After successfully repelling pirate attacks from *Reliath*-class and *Calm Sea*-class frigates, the *Cygnus 0476* space assembly yard experienced a brief period of calm. *The Unnamed One of Egrum* was docked at the general port, its hull radiating authority under the starlight. The flagship's overwhelming firepower had made nearby factions hesitate to act recklessly. Standing in the command tower, Ella gazed at the holographic battle reports, but her mind was already considering the next step. The frequent pirate probes had exposed the fleet's limitations in firepower coverage. Although *The Unnamed One of Egrum* was unmatched, other ships struggled when facing multiple targets. She needed a new destroyer to strengthen the fleet.
The next morning, Ella gathered the technical team, pointing at the fleet data on the projection. "We need a new destroyer—powerful, fast, and capable of supplementing our combat strength. Begin development." The technicians nodded, and the destroyer production line immediately started up, with mechanical arms working tirelessly as *Raptor*-class engineering ships delivered resources for design.
A few days later, the preliminary blueprint was completed. The new destroyer was equipped with a single "Starblade-I" ion cannon as its main weapon, with long-range capability and enough power to pierce the shields of medium-sized vessels. It also featured two "DM-4x210" twin-barrel cannons, ideal for dealing with fast-moving targets and swarms of enemy ships. The ship's design emphasized speed and durability, with an efficient plasma propulsion system and armor combining lightweight alloys with energy absorption layers, allowing it to sustain prolonged operations. The technician reported to Ella: "This destroyer balances firepower and mobility, filling our tactical gap."
Ella stood before the design platform, observing the holographic blueprint of the ship. After a moment of thought, she said, "This ship will become our weapon. Let's call it the 'Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer.'" The technician recorded the name, responding, "'Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer'—name confirmed."
Development work quickly began. The space assembly yard was illuminated, with constant machinery noise. Ella personally supervised every detail, from the ion cannon's energy calibration to the installation of the twin-barrel cannons, ensuring precision at every stage. *Raptor*-class engineering ships brought back large amounts of metal and crystal to supply the production line. A few days later, the first *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer* left the drydock, its sleek lines gleaming, the ion cannon at the bow glowing, and the twin-barrel cannons positioned on either side, ready for action.
On the day of the trial run, Ella boarded *The Unnamed One of Egrum*, directing the *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer* through testing. The target was a group of abandoned asteroids. She ordered, "Fire the ion cannon." The "Starblade-I" ion cannon charged, releasing a blue beam that melted one of the asteroids into fragments. Then, the two "DM-4x210" twin-barrel cannons fired in rapid succession, their shells raining down and turning surrounding debris into dust. Ella observed the data on the holographic display and said, "Performance is satisfactory."
After the trial run, she returned to the command center and told Kira, "Accelerate the production of the *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers*. Build five units first and integrate them into the patrol fleet. Continue monitoring pirate movements."
Kira responded, "Understood, Captain. The production line has been activated."
The space assembly yard was lit up, with the destroyer production line operating at full capacity. The emergence of the *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer* significantly enhanced the fleet's combat power. Ella stood by the observation window, watching the second *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyer* gradually take shape. She turned and walked toward the bridge, beginning to deploy the next phase of her plan.