Ch-13 The Talks-2

The mood in the Star Fleet war room oscillated between tension and cautious optimism as Supreme Chancellor Bai Zong qi and his advisors delved into preparations for the upcoming virtual meeting. Despite their advanced technology, the Star Fleet's inability to properly assess the true capabilities of the Void Fleet left them frustrated and uneasy. Their systems had failed to breach the layers of secrecy and countermeasures employed by Kallus and his forces, leaving only educated guesses based on observations.

Chen Gang, the Star Force Warrior, summarized their predicament succinctly: "Their technology doesn't just surpass ours; it's in a realm of its own. If we were to engage them, our best-case scenario might be retreat, but victory? That's all but impossible."

The room fell silent, acknowledging the stark reality. Yet the confirmation of the meeting, set for two hours later, brought a collective sigh of relief. "At least they're not here to engage us militarily," one of the military commanders remarked. "Their actions and communications suggest a willingness to discuss, not destroy."

Bai Zong qi nodded; his expression thoughtful. "It's clear they have no immediate interest in hostilities. Their willingness to establish contact is a positive sign, and their straightforward attitude suggests they're confident but not antagonistic. However," he added with a serious tone, "we must not mistake their openness for weakness. Their dominance over us is undeniable, not just in technology but potentially in strategy and vision."

Another advisor said, "From what we've observed—their ship designs, their fleet configuration, their precise and calculated communication—there's an 80 percent likelihood they're human, and possibly even connected to Earth. If they are, that opens up possibilities for cooperation. But it also raises questions about their intentions and their origin."

Bai leaned forward, his hands clasped on the table. "Whatever their origin, one thing is certain: they hold the upper hand in every measurable way. We're dealing with a power far greater than ours. How we handle this meeting will shape our future interactions with them, and potentially the entire course of our mission here."

He paused, his voice steady but firm. "While this situation could be a threat, it could also be an unprecedented opportunity. If their gestures of goodwill are genuine, we might gain allies—or at least access to knowledge and resources far beyond what we've dreamed of. We must approach this meeting with caution, respect, and readiness to seize any chance to turn this encounter into an advantage."

The room erupted in murmurs of agreement as Bai rose to his feet. "Let's ensure everything goes smoothly. Prepare our team, finalize our talking points, and above all, keep our focus. This meeting may very well define the future of humanity's place in this galaxy."

With those words, the preparations continued, the tension in the air gradually giving way to determination.

...

Void Fleet

At Obliterator-Class Star Dreadnought.

Command Room

Kallus stood in the command chamber of his flagship, his eyes fixated on the holographic list displayed before him. Beside him, the Red Empress hovered silently, her shimmering form exuding both elegance and an almost maternal presence. Despite her earlier words, Kallus couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—excitement, sorrow, guilt, and anticipation—flood his mind as he scrolled through the data.

He had embarked on this search with curiosity, wondering if there might be another "Kallus" in this universe, another version of himself. Yet the Red Empress had already dismissed this possibility, her voice steady and reassuring.

"Master Kallus," she had explained earlier, "when your soul was chosen by the Supreme Being, all variants of you across the multiverse were erased. You are now a unique existence, the only Kallus in all of reality. While their deaths might seem tragic, you must understand that they were all parts of you—facets of a whole now embodied in you alone. You carry their essence, their potential, their dreams. There is no need for guilt."

The revelation had been staggering, leaving Kallus both awed and unsettled. The Supreme Being, a mysterious entity with names given by gods, immortals, and other unfathomable existences, had the power to rewrite reality itself. Yet the weight of being the sole "Kallus" also brought a sense of isolation.

Now, as he gazed at the holographic display, his heart skipped a beat. There, amidst the list of names and connections, was something he never expected. His parents—Kyle and Amelia—were alive in this universe. The discovery sent shockwaves through his mind. Tears welled in his eyes, unbidden and unstoppable, carrying a mixture of joy and grief.

He remembered his parents vividly. In his original universe, they had died in a tragic car accident when he was just 16. It had been the hardest period of his life. Alone and orphaned, he had struggled to find meaning and stability. The inheritance they left—a house in Bengaluru and other properties—had been a lifeline, allowing him to focus on his education. Despite his academic and personal success, their absence had left a void that no achievement could fill.

And now, here they were—alive. But the joy of that discovery was tempered by a bittersweet twist: the Kallus of this universe, their son, had died in an accident just a month and a half ago. It was the same time Kallus had been transported to this universe by the Supreme Being. His appearance here had inadvertently taken the place of his counterpart.

"Master Kallus," the Red Empress said softly, her voice tinged with understanding, "do not forget my earlier words. They were one and the same as you. Their fate is now interwoven with yours."

He nodded, wiping his tears as he processed this. If that wasn't enough, another surprise awaited him—he had a sister in this universe. Her name was Alice, and from the records, she resembled their mother and father, a beautiful blend of the family he had lost. A small smile tugged at his lips as he imagined her, though it was tinged with sadness for the brother she had lost.

"I will meet them," he murmured to himself, his voice resolute yet trembling with emotion. "After I deal with the Star Fleet and secure our position, I'll find them. I owe them that much."

The Red Empress observed him quietly, her holographic form serene. "You will, Master Kallus. And when the time comes, they will see not just the man they lost, but the extraordinary individual you have become."