For days, Elara's fleet base—the massive space assembly plant hidden deep within the asteroid belt—operated like a finely tuned machine. X8 engineering ships buzzed through the asteroid field, their drone mining systems efficiently extracting high-purity crystal ores, which were then transported back to the base in a steady stream. The mechanical arms of the space assembly plant worked with precision, feeding resources into storage compartments while the resource counter steadily climbed. The patrol ship production line and combined production line ran at full capacity, with three FG3000 Multirole Frigates guarding the edges of the asteroid belt and stingray-class drones manufactured by the combined production line forming a covert yet flexible defensive perimeter around the assembly plant.
Elara stood in the command center, gazing at the operational data displayed on the holographic projection. A sense of accomplishment flickered within her, but her vigilance never wavered. The resources in this star system were too tempting, and hiding in the asteroid belt might provide temporary concealment, but it couldn't keep them hidden forever. Her premonition came true on this quiet morning.
The sensor array suddenly emitted a sharp alarm, shattering the base's tranquility. Elara snapped her head up, locking her gaze onto the holographic display. On the screen, a group of unidentified ships was approaching from the outer edge of the asteroid belt—a force of about ten vessels, their designs varied and brimming with an aggressive aura.
"Report!" Kiera shouted urgently. "Enemy ship signals detected, preliminarily identified as privateers. They're advancing toward the base, weapons fully charged!"
"Privateers," Elara repeated under her breath, her eyes flashing coldly. She had anticipated that the resources would attract raiders, but she hadn't expected them to arrive so soon. "All hands, battle stations! Activate shields, FG3000 frigates prepare to engage!"
"Aye, Captain!" Kiera relayed the orders swiftly, and alarms blared throughout the base. The space assembly plant's shields surged to life, emitting a low hum as the giant mechanical arms retracted into protective layers, ready to withstand the impending assault.
Elara studied the enemy fleet on the holographic projection. The privateers' ships were a motley assortment, but the most prominent among them were several Noma 300 light landing ships. These vessels were squat, with rugged armor and high maneuverability, equipped with light cannons and boarding pods, clearly designed for rapid raids and plundering. Leading the fleet was an AC721 Heavy Transport Destroyer—its massive hull bristling with four SG-2275C cannons and two SG-330B/D anti-aircraft guns, its cargo holds repurposed into weapon platforms, boasting formidable firepower and incredible durability. The remaining ships were cobbled-together assault boats—numerous but disorganized.
"They've got an AC721," Elara analyzed calmly. "Powerful firepower, tough to take down. The Noma 300s are for hit-and-run tactics, and the AC721 is their main force. Kiera, order the frigates to intercept and protect the X8 engineering ships as they retreat."
Three FG3000 Multirole Frigates surged out from the edge of the asteroid belt, heading straight for the privateer fleet. Their three SG-1500 cannons fired simultaneously, laser beams slicing through the void, striking one of the Noma 300 light landing ships with precision. The enemy ship's thin armor couldn't withstand the barrage, exploding instantly, its fragments scattering across space. But the rest of the privateers pressed on without hesitation, accelerating toward the fray.
"They're trying to split us up!" Kiera shouted. "The AC721 is circling to the flank, SG-2275C cannons locked onto the base!"
Elara clenched her teeth, rapidly assessing the situation. The privateers' strategy was simple yet deadly—use the Noma 300s to pin down the frigates while the AC721 unleashed its overwhelming firepower on the space assembly plant. She gave decisive orders: "Two FG3000s focus on the landing ships, the third moves to the flank—target the AC721's engines, disable it!"
The battle erupted into chaos. The FG3000 Multirole Frigates darted nimbly between asteroids, using the terrain for cover as their SG-1500 cannons roared continuously. Two frigates successfully destroyed three Noma 300 light landing ships, their speed advantage turning into a liability in the cramped environment, causing them to collide with asteroids and explode. However, the privateers still held the numerical advantage, and the battle lines wavered precariously.
Meanwhile, the third FG3000 circled behind the AC721 Heavy Transport Destroyer, concentrating fire on its propulsion systems. Torrents of energy from the SG-1500 cannons slammed into the hull, the AC721's shields flickering red. After a series of explosions, flames erupted from its engines, and the massive ship ground to a halt, its SG-2275C cannons rendered harmless. Elara exhaled in relief, but the battle wasn't over yet. The Noma 300 light landing ships seized the opportunity to close in on the space assembly plant, launching a missile directly at the shields.
"Deploy the stingray drones, intercept that missile!" Elara commanded sharply.
The stingray-class drones manufactured by the combined production line sprang into action, their flat, manta-like forms weaving agilely through the air, forming a flying barrier. Several drones collided with the missile mid-flight, triggering an explosion in the void. The shields absorbed only a minor impact. Elara kept her eyes glued to the holographic display, knowing they couldn't afford to stay on the defensive any longer.
"X8 engineering ships, retreat to the base," she ordered decisively. "All frigates, concentrate fire and eliminate the remaining enemy ships!"
The X8 engineering ships retracted their drone mining systems and quickly retreated into the protective range of the space assembly plant. The FG3000 Multirole Frigates regrouped, all three warships unleashing their full firepower. The SG-1500 cannons rained down like a storm. One by one, the Noma 300 light landing ships exploded, their thin armor unable to withstand the concentrated barrage. In the final moments, the crew of the AC721 Heavy Transport Destroyer attempted to abandon ship, but precise shots from the frigates obliterated them completely.
When the battle ended, silence returned to the area surrounding the space assembly plant, leaving only debris floating amidst the asteroid belt. Elara slumped into her command chair, exhaustion mingling with triumph. Low 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 30%, one FG3000 lightly damaged, no losses to the X8 engineering ships. All privateers eliminated."
Elara nodded, her gaze fixed on the holographic display. This attack had been the base's first test, and she had successfully defended it—but vulnerabilities had been exposed. The fact that privateers had found them, bringing a powerful ship like the AC721, suggested either a security breach or insufficient concealment within the asteroid belt.
"Repair the frigates, expand the sensor array's range," she commanded firmly. "The combined production line will manufacture more stingray drones. Next time, it might not just be privateers."
The lights of the space assembly plant illuminated once again, the mechanical arms resumed their work, and the X8 engineering ships returned to the asteroid belt to resume mining. The FG3000 Multirole Frigates patrolled the surroundings, their engines humming low and steady, while the stingray drones hovered like ghosts around the base. Elara gazed into the starry expanse, her resolve burning stronger than ever. This first attack was only the beginning. With wisdom and strength, she would ensure the Nova Alliance established a firm foothold in Cygnus 0476, ready to face greater challenges ahead.