Chapter 709 Preparations for the Meeting

Chapter 709 Preparations for the Meeting

Imperial Space Agency.

“So, if they intend to stop, it should be within the next two months,” Dr. Musa Aminu, the head of the ISA, said while reviewing the latest observation data.

Over the past five years, the empire’s advancements in observation technology, combined with their rapid production and deployment capabilities, had allowed them to gather increasingly detailed information on the approaching visitors. Now, with precise calculations and high observational fidelity, they could pinpoint the exact region where the visitors were likely to pass through.

However, there was a limit to the current mana-based observation technology. The approaching vessel continuously emitted mana, and when combined with the ambient mana present in the void between heliosphere-protected star systems, this made it impossible to capture a detailed image of the vessel. As a result, they would have to rely on visual observation when the vessel came closer to gather more precise details.

"Are we really just going to sit back and let them do whatever they want while we watch?" one of the attending scientists asked Dr. Musa.

Dr. Musa replied, "That's not my call to make. My responsibility is to report this to the emperor during the upcoming Imperial Council meeting. He will decide what course of action we take." He paused briefly before continuing, "However, if you have any suggestions for how we should handle this, now is the time to share them. I'll present them to the emperor to provide him with options." He opened the floor, inviting suggestions from the group.

With the stage now open, members of the Imperial Space Agency began offering their suggestions one after another. Ideas were discussed openly, with participants debating their merits without concern for how foolish any might seem. After all, it would only be the Agency head and vice heads who would ultimately report to the emperor, not them. This environment allowed for creative, sometimes unconventional proposals, as everyone was focused on exploring every possibility, knowing that the final decision lay with higher authorities.

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"They have no idea we’re here," whispered one of the junior officers, awe in his voice as their ship crept closer and closer to the ship whilst in stealth mode.

But then, something changed.

A pulse came from the alien ship, and a sudden, inexplicable wave of energy washed over their ship. The lights flickered. Instruments went haywire.

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Aron was seated in his office, which remained in the same temporary cube as the construction of the new imperial palace had only begun a few months ago. Given the project's scale, it would take several years to complete.

“Brother, why did you call for me?” Henry asked as he entered the room. At eighteen, Henry had grown noticeably taller and was beginning to resemble a younger version of Aron, with his recent growth spurt marking his transition into adolescence.

“I’ve called you because now that you’re eighteen and considered an adult, it’s time for you to start familiarizing yourself with the workings of the government. You’ll be attending the Imperial Council meeting with me,” Aron explained, gesturing to the stack of papers in his hands.

The papers were made from nanomachines, which allowed them to function like holograms while still providing the tactile feel of paper.

“Brother, you’re going to be around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Can’t I just focus on what I love? Plus, you could always have a child to take my place if needed. I really don’t want to deal with government matters,” Henry said, his expression serious about his reluctance to assume a political role.

Aron listened to Henry’s response with an understanding expression before asking, “So, you don’t want to take my place in the future?”

“Not really. Why tie myself down with such responsibilities when I could be doing what I love?” Henry replied.

“I understand your reluctance. However, as the only direct heir and the current crown prince, it’s important for you to at least attend this meeting and see how things are handled. You can decide later if you want to continue in this role or not,” Aron said, making it clear he wasn’t trying to force Henry into a position he wasn’t comfortable with. There was no urgency; he wanted Henry to be informed and prepared, but the choice was ultimately his.

“Okay, I’ll attend, but I don’t need to prepare anything to speak, right?” Henry asked, wanting to know if he needed to be ready to say anything.

“No, unless you have a suggestion or something specific to discuss, you won’t need to speak. You’ll mostly be observing,” Aron replied, reassuring him.

While the opportunity for Henry to learn was a significant reason for his attendance, this particular meeting was set to address a crucial issue. Aron wanted Henry to be present not only to gain insights but also to be fully informed about the important matters at hand. Understanding these key issues would help Henry make an informed decision about his future role, as knowledge and context often influence our choices.