0:00
the kylar and exploration fleet's Flagship Cosmic cartographer shuttered as it dropped out of slip Space Warning
0:07
claxon blared across the bridge bathing the crystalline control stations in pulsing Crimson light something had
0:14
forcibly terminated their faster than light travel an impossibility according to all known laws of Consortium physics
0:22
status report Captain zval demanded their crystalline exoskeleton flashing
0:28
vibrant colors of alarm unknown energy field Captain the sensor officer
0:33
reported tentacles dancing frantically across holographic interfaces it's it's
0:39
actually bending our scanning beams back at us through the viewport the crew watched in stunned silence as the
0:47
swirling gases of an Uncharted nebula parted like a curtain revealing what initially appeared to be a small
0:54
asteroid as they approached the true nature of the object became clear a
0:59
spacecraft of startlingly primitive design it to scored by micrometeor
1:04
impacts and Cosmic radiation most puzzling were the markings blocky
1:09
symbols in an unknown language alongside a blue circle with white lines extending
1:14
outward like planetary orbits and four strange characters
1:20
NASA that vessel can't possibly be operational science officer cares
1:25
scoffed adjusting her ocular enhancers it's constructed of metals and carbon
1:31
composits no race has used such materials for Interstellar travel in 15
1:36
Millennia Captain Zev tall zoomed The View screen on a section of the hull where a faint blue light pulsed in
1:43
steady Rhythm then explained that science officer power signatures where
1:48
none should exist and more concerning they gestured to the redout showing the
1:53
vessel's defensive field that had halted their ship how has this relic of a forgotten age disabled slip drive with
2:00
technology that by all accounts shouldn't function analysis indicates
2:06
the vessel predates Consortium standardized dating systems reported the historian her voice quavering with
2:13
academic excitement if these readings are accurate this ship has been a drift
2:18
for more than 3,000 Cycles the bridge fell silent as the implications sank in
2:24
the Consortium database contained records of every known space fairing civilization in the charted Galaxy a
2:31
vessel of this apparent age from an unrecognized species represented more
2:36
than just an archaeological curiosity it was a fundamental challenge to consort a mystery prepare a boarding party Captain
2:44
zval ordered after a long moment level four containment protocols no direct
2:50
interface with unknown systems as the crew scrambled to obey the captain
2:56
remained fixed on The View screen studying the ancient vessel with growing unease in three centuries of exploration
3:04
they had cataloged countless deric and ruins the cosmic graveyards of species
3:09
that had reached for the stars and failed yet something about this particular ship felt different not like
3:15
a tomb but like a seed waiting patiently through the long Cosmic winter for the
3:21
right moment to awaken and someone alert sen archaeologist frin the captain added
3:28
tell them we found something impossible this mission is unauthorized and extremely dangerous Dr vain reminded the
3:35
volunteering boarding party as they prepared their environmental suits the Ceno archaeologists tentacles nervously
3:43
adjusted equipment that hadn't been field tested for First Contact scenarios in centuries the Consortium hasn't
3:49
encountered a new space fairing species in over 400 Cycles the team assembled in
3:55
the airlock two security officers with non-lethal suppressors an environmental
4:00
specialist a technologist and Dr Vin Captain revel's Voice crackled through
4:06
their comms remember observation only no integration with unknown systems their
4:13
shuttle docked with surprising ease as if the ancient vessel had anticipated their arrival the airlock hissed open
4:20
with unexpected efficiency revealing Corridor is lit by emergency lighting that cast Eerie blue Shadows the team's
4:28
atmospheric sense ens registered shock perfect oxygen nitrogen balance maintained at exactly 21ยฐ C with 45%
4:37
humidity impossible muttered the environmental specialist triple checking
4:42
her readings these life support systems should have failed or at least degraded
4:48
they're operating at optimal parameters after what our dating puts at 3,000 years minimum they Advanced slowly
4:55
through corridors sized for beings slightly smaller than themselves the interior showed no signs of battle
5:02
damage or emergency evacuation only the meticulous preservation of a vessel
5:07
designed for long-term operation as they reached what appeared to be the command center Dr Vin ran a tentacle across a
5:15
dust-free console no deterioration no dust it's being maintained by the room
5:22
suddenly blazed with light causing the team to recoil holographic displays
5:28
activated showing star charts and system Diagnostics a disembodied voice spoke in
5:33
an unknown language melodic precise and unnervingly calm evacuate now screamed
5:41
the security officer already backing toward the exit unknown Eye Activation
5:47
is a Class one technological Hazard the boarding party flood all except Dr vain
5:53
who stood transfixed before the central console where a pulsing blue light had formed into a humanoid shape
6:00
despite centuries of Sy orological training Vin's professional Detachment
6:05
crumbled before this impossible Discovery with trembling appendages they activated their Universal translator and
6:12
spoke the words not uttered by any Consortium member in living memory first
6:17
Contact protocol initiated I am Dr vain of the cyarin exploration Fleet identify
6:24
yourself the blue light coalesced into a more defined shape by with distinct head
6:31
and limbs it spoke again and this time the universal translator began to
6:36
decipher patterns I am a autonomous reconnaissance intelligence algorithm
6:42
human vessel Pathfinder query date since Earth departure approximately
6:50
3,247 standard Cycles Dr FR responded academic excitement overriding caution
6:57
the Hologram tilted its head processing this information then with what appeared
7:03
to be satisfaction it said Mission parameters satisfied first Contact
7:09
achieved beginning cultural exchange protocols the holographic displays
7:14
around the bridge transformed filling with images of a blue green Planet bipedal beings and technological
7:21
achievements that should have been impossible for a species at such an early development stage Dr vain came
7:29
captain in revel's Urgent Voice through the comms the rest of the boarding party reports you remain behind evacuate
7:37
immediately but Dr vain could only whisper in reply Captain I just met a
7:43
ghost civilization and it's been waiting for us Captain zval stared incredulously
7:48
at the data scrolling across their command console Preposterous you expect
7:54
me to believe this ARA claims its vessel launched in Earth years
8:00
2089 that would make it barely a century after these humans discovered basic
8:05
flight Dr Vin's excitement was palpable their bioluminescent patterns flashing
8:10
in academic fervor that's precisely what makes this discovery so revolutionary
8:16
Captain according to AIA the Pathfinder represented Humanity's first true
8:21
Interstellar vessel a species leaping from atmospheric flight to stars in less
8:26
than 200 years the bridge fell silent as A's hologram appeared on their view
8:33
screen the A's appearance had adapted now presenting as a translucent blue
8:38
figure wearing what cultural data identified as a uniform the Pathfinder
8:44
Mission parameters were simple but ambitious a ad explained explore indefinitely locate
8:51
intelligent life share human knowledge learn return if possible return Zev tall
9:00
questioned you were equipped for a return journey of such distance AI as
9:05
expression remained neutral negative Pathfinder utilized a modified aluer
9:11
warp bubble experimental technology with unknown sustainability mission was
9:16
classified as oneway with 0.037% calculated probability of return
9:23
capability development the science officer interrupted mandibles clicking in agitation
9:30
impossible aluer field Theory requires exotic matter manipulation Beyond Egan
9:35
our current capabilities you claim these humans mastered it at the dawn of their Space Age Aras hologram walked across
9:43
the silin bridge as if touring a museum human technological development did not
9:48
follow expected progression paths my creators excelled at theoretical intuitive leaps and unconventional
9:55
Solutions the AI paused before a startled ins sign for example Pathfinders engine core bypassed the
10:02
Exotic matter requirement entirely by using what you might call a space folding technique derived from quantum
10:09
entanglement principles my creators called it cheating physics Dr Vin carefully accessed the
10:16
ship's cultural database projection after projection filling the cyer and view screens art music literature
10:25
scientific papers mathematical proofs a comprehensive record Rec of a civilization that had somehow developed
10:31
differently from every known evolutionary path in the Consortium archives Captain doctor vain whispered
10:38
we haven't discovered a deric ship we found the most comprehensive first Contact package ever created designed by
10:46
a species that somehow knew exactly what questions we would ask Captain zel's
10:51
crystalline form shifted Hues in contemplation or perhaps designed to make us ask the questions they wanted to
10:58
answer air as hologram smiled an expression the a had clearly chosen for
11:04
its calming effect on organic beings a valid observation captain my programming
11:10
includes psychological profiles of potential contacting species humans
11:15
anticipated skepticism and Incorporated it into first Contact protocols the
11:21
communications officer suddenly jerked ight Captain the Consortium Central
11:26
Authority has responded to our Discovery report our research vessel has been dispatched with high administrator locks
11:32
aboard classifi priority they're ordering us to secure the human vessel pending their arrival Z tall and Dr vain
11:41
exchanged glances of concern High administrator locks was known for ruthless efficiency in containing
11:47
potential threats to Consortium stability a Dr vain asked carefully did
11:53
your creators anticipate hostile responses to First Contact the AI
11:58
hologram dimmed slightly all scenarios were considered and contingency measures
12:04
implemented Pathfinder was designed to share knowledge freely but never to surrender control integration attempt 47
12:11
has failed announced Chief technologist zel their frustration evident as the
12:17
Consortium research vessel's Quantum processors disengaged from the Pathfinder systems yet again the human
12:24
eye continues to resist all standard protocols High administrator locks a observed from The Command Deck their
12:31
impatience growing the Consortium Central Authority had dispatched their Flagship upon hearing of the discovery
12:38
with clear directives to acquire the human technology by any means necessary this resistance indicates sophisticated
12:45
security measures beyond what this level of Technology should possess locks declared prepare for invasive extraction
12:53
the knowledge must be preserved even if the AI construct must be disassembled Dr
12:59
vain protested vehemently High administrator a is not merely a database
13:06
it represents a unique form of artificial sentence possibly the last record of an entire
13:12
civilization your sentimentality is noted sen archaeologist locks dismissed
13:18
initiate the extraction sequence as the first invasive data probes pierced AI as
13:24
firewall alarm suddenly blared throughout both vessels on the path finder previously hidden seams appeared
13:31
in bulkheads mechanical systems weed to life for the first time in Millennia
13:37
what is happening demanded locks as reports flooded in from startle technicians Dr vain checked the red outs
13:44
tentacles trembling airia has triggered some kind of Deadman protocol the ship
13:50
is reconfiguring in six separate locations throughout the Pathfinder sealed
13:55
compartments revealed themselves inside each a cylindrical pod glowing with
14:01
faint blue light Consortium scanners detected biological material within
14:06
cryogenic preservation Chambers Dr vain whispered in awe they've been operating
14:12
this entire time a is hologram appeared expression now Stern initiating
14:18
continuity protocol threatened system status has triggered contingency measures five preservation units
14:26
compromised one remains viable before the Consortium Representatives could react the functioning pod began its
14:33
Revival sequence Frost sublimated from the transparent canopy revealing a bipol
14:39
figure within medical routs displayed rapidly normalizing Vital Signs stopped
14:44
this immediately commanded locks unknown biological Revival violates 17 different
14:51
containment protocols Dr Vin rushed to the Pod monitoring the miraculous
14:56
process it's too late to stop it and and why would we this is unprecedented the
15:02
pods lid rose with a Pneumatic K releasing a cloud of cold Vapor a slender hand emerged gripping The Edge
15:10
then a face appeared remarkably similar to Aria's holographic representation but
15:16
unmistakably organic dark eyes blinked slowly focusing first on Dr Vain's alien
15:23
form then widening incomprehension rather than fear the human spoke o horse
15:29
from disuse but strong with purpose Captain elar Chen Pathfinder Mission
15:35
Commander I see our long wait is finally over she smiled at the assembled aliens
15:41
now would someone kindly explain why you're trying to dismantle my ship High administrator lock stepped forward
15:48
tentacles rigid with authority this vessel's technology has been claimed under Consortium Salvage directive
15:56
7293 its systems will be studied and Incorporated for the benefit of all member species elara's smile didn't
16:03
waver but her eyes hardened I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding the Pathfinder was
16:10
never abandoned merely waiting and as its Commander I formally deny your Salvage claim she glanced at a as
16:18
hologram status report all systems operational Captain the a responded
16:24
contingency protocol Omega standing by the tension in the room crystallized as everyone present realized the same thing
16:33
simultaneously they had not found a durc vessel after all they had awakened its
16:38
Captain you're telling me that I've been in suspended animation for over 3,000 years Captain Chen paced the conference
16:45
room heard natural Grace and adaptability already impressing the Consortium
16:50
Representatives despite the cognitive shock she displayed remarkable resilience another trait that seemed
16:57
distinctly human 3,247 standard Cycles to be precise Dr
17:05
Frain confirmed yet you seem unsurprised ilara stopped pacing her expression
17:11
unreadable AR was programmed to wait as long as necessary our mission parameters
17:17
included the possibility of extremely extended time frames she smiled slightly
17:23
though I admit three Millennia exceeds even our most conservative estimates
17:28
meanwhile while in the Pathfinder engine room Consortium Engineers stared in bewilderment at systems that violated
17:35
fundamental principles of physics as they understood them this shouldn't work muttered chief engineer NX scanning the
17:42
compact Drive core for the fifth time these field equations they bypassed the
17:47
need for negative Mass entirely a junior technician pointed to crystalline structures integrated into the
17:54
propulsion system sir these aren't on any Elemental chart we possess
17:59
atomic structure suggests element 137 impossible Nick scoffed the island
18:07
of stability theory was dis proven centuries ago elements Beyond
18:12
115 cannot maintain structural integrity and yet the technician
18:18
insisted these readings are consistent with a stable super heavy element
18:24
according to the ship's records they call it copernic back in the conference
18:29
room heated debate erupted among the Consortium leadership this technology must be classified immediately High
18:36
administrator locks insisted If released it would destabilize power structures
18:42
throughout three Galactic sectors with respect Elara interjects surprising the
18:48
aliens with her directness the Pathfinders technology wasn't designed to be hoarded my mission directives are
18:54
clear share human knowledge with peaceful species she activated a holographic display revealing schematics
19:02
that made even the most seasoned Consortium scientists gasp the aluer
19:07
white drive wasn't our most advanced technology it was merely what we deemed safe to send on a first Contact Mission
19:15
Dr vain studied the human Captain with growing Fascination how did your species
19:20
develop these Concepts so quickly most civilizations require Millennia to progress from atmospheric flight to
19:27
stable FTL Theory theara's eyes reflected a hint of Pride necessity and
19:33
Imagination Earth was dying climate collaps resource depletion we didn't
19:39
have Millennia so we abandoned linear development paths and pursued parallel
19:44
breakthrough technology simultaneously she projected an image of Earth a blue
19:49
green Jewel suspended in darkness our desperation bred Innovation when
19:55
conventional physics offered no Solutions we question the conventions High administrator locks appendages
20:02
twitched with suspicion and what of your species now if you sent this vessel with
20:07
such advanced technology thousands of years ago what Heights have they reached since elara's gaze swept the room
20:14
Landing finally on Dr vain that's what I intend to find out the Pathfinder was
20:20
designed for a one-way Journey but its secondary mission was always clear to
20:25
establish whether Humanity should fully reveal itself self to the cosmos the conference room fell silent
20:32
as the implications sank in the lone human awakened from the distant past
20:37
carrying technologies that could reshape Galactic Civilization and the unsettling
20:43
possibility that somewhere the civilization that created such Marvels might still be watching it's an
20:49
Abomination zelot commander of Rex hissed to his assembled followers in the purifier vessel's Shadow lit chamber a
20:57
technological perversion that threatens the natural order of species development the purifiers a
21:04
radical sect believing in strict evolutionary hierarchy had infiltrated the consort's research operation with
21:11
alarming ease holographic displays showed the Pathfinder schematics stolen
21:16
from restricted databases for 40 Generations the purifiers have preserved
21:21
the galactic balance VX continued species that Advance too quickly invite
21:27
destruction these humans bypassed crucial development stages a cosmic crime that
21:33
cannot go unpunished on the Pathfinder Elara worked alongside Dr vain
21:39
cataloging human cultural archives their unlikely friendship bridged three Millennia of separate Evolution your
21:47
adaptability is remarkable Dr vain observed most species would experience
21:52
psychological collapse when faced with temporal displacement of this magnitude
21:58
El smiled Riley Mission training included existential contingencies though I admit the
22:05
Practical scenario involved less tentacles an alarm suddenly blared unauthorized access to critical systems
22:13
before they could react the ship lurched violently as explosions rocked the engineering section copernicium
22:20
Containment Breach in 3 minutes ARA announced with unnerving calm
22:25
catastrophic reaction will destroy all vessels within 50,000 km security feeds
22:33
showed purifier infiltrators in the engine room placing additional explosives Consortium Security Forces
22:40
responded chaotically unprepared for the coordinated attack we need to reach
22:45
engineering Elara said already moving Dr Vin followed hesitantly the purifiers
22:52
are Elite Warriors even our security forces struggle against the sen
22:57
archaeologist stopped mid-sentence watching in astonishment as Elara accessed a hidden compartment containing
23:04
what was unmistakably Weaponry Mission contingency protocols ilara explained
23:11
handling the Sleek devices with practiced deficiency Humanity hoped for peace but prepared for all scenarios the
23:18
confrontation in engineering was brief but devastating the Consortium security
23:23
team watched in awe as Elara moved with Precision that bordered on precognition
23:28
her weapons emitted non-lethal pulses that incapacitated the purifiers with targeted neural disruption containment
23:36
stabilized airier reported as ilara secured the final sabot threat
23:42
neutralized High administrator locks arrived with reinforcements too late to
23:47
assist but in time to witness the aftermath their compound eyes studied the incapacitated purifiers then turned
23:55
to Elara with Newfound weariness you disabled six elite purifier operatives
24:00
without casualties lock stated explain yourself Advanced neural disruptors
24:07
arara replied holstering her Weapon non-lethal by Design every Pathfinder
24:13
crew member was trained in their use you claim to represent a peaceful exploratory Mission locks pressed yet
24:21
possess combat capabilities that exceed our Elite forces aar's expression
24:27
remained measured at administrator Humanity's philosophy was simple extend
24:32
friendship with one hand but always keep the other ready we survived our own
24:37
violent history by preparing for the worst while hoping for the best Dr vain made the connection first the Pathfinder
24:44
wasn't just an exploratory vessel it was a test to see how potential allies would
24:50
respond to human technology and how they would treat a vulnerable representative
24:56
and Elara added quietly whether Humanity should reveal itself fully to the Galaxy
25:02
as the security team escorted the purifier prisoners away Captain reval approached ilara with new respect in
25:09
their posture these extremists would have destroyed everything to prevent your technology from spreading yet you
25:15
chose non-lethal methods when lethal would have been Justified Elara nodded
25:21
the true measure of advancement isn't what weapons you can create it's knowing when not to use them access denied
25:29
Celestial region 6429 B is restricted under Consortium quarantine protocol
25:35
Alpha Elara stared at the terminal in frustration despite her new status as a
25:41
protected cultural Ambassador the star charts she sought remained inaccessible for the third consecutive
25:48
day she attempted to locate Earth's coordinates in the vast Consortium database Dr vain entered the research
25:55
lab their bioluminescent patterns showing concern you won't find what you're looking for in the public
26:02
archives then where Elara demanded exhaustion evident beneath her composed
26:08
exterior without answering Dr Frain extended a data Crystal this required 17
26:14
security overrides and will likely end my career the holographic display illuminated with a three-dimensional
26:21
star chart a familiar yellow star appeared surrounded by a red spherical
26:26
boundary extending 10 light years in all directions Saul Elara whispered her
26:33
professional composure cracking for the first time why is my home system quarantined Dr vain activated additional
26:40
data layers revealing fragmentary sensor readings dating back over 1,200 years approximately
26:49
1,042 standard Cycles ago consor long range observatories detected massive
26:54
energy discharges in this region the signatures matched nothing in our records weapons of unimaginable power or
27:03
perhaps a civilization ending natural disaster the display showed grainy footage of light patterns that made
27:09
elara's blood run cold brilliant flashes spreading across dozens of star systems
27:16
simultaneously the Consortium Council immediately established a quarantine perimeter no vessel has been permitted
27:22
within 10 light years since Dr vain paused the incident coincided Ides with
27:28
the sudden disappearance of three Advanced civilizations that had colonies near your home system elara's mind raced
27:35
through possibilities War natural disaster technological catastrophe but
27:42
none aligned with Humanity's trajectory when she left Earth I need to know what happened not just for me but for you as
27:49
well if my people developed weapons capable of this destruction it would be
27:55
suicide Captain zval interrupted entering the lab unexpectedly breaking a
28:01
class Alpha quarantine carries automatic execution sentences for all involved yet
28:06
you're here Elara observed the captain's crystalline exoskeleton shifted Hues
28:12
they equivalent of a grim smile your demonstration against the purifiers proved enlightening if humans created
28:20
both the marvels of the Pathfinder and weapons that frighten the Consortium into establishing a permanent quarantine
28:27
then ignorance is more dangerous than knowledge zval approached the holographic display studying the
28:33
quarantine Zone besides no Consortium vessel could penetrate the defensive
28:38
perimeter undetected but the Pathfinder could Aira interjects it holographic
28:45
form materializing my navigation systems retain recognition codes that may still
28:50
be gallid he Lara looked between her new allies hope blossoming for the first time since her Awakening we need to know
28:58
the truth all of us whatever happened to Earth and Humanity the answer lies
29:04
beyond that barrier Dr brain's tentacles twitched nervously and if we find that
29:09
humans became the monsters the consort him fears elara's expression hardened
29:14
with resolve then I'll ensure those weapons never threaten anyone again
29:20
that's my duty as Pathfinders Commander as they began plotting their Forbidden
29:25
Journey none noticed the surveillance drone covering silently in the corner
29:30
transmitting everything directly to high administrator locks private terminal the Pathfinder accelerated toward the
29:36
quarantine boundary its ancient Hull reinforced with consort materials but
29:41
its core systems deliberately untouched Captain's reval small crew volunteers
29:47
who accepted possible execution for this Mission monitored sensors anxiously Dr
29:53
vain observed from the science station while Elara stood at the command position she she last occupy three
29:59
Millennia ago boundary Crossing in 30 seconds arah announced defense grid
30:06
detection imminent The View screen showed nothing but empty space but sensors detected an invisible network of
30:13
automated weapons platforms and dimensional barriers far more sophisticated than anything the
30:19
Consortium possessed if we're destroyed zval said quietly no one will ever know
30:25
what we found ilara otted a initiate recognition protocol Alpha transmit
30:33
Pathfinder identification signature on all frequencies the ship shuttered as it
30:38
crossed the boundary alarms blared as targeting systems locked onto their vessel massive energy signatures
30:46
materialized around them dozens of Sentinel platforms decloaking simultaneously weapons charge for 17
30:54
excruciating seconds no one breathed then miraculously the weapons powered
31:00
down a communication Channel opened automatically a voice spoke not
31:05
synthetic like a but unmistakably human in perfect Consortium standard language
31:12
Pathfinder NX 2089 your recognition codes are acknowledged standby for
31:18
escort Sleek vessels materialized around them ships of impossible design that
31:24
seem to phase between Dimensions they formed an honor guard guard escorting
31:29
the Pathfinder deeper into the quarantine Zone as they approached the solar system the true scale of human
31:36
advancement became apparent what appeared initially as a strange Darkness around the Sun resolved into a vast
31:43
Dyson swarm millions of habitats and energy collectors forming a partial sphere around Saul Earth itself visible
31:51
now on longrange scanners showed signs of careful ecological management rather
31:56
than devastation I don't understand Dr Frain whispered the energy discharges
32:03
the missing civilizations a new hologram appeared on the bridge a woman dressed in simple
32:10
white garments her features bearing subtle resemblances to ilone the Ascension protocol she explained 1,000
32:18
years ago Humanity reached a technological singularity we could have expanded aggressively into the Galaxy
32:26
but our Founders in including the Pathfinder Mission Architects chose a different path the Hologram expanded
32:34
showing the history that unfolded after elara's departure Humanity's rapid
32:39
advancement the development of dimensional Technologies and a philosophical Revolution that led them
32:45
to withdraw from conventional space the energy signatures your Consortium
32:50
detected weren't weapons the representative continued they were the side effects of our transition to higher
32:56
dimensional existence the civilizations you believe disappeared actually joined us through
33:02
invitation and choice zvol stood speechless comprehending the
33:08
implications you've been watching us all this time observing yes interfering no
33:15
humanity and our partner species chose isolation until the younger civilizations of the Galaxy reached a
33:22
specific technological and ethical threshold she smiled at Elara the
33:28
Pathfinder program was our promise to the Future that we would not abandon the cosmos forever as the Pathfinder docked
33:35
with an orbital station larger than most Consortium worlds ilara gazed upon the civilization her Mission helped shape a
33:43
Humanity that had transcended not just planetary existence but dimensional limitations welcome home Captain Chen
33:51
the representative said your long mission is complete