For a creative project, six years isn’t such a long time. Music bands can easily last 40 years. I don’t know how this analogy just came in my head, but it resembles reality surprisingly much. In a way, I think I have a very “music band” approach with this project. Although, in many other ways, it resembles a research venture. Like building a fusion reactor or a space elevator.
Things have been going very well during the past year. There were surprises, a bit of disappointment (but nothing major) and lots and LOTS of progress. Heaps of progress. Whereas for the first 5 years I built mainly vertically, the project has started to expand horizontally now.
I originally planned for a bigger reveal this May 1st, but life happened and certain things took longer than expected due to other obligations. But I am safe in my knowledge that things are proceeding at the right pace.
And with this, I leave you with a new glimpse towards The Nexus.
***
The train hurtles towards its destination, slicing through a lush, verdant forest before skimming effortlessly across a mirror-like lake. Inside, Karl reclines in an over-sized armchair, his legs comfortably propped up on a plush footstool. His eyes, reflecting a seasoned calm, are fixed on the landscape blurring past the window. Above, a digital display embedded in the sleek ceiling catches his attention—the speed indicator reads 782 km/h. A thoughtful frown briefly crosses his features. “We’re slowing down,” he muses internally, his mind as much on their decreasing velocity as on the implications of their arrival.
Gradually, the imposing shape of the Pyramid comes into clearer view, growing larger with every passing moment. Its colossal form, a masterpiece of deceptive geometry, reflects the sunlight in dazzling, almost blinding patterns. Karl’s eyes narrow slightly as he attempts to gauge its true dimensions. From his calculations and prior briefings, he knows it stands around a hundred meters tall, yet its pyramidal structure, coupled with a glass surface that seems to fold the light around it, makes it appear both infinite and intimate.
As the train eases into the station nestled at the Pyramid’s base, Karl rises from his seat with the fluid grace of a man accustomed to navigating worlds both strange and familiar. The doors slide open with a soft hiss, and he steps onto the platform, where a rare smile briefly illuminates his weathered face. It’s a smile of triumph and anticipation; despite the achievements that trail behind him like stardust, he recognizes this as merely the initial stride in a much longer journey. Ahead, a cobblestone path winds from the station to the entrance of the Pyramid, flanked by walls that shimmer, casting playful embers under the setting sun.
Each step along the cobblestone path draws a deepening sense of reverence from within him. The weight of history, of his own long journey, seems to settle upon his shoulders with a comfortable familiarity. The polished titanium gates of the entrance loom ahead, intricate patterns etched upon their surface gleaming as if in greeting. Karl pauses a moment before them, taking in the magnitude of the moment—the gates not only to a new place but to new knowledge and perhaps, new challenges.
With a silent command, the majestic hexagonal gate responds, its segments unfolding like the petals of some great metallic flower welcoming him into its core. He steps through, his boots echoing softly on the polished stone floor. The corridor stretches before him, pristine and white, adorned with holographic images depicting human progress through the ages—scenes of invention, exploration, and philosophical breakthroughs that stir a blend of pride and humility in his chest.
After a short walk filled with silent contemplation of the images around him, Karl approaches another gate. This one, crafted from diamond, sparkles with an internal fire that casts prismatic colors across the walls. As it opens, a burst of sound washes over him—the vibrant hum of human voices, laughter, the rhythmic cadence of life. Karl steps through, and the space opens up into a bustling hub of activity. Eyes turn towards him, and the atmosphere shifts subtly as recognition sparks across the faces of those he knows, and those who know of him.
As Karl steps beyond the diamond gateway, the corridor’s echo of his solitary footsteps is quickly supplanted by the vibrant thrum of human interaction. The nearest groups, previously absorbed in their lively discussions, pause and turn toward him as he enters. Their conversations taper off into silence, a collective breath held in momentary suspense. A few faces break into warm, welcoming smiles, their expressions mingling recognition with respect. Among them, Karl spots several he remembers from distant exploits across the Multiverse—companions of past adventures whose stories had woven briefly with his own.
Suddenly, the quiet is shattered by a booming laugh that rings with genuine delight. “It’s Karl! Hey, Susan, it’s Karl, get over here!” The voice cuts through the murmurs, turning heads and drawing more smiles from the assembled crowd. Karl’s gaze shifts to locate the source, and his eyes light up with a flicker of amusement as he recognizes the speaker. It’s Horgh, though the man before him bears little resemblance to the memory etched in Karl’s mind. Gone is the formidable carbon exo-skeleton Horgh once wore, replaced now by an elegant, somewhat eccentric tuxedo that seems to blend cultural nuances from countless worlds. The transformation is striking, symbolic of the changes and growth they’ve all undergone since their paths last crossed.
Horgh strides forward with open arms, his presence as large as his voice. As they embrace, Karl feels the warmth and sincerity of a reunion long overdue. Around them, others join in, clapping Karl on the back, shaking his hand, their greetings imbued with an enthusiasm that transforms the space into something akin to a grand homecoming. It becomes clear they are standing in the Nexus Beacon’s designated reception area, designed to bridge the transition from journey to arrival with a sense of belonging and celebration. The walls themselves, adorned with artful murals and soft, ambient lighting, seem to welcome the travelers home. It’s a place where legends return and tales begin, where every arrival is honored not just as a guest, but as family rediscovered.
As the initial excitement settles, Karl takes a moment to observe his surroundings more closely. The reception area, expansive and tastefully decorated, serves as both a nexus and a lounge for those newly arrived or preparing to depart. Soft couches line the walls, and interactive terminals stand at intervals, glowing softly with data and maps. The air is filled with a mix of laughter and the softer tones of serious discussion—scholars debating, travelers exchanging tips, friends sharing stories of cosmic ventures. It’s a melting pot of the universe’s finest minds and bravest souls, and Karl, a pivotal figure among them, is right at its heart.
Horgh, alongside Susan—a fellow traveler and scholar whose curiosity seemed as boundless as the universe itself—guided Karl through the spacious Welcome Hall of the Pyramid’s ground floor. Their steps resonated softly on the polished stone floors, the area vibrant with the animated discussions of various groups strategizing their next moves now that they had reached this pivotal point in their journey.
“Karl, this place is a marvel,” Horgh began, his voice filled with a mix of awe and frustration. “We’ve been exploring for days, yet we’ve barely scratched the surface. The architecture here is a labyrinth of knowledge and mystery.” He gestured towards several imposing doors lining the corridor, their surfaces smooth and impenetrable. “Many gates remain locked, and it seems we’re not yet permitted to ascend to the higher levels. The guardians of this place are not eager to reveal all their secrets at once.”
“But come,” Susan interjected, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “there’s one area in particular that I know will capture your interest. Let’s head there first.” Her pace quickened, pulling them along with a contagious enthusiasm.
They arrived at the Library, a vast room where the air was thick with the scent of ancient parchment and the faint hum of active data terminals. The walls were lined with shelves that reached nearly to the high ceiling, each filled with volumes that promised untold secrets and wisdom. Karl paused, his gaze sweeping over the titles. While it lacked the sheer scale of the legendary Ancient Library of The Kodex of Bha’tur, the collection before him was curated with evident care and precision. “It’s not the quantity but the quality that truly matters,” Susan noted, observing Karl’s impressed expression. “And I assure you, the texts here are among the most potent and profound across the known galaxies.”
As they moved through the library at a brisk pace, Karl’s fingers occasionally brushed against the spines of the books, each touch sending a faint shiver of anticipation through him. He could sense the depth of knowledge each book held, the weight of wisdom patiently waiting to be discovered.
At the end of the main hall, another structure caught his attention—a majestic hexagonal gate, its surface etched with intricate symbols that pulsed gently with an inner, purple light. Beyond this gate stood a massive vertical cylinder, stretching up into the shadows of the ceiling far above. “What lies beyond?” Karl inquired, nodding toward the cylinder.
Susan responded with a hint of mystery coloring her voice, “That is an elevator to the higher levels. Some of the first arrivals, weeks ago, spent hours attempting to decipher its controls. Unfortunately, to no avail. They seem to be secured not just by a code but by biometric data as well—making it accessible only to those with the correct clearance.”
Horgh added, “The inscription by the controls offers little more than its name and an enigmatic reference to ‘The Projection Room.’ Everything surrounding it on the schematic maps is frustratingly obscured, as if inviting us to unlock its secrets ourselves.”
Karl’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his mind already racing with possibilities and hypotheses about what the upper floors might contain and who—or what—decided the access protocols in such a meticulously managed bastion of knowledge and power.
Leaving the quiet scholarly sanctuary of the library behind, they continued their tour, with the atmosphere shifting dramatically as they approached their next destination. The muted whispers and gentle rustling of pages were replaced by the lively cacophony of the mess hall. Karl stepped into a scene bustling with energy; laughter echoed off the walls, the clinking of cutlery on plates, and the clang of glasses being set down filled the air. Trays clattered and chairs scraped against the floor as groups of people shifted and settled. The mess hall was a lively hub, the social soul of the Pyramid where residents and visitors alike gathered to refuel and exchange stories.
Despite the enticing array of aromas wafting from the food stations, Karl’s attention was quickly diverted. He was too intrigued by the pulse of life around him, observing the dynamics of interactions, the blend of uniforms and casual attire that hinted at the varied roles everyone played within this grand structure.
Their next stop was a stark contrast to both the quietude of the library and the boisterous energy of the mess hall. They entered the sector known as Engineering, which felt like stepping into a giant, buzzing hive. The area was a complex network of rooms and corridors, each differing in shape and size—hexagonal chambers here, square offices there, even some with rounded, dome-like ceilings. The diversity in architecture seemed to mirror the innovative and eclectic minds that worked within.
In the largest room, a bustling open space filled with desks and holographic displays, twenty individuals were deeply engrossed in their tasks. Before Karl could voice the question forming in his mind, Susan gestured towards the group and said, “These are some of our best engineers and scientists, working on an extraordinary project. They’re developing an artificial muscle that can not only support thousands of tons but also electrify and heal itself when damaged. The design integrates electrical stimuli to enhance healing and resilience, intended for both structural supports and potentially other applications.”
Karl watched, intrigued, as the team manipulated 3D models and adjusted complex formulas on their screens. “Why this specific functionality?” he asked, drawn to the ambitious nature of their work.
Susan continued, “This initiative comes directly from the Prime Architect, who was here before any of us. He left behind notes suggesting such innovations in each area we’ve visited. It’s believed that these muscles could revolutionize how we construct and maintain buildings, particularly in environments prone to damage or where rapid repair is crucial.”
Here, in this modern-day alchemy lab, they weren’t merely producing thought—they were crafting the future, turning ideas into tangible, revolutionary technologies. Each simulation and adjustment by the team brought them closer to a new reality that could potentially reshape construction across the cosmos.
Each individual was a vital component of this intellectual colony, their contributions forming the building blocks of advancement that could one day ripple across galaxies. The intense concentration and quiet fervor of the room were palpable, as if the air itself buzzed with the electricity of creation.
As they moved through the interconnected rooms, Karl’s mind raced with questions and possibilities, his innate curiosity further fueled by every new discovery. The engineering wing was a testament to the Pyramid’s role not just as a haven of knowledge, but as a crucible for the physical manifestation of that knowledge, where theory met practice and the impossible began to take shape.
Guided by Horgh’s intuitive sense of direction, the group made their way towards the MedLab, retracing their steps through the bustling Welcome Hall. The vibrant energy of the space momentarily distracted Karl, drawing his gaze to the diverse array of inhabitants. His expression—one of wide-eyed wonder at the sights around him—elicited gentle chuckles and warm smiles from those who caught his eye. Their laughter was tinged with affection and an understanding of the awe that Nexus Beacon One could inspire in even the most seasoned of travelers.
Upon entering the MedLab, Karl felt as though he had stepped onto the set of a futuristic film. The room was lined with state-of-the-art medical apparatuses, their sleek designs and quiet hums painting a picture of advanced technological achievement. Displays flickered with complex diagrams and vital statistics. Half of the devices were unfamiliar to Karl, their functions mysterious and intriguing. Susan leaned closer and whispered, “You’re not alone in that; this place is a continual revelation even to us.” Her words offered reassurance, reminding Karl that the frontier of knowledge was always expanding.
Horgh, noticing Karl’s lingering curiosity mixed with a hint of overwhelm, clapped him on the shoulder. “And now, time to clear your head,” he suggested with a knowing smile. They exited the MedLab, crossed through the Welcome Hall once more, and briskly passed through the lively Mess Hall. Their destination was the inner courtyard, a sanctuary designed to offer peace and reflection.
The courtyard was a breathtaking spectacle. Modeled like a miniature version of the Pyramid itself, it housed a garden that boasted an intricate arrangement of exotic flowers and ancient trees, their colors vibrant against the backdrop of structured greenery. Water features murmured softly in the background, adding to the serene atmosphere. It was an artistic tapestry of nature, crafted meticulously to soothe and inspire.
Yet, even in this peaceful environment, Karl’s gaze was inexorably drawn upward, toward the darkened glass that crowned the inner space. Behind the rows of gently glowing halogen lights, the obscured upper levels of the Pyramid hinted at mysteries yet to be unraveled.
“I do the same,” Susan confessed, following his gaze. “I can’t help but wonder what’s behind those windows. What secrets await us on the other floors?”
Karl nodded thoughtfully, his mind already turning over the possibilities. “Then I think it’s time to get to work,” he declared, a determined glint in his eye.
Horgh’s hearty laughter filled the space, resonating even in the vastness of the garden. “Not before you eat, old man, not before you eat!” he boomed, leading them back towards the warmth and camaraderie of the Mess Hall.
***
***
The above image does NOT represent the exact same Pyramid where/when (space-time) Karl arrived, but rather that Pyramid about 20 years later, when the Nexus Beacon was activated and operating at near-peak efficiency (~78%).
See you there…
