UGT: 1st Aether 280 a.G.A. / 07:43 a.m.

  Location: ASF Aurora, in an orbit around Au'Shalis Prime, Clinton's Beak system (red dwarf), Republic of Nox, Second Human Federation, Milky Way

  [ It’s time to wake up, May. We expect Admiral Thorrison to connect with us in around twenty minutes or so. You’ll need to prepare. ]

  A groan escaped my lips as I opened my eyes, blinking against the faint glow of the Bridge's control panels. I was still seated in the Captain's Chair of the ASF Aurora, a place I had apparently made my impromptu bed for the night. I’d completely forgotten to retreat to my quarters after yesterday’s whirlwind of events. Well, too late to complain now. “Fen, what’s the situation outside?” I asked aloud, voice hoarse with some still lingering fatigue. As a High-Aetherian I theoretically didn't need much sleep and had no bigger problems with recovering from exhaustion, but yesterday was a bit... much. "And remember me later that I'm going to the medical station. Time to get truly healed up."

  [ Will do. All in all, it's still comparatively quiet. But the situation on Au'Shalis Prime is escalating. Reports indicate both sides are mobilizing heavier equipment, ranging from artillery and tanks to drones, missiles, and air-defense systems. The Aetherian units maintain technological superiority, but the SHF vastly outnumbers them and has entrenched itself well. Due to the unique nature of Au'Shalis as a ringworld fragment, traditional airstrikes are nearly impossible, forcing the conflict into a war of attrition. Tactics from centuries past are unexpectedly relevant again. ]

  Fen paused for a moment before continuing.

  [ The SHF appears prepared for such tactics, which may buy them time, but not much else. If the war drags on for a year or two, they could theoretically win through sheer numbers. However, the Aetherian sites are still mobilizing reserves, while the SHF has already committed everything they have stationed on Au'Shalis Prime. This imbalance will likely tilt the scales soon. Furthermore, I believe once a central control is established, it won't take long for the Aetherian units to adapt as well. They do have tactics for fighting on a ringworld, they're just not cooperating enough right now to get them to work. ]

  “What about reinforcements from the other ringworld fragments?” I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

  [ They’ll send reinforcements, no doubt, but it won’t be enough to reverse the tide. The Aetherian reserves are bolstered by construction nanites, likely similar but way more advanced to ours. Each meter of territory the Aetherian units reclaim will allow them to mobilize more. The SHF reinforcements might slow the Aetherian advance temporarily, perhaps even regain ground in isolated skirmishes, but it won’t be enough to turn the war in their favor. At best, they’ll buy themselves a few more months. ]

  “Good to know,” I muttered, pulling myself upright. “That means it won’t become a problem for quite some time. I don’t trust the AIs of the Au'Shalis ringworld fragments not to turn on us after what happened at the Aurolin Ruins. Better to keep moving before something or someone slows us down.”

  [ On the bright side, no one has the capacity to act against us right now, nor is anyone likely to notice your involvement anytime soon. We’ve bought ourselves a significant window of operational freedom. ]

  “Small mercies,” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Alright, I’ll get changed and into something more comfortable. No point holding onto yesterday’s grime any longer.”

  [ On that note, I’ve completed cataloging the data we recovered from the Aetherian site. ]

  That piqued my interest. “Anything new or interesting?”

  [ A few significant developments. First, we’ve acquired the blueprint for a compact matter production plant that can be integrated into the ASF Aurora. Additionally, we recovered designs for some ASST equipment. ]

  “Wait, ASST? Remind me what that stands for?” I asked, trying to recall what Fen had explained once before.

  [ ASST stands for Aetherian Space-Security Troops. They were essentially the Aetherian Empire’s planetary army, responsible for surface-level operations and close-quarters combat. The ASF meanwhile handled any space engagements, with Aetherian Marines bridging the gap for boarding operations. The ASST, however, was in charge of all planetary and ringworld military operations. ]

  “And we found ASST blueprints? Makes sense, I guess, since this used to be a ringworld under their control. So, what exactly did we get?”

  [ Two versatile military tools, a three-in-one handheld weapon, and a standard ASST combat spacesuit. With the matter production plant, we’ll be able to produce all of them onboard the ASF Aurora. ]

  I perked up instantly, the exhaustion melting away. “A good weapon, protective gear, and tools to make life easier? Count me in! This will make leaving the ASF Aurora much safer next time. How long until everything’s ready?”

  [ I’ve already begun work. Everything should be complete within 48 hours. ]

  “Perfect,” I said, smiling as I finished changing into fresh clothes. Now, it was time to get back to the Bridge and prepare for the meeting with Admiral Thorrison. “Fen, how long until the meeting starts?”

  [ ETA until the connection is currently 07:04 minutes. You should make it in time. ]

  Very good. I didn’t want being late to become a habit. "So… anything else you want to update me on while we have time?" I asked him. Fen’s voice paused for a moment, an unusual hesitation in his usually confident tone.

  [ Well… nothing pressing or directly relevant to our current objectives, but there’s something I’ve been analyzing that you should probably be aware of. I’ve been reflecting on why the Aetherian site resisted you so aggressively. It really shouldn’t have gone to that extent. And I believe I’ve pinpointed a very likely explanation. One we hadn’t considered until now. And one you definitly won't like. ]

  I straightened in my seat, already bracing for bad news. “Just tell me, Fen. Facts don’t change whether I’m informed about them or not. I’d rather face the truth than stumble around in the dark.”

  [ Understood. As you know, in human years, you’re currently 19. By Federation standards, you’ve been an adult for over a year now. However, even among humans, individuals under 20 are often seen as young, inexperienced and practically children in many contexts, despite legal adulthood. The only reason Admiral Thorrison takes your seriously is because he guesses you to be more around your mid-twenties, I believe. And even than, he likely thinks you to young for your command. ]

  I frowned but let him continue. I never really thought of my age as such a problem.

  [ Here’s where it gets tricky. As you know, by Aetherian Empire law, maturity wasn’t reached until 24 cycles, equivalent to about 36 human years. From an Aetherian perspective, you’re not just young. You’re still seen as a child, barely halfway to what they’d consider adulthood. And your years in cryostasis? They don’t count. To the Aetherian systems, you’re a minor waving around credentials you’re not old enough to wield. ]

  The realization hit like a punch to the gut. “Fen… are you telling me that the Aetherian site didn’t recognize my authority because, in its eyes, I was just a kid pretending to be in charge? A child stealing access codes from their parents, so to say?” My voice was cold, sharp, and laced with disbelief.

  [ Unfortunately… yes. Aetherian systems would not accept orders from someone they deem underage unless they had supervision. I suspect the same applied to the ASF Starfire and ASO-17309, but since you’re the only Aetherian I’ve successfully revived and the one registered with the highest priority in the system, I don't have a precedent to compare you to. ]

  I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as frustration bubbled to the surface. “So, because of some ancient laws from a long-dead empire, I can’t use the very technology I need to rebuild said empire. Fantastic. Just fantastic.”

  [ It’s not entirely hopeless. The Inheritor-Protocols grant you access regardless of your age. However, other Aetherian AIs, like the one at the site, rely on their directives, which include biological scans. If they detect your age, they are unable to support you, no matter your credentials. The Inheritor-Protocols, in this case, seem unable or unwilling to override those restrictions. ]

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Can we work around it?” I asked, my voice quieter now, tinged with exhaustion.

  [ Yes. In theory, as long as you avoid being scanned, you can assume control of Aetherian systems without issue. Once they recognize you as a legitimate Inheritor, they can’t revoke that recognition, even if they later learn your true age. ]

  I let out a deep sigh, slumping slightly in my seat. “So, what you’re saying is that I could control Aetherian technology as long as I keep playing this ridiculous game of cat and mouse with their sensors? Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.”

  [ I wish I had better news. But there’s something else you should know. My knowledge of the Inheritor-Protocols is incomplete. I’m a fusion of two fractured AIs and much of my understanding of Aetherian systems is patchwork at best. It’s possible there’s a solution within the Protocols that I simply haven’t uncovered yet. ]

  “That’s not your fault, Fen. We’ve both been dealt a bad hand, and we’re doing the best we can with it,” I said, forcing a small smile despite my frustration. “But let’s focus on what we can control. You’re saying that, theoretically, I could maintain authority as long as I’m not scanned first?”

  [ Correct. Once you’re seen as a legitimate Inheritor, your control is absolute, regardless of your age. ]

  I nodded, though my thoughts were conflicted. “I… don’t know how I feel about seeking help from other Aetherians now. Knowing they’d see me as nothing more than a child… it doesn’t sit right with me. I know I’ll need their support, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that I’ll be underestimated or dismissed outright.”

  [ It’s a valid concern. But that’s a bridge we’ll cross when we come to it. For now, we have a strategy. ]

  By the time I reached the Bridge and dropped into the Captain’s Chair, my thoughts were still swirling, though I felt a measure of resolve returning. “What’s the time, Fen?”

  [ Currently, it’s 07:59:34 a.m. Admiral Thorrison should be connecting any minu- there it is. Do you want me to put him through? ]

  I waved dismissively. “Go ahead. We knew this meeting was coming.”

  [ You’re live… now! ]

  Instantly, the holoscreen blinked to life, displaying Admiral Thorrison in all his imposing presence. His expression, as sharp and deliberate as always, made it clear that he was already deep into tactical considerations. I offered a polite smile, hoping to cut through any early tension based on our last meeting. "Admiral, a pleasure to see you again. Did you have a restful sleep?"

  To my surprise, his eyes narrowed slightly, his posture stiffening as though I had struck a nerve. “Captain Lunaris,” he began, his voice measured but carrying an edge of suspicion, “so you do know… somehow.” He waved a hand dismissively before I could ask for clarification. “Whatever the case, it’s irrelevant to us at this moment. Yes, we’ll have to adjust for fewer ground forces supporting the assault on the Association enclave, but it shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. We’ll simply employ more extensive pacification tactics.”

  I blinked, thrown by his abrupt transition. What exactly was I supposed to know? He wasn’t offering any context and I didn’t feel like pressing the matter when I could piece together the essentials from his tone and phrasing. I settled for a noncommittal nod.

  “Well then, Admiral,” I said smoothly, steering the conversation back to familiar ground, “enlighten me on this master plan of yours for taking over the planets. Normally, First Federation approach would involve orbital bombardment until any potential threats to our backlines were neutralized, leaving the mop-up to our occupation forces. I imagine the SHF has refined their strategies for these more... ‘civilian’ times, as you’ve called it?”

  Admiral Thorrison’s lips twitched, a brief glimmer of irritation crossing his face. “We destroy military and industrial targets first,” he explained, his tone clipped as though delivering a lecture. “Then, we land on the planet and eliminate key leadership by cutting off the head of the snake, so to speak. From there, we recruit collaborators to establish a temporary government, leave behind a contingent of drones for stabilization, and move on. This approach freezes local resistance long enough for proper occupation forces to arrive.”

  He leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. “The strategy preserves planetary infrastructure and minimizes the time spent securing each target. It's an efficient operation that ensures minimal disruption to the larger campaign. You’re no stranger to the value of time in space combat, Captain.”

  I had to admit, the tactic had its merits. It was pragmatic, focused and left the planet largely intact. It was a stark contrast to my own inclination toward overwhelming displays of force. In a galaxy as fragmented and resource-hungry as ours, the SHF’s approach made sense. That said, I wasn’t convinced it would work for me.

  “A sound tactic,” I conceded, though my tone remained neutral. “It reflects a more measured approach, which I can respect. But I imagine it also hinges on maintaining control through influence rather than fear. That’s not always an option. A planet where the majority of the population harbors hostility toward its ruler is a liability. Well, unless that ruler wields overwhelming strength. Unfortunately, the Federation is not in a position to project that kind of power right now.”

  Thorrison nodded, though his expression betrayed no real agreement. “I see your point, but our objectives differ. The SHF seeks integration, not annihilation. We’re after wealth and territory, not the destruction of potential assets. This is not an exitential all-out war, however it may look. Otherwise the SHF would have already fallen.”

  I waved the point away, unwilling to debate the finer details of philosophy. “Fair enough. For now, I’ll follow your lead. Literally. Once we enter Association space, I believe it’s prudent for the FSF Aurora to hold back. We’ll involve ourselves as necessary, but I don’t intend for this ship to become your battering ram. We’ve got antimatter reserves to conserve, after all, whereas I assume you’ve fully resupplied?”

  Thorrison’s expression shifted, a rare grin breaking through his otherwise stoic demeanor. “Better than that, Captain. The local ringworld fragments have stockpiles of antimatter sufficient to last decades. I informed them of our plans, and they’ve sent a freighter loaded with contained antimatter to accompany us. We won’t have to worry about shortages for quite some time. Once we have an extended stop, we can even transfer some to you. The process isn’t quick, but it’s entirely feasible.”

  Instantly I became suspicious, my mind racing with the hidden intentions and meaning of Admiral Thorrison's offer. Fen, is he telling the truth? And is it even safe for us to accept that offer?

  [ While our antimatter reserves aren’t critically low, they currently stand at 68% capacity, having started this mission at just 75%. It’s not an emergency, but topping off our reserves would be a strategic advantage given the mission’s potential duration and unpredictability. However, transferring antimatter is not a trivial task. Even a momentary lapse in stability between the containment zones could result in catastrophic consequences. The process must be handled with precision and care, though it is entirely feasible. Based on current protocols, I estimate it would take approximately half a day to complete. ]

  [ The risks are minimal if everything proceeds as designed. The transfer process is fully automated on both ends and no personnel are permitted near the containment zones. The primary concern lies in the necessity of docking with the freighter. Such proximity creates an opportunity for sabotage or even a boarding attempt. That said, our onboard security units provide a formidable defense and it’s highly unlikely they could successfully breach our systems. ]

  I took a moment to absorb Fen’s analysis, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. Finally, I nodded, coming to a decision. “Very well, then,” I said aloud, my tone steady. “We’ll accept the antimatter, but only when we make a sufficiently long stop. As you pointed out, we’re venturing into hostile territory and opportunities for safe transfer might be scarce. For now, it’s a contingency.”

  Admiral Thorrison inclined his head slightly, acknowledging my response with a faint smile. “Prudent as always, Captain. If there’s nothing else pressing, I’ll take my leave. I assume you have more pressing matters to attend to, but I trust you’ve got your crew well in hand?”

  I crossed my arms and gave him a pointed look. “The crew remembered how to behave, Admiral. My authority aboard the FSF Aurora is unchallenged.”

  “Good,” he replied, his voice firm but with a trace of amusement. “In that case, I bid you farewell, Captain Lunaris. May your efforts bring glory to us both.” A traditional SHF farewell. Of course he would try that.

  “And to you, Admiral Thorrison,” I said, straightening slightly. “May the cosmic tides guide us to victory.” With a small motion, I signaled Fen to pause the stream.

  [ Back to traditional farewells, are we? ]

  I smiled faintly, leaning back in my chair. “They suit me better, and the Admiral needed a subtle reminder that I represent the First Federation, not the Second. He just tried to have me use an SHF farewell, planned or not. Now shoo. Go ahead and get in touch with the Admiral. That’s your job as my "CO", after all. I’ll be busy reviewing our construction nanite blueprints in the meantime.”

  [ Our self-made designs. They’re not exactly up to par for the grand plans you’re brewing, are they? ]

  I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Not even close. We do have a nanite production plant aboard the FSF Aurora, don’t we?”

  [ We do, though it’s a modest facility. With the support of our matter production plant, it should be operational. However, I must remind you by your own directive, that you never wanted to involve yourself with nanites again. And I was to make sure you remember that. ]

  A rueful smile tugged at my lips as I leaned forward. “I remember what I said, Fen. But plans evolve and necessity dictates action. The truly advanced nanites the ASF Aurora currently has are limited to combat applications. Obviously useful, but insufficient for what I have in mind. I’ll start with those as a baseline and work on upgrading our frankly abysmal construction nanite designs. They’ll need to be leagues better if we’re to meet the challenges ahead.”

  [ If you’re certain, then so be it. Good luck, Captain. Let me know if you require my assistance. ]

  “Will do,” I replied, glancing at the holoscreen one last time before turning to my console. “Thanks, Fen.”

  [ You’re welcome, May. ]

  With that, I delved into the files, already envisioning the upgrades our nanites would need. If this mission was going to succeed, innovation would be my greatest weapon.