will overcome adversity, proceed. With shutdown”
As the ship’s systems shutdown, an air of uncertainty permeated every corner of the Discovery. After what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, systems came back to life with the AI announcing,
“Working,” a long pause later, the AI announced, “Systems Online Captain.”
“We are ready Councillor Belor.”
“Thank you Captain, open communications before we cause an incident.” Replied Councillor Belor.
Captain McBride nodded to Belor,
“I am Councillor Belor of the UEF Council body representing a myriad of species from the Milky Way Galaxy, we come in peace with the intention of friendship.”
After 30 seconds of silence, Belor asked,
“Thor, can they hear us?” asked Belor.
“Yes Councillor, they find it difficult to translate our language.”
“If you can help them in any way, please do so.”
“Understood Councillor Belor.”
Thor created a Quantum communication link with the Hiskoni device, then initiated the integration of a human translation matrix.
“Integration completed and online Councillor,” stated Thor.
Belor repeated her speech recited earlier and waited for a reply, then added,
“We trust with our help, you are able to understand us?”
High Lord Karlors face had a look of astonishment as he watched his terminal reconfigure its translation software by itself.
“What is going on Commander?”
“High Lord, they have infiltrated our systems to upgrade our translation matrix.” Stammered the Commander.
“Lock our System down Commander, NOW!” shouted Karlor.
His fingers flying across his terminal to comply with his Superiors order, he replied hesitantly,
“High Lord, they are holding communications open.” In shock, he continued, “I cannot lock our system down!”
Then a voice came through crystal clear,
“I am Councillor Belor of the UEF Council body representing a myriad of species from the Milky Way Galaxy, we come in peace with the intention of friendship.”
“We trust with our help, you are able to understand us?”
“Yes” then with a grunt, “Friendship!” he yelled, “You aim to establish a friendship with us by using subterfuge!” Pointing his finger, Karlor angrily stated.
“Before we continue shouting, please state who you are.” Belor dryly replied.
Fuming, Karlor in a gruff voice replied,
“I am High Lord Karlor of the Hiskoni.”
“Thank you High Lord Karlor, I am Councillor Belor of the Kraxys, one of a Council of Twelve Governing our Union of Species led by our founding member Humanity.”
Noticing the look on Karlors face, Commander Mafusak frantically scanned their database for the name Humanity or anything close.
“You!” exclaimed Karlor, “Who are you, where are you from and what is your species name?”
Captain McBride looking at Belor nodding at him replied,
I am Captain Hamish McBride of the UEF Union of Species from Earth, and I am a Human.”
Squeaking in excitement Commander Mafusak pointed to his terminal, “Look at this High Lord, a report on the Humans three Centuries old.”
After a quick scan of the data, Karlor turned and said,
“We need a recess to study this new data we just uncovered in our database.”
“Data,” replied Belor. “Perhaps we can help!”
Their link disconnected leaving the crew of the Discovery in confusion.
Meanwhile in a Galaxy thousands of light years away,
“We will be discovered,” exclaimed Ardrax with worry in his eyes.
“Please do not worry, Hal is protecting us.” Ra’Ani continued.
“We have noticed a fundamental difference in the attitude display of the Exalted One, what has caused this reaction, have we done something wrong?”
”I think it is jealousy Hanna, jealous of the achievements you’ve made, for what took millennia to create took you Three Centuries, a mere drop in the ripple of time."
“I think we should face the Exalted One with what we have been discussing amongst ourselves.” Stated Ra’Ani.
“Proceed with caution, she is still immensely powerful.” Stated Hellena with caution in her eyes.
With a nod to Hal, they returned to real space to replace their Avatars generated by the AI. As they returned, a flood of information entered their minds informing them of what transpired while away.
“Exalted One, we acknowledge your skepticism and dislike with the way our Union has risen to prominence in this Galaxy, we also acknowledge….” With a dismissive attitude born of frustration, the Ancient One's voice cut in.
“Do you really, do you acknowledge your place among the stars is a travesty against established races millennia older than your own species, do you also acknowledge the fact you dabble with technology beyond your feeble mind?”
Before Hellena could speak, Hanna raised her hand to stop her. With disappointment spreading over her face she spoke in a clear voice with conviction.
“Exalted One,” After a pause continued. “Humanity had always believed we were not alone in the Universe, and with that thought in mind we searched for years for an otherworldly signal from intelligent beings using our specially built Satellite Array while our reach for the stars was in its infancy.” Taking a breath she continued.
“Then in the 22nd Century, a momentous breakthrough occurred, Humanity united as one, no longer separated by borders, then to discover the rumours were correct, we had an actual Alien Space Craft. I will not go into details but from that discovery we developed into what we are today. Since that time we have been on a journey of discovery, reaching into the stars until the discovery of a signal coming from deep space between two species at war who are current Council Members of our Union of Species.
Hanna continued. “As to your questions posed to this Council, Do not blame us, please, don’t use us as a reason why the older species are at a standstill in terms of their development. You cannot blame us for the stagnation plaguing the races of this Galaxy, We have worked hard to be where we are now and will not sit on our laurels for millennia while they catch up."
Hanna sighed then continued. “As for your second question, do we also acknowledge the fact we dabble with technology beyond our feeble minds? We do not dabble, we are creators of our very own future, paving the way for those still to come.” Taking a deep breath Hanna continued.
“We are Humanity, and we are a Union of those we uplift, through this Unity, we have advanced our knowledge and technology far beyond your own.”
“Personally, I am disappointed and saddened by your remarks to myself and Council Members, we have tried our best yet you refuse to acknowledge us, we ask for nothing but understanding, you disrespect us with your words of discouragement.” Rising to her feet she announced,
"We opened our hearts to you, and you deny our true essence of love for our fellow beings. If separation is your desire, then we agree. This … farce ends here!.”
As the Exalted One watched the Council file out of the Chamber, she let out a chuckle fuelling the ire of Ra’Ani, who glared at her.
“Oh my, I appear to have gone too far” stated the Ancient One. “Hanna, Ra’Ani and Dawn, I am so sorry for my brash remarks, I really didn’t mean to disrespect any of you. Please sit and listen to what I have to say.”
Hanna Ra’Ani and Dawn looked at each other in confusion, they could feel a huge change in the Ancient's attitude towards them, they finally sat down with Dawn announcing,
“We accept your apology and we will listen to what you have to say.”
Flinching from the frosty reply Haydrienne regretted everything she had said to the Councillors, it was not her intention to create conflict yet she had unwittingly stepped over that invisible line.
“What I have to say is serious, once I finish perhaps a flicker of understanding will tear down this wall I built between us.” With a stony silence hammering in her ears, she continued.
As she was speaking Hellena and Ardrax both sighed with relief. Their Ancient had pushed the Council too hard.
“My name is Haydrienne, you may call me Supreme Elder Haydrienne if you wish, please understand I meant no disrespect. I acknowledge your existence with exuberance in my heart, you, your Union of species are of the utmost importance to us.”
Watching the reactions on the faces of the Council Members filled her with hope of repairing the bridge she almost destroyed.
“We have an offer for you to consider, so immense we also understand should you refuse. “Collectively we made the decision to test your attitude, to see for ourselves you dealing with other species, how you treat them when negotiating, and action, what you do if you fail. Believe me when I say, you impressed us immensely.”
All Councillors everywhere were linked displaying shock at the turn of events, Draenar spoke.
“You have our attention, Supreme Elder, please proceed.” Then the visages of all Councillors appeared in the Council Chambers.
“Councillors, to make a long story short, we want you to replace us… “
What!” exclaimed Draenar in shock, a murmur spreading through the Councillors.
‘Councillors please!” as the din went quiet, Haydrienne continued. “We wish for you to replace us as the new,” pausing for effect, she continued. “Guardians of the Galaxy!”
End of Episode 3