After returning to the starport with the small Tyran Fleet that had come specifically to rescue him, Ears discovered that another celestial system existed within the star system where New Orphus was located.
A massive, dazzling star hung in space. Orbiting it was a planet equal in size to a normal habitable world, and that planet even had two moons.
If he had not seen that this second celestial system was made of metal, Ears would have assumed New Orphus had somehow grown another star.
He guessed that it was something called a Celestial Engine.
Besides the Celestial Engine, an incomparably vast fleet was docked near the moons of its planetary structure, receiving abundant supplies from both satellites.
Led by a Tyran Navy officer, Ears boarded a transport craft for the Celestial Engine's planetary structure and landed amid the "steel forest" on its surface.
After taking another vehicle into a colossal, magnificent building, he found the senior officers of the Tyran Navy holding a meeting underground.
A dense crowd packed the immensely vast underground hall, surrounding the few people at its center.
Without exception, they were captains or formation commanders above the rank of captain, as well as the Marshal of the entire Tyran Navy.
Since Ears had been exceptionally tall since birth, his gaze passed over the people in front of him and landed directly on the Lord of Tyran standing before the tactical table at the center.
He marveled inwardly.
"He's here," said the officer who had brought Ears.
The ongoing discussion fell silent. The elites gathered in the hall, selected from thousands of worlds, all turned toward the entrance and looked at Ears.
Then the elites made way for him.
Only after the officer gave him a shove did Ears realize that he was supposed to step