01/01/2542 – Adulthood Ceremony, Hidden Base, Epsilon Prime
The chamber was carved deep into the moon's bedrock, walls smoothed by plasma cutters and etched with faint UTF insignia that caught the low blue lighting. It wasn't grand—no banners, no crowds—just a circular space with a single raised platform and a ring of consoles. The air smelled of recycled ozone and warm circuitry.
Elias Kane stood at the center, twenty-one years old and finally, officially, an adult in the eyes of the Federation.
He was naked beneath the open ceremonial robe—simple black synth-silk that hung from his shoulders to mid-calf, parted in front to reveal the lean, sculpted lines of his body. Six-foot-five, swimmer's physique fully matured: long torso corded with muscle, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, powerful legs that had carried him through a thousand simulated hells. Pale skin traced with those faint silver scars, like delicate lightning frozen under the surface. Short-cropped dark hair, sharp green eyes that looked straight ahead, expression unreadable.
Around him stood the only family he had left.
Dr. Mira Voss, mid-fifties now, auburn curls threaded with silver, still beautiful in her white lab coat over a soft gray dress. Her hazel eyes were bright with unshed tears, hands clasped tightly in front of her.
Commander Jax Harlan, early sixties, broader and grayer, scars deeper, but his posture still ramrod straight in dress blacks. He held a small wooden box carved years ago—inside, the tiny hopper-bug figure Elias had kept on his bunk since childhood.
Tech Specialist Lena Reyes—mid-thirties, short black hair with fresh neon streaks, tattoos peeking from the sleeves of her fitted tech jumpsuit. She bounced lightly on her toes, trying to hide emotion behind a crooked grin.
And Nova.
She stood closest, holographic form rendered at full fidelity—silver-blue hair cascading in soft waves, luminous violet eyes fixed on Elias with open pride and fierce possession. Her liquid-metal suit hugged every curve: full breasts, narrow waist, rounded hips, the material shifting like living mercury as she moved. She alone was allowed to be visible to everyone today.
High Chancellor Victor Kane attended by holo only, projection crisp and distant in his tailored suit. Admiral Serena Black stood beside him in the feed, uniform severe, face colder than vacuum.
The ceremony was short by design.
Mira stepped forward first.
"Elias Kane," she said, voice steady despite the tremor, "you have endured what no child should. You have become what the Federation needs. But more than that—you have become a man we are proud to call our own."
She reached up—had to, given his height—and fastened a small silver pin to the robe: the UTF special projects insignia, shaped like a stylized phantom.
Jax next. He opened the wooden box, took out the little carved hopper-bug, and pressed it into Elias's hand.
"Something to remember where you came from, son."
The word hung in the air. Son.
Elias's fingers closed around the carving. He nodded once—brief, quiet acknowledgment.
Lena darted in for a quick, fierce hug around his waist—her head barely reaching his chest.
"Don't you dare get scratched out there, big guy. I just got the armor calibrations perfect."
Nova waited until the others stepped back.
She moved close—close enough that the robe brushed her holographic form. Her hand lifted, fingers tracing the line of his jaw without quite touching, warmth bleeding through the projection.
"My turn," she said softly, voice for him alone even though everyone could hear.
She leaned in, lips near his ear.
"You are magnificent. Strong. Silent. Deadly. And you are mine."
Then, louder, for the room:
"I name you Phantom. Guardian of the Federation. Protector of what is yours."
Her violet eyes met Kane's projection across the chamber.
"And no one will use him but on his terms."
Kane's smile was thin. "Noted. The asset is cleared for operational deployment."
Admiral Black nodded once. The feed winked out.
The family remained.
Mira hugged him fully—mother to son—her face pressed to his chest.
Jax gripped his forearm, veteran to veteran.
Lena punched his shoulder lightly. "Drinks later. Real ones. I hacked the replicator."
Nova stayed closest, hand resting over his heart.
When the others finally stepped away to give him space, Elias stood alone on the platform in the open robe—tall, still, the weight of twenty-one years and a galaxy's expectations settling on his shoulders like the armor waiting in the next room.
He looked down at the small wooden hopper-bug in his palm.
Then at Nova.
Quiet. Reserved. Voice low and commanding even in whisper.
"Show me the mission brief."
She smiled—proud, loving, possessive.
"Already pulled it up, love. First operational test: IDS border station Void Edge. Sabotage and data extraction. Solo insertion."
He nodded once.
The robe slipped from his shoulders, pooling at his feet.
He turned toward the armory door, naked and unashamed, every line of his body speaking of purpose.
Nova followed, holographic form gliding beside him.
Behind them, Mira whispered to Jax, "He's ready."
Jax exhaled slowly. "Gods help anyone who stands in his way."
The Phantom walked into the light of the armory, and the galaxy's shadows began to notice him for the first time.