388: Go to the port

“Oh, by the way, comrade Lan An, when can the fleet be picked up?”

Since he hadn't seen his old friends, Li Yang's thoughts turned to his new fleet.

Those starships, which would soon belong to him, were a reward for his outstanding performance in this mission and an important reliance for him to fulfill his future duties. He couldn't wait to bring them under his command.

“Anytime.”

Lan An responded with a smile, her eyes revealing professionalism and competence.

“Please follow me. As for your troops, we will arrange for transport ships to deliver them together, ensuring a smooth handover.”

Lan An knew the importance of these rewards to Li Yang and understood the special nature of this mission, so all arrangements had been made.

“That’s good, let’s go.”

Li Yang's heart was filled with anticipation when he heard this reply.

He waved his hand, leading his entourage, who followed Lan An in an orderly fashion to board the starship.

As the starship slowly started, they sped towards the nearest Imperial Military Department port... As the starship carrying Li Yang gradually approached the Imperial military port, brilliant starlight streamed through the porthole, falling upon his resolute face.

He squinted slightly, looking out the window, and saw a vast, boundless starfield where countless starships were densely parked in their designated positions like stars.

These starships varied in form and size, emitting a cold and powerful metallic luster, like slumbering behemoths, ready to heed the call and rush to the battlefield at any moment.

In the center of this ocean of starships, a colossal spatial structure stood majestically, like a steel fortress floating in the universe, showcasing the Empire's unparalleled technological strength and military foundation.

“This is an important port for the Empire’s starship manufacturing.”

Lan An stood beside Li Yang, introducing softly, her voice steady and professional.

“The Empire's top technology is gathered here, and most of the starships produced here are transported to front-line troops as quickly as possible. Their quality is definitely among the top tier of the Empire's many starships.”

Lan An's words carried a hint of pride.

“So, there are not only galaxy-class here, but also universe class?”

Hearing Lan An's introduction, Li Yang's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but ask.

A galaxy-class starship was already a powerful existence he dreamed of, and a universe class starship was an even higher-tier existence, with performance and combat power far exceeding a galaxy-class.

“Yes, not just universe class.”

Lan An nodded slightly, a hint of recollection in her eyes.

“Even Empire-class starships were produced here, but that was in the past. With the Empire's development and changes in strategic needs, now at most universe class starships are produced here.”

Lan An's explanation gave Li Yang a deeper understanding of the port's historical background.

Soon after, the starship docked smoothly at its designated position.

Lan An led the way, taking Li Yang and his group slowly along the passage into the massive spatial structure.

As Li Yang and his group walked along the corridor, his gaze was inadvertently drawn to a transparent barrier nearby.

Through the crystal-clear barrier, a massive starship hull came into view, currently undergoing an intense manufacturing process.

Countless energy materials were being transported around the hull, and the working lights illuminated the entire production space.

Workers, dressed in special uniforms, operated meticulously at their various stations, their eyes revealing dedication and pride in their work.

“These are the production rooms for super-star class and below starships.”

Lan An casually glanced at the bustling production scene below, saying calmly.

“Let's go, I'll take you to choose a starship that better suits your status and reward specifications.”

With that, she led Li Yang forward, her steps light and firm.

Before long, they arrived at a spacious and bright office.

The office's decor was simple yet grand, with walls adorned with various starship design blueprints and Imperial military honor medals, showcasing the important mission it bore.

“Hello, you must be Comrade Li Yang, right?”

As soon as he stepped into the office, a man in a crisp military uniform immediately rose from behind the desk and quickly approached Li Yang.

His face was beaming with a warm smile, his eyes full of friendliness and respect, and he extended his right hand, taking the initiative to greet him.

Seeing this, Li Yang quickly responded with equally warm and polite demeanor, promptly extending his hand to shake the other's, and said.

“Yes, and you are?”

Li Yang's gaze held a hint of curiosity as he sized up the distinguished man before him.

“I am Mo Ming, the Minister of the Manufacturing and Production Department responsible for starship manufacturing here.”

Mo Ming nodded slightly, introducing himself, his voice loud and strong, conveying the competence and steadiness characteristic of a soldier.

“Minister Mo, it's a pleasure to meet you.”

Li Yang responded with a smile, greeting him while subtly observing the surrounding environment and Mo Ming's demeanor.

He knew that his upcoming conversation with Mo Ming would be crucial for him to select his desired starship.

Li Yang's gaze swept slightly, keenly noticing the gleaming ninth-rank colonel insignia on Minister Mo's epaulets.

A ninth-rank colonel, just one step away from General Officer, such a military rank was already quite prominent in the Imperial army.

And this person before him was merely the Minister of a department in this massive port. While the Manufacturing and Production Department was of utmost importance, it was clear that the highest Person in Charge here must be a General Officer to oversee such a critical and enormous operation.

“I've also heard about your deeds.”

Mo Ming wore a friendly smile, his eyes full of approval.

“The Imperial Military Department's directives have also been clearly conveyed to us here. Regarding starship selection, I'd like to ask you, do you prefer to choose one that has just rolled off the production line, brand new, or do you not mind one with traces of previous use?”

When Mo Ming spoke, his tone was relaxed and casual, as if he were simply engaging in an everyday friendly conversation.

After all, the port they were in had diverse functions.

It not only undertook the task of starship production and manufacturing but also bore the responsibility of repairing and maintaining starships transported back from all corners of the Empire, especially those from the front lines that had endured the ravages of war.