The low hum of the ship's engines was the only sound that filled the tense air as Trivedi and his officers huddled over the map. Suggestions clashed with counterarguments, leading to more tension, but that was when suddenly, without any kind of warning, a sharp crackling sound erupted overhead.
Before anyone could react, a burst of electric pulse surged through the ship, accompanied by a blinding flash of light. The entire vessel groaned under the impact and shuddered violently. Officers were thrown off balance, and several chairs and equipment clattered.
"What the hell was that?" Trivedi shouted, grabbing the table for support.
The room was plunged into chaos. Screens began to flicker uncontrollably, some shutting off entirely, while others became static. Sparks flew from the wall panels, and the lights above dimmed to a faint, eerie glow before cutting out completely, plunging the command center into darkness.
