The base was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the smoldering aftermath of the recent attack. Everyone worked with a singular focus, knowing that the colony's survival depended on successfully starting up the industrial production lines. ARI and Sigrid were stationed in the laboratory, processing crates of the blue alien fruit that Mei had gathered with ARI's help. Their task was delicate, isolating the nutrient-rich compounds and chemical precursors that would be the first step in synthesizing the medications they required in order to wake the colonists from their stasis pods.

In between the warrens of pipes and cables, Elisa, Otto, and Maximilian worked on installing the power regulator. The large blocky device gleamed faintly in the overhead lights, its connections snaking into the refinery's many systems. Maximilian handled the heavy lifting, but his tone carried an edge as he spoke.

"Speaking of decisions," Maximilian said as he tightened a bolt, "Mei's recent interaction with the beetles cost us more than a few shelters. I can't say her reckless behavior sets a good example, either."

Elisa straightened from her work, giving Maximilian a sharp look. "Reckless, perhaps. But we should not forget that Mei's actions also got us the fruit. I don't think it was a strange idea to attempt to communicate with the beetles. They are grown from the plants, and the plants have been very helpful so far."

Maximilian's tone didn't shift, but his words carried a subtle insistence. "Intentions aside, the result was a full-scale attack on the base. We’re lucky we didn't lose more than we did."

Otto interjected before Elisa could respond, his voice still amicable. "The attack wasn't Mei's fault. We were already encountering hostile behavior from the beetles. If anything, her attempt was a gamble to avoid conflict."

Maximilian said nothing further, though his face betrayed a flicker of annoyance. He turned back to his work, silently tightening another connection as Elisa called for Otto to assist her with calibrating the regulator.

The team worked tirelessly, the regulator finally in place and its connections secured. Elisa activated the control panel, her fingers navigating the interface. "Regulator is online," she announced. "Starting low-power diagnostics."

The hum of the base's systems began to rise, faint and tentative at first, as though the machinery itself was testing its strength. The smelter's furnace groaned softly, heat coils glowing dimly as the pre-warm cycle began. In the adjacent section, parts of the refinery flickered to life, conveyor belts shuddering.

"We are not running at full power yet," Otto said, his voice cautious. "Let's keep it slow. No point in blowing something out before we have even started."

Maximilian grunted in agreement, his eyes on the diagnostic readouts. "The systems are holding. For now."

In the processing yard, heaps of ore waited for refining. ARI had already analyzed the piles, and the results were disappointing: most of the material was low-grade, filled with impurities that would demand costly processing. Still, there was enough to start small-scale production.

Maximilian surveyed the ore, his expression tight. "Not exactly a treasure trove."

"It is enough for now," Elisa said, standing beside him. "We should focus on essentials first: infirmary supplies, batteries to stabilize the grid, and prefab shelters. Once we have better living conditions and medical capacity, we can worry about higher complexity manufacturing."

Sigrid's voice came over the comms, tinged with frustration. "Low concentrations on most of this. And some of it is contaminated. Refining will cost more energy and time than we can afford right now."

As the smelter began its first cycle, melting down the usable ore into raw metal ingots, a faint sense of relief settled over the team. They still had more problems waiting to be solved, but it was progress.

Otto leaned against a railing, watching the glowing metal pour into molds. "Not much, but it’s a start."

Elisa nodded, her gaze steady. "That's all we need. A start. We will rebuild from there."

Hours later, the smelter released its first processed ingot of crude metal. In the fabrication unit, designs for expanded infirmary equipment and new crew accommodations began to take shape. Elisa's spirit lifted as she saw the first beginnings of a functional production chain.

===

The atmosphere in the headquarters was brighter than it had been in weeks. With production capabilities restored and the smelter operational, the crew could finally see a path forward. Around the central table, everyone was gathered, their expressions ranging from cautious optimism to outright relief. Elisa stood at the head of the group, holding a small package, clumsily wrapped in insulation foil.

"Before we dive into the next steps," Elisa began, smiling faintly, "I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge someone who has kept us all grounded, even when things were at their worst. Ervin, you have been our moral compass, and I can't imagine how hard it's been for you to keep going after what happened to your hand. So, made this for you."

She stepped forward and handed the package to Ervin, who looked surprised but pleased. He unwrapped it carefully, revealing a crude but functional prosthetic arm. It was rudimentary, built from crude metal and printed materials, but its design was thoughtful, with mechanical fingers and an articulated wrist capable of basic movement.

Ervin held it up, his face lighting up with gratitude. "This is... more than I could have hoped for. Thank you."

Pom grinned. "You'll be back to fixing electrical systems and helping us lug equipment in no time."

The group laughed, the moment easing some of the lingering tension. For the first time since they set foot on this world, there was a gain, instead of endless sacrifice.

Mei and Sigrid stepped forward next, their expressions reflecting their hard-earned success. Mei, still in her patched containment suit, spoke first. "We have successfully replenished the most critical medical supplies using the alien fruit and processed compounds. We can now begin awakening additional crew members safely."

Sigrid nodded. "The infirmary is ready. We can care for up to three people simultaneously."

ARI's voice interrupted, reporting clinically. "Current status of cryopod recovery: 129 pods have been retrieved and are within base storage. Scout drones have marked the locations of another hundred pods in the nearby desert. An additional thirty pods have been identified further out, requiring extended expeditions."

The room buzzed with conversation as the crew digested the news. Elisa raised her hand for quiet. "That’s excellent progress. We need to prioritize who we awaken first. As Helena did not make it to the base, Mei is our only medical doctor. With her injuries and... unique condition, she shouldn't be the sole person handling medical emergencies. I suggest we awaken more medical staff immediately."

ARI's voice cut in, its tone as neutral. "The revival sequence must adhere to legal obligations. Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff, sole heir to the Federoff family shares, has top priority. This individual will be the first to be awakened."

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Sigrid frowned, leaning forward. "Wait a minute. Are you telling me the first person we’re bringing out of stasis is a child? That is insane. This base isn't safe for a child!"

ARI hesitated—a rare pause that the group had learned to associate with its more complex calculations. "Acknowledged. The base is suboptimal for children. To ensure the heir's safety, Yao Guowei, the highest-ranking household guard available, will also be awakened as their bodyguard."

Pom crossed his arms, his expression dark. "So instead of reviving people who can actually help us, we're wasting two slots on a kid and a bodyguard? How's that supposed to help the colony?"

ARI's tone remained steady. "These decisions are dictated by corporate legal frameworks. The Federoff heir is a top priority individual. Failure to comply with revival protocols could result in severe legal consequences."

Elisa exhaled sharply, her frustration evident. "Legal consequences? By whom? ARI, we're barely surviving out here. The Company isn't here to enforce anything and may not even exist anymore. We need effective people, not ceremonial figures."

"Legal frameworks exist to maintain structures and processes," ARI replied. "However, one of the remaining slots can be allocated to personnel with dual functionality. I recommend Luo Zuri, who possesses both a medical doctorate and a pilot license. This individual meets the requirements for both medical support and vehicle operation."

Elisa rubbed her temples, clearly weighing her options. "So we get one useful person and two slots tied up with this kid and their guard. Great."

Mei, her voice tentative but calm, spoke up. "Luo Zuri could make a big difference. If she's as versatile as ARI says, it might help offset the… complications of the other two."

Otto nodded. "It is certainly not ideal, but we must work with what we have. At least we'll have another medic."

Sigrid still looked skeptical. "I don't like this, but fine. As long as we won't end up babysitting more aristocratic heirs."

Elisa sighed. "Alright, ARI. Proceed with the revival of Tamarlyan Federoff, Yao Guowei, and Luo Zuri. But we are doing this under protest."

"Understood," ARI said. "Preparations for revival will begin immediately."

The group exchanged wary glances, their optimism tempered by the realities of the situation. As the meeting ended and the team dispersed to continue their work, the sense of progress was tinged with the feeling that the balance between survival and protocol was off.

===

After the crew had left, Elisa and Ervin remained alone in the small, dimly lit headquarters.

"Alright, ARI," Elisa began, "Let's talk about these Company shares. You're reviving this Federoff kid because of his stake. How does that affect the command structure of this colony? Specifically, how does it affect my authority?"

ARI's glowing interface shifted slightly, the lines of its representation rippling as it processed the question. "The Federoff family currently holds a 17% stake in the Colony, while your allocated shares constitute 7%: 2% carried over from your captaincy, and 5% from your current position as Commander."

Elisa crossed her arms. "So the kid's stake is more than double mine. That sounds like it could cause problems."

"Negative," ARI replied. "The Colony's share structure is protected by corporate governance protocols designed to prevent unilateral takeovers. Voting power is restricted to prevent any single minority shareholder or family from exerting disproportionate control. Furthermore, there exists a significant pool of unallocated shares—approximately 40%—reserved as incentive bonuses for individuals who contribute to the colony's operational and financial success."

Ervin leaned forward, his voice thoughtful. "These unallocated shares—how are they distributed?"

"Bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the Colony’s operational board, which includes the Commander, senior officers, and must be approved by the either the Company, or in their absence, the local administrative AI representation. Allocations are tied to key milestones such as reaching full operational capacity, achieving profitability, and sustaining long-term growth."

Elisa raised an eyebrow. "So these shares aren't just floating around waiting to be claimed?"

"Correct," ARI confirmed. "The shares remain unallocated until specific performance metrics are met. This ensures alignment between individual contributions and Company objectives."

Ervin leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. "That clarifies the corporate structure. But there is more to this than just shares. Young Federoff isn't just a shareholder. He is an orphan, isn't he?"

ARI's interface rippled again. "Correct. The Federoff family perished during transit, leaving Tamarlyan Federoff, aged 10, as the sole surviving heir."

Elisa's shoulders tensed. "This colony is no place to raise a child. We're barely surviving as it is."

Ervin turned to her, his voice soft but insistent. "That is exactly why you should take an interest in him, Elisa. Tamarlyan is young, malleable. His family isn't here to groom him into a corpocrat. You could influence him, help shape his values to align with your vision for the colony."

Elisa frowned, her arms tightening across her chest. "You're suggesting I manipulate a child."

Ervin shook his head. "I'm suggesting that you mentor him. Guide him. He is going to grow up here, and someone will shape his views—whether it's you, Maximilian, or the remnants of his family's teachings."

Elisa's frown deepened as Ervin continued. "Think about it. If Maximilian gets to him first, what do you think he will teach the boy? Discipline, hierarchy, all the old systems. That might not align with your goals for this Colony."

Elisa was silent for a long moment, the weight of Ervin's words settling over her. Finally, she exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "I don't like this. But you're right—if I don't, someone else will."

Ervin nodded, his tone softening. "It doesn't have to be manipulation, Elisa. It is about giving him the tools to think for himself. To see the value in what we are trying to build here."

Elisa sighed, her gaze distant. "I'll think about it. But this still feels like a distraction from the real work we need to do."

ARI's calm voice interjected. "The upbringing of Tamarlyan Federoff is a matter of long-term importance. However, immediate priorities remain focused on operational stability. I recommend that the Commander allocate time accordingly."

Elisa smirked faintly. "Thanks for the reminder, ARI."

Elisa's mind churned with conflicting thoughts. The Colony's future was fragile, and the stakes were higher than ever. She couldn't shake the feeling that Tamarlyan might become a linchpin, either an asset to the new world they were trying to create, or a keystone for the old systems she had hoped to leave behind.

Ervin flexed his new prosthetic hand and attached the sensors to the skin of his arm. The simple mechanics clicked softly as he tested its range of motion. The crude design lacked elegance, but its functionality was undeniable. A small smile crossed his face as he turned to Elisa.

"Thank you, Elisa. This… means a lot. I know the base has more pressing needs, and you didn't have to prioritize me."

Elisa shook her head, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. "You needed it, Ervin. You are one of us, and we take care of each other. That was the least I could do."

Ervin studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "And how are you holding up?"

Elisa hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I don't know. I feel I have all of these responsibilities, but it doesn't feel like I have any real control, or any real authority. Sigrid and Otto treat me like I'm just another engineer, as to be expected from their egalitarian upbringing. ARI overrules me whenever it wants. And Maximilian...” She sighed. "Well, Maximilian does things behind my back, and I can't call him out or stop him."

Ervin nodded slowly. "It's true, you don't have the same commanding presence some leaders naturally have. Charisma doesn't come as easily to you."

Elisa frowned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Ervin chuckled softly. "Hear me out. What you lack in charisma, you make up for in sound decision-making. You are practical, level-headed, and you have kept the crew together against all odds. But you need to be more visible. People need to see you—not just as a hard worker, but as a leader."

Elisa crossed her arms. "How am I supposed to do that? I at least a head smaller than everyone else in the team, and not exactly towering over anyone. And I am barely older than some of the junior crew members in those cryopods."

Ervin leaned back, his prosthetic hand resting on the table. "It is not about your height or age. It is about presence. Right now, you are doing a lot of hands-on work, which is admirable. But no one sees you as the one making the big decisions, because you are buried in repairs and engineering. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to step back and let them see you in action as a leader."

Elisa raised an eyebrow. "What do you want me to do? Walk around giving orders and not actually help with the work? That's not who I am."

"No," Ervin said, his tone patient. "But you need to claim the space of a leader. Start with something simple—like having your own office."

Elisa scoffed. "An office? That's ridiculous. There are a thousand more important things we need to produce for the base."

Ervin's expression remained steady. "It's not ridiculous, and this is not about the office itself. It is about what it represents. People respond to symbols, Elisa. They need to see that you are not just one of them: you are their Commander. Having an office isn't about luxury; it's about establishing authority."

Elisa leaned against the wall, her arms crossed tightly. "It still feels like a waste."

"Consider it an investment," Ervin countered. "Not just in your authority, but in the morale of the crew. They need someone to rally behind, especially with Maximilian and soon Federoff's presence looming over everything. If you don't project confidence, someone else will take that space—and you might not like what they do with it."

image [https://i.postimg.cc/xjhZ2NKZ/cygnus-arm.png]