“...that concludes the briefing.” The Head of the Expedition orders.

“Roger that.” everyone responds in unison respond before retrieving their papers and preparing to leave.

I copy the horde as well by packing the papers assigned to my group, while packing my things I notice from my peripherals the Head approaches me.

“Professor.” He says to get my attention.

I nod in response and stop shovelling all the papers into my pack to focus my attention. However, he remains silent watching the door as everyone slowly leaves the room. Afterwards, he looks to me and continues what he was going to say.

“I’d like to reiterate that CORE has stated that there are no threats. However, what we consider threats is probably different to what the AI considers threats. I am not saying this too scare you or anything, but as the first expeditionary group, I would like to warn you of the possibilities.” He warns.

“I do not doubt that level of thinking. However, with the equipment we are bringing. I doubt that will be much of an issue, sir.” I respond to try and ease the Head.

He gives me a simple nod as I pack the rest of my things and leave.

“Good afternoon, Professor. Almost walked right past us and straight right in.” Cassus says as he stops me.

“Yes, I guess I was lost in thought again.” I respond.

“Ah yes, the famous ‘I am such a genius that gets lost in thought’ bit.” He says while using his arm to make an arc to add onto his sarcasm.

I ignore Cassus to get a better look of my surroundings. I notice the entrance to the domain of the AI. There exists only 10 entrances into the domain that we have discovered. It is made of the same metal of the sky, a black alloy that reflects light pretty well. Extremely dense and unusable for everyday means, but very powerful. The door is part of a wall, obviously, made of the same material and reaches far into the sky as it connects to out sky itself. Looking to the ends of the wall leads very far into the horizon. I cannot even see the horizon wall as what we were given is quite a generous amount. However, I suppose that is because....

“Ignoring me again, are ya?! The classic bit occurs once more.” Cassus yells at me to get my attention, clapping to himself when he talks about the bit.

“Time doesn’t just stop when you think you know. All our clocks are ticking. Might as well get on with it, don’t you agree?” Cassus follows up with.

“I apologize, I was just thinking about the impossibility of the situation.” I respond.

The group stands behind me, at the ready. Core appears before us, using the usual Holograph of a blank humanoid with no features at all.

“Hello, I will now be opening the door. Please stand back.” it says as it reaches out its arm with a palm open towards us.

“Well I guess this is it everybody. Let us see what the AI has accomplished without us.” I inform the group as the door slowly raises into the wall.

A single tear goes down my face, for I am in awe.