Turbulent Undercurrent
Year 4908, Garden Star System, City of Antontas. (Remark: Prequel story in First Light of Dawn)
Once Andre finished his talk with Chairman Yue Wenfeng in the ecological test chamber, he said goodbye to the old man and returned to the Strategic Center. At this point, most of the Terran Sphere fleet had zipped through the Stargate—the chance to act was slipping away.
Under the complicated gazes of everyone in the Strategic Center, Andre ordered General Derrick to pull all fleets in the Wasteland Star System back to safe zones and lift the one-way blockade on the Stargate.
Director Ivanovich let out a breath of relief; Greider, on the other hand, was shocked. Everyone else had different reactions, casting curious looks at Andre. Without much explanation, Andre stood and said again, "You all heard me. General Derrick, withdraw the fleet to 1,500 GMs from the Stargate, disengage defensive formations, and standby."
Greider sprang to his feet, looking furious. He demanded bluntly, "Mr. President, may I ask why you're doing this?!"
"Because no one can bear the consequences of war," Andre looked at Greider, meeting his angry stare calmly. "Gentlemen, let me ask you: how long has the galaxy been in a dark era since the Sacrum Chu Imperium's civil war broke out?"
Before anyone could reply, Andre went on, "Three hundred years, everyone. The dark era has dragged on for three hundred years. So here's another question: how many years did humanity spend building the Lagrange Network? When the Lagrange High-Energy Space Station first defected abnormal space vibration within the Solar System, it took us seven hundred years just to figure out the Stargate technology. Then, humanity spent over a thousand more years exploring to finally build the Lagrange Network before the war. However, as history proves, it's way easier to wreck things than to build them. Three hundred years, everyone. In just three hundred years, we've ruined nearly all of it. The Empire is gone, yet thousands of star systems have become isolated, with endless Empire factions and warlords battling in the stars. Though the wars aren't as intense as before, we believe they'll end someday. If we clash with the Terran Sphere Government today, the war will ramp up again. NOMA Shipping Group won't sit this out, and those watchful warlords and Empire factions won't let it slide."
Andre paused and went on, "Of course, I believe Antonios can win this fight. But what next? I bet there are many more isolated star systems for us to find and help. Do we have to conquer them by force every time? In that case, what sets us apart from those greedy Privateers and ruthless Captors? Gentlemen, I believe our fearless Antonios army can win this war and perhaps the next one as well. But who can guarantee we'll keep winning? Let's not forget that Antonios Consortium didn't rise from a small enterprise to one of the three major factions in the galaxy solely by using force." With a sigh, he said, "Everyone, Antonios Consortium is a business entity. Everything we do is grounded in business logic. If we alone discovered the X-Star System, of course, we'd have every right to take it over. When we discovered that all factions know about the X-Star System, our operation became a daring military venture—"
Pointing to the screen showing the Terran Sphere Alliance fleet passing through the Stargate, Andre said, "When their first battleship passed through, our military venture had failed. If we decide to fight, win or lose, a genuine dark era will begin, and humanity will never see peace again. Gentlemen, I think, from a pure business standpoint, the choice isn't that hard."
"Andre, with all due respect, Antonios Consortium is no longer merely a business entity," Greider said, face turning red. "We can't act solely on business logic."
"But we aren't an empire," Andre knocked on the table, saying firmly. "Let me repeat: Antonios Consortium will not become a second Sacrum Chu Imperium." Andre took a moment and said, "We need to weigh the pros and cons on this matter, right?" With a stern face, Andre asked, "Even if we come out on top, what do we actually get? The X-Star System? We still have no idea what the X-Star System is truly worth. This whole operation is a total shot in the dark. So, that's it, gentlemen. I'll send out a galaxy-wide announcement to the Lagrange Network: Antonios Consortium is teaming up with the Terran Sphere Government to explore and develop the X-Star System together. This is my final decision. By the way, I need an assessment report from the Stargate Maintenance and Construction Department on Stargate construction and our Space Seed reserves."
"I'm on it, sir," nodded Elsinore, the director of Stargate Maintenance and Construction Department, "I'll draft a formal report and have it ready before the next board meeting."
"Great." Andre nodded.
"Andre, you'll regret this." Greider said coldly. He paused, seeming to muster up courage as everyone watched. Finally, he said, "Antonios doesn't need cowards."
The moment those words left his mouth, the temperature in the Strategic Center seemed to drop to zero as if the air had frozen. People held their breath, hearing only the soft buzz of the vents.
"Excuse me?" Andre's expression turned grim, shooting a cold stare at Greider sharp as knives. Under that piercing look, Greider came to his senses, understanding what he'd said. But there was no backing down; all eyes were on him. Greider kept silent, lips sealed.
"Watch yourself, Greider," Clyde broke the silence. "You're speaking to the President of Antonios Consortium."
"In my opinion," Director Ivanovich chimed in, "it often takes more guts to step back than to charge ahead."
"Maybe you need a reminder of who you are, Greider," Clyde remarked coldly.
Andre waved for Clyde to calm down, taking his eyes off Greider and looking around. "Everyone, I know you might be shocked by my choice. Sure, with Antonios Consortium's power, even if we waged war against the Terran Sphere Government now and claimed the X-Star System, what comes after? Relying solely on Antonios, we can't contend with the entire galaxy. We'll get stuck in endless conflict. When future generations ask us why, how will we answer? Should we admit that we had the chance to end it but decided to fight anyway? And about the war," he hesitated, eyes shifting to the big screen showing the scene of Terran Sphere Alliance ships passing through the Stargate. "War is a monster; once started, it's uncontrollable. We have an opportunity now to end it and get out of the dark era once and for all—we have to seize it." He looked at Greider. "Greider, if we miss this opportunity today, we'll regret it in the future."
"Mr. President, you might become the biggest villain in Antonios' history for what you're doing today," Greider said, teeth clenched.
"Yes, you're right. I might become the biggest villain in Antonios' history," Andre said calmly while looking at Greider. "But if I give the order to open fire, I'll definitely be the greatest villain in human history."
Greider's face flushed, then paled. With a cold huff, he turned and left the Strategic Center, with a few others following.
Leaning back, Andre saw that several people remained. Mikhail approached earnestly. "Mr. President, history will vindicate your decision today."
Andre smiled faintly, looking exhausted. "Thank you. Director Ivanovich. If we end up having a history, I hope it treats us right."
"It will," Mikhail agreed, nodding. "Absolutely."
"Everyone, thanks for all you've done; you've upheld your duty," Andre told those remaining in the Strategic Center. "History will remember what you've done today."
Everyone stood up, saluted Andre one by one, and then exited the room.
"General Derrick," Andre addressed the general onscreen, "continue looking for those relay beacons. Share everything with the Terran Sphere Alliance fleet, and keep me posted."
"Understood! Mr. President." General Derrick saluted, and the screen went dark.
People started leaving the Strategic Center one after another, leaving only Andre and Clyde behind.
Clyde, clearly concerned, said, "Andre, I'll support you regardless, but please, what's going on? Why the sudden decision?"
"I've talked to Yue Wenfeng," Andre leaned back, trying to sound casual. Only now did he feel the sweat-soaked shirt sticking to his back. "No war between Antonios Consortium and Terran Sphere—we'll jointly explore the X-Star System."
"Yue Wenfeng?" Clyde frowned, stopping in his tracks. "Wait, you mean Chairman Yue Wenfeng of the Terran Sphere? You actually spoke directly with the Chairman of the Terran Sphere?"
"Yes." Andre nodded.
Looking relieved, Clyde said, "Ah, I get it now... They say Yue Wenfeng has a lot of political clout, and apparently, he's pretty savvy... So, he's proposing a truce?"
"It's beyond a truce—we weren't really at war with the Terran Sphere anyway, right?" Andre shrugged. "Yue Wenfeng proposed that we and the Terran Sphere form a joint fleet to explore the X-Star System and invite NOMA Shipping Group to join us."
"Wise move. Leaving NOMA Shipping Group out might cause problems." Clyde seemed less tense and asked, "Andre, any idea what's in the X-Star System?"
Shaking his head, Andre replied, "That's exactly why we need to explore it. We only know it's a star system tied to the Sacrum Chu Imperium; beyond that, we know nothing else. What we do know is that even then, it was top secret—that's why we've never seen it in the Empire's archives."
"People suspect a conspiracy," Clyde remarked. "I've heard rumors that the Empire's strongest fleet is hidden there."
Andre couldn't help but laugh. "The fabled lost fleet of the Empire?"
"That's right."
"People can't resist tales like that. Think about it—the fabled lost fleet of the Empire, a force mighty enough to conquer the galaxy." Andre wasn't convinced. "Seriously, if the Empire possessed such a fleet, why didn't they prevent its own downfall?"
"Either way, perhaps it's the right move. I just hope Yue Wenfeng sticks to his promise." Clyde said, "Andre, we should keep our fleet on standby. If we do enter the X-Star System and the Terran Sphere fleet acts up, we won't be unprepared."
"Of course." Looking at the blank monitor, Andre said, "Did you happen to notice that the Terran Sphere fleet is composed of ships from the three major groups?"
Clyde pondered for a moment and then realized, "Oh, so it's a combined fleet of the Terran Sphere's three major factions?"
"That's right. From the fleet's composition, you can tell Yue Wenfeng is really something," Andre noted. "Jupiter Industries, Thunderbolt Group, and Pangaea Heavy Industries—all originated in the ancient Solar System Era, and their headquarters aren't even in the Solar System anymore. Even if they're officially under the umbrella of the Terran Sphere, the government only exists by balancing their power. I heard that in the Dawn Council, each faction holds a third of the seats. All the previous chairmen of the Terran Sphere didn't hold actual power; it was always these three groups pulling the strings. But this Yue Wenfeng seems different. He appears to have the backing of all three major factions from the Terran Sphere."
Clyde frowned. "That's hard to imagine. Everyone knows that the Chairman of the Terran Sphere is just a tool to balance the trio. Is Yue Wenfeng a front for one of them?"
"Well... How much do you actually know about him?" Without replying, Andre asked instead.
"Not a whole lot," Clyde admitted. "I heard he was in the military, became the chairman five years ago, and only secured a second term this year."
"Yes, per our intel, Yue Wenfeng's record is quite clean, and he doesn't belong to any group," Andre shook his head. "He came from an ordinary family, grew up in the Dawn Ring β area, and graduated from Hermann University with fourteen PhDs—including philosophy, physics, and history. After that, he worked at the Terran Sphere Environmental Bureau. Five years later, the war spread to the Aquila, a star system linked to the Terran Sphere. Everyone assumed the Empire army would invade the Terran Sphere. Yue Wenfeng put down his pen and joined the army, heading with the joint fleet to fortify the Aquila Star System. But in reality, as we all know now, the Empire was already done for and couldn't launch any invasion at that time. Those ships in the Eagle Star System were just Privateers trying to capitalize on the turmoil. Yue Wenfeng's military records are still classified, but we believe that time was crucial for him; he expanded his network within the three major groups. After the war, Yue Wenfeng ventured into politics, soaring to the top. His achievements shone with public support of over 80%. Five years ago, he took office as the Chairman of the Terran Sphere and got re-elected this year. All in all, he's a remarkable person."
"So, you actually said yes to his request?" Clyde questioned.
"Why not?" Andre responded. "Our immediate gains might dip, but overall, it's a smart move. Also, this man is something else. I'm beginning to see how he maneuvers among the three major factions."
"What do you mean?"
"Because he knows when to ride the wave." Andre settled into his seat.
"Ride the wave?"
"That's right," Andre nodding. "Clyde, can we truly start a war with the Terran Sphere?"
"Absolutely not. The moment we clash with the Terran Sphere Government, we're up against three formidable military factions, plus NOMA Shipping Group on the side, ready to pounce."
"And if we end up fighting them, we might completely kill off any chance for human resurgence. The Lagrange Network is nearly trashed. If we keep fighting, we'll lose even more technology, and human civilization will enter a total blackout dark era," Andre's eyes were deep and distant. "So, whether for humanity's sake or regarding the X-Star System, our only option is to agree to Yue Wenfeng's offer." Andre smiled to himself, "This is a crafty but obvious ploy from Yue Wenfeng. He's good."
"I respect your choice, Andre," Clyde said, still a bit uneasy. "No matter what, Antonios Financial Development Company will always support you. But you saw how Greider reacted. When he walked out, I noticed the Antonios Precision Corp folks all went with him." Lowering his voice, he said, "Andre, you've got people against you."
Andre chuckled, "Time will show I'm correct. Yue Wenfeng and I will soon release a joint statement inviting NOMA Shipping Group and every other faction to the City of Dawn for negotiations. He proposed that Antonios Consortium, Terran Sphere, and NOMA Shipping Group jointly lead the negotiations to draft a new Dawn Accord, fully ending the war and rebuilding the Lagrange Network."
"What? You're going to the City of Dawn yourself?" Clyde was taken aback.
Andre nodded, "That's right."
"No way! Absolutely not!" Clyde objected strongly. "At such a vital moment, you must not leave the City of Antontas. Andre, I support you wanting Antonios to join the talks, but I oppose you leaving. You saw how Greider dared talk to you like that—because he's backed by Vitas Industries and Antonios Precision Manufacturing Company—they're 'Newborns'! They'll never allow you to 'submit' to the Terran Sphere—pardon my words. If you leave Antontas, I can't guarantee what might happen to you."
Andre gave Clyde a meaningful look, "Clyde, what are you? 'Newborn' or 'Returner'?"
Clyde was at a loss for words.
"Constantine, Marshal Crux, Lane Carr, and so on, every Antonios CEO has tried to mend the rift between 'Newborns' and 'Returners,'" Andre said. "They all knew this split was a serious threat. So, Clyde, have you ever considered if the ideas of these fractions truly exist?"
Clyde frowned, "Well, yeah."
"Tell me, Clyde, what ideas stay unchanged for hundreds of years?" Andre pressed on before Clyde could speak. "If these two opposing ideologies really existed, neither Bali nor Lane could have smoothed things over and steered through crises. Think carefully—how did they handle things? Did they genuinely try to placate any faction?"
Clyde was silent for a bit, then shook his head.
"Exactly, they didn't 'placate' any faction; they kept doing what's right and what's good for Antonios Consortium," Andre stated. "That's what I'm going to do."
Clyde stayed quiet for a moment, then sighed deeply, "Andre, I'll support you, but the situation now isn't any better than what Bali or Lane dealt with. If you insist on going to the City of Dawn, you have to be prepared."
Andre knew what Clyde meant by "prepared." He nodded, "Relax, Clyde. It'll all work out."
Without another word, Clyde left, leaving Andre alone in the spacious Strategic Center.
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After some reflection, Andre stood up and walked around. He glanced at the long table surrounded by tall chairs, with a gray holographic star map projector sitting in the middle. This star map projector, made by Antonios Precision Manufacturing Company, is only palm-sized but can project a holographic map of the entire galaxy and the Lagrange Network.
Beside the projector is the Antonios Consortium's flag, adorned with a Tower of Stars emblem—aside from that, the table is empty. The table seems unremarkable, yet it's been around for hundreds of years, predating the merger between Constantine Construction Group and Antonios Precision Corp. It was at this very table that representatives from Constantine Construction Group and Antonios Precision Corp held lengthy negotiations, where they finally signed the merger memorandum. Upon relocating to the Garden Star System, Antonios Consortium kept this room intact, integrating it as a standalone module into the Tower of Stars.
It struck Andre that the room was missing a touch of green. He silently decided that once everything was over, he'd have the old man personally pick some plants to place in this cold, solemn Strategic Center.
Andre made his way past the long table to stand in front of the porthole, overlooking space. From here, he could see the long corridors of Antontas Ring Harbor stretching out against the silhouette of the Garden Planet. Many civilian ships were departing, their engine flares forming dots of light—a dazzling river heading toward the Garden Stargate, outshining the starry sky. He fully understood Clyde's concern and believed that announcing his plan to head to the City of Dawn himself would spark more objections. It seemed that the Antonios Consortium was relatively stable compared to the loosely organized Terran Sphere Government. On the surface, the Antonios Consortium appeared unbeatable and unified; their impressive military power and indomitable spirit showcased in the Garden Campaign further solidified their position in the galaxy. However, Andre was aware that inside, Antonios Consortium wasn't as stable as outsiders believed; beneath the surface of prosperity and power, there were surging undercurrents.
Antonios had faced two substantial crises in its history. The first crisis happened under Marshal Crux. Emperor Viktor began distrusting them and ordered Antonios Consortium to dispatch a fleet to the Bessel Star System to suppress the rebels—essentially using them to do his dirty work. Whether to comply with the order sparked intense debate within the Antonios Consortium. Board members from the Antonios Precision strongly opposed joining the war. They argued that the Antonios Consortium should take this opportunity to cut ties with the Empire, even suggesting they should immediately side with the Terran Sphere Government to resist the Empire. Meanwhile, the Constantine Construction Group thought Antonios Consortium was powerful enough to stand alone. While they also disagreed with submitting to the Emperor's order to send troops to Bessel, they firmly opposed siding with the Terran Sphere. During the meeting, representatives of both sides had a heated discussion. If not for the influential and shrewd Marshal Crux quelling the dispute and deciding to send troops to Bessel, the Antonios Consortium might have split already.
When the time was right, Lane Carr, who succeeded Marshal Crux as the CEO, made the call to secretly relocate Antonios Consortium headquarters to the Garden Star System. This decision was strongly opposed by the "Returners" back then—they thought it would provoke the Empire and backfire on them. The "Newborns," while supporting the idea of breaking off from the Empire, were against relocating headquarters to the Garden Star System. The reason was simple: at that time, Sacrum Chu Imperium was already using the Garden Stargate, which not only linked directly to the Star Crown System, the core of the Empire but also connected to twenty-three other Stargates—making it the potential new hub. Moreover, the Empire set up a major heavy shipyard in the Garden Star System, leading people to believe that they were building a backup capital there. Ever since the three Imperial Principalities joined forces to shake the Empire to its core (Remark: Rebellion of the Three Imperial Principalities. All three Imperial Principalities united in rebellion, gathering a mighty fleet to advance on the Empire's capital.), they realized that having the Star Crown System as the first-ever Hub Star System created by humanity, connecting hundreds of star systems, was convenient but also meant enemies could reach the core of the Empire quite easily. During the Rebellion of the Three Imperial Principalities, if the Empire and their loyalist armies hadn't timely discovered the rebels' attack route and intercepted them at the Koman Stargate, the rebel fleet could've shown up at the core of the Empire. No doubt, the Emperor was deeply traumatized by this event. Thus, speculation that the Empire wanted to relocate its capital to the Garden Star System seemed legitimate. Unfortunately, with the fall of St. Triumph City, lots of Empire secrets vanished, and that rumor can't be confirmed now.
At the board meeting, when Lane Carr announced relocating Antonios Consortium to the Garden Star System, pretty much everyone was against the idea. It was obvious that if Antonios Consortium went through with it, they'd be turning their back on the Empire entirely. Though the Empire was already at war, it wasn't a force Antonios Consortium could easily take on.
Lane flexed his muscles for the first time—his loyal troops took over the board meeting, and the great relocation plan kicked off. Only when the Antonios pillar had passed through the Stargate did Lane allow the board members to leave. However, Lane's actions enraged the board members, and Antonios was about to face internal turmoil. Ironically, it was the Empire that saved Antonios. In a fit of rage, the Empire dispatched the legendary Marshal Assanes to attack the Garden Star System, sparking a battle that shook the entire galaxy—the Garden Campaign.
After the Garden Campaign, Antonios Consortium truly settled in the Garden Star System, and the Empire could never again reach them. The Garden Campaign was the foundational and rebirth battle for the Antonios Consortium; the moment it ended, Antonios was truly reborn. After six decades of recovery, Antonios Consortium has become something entirely different. With the Empire that could threaten the consortium now gone, the reborn Antonios is deeply rooted in the Garden Star System. Using the Garden Stargate, the Stargate Construction Department has opened several secret routes, expanding its commercial network to more star systems.
As he watched the stars twinkle, Andre clenched his fist. He was confident that Antonios would overcome this crisis, just like before.
Clearly, Clyde hadn't fully caught on to how important this negotiation was. But Andre knew the whole galaxy would be watching—it was about humanity and the galaxy's future. No matter what happened, they'd make history.
Andre felt the negotiations would be long and hard, and he also believed that darkness would pass and dawn would be on the horizon.
