Chapter 12: Creation of the EDF

Building the Bastion

The Erebus jumped to a point just beyond the asteroid belt that stretched between Mars and Jupiter. The crew gazed out at the expanse of rocky debris through the ship’s panoramic viewport. The belt was chaotic yet breathtaking—a dance of celestial bodies that offered both challenges and opportunities. It was Thomas who first voiced what they all were thinking.

“This is it. The perfect place for our base. Hidden, defensible, and rich in resources.”

Zara nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the swirling mass of asteroids. “If we’re smart about this, we can turn one of these rocks into a fortress.”

Solace chimed in through the ship’s interface. “Several asteroids contain valuable materials, including iron, nickel, and even traces of water. This one”—a large, irregularly shaped asteroid appeared highlighted on the screen—”has the structural integrity and composition necessary to sustain a base of operations.”

Elena leaned forward, her mind already racing. “We’ll need to hollow it out, install life-support systems, and create defensive mechanisms.”

Thomas straightened. “Then let’s get to it. The Kael’dar won’t wait, and neither can we.”

Hollowing Out the Heart

The first step was clearing out the interior of the chosen asteroid, which was roughly three kilometers in diameter.

Gear led the operation, overseeing the deployment of automated mining drones retrieved from the Erebus’s storage bays. These drones used plasma drills to carve through the dense rock, creating cavernous chambers within the asteroid.

“We’ll start with a central hub,” Gear explained during a briefing. He projected a holographic layout of the base. “From there, we’ll branch out to create living quarters, command centers, hangars, and storage facilities. We’ll also reinforce the outer shell with alloy plating to withstand potential attacks.”

Zara raised an eyebrow. “What about defenses? If the Kael’dar find us here, we’ll need more than a thick wall.”

“We’ll integrate automated turrets and energy shields,” Gear replied, unfazed. “And I’m working on something special—a cloaking field that will make the entire base invisible to enemy sensors.”

Thomas glanced around the room. “This base isn’t just for us. It’s going to be the heart of the Terran Defense Force. Let’s build something future generations will be proud of.”

The crew stood in silence as Solace’s voice resonated through the Erebus’s war room, its holographic display illuminating their faces with a chilling image: the Kael’dar fleet, massive and menacing.

“The data extracted from the Kael’dar operative confirms what I feared,” Solace began. “Earth is merely the first step in their larger strategy. The Kael’dar do not merely seek to enslave humanity. They seek the Erebus.”

Thomas’s jaw tightened as he leaned against the table, his gaze fixed on the hologram. “Why? What do they want with this ship?”

Solace paused, its blue light flickering. “The Erebus is not just a relic of advanced technology. Its origins trace back to the Aelyth Dominion, an ancient galactic power that ruled over thousands of civilizations before their mysterious disappearance millennia ago. The Kael’dar believe the Erebus holds the key to rediscovering the Dominion’s lost technologies—weapons, starship schematics, and systems that could grant them absolute dominion over the galaxy.”

The weight of Solace’s words settled heavily over the crew. Zara was the first to break the silence. “So, what you’re saying is, by activating the Erebus, we just put a target on humanity’s back.”

“Correct,” Solace admitted. “But the Kael’dar’s discovery of Earth was inevitable. Without the Erebus, humanity would be defenseless. With it, you have a chance to resist.”

Zara crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. “A chance? That’s all you can promise us?”

Elena stepped forward, her calm demeanor masking the storm brewing inside. “And what about you, Solace? How do we know your intentions are any better? You’ve been cryptic about the Erebus since day one.”

“My purpose is to protect the Erebus and its crew,” Solace said. “I am bound by protocols set by the Aelyth Dominion. While I may not disclose all information, my guidance has always been aligned with your survival.”

Thomas raised a hand to quiet the rising tension. “Enough. Right now, we’re wasting time arguing when we should be preparing. If the Kael’dar want this ship, they’ll come for it. And if they’re planning to enslave Earth, we’re going to need more than this crew to stop them.”

Recruitment and Preparation

It began with an anomaly in the Erebus’s ancient archives. Elena, engrossed in her ceaseless research, stumbled upon a series of encrypted files hidden deep within the ship’s databanks. The files were older than anything else in the ship’s systems and were marked with a symbol she had never seen before—an intricate weave of lines forming a crystalline hexagon.

“Thomas,” Elena called over the comms. “You need to see this.

I think I’ve found something ... extraordinary.”

Minutes later, Thomas and Zara joined her in the ship’s research lab. The holographic interface projected the decrypted files, revealing schematics and notes written in the flowing script of the Aelyth Dominion.

“What is it?” Thomas asked, his eyes scanning the alien text. “Nanotechnology,” Elena said, her voice trembling with excitement. “These files describe microscopic machines capable of integrating with biological systems. They can repair injuries, enhance physical abilities, and even extend lifespans. If this is real, it’s a game-changer.”

Zara frowned. “What’s the catch?”

Elena hesitated. “The files indicate the nanobots were developed as part of the Dominion’s military enhancement program. They’re designed to be symbiotic, but there’s no telling how they’ll interact with human biology. We’d need to run tests.”

Thomas nodded. “Then let’s get started. If these nanobots can give us an edge against the Kael’dar, we need to know.” Nanobot Revolution

“These nanobots,” Solace explained during a demonstration in the ship’s medical bay, “are remnants of Aelyth biotechnology. They are designed to enhance physical and mental capabilities, accelerate healing, and extend human lifespan. However, their integration must be voluntary and carefully monitored.”

The crew watched as a small vial of shimmering silver liquid was injected into a volunteer’s arm. The results were almost instantaneous. The volunteer’s reaction time increased, their strength visibly improved, and minor injuries on their skin healed within seconds.

“Unbelievable,” Gear muttered, his eyes wide. “It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie.”

Elena crossed her arms, her expression cautious. “And what’s the catch? There’s always a catch.”

“The nanobots require regular synchronization with the Erebus’s systems,” Solace admitted. “Without it, their functionality will degrade over time. Additionally, the psychological adjustment to enhanced abilities can be challenging for some.”

Thomas stepped forward. “We need every edge we can get. I won’t force this on anyone, but If these nanobots can help us win, I’m all in.”

Zara her smirk hiding her apprehension. “If you’re going to turn into a super-soldier, Captain, I’m not letting you outpace me.”

Elena hesitated but ultimately agreed, her practical nature outweighing her doubts. Even Gear, though initially wary, couldn’t resist the opportunity to “finally be faster than Zara in a sprint,” as he put it.

The First Trials

The crew set up a controlled environment in the medical bay to test the nanobots. Gear rigged up a containment field to ensure the machines couldn’t escape, while Elena worked tirelessly to adapt the Dominion’s programming to human physiology.

Their first subject was a volunteer—Lila, Zara’s cousin, who had joined the crew during their mission on Earth. Lila had been left paralyzed from the waist down after a tragic accident years earlier. When the Erebus crew rescued her from an overrun shelter in DC, she had begged to join, wanting to contribute however she could despite her physical limitations.

“Are you sure about this?” Zara asked, her voice tinged with both concern and admiration.

Lila smiled. “You brought me here to fight, Zara. Let me do this. I’ve spent too long watching from the sidelines.”

The procedure began with a small injection of nanobots into her bloodstream. For several tense minutes, the crew monitored her vitals, watching as the machines integrated with her nervous system.

Then, slowly, Lila began to move her toes. Moments later, she shakily sat up, her legs trembling.

“It’s working,” Elena said, her voice filled with awe. “The nanobots have repaired her spinal cord.” A couple hours later Lila’s eyes filled with tears as she took her first steps in years. “I can feel it,” she whispered. “I’m whole again.”

Over the next course of the next sol year, the Erebus entered a frenetic phase of preparation. Using Solace’s vast database and advanced communication systems, Thomas began reaching out to trusted allies on Earth: military leaders, scientists, and individuals with the skills and vision to fight back.

One of the first to answer the call was Commander Halstrom, a decorated Marine veteran with a reputation for unconventional tactics. When the communication array linked up the war room holographic display came to life with Halstrom’s grizzled face. His sharp eyes studied Thomas intently.

“So, you’re telling me aliens are real, they’re planning to enslave us, and you’ve got a ship that can stop them,” Halstrom said, his voice dripping with skepticism. “Quite the sales pitch, Captain”

Thomas’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m not asking you to believe me outright. I’m asking you to see it for yourself. We need fighters, Halstrom. People who know how to lead, how to inspire others. Are you in?”

Halstrom leaned back, considering. “Send me your coordinates. No promises, I need to see this for myself.”

Upon Halstrom’s arrival at the pickup point, he had a very difficult time keeping his chiseled jaw closed.

Halstrom’s journey began with a discreet shuttle sent to retrieve him from a remote military outpost. As the sleek transport descended, its advanced design impressed even the seasoned commander. Once aboard, Halstrom studied every detail of the craft, his military mind assessing its capabilities.

The shuttle pilot remained professional but tight-lipped, adhering to strict protocols. Halstrom’s questions about their operation received polite but vague responses, fueling his curiosity.

As they approached the asteroid belt, the sight of a massive asteroid came into view. Halstrom about had a heart attack as it looked to him they were about to crash right into it. Seconds before impact a huge door opened to a huge bay and Halstrom got his first look at the Erebus. To say he was in awe is an understatement.