Gunther-2, February 23, 2088, 1 day later
8:03 AM
The jungle hung heavy around them, its verdant canopy casting dappled shadows on the ground. The research expedition team, comprised of the teams led by Dr. Harris and Dr. Mitchell, pushed forward, their boots sinking into the occasional patches of soft earth. The air was thick with humidity and the distant calls of local wildlife echoed through the trees. The teams were escorted by Lieutenant Carter and his platoon, as usual. Their objective? More digging. Their current mission -- to examine another two ancient spots; a cave entrance to another tunnel system at a mountain, and a buried village, whose entrances and presence were detected and identified by airborne SAR and magnetometry.
"Let's split up," Dr. Harris said. "We'll examine the buried village. Good luck, and uh, keep me updated with the area." She added.
Mitchell nodded. "Aight, we'll keep tabs shortly." He responded, turning to his team after. "Let's go to the tunnels."
As they ventured deeper into the depths of the jungle, the team and their JNMF escorts arrived at the area where a natural cave that leads to a series of narrow, creature-made tunnels carved into the earth, right beside the foot of a mountain. Dr. Mitchell and his team went inside, their head lights and eventually their floodlights illuminating through the increasing darkness.
Sarah once again placed down her laser tunnel scanning apparatus, blasting beams of photons throughout the tunnels as she begins to map the tunnel. LiDar drones prepared by the other members flew in deeper into the mining tunnel, surveying it before the team proceeds.
"Carriages, skeletons, bugs…" One of the members said, operating a rugged laptop that analyzes and interprets the obtained data from the drone. "We got more ores, too. Mostly iron, copper and tin. Bronze, silver, and Auroragems are also present."
Dr. Mitchell's interest was palpable as he walked further alongside the team. "So, this is just a mining site." He said, also taking imagery of his findings. One of the decayed wooden crates were half-filled with blue, non-glowing gems. These strange gems were codenamed 'Auroragems', it's supposed illumination characterized by it's glow that almost resembles that of an aurora borealis .
"These Auroragems are not glowing." A surveyor added. "These must've been utilized by the time of it's extraction."
"Couldn't have been more true." Dr. Mitchell replied as he knelt down on another skeleton with what seems to be a broken staff on his hand. "Suggests the occurrence of some kind of a desperate fight against bugs, as evident by the chitin remains."
"Here Mitchell, look at this one." Sarah interjected as she tossed a spike-shaped rock towards Mitchell's waiting hand.
"Of course. Bloody Wizardry." Mitchell said as he inspected the spike shaped rock.
"Some other rocks laying around were almost spherical with tiny spikes on them, sir." A young member added.
Mitchell examined the spherical rocks, picking the smallest one. "Blunt-force trauma against bugs' exterior. Works well against armor."
Sarah, still scanning with her apparatus, interrupted. "I'm picking up another chamber ahead. It's larger and seems to contain a significant amount of metallic objects."
"Let's move," Mitchell said, nodding to the group. They proceeded cautiously, the tunnel opening up into a tavern. The walls adorned with what seemed to be torch holders.
"This mine is quite sizeable," Sarah said. "And I suppose this tavern serves to be some sort of a leisure spot for tired miners." She added.
In the middle of the tavern stood a large, wide table, it's wooden legs decayed and broken. Laid down towards it's broken surface was a skeleton, clad in what remained of regal armor. At its feet lay more of the mysterious spike-shaped rocks and spherical weapons.
"This must have been a high ranking man of some sorts," Mitchell whispered, awe in his voice. He approached the throne, careful not to disturb the remains. "Probably someone equivalent to a centurion or a mareschal by ancient solian standards."
As they explored the tavern, they discovered more clues about the ancient society. There were dilapidated stone tablets, covered in strange glyphs and diagrams. A young archaeologist carefully collected samples, using specialized tools to avoid damage.
"Dr. Mitchell, these writings might give us insight into their language and culture," she said, blowing the dust off an intact tablet.
Mitchell nodded and viewed the photograph of the samples. "Pictographic writing… The same ones we found from those dead travellers' remains in Gunther 1." He commented. "Catalog everything. This could be one of the most significant finds of our field."
Documenting every detail, the LiDar drones continued to map the tunnels and caverns, revealing even more passages and chambers. Each discovery added another piece to the puzzle of the ancient people that once thrived within Gunther 2.
As the hours passed, the atmosphere in the tunnel shifted. The sense of discovery was evident, but so was the weight of history. The team members knew they were walking among the remnants of a small society that had faced its end with courage and resilience.
Lieutenant Carter's voice crackled over the radio. "Dr. Harris's team reports they've found something significant at the foot of the mountain near the buried village. More dead skeletons, but there's presence of bronze bladed weapons. Seems like a huge fight took place there."
Mitchell nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities. "Noted." He said before muttering to himself. "This day just keeps getting better."
As they prepared to leave, Mitchell took one last look at the regal skeleton on the table. "Rest in peace, soldier." he murmured.
Dr. Mitchell turned to his team members once again. "Alright guys, we'll wrap up from here and report back the findings to NAA. This part of the island is brimming with resources."
The team gathered their equipment and began the trek back through the tunnel, their minds buzzing with the day's discoveries. They knew their findings would shed new light on the ancient world and its untold stories. The jungle outside awaited them, its dense canopy promising even more mysteries yet to be uncovered.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Buried Village, Gunther 2
The morning sun painted the mountainside in hues of gold and amber. The area, scarred by dozens of centuries of wind and rain, stood defiant against the elements. Here, where flyers soared and mountain critters treaded carefully, the ancient village lay hidden—a settlement etched into the very stone. The ancient village had hewed its existence from the very rock face. Their homes, at least from what was shown on the readings from ground penetrating radars, are part-cave dwellings carved into the steep slope of the mountainside, which, over time, have been buried underneath a substantial layer of earth. Each dwelling was a testament to their resourcefulness, a harmonious blend of simple architecture and geology. Lieutenant Carter's platoon of marines secured a perimeter around the site.
Dr. Harris stood on the ground beside the foot of the mountain, her gloved hands gripping her tools. The spider excavators worked tirelessly at the steep, uneven, part-rock, part-jungle mountainside behind her, their scoops scraping away layers of earth. As the soil shifted, something of what was expected emerged—a skeletal hand, its bones bleached by time.
"Ma'am, look," a worker called out, his voice hushed. "Bodies, ancient dwellers. Probably warriors."
Indeed, the area had hidden more than dwellings. The remains of these long-forgotten defenders lay intertwined—a testament to courage and sacrifice. Their leather armor, fragmented and worn down by time itself—clung to their bones. As the personnel dug more, they managed to gather spears, bows, staffs, and swords that protruded from the soil; their bronze blades and tips corroded and mineralized over time.
The research team gathered around pit dug by the workers, some of them utilizing their apparatus, while others documenting their findings. The team worked carefully, brushing dirt from the bones. They documented each warrior's position, mapping the fallen like stars in a forgotten constellation. These were not just faceless soldiers—they had names, families, and dreams.
Dr. Harris knelt beside one of the skeletons, picking up what was once a glowing auroragem mounted at the tip of a sorcerous staff. "This is probably where one of their largest battles happened," she commented.
A female archaeologist, documenting Harris' findings with her camera, examined a skull, its eye sockets empty. "It's pretty hard fighting a horde of invasive species, especially if many of them are also giant," She remarked. "It'd be considered a cataclysmic event, that threatened them all." She added before turning her head to the mountainside where most of the excavation team is working on.
The walker excavators, their four-legged articulated legs gripping the uneven surface, moved with calculated precision. Each limb ended in a clawed foot; its grip adjustable to accommodate the rocky terrain. Its operator, perched in a glass-encased cabin, manipulated the controls with finesse. The excavator's movements were deliberate, a dance of steel and hydraulics.
An area of the steep and partly-rocky mountainside were topped by a network of metal scaffolding. These metallic skeletal structures crisscrossed the cliff, providing stability and anchoring points. Prefabricated metal stairs zigzagged upward, allowing excavation personnel to ascend safely. The stairs clung to the rock face and the metallic structure; their steps worn smooth by countless boots.
As the excavators worked, their claws scraped away layers of dirt and soil, and stone debris. The mountainside trembled with sounds of machinery, echoing the ancient villagers' footsteps. Dr. Harris imagined them—ancient, native inhabitants calloused hands, their eyes squinting against the sun. They had carved this village into existence, etching their homes into the mountainside. The excavation team worked their way up the mountainside, they began shoveling and hitting the remaining mounds of dirt and stone that was once a large and thick blanket of earth that the excavators dug up. Some of the personnel used portable sensors to scan for buried artifacts before digging.
The first window emerged—a square opening framed by weathered stone. The excavation personnel delicately cleared the edges, revealing a glimpse of darkness within. The second window then followed, then a doorway. The personnel picked up remaining debris, whilst the walker excavators' movements on the other areas were slow, respectful. The Marines, Dr. Harris, and her team followed suit, their boots echoing up the stairs once the workers declared the area safe for entry. What secrets lay behind that window? What stories had been whispered across its threshold?
And there, in the fading light of day, the ancients' legacy emerged. Weathered stones lined adorned the doorways, their condition sporting hints of heavy exposure through rough weather, all throughout it's supposed three millennia of existence. The windows framed views of the land below—a patchwork of green fields and winding rivers. The team, their boots finally stepping into patch of earth, peered into one of the dwellings. Lieutenant Carter and the other escorting Marines entered and scanned the area. "Ain't no way there'd be anything alive here." A Sergeant Davis commented as they continue their pace.
"Area is safe for entry!" Carter voiced out from the depths of the village. "Y'all may proceed into the site!" He said to the team, who then stepped inside.
The interior was cool and dim, the air carrying a faint scent of ancient times. Stone shelves and debris lined the walls, remnants of long-vanished possessions. Stone pillars can be seen in larger areas and a well stood at the center, along with two destroyed wooden constructs. They are remains of what can be inferred to be wooden carriages. "Look at this," Harris said, brushing away dirt on a stone tablet to reveal a snake-like creature, rising from the depths and into the island, with some sort of a spear-wielding rider on its head. "Some sort of a sea dragon, perhaps?"
Lieutenant Carter squinted at the skeletal remains that littered the area. "Or a warning," He mused. "This village could lead to some strange shit."
Another member, an archaeologist, interjected. "So, this giant sea snake-looking beast came to the island, and then wreaked havoc on the locals."
"Not just that," An archaeologist remarked, blowing the dust off an etched stone tablet, showing another depiction. "This tablet also shows a bunch of ancient sail ships. And look," he said.
Harris looked at the tablet in surprise. The sail ships depicted in the tablet appear to be hauling metal cages with the very same insectoids inside. "So, they were invasive species… And are utilized by whoever attacked them as war dogs." She commented.
Other members, especially the xenologists, are examining the skeletal remains of the former inhabitants. Using tweezers, one of the xenologists collected more bone and dental samples from the ground and placing them within plastic zip bags. They pressed on, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. The tunnels twisted and turned, leading them deeper underground. The air grew colder, and the walls seemed to close in. The team split into pairs, each exploring a different passage.
Outside, several workers cut through the vegetation with their machetes, decluttering windows and entries. Behind them, a geologist examined the geologic readings and vegetation patterns obtained from their LiDar and GPR. One of the operators at the devices spoke, "Would you look at that," he said, pointing to the screen of his rugged laptop.
"So, this settlement must've experienced a 'Debris slide' type landslide, to explain why it got buried," The geologist wrote and jotted down notes as he analyzes his findings.
"Yep," The operator responded as he presented the readings on his tablet to the geologist. "And carbon dating conducted on the organic matter present within the dirt suggests that the landslide happened quite recently, from approximately eighteen to years ago."
"Landslide velocity should supposedly be at a moderate 5 × 10^-4 meters per second. Some trees supposedly lay uprooted, but mostly uprooted vegetation blanketed by the ground if we look at the vegetation around this area." The geologist remarked.
- - - - - - - - - -
As the team moved outside, they were greeted by a sharp contrast to the dark, musty interior of the cave dwelling. The sunlight streamed down, casting long shadows from the scattered remnants of what once might have been a thriving settlement. The houses, though its interior and rocky areas being mostly in ruins or dust, stood as silent sentinels of a bygone era.
Dr. Harris's discovery stirred a wave of curiosity among the team. They spread out, each member drawn to different aspects of the site. Some were meticulously cataloging the remnants of household items while others sketched the layout of the settlement. Despite the air of decay, the place had a serene beauty, with wildflowers sprouting amidst the rubble and birds nesting in the crumbling walls.
Dr. Harris, upon seeing another pair of stone tablet with pictographic symbols, gathered some of the present colleagues around the toppled pillar. "Pictographic symbols," she said, pointing to the intricate carvings. "These stone tablets weren't present on the first underground village Mitchell studied."
One of her colleagues picked up the second stone tablet, deciphering the message. "sea, sailship, sea dragon…" She muttered before squinting at the next pictogram. "Look at this, doc."
Dr. Harris took the stone tablet, her fingers brushing away layers of ancient dust. As her eyes scanned the intricate pictographs etched into its surface, her breath caught in her throat. Her mind raced as she quickly connected the dots. "Oh my God," she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the quiet of the ancient ruins. "These bugs—they weren't natural invaders. They were brought here deliberately, and were used as tools of war."
The team's attention snapped to her, and they watched as she turned the tablet over and over, her intrigue appreciable. "It's evidence of zoological or entomological warfare in ancient times of Aurora-277B," she said. "We might finally understand the true scale of their past conflicts."
- - - - - - - - - - -
At the beaches before the first underground village research site research site, the air teeming with the noise of the horn growing louder as the Aide-class LST grounds smoothly into the sand. Several more LSTs follow closely behind, delivering essential supplies, materials, and parts needed for the setup of modular prefabricated homes and accommodations. The ships' ramps lower with a metallic clank, and workers safely unload the trucks carrying crates and construction modules, onto the sand.
On the shore, a contingent of Marines stands guard, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. Military police are also present, maintaining their patrols and providing a permanent security presence at the research site. The area buzzes with activity as trucks and smaller vehicles ferry supplies from the LSTs to designated storage areas.
Two workers are unloading crates from one of the LSTs. Sweat beads on their foreheads as they maneuver a particularly heavy crate onto a waiting forklift.
"Never thought I'd see the day we'd be setting up camp in a place like this. Feels like something out of a movie, doesn't it?" says one, wiping his brow.
The other laughs, adjusting her grip on the crate. "Yeah, except we don't get the luxury of retakes. Just thankful the cosmic marines turned this island pair from the deadly wild that it was to a cozy base. I don't fancy meeting any one of those creatures up close."
"I mean, there's still quite a huge swath of jungle especially at the Southern region." The other worker commented.
She adjusts her cap. "And the native predators are still present, no? We've got to be careful out here."
- - - - - - - - - - -
As the supplies are unloaded, another team of government contractor workers begins cutting down trees and clearing vegetation. Tree-cutting excavators and chainsaws buzz, and the crackling sound of falling timber echoes through the forest. Lumberjacks work through the felled trees, cutting branches off of the trunks with their chainsaws. Teams coordinate to move the logs away with skidders, clearing space for the new housing spots.
"You ever think about what lived in these woods before we got here?" one worker asks as they haul away another log.
"Probably things we wouldn't want to meet in the dark," another replies, seemingly unfazed by the vigorous activity despite the heat. "Heard stories about those bugs— with sizes being as big as a wee sheep to sizes exceeding a fockin' elephant."
"Oh, to wish they stay in those wee little stories, but they do exist elsewhere." the first worker says, putting down another log to it's designated area. "But we got enough gizmos to worry about without giant buggers creeping around."
The other worker scoffs, waving his hand away. "Yeah nah, we're quite safe out 'ere." He remarked. "Ain't no xenos fuckin' with the most advanced civilization in the galaxy." He added.
A supervisor walks over, clipboard in hand. "Keep it moving, folks. We've got a tight schedule, and we gotta get the area flattened out and set up by sundown."
The workers nod and pick up the pace, their momentum well kept by the supervisor's reminder.
After the workers move the lumber into its designated pallets, a few blimps, known as the BHL-40 AirHook, slowly descend from the sky. The airships are equipped with high efficiency toroidal propellers, designed to lift heavy loads quickly, especially in areas otherwise inaccessible or inconvenient for wheeled vehicles. Their presence is both awe-inspiring and practical. Other workers on the ground waited for the descent of the cables to fasten the hooks to the strapped logs as the blimps hover overhead, extending heavy-duty cables down to the forest floor.
"Off ye go, ya grand sticks!" A worker said as he patted the straps and raised a thumbs up to the observing eye of the blimp operator above.
With the cables latch onto piles of felled trees and heavy logs, lifting them effortlessly into the air. The blimps then moved to transport the lumber to designated drop zones away from the main site, ready to be utilized for further use.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
6:48 PM
Arriving on a separate offroad vehicle within a convoy consisting of two CAV-4s, Dr. Mitchell, Sarah, and the rest of his team returned to the site, heading to the area where Dr. Torres and his colleagues were deeply engrossed in their study. Inside a newly erected prefabricated room, the air was thick with the scent of fresh paint and the hum of lab equipment. The room was a mix of modern efficiency and ancient mystery. One side of the room displayed a meticulously organized collection of exoskeletal remains from smaller bugs, each pinned and labeled with care. Various lab apparatus, including microscopes, centrifuges, and chemical analyzers, lined the other sides.
Dr. Mitchell pushed open the door, letting it swing shut behind him. "Home sweet home," he said with a wry smile, taking in the sight of the lab. "How's it going in here?"
Dr. Torres looked up from his work, wiping his hands on a rag. "Busy as ever. These specimens are incredible, but they raise more questions than answers."
Sarah, already gravitating towards the microscope, asked, "Anything new since we left?"
Torres gestured affirmatively to the newcomers, directing their attention to the center of the room. "Take a little checkin' on this one," he encouraged, signaling for them to join him further inside the establishment.
In the center of the room, a large, long table dominates the space. Strewn across its surface are the remains and appendages of giant bugs, their exoskeletons dark and menacing even in their lifeless state. Dr. Torres leans over the table, using delicate instruments to examine a particularly large pincer. Around him, colleagues murmur in hushed tones, comparing notes and theories about the creatures' origins and biology.
"This one's enormous," one researcher comments, carefully measuring its length with a measuring tape. "This thing's nearly six feet long. and estimates relative to the size of the pincer dictates that, this giant bug should be at least 17 feet tall and 21 feet long." The researcher said.
Dr. Torres straightens up, holding a clipboard and jotting down his findings and calculations. Dr. Torres straightens up, holding a clipboard and poring over his findings and calculations. "Based on my calculations, the pressure they could exert with those mandibles is at least 2000 psi, potentially as powerful, if not more so, than the bite of a hippopotamus."
"That's enough force to take down a fully plated knight." Another researcher, a colleague of Torres peers over. "No wonder the villagers stood no chance. It's as if these things were designed to withstand attacks from weaponry itself. But why would they evolve this way?"
Mitchell whistled. "That's impressive. Can you imagine encountering one of these things? No wonder the ancient texts regards them as some supreme hellish creatures or even 'demonic' entities."
Before Dr. Torres can respond, a soft chime interrupts the room's quiet. He reaches for his phone, the screen glowing with a new notification. As he taps it, his eyes widen. Images of Dr. Harris's recent findings fill the screen, showcasing the ancient tablets and their pictographic writing. He quickly scans the accompanying text, intrigued as the implications of the discovery sink in.
"Aight guys, looks like our theorem about the bugs are, in fact, true." Dr. Torres calls out, his voice urgent but controlled. The team stops their work for a moment, opening the images of pictographic scriptures and data about the buried cave-dwelling settlement. "Dr. Harris has made a breakthrough on their excavation project. She has found pictographs etched into stone tablets, writing that convey something crucial relative to the bugs."
Mitchell scratched his chin thoughtfully. "And the pictographs Dr. Harris found? How do they tie into all this?"
He swipes through the images, his colleagues catching up on the detailed pictographs of sailboats transporting the deadly bugs. "Whoever attacked them, this said faction used these creatures to terrorize the villagers. This changes everything. We're not just looking at a natural phenomenon; we're uncovering ancient zoological warfare tactics."
Sarah shook her head in amazement. "So, they were essentially used as some kind of war dogs, as weapons of war. That's... unsettling."
"Unsettling and fascinating," Torres agreed. "It means these ancient civilizations were far more resourceful and tactical than we initially thought. That is quite one thing to be expected of a civilization that thrives on a planet full of anomalies and monstrosities."
The team exchanges looks of astonishment and surprise. The room buzzes with renewed energy as they dive back into their work, now with a clearer understanding of the stakes. Dr. Torres, inspired by the new information, returns to the table, examining the remains with a fresh perspective. The discovery of the bugs' role in ancient warfare adds a new layer of urgency and purpose to their research, driving them to uncover more secrets within the island if there's more else to find.
One of the researchers asked, "What about their access to the Gunther twins? How do they even find out about this little island?"
Torres shrugged. "We don't really know for now," He answered. "Findings from last year's orbital surveillance show moderate presence of these same insectoid colonies, mostly from unoccupied areas and far reaches of most continents, but there's few with higher population density."
Dr. Mitchell faced his team and shrugged, conveying a look of resignation in his eyes. "Well, the military will surely take interested in these tactics. We haven't seen these bugs currently being used by anyone so far. The more we uncover about their usage of the bugs, the better we can understand and prepare for whatever else we might find out there." He remarked.
Outside, the prefabricated structures continue to rise, providing shelter and facilities for the researchers and archaeologists. The research site, once a chaotic assembly of tents and materials, now stands as something more akin to a small residence, with a purpose involving the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the history of this anomalous planet.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Capital City "Arcanum", Planet Sol, Joazkardia
10 AM
President Orvex worked in the towering edifice known as the Nexus Tower, a 900-meter-tall structure that served as the central hub of governance for the planet. The Nexus Tower, a marvel of modern architecture, was flanked by three smaller towers, each standing at 500 meters. These smaller towers were arranged in a triangular formation around the main tower and were connected to it by two bridges each, forming an intricate network of elevated walkways that offered stunning views of the surrounding cityscape. Alongside the flurry of coordinated drones, E-VTOL flying cars can occasionally be spotted flying around the city's airspace at predetermined courses.
Each smaller tower had its own distinct function: one housed the administrative offices, another contained research and development departments, and the third was dedicated to diplomatic affairs. The bridges connecting these towers were enclosed, climate-controlled passageways with their own interiors, complete with lounges, waiting benches, and observation decks.
Encircling the remarkable Nexus Tower complex is a beautifully landscaped park, accessible to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Visitors can be seen engaging in guided tours that highlight the architectural splendor and cutting-edge technology of the Nexus Tower and its adjacent buildings. The park itself is interspersed with fountains, sculptures, and meticulously tended gardens, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the vibrant, bustling capital city.
Encircling the entire compound was a formidable wall, a testament to the nation's advanced military capabilities. The wall was equipped with the latest in defense technology, including automated turrets, concealed drone launchers, and surveillance systems, all manned and maintained by the elite Presidential Security Service Forces (PSSF). These highly trained soldiers ensured the safety and security of the Nexus Tower and its inhabitants, ready to respond to any threat with precision and efficiency. The entire compound is also filled with an abundance of sensors, hidden camera, motion detectors, and even see-through-wall WIFI transmitters and receivers, allowing PSSF combatants complete vision through walls should an attack through personnel ever happened. The edges and the far reaches of the park itself are equipped with concealed and camouflaged containers, complete with counter-drone SHORADs and long range air defense.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nexus Tower Executive Chamber
President Orvex called for a meeting with multiple executive departments, assuming his position at the far end of the lengthy table in the cabinet room of Nexus Tower. Wearing a serious expression, he examined the papers from Aurora-277B. Alongside him were the Joint Chiefs of Staff, secretaries of different initiatives, and leaders of executive cabinet departments, such as those from the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Resource and Interior (DORI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DOFA), Commerce, and the administrator of the National Aerospace Agency.
The room was abuzz with quiet conversations and the shuffling of documents. President Orvex cleared his throat, and the room fell silent. He looked around, meeting the eyes of each of his advisors.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," President Orvex began. "We've received some groundbreaking findings from Aurora-277B, and it's imperative we discuss the implications, preparations, risks, and benefits of potential actions and plans that we might need to implement." President Orvex McAlister sat at the head of the table, a look of contemplation on his face. The room was filled with key advisors, each with a thick folder of reports and intelligence.
Secretary of DOFA, Lyra Feldman, leaned forward. "Mr. President, the discoveries on the planet could open up significant diplomatic opportunities, but they also come with substantial risks. We need to weigh our options carefully before making contact with the volatile natives on the continent west of Gunther Islands."
Orvex gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Certainly, Secretary. For more than a year, we have been reluctant to initiate contact with the indigenous population, which stems from their tumultuous history, marked by frequent warfare and various conflicts that often culminate in violence, with certain factions inherently inclined towards aggression and imperialism. I wish to explore the potential for establishing diplomatic relations with the native communities. Could we deliberate on the potential risks and benefits of such an endeavor?"
Lyra nodded. "Will do, Mister President." She cleared her throat. "Establishing contact could lead to mutual benefits—trade, cultural exchange, and potentially alliances. However, this isn't the same as our previous encounters with more civilized extraterrestrial societies from other distant planets, as Aurora-277B has a significant risk of misunderstandings and conflicts. We don't yet fully understand their social structures, languages, or intentions. It is possible Joazkardia could be perceived as invaders rather than our desired impression." She responded, shifting through the pages of her documents, containing data from Aurora-277B.
General Thomas Carver, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, interjected, "Mr. President, there's also a military aspect to consider. If we proceed without understanding their capabilities, we could inadvertently provoke hostilities. While we have assessed a plethora of their capabilities from last year's aerial and orbital surveillance, there's still unseen forces yet to be utilized, as well as extensive tactical and strategic potential to consider."
President Orvex leaned forward, giving Carver his full attention. "Go on, General. What specific risks are we talking about?"
General Carver cleared his throat and consulted his notes. "According to our analyses, we face the challenge of unidentified defensive and offensive capabilities. Last year's surveillance provided tons of insights, yet it still remains incomplete, especially in smaller details. We understand their use of strategic fortifications and unexplained, supernatural forces; however, we must consider the possibility of encountering more perilous forces or as-yet-undiscovered supernatural phenomena."
President Orvex gave a measured nod. "Therefore, a multifaceted approach is required – one that integrates military preparedness with diplomatic tact and an understanding of cultural nuances." Orvex remarked. "We shall maintain a friendly impression especially in the first contact, with armed assets positioned from afar having their crosshairs at the heads of the natives should they turn hostile."
General Carver agreed, "Exactly. We need to form a specialized task force dedicated to comprehending their military capabilities and strategic doctrines. This involves integrating our cultural and linguistic experts with our surveillance teams to decipher any subtle signals that might otherwise go unnoticed."
Dr. Emily Carlson, head of the Interstellar and Extraterrestrial Research Initiative, added, "While it is true, as General Carver have said, that we've had gathered so much information regarding the unknown forces they possess, they might have other potentials we've yet to see. While they may appear to be less advanced, there's also evidence suggesting unique, otherworldly natural resources and possibly even advanced forms of energy we haven't even encountered before. This could be both an opportunity and a threat."
DOFA Secretary Lyra added, "Diplomatically, we must adopt an attitude and approach of respect and curiosity. It would be prudent to dispatch a delegation comprising experts in anthropology, linguistics, and diplomacy for the initial contact. It's crucial that we comprehend their culture and convey our intentions unambiguously, to avoid misunderstandings and possible tensions."
President Orvex leaned back, considering the input. "What about the extent of its economic implications?"
Secretary of Commerce, James Renfield, responded, "If these natives have resources or products unknown to us, the economic potential is vast. However, we need to tread carefully to avoid showing signs of exploitation or potential troubles. Fair trade agreements and partnerships will be crucial to maintaining a positive relationship. This includes trading goods, appliances, medicine, for starters." Renfield leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Additionally, the conduct of thorough research on unoccupied resources pools. This will provide us more materials for in-situ production that we can make use in trading goods. Looking at the information on their societal structures of the natives and their daily practices will help us understand their needs and how we can offer beneficial trade terms."
Department of Internal Country Security Advisor, Karen Phillips, voiced her concerns, "We also need to consider the internal security implications. What if contact with this new world brings diseases or other threats? Quarantine protocols, decontamination, inspection and health assessments should be implemented."
Lyra nodded, adding to Karen's point, "We also have to consider the impact on their society. Our presence could disrupt their way of life. Ethical considerations must guide our actions. I suggest need a contingency that includes actions like humanitarian aid for when accidents and disaster struck."
Orvex looked around the table, "What about public opinion? How do we prepare the people of Planet Sol, and probably even our extraterrestrial friends for this before the big reveal?"
Press Secretary, David Leumann, replied, "Given our decision to keep the more extraordinary findings under wraps until further notice, managing the narrative is crucial. We need to focus on the aspects of Aurora-277B that align with our current scientific understanding and avoid any mention of magic or the more dangerous wildlife. Emphasize the peaceful, less monstrous parts of the planet's fauna and flora in our public communications, without making actual alteration to data that might otherwise get found out one way or another."
Orvex sighed, "It's clear that this is a complex situation with far-reaching implications. Let's take a phased approach. First, gather more intelligence. Send a preliminary research team with strict non-interference protocols. Based on their findings, we'll develop a comprehensive contact strategy. We need to be prepared for every eventuality."
The Secretary of DOD, Marcus Hammond, leaned forward. "From a security perspective, Mr. President, we must be prepared for all eventualities. And as others already mentioned, Diplomacy is ideal, but we need to be ready to defend our people and interests. Our forces on Gunther Islands are well-positioned and armed, but expanding our presence will require substantial resources."
Orvex turned to Hammond. "Continue, Hammond. What is the current situation at our other colonies, Site X-13 and X-14?"
Hammond glanced at his notes. "Site X-13 is stable and progressing well with military infrastructure development. Site X-14 has encountered some resistance from local wildlife and environmental challenges, but nothing our BCTs can't handle. We are coordinating the future delivery of more assets, including naval, land, sea, and air assets, to ensure we maintain a strong presence."
"I see. Care to expand on that, Hammond?" Orvex asked with a glint of enthusiasm, as expected of a military enthusiast like him.
Marcus Hammond then spoke up again, shifting the focus slightly. "Yes, Mr. President. There's another crucial element to consider – our naval presence in Aurora-277B. While we already have a substantial amount of spatial battlecrafts and spatial frigates in orbit guarding our space stations, lunar and asteroid bases, the Department of the Navy has been pushing to expand our naval assets in the planet, starting with an expansion of the shipyards at Site X-12 and the others. They propose landing more modular segments to increase the number of ships, specifically Aquila-class corvettes and Enforcer-class multipurpose support ships." Hammond cleared his throat. "As well as increasing the number of diesel-electric submarines within the surrounding waters."
Orvex looked intrigued. "I see. What else are the extensive implications of such an expansion?" President Orvex watched these exchanges with a sense of satisfaction. The NAA, DOD, and the IERI was already taking proactive steps to address the complex challenges and all possible risks ahead. He turned back to his desk, picking up a detailed report on the latest findings from Aurora-277B. The ancient pictographs and the magical and zoological warfare tactics they hinted at were both fascinating, concerning, and daunting.
"Our space assets might have been heavily armed, they still cannot perform many of the tasks that traditional naval warships are designed to perform," Hammond continued, "By increasing our naval capacity, we can ensure better protection of our interests and improve force projection through the use of Attritable Strike Groups consisting of corvettes and MPSS for our operations on Aurora-277B, axing the high costs required in operating and an actual carrier group." He remarked. "The Aquila-class corvettes are cheap and cost-effective to produce and are capable of air defense, surface, and undersea warfare missions, as well as conducting offshore patrol duties, all at a lower cost of both operation and maintenance compared to our FFGs and DDGs. The Enforcer-class ships are in itself greatly more economical and attritable compared to our nuclear supercarriers, and are able to carry out force projection and air missions with their cheap and compact unmanned fighters. They also have the capacity to accommodate and operate unmanned undersea and surface vehicles as a drone mothership."
President Orvex steepled his fingers, deep in thought. "I second that, Hammond. We need to ensure that our operations on Gunther Island are robust. The colonies there are too important to leave vulnerable, so work with that plan." He said before turning to the NAA Administrator. "Admin Greaves, What are our plans for improving our colonies' infrastructure and assets there?"
The Administrator of the National Aerospace Agency, Elias Greaves, spoke up, "We have a series of cargo scheduled for an interstellar shipment over the next few months. These will include additional prefabricated structures, advanced research equipment, and more goods and supplies for Site X-13 and 14." He said. "And since findings on Aurora-277B could provide insights into the planet's history and its economic and diplomatic potential, it might be prudent to allocate additional resources obtained from asteroid and lunar mining from the reaches of the Aurora star system itself, this will also serve as another frontier for economic ties aside from trade with common goods. We can market these materials as 'resource mined from the heavens' and they will most likely view them with high regard."
Orvex nodded thoughtfully. "These are excellent suggestions. Let's ensure we incorporate these into our overall strategy. Now, regarding the next meeting with the officials of different departments and firms, we need a coordinated approach. I want each of you to prepare detailed reports on your respective areas. We must present a unified plan that addresses all potential scenarios."
The officials, heads, and administrators nodded in agreement, making notes and preparing their reports. President Orvex stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Thank you all for your input. Let's ensure we are prepared for every eventuality. The future of our colonies and history depends on it."
As the room emptied, President Orvex looked out the window, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders as he watches the underlying cityscape that is Arcanum. The discoveries on Gunther Island had opened a new chapter in their efforts in understanding the intricacies of Aurora-277, one filled with both immense potential and significant risk. It was up to him and his team to navigate these uncharted waters with wisdom and foresight. The room buzzed with activity as the advisors gathered their materials and began discussing their next steps. The sense of embarking on a historic journey was palpable, filled with both intrigue and the weight of responsibility.
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