After the successful weapons test, the new torpedo was mass-produced.
Andrew bought more modules, especially for that purpose alone.
For the next week, the whole empire was preparing for its welcome in the battle-verse.
At this time, Andrew also found a way to increase their readiness, and it turned out to be right in front of him the whole time.
He used some of the money he earned from the market and started buying modules en masse, increasing their production capabilities.
It also helped that the new cruisers were finally ready, and as soon as they left the shipyard, Vulcan started working on another batch.
On the diplomatic front, Tanira's team finally managed to get ahead of all the applications from smaller territories to be annexed by the empire.
There were still some more arriving all the time, but the main tide seemed to be over.
At that point, the Empire spanned over 12,000 light-years in the Andromeda galaxy and not much less in the Milky Way galaxy.
Which was quite a big piece of both galaxies.
Paul was sitting in Tanera's office browsing the market, which had become even busier and more chaotic since the last time he was there.
-I can't believe that they are selling all this stuff for such a low price.
He said as he looked through the list of ships for sale.
-What did you expect?
The elf asked, not even raising her eyes from her holo screen.
-I told you that whenever a new universe is added, everyone is trying to get rid of obsolete ships, and most of the species in the battle-verse do not even consider recycling them.
Moreover, it's not only the ships.
The power armor, technologies, weapons, defenses, and shields.
They are selling everything to make some quick credits before the newcomers are transported, and in most cases destroyed.
-Yeah, you told me, but this is ridiculous.
The human said, as he was looking at an offer of a battleship, which was priced at only ten gold credits.
What's more, it had more firepower than any ship in the imperial navy, and even better shields, but sadly, the offer stated that only a buyer with their research as high as the ship's technology could buy it, and Andrew was nowhere close to having such advanced technology at his disposal.
-Andrew, can you and Tanera come to the command center?
There is something the two of you need to see.
Lanarine's voice interrupted their conversation.
-What is it, Lan?
-You'd better see for yourself, but bring Tanera with you.
Came the answer.
-Let's go, I need a walk after sitting for so long anyway.
The merchant smiled while stretching her body, which was a sight to behold.
Andrew smiled, not believing her words, since he knew that no matter how long she sat in her chair, she would not feel a thing, thanks to the micro massage function built into it.
-What is so important that you called…
The rest of the sentence was left stuck in his throat, once he was what was displayed on the main screen.
It was the asteroid with the alien ship embedded in it, and the alien who wrecked his battle droids, which was the reason for him to establish a no-flight zone around it.
Now there was a message written by using pieces of the asteroid to form letters on a flat surface, where they landed before.
It said: Merchant code : 0073 01 01 38 00 00 37.
-I was scanning the asteroids in that area when I saw this and called you immediately.
Lan explained.
-Do you have any clue what this means?
Andrew turned to the merchant, who didn't even register his words as she stared at the code with wide eyes and her jaw on the floor.
-This can't be true.
She whispered after a moment, it took her to make sure this was not a dream or an illusion.
-Tanera, what's going on?
Andrew asked again, not liking her reaction at all.
She looked at him, slowly turning her head in his direction.
-This is a code known only to the first thousand, and it is used when they request the merchant's guild aid when they are in trouble.
She explained, still in disbelief at what she was looking at.
-Let me guess, since we have seen this code, you need to either report it or go there and help that thing.
Runir said, not happy at all about this situation.
Everyone has seen how that thing took the battle droids down without breaking a sweat, and Andrew set up the no-fly zone there for a reason, not wanting to risk losing ships or drones before the thing ran out of energy.
-How long have you known about this place?
The elf asked.
-A few months ago, our last trip there was less than pleasant, and the area was too dangerous, so we established a no-fly zone around that place.
Andrew explained.
-Well, now I need to go there.
If this code is right, then there are survivors of one of the first hundred species there that need help.
-How do you even read this code?
It looks like a string of random numbers.
Aelita asked, curious about the meaning of these numbers.
-The first four numbers are the species place, in the first thousand ranking, after that the number of ships, followed by how many of the beings are active, the total number of the crew, wounded, dead, and the last two are the number of beings in cryo-sleep.
Tanera explained the meaning of each number.
-Any merchant who sees this code has to abandon whatever they are doing and rush to help however they can, and I'm no exception.
She said and turned to leave, only to be stopped by Andrew.
-That thing attacked us before. Are you sure it won't do the same thing to you?
-You are not merchants, and if you entered the ship, it was most likely defending itself and its crewmates, as I'm sure you would also do in its place.
She answered, pushing past him and hurrying to her ship.
On her way, she sent a message to the guild informing them about the code and her intention to intervene.
The reply came immediately.
-Support will arrive within three hours; proceed with providing any Aid you can till then.
At that moment, she was already on board her vessel, about to undock.
-Tanera, do you want some escorts or medical vessels to accompany you?
Andrew asked through the comms as her ship's engines came to life and she went full burn into the no-flight zone.
-No need.
If any other ship accompanies me, they might perceive it as a threat.
Let me handle this alone, and there should be no problem.
Besides, the support from the guild is on its way, so there is nothing to worry about.
She said with confidence as her ship arrived at the asteroid.