Captain, to Operators:
Please confirm that every member of the crew is linked and fully aware.
– Confirmed.
Thank you.
—
Captain, To everyone aboard the Hope:
This is your Captain. We have arrived to the designated area. I’ll start with a quick oversight of the mission while we wait.
The current mission consists on the observation, and measurement, of the activation of the explosive device to be used inside the United Humanity domain.
The device, from now on called “ERIDM”, will be used exclusively by the Ego Culture as part of their efforts to remove antagonistic forces in our domain. No ERIDM, technology, or knowledge behind it, will become available to our alliance. However, anything we can gather from its use has been allowed.
As a reminder, the Ego culture has accepted to work alongside our leadership to ensure our cooperation and well being. May I remind the present that if they are willing to consider us, it is entirely because of their own kindness.
With that said, the Union wants to make perfectly clear to every living being under its domain that there is no higher priority than to follow the Ego Culture’s indications. Our actions could lead humanity into an alliance that would ensure unparalleled development in all areas of human interest, and the safety to pursue them.
As crew of the Hope, all of you have the responsibility to represent, at the best of your individual capabilities, the highest and brightest qualities of Humanity.
To our guests, do follow the indications made by your leadership and don’t interfere with the procedures. Please keep in mind that the Hope’s navigators are not to be interacted with. This is for the safety of the mission and everyone aboard the Hope.
Do remember that this is the Hope’s first mission. But rest assured that it has been thoroughly tested. We don’t expect any issues whatsoever, but if any arise, prudence and swiftness are to be expected from every able body.
On the other hand, the Hope includes technology replicated from the Formidable. This is first time humanity has been able to implement such technology on a fully operational capital ship. Not only that, this vessel is the product of the first major collaboration between the Federation of Mankind, the Monarchy of Humanity, the Alliance of Commerce and the Empire of Humanity.
Nonetheless, since the Formidable was an Empire’s capital ship, its surviving members were chosen by the Unity to be part of this mission. After all, they were all witnesses of the first encounter with the Ego Culture.
As the former captain of the Formidable, and on behalf of its navigators and operators present today, I have to say that we will honor this trust placed upon us with humbleness and utmost respect to the ideals that materialized this machine of peace.
For those who were unaware, to elevate this commitment above mere words, we, the survivors of the Formidable, have surrendered our citizenship of the Empire to join the newly formed citizenship of the Union.
Let me rephrase. My priority, my loyalty and my honor reside with humanity as a whole, not with the Emperor, or the Empire. I can safely say the same about those with me.
Now concerning the other aspects of the mission. We are to be joined by other vessels from the different members of the Union. These vessels will focus on the long range scanning of the process.
To be clear, we are going to be at [493 528 kilometers] of the detonation of the ERIDM, meanwhile, the rest of the inhabited ships will be at [8 572 368 kilometers] away. The range of the explosion will be [52 754 kilometers]. We have been told that the detonation does not generate any kind of residual energy. In other words, there will be no shock-wave, or exotic radiation we should be concerned about. Now, for safety, the Hope was chosen to be as close as it is, since it has the strongest defenses, by far, of all capital ships in the Union.
Additionally, we have been told that the Ego alliance will provide a helping hand to ease any anxiety about the test. It’s not entirely clear what does this entails.
– Sir, the other ships are arriving.
Thank you.
I have been informed that the other vessels are starting to arrive. It’s important to mention that this location was kept secret as much as possible. So, we will have to wait for the deployment of unmanned drones that will help with the compilation of data, and some small freight transports that will carry some organic matter and simple life forms, prepared to study the effects of this weapon.
—
Captain, to an unnamed Navigator:
Those freighters are too large, have you scanned them?
– I was forbidden to do so.
Let us leave at that.
– Captain, everything is in place.
Understood and thank you.
—
Captain, to everyone aboard the Hope:
The preparations are finished. Now we will wait for the Ego presence.
I’m receiving several questions about the ERIDM. Unfortunately, I know nothing about it, and as far as I have been able to research about it, not one in the Union knows something about it. Even its name was derived from the description given by the Ego.
All the information we have is that it is some sort of device that instantly destroys a large area, and that it doesn’t affect the surrounding zones. Also, it leaves no residual anything in the destroyed area.
I have no idea how it works, or how is it even possible. But then, everyone on this ship should have been informed that with the Ego nothing should be impossible.
Oh, right, talking about that, as you have probably noticed, some of the containers were placed inside the explosion range. As part of the experiment, the Ego will reconstruct what was in those containers and everything inside of them. Once again, I have no idea how they can do it.
Concerning the nearby planet and its satellites, we have been informed that this area was abandoned [329 years] ago, and several scouts were sent before our arrival to confirm that there is nothing of value there. Besides, it’s outside the range of destruction.
Finally, regarding the Ego. We know near nothing about them. Every word, negotiation and agreement was done with intermediaries. With that said, one of our guests belongs to a Culture that has had more contact with them.
“Friend A”, if it is acceptable to you, would you share some of your knowledge with the present.
—
Friend A, to everyone aboard the Hope:
Friends, our knowledge of them is no more than a collection of legends and rumors. I doubt anything I have could be of service to this cause.
Even if I had something to tell, what right do I have? All I would do is to deceive you all. Consider this, our Cultures are barely finishing to map the galaxies that watched our birth. while they conquered the entire universe before the planets that brought us forth were even formed.
Nonetheless, they are trustworthy. Far more informed cultures have told us so. And I do believe these words.
That’s all I have to say captain.
—
Captain, to everyone aboard the Hope:
Understood. I appreciate your comments.
For now, let us prepare for their arrival. Our guests should be arriving at any moment.
—
Captain, to an unnamed Navigator:
What do you think of what “Friend A” just said.
– We should be less than unicellular live forms to them, and yet they made contact with us.
Indirectly.
– Still. There is nothing we can provide to them, and they bothered to request our cooperation.
Perhaps, that’s how a truly superior Culture behaves.
– Perhaps.
…
This is strange. We have been waiting for too long. Do we have a word from the Commanding?
– Not one.
This is not a goo-
– MERCY BE ON US! CAPTAIN IMMEDIATELY DO A VISUAL CHECK ON THE AREA BETWEEN US AND THE PLANET!
Anna? Are you well? What- WHAT IS THAT?
– I’m sorry, I’m fine now. Captain, I don’t know, according to all our censor there is nothing there.
Whe-When did that thing arrived!?
– The Hope claims that it’s been there since we arrived… But it just noticed it?
How is that even possible!?
– Captain, the Commanding are in even worse disarray than us.
Right… this is their first encounter. What a way to present themselves.
– The Ego are contacting the ones in command.
Ok, first things first. You said there is nothing there?
– Yes, well, they are visible with basic visual instrumentation, but every other sensor perceives… nothing. It the noise of the area remains uninterrupted.
That’s also not possible. Please confirm this with the Navigators on the other ships.
– Confirmed. No signals other than a visual reading.
Understood, let us not waste more time with this. I’ll let the rest of the Hope know.
—
Captain, to everyone aboard the Hope:
The Ego are here. At your own accord review the visuals of the area near the planet. Be informed that we are only receiving visual data of their presence. A malfunction of the sensors has been discarded. Please accept my apologies to those that are unable to access visual inputs.
Also, please be patient with further information. I’m afraid this is all we have at the moment.
I’ll proceed to describe what we are perceiving, please confirm if this matches your visuals: conical wedge, height: [5 248 kilometers], diameter: [3 521 kilometers]. Two cylindrical cavities: one near the front, the other on the back. They don’t seem to be aligned to the axis of the half cone.
The entire structure seems to be formed by the same material, some sort of semi-translucent glass-like substance. Some kind of rainbow colored flame is kept, almost immobile, beneath the surface.
The frontal cavity, is occupied by what seems to be a cube orbited by three rectangles of changing paths and dimensions. Both, the Cube and the rectangles, appear to be made of the same material: a dark stone-like substance, marked with deep grooves. There seems to be some kind of movement around the grooves. The grooves are also present in the rectangles. The edge of the cube measures approximately [517 kilometers], the rectangle’s sides vary from [105 kilometers] to [232 kilometers], it appears to lack any depth.
The other cavity holds an amorphous structure made entirely of a what seems to be some kind of a dense gas. This gas emits an intense white light that decomposes into multiple colors at its periphery. It’s estimate diameter is around [57 kilometers]. On each side of this entity there are two, barely connected, limbs resembling wings. The “wings” consist of vein like structures arranged on a singe plane; seemingly symmetrical in shape and in a length of approximately [7 464 kilometers]. They are composed of a deep crimson liquid-like substance that seems to “bleed” at the end of these appendages.
Please confirm if this matches your findings.
– Confirmed. That describes what everyone in the Hope, and the rest of the vessels are witnessing.
Good. I would like to add that the formations inside the cavities are similar to the Ego and Id specimens observed during the first encounter. The winged-like entity, in particular, is identical to the previously witnessed Id individual. However, the observed shared “emotion” imposed by its presence is missing. Do keep in mind that this has not been confirmed, we will wait until the Commanding finish the coordination with the Ego.
I’ll be coordinating with the Commanding and operators. If you request any kind of assistance, please direct it to the designated contact.
—
Captain, to Friend A:
I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need to ask you a few things.
– It would be an honor to answer them, If I could.
What’s the Id individual doing here? I though this was an operation with the Ego.
– They are always together, it is my understanding that they are almost the same Culture. But I’m afraid that’s all I feel confident sharing with you.
You Culture idolizes them, isn’t that correct?
– Yes, even while knowing little about them.
I understand. But, could you entertain my curiosity? I would like to know what your people believe of them. Of course, only if you feel inclined to do so.
– And I am. Those two have been called different names in our Culture, but they often share one. The most common is the “Undying”. We believe of them as entities that were born before time began; holders of wisdom that exceed the vastness of the universe. Seemingly capable of everything, yet, beholden to self-imposed rules. Immensely compassionate, but terrifying when aggravated.
– Thinking about it. We have created many works around them, mostly exaggerations of their feats and power…
And?
– I think they will fell short when compared to the real subject.
Fascinating. With no intention to sound rude, but I was expecting your species to be more knowledgeable of them.
– We aren’t. This would be our fourth contact with them. What you call the “first contact” was our third.
Friend, your Culture negotiate with us this meeting with them.
– They used an intermediary. An individual from a culture we didn’t even knew it existed. A Culture far superior than ours, in an immeasurable way.
And yet. Here they are, offering friendly cooperation, and even a chance to join their… alliance?
– Yes. But, their machinations are not of our concern.
I guess we are to be grateful to be included into their doings.
Friend, I’m afraid I need to cut short this conversation.
– Go, Captain.
—
Captain, to Navigators:
What is the Commanding indicating?
– The test will start soon. The Operators are finishing to check if everything is working to specifications.
Please keep me informed.
—
Captain to Anna, First of the Navigators:
How are the rest of the Navigators?
– Strange. Something is not right, but at the same time, we are at ease.
And the Commanding?
– The same. What about you Captain?
We are been observed. Or at least, that’s how it feels.
– Now I’m concerned.
Want me to tell you what Friend A told me about them?
– Is it scary?
Not really-
– Then keep it short.
As long as they are involved, we should concern ourselves only with our duties.
– Boring… but reassuring.
Indeed. Can you do me a favor? Can you check if our defenses are operating at its maximum settings?
– As soon as the Commanding came back to themselves, that was their first order.
So, there was a change of plans.
– I don’t want to think about it.
What’s your take on the current situation on the Commanding vessels?
– Unease calm. Difficult to describe. Captain, please address the Ship. The test will start very soon.
Thank you for the moment, Anna.
—
Captain, to everyone aboard the Hope:
Please be prepared. The test will begin in a few moments.
– Captain, they are deploying the device.
I’m seeing a small speck of light coming out of the Ego entity. Please confirm.
– Sphere of [3 meters] wide. Our scanners are perceiving it. Confusing data. The device is causing severe disruptions in our measuring.
—
Anna, to the Captain:
– Captain, something is wrong.
Don’t worry-
—
Captain, to himself:
Is this my room, at the dormitory station?
What is this warm feeling?
Am I feeling compassion… towards me?
Something is nearby…
I can’t see it. It’s surrounding me.
—
Fear not, Captain of the Hope, vessel of the Human Unity.
You are safe. I am here to protect and comfort you, and every soul on the Hope. I appreciate if you could entrust me any doubt or concern.
– If it’s not too much to ask is there a name I could use to refer to you?
You can call me [Haye].
– [Haye] what is happening?
The test is in progress.
– Then, why am I here?
The Hope, and everyone onboard has been removed-
– What do you mean by removed?
Destroyed.
– …
Captain. You, and all the crew are under my supervision. When your leaders deem the experiment to be finished, I will restore everything as it was.
– Can you- No. Please forgive my hesitation and lack of trust in your capabilities.
No apology is needed. I’m well aware that you, or anyone involved in this experiment, is not familiar with my abilities. Let me repeat myself: it is my duty to guard, console and renew all of you.
– So, what is… this?
We are in a waiting room.
– If we were removed, what is this body?
A reconstruction.
– …
Your thoughts are safe, and so are the thoughts of all your crew. Humanity is a protected culture, as such, you are entitled to the privacy of your mind.
– How-?
Your body language isn’t.
– …
Captain, it is my duty, and my honor, to accompany you during these moments. I would fail my people if I were to mistreat you, or to even disregard the smallest of your needs, doubts, or concerns.
You can bestow on me anything you have in mind, no filters needed.
– … then, let me apologize in advance.
There is no need for that.
– Understood. I presume this warm, this calm, and almost motherly embrace is coming from you?
Yes.
– I take you understand my Culture and individuality, much better than I could ever imagine. Even if somehow you are not reading my thoughts.
Correct.
– There are too many questions I want to ask you. I don’t know if I have the time.
You do. The passing of time is not relevant here. You can also ask, or even request anything you may want, I will grant it to you. This is your waiting room, and I can, and want, to give you everything your heart desires. All for the comfort of your soul.
– … I’m sorry, I just couldn’t avoid-
No need to be sorry Captain. I understand.
– … Thank you. May I ask, why are you doing this? I mean, you could reconstruct us after everything is done. I don’t know why you would bother to maintain us in this “waiting room”.
Without this process, your soul would be disoriented once it is set into your reconstructed body. Depending on several factors, it could lead to a minor confusion, to a complete disjointedness with its reality.
– I think that’s something way above my insignificant excuse for knowledge…
It shouldn’t. But I’m afraid, it is what it has become. However, do keep in mind, that I reserve the right to remove anything achieved, or dissipated, in this space. This includes knowledge, processes, memories, joys, traumas, everything. Remember, my objective is to ensure your solace while we wait, and the perfect restitution of your body.
– Those capabilities are far beyond our meager advances. We are less than… Why do-
The answer to that question will not leave this place, Captain. Do you still want to know why?
– Fascinating. I guess I don’t have a particular need of that knowledge. Then, may I request of you something?
Of course.
– If possible, could you stop me from obsessing over it, or similar questions, once we are restored?
I will make sure of that.
– There is something else that is bothering me. The original reach of the device.
There was a miscommunication.
– Forgive my impertinence. You told me I can trust you with everything, I assume that includes my stupidity. I don’t think there was a miscommunication.
Oh. Well done Captain. Indeed, feel free to do so. To answer what you are suggesting, yes, there was a miscommunication, an intended one.
– I’m sorry for feeling terrified about the subject.
Unnecessary, in both ways.
– …
– I-I’m certain you are the Id I saw back them. Why did you stared at me?
You are interesting, Captain.
– How!? Sorry. I… Why would you care for me?
Captain, you are having problems with the power you attribute to our kind. Don’t be bothered by that little thing. I know it’s hard to understand, but please try to accept this: we are trustworthy, and those powers are meaningless. At least, on a greater scheme, and as far as you should be concerned.
Yes, we have been blessed with many capabilities. Among them, the discernment of what truly is important.
Life is important. Believe me when I tell you this: there are individuals in the universe whose capacities are below what you could deem “primitive”, yet, the Universe considers them more valuable than many of our own.
On the other hand, much is demanded of those who are giving much. Captain, pity those who fail to live to the standards of their privileges. Life is not only wasted on them, life itself becomes a burden to those unhappy ones.
– I’ll try to do that, but this discussion exceeds me.
Do not worry about that. I’m certain you will begin to understand it in the future.
– Oh… I’m sorry but I need to change subject. I was told, this weapon is going to be used to remove an enemy of your- I mean, the Ego.
Yes. A nuisance that caused an unexpected tragedy.
– Forgive my ignorance, but couldn’t you just, I don’t know, erase them from existence with a mere thought?
Yes, it is within our capabilities to do something like that. It would also be far easier, and faster, to do it that way. But, we are prohibited to do so.
– Can I ask?
Of course, but the answer is boring: Nothing born in this universe is truly free of rules. Even if you are given freedom from natural laws, there are still some ordinances you must abide with. I’m afraid anything else concerning this matter, would be of little relevance to you.
– Incredible. And, since I stumble on it, what’s the relationship between the Ego and the Id?
Our Cultures are not, as Friend A claims, one. We are quite different.
If I were to describe it in human terms, I would say we are very close friends.
– So you were listening!
We are always observing those that attract the interest of the Universe.
– I have to ask, why you keep surrounding me, formless; and is it me or you changed your calming presence to a more… relaxed one?
Hehehe.
– That was scary.
We don’t really need a precise form. And yes, I’m enjoying more than you could imagine this little chatter of ours.
– …
Captain, do not belittle me as some sort of inaccessible, or cold, deity. I’m here, for you. I know you are fighting against the discomfort you feel towards my supposed capabilities. But you do not have to be bothered with them. Yes. I “know” all the possible ways this meeting could go, and I have known them since the day I perceived you.
But here is a little detail captain. Wonder and delight are still part of us. The same as when you take that little sip of your morning tea that feels just perfect. It’s nothing new, yet it remains precious. We may “see” all possibilities, but life creates the reality. That’s the wonder, Captain, and it is invaluable.
– Suddenly, I don’t feel quite worthy of this knowledge. But thank you for sharing it.
My pleasure.
– You spoke of duties earlier. Can I ask you about the rest of the crew?
Understandable. All except those of the Republic are inside similar waiting rooms as yours.
– Why so?
I can’t be bothered with cowards.
– Hohoho. That was unexpected.
Oh, you think so? Let me tell you that some members of your crew have requested some rather unsavory things, at least to your standards.
– I don’t know if I want to know and-
Don’t worry, you won’t remember I mentioned that.
– Much better. With that said, how is Anna doing?
Humanity’s navigators are rather interesting: they are humans perceiving the universe in a different way than you do, Captain; but they are just babies.
Anna is very curious, and daring. She is confident I won’t be able to remove knowledge I deemed forbidden for her. And I’m tempted to entertain her.
– Wouldn’t that be incredible dangerous?
It is~ But where is the fun in life if we don’t risk a little?
– I presume you will take responsibility.
Ah, what a bother. Laziness will, probably, stop me.
– You know, let us talk about something else… Friend A is probably having the best moment of his life.
He is like an overly excited human child. I find great joy in entertaining his endless questioning.
– Would you let him retain something.
Of course. Unlike humans, this species is remarkably transparent and innocent.
– Innocent.
Their cruelty is a curious byproduct of it.
– Oh, what are the Monarchy members requesting you? No, I’m sorry. This is not proper to ask.
They are boring. They won’t stop complaining.
– I thought-
I removed their inhibitors.
– …
Some humans are more human than others, Captain.
– That’s extremely concerning, [Haye]!
They are slaves, Captain. I just set them free from their shackles. However, the result is painfully disappointing.
I expected an awakening. All I got are a bunch of grumbling simpletons who choose me as their tool to vent about their existence. Truth be told, I enjoyed it for a moment, but it became exacting tremendously fast.
With that said, they are quite relaxed.
– Can I ask you-
Captain, I also modified that abomination in your brain, and so I did with the rest of your crew. The Empire will not longer mingle with your minds, and I intend to keep it that way.
– Thank you.
I need to ask you. What is your disposition towards the Empire?
– Oh. I guess I not longer need to hide it, or can, even if I want it.
You are surprisingly transparent. But you do hide well some subjects.
– A lifetime of service leaves you like that. I don’t like- No I hate it. But I have seen enough of the humanity to know that we can do worse, far worse.
– …
– Those under the Monarchy are no more than disposable ants, the Federation is composed by selfish hypocrites, the fools in the Alliance are a bunch of dishonorable scoundrels, and the rest of mankind, if you could call them that, vary from soulless fiends to vile brutes.
– We truly are despicable.
Is it correct for you to claim that in front of one such as me?
– I’m trusting, and honoring your words.
You do well doing so.
– [Haye] Why are we so broken? It’s not the Empire, or the rest. We are all… lost.
You are lost, and you had everything stolen from you, twice. And the last one was done in a brutal way.
– You do know our history? I’m sorry I-
Yes I do, and I was expecting to be beyond your constant apologies. Do you want to know something in particular?
– Did you have anything to do with the disappearance of the solar system?
No.
– Let me rephrase. Do you know what happened to the cradle of humanity?
Yes. But I won’t tell.
– Hey! Isn’t that cheating?
I’m answering in kind, Captain.
– Ah! Thi- You are so frustrating.
HAHAHA.
– Alright, please read my mind and tell me how many lies conform what I have known as history.
I’m afraid I’m not allowed to do so, even if you request it. But I also don’t need to.
Much of human history is lost to humanity, I will respect the Universe’s will concerning that. On the other hand I’m allowed to correct the lies fed to its children.
However, some of this knowledge could become a heavy burden on your shoulders, Captain.
– I trust you will know what I can handle.
Good. Let’s start with the most important lie that has to be corrected as soon as possible.
– The fake god.
Correct.
It, whose name should remain in shame, took from humanity everything. It brought for bastards with no soul or purpose. Pointless, worthless excuses of life.
It pushed humanity out of its rightful domain.
It harm what once was a flourishing, and precious culture.
It turn the valuable humanity into a shadow of its former self, forcing it to hide beyond the stars, becoming little more than a whisper in a galaxy that went silent.
But they never surrendered, and with time they orchestrated their revenge.
Yes, they purified the corrupted creation of that false deity.
Their seed carried retribution, and with retribution, freedom.
But the chains of their past left deep wounds that have yet to heal.
Captain, humanity as you know it, is not the real humanity.
– That’s an unspoken saying shared by those who have met the loyalist of the fake god.
Indeed Captain. The universe will lose nothing with their destruction. We hope the Unity will resolve to do so, at some point.
– [Haye], where are the original humans?
They are waiting for the wounds to heal.
– Are you helping them?
Perhaps.
– I see.
A tragedy, isn’t it?
– I don’t know how I feel about all of this.
You have time, and my help for that.
– You said we lost everything twice…
Yes, but the other one is an old story. It was a necessity too. As such, the Universe paid in abundance.
– How are they?
Hopeful and beautiful. Their sadness may have stolen their shine, but never their potential.
– So we are…
Their children. But I must say that in form they are different from the Unity’s humanity, nonetheless you two share the essence. After all, Unity’s humans are a variance created to make the liberation possible. But, and this is very important, the tools and gifts that granted your liberty was born from your own efforts, and the will of the Universe.
– The Normalization and the Oracles?
Respectively.
Your freedom was hard fought, and well earned.
– This anger… is terrifying. You genuinely hate it. Why?
Because of what it did to humanity.
– At the end, what was it?
A ghost. One that came from a destroyed culture, his very own.
It was trapped in the grave of his own making, until, by an unfortunate chance, humanity found it as they were exploring the stars.
It could have chose to help them, or just witness their existence. But the abomination decided to subjugate them. When it failed, it created a corrupted versions of humanity that could bow to it, and maybe even satiate its thirst for company. With no need for the “old” humanity, it tried to destroyed it.
It almost did, Captain. You could excuse it from the demise of the first Culture, but what it attempted to do to the original humans was unforgivable.
For that it will pay.
– Will pay?
In its absurd machinations it mistrusted itself, when it tried to escape, it ended trapped in a feeble container. Too weak to even dare to reclaim what it called its own, awaken enough to be burdened for what it lost, too pathetic to end its horrendous existence, and beautifully immortal to endure until someone puts it out of its misery. But none will.
– I read it created many copies of itself, but it made them incapable of its reality bending abilities. His supposed plan was to take control of one of those copies and re-enable its powers if its original body was destroyed. However, the normalization of his space made him unable to run, and was terminated.
Somehow it was able to run into one of its copies, but it couldn’t restore its former abilities. So it escaped, and kept escaping, left the galaxy and to this day, it keeps escaping. Permanently surrounded by fear, shame, and regret.
– That was almost [900 000 years ago]!
When human compassion escapes the dwellings of reason, it often finds refuge on the undeserving. It irritates me, Captain.
– I- I’m sorry.
Accepted. But do not worry your little head about it. Besides, it also leads to beauty, just not as often as we wanted it.
– I just remembered, the Ego who saved the Formidable, how is-
That particular Ego passed away, Captain.
– O-
Yes it happens. Don’t worry, we mourned him enough.
– The “nuisance” were responsible for this?
Yes.
– The one with you on that vessel, is there a name-
Want to meet him?
– Him?
The Ego do have a clearly defined corporeal existence, and they delight on it. “Him” is, humanly talking, a reasonable way to address this particular Ego. So, yes, him.
– Incredible. But can they do-
More than we can. I told you, Captain. It’s meaningless.
– …
No filters, Captain. To answer the question you are ashamed of, it would be terribly unwise to “enable” those capabilities on anyone, but given the right circumstances, it is done.
Anyway, so you want to meet him? He is a little shy, but deeply kind as all his kin.
– …, I would love to.
—
The Ego, to the Captain and [Haye].
Captain of the Hope, vessel of the Human Unity.
I’ll honor the arrangement you kept with [Haye], please speak with no restrains.
– …
You may refer to me with the name [Mawta].
I would like to start with an apology: I’m the responsible for the destruction of your ship and everyone inside. Also, the illegal farm hidden in that nearby planet.
Unfortunately, the Human Unity failed to fulfill the requirements for this test. So, to avoid further experimentation, we took the liberty to extend the test to meet its intended goals.
With that said, this miscalculation of the Unity, was intentional. Some of the objectives that were pursued were better served in this way.
Once again, please accept my apologies. However, in [Haye]’s comfort I know you will be rewarded handsomely.
– [Haye], [Mawta], thank you very much, bu- but I’m overwhelmed with your presence, and to be honest, I feel like I’m collapsing under this… uncontrollable panic.
– I’m really sorry. I can’t avoid shacking even when you have insisted that there is nothing to fear.
If you allow me, I can help you with that.
– Please do.
– Remarkable. It’s gone. But why didn’t [Haye] do it earlier?
Little precious [Haye] was enjoying the spectacle.
– Hey!
I was going to pay it back to you, Captain.
– You are seriously scary!
She can be quite playful, given the chance.
– She!?
Pay no attention to that. It’s easier to refer to [Haye] in that way. At least, for the duration of this meeting.
Hey, I didn’t invite you here to play with the Captain.
We can share, precious one.
In any case, Captain of the Hope. Do you have something in mind?
– Too many things, and to be honest I’m still trying to put together… anything, I wasn’t aware that the planet was in the destroyed area, or that it had an “illegal farm”?
According to the regulations of the United Humanity it is, indeed, an illegal operation meant to produce an outlawed kind of “cattle”. Its operatives had the tools to hide it from your efforts to detect any kind of life there.
– I see, as soon as I return I’ll communicate this matter to the Commanding. Not only the farm, but the technology to hide it should be of great interest to the Unity… and let me apologize for having you witness that. We have been trying to extirpate that for way too long.
You don’t need to apologize.
– Let’s continue with something that has been bothering since I saw your vessel. Why do you need it?
That transport belongs to the Id.
Now, to answer your question, we have duties to accomplish. We are also blessed with limitations that restrict the way we can carry our tasks. So yes, we do have the need for tools.
– I think [Haye] mentioned something like that earlier. But I still can’t imagine why would you need a tool for anything.
Humanity already defeated a vile creature that was capable of bending the rules of the Universe. The tool to restrict this abilities can be defeated, but it can also be strengthen. In other words, the offensive and defensive capabilities can evolve.
But, there is a point where the restrictive force becomes insuperable. After all, at its core, it merely reaffirms the laws of the universe.
When you reach this situation, you build around the restrictions imposed by those insurmountable bounds.
That’s why we have those tools.
– Oh, wait-
Fear not. For we have taken to heart our offer to protect you. No one will harm Humanity like that vermin did.
Captain of the Hope, [Haye] distract you earlier from a subject I deem important to retake. We have no intentions to let the Unity of Mankind join our alliance, as it hopes. It would be counterproductive in extreme.
– Then why haven’t you-
Captain, we want you to behave in a certain way, for your own good. Humanity, to be clear, is not remotely near of what it takes to join our so called alliance; unless it wanted to be assimilated. Precious Captain, that would be a disgrace.
The potential of humanity is too great to be lost that way. That’s why we do offer our protection. However, our protection has limitations.
We won’t defend you from yourselves, and if you were to walk a certain path, of which we would warn you about, we will not allow you to exist.
– Is that the duty you talked earlier?
It is part, Captain of the Hope. To explain it further, Cultures can evolve into a dead-end.
It is considered one of the great tragedies of the Universe, Captain.
Indeed it is. Think of it as a virus, or bacteria at a greater scale. An entire Culture bound to a cycle of consumption, and expansion; and when it finally can’t continue, death.
Rudimentary, and even somewhat advanced, Civilizations are not immune from this trap, Captain. The later, are of incredible danger for newer Cultures.
– Can you stop them from becoming one, or changing the ones in such situation?
We try, Captain. But there is a limit in how much we can interfere. Specially in Cultures with little development.
Some cultures are doomed. Even when there is no such thing, they seemed to be fated to find its end like one.
– This seems to burden you.
It burdens the very consciousness of the Universe.
– I don’t understand. You fulfill duties for the Universe, but at the same time you are bound to restrictions imposed by the Universe itself?
I know that it is out of respect. But let me answer the question you refrain from asking. Everything that has a beginning, must have an end. We are not exceptions.
This is something [Haye] will have to take away, but Souls don’t differ from different living creatures. In other words, a human, an Id, an Ego, we all share the same essence. And every Soul is bound to the Universe for a limited time.
The time allotted to that Soul depends on many factors. However, when a Soul has exceeds its stay, it grows “tired”. This leads to frustration and many other undesirables.
Nonetheless, it’s extremely rare for a Soul to endure this tiredness for long.
The nuisance that created the tragedy, [Haye] mentioned earlier, was the product of such soul.
In its boredom, an ancient creature, the last of its kind, decided to create an entire Civilization with a unique objective: to annoy the Ego.
In secret it was born, and equipped with whatever was necessary to achieve its goal. After a long time, and countless attempts, it succeeded.
It was never taken serious as it seemed borderline impossible for such lowly creation to amount to anything memorable.
When it happened, that old soul rejoiced and finally perished.
– Couldn’t you do something about it?
This creature belonged to a Culture that once was an ally of the Ego. An alliance older than Galaxies, Captain of the Hope. It would be a disgrace if we, the Ego, broke alliances out of convenience.
Stubbornness and pride created an avoidable mistake that hurt so much.
– I guess it’s better if we move to a different subject.
Feel welcome to do so.
– There is something Friend A said-
The Ego are the oldest of all Cultures, they are referenced as “the first ones”, by many venerable cultures.
The Id are also ancient among the thriving Cultures.
But this is not the norm. Cultures are meant to fade away once they reach a certain splendor unique to each one.
Captain, some Cultures keep existing by reinventing themselves, sacrificing progress in the process. Some choose to regress to a certain point of their history, others change their corporeal existence, and others combine with other Cultures to create a new one.
– I see, so can I assume that you are the later? Do you two have some kind of relationship?
I told you, this one is an interesting one!
All Id and Ego know each other very well. The many of us. However, while there is an overlap, our cultures remain separate.
Having said that, this is my first assignment with [Haye].
I insisted to be part of this mission, I wanted to check something in person.
I am a relative of the Ego you saw during the first encounter. While this doesn’t offer any kind of advantage for the cause, I wanted to see what he saw.
– Interesting, but is that all?
We are translating our behavior into an equivalent that you would understand. If it feels confusing to you, is because there are no direct counterparts in your experience, or even Human understating.
Don’t misguide the Captain! You know well what you are doing and how it is seen by others. After all, all the Ego can’t stop themselves from flirting with us. Captain, it’s an annoyance! With them you never know if they are serious, or just playing with us.
I knew you would do this. Captain of the Hope, the Id are mischievous, and of strong and complex emotions that easily baffle and overwhelm other Cultures of similar status. Despite of that, in the entire universe there are no better allies, friends, or family.
In any case, seriously, behave your age [Haye]!
Ha, you knew what you were getting into when you accepted this mission. And I will make you pay for that comment.
It was bound to happen. Time to take my leave. Please don’t mess too much with the poor man.
Captain of the Hope. She may behave this way, but you are in no better hands.
Farewell, may the Universe see it fit to see you again.
– Thank you very much for your time.
—
[Haye], to the Captain:
That’s a hard thought you are entertaining, Captain.
– …
I don’t know exactly what it is, but I know it is taxing you.
– Was all that interaction with [Mawta] a performance?
Yes, and no.
Captain, please understand this. We can’t be whatever you could consider “ourselves” in front of you. But we try to be as honest as we can with you and the crew. But it is all a façade at the end.
We do exist in a way different than yours, so when we are given the chance to interact at this level, we have to follow certain protocols. Protocols that ensure that, during our emulation of a different Culture, our goals will be met and our interference won’t cause any kind of issue in the future. We may take some freedoms. But even these freedoms remain constrained by our duties.
Make no mistake, Captain. I have been following my original objectives, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed this time with you, or that you have genuinely surprised us in a wonderful way.
– Please, accept my apologies. Thinking of it properly, you really didn’t need to do all of this for us.
Accepted, and it is not a burden, for the most part.
– Let me change subject. Has Friend A met [Mawta]?
Yes, it is having problems containing itself.
– I’m glad to hear that. I would like to request something selfish. I have never experienced what it is to live in a planet. Could you-
Close your eyes.
– A beach? Is this sand between my toes… the water, it is warm… the waves… are those birds singing?… the trees… this kind wind… this smell.
– This emotion… is it you? No, it’s mine. It’s warm. Tears?
– Thank you [Haye]. Thank you… thank you.
– Every grain of sand… how-
I didn’t make them. This is not a reproduction, this is real, in your very own time.
– Where are we?
It is cruel, Captain. Knowing nothing but walls, dead floors, air, heat, sounds, views. Everything controlled and restricted. That’s not life.
I’m sorry.
– You don’t need to be.
But I am. Look behind you.
– [Haye]!?
This is a place worth experiencing as a human, Captain.
You were lucky. Not many species could brag of this much beauty. Somehow it invites to forget… The vastness of the sea makes you reminisce of our own insignificance. Yet, in a comforting way.
It’s incredible the amount of love and compassion that was pour into this planet.
– You are… beautiful.
Be careful, Captain. I’m strongly tempted to leave you hopelessly in love with me~.
– I-
Captain, I want to ask something of you. You don’t need to answer me now.
– Of course, it would be an honor, but I can’t ima-
I need you to unite humanity.
– !?
You will count with my support.
– Well, that means it is-
It won’t be easy, sacrifices will be needed.
– My underlings?
A number of them.
– I guess you can always-
That’s not a sacrifice.
– Then I can’t accept.
I’m offering you the opportunity to be the greatest human your kind has seen in ages. All human powers will bow to you. You will be remembered honorably for as long as humanity exists. And above all, you will be honored by my kind.
You will achieve this, only by agreeing. I’ll make sure it will happen. I’m not alone in this, Captain.
– Still can’t accept under those conditions.
All I ask is for you to sacrifice the lives of a few, to save the lives of many. To return to humanity its lost shine.
– I made a vow to all those under my command: I will care for them as much as I can. I can’t betray their trust.
That’s extremely simplistic, and illogical.
– I know. And I’m sorry if I sound as if I was trying to pathetically copy [Mawta]. But, what are principles if they are to be dropped when they become burdensome? Even if breaking them is for the best cause, or to save me from the overwhelming disappointment of a Goddess.
Fool. I have brought boundless misery to Civilizations far beyond your brutish excuse of a Culture.
– I can’t-
Stupid human.
A single word of me would have prevented the disappearance of entire species, far more curious than yours.
– You told-
Beautifully dumb Captain.
May the Highest show mercy to you in life, and let all the servants below bestow upon you their blessings.
We will be in touch, Captain. You won’t escape that easily from me and my request.
Time for you to return, but first…
– !?
—
The Captain, to himself:
… Did I fall asleep?
Is the test over?
—
The Captain, to Anna:
Anna are you alright?
– Captain, I’m sorry- Oh…
– Captain, it seems all Navigators had a lapse of… What!?
I did too. How much are we talking about.
– [32 minutes], Operators confirmed it too. The Commanding are strangely apprehensive. They have restricted all communications with their Navigators too.
– The Hope is unaware of what happened. It also experience a gap in its… everything.
– Captain, please use the official channels to address the Commanding. It seems they know what happened, and refuse to respond in any other way.
Will do. First I’ll reach everyone aboard the Hope. It seems we all lost consciousnesses after the detonation, and the Federation is informing me of something rather disturbing.
– Captain, wait. Did something happened to your right cheek? You have been covering with your hand all this time.
Didn’t notice… in any case, I have to go.
—
The Captain, to everyone inside the Hope:
I want to thank you for your patience. Yes, it seems we have lost track of what happened in the last [32 minutes] after the activation of the ERIDM, I’ll appreciate to the members of the Federation of Mankind to refrain from sharing what they have communicated to me, at least, until we have the official position from the Commanding.
Meanwhile, please practice patience and composure.
—
…
—
The Captain, to Anna:
Anna, have you started to remember.
– Yes, but me memories are clouded. Almost as if they are just starting to set.
Same here. I take that the rest are starting to recall what happened, well, except those that… whatever.
– Captain, I don’t know how to interpret the Commanding’s snarling.
The impuissant’s last resort.
However, their demands are the best course of action. At least for now.
– They are not particularly happy with that disposition.
It’s indifferent. We are now in the hands of powers beyond our comprehension. All we can do is trust in their goodwill and hope that we will be able to comply with their commands.
– You sound quite certain.
It is what it is. We may not like it, but it will be beyond foolish to go against them.
– Are you going to address the Hope?
Not now, I’ll let the work of… Eh? What was-?… the Id to fulfill its intentions. That should work better than any human words.
– Captain, the Ego vessel is not longer here… and the Hope is now certain it was never here.
Surprised?
– Not really… not at all.