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865 - Giving it a Name
🕑 Added 2025-03-13 06:33:23 +0000 UTC“But didn’t they give the material a name?” Aron asked, realizing that throughout the report, it had only been referred to as "the material."
{Due to its significance, they decided it would be best if the emperor named it,} Nova replied, materializing another hologram displaying the meeting notes where the decision had been made.
“Mh…” Aron hummed thoughtfully, considering possible names. A smile spread across his face as he settled on one. “How about ‘Fountain of Life’? Since the material turns into a liquid state when near life, and it needs to be in liquid form for the conversion process, I think it fits quite well. Don’t you think so?” He glanced at Nova, curious about her thoughts.
{........}
Nova stared at him, speechless. Her expression practically screamed, Is this really the best you could come up with, given that brain of yours?
After a brief silence, she finally responded. {Then, I will designate the name as ‘Fountain of Life,’ or FOL for short.}
Deciding there was no harm in it, she accepted the name—after all, in some small way, it did fit.
“Also, since this is the second time someone has caused new life to be born, I think we should establish a specific reward for those who achieve it—along with the prestige that comes with doing something so beneficial for the empire. What do you think?” Aron suggested. Once could be chalked up to luck, but twice? That hinted at a pattern, possibly even a third occurrence in the future.
{I’ll notify Gaia of your suggestion and have her come up with a plan,} Nova replied, immediately offloading the responsibility to GAIA, the AI overseeing government affairs and the one who would ultimately enforce it anyway. {What should the award and medal be called? Do you have a specific name in mind?}
Aron took a moment to think before answering, “The Genesis Medal and The Genesis Award. The medal as formal recognition and the award to reflect the achievement itself. It should have different levels, with those directly responsible for the creation of life receiving the highest-ranked honor, and the levels descending to include everyone involved in the exploration fleet.”
{Gaia says she will start working on it and will report back once she has coordinated with the relevant agencies,} Nova informed him after updating Gaia with the details.
“Okay, good,” Aron nodded in acknowledgment before asking, “So, what other matters related to the exploration fleet do I need to address?” He wanted to deal with all the necessary tasks concerning the returnees.
{There are a few key decisions that need to be made,} Nova listed. {First, what should be done with the fourteen individuals created as a result of the FOL? Second, what should be done with the FOL material they brought back? Third, when should the empire be informed about their return? Fourth, what should be done with the exploration ships they brought back? And lastly, how should we inform the families of those who remained at TRAPPIST-1 to continue guarding the system? There are additional considerations, but those can be addressed as the situation evolves.}
Aron, having already thought through his responses, answered without hesitation.
“The fourteen individuals should be sent to the House of Hope. They and anyone else created as a result of FOL under imperial control will be considered imperial citizens and treated the same as any other citizen.
The Fountain of Life they brought back will be sent to Mars for initial storage while a dedicated research lab is constructed to handle all research related to the material.
Now that we are sure nothing harmful has occurred, we can announce to the public that the exploration fleet has officially returned.
As for the families of those who remained at TRAPPIST-1, inform them that their loved ones are on a delayed return schedule due to operational requirements. They should expect their return in, at most, four years. We will bring them back sooner using the wormhole technology, but they don’t need to know that yet.
The exploration fleet should remain where it is for now. Have the exploration fleet members provide their suggestions on what should be done with the ships. We’ll use their input as a basis for our final decision
Finally, regarding the meeting to update the ethics of imperial research on intelligent life, it should be scheduled as soon as the returning crew completes their mental evaluations. Once they are cleared, they will be going on an extended vacation, and we need their firsthand input before that happens. Their experience is invaluable.”
Nova immediately took Aron’s responses, making a few modifications for clarity and to align them with the authority of the emperor. Once refined, she forwarded them to GAIA, who would ensure that all relevant departments received their directives and executed them accordingly.
Within moments, the orders were set in motion, each department beginning preparations to implement the necessary steps—whether it was the integration of the fourteen new individuals, the secure transport and storage of the Fountain of Life, or the careful coordination of public announcements.
Everything was progressing smoothly, but as always, Nova kept a watchful eye, ready to adapt should unforeseen complications arise.
……………
The empire buzzed with excitement as the news spread, with curiosity reaching a fever pitch. Every exploration fleet’s return had historically brought back something of great significance, and this one was no exception. Speculation ran wild—what had they discovered? What new knowledge or advancements would they contribute?
For the families of the returning crew, the announcement was a moment of joy and relief. They had been informed just minutes before the public, allowing them a brief moment of privacy before the empire erupted with discussions. Those whose loved ones remained at TRAPPIST-1 received detailed updates, including expected return dates and personal messages carried back by the fleet. Many eagerly awaited the physical goods sent by their family members, small but cherished tokens from across the stars.
While scientists and researchers were fixated on what new discoveries had been made, the general public was more focused on how the returning crew would react to the empire’s transformation. So much had transpired during their absence that it was almost overwhelming to grasp. The conflict with the Astral Conclave, the groundbreaking discoveries by other exploration fleets—such as the creation of new life—the unveiling of the emperor's immense power, and countless other pivotal events. It was as if the empire itself was living through an era where centuries of progress were compressed into mere years, embodying the phrase: "There are decades where nothing happens, and weeks where decades happen."
Comments
Sol_Invictus
TYFTC!!
Jade
Really caught me off guard with the super late drop. Thank you for the chapter regardless!!
Jade
NOOOOOO
Jpo192
👍🏼
