Two weeks went by in a flash, and the space dock was ready and operational.
Without delay, it started producing the first parts of Atlantis, while Vulcan started making another dock to speed things up.
After the AI consulted with the engineers and the resource procurement teams, it turned out that there were more than enough materials available, since every system master was constantly increasing their mining operations.
Earth still had millions, if not billions, of tons of trash and waste that could be turned into materials.
Not to mention all the systems with materials they found in the part of the battleverse they were sent to.
At the same time, Vulcan was busy making a fleet of cargo ships and tankers that would be needed to supply the construction efforts.
Andrew was watching the progress on the first section of the frame.
-I still barely believe that we have already started working on Atlantis.
His thoughts were interrupted by incoming communications.
-Andrew, we might have a problem here.
Theresa said as soon as the connection was established.
-What's going on? What kind of problem?
He asked, seeing that she was quite nervous.
-A wormhole forms right outside the Sol system, and the energy signature is unlike anything in our database.
She answered, switching the view so that he could see a massive wormhole starting to stabilize.
It was enormous, easily ten times larger than the ones they saw during the invasion.
-I'm sending Arien and the whole second fleet as a backup, but if at all possible, I would like to avoid a conflict with whoever comes through this thing.
He said, immediately sending the orders for Arien's fleet to move out.
It would take around six hours for them to arrive, but the good news was that they didn't need to go through a wormhole to get there now, since the territory was merged into one when they were transferred.
-Thank you, I also ordered the people on Earth to prepare for evacuation, just to be on the safe side.
Theresa said.
-Good thinking, you should also contact Undine to give her a heads up.
-I already did, and she is coming here with every ship she can spare.
-Let's hope that they are not enemies.
Andrew said, really hoping that was the case, because they were not ready to deal with any of the older species from the battleverse.
The wormhole stabilized three hours later.
By that time, Undine had arrived with over a thousand vessels, ranging from corvettes to cruisers.
Added to Sol's own defense fleet of three thousand ships made quite an armada, which was supplemented by defense satellites and mines, dropped by Theresa's ships.
Their formation was defensive, with mines and satellites in the first line and the ships arranged into a semicircle behind them, giving them a clear field of fire at whoever was coming.
Arien's fleet of six thousand warships was still only half way there, and the defense fleet was determined to hold the line until they got there.
For the next two hours, there was no activity at the wormhole, which was nerve wrecking, but no one complained, as this was giving the second fleet the time they needed to arrive.
-Andrew, I think we should send a probe or a scout drone to see what's on the other side.
Undine, said as she was reporting the lack of activity at the wormhole.
-We might do so, if there is no one coming, but wait with that until Arien arrives, just to be safe.
Andrew said, as puzzled as everyone else at the lack of activity, since opening such a massive wormhole would require a massive amount of power, and no one in their right mind expends so much resources for nothing.
-We have incoming objects from the wormhole.
A sensor technician on board of Undine's vessel reported, just as Andrew finished speaking.
-Report.
Undine turned to the display.
-Six unidentified vessels.
Their size suggests Frigate class ships.
The energy from the wormhole prevents us from getting more information at the moment.
The technician reported.
-Shields up, weapons at the ready, but hold fire for now.
Andrew ordered over the comms.
Undine relayed his orders immediately and in less than a minute the whole fleet was ready for battle.
-We are being hailed.
The comms officer said, right as undine was about to give the order to hail the incoming ships.
-On screen.
She said, hoping that this was not a prelude to a massive invasion.
-This is Captain Midori Yuki of the Imperial Japanese Navy, please come in.
A japanese woman in her late twenties judging from her look spoke, repeating the sentence every few seconds.
-Open a channel.
Undine said.
-Wait!
Theresa, stopped her.
-Let me do the talking.
Since she is a human, then it should be easier if she sees another human.
She explained.
Undine agreed and so did Andrew.
-This is Theresa Moore, the system master of the Sol system.
She introduced herself.
-Captain Midori, what is your purpose in coming here?
She asked, though she had a pretty good idea about the reason.
-You're a Human?
The Japanese captain said as soon as she saw her face on the screen.
-Yes, I am.
-That makes things easier.
The Empire of Japan wishes to reclaim Earth, so if you're willing to join us, then it would be preferable.
-Sorry to tell you this, but the whole Sol system is the territory of the Lantean Empire, which I'm a part of, so I can't accept your offer.
However, if you wish to join our empire or start diplomatic relations, I'm sure that the emperor will be more than happy to oblige you.
-System master, I think you misunderstood something here.
Captain Midori said, with amusement.
-I am giving you a chance to join us and solve this peacefully, before we use force to remove you.
Her tone became colder.
-It seems that it is you who misunderstood captain.
Theresa answered with a smile as her sensors showed Arien's fleet only twenty minutes out.
-The only way for you to go to Earth is for you to get permission from the Emperor.
So instead of threatening me, you might want to send a diplomat to discuss this matter with his majesty.
Or you can bring the fleet that's waiting on the other side and see if you have the ability to force your way through.
Theresa said, with calm confidence, which seemed to confuse the Japanese captain, who was not as confident as she seemed, considering the armada stationed at the wormhole's exit, which she was sure would decimate the IJN the moment they tried to force their way through.