After the portal collapsed, everyone was stunned.
However, it didn't last long before Andrew started giving out commands once again.
-Rearm and refuel the fleet; the same goes for all defense satellites.
He ordered, bringing everyone back to reality.
-We might have closed the portal, but we are not done, not even close.
The human said, pointing at the massive fleets of invaders that managed to secure a foothold in many systems, some of which still had active portals, and their numbers were rapidly increasing.
Within the next five hours, the fleet and satellites were resupplied and once again fully ready to defend the system.
In the meantime, Andrew sent some of the ladies to get some rest and ordered the same thing for the whole territory.
Using the gap between the battles as the invading fleets didn't move from their footholds, which was odd, but gave them time to get some much-needed rest.
While that was going on, the ships from the fleets that joined his territory after losing their own were getting repaired and resupplied to bolster his strength as much as possible before the inevitable battle that awaited them.
As usual, waiting for something to happen was the worst, as the uncertainty and pressure were enough to drive anyone insane.
However, another day passed, and there was no movement from the invasion fleets.
Not in the Andromeda galaxy nor in the Milky Way galaxy, they were just sitting there, doing as far as anyone could see, nothing.
It took another three days before anything started to move, and when it did, it was not what everyone imagined.
To everyone's terror, the portals were reactivated.
However, just as everyone in both galaxies started losing hope and gave in to despair, thinking that even more invaders would arrive.
The invading fleets started to leave, baffling everyone, as this was something no one had predicted.
Moreover, it made no sense.
-Why are they leaving?
Runir Asked, no one in particular, as shocked as everyone else.
This was the question everyone wanted to ask, but there was no one to ask it to.
-We have an incoming ship.
Lan said, getting everyone's attention.
-One destroyer-class vessel is coming from the largest fleet in this area.
She added a moment later.
-Why would they send a single destroyer?
Runir asked, not understanding such a meaningless move.
-It's most likely a diplomatic vessel.
Tarina said, after a moment of thought.
-It is the only explanation that makes sense.
Andrew agreed with her; however, he also had no idea why the invasion forces would send an envoy.
-Anyway, at least we will have an opportunity to ask why they are retreating, if nothing else.
Arien chimed in.
-Whatever you want to ask him, you'd better decide fast, he will arrive within an hour.
Lanarine informed them.
-We got a message from the ship, they request docking clearance, and permission for their fleet commander and his two bodyguards to come on board to meet the ruler ot this territory.
Sarill said, displaying the message on the main screen for everyone to see.
-Grant clearance and inform them of our security protocol.
Andrew said after thinking for a moment.
Less than an hour later, the fleet commander disembarked from the destroyer, accompanied by his guards.
He was greeted by Tanira, who was wearing armor this time and had four battle droids as escorts.
The aliens who looked like a mix of an oversized frog with tentacles instead of legs, didn't protest at the scan, and neither did his guards.
Moreover, they looked rather impressed at the security measures taken by their hosts.
-This way, please.
Tanira said politely, leading the visitors to the conference room as soon as they were done with the security check.
The three aliens were looking around as they walked, impressed by the sheer number of battle droids stationed along their route.
Soon they arrived at the conference room and Tanira led them in.
-Greetings, system master, and thank you for granting this audience on such short notice.
The envoy spoke, bowing slightly.
-I'm Admiral Gezrin from the Pelozi council navy.
The envoy introduced himself.
-It's a pleasure to meet you, Admiral.
I am Andrew Eagle, ruler of the Lantian territory.
He introduced himself, for the first time, using a name for his territory.
-It is an honor.
Gezrin said shortly.
Not knowing why, Andrew started to like this strange alien.
-If you forgive my bluntness, we came here to ask you a few questions and answer some of yours, as I'm sure you have some that concern the current situation.
We also dont have a lot of time since the portal will only be open for a few more hours, so I would appreciate it if you answered truthfully.
-By all means, please ask your questions.
Andrew said seriously.
-I'll be direct then.
What did you do to piss of Kinokians so much?
They were contacting anyone in their communications range, offering rewards for destroying you and even a bigger one for bringing you to them alive.
The admiral asked.
Andrew was stunned as this was the first time he had heard about a bounty on his head.
-I had no idea about the bounty, as for what I did that might have pissed them off…
Here, Andrew told the whole story about what happened between his territory and Kinokians.
When he finished, the Admiral started to laugh, or at least his species' version of a laugh.
-That would be more than enough for them to place a bounty on you.
I can't believe that a young territory with a minimal fleet managed to humble these arrogant bastards, and even more so, you did it with class, and you caused them to lose a whole fleet and an allied system in the process.
The admiral talked, while struggling to contain his laughter, and his bodyguards were no better than their boss.
It was clear to the human that Kinokians were a thorn in the side of many star nations.
-I thank you for that on behalf of the Pelozi council and everyone who ever had to deal with Kinokians.
The Admiral said, finally regaining his composure.
-Now for the main question.
The alien turned serious.
-What did you do to be noticed by one of the first thousand?
Andrew was surprised as this was the first time he had heard this term.
-Forgive my ignorance, but what is the first thousand?
The human asked honestly.
-They are the entities that managed to conquer a whole universe and make it into their empires, kingdoms, or whatnot.
Basically, they are the most powerful territories in the battleverse, with only a handful of entities above them.
The admiral explained, not surprised that the young leader in front of him didn't know that, as almost no one outside of the battle verse had access to this information.
-That doesn't make any sense.
I doubt I ever met anyone from their domain or did anything that could bring their attention to my territory.
Andrew said, while trying to figure out what could have made such a mighty entity notice his territory, but nothing came to his mind.
-Whatever you did made them notice you and issue an order to everyone to leave not only this galaxy, but this whole local group of galaxies immediately, and not interfere with your development.
Moreover, they also sent a message to you.
The Admiral said, surprising Andrew even more than he already was.
-They wanted me to tell you to entertain them and not die before they have a chance at a rematch, this time without using portals.
Gezrin said.
When Andrew heard that, an idea popped into his head.
-It can't be…
He said quietly.
-Have you remembered something?
The Admiral asked, eager to know why one of the first thousand was interested in this individual and his territory.
-It's a long shot, but we might have also pissed them off.
Andrew said and displayed the data and footage of the portal before it disappeared.
-What did you do to cause that?
The admiral asked, visibly shaken by what he saw.
Andrew explained everything, and Gezrin was shocked once again
-Truth be told, I haven't heard about anyone in even similar situation, and I will report this to the council.
But if you wish to hear my advice, then you need to develop quickly.
Here we from the Battleverse are restricted to match your level, but once you get there, there will be no restrictions.
Not to mention that you already made an enemy over there and not a minor one.
As for the first thousand, there is nothing that I can say as the message to leave this galaxy and to get here to deliver a message was my first contact with them.
The frog-like alien said seriously.
-Thank you for the advice and I will take it to heart, as for the question UI had for you you already answered it, so I have nothing more to ask you.
If there is anything more that you wish to ask me, then go ahead.
Andrew said, also seriously as the implications of what he just heard were great and they would influence not only his territory but all the galaxies in the local group as well.
-I have no more questions to ask.
Truth be told we need to leave soon to get back and inform the council about these developments.
The Admiral said almost apologetically.
-I understand, and I hope we meet again in the future.
Andrew said, before asking Tanira to escort the guests back to their ship.