The Spring Goddess system lay right in the middle of the Grand Ocean route. With five gravity wells discovered within the system, it naturally counted as one of the universe's major natural thoroughfares.
The system contained three space cities that could serve as trade hubs and supply stations. Their municipal affairs were managed by autonomous councils made up of representatives appointed by major multinational corporations and citizen representatives, while the Galactic Civilization Council administered their sovereignty.
There were quite a few systems like this in the universe. Most were probably remnants of the several Galactic Wars.
Once they passed through the Spring Goddess system, they would enter the patrol zone of the Alliance's Seventh Fleet, even though they still wouldn't have fully entered Alliance territory.
As it happened, if the fleet Yu Lian had led home had taken this route, the Empire would never have been able to intercept it. The journey would have taken nearly a week longer, though.
President Nishita had decided to hold some diplomatic activities here, meeting with representatives from several nations around the Grand Ocean for preliminary discussions. His main purpose in making this trip was to go beg the Alliance...ahem, to seek closer military support from it. But if he could first win the backing of every nation that felt threatened by the Empire, they could make a powerful show of unity. That might persuade the Alliance to make up its mind sooner, and perhaps even let them build a military alliance.
Who said that I, Keith Nishita, couldn't establish an "anti-Empire encirclement"? If my ideal was to earn a posthumous title like "Martial," surely I should be capable of achieving something like that, shouldn't I?
"Excellent. Everyone's worked hard. Once we reach Sunny City, we'll have a chance to rest and recover. Have