Ethan's steps faltered slightly as he processed Jameson's words. While the mention of financial relief was unexpected, the prospect of a public presentation caught him off guard entirely. Public exposure on such a scale was exactly what his frigate—and by extension, his career—needed. It was also a challenge he wasn't entirely prepared for.
Seeing Ethan's shocked expression, Jameson added, "The Council has decided to provide you with a construction license for the frigate, along with approval for all the technologies and materials you've selected. The alloys you've ordered will also be delivered in quantities sufficient to construct at least one ship."
Ethan's surprise deepened. "They're providing the alloys... and the license?" he asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.
"Yes," Jameson confirmed. "And as for the public presentation, it's scheduled to take place in six months. The Council will provide further details once you have a physical ship ready for display."
Ethan's mind raced. The opportunity was immense—a Council-sanctioned event would draw major players from across the Galactic Domain. The exposure could secure buyers, partnerships, and resources, catapulting his frigate into the spotlight.
Jameson concluded with a warm smile, "This is your chance, Ethan. They recognize your potential and are giving you the platform to prove it."
Ethan took a deep breath, his thoughts settling. "Thank you, Jameson. This changes everything," he said, his voice steady but filled with determination.
Jameson nodded and, with a parting gesture, ended the call. Ethan resumed his walk, his mind already shifting gears. He now had six months to complete his frigate—not just as a prototype but as a testament to his skill and vision. The challenges ahead were daunting, but for the first time in a while, Ethan felt the weight of possibility outweigh the weight of doubt.
As Ethan made his way through the expansive bays of his Star Forge, his thoughts circled back to the opportunity the Council had presented to him. The idea of a public presentation was thrilling and daunting in equal measure. While he didn't yet know the details of the event or its scale, one thing was certain—it was a major platform, one that would attract significant attention from prominent powers across the Galactic Domain.
The likelihood of the event being focused on Tier-2 technology seemed high. If the presentation leaned into Tier-1 systems, the significance of his Vector-Class Frigate would diminish dramatically in comparison. After all, Tier-1 technology was leagues beyond what he could achieve at this stage, and his ship's true potential lay in being a standout within the Tier-2 framework.
Ethan understood the implications. This was more than just a chance to showcase his work; it was an opportunity to set a standard and carve out his reputation in the competitive world of Tier-2 shipbuilding. Success here wouldn't just bolster his credibility; it would lay the groundwork for future ventures, partnerships, and advancements.
However, Ethan also recognized the risks. The presentation would undoubtedly attract scrutiny from rival shipwrights, corporations, and even governments. Any weaknesses in his design would be noted, and any failure could have lasting consequences. But Ethan wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. This was a high-stakes game, and he was determined to play to win.
As Ethan walked through the bustling bays of his Star Forge, the Council's promised resources loomed large in his thoughts. The announcement that the critical equipment and alloys he needed would arrive in two working days lifted a considerable weight off his shoulders. These resources weren't just gifts—they were lifelines that cleared multiple obstacles from his path.
Ethan's blueprint for the Vector-Class Frigate had been complete in concept, but several essential pieces of equipment were missing—components locked behind costly licenses. Normally, obtaining these would have drained his finances, setting his progress back significantly. With the Council waiving these costs and granting him access, Ethan felt an immense relief. It wasn't just about saving money; it was about saving precious time.
The alloys were another headache that the Council's support had resolved. Procuring them independently would have been a logistical nightmare. Ethan would've had to descend to Indra IV 3Rd moon the alpha III, the nearest hub for mining and refining operations, to locate companies capable of providing the specific alloys he needed. Each of the alloys he selected, though relatively common in the Galactic Domain, wasn't universally mined or refined by a single source. He'd have needed to negotiate with two or three different suppliers to meet his quality and quantity demands—a process that would have consumed weeks.
With the Council supplying everything in one go, Ethan could skip this tedious process and focus entirely on what mattered: constructing the ship. This first design, supported so thoroughly by the Council, was his launching pad into the competitive world of shipbuilding.
Ethan's thoughts turned to the future. Once the Vector-Class Frigate proved itself during the public presentation, he expected interest from private and governmental organizations alike. Orders for his ship would give him the leverage to negotiate bulk purchases with suppliers, further streamlining his production process. Success at the presentation wouldn't just bring recognition—it would provide the foundation for scaling his operations.
The another concern was Registration with the Galactic Shipwright Guild (GSG)
Normally, getting a new ship design registered with the GSG could be a lengthy and meticulous process. The Guild would evaluate the ship's specifications, ensuring it met their rigorous standards. However, given the Council's involvement, Ethan suspected this step might be expedited. If the Council was already aware of and impressed by his design, there was a strong chance his ship could be pre-registered upon completion.
Excitement and Determination
Ethan's mind raced with possibilities as he pieced it all together. The time saved, the burdens lifted, and the potential opportunities ahead all fueled his excitement. The Vector-Class Frigate wasn't just a project anymore; it was a symbol of his capability and a step toward a brighter future.
Reaching his quarters, Ethan couldn't help but smile. With the resources arriving soon, he could begin construction immediately. Aurora, his Star Forge's AI, would handle much of the heavy lifting alongside his Quantum AI. It wouldn't be easy—it never was—but with the Council's support, Ethan felt confident.
"The first step is always the hardest," Ethan thought, "but with this push, I'm ready to show them what I'm capable of."