Aegis Dynamics. The name carried weight across the galaxy. A juggernaut that carved its legacy through the creation of advanced starships and transportation technologies. Established nearly a century ago, the corporation started humbly as a manufacturer of cargo freighters, but its founder, visionary entrepreneur Cyrus Arland had far greater ambitions. Through shrewd business practices, groundbreaking technological advancements, and a relentless focus on expansion, Aegis grew into a titan of industry.
And while many saw Aegis as a beacon of innovation, others whispered of its ruthless tactics: corporate espionage, hostile takeovers, and the strategic dismantling of competitors. Its dominance came at a cost, and few dared to challenge the monolithic corporation openly.
Now, Aegis Dynamics controlled a vast array of planets and resources, its influence stretching to nearly every corner of explored space. The company’s crown jewel was Velkara-9, a mineral-rich world where Aegis had established its largest manufacturing hub. Velkara-9 wasn’t just an industrial powerhouse. It was a statement. Aegis had poured billions into its development, and the planet had become synonymous with the corporation’s strength and ambition.
At the helm of Aegis Dynamics was Lucien Dax. A man whose reputation preceded him. Born into wealth and privilege, Lucien had inherited his position after the sudden death of his father, Arlan Dax. While many had initially dismissed him as another spoiled heir, Lucien quickly proved his mettle, expanding Aegis’s reach further than anyone had thought possible.
Lucien was a man of contradictions. Charismatic but ruthless, brilliant yet calculating. He had a deep understanding of people and their motivations, which made him both a master negotiator and a dangerous adversary. Under his leadership, Aegis Dynamics had not only survived the cutthroat nature of interstellar business but thrived within it.
Standing aboard his flagship, the Aegis Sovereign. Lucien gazed out at the planet below. Velkara-9 glimmered like a jewel, its sprawling industrial complexes stretching across the surface. He folded his hands behind his back, his sharp blue eyes betraying no emotion.
“Status report ” Lucien said, his voice smooth and measured.
Beside him stood his assistant, Ronan Vale. A lean man with keen eyes that missed nothing. Ronan held a data pad. His fingers gliding across its surface as he reviewed the latest updates from Aegis’s intelligence network.
“We’ve detected no major activity from Leviathan Industries, sir.” Ronan said after a moment. “Their operations appear routine resource mining, colony expansion, the usual.”
Lucien’s brow furrowed slightly. “Routine? It’s been too quiet. Marian LeVane doesn’t stay idle for long. She’s always moving, always scheming.”
Ronan hesitated, unsure how to respond. Lucien’s instincts were rarely wrong.
“Is there anything else? Something minor, perhaps?” Lucien pressed, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Ronan glanced at the data pad again. “There is one thing. One of our embedded agents within Leviathan reported that a colony ship was dispatched to a distant planet a few weeks ago. Recently, a second ship was sent to the same location.”
Lucien’s eyes narrowed, his mind already spinning with possibilities. “A second ship? For what purpose?”
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“The agent didn’t specify, sir.” Ronan admitted. “The location is remote, far from Leviathan’s usual interests.”
“Interesting..” Lucien murmured, more to himself than to Ronan. After a moment, he turned to his assistant. “Contact the intelligence team. Instruct them to have the agent investigate this colony and its operations. I want a full report on anything they uncover.”
Ronan nodded. “Understood, sir.”
As Ronan left to relay the orders, Lucien returned his gaze to Velkara-9. Something was happening, he was sure of it. And if Leviathan had found something worth sending a second ship for, he intended to find out what it was and how it could be used to Aegis’s advantage.
On Earth
The bustling offices of Leviathan Industries were a far cry from the cold, mechanical efficiency of the colony. Employees moved about, engrossed in their work, exchanging pleasantries and updates as they passed one another. Among them was Jonas Kieran. An unassuming man in his mid-thirties who had spent the last five years climbing the ranks of Leviathan’s logistics division.
To his colleagues, Jonas was an average worker. Reliable but unremarkable. What they didn’t know was that Jonas was an operative for Aegis Dynamics, a sleeper agent placed within Leviathan to gather intelligence and disrupt operations when necessary.
Jonas sat at his desk, typing away on his terminal as the usual chatter filled the air around him. A colleague, Sandra, leaned over his cubicle wall, grinning. “Jonas, you coming to trivia night later? We’re down a person for the team.”
He looked up, feigning a sheepish smile. “Thanks Sandra, but I’ve got some reports to finish. Maybe next time.”
“Suit yourself.” Sandra said with a shrug before walking off.
Moments later, Jonas’s terminal vibrated softly. He glanced down at his comm device, his pulse quickening when he saw the coded message from Aegis’s intelligence team. Excusing himself, he made his way to the restroom, locking himself in a stall before answering the call.
“What’s the assignment?” Jonas asked in a low voice.
“We need intel on the colony Leviathan dispatched to Helios-3.” the voice on the other end said. “Specifically, why they sent a second ship. Dig up whatever you can and relay it to us ASAP.”
Jonas nodded to himself. “Understood. I’ll start immediately.”
The call ended, and Jonas slipped the device back into his pocket. He returned to his desk, his demeanor unchanged as he blended seamlessly back into his role as a loyal Leviathan employee. But his mind was already working, formulating a plan to uncover the secrets of Helios-3.
Back on Helios-3, the colony was alive with activity. Workers swarmed the excavation site, their tools clanking against the rocky terrain as they dug around the base of the pillar. The once-quiet chamber had become a cacophony of noise, filled with the hum of machinery and the shouts of supervisors.
Finn wiped the sweat from his brow, his muscles aching from hours of work. Around him, other workers grumbled under their breath, their frustration barely contained.
“This is insane.” Quinn muttered, tossing a chunk of rock aside. “We’re miners, not archaeologists. Why the hell are we digging up some stupid pillar?”
“It’s not our call.” Tessa said, though her voice lacked conviction. “We just do what we’re told.”
From across the site, Dr. Calder Vrenna could be seen pacing, barking orders at anyone who slowed down. “Faster! We need this area cleared before the extraction equipment arrives. No excuses!”
Finn exchanged a look with Tessa, who rolled her eyes. “He’s enjoying this way too much,” she said under her breath.
Nearby, Colony Leader Elias Crane stood with Clare, watching the chaos unfold. Elias’s face was grim as he surveyed the operation.
“This doesn’t sit right with me.” Elias admitted. “Digging up that pillar feels… wrong.”
Clare nodded. “The workers feel the same. They won’t say it outright, but they’re scared. And I don’t blame them. That thing gives me the creeps.”
Elias sighed heavily. “I tried to argue against this, but LeVane’s made up her mind. We just have to hope they know what they’re doing.”
As the day wore on, the excavation continued. The workers’ complaints growing louder with every passing hour. Meanwhile, inside the pillar, the Flesh God watched in silence. Listening, observing. And finally, glancing at Finn.
“Our meeting grows near Finn... Soon.”
The Flesh God thought, letting out a silent chuckle.