Years of grueling training, lots of specialization brain link content uploads, and virtual scenario simulations has finally led up to this very point, one where all eyes of humanity lays upon this moment of history.
Flashpoint Newton.
The Conglomeration’s first attempt on sending a single man across the universe in the name of exploration…and of course expansion. Though he was secretly told behind closed doors that he was basically a sacrificial lamb and he was absolutely not expected to come back. Even if he survived, he would be stuck there for a long, LONG time before another expedition could be sent into.
After humanity’s expansion into the solar system and eventually into the rest of the galaxy, they soon realized that traveling to other galaxies would take time…too much time. Of course they tried the usual ideas from FLT drives to generation ships but even with the combination of both, it would still take decades, even sometimes centuries to reach a new galaxy or even a planet.
So now here he was. Wearing the most high tech suit Conglomeration science could make, entering the most high tech egg ever made, and being sent across the universe by what is the first wormhole slingshot ever made. Though no matter how many life supports were built in, no matter how much preparation he was given, and no matter how many AI hours had been spent predicting and going over the missions…he still couldn't help but feel a bit nervous…oh who was he kidding, he had full right being nervous being the sacrificial lamb and all.
“Are you ready, Andson?” the voice of his Directive commander spoke to him through his brain link chip implanted in the back of his brain.
“Sir, yes, sir.” Andson thinks back while keeping a stone cold face on. There's a brief silence before his DC responds.
“We're detecting slowly rising adrenaline and fear…would you like for us to deploy counters?”
“Yes sir, I would like that.” Andson takes a deep breath and readjusts his standing position right before the chip in his brain does its work. Instantly he feels calmer and ready.
“I know it's scary-” his DC starts up, “but know no matter what happens, there are whole teams and departments whose sole task is to support and attempt to aid you no matter what.”
“I understand that sir, I am ready.” He says and there's a short pause before anything happens.
In a fraction of a second he is teleported into a stainless white void. To even suggest that he was in a room would be completely understating where he was currently standing. Even if he tried or thought to try, he would not be able to find where the room starts, where it ends, the corners or the ceiling. He truly was in…a white void.
“Stand by.” This time a robotic monotone voice echoes in his brain.
Suddenly a wave like vibration engulfs the room, overtaking Amy sense of thought or ideas in his head, yet he remains stone cold. right before his eyes a vertical pitch black seamless egg fades into existence and shortly after fully materializing, the noise stops.
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The egg itself completely contrasted the void he was standing in, absorbing nearly all the light. With the help of the chip, he could even process that the egg itself was…glowing black. It seemed to be slightly larger than an average escape pod but what made it completely unique from an escape pod, besides it color, was that it was fully smooth.
No exterior paneling, no wires, no lights, hell, he couldn't even see the markings where the cockpit would open. It was truly a smooth egg, but also a testament to the Conglomeration’s engineering.
“Initializing.” The same robotic voice says.
In a moment, the egg opens up in half vertically and presents a single seat, surrounded by a surplus of equipment and monitors.
“Alright, enter the pod, Andson.” the familiar voice of his DC greets him as he begins to move towards the open pod.
“I know that this is already uploaded to your brain link but it seems like the right thing to do-” DC pauses for a moment before continuing, “As soon as the flashpoint opens up, you'll be automatically transported through. Once on the other side, you'll have to manually record, take photos and upload them back through the flashpoint…please note that the flashpoint will only be kept open for 3 minutes, maybe five.” His DC repeats back what is already uploaded into his brain.
“Once it closes, it will be opened back in what time, ten years, however here on Earth, it will be just over 5 months. In the meantime, it is your duty to scout out planets and record anything of interest.” His DC finishes just as he gets comfortable with the seat.
“Understood sir.” Andson thinks back.
And with that the pod closes fully, encasing him in dark for a brief moment right before the yellow tinted light fades on. Around him he can see holo screens, monitors and much more technicals surrounding him, from his top to his sides to his front.
Then he notices something below him. A greyish transparent liquid begins to slowly rise. He gives a questioning look as it rises above his feet, right before his brain link reminds him of what the liquid is. “Nanomites..” he says to himself as he preps his body.
“Countdown activated…ten-” the robotic voice reverberates clearly all around the pod despite the nanomites filling the cockpit.
“Nine.”
“Eight.”
“Seven.”
Despite all things his thoughts don't race. His brain link and multiple neurological implants kept him calm, thinking straight…understanding. He wanted to feel nervous, scared, worried, but everything wasn't kept all under control. Everything felt certain.
“Six.”
“Five.”
At the five second mark, a small pitch black hole no larger than a ping pong started to force it's way into existence, flickering several times as it fought against basic nature as what was happening was going against everything known as natural.
“Four.”
“Three.”
At the three second mark the black hole stabilizes and he hardens his resolve even more.
“Two.”
“One.”
Just as the ‘One’ sound vibration reaches his ears and his brain processes it…he blinks.
