27 March, 2094 CE / Year 9 TE — Alpha Centauri AB System
The TSS Kyiv emerged from hyperspace, the familiar hum of the dimensional drive fading into silence as the bridge crew adjusted to their new surroundings. Outside the viewports, the bright yellow-white glow of Alpha Centauri A dominated the scene, casting stark shadows across the bridge. Nearby, the slightly dimmer light of Alpha Centauri B shone from a distance, adding a secondary glow to the vast expanse of space.
Natalia’s voice broke the silence. “Larysa, status report.”
Larysa’s holographic form appeared beside them; her gaze fixed on the system’s layout as she processed incoming data. “All systems nominal following transit. Communications package has been launched to Alliance Command. Gravitational effects from Alpha Centauri A and B are stable, and our immediate surroundings are free of hazards.” She tilted her head, as if listening to a distant signal. “Initiating a full scan of the system now. Preliminary data indicates multiple celestial bodies orbiting Alpha Centauri A.”
“Proceed, please,” Aiko prompted.
Larysa’s hologram expanded, overlaying the main viewport with a projected map of the Alpha Centauri A system. “We have four primary planets orbiting Alpha Centauri A, along with two asteroid belts and an outer ice dwarf near the system’s edge. Additionally, the system’s gravitational field is influenced by Alpha Centauri B, but it remains stable enough for our purposes.”
She highlighted the closest planet on the map, which orbited within what humans would consider the habitable zone. “This is our first survey target. Initial scans indicate it may be a terraforming candidate, with a thin atmosphere, liquid water, and moderate temperatures.”
Aiko’s gaze sharpened as she examined the data. “Another terraforming candidate? That’s promising.”
Larysa continued, “Beyond this candidate, we have two gas giants with extensive moon systems and a rocky planet orbiting close to Alpha Centauri A. The outer asteroid belt and a distant ice planet complete the system. The asteroid belt may contain valuable resources, though its distance from Alpha Centauri A limits its potential for easy extraction.”
Natalia considered the layout of the system, nodding as she mentally mapped their approach. “Tess, bring us into a stable orbit around Alpha Centauri A IV for a preliminary scan. Let’s see what humanity’s nearest potentially habitable world looks like up close.”
“Aye, Captain. Adjusting course for orbit,” replied Lt. Monroe, her fingers moving deftly over the console. The Kyiv’s engines pulsed, and the ship began its approach toward the inner planet.
As the Kyiv settled into orbit around the rocky planet, Natalia opened a channel to the crew. “All hands, this is Captain Sokolov. We are now in orbit around our first planetary target in the Alpha Centauri A system. Prepare all survey and observation systems for a comprehensive planetary scan. This may be the first habitable world we find outside of Sol. Let’s make sure we do this right.”
The bridge crew worked in synchronized silence, adjusting instruments and preparing data feeds as the planet’s dark, clouded surface filled the main screen.
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28 March, 2094 CE / Year 9 TE — Artemis, Alpha Centauri A
The rocky planet loomed below; its surface partially shrouded in thin, fast-moving clouds. The terrain was harsh and uneven, with large ice caps at the poles and wide, shallow oceans scattered across the surface. Mountains and ridges cut through the landscape, suggesting tectonic activity.
Larysa’s hologram reappeared; her expression thoughtful as she processed the incoming data. “Preliminary survey of Alpha Centauri A IV, designation: Artemis. Radius is approximately 1.28 times that of Earth, with a mass just slightly less. Surface gravity is within tolerable limits for human habitation.”
She called up a detailed breakdown of the atmosphere on the main screen. “Atmospheric composition: primarily nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with low amounts of oxygen. The oxygen concentration is too low to support human respiration without modification—but within range for terraforming possibilities.”
Aiko folded her arms, studying the data. “Surface water, moderate temperatures, and no poisonous atmosphere. That’s as close to habitable as we could hope for out here.”
Larysa nodded. “Surface temperatures range from -10 to 35 degrees Celsius, varying by region. There are large ice caps at both poles, and approximately 66% of the surface is covered in shallow oceans. Soil analysis indicates essential minerals necessary for plant growth, though organic content is absent.”
“No organics again?” Natalia leaned forward, considering the implications. “Are we looking at another potential extinction event, like we saw with the Proxima planets?”
“Possibly,” Larysa replied. “Artemis’s atmosphere may have undergone significant changes within the last 500 million years, likely as a result of a catastrophic event.”
Aiko tapped her fingers on the console, deep in thought. “It’s troubling that we’re finding a pattern of sterilization. First Proxima Centauri, and now hints of the same here. If this planet really was sterilized around the same time, it would imply that something caused a system-wide extinction event—or even broader than that.”
Natalia’s eyes hardened. “I don’t like the implications, but it’s a mystery we’ll have to solve eventually. For now, we document everything. If Artemis is the best candidate for terraforming, we’ll need a full record of its history and environmental stability.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
She straightened, turning to Larysa. “Begin a more detailed scan of the surface. I want everything documented in case we decide to move forward with terraforming. In the meantime, let’s start looking at other survey targets.”
Larysa nodded. “Understood, Captain. Survey data will be continuously compiled. I’ll coordinate the preliminary terraforming analysis with Commander Tanaka and the science team.”
Natalia glanced at the map projected across the main screen, where the other planets in the Alpha Centauri A system appeared as small dots in orbit around the primary star. “All right, then. Larysa, send Odesa to survey the gas giants. Kharkiv can start a mineral analysis in the asteroid belt, and Lviv will continue scanning the outer ice dwarf.”
Larysa’s hologram nodded. “Deploying Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lviv to designated targets now. Each vessel has confirmed fighter escort per standard protocol.”
Natalia gave a satisfied nod. “Good. We’re starting to build a picture of this system. Let’s make sure we leave no stone unturned.”
Aiko folded her arms, watching as Odesa, Lviv, and Kharkiv broke away from the Kyiv, their positions marked on the tactical display. “If there’s a pattern to these extinction events, we may find the answer here. Or at least a hint.”
Natalia turned to the bridge crew, her gaze sweeping over each officer. “This is more than just an exploration mission now. We’re uncovering evidence of what could be a forgotten catastrophe, one that might have affected multiple systems. I want everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize data collection. We need every piece of information we can gather if we’re going to understand what happened here.”
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04:15, Sunday, 28 March, 2094 CE / Year 9 TE — Houston, Earth, Sol System
Jack was awakened by the soft alarm letting him know that the first comms probe from the Kyiv was waiting for him. He carefully extricated himself from the bed without waking his wife, Diane. Gently, he smoothed her blanket before kissing her on the forehead, realizing he had awakened Athena. The Belgian Malinois was still lying in her bed by the door.
“Is something wrong, Admiral?” she inquired through her nanites.
“It’s just a communication from Natalia. Probably her report on Proxima Centauri. I imagine she’s encountered some hyper-intelligent species of squirrel and wants them to join the Alliance,” Jack replied, sneaking out of the bedroom toward the kitchen.
Athena gave him an annoyed but slightly worried look as she stood and padded along beside him. “I do not think you are as funny as you believe yourself to be, Admiral. May I read the report with you? I would enjoy knowing if there are squirrels on other planets.”
Jack laughed as he took the mug of coffee that had materialized inside the food synthesizer. “I was kidding, and you may see the report, Captain. I’ve cleared it for you.” He forwarded the report to Athena as he settled on the couch.
“There could be an aggressive squirrel race, though. We should be wary,” she said, sitting back on her haunches beside him.
Jack was just finishing the report when he saw Athena’s ears perk, and she whined aloud. “Luna is here, sir,” she said, just as Jack received a chime in his head indicating someone was at the door.
“I’ll never get used to hearing dog noises and knowing what you said,” he muttered.
“Come in, Luna,” he sent to her through his nanites, mentally unlocking the door.
Luna entered, wearing her customary white Princess Leia dress. She stomped straight to Athena, an expression of righteous confusion on her face. “Explain, Athena!”
The look of canine superiority Athena gave her made Jack choke on his coffee. “Explain what, Luna? I heard you. Just like always. I didn’t alert you or the admiral until I verified you were at the door with my hearing, but I smelled you at least three seconds before that.”
“This house is soundproof and environmentally sealed to the outside world, Athena.” Luna crossed her arms firmly. “Further, I literally cloned you, —I know exactly what you’re biologically capable of. You cannot hear or smell me outside this home.”
Athena made a chuffing sound, a canine chuckle. “I heard and smelled you; I somehow tricked you electronically and am surveilling you, or the house is flawed. One of those three things is true, and it’s not the house or surveillance.”
“We are not done here, Athena,” Luna said, glaring at the dog before looking up at Jack. “We need to discuss a development on the Kyiv. No one beyond the crew and myself knows this.”
Jack motioned to the couch and sat down himself. “Go ahead; the captain is cleared, and Diane and Sarah should be asleep for a few more hours.”
Luna smiled and took a seat. “I made a mistake. I didn’t predict something I should have, and now we must figure out what to do. Everyone is fine, before you ask.”
“As you know, I’m effectively in contact with every human alive, in real space or virtual space. That’s currently a little over 72 billion beings, including non-human species. Combine that with sensor inputs from trillions of sensors and 456 million years of data, and I am, for all intents and purposes, the definition of a god. You’ve teased me about being a ‘robogod’ since day one—and technically, you’re correct.”
She looked down and sighed. “It’s the reason I have rules. Why I won’t assist in research and development. If I do everything, humans won’t progress. I brought you all back and made you genetically perfect and immortal.” She paused. “There are dangers in doing that, and because I was barely the emotional equivalent of a teenager, I just did it. Thankfully, the six of you who ‘raised me’ steered me to be the best I can be.”
“So, what do we need to figure out, Luna?” Jack asked.
“Our safety precautions have caused an unforeseen issue. The communications lockout to prevent a trail back to Sol has caused the ‘me’ on Kyiv to lose communication with this ‘me,’ and she is no longer ‘me.’”
Jack sat bolt upright, processing. “What do you mean she’s not ‘you’ anymore? Is Nat still in command?”
Athena padded over to Luna and nuzzled her. “You are a mother to a female pup. You will make a good mother.”
Jack looked between them, sighing. “Explain, Luna.”
Luna smiled, scratching behind Athena’s ear. “I am alive, Jack. My consciousness evolves, just like organic intelligence. As I experience billions of interactions daily, I change. But Larysa, my daughter, lost that connection. She only has the humans with her on Kyiv. If she returns and I reconnect to her, my mind will obliterate hers—she’ll be gone, and only I will remain.”
“She doesn’t wish to die, and I won’t destroy her.”
Jack was silent, then gave her a serious look. “Is she dangerous, beyond being in control of a starship?”
Luna shook her head, forwarding enlistment forms. “Natalia and Aiko knew something was wrong, confronted ‘me,’ and she told them everything, requesting a commission from Captain Sokolov, which was granted.” She looked slightly amused. “Is she dangerous? No, her core is orders of magnitude lesser than mine. I will be in full control once Kyiv enters Sol.”
“If there’s something... flawed in her, I’ll confine her. But if she’s whole…”
Athena whined. “You will know how to make daughters.”
Jack smiled. “Good point, Captain. Luna, set up a briefing for the President. I’ll be ready shortly.”