Chapter 27: Ch-27 The Council
Far away from the Indra Star System, in the heart of the Galactic Domain, lay the Origin Star System—the crown jewel and central zone of the Galactic Shipwright Guild (GSG).
This star system was unlike any other, sprawling across a region so vast it encompassed hundreds of stars. At its heart stood Origin Prime, a planet of colossal proportions, nearly 100 times larger than Earth. From space, its emerald glow radiated like a jewel against the void, a stunning and surreal sight that mesmerized all who gazed upon it.
The Origin Star System was a fortress in every sense of the word. It was home to one of the most secure and heavily defended regions in the Galactic Domain. Guarding this sector were two Supreme Guard Fleets, the elite forces of the GSG, tasked with the protection of the inner core. These fleets present in the origin star system itself boasted staggering firepower:
6 Dreadnoughts, each a floating city of destruction.
10 Carriers, housing legions of fighter squadrons.
20 Battleships, wielding devastating firepower.
40 Destroyers and 38 Heavy Cruisers, providing balance to the fleet.
80 Frigates, ensuring swift and tactical response.
Nearly 150, Light Cruisers, and Corvettes warships, poised to react at a moment's notice.
To further enhance security, the system was dotted with Star Fortresses, each bristling with advanced weaponry and shielding capable of withstanding prolonged sieges.
The Origin Prime planet itself housed the GSG Headquarters, a sprawling metropolis of towering skyscrapers and unparalleled infrastructure.
In one of these skyscrapers, within a room shrouded in darkness, a high-level meeting was underway. Eight individuals occupied the room, their faces hidden in shadow.
These were not ordinary people—they were members of the GSG's ruling council. Among them were six Tier-4 officials, figures of immense authority, and two Tier-3 members, influential in their own right. Together, they held the power to shape the course of the Galactic Domain.
Their topic of discussion was unusual for a council of such stature: Ethan Wright.
The council had been keeping a close watch on Ethan ever since his unexpected arrival in the Galactic Domain—a result of a mysterious quantum phenomenon. Over the past two years, Ethan's achievements had been impossible to ignore. From the missions he completed through the Mission Hall, to the innovative improvements he made to existing ship designs, Ethan's efficiency and brilliance had caught their attention.
One of the Tier-4 members, a voice sharp with authority, spoke first.
"His progress is... remarkable. Two years, and he's already making waves. The enhancements he's made to those mission ships were more than impressive—they were revolutionary."
Another Tier-4 member nodded, their voice neutral but tinged with intrigue.
"He's not just talented; he's exceptional. His ability to execute tasks with precision and efficiency is rare. But what intrigues me most is his latest project."
The room grew quiet as a holographic projection of Ethan's Vector-Class Frigate blueprint materialized before them. The wedge-shaped design, weapon placements, and reinforced compartments were displayed in stunning detail. The council scrutinized every aspect, noting its unique blend of practicality and innovation.
One of the Tier-3 members chuckled softly, breaking the silence.
"He calls it a frigate," they said with amusement. "But look at it! With that size, armament, and shielding, it's more akin to a Heavy Cruiser. The firepower alone is enough to take down a small fleet."
The others murmured in agreement. Though Ethan's design had some minor technical gaps, they were insignificant compared to the overall ingenuity of the blueprint. The frigate—or heavy cruiser—was an ambitious project, to say the least.
Another Tier-4 councilor leaned forward, their tone contemplative.
"His design choices are... unconventional. A frigate this size, equipped with 12 Quad Plasma Cannons, 24 Short-Range Dual Plasma Cannons, 8 Anti-Matter Missiles, and a Aetherium Reactor core... It's overkill for a tier-2 ship, to say the least. And yet, I can't help but admire his vision.
"He's bold," another Tier-4 member remarked, their tone a mix of admiration and caution. "But boldness can be dangerous. We must keep an eye on him. Talent like his is rare, but so is the ambition he's displaying."
The council continued to discuss Ethan, analyzing his personality, decisions, and potential. They had been the ones to send Jameson to keep an eye on him, but now they were considering more direct involvement. Ethan's progress was promising, but it was also unpredictable—a wildcard in the carefully controlled ecosystem of the Galactic Domain.
One thing was clear: Ethan Wright was no ordinary individual, and his trajectory was set to disrupt the status quo. Whether that disruption would be an opportunity or a threat, only time would tell.
One of the Tier-3 members, a woman with a sharp, calculating voice, leaned forward slightly as the holographic blueprint of the Vector-Class Frigate shimmered before them. "And to think," she remarked, her tone carrying a mixture of amazement and concern, "he is still just an Apprentice Shipwright. Not even a Senior Shipwright, and yet here he is, designing a vessel that rivals the work of seasoned Senior Designers. If he successfully completes this project, it's almost certain he will advance and earn the title of Senior Designer."
Her words hung in the air like a challenge, drawing murmurs of agreement from the others. However, another Tier-3 member, an older man whose title as a Master Designer carried significant weight, spoke next, his voice slow and deliberate. "It might not be so remarkable," he began, "if he were an ordinary citizen, an elite of society, or even a scion of the noble families. We've seen prodigies rise from such backgrounds before. But Ethan Wright... He came to our galaxy—our domain—with nothing to his name but his vast intelligence."
The Master Designer's words resonated deeply, and a few of the council members nodded thoughtfully.
"In two years," the man continued, his progress in the SAS Cultivation System is astonishing. He's advancing by leaps and bounds, building a foundation that could rival even the most gifted shipwrights of our time." At this rate, it won't be long before he becomes a force to reckon with—someone capable of reshaping our carefully constructed system."
The room fell silent again, save for the faint hum of the holographic projection. The council members exchanged glances, their expressions difficult to read in the dim light. They were not just discussing Ethan's potential but also the implications of someone like him rising so rapidly through their ranks.
"We must tread carefully," the sharp-voiced Tier-3 woman interjected once more. "His talent is undeniable, but talent alone doesn't guarantee allegiance. We don't know where his ambitions lie or how far he intends to go."
The room fell silent, the weight of those words settling over the council. Yet, there was no alarm among them—only intrigue. Despite Ethan's meteoric rise, he lacked the backing of powerful factions or significant influence if any within the Galactic Domain. His reliance on the Galactic Shipwright Guild had been evident from the start, and his actions suggested an inclination toward eventually joining their ranks.
"That reliance works to our advantage," the sharp-voiced Tier-3 member remarked. "He knows his limitations. Eliminating someone like him would be shortsighted and unnecessary. Instead, we should consider how to guide him."
The Master Designer nodded in agreement. "Precisely. His talent and potential are assets, not threats. If he succeeds with this design, it will only reinforce what we already know—Ethan Wright is someone worth investing in. But for now, let's wait. Let him complete the project. Once we see the finished blueprint, we can determine how best to give him the opportunity he deserves."
One of the Tier-4 members, who had been quietly observing the discussion, finally spoke. "Agreed. The boy has proven himself capable of innovation, but talent must be tempered with purpose. When the time comes, we will present him with a path—one that aligns his ambitions with the interests of the Galactic Shipwright Guild. Until then, we watch and wait."
The council members nodded, the decision unanimous. Ethan Wright was no ordinary individual, and his potential had not gone unnoticed. But instead of viewing him as a threat, the council saw him as an opportunity—a rising talent they could mold and direct for the benefit of the Guild.
The council members murmured in agreement, the conversation shifting to strategies for monitoring and influencing Ethan's path.
As the holographic blueprint of the Vector-Class Frigate faded, the meeting drew to a close. Ethan's future was still uncertain, but the Guild's intentions were clear. They would not hinder his journey; they would shape it.