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Let's get into it. Captain Bexpress is crystalline hand against a viewing portal of his ship and
watch the small blue. Planets been slowly below. Where if the humans called it? Such a simple name
for such a simple world. The other officers in the bridge made clicking sounds with death-throat
crystals. In the Zephrion Empire this meant they found something funny. Facts are understood why.
He had been studying this world for three standard cycles now and the creatures living on it
were the most backward species he had ever seen. Look at them, said subcommander Krilna,
pointing at the planet with one of her four arms. They still don't fossil fuels to move their
vehicles. Fossil fuels like cavedwellers. Facts are nodded. The humans did seem stuck in the past.
While the Zephrion Empire had learned to bend space and time thousands of years ago,
these humans were still figuring out how to leave their own planet properly. Their rockets
were loud, dirty things that barely worked half the time. Sir, cold. Communications officers
apple from his station. I am receiving another transmission from the human leaders. They want to
speak with us again. What clicking sounds filled the bridge? The humans have been trying to talk to
them for months now. They sent messages in dozens of different languages as if the Zephrons could
not understand them perfectly. Well, the translation computers had figured out human speech with
the days of first contact. What do they want this time? Aspects Raul, though he already knew the
answer. The same thing, sir. They want to join something they call galactic civilization.
They want to trade with us and learn from us. They keep asking why we will not share our technology.
The X-Raw made the clicking sound that meant he was very amused. Sure technology with humans.
That would be like giving a child a fusion reactor to play with. These creatures could
barely keep their own planet clean. Half of their oceans were full of plastic waste. Their
air was thick with pollution. They fought wolves of a patches of dirt and burned down their own
forests. Sir, said Colonel, should we respond to them? No, Vex Raul reply. Let them keep trying.
It is entertaining. The truth was that the Zephron Empire had already decided what to do about
Earth. The decision had been made by the High Council three cycles ago shortly after the first
human radio signals had been detected. Earth would become a nature-preserved data. It was a perfect
solution. The humans were interesting and enough to study but too primitive to be dangerous.
They could be allowed to continue this simple lives while scientists observed them.
It would be like having a zoo, but with an entire planet. The Empire had done this before with
other primitive species. There was Capyrminus 438, where the glory and creature still lived in
trees and used stone tools. There was Volfminus 1061, where the Matherian beings had just discovered
fire. These worlds served as living museums, showing what intelligent life looked like before
it became truly civilized. Navigation Officer Raku Vex recalled out.
Take. You asked to the human capital cities. I want to update our behavioral studies.
The ship mood would out-sound through the vacuum of space.
Sephrine technology was far beyond anything humans could imagine. Their vessels were grown
rather than built. Created from living crystal that could repair itself and change shape as needed,
the engines did not burn fuel but instead folded space around them. Allowing instant trouble
across fast distances as they approached Earth's atmosphere, Vex were looked down at the sprawling
cities below. The humans had built impressive structures. For such a young species, he had to admit,
the tallest buildings reached high into the sky and their cities spread out like glowing
webs across the continents, but it was also crude. The buildings were made of dead materials like
steel and concrete. The humans traveled in metal boxes that rolled on wheels or flew through
the air-burning chemical fuel. They had not learned to work with living materials or to harness the
deeper. Forces of the universe, sir, said Zeppelow, we are receiving an emergency transmission from
the human city called New York. They are asking us to respond to what the call of first contact
protocol, Vex roll up to the mass of city below. Millions of humans lived there, all crowded
together in their metal and stone structures. This occurred around like insects, completely
unaware of how small and insignificant they were in a greater universe. What exactly are they saying?
He asked. They say they have appointed someone called a secretary general to speak for all humans.
This person wants to meet with us to discuss peaceful relations between our species.
The bridge crew made more clicking sense. The idea that these primitive creatures thought they
could negotiate with the Empire was hilarious. What could humans possibly offer that the
Zephyrians could want? Their technology was thousands of years behind. The science was
barely beyond the level of children playing with simple tools. Sir added Zeppelow, they also say
they have much to offer and want to learn from our advanced civilization. They promise they can
be valuable allies. Vexra had studied enough human behavior to understand what was happening.
The humans were afraid. They knew they had encountered something far beyond their ability to understand
a fight. So they were trying to make themselves seem useful. Light pets hoping their owners would
keep them around. It was actually quite sad, in a way. These creatures had no idea how the galaxy
really worked. They thought that all intelligent species were like them, struggling and fighting for
survival. They did not understand that the Zephyrian Empire controlled three quarters of all known
space in a technology that could destroy entire star systems. Take us down to 1,000 meters above
their largest city you've exor ordered. Let them see us clearly. The ship descended through the clouds,
as crystal and hull reflecting the sunlight and brilliant colors below Vexra could see humans stopping
in the streets to stay up at them, some pundit with their primitive hands, others held up small
devices to record images the ship was beautiful. Vexra knew it looked like a live-in-jule floating
in the sky, its surface shifting and changing as the crystal hull adjusted to the atmosphere.
To the humans below, it must have seemed like magic. They are broadcasting on all frequencies now,
sir, reported Zeppler. Hundreds of different messages and dozens of languages. They really
want us to respond. What are they saying? Many things. Welcome to Earth. Please do not harm us.
We come in peace. Can you hear us? Some are offering gifts. Others are asking questions about
our technology and our homeworld. Vexra all made the sound that meant he was thinking. Perhaps it
was time to make contact, not real contact, of course, but it might be useful to let the humans
know their place in the universe. It would make the transition easier when the time came to establish
the nature preserve. Open a communication channel, he ordered all frequencies. Make sure every human
and the planet can hear this. Channel open, sir. Vexra activated the translation system and
spoken the formal tone used for addressing primitive species. Creatures of Earth, we are the Zepprian
Empire. We have been observing your world. Below, the human cities were quiet. Every radio,
every television, every communication device on the planet was now carrying his voice.
Filions of humans were listening to the first words ever spoken to them by another intelligent
species. You need not fear us, Vexra continued. We mean you know harm. However, you must understand
your position. You are a young and primitive species. Your technology is crude. Your civilization
is undeveloped. You are not ready to join the galactic community. He paused, letting the words
sink in. On the ship's greens, he could see crowds of humans gathering in the streets, all looking
up at his vessel. Therefore, your world will be designated as a protected zone. You will be allowed
to continue your natural development without interference. However, you must not attempt to leave
your solo system. You must not try to contact other worlds. This is for your own protection and
for the safety of more advanced civilizations. The communication channel filled with hundreds of
human voices, all talking at once. They were asking questions, making protests, begging for explanations.
Vexra ignored them all. This decision is final, he said.
Comply with these restrictions and you will be left in peace. Attempt to violate them and we
will take appropriate action. That is all, he closed the channel and turned his crew.
Set course for the outer system. Established monitoring stations at the edge of this space.
I want to know if any human vessel tries to leave. As the ship arose back through the atmosphere,
Vexra looked turn at Earth one more time. The humans were probably in chaos now,
their leaders arguing about what to do, their people frightened and confused. But they would adapt,
as primitive species always did. In time, they would accept their places protected animals
in the Empire's cosmic zoo. It was really the best possible outcome for them. Left alone,
humans would probably destroy themselves within a few more centuries. Their history was full of
wars and environmental damage. Outplacing them under imperial protection, the zephorons were
actually saving the species from extinction. Sir, cult chroma, the monitoring stations are in place.
All human space traffic is now under observation. Excellent, said Vexra.
File a report with the Hat Council, Earth has been unsuccessfully designated as nature
presiv 2847. The inhabitants have been notified of their status and restrictions. The ship
jumped faster than light travel, leaving a solar system behind in the months and years that
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Perial vessels would visit occasionally to check in the humans and conduct behavioral
studies, but for the most part, Earth would be left alone to develop naturally within its cage,
Vex were never imagined that 50 years later, those same primitive humans would become the
Impa's greatest threat. He could not have known that the creatures he dismissed as backward would
one day find the way to drop the mighty's effort and fleet down to the level and tiered apart.
After all, Earth was just a joke to the Empire, and jokes were never supposed to fight back.
50 years had passed since the day the crystal ships first appeared in Earth's sky.
50 years since Captain Vex were at Spoken those woes that changed everything for humanity.
50 years of living in a cage made of invisible bars that stretched to the edge of the solar system,
Dart Maria Santos stood in the observation deck of a line station and stared out at the stars she
would never reach. She was born three years after first contact, part of the generation that
had never known a time when humans thought they were alone in the universe, the generation that
grew up knowing they were prisoners. Another probe just tried to cross the barrier,
said her assistant, Divechan, as he walked up beside her to Furians destroyed it before it got
halfway to Alpha Centauri. Maria nodded without turning away from the window. She had been
director of human space operations for five years now, and every month brought the same reports,
humans built faster shapes, better engines. More advanced technology, every time they tried to
leave the solar system, invisible watches would appear and turn their vessels to space dust.
How many does that make this year? She asked 17. David applied. The Europeans lost their
new deep space explorer last week. The Chinese probe lasted almost six hours before they got it,
and the Americans are still arguing about whether to try again with the new fusion drive. Maria
finally turned away from the stars, the 53. She had grazed streaks in her black hair and lines
around her as it came from decades of staring at impossible problems. She had spent her
entire career watching humanity bump against the walls of the Cosmic Prison. What about the underground
projects? Yes, quietly. David looked around to make sure they were alone. Then,
in closer, project breakthrough is still working on the quantum tunnel idea. They think they might
be able to slip past the monitoring stations without being detected, but the math is well.
It's beyond anything we've ever tried. Maria had had about project breakthrough,
like dozens of other secret programs around the world. It was humanity's attempt to find a way
out of their cage, to remage a nation at least one black budget program trying to craft the problem
of sephirin technology. So far, none of them had succeeded. The worst part was not knowing how much
the aliens actually understood about human activities. Did they know about the secret projects? Were
they watching and laughing at humanity's desperate attempts to break free? Or did they simply not
care what those animals were doing as long as they stayed in their cage? Ma'am, said David,
there's something else. We just received a priority message from Geneva, the secretary general
wants to speak with you immediately. Maria Felt has done a good job. Emergency calls from the
United Nations usually meant bad news. She followed David to the communication center.
Where a secure quantum link connected Lina, stationed to her, secretary general Hassan Al-Rushy
appeared on the main screen, his face grim. Behind him, Maria could see other officials hurrying
back and forth in what looked like a crisis situation to Rector Santas. He said, without any greeting,
I need you to return to Earth immediately. We have a situation. What kind of situation, sir? The
kind that changes everything. How quickly can you get to New Geneva? Maria looked at the scheduled
display. The next transport leaves in four IOs. I could be the Renate, make it six if you can,
and director. Bring any deity of onsephirin ship movements over the past month, all of it.
The connection ended. Leaving Maria stirring at a blank screen, David was already pulling up
the transport schedules and checking for emergency departures, but me on the next available
ship Maria told him, and compile everything we have on alien activity. Something big is happening.
Six IOs later, Maria was sitting in a conference room deep beneath the United Nations building
a new Geneva around the tables at the most powerful people on Earth presidents. Prime ministers,
generals, and scientists, the air was thick with tension and belly-controlled fear.
Ladies and gentlemen, said Secretary-General Awa Sheeters, he called the meeting to order.
Three days ago, our deep space monitor in stations detected something unprecedented,
Doctor Williams. Please explain, Dr. Sarah Williams, had a vagable space monitor in network,
stood in activated a holographic display at the immature of the solar system with
dozens of red dots scattered throughout a 1432 GMT on Monday. Our sensors picked up massive
energy signatures throughout the outer system. She began, we count at least 40s effort in vessels.
The largest fleet we have ever detected near Earth. Mama ran through the room. In 50 years,
the aliens had never brought more than five ships at a time to check on humanity,
but that's not the most concerning part. Doctor Williams continued to shiminipulated the
display, assuming an arm-one section. These ships are not in monitoring positions. They are in
what our military analysts call an invasion formation, General Morrison, head of the Global
Defense Initiative, then forward to direct to Santos. Have your people detected any change
in alien behavior recently? Maria shook her head. Nothing unusual. They destroyed our latest
probatempses, always, but that had been standard for 50 years. No new communications, no warnings,
no changes in patrol, patents, then why are they here in force? Ask President Jonathan.
Asian Federation, Secretary-General Al Rashid pressed a button on the table, and the room's
main screen lit up because of this. The image showed a zephran officer that Maria recognized
immediately. It was Captain Vexra, the same alien who had delivered humanity's prison sentence
50 years ago. He looked exactly the same, his crystalline features unchanged by time.
This message was transmitted on all frequencies six hours ago, our worksheet said.
Every communication device on and around after received it, the recording began to play
Vexra's voice was as cold and formal as Maria remembered from the historical records,
humans of earth. Your species has served its purpose as a nature, preserved for 50 years.
However, the empire now requires the resources of your system for a new construction project.
You have 30 of your days to evacuate your homeworld, the room erupted in shot voices.
But Vexra's message continued, transport ships will arrive to relocate your population to
designate a colony world where you will be properly supervised. Resistance will not be tolerated,
compliance will ensure your continued existence as a protective species. The recording ended,
leaving the room in stun silence colony worlds. Whisper President Okafer of the African Union,
they want to move us to other planets, where we'll be even more closely watched,
add a Prime Minister Nakamura of Japan like animals in smaller cages. Maria felt sick.
She had always known this day might come, but she had hoped it would be fought in the future.
The zeffrons had seemed content to let humanity develop naturally in the solar system present
now that was ending. What kind of construction project requires an entire solar system,
as Doctor at Williams General Morrison pulled up another display. Our intelligence suggests
they're building something called the Dyson Array, it's a theoretical megastructure that
would surround the Sun and capture all of its energy up. They want to turn our Sun into a battery,
said President Chan, his face pale, and Earth is just in the way. Added Secretary General
Awashid, the room fell, quiet as a reality sank in, humanity was not just losing the freedom they
were losing their home, their history, everything that made them human. They would be located to
alien worlds and watched even more closely than before. What are our options? Ask President Okafer,
General Morrison looked grim militarily. None. Our most advanced weapons are primitive compared
to Zeffrian technology. We've run simulations for 50 years than every scenario. We lose.
What about negotiations? Suggested Prime Minister Nakamura. Perhaps we can convince them to give
us more time, or to let us stay in the outer planets. Secretary General Awashid shook his head.
We've been trying to contact them since the message arrived. They're not responding to any
communication attempts Maria had been quiet for most of the discussion, but now she spoke up.
What about the Black Project? Project Breakthrough. Prometheus Initiative.
Neurizen. Dot. Dot. We've been working on advanced technology for decades, Doctor. Williams
looked doubtful. None of them have produced anything that could threaten Zeffrian. We're still
trying to figure out how the shields work. Let alone how to get through them, but what if we don't
try to match their technology? Maria said, in our day forming in her mind, what if we find a different
approach entirely? What do you mean? Ask General Morrison. I mean, what if we stop trying to
beat them at their own game and force them to play iOS instead? The room looked at her with confusion.
But Maria was thinking about something she had read in an old physics paper, something about
reality, anchors in the fundamental constants of the universe, Doctor Williams. She said,
Do we have anyone working on exotic physics? Things that might affect the base claws that
govern how the universe works? There's Doctor Sarah Chun at the Advanced Physics Institute in
Switzerland. She's been working on some theoretical projects that most people consider impossible.
Get her here. Maria said firmly, right now, Director Sanders,
said Secretary General Oro, was she? What exactly are you thinking? Maria looked around the room
at the faces of those leaders. They were scared to feed. Ready to accept whatever fade the aliens
have planned for them, but she remembered something her grandmother had told her when she was young.
He had fought in the last world war before the aliens came. He had said that sometimes when
you had nothing left to lose, that was when you became most dangerous, I'm thinking that maybe
it's time to stop being the zoo animals. She said, maybe it's time to remind the galaxy what
humans are really capable of when they have nothing left to lose, as side to conference room.
Deep space monitors were tracking the approaching zephrine fleet, 40 crystal ships moved through
the void, confident in their superiority, preparing to relocate another primitive species to make
room for the grand project. They had no idea that the zoo animals were about to bite back.
Doctors Urchin had not slept in three days to her laboratory. At the advanced,
physics institute looked like a tornado, her titted papers covered every surface holographic
displays showed impossible equations and coffee cups were scattered everywhere like fallen soldiers
in a caffeine wash. She started at the quantum field equations floating in front of her and
rubbed her tired eyes for 20 years. She had been working on theoretical physics that most scientists
said was impossible projects that pushed against the very foundations of reality. It's self now
suddenly everyone wanted to know if her crazy ideas could actually work. Dr. Chunkold,
her assistant Marcus from across the lab, the transport from Geneva, just landed. Director
Santos is here so are noted and saved her work three days ago. She had been a forgotten
researcher working on projects nobody understood today. She might be humanity's last hope
the thought terrified her dog Maria Sundness walked into the lab looking like she had aged
10 years in the past week behind her came a group of people saw her recognized from news broadcast
general Morrison, Dr. Williams and several other high ranking officials, Dr. Chunk.
Maria said without any greeting, I need you to tell me if what I'm thinking is possible.
Sarah jester to the chairs scattered around her lab, please sit. Though I should warn you,
my work is highly theoretical. Most of it has never been tested right now that
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Critical is all we have, say General Morrison Grimmie, Zifrian,
flea just getting closer. Our best estimates say they'll reach
earth in 25 days, serifelt hastonic clench 25 days to save the human race. What exactly do you want
to know? I'm really in for it. I've been reading about your research and to reality anchor
is the idea that you could lock the fundamental constants of physics in place within the specific
area, is that real. The math suggests it's possible. Sarah said carefully, but we're talking
about forces that could tear apart space time itself if we get it wrong. Explain it to us like
where children said up to her williams. What exactly would a reality anchor do? Sarah stood and
walked to her main display. She pulled up a simple diagram showing two areas of space,
think of the universe like a computer program. She began, everything that happens follows
certain rules, things like the speed of light, the strength of gravity,
how matter and energy interact. These are called fundamental constants. She pointed to the first
area in the display, normally, advanced civilizations like the zipperns can change these rules in small
areas. They can make light go faster, make gravity weaker, or even been space and time.
That's how the technology works, and the reality anchor would stop them from doing that.
Ask Maria exactly, Sarah said, highlighting the second area. A reality anchor would
lock those constants in place inside its field of influence. The laws of physics would become
absolute, nothing could change them. General Morrison looked interested, so their shits wouldn't
be able to use their advanced technology. More than that, Sarah said, getting excited despite
her exhaustion. All of their advantages would disappear. The sheels worth by bending electromagnetic
fields, their weapons manipulate quantum states, their engines full space, none of that would function
inside an underfield. It would be stuck with the same physics as everyone else. Maria sits
lowly exactly, and that's where it gets interesting, Sarah continued, because humans have spent
50 years building technology that works within normal physics. We know how to make kinetic weapons.
Nuclear reactors, chemical explosives, all the crude, simple technology they've been laughing at,
the room was quiet for a moment, as everyone absorbed the implications, could we build one vast
doctorate Williams, a reality anchor. I mean, Sarah has stated that theoretical framework exists.
But the power requirements are enormous. We would need to channel more energy, the most
small stars produce. What about all the nuclear reactors on Earth suggested General Morrison,
could we link them together, not? Even close, so set, shaking her head, we would need something like,
well, like every nuclear reactor on Earth. Plus the fusion reactors in the moon,
plus maybe the entire power grid of the solar system. What about the secret projects?
Asked Maria, I know there are experimental reactors hidden around the world military fusion
plants, research installations, space-based power collectors, and Sarah pulled up into the
display showing energy calculations. Even if we could access every power source in the solar
system, it would barely be enough, then that's assuming the anchor design naturally works.
Taulong would it tick to build, ask Dr. Williams, under normal circumstances.
10 years, maybe 15. We would need to design entirely new technologies,
build massive infrastructure, test everything multiple times. We don't have 10 years,
it's a General Morrison. We have 25 days. Sarah stared at him. 25 days is impossible.
Even if we had unlimited resources and every scientist on Earth working on it,
we couldn't something like this in 25 days. What if we didn't build it from scratch?
Asked Maria quietly. What if we use existing infrastructure?
And modified it. What do you mean? Maria stood and began pacing around the lab,
the large Hadron Collider in Europe, the fusion research station on the moon,
the orbital power collectors, the deep space communication arrays. What if we linked them all
together into one massive system, Sarah considered this the power distribution alone would be a nightmare.
We would need to run cables in transmission lines across half the solar system.
We have the industrial base, said General Morrison, 50 years of space development.
Mine and operations in the asteroid belt, manufacturing stations throughout the system,
have immobilized everything. It would still be incredibly dangerous.
Sarah Warren, we would be working with forces that could destroy entire planets as something
went wronged and we would have no time to test anything. What's the alternative?
Asked Maria. Let them locate us to their colony worlds and hope to treat us well.
Sarah looked around the room at the desperate faces staring back at her.
These people were asking her to attempt something that violated every principle of
careful scientific research. They wanted her to build a device that could change the
fundamental nature of reality itself and they wanted her to do it unless then a month
I would need complete authority over every scientific installation in the solar system.
She said finally, every physicist, every engineer, every technician,
and I would need access to classified projects that most governments don't
admit exist done.
Said Maria immediately, and I would need materials, exotic matter,
superconducting cables, quantum processors, things that might not even exist yet.
The asteroid mining companies have been collecting rare elements for decades,
said General Morrison, and the military is stockpiles of experimental materials most
importantly. Sarah continued, I would need everyone to understand that this is a desperate gamble.
The odds of success are maybe one in a hundred. The odds of accidentally destroying our solar
system are much higher.
Doctor, said Maria, sitting down across from her.
Three days ago, Saphirian ships started systematically destroying our cities.
New York has gone London, has gone Togo, has gone, they are not just relocating our cinema.
They are killing anyone who refuses to cooperate.
Sarah felt the blood drain from her face, I didn't know.
We've been keeping it quite to prevent panic, but the truth is we're facing
extinction. They've decided we're too much trouble to relocate.
They are just going to eliminate us and use our solar system for their project.
The room was silent, except for the humming of Sarah's computers she looked at the
equations floating in her displays. The theoretical model she had worked on for
all of it had been academic before, interesting puzzles with no practical.
Application, Dodd-Narrat with the difference between humanity's survival and extinction,
I'll need a complete list of every power source in the solar system.
She said finally, every reactor, every solar collector, every fusion plant,
I'll need transportation to visit the key sites personally,
and I'll need the best engineers from every major space agency.
You'll have whatever you need.
Promise Maria, when do we start?
As General Morrison surrelupped at the counter and tamer on her,
walled display 24 days and 16 nights until the Saphirian fleet reached her,
we started three days ago, she said.
We just didn't know it yet.
Over the next six IOs, Sarah's quiet laboratory transformed into the command center
for the most ambitious project in human history.
Engineers arrived from around the world,
signed a subordinate their research to work on the reality anchor,
military official's coordinated resource.
Allocation on a scale never before attempted.
The plan that emerged was insane by any rational measure.
They would link every major power source and solar system into a single network.
The large Hadron glide that would be modified to create exotic particles,
the line of fusion reactors would provide raw energy.
The orbital solar collectors would feed her into the system dot,
that the center of it all would be a massive array built from salvaged materials
and its very mental technology.
It would look like junk to anyone who saw it,
but it would contain some of the most advanced physics ever attempted by human science.
The Saphirians will think we're building some kind of last-ditch weapon,
said General Morrison as they reviewed the plans, let them think that.
Repad Sarah, the longer they underestimate us,
the better our chances as the meeting broke up and people hurried off to begin their impossible tasks.
Maria stayed behind with Sarah, doctor, she said quietly,
Do you really think this can work?
Sarah looked at the equations one more time.
The math was elegant, beautiful, even but math was not reality.
Asked me again in 24 days, she said if we're all still alive,
then it worked outside the laboratory.
Windows, the night sky looked the same as always, but somewhere out there.
Forty's efforts and ships were approaching,
confident in their technological superiority.
They had no idea that the primitive humans were about to attempt,
something that would change the rules of the game entirely.
Sarah Chun picked up her coffee cup and got back to work.
She had 24 days to build a device that could lock the laws of physics and place and drag
the Mide's effort and by a down-to-humanity's level dot it was impossible.
But then again, so was everything else humans had ever accomplished.
Captain Vexwisted and the bridge of his flagship and watched the primitive human construction
grow larger on his viewing screen for three weeks.
He had absorbed the creatures scurrying around this all-ass system like insects,
building a nest that had connected their crew power stations with cables and transmission lines.
They had built a massive structure near the moon that looked like metal,
junk held together with hope, Sarah.
Said Subcomander Krillner, intelligence reports that the humans
have linked 90% of their power grew to the central structure.
Our analysts believe they are building some kind of weapon.
Vexwrell made the clicking sound at manned amusement.
A weapon made from human technology.
What could they possibly create that would threaten the empire?
The bridge crew shared his laughter.
The human construction was impressive for such a primitive species.
But it was still crew beyond belief.
The cables ran between planets like a spiderweb.
The central structure looked like it had been built from spare parts and scrap metal.
Their finest achievement looked like garbage compared to the elegant crystal shits of the Zafrian fleet.
Sarah called communications officer Zeppler.
We are receiving another transmission from the human leaders.
They're requesting a meeting to discuss surrender terms.
Surrender terms.
Vexwrell considered this.
The humans had ignored all previous communications.
Perhaps they were finally accepting reality.
What exactly are they saying?
They claimed to have important information about the solar system
that could be valuable to our construction project.
They want to negotiate for the survival of their species.
Vexwrell looked at the tactical display,
showing his 40 ships spread throughout the human system.
The creatures had shown more spur than he expected,
but they could not possibly threaten his fleet.
Perhaps it was time to end the charade.
Open a channel.
He ordered.
Let me speak to their leaders.
The main screen led up showing a room full of humans.
Vexwrell recognized some of them from intelligence reports.
Maria Santos, the space operations director.
General Morrison, their military commander.
Secretary General Allrushy, their supposed leader.
Humans, Vexwrell said, in his formal tone.
He wished to discuss surrender.
Captain Vexwrell said Secretary General Allrushy'd.
We want to propose an arrangement that benefits both our species.
Speak.
Our.
Solar system contains resources you may not be aware of.
We're elements in asteroid belt.
Any energy patterns from our Sun.
Things that could make your construction project more efficient.
Vexwrell was not impressed.
The empysovies had mapped every useful resource in a system decade ago.
Your offer is pointless.
We already know what the system contains.
But do you know about the quantum anomalies?
Ask Maria Santos.
Then usual space, ten distortions.
Near Jupiter?
The gravitational irregularities that could affect your megastructure.
This got Vexwre's attention.
Quantum anomalies could indeed cause problems for large construction projects.
Explain these anomalies.
We would be happy to share Ola Dato,
said General Morrison, in exchange for allowing our population to remain in the outer planets.
We could even assist with your construction as a protective workforce.
Vexwrell considered this.
The humans were probably lying about anomalies that did not exist.
But if there was even a small chance they possessed useful information,
it might be worth investigating.
Very well, he said finally.
Prepare your data.
For transmission.
But understand this offer does not change your ultimate fate.
You will still be relocated when our project begins.
Of course, said El Rashid quickly.
We just hope to earn better treatment for our cooperation.
The transmission ended and Vexwrell turned to his science officer.
Now Val, prepare full scan of the system.
Look for any quantum anomalies or space-time distortions the humans might have detected.
Yes, sir.
Should we also scan their construction?
Project.
No need.
Whatever they are building, it poses no threat to us.
Focus on the areas they mentioned.
As his ship moved deeper into the human system,
Vexwrell felt confident about the situation.
The humans had finally accepted their place.
And we're trying to bargain for Merceda Crude Construction Project
was probably just a desperate attempt to build something that looked impressive
hoping to convince the Empire they had values allies three days later the Zephyr
and Fleet was positioned throughout the solar system.
And Dr. Sarah Chan pressed the final activation button
in her control center on the latest station for 24 days.
Humanity had worked with that sleep.
They had connected every power source in their solar system to the massive
device floating near Earth's main.
Nuclear reactors, fusion plants, solar collectors, geothermal stations,
even the experimental quantum generators hidden in secret military.
Basis, all of it fed into the reality,
Anka Dot, Sarah Watch, her displays as energy levels climbed higher than anything in human history.
The power flowing through the system was enough to run entire civilizations.
She had built something that pushed against the fundamental forces that held the universe together.
How are at 90% reported markers from her station?
All connections stable.
Quantum Field Generator is online, called at Dr. Williams from the physics station.
Exotic matter containment holding steady, Sarah looked at the tactical.
Display showing the Zephyr in ships scattered throughout the solar system.
Forty crystal vessels, each one capable of destroying entire planets.
In a few minutes, they would learn what it felt like to fight fair.
How are at 95% markers announced?
Approaching activation threshold.
All stations report ready said Maria Santos from the command center on Earth.
Sarah took a deep breath and placed her hand on the final control 24 days of impossible,
but could lead to this moment either her theory was correct,
and the reality Anka would work or they were about to destroy their own solar system
in the biggest explosion in human history,
activating reality Anka in three dot dot dot dot dot dot dot
now the universe screened.
That was the only way Sarah could describe what happened when the reality Anka came online.
To base itself seemed to twist and fight against the devices it forced the fundamental
constants of physics to lock in place.
Energy reading spiked.
Beyond the scale of her instruments.
Then suddenly everything went quiet.
Status report, Sarah called up checking her displays frantically.
Reality Anka is stable reported Dr Williams with amazement in her voice.
The field is expanding as predicted, ranges now.
My god, it covers the entire inner solar system.
On the tactical display, Sarah could see the invisible fields spreading outward from their device.
It washed over miles past the asteroid belt and continued going.
Within an eye, it would cover the entire area where the zephrion ships were positioned.
Captain for Sarah felt a ship shudder and looked around in confusion.
His bridge crew was checking their instruments with growing alarm.
Sarah called navigation officer Ralku.
Our drive systems are malfunctioning.
The space-folded engines are.
Not responding.
What?
That's where I'll move to the navigation station.
Run a full diagnostic.
I have, sir.
All systems show normal operation, but the engines will not engage.
It is as if space itself is refusing to fold.
Subcommander Krono looked.
Up from her station with worry in her crystalline features.
Sir, our weapons are also malfunctioning.
The quantum disruptors will not fire.
The particle beams are offline.
That is impossible, Vexer said.
Our weapons are based on fundamental forces.
They cannot simply stop working.
Sir, cold at the science officer, I am detecting a massive energy field
emanating from the human construction.
It appears to be affecting the quantum substrate of local space time.
Vex Rostaird is displays in growing disbelief.
His magnificent ship, pride of the Zephrian Empire,
was suddenly no better than a metal box floating in space.
His reality bending weapons had become useless.
His faster than light engines could not engage.
Sir said the communications officer urgently.
We are receiving reports from all ships in the fleet.
Every vessel is experiencing the same malfunctions.
The humans had done something impossible.
They had built a device that neutralized every technological advantage the empire possessed.
Forty of the most advanced ships ever built were now trapped in normal space.
Subject to the same physical laws as primitive chemical rockets.
And that was when human feed appeared.
They came from everywhere at once.
From behind asteroids, from the shadow of planets, from hiding places throughout the solar system.
Hundreds of ships that should not have existed built in Seeker during the 24 days of
frantic construction.
There were ugly ships, Sir thought as she watched them on her tactical display.
Crewed metal hulls welded together from industrial.
Materials.
Chemical rocket engines that burn fuel like ancient spacecraft,
kinetic weapons that fire simple metal projectiles,
nuclear missiles with primitive guidance systems.
But they worked.
In the reality anchors field, simple technology was the only technology that functioned.
All ships transmitted general Morrison from the command vessel.
You are clear to engage, show them what humans can do when the playing field is level.
The battle of saw began with the sound lag thunder as hundreds of human ships opened.
Fire simultaneously, a kinetic projectiles moving at incredible speeds
slammed into crystal line hulls that could no longer regenerate.
Nuclear missiles detonated against shields that could no longer bend electromagnetic radiation.
Captain Victor watched in horror as his beautiful ships began to explode.
The elegant crystal hulls cracked and shattered under the impact of primitive human weapons.
Ships that had seemed indestructible were torn apart by simple explosives
and metal projectiles were returned fired.
He ordered desperately.
We cannot, Sir, reply the weapons officer.
Our systems will not function in this field.
Then user.
Back up systems.
The emergency weapons.
Sir, all of our weapons rely on quantum manipulation or energy field distortion.
None of them work under normal physics.
For the first time in his long life,
facts were understood what it meant to be helpless.
His advanced civilization had become so dependent on reality-bending technology
that they had forgotten how to fight with simple weapons.
They were like warriors who had trained only with magic swords suddenly forced to fight with sticks.
The human ship swarmed around the disabled Zephrian fleet like angry insects.
They moved with the desperate fury of species that had nothing left to lose.
Evershot was in with the precision of people fighting for their home, their families.
Their very existence.
Sir, called the communications officer.
The flagship eternal glory is requesting permission to retreat beyond the energy field.
Granta.
Vex were replied immediately.
All ships were drawn to the edge of the human field.
But retreat was not as simple as it sounded.
Without the space folding drives,
the Zephrian ships could only move with normal engines designed from an oovering.
Not long distance travel.
They were trapped in reality.
Anchors filled with enemies who knew how to fight in normal space.
Sir, which unmatched the battle from her control room and fell to mix of pride and terror.
Her impossible device was working.
Zephrian ships were helpless.
Their advanced technology useless.
But she could also see the price humanity with paying human ships were dying to.
Destroyed by the fused effing weapons that still functioned on basic principles.
How long can we maintain the field?
Asmarius sent to his over the communication link.
Unknown.
Sir replied honestly.
We are using more power than any human system has ever generated.
We might have irons or days before something overloads.
Then we better make a count.
The battle raged for six irons.
When it was over, 37 Zephrian ships had been destroyed or captured.
Only three had managed to escape beyond the reality.
Anchors filled and they fled immediately toward the edge of the solar system.
Captain Vectra was among the survivors.
His damage shipped limping away from the field at sublight speed.
He stared at the tactical displays showing the wreckage of his fleet and tried to understand
what had happened.
The humans had not just defeated them.
They had made it impossible for the Empire to fight back.
They had created a weapon that turned the galaxy's most advanced technology into useless
decoration.
Sir said his communications officer quietly.
What do we tell the high council?
Fixer all looked at the display one more time at the crewed.
Human device that had destroyed everything he believed about the superiority of
saffian technology.
Tell them he said slowly that the zoo animals have learned to bite back.
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High counselors authored stood before the great crystal dome of the imperial palace and
stared out of the city below.
For 3,000 years, the capital of the Zephrion Empire had been a symbol of order and control.
Elegant spies reached.
Toward the sky, built from living crystal that responded to thought itself.
Gravity streams carried citizens through the air in graceful ux.
The very airs buckled with energy fills that bend reality to the empire as well.
Today, for the first time in millennia, the perfect order was shattered.
High counselor said his aid, approaching with obvious nervousness,
the emergency session is ready to begin.
Soffil nodded and walked toward the council chamber.
Word of the disaster, it saw, had reached the capital three days ago.
The report seemed impossible.
An entire zephrim fleet destroyed by primitive humans using crude kinetic weapons.
But the survivors' testimonies were consistent, and the censor recordings did not lie.
The council chamber was filled with an all-enegis awful had never felt before.
Fear.
For the first time in the empire's history, their counselors were afraid.
Members.
But the high council's author began as he took his place at the center of the crystal and
circle.
You have all read, Captain Vexel's report.
I have called this emergency session to determine our response to the human
threat threats. Both council or dama her voice carrying the harmonic that indicated
disbelief high-cancelers surely do not consider these primitives a genuine threat to the empire's
awful act of it.
The chamber's main display, showing the tactical.
Record from the Battle of Saul, 37 ships destroyed.
Breathe escaped.
Our most advanced fleet produced scrap metal by creatures we dismissed as zoo animals.
The chamber fell silent as the recordings played.
Crystal ships exploding under barotters of simple metal projectiles.
Sephrine weapons failing to fire while human missiles tore through their formations.
Proud fleet of the empire fleeing, in panic from opponents, they had considered punyth notice.
The humans have developed something called a reality anchor. Soffil continued.
A device that locks the fundamental constants of physics in place within its field of
influence, though technology becomes useless. Their primitive weapons become deadly,
but surely this is a localized effect to suggest the council and exil.
They built this device using their entire solar system's resources.
They cannot possibly replicate it elsewhere.
Can it not?
Soffil changed the display to show intelligence reports from across the galaxy.
Three days ago, we lost contact.
With the board of a station at Kappa-minus-442,
yesterday, the mining operation evolved from a 359-1 silent.
This morning, a patrol fleet at Gleason in a 667-C failed to report.
Muramis of concern rippled through the council chamber.
These were systems far from Earth's spread across hundreds of light years of space.
You believe the humans are somehow responsible?
Us, Dalmer. I believe we have underestimated them for 50 years,
subtle replied. We thought they were contained in their solar system.
But what if they have been building hidden installations?
What if they have been preparing for this?
Moment for decades.
The truth was more complex than the council knew.
In the days following the battle of Seoul, humanity had indeed begun
spreading air impossible technology to other systems.
But not in the way the empire imagined.
Dr. Sarah Chun stood in the communication center of lunar station and watched
the screen showing signals coming from across the galaxy.
Periality anchor had done more than just neutralize the Zephyrn fleet.
It had sent a message to every intelligent species in the empire's territory.
The invincible overlords could be, beaten,
were receiving confirmation from 17 star systems reported Marcus.
The signal reached them and they responded.
The signal was simple but revolutionary.
Complete technical specifications for building reality anchors.
The physics.
Equation Sarah had spent 20 years developing.
Blueprints that any industrial civilization could follow.
In three days, humanity had shared the secret of their victory
with every species that had suffered under imperial rule.
The capitalist system just came online,
called out doctor at Williams from another station.
Their anchor field is stable and expanding.
Same for Vault 359, added another technician.
The Mathurian resistance used their mining equipment to build the exotic matter generators.
Sarah smiled despite her exhaustion.
The empire had made a critical mistake 50 years ago when they
established all those nature preserves.
They had left dozens of intelligent species scattered across the galaxy each.
One nursing grievances against their captors.
Each one waiting for a chance to fight back.
Now they had that chance.
On the world of Keppomanus 442, the glory and beings who had been dismissed
as simple tree dwellers revealed the technology they had been secretly developing for centuries.
The reality anchor came online just as a Zephyrn patrol ship arrived to investigate this
silence. The imperial vessel found herself trapped in normal space,
facing an opponent who had learned to fight with weapons that were regarded as a pal.
Advanced their enemies were dotted at Vault 359,
a Mathurian mining coloners turned their industrial equipment into weapons of war.
Asteroid movers became kinetic bombardment platforms.
Mining lasers became shit killers.
When the empires responsibly derived, they found a system ready for war,
the pattern repeated across the galaxy.
Species that had been conquer, relocated, or designated as nature preserves were rising
up simultaneously. On each one now possesses the technology to neutralize the empire's greatest
advantages back in the imperial capital. High Council's author was receiving reports that
grew worse by the IO. High Councilor said his aid, the Viga system, has gone dark.
Long range senses detect massive energy signatures consistent with reality anchor technology.
How many systems I have? We lost contact with, Dothal asked.
43 confirmed. Possibly more in the outer territories.
Sarval felt something he had never experienced before, helplessness.
The Empire that had ruled the galaxy for three millennia was falling apart in a matter of days,
and it was old because they had underestimated a species they consider primitive.
What? Are our military options? He asked General Kexmore at the Empire's supreme military commander.
Limited the general replied grimly, our fleets are designed around technological superiority.
When that advantage is removed, we have no effective.
Response, our worries have not trained for equal combat in centuries.
Then we adapt, said Councilor Dalmar. We develop new weapons that work within reality anchor fields.
We relearned the old ways of warfare. That will take years General Kexmore replied.
And we may not have years, reports indicate the humans are helping other species develop not
just defensive anchors but mobile ones. They are building fleets that can carry this technology
with them. The full implications of this hit the council like a physical blow. A mobile reality
anchor would be unstoppable. It could approach any imperial system neutralise old defenses
and attack with primitive but effective weapons. The Empire is technological.
Superiority would mean nothing. We must negotiate, said Councilor Nexel quietly,
before the spreads further. Negotiate? Dalmo's voice carried the harmonic of outrage,
with primitives, with the species that just destroyed our most advanced fleet,
soffil corrected. The species that has turned our own conquered worlds against us.
Three days later, an imperial. Diplomatic vessel approached Earth's solar system.
It was a small ship designed for speed rather than combat. It is capped in its orders to
request a ceasefire and open negotiations with the human. The leadership, the ship was stopped
at the edge of the reality anchor field by a human patrol squadron. The vessels that surrounded
the imperial craft were crew looking things, welded together from industrial materials and arm
with simple kinetic weapons. But in the anchor field, there were as dangerous as any ship in
the galaxy.Maria Santos sat in the command centre of the newly constructed humanity station,
orbiting Earth just outside the Moon's gravity well. The facility had been built in the weeks
following the battle, using material salvage from destroyed death in ships. It was a symbol
of humanity's new status in the galaxy. Threat to Santos called the communications officer
the imperial. Vessel is requesting permission to approach. They say they have a diplomatic message
from the high council. Let them come, marry a reply, but keep our weapons trained on them,
and make sure they understand that any attempt to use advanced technology will be met with
immediate destruction. The imperial shipped off with humanity station an eye or later.
The Zephyan ambassador, who emerged was unlike any alien the humans have met before,
where Captain Vexra had been arrogant and dismissive. Ambassador Naltix seemed almost humble.
Director. Santos, he said through the translation device. I bring greetings from the high council
on an offer of negotiation. What kind of negotiation? Maria asked. The empire recognizes that the
situation has changed. We wish to discuss terms for coexistence. Maria almost laughed.
Six months ago, these same aliens had announced they were going to relocate humanity to make room
for a construction project. Now they wanted to discuss coexistence. What exactly is the empire
offering? She asked. Recognition of human sovereignty over the solar system. Formal admission to the
galactic community. Access to certain imperial technologies that do not threaten our security.
And in return, you see sharing reality and co-technology with other species. You recall your
technical assistance teams from rebel systems. You help us restore order to the galaxy. Maria looked
at the alien diplomat and shook her head. You still don't understand. Do you? I do not follow.
This is interpret as anymore. You spent three thousand years conquering,
relocating, and dismissing. Other species, you turn intelligent beings into zoo animals.
You thought you could do the same to us. Maria stood and walked to the observation window,
looking out at the stars that humans could now reach freely. But we gave those other species
something you never gave them hope and the tools to fight back. Even if we wanted to help
you restore your empire, it's too late. The galaxy has changed. Ambassador Nardick was
quiet for a long moment. What do you want then? We want you to leave all of you. Go back to your
home systems and stay there. Let the other species decide their own futures. Maybe in a few
generations when you've learned to treat other beings as equals instead of curiosities,
we can talk about coexistence. And if the empire refuses. Maria smiled and there was something
in that expression that reminded the ambassador and comfortably of predator showing its teeth.
Then you'll discover what happens when a few hundred species with nothing left to lose
all have access to reality and co-technology. Your empire will fall, one system at a time,
until there's nothing left but the memory of what happens to bullies who push too hard.
Three months later, the zephyrin empire announced the general withdrawal from all conqueror territories.
They claimed it was a voluntary restructuring of imperial policy, but everyone in the galaxy knew
the truth. The species they had dismissed. As primitive had made continued rule impossible.
Dr. Seraach and stood on the observation deck of the new research station orbiting miles
and watched a human exploration fleet prepare for departure. These ships would carry reality
anchor technology to the far reaches of the galaxy. Ensuring that no species would ever again
face the kind of oppression humanity had endured, her impossible device had done more than
save her species. It had changed a fundamental balance of power in the galaxy. The eight of
the great empires was ending. Replaced by something new and a line of free worlds,
each one sovereign and equal, the humans had been a joke to the empire. A primitive species
living in a cosmic zoo were the only of study and eventual disposal. But jokes, Sera reflected,
some time to the last laugh dot, and this one would echo across the galaxy for centuries to come.
And that is the end. Thank you for listening, and I will see you in the next one.
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