Cocoon

[Hussaini]

In the depths of the Genesis Asteroid, at the center of the labyrinthine Null-Sec, perched on his throne-like chair, the Overseer sat brooding. Half-unconscious and immobile, the darting of his red-glittering eyes was the only activity in the twilight illumination of the central control chamber. He was in deep communion with the nascent God-Embryo; its very roots spreading under the facility, below his own feet, in the mineral-rich rock of the asteroid. Flashes of thought and impressions raced through his mind, which frantically tried to interpret the symbols and signals of an intellect immeasurably his superior. An intellect that has been nurturing an increasing existential rage at the continued absence of one of his creators. Jared Nomak had been missing for longer than was anticipated. Long enough for a seed of doubt about his continued survival to travel down the Pyramid. Even the Overseer was plagued by this doubt. But the consciousness of the God-Embryo was insistent to the contrary. Constantly probing, listening in, and rewinding the corrupted data that Nomak's mindset implant had gathered over the years. It was determined to locate him. Yet no closer than when he disappeared. A disturbance interrupted the communion.

initiating: the-ahura-protocol
analyze: their-number-is-eight
observe: the-furious-instruments
witness: the-beholders

The Beholders request an audience. It is allowed. One by one, they manifest as AR projections inside the chamber. From one to eight, all stand at attention, their usually omnipresent helmets removed. The Overseer perks up, and straightens up in his chair. "What news."

"A dig site. At the LT-36 binary. Ceased all communication." They take turns to effortlessly complete their sentences, in their usual fashion. "The blackout is unusual. Yet not unseen."

"Clarify." The Overseer demanded.

"Volumes of anomalous. Illegible data. Before their mindsets ceased to transmit. In unison." They paused and hesitated as if unsure of their point. "Without trace. Or reason. Much like..."

"The Overlord." The Overseer's heart skipped a beat. "I want an expedition launched. Immediately."

"We are scattered. As per the protocols. We will regroup. In a week's time."

"Not quick enough. This requires immediate attention." He paused to consider. "I depart tonight."

"Inadvisable. Circumstances...Unknown."

"Your concern is misplaced. I will mobilize the Ibex squadron. Proceed with primary protocols. Dismissed."

Their projections faded. The Overseer rose from his chair.