(Adam POV)
You know, I like to imagine what I would want to do when I'm finally able to leave this planet.
It mostly involves finding out whether or not the Tyranids have actually devoured everything outside of the galaxy, and I also want to find all of the remaining tomb worlds and eliminate each one of them.
To me, it's those two races that present the greatest threat. The Orks, while belligerent and numerous, can most likely be destroyed through one logic bomb or virus I can cook up.
The thought of a peaceful galaxy brings a small smile to my face. However, as I look over the final plans for my nanotech cocktail, I'm reminded of reality.
I am essentially going to have to go up against the fundamental forces of the universe in the form of Chaos, and most of the Tyranids and Necrons are protected by technology that once made them the masters of the material world. Not to mention that if those shards ever get loose, dealing with them would be… less than pleasant.
And, of course, there's the Imperium of Man and the Emperor. Back when I was in my world, I was actually a bit of a fan of the guy, but now, being in his universe with him, there are about 50,000 different ways all of my plans could go awry.
"Are you all right, sir? You have been staring at that fish for 15 minutes now."
As Alpha asked the question, I immediately resumed eating my dinner. Thankfully, I was able to create a specialized replicator that allows me to reproduce foods from my memory.
"I am all right, Alpha. Just deep in thought." After I answered her question, she appeared in her volumetric display—her holographic form shimmering into view.
"Are you certain? Listlessness could be a symptom of multiple different mental issues."
It's comforting that she's looking beyond the physical and starting to notice mental triggers and micro-expressions.
"I am all right, Alpha. How goes the progress on the Rebirth Chamber?" She shows me the construction feed from the Rebirth Chamber.
"The Rebirth Chamber is 80% complete, sir, and the Omega Nanites are in the final stages of development."
"Amazing work, Alpha." I stand up and throw my plate into the disintegrator. Alpha goes silent, and when I turn around, she has vanished from the display.
Everything seems to be in order, though, so she must have returned to her work.
With a slight smile on my face, I return to my workspace. My current project, in addition to the nanites and the super-soldier serum, is the satellite network, which is scheduled to launch today.
Exiting the lab, I head over to the launchpad I managed to construct. Thanks to driller bots and nano-molecular constructors, creating infrastructure like this only takes days, if not hours. The lab itself has a unique vibe: a blend of underground mining tunnels that extend deep into the rock and sleek, futuristic technology.
Exposed pipes line the ceiling alongside cables encased in protective glass, while illuminated, holographic blueprints float in mid-air, giving it a mix of raw industrial grit and cutting-edge tech.
It really puts things into perspective—just how easy it is to automate everything. I should probably take up some hobbies to make things by hand, but for now, speed is critical. I walk over to the console and input the coordinates where the satellite will initially hover over the planet.
The satellite itself is a marvel of engineering: sleek and metallic with an advanced array of sensors and transmitters, bristling with micro-sized thrusters for in-orbit adjustments.
Its reflective shell is lined with miniature solar panels, and embedded across its surface are compartments containing microscopic bots, programmed to assemble a vast network once the main satellite is in position.
This satellite, named "God's Eye," will serve as the initial anchor, relaying data and signals while it deploys additional units to build a lattice of observation and communication across the entire hemisphere.
After verifying that the power source—a modified arc reactor—is stable and ready for the launch, I step back as a safety room automatically forms around me.
"Launching sequence initialized… Preparing to launch God's Eye, version one… Activating main thrusters in 3… 2… 1…"
The thrusters roar to life, and the satellite soars into the sky like a meteorite in reverse, pushing against gravity until it disappears from view. Taking out my holographic telescope, I watch as it adjusts its trajectory, syncing itself with the planet's gravitational field to maintain a stable orbit.
"Alpha, have you connected to the God's Eye?" My question is soon answered as a few screens appear before me.
"Yes, sir. I am fully connected to the network and have begun digi-structing the other models. According to my calculations, the entire northern hemisphere of the planet should be covered within the week."
"Good. What is our progress on the creation of the Zero Dawn mechs?" Soon, a progress feed from the factory appears, showing that construction is nearly complete.
"The factory is 98% complete. All that remains is the tunneling system that will allow the machines to access the planet's upper layers. The Garden of Eden creation kits have also been synthesized and installed in all units."
A satisfied smirk crosses my face as I go over the data generated by God's Eye, a chuckle escaping my throat.
"Good… good. You've truly outdone yourself, Alpha. Keep me updated on the satellite network's progress. Also, notify me if there are any signs of movement within the immaterial." A thumbs-up icon appears on the screen, signaling her acknowledgment.
Now that the factory is nearing completion and God's Eye is beginning to replicate in the upper atmosphere, the next big project is the creation of the sun.
As much as the Garden of Eden kits will handle things on the ground, I still need plant life to photosynthesize. While I could make them photosynthesize using UV radiation from my satellites, I want an actual sun in the sky, so I'm going to make one.
I've already started on the schematics, inspired by the basic design of the Leviathan from Destiny 2, which had orbiting suns near the Golden City. My version will be something to behold: a vessel that can harness and project immense solar energy, perhaps even resembling a large planet-devouring structure. I can almost imagine the galaxy's reaction when they see this behemoth in orbit.
For now, I dismiss the holographic displays in front of me and return to the lab. I still need to finish the Omega Nanite project along with the super-soldier serum. The serum itself is a unique blend—modeled after the comics' versions, it combines aspects of the serum that created Captain America with the enhancements of Power Man. I'm tempted to push it further, possibly to the level of the Sentry serum, but I'm wary. I do not want to introduce the Void into this universe—that would only complicate things further.
(In truth, he doesn't yet know that he is immune to Chaos corruption, nor is his technology. Since he hasn't encountered Chaos or its corruptive effects yet, he is just making sure that everything is as resilient as possible.)
In fact, nothing I create now goes without a miniature reality anchor, and I'm constantly improving the design. Initially, the anchor only negated Chaos's effects, but now I'm trying to mimic the Emperor's anathema powers.
Of course, I'd rather not litter the galaxy with thousands of bug-light beacons signaling to Chaos that someone has replicated the anathema. That would definitely attract attention I don't want.
Fortunately, these anchors are minuscule compared to the Emperor's, like comparing a candle to a bonfire, so they should remain largely undetectable. My goal is to refine them enough to keep their power discreet while holding Chaos at bay.
Back in the lab, I see that my projects are progressing smoothly, but everything seems to be going too well, and that makes me uneasy.
I can't afford to think that way, though. That's how the grim darkness sets in, and I won't let that happen.
I should probably accelerate the bio-android project—I need a retinue to keep me grounded.
Looking to my left, I see the manufacturing of the serum proceeding as planned, and I feel a sense of confidence. I still have decades to make progress and to build and build. This is only the beginning.