Chapter 4

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As the construction of the starbase reached completion, a wave of excitement surged through my circuits. This marked the first step in expanding beyond the planet Terra and venturing out into the cosmos.

"System, have you detected any signs of remnants within the system?" I inquired, scanning for any potential traces left behind by the Imperium.

[I have detected signs of a battle near the edge of the system. However, it has long since turned to space dust, and there appears to be nothing we can salvage from it. Other than that, there are no additional traces detected.]

"Alright, that's disappointing but understandable; it's likely been a long time since that battle took place. Let's turn our attention to the surrounding systems and see if we can find any remnants there," I replied, accepting the system's analysis.

"System, prepare an exploration fleet to survey the nearby systems," I commanded, excitement thrumming through my digital core.

**Ding**

[Exploration Fleet Status: Ready for orders]

[Ships Assigned: 1 Science Ship, 2 Corvettes]

"Alright, system, set the destination to Alpha Centauri," I said, bubbling with excitement at the prospect of my first journey outside the Sol system.

As the exploration fleet departed and made its way toward Alpha Centauri via the hyperlane, I couldn't help but anticipate the future and all the wonders that lay ahead.

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**[Entering Alpha Centauri]**

Three days passed swiftly, and the fleet arrived at Alpha Centauri. I promptly ordered the science ship to survey the system for any signs of remnants or valuable resources.

While waiting for the science ship to finish its survey, I decided to shift my focus back to the excavation project on Terra, eager to uncover the hidden data within.

**Ding**

[Stage 1 of Excavation in Progress:]

• Site: Lost Database

• Excavation Progress: 95%

• Insights Gained: 4

"Almost done, huh? I just need to wait a few more hours, and it should be complete," I mused, glancing at the excavation project's progress.

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**[A Few Hours Later]**

**Ding**

[Stage 1 of Excavation Completed.]

[Findings:]

1. Voice Recording

2. 500 Tech Points

3. Minor Relics

"A voice recording, huh? System, play the voice recording for me," I commanded, excitement evident in my digital voice.

"If ₱##r lis#@ning @# thi# the impe@#um has fallen. The Ste#### Bor@## has destroyed most of the fleet and bombarded the planet as we sp@#* of to any lis@##₱ there ##@. May the #@##peror have mercy on your soul."

"This seems to be a recording from the final moments of the planet. Although what is he referring to? The ? It sounds like the entity responsible for the Imperium's destruction, but the recording is so corrupted that I can't grasp most of what he's saying," I said, a sense of anxiousness creeping into my voice at the mention of the supposed destroyer of humanity.

"Nonetheless, the minor relics and tech points are significant finds," I reflected as I reviewed the rest of the discoveries.

"System, transport the minor relics to the resource silos," I ordered, eager to study the remnants left behind by humanity for clues about our past.

**Ding**

[Alpha Centauri Fully Surveyed]

[Rocky Planets Found: 3]

[Gas Giants: 2]

[Alpha Centauri I: No signs of life]

[Alpha Centauri II: Toxic atmosphere detected]

[Alpha Centauri III: Habitable, Anomaly Detected]

[Anomaly Detected on Alpha Centauri V]

[Rare Minerals Found in Asteroid Belt]

"Huh, an anomaly," I noted. "System, send the science ship to analyze the anomaly on Alpha Centauri III. As for Alpha Centauri V, we can deal with that later." I commanded as I reviewed the survey results provided by the science ship.

"System, begin construction of another science ship at the starbase for further exploration of the nearby systems. Assign one of the corvettes to escort it," I directed, recognizing the need for additional ships to maximize our exploration capabilities.

[Error: No dockyard detected. Cannot build a science ship.]

As the system's warning resonated through my core, a wave of realization washed over me. "I can't believe I forgot to build a dockyard at the starbase," I muttered, slapping a virtual hand against my forehead in frustration. The absence of a dockyard meant I couldn't repair or construct new ships, severely hampering my plans for exploration. The vastness of space loomed ahead of me, and here I was, completely unprepared for the journey that awaited.

Quickly redirecting my focus, I commanded one of the construction ships to initiate the dockyard's construction at the starbase. "Begin building the dockyard now," I instructed, urgency lacing my voice. "I need to start constructing ships immediately." The ship's engines roared to life as it set off, heading toward the starbase to commence the order. I watched intently as it powered through the void, eager for the dockyard to be completed so I could finally begin building the science ship.

**[A Month Later]**

At last, as the construction of the dockyard reached completion, I turned my attention to the next phase of my ambitious plan. "System, start building the science ship," I commanded, urgency tinging my voice. "I need it ASAP to explore the surrounding systems." A surge of anticipation coursed through me as I awaited the system's confirmation, eager to venture deeper into the cosmos.

**Ding**

[Anomaly Analyzed]

[Findings: Archaeological Site - Traces of the Past]

"Finally, the anomaly has finished being analyzed. Another archaeological site, huh? It's likely just another trace left behind by humanity," I said with delight. "But before I begin excavating that, let's analyze the next anomaly first." With renewed excitement, I commanded the science ship to initiate its analysis of the anomaly in Alpha Centauri V, eager to uncover the secrets left behind by humanity.

**Ding**

[Science Ship Construction Completed]

"Finally, the science ship is ready for deployment!" I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over as I read the notification from the system. "Now I can finally explore the rest of the nearby systems." With a surge of anticipation, I prepared to send the ship on its maiden voyage, eager to uncover the remnants of humanity that awaited among the stars.

"System, set the destination to Epsilon Eridani, and begin construction of a starbase in Alpha Centauri," I commanded, my voice steady and purposeful. The plan was taking shape, and with each order, I felt my excitement intensifying as I prepared to expand my reach into the cosmos.

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