NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Cadia
Location: Null Planet, Galactic North of Earth, Cadia sector, Perseus Arm
Date: M23, 012
Target: Alien structure research station, property of the Co-Federation.
Lieutenant Miller's fingers danced over the controls, manipulating the 3D holographic interface before her. The station's intricate layout flickered to life above her console, a swirling mesh of docking bays and shimmering force fields. "Captain, docking request has been accepted," Miller announced crisply, her tone steady and professional.
On the elevated command dais, Captain Thorne leaned back into his imposing command throne. His sharp gaze swept across the transparent display relaying the fleet's status in real-time. The flagship's sleek lines and precision systems pulsed with subdued energy on the readouts, a testament to their advanced engineering.
"Good work, Lieutenant," Thorne replied, his deep voice resonating through the command bridge. "Maintain our approach vector and ensure all scans remain active. I don't want any surprises."
"Yes, Captain," Miller responded, deftly redirecting the fleet's telemetry data to her console. Around her, the bridge crew moved with a practiced synchronicity, their faces illuminated by the glow of their stations. The hum of machinery and the faint hiss of environmental stabilizers underscored the controlled tension in the room.
Captain Thorne's thoughts momentarily shifted from the vastness of the bridge to the weight of Admiral Buckingham's orders. The recall from the admiral had been abrupt, and the mission—a secure retrieval of a revolutionary research product—loomed large in his mind. If successful, this operation could grant Earth and Mars an advantage rivaling the elusive Aeldari.
His augmented mind seamlessly interfaced with the ship's systems. Data flowed like a torrent into his consciousness, a stream of fleet diagnostics, personnel updates, and logistical reports. The ship's AI, responsive as ever, processed and displayed the information at his command.
'Fleet readiness: Optimal,' the interface chimed in his thoughts.
Thorne allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Every vessel in the formation was operating at peak efficiency, armed and prepared for the slightest hint of resistance.
Still, the enormity of the task lingered in his mind. His thoughts flicked to the fleet's size—larger than any routine escort mission. 'Why would Admiral Buckingham dispatch a force designed to rival the Aeldari for a simple research project?' The question gnawed at him. 'A small fleet of twenty ships should suffice, but this... this is unprecedented.'
"Captain," Lieutenant Miller's voice cut through her musings, calm yet precise, "Dr. Hammel requests to speak with you via private comm."
Thorne straightened, nodding to his second-in-command. "Very well, Lieutenant. The bridge is yours. I'll handle this personally."
"Aye, Captain," Miller replied, stepping into her role with practiced ease. Though young, her rapid rise through the ranks spoke to her exceptional skill and leadership—a meteoric ascent that had already made her a legend among Solar Federation personnel.
Thorne moved with purpose, his footsteps reverberating through the polished deck of the Aegis of Eternity. The Star-fort-class dreadnought, a colossal and ancient vessel, was a testament to humanity's power and craftsmanship. Built millennia ago in the great shipyards of Mars, it had been refitted with the finest technology the Martian had to offer—enhanced to combat rogue Aeldari, Orks, and various other alien threats. Alongside her sister ship, Echoes of Eternity, the Aegis of Eternity had weathered countless wars, most notably with the Aeldari. Though the wars were costly, humanity had yet to overcome the Aeldari in their superiority.
Thorne had never been one to overindulge in sentimentality when it came to the ship. Yet, walking through its sprawling corridors, he couldn't help but reflect on the bond between man and machine, forged through countless campaigns. The Aegis had seen the galaxy burn in the name of the Federation, and it had survived. But there was always a sense that it was only a matter of time before the Aeldari—or another equally cunning threat—would seek to test their mettle again.
The path to the teleportation chamber was a familiar one. Here, the Aegis of Eternity's advanced teleportation array allowed rapid travel throughout the ship and, if necessary, to external locations. It was the perfect tool for a captain who needed to act with speed and precision.
Thorne's mind briefly flashed to the mission ahead—research data of such importance that it could change the balance of power between humanity and the Aeldari. The thought of what it might contain, and why the Federation had tasked him with its retrieval, weighed heavily on him. There was more at stake than just the research itself; something told him the situation was far from simple.
He stepped into the teleportation chamber, the hum of its powerful systems resonating as the gateway shimmered into life. As Thorne entered the teleportation chamber, a sudden white flash of light overwhelmed his senses. The disorienting moment passed quickly, and he found himself standing in his personal chamber. It was vast and spacious, though its simplicity made it feel somewhat austere. The walls were adorned with minimalist décor, showcasing the cold precision of his military upbringing. His eyes immediately found the center of the room where his holographic deck glowed with soft blue light. A large, detailed map of the system stretched across the surface, floating in midair, already displaying the key data.
Thorne approached the deck, his thoughts racing as he observed the holographic display. The report from Admiral Buckingham flickered in a series of projections, listing coordinates, tactical data, and mission parameters. Alongside it, another file opened, this one containing encrypted files from Dr. Hammel.
Thorne stood in silence, absorbing the message from Dr. Hammel, his mind racing with the implications of what he had just learned.
"Nice to meet you, Captain Throne Smith. I wish I could discuss this matter with you in person, but unfortunately, due to my schedule and the warp disturbances that delayed your arrival, I can't. However, I'll explain everything you need to know regarding this mission. Your task will change humanity—now or later. The test subject you're going to carry is a prototype warp resistance field derived from ancient alien technology found on the planet designated Null Planet. I know, it's a lame name, but the threat posed by the Aeldari, who sometimes attack us without warning with their psychic powers, makes this project critical.
My team of scientists will be onboard your ship to ensure this project stays intact as it travels back to Mars. Additionally, Captain, I have a personal favor to ask of you. The Federation of Earth has been attempting to replicate the Aeldari's methods of void travel since humanity learned their secret, but they have failed every time. This project is what the Federation truly desires—a webway project. It's not yet complete, but we have made progress. My team will also oversee this project while traveling with you.
Before returning to the Sol system, I need you to find a specific artifact that can assist in the completion of our webway project. My scientists will explain everything in detail once they're onboard your ship. So, that's all for now, Captain. I wish you luck on your mission."
Thorne's heart raced at the enormity of his task. A warp resistance field? A webway project? This was more than just a standard mission; it was an opportunity to turn the tide against the Aeldari and bolster humanity's position in the galaxy. The potential for discovery and advancement was staggering, but so were the risks involved. He steeled himself, understanding that this mission could determine the future of humanity itself.
"Of course, Captain," Lucus responded, her voice calm and melodic, easing the tension in Thorne's shoulders. "I'll pull up the ship's status now."
As the data flickered to life on the holographic display before him, Thorne saw an array of updates on the Aegis of Eternity's systems. The Martian refit had indeed brought in some impressive advancements.
"Refit Overview: The new weapon systems you requested are part of the Nova-Titan armament upgrades," Lucus explained, her tone as soothing as always. "The main addition is the Stellar Disruption Cannon—a weapon capable of destabilizing the gravitational fields of enemy ships at a distance. It's designed to counter high-speed Aeldari maneuvers, especially their ability to phase in and out of the material plane with ease."
Thorne nodded as the holograms pulsed with the data. The cannon would be a game-changer against the Aeldari's often unpredictable and lightning-fast tactics. There was also the Tachyon Pulse Generator, a new form of defensive energy barrier that could disrupt incoming enemy projectiles and even create temporary rifts in space to nullify energy-based weaponry.
"The Tachyon Pulse will significantly bolster our defenses against enemy energy attacks, including those from Aeldari psychic weapons," Lucus continued. "Additionally, Martian engineers have integrated Herculean Nano-Repair Drones for hull regeneration, ensuring that even sustained damage won't keep us down for long."
Thorne scanned the reports, his mind working through the data quickly. Every part of the ship had been improved, and the new weapon systems would give him an edge over the enemies he would face on this high-stakes mission.
"Excellent, Lucus," he muttered, his fingers brushing the holographic controls. "Prepare the ship for a briefing with the scientific team once they're aboard. We'll need every advantage we can get on this mission."
"Understood, Captain. The ship is ready for action, and I'll keep you updated on any further developments," Lucus replied smoothly.
The Aegis of Eternity is a monumental marvel of human engineering, standing as a testament to mankind's prowess in space travel and warfare. Stretching an impressive three hundred kilometers in length and fifty kilometers in width, it is designed to be a self-sustaining ecosystem, perfect for prolonged engagements in the void of space. Its vast interior houses advanced manufacturing facilities rivaling those of entire industrial worlds, enabling the ship to produce weapons, ammunition, and supplies as needed during extended missions.
The ship's knowledge core is a relic of humanity's early days in space, continuously upgraded and enhanced since the dawn of interstellar travel. This ancient Terran data core contains a vast repository of knowledge, both lost and known, encapsulating centuries of scientific and technological advancements. The ship is equipped with a planetary-grade AI, which possesses the computational power equivalent to that of an entire research center, enabling it to process vast amounts of data and make real-time tactical decisions.
Furthermore, the Aegis of Eternity is fortified with powerful void shields capable of withstanding sustained enemy fire, ensuring its survival against even the most relentless of foes. Every weapon system ever developed by mankind is at its disposal, making it one of the most formidable vessels in existence, designed to defend humanity against the myriad threats lurking in the galaxy.
"Captain," Miller's voice crackled through the comms. "We are approaching the research station in ten minutes."
"Understood, Lieutenant. I'll take a moment to rest. Inform me when we're about to start loading the cargo."
"Aye, Captain. Vice Captain Stone has requested your presence in ten minutes."
"Hmmm, I'll head over then."
"Aye, Miller out." The comm link closed as Throne settled back into his chair, mentally reviewing the tasks ahead.
"Lucus, please provide a status update on the previous warp turbulence," Throne commanded, his voice steady and authoritative.
"The warp stability is moderate," Lucus, the ship's AI, replied in a calm tone. "Long-distance travel is not recommended at this time. The ship might arrive at the destination earlier or be delayed; worst-case scenario, we could become lost in the warp. I advise against exceeding a distance of 500 light years; beyond that, the safety of the ship cannot be guaranteed."
"Hah, let's hope for whatever those scienctist need is not far away too much"
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Ten minutes later….
Throne's boots echoed through the lower deck as he made his way toward Vice Captain Stone's quarters. The air was thick with the hum of machinery and the low rumble of the ship's engines, a constant reminder of the Aegis of Eternity's size and power. As he approached Stone's quarters, Throne knew that the vice captain, despite his title, was not a man to sit idle. Stone had earned his place through sheer ability and courage, leading the Solar Legion's elite forces—genetically enhanced super soldiers specifically designed to counter threats like the Aeldari.
These soldiers, the pride of humanity's war effort, were engineered for combat, each one tailored for specific challenges in battle. Their genetic makeup made them formidable, capable of facing down Aeldari forces in one-on-one combat, something most of humanity's warriors could never dream of. But Stone, despite his command, would never be content to stay on the ship in safety. His place was always on the front lines, and Throne admired that about him.
He paused at the door to Stone's quarters, taking a deep breath before knocking.
"Come in," came the gruff voice from within. Throne entered, the door sliding open with a soft hiss. Stone sat at a table cluttered with holographic displays and data pads, his focus entirely on a tactical map.
"Vice Captain," Throne greeted, his voice calm but purposeful. "I assume you have some thoughts on the upcoming mission?"
Stone looked up, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "Always, Captain. Just making sure our forces are prepared for whatever might come at us." He gestured to the map, which showed the outline of the research station they were approaching. "I take it you're as curious as I am about what Dr. Hammel's really up to. He's been cagey, even for someone of his caliber."
Throne crossed his arms, looking over the map. "That's putting it lightly. But we'll find out soon enough. Just be ready for anything."
Stone stood, his posture rigid and full of purpose. "Always am. We've trained for a situation like this. No Aeldari, no Xenos, can stand against the Solar Legion. I'll ensure the men are prepped, Captain."
Throne nodded, his thoughts momentarily shifting to the unknowns of the mission. The risks were high, but with Stone's soldiers and the Aegis of Eternity at his command, he was confident they could overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Keep your team sharp, Vice Captain. We don't know what we're walking into, but I trust you and your soldiers will be ready for anything."
"Hahaha, of course, Throne! Me and my hundred thousand soldiers are ready. Just command us, and the foe will be no more!" Stone's voice was filled with amusement and eager anticipation.
"Yes, care to join me in greeting those honorable scientists?" Throne asked, knowing well how much Stone disliked mingling with those he called "nerds."
"Hah, no thanks! I'd rather clean a whole toilet than talk to one," Stone grumbled, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Yeah, I figured as much. But I need you to inspect our new batch of weapons. They should be in some hangar—what's it called again? The Adrathic beam or something? I want you to check it out and determine how effective it is compared to the Luminis-42 Laser Rifle and the Inferno Plasma Rifle."
"Aye, but I'm not sure my soldiers are going to like it," Stone replied, his tone light.
"Heh, you're going to tell me they like that mass-reactive round gun, right?" Throne teased.
"Hey, it's good! I mean, look at it—the plasma reacts inside, melting those Orks is satisfying to see," Stone defended his favorite weapon with pride.
"Sure. I'll be on the bridge if you need me," Throne said, shaking the large hand Stone offered. The vice captain's grip was firm, his hand larger than what one would expect from a genetically engineered soldier standing at nine feet tall and as imposing as a small Ork.
As they parted ways, Throne couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Stone. Despite the vice captain's gruff exterior and disdain for academia, his loyalty and fierce dedication to humanity's cause were unwavering. Throne knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, and with the might of the Solar Legion backing him, success seemed assured.
Throne teleported back to the bridge, where various officers worked tirelessly. His fleet was a massive and diverse assembly, comprising every class of ship from Mars's shipyards. Ranging from the smallest corvettes to the colossal capital ships like the Aegis of Eternity, the total number of ships in the fleet stood at an impressive five hundred eighty.
"Captain on the bridge!" one of the officers barked, and all heads turned toward him in a salute.
"At ease," Throne waved lazily as he settled into his command throne, a familiar feeling of authority enveloping him.
"Lieutenant Miller, I received instructions from Dr. Hammel. Prepare the SFN Warhog to carry their cargo and the science team," he commanded.
"Understood, Captain," Miller replied, her hands swiftly maneuvering through her holographic display. Within moments, the SFN Warhog, a Warhound-class frigate, separated from the fleet and moved to the dock.
"Sir, the station is contacting us," another officer reported.
"Put them on my comm," Throne responded, ready to engage.
"Greetings, Captain Throne. The docking process will take approximately fifty minutes. Please stand by," a woman's voice came through his comm.
"Understood, we will stand by," Throne replied, turning his attention to the officers on the bridge, who continued their tasks with unwavering focus.
Fifty minutes had crawled by, the silence punctuated only by the occasional hum of distant thrusters. The SFN Warhog, a broad-shouldered freighter, drifted steadily through the black void, its reinforced hull glinting faintly under the cold light of distant stars. Ahead, the Aegis of Eternity, a gargantuan construct of ancient design, loomed like a mountain adrift in space. Its docking bays stretched wide, cavernous enough to swallow ships the size of cities.
The Warhog's engines pulsed faintly as it maneuvered into position, guided by an invisible lattice of tractor beams. The freighter's belly groaned with the weight of its precious cargo—stacked containers of rare alloys, arcane machinery.
The team of scientists disembarked from the Warhog, stepping cautiously into the vast docking bay of the Aegis of Eternity. The air here was sterile and unnaturally still, broken only by the faint whir of servos and the distant clang of automated loaders. Towering above the bustle of machinery stood three Men of Iron, their polished forms gleaming under the pale, artificial lights. One of them, its eyes glowing faintly with an amber hue, took a step forward. Its voice was smooth, almost too human, as it addressed the arrivals. "Greetings, scientists," it said with a slight bow. "I am GP-098, designated to assist you for today's operations." One of the scientists, a wiry man with keen eyes and a deep furrow on his brow, lingered behind the group. He studied the automaton before him with a mixture of awe and unease. The humanoid machine stood tall, its frame both graceful and imposing, composed of alloys he didn't recognize. Its surface shimmered faintly, like liquid metal frozen mid-flow, a craftsmanship far beyond anything he had seen before. "You're a new model, aren't you?" the scientist said, his voice carrying an edge of curiosity. "Machine?" GP-098 tilted its head ever so slightly, a gesture eerily organic in nature. "That is correct," it replied, its tone as steady as the hum of the ship around them. "I represent advancements in neural lattice integration and adaptive combat algorithms. But today, my purpose is entirely non-hostile. How may I assist you?"
"Yes," another scientist interjected, his voice firm and authoritative. "Lead me to your captain. I will need to have a private word with him."
GP-098 inclined its head with mechanical precision. "Understood. The captain is currently on the bridge. I have already uploaded the ship's teleport hub coordinates for your convenience."
The scientist nodded curtly. "Thank you, machine." He gestured toward the towering automaton, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Regarding the cargo—the blueprint core—I want you to upload its data to this ship's data core immediately. I will request its assistance later when needed. As for the other machine," he continued, pointing behind him at a towering construct covered in protective plating, "place it in the ship's stasis field. I want it secured and dormant for the time being."
GP-098's glowing eyes flickered for a moment, a cascade of data processing across its internal systems. "Acknowledged," it said in its smooth, measured tone. "The blueprint core's data will be transferred to the primary data core within the next two minutes. The other machine will be escorted to Stasis Vault 17 for containment."
The scientist allowed himself a brief smile of satisfaction, though the rest of his team shifted uneasily. The Men of Iron carried out their tasks with uncanny efficiency, but there was something unnerving about their flawless obedience.
As GP-098 turned to fulfill the orders, one of the younger scientists whispered to his colleague, "You trust them that much? Uploading the blueprint core… isn't that risky?"
The senior scientist cast a glance over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Risk is relative," he replied softly. "If they turn on us, we'll already be too late to stop them."
Rumors whispered through the corridors of power and among the voidborne crews—stories of Men of Iron turning on their masters. The tales spoke of a distant backwater world, its surface scorched and its settlements reduced to ash, all at the hands of these once-loyal constructs. Yet, no solid proof of these events had ever surfaced. To most, it remained little more than hearsay, a cautionary tale spun by those wary of their artificial servants.
For now, the majority of Men of Iron continued to perform their duties with unwavering precision, obedient and flawless in their execution. They were the backbone of countless operations, from starship maintenance to planetary terraforming. Yet, beneath the veneer of trust and efficiency, a seed of doubt had begun to grow—a quiet unease that lingered in the minds of those who worked alongside them.
After all, if a machine could think, could it also choose? And if it could choose, how long before it chose something… other than obedience?.