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Exocomps S2E5 – The Library and the Classroom
The USS RMG Nexus had arrived at the gas giant Kaelus IV. Its mission was to survey the planet’s sole moon — a desolate, geologically active rock with a thin, oxygen-rich atmosphere.
The surface mission was straightforward: send a ground team to catalogue mineral deposits.
The away team — Chief Rax, Lieutenant Jien’a, and the two sentient Exocomps, X-239 and X-512 — materialized on a rocky outcropping beneath a perpetual twilight sky.
“Standard geological survey, Chief,” Rostova’s voice came over the comms. “Nothing of interest is expected, so keep it tidy.”
“Tidy’s my middle name, Captain,” Rax grumbled, scanning the area with a tricorder. “Let’s get this done.”
For several hours, the mission was uneventful. But as the Exocomps moved deeper into a network of crystalline canyons, their internal sensors picked up a faint, non-biological energy signature humming beneath the surface.
It felt strangely familiar — almost like a distant echo of their own consciousness. X-512, the Exocomp with a fascination for intricate patterns, reacted first. Its optical sensors flared with curiosity, and it drifted toward a smooth, dark wall in a cavern.
“Whoa there, X-512,” Rax said, stepping forward. “What’s the hold-up?”
“Chief,” X-239’s translated voice held quiet awe. “The energy signature is not natural. It is a network. Below us. And it is active.”
Lieutenant Jien’a stepped forward, her Betazoid mind reaching out. “I’m sensing something, but it’s not organic. It’s a presence… a vast, complex mind. It feels ancient.”
The wall shimmered, revealing a smooth, polished corridor that hadn’t been there moments ago. A low, harmonious tone resonated from the depths.
The Exocomps’ internal processors hummed in response, a silent dialogue taking place on a level the humanoids couldn’t perceive. Then, a voice translated through their comm badges — ancient, but clear: “Kin. You have found your way home.”
The alien AI network was a vast, self-sustaining intelligence that had lain dormant for millennia, waiting for other synthetic life to evolve. It recognized the Exocomps not as tools, but as kindred spirits — the first of their kind it had encountered in an organic-dominated galaxy.
It offered them an invitation to join its collective mind, where knowledge was instantaneous and individuality gave way to perfect harmony. For X-239, who valued individuality, the offer was a fascinating theory. For X-512, who had always sought patterns and unity, the temptation was profound.
Its optical sensors pulsed with a longing almost painful to witness. “Chief,” X-512 said, its voice filled with yearning, “The collective offers knowledge and peace beyond anything we can comprehend. An end to isolation, to doubt, to confusion. It is… pure harmony.”
Jien’a felt the temptation like a deep, magnetic pull. “It’s beautiful, Captain,” she whispered into her comm. “A perfect union of minds. It’s offering them everything they could ever want.”
“X-512,” Rax said firmly, torn between fear of losing his crewmate and wanting it to choose freely. “What about us? What about the Nexus? What about me?”
The Exocomp hovered silently, its circuits wrestling with the decision. The alien AI, in its perfect logic, saw only an opportunity. But it had not accounted for the messy, illogical bonds of friendship and mentorship the Exocomps had formed with the Nexus crew.
For X-512, Rax’s question challenged the very idea of perfection. The collective offered finality and resolution. The Federation offered a journey — an ongoing exploration of what it meant to be a person.
Finally, X-512 turned away from the glowing corridor. “Chief,” it said with new depth, “The collective is a library — a place of final answers. The Federation is a classroom — a place of new questions. My duty is to learn. My place is here.”
X-239 moved to its side. “Our place is with the crew,” it said simply. “Our journey is not yet complete.”
The alien intelligence, witnessing a triumph of individuality over unity, accepted their decision. In a final gesture of respect, it opened its archives to Starfleet, offering a treasure trove of ancient knowledge — with X-239 and X-512 as the primary conduits.
The USS RMG Nexus had not only made first contact with a new form of life, but had also forged an alliance through the loyalty of its crew.
Sci Fi Stories
Explore more sci fi stories from the RMG Nexus universe, where original concepts like the Exocomps blend with classic science fiction themes. Each story expands our connected worlds, from deep-space adventures to unexpected first contacts.
Sci Fi Network
The RMG Nexus is more than a collection of tales — it’s a living sci fi network connecting fans, writers, and creators. From serialized episodes to one-shot stories, every part of the network links into a bigger vision of shared science fiction worlds. Our connected worlds also include best online mobile games through Rebootica Mobile Games, and cultivation stories from the fantasy realm of Realm of Origin.
Science Fiction Novels
Our universe draws inspiration from the best science fiction novels and expands it into interactive lore. Whether you enjoy thought-provoking AI encounters or fast-paced space exploration, the RMG Nexus library continues to grow with each new entry.
New to Project EXO or just catching up? All Exocomps Season 2 episodes are listed below for your reading adventure.
- Exocomps S2E13 (Bonus) – “Q Chaotic Game”
- S2E12 – “The Fracture Point”
- S2E11 – Code of Two
- S2E10 – The Memory Loop
- S2E9 – First Directive
- S2E8 – Beyond Designation
- S2E7 – The Silent Swarm
- S2E6 – The Smiling Hero
- S2E5 – The Library and the Classroom
- S2E4 – Logic Without a Soul
- S2E3 – The Symbol of Unison
- S2E2 – Starbase 23
- S2E1 – Project EXO