Space Odyssey: Spectre-Chapter 392: Chamber Room

Chapter 392: Chamber Room
In another place there are bright lights with several round chambers. Seven of them were around a circle. In the center of the room a small pedestal came down from the roof and opened up.
It began projecting an image into the air. When it did, the other round chambers in the room lit up. All of them varied and some had panels that were replaced with pieces of metal that looked different. But aside from that they looked the same.
"What has happened?" One of them lit up as they spoke.
"The enemy is moving in on another galaxy." Another of them spoke.
"Is that all?" A third one asked before continuing. "See if we have units in the area."
"It is the empty domain." Another one responded.
"Is it part of the universe where a galaxy did not exist? Then why did we get notified of their movement."
"Because there is something there now. A hidden galaxy. This must be investigated. Perhaps the local inhabitants know."
"Scanning records. There used to be a galaxy at those star coordinates. It was supposed to have ceased to exist when a black hole began forming. We managed to wipe out the first sentient race whose very existence defies common sense, the Xenar. But before we could move on to the other ones the black hole began forming. Orders were given to pull everything back so none of the units were wasted." Murmurs and whispers began occurring between the other chambers.
"Curious. Where are the closest assets?" One of them spoke and the rest of them stopped speaking. This chamber was decorated with many panels of gold and another black material.
"Calculating... not far. Do you wish for me to use our time or the more common human time as a reference?"
"Human time. Their concept makes it easier to grasp." The more respected one responded.
"In that case, it will be a few months before they arrive. But the closest asset is only a scouting mission. It is not a full invasion force. It is composed of only four destroyer class ships, three cruiser class ships, two warship class ships, and one colony class ship."
"Human terms again."
"They are surprisingly efficient for such an inconsistent race."
"That is not nearly enough. The records indicate that a warrior of the Xenar could take on a single warship. If there are survivors, records did not account for this could be an issue." The Record Keeper pointed out.
"That is blasphemy, the record shows they are all dead so they must all be dead." One of the General’s pointed out.
The Record Keeper made a scoffing noise. "The records also indicate that that galaxy was swallowed by a black hole. But evidently it was not."
"How long before an entire invasion unit is formed and sent to the galaxy?" The Supreme Lord asked. That chamber was the one that had the most decorative plating.
"It will take a month or two to actually form the unit. Then travel time is..." The Calculator informed him as its chamber blinked several times. "Two years and four days. But that number is growing. They are getting farther from our main hub."
"Hmm... then begin the process immediately." The Supreme Leader decided. "How about the other galaxies? I recall we are still having difficulties on multiple fronts. Were we able to start chewing away at those pesky race controlled galaxies?"
"No we were not. They are also boxing us in on that side so we can not advance any farther. But it seems like they are about to undergo a change as well. Our scouts and the ambassador we sent that the galaxies are in the midst of the change. The change will either weaken them or strengthen them. It depends on how things go at a meeting in a few years time." Another of the generals answered. They were in charge of the front hat he was talking about so he would know the most about the situation.
"Keep watching for now." The Supreme Leader told them. "How about our other... difficult galaxies?" He clearly struggled with what to call them.
"The Terra System-"
"The Milky Way." The Record Keeper cut off a General. Causing a momentary silence throughout the meeting chamber.
"It is still difficult for us to travel through. The fact that the humans were able to unite with the other races and come up with methods of repelling us from their systems is bothersome. We can still go in between systems and disrupt their trade. But entering a system in that galaxy is rather difficult." The General answered. "By my calculation, this will remain a stalemate until we are able to make an appropriate development that would give us an advantage."
"Understood. I will continue to pressure the Engineers. What about the enemy and the void beings?" The Supreme Leader asked.
"The enemy is already in that galaxy. But they are struggling to move into new galaxies because of the stronghold we have forged to stop their strange technologies. We are only seeing skirmishes at the border. They seem to be constantly testing our strength." Another General answered. "It is at a stalemate as well."
"The void beings are being pushed back. Fortunately it appears they have not detected the galaxy that reappeared." A different General informed them. "Fortunately they have not swallowed any more of our controlled galaxies since we discovered them. They seem particularly weak to light. But they constantly use physical shields to defend themselves. While their corruption can result in us permanently losing soldiers." The General then seemed to be thinking for a moment before continuing. "But they seem to be heading in a specific direction. They ate a chain of galaxies in the direction of the race galaxies."
"Hmm... this is bad. Their objective is still unknown to us." The Supreme Leader seemed lost in thought for a moment. "Have the Creators raised any issues we might need to think about?"
"No. They are content living out their lives in their single galaxies while we cleanse the rest of the galaxies of life." Another one who had yet to speak up responded. "I must say, without the threat of death they are growing more and more like the other races."
"I will keep that in mind. Record Keeper, search the old, ancient, and stolen archives for anything the void beings might be looking for. In addition see if you can find out anything regarding the reappeared galaxy. Make sure to also come up with a temporary name until we can find a more appropriate one." The Supreme Leader told them.
"By the stolen archives... you mean the ones we stole from other races? Are you giving me permission to browse them? I just need a clear confirmation. I am not displaying doubt." The Record Keeper started off slow but then quickly pointed out their view on the situation.
"That is correct. You can access any of the records for the time being. As long as your purpose is to solve those two mysteries that are still yet unknown to us." The Supreme Leader answered.
"Very well." The Record Keeper’s chamber then went dark.
"He did not even wait for the end of the meeting. What an off putting existence. What shall we do now?" One of the others asked who was farther in the back.
"Nothing. We continue as it is. I will continue to manage the prisons and xenozoos. Contact me again if another issue occurs." The Supreme Leader sounded like he was rushed to leave the meeting.
"Wait sir." A calm voice spoke for the first time. It was much smaller and not decorated or extravagant like the rest. But it was sat right next to the Supreme Leader’s chamber. "You must still assign a General the task of conquering this new galaxy. Might I suggest the new one?"
"Very well. Make it done." The Supreme Leader answered before their chamber went dark.
"Haa... General Ariel. Keep in mind that the Precognition Programs are not always accurate. They operate on known information. So unknown information and knowledge are things it cannot account for." The voice told one of the Generals as the rest of the chambers in the room began going dark as more of them disconnected.
"I understand, Secretary. I will only use it when necessary and never rely on it." General Ariel answered. "Now I must go and begin to gather my main ship before accounting for my additional fleet. Will you send me the location where I can gather them all?"
"Do not worry I will. You may be the youngest General. But that does not mean you need to prove anything. Have you already undergone your first scrubbing?" The Secretary asked, causing a chuckle among the remaining chambers before their lights went dark as they left.
"Yes, Secretary. May I take some time to visit the Library? I need some information that might be relevant." General Ariel informed them.
"Yes you may. But stay out of the restricted area. As you heard, the Record Keeper has only been given special permission to check those." The Secretary explained before their chamber went dark.
General Ariel downloaded the information that the center pedestal had left and then their chamber went dark as well.