The hours that followed were not of combat, but of wariness and stealth. Even with over a million energy points in reserve, Julius was not reckless. His nuclear demonstration had subdued the local predators, but he could feel their glowing eyes from the shadows, waiting for a lapse.
He moved towards the coordinates provided by the System, his M-55 on his shoulder and the Gauss at his hip. Every step in his new body was sure, every sense heightened. The neural enhancements allowed him to perceive his surroundings with uncanny acuity: the scrape of a claw on rock fifty meters away, the raspy breath of a hidden beast.
And then he saw it.
A mountain. Or rather, the remains of an ancient mountain range, eroded to the bone by acidic winds. It stood dark and imposing, a natural fortress. As he neared, the System confirmed his intuition.
< Geological analysis: High concentration of ferrous minerals and precious metals detected. Ideal composition for Terran fabrication processes.>
< Detection of a primary cavern with a narrow, easily defensible entrance. Depth: unknown. Biological signatures: Negligible.>
"Perfect," Julius murmured.
The cavern entrance was a V-shaped fissure in the rock face, no more than three meters wide. A perfect choke point. Nothing large could enter without exposing itself to concentrated fire.
He slipped inside, weapon ready. The tunnel sloped gently down for twenty meters before opening into a vast cavern. The air was cool and dry, lit only by the ghostly blue glow of bioluminescent moss on the walls. The space was immense, large enough to hold several buildings. At the rear, veins of raw ore glittered, a promise of resources.
It was ideal. A natural, defensible shelter with the necessary raw materials.
"Here," he announced to the System. "This is where we build."
< Location confirmed. Deployment of [Terran Barracks] requires 300 energy units and 500 units of minerals. Proceed?>
"Do it."
The process wasn't instantaneous. A beam of blue light shot from the cavern floor, scanning the area with a deep hum. The rock itself seemed to liquefy and reorganize. Plates of raw, riveted steel erupted from the ground, interlocking with a deafening metallic clamor. Cables as thick as his arm snaked from the walls to connect to the nascent structure. Red lights blinked to life, a reassuring sight.
In under two minutes, where there had been only stone, now stood Julius's base of operations.
The Terran Barracks was more massive than he'd imagined. A low, stocky building of military gray steel, topped with a slowly rotating radar dome. A heavy armored door, wide enough for a man in powered armor, was sealed on its front. A touchscreen on the side displayed diagnostic data.
Julius approached, his heart pounding. This was the first stone of his empire in exile. Tangible proof he was no longer just a victim.
< [Terran Barracks] operational.>
< Production interface connected.>
< Remaining energy: 1,244,939 units.>
< Minerals consumed for activation. Daily maintenance activated.>
The touchscreen lit up, presenting a simple interface.
AVAILABLE UNITS:
· Terran Marine - Cost: 50 Minerals / 25 Energy
· Basic infantry. Equipped with a C-14 Impaler and CMC combat armor.
· Terran Marauder - Cost: 100 Minerals / 50 Energy
· Heavy infantry. Equipped with a K12 grenade launcher and heavy armor. Slows ground targets.
Julius looked at the numbers. He had the energy, more than enough. But the minerals... the Barracks consumed them to function. He had used the initial 500 units for its activation. He needed a constant source.
"System, how do I harvest minerals?"
< Two primary methods:>
< 1. Manual harvesting by the Host or non-specialized units (inefficient).>
< 2. Construction of an [Automated Extraction Center] on a rich mineral vein. Cost: 400 energy units.>
Julius looked at the glittering veins at the back of the cavern. An Extraction Center. The next logical step.
"Alright. Let's secure this cavern, then we'll build the extractor."
He placed a hand on the Barracks' cold wall. For the first time since arriving on LV-492, he felt at home. He had a roof, resources, and the ability to forge his own army.
The fear hadn't disappeared, but it had been relegated to the background, replaced by a cold, calculating ambition. He had a million points. And he was going to use them to turn this mountain into an impregnable fortress.