After their first steps on the new planet, Zen and Zaria walked into the main command center that stood before them. The large automatic doors slid open silently, revealing an interior that was even more impressive than the outside.
"I know you said your father prepared things for us..." Zen said, amazed. "But I never thought he'd invest in something of this scale... This is like moving an entire Aegis research department here."
Zaria laughed softly. "That's my father... when he does something, he always goes all out. Especially if it involves the future of his beloved daughter." Though her tone was slightly teasing, her eyes shone with clear gratitude.
"Now that we're here," Zaria continued, "I should probably contact the ship that's delivering our 'important package'."
She walked to the central control panel and ordered the system to open a communication channel to the "Aurora's Path," which was currently in the planet's orbit. "Patch me through to the ship's commander. Tell them Zaria Polaris is calling."
A hologram appeared, showing the face of an elegant, senior woman in a high-ranking captain's uniform... Lysera Polaris.
"Zaria!" her mother's voice came through, a mix of surprise and joy. "How did you get there!?"
"Hello, mother... I have a little secret project going on. This is the planet I asked father for to start a new company with my friends," Zaria said with a sheepish grin.
Lysera raised an eyebrow with interest. "A new company?... And the mysterious ore that a VVIP client of Aegis ordered me to transport with such urgency... don't tell me..."
"Well... it was probably me who requested that ore," Zaria admitted. "It's the most crucial component of our project."
"The ore that even Aegis's top scientists couldn't analyze... you're using it to start a new company? You're as bold as your mother," Lysera said, impressed. "I've always believed in you, my dear... but don't do anything too risky, understand?"
Just then, Zen's personal communicator rang. He excused himself to take the call in a corner of the room. A hologram of Karess appeared. He was in his all-black operational suit, his face concealed by a high-tech helmet with a dark red visor.
"Yo! Zen! How many more damn ships do I have to switch to get there!?" Karess complained first. "And is the 'playground' (the lab) there ready for me to assemble the 'toy' (the Runic Power Core) yet!?"
Zaria overheard the shouting and said to Zen, "Is that Karess? Perfect! Tell him to stop by Aerysia first. He needs to pick up those two."
Zen, who was about to reply to Karess, paused for a moment before relaying the message. "Zaria says you need to pick up our research team... Dr. Aris and Lina."
Lysera, who was still on the main hologram call, heard the familiar name and asked, "Dr. Aris? The head of Materials Science? Is he involved in your project too, dear?"
Zaria turned to answer her mother. "Yes, mother. They were the first team to help us lay out the blueprint. I was planning to ask father to transfer them to be Solendel's core team." She finished and turned back to ask, "And when will your ship be arriving here?"
"Should be no more than five days," Lysera replied.
"Excellent!" Zaria turned to Zen. "Tell your friend that the 'important toy' will arrive within five days. Tell him to hurry up!"
Zen suppressed a laugh before turning to tell Karess. "You heard her, man. Get to Aerysia, contact Aegis and use their fastest ship to pick up those two. Shouldn't take more than four days... see you then."
After ending the calls, Zaria took Zen to the top-floor office of the command center to meet her father.
"Father, I'd like to officially request Dr. Aris and Lina for Solendel's main research team," Zaria got straight to the point.
Sylvester, who had been looking out at the view, turned back with a smile. "Of course. I've seen their reports. The two of them understand this project best. Handle the paperwork." He looked past her to Zen standing beside her.
"I've seen you two attached at the hip since you were kids... I always figured one day you'd start something big like this," he said, walking over and patting Zen's shoulder lightly. "From now on, help take care of my daughter for me."
Those words made Zaria, who was standing nearby, blush instantly. She looked away, flustered. As for Zen, he was completely caught off guard. All he could do was nod stiffly and reply, "Y-yes, sir."
"Hahaha," Sylvester laughed good-naturedly. "You can call me 'father,' I wouldn't mind, hahaha. If you have any problems with budget or resources, just let me know... as a 'key partner'... I'm always ready to support you."
"Thank you very much... Mr. Sylvester," Zen said gratefully.
"Get to your work, you two... I'm also eager to see this 'universe-changing technology' soon."
Zen and Zaria walked out of the room. The pressure they had felt before had been replaced by a deep warmth and overwhelming gratitude... on this journey... it seemed they had the strongest backer supporting them.