Three weeks passed and talks with the UN progressed satisfactorily according to John .
Alex would have to make concessions , providing access to various infrastructures while helping the UN build a presence in space .
The UN stated that , with the appearance of the Nexus , global power structures were shifting , and if spacefaring capabilities weren’t developed , the situation could become dire .
In exchange for his assistance , the UN would recognize Alex’s faction and colony as an independent state on Mars but urged him not to claim the entirety of Mars or its resources .
They would protect him from other Earth nations as long as he helped construct the necessary infrastructure.
John urged Alex to accept this deal , with Helena supporting John’s opinion .
So Alex began making plans with Da’grass , who explained that their converted colony builder could transport droids and equipment to build a fortified spaceport with shipyards , while miners and transport ships could deliver resources .
Alex ordered the construction of equipment and more miners , and authorized the purchase of necessary technology from the mall .
Helena asked Alex to build a few more colonies on Mars , since they would be recognized as a state , and Alex reluctantly agreed .
Da’grass assured him that no additional colony builders were needed for this endeavor ; equipment produced by their industry could be delivered by cargo ships they already owned , significantly reducing building time .
Alex told John that the UN needed to provide a location for the spaceport and specify any particular requirements for its construction .
They had to notify them as soon as possible since the plans would be made shortly .
John didn’t waste any time and contacted them in VR after sending a message to those in charge .
Finally alone , Helena looked at Alex and said ,”since the state is your faction does that make you a King and me your Queen?” .
“I don’t know , Helena , I guess?” replied Alex .
“Don’t be so gloomy , sweetie” said Helena .
It’s a pretty good deal we got and all you have to do is build some stuff for them.
And you should thank John later on ; he went through all this trouble for you when he didn’t need to .
“I know . I don’t think I could have gotten us this good a deal” said Alex .
“It’s more like it was a necessity for the UN to remain strong enough to face the upcoming difficulties rather than John’s negotiating skills” giggled Helena.
But I have to admit , without him we would have to make more concessions.
“Sam has some new drinks ; I’ll send him a casquet with enough wine after this whole thing is done” said Alex.
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate it” said Helena , giving Alex a warm smile.
“Alex !” said Helena nearly shouting .
I think I felt a kick from one of the babies .
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Alex immediately put his hand on her now clearly showing belly .
“I don’t feel anything … wait , I think I felt it , that’s awesome !” he said , happiness radiating in his voice and eyes .
They stood there for what seemed like mere minutes , reminiscing about what the future would hold , until John’s voice brought them back to reality .
“I talked with them , and since they don’t know what an interstellar military spaceport should look like, they trust it you to design it .
However , they asked to ensure it holds enough military personnel to be deployed at any moment and to consider that it might be attacked” said John.
They’ll send the coordinates for the spaceport as soon as they find a big and safe enough location .
“Next time you see them , tell them to start stocking up on resources for building their own ships .
I’ll include some blueprints in our deal because I’m in a good mood right now” replied Alex .
“You know their ships will need weapons and that there is a ban on purchasing them , don’t you ?” asked John .
“You are the government . If they want weapons , they’ll have to deal with you” grinned Alex .
“Great , more work . Why did I even volunteer to do this for you” said a conflicted John .
“Don’t pout , maybe you can agree on something that’s in your favor” said a smiling Helena .
“I highly doubt that , but I guess it’s worth a shot .
It is for the stability for our world , I think” mused John .
“John , thank you . I won’t forget what you’ve done for me” said Alex .
“Don’t mention it . I made connections that we , as the government in the Nexus , will surely need in the future” replied John .
Well , if that’s everything , I’ll be going back to my wife .
She was complaining she didn’t see me as often as she would like .
“Send her our regards and apologies in this matter” said Helena .
“Well , see you guy’s around” said John and left .
“Da’grass , can you make some preliminary plans for the UN spaceport ?” asked Alex .
“It depends on how large the land is , Alex , but I guess I can make one with the base necessities with the option of adding shipyards and landing platforms” responded Da’grass .
Should I make some plans for additional colonies as well ?
“Can you make plans for three extra colonies that are connected with each other through a maglev railroad” asked Alex .
“That shouldn’t be a problem , but if you add one more colony , I can make it more aesthetic and use one colony as a hub to the other colonies” replied Da’grass .
“Very well , since we are doing this anyway , make it so” said Alex .
Since we are busy now , anything special about the scientists ?
“No , they made some requests for technology , vehicles and equipment but they are mainly exploring and examining the surface of Mars” responded Da’grass .
They can’t wait until the other colonies are up and running to visit them .
There was one request about using a spaceship to visit previously discovered exoplanets with the help of telescopes , but since we needed our ships , I declined .
“Well , we’ve got three new passenger ships , but I’m not inclined to send them unmanned or without maintenance crews” said Alex .
Send a message to those interested in becoming pilots or crew and let me know if we’ve got enough people to man a ship .
“Done” said Da’grass .
“Sweetie , maybe we should send some scientists of our own if they are willing , bolstering the crew and keep an eye out for our own interests” interjected Helena .
“Okay , that’s not a bad idea . Can you do so , Da’grass ?” asked Alex .
“We don’t have many that qualify for this , but some medical doctors aren’t a problem .
I’ll send a message to those that qualify” replied Da’grass .
I’ve already got some replies from people interested in the job of pilot and maintenance crew , Alex .
A few of them ask if they can bring their family or partner along and when they will get the knowledge of operating the ship .
“Are they trustworthy enough to give them this opportunity?” asked Alex .
“Although people change over time , the fact that you’ve given them so many benefits makes them as loyal as you can find” replied Da’grass .
There are a lot of people interested in becoming pilots but there are only enough maintenance crews to fill 2 passenger ships .
“Pick the best ones for the job and start making preparations for two ships to head out” decided Alex .
Inform the relevant persons , including the scientists , and initiate the knowledge download required when they are in a safe place .
When the scientists have decided which planets they want to visit and when to depart , plot out the courses for both ships .
“As you wish , Alex” replied Da’grass .
“Now that his highness has decided what to do with his loyal subjects and has handled his current affairs , would he be happy enough to take his queen on a date?” joked Helena .
“I’ll always have time to take my queen on a date” said Alex with a smile .
“Then summon our carriage so we can eat , drink and maybe have a dance or two” said Helena , keeping up the joke .
“I would do a lot for my Queen , but sadly I was born with two left feet and have to disappoint her” said an embarrassed Alex .
“Everyone can sway , sweetie” said Helena and she ordered a taxi on her bracelet .