"Some of my colleagues overheard spacers talking about their discoveries on the fringes of the sector. Something about old experiments aimed at crossing universes. Mere conjecture, of course, but it is definitely something interesting, at least to myself. The Domain was known to achieve the impossible, so perhaps they might have found a way to expand into another universe? Maybe their project succeeded, and they're all living in comfort, away from the consequences of the Collapse? Or maybe the project failed and they all died? Food for thought, as they say." - Vens Sardinay to an enterprising spacer, c.183
~{•••}~
The ship sped past the stars at a rapid pace, its precious cargo safe and secure from anyone. Anything. The custodian put in-charge of this exodus kept watch faithfully, its programming making it impossible to deviate from this single-minded task.
Everything else could burn, some of the travelers said before departure. So long as they were safe, secure, and cared for, the galaxy could be consumed in a fiery inferno the likes of which no being had ever seen. So they decreed - so it would be. He remembered that. That was but minutes ago, his mind rationalized. His body, of course, disagreed. It was time to wake up.
The dark, pristine room came to life as one of the cryotanks hissed open after far too long. A man in his early thirties, with chestnut brown hair and clad in a dark blue jumpsuit groggily opened his eyes, coughing as he started becoming aware of the world around him. Shakily, he took one step out, or at least attempted to. The man stumbled, barely catching himself on the edge of the cryotank as he coughed some more.
"Fuck..." He exclaimed, opting to sit down.
"Good morning, doctor McKenzie."
He looked up, sorely wishing that he hadn't as the room became illuminated with bright, white lights all at once. Closing his eyes shut, he groaned again, rubbing the blindness away as best he could. The synthesized voice continued on, oblivious to his woes. "You have been in cryogenic suspension for the last: one-hundred-and-eighty-eight years. We are currently located inside of a nebula categorized as AG-BVL-88C2 as per the Ministry of Colonization's guidelines."
"Thanks for the heads-up..." McKenzie mumbled, a slight whirring sound prompting him to look to the side. A locker inside the cryotank came out the side, with a few labcoats and other clothes hanging inside, sealed hermetically inside specialized see-through, polyester-like bags. "Give me the injection so we can get it over with..."
"Of course, doctor. Please stand by."
Within moments, he felt a pinprick on the back of his neck, before it receded.
McKenzie remained silent for a few minutes, letting the liquid from the injection work its magic. He could already feel the brain fog he was having until a moment ago recede more and more. He looked around again, noting row upon row of unopened cryotanks, each one identical to his in all but designation. The moment he could think properly again, McKenzie opened his mouth to speak. "Thanks for the injection. Any reason you woke me up, though?"
The AI speaking to him remained silent for a moment. An uncharacteristically long moment, at that. "On-board programs detect critical damage to the Alcubierre drive, doctor. We have diverted course to a clearing inside the nebula. Scanners have detected a celestial object of considerable size, alongside multiple stable gravitational points around it."
"Have you tried contacting the advance team?"
"Our long-range communications array has been damaged. Long-range scanners cannot be activated until the Gate Hauler comes to a complete halt and finalizes deceleration protocols. Assuming the advance team has successfully completed construction, we will be within the twenty light-year maximum range."
McKenzie frowned at that. "Drone complement?"
Another moment of quiet. "Half of the complement was utilized in emergency repairs of a cryohab unit. All cryotanks remain operational, however." The doctor caught himself nodding to that. "We will be entering visual range of the celestial object within one minute, doctor."
Suddenly, a pair of heavy shutters started opening up on the wall behind his cryotank. McKenzie summoned up all the strength he had to stand up and move to the now open shutters to try and take a look. A dazzling miasma of magenta and violet particles greeted him, the speed of the Gate Hauler making it look like the entire nebula was sparkling. Celestial clouds, he mused, weren't that much different from normal clouds.
And then they came out, and...
"..."
What greeted him was not something he would've ever expected.
He could see how an AI would mistake it for a celestial object - the station, if he could even call it a simple station, was utterly massive. Five 'arms' extending from the central frame in a cylindrical fashion as they lazily spun around. He bet that... that...
He was without words. The same could not be said for the AI operating the ship.
"We are entering the final phase of deceleration, doctor. I am also detecting multiple encoded transmissions originating near the celestial object. One of them is utilizing encryption algorithm's dating back to the first wave of colonization."
"Wait, what?" He asked suddenly. First wave encryption? That was dozens of centuries ago! Who would possibly be using such outdate-
He had to stop himself. Multiple transmissions? He blinked rapidly, trying to process the potential bombshell that the AI had just dropped on him. "Try... try to contact one of them, maybe...?"
"Of course, doctor. Compensating for linguistic drift." It affirmed, pausing for a moment as it performed unseen work. "Attention unidentified vessel. This is the DSS 'Persephone'. We are currently en-route to a nearby stable gravitational point. Please identify yourself. This transmission will repeat."
There was nothing for the next several minutes. Richard swallowed nervously, staring at the massive station (and potentially arcology) with both awe and trepidation.
"Attention DSS 'Persephone', this is the SSV 'Danube'. Excuse me for my unprofessional remark, but what the fuck is that ship?"
"This ship is classified as a Model 12C/Epsilon-87 Gate Hauler. This ship does not have the prefix SSV in its registry. Please provide identification." It paused, before addressing the doctor again. "The space-time dissonance translation has worked, doctor. It is my current hypothesis that we are inside of a pseudo-galaxy or parallel mirror galaxy."
Yes. Yes, of course. As if that could make him any less on edge than he already was. "We are receiving multiple communications requests from unidentified vessels, doctor. Shall I deploy remaining drone contingent?"
"W-Wait." He sputtered out at last. "Wake- Wake everyone in this cryohab up, now! Switch to first contact protocols until we know what's going on!" His breath hitched a little as he realized what was happening. Rushing to put clothes over his jumpsuit, the doctor let the AI work its magic as he hurried over to his cryotank to begin retrieving his personal belongings. Of which there were little.
"Attention all unidentified vessels. This is the DSS 'Persephone' broadcasting on all tonal frequencies and in all viable forms of communication. This ship and its inhabitants represent a vanguard force of the Human Domain in its quest for galactic exploration and colonization. We are unarmed and come with peaceful intentions. This is a first contact scenario with potentially non-terrestrial sapient beings. Please identify yourselves. This transmission will repeat."
~{•••}~
"...first contact scenario with potentially non-terrestrial sapient beings. Please identify yourselves. This transmission will repeat."
And repeat it did. To say that the people inside the Citadel, and indeed those bearing witness to the monolithic vessel as it slowed down in the distance were bewildered would be an understatement.
"A ship that big and you still can't detect any trace of Element Zero in it!?"
Some, of course, expressed it verbally.
The Turian councilor stared incredulously at the visage of Matriarch Lidanya, who, for her part, stood ramrod still as she delivered her report. Tevos remained silent, weighing the consequences and realities of this supposedly new contact. A rogue human nation seemed plausible. But then why the lack of Element Zero? A radical shift in construction, probably. But then how did they build a ship that's far bigger than even the Destiny Ascension?
If this transmission had been restricted to just the Destiny Ascension or even the Citadel Council, they could've handled it easily. but this was an open broadcast to practically anyone who could hear it. "I want to know how we have failed to notice it until now." Tevos chimed in carefully. Her Salarian counterpart was quick to join in.
"They came out of the nebula. As treacherous as it is to navigate it, this ship could simply be armoured enough to withstand the traversal. It isn't completely out of the realm of possibility."
"That is true. But these people can't be what they claim to be. Has ambassador Goyle responded to our summons?" She asked.
"She's on her way here, now. I wonder what kind of excuse she will have for all this." Growled the Turian counterpart. Tevos resisted the urge to sigh.
"Councilors, incoming transmission request!" An aide called out from the side of the chambers, typing away at a console. "It's from the unknown ship!"
Tevos blinked, then breathed out calmly. The others seemed to have understood what she was preparing for, as they both stopped fussing over the current issues and tried their best to calm themselves. It had been at least three long hours since that ship came, and the problems began. They summoned ambassador Goyle two hours ago. To her credit, the woman was at least sending them messages with her thoughts on the matter and reasons for her delay, short as they were.
Once all three councilors looked presentable, the request was finally accepted. Onlookers looked up to the now steadily growing holographic display, and-
The display glitched out within moments, distorting and reshaping as it tried to fix itself. When it did, the display before them was not of a person, whoever they may be, but of a crest of some sort. A circle separated by a compass-like cross, with twenty-four stars circling the outer edges. More interestingly, it seemed that the holographic display showed its colours, those being gold and blue.
There was an odd silence in the room, as if neither side wanted to start first. It was up to the Asari, once again, to be the face of the galactic community. "Good day. My name is councilor Tevos, and on behalf of the Citadel Council, we welcome you to the heart of the galactic community."
Another minute of silence, one interrupted by hushed whispering coming from the other side which she could just barely hear, before that same, synthesized and clinical voice answered them. "As representatives of the Human Domain, we accept this welcome. We are interested in knowing whether or not mankind is part of this community."
That... was a strange question to ask. "Yes, humanity has recently been granted an embassy on the Citadel. Are we to assume that you know nothing of this?"
"I knew it! Mirror galaxy theory confirmed!" Boomed a strange, though distinctly human voice, seemingly oblivious to the fact he was being heard. "Those bastards at the Ministry can eat my-"
The cut-off couldn't have come at a better time, she realized. "We apologize for the interruption, councilor. The science division studying spatial anomalies was observed to be a gathering point for intelligent and gifted individuals with eccentric personalities." The voice stated, continuing shortly after, not giving any of the councilors time for a rebuttal or to chip in. "However, doctor Maynard is correct. The Domain has discovered a spatial anomaly capable of connecting a galaxy to a mirrored version of itself, with drastic differences in development of life and other factors. We were in the process of attempting to document the changes prior to our forced arrival."
She blinked. She was pretty sure the others blinked in surprise, as well, mouths ever so slightly agape. Someone on the other end hissed 'cut it' over and over again. "I... believe that's-"
"Absolutely preposterous! Do you really expect us to believe such an outrageous claim!?" The Turian councilor exclaimed, and though his tone was rather disagreeable to her ears, Tevos agreed with him. How could this claim even be real?
"I apologize for the lack of tact on our part. We underestimated how direct it would be." A soothing, baritone voice replied. Still, the holographic display did not change, whoch Tevos felt was curious. "Damus Mansley, Ministry of Colonization at your service. It's been a trying time for all of us."
"Perhaps you can enlighten us to the truth, then, mister Mansley." The Salarian councilor stated, swiftly bringing the issue of the 'humans' back to the fore.
"Unfortunately, what we told you is correct. As soon as we are onboard this admittedly wondrous station, we will provide you with the necessary amount of evidence for this phenomenon. I'm certain our scientists have the data."
"The least you can do, in that case, is show us that you are at least who you claim to be. We've had unfortunate experiences with people claiming they were something else." Tevos said softly, the disbelief still at the back of her head. This was a situation that defied explanation or reasoning.
"That..." he trailed off, as if to consult those nearby. Hushed whispers could be heard, indiscernible from the soft, crinkling static. "...is not possible, I'm afraid. Long-range comms got damaged in the nebula, and the rest of our equipment is rather... simple, in nature. This ship wasn't designed to be piloted or inhabited by anything other than on-board AI, you understand."
Her expression soured instantly. "Am I to assume that the usage of AI's is prevalent with you?"
"Not at all. Well, not in this case. It's expensive to keep watch over more than one AI at a time. Hell, we had to downgrade this one so it wouldn't even think about, well, whatever it is that rebellious Cores think about." Mansley responded with a chuckle. A chuckle. Did these people not know the dangers of artificial intelligence?
"Right, that finally reminded me. Permission to, uh, board this station? The Citadel, you called it? Or did we catch it from one of the decrypted transmissions...?"
The Turian councilor's mandibles twitched in annoyance. The Salarian tapped away at his Omni-tool, likely contacting STG. Which left Tevos to answer them.
"For what purpose, if I may ask?"
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence. "Would you believe me if I said our cryohabs were bolted to the side of the ship with no consideration for actual habitation outside cryogenic suspension?"
At that, the Asari councilor couldn't but sigh softly. In spite of herself and her experience, she couldn't stop it. Only humans could elicit such a reaction, and they'd been present in the wider galaxy for barely a decade.
~{•••}~
As it turned out, getting them out of the ship was not a simple process, not by any metric. But, it had been done, if barely. Sparatus had been a rather recent appointment to the Council. Not recent enough to object to the humans getting an embassy of their own, however.
He admired their tenacity, this he would admit, if only to himself. But they were still not ready.
One shuttle thus far. That was the amount of people that would be coming here within just a few minutes. Tevos and Valern had their own duties to attend to, which left Sparatus to, rather acrimoniously, meet these new 'delegates'. Mirror galaxies... this galaxy was mad enough without whoever these people were making it crazier. If nothing, they did at least leave him with all of C-Sec at his disposal, as well as a Specter. One Saren Arterius.
Now that was a Turian to be proud of, next to the Victuses and perhaps even the Vakarians.
So it was that four Turians, Sparatus included, a Salarian and an Asari stood near a landing pad designated for the shuttle, waiting patiently as each one did something to occupy the time. The Salarian kept in contact with the shuttle. The Asari made sure, once again, that the landing pad was clear of obstructions. The C-Sec officers kept watch of the area around them, while Saren looked on towards the fake sky. Perhaps he was looking for the shuttle, the Councilor mused quietly.
It wasn't long until they finally spotted it, and the Salarian guided the craft to land. And once it did, the side doors slid open, revealing the people inside.
Disconcertingly to Sparatus, their claims of being human were completely valid. Out of the five that stepped out, only one managed to immediately catch his attention.
Striding out of the shuttle behind the others, of which there were three suited ones and one in a sort of doctor's coat, he bore a striking resemblance to a Turian. If not in looks, then certainly in the way he held himself. Head high, posture straight, arms resting behind his back. Eyes trailing the non-humans around the group. Each and every one.
Dressed in a black, if Sparatus recalled correctly, 'trench-coat' with orange trimmings and with a few pins and medals on it, alongside his actual uniform right underneath it - tan jacket and pants with the same orange trimmings and no regalia save for the symbol they saw on the holographic projector, alongside a tan, pointed cap.
A military man. This one Sparatus would look at with caution.
One of the suited men finally got to Sparatus, and he had to refocus to take in the man. He was nothing too exceptional, merely a bog-standard human. Slightly shorter than himself, in a one-tone, dark blue suit, caramel skin and short, combed brown hair. "Councilor Sparatus, I take it. Damus Mansley, we've already 'met', to put it one way."
"That we have, mister Mansley." He greeted him back, the two appearing to size up one another for but a moment. "You seem awfully well-adjusted for people who had apparently never seen an alien before."
Mansley shrugged. "What can I say? We've had a few hours to go through our surprise. That, and when you manage to break stuff like the second law of thermodynamics or make teleporters, nothing really surprises you as much." He said, almost as if it were an off-handed remark. Sparatus resisted the urge to shake his head. He wouldn't fall for these sorts of things. They weren't real, surely. "Anyways, let me introduce you to the rest of my colleagues that have chosen to accompany me." He swept his hand back in a gesture, beginning with the military man Sparatus noticed.
"Arthur Orion, one of the admirals in-charge of Battlegroup XIV and a very good listener." Mansley smiled, introducing the supposed admiral. Orion inclined his head to greet Sparatus, before returning to what he was doing before - locking eyes with Saren, apparently.
"Kaliya Vislani, Ministry of External Intelligence." He introduced another person. A female with the same suit as Mansley, with fair skin and long, blonde hair. The only difference he could notice was the strange pin on her suit. "More than that I can't say, I'm afraid. Classified information, and all that."
"You seem to have quite a good time understanding us, even though you've rejected our translation software." Sparatus remarked, still greeting Kaliya the same way he greeted Orion.
Vislani elected to step in this time, which Sparatus found curious. "The Ministry of Colonization was very particular in giving exploration vessels sophisticated translation matrices, councilor." Just as quickly, she withdrew back, giving no further context. Sparatus needed none. This, at least, he could understand fully. The fact they openly admitted to using AI's, however, soured that understanding.
"Right. What she said." The man cleared his throat, introducing yet another person. "The esteemed James Boyle, retired representative of the Domain Council." The man introduced was old. Not that old of course, perhaps somewhere in the human late forties. Wearing a black suit instead, alongside a cane which Sparatus could see serving as both decoration and an actual mobility assistance tool, the dark-skinned representative swaggered over to Sparatus, all but forcing the councilor to shake hands with him.
"Councilor, it is an honour to meet you. You may have already formed an opinion of humans, but trust me when I say this, you'll yet see what we're capable of as a species." Boyle remarked. His grip was surprisingly firm, though he at least had the courtesy to end the handshake in a respectable and non-offensive amount of time. "After all, we've yet to meet our wayward cousins and see what they've been doing. Let me be the one to introduce one of the people responsible for bringing us here, as a matter of fact. Doctor Richard McKenzie."
The last one to step up after the retired representative all but took over the spotlight was what Sparatus imagined a stereotypical scientist to look like. Donning a white lab coat with blue undershirt and beige pants, the pale-skinned man nonetheless had a firm stature, befitting someone responsible for a purportedly major breakthrough. "Councilor." He greeted simply.
The Turian liked simple.
Hello people. Surprise surprise, I'm out with yet another fic! Let's get to the good news first.
I am STILL planning on continuing my Frostpunk fic, that's not going anywhere. I plan on brushing up on the previous chapters, however, before I proceed onto adding additional ones, simply because I know I can do far better. That being said, I will also try and keep up a schedule for it, at least one chapter every 2 months. It gives me time to brainstorm and not get burnt out, and it also gives me leeway to take breaks every now and again.
Now the bad news.
I am deleting every other fic. I won't say I don't do this lightly because I do. They're subpar and some of the ideas, while good, would need too much work on my end to have make sense. Therefore, I am discontinuing those fics for good. They'll stay up for about 2 days, after which I'll delete them. If someone wants to adopt them and work on them instead, feel free to hit me up and we'll talk!
Anyways, thank you all for sticking with me since 2019, and I'll see you all next time. Enjoy the new fic!