Chapter 5

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As the science ship departed the system, heading towards Epsilon Eridani, I shifted my focus to Alpha Centauri. There, I planned to construct mining stations within its mineral-rich asteroid belt, a crucial step in securing the resources we desperately needed.

"System, dispatch construction ships to the asteroid belt and begin setting up mining stations among the mineral-rich asteroids," I commanded, envisioning the prosperity these stations could bring.

After issuing the order for the construction of the mining stations, I redirected my attention back to Terra, intent on studying the traces left behind by humanity. The remnants of the civilization of the Imperium held the key to understanding the past and finding a way forward.

"System, have the minor relics arrived at the resource silos? If so, transfer them to the research labs immediately. I want a full analysis to uncover any hidden information or advanced technologies these ancient relics might contain," I instructed, my anticipation growing.

[Understood. Sending minor relics to research labs to begin studying.]

[Estimated time to analyze: 2-4 weeks]

"Two to four weeks, huh? In the meantime, let's spy on the remaining humans for any information they might have while i wait for the analysis to be completed," I mused, eager to gather as much knowledge as possible.

**[Terra]**

**Humans POV**

It has been a few months since we were awakened from cryosleep by the so-called AI. I still can't come to terms with the fact that the Imperium was destroyed, leaving us as the only remaining humans.

"Hey, Duke, do you think there are still any remnants of the Imperium left in the Milky Way?" I asked my friend, curiosity lacing my voice.

"Maybe, maybe not, Edward. But I hope there still are; it's almost impossible for the Imperium to not leave any traces," he replied, attempting to maintain a sense of hope.

"I'd like to believe there's still something left," I said thoughtfully. "It seems impossible for the Imperium to vanish without leaving any evidence behind."

"You have a point—the Imperium couldn't have just disappeared without a trace," I acknowledged, both agreeing and doubting. "However, it's possible that the Stellars wiped out every remnant of the Imperium in their wake."

"You make a valid point too. Those wretched Stellars suddenly emerged from the gates, forcing every civilization to play their deadly game or face annihilation. In the end, even if you participated, the result was still the same—total destruction," Duke replied, his voice laced with anger.

"Although they claim you can survive if you defeat them, that's practically impossible, considering how advanced their technology is. They're basically gods. Even dark matter weaponry is useless against them," my other friend, Howard, chimed in, despair evident in his tone.

**Back to Houston**

As I quietly listened to the humans' shocking revelations, a growing fear began to creep in regarding the so-called Stellars and just how dangerous they truly are.

"I need to expand and prepare as quickly as possible," I resolved, determination hardening within me. "When I finally encounter these so-called Stellars, I'll be ready to face them head-on."

*Ding*

[Minor Relics Finished Analyzing]

[Findings: Durasteel Technology, 100 Tech Points, Star Coordinates]

"Good, the relics have finally finished analyzing! Durasteel technology? That's an excellent find. And what's this? Star coordinates?" I exclaimed, curiosity piquing as I examined the data.

"Finally, the analysis is complete! Durasteel technology? This is a fantastic discovery, along with the star coordinates," I muttered, staring intently at the unfamiliar coordinates, my mind racing with possibilities.

"Although I probably won't be able to visit these coordinates anytime soon, since they are on the opposite side of the galaxy," I sighed, disappointment evident in my tone.

"However, the Durasteel technology will be extremely useful in combat. It'll significantly enhance my ships' defenses," I remarked, a hint of optimism returning to my voice as I considered the advantages it could bring.

"The survey of Epsilon Eridani and the construction of the mining stations should be nearly complete as well," I noted, excitement bubbling up within me at the prospect of our expanding influence.

*Ding*

[Epsilon Eridani Fully Surveyed]

[Mining Stations Finished Constructing]

"Just about time!" I exclaimed, a wave of excitement washing over me as the reports came in.

[Findings:

Anomaly Detected: Signs of Battle

Rocky Planets: 2

Epsilon Eridani I: Barren World, Mineral Rich

Epsilon Eridani II: Frozen World, Anomaly Detected]

"Two anomalies, huh? While it's disappointing that there aren't any habitable planets, it's still better than nothing," I said, feeling a sense of accomplishment in the discoveries.

"The anomalies should contain traces of humanity, which can help me uncover what happened in the past," I said, my voice filled with anticipation.

"All right, send the science ship to explore the remaining nearby systems, and dispatch the construction ships to begin erecting a starbase in Epsilon Eridani along with additional mining stations," I ordered decisively, urgency evident in my voice. I didn't want to waste any time dawdling around; every moment is important for rebuilding the civilization of humanity .

"Well, now I'll turn my attention back to Terra to continue the rebuilding efforts while waiting for my orders to be completed," I stated, anticipation bubbling within me as I considered the work ahead.

"There's still so much work to be done, and while I long to sit back and relax, I know I can't do that—I must rebuild the civilization of humanity," I declared, determination echoing in my voice.

**[One Week Later]**

*Ding*

[Alpha Centauri V Anomaly Finished Analyzing]

"Finally, it's done analyzing! Let's see if I can uncover any traces of the Imperium in this anomaly," I said, excitement coursing through my virtual being, like electricity.

"Quick, System, tell me what we found!" I urged, my eagerness palpable.

[Findings: Strikecraft Tech, Cruiser Tech 80%, 300 Tech Points]

"Damn, what a great find! Strikecraft and cruiser technology will be incredibly useful. However, I don't think I can manage building cruisers right now due to the lack of resources. I need the alloys to expand my territory and repair the planet, so I can't spare any at the moment," I said, my voice filled with astonishment as I absorbed the significance of the findings. The potential of this advanced technology sparkled in my mind, but the harsh reality of my limited resources weighed heavily on my shoulders.

"Well, since this science ship has finished analyzing the anomaly, let's send it to begin surveying the nearby systems. Although it's disappointing that I still haven't found any signs of civilization aside from the space pirates, I remain determined," I said, my voice a mixture of resolve and disappointment as I issued the order.

"Well, sooner or later, I will encounter a civilization, and I can only hope they are friendly and not hostile," I mused, anticipation and worry intertwining in my thoughts.

As I watched the science ships exploring the nearby systems, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through my circuits for the future, hopeful that new opportunities awaited us among the stars.

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