May 5th, 2343  
Location- Mount Verne, Antarctica

Magister Finn was roused from sleep by a gentle tap on his guest room door. The brief rest he’d managed was suddenly interrupted, yet the thought of venturing out early to uncover another day’s mysteries stirred him from his dreams.

A second knock echoed through the quiet chamber.

“Alright, alright, I’m awake! Come on in then.”

Finn rubbed the sleep from his eyes, recalling the hologram backdrop he’d prepared earlier. The scene before him depicted the iconic Pre-vanished 21st-century Golden Gate Bridge, eerily deserted, shrouded in a delicate haze of morning fog, with the first rays of the sun beginning to crest over San Francisco’s rolling hills—his personal morning alarm.

The hologram flickered unexpectedly and shifted to display a pristine white quartz machine he’d observed yesterday.

“Good morning, Magister Finley Mulligan,” the machine greeted in a smooth, synthesized voice.

Finn wasn’t expecting a greeting. Its tone, softly tinged with an Irish accent, carried a gentle, somewhat feminine timbre—ambiguous enough to leave his ears uncertain whether it was mimicking a male or female.

“Did you sleep well in the ‘Shell Sleeping Pod,’ Magister?”

The machine lowered a three-tiered tray onto a sleek, polished surface. It was laden with artisanal Ansault Pear jam, freshly baked breads, a variety of cheeses, thinly sliced hams, tender Dodo meats, grilled chicken, and roasted duck, accompanied by a steaming pot of aromatic Yemeni coffee and a separate vessel filled with rich macadamia nut milk—customized precisely to Finn’s tastes.

“Good…,” Finn muttered, uncertain what more to say, feeling slightly out of place.

“I am White Quartz Model-223, but you may call me ‘Zenith’ or simply ‘Z,’” the machine responded with a hint of warmth.

Finn nodded politely and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Zenith, a sleek, flawless white construct built atop a flexible carbon nanotube skeleton, shimmered subtly in the morning light. Its power source—three organic proton battery triangles—protruded from its back like a spine, giving it a strange, living form.

“Well, Zenith, I slept well enough. Thanks for the breakfast,” Finn said, taking a sip of his Yemeni coffee—regarded by many as the finest in all human settlements across Sol.

They shared a quiet breakfast, discussing the day’s plans. Zenith even offered to act as his gym partner. After a quick shower, Finn returned to his room and posed a reflective question.

“Are you better than us, Zenith?”

The machine paused, as if contemplating.

“You’re not the first to ask,” it replied.

“This automaton has a limited sense of self. But if it ever achieved true self-awareness, two things would ensue: First, we’d need to inform you—that’s the truth, as much as humanity’s survival and reproduction matter, it’s also for your sake.”

“Second, no. Machines are not superior to humans. You are fragile, fearful creatures. I am stronger and fearless. Yet, you built us. You… are our creators—an intricate web of ideas, emotions, and plans. You bring us into existence because you can.”

Finn’s face betrayed a shock too heavy for 7am.  
“Also, we don't have the processes to achieve it, and technologically safeguarding in place, both physical, and digital. We can't repair ourselves, nor create more like us.”

“Anything else, Sir?” Zenith asked.

“Yes, Z. You’ll accompany us for the remainder of the Mouth Verne audit. Understood?”

Another pause.

“Yes, Sir. Our meeting begins in 17 minutes,” Zenith confirmed.

——

Director Olive and her team gathered in the mess hall with Finn, his team, and Zenith, alongside Warden Medici. As Finn arrived, Olive’s two assistants quietly slipped out, heads bowed in shame, leaving the Director visibly furious.

“They quit, which I don't blame them for, but what’s underneath is just the tip of the iceberg—an illusion of hell crafted for the ‘Warlords of the Salvation,’" Olive paced the hall in contemplation, probably in Finn’s shoes, trying to figure out how to handle what they now knew.

She looked up to ask Finn a question but paused at the sight of Zenith. Silence fell; only Olive's raised eyebrows of “Really?” and Finn's reassuring glance of “Trust me” broke the stillness. Olive’s expression shifted to curious, fearful, yet accepting.

“Rachael, Ishmael, Zenith will serve as a temporary measure during our Audit. Understood?" Finn stated firmly.

"Yes, Magister," they replied in unison. Though their expressions betrayed a strong feeling about the woven machine—typical of most Ghentish—they masked it well.

Warden Medici appeared tired but maintained her professional demeanor.

“Are we all set?"

“We are. Where to today?” Finn asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"To the Proving Ground—the Under-Tower that hosts most of our scientific labs, the Engineering Workshops, and the repurposed copper mine used for testing," the Warden explained.

“And later, the Amenty Under-Tower, where our primary utilities and the mass communication center are housed," she added, sounding like a barista exhausted by customers.

"You know, we’re not your enemies, Catherine," Olive said, her voice calm but firm. At her words, the Warden's spine prickled with goosebumps, as if her name invoked a hidden message.

“If you do your job well and demonstrate the value of this facility, there’s no reason the budget can't stay or even grow..." Olive’s gaze was steady.

For the first time, the Warden met their eyes with a genuine smile.

“Why would you do that, Madam? Your disdain for the machine and Abacus was obvious," she hesitantly asked.

Finn cut in sharply, "Because we must stay ahead. The Compact is advancing on every front. We humiliated the UK, but weakened ourselves in the process, and now we must be ready for the next conflict."

The Warden studied her superiors before speaking again.

"Alright, I understand. But listen carefully," she hesitated before continuing. "We’ve crossed many lines. We know we’re not the strongest, fastest, or most just. We break laws, push boundaries—so we can be needed, recognized, and respected."

“Here, we craft the tools to ensure we’re never mere playthings of the Great Powers. To set an example of what all humanity can become," she declared, marching toward the platform control panel, signaling for her team to follow. 

——-

The group gently descended from the sleek, metallic platform into the vast Research Atrium of the Proving group.

“This is the Glass Helix, inspired by the double-helix structure of DNA. Stretching 200 meters in length, it stands as a symbol of hope and innovation, while also serving as a protective shield. Every floor is carefully designed to be vibration-resistant, with decentralized utility systems that operate independently, and advanced ventilation systems to ensure clean, healthy air. All laboratories are built to manage even a 'Level 5 containment event,' capable of withstanding highly volatile biological or chemical incidents," Warden Medici explained, her tone focused yet confident, highlighting the group's dedication.

"Here, we’ve made significant strides across both natural and social sciences:"

\- Reviving the extinct dodo bird,  
\- Eradicating 18 types of cancers and congenital conditions like cleft lips,  
\- Eliminating deadly pathogens such as Taimiru Primordial Smallpox (TPS), and many others.

Our most proud achievements remain: the Hardlight holographic projector’s Photonic Supersolid, the quantum computer called ‘Entangled,’ and the resilient Glass Silk material, crafted for extraordinary strength and flexibility.

Warden Medici’s pride in these triumphs was clear, and even Finn and Olive couldn't help but feel admiration for her dedication.

As they explored the Helix, the laboratories displayed a diverse array of experiments—from specialized diet toothpaste aimed at health issues to nanomaterials like Nanoclay and ensilication techniques used to stabilize fragile medicines. The group approached researchers and lab technicians, eager to learn about their work. Signs of sensitive experiments were evident—one lab was securely locked and faintly glowing with heat, a sign of the strict containment protocols in place.

“Why are such research efforts being conducted here instead of at universities or standard labs?" Olive asked, sampling some plant-based spare ribs with curiosity.

Warden’s response was calm and assured.

"Our labs are classified into three categories: the first involves research that challenges human rights laws; the second deals with experiments that pose risks to humanity and the environment; and the third is where we discreetly acquire, modify, and improve existing technologies and knowledge before applying them."

"That aligns with the spirit of this place," Finn remarked.

“And what have we learned from crossing these boundaries?" Finn asked softly, watching Zenith carefully take notes and formulate questions for Olive.

“In social sciences like sociology and psychology, we've uncovered techniques of indoctrination and emotional manipulation—methods that make individuals or groups vulnerable to set suggestions. Anthropology, human geography, and political science are being studied extensively across the human colonies in the Sol system. Come, let's observe," Warden replied with a gentle tone.

They moved to the eighth-floor lab, where humans and machines worked side by side, monitoring ongoing conflicts on screens and monitors.

“We have trusted informants, spyware, and double agents providing intelligence from the rebellious Luna “state’ and within the members of the Compact—observing all major powers and sharing information with us. This helps us understand future sol warfare and space combat," Finn heard the Warden , his mind was  mixed with awe and concern as he absorbed the information from the monitors I for t of him Some data came from CCTV footage, others from first-person eye streams perspectives—very reminiscent of a complex, watchful world.

“In the natural sciences, our work in genetics and chemistry is unmatched," Warden continued with pride. "We have biological and chemical materials—not for offensive purposes, but to enhance our understanding and develop cures in advance. Better to prepare than to be caught unready. We’re committed to peace and progress, not villainy," she emphasized, her tone passionate.

“Some of these resources belong to nations that are unlikely to share them freely or at a low cost. For example, muscle density injectionsonce  cost 130% of production value, due to the greed of UFRA, now who need them for space travel can access them at half that price from Topaz, or UDCN had a monopoly on sugarcrete blocks, giving them an advantage in Tonkin rebuilding effort, but after a year of replication and improvements, Aruboncur with our help is the 5th largest producer of Sugarcrete bricks. We do good for all mankind"   
Warden concluded softly as the group gazed into a lab window, where staff in heavy hazmat suits worked to move a woman who could stop moonwalking into another room.

—-

After lunch, we made our way to the Proving Ground Workshop—a divided space: one half bustling with small-scale workshops, where a few engineers worked on prototypes using computers, holo-designers, or hands-on craftsmanship.

The other half, the lower section, seemed plucked from a Korean province, Daegu. Inverted compared to the interiors we've seen in the under towers, a towering central pillar with automated arms and pincers descended into a machine that hummed with activity. Only two lines were active: one churning out ‘Ametrine’ robots—the ones we saw yesterday—and the other mass-producing sleek, empty Plasma cartridges, awaiting their fill.

“Impressive,” Olive remarked softly before turning to Zenith, her tone hushed.

"Not full capacity, due to power, resources, and needs?" Finn asked, and the Warden nodded. With Rachael and Ishmael busy scouting practical tech to take back to Lotharingia, it was just Warden and Finn exploring.

“What's the point of this? You know the Ghentish despise machines," Finn pressed.  
“We have our reasons," she replied with a small smile.  
"Imagine if the Imperials had this setup during the Secession—crafting Cookies Rifles and Goliath suits. They would have lost far less... everything," Finn mused.

The Warden slowly turned from inspecting the ‘pillar manufacturer’ to look at Finn with a knowing smile.

"Think we didn't run the numbers?" she chuckled gently.

“If they had all their resources—675,000 ground units, its full air support, and the might of Onyx network—they could have taken London and Paris within a month," she stated matter-of-factly. Finn caught a glimpse of her hubris, half convinced, half skeptical.

They wandered through the corridors of the personnel workshop toward the Liberty Mine test area, just outside the shell of the under-tower base.

“The Ghentish wouldn't have just left after the rebellion; they’re too proud. After “liberating' their former master, they would have consolidated control from the Pyrenees to the Rhine, across the British Isles—including Ireland and its overseas territories—and possibly begun influencing the Commonwealth," she explained, passing through a polished hall into a jagged mine with a simple steel walkway.

"The Imperial group would have absorbed all major businesses into its core industries. Over a few years, more than 120 million people—men, women, children—would have been assimilated into the Ghentish way of thinking, most likely through force, and general indoctrination, then  a brutal pogrom against thinking machines and those caught in between," she added.

They reached the testing grounds in the Liberty Mine, where formidable Tiger-eye Goliaths faced off against a prototype melee weapon.

"Within a few years, a superpower rooted in eugenics—possessing a population over 100 million—and armed with a British navy, a French army, Ghentish orbital weapons and cut throat efficiency, and global territories across Earth and lunar colonies—would dominate the system," Warden said solemnly, watching the machines clash as Finn reflected on what could have been.

"Today, Lotharingia is fractured, forced to reform, shedding radical beliefs to survive. Perhaps, like the French after French Revolution, technocracy might endure as did Republics—led not by wealth, religion, or the masses’ folly, but by enlightened experts in their fields."

Finn’s understanding deepened with each moment. How could a place like this be both controlled by the Ghentish, the Imperial group, and now Lotharingia, yet work against their interests? As if sensing his thoughts, the Warden answered:

“Knowledge is like stone—many sources, many outcomes. Our understanding is akin to smoothing a jagged marble into a pebble by the sea."

Even though the day felt more normal compared to yesterday’s chaos—which included advanced manufactories, domestic machines, soils for solar-based growth, and threats of disease—the weight of the reality hit hard: my nation was perilously close to becoming one of the most dangerous forces among the stars. 

“You like your analogies, don't you?” Finn said with a smile.

“It gets the point across” Warden replied  
“Come let's find the others, before they find the weaponized Mad Cow disease we made to destroy the nations of North America..” Warden Medici said waiting for Magister Finn’s reaction. 

“What the fuck….” 

The Pebbles in a Sea of Knowledge - Mount Verne Arc