Humanity Unleashed: Episode 5

For six months, the Discovery Crew had worked hard searching this Galaxy for sentient life and technology, the two most important reasons driving their tour of duty. Belor had a recall notice so she could zap home in an instant but decided to take the Discovery Crew with her and give them a three-day shore leave as a thank-you for their work. Of course, she had this negotiation to tend with plus complete the ongoing analysis.


Stop alerts please Thor, send a notification when you can tell us what these items do or what they are.”


“Understood Captain.”


Back in the Sol System Nala sat in silence while the Elders spoke amongst themselves. A heated discussion ensued, eventually, leading to Ardrax and Hellena exiting the Chambers. In surprise Hanna asked,


“What has happened Elder Haydrienne? Why are you fighting amongst yourselves?”


“It is nothing to worry about Hanna, just a spat as you would say.” Haydrienne with a decisive tinge to her voice continued.


“I only wanted to know if we were ready to cede our legacy to you, I received conflicting emotions from all the Precursors. However, 80% believe you have what is necessary to carry the mantle we offer, myself included. Councillors, are you ready?”


“We are ready.” They all announced.


Haydrienne raised her hands and began the ritual by asking the Council to allow the ritual to fill them with its light, as their bodies shone with the light of transferral, Haydrienne began the transfer of the Mantle of Guardianship. Hanna knew the toughest part was yet to come, with the help of the whole Union of Species, the burden of transferring all the information that came with the Mantle would be greatly reduced. Realizing the enormous amount of energy required for transference Hanna asked Hal to use their power to help the Precursors recover from the energy drain they were experiencing.

As the ritual came to an end, Haydrienne stood in shocked astonishment for a moment, not understanding why they remained awake. She knew this should not be, her memory of their own ritual thousands of years ago watching the Ancient ones fall into a deep sleep should have happened to them.


“What is going on, why are we still awake, did the transfer work?” inquiring of no one in particular.

Nala laughed out loud, and then the Council and what seemed like the whole Union spoke in unison,


‘WE ARE THE UNITED EARTH FEDERATION UNION OF SPECIES, TRANSFER OF THE MANTLE OF GUARDIANSHIP COMPLETE,” after a pause continued. “INFORMATION TRANSFER…… COMPLETE, CREATING ENTRIES IN RECORDS REPOSITORY…. COMPLETE.”


“SEARCHING…” The Unions powerful mind was searching for the Ancient Ones written of in the information just acquired from the Precursors. With a hum, the whole of the Council Chambers turned into an image of the Universe as the combined mind probe searched for the Ancient Ones.


Ardrax in confusion asked Haydrienne, “What is this? This, is amazing. What are they doing?” as he watched Galaxy after Galaxy flash by.


“They are searching for something.” Exclaimed Nala in surprise. “Searching for what, I do not know.”


“SEARCHING… “


Haydrienne was at a loss, what was that important in all the information they received that would cause the Union to search the Universe? Then, she realised the only thing important enough to elicit this kind of response was the Ancients themselves.


“That is not possible, are you searching for the Ancient Ones? They collapsed in front of my eyes when the transfer was completed, devastating us with their fall.” Haydrienne sadly replied.


“SEARCHING…” Galaxy after Galaxy flashed by in seconds, searching the very fringes of space. A grid map instantly appeared as a weak signal was dimly flashing. They already knew where the Ancients had fallen.


“CONTACT,…. VERIFYING…. VERIFYING…. DNA VERIFICATION CONFIRMED, SCANNING… “


“Councillors are you sure about this, the Ancients are dead!” Exclaimed Haydrienne.


“SCAN COMPLETE, DNA MATCH CONFIRMED… LIFESIGNS DETECTED… WEAKENING….4 SIRVIVE, 2 DISPLAY NO LIFESIGNS. PREPARING FOR TRANSPORT….. WORKING….. TRANSPORT IN PROGRESS…….RETRIEVAL COMPLETE.


Breaking their link with the union, Ra’Ani motioned for the Elders and Nala to follow. As they entered Sick Bay, Haydrienne stared in shock recognizing the first Ancient she laid eyes on.


Hanna walked over to the last two in the row, sadly she touched the being on the hand. Passing a small amount of energy, hopeful to elicit any kind of response, then was shocked as her energy was absorbed. Motioning to the Council her discovery, they split into two groups lending their energy to presumed deceased Ancients.


Watching all this Haydrienne stood in a state of unmoving shock, unable to think straight let alone do anything. Restraining her shock she walked over to Hanna and asked how could she help, as Hanna noticed the worry on Haydrienne’s face, told her to share her energy.


“Not too much Elder, that would harm them or worse, kill them.’


Haydrienne stepped back and just watched the effort to save the Ancients. Since her transfer, Haydrienne believed the Ancients had died and lost to her forever. After an hour of transferring energy, Hanna instructed Hal to join the last two Ancients into the Energy Transfer Network.


“Nice and slow Hal.” Ordered Hanna.


For hour after hour, Haydrienne paced back and forth checking on the Ancients for any sign of recovery. Hellena offered to take watch but Haydrienne would not stop, she felt so much guilt for abandoning the Ancients she just had to make up for her mistake.


After hours of waiting Haydrienne finally gave in and went to the cafeteria for something to eat with Hellena while Ardrax stayed to watch the Elders. Ardrax, relieved to see Haydrienne rest, could not understand how the Council had made this historic discovery by themselves, with no help from them. The Councillors never ceased to amaze him with their uncanny ability to do the impossible as he saw it.


“Elder Ardrax, you look tired,” Ra’Ani entering the room with concern in her voice. “Why don’t you join the other Elders in the Cafeteria, have something to eat, we have rooms for you to rest in, and will notify you of any change to the Ancients.”


Ardrax, full of curiosity, instead asked Ra’Ani how they knew about the Elders, and where to find them.


Ra’Ani replied, “I don’t know, but after the Transfer was completed, Councillor Hanna informed us she had detected the Elders in a distant Galaxy."

“But how did she know where to go?” exclaimed Ardrax.


“You will have to ask her, although our powers are considerable, she is the most powerful of us all.” Replied Ra’Ani.


‘Thank you, Councillor.” Then he turned to go to the cafeteria.


Walking to an empty cubical Ra’Ani seated herself on the bed to meditate when Rhyjin walked in, followed by Nala.


“Greetings Elder Nala, Councillor Ra’Ani.” Rhyjin bowed in acknowledgment.


“Councillor Rhyjin.” Replied Ra’Ani, also bowing.


“Councillors, how are our patients?” Asked Nala.


They appear to be recovering well, although only time will tell Elder.” Ra’Ani replied.


“Sounds good to me Councillor, I have never met the Elders ever but I intend to introduce myself to them.” Explained Nala.


“I am worried about the two whom we thought were deceased, I hope they fully recover from their ordeal." Replied Ra’Ani


“So do I Councillor, so do I.” Nala was feeling optimistic that everyone would recover, but something was nagging her, how the Ancients would react to the Precursors after passing the Guardianship to the Union, could survive the ordeal. This problem could wait, there were six important Ancients to nurse back to health.


Nala looked at Rhyjin and Ra’Ani with awe, the display of inner strength the Union Councillors displayed gave her chills down her spine, in a good way, not threatening at all. She knew they had made the right decision. As everyone took their turn watching over their precious patients, they observed subtle movement of limbs and closed eyelids, Hanna decided to increase the energy transfer in the hope the Ancients would respond favourably, and she ordered Hal to monitor their progress.


Linking herself with the Union, the Council spoke as one voice. “WE WILL DISCONNECT THE ANCIENTS IN ONE EARTH HOUR, THE ENERGY TRANSFERRED IS SUBSTANTIAL, THEY ARE EITHER DECEASED OR USING SUBTIFUGE.”


“Councillors, you’re not serious! You could kill them.” Demanded Hellena.


“ELDER HELLENA, IN THIS FORM WE CURRENTLY OCCUPY, WE SEE THEY ARE CONSCIOUS AND HEAR US.”


Haydrienne walked over to the Ancients studying their features as they lay in their cubicles, the Council joined her.


“THEY CAN HERE EVERYTHING WE SAY.” Walking to one of the Ancients, touching her hand spoke.

“ELDERS, WE KNOW YOU HEAR US, OPEN YOUR EYES.”


Slowly Elise opened her eyes and then looked around recognising Haydrienne immediately trying to speak she Croaked.


“Hay…. Haydrienne, where am I?” before Haydrienne could speak, another Elder opened his eyes, followed by the rest. “Where are we?” Croaked Quillin. “I do not recognize this place, I cannot move.”


“You are aboard the Space Station Unity orbiting the Planet Earth in the Sol System, welcome back Elders, my name is Councillor Hanna Wilke.”


“Our team of specialists will help you recover from your ordeal, it will take time. You are all connected to machines feeding you nutrients to help your bodies stabilize and boost your metabolism.”


“How long will we be like this” Doctor Kathy Hamilton stepped forward and answered.


“Your bodies have been dehydrated for a long time requiring an injection of fluids to enforce your bodies needs. Your DNA string has similarities to ours giving us confidence to ensure your speedy recovery. Two of you could have died if not found and retrieved. Do not worry, from what this terminal is displaying, your recovery is certain. .”


“Are you a physician?” Asked Razmusin.


“Yes Elder,” replied Kathy walking away to inspect the others.


Two days later the Ancients were no longer bedridden but seated on hover chairs gliding in and out of their surroundings as their bodies recovered. An air of joy permeated throughout the Unity Space Station. At lunchtime, Razmusin and the rest sat in the private Council Cafeteria, then turned to Haydrienne and asked,

“What is that?” pointing at her pudding plate.


“It is what the Humans call steam pudding with ice cream bathed in a sauce of your choosing.” Exclaimed Haydrienne. "You can also add fruit if you wish. The Humans have many varieties of culinary delights tailored for them though, much of their cuisine is palatable to most of their Union species."

Looking around him, Razmusin could see everyone had a mixture of puddings arrayed beside them just waiting to be eaten.


“This species the Human's head is a Civilisation to rival our own, I take it they have colonized their system?”


“When you have fully recovered, we will explore what they have achieved, it is a production and Colonization on an epic scale Elder Razmusin, in just three Centuries” Haydrienne exclaimed.


While back at Ursa Major III…


“Any news Captain?” Asked Belor.


“Not for three days Councillor, we’ve heard nothing.” Replied Hamish.


“Hal, open a channel to the Hiskoni please.” Belor grew tired of this game of cat and mouse played by the Hiskoni.


“Nothing Councillor Belor, they are not answering,” Hal stated.


‘Open another channel, broad spectrum Hal.”


“This is Councillor Belor of the United Earth Federation, we grow tired of this cat and mouse game you play, we are leaving this System and taking the two Artifacts in your possession. We will return exactly three Centuries from this date. ”Councillor Belor out!”


“We have the Artifacts Councillor,” exclaimed Hamish. “The Hiskoni are trying to contact us.”


“Ignore them, Captain, take us home for a much-deserved 3 day leave, and to replenish our resources.


“Yes Councillor, Helm, take us home.” Ordered Hamish.


The next day brought the Council, the Elders and the Ancients together for a meeting. The Ancients wanted to know how they were found.


"We have an audio visual replay waiting for you to view Elders, Hal replay please.”


As the Ancients watched from the Transference to their discovery, they were in shock as the truth was revealed, with a visual record of everything that took place. When it finished, everyone sat in silence digesting the information.


“I still don’t understand how you knew where to find the Ancients” Stated Ardrax in puzzlement.


“When the transference was completed, I had a vision, sharing that vision with the Council, I realized Elder Haydrienne carried the DNA of the Ancients in her locket around her neck. On a hunch, I connected our Council with the Union combined minds to search the Universe for that particular DNA in the hope of finding the Species of the Elders, our primary goal was to locate the DNA of a specific being hopefully leading to the location of the fallen Ancients.” Stated Hanna.


“I felt your energy spike hit me I was in the dark wherever I was, I think I was dying” Councillor. Leselle exclaimed.

“You and Elder Vitrioss were the two I believed deceased, I am so glad I was wrong,” Hanna explained.

“We owe you our lives young one, how can we repay you?” asked Razmusin.


Councillor Tymana spoke up. “I am sure I speak for all our people, you have already paid us, with your presence among us again.”


“Thank you Councillor Tymana, although we fully expected you to ask for something, anything.” Replied Razmusin.


“We are not that way inclined Elder Razmusin, we already have everything we need.” Stated Rhyjin.


“Councillor Hanna, we ask if you would allow us to view all the information you have stored.” Asked Razmusin. “We have a lot to catch up on”


“Yes Elder Razmusin, Athena, allow read-only access to the Ancients and our Precursor Elders to view information stored in the Union Repository.”


“Understood High Councillor Hanna Wilke, your authorization please,… Hanna stared at the A.I Data Node, Thank you Councillor, Authorization Accepted.


“Your access has been created Elders, watch at your leisure, in your rooms or anywhere you want to.” Stated Hanna.


“Thank you Hanna, we are excited as well as a little….. uncomfortable as to what will be revealed.” Admitted Quillin.


“Please understand Elders, what you will observe is the History of all our Union, from the beginning of our collective documented beginnings, our struggles, everything laid bare. We ask you to keep an open mind when viewing what we were, to what we are now.” Stated Ongin.


“We understand the growing pains that plague every species, including our own.” Informed Elder Hazella, “We do not judge your history, but we do scrutinize the decision making process, and analyse that process's impact on other races. We also understand you are the current Guardians and will not interfere with that decision. We merely wish to fill the gap in our knowledge with what has occurred since our departure.” Stated Elder Hazella.

Gauging what Hazella just mentioned, with a thoughtful reply Hanna said,

“We trust you, and that is enough for us.” Replied Hanna. “Perhaps after viewing the knowledge we have accumulated you would consider joining us as Honoured Elder Advisors to our Council.”


Elder Vitrioss spoke with a quizzical look on his face. “Perhaps Councillor, do you propose we advise you from a point of weakness, we have led from the front in everything we do. We gain the trust of those we lead through our strength and power. How can we advise you without that power?” Asked Vitrioss.


With the joining of minds, the Union spoke.


“WE HEAR YOUR WORDS, AND REJECT THE IMPLICATIONS YOUR WORDS CARRY. WE OFFER YOU ADVISORY STATUS, YOU OFFER US YOUR LIMITATIONS, WE REJECT THIS PHILOSOPHY.”


“What about you,” asked Vitrioss in frustration, “you do everything from a platform of power!”


“THE GALAXY SITS ON IT’S LAURELS, STAGNANT IN IT’S BELIEF TO REACH THE PINNACLE OF DEVELOPMENT UNLESS FROM A POSITION OF POWER. YOU ARE THE GALAXY TEACHERS, IN TURN TRANSFERRING YOUR LIMITATIONS, A CYCLE OF NEVERENDING FRUSTRATION.”


The Union meld continued. “WE CHOOSE OUR DESTINY, IT IS NOT PREDESTINED, WE OFFER UPLIFT TO THOSE SPECIES DEEMED WORTHY ALLOW THEM THE CHOICE TO LEAVE AT ANY TIME. WE HAVE NO HIDDEN AGENDA, WE ASK YOU, WHO HAVE YOU DEEMED WORTHY OF UPLIFT?”


All the Elders were silent, No one wanted to be the first to speak, a feeling of unease filled them with uncertainty as if the whole Universe was waiting for a reply. Breaking the Council link, Hanna sat waiting for someone to speak. Eventually, Razmusin glided forward, stopping in front of the Council.


“Your words sting with wisdom that makes us look like younglings just out of our pouches Councillors, you are everything we are not, in saying that, perhaps you have much to teach us as well. We will view the information you share with us, digesting this knowledge to understand your Union of species better.


Councillor Nik’to stood and spoke.


“We did not mean for our words to sting Ancient One, but to show you another way to lead from the front, another way of doing things. We are not naïve to believe in our own immortality but believe our Legacy will survive the trials and tribulations yet to come. Should it fail, then we leave behind scattered among the Stars, the building blocks of our relentless struggles and what we attempted to achieve, with investigation, reveal our failure in the hope some other beings take up the mantle we started and find a way to make it work.”


Sitting down, Nik’to motioned to the Elders, Elise glided and stopped beside Razmusin.


“Councillors, you have spoken with reverence and eloquence, I feel, no, we feel your sincerity, your hopes for your Civilisations growth and Legacy. I personally want to be part of your journey, when can I join you!”


Everyone burst into laughter, as the laughter quietened down Elise continued.


“I can honestly say I am pleased with how far your vision for yourselves has brought your Civilisation, in only a fraction of time, to see how far you push your boundaries.”


Hanna in a jovial mood spoke to the Elders, “Your chiropractors are waiting for you in your cubicles, Elders,” pointing to the door to a chorus of moans in playful banter, the Ancients could not wait to walk on two feet again.


Dr Jake Heke transformed the Science Team he led into a think tank of knowledge leading to technology leaps, and new innovative creations driving the Economy into overdrive. Weeks had gone by since the discovery of the two Artifacts from Ursa Major III, and the data analysis revealed new and exciting discoveries that produced new heights in technology development. This boom led to the development of sleek new designs in the first ever Guardian Class Starship design, now in construction at five Construction Starship Docks specifically designed for this new Class, more powerful and faster than anything they currently have.


While Dr Arlene Montoya created new weaponry for the Guardians' specific use, Swords, Maces, Axes, Bows, and Crossbows made with a modern touch As a backup using Game Developed weaponry such as Staffs, and two handed Glaives utilizing full advantage of the energy crystal embedded in each weapon to store huge amounts of energy. These weapons are crafted from historical information of the 18th to the 21st Century, the Staffs and Glaives are from a Game created in the 21st Century. All these weapons are built with current technologies.


“We are within the specified time frame,” Arlene explained to her team. “The testing of the first batch has commenced, meanwhile let’s complete the rest.”


Testing of the Swords was within a specially built Chamber preventing the enormous energy released from destroying anything of value outside. The yield of these weapons generates immense destructive power comparable to Earth's Defence Fleets Battleships. This would be too great a power to wield safely, least that was the theorized reasoning behind the conclusion. Testing would need to be performed with a last-resort downgrade of the weapon's destructive power.


Convening a meeting with the Council Dr Arlene Montoya informed them of their progress and the conclusions they had reached. When informed of the power of the weapon comparable to a Battleship, the Council ordered Dr Montoya to cease development of those weapons and funnel their efforts into enhancing all new ship building designs and technologies. The Council also ordered the weapons' immediate retrieval so it could be safely stored in their secure vault in Null Space.


“Please remove the energy crystal from the weapon, rendering it inactive and safe,” Hanna ordered, to which Arlene nodded and left.


“We have been theorizing this technology is not of this time, but comes from some timeline in the future. If this theory has a grain of truth, then we have a dilemma on our hands to investigate, how long have they been here, who brought them here and why did they leave them behind?” asked Hanna with a puzzled look on her face.


“We really do not know its origins, perhaps we should summon Dr Heke to enlighten us.” Stated Rhyjin in thought.

Dr Heke, filled with confusion wondered why he was called to the Council Chambers, he already knew the project they were working on had been closed down.


“Dr Heke, have you been able to determine anything about the two Artifacts?” Asked Hanna.


“Not really Councillor, the Micro Circuitry is complicated.” Stated Jake.


“Could they be separate Artifacts, not part of each other?” Asked Ra’Ani.


“That is a possibility Councillor, something we will investigate, do we have your permission to try and activate it?” Asked Jake then continued. “Activation will be the only way to discover what they do.”


“The Activation attempt will commence in the Void, in case something goes wrong. Notify us before you activate the Artifacts Doctor, we will use our Union minds as a shield,” Hanna ordered.


Nodding his head, Jake left.


If this is a Time altering device from the future, then it is feasible to assume we may anger the Time Guardians or whatever they call themselves.” Lokal stated in thought.


“Agreed Councillor, when the time comes, we will request the presence of a Super Carrier as a deterrent,” Hanna replied.


Jake and his team connected the two Artifacts and then proceeded to integrate them into their own technology. With seamless connectivity performed by the A.I Thor, taking a week to complete, was finally ready for activation. Taking the Dreadnought Hiroshima into the Void Laruda announced,


“We have reached the coordinates Captain.”


“Thank you Commander, all stop” then continued. “Connect me to the Council Commander Iko, put the call through to my office.”


“Yes Sir.”


“We will protect you as much as we can Captain,” replied Rhyjin with concern.


Thank you Councillor, we are ready here, just waiting on Dr Heke.” Stated Aliya


“Dr Heke, are you ready?” asked Hanna


“Yes Councillor, we are ready to activate the Technology.” Exclaimed Jake.


“WE ARE READY DOCTOR.” Stated the Union Mind, Aliya ordered Shields Up, as Dr Heke activated the Artifacts. A soft hum emitted from the two Artifacts.


“Your observations Dr Heke, anything changed?” Aliya asked puzzled. Then alarms clanged throughout Hiroshima, Jake asked Thor for a report, but only silence answered him.


“Security report!” Ordered Aliya. The Security Station reported an error in progress.


Looking at her tactical display Security Officer Commander Larine replied with worry in her voice.


“There was a subtle energy release initially undetected by our A.I. and now, it appears our technology is being reconfigured. My terminal displays, Reconfiguration in Progress Captain.”


Dr Heke, can we disconnect the Artifacts safely?” Asked Aliya.


“Captain, I don’t recommend that course of action, the Artifacts have reached 15% complete, it is too late to stop it now. I recommend we allow the process to continue it’s course.” Stated Jake.


“WE CONCUR, DOCTOR,” Breaking her mind link with the Union, Hanna spoke.


“Allow the process to complete Captain, this reconfiguration reaches every piece of technology we have deployed, through our Communications Array.”


A few minutes later, after reaching 50% Jake had an epiphany, but it should have been impossible to do. Just thinking about the processes at play was mind-boggling to Jake. As the process reached 42%, his level of understanding kept pace with the level of technology reached. Reports submitted from all over the Union confirming technology not seen before but worked more efficiently and faster. Energy usage reports from the Union Energy Centre reported usage drops of 15%, a huge saving.


“We will call for a fleet to assemble from our members and go see what the Humans are up to, we need information about these energy spikes we detected.” Councillor Haru’El demanded.


“Be careful Councillor, remember your last holiday there,” Drak Ti a Reptilian species loved to tease Haru’El every chance he got, and smiled in delight at the discomfort he caused.


“Councillor Haru, we can guess with 99% accuracy, that a technology leap is taking place. Our scout ships detect upgrades to their Union's home planet technology."

A chorus of uproar erupted from the Council Chambers members turning into anarchy, raising her hands for silence, as the noise died she continued.


“Since the Human Delegation last visited us I have kept an eye on them watching for any changes, I have noticed two upgrades so far, this last upgrade being significantly different from the last two.” Councillor Ryslani, iridescent colours flashing in excitement continued.


“Councillors, our Federation stands at a crossroads, we have two choices. Our first choice, improve our current technology, this choice will not be easy. The pooling of resources, thinking in ways we never think of doing, building our knowledge base greatly improving our potential.”


Discussions broke out everywhere, allowing the members to discuss options. After a minute, Ryslani raised her hands once again for silence, and she continued.


‘And finally, our second choice, we join the Humans.” Looking around, the silence deafening her, let out a deep sigh then continued.


“These are the two choices we face Councillors, let’s discuss these two options and hopefully, a plan of action.”