Elara returned to the command center of the space assembly plant, but her mind was no longer at peace. The bustling scene of the port echoed in her thoughts—the flowing ships, the tireless mechanical arms, and the murmurs of the crew had awakened a realization: the potential of the Nova Alliance had not yet reached its peak. The threat of privateers loomed constantly, resource demands were growing by the day, and while their current fleet was reliable, it was not enough to face what lay ahead. Standing before the command console under the dim light of the night, she gazed at the holographic projection of her fleet, determination burning within her.
The next morning, before the sunlight had pierced through the shadows of the asteroid belt, Elara summoned her technical team. The bridge was softly lit, and the holographic projections displayed detailed blueprints of every ship. She took a deep breath, her voice steady and resolute: "Our fleet must evolve. From now on, every ship will undergo modular upgrades—power, armor, weapons, command systems, storage—every aspect must be improved. We can't just defend our position; we must become the dominant force."
The lead technician and engineers exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. Instantly, the space assembly plant came alive with motion. The hum of mechanical arms reverberated throughout the base, and the engineering docks remained illuminated through the night. Elara's gaze swept over the holographic display, her mind already mapping out each upgrade plan.
She first turned to the X10 Engineering Ships—the backbone of resource collection that had revealed vulnerabilities during the energy crisis. Moving beside the lead technician, she whispered, "The X10s must be stronger. Let's begin." The team sprang into action, lifting an X10 from the dock as mechanical arms dismantled its hull. Its power system was upgraded with a high-efficiency fusion reactor, increasing output by thirty percent. The engines roared with deeper resonance, and new propulsion modules made it faster and more stable among the asteroids. Light-weight alloy plating was added to the armor, boosting durability by twenty percent—enough to withstand frequent meteor strikes without sacrificing agility. A small SG-1120B general-purpose cannon was mounted at the bow, providing defensive fire against smaller raiders. The command system was enhanced with an autonomous navigation module, allowing AI-assisted decision-making for drone mining operations, nearly eliminating energy waste. Storage capacity expanded by fifty percent, optimized compartments allowed for greater simultaneous storage of metals, crystals, and deuterium, reducing return trips to the base.
When the first upgraded X10 emerged from the dock, Elara stood by the observation window, watching its drones scatter like a swarm. The efficiency was visibly higher than before. She gave a slight nod—these ships would become the true source of their strength.
Next, she turned to the FG3000 Multirole Frigates, the flexible warships that formed the first line of defense. She told the lead technician, "They need to endure longer in battle." Three FG3000s were brought into the repair bay. Their engines were upgraded with dual propulsion modules, increasing speed by fifteen percent and enhancing maneuverability. Medium armor plating was added to the outer hull, raising durability by twenty-five percent, giving them extra resilience in firefights. Their three SG-1500 cannons were upgraded to SG-1500B models, increasing firing rate by twenty percent, and a new small missile launcher was added, significantly increasing their threat to mid-sized vessels. The tactical AI in the command system was updated, improving fire distribution and evasive path calculation, allowing them to handle multiple targets simultaneously. Ammunition storage expanded by thirty percent, ensuring sustained firepower in prolonged engagements.
During trial runs, one FG3000 darted between asteroids, its cannons roaring, missiles streaking across the void. Elara leaned against the command console, a faint smile playing on her lips—these would be her trusted sentinels.
The AC721 Carrier Destroyer was the backbone of the fleet, and Elara wanted it to take on even more roles. She said firmly, "Let it become the master of the battlefield." Engineers upgraded its propulsion to high-efficiency plasma thrusters, increasing speed by ten percent and energy efficiency, making long-range expeditions viable. The hull was reinforced with composite armor, adding thirty percent more durability to withstand torpedoes and heavy artillery. Its four SG-2275C cannons were upgraded to SG-2275D models, boosting range and power by fifteen percent; the two SG-330B/D anti-air cannons were converted to triple-barrel configurations, doubling anti-air effectiveness. The carrier hangar was expanded, allowing for more stingray-class escorts. The command system was equipped with a new carrier coordination module, enabling faster deployment and sharper tactical response from the drones. The cargo hold was redesigned into a multi-functional storage area, capable of carrying additional ammunition and repair parts for frontline support.
As the AC721 launched, a swarm of stingrays deployed and the SG-2275D cannons test-fired, sending shockwaves through the air. Elara watched, pride swelling in her chest—this destroyer would be unstoppable.
The Conelight-class Missile Cruiser was the long-range firepower pillar, and Elara demanded even more intimidation. She told the lead technician, "I want it to end the fight in one shot." The energy core was upgraded to a dual-core fusion reactor, boosting power by twenty percent to support the high-energy missile system. Energy-reflective coatings were added to the hull, increasing durability by twenty-five percent and reducing damage from energy weapons. The missile system was reconfigured into a multi-warhead design, with each missile capable of splitting into multiple targets—total firepower increased by forty percent. Two additional SG-1120B cannons were added for close-range defense. Tactical radar was upgraded, expanding tracking range by thirty percent and allowing it to lock onto more enemy ships. Missile reserves were increased by fifty percent, ensuring continuous suppression.
During test launches, the Conelight-class's missiles carved through the void, explosions lighting up the asteroid field. Elara stood at the command console, a cold glint in her eyes—this was her ace in the hole.
Finally, the stingray-class drones—those agile escort units—needed greater combat capability. Elara said softly, "Let them become blades in the sky." Their miniature engines were upgraded, increasing speed by twenty percent and extending endurance. Lightweight shielding was added to the hull, raising durability by fifteen percent, reducing the risk of being shot down. Their light weaponry was upgraded to twin-barrel energy cannons, increasing firepower by thirty percent and interception efficiency. The AI module was updated for better cluster coordination and tactical flexibility. The energy chamber was miniaturized to allow for more ammunition, supporting extended combat missions.
Stingray-class drones launched from the AC721, their flight paths weaving like ghosts through the stars. Energy cannons fired in rapid succession. Elara watched them, a sense of calm settling over her—these little machines would protect the fleet.
The upgrades continued from dawn until dusk, the space assembly plant never ceasing its mechanical symphony. When the final ship exited the dock, Elara stood at the observation window, gazing at the newly transformed fleet. The X10 Engineering Ships mined efficiently, the FG3000 frigates patrolled nimbly, the AC721 stood imposingly in the distance, the Conelight-class bristled with firepower, and the stingray-class drones hovered like shadows around them all. Turning to Kiera, whose face showed exhaustion but also triumph, Elara gave a small smile.
"Report, Captain," Kiera said, her voice filled with excitement, "All ships have been upgraded. Performance has improved dramatically."
Elara nodded, her gaze drifting toward the stars beyond the asteroid belt. "Good. Prepare for the next phase. Our enemies won't stop moving—we mustn't either."
The General Port of the space assembly plant once again buzzed with activity, the upgraded fleet standing ready. A fierce determination burned in Elara's heart—this fleet would lead the Nova Alliance into an even greater future, and nothing would stand in her way. Starlight shimmered in her eyes, reflecting a journey that stretched endlessly into the cosmos.