December 1st, 2187
As before, the lift resumed its steady silent journey downwards with its eleven passengers. Many of the accompanying scientists attempted to examine the walls of the shaft they were descending. Only to find them made of the same silver metal occasionally bisected by a glowing blue geometrically angled line. No chance of making any progress there, the scientists returned to the center to wait out their descent.
They didn't have to wait long. As as silently as the journey began, it ended about 50 meters down just as silently. The explorers found themselves at the beginning of a long silver hallway approximately two by six meters. What predictably would have been a bland looking hall was anything but. The walls had decorative arches and struts located at regular intervals and there were three diamond shaped columns spaced evenly within the center of the hall. All these had faint blue accents and shape angles effectively preventing the silver color from becoming monotonous. The color even seemed to enhance the architecture.
As the group began to travel down the hall, a few scientists procured small cameras and recorders, intent on documenting the entire endeavor. Just as Professor Takada estimated that they'd passed under the walls of the canyon above, the hallway ended in a gigantic cavern. Cavern, was an understatement. Easily the length and width of a carrier's largest hanger, the cavern seemed to extend under the surface as far as the eye could see. Its walls and ceiling had similar decor as the hallway behind them, but on a massive scale.
Its sheer size was more than enough to elicit surprised gasps from the entire group. Professor Takada however was quickest to recover and notice that the floor they were standing on only extended a small ways into the cavern before sharply dropping off without any railings. This ledge they were on was occupied by five raised areas arranged in single file that rose up like pyramids that had been cut in the middle leaving a platform big enough for a dozen people to stand on with ease. These platforms were ringed with holograms like the one for the elevator. Except these ones ranged in color from orange, to blue, and yellow.
Takada smiled, 'A control room' he thought,' this will be a good place to start.' "Alright, spread out," he ordered. "Try to interface with one of these consoles and find a language sample. Then start looking for files, logs, anything that can identify what this place is, who built it, and why."
As the scientists moved to comply, Captain Bradshaw noticed a minor but potentially important detail. The complete lack of dust in the air, on the floor, or anywhere Bradshaw had looked didn't exactly scream "abandoned ruin" very will. In fact this ruin looked nothing like ruin, more like it's owners had just stepped out. Feeling more than a little uneasy about these thoughts, Captain Bradshaw radioed his men to be more on alert and made his way to the top of the nearest platform.
There he found Mara'Teblain deep in conversation with a scientist, repeatedly gesturing to a nearby holographic console. Not intending to disturb them, Captain Bradshaw quietly approached and waited for a lull in their talk to ask. "Chief Engineer, everything moving okay?"
"No," the Quarian replied, slightly startling the Captain. " These "holograms" have no obvious access ports, no widescreen, and there's the inevitable language barrier." She let out a low sigh, " we're totally in the dark here. Dr. Masuyo and I were just discussing how to access these terminals without simply button mashing. It may be awhile until any real progress is made."
It made sense to the Captain. They were totally blind in here and on a tight schedule. He turned to the scientist, Dr. Masuyo. "Your Professor Takada's granddaughter aren't you?" he asked politely, and notice that she appeared to tense up in her pressure suit before nodding yes. Captain Bradshaw continued, "I'm sorry if that question was uncomfortable," Dr. Masuyo remain motionless. "Anyways, I'd like to ask your opinion on this expedition,"
Her replay was almost instant, "This could become a waste of time. The galactic situation is only deteriorating and if this proves unreasonable, then we must move on and focus on the relay."
They both had reasonable assessments. Captain Bradshaw was in the middle of formulating a quick response when...
"PROFESSOR! You might need to see this!"
The shouting had come from the center of the ledge, two platforms away from the Captain. He sprinted to the source and found himself on a nearly identical platform as the last. The only real difference was a small glowing disk in the center that wasn't present on any of the other platforms. Captain Bradshaw only paid it half a glance before refocusing his attention on a frantic scientist as Professor Takada arrived.
"Professor, I swear I didn't do anything but walk by and it started flashing." He pointed to a hologram that, indeed was pulsating yellow. "I hope I didn't activate something potentially... bad," the scientist sounded terrified of what he had done.
Yet, Takada remained calm as ice while piling questions on the scientist. Where had he been? What had he touched? What had he stepped on?
As the scientist was in the middle of answering, the rest of the party finished migrating to the center platform. The remaining five scientists, two security guards, Quarian Chief Engineer, and Dr. Masuyo all gathered on the same platform. The majority of their attention was directed towards the flashing yellow hologram.
After a few seconds Professor Takada determined that the scientist wasn't going to be of any help in finding out what had activated the hologram. He stalked up to the hologram and stared down on the source of the disturbance. It was a solid holographic panel like all the rest. However, this one had some differences aside from flashing yellow, it only had one "button" for lack of a better term.
The idea of solid holograms still befuddled Takada, and reinforced the notion that finding anything of relevant value in a reasonable timeframe was impossible. They simply knew nothing of what they were dealing with. So Takada felt at least partially justified in his current plan of action. It violated dozens of rules and could in any number of unpredictable ways, maybe even kill the entire party. Professor Takada didn't feel like he had many options.
At that moment his granddaughter Dr. Masuyo appeared at his side. "Grandfather, what are you do-" she never finished.
Before she could Takada balled his fist in front of him and slammed it into the hologram. Stunning both Masuyo and the rest of the expedition into frozen silence.
Nothing happened. There was no movement, no change in the lighting, no odd noises, at least not at first. After what seemed like an eternity, yet was only a minute, the disk in the center of the platform that was absent from the others, woke up. Without warning it blazed a beam of blue light towards the cavern's ceiling.
This caused a wave of shock to roll through the group. The one high strung scientist, who discovered the glowing console in the first place, completely fled the platform. Just as the shock appeared to be wearing off, it was renewed when a pale orb appeared within this column of light. It was colored a pale blue white and had a single black circle in its center that seemed to serve as an eye. After a moment it suddenly spoke with a masculine voice that radiated a sense of intelligence and mild humor.
"Second stage activation complete. Language analysis compiled and enacted. Greetings sentients, thank you for your part. I now have resumed full control of this facility."
Now, everyone's faces were white in fear. Apparently they'd just unleashed a damned AI.
Captain Bradshaw was no different. Even though peace had been made with the Geth, there was still animosity towards strange AI. What bothered Captain Bradshaw most was how real and unsynthesized this intelligence's voice sounded. However, there were many unanswered questions that this intelligence could answer.
When it gained no response the pale orb appeared to swivel within its beam of light glancing at every person before it. Even though it couldn't see facial features due to the pressure suits, it could read body language. "Oh, my. My appearance within the secondary apparatus must be rather intimidating. I do apologise sentients. My mobile chassis was incapacitated by a native species of the polar regions, I am unable to fabricate another."
To Captain Bradshaw it seemed like as good a time as any to break the ice. Especially since nobody, not even Takada, seemed intent on beginning communications themselves.
He decided to start with a basic question. "Are you a VI?"
The pale orb rotated to face the Captain. "VI?"
"Virtual Intelligence," the Captain elaborated.
"I am an intelligence and I reside in the virtual plane. So I could be defined as much."
This answer didn't satisfy anyone, least of all the Captain. "Are you an artificial intelligence?" he asked warily.
"I am an intelligence and I was created. So I am artificial." Now the intelligence sounded confused, "I really don't see the difference."
These answers weren't satisfactory to the Captain so he decided on a different approach. "What is your designation and purpose?"
"I am 888 Inverse Tangent. I am the caretaker of Advanced Research Installation 0002."
Dr. Masuyo then spoke up with a question of her, continuing the Captain's line of questioning. "Who built this installation, and what is its purpose?"
Inverse Tangent now focused on Dr. Masuyo. Its holographic orb seemed to radiate a sense of glee. "Such questions, I have not had a decent conversation with another intelligence for eons. It is most refreshing. As to your current query, this installation's goal is to study sentient life within this galactic quadrant. As to its creators, and mine, they are the Forerunners."
Everyone in the group had the same question. Unfortunately, no one got a chance to ask it as Inverse Tangent seemed to have a moment of realization.
"Oh, my. Oh, my. Oh, my," he droned. "My apologies, my abrupt release from hibernation has left me in a half functional state. I am only now becoming aware of recent developments." He turned to Captain Bradshaw, the first to speak to him. "Undoubtedly you have arrived in response to the automated signals broadcasted in response to the galactic incident that occurred approximately one local year ago. Is this correct?"
The question was obviously pointed towards Captain Bradshaw. "Yes, we are here to investigate what was identified as an ancient security code."
"Hmmm. This is easy to explain. The systems in charge of the automated broadcasts are designed to regularly monitor local signals, and modify itself in case contact is necessary. As per protocol, in the event of a potentially serious occurrence within the examination zone the system is to attempt contact with local sentients. It's also required to attempt contact with the Ecumene. Though sadly, all attempts of connecting with the Ecumene or the Domain have resulted in failure for the last 99,632 local years." Tangent's hologram took on a vaguely down cast appearance.
Two things, one the fact that this intelligence could accurately display emotions was fascinating and alarming to Mara'Teblain. It indicated that whoever built this place, these Forerunners, were incredibly advanced. Second, that number, 99,000 years, it caused a spike of apprehension to shoot up the Quarian's spine. 'Have we just discovered the remains of Reaper victims,' she thought. The general timing fit, could the Forerunners have been the race the Reapers had destroyed before the Protheans.
One course of action presented itself within Mara's mind. None of the other scientists aside from the one had moved, they all appeared to be stiff with shock. Even Professor Takada hadn't said a word, though he was probably still contemplating what he had done by punching that hologram. Mara'Teblain decided not to remain as silent. Typing into her Omni-Tool Mara brought up a holographic image of galaxy, letting it float in front of her a moment. "Where in the galaxy was the Ecumene located," she asked believing the Ecumene to be the name given to Forerunner territory.
Inverse Tangent briefly examined the image before giving a shocking answer. "My creators never resided within this galaxy. They hailed from a parallel dimensional plane."
To say the Quarian was stunned beyond words was an understatement, and she wasn't alone. A handful of scientists actually stormed off, completely unable to believe what they had just heard. That didn't stop Tangent from completely destroying every theory the expedition had.
"Hmmm, it appears that a short history is necessary to properly convey this installation's purpose and...maybe," he hesitated slightly. "Quite possibly we could determine whether or not this installation will be of any use in the future."
Satisfied that he now had everyone's attention Inverse Tangent began his tale. "My creators, the Forerunners, are an super advanced race of hyper intelligent beings. Within the home dimension the Forerunner empire is the dominant power, spanning the entire galaxy and governed by the Ecumene." Tangent paused as if collecting his thoughts. "The exact origins of this facility are extremely technologically complex. I will endeavor to simplify where I can."
"Within the Forerunner empire is a rigid caste system, of which two are known as the Builders and Lifeworkers who serve as scientists. A joint research flotilla was commissioned between the two to study a new field simply referred to as dimensional theory. After many years of difficult research my creators initiated their first official experiment in the breaching of dimensional barriers."
"During a routine faster than light slipstream space jump they repeatedly entered and exited two other alternate planes of reality known as the Glow and the Denial-of-Locale. After five centuries of repeating this process the flotilla finally breached the dimensional barrier and landed here."
"After establishing Advanced Research Installation 0002, my creators set about refining the process of trans-dimensional travel as it was risky and ineffective. Surprisingly, the solution was discovered in this dimension in the form of a linked network of mass manipulation devices. After studying these devices, my creators successfully replicated and adapted the device's design for trans-dimensional travel within fifty years. The results are currently in orbit over this installation simply designated as Trans-dimensional Relay 02.
Tangent's voice took on a mournful tinge as he continued. "Experimentation and research continued for a total of 4,700 local years. At which time all active personnel were recalled to the Ecumene. Communications remained sporadic for another three centuries before ceasing entirely."
Mara'Teblain was absolutely fascinated by the story, as were everyone else. Even some of those who had stormed off had returned to listen, and many had recorded it for future reference. Still to a majority the idea that a dimension crossing civilization had visited their galaxy was just too fantastic to be true. Already a few scientists had descended into a quiet argument over the matter. However, the sheer amount of evidence supporting the story was too much, and all who said otherwise couldn't come up with a solid explanation.
Professor Takada had maintained his silence throughout the interaction. It was interesting no doubt, but there were more important things to deal with. Also something Inverse Tangent had said kept nagging at him and he felt like he had to ask. He spoke up, "earlier you mentioned discussing how this facility could be of use in the future. I think we should talk about exactly what you meant."
"Absolutely. According to the accumulated readings this galaxy has experienced numerous semi nova class events and an unidentified energy pulse. Which according to simulations and probability indicates that numerous inhabited or habitable worlds have been eradicated. Am I correct?"
"You are correct in that regard. Multiple worlds were destroyed a year ago," Takada answered.
"Would you be so kind as to provide an explanation for these events? For the record of course."
Professor Takada was beginning to feel rather impatient with this A.I. It seemed to want to help but at the moment appeared to be stalling. Regardless, these misgivings minor in the long so Takada decided it would be best to indulge the A.I.
"Our civilization has recently finished a war with a race of genocidal machines. In order to defeat them we employed a super weapon which we barely understood. It proved to be a double edged sword, destroying them but crippling us in the process," he spoke with zeal.
Much to Takada's chagrin however, Tangent's response was another question. "How, and in what why is the galactic community crippled?"
'It already knows the answer. Why is it asking this pointless question?' Takada thought angrily to himself. "Billions died in the war and billions more are stranded in space. There's not enough room on the surviving worlds to accommodate the current population."
"Most distressing. I see now why you are exhibiting signs of impatience sentient. You wish to find a solution of any kind before time runs out. Unfortunately, this situation is delicate and must be handled with precise care. Protocol dictates that once relevant information pertaining to an event of of this caliber has been corroborated by a second source, the first responder must grant any survivors refugee status and direct them towards the nearest source of aid.
The holographic eye that represented Tangent rotated within its projected beam of light. Pausing now and again to stare at a different person standing around him. They were all listening with totally undivided attention, suddenly believing they'd found the answer to the galaxies problem.
"I calculate the most probable way to fulfill Protocol is to direct you through the relay, to contact the Ecumene."
Captain Bradshaw now felt slightly confused. "You said you had lost contact with the Forerunners. What do you believe that we'd find in this other dimension?" he asked.
"While it is true that any attempted communications with the Ecumene has resulted in failure. There has been an increase of superluminal communications echoes filtering through the relay. I have been able to decipher some basic codes within this echoes, and have come to the conclusion that there is a stable civilization within the home dimension."
"Could you provide those codes?" Captain Bradshaw asked. "We may need them."
"Of course. The codes will downloaded to your mobile devices. Please excuse me, I must retreat and focus on resetting many of this installations subsystems." With that Inverse Tangent's holographic form disappeared.
This information in hand Captain Bradshaw quickly formulated a plan of action. "Dr. Masuyo I need you to with Chief Engineer 'Teblain and provide a comprehensive report on what we've discovered, then send it the the Shanghai. Professor Takada, I'd suggest that you move all science operations inside the structure for better security." With that Captain Bradshaw motioned for his guards to remain then moved towards the exit.
"Sir, if I may, where are you going?" Mara'Teblain asked.
"I'm returning to the Shanghai to submit my own report to the Council. I'm also intending to coordinate a reconnaissance."
/
An Unknown Number of Universes Away
March 3rd, 2596
Washington DC, Earth
Once the seat of power for one of Earth's most powerful governments, now a massive grouping of monuments, museums, and universities, stood quiet. Not a soul walked the streets and not a sound emanated from any building. However, in another part of the city crowds numbering in the thousands packed themselves into stands surrounding the city's most recent monument, while billions more watched on public TV, Waypoint, or ChatterNet.
The monument itself had once been an all sports park, but had been acquired for a very special purpose. The once vibrantly advertised and colored walls had been repainted with steel grey. The roof had been removed and the cushioned seats that once filled the stands had been replaced with terraced concrete slabs. The field itself had been paved over and divided into a 23 by 23 grid while within each individual square was a hole six inches in diameter and three feet deep. At the north end of the field 42 of the holes had a LED light bulb placed inside. A six foot high wall of polished marble rose from the ground at the far north end, and on top in line with grid rows were 23 high intensity LED light beams that blazed almost defiantly towards the heavens, each represented one billion dead. Behind that was a solid concrete wall instead of stands. The whole thing represented one thing, the grimness and casualties of the Human-Covenant War.
Thousands had gathered here to witness the event that paid remembrance to one of the most terrible tragedies to ever befall the Human race. Currently, the old sports field was packed with soldiers and officers of the United Nations Space Command Defense Force. All were wearing dress whites uniforms that practically shined against the steel grey backdrop. Most of them were sitting in metal fold up chairs facing north while a panel of senior officers faced south and were separated from the others by five grid rows. Meanwhile, a group of nine soldiers stood in a row at parade rest in front and to the left of the larger group of seated soldiers and officers. Seven of them held antiquated M392 DMR rifles, one held a trumpet, and the last one, a sergeant, faced the group.
The sergeant suddenly spoke."Detail! left...face!" he shouted. The standing soldiers complied, turning sharply to the left they now faced the concrete wall.
"Present...arms!" the sergeant boomed The soldiers now held their rifles up at a 45 degree angle pointed towards the wall.
"Detail! fire...one!" Crack! the rifle reports echoed throughout the stadium.
"Reset!" The soldiers replied by using their trigger hands to rack their rifles receiver bolts.
"Detail! fire... two!" Crack! "Reset! Detail! fire...three" Crack! "Detail! relax... arms!" The soldiers placed their rifles on their shoulders, holding them with one hand on the stock, barrels pointed to the sky. "Detail! left...face! Forward...march!" The soldiers marched forward. When they came to the corner of the rows of fold up chairs they turned sharply left again, and continued marching down the field.
At that moment the soldier with the trumpet stepped forward. Bringing the trumpet to his lips he began playing the venerable military classic Taps. As the music played a group of five officers stood up from the first row of chairs. They briskly walked towards the right side of the field where the currently empty 43rd hole was. The officer in the middle held in his hands a mostly glass cylinder holding a tightly rolled up flag of the UNSC. The cylinder was capped at one end by a LED light identical to the others inhabiting 42 other holes. Slowly the cylinder carrying officer, flanked in the four cardinal directions by the other officers, knelt down beside the 43rd hole and carefully slid the cylinder into place with the light facing up. The five retreated to their seats as the new light began to glow bright white and the trumpeter finished his mournful song.
As the light shined into the sky a grey haired man stood up from the panel of senior officers. Standing at exactly six feet tall the 86 year old man unhindered by a cane posed a striking image. "My name is Fleet Admiral Thomas J. Lasky," he spoke in a commanding yet elegant voice. "I have seen much in my life. I grew up watching as humanity tore itself apart. Then, I watched and defended humanity as it was destroyed by alien forces, but now I see something different. Now, I watch as humanity starts down a path to an era where we are at our most safest, securest, and above all strongest. On this path we can only become stronger. However, on this day we pause from our journey to remember those who paved this path but did not live to see their achievement. They represent our honor and even 43 years since the end of the war, shall not be forgotten. In the name of Earth, her colonies, the UNSC, and the United Assembly of Nations, we remember."
At once every uniformed person in the stadium stood and saluted the elderly figure in front of them while the stands echoed with the clapping of thousands. They then began filing out of the monument intent on rejoining their families and going home, or returning to their posts.
The senior officers did the same except one. An undeniable giant of a man with close shaven salt and pepper hair and a piercing blue eyed gaze who'd been stopped mid stride by Lasky who said. "Your proposed operation has been approved. Gather what you need, I'll handle the paperwork."
"Yes sir," the officer replied barely above a gravelly whisper.
Meanwhile, in the stands a pair of eyes watched the exchange with a calculating gaze. They thought their confidential meeting had gone unnoticed, their mistake. The spy keyed a connection to his employer, "It's happened, the plan is proceeding accordingly."
"Excellent," a harsh female voice replied. "Keep close to the admiral."
The connection cut and the spy fumbled with the device in an attempt to put it away. He stared at his hand and fumed silently at his recently lost finger as he left.
/
Chapter revised on 1/5/19