A New Beginning (0 BBT)

[Galaxiel]

“Those are certainly… interesting options for a dinner. But hey, to each their own.”

“Well… you should know that most of us, Galactyans in particular, don’t take discrimination lightly, so to say. The fact that you’re a foreign host will spare you from most of the legal consequences, but if your public image to not be absolutely destroyed, then I suggest you keep any thoughts of that kind to yourself. Although I doubt that will be a problem. You seem to be a morally righteous person, in regards to these topics.”

“You won’t need to know much about the other nations for now since you’ll be staying here for a while, but we’ll make sure to properly brief you if and when the time comes. If you’re wondering about why you won’t be able to leave Galactya, it’s because you’re not a citizen of any of the nations belonging to the Coalition Of United Stars. All citizens, myself included, have a special pass that allows them to travel internationally with open borders, but foreign hosts like you need special permission from all parties, and some of us can be more distrustful than others.”

“If you want to experience the culture and learn more about the other states yourself, we can let you tour the Diplomatic District on your own. In the High Plazas are most of the multicultural and ethnic communities, and in the Middle Plazas both the Imperial Palace Complex and the Coalition Headquarters and Embassies are located, so you’ll be able to speak to foreign diplomats if you wish to.”

[Detroix]

“This idea sounds wonderful,” I answered while finishing eating. “But we are going to have that ‘private conversation’ first I believe. Also, those are completely normal dinner choices, at least for me.”

I knew I might have sonded rude, but I was anxious for the upcoming ‘private conversation’. If Potheinel asked about the armor and the other tech, it could ruin everything. No matter how nice he and Galactya were, I knew him for only a short time, not enough to trust him with such powerful technology. At that time, I believed that no nation should be trusted with that kind of edge over the others. I still believe in that till this day.

[Galaxiel]

“What do you mean? This, is the private conversation. I just decided that a reserved space would fit your current situation more: after all, from what you’ve told me, you’ve gone through a lot in very little time. Additionally, I also chose to stay in this private dining room so that you could ask normally… taboo questions without attracting the attention of the other guests.”

“I understand that you may be anxious about your power armor, but trust me, we are not interested in it. As long as you won’t use it to commit wrongdoings against the Empire and it’s allies, you will be able to use it for as long as you wish. I hope this clarifies the situation.”

“Anyways, is there anything else you wanted to ask? We will have to go in an hour to the Imperial Palace Complex, so we do have plenty of time to discuss anything you desire. We’ll take the Main Ambassadorial Maglev Track, and be there in less than 2 minutes.”

[Detroix]

I was relieved. I thought the private conversation would be some kind of interrogation about my technology and the place I escaped from. But it turned out to be just a friendly conversation.

“I’m sorry for overreacting earlier. I was afraid you would want the armor’s technology. But I had nothing go worry about. So, in terms of questions. If I plan on staying in Galactya for some time, would I have to find a job? And how do you gain citizenship? And is it appropriate to be walking in the armor around the city or present yourself in front of the Emperors in it?”

[Galaxiel]

“Don’t worry, I can understand. Being wary in your situation is a more than rational reaction.”

“Well, in order to gain citizenship you just have to fill out some forms and documents, provide a dna sample and that’s all. Galactyan citizenship can also grant you a good amount of benefits in the other nations of the Coalitions, so it’s going to be helpful if you ever wish to start touring the Sector.”

“You can find a job if you wish to, but in terms of income you will be fine without any. The Empire has established a Basic Universal Income for all citizens in the Imperial Territories, so you’ll be able to live comfortably without one. However, if you want an even more luxurious lifestyle, you could enlist in the Galactyan Armed Forces or look for a Government Position, although the Emperors and the Council of Clades would have to decide if you are going to be allowed to. They are most probably going to say yes, but you never know. Given your armor, the Ministry Of Defense will be eager to have you as one of their assets. Let’s just hope that they can keep you away from the Ministry of Technology, ahah!”

“And yes, the armor is appropriate for all occasions, don’t worry. If wearing it makes you more comfortable, then you shall wear it whenever you want. Unless of course a place has a strict ban of weapons, in which case you’ll be able to store it in a safety vault. As for royal dealings, the Emperors don’t really care for formalities, at least in situations like these. Respect them like you are respecting me and they’ll be pleased.”

[Detroix]

“I think I will apply for citizenship after the meeting with the emperors. The Armed Forces sound interesting, but I think I want to get to know more about the Sector first. What do you think I might expect from the meeting with the Emperors? I think it’s almost the time for it.” I was looking forward to the meeting. It seemed like Galactyans weren’t interested in none of my technology, to my relief.

But something still bothered me. Wouldn’t the Envari be after me? And why I was in their prison? Given that my computer had records of their species and language, I probably encountered them before. Or the people that made it did. At that moment, I realised I had no idea who made the armor, computer and my genetic modifications. Was I soldier in their nation? Or was that the standard over there? Their civilisation must have been far more advanced then Galactya or the Envari. But what happened to them? And how did I end up on Comissaria?

I decided to not worry about these questions for now. I will look for answeres later. What mattered now was the meeting with the Emperors. Which was in about 10 minutes.

[Galaxiel]

After arriving in front of the Imperial Palace Complex, the two waited in front of the gates. On each side of the gigantic doors, two Starlight Warriors stood still, overlooking the rest of the cityscape. A team of Imperial Guards reached the two, ready to guide them to the interior. After one of the soldiers briefly communicated with someone through a holocommunicator, the gates started folding in on themselves, opening onto the Imperial Garden, lush and colorful.

With guards on both sides, the two walked on the main pathway towards the Central Palace. Arranged radially around it, were the nine Headquarters of the Grand Imperial Ministries. Imposing and large, the truncated pyramids resembled more giant computers than actual Ministerial Buildings. The fact that they were connected to one of even more incomprehensibly titanic proportions made the shape of their construction quite fitting. Above the entrances were the nine symbols of the Ministries, white and purple contrasting with the black material of the Ministries themselves, all in the official Colors of the Empire.

The Central Imperial Palace instead, extremely big, rose several kilometers high into the sky. The tip of the building disappeared into the clouds. Inside, the palace was even greater: the walls were covered in incredibly elaborate and colorful mosaics, portraying ages of history that predated many of the star nations that now ruled the Sector. Finally, at the end of the Main Hall, more than a hundred meters tall, was the door that lead to the Thrones Room. The moment was finally here,

“Well then, we’ve arrived. It’s time for your conference. I’ll say this again: you have no reason to be nervous. The Emperors are imposing and intimidating in literally every way, from their physical forms, to their mental capabilities, and especially considering the absolute power they hold, but they are actually calm and caring people. Trust me, you’ll be fine. I’m going to wait for you in front of the entrance, so I can lead you back to the Middle Plazas once we you’re done. Good luck, even though you won’t need it.”

Suddenly, two voices called for the armored humanoid to enter. The voices, while seemingly young and cheerful in tone and pitch, seemed almost… distorted. Their volume was also a source of doubt, far too loud for creatures of regular size.

"Come in!"

"Come in!"

[Detroix]

The Imperial Palace, Gardens and the Ministries were awesome. The lush colorful alien plants, contrasting the black pyramids of the Ministries, which presented tgeir fabulous looking symbols. The sky-scraping Palace, with colorful mosaics, showing complex scenes, probably from the aliens history or mythology. When I and Pontheinel finally reach the enormous doors to the Thrones Room, I was nervous. What if the meeting went in the wrong way? Pontheinel’s words were reassuring, but I still was nervous. I was meeting with the Emperors of an alien empire after all. Literarilly everything could happen.

Then tge doors started… dissolving? Probably a fancy way of opening them. And two voices said in unison “Come in!”. They sounded young and cheerful, but there was something odd about them. They were distorted, like if somebody used a malfuncioning communicator. They were also too loud for creatures of my or Pontheinels size. I decided to go in through the dissolving doors and confront whatever the future would bring.

[Galaxiel]

"Ah, there you are! Greetings, guest. We are pleased to finally meet you."

"We hope that our capital and our people impressed you positively."

"We surely do. Potheinel reported very positively of you."

"You are quite the unexpected presence, and yet you already seem to be a welcome one."

"But alas, we have to move on to why you are here."

"We requested to meet you in person because you are quite the interesting case. Asleep for three thousand years in a nation that has been confirmed as slavers! Our allied reports show that the Envari are certainly unbecoming."

"It must have certainly been hard for you, in such a situation. However, you couldn't have been luckier. Galactya is perhaps the best place for you to discover in such a state. We have also heard that you seem to be planning on stayin. Suffice to say, we were happy to hear so."

"Our allies are certainly wonderful, yes, but they can be quite... untrusting. Sometimes. Actually a lot of times, but you know, if you get to know them they get better."

"Before we start discussing your situation and your eventual integration into Empire, which we want to make you choose, as is only fair... do have any name with which we could call you?"

"Even though you have forgotten it, you could maybe tell us what you would like to be called."

[Detroix]

The two aliens talking to me were enormous. And weird. But from what Pomtheinel said, Galactya is very diverse and unusual in terms of their species. So, I decided to keep my opinions to myself. The Emperors were also really nice and polite.

But then they asked how would I like to be called. I haven’t given it much thought as of now. This was suprising. I didn’t know how I would like others to call me.

But then, I got an idea. I remembered when I was on Comissaria, when I donned the armor for the first time. How every part of it connected to me, becoming a part of me. A part of my nexus. I have decided.

“My name is Nexus.”

[Galaxiel]

"Nexus... I must say, it fits you well."

"We'll make sure to adress you as that from now on."

"My name is Nixhoeils."

"Mine is Karheismas. You know, we too had to choose it ourselves more than sixteen centuries ago."

"It may seem trivial, but it most certainly isn't."

"But let's leave those things beside. We need to discuss some things before."

"First off, your accommodation. We have been told that you plan to stay here in the Empire and possibly look for employment on your own. However, we had a different offer."

"You could stay in the Central Palace for as long as you desire. We have rooms fit for your size in one of the great towers."

"We offer to be your hosts for the entire duration of your stay on this planet. It is good to have guests. The halls of the palace are so empty without people to occupy them..."

"We'd be delighted if you'd be able to break that silence for us. Of course, you will be given all you need to tour the planet in it's entirety and explore the surrounding system, if not the entire Empire. We just ask that you avoid going outside of Imperial Borders."

"We still haven't discussed your situation properly to our allies. However, I'm sure you'll be able to meet all of them during the Grand Congress."

"So, Nexus. What do you say? Will you accept our offer? Do not feel obligated, of course."

[Detroix]

A room in the Central Palace. It sounded awesome. An opportunity like this would not present itself again. It was an obvious choice to accept their offer.

But that wasn’t all. They sounded… sad. That thing about how the Palace was feeling empty, it sounded like they lost someone. Someone close to them.

“I am happy to accept your offer. This place is magnificent. It would be wonderful to stay here.”

I decided to not say my assumptions out loud until I know more. I could be wrong entirely. But if I was right, hoped I could make them feel at least a tiny bit better.

[Galaxiel]

"WONDERFUL! MOST WONDERFUL!"

"We haven't had a permanent guest in so, so long! This is such a good day. We will need to celebrate!"

"How about you have dinner with us tonight? We can use the high platform table in the guest dining hall!"

"Definitely honey, but all in due time. First, we do need to talk about something."

"Oh, yeah. Your... power armor. We don't want to take it away from you of course, but we will have to analyze it."

"The bar minimum would be heat tracking, magnetic resonance and x-ray scans to at least determine what it is made out of."

"We will not tamper with it, try to activate it, or take it apart. The entire scanning process will take less than a minute."

"Would you be fine with that?"

[Detroix]

“Dinner with you would be great. As to the power armor, the basic scans should be alright.”

Based on the data from the computer, these tests that they mentioned should not yield them much information about my armor. It released barely any heat, was impervious to most types of radiation and was mostly non-magnetic.

“When do we start scanning?”

[Galaxiel]

"Oh, later. After dinner maybe. For now, I think our little meeting is over."

"We'll see eachother later this evening, but for now, I think it's best if you went back to Potheinel. He's still waiting outside the doors."

"It was such a pleasure to meet you Nexus!"

"We look forward to your stay. If you ever need anything, call us, and we'll be sure to take care of it."

[Detroix]

“It was a pleasure for me too.”

I walked out of the room, where Pontheinel was already waiting.

“The meeting went good. I was invited to stay at the palace. Sounds cool, doesn’t it?”

I was wondering where I could find more information about Comissaria and these Envari. My computer only contained their language and biological data about them, but nothing more. Appereantly they were slavers. So I had a reason to dislike them besides their hidious looks. And the fact they imprisoned me. This was quite a mystery to be sure. Maybe somebody from the other nations attending the Congress will know something? It would be in a couple of days, so now I had time for myself. Explore Galactya, relax, stop thinking about all of this. It sounded good.

[Galaxiel]

After Nexus exited the room and the large doors floded back on themselves, the Emperors were again alone in their titanic throne room, the entire functionings and core systems of the Empire connected to them through a Direct Neural Interface. The Emperors, already transapient minds of the first toposophic, realized long ago that if they decided to fully connect themselves with the rest of the Empire’s systems, their own consciousnesses would be spread between thousands of star systems, and they would ascend to level of sapience and sophonce unknown. They had considered that possibility a couple of times, but for the time being, they weren’t too concerned with it.

Alone again, the Emperors started discussing in their unbreakable privacy what they thought of Nexus. Since they were always connected to the same system’s at the same time, they constantly had a basic understanding of what the other one was thinking, but vocal face-to-face conversations provided much more depth of expression than simple approximate sensation.

"Oh, later. After dinner maybe. For now, I think our little meeting is over."

"We'll see eachother later this evening, but for now, I think it's best if you went back to Potheinel. He's still waiting outside the doors."

"I must say, his timing is horrible but I quite like him."

"I enjoy him a lot as well. Although, his presence might prove to be a problem. We know that Enver is quite the hot-headed and bloodthirsty state, at least from what we have learned from our friends' previous experiences, so him being here might attract the wrong... attention."

"It could, but I doubt that the information about his presence on Galactya might ever reach the Directorate and, at most, it would be through third parties. Besides, attacking the Core Worlds is basically a death sentence without mobilizing half of one's entire fleet, and espionage is equally hard to carry out."

"Oh, I'm aware of that, yes, - I mean, I'm controlling 52000 observation arrays myself at this very moment - but Nexus' power suit could give his position away. It was painfully obvious that he didn't want us to have it's tech, so it was wise of us to tell him we would be carrying out the most tame scannings known to the Empire. If there is anything with which the Envari could track him down, we have to find out."

"Mhh... yes, you're right. I think we should explain this to Nexus directly though. He would understand and besides, there's not much he can do about it."

"Probably. I wouldn't want to lie to him either."

[Detroix]

I spent rest of the day wandering around the palace. It was a truly magnificent sight. A nice change after the dark and undecorated Envari prison. I talked to a couple people I met in here, mostly about Galactya. From what they said it sounded like it was a true utopia, a paradise. It seemed too good to be real.

At that time I still didn’t exactly trust Galactyans. They seemed nice, but in the back of my brain there always was a question - What if it is a trap? It was pretty clear that the Envari would go to great lenghts to get my armor. What if the Galactyans wanted it too. And even if they would have used it for good, what prevents others from gaining it and using it to spread destruction and terror?

My database also contained information about a multitude of different government types. Galactya matched the “Benevolent Dictatorship”. If tjey had the technology, there was nothing stopping them from making a wrong choice. A wrong choice with detrimental consequences.

My thoughts were interrupted by a reminer about the dinner with the Emperors. But this session of deep thinking and phylosophying (before anybody says there is no such word, there is now) has led me to a one conclusion. There is no way anybody is getting my armor.