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Chapter 15 - Rescue time

The first batch of *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* had just completed production, and the destroyer production line at the space assembly yard was still operating at full capacity, with the mechanical hum echoing deep within the asteroid belt. Ella stood in the command center, gazing at the holographic fleet deployment, contemplating how to use the new warships to further consolidate control over *Cygnus 0476*. However, an urgent communication shattered her thoughts.

The holographic screen flickered, and a high-ranking officer from the *Graava* faction appeared on the display, his voice urgent: "Commander Ella, I represent the *Graava Consortium* requesting your assistance. A *ST59* battleship has crashed in the *Eram System*, and the situation is critical. We need your fleet to arrive for rescue, ensuring the safety of the crew and recovering the wreckage data. The reward will be substantial."

Ella furrowed her brow. The *Graava* faction was a powerful force in the *Cygnus* sector. A *ST59* battleship, known for its heavy firepower and robust armor, crashing was no small matter. She asked, "What caused the crash? Enemy attack or malfunction?"

The officer shook his head. "We don't know yet. Before communication was lost, the captain reported an attack, but the details are unclear. *Eram System* is not far from you, and we believe your fleet can handle it."

Ella paused, scanning the holographic fleet display. *The Unnamed One of Egrum* was in perfect condition, and the five *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* had passed their tests. She nodded. "I accept the commission. The fleet will depart immediately." After the transmission ended, she turned to Kira. "Assemble the fleet. Prepare for departure to the *Eram System*."

An hour later, the fleet gathered outside the space assembly yard. *The Unnamed One of Egrum* led as the flagship, its imposing form commanding attention. Two *Calisto*-class light missile escorts accompanied them, carrying repair equipment for wreckage recovery. Three *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* took up flanking positions, while the *AC721* heavy destroyer and the *Ark*-class light carrier brought up the rear. Drones of the *Skimmer* type hovered above. Ella stood in the command tower of *The Unnamed One of Egrum* and ordered, "Initiate warp drive. Full speed to the *Eram System*."

The fleet's thrusters flared, the warp engines hummed, and space distorted slightly as the fleet instantly crossed several light-seconds, entering the *Eram System*. This region was composed of gas giants and asteroid rings, with a chaotic environment. Upon arrival, the sensors detected a debris field—*ST59* battleship broken into pieces, scattered among the asteroid ring, its hull smoldering with faint sparks, and its turrets tilted.

Ella stared at the holographic projection and murmured, "Clear battle traces." The *ST59* was renowned for its multiple heavy cannons and thick armor; destroying it required a formidable enemy. She ordered, "The *Calisto* class approach the wreckage and search for survivors. The *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* take up defensive positions. The *AC721* prepare for fire support."

The *Calisto* class slowly approached, mechanical arms extending to scan for life signs. A technician reported, "Weak signal detected. There may be survivors. The data core remains intact." At that moment, the sensor alarm rang out—two enemy ships emerged from behind the asteroid ring. The holographic display locked onto the targets: one was a *Neptune Hunter Pulse Escort*, and the other was a *CV-II* light carrier.

"Ambush," Ella said coldly. "All ships to combat status. *The Unnamed One of Egrum* locks onto the *CV-II*. The *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* engage the *Neptune Hunter*."

The *Neptune Hunter* fired first, its "PM-2x110-B" pulse cannons unleashing high-energy beams that struck one of the *Calisto* class, damaging its armor. In response, *The Unnamed One of Egrum*'s "Divine Light Judicator" ion cannon fired, a blue beam slicing through the *CV-II*'s flight deck, rendering it combat ineffective. The *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* activated their warp drives, instantly repositioning. Their "Starblade-I" ion cannons pierced the *Neptune Hunter*'s shield, followed by two "DM-4x210" twin-barrel cannons firing in rapid succession, reducing it to fragments. The *Ark*-class launched *Skimmer* drones to clear the remaining aircraft from the *CV-II*.

The battle ended quickly. Ella ordered, "Continue the rescue. Move fast." The *Calisto* class rescued four survivors and recovered the *ST59*'s data core. The *AC721* swept the area to ensure no other enemies remained.

After completing the mission, the fleet returned to the space assembly yard. Ella stood in the command tower, transmitting the data to the *Graava* faction. Kira approached and said, "Captain, the *Graava* have confirmed receipt. The payment has been delivered."

Ella nodded. "Let the fleet rest. Inspect the combat data of the *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers*. Prepare for the next mission."

The space assembly yard lit up, and the fleet docked at the general port. *The Unnamed One of Egrum* and the *Universal Ion Cannon Destroyers* stood side by side. Ella turned and walked toward the bridge, beginning to analyze the battle reports. New challenges were always coming, and the fleet was ready.

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