The neon glow of Nova City cast long shadows across the polished chrome buildings. Astra Blaze, Prism Prime, stood on the rooftop of Corps HQ, gazing out at the sprawling metropolis. The weight of leadership pressed down on her. Whispers of Xanathar Prime's growing forces echoed through the Prism Corps, a chilling counterpoint to the city's vibrant hum.Suddenly, Cygnus Vortex materialized beside her, his blue uniform shimmering faintly as he manipulated gravity to create a silent descent. "Astra," he said, his voice grave. "We've intercepted a coded transmission from Xandros."Astra frowned. "Let's hear it."Cygnus projected a holographic display, revealing a cloaked figure kneeling before Xanathar Prime. The figure spoke in a language laced with static, but Astra recognized the Xandrosian dialect."My Lord," the figure rasped, "the defenses around the Prism Nexus are formidable. Even a combined Xandrosian and Nebula's forces might struggle with a direct assault."Xanathar loomed over the figure, his crimson armor glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights. "Then we will not attack," he boomed, his voice echoing with dark power. "We will take what they hold... indirectly."The figure bowed its head. "As you command." The transmission flickered and died.Astra slammed her fist against the railing. "They're after the Nexus! That's where the core reserves of Prism Force are stored. We can't let them get their hands on that power.""We need a plan," Cygnus said, his brow furrowed. "A daring one."Astra's eyes narrowed. A plan began to form in her mind, a desperate gamble that hinged on everything they held dear. "We need to split our forces," she declared. "Cygnus, you'll lead a team to Xandros. Disrupt their mobilization, buy us time."Cygnus nodded grimly. "What about you?"Astra turned towards the neon-streaked horizon. "I'm going to see Nebula."Meanwhile, deep within the bowels of Nova City...Nebula Vortex, her once pristine white uniform now marred with grime, paced restlessly within her hidden lair. The hum of the city filtered down through the layers of abandoned buildings, a stark contrast to the cold loneliness that gnawed at her.A flicker of blue light heralded Astra's arrival. Nebula whirled around, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her energy blade."Astra," she said, her voice laced with suspicion. "What brings you here?"Astra raised her hands placatingly. "Nebula, we need to talk. Xanathar is planning something big. Something that threatens the entire balance of the cosmos." Briefly, she recounted the intercepted transmission.Nebula listened intently, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. When Astra finished, a long silence hung between them."Why are you telling me this?" Nebula finally asked, her voice a low whisper."Because," Astra said, meeting Nebula's gaze, "the Prism Corps needs you. We need all the help we can get."Nebula stared at Astra for a long moment, her emotions a complex mix of anger, regret, and a flicker of something that might have been hope. Finally, she spoke."Very well, Astra," she said. "But this doesn't erase the past. Not yet."A flicker of a smile touched Astra's lips. "There'll be time for that later," she said. "Right now, we have a universe to save."As Nova City bathed in the neon glow of a thousand signs, a storm brewed on the horizon. The Prism Corps, fractured but not broken, prepared for a desperate battle against a darkness that threatened to engulf everything they held dear.