The hum of digital displays echoed in the core lab of the old HQ. Lines of code scrolled across a dozen holo-panels as Raen, Lira, and Korin monitored the calibration routines inside the ship's bridge.
The NEAR bots moved like clockwork through the starship's narrow internal corridors — running cable, installing last systems, and adjusting modules too sensitive for human hands. Each section of the vessel now lit with functional power — soft blue lines tracing down walls, connecting to the Aetheric Resonance Reactors below deck.
Lira leaned over her console.
"Ninety-three percent. AI navigation sync has started. Korin, reroute diagnostic relays — we've got a data loop hanging on Deck 2."
"Already on it," Korin replied, fingers tapping with precision. "Raen, what do you want to name the primary AI interface?"
Raen stood at the center of the room, watching the ship's status graph tick upward.
"Let's hold off. We'll name her once she speaks."
Outside, in the drydock, the starship loomed silent — a fusion of raw power and elegance, poised on three massive legs rooted into the reinforced ground. Its surface shimmered faintly under solar shielding, giving the illusion that it pulsed with life.
Meanwhile, at the new Arkbound Space HQ, excitement surged.
News anchors from all major networks were stationed across the plaza, their crews capturing angles of the nearly finished city in the background — the result of 500 NEAR bots working around the clock.
At a press stand beneath the newly installed Arkbound logo, the Mayor made his second appearance in the same week. This time, his tone held restrained enthusiasm.
"When we commissioned this city, we knew we were gambling on vision. Today, that vision is reality. And I've been told—" he paused dramatically "—that in just a few days, Arkbound will show us something even greater."
Inside the HQ, Kael joined Nyra at the operations table. The city build was now over 90% completed — teams were wrapping up structural reinforcements, internal systems, and final safety clearances.
"The Mayor's buying time with the press," Kael muttered, watching the media feeds.
"And giving us space," Nyra replied. "He doesn't know what we're about to show them. Not yet."
Kael looked out at the city below.
"He won't just know it. He's going to witness it."
Nyra nodded, then tapped into the secure comms.
"Raen, status update on the ship?"
"Ninety-five percent," Raen replied. "Calibration's clean. We're ahead of schedule. Get everyone ready — ten days, and the world gets its first look."