Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Eighty-One - RELEASE ME!
Chapter Eighty-One - RELEASE ME!

There was some more news from the frontier. A reptilian species on Straeng, in the Hauer system, were noticed by the crew of the ISS Donabb as it was scanning the planet.

Seems they were showing a form of intelligence and had evolved to dominate their world. Jondru has run tests that suggested the pre-sapient species COULD have their evolution sped up. It was a option if the right technology could be developed.

Then there was a report from the Dome. Of mixed results. Very mixed results. The crew, when they opened the last gate, were hit by waves of intense psionic energy. Many collapsed in agony and only a few made it into the last layer.
It seemed the crew of the ISS Kodram found what they think was a large temple. There seemed to be a massive altar in the middle of it. The walls were covered with different star systems and a repeated diagram focused on Ovastivum.
As they approached the altar the Scientists realize they were looking at some kind of machine. And they decided to tinker with it.

As they pushed buttons, pulled levers, and turned wheels they were hit with a shared auditory hallucination. A screaming command by something powerful to be let out. Visions of a creature ripping the system apart repeated in their heads. Was it a promise? A warning? The past? The future? Many Scientist and crew members fell to the floor. They were unable to deal with the pain.
But something happened. From the depths of the minds of the Scientists and the crew members still standing came an ancient power. It came screaming out of the darkness and beat back the Elder One. The Hive Mind, for one shining moment, had returned. (1)
Maybe it was instinct? Maybe a old defense mechanism? But under control of the Hive Mind the many moved as one. And ripped the machine into pieces. Then, like a whisper captured by the wind, it went away.
Even Monnobak, the Minister of Peace, wasn't too upset about this. The idea of releasing some kind of monster that could destroy whole star systems wasn't something even it wanted to deal with at the moment.
The ISS Kodram, and its recovering crew, was sent off to help in the Fevallion system. The First Thinker felt that might be a more relaxing assignment. Or safer anyway.

The Hemtares Station was finally finished in the Hemtares system. So the ISS Rukimar was ordered to build a Research Station around the star.

Back on Nest the government started a public Recycling Campaign. The people had to be taught to make less waste. The universe wasn't made up of limitless resources after all!
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Author's Notes:
1. Was trying to think of a in-story reason for them being able to overcome a monster's overwhelming power. And I remembered the Hive Mind.