The Architect’s Legacy

Ethan stirred awake in the comfort of his suite aboard the Star Forge, a personal sanctuary tailored to his needs. The suite was a harmonious blend of functionality and minimalistic elegance. The sleek walls were lined with interactive panels, and the expansive window while digital they offered a breathtaking view of Indra IV, its hazy glow filling the room with a soft, amber light. The planet's surface shimmered with the faint lights of sprawling cities and industrial hubs, a stark reminder of the galaxy's unrelenting progress.

Ethan sipped from a steaming cup of nutrient brew, his gaze unwavering as he reflected on the countless nights he'd spent burning the midnight oil. Designing the Vector-Class Frigate had been the most grueling challenge he had undertaken since arriving in the Galactic Domain. A month of intense focus and meticulous effort had yielded the basic blueprint—a wedge-shaped masterpiece of functionality and innovation.

But even as pride swelled within him, he let out a sigh. It wasn't complete. Not yet. The design was a skeleton, and it still required flesh and sinew to become a true warship.

The first issue gnawed at his thoughts: the material composition for the hull. While he had access to data on dozens of Tier-2 alloys, selecting the right one was proving to be a daunting task. Durability, cost, weight, and availability—all were crucial factors, and none offered a perfect solution.

Then came the question of plasma cannons. The market offered a dizzying array of variants, each with distinct utilities: long-range artillery, burst-fire weaponry, or specialized anti-shield configurations. Which one would align best with his frigate's intended role? Ethan didn't want to settle for a standard option, but customizing weapon systems would demand more time, resources, and expertise than he currently possessed.

And the armor plating—that presented yet another dilemma. Most off-the-shelf systems were functional, but uninspired. The thought of creating his own custom armor plating system was tempting, but it came with its challenges: increased costs, extensive testing, and the risk of delays. Still, Ethan resolved that whatever system he chose, it would receive an upgrade to reflect his philosophy of efficiency and excellence.

Next on his list of concerns was the electronic systems and ship AI. This was non-negotiable—Ethan had to design these himself. Allowing another party to install pre-designed systems meant introducing vulnerabilities, backdoors that could be exploited. Ethan shuddered at the thought of someone crippling his creation with a single command. No, these components would be his, down to the smallest detail.

Beyond these critical decisions, there were still the FTL drive and other high-tier technologies. Licensing them was unavoidable, but finding the right balance between cost and capability would require careful negotiation. Once the necessary components were chosen, the entire design would undergo rigorous virtual testing in the Star Forge's state-of-the-art simulation labs. Every variable—stress under combat conditions, energy efficiency, and agility—would be tested and retested until the frigate met his exacting standards.

But simulations were only the beginning. The real challenge would be building the frigate itself. The first hurdle was finalizing the hull alloy composition and choosing a reliable armor plating system. Ethan had plans to enhance whichever existing armor plating he selected, but it would take significant time and resources. Once the materials were identified, he would need to procure vast quantities of them, enough to construct the prototype. And that wasn't even considering the integration of weapon systems, shield generators, and additional deflector shields, each requiring precise manufacturing and calibration.

Ethan chuckled softly as he thought about the sheer scale of work ahead. It was daunting, but not unmanageable. The Star Forge, with its state-of-the-art equipment and automation systems, was built for such monumental tasks. From molecular assembly units to fully automated assembly lines, the facility could handle everything from alloy refinement to component integration. He estimated it would take four to five months to complete the prototype, assuming no major setbacks.

Still, Ethan knew the path forward was steep. He couldn't rely on anyone else—not yet. He had to design the ship's electronics and systems himself, ensuring they were airtight. Backdoors and vulnerabilities were not an option. It would take him at least a month to study and integrate these systems into the design, and even longer to ensure everything worked seamlessly.

As he reflected on the months of labor ahead, a smile crept onto his face. It wasn't a smile of arrogance or overconfidence—it was one of determination. Ethan knew he had the tools, the knowledge, and the drive to see this project through. Alone, with only his wits and the resources of the Star Forge, he would do what few thought possible: create a warship that stood as a testament to his ingenuity and resolve.

Ethan leaned against the window, his thoughts shifting between pride and apprehension. The month of labor had brought him to this point, but the path forward was still steep and treacherous. Completing the Vector-Class Frigate wasn't just about finishing a project; it was about proving himself to the Galactic Domain and the Galactic Shipwright Guild.

For now, though, Ethan allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. He had come far—farther than anyone could have imagined when he first arrived in this galaxy with nothing but his intellect. And though the journey ahead was uncertain, Ethan felt a flicker of excitement.

The real work was about to begin.

As Ethan stood in his suite aboard the Star Forge, gazing out at the tranquil expanse of Indra IV, he was entirely unaware of the monumental discussions that had taken place days ago at the heart of the Galactic Domain.

In the heavily fortified halls of the Galactic Shipwright Guild (GSG) headquarters on Origin Prime, eight of the most influential figures in the Guild had convened—a meeting that could subtly shape his future.

For now, Ethan's focus remained fixed on his project. The blueprint for the Vector-Class Frigate was nearing completion, and while challenges remained, he was determined to see it through. His thoughts lingered on refining the design, sourcing the right components, and navigating the long road ahead.

Unbeknownst to him, the impact of his work was already echoing far beyond the walls of the Star Forge. While Ethan burned the midnight oil perfecting his craft, decisions that could alter the trajectory of his journey were already set in motion.