Chapter 991: Grand Federation Base [Pt 1]
As our spacecraft cruised through the vastness of space, a tinge of frustration gnawed at me. And it was all due to one unprecedented problem.
"Urgh..."
"Are we there yet?"
"Not even close..."
The journey to our target destination seemed interminable, the distance stretching out before us like an insurmountable barrier. It became painfully clear that our vessel's speed was woefully insufficient for the task at hand.
We needed a solution, something that could propel us forward at an unprecedented pace.
'Looking at what seems like the fuel gauge, I think we won't even have enough juice to reach our destination.'
It was my fault for thinking a spacecraft built for merely exploring neighboring planets could take us far and fast. 'But why is there a map of the entire solar system, then?'
If I had to guess, maybe it came with the product. The Gatoians and Avarians weren't artisans in any way. They must have bought their tech from a dealer.
'The dealer must have installed the map. Guess it's standard issue.'
"Why couldn't they make this thing go any faster, though?" I groaned.
The spacecraft was moving relatively fast if I was being honest. However, compared to the distance we had to reach, and my own speed, this was sorely lacking.
I was sure Kuzon and Aloe also thought the same.
'But we can't just start flying in foreign space like we own the place.' That meant there had to be another way.
Determined not to be deterred by the sluggishness of our craft, I turned to my friends, Kuzon and Aloe, with a resolute gleam in my eyes.
"I'll use an Arcana." Blurting out, I summoned my [Great Sage's Memoir], and its pages automatically flipped to my desired location.
"This should work."
Drawing upon my connection with the Aether around us and within me, I focused my thoughts on the specific Arcana Spell—[The Chariot].
[The Chariot] granted me the power to control technology with extraordinary precision and imbue them with my will. Using it on a single spacecraft wouldn't be too much, would it?
"Of course not!" My grin grew wider as a warm glow of light coursed through me and seeped into the vessel.
The time had come to harness its might and transform our spacecraft into a vessel of unimaginable speed.
Closing my eyes, I visualized the intricate patterns of energy that comprised the [The Chariot]. A surge of power surged through my veins, resonating with the depths of my being. The spacecraft responded, its metallic frame humming with newfound energy.
I could feel it changing, slightly altering its form to suit my purposes. More importantly, it was coated with a dense skin of Aether. My Aether.
"This should be enough. Let's see the differen—"
>VWUUUUUMMMMMMMM!!!<
In an instant, our vessel surged forward, hurtling through the cosmic expanse at an exhilarating velocity.
The stars blurred into streaks of light, painting a mesmerizing tapestry across the windowpane. The once-distant destination now loomed closer with each passing second.
"W-what in the—?!"
"Now we're talking!" Kuzon burst out in an excited roar, and even Aloe was screaming and laughing at the same time.
If I knew things were going to turn out this way, I would have done this way sooner. But, well, it wasn't too late.
"We should reach our destination in a couple of minutes, at this rate." Kuzon smiled in excitement.
Anything that granted the advantage of speed and efficiency seemed to resonate well with him, since he was in a hurry to return home.
But, well, I couldn't disagree with him this time.
"A couple of minutes, huh?" A thought flashed in my mind.
With the newfound speed at our disposal, I seized the opportunity to delve into the mechanics of our spacecraft.
'I should learn as much as I can about it. If I can understand it better, then...'
And within the next couple of minutes, I did exactly that.
As I studied the intricate consoles and control panels, using [The Chariot] as my guide, I discovered a myriad of functions that piqued my interest.
I was able to completely incorporate The Translator of the Spacecraft outside it, tapping into all of its mechanisms.
I examined its inner workings, noting the complex algorithms and intricate neural networks that allowed for seamless communication across alien tongues. That way, I would be able to communicate with any race even outside the Spacecraft.
The same applied to the map system, the navigation protocols, and the intricate mechanisms that made our journey more manageable.
Time seemed to slip away as I immersed myself in this pursuit of knowledge. The spacecraft hummed with life, its inner workings a symphony of purpose and design.
*******
'Looks like I made it in time, after all." I smiled, looking through the powerful windows of the spacecraft at what we were closing in on.
As we drew closer, the Grand Federation Base emerged into our view, resembling a breathtaking city encapsulated within a massive glass-like container.
The transparent walls stretched high into the infinite sky, allowing the celestial wonders beyond to cast their enchanting glow upon the bustling streets below. It was as if we were gazing at a piece of art, a magnificent fusion of technology and nature suspended in the vacuum of space.
The base was adorned with gleaming towers and intricate architecture, its metallic structures reflecting the brilliant hues of distant stars. Bridges and walkways crisscrossed between buildings, linking them like arteries in a vibrant, living organism.
Glowing lights, resembling a constellation of their own, illuminated the pathways and plazas, lending an ethereal quality to the entire scene.
Surrounding the base was a network of stellite-like structures, encircling it protectively like loyal guardians.
These satellites served not only as a defense system but also as docking stations for the myriad of spacecraft that arrived daily, bringing people from all corners of the galaxy. Their sleek, streamlined shapes were a testament to the advancements of engineering and design achieved by the Grand Federation.
As we descended towards the landing platform, I marveled at the sheer scale of the base. It was a bustling hub of activity, teeming with people from different planets, species, and walks of life. T
he air hummed with anticipation, mingling with the distant echoes of interstellar communication and the soft hum of anti-gravity vehicles zipping through the air.
Once our spacecraft touched down, we stepped out onto the landing platform, joining the countless individuals who had come before us.
Aloe's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she eagerly absorbed the sights and sounds of the base, while Kuzon's calculating mind was no doubt already pondering how we would navigate our way through this place.
'It really is something, huh?' A wry smile formed on my face as I inhaled deeply.
Together, we took our first steps into the grand city, already one step closer to finding our lost friend.
... Even if we didn't really know it yet.