The following day brought a shocking new development.
Each of the four beacons dispatched to the X Star System had relayed information back to the center. Oddly enough, the beacons failed to find any traces of man-made structures, much less space cities. The X Star System was classic. It consisted of five planets that surrounded a star. The two planets at the outer edge were gas giants, while the inner three were terrestrial planets. However, not a single planet was in the circumstellar habitable zone.
After analysis at the Strategic Center, experts believed that this star system might not be the X Star System, but rather, a relay star system. Of course, the original signal had been sent from the real X Star System. The initial signal was transmitted point-to-point through the X Star System's Stargate to this relay star system, where it was augmented, modulated, and then broadcast out to a wide area. Based on this hypothesis, a signal relay station certainly existed somewhere in this star system.
It seemed that the Imperial Research Station within the X Star System was very cautious. This star system was even more mysterious than it had initially seemed. The Antonios Consortium realized that without the exact coordinates of the Stargate that the signal originated from, their fleet would be stranded in this "Wasteland Star System", unable to jump to their final destination.
On the bright side, according to the analysis from the Strategic Center, the mysterious star system's signals exhibited a certain pattern. Given the rate at which prior signals were received, the next transmission might be sent in approximately three standard days. This signal was set to emerge from the Stargate of the Wasteland Star System. By capturing this original signal, they could determine the true coordinates of the X Star System. Moreover, if they managed to track down and decode the signal relay station, the consortium could take control of its automated broadcast system, stopping the Stargate from broadcasting any more signals.
The Antonios Consortium’s next steps suddenly seemed straightforward—locate the signal relay station and lock down the Stargate before the next signal is sent. Yet, it wasn't as simple as it sounded. In a vast star system, trying to pinpoint a signal relay station the size of a cafeteria is like searching for a needle in the ocean. Therefore, the only feasible option was to wait until that single relay station started its next broadcast and use that to track it down.
"We have another bit of good news," stated a general from the Strategic Center during an urgent strategy session, addressing Andre and other board directors, "Until now, we've seen no sign of other factions' fleets in the Wasteland Star System. We need to act fast, stake our claim, and lock down the Stargate."
The board directors looked at one another; finally, all eyes turned to Andre.
"Our challenge now is that other factions are aware of this star system's location, meaning they could breach the Stargate and enter it at any time. Isn't that so?" Andre posed the question.
"I'm afraid so, Mr. President."
"So," said Andre, drawing out his words, "by sending our fleet to the Wasteland Star System, we'd be inviting other factions to do the same. A physical blockade on the Stargate could be the spark that ignites a war."
"Absolutely."
Andre scanned the faces of the board directors. "Gentlemen, I have come before you today to ask for your unwavering support. Our actions now will cast us either as the brightest luminaries or the gravest sinners in the history of the consortium. Our future depends on every decision we make from this moment on."
Every crewmate on the ship turned their attention to their captain, Andre.
The pause in the room was brief. Andre stood up and said, "This is our plan: our vanguard fleet will set off immediately to the Wasteland Star System. We'll send out a broadcast and declare the star system as Antonios’ territory. Any unauthorized fleets entering the star system will be considered to be violating Antonios' sovereignty, and we reserve the right to strike back by any means necessary."
"Yes, sir! Mr. President, consider it done!" The general responded, snapping his heels. He then immediately departed to carry out his orders.
"This is a gamble," Clyde said to Andre as he slipped into the office after the meeting, "If the fleets from the Terran Sphere were to surface in the Wasteland Star System, would we seriously consider a face-off with the Alliance?"
"No one truly wants war," said Andre coldly. "Don't come here pointing fingers at me. Anyone in my shoes would have made the same decision, for the sake of Antonios."
"Screw that, Andre. I'm not pointing my finger at you," Clyde said as he looked at his old friend. "All I'm saying is our real enemy is the Imperial Fleet from the X Star System, and we're spread too thin for battles on multiple fronts."
"The Alliance wouldn't want a multi-front war either," said Andre, "I get where you're coming from, Clyde. We have to finish what we've started." He paused and then asked, "Isn't this what you all had in mind?"
"You know, I've been thinking about the idea you mentioned before, about making the first move," said Clyde, "Maybe, just maybe, there are other options here."
"You just don't get it. No one will make the first move. It's a deadlock with no way out." Andre remarked, gesturing towards the vastness beyond the porthole. "It isn't about the Antonios Consortium getting their hands on the X Star System's technological legacy. What matters the most is ensuring no other factions can reach it, especially the Solar System - Centauri Alliance. Even if the Alliance might have been irritated by our moves, they won’t dare wage war over this. However, if any faction unlocks the X Star System's black box, it will shatter the prevailing balance, once again setting the galaxy on the warpath."
"I didn't see this coming," Clyde sighed and shook his head, "Perhaps, if we can reason with the Terran Sphere Government, collaboration might be possible."
"That's out of the question. The war destroyed any trust we had ever built with them. They'd never believe us, and of course, we wouldn't believe them either," Andre replied. "Besides, I bet their fleets are already on standby to transit the Stargate. Notice how they aren't even dispatching detection beacons?"
"So, what you're implying is that a showdown between Antonios and the Terran Sphere Government is inevitable?"
"That's right. On Earth, there was this old saying: 'Under the sun, all tales are old.' It means that history has a way of repeating itself. I think this saying is still relevant today: 'In the galaxy, all tales are old.'" Andre affirmed with a nod, "The collapse of the Sacrum Chu Imperium plunged humanity into disarray. During its reign, the Empire was the sole superpower, with all other entities taking a temporary subordinate role. Its downfall then created a massive void. Emerging powers rose through the throes of battle, leading to ceaseless wars and skirmishes until a new dominant entity emerged to restore order. If you ever study human history, you'll learn that history has often repeated itself. For instance, the dynasties of ancient China on Earth. Every time a dynasty crumbled, China would plunge into chaos for anywhere from a few decades to several centuries, only for a new dynasty to eventually rise. We also have the chronicles of the Frankish Empire, the Hunnic Empire, the Arab Empire, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, among others. An enduring Chinese proverb goes, 'What unifies for a long time will eventually divide, and what divides for a long time will eventually unify.' That phrase perfectly mirrors our current predicament. So, Clyde, do you see the bigger picture? Antonios and the Terran Sphere can't ever hope for a peaceful coexistence. Their might is too closely matched. Besides, there are formidable factions like the rising NOMA Shipping Group, the Ares Corps, and the Germanicus Corps looming large. In other words, I've been aware for quite a while that several factions within Antonios have been working with those legions under the table, which are silently permitted by the consortium. We could even make a deal with the Star Libertadores if it benefits our stance against the Terran Sphere Government. Nobody wants to play second fiddle. The turmoil will carry on until a new major power comes to the fore. Even without the incident in the X Star System, the clash between Antonios and the Terran Sphere Government would still have happened.”
Clyde slowly shook his head, murmuring, "It makes sense to me now why you are the one who assumed this position. You can see a much bigger picture than anyone else can."
"The higher you are, the farther you fall," Andre let out a bitter chuckle. He approached the giant floor-to-ceiling porthole, looking at the Garden Planet emerging from the east, "You ever wonder, Clyde, how our ancestors from the times preceding the Great Navigation Era envisioned their future? After the revelation of the Lagrange points, a collective belief emerged among esteemed scientists and sociologists that humanity, leveraging the Lagrange Network to traverse the galaxy, would undergo a rite of passage—akin to a fledgling leaving the nest. The expectation was that we'd evolve into a more enlightened species. In the expanse of the starry sea, humans once believed they could explore and exploit without bounds. With the galaxy teeming with resources, humans aspired to abandon the primal instincts of war and embrace an era of enduring peace. There were science fiction authors, even before the dawn of space travel, who envisioned a grand epoch of humanity amongst the stars. In one of them, humans had colonized twenty-five million stars, establishing a grand empire that encompassed the entire galaxy. Many so-called scholars scoffed at these fictional pipe-dreams. 'How could an enlightened race slip back into the archaic reign of monarchs?' they argued. Yet, history bore witness—the Sacrum Chu Imperium was born. The Sacrum Chu Imperium, as it turned out, wasn't the mark of regression, but a beacon of a golden era. At its inception, humans in the vastness of space were few and far between, prompting the Empire to advance automation technologies to their zenith. This innovation set the stage for the eventual human spread throughout the stars. You see, Clyde, without the Sacrum Chu Imperium, we wouldn't be where we are. The Imperium established law and order and helped lay the foundation for a myriad of technological advancements throughout history. If it weren't for the internal conflicts, I believe the Empire could have truly brought all of human civilization under its wing."
"I get it now," Clyde said. "We're truly ensnared in a challenging deadlock."
"Yes," Andre affirmed, looking at Clyde with a serious expression, "It's an intricate puzzle, but from a high enough vantage point, the entire dilemma becomes visible. Picture this—" Andre began waving his hand for emphasis, "A savannah lay in front of us, previously under the rule of a single lion pride. Then, disputes tore the pride apart as young lions defied the aging leader. The head of the pride was defeated, yet the upstart didn't secure the newcomer's reign, leading to the pride's disintegration. Now, two new prides have risen, both too evenly matched to overcome the other. Within each are there tensions and discords, hinting at potential splits. Beyond these dominant forces, smaller groups and vigilant hyenas are watching and waiting. Most are no direct threat to the two major prides but could unite to forge a robust third entity. These two major prides seem very powerful, but even a single misstep could see them overrun by scavenging hyenas. So, as a leader of one such pride, your tasks are clear: first, steer clear of direct skirmishes with another major pride; next, align with or dissuade the minor groups from siding with your rivals; and last, watch out for any emerging smaller groups that might challenge your dominance."
"Quite the illustrative metaphor." Clyde mused, nodding contemplatively.
"That perspective clarifies much about the Terran Sphere Government and Antonios Consortium's motives," Andre pointed out, "Everything falls under this framework. Neither of the two major 'prides' possess the power to swallow the other, nor do they dare risk injury by provoking each other. As a result, a temporary, fragile balance has been established on the savannah. Now the advent of a defenseless group has changed everything. Whoever claims it stands to become the new dominator. So, do you think the two 'prides' might collaborate? Not in a million years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if the X Star System remains out of our grasp, we must prevent Terran Sphere, or any other faction, from claiming it, as the destiny of Antonios Consortium is on the line. A full-scale war with the Terran Sphere is a price we're willing to pay."
Following Andre's directive, the Antonios Legion's vanguard fleet commenced its grand passage through the Stargate, venturing into the Wasteland Star System.
