Two months had passed, and Elara's fleet base—the massive space assembly plant hidden deep within the asteroid belt—was no longer the same as it had been at the start. During this time, she had carried out modular upgrades to the base, adding residential areas for the crew to enjoy a more comfortable living environment, an engineering repair dock capable of swiftly repairing damaged ships, and production lines for destroyers, cruisers, and carrier aircraft, significantly enhancing the base's military strength. The appearance of the space assembly plant had grown even more impressive, with new modules seamlessly integrated into the original structure like puzzle pieces. Mechanical arms worked tirelessly, their lights flickering amidst the asteroids, turning the base into a floating war fortress.
The X8 engineering ships continued mining high-purity crystal ores in the asteroid belt, their drone mining systems operating day and night, steadily increasing resource reserves. The patrol ship production line had manufactured additional FG3000 Multirole Frigates, which now patrolled the edges of the asteroid belt, their three SG-1500 cannons always ready. The newly constructed destroyer production line had produced its first AC721 Carrier Destroyer, equipped with four SG-2275C cannons, two SG-330B/D anti-aircraft guns, and capable of carrying several stingray-class escort ships, boosting close-combat capabilities. Meanwhile, the cruiser production line completed the construction of a Conelight-class missile cruiser, its missile system capable of delivering precise long-range strikes against enemy ships, becoming a formidable pillar of firepower for the base.
Elara stood in the command center, gazing at the holographic projection displaying the base layout. She was satisfied with the progress made over the past two months, but her vigilance never wavered. The first privateer attack had only been a prelude; as the base expanded, the eyes of enemies would only grow greedier. Her premonition soon came true.
Late that night, the sensor array emitted a piercing alarm, red lights flashing throughout the bridge. Elara sprang to her feet, her gaze locking onto the holographic display. A larger privateer fleet was approaching from the outer edge of the asteroid belt, numbering over fifteen ships, their designs far more advanced than those of the previous attack.
"Report!" Kiera shouted urgently. "Enemy signals confirmed—privateers! Leading them is a CV3000 Integrated Aircraft Carrier, accompanied by several CAS066 Integrated Destroyers. Their weapons are charged and closing in fast!"
Elara took a deep breath, quickly analyzing the situation. The holographic projection revealed that the CV3000 Integrated Aircraft Carrier was massive, equipped with four C/SG-190B multipurpose cannons and one MK4-C/SG-3480A triple-barreled cannon. Its deck housed several fighter jets, clearly serving as the core of the fleet. The CAS066 Integrated Destroyers were armed with ST-8-610 torpedo launchers, two MK4-SG-2550 anti-ship cannons, and four SG-1120B multipurpose cannons, boasting balanced and ferocious firepower. The rest were assorted assault boats, numerous but posing limited threat.
"All hands, battle stations!" Elara commanded decisively. "Activate shields! FG3000 frigates intercept assault boats, AC721 and Conelight-class prepare to engage the main force!"
"Aye, Captain!" Kiera relayed the orders swiftly, and alarms blared throughout the base. The space assembly plant's shields surged to life, and the mechanical arms retracted, ready to withstand the assault.
The battle erupted immediately. Three FG3000 Multirole Frigates surged forward, their SG-1500 cannons blazing, targeting the privateers' assault boats. A series of explosions lit up the edge of the asteroid belt, reducing several assault boats to debris instantly. However, the CV3000 aircraft carrier quickly deployed its fighter jets, and its C/SG-190B cannons opened fire alongside the torpedoes and anti-ship cannons of the CAS066 destroyers, forming a deadly crossfire as they closed in on the space assembly plant.
"They're going for a direct assault!" Kiera shouted. "The CV3000's fighters are covering the CAS066, and their torpedoes are locked onto the base!"
Elara responded calmly: "Deploy the AC721, release the stingray escorts, and intercept the fighters. Conelight-class, target the CV3000—launch missiles!"
The AC721 Carrier Destroyer emerged from the dock, its SG-2275C cannons roaring as several stingray-class escort ships launched from its hull, darting nimbly toward the enemy fighters. The stingray drones weaved through the air like ghosts, precisely shooting down several enemy jets, easing the pressure on the FG3000s. Meanwhile, the Conelight-class missile cruiser locked onto the CV3000, firing a wave of missiles that streaked through the void, slamming hard into the carrier's shields. Explosions illuminated the starry expanse, forcing the CV3000's MK4-C/SG-3480A triple-barreled cannon to turn and retaliate.
However, the CAS066 Integrated Destroyers seized the opportunity to close in, launching several torpedoes from their ST-8-610 systems, heading straight for the space assembly plant. Elara acted swiftly: "Stingray drones intercept the torpedoes, activate full-power shields!"
Several stingray drones surged out from the base, colliding with the torpedoes and detonating them mid-air. The shields absorbed only minor damage. But the CAS066's MK4-SG-2550 anti-ship cannons fired next, their shells striking the side of the space assembly plant, shaking the entire bridge.
"Shields down to 40%!" Kiera reported. "Enemy firepower is overwhelming!"
Elara gritted her teeth and ordered: "Conelight-class, redirect to the CAS066—focus missile fire on its engines. AC721, provide cover. FG3000s, clear the field!"
The Conelight-class cruiser adjusted its position, firing another wave of missiles that struck the CAS066's propulsion system with precision. The enemy ship's engines exploded, leaving it immobile and vulnerable. The AC721's stingray escorts and the FG3000s teamed up to eliminate the remaining assault boats and fighters. The CV3000 aircraft carrier attempted to retreat but was caught by a second wave of missiles from the Conelight-class, disintegrating in a violent explosion.
When the battle ended, the asteroid belt was littered with wreckage. Elara slumped into her command chair, breathing heavily. Cheers erupted on the bridge, but she raised a hand to silence them.
"Damage report," she said quietly.
Kiera reviewed the data: "Shields down to 55%. One FG3000 and the AC721 lightly damaged. Structural damage to the base's flank. All enemy ships destroyed."
Elara nodded, her gaze fixed on the holographic projection. This attack had been far more dangerous than the last, and the presence of the CV3000 and CAS066 indicated that the privateers' strength was escalating. She issued firm orders: "Engineering repair dock prioritizes repairs to the base and ships. Expand the carrier aircraft production line to manufacture more stingray-class escorts. Build another AC721 destroyer."
The lights of the space assembly plant illuminated once again, mechanical arms working tirelessly. The X8 engineering ships returned to mining, while the FG3000s, Conelight-class cruiser, and AC721 stood ready. Elara gazed into the starry expanse, her resolve burning stronger than ever. The second attack was a wake-up call. She would ensure the Nova Alliance rose to prominence in Cygnus 0476, and no one would be able to shake her fortress.