Awakening
Chapter 1
Sector 119-NYKZ aka Helius Cluster
Cycle: Too long
The Archon sat haphazardly at the monitor in front of him. More reports of resistance. More data coming in on the exaltation progress. More communication from the Empire requesting the required fifteen cycle update; that he was a cycle late on. Fuck the so called "resistance" by the Angara. Fuck the data on the exaltation. That was Primus' task and fuck the Kett Empire. As campaign leader, he knew what his duties clearly were as outlined to him prior to his departure from their homeworld, Sarhesen. The Senate clearly couldn't fathom what wonders he found to explore here in this sector. Technology that was illusive. Remnant is what the creators called themselves from all his research. Technology heavily guarded by robotic life form that seemed more of a challenge against his forces than the Angara. The Angara were hardly an adversary and were easily manipulated by their feelings. False signals of help and trust misguided them.
Despite Primus' every reminding disproval, he selected a handful of Anointed and Chosen to scout different planets to locate more of the Remnant technology and give all the data to him directly. He would unlock their secrets. So far, several planets had things called "vaults," but he was yet to find any. What wonders and treasures could they give him if he unlocked their very secrets?
"Archon." Primus came in through the comm. Her annoying voice plagued him. He switched the data back over to the exaltation progress report.
"Yes, what is it, Primus?" It was hard to hide how he truly felt by this burdensome interruption from his task at hand.
"There's been a disturbance per one of our Prefects. I'm transmitting the coordinates to your terminal now." Second later, a chirp indicated the message and he used the interface to pull the holo map up. The planet with the frequent storms? He studied the visual and then flashed back over to Primus' face. There was a beat. Then she hissed, "We have been attacked." Her eyes lit up with anger.
He waived the threat away with his hand and tried his best not to roll his eyes. "More of the 'resistance'?" He almost hated sinking down using that species' terminology for their so called army. "I believe they know how to handle it."
This seemed to agitate the Primus more. He almost enjoyed it. He could tell that she was restraining herself as she spoke through clenched sharp teeth, "It's a new species. Reports are coming in that it is not Angara and one that we have not encountered before." This time she was waiting for him to take the bait. There was a slight smirk in her lips.
The Archon knew where the conversation was going. He kept his gaze on the planet image. "Their present location?" In his mind, he was already doing the calculation and typing a command over to the bridge to change their coordinates. With luck, he could be there before they left.
There was a slight pause in the response. Primus' happy expression, if there was such a thing, dissipated. "The Ascendant stationed there last placed them near one of the relics." Another beat. "You orders, Archon?"
He already knew what he wanted. If these aliens resorted to being useful with interfacing with the Remnant technology, then he could finally harness the power of Meridian. The Primus like all his other doubters would be the first to be eliminated. "I'm within range. I'm heading there now, Primus. I'll investigate. Stand by for my assessment." He didn't give her a chance to respond as he terminated the call. He didn't need another meaningless reminder about exaltation. He clearly knew the campaign's objectives. Exaltation was one thing…but this Meridian was something else.
Fury flooded his veins as he made his way back to his transport. He stopped midstride when he saw another vessel docking nearby. It was Primus. The dutiful Empire representative. He almost loathed her. Not his choice of delegates for a second in commander but the designation was not his own to make. Pausing, he looked back down to his bawled up fist and slowly relaxed his fingers. Staring at each of the three then reflecting back to what the drone recorded. This alien activated the technology by merely touching it with his fingers. He held up his own hand to mimic the motion in hopes he would have the same experience, but failed. Feeling embarrassed, he recoiled his hand. This was an insult and a slap in the face! How could a creature so much lower than the Kett be able to utilize it with ease? He had to find this being. The Archon would exhaust all forces and give up Angara holdings if he had to. If only he arrived sooner…
"Were they able to obtain a scan of the creatures?" Primus asked as she whisk fully made her way over to him. Her beady eyes glanced to the opened vault behind them then back to the Archon.
"We captured an image of one of them interfacing with the Remnant technology," The Archon flatly said. "I'm taking the drone aboard my ship for further study and analysis."
"Please send me a copy, gracious Archon." Her flattery oozed over her lips. "This will be breaking news for the exaltation. I can prepare the report for the Empire." A firm reminder of his neglected obligations.
"I'll do the report, Primus." He shot back coldly. He already advised that the Scourge was causing communication abruptions and his reports would not be as timely. If the Primus managed to get a message through then they would expect more punctual ones. However, he would have to play to her as well. "Proceed with the genetic study for the exaltation. I'm assured that you will have no trouble in providing details soon enough." Just the fodder he had to give in order to get him off his back. This could keep her bay while he continued his study on Meridian.
Primus bowed dutifully, but merely for show among the watching Kett. "I'm humbled that you have placed this task upon me, Archon. It further shows your greatness." She waited for his ceremonial motion for her to rise.
He lifted his hand and then whipped his cloak around to continue his way back to the transport. His stride picking up speed. The sound of the hovering drone floating beside him. He was eager to learn. He needed to know more. Who were these aliens? Why were they here? After all thirty-nine cycles in this forsaken cluster and now they show up? It was not mere coincidence. Had to be more. It was time for his awakening.