"Ten thousand years?"
Hearing Alexia's remark, Halsey gave her a sideways glance and replied, "I've studied the technological progression in your prime universe, and I noticed that advances in semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing, as well as optical and imaging technology, were far more rapid in your 20th century than in ours."
"The Giga God 3G, in particular, revolutionized that era," Halsey continued. "If I understand correctly, the Giga God 3G project was launched before Director Sui even opened the space gates, wasn't it?"
"Correct," Alexia nodded. "Dr. Wang Zhaofeng, who oversaw that project, has since passed away due to old age." She sighed softly, adding, "But the technology leaps that the Giga God 3G brought about are inseparable from the boss's direct involvement."
"So, with a near-immortal Sui guiding the prime universe, even without space gates, technological development would undoubtedly outpace that of other universes."
With that, Halsey walked toward the matrix entrance, gesturing for Ashford and the rest to follow. "Dr. Ashford, you might be too close to see it, being from the prime universe yourself. But as an outsider from Earth Zero-Eight, I see things more clearly. Let's focus on our current task assigned by Director Sui."
"Agreed," Alexia replied, unusually silent in the face of Halsey's perspective, acknowledging that she hadn't compared each universe's historical development as Halsey had pointed out.
Meanwhile, Mortarion and Corax remained silent as well, possibly still deep in thought from their father's words on the bridge. The two primarchs watched as Alexia, Halsey, and the research team gathered near the massive metal gate. They readied their weapons, prepared for any unexpected occurrences.
At that moment, a researcher spotted a spherical device resembling a stone sphere embedded in the metal gate's left side. He reported over the comms, "Everyone, it's over here."
Alexia, Halsey, and the others gathered around the terminal, and Halsey, noting its resemblance to Forerunner relics on Arcadia, reached out to touch it.
With a hum, the stone sphere lit up, displaying Forerunner symbols in a vibrant blue-green glow.
The ground rumbled, and with a heavy mechanical roar, the metal gate slowly opened, releasing a cloud of dust and debris as it parted.
As the dust cleared, a tunnel over 100 meters high and wide, angled at 27 degrees, came into view. The researchers remained unfazed by the ancient structure, having grown accustomed to similar discoveries.
Mortarion, Corax, and the Thunder Warriors quickly advanced in a fan-shaped formation, shielding the researchers. Mortarion held a massive plasma cannon in one hand, aiming into the depths of the tunnel. Through his helmet's radar and enhanced eyesight, he confirmed that the hallway led to an empty, silent chamber at the tunnel's end.
"Deploy metal scanners," Mortarion ordered.
Two researchers released nearly a thousand small, glass-like metal scanners that rolled into the matrix's depths. These devices, built with superconducting materials and advanced batteries, far outperformed previous models in range and endurance.
Within moments, the radar mapped out a complete structural blueprint, revealing no signs of life or traps within. Mortarion glanced at Corax and instructed, "You go first, brother. We'll follow."
"Understood." Corax complied, vanishing from sight in a blink, his stealth skills carrying him swiftly to the chamber.
"All clear," Corax's voice crackled through the comms.
"Good," Mortarion replied. He motioned to the group behind him, saying, "Dr. Halsey, Dr. Ashford, please stay close and within our protective line."
"Of course," Halsey replied nonchalantly, following closely behind.
"Thank you, young one," Alexia, in a maternal tone, expressed her gratitude.
Mortarion, clearly pleased, nodded. "It's my duty, Doctor."
Soon, they entered a vast chamber with a prominent terminal at its center. Halsey, well-versed in Forerunner technology, approached it, extending her left hand toward the console.
"The Forerunners considered us their inheritors, setting this gateway to the galaxy beyond right here on our home planet," Halsey mused, touching the console. "It seems they were preparing for us all along."
A sudden explosion of light filled the chamber as the once-dormant structure surged to life, casting brilliant blue-green beams across the walls. The ground trembled as if awakening from eons of sleep.
Sensing the disturbance, Mortarion and Corax tensed, but just as quickly, the light dimmed, revealing a star map of Forerunner relics throughout the Milky Way.
Above ground, the light beam from the matrix shot skyward, creating a vast, shimmering blue sphere four kilometers in diameter—an intergalactic portal.
Back on the New Epoch carrier's bridge:
"Boss, Dr. Ashford and Dr. Halsey have successfully activated the portal," Apu reported.
"I see it," Samuel replied, then ordered, "Have the fleet proceed directly through the portal."
"Understood," Apu replied with his usual calm.
With the command relayed, ships, including the New Epoch and the Leviathan-class dreadnoughts, began moving in sequence through the portal. As the bridge filled with ethereal blue light, Samuel, Apu, Melissa, and the crew found themselves witnessing the true splendor of the Milky Way.
Humanity's prior star maps were derived from observations and orbital calculations, but this was the first time anyone had directly observed the Milky Way from outside. Dominating the view was a colossal, planet-sized construct—an Ark, ten times the diameter of Earth.
Even Samuel could barely contain his excitement, recognizing the Ark as a weapon capable of elevating humanity to the peak of the physical universe.
Turning to Apu, Samuel ordered, "Dispatch young Astartes and technicians from Research to the Ark's control center. Then, have Dr. Ashford and Dr. Halsey return to this ship. The company must secure absolute ownership of the Ark."
"Yes, sir," Apu replied.
Meanwhile, back in the prime universe, West Africa, New Accra City:
This thriving metropolis, lined with towering megastructures, was bustling as evening traffic reached its peak. NAPD (New Accra Police Department) air riot control vehicles and thousands of drones patrolled the crowded streets. High-speed maglev buses, part of the public transport system, glided along fixed routes between the skyscrapers. Platforms extended from buildings, acting as bus stops suspended in mid-air.
Along the commercial street in the city's third ring:
"Hey!"
On an elevated pedestrian walkway, a young man with a pompadour haircut, appearing around 17 or 18, was carrying several shopping bags. His face held an irritated expression as he complained, "Why am I stuck holding all your bags when you two wanted to go shopping?"
Closer inspection would reveal faint metallic seams in the young man's skin—a distinguishing trait of a Cyberpunk 2077 native and recent Atlas experimental force recruit: David Martinez.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]