The Ark drifted quietly through space, its metallic hull reflecting the distant light of a nearby star. Inside the command deck, the tension was palpable. Ethan stood at the center of the room, flanked by Prella, Tazra, Nova, and Vala, staring at the holomap before them. The galaxy was in chaos.
Lord Byron's deep voice cut through the silence, projected from the hologram hovering in the air. His silver mane, regal as always, framed his face, though it was clear that even he was under immense strain.
"Ethan, I regret to inform you that the Shadow Council has launched a full-scale counterattack. The Lyran homeworld, Earth, and Shergag Prime are under siege. They've unleashed their full forces."
A murmur spread across the room as the crew processed the gravity of Byron's words. Prella's jaw tightened, her blue eyes focused intently on the hologram.
"How bad is it?" Ethan asked, his voice low but calm.
