Chapter 10: The Fragility of Utopia

The military headquarters building on Vellis resembled a fortress carved into the rock - massive, separated from the world, as if it was meant to express power and invulnerability from the very beginning. Located on the edge of a cliff, it offered a panoramic view of the valley, where the lights of bioluminescent plants and streams twinkled. The facade of the staff was almost entirely plain, made of bright wrought mineral that reflected light in a way that suggested advanced camouflage technology.

Inside, there was strict functionality. The corridors were wide, illuminated by cool white light that gave them a sterile appearance. The walls were decorated with holographic maps of star systems, strategic data and Vellis military symbols - a trident blade surrounded by circular rings.

General Caelus was in the command center - a room that more closely resembled the interior of a spaceship than an Earth office. An oval holographic table dominated the center, with three-dimensional projections of galactic maps and current operational reports displayed on its surface. Behind the table stretched a wall of control panels, where technicians in dark military uniforms constantly monitored ship movements, signals and radar readings.

Caelus stood upright, as always impeccably dressed in a black military uniform with gold accents that emphasized his rank. On his chest was pinned the insignia of his position and the decorations he had earned in numerous campaigns. His face, with severe features and deep-set eyes, betrayed tension, though he remained as calm and cool as ever. His silvery hair was neatly combed and his movements were full of military precision.

- General," the young officer addressed him, saluting and standing at attention. He was wearing a standard reconnaissance uniform, which was predominantly graphite in color with maroon accents. - We have a preliminary report on the mission sent to K-47.

Caelus nodded, and his eyes flashed with impatience.

- Speak.

The officer leaned over the holographic table, activating the new data. A projection of K-47 appeared above the table - a chaotic lump, the remains of an irregularly shaped planet.

- The reconnaissance unit arrived at the site twenty-two hours after their disappearance. Traces of the landing were found near the old research station.

- The old station? - Caelus raised an eyebrow, stepping closer.

- Yes, general. It appears that the site was abandoned several years ago. Our units have found clues indicating exploration of the station by your daughter and her companion.

- A companion," repeated Caelus with a note of irritation in his voice. - Whoever he is, he certainly doesn't lack courage. Or... It's just bottomless stupidity.

The officer continued:

- The traces also indicate that they left the station in a hurry. We don't have full data, but our drones have detected traces of an alien life form - unidentified and potentially aggressive.

- Did something attack them? - Caelus asked, lifting his gaze to the junior officer.

- It is possible, general. However, what concerned us most was.... - The officer hesitated for a moment.

- Speak," ordered Caelus, and his tone became sharper.

- We found a symbol of a corporation from Earth. One of those that officially ceased to exist many years ago.

Caelus furrowed his brow, his gaze piercing the space before him.

- Earth," he whispered almost to himself.

The officer raised his eyes, surprised that the general knew the name.

- General?

- It's nothing," replied Caelus, straightening up. - What's next?

- The general's daughter and her companion appear to have left the K-47. They were tracked on course, but disappeared from radar after a brief jump into hyperspace.

Caelus clenched his jaw, stepping closer to the hologram.

- Additionally, send our best reconnaissance units. I want to know where they went. Find them before they find something they shouldn't find.

- Yes, General," the officer replied, saluting and quickly leaving the room.

Caelus stared at the K-47 projection for a moment, and his thoughts were as heavy as steel. He knew that Astra would not return without a fight, but he also knew that what he would find might be more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

He stood in front of a holographic screen showing updates from a reconnaissance mission on K-47. His gaze was hard, and you could almost sense the tension in the air. He moved his hand over the interface, zooming in on the camera image from one of the reconnaissance drones.

The screen showed the dilapidated corridor of the research station. The door at the end of the corridor was torn from its hinges and the metal frames were bent like paper. Claw marks, deep and irregular, trailed across the floor and walls, indicating the force that had wreaked this havoc.

- The door was destroyed from the inside," reported the captain of the reconnaissance unit, standing at the scene. His voice sounded from the communicator in the general's office. - It looks like the thing came out from inside the station.

- You are to follow the trail," instructed Caelus. - I want a report every second. If it's a threat to Vellis, elimination is the priority.

- Yes, general," replied the captain.

The reconnaissance squad, consisting of six soldiers in heavy, tactical armor, moved deep into the station. Each of them held a holobeam rifle in his hands, whose light cut through the dark corridor. Sensors on their helmets indicated that the ambient temperature was dropping rapidly - a sign that they were approaching something unnatural.

- The footprints lead outside," said one of the soldiers, kneeling by the imprint of large, misshapen paws that were imprinted in a thin layer of dust on the floor.

Leaving the station, they found themselves in an open space. The K-47's cool moonlight reflected off the shiny alloy of their armor. Footsteps led toward the forest - where tall trees with silvery crowns seemed to absorb the light and cast long, disturbing shadows.

- Movement at three o'clock," whispered the scout, aiming his rifle in the direction of the bushes.

The forest suddenly came alive - the sounds of breaking branches and a vibrating, inhuman roar cut through the silence. A creature appeared before them - humanoid, but with grotesquely outstretched limbs. Its skin was metallic, with armor resembling battle shields. It moved quickly, jumping from one place to another almost instantly.

- Fire! - ordered the captain.

Shots lit up the forest, and the echo of the rifles spread through the area. The bullets hit their target, but the creature seemed only to bounce back, as if testing their capabilities. At one point it fell on one of the soldiers, knocking him to the ground with one powerful blow.

- A highly resistant target! - shouted the captain. - Use plasma charges!

Another soldier fired a plasma grenade, which exploded right next to the creature, dousing it with a bright green glow of energy. The creature's roar turned into a painful shriek, and its silhouette began to smoke. It stopped for a moment, but quickly recovered, as if adapting to the new combat conditions.

- Retreat to point B! - ordered the captain, seeing that the enemy was still able to attack.

The squad moved toward a rocky cliff, leading the creature toward a narrow isthmus. As soon as they were in position, they used explosive charges to cut the creature off from any further way. The explosion scattered boulders, closing the passage.

- Threat temporarily neutralized," reported the captain to the staff. - We are continuing the analysis. The creature seems to show adaptability. We secure the area and await further orders.

At headquarters, Caelus stared at the broadcast from the battlefield. His face betrayed no emotion, but his hands, clasped behind his back, were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

- Secure the place," he said in a cool tone. - I want to know what it was and who is responsible for it. Don't let the Earthlings think that their research will crawl all over the cosmos.

The general was silent for a while, analyzing all the data coming into the headquarters. The transmission from K-47 showed the smoky ruins of the isthmus, and the reconnaissance unit was still keeping an eye on the area, watching to see if the creature would find another way out.

- Captain Eryon," the general finally said, his voice calm but firm. - Further secure the entire area of the research station. I want you to set up blockades on every exit from the forest. No living soul - or anything else - can leave K-47.

- Understood, General," Eryon replied, saluting the camera on the drone.

- We will send a research unit from Vellis," Caelus continued. - Scientists will arrive to conduct detailed analyses. Until their arrival, your task is to keep the asteroid under control.

A map of the area appeared on the screen, marking strategic points to be secured. The squad on K-47 received orders to deploy motion sensors, automatic turrets and energy barriers to prevent the creatures from escaping.

- Don't underestimate it," the general added. - If this creature and its ilk were able to breach the station's doors, it is a potential threat not only to Vellis, but to anyone in its path.

- That's right," confirmed Eryon. - Do we have a free hand in case of another attack?

Caelus hesitated for a moment, looking at the data on the creature's resilience and adaptability.

- Fire only as a last resort," he finally said. - Until scientists determine the nature of this creature, we want to immobilize it for now, not destroy it.

- Order accepted," replied the captain.

The general turned off the communicator and looked through the staff's panoramic window at the planet Vellis, which was shrouded in the warm light of its two moons. His thoughts returned to Astra. Her escape to Earth could be the beginning of a chain of events that threatened to reveal the planet's greatest secrets.

- Astra," he whispered, clenching his fists. - What have you done?

At the same time, on K-47, the reconnaissance squad was deploying more security. Heavy plasma turrets were installed on rock ledges, and drones patrolled the space around the station. All entrances to the various underground complexes were sealed off using force fields, and soldiers took up strategic positions.

- The research unit will arrive in 48 hours," a voice from the communicator informed them.

- It will be a very long two days," muttered one of the soldiers, improving his grip on his rifle.

The forest on the outskirts of the station seemed silent, as if the K-47 itself was waiting for the next move.

Caelus looked at the holographic screen in the command center. On it were detailed data from the K-47's orbital sensors. Graphs, trajectories and energy signatures were all arranged in one clear picture.

- Engine tracks suggest that they left K-47 several hours ago," spoke up a technician standing nearby. - Their trajectory indicates a flight towards the Aequor system. We are still confirming this.

Caelus squinted, analyzing the route.

- Captain Eryon," he said, activating the communicator. - Has the unit moved behind them?

Eryon appeared on the screen, his face tense but full of determination.

- Yes, general. - replied the captain. - We handed over the data to one of our pursuit units. They have already set off in their direction.

- Fine," replied Caelus. - But do not weaken the position on K-47. We need to secure the station and everything you found there.

- I left half the squad," confirmed Eryon. - We deploy additional barriers and increase the scope of patrol around the station.

Caelus nodded.

- This must be enough. If this creature is as dangerous as you report, we can't let it leave the planet.

- Order accepted," Eryon said, saluting.

The communicator turned off, and Caelus rested his hands on the desk, staring at the hologram.

- The chase is just the beginning," he muttered to himself. - Astra, I hope you know what you're doing, because now there's no turning back.

On K-47, soldiers, searched the area around the research station, making sure no other creature was lurking in the darkness. Those who set off in pursuit were approaching a navigation point that could be their next trail.

On the bridge of the pursuit unit, the young pilot looked at the sensor data with tension.

- Their energy signature is not clear," he said, turning to the commander. - They must have changed course after the jump.

The commander crossed his arms over his chest, looking at the screen.

- We will find them," he said calmly. - It's only a matter of time.

The general stood in the office of his staff, with his hands resting on the desk. A holographic map of the planet K-47 showed the markings - the units of his men securing the research station, and the route they were pursuing his daughter's ship. The general's eyes stared at the data when suddenly the communicator on his wrist gave a quiet signal.

- Speak," he chuckled huskily, without taking his eyes off the map.

On the screen appeared the face of a subordinate, a young officer with clear tension written on his face.

- Mr. General, we have received a message from the Council of Enlightenment. You are summoned to Parliament for an urgent meeting.

Silence fell for a moment while Caelus processed the information. Then he sighed heavily and straightened up.

- I knew they would speak up, but I thought it would take them longer," he muttered in exasperation.

- General? - asked the officer uncertainly.

- Nothing. Prepare the vehicle. I'll be down in five minutes," replied Caelus, turning off the communicator.

He looked at the hologram for another moment, as if trying to finish his own thoughts before someone else interfered with his plans.

- "Daughter's antics..." - he said quietly to himself, clenching his fists. - And now I have to explain myself to these academic theorists.

He straightened his uniform, on which merit badges shone. He was a symbol of authority and experience, but at the moment it weighed on him more than ever. There was no room for humility in his eyes - only anger and determination.

As he left the office, his footsteps echoed through the marble corridors of the headquarters. Officers and soldiers froze at the sight of him, straightening up in a learned gesture of respect. To them, he was not only a commander, but also a legend. However, at this moment he felt like a man whose authority had just been put to the test.

As he boarded the vehicle, he whispered under his breath:

- It's time to convince them that I have everything under control.

The Parliament, known as the Council of Enlightenment, was one of the oldest and most impressive buildings on the planet. Located in the heart of the capital, atop a marble hill, it rose toward the sky like an ancient bastion of knowledge and power. Its architecture followed classic Atlantean patterns - semicircular domes covered with blue and silver tiles that reflected light, and massive columns decorated with intricate reliefs depicting the history of Vellis.

Leading up to the interior was a wide staircase of white stone, which at first glance resembled marble, but to the touch betrayed its advanced composite nature. The interior was spacious and filled with light that streamed in through huge stained glass windows depicting key moments in the planet's history.

In the center of the main hall was a semicircular auditorium with a raised platform where the Council members sat. Their seats, resembling thrones, were made of a bright alloy of ore mined on Vellis and decorated with details that symbolized their position and function. Each member had holographic screens in front of them displaying data and reports.

Caelus, wearing a uniform with a high collar and gold stripes on the sleeves, entered the room with seriousness and determination. His uniform contrasted with the cool glow of his surroundings.

- General Caelus, please come to the podium," said one of the council members, an older man with a stern expression and silvery hair.

Caelus stopped in front of them and saluted with a precision that betrayed his military background.

- We are here to discuss a situation that is uncomfortable for all of us," the Council member continued, looking down at him from above. - The reports we have received are ... disturbing. Your daughter's escape, the discoveries on K-47, the chase - all raise questions.

Caelus straightened up and looked at those gathered with cool confidence.

- The situation on K-47 is under control," he began. - My unit has secured the research station and left an adequate garrison. At the same time, the pursuit of the ship my daughter is moving is underway.

- Your daughter," interrupted another council member, a younger man with sharp eyes and clear skepticism in his voice. - Don't her actions sometimes expose our planet?

Caelus squinted, but his voice remained calm.

- Astra, it is true that she acted impulsively, but she would never betray our place of origin. However, this does not change the fact that her actions require intervention.

- Intervention? - Asked a woman from the Council, dressed in robes decorated with patterns depicting constellations. - General, what was found on K-47 may have more significance than the pursuit of one person.

Caelus clasped his hands behind his back, feeling the pressure building up.

- The findings on K-47 will be studied in detail, but we cannot ignore the potential danger associated with my daughter.

- What if what was discovered there is.... the work of Mu? - asked a senior council member, and his words elicited a murmur from those gathered.

- Precautions have been taken," replied Caelus. - But if you believe that the current measures are insufficient, I request that additional research units and military support be sent.

The council exchanged glances, and the atmosphere in the room became even more tense.

- We will consider your proposal, General," said the President, raising his hand to silence the whispering among the Council members. - But remember, Caelus, every decision you make has consequences not only for you, but also for Vellis.

The general nodded, feeling that the discussion was far from over. Deep in his heart, he knew that the pressure was mounting - and with it, the danger that was beginning to spiral out of control.

He left the Council of Enlightenment meeting hall, passing a massive gilded door that closed behind him with a deafening clatter. The corridor leading outside was almost as imposing as the hall itself - tall, with rows of columns decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Vellis legends. Light streaming in through stained-glass windows cast colorful reflections on the polished stone floor.

Caelus walked briskly, paying no attention to the conversations of passing officials or the nods of lower-ranking officers. His thoughts were focused on one thing - Astra. He had to act quickly before events spun out of his control.

He finally reached the airstrip, where a sleek, silvery vehicle awaited him, its lines as aerodynamic as they were modern. He got in, and his personal aide, a young officer named Korran, immediately took a seat at the controls.

- We're going back to headquarters," chuckled Caelus, buckling his belt.

- Yes, General," Korran replied, starting the engines.

The vehicle lifted into the air with a barely audible hum, powered by anti-gravity technology. Below them stretched the skyline of the capital - a city rising on platforms, connected by a network of bridges and transportation lines that seemed to cut through the air like a spider's web.

- We have new information," Korran spoke up, breaking the silence.

Caelus looked at him curiously.

- Speak.

- It has been confirmed that traces of the engines of the vessel that Astra was aboard lead to the Aequor system.

The general squinted, clasping his hands on the armrests of his chair.

- Where exactly?

- The flight path points to the ocean sector. Two planets are taken into consideration. Thalassia and Ondara.

Caelus nodded, analyzing the situation. He looked at the illuminating hologram that showed the ship's flight path.

- What about the pursuit unit?

- It is halfway to the ocean system.

Caelus was silent for a while, looking at the view outside the window.

The horizon was lit up by the city's towers - slender, gleaming buildings that rose like silvery spires toward the sky. Their facades reflected the sun's rays in an almost blinding manner, and between them ran bridges and air corridors filled with traffic. Passenger and cargo ships floated at various heights, moving gracefully between docking platforms.

Beneath it all stretched perfectly designed green spaces. Parks full of lush trees with colors unparalleled on Earth - from deep purple to golden hues - were home to children running along synthetic paths. Their laughter reached even here, muffled by the soundproof windows of the vehicle. Parents strolled in the shade of the trees, unaware that their world could be jeopardized by one young woman's decision.

The forests, though technologically regulated, looked almost pristine. The air was filled with the aroma of flowers and citrus freshness, and small ponds reflected the sky in such a perfect way that they seemed like portals to another world.

- This is what you have exposed," muttered the general to himself, gazing at the landscape.

There was traffic on the city streets, but it was orderly traffic. People in elegant attire moved along wide avenues. Automated vehicles glided silently, and cleaning robots discreetly removed the smallest traces of dirt. Small cafes with terraces flourished on street corners, where residents relaxed with aromatic drinks, oblivious to the tension in the staff and the dangers lurking in space.

Somewhere in the central square, a crowd gathered around an artist who was presenting holographic sculptures that changed shape to the rhythm of music. Light traveled across their faces - sincere admiration and calm were evident in each of them.

It all - harmony, order, life - seemed perfect. Yet Caelus saw the fragility in it all. He knew that one impulse, one betrayed secret, could shatter this world into pieces.

"Astra," he thought, "do you really not see what you are risking?"

He clamped his hand on the armrest, his gaze shifting from the view outside the window to his own reflection in the glass.

- Let us know when something changes," he finally said. - Now speed up.

The vehicle increased speed, and the General, though seemingly composed, felt the pressure mounting. Every minute mattered, and the Astra was getting further and further away. A determination smoldered inside him - he had to find her. And he was not going to let his daughter, or anyone else, put Vellis in danger.