Ryker stood at the center of the command center, his arms crossed, staring at the latest tactical readouts.
The power crisis had left everyone on edge, and while they had stabilized the Nova Spire, the situation had revealed deeper cracks in the group's cohesion.
Over the past few days, murmurs had spread through the ranks—complaints, doubts, whispers of dissatisfaction with how things were being handled.
It wasn't just the energy crisis.
Some members of the group had begun questioning his leadership, a dangerous undercurrent threatening the unity they had fought so hard to maintain.
Zara entered the room quietly, sensing the tension in Ryker's stance.
"They're meeting again," she said without preamble.
"The faction that's been stirring up trouble."
Ryker's jaw clenched.
"Who's leading it?"
"Grant," Zara replied.
"He's been pulling people together, talking about how we've been relying too much on your leadership and that we need a more 'democratic' approach. He's gathering followers—fast."
Grant was one of their best engineers, a respected figure in his own right.
He wasn't a threat because of physical strength or combat prowess; his danger came from his influence.
He had always been outspoken, questioning decisions, and now it seemed he was trying to build a movement.
Ryker took a deep breath, his eyes darkening with frustration.
He had known this was coming but had hoped it would blow over after the recent crises. It hadn't.
"Where are they?"
"In the old barracks. About a dozen people, maybe more. They're not being subtle about it either."
Ryker sighed. "I'll deal with it."
Zara raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you don't want to send someone else to handle it?"
"No," Ryker said, shaking his head.
"If they want to question my leadership, they should do it to my face."
Ryker made his way to the old barracks, the tension in his chest growing with every step.
This wasn't just about Grant—this was about the whole future of the settlement.
He had fought for these people, bled for them, and now some were questioning whether he was still fit to lead.
It stung, but Ryker knew that true leadership meant facing these moments head-on.
As he approached the entrance, he could already hear voices inside. Heated, passionate, and growing louder.
Pushing the door open, Ryker stepped into the room, and the conversation halted abruptly. All eyes turned toward him.
Grant stood at the center of the group, arms crossed, his posture defiant.
He had gathered a small circle around him—some engineers, a few soldiers, and even a couple of the newer recruits.
The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension.
"Ryker," Grant said, his tone respectful but cold.
"Didn't expect to see you here."
"I figured it was time we talked," Ryker replied evenly.
"You've got some concerns?"
Grant didn't waste time.
"Yeah, I do. We all do. The way things are going, we're on a path that only you control. The energy crisis, the constant threats—we can't keep putting everything on our shoulders. We're building a settlement here, not a military outpost. This place needs a council, not a dictator."
The word "dictator" hung in the air, and Ryker felt the weight of it.
He forced himself to stay calm, to keep his voice level.
"I never asked to lead like a dictator, Grant. But we're in a fight for survival. This isn't some peaceful colony—we're on the front lines every day. Decisions have to be made fast, and sometimes that means taking charge."
Grant stepped forward, eyes narrowing.
"And what happens when you're wrong, Ryker? When your decisions put everyone at risk? Like the energy crisis—people died during that chaos. If you had let others in on the planning, maybe we could have avoided it. Instead, you and your little inner circle made all the calls."
Ryker's fists clenched at his sides, but he resisted the urge to lash out.
"I don't make decisions in isolation. Elara, Zara, Kaid—we all work together. We rely on each other's strengths. But when it comes down to life or death, someone has to take responsibility. That's the role I've been given."
"But maybe it's time for that to change," Grant said, his voice rising.
"We're not in constant war anymore. We've built something here—a settlement, a future. The people deserve a say in what happens next. We need leadership that listens to the whole group, not just a few at the top."
There were murmurs of agreement from the crowd, and Ryker could feel the weight of their doubt pressing down on him.
This wasn't just about one man's ambition.
It was about the future they were all trying to build, and the choices that needed to be made along the way.
Zara, who had followed Ryker into the barracks, finally spoke up.
"You think Ryker's making these calls for himself? He's been in the thick of every fight, leading from the front. We wouldn't have survived without him. You all know that."
Grant shook his head.
"No one's saying he hasn't done great things. But great leaders know when to step back and when to let others contribute. We're not questioning his courage—we're questioning his approach."
Ryker held up a hand, stopping Zara from continuing.
He understood now.
This wasn't just about leadership.
It was about trust.
People like Grant felt sidelined, and ignored in the decisions that affected their lives.
"Alright, let's get something straight," Ryker began, his voice steady but commanding.
"I've led us through some of the worst situations imaginable. And I've made mistakes. But everything I've done, I've done it to protect this group, to give us a chance at survival in a place that wants us dead. Do you want more input? Fine. But don't mistake decisiveness for tyranny."
The room was silent, but Ryker pressed on, locking eyes with each person present.
"I know things have changed. We're no longer just scraping by—we're building something real here. And I get it, you want a voice in that. But let me remind you that what we face out there is still deadly. There's no room for hesitation when lives are on the line. If I seem like I'm making the decisions alone, that's because sometimes, in a crisis, someone has to. But I'm not above listening. I never have been."
He turned to Grant.
"You think we need a council? Let's talk about that. I'm not against it. But what I am against is this division. The moment we start pulling apart, we lose the one advantage we have—our unity."
Grant opened his mouth to respond, but Ryker raised a hand.
"No, listen. We can't afford to fracture right now. Do you want more input? You've got it. Starting tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with representatives from every division—engineers, soldiers, medics, you name it. We'll build that council, together. But we do it as one group, not two factions fighting for control. Agreed?"
Grant hesitated, glancing at the faces around him.
The people who had stood behind him were watching closely, waiting for his next move.
Finally, he nodded slowly.
"Agreed. But this isn't about us versus you, Ryker. It's about the future."
Ryker relaxed, though the tension still lingered in the room.
"I know. And that's exactly what we're fighting for."
The next day, the first meeting of the newly formed council took place in the heart of the settlement.
(Which in the future will be known as Council of the Nexus, but this will happen in the far future from now)
Representatives from every division were present—engineers, soldiers, medics, farmers, and scouts—all sitting together at a long table.
Ryker sat at the head, but this time, the decisions wouldn't be his alone.
As discussions began, Ryker listened carefully.
There were passionate voices, differing opinions, and challenges, but it felt right.
This was the next step in their evolution—not just as survivors, but as a society.
After hours of debate, agreements were reached, and compromises made.
And as the meeting came to a close, Ryker felt something lift from his shoulders.
Leadership wasn't about control—it was about trust.
He had built that trust through blood, sweat, and sacrifice. Now, he was ready to share it.
As the group dispersed, Zara came up beside him, offering a rare smile.
"That went better than expected."
Ryker nodded, gazing out over the settlement they had built from nothing.
"Yeah. It's not going to be easy, but we'll make it work."
Zara clapped him on the shoulder.
"We always do."
Ryker allowed himself a small smile.
This was a new chapter, not just for him, but for everyone.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt like they were all in it together.