The *Unnamed* glided through the stars, its warp drive humming softly as it gradually slowed. The ship finally entered a hidden space assembly yard concealed within an asteroid belt. Around the base, lights flickered to life — mechanical arms extended from the general docking bay, guiding the battle-scarred but unbroken warship into position. Elara stood at the command tower, her eyes fixed on the holographic display showing the fragmented blueprints of the **XT-11 Missile Destroyer**. She murmured, "Kabayashi owes us a big one." Kira stood beside her, nodding. "Captain, this victory wasn't easy." Outside the bridge, the engineering team moved swiftly, securing the *Unnamed* and beginning the recovery of the spoils — fuel, metal, and the recovered blueprint data from the wreckage of the privateer *Riftbreaker*. Elara gave orders: "Prioritize repairs for the *Red Beast*, then analyze the blueprints." She turned and walked toward the deeper sections of the bridge, ready to deliver the results to the base's engineers. Hours later, in the central laboratory of the space assembly yard, the blueprint data was fully restored. A holographic projection unfolded, revealing a sleek, heavily armed destroyer model — the **XT-11 Missile Destroyer**. At 300 meters long, it featured twin missile launchers and a high-maneuverability warp drive, designed to unleash chaos on the battlefield. Elara crossed her arms, watching the projection with a satisfied gaze. But the lead engineer, Karl, stepped forward, frowning. "Captain," he said, pointing to the weapon system, "there's a problem." She turned. "What kind of problem?" Karl gestured toward the model. "The core of the XT-11 is its long-range missile array, but the blueprint is missing the design data for the missile modules. The pirates may have only captured the hull and engine — the real technology is still with Kabayashi." Elara paused, scanning the projection. Without the missile modules, the destroyer would be significantly weakened. She muttered, "A half-built ship is better than nothing. We'll upgrade it ourselves." Karl nodded. "We have enough resources here. The nano-spore drone technology can even help. But it will take time." She made her decision quickly. "Start it now. I want a full XT-11." She gathered her core crew — Kira, Karl, and weapons expert Lina — around the holographic display to begin the upgrade plan. The work in the space assembly yard proceeded with intense efficiency. The engineering team first reinforced the ship's structure, using the metal salvaged from the supply station to build a stronger HSS composite armor capable of withstanding torpedo impacts. The warp drive was based on the blueprint but enhanced with data from the *Unnamed*, improving its maneuverability so it could turn instantly in battle. The missing missile modules became the main focus. Lina suggested, "We can use the AI technology from the nano-spore drones to develop adaptive missiles." Elara nodded. "How exactly?" Lina explained, "Integrate the drones' self-replication and targeting systems into the missiles. Create 'Split Missiles' that break into multiple sub-munitions upon launch, adjusting their trajectory based on enemy positions." Karl added, "We can modify the existing high-explosive warheads to include electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects, disabling enemy shields." Elara listened, then said, "Good. Add long-range launchers — range of at least five light-seconds." The team immediately split into roles. Lina worked on the AI module, Karl improved the warheads, and Kira oversaw the ship's construction. After several days, the upgraded version of the **XT-11 Missile Destroyer** took shape on the production line of the space assembly yard. The ship was named **Starblade**, painted in deep blue and silver — a style that echoed the *Unnamed*. Its new **Split Missiles** were installed at the bow, a twin-launch configuration capable of firing four main missiles at once, each splitting into eight sub-munitions. Each carried both EMP and high-explosive payloads, with a range of six light-seconds. A secondary propulsion system was added to the stern for fast advances and retreats. On the test day, the *Starblade* exited the dock. Elara personally boarded the ship to oversee the trial. Standing at the bridge, she ordered, "Target the asteroid field — test the firepower." The missile launcher charged, a low hum filling the air. Four main missiles shot out, streaking through the void before splitting mid-flight. Dozens of fire trails rained down on the asteroid field. Explosions consumed the targets, and an EMP wave swept through, freezing the debris in place — turning the field into a graveyard of space rocks. Elara watched the test data on the holographic display, muttering, "Better than expected." Kira approached, smiling. "Now the pirates will see what they're up against." She nodded, her gaze drifting toward the endless stars. "Tell Kabayashi we're keeping the blueprint. The *Starblade* is our answer." The lights of the space assembly yard shimmered. The *Starblade* sat alongside the *Unnamed*, two ships standing side by side. Elara turned back toward the bridge, ready for the next challenge.
