บท 396: Declare War
"It seems you've been observing us for quite some time," Flash said, his voice cold and steady. "I've had friends deal with your kind before."
Controlling Flash remotely, Charlie already had his suspicions confirmed. These beings were from the so-called Church of Technology—a faction long rumored to have meddled with Earth through clandestine contacts and mysterious technology. It was clear now that the advanced extraterrestrial tech whispered about in conspiracy theories had come from them.
This wasn't a random encounter. They had been watching Earth for a long time, carefully studying its civilizations, its progress, and its limitations. They had analyzed humanity's technology, cultural values, and even its potential for growth. Everything about their approach suggested meticulous preparation.
The alien captain didn't deny this. If anything, he leaned into it, nodding with a calm and open expression. "Yes, we've been observing you. I hope you don't take offense, but it was necessary. We had to know who we were dealing with before making contact because…"
He paused, and for a brief moment, his confident demeanor faltered. A shadow of weariness crossed his face, a glimpse of something heavy weighing on his mind.
"…because this is a lesson we've learned from a long, bloody war," he finished, his tone grim.
Charlie didn't fully understand what the captain meant, but he had a pretty good idea. The Church of Technology had clearly been on the run for a long time, hiding from a galaxy ruled by the so-called gods. While their mastery of advanced technology gave them an edge, carving out a place for themselves in a universe dominated by divine forces wasn't easy.
The reality was harsh. For generations, the Church had been hunted, forced to live in the shadows, always on the move. Their technology was a double-edged sword—powerful enough to ensure survival but not strong enough to overcome their enemies outright. If they ever attracted the full attention of the gods, they would be wiped out. That fear drove their caution. Every new world they approached was scouted carefully, every risk calculated.
One day, during one such exploration, their scouts stumbled upon Earth.
"A civilization untouched by the gods," the captain said, his voice carrying a note of wonder. "Uncontrolled, uninfluenced, and allowed to grow naturally. Do you know how rare that is?"
The captain's tone shifted, growing more animated. "When we discovered your world, it was like finding a diamond in the void. In a galaxy where most civilizations are shaped or outright dominated by divine beings, here was a planet developing on its own, hidden in the shadows of the gods' domain. Naturally, our leaders were intrigued."
"So, you started making contact," Flash interjected, his tone sharp.
"Yes," the captain admitted without hesitation. "We tested your world's capabilities—your technology, your attitudes toward progress, and your willingness to embrace change. The process took time, but we learned what we needed. Or, at least, most of what we needed."
The captain's piercing eyes locked on Flash. It was as though he were trying to read something hidden in the speedster's expression.
Of course, his effort was pointless. Charlie, controlling Flash from miles away, watched through a screen, safe and detached. There was nothing for the captain to uncover.
"This planet is fascinating," the captain continued, his voice thoughtful. "The more we studied it, the more we realized how dependent its people are on external forces—whether for military defense, technological advancement, or economic growth. That's when we became aware of you and your kind."
He gestured toward Flash, his expression softening into what seemed like a smile.
"Individuals who make a difference through technology. You're just like us, aren't you?"
Charlie leaned back in his chair, processing the implications of that statement. The Church had made a critical assumption. To them, Flash and Earth's other superheroes were outsiders—beings who had harnessed advanced technology from beyond the stars. In their eyes, the heroes weren't just protectors; they were kindred spirits, fellow rebels in a galaxy ruled by oppressive gods.
It explained the Church's mixed approach. While some of its leaders likely saw Earth's heroes as potential allies, others viewed them as a threat. The captain, judging by his tone, seemed to fall somewhere in the middle.
"We don't need anyone's charity to grow stronger," the captain said, his voice firm. "Every species has the ability to innovate and evolve on its own. Technology is that power."
His voice grew sharper, almost defiant. "The so-called gods think they can take that from us. They've shackled us, told us we're too dangerous to be free, claimed their control is for our own good. But it's not control—it's fear."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "They're afraid of people like us. People who don't kneel. People who refuse to follow their rules. We've built weapons that can kill even them. That's why they suppress us, why they strangle our progress at every turn."
His lips twisted into a bitter smile. "But they can't stop us. Not as long as we stand together."
Charlie, through Flash, listened carefully. The captain's words weren't entirely unfamiliar. Across human history, the theme of rebellion against oppression had played out countless times. And even in stories of gods and heroes, the idea of using technology to surpass divine power wasn't new.
Iron Man's Godkiller armor came to mind—an ancient weapon designed by a long-dead civilization to annihilate celestial beings. That civilization had nearly succeeded, wiping out most of the gods in their time before succumbing to internal strife. The parallels were striking.
After a moment of silence, Flash finally spoke. "What do you want from us?"
The captain didn't hesitate. "This planet," he said bluntly.
Flash's eyes narrowed.
"This world is untouched by the gods, invisible to their sight. It's fertile ground for technological growth, a place where we can thrive without interference," the captain continued.
His tone darkened, his voice growing heavier with conviction. "We will turn this planet into a fortress. And from here…"
He paused for effect, his expression hardening.
"…we will declare war."
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