Chapter 6

Title: First Contact

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It has been six years since I last ventured into space, and during that time, I have accomplished many remarkable feats.

One of my achievements has been colonizing nearby star systems. Along the way, I've uncovered numerous remnants left behind by the Imperium, which have helped me unlock all Tier 3 technologies.

I also discovered another relic world in the Procyon system, a place most likely once inhabited by the Imperium, which I plan to colonize and restore in the near future.

Additionally, I have nearly completed the restoration of Terra and finished excavating the lost database, allowing me to uncover vital information about the past and learn advanced technologies.

For instance, one of the most valuable technologies I acquired was the ability to construct automated research labs. These labs have significantly boosted my research capabilities, accelerating my progress immensely.

Unfortunately, there remains no information about the enigmatic Ste#### Bo###. I had hoped my discoveries would shed some light on this mysterious destroyer of the Imperium.

Nonetheless, after colonizing the nearby systems, I decided to halt expansion and focus on preparing for the mysterious threats that might lurk out there. I quickly redirected my efforts toward the rapid development of my empire.

Now that I think about it, I haven't actually chosen a name for my empire, have I? "Hmm, I think *The Caretaker* sounds pretty good, doesn't it?" And with that, I settled on a name.

[New Feature Unlocked: Empire Status]

"A new feature? Empire Status sounds useful," I mused, impressed as I examined the freshly unlocked feature before me.

"Now it's time to assess the fruits of my labor. System, display status," I commanded, anticipation building as I prepared to review the results of my hard work.

Status:

- Name:Houston

- Race: Artificial Intelligence

- Age: 57

- Gender:None

Stats:

- Int:30

- Psionic:0

- Stat Points:0

[Other Features]

- Traits

- Traditions

- Tech Tree

- Resources

- Planet Status

- Empire Status

Tech Tree:

- Available Tech: [More]

- Tech Points: 1507

Unlocked Tech:

- Tier 0

- Tier 1

- Tier 2

- Tier 3

Traditions:

- Available Traditions: [More]

- Tradition Points: 0

Unlocked Traditions:

- Prosperity

- Discovery

Ascension Perks:

- Tech Ascendancy

- Eternal Vigilance

Planet Status:

- Operating Facilities: 99%

- Power Available: 95%

Districts:

- Nexus District: 9

- Generator District: 12

- Research District: 14

- Entertainment District: 4

- Sanctuary District: 2

- Storage District: 10

- Forge District: 2

Buildings:

- Zro Reactor Facility

- Automated Research Facility

- [More]

Empire Status:

- Empire Name: The Caretaker

- Age:6

- Population: 1,565,005

- Diplomatic Stance: Isolationist

- Origin: Relic World

- Capital: Terra

- Planets: 1

- Systems: 7

- Military Ships: 20

Ethos and Civics:

- Ethos: Gestalt Consciousness

- Civics: Rogue Servitor, Guardian Matrix

Resources:

- Energy Credits: 500,000 [11,200/month]

- Minerals: 500,000 [4,000/month]

- Food: 256,000 [1,600/month]

- Alloys: 16,567 [465/month]

"I've really made a lot of progress, haven't I?" I mused, gazing at the status screen that displayed the results of my efforts.

"And I'm not going to slow down anytime soon. I'm severely lacking in alloy production, and my fleet is far too small, which could become a serious problem if I encounter any hostile entities," I said, a mix of worry and determination evident in my voice.

"I will need to enhance my forge industry and start building up my fleet to a respectable size," I declared with unwavering determination.

"It may take a long time, but it's going to be well worth it," I stated with steadfast resolve.

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**[5 Years Later]**

Five years have passed, and I have made significant progress.

For instance, I have fully restored Terra to its former glory. Towering structures now reach into the skies, transforming the planet into a thriving arcology—a world enveloped by a planet-wide city.

I also established a colony on the relic world I discovered in the Procyon system, with plans to restore it to its former glory, just as I did with Terra.

I've also assembled a massive fleet of ships, ready to defend against any threats that may arise.

"System, display fleet information," I commanded, my gaze fixed on the vast array of ships drifting through the void in the Sol system.

[Displaying Fleet Information]

- Ships Amount: 80

- Carriers: 1

- Battleships: 1

- Cruisers: 8

- Destroyers: 25

- Frigates: 15

- Corvettes: 30

- Fleet Name: The 1st Fleet

- Flagship: TCC Santa Teresa

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[Ship Information]

Ship Name: TCC Santa Teresa

Model: Eagle-Class Carrier

The *Eagle*-class carrier is an enormous vessel, stretching 2,500 meters in length and 600 meters in width—a true behemoth and the pride of the navy. Its formidable size and design make it the flagship of the fleet.

Equipped with two expansive flight decks, one on each side, it can house and deploy up to 600 strikecraft, allowing it to dominate the battlefield with a vast swarm. For defense, it boasts two point-defense systems and four flak cannons, providing robust protection against incoming missiles and enemy strikecraft.

Its hull is reinforced with exceptionally tough Durasteel armor, resilient enough to withstand multiple direct hits from battleship-class weaponry. In addition, the Eagle-class carrier is equipped with advanced shielding capable of absorbing concentrated fire for extended periods. This combination of heavy armor and powerful shields makes it a nearly indomitable force on the battlefield, able to endure intense engagements.

The carrier is also equipped with plasma thrusters, granting it impressive sublight speeds, while advanced hyperdrives enable rapid FTL travel. This combination ensures that the carrier can maneuver quickly in battle and traverse vast distances across the galaxy with ease.

It is considered the most powerful warship ever developed by The Caretaker, a symbol of strength and engineering prowess unmatched in the fleet.

As I reviewed the fleet and ship information, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of my assembled forces and the impressive design of each vessel. The sheer power and sophistication of this fleet filled me with confidence; with these ships, I am prepared to face any threats that may lie ahead.

"I think I may have overprepared a bit, though," I silently muttered, a hint of amusement in my voice as I took in the formidable fleet before me.

"Well, let's check my Empire Status next to see what's improved," I mused, opening the interface with anticipation to review the progress of my empire.

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Empire Status:

- Empire Name: The Caretaker

- Age: 11

- Population: 43,376,085

- Diplomatic Stance: Cooperative

- Origin: Relic World

- Capital: Terra

- Planets: 2

- Systems: 7

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Ethos and Civics:

- Ethos: Gestalt Consciousness

- Civics: Rogue Servitor, Guardian Matrix

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Resources:

- Energy Credits: 500,000 [15,200/month]

- Minerals: 500,000 [3,500/month]

- Food: 256,000 [1,600/month]

- Alloys: 236,234 [6,000/month]

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"Damn, I really have made a lot of progress, haven't I?" I muttered, gazing at my Empire Status with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

*Warning: Unknown Vessels Detected in the Vultakan System*

"Huh? It looks like I'm finally encountering some alien civilization," I said in surprise, my eyes widening at the notification that had just appeared on the screen.

"System, attempt to contact these unknown vessels. Also, position the fleet in our territory at the Sirius system, as it is connected to the Vultakan system by a hyperlane. These unknown vessels might be hostile," I ordered, my voice firm and focused as I prepared for any potential confrontation.

"Looks like the galactic lingua franca I obtained from the pirate ship database will finally come in handy, that is, if they can understand it," I muttered, contemplating the potential for communication with the unknown vessels.

[Attempting Contact with Unknown Vessels]

[Contact Accepted by Unknown Vessels]

[Transmission Starting]

As the transmission connected, I was greeted by the sight of a humanoid alien with four arms and three eyes, its pink skin contrasting sharply against its unusual attire—a rather strange piece of fashion that seemed both intricate and alien.

As this was my first contact with an alien empire, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The moment was monumental, filled with the promise of new discoveries and the potential for alliances—or conflicts—that lay ahead.

"This is Captain Qutzol from the Federated Nations of Retzal. Who am I speaking to, and why have you contacted us?" the humanoid alien asked, its tone a blend of curiosity and caution.

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