"… I'll offer you the same as them.
You'll get one Ark Class Starship but I'm also throwing in 4 neighbouring Star Systems as each of your secretive headquarters.
I would advise you four create your own group and create a business relationship with the Atlaesusian Syndicate." Esmond moved everything onto the holographic display to show the girls their gifts.
They were all overjoyed by their gifts and thanked Esmond with a kiss each before heading for the Reception Hall as well.
Esmond wanted to spend so more time and relax playing Stellar Wars, but he had decided to leave after Carter informed him Daniel was calling.
Awaking on the bed platform of the Full Body Dive Gear, Benedict answered the call through his HUD WristBand.
"Hey… Dad, Mum…
Look, I'm sorry about what I said that day, I was just frustr-"
"Son…
Its fine.
*Sigh* I never thought there would be a day I would be trying to force the Empire's old laws on my own child.
Regardless of that, I'm glad to know your trying to communicate with your cousins and the others that were sent over from the Empire.
It is vital for you to create a good impression of the Space, so we can get father to agree with moving the Empire over.
Once that happens, a lot of issues and problems will be solved in an instant once they see everything in the Space."
"Your father is right honey.
While we are really sorry for leaving, you have to understand we needed to return home, otherwise your Grandparents would have turned the world upside down to find us.
We've told both families how important the Space is and how it'll lead the Empire into the future.
Kane, Vaazi and the others like to keep us updated on the changes going on in the Space.
Just know we are really proud of you honey!" Daniel and Ruby were both smiling as they envisioned a future where Esmond would lead their Empire beyond the boundary inflicted on their lands.
Esmond spent the next couple of hours catching up with his parents and telling them everything that had happened as of late.
This included the Manston Engines and Zathra Motor brands that Daniel fell in love with, especially after seeing their recent performances during the Formula One season.
Esmond asked if he should change the 'Manston' component of the brand name to Atlaesus or something along those lines, but Daniel assured him that the name 'Manston' was in fact Esmond's Great-Great-Great-Grandfathers middle name.
They used it as their last name whenever travelling out in the public world because it could be indiscernible among the millions of other common English names.
Soon enough their call came to an end just as Carter asked him to return to the Stellar Wars game.
The last words his parents told him was to create a strong relationship with his cousins, so that they could report back the importance of the Spatial Ark Star World.
Esmond made sure to ask ahead to see if the Emperor, his grandfather, understood the authority within his hands would diminish immediately.
Thankfully his parents confirmed that he actually wanted to retire and pass on the responsibility Daniel.
.
With his catch up and apology done and dusted with his parents, Esmond dove in again into the Virtual World, so he could meet up with Carter and the others.
Appearing straight back on his Ark Class Ship, Esmond moved straight towards the bridge deck to find Carter standing quietly while observing the many different video displays from planets to other Starships.
The crew on the bridge were running around and taking up their stations on the bridge when they noticed Esmond arriving.
'"Lord Commander!!"' Everyone screamed before returning to their work.
"… Why did you make them call me 'Commander' on top of the 'Lord'?" Esmond complained when he arrived by Carter's side.
"I thought about increasing the number of titles added onto your name, but in the end, I couldn't come up with someone creative that it could fool the bridge staff into saying it."
"*Sigh* Right… so everything is all good with mum and dad, but they want me to build a closer relationship with my cousins.
Zaro apparently has some authority and control over the noble council, so is there a way to help out the Atlaesusian Syndicate?"
Esmond asked while looking closely at some of video feeds, only to discover some of them involved the Arena Player vs Player matches.
"Well, it's your lucky day today, the Atlaesusian Syndicate and Ark Society, created by the girls, has developed at a fairly decent pace.
You've been gone for two and a half hours of Spatial Ark Star World time, but in here it's been two and a half months.
The girls quickly seized the four Star Systems you gave them and started creating an enclosed gateway connection between them to help with transporting goods and personnel.
They also rented out most of their excess land on each planetary body within the Ark Society's control.
Only issue they've come across now is gathering refugees to increase their numbers.
Should I tell Louis and Felix to issue a quest?" Carter realised a while back during his monitoring of the two organisations that they needed greater numbers.
To keep up with their business operations and expansion plans to control their Star Systems before actively accepting visitors to the region, they need a large number of people.
Even with drones and Virtual Profiles capable of taking over basic roles, humanoid labour was required to make sure manufacturing and operations remained on track.
They also needed people to live on the planets and make it their new home.
Zaro bought a great number of slaves who were close to being discarded by their owners for cheap prices only to set them free once they arrived.
Of course, their criminal history was checked before being accepted, but even then, it still wasn't enough to fill out close 12 planets across the 4 Star Systems
"Yeah, but make it worthwhile.
I want them to work together as close as possible with transporting such a large number of people through deep space.
They'll learn from the experience.
Also, I have this feeling that Zaro already has a sense of what I'm wanting to accomplish with this game, but we will just have to wait until I ask him directly for his thoughts."
Esmond figured if anyone was to understand the game would help humanity understand the troubles in deep space, that it had to be Zaro.
Nobody else would realise the detail and attention to this game was more than showcasing a small portion of the Virtual World's power.
.
..
…
֍ 5 May 2008 ֍
…
..
.
"… I don't want to complain… but how the fuck did we end up on this security detail?" Aksel, the former Spokesperson of the Zadrisian species.
Once their numbers grew to a size that it became increasingly difficult for Aksel to manage, he decided to pass on the leadership role to another person while he took on a different role.
Oscar, the former G.A.E Humans Spokesperson went through something similar only to find himself ousted when he focused too much on training and less on the responsibilities of his position.
In the end the duo found themselves on the team that protect Esmond and his family as they travelled throughout Africa.
Arriving on his own personal yacht designed, developed, and created within the Space, it measured up to 140 metres long.
Roughly 25 metres wide, it required a minimum of 60 crew members since it could house up to 40 in luxury and comfort far greater than any exclusive hotel across the world.
Onboard Esmond travelled with the members of the Atlaesus Group as Amelia, May, and Layla chose to stay behind and not join this time since they were busy with their company work.
Amelia and Layla were in Melbourne to see how their properties were doing, especially the Property Management business they created.
May was busy working with the construction firm of the Aeternus Curatio Group to see how the skyscraper project was coming along.
Her personal team of scientists within the Virtual Labs who were working on beauty and fashion formed some innovative projects.
Some items already reached out to the citizens within the Space to positive reviews, but May wasn't ready to announce the brand until the Headquarters building was complete.
.
While this meant Esmond would be touring Africa with the Atlaesus Group, not all of them chose to tag along since their attention was wrapped around exploring the Space.
Many of them went and tried their hand at the Hunting Grounds Generator in groups, only to find themselves fighting waves after waves of monsters that become stronger each time until they were overwhelmed.
According to the operational programming of the System, the Hunting Grounds Generator should have created them another region to explore like Stovi and Astelan but it turned out only those who'd beaten the waves of monsters would unlock a new area to explore.
However, it didn't mean that the group who tried out the Hunting Grounds Generator did it for nothing.
In fact, they actually found some improvement in their strength and capabilities.
This also happened for those few that went to Stovi and Astelan, only to have their minds blown after they discovered the endless possibilities on offer within the Space.
Just one tour of the Virtual Labs left even the youngest among them in the Atlaesus Group who wasn't inclined with the operations of the Empire, understanding the importance of moving everyone to the Space.
Everyone raced to see the Space Elevator and Station projects which left all of the touring members in utter tears and excitement that they could soon reach their own outer space.
After spending time in Stellar Wars, they all wanted to head to the stars and create their own merchant group in the stars.
Some people even caught up with the fantasy species within the Space to learn more about them and their abilities.
Those that were travelling with Esmond largely became his cousins and a few other nobles and citizens of the Atlaesus Empire.
.
"Stop your whining Aksel!
All we need to do is wait for the Lord's arrival and his guests.
After that, we will be out of here in no time, so shut up and behave!
You need to set an example for the others in the security team." Oscar couldn't handle Aksel whining ever since they were told to be on standby at the private dock of Mogadishu.
Esmond and his guests were currently docking the yacht, so Oscar grabbed Aksel and started making their way towards the location of the ship.
Oscar was aware Esmond wanted to see all the changes that occurred with his own eyes but more importantly he wanted to know if the people were adjusting to the Phantom Security Services.
.
"To have your own private dock on the outskirts of Mogadishu… don't you think this would attract unwanted attention?" Zaro said as watched the yacht dock beside Esmond.
"Unwanted attention? Oh, please Zaro.
Somalia is managed and protected by the Phantom Security Services who all serve my will.
I might worry they might not understand how to deal with the locals but I know I can trust in them to use force if necessary.
You've already seen the might of the V.P Intelligences fighting for the Atlaesusian Syndicate in Stellar Wars." Zaro couldn't help but wince for a moment as he remembered the massacre caused by the sudden wave of support from Esmond.
The V.P Intelligences were always fighting and training their skills within the A.I World, while also participating in the Virtual Missions and combat on the African Continent.
All of them also had accounts within Stellar Wars so they easily crushed the attacking force they tried to attack their transport ships carrying refugees.
The coordinated movement of the V.P Intelligences left Zaro stunned when the enemies died out early on in the assault.
Knowing those same V.P Intelligences were also involved in protecting and managing the African continent assured Zaro that they would be same from a majority of dangers.
What little threat that possible to cause them any harm wouldn't get through the CE-01 Power Armoured Suits that would activate when anything life threating approaching the wearer.
.
"I see…
Well, if they were as brutal and deadly as I remember, then we might find some angry dissidence." Zaro replied as he stepped off the yacht with the Esmond and the others in tow.
There was a line-up of modified Invictus Utes made into SUVs with extra modifications for weapons and safety.
Everyone sat in various Invictus SUVs, with Esmond, Zaro and Alania together.
Aksel was driving while Oscar managed the security team.
They weren't the only ones active since others were deployed to protect the girls in Melbourne too and at Esmond's first destination.
Heading towards the new parliament house of Somalia, Esmond and Zaro stopped their conversation for a moment to gaze out at the awe-inspiring city design and layout.
Esmond didn't expect to see completed skyscrapers that weren't shorter than 120 metres each.
The tallest went up to 400 which was still being constructed but it wasn't far from completion.
It also happened to be the new tallest building on the African continent while providing hundreds of jobs to make Mogadishu the next Silicon Valley of Africa.
Already, a large number of businesses were established by residents of the Space with the help of the Phantom Security Services to organise documentation for the citizens so they wouldn't be questioned.
The necklace charms and rings crafted by Halkgon and the other Dwarves helped the residents blend in seamlessly with the local populous without ever being second guessed.
Esmond even felt he saw a couple people from the Space walking among the exciting and fast-moving city life.
People were walking and talking freely without any worries of hunger or thirst and healthcare keeping them healthy and safe.
Esmond was surprised to see how heavy nature featured within the architectural design of the city layout and buildings.
It also included a recently constructed public railway network that also connected with the national railway network.
The Construction Drones and Androids set the network up to easily switch onto high-speed Maglev passenger cars.
For now, the railcars were absolutely fine since it ran off electricity and the energy system of Somalia was connected to a broader network that also included the other nations under the control of the Phantom Security Services.
They all gained power directed sourced from Solis within the Spatial Ark Star World, as the energy would be sent towards to Power Stations which contained Power Cells set up with their national energy grids.
All of this infrastructure was the result of Esmond's forces from the Space which drew the attention of the world governments.
However, nobody could fault Phantom Security Services since they allowed elections to take place and also helped provide healthcare.
They also created a highly advance and complicated continent-wide network system that allowed each nation to understand their newly built infrastructure.
Not all nations had yet decided to join under the protective wing of the Phantom Security Services, which caused America some heartache as they saw Africa quickly advancing as an economic powerhouse.
The African Union had also gotten together and made some adjustments to the memberships standards and help they would provide with Phantom Security Services helping the organisation.
Some nations like England and France who had territorial islands nearby the African continent, wanted answers from the Phantom Security Services for conducting such a sudden attack across the entire continent.
Its coordination and precision-made America, China and Russia worry as well since they couldn't understand how the company operated.
All of them tried to infiltrate the Private Military Company but no one was successful which each person being caught and returned to their respective embassies after meeting with the Interrogation Androids.
Truth serum helped hasten the process while also affecting the individual dosed with the substance to forget what they had said.
Esmond's intelligence forces easily could learn anything about their enemies with the truth serum and never have to worry the other party that they were caught.
But Nedric liked to remind the three global powerhouses and any other nation looking to bother them that they knew it was them.
The head of the Shadow Intelligence Agency that served Esmond already found nine new applicants applying to the European branch of the Phantom Security Services Headquarters.
Nedric kept an eye on each of them, hoping to catch one of them slipping up while meeting with their handlers.
.
"… Who isn't under the control of the Phantom Security Services?" Alania asked, as she watched a mother enjoying the shelter under a large roadside tree that helped bring shade to the area.
It felt like the entire city was a large garden full of all sorts of life and beauty.
The true beauty of the golden land of mankind.
"… Mauritius and Morocco, but we have a deal with the Royal family of Morocco…" Esmond smiled as he sipped on the champagne within the SUV.
Zaro and Alania were both wide eyed and forgetting to breathe as they understood the sheer magnitude of Esmond's and the Phantom Security Services operations.
Remembering to breathe, Zaro coughed as asked Esmond a question about the nation he was most curious about.
"Egypt…
How did you secure it with America watching over your shoulder?"
"Allow the people to understand who their leadership is nothing more than pawns for another party.
The Phantom Security Services were employed by the leader of the coup d'état who happened to like their professionalism and asked them to oversee internal affairs to stop corruption.
But this also allowed them to verify the current public services of Egypt, only to improve them to a higher standard until the general public found peace with the new changes.
George Bush is trying to argue with the new leader of Egypt to honour their previous agreement concerning the sues canal allowing their naval ships through ahead of cargo ships if ever necessary, but the new agreement they are to conclude will see America paying a great fee for such services."
Esmond understood the necessity of such access to America who though of themselves as global peacekeepers when the United Nations wouldn't be involved.
That's why the Phantom Security Services were causing such a great headache for the United Nations of America that they wanted answers from the General Secretary of the U.N.
People from the Bush Administration complained the Phantom Security Services took over Africa as a whole and hoped to send in American troops to keep them in check.
Surprisingly, the African Union sent a stern message to the U.N that their nation was finally united and didn't require interference from external powers that sought nothing more but to damage their lands and heritage.
Certain nations even requested foreign governments return their national relics so they could be displayed at national museums within the lands of their origin.
The movement built up pretty quickly in the media because of Liber Tellus Global News who made it the headline across the world.