Sylva’s ears twitched as she gazed out over the mist-shrouded valley, Syrin’s starmail still open on her screen. The words lingered, echoing in her mind.
"Maybe think about letting someone or something distract you for once?"
Her tail swayed slowly, brushing against the cool metal of the chair as she turned her attention back to her workstation. The morning light filtered through the reinforced window, casting faint patterns across the room. Despite the faint warmth of the sun, a lingering chill settled in her chest. She hadn't been able to shake the feeling of isolation lately, a quiet sense of longing she couldn't quite name. The distance between herself and the world felt larger than the physical space, and though her work kept her busy, it was the emotional weight she couldn’t escape.
“All right,” Sylva said at last, stretching her arms as if shaking off the weight of the night before. “M.I.R.A., give me a breakdown of all daily and long-term tasks.”
The AI responded instantly, its monotone voice filling the room.
"Retrieving today’s task list. Displaying now."
The holographic interface flared to life floating just above her desk
1. [Long-term]: Operation: New Species Objective: Collect observational data on sapient lifeforms and determine safe protocols for interaction.
2. [Long-term]: Monitor Terraforming and Atmospheric Processors Objective: Perform daily system checks and report anomalies in environmental progress.
3. [Daily Task]: Wildlife Population Survey (Sector 7-G) Objective: Unusually high wildlife activity has been detected in Sector 7-G and surrounding areas. Verification and behavior analysis are needed. (Pending for 2 days)
4. [Daily Task]: Survey Drone Recovery (Sector 7-G) Objective: Survey Drone 4 failed to return after routine scanning. Hypothesis: Drone failure due to a local wildlife attack. Last known location places it deep within Sector 7-G. Diagnostics and retrieval required.
5. [Daily Task]: Vegetation Growth Analysis (Sector 9-D) Objective: Rapid, unexpected plant growth has been observed. Samples and data collection are necessary for further analysis.
6. [Daily Task]: Energy Grid Optimization Objective: Geothermal conduit power output has dropped by 2.3%. Routine maintenance and recalibration are advised.
Sylva glanced at her task list again, quickly scanning through the items.
"Monitor Terraforming and Atmospheric Processors," she muttered under her breath, "Better get that done."
She stood up from her desk, stretching. A quick glance at the digital clock told her that time was already slipping away. She sighed, crossed the room, and stepped toward one of the many doors surrounding her. The familiar hiss of the automatic door signaled its opening, and she stepped into the hallway.
Her footsteps echoed softly across the floor. The layout was ingrained in her memory, every hallway and turn second nature after countless hours. She could navigate this place with her eyes closed, just as she had done for over a century. Despite the familiarity of the surroundings, her steps felt heavier than usual today, a faint unease tugging at her mind.
As she entered the control room, the steady hum of machinery greeted her. She approached the central console, her hands moving with practiced ease, activating the interface. The system powered up smoothly, data streams and diagnostic reports flickering to life on the screen.
The atmospheric processors and terraformers, twin giants of the planet's transformation, worked tirelessly in tandem. The processors, towering structures of gleaming metal and alloy, stood like sentinels scattered across the landscape. Their cylindrical forms were riddled with vents that exhaled soft plumes of purified air, their exteriors studded with clusters of sensors and emitters. Pipes snaked from their bases, disappearing into the ground where they extracted and filtered the toxic gases locked within Nerath’s atmosphere. At night, they glowed faintly with a bioluminescent blue
Nestled alongside these mechanical behemoths were the terraformers, their designs equally imposing yet distinct. Unlike the processors, the terraformers were broader and more angular, their bulk anchored deep into the planet's crust. Large, articulated arms extended outward from their central hubs, resembling the spindly legs of some colossal insect. These arms emitted pulses of geomagnetic energy, altering the land with precision. The terraformers' surfaces were adorned with plating that shimmered faintly, like liquid metal, reflecting the faint sunlight.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Underground conduits and cabling spread outward like roots, connecting to nearby processors in a vast, interwoven network. Each terraformer was equipped with drones that floated around the structures like diligent bees. These drones collected soil samples, scanned for anomalies, and deployed nanotechnology to assist in the terraforming process.
"Let’s see how we’re doing today," she muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the streams of data.
The atmospheric readings displayed a stable trend, the air composition edging closer to habitability. Oxygen levels were at 21%, nitrogen at 78%, and trace gases at optimal levels. However, a small fluctuation in nitrogen levels was noted, a deviation of 0.03%. It wasn’t a cause for immediate concern but required monitoring to prevent any long term impacts.
Moving on to the terraformers, Sylva brought up the terrain diagnostics. The displays rendered a detailed holographic map of the planet, showing areas of transformation in vivid green, while the untouched regions remained a dull brown. Rivers were now flowing in previously arid valleys, their paths carefully planned to provide maximum irrigation. Soil analysis showed an increase in microbial life, a clear indicator that the groundwork for vegetation was successfully laid.
Satisfied but ever cautious, she tapped a series of commands, bringing up a network map of the processors and terraformers. The map displayed a web of connected points spread across the planet’s surface, each representing one of the vital installations. The points pulsed rhythmically
"Everything looks fine," Sylva confirmed, her eyes scanning the final checks. The temperature was stabilizing, oxygen production was steady, and the overall terraforming progress remained on track. "All systems go," she murmured, almost as if reassuring herself as much as the planet.
Despite the encouraging data, she couldn’t ignore the faint sense of unease that lingered. She knew from experience how quickly things could change how one small anomaly could cascade into a larger issue. But for now, the processors and terraformers were working. The planet was one step closer to supporting life, its barren surface slowly giving way to the promise of a new beginning.
"Okay, onto the next one," Sylva said, her voice soft but steady. She walked back to her desk. The routine was ingrained in her mind, as it had been for the past 162 years. "M.I.R.A, send a repair drone to the geothermal conduits and give me a breakdown of the error as well."
M.I.R.A’s voice chimed in.
"Affirmative, user Sylva. Dispatching a repair drone to the geothermal conduits now." A brief pause followed as data began streaming onto Sylva's console. "Initial diagnostics indicate a minor calibration issue in the energy transfer relays. Current efficiency is at 97.7%, below the optimal threshold. Likely causes include microfractures in conduit material or minor obstructions within the flow system. Full analysis will be available once the drone completes its inspection."
Another pause, before M.I.R.A added, "Estimated time for drone arrival: 14 minutes. Would you like to prioritize this task or queue additional maintenance protocols?"
Sylva thought for a moment before giving her response.
"Yes. Prioritize this task and pin Objective 5 to my HUD."
"Understood. Prioritizing repair drone task. Objective 5: Vegetation Growth Analysis in Sector 9-D has been pinned to your HUD."
A soft chime confirmed the update as the HUD in the corner of Sylva's bionic eyes flickered, displaying the new priority.
"Would you like to proceed to Objective 5 now, or await further updates on the geothermal conduit repairs?"
Sylva's gaze lingered on the display for a moment, her fingers tapping absently against the desk as she weighed her options.
"Get the rover ready" she said, standing decisively, but keep me updated on the conduit repairs"
her footsteps echoed faintly against the metal floors. The steady hum of machinery and the faint glow of overhead lights provided a comforting rhythm
Her HUD displayed a glowing marker pointing toward the garage, but it wasn’t necessary. Every corridor and turn was etched into her memory from countless days of routine. As she walked, her tail swayed behind her, stopping at what amounted to a glorified locker room,
As she entered the chamber, the door hissed shut behind her. Rows of lockers and shelves lined the walls, her fingers brushing over the sleek panels as she began gathering her gear.
Her suit hung neatly on its rack, reinforced for exploration in unpredictable environments. She donned it with practiced ease, the material cool against her skin before it adjusted to her body temperature. Each piece clicked into place, the seals hissing softly as they engaged. The built-in systems powered up, syncing with her HUD to display environmental readouts and system diagnostics.
Next came her utility belt, its compartments filled with tools she might need, sample containers, a compact scanner, and a multi-tool. She adjusted it around her waist, ensuring it was secure before pulling on her gloves and boots.
Finally, she retrieved her helmet from its stand. The visor reflected her image back at her a moment of quiet contemplation before she slid it on. The seals engaged with a faint click, the display inside coming to life as it synced with her bionic eyes
"Suits systems operational" M.I.R.A chimed in "ready for external deployment"
"open the doors" Slyva said as she turned toward the exit
As the door to the garage opend a loud *Tunk* echoed through the space signifying the many Florissant lights to turn on illumination revealed the few vehicles that sat in the Center of the garage
Slyva paused at the entrance to the bay, her gaze briefly sweeping across the familiar space. The reinforced walls and carefully placed equipment were a stark contrast to the to the unpredictable wilderness outside
Looking to the rover resting in its dock, the massive six wheeled yet surprisingly agile vehicle aptly named Trailguard. Is a Fortress on Wheels it's top of the line equipment protected with advanced Shields, five inch thick Auto repairing celestSteel armor, and multiple Auto turrets all on standby.the Trailguard line of vehicles was originally made for exploration in active combat zones hence why it is so heavily armored.
Sylva approached Trailguard, her boots echoing softly across the stone floor of the garage. The rover towered above her, for someone as tall as she was, its sheer size was all the more imposing. Its sleek, reinforced frame gleamed under the fluorescent lights
As she climbed the retractable ladder to the cockpit, she ran her hand along the cool, smooth outside surface of the rover. closing the door behind her and Settling into the command seat, she activated the rover’s systems with a flick of her fingers.
The interior came to life, glowing displays and holographic readouts illuminating the cockpit.
Sylva scanned the diagnostics on the main display. Shields were at full capacity, turret systems were armed but on standby, and the sensors were primed for analysis. Everything was in order.
Satisfied with the diagnostics, Sylva took a moment to steady her breathing. The hum of Trailguard’s systems filled the cockpit, a reassuring sound that signaled its readiness.
"Open the bay doors"