Legacy of the Void Fleet

Maximus cleared his throat slightly before speaking. ”Gentlemen, we can catch up later—after our meeting is concluded. For now, let’s focus on the reason you all have come here and hear what Emperor Wu has in store for us. Shall we?”

The three leaders stopped their conversation, exchanging glances before nodding in agreement.

”Indeed,” David Thomson added. ”Let’s handle the important matters first. As for catching up, we can do that later, as Emperor Maximum suggested.”

Both Emperor Donvas and Emperor Wu agreed without hesitation. With that, they turned toward the grand circular table and took their seats, ready to begin the crucial discussions that awaited them.

As the four leaders took their seats around the grand circular table, Emperor Maximum Maurya shifted his gaze toward Emperor Wu of the Jiang Dynasty. His deep blue eyes held a sharp, calculating look, a silent signal that he expected something significant from this meeting.

Resting his hands on the ancient wooden table, Maximum leaned slightly forward. ”Emperor Wu,” he began, his voice calm yet firm, ”you’ve gathered us here today with the promise of important revelations. The floor is yours—enlighten us.”

The room fell into a tense silence as all eyes turned to Emperor Wu, waiting for him to speak.

Before Emperor Wu could speak, Emperor Donvas of the Bear Empire interjected. ”Why gather here in the Indra Empire instead of your own empire, Emperor Wu? Or even on neutral ground?” He then shifted his gaze toward Emperor Maximum. ”I mean no offense, but I’m simply curious.”

Maximum remained unfazed. ”None taken,” he replied smoothly.

President David Thomson nodded, considering the point. ”A fair question. A gathering of this scale could have been held anywhere, yet we convene in the heart of the Indra Empire. What significance does this place hold for our discussion?” He paused, then added, ”Or is this place somehow related—”

Before he could finish, Emperor Wu crossed his arms and interrupted, his expression unreadable. ”Somehow related to this conference? Is that what you’re asking, President David?” He leaned slightly forward. ”Then let me answer—yes, it is indeed related. And if you all remain silent and allow me to speak, you will soon understand the reason and have your answers.”

His sharp gaze met David’s and then shifted to Emperor Donvas. ”So, I ask you all kindly—stay silent and listen. Understood?”

A brief but heavy silence followed, as the room tensed in anticipation of what would be revealed.

While Emperor Wu’s words carried a domineering tone, bordering on disrespect toward President David and Emperor Donvas, neither openly took offense. Their curiosity about the conference’s true purpose outweighed their irritation.

David remained composed, though his eyes briefly narrowed in response. Donvas, on the other hand, clenched his fists slightly, his expression darkening. He was not one to tolerate being spoken to in such a manner, yet he understood that reacting now would only delay the revelations they had gathered for.

Despite their simmering frustration—especially Donvas—they chose to remain silent, signaling for Wu to continue.

Noticing their silence, Emperor Wu chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

”Good,” he said, leaning back slightly. ”I see you’re all capable of patience when necessary. Now, let’s get to the reason we are here.”

His expression turned serious as he continued, ”What I am about to reveal will change the balance of power in our known space. And the Indra Empire, as you might have suspected, plays a key role in it.”

He let his words settle for a moment, watching the reactions of the other three leaders before proceeding.

Emperor Wu leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. ”As you all know, the Star Fleet arrived here not long ago, and soon after, we formed an alliance with them. However, just two days ago, another fleet arrived—one far larger than the Star Fleet. At first, we all assumed they were reinforcements or another division of the Star Fleet.”

He paused, letting his words settle before continuing. ”But I recently learned—directly from Commander Yu Tong of the Star Fleet—that this new fleet is an entirely different power. They are not part of the Star Fleet, nor are they affiliated with them in any way.”

Wu stopped and observed the reactions around the table. As expected, President David and Emperor Donvas wore stunned expressions, their surprise evident. In contrast, Emperor Maximum remained neutral, his expression unreadable. He had already been briefed on this matter beforehand, so this revelation was no surprise to him.

President David, still processing the information, leaned forward. ”Wait... you’re saying this fleet has no connection to the Star Fleet? They’re an entirely different force?” His voice carried a mix of astonishment and concern.

Emperor Donvas of the Bear Empire, visibly agitated, interjected, ”What the hell is going on here? First, the Star Fleet arrives a few months ago, and now this unknown fleet appears. Is this a coincidence? If so, I don’t agree with that. And don’t tell me they wish to ally with the Indra Empire—that’s why you’ve gathered us here, isn’t it?”

His words came out sharp, laced with frustration rather than true accusation. He hadn’t meant it literally, but the weight of the situation and the lack of clear answers were pushing his patience.

As soon as the words left his mouth, both Emperor Wu and Emperor Maximum exchanged brief yet telling expressions—ones that did not go unnoticed by President David and Donvas himself. The Bear Emperor’s mouth twitched slightly before he muttered, ”It… it can’t be true, could it, Emperor Wu?”

Wu let out a quiet sigh before replying, his tone measured. ”I understand your concerns, Emperor Donvas. The timing of these events is indeed unusual but let me assure you—while this gathering is partly related to an alliance, it is not solely for the Indra Empire. Yes, the topic of alliances will be discussed, but more importantly, we are here to analyze the implications of this new fleet’s arrival.”

President David leaned forward, his expression serious. ”Emperor Wu, can you provide more details about this new fleet? What do we know about their intentions and capabilities?”

Emperor Wu nodded. ”According to Commander Yu Tong of the Void Fleet, this new fleet is a separate entity and goes by the name ’Void Fleet.’ And, like the Star Fleet, they are of our race.”

He paused for a moment, letting that fact settle in before continuing. ”As for their purpose, Commander Yu Tong told me that they hope to establish mutual cooperation with Earth’s major powers—specifically, your nations.”

As he said those last words, his gaze moved between President David and Emperor Donvas before settling on Emperor Maximum, lingering on him longer than the others. Then, with a subtle nod, he reaffirmed his statement.

The reaction from the three leaders was almost identical. Each of them had already witnessed the immense benefits of cooperation between the Jiang Dynasty and the Star Fleet—advanced technology, economic boosts, and strengthened military capabilities. If a similar or even better opportunity was on the table, none of them wanted to be left behind. Excitement flickered in their expressions, though each masked it with a diplomatic front.

David leaned forward slightly, a thoughtful yet intrigued look on his face. ”Mutual cooperation, huh?”

The Bear Emperor, unable to contain his curiosity, asked with enthusiasm, ”How did they suddenly appear? Did the Star Fleet say anything about them?” He then narrowed his gaze slightly. ”And about this mutual cooperation… do you have any details? What kind of cooperation are they proposing?”

”About that…” Emperor Wu said, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. ”How they appeared, I do not know. Commander Yu Tong only mentioned that they would first establish contact with…”

He turned his gaze toward Emperor Maximum. ”With the Indra Empire first.”

Then, shifting his attention back to President David and Emperor Donvas, he continued, ”As for your nations, the Void Fleet intends to reach out to you directly. They will inform you of their intentions themselves.”

David and Donvas exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued but also slightly wary.

”As for the details of the cooperation,” Wu added, ”I don’t have that information with me. Those specifics will be shared by the Void Fleet representatives in due time. However, I can assure you—” he paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, ”—that you won’t have to wait long. They will approach you all soon enough.”

Emperor Wu’s expression turned serious as he leaned forward slightly.

”But there are more important matters for which I called this meeting.”

His words immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room. The initial excitement and curiosity about the Void Fleet were momentarily set aside as the three leaders focused on him with renewed attention.

Emperor Maximum narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent, waiting for Wu to continue. President David rested his hands on the table, his posture now more formal. Emperor Donvas, though still intrigued by the Void Fleet, nodded, signaling for Wu to go on.

Taking a deep breath, Emperor Wu continued, ”The Void Fleet’s arrival is significant, and they have made a request to the Star Fleet—one that has been forwarded to me by Commander Yu Tong. The Void Fleet wishes for their presence to be introduced to Earth through us while ensuring that no negative incidents occur, as happened with the Star Fleet before.”

He paused, scanning the faces of the other leaders. ”This is the reason I have called you all here. My empire could have handled this alone, but having—”