From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 723 "The entire ship enters a state of combat readiness"

In a makeshift detention compartment on an Emperor-class battleship;

The lighting here is not glaring, but rather evenly distributed on the surrounding metal walls, reflecting a texture that is almost austere, yet orderly.

The cabin was spacious, with several faintly shimmering energy pipes embedded in the walls, and the air was clean and dry.

Compared to the oppressive atmosphere of an interrogation room, this place is undoubtedly more like a temporary resettlement area, and even carries a hint of "humane detention".

Clark Isaac sat on a sofa, his heavy engineering armor stripped off, leaving him in only a gray-blue engineering work uniform.

His hands unconsciously rubbed his trouser legs, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the cabin door, the only exit and the most intimidating barrier in everyone's mind.

The remaining crew members of the Kellyon sat or stood, each with a different expression.

Some people looked tense and kept rubbing their palms together, as if venting their anxiety;

Some people simply lean back in their fixed chairs, trying to appear calm, but their frequently shaking legs betray their inner unease.

The refrigerators and drinking fountains inside the cabin seemed particularly out of place at this moment; they were meant to be comforting "thoughtful designs," but instead served as an insidious reminder to everyone—

They are monitored, kept under surveillance, and their fate can be decided at any time.

Just then, a young technician couldn't help but speak up, his voice trembling with doubt:
"What exactly are those giants? They claim to be Imperial Warriors, but we've never heard of such a unit in the Federation's records."

and also
What exactly is this 'human empire' they're talking about? Besides the Federation, hasn't this galaxy been completely desolate? There's no other intelligent civilization here at all.

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the cabin suddenly froze, and everyone subconsciously turned their gaze to security officer Zach Hammond.

Hammond looked solemn. He already bore the responsibility of leading the team, and now he had become everyone's unseen support.

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone as if he were organizing his thoughts.

"I don't know." He finally spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with helplessness.
"They should be human beings like us, but both their physical size and the level of technology they demonstrate far exceed anything known in the Federation."

Even the most advanced power armor cannot extend the human skeleton and muscles to that extent. They are at least two and a half meters tall, which is beyond the reach of genetically normal humans.

Hammond paused, his gaze growing increasingly somber: "As for the 'Empire,' perhaps there truly is a vast civilization on the other side of the galaxy that we have never encountered."

The Federation has always claimed that we are the only ones in the entire universe, but as you all know, over the years, apart from the Divine Seal, we have not discovered any other signs of surviving extraterrestrial intelligence.

Perhaps the Federation is hiding something, or perhaps we know nothing about this universe at all.

These words plunged the cabin into an even deeper silence.

“The Divine Seal,” a medical worker murmured, his expression complex. “The Unification Church has always claimed that we humans were nurtured by a ‘god’ who created the Divine Seal, but now, those giants…”
Could they be the product of another 'miracle'? Another race favored by 'gods'?

As soon as the words were spoken, the expressions of the group changed drastically, and they unconsciously exchanged glances.

The "shadow" of the Unification Church existed to some extent in the hearts of everyone present.

Although most of them are secular people, the Unification Church's infiltration is ubiquitous, and its doctrines of "integration" and "sublimation" often take root in people's hearts like a malignant tumor.

"Don't think too much."

Hammond interrupted coldly, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty, "Whatever they are, they haven't shown any malice so far."

"If it weren't for them, we would probably have been completely wiped out long ago. You've seen the pictures, texts, and videos they provided; those monsters that appeared out of nowhere on the Ishimura must have been cleared out by them."

However, his words did not completely reassure everyone.

Candela Daniels' brow was furrowed, his eyes sharp and calm, clearly not deceived by appearances.

"No malice?" she whispered, her tone skeptical. "That's because we pose no threat to them."

But once the Federation's armed ships arrive, the situation will change. The Federation will not tolerate the existence of a second human power, especially an empire that claims to have traversed the stars. This means a clash of power, and that conflict is inevitable.

These words made the air in the cabin even more stagnant. Everyone looked at each other, as if they were forced to confront a truth they did not want to admit.

Clark Isaac sat there, his fists clenched unconsciously.

In fact, he didn't care about the so-called political conflict between the Federation and the Empire; those grand schemes were far beyond the reach of an engineer like himself.

His only real concern was the survivors on the Ishimura, especially his wife, Nicole Brennan.

'If she is really still alive'

Clark murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with suppressed anticipation, 'So whoever these people are, whatever they want.'

At that moment, he even felt a sense of relief.

At least, the giants known as Imperial Warriors, and the empire behind them, did not appear to be entirely hostile.

Perhaps, this means hope.

At the other end of the cabin, several young crew members began to whisper among themselves.

Some speculate that the Human Empire may possess some kind of biotechnology far surpassing that of the Federation, capable of modifying human genes and giving Imperial Warriors bodies comparable to giants.

Some people suspect that these giants are not human at all, but some kind of humanoid alien intelligent being, only that their appearance is extremely similar to that of humans.

Various speculations, like surging undercurrents, permeated the cabin.

Everyone tries to grasp some kind of logic to explain the inexplicable situation before them, but in any case, the answer is far beyond their reach.

Hammond took a deep breath, trying to suppress the growing agitation: "I know you all have questions, but now is not the time to discuss them. We must remain calm and observe the situation."

At least, judging from the current situation, they haven't treated us as enemies; instead, they've chosen detention and observation, which is the best possible outcome.

"."

Daniels remained silent, only coldly staring at the surveillance camera suspended above the cabin.

She knew in her heart that every word they uttered and every expression they made had probably already been observed by that group of mysterious "imperials".

Clark slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down, no longer worrying too much about Nicole's condition.

The air in the cabin became so quiet it was almost frozen. Everyone was still whispering about the possible conflict between the Empire and the Federation when a sudden mechanical sound rang out.

Swish-!
The heavy alloy hatch opened, and light and shadow poured in, instantly breaking the oppressive atmosphere.

Tychus Finley strode into the cabin, his figure still as imposing as ever, his steps exuding an irresistible sense of oppression.

Accompanying them were four heavily armored support soldiers clad in CMC power armor. The heavy servers emitted a low, rhythmic hum as they moved, as if each step was striking the heartstrings of everyone present.

Tychus's gaze swept over everyone in the detention cell, his eyes sharp but not hostile, but rather exuding an unquestionable authority.

After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice deep and resonant, echoing throughout the cabin:

"Everyone, please rest assured that once we have completely eliminated all the hidden dangers, we will naturally grant you your freedom. Now, please take your belongings and come with us."

His words were concise yet powerful and unquestionable. As soon as he finished speaking, Tychus turned and left, his movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation, as if these people were merely a link in his mission.

The four CMC heavy support soldiers didn't say much, they just stood quietly and watched everyone, like a silent steel wall.

The people inside the cabin were stunned and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Tension, unease, and doubt mingled in the air, and no one dared to act rashly.

Finally, it was Security Officer Zach Hammond who spoke first, saying in a deep voice:
"Let's go."

His tone carried a hint of determination and reassurance.

Perhaps he didn't know what awaited them ahead, but at least for now, following was the safest option.

Led by him, Clark Isaac, Daniels, and the rest of the rescue boat crew got up, packed their few belongings, and slowly walked out of the detention cell.

However, the sight before them stunned them the moment they stepped out of the cabin.

Two tall women stood in the corridor outside the cabin door.

They were also over two meters tall, with upright postures and stern faces, exuding an indescribable majesty and divinity.

Their ancient Greek-style power armor was simple, dignified, and had long, slender lines, exuding a deadly chill.

What's even more unsettling isn't their steel-like armor, but the aura they exude.

A subtle sense of sacredness washed over them, as if the air itself vibrated with their breath, and the corridor lights cast a faint halo on their silhouettes, inspiring awe.

For the crew on the rescue boat, this oppressive aura was far more difficult to comprehend than that of the giants of the Imperial Warriors.

If the Imperial Warriors could be explained as some kind of genetic enhancement or armor amplification, then the feeling evoked by these two women was something that completely transcended common sense.

Among them, the crew members who believed in the Unification Church were trembling and their chests were heaving.

Almost instinctively, they wanted to kneel down, tears welling in their eyes. To them, this was the true "miracle."

An existence that cannot be desecrated.

The war maids remained expressionless, their gazes sharp as knives. They would not show the slightest friendly smile to these "outsiders."

The next moment, their eyes were suddenly filled with a pale golden light, and a sharp brilliance seemed to burst forth from the depths of their souls.

At the same time, a faint but pure spiritual energy instantly spread out, enveloping Isaac Clark and the others.

This force is silent and invisible, yet it brings the illusion of a complete stripping away of the soul.

Some people in the crowd were startled, their vision went blank for a moment, as if all their secrets had been exposed to the light.

Cold sweat slowly trickled down their foreheads.

"What...what exactly is going on?" someone muttered to themselves, their voice trembling and their eyes filled with fear.

Isaac Clark was equally stunned, staring at the two war maids with shock and disbelief in his eyes.

As an engineer, he was used to explaining everything with logic and data, but the phenomenon before him was completely beyond his comprehension.

The golden light lasted for only a few seconds, but it seemed to extend into a long eternity.

Finally, the radiance gradually subsided, and the eyes of the two war maidens returned to normal. However, their expressions became even colder, and their gazes both fell on Candra Daniels.

One of the war maids spoke in a cold voice, her words piercing the silence like a sharp blade:

“Commander Finley, this Ms. Daniels is a spy. She has been temporarily assigned to the Kellyon with the aim of seizing the Red Seal.”

? !
Upon hearing this, the entire corridor fell into a deathly silence.

Daniels froze on the spot, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his expression changed drastically.

Her breathing quickened; she wanted to argue, but her voice seemed stuck in her throat.

Isaac Clark and the others were equally astonished, looking at Daniels in disbelief.

They couldn't accept that this "colleague" who had been with them all along was being accused of being a spy.

However, Security Officer Hammond remained silent, his gaze calm to the point of indifference.

In fact, just as the War Maid said, Daniels’ identity had always made him wary.

She was only assigned to the Kellyon at the last minute, and he had already sensed something was wrong, so when the War Maid pointed it out, he wasn't even that surprised.

Daniels' lips trembled, as if he still wanted to argue.

But she wasn't given any chance at all. Two heavily armored support soldiers wearing CMC power armor stepped forward, their thick mechanical arms gripping her shoulders.

With a clicking sound from the metal joints, she was firmly pinned down and unable to move at all.

"Wait! I'm not—"

Daniels' voice abruptly stopped, and she was quickly escorted away, seemingly to be taken to the interrogation chamber to extract more information about the Unification Church, the Earth Federation, and Harmony Mining Corporation.

All of this happened so quickly that no one even had time to react before they watched helplessly as Daniels was taken away.

Shock, fear, and confusion intertwined, leaving everyone in a state of turmoil.

Tychus's expression remained unchanged. He merely nodded slightly, signaling for the escort to continue, and said in a deep voice:

"The rest of you, follow me."

His tone remained stern, but it was noticeably more subdued than when he was detained.

Led by Tychus, Isaac and the others were led to the nearby sleeping quarters area.

The environment here is clearly more relaxed than the detention cells; the corridors are spacious and the lighting is very soft.

The sleeping quarters are arranged in a modular fashion. Each double cabin is equipped with a bed, a desk, and basic living facilities, and even a small holographic screen and various other devices.

Clearly, this is no longer "imprisonment," but rather "staying in a foreign land" in a certain sense.

"You are free to move around in the designated area, please maintain order and wait for further instructions."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving only the heavy sound of his footsteps fading into the distance in the corridor.

Isaac exchanged a glance with the others, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Although they were temporarily freed, they were even more confused about how the empire intended to deal with them.
Just then, the loudspeaker on the bulkhead suddenly blared, carrying a chilling and menacing atmosphere:
"Attention all personnel. The entire ship is entering primary combat readiness. This Earth Federation armed vessel has entered the Holy Shield system and has been locked on. All personnel, prepare immediately for the first engagement."

(End of this chapter)