The Ark soared away from the imploding fortress, its engines burning bright as the remaining fragments of the Reaver core collapsed into an inky void. Onboard, the crew felt a collective weight lift, though the gravity of their victory lingered in the air. The destruction of the fortress was a monumental step, yet the looming knowledge that the Reaver threat extended far beyond this system hung heavy.
Nova's voice broke the silence on the bridge, her usual levity replaced with a somber edge. "Captain, the Reaver fleet's regrouping further out. They're not following us yet, but it looks like they're consolidating. This might've been a victory, but they're still out there."
Ethan nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "Then we've bought ourselves some time. Nova, set a course for neutral space. We need to regroup, assess the damage, and figure out our next move."
