[b]NEW HAVEN
ORBITAL PLATFORM ZEUS
SIX MONTHS LATER[/b]

"Commander, NCV-5 "Astralis" is ready to depart for Earth." The station ensign reported.

The commander nodded, "NCV-5, repeat mission parameters before departure."

The NCV-5 (Nano Construction Vehicle) and its crew replied, "NCV-5 to Zeus, we are to move to the meeting place and relieve NCV-20 "Veritas" and finish up construction. NCV-20 will report back to Orion Platform for routine maintenance."

The captain of the Astralis awaited the response of the station commander. He sat down in the chair of command. The whole ship was geared towards the expedient and efficient construction of buildings and bases. The NCV was supposed to minimize the use of prefabricated structures. However, it still hauled building materials and prefabricated structures to aid in its job.

After what seemed like forever, "Zeus to NCV-5, mission parameters match, all documents check out as legitimate, begin your mission. And one more thing, the people there are testy, don't do anything that'll cause an international incident."

"NCV-5 to Zeus, we copy, no horseplay. We're moving now."

Astralis moved towards the gate. It was now patrolled by several military ships. In the six months, it seemed the military was moving away from self-defense duties, but military movements were top-secret.

[hr]

[b]EARTH
MEETING PLACE
NEW HAVEN SECTION
12:30 HRS[/b]

"THIS LOOKS FABULOUS!" Hubert threw up his arms and danced around for a bit.

Dick pushed up his glasses and looked at Hubert while he held his data pad in one hand, "Lead Director Hubert, please be careful. Our section [i]is[/i] nearly finished and fully furbished, but a lot of the systems haven't been turned on in many areas because of the additional changes you requested mid build"

Hubert then spun one last time before stopping to put his fists on his hips, "Oh don't be a stick in the mud! The jacuzzi, the Augmented reality room, the pool, and many other amenities are completely necessary!"

"Necessary how? You just spent some of our defense budget on this, not to mention there's talk of a war-"

Hubert rushed over to Dick and covered his mouth, "SHHHH! We're not the only ones in the station, no talks of war or diplomacy yet! Like you said, we haven't routed power to a lot of the places here."

Dick stared at Hubert for a second, nodded, then slowly took off Hubert's hand from his mouth. "... But that still doesn't answer my question."

"Well, the people we're going to station here are supposed to be diplomats. They need to be in good moods, high spirits, etcetera! Which as you know is pretty hard when you're stuck above a dead world that looks nothing like your own for months on end without any form of entertainment other than mingling with other diplomats and the occasional sexual fling which can turn scandalous..." Hubert paused before taking in air after the explanation in which he did in one breath. He then stared at Dick, before continuing, "... Do you understand now why that's needed?"

Dick nodded, "... Okay, so they're not for guests?"

"Well they can be if they [i]really[/i] want to. But you know how other nations are and their diplomacy! They're squares!"

"You know you just stopped me from talking about foreign policy but you're alright with foreign diplomats hearing that you think they're squares." Dick pinched the bridge of his nose.

Hubert then said, "Listen, listen, listen... They think I'm half-crazy and they probably think the same of our diplomats... And you."

Dick then glared at Hubert, "Really Hubert? Really?"

Another man entered the large open lobby, "Directors, NCV-5 Astralis has entered the system to finish up the system maintenance and add the... Um... The swimming pool..."

"Great!" Hubert exclaimed.

"There's another thing sir, we've been contacted by a new nation calling themselves the Hyginian Federation. Their survey ship exited our side of the gate."

Dick then looked at Hubert.

Hubert looked at Dick.

"Do they need either of us?" Hubert asks.

"No, but it might be good for you two to return as soon as possible. There are still things to oversee back planetside..." said the man said, "... Afterall, the experimental program you've put me on still needs some work."

"Ah right... I almost forgot. Sorry Admiral Donnel. I guess it is about time we return." Hubert replied.

Admiral Donnel then said, "I'll get the ship ready then. Oh and be prepared, since you might end up meeting these Hyginians anyway."

"Drats..." Hubert snapped his fingers.

"Be mature lead director. First impressions, remember?" Dick then fixed his coat and tie. "Shall we?"

"Whatever." Hubert replied. They then walked back to the ship and made their departure.