'X-Day+866'-27-March-3847, Griffin IV
—Classified—
Personal Log: Private
We have begun construction on Fort Clarke, our new base of operations. From here, the Coalition will take the fight to the Order and all who follow the Seraphim. Evaluator Kael has been marked for death. I will lead the hunt for her personally, assuming Rhiza does not find her first. In the meantime, Aiko has installed herself as Hall's aide, and oversees the defence of Fort Clarke. She is joined by one Brigadier General Fletcher; I remember hearing his name during my training at the Academy, but only in passing.
We are all aware that this is our last hope. Since Capella, Eridani and the rest of our outposts have been overrun. If Fort Clarke falls, humanity is finished. Rhiza and I have been striking back at the Order, while Dostya counterattacks Cybran colonies held by QAI.
The Elite Commander barely acknowledges my existence. Since following the Way, I am more aware and feel things much more strongly than before. I have been wounded in battle, but never have I been hurt like this. If she had her way, I would 'breathe vacuum'. Sooner or later, the Seraphim will find us and we will have to make a stand. If we survive, we will take the fight to them. If we cleanse our galaxy of every Seraphim, QAI and the Order, even if Father forgives me, I doubt she will. Some betrayals are unforgiveable, unforgivable.
[…]
Although it has taken almost two years of refinement, with Father's assistance, I have modified my Aeon frame. I have tentatively dubbed it 'ERIS'(mk-III). This hybrid ACU operates a Crysalis matrix, employing stealth systems, modified UEF sensor jammers and shoulder drones and Aeon shielding. Armour plating has been reinforced in key positions, resulting in a series of ribs and ridges. This encasement has not compromised the manoeuvrability or speed, but instead resembles the pinnacle of Aeon engineering, the 'Galactic Colossus Sacred Assault Bot'. Fusion output has been doubled, a byproduct of the Aeon's superior internal structural integrity, allowing streamlining of the Microwave Laser coolant and stabilising the generator. The main cannons are twin Aeon 'Oblivion Cannons'. The drones have adapted to mount scaled UEF Zephyr Anti-Matter cannon capable of rapid burst fire.
Furthermore, the memory banks have been embedded with very select digital template patterns, including prototype schematics that the Order and Seraphim have no knowledge of. Synthetic DNA memory storage has been encrypted and compressed to allow a greater volume than the old ACU. All this has been achieved by integrating a prototype logic array, which ironically, was developed from Seraphim artefacts Father recovered from Orionis 13-August-3844, back during the Infinite War. I remember hearing rumours of a Cybran incursion, but until recently, I was unaware of its validity or purpose. Father informed me that it was Mach who secured the artefacts, which were later used to expand QAI.
It may have been this that corrupted the artificial intelligence, but Father assures me that if that was the case, it will not occur in the new array. I have made the schematics available to Rhiza and Aiko; should I fall, my work will not be lost. Our work.
I cannot tell if the others are impressed or disgruntled. Rhiza views it with a mix of scepticism and awe, warning me to bring 'glory to the Princess'. Dostya simply displays her usual stoicism, and I wonder again what it will take for her to forgive me, if she ever will. Hall sees any advance as being in our favour and will take any advantage he can get. I see in Aiko's eyes the unspoken question: "was it worth it?"
Worth ending the Infinite War for this? Worth losing so many lives just to allow a greater threat into our galaxy? Worth stopping the destruction of entire planets to a desperate regime of an old order that refused to negotiate? Worth spreading the Way to humanity?
My Princess would have said yes, that the war had to stop. My Father believed the Infinite War had to end, as did Riley and Clarke. That was something we all had in common: the need for victory. But was it worth it?