The desert air shimmered as dozens of NEAR bots marched in synchronization, their mechanical limbs echoing across the dusty plains. Massive cranes — assembled by bots themselves — lifted support beams into position, building the first outer walls of Arkbound HQ and the Space Division Complex.
Inside a temporary command dome at the site, Kael stood reviewing progress stats. The HQ was now 85% complete, and the Space HQ was catching up quickly.
Just as he was finalizing resource distribution for the city build, his comm link pinged.
Raen (on comms): "Kael. Get ready to receive the 500. They're en route with Nyra. Put 200 into finishing the two HQs. Assign 300 to the city project."
Kael: "Got it. HQ construction should be wrapped in a few days."
Raen: "After that, start assigning personnel to specific divisions. Also, you'll need to bring in a deputy — someone trusted to help run Arkbound Construction. You're spread too thin."
Kael: "I've already shortlisted a few candidates."
Meanwhile, at the Old Arkbound Bunker, the final components of the starship's Aetheric Resonance Core were being bolted into place.
Inside, Raen, Korin, Lira, and now Elios Tren stood before a massive holoscreen. Blueprints shimmered in front of them. Reactor syncs were stable. Shell reinforcements were underway. After nearly a month, the vessel was 28% complete.
Suddenly, the lab doors slid open.
Nyra (calling out): "Raen, we're set. The bots are being dispatched. And… I've moved the mobile fabrication units to the new HQ site."
Raen turned, nodding.
Raen: "Good. You and Saelyn need to move out too. I want you two fully relocated to the new HQ within the week."
Nyra: "Copy. But Raen… you're staying here?"
Raen: "For now. This ship needs babysitting until we stabilize the primary framework. Once it's structurally sealed, we can start moving systems and labs."
Nyra stepped closer, lowering her voice.
Nyra: "And Elios? He's locked in?"
Raen: "He just saw the skeleton and declared loyalty until death."
Nyra (smirking): "Sounds like he fits right in."
Outside, six NEAR bots stood in formation, ready to escort mobile lab units and cargo. Saelyn arrived with her luggage and a datapad full of intel, giving a thumbs-up to Nyra as their convoy prepared to head to the new HQ.
As the hum of engines kicked up, Raen took one last look at the towering ship frame.
Raen (softly): "Seventy-two days… then we change everything."