The Argos Station Guard, under the guidance of the AGI Praeton, worked tirelessly to investigate the explosion that had nearly destroyed the maintenance hangar. Initially believed to be a technical malfunction, the evidence told a different story.
"Confirmed," said Praeton, his blue holographic form standing tall in a dimly lit room aboard the station. "The explosion was triggered by a device placed inside the gravitational support module. Traces of explosive material are consistent with technology used by corporations within the Xantirian Dominion."
Jack Done, seated at the table in the center of the room, exchanged a glance with Kael, who leaned against a wall, absorbing every detail.
"Are you sure the evidence points to them?" Jack asked.
Praeton nodded gravely. "We have more than technical evidence. We intercepted encrypted communications suggesting that a corporation from the Xantirian Dominion, Orith Nexis, was the primary client. Additionally, financial data indicates they aimed to destabilize Argos operations to dominate the interstellar maintenance market."
Kael shook his head in disgust. "Xantirians always play dirty. But why take such a risk just to undermine us?"
"It's about resource control," Daisy, the station's AI, interjected. Her pink holographic form appeared next to Praeton. "Argos is a key station in this region, and our recent success in mid-class ship maintenance has directly threatened Orith Nexis."
Jack sighed deeply and turned to Praeton. "Could they have also sabotaged the F1 Hangar inauguration? We can't let this go unpunished."
Praeton gave a faint smile. "We've already sent a detailed report to the Interstellar Diplomatic Council. However, we need a strategy to avoid escalating the conflict. Fortunately, the Hythari have offered to mediate."
Kael raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised. "The Hythari? Known for their neutrality, they rarely involve themselves in such disputes."
"Exactly," Daisy confirmed. "Zoryan, their leader, has volunteered his services as a mediator. He proposes a diplomatic session where both sides present their evidence, and the Hythari will deliver an impartial judgment."
Jack nodded. "It's our best option. We must present our case with clear evidence and offer a constructive solution."
The Argos Station council chamber was adorned with symbols of known civilizations. Zoryan took the floor.
"The Hythari people value balance and justice," Zoryan began in his deep voice. "We are here to ensure that the truth emerges and that no party abuses their power."
Praeton presented the evidence collected on the station: explosive traces, intercepted communications, and financial analyses. The Xantirian representative, a cobalt-skinned man in a formal suit, immediately intervened.
"These accusations are baseless! Orith Nexis is a reputable corporation. Your evidence is inconclusive."
Jack stood, calm but firm. "Our evidence clearly indicates the explosion was deliberate, using materials sourced from your suppliers. Who else would have an interest in sabotaging Argos?"
Zoryan raised a hand, commanding silence. "We will examine every piece of evidence presented. The Hythari people do not make hasty decisions. Our neutrality is guaranteed. Xantirian representative, you will have time to present your counter-evidence."
The representative sat down, visibly irritated. Zoryan continued. "The Interstellar Diplomatic Council will be notified of our conclusions. Until then, we require Orith Nexis to fully compensate Argos Station for the damages caused. This is our condition to prevent further escalation."
Jack exchanged a look with Praeton, who nodded silently. The process was far from over, but the first steps had been taken.
Zoryan added solemnly, "We have one more condition. Any future technology developed by Jack Done or Argos Station must be made available to all species, protected under Interstellar Council jurisdiction, and not monopolized by corporations, species, or guilds. This will be essential for our continued support."
The Xantirian representative's eyes widened, and his jaw tightened for a moment before he quickly composed himself.
Jack agreed with slight hesitation, knowing it carried immense responsibilities but also an opportunity to change the interstellar playing field.
"I accept the conditions, Zoryan. I want my discoveries to symbolize collaboration, not domination."
Zoryan gave a faint approving smile. "Then we have an agreement. May balance guide us all."
The atmosphere in the room eased slightly, but everyone knew the real work had only just begun.
The Glove's Secrets
For two weeks, Jack isolated himself in his workshop, fully engrossed in exploring the mysterious glove he had received from his grandfather. The object proved to be an artifact of staggering complexity.
At first glance, the glove appeared to be just a piece of advanced equipment, but once activated, it revealed a holographic interface blending unimaginable technologies. The glove's integrated AI, named Aetherion, contained his grandfather's memories, a complete history of their people, and Ethan Done's journey across the universe.
"Grandfather," Jack murmured, watching a projection of a slender man with familiar features. "So you were the one who merged Hythari technology with your love for her..."
Aetherion continued its explanations, displaying scenes from his grandfather's memory and the Hythari history.
"Your ancestor, Ethan Done, dedicated his life to finding his soulmate. This love and dedication led him to risk everything. Your grandmother, Hoshiko, was secretly contracted to study the lost portal technologies scattered across the galaxy. During the experiments, she was teleported to the neighboring Andromeda galaxy with no way back. Your grandfather replicated the experiment, hoping to join her, but instead arrived on the Hythari homeworld, one of the three ancient species that collaborated to create the portals spread across the known universe. With Hythari technology and his powerful emotions for Hoshiko, he created me as a conduit to channel Ether. Ether is pure energy extracted from space-time fluctuations through emotions."
Over two weeks, Jack learned about the three core technologies that made the glove a galactic technological revolution:
Gravitational Manipulation: With a simple gesture, the glove could adjust gravitational forces on an object or within a confined space. From moving heavy equipment effortlessly to creating gravitational barriers in emergencies, the possibilities were endless.
Molecular Scanning Tool: This function allowed Jack to analyze and recreate the detailed structure of any material. He used it to identify hidden defects in equipment and design intricate models with unimaginable precision.
Ether Energy: The most mysterious and revolutionary technology. Ether could be extracted wherever life, planets, or vibrations existed, with no adverse effects. However, it required three elements:
A purpose or clear goal for using the energy; otherwise, it dissipated rapidly and couldn't be stored. A conduit—the glove's nanometric layers of rare metal and quartz were key, though they didn't necessarily need to be glove-shaped. Emotions to activate the conduit and channel the energy.
Jack stared in awe at the device on his hand, realizing the glove was more than a tool. It was a bridge to revolutionary, long-forgotten technology. A future that fascinated him and one he was determined to help create.