After resolving the energy system failure of the X10 Engineering Ships, Elara finally found a rare moment to breathe. Her fleet base—the massive space assembly plant hidden deep within the asteroid belt—was running smoothly, its resource reserves growing steadily, and its fleet expanding with confidence. With the weight on her shoulders slightly eased, she decided to stay at the base for a day and visit the General Port. It was one of the many modular facilities within the station—and the first time in a long while that she could truly call it her own.
Located on the eastern wing of the space assembly plant, the General Port was a bustling internal hub. After two months of upgrades, it had evolved from a simple cargo zone into a small center for trade and transit. Elara walked through the base's corridors and entered the port area. The scene before her was vibrant—several X10 Engineering Ships were docked at the berths, their mechanical arms busily unloading metals, crystals, and deuterium. Crews moved back and forth, inspecting equipment and cargo. Overhead, a row of floating lights cast bright illumination across the ships and the rocky backdrop of the asteroid field. Though not as grand as a Lagrange Gate, this place was the lifeblood of the base, connecting every link between mining and production.
She took off her commander's uniform and changed into a simple gray robe, blending quietly into the crowd. Without an entourage or weapons, she simply wanted to be still, to feel the moment. The air in the port carried the scent of metal and energy. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let her thoughts drift freely.
Elara strolled along the main thoroughfare of the port, her gaze sweeping over the busy activity. An X10 Engineering Ship had just finished unloading, the hum of its drone mining systems fading away as crew members prepared for the next round of operations. Nearby, the mechanical arms of the engineering repair dock worked on an FG3000 Multirole Frigate, sparks flying in the dim light. She couldn't help but reflect on how far the base had come—from a secret outpost to a fortified stronghold now equipped with residential areas, destroyer production lines, cruiser production lines, and aircraft carrier production lines. All of it was built by her hands, shaped by her will.
At the edge of the port, Elara leaned against the railing, gazing out at the scene before her. Though deep within the asteroid belt, the bustle of the General Port gave her a sense of what a true star system hub might feel like. She looked out at the drifting asteroids and thought of her journey—from Hub City to Cygnus 0476, from signing the *Uncrowned 2.0 Agreement* with the Antonios Consortium to fending off two brutal privateer attacks. The road had been tough, but she had never wavered.
"This is our starting point," she whispered to herself, her voice lost in the low hum of machinery. The activity around her stirred a flood of emotions. This wasn't just a distribution center for resources—it was the foundation upon which the Nova Alliance would rise. Once, she had only been a commander; now, she bore the future of an entire faction. The space assembly plant in Cygnus 0476 was just the beginning. This General Port hinted at greater possibilities—perhaps one day, she would expand the base enough to build her own Lagrange Gate, linking even broader reaches of the stars.
A slight vibration rumbled beneath her feet—the engines of an AC721 Carrier Destroyer preparing for launch. Elara turned around and saw a squadron of stingray-class escort drones being launched from the ship's hangar bay, heading out to patrol the asteroid belt. A soft smile touched her lips, warmth rising in her heart. For a moment, she wasn't the decisive leader who made hard choices under fire. She was just an observer, savoring a rare, quiet peace.
As night fell, the lights of the port grew brighter, reflecting in her eyes. Elara cast one last glance at the bustling scene before turning back toward the command center. Tomorrow, she would face new challenges, press forward once more. But today, this General Port belonged to her—to her memories, her reflections, and her dreams.
She murmured softly, "No matter how far, we will reach it." Then, her figure disappeared down the corridor, the lights of the base flickering behind her like a glimmer of hope in the vast sea of stars.