Jameson's expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "It's good that you're focused on the bigger picture, Ethan. That mindset will serve you well in the long run. But you need to control your ambition—at least for now. You don't hold enough power yet, and if your ambitions put you in a situation where you're overexposed, it could be difficult to navigate."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "While they might not harm you outright—your status as a quasi-GSG member does carry some weight—they can certainly disrupt your work. Delays in material supplies, manufactured agendas, or subtle interference could slow you down. Until you've built a stronger foundation and standing in the Galactic Domain, tread carefully."
Ethan nodded, acknowledging the warning. "I understand, Jameson," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "I'll stay mindful of my actions and keep a low profile when necessary. My goal is to build something lasting, not to spark unnecessary conflicts."
Jameson's stern expression softened into a faint smile. "Good. That's the kind of thinking you'll need. As long as you stay cautious and steady, I have no doubt you'll rise. And when the time comes, you'll have the leverage to face any challenge."
"Thank you, Jameson," Ethan said sincerely. "Your advice is always appreciated, and I'll make sure to keep it in mind."
"Anytime, my friend," Jameson replied. "Just remember—you've got potential, but potential is only as good as the strategy behind it. Play the long game, Ethan. That's how you'll win."
With that, the call ended, leaving Ethan alone in his lab. Ethan leaned back in his chair, letting out a heavy sigh. The conversation had left him with much to think about. Jameson's words of caution and the revelation about the higher-ups monitoring his work weighed on his mind. Still, Ethan knew that dwelling on it wouldn't help him move forward.
Turning his gaze to the digital hologram in front of him, Ethan's expression sharpened with focus. He stretched his fingers, ready to begin the foundational process for his project. It was time to create the blueprint—the skeletal framework for the hull of the Vector-Class Frigate.
The hull's design drew inspiration from an iconic aesthetic Ethan remembered from Earth: the sleek, dagger-like silhouette of the Victory-Class Star Destroyer from Star Wars. Its sharp, imposing shape had captivated him as a child, and now, he intended to adapt it into a functional, practical design for his frigate.
His fingers moved deftly across the holographic interface, sketching the outline of the ship. He started with the bow, shaping it like a pyramid—an angular and pointed structure that not only conveyed power but could also help with deflecting incoming projectiles in combat scenarios.
This phase of work was less about materials and more about form and function. Ethan focused on creating a balanced skeleton, ensuring the proportions of the ship would optimize stability, maneuverability, and structural efficiency. As the hull began to take shape, he considered practicalities such as internal compartments, reinforcement points, and potential spaces for future upgrades.
"This is just the beginning," Ethan murmured, his tone both focused and determined. The skeleton needed to serve as a canvas, one that he could refine further with the right materials and structural optimizations.
For now, he avoided experimenting with alloys or composites. Those decisions would come later, during the material research phase. At this stage, his goal was to establish a foundation—a blueprint that could guide him through the ship's construction process while leaving room for adjustments.
As he worked, Ethan frequently paused to scrutinize every detail. The curvature of the hull, the angles of reinforcement sections, and the placement of internal struts—all had to be carefully calculated. This wasn't just about creating something functional; it was about ensuring that his first major project would set a high standard for his future endeavors.
Days turned into weeks, and Ethan's work on the Vector-Class Frigate's blueprint continued at a relentless pace. The design had grown more intricate, each addition refining its balance of power, efficiency, and functionality. It had taken far longer than he initially anticipated, especially with the complexities of weapon placements, dock configurations, and integrating the command center.
The frigate was heavily armed with 12 quad plasma cannons strategically placed above the hull. Six were positioned on each side, providing comprehensive coverage for long-range engagements. These weapons were mounted on reinforced platforms, ensuring they could swivel and adjust firing angles with precision.
At the center of the ship, rising above the main hull, was the command center—a seventh compartment that was significantly elevated compared to the rest of the ship. Its placement not only gave commanding officers a panoramic view of the battlefield but also served as a symbol of the frigate's power and authority. The structure was heavily reinforced to ensure the ship's leadership remained protected, even during intense firefights.
For short-range combat, Ethan integrated 24 dual plasma cannons across the ship. These were evenly distributed above and below the hull, providing the frigate with formidable defensive capabilities in close-quarters encounters. Their rapid-fire capabilities made them ideal for fending off smaller, more agile ships that might attempt to exploit blind spots.
The Vector-Class Frigate wasn't just a symbol of advanced engineering and precision—it was a weapon of calculated devastation. Ethan had ensured the ship was equipped with 8 Anti-Matter Missiles, each housed within secure launch bays located on the lower hull. These missiles, known across the Galactic Domain for their devastating power, were a significant addition to the ship's arsenal.
The missiles operated on the principle of controlled antimatter reactions, capable of delivering unparalleled explosive force. Each missile was designed to penetrate the defenses of heavily armored targets—star fortresses, capital ships, or even planetary installations—and deliver catastrophic damage with pinpoint accuracy. Ethan meticulously positioned the launch systems, ensuring that the firing mechanisms were protected by reinforced armor while maintaining rapid deployment capabilities.
Incorporating these weapons posed a unique challenge. Anti-Matter Missiles required specialized containment fields to ensure the antimatter payloads remained stable until detonation. Ethan designed the missile bays with redundant shielding systems and emergency protocols to prevent catastrophic failure. The launchers themselves were fitted with advanced targeting systems, allowing the frigate to lock onto distant targets with exceptional precision, even in the chaos of battle.
The addition of these missiles significantly enhanced the frigate's offensive capabilities, complementing its already robust weaponry. While the quad plasma cannons and short-range plasma turrets were designed for sustained combat, the Anti-Matter Missiles were the ultimate ace in the hole—a weapon of last resort capable of turning the tide of any engagement.
Ethan leaned closer to the holographic display, his fingers moving deftly across the interface as he reviewed the missile bay designs one final time. He ensured their placement didn't compromise the integrity of the hull or the functionality of the docking systems. The primary docking bay for light fighters remained unobstructed, and the secondary dock was reinforced to prevent any accidental discharge from interfering with the ship's internal operations.
The ship was also equipped with two docking bays, both located on the lower side of the hull. The main dock, larger and more robust, was designed for quick deployment and retrieval of fighter craft. Adjacent to it was the secondary dock, a backup system intended for emergency use or specialized operations. Both docks connected to the first compartment, a vast hangar space capable of housing up to 30 light fighters. These fighters, each between 10 to 20 meters in length, were stored alongside an array of supply equipment, maintenance tools, and spare parts to ensure readiness for extended missions.
The integration of the docking bays posed unique challenges for Ethan. He needed to ensure that the structural integrity of the ship wasn't compromised by these openings. Using a combination of reinforced bulkheads and modular shielding systems, he designed the bays to withstand both external assaults and the stresses of rapid deployment.
With the blueprint complete, Ethan stepped back to admire his work. The Vector-Class Frigate wasn't just a ship; it was a masterpiece of versatility, power, and precision. Its sleek, dagger-like hull housed a devastating array of weapons, from its plasma cannons to the formidable Anti-Matter Missiles. Combined with its advanced systems and modular design, it was ready to stand as a contender in the competitive Galactic Domain.
However, as proud as he was of the design, Ethan knew the real work was still ahead. The blueprint was just the beginning—now, he had to source the materials, Research for best tier 2 Technologies, and enhance if possible and then incorporate and bring this ambitious project to life. With a mix of determination and anticipation, he saved the final design and began drafting his next steps.
"This ship is going to be a game-changer," he whispered to himself. And in his heart, he knew it wasn't just ambition—it was a promise