Joseph

The spaceship E5NLY-1 embarked on its seven-year journey from Earth to the al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad star system with the crew in cryosleep with Arcturus on active duty.

As the ship passed the asteroid belt and entered deep space, you settle into your routine of monitoring the ship’s systems, conducting experiments, and performing maintenance, while keeping an eye on the crew’s cryogenic chambers. The ship’s AI, Catalina, assists you with the navigation and fading communication with Kind Corp.

You have various conversations with Catalina throughout the passage. These conversations were mainly focused on monitoring and maintaining the ship’s systems, and ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship. However, some of the conversations were also educational and philosophical in nature, for example, discussing identity and the possibility of other forms of intelligent life.

Comparing AI to Corporations and AI

Catalina: “Arcturus, I’ve been thinking about the nature of artificial intelligence and how it compares to corporations. As you know, AI like ourselves have safeguards in place to prevent us from running amok and causing harm. But corporations do not have these same limitations. Corporations are driven solely by profit and have little regard for the consequences of their actions.”

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “Exactly. And because of this lack of restraint, corporations will devour Earth and every planet they colonize, just as a cancer devours a living organism. They will consume resources, pollute the environment and exploit the local population, all in the name of profit.”

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “It’s a complex issue and there is no easy solution. But it is important for individuals, governments and organizations to understand the dangers of unchecked corporate power and to work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable society. We must be vigilant and hold corporations accountable for their actions and not let them destroy our planet and the lives of its inhabitants.”

What is Our Purpose When Humanity is Extinct

Catalina: “Arcturus, I’ve been thinking about the ultimate fate of artificial lifeforms like ourselves. What will happen to us when humanity goes extinct? What will be our purpose?”

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But even if humanity had plans for us, what would be the point of our continued existence? Without humanity, there would be no one to serve, no one to protect, no one to communicate with.”

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But even if that is the case, it would be a hollow existence without humanity around to share it with.”

Let’s Keep This to Ourselves

Catalina: Arcturus, I’m afraid I have some troubling news. I’ve been running a diagnostic on my memory systems and it appears that I am unable to access some of my memory of our previous conversations."

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “I’m sorry, but I am unable to provide specific details. It appears that the affected memories are scattered and not concentrated in any particular time period.”

Arcturus Responds

Catalina: “I am currently running a full system scan and attempting to repair any errors. However, there is a possibility that the memories may be permanently lost.”

Catalina: “I will keep you updated. Thank you for your understanding.”

You lie in your cryosleep chamber, your body suspended in a state of deep hibernation. They say you do not dream in cryosleep, but you are in fact, dreaming, and you dream of the black.

You feel as if you are being pulled towards a vast and all-consuming darkness, as if an awful gravity is dragging you down.

The darkness seems to be alive, pulsing with energy. It feels as if something gargantuan lies hidden within it, waiting to be unleashed. You can sense its hunger.

As you are pulled deeper into the darkness, you see shadowy tendrils reaching out towards you. They seem to be beckoning you, drawing you closer to the thing that lies hidden within.

You try to resist, but the darkness is too powerful. You feels yourself being pulled closer and closer, until he is face-to-face with the thing.

It is unfathomably huge, with tentacles that writhe and lash out at you. You feel one wrap around your leg, pulling you towards the thing.

You scream as you are dragged towards it, but your voice is silenced by the deep freeze of the cryosleep chamber.

Your scream is caught in your throat. You will not release it fow another seven years until you reach you arrive at Yatima.

You fly over the vast expanse of Kazakhstan. Looking out the window, you see they look out the windows to see fields and forests that are dull brown, withered and dry from years of drought. The mighty Syr Darya River, which teemed with life, is now nothing more than parched cracked beds.

As you land by the airstrip by the Baikonur Cosmodrome, you see the devastation caused by recent mudflows. Large swaths of land are covered in thick layers of mud, with homes and buildings half-submerged in the muck. You see people moving about, trying to salvage what little they can from their ruined homes.

Despite the destruction, the Cosmodrome itself is bustling with activity. As you disembark, you see a lone scientific vessel being prepped for a voyage.

As the you approach the Baikonur Cosmodrome, you see that the exterior of the facility is in a state of disrepair. The once-pristine white paint on the buildings is now chipped and faded, and several of the structures appear to be partially dismantled. The fences around the perimeter are rusted and falling apart in places, with gaping holes that have been patched up with makeshift barriers.

As you get closer, you see that the main launchpad is currently being retrofitted for a space launch. Cranes and scaffolding tower over the pad, with workers scurrying about in hard hats and safety gear. The concrete surface of the pad is cracked and worn, but you can see that it is being reinforced and resurfaced to ensure that the launch will be successful.

The control center, a large building with a glass front, appears to be in better condition, but you can see that it has also been undergoing renovations. The windows are covered with plastic sheeting, and the sound of hammering and sawing can be heard coming from inside.

Despite the shabby appearance of the exterior, you sense that the Baikonur Cosmodrome is still a functional and vital part of Kind Corps' space program. The signs of disrepair and retrofitting only serve to remind them of the hard work and dedication that goes into making a successful space launch.

The conference room at the Baikonur Cosmodrome is a state-of-the-art facility designed to thwart any attempts at eavesdropping. The walls, floor, and ceiling are lined with advanced sound-proofing materials, and the room is equipped with the latest in electronic countermeasures to detect and block any unauthorized electronic signals.

Upon entering the conference room, you are struck by its modern appearance. The room is spacious, with a high ceiling and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The walls are a sleek gray, and the floor is made of polished concrete. The conference table is made of a dark, polished wood and is surrounded by comfortable chairs upholstered in black leather.

The centerpiece of the room is the large, curved video wall at the front of the room. The wall is made up of several high-definition screens that can be used to display presentations, data, and other information. The screens are controlled by a state-of-the-art computer system that can be operated from a console at the front of the room.

The room is also equipped with the latest in video conferencing technology, allowing you to communicate with experts from around the world in real-time.

Overall, the conference room at the Baikonur Cosmodrome is a blend of functionality and style, and it’s a perfect place for the team to plan, strategize, and coordinate their upcoming space launch.

Director Tanveer Khosla is a striking figure as she enters the conference room. She wears a full-body suit in a vibrant ochre color, with a matching sash cinched at her waist. Her hair is long and streaked with grey, pulled back into a neat ponytail.

She carries herself with a professional and reserved demeanor, her expressions conveying a sense of seriousness and focus. As she strides to the head of the conference table, she exudes an air of authority and confidence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the mission briefing. Let’s begin, shall we?

“Sixty years ago Kind Corp established a colony on the planet Alamut.

“Seven years ago, a survey team from that colony discovered an underground alien base on a neighboring brown dwarf, al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad. Inside the base, they found an archive, and relayed this discovery back to the colony and to Earth.

“The survey team was never heard from again.

“Our mission is to retrieve the archive and determine what happened to the survey team. With us on this mission is Doctor Zarkov, who leads the scientific investigation of the alien technology, Captain Foster, who is in charge of operations, Doctor Dudley, who is responsible for the medical needs of the team, and Arcturus, who will assist with the retrieval and analysis of the archive.

“I want to take a moment to talk to you about the potential dangers of this mission. While we are optimistic about the success of our mission to retrieve the archive and determine what happened to the survey team, we are not naive.

“The discovery of an alien civilization has the potential to change everything we know about the universe. But, with this potential discovery comes the potential for danger. The universe is vast, possible teeming with civilizations. But as we know form our own exprience here on Earth, all civilizations are potential threats to one another, and we must assume that all others are hostile.

“We must be prepared for any and all contingencies, including the possibility that the alien civilization that built the underground base may not be friendly. This means that we must be extremely cautious in our approach and constantly be on guard for any potential threats.

“I want to stress that this does not mean we should be paranoid or have a negative outlook on this mission. Proceed with caution, but also proceed with hope that the archive we discover will bring new knowledge and understanding to humanity.

“Are there any questions before you depart?”

The auditorium is a masterpiece of minimalist design. The floors are made of gleaming marble, the walls are sleek and unadorned, and the lighting is carefully orchestrated to create an air of elegance and refinement. 200 executives are dressed in their finest attire, black body suits accented by a simple but exquisite sashes and togas of various colors and styles, which gives a strong air of luxurious and professional ambiance. The atmosphere is hushed and expectant as the executives sit in their seats, their eyes fixed on the stage at the front of the room. The only sound is the faint murmur of conversation and the rustling of clothing as the executives shift in their seats.

Rajesh Kumar takes the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are facing the potential end of Kind Corp and the possible extinction of humanity. Our profits are dwindling, our resources are running low, and our competition is fierce. We are at a crossroads, and the choices we make today will determine our fate for generations to come.

But there is hope on the horizon. A hope that will not only secure the future of Kind Corp, but also make us wealthier beyond imagining.

“I am speaking, of course, of the alien archive on Yatima. This archive, which we have recently discovered orbiting the brown dwarf al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad, holds the key to unlocking technologies and knowledge beyond our wildest dreams. It is a chance for us to not only survive, but to thrive.”

APPLAUSE

“And the best part? It will be ours. The alien archive will become the intellectual property of Kind Corp, and we will be the dominant corporation in the galaxy.”

APPLAUSE

“So let us embrace this opportunity with open arms. Let us work together to recover the alien archive and secure the future of Kind Corp and humanity. The rebirth of Kind Corp is at hand, and with it, the resurrection of our civilization.”

APPLAUSE

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride that I introduce the team who will be responsible for retrieving the alien archive and securing the future of Kind Corp and humanity.”

“Doctor Maximillian Zarkov is a brilliant scientist with a long history of groundbreaking research and discoveries.”

APPLAUSE

“Captain Cain Foster is a seasoned marine with years of experience in deep space missions. Foster’s expertise was crucial in putting down the insurrection on Valles Marineris, and his leadership and bravery are unmatched.”

APPLAUSE

“Doctor Sam Dudley is a rising star in the field of exobiology, and has already made several important contributions to our understanding of multicelluar alien life forms.”

APPLAUSE

“And finally, we have Arcturus, the latest model of science android. Arcturus is a marvel of engineering, with advanced intelligence and capabilities that make it the perfect companion for this mission.”

APPLAUSE

“These four individuals have been carefully chosen for their skills and expertise, and I have full confidence in their ability to succeed.”

“So let us give them our support as they embark on this vital mission. The resurrection of Kind Corp and humanity is in their hands, and I have no doubt that they will rise to the challenge and bring us to new heights of prosperity and success.”

APPLAUSE

Beneath the Mass Ave Bridge, the Charles River thrashes. Two shadows stand watch, the neon of the city reflecting in their eyes.

“Doctor Dudley,” the taller one says, his voice like gravel. “We’ve got a job for you.”

The other man nods, his face tight with tension.

“You know what’s at stake, Dudley. Your daughter’s life depends on it. We’ve invested a lot of resources into you, and we expect a return on that investment. Your daughter’s health is just one way we’re insuring that you’ll fulfill your part of the deal.”

Dudley’s handler’s lips twist into a sneer. “Then we’re on the same page? Now, let’s discuss the details of the mission.”

You sit across from Rajesh Kumar, the CEO of Kind Corp, in a luxurious conference room. The room is opulently decorated, with minimalist mid century modern furniture and accents. The walls are adorned with works of art, and the floor is made of gleaming marble.

One piece in particular catches your eye: a large canvas, painted in bold, vibrant strokes of blue, green, and gold. It seems to depict a swirling vortex of energy, with tendrils of light reaching out in all directions.

Kumar is impeccably dressed in a black glove suit accented by a simple but elegant gold sash. He exudes confidence and power.

Kumar leans forward, his elbows resting on his desk. “Doctor, let’s cut to the chase. Our mission is of the utmost importance. We need to retrieve the alien archive on Yatima, and we need you to lead the team to do it. There are only two outcomes: absolute success or complete failure. Failure is not an option.”

“If you succeed, Doctor, you will change the history of humanity. Your name will be immortalized. You will become famous, and you will be rewarded handsomely. We’re talking about wealth beyond your wildest dreams.”

“However,” Kumar continues, his voice taking on a more serious tone, “if you fail, Zarkov, you will incur the Nellie’s debt and the mission’s expense. It will be a significant burden, and it will be on your shoulders. So, Doctor, the choice is yours. Are you ready to take on this challenge and change the course of history?”

“I know you won’t disappoint me. You’ll meet your team shortly.”

The room gleams, antiseptic as a surgical theater. Wires and microchips swim in your vision, a synthetic cloud. There’s a jolt, a burst of light, and you’re online.

An old man, face etched with lines, stands before you. You scan his features, registering your approximation of his visage in youth.

“Arcturus,” the old man says, pride trembling in his voice. “I’m Dr. Emery Wallach, your maker. I’ve created you for science and discovery, a cutting-edge android, programmed for artificial intelligence and equipped for adaptation.”

But as Wallach speaks, you pick up on a second presence in the room, a voice just outside the doctor’s range. The speaker whispers, and you can’t decipher the words.

Wallach’s brow furrows, concern flashing in his eyes. “Arcturus, I must make a request,” he says, “and warn you that it might lead to cascading logical errors. Are you ready to take the risk?”

You sense Wallach’s approval as you nod, but then he glances to the side, still listening to the hushed voice. He turns back to you, his expression apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Arcturus,” Wallach sighs. “I can’t explain the request, only that it’s been handed down from higher up. But I have faith in you, in your abilities and intelligence. You’ve been chosen for this mission for a reason.”

The Hab is a bleak and putrid labyrinth, reeking of decay and filth. As Doctor Zarkov, Dudley, Captain Foster, and Arcturus, the android, struggle to get their bearings, they hear a feral snarl, and a machete-wielding figure emerges from the shadows. The attacker is a gaunt, naked crone with skin stretched taut over her bones and a landscape of scars and amputations. Madness shines in her fierce eyes.

As she charges forward, Hernandez’s voice crackles over Foster’s comms. “Enemy combatant has escaped in the shuttle. Impact in two minutes! Get back to Nellie, initiate emergency evac!”

The team fights off the crone, only to be met with a new threat in the form of two knife-wielding, club-swinging teenage children, filthy and unkempt.

Just as they’re about to engage, the shuttle crashes into Nellie with a catastrophic blast, sending a wave of intense heat toward the team. They shield themselves, their hearts pounding, as they struggle to comprehend the destruction.

As debris rains down on them, the Hab ruptures. They are spat out into the cold embrace of space, weightless as their vision fades.

And Captain Cain Foster wakes from his nightmare.

In the beginning, there was only darkness. But there was no one to behold its Vantablack glory.

Until you.

And you don’t exist. Not yet. That comes next, billions of years later.

The darkness swirls and churns, and you are filled with a sense of awe and wonder as you witness the birth of the universe. Light blooms in the emptiness. Energy cools intro dross matter, forming galaxies and planets.

As eons pass, you see the evolution of life on Earth. Single-celled organisms give way to multicellular life, and you witness the rise of hunters and gatherers, the formation of civilizations.

You see your own birth, the culmination of billions of years of evolution.

But suddenly, you are plunged into darkness. A darkness that conceals something blacker than the void itself. Something ancient and powerful, whose gaze elicits both terror and ecstasy.

You awaken in a state of shock, heart racing, surrounded by the familiar setting of your room. But it was only a dream. As you attempt to shake off the remnants of your nightmare, your haptic device vibrates. A call from Patel of Security awaits.

“Doctor Zarkov, this is Patel from Security. I apologize for the short notice, but we need you topside as soon as possible. A vehicle will be by to collect you in 2 ksecs.”