Blue Star's near-Earth orbit.
The once-empty cosmic backdrop was now adorned by a fleet of considerable size. An air of solemnity and hope filled the vacuum.
The five unmanned intelligent transport ships that had arrived not long ago had completed their mission. The colossal vessels they carried had been activated, awakening like slumbering behemoths and revealing their formidable, imposing forms.
At the center was the five-kilometer-long North Wind Class comprehensive attack ship. Its hull was dark gray, and a pulsing deep-blue Source Energy crystal was embedded in its bow.
It was the fleet's backbone and brain. Its enormous hull gleamed with cold metallic light beneath the stars, while intricate Source Energy conduits along its sides glowed faintly, radiating a reassuring aura of strength.
Circling it were five Sharp Edge Class assault ships, shaped like unsheathed swords, and fifteen Guardian Class escort ships, slightly bulkier and focused on defense and fire support.
Like loyal sentries, they guarded the flagship, forming the backbone of the fleet's offense and defense.
Behind the fleet were two comprehensive supply ships, two personnel transports, and an engineering and repair ship. They were the fleet's lifeblood and logistical support, ensuring the expedition could endure.
The sides of every ship bore the emblem of the Blue Star Community—a blue planet encircled by olive branches and stars, with two bold interstellar characters below: "East Blade"!
Beneath the fleet, the azure Blue Star rotated slowly, its continents clearly visible beneath swirling white clouds.
In Blue Star's geosynchronous orbit, meanwhile, the six orbital fortresses of the "Guardian Deity-V" planetary defense system hung like eternal sentinels. Pale golden energy flowed faintly between their petals, guarding the home below.
This spectacular scene was being broadcast live across the globe as a holographic image, relayed by near-Earth reconnaissance satellites and media ships.
On Blue