New Federation, a secret underground base on a remote Resource Star.
The base’s hall seemed somewhat desolate.
The instruments had been removed, most of the workstations were vacant, and those giant culture dishes used for breeding insects now bore no trace of the creatures.
Professor Pat, with streaks of white at his temples, stood in front of a large screen, hands clasped behind his back.
The screen displayed forty-six flickering lights.
Professor Pat was well aware of what was happening. It was a plan they had already devised, just waiting for approval from above.
Now, the Empire was clearing out those deeply hidden Insect Swarms at an astonishing speed.
If they didn’t do something soon, the entire plan, years of hard work, would be rendered completely meaningless.
They had to activate the contingency plan immediately.
Nardo, with his bald head, cradling a cup of hot drink came over slowly, likewise looking up at the large screen.
"Professor," Nardo suddenly asked, "do you have any regrets?"
A slight smile appeared on Professor Pat’s lips, "Regrets? Why should I have any? This is our job, Nardo, and it’s also the meaning of half our lives."
Nardo took a sip of his hot drink, "We’re serving our country, right?"
"Civilization," Professor Pat said softly, "The New Federation is a civilization, free, democratic, prosperous, brimming with vitality. We are dedicating everything we have to ensure that this civilization can grow, to spread this ideology to a greater Star Domain."
"A lot of people will die, won’t they?"
"The aggressive approach we’re taking will also bring reprisal from the Empire," Nardo said nonchalantly.
"You’re wrong again, Nardo."
Professor Pat laughed,
"Don’t worry, all that is just part of the plan.
"An establishment like the Empire should not exist, and, besides, even if some of the population dies, it won’t make much difference. From a macro perspective, the population will quickly recover.
"What’s important is the ideology that these people will follow."
Nardo seemed thoughtful.
Suddenly, one of the twinkling lights on the large screen dimmed.
Professor Pat and Nardo both looked over to see nothing but a cold display.
They seemed to already see it, a silver-white warship piercing the atmosphere, with machinery soldiers stationed at their posts, quietly watching the rapidly enlarging landscape below them.
"A ship has reached this position," Professor Pat said calmly, "Upon colliding with the planet’s surface, the ship will release energy capable of shaking the crust, and after the explosion, a special gas that arouses aggressiveness in the Insect Swarm will be released, rapidly activating the swarm."
"We can think of it as a way to reduce casualties among Federal soldiers," Nardo said softly.
"Yes, but this is the fruit of our research," Professor Pat laughed, "We are the black-gloved hands behind such operations, unacknowledged, unaccepted, without any honor. Our offspring will bear boundless sin."
Nardo frowned slightly.
He noticed the laser pistol Professor Pat had drawn from his coat.
"Our mission is complete, Nardo," Professor Pat aimed the gun at Nardo’s forehead, disengaging the bio-safety, "I’m truly sorry about your daughter."
With a soft sound, Nardo’s eyes bulged, the edge of the blood hole on his forehead blackened.
Screams came from the side.
But Professor Pat did not spare these noises a glance.
He stared at the screen, as if seeing one planet after another being struck by warships, the muzzle of the pistol now aimed under his chin.
Two more lights dimmed on the screen.
Professor Pat fell to the ground, a crimson stain spreading on his white coat.