Arriving at the secret base

Things moved quickly after Cillian decided to join the Constella Foundation. First, their group met up with another ship. This one was an advanced stealth ship with no insignia or markings to identify it. On that ship was something that made Cillian question reality as a whole. On board the ship was another Cillian—one who was a perfect copy down to the last cell. As the major aptly put it, "a perfect clone identical to the last strand of DNA that can even copy his resonance to some extent." This was due to the resonance ability of one of the foundation's members. This ability explained why they had been stalling for the last two days.

Normally, such a trick wouldn't work because it's impossible for a clone to perfectly copy someone's resonance unless someone with the ability to copy resonance turned themselves into the clone. However, cases liek Cillian's was an exception. He was an "unawakened" and his resonance abilities were vague at best. so it was hard to distinguish his resonance signature and abilities from his a clones which can also use his resonance to small extends . Besides, the foundation would definitely have people in Tartarus who would ensure the clone isn't caught and ensure that it doesn't become a liability even in case its exposed. As for the methods they would employ, Cillian had a few guesses, but he didn't dwell on it too much. What amazed him was how incredible resonance powers were. He began to fantasize about how his powers would grow, but those fantasies were cut short when he remembered the cost he had paid for having such powers. "Mom, dad, and Brian, I will find who was responsible for your deaths and avenge you," Cillian vowed in his mind. " I must do it not only for their sake, but mine too," he thought to sooth his guilty conscious and the constant nightmares that was plaguing him .

After the exchange, both parties went their separate ways and jumped to hyperspace shortly after. The journey through hyperspace was uneventful, and after a day of travel, the stealth ship emerged from hyperspace into real space in an unknown star system. Cillian walked into the ship's conference room where Major Andrea was waiting for him. He took a seat opposite her and asked, "Are we there?"

"Yes," Andrea replied.

"So, the headquarters of the foundation is on one of the planets in this system?" Cillian asked curiously.

"No, the headquarters of the foundation is in a secret location accessible only to the higher members of the foundation. You have yet to earn that privilege," Andrea explained.

Cillian said disappointedly, "Is that so?"

Andrea continued, "Where we are going is an important remote research facility of the foundation. You will undergo the induction ceremony there before becoming an official member."

Cillian had more questions, but the major interrupted him before he could ask.

"I know you have a lot of questions, Cillian, but they will have to wait until you are an official member of the foundation."

Unsatisfied with the situation, Cillian wasn't in a position to make demands. The ship headed towards one of the planets within the system's Goldilocks zone, which had two moons. The planet was big enough to be considered a super-Earth, but unlike terraformed planets Cillian had seen before, this planet was a barren brown rock, devoid of blue or green.

As the ship descended into the atmosphere in a regulated speed to minimize turbulence and friction, Cillian observed the vast wasteland stretching to the horizon. The ship slowly moved through atmosphere, descending towards a mountain range. As the ship neared a particular mountain a section of the mountain opened like a door, revealing an underground passage through which the ship entered landing on a metal platform. After a seried of automatic locks held the ship in place The platform descended, leading to an underground hangar filled with various ships and bustling activity.

Cillian's ship was secured in its assigned spot. Looking out, he observed tapasreris with four-pointed star symbols hanging on the walls, evoking an indescribable feeling within him. shortly after the major called Cillian asking him to make his way to the main hatch .

Cillian and the major stood at the door of the ship as it opened. Cillian's heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. As the hatch opened, they were greeted by a single old man wearing a lab coat.

"Miss Andrea, it's a pleasure to meet you, and welcome to Norming research center " the old man shook hands with the major. "The pleasure is mine, Dr. Samuel. I've heard many great things about you from my superiors at HQ," remarked the major, surprising Cillian. The major showed no hint of superiority in front of the old doctor, and what amazed Cillian even more, given that the doctor wasn't even an awakened! To command such respect from a B-grade pioneer when you're just a common person, this individual must hold great importance. After greeting the major, the old doctor turned to Cillian. "Oh, you must be Cillian. Nice to meet you. My name is Dr. Samuel Lock. I am the head scientist in charge of this facility. I must say, I'm really fascinated by your resonance ability," Cillian shook his hand. "The pleasure is mine, Dr. Samuel. I'm looking forward to working with you," Cillian said respectfully. The doctor with an enthusiastic smile replied, " I am looking forward to it "