Star Trek: Nexus

Weeks had passed since Nolan's last transmission. When the encrypted data file finally arrived, Captain Anzyl Praxas wasted no time, instructing the computer to display the message in the Dyson Sphere's communications lab. The room, illuminated by the faint glow of consoles and displays, was quiet, save for the hum of the holo emitter as it brought Nolan's image to life.

The Voth scientist's visage flickered into view, his expression marked by weariness but underpinned by a fierce determination.

"Hello, Anzyl," Nolan began, his tone a mix of exhaustion and urgency. "Thank you for continuing to remind me that there are other sane minds out there."

He took a measured breath, and his image seemed to brace itself for what came next.

"My concerns about the dangers of the sphere's technology have fallen on deaf ears. In rebuttal I'm fed propaganda about the shere's Voth origins and how easy my job should be. 

But how easy can a job be if I'm constantly being interrupted by alarms and avoiding catastrophes? 

In my lab, the Ministry of Elders and their Inquisitor lackeys have installed accomplices, who are willing to answer "Yes," when I say "No"! Advancement is their only goal, not reason, not logic, not discovery and certainly not safety! 

Unfortunately, they are rarely up to the tasks for which they volunteer. But the problems may be bigger than the incompetent lab techs. No one here wants to hear that we may not be capable of using this technology, or that the cost of trying could be the destruction of this entire sector of space! 

The builders of this sphere aren't here to tell us the results of their experiments, but I'm convinced that something did go terribly wrong! 

There is evidence of a celestial trauma that has significantly reduced the energy output from this installation's central star. Add to that the fact that their spires have been optimized for a different spectral band than the one that this star produces, and we're left with strong evidence of a large-scale industrial accident. Such an accident would explain why this sphere was abandoned. I've conducted a detailed scan of one of the spires and found trace amounts of Tetryon Particles. 

Any industrial accident large enough to leave these trace tetryon particles thousands of year afterwards would have permeated all organic life caught in the blast with enough Tetryonic energy to force any survivors to retreat to Subspace. 

So, if the creators of this technology weren't savvy enough to prevent such a huge disaster, what chance do my people, or yours, have to do it any better? 

I fear this technology, Anzyl. I fear it in not just the wrong hands, but in any hands. 

We need to work together to make sure no one tries to activate this sphere to its full capacity or potential. 

All our lives may depend on it. End Transmission." 

The holo image dissolved, leaving Anzyl alone in the dim lab, the weight of Nolan's words hanging heavy in the still air. For a moment, the captain stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the empty space where Nolan's image had stood. Then, with a deep breath, he straightened his shoulders and spoke.

"Computer, record a new message." 

The familiar tone confirmed readiness, and Anzyl began, his voice steady but tinged with a rare vulnerability. "Dear friend and colleague, 

Your words strike a somber chord, my friend. I can feel the weight of your fears, and I do not take them lightly. It is maddening to imagine the pressures you endure—working under the watchful eyes of those who prioritize advancement over reason, ambition over caution. For all their sophistication, it seems the Voth Ministry of Elders suffers from the same shortsightedness that has plagued countless civilizations throughout history.

Your findings on the Tetryon particles are both fascinating and deeply alarming. If what you've uncovered is correct—and I have no reason to doubt your conclusions—it means this sphere's creators wielded a power they could not fully control. The echoes of their failure now resonate across the millennia, warning us of the dangers we face in trying to unlock this sphere's secrets.

Here, on my side of the equation, the Khitomer Alliance remains supportive of my inquiries, though not without their own ambitions. There are those who see this sphere as a prize, a technological marvel to be harnessed. It is my responsibility, as much as yours, to temper their eagerness with the hard truths your research reveals.

You ask what chance we have of doing better than the creators of this sphere. I believe our only hope lies in the humility to recognize our limits. The moment we think ourselves invincible, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past.

I will take immediate action to ensure no attempts are made to activate this sphere. I will share your findings with key figures in the Alliance—those who understand the stakes as well as you and I do. But more importantly, Nolan, I believe we need a united front. You and I must ensure our voices are heard, not just by our respective governments but by the galaxy at large. If the Voth cannot listen to reason, perhaps the strength of interstellar scrutiny will force them to.

You are not alone in this, Nolan. While you navigate the treacherous corridors of Voth politics, know that I stand ready to support you in any way I can. Together, we will make sure this sphere remains a marvel of the past, not a catastrophe of the future.

Yours in vigilance,

Captain Anzyl Praxas"

Anzyl took another deep breath, his resolve hardening as he sent the encrypted message into subspace. He stared at the terminal for a long moment, hoping against hope that Nolan would reply. But he knew the dangers his friend faced and the growing distance between their two worlds.

Yet, despite the silence that followed, Anzyl whispered softly to the empty room, "Stay safe, Nolan."