Chapter 238: Destiny's Chosen! Same Origin, Enemy and Ally! The Ways of the World!
004 Universe, Halo, Forward Operating Base Headquarters.
At this moment, the top research personnel from LA Megacorp's Biotechnology Division had all gathered inside a laboratory on Prosperous Star. Biological samples excavated by the Engineering Division were being steadily delivered for study.
Meanwhile, Francis and Niccolo, the master and apprentice pair, were engaged in a video call with Li Ang, who was stationed far away at the headquarters.
"How's the situation on your end? Any updates?"
Li Ang's voice came through the screen.
"Absolutely," Niccolo replied with a grin. Ever since the ruins of the Forerunner civilization were unearthed, the research team had been working around the clock.
After several days of effort, they had indeed uncovered some intriguing leads.
"Boss, I've got good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?" Niccolo asked with a half-joking tone.
"Whichever one's more important."
Li Ang didn't bother entertaining the joke and instead tossed the decision back to him.
After a couple of awkward chuckles, Niccolo gave a direct report:
"The bad news is, we haven't found any genetic samples or critical data related to the Flood."
"Either the Engineering Division needs to ramp up the excavation efforts and send us more relics, or… we'll have to capture a live Flood specimen."
Li Ang merely nodded upon hearing that the Scorpiolion Virus project targeting the Flood couldn't proceed for now. This was within his expectations.
Even if they couldn't engineer the virus right away, it didn't matter much. He could always have someone capture a Flood creature later. No big deal.
"And the good news?"
Li Ang pressed on.
"The good news is, we discovered genetic data on the Forerunner civilization in the ruins' database. It turns out their genetic makeup is extremely similar to that of humans."
As Francis spoke, he transmitted his latest research findings to Li Ang's holo-display.
Upon examining the comparative genome charts, both Li Ang and Lucy, standing beside him, were stunned to see that Forerunners and humans shared virtually identical genetic structures.
The similarity rate between the two was comparable to that of identical twins.
After processing this new revelation, Li Ang nodded thoughtfully. He recalled that this was indeed the case in the original work: the Forerunners, created by the Precursors, and ancient humans had essentially the same DNA template. Their differing forms were simply adaptations to different environments.
So, despite the two species appearing vastly different, at their core, they were the same.
Moreover, this explained why humans could quickly adapt to using Forerunner technology.
It was precisely because of this compatibility that the Covenant, which had looted the Forerunner ruins and reverse-engineered their technology, managed to reproduce their ships and weapons so effectively.
Technically, other civilizations wouldn't even be able to pilot those ships—but humans could use them without issue.
Why? Because humanity carried the mandate of destiny!
"You mean… the technological data and knowledge in the Forerunner ruins can be fully inherited by us? Even their warships can be directly operated?"
Lucy, quick-witted as ever, made the connection immediately. This meant deciphering the ruins might not be so difficult after all.
"Exactly. To put it simply, it's the principle of 'same origin.' We're all born of the same mother—we're fighting among our own kind," Niccolo said with a smile.
According to the information they had uncovered, the Forerunners, ancient humans, and even the species of the Gravemind civilization all shared the same basic bipedal, spinal-cord-based physiology.
Of all the civilizations created by the Precursors, the Forerunners and humans were the two most promising. The rest, like the ragtag bunch making up the Covenant, were just background players—extras for the main plot.
"Good work. I'll have David and his team capture a Flood specimen. You all keep pushing forward with the research. Keep me updated with any developments."
"Yes, boss."
After wrapping up the call, Li Ang switched to a new screen and placed a call to alt Cunningham, who was working with the AI Loki to decrypt the Forerunner ruins database.
Once the video connected, alt promptly presented a summary of the current progress:
The database could be decrypted without the need to deploy the transcendent AI Europa. However, given current progress, it would still take a few more weeks.
"Boss, I'd like to use my own clone body as the basis to develop the first smart-type AI independently produced by Megacorp," alt suddenly proposed after reporting.
Surprisingly, Li Ang didn't immediately approve the plan. Instead, he fell silent, clearly weighing the pros and cons—or perhaps even questioning alt's motives.
Seeing Li Ang hesitate, alt pressed on:
"My colleagues and I in the research division have thoroughly studied the principles of smart-type AI. With the information left by the Forerunners, we can easily manufacture a batch of our own."
"These AI models are based on human neural networks and have far higher potential than conventional artificial intelligence. They could replace outdated systems and vastly improve administrative efficiency."
Alt's meaning was clear: smart-type AIs were on a completely different level from the Matrix-bred AI models. If Megacorp could roll these out en masse, it would mark the beginning of a new wave of industrial evolution.
Plus, each smart-type AI had a built-in lifespan of just seven years, eliminating any risk of runaway evolution or consciousness breaches.
In short, smart-type AI was a game-changer—and they needed to start deploying it ASAP.
Li Ang already knew all the advantages. What made him pause was alt's proposal to use his own cloned neural system as the prototype.
There was no doubt: an AI created from alt's neural architecture would be exceptional in quality.
Alt Cunningham's intellect was a cut above the rest. Without him, the god-tier tech behind the Relic Chip wouldn't even exist.
So a smart-type AI based on alt would likely become a core AI member of Megacorp's cabinet—anything less would be a waste.
At that moment, Li Ang seemed to realize what alt was aiming for: if he couldn't yet enter the core leadership himself, then he would let his smart AI do it first.
Once Li Ang saw for himself how exceptional alt's mind was through the AI, maybe a promotion would follow.
"Alright. I'll let you handle this."
Li Ang nodded. Since alt was so eager to prove himself, he'd give him the chance.
If the smart AI modeled after alt could match up to Loki, then alt could assume the role of Chief AI Councilor, overseeing all elite smart-type AIs.
As for Loki, given his contributions in the early days, he could be demoted slightly—still kept in the inner circle, but in a secondary role.
"Yes, sir! I'll begin immediately!"
Alt could barely contain his excitement as he received the green light. He quickly got to work on manufacturing the smart-type AI.
After delegating this task, Li Ang took a moment to check in on the primary universe and all parallel universes under Megacorp's control.
Messages from governors like V, Johnny Silverhand, and Maine indicated everything was running smoothly—no major incidents had occurred.
That reassured Li Ang somewhat.
For a trans-multiversal giant like LA Megacorp, both total calm and sudden upheaval were undesirable.
Too quiet, and it might signal a brewing storm.
Too turbulent, and it could herald sweeping change.
The ideal state was one of minor issues, but overall stability—manageable problems within a well-controlled situation.
"Lucy, send out a notice. I want the first-person visual feeds of all research staff currently excavating the ruins to be streamed to me in real-time. I'll be personally supervising."
"And as soon as any new data from the ruins is decrypted, prioritize uploading it to me first."
Li Ang was desperate to gather as much intel from the ruins as possible. Only by acquiring enough information could he properly plan his next moves.
"Yes, boss!"
…
…
Prosperity Star, Orbital Docking Port
At this moment, three transport ships marked with "UNSC" were slowly pulling out of the port, heading toward the depths of space.
Inside the bridge, the advance team led by David Martinez was fully focused on piloting their transport ship.
Once all preparations were complete, the helmsman confirmed, "Destination locked: Arcadia Colony."
"Initiating slipspace jump in 3… 2… 1!"
As the countdown ended, everyone on board could see a twisting vortex of blue light forming outside the ship's forward viewport.
This was a passage forcibly torn through spacetime, a corridor of slipspace glowing with a tranquil blue hue, vastly different from regular space.
Its working principle was nearly identical to the shockpoint drive from Dead Space: both engines tore through spacetime and propelled ships forward by distorting its structure.
But unlike the shockpoint drive's blinding flashes of erratic light, this type of engine produced only a steady, subdued glow.
It was like a small boat gliding across a calm lake.
No one knew how much time had passed, but when David returned to the central console to check their distance to the destination, he saw they were just 0.58 light-years away.
Glancing at the timer, he was surprised to see that three days had already gone by.
While traversing slipspace, transport ships could only rely on atomic clocks for timekeeping—other systems might malfunction due to spacetime distortions or magnetic interference.
Losing track of time or direction in slipspace could easily get a ship lost forever in the endless sea of stars.
As the ship neared its destination, David Martinez immediately summoned the members of the operations team and addressed them:
"Everyone, we're approaching the Arcadia Colony. Once we arrive, you'll be posing as crew members of this transport ship to conduct reconnaissance on the ground."
"I and the other Astartes warriors will sneak in with the cargo as stowaways. I'll take care of your weapons and ammo—you just handle the bribes. Make sure no one inspects that shipment."
David's plan was crystal clear.
He and the other Astartes warriors, towering nearly three meters tall, would draw attention no matter where they went.
So the only option was to smuggle themselves in with the cargo. And to pull that off, they had to ensure the guards didn't inspect it.
That's where Rita and her team's street smarts would come in.
"Understood, leave it to us, boss."
William Cage grinned. In this squad, no one understood that kind of "social nuance" better than he did.
"Alright. Play it by ear when the time comes. If it really doesn't work out—then we break through by force!"
"Yes, sir!"
With that, David turned his gaze out the viewport. After crossing the final layer of slipspace, their ship emerged smoothly into the Sigma Draconis system.
There, they saw Sigma Draconis—a star slightly larger and more massive than the Sun.
Orbiting around it were ten planets: six terrestrial worlds and four gas giants, closely resembling the solar system.
As the transport ship continued its approach, David and the others laid eyes on the surface of Arcadia: a dazzling planet covered in green vegetation and blue oceans.
The local atmosphere must be rich in oxygen to sustain such lush vitality.
Along the sunward side of the equator, they also saw several space elevators—larger even than those on prosperity Star—and a number of orbital stations.
Countless civilian transports and cruise liners emerged from slipspace with trails of bluish engine glow, returning to normal space and following designated routes toward their respective space stations.
Before long, the transport ship carrying David's team also decelerated along its pre-set route and entered a medium-sized docking port.
Once the massive mechanical arms secured the ship and the port's boarding bridge connected to the hull, docking was complete.
At that moment, in the cargo bay of the transport ship, David and the Astartes warriors were already fully geared and hiding deep inside the cargo crates, silently listening for any outside movements.
Meanwhile, Rita and the other members of the advance team stood near the airlock, patiently awaiting the gate to open and the customs officers to arrive.
Clack.
Clack!
With a loud metallic thud, the hatch opened, and more than a dozen Arcadian customs personnel and UNSC Marines stepped onto the deck.
The customs soldiers, weapons in hand, used the electronic optics of their tactical helmets to scan Rita, Cage, and the others, checking for contraband.
Due to recent uprisings, the UNSC had issued special orders to colonial outposts to increase their vigilance and prevent rebel infiltration.
But in reality, most customs agents still treated these inspections as mere routine.
After all, working overtime didn't come with extra pay—why bust your back for nothing?
The officer in charge of this inspection post was a stern-faced, imposing middle-aged man. Just from his demeanor, you could tell he wasn't someone to be trifled with.
"You folks came from prosperity Star? I've heard there's quite a few rebels over there. You make it all this way without any trouble?"
He scrolled through his tablet as he casually made conversation with Rita, clearly probing for information.
Rita hesitated, unsure how to respond, when Cage stepped forward with a grin and jumped in:
"Hey! With Governor Serta overseeing things, the rebels on prosperity Star were wiped out ages ago. This latest shipment came through without a hitch. Smooth sailing the whole way!"
The customs officer gave him a blank look, then glanced at recent UNSC reports on colonial conditions.
Seeing that prosperity Star was indeed now marked as stable, he nodded thoughtfully. "Vegetables, fruits, canned goods, grains…"
Then he looked back at Cage and said:
"We're going to perform a routine check to ensure there's no contraband in your cargo hold. Please cooperate."
As he raised his hand to signal the soldiers, Rita—calm on the surface but seething with killing intent—locked eyes on him.
If those customs agents actually tried to inspect their cargo, they'd have no choice but to strike first.
But just then, William Cage suddenly grabbed the officer's hand and said with a smile:
"Hey, we're all on the same side. I've made runs to Arcadia more times than I can count. What could a backwater like prosperity Star possibly produce?"
"Just fruits, veggies, and maybe some canned meat. A quick glance should be enough."
The officer's expression darkened at first, clearly about to scold Cage for grabbing his hand.
But then, inexplicably, he felt something thick and plastic between his palm and Cage's.
He looked down—and saw a thick wad of cash.
The weight in his hand spoke volumes, and in that instant, he truly felt the warmth of Cage's… "friendship."
He swallowed hard, marveling at the young man's generosity—and sleight of hand. That trick was so fast, even a high-def camera might've missed it.
Seeing the officer begin to waver, Cage pressed on:
"Our dear Governor Serta spent a fortune quelling the rebellion. All he got was a verbal commendation—no actual reward."
"So we brought a shipment here, hoping to find some business partners and earn a little something on the side."
"Only with money can we keep things stable back home. We're all serving the UNSC—why make things difficult for each other?"
Cage's message was clear.
Yes, we're smuggling contraband. But we're doing it for Governor Serta.
The governor just crushed a rebellion. He's earned some leeway. Now he's sending us to earn him a little extra.
You play along, you get your cut.
But if you mess up his plans—well, don't be surprised if life gets difficult down the line.
"Everyone wins when we all get along."
Seeing Cage flash that same easy grin, the officer's stern face finally softened into a warm smile.
"Aha! No wonder you looked familiar. You've been here several times already. Thank you for your hard work."
He shook Cage's hand again, this time using the gesture to discreetly pocket the cash.
"No need for formalities. Safe travels."
With that, he ordered his team to stand down and gave them the green light to pass.
To Rita's astonishment, the customs officers treated Cage like a long-lost brother—despite it being his first time here.
Normally, they would've gone through multiple identity checks and a full cargo inspection using scanning equipment that revealed nearly everything.
But thanks to Cage's handshake and a few well-placed words, the inspection team barely looked at them before waving them through.
What should've taken two to three hours was done in under thirty minutes. They were soon in the arrivals hall.
At that moment, Rita's teammates were already giving Cage a round of thumbs-up, thoroughly impressed by his silver tongue.
"Commander Cage, what did you do back there? You just shook his hand and suddenly the guy let us through?"
One soldier still couldn't believe it. He was sure the officer had been furious when Cage grabbed him.
But in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Could it be that William Cage knew hypnosis or something?
"You probably won't believe me," Cage said, spinning his tale. "I have a superpower—anyone I touch will do exactly what I want."
As his wide-eyed teammates crowded around him, Cage leaned into the performance.
Only Rita, who had seen everything, knew exactly what Cage's "superpower" was. She merely rolled her eyes at the others and said nothing.
When the space elevator finally arrived to carry passengers and cargo, Rita reminded the team to move out.
Moments later, the space elevator began descending rapidly along its rail, heading straight for the planet's surface—over ten thousand kilometers below.
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