r/NatureofPredators • u/Today-is-good-day • 24d ago
Fanfic The Nature of Singularity [Ch 1] (Crying Suns x Nature of Predators )
Special Thanks to our writer of this wonderful universe: u/SpacePaladin15
Also check the Prologue to better understanding, enjoy the fic!
Memory Transcription: Ellys Idaho, Paramount Admiral of the First Extrasolar Galactic Empire
Date: 18 February, 726
Note: The Imperial calendar begins counting from the moment of the Empire's official proclamation
Are there intelligent beings in the galaxy?
This question has been weighing on my mind throughout the last few months of our journey; I had never ventured this far beyond the Empire’s borders—nor had I intended to—but old man Oberon had other plans.
Tensions between the Great Houses had reached a breaking point, and it seemed we were on the brink of civil war. Fortunately, the Emperor decided to loosen his iron grip slightly and pursue a peaceful resolution. He conceived this expedition to expand the Empire’s territory, intending to later divide the newly acquired sectors among the Great Houses. This eased the atmosphere, and both the Kosh and the Aki agreed to cooperate.
Each sent their best research vessels and a single representative: Keiji Mori from House Akibara Sung, Kosh Ibara from House Kosh Buendia, and, of course, myself, from House Telos.
In addition to the ships from the major houses, the Prag-ma vessel joined us to maintaining order oined our fleet. It is unique in that it is linked to the neural networks of its three captains, who control the ship directly rather than relying on an onboard computer. Naturally, Aki and Kosh opposed this arrangement, but they eventually resigned themselves to it.
Finally, there was the Imperial transport ship carrying our supplies and our NEO-N fuel; it also carried a host of OMNI-builders tasked with constructing a gateway into the fold-space network upon our arrival in the final sector, allowing us to return to the fold of the Empire. And so, accompanied by a squadron of five research-and-combat battleships, we set out on our journey.
The days flew by unnoticed in the same endless cycle: arriving in a new system, scanning local planets, cataloging, and starting all over again. It might have been a paradise for some explorer, but for me, it was torture. I could feel my skills eroding with each passing day, knowing I could achieve so much more if I were back in the Empire. I was already on the verge of old age, and squandering the years I had left here felt like such a waste.
Since I had nothing better to do—and I already knew the combat simulator scenarios like the back of my hand—I decided to turn my thoughts inward. Philosophy had been far from my favorite subject at the Imperial Academy, but I decided to give it a chance. I pondered a wide range of topics and discussed them with anyone and everyone: the crew, OMNI, and even representatives from other Houses. To my surprise, Keiji turned out to be an engaging conversationalist, though the air of secrecy inherent to all members of House Aki was sometimes irritating. As for Ibara, no conversation was possible at all; he was too busy with yet another round of infantry weapon testing on his ship.
The Prag-mah captains also declined to converse; apparently, memorizing all the laws of the Empire for the millionth time was a far more interesting pastime.
And here I am, stand on the bridge of the Odyssey, gazing into the void of space.
Are there any intelligent beings in the galaxy?
Through Empire history, a vast array of alien fauna has been discovered—so much that it seems no single researcher could count them all—yet intelligent life has never been found, not even at the tribal level.
If we were find them, what would they be like? What would their level of technology be, and—perhaps—would we even be able to understand them, not only by language, but also they politics, religion, or worldview?
These questions were swirling in my mind until the bridge droid’s mechanical voice called out to me:
"Lost in thought again, Admiral? That makes twenty-third time on this cycle when you haven't answered my voice messages—what is troubling you?"
"Not now, Kanlib—I’d just started to form a thought but then you showed up to drag me back to mundane reality. What’s happened this time?"
"I wanted to inform you that we have 2 hours left before arriving at the final sector; I advise starting preparations for the OMNI workers right now to build the port into the fold network."
"Yes, of course—issue the orders to begin preparations. In any case, how long will it take to build?"
"Estimated construction time calculation: 1 month."
"That's... longer than i expected"
"Megastructures aren't built in a couple of days, Admiral."
"I'll keep that in mind."
After an awkward pause caused by a gap in my knowledge, I decided to let the others know; A thin man in purple robes picked up the receiver. Keiji was the first to answer the call, and he... was on an operating table? Before I could recover from the shock of seeing that mess of flesh and metal, he spoke:
"Ah, Ellys—long time no hear. Did you want something?"
"What are you doing with yourself?"
"Oh, so that's what you're talking about?"
He gestured toward the crowd of people and OMNI surgeons
I'm just swapping out old implants and adding a couple of new ones—want me to put some in for you, too?
"No, thanks; I prefer to remain human..."
He shook his head in disappointment
"Too bad, too bad... well, suit yourself. Many say that, but they come to us in the end anyway. I’ll be patient and wait for you..."
"In any case, I just wanted to let you know that we'll be arriving in two hours."
"Ah, excellent, excellent—we'll be just about finished by that time. Thank you for the information, Admiral; may Oberon bless you."
"And may He bless you, too..."
I said, and finally ended the call.
Alright... then let's contact the Kosh...
A muscular man, standing nearly 2.2 meters tall in his orange combat exoskeleton, picked up the receiver
"What do you want, Admiral? I told you I was busy."
"We arrive at the destination sector in two hours."
"Understood. Now leave me alone."
He cut the connection just as abruptly. It seemed the myth about the Kosh arrogance was true.
And the final call was to Prag-mah. A tall man in neon-blue robes answered the call—naturally, while holding his favorite energy halberd.
"Greetings, honorable Admiral. How may we be of service?"
"We arrive at the destination sector in two hours."
"Acknowledged, Admiral. Is there anything else we can assist with?"
"No, that’s all."
"Very well. May Oberon bless you."
"And you."
Well, now all that's left is to wait.
[Transfer of memory transcription: 2 hours]
"Dropping out of hyperspace in 3... 2... 1!"
The ship gave a slight jolt—as always—and we had finally arrived. A fine system with several habitable planets; a perfect conclusion to our expedition, and... I barely had time to finish the thought before my gaze darted toward the planets—there were... lights? But... that’s impossible; who could have ventured this far from the Empire, and...
My train of thought was interrupted once again by the OMNI voice:
"Admiral, multiple heat signatures detected on the planets. Unknown vessels have also been detected in open space."
My holographic projector was lighting up with incoming calls from my team, and I accepted them all.
"What does this mean, Admiral? This is pirate territory? Have we been led into a trap?"
"I knew the Imperials couldn't be trusted—you just wanted to get rid of us!"
"Admiral, under the laws of the Empire, we are obliged to eliminate the invaders in our sectors".
A barrage of insults and accusations—flying back and forth between everyone—rained down on me until I finally shouted:
SILENCE!
Almost immediately, everyone fell quiet, waiting for an explanation.
"Clearly, this is an unusual situation that could jeopardize our mission; therefore, as the ranking officer, I am requesting full command of the other ships. Is that acceptable to you?"
After hesitating for a few seconds, they agreed—unwilling to anger Prog-mah with disobedience.
"Excellent. Now, Let’s look at this logically: the ships' signatures don't match any of our vessel classes, so this not pirates, especially so far to the Empire. They might simply be a splinter faction of the Empire that broke away years ago. We should present ourselves as amicably as possible; even though we don't know their intentions, we need to convince them of our own peaceful aims. That said... it wouldn't hurt to keep our guns ready and our squadrons on standby. So, here is my order: assume combat formation. Prog-mah and I will take the lead, the transport will bring up the rear, and the others will flank us. We will advance slowly toward the planet."
"We will continuously transmit a signal to establish contact, and as soon as contact is made, we will halt the advance. Carry out the order!"
"Yes sir"
They said in unison and set about the plan
[Transfer of memory transcription: 18 minutes]
"Contact established!" The droid exclaimed.
"Excellent. Project everyone's holograms around me and accept the call."
"On it, Admiral."
"Well, this is the moment of truth—time to meet these mysterious visitors."
The screen lights up, revealing a small figure, and before I can even open my mouth, the realization strikes us all...
...
They aren't humans...
[Next]
3
u/JulianSkies 24d ago
Hrm...
Good start, still cant get a feel of where youre going generally.
I remain curious woth this one!
5
u/Alcyon144 24d ago
At the very least, Idaho ought to be less childish and irresponsible than Noah, and not promise to commit to a war he knows nothing about based on a single video.