Day 2.
The second refinery tower activated with a steady hum.
Energy reserves climbed past 50%.
Scrap intake was organized.
Processing stabilized.
Drone movement synchronized.
The junkyard no longer felt abandoned.
It felt structured.
Daniel stood inside the Command Node, watching the system panel update.
Two Strategic Summon Cards remained unused.
He exhaled slowly.
"…Snow."
"Yes, System Lord."
"It's time."
He activated the second card.
Light formed at the center of the room.
A tall man materialized, posture straight, expression composed.
Dark uniform.
Embedded tactical interface.
Calm eyes.
He immediately placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head slightly.
"Commander Aris Valen reporting for duty, System Lord."
Daniel nodded once.
"Welcome, Commander."
Aris straightened.
"I stand ready to serve."
Snow projected his data.
Tactical Specialist. Defensive Doctrine. Fleet Structure Planning.
Daniel gestured toward the sector map.
"We are still cleaning Sector 01. No expansion beyond this boundary."
Aris studied the hologram carefully.
"Understood. I recommend internal defensive structure while sanitation continues."
"Not aggressive expansion?"
Aris shook his head respectfully.
"Stability precedes projection of power."
Daniel's lips curved slightly.
"Good answer."
He activated the final summon card.
A softer glow filled the command room.
A woman appeared, silver hair tied neatly back, intelligent eyes scanning her surroundings.
She stepped forward and bowed her head with controlled grace.
"Dr. Lyra Voss, Research Division. I am honored to serve, System Lord."
Daniel inclined his head.
"Welcome, Doctor."
Snow displayed her profile.
Advanced Research Specialist. Reverse Engineering. Energy Systems.
Lyra studied the scrap density map immediately.
"With your permission, I request access to unidentified tech fragments for structured analysis."
Daniel folded his arms.
"Your objective?"
"To ensure no unknown system within this sector activates without our control."
Aris nodded once.
"A precaution I fully support."
Daniel looked between them.
"Good. We're aligned."
He projected the full sanitation plan.
▣ DOMAIN SANITATION PROTOCOL
Phase 1 – Metal RecoveryPhase 2 – Core & Weapon ExtractionPhase 3 – Tech Isolation & AnalysisPhase 4 – Structural Stabilization
Daniel spoke clearly.
"Sector 01 is ours before anything else."
"No uncontrolled debris."
"No hidden reactors."
"No unknown AI."
Aris placed his hand over his chest again.
"Understood. I will design a defensive grid using available drones without compromising production efficiency."
Lyra nodded respectfully.
"I will establish a Tech Isolation Lab. All recovered unknown components will be quarantined and studied under controlled conditions."
Snow added calmly:
"Administrative expansion recommended."
The system panel expanded.
▣ ADMINISTRATION UPDATE
Production Department: Level 2Logistics Department: Level 1Defense Planning Division: ActivatedResearch Division: Activated
Daniel stepped outside with the three of them.
The scrap field rotated in slow silence.
Drones formed neat corridors through debris.
Metal stacks rose in geometric patterns.
Aris observed the organized zone.
"Industrial discipline is improving, System Lord."
Lyra examined a stack of rare alloy fragments.
"The density of advanced materials suggests prior high-tier fleet engagement."
Snow summarized:
"Sector control at 13%. Growth curve stable."
Daniel looked at the cleared portion of space.
"Before the galaxy becomes aware of us…"
He turned to them.
"We make this domain unassailable."
Aris bowed his head slightly.
"As you command."
Lyra did the same.
"We will ensure it, System Lord."
Snow's voice remained steady.
"Council formation complete."
The refinery hummed behind them.
The junkyard was no longer chaos.
It was becoming foundation.
And this was only Day 2.