The reconnaissance team huddled around the satellite feed, their faces ghostly pale. Without missing a beat, one officer relayed the grim news to Frederick. "The Empire's launched a full-scale offensive! Their fleet's advancing—two motherships included!"
"Mobilize all units, now!" Frederick barked, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
The warships buzzed to life as soldiers scrambled into action with military precision. Lyra was no exception, though she couldn't avoid Orson's familiar antagonism. "Lyra, you'll stay back and guard the ship!" he ordered, his tone dripping with condescension.
Ever since Reck and others like him—those who had stolen her glory—met their untimely ends, few dared challenge Lyra's reputation. But Orson's resentment lingered, and sidelining her was his petty revenge.
Before she could reply, Thierry chimed in, her voice sharp with mockery. "And if the Stellar Devourer shows up, will you take care of it, sir?"
