The Great Obelisk

 The AI received an urgent message from Captain Cullen, cosigned by Lieutenant Tanaka.

“Rendezvous with the Away team at designated coordinates.”

The ship’s engines roared to life, systems humming with energy. Weapons systems activated, and the tactical alert blared, rousing the remaining crew from their quarters. A holographic map flickered into existence, projecting a green dot over Washington DC—their destination.

But the path was fraught with danger. Hundreds of red dots swarmed the ocean, representing enemy ships lying in wait. The crew braced themselves, knowing the journey ahead would be perilous. Every second counted as they prepared for the imminent confrontation.

As the ship approached the first cluster of red dots, the crew’s tension was palpable. The AI’s sensors picked up the primitive enemy vessels—rusted hulks with outdated weaponry, yet numerous and determined.

“Enemy ships within range,” the AI announced. “Prepare for engagement.”

Commander Volk stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the holographic display. “All hands, battle stations!”

The first enemy ship, a decrepit battleship, lumbered into view. Its cannons fired sporadically, the shots splashing harmlessly into the ocean. Tactical Officer Akita , stationed at the tactical console, quickly assessed the threat.

“Primitive but persistent,” she muttered. “Target their propulsion systems. Let’s slow them down.”

The ship’s advanced weaponry locked onto the enemy vessel. With a series of precise strikes, the enemy’s engines were disabled, leaving it dead in the water. But more ships were closing in, their sheer numbers a potential threat.

“Incoming torpedoes!” a crew member shouted.

The AI activated the ship’s defensive measures, intercepting the torpedoes with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions lit up the ocean, sending plumes of water skyward. The crew worked in unison, their training and the ship’s advanced technology giving them the upper hand.

“Focus fire on the lead ships,” Commander Mercer ordered. “We need to break through their line.”

Laser beams and plasma bolts streaked across the water, tearing through the enemy fleet. One by one, the primitive ships were disabled or destroyed, their crews abandoning ship in lifeboats.

As the last enemy vessel sank beneath the waves, a brief silence fell over the bridge. The crew took a moment to catch their breath, knowing this was just the beginning.

“Status report,” Commander Volk demanded.

“Minimal damage to our ship,” Tactical Officer Akita replied. “We’re clear to proceed.”

“Good. Set course for Washington DC. We have a rendezvous to keep.”

The ship surged forward, leaving the wreckage of the battle behind. The crew knew there would be more challenges ahead, but they were ready to face them together.

After only a day the ship glided into the harbor of Washington DC, its engines humming softly as it slowed to a halt. The crew gathered at the observation deck, peering out at the city that lay before them.

Washington DC was a shadow of its former self. The once bustling metropolis was now overgrown with dense vegetation. Trees and vines had reclaimed the streets, their roots breaking through the asphalt and concrete. Buildings were draped in green, their facades hidden beneath layers of foliage. Wildlife roamed freely, with deer and other animals moving through the urban jungle.

Yet, amidst the wild overgrowth, one structure stood untouched—the Washington Monument. Its pristine white obelisk rose majestically above the treetops, a solitary sentinel in the heart of the city. The sight was both awe-inspiring and eerie, a stark reminder of the world that once was.

As the ship hovered silently above the harbor, the crew’s sensors picked up unusual activity near the Washington Monument. Commander Volk and Tactical Officer Akita analyzed the data, their expressions growing serious.

“Commander, I’m detecting two groups converging at the Washington Monument,” Akita reported. “It appears to be a meeting between the Murican delegation and the Imperium delegation.”

Our away team marched down there with the Imperium delegation.  Can we get communication with Captain Cullen or Lieutenant Tanaka?