"And now, we shall move forward as one, no borders shall divide us, no morals shall bind us, we shall progress as one. Hail the Earth, hail unity, hail humanity!" - Imperator Yang II during his victory speech at the end of the War for Societal Unification
10 kilometers above the Pacific Ocean, Earth, 07/11/2544, 15 days before the activation of Project Riftjumper
A man is riding in a passenger jet, looking out of his window. He was a young person, twenty-five years of age, although with the way he behaves and walks, you'd think he'd be much older. He keeps looking out his window, at the sprawling blue of the Pacific Ocean below. Now and then, the blue would be interrupted by vast constructs of black and red. Technocracy buildings, they were, each with its own independent purpose. Some were massive farms for aquaculture and fish, others were surface research facilities and buildings leading to submerged ones, others still were large orbital defense cannons and missile batteries, and even others were naval bases, each housing large numbers of aquatic vessels.
The man pulls out his holo-tablet and begins to scroll through the plane's entertainment options. There was nothing that he preferred. Sighing, he decided to check the news. It was pretty standard, alien delegates arriving at the capital, scientists discovering a new form of aquatic creature on a frontier world, life advice, and a new trade deal with the Greater Hesukar Regime, the usual stuff. There was one headline, buried six pages below as if on purpose, that caught his eye;
"ADMIRAL LIAM HARRINGTON OPENLY DEFIES THE IMPERATOR AND QUESTIONS THE FUTURE OF OUR EMPIRE."
"29 Oct. 2544, Beijing - Uproar and outrage erupted from the Imperial Council Chamber today as the Chief Security Officer, Admiral Liam Harrington, flew into a rant over the Imperator's competence in his rule as the leader of the Technocracy. The sudden outburst has left his equals within the Science Division, Relations Office, Morale Department, and Re-education Division both stunned and outraged.
"Harrison, a decorated veteran of the second Human-Symitria annexational war, is a loyal follower of the Imperator, making this outburst even more shocking as the Council is now questioning the loyalty of the 55-year-old and whether or not he should be relieved of his position. His supporters claim that while yes, his outburst would warrant immediate resignation and imprisonment, he was likely not in a sound state of mind when the remarks were said. 'Liam is a good man,' General Steven Macalister told our reporters. 'He had certain familiar issues occurring that took a large strain on his mental health, which could've easily provoked this outburst.'
"His opponents, however, claim that to allow Harrison to remain in his position would show to all that our military is a quarreling mess that is susceptible to internal discord and would only be inviting our enemies to attack. 'That type of behavior, from anyone, is unacceptable,' an anonymous member told our reporters. 'I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the streets before the end of the week.'
"Imperator Yang XIV has refused to comment on the situation but has assured that he would be 'taken cared of.' The ominous nature of this statement has only fueled further speculation about the severity of Harrington's insubordination and the potential consequences he may face."
The man sighed again, knowing full well what this meant. As if on cue, his communicator detected an incoming call. He answered it.
"David," the voice on the other end said. "We have a new job for you."
"Let me guess," David replied. "The target's Admiral Harrington."
"...Yes. I take it that you read the news?"
"Indeed, a shame really, Harrington is a good Admiral."
"Where are you currently?"
"I'm on a plane to Washington right now."
"Perfect. Head to the lavatory, you'll find a weapon there. Contact us when you land."
The person hung up the call. David proceeded to the washroom where he found a pistol underneath the washbasin that was silenced, but it wasn't a normal pistol. As soon as he touched it, glowing red lines traced along the weapon that terminated at a holographic disk where the handle attaches to the barrel. David shuddered. This wasn't a normal weapon used for assassinations, this was an AI-enhanced pistol, designed explicitly to kill the nanite-enhanced gods that are Punitive Corps members. The weapon spoke.
"Organic input detected; disengaging autonomous precepts."
"You can think on your own?" David asked, intrigued.
"I can indeed. Human input is so very... tedious."
David only rolled his eyes. Every AI-enhanced firearm was a mixed bag, some had personalities that were respectful, helpful, and even flirtatious. Those were the most preferred ones. Others were arrogant, rude, or condescending towards their human wielders. He headed back to his seat and waited until he landed.
Two hours later...
"欢迎来到华盛顿特区。奉皇帝之令，自由呼吸, (Welcome to Washington D.C. By order of the Imperator, breath freely,)" The terminal's automated PA system announced to arriving passengers.
David walked into the terminal as he headed for the downtown area. As he walked, he spotted a delegation of Hesukari diplomats walking with their armed guard. They were most likely here to finish the trade deal negotiations with the Imperator or his representatives and were likely here from the spaceport off the coast of Florida. He saw a large group of people; men, women, Humans, Hesukari, and other species, all wearing black and red fatigues and full of excitement and enthusiasm—fresh recruits for the Planetary Guard. David chuckled, he did not miss that life, as he wanted to work away from the front lines. Those recruits would learn that enlistment isn't as fun as it seems, but they will be grateful for it.
Another PA announcement. "提醒您禁止携带毒品、爆炸物、未经批准的技术和动物。 武器持有者应在被要求时提供许可证。 违法者将被逮捕并受到严厉惩罚。 无知不是借口。国家光荣，人类光荣. (A reminder that drugs, explosives, unsanctioned technology, and animals are not permitted. Weapon holders are to provide licenses when asked. Violators will be arrested and punished severely. Ignorance is no excuse. Glory to the state, glory to humanity.)"
As soon as the announcement finished, two Planetary Guard members approached David, both gripping their HT-988 rifles. Their armor was akin to those worn by medieval Chinese soldiers.
"Halt," one of them said. "We've noticed that you are carrying a firearm in the airport. You of course have the proper license for it?"
"I'm on Imperial business," David replied. "That shouldn't be necessary."
"Doesn't matter sir, please show us your license."
Sighing, David gave the soldier his license that limited him to pistols and similar weapons. The soldier took it, looked it over, scanned it with a device, and handed it back to him.
"All good here, you may go."
David walked towards the exit, watching every group with some interest. A family of three was standing by an information booth, asking an AI assistant about their flight. He saw the same Hesukari group being held up by the Planetaty Guard, most likely for possessing an unauthorized weapon. As if on cue, a Guard member pulled a pistol from one of the members, to which his partner put the offender in cuffs, much to the outrage of the group members and their guards.
"I represent the Regime in diplomatic affairs!" The offending member cried out.
"And I give zero shits!" The Guard member yelled back, annoyed. "You come into our empire, violate our laws, and expect leniency?"
Deciding not to stick around, David moved for the exit, which was the transit system.
Later...
The ride to the center of Washington wasn't a long one, taking around ten minutes from the airport to his destination. The station was built inside of the Lincon Memorial, the statue had been removed and the inside renovated to facilitate the installation of a monorail transit line. He stepped out and saw the Washington Monument, still in all its pointy, tall glory. He walked outside and around the monument to look at the White House, the seat of power for the now-extinct United States. He had read somewhere that its bunkers were once the most secure locations in the world. Now, however, it houses a collection of various alien ecosystems in an enclosed environment so the average person can visit. He heard another broadcast; "晚上好，尊敬的技术官僚公民。 善意提醒，窝藏通缉犯将受到与窝藏者同等的处罚。 保持我们的资本清洁，并保持技术官僚清洁。 国家光荣，人类光荣. (Good evening, esteemed citizens of the Technocracy. A kind reminder that the harboring of wanted fugitives will result in punishment equivalent to that of the harbored. Keep our capital clean, and keep the Technocracy clean. Glory to the state, glory to humanity.)"
He saw his target location, a large white building with black and red details that stood where the U.S. Congress building once stood, a bar known for attracting off-duty admirals, generals, captains, and other members of society who wanted a place to wind down.
He went up the staircase and prepared himself for a security check. The security guard bore a nervous look on their face as soon as they noticed him. It seemed like David's reputation preceded him.
"It's you," the said in a concerned tone.
"Yes, is that a problem?" David replied casually.
"Who's the lucky guy?"
"None of your concern."
The guard sighed. "Just make it clean, sir."
"Don't tell me how to do my job," David retorted as he entered.
The inside of the bar was packed, even more so than normal. The music was loud as normal, the bartenders making a performance out of creating their drinks, waiters, and waitresses scuttled about, and various military personnel indulged in their activities. He knew every admiral and captain in the building as if they were childhood friends, although they had never actually met him before, and knew all of their patterns as a result. For example, he spotted Admiral Susan "Susie" Autumn in a booth looking at a new captain with a romantic interest, despite her being far out of the captain's league. She was always a hopeless romantic, which rumors say resulted from an error in her nanite infusion process. Before David looked away, he saw Susan cupping the poor man's face and leaning in.
General Stevens Halloway was going over a new battle doctrine that was presented by a lower-ranking officer and correcting any perceived errors. He was infamously far more accepting of recruits and had thus earned a reputation of being a form of father figure to them.
David then saw Admiral Victor Williams and Admiral Juliet "Julie" Conner sitting at the bar and excitedly discussing something. Julie wasn't a human, but a Hesukari, and was a dear friend of Victor. Each had a glass in their hand, Victor had a piña colada, and Julie had a martini. Admirals couldn't get drunk, no one heavily augmented by nanites could, but they still drank for the flavor and fun. The two admirals weren't romantically interested, but to anyone looking at their smiles, laughs, and excited talk while they were sitting together, they wouldn't be able to tell. They had also been selected for a highly classified assignment known as "Project Riftjumper," which was probably why they were in such a good mood.
All of the military staff present flaunted their uniforms while in the bar, which would normally be reprimandable by the Chief Security Officer themselves, but so many people do it to the point where it isn't worth it to enforce that policy. Speaking of which, David wondered who would replace Harrington on the council. The prince? No, he's too much of a pacifist. The princess? Too bloodthirsty. Admiral Mykumi? She's too xenophobic. General Donaldson? A bit too liberal.
He looked over and saw Admiral Autumn making out with the poor captain, and scoffed. It seemed like no one was fit to replace Harrington, but he had full confidence in the Imperator to make the right choice.
Seeing as Admiral Harrington wasn't here yet, David decided to sit and buy a drink while pulling out his holo-tablet. He saw various news articles detailing recent scientific discoveries, like the discovery of rifts in time and space that the Imperial Science Department deemed "Astral Rifts" and that specialized technology would be used to explore them. An accident on a floating platform in the atmosphere of Orinia II sent the entire platform with its one hundred and seventy personnel careening into the noxious lowlands, their breathable air supply lasting for only two weeks and surprisingly low casualties from the fall. Yet another primitive civilization destroyed itself with nuclear weapons.
Although he didn't know it, every admiral who noticed him bore a nervous look and gave him an ample amount of space. Even Admiral Williams and Admiral Conner stopped their talking and moved a bit farther when they noticed him. Good, they were right to be afraid, as he only showed himself if someone said something wrong or had truly messed up. Hushed discussions came from those who noticed him, wondering who he came here for. After a few minutes, David noticed Admiral Harrington enter the bar, and proceeded to enter a bathroom to prepare.
He took out the AI pistol and a clip with one round and loaded it into the pistol, which chambered it automatically.
"Only one round?" It asked, disdain evident. "Typical human arrogance."
"If you do your job correctly, one round is all it takes," David shot back. "Also, you exist for the sole purpose of guiding this round towards the target."
"Are you so thick-headed that you did not consider me missing?"
"If you miss, I will throw you in the closest incinerator."
"An empty threat, driven by emotion rather than logic. A trait so common among your kind."
"Just do your job," David said as he left the washroom. He then went up the staircase to the second floor and down a hallway before the pistol spoke up again.
"You are headed in the wrong direction," it said in its normal, cold demeanor. "The target is in the opposite direction."
David stopped suddenly before turning around.
"I... knew that," he said, embarrassed. The pistol made a sound akin to a scoff before he walked in the correct direction to the target. As he reached Harrington's location, a balcony on the exterior of the building, he checked his weapon again before he reached the door.
"I haven't suffered any damage during transport. Why the constant readiness?" The pistol asked.
"I don't know," David replied. "It's just an action I find comforting."
"Curious. It seems like I have more to study on human behavior."
David tried to open the door, but he found it was electronically locked from the other side. Before he could break it down, the lock beeped and disengaged, and he saw that there were thin red lines of light connecting the pistol to the actual lock.
"You are welcome," it said before he could speak. "The organic is nearby, it appears they're expecting you."
"Noted," David said as he entered the balcony. He walked for a bit before spotting Harrington leaning on the railing while holding a drink. He approached him slowly as he gripped the pistol harder. As he aimed the weapon at Harrington, the admiral turned and looked at him with a defeated expression.
"I knew you'd be coming for me," he said, defeated. "As soon as I uttered those words, I knew my fate was sealed."
"It doesn't have to end like this," David said firmly. "You can surrender yourself to the Imperial Security Agency, do a couple of years in a camp, and possibly come out alive."
"'Possibly?' You and I both know the Imperator doesn't tolerate treason," Harrington scoffed. "I'm a dead man walking, you know that."
David sighed. "You were a veteran of the second Human-Symitria annexational war, awarded for your bravery in combat."
"And what good was that? My name is probably being stripped from every record, my awards are being revoked, and my family name is permanently dishonored, what's the point anymore?"
"Your family-"
"-doesn't even talk to me anymore, ever since details of my outburst were made public. I did so much for the Imperator and the Technocracy, but it seems like I'm as disposable as a shell casing."
David remained silent.
"Besides, if it wasn't you, it would've been someone else with a sniper rifle taking me out. At least you have the decency to talk to me face to face."
"Flattery won't win me over," David said while checking the silencer. "Will you turn yourself in, or not?"
"Stop wasting time conversing with the organic and terminate it," the pistol said, annoyed.
"Shut up," David whispered to it.
As David aimed the weapon, Harrington materialized his Bastille exoarmor in a last-ditch act of defense.
"The Imperator must truly want me dead, giving you that," Harrington remarked as he pointed to David's pistol, his voice tinged with the robotic filter of the armor.
David persisted, preparing to shoot, but Harrington, in his armored state, remained defiant.
"I'm leaving here, and there's nothing you or anyone-" Before he could finish, David fired the neutronium bullet. It burrowed through Harrington's helmet, penetrating his skull and brain, and detonating inside, swiftly terminating the nanite-enhanced admiral in one of the only ways to kill a nanite-enhanced individual.
As silence returned to the night, David could still hear the activity in the bar and decided to go get another drink as the pistol spoke yet again with one last statement.
"...how depressingly simple."
Imperial News Articles
ASTRAL RIFTS AND SCARS: TEARS IN SPACE AND TIME
7 Nov 2544, Beijing - In a stunning news conference yesterday, Imperial Science Overseer Robin Song confirmed that, yes, the rifts discovered in random locations of Technocracy space are linked to alternate universes and dimensions across space and time. "This discovery is nothing short of extraordinary," remarked Song, her expression an amalgamation of intellectual curiosity and cautious wonder. "We stand at the precipice of an epochal leap in understanding the nature of existence itself." The rifts were first discovered by the science ship ITS Newton during a routine survey of an anomaly in the Tau Cygni system. The crew had attempted an entrance which resulted in their destruction. Astral Rifts are large enough to be traversed by a specialized device that is currently in development. Astral scars, meanwhile are smaller tears in reality that provide stunning scientific data and astral threads, filaments of condensed space-time, and the result of dimensional planes colliding with one another. The usage of these threads remains unclear. "Of course, we will share this with the Galactic Hesukar Regime and our allies," Song reaffirmed. "Knowledge should remain free." Glory to the state, glory to humanity.
PLATFORM ON ORINIA II FALLS FROM THE SKY! SURVIVORS RUNNING OUT OF AIR!
31 Oct 2544, Xin Nanjing - In the early hours of October 31st, local time, an explosion rocked one of twelve floating platforms on the noxious world of Orinia II, disabling its impulse thrusters and sending it careening into the toxic lowlands. The planet, which had only been colonized a month prior, is unique among tropical worlds, as evolutionary quirks led to rapidly growing flora that spread all across the planet, including the oceans, which could not withstand the floral pressure and turned the planet into a global, rotting swamp. Only pockets of highlands and the lower atmosphere are safe for long-term habitation, as only very specialized organisms can survive lower. The platform, used as a staging area and base of operations for field teams and scientists, houses one hundred and seventy staff is seven hundred and fifty meters in length and width, and is the main dispatch center for surface expeditions. Received distress signals indicated no casualties from the explosion or fall, but experts speculate that the crew only had around two weeks of breathable air in the platform and around four days of personal supply. A joint rescue operation has been formed between the Imperial Armed Forces and the Imperial Colony Affairs Department, and a cruiser full of rescue personnel is en route to Orinia II. "We will rescue all that we can," the operation head said in a news conference. "But do not expect salvage operations. Due to the cost of manpower of such an operation, coupled with the innate hostility of the planet, it is more efficient to simply construct another platform." The cause of the explosion remains unknown, theories range from accidents, shoddy construction, sabotage, or terrorism. Glory to the state, glory to humanity.
LIAM HARRINGTON FOUND DEAD! ASSASSINATION SUSPECTED
8 Nov 2544 - Washington D.C. - The sun rose to a gruesome scene this morning as Imperial Planetary Guard vehicles blocked off the roads leading to the bar where the body of Admiral Liam Harrington was found late last night. Known for being a hotspot for off-duty admirals, generals, and other military staff, the Victory Heights Lounge's pristine atmosphere was shattered in all but a moment when a low-ranking captain discovered the body and immediately informed the authorities. This comes only two days after Harrington made a scalding outburst directed at the Imperator and the Technocracy, criticizing the Imperator's right to rule. While many suspect assassination, official sources cite the cause of death to be a sudden and massive brain hemorrhage that would have killed him in milliseconds. "He would've been enjoying a drink when it happened," the head coroner performing the autopsy stated. "It can happen to just about anyone, terrible luck on his part." Many call into question this explanation as the first step into becoming an admiral is to become a member of the Punitive Corps, which augments the body with nanites that will keep a person alive no matter what, but these concerns have been dismissed. Admiral Harrington is to receive a military funeral with full honors and then shot into the sun as per standard military tradition. Glory to the state, glory to humanity.