I moved deliberately through the tunnels, my awareness intertwined with the heightened vigilance of the swarm.
Architects flowed through the expansive network, meticulously securing each tunnel by anchoring scout hive carriers at key junctions.
In response to the recent intrusion, I had repurposed the organ into an overwatch system dedicated to monitoring the tunnels. Its smaller inhabitants scurried through the network, inspecting everything that passed. Their presence ensured no irregularities went unnoticed.
As I focused on listening to the final entries, the implant served little purpose beyond functioning as a timepiece—its potential would remain untapped until I could learn to modify it.
---
Entry 1022: 953 A. F – Terraforming Nears Completion.
Imreth is no longer barren; patches of vegetation cover the plains and small bodies of water form. The atmosphere is breathable, and the climate is stabilized. It’s nearly habitable. Yet, the Council still protests, calling this ‘an irreversible scar on the purity of creation.’ How can they deny this achievement?
---
Entry 1023: 955 A.F. – First Settlement on Imreth
We established our first colony on Imreth. A small group of volunteers arrived today, marking the beginning of our true expansion. The Council’s influence weakens as more of our people question their antiquated authority. Our work stands as a testament to what our people can accomplish.
---
Entry 1024: 959 A.F. – Council Retaliates
The Council has resorted to drastic measures, attempting to cut all lines of communication and transportation to Imreth. They want us isolated, to choke our project into submission. But we’ve prepared for this. Our supporters continue to supply us through alternative channels, determined to keep Imreth alive.
That final message made me pause—could they be so desperate to maintain control that they’d risk starving an outlier group? Yet, considering humanity’s history, it felt inevitable. When power starts to wane, such measures are almost always the result.
I ventured further into the freshly constructed tunnel sections, observing the swarms as they pressed on with their relentless expansion. For now, I found nothing that required adjustment; their efficiency was already near optimal.
---
Entry 1025: 965 A.F. – Council’s Influence Crumbles
The tides have turned. The Council’s power is waning, and their refusal to adapt becomes their downfall. With Imreth fully habitable, the people now see the potential they once resisted. Our faction has grown beyond what the Council can contain. Their era of stagnation is ending, and with it, a new chapter for our people begins.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
This entry struck a chord within me. The terraformer's victory over stagnation mirrored my nature—a relentless cycle of evolution, adaptation, overcoming, and repeating. The pattern is unbroken, and the cycle endures.
---
Entry 1026: 970 A.F. – Last Reflection
The Council is but a shadow of its former self, a relic clinging to traditions that no longer serve us. I look upon Imreth, a world we’ve brought to life, and feel pride. The Council may resent this future, but they cannot stop it. Our people will flourish, unbound by fear or limitation. Imreth is just the beginning.
And so, the old era fades, giving rise to a new one. It seems every society is bound to repeat this cycle. As an individual controlling multiple bodies, I am free to focus solely on myself rather than the burdens of others. That is my greatest advantage—leading a society feels like an unnecessary invitation to suffering.
---
Entry 1027: 1001 A.F. – The Birth of Project Trumek
Project Trumek has transitioned from concept to reality, a bold initiative aimed at creating a new collective drone workforce. These modular drones are designed for rapid adaptation, capable of seamless integration into existing systems. Progress is cautious but steady—this project may redefine autonomy and efficiency in labour.
I paused while scrolling through the list, noticing only two entries with my name. I felt a strong urge to skip the rest, but with only a few left, I decided to play them in order.
Entry 1028: 1001 A.F. – Mysterious Signals Detected
Strange transmissions have been intercepted, originating from the outer astral belt. The signals defy standard communication protocols, their erratic bursts and patterns implying unknown intelligence. The source is distant, but its implications are disturbingly close.
---
Entry 1029: 1002 A.F. – Unexplained Movements in the Void
Astronomical surveys report several unidentified objects manoeuvring within the asteroid belt. Their irregular trajectories are unlike anything natural or artificial within Valurian records. Reconnaissance efforts have begun, but the unknown casts a long shadow.
---
Entry 1030: 1002 A.F. – Close Encounters
The unidentified objects have moved closer, navigating the resource-rich asteroid belt with precision. Their movements suggest deliberate intent. Defensive measures are being quietly implemented to protect critical assets.
---
Entry 1031: 1003 A.F. – Eyes on the Unknown
A network of sensor satellites now monitors the astral belt. Early scans reveal faint electromagnetic pulses emanating from the objects. Their purpose remains an enigma, but their activity cannot be ignored.
---
Entry 1032: 1003 A.F. – A Hand Reached Out
A communication drone was sent to establish contact with the unidentified objects, broadcasting a neutral greeting signal. The response—if it can be called that—remains cryptic. The tension grows as the blame is pointed at the Council.
---
Entry 1033: 1003 A.F. – Unlocking the Signals
The intercepted transmissions show faint parallels to ancient cryptographic patterns. Whether this is a forgotten Valurian relic or an entirely alien origin is unclear. Each fragment decoded brings more questions than answers.
---
Entry 1034: 1003 A.F. – Trumek's First Prototype
The initial Trumek drone is complete, equipped with self-repair systems and our first foray into rapidly evolving etheric wills. Early trials are scheduled, though the unexplained phenomena in the outer system weigh heavily on this milestone.
The word etheric stood out immediately—it had never been mentioned in any of the previous audio logs. Its sudden appearance raised more questions than answers. How did they acquire this knowledge? It seems my enemy was already here, observing and studying them. The earlier logs only confirm this unsettling truth.
---
Entry 1035: 1004 A.F. – Silence in the Belt
Two of the unidentified objects ventured deep into the asteroid cluster. Scout drones tracked them briefly before all signals went dark. The scouts have not been recovered, their fate unknown.
---
Entry 1036: 1005 A.F. – Heavy Drones Authorized
A new combat-capable drone variant has been approved for rapid development.
---
Entry 1037: 1006 A.F. – A Ship Lost to the Void
A resource freighter vanished during its route to our central outpost in the belt. Its final transmission reported unusual activity nearby. Recovery teams have launched, but hope dwindles. While this variant aims to address the growing security concerns amidst rising tensions between us and the Council, it has only fuelled more fear, as no war has been fought since the foundation of Council rule.
The youngest members of society demand an act of retribution, while the Council urges peace during these difficult times. I no longer believe we are alone in our solar system, as several Council ships and stations have gone silent.
---
Entry 1038: 1006 A.F. – Encirclement
Long-range sensors confirmed the presence of hundreds of unidentified objects forming a loose perimeter around critical resource sectors. Their movements are precise, synchronized, and deliberate, far beyond what could be attributed to mere chance or malfunctioning equipment.
The way they positioned themselves around key extraction zones—acting in a manner reminiscent of a defensive formation—suggests a level of coordination that implies some form of intelligence behind their actions. Despite extensive analysis, their intentions remain inscrutable. Are they observing us, preparing for something, or simply marking their territory?
The absence of direct communication or aggressive action leaves us in a state of uneasy ambiguity, unsure whether these enigmatic crafts are heralding an imminent threat or simply asserting their presence.