707 Departure

A week after the handover ceremony, the exploration fleet had begun the long process of packing for their return to Earth. With packing always taking longer than unpacking, it took an entire month for them to complete the task. Now, the entire fleet stood ready for their journey back home.

{Sir, the packing is complete, and the time to move out is approaching. They are asking if they should extend the expected departure time.} Nova's voice echoed in Aron's mind as he stood inside the now-empty stellar forge.

"I'm about done here, so well move out as scheduled," Aron replied calmly, finishing the etching of a massive rune around the wide opening of the forge.

{Okay} she said as she sent the response back to the fleet admiral.

"Boot it up and run a full systems check to ensure everything is working as intended," Aron ordered briefly, having completed his part of the work. The remaining modifications had been handled by the miniature atomic printer hed brought to the forge.

Nova didnt respond verbally but immediately initiated the process, booting up the renovated forge and running comprehensive system diagnostics without delay.

During the past month, while the fleet was packing for evacuation, Aron had been tirelessly modifying the stellar forge into an advanced atomic printer. This printer would be crucial for producing arms and ships for the soon-to-graduate Proximian Ares trainees. With roughly 250 million Proximians currently undergoing training, the demand for weapons, military gear, and equipment would soon skyrocket.

Not only would there be a need for personal arms and supplies, but the entire star system would require a new network of sensors, military outposts, and defense structures.

Fortunately, the tree folk on the planet had stepped in to assist with building temporary military bases, ensuring that the Proximian trainees had adequate facilities for their training.

The real, permanent bases would be constructed later, once the more immediate priorities were addressed.

Without their help, the enormous task of constructing these bases would have been placed on the newly completed atomic printer, and it would have taken precedence over everything else.

Despite the sheer scale of the tasks ahead, Aron remained unfazed. He had brought along a team of specialistsexperts in military infrastructure and logisticswho would remain behind to oversee the construction and ensure that the Proximian side of the military was ready as quickly and efficiently as possible.

These experts would make certain that everything proceeded smoothly, allowing the Proximians to transition into their military roles without delay.

{Everything is up and running as expected,} Nova reported back after completing the diagnostics.

"By when will the people assigned here be ready to take over?" Aron asked after hearing Nova's positive report.

{Tomorrow, this facility will be operating at full capacity,} Nova responded, displaying the completion percentage of the training program for the atomic printer workers. These individuals had been carefully selected and deemed worthy of handling the classified knowledge involved in the forge's operations.

"Good," Aron said with a satisfied nod. "Let's get back. I dont want to be left behind and have to fly to Earth on my own." He started heading toward the landing bay to return to his ship.

{It would take you a few decades to accelerate to the necessary speed to reach Earth in any reasonable timeline,} Nova teased with a chuckle, her tone lightening the moment.

Aron smirked at her remark. "All the more reason not to be late then."

Having already completed all the tasks required of him on the planet, including bidding farewell to the citizens, Aron was ready to leave. When the time finally arrived, the fleet wasted no time in departing.

Due to its massive size, the start of the departure was slow, but not everything they had brought with them was going back.

About half of the ships that had accompanied the Emperor were left behind to ensure the security of the star system while they waited for the atomic printer to begin production of additional ships.

As the fleet departed the star system, nearly all the awake Proximians gathered to bid them farewell. They waved from the planet's surface and from ships in space, sending their well-wishes for a safe journey back to the capital of the empire

I didnt even have time to enjoy coming to another star system, Felix said, reclining in the lounge of the imperial flagship. Although he had managed to tour the planet in the last few weeks, the majority of his time had been spent ensuring the foundation of the companys new branch was solid.

Thanks to the Proximians' beliefs and personalities, the process had been surprisingly smooth and uncomplicated, but it left him with little time to fully experience the wonders of this new world.

"You can come and visit anytime you want," Birch replied, smiling before shifting to a more curious tone, "But do you care to tell me how you know the emperor?"

Knowing it would take them six months to reach the capital planet, Birch was eager to learn more about the people closest to Aron. She had noticed the bonds between them but wanted to understand their history.

Meanwhile, the other tree folk, especially the traitors who had been given new bodies just a week ago, were still keeping their distance. They bore grudges and carried the weight of the humiliation they had faced. Crabapple was spending his time with Rina, while Cypress, sitting beside Birch in the lounge, observed Felix and Sarah with quiet interest.

Felix, finding a welcoming audience, began recounting his story with enthusiasm. "You know, we first met Aron in a rather unexpected way..."

He described their initial encounter, how he and Sarah had crossed paths with Aron, and the series of events that had led them to form a connection. The tale was filled with interesting anecdotes and light-hearted moments, reflecting the close bond they had developed over time. He spoke openly, aware that his story contained no sensitive information that could compromise any security.

As Felix spoke, the others listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions for more details. The atmosphere in the lounge was relaxed and engaging, providing a welcome distraction from the long journey ahead.

Meanwhile, the fleet passed the heliosphere and seamlessly transitioned into faster-than-light travel. The vast expanse of space now stretched out before them as they journeyed back home, marking the end of an extensive and eventful Journey.