Chapter 42: 42
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A month passed by in a flash and every Celestial suddenly had access to the galactic net. Production dropped significantly as there was what seemed like an infinite amount of new knowledge introduced into their lives.
One beneficial fact was that the Celestials were open minded to new ideas and adopted many new business models and techniques into their subdivisions. Several Celestial woman had fallen pregnant too now that the Celestial base had become safer and they had settled into their new lives.
The rate of pregnancy was significantly low though, something Mazur had once speculated. The advancement didn't particularly lower fertility, but the proliferation of the race would take longer due to their superior biological structure.
"Firebug," Ivan said in annoyance, nudging the Four-Eyed Devil Lion who he nicknamed Firebug due to its ability to set everything on fire. "Why are you still lazing around? Go out and do your job."
Flintlock, the actual name Ivan gave the devil lion, looked up at Ivan and rolled its eyes at him, a trick it learnt from other Celestials with its keen observation, before lying its head back down on the ground.
Ivan felt his blood pressure rise as a vein protruded from his temple. He pulled his foot back and kicked, but Flintlock sensed it ahead of time and jumped out of the way, returning a mocking look.
"Fine, if you're not going to work, you're coming with me, we are heading into the Federation's territory. Get a move on."
Ivan calmed down and commanded Flintlock who finally listened. The devil lion often took a rebellious stance against Ivan but would still listen in the end. Instead, it seemed to just find amusement in taunting him.
Flintlock's normal role in the Celestial community was to patrol the surroundings with the guards and communicate with nearby four-dimensional beasts. If possible, Ivan wanted some more to work for him, but it seemed impossible as they only time they were all selfish and would only join with others when facing a formidable foe. At least Flintlock still maintained friendly relations with them, so they wouldn't try and attack the Celestials for no reason.
"Iris, is my ship ready?" Ivan asked as he led Flintlock outside of his office.
Iris looked up from a pile of papers with her stunning gold-colored eyes. "Yes, dear, the Kraken is ready to depart. Brenton from the Food Research Subdivision proposed a small team to also join, so that they can gain experience while providing meals for everyone."
"Brenton? That former celebrity chef who was famous for nitpicking every single detail of a dish? He definitely wants more than that, what else is there?"
"Well, he did suggest that if his cooks have some free time, he wants them to go and study famous restaurants, study their techniques and dishes, even if they have to force their way into the kitchens."
"Not like any restaurant could keep them off, that subdivion is already filled with countless connoisseurs, there isn't enough funding to allow them to recklessly waste food on research. How are their restaurants going?"
"They have opened ten restaurants in the headquarters so far, five more outside near the industrial district. The profits are good, and a large number of Celestials enjoy frequenting their restaurants for food."
Ivan nodded his head in understanding. The trailblazers of each occupation, particularly those which are new and interesting, have always been major successes.
Valeria immediately departed her office and Iris was about to tidy up and follow, but Ivan held up his hand and stopped her.
"You're needed here, Iris. Senior Executive Margold is still residing on the Vulpes homeworld, and I must go on business, so the only one who can make the key decisions for the company are you. There are no others who have been chosen to take on the Senior Executive role as of yet."
Iris had a hurt expression as she implored, "Valeria can stay behind and look after things, I can still go. I'm not ready to make company decisions yet."
"You've been studying all of this under me Iris, you have the capability. Have a little more confidence."
Iris looked like she was about to start tearing up and pressed herself against Ivan, her hands running along his chest softly.
Ivan's smile was slightly chilly as he asked, "So why do you want come with me so bad?"
"I will be concerned for you safety too much if I'm not wi-"
"You want to see a Federation planet, don't you?" Ivan cut off Iris, who froze momentarily before nodding slightly with her face in his chest.
"Look after the company, I will be back in less than a month." Ivan said bluntly and ignored Iris' discontent expression. "When there are other Senior Executives who can take over this role then it will be fine."
Iris sat back down at her desk but wasn't in the mood to work and sat with her face on the desk, he hair messily sprawled on the desk around her.
Ivan knew she would be over it shortly and left with Valeria in toe, who looked back at Iris with her amber eyes, trying to understand why she wanted to see a Federation planet so badly when there were countless photos of them on the galactic web.
*****
"So this is the Kraken," Ivan commented looking at the enormous four-dimensional ship docked in a factory on the outskirts of the industrial district.
The SSS Kraken II was a pitch black spaceship with gold detailing. It was similar to the Osiris in design shape, but the armor plating it had was much longer and sharper. Using the ship itself as a bulldozer would simply tear apart any mutant beast that got in its way.
It was about the same size as a Federation Destroyer, but the latter would never win a contest of might. The large number of standard energy cannons would do the job, let alone the Gatling energy laser which can be deployed from the base of the ship, or the four main Hyperion Ray Cannons attached to semi rotatable arms on the ship, just one of which would make the Federation Flagship's Hawking Elementary Cannon look like a water pistol.
"How are the stock?" Ivan asked a Celestial logistics officer who was counting the crates in the ship's hanger one more time before departing.
"President, producing these have become too easy with our new production line. We were limited by materials at this moment, but there are a total of twenty thousand SubNet tablets produced and placed into the ship's hanger. All shop props and food in storage are accounted for as well."
"Ah, that's right isn't it, the SubNet is the network spreading out across subspace, while the Celestial Network is the internal network for Celestial Trade and the Celestials exclusively, although the two are connected."
"Yes, President," the Celestial logistics officer bowed in salute.
"Are the crew ready?"
"I am unaware, President, my role is just to ensure the cargo is correct and accurately recorded in the database."
Ivan nodded in understanding and said, "You are doing excellent work, carry on."
The Celestial logistics officer became exaggeratingly excited after receiving pride from Ivan and began to work twice as hard. Ivan had some concerns that the rush may cause him to make mistakes, but decided in the end to leave him be.
"Valeria, are you aware if the crew are all present?" Ivan asked the girl silently following beside him, always behind one step like a seasoned veteran.
"Yes. 200 Celestials women fitting the criteria of young, pretty, and excellent communication skills have been chosen out of the candidates to become sales representatives. 2000 security guards are to come along on this journey to cover for any unexpected situations. All other cooks and service personnel are accounted for and have already boarded the Kraken."
Ivan wanted to tell her, 'if you knew originally, why didn't you say anything!?' but thought otherwise in the end and left it be.
Ivan lead Valeria as the two flew through subspace and entered the Kraken's portside door before sealing it. The inside of the ship was lit be glowing blue lights which flowed like a neon lamp. The Celestials on board all had their own uniforms, from the security guard to even the saleswomen, each tailored to their specific job. Ivan was the only one out in his unique formal wear like a local tycoon.
For the first time in a long time, Ivan sat in the captain's chair and began ordering:
"Start up all main systems and subspace thrusters. Conduct systems checking."
"All systems green, President."
"They better be, the Kraken is brand new. Open all energy circuits, direct 10% power to thrusters."
"The Kraken is now departing, open factory reclining roof."
"The ship is now in the clear, President."
"Release subspace impact dampers, full speed toward Planet Lorres III."
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A month passed by in a flash and every Celestial suddenly had access to the galactic net. Production dropped significantly as there was what seemed like an infinite amount of new knowledge introduced into their lives.
One beneficial fact was that the Celestials were open minded to new ideas and adopted many new business models and techniques into their subdivisions. Several Celestial woman had fallen pregnant too now that the Celestial base had become safer and they had settled into their new lives.
The rate of pregnancy was significantly low though, something Mazur had once speculated. The advancement didn't particularly lower fertility, but the proliferation of the race would take longer due to their superior biological structure.
"Firebug," Ivan said in annoyance, nudging the Four-Eyed Devil Lion who he nicknamed Firebug due to its ability to set everything on fire. "Why are you still lazing around? Go out and do your job."
Flintlock, the actual name Ivan gave the devil lion, looked up at Ivan and rolled its eyes at him, a trick it learnt from other Celestials with its keen observation, before lying its head back down on the ground.
Ivan felt his blood pressure rise as a vein protruded from his temple. He pulled his foot back and kicked, but Flintlock sensed it ahead of time and jumped out of the way, returning a mocking look.
"Fine, if you're not going to work, you're coming with me, we are heading into the Federation's territory. Get a move on."
Ivan calmed down and commanded Flintlock who finally listened. The devil lion often took a rebellious stance against Ivan but would still listen in the end. Instead, it seemed to just find amusement in taunting him.
Flintlock's normal role in the Celestial community was to patrol the surroundings with the guards and communicate with nearby four-dimensional beasts. If possible, Ivan wanted some more to work for him, but it seemed impossible as they only time they were all selfish and would only join with others when facing a formidable foe. At least Flintlock still maintained friendly relations with them, so they wouldn't try and attack the Celestials for no reason.
"Iris, is my ship ready?" Ivan asked as he led Flintlock outside of his office.
Iris looked up from a pile of papers with her stunning gold-colored eyes. "Yes, dear, the Kraken is ready to depart. Brenton from the Food Research Subdivision proposed a small team to also join, so that they can gain experience while providing meals for everyone."
"Brenton? That former celebrity chef who was famous for nitpicking every single detail of a dish? He definitely wants more than that, what else is there?"
"Well, he did suggest that if his cooks have some free time, he wants them to go and study famous restaurants, study their techniques and dishes, even if they have to force their way into the kitchens."
"Not like any restaurant could keep them off, that subdivion is already filled with countless connoisseurs, there isn't enough funding to allow them to recklessly waste food on research. How are their restaurants going?"
"They have opened ten restaurants in the headquarters so far, five more outside near the industrial district. The profits are good, and a large number of Celestials enjoy frequenting their restaurants for food."
Ivan nodded his head in understanding. The trailblazers of each occupation, particularly those which are new and interesting, have always been major successes.
Valeria immediately departed her office and Iris was about to tidy up and follow, but Ivan held up his hand and stopped her.
"You're needed here, Iris. Senior Executive Margold is still residing on the Vulpes homeworld, and I must go on business, so the only one who can make the key decisions for the company are you. There are no others who have been chosen to take on the Senior Executive role as of yet."
Iris had a hurt expression as she implored, "Valeria can stay behind and look after things, I can still go. I'm not ready to make company decisions yet."
"You've been studying all of this under me Iris, you have the capability. Have a little more confidence."
Iris looked like she was about to start tearing up and pressed herself against Ivan, her hands running along his chest softly.
Ivan's smile was slightly chilly as he asked, "So why do you want come with me so bad?"
"I will be concerned for you safety too much if I'm not wi-"
"You want to see a Federation planet, don't you?" Ivan cut off Iris, who froze momentarily before nodding slightly with her face in his chest.
"Look after the company, I will be back in less than a month." Ivan said bluntly and ignored Iris' discontent expression. "When there are other Senior Executives who can take over this role then it will be fine."
Iris sat back down at her desk but wasn't in the mood to work and sat with her face on the desk, he hair messily sprawled on the desk around her.
Ivan knew she would be over it shortly and left with Valeria in toe, who looked back at Iris with her amber eyes, trying to understand why she wanted to see a Federation planet so badly when there were countless photos of them on the galactic web.
*****
"So this is the Kraken," Ivan commented looking at the enormous four-dimensional ship docked in a factory on the outskirts of the industrial district.
The SSS Kraken II was a pitch black spaceship with gold detailing. It was similar to the Osiris in design shape, but the armor plating it had was much longer and sharper. Using the ship itself as a bulldozer would simply tear apart any mutant beast that got in its way.
It was about the same size as a Federation Destroyer, but the latter would never win a contest of might. The large number of standard energy cannons would do the job, let alone the Gatling energy laser which can be deployed from the base of the ship, or the four main Hyperion Ray Cannons attached to semi rotatable arms on the ship, just one of which would make the Federation Flagship's Hawking Elementary Cannon look like a water pistol.
"How are the stock?" Ivan asked a Celestial logistics officer who was counting the crates in the ship's hanger one more time before departing.
"President, producing these have become too easy with our new production line. We were limited by materials at this moment, but there are a total of twenty thousand SubNet tablets produced and placed into the ship's hanger. All shop props and food in storage are accounted for as well."
"Ah, that's right isn't it, the SubNet is the network spreading out across subspace, while the Celestial Network is the internal network for Celestial Trade and the Celestials exclusively, although the two are connected."
"Yes, President," the Celestial logistics officer bowed in salute.
"Are the crew ready?"
"I am unaware, President, my role is just to ensure the cargo is correct and accurately recorded in the database."
Ivan nodded in understanding and said, "You are doing excellent work, carry on."
The Celestial logistics officer became exaggeratingly excited after receiving pride from Ivan and began to work twice as hard. Ivan had some concerns that the rush may cause him to make mistakes, but decided in the end to leave him be.
"Valeria, are you aware if the crew are all present?" Ivan asked the girl silently following beside him, always behind one step like a seasoned veteran.
"Yes. 200 Celestials women fitting the criteria of young, pretty, and excellent communication skills have been chosen out of the candidates to become sales representatives. 2000 security guards are to come along on this journey to cover for any unexpected situations. All other cooks and service personnel are accounted for and have already boarded the Kraken."
Ivan wanted to tell her, 'if you knew originally, why didn't you say anything!?' but thought otherwise in the end and left it be.
Ivan lead Valeria as the two flew through subspace and entered the Kraken's portside door before sealing it. The inside of the ship was lit be glowing blue lights which flowed like a neon lamp. The Celestials on board all had their own uniforms, from the security guard to even the saleswomen, each tailored to their specific job. Ivan was the only one out in his unique formal wear like a local tycoon.
For the first time in a long time, Ivan sat in the captain's chair and began ordering:
"Start up all main systems and subspace thrusters. Conduct systems checking."
"All systems green, President."
"They better be, the Kraken is brand new. Open all energy circuits, direct 10% power to thrusters."
"The Kraken is now departing, open factory reclining roof."
"The ship is now in the clear, President."
"Release subspace impact dampers, full speed toward Planet Lorres III."
A month passed by in a flash and every Celestial suddenly had access to the galactic net. Production dropped significantly as there was what seemed like an infinite amount of new knowledge introduced into their lives.One beneficial fact was that the Celestials were open minded to new ideas and adopted many new business models and techniques into their subdivisions. Several Celestial woman had fallen pregnant too now that the Celestial base had become safer and they had settled into their new lives.The rate of pregnancy was significantly low though, something Mazur had once speculated. The advancement didn't particularly lower fertility, but the proliferation of the race would take longer due to their superior biological structure."Firebug," Ivan said in annoyance, nudging the Four-Eyed Devil Lion who he nicknamed Firebug due to its ability to set everything on fire. "Why are you still lazing around? Go out and do your job."Flintlock, the actual name Ivan gave the devil lion, looked up at Ivan and rolled its eyes at him, a trick it learnt from other Celestials with its keen observation, before lying its head back down on the ground.Ivan felt his blood pressure rise as a vein protruded from his temple. He pulled his foot back and kicked, but Flintlock sensed it ahead of time and jumped out of the way, returning a mocking look."Fine, if you're not going to work, you're coming with me, we are heading into the Federation's territory. Get a move on."Ivan calmed down and commanded Flintlock who finally listened. The devil lion often took a rebellious stance against Ivan but would still listen in the end. Instead, it seemed to just find amusement in taunting him.Flintlock's normal role in the Celestial community was to patrol the surroundings with the guards and communicate with nearby four-dimensional beasts. If possible, Ivan wanted some more to work for him, but it seemed impossible as they only time they were all selfish and would only join with others when facing a formidable foe. At least Flintlock still maintained friendly relations with them, so they wouldn't try and attack the Celestials for no reason."Iris, is my ship ready?" Ivan asked as he led Flintlock outside of his office.Iris looked up from a pile of papers with her stunning gold-colored eyes. "Yes, dear, the Kraken is ready to depart. Brenton from the Food Research Subdivision proposed a small team to also join, so that they can gain experience while providing meals for everyone.""Brenton? That former celebrity chef who was famous for nitpicking every single detail of a dish? He definitely wants more than that, what else is there?""Well, he did suggest that if his cooks have some free time, he wants them to go and study famous restaurants, study their techniques and dishes, even if they have to force their way into the kitchens.""Not like any restaurant could keep them off, that subdivion is already filled with countless connoisseurs, there isn't enough funding to allow them to recklessly waste food on research. How are their restaurants going?""They have opened ten restaurants in the headquarters so far, five more outside near the industrial district. The profits are good, and a large number of Celestials enjoy frequenting their restaurants for food."Ivan nodded his head in understanding. The trailblazers of each occupation, particularly those which are new and interesting, have always been major successes.Valeria immediately departed her office and Iris was about to tidy up and follow, but Ivan held up his hand and stopped her."You're needed here, Iris. Senior Executive Margold is still residing on the Vulpes homeworld, and I must go on business, so the only one who can make the key decisions for the company are you. There are no others who have been chosen to take on the Senior Executive role as of yet."Iris had a hurt expression as she implored, "Valeria can stay behind and look after things, I can still go. I'm not ready to make company decisions yet.""You've been studying all of this under me Iris, you have the capability. Have a little more confidence."Iris looked like she was about to start tearing up and pressed herself against Ivan, her hands running along his chest softly.Ivan's smile was slightly chilly as he asked, "So why do you want come with me so bad?""I will be concerned for you safety too much if I'm not wi-""You want to see a Federation planet, don't you?" Ivan cut off Iris, who froze momentarily before nodding slightly with her face in his chest."Look after the company, I will be back in less than a month." Ivan said bluntly and ignored Iris' discontent expression. "When there are other Senior Executives who can take over this role then it will be fine."Iris sat back down at her desk but wasn't in the mood to work and sat with her face on the desk, he hair messily sprawled on the desk around her.Ivan knew she would be over it shortly and left with Valeria in toe, who looked back at Iris with her amber eyes, trying to understand why she wanted to see a Federation planet so badly when there were countless photos of them on the galactic web.*****"So this is the Kraken," Ivan commented looking at the enormous four-dimensional ship docked in a factory on the outskirts of the industrial district.The SSS Kraken II was a pitch black spaceship with gold detailing. It was similar to the Osiris in design shape, but the armor plating it had was much longer and sharper. Using the ship itself as a bulldozer would simply tear apart any mutant beast that got in its way.It was about the same size as a Federation Destroyer, but the latter would never win a contest of might. The large number of standard energy cannons would do the job, let alone the Gatling energy laser which can be deployed from the base of the ship, or the four main Hyperion Ray Cannons attached to semi rotatable arms on the ship, just one of which would make the Federation Flagship's Hawking Elementary Cannon look like a water pistol."How are the stock?" Ivan asked a Celestial logistics officer who was counting the crates in the ship's hanger one more time before departing."President, producing these have become too easy with our new production line. We were limited by materials at this moment, but there are a total of twenty thousand SubNet tablets produced and placed into the ship's hanger. All shop props and food in storage are accounted for as well.""Ah, that's right isn't it, the SubNet is the network spreading out across subspace, while the Celestial Network is the internal network for Celestial Trade and the Celestials exclusively, although the two are connected.""Yes, President," the Celestial logistics officer bowed in salute."Are the crew ready?""I am unaware, President, my role is just to ensure the cargo is correct and accurately recorded in the database."Ivan nodded in understanding and said, "You are doing excellent work, carry on."The Celestial logistics officer became exaggeratingly excited after receiving pride from Ivan and began to work twice as hard. Ivan had some concerns that the rush may cause him to make mistakes, but decided in the end to leave him be."Valeria, are you aware if the crew are all present?" Ivan asked the girl silently following beside him, always behind one step like a seasoned veteran."Yes. 200 Celestials women fitting the criteria of young, pretty, and excellent communication skills have been chosen out of the candidates to become sales representatives. 2000 security guards are to come along on this journey to cover for any unexpected situations. All other cooks and service personnel are accounted for and have already boarded the Kraken."Ivan wanted to tell her, 'if you knew originally, why didn't you say anything!?' but thought otherwise in the end and left it be.Ivan lead Valeria as the two flew through subspace and entered the Kraken's portside door before sealing it. The inside of the ship was lit be glowing blue lights which flowed like a neon lamp. The Celestials on board all had their own uniforms, from the security guard to even the saleswomen, each tailored to their specific job. Ivan was the only one out in his unique formal wear like a local tycoon.For the first time in a long time, Ivan sat in the captain's chair and began ordering:"Start up all main systems and subspace thrusters. Conduct systems checking.""All systems green, President.""They better be, the Kraken is brand new. Open all energy circuits, direct 10% power to thrusters.""The Kraken is now departing, open factory reclining roof.""The ship is now in the clear, President.""Release subspace impact dampers, full speed toward Planet Lorres III."
