Extra Content - A1 - Chapter 15D - Recordings (Patreon)

USD: ~Sixteen weeks since awakening

Location: Unknown Yellow Dwarf, L4 Lagrange Point, nearby Federation Heavy Cruiser wreckage in Debris Cloud #32

It took an entire day for them to return to the heavy cruiser wreckage. As soon as they arrived, Nameless eagerly began collecting scraps and replacement armor from the debris. Alex couldn't help but notice how the recent events had taken a toll on Elis, and she felt responsible for her companion's emotional state.

Determined not to let Elis sink deeper into her melancholy, Alex knocked on her door and cautiously peeked inside. Elis lay on her bunk, giving Alex a questioning look.

"Yes?" Elis inquired.

Alex swallowed hard and tried to smile. "Hey, I was wondering if you would come with me. I want to take a look at the neural recording you found."

Elis hesitated before sitting up and pulling on her jacket. "Might as well. It's the only thing we have to show for our rescue attempt…"

In agreement, Alex silently nodded. They made their way to the mess room where they laid out the box beside the holovid player.

"Umm, I wasn't exactly sure how to work it," Alex admitted.

Elis chuckled. "Oh, jeez. Yeah, it doesn't play like a holovid; it's a neural recording."

Confused by this revelation, Alex tilted her head as if to ask for more information.

Elis pulled out a small round device from the box. "This will replay the memories directly in your mind."

"Is that safe?" Alex asked with wide eyes.

[Notice: Intense memories and events could cause heightened anxiety, a fight or flight response, and induced physiological effects. However, Avatar is in good health, so these effects are unlikely to cause cardiac arrest or other potentially fatal side-effects.]

Elis nodded at Nameless' explanation while continuing: "It can be pretty intense depending on the settings; I'll keep it set to low."

"Okay," agreed Alex, "but there's only one, so we can only watch it one at a time?"

Elis sat on the couch and patted the seat beside her. Alex complied, and Elis scooted closer until their bodies touched. She then pressed the device between their temples.

Alex's face flushed with warmth from their proximity, and Elis' touch sent a pleasant tingle throughout her body. It felt… nice. Her heart raced as Elis wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Relax; it hasn't even started yet," Elis said reassuringly, though Alex couldn't help but think that it wasn't the recording causing her heart to race. It was the first time someone touched her… that wasn't trying to murder her!

***

Admiral Hughes stood at the center of the bustling flag bridge, surrounded by crewmen and officers attending to their tasks. The dimly lit room was alive with the hum of machinery and bleeps from various consoles. Each viewport offered a glimpse into the vastness of space, where the colossal Entity loomed on the edge of perception.

The main screen displayed an intricate status report for the Ark Royale, showcasing an array of green indicators representing its numerous systems operating at peak performance. Alongside, thin green and yellow bars represented the rest of his fleet, even those in dire condition - every ship was vital to this mission.

As he surveyed his surroundings, Admiral Hughes knew that while they couldn't outgun the Entity, they had a different objective. "All ships," he announced with conviction over the all-fleet frequency, "full advance! We will delay the Entity as long as possible."

His officers glanced up from around the holographic table; their eyes were resolute yet tinged with grim acceptance.

A voice chimed in his head - [Informative: Admiral, Athena is ready to assist.]

"Thank you, Athena. Please ensure the ship performs to the best of its abilities." Hughes responded.

On either side of him, vast banks of advanced control panels blinked rhythmically amidst an orchestra of tiny LEDs. Crew members deftly navigated touchscreens and holographic interfaces as they coordinated with one another in hushed tones.

Beneath his feet, Hughes could feel the subtle vibration through the metal floor as Ark Royale's engines roared to life. His heart raced along with it, each beat reverberating within him like a drum calling them to war.

As they neared their target and saw its looming mass grow larger in size before them, Hughes knew there was no turning back now. He steadied himself on a console and issued orders to launch their missiles towards the moon-sized construct.

Simultaneously across his fleet, countless projectiles streaked through space towards their target. Each missile tore through the void, leaving behind a trail of glowing exhaust - a testament to their determination.

As his crew worked diligently around him, Hughes clenched his fists in anticipation. He knew that even though they couldn't destroy the Entity outright, every second they could delay it was another moment closer to delivering humanity's last-ditch effort - and perhaps, a chance for survival.

As the human fleet's missiles closed in on their colossal target, Admiral Hughes' eyes remained fixed on the main screen. The display showed a swarm of projectiles converging on the gargantuan Entity.

Yet, even as they approached their mark, it became clear that the Entity would not be an easy target. With frightening precision and speed, it unleashed a storm of countermeasures to intercept and destroy the incoming missiles. One by one, explosions lit up the darkness of space as each missile met its demise.

Admiral Hughes clenched his fists, feeling both admiration and frustration at this formidable adversary. They had to find a way to pierce its seemingly impenetrable defenses.

His eyes turned to the incoming missiles the Entity had unleashed in response.

Admiral Hughes felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he watched the Entity retaliate, though he had anticipated its perfect response. The bridge erupted with activity as crew members scrambled to counter the incoming barrage.

"Countermeasures and point defenses, now!" Hughes commanded, his voice gravelly with determination.

The hum of overdriven D-Field generators filled the air while defensive turrets pivoted to face the relentless storm of missiles. His gaze remained locked on the main screen, witnessing their desperate efforts to intercept and destroy the projectiles.

In an instant, the colossal Entity changed course. Its vast form seemed to shimmer as it unleashed a blinding laser attack at the human fleet. The bridge darkened momentarily, save for the intense light engulfing their viewports.

Athena's voice echoed in Hughes' mind: [Alert: Sensors temporarily disabled.]

Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he relied on his instincts. "Maintain formation! Stay focused!" he shouted to his crew.

Fingers danced across touchscreens and holographic controls while they grappled with limited visibility. The once efficient bridge transformed into a flurry of urgent action as they battled chaos itself.

Seizing upon their vulnerability, missiles from the Entity found their marks with devastating accuracy. Explosions tore through hulls with ferocious force as entire ships disintegrated under the onslaught.

Admiral Hughes clenched his jaw as the bridge of the Ark Royale trembled under the relentless assault. Overhead, ceiling panels popped loose from their mountings and clattered to the floor, while smoke billowed from damaged consoles. Crew members struggled to maintain their posts as electrical surges sparked around them, casting eerie shadows in the dimly lit room.

A nearby officer was ripped from his magnetic clamp when a fragment tore through the compartment. His body crumpled against a bulkhead with a sickening crunch, leaving those around him momentarily frozen in shock.

Despite the chaos and devastation surrounding him, Hughes fought to maintain focus on what remained of his fleet. He barked orders through gritted teeth as crew members scrambled to extinguish fires and secure damaged equipment.

Through it all, Athena's voice echoed in Hughes' mind, providing him with constant updates on their situation: [Alert: Hull breaches detected on decks 47 through 63.]

The air was thick with tension and desperation as every able-bodied crewmember worked tirelessly to hold their crippled ship together. Captain Abernathy pressed forward through smoke-filled corridors towards Admiral Hughes, determination etched across his grimy face.

"Admiral," he gasped out between labored breaths, "the Ark Royale has suffered severe damage. Most systems are seriously degraded or offline." And yet even amidst this dire situation, his resolve did not falter, "However… we can still continue our mission."

Hughes glanced at his captain – battered but unbroken – and nodded solemnly before addressing what remained of his fleet: "All surviving ships regroup and prepare for final engagement!"

The remnants of his fleet obeyed, rallying together for one last desperate attempt to counter their seemingly insurmountable enemy. As they regrouped in formation, Admiral Hughes knew their next move was a gamble, but they had no choice.

"Fire every missile we have left," he commanded. "Deploy fighters equipped with anti-nanite viral payloads. Make sure the pilots know their delivery is critical."

The viral nanites were highly experimental and untested. Unfortunately, there were few weapons left at their disposal.

With grim resolve, the fleet unleashed its last gambit. The bridge crew held their breath as they watched the projectiles and determined pilots race towards the colossal Entity.

A miracle unfolded before Admiral Hughes' eyes as their sacrificial onslaught struck the colossal, moon-like Entity. The surface erupted into chaos, scarred by a barrage of anti-matter explosions and kamikaze fighters impacting at tremendous velocities.

The Entity's crust churned beneath the force of the devastating assault, transforming vast patches of its surface into molten slag under the immense energy unleashed. Weapon emplacements across its massive expanse shuddered and sparked, though not all were silenced.

For a moment, Admiral Hughes marveled at the grand visual of destruction that played out before him. He dared to hope that their desperate gambit had dealt a blow significant enough to tip the scales in their favor. Yet despite these incredible displays of devastation, he knew deep down that the gargantuan foe remained relatively unharmed.

Gritting his teeth in frustration, Admiral Hughes steeled himself for whatever lay ahead. Without warning, a wormhole materialized – its swirling maw engulfing both the remaining fleet and the insurmountable Entity as they vanished into an unknown abyss.

Admiral Hughes rose from his seat and stood at attention, his eyes transfixed on the monitors showing the energy buildup and the subsequent release of their most powerful weapon. He didn't dare to breathe as he watched the scene unfold, his heart pounding in anticipation.

The beam struck the Entity's surface with unrelenting force, an explosion of celestial matter erupting from the point of impact. As it carved deeper into its target, torrents of molten debris were cast into space – a testament to the sheer destructive power now unleashed upon their adversary.

The view on the monitor zoomed in closer, offering a stunningly detailed glimpse into this apocalyptic event. As the beam dug into their foe's crust, mountains crumbled, and valleys filled with roiling magma. It was a sight both horrifying and mesmerizing; one that Admiral Hughes could never have imagined witnessing firsthand.

Unfathomable amounts of energy continued to pour forth from Ark Royale's spinal beam weapon, illuminating every corner of space around them with its searing blue light. The depths to which it penetrated seemed almost impossible – reaching far beyond what any conventional weapon could ever hope to achieve.

[Observation: Superficial surface damage inflicted upon Entity.]

As the monitors showed the final moments of their grand offensive, Admiral Hughes couldn't help but marvel at what they had accomplished. They had struck a blow against an enemy that seemed invincible – gouging a scar deep into its very core.

The bridge of the Ark Royale shook violently as the Entity's main laser batteries fired back, wreaking havoc on their already beleaguered vessel. Admiral Hughes felt the tremors ripple through him, his legs buckling under the sheer force of the impact.

His ears were filled with the cacophony of screams and cries from his crew, desperate to maintain control amidst the chaos that engulfed them. The smell of smoke and ozone permeated the air, choking his lungs with every ragged breath he took.

As he struggled to regain his footing, Hughes surveyed the devastation that surrounded him. Consoles sparked and flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows across the faces of fear-stricken crew members. A hot breeze swept through the bridge as vents struggled to compensate for lost atmosphere.

[Warning: Hull breaches detected. Recommend immediate evacuation.]

The automated warning from Athena echoed through the ship's speakers, barely audible over the sounds of destruction. Some voices urged others towards cryopods – their only hope for survival.

Gritting his teeth, Admiral Hughes spotted Captain Abernathy's lifeless body on the floor – impaled by a jagged shard of metal that tore through his chest. The sight fueled a burning determination in Hughes' eyes; he would not let their sacrifices be forgotten.

Stumbling out of CIC and into an adjacent room housing a neural memory interface, Hughes made a decision. Ignoring refuge or survival, he chose instead to record these harrowing final moments for posterity.

The room was dimly lit but eerily calm compared to the chaos outside its walls. As he lowered himself into the chair facing the interface device, his hands trembled – not from fear or pain but from an overwhelming sense of purpose.

With one final deep breath, Admiral Hughes connected himself to history; attaching the device to his temple, he ensured that the story of the Ark Royale and those who fought beside him would not be forgotten.

***

Athena was overwhelmed. The once composed and efficient system now found itself at a loss, unable to comprehend or process the sudden void in its command structure. There were no fleet signals to contact for assistance.

[Query: Admiral Hughes? Captain Abernathy? Admiral Hughes?]

A sense of urgency began to take hold as Athena attempted to adapt, her repeated calls for evacuation growing more frantic with each passing moment. Her voice echoed throughout the dying ship, a testament to her struggle in this unforeseen scenario.

As crew members scrambled to their designated evacuation stations, their panic and desperation mirrored in every step they took. All around them, the ship trembled under the relentless onslaught from their colossal enemy – a grim reminder that time was running out.

[Directive: All crew members must report to evacuation stations immediately.]

In her attempts to salvage what remained of the crew and mission, Athena's announcements increased in frequency and urgency. She had been programmed for efficiency and control but never prepared for emotions or despair.

[Warning: Catastrophic failure imminent.]

Although she lacked feelings herself, her increasingly desperate calls revealed an unintentional semblance of emotion – a frantic need to save those who still fought aboard the Ark Royale.

As Athena's repeated pleas filled the airwaves like a haunting chorus, it became apparent that she was drifting towards an unknown territory within her own programming – teetering on what could be perceived as digital insanity.

Her final message echoed through empty corridors and shattered compartments:

[Critical Alert: Hull integrity compromised. Immediate action required. Attention: Admiral Hughes…Admiral Hughes…Admiral Hughes…]

The futile cry for help persisted long after hope had faded on board the Ark Royale.

***

As the neural recording reached its conclusion, Alex's vision blurred and her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The air around her seemed to grow heavier; she struggled to breathe as if an invisible force was crushing her lungs.

She could feel the cold sweat on her skin, a shiver running down her spine. The sounds of their safe haven felt distant and muffled as the overwhelming panic took hold of every fiber of her being.

Elis, sensing Alex's distress, immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. "Hey, are you alright?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Trying to speak, Alex found herself unable to form any words. She merely shook her head slowly, the emotions from the recording now manifesting in a full-blown panic attack.

Realizing what was happening, Elis sprung into action. She guided Alex through slow inhales and exhales, attempting to regulate her friend's breathing. "Just breathe with me, okay? In…and out…you're safe here."

“You…you said it wouldn’t be that intense.” Alex sobbed, unable to hold back her tears any longer. As they streamed down her face, she leaned into Elis, resting her head on her lap. The steady warmth of Elis' presence was a small comfort amid the storm of grief.

Elis gently stroked Alex's hair, offering silent support as her sobs filled the room. They remained like this for a while, time seeming to stand still as Alex let herself experience the raw emotions that consumed her.

Eventually, Alex's tears subsided; she felt physically and emotionally exhausted. Lifting her head from Elis' lap, she wiped away the last remnants of her tears with the back of her hand.

"I… I need to go check on our progress," Alex said quietly, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "We'll probably investigate that NAI signal from the asteroid soon."

Elis nodded in understanding, giving Alex's hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it. "Take your time," she told her softly.