They passed a few decks and entered another repurposed cargo bay. Judging by its size this was once holding antimatter torpedos.
Lady Khrisa goes straight to the point and showed Admiral remains of two older types of Fox drones held in a stasis field.
"As you can see we hold these drones in a stasis field until better methods of investigation will be found."
"I saw reports." Cut Makosso and sighed. "Finally."
"Not everything was in reports Admiral..." She looked at Queen Shanti who nodded. Khrisa continued. "Everything you see here is considered Fa'enni National grade secret. That's why only Guardian is present and minimal personnel. We trust you Grand Admiral Makosso and Rear Admiral Sikora."
They both nodded waiting for details.
"You have overall knowledge from official reports and from implanted memories during the time when over 20 years ago when our races were bonded by mana."
Admiral Denis nodded but he never bought that all cosmic magic thing. He was not superstitious.
"I see you don't believe Admiral. I think a little presentation would be helpful. May I ask for your hand?"
He shrugged and outstretched his open hand toward her. She used a small knife and cut his skin, his blood started flowing. He raised his eyebrow. Khrisa still holding his wrist flipped her fingers and the admiral was the first person from outside the Alinti sector to see the orb of healing light.
When Khrisa touched cut with it, it disappeared like it was never there.
"Ok. Im may be convinced." Said the impressed Admiral. He hoped Fa'enni will soon make field use of this.
"We tested remnants using our mana. Thanks to it we were able to find traces of unknown particles. We were able to profile them and program scanners to rise an alert any time anything matching these particles will be detected. However, whatever it is we didn't have any match yet."
Admiral chosen this moment to interrupt her.
"No wonder. Your resources are limited and spend so well that I can't say a single bad word. Admiral MacArthur and King-General Raven I don't like small talk so listen well- what both of you managed to achieve here in 20 years is still impossible to do by at least 10 sector commands after 150 years. And they have much more officers in the rank of Admiral or General to get things done. I think next time I hear any loser crying for more stuff I'll send them the recording of your command room. Anyway! Using my authority I'm officially making you Sector Commander appointed by headquarters and not only local politicians. With all due respect Queen and King. Since now you are Senior Admiral. All official things will be sent here with the rest of your forces."
"What forces?" Konrad know Lord Makosso since his early childhood as he was his Father's old friend so he was not that surprised by how Admiral acted. The entire 230th Fleet should be deployed at Fa'enni space.
"This sector command will have deployed 98th, 107th, 115th, and 201st with Robert as Main Commander. You also will get the 303rd, 304th, and 305th army with you as General and Field Marshall Lance Zhung-Li will agree. I guarantee it. Since you are King-General I don't need to do dancing around Lance to get your promotion. Also, all research made here is financed directly from my office. I get you to wish to keep it secret but trust me."
Everyone in the room was silent. The gravity of the situation first hit Konrad and then Robert. Konrad was the first to ask.
"With who we are at war? You dispatched here Hunter Fleets. Shadows?"
"Most probably. What most of you here don't know is the fact it is not the first time we meet Shadows. Novar incident." Everyone in the room looked at Robert. But he was perfectly calm. The Grand Admiral cleared his throat.
"Im giving you access to the biggest secret in Commonwealth." he looked at Khrisa and Shanti.
"Secret for the secret."
All gathered headed to Khrisa's office with facial expressions typical of someone deeply focused on data implant. Fa'enni tea and Human coffee were waiting alongside various cookies. Konrad smiled coldly and grabbed coffee.
"Self-service!"
"If Kings say so..." agreed Grand Admiral grabbing a handful of cookies and heavily sat on a deep armchair. Exaled and started.
"As you can see I'm both impressed and scared. I'm impressed by what you managed to set up just in 20 years and scared by the fact if not a simple fluke I would ignore your sector for the next 20. And God knows what could happen then."
Queen Shanti smiled. She liked the old Admiral already. He was as professional as Robert but much more direct and confident. But what she saw in data declassified for their use was as concerning as much as their first encounter with Shadows. She asked Admiral.
"Are you concerned with Shadows?"
"What? No. With the firepower, you already had it would be hard to seriously threaten this Sector, and with everything, I'm sending here you should be more than good. If you finally catch someone who can be kicked in the ass just let me know. It looks like they want to play games with us so we will be doing it the old way. First, we shoot and then ask questions. I'm scared of what both of you boys would do here if that moron Flynn was still alive and cutting you from Headquarters! Your Sector command center is like a piece of art!"
They all looked at Admiral without understanding. MacArthur had to know.
"With all due respect, we didn't do anything spectacular sir as far as I could tell. I used instructions you created for establishing command centers and used a few exploits and loopholes in procedures to shorten our response times."
"Dauntless!" Instead of Dauntless voice of Guardian was heard with an apology.
"I'm deeply sorry sir but sir Admiral Dauntless is not cleared for this facility. Due to Commonwealth safety reasons only AI that can access this facility is me."
"No need to be sorry I just forgot. Captain Guardian forward all messages I will direct to Dauntless straight to him. He is with me for over 150 years so I feel like I lost my arm without him."
"Aye aye, sir!"
"Guardian forward to Dauntless I need all reports on the current state of all 20 Commonwealth Command Centers and their evaluation in comparison to the 21st Command Center located here."
"Done sir!"
Admiral blinked and everyone received data. Shanti and Khrisa had no idea what they are looking at. But Konrad, Robert, and Naella looked at first puzzled and then surprised.
D'astra looked at MacArthur who hid his face in his hands, almost terrified. Konrad looked like he couldn't decide if he should cry or laugh and asked.
"So you are telling us that the Sol sector, Makeana Sector, and Alinti sectors are the only ones with working Commands? Even Grand Fleet Command is marked at 6.0 points? Oh God... Let's see Makeana Command Control scored highest with 10.0 so max mark..."
Grand Admiral was eating a second helping of cookies. They were good. Dauntless needs to get the recipe for his cooks but that can wait.
"Dauntless! Wait..."
Guardian replayed instead. "I believe Sir you wanted an explanation made by AI on regard why we scored this high in assession. The decisive factor is the old custom that Command Control commanding officer for the last 600 years is Rear Admiral Lancelot. Also, 40% of the staff consists of AI and I'm sorry but no matter how it sounds we are better at repetitive work and standardized responses than any organic being. Where we lack is intuition and impulsive actions. In that regard, Admiral Lancelot always picks up the most promising candidates from within the Command Center staff and after a long process and additional certification, they are replacing Admiral in charge of the Command Center when the need arises. Every system and department is always hand-picked and must excel at their duty. Sir!"
"Exactly how it should look like! Thank you, Guardian."
Deep pleasant bip signaled confirmation. Admiral shook his head. Even their AI is more efficient than average.
"Second command center is yours, my boys! Alinti scored 9.4 points. 3 days ago I would say it is impossible for a mostly organic command center. But you did it anyway. And finally is Sol with 8.6 points."
They all sat in silence. Robert cleared his throat. "Sir thank you for your prise. I checked the data and Hunters will be here in about 30 days. What I should expect?"
Denis smirked. If anyone else asked this question he will be yelling. However, Robert was sharp. He tried very politely ask the most important question he should be asking. The difference was not what question he asked but how.
He saw D'astra exchanging all important data with Pavel using the old school pad board. However Pavel was so impressed judging by his look and surprise, surprise he picked some free tablet himself that lay around after asking Lady Khrisa for permission. The amount of data they were coordinating assured him that she was an excellent adjutant.
The Commonwealth was lucky they were in charge here and not some dummies from Central Command.
"They are yours to command. I don't care if you send them for a hunt or if you will reinforce our borders. I'm giving you enough firepower to do both. Also, you can triple your spending on research and development programs."
He suddenly got serious.
"Queen Shanti I will use this occasion and thank you on behalf of the Commonwealth. The Dashu'un project is a success- exactly what we needed. We already building them around the clock. 80% of light cruisers are already replaced by Dashu'uns and decommissioned cruisers are recycled and return to service as a new type of heavy sublight frigates. I hope you soon show us something new. Also, we would like you to project and build a new Carrier that will replace Venus class."
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Queen Shanti hesitated.
"If you promise me not to spill it..."
Surprised Admiral looked at her but sincerely responded: "With a hand on heart Queen."
"Guardian?" Queen asked softly.
"Yes, my Queen!"
Before Admiral 3d image was displayed showing two ships. First Fa'enni corvette Aria- wind before the rain and artillery heavy cruiser named Therion- lightning. All specification was at his disposition. He smiled with a very malicious grin.
"I was joking a little. But this two are absolutely brilliant. Well, well... When you plan to show them?"
"I wanted to show them at next year's inauguration session."
"Not good. In 5 weeks we want to pick some new ship designs as official patterns. And I want this two to participate. You can skip the Senatorial presentation. After your show with Dashu'un, we are all sold. If you bring these two in the same style you did last time most of our ship projectants will move here to learn. I know by fact that Dashu'uns are treated as works of art and almost revered as the holy grail of projectants. Also, there is always a battle among AI who want to crew them to the point where Lancelot, Galahad, and Parcival created special certification and graduation systems only AI understood, and only AI with this certificate are allowed to crew Dashu'uns."
Shanti made a sour face but she wanted these ships to make the same success as Dashu'un. "Agree Admiral. I'll order prototypes to be sent on Dauntless before you return to Terra."
Admiral was shocked. "You once again built a prototype ship and no one found out? And you built two this time? I'm out of my shock reserves."
He closed his eyes. Not all is lost if such fantastic inheritors are around. "Admiral MacArthur I'm confident you will use all your new assets with care and expected efficiency. I don't expect you to solve this Shadows mystery in the free afternoon but if you do I promise I will not be surprised. At least not too much. I think mostly we are done here. Only two things to do left."
Admiral stand up and all followed.
"Rear Admiral Pavel Sikora! I look forward to your full evaluation and conclusions regarding the Ensign Naella D'astra Promotion Test!"
Naella's face remain unchanged but in her eyes, everyone could see panic. She was not aware of any test she could have recently passed. Sikora made a content nod and started with an official tone.
"Practical exam started when Dauntless entered the Alinati system two days ago at 07:31 local time. At 07:31:05 we were hailed by Sector Command and after the IFF protocol was fulfilled we were granted standard approach instructions and system traffic information at 07:32. At 07:33 I received a welcome and introduction from Ensign Naella D'astra, the admirals adjutant. On a very coherent note, she sent me the general plan of the planned ceremony and asked if the delegation knew all the required protocols. When asked for detailed information regarding local customs and unofficial know-how, Ensign need less than 10 minutes for preparing all required data. And when I say all I mean it. The received attachment was crucial for delegation preparation as it contained data not only about Fa'enni customs unknown to the delegation but also information on minor subjects and topics the delegation should know about or avoid and why. In this single regard, She already excelled and gained max score for that part of the exam."
Naella suddenly realized she is at the center of attention. She tried to remain calm. Sikora continued.
"During the ceremony preparation phase, She prepared officers and marines responsible for acompaning delegation without any requests from my side and was ready for personal involvment if any need arise. However, all officers delegated were very helpful and competent which significantly shortened any procedure considering transfers or traveling in system traffic. It was flawless if I may say. At this time I discarded all our previous knowledge about the state of Commonwealth Forces in Sector and marked all reports for investigation. During the party, it becomes clear why such an excellent officer is still in so low rank."
Naella felt her face turning red from embarrassment. However, she still stood at attention. Merciless Sikora continued.
"During today's visit, my presence is unnecesery. Ensign is fully capable of supporting all present officers on her own." He smiled and added waving with a pad in his hand. "She was also able to teach this old dog new tricks."
After a brief stop, he concluded.
"I'm pleased to announce she passed with flying grades. As Rear Admiral Adiutant responsible for all support officers in the Navy I request promotion in this situation. Congratulations Captain D'astra!"
He saluted her. She was so happy and saw how proud Queen and Robert were. Meanwhile, Grand Admiral nodded and added.
"Promotion request granted. Captain Adjutant Naella D'astra is permanently attached as Admiral MacArthur's support officer."
He saluted her when Pavel presented her with new distinctions. After this brief ceremony, Makosso smirked.
"Now no one can say you promoted your own girl Admiral. And allow me to congratulate both of you for your future."
Naella felt Robert's hand on her arm signaling her she don't have to maintain official protocols now and she relaxed. They thanked the Admirals for their best wishes.
"Second thing we need to discuss is what we found in the data sent to Pavel by Naella. It's not official so we can sit down again." started Grand Admiral.
"From what I understood Fa'enni will never build any government center on the surface of Ra-Nael right?"
Shanti blinked and responded nodding.
"That is correct. We are finishing plans for an orbital station that will be our administrative center. But we are still not fully satisfied with its technicals."
Konrad nodded as well. Ra-Nael didn't had even a single moon, not even a bigger rock in orbit, only beautiful wide rings that looked spectacular at night.
However, you can't fortify rings. Even Commonwealth can't do that.
Building a space station will be hard since it needs further defense lines. You can't use your own government center as 1st line of planetary defenses. They have builded planetary shields but without building Dyson Sphere they can't build system-wide defenses.
So far very complex sensors and fortresses scattered across the entire system were protecting Ra-Nael. Not to mention Wrath with all its ship complements protecting the inner system and swarms of drones that saturated the entire outer system. However, no human can say it's enough. Makosso scratched his cheek.
"What about building combat planetoids and use them as Royal Palace, Goverment Center, and Sector Command?"
"Admiral I know that financing your idea should be doable with our income but I'm not sure if I should spend so much money when still so many planets need rebuilding. 3 planetoids are not cheap."
"Why 3? You would need cash for 1- Royal Palace. Sector Command can be obtained from the Fleet and Goverment Center should be easy in senat. You can use for it one of your Atla Class."
MacArthur was surprised. "Why? I can't resign from them even if Hunter fleets are coming here."
"It's top secret for the next 36 hours but we finished a new class of combat planetoid. Overall it's Atla on Steroids. But not all Atla are viable for refitting so they will be used as orbital heavy-duty stations. When you take out tunnel drive from them and most of its propulsion systems they will make perfect defense installations. Just prepare the papers and leave them to me. You can buy one decommissioned Atla or challenge your designers and build one yourself."
Shanti looked at her husband. The idea of building such monumental ship as combat planetoid was overwhelming but Konrad nodded his head as if he was considering this. Admiral MacArthur deep in thought said.
"We will need shipyards able to service planetoids anyway. I want to obtain at least two Newcastle pattern."
Queen Shanti made a surprised face. "All our Shipyards are able to service and build Fleet Carriers. I made sure of it when we rebuilt our orbital shipyards 20 years ago."
"Why no one ever told me?" MacArthur asked surprised.
"You never asked and I was sure everyone know!" replayed amused Shanti.
"In that case, I don't need Newcastles at all." MacArthur was already reading the specifications of Fa'enni shipyards. They really were rated as planetoid capable by New Rotterdam teams.
And he all this time was sending them to Bravo Stars for maintenance... Strange no one was pointing fingers at him for that yet. But looking at the amount of mess Flynn made around me no wonder.
"We will do it." Konrad confidently said.
"What exactly?" asked Shanti. She knows that smile.
"Everything. We will ask for 2 planetoids and start our own program. Getting 1 repurposed as a station. The second not changed. Royal Palace will be mobile."
Grand Admiral smiled. They think quickly. Very, very good. They talked next few hours. In the end, everyone was joking and smiling like old friends. Grand Admiral very liked these people and promised himself he will help them.
They are avanguard of Commonwealth, resourceful, brave and patriotic. He was very surprised by Fa'enni.
They really bet everything on Commonwealth and what's more, they feel like Commonwealth citizens. All time trying to prove how loyal they are and Admiral knew exactly why. He was very old and had to work with all sorts of politicians for more than half of his life.
The Commonwealth recruitment and selection process is absolutely meticulous. Since he was born he was raised as a Noble by his family, attended at first normal schools and when he was 10 he joined Military Academy. When he was 15 he was transferred to Navy Academy per his request where he spent the next 10 years. 10 long years of learning, honing his skills, gaining practice first as an officer then as skipper of smaller and bigger sublight ships on first combat planetoids.
Then he was handpicked as one of the few chosen, best of best for a special course. When he graduated from the Navy on his 25th birthday his beast of beast group shrunk from 20 to 3 cadets. Merciless selection, drills, simulation and real combat. He not only endured because that would not enough, he had to excel, and pass flawlessly. And this was the price he had paid for the prize that waited on the end- title of Admiral.
That's how Commonwealth forges its Admirals. No political involvement, no favoritism, no mercy. But military schools are open to every child in Commonwealth. Prove your worth, gain education under the best teachers, and join Commonwealth Military. It wasn't anything special in Commonwealth.
Since not everyone received life-extending implants the easiest was to obtain them was by graduating from Academy and joining Army or Navy. It was a little treat, a small bonus for recruits.
You sign up a contract for usually 200 years next 200 are yours to live as you want. If you are rich you can buy implants.
But despite that, some parts of the Commonwealth shunned the military, as barbarians and low lives unworthy of living among them- 'enlightened pacifists'.
But many kids join military schools despite that. Robert was a such kid. His parents were traders who were killed by pirates during their standard cargo transport trips.
Robert was only 8 when he become an orphan but he already showed his exceptional talent. But he was living on a planet with no Military Academy on it so he was struggling his way up in a small peryferial school.
But fate wanted one of his teachers to recognize his potential and applied for a scholarship. It was then Richard Raven noticed him. Since he was by chance on the very same planet doing some business he decided to pay a visit at his school and just like that he financed his scholarship. And after years MacArthur passed the same trials as Makosso had.
He really is the best of the best. From the entirety of the Commonwealth, only a handful manage to pass. And this was the key reason why no one wanted to believe reports Flynn was manufacturing. Denis has been watching Fa'enni women consumed by fiery discusion on how to improve some things in Commonwealth sensors array using some of their own newly developed technology.
He didn't know Fa'enni from before the war, observation report made by scientist team described them as patient, wise and benovelat beings who crave for peace and wanted to protect rising Humanity.
They kept secret of our existence even when their entire species was endangered. They could simply tell Xhrestla they discovered a new race and sacrifice us for their survival but they choose to hide our existence.
The question if Humanity needed any protection stays as a formality.
But Fa'enni protected Commonwealth as they promised and paid a terrible price. After the war only a bit over five million Fa'enni was alive. From a race that once was over 10 billion strong left only a handful of survivors. Humanity will never forget their commitment and sacrifice.
And Fa'enni themselves changed.
From the race that had the lowest aggression index in the known Galaxy Fa'enni becomes as aggressive as Humanity and we are the only race who is on this list twice. When we are peaceful and when angry.
It will take millennia for Fa'enni to rebuild their population since Fa'enni women very rarely born more than two children during their lifetime. Maybe now when their lifespan extended beyond their wildest dreams something will change. He exhaled.
"Thank you all for your time. Hunter fleets will be here in 30 days. Before that, in two or three days 2 Atla with skeleton crews will arrive here. Also, im gutting them from any support or combat crafts onboard as an excuse why they can be sent here this fast. Also, you will have only 1 AI and the 2nd planetoid will be towed but that's not a problem."
"Excuse me but how is that not a problem?" asked shocked Robert. You can't even use 50% of systems without potent and experienced AI.
"You already have AI for your Royal Palace."
Silence in the room was not only full of confusion but also very awkward. Denis looked at them and patiently explained.
"The Fa'enni Queen received TCF Guardian as a gift. Then it changed its status as Royal Family's official vessel. AI Guardian have been proposed to be dispatched as permanent deployment to aid and help Royal Family. You can't forget things Guardian so I suspect you signed the proposition alongside deployment papers. Congratulations Guardian!"
"So this means I can take planetoid under control?!" Guardian was very excited.
"If Royal Family allows you then indeed. However, you are still assigned to TCF Guardian. So it had to be parked 24/7 inside Royal Palace. If you want to hear good advice- reclassify that Drednought as Black Box and Royal Family escape pod."
"Yes sir!" Guardian will be the youngest AI in history to take command over planetoid. If he was organic he would have jumped from excitement right now.
Admiral was very content with all his findings in the Alinati system but it was time to head home.