The bridge of the UES Pathfinder hummed with activity as Zaiden took his position at the command station. Around him, the senior officers worked at their stations with practiced efficiency; people he'd never met but who expected him to lead them into the unknown.
Admiral Chen stood beside him, hands clasped behind his back as he observed the proceedings with a critical eye. "The crew is yours, Commander," he said, his voice low enough that only Zaiden could hear. "I'll be observing and advising, but operational decisions fall to you."
Zaiden nodded, trying to project a confidence he didn't entirely feel. "Thank you, Admiral."
Chen's expression remained neutral, but something in his eyes suggested he was evaluating Zaiden's every move. "I'll introduce you to your senior staff. You've already met Dr. Okafor in medical."
One by one, the senior officers approached the command station as Chen called them forward.
First came a woman with short black hair and perfect posture, her uniform immaculate. "Lieutenant Commander Naomi Chen, your Executive Officer," the Admiral introduced her. If there was any familial warmth between father and daughter, both hid it completely behind professional demeanors.
"Commander," she acknowledged with a crisp nod. "I've prepared the initial survey protocols for your review. The science team has identified three planets in the habitable zone that warrant immediate investigation."
"Thank you, XO," Zaiden replied, matching her formality. He could read the subtle evaluation in her gaze; she was taking his measure, determining what kind of leader he would be.
Next came an enthusiastic man with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard, wearing glasses that seemed anachronistic among the ship's advanced technology. "Dr. Marcus Rivera, Chief Science Officer," Chen introduced.
"Commander! An absolute pleasure," Rivera said, extending his hand with none of the formality Naomi had shown. "I can't tell you how excited my team is to begin planetary surveys. The spectroscopic analysis already suggests possible biological activity on Proxima Centauri b!"
Zaiden shook the scientist's hand, finding Rivera's enthusiasm infectious. "Looking forward to seeing what we discover, Doctor."
A stern-faced man with a shaved head and piercing blue eyes approached next, a prominent scar running along his left jawline. "Major Alexei Volkov, Chief Security Officer," Chen said.
Volkov gave a curt nod. "Commander." His eyes held the same wariness Zaiden had seen in fellow soldiers who'd seen combat; always assessing, always alert. "Security teams are prepared for all initial survey protocols. I've taken the liberty of preparing threat assessments for each potential landing site."
"Appreciate the thoroughness, Major," Zaiden replied, recognizing a kindred spirit in the security officer's pragmatism.
An older Japanese man with graying temples approached next, his uniform sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms marked with the calluses of someone who worked with his hands. "Commander Hiroshi Tanaka, Chief Engineer," Chen introduced.
"The FTL drive performed admirably during our final jump," Tanaka reported without preamble. "We're operating at 94% efficiency, which exceeds projections. The ship is ready for all standard operations."
"Good to hear," Zaiden said. "I'd like to schedule time to review the ship's systems in detail when possible."
Tanaka's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, but he nodded with what seemed like approval. "Of course, Commander. My schedule is open whenever you're available."
The last to approach was a younger woman with a friendly expression and intelligent hazel eyes. "Lieutenant Sofia Reyes, Communications and Diplomatic Officer," Chen said.
"Commander Locke," she greeted him warmly. "I've prepared first contact protocols for review, though I hope we have time for thorough preparation before encountering any sentient species."
Zaiden nodded, thinking of what he knew about the game's timeline. Five years before first contact with the major civilizations; if this reality followed the same rules. "Let's hope so, Lieutenant. But I want us to be prepared regardless."
With introductions complete, Admiral Chen addressed the entire bridge. "The UES Pathfinder represents humanity's greatest achievement; our first venture beyond our solar system. Each of you were selected not just for your skills, but for your character. History will remember what we discover here." He turned to Zaiden. "Commander Locke, the bridge is yours."
As Chen stepped back, all eyes turned to Zaiden. The moment hung in the air; his first real command decision.
Drawing on memories of the game's opening phase, Zaiden knew their priorities should be exploration, resource identification, and establishing a foothold in the system. But he also knew that in the game, unexpected encounters with space creatures could destroy unprepared expeditions.
"Lieutenant Commander Chen," he began, his voice steadier than he expected, "let's begin with a comprehensive sensor sweep of the system. I want to know what we're dealing with before we commit to any planetary landings."
Naomi nodded approvingly. "Aye, Commander. Initiating full-spectrum sensor sweep."
"Dr. Rivera," Zaiden continued, "prepare your team for preliminary analysis of the three habitable zone planets, but let's hold off on landing operations until we have a complete picture of the system."
"Of course, Commander," Rivera replied, though Zaiden could see the scientist was eager to begin more direct exploration.
"Major Volkov, I want security assessments for each sector of the system as the sensor data comes in. If there's anything out there that could pose a threat to this ship, I want to know about it."
Volkov's expression remained stern, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Will do, Commander."
"Commander Tanaka, how long can we maintain our current position while conducting these surveys?"
The engineer considered for a moment. "Fuel consumption at station-keeping is minimal. We could maintain this position for months if necessary, though life support recycling becomes less efficient after about sixty days without resupply."
"Good to know. Lieutenant Reyes, monitor all frequencies for any signals that might indicate intelligent life. I don't expect to find anything this early, but let's be thorough."
"Yes, Commander," Reyes replied with an eager nod.
With orders given, the bridge crew turned to their tasks with renewed purpose. Zaiden settled into the command chair, its contours somehow perfectly fitted to his form. Holographic displays materialized around him, showing ship status, sensor readings, and mission parameters.
For the first time since awakening in this reality, Zaiden allowed himself a moment to absorb the situation. He was commanding humanity's first interstellar mission, surrounded by a crew that expected him to lead them into the unknown. The responsibility was enormous, but so was the opportunity.
In the game, this phase had been about methodical exploration, resource gathering, and establishing a foothold before the inevitable contact with other civilizations. The five-year buffer before the Romani-Org'ta conflict would give him time to learn, to prepare, to build.
But this wasn't a game anymore; or at least, not in the way he had experienced it before. These were real people with real lives, depending on his decisions. The stakes felt infinitely higher.
Hours later, after the initial sensor sweeps had been completed, Zaiden called his senior staff to the conference room adjacent to the bridge. The room featured a large holographic display table at its center, currently showing a three-dimensional map of the Proxima Centauri system.
"What do we know?" Zaiden asked as they gathered around the table.
Dr. Rivera stepped forward eagerly. "Three planets in the habitable zone, Commander. Proxima b, c, and d." He gestured, and the hologram zoomed in on the three worlds. "Proxima b shows strong signs of liquid water and an oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere. Preliminary readings suggest possible biological activity, though nothing conclusive yet. Proxima c appears to be a desert world, harsher conditions but still potentially habitable in certain regions. Proxima d is colder, with extensive ice caps, but thermal readings suggest geothermal activity that could support life."
"Resources?" Zaiden prompted.
Naomi took over, highlighting different regions on each planet. "Initial scans show promising mineral deposits on all three worlds. Proxima b appears particularly rich in rare earth elements and biological resources. Proxima c shows high concentrations of heavy metals and what might be significant deposits of helium-3 in its regolith. Proxima d has extensive water ice, which could be valuable for hydrogen extraction."
Zaiden nodded, remembering how crucial resource diversity had been in the early game. "And beyond the habitable zone?"
"A gas giant in the outer system with several moons," Rivera continued. "One of the moons shows interesting readings; possibly methane lakes. Could be worth investigating. There's also an asteroid belt between the habitable planets and the gas giant, likely rich in minerals."
"Any signs of threats?" Zaiden asked, turning to Volkov.
The security chief's expression remained grim. "Nothing conclusive, but there are some anomalous energy readings in the asteroid belt. Could be natural phenomena, could be something else. I recommend caution until we know more."
Zaiden remembered the space creatures that often lurked in asteroid fields in the game—dangerous encounters for unprepared explorers. "Noted. We'll approach the asteroid belt with full shields and weapons ready."
"Weapons?" Rivera looked alarmed. "Commander, this is a scientific expedition. We're here to explore, not..."
"We're here to explore safely, Doctor," Zaiden interrupted firmly. "I hope we won't need our defensive capabilities, but I won't risk this crew or this mission by being unprepared."
Admiral Chen, who had been silently observing from the corner of the room, gave an almost imperceptible nod of approval.
"What about communications, Lieutenant Reyes?" Zaiden asked, turning to the young officer.
"Nothing on any frequency, Commander," she reported. "If there's intelligent life in this system, they're not broadcasting anything we can detect."
Zaiden considered the information before him. In the game, the opening moves had been crucial; establishing a foothold, securing resources, building infrastructure before expanding further. The same principles should apply here.
"Here's what we're going to do," he said finally. "We'll establish an orbital research station around Proxima b as our first priority. From there, we can conduct more detailed surveys and prepare for potential landing operations."
He turned to Tanaka. "Commander, how quickly can we deploy the prefabricated orbital platform?"
"The construction drones can have the basic structure assembled within 48 hours," Tanaka replied. "Full functionality would take another 72 hours after that."
"Make it happen," Zaiden ordered. "Dr. Rivera, your science team will coordinate with Commander Tanaka on the station's research capabilities."
"With pleasure, Commander," Rivera said, his earlier concern forgotten in the excitement of establishing humanity's first extra-solar research outpost.
"Lieutenant Commander Chen, I want you to oversee a survey mission to Proxima c once the station is operational. Take a shuttle and a small team to conduct preliminary ground reconnaissance."
"Aye, Commander," Naomi replied, her expression professional but with a hint of eagerness at being given such an important assignment.
"Major Volkov, your security teams will accompany all survey missions. I also want continuous monitoring of those anomalous readings in the asteroid belt."
"Understood," Volkov said with a curt nod.
"Lieutenant Reyes, continue monitoring all frequencies, but I also want you to begin compiling cultural and linguistic preparation materials for the team. If we do encounter intelligent life, I want us to be ready."
"Yes, Commander," Reyes replied. "I've already begun developing potential first contact scenarios based on various hypothetical alien social structures."
Zaiden nodded, satisfied with the plan. It mirrored the opening strategies that had proven successful in the game; establish a base, secure resources, explore methodically, and prepare for the unexpected.
"One more thing," he added. "I know we're all eager to make discoveries and push boundaries. That's why we're here. But safety comes first. We're a long way from home, and we have only each other to rely on. I expect all protocols to be followed, all risks to be carefully assessed. Is that clear?"
A chorus of acknowledgments answered him.
"Good. Let's make history, but let's make sure we're around to tell the tale. Dismissed."
As the senior staff filed out, Admiral Chen remained behind, studying Zaiden with an unreadable expression.
"Something on your mind, Admiral?" Zaiden asked.
"Just observing," Chen replied. "Your approach is... interesting. More cautious than I might have expected, given your record."
Zaiden tensed slightly, wondering what "record" this version of himself might have. "The mission is too important to take unnecessary risks."
Chen nodded slowly. "Indeed it is. And yet exploration inherently involves risk. Finding the balance is the mark of a good commander." He moved toward the door, then paused. "The crew seems to respond well to you. That's a good sign."
With that cryptic assessment, the Admiral departed, leaving Zaiden alone with the holographic display of the star system that would be humanity's first foothold beyond Sol.
He stared at the slowly rotating planets, thinking about what lay ahead. In the game, he had known what to expect; the five-year exploration phase, the eventual contact with the Romani and Org'ta, the choices that would shape humanity's place in the galactic community.
But now, living inside this reality, everything felt different. The crew weren't just digital avatars following programmed routines; they were people with hopes, people with fears, and now their lives are in his hands. The decisions weren't just strategic choices in a game but would have real consequences.
And yet, his knowledge of the game's progression gave him an advantage; a roadmap of what might come, if this reality followed the same rules. Five years to explore, to build, to prepare before the Romani-Org'ta conflict would bring first contact and force humanity to choose its path among the stars.
Zaiden reached out and expanded the holographic display, taking in the entirety of the Proxima Centauri system—humanity's first stepping stone to the galaxy beyond.
"Five years," he murmured to himself. "Let's make them count."
***Commander's Personal Log, Mission Day 2, 2200 Hours***
I woke up today as Commander Zaiden Locke.
That sentence doesn't begin to capture the disorientation, the panic, the sheer impossibility of my situation. Yesterday, I was a different Zaiden Locke; a disillusioned veteran, a dedicated gamer who had a habit of falling asleep at my desk while playing one last turn of Galactic Ascension. This morning, I opened my eyes in quarters aboard the UES Pathfinder, humanity's first interstellar vessel, with memories of a life I never lived competing with the life I actually did.
I reviewed Locke's or rather my; service record, personal files, and mission briefings. Decorated veteran of the Resource Wars. Specialized training in tactical operations and strategic command. Selected from thousands of candidates to lead the Pathfinder expedition. A life of achievement and purpose, culminating in this historic mission.
None of it felt like me yet all of it was now me.
The first day itself passed in a blur. Admiral Chen's speech about humanity's future among the stars. The formal transfer of command. My own brief remarks, thankfully pre-written and stored in my personal files. I spoke words about honor and duty and discovery that Zaiden Locke had prepared, while inside, I was screaming questions no one could answer.
Once I took command and the Pathfinder began to hum to life, muscle memory took over. I found myself issuing orders, reviewing system reports, conducting the first officer briefing; all with a confidence and authority that felt borrowed but functioned effectively. The crew responded to my commands without hesitation. To them, I am and have always been Commander Zaiden Locke.
The strangest part is how much I know. Not just about being this Zaiden; those memories feel grafted on, accessible but foreign, but about what lies ahead. Galactic Ascension was more than just a game to me; I'd logged thousands of hours exploring its systems, optimizing strategies, uncovering its secrets. I know about the Ancient artifacts waiting to be discovered. I know about the gateway network. I know about the Romani-Org'ta conflict that will erupt in approximately four years, forcing humanity to choose sides.
Or at least, I know how these things unfolded in a game. Whether this reality will follow the same path remains to be seen.
For now, I've decided to maintain the facade. I will be Commander Zaiden Locke because I must be. The mission is too important, the consequences of failure too severe. I'll use my gaming knowledge as a guide while recognizing that this is no longer a simulation where mistakes can be reloaded.
The Pathfinder has departed Earth orbit. Our first FTL jump is scheduled for tomorrow. Two hundred and fifty lives are under my command, and potentially the future of humanity rests on the decisions I make in the coming years.
I never asked for this responsibility. I never imagined waking up inside what I thought was just a game. But here I am, and there's no going back. No save point to return to. No option to exit to the main menu.
This is reality now. My reality.
And somehow, I have to find a way to navigate it; not for victory points or achievements, but for the very real people who now depend on me.
End personal log.
// Security encryption enabled. Access restricted to Commander Zaiden Locke. Voice print and retinal scan required for playback. //